Why School Boards Won't Tell You the Reasons for Employee Discipline or Dismissal

Boards of education are sometimes asked by news reporters or other citizens to explain the reasons when they fire an administrator, teacher or other employee. Some school boards, in fact, are publicly criticized when they refuse to divulge such reasons or do not speak out in defense of a dismissal.

The Illinois Association of School Boards believes such criticism is almost always unwarranted and unfair. The public needs to know that a school board must treat information regarding an employee dismissal as completely confidential.The fact is, a public right to know rarely if ever attaches to an employee dismissal, especially when the employer is a public body.

Even in those rare situations involving criminal misconduct, responsibility for publicly releasing information about formal charges would rest, not with the public employer, but with law enforcement officials.Under any circumstances imaginable, it would be improper for the members of a school board to comment publicly regarding an employee dismissal for at least three reasons:

1) Barring some heinous misconduct on the part of the employee, no employer should wish to make future employment any more difficult than necessary.

2) Releasing stigmatizing information on an employee, even in the form of accusations or opinions, will increase the level of hostility and make an amicable settlement of an employment dispute impossible. The cost of going to court is many times greater than the cost of an out-of-court settlement and is not a prudent use of dollars that should be spent on educating children.

3) Public employees have constitutionally protected interests in personal reputation, integrity and the right to future employment opportunities. A public body that divulges stigmatizing information in dismissing an employee jeopardizes the constitutional rights of that employee and creates an intricate and costly web of procedural due process requirements. Even where stigmatizing information is believed to be true, efforts to prove it in court carry enormous financial risks.

read more here...

Keep on keeping on Mr. President

The GOP has retreated to the far right confines of the base of the Base. Republicans who have waved the GOP banner for more than three (3) decades are fleeing the Party. Glen Beck and Faux News are pushing the Preamble to the Constitution as justification for a rally call for secession from the Union. They have been deduced to mere personalities vying for the best abs. They have been reduced to transparent, spiteful, ditto head, snake oil salesmen… in just 100 days.

My two cents on whistleblowing

It is reported that Peoria District 150 Board of Education has voted to release Julie McArdle, who is the first year principal at Lindbergh Middle School, from her contract. Ms. McArdle has in return accused the District of firing her because she had informed them of financial discrepancies that were allegedly perpetrated by the former principal of Lindbergh, Mary Davis. Ms. Davis currently works as an Academic Officer for District 150.

As District 150 embarks upon an extensive reorganization that will require massive cuts, it is important that all of their employees and administrators feel comfortable coming forward with discrepancies and cost cutting ideas. Who knows better about what's really going on in schools than the teachers and principles in daily attendance. We need for educators to not be afraid that they will be harassed, punished, or fired for having the courage to speak up when they see conduct that is contrary to what is good for the children.

When a person elects to take the route that Ms. McArdle has taken, the emotional toll is great. Not just to her, but to her family and subsequently this Community. Whistleblowers are generally seen as brave, the person who is willing to take a stand against the system. It is unfortunate that Ms. McArdle’s practices have also been called into question by commenters on local blogs, but that is par for the course. Whistleblowing is never really cut and dry as the whistleblower is always expected to be above reproach. Having said that, the whistleblower that is above reproach, is said to be rare...

Is this just a knee-jerk reaction on District 150’s behalf? Instead of addressing the problems that Ms. McArdle raised, they decided it would be easier to fire her and risk her going public, even if it meant colluding unlawfully? Really? I’m still trying to get my mind around that one.

The allegation of violating the rights of a whistleblower is right up there with going along with discrimination - wrong. The nuances of both are extensively intricate. The documentation will tell the true story.

and Then There Was Maude...

Golden Girl, Bea Arthur, a cool lady passed away this weekend. In honor of Bea and Poetry Month a poem my Andrew Gold.

Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down a road and back again
Your heart is true,
You're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off,
Won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say

If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need
Any time of the day or night

And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say

And when we die
And float away
Into the night
The milky way
You'll hear me call
As we ascend
I'll say your name
Then once again

The Benefits of Schools as Community Learning Centers

"My friends, it's time to get serious. The dumbing down of American education must end. If children need extra help to measure up, they should get it. Let's provide tutors, and call in the families, or keep the schools open late and open in the summer, too, if we must. But whatever we do, let's end this tyranny of low expectations once and for all."

--Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education

The need for increased opportunities for children to learn and develop in safe and drug-free environments outside of regular school hours is clear. Without affordable, high-quality after-school care available to parents who work, many children must care for themselves or be supervised by older siblings responsibilities that distract them from school work. Lacking constructive community activities to engage them after school, children are vulnerable to drug use and gang involvement outside of school hours. In communities without libraries, many children do not have access to books and other information resources or adults who can help with challenging homework; as a result, some of these students may not learn the skills they need to become productive citizens.

This guidebook focuses on keeping neighborhood school buildings open as Community Learning Centers to give our children opportunities to enhance their learning and be involved in enriching activities in convenient, caring environments. Research shows the importance of keeping schools open as after-school and summer Community Learning Centers:

Few opportunities exist for young people. While there has been a growth in the availability of after-school care programs for children over the last 20 years, relatively few organized, extended learning opportunities exist. Extended learning programs in schools are even more scarce, especially for older children and youth. In 1995, there were 23.5 million school-age children with parents in the workforce. But as recently as 1993-94, only 974,348 children in public elementary and combined schools (just 3.4 percent of all public elementary and combined school students) were enrolled in 18,111 before- or after-school programs at public schools. Seventy percent of all public elementary and combined schools did not offer before- or after-school programs.

Parents want more access to extended learning opportunities but may face barriers in accessing them. A 1994 survey of parents found that 56 percent think that many parents leave their children alone too much after school. And principals have long seen a need for extended learning programs; in a 1989 survey, 84 percent of school principals agreed that there is a need for before- and after-school programs. Studies have identified some barriers to participation (e.g., hours of the program, transportation, concern over program activities and quality), the most frequently mentioned barrier to anticipation being parents' inability to pay the tuition and fees charged by programs. Barriers to offering programs have been identified, also, including the unwillingness of unions (teacher, paraprofessional, and custodial) to extend the hours of their members and charging high rental rates for the use of the school facility.

Youth are at greatest risk of violence after the regular school day. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are most at risk of committing violent acts and being victims between 3 p.m and 6 p.m.--a time when they are not in school at the end of the regular school day.

Organized activities help children resist unsafe behaviors and enhance learning. After-school and summer programs can offer the support and supervision children need in order to learn and to resist the influences of unsafe or violent behaviors. While some of the research is contradictory, children under adult supervision in formal programs that exhibit quality indicators (lower student staff rations, age-appropriate activities, academic and enrichment activities) demonstrate higher academic achievement and better attitudes toward school than children left alone or under the care of siblings. Community public school facilities can offer the venue for such programs, for, otherwise, from the last bell of the school day to the first bell of the next day--16 hours each day--one of the community's largest capital investments sits vacant.

Children in quality programs do better in school. Research indicates that program quality is very important. Students have more positive interactions with staff when student to staff ratios are low, staff are well-trained, and a wide variety of activities are offered. Students in quality programs may have better peer relations and better grades and conduct in school than their peers in other care arrangements.

Teachers and principals are recognizing the positive effects of good quality programs on their students. The Cooperative Extension Service found that in programs that had received their assistance, teachers reported that the programs helped the children to become more cooperative, handle conflicts better, develop an interest in recreational reading, and earn better grades. More than one-third of the school principals stated that vandalism in the school decreased as a result of the programs.

Youth need opportunities outside of the regular school day to be mentored by adults and introduced to new activities that they can master. Research clearly shows that positive and sustained interactions with adults contribute to the overall development of young people and their achievement in school. Mentoring middle school students in math and science is one important activity that can increase the likelihood of future college going. After-school activities also allow children and youth to explore and master activities (art, dance, music, sports) that can contribute to their overall well-being and achievement.

Children who spend more time in learning activities and organized extracurricular activities learn more. This is especially true for reading and an important research-based premise of the President's America Reads Challenge proposal. Also, students who are involved in extracurricular activities such as academic clubs, sports, student government, band, and special lessons show greater achievement.

Children want and need organized after-school activities. Children left to themselves or under the care of siblings after school experience greater fear of accidents and crimes and are more bored than other children. They also are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors and drug and alcohol use, and are more often the victims of accidents and abuse. Children who spend more hours on their own and who began self-care at younger ages are at increased risk.

By offering a safe learning environment before- and after-school and during the summer, schools can become Community Learning Centers that help children read, learn more, and avoid destructive or dangerous activities. The programs can be simple, focused on a single goal, and funded by reallocating existing resources. Or they can address an array of conditions, involve many community partners in a systems-building approach, and attract support from many sources. In both cases, after-school and summer learning opportunities in a safe, drug-free environment can make a profound difference in children's lives.

from: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/LearnCenters/benefits.html

Related article:
Helm (1993) describes the planning, organization, and mission of the Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Police Brutality Press Conference

Hat tip to Stella for the photos:

Today’s press conference held by Pastor Harvey Burnett on the steps of City Hall was in full attendance by local television and radio stations. There were also several individuals who appeared along side Pastor Burnett who spoke specifically to the police brutality they each allegedly faced at the hands of Peoria Police.

Pastor Burnett:

"… The Chief [Settingsgaard] took that information and never corresponded back with us at all. We checked with some of the individuals in the street who knew these Officers and they said that one of these Officers had been moved but the other Officer was continuing to do what they did but he was doing it on a little different scale. I would suspect that the Chief did talk to them, but I can’t prove anything. All I know is that the information that we receive seems like it evaporates and people are yet over the same period of time continue to experience problems at the hands of the Police.”

Go to EmergingPeoria to read Pastor Burnett's speech in entirety.

Police Brutality Press Conference

There will be a press conference at 10:00AM, Friday April 24th 2009 on the steps of City Hall downtown Peoria.

At this press conference, Pastor Harvey Burnett, Executive Director of the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors for Community & Spiritual Renewal, will present individuals and allegations and will set forth additional formal complaints of alleged police brutality.

"We will file those complaints through the city attorney's office, require better accountability from city government, and better protections for citizens from the Peoria County States Attorney's office. The problems are profound and must be addressed immediately."

Thank you.
Pastor Harvey Burnett
Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal

District 150 - please bring back inner city basketball rims

Yesterday evening the weather was perfect for being on the courts shooting hoops.

Photo taken at Keller School on North Knoxville Avenue.

South of War Memorial Drive, District 150 has removed all basketball rims. The rims were removed several years ago. As a result, children who are not fortunate enough to be members of the RiverPlex or some other facility, are left to their own means to find a basketball rim.

Recently, four young men climbed over my gated and locked back yard fence and had themselves a little game . It was actually kind of funny because I recognized them from the school where I volunteer. I didn’t get mad, but I gave them a good talk about what trespassing is and pointed them to the sign posted on my fence. However, I did assure them that if they did it again, I would call the police. I have since seen the youngsters at school and they are all very nice and make a point to say hello, no problems.

I am not sure why the basketball rims were taken down from inner city schools, but District 150 should really consider replacing them.

Far North War Memorial Drive store robbed late Wednesday

For some reason, this was not on the local news or in the newspaper:

Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred roughly at about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night at the Hucks on North War Memorial Drive. The robber took an undetermined amount of cash and fled on foot, running across War Memorial Drive to the Upland Terrace area where the officer lost sight of him. A K9 team was called as the suspect ran into the woods. It is unknown if the suspect was caught. The suspect wearing a black hoody and mask implied that he had a gun.

A page from the Journal of a District 150 Mom

(South of War Memorial Drive)
Mommy Journal

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day


As we prepare for school this morning, I am feeling much more hopeful.

As I sit here sipping on my second cup of coffee, little one is eating her yogurt and working multiplication problems just for kicks. There have been many days I send this bright, happy child to a District 150 school and I worry that I have been stunting her growth. I volunteer at her school and do my part, but there is still so much to worry about.

Although I am concerned that there are some parents facing uncertainty about next year, I am excited about what is to come for the future of Peoria schools, my inner city neighborhood and most importantly, my little one. If we can be patient, I believe that our school District will be something many from North Peoria will be fighting to get into.

I will continue to do my part volunteering at school. I will prepare my daughter and her friends positively for the changes that are about to come. I will speak to them with excitement and hope because they should know they deserve better and the District and City of Peoria cares enough to make sure it happens.

Wow, how many years has this family discussed moving from the City, the State, or going back to private school. But now with the possibility of new community schools and the Math Science Technology Academy in 2010, I am beginning to see a future here in Peoria.

I know it has got to be hard on the protestors who have every right to be concerned. I cringe to think what they may do next, they have made some threats I believe they will follow through on. They have raised some important issues and that Ms. Vespa is quite the hell raiser, it ain't over.

Overall, I think that in the long run, the protestors and the bloggers will make our District better. The Board is listening, they hear us, they are responding and they are now looking for answers outside of the Administration Building. We can... ooops gotta go—time for School...

It is still Poetry Month

She stands
In the quiet darkness,

This troubled woman

Bowed by

Weariness and pain

Like an

Autumn flower

In the frozen rain,

Like a

Wind-blown autumn flower

That never lifts its head

Again.

Where the fire at?

Dear Anti-Pundit:

I am neither a card player or a witch with a torch, but I am entitled to my own opinion and will continue to call it as I see it, from my perspective – the perspective of a black woman living this shit. Many in Peoria (black and white) wish I would just shut the hell up (you know, kind of like how they feel about you), but that's the risk you run when you have a blog, isn't it?

Good Day,

Emerge

I remember reading about this terrible story in the PJStar:

"Officer Jim Krider, 37, was at the wheel of a prisoner-transport van when Aniya Alexander entered the roadway in the 1800 block of West Lincoln Avenue and was struck by the vehicle. The toddler was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. "

... there was something I couldn't put my finger on and then light bulb...

from the PJStar:
"A Northwest Peoria man claims he was brutally kicked and stomped by police after a brief chase last May. Bryce R. Scott, 33, claims the beating came after he stopped his car and put his hands outside his window in the early morning hours of May 3, 2008, near the intersection of Abington Street and Perry Avenue. In his suit, which names the city and six police officers as defendants, he claims he was pepper sprayed, stomped, kicked, tased and punched after he complied with officers' requests. [...] Four of the officers are named in the lawsuit. They are Gerald Suelter, Timothy Wight, Jeremy Layman and James Krider."

Really? Wow - some coincidence, huh?

Did Barbara VanAuken confer protected status to gays?

From Pastor Harvey Burnett: We need some serious answers from this Council and they should be made to account for their actions. This has been forwarded to each Council Member also. (A group of pastors also sent this information to WMBD TV, WHOI TV, M. Miller at PJStar, and M. Mantel at WEEK.

"You can't give notice to the effect that certain protected groups are not welcome."

According to the Chicago Tribune in an article "Peoria Gays React To Unwelcome Sign" City Council Woman Barbra VanAuken (Left) singlehandedly and unashamedly conferred "protected class status" on gays living in Peoria. This particular class status has normally been reserved for individuals who have struggled or struggle to gain civil rights based on color or ethnic heritage. The disabled, and those discriminated against in housing and employment have also been afforded "civil right" status and in some cases have been made a "protected class". What's more it seems that not only has Mrs. VanAuken expanded the definition of "protected class" to include gays, but also to include public displays of gay affection as acts being "protected" under the law.

It all started when the Elbow Room Bar located downtown Peoria, owned by Mr. Greg Quast placed this sign in the window of his establishment because he had noticed an increase in gay couples, many involved in open displays of affection either in or around his facility. As should be his legal right, he let the public know his establishment's position on certain activities and gave individuals an option to go to another location to fulfill their public passionate displays.

This led a newly formed gay activist group, One World One Equality, to stage 3 protests in an effort to draw attention to their cause and shame the owner of the bar as a "homophobic".

Obviously the tactic worked on Barbra Van Auken, as she levied "protected class" citizenship status on Peoria gays and also unwittingly endorsed public displays of "gay affection".

Although played down by Peoria media as an inconsequential event, this sparked the following email to Mayor Ardis, and Councilmen Gulley, Turner and Van Auken, from Gay Christian Movement Watch's Rev. D.L. Foster who will appear in Peoria on May 7th 2009:

As an African American minister, I must admit I was stunned to read where Council member Barbara Van Auken stated in an article out today in the Chicago Tribune that homosexuals are a protected group. This is in response to a bar owner's clarification of the nature of his bar. Additionally, the article noted that the Peoria city council said state law prohibited such actions. Specifically, what state law says that the owner of a business cannot prohibit certain individuals from coming into his or her establishment and exhibiting behavior unwelcome or not an indigenous aspect of such an establishment? Could this same law be used against churches who prohibit homosexuals from showing open "affection" in the on church property?As an elected official, did Van Auken really mean to say that homosexuals are a "protect group" as if they are some sort of endangered species? Please tell me if are there any groups of people, in your opinion, which would not be a protected group? I don't understand, what's the criteria for assigned "protected" status to one group and denying it to another? I hope that you will take some time and clarify these remarks.

We stand with the inquiry and sentiments of Pastor Foster. Unless Peoria has enacted a special law under their home rule authority, this was and is the wrong move and certainly the wrong message for Mrs. Van Auken to make. To our current knowledge, Peoria gays are not "protected class" citizens and acts of overt public displays of sexual passion, whether homosexual of heterosexual, are restricted. Further, homosexual rights of sexual freedom are NOT civil rights, neither are they equated to to the struggle for racial or moral equality.

This is all very interesting for an additional reason. In 2007 the Downtown Peoria bars were unaccepting of Black citizens supposedly because of their dress and demeanor which was considered to be "intimidating". Instead of making downtown bars comply in the acceptance of Black patrons, the City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Ardis, undertook the notion of liquor expansion to have alternate places for "Blacks to go". This was done against the sincere pleading of the Pastor's Association, The Citizens For Community Values, The Peoria South Side Mission and many neighborhood associations and other grass roots organizations. In other words, the rights of Blacks are not protected, were minimized and only compartmentalized by this city and it's council, whereas the rights of gays have been expressed to have somehow been protected. This issue needs and deserves immediate attention by this council.

It seems that the Peoria City Council should at least use this opportunity to either educate the public as to what the law states about "protected class" citizens in Peoria or become better educated themselves on the arising gay agenda and the difference between civil rights and gay rights. This is especially poignant since the State of Illinois is considering instituting sexual unions as the law of the land, and citizens need to know where we currently stand.

If homosexual rights is the law of Peoria, we defer to such guidance as received from the council on the matter. If it is not, we advise that Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken issue a public statement of apology to both the bar owner Mr. Quast and the citizens of Peoria for misrepresenting the laws under which Peoria and the State Of Illinois operate.

Eric Marlon Bishop and Hannah Montana

Is Eric Marlon Bishop hating on Miley Cyrus because she has the number one movie out? Maybe we should blame his comments on the alcohol. Why else would a grown *** man talk sideways about a young girl like that?

What if Peoria had its own currency?

A small but growing number of cash-strapped communities are printing their own money.

Borrowing from a Depression-era idea, they are aiming to help consumers make ends meet and support struggling local businesses. During the Depression, local governments, businesses and individuals issued currency, known as scrip, to keep commerce flowing when bank closings led to a cash shortage.

The systems generally work like this: Businesses and individuals form a network to print currency. Shoppers buy it at a discount — say, 95 cents for $1 value — and spend the full value at stores that accept the currency.

Read the entire story here...

Party like it's 1789? Not interested.

If you are attending a tea party on March 15 - enjoy your tea. You will be in good company, countless other proud Americans will be joining in the festivities (e.g. Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Rush).

By the way - Earl Gray was black and wore a dashiki.

MST Charter School Advisory Committee Meeting

AGENDA

MST Charter School Advisory Committee

April 24, 2009 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Administration Building,

Superintendent's Conference Room
April 24, 2009 3:00 – 4:30 PM

I. Welcome
II. Report from Committees
A. Steering Committee
1. Role
2. Formation of Committees
3. Support from INCS
B. Communication Committee
1. Bus Trips
2. IMSA Presentation
3. Partnerships for Website and Communication Plan
4. Legislative Support
C. Focus Committee
1. Vision
2. Guiding Principals
3. RFP Process
III. Next Steps

(from psd150.org/calendar)

School Desegregation in Peoria, Illinois

A Staff Report of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, June 1977.

In 1966 when initial planning for desegregation began, minority students were concentrated in 9 of Peoria's 39 schools. Twenty of the city's schools had white enrollments of more than 98 percent, indicating the most minimal percentage of minority students in more than half the city's schools. Four schools were totally white.

The Board fully realized that the Peoria Public Schools must be integrated promptly to insure quality education and equality of educational opportunities for all children.

The plan was quickly put into effect to coincide with the fall 1968 opening of Peoria’s schools. A few incidents of limited physical violence occurred but the Peoria Journal Star, in its account of the desegregation process noted, "There were no major incidents. Busing, at least on a limited basis and as long as it did not involve advantaged whites, seemed to work well in Peoria.

In some respects, the Peoria schools during the 1970s began to look more segregated than even prior to the initiation of desegregation. In 1966 Peoria's minority students were concentrated in nine schools; eight of these schools failed to meet State guidelines because they had an over population of minority students. By the 1975-76 school year, the district had a total of nine schools which had an overpopulation of minority students by State standards.

[...]

On January 8, 1976, the Illinois Office of Education announced that Peoria District 150 was not in compliance with State desegregation guidelines. The State found 20 Peoria schools not in compliance and ordered the district to submit detailed desegregation plans. The order noted that failure to do so could result in a loss of funding and further legal action by the State. A new plan from the district has now been received by the State and is currently under review.

Superintendent Harry Whitaker agreed that Peoria's schools should be within the State guidelines, but has also argued that the district should not be made to bus white students to predominantly black schools to achieve this end:

"We believe in integration. There's no question about that," Mr. Whitaker stated, "but we don't believe in integration to the point that we have to move youngsters back and forth. We think that that is going to be detrimental....My goal is not to re-segregate District 150, but, hopefully, to maintain the community as it is now."

Read the entire report here.

Will the new Superintendent support charter schools?

A recent article about the June 2010 retirement of District 150's Superintendent (Ken Hinton), got me to thinking. With the face of this community and District changing so much, what kind of attributes should the new Superintendent have? Getting some type of Community input on the hopes for the new Superintendent will go a long ways towards buy in.

To accommodate those eager for involvement and preclude unreasonable demands, the Illinois Association of School Boards suggests that "the school board should establish procedures for ascertaining the views of the community in establishing qualifications and standards for the superintendency. […] However, public discussion of what the district needs in a superintendent must come long before the pool of applicants is narrowed down to a few finalists."

A head hunter has been chosen to assist the Committee, however I have yet to see where the Community will be able to give some input on this important position. Does the 10 member Committee appointed to review potential candidates cover the Community input aspect?

The 10 member Search Committee appointed to hire the new Superintendent consists of Dr. Andy Chiou, a local physician, who considers changing Peoria a "hobby". Dr. Chiou is thoroughly excited about the possibility of charter schools. Dr. Chiou, along with Glen Barton (retired Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar, Inc.) also sit on the Governing Board of the District’s Community Foundation (Mr. Chiou is the Vice Chair). For those who are not familiar with the Community Foundation:

As you may recall, projected to open in 2010 is the Math, Science and Technology Academy (MSTA). The Academy will house 4th - 12th grade students interested in math, science and technology, with 450 students being selected using a lottery process. The MSTA is slated to cost $12 million dollars and will be a Charter School. The MSTA is to be housed at the current Adult Education Center on Moss Avenue.

The District's Community Foundation clearly has input into the hiring of the new Superintendent and have shown that they believe Peoria should be moving towards charter schools. As a result, is the 10 member Search Committee also looking for a Superintendent who will embrace charter schools, lottery systems and choice for parents? Is our community on board with school choice? Is our School Board on board with school choice? What impact will it have on the inner city? Does this explain why Edison is here to stay and why newly built schools are more like community centers? Can we afford it?

The District Community Foundation monies have been responsible for a lot of good that has happened in District 150, of course they want input. However, it is the School Board who should have final say over who is the Superintendent. The School Board was elected by the public to make the tough decisions. It would be unfortunate for this Community if any one group, other than those elected, had too much of an impact over what new Superintendent is hired.

The Community is crying out for transparency in the District’s finances. Since the decisions the District's Community Foundation make have such an enormous financial impact on the District, hopefully they too are being transparent about their plans for the District's future.

The District's Community Foundation plans need to be conducive to the District’s overall financial picture as set out by the Budget Committee and the Board - not driving it.

If we as a Community are opposed to school choice, charter schools and lotteries, now is the time to be proactive. Make it clear before the Search Committee of 10 sends forward a specific type of candidate.

Related articles: Hiring a New Superintendent – Some Appropriate Roles; Obama vows to double funding for charter schools; Our View: Give charter school a shot; District 150, BU look at partnership, STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) program."; District 150 works on charter school, opening in 2010, slated to cost $12 million; Word on the street: Charter schools a hot topic; Op-Ed: Save money by eliminating Illinois' cap on charter schools; Inner-city culture and the charter school self-sorting effect; Superintendent search committee appointed.

This mess ain't cute

Hat tip to Sally.


"Burger King has recruited one-hit-wonder Sir Mix-a-Lot to transform his classic ode to ass “Baby Got Back” into a commercial promoting their new SpongeBob SquarePants Happy Meal to kids. To give some background on the evolution of the single, “Baby Got Back” was once quarantined in late-night music-video blocks because MTV deemed it too sexual for prime-time television in 1993. Now it’s being used during college basketball commercial breaks to sell hamburgers to children." (Rolling Stone)

Oh Burger King, you make me sad. Et tu Sponge Bob? Sigh.

Buckle your seatbelts Peoria...

... we're in for a bumpy ride (I'm referring to the potholes). I have been informed there needs to be some type of election coverage.

Emerge Election Coverage:

ArdisVanAukenGulleyIrvingRiggenbachPetelleNichtingYes.

Confession: My guilty pleasure...

...is getting so juicy I just can't keep it a secret anymore.

"What is it", you ask? Well, those who know me well, know I despise (and I don't use that word lightly) me some Sarah Palin. Yeah, I know... Anyhow, I have a website that I check in with from time to time called Palin's Deceptions. If you have not heard of it, now is the time to take a look.

"Why now", you ask? Well, this group of bloggers are about to blow a hole the size of Alasska in the Sarah Palin who is the baby daddy story.

The next time you are up late (or early) and can't stand to read the Peoria Chronicle one more time, take a look at Palin's Deceptions, let me know what you think...

Get out and VOTE!

Take this opportunity to remind the Mayor and City Council that not only do we expect better - we deserve better. If you don't... well... read this.

School closings are ubiquitous

After a planning session last night at God Father’s Pizza (and meeting house), concerned citizens are advertising a community wide protest, which is set for 5:15 p.m., prior to this evenings regularly scheduled board meeting. The protesters plan to call for the firing of Ken Hinton and the resignation of Board of Education President Dr. David Gorenz.

While I admire this groups’ “we ain’t gonna take it any more” attitude, schools all across the country are facing budget cuts due to the economic crisis. Peoria is not unique, schools are going to have to close here too. We (adults) could either choose to work with the School Board to make the transition for our students as smooth as possible; or we can continue to prolong the inevitable and risk damaging the moral of teachers and students by reacting with emotion filled protests.

Kids protest possible school closing
April 2, 2009

Lansing, Michigan - From Lansing State Journal -Dozens of students armed with picket signs and shouting "Save our school! Save Mt. Hope!" made their voices heard Wednesday night before a meeting about the potential closure of Mt. Hope Elementary School.

Fraser parents protest closing
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Charleston, North Carolina - Fraser Elementary School supporters continued fighting to keep their downtown school open by marching Monday to the Charleston County School Board meeting.

Parents Protest School Closing
March 23, 2009

Pennsecola, Florida - A local school is closing and the Monroe County Superintendent says the bad economy is to blame. The Monroe County Board of Education will be closing Frisco City High by the end of this school year. That's why parents and students were protesting outside the Monroe County Courthouse Monday, " we here today just to try to, you know, get our message out to the Board, that, hey we love our school and try to take a different approach to solving our money problems instead of just coming in and closing school," ...

Students Protest Irving Middle School Closing
March 19, 2009
Colorado Springs, Colorado - A moving billboard is the latest attempt to try to keep one Colorado Springs middle school open. About 30 parents and students gathered to protest the closing of Irving Middle School.

Students, parents protest school closing
Friday, February 27, 2009
New Jersey - A loud and boisterous protest was held Friday by hundreds of students in New Jersey. They are fighting to keep their school open after the archdiocese announced it was closing.

Parents Protesting School Closing Vote
February 25, 2009

Chicago, Illinois - A group of parents camped out overnight outside the Chicago School Board. They want to make sure they'll get into this morning's meeting to protest a scheduled vote on closing more than a dozen local schools.

A short conversation with Councilman Clyde Gulley

I am not in the 1st District and for that reason I don’t usually pay much attention to what is going on there. However, as the City of Peoria has become smaller and more crime infested, would it not behoove us all to begin caring about the whole picture and not just what is happening in our own little neighborhoods?

In Mid March the City received stimulus money through the community development block grant (CDBG). Although the City Council had placed sidewalk fixes and the sewer overflow projects on the top of the priority list, the City administration's suggestion was to use the stimulus monies to pay for improvements to fire stations 3 and 8, repair of the Center for Prevention of Abuse's roof, and for more handicap ramps to be installed throughout the city. The Council voted in favor 10-1 with no discussion (At-Large Councilman Gary Sandberg voted against it).

Recently I took the opportunity to express to 1st District Councilman Clyde Gulley, whose District could have seen new sidewalks and sewers, my disappointment in his vote for use of the stimulus monies. When I asked him what his thinking was behind the vote, Mr. Gulley stated “I voted for the CDBG because the deck was stacked and I could not win.” He went on to say “but I have not gave up, what you may know is before the meeting I figured another way to complete the project....stay tuned.” Actually, I did not know that Councilman Gulley had figured out another way – but I will definitely stay tuned to see what he has in store.

I also took the opportunity to ask Councilman Gulley a couple of other questions:

What are your hopes for the 1st District?
The hopes for the first District are clear. We would like this old section of the city to have the same investment as the other parts of the city. That means that people enjoy and want to live work and play in the 1st District. We have continued to attempt to overcome the negative perception /and realities of the blight and crime. However, though it may be bad in some areas it is not the sum of it all. We have great business, people, and properties in the district and we hope to make sure that they have the opportunity to grow and prosper.

What are some of things that you will be looking to make happen?
What I would like to make happen is the first change the perception of the 1st District. I work on this every day. Second to see many of the projects that only for years have been talked about, I like to see them completed. If you follow my comments you can see that I have been working ....a lot behind the cameras to move our agenda forward. Look at where we are with Route 24 a/k/a Southern Gateway ($10 million dollar allocation); Harrison School $20 million dollar project starting next week; Harrison Homes Reconstruction ($4 million stimulus, $1.3 allocation) starting this September; Martin Luther King Reconstruction (under opportunity acquisition); and a developing Project. The Warehouse District and the new street reconstruction are part of the $10 million from the State capital budget, just to name a few projects that we like to see completed.

I also asked Councilman Gulley to comment on the crime levels in the 1st District; and the Parental Responsibility Ordinance. He stated that he did have a comment on both issues, but would have to address them at another time, as he was in a hurry.

What is the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum?

There is one aspect of the Block that many refer to, but none seem to want to discuss in depth - the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum (AAHFM). Although I have never gone to the AAHFM (nor do I know anybody else who has), I have always been curious about it. The recent uproar over the Peoria Riverfront Museum, has encouraged me to take a closer look.

The AAHFM came out of a grass roots movement. In 1987, a group of citizens decided that there was a need for a new educational institution, with the mission to inform and educate the community about the contributions of African Americans. The AAHFM opened its doors at Proctor Center, 305 S, DuSable St., on January 15, 1998.

Each year the AAHFM holds two annual events, the Arts Festival, which is a talent showcase and art fair, and the Red, Black and Green Ball, which recognizes and celebrates notable achievements and contribution to the African American community. The Red Black and Green Ball is when inductees are to be honored.

The AAHFM has a goal to raise $350,000 as a part of the campaign for the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Many in the black community are supportive of this opportunity for the AAHFM to expand their exhibits. In October of 2008, the Caterpillar African American Network (a group of Cat employees) presented the Peoria Riverfront Museum with $12,500 on behalf of the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum. However, the Red Black and Green Ball, appears to be the AAHFM’s biggest fund raiser and is widely supported by local corporations.

One portion of the AAHFM will be the Oral History Center, with "The Street," a gallery showcasing the Peoria region's history and people. It will reportedly include photos, artifacts and an oral history "jukebox" about memorable Peoria residents. A genelogy componet is also planned.

Recent inductees from the Red Black and Green Ball, which was held April 5, at the Hotel Pere Marquette are: President Barack Obama, along with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, are being honored for their role as the nation's first black first family. Caterpillar, Inc. CEO, Jim Owens in recognition of his commitment to diversity in the workplace. Willie Brown of Bloomington, a vice president of State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co. He is a trustee of Illinois Wesleyan University, president of Illinois Wesleyan Associates and has served on the board of United Way of McLean County. Agbara James Bryson of East Peoria, a counselor at Illinois Central College who has worked on many community initiatives including the Youth Network Panel, Black Covenant, Family to Family and Choices. Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The late Omega "Skippy" Jackson, a Peoria barber for more than 50 years. The Rev. Spencer Gibson, a Peoria District 150 teacher and founder of Integrity Gospel Singers, an award-winning 150-member choir made up of young people from ages 8 to 23. Mark Pflederer, a Caterpillar vice president who serves as advisor and mentor for the Caterpillar African-American Network (CAAN.) Denisha Womack, a freshman at Peoria High School who is active in beauty pageants and has participated in the National Urban League's Youth Leadership Summit and People to People's World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

Last years event was also held at the Hotel Pere Marquette. The following are listed as 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees (from the AAHFM website): George Graves, Jr., Retired Band Director, Manual High School, extraordinary accomplishment in education. Jerome “Jay” David Lilly Sr., City Link Assistant General Manager and Day-to-Day Operations Manager, Posthumously, incomparable public service. John Deal, Maintenance, Proctor Center, outstanding service to the community. Pat Ward, Contemporary Gospel Singer, tremendous accomplishment in the Arts. Charlotte Lewis, All American, Olympic Silver Medalist; Gold Medalist, World Championships and Pan American Games, Posthumously, unsurpassed achievement in athletics. Joshua I. Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, Coaching Group, LLC; Chairman, Nominating Committee, Caterpillar, Inc. Board of Directors, incomparable accomplishment in business. Sidney Banwart, Philanthropist; Vice President, Human Resources Division, Caterpillar, Inc., Garrett Humanitarian Award recipient and Howard Jonathan Grimes, Richard Pryor/Lou Rawls Youth Award recipient.

Anonymity and Free Speech

This country has a long, and revered history of anonymous political commentary, beginning with Thomas Paine, the author of the widely read pamphlet, Common Sense (1776), which advocated for America’s independence from Great Britain, and The American Crisis (1776–1783), a pro-revolutionary pamphlet series.

Our founding fathers also utilized the ability to anonymously make political commentary in the creation of our country. The greatest example of this is The Federalist Papers.

The Federalist Papers are comprised of 85 articles advocating the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and were originally published between October 1787 and August 1788. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, using the pseudonym "Publius," in order to preserve anonymity and to ensure that the ideas were considered on their own merit, separate from the authors of the ideas. These papers are still today a primary source for interpretation of the Constitution, being that they outline both the philosophy and the motivation for the system of government being proposed.

Another excellent, and more recent example of anonymity in political commentary, is a book written by a Bush administration official/whistleblower, Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror. The author is now known as Michael Scheuer, a CIA veteran with 22 years service, who ran the Counterterrorist Center's bin Laden station from 1996 to 1999.

There are many possible reasons for wishing to remain anonymous when publishing political commentary. One may wish to be anonymous in order to avoid family problems, or to avoid issues with their employer, or to avoid retribution by political figures, or even to avoid being found by an abusive ex-spouse. All are legitimate reasons, and it is a choice that is available to each of us who writes or speaks out.

From Inspire Political Discourse.

Does John Stewart know about this...

Jim Cramer says that the Depression is over. He thinks it ended around the first week in March. Can we trust Cramer on this?

April is Poetry Month

I can read Don't You Turn Back, Poems by Langston Hughes over and over (and I have). This book with woodcuts is one of my favorite things that I own. Since it's Poetry Month, I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity to share some of my favorite poems from Langston Hughes.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go
Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Life Changers Conference

Click picture to see larger image.
Friends:

I have attached an invitation to a special upcoming program that we (our church) are conducting May 7th -9th 2009. This program and special services are designed to uncover and reveal the incluturation issues that our youth are experiencing and to break down those boarders and barriers, both spiritually and naturally. The areas that will be focused on in these 3 days will be homosexuality, teen promiscuity & violence, hip-hop inculturation, clergy sexual abuse, and reconstruction of the family through Christ.

I have called two of my best friends in to assist us and deliver the necessary information required to address issues with our families and youth in particular. My guests are Elder D. L. Foster of Atlanta Ga. and Elder G. Craige Lewis of Arlington, TX. Both of these men are first, tremendous men of God, nationally known, have a message pertinent to the current struggles of our youth within society. They have been extensively published in many major Christian magazines and are appearing in Peoria for the first time ever. We are looking for an intensely spiritual and Christ centered fellowship and service.

We are encouraging youth groups, ministers and leaders of all denominations and organizations to attend and support this meeting. As you know, we are facing what I consider to be an epidemic of moral and social decay within our society in general and Peoria is not exempt.

Unfortunately, the second murder of the year, Lonnie Williams, was a relative of a long time member of our church and was killed without provocation and senselessly blindly. I believe that this is our opportunity to change minds and deliver souls through the power of Christ. Will you support and assist us and me personally in this effort?

Please plan to be in attendance if possible. Your presence and participation in this event will be a great blessing and I believe you will find the information a valuable resource as you minister to youth who are experiencing and facing what we will be dealing with.

There will be a freewill offering taken at each service to help address the expenses and ad space is currently available in our souvenir booklet if you would like make your ministry wishes known. Please call or email me for full details. Thank you so much for your prayers, consideration and participation.

God bless.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Hold off on purchasing school specific uniforms

The decision has been made by District 150 to close Irving School, located at 519 N.E. Glendale Avenue and Kingman Primary School, which is located at 3129 N.E. Madison Avenue. Both schools will close before the start of 2009-2010 school year.

As a result of the closings 660 students are currently in limbo as to where they will go to school next year (hold off on buying those special color coded school uniforms everybody).

It is estimated that closing the two schools will save the District $1.2 million. The recommendation for the closure will be made at Monday’s School Board meeting. The board members will vote on the closings at the April 20 meeting at the latest.

In January, District Administration offered a list of considerations to address the current and long-term budget issues:

Timeline:
February 10 – Announced members of a temporary community Budget and Planning Committee. The group is charged with reviewing district finances and assisting the Board and Administration with budgeting issues.

February / March – Administration continues to look at cost reduction ideas. Superintendent Hinton will establish a district-wide expenditure reduction team consisting of union leaders, principals and other staff.

March / April – Through March and April, a decision will be made as to whether or not we will be closing one or more primary schools for the 2009-2010 school year. If recommended, Superintendent Hinton will bring it to the Board no later than the April 6 meeting; and the Board will vote no later than the April 20 meeting.

March / April - Continue discussions on closing a high school for the 2010-2011 school year. If a recommendation is brought forward, it must be made no later than the May 4 meeting and a decision must be made by the BOE no later than the May 18 meeting.

June – If a recommendation is presented and if the BOE votes to close a high school, BOE must vote on which high schools will be reconfigured and consolidated no later than June 15, 2009.

Mid-June 2009– If directed by the Board, Administration and the Board of Education will gather input and develop details for the closing and consolidation of schools. This 14- month process will include curriculum, transportation, facility, staffing and other needs.

Summer 2009 – Board of Education will consider establishing a committee to review and update the Master Facility plan. The group will gather and analyze data on the facility needs for the buildings not currently in the consolidation, closing or construction phases.
_____________________________
Did I miss the part where they will decide what to do with the Irving and Kingman students? Will that be part of the June 15, 2009, high school reconfiguration meeting? So what ever shakes out with what everybody else wants will determine where these students get to go to school, I see.

There are already hints that the closing of Irving and Kingman will be used in the argument to keep Woodruff open if necessary. There is a protest planned Monday night in support of Woodruff.

When I was a teenager, I remember hearing my older, Angela Davis quoting sister talk about the disenfranchisement of the black student and communal dissociation. Kind of amazing to see it happening to another generation.

Update:

A commenter on pjstar.com states that - "Mr Hinton met with Irving staff on Tuesday & told them that they are not closing until 10-11. Not sure who the source is for this article, but unless Mr. H met with the staff again after 3:30 yesterday, it is wrong." -mommy9193-

The pjstar.com has since updated their article to confirm this commenters information that Irving Primary will not close this year. At this time, Kingman is the only primary school marked for closure. The other school closing will be announced by April 6.