3 months ago
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Subscribe To The Green Lake Blog
Posts
Comments
About Me
- Chief Highknocker
- You aren't local until you have at least three generations in the cemetery.
Posts
Comments
My Blog List
Tell Other Readers Where You Are From!
251 comments:
1 – 200 of 251 Newer› Newest»It’ll be very interesting to see if the school board accepts the two defeats, or instead attempts another referendum (and another, and another ……)
Down in flames? That and more.
Shock and awe.
We're taking over the school.
Hmmm, seems a tad militaristic for a change in school board members.
Sydney Rouse is an excellent addition to the school board. Congratulations, Sydney!
The people of Green Lake have spoken, and it would be very arrogant of the school to try another referendum this year. But that would be typical of them. It is time to begin the spending cuts and for GLSD to learn to deal with reality. I will guarantee that if they hold another referendum (and another, etc...) they will lose by more votes each time. The taxpayers are fed up with the overspending! Is it any wonder?
Thank you to all of the NO voters! Together we can effect positive change in the school and the community. This is just the beginning.
"The minority is sometimes right; the majority is always wrong"
GBS.
Ah, that's good. I also like his quote: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Seems fitting today.
Bates is recommending another referendum in this afternoons paper. He also says it needs to get passed or we will have to consolidate with another school. When are people going to wake up and realise Bates is the problem.Amy Pipho was elected because she said her goal was to get rid of the current administration at the time. That was her promise from her mouth to my ears with witnesses. She failed in that promise. Now we are stuck with this guy for how long? He does not get the budget in fact he has a former superintendent come in to explain it to him. Oh by the way I never cared for George Bernard Shaw and his socialist bent.
No, but G Shaw's comment above about not being able to change your mind to allow for change to happen seems appropriate for your comment. If what you report is true, seems Mr Bates is bent on a one track mindset. A move for a third referendum would be idiotic. Hopefully the board realizes this.
And I was a Yes voter. I'm proud of my vote, but it's time to move forward with whatever comes.
Gilligan, I knew there was a reason I baked all those coconut cream pies for you. For Bates to try another referendum this year would be idiotic. Which means, he probably will.
It is in the ripon paper page 7. We'll be back Bates said. "My recommendation is that the board come back with a third eferendum try, and my feeling is not to change it by much."
Pride is a powerful thing. In order for the GLSD to live within the present budget the IB and/or charter experiments will has to be reconsidered. I believe Bates would rather close the school than admit he was irresponsible starting these programs. Obviously parents agree or their wouldn't be more leaving than coming. You can't run an entire school catering to a few loones.
The negative nellies have won substantially. Without a school we are nothing. Property values will go down further and young families will not want to live here.
As stated in a letter in the Ripon paper a "no" vote does not mean that you are not in support of the school. It does mean though that the school board and administrators need to start making some cuts before asking the tax papers to pay more in taxes. That school has too many staff. Bates wants to get a referendum passed but without giving detail as to what the school is willing to cut or detaild information on why such a large amount of money is needed for such a small distrcit. We have lost excellent staff at the school and have too many people that seem to "fall" into jobs, which may or may not be needed. One staff member, who has been very vocal about passing the referendum, sent both of her kids to school in another district. What does that say about her true feelings on this district? Citizens need to start asking questions about where the money is going and really look at where cuts need to be made. According to the Ripon paper we do have 19 kids coming into the district but 26 leaving. That is a LOSS. Not the huge gain that we were supposed to see with the IB and Charter schools. Issues need to be addressed. Sydney Rouse will be a great addition to some of the board members that already see through the smoke screens.
Shadow - You have obviously fallen for Bates' brainwashing. Why do you assume that the school will close????? That may or may not happen with or without the referendum. You can't keep a school running if you don't have kids at the school.
What young family would want to move to Green Lake? Unless you plan a 45-90 min commute each direction for work, you'll never make a go of it. Waitress for $2.33 an hour, bag grocories for $7.25 an hour, or put piers in seasonally for $8.00 an hour?? How would you pay for a mortage on a $125K house? Much less rent on a $525/month apartment? Utilities, car payment, car insurance, health care??? Seriously GET REAL! New families are not moving to Green Lake, that ship sailed years ago. Let what happens to the School happen.
There is no reason for the school to close when it has nearly $20,000 per pupil to spend. This threat is a total red herring.
I am heartbroken at how the students at the school are being misled by feel-good programs like the environmental charter school.
The students need to learn how to read -- reading scores are shamefully low and that is the real scandal. Reading skills plus math, sound science, and critical thinking are the key issues. If the students have those skills, they will be invincible and certain to succeed in their chosen fields.
Teaching those skills does not take millions of dollars. It does require a focused administration, however, which we do not have.
Indoctrinating our kids to "love the environment" by hugging trees is a gross disservice to them.They will have no applicable intellectual skills.
Teaching them sound, rigid scientific principles is the real way to equip them to love our environmental world. Learning this is not as much fun as ice fishing or sailing. They need to understand that becoming well-educated is a process, not always fun to go through, but great fun to accomplish.
It will enable them to make a real difference in saving the earth. They will have the satisfaction of being true contributors to science, not mouthpieces for environmental blather.
Anything else -- calling ice fishing environmental education, for example -- is fake. Worse, it is a disservice to the students. If they want to be environmentalists, they need to be scientists first. To hug a tree, you have to know the genus and species you are hugging.
People around here are clueless if they think the school will close NOW or they think it won't ultimately have to do something to stay in existence. Things such as consolidate HS level classes with another community; keep the grade school / middle school, etc.
It will never make it in its present form and all that Bates and company are doing are spending us into a corner that much quicker. The longer we can keep the school fiscally responsible (we must first get it to that point), the longer it will exist under local authority.
If there is another referendum attempt, which it appears is inevitable, we must continue to vote NO and continue to challenge the administration and school board to look deeper than the cursory things they say are 'budget friendly'. We know the boiler has to be replaced as part of the Energy Project. This $490,000 bill will be paid by we, the taxpayers...that is a given. Beyond that major expense the school needs to get creative and make it happen on the fat sum of money they already get.
Enough is enough and the school really, truly has more than enough.
And Shadow, please stop with the gloom and doom...chicken little went away years ago!
I completely agree with the fact that these kids need to learn skills that will allow them to be successful in their career choice. Be it college or a trade. Being able to problem solve is becoming a lost art. Whenever I am approached by the many protesters that assemble in major cities who demand we donate to the various causes, I look them straight in the eye and ask, "if this cause is so important why don't you get a job and donate your salary to it? You would make much more of a difference." I just get a blank stare, these people are taught it is their right to demand whatever they want from others. Frankly this needs to change or we are doomed. Way too many takers, kids need to be taught self reliance. Scaring them into thinking more money is the only solution begins the indoctrination at a very young age.
It is very odd that a school that proclaims to teach critical thinking does not even have a debate club. IB is a huge waste of money.
The votes are counted and the finally tally is in. Live within your budget, like the rest of us. The school will does not have to close, but the administration needs to become more accountable to the voters on how they are spending the money they receive. Can we get a printout on teachers salarys, the cost of sports, the actual cost to us of the charter chool and the IB program? We do not need to fund Mr Bates in his effort to receive his Doctorate on IB Programs. Can we get an accurate class count for each grade, What teachers and aids are in each class? I support our local schools, went to a small school myself, had 3 classes in one room with one teacher, and I feel I received a great education. Its time for all of us to become more accountable for education, both in schools, and in the homes. Our children need to know that their parents support the schools and that they require the school to become financially responsible to give them the education they need to live their life to the fullest, Learning skills that are needed everyday, reading, math,home ec, shop, science and basic living skills are the major goals for every student. If a child learns those things, they can conquer the world with their desired knowledge in any field.
Now that the vote is over, lets continue to watch the administration and question decisions they make that are not financially wise for our school.
Very well said, Gloria. Your are exactly right. It is time for the citizens who pay the taxes that support the school to know precisely how their money is being spent. We want this information posted online in a timely fashion, not months after the fact. There have been too many unanswered questions for far too long. Even our own school board members are not receiving crucial information that they request. The administration is NOT doing a good job at anything. Bates cannot work within a budget, even give years to plan ahead. He insisted that the "teachers will get raises" and that their raises have been written into the budget for the next five years. Perhaps the teachers should realize how great they have it here in Green Lake, and not worry about getting MORE. They are amply paid and their benefits are excellent. If they can't adjust to reality, they perhaps they should leave if they think they will have it better somewhere else. Administration too.
Like other forms of government, the school staff needs to understand that they work for us, not the other way around.
Now that Markesan's referendum passed do you think Green Lake might consider at least talking to them about sharing services or checking into the feasibility of consolidation.
Seems in the past our board has had no time to talk to anyone about sharing costs or at least toss around the idea of consolidation.
I think all options should be on the table.
It is inevitable, in fact by sharing high school sports with Princeton, that process has already begun. All options should be examined and considered.
I guess you could say it has started but with football but I am thinking they didn't have a choice if they wanted a team, they HAD to hook up with someone else. Now once Montello consolidates with Westfield, is Green Lake going to be in the same boat as before, can Princeton and GL get enough kids to put together a team??
I think Princeton, Markesan and GL should sit down and have a heart to heart. We all need to start working together and work on creating a regional school district.
Well, Deb Kneser was at it again. Sending out emails from her school email account, coercing people to vote YES. This time she made a point of explaining that she does not work for the school.
I sincerely hope this means that our school is not paying for the three nights she spent at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee a few weeks ago. Or her meals. Or her mileage. Did CESA pay for these things? Didn't "we" just pay for Kneser to spend a few days in Los Angeles recently, or am I getting her mixed up with someone who actually works for our school?
And just what was that event at a Milwaukee conference center? The one where Bates sent 6 kids on a 66 passenger school bus, TWO DAYS IN A ROW! The one where Bates, Kneser, several school board members and staff refused to ride on the bus with the students but had to drive their own vehicles at OUR expense? The same event that Bates and company simply had to stay overnight at the Hyatt Regency, even though the lowly children were forced to return home to Green Lake on a school bus only to return the next day? Why could the chidren return home but the STAFF COULD NOT??? Just what event was this that cost the taxpayers thousands upon thousands of dollars? I would bet my life that it was either for IB or Charter School. I want to see all of the bills and receipts from this trip and I want to know exactly what our 6 chosen students learned from this two day event.
Six kids on a school bus to Milwaukee, two days in a row!
This was probably part of the GREEN CHARTER SCHOOL.
If it weren't so incredibly sickening, it would almost be funny.
Please don't assume that all educators in the Green Lake School District think they're entitled to a "hefty" raise each year. Some of us do what we do because we love our jobs, the children we work with and are more than happy with our current salary/benefit package. To lump all educators in our school district into the "greedy" pile is unfair. For some of us it really is all about the children.....
Not to change the subject, but did anyone go to the city council meeting Monday night. I did and boy did I get a glimpse of what the Mayor and Ms. Wallenfang want to do. NOT ALLOW RENTALS FOR ANY LAKESHORE PROPERTY. What would that do for our businesses!!!
Seriously? There are people stuck with homes they can no longer afford and rental would help with expenses and property taxes until the market picks up and they can sell their white elephants. Are these people crazy, do they not realize there is a horrible recession? Would they prefer forclosures and back taxes. Get real! Green Lake is not immune to the economic realities of today, ask the crazy referendum pushing people, have they learned nothing?
So there is ONE problem rental property on Forest Ave, and this is how certain elected officials choose to deal with it? Does anyone in government have any common sense any more?
Maybe Robin Wallenfang should paint a huge sign to hang over the downtown street saying R.I.P. Green Lake!
If you folks lived next to a rental property and got to listen to the late night music, the partying, the clueless (dangerous) boaters and everything else that can come with it, you might think a bit differently.
It is true, most renters are decent people, but when you get some dandy's who figure their rental fee gives them the right to be a rude bunch of b--tards, it can make for a very long week.
Three more teenagers have been arraigned in connection with the death of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince. She was the Massachusetts teen who hung herself in January after being cyber-bullied by her school-mates. This brings the number of teenagers facing criminal charges to nine. No school officials are facing criminal charges though District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel has referred to the actions, or lack of actions, on the part of staff and administrators as troubling.
This brings to mind the two female students who endured similar torment this school year right here at GLSD. Thank God that the two girls did not do anything as drastic as taking their own lives the way that Phoebe did. Thank God that they turned to their parents and left the school district before anything this tragic happened. It could have.
The fact is that there has been very little discipline at the school since Ken Bates has been administrator. Even something as basic as the dress code is not observed and enforced. What action has been taken against the students who perpetrated these cruel actions? A short-term suspension? These girls are scarred for life. My heart truly goes out to them and their families.
I also feel heartfelt concern for these two girls, and agree 100% with the last blogger. And some are wondering why enrollment is declining?
As far as discipline at the school goes, I ask, "what discipline?"
Reminds me (fondly) of when Tracy announced to the students days ahead of time that the drug dogs were coming to school. It was so diplomatic of him to give them fair warning. How I miss that little e john. I wonder what ever happened to him. After we paid him off to make him go away, to avoid a lawsuit because of his inappropriate actions in a classroom. Such memorable days we share under HeadMaster Bates. Good old school days....
Gosh, you are making me feel all warm and fuzzy with these great memories of years gone by. It makes me wonder what other wonderful events lie in store for our students before Bates contract finally comes to an end. Gee, I can hardly wait to find out.
Isn't asking the voters three times in five months an abuse of power???? The people have spoken TWICE and the school needs to listen and move on.
If the school board actually follows Bate's suggestion on this, they are all insane. They need to take a stand and tell him stop asking and start doing some things right.
Every referendum they try after this last one will only make them look worse than they already do. Also, the city does not want to pay for their special elections, and neither do the taxpayers! How badly do they have to get whipped before they leave us all alone and let this community heal from the damage they inflicted on everyone. Accept the legal outcome and deal with it. That is how us folks in the "real world" have to live. Honestly, what Bates and Co. are doing to us is very much like harassment. (I wonder if we have legal recourse?) The staff of GLSD is intentionally inflicting emotional duress on hundreds of people who cast their vote in earnest, for the better of the school and the community. To disregard a legally elected decision is rude and insulting. The arrogance at school never ceases to amaze me. Simply lowering the amount of the referendum by a few dollars does not matter. It is still rude and insulting to the electorate.
Perhaps the people of Green Lake should hold their own referendum against the school.
This referendum proves that "he who has the most signs does not necessarily win". People are more interested in facts than fiction. Teachers First group really overdid it with their obnoxious display of overconfidence. I'm sure they thought that they would win, after all they had (?) 500 signs or more. The painted vehicles made them look desperate. Typical of a school-related group to spend far more money than necessary, and not get the job done.
In Ken Bates newspaper column this week, he states that "the reason for the referendum is to maintain our current programs". Yet at the informational meetings, he clearly stated that he would cut programs before he cut teachers.
The fact is that programs and teachers need to be cut in order to work finally with a balanced budget. The voters want the IB and Charter schools out of the GLSD equation. The GLSD budget has risen considerably since IB and Charter schools were implemented in Green Lake. I don't want to hear about the "grants" that were use. In case Bates does not understand this, grant money is tax money. Where does Bates think it comes from, the grant fairy? And more importantly, now that the grant money is long gone, it is the burden of the taxpayers to continue with these extra, unnecessary expenses!
He continues in his column to criticize the "personal attacks on teachers, School Board members, and even students...." This is a great irony coming for the school! The last time I checked, we the people still have "freedom of speech". What he calls "attacks" are in fact merely valid criticisms. If there is evidence of "personal attacks", by all means please post them on the blog, Mr. Bates. Perhaps Bates should have spent more time trying to figure out which of the teachers were lying to their students? Which of the teachers sent their students home crying (literally) that their school would close if their parents did not vote YES? What about the teachers and other staff who used school resources to promote the referendum? What about the teacher who personally attacked school board members in an open email to all school staff? As far as I know, there was no investigation and there certainly was no disciplinarian action taken against them.
Bates then cites an "outstanding example" of what our students should model. He then goes on to talk about Joe Norton who "stood up and asked for all to be polite and respectful during discussing the referendum." Talk about ironic! I was at that meeting. Joe Norton was extremely rude, interrupting and yelling at the woman who was speaking about important school related issues at the time. His voice carried across the whole room that someone else should speak. And yet this was Bates example of a role model for our children.
The name of Bates column this week is "Adopting ethical behavior standards". It sure would be great if the school did just that.
How about ethical behavior standards for the school to respect the outcome of the public vote and not throw another referendum in our faces?
This is hilarious … Let’s review a post from the previous thread, predicting a landslide victory:
“No doubt Mr. & Mrs. Grumpy and their sidekick board member, Mr. Older Grumpy, are in fact very grumpy today. And why are they grumpy? Because they are realizing that many people in the community do not think the way they do. They are noticing more YES signs, they are seeing flyers promoting the referendum, they are seeing vehicles promoting the referendum, they are hearing people speaking up in meetings who do not want these cuts made. Their grumpiness is accelerated by having to consider the increasing possibility that they will wake up on Wed. April 7th, and find out the referendum has passed. And all their grumpiness and huffing and puffing will have been for naught.”
Ha! On the contrary, the margin of defeat for the April referendum rose by a jaw-dropping 638%. Now there’s a fun fact to share. The public has spoken. The administration has no right to hold re-vote after re-vote just because they didn’t get their way. It failed, fair and square. Twice actually. Time to move on.
Now do you see why some School Board members wanted to hold the first referendum in February? There were FAR fewer voters back then (767 total) and the referendum nearly slipped through. When the public had a stronger turnout in April (1,082 total votes) the referendum failed by much more.
The administration bluffed by releasing “proposed budget cuts” right before the April referendum, but the public called it. Why was it a bluff? Because the district is already talking about Referendum 3 rather than making the cuts they claimed they would have to make. Isn’t it enough for the public to speak twice? Is our school leadership incapable of listening? Holding another re-vote this year is not only in poor taste, it should be illegal.
Are you sure it was Joe that said that? I thought it was a school board member and actually addressed this with Mr. Bates because I thought it was unacceptable behavior.
Yes, that was Joe Norton. I was very interested in what the woman was saying at the time, and he rudely cut her off. She was the polite one, not Joe.
I was a YES voter, both times. Though I was sorry to see the results of the referendum vote, I accept the will of the people. I am not interested in seeing a referendum brought forward again this year, as clearly the majority don't want it. I do think the school board and administration need to listen to what the community wants, including whatever the consequences may be as the result.
Thank you for your fairness in thinking. Had the outcome been the other way and the referendum had passed, the people would have had to accept this and move on. It is only right that the school should have to do the same. What is the point of having an election if the results are going to be completely ignored and disregarded? Another referendum would be a huge mistake.
I was very disappointed that Gordy Farrell was re-elected. In my opinion, he is a big part of the problem at school. Anything Bates wants, Farrel agrees with and that is why we have such overspending at the school. Wendy Schultz, too. Apparently neither of them can think for themselves, or even think of what is appropriate for the school and the community. The vulgar land grab (attempt) at the ABA last year is a classic example of their ineptness. At least next year we can get Schultz off the board and replace her with a strong, fiscally responsible candidate.
"What is the point of having an election if the results are going to be completely ignored and disregarded?"
AMEN!!!
Wendy Schultz is off the board, as is Jodine Deppisch - who did not seek re-electon. Gordy does have knowledge on the necessary repairs needed on the roof, boiler, and heating/cooling system. Hopefully he sees the vast majority of voters, unlike Bates, want and demand fiscally responsible spending - i.e., cut IB and Charter, and how about Ken Bates offering to take less salary - he makes more than superintendents of large school districts - one being Fond du Lac's and several in large systems just outside Madison.
If only Harley could clone himself, we could then have 7 grumpy old board members, who don't know a thing about kids in the school or what any of the activities are about, for the good of the community. We could get rid of all computers for kids, and teach subjects using school books from 1950. If only....
I've been thinking about the NO voters who want fees paid for what they consider extra programs. Here is a novel idea. How about if we set it up that people honestly register at school if they were NO voters. Then, they could generally stay away from school activities, such as basketball & baseball games, band concerts, Memorial Day Parades, since they don't believe in the community supporting these events through school taxes. But any time they change their mind and decide to attend an activity, they .... could be the ones to pay a fee. Let's see how well that goes over with them.
That is about the most asinine comment I've seen! Most schools require fee's to be paid for activities.
What makes this school 'special' in that regard?
And regarding Gordy...the schools boiler / heating /cooling system is going to be taken care of with the $490,000 "Energy Project" you've seen listed in the school budget.
My understanding is that the school did NOT need the referendum to levy the taxpayers for the "Energy Project"...it was a given whether the referendum passed, or not. SO, we will be paying the $490,000 in our taxes.
Now I still want to know what happened to the money that was earmarked from the LAST referendum specifically for the purpose of repairing/replacing the HVAC system?
Does anyone know...And yes, I asked Bates and he again fell back on "i don't know...I wasn't hear in 2001"...same old BS'n Bates!
To "I wasn't hear in 2001"...same old BS'n Bates!" You might think about taking one of the beginner spelling classes offered at the school.
Of course there should be fees for book use, field trips and extracurriculars. Most other schools do this and there is no problem with it.
For the genius who suggested that the NO Voters should pay the fees, here is my counter-logic: Anyone who voted YES can go get their checkbook and write out a check for $320.58 to the school, each year for the next five years. That is what the average tax increase would have been in our district if the referendum had passed. Since the YES voters don't have a problem telling ME that I should pay more money to a school that is already paying $20,000 per student annually, then they shouldn't have a problem putting their checkbook where their mouth is. I am sure the school will soon see those checks rolling in, all 474 of them.
I realize that $320.58 does not sound anything like 2 cents a day or any other minuscule figure the school alluded to. It sure is interesting how different those two figures actually are.
According to the Green Lake County Treasurers office:
There are 3,450 taxable properties in the Green Lake School District.
The referendum is asking for the total amounts:
$675,000
$1,015,000
$1,280,000
$1,280,000
$1,280,000
Total $5.530,000 over 5 years.
Average $1,106,000 per year
Now, for the sake of calculating, let's use the averages.
Average $1,106,000 per year. Divide by the total number of taxable properties in GLSD.
$1,106,000 divided by 3,450 = $320.58
per year, per taxable property. Keep in mind, these are averages.
Oh.... okay,,, now I get it. You think it would be wrong for you to have to pay fees to go see all of these activities you enjoy as a community member, but you have no issue with having families whose kids are in the activities pay the fees for the programs, that you get to go to when you want to. Sounds like a pretty nice deal, for just some people. Hhhhmmm..... and you say you are the logical ones?
What on earth are you talking about? You make no sense. And for the record, not everyone goes to school events. It really is not like I am "enjoying" anything the school does as you would so indicate. The families that are in the school events should support the family events. Fees are not prohibitive. Also, some sports events already charge admission, so whatever point you are trying to say makes no sense at all. When our kids were in school, we went to games and we paid the fees. Why is this so difficult for you to understand? Fees are fees. Get over it.
I can not believe this person is so offended by the thought of having to pay a fee for their child to participate in "extracurricular" activities. What world do you live in? Who benefits? Because a few individuals attend events and do not have children in the program is a good thing. School spirit and all, but come on......
I paid fees for every one of my children to participate. Be it band, football, cheerleading or basketball. It also gives the child a sense of responsibility, difficult to quit when the practice gets tough if Mom and Dad had to shell out a few bucks.
We are responsible for our children, quit expecting the "village" to pay your way. Don't you pay fees for little league, soccer, dance class, ect. Why is this any different? Schools subsidize, but families should pitch in too.
Hey....person angry about fees....Your anger is displaced, instead of being mad at the suggestion of fees, why not direct your anger where it belongs? The school gets more than enough money to provide a vast array of activities free of charge. The fact that they can't is due to horrendous mismanagement. Start demanding they get their act together! If they did, you wouldn't ever have to pay a fee.
I understand your point, but feel that collecting fees should be a part of a well-run school system. We are not talking about a huge dollar amount, but $30 for this sport or $50 for that one. It would depend on the sport or activity. Do our students pay for field trips? When my kids were in school, we payed $5 -$10 for a field trip, depending. This covered admission to the museum, etc. Why shouldn't the families pay for their own children? Or a better question would be, why should I pay for your child to go on a field trip or participate in cheerleading? I pay my taxes, and plenty of them!
The DPI talks about permissable fees on their website:
http://dpi.wi.gov/sfs/fees.html
Please note that it mentions pre-K, day-care, textbooks, school supplies, extracurriculars, community programs and services that are outside the regular curricular and extracurricular programs for pupils, transportation to extracurricular events, etc. Indigent students are generally excluded.
Of course, this does not even include the infamous IB program, where families across the country pay $1000 per year to have a student participate, plus test fees.
The DPI webpage begins with this interesting statement:
Legislative changes such as revenue limits, changes in the equalized aid formula and general tightening of school funding have led some school districts to explore the use of "user fees" to supplement their budgets. Proponents argue that such fees can result in lower local taxes and increased services for students.
Since our school is already operating with hundreds of thousands of dollars in the red, it only makes sense to implement fees in addition to other cuts in the budget.
why should I pay for your child to go on a field trip or participate in cheerleading? I pay my taxes, and plenty of them!
Why should I have to pay for your Social Security and Medicare? It's called doing the right thing and caring for others. Stop being so selfish.
I Agree. My goodness are people sounding selfish. Funny how lot's of people who voted NO don't have kids in the school. It sounds completely awful to me that they only want the people who are trying to raise families here to pay for all the activities at school. Apparently families are not struggling in these hard times. I agree with the last bloggerif you don't want to help support the kids in this community, then I should not have to help support you with social security or medicare. Stop being so selfish.
I absolutely agree. I would like to hear one of the NO bloggers who is a senior citizen explain to me why all of their benefits such as medicare and social security should stay. We all have to pay into that, but I will not see any benefit for that for many years to come. I do agree that fees should be there for things like field trips. (And there always needs to be a method to take care of kids who cannot afford to participate. But for these other activities, such as music and sports, these also help develop young people into well rounded adults. I would bet many of these nay sayers had plenty of opportunities provided to them when they were in school, but how soon they forget, or want to look the other way when it is another young person's turn growing up.
Funny how people have plenty of money to sit at a bar and drink, or buy lottery tickets, or cigarettes, but not for investing in young people.
Your points are pointless. What does Social Security and Medicare have to do with paying fees for extracurricular activities at school? You are right in that both of these systems are in fact broken and should probably be
discontinued. The people who PAID INTO Social Security and Medicare should be the ones who GET BACK. (see how that works?) Too many people in this country are looking for a FREE RIDE and they are getting it from the rest of us hard-working taxpayers. 39% of Americans don't pay any income tax at all. This is so Washington can redistribute our "wealth". It's a completely broken system, it does not work any longer.
The school receives our tax dollars to educate the youth, and that system also is broken. There is too much waste, fraud, and misuse of public monies. I pay my taxes and should be able to trust that my money will be used wisely, but that of course is not the case. (like putting 6 kids on a school bus to Milwaukee). Government is apparently not capable of spending money wisely, and that includes schools.
Why should the people who sit at the bar and smoke, drink and buy lottery tickets pay for YOUR kid to play in sports? They are already paying to educate YOUR kid. Maybe the parents whose kids want to participate in extracurricular activities should not be buying expensive meals out, Coach purses or spending $85 for a haircut and manicure. Do all of the finger pointing you want to, but it is called EXTRA-curricular for a reason.
Why don't you find something that is actually worth whining about?
You are right. Maybe I should whine about all of the whining people like you do
At least I can blog intelligently, unlike you.
give me a break....I'm selfish because I don't want more of my tax dollars squandered. If there was truely a need for more money I am sure the referendum would have passed.
And, You are not selfish because you don't want to use your own money to pay for your child to engage in extracurricular activities.
To compare social security benefits or medicare to a kid playing football is a total red herring. If we were discussing you voting on raising the taxes for those programs and you were against it that would be a different story. I don't think you'd get much argument on that from anyone on this blog!
to clarify on the precentage of Americans who pay NO federal income taxes....It is 47%!!
What is your source? And how many are wealthy?
Found it on MSNBC web site....hardly a conservative think tank!
Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer
FILE - In this April 5, 2010 file photo, Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas Shulman gestures while speaking at the National Press Club in Washington. Tax Day is a dreaded symbol of civic responsibility for millions of taxpayers, but for nearly half of all U.S. households, it's simply somebody else's problem. About 47 percent of U.S. households will pay no federal income taxes for 2009, either because their incomes were too low or because they qualified for enough credits and deductions to eliminate their tax liability, according to projections by a private research group.
How many are weathly? Are you serious? The weathly pay almost ALL the taxes in this country.
Fair or not, it is a fact.
The latest data show that a big portion of the federal income tax burden is shouldered by a small group of the very richest Americans. The wealthiest 1 percent of the population earn 19 per cent of the income but pay 37 percent of the income tax. The top 10 percent pay 68 percent of the tab. Meanwhile, the bottom 50 percent—those below the median income level—now earn 13 percent of the income but pay just 3 percent of the taxes.
What is your source?
Don't you know how to look anything up yourself? It's not that difficult.
From the Oshkosh Northwestern:
MENASHA — Overall school staffing will be reduced by nearly 50 positions, including 22 teachers facing layoff under cuts approved Monday by the Menasha school board to deal with a nearly $1.5 million deficit for 2010-11.
"Yes, it will mean that we'll have slightly larger classrooms but we'll also be able to use our classrooms a lot more effectively," said Sue Gielau, the board president, who called it a "fiscally sound decision."
The reductions will mean the district will face a projected shortfall of $254,000 in the 2011-12 school year, instead of $1.7 million.
"We've had a luxury here of having classes of nine, 10, 11, 12, 13," said Supt. Rick Carlson. "In the end it paid some dividends, but at a cost."
With the reductions, Carlson said the average class size in kindergarten and first grade will be 19.1 students per teacher, which is "still a lot lower" than neighboring school districts.
Last month, administrators had indicated 34 full-time equivalent teaching positions would face layoff but that number was reduced to 22 through retirements, resignations, limited term contracts and voluntary teaching contract reductions.
My dear friend is a retired Wisconsin Public School teacher. We talked today and she told me how she always had 30 - 40 students in a class, and no aides. The only aides in school were for the LD. She scoffs at how easy teachers have it now, how highly they are paid, and how ineffectively they handle a tiny class of students. I wish we could bring these old-school teachers back, strong, authoritative teachers who really know how to teach! She was an amazing teacher. I know because she was my teacher in middle school. And yet, she was just an ordinary teacher who did her job, and did it well.
We know people here in Green Lake who will be sending their children to Ripon because the class sizes here are just too small, and the school is dysfunctional. Small class sizes are not necessarily a good thing.
Read Matthew 7: vs 1-6. Listen first, speak much later. And remember if you continue to be part of the problem, you'll never be part of the solution. Compromise and sacrifice are key words to consider as you move forward. Your way may not be the only or the best way to go.
Good luck to all involved with the future of our school and the success of our children.
Comparing Social Security and Medicare to activities for the kids in the communtiy is not a stretch. Part of my paycheck goes to both every two weeks in the form of taxes. From all the projections, there will be no money left in the Social Security that I am paying into right now for when I retire. The recipiants right now are the ones who are getting my money. There will be none left when I retire so I am paying into a broken, finacially mismanaged system for your benefit. Hmmmm, sound familiar? It's okay for me to pay into that, but God forbid that you help pay for the activites of our children. Oh yeah, last time I checked, I pay for those too in taxes. Stop making it sound like the parents of the kids don't pay anything. We pay for the activites like you do (in our taxes) and pay for your retirement. I won't see the money you put into Social Security or my own for that matter. If you are gonna sit on a tighwad soapbox, it better be for all programs and not just the school.
GREAT POST! BY THE WAY, I HAVE PAID MONEY FOR EVERY FIELD TRIP MY KID HAS GONE ON. DON'T KNOW WHERE PEOPLE ARE GETTING THE IDEA THAT PARENTS DON'T. PEOPLE SEEM TO BE MISINFORMED IN THIS TOWN AS TO WHAT REALLY GOES ON AT THE SCHOOL AND ARE LOOKING FOR REASONS TO BAD MOUTH IT. SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE MORE PERSONAL ISSUES THAN REAL ISSUES GOING ON HERE. ALSO, TO THE PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THUMPING THEIR CHESTS AND HIGH FIVING EACH OTHER ON THEIR NO VICTORY (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE), PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY WILL BE LOSING THIER JOBS AS A CONSEQUENCE. SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT TO THEIR SITUATION. YOU WOULD HARDLY LIKE IT IF YOUR BOSS DID IT TO YOU AFTER HANDING YOU A PINK SLIP. GROW UP.
I LOVE IT WHEN PEOPLE TYPE IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE THEIR INFORMATION IS SO IMPORTANT.
Sad that you've paid for all of your kids field trips...must be the only person at the school who has done so.
Do the participants in athletics pay for anything - - NO!
Do the participants in band pay for anything - - NO!
Do the participants in any extracurricular activities at Green Lake pay for anything - - NO!
That is the point, not any BS about social security and medicare! Both of those programs are screwed up but that is not the issue we are dealing with at GLSD...stay on point...PLEASE!
The school itself represents 'curricular' activities...teaching the fundamentals of education.
Thus the EXTRA in front of CURRICULAR means it is 'in addition to'.
I'm all for paying the costs of education but a user fee for the EXTRA activities only seems fair and equitable.
there will be no money left in the Social Security that I am paying into right now for when I retire.
Interestingly, I had a GL High School teacher tell me that in 1968.
One quick comment on the attitudes of some of our communities finest since the last no vote.
One person, we'll call him Boatbuilder, has become so uncivilized (and totally immature) that he literally turns his vehicle around and heads in the opposite direction when he sees me walking through town. I'll wave to him, making eye contact, and he'll turn his head and not acknowledge me.
Prior to the referendum, and me voicing my opinion on it, this was a person who would go out of his way to drive by, beep his horn and wave whenever he came across me walking through town.
I've also been told that this same person won't even talk to a fellow with whom he grew up with, has been friends with and has known his entire life! In fact, the only thing he will say to this other person is "why should I talk to you, so you can just keep saying NO,NO,NO,NO...!".
Talk about silly, uncivilized, immature actions! This is the same person who pleaded with everyone at a referendum meeting..."Why can't we all get along..this referendum is pitting brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor"...and this is how you react when your opinion of the referendum did not prevail!
What's to be expected if there is another attempt at this referendum? What's in store for us from those who didn't get their wish...people lying on the floor holding their breath until they get a yes vote!
All I can say is Boatbuilder, please grow up and accept reality. It's time to move forward and rebuild the relationships that your contentious acts are doing mortal harm to.
I'M NOT CONDONING BAD BEHAVIOR OF ANYONE IN THIS TOWN REGARDLESS OF THEIR VOTE. I DID NOT HAVE THE EXPERIENCE WITH BOATBUILDER THAT I DID WITH THE THUMP CHESTING NO VOTER. THE FACT IS THAT PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN NEED TO GROW UP AND GET OVER THIS. THE YES VOTERS NEED TO FIND A WAY TO KEEP THE SCHOOL OPEN WITH THE MONEY THEY HAVE. THE NO VOTERS NEED TO STOP BRAGGING ABOUT THEIR VICTORY AND START OFFERING UP REAL SOLUTIONS TO THE BUDGET PROBLEM THAT WE CAN ALL LIVE WITH. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WE CAN WORK ALL THIS OUT WITH SOME DEGREE OF CIVILITY WITHOUT THE PERSONAL JABS AND ATTACKS (LIKE ME USING ALL CAPITALS). THOSE OF US WHO REALLY WANT TO GET ALONG AND CARE ABOUT OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS SHOULD PROBABLY GET OFF THIS SITE AND GET TO WORK CONSTRUCTIVELY FIXING THE SITUATION. TO THE REST OF YOU-PLEASE FEEL FREE TO KEEP ON BLOGGING AND SLANDERING EACH OTHER. IT'S WHAT YOU SEEM TO DO BEST.
OH, AND BY THE WAY, I AM NOT THE ONLY PARENT PAYING FOR FIELD TRIPS. PLEASE NAME A FIELD TRIP THAT PEOPLE HAVE NOT PAID FOR. BACK UP YOUR COMMENTS WITH FACTS AND NOT MERE HERESAY. IT IS NOT HELPING MATTERS. SORRY IF MY CAPITALS UPSET YOU......
I never said that field trips were not paid for by the parents, I said they should be paid for by the parents, along with other fees. That is an old discussion. Let's all move on, please.
HEARSAY IS SPELLED THIS WAY!!!
Have any of you heard what is going on with the teacher's union in New Jersey, and the cuts to the state's budget. Very interesting stuff.
SORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING ERROR-STILL WAITING TO HEAR WHICH FIELD TRIPS ARE FREE.....I'M ONLY HARPING ON THIS BECAUSE SOMEONE ON THIS BLOG IS SPOUTING OFF ABOUT HOW PARENTS DON'T PAY ANYTHING. THAT'S BULLCRAP. DON'T TELL ME THAT I DON'T PAY FOR ANYTHING AT THE SCHOOL. I SHOULD KNOW, I WRITE THE CHECKS.
" Maybe the parents whose kids want to participate in extracurricular activities should not be buying expensive meals out, Coach purses or spending $85 for a haircut and manicure. "
Wow-you gotta be kidding me! Where are you getting this crap? There are so many families in town that are having a hard time right now just to pay the monthly bills. How dare you assume things like this in an effort to win your cause. If my wife had a Coach purse, I would take it and belt you over the head with it to knock some common sense into you.
I am not sure you live in reality. Do you know how many of the students at school have Coach purses and other expensive accessories? You would be surprised. I was simply making the comparison to the sod who said that the people sitting in the bar smoking, drinking and buying lottery tickets should pay for the school fees. Sure, people spend their money differently. Some blow it in bars. Some blow it in the stores. That is their choice. There might be a few families in Green Lake that are struggling to pay their bills, but those are not the families that I was talking about.
Do you think that any of those designer items could possibly be $10.00 knockoffs from China? I'm thinking that most of them are as more people in this town can afford those than the real deal. I have a $5.00 pair of Oakleys that I bought in Mexico. I guess I must be one of those rich people too....
OMG you complain about being broke and you vacation in Mexico.!! This crap is getting silly who cares? The issue is if the school really needs more money to effectively educated the children. Most voters thought not. That simple. These personal attacks and hurt feelings are insane. Get over yourself it's not personal.
Sorry Corporal, you are wrong on this one. The previous blogger is correct. My daughters friends would not be caught dead with an impostor handbag. You don't get look-a-likes at Macy's and Marshall Fields. Many of these teens have more than one designer bag, plus the shoes, boots, coats, scarves, to mention a i-phone, ipod, etc etc. Things have changed a lot in the last ten years. I sure don't agree with it or condone it. One of my daughters friends received an $800 purse for Christmas, even though her family has their house for sale and they are on the verge of bankruptcy. Plus they took an expensive trip to Hawaii for Christmas. Now you can see why they are almost bankrupt and have to sell their house. But their princess still scores big in the gimme department. Yes, right here in Green Lake.
Average credit card debt per household with credit card debt: $16,007
If people are having trouble paying their bills, it is usually their own fault.
Our country needs to pull the reigns on spending. People feel entitled to have what other people have, even if they don't deserve it.
"OMG you complain about being broke and you vacation in Mexico.!!"
If you want to call walking across the border to Nogales a vacation in Mexico well okay-I guess I vacationed in Mexico. You're jumping to conclusions again.......
"If people are having trouble paying their bills, it is usually their own fault. "
What a crappy thing to say in this economy. I took a 15% pay cut this year to keep my job. I know plenty of other people out there who have had to do the same thing. It is not always about people being irresponsible with their money. I cannot believe you would make that broad of a statement in the middle of one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. It reeks of ignorance....
Obviously NO ONE has a sense of humor. Get the sarcasm.....no one should care how much others have or how they choose to spend their money. That was the OMG point!
OK blogger who took a pay cut....then why can't you understand people don't want their taxes to go up even if it is a small amount, they have had it!
Because I happen to believe that education is high priority. It is more important than purses, cocktails, manicures, cigarettes and all the other crap that people are more than willing to spend their money on. Last time I checked, the prices were going up on those things too but everyone still justifies buying them.
Could some of the NO voters please post your ideas on specific staffing cuts? Just interested in what your thoughts are. Please name the staff you think should be cut and why. You should have had this in mind when you voted so it should be easy to do.
Now this will be interesting...
How about geting rid of the combined classes? There are so few kids that one teacher for each grade should suffice. The staffing cuts will have to be made by seniority due to the teachers union, I suppose.
Corporal says.....
It is not always about people being irresponsible with their money. I cannot believe you would make that broad of a statement in the middle of one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. It reeks of ignorance....
Then he says....
Because I happen to believe that education is high priority. It is more important than purses, cocktails, manicures, cigarettes and all the other crap that people are more than willing to spend their money on. Last time I checked, the prices were going up on those things too but everyone still justifies buying them.
Make up your freakin mind, or is it OK for YOU to judge others??
Practice what you preach...this economy has hit others every bit as bad as it has you. Try paying for three kids in college who can't find summer jobs, maybe I can't afford any new taxes!!
Are there any classes offered that aren't required for graduation? Shop class, PE, band, choir? Do elementary students need a PE teacher? Can't their classroom teachers do it? If the school board doesn't want to scrap these programs, then they should at least reduce the teachers who teach shop, PE, and music from full-time to part-time.
A full-time guidance counselor is not necessary for a school the size of Green Lake. Same for the superintendent.
Elementary classes that are too small should be combined instead of paying two teachers.
These cuts would save a lot of tax dollars.
Why does the school need a fulltime librarian? Why does a little school library need a library aide? This is another area that might be cut to save money.
I think we need a new topic of discussion. Lets not worry about who voted yes or no, thats in the past. How about "What are your suggestions to cut the budget"
I would like to see how many students are in each class, what kind of support staff is there, can we find out what the salarys are for the teachers and aides and support staff. I heard that the band director makes $80,000, Choir director $86,000 and PT Instructor $20,000. If this is true, the teachers are paid way to much for the area they are living and should decline any raises they are promised.
Come on people we are not against the school, we want it to continue educating the children and giving them a base to live a happy and productive life, But the crazy spending as if this was a private school with unlimited resourses has to stop. All we want is proof and accountability for the money they are receiving.
It is not necessary to drop Home Ec and Shop, They are part time now,but lets consider combining some of the classes. Princeton has combined the superintendant and princeable, has that been considered? I don't know Mr Bates, but from what I have seen and heard, he does not live in our tax area, he doesn't seem to understand the economic pressure many people are living under in Green Lake, and he thinks he is working for a private school.
I don't care about IB, or Charter schools, I want to see the first priority in our educational system to be to educate the kids to use their minds, their hands, learn how to get a car loan, house loan, balance a check book, read, raise a family, make learning exciting so they want to achcieve all they can. We need to meet the needs of all students even if they don't go on to collage.
Lets start asking some questions and demanding answers from the people we have put in control of the school.
Gloria also needs spelling advice. Collage??? princeable???
It's college and principal!!!!
Oh lighten up Mr./Ms. perfect. You've never made a type-O? Glo had some great points. Try reading the comments with an open mind instead of looking for reasons to bash people with opposing opinions.
Can't we all just get along!
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Woman, behold your son: behold your mother. (John 19:26.)
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)
I thirst. (John 19:28)
It is finished. (John 19:30)
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46)
Tomorrow, Tuesday, is an important election day.
If you live in the Green Lake School District, or know someone who does whom you can share this with, please vote against the referendum, and vote for the 2 fiscally responsible candidates, Sydney Rouse, and Dick Mrazik.
The school claims it needs more money to function, even tho we are almost the highest per pupil spending district in the state. Our enrollment has been dropping, but the staff levels have not. The pay level for the office of administration (superintendent plus all his benefits and expenses) is quite high for a school our size.
The administration has been trying to incorporate the International Baccalaureate program into our school, which we know will cost additional money each year. Altho it’s a rigorous curriculum, the emphasis is on equal appreciation for all cultures and gov’t systems around the world without recognizing our own country as special and unique for the values enshrined in our Constitution. We question such a program being promoted in our school.
There are many other issues. Spending too much is a definite problem, and it’s been difficult to nail down exactly where the money goes. The school has been conducting information sessions to convince the community to support the referendum, which would authorize them to tax property owners $5 million more over 5 years above the currently approved levels.
Those of us against the referendum formed a group called CARE—Citizens Advocating for Responsible Education—and after much research and study produced a flyer and newspaper ads that outline some key facts and questions.
Over the weekend, another aspect of the bigger picture came into focus as well. According to the county treasurer’s office, there are 3,450 taxable properties in the Green Lake School District. The school is asking for $5,530,000total from the taxpayers over the next 5 years above the tax revenue they receive now. That money, divided by the # of taxed properties, means that the average property tax increase will be $1602.90 over 5 years, or $320.58 per property per year. This is an AVERAGE. Obviously some will much more, and some will be much less.
This projection is based on the information handed out by the school. But the school has been telling the voters that the amount of increase is much less than that. We don’t know how they arrived at their numbers. And with property values falling, taxes will go up anyway, just to cover ongoing expenses.
PLEASE VOTE NO.
Thank you.
Janet Reabe
Harley Reabe
If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts
This is Janet Reabe. That email signed by Harley and me was written by ME before the election. I, Janet, signed it and sent it out to my email group. Harley DID NOT KNOW I sent it, and he DID NOT SIGN IT. People who received it know that the two of us share one email under his name; I don't have a separate email, yet. All emails from me are always signed by me. Someone, WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION, signed his name to that email. Is that legal?
The facts and questions listed are legitimate and still stand.
Harley is/was not a member of CARE.
Someone called that email entry to my attention today. I very seldom read this blog--don't have the time.
(signed) Janet Reabe
Janet and Harley,
"The facts and questions listed are legitimate and still stand."
Try illegitimate. And no, they don't stand. If you went outside your Tea Party mentality, you would whistle a different tune. Get the facts for once.
You might be surprised that the U.S. is not the "best" in the world. We're voting Republicans, but we are not so naive to believe that our country is superior to other nations around the world. Your insinuations show your arrogance. You are an embarassment to the American ideal.
You have worked overtime to pressure and push your personal values and agenda on this community. Brace yourself.
Many loaded comments there. Also contradictions.
What do you mean--"the U.S. is not the 'best' in the world."
And "we're voting Republicans". What does it mean to be a Republican?
Interesting that someone gets an email from someone else and chooses to print it, sign (or in this case, assign) peoples names to it and put it out on a public forum.
Does this open the floodgates for all of the emails from Deb, Barb, Ken, Brian, and anyone else?
If so, whomever blogged "brace yourself", is absolutely correct.
Janet, the liberal media has people brainwashed into believing that the USA is now a dung-pile and that everyone hates us. Our country (thanks to Obama and others before him) is now ailing but we are still the best! People do not understand the true greatness of our country, and how WE the people are trying to RESTORE our country to what it was before the progressives bastardized it. Please don't worry about what any liberal says, their opinion truly is not worth considering, even for a moment.
Thank you for caring and doing what you do for all of us. Those who understand what is really taking place in our great nation must continue to work together for good.
Amen to that! I am with you, too!
Speaking as someone who has lived all over the world,from South America to Europe, it is true other countries are wonderful. The people are great and cultures strong and vibrant. That being said, not one that I have lived in, can compare to the standard of living in the US. The "common man" here lives well above the standard in other countries. Just being able to go to the grocery store, have plentiful choices of food at a decent price amazes even my relatives that live in England! TO be able to own a car, even two, fill it with gas and own a home is well beyond most of their abilities. Oh yea they have free health care. YOu can have it. Pregnant..you meet your dr. in the delivery room, till then you see a nurse. I could go on and on.
This country IS great, and affords opportunities unheard of in other countries.
If you don't want to see it end Please get involved!!
The government is killing the economy with all these programs and the prohibitive taxes that come with them. Not only the wealthy will be hurt, who do you think hires people! These taxes destroy initiative and investment. THe VAT tax is next...it taxes products at every stage of production. THink jobs are going to Mexico, India and China now? Just wait.
To whoever wrote that Wendy Schultz is off the school board you are misinformed. We are stuck with her for 2 more years.
Proud to be an American said...
Speak up. The hood muffles your words.
dmark eplain your comment. What exactly do you mean.
dmark eplain your comment. What exactly do you mean.
Really, Dmark, how did you read racism into a blog that has absolutely nothing to do with race? Could it be your hood that is depriving you of oxygen? Why don't you do something useful with your life. Try getting a job.
who do you think hires people!
Wealthy people only hire gardeners.
Businesses employ people.
Do not confuse the two.The 4% of Americans who control the wealth of America do not give a damn about you and will move their wealth to the Caymans and their business to China if it makes them more money. High corporate taxes in the US? The US has one of the lowest real tax rates in the industrialized world and Exxon and GE still paid NO federal taxes for 2009.
The amazing thing is that the Koch brothers and the Republicans have got you teabaggers out there supporting them while they're screwing you over.
Try getting a job
Thanks, but I already have one.
The wizards of smarts, Obama and his leftist minions who are some of the most highly educated individuals in the country, are doing everything ass-backwards to get our economy to recover and get prosperity to once again return to this great land. How can such well educated people not see that their policies will cause further devastation and job loss?
This can be nothing other than the Cloward Piven strategy, an intentional collapse of our economy so the libs can come in and "fundamentally transform America", just as Obama stated a five days before he won the presidency.
In recent years, one of the biggest factors to negatively affect our U.S. economy was the loss of jobs due to companies moving overseas. Why are we losing jobs? Because the costs of operating a corporation in the United State is so high that the company cannot continue to make a profit. Several factors are cited, but one of the biggest is the high cost of U.S. corporate taxes rates.
Knowing this is a huge problem for Americans, are you concerned about Obama's plan to raise corporate tax rates in America?
Dmark is two times stupid and stuck on dumb. His rambling has absolutely nothing to do with the subject of this blog. And he still has not explained exactly what or who the hood comment was in reference to.
intentional collapse of our economy
Too late, Saint Ronnie beat them to it.
I suggest that you read Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine for a little different perspective.
D'Mark seriously....Wealthy people only hire gradeners!
Bill gates is one of the wealthies men in the World...his company employs a great deal of people.
THe "wealthy" Obama and his policies are speaking of are the business owners! Over 200k a year can hardly afford to move "all" their money offshore.
If you're speaking of the Kennedys I completely agree, but they seem to have no problem making it more difficult for others to achieve wealth with their liberal policies!
Stop spewing the party line and educate yourself.
Your economic ignorance is startling!
Bill gates is one of the wealthies men in the World...his company employs a great deal of people.
Reading comprehension problem?
Wealthy people and business are two separate things.
And 200K a year ain't the wealth I'm talking about, it's well off middle class.
And he still has not explained exactly what or who the hood comment was in reference to.
I was refering to you teabaggers. Almost all of which are hopelessly racist.
Oh, and get a nym, I get confused which anonymous deadender I'm addressing.
dmark rather be a teabagger than a lemming.
rather be an anonymous teabagger than a lemming.
FYT
In between mouthing the Koch brothers' "we rich people are so overtaxed" talking points, you might want to look at this.
Oh, and by the way, did you write a nice note to President Obama when YOUR tax rate went down. I guarantee the the Kochs did when Commander Codpiece lowered their rates.
dmark just because you have a url your not anonymous?
Dmark you have a comprehension problem. How do you think Gates became wealthy. He started a business and hired people! That is how most people become wealthy and how more people find jobs.
Wondering, when corporations are taxed who do you think pays that tax?
Straight from the link from Dmark,
Figure 1 below tells this story: The U.S. became a low-tax rate country with enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, dropping its federal corporate tax rate from 46 to 34 percent. But since then the reduction in corporate tax rates by most other developed nations has left the United States in the unenviable position of a high-tax rate country.1
Doesn't exactly support your point!
Does anybody know what FYT means.
I am confused about dmarks subject. What does this have to do with the school referendum
FYT could be:
for your thought
financial year total
or F*** you Tom
Who knows?
Thanks for the FYT info. Guess its up to who wrote it to eplain what it means.
Thanks for the FYT info. Guess its up to who wrote it to eplain what it means.
Sorry, I meant to link to a second chart (which I have since missplaced) but this article sums it up. US corps pay less taxes then their counterparts in other industrialized nations.
Also, Bill Gates is an anomaly in that he built a company from scratch which became world class profitable in the twentieth century. Even so, Bill Gates does not employ thousands of people, Microsoft does. There is a difference. Most of the very wealthy got their wealth from their familys (eg the Waltons) or by draining wealth from existing companies, not by inventing and buiding widgets. Gates himself would not have gotten where he is today except that through family connections he had access to computing equipment that few others did.
FYT=fixed your typo
dmark thats families. FYT
"People do not understand the true greatness of our country, and how WE the people are trying to RESTORE our country to what it was before the progressives bastardized it."
Hmmm. Let's see. What is a "progressives"?
1.Moving forward; advancing.
2.Proceeding in steps; continuing steadily by increments: progressive change.
3.Promoting or favoring progress toward better conditions or new policies, ideas, or methods.
The bastardization being done is by people of your ilk, teabagging fear mongers.
The word progressive as an oxymoron. Nothing that progressives do is for the betterment of our nation. They have no respect for our Constitution. Their socialist mentality is destructive to our nation.
Please people, will you ignore Dmark from now, maybe (s)he will go away.
Hey everyone...how about that gosh' darn referendum? Oh wait...is this blog about socialism, American arrogance, incorrect spelling, Bur and his control of the school...or many other totally unrelated tangents that people seem to go off on?
Dirt bag, tea bag. Same thing.
Let's get back to the ideas for the school to save money. Sending the band to Washington D.C. for a 4th of July parade seems like the very first thing that should be cut. C'mon, where is the common sense here? How could they possibly consider this expensive venture when they are in a financial crisis? The GL band was probably "selected" to represent Petri's district because they were the only school to apply for it. The spending has to stop! I can't believe they would even consider this.
I couldn't agree more! When I read Bates column yesterday in the newspaper, I had to read it twice to believe it. The school doesn't have a clue what they are doing! This is incomprehensible, that they would send the band to DC for a parade. We are in an economic crisis, on every level of government. This is exactly the type of thing that needs to be eliminated to save money. What part of "financial crisis" doesn't the school understand???
Dirt bag, tea bag...Come on, is this what it's come to? What is the problem with people hammering tea party folks? Finally there is a push for political change and all that they get is crucified! Give me a break. If someone isn't completely left or right then they become a political, and social, pariah. That is not right. If our forefathers would have listened to schmucks like most of the floggers on this sight, we would still be under English rule!
And dmark...give it a break. Your links and quotes and italicizing have become tiresome. Let's stay on point and discuss the intended topic.
From the Stevenspointjournal.com
April 15, 2010
Schools throughout central Wisconsin have had to cut costs, teachers and programs because taxpayers rejected spending proposals. The way districts dealt with those roadblocks provides some insight into how schools handle finances without that extra support from taxpayers.
When taxpayers rejected Merrill School District's $2.1 million spending proposal in April 2009, the schools faced the same reality as Stevens Point, which cut an additional $2.9 million to balance next year's budget after cutting $4.5 million.
The district, which has less than 3,000 students and an operating budget of about $31 million, had to cut $800,000 from the current school year's budget and will cut another $760,000 from the 2010-11 budget, said business manager Louise Fischer.
"We had a plan in place. We knew what the budget cuts were going to be if the referendum failed," she said.
Beyond the cuts, the sports activity fee went from $30 per student per sport to $105 this year, and all administrators took a furlough day. Next year, there will be a $30 technology fee per student to cover the cost of things such as infrastructure and supplies. Three teachers and one support staff member also will be cut.
The Brodhead School District, though considerably smaller than Stevens Point with about 1,130 students and a $11.3 million budget, saw two proposals fail this year in a two-month period.
In February, voters rejected a four-year, $3.5 million proposal, and in April, they rejected a three-year, $1.7 million one.
Since the failures, the board cut three teachers and a guidance counselor. The family and consumer economics and FFA programs were cut in half.
"We're going to make the cuts for 2011, but it still doesn't solve the problems of declining enrollment, because that's going to be a continuing issue," Swanson said. "Next year, of course, they eliminated the QEO, so it's really up in the air for how teacher negotiations are going to go."
Swanson said he's unsure whether the board will go to taxpayers again in the near future. He said people were so angry that two board members were voted out by write-in candidates earlier this month.
"This was pretty brutal ... here, a lot of angry people," he said.
The teachers have the most powerful union in the state of Wisconsin. The teachers receive a raise in compensation every year whether they earn it or not. SINCE 1993 NO PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER HAS GONE WITHOUT A YEARLY INCREASE IN COMPENSATION. UNTIL THIS YEAR THE INCREASE WAS A MINIMUM OF 3.8$ WITH NO CEILING. Teachers do not have yearly performance evaluations. The teachers union promoted binding arbitration as a way of settling disputes. Arbitrators (all of whom are retired teachers or retired administrators) have never considered the tax payers ability to pay before when rendering a decision. The taxpayers want a balanced budget, no deficit spending!
Teachers have not helped the cause of the, "pay me whatever my union says to pay me, you have no choice, because I am a teacher" crowd, but the sincere efforts of the "NO" crowd have certainly helped the plight of the taxpayer. We are going from a rubber-stamp, trust the board mentality to a more healthy, "show us what you are worth" community. In the long run, when salary abuses, benefit abuses and just plain wasteful spending are pointed out, our money can go to where it should go - the education of kids, not the ill-gotten booty of a handful of malcontents. Can't wait for the next school board meeting, when "imminent/permanent" cuts go to "well, let's see" cuts. They have no place to hide, we are watching, we are demanding, and we will not fail.
It is time to evaluate teachers performance annually, and base any potential pay increases on their merit. Any teacher not meeting basic performance requirements should be let go and replaced. It is time to take back the schools and do what is right for the children and the taxpayers.
"The GL band was probably "selected" to represent Petri's district because they were the only school to apply for it."
What is the problem with some of you? What do you have against the kids in Green Lake? For your information, the band happens to be very good and the students in it work hard to make it sound that way. Why can't you let them enjoy the honor they feel in being picked? The students have been villianized on this blog enough. Between this site and the awful Sound Off in the paper form ANGRY SENIOR, why should the kids in this town give a rat's posterier to anything or anyone in Green Lake anymore. They are our future and we are treating them like crap. I'm sick of hearing how we shouldn'r spend any more money on them. What if the band tries to raise funds for the trip thru fundraising? Will the community support them then or will you just laugh at them and say NO NO NO? I thought CARE wanted to save the school. The attitude of your members tell me that it was just lip service. Apparently you don't give a damn about the school or it's kids. Congratulations- you've just started a generation war in this town with your tea bag mentality.
"What is the problem with some of you? What do you have against the kids in Green Lake?"
Dirt bag. Scum bag. Tea bag. That's Janet Reabe and company.
You got it right Angry Parent! Wait until the band and choir programs are cut and there is no band or choir for the Memorial Day or Veteren's Day programs. Then I'm sure some of these CARE people will be pissed off at the school and students for that. You can't have it both ways. What people aren't realizing is that what's wasteful spending to one person could be important for another. By the way, someone should ask Angry Senior who paid for his/her education.
Union bashing never fails to amaze me. Unions are the only powerful agent that the blue collar and middle class workers have and yet you buy into Saint Ronnie's trap of fighting against your own interest. Remember, teachers are a group that make 25K to 60k on the amount of education that generally puts you into the 100k plus carreer track. They dedicate themselves to teaching instead of making more money.
Exactly how will you evaluate a teacher in regards to their pay? Testing? Then all you have is kids that are forced to memorize. NCLB has already shown that doesn't work. Graduation rates? Will you force schools to dump the least likely to graduate. It's easy to bash, but let's hear some real proposals.
FYI: It was Fed Up Senior in the paper and I agree that it was an out of line Sound Off. I get that this person wants the parents to pay fees but the attitude of the letter was disgusting. As a parent, I'd be willing to pay fees if that will shut this kind of mentality up. Unfortunately, it won't. The teabaggers in this town are loving their power and are making sure that the rest of us (including the kids) all have to suffer for disagreeing. I used to be a proud Republican, but the nonsense from this group is driving me away-far away.
Have not read this blog before, but today a friend mentioned the Blog regarding Green Lake students and must respond. We are among the many seniors who support and are very proud of the fine and talented Green Lake students - whether it be scholastic honors, musical programs, plays, sporting events, (tops in the conference this year in basketball and now baseball) or raising money to help those in need in our community as well as this year Haiti. We applaud them - and the teachers and other staff members who instill these qualities in them.
Plus, seeing them and having them greet us as they walk past our house, as well as enjoying their athletic events and school programs "keeps us young"!
I think we need to speak to the blog administrator and get a few IP addresses of those who think they blog with complete anonymity.
Personal attacks with names are not a good idea...in the written form that is called libel...in the spoken form that is called slander.
Calling Janet Reabe a 'dirt bag, and a scum bag' pretty much hits the libel nail right on the head.
Those of you who feel the need to portray everyone who wants change for the better as a 'scum bag / dirt bag' should really get a dose of reality.
And, with regard to the school and the band...I have no problem with the kids in the band playing at the GL 4th of July celebration - or any other LOCAL venue. I have a big problem with sending them off to Washington DC because they were 'selected' to participate. And, Yes...I will be contacting the school to get details on how it came about....and most importantly to a school that is constantly 'crying wolf' about closing, budget cuts, staff cuts, etc....If the cost of this 'luxury' is not being borne 100% by the parents of students who are participating- - then it shouldn't be happening.
If the school district has to put ANY money toward this latest folly it will just be another slap in the face to us taxpayers.
More to follow!
You prove my point exactly about not caring for the kids. How about calling it an honor instead of a luxury? It's too bad the parents can't raise the money to move you out of our district so the kids can enjoy their honor in peace.
It is absolutely an honor to be able to play in Dc My son was a mwmber of a bank that played at Disney World and it was an opportunity of a lifetime. We didn't get one dime from the school district. We held fundraiser for months. Car washes, candy sales, yard cleaning, you name it. Congratulations to the GL band now show how much you want this and get out and raise the money!
Hey Town Crier-
Do you put as much effort forth to question the financial situation of the city or townships as the school? I've got no problem with you doing this, but your efforts seem just a little too zealous. Seems like you are looking for reasons to hate the school. Let the kids have their moment.
Dear Town Crier-
Why don't you move to Markesan where you can really question where the money's going? And while you're at it, you can bring the family with you that loves to send out e-mails extoling Markesan's virtues(regardless of the high taxes)to everyone in Green Lake. You're all haters of the district and of absolutely no help to the community. Just go away.
Kudos to the above blogger.
Move to Markesan.
"I think we need to speak to the blog administrator and get a few IP addresses of those who think they blog with complete anonymity."
Isn't that just a little bit un-American? Well, f... you.
Janet and company will take you for a ride on the magical mystery tour.
Dirtbags. Scum bags. Teabags. They're all the same.
First the name calling was limited to dirt bag, scum bag, and teabaggers but you've proven your point with the latest salvo of F... you? Excellent use of prose to show your advanced intellect.
To answer your question about being un-American...questioning taxation is about as American as you can get! Asking for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government/public institutions is about as American as you can get! Stating that people should watch what they are writing as they are crossing the line to legal action....IS ABOUT AS AMERICAN as you can get (it's called legal recourse and it's available in America!).And don't put any BS about getting IP addresses being un-American...if you choose to be libelous by calling people names in a public forum you open yourself up to legal action...that is also a reality of being an American!
Not quite sure what all of the allusions to Markesan are about but quite unnecessary. It's their problem and they can deal with it.
And whomever thinks you have to spend nearly $20,000 per student to enjoy the scholastic honors, musical programs, plays, sporting events, (tops in the conference this year in basketball and now baseball) or raising money to help those in need in our community as well as this year Haiti. We applaud them - and the teachers and other staff members who instill these qualities in them.....These things are at every school and should be! I was just at a school district in another part of the state that spends below the state average of $9,000 per student (they were at $6,000 but state aid brought them up). An amazing school with positive energy where the students actually interacted with their teachers. The students actually showed appreciation and respect to their teachers/leaders!
All of this on less than half of what we invest.
Believe me...it is doable. But yes, let's keep labeling those who question the unmitigated spending as dirt bags and scum bags and tell them to F...off!
If the band can make it to DC on their own dime...God Bless them and enjoy! However, I can't afford to pay for someone else's luxury when I took a 23.1% pay cut last year due to economic realities! Between forced furloughs, increased medical benefit costs and inflation we are barely hanging on...that is the world I live in.
To those of you who hate people for exercising the privileges granted to us by the Bill of Rights...Now, That's about as un-American as you can get.
By the by...Your First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech is limited by your 'hate speech'! Derisive name calling is not a right you enjoy and if it continues there is legal recourse!
You can still enjoy your freedoms without resorting to uncivil and immoral actions...and yes, your blogging definitely constitutes both.
A wise person once told me that when you talk it's all about the way you present yourself. If you want people to go along with you, you have to be positive regardless of the subject at hand. My point is, the people wanting fiscal responsibility should choose their words a little more carefully. Calling people's kids "little dearies" (ala Fed Up Senior) in a sarcastic manner and the tone in which the band honor is being questioned does nothing but cause divisions and anger. What kind of reaction do you expect to get from parents when their kids are treated that way? What parent wouldn't stand up for their kids? The name calling is wrong but so is the tone in which some are using to question things. It's hard for me to go along with you when you come across that way and certainly doesn't help this town. Tone down the rhetoric and let's get to work fixing this thing.
Some people are getting bent out of shape about the band trip to DC. I don't know any details about this trip, but my child did go on the last band trip to Disney and the kids paid their own way - 100%. Let's find out the facts before we start complaining and criticizing.
Agree to a point on the 'phrasing' of some of the blogs. However, didn't it get silly when people were painting their vehicles and the windows of their houses and referring to children as the "gems of Green Lake"! I love kids, my wife and I have 6 ourselves. I do however find an arrogance about the 'inferred' superiority of our school and the children who attend.
There haven't been attacks on any 'children'...the questioning has always centered on the administration and school board.
As to the honor bestowed upon the band...do you really think that GL's band is that awesome to be 'invited' to perform in Washington? I too like the bands participation in parades and other events but...let's be honest - - they are a very, very small town band whose talent is limited by the size of the school and the quality of instruction (and remember, paying nearly $200,000 in salaries per year for music instruction at the school does not guarantee 'quality' instruction). Let the band participate in all of the local venues...that is what they are a part of and that is the intention of an extra-curricular program.
That Jon Roti-Roti submitted GL as a candidate doesn't mean they were invited or selected. If this was some magnanimous honor I might feel a bit differently.
As a comparison...when my daughter was in high school she was 'selected' to participate in a Leadership Conference as one of the Future Leaders of America. Taken at face value it sounds wonderful and makes the child (and parent) beam with pride at the honor bestowed upon them. Well, after further review it was not so much an honor but a money maker for the program that had selected her. Nothing wrong with the philosophies and ideas but at a cost of over $2,000 to the individual attending let's just say my daughter couldn't make the trip. She's none the worse for it and learned a valuable lesson.
As the song goes...'you can't always get what you want - - but if you try sometime, you'll get what you need'.
Words to live by in these uncertain economic times.
It is very interesting that the school has in fact been "crying wolf" about the school closing if they didn't pass the referendum. Now, all of a sudden, it seems that money is not an issue.
If the band students pay 100% their own way to DC, then fine. But tell me who pays for the teachers cost, the chaperones, their hotel rooms, their meals, the bus, the gasoline, the insurance, etc. All in all this could still cost the district many thousands. Another thing to consider is the BURDEN this puts on the families to scrape up the money to pay for these trips! I am sure that not every family is ecstatic about having to figure out how they are going to come up with several hundred dollars so that Suzy can sit on a bus for 18 hours, march in a parade and then sit on the bus for 18 more hours. I had kids in band and have been through this. These trips were a very heavy burden on our family.
Also, just wondering if the Senior class still takes a trip to DC every year? If so, then many of the band students would have 2 trips to DC in one school year, which is just ridiculous. Just something for you all to consider.
Town Crier please stop belittling our students and show a little support. You say you are upset with the administration and not the kids, but your arguements say otherwise. The kids in the band don't need to be made fun of for being small town. I feel bad that you seem to live such a negative angry life that you can't let others enjoy their moment in peace.
Someone please explain to me how CARE in caring for the students when all they want to do is take away from them? How is that caring for anything but your pocketbook?
Please, 'Angry Parent', tell me where I belittled the kids.
As stated, their level of expertise IS limited by the size of the school and the quality of instruction.
I've heard the band for many, many years and it is what it is. I've gone to state competitions and seen huge high schools put on outstanding band performances. Schools that have concert bands, jazz ensembles, parade bands, etc. These schools had literally 1,000 plus kids to choose from.
That is not the case in Green Lake so yes, I stand by my comments, it is what it is...WHICH IS FINE! We love the band in our local parades and they do a nice job.
Once again...it is what it is.
Stop twisting things around to be an attack on the kids - - It isn't, and it hasn't been.
You really need to read the commentary before going off on an unintelligent retort!
CARE is about responsible spending of taxpayer dollars in extremely uncertain economic times. CARE wants to school to remain a viable part of the community.
CARE is not asking for anything necessary to be cut from the school. CARE is not asking for any concessions at the school.
What CARE is asking for is fiscal responsibility and in doing so CARE is asking for everyone in Green Lake to do their part and KEEP THE SCHOOL OPEN!
Get your information straight and stop making CARE a crazed, misinformed group of naysayers who want to close the school. Those who wish to keep giving funds to keep short-lived, pie-in-the-sky programs afloat are the ones doing the injustice to the students and to the Green Lake community.
You belittled it when you said "do you really think that GL's band is that awesome to be 'invited' to perform in Washington?". If that isn't sarcasm then I don't know what is.
So let me get this straight- if the parents start paying for all the activities at school the CARE people will stop complaining? CARE will pay for the reading,writing and,arithmetic and that's it? Everything else for the kids should go away unless the parents flip the bill? Is that the course of action you stand for?
I'LL PAY IF IT WILL SHUT THEM UP!!!!!
I wasn't being sarcastic...I was being honest and once again, I stick by my comments. You need to be honest with yourself and answer the same question... do you really think they are that much of a standout band to be 'selected'? Did they win some competition held with other local bands from Petri's district to determine the invitee? Did they have to submit an application based on certain criteria?
It is what it is and if I hurt your feelings by being honest, too bad!
What a dark and heartless world you live in Crier. I feel sorry for you.
Once again...someone reads part of the information and forms an unintelligent, misguided opinion.
What didn't you see in the post about what CARE does stand for?
For you who are misinformed / uninformed about what CARE is all about...
There were plenty of brochures handed out by CARE...there is a website you can go to www.greenlakecare.org and get the real information on CARE.
After doing some real research into CARE let me know and maybe we can have a somewhat more informed discussion on the direction of the school and CARE's deep commitment to the community, the school and most importantly THE STUDENTS!
How is taking away opportunity from the kids helpng them????????
Here's a thought- why doesn't CARE sit down with the GL student council and explain their position to them. The kids have a ton of questions that need answering and apparently nobody in this community is telling the truth unless you're a CARE member. Go ahead and tell them how you will be helping them.
I think that would be a great idea! The students are the ones that have the most to lose in all this. Have a one on one with them and explain your position. Maybe it would help for CARE to hear thier concerns as well.
Who is taking anything away from anyone? How is rewarding them for doing nothing helping them? Nobody is taking anything away from them. Stop making this about 'hurting' the children by taking something away from them. We've all (at least most of us that live in the real world) have made concessions since the economic downturn. What makes you think that Green Lake is unaffected by these same economic realities. Are you living in a vacuum or do you just wish to carry on with mindless rhetoric?
Please explain how you cut programs to save money and not take away from the kids?????
It's a simple equation:
UNION NOT GIVING IN + ADMINISTRATION NOT GIVING IN + CARE NOT GIVING IN = KIDS LOSE
Wow-can't sum it up much better than that. Great comment!
CARE = The Citizens Advocating for Responsible Education (C.A.R.E.).
Please take a look at the website, read all of the information and investigate it.
I welcome anyone to rebut the information on the website with quantifiable, provable, factual data.
Oh, and by the way, I'm not a member of CARE but I did vote no and will continue to vote no until the school ponies up and does what it should.
It's very easy for them to keep asking for more but they put nothing out there to show us why they need more other than the state funding formula. The problem is the over-the-top budget and no oversight as to where the money is going. If the school can't make it happen spending nearly $20,000 per student then something is drastically wrong and further investigation is needed.
Crier-believe it or not I agree with you that there needs to be more oversight. My only request is that the oversight is done with the kids in mind. No blind cuts for the sake of cutting. Also, I still think it would be a GREAT idea for CARE to meet with the student council. If any of you are out there, please consider it.
It's a simple equation:
UNION NOT GIVING IN + ADMINISTRATION NOT GIVING IN + CARE NOT GIVING IN = KIDS LOSE
Bravo blogger!
I am reaching retirement age soon and have never been to Washington D.C. It is the city I would love to visit more than any other. I have never been able to afford such a trip because of my financial obligations to pay my mortgage, bills and taxes, doctor bills, etc. It is indeed a luxury to travel in these, economically troubled times. The students at the school get to visit Washington in their senior year. Not participating in this "honor" is certainly not depriving any child of anything. I am fed up with the school wasting my tax money. I wish I had the money to see our nation's capitol, but I don't. I wish my taxes were lower, but they're not.
Whomever put forth the 'mathematical' equation...you are somewhat correct with the first 2 variables (Union and Administration). However, what does CARE have to give...they are a citizens group concerned with the future of our community and our school. They don't 'give' anything but lots and lots of tax dollars. CARE makes up but a small faction of the majority of people around here who voted no. Your barbs are misguided in that regard.
And, you did miss the most important part of the equation...the Union is one thing but the TEACHERS are another. IF the teachers really, truly cared about putting CHILDREN FIRST, why don't they stand tall and unified and tell the union that they would like to give back some of their compensation to make it work at GLSD? It is really, truly in their hands.
If you don't think the educators can afford to give a little back to help the cause...take a look at the Appleton Post Crescent's link DateMine and you be the judge if our poor, underpaid teachers don't have a huge vested interest in getting the referendums pushed through (Nearly $90,000 per year for the GLSD school librarian...almost $200,000 per year for music/band instruction - and I'm just talking salary/benefits for those instructing, not the program cost).
These are called facts...look them up, don't let them confuse you!
When I said UNION I was referring to the teachers....And I threw CARE in there because they seem to be unwilling to bend in their philosophy as much as the other two groups. That was my point-if no one bends it will all break.
Equation writer- don't let Crier get to you. Most of us knew what you were getting at.
Get your information straight. CARE is a crazed, misinformed group of naysayers who want to close the school. Those who wish to keep giving funds to keep short-lived, pie-in-the-sky programs afloat are the ones doing the injustice to the students and to the Green Lake community. Join our crazed, misinformed CARE group.
I am one of those families that is financially burdened by these types of school trips. We are not poor, just very middle class and cannot afford to send our kids on trips when we cannot afford to take family vacations together. I wish the school would consider this before they make their plans for my student. We have to live in the real world.
Thank you for raising a legitimate concern about the trips in a civil manner. Just wondering how you would feel about having to pay for all the activites that your child is in as well? The idea is floating around and I was wondering what your opinion was.
To the person who is nearing retirement and never got to travel to DC:
Maybe some day you will be able to travel there, but when these kids take the trips they raise funds or pay out of their pockets. I know it can be a financial burden to families, but there are fund raisers and the kids don't have to go either. Many of the kids have part time jobs and save money from that too.
Maybe I shouldn't bring this up again either, but some are complaining about their taxes possibly paying for these trips among other things. It is a possibility that many parents of today's students are paying in for social security for people who are using it today, but they never receive it themselves.
The last blog should say, "they may never receive it themselves."
Post a Comment