Chris,
Thanks for the update. The rest of the story will be interesting, I'm sure.
I have one super huge concern with your brief report though...Why was Sykes getting his knickers in a twist because someone wanted public information during the meeting? He obviously has forgotten he works for this public.
I say it's time for him, Steel, and Barnett to go. This in-fighting, back biting, and childish behavior can't be tolerated any longer. It's counter productive to our children.
posted by DoknowDocare at 10:14 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 26, 2006 #
Audio file can be downloaded at: http://www.plumbrook.com/mfsb/downloads/092606tps.mp4
26 MB. I apologize for the audio, my normal recording spot was gone and I had to set it on the floor by the speaker. Sometimes you can't hear the voices. No copyright is claimed. It is released to the public.
Notes coming soon.
posted by chrismyers at 12:51 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
HQ Audio can be downloaded at: http://www.plumbrook.com/mfsb/downloads/092606tps.mp4
109 MB - don't say I did not warn you.
posted by chrismyers at 01:11 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Ok, these notes are long because I hooked a keyboard up to my Newton. I was able to type more of the conversations. It looks long but is a quick read. It may be rough in areas, but feel free to ask for clarification or check the audio file.
The meeting started at 5:33.
The first presentation was from OSBA honoring Dr. Steel for his service.
Foley: Fashions for learning. Dress codes were created for a better environment in the school. Not everyone qualifies, but they have presented 4k options to receive assistance.
The first week of school was going to be a challenge, 96% compliance. Have seen a change in Schools. Students were presented to show the dress code. Around 30 students modeled the dress code. It was a very fun presentation. Everyone in the room was happy and excited.
5:44 Introduction of retirees.
5:45 Standing committee reports:
Personnel - met and complied with all recommendations by HR staff.
Met with TFT pres to discuss reviewing teacher callback. The admin and TFT will be working to implement some efficiencies for next year.
5-59 page was recommendations.
New administrative appointments were introduced.
4:48 Foley wanted to report on OFSC activities. 3 groundbreakings in October and will open 10 buildings in October. Meeting with OFSC and contractors to work on master plan and scheduling. Meetings will take place over a period of time to build the best buildings for students.
2 phone banks, calling students left and appealing to students left. 30 volunteers anyone in the room can sign up.
5:51 Citizens comments -introduced Dan Griscom. Treasurer would mention at 1 min you have one minute to go. Although of having a 3 minute time limit allowing everyone to speak. 22 speakers tonight.
Brandon Sanders - young man student. Junior at Scott with 4.0, he believes small school is a good op. He stays on the same floor and knows friends and keeps motivated. Teachers can help him get scholarship allows him to focus on what he can do what he likes. He thinks it is a great opp. attended an internship at MCO.
Gabriel Cornelius sp? - junior at SHS. She likes SHS all your classes are on one floor. Makes it easy to transition. Spent internship during summer like small schools because teachers can connect on a level the do not now.
Breanne Wee sp?- Junior SHS 3.3 loves allied health. Gives wide variety of opps. Have same teacher for three years now. Another thing she likes, if all school. School leaders have personal relationship. Offers classes prepare for college experience, if not there would not have a scholarship at OSU.
Ralf Treece - During the past month, concerns of shoddy work with construction companies during windstorm. Cinder blocks were 8" when should be 12". If the wall had not fallen would we have found out? Many block walls cracking open, but that may be 10 years from now. Where is community oversight? He has a meeting with admin to discuss questions next week. What is the Libbey absorption and feeder elementary in K-8 programs? Never got any answer on the closing of ETJRH. Never got answers on DVHS. Unless new levy, there will be a new deficit. There would be lots of cost if the ms are closed.
Mr. Sykes asked Mr. Treece if he has a construction background. Treece said a masters engineering. Sykes, did you know what the specs were for the wall? No. Mr. Sykes said thank you. And kept repeating it until Ralf would sit down.
Mr. Torres: We received communication and end of protocol for the end of this segment of the presentation. Mr. Torres it is board policy that the do not interact with citizens. Will be addressed by admin. Let the admin handle the questions. We could be here for an hour debating. He supports the admin responding in an appropriate manner.
Sykes: Mr. Torres called someone back at the last meeting. Go back and read your policy. We can ask questions. Torres we can seek to engage in a cordial manner. We can agree to our understanding. Let's go back to hearing what the public has to say. Sykes, said that is your right.
Darlene asked the treasurer to forward the policy to the board.
Wanesha Warren sp? - SHS Business Technology School student. I love small schools because I am in Business Technology School, I was VP in my student group. It allowed me to be a leader. I get more education at a small school. I get lots of attention and with SS I get more recognition. I had to shift floors in the old school. Allows me to be on one floor. I get to know all of my classmates. Close to school leader does not need to go far to get a hold of him. I know the teachers for 3 years. Less roaming through hallways.
Nina Pettaway - Senior at SHS. Small schools are a wonderful idea. Gives great opp to get medical classes. There is more of a bond with teachers and students with School leaders. We could not have thought of a better idea. Small schools wonderful learning more every day. Real world experience.
Robin Rhee - Concerned parent of Scott student. Any teacher will know me. We are at Scott on a daily basis. Biggest critic and biggest supporter. She took the pictures at Scott and was in the Journal. She got flak for it and I read that people are saying SS are a failure. My kids have been there 9 years and the difference I have experienced are phenomenal. I went from initiating meetings to the school calling me. School called me and gave me a status update of student. We have something proven. Other cities are using it and to throw it out now would be bad. When you take a step forward opposition comes forward. This time don't make the mistake of letting the program go to the wayside. It works.
Veronica Douglas - Parent of SHS student. She is in 4 small schools AH. It is frustrating. I am an active parent and know who to talk to and they will call me. That shows they are concerned now and later. They promote college. They don't have honor classes; her kid has attended honors all 3 years. She is focused on being a physical therapist for a sport team. She would not have had that experience at a big school. Class is small and they get to know their teachers. In conclusion, SS is like the old African proverb it takes a village to raise a child.
6:12 Sykes I want to personally thank parents and students to come out and speak up for education. For years and months you had people say they represent SHS and what we hear from them is nothing like what we hear from you. The experiences you get, I am very happy and proud for you to stand up and not let others speak for you. As a graduate of SHS I say go bulldogs.
Pamela Auger - Want to thank you for keeping Washington Preschool open for business. You have restored many parents confidence in the school. I believe that WPS would have closed many people would have gone to other preschools. I know you have many hard decisions coming in the future. You need to keep the parents and younger children in your thoughts. If parents have confident in the early experiences they will stay. On behalf of parents in TPS want to thank you and will say a prayer for you in you decisions.
Twila Paige - I need to know how to get information. I called to get a copy of the school improvement plan. Principal said he would send it in the mail. Never got it. Called one office told called treasurer then told to call the previous office. They had to run it by someone. She said she wanted to just look at the SIP. How do I get a copy? I have been sent around and around. Procedure for public record request sent to chief of staff. Prepare report and there is a feed. That is the process for public records. School improvement plan. The new ones have not been approved. Mr. Ellis said he said initially a request for SIP. Later on after back and forth the indication was Miss Page was asking for 05-06, but prior to it there was no statement on what you want. Twila, there is no record of communication. She wants the one for the last school year. She wants whichever one was available. Fisher: can we get this done in the year. Foley: 05-06 plans you can have them available in 24 hrs. Fisher: we will double check to make sure miscommunication does not happen. We want to be as transparent as possible. I would advocate if the SIP is online so anyone can access them.
Twila Paige - Asked for a copy of the Scott feeder pattern rooster. Could not get it until after the October count. Where can I go to get it?
Ellis: As we open school there are priority issues and I will provide you the information 10/3.
Sykes: Point of order.
Barnett - Don't you have a form to fill out. Form to allow have a paper trail of who is requesting. This is taking too much time. We are on the phone and talking instead of writing the request.
Sykes said he would like to know who the people are - referring to the young people sitting next to me. No one on the board heard him.
Twila got a copy of the school improvement plan thanks to some UT students.
[what happened was these students paid the TPS staff to get the report for Twila because Twila did not have change.]
Tyrone Sturdivant - There was one question about request be in writing, by law does not.
Toledo Plan and budgeting on costs. Is there anyway a first grade teacher can be brought into t?? Has there been any program for teachers to come back once they are terminated. Can they reapply?
Fisher if we cannot get an answer tonight we can include it in your letter.
Tyrone Sturdivant - Thank you.
Sykes – Who the young students wanting to change money with the treasurer. [Larry said this in his bad Larry tone]
Students: They were trying to get the report to Twila because she did not have change. Sykes asked if they were students? They said they were University of Toledo students. They needed to attend a board meeting because of their elementary education class.
They said she needed the money for the documents and they gave it to her. Robert Torres said thank you for that gesture.
[for some more background, Larry was bothering Darlene throughout the meeting to have Kate, I and the UT students removed from the front row because he said staff should sit there. Apparently Larry thought the students were with us. His attitude dramatically changed when he found out they were not with us. You should have seen the looks Larry was giving the students throughout the meeting, the same ones he gives everyone he does not like]
PTA presentation.
Fran last 5 years number of teachers decreased administers increased.
Scott High School (SHS) Small School learning community. Pull experts testimony of what is happening. A mathematics teacher, lack of conducive learning environment, better environment at SHS. Parents find it easier to contact. Better scores. There is a better attitude for Schools. 27 years at district SS concept is small and progressive. SS best to accomplish what is required to succeed. Students at Scott have developed a sense of longing. I have developed a sense of learning. Before Small Schools students were everywhere, students did not think about college. Slip between classes. Attendance is more consistent. Our job is to educate and provide the best knowledge available. Small schools do just that. Students have a greater sense of longing. Student presence at school is wanted everyday. There are higher expectations placed on school. There will always be a few people to put up hurdles for success. At present more excitement and pride and ownership by people and a desire for everyone to be involved. Progress - for sure. Success - you bet. There are some in the community that do not like success.
AFSME - Congratulate students for comments. What a great group for kids. Would like to thank parents to talk about Small School. Nice to hear positive other than public comment always being negative. I would like to challenge the parents and students to come back.
Fisher at this time call upon standing committee reports. [Lots of people left the room.]
Treasurer - talked about performance bond and tuition rates. Talked about tax abatement issues in effect. Talking about ramifications of that.
6:42 resolutions on Super search and OSBA resolution.
Fisher call treasurer if you have any questions.
Steel - met yesterday and talked about science camp. If you go to camp there is fun to be had. There are all 6 graders and in 5 days put in lots of learning. Not only engaged in Science activities, but doing other activities adventure skills. The get intensive information. Science and cultural history and collaboration with YMCA. Funded by general fund. Partially funded by parents or community and limited ability to pay. Underwritten by YMCA. Also want to stress, what is being provided to them.
Will look at lower performing schools.
Policy committee Torres. Met on 9/12 with heavy agenda. There will be 3 before you today. The items discussed hearing policy process, have not made a recommendation, policy to outline hearing process that would incorporate community inclusion. Truancy policy regional firm present had follow-up. Another school system for truancy modification. Not made any recommendation. Supplemental services program. Who providers are in region.
Good to see we are actively engaged on who are the after school providers. When fall sport starts up, we get a request for facility use.
Torres: Want to thank Romano for work and being patient with committee and public. Address issue of use and cost benefit. Asking community to work with us. Several items on Internet use. Recent school conference for cube organization, issue of cyber bullying was addressed. Looked at policy and our use and latitude of using cyberspace to taunt a student. Issue of video streaming, and friends in community are providing it. Possibility of students in system put together video stream capability for our Web site. Make it fun and engaging could use upgrade on that and use our young people to provide solutions. Use talent in schools to do this.
Sykes we are looking at policy for use of building.
Torres: Yes, if you recall when this board went out to community to support Building For Success we would provide access to community to provide return on investment.
Sykes: Wellness program, health and exercise of students.
Foley: We have a policy that incorporates. We work on reducing the amount of soft drinks in school. There is a committee formed in October to look at it. NCLB.
Sykes: looking at food being provided to students
Foley: We had individuals selling food to students in the morning. Sold food in HS.
Sykes said we are losing money in food program. We want to look at that again provide a better diet and make money.
Sykes: Other thing we changed the policy to address parents concerns need to look at individuals in schools. Recruiter activities various things done with females. If we are going to let them in our schools we need to know who they are. We need to know their background. This is coming a real issue. We need to look at that. There was that question at the committee level.
Torres: there was that issue and we can look at that. Would need assistance on if that applies across the board. We have a right to know who is in our schools.
Any other questions? Fisher. Another question for supp services, is that title one schools? Torres Yes. Is there an opportunity for someone to get help? How do they seek help?
Foley each school has a improvement plan. Homework help hotline. Need tutor, we do keep a list of people who contact us and we set the fee. It would be interesting to know if we can expand the information.
Fisher to get help what do we call. I don't know if who to go to. I would like to put that information on our Web site.
Dan Romano - need bid to move portables. Would like to request a special board meeting 10/10. 5 10 minute meeting.
One item action for board meeting.
Dan said he got the letter from Fisher about construction. They will have a biweekly update of construction projects.
7:03 - Sykes - what date was that request presented to you from Ms. Fisher.
Dan looked up the date. September 18.
Sykes, request for 8 different items.
DR yes.
Sykes you have not presented it to fisher.
Right after questions asked Flagg was on the radio talking about giving ms information.
Fisher did you talk to Flagg, as you heard you have not received the information.
Torres, issue that board talk about that with Mr. Flagg. If there was misinformation then then take legal action.
Sykes we are talking about the information Flagg discussed on the radio and the questions.
Torres: Ms fisher did you talk about this on the radio.
Fisher no.
Torres then let's move on.
7:06 Resolutions -
Special one on establishing a scholarship from Leverette. This contribution is initial part of addition once something is sold.
Ellis said that E. Leverette was first AA principal and got him into education.
Sykes talking about journalism program when the students left.
7:13 Treasurer report and resolutions were approved.
Professional development resolution.
Sykes point of order.
Fisher can't have point of order I have the floor. Payment would be $2k expenditure from service fund, have 4800 left so there is budgeted money left already. Once we approve the expenditures on 70, service fund it 15K. We take vote on board development first.
Torres: Madam pres there is a balance on service fund. Is there en encumbered amount, 10,070, some will be attached to resolution on page 70. So balance is available is 4900 and use 2k to engage with OSBA.
Fisher sent survey on what they have done to work with board. She did have preliminary dates.
Steel did we move to second resolution. I don't understand why two are together.
Sykes point of order.
Fisher: Point is they are coming from same fund. Sykes this was not discussed to put these two items together.
Fisher: Yes correct.
Torres: Is the amount we are seeing reimbursement of funds. We are allocating budget for 250 dollars for Barnett. That convergence are we looking at other costs?
Treasurer - Amount there is only for registration and amount is still of travel. That amount is still within the figure fisher quoted.
Torres: Request that conference is in figure of 1 k instead of $250.
Treas – That would be reasonable.
Sykes: Two things one service fund and recommendation of treasurer. Conferences are separate from hiring someone. This is not something you can force and have us vote on. I don't appreciate you as a professional trying to do this. Present it to us so we can have discussion in finance comm. meeting. Did you bring it to us or not.
Fisher: Purpose is service fund is save expenditures.
Sykes let's go back to be clear what voting on.
Treasurer: approve exp listed on p 60.
Fisher: need discussion.
Sykes: Good board members go to conferences. Why don't you go to these conferences?
Fisher: my priority is here. Ms Barnett would you like to be recognized.
Ms. Barnett [angerly speaks] we talked about being the best we can be and working together. You sent out a number of e-mails about working together. You get here to meeting and railroad us to not going to a conference. You have been on board for 9 months and have not attended conference. You need to see what others are doing.
Fisher: Happy to go to conferences have but we have 15k limitation on service fund.
Sykes: Call for vote. Repeats everyone is talking over each other.
Steel: Roberts rule of order when you call for vote end of discussion.
Fisher: Call for the vote.
Vote to approve reimbursing Larry and Deborah for travel of $3500 was passed.
7:25 Approval of tuition rates.
Performance bond for business manager.
Barnett called for question.
Fisher: Discussion
Barnett: We talk about collaboration building relationships with people in community. The chamber of commerce and Toledo Community Foundation has been working on putting together a board development program. It did not just come to community. Because of our actions it appears they will not work with us. That is the delay in the action. You are supposed to get a call. If you are wanting to be fiscally responsible you don't need to approve.
Torres: Because of Ms. Barnett’s original request, I support resolution. I support it because with limited resources, I have listened to colleagues that we need to work together. It would be wise to allocate the resources we have to come together. You are right, folks at chamber have come to me and not prepared and not convinced everyone was able to do it. You need to be open to it. Agreed in principal that this one should be like in the past. I am willing to invest in it to work together.
Steel - we initiated process in Feb going to cost nothing. What happened?
Barnett: After interviewing board members Barnett, said after president was last member they bowed out. Recommendation to find an issue for all of us to support and begin work on bringing it together. It was too political to work with the five of us.
Sykes: The other issue was the president, with Mr. Torres was questioning the fact that the representatives were good friends with Sykes and that was an issue.
Torres. I was not there so I don't know where that is coming from. We do pay a membership to the organization and amount is 29k.
Steel we also pay OSBA.
Fisher, question on table, 5 members willing to engage in professional development the cost is 2k. If no further discussion, let’s vote.
Steel - so where do we stand with chamber?
Barnett- They are ready. They were going to call Foley and fisher Comprehensive program to for anyone to serve on board training.
Sykes said you will learn how to be a good board member.
Fisher: We do not have a concrete resolution before us. I went through training with the Chamber.
Barnett you went through a candidate program.
Fisher: Are you willing to show you are willing to engage in professional development.
Steel Chamber no cost? I move to table resolution until we hear. I believe we need to improve. We should not undercut the process. I would table it.
Sykes second.
Fisher Mr. Sykes we are willing to work together. The exchange that has occurred was ridiculous. We just spent 3000 to support two members to go on a conference.
Sykes call for vote.
Steel: There were allegations and I would like to respond. I did not move against this. I move to table it. I do not want to undercut the fellow board member because someone decided on a different program. Let Barnett go forward.
Sykes can we call for the vote?
Giscom with motion and second there need to be a vote. We are voting.
Sykes: What are we voting on?
Treas: Table vote.
Sykes: what is on the table? We have moved to table the discussion.
Fisher: Discussion. Talking over each other.
7:40 - Barnett 5 minute recess.
Torres 2
5-minute recess
7:42 reconvened
After consulting Roberts’s rules, motion to table takes precedence. Vote on table 5 to table until next regular meeting.
Treasurer
Super search
Fisher reason this is before us we need to respond to Proact. Proact would increase expenditures to 25k, we can table it. Hoping everyone could get timeline she did not get any comments on it.
7:50 We need to change date.
Steel wanted to add, concern for timeline regarding treasurer search and other activities. For time and focus, focus on one then focus on another. Idea would be to address timeline, proposed would be in March. Shifts back in March to do a good job on treas search.
Torres: Say what we ask for is a change of date, not responsibility. Contention is that they have not gone above and beyond what they will do. Contract signed we would conclude until 2006. I don't support resolution for additional expenses.
TAAP Concern with timeline and with levy. If you had a timeline selection process will be Jan or Feb. If you have a levy won't this cloud the issue.
Fisher, I did consider this that is why I sent the timeline out. We have to file the paperwork to indicated when her services would end.
Barnett when you talk about the levy, I support the levy. WE can't move forward until we all are in support of a levy. First we have to know if we can put one on.
Approve expense or table it and work within guidelines.
7:55 Barnett in info you sent out the additional expenditures would be for additional advertising. What I would like to know, did we get any candidates in ad we sent out? Is it beneficial to pay for ad to generate candidates?
Sykes been through this before. Majority of names that come forward is from contacts and national school board association.
5-10 calls from. We won't get anybody if we can control expenses ourselves what we want to spend our money on. My understanding we can do without it, we don't need to have. Why would we add? Please let me finish. Paid consultant fees other gone to advertisements. She has not done anything. Giving 5k more for what?
Fisher it is ok to vote down.
Sykes why bring forward.
Fisher I brought it to board for board to decide.
We need an addendum to the contract.
Are there any expenses on extending the life. That is why it is before us.
Steel, since there has been no candidate travel, why fees.
Treas costs have gone up since original contract. If board wanted to live within the original amount she could live with it.
Steel if we get a flood and we could at that time to increase the budget.
Voting on the resolution as it stands.
Sykes - we had discussion about levy. You and Mr. Torres voted not. Open the books. Where are we at with the levy?
Torres - Let me correct colleague I never uttered open the books. Issue before us, this resolution is not related to issue you are raising.
Vote up or down resolution, I would like a call.
Barnett we need to vote to amend the resolution to take up 5 k increase.
Steel - move to amend to strike words increase expenses.
8:02 - Striking from two from the first line to second line. Only amend timeline. We seem to have the consensus remove expenditure.
Fisher at this time have further info regarding treasurer search.
Sykes - First I never got to see brochure for approval.
Fisher: Why did you not get it?
Sykes: I don't know if you got it. Did you get a change to review it? Yes I did.
Foley: if we have something of this nature turning it around is too quick. Communicate through secretary.
Sykes: Ms Fisher I am disturbed at brochure. If you look at search I was hoping. I do not understand why beginning is why it is. When someone looks at it. I am patterning it after the previous brochure. Why would she do this?
Fisher: This is patterned after other ones.
Sykes: I am asking because we have paid for this.
Torres: We don't know what I wanted to ask.
Let Mr. Sykes finish. 30k students, back says 29k. Brochure. Construction is questionable. Board of Education years of experience is inaccurate.
Announce vacancy deadline, read timeline.
Fisher: We agreed to this timeline and agreed Ms. Lasorta to come back with committee recommendations.
Sykes: How much did we pay? This represents district would like marketing and super to approve it.
Torres: Sykes you do injustice if you lay this oversight in factual items on Fisher alone. You heard Foley he did receive it and glance at it. We all had the opportunity to review it. Direct your criticism at yourself. We need to take responsibility as a team. Unless we take responsibility. I accept blame for what I did not do.
Barnett: Robert at the last meeting we tried to direct he process of the brochure to super. You said let super do it. You accepted it. That is what we have staff for. To have our time caught up.
Torres: I take seriously the comment that Foley reviewed it. You can't say that you did not have the time to review it. I received it and reviewed it.
Sykes did you see it.
Torres when I am responsible I will accept the responsibility. Thank you Sir.
Any other issues regarding the timeline.
Goals. I hope you received the goals and have not received any feedback.
You did not hear from me? Reflect Urban coalition goals. Process to take a draft and give feedback.
Steel I expressed the difference of opinion of nature of goals of the leadership of the district. How specific. It is my contention that final draft has too many specifics.
Fisher would you like to make revisions?
Steel what I would do is. I would say our goals the more specific we get the more we hamstring.
The bullet points should be removed. Academic
Fisher what about the measurable, can these be tied with the goals?
8:17 Steel we wanted admin to come back with a plan. Admin would come back with action steps. It is admin goals that we come back. It is year from now we know if we move on. Have you met them and fulfilled the measure.
Part of resolution was to get OSBA to work with us on this process. What is the status of the goals? Do you want us to revise them?
Steel - strike bulleted points and general comments and pass it.
Torres - my thought is quite similar to steel. Goals are supposed to be an indication of where we should be as a district. As long as we capture the spirit of that theme, then we are to do that justice. Action steps should be at the committee level. The goals are very fluid. If we can keep the goals as one, do the outcomes in committee we serve our purpose of being a better public policy. Be as brief as possible without boxing us in with different benchmarks.
Fisher: What board member would like to take that draft and circulate?
Sykes: One of the issues with action steps and benchmarks, you fail to take in state and national policy are, no child left behind, some of that prevents any of that from occurring. We need to be realistic with what the administration can do. That is what holds us accountablity. Goals and objectives drive this district, attendance. All of this is crazy where did you get it?
Fisher: I did take in consideration guidelines. Other districts have taken these on as goals. Our opportunity is to take this on.
Sykes: I have been on board 9 years leading district in nation and state. You need to get out into schools not following Twila. This is not what gets this district where they are.
Twila page stands up and says that her daughter wants to speak.
Fisher: These came from Feb goals. Brought them up to give us another opportunity.
Fisher: Mr. Sykes your behavior causes that reaction we can't have it. Silence.
Fisher: 3 other topics. In regards to last meeting with Scott alums. Do you have a report? He met with an representative of the alum group with Mr. Foley.
Sykes: You were supposed to meet with them. They did not want to meet with me. I did meet with someone in the group and with Mr. Foley.
Fisher: Can these request be shared with entire board.
Sykes: When we put something together.
Fisher: Regards to knowledge works, did meet with Foley? Did you attend the meeting?
Foley: Were given information October 3 where we will meet with reps and will continue to fund the program. We will have a meeting with bargaining units whether we would agree to extend. There is no contract to extend funding. They are looking for a more stringent accountability. Knowledge Works is interested in giving presentation. They were interested in presenting publicly to community.
Sykes: I understand they only had one meeting.
Foley: It has not been scheduled but there ways a request.
Fisher: I wanted to call attention this is parents week. Ellis will be at Dana center. Tomorrow 2 TPS students will be honored. Lastly wanted to let board members know to join to talk about Scott feeder pattern.
Sykes: You are meeting with Mr. Williams again. What is his interest in Scott, he does not live in neighborhood. What is his interest?
Fisher: I have not set up meeting, would like to ask board what they think. I am willing to meet with anyone in the community.
Steel - I may have been remiss wanted to point out our next meeting scheduled on a day wandering neighborhood asking for treats. Any sentiment to change the meeting?
Fisher who would like to make a recommendation on who would like to change that?
[Board talking about dates.]
Consensus to change to 10/30 Monday. Are there any other issues before adjourn.
Call for adjournment.
8:33 adjourned...
posted by chrismyers at 01:12 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Thank you Chris for that report! Wow, sounds more and more like 1 of those Mexican soap operas (very "dramafied"). I'm surprised that no parents of "Jones at Libbey" students were there complaining about the conditions of their classrooms. I've received reports that the teachers have no working phone and mice running around in the "classroom" (it is a utility closet)!
posted by MrsPhoenix at 05:04 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Mrs. P. - Interesting.
HQ Audio can be downloaded at: http://www.plumbrook.com/mfsb/downloads/092606tpshq.mp4
133 MB - don't say I did not warn you. (wrong link is posted above).
posted by chrismyers at 05:27 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
This meeting is a sad snapshot of some of the folks that are supposed to be protecting the education and advancement of the children of TPS. I am appalled at Mr. Sykes behavior, and even more upset with the apparent re-enforcement of this behavior by Barnett and Steel.
The children of TPS deserve to have people representing them that do not act petty, controlling, derisive and devisive. The behaviors and tantrums that are shown by Mr. Sykes (primarily) are the same behaviors that would cause our children to be reprimanded.
True leaders do so by example. It is alarming that the example(s) our children have are petulent, immature, insecure, and unable to express themselves without very obvious attempts at discrediting another person. Apparently these members don't have 100% faith in their so called 'beliefs' and can only try to make their point by pointing a finger at others.
I have seen 5 year olds that have better reasoning/logic skills.
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:35 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Chris
What I said when I stood up was something to the effect that Mr. Sykes did not have to be disrespectful to me in front of my 15 year old daughter who was sitting beside me. He then said "take her home, then."
I only addressed him because she was already upset because of the way I was treated when I spoke before the board, earlier in the evening. Mr. Ellis practically called me a liar, spoke to me in a disrespectful tone and I can't remember who else was disrespectful because I was caught up in the moment! I did not know she was at the board meeting when I spoke because she was dropped off after a program that she attends. She was very distraught.
So I had to do some Mommy is "ok ing" when I got home. I guess I won't bring my children to another board meeting. It was almost like me getting abused by a husband in front of my daughter. So I had a lot of work to do last night. Larry Sykes is a very abusive man and Deborah Barnett and Steeve steel enable him to be abusive. I can a little bit understand Deborah as it relates to Larry. They probably bond real well at the conventions that they attend together but what is Steel's motivation. He was so concerned about his daughter to the point of having the October board meeting changed to a different date because he was taking his five year old daughter "trick or treating" but allowed his co-hort to abuse me in front of my daughter, without a word. I think that is shameful.
I think it is important and a good experience that children see how government is run. It was her choice to come but I guess I will have to rethink that one. My children are very important to me and I would never intentionally put them in a negative position which is what I did last night. For Larry, Deborah and Ellis to say what they did and behave as they did was very disconcerting to say the least.
posted by purnhrt at 08:40 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Jr, I will not attempt take up "front page" space to post this, so I will place it here:
Everyone please read Ms. Philana Marie Boles' interview with Coach Ben Williams in today's issue of the Toledo Free Press. She did an EXCELLENT job in portraying this gentleman in a REAL light. No, I am not related to Ms. Boles. I simply give credit where credit is due.
posted by MrsPhoenix at 08:41 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Long-time lurker, first time poster here. I'm not a Toledo resident but have followed Toledo politics & TPS issues for years. I am also a school board trustee and feel compelled to tell you all this: the level of disrespect & contempt for the public and parents exhibited by the TPS school board is inappropriate and unbelievable to me. It's easy to become jaded and accepting the longer this behavior goes on, I just wanted to let you know that not all boards behave this way and it should not be tolerated. That board represents your interests and should be reminded at every meeting of this. Please keep on them and hold them accountable...
posted by Raggedclaws at 09:18 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
This school board is really making my decision of Catholic High School versus TPS High School easier and easier everyday.
posted by aperson at 09:54 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
so when these buildings start falling apart due to shoddy workmanship in a few years, we as taxpayers will be able to sue Sykes for not taking this information and investigating it?
posted by gotoledogo at 11:13 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
And I totally agree, Larry Sykes is very abusive, disrespectful and has no business being on the school board.
posted by gotoledogo at 11:14 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
The peerless MrsPhoenix makes a good point. In the TFP's interview, Mr Williams is a much different man than commonly portrayed by the Blade. Pickup up a copy and read it, folks. You don't have to agree with Williams' conclusions (which about his alleged upcoming lawsuit against the TPS, I don't agree), but his presentation is a necessary part of the whole public debate about the TPS.
I especially liked this exchange for its concise honesty:
"TFP: How did you feel about Sanders?
Williams: I give him credit for getting us the money for rebuilding our schools, but that's when a lot of these problems started. He was very good at dealing with the media and he was good at covering up things. Sanders should have been more closely scrutinized."
posted by GuestZero at 12:08 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Wasn't there a lawsuit by Marc Dann that alleged that there was "pay to play" in school construction business?
posted by corky at 12:37 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Another note about the school board meeting last night. When Larry left the board room he was escorted by the security guard as if he was under some threat. She walked him to his car. The irony of it, abusive to females but needs a small statured female guard to walk him out. What is that all about. Ms. Barnett was also escorted to her car by a security guard.
If anybody should have had a security escort it should have been Robert Torres and Darlene Fisher as they were the ones under attack.
posted by purnhrt at 12:58 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Thank you GuestZero. That is why I encourage all to read the TFP article. Coach Williams is portrayed realistically there, NOT in the Blah. And, yes the exchange you quoted was very concise and honest.
posted by MrsPhoenix at 03:02 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
And purnhrt, I am so sorry you & your daughter experienced such behavior. If that had been me, my daughter AND my husband, Sykes and his petite bodyguard would have been carried out on stretchers!
posted by MrsPhoenix at 03:05 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
I'm uploading the video now - it is a three hour session. toledopoliticians
It's been nearly a day and I still don't know how to comment or where to begin. I'm absolutely shocked - that's the plain truth. I've never seen adults conduct themselves like Mr. Sykes (predominantly), Ms. Barnett and to some extent - Dr. Steel last night.
I'm ashamed, for our community - I was embarassed for the UT students. They were excited about being at the meeting - had questions and were interested in the process. Very bright young people. They were disturbed by the meeting, to say the least.
I am loading the video - I hope that you take the time to see it, I hope I did a good enough job that you can see some of what I saw last night. It brought me to tears on the way home. It left me feeling hopeless.
It left me feeling like we're failing our kids. And that Darlene Fisher and Robert Torres aren't going to be able to bring about any change.
I guess I don't know what to do. I had hoped that taping the meetings would help. But I've never seen behavior from anyone like the behavior I've seen from Larry Sykes.
Maybe I can formulate a decent commentary on the experience last night - but right now I can't do it. I just keep thinking about the kids that came to talk. How bright and vivacious they were. The personality - the 'fashion' show. But those kids meant nothing to Larry Sykes - he went out on his mission to hatchet the new board members and those kids didn't make one bit of difference to him.
posted by katie82640 at 03:05 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Thanks to the people that went to this meeting and for others engaging in the discussion. I think it is important work and should be commended.
posted by jdmsbyrd at 03:39 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
Katie82640
Change is a'commin." You can smell it in the air. Because you are new to the system all you see is the dysfunction. I don't see dysfunction, I call it change. Darlene and Robert need our support. We need to stand strong with and for them. The storm comes just before the sun comes out. We are in the storm but the sun will come out..... tomorrow.
When the child I had with me last night was real little, I had her and my other children at a board meeting. Larry Sykes motioned for security to come as I was speaking but I didn't know it. So when I got up to leave the podium I turned around and there were two security people coming down the aisle towards me. I asked them not to to this in front of my children and they turned around. My children were terrified. No one thought that what Larry had done was wrong, the Blade reported it as my going over my time limit and not moving, which was clearly not the case.
The difference today is people see that Larry, Deborah and Steel are not working in the best interest of the school district much less the children. The public is more involved, communities of schools are speaking up for their students and thanks to you more people will see what is happening at TPS and join the fight for change.
Because I didn't want my daughter to be traumatized, (she was more angry that frightened) as I found out later, I felt that I had to address Sykes like I did.
posted by purnhrt at 03:42 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
purhnrt - thanks for standing up and doing the right thing in front of your daughter - I'm sure she'll learn to be a strong woman because of your example.
posted by MaggieThurber at 05:32 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
purnhrt - both you and your daughter showed great restraint. I too think she will grow up to be a strong woman. Like her mother.
Funny how some guys seem to have a real problem with strong women :-)
posted by katie82640 at 08:03 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
fyi - the video is up.
If you want to see what I saw last night - the worst of it happened in the last hour. I split the video into two parts. About an hour and 25 minutes each.
Then tell me what you think...
posted by katie82640 at 09:04 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 27, 2006 #
What I find hilariously ironic is Larry Sykes trusts his personal security escort to protect him from "bad people" to a woman that's about the same size as the woman whom he tried to intimidate at a school board meeting over video taping the meeting for public consumption.
Larry, take your ball and your two crybaby teammates and go home.
You're obsolete.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 03:20 A.M. EST on Thu Sep 28, 2006 #
Does anyone know why there are BOYCOTT THE BLADE signs at some of the schools?
posted by purnhrt at 01:25 P.M. EST on Thu Sep 28, 2006 #
Did you know that the following phrases are contained within "Ohio Revised Code § 3301.07. Powers and duties generally; minimum standards":
The state board of education shall exercise under the acts of the general assembly general supervision of the system of public education in the state. In addition to the powers otherwise imposed on the state board under the provisions of law, the board shall have the following powers:
(A) Exercise policy forming, planning, and evaluative functions for the public schools of the state, and for adult education, except as otherwise provided by law; …..
…….
(D) Formulate and prescribe minimum standards to be applied to all elementary and secondary schools in this state for the purpose of requiring a general education of high quality. Such standards shall provide adequately for: ….. the proper organization, administration, and supervision of each school, …..
…….
The full text of Section 3301.07 may be found at Anderson's Ohio Online Docs; just plug in the section number in the search box.
posted by RolandHansen at 03:35 P.M. EST on Thu Sep 28, 2006 #
Roland, if you were in my office I'd kiss ya'.
Thank you!
posted by katie82640 at 04:21 P.M. EST on Thu Sep 28, 2006 #
I know that everyone here has their own agenda and opinions when it comes to members of the board, but I have to say something. I read this blog, faithfully every night, sometimes cheering and sometimes questioning what goes on in some of your heads. But please let me say this without being attacked. I have had the opportunity to meet with Robert Torres outside of school board meetings for some of his other issues and passions and I have to say that he is not only sincere, but true to his feelings about TPS and his belief in this system. No one on this board is perfect but I really feel that Darlene and Robert are the two that are going to take our school system to the level it deserves to be at in the future. I have faith in them both. I hate what is happening to the board and the tension between them is finally starting to trickle down on the rest of us. It's kind of like when Mom is in a bad mood, she is snapping at everyone.(well at least in my house it is like that!) The rest of board is not happy, so they are taking it out on us, the citizens, the tax payers and the parents of the TPS students they are so desperate to keep. So I guess what I am saying is this, dont let a few bad seeds ruin the whole apple. I think next year, when it comes time for some serious thought about our board, we all need to think about who has the childrens best interest at heart and who has forgotten about my children, our children, your children.
posted by KrisP at 10:34 P.M. EST on Thu Sep 28, 2006 #
KrisP - very well said. Thank you.
The TPS Board, in its current state, is a detriment to our children. Darlene and Robert are more than willing to put the time, effort, thought, care and concern into making this a better system. The others (and we all know who THEY are) are simply concerned with losing control and sacrificing a large slice of their self-importance.
The school board should not be about egos. It SHOULD be about what will make our schools better, what will make the learning experience more effective, what will help produce academically well rounded young adults that will take our world to the next level. Instead we have the current situation.
I don't have children but that does not minimize my reponsibility in caring about our schools. The product of the school systems is of utmost importance in that the graduates of today are tomorrow's leaders. And those leaders will be making decisions that affect us all - with or without children.
posted by DoknowDocare at 06:59 A.M. EST on Fri Sep 29, 2006 #
We need to support Robert Torres and Darlene Fisher in any way that we can, attend board meetings, write the Blade and other Toledo Newspapers, tell them when you see them out what a good job they are doing, help others to see what is really happening on the board and it is definitely not Darlene and Robert causing the "dysfunction."
I can see why Sykes and Barnett would desire to keep things the same and not want change but what is Steel's motivation?
posted by purnhrt at 09:34 A.M. EST on Fri Sep 29, 2006 #
I cannot understand why Sykes and Barnett want to keep things the same. Look at what has happened to the district while they were on the board. About a quarter of the students are gone, alternative educational options are rapidly rising, there is a funding shortfall on a regular basis in the MILLIONS of dollars. They are closing buildings, laying off teachers - ?? Why would they want it to remain the same?
As for Steel it's starting to look like the schoolyard bully syndrome. He'd rather become a part of the bullies group and deflect the risk of becoming a target.
posted by katie82640 at 01:47 P.M. EST on Fri Sep 29, 2006 #
Damn after reading this I'm thinking of attending the next board meeting despite me having no business there. I'd sit with katie and her group so that Leisure Suit Larry could squirm a bit.
posted by MikeyA at 08:41 P.M. EST on Fri Sep 29, 2006 #
I received a letter today (Saturday)from Mr. Sykes that states among other things that he will chatge me with a safe school, that board members should not need "police officers to escort us to our cars."
I will post this letter as soon as I figure out how to do it.
posted by purnhrt at 03:30 P.M. EST on Sat Sep 30, 2006 #
you've got to be kidding! Larry's pressing charges against you, now, too? unbelievable!
posted by MaggieThurber at 04:37 P.M. EST on Sat Sep 30, 2006 #
purnhrt - please email me. Address is in the profile.
I'd like to talk to you about the letter you received. I think Katie and I might have a way to help you.
Thanks,
posted by DoknowDocare at 09:28 P.M. EST on Sat Sep 30, 2006 #
Chris and Katie, thank you for your time and effort to make the video available. I have been viewing them since you have been posting them and while they are still hard to follow at times, this was the easiest to follow to date.
First of all, you and many of the other posters were there and I was not. I can only see what the camera and the microphone shows me. I first read your recap including some of your bias that comes with it, then I watched the video and made observations that include my own bias. Larry Sykes' total lack of professionalism and Toledo voters' habit of returning him to office continues astound me. He has planted his foot in his mouth so many times that even when he is in the right it means nothing because he has no credibility.
Mr. Sturdivant asked a question in a public forum, but was told his response would come in the form of a private letter to him as an individual. I hope the response is announced at the next board meeting or listed in the minutes so the rest of the public can hear it.
Since it is so rare that Ms. Lawrence has anything positive to say about TPS in public it is equally rare that I make positive comments about her. This time we are in full agreement. TPS clearly has more administrators than we need or can afford and she made that point clearly and concisely.
Based on the posters' comments, I kept looking for the horns and pitchfork form Ms. Barnett and Dr. Steel but I just don't see it. Unlike Mr. Sykes, they seem to follow the rules of order, voice their opinions without getting personal, and raise legitimate questions. I will add that I have known Ms. Barnett for 25 years and while we haven't always agreed on everything I have always felt her heart was in the right place. The comments I have heard about using her influence to gain sweetheart deals for the bank she works for made me laugh. I thought it was totally appropriate for Ms. Barnett to suggest that an order form might have eliminated whatever doubt there was about Ms. Paige's document request and she was right that it should have been handled before it became necessary to waste time with it at a school board meeting. Ms. Paige, I applaud you for taking an active role, but I did not hear the "tone of voice" you referred to in your exchange with Mr. Ellis. I was somewhat impressed with Mr. Torres simply because he maintained an even keel even when things seemed to get a bit heated and he didn't allow himself to appear that he is affected by Mr. Sykes' bullying tactics. One of the gripes I have heard in the past about Ms. Fisher is that she has been known to act without consulting the rest of the board, and in this tape at times she seems to ignore the input of the other board members. Mr. Sykes was trying to accuse Ms. Fisher of sharing negative information with Mr. Flagg at one point in this meeting. She seemed to go to her water bottle every time Dr. Steel spoke, and his frustration was clear when he was trying to explain he was trying to table an issue to get more information, not to vote it down. In fairness to Ms. Fisher, I couldn't always tell if she was able to hear everything since there was plenty of cross-talk going on.
I believe the political and financial ills of this town have had much more of an adverse effect on the schools than the other way around, but that means we have even less ability to tolerate this division on the school board. I would love to see how much that would change minus Mr. Sykes.
posted by bobthedad at 12:23 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
bobthedad said: “TPS clearly has more administrators than we need or can afford and she made that point clearly and concisely.”
Oh, snap! Finally a citizen awakens!
I know that sounds condescending, but it's really not. I'm just routinely astounded that citizens accept that a school system "has to" have a literal army of administrators with funny titles. Status-quo-ters like Sykes, Sanders, Barnett (and now Silver) only help build that mistaken perception, largely by supporting the entire establishment by default.
School systems should be largely ruled by the teachers through the use of a committee system. Teachers would setup periodic elections amongst their body in order to staff these committees, their leaders and other point people. Then, the teachers would administrate themselves. (Of course, an interested parent can apply for election in such a system.)
Let's be honest: Those administrator jobs are rarely full-time duties. In the rare case that a full-time position is needed, then the teacher body politic could very well elect a teacher rotation through the position. Say, a Biology treacher could serve as Disciplinary Vice Principal this year, so he throws his hat into the ring. Maybe he's a bit tired of his classes throwing the fetal pigs around this year, so he could use a break AND do some good for the school.
Financially, we can incent the teachers (and their despicable fückplate of a union {ptui!}) to assume these powers since they can receive a stipend on top of their normal salaries for their administration duties. This stipend will obviously be much less that the cost of a full-time administrator (who we note are largely pulling in over $90K per, in the TPS). What teacher would not strongly consider administrating their own school as added duties over the year for a 10-20% bump in pay?
What an insider should do to make the point clear is to post (YES, HERE ON THIS WEBSITE) a list of all the administration job titles. All the funny titles that I've ever heard were obviously bullshit ("diversity coordinator"? -- gimme a break!), and the citizens need to tune in on that mindset through the same process.
bobthedad said: “I believe the political and financial ills of this town have had much more of an adverse effect on the schools than the other way around, but that means we have even less ability to tolerate this division on the school board.”
Firstly, to the first approximation, you're right. Toledo is in a for-real, capital-D "Depression". On top of that, students are clearly fleeing the school system.
Secondly, and penultimately most important, it doesn't matter how bad Toledo's economics get, since it's always the duty of the school system to be prudent and frugal with the public money we entrusted them with. The TPS acts otherwise, alas. They act as if each levy is their divinely-granted RIGHT and that they can then do whatever the fück they wish with the money. Do you recall that time the Blade caught those highly-overpaid administrators handing themselves $2000 bonuses? THAT's a fine example of what's going on.
Thirdly, and most importantly, dissent on the Board is not a sign that the organization is dysfunctional. Instead, it finally shows that there IS a problem and that it's being addressed. I never understood this retarded sentiment that everyone in an organization has to avoid "division". We just went through the Sanders administration, which was well noted for its lockstep presentation to the public. Note the mess that we're in now, which is almost exactly fallout from such a lack of division on the prior TPS Board and in the administration.
Dissent is dutiful. From such arguments, the truth will out. And the truth is that Sykes and his Three Acting Like Children faction are only seeking to return the school system to the previous status quo of taking in more of OUR MONEY, spending it on bullshit, and then patting themselves on their backs while the school system cranks out more hood rats on the express train to our jail system.
At the heart of it, we have the cultural duty (as demanded by the Ohio constitution!) to make sure each child is educated in reading, writing, math, and various supporting topics like Human health, government, personal finance and history. The TPS has gotten very far from that duty, and is slipping strongly towards being a pure feeder system for our jail system. After suitable discussion, we must gird our loins to oust the useless bastards -- Sanders was a start, but Sykes obviously has to go next, as well as fully half (to start) of the TPS Administrator Army -- and return the TPS to being an EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.
Peace out!
posted by GuestZero at 11:49 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
The worst thing about all of this is how Mr. Sykes behavior is affecting the entire district. What I don't understand is how there is nothing we can do about this. He is in an elected position, right? My thought is if he is elected to a position and not fulfilling his obligations, plus the way he is hindering the entire district with his outbursts, plus the way he treats parents, students etc at the board meetings, how is it he is allowed to continue doing this? This man has some SERIOUS problems and if he isn't stopped our schools will continue to lose students and be the laughing stock of NW Ohio. Is there honestly nothing that we can do to remove him or stop his assinine behavior? Sorry, I just don't understand.
posted by justsimplyholly at 11:50 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
I've taken a break from this over this weekend. I appreciate your comments and your input and your thoughts.
I had a thought - with all the frustration over these issues - I have a concern about Larry Sykes. When I back off and look at this from a 30 thousand foot view - these are not the actions of a well grounded man.
I wonder if the pressure has gotten to be too much for him? On a personal level - I have concerns about his mental health at this point. I have a letter submitted for toledopoliticians which I will post tonight. It is a complaint about things that never happened. I was there. These things did NOT happen. And there is a video tape to boot.
I'm going to try to white out the mailing address and post it to the site tonight. But I wonder if in all that has happened, someone's gone over the edge and needs help?
posted by katie82640 at 05:35 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
and mikeya - would be glad to have ya'. This is one of those things that kind of has to be seen to be believed. Even seeing a recording can't convey the stress and multiple activities going on.
posted by katie82640 at 07:27 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
Bobthedad, Great observations. This is why we post the audio and video, for you to download watch/listen and make your own decision. I am glad we were able to help you and the others see their board in action, regardless of if it is functional or not.
One of the things I was surprised of was Larry's reaction to the UT students. He was really giving them the evil eye because he thought they were with us. When he found out they were UT students you could see he realized his foot was in his mouth. His hate he showed to them because he thought they were affiliated with Kate and I was quite strange and concerning. I think this says more than anything. Now to Mr. Sykes it is personal and the district is second; what a shame.
KrisP, I could not agree with you more. Next year will determine how the community wants its school system to be. It will be a race between the district's interest or the community interest; one will win next year. I vote for community interest-the reason the School board is elected. All of this personal hate that exists needs to end because the parents and the kids just want a good education. I know this is a dream as long as there is one person on the board.
Justsimplyholly, the recall process for board members is strange. Believe it or not the suit Steven Flagg is bringing against the district needs to occur in order to have them removed. First there must be a warning then if there is continual violation, then removal by a judge. Other than this, you can go to the board meeting and ask Larry to resign. I agree, Larry Sykes will soon make the board a laughing stock of NW Ohio or the State if this continues.
posted by chrismyers at 07:33 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
You can view a copy of Larry's letter to Twila at : http://www.plumbrook.com/mfsb/downloads/larrysletter.jpg
posted by chrismyers at 07:57 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
Thanks to citizens banding together and getting this done-again.
posted by chrismyers at 08:01 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
I gotta ask - since when did Larry Sykes, in a letter signed only by him, speak for the whole board. And who gave him the authority to bring charges on behalf of the board - without a vote by the whole board?
This letter is atrocious and a blatant attempt at intimidation with the aim of stifling dissent.
I wonder about publicizing the letter along with the video in an attempt to bring more public pressure against the lone school board member who signed the letter.
posted by MaggieThurber at 08:59 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
Maggie, I agree. He is apparently trying to speak for the whole district.
posted by chrismyers at 09:07 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
I've been researching Mr. Sykes and his "reign" on the TPS board through the Toledo Blade Archives all night. I've found some very interesting and contradictory information. I'm planning on posting my findings on my Thoughts On TPS blog probably Tuesday after I've had time to really read through what I have and have had time to put it all together. I'll gladly let you know when I post this if you'd like me to.
I think that we as a community and as parents need to stand up and put an end to this man and his tyrades, which amazingly were going on in 1997 shortly after he was "appointed" to the school board (note: NOT voted in then). We've put up with it long enough, it's time for it to stop NOW!
posted by ThoughtsOnTPS at 09:12 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
I'd like to read it when you post it Jo.
Maggie - I don't know where he got the behavior he cited in that letter. I can document that it didn't happen during the meeting with the video.
I wouldn't think he would have the authority to speak for the board or the administration in this manner.
He can't even write a letter without taking a swipe at Darlene Fisher. So we're back to my concern about his well-being. I don't think he is well.
posted by katie82640 at 09:52 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
ChrisMyers
Thanks. I did not have a clue on how to get this accomplished (posting the letter). Thanks again.
MaggieThurber
I was totally shocked that Mr. Sykes would send a letter such as this through the mail, especially since he knows that none of this actually happened. The only part that did happen is that he had a policewoman walk him out. Barnett also had a security guard walk her out. I was silenced one year ago from speaking at TPS board meetings. This also occurred at the September board meeting 2005.
When Charles Brown, Alicia Murphy and I were banned last year it was written on TPS letterhead and had not been discussed by the other board members. Dave Welch, Peter Silverman and Steve Thomas and Deborah Barnett were the other board members when that happened. I spoke to each of them and they all said that they did not know about the banning. When they found out do you think they should have made a board decision instead of a one man decision? Of course, but did they, No!
posted by purnhrt at 10:02 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
Oh, I guess my cover is blown. The receiver of the letter from Mr. Sykes is Purnhrt.
posted by purnhrt at 10:04 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
Posted by GuestZero: "Dissent is dutiful. From such arguments, the truth will out. And the truth is that Sykes and his Three Acting Like Children faction are only seeking to return the school system to the previous status quo of taking in more of OUR MONEY, spending it on bullshit, and then patting themselves on their backs while the school system cranks out more hood rats on the express train to our jail system."
I need to buy you a beer!
KrisP.
posted by KrisP at 10:29 P.M. EST on Sun Oct 01, 2006 #
GZ - while I don't agree with every post you make, I have to give you credit on this one. Your descriptions and observations have hit dead on in this post.
I'll buy you a second beer, or beverage of your choice!
posted by DoknowDocare at 06:56 A.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
The TFP article last week was about Mr. Ben Williams and his intent to sue the school district.
I don't know if any of you read it - but if you read just the Blade you'd think this guy was a nut out to destroy the school district.
Did anyone read that interview? I like reading people's own words - rather than an article filtered through a reporter and then through a Blade editor. Maybe that's just me :-)
There are alot of people on the same page about the problems in the district. And I'm hesitant to put any additional pressure on Mr. Sykes at this time - but you have to acknowledge that as the past board president and partnered with Dr. Sanders - this man drove the ship that is our school district - right up onto the rocks.
He also publicly said he'd be resigning. This seems like a good time for that to me.
For those of you who do NOT know - there is a woman who is being prosecuted over a complaint by Larry Sykes. Her trial begins tomorrow.
posted by katie82640 at 08:19 A.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
Can't link to the Toledo Free Press story about Ben Williams, since the TFP has not updated its website.
posted by jr at 08:35 A.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
Posted by GuestZero: "...while the school system cranks out more hood rats on the express train to our jail system."
Sorry GZ, but the third beer is going to have to come from someone other than me on this point. I am quite comfortable that parents sending prepared, fed, supervised kids to TPS won't have to worry about their kids being on this train. If I wasn't I wouldn't have been sending my kids there for the past twenty years. They may have to worry about being run over by it. The failure in the school system is that they haven't found a way to deal with the sheer numbers of problems kids bring to school and I don't have a magic answer to give them. The school board needs to get their act together to put the focus on saving as many kids as they can, but a school system can't raise kids. Parents have to do that.
posted by bobthedad at 08:41 A.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
You're right, the school can't raise our children, but you also have to realize that our kids are in the hands of TPS for almost 6 hours a day, 5 days a week.
For some children, that is more than they see their own parents. I am at my childrens school almost everyday, all day long and I cant even begin to tell you about the kids who come to school wearing the same clothes as yesterday, who havent eaten, who become sad at the end of the day because they know that the bus is taking them to a place where life might not be as structured or sincere. For whatever reason, some of these children look at their teachers almost like a parent.
Yes, Parents do have to raise the kids, we also need to make sure they have the basic needs and that they are fed and clean and that they can say thier alphabet and count to ten and maybe even write thier own name, but that is not always the case. Not all parents are capable of being involved or fortunate enough to be able to stay at home at raise thier kids or maybe the parent just doesnt realize that this is how to raise a child.
Either way, my 4 children are in the hands of TPS 5 days a week. SO yes, they are in all actuality, raising my child as well.
We cannot turn our backs on thoise kids who have such a poor upbringing or lack of an upbringing and parents like us know that we are raising proper adults who have learned respect, self discipline and individuality. I am proud of that, but I cant judge the other children who's parents either choose to not teach them these things or simply cannot teach them. So again, it is left to the teachers, who have them in thier care for 6 hours a day.
posted by KrisP at 11:27 A.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
It's not the responsibility of teachers to raise children, it should be a community responsibility. If children are coming to school every day without eating what is being done? As part of the free lunch program breakfast is also an option that can be offered. If clothes are not clean it could be related to not having enough uniform clothing to wear, that also can be addressed. (though the whole uniform voucher system is a joke it is better than nothing)
If a child is sad every single day at the prospect of going home, then something more needs to be done than to expect our teachers to fix these problems as well as educate our children. We are setting them up to not be able to meet what is expected of them and these children to fail by deciding where to place blame rather than to act.
I hesitate to appear to get up on a soapbox on this issue but there are people in our community who need help. Some don't know about available programs that could help them or have become so frustrated with the system that they have given up.
It's not like this information isn't out there as far as who needs help - from the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank:
Toledo, OH - March 6, 2006 - More than 296,000 Toledo-area residents—including nearly 114,954 children and 42,417 seniors—received emergency food assistance last year through the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, a member of America's Second Harvest - The Nation’s Food Bank Network, according to a report released February 24, 2006. Hunger in America 2006, based on 52,000 face-to-face interviews with people seeking emergency food assistance and more than 30,000 agency surveys in 2005, is the largest, most-comprehensive study ever conducted on domestic hunger. The study was commissioned by the America's Second Harvest Network and sponsored by Altria.
About 79 % of the clients seeking emergency food assistance from the 314 agencies the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank serves are living below the federal poverty line, and nearly 26 % have at least one adult working in their household. Nearly 40 % of clients seeking emergency food assistance nationwide have at least one adult working in the in their household.
Most of us could do more...even if it is just providing information as to where help can be found. However it is not the responsiblity of teachers alone to do this, nor should it be. We can't give every child great parents but we can help do more to make sure that every possible service that is out there is available to these children and their parents and to make sure that these resources are known about.
posted by psyche777 at 12:26 P.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
I did not say that the teachers were raising our children, I said that in all actuality, they are raising them AS WELL, 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. I agree there are many resources out there for parents but many do not know about them. I work very hard to make sure that any child that needs uniforms at our school receives them and there is not a day that one of our students does not eat, and we make sure they learn respect for themselves as well as others. We offer after school clubs, programs for the families and even clubs for the parents. I offer information to parents but if they choose not to use it, then what can we do.
I do not expect any of our teachers to fix any of these problems but they are the adult that our children answer to, learn from and expect some sort of shelter from harm. I am very lucky, the school that my children attend has some of the most compassionate and sincere teachers I have ever met. We have an awesome network of parents, staff and teachers. We have children bussed in from other parts of the city who are less fortunate than some others at our school but they are treated with the same respect as the other students. I personally make an effort to go out of my way to make sure they have the basic needs and so does many of the teachers at this school. Teaching is so much more than just standing in front of a classroom it is personal and if you ask any teacher at our school, they will tell you, they are also raising our children. My hats off to all teachers, they take on more responsiblities than they certainly have to.
posted by KrisP at 07:28 P.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
Kris, teachers should not be raising our children or anyone's children but their own. I'm glad you are trying to help hook people up with resource information. Your other post the way it was written did state that children came to school hungry and without clean clothes, which is why I responded because those issues at least can be solved.
My point is that teachers should not be forced to take on additional responsibility that if parents won't even provide the basic needs that something needs to be done. It's a basic failure of our community if there are large numbers of children who are experiencing what you intially described. Especially if this is happening in the Point.
I have five children, and I have never met a teacher that told me they were raising my children. I think that's part of the problem is the false expectation that is placed on teachers that they can take a classroom full of 30 children and somehow be more responsible for the end result than the parents and the community is. That's not some type of slam on teachers that requires that they need to be defended, it's a simple statement of fact that we as a community should not be placing teachers in a situation where they feel they need to be a parent to a child in the first place. It's not their job and frankly if a teacher attempts to be a substitute parent than the other children who don't need that are shortchanged as well because it's impossible for one human being no matter how great of a teacher they might be to do it all.
I'm not denying that it happens, I'm stating that it shouldn't happen and when it does that means that something needs to change with the community and the parents. Until that happens? We will be stuck in a situation of poor test scores, children who aren't learning, and a failing education system.
posted by psyche777 at 09:18 P.M. EST on Mon Oct 02, 2006 #
Since the beginning of time, there has always been and there will always be. a segment of the population that does not adequately clothe, feed and house their children to a common social standard.
Many public school districts, private and charter schools are providing quality education and face this exact same problem. Yet they choose to succeed in spite of it.
Our dialogue here about education always breaks to the blame the parents as the reason we are closing schools, facing dwindling enrollment and a budget that won’t balance time and time again? C’mon!!!. That dog won't hunt.
And how exactly would these theories play out IN the classroom? In the inner city something like this? “Hey Johnny – I know that (fill in the blank here. Mom was working all night, no Dad, taking care of siblings, money problems etc.) and thus were neglected and poorly parented. So you won’t be taking the math test today?”
In the suburb? “Hey Johnny, I know that (fill in the blank here, No Dad, no supervision– money problems etc.) and thus were neglected and poorly parented.. So you won’t be taking the math test today?”
How could the ever present fact that some children face bad situations at home disqualify them as deserving students? Seems somewhat of an unfair concept, doesn't it? It does to me.
If anyone wishes to discuss familial (ir)responsibility to/for their offspring as an innovative focal point in a new hierarchy of educational decision making or prioritization of public funds - we surely need to have that separate discussion.
To say that because there have always been neglectful parents and consequently distressed students, that suddenly here in Toledo – this qualifies as a valid excuse for the problems our school system is consistently facing is not acceptable. The fact that parents historically fall into categories of hyper and hypo-vigilance is not a valid excuse to provide a lower standard of education for some segments of the population.
So - we have two entirely different discussions going on. Some want to discuss poor parenting. This has been in existence since the beginning of time and should not be handed to the public school system as a valid reason for failure.
Start another thread and discuss that topic.
You can entitle that thread "Reasons for Accepting Failure of Public Education to the areas where Children are Neglected”.
Otherwise let's stop discussing any distractions from how to get from where we are to the point where we enable every educator in every classroom in our school district to offer the very best education to every child. Whether any child takes the system up on the educational opportunity should be the only variable in the equation.
posted by katie82640 at 08:41 A.M. EST on Tue Oct 03, 2006 #
Funny thing about your statment that we need to start another thread and discuss that topic because we somehow, passionatly went off course, but please answer me this question:
When DONT these threads go off course and turn into something other than what was originally posted? It happens often. I dont think anyone has the right to tell us we should discuss this elsewhere.
No offense Katie, I always read all of your postings - I am a fan of yours but I think it all ties in together.
I am certian that Psyche777 holds no ill will towards someone who might disagree with him/her and I respect those who love to challenge.
Again, no offense Katie.
It just wouldnt be the same to run off and start a new thread, I am more of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl!
posted by KrisP at 11:30 P.M. EST on Wed Oct 04, 2006 #
Katie, I wish it was that simple.
posted by Offshore at 07:47 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
No offense taken. At all.
My frustration is that it seems like in all aspects of government in Toledo (and you tell me if you do or do not agree with this statement) I feel like we have a bunch of 'excusists' and a few exceptions that are primarily farting in the wind as the minority.
In that I mean that even though they are facing multi-fronted/faceted problems that NEED to be solved - they'll latch onto one available excuse or a handy fall guy and just say "well, this (wasn't, can't, won't) be fixed because of (put in the single tiered excuse)".
By doing this they'll excuse not getting the job done, when there are a plethora of things that could be done to better the situation even IF they have a single valid excuse.
I'm not doing a very good job of explaining what's got me pissed off.
For the ethics issue at council, the water issue on the county commission and for ALL the issues the TPS is facing - there are so many handy excuses to fail to succeed and do the right thing. There are always excuses and plenty of them - to fail.
It takes real determination and drive to succeed. Where is THAT?
We cannot do a thing about bad parenting from the perspective of the public school system. This always has been and always will always be a factor in education. And it's only ONE factor in the equation. Does it excuse this school district, now - at this time for failure to succeed?
I say nope.
posted by katie82640 at 08:12 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
We cannot do a thing about bad parenting from the perspective of the public school system. This always has been and always will always be a factor in education. And it's only ONE factor in the equation. Does it excuse this school district, now - at this time for failure to succeed?
I say nope.
Agreed!
P.S. Katie, you really are a special individual. It's my privilege to converse with you.
posted by Offshore at 08:26 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
Thanks offshore - I enjoy conversing with you also :-)
It's funny - after I took my kids out of TPS - I just let things go for a while. Now I feel so bad about that. It started at that first board meeting I went to. I felt so bad for the board president - really bad. And I hadn't done anything to try to help. For several years.
posted by katie82640 at 09:40 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
Dittos to Offshore's post. Katie, please don't take what I said as an excuse for schools to fail. We clearly need to take a different approach. The most serious problems faced by TPS will have to be solved outside of the classroom. The story I have heard way too many times is about the kid who gets in trouble at school and Mom (who by the way failed to show at conferences, open house, PTA if there is one) comes bursting into school with guns blazing and wanting someone fired for picking on her poor kid. Mom takes the word of an 8 year old as gospel and the kid quickly figures out the teacher is in more trouble than he is. It has to be nearly impossible to reach a kid when the parent is actually working against the teacher.
I do not propose that schools teach parenting skills since there is no way anyone would ever agree on the curriculum and its not their business anyway. But there must be a way to require parents to meet with teachers shortly before the school year begins to build rapport and establish a plan for parents and teachers to work together, and have minimum requirements like attending conferences and responding to communication from each other. Since my eldest started in TPS 20 years ago in my observation parental involvement has clearly declined.
They had a really sad story in The Blade this morning about rounding up truants to make sure the head count was higher for funding purposes. The story doesn't say how ready these 47 kids were to learn once they got to school, what disciplinary steps will be taken to fix the problem, or now that they have the head count and the funding that goes with it, will they round them up again tomorrow?
posted by bobthedad at 10:39 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
I do a bad job of explaining, many times. I know - and I am sad to say that I see it in many middle class families - the abject failure to parent. I've seen it in my own family.
When I was a kid - and maybe you all experienced this also - if you got in trouble at school, what happened to you at home? This is a cultural shift. And it's bad for the kids. And how exactly can you teach when you are on the defensive and cannot effectively discipline?
I'm not an abusive parent - but we have a standing rule - if my kids (only one left in school now) is in trouble at school - they have/had a big problem at home. And I need to hear about it from them first - or the consequences are more severe if they do not accept accountability for their behavior. Funny thing is - other than chewing gum or talking to a buddy when they shouldn't - my kids didn't really get into much trouble at school. And none of them ever spoke to a teacher disrespectfully.
I think there's a correlation.
My hope is that we can build a school board that can act in unison to lay out some school building policies to enable the educators to move toward activity that builds and rewards success.
There are alot of issues brought up - truancy is one - that the board could effectively and co-operatively address. Also - this new information about how some of the board feels about what we have to say is a good explanation of why our concerns aren't being 'heard'.
posted by katie82640 at 11:37 A.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
The next school board meeting is scheduled for October 30th at 5:30
Map to the building is here
There is a lot on either side of the building to use - you go into the doors and up a half flight of stairs. Walk the halls on that floor till you see the 'Board Room' sign over the doors.
It's easy :-)
Also - IF you have something to say to the board - you have to call the Treasurer office to register. Dan Griscom's office:419-671-8245.
Speakers have up to 3 minutes. And I caution you - some of the board members have been very unkind to people who speak at the meetings. However - Darlene Fisher and Robert Torres have been coming to the rescue and I have never heard Steven Steel be rude to a public speaker.
posted by katie82640 at 03:39 P.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
"... some of the board members have been very unkind to people who speak at the meetings."
An unkind school board member? Big deal. That shouldn't bother anyone who has posted here on a regular basis. A regular poster on this site has at some point been through a verbal scrape and has come out the other end battered and bruised but definitely battle tested. Your skin should be so tough and thick that it will be you who will be doing the intimidating and not the school board.
posted by jr at 05:39 P.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
JR - bravo!
posted by sflagg at 06:59 P.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
true, jr, but we shouldn't have to be 'battle tested' to speak to our employees....
posted by MaggieThurber at 09:36 P.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
"We cannot do a thing about bad parenting from the perspective of the public school system. This always has been and always will always be a factor in education. And it's only ONE factor in the equation. Does it excuse this school district, now - at this time for failure to succeed?
I say nope."
Katie, I truly do take to heart everything you say on here. I will make an effort to introduce myself to you at the next board meeting. Chris knows me, I suckered him inot volunteering at my school. No actually, he offered. Thanks for your insight!
Kris
posted by KrisP at 10:40 P.M. EST on Thu Oct 05, 2006 #
Kris, I am happy to help out where I am needed. I am proud of my new Dolphin T-Shirt!
posted by chrismyers at 06:15 A.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
"true, jr, but we shouldn't have to be 'battle tested' to speak to our employees...."
There shouldn't be all these killings of young people BY other young people; there shouldn't be funding for 'fly by night' programs while solid youth programs get funded less or defunded altogether; residents shouldn't be afraid of their neighbors; homeowners shouldn't be overly taxed; holders of public office shouldn't get their freak on with their pages, then blame it on alcohol; the Amish community shouldn't have to bury their dead among stupid ass protesters and media hounds; the list goes on and on...
There's a lot of conditions and things that we shouldn't have to be, but reality is reality. The powers that be have gotten away with doing whatever the hell they want because We, the People,(by our lack of action)DON'T CARE. THIS MUST END.
posted by MrsPhoenix at 08:24 A.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
(blows the smoke off mrsphoenix' keyboard)
Lots of you have sent me an email - and I'm looking forward to meeting you too :-)
posted by katie82640 at 01:11 P.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
LOL with Katie...that was a long-winded rant, wasn't it?
;)
posted by MrsPhoenix at 01:39 P.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
I was giving you a standing ovation here. :-) The kids need our passion. Some people are afraid to speak up to a bully.
Course - that must be why they all use the same type of tactics - cause they work :-)
posted by katie82640 at 02:53 P.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
I agree with maggieThurber
We should not have to be battle tested to speak to any public figure or public body. As a matter of fact we should not even have to speak to public figures or before public bodies but because of the lack of respect that they show for the common person we are pushed to do our civic duty and speak for those who can't speak for themselves.
If I had my wish I would only know public figures or bodies because I see them on TV at ribbon cuttings and read about what they are doing to further progress in Toledo.
posted by purnhrt at 04:41 P.M. EST on Fri Oct 06, 2006 #
Well purnhrt - I agree that it should not BE that way - but from what I've seen it is that way now.
Most meetings there aren't too many people who show up that aren't employed by the system. And some reporters.
Maybe that should change.
posted by katie82640 at 02:29 P.M. EST on Sat Oct 07, 2006 #
That was a good rant, MrsPhoenix, but ...
“the Amish community shouldn't have to bury their dead among stupid ass protesters and media hounds”
... SCREEEEECH! -- you've got to slam on the brakes here.
Speech that people don't like requires the MOST attention from us about the observance of rights in the first place. Protesters have their rights to protest essentially regardless of how others get offended by it. If we start using the standard of "speech that annoys", then NO speech will be protected as civil-right-ful.
Don't turn the entire country into a larger version of a grade school. Without tolerance, we can't have liberty at all. Protestors and demonstrators near funerals should be sacrosanct. If you don't like it, then take your own sign along that says "YOU'RE ALL BAD-MANNERED" and proudly demonstrate with it.
posted by GuestZero at 04:52 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 08, 2006 #
*sigh* Agreed, GuestZero.
*leaves for Toledo Express Airport with YOU'RE ALL BAD-MANNERED protest sign in tow*
posted by MrsPhoenix at 06:12 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 08, 2006 #
We can file this debacle under "Lack of Respect towards fellow man".
We all can wait until a Phelps family member get's nailed by the Grim Reaper then give back some of that medicine.
OR
Revoke the "tax-free" status of his church and watch him fail. Then he can protest without using God as an excuse.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 07:59 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 08, 2006 #
ummm...I'm thinking this topic merged with another topic and someone took away the pylons seperating the two.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 08:01 A.M. EST on Sun Oct 08, 2006 #
Yup - pylons away!!!
GZ - it's important to remember that a funeral is a 'private' ceremony.
People do have a right to demonstrate in public, on public property etc - but caution Will Robinson - I do not think that you meant to blur this line.
A church/cemetary or a funeral home that is hosting a funeral, or you talking in your living room with friends are all not 'public' forums. And the right to free speech ends at the property or a reasonable expectation to privacy.
Ok - back to TPS :-)
posted by katie82640 at 01:42 P.M. EST on Mon Oct 09, 2006 #
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