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Raising Suspicion
At a time when schools are cutting back, we question Palatine Township Elementary District 15's decision to give bus drivers 3 percent raises. This follows pay increases - albeit small - in the latest teacher contract. For a fiscally healthy school district that's projected to be $7 million in the red in five years, we're wary of this trend.
 Daily Herald, 1/30/10 - Saturday Soapbox

Producing World-Class Learners . . . Really?
Then why was a district goal to “Strengthen the Curriculumvoted down by board members Chapman, Bokor, Ekeberg and Babcock at the October 14th meeting? 

How would you rank the following district goals that were submitted and considered by our seven Board of Education members? 

   Plan for Meeting AYP and Growth Target (as measured by MAP)

   Develop a Long-Range Facilities Plan
   Build a Strong Administrative Team
   Update Technology
   Strengthen Financial Planning
   Strengthen the Curriculum
   Foster a Positive, Open Environment That Values Learning
   Develop and Implement a Merit Salary Plan for Administrators 

Never mind – it doesn’t really matter what you think – you weren’t elected to serve the residents of this district.  The Board majority decides.  That’s the way it works. 

Never mind that Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Chris Koch believes “we must ensure that our students receive a quality public education, and ensure that learning evolves with the current global environment.”  (Illinois PTA Bulletin, Fall 2009) 

Never mind that the proposed goal of “Strengthen the Curriculum” provided details such as “Develop and implement a plan to reduce the number of students that are required/eligible to take remedial courses when they enter the high school system” and “Develop a plan to increase rigor of math and science education.” 

No – instead the majority decided that the district should have a goal to “Fill all administrative positions with full-time, fully committed and highly competent professionals” and fill all open D15 cabinet positions.     

It begs the question - Aren’t we doing that already? 
And does it really qualify as a DISTRICT GOAL?  Isn’t it more of a department goal? 

Once again, the Actions of our Board of Education (Goals Approved) speak louder than its Words (Mission Statement). 
                             

References:   
CCSD15 District Goals – Goals Approved & Goals Not Approved
Illinois PTA Bulletin, Fall 2009
- Message from IL State Superintendent

Board of Education Candidate Forum 2009 –
Q1:  What do you think are the two most important needs or issues facing the district?
 How would you address these two issues that you have identified?
- (8 minutes)

Election Results: 
Babcock
7,397, Millar 5,851, Bokor 5,652, Bloom 5595                                            

                                                                                              

NOTE:  Spotlight Editorial delivers opinions and analysis of issues discussed at Board of Education meetings.  The perspectives expressed are strictly those of the editor and are not endorsed by any PTA, parent organization, District 15 or 211 employee or Board of Education.

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Last updated:  Wednesday, February 10, 2010 06:24 PM  
© 2010 Jennifer Mondy