Tuesday, April 27, 2010

School Board Candidates Forum

Last night the Decatur Township Civic Council held its School Board Candidates Night. To my knowledge, this is the only forum on School Board issues before the election in one week. Here is my take on the main points that were discussed.

All five candidates were in attendance, but Cathy Wiseman, running unopposed in District 1, declined to participate in the forum and answer the voters' questions - although she did kibitz from time to time from the audience. All four District 3 candidates participated for a full hour of questions; incumbents Dale Henson and Judy Collins and challengers Natalie Coffey and Bobby Hire.

It was clear that all four are sincere people - but with very different takes on how the School District is doing.

Communication - The challengers felt that the School Board meetings needed to be changed. Coffey noted that the public cannot tell what is being discussed, have no detailed information on what items are even on the agenda, and that the public is "afraid to speak". Hire mentioned that the Board should do a better job of presenting what issues are being discussed, echoing Coffey's point that the public in attendance at the meeting cannot tell what is being discussed because of the way the Board is conducting its business. He suggested that comments could be taken during the course of the meeting, perhaps giving time limits to those who wished to comment.

The incumbents saw little problem with keeping the School board meetings as they are now. Collins expressed surprise that the public is afraid to speak up at these meetings. While both Coffey and Hire voiced interest in giving the public more opportunity to know what was being discussed at the meeting and a better format for the agenda to accommodate the public comments, the incumbents felt the meeting was 'their' meeting and 'it has always been done this way'. Collins suggested that perhaps they needed more public question meetings like those held recently, but noted that she would not change the regular meeting format, otherwise they'd "be there all night". Henson noted that they "seem to work alright".

I would say that the School Board meeting hasn't always been conducted this way. The public use to got responses from the Board members. And, I would add also, that if the current format of the Board meeting does not serve the public interest, then it needs to be changed. The public is speaking loud and clear that communication is not what it needs to be both between the Board and the public and the District and the public. I was not convinced last night that the incumbents yet get that point.

Graduation Rate -- The graduation rate and how to improve it came up several times during the evening. For those who do not know, the graduation rate since 2006 to 2009 has steadily been declining - from 81% to 73%. Meanwhile, the State average has been increasing steadily - from 78% to 82%. The incumbents blamed the formula for calculating graduation rates as it does not allow for inclusion of students who graduate after 5 years of high school. Henson wants the public to wait another 3 to 4 years to see an improvement in graduation rates because of changes the Board is implementing now. Collins mentioned that full day Kindergarten has caused the curriculum in first grade to be beefed up and that in turn has led to the curriculum in second grade to be beefed up and that eventually that will improve graduation rates.

The incumbents put a premium on improving graduation rates. Coffey noted that attendance rates decrease with increasing grade level and that we are not matching state standards or state averages on that score, either. She said that kids are being left behind, that we must get the teachers rehired and drop the class sizes. Hire echoed that the teachers need to get rehired because increasing class size makes it more difficult on the students and on the teachers delivering a quality education.

I would chime in that the other schools in this state have found a way to improve graduation rates NOW and maybe we need to ask what they are doing, rather than waiting 3-4 more years or, heaven forbid, waiting 10 more years for what we are doing to pay off in improved graduation rates. As for the formula for calculating the rate, all school districts are using the same formula so it does not put Decatur at a disadvantage at all. Its just another excuse.

Selling Property -- The topic of selling excess property brought a range of opinions from the candidates. Coffey thought that the Board should take a serious look at selling the property and how much of a loss would be taken on a sale. Collins doesn't want to sell any property, saying it is a one shot infusion of money and "what if you need to build an elementary down the road". Hire thought the property should definitely be sold so that the District can get the teachers back to work and that "you've got to sell the property to take care of the problem". Henson said no to selling the land, but was interested in selling the former Concentra Building - indicating that the District is actively looking for a buyer.

You all know I think we should sell the excess property, even if we lose money on the deal. This is a tough financial time for the district and this money will help get us through the worst of it. Its all about priorities. The Board didn't care that they were overpaying for the properties when they bought them. Now they are pretending to be prudent by not selling them for a loss. As for a one shot infusion of funds - true. And now is exactly when we need that infusion. We have been told that $3 m of the cuts are a one time deal - so there is some parity with a one time sale to fix a one time cut.

Class Size -- All candidates expressed a desire to get all of the RIFed teachers back on the job as soon as possible. The incumbents both mentioned that the Board had "charged" the Administration with not laying off any teachers. No mention was made as to how they evaluate his performance on this point. Collins that we just need to cut funds, that there are only so many dollars, and that we should "run the course" and "we'll get through this". Henson said he didn't want to see class size get any larger than it is today. He said they have already recalled 13 of the 61 RIFed teachers and will be bringing back even more. Even so, he said his calculations show that, in the worst case, class size would rise by only about 5 students and he doesn't agree with the figure of 49 students per class that has been mentioned by others.

Coffey said that smaller class sizes work for educating the kids and that all available funds need to be applied to rehiring the teachers. Hire noted that any time you have smaller class sizes, the kids will learn better and that we need to get the teachers back to work as soon as possible.

My two cents is that class size will rise if only because Lynwood is closing as an elementary school and there is no extra classrooms for the two dozen teachers there. Add to that the 23 retirement and the 61 RIFs and you will have a calamity - no matter what calculations you do. It is good that 13 teachers have been recalled, but we must not close Lynwood as an elementary and we must recall the remaining RIFed teachers. Again, $3 m was the savings goal the Board gave to Stinson - the Concentra building alone could bring that amount in and we will have bought at least one year of saving our class sizes with that one step.

There were other questions asked and answered. Overall I would repeat that all candidates were sincere. But, it is obvious that the incumbents still don't get the anger and frustration of the public, are not engaged in independent review of the Administration's job performance, not responsive to the public, and therefore are not looking to make the improvements that are so very much needed in this District.

The election is in one week. Talk with your neighbors and friends, make time to get to the polls or vote early, and lets wake up May 5 with a new Board of Education in Decatur Township.

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bring change to our school district by voting! You will have your voices heard on election day! VOTE! Do you still want the DO NOTHING School Board or better schools?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 1:08: Even if you elect two new members guess what. LOL You'll still have a minority board! AND we'll still have the best Administration in the State. You still lose and our kids win.

Anonymous said...

And we'll still get our way.

concerned parent said...

As far as Lynwood is concerned, it doesneed to be closed, simply because the real issue with Lynwood is that it has not passed its AYP in 4 years. Now because of that, all the parents have the choice (due to the NCLBA)to send their kids to one f the other passing elementary schools in the district (west newton or valley mills). Those 2 schools are already overcrowded from the growth in that area. There is no other option at this point to solve the overcrowding at west newton and valley mills. I hate to see Lynwood close because I was a student there myself, but I can understand the necessity of the action.

Anonymous said...

What does best administration mean? Most expenive? Student achievement results? Other?????

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 2:56: It means that we'll still keep our jobs; we'll still keep our pay and we'll still keep our retirement! Decatur residents can't do anything until 2012 when the next election cycle occurs. Even then you won't win.

Had Enough Indy? said...

anon 2:15 - according to information posted on the district website (gasp!), fewer than 10% of the parents opt to send their children to schools other than Lynwood or Stephen Decatur. So, its really not a problem. School choice has been around for a few years now.

Anonymous said...

The administration has forced teachers to use a curriculum that is choosen by the administration....Literacy and Everyday math.....hmmm and graduation rates have gone down.

Teachers AND/or parents CANNOT hold a child back in a grade level. I know of a parent who has made that request several times....answer. research indicates it does no good to hold a child back a grade....WELL neither does passing them on and on and on...eventually the "child" dropsout. What would you do as a 10th grader if you could not keep up with the curriculum and have not been able to for many years.

Also when did Stinson come to Decatur? Why has he rec'd bonus' for improvement????

Anonymous said...

I was extremely disappointed with Mr. Hire's performance. I thought Natalie Coffey was credible, but she fumbled big time on the property question when she said that the township schools had to pay taxes on land.

It's a tough decision, but I think we're better off with one of the incumbents and Coffey on the board. Of the two, I'll take Collins over Henson.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Hire scares me a bit as well. I'd be willing to give him a chance though, Collins/Henson have had theirs.

Anonymous said...

It takes some time to learn things that a school board member needs to know. The first thing to do is get elected. Every school board member in Indiana has many opportunities to learn what they need to know to be a good school board member. One thing that they should know when they are interested is to listen to the thoughts and ideas of those who elect them. Then they need to have the willingness to vote on recommendations that they know are the right thing to do for the education of young people. The current board members have voted for whatever Stinson recommends. Is it right for students to be in large classes when money is tight and the superintendent is paid more than $250,000 per year? Don't think so. The voters will decide next week if they want a change!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Hire seems like a very nice man, but I just think he could have done more homework prior to the only forum for these candidates.

Anonymous said...

Anyone in the audience would have to agree that Henson andd Collins by far are more qualified to continue as board members than Coffee and Hire. Decatur has become a 21st century leader in learning under the current board. If you don't believe me, talk to the students. More students are entering college. More students are taking college courses while in high school. More students are receiving honors and awards. Wake up...do you really want to go back to the Andrews days when she was on the board. I should think not. Look at Decatur then and look at Decatur today. You decide. I was at the candidates night and there was no comparison. Hire does not have a clue. Vote Henson and Collins.

Anonymous said...

After the poor showing of the 2 candidates selected by andrews to run against probably 2 of the best board members this community has ever had this community needs to support Henson and Collins for reelection to the board. Its time to support our schools and get away from the negative and untrue comments stated by this negative blog.

Anonymous said...

I agree that Henson and Collins definitely seem more qualified. I know Dale personally knows and encourages alot of students through the athletic programs. He would also understand what is going on with government and the business aspect of running schools with his experience as fire chief. Judy has freely volunteered her time to Dollars for Scholars for years. What an investment in the future of Decatur Township. Now there is someone who really cares!!! Now she organizes Relay for Life. They are both outstanding leaders who contribute in POSITIVE ways to the community.

Anonymous said...

After having attended the Enrollment Management meetings, I was impressed with the level of input that was asked of us as parents and community members. They worked hard to make sure that we understood the issues and included us in the decisions. Almost half of the 50 or so were parents and community members.

Anonymous said...

Enrollment Management was handpicked parents! A lot of those parents have been so discouraged and dropped off. They come up with suggestions and plans and they are never followed through.

Anonymous said...

Anon. 8:28
Andrews did not hand pick these school board members to run!
I asked Natalie to run because I wanted to do something and I live in the wrong district to do so myself. The 2 current school board members are going to have a lot more experience and feel more at ease speaking at a forum than the 2 running. I think there are a lot of people waiting to see the outcome of this election and then will decide where they send their kids next year to school. I hope everyone is sharing facts about Decatur and trying their hardest for a postive change in Decatur Schools! If you have 2 new school board members + Greenwald = majority and something might get done :)

Had Enough Indy? said...

anon 8:13 - actually the stats don't support your thesis that these are fantastic days for Decatur students.

In the years since Collins has been on the board, the % of students qualifying for honors diplomas has dropped from 22 to 13 (when Henson was elected) and back to 19%. Meanwhile, state average went from 27 to 31 to 32%.

Yes, the percentage of students going to college after high school has gone from 68 to 67 (when Henson joined) to 72% last year. But, again, not as strong gains as the average high school which went from 71 to 76 to 78%.

And overall is important as well. The graduation rate has dropped from 81% in 2006, when the current formula was adopted, to 73% last year. The state average increased over that time from 78% to 82%.

The district must serve all of the students and cherry picking the example here and there does not paint an accurate picture.

As for the days when I was on the board... I advocated for fiscal responsible spending, against building the DILC, and for building an elementary school near Heartland Crossing.

H.J. Umbaugh & Associates "Financial Feasibility Report" from January, 2002, showed that our tax base could only handle a total of $81 million in debt by 2010 - instead we find ourselves buried with $267 million thanks to Collins and Henson and the rest of the rubberstamping board. This fiscal mismanagement is EXACTLY why we are in the financial hole we are in today.

Anonymous said...

5:42 and 7:30

Nothing scares me more than two more years with the same schoolboard rubber stamping every payraise and perk for administrators they can rush through before they are pushed out the door. Nothing scares me more than more teachers riffed next year and the year after so they can pay for their exorbitant salaries.

It is criminal what Stinson, Baer,Adams,Pellico and the present schoolboard are doing to our great employees. It is criminal how they are robbing our children of teachers to pad their own pockets.

Maybe Coffey and Hire don't have experience yet but they will and at least they are listening to the people in this township wants and the needs of our children.....

Anonymous said...

Anon 1:22 & 1:27

Pellico, don't you have anything better to do for that huge salary you are stealing from our children than make childish remarks on the blog?

Maybe we won't have a majority this time but make no mistake we will next time and then we are coming after your useless and senseless job!!!!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting that as election day approaches, the same people who have criticized this blog are now attempting to use it to drum up votes for Collins and Henson. They did not bother to present any data that is contradictory to the data offered on the blog. The criticism of Pat Andrews has always been a focus of Stinson.

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:13,8:28, 8:50

So,let me get this right. You are voting for Henson and Collins?
This means you are for:

Firing Teachers?

50 children in a classroom?

Treating employees like animals?

Letting administration move to their "golden palace" across the street so they will have room to hire more administration instead of selling building and keeping teachers?

UnGodly salaries for administration?

Criminal perks and Golden Parachutes for admin. while cutting hours, jobs, and pay for the rest of the lowly employees?

Continued rubber stamping by Henson and Collins who helped get us into this mess in the first place?

No enforced moral clauses for administration?

JUST WANTED TO BE SURE THIS IS WHAT TO WANT!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

VOTE FOR NATALIE COFFEY AND BOBBY HIRE!!!!

DECATUR TOWNSHIP AND OUR CHILDREN NEED A REAL CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!!

Anonymous said...

I want to understand how the kids when by leaving the same board that is in it strictly for themselves and to feel good about their title while the kids are not up to state min. requirements but by all means lets not change and let you keep the majority while our kids fail because of it. You need to get your priorities straight it's about the kids not money in your pocket administration if you were doing a better job they would not be failing.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 8:50:

You said.....

So,let me get this right. You are voting for Henson and Collins?
This means you are for:

Firing Teachers?
NO TEACHERS HAVE BEEN FIRED. LIE.

50 children in a classroom?
PROVE IT. NO FACTS ANYWHERE SAY THERE WILL BE 50 CHILDREN IN A CLASSROOM. ANOTHER LIE.

Treating employees like animals?
PROVE IT. THIS IS SLANDEROUS. NO ONE IS BEING TREATED LIKE AN ANIMAL. LIE.


Letting administration move to their "golden palace" across the street so they will have room to hire more administration instead of selling building and keeping teachers?
THE "GOLDEN PALACE" YOU CLAIM IS FAR FROM A "GOLDEN PALACE". THE EXISTING CENTRAL OFFICE IS VERY POOR QUALITY AND BUILT VERY SHODDY. ADMINISTRATORS DESERVE BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS. WE DESERVE IT. AND WE ARE KEEPING TEACHERS. ANOTHER LIE.

UnGodly salaries for administration?
ADMINISTRATORS SALARIES ARE WELL WITHIN THE LAW. ARE YOU JELOUS BECAUSE YOU WORK AD MCDONALDS AND MAKE MINIMUM WAGE? ANOTHER SLANDEROUS COMMENT.

Criminal perks and Golden Parachutes for admin. while cutting hours, jobs, and pay for the rest of the lowly employees?
PROVE A CRIMINAL PERK. NOT ONE LAW HAS BEEN BROKEN. AS FAR AS GOLDEN PARACHUTE ALLEGATIONS, ADMINISTRATORS ARE WELL WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS TO GET WHAT THEY HAVE. NO ONES HOURS HAVE BEEN CUT AND IF YOU THINK TEACHERS AND STAFF ARE LOWLY EMPLOYEES THEN YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A TROUBLE MAKER. MORE LIES.

Continued rubber stamping by Henson and Collins who helped get us into this mess in the first place?
IF WORKING TOGETHER TO FORM A BETTER SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR OUR KIDS, THEN OUR BOARD IS A RUBBER STAMP. WE ARE NOT IN A MESS YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO STIR UP TROUBLE. PROVE THE MESS WE'RE IN. MORE SLANDER.


No enforced moral clauses for administration?
LEGALLY THERE DON'T HAVE TO BE MORAL CLAUSES. MORE LIES.

YOU PEOPLE MAKING THESE STATEMENTS SHOULD WATCH WHAT YOU SAY. ALL THIS IS LIES AND NO PROOF OF WHAT YOU'RE SAYING. THIS BLOG IS BEING MONITORED. UNTIL YOU HAVE FACTS TO BACK UP WHAT YOU SAY YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF. THIS SCHOOL BOARD IS THE BEST IN MANY YEARS. THEY HAVE PUT FORTH ALL THEIR HEART AND SOUL FOR OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM. NOT ONE FACT CAN BE PRESENTED HERE.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 12:32:

You will NOT have a majority in '12. No one will ever beat Don Huffman. With Huffman, we will always have a majority and get what we want. Keep trying; you'll keep failing. Even if you elect two new board members next week you'll still be in the minority! Absolutely nothing you can say or do will matter. Keep blogging until your fingers fall off; you'll still have a minority board!

Anonymous said...

So why does this blog get blocked from teachers but not administrators?

Anonymous said...

I think I heard the comment from Huffman at the last board meeting that he would not run for another term! So yes we will win and have the majority. People on this blog are smart and know that they only thing the administration is trying to do is cause trouble and doubt. This is their tatics for swaying votes come election day!
GO COFFEY and HIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Since Andrews was defeated from the Board (thank God in whom she does not believe in - atheist)this is what has happened in Decatur...
Goodwin Learning Center
Challenger Learning Center
Decatur Discovery Academy
Small Learning Communities
Ivy Tech
New Tech High
STAR program
New defined Arts Program
Systemic Transformation Change
Decatur Enrichment Center
University of Indianapolis Partnership
Full day kindergarten
Updated facilities
National recognition

Thank God for a new Decatur.

Support Hanson and Collins!!

Do not go back to old habits.

Anonymous said...

I am just an average parent and let me tell you that Joe Preda and Mr. Stinson saved my child! Thank heavens they are here! If this Board supports them and our schools, then they have my vote!

Anonymous said...

FACT: The business office does not know how to accurately complete required state reports.

FACT: The general public has many reasons to ask questions. For example, the very highly paid superintendent and his many highly paid assistants have very nice, comfortable offices and they should be spending more time in schools working with students and teachers.

FACT: The practices of this school district regarding administrator retirement benefits are being reported to the state and will be investigated.

FACT: The administrators do not live in the schoool district (except Janet Larch) and pay local taxes that support their extravagant salaries.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4/28/10 3:47 PM – Might I remind you, it is the current School Board's new habits that have gotten us in the current financial mess. Time for a change.

Anonymous said...

I am a person on a limited budget and not the most educated person in the world, but I would think that if I lost my income of 500.00 per week and someone gave me 500.00 to compensate for my loss, I would still need 500.00 each week to pay my bills. If we are spending 3 million dollars more than the governor is giving us, how would a one time gain of 3 million dollars help us? Wouldn't we need to cut our spending 3 million dollars a year to balance our budget? Selling land and making 3 million dollars only gives us a false sense of security for a year and then these poor people will be on the street again. I said I am not as educated as Pat, but I think I have more common sense.

Anonymous said...

It is not the local school board that is responsible for the financial crisis, it is state wide and the result of many factors. Wake up and believe the truth. All school districts are having these money problems.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:26 - Yes, other school districts are having to trim the budget also. However, I don't believe they have Decatur's absorbent Administrative costs.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4/28 3:47 p.m.

Whether or not Pat Andrew is an atheist is the same as whether or not Don Stinson is divorced, it is about the character and commitment of the individuals. The programs you listed were possible because of private, state, and federal grants during a period when money was available to school districts attempting to make gains in student achievement. Some schools made gains - others did not make gains. Some schools ended the programs when gains were not made. The Challenger center was to become self sustaining (like Brownsburg) and Decatur did not. The money to hire Candace Baer was short term and she has become long term. The list goes on. Now classroom teachers are being eliminated.

Anonymous said...

THIS BLOG IS BEING MONITORED. UNTIL YOU HAVE THE FACTS TO BACK UP WHAT YOU SAY YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF.

Anon 1:26 ---
_______

Wow, Pellico. You think we're all little kids in your grade school class? We do have the facts. In fact, we have links to state web-sites that prove the facts. They're just facts that threaten your cushy job, so not you got your shorts in a twist. You need to get up to speed that yelling at us like we're little children just makes you a joke to the rest of us. Some "communicator" you are, huh?

The current school board members have not put their "heart and soul" into our school system. They only voted to allow Stinson to put his hand in our pockets and take cash set aside for our children. Or weren't you there when they voted to do that at the meeting in late January?

Run along now and go play in traffic, Gary. You need to stop bothering the real grown-ups here. You know, the tax-payers?

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:42
Get a grip....those retorts make you sound like less of the grown up.

Unknown said...

So Pat is an atheist, eh...? Eeeeeewwww...the dirt is coming out now! Oh, oh...I got a good one! Did you know that Pat's old man recorded the 1998 Super Bowl Game *without* the expressed, written permission of the NFL??? Eeeeewww!

Pellico, Baer, Stinson, Adams...whoever you people are who write this "atheist" trash: You're PATHETIC!!! Why can't you stick with the issues and facts when you come here? Must be scary thinking your sorry rumps may be booted off your private little Gravy Train soon, huh?

VOTE FOR HIRE AND COFFEY!

Anonymous said...

Well, let me see if all of those teachers are out of a job and we still have the same amount of children, class sizes have to go up dramatically.Not far from 50 per classroom. Riffed or fired they are still out of a job.

You are right our employees are being " treated worse than animals"
Busdrivers not allowed to stop and get a coke at store or go to mc donalds to get lunch to take with them on a field trip that leaves immediately after morning routes. Being afraid to drink that coke even if they had it because they can only use restroom at schools or bus garage when they may be right in front of their home and using much more diesel fuel to go to bus garage.
Custodians forced to work in cold and sweltering heat because Susan Adams turns heat and air way-way down in evenings.

You think you deserve a better building to work in than present admin. building "shoddy workmanship" you say... excuse me but that building is only 10 years old, if there was shoddy workmanship you should have stopped it while it was being built.
That is the problem with present Administration. You think you are entitled to Taj Mahal. You think you are entitled to exorbitant salaries.You have the "GOD COMPLEX"
I know everything and don't anyone question me about anything.
The superintendent thinks he is above answering questions from media and truthfully answering questions from Taxpayers. So he has a high paid flunkie put a spin on everything for him.
It may take two more years to get it done but we ARE coming for your jobs.
You have taken enough from our Children and
Employees!


MONITOR AWAY!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Gary, YOU get a grip! All of you in CO think that every person in the township shops at Walmart and works at McDonald's. There are many successful business people in the area who did not fail in a classroom so haven't moved to the top to start robbing from the kids and their parents. You're showing all of us now, right? You all deserve to do time.

Anonymous said...

Legally there doesn't have to be "moral clauses" Maybe you are right but "Morally" there should be.Especially in your building.

Anonymous said...

I am one of those successful people. I am a resident of the township. I teach in the district. I have a Bachelors and a Masters Degree. My children attend/have attended Decatur Township schools. I am NOT Gary Pellico but I still STRONGLY believe you need to GET A GRIP! My original get a grip comment stands....

Anonymous said...

"YOU PEOPLE MAKING THESE STATEMENTS SHOULD WATCH WHAT YOU SAY. ALL THIS IS LIES AND NO PROOF OF WHAT YOU'RE SAYING. THIS BLOG IS BEING MONITORED. UNTIL YOU HAVE FACTS TO BACK UP WHAT YOU SAY YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF. THIS SCHOOL BOARD IS THE BEST IN MANY YEARS. THEY HAVE PUT FORTH ALL THEIR HEART AND SOUL FOR OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM. NOT ONE FACT CAN BE PRESENTED HERE."


These are the exact reasons people are ready for change. The administration doesn't know how to deal with adults. This sounds like they are talking to school children. By the way, who is monitoring this blog? Last I heard, there is freedom of speech in this country, so stop trying to
use these idle threats to stop the exchange of very insightful and useful information.

Anonymous said...

I hear they are going to vote on cutting security at next schoolboard meeting.

When we have a real emergency at one of our schools "Heaven Forbid" remember who voted for this and which administrators' idea this was.
Afterall this administration has no children or grandchildren in this Township.

WHY WOULD THEY CARE ABOUT OUR CHILDRENS SAFETY?

Anonymous said...

Vote for Coffey and Hire!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

VOTE HENSON AND COLLINS!!!!!

Anonymous said...

According to your Creed "We need to elect good, intelligent and thoughtful people. Well I didn't see any of thst enthusiasm from Hire. No Mr. because he doesn't get my respect.

Anonymous said...

Bobby Hire is going door to door in neighborhoods talking to people.
This might be a good idea for Natalie this weekend also.

We are down to the wire.

Go Bobby and Natalie!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have attended several board meetings and have yet to hear Judy Collins say much at all. If she does happen to say something it is not relevant. She will not be getting my vote!

Anonymous said...

I have attended several board meetings and have yet to hear Judy Collins say much at all. If she does speak it is not relevant information. She will NOT be getting my vote!

Anonymous said...

I've noticed Judy has been absent from various things she used to routinely go to in the township. Probably because she would get asked tough questions for which she can't, or won't answer.

Anonymous said...

VOTE COFFEY AND HIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

As a Decatur teacher, Decatur parent, Decatur resident, and Decatur taxpayer I am really concerned that Collins would say that we have no choice but to cut funds and that we should just let this run its course. Are you serious? It has been running its course for far too long and look at our current predictament. I also want to make it clear that although Henson says that he doesn't want to see class sizes get bigger, he thinks the worst case scenerio would be to increase class sizes by 5! I invite anyone who is not a teacher to come into my room for not a day, not a week, not a month, but the whole year. You try it with 28-30 kids and tell me that adding 5 more is okay! That letting it run its course is okay. It's not okay. We are busting at the seams. We spend a good portion of our day dealing with behavioral issues;thus;interrupting instruction and learning of others. Add 5 more to that mix and the teaching and learning are nearly out the window. Add 10 more, and forget about it. Just hook up a prozac I.V. to my arm.

Anonymous said...

EVERYONE PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE TUESDAY!!

GET YOUR FRIENDS,NEIGHBORS, AND FAMILY OUT TO VOTE!!

OUR CHILDREN NEED YOUR VOTE!!!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...Its time to support our schools and get away from the negative and untrue comments stated by this negative blog. April 28, 2010 8:28 AM

Stinson waves his wand and *POOF* says it's untrue.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...Wow, Pellico. You think we're all little kids in your grade school class? We do have the facts. In fact, we have links to state web-sites that prove the facts. They're just facts that threaten your cushy job, so not you got your shorts in a twist. You need to get up to speed that yelling at us like we're little children just makes you a joke to the rest of us. Some "communicator" you are, huh? The current school board members have not put their "heart and soul" into our school system. They only voted to allow Stinson to put his hand in our pockets and take cash set aside for our children. Or weren't you there when they voted to do that at the meeting in late January? Run along now and go play in traffic, Gary. You need to stop bothering the real grown-ups here. You know, the tax-payers? April 28, 2010 7:42 Pm // LOL.. It does sound like Pellico . . . punctuation-challenged.

Anonymous said...

"Your papers please"....Mr Pellico, help us get the facts. Do we understand correctly that a taxpaying citizen who was told by Jane Kirk that the contracts she requested were ready to be picked up, and she said she would be down there in the next half hour to get them and Jane said they would be up front ready to go. When she arrived at the CO those documents were no where to be found according to the person at the front desk.Person at the front desk asked her for her ID and to sign her name for them. This citizen said "no" she wasn't going to sign and show her ID since she was told they were public records and anyone could have a copy of them. We hear that this citizen was detained for over 20 minutes until you arrived and behold the contracts appeared! Strangely, not having met her, how did you know her name? True?
Why did you ask for this persons name and a copy of her ID? You also stated you were "hurt" that the citizen had to ask for help from the Public Records office to have obtained them. And did you also tell the person that the documents were private and confidential, and are not to be distributed? Sounds as if you attempted to intimidate, or perhaps harass. Please respond!

Anonymous said...

To the incumbents, you were elected by the people of this township and are accountable to them. If it takes all night so be it. You also get a small fee for being on the school board and I know for a fact you get other perks so do your job or quit.

Anonymous said...

Freedom of speech is a lovely thing and a right. But some of you need to really learn the constitution and the laws before being so hating of others and their opinions. The sad part is some of these comments are from the so-called educated people in this township. It doesn't surprise me though. So vote for change in the school board.

Anonymous said...

Anon April 28 3:47 PM & 5:20 PM

Having recently the pleasure to meet with Pat Andrews,she certainly is a woman of integrity. Athough I may not know her theology, but I surely know onething she believes in, and that is the TRUTH! We must all seek the truth and proclaim it. As many of us know, the truth indeed will set you free. I am certain she is a woman of strong ethics and compassion.
Thank you Pat,we appreciate you!