Too Bad The Journal-Topics Wasn't Actually There!

The following article appeared within the Niles Journal on June 13, 2007.

“Some Riled By Dist. 63 Teacher Transfer”

“Tensions were high toward the beginning of the East Maine School Dist. 63 (EMSD 63) board meeting June 6. As the meeting was called to order, Board President Jane Wojtkiewicz foreshadowed what was to come, warning the only public speaker not to say anything defamatory. Monica Boyle, representing a group of teachers from Apollo Elementary School in Des Plaines, used a controlled, steady voice to read a letter to the Board of Education protesting the recent transfer of a teacher to Nelson Elementary School, also in EMSD 63. "We are shocked and saddened by the transfer of a teacher who spoke her mind... provided union activism," read Boyle. "Morale is low, the staff feels unappreciated." letter went on to state that the school was setting a poor example to students. No names were mentioned. Following the reading of the letter, which had been distributed to board members previously, administrators questioned the judgment of the teachers in making public a matter they said had been handled, reportedly with full cooperation from the teacher in question. "They're making this public statement as if something improper had been done and in fact, we were following the contract," said Executive Director of Personnel and Pupil‑ Services Scott Clay. Supt. Kathleen Williams responded directly to the letter, saying she was "deeply disturbed" that it had been read publicly and dismissing the notion that it was setting a poor example for students. "When transfers occur, the administration does their best to make decisions for the betterment of the whole," said Williams. "It wasn't a sentence, we didn't exile her. She's going to a great school." Williams went on to criticize the teachers for their behavior in meetings between the staff and Apollo Principal Lynn Glickman. "What Lynn Glickman wanted to tell the Apollo staff is that she is very sorry you are angry but she feels she made the best decision," said Williams. "She will still be principal next year. If you don't like that, you can apply for a voluntary transfer." Glickman declined to comment in detail, saying her choice to transfer the teacher was within district regulations. "The other principal was very in favor of having her come to that building," said Glickman. "It's well within the contract." Boyle declined to comment, referring questions to her union president."

I recognize that it is not always possible for the local newspapers to to attend every meeting.

Too bad!

This article describing the goings-on at a EMSD#63 Board of Education meeting, like quite a few other Niles Journal and Pioneer Press articles published over the last three years, was written without the author actually being present. How did the paper get the information to print the story? They got it directly from the EMSD#63 Administration.

Sorry, I just don't consider that to be journalism.

Mr. Editor, there was a lot more to the meeting than the story you received from the Superintendent's Office.

I am sorry that once again, Journal-Topics management apparently did not see fit to send a "reporter" to the meetings.

But that’s just my opinion!

Your comments please!


Kenneth Butterly