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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ MCAS discussion thread
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2007, 07:55 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=6432&TM=31596.78
QUOTE
MCEA Slams School System
In reaction to an recent alleged poisoning attempt, association says MCAS is ‘not a safe environment for students or employees’ Friday.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Without offering details of a specific issue, Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, on Friday issued a statement about student discipline.
"The MCEA believes this school system now is not a safe environment for students or employees," it read.
Stark would not comment on details about the apparent attempted poisoning of a teacher at the A.K. Smith Career Center. However, on Wednesday, Stark said the MCEA was conducting its own investigation into the incident.
On Oct. 26, Diane Britton, 48, a computer teacher at the A.K. Smith Area Career Center drank water from a bottle she had put on her desk. It may have been tainted with what has been described as a caustic substance that caused her lips and inside of her mouth to blister.
Michigan City police are investigating, but Britton has said the school administration has not been supportive.
The statement from the MCEA said, "For years, at least since the early 1990s, teachers, through the Michigan City Education Association, have been placing the issue of student discipline on building discussion agendas, system discussion agendas, negotiations agendas, and every other forum possible to try to get administrators to be serious about the out-of-control student discipline issue.
"This problem of 'out-of-control' student behavior is not unique to the community of Michigan City; student discipline is an issue that must be addressed by every school system in the country," said Stark in the statement. "What is unique, however, is the method by which the MCAS has chosen to address student discipline problems - ignore those problems and they'll go away.
"They have chosen to coddle, psychoanalyze, and grant last chance after last chance in an effort to not hurt anyone's feelings and to ensure that everyone graduates from high school at any cost."
Stark said it seems apparent to the union that the "chance after chance after chance model" is an effort to improve suspension and expulsion numbers for which the administration has been severely criticized.
"What teachers have been asking for is a 'get tough' approach, one that deals with discipline issues swiftly and severely," the statement said.
She said the union wants to get the message out that egregious behavior will not be tolerated and students will be held accountable for their behavior.
"This request has always fallen on deaf ears," said Stark. "The fallout from years of this approach has finally caught up with us. This year, school system employees have been spat upon, punched, and allegedly poisoned. Teachers have attempted to rectify this situation over the years by filing grievances, which have been won, but the behavior of administrators never changes: Ignore it and it will go away.
"The school system's employees are suffering from this gross negligence on the part of administrators, but what about the students who come to school to learn, behave, and get their education?" said Stark in the statement.
She said it is the union's view that students also suffer from "the extremely permissive system of allowing offenders to return to school over and over and over."
"It's time for every single person in this community to express their own feelings about the lack of discipline to Michael Harding, the superintendent of schools, and the Board of School Trustees," said Stark. "They have been elected to carry out the wishes of the community. Is it the wish of this community that bullies run our schools? We know it is not - and it's time to do something about it."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
In reaction to an recent alleged poisoning attempt, association says MCAS is ‘not a safe environment for students or employees’ Friday.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Without offering details of a specific issue, Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, on Friday issued a statement about student discipline.
"The MCEA believes this school system now is not a safe environment for students or employees," it read.
Stark would not comment on details about the apparent attempted poisoning of a teacher at the A.K. Smith Career Center. However, on Wednesday, Stark said the MCEA was conducting its own investigation into the incident.
On Oct. 26, Diane Britton, 48, a computer teacher at the A.K. Smith Area Career Center drank water from a bottle she had put on her desk. It may have been tainted with what has been described as a caustic substance that caused her lips and inside of her mouth to blister.
Michigan City police are investigating, but Britton has said the school administration has not been supportive.
The statement from the MCEA said, "For years, at least since the early 1990s, teachers, through the Michigan City Education Association, have been placing the issue of student discipline on building discussion agendas, system discussion agendas, negotiations agendas, and every other forum possible to try to get administrators to be serious about the out-of-control student discipline issue.
"This problem of 'out-of-control' student behavior is not unique to the community of Michigan City; student discipline is an issue that must be addressed by every school system in the country," said Stark in the statement. "What is unique, however, is the method by which the MCAS has chosen to address student discipline problems - ignore those problems and they'll go away.
"They have chosen to coddle, psychoanalyze, and grant last chance after last chance in an effort to not hurt anyone's feelings and to ensure that everyone graduates from high school at any cost."
Stark said it seems apparent to the union that the "chance after chance after chance model" is an effort to improve suspension and expulsion numbers for which the administration has been severely criticized.
"What teachers have been asking for is a 'get tough' approach, one that deals with discipline issues swiftly and severely," the statement said.
She said the union wants to get the message out that egregious behavior will not be tolerated and students will be held accountable for their behavior.
"This request has always fallen on deaf ears," said Stark. "The fallout from years of this approach has finally caught up with us. This year, school system employees have been spat upon, punched, and allegedly poisoned. Teachers have attempted to rectify this situation over the years by filing grievances, which have been won, but the behavior of administrators never changes: Ignore it and it will go away.
"The school system's employees are suffering from this gross negligence on the part of administrators, but what about the students who come to school to learn, behave, and get their education?" said Stark in the statement.
She said it is the union's view that students also suffer from "the extremely permissive system of allowing offenders to return to school over and over and over."
"It's time for every single person in this community to express their own feelings about the lack of discipline to Michael Harding, the superintendent of schools, and the Board of School Trustees," said Stark. "They have been elected to carry out the wishes of the community. Is it the wish of this community that bullies run our schools? We know it is not - and it's time to do something about it."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2007, 08:13 AM
This one is getting instant reactions too... These are soundbacks from the ND.
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: Deb
MCEA Slams School System
This is the clearest statement I've heard in a long time that addresses the severe discipline issues within MCAS. Small wonder that so many of us have fled MCAS in search of a better, safer school system. I hope that the MCEA listens to and heeds this admonishment, but if past experience is any indicator, they probably won't. The days of plugging your ears, closing your eyes, and humming to block out the protests has to end.
MCEA Slams School System
This is the clearest statement I've heard in a long time that addresses the severe discipline issues within MCAS. Small wonder that so many of us have fled MCAS in search of a better, safer school system. I hope that the MCEA listens to and heeds this admonishment, but if past experience is any indicator, they probably won't. The days of plugging your ears, closing your eyes, and humming to block out the protests has to end.
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: tricia urycki
MCEA Slams School System
I must admit Ms. Stark you put it very well. We as parents say it's not okay for kids to bully our kids what makes it okay for bullies to run our schools. Furthermore what's being done about the "alleged poisioning" personally I don't think it's so "alleged" considering the teacher has the proof. It's just the fact that the student isn't owning up to doing it. I agree we need stiffer punishment. I've always said and I'll continue to say the sooner parents learn our school system isn't their babysitter the better off the students will be. Dicipline starts at home. I'm not saying beat your children but you do need to teach you're children right from wrong. You also need to pull the trouble making kids out the schools and put them in a school to themselves. Why make the kids that want to learn suffer???? It's not fair to them don't you think. We as registered voters have voted the school board in and if we aren't happy with their progress then let's vote them out and get an entire new school board in there that can do what we need them to do. Ms. Stark I'm up for you running for the school board next term. You seem to have a pretty good head on your shoulders.
MCEA Slams School System
I must admit Ms. Stark you put it very well. We as parents say it's not okay for kids to bully our kids what makes it okay for bullies to run our schools. Furthermore what's being done about the "alleged poisioning" personally I don't think it's so "alleged" considering the teacher has the proof. It's just the fact that the student isn't owning up to doing it. I agree we need stiffer punishment. I've always said and I'll continue to say the sooner parents learn our school system isn't their babysitter the better off the students will be. Dicipline starts at home. I'm not saying beat your children but you do need to teach you're children right from wrong. You also need to pull the trouble making kids out the schools and put them in a school to themselves. Why make the kids that want to learn suffer???? It's not fair to them don't you think. We as registered voters have voted the school board in and if we aren't happy with their progress then let's vote them out and get an entire new school board in there that can do what we need them to do. Ms. Stark I'm up for you running for the school board next term. You seem to have a pretty good head on your shoulders.
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: Barry Young
MCEA Slams School System
This situation has been going on for way too long. It is time for criminal charges to be filed in these matters and also for the parents to be held criminally liable for the actions of their children under 18 years of age. Perhaps that will help wake up these parents and cause them to take some kind of a role in their kid's lives. A good education for 95% shouldn't be disrupted by the actions of 5%.
MCEA Slams School System
This situation has been going on for way too long. It is time for criminal charges to be filed in these matters and also for the parents to be held criminally liable for the actions of their children under 18 years of age. Perhaps that will help wake up these parents and cause them to take some kind of a role in their kid's lives. A good education for 95% shouldn't be disrupted by the actions of 5%.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2007, 09:27 AM
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: Eric Hanke
MCEA Slams School System
It's not like they treat the parents of children in the MCAS or the children they are supposed to be educating any better. Children and staff at Pine Elementary School have been in a building for hours without water, electricity, phones, lights, etc. The parents receive little or no notification of what is going on in the building. And when we do ask we are given a cold shoulder by the school administration and treated like a criminal. With MRSA infections gleaming attention and the MCAS Administration stating that the students are washing their hands frequently, I would like to know how they are keeping sanitary conditions at a building with no water. Ms. Stark so eloquently makes her point. And I could not agree more. If the kids are not being responsible in class, they should be removed so the students that want to succeed can! Eric Hanke Parent of 3 MCAS Students
MCEA Slams School System
It's not like they treat the parents of children in the MCAS or the children they are supposed to be educating any better. Children and staff at Pine Elementary School have been in a building for hours without water, electricity, phones, lights, etc. The parents receive little or no notification of what is going on in the building. And when we do ask we are given a cold shoulder by the school administration and treated like a criminal. With MRSA infections gleaming attention and the MCAS Administration stating that the students are washing their hands frequently, I would like to know how they are keeping sanitary conditions at a building with no water. Ms. Stark so eloquently makes her point. And I could not agree more. If the kids are not being responsible in class, they should be removed so the students that want to succeed can! Eric Hanke Parent of 3 MCAS Students
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: Jason
MCEA Slams School System
The problems in the MCAS are not new. The problems were at Elston before the merger and it is not a surprise that they are still present. I graduated from Rogers but had the pleasure of getting hit with a stun gun by a student at Elston. The teachers and students deserve a safe place to work and learn. Get rid of the problem people for the good of all.
MCEA Slams School System
The problems in the MCAS are not new. The problems were at Elston before the merger and it is not a surprise that they are still present. I graduated from Rogers but had the pleasure of getting hit with a stun gun by a student at Elston. The teachers and students deserve a safe place to work and learn. Get rid of the problem people for the good of all.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2007, 10:33 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=6484&TM=41905.63
QUOTE
Principal Threatened
From Staff Reports
MICHIGAN CITY - Police were called to Elston Middle School, 317 Detroit St., at 1:15 p.m. Thursday by an assistant principal who reported being intimidated by a parent.
According to the principal, the mother of an Elston student became angry when told her 12-year-old son was being transferred to the Choice Program, an alternative school for problem students.
The boy's mother reportedly disagreed with the transfer and told the principal her son would be at Elston the next day. According to the police report, she began using vulgarity and profanity, then said, "You don't want me to come back here."
The principal asked her if that was a threat, and the mother reportedly replied, "It's a promise."
At that point, she was asked to leave the school. When she was told the police were being called, the mother said of the principal she would "kick his a-- in front of the police."
Another principal who witnessed the mother's behavior cleared children from the area. She was able to coax the woman to leave.
From Staff Reports
MICHIGAN CITY - Police were called to Elston Middle School, 317 Detroit St., at 1:15 p.m. Thursday by an assistant principal who reported being intimidated by a parent.
According to the principal, the mother of an Elston student became angry when told her 12-year-old son was being transferred to the Choice Program, an alternative school for problem students.
The boy's mother reportedly disagreed with the transfer and told the principal her son would be at Elston the next day. According to the police report, she began using vulgarity and profanity, then said, "You don't want me to come back here."
The principal asked her if that was a threat, and the mother reportedly replied, "It's a promise."
At that point, she was asked to leave the school. When she was told the police were being called, the mother said of the principal she would "kick his a-- in front of the police."
Another principal who witnessed the mother's behavior cleared children from the area. She was able to coax the woman to leave.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 12 2007, 11:16 AM
How does one get to the sound off section? I don't see a link at the nd site
Posted by: Ang Nov 12 2007, 11:30 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Nov 12 2007, 10:16 AM) 
How does one get to the sound off section? I don't see a link at the nd site
At the bottom of every news item, there is a section to complete for sound off. Even at the bottom of sound off there is a section to complete for it. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see the boxes to fill in.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2007, 11:52 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&TM=42995.94
That will take you to the general sound off area...
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 12 2007, 11:56 AM
oh, found it
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 13 2007, 08:30 AM
Its kind of amazing, but I have yet to see a comment for the administration in this matter!
QUOTE
Sound Off! entry by: Laina
MCEA Slams School System
As a parent of 2 teens in MCAS I couldn't agree more. So much time is wasted each day from disturbances in the classroom. That equals our children being cheated out of a full day of learning. Everyone knows it's the same kids time after time causing these problems. The teachers can't handle these problems alone. The administration has to set tougher rules and stand by those rules. These need to be enforced for the sake of all the children who come to school and want to learn. And also for the teachers who are just trying to do their jobs.
MCEA Slams School System
As a parent of 2 teens in MCAS I couldn't agree more. So much time is wasted each day from disturbances in the classroom. That equals our children being cheated out of a full day of learning. Everyone knows it's the same kids time after time causing these problems. The teachers can't handle these problems alone. The administration has to set tougher rules and stand by those rules. These need to be enforced for the sake of all the children who come to school and want to learn. And also for the teachers who are just trying to do their jobs.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 13 2007, 09:20 AM
Our son is the first of our kids to go to MCAS in 12 years (!). He went to MCHS from Queens. So far, he has seen one near-fight, which was handled very quickly by the Algebra teacher, and got reports from a couple friends about a big hair-pulling meow-meow in the café. He says that hs is nearly always quite routine, the work is harder than reputed, and he is settling in. Maybe jr hi is different.
Posted by: Ang Nov 13 2007, 11:02 AM
Now the letters are hitting the Anvil Chorus. The first letter is from an MCAS employee. I give her credit for her boldness and lack of fear. She hit the nail on the head in her third paragraph when she talks about not speaking out for fear of retribution.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&TM=42941.49
QUOTE
Parent To Harding: Where's Discipline?
I read about the unfortunate situation that happened to Mrs. Britton [ "Teacher drank poisoned water," Tuesday], and I agree with what Mrs. Stark had to say about the discipline problems the schools have [ "MCEA slams school system," Saturday]. I don't recall having these problems in school when I was a kid, only occasionally, but we had discipline procedures that were followed through. That follow-through made a big difference when it came to preventing repeated problems.
How can the schools expect to increase their test scores or encourage students to learn when they don't care about the safety or productivity of their learning environment? Teachers deserve respect because they have given a portion of themselves teaching our kids how to navigate through life. If the school administrators don't protect them, and stand behind them when they are right, we won't have many good ones teaching in our system for long.
Why has no one spoken about the problems, publicly, before now? We're all afraid to tarnish our image, or lose our jobs, but it's the students who are suffering. Shouldn't we be able to help figure out what they need to do to improve the situation if we work together? Well, we can't do that if they don't tell us what's going on. The students complain but they seem to be the only ones, and no one seems to be listening.
I wrote a letter to Superintendent Michael Harding Nov. 2 and asked about the failing discipline in the high school. He hasn't responded. I thought I'd share the letter.
Dear Mr. Harding,
The efforts you've made to institute early education for the younger generation are great, and that the elementary schools seem to be doing an excellent job, but my biggest concern are problems at the high school. I'm writing as a concerned parent of two children, whom my husband and I have tried to raise with a measure of respect for authority and themselves. My biggest fear is that we'll have to send our children to that high school one day soon, with its problems of disrespect and violence, and we really don't want to.
Why does it seem there is no discipline there? Why are the young adults able to deface and dismantle their restrooms without consequences, walk the halls freely during class time and say whatever they want to their teachers, from swear words to "I hate you," without consequences?
What about the principal? Why doesn't he seem to care what's going on, or be able to do something to curb the problems? Why isn't he there for his teachers when they really need him?
A lot of young adults there think they are going through things no one else has ever gone through, and that that gives them the right to be disrespectful and lazy. In every generation people have had to work while in school to support families, but their education was their way out of poverty. The school could use posters of real people to show that other people have gone through rough times but made it anyway, because they wanted something better. They need to know what it is to earn something, just like the rest of us had to do when we were kids - school wasn't easy, because life isn't easy.
Some of these young adults are on the streets right now, robbing people, having fights, making babies and possibly killing people. They are our tomorrow, today. Why aren't those who can be saved being reined in before it's too late, and those who refuse to be saved being expelled?
I'm sure other school systems are tackling the same issues and finding ideas that have worked for them. I just don't want to see these kids being forgotten about just because they seem too rough, or because of their race, or because the parents of ruthless, hard-headed children are getting in the way of making real progress. Someone needs to care about them, they are Michigan City's immediate future.
Tonya R. Janowski
Michigan City
I read about the unfortunate situation that happened to Mrs. Britton [ "Teacher drank poisoned water," Tuesday], and I agree with what Mrs. Stark had to say about the discipline problems the schools have [ "MCEA slams school system," Saturday]. I don't recall having these problems in school when I was a kid, only occasionally, but we had discipline procedures that were followed through. That follow-through made a big difference when it came to preventing repeated problems.
How can the schools expect to increase their test scores or encourage students to learn when they don't care about the safety or productivity of their learning environment? Teachers deserve respect because they have given a portion of themselves teaching our kids how to navigate through life. If the school administrators don't protect them, and stand behind them when they are right, we won't have many good ones teaching in our system for long.
Why has no one spoken about the problems, publicly, before now? We're all afraid to tarnish our image, or lose our jobs, but it's the students who are suffering. Shouldn't we be able to help figure out what they need to do to improve the situation if we work together? Well, we can't do that if they don't tell us what's going on. The students complain but they seem to be the only ones, and no one seems to be listening.
I wrote a letter to Superintendent Michael Harding Nov. 2 and asked about the failing discipline in the high school. He hasn't responded. I thought I'd share the letter.
Dear Mr. Harding,
The efforts you've made to institute early education for the younger generation are great, and that the elementary schools seem to be doing an excellent job, but my biggest concern are problems at the high school. I'm writing as a concerned parent of two children, whom my husband and I have tried to raise with a measure of respect for authority and themselves. My biggest fear is that we'll have to send our children to that high school one day soon, with its problems of disrespect and violence, and we really don't want to.
Why does it seem there is no discipline there? Why are the young adults able to deface and dismantle their restrooms without consequences, walk the halls freely during class time and say whatever they want to their teachers, from swear words to "I hate you," without consequences?
What about the principal? Why doesn't he seem to care what's going on, or be able to do something to curb the problems? Why isn't he there for his teachers when they really need him?
A lot of young adults there think they are going through things no one else has ever gone through, and that that gives them the right to be disrespectful and lazy. In every generation people have had to work while in school to support families, but their education was their way out of poverty. The school could use posters of real people to show that other people have gone through rough times but made it anyway, because they wanted something better. They need to know what it is to earn something, just like the rest of us had to do when we were kids - school wasn't easy, because life isn't easy.
Some of these young adults are on the streets right now, robbing people, having fights, making babies and possibly killing people. They are our tomorrow, today. Why aren't those who can be saved being reined in before it's too late, and those who refuse to be saved being expelled?
I'm sure other school systems are tackling the same issues and finding ideas that have worked for them. I just don't want to see these kids being forgotten about just because they seem too rough, or because of their race, or because the parents of ruthless, hard-headed children are getting in the way of making real progress. Someone needs to care about them, they are Michigan City's immediate future.
Tonya R. Janowski
Michigan City
QUOTE
Schools Must Meet Diverse Needs
There is no question that students and teachers need to be safe at school. An outsider cannot fully know about the tensions between the teachers union and school administrators in Michigan City.
However, as a social worker, I understand that size matters when it comes to schools and that the formation of Michigan City High School created a school virtually the same size as Columbine High School. Columbine has become the symbol of ultimate school violence. One of the factors identified as contributing to this tragedy was the size of the school: teens cannot receive the type of individual attention they need in such a large group.
Having spent a work day with 100 students from Krueger Middle School on the grounds of Friendship Gardens this Friday, I was reminded again of the patience, wisdom, energy and compassion that our teachers summon every day to work with young people who come to them with an extraordinary range of capabilities - both academic and social. We need to give our teachers the tools they need to be able to teach as well as they know how. One such tool was the alternative high school. Within that small school community, young people were able to find the help they needed to focus and succeed.
Punishment is notoriously unsuccessful in producing long-term behavior changes. A dysfunctional young person needs years of help to learn new behaviors. When that long-term help is unavailable then "getting rid of troublemakers" may become a short term "solution" so that it is quiet enough to teach the rest of the class. But the problem behavior remains and will continue to the detriment of the individual and to society. There needs to be a place and programs for youth who do not fit into the factory model of a 2,000-student high school. Until this tool is in place, expect more discipline problem headlines.
Marti Pizzini
Michigan City
There is no question that students and teachers need to be safe at school. An outsider cannot fully know about the tensions between the teachers union and school administrators in Michigan City.
However, as a social worker, I understand that size matters when it comes to schools and that the formation of Michigan City High School created a school virtually the same size as Columbine High School. Columbine has become the symbol of ultimate school violence. One of the factors identified as contributing to this tragedy was the size of the school: teens cannot receive the type of individual attention they need in such a large group.
Having spent a work day with 100 students from Krueger Middle School on the grounds of Friendship Gardens this Friday, I was reminded again of the patience, wisdom, energy and compassion that our teachers summon every day to work with young people who come to them with an extraordinary range of capabilities - both academic and social. We need to give our teachers the tools they need to be able to teach as well as they know how. One such tool was the alternative high school. Within that small school community, young people were able to find the help they needed to focus and succeed.
Punishment is notoriously unsuccessful in producing long-term behavior changes. A dysfunctional young person needs years of help to learn new behaviors. When that long-term help is unavailable then "getting rid of troublemakers" may become a short term "solution" so that it is quiet enough to teach the rest of the class. But the problem behavior remains and will continue to the detriment of the individual and to society. There needs to be a place and programs for youth who do not fit into the factory model of a 2,000-student high school. Until this tool is in place, expect more discipline problem headlines.
Marti Pizzini
Michigan City
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 13 2007, 11:50 AM
Again the AltSch seems to be the answer. Marti Pizzini seems to give a cogent reason for this.
Posted by: Ang Nov 14 2007, 10:35 AM
Although this item doesn't have anything to do with Diane Britton, it still addresses the many hurdles MCAS teachers face because of Administration....
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=6564&TM=41619.3
Teachers Gather At MCAS Meeting
About 75 educators stand in support of MCEA president.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - While local elementary classrooms are filled with bright images and encouraging words for students, teachers are feeling discouraged.
That was the message from the Michigan City Education Association at Tuesday's School Board meeting.
Speaking during the meeting's public forum portion, MCEA President Phyllis Stark told the board additional tasks are taking their toll.
"This school year, our responsibilities have increased dramatically," she said.
Various assessments as well as additions to the curriculum "have radically increased our time requirements," she said.
"Unfortunately, we have not received resources equal to our new responsibilities."
Additionally, teachers seem to have less influence over what and how they teach.
"Class size has risen in academic classes. The middle school's restructuring debacle reduced classes in art and physical education, which are high-interest classes for many students, and added a reading class for all student regardless of their academic needs," Stark said.
About 75 teachers, some of them standing, waited through a long meeting for Stark's presentation. They stood in support when Stark began to speak and in an anthem-like response periodically said, "The time is now to support teachers and students."
Stark said teachers have agreed upon a list of solutions for the problems they see.
"We would be happy to share this list with any administrator interested in taking action now," she said.
Only minutes before Stark began her address, Superintendent Michael Harding gave a short presentation on the MCAS observance of American Education Week, which began Monday.
After the meeting, Harding characterized the presentation as the union's "attempt to bargain in public."
The teachers' contract expired in June, and negotiations are ongoing.
Posted by: Ang Nov 14 2007, 10:56 AM
Stephanie Scheimann is a teacher and I believe she is at Elston. Very good soundoff remark...
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&TM=42838.31
Sound Off! entry by: Stephanie Scheimann
Principal Threatened
Teachers complain about the lack of respect in the classroom, which then leads to discipline problems. This woman's reaction to a situation in which her child would be made to face the responsibility of his actions is an obvious example of why teachers complain about lack of disciplined behavior in the classroom. This student who was referred to the choice program must have learned some of their behaviors from their parent. All kinds of stereotypes could be placed on the race, family, and socioeconomic background of these individuals, but that would be harsh. People in general need to understand that teachers and schools are not there to babysit children. Additionally, parents need to realize that while their children may be perfectly behaved in front of them, when they are out of sight of the parent, the student will tend to misbehave. We are all not perfect, however we should make good examples for our children and the future of Michigan City. Threatening people and being rude is just not acceptable.
Sound Off! entry by: Stephanie Scheimann
Principal Threatened
Teachers complain about the lack of respect in the classroom, which then leads to discipline problems. This woman's reaction to a situation in which her child would be made to face the responsibility of his actions is an obvious example of why teachers complain about lack of disciplined behavior in the classroom. This student who was referred to the choice program must have learned some of their behaviors from their parent. All kinds of stereotypes could be placed on the race, family, and socioeconomic background of these individuals, but that would be harsh. People in general need to understand that teachers and schools are not there to babysit children. Additionally, parents need to realize that while their children may be perfectly behaved in front of them, when they are out of sight of the parent, the student will tend to misbehave. We are all not perfect, however we should make good examples for our children and the future of Michigan City. Threatening people and being rude is just not acceptable.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 14 2007, 11:03 AM
QUOTE
After the meeting, Harding characterized the presentation as the union's "attempt to bargain in public."
Excuse me? I disagree. I see this as her taking the opportunity to publicly inform everyone of what's really going on in the classrooms...not "bargain in public". She's not asking for a pay raise, simply for the funding to become available for the teachers to be able to afford to do what's asked of them
I sat in on a planning committee over the summer to put together one of the pieces from the new strategic plan for Joy Elementary. Over and over, each of us raised the same question: where will the money come from to implement this?
I think our school board needs to take a good, hard look around at other school corporations with similar enrollment numbers, because they're doing a lot more with a a lot fewer administrators. Come on, folks, it's about giving the kids an education...not creating a job for another well connected adult in our community.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 14 2007, 01:10 PM
QUOTE(JHeath @ Nov 14 2007, 11:03 AM)
Excuse me? I disagree. I see this as her taking the opportunity to publicly inform everyone of what's really going on in the classrooms...not "bargain in public". She's not asking for a pay raise, simply for the funding to become available for the teachers to be able to afford to do what's asked of them
I sat in on a planning committee over the summer to put together one of the pieces from the new strategic plan for Joy Elementary. Over and over, each of us raised the same question: where will the money come from to implement this?
I think our school board needs to take a good, hard look around at other school corporations with similar enrollment numbers, because they're doing a lot more with a a lot fewer administrators. Come on, folks, it's about giving the kids an education...not creating a job for another well connected adult in our community.
This comes from a guy who had more off-time and a near 10% raise added to his last contract, not to mention all of the perks he gets. Things like not paying a dime for health insurance, while the teachers are paying about $600 a month for full family plan, a free car (plus maintence), security coverage if "threatened" etc.
I also don't get where talking about the same exact displine issues that have been being pressed for YEARS his bargaining in public? I thought bargaining was a give and a take, not just closing your eyes and acting like nothing is happening.
The size of the administration in comparision to other surrounding districts would blow your minds if the numbers I saw are accurate. We have BY FAR the highest number of anywhere even close to us in size, including places like Merrillville.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 14 2007, 01:32 PM
When is the next election? I am gonna think about standing for an at-large seat. Unless it is too crowded and it would hurt SSider's chances.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 14 2007, 01:47 PM
I'm not going to say never, but with another baby on the way at the end of 07/beginning of 2008, I can't see it happening this election cycle. Maybe the 2010 elections if life has calmed down, but not 08. I do plan on staying active and involved in the election process to put good people on the MCAS board though.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 15 2007, 08:50 AM
Hip hip hooray, for you and your wife. Best wishes; I am glad you are doing your part to make sure the good people outnumber the others!
Is the election to school board every two years??
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 15 2007, 08:58 AM
Yes the seats up for election alternate every cycle, 3 one election and 4 the next. The seats held by Lee, Bergwald, Jones, and Kintzele were up in the last election so the Nov08 will be for the seats currently held by Carlson, Zeek, and Gipson.
Posted by: Ang Nov 15 2007, 11:31 AM
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6592&TM=45243.14
Kids See Society's Lack Of Values
Society has lost track of values. Society has become so MTV one's outlook is blurred. Students only achieve what they see. When we allow our society to run by entitlement programs and watch children having children we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Rules go by the wayside for the vast majority. The rich get their hands slapped for stealing - example, Enron. The bankers want a bail out for subprime mortgages and the politicians want more entitlements for the people. There are no limits set anywhere for the masses except the speed limit. Kids are taught what they SEE.
Back to basics would be a great start for Michigan City Schools. They need a leader and eventually they will find one. There is a change among the new generation and they will figure it out, probably the hard way, that baggy pants and loud music and smokin' a little weed just isn't what life is about. Michigan City needs a new school board and a new super.
Michigan City needs leadership on our education front and with city government. It's hard to blame the kids because they see such bad examples. Everything ties together and until we as a community tackle the small things how on earth can we even grasp the bigger issues. Our town is declining just on appearance alone and that little thing has a dramatic ripple effect. Leadership is required and that isn't something that is taught and in my opinion that is what is missing from our process.
Roger Willoughby
Michigan City
Kids See Society's Lack Of Values
Society has lost track of values. Society has become so MTV one's outlook is blurred. Students only achieve what they see. When we allow our society to run by entitlement programs and watch children having children we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Rules go by the wayside for the vast majority. The rich get their hands slapped for stealing - example, Enron. The bankers want a bail out for subprime mortgages and the politicians want more entitlements for the people. There are no limits set anywhere for the masses except the speed limit. Kids are taught what they SEE.
Back to basics would be a great start for Michigan City Schools. They need a leader and eventually they will find one. There is a change among the new generation and they will figure it out, probably the hard way, that baggy pants and loud music and smokin' a little weed just isn't what life is about. Michigan City needs a new school board and a new super.
Michigan City needs leadership on our education front and with city government. It's hard to blame the kids because they see such bad examples. Everything ties together and until we as a community tackle the small things how on earth can we even grasp the bigger issues. Our town is declining just on appearance alone and that little thing has a dramatic ripple effect. Leadership is required and that isn't something that is taught and in my opinion that is what is missing from our process.
Roger Willoughby
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 15 2007, 11:40 AM
The ideas are good, but the stereotypes are almost unbearable. Not all kids dress like that, smoke pot, or crank up their music, and to be honest, two out of three of those things have no bearing on them being good kids or not. Letters like that really lose track of the fact that the VAST majority of kids in Michigan City are good kids, dispite what the headlines say. Hopefully Mr Willoughby puts as much time into helping the local kids as he does writing letters to the ND.
Posted by: Kim Nov 15 2007, 04:50 PM
It's sad and frustrating to think about what the teachers in this school system have to put up with.
The discipline problems I understand, the "financial issues" I understand. Up until today though, while reading these posts did I really start to understand the frustration with the administration.
My sister was in the high school a few weeks ago, interviewing (I think) the assistant principal for one of her college classes. The interview was almost an hour late beginning because they were dealing with a group of students drinking on school grounds. You could hear the background noise of students, parents and staff.
My husband is a substitute teacher, and was completely shocked the first time he taught at MCHS. He couldn't even wrap his mind around the vulgarity, obscenity, and disrespect that he encountered there.
He graduated from Washingto Township High School in Valparaiso, so even just the amount of students in the classrooms was a shock to him.
I graduated from MCHS in 1998. Most of the classes I took were either advanced placement or enriched, so most of the time I didn't have to deal with the discipline problems. My math classes however were normal classes, and I hated being there. The teachers spent more time trying to gain control over the class than actually teaching.
My sister graduated from there four years ago, and she would tell you the same thing. From the things I have heard and the posts on here I have read, obviously it isn't getting any better.
We all need to start speaking up. We, as parents need to demand a better environment for our children. I hate to think that my daughter will someday have to go to middle school and high school in Michigan City's public schools. If things do not change...she won't. There is only so much exposure of the "real world" that she needs to have.
Come on people, let's do something about this.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 15 2007, 04:56 PM
If he put half the energy into helping kids be more like hhe would like them to be that he uses to sound off in the ND, we could get somewhere!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 16 2007, 10:14 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6628&TM=40640.32
QUOTE
11/16/2007 11:00:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Funding Cuts Ruining Schools
I support Marty Pizzini's letter Tuesday regarding safety in our public school system ["Schools must meet diverse needs"]. We don't all shop in the same place ... we don't all believe in the same way ... we all have different ethnic backgrounds ... we all have different physical and psychological make-up.
Why on earth we believe teachers can teach in an overcrowded (30 or more students per classroom) situation and expect great positive results with every single student is beyond me.
The family nucleus of today has radically changed from the 40s, 50s, 60s and forward. Our public school systems across the United States cannot operate underfunded and overcrowded. All the local people who were instrumental in closing the Alternative High School, which was showing great success with its programs, need to rethink their position.
Safety, of course, is a number one priority, but what about learning? What kind of future is our community going to have if our children are denied the opportunity of safe, uncrowded classrooms?
Certain segments of our local population are quick to blame the teachers. Shouldn't the blame be cast on a government that keeps cutting back on public school dollars? Shouldn't someone ask our presidential candidates what they intend to do with our public school system dilemma? This question needs to be addressed across our nation. Our children deserve it.
Diana Hirsch
Michigan City
Funding Cuts Ruining Schools
I support Marty Pizzini's letter Tuesday regarding safety in our public school system ["Schools must meet diverse needs"]. We don't all shop in the same place ... we don't all believe in the same way ... we all have different ethnic backgrounds ... we all have different physical and psychological make-up.
Why on earth we believe teachers can teach in an overcrowded (30 or more students per classroom) situation and expect great positive results with every single student is beyond me.
The family nucleus of today has radically changed from the 40s, 50s, 60s and forward. Our public school systems across the United States cannot operate underfunded and overcrowded. All the local people who were instrumental in closing the Alternative High School, which was showing great success with its programs, need to rethink their position.
Safety, of course, is a number one priority, but what about learning? What kind of future is our community going to have if our children are denied the opportunity of safe, uncrowded classrooms?
Certain segments of our local population are quick to blame the teachers. Shouldn't the blame be cast on a government that keeps cutting back on public school dollars? Shouldn't someone ask our presidential candidates what they intend to do with our public school system dilemma? This question needs to be addressed across our nation. Our children deserve it.
Diana Hirsch
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 16 2007, 10:21 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=6647&TM=40951.1
QUOTE
Superintendent: Schools Are 'Absolutely' Safe
Harding statement says MCEA criticisms had misconceptions, coverage was misleading.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The superintendent of schools believes the Michigan City Area Schools are safe for students and staff, despite the recent claims of the Michigan City Education Association.
When asked at the Tuesday meeting whether the buildings are safe, Superintendent Michael Harding replied, "Absolutely."
On Thursday, Harding sent a written response.
Referring to the MCEA statement, he said, "I believe several of the comments published ... may lead the community to have misconceptions about the safety of our students and staff in the Michigan City Area Schools.
"These misconceptions not only adversely affect the perception of our school system but are extremely damaging to the community in terms of quality of life and economic development.
"So let me say this loud and clear: The Michigan City Area Schools are, indeed, safe places for students to learn and all employees to work."
On Oct. 26, a teacher at the A.K. Smith Area Career Center drank from a bottle water that seemed to be tainted with a caustic substance. She suspects it was corrupted by a student. Police are investigating.
"There has been much media attention recently surrounding the alleged tampering with a teacher's water bottle at the A. K. Smith Career Center," Harding wrote.
"Police are investigating the incident and have the contents to be tested at a state Food and Drug Administration facility. Rest assured that Michigan City Area Schools' administration, including the administrators at the A. K. Smith Center, is extremely concerned about this situation. Because this is an ongoing police investigation, the MCAS must refrain from commenting on specifics surrounding this case. We will continue to honor the privacy of our students and staff and we hope the police investigation will be brought to a swift conclusion. Once completed, MCAS will take appropriate action to resolve this matter."
Harding acknowledges the presence of discipline issues in the schools. In 2005, the school board adopted a comprehensive Code of Responsible Behavior and consequences are attached to violation of the code, Harding said.
"This code was developed in cooperation with the MCEA, parents and community members, and all school personnel, students and parents have been provided with a copy.
"This year, we have had 571 suspensions and eight expulsions in grades K-12," Harding wrote. That figure represents 5 percent of the total student population, he added.
Offenses include class disruption, tardiness, truancy and other inappropriate behavior.
Fifty-nine students were referred to the Real Choices program, an alternative program offered in cooperation with the Madison Center.
"This program has been extremely successful for those students completing the program and returning to school."
The school corporation has a number of programs involving parents of the students who violate the disciplinary code.
"Without question, the home environment has the major influence over a child's success at school."
The corporation employs social workers and case managers in each school from pre-K through 12th grade, he said.
The corporation works with both the Swanson Center and the Madison Center.
In addition, every school has a crisis team and a safety and security plan in place.
"We also have strong relationships with law enforcement," Harding said.
Two uniformed police officers work at Michigan City High School every day and also are on call to assist at other buildings.
In addition, the corporation has made building improvements to strengthen security both in and outside the facilities.
"It is important to remember that the MCAS is bound by Indiana statutes regarding student discipline and due process," Harding wrote. "While it might be easier to simply remove 'problem' students and send them on their way, this is not what our mission statement or the Michigan City Area Schools' Strategic Plan calls on us to do. We simply do not give up on children!
"The recent article is an affront to our hard-working teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, transportation personnel and other support staff who work daily to prevent students from making inappropriate choices concerning their behavior. To suggest we should do otherwise violates our core values about children."
Harding criticized The News-Dispatch for its coverage of the safety issue.
"In the future, I hope The News-Dispatch articles will be more balanced and factual. I caution the community against playing an 'I heard/they said' game that simply feeds rumors and negative perceptions."
Harding encourages parents and community members to visit the schools.
"In closing, student discipline is a shared responsibility that starts at home and is managed by the entire staff and administration at each school site. It is our school system's highest priority to provide students with a safe, positive learning environment."
Contact reporter Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Harding statement says MCEA criticisms had misconceptions, coverage was misleading.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The superintendent of schools believes the Michigan City Area Schools are safe for students and staff, despite the recent claims of the Michigan City Education Association.
When asked at the Tuesday meeting whether the buildings are safe, Superintendent Michael Harding replied, "Absolutely."
On Thursday, Harding sent a written response.
Referring to the MCEA statement, he said, "I believe several of the comments published ... may lead the community to have misconceptions about the safety of our students and staff in the Michigan City Area Schools.
"These misconceptions not only adversely affect the perception of our school system but are extremely damaging to the community in terms of quality of life and economic development.
"So let me say this loud and clear: The Michigan City Area Schools are, indeed, safe places for students to learn and all employees to work."
On Oct. 26, a teacher at the A.K. Smith Area Career Center drank from a bottle water that seemed to be tainted with a caustic substance. She suspects it was corrupted by a student. Police are investigating.
"There has been much media attention recently surrounding the alleged tampering with a teacher's water bottle at the A. K. Smith Career Center," Harding wrote.
"Police are investigating the incident and have the contents to be tested at a state Food and Drug Administration facility. Rest assured that Michigan City Area Schools' administration, including the administrators at the A. K. Smith Center, is extremely concerned about this situation. Because this is an ongoing police investigation, the MCAS must refrain from commenting on specifics surrounding this case. We will continue to honor the privacy of our students and staff and we hope the police investigation will be brought to a swift conclusion. Once completed, MCAS will take appropriate action to resolve this matter."
Harding acknowledges the presence of discipline issues in the schools. In 2005, the school board adopted a comprehensive Code of Responsible Behavior and consequences are attached to violation of the code, Harding said.
"This code was developed in cooperation with the MCEA, parents and community members, and all school personnel, students and parents have been provided with a copy.
"This year, we have had 571 suspensions and eight expulsions in grades K-12," Harding wrote. That figure represents 5 percent of the total student population, he added.
Offenses include class disruption, tardiness, truancy and other inappropriate behavior.
Fifty-nine students were referred to the Real Choices program, an alternative program offered in cooperation with the Madison Center.
"This program has been extremely successful for those students completing the program and returning to school."
The school corporation has a number of programs involving parents of the students who violate the disciplinary code.
"Without question, the home environment has the major influence over a child's success at school."
The corporation employs social workers and case managers in each school from pre-K through 12th grade, he said.
The corporation works with both the Swanson Center and the Madison Center.
In addition, every school has a crisis team and a safety and security plan in place.
"We also have strong relationships with law enforcement," Harding said.
Two uniformed police officers work at Michigan City High School every day and also are on call to assist at other buildings.
In addition, the corporation has made building improvements to strengthen security both in and outside the facilities.
"It is important to remember that the MCAS is bound by Indiana statutes regarding student discipline and due process," Harding wrote. "While it might be easier to simply remove 'problem' students and send them on their way, this is not what our mission statement or the Michigan City Area Schools' Strategic Plan calls on us to do. We simply do not give up on children!
"The recent article is an affront to our hard-working teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, transportation personnel and other support staff who work daily to prevent students from making inappropriate choices concerning their behavior. To suggest we should do otherwise violates our core values about children."
Harding criticized The News-Dispatch for its coverage of the safety issue.
"In the future, I hope The News-Dispatch articles will be more balanced and factual. I caution the community against playing an 'I heard/they said' game that simply feeds rumors and negative perceptions."
Harding encourages parents and community members to visit the schools.
"In closing, student discipline is a shared responsibility that starts at home and is managed by the entire staff and administration at each school site. It is our school system's highest priority to provide students with a safe, positive learning environment."
Contact reporter Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 16 2007, 10:40 AM
QUOTE
"So let me say this loud and clear: The Michigan City Area Schools are, indeed, safe places for students to learn and all employees to work."
This is his response to a teacher being poisoned, kids fighting at the middle and high schools on a regular basis, and the apparent lack of control the adults have over what's going on?
QUOTE
"This year, we have had 571 suspensions and eight expulsions in grades K-12," Harding wrote. That figure represents 5 percent of the total student population, he added.
Offenses include class disruption, tardiness, truancy and other inappropriate behavior.
Fifty-nine students were referred to the Real Choices program, an alternative program offered in cooperation with the Madison Center.
Offenses include class disruption, tardiness, truancy and other inappropriate behavior.
Fifty-nine students were referred to the Real Choices program, an alternative program offered in cooperation with the Madison Center.
At this rate, we're headed for at least 1500 suspensions by the end of the year. This is not something that happens in safe schools. As for the Madison Center program, it's apparently not effective if things aren't changing or improving. We need the alternative school back!
QUOTE
"In the future, I hope The News-Dispatch articles will be more balanced and factual. I caution the community against playing an 'I heard/they said' game that simply feeds rumors and negative perceptions."
Point made...and I agree.
QUOTE
Harding encourages parents and community members to visit the schools.
But not without an appointment!
QUOTE
"In closing, student discipline is a shared responsibility that starts at home and is managed by the entire staff and administration at each school site. It is our school system's highest priority to provide students with a safe, positive learning environment."
Yes, it does begin at home, but h's forgetting the demographics of our community. Hello...we have 2 prisons in the area (ISP, and Westville)--where does he think the families live? The kids need more effecive counseling and alternative programs.
Ssider, I hope you run again next year...we need you on the school board!
Posted by: Ang Nov 16 2007, 10:55 AM
Fluff. Nothing but icky grey dust bunnies he pulled out from under his desk. They must've accumulated there while he was in China and he didn't know what to do with them so he's feeding them to the public.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 16 2007, 01:11 PM
Under the category of "for what its worth": the News Dispatch poll of the day asks "Do you agree that MCAS is safe for students and staff members?"
It is 86% to 14% favoring "No. The schools are unsafe for students and staff."
Posted by: lilbitcountry Nov 16 2007, 07:02 PM
I was more than happy to put my big fat "NO" on that poll about whether the schools were safe or not.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 19 2007, 01:20 PM
QUOTE(lilbitcountry @ Nov 16 2007, 07:02 PM)
I was more than happy to put my big fat "NO" on that poll about whether the schools were safe or not.
Welcome to the site
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 20 2007, 12:48 PM
Welcome, bit, but your avatar makes me dizzy.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 21 2007, 10:23 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6805&TM=40890.55
QUOTE
MCAS Must Listen To Teachers
I am disturbed by what I perceive as a lack of respect for the Michigan City Area Schools' teachers by the MCAS administration. Perhaps a contract renewal would not be problematic if the administration would listen to and work with the teachers in trying to solve their non-contractual concerns. There needs to be a collaborative effort between the administration and the teachers to make the school system work. Neither party can succeed independent of the other.
The administration needs to approach the discipline problem in the schools today as the crisis it is. It is imperative for the teachers to be heard. They are in the field every day. They see what works and what doesn't. Having an administrative title does not give one magical powers to solve all problems. All egos must be set aside now.
There has been a great deal of animosity, distrust and disrespect toward the teachers starting as early as the late 1970s with some poor choices for top administrative positions, the teacher strike in 1985, and even some school board members.
We entrust our children's educations to the teachers. I, for one, feel we need to listen to their concerns and ideas especially regarding the hour-to-hour and day-to-day problems in the school buildings. Now is the time to work together and solve this crisis.
Kathy Weber
Trail Creek
I am disturbed by what I perceive as a lack of respect for the Michigan City Area Schools' teachers by the MCAS administration. Perhaps a contract renewal would not be problematic if the administration would listen to and work with the teachers in trying to solve their non-contractual concerns. There needs to be a collaborative effort between the administration and the teachers to make the school system work. Neither party can succeed independent of the other.
The administration needs to approach the discipline problem in the schools today as the crisis it is. It is imperative for the teachers to be heard. They are in the field every day. They see what works and what doesn't. Having an administrative title does not give one magical powers to solve all problems. All egos must be set aside now.
There has been a great deal of animosity, distrust and disrespect toward the teachers starting as early as the late 1970s with some poor choices for top administrative positions, the teacher strike in 1985, and even some school board members.
We entrust our children's educations to the teachers. I, for one, feel we need to listen to their concerns and ideas especially regarding the hour-to-hour and day-to-day problems in the school buildings. Now is the time to work together and solve this crisis.
Kathy Weber
Trail Creek
Posted by: adele115 Nov 22 2007, 10:05 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Nov 12 2007, 07:55 AM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=6432&TM=31596.78
I have a friend who works at the HS and she said the reputation is worse than the reality - halls are generally clear while classes going on, a lot of really good kids. The biggest problem is the leadership - not much happening in that arena. Too many behavioral problems just ignored - mostly in the remedial classes....Harding wants his expulsion rate to remain low so he can transfer to higher paying district (he should go)...a remedical math teacher recently quit because its a zoo in the classroom. They got rid of the alt school which was a huge mistake. Unless the community can vote in a board with brains we're in trouble...
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 23 2007, 08:11 AM
QUOTE(adele115 @ Nov 22 2007, 10:05 AM)
I have a friend who works at the HS and she said the reputation is worse than the reality - halls are generally clear while classes going on, a lot of really good kids. The biggest problem is the leadership - not much happening in that arena. Too many behavioral problems just ignored - mostly in the remedial classes....Harding wants his expulsion rate to remain low so he can transfer to higher paying district (he should go)...a remedical math teacher recently quit because its a zoo in the classroom. They got rid of the alt school which was a huge mistake. Unless the community can vote in a board with brains we're in trouble...
I think we pretty much all want Harding to move on, yet feel sorry for whereever he lands.
Welcome to the site
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 26 2007, 10:22 AM
My son the freshman had two observations:
1. The classes are more challenging than reputed; and
2. There is essentially no conflict, again contrary to reputation.
Real person, real experience.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 26 2007, 10:30 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6884&TM=41118.21
QUOTE
Schools Struggle Because Of Leaders' Attitudes
Unfortunately Michigan City Area Schools continue to struggle. Much of that is due to some school and city leaders' egos, one-sided agendas, attitudes and rebellion. How long will we have to deal with the lip service and rhetoric? Circumstances and conditions dictate the time for action is now.
MCAS set many meetings to increase parent involvement, yet many teachers fail to communicate with parents. The MCAS set many meetings on how to close the achievement gap. Then administrators and the school board closed the Alternative High School, took resource money away and put 30 to 44 students in many of the classrooms.
The MCAS set many Strategic Plan meetings to gain support from the community and businesses. But when invitations went out inviting community leaders and business people to shadow teachers for a day, only about 10 people participated.
When parents want teachers to communicate with then, they should never hesitate to. Parents shouldn't be met with egos, low expectations and attitudes. When the administrators and school board closed the Alternative High School, there should have been a stampede of teachers and parents at the meeting. When the teachers invited community leaders and business people to shadow them for a day, there should have been a history-making showing.
I'm just a parent, but I have an idea. How about we stop alienating each other and join forces? How about everyone do what was discussed in all those meetings? That's if you're truly for the sake of the students.
Agnes Meer
Michigan City
Unfortunately Michigan City Area Schools continue to struggle. Much of that is due to some school and city leaders' egos, one-sided agendas, attitudes and rebellion. How long will we have to deal with the lip service and rhetoric? Circumstances and conditions dictate the time for action is now.
MCAS set many meetings to increase parent involvement, yet many teachers fail to communicate with parents. The MCAS set many meetings on how to close the achievement gap. Then administrators and the school board closed the Alternative High School, took resource money away and put 30 to 44 students in many of the classrooms.
The MCAS set many Strategic Plan meetings to gain support from the community and businesses. But when invitations went out inviting community leaders and business people to shadow teachers for a day, only about 10 people participated.
When parents want teachers to communicate with then, they should never hesitate to. Parents shouldn't be met with egos, low expectations and attitudes. When the administrators and school board closed the Alternative High School, there should have been a stampede of teachers and parents at the meeting. When the teachers invited community leaders and business people to shadow them for a day, there should have been a history-making showing.
I'm just a parent, but I have an idea. How about we stop alienating each other and join forces? How about everyone do what was discussed in all those meetings? That's if you're truly for the sake of the students.
Agnes Meer
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 26 2007, 10:32 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6890&TM=41118.21
QUOTE
Administration Needs To Work With Teachers
I am a traveling kindergarten teacher with Michigan City Area Schools. I have a half-day morning class at Niemann and half-day afternoon at Knapp. I recently spent two weekend days and three evenings until bedtime filling out 44 report cards. To accommodate the number of parents I needed to see at Niemann for conferences, I came to school two and a half hours early. I have no planning time. There are four traveling kindergarten teachers this year. To eliminate the traveling, two teachers would have to be hired. That would have given each school another all-day kindergarten class. I was told that hiring another teacher would not be good for the corporation, and, yet, if I am not mistaken, I believe two new administrators and two coaches with administrative pay were employed. Two teachers would have been less expensive and would have directly impacted students.
I am concerned and confused by the lack of genuine strategies being offered to teachers in MCAS that are actually going to help us make Adequate Yearly Progress. In the last three years we have lost Title1 tutorial help in the elementary schools, added to class size, had assistants taken away, had many things added to an already full teaching day and still have teachers traveling between schools.
Worst, teachers of MCAS are being depicted as a group of people who strive to be mediocre. Morale is at an all time low. How do any of these things help educate children?
I am a mother, teacher and citizen of Michigan City. I have always loved my job. I would often tell people how lucky I was to have chosen the perfect career. But over the years I have been somewhat naive about my job. I thought that if I was on a committee my opinion would be valued. I also thought that if I stayed current and tried new things it would be appreciated. I thought that if I did the best I could and students still struggled, the administration would have answers that would help me make the difference I strive for every day. No one seems to have answers, but it is easy to place blame.
There was a time when I did feel valued, when we worked as a team, when our efforts were appreciated, and during that time I was happy to serve on committees, help write grants, give extra time, and go above and beyond, but now I feel used and discarded.
I am a nurturer and have never liked conflict. My job has always been about what is best for children. I am asking the members of the board to please understand that we are not a group of disgruntled employees; we are teachers in the trenches every day with real children, trying to meet their many individual needs. We know what works and what keeps us from our goals. Please show us your support and I am sure that we can work together to get on with the business of educating children.
Victoria Hill
Michigan City
Editor's note: This letter, edited here for length, was given to the Michigan City School Board on Nov. 13 along with letters from many other Michigan City teachers. As of Tuesday, she said, she had not received a response from any board member.
I am a traveling kindergarten teacher with Michigan City Area Schools. I have a half-day morning class at Niemann and half-day afternoon at Knapp. I recently spent two weekend days and three evenings until bedtime filling out 44 report cards. To accommodate the number of parents I needed to see at Niemann for conferences, I came to school two and a half hours early. I have no planning time. There are four traveling kindergarten teachers this year. To eliminate the traveling, two teachers would have to be hired. That would have given each school another all-day kindergarten class. I was told that hiring another teacher would not be good for the corporation, and, yet, if I am not mistaken, I believe two new administrators and two coaches with administrative pay were employed. Two teachers would have been less expensive and would have directly impacted students.
I am concerned and confused by the lack of genuine strategies being offered to teachers in MCAS that are actually going to help us make Adequate Yearly Progress. In the last three years we have lost Title1 tutorial help in the elementary schools, added to class size, had assistants taken away, had many things added to an already full teaching day and still have teachers traveling between schools.
Worst, teachers of MCAS are being depicted as a group of people who strive to be mediocre. Morale is at an all time low. How do any of these things help educate children?
I am a mother, teacher and citizen of Michigan City. I have always loved my job. I would often tell people how lucky I was to have chosen the perfect career. But over the years I have been somewhat naive about my job. I thought that if I was on a committee my opinion would be valued. I also thought that if I stayed current and tried new things it would be appreciated. I thought that if I did the best I could and students still struggled, the administration would have answers that would help me make the difference I strive for every day. No one seems to have answers, but it is easy to place blame.
There was a time when I did feel valued, when we worked as a team, when our efforts were appreciated, and during that time I was happy to serve on committees, help write grants, give extra time, and go above and beyond, but now I feel used and discarded.
I am a nurturer and have never liked conflict. My job has always been about what is best for children. I am asking the members of the board to please understand that we are not a group of disgruntled employees; we are teachers in the trenches every day with real children, trying to meet their many individual needs. We know what works and what keeps us from our goals. Please show us your support and I am sure that we can work together to get on with the business of educating children.
Victoria Hill
Michigan City
Editor's note: This letter, edited here for length, was given to the Michigan City School Board on Nov. 13 along with letters from many other Michigan City teachers. As of Tuesday, she said, she had not received a response from any board member.
Posted by: Ang Nov 26 2007, 02:14 PM
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6890&TM=54766.73
Administration Needs To Work With Teachers
I am a traveling kindergarten teacher with Michigan City Area Schools. I have a half-day morning class at Niemann and half-day afternoon at Knapp. I recently spent two weekend days and three evenings until bedtime filling out 44 report cards. To accommodate the number of parents I needed to see at Niemann for conferences, I came to school two and a half hours early. I have no planning time. There are four traveling kindergarten teachers this year. To eliminate the traveling, two teachers would have to be hired. That would have given each school another all-day kindergarten class. I was told that hiring another teacher would not be good for the corporation, and, yet, if I am not mistaken, I believe two new administrators and two coaches with administrative pay were employed. Two teachers would have been less expensive and would have directly impacted students.
I am concerned and confused by the lack of genuine strategies being offered to teachers in MCAS that are actually going to help us make Adequate Yearly Progress. In the last three years we have lost Title1 tutorial help in the elementary schools, added to class size, had assistants taken away, had many things added to an already full teaching day and still have teachers traveling between schools.
Worst, teachers of MCAS are being depicted as a group of people who strive to be mediocre. Morale is at an all time low. How do any of these things help educate children?
I am a mother, teacher and citizen of Michigan City. I have always loved my job. I would often tell people how lucky I was to have chosen the perfect career. But over the years I have been somewhat naive about my job. I thought that if I was on a committee my opinion would be valued. I also thought that if I stayed current and tried new things it would be appreciated. I thought that if I did the best I could and students still struggled, the administration would have answers that would help me make the difference I strive for every day. No one seems to have answers, but it is easy to place blame.
There was a time when I did feel valued, when we worked as a team, when our efforts were appreciated, and during that time I was happy to serve on committees, help write grants, give extra time, and go above and beyond, but now I feel used and discarded.
I am a nurturer and have never liked conflict. My job has always been about what is best for children. I am asking the members of the board to please understand that we are not a group of disgruntled employees; we are teachers in the trenches every day with real children, trying to meet their many individual needs. We know what works and what keeps us from our goals. Please show us your support and I am sure that we can work together to get on with the business of educating children.
Victoria Hill
Michigan City
Editor's note: This letter, edited here for length, was given to the Michigan City School Board on Nov. 13 along with letters from many other Michigan City teachers. As of Tuesday, she said, she had not received a response from any board member.
Administration Needs To Work With Teachers
I am a traveling kindergarten teacher with Michigan City Area Schools. I have a half-day morning class at Niemann and half-day afternoon at Knapp. I recently spent two weekend days and three evenings until bedtime filling out 44 report cards. To accommodate the number of parents I needed to see at Niemann for conferences, I came to school two and a half hours early. I have no planning time. There are four traveling kindergarten teachers this year. To eliminate the traveling, two teachers would have to be hired. That would have given each school another all-day kindergarten class. I was told that hiring another teacher would not be good for the corporation, and, yet, if I am not mistaken, I believe two new administrators and two coaches with administrative pay were employed. Two teachers would have been less expensive and would have directly impacted students.
I am concerned and confused by the lack of genuine strategies being offered to teachers in MCAS that are actually going to help us make Adequate Yearly Progress. In the last three years we have lost Title1 tutorial help in the elementary schools, added to class size, had assistants taken away, had many things added to an already full teaching day and still have teachers traveling between schools.
Worst, teachers of MCAS are being depicted as a group of people who strive to be mediocre. Morale is at an all time low. How do any of these things help educate children?
I am a mother, teacher and citizen of Michigan City. I have always loved my job. I would often tell people how lucky I was to have chosen the perfect career. But over the years I have been somewhat naive about my job. I thought that if I was on a committee my opinion would be valued. I also thought that if I stayed current and tried new things it would be appreciated. I thought that if I did the best I could and students still struggled, the administration would have answers that would help me make the difference I strive for every day. No one seems to have answers, but it is easy to place blame.
There was a time when I did feel valued, when we worked as a team, when our efforts were appreciated, and during that time I was happy to serve on committees, help write grants, give extra time, and go above and beyond, but now I feel used and discarded.
I am a nurturer and have never liked conflict. My job has always been about what is best for children. I am asking the members of the board to please understand that we are not a group of disgruntled employees; we are teachers in the trenches every day with real children, trying to meet their many individual needs. We know what works and what keeps us from our goals. Please show us your support and I am sure that we can work together to get on with the business of educating children.
Victoria Hill
Michigan City
Editor's note: This letter, edited here for length, was given to the Michigan City School Board on Nov. 13 along with letters from many other Michigan City teachers. As of Tuesday, she said, she had not received a response from any board member.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 26 2007, 06:09 PM
Us vs. them is a corrosive attitude to take.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 26 2007, 10:49 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Nov 26 2007, 06:09 PM)
Us vs. them is a corrosive attitude to take.
I see the letter more as a cry for help, not an us vs. them attitude. It's been the same for a long time...why not give the people who are in the proverbial trenches the chance to speak their piece...and actually listen to what's being said? Oh, wait, that might make improvements at the schools...
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 27 2007, 01:24 PM
I really mean the attitude of the admin toward the teachers. They (Harding) always seems to respond with a defensive attitude, not one of collegiality, and to attempt to drive a wedge between the teachers and the parents.
Posted by: Ang Nov 27 2007, 01:44 PM
Harding is not the only one guilty of that behavior. Carla Iacona has her hand in that jar as well as a few other administrators. Why do you think after so many years as an educator, Tim Bietry left? IMO Admin forced him out because he didn't agree with their beliefs. After the champaign fiasco, he went to work at Admin, but didn't stick around very long. Same with Fred LaBorn. He was too nice of a guy to work there and decided to leave for calmer waters--I don't care what he told the papers.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 27 2007, 01:58 PM
I would give my right arm to see Tim Bietry as the Superintendant of our school system.
Posted by: Ang Nov 27 2007, 02:27 PM
I actually talked to him about that. He is not interested. Plus, he doesn't have the right degree. I also talked to him about running for Mayor. He's not interested in that either. He says he's very happy running the Chamber and plans to stay right where he is until he's ready to retire.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 27 2007, 02:28 PM
Yeah, I know, then again, what has the right degree done for our current hire?
Posted by: Ang Nov 27 2007, 02:32 PM
I'm with ya. and I think Tim Bietry as a Superintendent would be the perfect thing to change MCAS for the better. He always had the kids best interests at heart and didn't give a hoot about the politics that went with it. (Politics be damned! he once said to me) That's probably why he's not interested in running for Mayor. I told him he would probably get elected if he ran, but he still declined.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 28 2007, 10:06 AM
Even if he were on the School Board.
Posted by: Ang Nov 28 2007, 10:18 AM
THAT's not a bad idea. Although, from what I've seen lately, the school board seems to be just a formality. The Admin is still doing what ever they want with no repurcussions. Or, ONE board member will act alone without consulting the rest of the board.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 28 2007, 10:21 AM
The problem is that you need at least 4 independant thinkers before you can change things at the school board level. By my count, I think we have two, depending on the issue. Bergwald and Kintzele really take hard looks at the bottom lines of issues, and they also aren't afraid to speak out on things. Out of the remaining five people, there are some who are worse than others, but none are really bucking this administration. Luckily 3 of those people are up for re-election in 2008.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 28 2007, 10:54 AM
Mr Bietry's presence alone could make a difference. I want the board personnel changed to try to jar the system. Plus, he is a well-respected former teacher who brings cred where it is needed.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 29 2007, 01:03 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7065&TM=48099.46
QUOTE
Teachers Write About Their Woes
Contract negotiations continue with MCAS pressing for ‘spirit of cooperation,’ while educators talk of lowest morale in 22 years.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract negotiations continue between the teachers and the administration of the Michigan City Area Schools.
In a Nov. 26 press release, Michael Harding, superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools said "that contract negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association are once again in progress.
"We continue these negotiations in a spirit of cooperation," Harding said in the release.
Declining to comment on specific issues, Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, confirmed that.
"We are back at the negotiating table."
A large group teachers appeared at the Tuesday school board meeting, but made no public statements. At the Nov. 13 meetings, teachers spilled out of the meeting room and into the hallway as they waited for the public forum of the meeting.
At that time, Stark spoke about the particular difficulties of elementary teachers, many of whom say they feel pushed to the limits of their capacity by days that sometimes stretch from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and often include weekend time.
Teachers are paid for their contract day, said Liz Schreeg, a first vice president of the MCEA. Teachers are not management employees, she noted, yet it is expected that they will work off the clock. Those off-the-clock hours are increasing every year, she added.
Part of the problem, teachers say, is lack of assistance from instructional aides.
Teachers presented a packet of letters to board members describing their frustration with what they see as ever-increasing expectations without support or resources.
"I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a young child," Mullen teacher Erin Nichols wrote. She said she is proud to be teaching in her hometown.
While she loves her profession, Nichols said she lacks sufficient time for her work and that lack, she said, "is directly impacting my students."
A fifth grade teacher at Mullen School, Bill Pool is in his 41st year of teaching. Pool quotes Strategy II of the Strategic Plan which states MCAS will provide "necessary support for each student to achieve his or her educational and personal goals."
The administration's actions fail to support that strategy, Pool wrote. He cites class sizes, increased responsibilities, lack of resources "and decision making without teacher input and/or consideration" as examples. Success comes through cooperation, he wrote, not from a bully pulpit.
Several teachers say they believe the administration neither respects nor values their work or experience.
"It appears that the school administrators believe that the best way to improve test scores is to speak with utter disrespect toward the teachers, take away invaluable resources and at the same time, continue to pile on the work," wrote Mary Carol Lombard.
School Board Vice President Jim Kintzele recently shadowed Lombard, who teaches kindergarten at both Springfield and Marsh schools. He told the board Tuesday he has to wonder "how these teachers survive, driving between schools. They eat in the car or not at all."
Lombard, who has been teaching for 30 years, said teachers are having a tough time.
"In all the years that I have taught in this system," she said, "I have never seen the morale this low, not even during the strike."
That action took place 22 years ago.
Stark agrees.
"Morale and working conditions now are worse than they were during the strike," she said.
Stark knows Indiana law prohibits teachers from striking.
"And that word is not even in our vocabulary," she said. "We will not do anything illegal."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Contract negotiations continue with MCAS pressing for ‘spirit of cooperation,’ while educators talk of lowest morale in 22 years.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract negotiations continue between the teachers and the administration of the Michigan City Area Schools.
In a Nov. 26 press release, Michael Harding, superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools said "that contract negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association are once again in progress.
"We continue these negotiations in a spirit of cooperation," Harding said in the release.
Declining to comment on specific issues, Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, confirmed that.
"We are back at the negotiating table."
A large group teachers appeared at the Tuesday school board meeting, but made no public statements. At the Nov. 13 meetings, teachers spilled out of the meeting room and into the hallway as they waited for the public forum of the meeting.
At that time, Stark spoke about the particular difficulties of elementary teachers, many of whom say they feel pushed to the limits of their capacity by days that sometimes stretch from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and often include weekend time.
Teachers are paid for their contract day, said Liz Schreeg, a first vice president of the MCEA. Teachers are not management employees, she noted, yet it is expected that they will work off the clock. Those off-the-clock hours are increasing every year, she added.
Part of the problem, teachers say, is lack of assistance from instructional aides.
Teachers presented a packet of letters to board members describing their frustration with what they see as ever-increasing expectations without support or resources.
"I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a young child," Mullen teacher Erin Nichols wrote. She said she is proud to be teaching in her hometown.
While she loves her profession, Nichols said she lacks sufficient time for her work and that lack, she said, "is directly impacting my students."
A fifth grade teacher at Mullen School, Bill Pool is in his 41st year of teaching. Pool quotes Strategy II of the Strategic Plan which states MCAS will provide "necessary support for each student to achieve his or her educational and personal goals."
The administration's actions fail to support that strategy, Pool wrote. He cites class sizes, increased responsibilities, lack of resources "and decision making without teacher input and/or consideration" as examples. Success comes through cooperation, he wrote, not from a bully pulpit.
Several teachers say they believe the administration neither respects nor values their work or experience.
"It appears that the school administrators believe that the best way to improve test scores is to speak with utter disrespect toward the teachers, take away invaluable resources and at the same time, continue to pile on the work," wrote Mary Carol Lombard.
School Board Vice President Jim Kintzele recently shadowed Lombard, who teaches kindergarten at both Springfield and Marsh schools. He told the board Tuesday he has to wonder "how these teachers survive, driving between schools. They eat in the car or not at all."
Lombard, who has been teaching for 30 years, said teachers are having a tough time.
"In all the years that I have taught in this system," she said, "I have never seen the morale this low, not even during the strike."
That action took place 22 years ago.
Stark agrees.
"Morale and working conditions now are worse than they were during the strike," she said.
Stark knows Indiana law prohibits teachers from striking.
"And that word is not even in our vocabulary," she said. "We will not do anything illegal."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 29 2007, 03:46 PM
QUOTE
"It appears that the school administrators believe that the best way to improve test scores is to speak with utter disrespect toward the teachers, take away invaluable resources and at the same time, continue to pile on the work," wrote Mary Carol Lombard.
School Board Vice President Jim Kintzele recently shadowed Lombard, who teaches kindergarten at both Springfield and Marsh schools. He told the board Tuesday he has to wonder "how these teachers survive, driving between schools. They eat in the car or not at all."
Lombard, who has been teaching for 30 years, said teachers are having a tough time.
"In all the years that I have taught in this system," she said, "I have never seen the morale this low, not even during the strike."
That action took place 22 years ago.
Stark agrees.
"Morale and working conditions now are worse than they were during the strike," she said.
Stark knows Indiana law prohibits teachers from striking.
"And that word is not even in our vocabulary," she said. "We will not do anything illegal."
School Board Vice President Jim Kintzele recently shadowed Lombard, who teaches kindergarten at both Springfield and Marsh schools. He told the board Tuesday he has to wonder "how these teachers survive, driving between schools. They eat in the car or not at all."
Lombard, who has been teaching for 30 years, said teachers are having a tough time.
"In all the years that I have taught in this system," she said, "I have never seen the morale this low, not even during the strike."
That action took place 22 years ago.
Stark agrees.
"Morale and working conditions now are worse than they were during the strike," she said.
Stark knows Indiana law prohibits teachers from striking.
"And that word is not even in our vocabulary," she said. "We will not do anything illegal."
So they won't strike, but I do sense a "work to rule" coming.
Why won't they give our teachers the respect and amenities they deserve instead of adding more layers of administration?
Posted by: Ang Nov 29 2007, 04:15 PM
I was thinking about the work to rule thing, too. I was at the HS the last time they did that. I'm sorry, but I don't agree with it. I understand the teachers' position and think it's awful the way administration treats them, but IMO work-to-rule hurts the children, not administration. It didn't really get them anywhere last time they did it. Quick fix, nothing permanent-obviously. The only thing that's going to make life better for teachers is to get an administration that understands how difficult a teacher's day can be and cares enough to make life better for them.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 30 2007, 07:05 AM
They pretty much gave up on the work to rule, for that exact reason, IE the administration didn't care, and it was hurting the kids. I think that is why they have been organizing better at the grassroots level and taking their case directly to the general public, while bypassing the anemic administration and school board.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 30 2007, 09:12 AM
This school board has got to be changed.
Posted by: Ang Nov 30 2007, 09:36 AM
IMO, the School Board is a puppet show put on by Administration
Posted by: JHeath Nov 30 2007, 09:40 AM
Obviously, as a parent with children in the MCAS, I'm very concerned about this. Other than write letters to the anvil chorus, what can we do to help?
Posted by: JHeath Nov 30 2007, 10:31 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7102&TM=41484.75
QUOTE
11/30/2007 11:00:00 AM
Contract Talks Stall
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract negotiations between the Michigan City Area Schools administration and teachers broke down Thursday night.
The teachers say the administration walked out of negotiations, while a School Board member says the teachers had not appeared at the negotiating table a half hour after the scheduled time.
Teachers say the other team walked out at least five minutes before 5 p.m.
The time was set for 4:30 p.m., Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said Thursday night.
"When we got here, we told Marsha (Volk Bugalla, school corporation attorney) we needed to caucus," Stark said, adding it has been understood throughout negotiations that either side might call for a 30-minute caucus.
Kathy Lee, the only School Board member present at the table Thursday, said the administration left the table at 5 p.m.
She said she told teachers who were waiting in the lobby of the administration building, "They didn't come to the table," referring to the MCEA negotiating team. Some teachers, however, say they heard Lee say the administration was unable to locate the association team.
The teachers and administration were in conference rooms, next door to each other, both sides agree.
Lee, a speech therapist, calls herself "pro-teacher.
"I just want to get this settled," she said. "I have friends who are teachers, and I assume they will continue to be my friends after this is over."
Neither Lee nor Stark would comment on contract issues.
Teachers have been working without a new contract since June.
A statement released by Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communication, said, "Because MCEA negotiators had not begun scheduled discussions as of 5 p.m., the administration's team felt that negotiations should be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable date and time.
"We want to stress that this situation is not an impasse, nor is it an end to negotiations. We feel there has been a cordial dialogue during negotiations thus far. We are optimistic that we can continue this dialogue and reach a contract agreement," Kohn added.
Stark said, "We have set no future negotiating date."
Contract Talks Stall
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract negotiations between the Michigan City Area Schools administration and teachers broke down Thursday night.
The teachers say the administration walked out of negotiations, while a School Board member says the teachers had not appeared at the negotiating table a half hour after the scheduled time.
Teachers say the other team walked out at least five minutes before 5 p.m.
The time was set for 4:30 p.m., Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said Thursday night.
"When we got here, we told Marsha (Volk Bugalla, school corporation attorney) we needed to caucus," Stark said, adding it has been understood throughout negotiations that either side might call for a 30-minute caucus.
Kathy Lee, the only School Board member present at the table Thursday, said the administration left the table at 5 p.m.
She said she told teachers who were waiting in the lobby of the administration building, "They didn't come to the table," referring to the MCEA negotiating team. Some teachers, however, say they heard Lee say the administration was unable to locate the association team.
The teachers and administration were in conference rooms, next door to each other, both sides agree.
Lee, a speech therapist, calls herself "pro-teacher.
"I just want to get this settled," she said. "I have friends who are teachers, and I assume they will continue to be my friends after this is over."
Neither Lee nor Stark would comment on contract issues.
Teachers have been working without a new contract since June.
A statement released by Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communication, said, "Because MCEA negotiators had not begun scheduled discussions as of 5 p.m., the administration's team felt that negotiations should be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable date and time.
"We want to stress that this situation is not an impasse, nor is it an end to negotiations. We feel there has been a cordial dialogue during negotiations thus far. We are optimistic that we can continue this dialogue and reach a contract agreement," Kohn added.
Stark said, "We have set no future negotiating date."
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7104&TM=41484.75
QUOTE
11/30/2007 11:00:00 AM
MCEA Won't Support Harding
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Education Association overwhelmingly supported a vote of no confidence Thursday in Superintendent Michael Harding.
According to MCEA President Phyllis Stark, this is the first time the association has taken such an action.
"The vote was a secret ballot passed by 98 percent of the 467 certified staff," she said.
Stark grouped the reasons for the action into what she called "three broad categories: lack of leadership, lack of communication and lack of support or caring for employees.
"This is something the corporation has to take seriously" Stark said.
"This motion is a serious critique of the leadership abilities of the superintendent," she continued. It is meant to "indicate that the certified staff is determined to communicate the need for educational leadership in the Michigan City Area Schools as well as the need for communication between and among all stakeholders in the schools so that the aims of the Strategic Plan can be achieved for all Michigan City area students."
The News-Dispatch was unable to reach Harding directly but Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communication, said, "We will not be commenting" on the matter.
MCEA Won't Support Harding
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Education Association overwhelmingly supported a vote of no confidence Thursday in Superintendent Michael Harding.
According to MCEA President Phyllis Stark, this is the first time the association has taken such an action.
"The vote was a secret ballot passed by 98 percent of the 467 certified staff," she said.
Stark grouped the reasons for the action into what she called "three broad categories: lack of leadership, lack of communication and lack of support or caring for employees.
"This is something the corporation has to take seriously" Stark said.
"This motion is a serious critique of the leadership abilities of the superintendent," she continued. It is meant to "indicate that the certified staff is determined to communicate the need for educational leadership in the Michigan City Area Schools as well as the need for communication between and among all stakeholders in the schools so that the aims of the Strategic Plan can be achieved for all Michigan City area students."
The News-Dispatch was unable to reach Harding directly but Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communication, said, "We will not be commenting" on the matter.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 30 2007, 01:04 PM
More fun at the Junior Highs...
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7093&TM=50659.46
QUOTE
Elston Student Arrested
Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Michigan City police Wednesday arrested a 13-year-old Elston Middle School student who they say threatened a teacher and a staff member through their respective MySpace pages.
Assistant Michigan City Police Chief John Kintzele said Thursday the student has been charged with Class D felony intimidation.
"These kids need to understand that these are serious crimes that impact the rest of their lives," Kintzele said. "This isn't just against school policy. There are state laws that prohibit this."
Extra security was stationed at Elston Middle School all day Wednesday after police were alerted to the Internet threats, which were apparently received Tuesday night.
Kintzele said the department assessed the threat level and "tailored" their response to what officers felt that level warranted.
"We didn't want anything heinous happening at that school (Wednesday)," Kintzele said.
Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.
Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Michigan City police Wednesday arrested a 13-year-old Elston Middle School student who they say threatened a teacher and a staff member through their respective MySpace pages.
Assistant Michigan City Police Chief John Kintzele said Thursday the student has been charged with Class D felony intimidation.
"These kids need to understand that these are serious crimes that impact the rest of their lives," Kintzele said. "This isn't just against school policy. There are state laws that prohibit this."
Extra security was stationed at Elston Middle School all day Wednesday after police were alerted to the Internet threats, which were apparently received Tuesday night.
Kintzele said the department assessed the threat level and "tailored" their response to what officers felt that level warranted.
"We didn't want anything heinous happening at that school (Wednesday)," Kintzele said.
Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 30 2007, 01:23 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=7084&TM=51843.57
QUOTE
Teachers Deserve A Life Away From The Classroom
Dear School Board Members: Recently a friend told me, "Don't get so busy working for a living that you forget to have a living." After hearing that statement I began to reflect on the issue of time.
Approximately seven hours every day I teach 19 eager students reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and behavior skills. On days when I have release time, when the class is at gym, music or art, I grade papers and enter them into the computer grade book, plan for the next week's lessons by getting out new center materials and math manipulatives, as well as review the teacher edition books for Making Meaning, Fundations, Simple 6 Writing, and EveryDay Math.
Plus, I make copies, return and make phone calls to parents, write comments on homework folders, compose a class newsletter and respond to my colleagues' e-mails. In addition, I am asked to complete report cards with no additional release time and complete curriculum maps for Language Arts each month, which cannot be completed in the time currently allotted.
I do not have Internet access at my home, so I cannot enter grades into the computer grade books, complete report cards, work on curriculum mapping or respond to e-mail. I do not have copies of the teacher editions at home so all of my lesson planning needs to be completed at school.
Also, if I were to take school tasks home to get them accomplished, I am stealing time away from my fiancé and I would be missing out on the joy of planning our June wedding. I would not be able to attend the plays, soccer games, ballet recitals or gymnastic events my only niece participates in at her school and other local organizations.
Besides all the big personal events going on in my life, there are all the little tasks that must be completed each day like cooking, cleaning, walking my dog, raking leaves and completing other household chores.
Oh, and sometimes I just want to relax to rejuvenate myself so I can be the most effective, energetic, refreshed teacher my students deserve each day we spend together.
Being a teacher is only part of who I am. I am also a daughter, sister, soon to be wife, and hopefully in the near future a mother. I am dedicated to the teaching profession and enjoy the challenges and successes of my students, but I also want to enjoy the challenges and successes of other aspect of living a life, and time is of the essence.
Janelle Zeman
La Porte
Dear School Board Members: Recently a friend told me, "Don't get so busy working for a living that you forget to have a living." After hearing that statement I began to reflect on the issue of time.
Approximately seven hours every day I teach 19 eager students reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and behavior skills. On days when I have release time, when the class is at gym, music or art, I grade papers and enter them into the computer grade book, plan for the next week's lessons by getting out new center materials and math manipulatives, as well as review the teacher edition books for Making Meaning, Fundations, Simple 6 Writing, and EveryDay Math.
Plus, I make copies, return and make phone calls to parents, write comments on homework folders, compose a class newsletter and respond to my colleagues' e-mails. In addition, I am asked to complete report cards with no additional release time and complete curriculum maps for Language Arts each month, which cannot be completed in the time currently allotted.
I do not have Internet access at my home, so I cannot enter grades into the computer grade books, complete report cards, work on curriculum mapping or respond to e-mail. I do not have copies of the teacher editions at home so all of my lesson planning needs to be completed at school.
Also, if I were to take school tasks home to get them accomplished, I am stealing time away from my fiancé and I would be missing out on the joy of planning our June wedding. I would not be able to attend the plays, soccer games, ballet recitals or gymnastic events my only niece participates in at her school and other local organizations.
Besides all the big personal events going on in my life, there are all the little tasks that must be completed each day like cooking, cleaning, walking my dog, raking leaves and completing other household chores.
Oh, and sometimes I just want to relax to rejuvenate myself so I can be the most effective, energetic, refreshed teacher my students deserve each day we spend together.
Being a teacher is only part of who I am. I am also a daughter, sister, soon to be wife, and hopefully in the near future a mother. I am dedicated to the teaching profession and enjoy the challenges and successes of my students, but I also want to enjoy the challenges and successes of other aspect of living a life, and time is of the essence.
Janelle Zeman
La Porte
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 30 2007, 01:48 PM
Harding is not going to take this seriously at all.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 30 2007, 02:28 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Nov 30 2007, 01:04 PM)
More fun at the Junior Highs...
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7093&TM=50659.46
But "they" said the schools are safe...(note the sarcasm).
Posted by: Ang Nov 30 2007, 03:10 PM
I am thoroughly disgusted by the turn this has taken. What is wrong with the MCAS? Why are things going the way they are? I just don't understand. After all that is happening, from Athletics to Zeek and all points in between, I am seriously reconsidering my plan to move back home. (Not that Clyde Zeek has anything in particular to do with it, his name was a way to represent the letter Z and the school board in general.)
To be honest, I think all the teacher's should quit at the end of this school year. I know that would never happen, but it sure would send a message to Admin, wouldn't it? Even if half of them quit, I think the message would still be gotten.
One of my best friends is a teacher. She worked for MCAS for a couple years and got riffed in '05. She now works for Elkhart Community Schools. She commutes from MC to Elkhart every day, she spends 10 hours a day "working" (this includes her commute) and she has never been happier. She is making 5 grand a year more at Elkhart (this is entry-level), she has support and help from her fellow teachers, she doesn't have to spend a dime of her own money for instructional materials, she is teaching the subjects she loves to teach, AND when she has a discipline problem in her classroom, the school admin takes care of the problem-she doesn't have to accept bad behavior. She said it was like moving from Hell to Heaven.
I think if half of the teachers at MCAS quit, they all would be able to find work in surrounding communities. I know that all of these teachers quitting would put a strain on the remaining teachers and the students as well, but I don't believe it would be any worse than the strain Admin has been putting on them for years.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 30 2007, 03:46 PM
Sounds okay in theory, but what about the families here who care, and still have our kids enrolled here? Then we're left with whoever is left to teach, which might be "slim pickins", if you know what I mean...and where would that leave the special ed programs, which already suffer constantly? I still want to be able to have my kids get a decent education--even if it means that I need to put myself out there in support of the teachers.
Posted by: adele115 Dec 1 2007, 06:53 AM
Overwhelming vote of leadership failure and criminal web threats from MS kids - then the administration walks away from the negotiation because mcea isn't there on the dot but simply in the next room...this is the "spirit of cooperation" "hardling" touts? The leadership accusation is serious and I think true. At h.s. my girlfriend says there's zero teacher oversight, your left on your own to do your own things, which may be good or bad - if your in the basic classes speciel education classes lots of behavior problems and students don't care. they keep cutting staff and programs so everyone is frazzled - that's why the band guy left. The district administraters are very top down, bossy, yet very far removed and clueless about what goes on in the trenches. More interested in padding the exterier (new communictations person) than working together with staff to determine what will really do good. IMO i think they should get alt school back, make salaries competitive, get rid of hardling...
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 3 2007, 09:29 AM
1. New board members.
2. Help Harding get hired somewhere else, anywhere else.
3. Fund class materials.
4. Fund aides.
Posted by: Ang Dec 3 2007, 10:09 AM
Hardling
I love it! Rog, I'm surprised you didn't come up with that one. 
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 3 2007, 10:28 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Dec 3 2007, 10:09 AM)
Hardling I love it! Rog, I'm surprised you didn't come up with that one.
Didn't you know that Rogers avatar is a real life .gif of Harding going to another job interview?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 3 2007, 01:35 PM
What is missing is the crowd of people in MC helping him get another job. See point two of my platform above.
Posted by: Ang Dec 3 2007, 01:54 PM
I don't think he will be able to find another job no matter how many people help him. His track record isn't very good you know. When he first started at MCAS, I got condolences from the Athletic Secretaries at New Prairie and ALL of the SB schools. Seriously--NO LIE! The gal from SB Washington made a special call to me just to offer condolences.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 4 2007, 08:30 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=72&ArticleID=7124&TM=33648.45
QUOTE
Teacher Talks
Negotiations Stall
Editorial
The latest negotiations between Michigan City Area Schools and the Michigan City Education Association got a little childish.
The fact that mature adults, all of whom are entrusted to mold and guide our children, can't sit down and talk together speaks volumes about the behavior of our children. If the adults are acting like children, how can we expect our children to act like grown ups?
Blame can't be directed to one side or the other, either. There is enough of it for everyone to get a piece.
On Thursday, teacher union negotiators and members of the administration sat down at a scheduled negotiating session. The MCEA asked for a caucus, which is common at labor negotiations. But when the half-hour caucus didn't end when administrators thought it should, they walked out. They blamed the teachers for going past the 30-minute deadline, but teachers say they were done five minutes early.
That doesn't matter. What matters is that nothing happened and there continues to be no labor contract between teachers and MCAS.
Because of the growing animosity between the two sides, the negotiations have taken a personal turn. The union overwhelming passed a vote of no confidence against Superintendent Michael Harding.
It's no secret that Harding has not been a popular superintendent, but what is taking place now isn't beneficial to the school district's children. Reaching a settlement should be the priority in these negotiations. Instead, we're getting votes of no confidence and negotiators walking out of contract talks for what can only be described as questionable reasons.
School board member Kathy Lee, who describes herself as "pro-teacher," said, "I just want to get this settled."
The entire community does, but it appears that neither side in this acrimonious process is listening to - or cares about - what the taxpayers and parents think.
Our Opinion
The Issue: Michigan City Area Schools negotiators walked away from talks Thursday, and the teachers union passed a meaningless voted of no confidence in the superintendent.
Our Opinion: This is childish. Sit together and bargain in good faith. Children are watching and they expect you to act like adults.
Negotiations Stall
Editorial
The latest negotiations between Michigan City Area Schools and the Michigan City Education Association got a little childish.
The fact that mature adults, all of whom are entrusted to mold and guide our children, can't sit down and talk together speaks volumes about the behavior of our children. If the adults are acting like children, how can we expect our children to act like grown ups?
Blame can't be directed to one side or the other, either. There is enough of it for everyone to get a piece.
On Thursday, teacher union negotiators and members of the administration sat down at a scheduled negotiating session. The MCEA asked for a caucus, which is common at labor negotiations. But when the half-hour caucus didn't end when administrators thought it should, they walked out. They blamed the teachers for going past the 30-minute deadline, but teachers say they were done five minutes early.
That doesn't matter. What matters is that nothing happened and there continues to be no labor contract between teachers and MCAS.
Because of the growing animosity between the two sides, the negotiations have taken a personal turn. The union overwhelming passed a vote of no confidence against Superintendent Michael Harding.
It's no secret that Harding has not been a popular superintendent, but what is taking place now isn't beneficial to the school district's children. Reaching a settlement should be the priority in these negotiations. Instead, we're getting votes of no confidence and negotiators walking out of contract talks for what can only be described as questionable reasons.
School board member Kathy Lee, who describes herself as "pro-teacher," said, "I just want to get this settled."
The entire community does, but it appears that neither side in this acrimonious process is listening to - or cares about - what the taxpayers and parents think.
Our Opinion
The Issue: Michigan City Area Schools negotiators walked away from talks Thursday, and the teachers union passed a meaningless voted of no confidence in the superintendent.
Our Opinion: This is childish. Sit together and bargain in good faith. Children are watching and they expect you to act like adults.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 4 2007, 08:41 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=7135&TM=34555.37
QUOTE
School People A Great Bunch
I feel I need to speak up for the teachers in Michigan City. I couldn't disagree more with the letter Sunday regarding the attitude of the leaders in our school system ["Schools struggle because of leaders' attitudes"].
I have made it a point of getting to know who the teachers are for my daughter. It's my job, my responsibility to make sure I get the information that is needed to help my child succeed. I will occasionally call the teacher or send her an e-mail just to see how things are going. I ask if there is something I should be doing at home for her. I have tried to be an encouragement to her. I try to let her know how much she is appreciated. She has one of my "most prized" possessions for six hours every day. I think as a parent we have to make the effort to work with the teacher. Go to school and meet the teacher. She may have 22-28 children in her class - you may need to make the first move. Get involved and don't wait until there are problems with your child.
I sat in one of the committees that was formed this past spring. I found it encouraging that there were at least six teachers on this committee. During many of our discussions, I felt that the teachers were often discouraged by the lack of concern, from the parents, for their children. As parents, we need to do our part. We have to teach at home, spend time with our kids, go over the homework, be the best example possible. We need to work together with the teacher. I have never had an attitude issue with a teacher.
I also thank the teachers, the principal, the custodian (yes, I know who he is also!), the lunch ladies and all of the other staff at Springfield School. You all are truly a great group of people.
Marcy Zila
La Porte
I feel I need to speak up for the teachers in Michigan City. I couldn't disagree more with the letter Sunday regarding the attitude of the leaders in our school system ["Schools struggle because of leaders' attitudes"].
I have made it a point of getting to know who the teachers are for my daughter. It's my job, my responsibility to make sure I get the information that is needed to help my child succeed. I will occasionally call the teacher or send her an e-mail just to see how things are going. I ask if there is something I should be doing at home for her. I have tried to be an encouragement to her. I try to let her know how much she is appreciated. She has one of my "most prized" possessions for six hours every day. I think as a parent we have to make the effort to work with the teacher. Go to school and meet the teacher. She may have 22-28 children in her class - you may need to make the first move. Get involved and don't wait until there are problems with your child.
I sat in one of the committees that was formed this past spring. I found it encouraging that there were at least six teachers on this committee. During many of our discussions, I felt that the teachers were often discouraged by the lack of concern, from the parents, for their children. As parents, we need to do our part. We have to teach at home, spend time with our kids, go over the homework, be the best example possible. We need to work together with the teacher. I have never had an attitude issue with a teacher.
I also thank the teachers, the principal, the custodian (yes, I know who he is also!), the lunch ladies and all of the other staff at Springfield School. You all are truly a great group of people.
Marcy Zila
La Porte
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 4 2007, 01:18 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=7232&TM=51414.02
QUOTE
School Negotiators Should Be Flexible
Apparently some of the very qualities expected of the MCAS teachers, such as flexibility and committing their own time (with no pay), does not have to be demonstrated by Michigan City's administration negotiations team itself.
The MCAS administration's negotiations team walked out on negotiations Thursday because they could not wait for the teachers' negotiation team to complete their caucus. This negotiation meeting was to take place after the teachers' full day in the classroom, other meetings or obligations, then on to negotiations. They had to travel from their own schools to the administration building where most of the administration's team already is, with no travel involved. Oh, I forgot, the administration's team attorney, who was there, has PAID travel back and forth between Indianapolis (where she has her office) and Michigan City - she might have been inconvenienced. This does not feel like good faith negotiations on the part of the administration.
Lee Anne Cahillane
Chesterton
Apparently some of the very qualities expected of the MCAS teachers, such as flexibility and committing their own time (with no pay), does not have to be demonstrated by Michigan City's administration negotiations team itself.
The MCAS administration's negotiations team walked out on negotiations Thursday because they could not wait for the teachers' negotiation team to complete their caucus. This negotiation meeting was to take place after the teachers' full day in the classroom, other meetings or obligations, then on to negotiations. They had to travel from their own schools to the administration building where most of the administration's team already is, with no travel involved. Oh, I forgot, the administration's team attorney, who was there, has PAID travel back and forth between Indianapolis (where she has her office) and Michigan City - she might have been inconvenienced. This does not feel like good faith negotiations on the part of the administration.
Lee Anne Cahillane
Chesterton
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=7233&TM=51414.02
QUOTE
Teachers Not The Ones Childish
I am angered and almost acted like a child. I will not let The News-Dispatch blame the teachers ["Teacher talks," editorial, Sunday]. These teachers are on the front line without any weapons. Give these teachers back their classrooms. Stop dictating and let them teach. Listen to them!
Also, give up your fancy cars and hire more teachers per classroom. Quit trying to put more kids in our system just because you get money per head. Could you tell that Mrs. Victoria Hill was stressed? Teachers are passionate about their jobs and this passion leaves them because of this administration.
Can't you tell the amount of students leaving the system? My daughter is coming out of MCAS as soon as possible and it's not because of these wonderful teachers. And if these wonderful teachers act childish in your eyes then it's because they have had it. That is what this mother, this tax-paying citizen, thinks!
Paula Switzer
Michigan City
I am angered and almost acted like a child. I will not let The News-Dispatch blame the teachers ["Teacher talks," editorial, Sunday]. These teachers are on the front line without any weapons. Give these teachers back their classrooms. Stop dictating and let them teach. Listen to them!
Also, give up your fancy cars and hire more teachers per classroom. Quit trying to put more kids in our system just because you get money per head. Could you tell that Mrs. Victoria Hill was stressed? Teachers are passionate about their jobs and this passion leaves them because of this administration.
Can't you tell the amount of students leaving the system? My daughter is coming out of MCAS as soon as possible and it's not because of these wonderful teachers. And if these wonderful teachers act childish in your eyes then it's because they have had it. That is what this mother, this tax-paying citizen, thinks!
Paula Switzer
Michigan City
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 5 2007, 09:27 AM
Harding is going to be sticking around because the Board is incompetent or lazy: They do not want to do the search for the new supt. Of the Gang of Four, who is up for re-election?
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 5 2007, 10:00 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Dec 5 2007, 09:27 AM)
Harding is going to be sticking around because the Board is incompetent or lazy: They do not want to do the search for the new supt. Of the Gang of Four, who is up for re-election?
Rick Carlson, Clyde Zeek, and Nate Gipson seats are up for re-election in Nov08.
Posted by: Ang Dec 5 2007, 10:03 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Dec 5 2007, 09:00 AM)
Rick Carlson, Clyde Zeek, and Nate Gipson seats are up for re-election in Nov08.
Are you going to run again? I hope you do.
Also, I think I might send Tim Bietry an email to put a bug in his ear about running.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 5 2007, 10:09 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Dec 5 2007, 10:03 AM)
Are you going to run again? I hope you do.
Also, I think I might send Tim Bietry an email to put a bug in his ear about running.
I've got a baby due any day now, plus my "terrible" two year old... I don't see myself running until at least 2010 unfortunately.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 5 2007, 02:21 PM
Maybe getting involved in the Board will be good training for dealing with the 2-yr-old!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 5 2007, 02:27 PM
Nah, my two year old is more mature.
Posted by: Ang Dec 5 2007, 02:54 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Dec 5 2007, 01:27 PM)
Nah, my two year old is more mature.
Posted by: JHeath Dec 13 2007, 10:31 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7615&TM=41609.37
QUOTE
12/13/2007 9:40:00 AM
MCAS, MCEA Discussing Contract
School system, educators hadn’t talked since negotiations broke off on Nov. 29.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding said the administration met in a negotiating session with Michigan City Education Association on Monday and plans to meet again after the holidays.
"I want the community to know that we are in ongoing negotiations and that we are addressing all of the issues that have been raised by representatives of MCEA and MCAS," Harding said in a prepared statement.
"We continue to be optimistic that we'll reach a contract agreement early in the New Year."
The teachers' contract expired in June. Contract negotiations broke down on Nov. 29 when the administration walked out while teachers met in caucus.
The administration said the walk-out was because teachers took longer than the allotted 30 minutes to caucus. MCEA president Phyllis Stark said teachers had not yet reached the 30-minute mark when the administrative team walked out.
Wednesday's statement indicates the two sides will meet again on Jan. 9, and if necessary, on Jan. 23 and Jan. 31.
Neither teachers nor administrators will discuss the specific issues under negotiation.
Negotiations also are taking place with the Michigan City Educational Employees Association and the Michigan City Classified Association, unions representing classroom aides, paraprofessionals and support staff.
Contracts for those unions also expired at the end of last school year.
MCAS, MCEA Discussing Contract
School system, educators hadn’t talked since negotiations broke off on Nov. 29.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding said the administration met in a negotiating session with Michigan City Education Association on Monday and plans to meet again after the holidays.
"I want the community to know that we are in ongoing negotiations and that we are addressing all of the issues that have been raised by representatives of MCEA and MCAS," Harding said in a prepared statement.
"We continue to be optimistic that we'll reach a contract agreement early in the New Year."
The teachers' contract expired in June. Contract negotiations broke down on Nov. 29 when the administration walked out while teachers met in caucus.
The administration said the walk-out was because teachers took longer than the allotted 30 minutes to caucus. MCEA president Phyllis Stark said teachers had not yet reached the 30-minute mark when the administrative team walked out.
Wednesday's statement indicates the two sides will meet again on Jan. 9, and if necessary, on Jan. 23 and Jan. 31.
Neither teachers nor administrators will discuss the specific issues under negotiation.
Negotiations also are taking place with the Michigan City Educational Employees Association and the Michigan City Classified Association, unions representing classroom aides, paraprofessionals and support staff.
Contracts for those unions also expired at the end of last school year.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 13 2007, 10:33 AM
I am glad to see the public attention being put on this process, and the administration in general, is working.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 13 2007, 12:53 PM
This story and process needs a bright spotlight.
Posted by: Teach Dec 17 2007, 09:51 PM
Anyone see the Anvil Chorus piece by the teacher addressed to the School Board asking that they reconsider the contract extention at their next meeting?
The next SB meeting is tomorrow, and they occur every second week, I believe. Maybe the time has come for the public to start making its feeling about its Superintendent known.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 18 2007, 07:21 AM
Good plan. Hopefully the petition drive was successful.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 18 2007, 07:58 AM
all they need is one board member to bring it up. Don't hold your breath.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 18 2007, 07:59 AM
Here is the letter that Teach referenced FWIW...
QUOTE
Rescind Harding's Contract Extension
Dear members of the School Board (who voted to extend Michael Harding's contract), as one of the many hardworking teachers in Michigan City Area Schools, I, along with my husband, would like to respectfully ask you to reconsider your vote for an additional year renewal of Michael Harding's contract. We believe the evidence of such a request is as follows:
A. It is public knowledge that Michael Harding has been seeking employment elsewhere. This fact lends itself to question Mr. Harding's long-term commitment to Michigan City Area Schools.
B. In addition, Michael Harding's leadership style appears to be one of intimidation that creates dissension and negativity rather than one that fosters teamwork and builds unity.
Susan Doria
Coolspring Elementary School
Michigan City
Dr. Michael Doria
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso
Dear members of the School Board (who voted to extend Michael Harding's contract), as one of the many hardworking teachers in Michigan City Area Schools, I, along with my husband, would like to respectfully ask you to reconsider your vote for an additional year renewal of Michael Harding's contract. We believe the evidence of such a request is as follows:
A. It is public knowledge that Michael Harding has been seeking employment elsewhere. This fact lends itself to question Mr. Harding's long-term commitment to Michigan City Area Schools.
B. In addition, Michael Harding's leadership style appears to be one of intimidation that creates dissension and negativity rather than one that fosters teamwork and builds unity.
Susan Doria
Coolspring Elementary School
Michigan City
Dr. Michael Doria
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 18 2007, 11:24 AM
Amen, amen.
The SB meeting is tonight, eh?
Posted by: Teach Dec 19 2007, 05:26 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Dec 18 2007, 11:24 AM)
Amen, amen.
The SB meeting is tonight, eh?
Southsider, on another thread, you said you watched the meeting on cable. Was there a public comment opportunity and did anyone speak up.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 20 2007, 08:00 AM
QUOTE(Teach @ Dec 19 2007, 05:26 PM)
Southsider, on another thread, you said you watched the meeting on cable. Was there a public comment opportunity and did anyone speak up.
People did speak up, but it was almost all teachers, and then something going on about Harassment from administration of bus drivers, but Jeff Jones wouldn't let them talk, and told them to go through the greivence process. I am not quite sure what was going on, because he kept cutting everyone off who wasn't commenting within his narrow view of the comment session. He did the samething to Phylis Stark.
Posted by: Ang Dec 20 2007, 10:07 AM
Seems to me the voters got Rooked from the last school board election
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 20 2007, 02:56 PM
I went. I have not posted my notes.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Dec 24 2007, 12:45 PM
I noticed around town that there are signs popping up for the "no confidence" in Harding movement. They are nice, and rest assured my yard will have at least one soon, but it would have been nice to have them a month ago. Oh well.
Posted by: Ang Dec 28 2007, 11:33 AM
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=8110&TM=45383.28
Editorial On Harding Curious
I find it interesting that the editor(s) at The News Dispatch support the no confidence vote the City Council made this week, and yet they chastised the Michigan City Education Association and labeled them "childish" regarding their no confidence vote in Superintendent Harding.
Sure, you can argue that there are different issues represented in each ... but when you really get down to it, isn't it about trust in your leadership? Hmmm.
Sarah Williams
Lafayette, Ind.
Editorial On Harding Curious
I find it interesting that the editor(s) at The News Dispatch support the no confidence vote the City Council made this week, and yet they chastised the Michigan City Education Association and labeled them "childish" regarding their no confidence vote in Superintendent Harding.
Sure, you can argue that there are different issues represented in each ... but when you really get down to it, isn't it about trust in your leadership? Hmmm.
Sarah Williams
Lafayette, Ind.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Dec 28 2007, 01:05 PM
The voters in MC have really let the city slip. We have to do something to get these bozos, no offense to the clown, out of office.
Posted by: adele115 Jan 1 2008, 12:51 PM
HERE'S FROM THE HERALD ARGUS REGARDING "NO CONFIDENCE HARDING" SIGNS. HARDING SAYS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD "MOVE ON..." UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES WANTING OR LOOKING FOR A GOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RELOCATE TO WILL "MOVE ON".
[b]Targeting Harding
Yard signs take aim at MC schools superintendent, whose contract was just extended
Scot Squires
1-866-362-2167 Ext. 13869
MICHIGAN CITY - As a display of opposition to Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding, yard signs have begun to sprout up throughout the community.
The signs read "No Confidence" with a line through "Harding."
In response, Harding, who has a contract through 2010, said his critics need to "move on."
Tim and Stacie Crozier, who live on CR-400N, chose to display a sign because they are frustrated with what they say is lack of leadership within the school system.
"This is an issue we feel strongly about, otherwise I wouldn't have a sign in my yard," Tim said.
"Harding isn't treating teachers well, and I have an issue with the way he is treating the union," said Tim, who works at AM General in Mishawaka and belongs to the United Auto Workers union.
The couple have children at Michigan City High School and Barker Middle School.
"I haven't seen any improvement in the school system since Harding came," said Stacie. "Things have gotten a lot worse."
But at one time Michigan City had a great school system, Tim said.
"Twenty years ago this school district was the school district in the state," Tim said. "Everyone wanted to work here."
Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, declined to comment about the signs or say whose created them.
But those who have the signs indicate they came from teachers.
The union and the superintendent have sparred in recent months while they continue to hammer out a new teachers contract.
Harding
From page 1
In November, teachers passed a vote of no confidence in Harding.
But the school board voted in early December to extend his contract.
"As an association, 98 percent voted for no confidence," Stark told The La Porte County Herald-Argus. "The vote of no confidence wasn't a popularity contest. It was a serious issue to us. I think it was a clear message that we sent."
Stark continued, "Our goal is not to get him fired. I think he has some good ideas. What I'm opposed to is the lack of respect he has for the teachers and the contract."
The next step, Stark said, "is to keep communicating with the superintendent and develop the great working relations we had with previous superintendents."
Asked to comment about the yard signs, Harding issued this statement to The Herald-Argus:
"I feel that those people who created, produced and paid for the signs and have placed them in their yards could make better use of their time and energy by supporting the Michigan City Area Schools. Perhaps they could become directly involved in the MCAS Strategic Plan, either on a district-wide strategy team or through participation on a specific school site improvement plan. There are eight strategies and over 475 action plans where they might wish to contribute.
"Or better yet, they could volunteer for one of the district's 30-plus student/family intervention programs, attend athletic and fine-arts events that showcase our students, or perhaps become a mentor to a student in need. They could also spend time becoming involved with one of our many school/community partnerships or our after-school programs, including the Boys and Girls Club, Safe Harbor, and others. These programs - and the district's comprehensive Strategic Plan - continue to be my focus.
"Above all, I remain dedicated to improving and increasing educational opportunities for children of the Michigan City Area Schools. The Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees recognized these efforts on Dec. 4, by extending my contract through 2010. It is time to move on."
Posted by: Dave Jan 1 2008, 03:11 PM
QUOTE
Above all, I remain dedicated to improving and increasing educational opportunities for children of the Michigan City Area Schools.
If he's so dedicated, I guess that means the claims that he has his resume circulating around all over the universe is fabricated?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 2 2008, 02:28 PM
The issue is never dead for the simple fact that he can resign.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jan 2 2008, 09:19 PM
QUOTE(Dave @ Jan 1 2008, 03:11 PM)
If he's so dedicated, I guess that means the claims that he has his resume circulating around all over the universe is fabricated?
What a complete two face. By looking for other jobs, he is showing that he has no confidence in our school system, and indirectly, in the work he is doing. I'll "move on" when one of two things happens, either #1 he quits, or #2, our school board grows a set and sends him packing like they show have done on multiple occasions by now. Harding doesn't care about Michigan City, only about moving himself up the food chain.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 3 2008, 08:12 AM
Let's help him. Let's collectively search for the right job for him (anywhere!) and publicize the effort.
Posted by: Ang Jan 3 2008, 11:31 AM
Just don't send him to Wyoming--PLEASE!!!
Posted by: JHeath Jan 3 2008, 11:45 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=8296&TM=46359.82
QUOTE
1/3/2008 9:25:00 AM
School Board Members Irked With Column
MCAS board attorney was not speaking for entire board, members say in response to reading Wednesday’s writings.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - School board members are irked with a Wednesday News-Dispatch guest column by the school board attorney.
"The attorney is not a spokesperson for the board," said Jim Kintzele, of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools, referring to the column by Marsha Volk Bugalla.
Board member Beryle Burgwald holds a similar view.
The two say they do not know how or when the board determined to permit Bugalla to write a column representing the board and the administration. Burgwald said he did have an opportunity to read the piece just before its publication.
"I have one question," he said. "Who authorized the column?"
In her commentary, Bugalla accused the Michigan City Education Association of negotiating in public. She decried the union's vote of no confidence in Superintendent Michael Harding along with yard signs reminding the public of that vote.
In the past, the administration declined to speak to the media about the issues the union was discussing.
The contract with teachers expired in June.
Although teachers say they are frustrated with what they see as lack of progress in negotiations, they say they are not discussing the possibility of a strike.
Burgwald disputes two of Bugalla's points. One is her assertion "the union has accused the board and the administration of a lack of respect for teachers."
Burgwald believes the accusation has been leveled at the administration but not at the board.
Bugalla also wrote, "It is patently false to imply that the MCAS Board is not interested in settling the contract."
Again, Burgwald says the accusation was not aimed at the board but the administration.
Kathy Lee, board secretary and a member of the negotiating team, said she believes Volk, the chief negotiator for the administration team, represented the negotiating team in the column.
"And the negotiating team represents the board," she said.
Board President Jeff Jones said the board neither solicited nor edited the column. "Her feelings are her own," Jones said.
Jones said since the board has determined to evaluate the superintendent in light of the strategic plan, it would be fair that the plan should serve as an influence on teacher contracts as well.
Board member Nathaniel Gipson believes Bugalla's column is appropriate.
Board member Clyde Zeek, a member of the negotiating team, declined to comment.
Board member Rick Carlson did not comment directly about the column. Instead, he said, "I'm a board representative to the insurance committee and I'm looking forward to getting the best deal for everyone."
It saddens him, Gipson said, to see the "no confidence" yard signs in the community.
"From my point of view, I'm 100 percent in agreement" with the column, he added.
Kintzele said that as far as he's concerned, "(Bugalla) is trying to negotiate in the newspaper."
School Board Members Irked With Column
MCAS board attorney was not speaking for entire board, members say in response to reading Wednesday’s writings.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - School board members are irked with a Wednesday News-Dispatch guest column by the school board attorney.
"The attorney is not a spokesperson for the board," said Jim Kintzele, of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools, referring to the column by Marsha Volk Bugalla.
Board member Beryle Burgwald holds a similar view.
The two say they do not know how or when the board determined to permit Bugalla to write a column representing the board and the administration. Burgwald said he did have an opportunity to read the piece just before its publication.
"I have one question," he said. "Who authorized the column?"
In her commentary, Bugalla accused the Michigan City Education Association of negotiating in public. She decried the union's vote of no confidence in Superintendent Michael Harding along with yard signs reminding the public of that vote.
In the past, the administration declined to speak to the media about the issues the union was discussing.
The contract with teachers expired in June.
Although teachers say they are frustrated with what they see as lack of progress in negotiations, they say they are not discussing the possibility of a strike.
Burgwald disputes two of Bugalla's points. One is her assertion "the union has accused the board and the administration of a lack of respect for teachers."
Burgwald believes the accusation has been leveled at the administration but not at the board.
Bugalla also wrote, "It is patently false to imply that the MCAS Board is not interested in settling the contract."
Again, Burgwald says the accusation was not aimed at the board but the administration.
Kathy Lee, board secretary and a member of the negotiating team, said she believes Volk, the chief negotiator for the administration team, represented the negotiating team in the column.
"And the negotiating team represents the board," she said.
Board President Jeff Jones said the board neither solicited nor edited the column. "Her feelings are her own," Jones said.
Jones said since the board has determined to evaluate the superintendent in light of the strategic plan, it would be fair that the plan should serve as an influence on teacher contracts as well.
Board member Nathaniel Gipson believes Bugalla's column is appropriate.
Board member Clyde Zeek, a member of the negotiating team, declined to comment.
Board member Rick Carlson did not comment directly about the column. Instead, he said, "I'm a board representative to the insurance committee and I'm looking forward to getting the best deal for everyone."
It saddens him, Gipson said, to see the "no confidence" yard signs in the community.
"From my point of view, I'm 100 percent in agreement" with the column, he added.
Kintzele said that as far as he's concerned, "(Bugalla) is trying to negotiate in the newspaper."
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jan 3 2008, 11:49 AM
If I understand the negotiations properly, one of the agreements to negotiate was that both parties were not to talk to the media about the negotiations specifically. To me this sounds like an end-around by the administration to do just that.
Posted by: Ang Jan 3 2008, 12:52 PM
Here is the letter referenced in the above story. I found it in yesterday's "Viewpoint"
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=118&ArticleID=8239&TM=49822.71
MCAS Calls For End To Personal Attacks
Marsha Volk Bugalla
The Michigan City Area Schools have been the focus of much negative attention recently. No-confidence votes, petitions, yard signs, letters to the newspaper, union members chanting and cheering at Board meetings. No doubt the community is wondering, Why? and Why now?
The answer to "why now" is clear: The Michigan City Area Schools is in contract negotiations with the employee union representing teachers, the Michigan City Education Association (MCEA). "Why" is perhaps a bit more complex. Because the union has chosen to be vocal about issues currently in negotiation, they have been the lone voice heard in the community. But there is another, more factual perspective.
The current contract with teachers expired in June 2007. Prior to its expiration, in April and May, meetings were held with the union to determine how to go forward with negotiations. Because the lead negotiator for the union was on vacation through July and also representing several other districts, we were unable to proceed until August.
In August, the union agreed to begin negotiations, desiring to discuss only salary and benefits, and asking that all bargaining be completed before school began later that month. However, to effectively implement the district's Strategic Plan, the MCAS Board of School Trustees determined that additional topics must be discussed as part of any new contract. After three sessions, the union then declared an impasse, emphasizing that they wanted to discuss salary and benefits exclusively. The Board invited the union to resume negotiations on several occasions, and by late November the union agreed to return to the table.
Thus far in negotiations, progress has been made. Both sides have reviewed the contract page by page to propose language changes. Committees have been established to address health care benefits and staff evaluations, and as a result those issues are moving forward.
While progress is being made at the table, however, away from the table there has been misinformation circulated by the union. For example, it is patently false to imply that the MCAS Board is not interested in settling the contract, or that it has not made proposals addressing teachers' concerns. The Board has been scrupulous about not negotiating in public. It has, however, submitted numerous, detailed proposals to union negotiators for consideration and is awaiting substantive responses.
There are two additional matters that must be clarified. First, it is not accurate for the union to suggest that members of the Board's negotiating team walked out on any negotiation session. On several occasions, union negotiators kept our team waiting while they ate dinner or caucused with no end result. This had become an ongoing issue of courtesy, and so on one occasion when the union was not ready to begin in a timely manner, the Board asked for negotiations to be rescheduled at a time when all parties would be ready. We are now back on track, and three negotiation sessions have been scheduled in January. The Board has proposed many additional dates, including Saturdays, in an effort to reach a contract agreement as swiftly as possible.
Second, the union has accused the Board and administration of a lack of respect for teachers. Nothing could be further from the truth. We hope that the union will likewise have respect for the administrators, other employees, and community members who are dedicated to achieving our common goals. Personal attacks, no-confidence votes, and other tactics are unproductive and unnecessary.
The professionals representing the School Board's bargaining team are working hard to address the challenges we face as a district, challenges that require us all to think in new ways. Our Strategic Plan calls us to work not only harder but smarter to assure success for the children of Michigan City. We are optimistic and hopeful that as we reconvene the negotiations on Jan. 9, we will do so in a cooperative and professional atmosphere, and that we will reach an agreement early in the New Year that is beneficial to the teachers and the community.
I encourage the community to visit the MCAS Web site, www.mcas.k12.in.us, for information regarding negotiations. We will continue to refrain from discussing specific issues under negotiation, but we will post updates when progress is made. Sound bites and no-confidence votes may catch the news headlines. But the community deserves to hear all voices in this conversation.
Marsha Volk Bugalla is an attorney representing the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees. She serves as its chief negotiator.
MCAS Calls For End To Personal Attacks
Marsha Volk Bugalla
The Michigan City Area Schools have been the focus of much negative attention recently. No-confidence votes, petitions, yard signs, letters to the newspaper, union members chanting and cheering at Board meetings. No doubt the community is wondering, Why? and Why now?
The answer to "why now" is clear: The Michigan City Area Schools is in contract negotiations with the employee union representing teachers, the Michigan City Education Association (MCEA). "Why" is perhaps a bit more complex. Because the union has chosen to be vocal about issues currently in negotiation, they have been the lone voice heard in the community. But there is another, more factual perspective.
The current contract with teachers expired in June 2007. Prior to its expiration, in April and May, meetings were held with the union to determine how to go forward with negotiations. Because the lead negotiator for the union was on vacation through July and also representing several other districts, we were unable to proceed until August.
In August, the union agreed to begin negotiations, desiring to discuss only salary and benefits, and asking that all bargaining be completed before school began later that month. However, to effectively implement the district's Strategic Plan, the MCAS Board of School Trustees determined that additional topics must be discussed as part of any new contract. After three sessions, the union then declared an impasse, emphasizing that they wanted to discuss salary and benefits exclusively. The Board invited the union to resume negotiations on several occasions, and by late November the union agreed to return to the table.
Thus far in negotiations, progress has been made. Both sides have reviewed the contract page by page to propose language changes. Committees have been established to address health care benefits and staff evaluations, and as a result those issues are moving forward.
While progress is being made at the table, however, away from the table there has been misinformation circulated by the union. For example, it is patently false to imply that the MCAS Board is not interested in settling the contract, or that it has not made proposals addressing teachers' concerns. The Board has been scrupulous about not negotiating in public. It has, however, submitted numerous, detailed proposals to union negotiators for consideration and is awaiting substantive responses.
There are two additional matters that must be clarified. First, it is not accurate for the union to suggest that members of the Board's negotiating team walked out on any negotiation session. On several occasions, union negotiators kept our team waiting while they ate dinner or caucused with no end result. This had become an ongoing issue of courtesy, and so on one occasion when the union was not ready to begin in a timely manner, the Board asked for negotiations to be rescheduled at a time when all parties would be ready. We are now back on track, and three negotiation sessions have been scheduled in January. The Board has proposed many additional dates, including Saturdays, in an effort to reach a contract agreement as swiftly as possible.
Second, the union has accused the Board and administration of a lack of respect for teachers. Nothing could be further from the truth. We hope that the union will likewise have respect for the administrators, other employees, and community members who are dedicated to achieving our common goals. Personal attacks, no-confidence votes, and other tactics are unproductive and unnecessary.
The professionals representing the School Board's bargaining team are working hard to address the challenges we face as a district, challenges that require us all to think in new ways. Our Strategic Plan calls us to work not only harder but smarter to assure success for the children of Michigan City. We are optimistic and hopeful that as we reconvene the negotiations on Jan. 9, we will do so in a cooperative and professional atmosphere, and that we will reach an agreement early in the New Year that is beneficial to the teachers and the community.
I encourage the community to visit the MCAS Web site, www.mcas.k12.in.us, for information regarding negotiations. We will continue to refrain from discussing specific issues under negotiation, but we will post updates when progress is made. Sound bites and no-confidence votes may catch the news headlines. But the community deserves to hear all voices in this conversation.
Marsha Volk Bugalla is an attorney representing the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees. She serves as its chief negotiator.
Posted by: Ang Jan 3 2008, 12:57 PM
QUOTE
I encourage the community to visit the MCAS Web site, www.mcas.k12.in.us, for information regarding negotiations. We will continue to refrain from discussing specific issues under negotiation, but we will post updates when progress is made. Sound bites and no-confidence votes may catch the news headlines. But the community deserves to hear all voices in this conversation
Okay. Here's my question: How can the community hear all voices in the conversation when Administration is mum? Is the community supposed to be mind readers?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 3 2008, 01:19 PM
That letter was so bogus it could only look good to the really-smooth-cortex crowd. Because the schools have been bad for a generation, that is a lot of folks!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jan 3 2008, 01:47 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jan 3 2008, 12:57 PM)
Okay. Here's my question: How can the community hear all voices in the conversation when Administration is mum? Is the community supposed to be mind readers?
That's why we spent $60k annually on that all important communications director!
Posted by: JHeath Mar 13 2008, 10:00 AM
As a parent with kids enrolled in the MCAS, I want to know...what's the hold up?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=10897&TM=43496.68
QUOTE
3/13/2008 11:00:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Teachers Deserve New Contract
French, German, Japanese and Spanish are taught at Michigan City High School, and each language has an active language club and a branch of the National Foreign Language Honor Society. Our clubs and honor societies are not funded, nor do we, the sponsors, receive any financial remuneration for running these activities.
All sponsors conduct meetings and organize numerous cultural, social and academic events. We have taken our students to Germany, Japan, France, Mexico and Spain. We currently have 14 Japanese students visiting our school, and a German delegation will be arriving this Friday.
Teachers throughout our corporation could write similar letters of their personal time willingly given to our students. Unfortunately, we not only feel underappreciated, we feel unappreciated. It has been more than 250 days that MCAS teachers have worked without a contract, and we want this injustice to end.
A special thanks is extended to The News-Dispatch for its continuous recognition of all we do.
Paula Callaway, French sponsor
Daniel Ruth, German sponsor
Michael Tsugawa, Japanese sponsor
Linda Williams, Spanish sponsor
Teachers Deserve New Contract
French, German, Japanese and Spanish are taught at Michigan City High School, and each language has an active language club and a branch of the National Foreign Language Honor Society. Our clubs and honor societies are not funded, nor do we, the sponsors, receive any financial remuneration for running these activities.
All sponsors conduct meetings and organize numerous cultural, social and academic events. We have taken our students to Germany, Japan, France, Mexico and Spain. We currently have 14 Japanese students visiting our school, and a German delegation will be arriving this Friday.
Teachers throughout our corporation could write similar letters of their personal time willingly given to our students. Unfortunately, we not only feel underappreciated, we feel unappreciated. It has been more than 250 days that MCAS teachers have worked without a contract, and we want this injustice to end.
A special thanks is extended to The News-Dispatch for its continuous recognition of all we do.
Paula Callaway, French sponsor
Daniel Ruth, German sponsor
Michael Tsugawa, Japanese sponsor
Linda Williams, Spanish sponsor
Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 13 2008, 10:58 AM
Because there is no incentive for the administration to advance a contract. They get off in better shape by paying the old wages.
Posted by: Ang Mar 13 2008, 11:44 AM
With all the administrative payroll, they probably can't afford to pay the certified employees more.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 14 2008, 06:47 AM
If I ever run again, the two things I want to get out on the table right away are the administrative payroll and the alternative school. I have seen the numbers circulated by the teachers union, and I want to really get down and study what our administrative workload looks like, and exactly how over-staffed we are. I would so rather chop those positions, and give teachers a raise/hire more teachers, versus most of the other hires and raises we have been giving.
Posted by: JHeath Mar 14 2008, 10:23 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Mar 14 2008, 07:47 AM)
If I ever run again, the two things I want to get out on the table right away are the administrative payroll and the alternative school. I have seen the numbers circulated by the teachers union, and I want to really get down and study what our administrative workload looks like, and exactly how over-staffed we are. I would so rather chop those positions, and give teachers a raise/hire more teachers, versus most of the other hires and raises we have been giving.
Amen to that!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 14 2008, 10:47 AM
Pretty much everyone connected to the alternative school said it worked better than anything else they had done before or since. To me, that is enough reason to try to restore it. I have to believe there are ineffective, outdated, or administrative areas that can be cut.
Posted by: adele115 Mar 14 2008, 03:57 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Mar 14 2008, 11:47 AM)
Pretty much everyone connected to the alternative school said it worked better than anything else they had done before or since. To me, that is enough reason to try to restore it. I have to believe there are ineffective, outdated, or administrative areas that can be cut.
"ineffective, outdated, or administrative areas that can be cut" ...This was the definition for Michael Harding on Wikipedia. Just kidding. Seriously, yes, the administration is dragging it out so they can award a retroactive 1% raise, essentially a "loan" from the certified staff that the administration has been able to collect interest on as it sits in the bank. It's more stall and screw - you know, what a "professional learning community" does (that is straight from the strategic plan). If we're looking to cut fat, Hardling is Hardly ever around, Iacona does his job mostly and then mettles in other things to keep busy-usually wasting hers and other's time. Then there's all these other characters over there it is a laundry list - and whenever I"m over there it doesn't look like there's much moving and shaking going on. The school BORED needs some new members - especially that Kathy Lee Gifford teacher lover needs to go so that they get a NEW SUPT, so that we can have the Alt School back for all the kiddies in need of more attention, get a decent teacher contract (Good God, ours is one of the lowest in Indiana).
Posted by: JHeath May 13 2008, 11:03 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13380&TM=47463.55
QUOTE
5/13/2008 11:43:00 AM
MCAS Releases Statement On Negotiations With Teachers
MICHIGAN CITY - To "fill in an information gap," the Michigan City Area Schools board issued a statement of principles April 30 that are to guide its negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association.
"Members of the public have been asking about the negotiations process and some of the board's positions, so this was an effort to help address those questions," said Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communications.
For the most part, the principles are statements supporting student achievement as the top priority, and emphasizing the need for "good faith bargaining" on the part of the MCAS and MCEA.
MCEA President Phyllis Stark had no objection to the statements of basic educational principles, but is concerned about one item still under negotiation. In that item, the board stated "each elementary teacher will have 390 minutes a week of paid time without students."
Stark said the bargaining terms agreed to last August called for not going public with items still being discussed. She said the teachers' union has chosen to let the issue pass so negotiations can move forward.
"After 317 days without a contract, it's time to put this to rest," Stark said. "We're negotiating in good faith and hope to see an end to this soon."
She said a settlement could be reached either before or shortly after the end of the school year on June 6. The next collective bargaining session is Thursday.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
MCAS Releases Statement On Negotiations With Teachers
MICHIGAN CITY - To "fill in an information gap," the Michigan City Area Schools board issued a statement of principles April 30 that are to guide its negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association.
"Members of the public have been asking about the negotiations process and some of the board's positions, so this was an effort to help address those questions," said Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communications.
For the most part, the principles are statements supporting student achievement as the top priority, and emphasizing the need for "good faith bargaining" on the part of the MCAS and MCEA.
MCEA President Phyllis Stark had no objection to the statements of basic educational principles, but is concerned about one item still under negotiation. In that item, the board stated "each elementary teacher will have 390 minutes a week of paid time without students."
Stark said the bargaining terms agreed to last August called for not going public with items still being discussed. She said the teachers' union has chosen to let the issue pass so negotiations can move forward.
"After 317 days without a contract, it's time to put this to rest," Stark said. "We're negotiating in good faith and hope to see an end to this soon."
She said a settlement could be reached either before or shortly after the end of the school year on June 6. The next collective bargaining session is Thursday.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
QUOTE
A Look At The Principles Guide
• I. .
The following principles guide the Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees in its negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association: 1. Improving student achievement is the first priority. 2. The Strategic Plan's goal and purpose is to promote an increase in student achievement. 3. The Board, administrators, teachers, other staff, students and families are all responsible for student achievement. 4. We must always have the highest expectations for all our students. We believe that all students can achieve, and nothing except the best is ever acceptable. 5. The Board is committed to providing support and assistance to its staff, to aid them in fulfilling their goal of increased student achievement. 6. The success of the Strategic Plan requires the commitment of the Board, the teachers, administrators, staff, students, families and the community. 7. The Board of School Trustees is vested with the legal and moral authority to be fiscally responsible in all its decisions - difficult as this frequently is. 8. A lack of resources can never be an excuse for failing to do our best to increase student achievement. 9. Michigan City Area Schools has talented, hard-working, committed teachers who are the key to our students' future success. 10. The true spirit of good faith bargaining requires a "quid pro quo" by both parties on all items agreed upon. 11. At the end of the day, we all share the same goals and commitments. 12. While the parties may not always agree, there is nothing to be gained by being disagreeable. Progress is best made in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility.
• II.
Based on these guiding principles, the following is a summary of some of the issues that are being addressed: 1. Project-based programs for summer school were proposed by MCAS and agreed to by MCEA. These programs will be designed by and implemented by teachers in each of the elementary school buildings. As a result, the teachers who best know the students in each building will be undertaking the summer school instruction. The Board believes that these project-based programs are a method of empowering our teachers and assisting them in improving student achievement. 2. MCAS' Strategic Plan emphasizes the need for collaboration among our teachers. Recognizing this need, and trying to balance it along with all the other demands on the teachers' time during the day, the Board has made several proposals designed to provide sufficient collaboration time. Such collaboration is necessary to assist the teacher in gathering appropriate student data, assessing it and then directing instruction to meet the needs indicated by the data. In 2008-2009, each elementary teacher will have 390 minutes a week of paid time without students. The Board believes a portion of this time should be dedicated to collaboration. Additionally, the Board has proposed paying the elementary teachers for an additional 10 days throughout the school year to be used for collaboration. Additional proposals have been made to assist middle school and high school teachers in arranging and providing for collaboration time. 3. MCEA has agreed with the proposal made by MCAS to form a subcommittee of the bargaining teams to discuss and design new methods and procedures of evaluating each teacher's performance. This subcommittee has been meeting very diligently in an attempt to meet the goal of aiding and promoting improvement and growth in instruction, which is designed to lead to increased student achievement. Among other proposals is the utilization of professional growth plans, which are designed by the teachers in concert with the principals and are directly related to standardized best practices for use throughout MCAS. 4. MCEA also has accepted MCAS' proposal of creating an insurance subcommittee to assess and evaluate the current health insurance provided to all employee groups and evaluate the best and most economical medical insurance for the future. MCAS' support includes the Board's approving and providing for a consultant, agreed upon by all the employee groups, to assist with this important process. 5. The Board of School Trustees suggested, and the parties have undertaken, a review of the entire contract between MCEA and MCAS in an effort to address all areas that may be obstacles to the improvement of student achievement. 6. MCAS has opposed any proposals that have no research-based proof for enhancing student achievement and/or jeopardize the financial stability of MCAS. Negotiations are continuing, progress has been made and both sides are working very hard to address and resolve the difficult and complicated issues faced by our teachers, administrators, students and parents in helping to enhance the achievement of all of our students.
• I. .
The following principles guide the Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees in its negotiations with the Michigan City Education Association: 1. Improving student achievement is the first priority. 2. The Strategic Plan's goal and purpose is to promote an increase in student achievement. 3. The Board, administrators, teachers, other staff, students and families are all responsible for student achievement. 4. We must always have the highest expectations for all our students. We believe that all students can achieve, and nothing except the best is ever acceptable. 5. The Board is committed to providing support and assistance to its staff, to aid them in fulfilling their goal of increased student achievement. 6. The success of the Strategic Plan requires the commitment of the Board, the teachers, administrators, staff, students, families and the community. 7. The Board of School Trustees is vested with the legal and moral authority to be fiscally responsible in all its decisions - difficult as this frequently is. 8. A lack of resources can never be an excuse for failing to do our best to increase student achievement. 9. Michigan City Area Schools has talented, hard-working, committed teachers who are the key to our students' future success. 10. The true spirit of good faith bargaining requires a "quid pro quo" by both parties on all items agreed upon. 11. At the end of the day, we all share the same goals and commitments. 12. While the parties may not always agree, there is nothing to be gained by being disagreeable. Progress is best made in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility.
• II.
Based on these guiding principles, the following is a summary of some of the issues that are being addressed: 1. Project-based programs for summer school were proposed by MCAS and agreed to by MCEA. These programs will be designed by and implemented by teachers in each of the elementary school buildings. As a result, the teachers who best know the students in each building will be undertaking the summer school instruction. The Board believes that these project-based programs are a method of empowering our teachers and assisting them in improving student achievement. 2. MCAS' Strategic Plan emphasizes the need for collaboration among our teachers. Recognizing this need, and trying to balance it along with all the other demands on the teachers' time during the day, the Board has made several proposals designed to provide sufficient collaboration time. Such collaboration is necessary to assist the teacher in gathering appropriate student data, assessing it and then directing instruction to meet the needs indicated by the data. In 2008-2009, each elementary teacher will have 390 minutes a week of paid time without students. The Board believes a portion of this time should be dedicated to collaboration. Additionally, the Board has proposed paying the elementary teachers for an additional 10 days throughout the school year to be used for collaboration. Additional proposals have been made to assist middle school and high school teachers in arranging and providing for collaboration time. 3. MCEA has agreed with the proposal made by MCAS to form a subcommittee of the bargaining teams to discuss and design new methods and procedures of evaluating each teacher's performance. This subcommittee has been meeting very diligently in an attempt to meet the goal of aiding and promoting improvement and growth in instruction, which is designed to lead to increased student achievement. Among other proposals is the utilization of professional growth plans, which are designed by the teachers in concert with the principals and are directly related to standardized best practices for use throughout MCAS. 4. MCEA also has accepted MCAS' proposal of creating an insurance subcommittee to assess and evaluate the current health insurance provided to all employee groups and evaluate the best and most economical medical insurance for the future. MCAS' support includes the Board's approving and providing for a consultant, agreed upon by all the employee groups, to assist with this important process. 5. The Board of School Trustees suggested, and the parties have undertaken, a review of the entire contract between MCEA and MCAS in an effort to address all areas that may be obstacles to the improvement of student achievement. 6. MCAS has opposed any proposals that have no research-based proof for enhancing student achievement and/or jeopardize the financial stability of MCAS. Negotiations are continuing, progress has been made and both sides are working very hard to address and resolve the difficult and complicated issues faced by our teachers, administrators, students and parents in helping to enhance the achievement of all of our students.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 13 2008, 11:13 AM
Words.
Actions.
Guess what the Board picks!
We need a new Board.
Posted by: JHeath May 14 2008, 09:34 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13417&TM=42168.14
QUOTE
5/14/2008 10:36:00 AM
Teachers Picket Homes Of School Board Members
Protesters take their messages to homes of Lee, Jones and Gipson.
Georgette Senter
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - For more than 250 days Michigan City Area School teachers have worked without a new contract.
In that time, they have rallied their forces at union meetings, and have paraded their concerns in front of the school administration building before school board meetings, including Tuesday's.
On Monday, teachers took their message directly to school board members when they picketed in front of the homes of Kathryn Lee, Jeff Jones and Nathaniel Gipson.
Lee and Jones said that they did not even know the teachers had been at their homes because they weren't home at the time.
Gipson said the 10 to 15 teachers who had been in front of his home were very orderly and caused no disruption.
"I respect their right to this type of action," Gipson said.
Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, said Tuesday that several teachers took their message to the three different neighborhoods to help make the community aware of the issues.
"We really do feel that both sides want the same things, and may even be saying the same things," Stark said. "But somehow we are just not hearing it the same way for some reason."
"We both want what is best for the students, the community and to provide the best working conditions for the teachers," Stark said. "We just cannot seem to agree on how to get there from here."
"We will know more after this Thursday's meeting," Stark said of a scheduled negotiating session. "We are hoping that we are closer then what it may seem we are."
The union plans to take its message to the homes of the other school board members once the outcome of Thursday's meeting is known.
Michigan City teachers are not alone in going public with their concerns. Teachers in South Bend on Monday took to the streets of downtown South Bend to bring their message to the community. Like the MCEA, they have been working without a new contract this school year.
Stark said she hopes an agreement is reached before the end of the school year. "That would give both sides the summer as a time to heal," she said.
Also on Monday, vehicles parked in the Michigan City High School parking lot fliers were put on cars there stating the MCEA's lack of confidence in Superintendent Michael Harding and MCAS.
Stark said the union placed the fliers but made it clear it was not during class.
Contact Georgette Senter at gsenter@thenewsdispatch.com.
Teachers Picket Homes Of School Board Members
Protesters take their messages to homes of Lee, Jones and Gipson.
Georgette Senter
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - For more than 250 days Michigan City Area School teachers have worked without a new contract.
In that time, they have rallied their forces at union meetings, and have paraded their concerns in front of the school administration building before school board meetings, including Tuesday's.
On Monday, teachers took their message directly to school board members when they picketed in front of the homes of Kathryn Lee, Jeff Jones and Nathaniel Gipson.
Lee and Jones said that they did not even know the teachers had been at their homes because they weren't home at the time.
Gipson said the 10 to 15 teachers who had been in front of his home were very orderly and caused no disruption.
"I respect their right to this type of action," Gipson said.
Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, said Tuesday that several teachers took their message to the three different neighborhoods to help make the community aware of the issues.
"We really do feel that both sides want the same things, and may even be saying the same things," Stark said. "But somehow we are just not hearing it the same way for some reason."
"We both want what is best for the students, the community and to provide the best working conditions for the teachers," Stark said. "We just cannot seem to agree on how to get there from here."
"We will know more after this Thursday's meeting," Stark said of a scheduled negotiating session. "We are hoping that we are closer then what it may seem we are."
The union plans to take its message to the homes of the other school board members once the outcome of Thursday's meeting is known.
Michigan City teachers are not alone in going public with their concerns. Teachers in South Bend on Monday took to the streets of downtown South Bend to bring their message to the community. Like the MCEA, they have been working without a new contract this school year.
Stark said she hopes an agreement is reached before the end of the school year. "That would give both sides the summer as a time to heal," she said.
Also on Monday, vehicles parked in the Michigan City High School parking lot fliers were put on cars there stating the MCEA's lack of confidence in Superintendent Michael Harding and MCAS.
Stark said the union placed the fliers but made it clear it was not during class.
Contact Georgette Senter at gsenter@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 14 2008, 09:39 AM
That was a very respectful tone from both Gipson and Stark in this article. I'm probably reading too much into this, but that is the kind of thing that might break the ice here.
Posted by: Ang May 14 2008, 09:48 AM
Hopefully...
What I think is sad is that the teacher's now have to "campaign" to get their contract. Going around to neighborhoods passing the word to get people to understand their plight is a form of campaigning.
So sad...
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 14 2008, 01:57 PM
I think I could settle this is about 5 minutes if they would let me. Any of us.
Posted by: Ang May 14 2008, 04:13 PM
I agree.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 21 2008, 11:07 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13674&TM=47032.42
QUOTE
New MCAS Billboard Placed
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A billboard slamming Michigan City Area Schools for spending tax dollars on administrators and legal fees instead of on children was not intended to affect ongoing negotiations between the school administration and the teachers union, according to union President Phyllis Stark.
The teachers and administration are at odds about a new contract for MCAS teachers. Stark said the billboard was paid for by the Michigan City Education Association and went up last Thursday on U.S. 20, across from the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course.
"The intent is to make the public aware of priorities of resources," Stark said. "We all understand that we have limited resources to spend on the children of Michigan City."
It's one of a series of billboards the MCEA plans to put up over the next three months. Stark said she hopes that other billboards won't have to be used.
"We still do feel that we can have a settlement before school ends," Stark said.
A negotiating session is scheduled for Thursday. Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communications, said the administration would not respond to the billboard at this time.
Stark said she didn't know how much the billboard cost. She referred financial questions to MCEA treasurer Nancy Egan, who could not be reached for comment.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A billboard slamming Michigan City Area Schools for spending tax dollars on administrators and legal fees instead of on children was not intended to affect ongoing negotiations between the school administration and the teachers union, according to union President Phyllis Stark.
The teachers and administration are at odds about a new contract for MCAS teachers. Stark said the billboard was paid for by the Michigan City Education Association and went up last Thursday on U.S. 20, across from the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course.
"The intent is to make the public aware of priorities of resources," Stark said. "We all understand that we have limited resources to spend on the children of Michigan City."
It's one of a series of billboards the MCEA plans to put up over the next three months. Stark said she hopes that other billboards won't have to be used.
"We still do feel that we can have a settlement before school ends," Stark said.
A negotiating session is scheduled for Thursday. Betsy Kohn, MCAS director of communications, said the administration would not respond to the billboard at this time.
Stark said she didn't know how much the billboard cost. She referred financial questions to MCEA treasurer Nancy Egan, who could not be reached for comment.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 21 2008, 11:14 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=106&ArticleID=13480
QUOTE
Clean Sweep Needed At MCAS
Rick Richards
City Editor, The News-Dispatch
Sometimes something is broken so badly it can't be fixed. Sort of like Michigan City Area Schools.
The problems of the school system go far beyond slapping on a coat of paint or planting a few flowers. The paint isn't going to cover the cracks and the flowers aren't going to cover the stench of incompetence emanating from the Carroll Avenue administration building.
The only sensible solution is to blow everything up and start over. Every administrator and elected board member needs to go. And it wouldn't hurt if there was a house cleaning in the Michigan City Education Association the next time union officers are elected, either.
The pettiness that has been displayed in contract negotiations has led to a virtual impasse. Neither side trusts the other and there simply doesn't seem to be any way to bridge that gap, at least among the existing players.
It's also infuriating that most of the district's top administrators live outside the district's boundaries, including Superintendent Michael Harding, Business Manager Theo Boone and High School Principal Mark Francesconi. Whether they admit it or not, that leaves them out of touch with the community. And by not living here, they're sending a not so subtle message that they don't care what the community thinks.
Anyone who doubts that, I challenge them to try to get in touch with Superintendent Harding or anyone else at the administration building. Dropping in without an appointment is fruitless, and getting in touch with anyone to set up an appointment is a near impossibility. The electronic telephone hell that taxpayers and parents are forced to navigate is beyond description.
The number of people who have called me complaining that they haven't been able to talk to a human being at MCAS or that their telephone messages haven't been returned is astounding. It's unprofessional and it's inexcusable.
The more serious problem, though, manifested itself Tuesday when the board fired high school social studies teacher John Scheimann. He worked for MCAS for 19 years and the litany of complaints lodged against him boggles the mind. It wasn't until MCAS was sued that the administration took action.
The language Scheimann was accused of using in the classroom, including suggestive comments regarding members of the gymnastics team, and the alleged disregard of school rules and outright insubordination, was appalling. It took four years, three directives, three reprimands and two suspensions before school officials realized it was time to let this guy go. And if a lawsuit wouldn't have been filed, that action most likely wouldn't have taken place.
Scheimann's dismissal was more CYA than it is plucking a bad apple out of the barrel.
At the same time, officials dismiss the high school's winningest basketball coach over the last three years - including the only one who has brought the school a sectional title. And why? Because he had the temerity to send a letter to the school board expressing support for the summer program that contributed to his success.
The forced resignation of Gary Collins, the Scheimann firing, the bad blood that has built over negotiations, the unresponsiveness to the public are all symptoms of a system rotten to the core. And unfortunately, those may be only the tip of the iceberg.
Rick Richards
City Editor, The News-Dispatch
Sometimes something is broken so badly it can't be fixed. Sort of like Michigan City Area Schools.
The problems of the school system go far beyond slapping on a coat of paint or planting a few flowers. The paint isn't going to cover the cracks and the flowers aren't going to cover the stench of incompetence emanating from the Carroll Avenue administration building.
The only sensible solution is to blow everything up and start over. Every administrator and elected board member needs to go. And it wouldn't hurt if there was a house cleaning in the Michigan City Education Association the next time union officers are elected, either.
The pettiness that has been displayed in contract negotiations has led to a virtual impasse. Neither side trusts the other and there simply doesn't seem to be any way to bridge that gap, at least among the existing players.
It's also infuriating that most of the district's top administrators live outside the district's boundaries, including Superintendent Michael Harding, Business Manager Theo Boone and High School Principal Mark Francesconi. Whether they admit it or not, that leaves them out of touch with the community. And by not living here, they're sending a not so subtle message that they don't care what the community thinks.
Anyone who doubts that, I challenge them to try to get in touch with Superintendent Harding or anyone else at the administration building. Dropping in without an appointment is fruitless, and getting in touch with anyone to set up an appointment is a near impossibility. The electronic telephone hell that taxpayers and parents are forced to navigate is beyond description.
The number of people who have called me complaining that they haven't been able to talk to a human being at MCAS or that their telephone messages haven't been returned is astounding. It's unprofessional and it's inexcusable.
The more serious problem, though, manifested itself Tuesday when the board fired high school social studies teacher John Scheimann. He worked for MCAS for 19 years and the litany of complaints lodged against him boggles the mind. It wasn't until MCAS was sued that the administration took action.
The language Scheimann was accused of using in the classroom, including suggestive comments regarding members of the gymnastics team, and the alleged disregard of school rules and outright insubordination, was appalling. It took four years, three directives, three reprimands and two suspensions before school officials realized it was time to let this guy go. And if a lawsuit wouldn't have been filed, that action most likely wouldn't have taken place.
Scheimann's dismissal was more CYA than it is plucking a bad apple out of the barrel.
At the same time, officials dismiss the high school's winningest basketball coach over the last three years - including the only one who has brought the school a sectional title. And why? Because he had the temerity to send a letter to the school board expressing support for the summer program that contributed to his success.
The forced resignation of Gary Collins, the Scheimann firing, the bad blood that has built over negotiations, the unresponsiveness to the public are all symptoms of a system rotten to the core. And unfortunately, those may be only the tip of the iceberg.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=13638
QUOTE
Board Member Disputes Column
As a current member of the School Board, one who is trying to make a difference (calling upon our state legislators to lift the statutory ban on residency requirements for school administrators, voting against the Collins resignation, etc.), obviously I strongly disagree with Rick Richards' demand that "every board member needs to go" [ "Clean sweep needed at MCAS," Friday].
Allow me to turn the tables here and specifically comment on the role The News-Dispatch itself has played in the Scheimann matter. By publishing in your paper for all to read the Scheimann personnel file you have automatically provided him a ready defense in the lawsuit filed against him.
Scheimann may now be heard to argue, through his attorney, that this prejudicial publicity in the press makes it very difficult for him to get a fair trial guaranteed under the 6th Amendment. I'm sure Scheimann and his attorney will appreciate your paper's assistance as regards his own case.
The only question then becomes: Is it time for The News-Dispatch editorial board to go?
Beryle Burgwald
Michigan City
As a current member of the School Board, one who is trying to make a difference (calling upon our state legislators to lift the statutory ban on residency requirements for school administrators, voting against the Collins resignation, etc.), obviously I strongly disagree with Rick Richards' demand that "every board member needs to go" [ "Clean sweep needed at MCAS," Friday].
Allow me to turn the tables here and specifically comment on the role The News-Dispatch itself has played in the Scheimann matter. By publishing in your paper for all to read the Scheimann personnel file you have automatically provided him a ready defense in the lawsuit filed against him.
Scheimann may now be heard to argue, through his attorney, that this prejudicial publicity in the press makes it very difficult for him to get a fair trial guaranteed under the 6th Amendment. I'm sure Scheimann and his attorney will appreciate your paper's assistance as regards his own case.
The only question then becomes: Is it time for The News-Dispatch editorial board to go?
Beryle Burgwald
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 21 2008, 11:26 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=13690&TM=48651.04
QUOTE
Teachers Deserve Wage Increase
We are approaching the one year anniversary of the non-existing contract for our educators. This truly is unacceptable. It is very clear that achieving a satisfactory agreement is not the main objective of this school board.
I feel very comfortable making this statement. Our school board is very intelligent, extremely experienced and collectively have many years as residents of our community. I also know most of them as very respectable leaders.
As negative Harding signs are popping up faster than tulips, what are they thinking? The teachers have clearly spoken with a "no confidence" vote for Mr. Harding. Then the board extended his contract, which included a raise; that surely made all the teachers feel warm and fuzzy. Then we have reached an agreement with our bus drivers. Apparently every attempt is being made to ignore and embarrass our teachers.
As business manager for the Ironworkers, I have negotiated contracts with hundreds of contractors, which in turn are employed by major international corporations. It is very apparent that there is a hidden agenda at this table. There are too many intelligent individuals involved not to reach a reasonable resolution.
Why would you deny our educators a well deserved wage increase? You yourselves buy gas in the same gas stations, you shop at the same stores and you also have to use our medical facilities.
None of the above provides anything more important than our teachers. Education the next generation is a monumental task and it should be respected.
James Stemmler
La Porte
We are approaching the one year anniversary of the non-existing contract for our educators. This truly is unacceptable. It is very clear that achieving a satisfactory agreement is not the main objective of this school board.
I feel very comfortable making this statement. Our school board is very intelligent, extremely experienced and collectively have many years as residents of our community. I also know most of them as very respectable leaders.
As negative Harding signs are popping up faster than tulips, what are they thinking? The teachers have clearly spoken with a "no confidence" vote for Mr. Harding. Then the board extended his contract, which included a raise; that surely made all the teachers feel warm and fuzzy. Then we have reached an agreement with our bus drivers. Apparently every attempt is being made to ignore and embarrass our teachers.
As business manager for the Ironworkers, I have negotiated contracts with hundreds of contractors, which in turn are employed by major international corporations. It is very apparent that there is a hidden agenda at this table. There are too many intelligent individuals involved not to reach a reasonable resolution.
Why would you deny our educators a well deserved wage increase? You yourselves buy gas in the same gas stations, you shop at the same stores and you also have to use our medical facilities.
None of the above provides anything more important than our teachers. Education the next generation is a monumental task and it should be respected.
James Stemmler
La Porte
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 21 2008, 11:40 AM
I am calling on all the School Board members to resign now and we can have a special election to fill the seats in November.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 28 2008, 12:00 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13977&TM=50434.11
QUOTE
MCHS Teacher Deems Her Suspension 'Union Busting'
Just about to retire, school system accuses teacher’s union official of lying.
Amanda Haverstick
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - In what could be considered a shot across the union's bow, a long-time Michigan City teacher was suspended from her job a little more than a week before she was scheduled to retire.
Michigan City High School speech and drama teacher Michele Nauyokas, who also serves as the grievance chairwoman for the Michigan City Education Association, was suspended Friday.
"I've been suspended from teaching nine days before my retirement," Nauyokas said. "This was clearly a union-busting move on the part of the school system."
Nauyokas, who has 35 1/2 years with the school system, has been suspended with pay.
Details of the suspension were not available from MCAS, nor is it clear how the suspension will affect Nauyokas' retirement.
A letter from the school system, Nauyokas said, accuses her of lying to the administration while acting as grievance chair and making inappropriate comments about a teacher in front of a student.
On Tuesday, The News-Dispatch filed a formal request with MCAS for information concerning Nauyokas' suspension. MCAS spokeswoman Betsy Kohn acknowledged receipt of the request and wrote an e-mail.
"No final action has been taken regarding disciplinary action for this employee. Hence, there are no records that can be turned over at this time," the e-mail said.
On June 4, Nauyokas is to be honored at the 2008 Retirees and Wall of Fame dinner.
"I have a virtually spotless personnel record," Nauyokas said.
She said most recently the administration denied her permission to look at her personnel files, which she said is her legal right as grievance chairwoman.
Teachers at MCAS have been working without a new contract since last June when the previous contract expired.
The number of grievances filed against MCAS has grown.
According to News-Dispatch archives, in the 2004-05 school year, the association filed 60 grievances and in the 2005-06 year, 112 grievances were filed. Prior to 2004, Nauyokas typically filed 30 to 35 grievances in a school year.
"In the last three years I have filed over 200 grievances against this administration," Nauyokas said.
Contact Amanda Haverstick at ahaverstick@thenewsdispatch.com.
Just about to retire, school system accuses teacher’s union official of lying.
Amanda Haverstick
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - In what could be considered a shot across the union's bow, a long-time Michigan City teacher was suspended from her job a little more than a week before she was scheduled to retire.
Michigan City High School speech and drama teacher Michele Nauyokas, who also serves as the grievance chairwoman for the Michigan City Education Association, was suspended Friday.
"I've been suspended from teaching nine days before my retirement," Nauyokas said. "This was clearly a union-busting move on the part of the school system."
Nauyokas, who has 35 1/2 years with the school system, has been suspended with pay.
Details of the suspension were not available from MCAS, nor is it clear how the suspension will affect Nauyokas' retirement.
A letter from the school system, Nauyokas said, accuses her of lying to the administration while acting as grievance chair and making inappropriate comments about a teacher in front of a student.
On Tuesday, The News-Dispatch filed a formal request with MCAS for information concerning Nauyokas' suspension. MCAS spokeswoman Betsy Kohn acknowledged receipt of the request and wrote an e-mail.
"No final action has been taken regarding disciplinary action for this employee. Hence, there are no records that can be turned over at this time," the e-mail said.
On June 4, Nauyokas is to be honored at the 2008 Retirees and Wall of Fame dinner.
"I have a virtually spotless personnel record," Nauyokas said.
She said most recently the administration denied her permission to look at her personnel files, which she said is her legal right as grievance chairwoman.
Teachers at MCAS have been working without a new contract since last June when the previous contract expired.
The number of grievances filed against MCAS has grown.
According to News-Dispatch archives, in the 2004-05 school year, the association filed 60 grievances and in the 2005-06 year, 112 grievances were filed. Prior to 2004, Nauyokas typically filed 30 to 35 grievances in a school year.
"In the last three years I have filed over 200 grievances against this administration," Nauyokas said.
Contact Amanda Haverstick at ahaverstick@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 28 2008, 12:39 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=13961&TM=52860.76
QUOTE
Teacher Critic Misinformed
I just finished reading the letter from Roger Willoughby ("Tie teachers' raises to results," Friday) and it really saddened me that he is so misinformed and angry at all the teachers in Michigan City Area Schools. I will agree that there may be some teachers that don't care and are just there to collect their pay until they can retire, but for the most part the teachers are very dedicated to our children that we entrust to them every day.
I have to ask people like Mr. Willoughby, have you ever been in a classroom to see what the teachers have to deal with on a day-to-day basis? Even on a good day they sometimes can't finish a lesson because of unruly children that refuse to follow the rules no matter what. Explain to the teachers (and everyone else) how they can improve test scores dealing with this all the time.
A lot of the misbehavior starts at home (not all, but a lot) and it's time for parents, caregivers, or whoever is the adult figure of the children to step up and take charge of the children and not leave it all up to the teachers, because they cannot do it all nor should they have to do a parent's job.
I would also like to say to Mr. Willoughby, be a part of the solution, volunteer in one of the schools, I do.
To all the teachers and staff at Mullen School, THANK YOU. I have as of yet to come in contact with such loving and dedicated teachers and staff. You all deserve a large raise! I have seen the results of the wonderful work you do with our children. Keep up the good work!
Brenda Ludwig
Michigan City
I just finished reading the letter from Roger Willoughby ("Tie teachers' raises to results," Friday) and it really saddened me that he is so misinformed and angry at all the teachers in Michigan City Area Schools. I will agree that there may be some teachers that don't care and are just there to collect their pay until they can retire, but for the most part the teachers are very dedicated to our children that we entrust to them every day.
I have to ask people like Mr. Willoughby, have you ever been in a classroom to see what the teachers have to deal with on a day-to-day basis? Even on a good day they sometimes can't finish a lesson because of unruly children that refuse to follow the rules no matter what. Explain to the teachers (and everyone else) how they can improve test scores dealing with this all the time.
A lot of the misbehavior starts at home (not all, but a lot) and it's time for parents, caregivers, or whoever is the adult figure of the children to step up and take charge of the children and not leave it all up to the teachers, because they cannot do it all nor should they have to do a parent's job.
I would also like to say to Mr. Willoughby, be a part of the solution, volunteer in one of the schools, I do.
To all the teachers and staff at Mullen School, THANK YOU. I have as of yet to come in contact with such loving and dedicated teachers and staff. You all deserve a large raise! I have seen the results of the wonderful work you do with our children. Keep up the good work!
Brenda Ludwig
Michigan City
Posted by: Ang May 28 2008, 05:50 PM
Regarding Michelle Nauyokas (Who was teaching at Elston Jr. High when I was a student there and directed the theater at the time), I am apalled!!!
WHAT IS UP WITH THE MCAS!?!?!
I still think all the teacher's need to look for employment elsewhere and let the Admin teach the kids since they know so much and think the teachers are such crap. At least they treat them that way.
Sorry guys, I love my town but I am SO GLAD I got myself and my kids out of the MCAS when I did. Somebody from the state needs to come in and do some sort of investigation into the MCAS. Starting with the School Board.
Pardon me while I go throw-up cause this is just making me sick!
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 29 2008, 10:49 AM
Here are some feedbacks from the ND on this situation...
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13977
QUOTE
Article comment by: Just Me
Obviously, Ryan, you never had Michele as a teacher. I had her years and years ago and I don't know one student that learned a thing from her class. It was commonly known that she always used the "daddy" card whenever she got herself into trouble. Well, now that he's gone, she can't use that card anymore and her temper has come back to bite her in the butt. I say congrats school board. There are too many teachers that don't take their job seriously and our children are not learning in the classroom because of certain teachers. (No offense to teachers that truly take their job seriously, as there are many more of them that are truly heros.)
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Erica Morse
We know her as "Ms. Heeg" - that is, every student who attended Rogers High School during her tenure. If you had her as a teacher, you know first-hand she is a kind, fair and most of all, intelligent woman who deserves to finish out the last nine days of her career without harassment. The MCAS board seriously missed the boat on this one, and have no idea of the backing Michelle will receive from those who have learned from her. She taught us to speak, for Heaven's sake - I ask her former students to stand up for her and do just that!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: B-CBoatman
When will Michigan City Administration and the School Board stop this childish behavior? My wife works with Michele, and knows for a fact she is an excellent teacher. Suspended for lying? Let me ask you this question--was there a suspension for lying to the MCCA about paying them retroactive pay? Was there a suspension for all of the lies that have been said about the teachers in this community? Enough is Enough Michigan City! We need to put our feet down as a community and stand up for our teachers. I know for a fact that there are many great teachers in Michigan City Area Schools that care about your children. Do they deserve what the "captain" of this corporation is giving them? NO. They deserve respect and at the very least a cost of living raise. Enough is enough Michael Harding. You are the WORST thing to happen to our schools. You don't respect this community, or its teachers. You have taken enough of our taxpayers' dollars. If you have any dignity and self-respect you will step down and let a competent individual run our school corporation. Our teachers are the cornerstone of our community. They take care of our children in ways that extend way beyond the curriculum they teach. They spend both money and time on your children to make sure they are successful. They deal with an Administration that doesn't support them financially and emotionally. Yet, they go to their schools every day and give their all to your children. They don't air their politics in a fashion that hurts their students. Yet Michael Harding does. He treats excellent teachers in an unprofessional manner just to serve out his personal vendetta. Your feelings are hurt, Mr. Harding? Well then resign. Stop taking money from a corporation that you don't have the respect to live within. And to Michigan City Area School Teachers: keep fighting the good fight. You deserve much more than your Administration gives you. And to Michele Nauyokas: you have my vote in the fall for School Board Member!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Tom Labadie
Kim I am of the opinion that this issue has absolutely nothing to do with the school board It is the wonderful school administration at the administration building. to be circumspect, this is nothing but "an organic matter deposited in the cow pasture by the male of the species" exactly what I have come to expect from the MCAS administration
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Angelique
Okay, this is getting out of control. Michelle Nauyokas does not deserve this. I know her personally, and knew her when I was a student at Elston Jr. High back in the 80's. She is one of the BEST teachers the MCAS has. I guess the new agenda for the MCAS Administration is to make themselves the armpit of education for the state of Indiana. This is just pathetic!!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Ryan Koepke
Why is it that this administration can do what ever they want. Michigan City residents need to stand together and say we are not going to put up with this any more! Michele is one of the best teachers that the city has ever seen and "They" are going to treat her like this. We need an administration that cares about the teachers not just there own pocket books! Sincerely Ryan Koepke former teachers kid and graduate of Rogers in 1993. No wonder why I live now in the Duneland School Corp.
Obviously, Ryan, you never had Michele as a teacher. I had her years and years ago and I don't know one student that learned a thing from her class. It was commonly known that she always used the "daddy" card whenever she got herself into trouble. Well, now that he's gone, she can't use that card anymore and her temper has come back to bite her in the butt. I say congrats school board. There are too many teachers that don't take their job seriously and our children are not learning in the classroom because of certain teachers. (No offense to teachers that truly take their job seriously, as there are many more of them that are truly heros.)
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Erica Morse
We know her as "Ms. Heeg" - that is, every student who attended Rogers High School during her tenure. If you had her as a teacher, you know first-hand she is a kind, fair and most of all, intelligent woman who deserves to finish out the last nine days of her career without harassment. The MCAS board seriously missed the boat on this one, and have no idea of the backing Michelle will receive from those who have learned from her. She taught us to speak, for Heaven's sake - I ask her former students to stand up for her and do just that!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: B-CBoatman
When will Michigan City Administration and the School Board stop this childish behavior? My wife works with Michele, and knows for a fact she is an excellent teacher. Suspended for lying? Let me ask you this question--was there a suspension for lying to the MCCA about paying them retroactive pay? Was there a suspension for all of the lies that have been said about the teachers in this community? Enough is Enough Michigan City! We need to put our feet down as a community and stand up for our teachers. I know for a fact that there are many great teachers in Michigan City Area Schools that care about your children. Do they deserve what the "captain" of this corporation is giving them? NO. They deserve respect and at the very least a cost of living raise. Enough is enough Michael Harding. You are the WORST thing to happen to our schools. You don't respect this community, or its teachers. You have taken enough of our taxpayers' dollars. If you have any dignity and self-respect you will step down and let a competent individual run our school corporation. Our teachers are the cornerstone of our community. They take care of our children in ways that extend way beyond the curriculum they teach. They spend both money and time on your children to make sure they are successful. They deal with an Administration that doesn't support them financially and emotionally. Yet, they go to their schools every day and give their all to your children. They don't air their politics in a fashion that hurts their students. Yet Michael Harding does. He treats excellent teachers in an unprofessional manner just to serve out his personal vendetta. Your feelings are hurt, Mr. Harding? Well then resign. Stop taking money from a corporation that you don't have the respect to live within. And to Michigan City Area School Teachers: keep fighting the good fight. You deserve much more than your Administration gives you. And to Michele Nauyokas: you have my vote in the fall for School Board Member!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Tom Labadie
Kim I am of the opinion that this issue has absolutely nothing to do with the school board It is the wonderful school administration at the administration building. to be circumspect, this is nothing but "an organic matter deposited in the cow pasture by the male of the species" exactly what I have come to expect from the MCAS administration
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Angelique
Okay, this is getting out of control. Michelle Nauyokas does not deserve this. I know her personally, and knew her when I was a student at Elston Jr. High back in the 80's. She is one of the BEST teachers the MCAS has. I guess the new agenda for the MCAS Administration is to make themselves the armpit of education for the state of Indiana. This is just pathetic!!
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Article comment by: Ryan Koepke
Why is it that this administration can do what ever they want. Michigan City residents need to stand together and say we are not going to put up with this any more! Michele is one of the best teachers that the city has ever seen and "They" are going to treat her like this. We need an administration that cares about the teachers not just there own pocket books! Sincerely Ryan Koepke former teachers kid and graduate of Rogers in 1993. No wonder why I live now in the Duneland School Corp.
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 29 2008, 10:52 AM
And some Anvil Chorus letters...
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14006&TM=46587.79
QUOTE
No Surprise To See Nauyokas Go
I read with great interest the article regarding the suspension of teacher Michele Nauyokas. My first thought was "It's about time!" The fact that Ms. Nauyokas regularly uses language that would embarrass a truck driver has been well known by students and teachers alike. I applaud the person who finally had the nerve to do something about it.
The number of grievances filed in the past three years also brings many questions to mind. How many of those grievances have been for disciplinary actions? How many actually resulted in the reversal of the disciplinary action? How many could have been settled at the building level but went on to arbitration? How many were filed at the request of the teacher and how many by Ms. Nauyokas on the teacher's behalf?
Have the number of grievances increased because the administration is finally cracking down on inappropriate behaviors and enforcing previously ignored rules? Or has the number of grievances increased because the union is unhappy with the current administration?
As far as union busting - Ms. Nauyokas was retiring anyway, effectively leaving her position in the union. I hardly think the Michigan City Education Association is such a weak union that suspending one officer will do any damage.
Carrie Harvey
Michigan City
I read with great interest the article regarding the suspension of teacher Michele Nauyokas. My first thought was "It's about time!" The fact that Ms. Nauyokas regularly uses language that would embarrass a truck driver has been well known by students and teachers alike. I applaud the person who finally had the nerve to do something about it.
The number of grievances filed in the past three years also brings many questions to mind. How many of those grievances have been for disciplinary actions? How many actually resulted in the reversal of the disciplinary action? How many could have been settled at the building level but went on to arbitration? How many were filed at the request of the teacher and how many by Ms. Nauyokas on the teacher's behalf?
Have the number of grievances increased because the administration is finally cracking down on inappropriate behaviors and enforcing previously ignored rules? Or has the number of grievances increased because the union is unhappy with the current administration?
As far as union busting - Ms. Nauyokas was retiring anyway, effectively leaving her position in the union. I hardly think the Michigan City Education Association is such a weak union that suspending one officer will do any damage.
Carrie Harvey
Michigan City
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14007&TM=46587.79
QUOTE
Teachers Union Ruins Education
If the suspension of teacher Michele Nauyokas really is a step toward union busting then maybe that's not such a bad thing.
If you can read this, thank your teachers, but not their union. For years we have watched a systematic breakdown of American education - thanks in large part to the self-serving agenda of teachers unions.
It's only getting worse. In Michigan City that means declining grades, poor test scores, increasing violence and a city held hostage in a seemingly endless cycle with little to no change or hope for improvement.
What are the results? Teachers are on the defensive. Students and teachers alike run rampant with very little discipline. Lack of learning plagues our school system. That is the legacy of this union-controlled industry. In the private sector personnel would be terminated long before an endless string of disciplinary actions (each presumably grieved by the union) took place. With this teachers union such incompetence is rewarded with tenure.
This does not mean that all the blame for the current state of the district can be placed with the union. However, when it comes to the bargaining table the people of Michigan City would do well to remember the administration is not sitting there alone. I doubt very much that the length of time without a new contract rests solely on the shoulders of the administration. It takes both sides to reach an agreement, and based on the union's current attitude toward this administration, I would bet they are not quick to agree with many administrative proposals.
So when it comes to a vote of no confidence, I think the teachers of the Michigan City Area Schools ought to look long and hard at whether or not their current union representatives deserve their vote of confidence.
Stu Blowers
Michigan City
If the suspension of teacher Michele Nauyokas really is a step toward union busting then maybe that's not such a bad thing.
If you can read this, thank your teachers, but not their union. For years we have watched a systematic breakdown of American education - thanks in large part to the self-serving agenda of teachers unions.
It's only getting worse. In Michigan City that means declining grades, poor test scores, increasing violence and a city held hostage in a seemingly endless cycle with little to no change or hope for improvement.
What are the results? Teachers are on the defensive. Students and teachers alike run rampant with very little discipline. Lack of learning plagues our school system. That is the legacy of this union-controlled industry. In the private sector personnel would be terminated long before an endless string of disciplinary actions (each presumably grieved by the union) took place. With this teachers union such incompetence is rewarded with tenure.
This does not mean that all the blame for the current state of the district can be placed with the union. However, when it comes to the bargaining table the people of Michigan City would do well to remember the administration is not sitting there alone. I doubt very much that the length of time without a new contract rests solely on the shoulders of the administration. It takes both sides to reach an agreement, and based on the union's current attitude toward this administration, I would bet they are not quick to agree with many administrative proposals.
So when it comes to a vote of no confidence, I think the teachers of the Michigan City Area Schools ought to look long and hard at whether or not their current union representatives deserve their vote of confidence.
Stu Blowers
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k7 May 30 2008, 11:42 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14047&TM=49252.97
QUOTE
Michele Nauyokas and her dad, Doug Adams, deserve better from our school system and School Board. Doug Adams gave this city many good years, and he passed that hard work ethic, loyalty and commitment to his city to his daughter Michele.
Michele has given the best years of her life to our high school students. I have witnessed over the years her work after school on countless committees, sporting events and hours devoted to directing and producing high school theater productions. Hundreds of unpaid hours were given representing teachers with good ole "Adams" strength in grievances.
How could they have suspended her nine days before her well deserved retirement? How could they!
Jane Neulieb
Long Beach
Michele has given the best years of her life to our high school students. I have witnessed over the years her work after school on countless committees, sporting events and hours devoted to directing and producing high school theater productions. Hundreds of unpaid hours were given representing teachers with good ole "Adams" strength in grievances.
How could they have suspended her nine days before her well deserved retirement? How could they!
Jane Neulieb
Long Beach
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14048&TM=49252.97
QUOTE
Nauyokas Stood For What's Right
Sometimes when life gets hard and things seem unbearable, you need to know that you have someone in your corner who will watch your back and cheer you on. Someone who will fight for you when you just can't fight anymore. Michele Nauyokas has been all of those things.
Over the years, she has stood up for what is right and looked out for what is best for our classrooms. It was a comfort to know that she would fight for you with all of her might. And even though invitations are lost, and allegations are made, she is still a hero in our eyes.
Unfortunately, sometimes the battle gets ugly, and this last week it did. It is unbelievable that Doug Adams' daughter was maligned in such a spiteful way, because of the crusader that she had become.
Well, Michele, hold your head up, and know how much you are loved and appreciated. Enjoy your early retirement, and we look forward to seeing your name on the ballot in the fall. And keep that sword sharpened. Every crusader needs a sharp sword.
Diane Britton
Sometimes when life gets hard and things seem unbearable, you need to know that you have someone in your corner who will watch your back and cheer you on. Someone who will fight for you when you just can't fight anymore. Michele Nauyokas has been all of those things.
Over the years, she has stood up for what is right and looked out for what is best for our classrooms. It was a comfort to know that she would fight for you with all of her might. And even though invitations are lost, and allegations are made, she is still a hero in our eyes.
Unfortunately, sometimes the battle gets ugly, and this last week it did. It is unbelievable that Doug Adams' daughter was maligned in such a spiteful way, because of the crusader that she had become.
Well, Michele, hold your head up, and know how much you are loved and appreciated. Enjoy your early retirement, and we look forward to seeing your name on the ballot in the fall. And keep that sword sharpened. Every crusader needs a sharp sword.
Diane Britton
Posted by: Beachgirl77 May 30 2008, 08:08 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ May 28 2008, 06:50 PM)
Regarding Michelle Nauyokas (Who was teaching at Elston Jr. High when I was a student there and directed the theater at the time), I am apalled!!!
WHAT IS UP WITH THE MCAS!?!?!
I still think all the teacher's need to look for employment elsewhere and let the Admin teach the kids since they know so much and think the teachers are such crap. At least they treat them that way.
Sorry guys, I love my town but I am SO GLAD I got myself and my kids out of the MCAS when I did. Somebody from the state needs to come in and do some sort of investigation into the MCAS. Starting with the School Board.
Pardon me while I go throw-up cause this is just making me sick!
It's getting bad. Just when I think I've seen the worst...
It seems almost like people don't understand what the teachers do. I'd be happy to have them in my classroom.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 31 2008, 03:46 PM
I repeat my call to the Board to resign so we can have a special election this November to replace them!
Posted by: Ang May 31 2008, 04:21 PM
QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13977
Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Article comment by: Just Me
Angela, No, I'm not an old student who had a rough time with Michele, so don't call me immature. I just know that she used to roam the halls and had a tendency to start trouble with students where there was no reason to do so. And I agree with a person who wrote in the ND that she indeed would use language that would make a trucker blush. And the "daddy" card I refer to is what would happen any time she got in over her head and had to get her daddy to get her out of the hot seat. Everyone knew it--students and teachers alike. Hey, you're all entitled to your opinion, as am I.
Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008
Article comment by: bugs3483
It has been 10 years since I have left Michigan City and it is amazing how nothing has changed. The city is still dying, due to the school administration still doing the same old thing. Why would anyone want to live in Michigan City when you can live in any of the surrounding areas and have your children go to school system where the administration actually cares. Same thing as a business owner why you locate to a city where the school system constantly is near the bottom in the state. It is time for the people of Michigan City to realize that they can solve this by voting in school board members that will clean house and finally turn around the school district. The only way a town can thrive is to have a good foundation and a good education system is the cornerstone of that foundation. As for Mrs Nauyokas' suspension I agree that this appears to be nothing but "Union Busting" and a way to get back at her for standing up for her fellow teachers. After having Mrs Nauyokas for a few semesters I can truly say that she is a selfless person and would do anything for her students and fellow teachers and I find her suspension a truly low act of revenge. Let her finish off her career with her students.
Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008
Article comment by: Angela
You know there are a lot of teachers that get dumped on by former students because they were a little hard on them. "Just me" you say it was "years ago" that you had Michele yet you bringing up her father who has passed away shows your lack of maturity. Get over yourself. Maybe she wasn't an easy teacher but that doesn't make a good teacher. A good teacher is someone that prepares you for the REAL WORLD. Michele gives so much of herself to the schools and many, many hours of personal time to students as well as the teachers. I don't know anyone that would volunteer so much of our personal time without pay unless they were dedicated, which she is. Of course I can't speak on the subject of her suspension because I don't know the facts but I do know her as a person and I defend her character all the way.
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Article comment by: SDB
I agree this is quite heartless to say the least. If they are wanting to get rid of her, they only had to wait 5 days to do that! Sounds like someones "last ditch effort" to get even. Totally pathetic!
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Article comment by: Connie Erickson
I had Ms. Heeg at Kruger Jr. High in the late 70's, and again at Rogers High School in the early 80's. I remember her as a wonderful teacher who truly made class interesting. MCAS board, you missed the boat on this one.
Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Article comment by: Just Me
Angela, No, I'm not an old student who had a rough time with Michele, so don't call me immature. I just know that she used to roam the halls and had a tendency to start trouble with students where there was no reason to do so. And I agree with a person who wrote in the ND that she indeed would use language that would make a trucker blush. And the "daddy" card I refer to is what would happen any time she got in over her head and had to get her daddy to get her out of the hot seat. Everyone knew it--students and teachers alike. Hey, you're all entitled to your opinion, as am I.
Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008
Article comment by: bugs3483
It has been 10 years since I have left Michigan City and it is amazing how nothing has changed. The city is still dying, due to the school administration still doing the same old thing. Why would anyone want to live in Michigan City when you can live in any of the surrounding areas and have your children go to school system where the administration actually cares. Same thing as a business owner why you locate to a city where the school system constantly is near the bottom in the state. It is time for the people of Michigan City to realize that they can solve this by voting in school board members that will clean house and finally turn around the school district. The only way a town can thrive is to have a good foundation and a good education system is the cornerstone of that foundation. As for Mrs Nauyokas' suspension I agree that this appears to be nothing but "Union Busting" and a way to get back at her for standing up for her fellow teachers. After having Mrs Nauyokas for a few semesters I can truly say that she is a selfless person and would do anything for her students and fellow teachers and I find her suspension a truly low act of revenge. Let her finish off her career with her students.
Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008
Article comment by: Angela
You know there are a lot of teachers that get dumped on by former students because they were a little hard on them. "Just me" you say it was "years ago" that you had Michele yet you bringing up her father who has passed away shows your lack of maturity. Get over yourself. Maybe she wasn't an easy teacher but that doesn't make a good teacher. A good teacher is someone that prepares you for the REAL WORLD. Michele gives so much of herself to the schools and many, many hours of personal time to students as well as the teachers. I don't know anyone that would volunteer so much of our personal time without pay unless they were dedicated, which she is. Of course I can't speak on the subject of her suspension because I don't know the facts but I do know her as a person and I defend her character all the way.
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Article comment by: SDB
I agree this is quite heartless to say the least. If they are wanting to get rid of her, they only had to wait 5 days to do that! Sounds like someones "last ditch effort" to get even. Totally pathetic!
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Article comment by: Connie Erickson
I had Ms. Heeg at Kruger Jr. High in the late 70's, and again at Rogers High School in the early 80's. I remember her as a wonderful teacher who truly made class interesting. MCAS board, you missed the boat on this one.
It looks as though there are a couple disgruntled people who don't like Michele, but she has more supporters than not. I'll bet if the nay-sayers would post their real names, Michele could tell you problems that they had as a student. That is probably why they don't use their real names. Have you noticed the people in support of her are not afraid to say who they are?
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 1 2008, 02:10 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ May 31 2008, 05:21 PM)
It looks as though there are a couple disgruntled people who don't like Michele, but she has more supporters than not. I'll bet if the nay-sayers would post their real names, Michele could tell you problems that they had as a student. That is probably why they don't use their real names. Have you noticed the people in support of her are not afraid to say who they are?
It sometimes seem that the harder you push kids, and try to see their potential, the "meaner" you are. I'm proud to be mean, then.
Mean teachers are like mean mothers and fathers...they make you follow the rules, they make sure you are safe, and in the end, they make sure you are better prepared for the world.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I remember my "mean" teachers more than I remember the ones that let me get away with things. Why? Because they forced me to think like a young adult and work to my potential. They prepared me for the world as it is, and they prepared me to live life as a productive adult.
It seems you would want to celebrate someone like Michele (who I know to be a great woman and teacher), rather than criticize her for doing her job.
Posted by: Ang Jun 1 2008, 02:26 PM
That is so true Beachgirl! I remember Mr. Warner's algebra class. Oh, he was so mean! And he acted like math was a religion to be worshipped lest one burn in hell. At least that is what I thought when I was 17. Now that I am an adult, I am thankful for Mr. Warner and his toughness. In addition to algebra, he taught me to be responsible for my own actions, discipline and the ability to complete tasks on time, and he taught me to take pride in myself and my work.
ALL HAIL MEAN TEACHERS!!!
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 1 2008, 04:07 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 1 2008, 03:26 PM)
That is so true Beachgirl! I remember Mr. Warner's algebra class. Oh, he was so mean! And he acted like math was a religion to be worshipped lest one burn in hell. At least that is what I thought when I was 17. Now that I am an adult, I am thankful for Mr. Warner and his toughness. In addition to algebra, he taught me to be responsible for my own actions, discipline and the ability to complete tasks on time, and he taught me to take pride in myself and my work.
ALL HAIL MEAN TEACHERS!!!
Well, Ang, after I wrote that I remembered a teacher I had in the 3rd/4th grade...Mrs. Eckert.
When I first became her student, she was VERY MEAN. (Well, in my eyes). I won't beat around the bush...I was one of those lazy kids with potential. Well, she saw that...and I didn't like that she was pushing me so hard.
But...I ended up giving in to Mrs. Eckert. What I found was that she WASN'T the Wicked Witch from the West, but the BEST teacher I had ever had!
She pushed me, and when I left her in the 4th grade I was reading at a 10th grade level, and I was taking G and T classes.
I remember her once, yelling at me (even though four other kids had done the same thing) "If all of the rest of them jumped off of a bridge, would you do it too? I am SO dissappointed in you!" Oh man, that's all it took! I will remember her for the rest of my life, standing there with her hands on her hips, scolding me. But I did learn that I needed to think first before I acted, and that I could do anything...because she helped me see that.
I just wish that nowadays we focused on more of what was going RIGHT instead of what is going WRONG in our schools. There are MANY MANY things going right. And many great teachers out there!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 10 2008, 05:32 PM
File this under: You heard it here first...
Michael Harding just announced at the school board meeting that the teachers union has declared an impasse for contract negotiations.
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 10 2008, 07:01 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Jun 10 2008, 06:32 PM)
File this under: You heard it here first...
Michael Harding just announced at the school board meeting that the teachers union has declared an impasse for contract negotiations.
That's not good at all!
Posted by: Dave Jun 10 2008, 08:19 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Jun 10 2008, 06:32 PM)
File this under: You heard it here first...
Michael Harding just announced at the school board meeting that the teachers union has declared an impasse for contract negotiations.
QUOTE
Man in Black -- But if there can be no arrangement, then we are at an impasse.
Somehow I doubt the teacher's union declared the impasse. I'd be willing to bet that Harding is framing it that way so as to make the teachers union look intractable, when in reality it's Harding who isn't willing to put a reasonable offer on the table.
Haven't we all experienced a situation where someone has told us "if you don't accept my proposal, you're walking away from the negotiation"?
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 11 2008, 06:13 AM
I don't think he could get up there and bold faced lie about who declared the impasse, because it is a very big deal. I do believe the negotiations must have gotten bad, and this is pure speculation, but either with the administration refusing to budge on negotiation points, or even back-tracking on them.
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 11 2008, 06:25 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Jun 11 2008, 07:13 AM)
I don't think he could get up there and bold faced lie about who declared the impasse, because it is a very big deal. I do believe the negotiations must have gotten bad, and this is pure speculation, but either with the administration refusing to budge on negotiation points, or even back-tracking on them.
Wouldn't the union have to take it back to its members and vote on it? I don't remember taking a vote...
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 11 2008, 06:57 AM
That I don't know. That's all union by-laws, and I am not privy to them.
I'm not saying it is impossible that Harding lied, but if I understand the process correctly, an impasse is an official declaration that results in paperwork getting filed with the state of Indiana to involve an official mediator to attempt to settle the dispute. The paperwork is filed by the party declaring the impasse. If he lied, it would come out really quick and would have a brutal backlash as there is no gray area to hide in. If I am wrong, please let me know!
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 11 2008, 08:58 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Jun 11 2008, 07:13 AM)
I don't think he could get up there and bold faced lie about who declared the impasse, because it is a very big deal. I do believe the negotiations must have gotten bad, and this is pure speculation, but either with the administration refusing to budge on negotiation points, or even back-tracking on them.
QUOTE
home : local news : local news
6/11/2008 11:00:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
School System, Union Talks Stall
Harding says it wasn’t unexpected, and now the state will appoint a mediator.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - On the last day of school for Michigan City Area Schools teachers, the teachers' union declared negotiations at an impasse.
Superintendent Michael Harding reported the action to members of the MCAS School Board at their meeting Tuesday.
"It was not unexpected, but certainly disappointing at this time," Harding said.
Outside the MCAS Administration Building, teachers lined the sidewalk demonstrating their frustration about not having a settled contract for more than a year.
Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, said the 10-member union negotiating team took the school system's latest proposal to its members and it was unanimously rejected. "We had negotiations last week and realized, in our opinion, we really were not negotiating," Stark said.
To move beyond the impasse, a mediator will be appointed by the state to meet with both groups and serve as a go-between. Stark said it could take two to four weeks before a mediator is appointed.
Stark had been confident a contract could be settled by the end of this school year. She said both sides want what's best for students, but teachers feel they are not being fairly compensated for their jobs.
"Obviously we want a fair wage and to be competitive so we can get the best teachers," Stark said. Instead of a pay scale at or near the bottom among schools in the Duneland Conference, MCAS teachers "should be running in the middle of the pack," she said.
The MCEA called an impasse last August and, before a mediator was called in, the two sides came back to the bargaining table. MCAS spokesperson Betsy Kohn said Tuesday the administration wants to return to negotiations at any time.
Stark said that won't happen.
"I can't think of anything right now that would bring us back to the table," she said.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
I guess you were right, SSider
Posted by: Dave Jun 11 2008, 11:24 AM
Well, I'm feeling less dumb. I had no idea that "impasse" was a term of art in the field of union negotiation. Ignore my previous post.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 11 2008, 11:53 AM
QUOTE(Dave @ Jun 11 2008, 12:24 PM)
Well, I'm feeling less dumb. I had no idea that "impasse" was a term of art in the field of union negotiation. Ignore my previous post.
They have special rules for groups that are considered "vital" employees by the state of Indiana and by law are NOT allowed to go on strike. The impasse is one of those things, and it can be employed by either side in negotiations. During the last sets of talks, it was the administration that did so.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 11 2008, 01:53 PM
Like I said, I think any one of us could solve this in minutes.
Posted by: Teach Jun 11 2008, 02:52 PM
QUOTE(Beachgirl77 @ Jun 11 2008, 07:25 AM)
Wouldn't the union have to take it back to its members and vote on it? I don't remember taking a vote...
According to the article:
QUOTE
Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, said the 10-member union negotiating team took the school system's latest proposal to its members and it was unanimously rejected. "We had negotiations last week and realized, in our opinion, we really were not negotiating," Stark said.
Apparently this did not happen? Or perhaps you were at the beach, Beachgirl?
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 11 2008, 03:02 PM
QUOTE(Teach @ Jun 11 2008, 03:52 PM)
According to the article:
Apparently this did not happen? Or perhaps you were at the beach, Beachgirl?
They are talking about the salary package that they brought to us two weeks ago...not the impasse, Teach. Beach is wonderful, teach!
I was at the meeting where they voted on the salary package.
Posted by: Teach Jun 11 2008, 04:44 PM
QUOTE(Beachgirl77 @ Jun 11 2008, 04:02 PM)
They are talking about the salary package that they brought to us two weeks ago...not the impasse, Teach. Beach is wonderful, teach!
I was at the meeting where they voted on the salary package.
I wonder why there was this two week lag between the member's rejection of the salary package and the declaration of an impasse. I suspect that nothing tangible happened in that two week period.
How far was the last proposal from what the majority of the teachers are expecting?
BTW, I know firsthand that the beach has been terrific lately. Except for a little rain here and there, we've had beautiful weather. Three cheers for global warming -- jk.
Posted by: Ang Jun 11 2008, 05:24 PM
[off topic]I wish we would have some global warming here!! It feels like October today. I'm so tired of hearing the weatherman say, "Unseasonably cool."[/off topic]
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 11 2008, 05:51 PM
QUOTE(Teach @ Jun 11 2008, 05:44 PM)
I wonder why there was this two week lag between the member's rejection of the salary package and the declaration of an impasse. I suspect that nothing tangible happened in that two week period.
How far was the last proposal from what the majority of the teachers are expecting?
BTW, I know firsthand that the beach has been terrific lately. Except for a little rain here and there, we've had beautiful weather. Three cheers for global warming -- jk.
Um, the proposal was pretty...creative. Let's just say that the teachers voted it down 100%.
Posted by: Teach Jun 11 2008, 09:04 PM
QUOTE(Beachgirl77 @ Jun 11 2008, 06:51 PM)
Um, the proposal was pretty...creative. Let's just say that the teachers voted it down 100%.
Creative... hmmmmm.
Did they offer free gas? Untainted water? All-expense paid vacations to Goshen? Signed copies of the Strategic Plan? Unlimited bowling? Slightly used school bus tires? A years worth of Advil? Valium? Extra votes in November? Armor-plating for your cars, offices, and homes? Better coffee? Undivided attention? Bold leadership?
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 11 2008, 10:03 PM
QUOTE(Teach @ Jun 11 2008, 10:04 PM)
Creative... hmmmmm.
Did they offer free gas? Untainted water? All-expense paid vacations to Goshen? Signed copies of the Strategic Plan? Unlimited bowling? Slightly used school bus tires? A years worth of Advil? Valium? Extra votes in November? Armor-plating for your cars, offices, and homes? Better coffee? Undivided attention? Bold leadership?
Shoot! I wish!
Some of that stuff is useful!
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 12 2008, 09:03 AM
Why does the public get shut out of the negociation process so thoroughly? We get almost no idea of the that are holding them apart, and this feeds the distrust we have.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 12 2008, 09:40 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jun 12 2008, 10:03 AM)
Why does the public get shut out of the negociation process so thoroughly? We get almost no idea of the that are holding them apart, and this feeds the distrust we have.
The negotiators are sworn to secrecy as a part of the process. They are not allowed to talk about the negotiating process, except to take proposals back to the people they are representing. This was agreed to by both parties at the beginning of negotiations.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 12 2008, 09:48 AM
That does make sense.
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 12 2008, 11:55 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jun 12 2008, 10:48 AM)
That does make sense.
I think the community SHOULD know what is going on.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 13 2008, 07:26 AM
It would be hard to negociate in public. The results of neg sessions should be reported fully, though.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 13 2008, 02:21 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14571&TM=59105.71
QUOTE
What Was Harding Trying To Hide?
Would honesty be near the top of a list of School Superintendent Michael Harding's character traits? Would honesty even be on that list?
He has a gag order on the employees of the New Prairie school system to protect (cover up) his tenure there. Many teachers were most likely surprised that a gag order on teachers was not included in the school board's recent all-or-nothing contract proposal.
Concerns arose regarding several of his personnel recommendations after they were hired by the board. Charges alleging sexual harassment, anti-Semitic comments and mismanagement of funds were reported in The News-Dispatch. Were MCAS board members made aware of these possible concerns before these individuals were employed? What standards does this board expect Mr. Harding to follow?
Harding said he would move to the Michigan City area. He has not! He said he wouldn't leave elementary students "out in the cold." He has! During a job interview he told another school corporation that the MCAS led the nation in expulsions one year. We did not! That principals were making private deals with teachers. They were not! And that the RIF policy was not working and he had to fix it. Harding simply failed to follow policy guidelines.
Is there a point when Harding's stories will be considered to be more than just stories without truth, or does the board willingly continue to allow him to be a story teller?
Harding has never hidden from teachers his contempt for their negotiated contract. The school board continues to allow Harding to disregard and disrespect this contract. Did they not also sign the teacher contract? Was their signature just a ruse? Perhaps a lie?
Harding gives administrators, including himself, a retroactive pay raise for 2007-2008. Classified employees were told there was no money available for a retroactive pay increase for them, but they did receive an increase. The proposal for teachers is no increase - nothing!
"That's just the way it is sometimes," commented school board President Clyde Zeek.
One only has to look at central administrative salaries and benefits to see where this board's priorities lie.
Bill Pool
Mullen teacher
Would honesty be near the top of a list of School Superintendent Michael Harding's character traits? Would honesty even be on that list?
He has a gag order on the employees of the New Prairie school system to protect (cover up) his tenure there. Many teachers were most likely surprised that a gag order on teachers was not included in the school board's recent all-or-nothing contract proposal.
Concerns arose regarding several of his personnel recommendations after they were hired by the board. Charges alleging sexual harassment, anti-Semitic comments and mismanagement of funds were reported in The News-Dispatch. Were MCAS board members made aware of these possible concerns before these individuals were employed? What standards does this board expect Mr. Harding to follow?
Harding said he would move to the Michigan City area. He has not! He said he wouldn't leave elementary students "out in the cold." He has! During a job interview he told another school corporation that the MCAS led the nation in expulsions one year. We did not! That principals were making private deals with teachers. They were not! And that the RIF policy was not working and he had to fix it. Harding simply failed to follow policy guidelines.
Is there a point when Harding's stories will be considered to be more than just stories without truth, or does the board willingly continue to allow him to be a story teller?
Harding has never hidden from teachers his contempt for their negotiated contract. The school board continues to allow Harding to disregard and disrespect this contract. Did they not also sign the teacher contract? Was their signature just a ruse? Perhaps a lie?
Harding gives administrators, including himself, a retroactive pay raise for 2007-2008. Classified employees were told there was no money available for a retroactive pay increase for them, but they did receive an increase. The proposal for teachers is no increase - nothing!
"That's just the way it is sometimes," commented school board President Clyde Zeek.
One only has to look at central administrative salaries and benefits to see where this board's priorities lie.
Bill Pool
Mullen teacher
Posted by: Dave Jun 13 2008, 04:05 PM
Gee, I wonder if that "no increase" would be retroactive?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 17 2008, 11:48 AM
Wait--the Admin can give itself raises??
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 17 2008, 11:51 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jun 17 2008, 12:48 PM)
Wait--the Admin can give itself raises??
As long as the school board agrees, which they did.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 17 2008, 12:10 PM
Holy Toledo!
Posted by: Ang Jun 17 2008, 01:38 PM
Oh, and you'll love this one...
The insurance for Admin personnel has almost 60% lower premiums for employees with no deductable. At least that's how it was 5 years ago when I worked at Plant Planning.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 17 2008, 01:42 PM
As I understand it they are on a totally different benefits package all together. They have different insurance, retirement, and the like.
Posted by: Ang Jun 17 2008, 02:14 PM
Yup, and it's a whole lot better than what the classified people get
Posted by: Beachgirl77 Jun 18 2008, 05:35 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 17 2008, 03:14 PM)
Yup, and it's a whole lot better than what the classified people get
I remember, my first year of teaching, that we paid $1 a year for health insurance, and the deductible was $100.
I miss those days!
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 18 2008, 08:20 AM
It reminds me of the gravy-laden benefits Congress votes itself, while 43.5 million go without.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jun 18 2008, 11:43 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=14812&TM=49114.93
QUOTE
City Schools Have Too Many Bad Teachers, Managers
This is in regard to the conflict in the Michigan City Area Schools. Having graduated 10 years ago from the district and in my third year of teaching, I was asked to teach in Michigan City this past year. As a first-year teacher in the district, let me tell you about the positives and negatives I saw.
Michigan City has a fine group of veterans in its system. I had the privilege of working with several of them on a team this year. They were the most dedicated, positive educators I have seen. Unfortunately, there were more bad than good.
The school administrators are full of hypocrisy and inundated with incapacitated people in higher positions that really are not needed. They claim that negotiations are going well, but fail to inform the community about the repercussions that the students will see if they do not work with the union to settle the contract.
I began working with the youth in Michigan City 12 years ago and have dedicated myself to these youths, many of whom have gone on to graduate high school and college. Unfortunately I am leaving Michigan City for greener pastures in education. My one year in this school system has pushed me out and I am saddened to finally leave the city I have grown to love, cherish and dedicate myself to since I was 16.
MCAS has too many so called "powerful"administrators and, just like ENRON, will soon implode because too many are dipping into the pot and not giving enough to the students (who deserve the quality education) or the teachers (who deserve the respect of this administration). When the state takes over (and it will soon enough), no one in the city will be surprised.
To the dedicated educators of Michigan City I bid you farewell with the respect, admiration and integrity that you have given to me both as a student and educator. To my teammates: I have learned so much from you, and you will not be forgotten. To the administration: Go on and become ENRON. See how far it will take you. Many first-year teachers will be leaving and many more will year after year. And who do you think will take over for those dedicated veterans. Subs! Well, you can't get enough of those either. Good luck, MCEA, and show them what you are made of!
Raymond Callahan
Rolling Prairie
This is in regard to the conflict in the Michigan City Area Schools. Having graduated 10 years ago from the district and in my third year of teaching, I was asked to teach in Michigan City this past year. As a first-year teacher in the district, let me tell you about the positives and negatives I saw.
Michigan City has a fine group of veterans in its system. I had the privilege of working with several of them on a team this year. They were the most dedicated, positive educators I have seen. Unfortunately, there were more bad than good.
The school administrators are full of hypocrisy and inundated with incapacitated people in higher positions that really are not needed. They claim that negotiations are going well, but fail to inform the community about the repercussions that the students will see if they do not work with the union to settle the contract.
I began working with the youth in Michigan City 12 years ago and have dedicated myself to these youths, many of whom have gone on to graduate high school and college. Unfortunately I am leaving Michigan City for greener pastures in education. My one year in this school system has pushed me out and I am saddened to finally leave the city I have grown to love, cherish and dedicate myself to since I was 16.
MCAS has too many so called "powerful"administrators and, just like ENRON, will soon implode because too many are dipping into the pot and not giving enough to the students (who deserve the quality education) or the teachers (who deserve the respect of this administration). When the state takes over (and it will soon enough), no one in the city will be surprised.
To the dedicated educators of Michigan City I bid you farewell with the respect, admiration and integrity that you have given to me both as a student and educator. To my teammates: I have learned so much from you, and you will not be forgotten. To the administration: Go on and become ENRON. See how far it will take you. Many first-year teachers will be leaving and many more will year after year. And who do you think will take over for those dedicated veterans. Subs! Well, you can't get enough of those either. Good luck, MCEA, and show them what you are made of!
Raymond Callahan
Rolling Prairie
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jun 18 2008, 01:08 PM
Good-bye and fare thee well, Mr. Attitude.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jul 1 2008, 01:40 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=15210&TM=56335.56
QUOTE
Open And Honest' Lost At MCAS
Open and honest communication are key elements of Strategy 7 of the Michigan City Area Schools strategic plan, as presented by the director of communications at Tuesday's school board meeting. Much of Superintendent Michael Harding's comments, though, seem to lack both of these key elements.
Approximately 4 1/2 weeks ago the Elementary School staff sent a letter to administration outlining theirs and their students' needs. The staff received a more or less generic response, then during the last week of school, Mr. Harding and several of his staff showed up at Knapp early one morning. They walked around selected classrooms and remained until after students arrived. While teachers attempted to introduce them to their students, these professionals would not engage in any conversation with teachers or students. They did seem to take lots of notes though as they walked around the classrooms.
Knapp has five teaching positions to fill. MCAS policy has been that the principal set up a schedule and along with several teachers interview the applicants and make recommendations to administration. Hiring became a formality. In the past the board had trusted and honored principal and teacher recommendations. Not any more.
Now it appears Mr. Harding believes he knows more about elementary school needs, though he seldom sets food in an elementary building or collaborates with elementary teachers, than those who work there.
Mr. Harding left the impression that he would not be interviewing the previously recommended applicants. Mr. Harding is "the decider."
Is this Harding's way of working with teachers openly and honestly?
Most MCAS personnel, along with the Michigan City community, learned in Sunday's News-Dispatch of yet another trip to China, a trip obviously planned for several weeks. What is the secrecy all about? Last summer Mr. Harding went to China, and for almost three months only the school board president knew. Open and honest?
During Tuesday's school board meeting, the community and teachers learned for the first time that MCAS will begin a pre-K through fourth grade Chinese program this fall. When Mr. Kintzele asked Mr. Boone if this program was part of next year's budget, Mr. Boone was not sure. He seemed not to even be aware of the program. Open and honest? Secretive?
MCAS says it has limited resources. The elementary students' and teachers' day is already full and Harding wants to add more. How is that possible? Easy. You simply increase the day and not compensate teachers for the additional time. That is the board's solution.
Recently an administrative member of the board's negotiating team tried to sell the board's contract proposal to a teacher during the teacher's lunch period, saying, "How can teachers expect a raise for doing nothing?" Her actions may very well have been an unfair labor practice. Also, this administrator recently received a retroactive pay raise and now makes approximately $95,000 plus benefits per year.
Teachers have not received a salary increase for 2 1/2 of the four years Harding has been the MCAS superintendent.
Open and honest communication from the superintendent would be nice. A more apt description would be secretive and deceitful.
Bill Pool
Retired Mullen Teacher
Chesterton
Open and honest communication are key elements of Strategy 7 of the Michigan City Area Schools strategic plan, as presented by the director of communications at Tuesday's school board meeting. Much of Superintendent Michael Harding's comments, though, seem to lack both of these key elements.
Approximately 4 1/2 weeks ago the Elementary School staff sent a letter to administration outlining theirs and their students' needs. The staff received a more or less generic response, then during the last week of school, Mr. Harding and several of his staff showed up at Knapp early one morning. They walked around selected classrooms and remained until after students arrived. While teachers attempted to introduce them to their students, these professionals would not engage in any conversation with teachers or students. They did seem to take lots of notes though as they walked around the classrooms.
Knapp has five teaching positions to fill. MCAS policy has been that the principal set up a schedule and along with several teachers interview the applicants and make recommendations to administration. Hiring became a formality. In the past the board had trusted and honored principal and teacher recommendations. Not any more.
Now it appears Mr. Harding believes he knows more about elementary school needs, though he seldom sets food in an elementary building or collaborates with elementary teachers, than those who work there.
Mr. Harding left the impression that he would not be interviewing the previously recommended applicants. Mr. Harding is "the decider."
Is this Harding's way of working with teachers openly and honestly?
Most MCAS personnel, along with the Michigan City community, learned in Sunday's News-Dispatch of yet another trip to China, a trip obviously planned for several weeks. What is the secrecy all about? Last summer Mr. Harding went to China, and for almost three months only the school board president knew. Open and honest?
During Tuesday's school board meeting, the community and teachers learned for the first time that MCAS will begin a pre-K through fourth grade Chinese program this fall. When Mr. Kintzele asked Mr. Boone if this program was part of next year's budget, Mr. Boone was not sure. He seemed not to even be aware of the program. Open and honest? Secretive?
MCAS says it has limited resources. The elementary students' and teachers' day is already full and Harding wants to add more. How is that possible? Easy. You simply increase the day and not compensate teachers for the additional time. That is the board's solution.
Recently an administrative member of the board's negotiating team tried to sell the board's contract proposal to a teacher during the teacher's lunch period, saying, "How can teachers expect a raise for doing nothing?" Her actions may very well have been an unfair labor practice. Also, this administrator recently received a retroactive pay raise and now makes approximately $95,000 plus benefits per year.
Teachers have not received a salary increase for 2 1/2 of the four years Harding has been the MCAS superintendent.
Open and honest communication from the superintendent would be nice. A more apt description would be secretive and deceitful.
Bill Pool
Retired Mullen Teacher
Chesterton
Posted by: JHeath Jul 2 2008, 10:24 AM
http://heraldargus.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=121251&TM=44317.21
QUOTE
7/2/2008 10:53:00 AM
Teachers' contract mediations may not begin till August
By Amanda Haverstick
For The Herald-Argus
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract mediation between the Michigan City Area Schools and the teacher's union may not get started until August, according to a letter e-mailed on Monday by school board President Clyde Zeek.
The school system and the Michigan City Education Association have been negotiating a new contract for more than a year. The MCEA declared an impasse in August 2007 but before a mediator was called in, the two sides returned to the bargaining table. Both parties continued to negotiate until June 10 when the union again declared an impasse.
In a June 30 letter, Zeek said both parties provided proposals concerning issues such as class size, implementation of the Strategic Plan and salary.
"The Board's proposal is bold and innovative. It is rooted in the MCAS Strategic Plan, a document that began with a Core Team of community members and has expanded to include all school sites, with input from more than 1,000 people," Zeek wrote. "The MCAS Strategic Plan is the road map we must follow to improve our schools, and it requires us to implement new initiatives and to think in new ways."
Zeek, however, said Tuesday that under law he could not disclose specifics of the negotiations, including details on the board's salary proposal.
"The board's proposal also includes incentives to promote and recognize teacher effectiveness," Zeek wrote. "It provides a significant increase in the starting salary, to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers. In addition, salaries are increased across the board."
Phyllis Stark, president of the MCEA, said Zeek was referring to merit pay.
"It rewards some teachers and it leaves other teachers out in the cold," Stark said. "The success of the students depends on all of the teachers."
Zeek added in his letter, which is posted on the MCAS Web site, that issues resolved included the issuance of a calendar for the 2008-09 school year and the formation of an Insurance Committee and an Evaluation Committee.
"Having been a part of the negotiating team, I felt little was accomplished to get us to settlement," Zeek said Tuesday.
Teachers' contract mediations may not begin till August
By Amanda Haverstick
For The Herald-Argus
MICHIGAN CITY - Contract mediation between the Michigan City Area Schools and the teacher's union may not get started until August, according to a letter e-mailed on Monday by school board President Clyde Zeek.
The school system and the Michigan City Education Association have been negotiating a new contract for more than a year. The MCEA declared an impasse in August 2007 but before a mediator was called in, the two sides returned to the bargaining table. Both parties continued to negotiate until June 10 when the union again declared an impasse.
In a June 30 letter, Zeek said both parties provided proposals concerning issues such as class size, implementation of the Strategic Plan and salary.
"The Board's proposal is bold and innovative. It is rooted in the MCAS Strategic Plan, a document that began with a Core Team of community members and has expanded to include all school sites, with input from more than 1,000 people," Zeek wrote. "The MCAS Strategic Plan is the road map we must follow to improve our schools, and it requires us to implement new initiatives and to think in new ways."
Zeek, however, said Tuesday that under law he could not disclose specifics of the negotiations, including details on the board's salary proposal.
"The board's proposal also includes incentives to promote and recognize teacher effectiveness," Zeek wrote. "It provides a significant increase in the starting salary, to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers. In addition, salaries are increased across the board."
Phyllis Stark, president of the MCEA, said Zeek was referring to merit pay.
"It rewards some teachers and it leaves other teachers out in the cold," Stark said. "The success of the students depends on all of the teachers."
Zeek added in his letter, which is posted on the MCAS Web site, that issues resolved included the issuance of a calendar for the 2008-09 school year and the formation of an Insurance Committee and an Evaluation Committee.
"Having been a part of the negotiating team, I felt little was accomplished to get us to settlement," Zeek said Tuesday.
Posted by: Ang Jul 2 2008, 10:34 AM
Our school corporation got a new Superintendent today. He was quoted on the news this morning, "I am happy to be here and I can't stress enough that good communication between faculty and staff is the key element in a successful school corporation. By working together we can make our children achieve much more than they think they are capable of."
His name is NOT Michael Harding.
Posted by: JHeath Jul 2 2008, 11:07 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jul 2 2008, 11:34 AM)
Our school corporation got a new Superintendent today. ...
His name is NOT Michael Harding.
Darn.
Posted by: Ang Jul 2 2008, 11:39 AM
I kept a watch in the news for when they announced the candidates for this position. I swore that if Michael Harding appeared as one of them, I was going to call every school board member personally and invite them to visit CBTL and see for theirselves what Mr. Harding is all about. But, he must've missed that job on the national website because he wasn't a candidate. Either that, or they googled his name and ended up here anyway.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jul 2 2008, 11:45 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jul 2 2008, 12:39 PM)
I kept a watch in the news for when they announced the candidates for this position. I swore that if Michael Harding appeared as one of them, I was going to call every school board member personally and invite them to visit CBTL and see for theirselves what Mr. Harding is all about. But, he must've missed that job on the national website because he wasn't a candidate. Either that, or they googled his name and ended up here anyway.
He was probably too busy on his China trip to interview anyway...
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jul 2 2008, 12:32 PM
I am going to ask the Board to help find this harding a new job.
Posted by: JHeath Sep 10 2008, 05:33 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=133&ArticleID=17273
QUOTE
Harding to appear on cable show
MICHIGAN CITY - The local cable television show "Perspectives," hosted by Dave Werdine, will feature a one-hour interview with Michigan City Area Schools superintendent Michael Harding. The program will air at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. today on Channel 99.
MICHIGAN CITY - The local cable television show "Perspectives," hosted by Dave Werdine, will feature a one-hour interview with Michigan City Area Schools superintendent Michael Harding. The program will air at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. today on Channel 99.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 12 2008, 11:13 AM
Did anyone watch? If so, how was it?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 12 2008, 11:40 AM
Get the letter in the ND from today into the MB. Ha Ha Ha.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 12 2008, 11:46 AM
The ND website hasn't updated since Monday. As a matter of a fact I have a letter I sent in about the cable access controversy I have been waiting to see, but I haven't. I have no idea if it got printed or not.
Posted by: Michele Sep 12 2008, 12:16 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jul 2 2008, 01:32 PM)
I am going to ask the Board to help find this harding a new job.
You'll lose 4/3
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 12 2008, 01:16 PM
Even those 3 have to go. Clean house, says I.
Posted by: Michele Sep 12 2008, 05:08 PM
QUOTE(Michele @ Sep 12 2008, 01:16 PM)
You'll lose 4/3
I'm sticking up for Beryle Burgwald and for Jim Kintzele. Consistently they have tried to make good, worthwhile changes for this school system. I think that they have voted their conscience, and have voted for the constituents. I'm hoping that I get the opportunity to work with them after the election. Four of the board members appear to be in M. Harding's back pocket. It's hard to make changes when you can't get the vote.
Posted by: Michele Sep 12 2008, 07:50 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Sep 12 2008, 02:16 PM)
Even those 3 have to go. Clean house, says I.
DUH!! I could have had a V-8. Sometimes I'm SO out of the ball park. Let's talk about the positions that are up for election, right? Yes, change is good. I will support any candidate that will not be bought, and will work for the kids.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 14 2008, 10:25 AM
QUOTE(Michele @ Sep 12 2008, 06:08 PM)
Four of the board members appear to be in M. Harding's back pocket.
Verrrrrry verrrrrrry close!
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 12:31 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17347&TM=52166.55
QUOTE
MCAS adopts 2009 budget
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The 2008 budget order for the Michigan City Area Schools has not yet arrived, yet Tuesday the school board, according to law, adopted the 2009 budget.
The budget order is delayed by assessment issues, said Theo Boone, business manager and chief financial officer for MCAS.
The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance has advised all school corporations to advertise an inflated budget because the DLGF likely will cut it later, Boone told the board.
That's the way local taxing agencies have constructed budgets for years.
Nonetheless, board members Beryl Burgwald and Jim Kintzele made some attempts to trim some funds but to no avail. Their efforts were rejected each time by a vote of at least 4-3, with Burgwald, Kintzele and board president Clyde Zeek voting in favor of the cuts and members Rick Carlson, Nathaniel Gipson, Jeff Jones and Kathryn Lee voting against.
That's what happened when Kintzele proposed cutting attorney fees from $120,000 to $60,000.
"I'm not questioning her work," Kintzele said, referring to board attorney Marsha Bugalla, senior counsel with the Indianapolis firm of Locke Reynolds. Rather, he said he hoped the corporation could cut down on the number of legal squabbles with which it becomes embroiled.
Burgwald recommended cutting the communications director and the director's secretary from the budget and bundling the responsibilities into the personnel department. That move failed 4-3.
The communications director, Betsy Kohn, was hired last year. Before Kohn, Beverly Smith held that position and then it was vacant for two years. The secretary's position is not yet filled.
Boone explained the state's thinking on utility bills. "For the last several years, the state has encouraged all school corporations to take some money for utility bills from capital improvements. Last year, Boone said, the cost of NIPSCO utilities rose by 23 percent.
The general fund for 2009 is $51,452,272, up from $49,217,518 in 2009. Of that, 91.8 percent is for employee salaries and benefits, down from the 2008 number of 92.4 percent.
In 2009, money for the general fund will come from the state and none from property taxes.
Property tax funds the debt service fund ($10,905,750); capital projects ($8,337,000); transportation operating fund, which includes salaries ($5,000,754); and school bus replacement ($1,560,000).
The school pension debt is designed by the state to be tax neutral, but that means the board is not permitted to have a special fund for pension debt. Rather, the $1,016,627 pension debt is taken from the school bus replacement fund.
Special education preschool is a fund totaling $377,163, but it is paid by the state, not by property taxes.
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The 2008 budget order for the Michigan City Area Schools has not yet arrived, yet Tuesday the school board, according to law, adopted the 2009 budget.
The budget order is delayed by assessment issues, said Theo Boone, business manager and chief financial officer for MCAS.
The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance has advised all school corporations to advertise an inflated budget because the DLGF likely will cut it later, Boone told the board.
That's the way local taxing agencies have constructed budgets for years.
Nonetheless, board members Beryl Burgwald and Jim Kintzele made some attempts to trim some funds but to no avail. Their efforts were rejected each time by a vote of at least 4-3, with Burgwald, Kintzele and board president Clyde Zeek voting in favor of the cuts and members Rick Carlson, Nathaniel Gipson, Jeff Jones and Kathryn Lee voting against.
That's what happened when Kintzele proposed cutting attorney fees from $120,000 to $60,000.
"I'm not questioning her work," Kintzele said, referring to board attorney Marsha Bugalla, senior counsel with the Indianapolis firm of Locke Reynolds. Rather, he said he hoped the corporation could cut down on the number of legal squabbles with which it becomes embroiled.
Burgwald recommended cutting the communications director and the director's secretary from the budget and bundling the responsibilities into the personnel department. That move failed 4-3.
The communications director, Betsy Kohn, was hired last year. Before Kohn, Beverly Smith held that position and then it was vacant for two years. The secretary's position is not yet filled.
Boone explained the state's thinking on utility bills. "For the last several years, the state has encouraged all school corporations to take some money for utility bills from capital improvements. Last year, Boone said, the cost of NIPSCO utilities rose by 23 percent.
The general fund for 2009 is $51,452,272, up from $49,217,518 in 2009. Of that, 91.8 percent is for employee salaries and benefits, down from the 2008 number of 92.4 percent.
In 2009, money for the general fund will come from the state and none from property taxes.
Property tax funds the debt service fund ($10,905,750); capital projects ($8,337,000); transportation operating fund, which includes salaries ($5,000,754); and school bus replacement ($1,560,000).
The school pension debt is designed by the state to be tax neutral, but that means the board is not permitted to have a special fund for pension debt. Rather, the $1,016,627 pension debt is taken from the school bus replacement fund.
Special education preschool is a fund totaling $377,163, but it is paid by the state, not by property taxes.
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: Ang Sep 15 2008, 12:51 PM
4-3, 4-3, 4-3. That's all you ever hear. What a disgusting mess this school board is.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 12:55 PM
If it wasn't for the mess over the girls basketball coach, I'd really want to see Zeek re-elected. He is a constant vote for fiscal responsiblity on the board. As I see it, we have two candidates who are that AND aren't power hungry.
Posted by: Michele Sep 15 2008, 01:25 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Sep 15 2008, 01:31 PM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17347&TM=52166.55
I was at that board meeting. And your right 4-3 4-3 4-3. It was so frustrating to watch.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 15 2008, 01:49 PM
QUOTE(Michele @ Sep 15 2008, 02:25 PM)
I was at that board meeting. And your right 4-3 4-3 4-3. It was so frustrating to watch.
Anything else interesting that the papers missed?
Posted by: Michele Sep 15 2008, 04:34 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Sep 15 2008, 02:49 PM)
Anything else interesting that the papers missed?
No, it was pretty boring--and frustrating. You could see two administrators that continued to lie about budget issues. Maybe a "lie" is too strong; but they definitely didn't tell the whole story. They told just enough to stop questions from being asked. So, every vote 4-3.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 14 2008, 12:58 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=18065&TM=53736.37
QUOTE
Out with the old school board
The local election for school board is critical to any family or guardian that has children attending Michigan City Area Schools now or will in the future. As voters and/or parents, we cannot afford to not pay attention.
Many problems have plagued MCAS over the years, but it seems at this juncture we are burdened with a school board that refuses to look out for our kids and an administration that simply does not care about our kids or our community enough to make a difference.
If you have not already dealt with the poor performance of this MCAS administration, next year anyone with a student in MCAS will feel the brunt of this administration headed by Mr. Harding and his counterparts firsthand as the shortcomings of the "AYP" [Adequate Yearly Progress] take effect.
While the school board members and especially those up for re-election would like us to believe they have no ownership of the problems before us, that simply is a smokescreen and they should own up to the fact that as a school board they have failed our kids by continually siding with a superintendant and his administration, which continues to drag us lower by not providing any leadership of consequential value.
The taxpayer money that has been wasted by MCAS is enormous. Administration payroll is exorbitant for the results we get.
Do we need an administration that is willing to go to court to keep taxpayers' children from using MCAS facilities that the taxpayers have paid for, and a school board that silently allows these kids to be treated this way?
Please, taxpayers and voters of Michigan City, rise above this nonsense on election day and begin to take back our schools. Show every school board member up for re-election the door, and begin the process of removing Superintendent Harding, and getting someone in place who can run our school system with integrity and values we so desperately need now.
Roger A. Butler
Michigan City
The local election for school board is critical to any family or guardian that has children attending Michigan City Area Schools now or will in the future. As voters and/or parents, we cannot afford to not pay attention.
Many problems have plagued MCAS over the years, but it seems at this juncture we are burdened with a school board that refuses to look out for our kids and an administration that simply does not care about our kids or our community enough to make a difference.
If you have not already dealt with the poor performance of this MCAS administration, next year anyone with a student in MCAS will feel the brunt of this administration headed by Mr. Harding and his counterparts firsthand as the shortcomings of the "AYP" [Adequate Yearly Progress] take effect.
While the school board members and especially those up for re-election would like us to believe they have no ownership of the problems before us, that simply is a smokescreen and they should own up to the fact that as a school board they have failed our kids by continually siding with a superintendant and his administration, which continues to drag us lower by not providing any leadership of consequential value.
The taxpayer money that has been wasted by MCAS is enormous. Administration payroll is exorbitant for the results we get.
Do we need an administration that is willing to go to court to keep taxpayers' children from using MCAS facilities that the taxpayers have paid for, and a school board that silently allows these kids to be treated this way?
Please, taxpayers and voters of Michigan City, rise above this nonsense on election day and begin to take back our schools. Show every school board member up for re-election the door, and begin the process of removing Superintendent Harding, and getting someone in place who can run our school system with integrity and values we so desperately need now.
Roger A. Butler
Michigan City
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Oct 14 2008, 01:15 PM
Amen, amen!
Posted by: Ang Oct 14 2008, 01:32 PM
I totally agree.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 15 2008, 01:33 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18108&TM=55981.83
QUOTE
Secretaries worry about sick students
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A school secretary told the school board Tuesday she sometimes is frightened by the responsibility of taking care of sick children.
She's not talking about the occasional visits by children with sniffles or a tummy ache who are waiting for their parents to pick them up.
Karie Wyse, a secretary at Edgewood Elementary School, said she already has sent a child in the midst of an asthma attack to St. Anthony Memorial in an ambulance this year. She recently saw a child who fell and put one of her teeth through her lip.
She said she worries about the children.
"But I'm concerned about liability issues as well."
Board President Clyde Zeek suggested she take her concerns to Sarah Fine, coordinator of student services. After the meeting, Fine told her the school insures its employees for liability. She also told Wyse she should have come to her with the issue.
"It's a staffing problem," Wyse told the board because there aren't enough nurses. "I'm not speaking for the union or anything like that," she said. "I'm just speaking for the secretaries who find themselves in the same position."
She said she knows at least one secretary whose school had no nurse for nine days.
"We're feeling a lot of pressure," she said.
Sometimes, it's difficult to reach parents, she said and sometimes a child is supposed to have medication for a condition, but doesn't.
In other business Tuesday, the board passed a resolution requiring the administration to bring the budget back to the board if the Board of Local Government Finance demands a reduction. Board members Kathy Lee and Beryle Burgwald authored the resolution.
"I really don't think we need the resolution," Board member Nathaniel Gipson said.
Member Rick Carlson expressed a similar sentiment.
"This seems redundant," Carlson said.
Carlson and Gipson voted against the resolution while Burgwald, Jim Kintzele, Jeff Jones, Clyde Zeek voted for it. Lee was absent.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A school secretary told the school board Tuesday she sometimes is frightened by the responsibility of taking care of sick children.
She's not talking about the occasional visits by children with sniffles or a tummy ache who are waiting for their parents to pick them up.
Karie Wyse, a secretary at Edgewood Elementary School, said she already has sent a child in the midst of an asthma attack to St. Anthony Memorial in an ambulance this year. She recently saw a child who fell and put one of her teeth through her lip.
She said she worries about the children.
"But I'm concerned about liability issues as well."
Board President Clyde Zeek suggested she take her concerns to Sarah Fine, coordinator of student services. After the meeting, Fine told her the school insures its employees for liability. She also told Wyse she should have come to her with the issue.
"It's a staffing problem," Wyse told the board because there aren't enough nurses. "I'm not speaking for the union or anything like that," she said. "I'm just speaking for the secretaries who find themselves in the same position."
She said she knows at least one secretary whose school had no nurse for nine days.
"We're feeling a lot of pressure," she said.
Sometimes, it's difficult to reach parents, she said and sometimes a child is supposed to have medication for a condition, but doesn't.
In other business Tuesday, the board passed a resolution requiring the administration to bring the budget back to the board if the Board of Local Government Finance demands a reduction. Board members Kathy Lee and Beryle Burgwald authored the resolution.
"I really don't think we need the resolution," Board member Nathaniel Gipson said.
Member Rick Carlson expressed a similar sentiment.
"This seems redundant," Carlson said.
Carlson and Gipson voted against the resolution while Burgwald, Jim Kintzele, Jeff Jones, Clyde Zeek voted for it. Lee was absent.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 16 2008, 11:46 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18145&TM=50104.84
QUOTE
Schools, union talks stalling
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MCEA: Negotiations regressing; school system says progress being made.
MICHIGAN CITY - One side says it's progress. The other sees it as regression.
The Michigan City Area Schools favors fact finding as the next step in labor negotiations with the teachers.
The Michigan City Education Association, however, says both sides seemed close to settlement at the last mediation session.
"The Association bargaining team anticipated a settlement at our next mediation session, which was scheduled for Oct. 21," MCEA President Phyllis Stark said in a news release.
"In fact, the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board mediator directed the parties to bring settlement packages and their pajamas to stay as long as needed (at the Oct. 21 meeting) to get a settlement."
Clyde Zeek president of the school board and a member of the MCAS negotiating team, said Thursday he did not feel as confident of reaching a settlement this month as Stark does.
"We were at that last session for 5 1/2 hours and we still had items to discuss," Zeek added.
A release from MCAS said, "The MCAS bargaining team remains optimistic about a settlement and believes that fact finding will aid in reaching a resolution as soon as possible."
During fact-finding, an official appointed by IEERB conducts a public hearing. There, both sides will have an opportunity to present their contract proposals in detail with the fact finder serving as moderator. The fact finder then would offer a neutral advisory opinion and the bargaining teams would return to negotiations to reach a final contract.
The teachers have been working with a contract that expired in June of 2007.
"This is the worst bad-faith bargaining I have seen in 32 years," said Mary Junglas, UniServe director for this district of the Indiana State Teachers Association.
She said the move toward fact-finding is a move toward delay.
"If we find a fact finder by the end of November we will be very lucky," she said. The fact finder then has 30 days to write an advisory opinion. Either side then can write a brief, which could take another 30 days. "Then if either side votes the agreement down, you're back to an impasse, where we were in July."
The association received notice of the board's position on fact-finding when it received a call from Marsha Volk-Bugalla, school board attorney on Wednesday morning. Zeek said the attorney made the call on instruction from the negotiating team.
"Fact finding is a process that stops mediation," Stark noted. "In fact, fact-finding reverses all of the progress that has been made and leads us back to the point when impasse was declared."
Zeek said his "whole intent is to get resolution as quickly and positively as possible."
Zeek said he also believes the teams can get together for more talks before fact-finding even begins.
"We need to get this done," he added.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MCEA: Negotiations regressing; school system says progress being made.
MICHIGAN CITY - One side says it's progress. The other sees it as regression.
The Michigan City Area Schools favors fact finding as the next step in labor negotiations with the teachers.
The Michigan City Education Association, however, says both sides seemed close to settlement at the last mediation session.
"The Association bargaining team anticipated a settlement at our next mediation session, which was scheduled for Oct. 21," MCEA President Phyllis Stark said in a news release.
"In fact, the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board mediator directed the parties to bring settlement packages and their pajamas to stay as long as needed (at the Oct. 21 meeting) to get a settlement."
Clyde Zeek president of the school board and a member of the MCAS negotiating team, said Thursday he did not feel as confident of reaching a settlement this month as Stark does.
"We were at that last session for 5 1/2 hours and we still had items to discuss," Zeek added.
A release from MCAS said, "The MCAS bargaining team remains optimistic about a settlement and believes that fact finding will aid in reaching a resolution as soon as possible."
During fact-finding, an official appointed by IEERB conducts a public hearing. There, both sides will have an opportunity to present their contract proposals in detail with the fact finder serving as moderator. The fact finder then would offer a neutral advisory opinion and the bargaining teams would return to negotiations to reach a final contract.
The teachers have been working with a contract that expired in June of 2007.
"This is the worst bad-faith bargaining I have seen in 32 years," said Mary Junglas, UniServe director for this district of the Indiana State Teachers Association.
She said the move toward fact-finding is a move toward delay.
"If we find a fact finder by the end of November we will be very lucky," she said. The fact finder then has 30 days to write an advisory opinion. Either side then can write a brief, which could take another 30 days. "Then if either side votes the agreement down, you're back to an impasse, where we were in July."
The association received notice of the board's position on fact-finding when it received a call from Marsha Volk-Bugalla, school board attorney on Wednesday morning. Zeek said the attorney made the call on instruction from the negotiating team.
"Fact finding is a process that stops mediation," Stark noted. "In fact, fact-finding reverses all of the progress that has been made and leads us back to the point when impasse was declared."
Zeek said his "whole intent is to get resolution as quickly and positively as possible."
Zeek said he also believes the teams can get together for more talks before fact-finding even begins.
"We need to get this done," he added.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 4 2008, 12:50 PM
The debate on this one was really interesting. I am REALLY curious who exactly authorized them to make this study, since of course, the board didn't. From what Burgwald was saying, this is about the 3rd time this has happened. Also interesting was watching Lee try to argue this. She seemed really flustered, and confused, to the point of even having the people who were on her side questioning exactly what she was talking about. Again the big problem was that the administration was usurping the powers expressly given to the school board by the state of Indiana.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18638&TM=49578.54
QUOTE
Career Center study yields mixed reaction
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A feasibility study exploring whether the Michigan City Area Schools should renovate the A.K. Smith Career Center, 817 Lafayette St., or build a new facility has drawn criticism from School Board members, but support from others.
Of concern to board member Beryle Burgwald is that Superintendent Michael Harding commissioned the study without the board's consent. Burgwald said the board should have been consulted first, and he didn't think it should authorize payment for the effort, estimated to have cost between $13,000 and $14,000.
According to Burgwald, the project was being pushed forward too quickly.
"We have a good project here," he said, "but I think we're going to put it in jeopardy if we don't follow proper statutory requirements."
At last week's School Board meeting, board member Kathryn Lee, impatient with the procedural wrangling, made a motion to initiate legal and procedural actions needed to construct a new career and technical education center connected with Michigan City High School. Her view was that spending money on the A.K. Smith Center would be a Band-Aid that would maintain the status quo.
"I want MCAS to have top (vocational) programs and teachers," Lee said. "Why should we do a Band-Aid now? We know where the money can come from now."
Board members Jim Kintzele and Jeff Jones took a more cautious approach. Kintzele said he couldn't support Lee's motion without more discussion about costs involved. Jones said he wanted to take a closer look at the possibilities at the existing vocational education facility.
Lee clarified her motion as not giving the school administration a blank check to move the project forward, but rather to authorize the superintendent to proceed with getting the preliminary information needed for the board to make a final decision. The motion passed on a 5-2 vote, with Kintzele and Burgwald voting against it.
Joe Coar of Tonn & Blank Construction and Tim Bietry, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce president, spoke in support of creating a top-notch career and technical education center. Coar said a shortage of certain skilled laborers needed to be filled for the construction business.
"We're never going to have a better chance than right now," Coar said. "I think it's a good idea."
Bietry added, "We've got a skills gap with what employers need. What we're talking about are basic changes."
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A feasibility study exploring whether the Michigan City Area Schools should renovate the A.K. Smith Career Center, 817 Lafayette St., or build a new facility has drawn criticism from School Board members, but support from others.
Of concern to board member Beryle Burgwald is that Superintendent Michael Harding commissioned the study without the board's consent. Burgwald said the board should have been consulted first, and he didn't think it should authorize payment for the effort, estimated to have cost between $13,000 and $14,000.
According to Burgwald, the project was being pushed forward too quickly.
"We have a good project here," he said, "but I think we're going to put it in jeopardy if we don't follow proper statutory requirements."
At last week's School Board meeting, board member Kathryn Lee, impatient with the procedural wrangling, made a motion to initiate legal and procedural actions needed to construct a new career and technical education center connected with Michigan City High School. Her view was that spending money on the A.K. Smith Center would be a Band-Aid that would maintain the status quo.
"I want MCAS to have top (vocational) programs and teachers," Lee said. "Why should we do a Band-Aid now? We know where the money can come from now."
Board members Jim Kintzele and Jeff Jones took a more cautious approach. Kintzele said he couldn't support Lee's motion without more discussion about costs involved. Jones said he wanted to take a closer look at the possibilities at the existing vocational education facility.
Lee clarified her motion as not giving the school administration a blank check to move the project forward, but rather to authorize the superintendent to proceed with getting the preliminary information needed for the board to make a final decision. The motion passed on a 5-2 vote, with Kintzele and Burgwald voting against it.
Joe Coar of Tonn & Blank Construction and Tim Bietry, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce president, spoke in support of creating a top-notch career and technical education center. Coar said a shortage of certain skilled laborers needed to be filled for the construction business.
"We're never going to have a better chance than right now," Coar said. "I think it's a good idea."
Bietry added, "We've got a skills gap with what employers need. What we're talking about are basic changes."
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 10 2008, 09:47 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18773&TM=38891.12
QUOTE
Teachers, school board to talk again Nov. 13
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees has announced bargaining teams are going back to the negotiation table Nov. 13 in an effort to arrive at a new teachers' contract.
MCAS negotiating team chief spokeswoman Marsha Bugalla said, "We're committed to working hard to reach an agreement."
She said the Nov. 13 bargaining teams will be reduced to five members representing both sides.
"It's just sometimes easier to make progress with fewer people on each side of the bargaining teams," she said.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said she is not going to question the MCAS decision to restart negotiations. "If they want to come back, we want to come back," Stark said.
The decision to resume negotiations followed a previous decision by the MCAS negotiating team to halt mediation and move to fact-finding after declaring an impasse. Stark expressed surprise by the fact-finding request, saying she thought both sides were close to a settlement. She continues to believe a settlement is near and hopes to find out the reasons the MCAS negotiating team declared an impasse.
"I hope they can share with us why they think we're far apart," Stark said. "We'll go there in good faith."
Bugalla said the decision to resume negotiations was not a reversal of the request for fact-finding.
"It's always important to look at negotiations as an ongoing process, rather than discrete events," Bugalla said. "We felt mediation had been tried and was not producing results."
MCAS spokesperson Betsy Kohn said in a prepared statement, "MCAS and the MCEA are still awaiting a decision by the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board regarding fact-finding. The MCAS Board requested the IEERB pursue fact finding on Oct. 15. The Nov. 13 meeting by negotiating teams does not impact that request."
During fact-finding, an official appointed by IEERB conducts a public hearing, giving both sides an opportunity to present their contract proposals while the fact finder serves as moderator. The fact finder then would offer a neutral advisory opinion and the bargaining teams would return to negotiations to reach a final contract.
MCAS teachers have been operating with a contract that expired in June 2007 and have not received raises since that time.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees has announced bargaining teams are going back to the negotiation table Nov. 13 in an effort to arrive at a new teachers' contract.
MCAS negotiating team chief spokeswoman Marsha Bugalla said, "We're committed to working hard to reach an agreement."
She said the Nov. 13 bargaining teams will be reduced to five members representing both sides.
"It's just sometimes easier to make progress with fewer people on each side of the bargaining teams," she said.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said she is not going to question the MCAS decision to restart negotiations. "If they want to come back, we want to come back," Stark said.
The decision to resume negotiations followed a previous decision by the MCAS negotiating team to halt mediation and move to fact-finding after declaring an impasse. Stark expressed surprise by the fact-finding request, saying she thought both sides were close to a settlement. She continues to believe a settlement is near and hopes to find out the reasons the MCAS negotiating team declared an impasse.
"I hope they can share with us why they think we're far apart," Stark said. "We'll go there in good faith."
Bugalla said the decision to resume negotiations was not a reversal of the request for fact-finding.
"It's always important to look at negotiations as an ongoing process, rather than discrete events," Bugalla said. "We felt mediation had been tried and was not producing results."
MCAS spokesperson Betsy Kohn said in a prepared statement, "MCAS and the MCEA are still awaiting a decision by the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board regarding fact-finding. The MCAS Board requested the IEERB pursue fact finding on Oct. 15. The Nov. 13 meeting by negotiating teams does not impact that request."
During fact-finding, an official appointed by IEERB conducts a public hearing, giving both sides an opportunity to present their contract proposals while the fact finder serves as moderator. The fact finder then would offer a neutral advisory opinion and the bargaining teams would return to negotiations to reach a final contract.
MCAS teachers have been operating with a contract that expired in June 2007 and have not received raises since that time.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: eric.hanke Nov 10 2008, 10:44 AM
QUOTE
MCAS negotiating team chief spokeswoman Marsha Bugalla said, "We're committed to working hard to reach an agreement."How much did that statement cost the taxpayers to produce? Can one of the salaried MCAS Administrators already on the negotiating team act as spokesperson?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 10 2008, 12:34 PM
I have said it before and I will say it again: The spokesmodel should be canned and the money dedicated to paying off Mr. Harding.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 10 2008, 12:50 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Nov 10 2008, 12:34 PM)
I have said it before and I will say it again: The spokesmodel should be canned and the money dedicated to paying off Mr. Harding.
Approximately 2 administrators salaries would equal Michael Harding's annual salary... you might be on to something.
Posted by: eric.hanke Nov 10 2008, 01:47 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Nov 10 2008, 01:50 PM)
Approximately 2 administrators salaries would equal Michael Harding's annual salary... you might be on to something.
There is so much "fat" at the administration building... You'd vomit (well maybe not actually) if you knew how much time/money was wasted on a daily basis. As a former MCAS Information Technology Professional employee, I can personally vouch for the number of hours wasted...
It's sickening.
The MCAS Strategic Plan while a good thing has allowed the MCAS Administration and the “administrators” to log thousands of useless hours toward a plan with no deliverables in sight. I urge the newly elected board members use their voice to attach some deliverables to the Strategic Plan and hold implementation teams accountable for time spent.
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 12 2008, 12:24 PM
Out of curiousity, was any attempt made to bring back the contract status of Michael Harding?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18868
QUOTE
School board member questions money for study
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Two weeks ago, the school board approved a preliminary study to help determine whether a new vocational education school might be built at the Michigan City High School site.
But at Tuesday's meeting of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools, discussion of the study turned to discussions about spending and the authority to spend.
Member Beryle Burgwald, objected to a bill for about $8,400 for the study and said, "I don't think we approved (the spending of) $8,400 two weeks ago."
Board member Jeff Jones, after checking with business manager Theo Boone, reminded members of the board's own bylaws which permit spending of sums below $20,000 by the superintendent or his designee without board approval.
Jones said while he is willing to discuss spending, he does object to the inconsistency of the board's approach. "We pick and choose which (items) need a vote," he said.
Burgwald several times referred to state statute which he said requires the board to authorize feasibility studies.
Board vice president Kathryn Lee reminded Burgwald of her motion two weeks ago. "It was a motion to authorize a feasibility study and it passed 5 to 2," she said.
Board member Jim Kintzele expressed his own concern about the issue. "Is this just a preliminary study? Will there be other studies?"
In other business, the board heard a progress report on the Lake Hills and Pine Schools from construction manager Irving Levine of Verkler Inc. Lake Hills should be ready before Christmas and moving from the old Mullen to the new Lake Hills building might happen during the Christmas break.
The building is completely under roof and secure now.
At Pine, he expects the new water lines, which come from Michigan City, to be in place by the end of January or early February and the sanitary sewers to follow within a month.
"We can't fire up any of our systems (such as the boiler) until we have water," he noted.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Two weeks ago, the school board approved a preliminary study to help determine whether a new vocational education school might be built at the Michigan City High School site.
But at Tuesday's meeting of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools, discussion of the study turned to discussions about spending and the authority to spend.
Member Beryle Burgwald, objected to a bill for about $8,400 for the study and said, "I don't think we approved (the spending of) $8,400 two weeks ago."
Board member Jeff Jones, after checking with business manager Theo Boone, reminded members of the board's own bylaws which permit spending of sums below $20,000 by the superintendent or his designee without board approval.
Jones said while he is willing to discuss spending, he does object to the inconsistency of the board's approach. "We pick and choose which (items) need a vote," he said.
Burgwald several times referred to state statute which he said requires the board to authorize feasibility studies.
Board vice president Kathryn Lee reminded Burgwald of her motion two weeks ago. "It was a motion to authorize a feasibility study and it passed 5 to 2," she said.
Board member Jim Kintzele expressed his own concern about the issue. "Is this just a preliminary study? Will there be other studies?"
In other business, the board heard a progress report on the Lake Hills and Pine Schools from construction manager Irving Levine of Verkler Inc. Lake Hills should be ready before Christmas and moving from the old Mullen to the new Lake Hills building might happen during the Christmas break.
The building is completely under roof and secure now.
At Pine, he expects the new water lines, which come from Michigan City, to be in place by the end of January or early February and the sanitary sewers to follow within a month.
"We can't fire up any of our systems (such as the boiler) until we have water," he noted.
Posted by: eric.hanke Nov 12 2008, 12:33 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Nov 12 2008, 01:24 PM)
Out of curiousity, was any attempt made to bring back the contract status of Michael Harding?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18868
Not only was the contract renewal of Michael Harding not discussed, his evaluation did not receive any attention either.
Mr. Harding was not in attendance at the meeting; his father is in poor health.
Mr. Greene was the only school board elect member in attendance.
I was there of course
Posted by: eric.hanke Nov 12 2008, 01:11 PM
QUOTE
At Pine, he expects the new water lines, which come from Michigan City, to be in place by the end of January or early February and the sanitary sewers to follow within a month.
"We can't fire up any of our systems (such as the boiler) until we have water," he noted.
Not sure why they waited so late in the process to bid out water/sewage to Pine. This should of been done months ago.
Since they can't fire up the HVAC systems without water, or a place for it (water) to go, this is going to delay the already delayed late April transition. You can't mix mud for drywall, grout for tile, etc... without water.
On a positive note, Michigan City paid the difference for a 20" water main that will eventually run south past Pine Elementary to 400 North and then east, in front of my house to Hitchcock Street where the line terminates from the West.
On a sour note, I like listening to construction manager Irving Levine of Verkler Inc talk about all the architectural features at Lake Hills while Pine is just a square building with very few embellishments. At the meeting last night (11/11/08) Mr Levine could not stop talking about all the architectural features at Lake Hills. Pine received little attention.I caught up with Mr. Dave Williamson, Director of Plant Planning, and Verkler construction manger, Mr. Irving Levine a few months ago at a MCAS Board Meeting following a construction update presentation. Dave had to work hard to downplay all the features at Lake Hills, like the indoor garden and seating, and attempt to get Irving to talk up the things at Pine. Problem is, there aren't any. Even with budget surpluses in all areas of construction you will see limited additions to the Pine project.
This may come off as a sour parent, but we (the Pine School Community) have been promised, and have been in need, for a new facility for a long time. Now to get that facility and to feel like the MCAS Administration is just "going through the motions" is upsetting.
Why do we always feel like the bastard stepchild?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 12 2008, 04:06 PM
When did it become Lake Hills instead of Mullen?
Posted by: Johnny Rush Nov 12 2008, 07:00 PM
I talked to Burgwald about the Harding extension...mentioning that Dr. Jones said the evaluation could be "done quite quickly" and he said the are not allowed to discuss personnel matters...so he couldn't mention if the evaluation was complete. From what I understand, once all the parameters of the "motion to table" are met...it would come back on the agenda. Since the evaluation is the only parameter...I would just assume they are dragging it out?
That's just what I understand...nobody was really jumping up and down to talk about Harding last night.
Posted by: Ang Nov 12 2008, 07:07 PM
Sounds to me like they're taking the "out of sight, out of mind" approach
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 17 2008, 09:18 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=18915&TM=37068.33
QUOTE
Negativity started with Harding
A member of the school board's negotiating team who is also a member of the business community e-mailed Mr. Harding last December and asked that he have more dialogue with the president of the Michigan City Education Association. He responded saying he would not due to all of the negativity.
Negativity and lack of response to teachers and their concerns has been a cornerstone of Harding's tenure. He began his tenure stating Michigan City Area Schools was a "rudderless ship" and he would change that when he moved to the MCAS community. He has done neither. The rudder is now broken. Mr. Harding still lives in Granger, Ind., and the MCAS now pays his transportation costs.
He continues to ignore the negotiated teacher contract and because of this more than 120 teacher grievances were sitting on his desk at one time awaiting resolution. A significant number of those grievances have gone to or are scheduled for arbitration at corporation expense.
Harding hired his friend, also from Granger, as the assistant superintendent in 2004. This man blasted teachers and the community, saying he would never move to this community and have his children attend MCAS. Harding's response was to eventually reprimand Mr. Sweeney and then put him in charge of developing a strategic plan for the MCAS.
Meanwhile, Harding was interviewing for jobs elsewhere. In Toledo, Ohio, he built himself up as he tore down the MCAS community. After a background check, Mr. Harding was no longer in contention for the Toledo job.
Some board members tout the MCAS strategic plan as the infallible guide to success. Just what has this plan facilitated? The dismantling of a successful Title I program in the elementary schools so that a pre-school program could be established. Mr. Harding hired personnel who do not work with children, a grant writer, communications director, literacy and curriculum coaches and many consultants.
I have been a chief teacher negotiator and know that teachers will not walk away from the bargaining table when an agreement is near. So why does the board's team walk away? The board opted out of mediation in favor of fact finding. Why?
Ms. Bugalla [school board attorney] represented the board during the teachers' strike in 1985. She's back at it again. Is this by chance or design? I believe a contract agreement would benefit everyone but Harding and Bugalla. She would lose significant income. She bills the corporation approximately $250 per hour. A lot of dollars have been spent over the last two years for her services and still no contract!
The negativity that Mr. Harding referred to started with him at the beginning of his tenure and he continues to spread it throughout the MCAS. When is enough enough?
Bill Pool
Retired MCAS teacher
Chesterton
A member of the school board's negotiating team who is also a member of the business community e-mailed Mr. Harding last December and asked that he have more dialogue with the president of the Michigan City Education Association. He responded saying he would not due to all of the negativity.
Negativity and lack of response to teachers and their concerns has been a cornerstone of Harding's tenure. He began his tenure stating Michigan City Area Schools was a "rudderless ship" and he would change that when he moved to the MCAS community. He has done neither. The rudder is now broken. Mr. Harding still lives in Granger, Ind., and the MCAS now pays his transportation costs.
He continues to ignore the negotiated teacher contract and because of this more than 120 teacher grievances were sitting on his desk at one time awaiting resolution. A significant number of those grievances have gone to or are scheduled for arbitration at corporation expense.
Harding hired his friend, also from Granger, as the assistant superintendent in 2004. This man blasted teachers and the community, saying he would never move to this community and have his children attend MCAS. Harding's response was to eventually reprimand Mr. Sweeney and then put him in charge of developing a strategic plan for the MCAS.
Meanwhile, Harding was interviewing for jobs elsewhere. In Toledo, Ohio, he built himself up as he tore down the MCAS community. After a background check, Mr. Harding was no longer in contention for the Toledo job.
Some board members tout the MCAS strategic plan as the infallible guide to success. Just what has this plan facilitated? The dismantling of a successful Title I program in the elementary schools so that a pre-school program could be established. Mr. Harding hired personnel who do not work with children, a grant writer, communications director, literacy and curriculum coaches and many consultants.
I have been a chief teacher negotiator and know that teachers will not walk away from the bargaining table when an agreement is near. So why does the board's team walk away? The board opted out of mediation in favor of fact finding. Why?
Ms. Bugalla [school board attorney] represented the board during the teachers' strike in 1985. She's back at it again. Is this by chance or design? I believe a contract agreement would benefit everyone but Harding and Bugalla. She would lose significant income. She bills the corporation approximately $250 per hour. A lot of dollars have been spent over the last two years for her services and still no contract!
The negativity that Mr. Harding referred to started with him at the beginning of his tenure and he continues to spread it throughout the MCAS. When is enough enough?
Bill Pool
Retired MCAS teacher
Chesterton
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 17 2008, 11:55 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=19001&TM=46891.79
QUOTE
MCAS, Sullair creating parent center
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools is building a parent center at Sullair Corp., 3700 E. Michigan Blvd., that will allow employees who are parents to become more involved in their children's education.
Joan McCormick, MCAS director of special education, told the School Board about the effort last week, stressing the need to create a more accessible system for parents.
"The less we blame, the better off we are," McCormick said. "We need to move from talking about parent participation to creating parent partners."
Sullair President Henry Brooks is thrilled. The center "will be the first of its kind in Michigan City," he said.
The goal is to put in place a kiosk with computers that would allow parents to communicate with teachers and others at school, as well as have access to their children's records.
"Henry asked managers to talk with their employees about being parents and participating in the academic lives of their children," McCormick said.
The center likely will start by making reading materials available to parents.
In December, McCormick and Kevin McGuire, MCAS director of technology, will visit with Sullair parents and assess their needs. McCormick hopes parents can use the kiosk during their breaks and lunch periods.
"It's such a good idea to give employees access to their kids's records and teachers," Brooks said. "I think it's a great idea. We're glad to participate."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools is building a parent center at Sullair Corp., 3700 E. Michigan Blvd., that will allow employees who are parents to become more involved in their children's education.
Joan McCormick, MCAS director of special education, told the School Board about the effort last week, stressing the need to create a more accessible system for parents.
"The less we blame, the better off we are," McCormick said. "We need to move from talking about parent participation to creating parent partners."
Sullair President Henry Brooks is thrilled. The center "will be the first of its kind in Michigan City," he said.
The goal is to put in place a kiosk with computers that would allow parents to communicate with teachers and others at school, as well as have access to their children's records.
"Henry asked managers to talk with their employees about being parents and participating in the academic lives of their children," McCormick said.
The center likely will start by making reading materials available to parents.
In December, McCormick and Kevin McGuire, MCAS director of technology, will visit with Sullair parents and assess their needs. McCormick hopes parents can use the kiosk during their breaks and lunch periods.
"It's such a good idea to give employees access to their kids's records and teachers," Brooks said. "I think it's a great idea. We're glad to participate."
Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 17 2008, 03:26 PM
Well, they need 41 fewer seats at the center.
Posted by: eric.hanke Nov 17 2008, 09:13 PM
Why is the Director of Special Education working on parent resource centers?
We don't have the tools currently to give parent's access to student records online. How is a parent resource center going to change that?
Posted by: Ang Nov 17 2008, 10:43 PM
QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Nov 17 2008, 08:13 PM)
Why is the Director of Special Education working on parent resource centers?
We don't have the tools currently to give parent's access to student records online. How is a parent resource center going to change that?
To answer the first question, I'm sure it's because they haven't hired a new administrator yet.
Posted by: JHeath Nov 18 2008, 11:10 AM
QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Nov 17 2008, 09:13 PM)
Why is the Director of Special Education working on parent resource centers?
We don't have the tools currently to give parent's access to student records online. How is a parent resource center going to change that?
Another question we should ask is about the funding source. Where's the money coming from...and are any of the special ed programs being "shorted" because of it?
Posted by: southsider2k7 Nov 24 2008, 08:15 AM
HINT, HINT
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=19165&TM=33377.77
QUOTE
Profile may help find right person for NB Schools
Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. - The New Buffalo School Board is continuing its search for a new superintendent to replace Michael Lindley, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
On Monday, board members listened to a presentation by George Soper of Memorial Hospital and Health System in South Bend, Ind., about the Hartman Value Profile, a potential tool for finding a district leader.
Soper said the Hartman Value Profile was not an IQ test or rational intelligence profile, did not measure psychological disfunctions, was not a personal inventory test and was not a profile of someone's emotional intelligence.
"It attempts to determine whether, and to what degree, a person has good judgment by measuring their value system," he explained.
There were four key items for success in this profile: The competency of a person's knowledge and skills, an ability to make a decision, the competency of work processes and judgement.
"We think values manifest in the judgments that we make," Soper said. "This profile attempts to determine how your judgments are advanced or encumbered by positive or negative self judgments."
He said the profile would give the board insight into a person's ability to recognise the subtle issues behind a dilemma, gather information, put it together with a high degree of proficiency and be deliberate in his or her decision-making, rather than reactionary.
He said it also addresses such key success factors as whether of not an individual was capable of dealing with difficult people, could maintain a positive attitude, saw work as a means to an end, followed directions or was too self-critical.
No action was taken.
Matt Fritz is a reporter for Harbor Country News in New Buffalo, Mich.
Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. - The New Buffalo School Board is continuing its search for a new superintendent to replace Michael Lindley, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
On Monday, board members listened to a presentation by George Soper of Memorial Hospital and Health System in South Bend, Ind., about the Hartman Value Profile, a potential tool for finding a district leader.
Soper said the Hartman Value Profile was not an IQ test or rational intelligence profile, did not measure psychological disfunctions, was not a personal inventory test and was not a profile of someone's emotional intelligence.
"It attempts to determine whether, and to what degree, a person has good judgment by measuring their value system," he explained.
There were four key items for success in this profile: The competency of a person's knowledge and skills, an ability to make a decision, the competency of work processes and judgement.
"We think values manifest in the judgments that we make," Soper said. "This profile attempts to determine how your judgments are advanced or encumbered by positive or negative self judgments."
He said the profile would give the board insight into a person's ability to recognise the subtle issues behind a dilemma, gather information, put it together with a high degree of proficiency and be deliberate in his or her decision-making, rather than reactionary.
He said it also addresses such key success factors as whether of not an individual was capable of dealing with difficult people, could maintain a positive attitude, saw work as a means to an end, followed directions or was too self-critical.
No action was taken.
Matt Fritz is a reporter for Harbor Country News in New Buffalo, Mich.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Nov 24 2008, 08:28 AM
What if we contracted to keep the world mum about Mike, and shipped him over there?
Posted by: southsider2k7 Jan 8 2009, 08:17 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20105&TM=33507.97
QUOTE
Council to mull career center concept tonight
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The City Council will consider a resolution tonight supporting the Michigan City Area School in creating a "state-of-the-art" career and technical center.
The resolution is sponsored by councilwoman Angie Nelson, who spoke in favor of the new center during a public hearing at a December School Board meeting. Whether or not the council embraces the center, the issue is creating controversy in the community. Some believe the MCAS is pushing through a new center, to be constructed at Michigan City High School, without seriously considering whether to renovate the existing A.K. Smith Career Center at Elston Middle School.
The decision could be put to a public vote in a special spring election if a new petition drive generates 100 certified voter signatures by the Jan. 19 deadline.
Charlie Morgan is spearheading the petition drive to allow community members to decide what to do about a career center. Morgan said he has gathered almost 70 signatures and expects to get all he needs by next Monday.
"I've not had one person turn it down," said Morgan, who points out he's not against vocational education, but is against moving forward on a building without presenting a plan.
All petition signatures will be checked by the county clerk's office for validity and sent back to the School Board for a decision on whether to call a special election.
The School Board voted 5-2 at its Oct. 28 meeting to authorize Superintendent Michael Harding to go ahead with a feasibility study on building a new career and technical center at a site at the high school. Board members Jim Kintzele and Beryle Burgwald voted against the study.
Burgwald has objected to Harding's expenditure of $8,400 for an earlier study that involved visits to other Indiana locations where centers have been constructed. He maintains that under state law, Harding lacks the authority to conduct a feasibility study without board approval. However, MCAS business manager Theo Boone has said the board's bylaws allow the superintendent to spend up to $20,000 without board approval.
On Monday, three new board members officially replaced those who voted for the feasibility study, and Kintzele is the newly-elected School Board president.
According to Morgan, there's enough board support for a public referendum.
A public vote on the issue is made possible under HB 1001, which allows public votes on bond issues of more than $20 million, Burgwald said. The vote would be either for or against issuing a bond that would cost about $71 million over 19 1/2 years.
In an Anvil Chorus letter published in The News-Dispatch on Dec. 22, Burgwald said he is not opposed to vocational education. "What I do oppose is a bond issue to build an all-new center at a cost of nearly $71 million during these hard economic times and when the term of the current bond issue for constructing our two newest schools (Pine and Lake Hills) still has 16 more years to run until it is finally paid off."
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The City Council will consider a resolution tonight supporting the Michigan City Area School in creating a "state-of-the-art" career and technical center.
The resolution is sponsored by councilwoman Angie Nelson, who spoke in favor of the new center during a public hearing at a December School Board meeting. Whether or not the council embraces the center, the issue is creating controversy in the community. Some believe the MCAS is pushing through a new center, to be constructed at Michigan City High School, without seriously considering whether to renovate the existing A.K. Smith Career Center at Elston Middle School.
The decision could be put to a public vote in a special spring election if a new petition drive generates 100 certified voter signatures by the Jan. 19 deadline.
Charlie Morgan is spearheading the petition drive to allow community members to decide what to do about a career center. Morgan said he has gathered almost 70 signatures and expects to get all he needs by next Monday.
"I've not had one person turn it down," said Morgan, who points out he's not against vocational education, but is against moving forward on a building without presenting a plan.
All petition signatures will be checked by the county clerk's office for validity and sent back to the School Board for a decision on whether to call a special election.
The School Board voted 5-2 at its Oct. 28 meeting to authorize Superintendent Michael Harding to go ahead with a feasibility study on building a new career and technical center at a site at the high school. Board members Jim Kintzele and Beryle Burgwald voted against the study.
Burgwald has objected to Harding's expenditure of $8,400 for an earlier study that involved visits to other Indiana locations where centers have been constructed. He maintains that under state law, Harding lacks the authority to conduct a feasibility study without board approval. However, MCAS business manager Theo Boone has said the board's bylaws allow the superintendent to spend up to $20,000 without board approval.
On Monday, three new board members officially replaced those who voted for the feasibility study, and Kintzele is the newly-elected School Board president.
According to Morgan, there's enough board support for a public referendum.
A public vote on the issue is made possible under HB 1001, which allows public votes on bond issues of more than $20 million, Burgwald said. The vote would be either for or against issuing a bond that would cost about $71 million over 19 1/2 years.
In an Anvil Chorus letter published in The News-Dispatch on Dec. 22, Burgwald said he is not opposed to vocational education. "What I do oppose is a bond issue to build an all-new center at a cost of nearly $71 million during these hard economic times and when the term of the current bond issue for constructing our two newest schools (Pine and Lake Hills) still has 16 more years to run until it is finally paid off."
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20129
QUOTE
Council gives nod to career center
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday night supporting the Michigan City Area Schools in creating a career and technical center that would benefit students, businesses and community members.
A career and technical center is seen as a vehicle for training public-school students for jobs that are in demand in the area. As proposed, the training would focus on giving students hands-on training in "career clusters" such as engineering, health services, building trades, manufacturing and technology.
Nearly 10 percent of MCAS students drop out of school, and more than half don't go on to college. The career center would give students the skills to move immediately from high school into the workforce. MCAS could partner with Purdue University-North Central and Ivy Tech Community College to give students the opportunity to earn college credits, giving them a jump start in pursuing additional education beyond high school.
At-large council member Angie Nelson, who co-sponsored the resolution with at-large council member Bob McKee, said a career and technical center could assist in training Michigan City's estimated six percent unemployed.
Representatives of the city's economic development and business sectors spoke in favor of the MCAS developing a up-to-date career center.
John Regetz, Michigan City Economic Development Corp. director, said skilled workers who are able to apply new technologies are essential in recruiting and retaining new businesses. Joe Coar, an executive with Tonn & Blank construction company in Michigan City, was part of a group invited by MCAS to visit career centers in Kokomo and Indianapolis. He said the Kokomo career center handles 1,300 students, and the school system has a 75 percent graduation rate.
"I'm very supportive and will help with apprenticeship programs," Coar said. "I would like to see the building and facility be union built."
Pat Boy, 4th Ward council member, said a key component to the success of a career center is to involve area businesses in curriculum development.
"It can't just be driven by the school system," Boy said.
At-large council member Joe Doyle said he was fully supportive of developing a career center, but said the existing A.K. Smith Center is not being fully used. He would like to have more information about the size and cost of what's being considered.
At the beginning of Monday's council meeting, McKee was elected to replace 3rd Ward council member Ron Meer as council president. Willie Milsap, 5th Ward council member, was re-elected vice president.
In a 5-4 vote, Boy was selected over Rich Murphy, 1st Ward council member, as the council's liaison to the Michigan City Plan Commission. Marc Espar was named council parliamentarian.
q
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday night supporting the Michigan City Area Schools in creating a career and technical center that would benefit students, businesses and community members.
A career and technical center is seen as a vehicle for training public-school students for jobs that are in demand in the area. As proposed, the training would focus on giving students hands-on training in "career clusters" such as engineering, health services, building trades, manufacturing and technology.
Nearly 10 percent of MCAS students drop out of school, and more than half don't go on to college. The career center would give students the skills to move immediately from high school into the workforce. MCAS could partner with Purdue University-North Central and Ivy Tech Community College to give students the opportunity to earn college credits, giving them a jump start in pursuing additional education beyond high school.
At-large council member Angie Nelson, who co-sponsored the resolution with at-large council member Bob McKee, said a career and technical center could assist in training Michigan City's estimated six percent unemployed.
Representatives of the city's economic development and business sectors spoke in favor of the MCAS developing a up-to-date career center.
John Regetz, Michigan City Economic Development Corp. director, said skilled workers who are able to apply new technologies are essential in recruiting and retaining new businesses. Joe Coar, an executive with Tonn & Blank construction company in Michigan City, was part of a group invited by MCAS to visit career centers in Kokomo and Indianapolis. He said the Kokomo career center handles 1,300 students, and the school system has a 75 percent graduation rate.
"I'm very supportive and will help with apprenticeship programs," Coar said. "I would like to see the building and facility be union built."
Pat Boy, 4th Ward council member, said a key component to the success of a career center is to involve area businesses in curriculum development.
"It can't just be driven by the school system," Boy said.
At-large council member Joe Doyle said he was fully supportive of developing a career center, but said the existing A.K. Smith Center is not being fully used. He would like to have more information about the size and cost of what's being considered.
At the beginning of Monday's council meeting, McKee was elected to replace 3rd Ward council member Ron Meer as council president. Willie Milsap, 5th Ward council member, was re-elected vice president.
In a 5-4 vote, Boy was selected over Rich Murphy, 1st Ward council member, as the council's liaison to the Michigan City Plan Commission. Marc Espar was named council parliamentarian.
q
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jan 9 2009, 01:00 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=20164
QUOTE
MCAS 'reform' leaves teachers behind
I believe it to be incredibly arrogant that elected public officials, such as Mr. Carlson ["Harding's reforms resisted by teachers union," Wednesday], continue to believe that they can ignore public opinion once elected. It was public opinion that elected him and it was public opinion that removed him from the board. Say what is necessary to get elected and do what you want afterward! Once elected, Mr. Carlson apparently held a higher opinion of himself and was no longer accountable to the public! Unfortunate!
Mr. Carlson has a lot to say about "school reform," which he claims led to terms like "disrespect" and "No Confidence" emerging from the teachers union leadership. Actually these terms emerged from teachers. Harding consistently refuses to meet with teacher leaders and involve teachers in the decision-making process. And while Mr. Carlson says "ALL stakeholders" must share responsibility and seek improvement, the present administration blames only teachers for student failures.
Realignment of resources is mentioned as an area of reform. Does that mean the Michigan City Area Schools creates new administrative positions, hires numerous consultants, employs teachers who don't work with children, asks teachers to work a longer day and does not give them commensurate pay, gives all employee groups raises except for teachers in 2007-2008, and eliminates a successful Title I program in the elementary schools?
While the MCAS may have Indiana's only open-enrollment early education program, it came at the expense of the Title I program in elementary schools. The administration did develop an expanded, not new, program for 3 and 4 year olds. Has this program been evaluated? Is the program maintaining a 15 to 1 student to classroom teacher ratio as originally promised? Do we know how many of the pre-K students are entering MCAS each year? Are initial parent involvement guidelines and student standards still being followed or have they been relaxed? Does the public know the answer to these questions? They should!
Mr. Carlson also had a lot to say about programs. The ones he mentioned were not necessarily new but programs that have been expanded during Harding's tenure. There are no "new" programs providing direct service to elementary school students. I believe most elementary teachers would welcome new research-based programs that are designed to improve student learning. The question is whether or not the board is willing to pay for them. Money seems to be available, but not for teachers.
I believe the present push to spend $71 millions dollars [including interest on bonds] on a new career center is typical of the Harding administration. He will push to spend corporation money and worry about a program later. As stated by several speakers at the December board meeting, "much has been said about bricks and mortar tonight but nothing about programs." Education seems to take a back seat to projects.
Bill Pool
Retired MCAS teacher
Chesterton
I believe it to be incredibly arrogant that elected public officials, such as Mr. Carlson ["Harding's reforms resisted by teachers union," Wednesday], continue to believe that they can ignore public opinion once elected. It was public opinion that elected him and it was public opinion that removed him from the board. Say what is necessary to get elected and do what you want afterward! Once elected, Mr. Carlson apparently held a higher opinion of himself and was no longer accountable to the public! Unfortunate!
Mr. Carlson has a lot to say about "school reform," which he claims led to terms like "disrespect" and "No Confidence" emerging from the teachers union leadership. Actually these terms emerged from teachers. Harding consistently refuses to meet with teacher leaders and involve teachers in the decision-making process. And while Mr. Carlson says "ALL stakeholders" must share responsibility and seek improvement, the present administration blames only teachers for student failures.
Realignment of resources is mentioned as an area of reform. Does that mean the Michigan City Area Schools creates new administrative positions, hires numerous consultants, employs teachers who don't work with children, asks teachers to work a longer day and does not give them commensurate pay, gives all employee groups raises except for teachers in 2007-2008, and eliminates a successful Title I program in the elementary schools?
While the MCAS may have Indiana's only open-enrollment early education program, it came at the expense of the Title I program in elementary schools. The administration did develop an expanded, not new, program for 3 and 4 year olds. Has this program been evaluated? Is the program maintaining a 15 to 1 student to classroom teacher ratio as originally promised? Do we know how many of the pre-K students are entering MCAS each year? Are initial parent involvement guidelines and student standards still being followed or have they been relaxed? Does the public know the answer to these questions? They should!
Mr. Carlson also had a lot to say about programs. The ones he mentioned were not necessarily new but programs that have been expanded during Harding's tenure. There are no "new" programs providing direct service to elementary school students. I believe most elementary teachers would welcome new research-based programs that are designed to improve student learning. The question is whether or not the board is willing to pay for them. Money seems to be available, but not for teachers.
I believe the present push to spend $71 millions dollars [including interest on bonds] on a new career center is typical of the Harding administration. He will push to spend corporation money and worry about a program later. As stated by several speakers at the December board meeting, "much has been said about bricks and mortar tonight but nothing about programs." Education seems to take a back seat to projects.
Bill Pool
Retired MCAS teacher
Chesterton
Posted by: Yokas Jan 10 2009, 02:54 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jan 9 2009, 01:00 PM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=20164
I couldn't agree more with Bill Pool
Posted by: eric.hanke Jan 11 2009, 08:32 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jan 9 2009, 01:00 PM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=20164
Nods in agreement. We, the community, need to see the big picture before spending that kind of money.
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 12 2009, 03:44 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Jan 8 2009, 08:17 AM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20105&TM=33507.97
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20129
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20129
You are not going to find anyone against better education. What you may find are people who are against spending 71 mill to have it in a school system with 7 thousand students.
Beware, Gentle Reader, of another ploy at using a false dichotomy to force this money issue. The FD in this case is that one is either for the 71 million dollar plan or against better education.
Posted by: Michelle Jan 12 2009, 06:51 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 12 2009, 03:44 PM)
You are not going to find anyone against better education. What you may find are people who are against spending 71 mill to have it in a school system with 7 thousand students.
Beware, Gentle Reader, of another ploy at using a false dichotomy to force this money issue. The FD in this case is that one is either for the 71 million dollar plan or against better education.
I'm torn about this one..I'm all for career education and for skilled trades as a life path. But 71 million dollars is a lot of money. Considering the economic climate, it seems like they should be looking at ways to pare it down a bit. If you're going to spend that kind of money, though, this isn't the worst way to spend it.
Posted by: lovethiscity Jan 13 2009, 08:29 PM
QUOTE(Michelle @ Jan 12 2009, 06:51 PM)
I'm torn about this one..I'm all for career education and for skilled trades as a life path. But 71 million dollars is a lot of money. Considering the economic climate, it seems like they should be looking at ways to pare it down a bit. If you're going to spend that kind of money, though, this isn't the worst way to spend it.
Will 71 million bring up the ISTEP scores, improve the GQE results or will we end up with a real nice building while we still fail our kids?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 14 2009, 08:22 AM
That is exactly my concern. This administration has failed to improve the education the kids get--and even made it worse--so I cannot trust them with this new project.
There is an article in the paper about this. Charlie Morgan is pretty much on the right path as far as questioning goes.
The Gentle Reader will notice the ND mentions a $38 mill pricetag, but this does not include the interest and costs, which is what brings it to $71,000,000.00, paid over 19½ years.
The referendum is not up/down on building the thing. It is to fund it with a bond issue, I believe the term is, that will not count toward the new property caps put forth by the bad measure passed last session of the legislature (HB 1001). In other words, if the ref. passes, then the $71,000,000.00 payments will be paid on top of our current taxes. If it fails, then the $71,000,000.00 has to be paid out of our current taxes, and, presumably, some services currently paid by those taxes will be pared back. The only people it seems that can stop the building from proceeding is the School Board, if you can believe it. Please, if anyone has better info, please chime in.
Posted by: Ang Jan 14 2009, 11:31 AM
What gets me is time after time, I keep reading about this or that project for the MCAS, but what about a field house? MCAS NEEDS A FIELD HOUSE!!!!! Why do they keep ignoring that? Are they waiting for the sports teams to start winning? Maybe that would happen if there was a field house. The kids can't be properly coached as it is because the different teams are all on top of each other. Track and X-Country PRACTICE IN THE HALLWAYS AT MCHS for crying out loud!! Come on! How much value can a child retain when they are running track in the school halls?
Rehab the AK Smith building and build a field house is what I say!
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 14 2009, 12:45 PM
fyi, they are not running in the halls.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jan 14 2009, 12:47 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 14 2009, 12:45 PM)
fyi, they are not running in the halls.
The XC recently had a home course opened up right behind the campus. I don't know what the track team's situation is.
Posted by: Ang Jan 14 2009, 05:29 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 14 2009, 11:45 AM)
fyi, they are not running in the halls.
Well, they were when I worked there. At least the girls were. If the weather was nice they would run outside, but unless I was hallucinating, they ran in the halls.
Posted by: lovethiscity Jan 14 2009, 08:56 PM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 14 2009, 08:22 AM)
That is exactly my concern. This administration has failed to improve the education the kids get--and even made it worse--so I cannot trust them with this new project.
There is an article in the paper about this. Charlie Morgan is pretty much on the right path as far as questioning goes.
The Gentle Reader will notice the ND mentions a $38 mill pricetag, but this does not include the interest and costs, which is what brings it to $71,000,000.00, paid over 19½ years.
The referendum is not up/down on building the thing. It is to fund it with a bond issue, I believe the term is, that will not count toward the new property caps put forth by the bad measure passed last session of the legislature (HB 1001). In other words, if the ref. passes, then the $71,000,000.00 payments will be paid on top of our current taxes. If it fails, then the $71,000,000.00 has to be paid out of our current taxes, and, presumably, some services currently paid by those taxes will be pared back. The only people it seems that can stop the building from proceeding is the School Board, if you can believe it. Please, if anyone has better info, please chime in.
On top of Gov. Daniel's bleak outlook at School funding in the immediate future. In his state of the State, School districts need to start cutting NOW! Putting an added finacial burden is nuts. So my question is, do we have nuts trying to run the school system?
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 15 2009, 09:15 AM
QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Jan 14 2009, 08:56 PM)
On top of Gov. Daniel's bleak outlook at School funding in the immediate future. In his state of the State, School districts need to start cutting NOW! Putting an added finacial burden is nuts. So my question is, do we have nuts trying to run the school system?
Easy answer: We keep electing a Board who does not work to improve academic achievement.
Posted by: Yokas Jan 15 2009, 02:22 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jan 14 2009, 11:31 AM)
What gets me is time after time, I keep reading about this or that project for the MCAS, but what about a field house? MCAS NEEDS A FIELD HOUSE!!!!! Why do they keep ignoring that? Are they waiting for the sports teams to start winning? Maybe that would happen if there was a field house. The kids can't be properly coached as it is because the different teams are all on top of each other. Track and X-Country PRACTICE IN THE HALLWAYS AT MCHS for crying out loud!! Come on! How much value can a child retain when they are running track in the school halls?
Rehab the AK Smith building and build a field house is what I say!
Yes, Ang, they are still running in the halls. But ask yourself why they put that stupid parking lot in the front of the school where the career center was supposed to go??? Rumor has it - for a field house in the back. I think it is coming.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jan 15 2009, 02:26 PM
QUOTE(Yokas @ Jan 15 2009, 02:22 PM)
Yes, Ang, they are still running in the halls. But ask yourself why they put that stupid parking lot in the front of the school where the career center was supposed to go??? Rumor has it - for a field house in the back. I think it is coming.
The story I heard was that they had to build that eyesore of a parking lot in order to up the parking capacity to keep sectionals and regionals here in MC.
Posted by: Ang Jan 15 2009, 04:27 PM
QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jan 15 2009, 01:26 PM)
The story I heard was that they had to build that eyesore of a parking lot in order to up the parking capacity to keep sectionals and regionals here in MC.
That makes a lot of sense to me. I don't know if any of you have attended a sectional or regional basketball game at MCHS, but if you don't get there at least an hour before the first game, you'll end up parked behind the baseball fields! One year it was so bad people were parking along Pahs Rd all the way to Marquette's fields. This meant lots of people walking down Pahs Rd in the dark. Crazy Crazy Crazy!
Posted by: Yokas Jan 16 2009, 09:08 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jan 15 2009, 02:26 PM)
The story I heard was that they had to build that eyesore of a parking lot in order to up the parking capacity to keep sectionals and regionals here in MC.
That makes sense to me too. Parking was always a problem, and sectional/regionals is a big money maker. However, it is my understanding that MCAS is the only district in our conference that does not have a field house, and the powers that be want to change that. I'm for it myself; but once again, that is going to cost a lot of money
Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jan 16 2009, 09:19 AM
QUOTE(Yokas @ Jan 15 2009, 02:22 PM)
Yes, Ang, they are still running in the halls. But ask yourself why they put that stupid parking lot in the front of the school where the career center was supposed to go??? Rumor has it - for a field house in the back. I think it is coming.
Let's put together the timeline: The plans for the north lot were proposed THEN DONE! I think the plan for the proposed career center were what is planned for the space south of the school building. The studies were being done, remember, when the lot got put down.
I know a coupl'a people on track team (their parents, actually) so I will ask them about the hallway running. They had gotten mats or runners to put in the halls, but I think they are just stored somewhere way out of the way.
Posted by: Magnolia Jan 16 2009, 10:06 AM
QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jan 15 2009, 02:26 PM)
The story I heard was that they had to build that eyesore of a parking lot in order to up the parking capacity to keep sectionals and regionals here in MC.
Building the career center at the high school will result in the loss of 300+ parking spaces.
Posted by: Yokas Jan 16 2009, 10:13 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 16 2009, 09:19 AM)
Let's put together the timeline: The plans for the north lot were proposed THEN DONE! I think the plan for the proposed career center were what is planned for the space south of the school building. The studies were being done, remember, when the lot got put down.
I know a coupl'a people on track team (their parents, actually) so I will ask them about the hallway running. They had gotten mats or runners to put in the halls, but I think they are just stored somewhere way out of the way.
I'm anxious to hear what the parents say. As an "observer", I know that there are mats (very expensive) that have to be set up and taken down by the team before and after every practice. But they don't cover the entire hallway; in fact, I thought they were for stopping and starting. Some team members run the hallways. I think the distance runners go outside unless the weather is horrible.
Posted by: Ang Jan 16 2009, 10:14 AM
QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Jan 16 2009, 08:19 AM)
Let's put together the timeline: The plans for the north lot were proposed THEN DONE! I think the plan for the proposed career center were what is planned for the space south of the school building. The studies were being done, remember, when the lot got put down.
I know a coupl'a people on track team (their parents, actually) so I will ask them about the hallway running. They had gotten mats or runners to put in the halls, but I think they are just stored somewhere way out of the way.
When I worked there, they were rolled up and stored in the foyer outside the gym--in the glass hall. When they were not in season, the mats were moved to a storage closet.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Feb 11 2009, 10:47 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=20961&TM=42781.2
QUOTE
Park Department agreement delayed
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Board of the Michigan City Area Schools delayed approval of a new agreement with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board Tuesday night.
School Board member Beryle Burgwald still had some question about who owns the land in question.
"Was there any discussion on whether the civil city owns Zilla Square?"
At the last board meeting he referred to an old title search back to 1930, which never mentioned the city as a title holder. No one answered that question.
The two boards have been squabbling for more than a year.
In about 1988, an agreement between the two boards granted park department programs the right of first refusal when the schools were not using the facilities.
In exchange, the park board granted MCAS a portion of Zilla Square which would allow for an addition to Marsh School.
The disagreement centered on which programs legitimately belong under the umbrella of the Park Department and on which facilities the park boards could use on any given occasion.
School Board President Jim Kintzele, who had been authorized to negotiate with Mayor Chuck Oberlie and the park board, said the questions of who has the right to use the facilities as well as a process for notifying MCAS when a group is added to the park department programs have been answered.
Board member Dr. Vidya Kora suggested delaying a decision until all school board members have had time to review the agreement.
Other discussion centered around whether board member Bill Greene should have met with City Council member Joe Doyle to talk with Bob "Bear" Falls, MCAS athletic director, about the matter. Greene explained, however, that he had been invited by Doyle to take a look at the gyms at Michigan City High School and did not think of the trip as a negotiating session. He said he thought of himself not as a school board member but as a taxpayer and a resident of the community.
Without casting doubts on Greene's motives, board Member Jeff Jones cautioned Greene and other board members. Like Greene, Jones has several roles in the community, "But we have to understand that when we go into a school building to see a school employee we are seen as a school board member."
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The Board of the Michigan City Area Schools delayed approval of a new agreement with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board Tuesday night.
School Board member Beryle Burgwald still had some question about who owns the land in question.
"Was there any discussion on whether the civil city owns Zilla Square?"
At the last board meeting he referred to an old title search back to 1930, which never mentioned the city as a title holder. No one answered that question.
The two boards have been squabbling for more than a year.
In about 1988, an agreement between the two boards granted park department programs the right of first refusal when the schools were not using the facilities.
In exchange, the park board granted MCAS a portion of Zilla Square which would allow for an addition to Marsh School.
The disagreement centered on which programs legitimately belong under the umbrella of the Park Department and on which facilities the park boards could use on any given occasion.
School Board President Jim Kintzele, who had been authorized to negotiate with Mayor Chuck Oberlie and the park board, said the questions of who has the right to use the facilities as well as a process for notifying MCAS when a group is added to the park department programs have been answered.
Board member Dr. Vidya Kora suggested delaying a decision until all school board members have had time to review the agreement.
Other discussion centered around whether board member Bill Greene should have met with City Council member Joe Doyle to talk with Bob "Bear" Falls, MCAS athletic director, about the matter. Greene explained, however, that he had been invited by Doyle to take a look at the gyms at Michigan City High School and did not think of the trip as a negotiating session. He said he thought of himself not as a school board member but as a taxpayer and a resident of the community.
Without casting doubts on Greene's motives, board Member Jeff Jones cautioned Greene and other board members. Like Greene, Jones has several roles in the community, "But we have to understand that when we go into a school building to see a school employee we are seen as a school board member."
Posted by: southsider2k9 Mar 2 2009, 11:50 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=21384&TM=46401.04
QUOTE
New school, 'new direction'
Joseph Malan
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Wayne Barth already has a better impression of Lake Hills Elementary School than he did of Mullen.
"I like it," Barth said Sunday. "There's no comparison. It's got room, it's got the lights, it's got everything."
Barth, along with wife, Tammy, son, Jordan, 10, and daughter, Nicole, 5, signed a symbolic blue ribbon Sunday that marked the official dedication of the new school, 201 Ferguson Road.
The family joined hundreds of parents, students, faculty and staff at the early afternoon ceremony.
Haddy Achy, 5, said he likes the gym and new computers at the school. His sister, Hudah, 6, also likes playing on the computers.
The new technology also seemed to be the favorite among student council officers at the school, while they also expressed gratitude for having a separate gym and cafeteria, a feature not present at Mullen Elementary School.
The ceremony didn't get under way until approximately 2:15 p.m. because a downed power line on Center Street caused a two-hour power outage. When power was finally restored, Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding announced "a new direction" for the students, faculty and staff.
"The journey will be exciting and challenging," he said.
Following an invocation by the Rev. Roderick Hoffman, Michigan City Area Schools officials and other individuals who helped make the new school possible, offered additional thoughts on the direction of Lake Hills Elementary.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, called the Lake Hills experience a "world-class education" that will allow students to succeed and excel.
School Board President Jim Kintzele welcomed the "beautiful, up-to-date building."
He knew, however, the building itself was not the most important thing about the ceremony.
"It's not the building, it's what goes on in the building," he said.
Joseph Malan
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Wayne Barth already has a better impression of Lake Hills Elementary School than he did of Mullen.
"I like it," Barth said Sunday. "There's no comparison. It's got room, it's got the lights, it's got everything."
Barth, along with wife, Tammy, son, Jordan, 10, and daughter, Nicole, 5, signed a symbolic blue ribbon Sunday that marked the official dedication of the new school, 201 Ferguson Road.
The family joined hundreds of parents, students, faculty and staff at the early afternoon ceremony.
Haddy Achy, 5, said he likes the gym and new computers at the school. His sister, Hudah, 6, also likes playing on the computers.
The new technology also seemed to be the favorite among student council officers at the school, while they also expressed gratitude for having a separate gym and cafeteria, a feature not present at Mullen Elementary School.
The ceremony didn't get under way until approximately 2:15 p.m. because a downed power line on Center Street caused a two-hour power outage. When power was finally restored, Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding announced "a new direction" for the students, faculty and staff.
"The journey will be exciting and challenging," he said.
Following an invocation by the Rev. Roderick Hoffman, Michigan City Area Schools officials and other individuals who helped make the new school possible, offered additional thoughts on the direction of Lake Hills Elementary.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, called the Lake Hills experience a "world-class education" that will allow students to succeed and excel.
School Board President Jim Kintzele welcomed the "beautiful, up-to-date building."
He knew, however, the building itself was not the most important thing about the ceremony.
"It's not the building, it's what goes on in the building," he said.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=21386&TM=46401.04
QUOTE
Remodeling Mullen not easy
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The old Mullen School was fun to see.
The library, situated in the center area of the lower level, was the first element to greet visitors. It had no real walls and it was interesting to look at. But it was difficult, if not impossible, to make presentations in the pleasant space without disturbing teachers and students in the classrooms, also built with a minimum of walls and doors.
The school was opened in 1969 when open classrooms and team teaching were in vogue. Thus, several teachers could be working with separate groups of students all at once in a large classroom.
Those who attempted to engage students in learning soon found it to be a distracting way to run a school.
Because of its shape and structure, Mullen did not lend itself to simple remodeling. For years, teachers did what they could to make learning easier for students. They used bookcases to build barriers that were not quite up to being walls.
Thus was born the new Lake Hills Elementary School, a $17 million, 85,000-square-foot building now occupied by 350 students.
No longer will the gymnasium have to double as the cafeteria, a happy relief from scheduling nightmares.
On opening day, Principal Connie Bachmann reminded students to use normal indoor voices in the lunch room. "You have new round tables now and you no longer have to shout down a long table to your friends."
What's more, teachers need not fear disturbing other teachers or students when they use the library (or the media center) for class presentations. The classrooms have real doors, as does the library.
Lake Hills is wired for 21st century technology as well, with special closets to protect the colorful spaghetti of wiring leading to a variety of technological devices.
The old Mullen simply could not accommodate some technology.
Superintendent Michael Harding says it is vital to provide equal education and opportunities to students in all school buildings.
As for students, they all love their new lockers and most love the stage that can be used from the music room or the cafeteria/auditorium.
And so on Sunday, the new Lake Hills School was dedicated.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The old Mullen School was fun to see.
The library, situated in the center area of the lower level, was the first element to greet visitors. It had no real walls and it was interesting to look at. But it was difficult, if not impossible, to make presentations in the pleasant space without disturbing teachers and students in the classrooms, also built with a minimum of walls and doors.
The school was opened in 1969 when open classrooms and team teaching were in vogue. Thus, several teachers could be working with separate groups of students all at once in a large classroom.
Those who attempted to engage students in learning soon found it to be a distracting way to run a school.
Because of its shape and structure, Mullen did not lend itself to simple remodeling. For years, teachers did what they could to make learning easier for students. They used bookcases to build barriers that were not quite up to being walls.
Thus was born the new Lake Hills Elementary School, a $17 million, 85,000-square-foot building now occupied by 350 students.
No longer will the gymnasium have to double as the cafeteria, a happy relief from scheduling nightmares.
On opening day, Principal Connie Bachmann reminded students to use normal indoor voices in the lunch room. "You have new round tables now and you no longer have to shout down a long table to your friends."
What's more, teachers need not fear disturbing other teachers or students when they use the library (or the media center) for class presentations. The classrooms have real doors, as does the library.
Lake Hills is wired for 21st century technology as well, with special closets to protect the colorful spaghetti of wiring leading to a variety of technological devices.
The old Mullen simply could not accommodate some technology.
Superintendent Michael Harding says it is vital to provide equal education and opportunities to students in all school buildings.
As for students, they all love their new lockers and most love the stage that can be used from the music room or the cafeteria/auditorium.
And so on Sunday, the new Lake Hills School was dedicated.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Mar 11 2009, 11:46 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=21625
QUOTE
MCAS denies school-change rumors
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A little more than a dozen people attended Tuesday's Michigan City Area Schools board meeting to protest a redistricting map involving Coolspring Elementary School that administrators say does not exist.
Several Coolspring parents say a redistricting committee member told them of a map indicating children living east of Johnson Road will go to Springfield instead of Coolspring school.
Carla Shephard, a kindergarten assistant at Coolspring, stands squarely against moving Coolspring students to Springfield.
Matt Gibson, who prepared some flyers to distribute to other Coolspring parents urging them to attend the board meeting, said people buy their homes where they buy them "because we want our children to go to decent schools.
"I don't see why I should pay my taxes for Coolspring Township and send my children to Springfield Township School. They should go to Coolspring Township School."
Coolspring Township Trustee Dennis Metheny echoed his thoughts.
"We want Coolspring students in Coolspring Township School," he said.
Betsy Kohn, a member of the redistricting committee and the MCAS director of communications, as well as another redistricting committee member said they have never seen the map the Coolspring parents described.
Kevin McGuire, director of technology and co-chair of the redistricting committee, also told the board and the audience talk about any map was rumor.
After the meeting, several people stood at the back of the board room to discuss the issue further. The conversation soon disintegrated into a shouting match, but board members were not part of it.
Jeff Koza, a Coolspring resident, said he does not trust the board nor the superintendent.
"We need more transparency," he said.
Each school will have a parent meeting to discuss redistricting, and the board will have a meeting to discuss the issue with the public before the plan is approved.
"We'll have a workshop meeting," School Board president Jim Kintzele said.
Offering a bit of good news, Kintzele said negotiations on the teachers contract, which expired in June 2007, are going well, and he's hopeful for a settlement.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said she feels hopeful as well.
The teams met to negotiate after the regular board meeting.
The disagreement over how and when the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board programs may use MCAS facilities, however, seems settled. The board approved a memorandum of understanding Tuesday.
Offer made to save driver’s ed
By Deborah Sederberg
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY - A former coach is willing to risk a last-minute drive to the basket to rescue driver's education for Michigan City Area Schools teens.
At Tuesday's School Board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona said school officials have been unsuccessful in trying to secure cars from local dealers.
For years, she said, the cars came from Hirsch Ford-Lincoln Mercury Inc.
"But it's the economy," she said, and with a couple of board members noted car dealers in many communities have been hit by the recession.
Iacona said MCAS often used a half-dozen cars and sometimes eight.
But former Rogers High School basketball coach Earl Cunningham offered to contact local dealers.
Cunningham, who formerly worked at Team Honda, told Iacona he was sure he could get vehicles for the program.
"We have tried," Iacona replied.
In addition, Cunningham suggested with creative scheduling, say from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and perhaps split between two instructors, the school could get along with fewer cars.
"I bet I could design a schedule using two cars," Cunningham offered.
Cunningham briefly stepped out of the board room. When he returned, he said, "I just called a few former driver's ed teachers," he said. "They laughed and said we never had cars by March 10."
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A little more than a dozen people attended Tuesday's Michigan City Area Schools board meeting to protest a redistricting map involving Coolspring Elementary School that administrators say does not exist.
Several Coolspring parents say a redistricting committee member told them of a map indicating children living east of Johnson Road will go to Springfield instead of Coolspring school.
Carla Shephard, a kindergarten assistant at Coolspring, stands squarely against moving Coolspring students to Springfield.
Matt Gibson, who prepared some flyers to distribute to other Coolspring parents urging them to attend the board meeting, said people buy their homes where they buy them "because we want our children to go to decent schools.
"I don't see why I should pay my taxes for Coolspring Township and send my children to Springfield Township School. They should go to Coolspring Township School."
Coolspring Township Trustee Dennis Metheny echoed his thoughts.
"We want Coolspring students in Coolspring Township School," he said.
Betsy Kohn, a member of the redistricting committee and the MCAS director of communications, as well as another redistricting committee member said they have never seen the map the Coolspring parents described.
Kevin McGuire, director of technology and co-chair of the redistricting committee, also told the board and the audience talk about any map was rumor.
After the meeting, several people stood at the back of the board room to discuss the issue further. The conversation soon disintegrated into a shouting match, but board members were not part of it.
Jeff Koza, a Coolspring resident, said he does not trust the board nor the superintendent.
"We need more transparency," he said.
Each school will have a parent meeting to discuss redistricting, and the board will have a meeting to discuss the issue with the public before the plan is approved.
"We'll have a workshop meeting," School Board president Jim Kintzele said.
Offering a bit of good news, Kintzele said negotiations on the teachers contract, which expired in June 2007, are going well, and he's hopeful for a settlement.
Phyllis Stark, Michigan City Education Association president, said she feels hopeful as well.
The teams met to negotiate after the regular board meeting.
The disagreement over how and when the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board programs may use MCAS facilities, however, seems settled. The board approved a memorandum of understanding Tuesday.
Offer made to save driver’s ed
By Deborah Sederberg
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY - A former coach is willing to risk a last-minute drive to the basket to rescue driver's education for Michigan City Area Schools teens.
At Tuesday's School Board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona said school officials have been unsuccessful in trying to secure cars from local dealers.
For years, she said, the cars came from Hirsch Ford-Lincoln Mercury Inc.
"But it's the economy," she said, and with a couple of board members noted car dealers in many communities have been hit by the recession.
Iacona said MCAS often used a half-dozen cars and sometimes eight.
But former Rogers High School basketball coach Earl Cunningham offered to contact local dealers.
Cunningham, who formerly worked at Team Honda, told Iacona he was sure he could get vehicles for the program.
"We have tried," Iacona replied.
In addition, Cunningham suggested with creative scheduling, say from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and perhaps split between two instructors, the school could get along with fewer cars.
"I bet I could design a schedule using two cars," Cunningham offered.
Cunningham briefly stepped out of the board room. When he returned, he said, "I just called a few former driver's ed teachers," he said. "They laughed and said we never had cars by March 10."
Posted by: southsider2k9 Mar 13 2009, 01:43 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=21662&TM=56653.86
QUOTE
Account of board meeting disputed
In response to the incorrect information that was in Wednesday's article ["MCAS denies school-change rumors"], factual information should be reported, not misquotes. I applaud Carla Shepherd for preparing and distributing fliers and her statement pertaining to Coolspring Township taxes and that Coolspring Township children should attend Coolspring Elementary School. Without the fliers the community would not have been aware of the redistricting issue. This is due to poor communication from the school administration to the residents.
For the record, I stated it wasn't an issue who attends Coolspring School, but as it stands it is already overpopulated. And the children living within their township should attend the school closest to them. I questioned the school administration on accountability and strategic planning, which deals with these facilities. Part of the strategic plan is community involvement. Without proper notification through the school system, how does a community become involved? Some of the board members seemed unaware of the redistricting, nor have they contributed their input as of yet.
As for the remark pertaining to a shouting match after the meeting, it was more of a discussion among the parents and the misinformed reporter. It seemed as if [reporter] Deborah Sederberg had sided with the school administration and based her article upon her conception and not the facts. I don't believe in the he-said she-said, so, as a community, take the time and watch the March 10 MCAS board meeting on channel 97.
Matt Gibson
Michigan City
In response to the incorrect information that was in Wednesday's article ["MCAS denies school-change rumors"], factual information should be reported, not misquotes. I applaud Carla Shepherd for preparing and distributing fliers and her statement pertaining to Coolspring Township taxes and that Coolspring Township children should attend Coolspring Elementary School. Without the fliers the community would not have been aware of the redistricting issue. This is due to poor communication from the school administration to the residents.
For the record, I stated it wasn't an issue who attends Coolspring School, but as it stands it is already overpopulated. And the children living within their township should attend the school closest to them. I questioned the school administration on accountability and strategic planning, which deals with these facilities. Part of the strategic plan is community involvement. Without proper notification through the school system, how does a community become involved? Some of the board members seemed unaware of the redistricting, nor have they contributed their input as of yet.
As for the remark pertaining to a shouting match after the meeting, it was more of a discussion among the parents and the misinformed reporter. It seemed as if [reporter] Deborah Sederberg had sided with the school administration and based her article upon her conception and not the facts. I don't believe in the he-said she-said, so, as a community, take the time and watch the March 10 MCAS board meeting on channel 97.
Matt Gibson
Michigan City
Posted by: southsider2k9 Mar 25 2009, 11:37 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=21969
QUOTE
MCAS discusses summer school
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A vague conversation about labor negotiations and its effect on the summer school schedule left a room full of people scratching their heads at the Tuesday meeting of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools.
The board had no question about recommendations made by Jan Radford, director of curriculum and instruction, but Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, warned that if the board approved the matter as first presented, the union would be forced to file an unfair labor practice complaint with the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board.
"We received something at the negotiating table that is different from what you received," Stark told the board.
To say any more about the matter, she said, would put the union in danger of being accused of negotiating in public.
Assistant superintendent Carla Iacona, filling in for Superintendent Michael Harding, who was absent from the meeting, stepped as carefully as Stark did as she tried to discuss the matter without being specific.
The corporation faced a deadline because the summer school schedule is to be set by April 1.
The teacher's contract expired in June of 2007, Stark and Iacona agreed. They further agreed that teachers continue to work status quo - under the requirements of the old contract.
Most of the summer school schedule would fall under status quo, they agreed.
"My recommendation then is to go with status quo," Iacona said.
The board then approved summer school for high school students, special education students, transition camp for middle school students, preschool and the gifted-and-talented program.
In another matter, the board approved a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for training programs for plant planning director Dave Williamson and an assistant. Board member Don DuLaney carefully questioned Williamson, who said he would be in classes from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for four full days.
The trainers will be from a software company that is designed to assist the corporation with keeping inventory of and with maintaining school equipment.
Board member Bill Greene supported the training.
"Mr. Williamson saves this corporation a lot of money," Greene said. He was convinced that further training would enable Williamson to save the MCAS even more. "I want to stick up for Dave on this," he said.
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - A vague conversation about labor negotiations and its effect on the summer school schedule left a room full of people scratching their heads at the Tuesday meeting of the board of the Michigan City Area Schools.
The board had no question about recommendations made by Jan Radford, director of curriculum and instruction, but Phyllis Stark, president of the Michigan City Education Association, warned that if the board approved the matter as first presented, the union would be forced to file an unfair labor practice complaint with the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board.
"We received something at the negotiating table that is different from what you received," Stark told the board.
To say any more about the matter, she said, would put the union in danger of being accused of negotiating in public.
Assistant superintendent Carla Iacona, filling in for Superintendent Michael Harding, who was absent from the meeting, stepped as carefully as Stark did as she tried to discuss the matter without being specific.
The corporation faced a deadline because the summer school schedule is to be set by April 1.
The teacher's contract expired in June of 2007, Stark and Iacona agreed. They further agreed that teachers continue to work status quo - under the requirements of the old contract.
Most of the summer school schedule would fall under status quo, they agreed.
"My recommendation then is to go with status quo," Iacona said.
The board then approved summer school for high school students, special education students, transition camp for middle school students, preschool and the gifted-and-talented program.
In another matter, the board approved a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for training programs for plant planning director Dave Williamson and an assistant. Board member Don DuLaney carefully questioned Williamson, who said he would be in classes from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for four full days.
The trainers will be from a software company that is designed to assist the corporation with keeping inventory of and with maintaining school equipment.
Board member Bill Greene supported the training.
"Mr. Williamson saves this corporation a lot of money," Greene said. He was convinced that further training would enable Williamson to save the MCAS even more. "I want to stick up for Dave on this," he said.
Posted by: Ang Mar 25 2009, 02:14 PM
They make a good argument for right-to-work...
Them and the OG people.
QUOTE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law
Right-to-work laws are statutes enforced in twenty-two U.S. states, mostly in the southern or western U.S., allowed under provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibit agreements between trade unions and employers making membership or payment of union dues or "fees" a condition of employment, either before or after hiring.
Right-to-work laws are statutes enforced in twenty-two U.S. states, mostly in the southern or western U.S., allowed under provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibit agreements between trade unions and employers making membership or payment of union dues or "fees" a condition of employment, either before or after hiring.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Mar 30 2009, 08:15 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=22071&TM=36974.1
QUOTE
Pelath gives MCAS board legislative update
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - It's raining, Scott Pelath says.
At Saturday's special Michigan City Area Schools board workshop, State Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, said it is time to start digging into the state's rainy day funds.
State revenues are coming in way below expectations and unemployment figures are up to about 11 percent.
Creating a budget this year is more difficult than usual, Pelath said.
The process "started with flatlining education," he said.
He doesn't understand that kind of thinking.
"The single most important thing we do," he said, "is to provide for the public schools."
With the K-12 reserve fund and rainy day funds, school funding could increase by 2 to 3 percent.
"My view is that it's raining," Pelath said, and noted a flatline budget represents a budget cut because costs increase every year.
The state this year takes over responsibility for the school corporation's $46 million general fund.
But that change also means, "We have no property tax buffer for the general fund," Pelath said.
About education's share of federal stimulus dollars, board member Dr. Vidya Kora asked, "Will we in Michigan City have local control?"
Pelath hesitated a moment, then said, "I hope so."
Indiana likely will get $4.4 billion.
"We've got to use some dollars to be sure higher education is not cut," Pelath said.
Some will be distributed through Title I dollars, which are spent on programs for students at-risk of failure.
"Of course," Pelath said, "the Senate sees it this way: They want to cut state education dollars" in proportion to the extra money Title I will bring to education from the stimulus money.
In a related matter, "We've talked about putting people back to work" with stimulus money, Pelath said. The legislature has discussed the possibility of adding some state dollars for that purpose as well by funding road repairs and other infrastructure work.
The governor also will have about $190 million in discretionary funds.
"The governor will want to put it in cash reserves," Pelath said. "I know that's what he'll want to do."
Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - It's raining, Scott Pelath says.
At Saturday's special Michigan City Area Schools board workshop, State Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, said it is time to start digging into the state's rainy day funds.
State revenues are coming in way below expectations and unemployment figures are up to about 11 percent.
Creating a budget this year is more difficult than usual, Pelath said.
The process "started with flatlining education," he said.
He doesn't understand that kind of thinking.
"The single most important thing we do," he said, "is to provide for the public schools."
With the K-12 reserve fund and rainy day funds, school funding could increase by 2 to 3 percent.
"My view is that it's raining," Pelath said, and noted a flatline budget represents a budget cut because costs increase every year.
The state this year takes over responsibility for the school corporation's $46 million general fund.
But that change also means, "We have no property tax buffer for the general fund," Pelath said.
About education's share of federal stimulus dollars, board member Dr. Vidya Kora asked, "Will we in Michigan City have local control?"
Pelath hesitated a moment, then said, "I hope so."
Indiana likely will get $4.4 billion.
"We've got to use some dollars to be sure higher education is not cut," Pelath said.
Some will be distributed through Title I dollars, which are spent on programs for students at-risk of failure.
"Of course," Pelath said, "the Senate sees it this way: They want to cut state education dollars" in proportion to the extra money Title I will bring to education from the stimulus money.
In a related matter, "We've talked about putting people back to work" with stimulus money, Pelath said. The legislature has discussed the possibility of adding some state dollars for that purpose as well by funding road repairs and other infrastructure work.
The governor also will have about $190 million in discretionary funds.
"The governor will want to put it in cash reserves," Pelath said. "I know that's what he'll want to do."
Posted by: southsider2k9 Sep 23 2009, 01:33 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=25939
I wonder if anything will ever happen because of this.
QUOTE
Driver hit dog, kept going
Recently my family suffered the loss of a dear family member. At 10:45 a.m. Thursday, our dog Daffy was hit and killed in front of our house by a Michigan City Area Schools employee driving one of their pickup trucks. We are fully aware that accidents do happen, and we take the responsibility for her getting out in the first place.
Our issue and concern is that this gentleman didn't even bother to stop. Actually he paused for a brief moment, and then took off down Barker Road. What kind of a person hits a 60-pound dog in the road and doesn't even bother to stop to see if the animal is OK? We as parents, a school system, and community try to teach our children the difference between right and wrong constantly throughout their lives.
We feel that this particular MCAS employee basically told our 4-year-old son, who witnessed this tragedy, that hit and run, and having no regard for another life, are no big deal. I hope whoever this person is you are sitting around your table with your family, having your morning coffee, reading the paper and come across this letter. I hope you are aware that our family is sitting around our table throughout the day, not only mourning the loss of our dear pet Daffy, but also trying to explain the harsh realities of the world to our 4-year-old son. Unfortunately, there are some people in this world who are that cruel, heartless and inhumane.
You tell me how to explain such a thing to an innocent child who shouldn't have to learn that lesson at such a young age.
Deni Strop
Michigan City
Recently my family suffered the loss of a dear family member. At 10:45 a.m. Thursday, our dog Daffy was hit and killed in front of our house by a Michigan City Area Schools employee driving one of their pickup trucks. We are fully aware that accidents do happen, and we take the responsibility for her getting out in the first place.
Our issue and concern is that this gentleman didn't even bother to stop. Actually he paused for a brief moment, and then took off down Barker Road. What kind of a person hits a 60-pound dog in the road and doesn't even bother to stop to see if the animal is OK? We as parents, a school system, and community try to teach our children the difference between right and wrong constantly throughout their lives.
We feel that this particular MCAS employee basically told our 4-year-old son, who witnessed this tragedy, that hit and run, and having no regard for another life, are no big deal. I hope whoever this person is you are sitting around your table with your family, having your morning coffee, reading the paper and come across this letter. I hope you are aware that our family is sitting around our table throughout the day, not only mourning the loss of our dear pet Daffy, but also trying to explain the harsh realities of the world to our 4-year-old son. Unfortunately, there are some people in this world who are that cruel, heartless and inhumane.
You tell me how to explain such a thing to an innocent child who shouldn't have to learn that lesson at such a young age.
Deni Strop
Michigan City
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