From the Journal Star: “In a surprise move Monday, the Peoria District 150 School Board terminated its contract with treasurer/controller Pam Schau, an at-will employee, effective immediately.”
The district isn’t saying why they fired Schau — they can’t discuss personnel issues. But Schau herself told the newspaper that Superintendent Lathan called her after the meeting and told her “the board felt I was not providing sufficient leadership in the area of accounting.”
Schau’s contract allows her to be fired without cause, according to the paper. She’s been employed by District 150 just over a year.
When is D150 going to give parents access to the new and improved dress code? There are lots of rumors going around, i.e. no shorts or open toe shoes of any kind. May I suggest posting clearly defined expectations on the district website under the “Student” link? I’m not so sure it’s a good idea to have “volunteers” telling kids whether or not they meet the standards (even though the intentions are good). Speaking of good intentions, starting a blog to highlight student achievement sounds positive, however, there are privacy laws in Illinois that should be considered.
If the Dist. 150 BOE had decided to promote people up the ladder from within to these positions, including superintendent, folks here would STILL complain about the BOE not going or thinking outside the box, or bringing in someone with fresh ideas, fresh approach to improving the district.
Dist. 150 can’t win either way. It’s damn them if they do, damn them if they don’t.
Dennis, now you are getting it. It would be different people…MAYBE, but there would be loud critics no matter what the Dist. does.
Lynn, or should I say K.G, just give it a rest people are tired of hearing from you. Things are going to be done certain ways and you might as well just accept it.
TR64, District 150 should recognize that parents are already buying clothes for students. High school students have been wearing flip-flops for quite some time now (I don’t know if I approve or disapprove–that’s irrelevant), so if they have to invest in other kinds of shoes, the rule should be highly publicized–shoes are expensive.
Dennis in Peoria, you are probably right, but how do we know that any of these new hires have fresh ideas or think out of the box–and how do we know that the fresh, out of the box ideas are good ideas that are good for Peoria? More importantly how does the board know what they are “buying” but they have bought “it” for three years? So far everything is “words” only–we can’t make up our minds until we see action, not just promises. If we have been given hints about what these ideas are I haven’t heard them, have you? I want to know how Dr. Lathan feels about discipline in the schools and her remedy if she doesn’t think current policies are working, I want to know how she feels about the massive inclusion that seems to be taking hold (including special ed students in regular classes while not provide the special ed services that they need); I know she wants to change the curriculum but how; I want to know if she wants to continue sending money to out of town companies (Edison and Johns Hopkins). I want to know how she will deal with overcrowded classes (I have heard about class lists already given to PHS teachers). If all the kids show up, classes will be overcrowded. If they don’t show up–we need to know why they have left District 150 so that the district can stop doing whatever is causing this loss of enrollment. I want specifics not just–“change is on the way” comments. Until that happens, of course, we will be skeptical. We have seen “new” ideas before. One that often comes up when teachers talk was Dr. Strand’s efficacy program. I bought into it–many didn’t, but it was money spent in vain in the end. I want to know how teachers and staff will be treated, respected, etc. Will Dr. Lathan work to get people to buy into her vision or will it be “my way or the highway”? Mostly I want transparency.
The dress code was published in the pjstar:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/35717347/District-150-Dress-Code
I think that the person (and I) who mentioned the lack of notice knew it had been in the PJS; however, many of the affected parents do not subscribe to the PJS. I believe we were commenting on whether or not the district has sent out its own notifications (through newsletters or whatever). What we were saying is that the middle of August is not timely enough for parents already buying school clothes, etc.
Personally, I see nothing in this dress code that would cause a parent to incur unnecesarry costs. What will be interesting is the reaction the students have when they see all of the teachers wearing flip flops.
Emerge, I agree with you. I do not think flip flops are appropriate attire for teachers. Personally, I don’t recall ever seeing high school teachers in flip flops. Is that common practice in the schools that you visit? Do all of the teachers really wear flip flops? I admit there is a younger generation who has a totally different view about suitable attire for teachers. I was in the era when we had to fight for female teachers to be allowed to wear pants. Personally, I have found the primary school uniforms to be costly. They are rarely on sale whereas great bargains can be found on regular school-appropriate clothing. I find it more expensive because kids need two sets of clothing. That is why I am opposed to high school uniforms–in this economy teenagers and their parents can’t afford two sets of clothing–versatility is needed to economize. Also, I have a feeling that many children wear the same outfits (uniforms) for more than one day–that can be a hygiene problem. Of course, in some cases that happens any way.
Sadly Sharon from what I have seen it looks like “my way or the highway” is going to be the order of the day. Hopes for transparency aren’t looking too good either.
I have seen teachers wearing flipflops and the kids say the teachers wear flipflops. Please don’t take this as sarcasm–I really would rather not rely on the newspaper to provide critical information concerning education–that is the district’s job. The newspaper dosn’t always get it right. And dress code is critical (to me) because failure to comply could result in disciplinary action. Clearly defined expectations–that’s all I ask.
TR64 – The information is on the district website:
http://www.psd150.org/default.aspx
There is a link on the bottom right to “Back to School 2010”
There is information about the student dress code, school supplies, etc…
Jon, do all parents in 150 have computers?
I was answering TR64’s question – I think we can be certain s/he has access to a computer.
But since you asked, Sharon, if someone doesn’t have a computer, or the newspaper, hopefully they still can get to a phone, because they can call the district office at 672-6512 and I’m pretty sure someone there can help them – and they’re open now.
I’m also pretty sure that that if someone is interested enough in getting school supplies and/or proper clothes, they probably have the initiative to get access to a computer, newspaper or phone. (heck, they might be able to ask a friend or neighbor, or maybe their church or public library, if they need additional help)
Maybe, just maybe, we expect too much from our schools? I was hoping they’d teach my son about sex ed, ’cause I’m dreading that talk. I mean, I think it’s good that they do it, but does that mean I no longer have that responsibility as a parent?
I think I found charlie’s daughter. Great anti education speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M4tdMsg3ts&feature=popular
Jon, the district should not rely on the media to carry their messages to the homes of 150 students. The district will send beginning of the year info (school calenders, etc.) in the mail before school starts. The problem here is that the district so frequently makes decisions at the last minute. Two to three weeks before school starts is much too late to be revamping the dress code. I am the first to agree that parents in 150 are used to having others take on responsibilities that should be theirs. Do you have any idea how many high school parents at the end of the year complain that no one told them that their children were failing–even though report cards were sent to their homes 2 times and failure notices were sent, at least, as many times. However, 150 still has to make the effort to inform parents in a timely fashion of policy changes.
taxpayer…
I have no idea why you would suggest this person is my daughter. But thanks.
I should hope that everyone would hope this was THEIR child.
It isn’t an anti-education speech at all. It is all about Education. It is anti-workforce education, anti-no child left behind, anti-banking method of indoctrination and training instead of Education…
I hope EVERYONE takes the time to listen to her.
“the district should not rely on the media to carry their messages to the homes of 150 students.”
They’re not. In addition to having it on the website, see the following:
http://www.pjstar.com/news/tricounty/x316188113/District-150-seeks-dress-code-help
It looks like Carl (in coordination with Martha) decided it was better to volunteer to do something about it rather than complain about it on a blog.
And, from another article regarding the dress code:
“Randy Simmons, principal of Peoria High School, is sending automated voice messages to parents and mailing fliers in the back-to-school packet.”
I’m confused about your seemingly multiple complaints. Was it because you thought the district wasn’t doing enough for people without computers? Was it because they were “only” relying on the media? Or was it because you thought the change was simply too late? I’m waiting for you to start complaining about the policy itself (or did I miss that complaint already?)
OK Jon, I got it–thank you. This is probably another dumb question, but why do Juniors only need two hours to register, but Fresh., Sophs., and Seniors need four? There is always the mass phone call option for communicating with parents (at no cost). I don’t mind when this system is used on necessary occasions, but it’s ridiculous to call every home because a few parents were late picking up kids from practice. And it shouldn’t be used for fundraiser reminders either (IMO). Richwoods is really, really good about only using it when necessary. I appreciate that.
Jon, what in the world is the purpose of your ridiculous dig about Carl and Martha being volunteers? Carl, “Yes” but Martha is a board member–it is part of her job to communicate with parents and students, especially her own constituents. You forgot to address my main complaint–that the board waits until the last minute to make these decisions. Randy is doing what he has to do–he and his teachers will bear the brunt of seeing to it that the policy is followed. Emerge has some interesting material on her blog about some things the board should have considered as they were revamping the code–there will be loopholes and the kids will find them.
charlie, it was not a dig, I just knew that you would agree with what that young lady said.
Sharon, (former English teacher 🙂 ) did I say that Martha was a volunteer?
“It looks like Carl (in coordination with Martha) decided it was better to volunteer to do something about it rather than complain about it on a blog.”
Carl is the subject of the sentence. Martha is merely the object of the preposition, in this case, the prepositional phrase is used as an adjective. Decided is the transitive verb, whereas “to volunteer” is the infinitive. The infinitive is linked to the verb which is linked to the subject (Carl). And, yes, I had to look all of that up 🙂
In any event, if you are elected to a position that has zero pay, are you not still a volunteer? Sure, you have other responsibilities, but I think the fact that Martha worked with Carl on this effort is above and beyond those responsibilities. (and if you don’t think so, then maybe you should call up Laura and Jim and the rest of the board to see exactly what they are doing to notify and communicate with their constituents about the revised dress code?)
Thanks for clarifying your “main” complaint (I was lost among all of them). However, I did address it – just not directly (though it was the purpose of the “dig”). The ship has sailed on that particular decision. Carl, for one, seemingly recognizes that. So, rather than get caught up in coulda/shoulda/woulda, he decides to do what he can to help notify people – to help the students and parents, as well as the teachers and administrators.
“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
It is my understanding that this isn’t a “new” policy. They have just decided to actually follow the policy which was in place. In looking over the dress code, it seems to me that most of it is common sense. I don’t believe for one minute the kids OR the parents don’t know just by looking when something is inappropriate for school.
I understand parents need to be informed but I get frustrated when it becomes the sole responsibility of the school to get the information to them. Some parents sit in their houses, have zero contact with the school, and want to complain when they don’t know what’s going on. I think a report on the news and one in the paper along with the posting on the website would be sufficient notice to parents. I’m sure the schools will send home information the first week, if not already sent, regarding the “new” policy. Students who dress appropriately all on their own (or with parental input) will come to school in compliance regardless. Principals are probably already aware of which students they will have problems with and it doesn’t matter if you make sure they have and sign the new policty. You can wall paper their house with the new dress code and those students will still put on the sleeveless top, saggy jeans, and flip flops for school.
Also, I don’t think Jon was taking a dig at Carl and Martha. I think it was more at people who sit around and do nothing but complain on blogs. I’m just glad we don’t have any of THOSE kinds of people in here. 🙂
AS far as the dress code goes, it is for students, who happen to be CHILDREN. Anyone that has a complaint regarding MY attire at school, too bad. For some reason, many people seem to believe that CHILDREN have the same rights as ADULTS. As I told my own children, when you are grown, have a college degree and a home of your own, do as you wish, but as long as you are in MY HOME, I am the boss. Now, since D150 does not have a dress code for teacher, they simply cannot tell us what to wear, unless of course they would like the ACLU filing a lawsuit. That said, I am a professional and I have ALWAYS dressed like a professional. I have NEVER seen a teacher at my school in 99 cent flip-flops. I wear slip-on shoes with no back on occasion, however, they are dress shoes and did not cost 99 cents. Like I said before, when these CHILDREN are adults, they can wear anything they want, but until then, WE will save them from themselves.
teachingrocks – I wasn’t complaining about people who do nothing but complain on blogs, per se, though I was noting how others seemingly made a different choice 🙂 (I do, however, hate it when people complain, but can’t defend their statements – that’s just a general statement – not about this particular issue)
I’m not sure if Sharon took that as a “dig” (her words) against her, or Carl, or Martha (I think she felt it was against her), but if it were a “complaint”, it would be a pretty meaningless one, no? With that kind of meaningless complaint, what more can you do BUT complain about it on a blog? (and, yes, I know that my comments on the blog, whether they are perceived as complaints or not, ARE meaningless)
Now, if I had a more meaningful complaint, well I guess there’s more things I could do about it. And if I had so MANY meaningful (to me) complaints, and felt they weren’t being addressed, then I’d probably not argue every single one and I’d probably try different tactics. Of course, that’s only my opinion, which is, of course, meaningless 🙂
Jon–It’s fun to have a grammatical argument for a change. The prepositional phrase isn’t used as an adjective because “incordination with Martha” doesn’t modify Carl–it’s actually a parenthestic expression. Essentially you stated that Carl (working with Martha) decided it was better to volunteer–however, Carl is the subject of the sentence and is the volunteer as you correctly argue. I knew that Jon wasn’t digging Carl or Martha–nor was I; I was just heckling Jon as I am wont to do (and grammatically he got the best of me this time). My only complaint about the dress code was the late warning about the flipflops–maybe I’m wrong but I think students have been allowed to wear them for quite some time (I’m not sure if the code ever addressed them before–could be).
Jon & Sharon: Thank you for the “meaningless” banter. It’s making my day and giving me something to which I can respond. (I made sure not to end that sentence with a preposition. Yay me!) I look forward to both your posts because it’s obvious you take the time to research and think about your responses as well as maintain a level of “adultness” in your answers. Keep up the good work and who cares if it holds no meaning?
Sharon – thanks for the explanation on the parenthetical – I really did want to know if I had broken down that sentence correctly -it would only be fair to call that one a draw 🙂
teachingrocks – I guess there can be a little meaning to the banter. I do sometimes find some “entertainment value” but I’m glad that, at least in this case, I’m not always just entertaining myself (that just doesn’t sound right?). Of course, I did re-learn a little bit of grammar today. I don’t think I’ve even read the word “gerund” in the last 20 years – I’ll have to let my wife take the lead in that department when the kids get to that age – she is, after all, a teacher (and, like the profession, she rocks, too) 🙂
Oh, my, Jon or Teachingrocks–surely you caught my “parenthestic”–I guess an “s” slipped in as I was typing. And Teachingrocks–the “to which”–nice touch. I enjoy the opportunity to brush up on my teaching skills. I almost forgot how much I loved teaching–I thought I was done with that but I’m really enjoying the couple hours of GED a week. Besides it’s great to teach some young people (young to me, at least) who messed up the first time around but have a real desire to make up for that lost time. Oh, Jon, the “working with Martha” isn’t a gerund; it’s a gerund’s kissing cousin–a participle.
Sharon – I caught the “parenthestic” – I just chose not to “complain” about it – you know, show a little restraint?
And, I didn’t call “working with Martha” a gerund – all I said was that I read about them. I liked the sound of “gerund” better than “participle”.
This just in from Radio 1470:
The District 150 school board will hold a special meeting Monday to name an interim Comptroller/Treasurer. The board is expected to hire retired IVC District 321 Superintendent David Kinney to the post. The board will hold an executive session at 6:30 Monday night to finalize Kinney’s contract before taking a vote in a public session.
Kinney retired as IVC Superintendent in June of 2009. Kinney will replace Pam Schau who was fired by the board Monday without cause after 13 months on the job.
NOW WE HAVE ANOTHER RETIRED/REHIRED ADMINISTRATOR IN D150.
I must jump right in and say that Dr. Kinney is awesome. My children have been in 321 for many years and Dr. Kinney has been an effective, approachable, communicative administrator. I am very excited to hear he will be working at 150. Someone seems to be making good choices in employees. I’m really getting excited about Dr. Lathan and what might be coming for 150.
I’m all for “quality” employees, but geez, isn’t there anyone out there OUT OF A JOB that is NOT RETIRED, that would do a good job on an interim basis? There are MANY quality administrators who have been let go due to downsizing in their districts. I am sure there are many that would have taken this on, if given an opportunity. Why does it always seem to be retired folks that get jobs? Hinton, Durlinger, Butts, Farkash, Simpson, Barnwell, Perkins, Hamer, Williamson, and Timmes. JUST TO NAME A FEW.
Let’s assume that Dr. Kinney is awesome. No matter how awesome he is, let there be no doubt there will be a substantial learning curve. According to statements made by past comptrollers, there are literally hundreds of funding sources. It is hard to imagine what horrendous deed must have been committed by Ms. Schau that she couldn’t have stayed the course until they had found her replacement. And although the official “chant” from the District is that she was fired without cause, statements made to the Press by Stowell and Wolfmeier would suggest otherwise – and according to her contract which has been furnished to CJ, “with cause” would require notice and hearing provisions. Personally, I think the District will be walking in it once again. It would sure be a refreshing change if the District could demonstrate a capacity to execute personell changes without mystery and drama. Other districts don’t seem to have a problem. It’s enough to make me think they do it because they crave the attention. People need to grow up.
Two attorneys sit on the District 150 Board of Education; additionally they have a cadre of attorneys at their disposal at Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick.
The two attorneys who sit on the school board can’t control what other Bd. of Ed. members say to the press – nor can they control the crappy contracts that were written by District council before their tenure.
DW (or CJ) – I didn’t realize CJ had gotten the contract. Is there a link to it somewhere or comment from CJ that you can point me to? I am interested to see those types of provisions you mentioned.
Another interesting part is that, according to the PJStar, “That extension (signed in February) included an amendment that did away with a 60-day notice of termination and cut the severance to 10 percent of annual unpaid salary instead of 30 percent of the base annual salary.” I believe the original contract went thru June of 2011, and while the extension was for another year, the current result is that she lost out by signing that extension (and, in a sense, the district fared financially better with the extension)
Also, I thought the District had given no official reason (without cause or otherwise). Karen McDonald’s follow-up piece a few days ago said, “Fired for reasons unknown” and “Board members on Wednesday still wouldn’t specifically discuss any deficiencies with former treasurer Pam Schau.”
As Ricky Ricardo might say, “You got some splainin’ to do!”
Board members who read this, please help us all understand how you can “terminate without cause” and then go on record in the PJ Star with “possible” reasons for letting her go. Either it was for cause or not, it cannot be both. Inconsistency is definitely the descriptor of choice for this board. I am starting to understand why you need to manage your message. Please get your story straight before going public!
Also, any reason termination of comptroller/treasure was not on the agenda? Isn’t that a violation of the open meetings act? No public comment was allowed either for or against Ms. Schau before the action was taken.
As to the new appointment–it is “interim.” I believe the board had to name someone within a few (legally specified) days. He probably won’t be the final, permanent choice (as permanent as 150 can offer 🙂 ).
As I look back over the last few years and the shananigans of D150, it becomes clear that the issue is not necessarily with the superintendent, but with the Board of Education. Let’s face it, most of them have been around through all of the “major” issues recently, but we have had 2 superintendents and one interim in the mean time and the shananigans continue.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/50333656/Schau-contract
Thanks for the contract, DW. It was nice to see that the liquidated damages clause was mutual – presumably that is the same for other high level administrators.
I really don’t see Jim or Debbie’s statements as implying “with cause”. If anything, maybe you could infer that Jim wants a “better” controller in that role. (you’re a C student, which is passing, but I want to exchange you for an A student) To use a sports analogy, let’s say I have a clean-up hitter batting .260. He’s honoring his contract, but I want to acquire a guy hitting .300. I still have to honor the first guy’s contract. Now, if the first guy had a “buy-out” clause (which is essentially what Schau has), then I can dump him, for a fee. Still, we both followed the contract.
So why have the clause for “just cause”? Let’s say instead (completely hypothetical), Schau doesn’t honor something in the contract – assume she doesn’t maintain her credentials. Now, the district wants her out but certainly doesn’t want to pay her to leave. So, they give her a written explanation, notice and a hearing. She’d be out in less than a week, with no severance from the district.
Well stated!
Johnny Weissmuller is what Peoria and District 150 needs.
I know this is off topic, but someone asked me this question and I don’t know the answer. They thought that at one time there was an area where you could live in Peoria, but had a choice to send your child to Richwoods or Dunlap or vice-versa? I never heard of this. I’m sorry I interrupted this blog with the question, but didn’t know the answer and thought someone here might.
cttsp5- There is nowhere that I am aware of where a family can choose between Dunlap and Richwoods High Schools. What you might be thinking about is there are certain areas in Peoria that are served by a “Choice” School, ie; Northmoor-Edison. In that case the district allows you to “opt-out” of that school and apply to a different D150 school.
As I understand it, Charter Oaks is in Peoria but the students attend Dunlap High School.
Charlie, that’s not so. I just talked to a former Charter Oak teacher–those kids all go straight to Richwoods.
There are areas in the city of Peoria which are Dunlap school district, but there is not a choice. For example, I grew up on Carriage Lane off Allen Road. All of one side of the street and half of the other is District 150. I lived on the part of the street and went to Northmoor & Richwoods. The upper half of one side of the street, however, is Dunlap district. Terra Vista and the streets that run off of it are also Dunlap.
Charlie – there are some newer subdivisions closer to Hwy. 150 off of Orange Prairie Road that are designated Dunlap School District. They could easily be confused with Charter Oak Subdivision because of proximity.