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Post by dpc on Apr 4, 2006 19:26:43 GMT -6
Yes, dpc, how about sharing a little background as most of us here have already, so we can better understand where you're coming from? What subdivision and do you have kids in the system now? I only ask because you've come on board so aggresively and quickly. First of all, let me make myself perfectly clear. I have not bashed WV in the least. I simply stated that some residents of the Eola corridor think their property values will go down with the building of the NS. Many people moving into the Naperville area want new housing, new school, etc. Like it or not, WV is viewed by many (including realtors) as being inferior to NV. I don't know why this is; perhaps a combination of the age of WV and its test scores relative to NV. I also know from emails I've shared with CB that he feels there are improvements that should be made at WV in both the physical structure and in the curriculum. Why is okay for him to think WV needs some improvement but not others like myself? Finally, I've lived in the WV attendance area for 15 years and have two children in MS at Granger. I've had an ongoing dialog with Jim Schmid as to the perception problems of WV and I've offered suggestions on how I think it could be improved. I've offered to participate in his parent council but he indicated that it is only for current WV parents. I've strongly encouraged him to open up the council or perhaps create a broader group made up of a cross-range of citizens from elementary and middle school parents, empty nesters, realtors and others in an effort to go beyond the current or alumni parents of WV who already know it is a fine institution. Yes, I have just recently joined your discussion and came charging out of the block so to speak. I've read too much personal bashing and complaining from some of you bloggers without any real constructive discussion and I've remained silent for too long. On the flip-side, I've been enlightened by the likes of WVHS Parent and others who don't seem to suffer from the group bashing mentality and focus on good constructive dialog. Bottom line is that DW and others like him and I won't see eye-to-eye on the value that a dissenting SB member like CV might bring to the table. Again, it seems that there are some personal axes to grind which will not allow for any constructive dialog on this subject. I'm sure I haven't proven myself worthy enough to some of you to allow me to participate in ongoing discussions without you constantly jumping down my throat. Is it because I am a new comer or you aren't willing to give me a chance because you don't like what I say?
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Post by warriorpride on Apr 4, 2006 20:49:47 GMT -6
First of all, let me make myself perfectly clear. I have not bashed WV in the least. I simply stated that some residents of the Eola corridor think their property values will go down with the building of the NS. Many people moving into the Naperville area want new housing, new school, etc. You did bash - you stated that property values are going to go down & that WV is going to go down hill because the "critical mass" is moving to the new school. I must admit that when NV first opened I was enamored with the newness for a while. Then I realized that all it is is a newer building - nothing more. The SD offers the exact same opportunities at each HS. BTW, I believe that Naperville Central was built in 1950 and Naperville North was built in 1970, while WV was built in 1975. Like it or not, WV is viewed by many (including realtors) as being inferior to NV. I don't know why this is; perhaps a combination of the age of WV and its test scores relative to NV. I also know from emails I've shared with CB that he feels there are improvements that should be made at WV in both the physical structure and in the curriculum. Why is okay for him to think WV needs some improvement but not others like myself? Yes, WV is about 25 years older, so it will need more maintenance & upkeep. The SB has acknowledged this & they plan to keep WV maintenance & repairs a priority. If there are improvements needed in the curriculum, I assume that is the case for NV, as well. The same curriculum is used at both HS's, no? Finally, I've lived in the WV attendance area for 15 years and have two children in MS at Granger. I've had an ongoing dialog with Jim Schmid as to the perception problems of WV and I've offered suggestions on how I think it could be improved. I've offered to participate in his parent council but he indicated that it is only for current WV parents. I've strongly encouraged him to open up the council or perhaps create a broader group made up of a cross-range of citizens from elementary and middle school parents, empty nesters, realtors and others in an effort to go beyond the current or alumni parents of WV who already know it is a fine institution. Yes, it would be nice for others to participate, but it sounds like you will be able to soon, having kids in MS. One way we all can help with the WV image is to immediately put a halt to the ridiculous rumors & urban legends. Some people seem willing to perpetuate rumors without any substantiation. We need to call this out whenever we see it. A simple "are you sure about that?" or "I'm not sure I believe that - let me try and verify that" can probably help slow these rumors down. Unfortunately, there are a lot of grapevines out there that propagate these rumors. Yes, I have just recently joined your discussion and came charging out of the block so to speak. I've read too much personal bashing and complaining from some of you bloggers without any real constructive discussion and I've remained silent for too long. On the flip-side, I've been enlightened by the likes of WVHS Parent and others who don't seem to suffer from the group bashing mentality and focus on good constructive dialog. This board is open to all different types, provided the guidelines are followed. The admins will see to that. Please contribute as you see fit. But if you are going to provide opposing opinions, people have a right to respond. Bottom line is that DW and others like him and I won't see eye-to-eye on the value that a dissenting SB member like CV might bring to the table. Again, it seems that there are some personal axes to grind which will not allow for any constructive dialog on this subject. People are sharing their opinions here. You are not the only one that gets to share yours. I think we have beaten the dead CV horse enough. Hopefully we can all move on. But, I will tell you this: if CV starts stirring the pot again with more articles, interviews, and/or press releases, I'm pretty sure that people will have something to say about it here. And, if she manages to accomplish something positive, I'd be willing to bet that people here will be willing to acknowledge that, as well. I'm sure I haven't proven myself worthy enough to some of you to allow me to participate in ongoing discussions without you constantly jumping down my throat. Is it because I am a new comer or you aren't willing to give me a chance because you don't like what I say? You are being presumptuous in saying that you won't be given a chance. People from many differing viewpoints have been given their chance to share their opinions here. I must say, though, that you started out by immediately butting heads with many individuals here, so if you're going to dish it out, you need to be willing to take it, as well. Welcome aboard!
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Post by EagleDad on Apr 4, 2006 21:16:36 GMT -6
Thanks for sharing dpc, and welcome aboard. Your set of posts in the first day were taken by some as WVHS bashing (I was PM'd by no less than 4 members indicating this). Stick to the rules, and I'm sure we'll be enjoying your opinion for quite a long time to come.
As for some having personal issues, or an axe to grind with CV, I know I do. She has existed solely for the last year to destroy my childrens educational future (while offering no respectable solutions of her own), and sorry, but I take that very, very personally. Thank goodness she, Ari, and CRAFT were stopped. I will confront her on it, she should not get a pass on this. If she's having a rough time and doesn't feel loved, or respected, good. She's earned it.
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Post by gumby on Apr 4, 2006 22:27:49 GMT -6
Where are you coming up with that? They have all been served to submit for depositions. It's all part of the court proceedings, Actually, my comment was to dpc as to how he thought you were implying that CV was to lie under oath. I didn't understand how he made that connection.
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Post by sushi on Apr 5, 2006 6:24:33 GMT -6
As for some having personal issues, or an axe to grind with CV, I know I do. She has existed solely for the last year to destroy my childrens educational future (while offering no respectable solutions of her own), and sorry, but I take that very, very personally. Thank goodness she, Ari, and CRAFT were stopped. I will confront her on it, she should not get a pass on this. If she's having a rough time and doesn't feel loved, or respected, good. She's earned it. Exactly, disagreement is one thing. A hidden agenda is another, especially one that has no concern for education or kids.
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Post by JB on Apr 5, 2006 6:52:04 GMT -6
Exactly, disagreement is one thing. A hidden agenda is another, especially one that has no concern for education or kids. The corollary to disagreement being good is that you move forward as a team after a decision is made, even if you don't get your way. This is another area where CV has fallen well short of the standard to which we must hold our board members. Contrast her response to that of JC / BR after the vote. JC /BR had enough integrity to say at the very next Saturday Coffee that, "the boundary option we supported wasn't chosen, but we fully support the decsion of the board and will move forward as a team" That type of integrity is what we should demand. Bring out the facts, debate sides, vote, then move forward as a team.
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Post by rew on Apr 5, 2006 7:29:49 GMT -6
JB, That's what bothers me as well. Why can't she move forward. I fear it's because she is already steeling herself to oppose the new teacher's contracts and condemn the 2009 ref.
CRH, CV is the one "spewing the party line". She has already made up her mind about any future spending before the facts are presented. And isn't that exactly what organizations like CRAFT, and WDTA stand for.....defeat all tax increases?
In her interview she states the ref passed on "fear", not "merit" and that it was all a huge marketing scheme by the SB. She can't say the voters picked in their best interest, even if she respectfuylly disagrees. According to her the YES voters were all duped and didn't see the facts.
She can't move on, because she is gathering ammo for the next fight. IMO she wants to be able to say...."see I told you so. they just want more $$$$, vote NO".
I may be wrong, but it will be interesting what stand she takes with the contracts, and the budget, and the 2009 ref. I guess we'll see.
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Post by warriorpride on Apr 5, 2006 7:52:39 GMT -6
JB, That's what bothers me as well. Why can't she move forward. I fear it's because she is already steeling herself to oppose the new teacher's contracts and condemn the 2009 ref. CRH, CV is the one "spewing the party line". She has already made up her mind about any future spending before the facts are presented. And isn't that exactly what organizations like CRAFT, and WDTA stand for.....defeat all tax increases? In her interview she states the ref passed on "fear", not "merit" and that it was all a huge marketing scheme by the SB. She can't say the voters picked in their best interest, even if she respectfuylly disagrees. According to her the YES voters were all duped and didn't see the facts. She can't move on, because she is gathering ammo for the next fight. IMO she wants to be able to say...."see I told you so. they just want more $$$$, vote NO". I may be wrong, but it will be interesting what stand she takes with the contracts, and the budget, and the 2009 ref. I guess we'll see. If you want to see what the CRAFT "Fiscally Responsible School Board Members" from 203 think about teacher's contracts, take a look: mikedavitt.com/pages/1/index.htm
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Post by wvhsparent on Apr 5, 2006 8:06:42 GMT -6
Yes, dpc, how about sharing a little background as most of us here have already, so we can better understand where you're coming from? What subdivision and do you have kids in the system now? I only ask because you've come on board so aggresively and quickly. First of all, let me make myself perfectly clear. I have not bashed WV in the least. I simply stated that some residents of the Eola corridor think their property values will go down with the building of the NS. Many people moving into the Naperville area want new housing, new school, etc. Like it or not, WV is viewed by many (including realtors) as being inferior to NV. I don't know why this is; perhaps a combination of the age of WV and its test scores relative to NV. I also know from emails I've shared with CB that he feels there are improvements that should be made at WV in both the physical structure and in the curriculum. Why is okay for him to think WV needs some improvement but not others like myself? Finally, I've lived in the WV attendance area for 15 years and have two children in MS at Granger. I've had an ongoing dialog with Jim Schmid as to the perception problems of WV and I've offered suggestions on how I think it could be improved. I've offered to participate in his parent council but he indicated that it is only for current WV parents. I've strongly encouraged him to open up the council or perhaps create a broader group made up of a cross-range of citizens from elementary and middle school parents, empty nesters, realtors and others in an effort to go beyond the current or alumni parents of WV who already know it is a fine institution. Yes, I have just recently joined your discussion and came charging out of the block so to speak. I've read too much personal bashing and complaining from some of you bloggers without any real constructive discussion and I've remained silent for too long. On the flip-side, I've been enlightened by the likes of WVHS Parent and others who don't seem to suffer from the group bashing mentality and focus on good constructive dialog. Bottom line is that DW and others like him and I won't see eye-to-eye on the value that a dissenting SB member like CV might bring to the table. Again, it seems that there are some personal axes to grind which will not allow for any constructive dialog on this subject. I'm sure I haven't proven myself worthy enough to some of you to allow me to participate in ongoing discussions without you constantly jumping down my throat. Is it because I am a new comer or you aren't willing to give me a chance because you don't like what I say? dpc Hey now I can group Bash with the best of them!!! ;D Just kidding, I too have grown tired of having to defend WVHS as it is an excellent school. I am on Jim Schmid's avdisory committee...if anyone has something they want brought up please let me know either by pm or my email wvhsparent@ameritech.net. You did come on a bit strong...with a few posts under your belt, which in most cases (including other message board types) tend be to from "ringers" or people who may be trying to cause trouble. Understand I am not saying that is what you did/are. By now stating your involvement as you did, makes me and others here know you will be able to add some constructive dialog. As far as CV...at 1st I kinda felt bad for her and was actually a supporter of hers, we have exchanged some emails in the past and in them she was quite intelligent.......however many of her latest actions have given me pause. One of her statements that she had not been upstairs at WVHS makes me wonder. Heck, she IS a SB member, she should almost be able to walk in and go wherever she wants! I am sure she has an ID. I too am part of the Eola Corridor. I would implore anyone who encounters a Realtor who "claims" WVHS is inferior and will result in a lower property value to ask them to prove it, thank them for their time and kick them out the door while letting them know you will be seeking a realtor who does not espouse that veiwpoint. I bet you they will quickly change their tune! My subdivision is in 2 Counties and 2 School districts, while at 1st the DuPage/204 side sold faster now the houses in either side go for the same. One has to remember it's the district as a whole, not just the HS that matters. I should know I have put 1 child all the way through from Kindergarten to 12 and # 2 is a soph now also planning on Graduating from WVHS.
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Post by momof3 on Apr 6, 2006 13:21:06 GMT -6
DPC, can you enlighten me as to the "fiasco" and "debacle" of Nequa Valley? It seems a very good school to me, and I have not heard much negative about it's opening/construction. Apparaently there was a hidden scandal that I missed. Let's see...I'll start with the $7M overrun on the building, the imported Italian flooring used in the construction, the "making of national news" of NV due to the extravagance, the $57M spent in 2001 to convert two middle schools to freshmen centers versus building a third high school mainly as a result of the public had no appetite for another Taj Mahal, selling the public on building NV with the notion that it could be expanded to accommodate future growth....shall I go on? The district will spend $125M to build a new high school. Isn't it in our best interest to make sure that money is spent in the best possible way? What's wrong with expecting oversight of this extremely expensive project by the elected officials? Don't they have a fiduciary responsibility to the voters? Thus far, none of you have come up with a valid response as to why it's soooo bad for CV to look out for her constituents. I'm not trying to start a fight, however, I think it's important to point out that the figure for the freshman centers was 13mil, not 57.
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Post by forthekids on Apr 6, 2006 14:48:37 GMT -6
Let's see...I'll start with the $7M overrun on the building, the imported Italian flooring used in the construction, the "making of national news" of NV due to the extravagance, the $57M spent in 2001 to convert two middle schools to freshmen centers versus building a third high school mainly as a result of the public had no appetite for another Taj Mahal, selling the public on building NV with the notion that it could be expanded to accommodate future growth....shall I go on? The district will spend $125M to build a new high school. Isn't it in our best interest to make sure that money is spent in the best possible way? What's wrong with expecting oversight of this extremely expensive project by the elected officials? Don't they have a fiduciary responsibility to the voters? Thus far, none of you have come up with a valid response as to why it's soooo bad for CV to look out for her constituents. I'm not trying to start a fight, however, I think it's important to point out that the figure for the freshman centers was 13mil, not 57. Not wanting to continue a fight, but whenever people mention the freshman centers as a debacle, I can't help but get angry. These are buildings that the district owns and is still using and will continue to use. So what, it didn't work the way they had thought but they will still be used to house our students. Enough already about the freshman centers!
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Post by sushi on Apr 6, 2006 15:30:53 GMT -6
It's a good thing we built them when we did; it was less expensive then and as pointed out, we definately need them. The only problem is that they were not the end-all solution. Time to move forward.
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Post by momof3 on Apr 6, 2006 18:50:19 GMT -6
One other thing that I've been wondering...Maybe some DH readers can help me out here...Have all of the 203 and 204 school board members gotten exclusive Daily Herald interviews recently or just Caulfield, Davitt, and Vickers? I don't get the DH so I don't know.
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Post by bob on Apr 6, 2006 18:52:25 GMT -6
I did some asking around and found out that the DH supposedly does an interview with all first year SB members of 203/204.
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Post by EagleDad on Apr 6, 2006 19:16:01 GMT -6
Very good, did they give any indication of when BG and CB's interviews would run?
Yeah, right
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