Lots of controversial items on tonight’s District 150 Board of Education agenda. These recommendations were just revealed a couple of weeks ago by the Superintendent, Dr. Lathan. You can read more about the rationale behind these recommendations by clicking here (PDF).
12. CLOSING OF GARFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Proposed Action: On the recommendation of the Administration the Board of Education closes Garfield Primary School at the end of the 2010 – 2011 school year and authorizes the Administration to set necessary school boundaries.13. CLOSING OF COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Proposed Action: On the recommendation of the Administration the Board of Education closes Columbia Middle School at the end of the 2010 – 2011 school year and authorizes the Administration to set necessary school boundaries.14. BOUNDARY CHANGE FOR WHITTIER PRIMARY SCHOOL
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to make the necessary boundary changes to Whittier Primary School that were in force prior to the closing of Tyng Primary School.15. CONFIGURATION FOR GLEN OAK COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to change the configuration of Glen Oak Community Learning Center from K – 8 to K – 6.16. CONFIGURATION OF TREWYN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to change the configuration of Trewyn Middle School to a K-8 school.17. IB PROGRAM
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorize the Administration to implement The International Baccalaureate Program at the following schools: Charter Oak, Mark Bills, Sterling and Trewyn.18. ESTABLISH A CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to establish a Career and Technical Center at the former Woodruff High School. The school will be named the Woodruff Career and Technical Center.19. RESTRUCTURING OF PEORIA ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education approves the restructuring of Peoria Alternative High School and relocation of the new program to the Woodruff Career and Technical Center.20. RESTRUCTURING OF GREELEY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education approves the restructuring of Greeley Alternative School and relocation of the new program to the Woodruff Career and Technical Center.21. CONTRACT WITH EDISON LEARNING
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education terminates the contract with Edison Learning.22. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education increases the graduation requirements from 18 credits (16 academic and 2 physical education) to 22 credits for Peoria and Richwoods High School students and 28 for Manual High School students. The new requirements will apply to the 2014 graduating class.23. HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION HANDBOOK
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education approves the High School Registration Handbook. The handbook reflects a change in how class rank is calculated, when the valedictorian calculation is completed and changes the PE requirement.24. PARENT UNIVERSITY
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to establish a District 150 Parent University.a. The Parent University would be comprised of three academy sites located in the three high school regions within District 150 boundaries. There would be an academy site located at Glen Oak Primary School, Harrison Primary School and Richwoods High School. The responsibility for the development, implementation and coordination of the Parent University curriculum would be facilitated by the Family Community Coordinator in collaboration with the Title I Department. It is further recommended that the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee serve in an advisory and advocacy capacity for the Parent University. Its primary role would be to oversee and promote the Parent University’s vision.
I haven’t seen an explanation of what’s going to happen to the vacated buildings as a result of these actions, except for the old social security administration office on Knoxville that District 150 inexplicably acquired and remodeled while trying to save money by closing other buildings several years ago. What will happen to Greeley? Or the old Washington School building on Moss? What impact will these decisions have on neighborhoods and transportation/busing overall? Perhaps these issues will be discussed tonight.
They can close the whole district if Quinn continues to ignore business and forces CAT out of Illinois.
Mouse, CAT has got you fooled. I wonder how much CAT paid in taxes last year. Consider GE made $26 billion in profit the last 5 years, but paid zero in Federal taxes.
http://www.stock-analysis-on.net/NYSE/Company/Caterpillar-Inc/Analysis/Income-Taxes
CAT made $278 million in profits last year and the extra tax would have cost them $40 million.
So their profits would have only been $238 million… waah.
Iraq has signed various contracts worth $6.25 million with Caterpillar Inc. (CAT: 109.40 +0.31 +0.28%) and other companies to build power plants to augment its electricity output.
Early childhood was cut, right? But the District is creating a Parent University??
Frustrated, how do you respond to my discussion about MHS’s Johns Hopkins program, etc.?
Frustrated, also, how do feel about the use of the word “university” for the Parent University? Personally, I feel it’s an extreme corruption of the word–these efforts won’t come close to being universities.
Oops, Frustrated’s and my comments belong under 150 issues.
http://twitter.com/#!/pjstarlive
Board of Education theme song, “I’m just a girl who cain’t say “no.” until Edison and Crawford said, “no.”
Sharon, are you at the meeting?
No, but Karen and Jeff have been treating me to texts about the highlights. I am not sure how he did it, but Jim managed to put in a complaint about teachers working only 6.5 hours. Then he made the mistake of saying that Edison parents were the most dedicated and Lathan shamed him by saying there are other caring parents in the district.
Sharon — Who was the dissenting vote on the Edison contract?
Sharon, I thought, “WOW! Sharon really knows how to use her cell phone if she can blog from a board meeting!” I was quite impressed.
Jim can’t say anything right lately. I thought there was also something about an admin getting paid leave?
And did anyone hear if it is true if Mary Davis did go to court today?
Dissenting vote was Crawford
There was an administrator terminated, sent back to the classroom, and to be fired at the end of the year–at least, it was on the agenda that way–and they did vote on it, according to my sources, but Haney left that vote off on his account.
Because it looked to be a very interesting and tense meeting, I went
and videoed most of it. I shot all the comments by public (including the public hearing on amended budget) and then the actual discussion and
votes on the closings and moving programs around, and the item on the
parent university. I’ll try to get it YouTube soon, but I’m about a week
behind on my video work due to being off for a funeral last week.
Lots of good heartfelt comments to not close schools, or terminate Edison, or not terminate Edison. But face it, things have to change in the District, and that’s exactly what Dr. Lathan was brought in to do.
I may have done Jim a disservice–just reread the texts. He actually said he meant no dissrespect in his comments about teachers only working 6.5 hours–however, it has taken two years for him to soften those accusations. Translated that might mean that he would like teachers to vote for him for city council. Sorry, Jim, I just can’t give you a break on your relentless push to add more forced hours to a teacher’s workday–why not continue to let them volunteer more than even you could ask of them.
“There was an administrator terminated, sent back to the classroom, and to be fired at the end of the year–at least”
Er what? A person knows they are getting fired but is going to be teaching kids in the meantime? WTF?
I may not have interpreted the last part correctly because I don’t have any idea what this legalese means-=not reemploy. But here is the agenda item.
“ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE RESOLUTION
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education place an administrator on paid administrative leave, terminate an administrator’s
contract, reassign the administrator to a teaching position and non-reemploy the administrator at the end of the school term.”
That might mean he/she gets to stay in the classroom.
17. IB PROGRAM
Proposed Action: That the Board of Education authorize the Administration to implement The International Baccalaureate Program at the following schools: Charter Oak, Mark Bills, Sterling and Trewyn.
Does the Board understand what they voted for? MYP, the Middle Years Program spans grades 6 – 10. Seems like a waste of time and resources to implement, without a follow through to the upper grades. And PYP, the Primary Year Program, is a separate and distinct program. You think Edison is expensive. MYP and PYP requires extensive teacher training and a revamping of curriculum, assessments, and grading to conform with the components parts of the programs, which for the MYP includes a foreign language. Where is all the money coming from to implement these programs in so many schools??? And finally, how is MYP a good fit for the educational needs of struggling students?
MYP is curriculum followed at my children’s school and they spend at minimum, 2 hours per school night and at least 2 to 3 hour on both Saturday and Sunday keeping up with homework, projects, and studying for exams. Definitely not a program for students with learning challenges.
MYP will enhance the readiness of students for the IB diploma program. I do not understand why a magnet school would not be created in which efforts to train teachers and alter the curriculum could be concentrated and where those students interested and able could apply.
Frustrated, I agree whole-heartedly. I believe that Karen Adkins-Dutro spoke to that issue last night (at least, she planned to do so and I forgot to ask if she did). She definitely planned to ask the board about how much these programs would cost.
This is the problem with District 150 decisions–they say “yes” and then they found out the cost, etc., to implement the program. I have said before that I fear the board and even Dr. Lathan see these excellerated programs as ways to help struggling students. Struggling students are not eligible for these programs. My guess is that this will never happen–just hype. The only sure things are the closing of schools. All the rest costs money–the alternative school, the vocational school, etc.–no one has assessed the cost or made plans for a viable program. None of these initiatives should be ready by next school year–much more planning is needed–that’s the step this board cannot seem to take. Yes, and I am even willing to say the Edison-like program plans won’t be in place either.
The worst part of it: Not one board member asked any of these questions before the vote. In fact, Linda Butler said they were leading District 150 into the education Promised Land. I think, like the Israelites, they might found themselves in the wilderness.
“MYP is curriculum followed at my children’s school ” Um what school in the Peoria area has IB MYP? The IB website lists none.
As far as learning challenges go… I would say most of it is manufactured by low expectations that begin before high school.
“2 hours per school night and at least 2 to 3 hour on both Saturday and Sunday keeping up with homework, projects, and studying for exams.” I see nothing wrong here.
Any news of the high school principal jobs?
I have heard some fairly solid rumors about three of the shuffles, but I would hope the PJS or someone will get the official word soon–I can’t imagine why the information can be kept secret now that it is official board action.
Unconfirmed reporst that Brett Elliott will be new principal at Central and Cindy Clark will be at Richwoods.
That matches my unconfirmed report–and I believe official for Brett. Here are others–as confirmed as I can get: Randy Simmons to Von Steuben, Phoels (sp) to Washington Gifted, Coleman staying at Glen Oak, Curtin to Irving, Barber to Rolling Acres, Jenkins to Trewyn, Blumer staying where he is, Janovitz to Manual (not sure what position).
All I can say is that I do not understand how playing musical chairs will help the district–but I can see how it will help Lathan “earn” loyalty and obedience.
Unconfirmed update–Stockman, not Jenkins, at Trewyn–Jenkins not placed yet.
These reports are not in the HR report from last night’s meeting. Does anybody know what the timeline is? Are these immediate moves or for next year?
I assume they are for next year. Clark and Elliot are both good people.
Sharon,
“I can’t imagine why the information can be kept secret now that it is official board action.”
It’s not official board action; changes will (mostly) be voted on in the next HR report. This was a discussion with the board about possible changes before notifying the individuals in question, who now have the option to take or decline positions. Contracts must be written and finalized, etc. Most will probably be on the HR report at the next board meeting but one imagines several will languish for a while as people make up their minds or take some time with their contracts or whatever.
Laura, I wasn’t sure–although wondered about board action since the HR report didn’t include the changes. However, the news is out there any way and when the board votes “yes” or “no” and those involved accept or reject the offers that will be news, also. I guess I’m assuming past practices–“yes” votes to whatever Dr. Lathan suggests. 🙂
More unofficial leaks: Montgomery to Woodrow Wilson, Janovitz is going to MHS as a grant specialisi but Kherat stays as principal, Thomas to the Knoxville Center, O’Day to Sterling; Monrad to board rooms, Duke out at Valeska but not sure where she will go, Andrews stays at Whittier, Rogers to Mark Bills, principal stays at Roosevelt
“However, the news is out there any way ”
We knew it would be, that’s part of why we had the conversation about the proposals when administration could immediately make calls to the affected principals, who knew they’d be getting calls late last night, so that they wouldn’t find out via the media or rumors.
Washington Gifted principal to be PHS assistantg.
What happened to the original idea (I heard) of calling all principals to Von Steuben after a board meeting on March 14 (rhetorical question)? I think I heard it was supposed to be Ungrait who had been assigned the dubious honor of giving out the bad and good news. Laura, please don’t become defensive–that isn’t your style. Your willingness to put yourself and your opinions on the blogs is admirable.
Peoria is a small town–this isn’t Chicago or San Diego. Even here news used to travel fast, but with cell phones, text messages, and blogs there is absolutely no way to keep too much close to the vest for very long.
You mentioned earlier in a more private communication that the leaks have been plugged since the Mary Davis case. I started thinking about that. I never received any “leaked” information from the Davis side of that case–and the other side was always willing to share openly. Also, C.J. was able to get copies of the charge card data in question.
I hope that injured parties always feel free to tell their side of any story publicly. I just heard one today that tops all I have ever heard.
Sharon ROCKS!!!!!
Jenkins assistant principal at Trewyn. Just heard that, not sure how reliable the source is. Any news on placement of the 6 other adminstrators at manual?
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1608502938/Richwoods-Peoria-high-schools-to-have-new-principals
I tried to post this before, so if it shows up again – sorry! This is athe most comprehensive list of personnel shake up I’ve seen. Those who thought KR was a pistol better realize GL tops her by miles.
John Wetterauer – staying at Charter Oak – principal
Scott Montgomery – from Mark Bills to Woodrow Wilson – prinicipal
Randy Simmons -from Peoria High to Von Steuben- principal
Brett Elliott – from RHS ass’t (via Roosevelt ass’t) to PHS principal
Joan Wojcikewich – from Washington Gifted to PHS (ass’t principal)
Donna O’Day – from special schools to Sterling – principal
Dave Poehls – from RHS to Washington -prinicpal
Renee Andrews – staying at Whittier – principal
Tom Blumer – staying at Calvin Coolidge – prinicpal
Angie Stockman – from Woodrow Wilson to Trewyn
Cindy Clark – from PHS to RHS
Annette Coleman – staying at Glen Oak – principal
Kevin Curtin – Garfield to Irving
Cindy Janovetz – from Columbia to MHS as a grant specialist
Mike Barber – from Irving to Rolling Acres
Magnolia Branscumb – staying at Roosevelt – principal
Sharon Kherat – staying at MHS – principal
Eric Thomas – to Knoxville Center
Paul Monrad – from Alternative HS to the admin bldg.
Diann Duke – will not be back at Valeska – haven’t heard where she is headed yet
Just a question. Now that it’s taken several of us (and apparently one TV website) to come up with one fairly complete list and if, as Laura Petelle stated earlier, board members knew that we would spread our findings–then why in the world didn’t District 150 just publish the list. You would think that in the interest of some pretense at transparency, they would realize they could score points with many if they just gave out the information–and beat us to it. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot unnecessarily.
I have heard that Dr. Lathan wants everyone out of their comfort zone–does that include kids, too. Doesn’t anyone believe that young people do like consistency and familiar faces. And what in the world is wrong with being comfortable in your job if you are doing well. I doubt seriously that Randy Simmons was really in any kind of comfort zone–but his faculty and the student body were. I’m partial to former students–so here I am with this dilemma: Brett and Randy are both former students. I think they are both quite capable. I would think that the wise decision would be to go with Randy for two years with Brett as an assistant groomed to be principal (preparation that was once thought wise). However, now everyone has to be uncomfortable. Well, I am uncomfortable with a superintendent that thinks that way. Is she uncomfortable?
There is a FAQ section on the district website listing all of the new principals, as well as addressing several other items (such as school closures, IB programs, etc.)
Here’s a link for the internet-challenged:
http://www.psd150.org/234110929121514340/cwp/browse.asp?a=3&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=62322
Wow! Great news for Washington. Thanks for the very helpful link.
Sharon–how could you dangle that carrot about a story that tops all without nary a hint? Everytime I think I’ve heard it all…well, you know the cliche: Truth IS stranger than fiction. P.S. Sry, I’m giddy with the news. You have no idea. The wheels of justice do move.
That’s the same principal list that was recently put up on CentralIllinoisProud. It didn’t go up until late in the day. Oh, well, I think it’s great the blogs (with the help of many) get the news out first. PJS is lagging behind all.
2Cents–that was a weak moment on my part. I’ll probably hang on to it for quite a while. Yes, Jon, I have many; I am happy to own my weaknesses and a couple of my strengths. 🙂
Sharon – you stated “Well, I am uncomfortable with a superintendent that thinks that way. Is she uncomfortable?”
You mean like in squirm like a worm in the heat? or run like a roach in the light? I too heard accounts today that tell me district 150 hired the wrong person to be the Super, and taxpayers will be paying for the blundering errors of this BOE which has blindly supported her and her “ways”! This is NOT a matter of race!
OK. I’ll be patient. After all, I’ve waited two long years for this news. Did I mention “I’m giddy!”? Oh, and the comment about “keeping it close to the vest” = language used in the e-mails FOIA’d…what a coincidence! OMG!
2cents–now I’m curious because you may have far more interesting news than I have. Nothing sounds familiar to me–should it?