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Post by doctorwho on Apr 20, 2008 20:38:15 GMT -6
One more comment - I think the communication gap is intentional - it benefits the board to not have to deal with any input and just do whatever they want. Like a parent, it's easier that way, you have authority. Unfortunately, unlike parents, we are ALL adults and capable of seeing whether or not logic and reasoning exist in that parents decisions. We do not have to blindly follow their ideas. We can disagree. It's a democracy. Because I said so, just doesn't fly |
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Post by macy on Apr 20, 2008 20:43:23 GMT -6
One more comment - I think the communication gap is intentional - it benefits the board to not have to deal with any input and just do whatever they want. Like a parent, it's easier that way, you have authority. Unfortunately, unlike parents, we are ALL adults and capable of seeing whether or not logic and reasoning exist in that parents decisions. We do not have to blindly follow their ideas. We can disagree. It's a democracy. Because I said so, just doesn't fly Bruce is not the same person as he was in 2006. He hasn't visited the AME site? Why not? Is this the same guy that was the spreadsheet king in 2006? What has changed? |
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Post by doctorwho on Apr 20, 2008 20:45:39 GMT -6
macy, Why can't they just say, "Well, dang, I wished BB had worked. UNless we win the lottery, we'll have to move on. OMG. We have to do boundaries again. Do you want to do this?? I sure don't want to do this. We are going to have people really mad at us again. IT's unfortunate we can't use the boundaries already voted on but we just didn't see this coming. So given our situation, how can we do this as fairly as possible?" Why do you think it was, "Give me five. That BB thing is so yesterday. Thank God we can get AME like we always wanted. But wait, we are baiting and switching so let's just keep 5A and let's screw some subdivisions while we are at it." but they didn't kep 5A .. If they did OK- lets send all of Gombert, White Eagle and Fry to AME also- and lets send Brooks / Brookdale and Longwood to WVHS. Hell makes as much sense as us going to AME -- and none of the 3 would be going to the furthest school from their house - just the 2nd furthest as we requested. Of course White Eagle and Fry would join us at AME ( their furthest school) a few years before one of them may be requsted to do anyway based on Pop numbers. You know I'd love to see if that happened just how peachy some areas would be not having the school in their back yard. I'm willing to bet it wouldn't be the cozy situation between those areas and the SB it is today. And heck we know the max bus ride would be avg 30 mins because they all are - and there would be transportation savings as well.  |
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Post by macy on Apr 20, 2008 20:47:25 GMT -6
macy, Why can't they just say, "Well, dang, I wished BB had worked. UNless we win the lottery, we'll have to move on. OMG. We have to do boundaries again. Do you want to do this?? I sure don't want to do this. We are going to have people really mad at us again. IT's unfortunate we can't use the boundaries already voted on but we just didn't see this coming. So given our situation, how can we do this as fairly as possible?" Why do you think it was, "Give me five. That BB thing is so yesterday. Thank God we can get AME like we always wanted. But wait, we are baiting and switching so let's just keep 5A and let's screw some subdivisions while we are at it." but they didn't kep 5A .. If they did OK- lets send all of Gombert, White Eagle and Fry to AME also- and lets send Brooks / Brookdale and Longwood to WVHS. Hell makes as much sense as us going to AME -- and none of the 3 would be going to the furthest school from their house - just the 2nd furthest as we requested. Of course White Eagle and Fry would join us at AME ( their furthest school) a few years before one of them may be requsted to do anyway based on Pop numbers. You know I'd love to see if that happened just how peachy some areas would be not having the school in their back yard. I'm willing to bet it wouldn't be the cozy situation between those areas and the SB it is today. And heck we know the max bus ride would be avg 30 mins because they all are - and there would be transportation savings as well. 5A would have worked, in my opinion, with less transportation costs at Macom than at AME. And, it would have been way less expensive than AME site. |
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Post by sleeplessinnpvl on Apr 20, 2008 20:54:05 GMT -6
One more comment - I think the communication gap is intentional - it benefits the board to not have to deal with any input and just do whatever they want. Like a parent, it's easier that way, you have authority. Unfortunately, unlike parents, we are ALL adults and capable of seeing whether or not logic and reasoning exist in that parents decisions. We do not have to blindly follow their ideas. We can disagree. It's a democracy. I agree with you both, fryfox and rew. The board could have handled things better. I am guilty of doing nothing because I have not stepped foot in a SB meeting since 2006. (Thanks to all members who post on here during the meetings) In hindsight, I wish I or others had stuck up for you guys and all who felt you weren't being heard. BTW, if it makes you feel any better, I did email them after I attended the NSFOC meeting, told them that I am an "unaffected resident" in this saga, and warned them that they really need to be more empathetic. They don't listen to me either. I thought there was a time where they heard complaints, then met in closed session and then came out again and responded to the questions. Was that one of the first meetings or am I dreaming? Many would see that as calculating behind closed doors but I really think they need to discuss things because there are so many of them and come to a consensus about what they are going to say before they say it to make sure they are on the same page. I would like to see that again. That proves they have listened to you and are responding. At least if you don't like what you hear, it makes it easier to swallow. I'm hoping Mr. PR man knows a little bit about communication skills 101 and the SB is currently taking the class. |
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Post by macy on Apr 20, 2008 20:56:52 GMT -6
In my opinion, Mr. PR man is a day late and a dollar short.
Yet another expensive salary for 204 that we should not be spending. Why spend that kinda dough to supplement Dr. D's weaknesses? I was told at the Fry meeting he was hired to supplement the weakness of Dr. D. in terms of public relations. Anyone else hear that?
Why not hire a superintendent that is well rounded in terms of his job description? How many school districts have to hire others at a high salary level to supplement the weakness in the leaders they have have hired to lead their district?
How many teachers, aides would Mr. PR man's salary allow the district to hire? Wouldn't hiring teachers, aides, etc. help the district meet NCLB guidelines? How does hiring a PR man help?
Blech... Double Blech....
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Post by fryfox on Apr 20, 2008 21:10:49 GMT -6
A PR man makes you think you're being heard, when you're really not. JK. Kind of. If perception is reality, which I think is partially true, I guess it would help them handle things better and we'd all FEEL better about having to pay more taxes. Talk about drinking the kool-aid!
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Post by mandmmom on Apr 20, 2008 21:13:26 GMT -6
In my opinion, Mr. PR man is a day late and a dollar short. Yet another expensive salary for 204 that we should not be spending. Why spend that kinda dough to supplement Dr. D's weaknesses? I was told at the Fry meeting he was hired to supplement the weakness of Dr. D. in terms of public relations. Anyone else hear that? Why not hire a superintendent that is well rounded in terms of his job description? How many school districts have to hire others at a high salary level to supplement the weakness in the leaders they have have hired to lead their district? How many teachers, aides would Mr. PR man's salary allow the district to hire? Wouldn't hiring teachers, aides, etc. help the district meet NCLB guidelines? How does hiring a PR man help? Blech... Double Blech.... Couldn't agree more....maybe the next superintendent should have some PR skills, it really should be a requirement for this job. |
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Post by fryfox on Apr 20, 2008 21:15:38 GMT -6
One more comment - I think the communication gap is intentional - it benefits the board to not have to deal with any input and just do whatever they want. Like a parent, it's easier that way, you have authority. Unfortunately, unlike parents, we are ALL adults and capable of seeing whether or not logic and reasoning exist in that parents decisions. We do not have to blindly follow their ideas. We can disagree. It's a democracy. I agree with you both, fryfox and rew. The board could have handled things better. I am guilty of doing nothing because I have not stepped foot in a SB meeting since 2006. (Thanks to all members who post on here during the meetings) In hindsight, I wish I or others had stuck up for you guys and all who felt you weren't being heard. BTW, if it makes you feel any better, I did email them after I attended the NSFOC meeting, told them that I am an "unaffected resident" in this saga, and warned them that they really need to be more empathetic. They don't listen to me either. I thought there was a time where they heard complaints, then met in closed session and then came out again and responded to the questions. Was that one of the first meetings or am I dreaming? Many would see that as calculating behind closed doors but I really think they need to discuss things because there are so many of them and come to a consensus about what they are going to say before they say it to make sure they are on the same page. I would like to see that again. That proves they have listened to you and are responding. At least if you don't like what you hear, it makes it easier to swallow. I'm hoping Mr. PR man knows a little bit about communication skills 101 and the SB is currently taking the class. Thanks for your honesty. I wish you had attended meeting - I think you would have an entirely different take on this situation. You really have to see it to believe it. I've never felt as fired up as I have after the three meetings. You hear what transpires and you leave feeling stunned. You hear all these amazing, insightful public comments and think to yourself that they are going to have to address this or that issue. Then it comes time for them to discuss and you feel absolutely dumbfounded that they didn't even bring it up. It's really an experience. |
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Post by eb204 on Apr 20, 2008 21:28:33 GMT -6
In my opinion, Mr. PR man is a day late and a dollar short. Yet another expensive salary for 204 that we should not be spending. Why spend that kinda dough to supplement Dr. D's weaknesses? I was told at the Fry meeting he was hired to supplement the weakness of Dr. D. in terms of public relations. Anyone else hear that? Why not hire a superintendent that is well rounded in terms of his job description? How many school districts have to hire others at a high salary level to supplement the weakness in the leaders they have have hired to lead their district? How many teachers, aides would Mr. PR man's salary allow the district to hire? Wouldn't hiring teachers, aides, etc. help the district meet NCLB guidelines? How does hiring a PR man help? Blech... Double Blech.... Mr. Altenbern (aka Mr. PR guy) isn't here in regards to the high school issue. He spoke recently and he told the audience what his job would entail and not once mentioned the high school issues. Believe it or not, this district has other things going on besides lawsuits. If you'd take a few minutes to realize what great things are going on in this district and the great things yet to come in terms of school, community(including the business community), and familiy partnerships, you will realize how much of an asset his position will be. Sometimes, "PR" is not always about changing negative images. Sometimes, it's promoting what is already there and building upon the good things that have already been done. But again, people have assumed the worst about this person and his position and he has had nothing to do with this issue. He's not here to do "damage control". The district has lawyers for that. If you really want to know what his job description is, then call the district and ask or attend a few more district events. You can ask him for yourself. |
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Post by mandmmom on Apr 20, 2008 21:32:17 GMT -6
I agree with you both, fryfox and rew. The board could have handled things better. I am guilty of doing nothing because I have not stepped foot in a SB meeting since 2006. (Thanks to all members who post on here during the meetings) In hindsight, I wish I or others had stuck up for you guys and all who felt you weren't being heard. BTW, if it makes you feel any better, I did email them after I attended the NSFOC meeting, told them that I am an "unaffected resident" in this saga, and warned them that they really need to be more empathetic. They don't listen to me either. I thought there was a time where they heard complaints, then met in closed session and then came out again and responded to the questions. Was that one of the first meetings or am I dreaming? Many would see that as calculating behind closed doors but I really think they need to discuss things because there are so many of them and come to a consensus about what they are going to say before they say it to make sure they are on the same page. I would like to see that again. That proves they have listened to you and are responding. At least if you don't like what you hear, it makes it easier to swallow. I'm hoping Mr. PR man knows a little bit about communication skills 101 and the SB is currently taking the class. Thanks for your honesty. I wish you had attended meeting - I think you would have an entirely different take on this situation. You really have to see it to believe it. I've never felt as fired up as I have after the three meetings. You hear what transpires and you leave feeling stunned. You hear all these amazing, insightful public comments and think to yourself that they are going to have to address this or that issue. Then it comes time for them to discuss and you feel absolutely dumbfounded that they didn't even bring it up. It's really an experience. Sleepless I have to agree with fryfox....I am fairly new to all of this....My kids are really young and are not even in the school system yet....The only reason I am involved is because of the way that MM and the rest of the SB treated the residents during a February meeting....it was an eye-opening experience and one that I really urge you to see first hand. It is appalling to think our leadership is so disrespectful to the parents and even kids of 204. IMO, the reason they act like this is because they are no longer effective and have lost the support of a lot of people in 204. |
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Post by macy on Apr 20, 2008 21:33:31 GMT -6
eb204,
I wasn't aware of this newly created position until Curt Bradshaw spoke about it at the Fry PTA meeting the other night.
In his words, this person will supplement the deficiencies of Dr. Daeschner in terms of his weaknesses in dealing with the parents and public.
That is what we were told. Any one else that was there care to comment?
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Post by macy on Apr 20, 2008 21:37:15 GMT -6
In my opinion, Mr. PR man is a day late and a dollar short. Yet another expensive salary for 204 that we should not be spending. Why spend that kinda dough to supplement Dr. D's weaknesses? I was told at the Fry meeting he was hired to supplement the weakness of Dr. D. in terms of public relations. Anyone else hear that? Why not hire a superintendent that is well rounded in terms of his job description? How many school districts have to hire others at a high salary level to supplement the weakness in the leaders they have have hired to lead their district? How many teachers, aides would Mr. PR man's salary allow the district to hire? Wouldn't hiring teachers, aides, etc. help the district meet NCLB guidelines? How does hiring a PR man help? Blech... Double Blech.... Mr. Altenbern (aka Mr. PR guy) isn't here in regards to the high school issue. He spoke recently and he told the audience what his job would entail and not once mentioned the high school issues. Believe it or not, this district has other things going on besides lawsuits. If you'd take a few minutes to realize what great things are going on in this district and the great things yet to come in terms of school, community(including the business community), and familiy partnerships, you will realize how much of an asset his position will be. Sometimes, "PR" is not always about changing negative images. Sometimes, it's promoting what is already there and building upon the good things that have already been done. But again, people have assumed the worst about this person and his position and he has had nothing to do with this issue. He's not here to do "damage control". The district has lawyers for that. If you really want to know what his job description is, then call the district and ask or attend a few more district events. You can ask him for yourself. Are your referring to the talk he gave to the IPPC? And, don't for a minute think I am unaware of the "great things" going on in the district. Fortunately, I don't need a high priced "talking head" to tell me what's great about 204. Don't assume! Also, I really understand what a PR person does. I'd just rather see the money spent (in terms of salary towards this position) on things that will impact children directly. |
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Post by fryfox on Apr 20, 2008 21:38:07 GMT -6
I can back macy up on this - we were talking about Dr. Daeschner's lack of ability to feel for the public and relate to us - and he brought up that Dr. D admits this is lacking and that's why they brought in the PR guy.
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Post by mandmmom on Apr 20, 2008 21:45:42 GMT -6
In my opinion, Mr. PR man is a day late and a dollar short. Yet another expensive salary for 204 that we should not be spending. Why spend that kinda dough to supplement Dr. D's weaknesses? I was told at the Fry meeting he was hired to supplement the weakness of Dr. D. in terms of public relations. Anyone else hear that? Why not hire a superintendent that is well rounded in terms of his job description? How many school districts have to hire others at a high salary level to supplement the weakness in the leaders they have have hired to lead their district? How many teachers, aides would Mr. PR man's salary allow the district to hire? Wouldn't hiring teachers, aides, etc. help the district meet NCLB guidelines? How does hiring a PR man help? Blech... Double Blech.... Mr. Altenbern (aka Mr. PR guy) isn't here in regards to the high school issue. He spoke recently and he told the audience what his job would entail and not once mentioned the high school issues. Believe it or not, this district has other things going on besides lawsuits. If you'd take a few minutes to realize what great things are going on in this district and the great things yet to come in terms of school, community(including the business community), and familiy partnerships, you will realize how much of an asset his position will be. Sometimes, "PR" is not always about changing negative images. Sometimes, it's promoting what is already there and building upon the good things that have already been done. But again, people have assumed the worst about this person and his position and he has had nothing to do with this issue. He's not here to do "damage control". The district has lawyers for that. If you really want to know what his job description is, then call the district and ask or attend a few more district events. You can ask him for yourself. Do you honestly think he would admit that his main job is to help out with the high school debacle? I seriously doubt it....I have not seen a lot of honesty out of our SB, Dash, and other administrators, so why should he be any different? He is a PR person, so he needs to spin his job in a different direction. The sad thing is that all the negative stuff, and there is a lot of it, outweighs all of the positives.....we have a huge dark cloud over us right now and I don't see it going away anytime soon. |
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