According to a police report, Stinson was pulled over at 1:45 a.m. after Officer Michael Pigman saw his vehicle swerving on State Road 267.
"I could smell the odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver's person, and his eyes were bloodshot," Pigman said in the police report.
Police said Stinson admitted being at Bubbaz Bar and Grill and another bar earlier in the evening.
Pigman said Stinson failed field sobriety tests and that his blood-alcohol content was 0.12 in a portable breath test.
Stinson told the officer that he had been drinking more frequently since his wife of 39 years left him unexpectedly.
Edited to add: WISH-TV also has a story on their website.
Posts
55 comments:
See several of us all along have had the right idea about this man. Why could the voting population see it????
I meant not see it!
Time for the MSD Decatur Township Board of Education to STEP UP! Fire him IMMEDIATELY. No questions asked. GONE GONE GONE. Unless of course....they're a bunch of drunks too? FIRE HIM NOW!
It will be interesting to see how the school board handles this?? They will probably give him a pay raise. I wonder how long it took him to come up with the excuse of his wife leaving him?? Just because your wife leaves you is no excuse to go out and drink. What an example for our township. He doesn't need another chance, let's face it he is a loser...
5:19 p.m. indychannel.com updates story to add this:
Stinson told 6News that the arrest was "one lapse in judgment," and that the divorce played no role in it. He asked students and community members to forgive him.
Stinson said he expects to be punished but expects to keep his job.
5:42 p.m. Email to Decatur employees
As you probably know I made a terrible error in judgment and that is something I will have to live with the rest of my life, and something for which I am paying a very high price. I have embarrassed myself, even worse my family and friends, and have unnecessarily brought negative attention to the district. On both, I am truly sorry! I offer my sincerest apology to my families and friends, to our school board, to all employees and students of the MSD of Decatur and to the Decatur community and pledge to work harder and re-focus on what is truly important to attain some positives out of this negative situation. You are my school family and I would have never wanted to hurt any of you in any way. No matter the outcome for me I hope you find forgiveness. Decatur is the greatest school district in the state and that is because all of you.
Don
sounds like he's changing his tune since his wife filed for divorce Sept.8,2009 maybe he's smart enough to know people can check his court record
Well, at least he'll be able to walk to his community service gig talking to high school students about drinking and driving.
Sometimes you gotta know when to quit, Favre. I mean, Don.
December 13, 2010 7:41 PM Anonymous said...
He is human. He made a mistake. He should not be "publicly stoned" like this and comments about his wife leaving him and he is a "loser" are cruel and should be left out. I am not making light of what he did, but his life (and career) shouldn't go up in flames over one poor choice. I didn't realize that some of the anonymous commentators were without flaw, and had never made a mistake in their lives. It follows logical reason then, that they should be allowed to insult, ridicule, and condemn this man. They truly then should be the judges of ones character and life.
------
Remember children: when you're in the principal's office - we're all sinners.
what does this guy have to do before you stop backing him the pitty party should be over enough is enough.What's next to bring down our school system
Great comment on http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-decatur-township-superintenden-121310,0,230196.story
Continental4life at 6:18 PM December 13, 2010
I believe that there have been several teachers and administrators that Stinson has made "go away" or "fired" because of the SAME circumstance. Former Football Coach Gillen to name one!
See YA Don! Should have used the highest paid Indiana Superintendant salary to get a cab!
We don't have to pay for his liver transplant, do we?
I have a problem with his statement that he expects to be punished but expects to keep his job. Is it a given that superintendents get to keep their job if arrested for DUI? What about other school employees?
DUI Don wrote:
"I offer my sincerest apology...and pledge to work harder and re-focus on what is truly important to attain some positives out of this negative situation."
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I'm not sure, but I'm guessing he means another pay raise? Whenever he starts talking about "what is truly important" to him it usually ends up with more of our kids' cash in his pockets.
Don't anyone hold their breath that the school board is gonna punish DUI Don for anything. We got some committed boozers on the board who are ducking drunk-driver patrols every weekend themselves. You can always see a couple of their noses glowing red when they show up for board meetings.
It'll be interesting to see what Susan Adams does with this fiasco. She wants DUI Don's job worse than anything and this may be her only opportunity to put the screws to him. She's preparing to promote Cathy Wiseman's husband from shift custodian at DILC to the MSD Maintenance Dept over at the Operations Building. That ought to be one vote for firing DUI Don. Susan only needs two more and then she'll be our new superintendent. Ol' DUI Don finally stepped in it.
Stinson is the one who drug his former wife into all of this - sad, sad. Does anyone know who his "drinking buddies" were that night?????????????? Stinson, according to the Indianapolis Star, gets $12,0000 per year for his car allowance and then he gets more for his gasoline. The Board should say "Yes" this is a serious mistake and Decatur will need to get a new superintendent and Don you need to get a new job. That is what other victims of the dynasty had to do.
the township is paying for the car he drives. it should be taken away from him. if he wants to go out drinking do it in his own car. when will some of you people stop condoning evrything him and that school board does. if it were a teacher they would be gone. how much does it take to get rid of these people. I wonder if Phil Webster bailed him out. Phil likes to sing Stinsons praises all the time. I guess somebody didnt keep their mouth shut about the arrest
Susan Adams has prior experience in getting rid of superintendents who get in her way. They're still talking about the hatchet job she did over at Perry Twp. Don't under estimate her. If anyone has some ideas for what Stinson can do for his community service, the judge in Hendricks County would be happy to listen.
t could have been any of us in the on coming vehicle he could of collided with. it could have been any of our decatur children injured or killed in that (possible) accident. i would agree that he is only human. the problem is he leads a district of impressionable children. especially if he was driving a township vehicle there are grounds to be fired. i'm anxious to see what the school board does or doesn't do tmrw night.
This man has brought enough negative publicity to this township during his
time here.Go to Channel 6 website and follow links, Go to Star and News website and check archives.Read everything from the past on this blog. He is ultimately responsible for employee training on anti-bullying and racial discrimination yet a few weeks ago we were in the news for bullying and racial discrimination because staff didn't nip it in the bud the first time the girl reported it.There is a former employee at transportation who has gone to NAACP to report racial discrimination.The girl mentioned above has hired an attorney. How many Title VII lawsuits do we need?
Should these charges be found to be true{ remember they only have to prove they felt like they were discriminated against}it could cost this Township millions of dollars in federal money not even counting attorney fees.
We need new leadership in this school system.Time to bow out gracefully Don.
Don Stinson keep you head up high. You are without a doubt the best superintendent that I have ever worked for. I am sorry that some people do not recognize your talent and the contributions that you have made to our community of learners. What you did to change the educational culture in Decatur Township took courage and intelligence. I admire what you have done. More importantly, I take pride in knowing that I followed your leadership as we, and others, contributed to making Decatur Central a great High School. Not only are your an outstanding educator but you are truly a wonderful person who cares deeply about teachers and students and in particular those students and teachers in Decatur Township. We have all made mistakes in our lives. We are all imperfect by nature. I am sure that is why there is a eraser on the end of the pencil . I know you in for some hard times and I am equally sure that you will be your greatest critic. I hope you count me as one of your friends and I hope you know that I will be there for you where ever and when ever you need me. I hope that the faculty, students and patrons of Decatur Township will step back and realize the contributions you have made and not make a knee jerk reaction to an unfortunate situation that I am sure will never happen again.
OK Let me be the first to bash Phil Webster. First of all...GAG. RETCH. CHOKE. PUKE. Hey commie; your rah rah rah sis boom bah crap won't get it now. Stinson choked this time. Someone needs to get the corporate credit cards and look back throughout the last few years and check how much alcohol we the taxpayers have bought. It's common knowledge that this board (even going back to the Larry Taylor dynasty) are a bunch of alkies. Anyone know how many School Board conferences or Superintendant conferences they've gone to? New Orleans; San Francisco; Orlando....that's just the big ones. How much alcohol can be consumed at one of these "conferences"? It's still up in the air whether or not Larry Taylor took an unauthorized trip at taxpayer’s expense. I guarantee you that the alcohol flows freely at these events, and even worse you and I have paid for it! I as a taxpayer am asking right here and now in public...how do I obtain receipts for the last few years? It would be easy to make a spread sheet and outline all the alcohol these drunks have bought! Stinson committed a felony. He'll cop a plea; cry and apologize; take a drug and alcohol class and pay a fine. Of course he'll walk away from this. But Phil, he needs to do the right thing and walk away. You and I both know that this administration, including the Board, is a bunch of partying self serving bunch of egomaniacs. Not only does Stinson need to walk away (gracefully if he chooses) but in 2012 Greenwald and Huffman need to be the first to go.
Again, I am going to demand receipts and detailed information on how much money that this board has spent on trips and alcohol.
You know as well as I do that if you or I would have done this, we'd be ruined. Sorry Phil; I hold Stinson to higher standards than you or I.
As far as the school board doing anything about this, they have absolutely no respect of mine. From what I've heard they have no respect of anyone in the township. At one time they were respected, but for some reason they've become out of touch and unreachable. Could it be all the trips to New Orleans, Orlando, San Diego and San Francisco? What else could it be? Jobs for their family members? Money from contracting jobs? Job for life at the CISC? Hmm. What is it they say "money makes the world go 'round"?
Time for them all to go. Every one. Starting in 2012 with Huffman and Greenwald.
Sorry Phil.....not gonna get by with this one!
Pat: I'll take the lead on this one. Can you advise me on how I can get reciepts/expense reports from the last few years? I'm serious about how much this Board has spent on "conferences". I'd be happy to take the lead and prove how much they've spent on themselves and family junkets. The taxpayers of Decatur need to know how much alcohol this administration has bought with their kids money.
Anon 6:23 - I took the liberty of deleting the two duplicates of your comments that appeared. There was nothing different in them than in the original 6:23 post.
To request records, you can walk into the central office and make the request, or send in the request by email or snail mail. Supposedly, Stinson and a Robin Gregory now split the public information officer duties. His email is dstinson@msddecatur.k12.in.us and hers is rgregory@msddecatur.k12.in.us.
If you walk in, they have 24 hours to acknowledge receipt of your request and begin looking for documents that match it. If you email or snail mail the request, they have 7 days.
Be forewarned, Stinson and Gregory have a growing reputation for not getting public information out. If they do not acknowledge your request, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor. www.in.gov/pac
The records you mentioned in your comments, would be receipts for expenses incurred while traveling on District business. You can more narrowly define it, if you wish, by noting the exact trips you are interested in. That might take less time to find all of the documents. You should also specify the names of the Board members or District employees you are interested in.
You might want to request electronic versions of the documents. It is cheaper that way. If the receipts aren't already in electronic form, it is the same amount of work to scan them into the computer as to scan them onto paper. They can charge you up to 10 cents per page. And, trust me, these guys will do exactly that.
In all of this, the public access counselor is your friend and can help you navigate reluctant waters.
On the side panel of my blog, I have a link to ICOG, where they have a sample letter you can use that covers all of the legal bases for a public records request.
You should know that it is against the law to use public money to purchase alcohol, including with dinner. It is common for folks travelling on the public dime to deduct that sort of expense. But, if someone were to use a credit card and have no itemized receipt to go with the credit card bill, the public could not say for sure if alcohol was purchased. In the past, the State Board of Accounts has taken the District to task for loose travel reimbursement practices.
Hope that helps. Let me know what you find and I'll help you get the facts out.
note to all posters -- Blogger is adding multiple copies of comments, for whatever reason. I will do my best to keep up with deleting the extra copies. Please bear with me on keeping the comments section tidy. Thanks.
I just read a comment on the Indy Star web page about Dale Henson. Is he also the fire chief in Decatur Township? How's that possible! Isn't there a law against holding two public offices?
Phil Webster said...
"Don Stinson keep your head up high. You are without a doubt the best superintendent that I have ever worked for. I am sorry that some people do not recognize your talent and the contributions that you have made to our comunity of learners."
Smooth move, Phil. Your support, right now when Diamond Don needs it most, may be what it takes to get him to finally okay your proposal to turn the old bus garage into a cash-cow athletic center for you and, oh...uh, the children of Decatur Township. You've been working that hustle for a long time and now might be your best chance to get Stinson to change his mind and okay it. Who knows. You may just get that central office job that you feel you deserve, since (as you said here previously) you "have so much to offer" in administration. :)
I had to laugh to see you predictably coming here to do your what's-in-it-for-me cheerleading session for Diamond Don. I noticed that you didn't mention the "contributions" that Don has made to our "community" of hustlers and shake-down artists over at central office. Did you notice the on-line link in Stinson's DWI story to another story about our admin costs being 11% of the total budget, when it's around 2% at other school districts? How much money do you think Stinson's "contributions" (presumably to his retirement package and bar tab) should continue to cost our kids???
we all know the school board is not going to do anything to him. and why does Phil Webster keep singing the praises of Don Stinson when not that long ago the administrators were trying their best to get rid of him. Phil are you getting a kick back to be Stinsons PR man. I have heard you make comments about Stinson in the past what changed your mind. you do know they are not gonna let you be superintendent.
Anonymous said... He is human. He made a mistake. He should not be "publicly stoned" like this and comments about his wife leaving him and he is a "loser" are cruel and should be left out. I am not making light of what he did, but his life (and career) shouldn't go up in flames over one poor choice. I didn't realize that some of the anonymous commentators were without flaw, and had never made a mistake in their lives. It follows logical reason then, that they should be allowed to insult, ridicule, and condemn this man. They truly then should be the judges of ones character and life. December 13, 2010 7:41 PM
Man, where do they find all the perfect people who are judges in actual courtrooms? Let's just forgive all the criminals and unlock the jails, 'cuz we're all sinners!
Phil...spit out the Kool-Aid...before it's too late, man!
"OK Let me be the first to bash Phil Webster. First of all...GAG. RETCH. CHOKE. PUKE. Hey commie; your rah rah rah sis boom bah crap won't get it now". Anony mouse 6:23
"Smooth move, Phil. Your support, right now when Diamond Don needs it most, may be what it takes to get him to finally okay your proposal to turn the old bus garage into a cash-cow athletic center for you and, oh...uh, the children of Decatur Township. You've been working that hustle for a long time and now might be your best chance to get Stinson to change his mind and okay it. Who knows. You may just get that central office job that you feel you deserve, since (as you said here previously) you "have so much to offer" in administration
"Anony mouse 8:53
Hey Anony"mouse" it is pretty easy to sit back and make accusations that you can not back up. Let's see, one of you accuses me of being a "commie" and the other "mouse" thinks that the only reason to say something nice about someone is if you can get something in return.
I looked for you at the school board meeting tonight but I did not see you but then again I do not know what an anony "mouse" looks like. I certainly did not hear you speak up face to face and make your accusations against a man who has made significant contributions to educational improvements in Decatur Township. I may have missed your comments but nobody who spoke had a squeaky voice or wiggled their nose and tiny whiskers. You are correct in your assertion that I made a proposal to turn the bus garage into a sports enhancement center. I was turned down and I am satisfied with their decision and will not make any similar proposal in the future. Today it is a wonderful storage facility that is greatly benefiting the young people of Decatur township. That is over with and my support of Don Stinson has nothing to do with any future attempt to do anything with the old bus garage.
Yes I would love to be involved in teacher training. I have taught now for over forty years and I would love to be in a position to pass on some of the things I have learned to younger teachers. I have never asked Don Stinson for any administrative position nor has he ever offered me sucn a position. By the way I could stop now so you can go to the refrigerator and get yourself some cheese. Oh you already have a piece. okay I will continue. Not everyone has a selfish motive when they support someone they think is doing a great job. I was here before Don Stinson and I have seen what he has accomplished . He was voted Superintendent of the
Year for the state on Indiana. He is a good man who made a mistake. I am a good man and I have made some mistakes. I would speculate that you are a good "mouse" that has made some mistakes.You do remember what happened when you ran into the farmers wife don't you. It would be nice if you would come out of you hole and face me so I could debate these issues and accusations man to man. You insist on hiding behind the Anonymous signature. I think that is sad. Just print your name in the signiture box.
part 2
Don Stinson has been the Superintendent of Decatur Township Schoos for the past decade. Maybe you do not think that these accomplishments over the past ten years are significant but many people would. Let me also say that these accomplishments are off the top of my head and I am sure that there are some that I will have not mentioned but these are a few that I can recall:
Indiana Superintendent of the Year
improvement to West Newton
Improvement to Stephen Decatur
Improvement to Decatur Middle School
Decatur Intermediate School Blue and Gold Academy
Early Childhood Center
A new Decatur Central High School
Decatur Enrichment Center
Small Learning Communities
Challenger Learning Center
Partnership with Ivy Tech
Increased College Prep Classes
Partnership with the University of Indianapolis
A successful dollars for scholars organization that has passed out many worthy scholarships to deserving Decatur Township graduates
Our schools have produced a recent West Point graduate as well as graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
Two recent graduates have received their Ph.d's
tonight at the school board meeting the owner of Panther Racing John Barnes talked about the benefit of the education he received as a graduate of Decatur Central High School.
Jef Farmer a very successful business man is a graduate of DCHS
Chief Justice Givens who recently served on the Indiana Supreme Court was a graduate of DCHS. Decatur Township Schools has produced many successful lawyers , Doctors, private business people as well as outstanding public servants. We have also produced successful people in the building trades and other skilled labor professions.
Don Stinson can not take credit for all of this and he wouldn't. But in my opinion a leader is somebody that seeks to do what is possible not what is perfect. None of us are perfect and neither are our institutions but what we should be striving to do is what is possible. He has put our students on a journey toward excellence and we are moving in that direction. Yes, Don made a big mistake but he has proven to be a good leader and with our help and some Christian redemption he can continue to serve us well
Phil, you are delusional! You're drunk on Diamond Don's kool-aid.
"and some Christian redemption he can continue to serve us well"
I dunno about that. When dealing with folks that are messed up on one of the following:
Drugs
Alcohol
Religion
Experience has shown me the alcoholics and stoners to be much more reasonable than those consumed with religion. I guess if I drank liters of bourbon daily, and tripped on copious amounts of acid,perhaps I too,would hear the voice of God talking to me as well.
On a more serious note..
Phillip Webster,you must agree that Stinson must face some sort of consequence for his actions,no?
I don't think he's going to lose his job over this,the board seems to share your enthusiasm for the man. I do believe since his drivers license is now suspended(this happens at the time of arrest before one is convicted),there's no point in continuing the $12,000 a year car allowance,would you not agree?
A policy regarding such a situation as Stinson's should have been developed by now. If not,why not? Lack of forethought? Laziness?
The board should agree to take away the car allowance, and require Stinson to undergo an alcoholic rehab program at his own expense.
Anything shy of the above,would be setting the wrong example. And doing Stinson a disservice to himself.Especially considering his arrogant response to the township through the media by stating that he doesn't have an alcohol problem.
When you're 60 years old,point one two,behind the steering wheel of an automobile,swerving on the roadway at 1:30 am, and you get busted/arrested....You've got an alcohol problem. And, Dale Henson of all people, should be aware of the dangers of such actions. As I'm sure he has responded to many drunk driving accident scenes throughout his DTFD career.
Anything less than the above would just be one big FU to the township.
Your mileage may vary. No pun intended.
The Board needs to publicly release a new contract for this superintendent once he is convicted of the crime IF they are going to continue to employ him. The new contract should reflect the economic times, the moral and ethical conduct expected, and an evaluation of his performance based upon student achievement. If he thinks this is not reasonable then he can find another job - don't know who would hire him so the Board should be held responsible for this decision.
well hopefully mr.stinson will not only admit he made a mistake but get help to stop drinking.our kids need a good role model and seeing him ask for help with a problem would be a good example. as for phil webster,we all know how you feel about mr. stinson. after all how many teachers can park at c.o.?oh and maybe you need driving lessons on how to park. you always park in between the parking lines so no one will park by you. well your little yellow car stands out like a canary,not so much when you drive your truck.and i'd bet that if you have given up on the old bus garage you have found someplace else on school property to have your baseball money making projects.
Ditto the above.
You can put your bong down now, Phil. I think you've had enough for today. Seems like you and DWI Don both have your reasoning addled a bit by voluntarily ingested chemicals. Both of you should stop embarrassing yourselves.
Phil:
Yes, while Stinson has been here he has done alot. We've had large building projects, perhaps more than we can actually afford. Our educational system is novel and highly toughted, despite any significant data to suggest we have actually improved anything.
Don Stinson is now a polarizing figure in the Township. The last school board election was very much a referendum about him, and he came very, very close to have two new school board members - both Stinson critics.
The DWI is just the tip of the iceberg, Phil. At some point, you must say he is attracting too much negative attention to the Township. He must be punished. He must realize he has an alcohol problem.
He currently denies any alcohol problem. Do you agree with his statement? Alcohol has now affected his daily life, which is all you need to be diagnosed with an alcohol problem. What can't he admit this? Why would the school board stand by an individual who flatly denies any problem and permit him to be our leader and role model?
Do your research, most individuals with similar positions who committed similar crimes (all of them recently in fact) are either released from their public post or resign. Why is he any different?
Stinson will never leave voluntarily. He's the engineeer on the Central Office gravy train. If he goes, Phil's chance of turning a few bucks at taxpayer expense go with him.
In reading the posts here, I have to say that if the person claiming to be Phil Webster really IS Phil Webster, then I agree with the above poster. It's time to put your bong down.
Your childish rants about mice and cheese show you need to stay out of conversations involving adults. You seem to think you can establish control by belittling people as if they were 9th grade students. For heaven's sake, Coach, get a grip. The comments people posted in response to your attempted pep rally in Mr. Stinson's behalf is stuff you're going to have to expect when you try to throw your weight around with adults. With adults, you have to earn their respect, not have it artificially forced from them the way we traditionally expect our children to treat their elders. No children here, Coach. Just other elders who have lived around you for a long time. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. Oh, and please don't lecture us about Mr. Stinson getting big-shot awards from his professional peers. Number one, this blog isn't your classroom so no need for you to think you can lecture anyone and, number two, the awards Mr. Stinson has received mean about as much as President Obama getting the Nobel Prize from his "peers".
To the uneducated "anonymous" person who thinks that Dale Henson can't hold 2-public offices....think again. He is Fire Chief of the Fire Department not the Decatur Township Schools. The two have nothing to do with each other. I'm so sorry to see so much name calling and uneducated claims made against individuals who probably haven't done a thing.
How many of you Decatur Central graduates never drank in high school or for that matter middle school. None of us are perfect, that's why we're human. Sure we have all made mistakes that we wish we could do over.
Do I take driving while under the influence serious? Yes I do. The previous legal calculation on DWI was I believe 0.12..I may be wrong so I'll admit that right now. Hmmmm wrong? The interpretations of drunk driving and driving while under the influence are totally different. Do I think that he deserves a second chance? Yes I do. Come on now people how many of us have been depressed and felt alone and have gone out to have a drink? I'm sure many and you just didn't get caught. As a matter of fact if you are a no body there wouldn't be a big stink in this township.
I'm amazed at how many people in this township are throwing rocks at a glass house! This is a lesson for all of us and yes he can teach our children to learn from his mistake. Look at Michael Vick...people are now wanting his autograph. Strange world we live in.
Remember compassion is not a bad thing and he isn't hiding in his house. He is stepping up to the plate and meeting head-on. Which is more than I can say most of us would do.
Bah Hum Bug to some and Merry Christmas to others who aren't so judgemental.
'How many of you Decatur Central graduates never drank in high school or for that matter middle school. None of us are perfect, that's why we're human.
Come on now people how many of us have been depressed and felt alone and have gone out to have a drink? I'm sure many and you just didn't get caught.
Look at Michael Vick...people are now wanting his autograph.'
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So I suppose Stinson's actions now somehow equate to a DCHS student sneaking some beer for the first time? Or that it's a predictable outcome of the terrible (sob) loneliness he feels at the top of his profession? Or that since Stinson hasn't been sent to prison yet, he's somehow morally superior to a convicted felon like Michael Vick? Sounds like you've been educated in the Don Stinson School of Situational Ethics. :)
Once again to anonymous....I'm not a Don Stinson fan and as far as my reference to drinking in high school I was simply trying to point out that I'm sure there are several Decatur Grads who should'nt be pointing the finger at someone in outrage if they have done the same thing.
I simply feel that he is facing it head on and everyone deserves a second chance....which was my point about Michael Vick.
Maybe I feel more compassionate than you because I believe that he will suffer the consequences of his bad choice and I also believe that he will make a positive approach out of it. One that everyone can learn from.
It's not up to me to say if he keeps his job or not. He didn't have to be to school and he wasn't on school property and he was on his own time. Have others been punished from Decatur? I don't know. You evidently are in the in-crowd and know. I just know that I feel whatever the outcome he will do the right thing in the end, whether it be resign or terminated by the Board.
Phil:
1. It's not the MAN (stinson), it's the ISSUES. Sure he might be a great man; great educator, yada yada yada. IS HE WORTH WHAT HE'S BEING PAID? IS HE WORTH THE PENSION and perks? That's the issue. Honest to God; if he didn't set himself up with all the money he's making and perks, people wouldn't be so mad.
2. You think it's right Don Huffman hired his grandson over all the talent in the United States for a head coaching job? You think that's ethical for his kid to be making over 70 grand a year teaching/coaching first year?You think its ethical for the school to have a monopoly on drivers ed with huffmans business?
3. You think it's ethical for henson to be on the school board AND fire chief? Speaking of DRINKING...ever seen him at one of the fire department Christmas parties???????
4. You think it's ethical for Judy Colins to hire her kids and have a softball field named after her husband?
5. You think it's OK for greenwald to run around on the football field at his kids games drunk and making a fool out of himself? Think it's ethical for his busniess to make money off of the multi-million dollar football field?
6. You think it's ethical for cathy wiseman to raise taxes on all of us; not pay HER taxes; lose her house...and not live in the township....AND be president of the school board? How about the ethics of hiring her husband and then moving him to one of the highest paid janitorial positions?
Phil. Read numbers 1 through 6 above. THIS is why people are mad. THIS is the reason the township is abuzz. Sticks and stones might break bones....but the issues hurt most. This school board is one of the most self serving and egotistical in the history of the township (please read items 1-6 above). THIS is why people are mad.
Oh. Sorry; forgot all of the "conferences" this board travels to. Rumor has it that we've even paid for spouses airfare, hotel and meals. You of all people should realize that each of these board members has a corporate credit card. Freedom of information requests from the last 8 years will prove this.
Stinson needs to go.
Squeak.
Can't wait to hear Websters responses to anon 4:28.
Compassion Cate:
You cannot equate Stinson's act to that of a high school student drinking. Driving while intoxicated is a more severe CRIME than having an alcoholic beverage.
Apparently, you like to have alcoholics run our school system and that he can "change".
It's not about compassion. He is selfish in his mannerisms (drinking) and does not deserve any compassion from people he has never met.
It's about being a professional, a role model, a public servant. He is held to a HIGHER STANDARD than the average person. He knew that when taking the position.
Mr. Huffman is a Driving Instructor, Mr. Henson is the Township Fire Chieef and Mrs. Collins has always been a community and child advocate. How could these three of the five school board members support a drunk driver? Mr. Stinson should tender his resignation, effective at the year of the school year. Mr. Stinson's actions ARE a violation of the communities trust. I feel he has shown bad judgement in the worse case. The difference between him and Officer Bisard...he got pulled-over before he killed someone. Anyone know what vehicle he was driving? Is it MSD owned and insured?
My reaction to your reaction
Phil. Read numbers 1 through 6 above. THIS is why people are mad. THIS is the reason the township is abuzz. Sticks and stones might break bones....but the issues hurt most. This school board is one of the most self serving and egotistical in the history of the township (please read items 1-6 above). THIS is why people are mad.
My statements on this blog have been supportive of Don Stinson’s educational accomplishments. I believe that he has made great progress in bringing a first class educational institution to Decatur Township. Don Stinson does not pay himself. He is paid by the school board. Don Stinson did not hire the football coach. The football coach was given a contract that was voted on by the school board. Dale Henson is not elected as the Decatur Fire Chief. He is appointed by the Trustee and approved by the Town Board. He was elected to the school board. So he is not holding two elected positions in Decatur Township. I do not know where Cathy Wiseman lives and whether or not she is in violation of election qualifications. I was at all of the football games and I had an opportunity to see Doug Greenwald on each of those nights. I did not think that he made a fool of himself . He was only being support of our football team for which his son happens to play. I can assure you that on the days that I observed him he was not drunk and there was no evidence that he had been drinking. Is there any evidence that the school board hired family members over others who applied for the jobs that were posted on the MSD web site. Maybe the family members were the only people to apply. Maybe you have evidence to the contrary. I am not writing to be critical or supportive of our school board but I am supportive of our superintendent and the board in what they have accomplished educationally
after all how many teachers can park at c.o.?oh and maybe you need driving lessons on how to park. you always park in between the parking lines so no one will park by you. well your little yellow car stands out like a canary,not so much when you drive your truck.and i'd bet that if you have given up on the old bus garage you have found someplace else on school property to have your baseball money making projects.
I do not know how many teachers can park at Central office. I do not think I need driving lessons but maybe. If I knew who you were I might hire you to teach me. I could pay you out of the money I make out from all of the baseball money I make on school property. Thanks for noticing my Honda S-2000. It is kind of special to me. I will however attempt to take up only one space from now on Oh by the way I appreciate it if you would refer to the color of my car as gold not canary yellow. Do you like my silver colored truck. I would like to put an end to this bus garage controversy. I was asked by Don Stinson and one of the board members to make a proposal on the old Bus Garage and Maintaince building. It was not my idea it was theirs. They wanted me to give up my teaching duties that would save them money and I could provide a service to the athletes in Decatur Township for a profit. I made the proposal and the other board members including the one that asked me to submit the proposal voted it down. I am no longer pursing it and it was not my idea in the first place
If you would like to see the proposal I submitted at their request I would be more that willing to share it with you.
part 2
Your childish rants about mice and cheese show you need to stay out of conversations involving adults. You seem to think you can establish control by belittling people as if they were 9th grade students. For heaven's sake, Coach, get a grip. The comments people posted in response to your attempted pep rally in Mr. Stinson's behalf is stuff you're going to have to expect when you try to throw your weight around with adults. With adults, you have to earn their respect, not have it artificially forced from them the way we traditionally expect our children to treat their elders. No children here, Coach. Just other elders who have lived around you for a long time. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. Oh, and please don't lecture us about Mr. Stinson getting big-shot awards from his professional peers. Number one, this blog isn't your classroom so no need for you to think you can lecture anyone and, number two, the awards Mr. Stinson has received mean about as much as President Obama getting the Nobel Prize from his "peers".
Actually I thought the mouse and cheese analogy was cute and funny. In your case maybe I should draw your attention to the episode in Alice in Wonderland where the rabbit comes to the tea party. I think I saw you sitting at the table. Now all we have to do is blame it on Obama. He is the reason it is going to snow tonight. I love how you judge people and put them in their place. I try not to belittle people but in your case I find it competitive. By the way you write I take it that you are older than 9th grade. I really do not have any weight to throw around . I am simply a Law Education teacher and a baseball coach. Is there some reason why I can not express my thoughts because you think I am over weight. By your own admission I have not earned the respect of others and I am forced to shove my opinions down their throats. I have lived around you for a long time and I have never had the privilege of meeting you .I do live in a house and I would invite you to come to my home and discuss our views over a hot cup of coffee . If you come please leave the rocks at your house. I would come to your house and discuss our view if I knew who you were and where you live. If I come to your house you probably do not have any coffee you would probably have me over for a tea party
this will be my last entry on this blog. I have said what I have to say about topic of interest in our Community. I have attempted in any small way I could to make Decatur Central High School the best it can be. I think Don Stinson has demonstated great leadership skills in putting us on a road toward excellence. I wish he had not driven drunk. It was a mistake. He needs to be given help.This is not only a moment when we can question his character but it is a time for us to question ours
This would be a great time for our ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS to step up up to the plate. They are the ones that gave him the "golden contract". Gasp...Surprise surprise...there's a morals clause in his contract stating that if his conduct was "detrimental to the District....".
Time to renegotiate.....
TO PHIL,
Thank you for knowing when to leave. Your standing up for him only tarnishes your legacy at DCHS. At what cost?
Even if Stinson walks on water, as our school board would suggest by paying him more than any other superintendent in the state, and has revolutionized our schools, it is now lost by a very poor decision of his. You never did answer my question if he was an alcoholic and you stand by his inconsistent answers he provided police and the media.
Do you really think Wiseman's husband was the only person to apply for the custodial job in this recession?
Do you really think Collin's daughter was the only person to apply for her position?
Do you really think Greenwald's business was the most competitive bid for the football field?
Do you really think it's ethical for him to bid while being an elected official? Is that not a conflict of interest?
Do you really think Huffman's grandson was the most qualified applicant for the football head coach position?
Coincidence? I think not. Right or wrong, Phil, this is what appears to be seen by an outsider. They have a PR nightmare, and have had one for some time.
Anon 9:37: Don't forget the President of our school board that doesn't live in the township.
Hey Phil; evidentaly someone was concerned about hiring Cathy Wisemans husband. Go to the MSD Decatur website; school board minutes; and look at the minutes from the November meeting....I'll quote it here for those that don't believe it...under OTHER
"Mr. Stinson recommended board
approval of a Conflict of Interest declaration for Mrs. Cathy
Wiseman because of employment of her spouse by the school corporation. Mr. Henson made a motion to approve the Conflict of Interest statement. Mrs. Collins seconded the motion. Mrs. Collins, Mr. Henson, Mr. Greenwald and Mr. Huffman voted yes. Mrs. Wiseman abstained. The motion carried."
Phil Webster wrote:
"This is not only a moment when we can question his character but it is a time for us to question ours."
For pete's sake. We need to question OUR character, Phil??? It's Stinson's character that keeps this township in a perpetual negative light, not ours. I'll 2nd the motion that you need to put your bong down. That stuff is frying your brain cells, Coach. Maybe the school board will spring for the cash to get you some treatment right along with DWI Don.
I hope Phlatterer Phil isn't planning to share what he has (obviously not) learned about language arts with the younger teachers. Oh, wait. I've made typos before so I can't point out his many errors.
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