If you’ve been following any of the comments on this site you will know that the North Adams Community School Board is proposing some changes. The proposals are to change the classrooms and grade levels at all of the North Adams elementary schools. I don’t have children in the elementary schools so I’ve kind of stayed out of voicing any particular opinion. The Decatur Daily Democrat had a nice write up on the proposals that were discussed during this weeks school board meeting. From my understanding the options are to keep things the same, close one of the local elementary schools or consolidate students of different grade levels into one class. This last option seems to be the one creating the most discussion on this site.
The superintendent of the schools mentioned that this wasn’t necessarily a financial decision but one of how to best educate your children given the current schools resources. I don’t know what that sound like to you but to me it just sounds like a way to save money. Reading the article on the Decatur Daily newspaper left me with the same impression that while they are saying its to better educate it sure looks like budget and monetary motivation is the prime reason for the proposed changes.
If you have any opinions on this or would like to hear more from the school board there are meetings being January 20 at Monmouth, January 22 at Southeast and January 27 at Northwest that are open to the public for discussions. Reading the article it appears this is a major priority for the school board and they will be making a final decision one way or the other at the Feb 10th meeting. I urge any concerned parent to attend the public meetings and voice your concerns.
Update: I was told that at last nights meeting a school board member announced that a final decision is not necessarily going to be taking place at the Feb 10th meeting.
188 Comments
Admin: At the school board meeting, it was also said that in the last option ( different grade levels at different schools), no teacher would lose his or her job. How long would that last? What if we do all this shuffling and next year…” oh, by the way, we still need to cut 5 teaching positions…” I also didn’t quite understand what Mr. Sirk said about the libraries, though. Did I understand that there would be a cut in library staff at the elementaries? Also, I understood at the meeting that the proposal also will streamline grant and monies for all three school. Right now, some have Accelerated Reader; some don’t . Some have access to 21st Century monies; others don’t. ALL parents need to attend these meetings and let your feelings be known.
Schools need libraries, as not all are served by the public library. Not everyone wants to purchase a public library card, if your township is not served. Cannot always use a computer, or may not have the book you need, but could get it with inter library loan, which takes a while.
this is sad what the economy has done to the education of our children….our future, and our children’s future.
Voter: I couldn’t agree more. How can they cut libraries or even library staff? Next it will be art and music and PE…
you got it!!!
Okay So if this entire restructuring thing is to save:
A. money
and
B. teachers
Can someone please explain to me how Sirk just RIFed seven teachers this past week ????????????????
Are we asking our children to change schools 5 times in 8yrs?
Are we saying that if you have more than one child you now have to choose which child to support. If you have children at different ages, how do you attend musicals, athletics, etc…do you flip a coin…?
For $100,000 I’m not impressed with the solutions this group of educators has come up with…
Teachers jobs are already being lost and will be lost no matter the decision so it is a complete misrepresentation of the facts in my opinion.
My main concern right now isn’t that this is right or wrong. Instead it is that they have mulled over this for the last 18 months or longer and are giving parents and teachers 3 weeks to mull it over. It is a complete disregard for the very parents/teachers that support these schools. The second concern is teachers weren’t asked what they thought of this and they are the ones that will be dealing with the repercussions of it daily. Again a complete disregard for the very heart of the school, the teachers, that are in constant daily contact with the students who will be dealing with the transitions. Sirk did say at the meeting last night, after a lot of parental pressure, teachers were asked and it was revealed that they didn’t think it was a good or a bad idea and was a very small sampling of teachers. It feels rotten that so little regard has been paid to parents and teachers and that is the biggest slap of all.
The claim is that the reason for the move isn’t financial yet all parents are given are financial numbers and charts. I am trying to be open minded to all that is going on and truly do what it best for my children but they just haven’t convinced me this is a good thing. But it seems very much minds have been made up.
I strongly urge citizens to continue on to the meetings. News Channel 15 was at last nights meeting and is continuing on with this story. The 22nd @ Southeast and 27th @ Northwest. The times I am unclear about but I think 6:30 or 7.
There is also a petition going around. To sign it contact Charlie Brune of Complete Printing or visit http://www.gopetition.com/online/24629.html
I am attending a future meeting – couldn’t make it to last nights meeting. I have heard that in last night’s meeting alot of questions that were asked weren’t answered. Can anyone tell me if that’s true? If this changes – I will have 3 children in 3 different elementary schools. K, 2nd & 5th. Right now we struggle to get enough parents to help at events, field trips, class parties, etc. Right now I am able to take 1 vacation day from work and help during those special days – if I have to do this at 3 different school – I am going to run out of days fast. And then I am going to have to choose 1 child over another. Any other points I need to make – suggest away and i will add it to my list! My son is all ready stressing out about having to possible change schools next year. He loves his school.
The private schools may just be a great opition, tooo….think about it. the teachers are caring, and class size may be smaller…more one-on-one time with the teacher. Just my humble opinion. I went to St. Joe, and had some great and not so great teachers, but I was ahead of many other students when I attended Bellmont in the 80’s. Just an opinion.
As a teacher in NACS, I have a different opinion than most of you do. I see the educational value of reconfiguration…do some research and you will see that it is beneficial. I also see the financial aspect of it. Although I think consolidating to 2 schools would be best, its not my call. I say either consolidate or reconfigure. If you tax payers would be willing to pay out an extra $10 a years in property taxes…TEN DOLLARS A YEAR…then financially NACS may not have to do this with finances in mind.
I honestly feel bad for parents that may have to volunteer at one, two or 3 schools…but at least you are volunteering. Most parents do nothing, yet complain and groan about things. If you want to help go, out to the schools and volunteer your time as much as you can…not just on field days. Don’t complain about things if you never show up to school functions, board meetings, etc. We NEED parental support. Volunteer…substitute…make your presence known.
Again, as a teacher, my view is different than that as a parent with children in elementary school. Just throwing my views out there…i’m glad everyone shares.
I understand that other school systems have done it, however, there is no definitive research documenting that grade level centers have a positive impact on student achievement. In the same vein, there is no definitive research that it has a negative impact either. Students would need to switch schools every 2 years. Why is the school board considering the conversion? Partly because one or more board members mistakenly think it might be good for students, but mostly to address system needs. GLCs make it easier to keep class sizes uniform by grade, which currently vary by as many as 4 students per class. Although this variation has no impact on learning outcomes, it is an issue of the fairness and equity of teacher workloads and it concerns some parents. Additionally, some teachers like the idea of grouping teachers by grade into one building. In theory, this could improve the quality of education through an increased sharing of grade-appropriate resources and ideas. It’s an extension of the concept of teacher teaming, which was an important motivation for converting to a middle school model that similarly hasn’t and can’t significantly improve academic outcomes. Teachers firmly believe the best way to improve education is to improve their quality of worklife within the current system rather than to redesign the system from the perspective of students and their individual learning needs. An analogous approach in medicine would be to focus on doctor needs first and patient needs second.
Educational research concludes that multiple transitions like this have a negative impact on student achievement. In addition, it has been found that having students be a part of one elementary school for 6 years (K-5) promotes stronger home-school partnerships and connections that have a positive impact on students and their families. Younger siblings will have younger siblings in the same school which simplifies school and parent communication. Having a range of K through 5 in the same building also promotes caring and connections between older and younger students through peer tutoring, book buddies and multiple age exra-currcular activities. In the area of State Testing, this configuration could place the school system at a disadvantage in terms of being subject to having more subgroups for adequate yearly subgroups (AYP). How will parents meet their responsibilities at multiple schools? The system will have to be sensitive to this issue by making sure Back to Schooo Nights, Parent Teacher Conferences, Open Houses, etc. are schedules on different nights or have staggering start times. Currently, Parent Teacher Conferences are on the same days at the same times. Library Media Centers are currently K-5 friendly, this could prove to be a costly and time consuming task because of the great amount of materials that will have to be sorted and relocated. Additional manpower will be needed at an increased cost for the summer months to accomplish this goal, in addition to increasing the custodial staff responsiblities on an already reduced work force who is expected to complete their assignments on time. Don’t overlook the increased transportation cost of transporting these materials. Furthermore, grade level appropriate classroom furniture would have to be moved by truck to the appropriate school. Time, cost and personnel to accomplish this would have to be considered when planning summer projects. Textbooks and other curriculum materials would need to be boxed and moved to a new building. Staff members would need to be provided with time, materials , monetary compensation to complete this task.
Fundamentally, the concept of grade-level centers entrenches and reinforces the factory model of schooling—lock-step, one-size-fits-all instruction delivered to students based on age rather than ability. Dr. Craig B. Howley notes that educating students in schools with narrow grade spans “rests on the dubious assumption that segregating students by age is a natural law of schooling.” Grouping kids by age should have vanished with the little red schoolhouse. The initiative is a step backwards from the direction public schools need to move in to meet the needs of The 21st Century Student. It does nothing to address the root cause of education mediocrity or to remove the obstacles to education quality. It perpetuates the inefficiencies of classroom-delivered instruction, where unruly pupils disrupt learning and the pace of learning is largely determined by how long it takes the slowest learners to comprehend the material and complete tests. It promotes student dependency on teachers, not independent learning. In short, grade-level centers (GLCs) have no chance of substantially improving academic outcomes. That’s because the core limitations of improved learning are intrinsic to the instructional delivery system. No amount of shifting the components around can change the essential nature of the system. Dr. John W. Alspaugh has reported, “[S]tudents involved in a pyramid transition of multiple elementary schools into a single middle school experienced a greater achievement loss than did the students in a linear transition of a single elementary school to a middle school,” although achievement scores tended to recover in the year following the transition. He has also reported higher high school dropout rates for schools with multiple grade-level clusters than for schools with elementary (K to 5 or 6), middle and high schools. Although his research is far from definitive, it serves as a reminder that most changes involve hidden trade-offs and unintended consequences. Beyond fragmenting learning and increasing building transitions, Denise Lemanski concludes:
[C]onsolidating an entire District’s student population in a given grade into a single school creates all of the negative effects of a “large school dynamic.” Some of the negative impacts scholars are documenting include:
lower standard achievement tests, and also lower overall student achievement; increased high school drop out rates; reduced family involvement in school systems; disruption to effective social structures for learning; and negative impacts to students with lower than average socioeconomic factors.
Research included in the Research File, above, suggests that GLC’s not only disrupt the social structure in which learning takes place, they also weaken the family-school partnerships considered to be essential for improved academic outcomes.
A Grade-Level Center Feasibility Study by the Prospect Heights (Illinois) School District 23 (pdf), set out the advantages and disadvantages of Grade Level Centers (GLCs) as follows:
Possible Advantages
· Each school more clearly focuses on educational/social needs of children.
· Curriculum/instruction focuses specifically on the grade level age group.
· Building facility design/usage accommodates a specific age group.
· Class size is better balanced.
· Demographics are better balanced.
· Curriculum, instruction and program are more consistent.
· May have fewer class sections within a grade, thus operational economies.
· Or, may have more class sections within a grade.
· Better mainstreaming of special education/ESL children.
· Reorganization cost savings allow real savings.
· Articulation across grade levels improves.
· Articulation across attendance centers may or may not improve.
· Eliminates competition and comparison between schools.
Possible Disadvantages
· Children no longer attend their “neighborhood” schools.
· Parents/children don’t have as much time to build loyalty for a school.
· Requires more busing.
· Longer bus rides for some children.
· Brothers and sisters may be in different schools.
· Parents may experience child-care difficulties with children arriving and departing at different times.
· Young children lose older role models.
· Primary and intermediate grade teachers’ articulation may or may not be more difficult.
· Parents may have to choose between PTA/PTO meetings and participation at other events.
· Overlap in library materials increases costs.
· Changing centers every two years is disrupting to children and parents.
· Communities like to identify with their K-5 elementary school.
· Having all students of the same grade together gives the building a larger feel.
These are just a few studies that have been conducted on Grade Level Centers.
Teacher,
Thank you for stopping in and commenting. It is always a far better discussion when both views are presented.
Eve,
Holy cow I think you need your own blog. That was quite a bit of writing and a good job of presenting the pro’s and cons. Thank you for the time you put in researching this issue.
I would also like to remind everyone that a forum has been started the link is in the top right corner. This is free to the entire community to use to discuss topics on their mind. I am often very limited in the amount of time I can spend on the site and I know there are many that have things they would like to see discussed so don’t hesitate to utilize the forum.
Thanks again for all your comments
Wimzit
Teacher, thanks for your input. Like you I think closing a school seems like a possible option. What is aggravating is that this was suggested by the company that came in and looked at the books. However, nothing is ever presented on this. No data, no numbers and no talk. Just that it isn’t feasible.
I am very unsure how I feel about it all. I am trying to have an open mind. It is the manner in which it is being presented that is hard to swallow as a parent. I am an active parent and have been from the moment I moved to this community 7 years ago before my kids were even in the school system. My face and efforts are well known to my children’s school. I know unfortunately that others aren’t and then show up to complain. My complaint isn’t with them though, but that this is so rashly brought up and has to be decided so quickly. They had over a year to talk about it and we have had three weeks. I heard about it last spring, but everything has been rumors. They should have addressed those long before now. Add in there that very little teacher input was given and I think it is dishonest. So my beef is more about the process then actual reconfiguration.
Like you teacher, I agree something has to be done. Things cannot remain the same, but I want to be convinced that they have my children’s best interest in mind and the very teachers that will deal with it opinions are noted. If reconfiguration is the best idea I will support it 100%. Right now though it feels very shoved upon us parents as if our children are #’s and dollar signs.
Mom of 3, what you have heard is correct. Many questions remained unanswered which is where I think much of the anger of this is stemming from on this reconfiguration.
First let me say that I have nothing in this other than being a tax payer. I pay my taxes that support North Adams and Adams Central (I own property in both districts) just like everyone else. My children both go to Private School in Adams County. I have been keeping a very close ear to the North Adams situation and find it interesting that there is so much oposition to the change.
I would think socially, there would be a great advantage to going to school with the same group of children all 12 years. It’s seemed to work well for AC, SA, and the private schools. Do you ever wonder why it “appears” that there are so many discipline issues when kids get to the middle school? I have no facts or figures to back this up, but I would guess it’s becuase suddenly you have a group of adolesnece coming together in one building that in several circumstances they’ve never met before or had any interaction. So, you have these three groups coming together all trying to figure out there place, the pecking order so to speak, of students and for many it may be the first time they’ve been in any building other than their prespective elementary school…Now take the reconfigured system…You have a group of kindergartners that start out as a group and move through the school system as a group and graduate as a group. That’s basically what happens in every other school system in Adams County, but not North Adams. Again, it’s just an opinion, I don’t have any research to back it up, but it’s what I see from the outside looking in…It’s one of the reasons I chose to send my kids to private school and not the public system. To give them the smaller class size and the opportunity to get to know all the kids they’ll be spending the next 12 years with and not just 1/3 of them.
In the end, I think every parent needs to look at it like this…The system is going to change. If they don’t reconfigure, they will close a school. I don’t think there should be any doubt in anyone’s mind about that. So, do you want your child in one of 2 elementary schools with 30 kids in a class(I’m just throwing that number out, but is seems reasonable to me) or do you want them in a class of 15-20, with the same group of kids for 12 years, but they have to change schools every few years. Because in the end, that’s what this really comes down to. It’s not an option of “I don’t want you to change anything” It will change. And if you don’t like either or those options, then the Private schools in Adams County would love to have your kids under there roof.
I do not understand why an increase in taxes has not been listed as an option. Even though my children are grown, I would be glad to pay extra tax each year to insure that my grandchildren can stay in their current school until they reach middle school. My income is limited, but I am willing to sacrifice something to help. Is anyone else willing to do this?
Also, I have heard from several current school teachers and staff members that Option 3 (Reconfigure and Consolidate Grade Levels) is already a “done deal”. I am wondering what Mr. Sirk’s response would be to this statement if he was asked at one of the open school meetings. Would he be honest and truthful? It was very evident from the first article in the Democrat that he only favored and supported Option 3.
Several different numbers have been given as to the amount of cost savings this proposal would generate. Does anyone really know? Mr. Sirk had very little experience in large-scale budget preparation when he became superintendent and had to heavily depend on his staff to do his work. Is he really qualified to make this type of decision on budget issues?
When listing the amount of cost savings that Option 3 would generate, have Mr. Sirk and the Board figured in the number of students who will leave the three North Adams Elementary Schools and transfer to either a parochial school or to Adams Central? These schools are more than happy to accommodate parents who don’t want their young children changing schools every one or two years, while still providing a “quality” education.
I truly hope that Mr. Sirk and the School Board will listen to the parents and staff before making any decisions. If an overwhelming majority of staff and parents do not support Option 3, why would it still be adopted?
While I went through public schools, they just seem to have gone to crap lately. My kids are going to private schools and hopefully I can avoid these sorts of disappointments.
As a parent I am for it—I think having kids in the same class all 13 years KDG through Sr builds and foster deeper bonds. Any one who has been blessed to raise teenagers knows that once they hit 6th 7th and 8th grade we do NOT know all the kids they are now hanging around…had we have had a chance to vol for Christmas parties/field trips etc with this groups of kids for 6-7 and 8 years prior to them all attending middle and high school together we would know them.
Fact is, some schools get some programs and others get other programs, shouldnt my child at northwest get the same opportunity as the kids at Southeast? FYI did you all know Southeast is the ONLY elem that is passing its ISTEP right now??? so it seems as this system needs help.
My suggestion for those that are for or against come to a community meeting period. These are children. There is no other place to get your information. Most of what is rumor is half true or untrue all together. Once there you can decide if what they say is best for your child.
Has the board looked at turning only ONE school into an early childhood center that encompasses kindergarten and all the Even Start/Preschool children and leave the other two as first through 5th grade? Just wondering…
No one has mentioned that three schools will be sharing two counselors. As someone who has taught at various grade levels, I have first hand experience that many situations come up that require immediate intervention and with a class of 20 students the classroom teacher is unable to deal with the problem in a expedient manner. Presently the counselor is a phone call away not a building away, and yes there are problems in Kindergarten through grade 12 that need immediate attention.
What will happen to the Even Start building that is not that old and that will set vacant and that sets on land that was a “must” purchase just a few years ago?
The question concerning Southeast passing ISTEP is also misleading, since the passing is based on the number of students in certain categories and if a school has enough children in one of those categories, they are considered in the ISTEP “package”, if they have even one less than this magic number, they are excluded and possibly receive a “pass”.
I’m not sure where the teacher who posted the comments found his/her research, but the articles that I have read, state just the opposite, that . there is an acedemic, social, and emotional loss in schools with this proposed configuration. Will these schools resort to “tracking” to place the children in classrooms? This went out of practice years ago, but I’m afraid this is what will happen in the reconfiguration.
Most studies show that children and families excel in schools where they are a part of the “school family” from the beginning of their school career. In fact the ideal school setting is in a “non-graded” system, where children of all ages 5-12 might be in the same classroom and learn as a family would learn with the teacher providing guidance and resources.
The packing for this great “move” will be the obligation of the teacher with no added compensation and will also put a huge burden on the custodial staff that already has a huge job to prepare the schools for the new year during the summer break.
Many families are suffering from instability due to loss of jobs and the economy, let’s not add to their problems by pushing this off on them.
Isn’t there some way money could be saved by cutting in other areas that don’t directly touch the students. The schools have already lost most of the instructional assistants, now they are being asked to lose the stability of a familiar staff. I pray that the school board will look at all of these concerns and make an intelligent, long researched decision, not one that is showing only one way to serve our students and the financial needs of the school system and the wishes of an administrator.
I am not sure what is going to be the best solution here. I see positives for the education and socialization. But, I also see negatives and unnecessary parental hardships.
I want to say that I personally think a lot of Mr. Sirk. I give him credit for attempting to make changes in a community where change is not accepted very well. He is a very good man, father, and leader.
I have some comments, questions, and suggestions…
I would like to know what the estimated cost would be to build one new large elementary school. Has anyone seen Bluffton Elementary? It is a very nice school. It also has only two school administrators and less guidance, and other non-teaching staff. I would personally be more than willing to pay additional taxes to make this happen. I know it would be millions and millions of dollars to build it. But look at the 3 schools we have now. Monmouth is as old as the hills! The other schools aren’t exactly new either. We built a new high school in the 70s and a new middle school in the 90s. Maybe it is time for a new large elementary school now.
My next comment or suggestion is regards to the current staffing problems. Has anyone thought about how top heavy our teachers are in this district? There are many teachers who are either near, at, or past retirement. Many of which have lost their desire to teach. But, they continue on because they don’t know what else to do. These teachers are often making twice of that of a new teacher. Think about how much has changed in educational instruction over the last 30-40 years. Don’t get me wrong as I believe some of the best teachers around are those who have the most experience. But, some of the newer teachers are the most driven. So, I guess what I am saying here is why not attempt to buyout some of these near, at, or past retirement aged teachers. Negotiate with them so that they are compensated in some way for retiring. Then hire a fresh, new, enthusiastic teacher at half the pay to replace them. I can see the savings. Can you?
At this point, my wife and I are considering a private school for our children. My 3 year old daughter won’t stop talking about how much she wants to be able to go to the same school as her older brother. If Sirk’s plan goes through, they won’t end up at the same school until my son is a senior and my daughter is a freshman. I heard today that Zion Lutheran has received so many calls about next year that they are actually worried about having enough space to house all of the possible public school transfers for next year. This new plan could actually turn into a big disaster as there is a big change in enrollment next year. They may actually have to close a school down because there aren’t enough students. This is especially true if the economy worsens and more people start leaving the community in search of new employment.
Just my 2 cents
I, too, am interested in knowing more about building one elementary school. . .
But in response to “notsure” about a Retirement Incentive. . .
That is no longer cost effective as the state has made changes in State Employee Retirement plans. For years, the school was responsible for contributing 3% to each employee’s retirement fund. All new teachers hired, employeers must pay 10% towards the retirement fund which is costing the school corporations much more.
Hope that helps answer your question.
I do have to commend Mr. Sirk for looking for something that he truly believes will help the education of our children without costing the community more money. I would still like to entertain the thought of building one elementary school and having all schools on one campus.
Growth and change is staring us in the face. The 4 options being combining the grades , closing one of the elem schools, leaving things the way they are and having to cut personel just to have a budget, or building ONE elementary school. Whatever the school board decides to do, they want to have input. They may not decide on this matter for several months. But NORTH ADAMS SCHOOL DISTRICT (monmouth, southeast, or northwest) needs CHANGE. Which is the best option for our community? Now i am all for the joining grades and having the three elem schools. But I am also more willing to pay more in taxes or whatever it takes to build ONE ELEM School, Bellmont Elem. I am for joining grades either by pre-K/K at Monmouth, 1-2 at Southeast and 3-5 at Northwest or ONE Elem School, because this should be about utilizing the school resources, staff and giving the students in NORTH ADAMS SCHOOL DISTRICT the best education.
How are the kids getting the best education when all the teachers for the grades are spread out between 3 schools? To me it make sense to put all the teachers (of one grade) in one building. Then these teachers can put all the resources for that grade together and better the education the kids receive. There is too many different teaching techniques between the three schools, especially when they join together at the middle school.
I like the idea of the kids being placed with their classmates that they will GRADUATE with from NORTH ADAMS SCHOOL DISTRICT. I recall one of the football players from the State Championship team talk about the bond they had because they had played together in the DFL since 4th grade. Just imagine the bond they would’ve had if they all went to school together from the moment they started kindergarten! Maybe Bellmont will have more success in sports if these kids grow up together from the get go, instead of starting their “bond” in 6th grade.
I would be more scared the way it is now, coming from 5th grade into 6th and making the “Big transition.” The other option would be an easier transition because I would at least have all my other friends around me making the same move to a different building.
I am all in favor of ONE Elem school! Less bus routes, less maintanence, less grounds work and this will actually join the community into ONE complete school district, NOT three elementary schools that the parents create a competiton between, because they think one is better than the other.
THIS IS ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT! These kids come together to make ONE MIDDLE SCHOOL and ONE HIGH SCHOOL! WE need unity in this community! NOT division. When need change and growth!
Growth and Change, I love the idea of one school building and the community idea that Sirk is after I think could be more easily achieved.
However, your comment that this won’t be decided on in February is not entirely true. It was stated at the school board meeting at the beginning of the month that Mr. Sirk would have a final proposal for the school board to be voted on February 10th. Again this same sentiment was stated at the Monmouth Meeting on Tuesday night by Mr. Sirk. Which is precisely why I have gone to all of the meetings to see the dialogue grow and change as opinions change. Last night was the first I heard any waiver on this, but Mr. Sirk clearly said it would be presented then but that the school board could decide it needs more time. Also a change could take place from him on his proposal to the board that would be presented. Another reason to be present at this board meeting.
Again I encourage people to continue to come to these meetings because the presentation at last night meeting was much more convincing than the one that was given at the January school board meeting and the Monmouth meeting. Sirk added many more facts to convince me as a parent that he does have my children’s best interest in mind. However, I wish I could see more concern from Sirk for the community upheaval and the understanding that what he proposes is about as personal as it gets…it is a our children. I give him credit for being there and taking the tough questions though. A change needs to happen, but I want it to be one that is fixing the problems that North Adams truly faces.
I’ve known Mr. Sirk for several years and I think one thing that parents and the public at large need to keep in mind is no matter what happens, I do not honestly believe that he would do anything without thinking of his students first. He has a great care and concern for every child he comes in contact with. He is a good man and I don’t honestly think he would ever put the bottom line of a budget before the welfare of the students he serves.
As for building a new school…I don’t think that is an immediate option. My understanding is two fold…A: I think a moritorium has been put on all large scale building projects for public schools at this time. Not to say building in the future wouldn’t be an option. Also, keep in mind that thousands of dollars were recently spent on revamping and renovating at least tow of the three buildings. B: My understanding of the new property tax structure is that they can’t “just raise our taxes” for a new school system. I believe the state now holds the “purse strings” for the schools and we can’t just raise money through taxes in order to build a new building. Not to mention, as a parent that already pays to send my kids to private school, I’d rather not pay more taxes to build a new school that really isn’t needed…Just wanted…
LOL I had to comment on the Zion comment—talk is cheap. Tuition is exp!!! I am sure there are lots of people “Talking” about pulling thier kids out, in reality–they wont..maybe just maybe a handfull, not enough to make a dent…biggs will move more people in town that will send thier kids to the public schools!!!
I was against the change until I took the time to educate myself. I have been to both meetings and let me tell ya, I give it to the board and sirk and Ms.lamon for taking the time to try and attempt to educate the public..you hear the same comments over and over—How can i have my kids at 3 schools–how can I volunteer–well I just wont volunteer. What about fires??/ That one was said twice last night. Let me tell ya, I dont want my 5th grader being in charge of getting a Kdg kid out of the buildeing due to fire, that is the job of the teachers!!!
Change is hard for some folks, moving to a small town taught me that!!
another point—if we could build the town again, yes 1 school would be great. but we cant build the town again, we have 5 public school buildings, we need to utilize what we have.
Has anyone thought of the reason why this is going on?….. Taxes! Since property taxes have been cut, budgets are cut. Schools, counties and city budgets aren’t going to get the monetary benefits to keep the ball rolling. All the taxpayers need to pay close attention to what the Govenor wants to do. His agenda isn’t looking very pretty. Yes, its nice that our state isn’t in the red anymore but at what cost? Here’s a few changes on his plate, doing away with the commisioners, sheriff, township assistance and other officials(don’t have my papers on proposed laws in front of me) so I can’t remember the job titles, and then appoint a county executive to take their place. Alot of people wanted their property taxes to go down but did they know it was going to affect the education of students. I understand the farmers get taxed big time with all their land, which is not fair. But at the same time services that you the tax payers are used to aren’t going to be there. With the unempolyment rate going up everytime you turn around is one subject besides the education for students should be the main focus. Not eliminating more jobs just to keep Indiana in the black. So without the taxes coming in we are faced with a very difficult situation. I feel that the state hasn’t passed the law that would make the merge of schools mandatory, so take the time now to draw out plans for different options on schools. Then present the options with full understanding how each option will work. Last nights meeting wasn’t helpful at all. It seemed the options that were presented were just thrown together, questions couldn’t be answered. More research needs to be done then come prepared. Take all the parents, teachers and concerned tax payers (who don’t have children in the system) suggestions and put them into consideration with the options. Am I rambeling now? Sorry.
If everyone is willing to pay a higher school tax for a new school, why not to keep all three schools? Do we know if we have just one school that it will qualify for all the programs for the children. If the state says what schools get certain programs, then shouldn’t we take our concerns to our legislators. If the state is so concerned for our childrens education then why not make all programs available to all students no matter what school they attend.
As for having full time aides in kindergarten, it makes sence to me. Aides are life savers for teachers.
I do agree with the changes and growth needed in this community but, it needs to start with jobs, jobs, jobs! If we keep losing our factories, our people will move else where. Then what would we do with a brand new school?
Theres so much for everyone to think about. Just keep in mind that if the tax situation doesn’t change again, the schools will always have a problem with the budget. More and more problems will continue. I was always told it gets worse before it gets any better. I’m affraid we are in for a long haul.
I have no problem paying more taxes for the schools to keep the children’s education going. Just no more job cuts!
Private Schl Parent,
You may very well be correct about the fact that the state has imposed a building freeze for large school projects. However, if you look to the south you will see that South Adams is currently building a new “all in one” elementary school on the main school grounds campus. They very well could have started this project prior to the state’s moritorium.
What really troubles me about your response was the fact that you are not willing to pay additional taxes for the purpose of improving the community. Are you concerned about our community or just for yourself. Let’s say that I reside in Fort Wayne, am a parent of young children, and wish to relocate to the south. I look at two smaller nearby communities. I happen to come to Decatur and tour the town and see that there are 3 old schools and empty buildings all over town. Then I drive over to Bluffton and see that they have a brand new elementary school not to mention all of the other stores that Decatur lacks. I doubt if I would move to a community that has very little to offer.
Your private school children are going to need jobs someday. What is going to be left in Decatur in 10 years if things continue the way they are? We need to do things in our community to make it more attractive to those who wish to relocate or move a company here. Schools are very high on most people’s “reasons to relocate” list. A new school may not be the immediate answer to the currect situation at N.A.C.S. But, I certainly hope that it is something for the future.
These comments are interesting and show that most people do have the interest of the community at heart…but the underlining passion that drives each person and their way of thinking goes back to how the changes will affect them personally. How will these changes affect MY child, MY pocketbook,and MY life.
An issue that has been of concern to me that I’d like to bring attention to concerns Mr. Sirk and his motives for this change. Mr. Sirk, it has been rumored, is working on his doctorate. If this is true, in order to obtain a doctorate a person needs to develop a project that they are able to research and write about. It has been said that the real reason for this proposed change isn’t really what we, the public have been told, but the project is the idea for Mr. SIrk’s research paper. I hope and pray that this rumor is false. Using our school community to make a change such as this in order to obtain a doctorate would be unethical. In order to prove to the public that change such as those being proposed are for the benefit of the entire school community, the community needs to be shown evidence of other school communities where similar changes have taken place and been successful. Keep in mind, when the word successful is used here it means the students have shown academic and social growth because of the changes. Having data from multiple school systems in front of us, showing that these changes will result in benefits to the growth of each student would be helpful to those of us who are concerned. There are school systems out there who have tried this same type of structuring and the research I have found shows this type of grouping has been detrimental to the overall growth of students. Through research I have found three schools in particular that reverted back to their original configuration after trying a plan such as the one being proposed to our community. If there is research out there to the contrary, it would be beneficial for us, the public, the see. Any professional knows you can not make changes such as this on a “gut” feeling. There has to be data to back what you are doing.
Another issue I would like to address ,that has been mentioned previously on this blog site, is that of asking our older teachers to retire to save the system money and make room for new teachers wanting to come in. Personally, I do not believe the age of the professional makes a difference . I have seen newly hired teachers who have no sense of classroom management, who leave the building right after the kids leave and who look at their profession as only a job. Being an educator is more than just a “job” it is who you are. You don’t stop being a teacher once you leave the building. Similar to other professions such as a doctors. A doctor does not stop being a doctor once they leave the office. They live and breath what they do. It is embedded in thier total being. Keeping this in mind, I have also witnessed newly hired teachers who struggle with all the demands that are placed on them, they ask more experienced teachers for guidance, and they grow as the year progresses. This type of new teacher volunteers for committees, stays after school for hours preparing lessons for the following day, communicates regurly with parents and is an asset to the school community. I could say the same thing about the teachers who have been there many years. A few of them also view the profession of education as a just a job, they put in their hours and are out of there. While others are very dedicated to their profession. Age does not matter. It’s the person and thier dedication to educating our studnets that matters.
This is kind of off the topic of restructuring of NA Elementaries but I think the public needs to be aware of what is going on at NA in ALL of the buildings. Apparently this week a secretary at the high school was told this week she would not have a position next year. Wow-what a slap in the face after putting in 24 years of service, the most of all the secretaries at BHS. Hey that is going to save them so much money. Also the principal’s secretary at BMS quit and is not being replaced. From what I hear, Mr. Sirk has never spent a day at any of the schools, (besides when he was at SE) especially in the offices to see what goes on. If he is a leader, he should spend a day there and see first hand what goes on. Instead he sits in his redecorated office. (More on this later). Restructuring
may be a good idea. But why wasn’t all this made public when this started. It didn’t just begin in the last month. Plus, does anyone wonder why we don’t have an elected school board at NA??
It just seems crazy to me that we can’t get that to happen. I’m not saying that the people on the board are bad, by the way my favorite is Gary Geissler, because I don’t think he is afraid to vote against the Superintendent. I believe Mr. Sirk needs to be challanged, plus if he is concerned about saving money and cutting long term loyal employees, why did he just spend a crap load of money on the Administrative offices. I’m sure that wasn’t cheap. Plus what about cutting administrative salaries, to save a bit of money. They make a whole lot more than the janitors, secretaries, cafe’ workers. etc. I’m sure my comments won’t make much difference but I want the public to be aware of what is going on. It is the truth. NA has alot of problems but at the meeting on Monday at Monmouth, ask Mr Wiley who caused alot of these problems. It was the Dual enrollment problem that Mr. Compton, the previous superintendent got NA into. Our board needs to be HONEST with the parents and taxpayers of NA Schools. The citizens and students are very fortunate to have some very wonderful teachers working here. They are loyal to NA which by the way is the lowest paid school system in the county. NA used to be the highest paid. This is across the board from the janitors to the teachers. I’m not including the administrators in this because they are paid quite well. I don’t know what the answers are to all of these issues, but I know what my answer would be if I had kids or grandkids living in Decatur. Can you say Parochial schools or moving.
Lastly, I would demand the Mr. Sirk and the school board be honest with all of the taxpayers of Adams County. It is your right.
Come on everyone! We need more signatures on Charlie Brune’s fantastic petition. Go to: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/halt-north-adams-community-schools and sign up! Your name will not be posted on the web site unless you want it to, neither will your comments. There are almost 900 students in our elementary schools, but less than 200 signatures… if the address doesn’t come up, just go to http://www.gopetition.com and search for halt north adams and the petition will come up…. GET INVOLVED!!!
I, too, have concerns with the reconfigeration. However- a big concern for me is that the RIFted teachers from the Middle School could kick the elementary school teachers going back 6-7 years out of a job if they choose to teach a lower grade. This would only happen if the building changes don’t happen.
If the building changes do happen- then we will keep our elementary teachers in the elementary schools. I do not want a teacher who has been teaching 8th grade for the last 8 years or more suddenly teaching my 1st-5th grader.
I also don’t want to see all support staff lose their jobs. This too will happen if the building change does not happen. Teachers need the help of their assistants. There are 24-26 kids in each room- too many for me- but at least with an assistant, there is a little help for the teachers. If we keep things the way they are all support staff will be let go.
I want to know if Mr. Sirk and the board have looked at cutting money in other ways.
1. The BHS pool. Let it go. It is dead. Wait for a few years until funding starts to come through again. Our kids can practice at AC if need be- it can be worked out.
2. Summer activities. Pay to play. If you want your kid in a summer sport/ activity then you pay for it. The district shouldn’t be footing that bill right now especially since there was no teacher raise.
I am sure there are other options.
The bottom line for me is this: I do not want Middle School teachers teaching my elementary child. I do not want to see any more great NA teachers let go because of the inabiltiy to pay them. I do not want to see support staff let go and leave the kids and teachers who depend on them in the lurch.
I think Mr. Sirk has the best interest of our kids and our district well in hand. I think he’s between a rock and a hard place. I do not agree with what he proposes, but it is the lesser of two evils (in my opinion). Do nothing and watch beloved staff try to find jobs elsewhere because they had to be let go here. Change the buildings around- which is a logistical nightmare- but have that tempered with keeping our teachers and support staff.
If this were a public vote I would vote for the changes… I believe my child deserves the best and in this case the best means not losing great teachers and support staff because of a problem Mr. Sirk inhereted from his predessesor.
Just to make this clear, Don’t blame this on the teachers. Many teachers have already lost their jobs in North Adams (and will, you just don’t know because you are being lied to). Many teachers have lost their positions, being scooted around the system just because they need a cheap, out of college, inexperienced person instead of a 29 year tenured teacher who has way more qualifications to teach (music). Did anyone realize that there are only 13 students left in our band? Even our custodians can’t keep a job!! Thank god for other places who think that children come first. CHILDREN come first.
Someone should ask Wylie to see his brand new office that was put together for him last year, oh AND THE RAISE HE GOT.
TEACHERS IN THE COUNTY HAVE NOT HAD A RAISE FOR 10 or 11 years
Northwest Mom
As for Middle school teachers teaching elementary, I doubt if that would happen. You must be certified and licensed to teach elementary and also middle school. At the current time, a teaching license does not include those combinations. Your license normally goes K-5 and then another license for middle school or at least an endorsement. Rarely would anyone have both, especially if they were new on the teaching scene. The more experienced teachers may have this, but not those who received their license within the past 10 years. If this reconfiguration comes to reality, you must realize that the lady who does the media center at the middle school will be expected to pick up not only the high school media center duties, as she is doing now, but also add Monmouth media center duties. For this she is rewarded with 10 extra pay days for the entire year.
Notsure, you may be right. I am looking out for myself and ultimately my children. With the current economy, I can’t afford more taxes…for any reason or any school system. My husband and I both worked commision based jobs and when the economy is bad, no one buys, our salaries go down. I choose to send my child to private school for the religous aspect more so than the educational aspect (although I believe based on ISTEP scores everyone would believe they are getting a more compreshensive education at the private schools).
The school in Berne approved and well underway prior to the moritoriam. And as I said previously, I would not be completely opposed to a new school building, but Mr. Compton should have thought of that several years ago before he dumped a bunch of “our money” into the old buildings.
Ms. Call…Thank you for your wonderful comments as well as all the teachers. It’s very good to hear a teacher’s perspective on the issue.
All I have to say is ulitimately, it will not be our decision to make…but for all of those who are signing Charlie’s petition, please keep in mind that if it goes through and they do not reconfigure…One of the schools in this community will close…Instead of 24-26 kids in a class you’ll have 30-35 and instead of the possibility of a few teachers or support staff loosing their jobs, you’ll have a buildings worth job hunting…
I’ve been listening and watching for a while now, I think it’s time to make a comment or two.
I have opportunities to chat with many teachers as well as other school employees extensively from time to time. Let me tell you that many of them think that the Super is misrepresenting the facts….on nearly everything. Several of them think that he is just trying to push through some big changes (without regard to the appropriateness of these changes) to add a colorful feather to his cap in order to improve his next career move. Many of them think that he has misrepresented at least some of the facts in order to accomplish this agenda.
First off, contrary to many comments already made, I believe that this latest round of change is merely budgetary in nature, not as Mr. Sirk implies, for the betterment of the students’ educational experience. As Jezibell mentioned, part of this mess started when Mr. Compton opted to participate in dual enrollment against the board’s advice. They have, I believe, finally repaid the state for all the ‘overpayments’ made in that debacle. Now that the repayments have finished, where’s all that additional money (several hundred thousands per year I believe) going? Then Mr. Sirk jumps on a new bandwagon called all day Kindergarten, which was also not funded through tax dollars and cost us at least several thousands of dollars to fund ourselves. Would it not be wise to wait for the state legislature to finalize financial approval and funding before we hop on the newest bandwagon for a change? Then, just maybe we can keep some of our dwindling cash supply instead of throwing it away. As I understand it, half day kindergarten will return to NACS again next year. Now, I don’t mean to imply that all of the current financial issues facing NACS stem from the all day kindergarten issue, but it does appear that the same thought process of jumping on new ideas before the ink has dried on the contract still exists here in the admin building.
Secondly, Jezibell further commented on the pay scale in NACS. What many of you may not realize is that not only did Mr. Sirk get a substantial pay raise upon assuming his new position, but he also accepted an additional pay increase which Mr. Compton refused to accept because he could not also offer the teaching staff a raise. The teaching staff at NACS hasn’t seen a salary increase in nearly ten years!!! Other schools in our area, including as I understand, Northern Wells, AC and South Adams have all received some kind of a pay raise in the past several years. One question I have is this, if we receive the same per capita (per student) funding from the state to support our schools as these other schools receive, how is that our teachers haven’t received a pay increase in such a long time…it’s no wonder why some – many of them are somewhat disgruntled. How many of you would like to be stuck on a 20th century salary as all of your own expenses keep rising? If you account for even a meager rate of inflation, our teachers have already lost a lot and continue to fall further behind the longer it continues. Is this any way to treat the very people who hold our future generation’s learning in their hands? I’ve heard from several sources that teachers get paid so well…, they get summers off, etc. If most of you really understood the amount of time most teachers spend preparing or improving lessons etc. while at home and during the summer, you’d probably be shocked. If you really calculated their true income based on the total number of hours worked, they are sorely underpaid. I’d bet that many of you would refuse to do that much work for so little compensation.
But, I digress, if we do indeed receive the same per capita funding, where are all these funds being spent or wasted? Someone mentioned the Even Start ‘building’ which may now stand empty, and then they just had to buy another house on Monroe Extended last year too, but for what purpose? Why do we need all these small properties which are more expensive to maintain and operate? Will the additional property being acquired along this edge of the school grounds provide ample supplemental acreage to allow the building of an elementary on campus? Due to the sizes and locations of these properties I’d rather doubt that they would benefit the system for such an expansion.
Thirdly, the school board….where do we start? When Mr. Giessler joined the board, I thought that finally we would have a voice of reason to possibly offset the sometimes narrow thinking of the super since Giessler had been a very experienced and well respected principal himself, contrary to the lack of educational experience of most of the board. But, alas, it would appear that he too has fallen in lock step all too quickly and only seems to oppose the more extreme proposals. The lack of educational background of many of the board members seems to only simplify Sirk’s ability to mislead or misdirect one’s attentions while he tries to slide multiple changes past a mostly unknowing board and under the public’s radar. I’m not totally convinced that an elected school board is the way to go either, because then you’d end up with a bevy of political wannabees much like I feel Sirk himself is. He’s only come out with public meetings after it came to light that he was intending to make such radical changes in the schools’ topographies. Sounds like a politician to me. If the school board doesn’t question his motives or methods, which it would appear happens much less than it maybe should, who will keep him honest enough to do what is best for the kids. By the way, these meetings are merely a placebo. He’s already made up his mind about what he wants to do and I fear that regardless how these meetings progress, they will have little affect upon the outcome, because he won’t let anybody tell him what to do or how to run ‘his’ school system. Unfortunately, someone rattled the sleeping dog’s chain and he now has to placate it before he can resume his agenda.
Sirk repeatedly claims to hold the students’ best interest as his primary focus. Unfortunately, his actions appear to go counter to this claim most of the time. As was mentioned by several recent posts, he appears to be trying to force many veteran teachers out of the classroom in order to be able to hire cheaper, inexperienced replacements to fill their vacancies (thank you Kylee for your accurate observations). Is he really trying to improve things or just put another feather in his cap in order to make himself look like a better candidate for a new position elsewhere? Did we mention politician? Even accounting for the ‘new’ teaching techniques brought into the classroom by the recent teaching college graduates (techniques which may or may not be effective or even proven by the time the colleges start to promote them to the upcoming teaching students), we lose much, much more when a veteran teacher leaves the classroom than we can possibly regain for several years. By the way, most teachers are now required to continue their education in order to maintain their teaching licenses. This is an expensive requirement, which anyone currently enrolled in a college program or who has a child in college knows all too well, these teachers must pay for this from their own pocket. So, even the veteran teachers are being kept abreast of many of the new ideas and techniques which the recent grads will have learned. So the only apparent motive for ‘encouraging’ veteran teachers to quit or retire seems to be monetary. I realize that we need to hire new teachers from time to time, but who really wants to have a green, wet-behind-the-ears teacher in their or their child’s classroom? Unfortunately, teaching has a rather long learning curve, even for well educated and prepared beginning teachers. There is still a huge amount of learning going on during the first few years the new teacher has their own classroom.
Yes, there probably are a few veteran teachers who have lost their passion for teaching – how difficult is it to keep one’s passion fueled when one is constantly concerned about possibly being pushed out of a profession one has devoted one’s entire life to improving or when one is overburdened with a myriad of additional non-teaching requirements which have been piled upon our teachers over the past few years, which eat up a lot of the time these teachers could be using for classroom preparation? I would guess if half of the public fully understood some of the ridiculous things being pushed onto teachers, mostly by a misled and misunderstanding legislature or a narrow sighted administrator, there would be a true uproar about it. They are continually being asked to do more and more for each student with less time to do it, without any of the previously available help and for no additional compensation. One way to improve all the teachers attitudes, apart from a well deserved pay increase, would be to remove much of the unnecessary ‘paper work’ they are being required to do and just let them teach like they are trained to do. Get the administrators out of their faces and off their backs and just let them teach!
Stepping off soapbox now…..
Eve,
Most of the middle school teachers are able to teach elementary school in our district. Craig Anderson usually hired people that had an elementary background.
I know of many that have elementary degrees 1-6, with 6-9/6-8 endorsements. There is a high possibility of having a middle school teacher teach our elementary kids.
I also believe that there have been no raises (including administration) in NAdams for a few years now.
I still think that calling the BHS pool dead is a viable alternative- just the money they’ve put into this year alone could pay for 6-9 teachers. Something to think about.
Since we’re talking school pools…I’ve been an advocate for building 1 new complex in the central part of the county that would house 1 or possibly 2 indoor pools as well as a play area for others in the community. Then all 3 schools could close their pools as well as the Decatur and Berne City pools…Then we would all be paying to have 1 pool complex instead of 5. The idea was even brought up to Mr. Compton and Mr. Krull (Adams County Parks Department) but nothing came of it. The idea then being that the pool areas in each school could be turned into class room, gymnasiums, libraries…Whatever each school needed to use the space for. Not to mention a source of income all year round for the county as it could be used at times other than just the summer as it is with the 2 city pools now. I think this issue comes down to everyone wanting to have control of their own stuff and not having to share with others…Even if it does end up costing the tax payers in the end.
I get very frustrated when all of a sudden the folks of decatur get all up in arms over something that has been talked about for Years!!! this did NOT just happen last month. Mr Sirk has been talking about this plan since he was principal at Southeast.
Just out of curiosity how many of you that have posted here have ever went to an open school board meeting???
Here are the facts clear as day—-not all of the 3 elem schools get access to the same fed funding for certain projects. Why should the kids at monmouth not have access to the Title 1 program? Why? Is that fair? Would NA give them title 1 if they could? Sure they would, but they cant, those funds come from the state and the state dictates where they are used. so the ONLY way to get all the NA kids the same opportunities is to put them in 1 building.
I want my kids to get the same advantages as the next kid. Stop the whining of “I cant drive to 3 schools” ummm yes you can. We live in Decatur, everything is less than 15 min away. ..”I like my southeast teachers” well ya know what, they will still be teaching if this plan goes through….”I went to Northwest and they are the best” ya I think the Southeast and Monmouth parents feel the same way about thier schools.
You want to do something to help the schools?? VOLUNTEER. Help out at lunch, help in the office, read to the 1st graders, go on a field trip. You dont have the time to volunteer, ok then give supplies—schools always need crayons, markers, stickers, paper, post it notes, folders.
Small town living is great, but sometimes it makes me want to pull my hair out!!!
and as far as this petition that charlie is pushing—its beating a dead horse people. This is NOT up for a vote. This decision is coming from 5 people. The school board.
You can voice your opinions but I gaurentee if they sound as whiney and selfish and let me just say it, dumb- as the opinions I have been hearing at the meetings–well they are going in one ear and out the other.
I promise the school board does not care that you may have to dive little Mary and little Peter to two different schools. They are concerned that little Mary and Peter have equal opportunities as little Susie and Mark that go to Northwest.
If want to feel as if you have a say then lobby to get our school board members elected vs appointed. They have been appointed for as long as I have lived here.
Rest assured the kids are going to have an easier transistion than some of the parents!!
Hear…Hear…Mamamia!
Thank you private schl parent—even though your children do not attend NA ..it would be great if you would attend the 3rd and final meeting. As you have made great points about SA and AC as well as the parochial schools having the same kids in the same grouping from K-12.
Even if we didnt have to do this change I would still think its a good idea. Fact is though we do need to make changes and I would much rather see this change than closing a school, having yet ANOTHER empty building in Decatur and having 30 kids in a class.
I have attended both parent meetings at Monmouth and Southeast. Mr. Sirk made changes on the second night to his presentation that were different from Monmouth night. He seemed to add more of the finer details instead of making it so vague and deceptive. Let me clarify what I mean by the finer details though. Mr. Sirk has a lot of transitional points that he hit on but had no definite answers. I want to know if NA is going to reconfigure its schools that they have all their ducks in a row and my child is not going to be thrown into a lurched system of lets figure it out when it happens. Also at the Monmouth meeting, Mr. Sirk said it would be voted on and at the Southeast meeting he said it would be up to the school board to decide to take more time to review the issue at hand. I also have heard from a few teachers and workers in the NA school that they have already received notice of where they will be located next year and what their roles will be.
Also I am involved in my daughter’s school because of my work schedule. I just want to throw this out there, just because you never see a parent in a school building does not mean they do not care. Some parents are being forced to work different hours and do what they have to do to make ends meet because of the economy. Some of them are not so lucky to be able to contribute as much as they like.
While I agree with the concerns everyone has…….there is one thing I keep reading consistently throughout these blogs and that is the economy. Has anyone ever stopped to think Mr. Sirk has kept the economy in mind while trying to maintain what is best for our children? Most don’t realize Mr. Sirk inherited fiscal “problems” when he assumed his position as superintendent; those issues have now been compounded by our failing economy, as well as the legislative action at the state level.
Mr. Sirk has made a concerted effort to put the needs of our children first; there is no hidden agenda for personal gain with him working on his PhD as suggested by past bloggers. No one has ever stopped to think that this reconfiguration saves jobs rather than elimating them. It most importantly provides equal access to supplementary services in which all students can benefit. Currently some students who need additional services, in order to be successful, do not have the oppotunity to receive them. Why aren’t parents angry about this?? This is a key indicator of success, not if your child will be in the same building as his or her older sibling. Every child needs an equal opportunity for academic success.
I will be at the meeting tomorrow night and at the school board meeting when they vote. Mr. Sirk came in to clean house at NA, but he should start with his own. I don’t know how he sleeps at night. Has anyone wondered why we are losing so many good teachers and administrators at NA? It is high time the truth is heard by the taxpayers of Adams County. We should demand the school board and Mr. Sirk be honest with all of us and tell us what they are planning, not 1 month before the VOTE is to take place, but what is being discussed at all of those meetings. Have parents of elementary school children been involved in these discussions??? Or is it just some selected NA staff, administrators who have been discussing all of this behind closed doors. I have alot of friends who are teachers and support staff at North Adams and everyone says the morale is the lowest it has ever been. What Mr. Sirk is doing is making NA his little school system. Hiring and firing the people he wants. Whether is is warranted or not. From what I hear, he isn’t finished yet. If you cross him, he will get rid of you. One way or another. He was a teacher once at Monmouth and BMS and from what I have heard, not a very good one. So he decided to become an administrator so he would be safe. It must be
up to us to make sure our schools are ran by individuals who are caring, and compasionate individuals, who will make sure our children’s best interest are always first. Not making themselves look good. I just get the impression that Wylie is not cut out to be the leader of our schools. But he was an easy choice for our school board. Maybe the only one, because who else in their right mind would want to take over a school corporation that is in so much financial trouble. Also, Mr. Sirk should be willing to take a pay cut before anyone else. Shame on him again for taking a pay raise when teachers and other staff haven’t had a raise in years. I think teachers should strike, then maybe he would figure it out then. Come on Wylie, get your head out of your *** and see who really makes NA a great place to be. It’s the students, teachers, and staff. Listen to them, not yourself. Quit making all of these changes in schools and get back to letting the teachers teach our children.
Many comments are interesting – Mr. Sirk did get a nice increase in his salary – the teacher’s are working without a contract. Mr. Sirk’s office was remodeled – the teacher’s have been told there is no money to purchase classroom supplies – do the children do without? No the teachers purchase these supplies. The teachers have been told they will be responsible to pack up their rooms during their free (?) time, for the August, 2009, move. The teachers might have time to do this if they weren’t being forced to complete curriculum mapping each day or be reprimanded if it’s not done in a timely manner. Perhaps the morale of the staff would be higher if they were ever told “Good job” or “Atta boy”! Teaching is fun, exciting, and a calling – it would be great if the teachers could teach and not be harrassed by the politics of blaming past administrations, but cleaning house from the top down! Why do we need to replace an assistant superintendent who retires, but not a custodian? I think there are many ways of cutting costs, but the die is cast and none of the concerns will be considered when the final vote is taken.
I swear, mamamia sounds like she is working for Mr. Sirk…or at least has been asked to speak on his behalf?? I don’t think anyones concerns are as you put it “whiney, selfish or dumb”. Whether you think they are trivial or not..it is their concern about their children. There lies the problem…it is about the kids & the education they receive. If reconfiguration is the way then prove it. I beg them to give me facts! But if there are no facts to support it…I won’t support it.
By the way mamamia- you have made several remarks about small town living. You know, this is what is good about small towns. We know most people we are going against, we make them accountable. If I didn’t want small town living & the benefit it brings, I would move to a larger city & let them run my life for me.
Also mamamia, an “educated” person does not make a good parent or decision maker. Yeah maybe you consider me selfish concerning my reasons against the reconfiguration , but they are reasons based on love and what I consider to be what is best for my child. This world would probably be a little different if when people had children, they put them first!
To the teachers that are complaining about the North Adams system—Try and go find a job in FW right now-or AC or South Adams…how many teachers work for NA that have kids at AC or South Adams–is there a reason they are NOT teaching at thier own kids district? You have a union right? Use them–you have not had a raise in how many years–go on strike. Do what you feel is best for you. Dont come on an anonymous message board and complain, band together and make some changes. I want teachers with backbones teaching my kids.
Teaching is a job–you get paid for the work you do. If you are not happy with your pay or the job find a new one. Some will prob get on here and say “teaching is a calling” my response to that is “ok then volunteer” I personally think teachers should be paid WAY more than they are. I for one know that I could not be a teacher–you could not pay me enough. You are chosing to teach-thank you for that. The city workers are chosing to plow are streets, thank you for that. The clerk at the grocery store is chosing to clerk, thanks for that. If the clerk at the grocery story did not get a raise in 5 years, they would quit. So dont blame Sirk for the posistion you are in, If you are not happy, go somewhere else.
After spending many years and much money getting my degree I am doing a job that I love. I continue to upgrade my knowledge and skills and it would be great if the administration would acknowledge our contribution rather than add more paperwork and “busy” tasks to our plate. I trained to teach – not be a politician or paper pusher! I’m not complaining about my job, I’m upset that a “committee” was formed to look into reconfiguration and the met once and were not aware of the plan to push forward with Mr. Sirk’s “Dream school”. In answer to mamamia, we do have a union and we have tried to bargain for raises, but always end up with something being taken away rather than receiving anything better. In the world of manufacturing, we would have been on strike, but being the professionals that we are, we have the best interest of our students first and have not chosen to strike yet. The NA staff also has the lowest morale that it has had in many years and many teachers have chosen to not join the union and pay the hefty union fee. In the end Mr Sirk probably sees this as a victory, since the union has lost some of its strength. This whole thing is not about money for the teachers, but about what is best for the North Adams students and allowing the teachers to have some input!
If you tried to bargain for raises and ended up losing something instead–sounds to me like you need a stronger union!!
I come from a family of educators, I have had family members who are teachers go on strike. I lived in a city where the teachers went on strike. I was a student whose teaching staff went on strike. That is your right. If I was a teacher and did not get a raise for X amount of years I would not teach there. Your choice.
Trust me if you are this un happy you are not putting the children 1st. As your un happiness will in fact filter down to the children.
This is a free country. You are welcome to take another job. Please do not get me wrong. I LOVE teachers. I respect teachers and know there is a reason I am not one. I am a parent that does volunteer at the schools. I go on the field trips, I help in the lunch room. I am on the carnival commitee. I wish the teachers made 100k–in my mind that is what a good teacher is worth if not more.
My point is though–I want teachers who put them selves 1st. I dont want a mayrter teaching my kids. Stand up for yourself. If you are not happy with the system than work to change the system. If Mr brunstrup is not serving you well, boot him out. Get a leader that will take charge. You deserve a raise, but it is not my fight to fight for you.
Thank you terrified teacher for what you do on a daily basis for our children in NA schools. I commend you for posting your comments and standing up for what you believe in. You only have so much room to manuever and defend your morals and still keep your job.
And to Mamamia, have you ever worked in the education field?Because I have and it is not at all easy as you say it is. Teachers are committed to their students and do what it takes to educate them. Your comments are degrading our teachers and everything that they believe in and work so hard to accomplish. I
Mammamia – I didn’t once say that I was unhappy with my job – I love my job and the children I teach and their parents that I work freely with. What I am unhappy about are the hoops that the administrator make us jump through. Mr. Brunstrup does the best he can with the support he has, but when Mr. Sirk offers less each time he is approached about the contract. He refuses to discuss any money issues, but seems to have money to add duties to the assisstant superintendent that will replace Mr. Bieberich when he retires. What will this cost? Why does he need to be replaced? We have been asked to double up on jobs until the crisis is over – why doesn’t this apply to everyone? I have a feeling that you would be one of the first protesters if we went on strike. We value our students too much to strike and when we are told that there is no money – what would we gain? Please keep this in perspective – Mr. Sirk said this reconfiguration is not about money, but that is his main focus in the meetings – let’s think about our kids and be thankful we live in a small town where we know most of the residents and they know we value them and their children.
I think based on the last few comments, we’re loosing sight of the big picture. Yes teachers probably deserve better pay. I think that an earlier comment was correct, many of the financial problems the school system is dealing with do stem from the issues of dual enrolment. However, I don’t think all the blame can go on Mr Compton for that one. I appreciate what he was trying to do. I appreciate the fact that he followed the letter of the law as it was written only to get bit by the political dog in the butt when they changed the rules (their rules) and decided that not only were they not going to pay for dual enrollment anymore, but that they wanted their money back! The political snafus of Indianapolis and Washington are not Mr. Compton or Mr. Sirk’s fault, but none the less, now we’re all paying for them. I don’t honestly know what the best solution is. I’m guessing that no matter what happens their will be teachers lost either through down sizing of staff or their own desire to move on. Some parents may decide to transfer their children to one of the many fine private schools in our community. Others will just continue to be mad becuase their “kid/school” got the short end of the stick in the entire deal. But, what about the Monmouth kids who will now have access to Title 1 help. Or what about the Southeast and Monmouth kids that will now get the 21st Centrury Program. Or all the other programs that are only at one or two of the schools that all the kids will have access to. I find it intersting that it appears Monmouth students don’t have access to so many of these wonderful programs and yet it seems the Monmouth parents are the most opposed to this change. Change for Change Sake is bad…Change for the good of the students and staff are good. I think that there is a great opportunity for growth in the school system and growth for the students and staff. Hopefully, everyone will have the opportunity to grow through this entire ordeal.
The 21st century grant will not be available to all three schools no matter what the configuration. It is a NW housed grant that will stay at NW and service the NW students – not Mon or SE.
I have been following this blog since the meeting at Monmouth that I was unable to attend and then since the Southeast meeting which I attended and wasn’t very impressed with. Not only did alot of the questions that were asked did not get answered but only 2 board members were there. So half of the members who are on the board making this decision didn’t even attend to hear our concerns, that concerns me! My question is where is the money coming from to pay the Southeast principal (who will move to Monmouth if this passes) to become the part-time Director of Curriculum plus the principal at Monmouth? No wonder why Mrs. Laman is for this. I will be attending tonights meeting to see if Mr. Sirk has any more information & to ask more questions that can’t/won’t be answered. We all know that these meetings are only happening for appearance sake and that Mr. Sirk has made up his mind and it doesn’t really matter what we (the parents or teachers) think. The teacher’s have not been asked for their opinion – this came straight from a teacher at Southeast’s meeting. That question was asked to Mr. Sirk at the Southeast meeting and totally avoided it. This is very frustrating!!
What is the problem with the change—is it that your kids will have to switch schools every few years? Is it really that big of a deal?? Honestly? I am pretty sure everyone of your children will be just fine switching school from K-1 then from 2-3 . All of thier friends will be changing with them. Every child that attends public school will be making the switch. Think back to when you started elementary or midde or high school—could you do it? Could you find your way around? Of course you could, you survived. Our kids will to. Give the kids more credit. The teaching staff will be the same—your favorite 3rd grade teacher at Northwest will still be teaching 3rd grade.
How many of you have taken new jobs in a new building—sure you get a few butterflys your 1st day but you managed to find your way.
I want all kids in Decatur so have the same educational opportunity. Are my kids more fortunate than yours??? No way–
I will tell you this much I know, if the parents are all up and arms about this and put these fears in the kids head of what a bad idea this is the kids are going to take on those same feelings. It all depends on how you spin it with your children. This can either be a posistive or a negative change. It is up to you.
My gut is telling it is going to happen—so why stress the kids out even more. This can be a good thing.
To terrified teacher—I would commend you if you went on strike. Like I said earlier..I want my kids teachers to have backbones…you dont work for free, it is a give and take. you do a job they pay you a salary. If you are not happy with the job or the salary then do something about it. Stand up for yourself. I said earlier I think teachers deserve way WAY more than they are getting. Do NOT short change yourself. I am sick the teachers have gone so long with out a raise. That though is totally 100% your choice. At any point in time you could have given your notice and went to another district or another profession. There is a reason you are staying with in North Adams. Do not maryter yourself by saying it is for the love of the students. If you are a teacher only for the love of the students then why dont you volunteer? Mr Sirk would love a volunteer teaching staff. I know teachers in Decatur that teach at other districts. Just like I know teachers at North Adams whose kids attend other districts.
Mammamia, I’m not sure why you insist that I am unhappy – not once have I said I’m unhappy. I would love to volunteer if I could afford it, but I like to eat, have a car and a home. I would also like to take a nice vacation, and I love teaching at North Adams and have no desire to go elsewhere. After being in one school system for a number of years, you feel an alligence to that system and those students. It is also difficult for a veteran teacher to obtain another position in another system – they want the teachers who cost the least – not the ones with experience. I don’t want to choose a different profession – I’ve trained for over 8 years to do what I’m doing and doing effectively. I look forward to having the brothers and sisters of the students that I have had in the past and to be a part of these families’ lives. I continue to talk to parents whose children I have taught and who I have become good friends with. I understand the child’s withdrawl, sadness, or behavorial problems, because I have talked and cried with abused parents, jailed parents, parents in the stress center who have shared with me because I have earned their trust through the years that I have had their children. These are all things that cannot be shared with another teacher at another building or the same building, due to confidentiality laws, but are earned through years of trust. I am not a martyr, I am a professional who does have a backbone, but also has a brain, and if Mr. Sirk is to be believed, there is no money, so why strike for nothing! Also there is no problem with change that is backed by research, but there is a problem with change to appease someone’s whim.
T.Teacher–really you and i are on the same page here. I support teachers. I think they should be paid more. I think teachers should be paid on exp and I know it is difficult to find a job once your a tenured teachers—an exp teacher is a budget breaker. I understand that you can hire two brand new teachers for the same cost as one 20 year teacher. I am blessed to be a part of a family that is full of educators from teachers to coaches to administrators. Our Thanksgiving table is full of discussion that would make your head spin.
I felt you were un happy based on comments you made such as having to jump through hoops-increased paperwork-curriculum mapping-not being appreciated-no raises….if that were me–I would be unhappy!!
I know teachers are an important part of childrens lives–our kids spend more wake time with you than they do us.
With this reconfiguration plan–you will still be able to teach–teach the SAME kids you would be teaching if things stayed the same. You will still be an active/important member of not only our kids lives but our lives.
Would you rather have 30 kids in a class or 20? Change is going to happen doesnt matter if we like it or not—given the options presented is this not the best? In my mind it is. If they close a school then what? how crowded will the 2 exsisting schools be? how many teachers/support staff will lose thier jobs? Do we need ANOTHER empty building in Decatur?
As a teacher do you not see a benefit in keeping all 3rd graders together? of having the Kdg spend 13 years with each other? Of working in a building that has all the North Adams K and 1st grade teachers in the same building—could you not work together and learn from each other? I like the thought of having a brand new 1st year 3rd grade teacher in a building with tenured 3rd grade teachers who have been teaching 3rd grade for years. Think what support and guidence that new teacher will have!
I still think the NA teachers need a raise and I think you need to fight for one–you deserve it, and if you went on strike I would support you!!
I am truly appalled by the inaccurate and misguided information that has been contained throughout many of these blogs. What concerns me the most is that rather than objectively consider the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed reconfiguration plan, this has simply become an opportunity for people to crucify Mr. Sirk, blame him for many of the circumstances that have been totally out of his control, and on top of that, adding insult to injury, imply that he has no integrity. That is totally absurd! I have no idea what his salary is- but I can assure you, whatever it is, it is not nearly enough for the challenges that he has had to confront over the past couple of years and the tough decisions that he has ahead of him. Nobody enjoys having to inform a teacher, custodian, or secretary that they no longer have a job. I can guarantee that Mr. Sirk finds no pleasure in that. Unfortunately, the grim reality is that more cuts will have to be made, and I, for one, am thankful that I don’t have to make those decisions. But I have complete confidence that Mr. Sirk has the best interest of the district at heart, and that he is listening carefully and weighing all sides of the issue. It is his reponsibility to think about what best serves all of North Adams students, not just a select few. The demographics of this community have changed dramatically over the past several years, and it is no longer possible to target one or two schools for supplemental services and expect all of our students to experience success. Every child should have an equal opportunity for academic success. Currently, that is not the case , and the proposed plan provides some advantages that should be considered. Everyone has a right to their opinion about what they believe to be best for kids and education, and those opinions should be expressed. But it should be done in a productive way.
To mamamia -
I think terrified teacher, and others who have read your recent posts, are offended by your comments. Not your stand on the issue Mr. Sirk has presented, but your volitility against teachers for “not standing up for themselves” when they did not get the raise they asked for. Do not insult the strength of their union if you do not understand the relationship it has with the administration. Union-Admin relationships are extremely delicate and often difficult to improve. Unless you are an education union member, I suggest you keep these uneducated opinions about such things out of this blog. It is an insult to the local union and the relationship they have developed with the administration to have comments like these spread around by someone who does not understand.
Furthermore, I am, as I’m sure many are, disappointed that the comments here have deferred from the original topic. We are not here to discuss your opinion about the “backbone” of teachers who haven’t had a raise in 10 years (I commend them for sticking with it, they must really love your kids to stay in a district that doesn’t respect them enough to pay them a reasonable wage). We are here to discuss the ideas of school closings or consolidation. I, for one would appreciate if we could get back on topic.
Mamamia….get your facts right….
” K-1 then from 2-3″ that isn’t the reconfiguration and just from your comments that parents who are concerned are dumb and selfish I am beginning to think you are displaying a bit of your own attitude, but why come back and continue to argue something that is dumb or selfish? I am not arguing here to change your mind that is why I have remained in constant contact with the SB and Mr. Sirk. I suggest others do the same.
I am not decided what direction I want to go. I don’t like the way it is being done. Mr. Sirk’s job is to convince me and the SB that this is what is best for my children. So far all I see is misrepresented truths and I am not convinced.
I will go with it and support it 100% when I know it is what is best for my child. Till then I get to decide, not you. You can call me selfish or dumb, I call it being a good parent.
Well I thought the meeting tonight went well—I wish we could get as much support to get our teachers raises or improvements for the schools as this issue has brought. Really I do think it is great that so many are getting involved. Mr Sirks meetings have improved in the past few weeks and I am more for it now than I was at the 1st. I think he has presented the facts the best he could. I am sure like Mr C said he did not wake up and decide to turn the entire town against him.
I dont think any one is going to change anyones mind–I dont think the trivial complaints albeit very important to some are going to change the school boards mind. I do think the school board has researched this—I know this did not just “pop” up this year. This has been an ongoing discussion. I think given the fact presented the school board will pass this. It is not the end of the world. It can be a great new begining—
After the meeting tonight my daughter asked me what school she was going to next year—I told her no matter where she went she would be with her friends and her teachers. It does not matter what building she is in. I do though hope she is in a class with 20 kids and not 30.
Well Mamamia, why don’t you head up a committee to get the teachers raises since you are seeing this all through rose colored glasses. I agree that more parents need to be involved in future decisions of NA. But it still remains to be seen if this is the best thing for our children. I still don’t trust Mr. Sirk’s motives. I think there is a hidden agenda. I think he is sneaky and is out to make a name for himself. Time will tell if this is the truth. Until then, I will sit back and watch and wait. Should be interesting.
It is interesting that Mammamia thinks we will have small if the reconfiguration takes place. This is not true since some sections will be dropped so there are 6 sections of each grade level where now some have 7. Some classes already have 28-29 students, how will this result in smaller classes? It will still result in fewer support staff, librarians, technologists, and counselors. How can any of these configurations work without these support staff?
Terrified Teacher: I don’t think everyone is aware just how many staff will be cut. What about recess duties? Who will watch the kids in the lunchrooms? Bathrooms ( I’m talking about the little ones here…)? What about listening to the students read? Kindergarten assessments ( Can you tie your shoe?)? Not to mention the libraries. My goodness, how will they handle that? Will there not be anyone there? It all seems vague to me. Besides, I thought one of the main points( READ – ONE of the main points- not THE main point ) of this was not to lose teaching staff, yet so many have been RIFed so far this school year. My heart really does go out to you and to all of the teachers. I have worked as a teaching assistant and I have loved every one of my kid’s teachers. I laughed with them, cried with them and even prayed with a few. But again, my gut tells me that this is a done deal and all these meetings are just airing for parents…thoughts? P.S. Enjoying your snow day?
)
Appalled, in answer to “I am truly appalled by the inaccurate and misguided information” Yes I’m sure much of the information you read on this site or any other for that matter is inaccurate or misguided, but so is just about every form of media. If you truly want nothing but facts you need to go to the source for yourself. The point of this post wasn’t to provide a detailed outline of the entire plan but rather to allow citizens of Decatur to discuss their concerns over how they felt about the changes.
If I were a public official this is exactly the type of thing I would be reading on a daily basis as it reveals what people truly think or feel. Those posting here can do so without public ridicule for their stance on a position one way or another as comments can be as anonymous as you want them. If nothing else this should allow the school board to anticipate possible questions they will be hearing at the public forums so they can be better prepared to answer them.
Unfortunately, while we live in a free society, in small communities it is easy to become an outsider if you step on the wrong toes. This site is a prime example of it. While making comments about a public issue last year, kids at the school were threatened by a teacher that if they were owners of this site they were to remove certain content immediately. Nothing like teaching kids about the “good old boy network” and censorship in school
The first sentence should include the word “classes” that was omitted. sorry!
I have attended all three parent forum meetings. I would like to say that as time has went by Mr. Sirk has changed his presentation by adding and omitting statistics in his presentation to be more direct in his answers. Last night was presented in a much more productive way than the first night at Monmouth.
As a parent of NA children, I still have a few thoughts and concerns. It seems to be my understanding that we still have a tremendous amount of “transition” points that truely need to be discussed and thought out before making a final decision on the reconfiguration. I understand that all the planning in the world still could mean chaos in the first weeks of the transition. But what do they plan on doing with transportation? It was mentioned last night that it would not be any different under the reconfiguration. I think we need to look at a definite number of students of children who are driven to school by parents or walk. Also have we discussed how many siblings would be coming by bus when they are school age? Also what about children with special needs? Changing schools will impact their growth and development. There are many more “transition” points that have no answers and will need to be looked at.
At last nights meeting a school board member did stand up and had a very encouraging comment. She stated that this is NOT a done deal yet and they have not made a vote and they want to know our opinions and concerns. So for those who have one make it be known to the school board. She also stated that a vote may not be made on Feb. 10 because the board may decide to table the decision to do futher research.
The snow day is great, but we’ll be going to school in June, Let’s hope they program the ac to be on then or we will completely lose the kids!
Just reading some of the earlier posts regarding Mr. Sirk’s office and the Ad Building update, etc…. Some people need to learn facts. Personnel and school supplies are paid from the general fund while building materials and other projects are paid from another fund. Other than the general fund, most of these funds (or accounts) are a “use it or lose it” type thing. Mr. Sirk even has part of his salary being paid from the transportation fund as to ease the general fund (teacher salaries).
don’t know if that clarifies anything…but if you are going to talk money then get the facts straight.
Teacher: Please tell the whole story. Those use it or loose it funds then go into the General Fund. Such as book rental fees that are not used by the watch points of Oct. and March. Any fees that are assessed to a s tudents book rental, if not used, returns to the General Fund.
Let us also be aware that money can be “hidden” so to speak by paying ahead on annual bills such as electricity, etc. so that when it’s time to negoiate, it appears that there is no money. When it fact, it has been legally hidden.
EVE:
Here is where you are wrong. Some funds can have a % set aside that isn’t used and put into a rainy day fund…after it sits in the rainy day fund for a period of time then it can be transferred to the general fund.
Electricity isn’t an annual bill either…its monthly.
And book rental fees!!! Are you kidding me…we are always in the red on that and lose money there because parents don’t pay it!
Kylee Rapp – Not scared to let you know who I am.
I myself am a product of NA School System. Honestly, a bit embarrassed, not about where I’m from, but what MY school system is becoming. The indecision and changes always being ‘up in arms’ because of the lack of honesty, is giving NAdams a reputation, and its not a good one. I currently live in Maryland, and know of conversations being held in other states about Wylie Sirk.
Teacher, you just outlined an excellent point, Salary for our super coming from our Transportation fund??? In the end, does it really matter if we have funds seperated and named?? Does it matter that we really know this information? So your saying now that our admin remodeling and Wylie salary can come from anywhere, no matter the name of the fund? Did he share that information at any meetings? (Just a joke) My grade level team just lost our grade level money for very expensive equipment in the school that we may not even get to use. So it didn’t nessicarly matter what fund it was in.
I just wanted to quickly comment about certain programs being offered at some schools and not at others. Many programs like Title 1 have specific guidelines that make a school eligable (not group of schools, districts, or counties), and it is not a decision made by teachers, principals, or school systems. Its bigger than that, state levels, and sometimes national levels. Title 1 I believe is national and you have to have a 40% FARMS rate, which is the amount of students that have Free and Reduced Lunch. So the argument about “fair” doesn’t apply here. Your either qualified or not. Have it or you don’t have it. Unforgiving of the reality, just like NCLB. You either do it or you don’t.
If you have concerns about the programs being offered to your child’s school, research them. Thank god for the internet. Look it up. See what the qualifications are before you scream fair or unfair. Also, Look up your child’s schools test scores. If you can ‘t go to a board meeting, read it online. They post the minutes. Be proactive.
To mammamia –
I totally appricate that you feel that teachers do not get compensated for the job they do. Thank you for your support. It means a lot to a 3rd year teacher, who is not making much money, is human, not perfect, makes mistakes, and certainly has more learning to do in my profession. I do however find some of your comments a little skewed, and I think it comes from not being an educator yourself, which isn’t a big deal.
I am part of a union where I am currently teaching(a BIG one), and I tell you, we can’t just go on strike. Thats not realistic to us as working professionals who support families, have houses (very expensive houses in this neck of the woods), and cars. Just as it is not realistic for my mother who works in a factory, to just quit if she doesn’t like her job. She has to eat, pay for her house, buy medication, and get her car fixed too.
Trust me, I have a backbone in my profession, I don’t let anyone bully me (especially my bosses) or let my students fall behind just because they have bad days or get lazy at their age. Trust me, and I am darn good at what I do, I do it to the best of my ability, and my students come first, ALWAYS!! Hence the reason why I would never walk out on a job that isn’t always fun, isn’t always easy, and isn’t always great for my personal life (relationships or money). I’m not speaking for the other teacher on this blog, but its possible this is the same for them too. Teaching is a great job, and obviously has its stresses too, and problems can’t be solved by just quitting or going on strike.
OH, and if you like to ramble like me, for heavens sake, split up your paragraphs so they are not so hard to read
woo…Seems like some people on this site are starting to take things personally…and I can see why. Listen up…The issue is do you want to reconfigure or close a school? Those are the two choices? There is no third option…leave things as they are. That IS NOT going to happen. The question is what are the pros/cons of doing each and ultimately, what will be the most productive learning environment for the kids in the system…Not whether teachers should get paid more and have less “busy” work…Let’s all stay on topic here!
smile private school parent, its a snow day!!
What if they wanted to configure the private schools this way?? What would you want to happen? Would you feel differently then if your children were affected, if you were affected?
Private Schl Parent:
BRAVO!
To Admin– I completely uderstand the purpose of this blog and agree that citizins should have an outlet to express their concerns anonymously. My concern is that the thoughts and feelings are being driven by misinformation. It appears that many of those who have attended all three of the parent meetings, and really listened with an open mind recognize that there are many benefits to the reconfiguration plan. Yes, there are some challenges to the plan that need to be considered as well. In the end, the board will make the decisiosn that they believe is best for the district, and I trust that they will carefully weigh the costs and benefits of the proposed plan before making that decision. It is possible that they will decide to table the decision so they can examine the proposal further. But I sincerely doubt that the comments on this blog will strongly influence their decision. They will base their decision on factual information, the specific needs and challenges of the district, and the resources available. I aso think that they would be more inclined to listen to parents and community members that address their concerns with them directly. Everyone needs an opportunity to vent, and this blog certainly provides that. But I just would no count on it to provide accurate information.
Kylee…Maybe you aren’t familiar with the private school system…it is already configured that way and my children are thriving…Small class sizes and everyone is together for at least 8 years (more if they also attended the daycare, preschool, and kindergarten that are offered). And I will be affected at some point…My children aren’t all in the same grade…Eventually, they will be going to different schools with different schedules and at that time, I will have to deal with how they are going to get there and how I’ll volunteer at two schools instead of one and how I will handle field trips etc.
Here’s a solution to everyone’s concerns, problems and complaints. Let’s all home school K – 5………… You won’t have to worry where or when to volunteer, no busing problems, save money on drivers, won’t need as many, no worries for who will be riffed, everyone get’s it, no problems with moving equipment, books, etc., less custodians needed, possibly the State can save money, won’t have to pay per student in school, save on utilities, repairs, no extra-curricular pay scale, no extra-curricular activities, no meals to provide or cook, so no worries about bringing in fast food, no schedules to deal with, save money not having 3 elementary principals, thousands won’t have been wasted on books purchased for this year to have the classes dropped. Wow, the savings go on and on. What a deal!
Tear down the schools, make parks, after all, they already have a start. They all have playgrounds.
All I can say is Wow!! Are we all looking at the same situation? This is getting to the nitty gritty!!
The school board said at the Tuesday night meeting that the reconfiguration is the only possibility going up for a vote. The topic was also brought up of a referendum for property tax increase, or building a brand new inclusive K-5 building. Money is always going to be an issue (especially these days) but don’t we all want our children to have the best possible education.
Eve– Universal Homeschooling! That is brilliant! It would absolutely solve practically every problem identified. Wish I had though of it. I apreciate your sense of humor. At least I think you were just kiddding. Maybe not. Either way, I got chuckle out of it.
I realize that this blog has wandered around a little but has brought to light several problems taking place in NA, The bottom line and question that was to be answered by these meetings is “What’s best for our kids?” Mr Sirk has repeated that this is not primarily about money, but what’s best for NA students. This has not been answered – only the cost savings is highlighted. Why aren’t we given the names and locations where this has been successful and let us see the positive effect this has on children. I can site some locations where it was not successful after studying the results on how the children are affected.
As much as I agree with the comments by the private school parents, I hope they realize that the public school is dealing with a broarder range of families, both economically and demographically. I’m sure the percentage of two-parent homes; 2 vehicle homes; 2 employed parents is higher with the private school parents. I know there are many more parents financially able to not work or work part-time and can volunteer at the private schools. Many of the publuc school children come from 1-parent; 1-vehicle home(with the vehicle often not working), sometimes with the 1 parent working two jobs, so older children in a different school would be a real hardship on these families. Should their needs be less important than the more affluent family? No, these children are our future and their success is our success!
Terrified Teacher–I am pretty sure that what is best for kids is equal opportunity and access to a quality education, and academic support for students who are not achieving for various reasons as well as challenging opportunities for high-ability students– and I recall hearing that stated at every session. There were handouts provided at the sessions that highlighted the benefits of the proposal which significantly impact student academic achievement. I don’ t doubt that it is possible to find school districts where this grade level configuration has not been successful, as well as examples of districts that have experienced positive results. But just a reminder, grade level configuration alone does not promise results. There are many contributing factors at work that impact the quality of schools. If a school district reconfigures but does not have highly qualified or committed teachers, it is unlikely that it will be sucessful. (just one example and not the case at NA). Each school district has different strengths, needs and challenges unique to their
community. North Adams strives to meet the challenges of the changing community that it serves and provide quality educational opportunities for all students. I am confident that North Adams has the ability to make this change with a positive outcome. I am familar with one school district that reconfigured a couple of years ago. According to staff there, children had no difficulty with the change, parents adjusted quickly, and teachers had the most difficulty. But even many teachers who strongly opposed the idea and finally stopped gritting their teeth, now say that they would never go back to the traditonal configuration. Logistical details such as transportion/parent-teacher conferences/programs etc. were worked out with little trouble and the benefits far outweighed the costs. There are certainly transition points that will need to be addressed through careful thought and planning– especially in regards to children with special needs. Of all of the concerns that I have heard expressed throughout this process, it is the concern of parents of special needs children that is most valid. Change can be difficult for many children wth special needs and special attention as to how to best address this issue is needed.
Kylee- Clearly, since you are a teacher in Maryland,you have most likely not been present at any of the NA parent/community meetings. Had you been there, you would understand that the Indiana Director of Title I dictated that Indiana schools are required to rank their Title I eligible schools and that if the district elects to target grade level schools (K-5) for Title I services, they cannot all receive funding. All three of the NA elementary schools meet the FARMS criteria, however only two of the elementaries receive Title I funding. This was explained at the meeting by the NA Title I Director. Under a grade level configuration, all three elementaries could be served by Title I. Currently, Monmouth students do not receive any Title I funding, despite the fact that the school qualifies according to % of free and reduced meal students, so 71 students that were identified as eligible and in need of services at Monmouth could not benefit from these supplemental services. So where is the fariness in that????
More on home schooling…..we all know what’s best for our children, so teach all the subjects ourselves. Free books, city library can provide those, internet access for additional supportive materials, no worries about changing schools, extra curricular activities can still be DFL, summer softball, church related basketball for younger ones, cheerleaders can still have their summer camp. For their musical experiences, they can join the Adams County Children’s choir, the savings and opportunities abound. As for teachers, no more curriculum mapping, no useless paperwork, no teacher meetings, oh and yes, can reduce staff in the administrative building also. No worries about teacher raises, insurance rates skyrocketing. Special needs children can be serviced by Park Center. No more presentation of tainted facts concerning education and equal opportunities for children at North Adams. Wow! This just gets better.
Ok Eve, I think you’ve made your point. I have no interest in home schooling my child and as a college graduate am in no position to do so. I have to read the instruction to help my son with his 3rd grade English…Plural Possesive nouns kill me;) My children would certainly not get any kind of well rounded education if I were teaching them…I hate History and Geography, who would teach them that…I can’t name the 50 state capitals…My 3rd grader can. So my point is, however cost effective it would be to home school everyone, that certainly would not be the best way to educate our children.
Maybe that was just the point you were trying to make. The point of all of this is what’s the best way to educate our children. Some people have chosen to home school, good for them. Others choose private schools with smaller class size and a relegious component to the education, and others choose public schools becuase that’s what they deam best for their children.
I don’t have any facts and figures. All I know is that I was a product of a school where all grade levels were together for 8 years and I did fine. And all of the other private school kids I went to High School with (that’s where we all joined up) seemed to do okay to…I’m not saying that the reconfiguration is the best answer or the only answer. However, it seems to me from what I’m hearing is that the biggest concern for most parents is how it’s going to inconvenience them having mulitple children at multiple schools…Well, come on…It’s going to happen eventually…Sooner or later you’re very likely to have a student in elementary, middle and/or high school…And if you’re really concerned about volunteering and field trips, the bravo…I’m glad that your making that effort…But my guess would be for most parents it’s the logistics of being inconvenienced by having children in multiple buildings.
Now on the transportation issue…I must admit, this was one I didn’t consider…I can only assume that more students will ride the busses based on parents not wanting to drive to multiple schools and/or students not being able to ride their bikes or walk. I would say this would be something that needs to be looked at. And may actually back up Mr. Sirk’s claim that it really isn’t about the money savings, but about the best educational opportunities for the students…Busses and drivers aren’t cheap!
Eve- You are very clever, but thank goodness Private School Parent recognizes that not everyone is equipped to home school their children or has the desire do so. By the way, are parents who home school required to do curriculum mapping for every subject they teach? That might cause some parents to rethink the idea.
I hope that the idea of reconfiguration is tabled for another 6 months.
Time to let the community adjust, time to get the “kinks” worked out before our children have to deal with this situation.
One concern I really have is going from 3 counselors to 2. There would be no counselor available at the pre/k-K building. I know that my child would have had a much worse kindergarten year (awful with transitions) if there had been no school counselor there to help her through it.
Also- if there is no counselor in the pk/K building who will deal with the children that come to school hungry or tired all the time, etc… do pk/K not have the need for support from a caring adult in their building who is there only to do that?
I have a hard time believing that 2 counselors rather than 3 is what is best for our children.
NW Mom- I share your concern about the reduction of guidance counselors at the elementary level. But I think Charlie suggested that is going to happen with or without reconfiguration. I think the rationale is that Park Center Mental Health professionals will be on site at the Pre-K -K building to assist with those issues. SO what happens if we don’t reconfigure?
Park Center deals with the students referred and who have paperwork and permission to meet with the staff. They are not ascessible to all the stdents in the school by a phone call to the counselor’s office. They are unfamiliar with the unique personalities, problems of the school families and the history that has been established through years of interaction. They are a totally different program than the school counselors. The school counselors are an integral part of the school. Will the Park center staff assume all of the added tasks that the counselor assumes – fire drills, talent show, convocations and anything else that is not in someone’s job description? I’m not sure the loss of a counselor is an aption in any scenario, especially with larger classes and no support staff. Perhaps someone needs a clone. Would a clone require a paycheck or share one with the cloned person?
Park Center already has a program housed at Northwest called Treasure Chest. It meets during the afternoons with it’s focus on behavior, etc. It is strictly staffed by members from Park Center. They have a similar program in Wells CO. that seems to be doing well.
As far as athe “special” needs students, those students will be housed at their respective buildings where mainstreaming can continue or be implemented where and when necessary.
I’m aware of the program at NW and that is my point – it is for the children in that program – not available for problems that arise and need immediate attention. These need taken care of as they occur – not after parent contact and the Park Center paperwork has been completed. Pre-K and K DO NEED ACCESS to the counselor and establish rapport – oh gee what’s the point, they’ll need to learn to trust another person the next year and the next!
All:
Concerning special needs students: I understand that there are LD teachers in each elementary, but only one ED teacher for all the elementaries and she is currently at Monmouth. What about these kids? Are they going to get warehoused with the LD students? When I say “warehoused”, I am in no way saying that the LD teachers are not doing their jobs. Quite the opposite. They get paid much less ( through Adams Wells Special Services) and even though they may have fewer students, each of their students has IEPs and specific goals that must be attained/ maintained. So, the students with emotional disabilities? What about them?
The Park Center Treasure Chest program is only one component of the services available to address the social-emotional needs of Pre-K and K children through the Safe Schools Healthy Students Partnerships. This is a new relationship that is continuing to be developed. It would be interesting to see how much time the guidance counselors currently spend dealing with Pre-K-K issues. That should be examined before making final decisions. it is premature, I think, to determine that a counselor would not be neeeded for Pre-K-K.
This is a teacher concern also. As far as theLD pay, the coop has its own pay scale which compares with the districts it services, so they probably get paid more than NA staff.
I think transportation is going to be a problem- I personally feel that every single one of the citys schools starting at 8am has always been a problem. Traffic in and out of the High School campus at 3pm is a nightmare. I would be all for staggared start times. Any where from 7:30a to 9am. Little kids early/teenager later.
Just to clarify something here. The Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant is a federal grant that was recently awarded to all Adams County schools. It is only going to be here for 4 years. Any federal dollars that are not used or spent during the 4 years can be rolled over to a 5th year. There is no promise that any of the programs which are started through this grant will be able to continue after the 4-5 years. Things could go back to the way they were before once the federal funding is gone and the schools are still broke. That means that any program put into place by the SS/HS grant (including Park Center) could be gone. Furthermore, Park Center is notorious for a high turnover in staffing. That’s just one more thing that the children don’t need. Let’s turn their world upside down by making them transition to new schools each time they get comfortable, separate them from their siblings, and throw new “counselors” at them everytime another Park Center employee moves on to bigger and better things. We may have students with higher ISTEP scores…. But they will be an emotional disaster!
Speaking of transportation…………have we all forgotten just last year, the Superintendent had the kids attend school on buses and had school employees move the barricades put out by the police to warn you of high water, so the buses could go through the high water. Students reported water coming into the buses through the boarding door and up to the 2nd step. High school students were to park at Riverside Center and board buses that drove through the high water. What did that teach our children? Aren’t we supposed to heed warnings of high water and certainly no where was I taught to move a barricade so I could drive through it. At least the schools I attended we were taught to abide by the laws and cautions. Which by the way, was not any Adams Co. schools.
Not Sure- From the comments on this blog, it seems more likey that it’s the “grown-ups” who are going to be an emotional disaster. I do not think we are giving our kids enough credit. They will rise to the occasion if the parents and teachers model a positive attitude about the change. If they sense the anxiety and negativity of parents/teachers, they wll respond accordingly. How we respond will directly influence how well our children adjust. We are the examples. Our kids will follow our lead.
THANK YOU “Tickled Pink” – you are EXACTLY correct. We should be modeling appropriate behavior and be a good example for our children. We as parents model the attitude our children have – be that positive or negative. I have been very openminded about this situation and my son is excited to be with his friends that go to other schools. We’re also excited to have more than 2 teachers in his grade level next year as it will be easier to find one that fits his personality. That’s huge for me.
I hope people reading this realize that much of the information on this website is incorrect. . .please be a cautious reader and ask people who “know” – don’t rely on this blog for correct answers.
Several coments here……………………….at all the parent meetings, the emphasis was on monetary savings, this was the most promient point. Now, how do you suppose that North Adams has the students best education in mind when they repeatedly empahsized money. Also, how much do you think this reconfiguration will save the tax payers and school system? Is it worth all this haggling online and in person? As far as reducing class size, my 5th grade student already has 26 students in the class. Not much of a difference to 30 you might note. Possibly might be a good idea to get a certified account to take care of the budget, instead of a new curriculum director and the after the finances are in order, get the curriculum director. After all, it’s pretty standard that teachers teach to the National Standards and Indiana Standards. Just some thoughts.
Eve…Come on…The police and city officials were fully aware that NA was bussing kids through the high water…If they were at all concerned about the safety of kids, they wouldn’t have let them do it…you are really reaching now! Let’s not look at the past and look towards the future…And stay on topic…Please…
Eve- Was I at the same three meetings that you attended? I do not recall financial savings being the primary focus of the presenation by Mr Sirk. The discussion aorund $$ was most often generated by questions from parents who came to the meetings with the preconceived notion that this proposal was all about saving money. Yes, financial savings was noted as one of the advantages of this proposal, but it was never emphasized as the most important reason. There was much more attention to the benefis that support academic achievement and equity of opportunity. It was questions from parents/community members driving the discussion around $$. I agree that North Adams may need a business manager to work through the financial challenges that lie ahead, although I also think that a curricum director is needed. Currently Mr. Sirk is responsible for both in addition to his other superintendent responsibilities. He is spread too thin.
Open-minded- You have the right attitude and your kids will be all the better for it, whichever way things go. It is amazing the impact that we have on our children. Your children are very lucky! When I heard parents at the meetings discuss how distraught their children were, my immediate question was “How do they even know?”. My guess is that most learned about it from their own parents who were distraught about it themselves, and passed their own feelings on to their children.
Tickled Pink – I’m not sure what you garnered from the meetings, but even though Mr. Sirk prefaced his presentation about this not being a financial move – his power point presentation was all about the savings that would take place. He has presented no statistics as to how this will help our children – acedemically, emotionally, or developmentally. I know that I sound like a broken record but my biggest concern is the lack of a full time counselor – not Park Center – parttime for a select few. No one not in the school realizes how often the counselor is utilized at a minutes notice – not via appointments. This occurs with all grades preK-5. It is not a choice, but a must!!!! With the kdg. aides not being funded next year and one teacher for 20 students – how will they deal with this?
Terrified Teacher- With all due respect, I think that there were maybe two slides of the PP presentation that addressed financial savings. Hard data on the subject is lacking, as most of the research on the topic is relatively new and anecdotal in nature. If financial savings is the driving force behind this proposals, the small savings expected would hardly be worth it and it is unlikley that Mr. Sirk would pursue it for that reason alone. The $$ this saves is a drop in the bucket compared to what needs to be trimmed out of the budget. But I am wondering about the responsibilities that you identified earlier -all those things that don’t fall into the scope anyone else’s job description, that counselors are apparentenly fulfilling– is that really the best use of our resources??? You might be making a case for cutting guidance counselors if those are the tasks consuming their time. Talent shows??? Fire drills? convocations? Don’tget me wrong- I am not convinced that reducing counselors at the elementary level is in the best interest of our kids. I think some information needs to be gathered on the kinds od issuse counselors are addressing at thPre-K – K level and the amount of time that demands. While I understand all of your concerns around utililizing Park Center to replace counselors, I also recognize that we are at a place where we may need to find creative solutions to meet the needs of kids in cost effective ways. The financial picture does not look any brighter in the near future, so it is important that we begin to think outside the box for ways to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students. Collaborative partnerships with communty agencies/providers such a Park Center could hold great promise. I do recognize that there are some challenges with that, but I think we need to have an open mind and see what is possible.
Tickled Pink,
You seem like a well educated and intelligent person. It doesn’t take much more than common sense, let alone a rocket scientist, to realize that change puts stress on a child. Mrs. Lamon said it her self at the Monmouth meeting. She spoke about the difficult time that 5th graders have with the transition to middle school. Her comments only focused on the effects that the transition has on ISTEP scores. What she failed to mention was the increase in behavioral problems that are also a result of the transition. You can also see this increase in behavioral problems once the students again transition into 9th grade. Now let’s double the number so that instead of 2 major transitions for students, we have now have 4. My word alone may not convince you. But I can tell you that from my experience as a former teacher, extensive research in the emotional development of children, and a graduate degree in emotional/behavioral disorders, additional transitions are not a good thing for children. They need STABILITY. Furthermore, if my “opinions” are not enough for you, contact Mr. Myers or Mr. Manis and ask them which grade level that they have the most behavior trouble with.
Obviously, each child handles change differently. Some are excited and some are scared. Some never miss a beat and some just give up. Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball to tell us where our children may end up.
Private Schl Parent
I wish to thank you for your attempt to chastise me for my comments. However, as you may not have noticed, busing is one of the issues that have been discussed and the safety of our children. It seems apparent that you do not have much faith in the public school system here or your children wouldn’t in a private school with tuition. My comments hover around the saftey of children and the intentions of providing a quality education for children in the public school. Futhermore, why do you care about what happens in the public school if your students are attending a private school? Many comments have been made concerning how Mr. Sirk certainly wouldn’t do this or that because he is a caring and “wonderful” person. I certainly don’t think a caring person would put a child in jeopardy by bussing them throught high water. This obviously didn’t teach them any postive lesson from the situation. It only provided to reinforce that rules are only for some and not for all.
I am merely stating that there are many variables in play here and all should be addressed, observed, examined to culminate into a productive and profitable situation for students.
I for one do not believe everything I hear, see or read. I am fully aware of the slanted angles newspapers, politicians and school administrators present situations to benefit their beliefs and or agendas. I am educated and concerned enough to do my own research to determine and outcome.
Not Sure,
Your points are well taken, and I do not argue that transitions can be difficult for some children. I simply don’t buy that they are the only factors that play into the behavior challenges you describe. Adolescents are dealing with multiple changes that impact their behavior and social-emotional development. I don’t think that we can point to building transitions as the most critical factor influencing those behaviors. We have to consider the whole child. I believe that smooth transitions are possible if they are well planned and children are prepared and suppported. The reality is that we have children that are experiencing random life transitions on a daily basis as a result of divorce, evictions, homelessness, job loss, domestic violence, etc. There are schools in Fort Wayne where a teacher begins the school year with one class of students, and ends the year with an entirely different class. Now that would really be disruptive. I realize that is not the case at NA. But the point is, even in these most difficult transitions, children are resilient, and with the right support, can and do, more often than not, thrive. Children make transitions every day-to a new Sunday School class, dance or gymnastics program, AAU sports teams, Boy and Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club etc. They establish new relationships and bonds every year with their new teacher and classmates. I agree that there are some children who will adjust readily and others who will need more support. I just don’t see that issue as a deal breaker if there are significant benefits to this plan.
I have just attended a training conference today on Building Skills through Daily Routines for children. It had lots of fascinating data. One quote that struck me the most I wanted to post it for others to read.
“Children cannot learn effectively unless they maintain their emotional and social equilibrium. If children cannot make relationships they will be handicapped in their learning; the ability to learn must at times depend on the ability to relate to a teacher, whether peer or adult.” Wolfberg, 2000
So does this proposal help or hinder our children?
My comments about some of the added jobs a counselor does is only a way to show you that they have various ways of being visible to the children and gaining the trust needed to grow acessible to the troubled prek-12 students as well as the entire student body. If some of these tasks aren’t taken over by the counselor, who will do them as our support staff dwindles, I realize that privacy laws prohibit visitors observing the problems encountered by students at all levels, but people not often present in school will not see the multitude of problems encountered at all levels and dealt with by the many people who touch the lives of these students daily.
I also am tired of hearing that this is a relatively new concept. This has been around for 20+ years and has been discussed by NA before, but never acted upon because there was never enough positive feedback. The schools that were doing this have dwindled and so there are few if any to get positive feedback on. Mr, Sirk has advocated this for many years and now is demanding it to solve a financial problem that he swears is not the driving force.
I am all for anything that will help our children, but there are few if any educationally sound reasons for doing this. It is also interesting that the teachers have been kept in the dark about this move and only publically found out the particulars when the community did. Why weren’t we advised or given the opportunity to prioritize the needs of our students rather than being told by some all knowing higher being?
Fads come and go in all walks of life and education is rife with them from phonics/no phonics; spelling/no spelling/inventive spelling; hands on math/new math – please lets make sure this is not another fad or whim that we will be saddled with!
AMEN!!!!!!!!! Terrified Teacher!
Eve, I didn’t mean my comments as a personal attack…
I was simply stating facts. The police and city officials were fully aware of what the school was doing and I would certainly hope that if they thought there was a safety issue that they wouldn’t have allowed the school to do so…I hope that even you can agree that there are sometimes exceptions to the rules…
As for sending my children to a private school, I do so because I believe that God should be in the classroom. Since the public school system cannot/will not allow God in the classroom, I send my children to a place where He can be openly discussed and praised. Although, I do believe that my children recieve a better, more rounded education in their private school as opposed to the public school, I am certainly not suggesting that the public schools are not capable of providing them with a quality education.
As for my interest in the situation. I have had several conversations with educators and Mr. Sirk himself. I stand by every comment I’ve made thus far and don’t think it’s necessary to rehash them all. The reality is, I live here, I work here, I pay taxes here, and this situation affects all of us…No matter if we have children or not, public or private.
Terrified Teacher– I realize that the concept is not a new one, it is the research that I was referring to. Most of the research on reconfiguration that I have reviewed has been focused on reconfiguration of the middle school grades. The research on elementary grades is inconclusive and primarily anecdotal- not driven by hard data. If you have located some- please post it for all of us to see. I understand that counselors may be called upon to fill-in some gaps as you described. And let me be clear, I do not support a reduction in guidance counselors even at the Pre-K – K level until a thorough examination has been made to determine the needs of these youngest children. The issues and challenges that our children face today are increasing, not decreasing, and this is not the time to make reductions in guidance counselors if it can be avoided. But I do not think that we should rely on guidance counselors alone, and need to continue to develop reationships with agencies and providers that can address student needs that fall outside of the scope of the the educational system, including on-site mental health services that are available through the SSHS partnerships. But I am still confused—the proposed plan would solve a financial problem— how????? I just cannot be convinced that financial savings is the driving force behind this plan.
Monmouth Mom-
The quote was great. There is another quote from James Comer that states “no significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”. But what that means is that in order to learn, every child needs a trusting relationship with someone who believes in them, cares about them, encourages them, and supports them. This could be a parent, a teacher, a neighbor, a grandparent, a pastor, etc. It does not necessarily have to be someone in the school building, so based on the idea of the importance of a significant relationship that supports learning, I doubt that grade reconfiguration has a significant impact.
I’m afraid most that of the people posting on this blog have not seen the interactions of the every day routines of staff & students. How many times a child stops by a former teacher’s room to show them a picture of a new baby; that mom & dad had a fight & he left; that dad came back home; that they had a new puppy; that grandma was sick and would I “pray” (yes you read it right) for her; that they had to move – would I write to them and their new class. Add to these teenagers that come up to you on the street, former students who ask to have their child in your classrrom – these bonds could not be formed in one year!
Tickled Pink
I’m sorry that you don’t see how the impetus for this move is anything but financial – we have been shown nothing but the financial benefits of this plan – not the childhood benefits, This was tried many years ago and was a fad for a time – now all studies (read any Ruby Payne research) state that a child blossoms in a school community where they complete school prek – 5 or 6, scores are higher, drop out rates are lower, incarceration is lower, emotional stability increases and all acedemic areas improve – when a stable team of educators work together from early education through late elementary. Look at AC – they are all together under one roof! Look at their scores!
Yes, AC scores are high. However, have you ever noticed when they hire someone to teach their, they are also a product of that system., with the exception of the band director. Hm…….tends to make you think you wouldn’t have any diversity on opinions and thoughts since they were all trained the same way growing up. As for going to college, I’m sure they had the opportunity to develop new ideas and concepts.
Terrified Teacher,
This will be my last comment on this blog. I can assure you that I am very familiar with the work of the infamous consultant Ruby Payne. I was first introduced to her work about 10 years ago (maybe more — long before she was a national phenomenon) and was very intrigued by it initially. I was an enthusiastic follower (some may have described me as a stalker) attending workshops and trainings, anywhere that she was presenting. I have an entire library of her work. And while I still see some value in many of her ideas, I have since learned that much of her work is very controversial (she is one of the most controversial figures in education today) and her “research” claims are unsubstantiated. Her ‘framework” includes negative sterotypes and applies a deficit perspective. She refers to her claims as “data” however she has conducted no empirical research. Her work is based on generalities and is primarily anecdotal, but no scientifically-based or evidence-based research supports her claims. She is certainly entertaining and engaging and has some interesting insight that might be useful, but don’t confuse her work with research. She continues to be a highly sought after and highly paid consultant, and her work is certainly thought provoking– but again, it is not research.
And finally- to compare NA to AC— I don’t even know where to begin, so I won’t– other than to sayyou can’t compare apples to oranges. The contributing factors are too numerous to list.
Anyway- It has been fun exchanging ideas on this blog. I have enjoyed reading the ideas and opinions shared by all and it has certainly given me food for thought. But I have simply grown weary of the whole thing, so this is it for me. I know we all have the best interest of our kids at heart, even though we may not agree on what that is.
To Tickled Pink:
I agree that with some children bonds at school mean nothing compared to the bonds with parents, grandparents, extended family, etc. But lets face it the number of children that live in a two parent, stable home is becoming less and less due to the economy and life in general. Sometimes the only thing in a child’s life that is stable is their school life. There are children in NA buildings whos home lives are a mess and school is their safe refuge. So yes, the reconfiguration would impact these children.
I know Tickled Pink isn’t going to respond, but think she will check back. If Ruby Payne’s work is to be ignored – I wonder why NA purchased her books for staff book studies and has paid for a Payne consultant to visit and present to the combined NA staff on our last in service day. Maybe they had money to burn.
My comment about AC was playing the devil’s advocate only to show that NA students need to have their needs priortized because they are very different from AC or private school students. As I go to bed tonight, I will pray that the right decision be made by the powers that be!
You cant compare AC and NA students…AC doesn’t have the divorce rate and low income rate that NA has….better family support leads to a better student and scores. Anyway…all we can do is hope for the best for the students. I agree when someone earlier said that alot of the complaining is coming from the parents’ view on this…not thinking of the kids, but thinking of themselves and the inconveniences on them. oh well…school board will do what they think is right.
Terrifed Teacher
OK- So this will be my last comment- LOL! Just to be clear, I did not say Ruby Payne’s work is without merit– just that it is not based on actual research. I think we can agree that there are many valid ways of learning and knowing that do not involve research. Ruby Payne’s work is primariy experiential–knowledge she has gained as a practitoner- from her own experience as a teacher and principal working with chldren from both poverty and affluence. As a result of the No Child Left Behind Act and federal requirements to raise test scores of children from economically disadvantaged families, school districts have responded by seeking out professional development opportunties such as that of Ruby Payne. Well over 2/3 of U.S. states indicate her work is central to their teacher professional development. I did not mean to imply that Ruby Payne’s work had no value. You had cited it as research, and I thought you should be aware that her work is not research based, that’s all.
Now- I’m Done!! I promise!
You can thank the people who brought in the way tooooo much low income housing in Decatur for part of the problem, plus the great thriving???lol economy. When my daughter was s senior at Bellmont, they raised the prices of the lunch, and it was stated that is was due to the low income students putting a strain on the finances. I have often wondered why some teachers who teach in North Adams send their own children to A.C. ( as I know you need to live in A.C. district to attend this w/o tuition). or private schools in Fort Wayne when they themselves reside in Decatur. Not all teachers did this though, as some sent their children to N.A. This said to me volumes about the North Adams School system…does not say anything good about the system…makes me wonder. I went to Saint Joe, and I had the Sister of St. Agnes…some were great teachers, and some should not have been teachers…but the great teachers really did put the kids first, and gave extra time to help the kids. Go St. Joe , go green and gold. When I attended Bellmont High School, I did have some really great teachers such Bob Schielder for Latin, and Brent Whitaker for Chemistry. My daughter was fortunate to have these great teachers too, as they really wanted the students to succeed. Pray the right decision will be made in the best intrests for the kids, but the system needs to be able to run, as it is also a business. Sometimes in a business, the employees will have to be cut to keep the business open, and changes have to happen.
Some thoughts for the day from someone who is far more successful than anyone living in Decatur.
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates
recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will
not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings
created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set
them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair – get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you
to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be
a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a
different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your
mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now.
They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to
you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest
from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your
own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS
NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as
MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest
resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very
few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own
time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave
the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.
Tickled Pink,
I know you have stopped posting… But you may be able to help me as I am still “not sure.” I have heard many opinions in regards to how this will affect the children. As you know, I have my own opinion. I am yet to see any data, studies, or true educational research that supports the benefits of multiple transitions for elementary aged children. I believe that there would be an educational benefit to have all the students together in the same school. However, I still feel strongly against the transitions. So, please show me a study from an educational journal that shows there is no correlation between behavior problems and transitions in school aged chilren. You can make me a believer!
A couple websites that are interesting http://www.eastlongmeadow.org/Schools/elem1.pdf and ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/poptopics/gradeconfig.hrml
The latter gives a multitude of studies and the main theme throughout the studeis shows that children perform better in fewer transitions and smaller schools. The ceep website shows that the ideal settings are k-8 schools. Maybe we need to reconfigure to 4 schools with k-8 configuration.
One thought about the low income housing, it has brought many people to our economy, but the children are entitled to an education and they may be the ones who pull our town out of the economic doldrums – these parents find that education is imperative to their child’s success and to not be a low income statistic – these children nearly always have their homework done and hunger for books and stability from their school. It doesn’t matter if these children are from the golf course or low income housing – they are entitled to a quality education by quality teachers in a quality school!
I totally agree that all children are entitled to a great education by great teachers!!! Incompetent teachers should not be in the classroom instructing the children and young adults. The bad teachers need to be weeded out of the classroom and let go…even at the college level. I hope that someone can pull the entire USA out of this mess we are in with the economy. Good jobs are hard to find and/or keep. Never know when you will get a pink slip, and all occupations are not exempt from it. Sad.:(
Just a comment…………….who will be the judge for “competent” and “non-competent” teachers?
TT,
The first article was great. It really puts emphasis on the negative effects that the transitions have on students. This has been my arguement all along. We can only hope that the school board members have spent some time researching this just as you have. Thank you!
Not Sure,
I guess you are going to make a liar out of me. LOL! I had said that I was done posting, but because I really appreciate your interest in the facts and your willingness to take an objective look at the proposal, I am going to respond. I wish I were able to point you to some research that supports the benefits of multiple transitions on elementary school age children. Unfortunately, the research base is very thin or even non-existent, for that matter. In my review of the research, including the sources provided by Terrified Teacher, I have found no conclusive evidence to support either position related specifically to transitions at the primary grades.. If you carefully examine the research that opponents of this plan point to, you will disover that those studies were not designed to look at achievement loss related to transitions at the primary grade level. The “Alspaugh” research that is highlighted in nearly every article cited was a study that focused on achievement loss related to the points of transition into middle and high school, not between primary grades. The research was focused on identifying grade configurations that best meet the developmental needs of young adolescents. Opponents of grade span reconfiguration have taken that research and then made the assumption ( or leap) that similar achievement loss would be expected with transitions at the primary grades, however the research did not examine multiple transitions at earlier grades to draw that conclusion.
The research made a comparison of students who transitioned twice– once from a self-contained elementary classroom to middle school at grades 5,6,7, or 8 and then high school, to students who attend a K-8 school and made only one transition to high school. I would argue that the achievement loss at these transition points has much more to do with the developmental level of pre-adolescent and adolescent children and the transition from self-contained elementary school classroooms to middle school environments which are very different in size, routine, schedule, expectatations and practices, academic intensity, responsibility, and overall structure. All of of this is compounded by the fact that these young adolescents are experiencing multiple changes physically and emotionally. It is not surprising that an achievement loss would occur at transition points during this period of development. I would add that the research cited also goes on to say that the achievement loss is a normative process, and is typically regained and that school size and structure were also suspected to be contributing factors.
I don’t argue that multiple transitions in and of themselves are the best case scenario for students. I would expect that with any transition, there is the potential for some temporary achievement loss initially. However, that loss can be mitigated by careful planning and preparation and transitional activities that support children and parents through the process. In addition, the supplemental supports that would be available to all children with the reconfiguration would allow additional instructional support to students who do experience achievement loss. It is important to weigh the opportunties of the proposal against the challenges before determining what is in the best interest of our kids. Transitions are clearly a challenge that would need to be addressed thoughtfully and purposefully to minimize negative impact, but there are many other benefits with this proposal that offer opportunties to enhance and improve the educational opportunties for kids. It is very difficult to isolate factors and draw conclusions based on one thing because it is so complex. I encourage you to continue to keep an open mind and caution you to carefully examine the research presented, as well as the anticipated costs and benefits of the plan before drawing a conclusion.
I truly appreciate that you are taking the time to seek out information on both sides of the debate. I am certain that the Board is examining the research in order to make an informed decision.
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair – get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn’t care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.
If you agree, pass it on.
If you can read this -Thank a teacher!
If you can read this in English thank a soldier!!!
It hits the nail on the head…thank a TEACHER!!!
As adults we can get something out of this, too.
Have a great day.
Tickled Pink…Thanks for joining in with informative information.
I really think that we are not giving kids enough credit. There is a lot to be said in the way that parents approach the transition at any age level. If we have them believing that this is bad and something for them to be afraid of, than that’s what will happen. However, if presented as a great opportunity and moving to the big kids school etc, then the transition can and will be much easier on the children.
Parents, make the extra effort for kids to transition easier. Take them to the open houses before the start of the school year. Show them their classroom and let them meet thier teacher ahead of time. Show them that all of thier friends will be there with them. I really think, if they reconfigure, a lot of the transition can be much simpler if the parents take a pro active approach to showing their kids what a great opportunity it will be as opposed to how much hassel it is adn how much they opposed it.
http://www.nadams.k12.in.us/AdminBuilding/minutes.htm
Great place to read what they want you to read that happens at school board meetings. Not all events are published however.
Indiana School Boards Association
Code of Ethics
A School Board member should honor the high responsibility which his membership demands:
BY thinking always in terms of “children first.”
BY understanding that the basic function of the school board member is “policy-making” and not “administrative,” and by accepting the responsibility of learning to discriminate intelligently between these two functions.
BY accepting the responsibility along with his fellow board members of seeing that the maximum of facilities and resources is provided for the proper functioning of schools.
BY refusing to “play politics” in either the traditional partisan, or in any petty sense.
BY representing at all times the entire school community.
BY accepting the responsibility of becoming well-informed concerning the duties of board members, and the proper function of public schools.
BY recognizing responsibility as a state official to seek the improvement of education throughout the state.
A School Board member should respect his relationships with other members of the Board:
BY recognizing that authority rests only with the board in official meetings, and that the individual member has no legal status to bind the board outside of such meetings.
BY recognizing the integrity of his predecessor and associates and the merit of their work.
BY refusing to make statements or promises as to how he will vote on any matter which should properly come before the board as a whole.
BY making decisions only after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed.
BY respecting the opinion of others and by graciously conforming to the principle of “majority rule.”
BY refusing to participate in irregular meetings such as “secret” or “star chamber” meetings, which are not official and which all members do not have the opportunity to attend.
BY attempting to appraise fairly both the present and future educational needs of the community.
A School Board member should maintain desirable relations with the superintendent of schools and his staff:
BY striving to procure, when the vacancy exists, the best professional leader available for the head administrative post.
BY giving the superintendent full administrative authority for properly discharging his professional duties, and also by holding him responsible for acceptable results.
BY acting only upon the recommendation of the superintendent in matters of employment or dismissal of school personnel.
BY having the superintendent present at all meetings of the board except when his contract and salary are under consideration.
BY referring all complaints to the proper administrative office and by discussing them only at a regular meeting after failure of administrative solution.
BY striving to provide adequate safeguards around the superintendent and other staff members to the end that they can live happily and comfortably in the community and discharge their educational functions on a thoroughly professional basis.
BY presenting personal criticisms of any employee directly to the superintendent.
A School Board member should meet his responsibilities to his community:
BY regarding it as a major responsibility of the board to interpret the aims and the methods of the schools to the community.
BY insisting that all school business transactions be on an open, ethical and above-board basis.
BY vigorously seeking adequate financial support for the schools.
BY refusing to use his position on a school board in any way whatsoever for personal gain or personal prestige.
BY refusing to discuss personnel matters or any other confidential business of the board in his home, on the street or in his office.
BY winning the community’s confidence that all is being done in the best interests of school children.
THE INDIANA PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
Constantly Upholds the Honor and Dignity of the Profession in All Actions and Relations with Pupils, Colleagues, School Board Members, and the Public.
Obeys Local, State and National Laws, Moral Standards, and Gives Loyalty to this Nation and to the Cause of Democracy.
Makes it a Career Responsibility to Master and to Contribute to the Growing Body of Specialized Knowledge, Concepts, and Skills Which Characterize School Administration
Strives to Provide the Finest Possible Educational Experiences and Opportunities to All Persons in the School Corporation.
Seeks to Preserve and Enhance the Prestige and Status of the Profession when Applying for a Position or Entering into Contractual Agreements.
Carries out in Good Faith All Policies Duly Adopted by the Local Board and the Regulations of State Authorities and Renders Professional Service of High Quality
Honors the Public Trust of the Position Above Any Economic or Social Rewards
Does not Permit considerations of Private Gain nor Personal Economic Interest to Affect the Discharge of Professional Responsibilities
Recognizes That the Public Schools are the Public’s Business and Seeks to Keep the Public Fully and Honestly Informed About Their Schools.
Not so sure this last one would have happened until parents caught wind of the changes.
Eve…what’s your point?
Several points. First, I believe not everyone even knew these codes of ethics existed. Did you? Secondly, I believe that there has been a grave misconception concerning the upcoming vote on reconfiguration. I do not believe any knowledge would have come forth without teachers mentioning it to their friends and those who are connected with school. I believe education is in for a rude awakening especially after todays meeting in Indy where they voted a blanket vote to change many things. Take time to read the minutes and article from the State Super’s meeting. It isn’t very promising about education. Also the fact that the Govenor released 30 people of their positions in the State House and will again release more within the next two weeks. I do not think that changing our elementary schools fix a non-existent problem. As far as Southeast getting higher ratings, it seems that would be obvious when the Principal there either doesn’t accept, removes or expells those students who are below the level that would allow her school to excel. Why of course her school excels, she allows NO students who would lower her scores. This is also the person who will be taking over the position of Currciulum Director. The same one who doesn’t allow Christmas Carols to be sung without other religious holiday songs to be sung at the sing a long prior to “Holiday” break. However, the more compassionate, caring and “non-plastic” individuals in charge of the other two elementary schools not only allow Christmas carols, but visit the classes and even give hugs when asked for and where needed. As you know there is more to edcuation than scores and moving students through a mold or the holding trough like cattle until they graduate. I believe there are more pressing and important matters at hand rather than moving everyone around and trying to do it without opposition and not telling anyone until your hands are slapped and then reacting to the slapping. I truly think that this entire discussion is reactive instead of proactive. I beleive it is a power play and a chance to try and obtain a feather for several caps of those who are using North Adams as stepping stones to bigger and greater outcomes for their lives.
I thought this was a site to voice your concerns or praises about the reconfiguration plan? 80% of what is being posted is personal trashing of certain individuals, not concerns over the plan. This is really upsetting to me. I am a parent who had a child at SE when Mr. Sirk was principal and now with a child at SE with Mrs. Lamon as principal. They are both wonderful individuals and I would like to know just how well any of those trash talkers really know these 2 individuals? They both genuinely care about the students and anyone who spent any amount of time in the building with them would see this. I’m almost certain Mrs. Lamon would invite any questions that people may have about her intent with North Adams. She has said many times that her door is always open.
I would be curious to know if these people with the most to say about these 2 administators even are parents of SE kids? I would just really like to see this site focus on the issue at hand and not the personal bashing of certain individuals…after all we are all adults aren’t we??
Talk is cheap…………actions speak more.
it will be interesting to see what is going to happen in reality.
What’s your point Eve? All you have done is talk…trash talk that is. Whatever the outcome everyone needs to be supportive for the kids sake. It is what you make it.
Thank you Digusted.
I understand that you do not see or comprehend my concerns and views on the upcoming reconfiguration. However, before you cast the first stone, you should refer to my former posting of January 21, 2009 at 8:08 pm. Just to refresh your reading and memory, I do not accept things blindly. I do investigate and research all that I say. My comments prior to the current posting is based on facts and conversations I have had. If they should happen to differ with your viewpoints, then welcome to the United States. That’s what we were founded on. I hardly believe that there is one side to all situations, stories or events. I do not believe everything that is in print as the gospel, no matter where it comes from or from whom it comes from. I do not accept things without substantiated research or supportive documentation. What you don’t know is that I too have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. In the edcuation world, there are many ideas that some jump on the proverbial “wagon” to accept and those who wait to see if it is indeed necessary or just a new phase of something that has come along the stream. There are very few “new” ideas that have not been tried in education to then return to the previous was of doing it. Take for example the schedule at the high school. Seven periods a day for many years, then a modified block then into the alternating days for classes called the block schedule. Well here we are, back at the modified block schedule again. So we are returning to what we started with, seven periods per day sooner or later. Hopefully you will understand my tentativeness in embracing reconfiguration. It has been proven, investigate and documented that this situation is not the best for students and their education, in addition to their transitioning and well being.
Monmouth is barely title 1 at 40%, but their attendance and test scores are just fine according to in.gov. Fair/not fair, whatever, the teachers are doing their jobs and they are clearly there for the students (even with the lack of title 1 funds that are being complaining about) . Many of the teachers have masters and only 6 of them have bachelors degrees, which is a very appropriate level of education to have success in a classroom (My students are a perfect example of this). Monmouth FARMS students are not struggling because they didn’t get title 1 funds.
I can simply think back to how many times my older brother was on my bus and in the school building during tough times and kept me safe from other children who were simply not kind (sad I know, but can you say you never lived through a moment like this, even as an adult perhaps???) . I can’t imagine how I would have felt if he wasn’t there. Bullying is an epidemic in schools and I think this proposal swings the door wide open for a worse case senerio.
Southeast is barely title 1 as well, if anyone needs the funds, its Northwest, their test scores are not as high as Monmouth or Southeast, and they have the highest number of FARMS students.
Kylee:
Could you help us out here? What is a FARMS student?
FARMS is Free and Reduced Meals. A previous discussion was held about how currently only southeast and northwest are getting money because of the amount of students who get free or reduced lunch. If the reconfiguration happens, then apparently all schools would get some money.
If they reconfigure, then the student numbers will change and the schools may not qualify anymore. It would depend on the enrollment numbers and how many of them do get a free or reduced lunch.
Eve
I’m simply saying that I don’t think this should be a place to say negative things about individuals. Unless you have personally spoken to them and these things have been said directly to you, they should be kept to yourself. My comments are not meant to downplay your concerns, they are simply said because it seems we are getting away from the facts.
Anyone can tell by reading your Jan. 21 comment that you are highly educated, so that is why it’s so interesting that you would take to voicing your OPINIONS about individuals and not just the facts.
Kylee: Thank you so much! I was a little confused…
to everyone else..will someone please please post after attending the school board meeting this coming Tuesday? I am unable to attend this time. Thanks!
To Disguested:
I have not posted lately but had to after reading all of the updates. When you put yourself in the position that Mr. Wiley and Ms Lamon are in, they can expect to have the public not agree with them and their “plans”. It is quite obvious that Sirk doesn’t care about what people think about the reconfiguration, it’s going to happen. What I found most interesting was the post by Eve regarding the “Code of Ethics” for Indiana School Boards and also the Superintendent. Seems to me that they have broken several of these “Codes” over this reconfiguration deal. Perhaps it is time to clean house. And also once again, I do believe that this is for financial reasons and only the beginning of alot of changes for NA schools. Teachers better get ready to clean your own rooms, bathrooms, give meds to kids, get your own subs, etc. Also if the kids want to play sports, they will pay to play. If your kids want to sing in the choir, pay to sing, etc etc. I’m sure you get it. It was very interesting to read in the paper last week that Norwell cut 3 administrator positions for next year. Now that will save them a BUNCH of money. At NA, they are firing janitors, not replacing people who leave, such as librarians, secretarys, telling secretaries they will not have jobs next year. My point is, Norwell will save at least $200,000 by cutting administrative jobs. NA will save approximately 100,000 by not replacing support staff. Perhaps its time the ones at the top of the scale at NA take a cut. It’s no secret that NA is in financial doom. They need to cut 1.5 million from the 09-10 school year budget. Although it has never been made public. WHY?????? I think everyone should ask this question of the school board and Mr. Sirk at the board meeting on Tuesday. I am concerned about the reconfiguation and have attended the meetings. Each one was different, and I did not leave any of the meetings feeling this is the best thing for any of our children.
Mr. Sirk and the school board have alot of questions to answer but the first ones should be, “Are you upholding the Codes of Ethics of the Indiana School Boards and Codes of Ethics of School Superintendents”????? Are they in it for our kids and the taxpayers of North Adams, or to make a name for themselves?????
Jezibell,
Thank you for understanding and your support. I deal with reality, not idealism just as you.
Kylee- Since Monmouth is “barely” Title I, perhaps we should also deny the 95 or 40% qualifying students at Monmouth free and reduced lunch– I mean after all, the teachers will probably be more than happy to see that they get something to eat in addition to the all the extra academic support that they need. And since there scores are just fine, perhaps the early intervention services that Monmouth students do recieve though grant funds should be pulled and allocated to NW-since according to you, they are the ones who need it. The idea that Monmouth students should not benefiit from Title I services because they “barely” qualify is about the most absurd statement I have read so far on this blog. Is that what you really believe????? It is a very slippery slope when you begin to arbitrarily decide who deserves services and who doesn’t.
I never said that I think Monmouth doesn’t need/deserve the tile 1 money. (And yes, they do just barely qualify) Reread, its a great strategy for comprehension.
Bottom line, Monmouth students test scores’ are not suffering because they don’t have title 1 money.
I think to much emphasis is put on free and reduced lunches. Should funding be based on this percentage? I can only imagine what the numbers of free and reduced will be next year due to the Decatur economy. And whose to say if the schools do not reconfigure that it may be Northwest or Southeast that does not get Title 1 monies next year.
Kylee- I agree with you, Monmouth is a great school with great teachers.
Well at the risk of upsetting someone else by not sticking to the proposed subject matter here. My student just came home from BHS where I was told that BHS no longer has ala cart line for lunch. This means no salad bar, no soup, etc. This apparently was taken away by those in charge because a few students were stealing a few drinks while going through the line. The only lunch line available was the “A” line with lots of starches, etc. The students were told if they were “good” they may offer soup again. These are high school students. LOL! They have a minimum of 3 lunch ladies to oversee just the ala cart line. I would think that they would be able to control their inventory and be watchful of the students using the ala cart line. I have always been told that the lunch ladies have to support themselves via making a profit from lunches to cover their salaries. I know that the ala cart line has the highest mark up on food in comparison to the regular lunch line. Now it seems this isn’t making much sense to me. Although, if they remove the ala cart line, there is another savings for the system. They can also let at least 3-5 lunch ladies go and save more money. There was also talk about the students on free and reduced lunch selling their lunches to students so they could purchase items on the ala cart line. Just something else to bring up at the board meeting tonight at Northwest.
Title I Program Description
This program provides financial assistance to LEAs and schools with high numbers or high percentages of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Federal funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state. (1) Basic Grants provide funds to LEAs in which the number of children counted in the formula is at least 10 and exceeds 2 percent of an LEA’s school-age population. (2) Concentration Grants flow to LEAs where the number of formula children exceeds 6,500 or 15 percent of the total school-age population. (3) Targeted Grants are based on the same data used for Basic and Concentration Grants except that the data are weighted so that LEAs with higher numbers or higher percentages of poor children receive more funds. Targeted Grants flow to LEAs where the number of schoolchildren counted in the formula (without application of the formula weights) is at least 10 and at least 5 percent of the LEA’s school-age population. (4) Education Finance Incentive Grants (EFIGs) distribute funds to states based on factors that measure: (a) a state’s effort to provide financial support for education compared to its relative wealth as measured by its per capita income and (b) the degree to which education expenditures among LEAs within the state are equalized. Once a state’s EFIG allocation is determined, funds are allocated (using a weighted count formula that is similar to Targeted Grants) to LEAs in which the number of poor children is at least 10 and at least 5 percent of the LEA’s school-age population. LEAs target the Title I funds they receive to schools with the highest percentages of children from low-income families. Unless a participating school is operating a schoolwide program, the school must focus Title I services on children who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet state academic standards. Schools in which poor children make up at least 40 percent of enrollment are eligible to use Title I funds for schoolwide programs that serve all children in the school. LEAs also must use Title I funds to provide academic enrichment services to eligible children enrolled in private schools.
I just wanted to share this with all of you. If the schools do reconfigure will all the schools qualify, one school or none. I feel this is gambeling with our childrens education. I’m not sure I want to do that.
Eve,
In regards to taking away the a la carte line at BHS. I would call the school and schedule a meeting with the administrators. Tell them you are worried about your child not eating, etc…. I mean they are in HS- not having a salad bar option is ridiculous. Also- what about the teachers that use that option rather than the carb/fat loaded hot lunch option?
Very silly.
As to tonight’s meeting. I hope the school board tables everything for 6 months. That should be enough time to have a very well though out plan for whatever happens before our children are made to transition or have their school lives changed forever.
Jezibell – Please keep in mind that Norwell also needs to cut about 1 million from their budget for next year while NA only needs to cut about 350K. You can’t really compare the two systems. Their size may be similar, but their financial situations are very different.
Why is North Adams adding the position of a Curriculum Director? Why is North Adams enlarging Mr. Bieberich’s position to that of a “Business Manager” (at an undisclosed salary)? What can justify North Adams terminating the job of a support person who is on medical leave for cancer? These are the same people who have the best interests of our children in their minds. It sounds to me like they have the best interests of their pocketbook! There is little compassion or thought for the budget or others in these decisions!
Private school parent
Where did the 850 K come from? We’ve been told that NA needs to cut $1.5 million. The $186,000 saved(?) by the realignment is minute compared to what is needed! Why start with what impacts the kids the most – in the large corporations they begin at the top with the CEO’s – maybe we should look in that direction!
Private School Parent-your facts are wrong. 1.5 million has to be cut this year and next. So it is very much above the number you threw out there. Sirk stated this himself at Southeast and Monmouth. Although you bring a good point up. All school systems in Indiana are struggling with these issues and we aren’t alone. However, I would argue with the fact that you make it seem like a meaningless amount of $. I would support the realignment 100% if that were the amount because than most of our budget issues would be solved. However, that isn’t the case. This is a minuscule amount in comparison with what needs to be trimmed.
Kylee- Apparently I read in too much. I apologize if I misunderstood. I thought your point was, because Monmouth students do not appear to be suffering, they do not need the benefit of services. I guess I am still not clear exactly on the point you were making. Yes, I agree that the staff at Monmouth is excellent, and so far, to its credit, students have not suffered too much. Historically, Monmouth has not had the same numbers of free and reduced lunch children as the other two elementary schools. The demographics are changing dramatically in this community, and Monmouth is now being effected since there are no longer school attendance boundaries. Students are assigned to schools as they enroll based on enrollment/class sizes at each building. The number of children at Monmouth who do not meet benchmarks at kindergarten entry is increasing. The needs and challenges of students is increasing, and students who are eligible for Title I services should have access to them. Teachers are overburdened as it is, and it does not seem realistic to expect teachers at Monmouth to continue to achieve high academic results for all students without the supplementary services available to students at other schools. If you check out the ISTEP data at the Indiana Department of Education, you will notice that over the past four years, NW and SE 3rd grade ISTEP scores have a shown a steady increase while Monmouth scores have shown little improvement. Monmouth has had the lowest FARMS rates, yet ranks third among the three elementaries in the % of students passing both sections of ISTEP. Cleary, the students at the other buildings are benefitting from the services that are available to them. I anticipate that students at Monmouth will begin to suffer in the future if services are not available to all students who need them and qulaify for them.
Board Meeting tonight at NW…just remember…if you aren’t on the agenda to speak, you don’t speak (unless they ask for comments from the audience).
I think whatever happens needs to be supported by the parents and community. If it works it works…if it doesn’t there can always be change down the road.
Whatever happens give it a chance to work…change is difficult to accept for all of us, but why not try to accept it. It may have not worked in another district, but who says it can’t work here?
Well for all of you unable to attend the board meeting, the vote was 3 to 2 in favor of the reconfiguration. Gary Gissler and Michelle Stimpson voted against with Guitterez, Rash, and Jo Ellen voting for.
I do not know how with 450 signatures against a proposal, they in good ethics can vote for the reconfiguration. So I guess at this point you can either fully support NA or look for another school.
Well they did it – I hope these people can sleep at night knowing they have disrupted many families, created grief and heartache for many by adopting an antiquated model that Mr Sirk has proposed for over ten years and finally got his way – what’s in it for him? Will our new business manager , who replaces Mr. Bieberich, solve all of his financial woes and at what price? It’s sad that the one person on the board with the most educational experience, Mr. Geissler, was ignored. There are times I hang my head at being associated with North Adams.
To Monmouth Mom and Terrified Teacher: First of all, thank you so very much for posting. I am sure the last thing you wanted to do was talk about something so awful! I was unable to attend and have been waiting for an update… I just can’t believe it! I have thought all along that all this was just a dog and pony show and everything was a done deal but I am still dumbfounded. With all the (quite) vocal opposition, what can these people be thinking? Did they still RIF all those poor teachers and staff? I am just sick about this!
Terrified Techer
I agree, the most respected and experienced educator in the North Adams system, Mr. Giessler, was ignored. I am sad to say that North Adams has been the laughing stock of the county not to mention the State for many years. It is very sad, that one person in 1 and 1′2 years is able to destroy so many good things that could possiblyhappen here for the wonderful teachers and students, with the help of his handpicked associate administrators. I too am ashamed to be associated with North Adams through my students. This certainly gives note to why they always fight an elected school board here, now doesn’t it. LOL! It’s tough to get your way when those on the board have to answer to others. This certainly shows that some on the board have a conscience and concerns about the community and students, not just being “yes” people as the three who voted toward the reconfiguration. By the way, the school system banks with First Merchants and hmmmmmmmmmm……………………what school board member works there? Ya suppose someone is in the pocket of another there? Now since they have decided to disrupt lives, they better make it work for the better. Another change within a few years is uncalled for and certainly not what the innocent children of the system need who are just trying to learn. They already have major issues in their lives and now let’s put another one on their plate for them. Great!
First of all to Private School Teacher, get your facts straight, 1.5 million IS in fact the amount that needs to be cut from NA budget. Also, I knew they would OK the reconfiguration, and at least 2 of the school board members have a back bone and are not afraid to vote against our almighty superintendent’s wishes. Its time we all get MAD about what is happening at NA. I’m not talking about just this reconfiguration thing but EVERYTHING Mr. Wiley is doing at NA. It is time the citizens and taxpayers of NA demand more data and information than we are getting, regarding the changes these 5 individuals (school board) and Mr. Sirk are imposing on our children. Yes, it may be a great thing, but lets call a spade a spade ,NA school board and Mr. Sirk. This was a done deal a long time ago. You just lied to all of us, the taxpayers of NA schools. They do the same thing in politics and lets call this exactly what it is. You think that the enrollment was going down before, watch it go even lower now. You just buried NA school system about as deep as you could. Shame on you Wylie. If you cared a little bit for NA schools, you would be the first to take a pay cut. I don’t think for a minute there is anything this has to do with bettering our school system. It’s all about YOU!
The riffed teachers are gone as well as a guidance counselor.
Great! Now here come the cuts…I know of at least one of those RIFed teachers who is a wonderful, caring great teacher who will be a great loss for the kids and parents of North Adams. Her husband has also been laid off from HIS job… you think they want to stick around here and hope and pray that a job will come up at NACS for her? Why? So she can watch the school system implode? So maybe she can get RIFed again next year when the school board tries to get more blood from a stone? Ahhh…sorry. just ranting here but I am really pissed off
I feel like the school board just sealed the fate of NA schools. With the Decatur economy on the brink, I think it is an absolute bad decision for Decatur especially now.
One fact that Charlie Brune researched was about the Title 1 money. He contacted someone from the state. They stated that the reason Monmouth did not receive Title 1 money is because they did not have a high enough free and reduced lunch percentage. If Monmouth’s numbers were to increase (and realistically at this time you can probably guarantee they are higher) then they to along with Northwest and Southeast would receive Title 1 money. S0 was this information brought out at any of the three meetings? Because I was at all three and that is not what was presented.
Jezibell- I agree with you about having some accoutability and feel the same that Mr. Sirk is seeking self gratification. But what do you suggest to do? Where do you start?
I plan on calling the mayor’s office in the morning. He along with the city council appointed the school board. I want to hear what he has to say.
To everyone that is pissed off about this:
I think it is time that something is done about this whole appointed school board. WHY is it that we are not allowed to Vote for who makes these important decisions. I think that our school board now consists of people who are easily swayed. Although, I have to admit, I am a fan of Gary Geissler and Michelle Stimpson. If they had the balls to vote the other way, especially against something the Mr. Wiley is for. They would definately get my Vote. The others, especially Rash and Eidam, why are they even on the board????? Lets take the bull by the horn and get an elected School Board people. This is really unbelievable that NA has never been able to get this even up for a vote. Back to the real subject here, this reconfiguration thing. How does Mr. Wiley think he is going to deal with the morale at the schools amongst the staff now. No raises, more staff being cut, more being asked of staff everyday. Oh but, he has a nice office to sit in and an even nicer salary to go along with it. If it sounds like I am slamming our almighty leader at NA, well I am. Lets all hold him accountable for this mess he has made of NA school system. He is not a leader but a dictator. I demand he answer to all of the staff and students regarding how he sees this is all for the good of them. I had heard all kinds of bad things about him, but didn’t want to believe them, I like to form my own opinions of people. Well guess what people, I believe you know. He was incompetent as a teacher and a principal and now as the superintendent at NA schools. If you all remember what happened a few years ago at SA, I believe they ousted their Superintendent. Like I said before, it’s time to clean house. I feel sorry for those of you who have students that will have to attend 3 different schools. I especially feel sorry for the staff, teachers and everyone else who will lose their jobs due to this decision by our superintendent. Once again, shame on you Wylie.
How sad the ELEMENTARY STAFF is after that meeting!!! How horrible that 3 people decided this against over 450 signatures they had, not to mention those of us STAFF who were not allowed to sign! I am sure you would have gotten another at least 100 signatures! THIS is bad, for our students, staff, parents, school system and our city!! We will surely lose people now. Hope AC is ready for the extra students! ALOT of people ARE just sick over this!
Monmouth Mom – I agree, the fate of North Adams has been sealed.
Jezibell – I agree Sirk is seeking self gratification.
Let’s not for get that Ms Lamon is also seeking self gratification as well.
And all this at the expense of our children.
The city council, township trustees & the school board select the members. Talk to one of those people. Curt Rash doesn’t care – his kids go to private schools and he works at First Merchants – guess I’ll choose a new bank!
YEAH for you Jezibell!
He is a dictator. If I remember correctly, he was Principal at Monmouth and left to pursue a career in the Medical profession……MD, that didn’t work out for him. He returned to North Adams and taught at the Middle school. left yet again, to become Principal in New Haven. Left that job and again we hired him as Prinicpal at Southeast. Where by the way, he redecorated the office and spent nearly $6,000 on furniture. Now he is Super and again redecorated an office. This time spending way over $6,000. Upon becoming Superintendent, he gained a raise, but also took the raise that Mr. Compton refused if there was no money for teacher raises.
As for Curt Rash, I believe he should have abstained due to a conflict in interest. However it is pretty obvious he “had” to vote to avoid a tie in which the President makes the decision and therefore, we wouldn’t have been pursuing this ridiculous reconfiguration idea, only to return to the current system we now have in a few years.
Doesn’t Rash live in Berne? I know he’s selling his house in Decatur. Why is he on the board? As for the township trustees appointing, my trustee has never been able to appoint. It was Dan Bieberich who got to appoint. Just in case you didn’t know, there’s 12 township trustees in Adams County.
Lets not forget that we all need to stand together and get an elected school board. I’m in, and I know the other 3 co-workers as well as those on here are in.
Just to clarify – Michelle Stimpson didn’t vote no – she didn’t vote at all – she abstained. Why???? It was 3 yes, 1 no & 1 abstained. Matt Dyer who is on the council was there and saw personally how frustrated everyone was – talk to him! Did anyone see the expression on Joellen face when the 3 parents who made comments were talking? She couldn’t have cared less – she made her decision and she was more than happy with the outcome.
I think now is absolutely the time to pursue an elected school board. Someone needs to get a list of the registered voters in NA district and start a petition immediately.
My appologize. I was obviously working off of old numbers.
I attended the meeting last night at Northwest and what made me more mad (than the fact that they approved the reconfiguration) was Michele Stimpson’s, “I abstain.” What a cowardly out! This was a MAJOR decision and her vote proved to me that she is NO decision maker. Let’s not forget that before the vote was taken, she made several comments to the effect that whatever the outcome, they (the board) would work together. And then she didn’t even have the respect for all of us; parents, teachers, taxpayers, etc… to say yea or nea!
I would have had no problem w/the reconfiguration if one of the three buildings were closed. I have heard numerous times that NA will have to cut 1.5 million over the next 2 years. I think that the closing of one of the elementaries would make the most sense. This was brought up at the 1st Northwest meeting only to be immediately shot down by Sirk. He explained that one of the other buildings would have to be added on to. A gentleman in the audience asked if that was a possibility and Sirk replied that it would be to costly. The gentleman asked for an estimate and Sirk said, “I don’t really know. Probably 15-20 million.” I get the feeling that this option was really not researched like it should have been. And 15-20 million? Come on, I believe the new South Adams Elementary is costing around 30 million!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
For anyone interested:
Adams Central Community Schools – elementary office 692-6629
St. Joseph School 724-2765
St. Peter School 724-7533
Wyneken Memorial 260-639-6177
Zion Lutheran 728-9995
The newspaper says that there will be a committe made up of parents, teachers, and administrators about the reconfiguration.
How do we get on the committee?
Also- how do we get an elected school board? We’ve needed one for years. Maybe now the people of North Adams will actually do something about it rather than just talk and complain.
I will be closing the comments on this post as it has become really large. You can continue comments on the current post about the reconfiguration or start a thread in the forum
2 Trackbacks
[...] have a different opinion so I figured I’d mention it. It was mentioned in the comments on the school reorganization post that Bellmont High had decided not to offer an ala carte menu for lunch anymore. I had heard [...]
[...] the comments here on the site both before and after the vote. It is clear to see this decision will make many very unhappy. There is a lot of [...]