![[Masthead]](http://www.lemarssentinel.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (71)
Share link
Facebook
Twitter
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Reddit
GoogleThe Le Mars Community School Board of Education unanimously approved a motion to accept Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt's recommendations and abandon the election process on the ISL.
Pages of a petition containing 1,572 signatures of people who were opposed to starting the ISL and were asking for an election were turned in to the superintendent's office last week.
In a memo to the board dated Feb. 9, Wendt recommended that "the board forego pursuing an election regarding the ISL at this time and utilize expenditure reductions and/or the cash reserve levy to develop a balanced budget for FY10."
"The bottom line for me is it's time for us to back away from the ISL, do what we have to do to have school and let things settle down in this community," Wendt said when asked about deciding factors in his recommendation.
However, Wendt also cautioned the board about the previous election results.
"It's very important for the board and community to remember that over 1,800 people voted yes the last time we had an ISL election. That's more than than the number of signatures on the petition," he said. "The last ISL election lost by 53 votes. That is not an overwhelming majority of the community saying they're not willing to have an increase in taxes."
Board President Mark Stelzer said divisiveness is an issue.
"However, a large number of people are telling the board to do what you can to cut back wherever you can," Stelzer said. "I don't see at this point that an election would be beneficial to the district. That may change in the future."
"An ISL is by far and away the better way to go than a cash reserve levy," Board member Patrick Murphy again stated his support for the ISL. "This is a real serious decision. Don't put the ISL in the back drawer and forget about it. The patrons of our district will realize the ISL is the most beneficial tool to utilize to promote the best interest of public education."
Murphy emphasized the district can only operate with the cash reserve levy (CRL) one or two years at the most.
"We're going to damage the financial integrity of the school district even for the good times that will come someday," he said in reference in using the CRL.
The ISL is a way for school districts to raise money for the general fund to pay for expenses like teacher salaries, textbooks and programs. The ISL would use a combination of property tax, income surtax and state aid, to raise money for the district's general fund.
The CRL is a property tax that can be levied by the board by resolution and cannot be challenged. The issue can be addressed by the public at the board's public hearing to certify the district's budget.
"There's been way too much divisiveness in this community about this issue," Murphy said. "You wouldn't believe the wrong horror stories I've heard from both sides. I'm absolutely sick of it.
"My goal is to balance the the budget for 09-10, and use every tool legally available to preserve the integrity of this district," he said.
"I think the community has to step away from the ISL," board member Dan Smith added. "Let us be the lightning rod on this issue. I'm fine with the phone calls. We're going to do the best thing for the district and take the responsibility for it."
Board members directed Wendt to bring budget cut recommendations to the Feb. 23 meeting.
Smith added he wanted board members to bring budget cut ideas to Wendt as well.
Stelzer said the board will look closely at all programs and personnel, and with the potential declining enrollment, there may be more places to look at.
Board member Mark Hemmingson questioned how the community will feel when the cash reserve levy is put on them with no chance to vote on the measure.
"We're looking at divisiveness, I'm not sure it's going to be different," Hemmingson said. "If we do the cash reserve levy and people see their tax bills, we'll hear a lot more howling."
While Gov. Chet Culver has said he would support a four percent allowable growth but fund it at only two percent, Wendt said the district should not count on that being fully funded.
He told board members the uncertainty of state funding and contract negotiations currently underway leaves a lot of questions on how the budget will come together in time for an April 15 certification to the state.
Also during Monday's meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve a one-year extension to Superintendent Wendt's contract with the district.
The contract will be extended to include the 2011-12 school year, making it a three-year contract.
The unanimous vote to approve the extension followed a 30-minute closed session Monday night in which the board discussed the performance evaluation of Wendt.
Wendt had requested the closed session which is allowed under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
I hope this makes everyone happy. The NO votes won.
Students lost.
Wow! What's next? Back to the 1-room school houses with chalk and slates??
welcome to democracy, majority rules!
How will the people feel, when the their property taxes goes up? And they have no say in the matter.
That's what the people (higher property taxes with no say) get for thinking that this ISL tax is such a horrible thing. And I don't feel the least bit sorry!
Did they, Forest? Could you tell me what it is, exactly, that they lost? Seriously, I want to know.
I don't believe the students lost because the teachers are going to continue to do the same job they have been doing. Most K- 12 teachers do it because that is their passion. If they want to teach for money they become college professors. Laurie in CO, please stay in CO this is not your fight. Dave1957 and Dream_it, either way MY property taxes increase and I did have a say, I said NO.
Cranemaster - Holy cow. That is a lot of bull to throw around. And I am trying not to insult you so I apologize in advance. But you seriously do not believe what you wrote.
Tuesdays Gone - First, before I can answer that question specifically, I need to know what the next cuts are. The earlier cuts have already taken a toll i.e. TAPS/Tutorial Room vs Student Success. Now we shall see how much more when the next round of cuts happen. Doesn't matter. Any cuts affect the students. Students are the ones who lose in the end.
Plus look at the division this has caused in the community. That certainly will have lasting affects.
Let see, cut possitions and teachers look for positions else where, Will families stay here? I doubt it so that means fewer students. Close one school and parents work in Sioux City will they still send kids to Le Mars or drop them off at some other school on their way to work.
How about an across the board pay cut top to bottom? Then maybe you will see who is dedicated to the school or to the pay check. With the way the economy is now a smaller check is better than, like a lot of people, none at all.
Wow!! I am a newer person in Le Mars who has school age children in the community. I am so surprised at how much wrong/bad information there is regarding the ISL. I have tried to do as much research as I can. I feel pretty educated by what I have learned in the paper and by talking to school teacher's and officials. Yes, I did vote FOR the ISL. My best information has come from volunteering in the classrooms themselves. I have personally seen how the cuts have affected the schools. The teachers have already taken a pay cut, they have more students in the classroom with no extra help (from classes that were cut from other elemtary schools), they are losing money for supplies and books, and now all out of town field trips are being cancelled. I am tired of reading and hearing people complain about the ISL raising their taxes. If they want to do something about it, put their mouth to use. Volunteer at the schools to make a differnce and see first hand how the cuts are affecting the schools.
Maybe they should cut the "program" that gives Gehlen students the opportunity to take certain classes at LCHS.
whiners:
i do not believe the best way to counteract an education measure failing is to try and strip educational experiences from other students. your position isn't pro-education, isn't properly directed, and isn't good for lemars as a community.
I see where the Iowa House has started discussions today on Consolidating school districts. This would go a long way to solving the education finance problem as two or more school districts could be administered by one administration. It would be an extension of what was done many years ago with Consolidations.
giblem
I couldn't agree with you more. Thousands of people are losing their jobs everyday.Having one, even if it's a smaller paycheck is better than an unemployment check.
As was stated in the article, Wendt (dr.) was given a three year contract with the school. My question: at what salary? With all of the special programs, books, etc. being eliminated because of cost, isn't it about time to get to the crux of the problem? $$$ The school is there for one reason and one reason only: to educate our children!It's about time the people in charge tighten their belts. That includes the administrators, principals, and teachers for a start and begin to concentrate on the real reason they are there.
Whiners, punishing students from Gehlen is not correct. What we need is a way that students do not lose. They are our main objective.
Tuesdays Gone, I will turn it around to you. How did the cuts and proposed cuts specifically help the students? Please be exact.
I got an idea! I don't care for the results we got in the presidential election. Can we do it again and again until we get a better result???
Whats the difference, it was voted NO the first time. That's the reason we vote. Hopefully this is the end of the school board trying to bring it up ever again.
As for cuts to balance the budget. If every teacher is happy with having a job at LCHS, why not take a pay cut? Does anyone even know how over paid they are for working 9 months out of 12??????
One way to help teachers also is to back them. Teachers now, I think, could use more respect in the schools. There needs to more respect than just calling them Mr. or Mrs.
The catch is though a person does not demand respect it is something that you earn.
Wow! this is some response in the blogs. I wonder about Pat Murphy, thought he was a lawyer. One thing I know about laws, they are up for contesting and challenge at any time, including a CRL. I hope we never have to see that. The ISL is so much a better tax than the CRL, but the district is not ready for that yet. I think the superintendent realizes that there are cuts and re-evaluations to be re-considered. I am thankful they are going to look into the budget once again.
I have no interest in taking sides, after all this is for the students. It is about the students and supporting them and the community the best we can. I have some ideas and talked with another person in the blogs today. I think I have some ideas to present or consider. I will have some time this week if Dan_Smith, Mr. Wendt, and any other board members (or anyone else who would like to discuss ideas) would like to hear them. I would like to have Oldone1, economics101, Forest in a conversation sometime as well off line. I have already talked with Cranemaster.
The synergy that can happen from this might prove to be the building block to bring the community onto common ground. I have no problems with Gehlen, never seemed to be a problem in the past. They have always been supportive from what I've seen. We ride busses together, share shop and other courses together. Yep, they have a different set up, the funds are compensated where it needs to be, I think... Don't know.
Anyway, I'll be calling the Superintendent's office and see what happens. Hopefully we'll be able to meet yet this week.
As for Laurie_in_CO, Hope you are enjoying the school systems in Colorado Springs area. Also 1 word of advice that I always try to tell to myself (and sometimes I forget to listen):
Logic is pretty bland, emotions are very irrational, but passionate writing takes the best of both of them, leaving the bad parts off. I like to read my text a couple times before sending, sometime I don't send them at all. I thank you for your continued interest in your old hometown.
I am in the Merrill phone book.
In Sioux Falls Wednesday.
Thursday or Friday morning would work.
To who it may concern,
I am opposed to the ISL and the CRL. These are my concerns about it. With our economy in a dire emergency why do you think that raising peoples property taxes to pay for the budget problems will help? What happens when people can't pay their property taxes? Are they going to get an extension? Probably not. They are going to lose their homes. So then that also raises the question; does Le Mars want the homeless? Where are they to go? What about the elderly? They live off social security. How are they able to make it? What about the disabled? Same thing there they live off disability. Then you have the people that their kids do not go to school any more and they have done their duty? But you have that ones that rent that do not have to pay the ISL Tax and CRL. I am not saying that I am against the people that rent because I can see their point. They don't have to worry if something in the home breaks down. That is what they pay rent for. Also they might be sitting in a boat where they can't afford to buy a home. I was a renter at one point in time. But it just does not seem fair. I have 2 children that attend Le Mars Community and 1 that will be there in a few short years. I am just asking why can't the parents that have children in the school system pay for a little extra each year. I would be glad to pay extra to save peoples homes. I am not looking for a hand out. I do my best. But to me it is not right to raise property taxes for something that over half the people of Le Mars don't use.
There for I would urge the people of Le Mars to think about this. I am just a parent and a home owner that would like some answers.
Misty1980, everyone uses the school system, either directly or indirectly. The quality of education provided will greatly affect the local economy. I have no kids, but a very vested interest in every student's education. After all, they are our decision makers and community people of the future. Also, a lot of parents are struggling to make ends meet even in good times. No easy answers there. Creative budgeting and planning are the key.
Adifferentview, I am open to talk. Just email me
at junkyarddog47@hotmail.com I am interested in hearing your thoguhts.
I'm with you whiners. See what kind of college the Gehlen kids can get into without Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy etc. They are Community's teachers and maybe they will be "too full" of Community kids and no room for Gehlens kids.
I feel compelled to respond to lemation with his/her post about overpaid teachers. It is true that teachers only 'work' from mid-August through the end of May (and it has been this way since the 1800s as the school year was set up around farming in the midwest). However, I would be willing to bet everything I own that most (certainly not all)teachers put in far more hours than the 8-4 for which they are contracted. Many, many hours are probably spent outside their working day in preparation, be it classroom set-up, grading, organization, and so on. I remember that in elementary school, my classroom was always decorated for the season, but I never saw the teacher decorate during the school day. So he/she must have stayed late or come in early to make the room look nice for me as a child.
Granted, teachers know about this workload going into the profession, and yes, on occasion we hear complaints about the extra work from them. But really, don't most people complain about their jobs or the hours every once and a while?
My standard response to people who complain about the teachers' salary vs the hours they work is this. If you chose NOT to teach, then you probably shouldn't complain about NOT having their schedules or salaries. If you actually average out their salaries over 12 months instead of 9 it's good, but definitely not 'overpaid.'
I would propose no teacher raise on the base salary, but that they could still have their contracted step increase for the year. The insurance is bad. I wonder if the amount the district provides actually covers the full premium for family insurance, or if the employee must contribute to the premium as well? If anyone knows that answer, I would love to hear it.
lemartion, you must not know any teachers to make a comment like that. Teaching is not just a 8 -3:30 9 months a year. you have no idea the amount of prep time, grading papers and exc that they do away from school. or even the continuing education classes that they have to take and pay for every year. you would be amazed at the what they spend every year for things in the classroom. Do you think the school pays for everything you see hanging in the classroom. you should stop in the Education Station and ask them how much Le Mars area teachers spend there every year out of their own pockets. Then maybe you will get an education.
areyoukidding, thanks for the responce. to the best of my knowledge the school pays for the employee but they pay the extra for family.
Forest- not necessarily. If you have to trim your household budget, do your kids have to lose? Not necessarily. There are other places to cut where it will NOT affect student achievement. We just have to start being a little more creative. This I know.
I don't think the one-room schoolhouses had big budgets, but the kids there still learned. Some things are necessary and some aren't.
And on to your flip-side question. If you can't answer mine, you will ask one of me. Alright.
Who said the cuts specifically would "help" the students? I don't think anyone did. But it doesn't have to hurt them, either. Schools across the state are really hurting right now. All of us are feeling it. So I guess in an effort not to blow off your question, the kids could benefit by learning in new ways. It's sometimes called "differentiation," among other things. There are different ways to reach different learners. Learning CAN be enhanced by technology, extra staff members, higher-paid management, field trips, new books, new classrooms, but those things aren't necessary for student achievement. Again, let's get creative, just like we're having to do in other areas of our lives these days.
Lemartian (Lemartion?),
Are you a teacher or do you know one very well? If so, you will know that teachers are definitely not overpaid- not the good ones, anyway.
cranemaster, thank you for the information. Based on the amount the board contributes, that is terribly expensive. Yikes!
I think there is one place to look for savings. Insurance is definitely out of norm. That could be a good place to review.
TuesdaysGone, sorry I thought I had a better answer. The cuts so far have limited field trip (minor hit), stopped new text books (medium hit), increased class size for 4th and 5th (major hit), reduced guidance in the elementary (major hit) and cut the tutorial program in the high school (major hit). TK was showing big benfits to those students emotionally or physically not ready for kindergarten (huge hit). Had the T and I program been dispatched, there would be a bunch of students, who would make great mechanics or welders, without the opportunity to learn that trade. That opportunity lost would never had opened the door for them in that trade. Not sure my daughter will want that direction in education, but if so, I want that opportunity there for her if she choses.
Because of those specific cuts, more students are getting lower grades and/or failing than when they were in place. Cuts affect students no matter where it happens. And now there will be even more cuts affecting the students. No way you can cut $450k plus and not affect them. I bet differentiation becomes very difficult with larger class sizes.
As for the one room school house, they usually only went until 8th grade level in education. They didn't have the state mandates, the need to learn technology and the advance classes such as chemistry and physics. I think a better analogy would be better.
Now, specifically, not generally, how will future cuts benefit the students? This goes back to why I stated "students lost."
After we see what they lost, then we can say "the students lost." Until then, we work hard to make sure the negative impact is as small as possible and we do our best. That is all we can do. We can un-do spending, we can't force more kids to enroll.
Also, some programs are great to have but are extras. High school isn't for earning college credit- though it's an excellent opportunity if it's possible, and it's not for learning "trades," again an awesome benefit if possible, but if the icing isn't there, we just hope the cake is as good as it can be.
I'm looking at it from a half-full perspective, or trying to, because as previously stated, that's all we can do.
And I meant we CAN'T undo spending. That was a typo.
There has been a lot said about teachers pay and that brings up one good point. Are we not all economic teachers to the kids in school. What leason are we teaching them by spending more than we are making or have available? Sure we can borrow for some big items but you still need to pay for it.
There are a lot of people that can not pass tax increases, property,salary or sales, on to others by raising there income so it does not hurt there bottom line. They are the ones that pay more for things when taxes raise.
I understood the typo! I have had many.
But as you said, there will be a negative impact. And to me, it doesn't matter if it is a small negative or large. Still a negative impact with students losing. Lose-lose situation.
Still boils down to we can't seem to have a shining educational system. "Cut! Don't need it. Do without. Larger classes. Less opportunity." All negatives.
You say high school isn't for earning college credits, that, I can mostly agree with. However, not every student is going to college or could succeed in college. So where do they learn a trade? It use to be the primary goal of high school "back when I went." "To be prepared to be a contributing member of society" is what I remember my councilor stating. So what do we do with those students? Cut their program they like?
You asked at the beginning "Could you tell me what it is, exactly, that they lost?" Well I stated what has happened and I do not believe I know what will happen. But the road is poorer for the students now than before. Cuts will affect them and their education. That is exactly why when someone espouses they support education and the school but cut everything that might make the school a leader, or might make the student want to come to school, or to learn a trade, I truly don't believe them. Actions are louder than words.
Forest,
You're right on point. Again. Thanks.
To dansmith,
Dan -- has ADifferentView, cranemaster, economics101, or Oldone1 set up that meeting with you yet? I hope that you have an informative and productive meeting. Let us know. Thanks.
I may not teach in this district, but I live here and own property here, and have a child in the public school system here. I've got over 20 years of service in Iowa classrooms.
Yes, I make more than minimum wage, and yes I am grateful to have a job at this time in our country's economic crisis, and yes I spend several hundred dollars a year on supplies for my classroom, and yes I take classes at night, in the summer, and on weekends to maintain my license and improve my skills, and yes I put in MANY more hours than the actual student contact time in order to give my students the best instruction I can, and yes, this is an incredibly long run-on sentence and my high school grammar teacher would probably make me diagram it as a consequence for writing it.
As well as the economic issues here, one thing that concerns me is the increasing public expectation for schools to take on more and more of what my role as a parent should be. I find that my time to teach "reading, writing and 'Rithmatic" is eaten away by needing to teach manners, basic adherence to rules, respect for adults, respect for other students, respect for themselves, watch for signs of abuse, make sure my students have basic materials necessary for learning (buying paper and pencils myself at times), and the list goes on and on.
There ARE many wonderful parents who are completely aware of where their children are, what they are doing, what they are learning, who their friends are, and provide great family structure along with basic food and clothing. I fear that their kids lose learning time when I have to deal with discipline issues with students whose parents feel that "I can't do anything with him, see what you can do". Sadly, that is a direct quote.
I do my best for every child in my classroom, regardless of home situation, monetary status, gender, ethnicity, or any other way we can distinguish one learner for another. The more children I am required to teach at once, the less I am able to reach them as individual learners. Not only do I have to reach them with curricular facts, I have to reach them with basic life skills that sometimes are not taught in the home.
I'm not saying that parents are the root of all evil here. I am saying, that the larger the student contact load, and the more material/skills we are required to teach, the less we can give each child, no matter what their age or background. When you cut staff, you hurt kids.
No, I am not the miracle worker who taught 50 kids in 8 grade levels in a one room school house with only a chalkboard, a globe and a dictionary. Those people were miracle workers in my view.
I "do the best I can, with what I have, where I am" (Theodore Roosevelt), and in spite of my heart and intentions, there are only so many hours in a day to reach these kids, and the thinner you spread your teaching staff, the less the children get.
If you read this far, I congratulate you, I know it is long. Thank you.
Whiners words - "Maybe they should cut the "program" that gives Gehlen students the opportunity to take certain classes at LCHS."
Sammysmom words - "I'm with you whiners. See what kind of college the Gehlen kids can get into without Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy etc. They are Community's teachers and maybe they will be "too full" of Community kids and no room for Gehlens kids."
Ladies, you do understand that Gehlen Students in this district pay the exact same rate in property taxes as you do. That means their money goes toward "educating" your little rascals while their children attend classes at Gehlen. They are paying twice....thus the need for school vouchers.
"I prefer the company of peasants because they have not been educated sufficiently to reason incorrectly." - Michel de Montaigne
Yes I do know many teachers here at LCHS. Very well thank you too! When I here how much they make, I am speechless, many of the high school teachers make much more than the average person in this town do. Let just say, above 45k for a 9 month job and on the average, most of the teachers put in 9 to 9 1/2 hrs a day during the week. Then to hear them complain that they are not paid enough or complain that there are to many taxes taken out of their check!!!!
Cutting Gehlen students just penalizes the students. It isn't their fault for the fiscal crisis.
School vouchers, excuse my bluntness, is a stupid idea. Parents who send their students to Gehlen do so by choice knowing they will pay tuition and property taxes. They do that by free will. School vouchers takes away money to educate students. No matter how many students you have in the public school, the school is still mandated to provide certain classes and resources. Thus with school vouchers, the school will need to make up the difference with, I don't know, an ISL or CRL to meet the mandates. Wait, that puts it back to square one. School vouchers? Time to think a little more clearly.
Why can't they complain too much taxes are taken out of their check? Are you the only one who allowed to do that? I know I complain but am willing to pay for the education of students, especially my child.
As I have stated many times before, I was not for the ISL the way that it was rolled out to the masses. I always felt a short term loan/tax was necessary. 2 years, 5%. Every time this has come to a vote, I have voted against it.
I am not gloating nor have I ever regarded the ISL for not being put in place. For once I agree with the board members. This has been a very touchy subject for those who feel strongly at both ends.
To those who feel Gehlen kids taking classes at LeMars Community should not be able to do so, perhpas Mr. Smith can help me: do those kids count as enrolled students at Community? If that is the case, why would anyone want to cut those numbers? Wouldn't that also count against the school? I am not sure, but have always wondered that. TO: inmyopinion, if you have folowed these ongoing blogs, then I am sure you have an understanding where I am coming from. I really don't feel that I need to have any additional conversations "in secret" or whatever.
I really have not seen anywhere on this blogosphere where individuals want the school or kids to out and out fail. There are just different directions we want goals to be meet.
I am old enough that I can remember my parents teaching respect for yourself, respect for others and living within ones' means.
Finally, I feel that once we started taking GOD out of the picture, society really changed.
I am sure that this town will heal these wounds.
LeMars is too great of a place to be out of sorts for long. That's all I have for now.
oldone1:
I almost think Gehlen kids do count towards enrollment numbers to a certain degree. If I remember correctly somewhere on some blog the enrollment numbers were in tenths. So that 4 Gehlen kids taking 3 courses may add up to 1 enrolled student as an example that is. I'm not sure of the exact way as to how they figure it, but I do believe we (LCHS) is reimbursed for student class time with Gehlen students.
Again, lemartion, it's really too bad you didn't become a teacher. Then you, too, could enjoy the benefits of making 'above 45K for a 9 month job' and complaining about the tax withholding as well. Part of having a college degree is the privilege of making more than minimum wage. And it seems that complaining about taxes is sort of an American pasttime, not just one for teachers....
Lets stop and take an honest look at teacher pay. Teaching is a profession requiring 4 years of successful college education, a state license, and ongoing education. Making that kind of an investment leads to a given level of income, just as investing in medical school and doing the work for a medical degree leads to a given level of income, just as investing in law school and doing the work for a law degree leads to a given level of income, just as investing in a technical field, ex. plumbing, and doing the work for the certification and license leads to a given level of income. It is all a choice, and when you make the choice you make the sacrifices necessary, invest the time, do the work and pass the test. Sometimes we feel that we don't have a choice or opportunity, and sometimes the obstacles can be very large that seem to block a desired career path. I took loans, had many scholarships, and worked a lot of jobs to get my degree. I know what it is to budget and plan carefully, and have a "plan b" for obstacles seen and unforeseen, and invest time and work for a long term goal. The beauty of this country is that we provide the basic k-12 education to every citizen free of charge (beyond the taxes to create the educational system) and then each individual has a choice of what to do next. Another beauty of this country is that if we take the "all men are created equal" to heart, we would treat each person and their employment - no matter what the income, with dignity. I do not go for medical advice to someone who does not have the appropriate credentials, and I do not entrust the education of my child and all of the implications for my child's future to someone who does not have the appropriate credentials. Give up on the summer's off argument, it is the creation of an agrarian society, and can be changed by legislation, and I would happily teach all year, my students would gain more, and lose less by the time "off". This has to be legislated, and it too, comes down to the informed citizen doing the appropriate work to contact their legislator and push for the creation of the legislation. You have a choice in this too, and the choice to do the work to make it happen is also yours. By the way, I don't set my salary, it is negotiated, in part by a body of people you have chosen to represent you in matters of education. Their decisions have your approval, by virtue of your vote and input. You also have the right to run for school board in order to do what you feel is best for the community in this regard. It is your choice.
Its over. Why is there still such a fuss about it? No new taxes. They are going to have to fix it another way. The NO's won. The bickering should end....
And about teachers making "So much"...Yes we have a 4 year degree. Its an easy degree (as I have a elementry education degree myself) but it still is a degree that we earned.
And by "easy degree" I mean it doesn't compare to say a medical degree... And it was easy for me.
In My Opinion
I am meeting with Dan Smith and maybe, depending on his schedule, the superintendent. Want to come along? Or would you like to have a brainstorm session on saturday? I'm looking for more ideas and consolidating what I can in my head. I think there is great hope. Call Dan Smith if you want to meet with us at the superintendents office in the morning.
Also cranemaster and economics101 won't be able to make it. Forest?
Why did the Gehlan AD get Fired????
My job takes me out of town this Saturday, but thanks for asking.
Oh, Lemartion: Here's what you would get if you could, and did, become a teacher...
1) 9 hour workdays plus extra "duties" outside of those hours as assigned
2) continuing education credits at your own expense, most likely during those summer days off
3) purchasing classroom supplies, again at your own expense
4) disrespect from those students whose parents didn't teach them anything different. This will range from mild non-verbals, to all-out cursing and sometimes even violence
5) classrooms overflowing with students. Not all of them want to be there so those will do their best to disrupt the learning of others.
6) a large spectrum and variance of needs and learning styles. You must teach - and ensure learning of- all of them.
7) governmental standards that sometimes essentially end up forcing you to "teach to the test," even though you know that's not the best way to learn, but nonetheless, you must do it according to NCLB and other mandates
8) 23 minutes for lunch
9) bathroom breaks maybe once or twice a day if you're lucky. You may not take these at will or whenever you need one.
10) a lot of standing and walking around for proximity
11) evenings and weekends at home or at school grading assignments and essay tests
12) those parents who demand their children do nothing wrong and those parents who expect you to raise their children
13) ELLs(English Language Learners) in classes without ESL or ELL support
14) a large range of learning disabilities and other exceptional students in classes with one teacher and no additional support - again, remember you are responsible for the learning of all
So that's what you get for that 'great big hulking' salary.
Don't get me wrong; there is SO much that is positive about teaching. That's why the good teachers do teach. It's for those students who DO want to learn, for the parents who are genuinely interested and supportive, to help the kids who need the extra help, to ensure a good foundation for our future citizens and leaders, and to further the spread of knowledge and passion for our content areas. But it is NOT for the money.
TuesdaysGone; Bravo i couldnt agree with you more
I have been reading the blogs and hearing what people have been talking about with th ISL and maybe some people don't understand that just because you put your name on a peition dosen't mean that you are going to vote no. All it is saying is that you feel that it is in the best intrest of all that this should be voted on, weither you vote yes or no. I have a hard time with the negitive talk about the Gehlen people and the Community people this isn't good for the adults or the children in this town. What are we telling the children when we bad talk all of the time. Both schools are good to have here and we should be supporting them the best way we know how.
I understand why some people don't want the ISL to pass there are many people out there that just can't afford any more taxes.
I really hope that we can get past this and work on trying to get the best education for the children that we can get with the money that we have.
ADifferentView,
Thanks for the invitation. I'll be out of town on business tomorrow and involved with community vounteer work on Saturday.
I'm glad you're having this meeting and truly hope that it will be informative and productive. I believe that thoughts and recommendations are conveyed much better in a person to person format than in these blogs or in the newspaper. I can assure you that I have already shared my thoughts and recommendations with the administration and several members of the school board on an individual basis (there were no open meeting law violations)and on more than one occasion.
I also voted for our school board members and continue to support the decisions they have made. I hesitate to play armchair quarterback and second guess their judgment.
Maybe your input will prove more fruitful in solving this community problem.
Instead of being angry with or blaming the people with ties to Gehlen that exercised their right to vote and the vote didn't go your way, why not feed that energy into the hundreds of LeMars citizens who didn't vote at all? Heck, even if you did the numbers, Gehlen parents and supporters (assuming they all voted and voted no) could not single handedly have defeated the ISL if all of the LCS parents and supporters would have voted and voted yes. No matter how much money anyone has his/her vote still only counts as 1. People are so consumed by these 1500 people, they're forgetting that there are 6500 more voters out there, 5000 of them that didn't care to vote the last 2 times. Where are your derogatory comments against the Lutherns and Presbyterians, etc that didn't even care enough to voice their opinions?
And why is it if I say no to a vote about raising my taxes then I'm a horrible person who doesn't care about the education of the students that attend LCS, and have to hear such horrible comments from the adults of this community. But if my child comes to your door to sell a candy bar or I call you for a donation and you tell them or me no then it's ok. Aren't you saying no to the same thing I am saying no to? I don't come on here and spew such ugly things to you about not caring about MY child's education at Gehlen.
I am completely appalled by the way the adults of this community are treating each other over a school budget. Hopefully our children aren't watching.
Forest; i am curious as to what you think is a reasonable solution. this would include restoring all of the cuts that have been made, allowing reasonable wage increases and necessary growth requirements
Gehlen has nothing to do with this. They pay the exact same property taxes as everyone else without taking a full public education. So why shouldn't their kids be able to take a class or two? Maybe Community parents should pay extra, then, since their kids are using more of the public school resources.
That would be silly. So is blaming Gehlen parents and suggesting their kids not be allowed any of the public resources. Same taxes= same rights. Maybe you should start saying since renters don't pay property taxes, their kids should not be educated. It sounds ridiculous, of course, but I guess if you want to apply tax dollars to rights, that is where you'd start.
To add, don't punish the students from Gehlen. They deserve the same education as any other student.
As for the fund raisers by Gehlen students, I must be truthful in stating I currently am not sure I will purchase the candy bar because of the way I feel. That is how I currently feel. But I know when the student comes to the door, I will probably change my mind, since it is for the good of the students.
Cranemaster, firstly I was for the ISL (obviously) for the 5 years. This is not going to be a quick fix and 2 years I believe will not do it. I thought the ISL was fairer than the CRL and easier on everyone. I still think that is the way to go.
As for the rest of your statement, that would be my long range goal. I think reductions can be made in not replacing those who retire or leave. I think reducing the number of sport games played will save cost in transportation, personnel and energy. I also believe that once the school is locked down for the day and especially breaks, it stays closed. No more renting out the facilities or letting non-school teams use them. That would save on the energy. Or we start charging everyone a rate that pays for the use rather than just a little. I liked the idea of using SILO funds to "green" up the schools.
Costs: I think class sizes need to stay low. And I truly believe we need to offer more to the students than just the basics. They need to be well rounded individuals that have a chance outside of school to explore and be productive. Restoring some of the cuts made will make a difference in their education, especially TK, tutorial room and elementary guidance.
Hope that answers your question.
teachingelsewhere - That is one looong paragraph, do you teach english?
If you could have made it all one run-on sentence,that would have been awesome! lol :)
Forest - That is exactly why school vouchers are imperative.
Why can't you give poor children the advantage of a private school education? We don't all have your kind of money.
oldone1 and economics101 - You two remind me of Atlas with the world on your shoulders. Well done.
I see no signs of shrugging yet, as wall street has done, and rightfully so I might add.
Forest, do you need me to explain the Atlas Shrugged comparison?
This wole episode reminds me of the the major difference between state government and the federal government. State governments spend money given to them by the federal government or from taxes within their states. So that when they run out of cash, they have to make cuts.
The federal government just says, "Hey no problem. We will just print more. Kids, grandkids and down the line can pay for it."
The question that we need to ask ourselves is this: if you are for this kind of tax,(ISL) you would be one organization, if you are against it, the other.
Hint: I would be of the mindset of STATE government.
Which also brings to mind: what do you do when there is nothing left to tax or borrow from?
Answer: bankrupcy or watch jobs dry up and go away.
That has always been my greatest fear for this area.
I'll say one thing about us here in Lemars....We sure know how to beat a dead horse..
Oldone1, how much do think the ISL would have taken from the average person? Just wondering.
here is the link for the ISL calculator http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p... ISL worksheet
Oldone1, how much do think the ISL would have taken from the average person? Just wondering.
-- Posted by Forest on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 2:59 PM
Glad that you asked.
We all know the rate and duration of the what the school board wanted for the ISL, no need to repeat that.
The average person/family was projected to pay $50.00-$100.00 per year. This is not businesses or incorporated farms. So we know that each family would have paid $50.00-100.00 per year. And each business or farm would be on a sliding scale. Let's say $1.00 per acre for each farmer per year. So if I have a 1,000 acre farm that is an additional $1,000.00 for that one tax. Businesses a bit different. Anyway, from the business people in this town that I have spoken to, they would all have raised their rates to compensate for lost revenue due to this ISL tax.
Businesses in order to stay in business pass on taxes to the people who purchase their goods and services. So while it is true, you would want this tax to pass and feel that you would contribute your $50-100 dollars per year to the LeMars school system, that is not exactly correct. If you live here and purchase the majority of your goods here, then you would pay to offset the ISL tax at EVERY location in this community. I am not an economist, but probably around 3% increase throughout the year for everything that you would be in LeMars. Unless you have tax exempt status. (Forgive me but am fudging because I do not know the ledgers for each business and what they spend and take in. That part am guessing.) So, if you spent $2,000 in 2009 and the ISL passed, then probably in addition to your $50-100 out of your pocket would be an additional $60.00 or there about. Now, multiply this x wage earners and spenders in this community for the rough numbers. If a business in this town is already treading water to stay in business, why force them to have another tax to either eat or to have to pass on to their customers? There are plenty in this town who can barely afford to buy what they need now. The strain would be evident everywhere. That is my concern. Finally, farmers would have to adjust what they sell off their land, or take a hit of crop prices that are down. Livestock included. No win for them. Anyway you put this, during a time of recession, the enduser always takes the hit. Does that you out?
Thought I'd leave a note hear to say I did meet with Dan Smith and Dr Wendt today. We all departed with a lot of information and ideas, more perspectives to consider. I'm thankful for thier time and attention to my concerns. I'd like to say thanks for the discussions many of you have had with me debating the topics.
As I've stated before, it is all about the students, their education and opportunities. There are many more constraints than I was aware of that we all need to work with that don't always make the most sense. We must all strive to make our voices heard and views understood. We also need to make sure we are listening to what information is dissiminated as well. Hopefully the channels of communication continue to get better. The future of our school system rides on each and every one of our shoulders in our actions and inactions. And we function best when we are all well informed.
Touring the schools brought out some old memories of how it was. It also became quite evident the attention that our school system's crew provide to make this district one of distinction in a positive direction. Well maintained buildings, furniture, and always trying to do the best with what is available. Our school system has its own problems as we will always see in this imperfect world, but ours are usually minor in comparison to other districts across the country.
My hope is that we can all be passionate about our views and beliefs, finding workable solutions to the challenges we face. Please continue to be vigilant with your ideas and concerns. I will continue to support the students. Thanks!
ADifferentView, Thanks for doing that and letting us know.
Oldone1, thanks for the response. Hypothetical: Would it had changed your view a little had it been based on income and no property tax? Because that was an option if I remember correctly.
ADifferentView.
Just got back into town. Thanks for the update and for taking the time. We need more people like Forest and yourself if we are going to solve this "community" problem.
People who have advanced means, ($$$$) also have the ability to structure their finaces to have eased tax burdens. They can afford to find the loopholes. I have no problem with that. However, what that leaves is the rest of the population picking up the slack.
What I am saying is that the tax burden is shifted. If you understand the tax loopholes, that can be used to your advantage. Not all of us are accountants or tax attorneys. The middle class would pay a huge bit of that.
Depending on your own income and net value would dictate what you pay/afford/be stuck with.
If the ISL would have been 2 years @5%, it would have given businesses the ability to pay and then catch their collective breath. Along with the rest of the community. That is why I was for that. 5 years could cause a business to win or lose. (ISL)
I don't expect an answer, but wondering if LCS gained students during the 5 year plan, would the school board forgo any part of the remaining ISL?
Pretty tempting to keep spending money after the blank check has already been signed. Human nature to justify going on.
A Different View,
Yes- there are a lot more constraints when it comes to school budget and school budget law. Iowa is different than some of our neighboring states, unfortunately. It's much tougher here. I don't think people understand you can't just take from one area of school budget and put it in another. There are a lot of policies and other legalities. So those people who keep talking about the school gym and salaries, etc. don't know that those kinds of things aren't necessarily possible- they aren't even allowed by law.
We also differ from SD and NE in that our tax rates vary by town. Here, one town can pay 17% in property value and another can pay 7%. Why should we all just pay 10% to make it even and not make property taxes a reason to live in or not live in a community and go to or not go to a school? Because those people who get away with paying the lower rates, such as the 7%, don't want to pay 10%, even though some pay much, much higher. The SC Superintendent gave an excellent illustration about a school budget being composed of different "buckets"- officials are not ALLOWED to take from one bucket and put into another. And these buckets are all funded by different means, such as property taxes, levies, state funding, etc. Seems we all need to be educated...
It really helps when the community as a whole is involved with working out problems concerning 'our' money. I understand the reason the divisional funds are in place is to prevent out of control spending in certain areas.