What's on the Agenda that has people so riled up this time? The decision to move principals Annette Coleman (Glen Oak) and Kevin Curtin (Irving) back into the classroom, along with the decision not to renew assistant principal Paul Monrad's (Glen Oak) contract.
Last week, NAACP President, Donald Jackson said that they would be reviewing some of the Administrations recent decisions. You may recall that previously the NAACP had expressed concern about what the District was doing to qualify long term staff that they had previously been successful in attracting.
Last week, NAACP President, Donald Jackson said that they would be reviewing some of the Administrations recent decisions. You may recall that previously the NAACP had expressed concern about what the District was doing to qualify long term staff that they had previously been successful in attracting.
"It's not just one or two people in the community who are concerned," said Don Jackson, president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He said members of the chapter are meeting Thursday to discuss a response. pjstarIt's said that folks feel it is time for BOE President, Linda Butler and company to have their feet held to the fire. To date, only BOE members Rick Cloyd and Martha Ross have spoken out here and there about decisions that Administration have made, with the rest of the BOE appearing to have remained silent. However, it is believed that there may be other BOE members who have lost confidence in the Superintendent but have not yet voiced their opinions publicly.
We shall see.
44 comments:
This has been the most stressful year I have ever experienced and I have worked for some of the all-time worst principals! Word is, Lathan intends on putting one of her NC friends in the principal position at Glen Oak. Funny, the "friend" she put at Lincoln has done far more harm than any previous principals, yet her job is not in jeaparty! I hope parents and community members alike make their collective voices heard Monday night. Lathan is a no-talent carpet bagger that needs to take her sideshow on the road....back to NC!
Maybe hold their heads to the fire . . . not their feet.
I wish Don Jackson well in his efforts. I think it's time that the BOE members explain their unquestioning support of all of Lathan's decisions.
Here we go. Another Super told to pack and then we pay for a hell of a parachute clause in her contract and off and looking again for another out of town leader. Sigh.
She has to go, she has done nothing constructive in the district and her decisions have torn it apart and the children are being hurt terribly. She doesn't know how to lead. Have her take all her NC buddies with her.
Dr. Lathan deserves the opportunity to stay and see her vision to fruition (with BOE guidance). Give her a chance to put roots down in our lovely little town. Let her leave when she is ready. We know how wonderful it is to live in Peoria, she'll probably run screaming from here in another year or so. Anyhow, to bring another person in at this time is not the answer.
MEOW!
Emerge: if we let her stay one more year, we are very much risking losing MORE talent from the district. Look who we have lost since she's been "queen bee"; Sharon Kherat, Angie Stockman, Nicole Wood, Joan W.(washington gifted), and so on. REALLY, does the community need more time for her to "screw up"? I, for the life of me, cannot understand WHY this woman needs to keep bringing her "friends and family" package to Peoria from North Carolina. Does the Peoria Area not have any decent talent, that we have to rely on MORONs from NC? REALLY?
I am at a loss for words as to what is happening in 150. I can't understand how Annette and Kevin can be so bad they must be moved back to the classroom (or at least out of the principal's office) and yet we are not saying a word about the Lincoln principal, Jenkins, or Thomas (didn't the district just have a large payout for Thomas and his mouth?).
I am so heartbroken that our East Bluff kids are so expendable, so unworthy that they will be getting yet another principal. Annette has strong ties to the kids, teachers, parents, and community in the Bluff and they want to yank her out and throw some NC implant in there. Glen Oak has had at least one principal every two years for the last ten years. I will say the one or two needed to go but they should have been gone before ever being placed there.
Right now, good things could really happen if some sort of consistency, some stability were put in place at Glen Oak. The only person who seems to be wanting Annette out of the building is Lathan. We have already discussed the fact that everything was just fine in December and Lathan only decided Annette was so horribly awful after she found out Mrs. Coleman had applied at Dunlap.
Please, Please, Please Board of Education-----Don't do this to our students. The one place they seem to have some consistency, love, structure, etc. is at school and you will be taking that away from they yet again.
Why is NOBODY seeming to care that Glen Oak students seem to matter to noone beyond their teachers and principals??!?!??!?
I just shake my head at the complete and total blindness of the Peoria Board of Education. Grow some, investigate, and realize that this is a vindictive response to someone who has caused more damage to our district. The people who care the MOST about our students are the ones who are being driven away by someone who wasn't here three years ago and will be gone in another.
I am at a loss for words as to what is happening in 150. I can't understand how Annette and Kevin can be so bad they must be moved back to the classroom (or at least out of the principal's office) and yet we are not saying a word about the Lincoln principal, Jenkins, or Thomas (didn't the district just have a large payout for Thomas and his mouth?).
I am so heartbroken that our East Bluff kids are so expendable, so unworthy that they will be getting yet another principal. Annette has strong ties to the kids, teachers, parents, and community in the Bluff and they want to yank her out and throw some NC implant in there. Glen Oak has had at least one principal every two years for the last ten years. I will say the one or two needed to go but they should have been gone before ever being placed there.
Right now, good things could really happen if some sort of consistency, some stability were put in place at Glen Oak. The only person who seems to be wanting Annette out of the building is Lathan. We have already discussed the fact that everything was just fine in December and Lathan only decided Annette was so horribly awful after she found out Mrs. Coleman had applied at Dunlap.
Please, Please, Please Board of Education-----Don't do this to our students. The one place they seem to have some consistency, love, structure, etc. is at school and you will be taking that away from they yet again.
Why is NOBODY seeming to care that Glen Oak students seem to matter to noone beyond their teachers and principals??!?!??!?
I just shake my head at the complete and total blindness of the Peoria Board of Education. Grow some, investigate, and realize that this is a vindictive response to someone who has caused more damage to our district. The people who care the MOST about our students are the ones who are being driven away by someone who wasn't here three years ago and will be gone in another.
Who is NAACP going to defend? This makes no sense. We have a black sup who wants so get rid of a black principal and two white ones. Besides that, the Board is and has been a huge problem. You have an ex-secretary who used to think she knew more than administrators and still does! Wolfie needs to go!
Who is evaluating these principals? The sup usually does not do the evaluating. Is Little Timmy Delinski evaluating them? His nose is so brown, he'll do whatever Lathan says. He is a snake!
Maybe the NAACP wants what is best for the students who are majority African-American. That should be everyone's focus.
Seems like once a week I ask myself what happened to 150? Why administration does not seem to care about the welfare of the children baffles me. As a '98 150 graduate, I can't even recognize it anymore. When decisions are made with no core connection to the best welfare of our students we have an issue.
I remember in '95 the district removed vocational programs from the high schools (woodshop, automotive, foods, fashion design, etc) it was such a horrible. As an educator now, I see the value in education the whole student for life beyond high school.
I applaud those who are choosing to do the right thing for the children, it is a SCHOOL after all. Stand for the kids; the deserve the right to an education, NOT nepotism and egos...
Why doesn't it make sense for the NAACP to get involved? They ultimately would be supporting the children of District 150--many of whom happen to be black.
Best Hello Kitty pic yet.
Peoria supports the children of District 150. Why would the BOE be content with North Carolinans replacing the hard-working administrators in our district who have a great history, and the children love?
Caterpillar would often say they look for Peoria's brightest and the best. D150 allows "the brightest and the best" of principals to be demoted or flee from this district.
Shame on the BOE and Dr. Lathan.
There is no better justice for Dr. Lathan than for her to experience the same treatment of so many others. The board should be recalled for putting in a petty petulant emotionally disturbed child as its leader.
She wants to totally destroy the district that is why she is leaving some of the worst principals in place even though there are complaints about them. She refuses to remove them.
Perhaps the Reverend would have benefitted from hearing our serman today from I Peter 5. Perhaps she could do a devotional at Wisconsin Ave before the meeting focusing on "not lording it over those entrusted to you" and "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." May the Kitty be with you! :)
The Reverand is good with wandering in the desert with her hand picked publicly acknowledged Moses. Rockin it Old Testament like...next up- eye for an eye.
Watch out for the sweet deal trade between the good Reverand's church across the street from PHS and one of PSD 150's empty buildings.
You can't serve two kitties!
A bit off topic - but I heard that Lathan and her posse visited Richwoods last week, and were escorted through the building by Marine Corps JROTC cadets - IN THEIR DRESS BLUES!!!!! I also heard that they "stood guard" outside the doors of each classroom that she visited. What the......
"hard working administrators who have great history....." Test scores must mean nothing. Lathan knew when she signed on she'd need a BIG broom to sweep out the under-achievers. Keep sweepn!
Kevin Curtin got good results with his testing at Garfield, even got parent support. So, what happens? Well, close Garfield! Makes no sense. You must not have been around this district long.
Annette Coleman got no support as they overstuffed Glen Oak. Principals are not getting support. Fewer and fewer hard-working principals to choose from. Nobody wants to apply at D150.
The people from NC apply for the jobs at 150. It's a step up for them.
Emerge, love the Joan of Arc Hello Kitty pic. Very appropriate!
Lathan has to go. Allowing a high school that is granted money for a transformation to close for half a day for a basketball game. Please!! Sure they will have the moment. What will that do for their future? They can' t equate it to anything that will help them be more productive members of society. It just reaffirms to them that school really isn't that important. Great modelling we are doing for them!! Also it is been said one of her hand picked NC elite leaders has cleared out her office at Peoria High. It is time we hold the right people accountable for the poor academic performance of our students. Poor leadership, ineffective modeling by some of the adults in these students lives and the lack of effort some of these students exhibit. It is time for us to take back our society or all we will be left with are cockroaches, twinkies and some fond memories of some basketball wins.
Stop with that nonsense! The half day off to go to the state basketball tournament has been going on for many, many years--not Lathan's idea. Students from all over the state are at the Civic Center today. While I will agree that athletics have become much too important at the high school level, this tradition doesn't have to be broken to make academics a priority.
Are you sure that the Peoria High administrator is leaving--maybe just going to a new job.
I am in the schools (at least one or two) everyday because I have kids in them. I can say that without Dr. Lathan, and without some of the policies that were established previous to her installation, and without some policies that she implemented, that not only would my child's education have been ruined, but many other children that I know would have experienced the same educational fate.
Let me say, Dist 150 has many good teachers and administrators. However we also have our bad apples and they previously have been in positions to flex their evilness without impunity. Thank God that day has ended.
My comments are certainly not directed toward Annette or any of the other individuals slated for demotion. I can't speak to their issues and can only hope the best for them and that a favorable resolution will be delivered.
I can however speak to those others including the inept NAACP and those who simply jump on the bandwagon as normally happens in Peoria.
The NAACP should be ashamed of itself for not speaking out against the commentary regarding the quality of Dist. 150 students...When it was said that "lead can't be turned into gold" by a teacher no less, that should have been enough of a signal to Don to back up, reevaluate his position and sincerely look at why many of these board members have been silent, instead of evaluating the situations that we are dealing with with such a misdirected eye of criticism.
Certainly Dr. Lathan is not perfect. Last I looked in the mirror I realized the same about myself and so did many of you about yourselves. I most certainly agree with holding our representatives at all levels accountable, however, knowing what I know and having experienced what I have experienced in this educational system, I have more confidence in this Supt. and her efforts than any (save one) including and going back to the days of Harry F. Whittaker.
Some say it is a scare tactic. That Dr. leads with fear and intimidation. I can't speak to the culture as an employee, but as a parent who desires our teachers and administrators to be just as accountable as they tell our students to be...I can only say Hallelujah this boat is being rowed to shore whether they like it or not!
How many of these same critics have been at Parent University, which is an outreach to parents that never before existed. Or been to the community/school meetings to ask and answer questions? How many teachers and administrators have you seen at any of these events? I'll tell you what I know...out of all the talk, only the one's dedicated to the students and the parents dare show.
Thanks Emerge!
Let me add some context to the issue of how great many of the critics "think" things have been in Dist. 150...
I am working a situation TODAY for another parent who's child is the recipient of teacher/child racism from what would be a "tenured" Dist. 150 teacher.
The latest...the parent, listening to her child say that something is wrong, in the building lawfully and with approval of administration was confronted by this same teacher asking her, why she was there. Now, does a rational and non guilty person need an explanation as to why a parent comes to be with their child (a third grader) during their lunch period? What is it about a parents presence that intimidates a teacher that is doing a good job and doing their best to reach the student and embrace the family?
Now, what is this parents recourse? The NAACP??? I think NOT!!!...only an administration that places the burden of responsibility for the welfare of of all children and families on the building administrative staff will do.
If it is one's job to look beyond the "smiles" and small talk to get to the real issues, then why not do the job? Where else can the parent and child go who KNOW that they are being mistreated by these who feel they are above reproach? Is it better for them to receive the status quo from those in charge of their child's education, rather than demanding their right at the table equitable social treatment and opportunity?
Now, I can duplicate this many times over in Peoria's District 150. Yes we have some issues to work out and it seems that perceptions on accountability is one of them.
For quite some time now, I have been engaged in defending teachers against the “what I consider to be unreasonable” demands placed on them by the Lathan regime and the generally bad rap they have gotten, mostly since NCLB went into effect. I guess it is my tendency to fight for the underdog, so to speak. Later, I would like to have a discussion about the policies established before and now by Dr. Lathan that you feel improved the environment for children—not so much a discussion but a clarification as to what the policies are.
However, I do want to write about some of the issues that you brought up in your latest posts. I have gained a respect for you as I have gotten to know you through your posts on Emerge’s blog, so I do find some of the things you have said about 150 teachers to be disturbing.
I am especially concerned about the bad applies of whom you speak who flexed their evilness without impunity—and your contention that that day has ended.
You gave an example of a teacher who you said actually stated, “Lead can’t be turned into gold.” As a retired teacher, I probably I heard such statements made in private. However, I do not know how any teacher could possibly think that speaking of a student or students in any terms that equate to “dumb,” “stupid,” is acceptable. Any teacher who would say such a thing to students or in front of students should certainly expect to answer to someone, etc. I know that high school students are very sensitive to such comments. Once in a while I would say something like “that was a stupid thing to say,” and my students would call me on it and we would have a discussion about whether or not the comment was appropriate in context since I wasn’t calling any person stupid, etc. Probably the better wording would be “that wasn’t a very smart thing to say”—thus avoiding the word “stupid” altogether.
It is the job of a principal (regardless of race) to follow up on any such comments that teachers make or allegedly make. It is, also, the job of a principal to be able to make sound judgment calls as to whether or not one comment is sufficient cause for extreme reaction. Probably the even harder job for the principal is to judge the overall quality of a teacher and how that teacher feels about students, in general, and how she/he treats the children.
Whenever a student took home some complaint about me (and I heard about it), it was always my desire to have a conference with the parent so that we could “clear the air.” Quite honestly, in my case, I found that most instances were simply a matter of misunderstanding. However, I did believe the parent had the right to level his/her complaint directly to me (and with someone from the administration present), and it was always my desire to make peace and to show respect for the parent. I do believe that should be the teacher’s goal, no matter what. I hope I succeeded in that goal.
You are evidently referring to a particular situation about which Don Jackson was aware. That’s a personal issue and one about which I know nothing and, therefore, have no opinion. However, I will state that I am pleased that Don Jackson has chosen to speak out about the way principals have been treated of late. I take it you don’t agree but I have come to believe that fear and intimidation is the order of the day. Personally, I don’t see how any good can come out of such leadership—either by a teacher in a classroom or by a superintendent or principal in authority over employees.
Cont'd. You and I probably aren’t going to agree, but I will say that my own observations have been that Dr. Lathan is holding teachers and administrators accountable—but not necessarily for the right things. I find her reprimands to be more subjective, than objective—just my opinion and I have no objection to your defending her on that score.
As to the Parent University, since so very few people attend the meetings (and I didn’t know that teachers were being asked to attend), all kinds of questions can be asked about why no one attends, etc. Parents in large numbers do not attend open houses, etc., either. There are all kinds of reasons for that lack of participation—the District can only take steps to encourage parents and to make them welcome, etc. Beyond that it is up to the parents.
As to racism exhibited by teachers—there should be none of it in our schools. Of course, each situation requires a specific reaction to sort out the minor and fixable from the habitual and damaging. I began teaching during the Civil Rights Movement when I found it very necessary to find out how my students felt about me and about all that was going on. I “wasted” many classroom hours discussing these issues with my students—with the definite intention of letting them know that I wanted to understand and that I sympathized with their concerns. I knew that I was of no use as a teacher if my students didn’t trust me. Recently, I decided to make use of Facebook to find as many of my former students (most of whom are black) as possible. I am having a great time doing so and as I read their Facebook pages and interact with them, race is still an issue that is very troubling to them. In fact, one of my pretend grandchildren (who is mixed) feels the need to tell me everything he learns about black history. Even at 9 years old, I know he is seeking a certain response. For instance, one day he asked me if I thought it was right for people to be slaves. All I had to say was “No”—that was the response he needed to hear.
I believe that teachers truly need to recognize that we are now in times that very much require that same level of conversation about racial issues. The Obama election (in my opinion) has brought so many racial controversies to the forefront again. Personally, I have heard many disturbing things that equate to racial bigotry to me. I don’t know how I would handle those discussions if I were a Republican (and teachers have a right to be Republican with fear of repercussions), but I am much happier being able to say proudly that I voted for Obama and will again.
Kids do watch the news and they can’t help but hear about Trayvon Martin. They need answers, they need adults to discuss these issues with them, and they need teachers who aren’t intimidated or fearful about having those discussions—and God help them if their teachers are bigots who cannot understand how these situations affect black young people. I learned a long time ago to look at everything through “black” eyes and I am amazed at how much I learned. For that reason, I have hated my own stands against the Royster and Lathan administrations—because I never wanted anyone to misinterpret my disagreements to be based on racial bigotry. However, I did and do disagree for reasons which I believe are valid—but I don’t discount the opinions of those who feel otherwise. Unfortunately, I really liked Royster and wanted so much for her administration to work. Thanks for listening, Rev. Burnett. I do believe blogs are a new way of working out our disagreements—and am ever so grateful to Emerge for providing these opportunities.
way to speak up Harvey! Most of Peoria (at least those not in the teachers union) applaud the effort and structure that is being created. one hope for many is that those not carrying their weight in the classroom as teachers are given the same result as ineffective administrators. Perform or perish, it's what other Americans have to do every day in their jobs.
Oh, my, I meant teachers have a right to be Republicans withOUT fear of repercussions. What a difference one little word makes.
Oh, I especially love it when the heroin addled mom comes to pick up her kindergardener after school. She can barely walk, yet her teacher has to let this little girl go. I see some disgustingly ridiculous people that were able to "make babies" come and pick up their children after school. I want to grab their children and RUN away from them. If the people of Peoria want to know why the schools are going in the crapper, they need not look further than dismissal time at any elementary school. You will get your eyes filled with piss-poor excuses for "parents". Standing outside the door of the school smoking(against IL state LAW), but hey, laws are for everyone else. Parents late picking up their kids because they saw a cop on the way to school and had to go get another car because they have warrants and don't want to be picked up by the po po. The children are raising themselves. The schools are feeding them breakfast and lunch, giving them clothes and shoes, in addition to paying for tutoring services because these "parents" cannot get their asses out of bed and get their kids to school on time. Yes, I'm disgusted, because everyone wants to blame, blame, blame the teachers and/or administrators when it is quite clear where the blame show go. Sorry, JUST THOROUGHLY disgusted.
Mrs. Crews,
I believe that we agree certainly more than we disagree. I want to reiterate, that this district has some excellent, dedicated and hard working teachers that give their all everyday in making a difference. There is a long history of excellence as well and I could call names and you would know them. This also includes YOU. I was never in your classroom, but EVERY report I've heard regarding you has been positive. So there is ample evidence that we have some good and deep substance from which to build.
The problem, in my opinion, has come from those few, who don't want change unless it's on their terms, and certainly don't want to be called into question by a parent. It's those who think that they deserve 100% unconditional support from their local administration all the time. I have been in those conversations and seen this front and center. Thankfully, I could be there for my children. Every parent didn't have the opportunity I had and have. Every child doesn;t have the benefit of parent advocacy. I "shudder" for those students and for the experiences that I know they've had to endure without support.
What happened was that teachers expected a 100% pass from administration. There was no calling one's actions into question whether it was grading or procedure. Too many problems were not sufficiently addressed at a lower level and calling procedures into question was anathema. I have seen this and have had direct and in face conversations regarding it.
Now that a Principal is told that he/she should approach a situation with the greatest possible objectivity and uphold standards both for the teacher and the student...that's too much for many of them to take. On the other hand, too many principals in Peoria would rather be "buddies" with their staff than bosses and problem fixers.
Naturally, they have to work with these teachers and some don't have the personality styles to take the heat. As I have seen it up close, this sentiment breeds contempt. It places people in an uncomfortable situation of having to call their actions into question and reprimand inconsistent behavior.
This is not a white or black issue. This is an issue of exactly what standards we raise in favor of our children and how we keep these things on track.
Let me say it like this...my friendship with you shouldn't keep me from holding you accountable as a fellow professional. When I do that, I've not only done myself a disservice, but I have done you and those we serve a disservice.
There is much more that I can say, but I've already been too wordy.
Thanks again.
The place where principals have been most remiss is during the non-tenured period when it is the appropriate time to determine a person's potential as a teacher. Also, there have been times when teacher shortages have kept principals from getting rid of teachers--no one to replace them. I liked the old goals for principals--fair, firm, and friendly. I think that would still work. Principals perhaps shouldn't let friendship cloud their judgment but having an adversarial relationship doesn't help provide a nurturing environment for children.
Too bad that once a teacher achieves tenure that little to nothing can be done to teachers who do little to nothing. Doing a decent job for a mere 3 years shouldn't entitle anyone to lifetime employment. That part of our educational system hurts students just as bad as disengaged parenting.
With all due respect Harvey, I would like you to consider the teacher with 25 K/1st/2nd students to teach/reach everyday. Say this teacher has two or three students with ADHD that parents REFUSE to acknowledge. Now, each of these children alone, is not a problem. However, you add a roomful of children and ONE child can cause a tremendous amount of chaos. The teacher sends home daily conduct reports.....all the same, yet said parent REFUSES to acknowledge that there may be a problem, not only for the teacher but for this child. Other children do not want to sit by this child, play with, or stand in line with, because this child will cause the children around him/her to have problems. As parents you can only cry foul so long before everyone quits listening. So, before these wonderful parents go over the principal's head and to Lathan, perhaps they should REFLECT on their child's behavior and PERHAPS admit that it COULD be their child, that is the problem. Just sayin...
This (above Anonymous) is the problem. Teachers should not have to go public with their complaints if administrators were doing their jobs and listening to their concerns. Yes, people do grow tired of teachers whining (as they call it); however, they have legitimate concerns that affect them and their students negatively.
Dr. Lathan has seen to it that Trewyn does not have many of these problems because she wants to be able to taut Trewyn as her success story. Consequently, the highest class size at Trewyn is 22 and the lowest is 12. The comparison I did with other schools shows much disparity--Trewyn has been given very, very special treatment--which shows that the Lathan administration does know the importance of small classes.
Glen Oak Community Learning Center stats:
K - 7 classrooms of 23-25 students
1st -5 classrooms of 21-23 students
2nd- 5 classrooms of 26-28 students
3rd- 4 classrooms of 27-28 students
4th- 4 classrooms of 25-28 students
5th- 4 classrooms of 26-29 students
6th- 3 classrooms of 27-29 students
Not to mention the Autistic classes (2)and the BD classroom.
Over 850 students and NO SECURITY ANYWHERE. I am SCARED TO DEATH to stand outside after school. Young men walking around the campus with their backsides hanging out and young girls with their "frontsides" hanging out. The way they walk makes me think they are carrying a gun. It is frightening, yet Lathan wants to blame that behavior on the Principal and teachers? I terrified something bad will end up happening before this school gets the help it needs. WAKE BOE!
Teach - you're burnt out and not up to the task at hand. If you want low stress, look elsewhere. You and your attitude do our children a disservice.
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