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Post by refbasics on Mar 15, 2010 9:56:06 GMT -6
FROM momto4 Re: Music education cuts?« Result #1 Today at 9:32am » Here is what I received in an e-mail and what is also posted in the info section of the Save Quality Music Education in District 204 Facebook group. I have not yet verified this info and I do not know the creator of the group.======================================= Spread the word: Please let people know that the rich offerings in music education in District 204 are in jeopardy. The programs that feed into Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley are being cut - significantly. Please read this Breaking News followed by what we’d like you to do. The music program in District 204 is facing unprecedented budget cuts. A large percentage of staff will be removed from mostly middle school programs throughout the district resulting in a staggering change to a program that has garnered attention for its dedication to music education. We have heard that up to 20 of the current music staff in District 204, mostly teachers of band and orchestra instruments, will be gone at the end of the current school year. What is the consequence of this? No individual instruction will be given at the middle school level. Students will ONLY meet in large groups. No one can deny that the State of Illinois and Indian Prairie School District 204 are facing challenging financial times. It’s true and difficult decisions must be made. But never in the history of our school district have such targeted cuts been proposed to severely impact ONE program - especially one of the most successful programs in the nation for music education. To remove teachers at the lower levels will, in a short time, have a negative impact on Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley High Schools. In the past when cuts have been made they seem to have been proportionate; everyone feels some pain but in this case, the music program is being completely altered by this decision. Individual instruction in the younger grade levels is the foundation of the program. It is illogical to cut the “key component” that teaches the important skills needed for competency and future success. We know if they take away this part of the program it will be extremely difficult to reinstate in the future. Our message to the Administration and School Board is this: There must be another solution. Our music program is too precious to dismantle. Ask the administrators of our district and school board members to defend their decision to essentially “gut” the music program. Ask them how they could target something that works so well. Ask administrators and board members to go back to the drawing board. We are certain that together with the music teachers that they will come up with ideas that maintain the structure of the solid music program we have come to expect. Ask: “WHY”? Here’s how you can take ACTION: Contact Superintendent, Kathryn Birkett and our School Board members. Let them know why you think this program is beneficial for students and should be maintained. Cuts do not have to be this drastic. Please share positive anecdotes. Keep all correspondence civil and respectful. If you are a parent, student, alumni, or just plain someone who enjoys music, please take ACTION. Action: Call or email Kathryn Birkett, Superintendent, about these stunning cuts. Call 630.375-3010 or write kathryn_birkett@ipsd.org Action: Contact School Board members. Here are their email addresses: Board President: curt_bradshaw@ipsd.org susan_rasmus@ipsd.org cathy_piehl@ipsd.org mark_metzger@ipsd.org dawn_desart@ipsd.org chris_vickers@ipsd.org alka_tyle@ipsd.org You can also call board members at the main office number: 630-375-3000. Action: Contact the principal of your school. Visit www.ipsd.org to find their contact information. Ask how the cuts will affect your child’s school. Share you opinion about the proposed changes. Action: Send a note via US MAIL to the Superintendent and School Board members. The Central Office address is: Indian Prairie District 204 780 Shoreline Drive Aurora, IL 60504 Action: Attend the School Board meeting on Monday, March 22 at 7pm when the budget, which includes these drastic cuts, will be presented for 2010-2011. Let’s “PACK THE PLACE” like they do sporting events! Media Action: Write a letter to the editor of local and metropolitan newspapers. The Naperville Sun P.O. Box 4830 Naperville, IL 60567 www.napersun.comThe Daily Herald 4300 Commerce Court Lisle, IL 60532 fencepost@dailyherald.com The Chicago Tribune – Chicagoland Extra Section 435 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 ctc-tribletter@tribune.com The Chicago Sun-Times 350 N. Orleans St, 10th floor Chicago, IL 60654 www.suntimes.comMedia Action: Radio host, Steve Cochran @ WGN Radio is a District 204 resident www.wgnradio.com/about/contactus/email/weekday/WGN TV Weatherman, Paul Konrad was a music student in District 204 pkonrad@tribune.com Media Action: Call WGN TV to request TV coverage of the School Board meeting on March 22. 773-528-2311 WGN Television 2501 West Bradley Place Chicago, Illinois 60618-4718 Action: Circulate a PETITION to Save Quality Music Education in District 204. Present it to the School Board at their meeting on Monday, March 22, 2010. Action: Speak to the board on March 22nd. You must sign in before the Board meeting for the PUBLIC COMMENT segment of the meeting, which is at the end of the board agenda each week. Special note to: Parents: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share your positive experiences with instrumental music education. There are parents who CHOSE District 204 because of the positive reputation of the music program; we need to hear from YOU. Spread the word. Current Students: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to tell them why you have chosen to be involved in music. Spread the word. Music Alumni: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share positive anecdotes about your involvement in instrumental music. Spread the word. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings, etc: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share how your grandchild, niece, nephew, sister or brother has benefited from playing an instrument. Spread the word. Music Educator: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share how the music program in District 204 has been a positive influence on other music educators in Illinois and around the nation. Spread the word. Action: Forward information: If you do not feel comfortable responding to a call for action, please forward this to others who may want to share their feelings about the positive impact of music education and the consequences of the pending cuts to the program. Action: Forward information: If you do not feel comfortable responding to a call for action, please forward this to others who may want to share their feelings about the positive impact of music education and the consequences of the pending cuts to the program. Action: Contact your elected officials about the lack of education funding in the State of Illinois! Contact your elected officials about the lack of education funding in the State of Illinois! -------------------------------------------- very well done.. very organized! why is it that it's not teachers vs. administration in making cuts? cut more off administration so the front line people dealing with the students are not cut??  i dare say students have an abundance of face time with the music teachers.. and NEVER see an administrator(unless making a trip to the principal's office!) our district was very successful in pitting developments/schools against each other!  how about we pit the teachers against the administrators? |
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Post by kjaltek on Mar 15, 2010 10:33:01 GMT -6
Those in the music department - is this about cutting technique from middle school, which I understand is one-on-one music instruction?
My daughter's 3rd grade class next year will likely have almost 31 kids due to the increased class size! Why would we keep one-on-one music instruction in this situation? In an economic situation where we cannot have everything, shouldn't school be about core academics first? Some schools have cut reading interventionists. Surely, if we cut reading interventionists, we cannot afford individualized music instruction.
btw ... We love music. My kids get exposure through outside organizations. I do know that all cannot afford this.
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Post by refbasics on Mar 15, 2010 10:36:05 GMT -6
FROM momto4 Re: Music education cuts?« Result #1 Today at 9:32am » Here is what I received in an e-mail and what is also posted in the info section of the Save Quality Music Education in District 204 Facebook group. I have not yet verified this info and I do not know the creator of the group.======================================= Spread the word: Please let people know that the rich offerings in music education in District 204 are in jeopardy. The programs that feed into Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley are being cut - significantly. Please read this Breaking News followed by what we’d like you to do. The music program in District 204 is facing unprecedented budget cuts. A large percentage of staff will be removed from mostly middle school programs throughout the district resulting in a staggering change to a program that has garnered attention for its dedication to music education. We have heard that up to 20 of the current music staff in District 204, mostly teachers of band and orchestra instruments, will be gone at the end of the current school year. What is the consequence of this? No individual instruction will be given at the middle school level. Students will ONLY meet in large groups. No one can deny that the State of Illinois and Indian Prairie School District 204 are facing challenging financial times. It’s true and difficult decisions must be made. But never in the history of our school district have such targeted cuts been proposed to severely impact ONE program - especially one of the most successful programs in the nation for music education. To remove teachers at the lower levels will, in a short time, have a negative impact on Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley High Schools. In the past when cuts have been made they seem to have been proportionate; everyone feels some pain but in this case, the music program is being completely altered by this decision. Individual instruction in the younger grade levels is the foundation of the program. It is illogical to cut the “key component” that teaches the important skills needed for competency and future success. We know if they take away this part of the program it will be extremely difficult to reinstate in the future. Our message to the Administration and School Board is this: There must be another solution. Our music program is too precious to dismantle. Ask the administrators of our district and school board members to defend their decision to essentially “gut” the music program. Ask them how they could target something that works so well. Ask administrators and board members to go back to the drawing board. We are certain that together with the music teachers that they will come up with ideas that maintain the structure of the solid music program we have come to expect. Ask: “WHY”? Here’s how you can take ACTION: Contact Superintendent, Kathryn Birkett and our School Board members. Let them know why you think this program is beneficial for students and should be maintained. Cuts do not have to be this drastic. Please share positive anecdotes. Keep all correspondence civil and respectful. If you are a parent, student, alumni, or just plain someone who enjoys music, please take ACTION. Action: Call or email Kathryn Birkett, Superintendent, about these stunning cuts. Call 630.375-3010 or write kathryn_birkett@ipsd.org Action: Contact School Board members. Here are their email addresses: Board President: curt_bradshaw@ipsd.org susan_rasmus@ipsd.org cathy_piehl@ipsd.org mark_metzger@ipsd.org dawn_desart@ipsd.org chris_vickers@ipsd.org alka_tyle@ipsd.org You can also call board members at the main office number: 630-375-3000. Action: Contact the principal of your school. Visit www.ipsd.org to find their contact information. Ask how the cuts will affect your child’s school. Share you opinion about the proposed changes. Action: Send a note via US MAIL to the Superintendent and School Board members. The Central Office address is: Indian Prairie District 204 780 Shoreline Drive Aurora, IL 60504 Action: Attend the School Board meeting on Monday, March 22 at 7pm when the budget, which includes these drastic cuts, will be presented for 2010-2011. Let’s “PACK THE PLACE” like they do sporting events! Media Action: Write a letter to the editor of local and metropolitan newspapers. The Naperville Sun P.O. Box 4830 Naperville, IL 60567 www.napersun.comThe Daily Herald 4300 Commerce Court Lisle, IL 60532 fencepost@dailyherald.com The Chicago Tribune – Chicagoland Extra Section 435 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 ctc-tribletter@tribune.com The Chicago Sun-Times 350 N. Orleans St, 10th floor Chicago, IL 60654 www.suntimes.comMedia Action: Radio host, Steve Cochran @ WGN Radio is a District 204 resident www.wgnradio.com/about/contactus/email/weekday/WGN TV Weatherman, Paul Konrad was a music student in District 204 pkonrad@tribune.com Media Action: Call WGN TV to request TV coverage of the School Board meeting on March 22. 773-528-2311 WGN Television 2501 West Bradley Place Chicago, Illinois 60618-4718 Action: Circulate a PETITION to Save Quality Music Education in District 204. Present it to the School Board at their meeting on Monday, March 22, 2010. Action: Speak to the board on March 22nd. You must sign in before the Board meeting for the PUBLIC COMMENT segment of the meeting, which is at the end of the board agenda each week. Special note to: Parents: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share your positive experiences with instrumental music education. There are parents who CHOSE District 204 because of the positive reputation of the music program; we need to hear from YOU. Spread the word. Current Students: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to tell them why you have chosen to be involved in music. Spread the word. Music Alumni: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share positive anecdotes about your involvement in instrumental music. Spread the word. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings, etc: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share how your grandchild, niece, nephew, sister or brother has benefited from playing an instrument. Spread the word. Music Educator: Contact the 204 Administration and School Board to share how the music program in District 204 has been a positive influence on other music educators in Illinois and around the nation. Spread the word. Action: Forward information: If you do not feel comfortable responding to a call for action, please forward this to others who may want to share their feelings about the positive impact of music education and the consequences of the pending cuts to the program. Action: Forward information: If you do not feel comfortable responding to a call for action, please forward this to others who may want to share their feelings about the positive impact of music education and the consequences of the pending cuts to the program. Action: Contact your elected officials about the lack of education funding in the State of Illinois! Contact your elected officials about the lack of education funding in the State of Illinois! -------------------------------------------- very well done.. very organized! why is it that it's not teachers vs. administration in making cuts? cut more off administration so the front line people dealing with the students are not cut?? i dare say students have an abundance of face time with the music teachers.. and NEVER see an administrator(unless making a trip to the principal's office!) our district was very successful in pitting developments/schools against each other! how about we pit the teachers against the administrators? ---------------------- in fact what is happening here is a pitting of 'band/orchestra parents' against everybody else.. some people would say, "have the student go out and pay for individual instruction on their own" if they are really interested. what we are becoming... due to hard times, is a 'restaurant' where nothing is 'included' anymore.. you want 'salad'.. that's extra, potato?... extra, etc  |
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Post by brant on Mar 15, 2010 10:52:32 GMT -6
I think cutting music is wrong. If they are going to do any cutting I think it should start in athletics. My son is in several sports but music and the arts are far more important.
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Post by EagleDad on Mar 15, 2010 11:34:22 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports.
I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do.
Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be.
Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now.
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Post by momto4 on Mar 15, 2010 11:44:49 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports. I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do. Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be. Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now. I absolutely love it, as does my child who attends there, thanks for asking!  Here is what I have heard back from a reliable source. =========================================== It is true that the administration is proposing to reducing teacher headcounts in music, as they are doing elsewhere. The number 20 is certainly incorrect. One early number talked about was 19, but the end number was less based on retirements and people moving. The core of what the administration is proposing is to stop in-day technique classes at the middle school. It's certainly not ideal, but it's hardly "gutting" the program. They will also be proposing to offer technique in before and after school timeslots on a fee basis. There's really very little changing at the elementary level, except that the schedules of the elementary band and orchestra staff are being tightened up and they're being assigned to more buildings each (each person doing more, thus requiring less staff). The only significant change at that level will be that at two elementary buildings, band or orchestra will take place during the day instead of before school (it was the only way to make the schedule work out correctly). When the state reverses 40 years of holding even or increasing its funding (by imposing a substantial reduction in state funding), drastic measures are required. We're happy that we haven't needed to take the approach that several area districts have taken, which is to eliminate 5th grade band and orchestra. We felt that was too drastic. Administration also met with the leaders of the music staff and gave them their plan for a 19 job reduction and how they intended to make that work. The leaders were given the opportunity to reshuffle the administration's plan in a manner they felt would be more workable. All they gave back was a plan for reducing the staff by 10. That's wasn't enough. Lastly, I would encourage you to think about this in an overall sense, not a line item sense. Every dollar we protect in music has to come from somewhere else. At what cost are we, as a community, willing to keep music at its current level? The administration's plan is already to let class sizes grow to 31. Is the community willing to live with class sizes of 33 or more to maintain music at its current level? My guess is that the non-music parents won't support that. We could increase the probable stipend cuts in athletics beyond the rather significant levels that are already on the table (the public hasn't seen those yet), but like the 5th grade band and orchestra idea, that was deemed a little too drastic. With the sort of programmatic cuts we're looking at having to make, it's not realistic to expect that music would go untouched. The administration believes that it has identified the least damaging way to affect music in a world in which everything needs to get reduced to some extent. Will this hurt music? Without a doubt. But everything else is getting hurt as well and our job must be to balance that impact of what's taking place. We're trying, as much as possible, to not eliminate opportunities for children. Instead, we are trying to either reduce things a bit or make them somewhat more self-sustaining (i.e., fees increases). We found that more attractive than outright elimination of opportunities. One item of perspective: We took $6.5 million out of this year's budget last year, in order to ensure we'd remain in balance. In the first half of the current year, we worked to take $9.5 million out of next year's budget for the same reason. We were able to do both of those without significantly affecting the students. We now need to take $12-16 million MORE out of next year's budget. With 82% of the budget being teachers (the removal of whom obviously affects students directly), we are no longer in a place where there are easy things to do to avoid having an impact on the program. And what that also means is that we're now at a place that unless we start reducing teacher head counts, we can't make the budget work. One complicating legal item: State law requires us to give notice to any teacher for whom we might not have a job next year, and to give that notice no later than 60 days before the end of the school year. That deadline date is rapidly approaching. That's why this action needs to be taken now. I completely understand the pride and the passion that is generated with the music program. But seeing the budget in a global sense, I also recognize that there is a limit to what can be done to "save music" as the email calls upon people to do. And I can't help but think that the energy and emotion being generated here would be much better directed at the General Assembly, which has the ability to prioritize things in a way that education need not be negatively impacted. It's ridiculous to cut money being spent on children while maintaining spending to support fish and wildlife programs. This problem has no good local solution because it's not a local problem. The problem was the state failing to properly prioritize (largely because they're testing the water for a tax increase). Consider that the Governor's budget calls for a $2.3 billion reduction in state expenditures next year, of which education is $1.3 billion. That's ridiculous. The House Republican leadership has already told the Superintendents that a 5-10% cut everywhere else in the state budget would allow education and the human services budget to be at the same level next year as was the case this year. This is simply a game of politics being played with the state's children. All of that tells me that the energy local music supporters are mustering and expending to stop the district from implementing this plan would be better spent addressing the problem at its source. |
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Post by brant on Mar 15, 2010 11:46:53 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports. I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do. Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be. Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now. We dug our graves now we have to sleep in them. I wonder what the MV supporters think? They probably are oblivous to it since they have their school. |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 15, 2010 12:11:28 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports. I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do. Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be. Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now. We dug our graves now we have to sleep in them. I wonder what the MV supporters think? They probably are oblivous to it since they have their school. most will NEVER connect the dots to the extra costs to this district - even the $26M spent OVER the ref approval - for an unneeded school- / they have what they want and they will go to the ends of the earth to justify it...the extra couple million per years in operating costs and the obviou extra transportation costs- not a problem- it's all the state's fault don't you know? people are now losing their jobs over the nonsense that is MVHS - heard this AM from a reliable source- cuts Friday WV=40 NV=20- MV=0 can anyone confirm. How many more signs do people need to see what is going to happen to the HS's here ? |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 15, 2010 12:22:01 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports. I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do. Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be. Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now. I absolutely love it, as does my child who attends there, thanks for asking! Here is what I have heard back from a reliable source. =========================================== It is true that the administration is proposing to reducing teacher headcounts in music, as they are doing elsewhere. The number 20 is certainly incorrect. One early number talked about was 19, but the end number was less based on retirements and people moving. The core of what the administration is proposing is to stop in-day technique classes at the middle school. It's certainly not ideal, but it's hardly "gutting" the program. They will also be proposing to offer technique in before and after school timeslots on a fee basis. There's really very little changing at the elementary level, except that the schedules of the elementary band and orchestra staff are being tightened up and they're being assigned to more buildings each (each person doing more, thus requiring less staff). The only significant change at that level will be that at two elementary buildings, band or orchestra will take place during the day instead of before school (it was the only way to make the schedule work out correctly). When the state reverses 40 years of holding even or increasing its funding (by imposing a substantial reduction in state funding), drastic measures are required. We're happy that we haven't needed to take the approach that several area districts have taken, which is to eliminate 5th grade band and orchestra. We felt that was too drastic. Administration also met with the leaders of the music staff and gave them their plan for a 19 job reduction and how they intended to make that work. The leaders were given the opportunity to reshuffle the administration's plan in a manner they felt would be more workable. All they gave back was a plan for reducing the staff by 10. That's wasn't enough. Lastly, I would encourage you to think about this in an overall sense, not a line item sense. Every dollar we protect in music has to come from somewhere else. At what cost are we, as a community, willing to keep music at its current level? The administration's plan is already to let class sizes grow to 31. Is the community willing to live with class sizes of 33 or more to maintain music at its current level? My guess is that the non-music parents won't support that. We could increase the probable stipend cuts in athletics beyond the rather significant levels that are already on the table (the public hasn't seen those yet), but like the 5th grade band and orchestra idea, that was deemed a little too drastic. With the sort of programmatic cuts we're looking at having to make, it's not realistic to expect that music would go untouched. The administration believes that it has identified the least damaging way to affect music in a world in which everything needs to get reduced to some extent. Will this hurt music? Without a doubt. But everything else is getting hurt as well and our job must be to balance that impact of what's taking place. We're trying, as much as possible, to not eliminate opportunities for children. Instead, we are trying to either reduce things a bit or make them somewhat more self-sustaining (i.e., fees increases). We found that more attractive than outright elimination of opportunities. One item of perspective: We took $6.5 million out of this year's budget last year, in order to ensure we'd remain in balance. In the first half of the current year, we worked to take $9.5 million out of next year's budget for the same reason. We were able to do both of those without significantly affecting the students. We now need to take $12-16 million MORE out of next year's budget. With 82% of the budget being teachers (the removal of whom obviously affects students directly), we are no longer in a place where there are easy things to do to avoid having an impact on the program. And what that also means is that we're now at a place that unless we start reducing teacher head counts, we can't make the budget work. One complicating legal item: State law requires us to give notice to any teacher for whom we might not have a job next year, and to give that notice no later than 60 days before the end of the school year. That deadline date is rapidly approaching. That's why this action needs to be taken now. I completely understand the pride and the passion that is generated with the music program. But seeing the budget in a global sense, I also recognize that there is a limit to what can be done to "save music" as the email calls upon people to do. And I can't help but think that the energy and emotion being generated here would be much better directed at the General Assembly, which has the ability to prioritize things in a way that education need not be negatively impacted. It's ridiculous to cut money being spent on children while maintaining spending to support fish and wildlife programs. This problem has no good local solution because it's not a local problem. ( IT"S BOTH ! ) The problem was the state failing to properly prioritize (largely because they're testing the water for a tax increase). Consider that the Governor's budget calls for a $2.3 billion reduction in state expenditures next year, of which education is $1.3 billion. That's ridiculous. The House Republican leadership has already told the Superintendents that a 5-10% cut everywhere else in the state budget would allow education and the human services budget to be at the same level next year as was the case this year. This is simply a game of politics being played with the state's children. All of that tells me that the energy local music supporters are mustering and expending to stop the district from implementing this plan would be better spent addressing the problem at its source. How long will people pretend and continue to ignore that this IS NOT only a state issue. Yes the funding changes have hurt- the late payment are hurt but 204 was going to be in the RED anyway - their own fact sheets showed everyone that. Yes the state funding is the larger of the impacts, ut far far from the only reason we are all screwed. -- I get nauseous reading quotes from our super about how we're not spending here- wait a darn minute, What about $150M for a ref approved $124M unneeded HS ? What about the $3M or so in additional operating costs for a school that will Never- repeat NEVER be utilized as it was built. ? What about transportation cost differentials ? What about $17M in extra costs - legally maybe, but under the table from taxpayers for rates on initial bond issues- not counted as MVHS cost ? What about implementing ADK KNOWING full well t realies on state funds that have been in jeopardy for years ? There's well over $20M that should still be here- and is now exasperating the situation and costing people jobs, and the kids here full educations.Nice job SB and SD - in bringing this district to it's knees, yet still having snowed enough people who I know are intelligent enough to know better, but ignore these facts because a shiny new school sits in the north. what will it take to admit that we have spent ourselves into this mess as well ? Part of the blame lies right here in leadership. How many more jobs- how many more program cuts ? |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 15, 2010 12:26:06 GMT -6
I think cutting music is wrong. If they are going to do any cutting I think it should start in athletics. My son is in several sports but music and the arts are far more important. a case can be made either way brant- IMHO. A lot of leadership skills also gt built in sports- and the obese nation we are- there are health benefits also. the problem is we should not have to be deciding. For those who actually drive in the part of the district where MVHS is ( most of us do not) -- as you pass it, wave goodbye to music programs, some athletics, maybe more and some excellent young teachers. As much a cause as the state funding is us blowing all that money there- well documented here already. |
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Post by casey on Mar 15, 2010 12:30:45 GMT -6
heard this AM from a reliable source- cuts Friday WV=40 NV=2- MV=0 can anyone confirm. How many more signs do people need to see what is going to happen to the HS's here ? Oh come on! You're reliable source must be wrong. There's no way that WV cut 40 and NV cut 2 with MV 0? I just don't see that being possible. FWIW, I did hear specifics about 2 teachers being cut from NV. What would be the chances that those were the only 2? I hope like heck that this is not correct. Besides, it wouldn't possibly make sense to cut 40 teachers from WV. Newsflash, people, Waubonsie still VERY crowded (I know NV is too) but I can't imagine that WV could be down 40 teachers. Unless of course they're going to do shuffling of teachers from NV to backfill Waubonsie (hey, kinda like they did with the kids). FWIW, I also heard specifics on a MV teacher that was told his services are no longer needed (a fantastic transfer teacher from NV). As we're all realizing this deficit in our district was caused by our own leadership (admin, SB) and not the state. Now granted the state didn't help our situation but please don't shuffle the blame and say it's Springfield's fault. That is simply not true. |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 15, 2010 12:32:49 GMT -6
heard this AM from a reliable source- cuts Friday WV=40 NV=2- MV=0 can anyone confirm. How many more signs do people need to see what is going to happen to the HS's here ? Oh come on! You're reliable source must be wrong. There's no way that WV cut 40 and NV cut 2 with MV 0? I just don't see that being possible. FWIW, I did hear specifics about 2 teachers being cut from NV. What would be the chances that those were the only 2? I hope like heck that this is not correct. Besides, it wouldn't possibly make sense to cut 40 teachers from WV. Newsflash, people, Waubonsie still VERY crowded (I know NV is too) but I can't imagine that WV could be down 40 teachers. Unless of course they're going to do shuffling of teachers from NV to backfill Waubonsie (hey, kinda like they did with the kids). FWIW, I also heard specifics on a MV teacher that was told his services are no longer needed (a fantastic transfer teacher from NV). As we're all realizing this deficit in our district was caused by our own leadership (admin, SB) and not the state. Now granted the state didn't help our situation but please don't shuffle the blame and say it's Springfield's fault. That is simply not true. oops typo 40-20 - 0 again I qualified it to say I don't know with our districts accounting practices if this means what it shows- but it came from a teacher |
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Post by macrockett on Mar 15, 2010 12:52:06 GMT -6
I will voice a contrary opinion. My kids are in music, orchestra and chorus throughtout various grade levels. They do not currently participate in any school sports. I agree with cutting music programs under these circumstances. I will not lobby to preserve them as the author calls for. I think many sports will be cut back as well. It is the prudent thing to do. Some will call me heartless, I call it realism. There will be a thousand "causes" that their proponents will think it is the most heinous act to trim them back, but many will need to be, and should be. Ask momto4 about how much she loves Metea that she was a huge cheerleader for now. I absolutely love it, as does my child who attends there, thanks for asking! Here is what I have heard back from a reliable source. =========================================== It is true that the administration is proposing to reducing teacher headcounts in music, as they are doing elsewhere. The number 20 is certainly incorrect. One early number talked about was 19, but the end number was less based on retirements and people moving. The core of what the administration is proposing is to stop in-day technique classes at the middle school. It's certainly not ideal, but it's hardly "gutting" the program. They will also be proposing to offer technique in before and after school timeslots on a fee basis. There's really very little changing at the elementary level, except that the schedules of the elementary band and orchestra staff are being tightened up and they're being assigned to more buildings each (each person doing more, thus requiring less staff). The only significant change at that level will be that at two elementary buildings, band or orchestra will take place during the day instead of before school (it was the only way to make the schedule work out correctly). When the state reverses 40 years of holding even or increasing its funding (by imposing a substantial reduction in state funding), drastic measures are required. We're happy that we haven't needed to take the approach that several area districts have taken, which is to eliminate 5th grade band and orchestra. We felt that was too drastic. Administration also met with the leaders of the music staff and gave them their plan for a 19 job reduction and how they intended to make that work. The leaders were given the opportunity to reshuffle the administration's plan in a manner they felt would be more workable. All they gave back was a plan for reducing the staff by 10. That's wasn't enough. Lastly, I would encourage you to think about this in an overall sense, not a line item sense. Every dollar we protect in music has to come from somewhere else. At what cost are we, as a community, willing to keep music at its current level? The administration's plan is already to let class sizes grow to 31. Is the community willing to live with class sizes of 33 or more to maintain music at its current level? My guess is that the non-music parents won't support that. We could increase the probable stipend cuts in athletics beyond the rather significant levels that are already on the table (the public hasn't seen those yet), but like the 5th grade band and orchestra idea, that was deemed a little too drastic. With the sort of programmatic cuts we're looking at having to make, it's not realistic to expect that music would go untouched. The administration believes that it has identified the least damaging way to affect music in a world in which everything needs to get reduced to some extent. Will this hurt music? Without a doubt. But everything else is getting hurt as well and our job must be to balance that impact of what's taking place. We're trying, as much as possible, to not eliminate opportunities for children. Instead, we are trying to either reduce things a bit or make them somewhat more self-sustaining (i.e., fees increases). We found that more attractive than outright elimination of opportunities. One item of perspective: We took $6.5 million out of this year's budget last year, in order to ensure we'd remain in balance. In the first half of the current year, we worked to take $9.5 million out of next year's budget for the same reason. We were able to do both of those without significantly affecting the students. We now need to take $12-16 million MORE out of next year's budget. With 82% of the budget being teachers (the removal of whom obviously affects students directly), we are no longer in a place where there are easy things to do to avoid having an impact on the program. And what that also means is that we're now at a place that unless we start reducing teacher head counts, we can't make the budget work. One complicating legal item: State law requires us to give notice to any teacher for whom we might not have a job next year, and to give that notice no later than 60 days before the end of the school year. That deadline date is rapidly approaching. That's why this action needs to be taken now. I completely understand the pride and the passion that is generated with the music program. But seeing the budget in a global sense, I also recognize that there is a limit to what can be done to "save music" as the email calls upon people to do. And I can't help but think that the energy and emotion being generated here would be much better directed at the General Assembly, which has the ability to prioritize things in a way that education need not be negatively impacted. It's ridiculous to cut money being spent on children while maintaining spending to support fish and wildlife programs. This problem has no good local solution because it's not a local problem. The problem was the state failing to properly prioritize (largely because they're testing the water for a tax increase). Consider that the Governor's budget calls for a $2.3 billion reduction in state expenditures next year, of which education is $1.3 billion. That's ridiculous. The House Republican leadership has already told the Superintendents that a 5-10% cut everywhere else in the state budget would allow education and the human services budget to be at the same level next year as was the case this year. This is simply a game of politics being played with the state's children. All of that tells me that the energy local music supporters are mustering and expending to stop the district from implementing this plan would be better spent addressing the problem at its source. You have got to be kidding momto4: "This problem has no good local solution because it's not a local problem. The problem was the state failing to properly prioritize (largely because they're testing the water for a tax increase)." I don't have time right now to respond in total, but I will say that if you think the fiscal problems of D204 are anywhere near being over, given the steps announced by the superintendent, you better go back and do your homework. To make that statement and to come over here and tell anyone how they should spend their time shows me how little you really understand. Among other things, you are in complete denial. Back later. |
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Post by macrockett on Mar 15, 2010 13:16:51 GMT -6
momto4, let me remind you of a few facts I posted a few days ago, as evidence of why, in part, we are where we are. Please point out anything that didn't happen. First, the District ignored what the community preferred to satisfy our capacity needs. winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/Beacon082205.pdfwinsome.cnchost.com/MAC/8_18_2005SurveyResults.pdfThen in 2006 there was the "Leadership Profile Report" presented to the Board winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/Profile_Rept_10.26.06.pdfParagraph 4 "The primary challenge ...", points out a number of things, especially the last two sentences. Growth has been slowing for some time, winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/NapervilleResidentialPermits1999_2009Q1.pdfIn spite of the warnings, the District forged ahead with ADK in August 2007 as a revenue getter... creating even more dependence on the State for revenues ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=15381Then they had the PMA projections of March 08, winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/PMAanalysis2008.pdf that they didn't bother sharing with the community, showing enrollment was tracking no where near the 10,200 HS kids. Yet they forged ahead with the third HS, ignoring the obvious (that CV pointed out in that April 08 meeting). Then they had the PMA projections of Dec 2008 showing the deficits to come, winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/PMAProjections12-8-08.pdf (page 2) which also show the growth revenue at an end by looking at the educational fund balance, again, page 2. It peaked in 2007. Then they had the countless times the State came out regarding it's own fiscal problems. www.state.il.us/budget/FY2010/FY2010_Budget_Briefing.pdfTo say this is the State's fault .... defies logic and misrepresents why we are at this point. |
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Post by macrockett on Mar 15, 2010 13:21:48 GMT -6
momto2, five months ago I said this, please focus on the highlighted text: To: Financial Advisory Committee From: Michael Crockett My recommendations are divided into 4 categories: Financial, Physical Assets, Employees, and Contracts. I would also like to lay some groundwork First, both the Federal Government and the State of Illinois are mired in debt. On the federal level our current debt is over $11 trillion dollars. www.treasurydirect.gov/NP/BPDLogin?application=npIn addition, over the next 10 years our federal government is projected to borrow an additional $3+ trillion dollars but, more likely, it will be much more. www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9957/_selected-tables.2009.0406.pdfStill further, at the federal level it is estimated that we have un-funded liabilities of over $50 trillion dollars related to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and government retirement programs. www.pgpf.org/newsroom/press/owe/In Illinois, the situation is no better. We currently have an estimated $11 billion dollar budget deficit for the current fiscal year, budget.illinois.gov/default.htm , and an estimated $73 billion in un-funded liabilities for the 5 state pension systems. trs.illinois.gov/subsections/press/history.htm . Further, other post employment benefit liabilities are estimated at over $24 billion. www.bondbuyer.com/issues/117_75/-286730-1.html . See also, generally, www.uhc.com/live/uhc_com/Assets/Documents/URS_StandardandPoorsReport.pdf . At the same time, Federal and Illinois tax revenues, current and projected, continue to lag outlays. www.heritage.org/research/feature....al-revenue.aspx ; www.ioc.state.il.us/ioc-pdf/dwhreportFeb2009.pdf ; blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/09/2....eipts-by-state/ ; www.apps.ioc.state.il.us/ioc-pdf/ffweb0409.pdf (Education Spending in Illinois) Second, consumers and taxpayers aren’t much better off. According to the Census Bureau median household incomes have been flat for a decade. economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/a-decade-with-no-income-gain/?hpIn addition, consumer debt to net worth, especially taking into account the recent loss of wealth in their homes and the stock market, is near an all time high. If you look at page 9, D.3 Debt Outstanding by Sector, under Households, Total column, total Household debt is over $13 trillion (2009 Q2 at bottom of the page.) www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/Current/z1.pdfCorrespondingly, household net worth can be seen on page 104 B.100 Balance Sheet of Households and Nonprofit Organizations, line 42, Net Worth (Fell from $63+ trillion in 2006 to 53 trillion now. Most of this wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, as you know). www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/Current/z1r-5.pdfFurther, according to CareerBuilder, 60 percent of households are living from paycheck to paycheck. blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smarts....o-paycheck.aspx . Finally, the actual unemployment rate is much higher than the headline rate of 9.8% www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t12.htm (BLS shows a rate of 17%) and the Fed Reserve sees protracted, high unemployment, www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE57P3TC20090826 . Conclusion:
Reliance on Federal and Illinois State Government assistance is not advised.
Reliance on the taxpayer is also not advised.
Moving to the subject of District 204, it is important to note the District is a $270 million (now $284 million) per year business, with revenues and expenses that must be managed properly given the constraints that exist. On the revenue side, other than the federal and state funding sources discussed above, “local sources” (taxes) is the remaining material source of revenues. The important considerations here are growth and inflation. It should be clear that growth in the District is nearing an end with little available land left for development. winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/PMAProjections12-8-08.pdf (growth tax began trailing off in 05-06, collected in 07-08); winsome.cnchost.com/MAC/NapervilleResidentialPermits1999_2009Q1.pdf (development began training off some time ago as shown by the Naperville permit #s). In addition, inflation is not on the horizon www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcminutes20090128ep.htm . The tax cap and cpi, cnx.org/content/m18338/latest/ ,will restrict the tax revenue collected beginning in 2010, next year. On the expense side, approximately 80% of our expenses are salaries, benefits and associated expenses. Historically, these expenses grow exponentially. In summary, the combination of little growth, little inflation and the exponential aspect of approximately 80% of our expenses means, based on current trends, District 204 is looking at a funding gap of approximately $7.5 million per year. Therefore, any solutions offered that does not seriously consider consolidation and, more importantly, our employees will not solve the funding issues of our District. Recommendations: Financial: One of the biggest expenses in District 204 is interest expense on outstanding bonds. Protect the bond credit rating, currently Aa2, to avoid paying higher rates. In addition, refinance our outstanding debt as soon as possible to take advantage of the lowest rates in approximately 40 years. www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aEGg_4IOt0hY ( for example, saving 1% on $300 million means per year savings of approximately $3 million). Physical Assets: --Need space utilization study of all schools to determine consolidation possibilities. Savings through consolidation are: --Maintenance costs on unnecessary buildings --Operating costs (eliminated in consolidation) Utilities, etc Administrative positions. Employees: Approximately 80% of the operating costs are for salaries, benefits and related expenses. Certified staff: According to the District website there are 2155 certified staff to 28825 students. That is one certified staff for each 13.37 students. Yet many, if not most, of the classes taught have a ratio of 25-30 to 1. There may be an explanation for this, however on its face, it appears to raise issues. District 204 needs to analyze whether the current scheme is the most effective and efficient or whether a more efficient plan can be implemented. Management: Flatten the management structure by eliminating administration personnel deemed nonessential, thereby putting more responsibility on teachers to carry out their duties without supervision, i.e., eliminate redundancy. Class instruction: Consider creating boiler-plate learning plans whereby all certified staff are on the same page as to what is taught and to provide uniformity throughout the District. This should help create efficiency as well. Contracts: All contracts should be reviewed for necessity, effectiveness and efficiency. --The District should seek to collectively bid contracts, where possible, with other Districts (larger quantity for lower price). Examples: office supplies, athletic equipment, maintenance contracts, other services. --The District should seek, where possible, to solicit bids on contracts using a broader net of potential goods and services providers to maximize potential bidders. Use of the internet B to B sites along with reverse auction bidding is one example. Streamline the process as well to save on administrative costs. |
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i dare say students have an abundance of face time with the music teachers.. and NEVER see an administrator(unless making a trip to the principal's office!)
how about we pit the teachers against the administrators? 
