Diane Vespa, parent of two Kellar Primary School students, would like to meet with representatives of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education to discuss her concerns about the board’s decision to shorten the school day. Here’s the shocking response she received from Board Member Debbie Wolfmeyer:
Mrs. Vespa – I must respectfully decline your invitation to meet with you. It is not my role as a Board member to meet with individuals or groups. None of us as an individual Board member has any authority. Our authority comes as we work as a body. Also, I am not an educator. Therefore, it is important that any ideas, solutions, etc that are presented go through the administration so that they can assess them and report to us. Now I will say that I ask a lot of questions about anything that is presented to us; more questions probably than the administration would like to answer. And I don’t stop asking questions until I am satisfied that I have all the information I need to make a decision. That is what I have done on the current issue. I have asked every question that has been presented to me. That information helped form my decision. If you have any new information you would like presented to the administration, I would be happy to forward it. I respect everyone’s right to their opinion and their right to voice that opinion. Thank you for the obvious time and passion you have for our District.
Debbie Wolfmeyer
District #150 School Board
Attention District 3 2 voters: Wolfmeyer has just announced that she will not meet or talk with you, her constituents, about your concerns. She believes that your concerns should be submitted to the Superintendent, and then she will make her decisions based on what the Superintendent says — i.e., whether he thinks your concerns are valid or not. Let me repeat: Wolfmeyer has just announced that she makes her decisions without any consideration of her constituents’ views; only the administration’s views are considered. She will, however, out of the goodness of her heart, forward your concerns to the administration. But don’t bother asking to meet her face to face.
Remember that in 2011 when she suddenly decides it might be a good idea to meet with individuals and groups in order to get reelected. Remind her that it’s not her role to meet with her constituents. Then vote for someone who believes it is his or her role to meet with constituents and listen to their concerns, and then represent them on the board.
To District #150 Board members:
It seems that the decision to shorten the primary school day was made very hastily—too hastily. Am I correct in assuming that this idea wasn’t “floated” until after the idea to eliminate the four high school athletic directors drew criticism—certainly parents and the general public were not informed earlier? It seems that only two weeks elapsed between the time the idea was suggested and the time that the board voted in favor of the proposal.
I certainly understand why each building needs a part-time athletic director (as is presently the case); however, I am amazed that an idea affecting so few people and drawing relatively few protestors was replaced with an idea affecting all primary school children, their parents, and their teachers—and bringing the strong criticism of many in the District #150 community, the media, etc.
I am very curious to know how many teachers each of you contacted for their opinions before you cast your vote on the proposal to shorten the day? (I have recently learned that one board member claims that meeting with individuals is not part of her job and that she relies totally on the administration to feed her all the facts needed to make a decision—Wow!) I know I could be wrong; but, as you already know, I have the general impression that teachers are the last to be consulted. When you go before the public or answer questions that evaluate the district, you speak proudly about all the qualified teachers in District #150. However, you seldom take advantage of the expertise that you tout publicly.
We know you have considered the advantages of a shared prep period, but have you also considered the advantages of staggered prep periods and the disadvantages of taking them away? Sometimes common sense in decision-making is just as important as research.
During prep periods, teachers often use the copy machine (probably one or two at the most)? There will be a very long line at the copy machine. (See note at the end).
Teachers are expected to phone parents. How many teachers? How many phones? You do the math and figure out the problem. Or is it possible that you will expect teachers to use their own cell phones (while administrators have phones issued to them) at their own expense to phone parents? Or do you expect them to wait to make the calls at home—thus, restricting phone use by other family members and taking away even more time that a teacher needs to spend time with his/her own family. Many already use up much of the evening with school-related tasks.
Teachers often have reason to talk to the principal during their prep periods—possibly another long line.
As a high school teacher, I always preferred not to have a first hour prep. I always arrived early (5:45 to 6:30 a.m.) to get ready for the day. Many teachers do come early and/or stay late—but that’s their choice, not a “cost-free gift” the district should expect from all teachers. Those interested in cost-cutting measures should remember how much “free time” you already get from conscientious teachers. I was always delighted by “the luck of the draw” when my prep period came later in the day. Sometimes I even “wasted” that time by relaxing, especially after an especially emotionally-draining class—and with the discipline problems in many of the district’s schools this time in the middle or at the end of the day can be a most welcome (and even necessary) respite.
All schools have emergencies—a teacher becomes ill or has an emergency. With staggered prep periods, a teacher is always available to cover a class.
Phil Luciano of the Peoria Journal already mentioned other obvious disadvantages of a 1st hour prep for all teachers. Parents will drop their children off early when they know that staff is in the building. Parents will want to consult with teachers during that time. Shared prep time will often be interrupted.
I know that there are contract restrictions (some which you would like to eliminate) as to how many times a week, a month, etc., that you can take an individual teacher’s prep period away for other purposes such as the shared prep. Yet you are willing to sacrifice 45 minutes of every school day even though few of those times can actually be used for a shared prep. Do you all understand why teachers so very much need individual planning time? Again, sometimes common sense and practical considerations are even more important than research as the basis for making decisions.
Primary teachers are definitely expected (often at their own financial expense) to maintain attractive bulletin boards—and to change them frequently. When do you expect them to do that rather time-consuming job?
Primary teachers are expected to have “busy” classrooms—often with various learning experiences going on at the same time. Each day these various areas need to be straightened up (children do mess things up). Teachers have to be sure that supplies for a particular activity are ready and in the right place. Such organizational tasks can easily take 45 minutes per day.
Primary teachers grade papers and record grades, etc. Primary teachers, I believe, are required to do many very time-consuming record keeping tasks—mandated by the district.
There are very few “team-teaching” situations in this district that can barely afford one teacher per classroom. When a teacher walks into that classroom, he/she needs to be prepared for a full day of activities. Therefore, while collaboration is beneficial, it can’t replace the time an individual teacher needs to prepare—time so spent also has educational benefits. Every time that individual preparation time is taken away, the teacher is working at a definite disadvantage.
We have heard all the claims stating that research proves that a shared prep period enhances learning. Conveniently, the other two components (a longer day and/or a long school year) needed for academic success were not mentioned by those presenting the research. Is there any research that proves that a shortened day and a shared prep period produce positive results?
Also, we know that there are District #150 schools that already have shared prep periods—especially at grade level. While there may be advantages for 1st grade teachers collaborating with teachers of other grade levels, etc., the collaboration at grade level is by far the most important. The present schedule in several schools already allows for grade level collaboration.
Of course, we should not forget the most important reason for opposing the shortened day. Primary children need the exposure to art, music, etc. Variety is the spice of life, and young children with short attention spans definitely need a break from their regular classes. If the board doesn’t rescind this decision soon, the very best part-time teachers will already have jobs in schools outside the district—schools that recognize the importance of giving children a well-rounded education and a longer school day. I know of one “ousted” music teacher who already has two such offers.
Note: One primary teacher already warned me not to mention copy machine usage as a reason for staggered preps. She was recently told by an administrator that the copy machines in her building should be put in storage because students need to be more engaged—therefore, worksheets are not needed. Of course, I have heard this sentiment from high school principals, also—but never from a teacher. I’m working with a five-year-old right now—getting him ready for kindergarten. He loves worksheets and workbooks, and he is very engaged. Primary children love to take their work home to show their parents—and parents enjoy and need to see what their children are doing. Copy machines make that feedback possible. I was always amused and irritated when the same principal who criticized the teachers’ use of copy machines would pass out page after page of material at teachers’ meetings. Apparently, he didn’t know how to engage us sufficiently.
I am not a parent, so I have presented a teacher’s point of view about a shortened day. If you won’t listen to us, please listen to the parents who are pleading with you to change your mind about shortening the primary school day. No matter our point of view, the children will benefit from rescinding this decision.
I contacted every board member also. Heard back from 4. Two answers were, “Thank you for your concern regarding this matter.” That was it! One said, “yes,” they felt the decision was made hastily. Another defended their vote.
Yes, I agree that after delving into the rights and responsibilities of board members, they do not have to meet with individuals or groups. This is a HOT issue. I also honestly believe that the people who have organized did their homework as to good alternatives to shorter school days and that pdf is shared here on this board.
These people approached the meeting in a calm, educated way and did not go storming in there with a crowd of overly excited voters. It is my understanding there were only four people representing the voters in that meeting. Correct me if I am wrong.
Diane, are other board members willing to meet with you on an individual basis? Were there any others that also declined? If so, what was their reasoning?
The decisions this board made this year will have long lasting repercussions. They have set precedents with the grade change that will undoubtedly come up again in the future. I believe the frustration comes from the fact that shorter school days seems to be a slap in the face when followed on the tail end of other decisions they have made.
It is unfair to say school board members do not care about education and children. Of course they care. They wouldn’t be on the board if they didn’t care. It seems to be the way they are going about making their decisions. It appears decisions are made behind closed doors before they vote and are heavily influenced by District 150 Admin without them doing justice by doing their own homework.
Imaswede, We chose 4 parents to represent the North, South, East and West sides of Peoria to present last Thursday’s alternative proposal to Hinton et al. The 4 individuals were chosen from a much larger group.
We are immersed in ongoing discussions with other members of the Board of Education. The willingness of our friends and fellow parents to step forward and voice their opposition to the May 5th vote is helping our cause.
Please keep up the good work!
CJ
Elaine posted on “Word on the Street” a few minutes ago and they printed it. I would be interested to know what you wrote that they didn’t.
Thanks,
Mimi McDonald
I wouldn’t run for the first District school board. I am not qualified.
To all the rest: Good luck with that…
Dear Christopher:
In your earlier post, you suggested that the individuals who oppose the reduction of the primary school day, “don’t REALLY care about Peoria’s schools or it’s children as much as you’re interesting in destroying the school board.”
My perception of your post is that dissent is dangerous and the public should acquiesce to the wishes of Board and Administration without question.
In case you forgot, this country was founded in dissent and the founding fathers codified this freedom in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. You couldn’t possibly be suggesting that the voice of the “loyal opposition” be suppressed for the benefit of the majority, could you? Isn’t that reminiscent of the policy of every totalitarian regime that rose and fell during the 20th century?
People wish for their concerns be heard, to be able to join in an open dialogue about the issue(s), and to not be marginalized and treated with disdain when they express their opinions.
When was the last time any of us heard the District #150 BOE and Administration engage in a meaningful dialogue about the students? Can they honestly sit there and state that their action supports student achievement?
To describe the opponents of the Board’s action as more interested in destroying the Board than they are the children, and possessing “vengeful souls” is outrageous. Why do you say that – because there are people here who believe in the merits of a system of checks and balances, and have not only the authority, but the responsibility as citizens to exercise the rights granted them under the Constitution to apply that system of checks and balances to local governmental entities?
That you consider the exercise of our democratic principles as symptomatic of a desire to destroy the Board of Education and having vengeful souls is too frightening to contemplate.
Randall: The BOE Member qualifications are listed below. It would seem that you would meet the qualifications…..
A Board of Education member must be, on the date of election, a United States citizen at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding election, a registered voter, be neither a school trustee nor a school treasurer, and not be a child sex
offender as defined in State law. A Board of Education member must also have filed an economic interest statement as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act.
Some persons may be ineligible for Board of Education membership by reason of other public offices held or certain types of State or federal employment.
I can certainly understand if you did not want to run for whatever reason(s) — it seems that most everyone is qualified to run for this office based on the criteria above.
PrairieCelt: Ah yes, dissent — like Flick in “A Bug’s Life” when he stood up to Hopper. There are some great lines in that movie ….
[Hopper has just drowned three dissenting grasshoppers in a pile of seeds]
Hopper: You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one and if they ever figure that out there goes our way of life! It’s not about food, it’s about keeping those ants in line. That’s why we’re going back! Does anybody else wanna stay?
[grasshoppers shocked – all the grasshoppers “rev up” their wings]
Molt: [motioning a fellow grasshopper] He’s quite the motivational speaker, isn’t he?
Hopper: Let’s ride!
In another scene: Hopper tells Flick (other ants) —
Hopper: You piece of dirt! No, I’m wrong. You’re lower than dirt. You’re an ant!
Citizens, taxpayers, parents, teachers, principals, students …… are tired and fed up with being treated lower than dirt and repeatedly left out of the communication, problem and solution loop in D150.
Chris
Am I to understand that whatever the BOE says is for the best of our community and its taxpayers. The BOE has not presented an opportunity for the community to be heard. One of the untruths was when Hinton said he never saw this kind of revolt from the community since cooperative learning and the addition of computer labs. Actually, it was when the district proposed going to year round schools several years ago. Even that superintendent went on a local radio show and answered questions from the public. And it was never brought before the BOE.
So I would expect the same from Hinton. Have one of our local radio hosts/hostesses invite him and let him alone field questions. You never see Hinton willing to stand alone. He always has two or three of his “buddies”!! Notice one of the top administrators, a non-educator, and another one a retired 150 administrator now serving as a consultant($400 per diem) were two of the lunch “buddies” who met at Weaver Ridge last week with the parents.
Another key question, when have you been reminded that we have many schools on the academic watch/warning lists? Four of these schools are schools cutting back their educational day by 45 minutes!!! Want more details, I would be glad to provide them!
And we have a BOE member, Debbie W., who does not think it her responsibility to speak to her constituents. Really, Debbie!
Just in case you have forgotten, Hinton does not live in our city…does not pay taxes to Peoria Public Schools!
Hang em all, I will vote against all incumbents in the next election. Will anyone remember when it is time to vote? All this discussion is for naught if the outrage is not resurrected in the voting booth.
Quote from a post above; “Hang em all, ”
That’s why I’ll never run for school board. Hey I happen to agree with the 45 minute issue and I didn’t have a problem with an ordinary citizen who happens to be on the Board (according to the qualifications Ms. Alms posted, a chimp qualifies) refuses to meet with a parent. I am shocked any of you are surprised by this.
With what has been happening over the past few years, Glen Oak, buying houses, hiring Hinton and his friends, Stevie Wonder could have seen this coming. Now you are all up in arms. Ok fine. I disagree over fighting on this 45 minute thing and I am accused of living in “Bizarro World” by the so called blog father. Up until I blocked my phone from “private or blocked numbers” I was getting some interesting verbal comments. That is where I see the hate although I didn’t really want to point out the calls as I am sure they read this blog also. Now that they are blocked, I can say this.
I think the bigger issue is the Administration leadership or lack thereof. The Board members are nothing more than citizens of our community who happened to get off their butt, print some yard signs, get some signatures, and ran for the seat. No qualifications? What would you expect from this people? They depend on the highly educated Dr’s they hired. Isn’t that why we pay these people, these Doctors of Education, 6 figures? ( No Billy, that doesn’t make them smarter than all bloggers. Jerk.) Until now, very few Board members hear from parents very often until some parent’s butt is chapped by something.
Now, all here (well most) seem to know what is wrong, how to fix it and how to get the District back. Good for you all but I doubt I see any of you running for those thankless seats when they come up.
I’m sure as heck not. I have been blogging for a few years and most here know my blog or have met me. If you read the sub title on my blog, it says it all. I like to pull chains, test people, and see what they really stand for. I do it for fun and to relieve some stress because it is fun to bitch, make fun of, or otherwise vent frustrations that come with life here in Peoria. Obviously, some here “get it” and some are cut throats and don’t see blogging that way. I am neither CJ nor Billy Dennis. My blog isn’t meant for news and facts and I don’t want to be a journalist blogger. I just love to throw around the bull and yes, sometimes the bull hits me right back in the face. If it gets a reaction, great but sometimes it garners hate, not opinions. You know what? Some bloggers aren’t the great journalists they think they are either. Mr. Dennis doesn’t have a problem twisting my words and then posting that I’m from “Bizarro World” and then closing comments so I can’t answer back. If someone did that to him, well, I’m sure he would devote a page to that. In another instance, a blogger called me and wanted me to remove comments (from my blog) that didn’t show that blogger in a good light. I did and I regret it. Not because it hurt the feeling of that blogger, it probably did, but because if I am going to have a blog and put my feelings out there, then the comments are going to be free. No logins, no moderation, unless it is against my work or family. I need both of those. I can take it but I will not tolerate threats to my family over a 45 minute prep period! So the “wackos” are out there on your side too!
Now, if you all get that 45 minute thingy worked out to your favor, then great! You won a good fight but not the war. I am done posting about it on my blog. No matter what I say about the teachers I have talked to or heard from that favor this, no one here is going to believe it. I don’t think those that oppose the 45 minute thing are the majority, just a loud minority. We shall see but I doubt your group will prevail and get this overturned. Then what? You burn down the offices or work another angle? Maybe get your group and go into the schools, like Tyng and Garfield Primary and help these teachers. See firsthand what they see every day. I don’t think most of you see this other than on your big screen TV in your den at night. Maybe disarming a 4th grader of a knife before he misses that Art class you so much want back? I also think that there are bigger fish to fry in this District than the 45 minute thing. I just hope that if the group gets their desired outcome, they don’t disappear. This District needs help and it needs parents to get involved. Now there, no bull this time. ?
Randall – the children you seem to care the most about will be the ones most adversely impacted by this schedule change. How can you advocate a loss of time in school and special teachers for a child who is already struggling?
And although I have read your plethora of words I still don’t understand your point. To me it is something like this. The district sucks and is doomed to failure so lay off these people and allow them to continue to make poor decisions because it ain’t going to make any difference anyway as we are all doomed. Does that sound accurate?
NO, Diane, the District sucks and is doomed to failure… but we have to kowtow to their credentials and protect their phony baloney jobs.
District 150 has some of the best teachers I have ever encountered, and that is after having raised three children, in and out of Peoria, plus having an education degree myself. Most of these people are truly dedicated to their profession and to their students. As in any career, you will always have some that are burnt out and ready to find something new, but for the most part, our teachers rock. They put up with alot from students, parents, the public and administration. Yet, many see their jobs as rewarding, so let’s not go knocking the entire school district. It isn’t fair.
Uncle Em, I am sorry you received calls at home. That kind of behavior is uncalled for. Yes, I am on the side of the issue that shortened school days will do more harm than good, so I do not agree with most of what you say. I do not like the idea that some of the most needy children in our area will have an entire year less education than those in the Dunlap school district in just a few short years. I also do not like Hinton using common prep time as a ruse to use monies to cover his mistake on Prospect and revamping Manual and whatever else he has planned. I do not like our children having a second rate education when they can have an outstanding education. District 150 has what it takes to achieve outstanding goals, which is dedicated teachers willing to put in hours of their time to see their students achieve at record levels. District 150 also has parents that are willing to help. We just all need to get on the same train.
Diane, I pray you and your group succeed in getting the BOE to reverse their decision. Then we can move forward. If this fiasco gets resolved in a timely manner it can only mean good things to come. It will open up lines of communication between Admin, teachers and parents for future needs of the district. District 150 has a wonderful resource in caring parents.
I still say hang em all and then call Elmo at home and tell him about it. Randy has interesting views on the emancipation of of politicians from the constituents that elect them. Autonomous elected officials answering to no man, let freedom ring baby. It is too bad you were born too late to have been a founding stepfather. I have not yet been able to read an entire post of yours, perhaps I will cop some adderall from a 150 kid and give em another try. Keep blathering!!
Let’s all put this in perspective. The 45 minutes is critical for a number of educationally sound reasons. We can each find at least one reason how this will impact every child in a negative way. Please just give me that one thought. Think about just one reason you think this decision was not well planned. Here is mine, fifth graders sitting in our primary schools (5 of the schools) will be receiving 45 minutes less instruction than fifth graders sitting in middle schools. *REMEMBER MIDDLE SCHOOLS, ROOSEVELT MAGNET SCHOOL, NORTHMOOR EDISON, FRANKLIN EDISON, AND VALESKA HINTON ARE NOT IMPACTED BY THIS DECISION!
If you think this is a positive let me know. This is unequal education for some…I did not choose to be one of the some nor did my child.
We do have some of the best teachers who work hard. However, understand that these selected teachers will see their students 45 minutes less than all other teachers. Instead they are supposed to meet with their grade level teachers from 8:30-9:15. As a fifth grade teacher, I would prefer the 45 minutes additional instructional time and meet with peer teachers on my own. It is happening in most buildings. We can have both. Please, believe this!
I, too, have talked to many teachers who agree that this decision was made in a one month period just to save $645,000 at the expense of 6,400 students.
If this is such a good idea they needed a year to tweak out all the negatives and make a very positive proposal to our community. Remember I only listed my top one that should have been worked out. What is yours?
Trust me we all want what is best for all our children. Our children are our most precious, natural resource.
Let us not forget the other issue: The decision to terminate two part-time teaching positions at each primary school, which will result in less art and music. Some kids LIVE for art and music. And what does this do to programs at the middle and high schools once they start getting kids who virtually no formal training.
Word on the street: District 150 has hired the principal from Lindbergh for another admin job at Central office to take over middle schools and high schools from Sanfilip. Sanfilip will only have grade schools now. They are also bringing back Simpson and Fisher and of course, hiring a new principal for Lindbergh. Since they want Simpson to stay so badly, why can’t he be in charge of the grade schools since it was his idea to shorten their day, and then Sanfilip could do middle and high schools. You thought they were ADMIN heavy before, well folks, it just got worse. This must be going to come up at the next board meeting.
Diane, you’ll never understand. I don’t think the District sucks, you guys do. I think it has problems but they can be corrected. You guys think different. You think the District needs your input. Where have you all been all these years? I think that if we have the great parent envolvement you invision your group has, then this whole issue never would have come to a vote. I also think the giving teachers a set 45 minute prep period in grades K thru 4 might help instead of the staggered prep times they had and bringing in subs. You see it as a comodity. “We’re being shorted class time…” and some are comparing it to Dunlap schools. I see it as a way to save money in their alloted budget. You guys have a different proposal. If it’s good, then they should adopt it right?
Why do we need special teachers for Art in K thru 4? Why can’t the classroom teacher simply teach art?
Apparently you have never been to one of the Primary schools in lower Peoria (south end) It’s too late this school year, but you should go and spend a few hours a day for a couple of days at Tyng or Garfield. I used to do lunch periods so teachers wouldn’t have to watch the kids. These kids make up a majority of the District’s pupils. Do you care about these kids also? Or just your little corner? Would you transfer your kids to one of these schools? Same education right? I know, “Why would I?”
In fact, the Board should apologize to all fo you, fire the Administration and you and Mimi have at it.In fact I wish the entire Board would just walk out. I would love to see what your big group of concerned parents would do then. After all, haven’t you and most here called for them to resign? I’m sure you would all step up and take over.
Randy
As you know, I have always been a concerned parent, as have you. I am now a concerned taxpayer and grandparent. You and I have sat side by side and agreed on issues in the past that we disagreed with the Board and/or Administration on. I think we can agree to disagree; at least, I hope so! FYI, I ran for the Board, not once, but twice over issues that I felt passionately about. I haven’t asked for anyone to resign over this issue. Also, I am not involved because I am thinking or running, nor do I intend to run. As for being on the news, I can’t control if they plaster what I say on it and trust me, I don’t do this to get on the news. I DO THIS BECAUSE THE BOTTOM LINE IS I FEEL IT WAS A DECISION BASED ON FINANCES AND THAT THIS CUT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN. For years I have felt that the District has made poor financial decisions. If they had money, do you TRULY believe that they would be shortening the school day for the primary age children by 45 minutes? Those involved just feel that cuts could/should have been made in different areas. You said, “I see it as a way to save money in their alloted budget”. As you agree that it is “all about the money,” I don’t understand where you are coming from and why you are so opposed to this group for taking a stand with suggestions of a different proposal. I know you, I know how you care and I know all you have done in the past. I guess this is one of those situations where I hope you agree to disagree. Last of all, I don’t agree with you, but I do respect you and hope that the feeling is mutual.
Does anyone know what Randall Emert Srs. wife does? Might she be affiliated with the school district? I’d be very curious to know.
ImaSwede,
The word about Dr. Mary Davis is hardly rumor! That has already been an in your face appointment approved in May! The thing is I personally know Mary and respect her professionally. In this case she will bring needed help, strength and ability to the central office. What is a shame however is that Mary will really be yet another addition to the already top heavy administration. King Hinton will still have his other cohorts on the payroll. You can call them consultants or employees, but bent over the slop troff those retirees are still just fat hogs eating away at your tax dollars!
BTW those who have read my posts in the past know I have been rather outspoken about Hinton for some time. I am so happy now that the rest of you have finally seen the arrogant, in your face, intimidating Hinton that several of us know and are willing to tell the truth. His polished ability of double talk has snowed people for years. He’s such a phony! Five years ago the previous BOE would not even grant him an interview for the superintendency, but this whack-o BOE embraces him! They are getting what they deserve, but it’s at the expense of our future – our children.
^oo^~
one_feral_kat, you are absolutely right about Dr. Mary Davis. The person that i heard this from said she is an outstanding principal and will be a great addition to Admin. It was the fact that Dist 150 was adding to Admin with all these other consultants is what bothered me.
And you are correct again when you say that Hinton’s true self has emerged.
The comment above is so true. I am pleased that others now see what others saw in Hinton years ago.
One_feral_kat,
Hinton polished? pleeeeezzze. I think not.
George(not Jacob)
Honestly I was trying to be polite in labeling his double talk a “polished ability”. In the real world that is referred to as flim-flam, snake oil talk, shyster talk etc. Bottom line it is deceit. Deceit has been Hinton’s whole life. He’s a phony who learned to belly up to the hog troff early on. BTW I forgot to even mention the fact that under the Strand administration that Hinton also received a NO confidence vote but was transfered to another school (his mother’s name sake) to hide that.
^oo^~
Mr Emert; How can you support cutting teaching time, increases class sizes, real estate speculation, bureaucratic back slapping and ass covering, refusing to listen to constituents, not participating in the community you oversee… how can support all that and then say you aren’t qualified to be on the school board? Sounds like perfect match to me… unless you are not 18 years old, not a registered voter, or are a sexual predator, or school employee already.
OFK – you are correct in stating Hinton received a “no confidence vote” while a primary school principal. That document survives and is in Peoria. Many people signed it and many people saw it. Most of those people are still around. It is real. It happened. Hinton chooses to view it differently, but you really can’t suppress the truth indefinitely.
Mr. Emert: As you suggested above, the Administration indicated they wish to move toward “integrated curriculum” with the arts, and stated the responsibility for delivery of the physical education, art and music instruction will now fall to the primary self-contained classroom teachers. Few of these individuals possess the training, background or ability to deliver the same quality and level of instruction as the current teachers, certified to teach physical education, art and music, provide.
The State of Illinois, through its development of the Illinois Learning Standards, and incorporation into the Illinois School Code, has established certain guidelines and mandates for the delivery of instruction for the arts and physical education. Listed below are the links and/or references for this information for anyone wishing to review it:
Illinois Learning Standards:
http://www.isbe.net/ils/fine_arts/standards.html
http://www.isbe.net/ils/pdh/standards.html
http://www.isbe.net/standards_system/default.html
Illinois School Code:
Music: Illinois Administrative Code: 23 Ill.Admin.Code 1.430(a)(5)
Art: Illinois Administrative Code: 23 Ill.Admin.Code 1.430(a)(6)
Physical Education: Illinois School Code: 105 ILCS 5/27-6
Illinois Administrative Code: 23 Ill.Admin.Code 1.420(p), 1.430(a)(8)
Illinois Administrative Code: 23 Ill.Admin.Code 25.520(a)(3)
Illinois School Code: 105 ILCS 5/27-7
Illinois Administrative Code: 23 Ill.Admin.Code 1.100(a)(2)
The Illinois School Code can be accessed from the ISBE website: http://www.isbe.state.il.us/
Where was this at, Harrison School?
Has Mr. Emert or any of his family ever been employed by the district, recieved compensation from the district, or hope to recieve compensation or employment by the district? I keep getting whiffs of the hog trough everytime he opens his trap.
Dad24 — This line of questioning is not appropriate. Whether Randy or his wife have any ties to the district is not really anyone’s business and ultimately irrelevant as far as I’m concerned. He’s not a public figure; he’s just a commenter sharing his opinion like the rest of us. If anyone feels he’s wrong on the issues, then they should be able to argue against the issue without resorting to arguing against the man (ad hominem). To me, if the only way for you to “win” the argument is to personally attack the person, then you’ve actually lost the argument on its merits.
Let’s stick to the issues.
des – Yes, Harrison. That is the reason he was moved to Valeska.
Thanks Mimi, Of Course you are right. You have sat with me for the good fight years ago. I respect that. Yes, we can agree to disagree.
You should run for Board. You would make an excellent Board member.
CJ: Thank you for being civil. You always have been.
To all others: As to where my wife works is not relevant to this. Believe me; she isn’t at the trough of District 150.
I did work for District 150 under a grant doing web pages and maintaining Manual’s web site. I still have my @psd150.org email address although that has been a few years ago, I don’t know why.
I have said what I feel. That’s all I am saying on this issue but will be interested to see how this plays out. Maybe I’m cynical because of the years I have dealt with the board.
Those who know me, know I care about our schools. (I hope)
I would just like to thank Randall for his caring for all children. I had the honor of knowing his son as a sixth grader when he was the most valuable player on Trewyn’s Scholars’ Cup team. They have a great family. We need more caring families like the Emerts. We all care about our kids. I just want you all to know that this decision by the administration and the board was not presented to the community before it was voted on. Now, they have to figure out answers to questions after the fact. They should have answered them before they voted. I have my top ten which I have shared before. I will continue to fight for the 45 minutes. The best scenario would be to table it and present it as an action item to be implemented for 2009-2010 school year when all schools and the community can be involved. Any one of us who care will work together for the equal education for all children.
Randy
I appreciate your response. This group doens’t know you or me and the many issues we took on. You know well that I could never get elected because the Board has alway labelled me to be controversial when it was always them and/or the Administration that made some controversial move that I felt was not in the best interests of the children, causing me to “come out slugging”! I went to your site and read everything on it as to why you feel the way that you do. I may not agree with you on this issue, but there have been PLENTY where we were in total agreement! I won’t stop voicing my opinion and fighting for what is right and I hope you won’t either. We may just meet again someday and be on the same side. I would never say that you don’t care about the children because I know how active you were as a parent and I was equally as active with my four children. There is so much apathy in District #150 and I find it refreshing to see that there is a group that cares! Hopefully, they will all stay involved and make the District better. My four all received good educations in 150 HOWEVER they were each born 4 years apart and each received a lesser education that their sibling before them. I feel that District 150 continues to be going down, only at an accelerated rate. It saddens me for the children and Peoria.
To one_feral_kat,
How was that his mother’s name sake don’t you mean his father’s?
Also, that is a big problem with the district administrators, they do things first before they tell anyone and before you know it, it is a done deal. We dare not to complaine or try and talk or even question why,they will chew your head off.
Valeska Hinton is a relative of Hinton’s but not a close relative. The name is not his mother’s or sister’s.
To be fair and honest it would be helpful if someone would post a Hinton family tree. A family tree could include where is family is currently employed etc. Perhaps we should post a family tree of notable District 150 families. I know the Sullivan family has some notoriety.
Mike Sullivan is the Director of Transportation and his brother’s wife is the secretary to Ken Hinton. Mike’s brother is the director of the Peoria Community Foundation and his wife is a teacher in District 150. How cozy…
We could weave the web of others. Would anyone else like to take a stab at it?
How about Prairie Celt? or One feral Kat? We know the incestuous nature of the district- we should let everyone see how “family ties” are strangling District 150
Ryan family
Tim – Principal
Dave — former dir of buildings & maintenance now the new construction liason
Tim’s wife — a teacher
Dave’s wife – secretary at Kellar — ???? assisted in hiring by Tim and Dave’s mother who was the asst. dir. of HR….
Hinton Family
Hershal is Ken Hinton’s cousin?
Ken’s son is speech path?
Ken’s son-in-law in HR?
There are probably additional familial and friend of families connections ……
Well, George, you forgot the Ryon clan. Mother Mary Ryon worked in Personnel for Bob Carruthers. Her sons, Tim and Dave, are both administrators – Tim is principal at Tyng, and Dave is Director of Capitol Projects. Both wives also work at the district – one is a teacher and one is a secretary. And there are other family members at the district but not all have the Ryon surname. Oh, and let’s not forget all the friends of Tim and Dave who were hired when Mary Ryon worked in Personnel.
I think Valeska Hinton was Ken’s aunt or grand-aunt. Don’t forget that the Allen family (as in Garrie “Pepper” Allen, former BOE member) are part of the Hinton family tree and there are lot’s of Allens & Hintons working for the district.
Just throwing this question out, how much money has been paid out to the the “green legal team” for district #150 in the last quarter? I heard it was quite excessive a few years back.
Herschel Hannah is the brother of former Harrison Principal and current retired “consultant” at Sterling Middle School, Aurthur Perkins.
PrairieCelt: Thank you for the correction…… 🙂