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204 comments:
1 – 200 of 204 Newer› Newest»Is Bates kidding? This will go down in flames, just like the first two. Get on with combining Markesan, Priceton and GL. Face reality!!!
How much money is the school paying to get another No vote? ....Why should we vote yes when all the threats of multiple teacher layoffs and other drastic cuts happening if first referendum failed - and none of them took place. IF we had a trustworthy administrator who gave us the truthful facts, and not huge threats, we'd vote yes. Sorry Mr. Bates. If this one goes down too, it is no ones' fault but yours. We teach our kids honesty - you should take some lessons.
With many Superintendents and administrators in Wisconsin offering to take a pay freeze, how about Bates following suit - instead of getting a raise including asking for larger donation to his annuity. He already is one of the highest paid administrators in the state - and for a school of 300 students - compared to the 1000+ in larger schools.
NO is the way to go!!!!
Enter the anti IB guy in 3..2..1..
I agree with the second post, the threats were plastered all over the place that the school would close or that up to 10 teachers would be cut. The cuts that were made were negligible. The fact is that the the school is still spending too much money, and more cuts need to be made. Green Lake School District spends as much as Princeton and Ripon COMBINED!
VOTE YES TO PAY LESS - Green Lake School referendum on 9/14. Basically, the state funding system is broken and schools need local referendum funds to stay alive. Lack of funding will lead to consolidation (2-3 years max).
Consolidation will not save the taxpayers of the Green Lake School District money! Our tax rate is among the lowest in the state ($4.85 vs. $10.38 for Ripon):https://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/safr_ro/all_mill_rate.asp?year=2010 Take a look at Woodland Circle , which was in Ripon before returning to GL. In many cases, school taxes went down by close to $1000, when returned to GL rates.
All neighbor districts have much higher mill rates. Your taxes will go up, LOTS, and our votes will be lost in a bigger, combined district. Vote No, only if you want higher taxes & less control.
Support & stabilize the school, it is the lowest cost option. Voting No, because you don't like an administrator is like killing the patient because they have Cancer. If we're not careful, we'll wake up in a few years and wonder why our tax bill went up and our school went away.
They sure put the spin on this! If you believe that in order to give the school millions extra that you will pay LESS taxes, then I have some swampland in Florida to sell you, too. Thanks anyway.
$20,000 per student is TOO MUCH TO SPEND!
Some facts gathered from DPI's website:
https://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/safr_ro/all_mill_rate.asp?year=2010
Green Lake has the 6th lowest tax rate of all K-12 districts in the state. It also has the 21st lowest tax rate of all districts in the state. This is out of 424 districts. The state average tax rate is $9.15. OUR"S IS $4.85. Berlin's rate is $9.57. Ripon's is $10.38, Princeton's is $8.39 & Markesan's is $9.96.
Yes, our per student cost is high. Nobody in Wisconsin is taxed on a per student basis. Every Wisconsin property owner pays for schools on a % of property basis. A Green Lake house may cost more, but it's also worth more. That's called an asset!
In every case, consolidation ends up costing Green Lake taxpayers more & we lose control. Quit your bitching & stabilize our school so we can fix what's wrong. That's called local control & is the Wisconsin way!
As for student achievement, on every subject but Mathematics, (where we're a very close 2nd), Green Lake 10th graders outscore Ripon, Berlin, Princeton & Markesan on the WSAS advanced & proficient ranking, which combines WKCE & WAA testing. You don't have to take anybody's word, just go to the DPI data website & check it out yourself.(http://data.dpi.state.wi.us)
Whoever believes we're not doing a good job in GL, simply hasn't bothered to learn the facts!
$20,000 could feed an entire village in Africa for a year. Spending this amount of money on each student is nothing less than obscene.
Here's an idea: sell your house in Green Lake and buy a house for half as much in a neighboring district where the per student cost is lower ($13k vs. $17k).
Imagine your surprise when you open your first tax bill and discover that you will pay exactly the same number of absolute dollars (the only kind) in school taxes because their mill rate is double ours, even though your house is worth half as much.
I'd like to see first hand test scores - not what is quoted in the paper. Also, the wisest decision we made was open enrolling our children to Ripon - irregardless of the slightly higher taxes. (You get what you pay for) They are/were much happier, enjoy the larger choice of courses - more AP even than IB schools - exposure to a variety of teachers, and the very positive atmosphere.
Amen to the positive atmosphere. Support & stabilization will go a long way to getting that back.
Combining with other schools probably isnt the best of choices, it's not exactly imminent either. There is plenty of fat to be cut form the budget. Sure a smaller school is going to have more overhead, but when you have classes sizes as small as they are, the dollars aren't being spent economically. The goal should be 20 kids per teacher. Still a quality school, able to provide a good education, but at much lower cost per head.
Bates is overpaid and underworked, especially when you consider all the consultants he brings in to explain budget numbers. Isn't that his job? If so, then why not save a $100k a year and just bring in consultants when needed. A district the size of GL should be sharing a DA with Princeton or Markesan, or the position should be combined with the principal position.
This referendum will get a no go just like the last two. If they ask for nothing more than the roof and other plant improvements, they will get it, but if they are asking to support the same number of teachers with much fewer students, it isn't going to happen.
Also, the wisest decision we made was open enrolling our children to Ripon - irregardless of the slightly higher taxes.
Hopefully, that is not where you studied English.
Resident is right! There is a lot of fat to be cut from the budget. Everyone agrees that the state funding formula is broken, but the fact remains that GLSD is spending nearly $20,000 per student, the sum of Princeton and Ripon combined. Bates can blame the state funding formula till he's blue in the face, but when will he admit that both the IB and Charter schools are costing far more than he is letting on. They are both unnecessary in our community. All parents really want is a good, solid education for their children. The bells and whistles are not attracting anyone to Green Lake, and everyone knows it. Until REAL cuts are made in the budget, the referendums will continue to fail, as they should. And after REAL cuts are made in the budget, we won't need the referendums to operate with a balanced budget. Why isn't GLSD being run in a fiscally responsible manner? If Bates can't figure out how to balance a budget, he should be replaced. Give me the budget and a red pencil and I'll balance the budget in a few hours.
Every voter should consider why, with considerably fewer students over the past several years, should the budget be far bigger than it was? School spending is out of control and this problem needs to be fixed.
Do you people even realize that lots of cuts were already made the past 3-4 years under the current superintendent? The high school kids have fairly limited choices and many times the classes they hope to take are off the table.
On top of that, now this board is charging fees to families to access what is supposed to be a free education. Many families struggle just to come up with the list for school supplies. Now they want to charge for supplies for art classes, etc. When does this end?
School fees are standard across the country. If public monies were spent more responsibly, school fees wouldn't be necessary. The students in Green Lake have limited choices in class selection because they attend one of the smallest schools in the state of Wisconsin.
Consolidation would offer many more options to our children, better social acclimation and a myriad of cost benefits. I attended a large high school of over 1200 students that included pupils from at least 8 smaller communities. Class sizes were standard at 28-32 students. I received an excellent education. You can argue this point all you want, but when it comes to size (it does matter) bigger is better.
One reason we open enrolled our children to Ripon is the opportunity to interact with a variety of teachers as well as peers, but the main reason was their enthusiasm when they saw the variety of courses and extracurricular opportunities. Our oldest just entered college and told us how grateful she was for her opportunities at Ripon that better prepared her for "the real world" that her GL friends say they wish they had had.
Bigger is better is a load of crap! My husband came from a large district in the suburbs of Chicago and absolutely hated it. Want to make the sports teams-good luck! Need extra help in a class-not going to happen! Want to stand out and be noticed for your achievements-forget about it because you're just a number. We all live in this SMALL town because we chose to live the small town life. Part of the small time life is a small school with small class sizes. If any of us wanted differently, we could choose to send our kids elsewhere. What is truely upsetting is that people in this town who have no children attending the school should take it upon themselves to preach to those of us who do on what the school should be. They have no vested interest in anything but their pocketbooks and it is really sad that they are willing to turn thier backs on the families of this town in order to save a couple of bucks. Who paid for their education and how would they have felt if the people in their towns had pulled the rug out from under them? And please don't try to tell me that they have the kids' best interests at heart. If they did they would be listening to the parents in this town and be trying to work with them instead of refusing to even listen. God forbid a parent bring up how the NO vote would affect their child, because you will be labeled a liar and another conspirator against the taxpayers of Green Lake. Resistors need replacing?(ala the Sound Off a couple of weeks ago) Give me a break-we're trying to protect our kids from your careless "my way or the highway" politics and save their school that they love.
P.S. Where were all these NO signs when the courthouse was being built-talk about wasteful spending!
From one liar and conspirator to another-great comment! The NO voters in this town have no concept on how their actions will affect the kids in this town and from the tone of some of their blogs and Sound Offs, they don't really seem to care. They are blindly fighting the system with no consideration of the affects of their actions except on their pocketbook. YEA! My taxes won't go up-forget the kids who just lost their school-they'll adjust. Incredible how selfish people can be. In most small towns, the school is the pride and joy and center of town activites. Ours is treated like some kind of disease. How very sad.
To the older residents of Green Lake: The kids and parents in this community need your support. Please don't turn your backs on us. Green Lake school has a lot to offer everyone in this community if they would just give it a chance. End the administration, not the school. Please don't blindly follow the Tea Party rhetoric without really thinking about the affect on others.
Bigger IS better, to a certain point. There is a happy medium point. The size of Ripon is probably in the ballpark. Big enough to offer a variety of classes and activities, small enough that the kids just aren't another number.
Green Lake will always be limited in the selection of classes to take. Thinking back on it, even if there were a larger selection of classes to choose from, it wouldn't have mattered much, because of 8 classroom hours in the day, you used one as a study hall, and 6 of the other 7 you filled up with required classes for graduation. So that leaves 2 electives a year. Not much room for variety anyways.
I don't think most people are, or want, to turn their backs on the school. Most people I talk to talk about the $$$ per head that is spent, and how that figure is so out of line of just about every other district in the state. Bates wants more and more money for fewer and fewer kids.
With the budget he already has, the logic just isn't there to justify saying yes to the referendums.
Posture any way you wish, but that is the whole issue in a nutshell. Until the yes voters can come up with a way to convince the no voters that Bates really does need more money to educate fewer kids, the referendum isn't going anywhere.
The school isn't going anywhere anytime soon, no matter what anyone says. It's just going to (rightly) have to tighten its belt a little.
You've gotta be kidding me! "Don't turn your backs on the school"...once again - The school is a function of the community, not the other way around. It is really sad that people take their rhetoric so far as to chastise those who would ask for fiscal responsibility from a school that is so into the 'pork barrel' mentality that it's tragic!
Perfect example: In a recent joint meeting of school boards...one of GL's illustrious school board members questioned one of Princeton's school board members about a free meal (lunch) program for community members that the GL school was considering implementing. My understanding is that Princeton used to have something to this effect...free/reduced meals provided from the school for people who 'qualified' (whatever the criteria).
The GL board member wondered why this was stopped in Princeton since it was such a great program that caused a 'coming together of community members and students' and created a 'bond'.
The Princeton participant responded (appropriately) - 'our first responsibility is to provide the children with an excellent education'. Basically, the money wasn't there to continue so the program was cut. Period...end of discussion.
The problems with Green Lake...too many pipe-dreams at the Green Lake School district...too many people who still haven't gotten the message that the money isn't there for pet-projects and community bonding exercises.
Yes, it is about the kids...so let's keep it that way.
Provide them an excellent education and do it with fiscal responsibility.
If Bates and the school board can demonstrate this can be done...then the community will definitely have something to be proud of...something to bring it together and receive the unequivocal support of 'the community' as a whole. I'm sick and tired of having to budget myself, only to see the folks at GLSD take my money (taxes) and spend it frivolously on unnecessary things.
What is happening (has happened) as a result of these continuous and contentious referendums, is just the opposite. The school, and many of it's members, have been the most divisive entity this community has seen and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor.
What a sad testament to "small town USA".
Cut the BS referendums, cut the BS spending, cut the unnecessary items and then, and only then, watch a community come together and stand behind something special. Come on GLSD, you can really be a front-runner in education by doing it within the excessive means you are already provided...$20,000 plus per year is a true gift in todays world - stop acting like the overpaid/underproducing 'spoiled brat' you've become and get back to the basics. As succinctly put by the Princeton school board member - 'provide the children with an excellent education' and do it within the existing budget (or perhaps, less?)
End of discussion? Probably not!
You've gotta be kidding me! "Don't turn your backs on the school"...once again - The school is a function of the community, not the other way around. It is really sad that people take their rhetoric so far as to chastise those who would ask for fiscal responsibility from a school that is so into the 'pork barrel' mentality it isn't funny.
Perfect example: In a recent joint meeting of school boards...one of GL's illustrious school board members questioned one of Princeton's school board members about a free meal (lunch) program for community members that the GL school was considering implementing. My understanding is that Princeton used to have something to this effect...free/reduced meals provided from the school for people who 'qualified' (whatever the criteria).
The GL board member wondered why this was stopped in Princeton since it was such a great program that caused a 'coming together of community members and students' and created a 'bond'.
The Princeton participant responded (appropriately) - 'our first responsibility is to provide the children with an excellent education'. Basically, the money wasn't there to continue so the program was cut. Period...end of discussion.
The problems with Green Lake...too many pipe-dreams at the Green Lake School district...too many people who still haven't gotten the message that the money isn't there for pet-projects and community bonding exercises.
Yes, it is about the kids...so let's keep it that way.
Provide them an excellent education and do it with fiscal responsibility.
If Bates and the school board can demonstrate this can be done...then the community will definitely have something to be proud of...something to bring it together and receive the unequivocal support of 'the community' as a whole. I'm sick and tired of having to budget myself, only to see the folks at GLSD take my money (taxes) and spend it frivolously on unnecessary things.
What is happening (has happened) as a result of these continuous and contentious referendums, is just the opposite. The school, and many of it's members, have been the most divisive entity this community has seen and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor.
What a sad testament to "small town USA".
Cut the BS referendums, cut the BS spending, cut the unnecessary items and then, and only then, watch a community come together and stand behind something special. Come on GLSD, you can really be a front-runner in education by doing it within the excessive means you are already provided...$20,000 plus per year is a true gift in todays world - stop acting like the overpaid/underproducing 'spoiled brat' you've become and get back to the basics. As succinctly put by the Princeton school board member - 'provide the children with an excellent education' and do it within the existing budget (or perhaps, less?)
End of discussion? Probably not!
You've gotta be kidding me! "Don't turn your backs on the school"...once again - The school is a function of the community, not the other way around. It is really sad that people take their rhetoric so far as to chastise those who would ask for fiscal responsibility from a school that is so into the 'pork barrel' mentality it isn't funny.
Perfect example: In a recent joint meeting of school boards...one of GL's illustrious school board members questioned one of Princeton's school board members about a free meal (lunch) program for community members that the GL school was considering implementing. My understanding is that Princeton used to have something to this effect...free/reduced meals provided from the school for people who 'qualified' (whatever the criteria).
The GL board member wondered why this was stopped in Princeton since it was such a great program that caused a 'coming together of community members and students' and created a 'bond'.
The Princeton participant responded (appropriately) - 'our first responsibility is to provide the children with an excellent education'. Basically, the money wasn't there to continue so the program was cut. Period...end of discussion.
The problems with Green Lake...too many pipe-dreams at the Green Lake School district...too many people who still haven't gotten the message that the money isn't there for pet-projects and community bonding exercises.
Yes, it is about the kids...so let's keep it that way.
Provide them an excellent education and do it with fiscal responsibility.
If Bates and the school board can demonstrate this can be done...then the community will definitely have something to be proud of...something to bring it together and receive the unequivocal support of 'the community' as a whole. I'm sick and tired of having to budget myself, only to see the folks at GLSD take my money (taxes) and spend it frivolously on unnecessary things.
What is happening (has happened) as a result of these continuous and contentious referendums, is just the opposite. The school, and many of it's members, have been the most divisive entity this community has seen and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor.
What a sad testament to "small town USA".
Cut the BS referendums, cut the BS spending, cut the unnecessary items and then, and only then, watch a community come together and stand behind something special. Come on GLSD, you can really be a front-runner in education by doing it within the excessive means you are already provided...$20,000 plus per year is a true gift in todays world - stop acting like the overpaid/underproducing 'spoiled brat' you've become and get back to the basics. As succinctly put by the Princeton school board member - 'provide the children with an excellent education' and do it within the existing budget (or perhaps, less?)
End of discussion? Probably not!
The school already spends $20,000 PER STUDENT! The older residents and everyone else should use common sense and KNOW that is already PLENTY of money, in fact, too much money, to spend on educating one child for 181 days.
You've gotta be kidding me! "Don't turn your backs on the school"...once again - The school is a function of the community, not the other way around. It is really sad that people take their rhetoric so far as to chastise those who would ask for fiscal responsibility from a school that is so into the 'pork barrel' mentality it isn't funny.
Perfect example: In a recent joint meeting of school boards...one of GL's illustrious school board members questioned one of Princeton's school board members about a free meal (lunch) program for community members that the GL school was considering implementing. My understanding is that Princeton used to have something to this effect...free/reduced meals provided from the school for people who 'qualified' (whatever the criteria).
The GL board member wondered why this was stopped in Princeton since it was such a great program that caused a 'coming together of community members and students' and created a 'bond'.
The Princeton participant responded (appropriately) - 'our first responsibility is to provide the children with an excellent education'. Basically, the money wasn't there to continue so the program was cut. Period...end of discussion.
The problems with Green Lake...too many pipe-dreams at the Green Lake School district...too many people who still haven't gotten the message that the money isn't there for pet-projects and community bonding exercises.
Yes, it is about the kids...so let's keep it that way.
Provide them an excellent education and do it with fiscal responsibility.
If Bates and the school board can demonstrate this can be done...then the community will definitely have something to be proud of...something to bring it together and receive the unequivocal support of 'the community' as a whole. I'm sick and tired of having to budget myself, only to see the folks at GLSD take my money (taxes) and spend it frivolously on unnecessary things.
What is happening (has happened) as a result of these continuous and contentious referendums, is just the opposite. The school, and many of it's members, have been the most divisive entity this community has seen and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor.
What a sad testament to "small town USA".
Cut the BS referendums, cut the BS spending, cut the unnecessary items and then, and only then, watch a community come together and stand behind something special. Come on GLSD, you can really be a front-runner in education by doing it within the excessive means you are already provided...$20,000 plus per year is a true gift in todays world - stop acting like the overpaid/underproducing 'spoiled brat' you've become and get back to the basics. As succinctly put by the Princeton school board member - 'provide the children with an excellent education' and do it within the existing budget (or perhaps, less?)
End of discussion? Probably not!
The fact remains that GLSD is spending millions more per year than they were years ago with 100+ more students. The student test results are nothing to brag about and tests are being administered to select groups of students. Teachers continue to receive pay raises regardless of their job performance or the failing economy. Ken Bates and the school board will not tell us voters why they need more money or what it is SPECIFICALLY for.
Ken Bates will not disclose the REAL cost of the IB and Green Charter School programs. Rodney is correct in that we need a school that the ENTIRE community can rally behind, and not this ridiculous three-ring circus school act. Let's get back to giving the kids a solid AMERICAN education.
The PRO-referendum people keep dangling a higher mill rate in front of us in order to instill fear into our souls, but the fact is that our mill rate will be going up regardless. Do you realize that homes on the lake are devalued to nearly 1/3 less than they were worth? Local realtors are reporting that the lake now has 7 years worth of homes for sale. Do you believe that the homes in your neighborhood would sell for as much money as they did 5 years ago? Have you noticed how many homes are for sale in the Green Lake area? Have you seen how long they sit on the market because nobody is moving to Green Lake? Have you noticed there are no jobs in the area? Mill rates will have to raise in order to bring in the revenue needed. ALL UNNECESSARY SPENDING by government on all levels must stop! Local, state and federal, government needs to tighten their belts in order to ensure the future of our country. People are not going to move to Green Lake "for the school" and it is delusional to think so.
The Green Lake and Markesan school referendums have hindered the future of this area. Families are being forced to sell their homes because of economic uncertainty and raising property taxes. Instead of figuring out how to spend less money the schools want more, more, more! There is still a lot of fat that can be trimmed from the school budget without affecting the quality of education.
DICK - Wants to tear down the High School instead of putting on a new roof. He wants to send our students to Markesan.
How about this for our next ballot question? Do you want a school in Green Lake? Vote YES or NO.
Quit trying to hype up a bunch of fake hysteria. Only a public vote can determine whether a school closes. The roof issue is one that should be looked at with common sense, so looking at all of our options is the right thing to do. Nobody is saying to tear down the school. If you want to continue your fear mongering, please go someplace else. Why do you find fiscal responsibility so reprehensible?
The school wisely placed a large informational advertisement in the Ripon paper this week. There’s also a second informational meeting tonight. I applaud these efforts. Who knows how many people will read the ad or attend the meeting, but at least now, nobody can make ignorant claims about the school not doing enough to inform the voters. Well some people will regardless.
DICK - Wants to tear down the High School instead of putting on a new roof. He wants to send our students to Markesan.
How about this for our next ballot question? Do you want a school in Green Lake? Vote YES or NO.
This is saber rattling and is not helpful to the discussion. We are nowhere near this option.
The fact remains that GLSD is spending millions more per year than they were years ago with 100+ more students.
This is the bottom line. Bates has not shown how the school needs even more money, when it should already be swimming in cash, due to the large reduction of students. Make a strong case with facts and figures as for why more is needed Mr. Bates or be voted down till your contract runs out.
Don't threaten that the school is going to close. Only an idiot would believe that rhetoric with $20,000 per kid available, and the average school can educate their kids for half that.
Don't trot out some flap about it's for the kids. Of course it is, but the school doesn't need to be like the Fed paying $10,000 for a hammer and $20,000 for a toilet seat.
Bates needs to buck up and lay out all of the costs of the charter school and the IB program. Simply tally up all the fees, extra education fees for the teachers, blah blah blah, and lay it out for everyone to see. That he seems to be refusing to do this suggests he has something to hide. And the yes voters wonder why the no voters are in a tizzy about this?
Increase the number of students per teacher to a level consistent with the state average, maybe slightly less. I suspect slightly less is probably the right number given higher teacher overhead needed in a small school. Teacher salary and benefits are by far the biggest cost in a school system. If Bates and the school board aren't looking at teacher reductions, then they are all fools. The school needs to be right sized for the number of students that are attending it. Plain and simple.
As far as the referendum question about the plant improvements, I think this should, and will, pass. Every building needs maintenance. No way around it. I don't see anything out of order on this question at this time. The energy savings program will pay dividends in the long run. A building like that is incredibly wasteful in the way it uses energy, and there are likely to be major savings to be reaped.
DICK - Wants to tear down the High School instead of putting on a new roof. He wants to send our students to Markesan.
How about this for our next ballot question? Do you want a school in Green Lake? Vote YES or NO.
This is saber rattling and is not helpful to the discussion. We are nowhere near this option.
The fact remains that GLSD is spending millions more per year than they were years ago with 100+ more students.
This is the bottom line. Bates has not shown how the school needs even more money, when it should already be swimming in cash, due to the large reduction of students. Make a strong case with facts and figures as for why more is needed Mr. Bates or be voted down till your contract runs out.
Don't threaten that the school is going to close. Only an idiot would believe that rhetoric with $20,000 per kid available, and the average school can educate their kids for half that.
Don't trot out some flap about it's for the kids. Of course it is, but the school doesn't need to be like the Fed paying $10,000 for a hammer and $20,000 for a toilet seat.
Bates needs to buck up and lay out all of the costs of the charter school and the IB program. Simply tally up all the fees, extra education fees for the teachers, blah blah blah, and lay it out for everyone to see. That he seems to be refusing to do this suggests he has something to hide. And the yes voters wonder why the no voters are in a tizzy about this?
Increase the number of students per teacher to a level consistent with the state average, maybe slightly less. I suspect slightly less is probably the right number given higher teacher overhead needed in a small school. Teacher salary and benefits are by far the biggest cost in a school system. If Bates and the school board aren't looking at teacher reductions, then they are all fools. The school needs to be right sized for the number of students that are attending it. Plain and simple.
As far as the referendum question about the plant improvements, I think this should, and will, pass. Every building needs maintenance. No way around it. I don't see anything out of order on this question at this time. The energy savings program will pay dividends in the long run. A building like that is incredibly wasteful in the way it uses energy, and there are likely to be major savings to be reaped.
DICK - Wants to tear down the High School instead of putting on a new roof. He wants to send our students to Markesan.
How about this for our next ballot question? Do you want a school in Green Lake? Vote YES or NO.
This is saber rattling and is not helpful to the discussion. We are nowhere near this option.
The fact remains that GLSD is spending millions more per year than they were years ago with 100+ more students.
This is the bottom line. Bates has not shown how the school needs even more money, when it should already be swimming in cash, due to the large reduction of students. Make a strong case with facts and figures as for why more is needed Mr. Bates or be voted down till your contract runs out.
Don't threaten that the school is going to close. Only an idiot would believe that rhetoric with $20,000 per kid available, and the average school can educate their kids for half that.
Don't trot out some flap about it's for the kids. Of course it is, but the school doesn't need to be like the Fed paying $10,000 for a hammer and $20,000 for a toilet seat.
Bates needs to buck up and lay out all of the costs of the charter school and the IB program. Simply tally up all the fees, extra education fees for the teachers, blah blah blah, and lay it out for everyone to see. That he seems to be refusing to do this suggests he has something to hide. And the yes voters wonder why the no voters are in a tizzy about this?
Increase the number of students per teacher to a level consistent with the state average, maybe slightly less. I suspect slightly less is probably the right number given higher teacher overhead needed in a small school. Teacher salary and benefits are by far the biggest cost in a school system. If Bates and the school board aren't looking at teacher reductions, then they are all fools. The school needs to be right sized for the number of students that are attending it. Plain and simple.
As far as the referendum question about the plant improvements, I think this should, and will, pass. Every building needs maintenance. No way around it. I don't see anything out of order on this question at this time.
Closing the school is not sabre rattling. Have a conversation with Mr. Barke sometime. The leader of CARE says that parents are doing a disservice to our children by sending them to a school this small. He doesn't understand why people think closing the school is so terrible for the kids. He thinks that the school is nothing but a giant waste of money. Somebody please tell me how that is CARING about the kids or parents in this town. Not sabre rattling-straight from the horses mouth. And you wonder where the hysteria is coming from? If people in this town could all believe that CARE is just looking for belt tightening maybe this wouldn't be such an issue. It's hard to believe that however when it's spokesperson is advocating something much more severe. Therein the problem lies.
FYI-not sure what the free/reduced lunch issue was at the listening session with Princeton-free/reduced lunch program is a state thing-most schools push it for parents who qualify because the state bases some of the aid you get on those numbers-if anything you are losing money by not getting the aid you would qualify for which covers the lunch gap and then some.
I'm talking about the school closing because of a referendum not passing, and there not being enough money to run it. Closing it because of someone's opinion on viability is a entirely separate discussion unto itself.
Offering the lunch thing would be determined by simply running the numbers. Either it makes fiscal sense, or it doesn't.
Personally, I'd have to be pretty hard up to want to go to the school for a lunch. Even then, with my job, I wouldn't be able to take advantage of it anyway if I needed to.
For one thing, Fred Barke is not the "leader" of C.A.R.E. I have no idea why you would assume this. Fred attended a very large high school and believes that a large school has far more to offer than a small school. I have had these conversations with him. He is not trying to close Green Lake schools. So many of you are misinformed about the issues concerning school closures and consolidation. Whether you like it or not, consolidation is probably inevitable. In the meantime, the three school districts, Green Lake, Markesan and Princeton are hoping to share SERVICES and join together in purchasing. By doing this they can save money of supplies, lunches, etc. The sports teams have already begun to merge with great success.
The only way for a school to CLOSE is by public referendum. The fear mongerers throw it around like any local group can simply decide to close down a school. Consolidation is complicated and will likely happen GRADUALLY. In case you didn't know this, schools have been consolidating in Wisconsin for over 100 years. How many one-room school houses do you still see in operation?
The issue that Rodney talked about with Princeton schools offering lunch was this: at a recent Princeton school board meeting, someone (board member, I think) suggested that the school start offering lunch TO THE PUBLIC. Another board member chimed in that the main goal of the school is to EDUCATE THE CHILDREN.
Schools all across the country need to get back to the goal of EDUCATING THE CHILDREN. A rather simple concept that would save the taxpayers in every state.
True, educating the kids is the first priority. However the educational impact of implementing a lunch program like that would have 0% impact on education and 100% impact on the lunch lady. If the cash flow indications on such a program were positive, why wouldn't you entertain it? Income is income, even if all it nets the school is a set of books for one classroom.
Entitlement programs make people more dependent on government. Schools are not soup kitchens, nor should they be. Let the churches and the food pantries feed the underprivileged "hungry" people and leave the schools to the business of educating our youth.
Should schools feed lunch to the public? What an absolutely ridiculous notion! Are these people going to be searched for weapons, drugs, parasites? What about sex offenders, parolees and other potential threats to our children's safety? Resident, I usually agree with you, but not on this topic. I agree with the previous post, schools are not soup kitchens! What next, hey everyone, let's turn the school into a homeless shelter at night! There might be some seedy drifter who needs a place to stay after he eats his free public meal.
Heh, parents are the public too. Just on statistics, a percentage of them will be druggies, alcoholics, and felons. I can say as fact, a few of them are both alcoholics and deal perscription drugs (I've been offered them in trade, for alcohol no less).
I was making a fiscal point, but i will accept your argument and agree with you and change my position to no. Too much headache for something that is likely to be a small source of income.
If Fred Barke is not the leader of CARE, who is? Please let us know who it is so people with dissenting views can have a discussion with that person. In the meantime, Fred seems to be at the very least your main spokesman, as he is the one writing Sound Offs on a regular basis rallying the troops. Supposedly Care is protecting their members by not releasing names(according to the Green Lake Reporter last spring). I think that's wrong-man up and say who you are if you are so proud of your position on this. Barb Eddy was a YES voter who was trashed relentlessly on this blog last spring for her efforts-why shouldn't the CARE people be called out? Fair is fair.
Hey Rock The Vote-
Janet Reabe is a member of CARE. Perhaps you could discuss things with her. However first you will have to donate to the Republican Party and support politicians who do nothing but spend taxpayer dollars irresponsibly and couldn't balance a budget if their lives depended on it. Yes, it's OK to spend your money freely on them, just don't ask for another penny for the school. Hypocrite.
Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? Ironic considering that Obama has already spent more than all the previous presidents put together.
I know Janet Reabe, she is an outstanding person of integrity and honor. I believe that if you called her, she would be glad to discuss the referendum and answer any questions you might have. Janet is one of many people in our community who have genuine concern for the future of the school. I admire her for her faith and convictions.
If you are looking for who is part of the CARE leadership, try Randy S. aka Rodney Blog-OY-ovich.
Part of the "cost per student" in last years revenue was:
$490,000 for a new heating system to replace an inefficient steam money pit that did not work. That would account for $1612/student.
$107,000 in state grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $352/student.
$238,000 in federal grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $783/student.
$239,000 in past debt for building expansion. That accounts for $787/student.
These grants will be given to some district. It is a good thing it is ours
I could go on, but the bottom-line is that the local tax levy accounts for about $12,300/student. And thank you for finding the additional revenue to spend on our students.
The local tax levy has gone down each year because state revenue limits have decreased (due to state formula changes). The state has reduced the formula. The tax levy will be $550,000 lower than two years ago. That is now because of fewer students either.
Costs do increase each year. Utilities, salary, and benefits are among the major increases. For the last seventeen years the state has mandated a QEO which guaranteed teachers a 3.8% wage increase annually. That alone in more than double what the state revenue formula increased was in the past ($270/student then; $200/student now per year).
Princeton cost per student is about $13,000 and Markesan is about $14,000 and it will be interesting to see where it comes in this year which adds their referendum.
If both referendum questions pass, our cost per member this year will be less than $16,000/student.
The district has made $460,000 in cuts (but expect to pay $33k more in unemployment) since april. The district has reported coming in $53,000 under budget at last year end. They have reported that they come in under budget each year.
The district has eliminated two out of three multi-age classrooms in elementary. The number of student per classroom in 4K-8 (this year) is between 17-24 per class.
The district has recently invested much in technology, staff development, math curriculum, reading curriculum, student assessment. And plans to continue with Science and other areas which are identified for improvement.
The district plans for the dynamics in the future which may help off-set increasing costs.
The district believes that any further reductions in staff and extra programs will affect the quality of education we have established.
That is what the referendum is needed for.
The district/community is attracting new students from families that are moving here.
The asking price for properties here may be lower than years past, but the fair-market value and assessment will never go down.
Don't take my word on this. Look at the numbers yourself. They are available from the state and they have been provided by the district.
If you have a legitimate concern, please find out the background.
Don't follow the destructive rhetoric and unfounded propaganda, you won't like where it leads.
I think there are two kinds of people who have voted “NO” on the referendums. The first group is a small number of irrational, angry people who, for one reason or another, have it out for the school and want to kill it. The other, far larger group, is made up of conscientious citizens who would like to retain the school, but want it to operate more efficiently.
The first group has made up its mind and will not be satisfied until the school is dead. However, it seems to me that the second group has achieved its goal. It should declare victory and leave the field of battle – or possibly even change sides this time. Here is my reasoning:
All together the “NO” voters have succeeded in forcing the school to make some hard decisions that it was unwilling or unable to make previously. The cost of the school will be substantially less as a result of their efforts in the first two referendums – no matter what happens this time. The goal of a more efficient school has been achieved.
However, if “NO” wins again the end result may not make anyone happy. Another “NO” vote will clearly indicate that the community no longer supports the school at a viable level. This will send a strong signal to potential school choice candidates (both incoming and outgoing) that Green Lake’s days are numbered. The message will be that if you want to be a student at a school that’s going to be around as long as you will, you’d better look elsewhere. The resulting loss of enrollment will be the beginning of the slippery slope toward extinction.
On the other hand, what are the alternatives to maintaining our school? The Markesan proposal doesn’t make sense to anyone except the taxpayers of Markesan. The only other option, merging with another district, may come under the heading of “be careful what you wish for.” A combined district will result in the more valuable Green Lake real estate contributing the lion’s share of revenue for a school over which we, the Green Lake voters, will have much less control. If you are frustrated with things now, how will you like being part of a much bigger district where Green Lake pays more of the bills and gets less of the votes? I don’t think a combined district is going to be as wonderful as some people might imagine.
It seems to me that the most logical course this time around is to vote “YES.” A strong show of community support will indicate that the school is not about to close. This will greatly help the school recruit students while also keeping the current students from bailing out. At the same time, we voters will maintain maximum local control over our school and our school taxes. In addition, our high quality school will continue to be a strong selling point for families thinking of relocating to Green Lake.
Your logic is backwards, not logic at all. The school already is spending about $20,000 per student, per year. That is as much as Princeton and Ripon combined. The budget for 300 students is huge. The school is not in danger of closing. The money they currently receive must be spent more carefully. They don't NEED more money! Please vote NO and send a clear message! Enough spending!!!
You must assimilate. You will become one with the collective. Bigger school is better education. Like Ripon.
Resistance is futile.
Based on the Referendum Information Sheet I received today, a Yes vote will mean lower taxes than a No vote. Doesn't seem too hard to figure out which way to vote to lower my taxes the most!
Of course, in order for the school to get MORE money, the taxpayers will pay LESS.
Do they really think we are that stupid?
You can go ahead and vote for the pay increases, I am voting NO.
What is with these people who think that 'giving the school more money will lower taxes'?? How can you be so duped by the 'flyer's' that are out there? Have you really looked at the logic, or lack thereof, in making this assertion.
It is ludicrous that any reasonable, logical, intelligent, and educated person would simply look at something, take it at face value and then vote based on this cursory information.
Please people...you have 3 days to really 'educate' yourself on what is happening with the school - cut through the BS and rhetoric - and vote with your head, not your heart.
Cut the crap and keep the school open!
The school can more than survive with the money that they currently receive per pupil. Nearly $20,000 for each student! Do not let them intimidate you into voting for even yet more spending.
Bates and GLSD are spending far more money on the IB and Charter schools than they are letting on. These programs are not necessary and are in fact a detriment to the school district! These are controversial programs that never should have been implemented in our Green Lake schools! The school board and the administration won't even tell us voters what they want the referendum money for. This seems very unethical to me! If the school is going to keep holding these outrageous referendums for even MORE money than the $20,000 per pupil, then I want to know SPECIFICALLY what that extra money is for. The school has not given one straight answer regarding what this referendum is specifically needed for, or for the previous two referendums. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE MONEY FOR?
I am fed up with this administration and the ineffective school board members who continually go along with unnecessary programs and spending! These referendums are undignified and must end. To this school that already spends $20,000 per student and then says it's not enough: SHAME ON YOU!
You do our school and the entire community a disservice.
To all Green Lake Citizens,
The closure of a school in any community can only have a devastating impact. Our only means to remain viable is through community support. If the referendum does not pass, Green Lake School will be forced to close.
When a school closes, the community loses! Not only is the economic impact negative, the community loses its identity. Businesses see a substantial decline and possible foreclosure, property values decrease dramatically, and a merger with another district results in HIGHER TAXES. This is especially true in our situation!
To ensure that this does not happen we need to support “Our School”. We need to vote “YES” September 14th!
Green Lake students and staff have always given back to this community:
• Biology students have performed “Lake Studies” and “Cleanups” around the lake. They produced a 55-minute documentary utilized in educating our community at free seminars.
• Our School Bands participate in all community parades and patriotic programs, they perform at Kindred Hearts, the Senior Center, and when the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Ceremony came to the area----they were there!
• Other groups and organizations from school have been involved with “Helping Hearts”, the “Green Lake Animal Shelter” and the “Green Lake Food Pantry”.
• The “Lend a Hand” program helps our elderly with chores such as raking, shoveling, buying groceries, cleaning, cooking and yard work.
• Students have built flower boxes for the poles and the bridge downtown, duck houses for the Mill Pond, Santa’s House for the Chamber.
• Athletic programs provide local entertainment, community bonding and have a positive impact on local businesses.
If both issues pass, the total maximum increase one would see is a mere $13.00 per $100,000 worth of property value over the next two years.
That’s less than 2 cents per day, or a can of beer per month!
Our school’s roof and HVAC systems are extremely deteriorated and inefficient. It’s time for us to be good stewards, to think energy conservation and to get the necessary replacements completed. Voting YES on Question 1 will allow our School Board to Proceed with this necessary work.
Last year the school board listened, they showed good faith and they reduced the school budget by over $400,000. However, short falls with our “State’s Revenue Limits” require a VOTE YES on Question 2 in order to preserve our existing staffing, programs and services.
At less than 2 cents per day, it is the best deal in town!
VOTE YES! ELECTIONS THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER14TH!
Trust your friends and neighbors who represent you on the school board. The two page Referendum Information Sheet that was mailed out and is on the school web site (glsd.k12.wi.us) explains what will happen with two no votes and with two yes votes. Why does the levy decrease with two yes votes -because then the school board can remove the $765,000 energy exemption tax levy for this year. Depending upon the outcome of the election on September 14, the resultant tax levy will happen as early as September 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the budget hearing when the school board approves the budget, and then at 6:30 p.m. at the annual meeting when the electors approve the tax levy. For further information and detail, review carefully the referendum powerpoint presentation that appears on the school's web site. Contact your elected officials if you have any questions.
STOP LYING ABOUT THE REFERENDUM!!!
To all Green Lake Citizens,
The closure of a school in any community can only have a devastating impact. Our only means to remain viable is through community support. If the referendum does not pass, Green Lake School will be forced to close.
This is a complete and total lie. How dare you continually spread lies to intimidate people into voting for this referendum. How much lower can you possibly get?
The school will not close if the referendum fails. GLSD spend as much money per student as Ripon and Princeton combined! If Bates and the school board can't figure out how to make ends meet with nearly $20,000 PER STUDENT, then they should all be fired!
STOP THIS INSANITY! VOTE NO AND SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE. NO PAY INCREASES!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HIGH SALARIES ARE AT THE SCHOOL? WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS REFERENDUM IS REALLY FOR??? THEY WANT A HEFTY PAY INCREASE EVERY YEAR!!! INTERESTING THAT THEY WON'T TELL US VOTERS WHY THEY NEED MORE MONEY!!!
The school has spread so much misinformation with these past three referendums, they are no longer credible. The tax payers really cannot trust anything they say.
The tax payers are fed up with public employees getting fat pay raises every year. So a salary package of $85,000 is not enough for a teacher who works 181 days a year? I haven't had a pay increase in years. I'm not whining about it. Our country is in a deep financial hole, and I am glad to have a job. Millions of people can't find work.
Here's an idea, fire all the teachers and hire on a new staff of young teachers at about half the cost. Then, base pay increases on job performance. If you are so worried about the school closing, then do what is necessary to keep it going. CUT SPENDING!
Part of the "cost per student" in last years revenue was:
$490,000 for a new heating system to replace an inefficient steam money pit that did not work. That would account for $1612/student.
$107,000 in state grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $352/student.
$238,000 in federal grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $783/student.
$239,000 in past debt for building expansion. That accounts for $787/student.
These grants will be given to some district. It is a good thing it is ours
I could go on, but the bottom-line is that the local tax levy accounts for about $12,300/student. And thank you for finding the additional revenue to spend on our students.
The local tax levy has gone down each year because state revenue limits have decreased (due to state formula changes). The state has reduced the formula. The tax levy will be $550,000 lower than two years ago. That is now because of fewer students either.
Costs do increase each year. Utilities, salary, and benefits are among the major increases. For the last seventeen years the state has mandated a QEO which guaranteed teachers a 3.8% wage increase annually. That alone in more than double what the state revenue formula increased was in the past ($270/student then; $200/student now per year).
Princeton cost per student is about $13,000 and Markesan is about $14,000 and it will be interesting to see where it comes in this year which adds their referendum.
If both referendum questions pass, our cost per member this year will be less than $16,000/student.
The district has made $460,000 in cuts (but expect to pay $33k more in unemployment) since april. The district has reported coming in $53,000 under budget at last year end. They have reported that they come in under budget each year.
The district has eliminated two out of three multi-age classrooms in elementary. The number of student per classroom in 4K-8 (this year) is between 17-24 per class.
The district has recently invested much in technology, staff development, math curriculum, reading curriculum, student assessment. And plans to continue with Science and other areas which are identified for improvement.
The district plans for the dynamics in the future which may help off-set increasing costs.
The district believes that any further reductions in staff and extra programs will affect the quality of education we have established.
That is what the referendum is needed for.
The district/community is attracting new students from families that are moving here.
The asking price for properties here may be lower than years past, but the fair-market value and assessment will never go down.
Don't take my word on this. Look at the numbers yourself. They are available from the state and they have been provided by the district.
If you have a legitimate concern, please find out the background.
Don't follow the destructive rhetoric and unfounded propaganda, you won't like where it leads.
Part of the "cost per student" in last years revenue was:
$490,000 for a new heating system to replace an inefficient steam money pit that did not work. That would account for $1612/student.
$107,000 in state grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $352/student.
$238,000 in federal grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $783/student.
$239,000 in past debt for building expansion. That accounts for $787/student.
These grants will be given to some district. It is a good thing it is ours
I could go on, but the bottom-line is that the local tax levy accounts for about $12,300/student. And thank you for finding the additional revenue to spend on our students.
The local tax levy has gone down each year because state revenue limits have decreased (due to state formula changes). The state has reduced the formula. The tax levy will be $550,000 lower than two years ago. That is now because of fewer students either.
Costs do increase each year. Utilities, salary, and benefits are among the major increases. For the last seventeen years the state has mandated a QEO which guaranteed teachers a 3.8% wage increase annually. That alone in more than double what the state revenue formula increased was in the past ($270/student then; $200/student now per year).
Princeton cost per student is about $13,000 and Markesan is about $14,000 and it will be interesting to see where it comes in this year which adds their referendum.
If both referendum questions pass, our cost per member this year will be less than $16,000/student.
The district has made $460,000 in cuts (but expect to pay $33k more in unemployment) since april. The district has reported coming in $53,000 under budget at last year end. They have reported that they come in under budget each year.
The district has eliminated two out of three multi-age classrooms in elementary. The number of student per classroom in 4K-8 (this year) is between 17-24 per class.
The district has recently invested much in technology, staff development, math curriculum, reading curriculum, student assessment. And plans to continue with Science and other areas which are identified for improvement.
The district plans for the dynamics in the future which may help off-set increasing costs.
The district believes that any further reductions in staff and extra programs will affect the quality of education we have established.
That is what the referendum is needed for.
The district/community is attracting new students from families that are moving here.
The asking price for properties here may be lower than years past, but the fair-market value and assessment will never go down.
Don't take my word on this. Look at the numbers yourself. They are available from the state and they have been provided by the district.
If you have a legitimate concern, please find out the background.
Don't follow the destructive rhetoric and unfounded propaganda, you won't like where it leads.
Part of the "cost per student" in last years revenue was:
$490,000 for a new heating system to replace an inefficient steam money pit that did not work. That would account for $1612/student.
$107,000 in state grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $352/student.
$238,000 in federal grants applied for and awarded for various projects. That accounts for $783/student.
$239,000 in past debt for building expansion. That accounts for $787/student.
These grants will be given to some district. It is a good thing it is ours
I could go on, but the bottom-line is that the local tax levy accounts for about $12,300/student. And thank you for finding the additional revenue to spend on our students.
The local tax levy has gone down each year because state revenue limits have decreased (due to state formula changes). The state has reduced the formula. The tax levy will be $550,000 lower than two years ago. That is now because of fewer students either.
Costs do increase each year. Utilities, salary, and benefits are among the major increases. For the last seventeen years the state has mandated a QEO which guaranteed teachers a 3.8% wage increase annually. That alone in more than double what the state revenue formula increased was in the past ($270/student then; $200/student now per year).
Princeton cost per student is about $13,000 and Markesan is about $14,000 and it will be interesting to see where it comes in this year which adds their referendum.
If both referendum questions pass, our cost per member this year will be less than $16,000/student.
The district has made $460,000 in cuts (but expect to pay $33k more in unemployment) since april. The district has reported coming in $53,000 under budget at last year end. They have reported that they come in under budget each year.
The district has eliminated two out of three multi-age classrooms in elementary. The number of student per classroom in 4K-8 (this year) is between 17-24 per class.
The district has recently invested much in technology, staff development, math curriculum, reading curriculum, student assessment. And plans to continue with Science and other areas which are identified for improvement.
The district plans for the dynamics in the future which may help off-set increasing costs.
The district believes that any further reductions in staff and extra programs will affect the quality of education we have established.
That is what the referendum is needed for.
The district/community is attracting new students from families that are moving here.
The asking price for properties here may be lower than years past, but the fair-market value and assessment will never go down.
Don't take my word on this. Look at the numbers yourself. They are available from the state and they have been provided by the district.
If you have a legitimate concern, please find out the background.
Don't follow the destructive rhetoric and unfounded propaganda, you won't like where it leads.
The district believes that any further reductions in staff and extra programs will affect the quality of education we have established.
The voting public believes otherwise. We all know that further staff reductions are needed, both in the teaching staff and administration. Other unnecessary spending needs to be eliminated, specifically the IB and Charter schools. Do you want a good, quality school here in Green Lake or do you want to run the school into the ground with your pet projects and overspending?
I will be voting NO because I believe that teachers are capable of teaching more than 9 or 10 students in a class. I am voting NO because I highly disapprove of the IB and Earth Charter schools. I am voting NO because the school needs to get back to the task at hand, and that is giving the students a solid AMERICAN education. And in case the school board and administration do not understand this: GRANT MONEY IS TAX MONEY!
The fact is, the IB and Green Charter schools are costing the district far more than the administration will admit. The school board doesn't even know what the fact and figures are! The administration has not disclosed the real price-tag of these two costly programs. The IB "programme" comes out of Switzerland, and has a new-age, progressive anti-American agenda. It is an expensive "programme" that school districts across the nation are continually removing from their curriculum. If you are not familiar with this indoctrination, please go to truthaboutIB.com. The Green Charter school is no better.
The IB is not a good fit for our small-town Wisconsin school. The AP program is much preferred, and more affordable. It is also vastly more accepted in colleges nation-wide. Everyone agrees that our students should receive an excellent education, we can do this better, and for far less than GLSD is currently spending.
This referendum is actually about two things: funding the IB and Green Charter schools, and increasing salaries. The school district is running 3 separate schools, when it should be focused on ONE SCHOOL. The IB and Charter are sucking the life and finances out of "our school"! WE DON'T NEED THREE SCHOOLS! Give us back our school! We have been hijacked!
If you pay attention to world news, you will know that our country is in a deep recession. Life as we knew it very likely will never be the same. Economist are predicting a double dip recession. Our economic future is extremely uncertain. The nations debt will strangle our children's future.
Public spending MUST be curtailed if the United States of America is to survive. This includes every level of public spending, including schools. The spending on all levels of government is unsustainable. Every one needs to do their part to ensure the future, for our children, and their children. Our school is not in danger of closing because of this referendum. Our school is in danger of closing because our nation is bankrupt. Rampant public must stop.
Please VOTE NO on Tuesday. Thank you.
That last post illustrates much of the hysteria the CARE group or group Republican extremists in the area are spreading.
They shout IB is evil and a world-wide conspiracy of the New World Order.
They are fighting taxes because they don't like the President and the Libs. However, they don't fight the state, city hall or county seat. They fight the school because the school must get voter approval for taxes. The local municipalities will provide salary increases. The County will hire many new employees.
The district has explained many times that the IB program will cost about $35,000 per yer. Tha includes PYP coordinator, MYP coordinator, DP coordinator, and membership. IB will serve all students. AP and virtual learning on the other hand, costs two to three thousand dollars or more per student per class. And is only available to juniors and seniors.
Simply get a copy of the budget and see for yourself. Talk with the administration or the board. One thing for sure is that CARE does not have a clue.
Many members of CARE have publicly expressed and/or written emails that they want the school to consolidate and/or dissolve.
These are the people who are attending board meetings. These are the people who will run for board on Jan. 1. These are the people who will close your school. These are the people who will drive away students and teachers because of the turmoil and lack of public support for the school.
WAKE UP FOLKS! PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING!
Which group are you going to support?
When will you get involved?
When will it be too late?
What we need to hear and think about are the POSITIVE things that our excellent teachers do for ALL the classes and our excellent, happy students. Being retired we we have chosen not to sit around and complain with those "who think they know best how to run the town and school" but enjoy the plays, concerts, athletic events, and volunteering to work with students who need help with reading. If some of the people who write on this Blog would visit the school and see the activities and joy that our GREEN LAKE students feel, you would see how important it is to support our school and keep it in Green Lake for our young people - and our town. The negativity - about everything in Green Lake - voiced on this Blog is indicative of a few people and not the majority who want to promote Green Lake that will encourage families to move here - not only for the school, but to keep Green Lake from becoming another ghost town. THEN what will happen to the value of our homes, and our taxes. Keep our school and the positive attitudes our YOUNG PEOPLE bring to Green Lake.
Every city in Wisconsin has positive things about their students and teachers. Why does Green Lake think that they are better than everyone else?
Talk about hysteria, the YES group is continually spreading lies, like saying that the CARE group is trying to close the school. Absolutely not! The CARE group is trying to ensure the future success of the school through prudent planning and spending. The shared services have already begun, such as combining sports teams, etc. Nobody that I know is against that
I will be voting NO tomorrow.
God forbid that we should, as a community, exercise COMMON SENSE.
STOP THIS INSANITY! VOTE NO AND SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE. NO PAY INCREASES!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HIGH SALARIES ARE AT THE SCHOOL? WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS REFERENDUM IS REALLY FOR??? THEY WANT A HEFTY PAY INCREASE EVERY YEAR!!! INTERESTING THAT THEY WON'T TELL US VOTERS WHY THEY NEED MORE MONEY!!!
Show me the proof of this please. Until there is proof it is hearsay and a lie to promote your cause.
Talk about hysteria, the YES group is continually spreading lies, like saying that the CARE group is trying to close the school.
I am one of the hysterical people due to the fact that I now heard 4 different CARE members tell me that the school is not worth saving and that I am doing a disservice to my child by sending them there. One of them is actively going around placing flyers at peoples houses, so I'm sure he is telling lots of people this same thing. HOW DARE THEY PRESUME TO TELL ME HOW TO EDUCATE MY CHILDREN.
No one should be telling you how to educate your kids or where to send them. That is wrong any way you look at it. I am going to vote YES tomorrow for my own reasons. I don't vote according to party line or what the civic group I belong to tells me I should do. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I would hope that the consensus in the town is that the school should stay open. I too have heard rash condemnation from people in town who want it all shut down. It would be nice if both groups could come together with a public statement (like a full page ad in the paper) stating their desire to keep the school open. This would probably go a long way in bringing this town together again. If CARE'S message is truly about saving the school, they should have no problem with this. Please, humor those of us who still have doubts as to your real message. Let's hear it from you loud and clear!
Two things need to happen in this town to help keep the school alive and successful: The administration and teachers need to take pay and/or benefit cuts and CARE needs to get a handle on their members who are spreading dissention and hatred toward the school. The families in this town don't deserve the crap they are having to put up with from either of them.
In my personal experience being part of communities where school consolidation occurred, within a few years, the schools - in the now ‘outlying’ communities - closed. The larger district, with its population center where the jr/sr. high was located carried the vote and decided to close the elementary schools and bus the children from those communities to just one elementary school. The old school buildings (not unlike our downtown Courthouse) became too costly to maintain and were sold and turned into nursing homes. (I don’t mean to imply that that service wasn’t needed in the community or that it is the eventual outcome for our community, but it is evidence of a major change in the population and growth in the smaller communities who lost their effective voice in school district votes – because they would always be the minority; the larger community choosing to fund development within their own boundaries).
When I was at a teacher's house I heard that they make about a hundred dollars a day. Boy I wish I could make that much IN ONE DAY! I always wondered what it would be like to have a hundred dollars. I've never seen a hundred dollars at one time. I will go to sleep now and dream about how to spend a hundred dollars.(The preceding was a dramafication of a retarded person from Green Lake, Wi. It does not necessarily express the views of this blog) I am voting YES!
CARE should absolutely put a full page ad in the paper. Not just their same ole saying that is on the signs-state plain and simply that they are for the school and don't want it to close. Come on CARE, I dare you.
It would be a neat trick to see CARE actually say something positive wouldn't it?
Someone forgot to take their meds this morning. What a rampant display of insanity that was! Get a hold of yourself, woman.
There are some good reasons to vote NO tomorrow. A NO vote is really a Yes vote for the future Green Lake someday becoming known as Harleyville. Eventually all of the NO voting around here will accomplish the closing of the school and the death of the community as we know it. With no school, we can also say good bye to many community events, holiday activities, parades, projects and community life.
Since very few people will find reason to stay around, it will open the door for a new town called Harleyville. The residents of Harleyville will be very proud of the extremely low taxes, and point with pride as they walk around town, of where the public library used to be, but is no more. They will smile as they pass by an empty school building, which no longer presents a taxing burden to them. Their children will be able to find new interesting scavenger hunts to participate in, such as,,,, try to find a park to play in anywhere around Harleyville, since the park system will be defunct, due to no taxes.
And with pride, they will gather annually around the statue of their hero and leader, for their annual 4th of Harleyville celebration.
So yes,,,, vote NO, for a bright future.
I think lot's of people forgot to take their meds today! All I can say is - WOW! What a bunch of crazy, whacked-out, conspiracy theorists we have around here. The poor economy has obviously given many people an inordinate amount of time to sit around and contemplate their own 'gloom and doom' scenario.
All that people (the real CARE group and other concerned citizens) are asking of the school is to cut the 'unnecessary' and frivolous spending. We've all (almost all of us) had to do this over the last couple of years...Why can't the school follow suit? Why are they immune to fiscal responsibility and cutting out the 'frills'? Why do they need more to serve less?
I've asked the questions but have been given no plausible answers.
Don't these questions just beg to be answered?
I think yes so until Bates and the current school board and administration finally and unequivocally answer the questions, I'll be voting NO!
There was an excellent article in last weeks Green Lake Reporter by attorney Maureen Martin. It explained the legal responsibilities of both the school board and the administration.
Perhaps if the majority of the school board does not at long last fulfill the LEGAL duties for which they were elected, they should be forced to resign. The future of the school lies in electing school board members who understand their responsibilities and work to achieve them. Is legal action merited? This remains to be seen.
Please refer to the article for more information. It is an eye-opener for every concerned tax payer.
Annonymous from Sept. 14th, wrote, "All that people (the real CARE group and other concerned citizens) are asking of the school is to cut the 'unnecessary' and frivolous spending. We've all (almost all of us) had to do this over the last couple of years...Why can't the school follow suit?"
Where have you been the last few years? If you examine the school budget, which by the way, is open to any citizen for review, you will see many instances of the school having made cuts and trimming programs. Why do people continue to blather on about the school needing to make cuts, when in fact, that is exactly what they have done the past few years? Read the budget and compare for yourself.
Hey Chief, I guess I am stupid. Why is merging with another school district so terrible? Businesses do it all the time not to mention that school districts across the country have been consolidating for years. Maybe the diversity of additional classmates is a good thing vs. the 20 or so that graduate each year from Green Lake. I was really surprised after looking on the school's website as to how much staff our school has, WOW.
Even though I am a yes voter, and would like to see the school continue, I certainly am open to good discussions between school districts, about what might make good sense either in the way of mergers, or shared services. There are many corporate models out there to look at, and other examples of schools that have done this successfully.
However, we'd really have to understand the financial and social implications, as a community, of going down that path. Once you lose the school, it's not coming back.
Rohm de Manual said...
"Hey Chief, I guess I am stupid. Why is merging with another school district so terrible?"
I think the Harleyville post would answer your question very well.
The school has not even begun to make the $$$ CUTS that are necessary.
How can you say that? The school has cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from the budget?
What kind of school are you hoping for?
Do you know how big the budget is?
Do you understand that GLSD does not need a full-time superintendent AND full-time principal? Princeton has combined the position and it is working very nicely for them.
Do you want the school to remain here in Green Lake, or do you want it to close BECAUSE IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO SUSTAIN?
Do you realize that there are ways to save a great deal of money on the benefit packages and yet the school board has not even listened to the proposed options?
Do you understand that in these extremely difficult economic times, many people have lost their jobs or taken pay cuts? Foreclosed homes in the MILLIONS! Do you think that a teacher or administrator should receive a substantial pay increase EVERY YEAR, whether they deserve it or not? Especially in light of the fact that they keep crying wolf and pretending that the school will close? If they were actually concerned that the school might close, don't you think that they would be more than willing to take a pay reduction or freeze?
Isn't it just amazing that several years ago, the total budget for the entire school was millions of dollars LESS, and there were nearly 100 MORE students! Fun Fact!
Well congratulations, all of you No voters. You got your wish. What is really ludicrous is that even though you voted no on the roof replacement, ( and I hope you really think about the wisdom of that decision), the truth is the school still has the authority to still levy the tax to replace the roof. Except now, instead of it being a minimal tax over a number of years that would have been an insignificant amount for everyone, it will probably be levied over a very short time, which will be a higher amount on your tax bill during that time period. Yep,,, your wisdom really showed through on that one. I do not understand what people can be thinking. The roof needs replacing and the boiler system also needs replacing. What do people think will happen to these facilities?
Since you seem to be so knowledgeable about the school and the referendum(s) and the critical needs of the school, please inquire and report on what happened to the funds from the LAST REFERENDUM that were earmarked for the items you mentioned (specifically the boiler system). I've asked the questions, many times, only to be rebuffed by present administration. And...doesn't it seem particularity irresponsible that an 'emergency' repair had to be done on the roof at a pretty steep expense? I can't believe that the situation wouldn't have been addressed before it hit critical status.
Everyone is enamored with the supposed budget cuts the school has made over the last couple of years (I've still seen nothing to convince me of such), they should have thought about cutting frivolous spending much sooner and used that money for roof repair. Had it been taken care of sooner I'm sure it would have been less costly...at least that's the way things typically work in the world of 'reality' that all of us deal with.
So...please, find out the answer to the boiler question and what happened to the money that was to be used for it...then you can come back and lambaste us for stupidly voting down the way the school will decide to levy our taxes for the roof.
I've watched and listened to both sides of this story as an interested "outsider" - I work in Green Lake but don't live here.
It seems to me that the referendum question has been asked and answered clearly. The people have spoken. The key points that school board members should take into account are the fact that the IB School is not wanted, there's too much administration, and if the school can't balance the budget, consolidation is not the end of the world.
Community members should now do everything they can to help the school board come together to make the sound decisions that they will need to make in order to move forward from here.
Both sides should leave the bitterness behind them and move on - Green Lake is a great town.
(the slow) DEATH OF A ONCE POPULAR SCHOOL:
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - Voters say NO to our school
FEBRUARY 2011 - Parents say NO, too & take out open enrollment papers en masse.
APRIL 2011 - GLSD must issue layoff notices to teachers because they have no idea how many students will show up in September 2011
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 - 1st day of school & many students have gone elsewhere. District has hard time hiring needed staff, so quality suffers.
FEBRUARY 2012 - remainder of parents take out open enrollment papers.
APRIL 2012 - any remaining teachers are given layoff notices. They look for work elsewhere.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 - empty halls & staff. School board starts consolidation talks.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 - students report to consolidated district. That district keeps elementary kids in GL school facility.
DECEMBER 2013 - Whoa! - why did my school tax bill just go up 50%??? - Oh, yeah, we just closed the district with the 6th lowest tax rate in the state.
(be careful what you ask for)
---------------------------------------
Back to September 2011 - Why don't we figure out what we can do to keep our district alive, before it's too late. It would be a real shame to live in Harleyville and discover that in spite of losing our school, our taxes went up dramatically & we no longer have much of a say in a combined district.
Maybe CARE could hijack that district too and then turn it over to Milwaukee to Run. Their per student cost is among the lowest in the state!!! Or, maybe, we just keep the doors open & collect taxes, only to forward them to the districts that our students have open enrolled out to? This could be a real money maker. Actually, quite a good idea: Keep collecting money at current rate, but pay someone else to educate the kids. NOT!!
Thank you, last blogger. You have painted a very real picture of how this will play out. All of the NO voters are celebrating that "they won, and boy, did they show that they meant business". These will be the same people a few years from now, walking around town in Harleyville, with a stupid look on their faces, as they notice there is no Memorial Day program, no basketball games to go to, no school plays, no concerts, no graduation ceremonies for Lakers.
They'll notice families leaving, and they'll be fanning themselves with their recent tax bill that, surprise, surprise, has gone up, while they see that the tax goes to Ripon or Berlin or Princeton goes up. Their stubbornness in proving their point, will give them something new to meet about, as they wonder... gee, how come no one wants to live here anymore?
I can only guess that good teachers will be starting to job hunt elsewhere, as they ponder why they should stay at a school where the community does not even want to fix a roof?
MJJ, you are warped. Go take your meds.
Interesting you assume who writes these blogs, though you are mistaken.
I suppose the same could be done for the ranting and raving of some the No voters who blog here, and forget to check facts before spewing.
I am aware of two parents with Jr. High students who as of today are accepting the reality of this last vote and starting the process of investigating other high schools their children will need to attend in a year or two. They both had hoped to have their children stay at Green Lake.
This is what the No vote accomplishes. Harleyville may arrive here sooner than we think.
I heard that someone who was running for the last school board election (wisely chose to withdraw prior to election day) AND who was a huge proponent of the first 2 referendums, withdrew his child from GLSD due to problems at the school. Also heard that GLSD paid money for the child to go to their new school (it's in a far away town called Ripon).
I'm sure people will know who this person is so if you have an opportunity ask him why they did so...Has nothing to do with the NO votes. Has everything to do with the inherent, inbred problems at our school.
People should lay off Harley Reabe...in fact they should be thanking him for holding his ground and trying to spend ALL OF OUR TAX DOLLARS Wisely!
My kids have dedicated a lot of their free time to this community. They march in the Memorial Day program, they help with the Red Geranium project, they go to Kindred Hearts and visit with the residents, they help with projects to keep the lake clean, they play on sports teams that provide (or should provide) community pride. And this is the thanks they get. Go ahead and tell them that consolidation is a good thing when they are juniors and seniors in high school (that's about the time frame that they will have to go thru it if it happens). How would any of you have liked to have to change schools your Senior year? How high and mighty you all can act while you sit and make plans for the schools demise when you don't have any personal interests in it. This is a heartwrenching thing for kids to have to face-the school that was a second home for most of them will no longer be there-it will be just an empty building. What a sad chapter in Green Lake's history. Hope the money you save is worth it. Thanks alot CARE.
The actual CARE participants (no, they are not 'members' and they don't have a secret "NO VOTE HANDSHAKE")number less than 10 people. What was the count on the No versus Yes votes...this is a democracy and THE MAJORITY have made it known what their feelings are toward more pork-spending at the school! Get your facts straight and stop whining about your poor, neglected children who do things that every other high-school student does across Wisconsin...across the country.
The only difference between the kids in Green Lake and those across the rest of Wisconsin...and the country is that they get to participate in all the things you listed for one hell of a lot less money. Your kids will still be able to participate in things as long as the administration and school board FINALLY get the message and stop pushing these BS referendums to pay for unnecessary pet-projects.
Stop playing the 'oh my poor little kids are having their school closed' card. It isn't going to happen just because the referendum rightly failed once again. If it closes it is because those at the helm of the ship kept shouting 'full spending ahead' and hit the financial shortfall iceberg that has been in their path for many, many years. This isn't a new dilemma...just one that's come to light once the wasteful spending started getting scrutinized.
When things were free and easy the school ran rampant with wasteful spending and expenses. They (the school board and administration) couldn't justify their wastefulness. So now, that they are being questioned, they appeal to the 'whoa pitiful me' mentality and it almost worked the first time...failed the second time...and totally failed the third (and hopefully final) attempt. Ken Bates and school board members - wake up and listen to your constituents and community members - they have spoken to you 3 times...the last time being the loudest and most clear!!!
You missed my point completely. Your crappy attitude towards the kids and parents in this town is the real problem. We have legitimate concerns and for you to belittle and name call is totally childish. It shows your ignorance and inability to reason with anyone who might differ with you. The point of the comment was to say that the community should not forget about the kids in all of this. THEY have the most to lose. Not the administration. Not the taxpayers. The kids choose to participate in these community events. They give back to the community. They are not mandated to do these things, but most know that it is the right thing to do. You're right, kids all over Wisconsin do these things also, but probably without having to deal with the sarcastic yahoos who never have anything good to say about them or their school. Oh and by the way, I have every right to try and protect my "poor little" children from a child hater like you. They hear enough bad things daily without having to live in a communtiy with the likes of you. Your are dispicable.
Get your facts straight and stop whining about your poor, neglected children who do things that every other high-school student does across Wisconsin...across the country.
WOW, SOMEBODY GET THAT GUY SOME HAPPY PILLS....WHAT A MISERABLE WAY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE.
Unfortunately people like that are the reason this problem and others in our town will never get solved. Adults acting like children and the bullies of the playground instead of working together. Everyone needs to grow up, act like adults and fix this thing. Everyone needs to sit down together and LISTEN to what the other is saying. COMPROMISE is the way to go.
Get your facts straight and stop whining about your poor, neglected children who do things that every other high-school student does across Wisconsin...across the country.
I think what Laker Mom was getting at is that a little appreciation would be nice instead of the sarcasm. I think our town must have cornered the market on that by now. It sucks as a grown up to have to listen to the negativity day after day after day-I can't imagine what it must sound like to a kid.
I didn't read any words on this blog that could be construed as "name calling". The comments about the children being involved in the community are moot points. Children all over the world are involved in their community. I do not understand what you are trying to imply. Are your children doing something so incredible that they should receive some sort of special recognition? What about the boy scouts? They are not a school group. They do good things, too. So what is your point? We have lived in school districts where the children are far more involved in community matters than they are here. Your argument is weak and convoluted. I am not putting down your child, just know that community involvement is great, but it is commonplace. America is a great place to live.
Here's my compromise. Get Harley off the board and replace him with any reasonably intelligent parent you want to pick, regardless of political persuasion, I wouldn't care about that. Someone who actually cares about the school and students, gets into the classrooms, sees what is happening, goes to even a few of the events held at the school, spends time with teachers, staff and students.
So that when voting on decisions, they actually have a real sense of what the school and teachers are all about.
Harley has demonstrated over the years that he knows how to scrutinize small line expense items, and ask valuable questions at board meetings, such as, " who are you buying your toilet paper from"? It never occurred to him to pick up the phone and call the bookkeeper ahead of a meeting, and stop wasting everyone's time month after month?
I would like to see someone replace him on the board, who is genuinely interested in student achievement, helping young people succeed, providing opportunities to grow and develop. These kids are not widgets in a factory as he is used to monitoring in his job. That would be my compromise.
I think the city should annex the ABA with all those new families that bought homes from Lindenwood Development.
Yeah, bring those many, many families in from the ABA development. Had no idea those families were going to live in dirt lots with muddy roads in front, and weeds for lawn. Wonder how those construction loans are doing out there, with people beating down the gates to buy lots.
They are now trying to sell those lots, some of the best land around Green Lake, at reduced prices. It makes me sick. What a mismanaged mess all of that is.
The ABA families are going to telecommute their kids to the Ripon schools.
By the way whatever happened to the great White hope? I thought he was going to save the school district with his IL dough?
yes...let's compromise and get one of the only fiscally responsible people off the school board and put someone else on who would give in to the whims of Bates and the other head-bobbers who swoon over his every word! That's not a compromise...that's just giving in to the same thing we've had for years prior to a couple of folks stepping up their games and actually challenging the stupid decisions of the rest of the school board.
Here is my compromise...have the teachings staff take a pay freeze and look at the optional benefit packages that are available (there are much less costly versions available than what is presently afforded at the school). Stop spending money on 2, or 3, or 4 different 'schools' within a school...Have ONE COHESIVE school unit. Not IB, The Charter School, The Lake Studies Academy, etc., etc...
Don't we want the school and community to come together? If so...let's get back to the one (and only) GLSD!
To address a couple inaccuracies regarding my husband’s wages which have been touted as ‘outrageously high’ on this blog: First, his contract is unique in that he teaches an additional four weeks or more in the summer, and has extracurricular pay for performances. The additional time probably brings his work year to 210 days, rather than the 181 in the base contract - and he's been teaching for 28 years, which puts him up the 'ladder' on the salary schedule. Second, he works under contract, not paid by the hour. His work ethic is well known, and he works diligently to provide an excellent education to his students - which is evidenced by the number (and variety) of performances they provide for the community each year and the ratings they have received at any and ALL competitions since his tenure in Green Lake. Third, if you accept the admonition that has been expressed on this blog that teachers’ salaries should be performance based, he has proven that he is worth every dollar he earns and more. If you have any questions regarding this information, visit his classroom, come to a concert, read the local paper, check the Wisconsin Music Association website…. Compare his students’ performances with any other school in the state.
Disparaging comments on this blog wear a person down – to where you wonder why you should put in the effort anymore. We live in this community. We pay the same tax rate. We do our best to make Green Lake better place.
When you post comments on a blog, remember that you are talking about your neighbors and if you have a concern – talk to them directly first and then post accurate statements (or complaints)….
To the blogger who said this, you are right on! This is exactly what needs to happen to ensure the continuation of a school here in Green Lake:
Here is my compromise...have the teachings staff take a pay freeze and look at the optional benefit packages that are available (there are much less costly versions available than what is presently afforded at the school). Stop spending money on 2, or 3, or 4 different 'schools' within a school...Have ONE COHESIVE school unit. Not IB, The Charter School, The Lake Studies Academy, etc., etc...
Don't we want the school and community to come together? If so...let's get back to the one (and only) GLSD!
Teacher salaries are still too high, regardless.
Administrative salaries are WAY TOO HIGH. Also, Bates needs to stop paying consultants to do most all of his work for him. What are we paying him for???
We have been paying Bates (and his paid consultants) to run our school into ruins. It's not too late to save it, we need some major changes to occur in order to do so.
I think they all deserve a 9% raise, a rent subsidized house that overlooks Green Lake, which is owned by the city and a $2000 bonus just like city management "deserves" and received.
I have heard that this latest casualty of the GLSD is a female student who was being harassed by other students. She has transfered to Ripon. Why does this not surprise me? Is there every going to be discipline and enforcement of rules at the school? How much has this cost us taxpayers? One of these days, the school will be sued for not protecting the children. Let us not forget the computer-game scandal or the e john tracy tyrannical display of insanity. The school district avoided a lawsuit that time, but how much longer with this unacceptable behavior at school be tolerated?
We need strong leadership in both the administration and the school board.
I am pleased to live in a community that has the 6th lowest school tax rate in Wisconsin. It's too bad that the CARE group is so hung up on per student expenditures, that they jeopardize this wonderful accomplishment. They could just as easily celebrate the fact that our tax rate is so low!!
People in the other 419 Wisconsin school districts would love to have our spending problem. In fact several of them have expressed amazement at our stupidity.
I guess that since we are looking to be average in per student expenditures, we must also want to be average in our tax rate. Why pay $4.50, when we could consolidate & pay $7 or $8 instead? At least we would have lower per student expenditures. That's a real win-win!
I am tired of hearing CARE complain about the problem. I have yet to hear them offer a solution. It's easy to say "cut, cut..." and look like a hero. It's a lot harder to say what will be cut and what the fiscal and educational impact will be. In the end, if you go too far and lose confidence of parents, students & staff, you end up failing and paying a lot more. I"D LOVE TO SEE A PROPOSAL THAT COMPLIED WITH STATE LAW AND OFFERED A BETTER EDUCATION FOR FEWER DOLLARS!
I am not putting down your child, just know that community involvement is great, but it is commonplace
It is also greatly underappreciated by the cynics like you. God forbid that you should provide any praise for the kids in this town. No, let's just tell them that they are nothing special. Great attitude. This used to be a nice, quiet friendly town to live in. It's the people like you who have made it a grumpy, mean-spirited gossip pit. Leave the families alone in this town. If you can't say anything positive or productive, just shut up and move away. There are plenty of other places you could go where "everythings perfect". I mean, why would you want to stay here if it's such a bad place to live? Leave it to those of us who actually like it here.
Margie, I for one, am sorry that you had to write that post. It is well known that our music program at Green Lake is very good, and that John works very hard at his program. He has lit the fire of music appreciation and accomplishment for many of our students, ours being one of them. It is unfortunate that small minded people take shots without knowing the facts. John is worth every penny and then some.
Whatever happens next, I hope to high heaven that we don't consolidate with Markesan. As a parent, it makes more sense to me to go with Princeton as our districts butt up against one another and our sports teams are already combining. My kids have made friends with Princeton kids thru the coop sports and it would make the whole trasition easier. As a taxpayer, why would I want to consolidate with a district that has shown about as much fiscal responsibility as ours? They built a school 3 times bigger than what they needed and are caught up in the referendum mess every few years. We would be stuck paying for their fiscal mistakes (sound familiar?). Princeton is only 5 or 6 miles down the road and has shown fiscal responsibilty and welcomed Green Lake kids into their sports with open arms. I really hope we can work this out and remain autonomous, but if we can't I hope we stay away from Markesan or we'll be in the same boat we are in now.
Amen to the last post. Princeton is a better fit. Hopefully the NO voters in town can agree with the parents on that point.
I would hope the NO voters in town would defer to the parents on that decision as they are the ones who would be most affected.
I don't believe consolidation is the answer. If it happens, Ripon seems to be the logical choice as it is already the commerce hub for the area and has a college in place to provide support & resources.
I'd rather see two small schools combine than to have a big one absorb us. Not sure Ripon is the answer as it is already very full. Adding our kids may make them want to build a new High School (it's been kicked around in Ripon since I graduated from there 20 years ago). Then your taxes would really jump!
There's no reason kids in a Princeton/Green Lake coop couldn't use Ripon College's resources. Back in my day, kids that were in either RHS AP chemistry or Gifted and Talented science were grouped together with kids from Green Lake to use the college Chem lab. Thre's no law that says only Ripon kids can use Ripon College.
It's very simple. If you like small school atmosphere where your kids can have a fighting chance of making the sports teams and the other extracurriculars you'll go the Princeton route. If you like a bigger school atmosphere where the competition is fierce and kids are left out of things because they're not quite good enough (Yes, Ripon is highly competitive and this does happen) you'll go the Ripon route. Either way, you will get a good education-it just what type of atmosphere you prefer.
Notice I have left Markesan out of the picture completely. The idea of going there is just too far out in left field for me.
CARE= Creeps Against Real Education
Heads up, they are already planning another referendum in November. This is where extra ciricular and athletic programs will be cut if it is not passed this time.
School Board members - please listen to US - we voted for YOU.
Biggest way to save money is to "cut" salaries of Bates and Hauer - neither do anything to deserve so much of our tax money. If sports and extracurricular are cut, there goes the school - and Green Lake - for sure. Not fair to sacrifice our kids for 2 overpaid people.
Thank you anon. for this latest comment. Do you think that the school board will ever get the message? Cut the FAT, there is plenty of it to cut, in those two positions and other places as well.
I am angered and disgusted by the arrogant comments made by Ken Bates in Aaron Becker's article this week regarding the third failed school referendum:
“I think there are some people who didn’t understand, and we need to do a better job of explaining.”
Bates is calling the voters ignorant and uniformed, in his usual cocky style.
The voters (and tax-payers) are letting GLSD know in no uncertain terms that we do understand what is going on at the school, and we do not like it.
“We need to continue to show people that we’re making efforts to reduce our operating expenses and make it clear that our budget has been reduced,”
The nominal cuts that have been made are not the cuts that the majority of tax-payers in the area are waiting for. The price-tag of our children's education in Green Lake schools increased substantially since Bates took the reigns up at school. The unwanted programs that he implemented as a study for his doctorate are a big part of the reason for the huge budget increases.
Maureen Martin's article in last week's Green Lake reporter pretty much says it all. Bates has been running the school when in fact it is the legal duty of the school board to do so. They have given Bates total power and rubber-stamped every wasteful project that his little heart desired. They have failed us miserably.
Come Spring, we will elect new school board members who can effectively run the school the way it should be. The tax-payers have had enough of the dog and pony shows and the referendums!
I would like to see some people get actively involved.
Do you have any candidates in mind?
Harley Reabe - Board President
Sydney Rouse - Chairman of Negotiations Committee
Dick Mrazik - Charman of Building and Grounds Committee
Fred Barke - Chairman of Finance Committee
Janet Reabe - Chairman of Human Resources
JoAnn Lamire - Chairman of Activities Committee
Candice Renwald - Curriculum Coordinator
Maureen Martin - Legal Affairs Senior Fellow
That slate of board members would certainly put some interesting things in place, such as more fees for families, regardless of income, to cover things like chalk, heat, lights, and locker space.
Goodbye to special ed, goodbye to music and sports as we know them. Also goodbye to any creative thinking or consideration of helping young people develop. Board meetings would be entirely devoted to a scrutinizing of every monthly expense, down to the last jar of peanut butter ordered, and toilet paper roll used. Libraries would carry books from the 1950's, laptops would be banned from school as an unnecessary evil tool of the future, school lunch program would be crabgrass and lake water, and extracurricular activities would be.... none.
Students would be encouraged to finish high school and begin a splendid life long career on an assembly line, third shift. Welcome to Harleyville.
Actually, that slate of board members would do an excellent job of managing the school finances and making sure that the students of GLSD received an excellent, top quality American education. Great suggestions for a fiscally responsible school system.
Since nearly 80% of the school budget is for salaries and benefits, it is obvious that things like chalk are not the problem.
Perhaps getting rid of laptops is a good idea, we didn't have computers (or calculators) and I received a public education far superior to what is being offered here. Thanks for the suggestions.
I think people need to get a grip about computers. News flash,,, they are here to stay in our world. Even laptops as we know them will go through amazing changes again in a few years. Kids need to be exposed to and understand what the technology will be that that will be required to use for most jobs out there.
All of this talk about what people didn't have when they went to school is rediculous. That was another time and age. Today is today. Satellite technology, gps for phones, welcome to today's world. School is exactly where kids need to learn about these things. Your comments are akin to someone complaining that we don't use Encyclopedia Brittanica edition sets anymore. The world has changed, and will change at an even faster pace for these kids. If they can't compete for jobs, then what are we preparing them to do?
I haven't heard anyone on this forum suggest what we should actually do. The only advice is cut, cut....
Rather than saying what you don't want, how about sharing how you would go about delivering a quality education at a lower cost. Cutting the salaries of a couple of people (who are under contract) is retribution and would only make a minimal difference in the per pupil cost. It does nothing to address the only thing that matters: STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.
Cost cutting, without reinventing & improving the processes is a guaranteed way to produce substandard products. I am sure that Harley learned this at work.
Also, why did Maureen Martin get to run an article affecting the referendum, when the paper has a policy against running citizen letters (sound-off"s for 3 weeks prior to a vote)? Does anyone think she is an independent voice, just be cause she writes for Heartland Institute? Very irresponsible and unproductive journalism from the Green Lake Repeater.
Very disappointed!!
Maureen Martin's article was RESPONSIBLE journalism. There are many ways to improve the quality of education while reducing the costs. With the right school board members, this can and will be done. The contracts that you speak of will end one day and then we can begin anew. I am 100% confident that we can have far better schools in Green Lake, for much less than GLSD is spending now.
Leave it to the YES voters to object to someone telling the truth about the legal responsibilities of the school. This does not surprise me as they have been immersed in lies and misinformation for all three of the school referendums this year. God forbid that the voters should be informed on the TRUTH before an election. And we should trust our school to the voters who would rather not hear the truth? Thanks anyway.
"Why did Maureen Martin get to run an article affecting the referendum, when the paper has a policy against running citizen letters (sound-offs for 3 weeks prior to a vote)? Very irresponsible and unproductive journalism from the Green Lake Repeater."
Excellent point. Any decent newspaper would never allow a biased opinion to be printed with no chance of rebuttal, right before an election.
But what do you expect from the Green Lake Repeater.
It is the year 2020. Harleyville has been in existence for 8 years now, since Green Lake School District shut its' doors in 2012, two years after the no voters put the nail in the coffin for the school to continue. The city of Green Lake and the town of Brooklyn have finally come together under one entity, now known as Harleyville. Community gatherings and celebrations have changed quite a bit in recent years, as most families have moved away. In November, Homecoming weekend is now
known as Mudfield weekend, where participants gather at what was once upon a time the old football field, for the annual crowning of the King and Queen of mudfield, since years of neglect have turned the field into an area of mud and weeds. With no lights to turn on any more, participants gather in candlelight and are invited to participate in the annual mudthrowing contest, as the 8 high school students who still reside here, take turns slinging mudballs at each other, until the last male and female left standing are proudly crowned King & Queen of Mudfield, by the mayor of Harleyville, Mr. R. In lieu of a congratulatory speech, the mayor of Harleyville uses this opportunity to pull out the city monthly financials and demand that everyone in town review all line item expenditures of $50 and over, with particular scrutiny for anything tied to having fun or something that people would enjoy doing as a community. After being crowned King and Queen of Mudfield, the students are to report to their 3rd shift jobs at a factory over in the Ripon Area, where they can expect to work for minimum wage for the next 40 years, since that is what they now have the skill set for. Cheers go through the crowd of remaining NO referendum voters from ten years ago, as they celebrate the list of recent achievements read by the mayor in his proclamation. Topping the list: The last known computer in Harleyville finally quit working and people can finally return to relying on telegraph as the prime method of communication along with typewriters. Calculators have finally been banned by city council as people return to counting up to 20 with fingers and toes. All is being filmed by the return of 8mm home movie cameras, which will be feature entertainment the next summer at the annual 4th of Harleyville celebration. Stay tuned for future chapters of "Life in Harleyville."
It is the year 2020. Harleyville has been in existence for 8 years now, since Green Lake School District shut its' doors in 2012, two years after the no voters put the nail in the coffin for the school to continue. The city of Green Lake and the town of Brooklyn have finally come together under one entity, now known as Harleyville. Community gatherings and celebrations have changed quite a bit in recent years, as most families have moved away. In November, Homecoming weekend is now
known as Mudfield weekend, where participants gather at what was once upon a time the old football field, for the annual crowning of the King and Queen of mudfield, since years of neglect have turned the field into an area of mud and weeds. With no lights to turn on any more, participants gather in candlelight and are invited to participate in the annual mudthrowing contest, as the 8 high school students who still reside here, take turns slinging mudballs at each other, until the last male and female left standing are proudly crowned King & Queen of Mudfield, by the mayor of Harleyville, Mr. R. All is being filmed by the return of 8mm home movie cameras, which will be feature entertainment the next summer at the annual 4th of Harleyville celebration. Stay tuned for future chapters of "Life in Harleyville."
It is insane that people have not figured out what happened to GL schools in just a few short years.
To the Harleyville writer, you sound like a complete moron. Are you such a total idiot that you believe that Harley Reabe is the problem up at school???
Attorney Maureen Martin's article was about the school and school board. If I recall, the article did not address the referendum. Are you saying that any article regarding the school should not be printed before an election? Then take out Bate's column too, and anything else that is school related.
Speaking of Ken Bates column, one only has to read his column in the paper this week to understand why spending at the school is unsustainable. His "striking example" of "embracing the lake" touts the endless wonders of the students of the Green Lake Global and Environmental Academy sailing from Pilgrim Camp. This wonderful experience helped them to "engage in activity they can relate to and enjoy for a lifetime".
Now, I have no problems with children engaging in such activities on their own time, I am sure they had a good time. The tax payers should not have to bear the burden of taking kids sailing, especially while we suffer in the recession with no hope in sight for a recovery. I am sure that some of you will disagree with me, and that is your right. I am sure that some of you also think there is nothing wrong with sending 6 children to Milwaukee (two days in a row) on a full-sized school bus, either. Or paying for private hotel rooms for the administration and staff at the Hyatt Regency for their IB/Charter school fun. But the voters who helped to defeat the referendum on Tuesday understand that the school needs to turn away from the fun and games offered to lure in students and get down to the basics of a solid, core academic education.
This sailing event could perhaps be offered by the local sailing school and those interested families could then pay the tuition for this luxury. I really cannot afford a tax increase so that your child can "embrace the lake".
I think that the administration and teachers have had it so good, for so long, that they do not realize how the rest of the people in the community live. Many of us are on fixed incomes. I barely squeak by from month to month. There is no extra money in our household.
The school will most likely say that the sailing event did not cost that much money since volunteers were involved. However, there was extra expense involved, just like the week-long outing to the ABA last year for the charter students, including a special banquet. Really, when can we get back to the task of running a school?
Here is a great idea. Everyone who voted Yes on Tuesday, go get your checkbook and write out a check for the amount your property tax would have increased with a passed referendum. Send it in to the school district. If you really believe that the school is short on money, and since you voted Yes, you will have no problem doing this. Put your money where your mouth is.
Regarding the Charter students special activities spending the day sailing, going to Chicago,etc, we must think how the other students who do not have these opportunities. We are seeing first hand the affects on our daughter who due to not being "chosen" (by lottery) is now left out as her two former best friends were chosen to be a part of the "Global Academy" special activities. Therefore until our taxes give EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO ALL STUDENTS, we cannot support giving more money to GL School.
To the last blogger. Though I was a YES voter, I have to say you and I have common ground here on this issue. I do think we should have equal access to courses offered at our public school, and I can really see your point here. I am not against the activities offered by the charter school necessarily, ( sailing is no different than golf, rifle safety, tennis, or other activities we expose our students to, but I do not like the fact that some get it and some don't, simply by luck of the draw. I would rather see a system where all kids get equal access to courses and activities, as should be with a public school. I am sorry your daughter is not able to be with her two best friends. I have this same issue with school fees. People can say what they want, but the fact is a number of our families simply cannot afford these fees, yet they are supposed to, by state constitution, have free and equal access to a public school education.
L'Eggo My Lego
By Maureen Martin
28 Feb 2007
Some Seattle school children are being told to be skeptical of private property
rights. This lesson is being taught by banning Legos.
A ban was initiated at the Hilltop Children's Center in Seattle. According to an
article in the winter 2006-07 issue of "Rethinking Schools" magazine, the
teachers at the private school wanted their students to learn that private
property ownership is evil.
According to the article, the students had been building an elaborate
"Legotown," but it was accidentally demolished. The teachers decided its
destruction was an opportunity to explore "the inequities of private ownership."
According to the teachers, "Our intention was to promote a contrasting set of
values: collectivity, collaboration, resource-sharing, and full democratic
participation."
The children were allegedly incorporating into Legotown "their assumptions about
ownership and the social power it conveys." These assumptions "mirrored those of
a class-based, capitalist society -- a society that we teachers believe to be
unjust and oppressive."
They claimed as their role shaping the children's "social and political
understandings of ownership and economic equity ... from a perspective of social
justice."
So they first explored with the children the issue of ownership. Not all of the
students shared the teachers' anathema to private property ownership. "If I buy
it, I own it," one child is quoted saying. The teachers then explored with the
students concepts of fairness, equity, power, and other issues over a period of
several months.
At the end of that time, Legos returned to the classroom after the children
agreed to several guiding principles framed by the teachers, including that "All
structures are public structures" and "All structures will be standard sizes."
The teachers quote the children:
"A house is good because it is a community house."
"We should have equal houses. They should be standard sizes."
"It's important to have the same amount of power as other people over your
building."
Given some recent history in Washington state with respect to private property
protections, perhaps this should not come as a surprise. Municipal officials in
Washington have long known how to condemn one person's private property and sell
it to another for the "public use" of private economic development.
• “We feel that they are destroying our planet by saying G.W. is not a crisis. You think GW is not a crisis but it is; you know deep down that it’s a real thing that’s happening. Everyone has a part in helping GW, and you’re making worse.”
• “I do not think that what you are doing is right because you are telling people that global warming is not a crisis. If this is not a crisis, how come floods have occurred in asia, Mexico, and India. Plus, how can you explain why the glacier glaciers are melting. they can’t melt themselves, because they are in the coldest region in the world.”
• “Air pollution shrinks fetus size, 31 states target global warming, World must fix Climate in 10 years-UNDP, National disasters have quadrupled in two decades, and Global Warming Denier Group funded by Big Oil Hosting Climate Change Denial conference.”
•
The students say they read 10 articles about global warming; their letters describe and identify seven of them.
Three of the articles have nothing to do with global warming or greenhouse gases. Two are dire predictions from non-scientists at the United Nations disaster relief agency, the U.N. Development Programme, and nongovernmental organizations engaged in disaster aid. One article relates state efforts at monitoring greenhouse gases.
More articles by author Maureen Martin
http://www.heartland.org/searchresults.html?cx=015397170090247670231%3Arh4cbln1kz8&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&q=maureen+martin&sa=Search&siteurl=www.heartland.org%2Fpolicybot%2Fresults%2F10594%2FWelcome_to_Heartlands_Smokers_Lounge.html#893
Green Lake school district has increased spending by 1 million dollars over the last 2 years.
We need 4 new school board members who know what "fiscal responsibility" means!
Well...you might want to tell us exactly what that was for ....maybe there were some larger expenses that needed to be taken care of in that time frame- hmmmm- a blanket statement like the one above means nothing.
Referendum failures are becoming ironic
by Aaron Becker
The following is an excerpt. Read the full column in the Sept. 23 Ripon Commonwealth Press.
A quality school with no taxes isn’t realistic.
Nobody is suggesting that Green Lake School should have unlimited taxing power, but middle ground must prevail. Last week’s request for operations funds was a crumb compared to the earlier two, but ironically, it sank with the most opposition of all.
The defeat means more deficits and more cuts likely.
Some voters wanted to send a message, but after three separate referendums, they’ve actually sent a red flag to students and teachers who may be considering Green Lake School, along with those currently here.
This isn’t the only school in the area. Students and staff are free to leave. It’s not necessarily about programs or wages.
An equally appropriate reason for departure is because of how the community behaves — and the way the school is treated by citizens, who ultimately have the final say.
When the micro-managing and nay-saying become so great that a community won’t even allow its school to borrow money to fix a roof and make the building more efficient, it’s no surprise when those inside seek greener pastures.
In a small school, this has potential for a major, irreversible snowball effect.
The final outcome could be something that not even the main source of the negativity would want. By then it’s too late.
And that’s the greatest irony of all.
We all know why the budget has increased by a MILLION dollars, so quit beating around the bush.
Everyone knows what must be done for our school to thrive and succeed. Cut administration and several other positions and remove the IB and Charter schools from the curriculum. We can have a better school, one that is focused on education and excellence, for far less money.
Dear District,
Thank you for going out and bringing home more than $350,000 dollars of FEDERAL grants that would have normally gone elsewhere. Much of the grant was used for professional development. I know we are receiving the benefits of that now and for many years to come. I can't wait to see the fruits of the higher educational practices recently implemented here.
Thank you for your hard work in developing facilities upgrade plan for the next decade. Already dedicating @1.2M for completing a massive HVAC system replacement and new roof portions. These projects are upgrades to sytems that have served our district for over 50 years and a roof area which already had four gererations (layers) of repairs. We can enjoy a better quality and more efficent mechanical system for mayny decades to come.
The 9-23 newspaper editorial in the Ripon paper was spot on. That kid must have brass balls.
Com'on Chief--after you read Aaron Becker's article, isn't it high time you introduce a new blog topic, like "I Got It Wrong"?
Aaron appears to finally get it.
Thanks to Chief Rick and CARE--the Reabes (who give us the willies), Mrazik (pay your taxes and shut up, Dik), Martin (Fartland legalese) and others, ALL OF OUR TAX BILLS ARE GOING UP!
And then there's that little thing about the school being closed, no new families, teachers leaving, loss of community assets.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
P.S. House For Sale
Amen to the last blogger. Let's see if the no voters can actually have a good look at what is left over, after the cuts next year, and see what kind of school that is. Aaron finally saw the light, and gets it.
The school board has made fiscally disastrous decisions and left the school in an unsustainable state. Don't blame the tax-payers for ruining the school. The NO voters are trying to save what is left of it. We cannot let things continue as they have been.
Gee, what Aaron Becker failed to mention in his Kool-Aid induced blather was that several years ago, the total school budget was $3.9 million. Today, it is something like $6.2 million. This is with FAR LESS STUDENTS.
If you don't like your taxes going up, don't go casting blame where it is not deserved. The SPENDING AT SCHOOL IS OUT OF CONTROL! We need to get back to the $3.9 million budget and then you can quit crying about your taxes going up. Maybe there shouldn't be 3 SCHOOLS when all we need is ONE!
SCHOOL BOARD: LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR CONSTITUENTS ARE TELLING YOU! THE TAX PAYERS ARE FED UP, MAD AS HELL, AND WE AREN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!
Finally! Let's get back to reality. The last post says it like it is. Ken Bates has been wagging the dog for years now and the mindless school board members have been giving him the go-ahead on every costly idea imaginable. And you wonder why they keep holding these referendums? If you want to blame someone for your taxes going up, then blame Gordy Farrell and Wendy Schultz and the other school board members who keep approving these unnecessary programs.
I read Aaron Becker's article and was not convinced of anything he said. The budget has increased by millions, and then only cut by $400,000 and now they act like that is a big sacrifice? Yeah, right. How about cutting administration and not whining about losing the school secretary. She was worth more than Bates,at least she did her own work.
One bus route was eliminated and the children have to ride the bus longer. Most of the kids who ride the bus should be walking to school, they live in the city. The exercise would do them good. I rode the bus for over an hour when I was in school, because I lived in the country. It is a good time to review for tests or talk with friends. So little Suzy is on the bus for 20 minutes now instead of 15? Big deal.
The spending at school is still far too high, and we tax-payers want our school back. Really, Aaron, is this too hard to understand?
OK CARE and Take Back Our School groups- you have 5 Board members- so why do you think things haven't changed enough for you- because they now see what it is REALLY like and what is REALLY takes to run a school.....
Let's take a closer look at what it takes to run ONE school system, not THREE.
Right, ONE school. Not try to pay fees for a Charter and IB School, PLUS our own Green Lake. What makes our school board feel we can support all 3 when Charter and IB schools are in most cases independent schools. Does the IB and Charter schools So-called Grants - pay Green Lake school district rent, including their share for utilities and janitorial services? OR do those of us who do not support the idea of 3 schools pay? We never voted to have the additional schools/cost.
Exactly! Each of these three schools would normally be a solitary entity with it's own building, staff and administration. GLSD should not NOT be be running three seperate schools. How un-necessary and impractical this is! And if you think about it,GLSD has at least 9 schools within one building. Count them. You have the elementary school, the middle school, and the high school, TIMES THREE for the "regular" public school, Green Charter School and IB school. That is NINE schools. This is a bad circus act! The tax-payers are FED-UP with this flamboyant administration. THIS IS GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN, WE DON'T NEED NINE SCHOOLS FOR 290 KIDS! The public did not have an opportunity to vote to ADD SIX ENTIRELY NEW SCHOOLS TO THE DISTRICT and at our expense! This is an outright abuse of power by the school board and the administration. Just because the International Baccalaureate "programme" is Ken Bates subject of study for his doctorate, we all get to be guinea pigs for his grand United Nations experiment. And everyone suffers for the terrible decisions that we the public have allowed these past several years! This is what has divided the community and brought the school into a crisis situation. These mistake must be corrected, and soon.
When my kids attended school in Green Lake, there were just the three schools. Everyone was pretty happy with that. That's how we all grew up, mostly. Charter schools have their purpose in the right urban areas. Green Lake does not need a charter school or any other school, just a really great school. Quit dividing the children against themselves. I know that many of the students friendships have suffered because of the divisions in the school. This is so unnecessary to put the children through this. Let's just be a regular school again.
I cannot read this lunacy any longer. IB is not a school, it is a curriculum. There is one elementary school in Green Lake and it teaches the IB curriculum. The same goes for high school and middle school IB. The Charter School is a separate school that does not cost the tax payers of Green Lake any extra money. The enrollment is high in 7th grade. There would be two sections of 7th grade and one section of 8th grade (this is 3 sections for middle school.) This is exactly what the school is "paying" for, three sections. One section of 8th grade, one section of 7th grade, and one section of combined 7 & 8 (Charter). It is not costing any more money or taking anything away from the other students. Stop with the ranting about your money paying for all of these schools! It is not true, find out the facts! IB is a curriculum, not a separate school and charter is not costing the taxpayer all of the funds that you keep suggesting. Enough already!
PLEASE SOMEONE ANSWER THIS QUESTION:
Are ALL 7 and 8th grade students who wish to be in the 7/8th Charter class in that class? If not, how are those in the class chosen? And by whom? As a taxpaying American, we surely hope EACH AND EVERY Green Lake student is given an "equal education for all."
I think the answer is that if you are a "no" voter on any of the referendum votes, ( and they do know who votes which way, with secret hidden cameras installed at voting booths), then your kid is automatically eliminated from the pool they choose from for who gets chosen for the charter. This is also true for other things such as 50/50 raffle at football and basketball games, etc. All no voters are secretly screened upon entering the venue. After they purchase raffle tickets, someone from the charter school board takes them into a back room and throws those tickets out, before pulling the winner. The power of darkness shall not prevail.
Oh great...I just bought a raffle ticket for the ill-advised band trip to DC (the one that our band was 'selected' for... just like my kid was selected to be a model but only after we paid $15,000 for administrative fees).
And now you tell me that if I voted no on any of the 13,276 referendum's that my ticket will be thrown in the trash!
Thanks for nothing...I knew I should have backed all of the unsustainable spending at the school by turning a blind-eye to the concept of fiscal responsibility.
And I really don't care if the state funding formula is all jagged up...The bottom line is the bottom line and spending $20,000 PER YEAR / PER STUDENT is completely, unequivocally unacceptable - by any standards!
The school needs to cut administration and administrative personnel - Period!!!
Take a look at a true organizational chart of the school...including each and every person who collects some sort of paycheck from the taxpayers of Green Lake. You'll see where more cuts can be made...and it isn't in the teaching ranks!
Sure- but compare this to all the other similar sized school districts- make an informed decision! Compare apple to apples. The REAL problem here is the fact that you NO voters will never believe word from the other side- there is absolutely no trust left at all! You are given facts and you don't believe them...like talking to a wall or herding cats- never going to happen- so why bother?
Who says that IB is not a school???
From the school's OWN WEBSITE:
The Green Lake School was just authorized to be only the 2nd IB MYP (Middle Years Programme) school in the entire state!
This is not just a "curriculum", the IB is in fact a school.
IB is for everyone, it is not separate. All elementary students are taught the IB curriculum. There is not an IB school and an elementary school. And yes it is a curriculum. Green Lake will be ONE IB World School 4K-12. But as the poster above stated, the no voters do not want to hear the truth.
I'm still waiting for one 'truth' from the school that I've asked for multiple times over the last 2 years.
What happened to the money that was earmarked for the HVAC from the last referendum?
Nobody has given me a straight answer (much less any answer whatsoever) since I started asking the question.
This is like Washington politics on a smaller scale.
I keep hearing about the 'truths' that the school puts out there...all of the factual information that we 'uneducated' NO voters rely upon when making our choices.
IF someone can get me an answer...Actually THE answer...then perhaps I'll start entertaining a change of heart with regard to the school. Let's have some real transparency and not just pay it lip-service.
This isn't just a shot-in-the-dark, make the school look bad question. It is a real, honest to goodness, please get me an answer to a 'hard' dollars question.
Real Money deserves Real Answers!
Put your money where you mouth is school administration and yes-voting, head-bobbers of our community...
Give me a credible, factual, HONEST answer on where the money went and then we can talk referendum needs.
Right from the DPI site. The last referendum was for far more than just HVAC. It states: "remodel, renovate, improve school facilities; construct additions; equipment; acquire parcel of property as site." I do not see where it tells us that the referendum was supposed to pay for HVAC. There was a major addition to the building and renovation completed. But you didn't really want to know that, did you? You want to throw out inuendos that the referendum was for HVAC and the money was inappropriately spent.
You've missed the point once again...there was money earmarked for the HVAC and (now try and catch this part...I know it's difficult to catch when one is tipsy on the Kool-Aid) THE HVAC WASN'T TAKEN CARE OF!! In fact, nothing was spent on it although it was (and is) much needed and being paid for by we, the taxpayers, in the next year or so.
I can access the DPI website all I want (and have) and it does not give you the true BS that goes on at GL. Pull your head out and see what is really happening with your tax dollars.
But, I truly agree with everyone who thinks we need to spend the kind of money we do in Green Lake! Please remind me because I keep forgetting that 'It's about the 'children'!! Not really...it's more about the 'top-heavy' administration that is NOT needed at a school the size of Green Lake.
Open your eyes, explore the 'facts' and get real!! The future, if there is one, of Green Lake School District depends upon responsible adults making the most prudent, and sustainable, decisions to keep it a viable part of our (yours, mine and our) COMMUNITY!!
Rodney- have you gone into the school to have a face-to-face with Shelly Eilbes- the district bookeeper, or asked either of the previous Superintendents- who were there when all this took place? Until you do some real investigation all you are saying here means nothing.
If the school board can't even get straight answers from the administration, what makes you think that any ordinary citizen can walk into the school and demand to see the pertinent financial information? Besides, the public has no trust or confidence in Bates or anything he says anymore.
Here's what I see: you don't get the answer you want so you accuse the administration of lying.
Ask the school board! Even the treasurer is not supplied with necessary information in a timely fashion. And you can call it what you want, but when the facts and figures are continually changing, what (or who) are we supposed to believe?
HVAC was done during the 2001 renovations, although it was totally different in scope than that being done now. It consisted of boiler work, as well as HVAC work for the addition. Also, work was performed on the unit ventilators that were never functioning properly in the previous "Jr. High" addition.
See? Now how hard was that, Rodney?
No doubt you still won't like the answer, no matter what the answer is. If the answer is given, you'll say someone is lying. If the answer requires that you stop in the office to get the info, you'll deflect that somehow. It's not the truth you want, it's your agenda you want served, whatever way you can get it.
You're wasting your time with Rodney. He's a sanctimonius know-it-all who thrives on arguing.
And he has a very small penis.
Gloria
Interesting ... I just picked up a newspaper to see if anyone would write a Sound Off to criticize last week's editorial about the referendum. You know, the editorial that pointed out all the ironies (read: idiocies) of voting no, three straight times. Looks like CARE and all the bloggers who bashed that editorial don't even have the guts or conviction to write to the paper, offer a rebuttal, and sign their name.
The referendum opponents have no conviction, other than a silly, anonymous blog. Very predictable.
Excellent arguments! Small penis? Sanctimonious? No guts/conviction?
This is the type of divisive rhetoric people throw out when someone else disagrees or takes a slightly opposing point of view from the other persons reality. What is that all about? I hate when everything and anything becomes personal...it's a very sad state of affairs.
Sad, sad situation!!
The referendum opponents do not run the newspapers. Letters to the editor have been sent, it is not up to us what they choose to print.
Tell us another one.
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