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R.W.Voter June 7, 2013 at 02:13 pm
Just wondering who will replace Mr. Ford. Here are some ideas for this Board, we all know the people…Read More who will be considered, could it be a person working in the education field, or maybe a former Board member, or maybe someone who would be an expert in mailings and grammar, spelling and punctuation. Just a few ideas to consider, time will tell. Thank you
Aardvark June 8, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Here is my take on this: Mr. Ford, elected in 2011, represents a definite fiscal conservative wing…Read More on the 159 Board. The 2013 slate of newly elected members supported and likely financed by the teachers union, need Mr. Ford off of the board to fully control the board's business. By removing Mr. Ford and replacing him with another teachers union vote, the four newly elected members will fully control the board agenda. Mr. Markham and even Mr. Spalla will be unable to place any items on the agenda without the consent of the four (and soon to be five) teachers union supported members. The real prize though for the teachers (and administrators don’t forget) is the upcoming contract, likely to be negotiated this summer and fall. The administrators benefit from any plums the teachers get because they compare their benefit and salary packages to the teachers contract when the time comes each year. This explains Mr. Stein’s urgency to get Mr. Ford off of the board; since the administrators are seeking their pay increases for the upcoming year and Mr. Stein is taking care of his friends before leaving for Peotone.
A teacher’s union contract that rewards real teaching excellence, discourages union shenanigans and punishes poor performance would be what most people want. The current crop on the board though seems to think of the teachers and administrators not as their (our) employees but instead, as their friends and the teachers of their children. They ran on an agenda of being parents of children in the district and they are known to be very chummy with the teachers and administrators. Hopefully, someone will step up and prevent them from locking in a dissent proof majority, but I won’t hold my breath.
R.W.Voter June 6, 2013 at 12:20 pm
This group which was recently elected is clearly the choice of the PTA and the school…Read More administration. They have been placed there to reinstate all the things taken from the administration and teachers by the previous Board. These items, tuition reimbursement, payment for professional organizations, trips to seminars, will all be billed to the taxpayers of Mokena. I try to attend the meetings as I can, but I would advise anyone else concerned to attend or read the minutes of the meetings on the District website, it tells all. Good luck Mr. Ford, you have done us well. Thank you. Remember new members, we will be watching you.
Mad Dad June 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Mike, great job. You will be missed. It's a shame you weren't given the same courtesy as the…Read More previous board member. Hopefully this will serve as a black eye for those on the board who wanted you out. The residents of Mokena need to wake up for the next election and NOT vote for another teacher's union puppet.
Mike Ford for Mokena 159 School Board - 2015
R.W.Voter June 6, 2013 at 09:19 pm
As no other citizens want to comment tonight, I must close saying only this, Mike Ford, with his…Read More education and work history is more highly qualified to serve on this board than any of these new people. I then ask "were they afraid of competition"? Thank you
Tim Buhe June 1, 2013 at 03:30 pm
Good Luck Austin Faller at LWN volleyball State Championship. Just Win!!!!!
Eric Blair May 22, 2013 at 08:53 pm
“Love one another…..” , nice thought Jim but never was and never will be. Very…Read More unfortunate.
Eric Blair May 24, 2013 at 11:11 am
Maybe so. And thanks much for your comment Bob. It shows we have at least two…Read More “intelligent” voters here in Mokena. Now go back to sleep.
Former LW Student May 17, 2013 at 10:42 pm
I went to LW (East & Central) '88-'92. The school was tough & rigorous even back then, and…Read More to be honest as a teen I didn't appreciate it (to put it euphemistically). I went to a 4-year college straight afterwards and practically breezed through my first 3 years due to my education at LW. Wyllie was superintendent then as well. Looks like he's doing something right! :) Good job, LW ( as my inner teen can't believe that I am saying that...).
Mr. Peabody May 15, 2013 at 03:28 am
Well, done. That is just crazy. Ace the ACT.
The World is your oyster. Choose wisely.
john Q Adams April 24, 2013 at 11:57 am
Those that know the least of others think the highest of themselves.
Cathy H. I doubt my response…Read More to your disparaging remarks will change your perspective.
Why do you attack? Can we not have a debate, an exchange of ideas, sharing of information without attacking someone?
You make a few “assumptions”.
1) You say money was saved by hiring this new Superintendent.
a. Do you KNOW that for sure? I actually, am told NO! The New Superintendent cost MORE! (Salary , bene, etc)
It seems my “under the radar “colloquialism rubbed you the wrong way. Why? There are obvious spending issues, projects and then the small day to day spending items that are, yes, basically “under the radar” as there are not many that would even think there is a decision to be made that makes a financial (small) impact.
2) I am pretending to be some, what is it you said? “savior”?
My Point is there is a delta of costs due to the “title” offered on job search. Your point is, it seems is to go ahead and spend the money in case the “new” superintendent is in a meeting. Ok. That is your “verbose” opinion.
My opinion is we need to be aware of where and how we can best apply money for the children and parents burden. Therefore, I am “pretending to be a savior”. Wow. I didn’t know that.
Thanks for your opinion. I hope you appreciate my opinion and let’s leave the attacking and assuming out of what should be good debate.
William R. Walsh April 24, 2013 at 07:51 pm
We have Principals at evey school. They are, in effect, asst. Supts. The Supt. is really only a…Read More tie-breaker, or an abritrator, in any dispute or decision. With modern telecommunications no one is far from the "office." We don't need an asst. Supt. Bill Walsh
Eric Blair April 1, 2013 at 10:39 am
The training program is designed “not to violate people’s rights”. Just more…Read More Orwellian Double Speak. In fact the program is designed to show the kids the way it really is, “you have no rights, We are the “All Powerful State” and We are here to watch and control you” while “We” keep you safe from nonexistent danger. The kids are being indoctrinated to accept the new paradigm where true freedom is a relic from the past. If there is admittedly no problem then it stands to reason that there is no “probable cause”. This being the case this program is a clear violation of the 4th Amendment. However it doesn’t matter since the 4th Amendment only exist on paper, it has been rendered obsolete since 9/11/01. Americans have no civil rights, only the illusion that civil rights exist. These kids are being psychologically programmed in a way to desensitize them to the growing National Police State. When they are older they won’t think anything of the constant surveillance and heavily armed police and military roaming everywhere they travel. They will officially be slaves who mistakenly believe they are free people. The school boards that allow this infringement are the true danger to our society along with the misguided police who conduct these witch hunts all in the name of “Public Safety”. Where’s the outrage?
taxpayer April 3, 2013 at 02:12 am
Unless you have something to hide I don't see the big deal. You say our children are in…Read More "nonexistent" danger? Are these school shootings "nonexistent"? Are these drug overdoses "nonexistent"? Sorry but schools have a right to do this to keep the children safe. Kinda like the saying "my house, my rules". I want to know my children are save when I send them off to school. Back in the 70's and 80's my school underwent searches so what makes today any different.
CONCERNED CHICAGO WASP April 12, 2013 at 12:50 pm
You're embarrassed you got caught lying so you're shutting down. It's cool, I see it all the time.…Read More Best of luck liar.
CONCERNED CHICAGO WASP April 12, 2013 at 12:50 pm
You need to spell concerned right before I can take you seriously.
CONCERNED CHICAGO WASP April 12, 2013 at 12:52 pm
And you took down your original post. Very mature.
taxpayer April 3, 2013 at 02:31 am
I will say that its possible that Informed is one of the fab "FOUR" soon to be leaving our…Read More Board. Here's what I see......BR is at ALL district functions interacting with children and parents alike. Keith Pain would stand in a corner with his back against the wall counting the minutes before he could bolt out of there. Maybe the lies, deceit, poor treatment of staff, etc is an image you would like the public to think of her because you say so. I know people that work in our district and they say opposite of what you say. Obviously you think you know it all so please do share..........with proof of course.
taxpayer April 3, 2013 at 02:35 am
Informed.........I will beg to differ. My kids didn't know who the heck Keith Pain was. Hence my…Read More comment above. I would chuckle at the sight of him standing in the back of a room against a wall never once mingling with the children or parents. FUNNY, I have met Barb Rains on several occasions in and around our community. The funny thing is.........my children know her and she actually takes the time to talk to them......unlike your chum Keith Pain. Next line of BS please...........
Curious May 15, 2013 at 01:16 pm
It would be good if we could get a board of people who do not gossip or want to fulfill their own…Read More desires for the school district. We need to only worry about our children. I don't feel Barb Rains really cares about our schools or our kids she's more concerned w guaranteeing her employment and getting her 15,000 dollars. Well if the kids can't have buses and schools that were closed to save money and now need roof repairs, then Barb should realize that her 15,000 dollar pay cut isnecessary. I have heard that she is suing to get that money back and if this is true then she can't care that much about our district. How much would a lawsuit cost? We are not a rich district!
Jim Andricopulos March 24, 2013 at 03:30 pm
Dr. Castillo's ability to lead the schools and help maintain community support for the schools,…Read More especially with the immense financial challenges ahead, will be critical to the success of the schools going forward. In light of that need for community support, I would respectfully, request the following:
-What was it about him that was singled out through the whole process?
-why will he be a good leader for the administration and the teachers?
I know public comments on personnel matters are very restricted, but by outlining and championing his skill set, the board has an opportunity to lay the foundation for the community support that the superintendent and the schools will need to succeed.
Conserned Mokena resident March 20, 2013 at 01:06 am
LWASE District 843 has served the Lincoln Way Area students for many many years. I am happy to see…Read More them able to offer their wonderful services to other students with special needs.
M159 District's Revenue Assessment Shows Local Revenue 84…
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