... and the rabble rousing continues...

In February I posted about what I consider the rabble rousing of District 150. Today, I am sorry to post that the rabble rousing continues.

What I don't understand is, if the District Watch Group wants the District to be sued so badly, why don't they sue on behalf of all of the inner city children who have been subjected to the inequality in education that has been rampant here in Peoria for the last three decades? The District audit clearly shows the long standing discrepancies. There is a class action lawsuit sitting right there - don't they know people who head the local ACLU? By the way, where has the local ACLU been on the on going violations of childrens rights?

The recent reassignment of District 150 principals and administrators prompted Sharon Crews to repost the following quote from a local blog:

“Insiders say the March 29 move to reshuffle Peoria School District 150 principals and administrators is unprecedented, and may have violated the Illinois school code and other laws and rules.” “The openings were not posted, so others had no portunity to apply for them, which flies in the face of affirmative action rules. Those who lose pay or have other working conditions affected by these changes may have lawsuits against the District.”

Again, what concerns me is what appears to be an ongoing effort on the part of the District Watch Group to find people to sue District 150. I have a problem with people constantly seeking ways to take taxpayers money through lawsuits. These frivolous lawsuits don't do anything to better the environment in our schools - they actually hurt teachers morale, the children and the community as a whole.

From what I understand, some principals who proved to be uniquely qualified, had more than one option to choose from (some of which may have been considered promotions). Principals have known since January about the pink slips and the changes that were to be made. The claim that the positions were not posted appears to be FALSE...

From a January 14, 2011 pjstararticle:

Superintendent Grenita Lathan, who spoke Thursday about building administrators having to reapply for their jobs, could not be reached Friday.

Lathan said principals already should have shared word with their seconds-in-command and others, including deans and academy leaders, but said she plans to meet with the nearly two dozen affected employees personally next week.

"I don't want there to be any misunderstanding," Lathan said.

The superintendent said plans may involve reducing the number of assistant principals across the district but she also will assess each building to determine which schools need assistants.

She said some schools have assistant principals, though there is nothing substantiating why other than "they always have." Part of what will determine which schools have assistant principals will be enrollment.

To that effect, the district's 12 assistant principals, four deans and Manual High School's four "academy leaders" essentially will be pink-slipped.

Lathan said all those affected may reapply for the jobs, but any employee in the district holding a Type 75 administrative endorsement, the credentials needed to hold the post - the same as principal - may also apply. The openings will be available to applicants outside the district as well, "but preference will be given to those already in the district."