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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 7:57:48 GMT -6
We always count on you, Arch, to give us something to cheer about ;D. Seriously it is time for our District to admit our problem ("we're screwed") and do something about it. Neighboring districts seem to recognize it why can't we? because our group - still drunk with power -- believes we are somehow immune to the economy here, and since they have our open checkbook, one can only surmise, they just don't get it, or don't care. Then we add a cheerleader and former news person to the board who bring a total of zero financial experience....and don't vote in a Northwestern MBA -- nice job PTSA. How many bake sales to close a $24M - $29M gap ? That is the number that is coming from the top... |
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 7:58:59 GMT -6
 Our Budget is Great... Go Team! " any likeness to any SB member, past or current, is totally coincidental " |
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Post by slp on Feb 10, 2010 8:03:30 GMT -6
Perhaps it's time for the school board/administration to step up to the plate and propose serious reforms to the cost of education. Employment costs and facilities costs are the biggest.....The board failed to take advantage of tough economic times last contract negotiation, but by accepting a one year agreement, they've given themselves an opportunity for redemption. In the next round of negotiations, let's put a few things in perspective: no matter how important education is, or how devoted our educators are, the simple fact is that they are supported by the taxpayers, primarily in the private sector. That said, I don't think the taxpayers should allow a new labor contract that asks the private sector to provide substantially greater benefits to the teachers than are generally available to the people paying the taxes that fund the benefits. Clearly, the disctrict is running out of money. Anyone can see the state is not in a position to help, so we must help ourselves. The next contract should require significant employee contributions to the cost of health insurance, should limit wage increases to the cost of living, should reduce the pension benefits -- if only going forward, because the current benefit package can no longer be funded by taxpayers. The administration should not be exempt from these changes. No more 20% pension boost for providing 2 years notice of retirement..... These proposals will be wildly unpopular with the unions, but I, for one, am prepared to let them strike over it. I think the average taxpayer would support the administration if they took a hard line -- especially in these times. Let's face it, there is not really a great shortage of teachers, and despite the vague threats of the past, we won't lose many teachers to other districts -- they can't afford them either. It simply cannot go on forever, someone has to take the first step.....now is the time. I agree that what we are seeing is the beginning of the marketing for a referendum to raise taxes again....my response to the administartion and the board is: Show some REAL concern about spending. Otherwise, I'll continue to show my support for spending control by voting no. Enough voices can bring about a change in the status quo. Am I alone in this viewpoint? I too agree with you 100%. |
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Post by asmodeus on Feb 10, 2010 8:53:53 GMT -6
One of the problems continues to be the disconnect between our taxes and the amount spent on education. As I've said before, we have the worst of both worlds -- extremely high property taxes, but yet one of the lowest per student expenditure rates in the entire region. D204 teachers probably already feel they are underpaid compared to their contemporaries in other districts, and would therefore have a hard time accepting reductions. We absolutely must find out where our tax money is going.
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 9:31:20 GMT -6
One of the problems continues to be the disconnect between our taxes and the amount spent on education. As I've said before, we have the worst of both worlds -- extremely high property taxes, but yet one of the lowest per student expenditure rates in the entire region. D204 teachers probably already feel they are underpaid compared to their contemporaries in other districts, and would therefore have a hard time accepting reductions. We absolutely must find out where our tax money is going. that huge sucking sound you hear from your wallet ends up here  |
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Post by blankcheck on Feb 10, 2010 10:20:51 GMT -6
I had posted a while ago about the college funding. Kids classes are being canceled etc. at these universities. It was only a matter of time before it trickled down to the local level.
Whats done is done. They WILL begin the process of scare tactics again - so be prepared. I can only hope that the voters wake up and smell the coffee.
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Post by casey on Feb 10, 2010 10:48:32 GMT -6
I had posted a while ago about the college funding. Kids classes are being canceled etc. at these universities. It was only a matter of time before it trickled down to the local level. Whats done is done. They WILL begin the process of scare tactics again - so be prepared. I can only hope that the voters wake up and smell the coffee. I agree the scare tactics are coming but I can't help believe that this time some of them must come true. We are not immune here in 204 and I think drastic cuts will be coming. I hate to say it because our district always wants to spend more money on community opinion surveys (to find out how great everyone thinks they are  ) but why don't they invite the whole group from this board here to listen to some of OUR ideas. They might learn a thing or two. Sure many of us are disgusted with our district and SB but if they could truly sit down and hear what some of us have to say maybe we could get somewhere. It's time for them to listen to a contrary opinion and actually believe that there's some validity to such a thing. Listening to the same district cheerleaders has been a good part of the reason why we're in the situation we are in. It's time to wake up! |
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 11:07:24 GMT -6
I had posted a while ago about the college funding. Kids classes are being canceled etc. at these universities. It was only a matter of time before it trickled down to the local level. Whats done is done. They WILL begin the process of scare tactics again - so be prepared. I can only hope that the voters wake up and smell the coffee. I agree the scare tactics are coming but I can't help believe that this time some of them must come true. We are not immune here in 204 and I think drastic cuts will be coming. I hate to say it because our district always wants to spend more money on community opinion surveys (to find out how great everyone thinks they are ) but why don't they invite the whole group from this board here to listen to some of OUR ideas. They might learn a thing or two. Sure many of us are disgusted with our district and SB but if they could truly sit down and hear what some of us have to say maybe we could get somewhere. It's time for them to listen to a contrary opinion and actually believe that there's some validity to such a thing. Listening to the same district cheerleaders has been a good part of the reason why we're in the situation we are in. It's time to wake up! because the clandestine way in which this SD is run attempts to marginalize anyone who disagrees with them,,, they are not interested in the truth ( as evidenced by not revealing to the people that attendance for HS they knew to be 8800-8900 not 10,400 before they built the school - or blaming the IHSA for potential ineligibiliy ( notice no one even on another baord even attempts to defend this blatant falsehood) - when they had total control. |
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Post by rew on Feb 10, 2010 11:11:17 GMT -6
doc, your rendering had me scratching my head...all that green space around the high school. Where are the tracks, the power lines? Then I realized that drawing is the school at Brach Brodie...
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Post by Arch on Feb 10, 2010 11:26:33 GMT -6
Many of us have gone before the Board and presented as well have done emails with specific people in the Administration and board members.
The problem exists inside the HC building.
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 11:48:11 GMT -6
doc, your rendering had me scratching my head...all that green space around the high school. Where are the tracks, the power lines? Then I realized that drawing is the school at Brach Brodie... yes, it is the 'fantasy' of the school - on pristine land ( like BB) - with 3000 students clogging the halls -(LOL ) - and no one is a 50 minute plus bus ride from the school who attends there--...there are no pipelines underneath - no erector sets of electircla wires- or train tracks...and the Eola off ramp from I88 doesn't exist... |
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 10, 2010 11:50:24 GMT -6
doc, your rendering had me scratching my head...all that green space around the high school. Where are the tracks, the power lines? Then I realized that drawing is the school at Brach Brodie... you mean as opposed to these ? Some people get sensitive about the truth..so I posted the pie in the sky version ipsd204.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ame&action=display&thread=697 |
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Post by EagleDad on Feb 10, 2010 12:54:32 GMT -6
I hate to say it because our district always wants to spend more money on community opinion surveys (to find out how great everyone thinks they are ) I hope they spend the money and mail me a community opinion survey... because I'm planning on taking a crap in the envelope and mailing it back to let them know what I think of the job they are doing. |
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Post by macrockett on Feb 10, 2010 13:44:14 GMT -6
doc, your rendering had me scratching my head...all that green space around the high school. Where are the tracks, the power lines? Then I realized that drawing is the school at Brach Brodie... you mean as opposed to these ? Some people get sensitive about the truth..so I posted the pie in the sky version ipsd204.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ame&action=display&thread=697You must be mistaken Doc, they didn't build the third HS. After calling in experts they decided another HS was excessive and so they just added on to existing facilities. Besides, those pictures are from that site with all the power lines that was in upper Siberia. The Board rejected that site in Dec of 2005 for safety reasons and for being "remote." See, I have the proof right here: winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/12_22_2005_SiteSelectionReport.pdfI'm glad too, we later found out there were three gas transmissions lines running under the property. Talk about playing Russian Roulette! Get your facts right next time, will ya? |
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Post by refbasics on Feb 10, 2010 14:11:20 GMT -6
Why don't they sell the land at Wheatland Elementary. ---------- wheatland is a real beehive of activity with all the chartwell trucks(food service) there... what do we get for their using our building for food operations? do we get some huge savings on meal costs? |
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