Post by twhl on Jan 22, 2008 11:06:07 GMT -6
The bottom line is the community will not be getting what they voted for. Reality - so it is now time to make a best decision. Lets move the process along. Process, not "lets do something now". Since all affected parties have been very patient and wanting to hear all sides, I expect the same from the Board and Admin. Time will show it is never prudent to rush in to a decision with such a huge financial and community impact, period. Meeting a self imposed deadline with an incorrect course of action will not fix the negative perception. No matter if you are for or against the "recommended" site, no one can agree that an organized, well thought out, cohesive, thorough process is or was being followed. I challenge anyone to debate me on this. With the BB deal all but dead, it will be even more devastating to the District, long term, if the constituents are not given "all" the facts, whether they be old or recently discovered, good or bad, negative or positive and allowed to digest them, and challenge them if necessary on their own. As the Boards pre-referendum survey has already told them, this is why the first referendum did not pass. I dare them to send in the consultants now to take our pulse again. Incomplete information-here we go again. We will all be faced with long term repercussions. If the community is not offered detailed information, I wouldn't expect that any future referendums will get the nod, now matter how badly they may be needed and they will be needed. (You will notice I have not asked for any boundary information or test scores which should come after the discovery of information is provided below)
I would ask that detailed (not bulleted) information be available from D204 on the following:
* Costs, "all" costs - including construction, land remediation / improvement, bonds, Brach Brodie litigation fees, etc. Also republish the land comparison spreadsheet removing Brach Brodie)
* Enrollment/population trends as they exist today, similarities - deltas from previously published reports
* Safety - Environ report / test results for all considered properties if applicable
* Outstanding issues with Park District land swap as I understand this is something they have previously done. Did Board ask AME to "donate" property - if not why
* What is Naperville position on approving other properties
* Traffic impact study for all considered properties
* Travel impact study for all considered properties
* Transportation costs
At this time, I would ask the Board to review their own goals they have established for themselves:
Goal 3: Increase the public's awareness and support of the district through improved communications efforts
V. Provide timely information to the community about major topics being discussed by the board, such as the superintendent search and issues related to the development of the third school- I think everyone would agree for or against the tidbits of info and sporadic emails have not supported this
Goal 4: Accomplish Board-oriented objectives
IV. Promote greater harmony in our district by encouraging increased opportunities for interaction among its stakeholders - this can not be achieved using Executive Sessions
I would also ask that Superintendent Daeschner remember his own statement when he first came on board " I believe we all learn from each other, and I welcome everyone's input." What is the lesson we are supposed to be learning here?
We are ready and willing Mr. Superintendent if your offer still stands, but at a venue / forum that will let all of D204 hear the facts - and if someone, anyone is unclear or would like additional information, we would hope the District would provide that information. I don't think that is expecting too much. I think we should start by picking one of the high school gyms, auditoriums with enough room for tonights Board meeting.
When all is said and done, I will tell my Middle Schooler (1- Grade School, 1-Middle School, 1-High School, Dist 204 - 20 years) he and his friends may or may not attend the school they originally thought, but we will make the best of it. What will be hard to explain is the same democratic process they used for the new school colors and name, did not apply when the community at large was not offered the same privilege and follow suit.
I would ask that detailed (not bulleted) information be available from D204 on the following:
* Costs, "all" costs - including construction, land remediation / improvement, bonds, Brach Brodie litigation fees, etc. Also republish the land comparison spreadsheet removing Brach Brodie)
* Enrollment/population trends as they exist today, similarities - deltas from previously published reports
* Safety - Environ report / test results for all considered properties if applicable
* Outstanding issues with Park District land swap as I understand this is something they have previously done. Did Board ask AME to "donate" property - if not why
* What is Naperville position on approving other properties
* Traffic impact study for all considered properties
* Travel impact study for all considered properties
* Transportation costs
At this time, I would ask the Board to review their own goals they have established for themselves:
Goal 3: Increase the public's awareness and support of the district through improved communications efforts
V. Provide timely information to the community about major topics being discussed by the board, such as the superintendent search and issues related to the development of the third school- I think everyone would agree for or against the tidbits of info and sporadic emails have not supported this
Goal 4: Accomplish Board-oriented objectives
IV. Promote greater harmony in our district by encouraging increased opportunities for interaction among its stakeholders - this can not be achieved using Executive Sessions
I would also ask that Superintendent Daeschner remember his own statement when he first came on board " I believe we all learn from each other, and I welcome everyone's input." What is the lesson we are supposed to be learning here?
We are ready and willing Mr. Superintendent if your offer still stands, but at a venue / forum that will let all of D204 hear the facts - and if someone, anyone is unclear or would like additional information, we would hope the District would provide that information. I don't think that is expecting too much. I think we should start by picking one of the high school gyms, auditoriums with enough room for tonights Board meeting.
When all is said and done, I will tell my Middle Schooler (1- Grade School, 1-Middle School, 1-High School, Dist 204 - 20 years) he and his friends may or may not attend the school they originally thought, but we will make the best of it. What will be hard to explain is the same democratic process they used for the new school colors and name, did not apply when the community at large was not offered the same privilege and follow suit.
