A Rudyard Kipling approach to (FOIA) requests – Part One

A Poem by Rudyard Kipling:

I keep six honest serving-men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who. I send them over land and sea, I send them east and west; But after they have worked for me, I give them all a rest. I let them rest from nine till five, For I am busy then, As well as breakfast, lunch, and tea, For they are hungry men. But different folk have different views. I know a person small- She keeps ten million serving-men, Who get no rest at all! She sends'em abroad on her own affairs, From the second she opens her eyes- One million Hows, two million Wheres, And seven million Whys!

It has often been said that Kipling was describing the six questions traditionally associated with good journalism. They are: who, what, when, where, how and why. For this series, I will add one more question: how much.

I recently received the following e-mail:

“Mr. Butterly, In March, you published a Blog titled: “When is enough, enough.” Can you tell me if Dr. Williams is still consulting District 63? If so, does she have a contract? What is she doing? How many days has she worked? How much money have we paid for her services? Thank you…..”

In “When is enough, enough” I expressed my disapproval of the $900 per day consulting agreement between former Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Williams and East Maine School District #63 (EMSD#63).

I told the E-mailer that I couldn’t answer the questions at this time but I would see what I could do. That’s when I decided to write a series of Blog postings on writing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

The series will be a free flowing process that will take a bit of time to complete. The rubric will be Kipling’s and Butterly’s seven questions. Our goal will be to answer the E-mailer’s five initial questions, and of course, any others that might develop as part of the investigation.

My ultimate goal is to teach you a disciplined and repeatable approach to investigating your School District’s activities, utilizing the Freedom of Information Act.

So, let’s end this post with the first question. What is FOIA?

Part two in a few days.

Cheers!

Teaching is the effective transfer of knowledge and skills from one generation to the next.

Most of us received our taxpayer-funded education in a traditional setting; brick and mortar schools with the teacher standing or sitting in front and our peers seated around us. Today, Internet and other computer-based technology offer us alternatives to this time-honored learning model.

I recently heard an intriguing radio advertisement for an accredited on-line school, the National Connections Academy. After spending a little over an hour examining their web site and viewing the “Overview” presentation, I came away quite impressed.

I urge Districts #62, #63, #64 and #207 School Board Members, Board of Education Administrators, concerned parents and interested taxpayers to spend an hour or so at the site. Maybe we can learn something from them to more effectively transfer knowledge and skills from this generation to the next. We may even end up saving a buck or two.

You never know!

Readum and weep...

In the midst of responding to a comment made to a ParkRidgeUnderground posting, I referenced The Program for International Student Assessment - PISA 2006 Executive Summary and the Special Analysis 2009 International Assessments.

These two recent reports clearly show the USA’s less than stellar academic performance relative to other industrialized nations.

Don't attempt to read these just before bedtime!

Ms. Hirshbine’s Letter...

The Park Ridge Underground (PRU) just published an Open Letter from a District #207 parent. I will not comment on her letter here as I have already commented on her letter at PRU. However, I think it’s important for other parents and fellow taxpayers to make their opinions known to the School Board and MTA Teachers Union; not only regarding the current Budget related problems but also on any other school related subject that may be of concern to them.

Ms. Hirshbine’s has set a good example for other District #207 parents to follow.

Eight Year Changes In Net Assets – District #207

In order to better understand the depth of School District #207’s financial situation, I solicited  the help of District #207 Business Manager, Ms. Mary Kalou.  Ms Kalou provided me with the source document: “Eight Year Changes In Net Assets” report.

The original report was in a different format.   I enhanced the report by reformatting to information and adding totals and differences by dollar and percentage.  The data illustrates this district’s consistently rising costs.  But there is probably more to learn.

One of the problems with only one person reviewing any report like this, is limited experience and judgment of any single viewer.  Therefore, for this post, I have chosen to not comment (findings) on the report.  Instead, I am asking for your help, by reviewing the report’s content and commenting on your findings.

So, please take a look at the report and tell us what you see.

8 Year Changes in Net Assets - D#207

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

Don't Fence Me In: Essays on the Rational Truant

Dr. Dennis O’Keeffe, an internationally acknowledged expert on the subject of truancy and it’s causes, has just published his latest book on the subject.

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Dr. O’Keeffe and I collaborated on minimizing truancy in Chicago High Schools in the mid-1990’s.

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There’s no one more versed in the theoretical aspects of this subject.

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Press here for more information.

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Nine-Year Report – Maine Township School District #207

Teacher and Administrator payroll can be up to 80% of a district’s budget.

I am treating the School District #207’s post a little different than the other districts. Unlike the others, this District's post has two reports attached.

The first report: “Comparison Report for District Superintendent,” is a summary study for all District #207 Teacher and Administrators and Superintendent payroll history covering school years 2001 through 2009. The second report: “Year to Year Pay Analysis 2005 – 2009,” is a detail study covering all District #207 Teachers and Administrators individually . Combined, they tell a story of extraordinary payroll growth and help to shed additional light on this district’s current financial problem.

How to read the report.

Nine-Year Report - Maine Township School District #207

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

How to read the report.

District #207 - Year To Year Pay Analysis - 2005-2009

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

The District #207 School Board and Board of Education are aggressively responding to their expected 2011 budget deficit. The Board recently announced a reduction in the number of teachers expected to report for duty next year.

Enough Whining Already! You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.

There is a great line in the movie The Fugitive. Harrison Ford (the fugitive) is running away from Tommy Lee Jones (the US Marshal). The fugitive, when finally cornered, turns to the marshal and screams, "I didn't kill my wife!" The marshal responds: "I don't care!"

Well that’s how I am starting to feel when I read in the paper about how difficult a teacher’s life is or how teachers and administrators are required to bring non-direct-teaching-related skills or qualities to the job.

When I was a young and inexperienced Project Manager in the 1970’s, I dared to complain to my boss (mentor & friend) that I wasn’t making enough money and that I felt unappreciated. I will always remember his response.

He said: “Look Ken, enough whining already! You knew the job was dangerous when you took it! You are not indispensable and can easily be replaced. Of course, if you think you can do better, you can always quit. Now, go back to work!”

Back then I was lucky to have a job. Back then, as today, there were plenty of other qualified people looking for work. What my boss said was pretty harsh, but he taught me three valuable lessons. Don’t be so quick to complain. Hold on to what you have. Be grateful for having a job to complain about.

Teachers and administrators claim to be professionals. Harping about how difficult your job is or how your job sucks are not attributes normally associated with professional behavior.

I have friends who are teachers; quite a few actually. Those working in less affluent districts are envious of our teachers and administrators. Who can blame them?

Let me give my teacher and administrator friends at District 207 and surrounding districts a little advice.

Enough whining already! It’s unseemly. You knew the job was dangerous when you took it! You are not indispensable and you and I know that your position can be eliminated. Of course, if you think you can do better, you can always quit. Now, let's get on with the job!

But that’s just my opinion.

Nine-Year Report – Des Plaines School District #62

Teacher and Administrator payroll can be up 80% of a school district’s budget.

As you can see, historically, this district spent taxpayer monies fairly well overall. However, the passing of a sizable tax increase referendum in 2004 did not appear to completely bring the School Board to it’s budgetary senses, at least as it relates to Superintendent salaries.

This district’s School Board needs to here from you!

How to read the report.

Nine-Year Report – Des Plaines School District #62

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

Nine-Year Report – Park Ridge School District #64

Teacher and Administrator payroll can be up 80% of a school district’s budget.

This district spent your money like it was theirs before the tax increase referendum and I guess just couldn’t seem to stop. I hope District #64 taxpayers are getting their moneys worth.

This district’s School Board needs to hear from you.

How to read the report.

Nine-Year Report - Park Ridge School District #64

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

More Reports To Come!

In my last post: When is Enough, Enough, I included a combination nine and five year payroll analysis for East Maine School District #63.

The report is designed to give the reader a chance to view district total payroll amounts over time. Nine years was as far back as I was prepared to go. The report includes two sections: a nine year payroll history for all Teachers and Administrators employed by the District and a nine year and five year comparison for the Superintendent position.

Over the next few weeks, I intend to publish, in no particular order, similar individual reports for the following Chicago suburban school districts.  They are:

Arlington Hgts. SD #25 CCSD #59 Des Plaines SD #62 East Prairie SD #73 East Prairie SD #73 ½ Evanston CCSD #65 Fairview SD #72 Glenview CCSD #34 Golf ESD #67 Kenilworth SD 38 Lincolnwood SD #74 Maine Township #207 Morton Grove SD #70 Mount Prospect SD #57 Niles SD #71 Niles Township CHSD 219 Northbrook Glenview SD#30 Northbrook SD #27 Northbrook SD #28 Palatine CCSD #15 Park Ridge CCSD #64 Prospect Hgts. SD #23 River Trails SD #26 Rosemont SD #78 Schaumburg CCSD #54 Skokie SD #68 Skokie SD #69 Sunset Ridge SD #29 West Northfield SD #31 Wheeling CCSD #21 Wilmette SD #37 Wilmette SD #39 Winnetka SD #36.

The reasons for publishing these reports are simple. Property taxes are increasing, school district budgets are getting tighter, and because I can.

The data source for these reports is Champion News. Their source was the State of Illinois Board of Education.

I hope you find this work of value.

When is enough, enough?

East Maine School District #63 continues to make news. In a story written in the Journal-Topics on August 19, 2009, we were informed that recently retired from EMSD#63 Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Williams, had been awarded a consulting contract for an unspecified number of days, at $900 per day.

The article went on to say that Dr. Williams was being contracted to advise the District:

“…on a large construction project involving four schools, to prepare H1N1 flu contingencies with other school officials and to mentor several new administrators including her replacement Supt. Dr. Scott Clay.” “In addition to Clay, the district has several new senior administrators Williams will help mentor including a district executive director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of personnel and pupil services, director of special services to oversee special education and health, two interim principals at Washington, two interim principals at Mark Twain and an assistant principal at Gemini Jr. High.” “School Board President Jane Wojtkiewicz could not immediately be reached for comment.”

At first I found this situation rather odd. In hindsight, I can see why this agreement might have been necessary. The School Board apparently took “someone’s” advice on hiring these seemingly unqualified former underlings, possibly on the cheap, although I doubt that, and needed, at least for a year or so, access to a “highly qualified and award winning” superintendent for guidance, ergo, Dr. Williams.

Now, I have two questions.

First: Why are the EMSD#63 taxpayers paying full-time salaries to apprentice these "highly qualified" professionals.

Second: School Board President Wojtkiewicz and Dr. Williams; when is enough, enough?

Please take a moment to review the enclosed nine-year payroll study for EMSD#63 teachers and administrators. This report covers school years 2001 through 2009. Dr. Williams was superintendent during the entire time. The report is divided into three sections. They are:

• all teachers and administrators (AT&A)
• superintendent all nine years (SA9Y)
• superintendent last five years (SL5Y).

The last five years, 2005 through 2009 are the years covered in Dr. Williams final five-year contract prior to retirement.

The AT&A data show an increase in payroll growth only slightly higher than the growth of inflation. The increases in SA9Y and SL5Y payroll growth are obscene.

How to read the report.

Nine-Year Report - East Maine School District #63

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

Is Dr. Williams to blame for this situation? Not at all! She is a very shrewd and intelligent woman. I don’t blame her for taking advantage of these opportunities. I mean, that last five-year contract was a doozy and $900 a day ain’t chickenfeed!

The bottom line is this. The District can no longer afford to pay for the former Superintendent's services.

The problem is: This School Board can’t seem to get enough of Dr. Kathleen Williams and Dr. Williams can’t seem to let go.

Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

What do you think?

Kenneth Butterly

Reentering the Fray...

When I first started this Blog in 2006, I did so with the intent of chronicling the actions of East Maine School District #63. Over time, more pressing problems diverted my attention from those activities. Recently, my interest peaked when Maine Township #207, the other school district sharing my real-estate taxes, found itself short of funds and unable to convince the local teachers union to take a smaller pay increase in order to save fellow untenured teachers and help balance the District budget.

After publishing three "Open" letters and two reports on that Park Ridge Underground Blog site on the subject: Essay#1, Essay #2, Essay #3, I decided that maybe it was time to reenter the fray. So, I have changed the masthead to reflect the new direction of the Blog and hope that you’ll come around to take a look from time-to-time and comment as you see fit.

Kenneth Butterly

Goals - Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Williams - 2000-2009

The process set forth for the development of the superintendent’s goals can be found on the East Maine School District 63 website.

Between school years 2000-01 and 2003-04 one finds that goals for Superintendent Williams were developed on a year-to-year basis. This is not the case for contract years 2004-09.

As you review each set of goals keep in mind that the board has full responsibility for their creation.

Between school years 2000-01 to 2003-04, the reader is hard-pressed to find goals directly relating to the primary function of the superintendent, the education of children. What we do find for the most part, are goals relating to process. Only within the last set of goals, school years 2004-09 does one find distinct and quantifiable goals relating to education, but even then, the goals are only set to meet minimal educational standards.

Reasonable people can differ on whether any or all of these goals are valid. I for one, think that the taxpayer has been short changed. The Board has a responsibility to demand, expect and attain a high-quality education for children within the District. Goals such as these, in my opinion, will not achieve those ends.

The taxpayers of this District are constantly reminded that we are lucky to have such a gifted administrator in Dr. Williams. Why then, is the Board so reluctant to demand a high level of excellence (achievement) commensurate to her purported abilities?

Should the taxpayer/parent be upset? I think so! But I can't blame her for taking the easy way out when the board has chosen to do the same.

But of course, that’s my opinion!

Your comments please!



Kenneth Butterly

In order to enlarge image, place arrow over the image and click mouse key.

School Year 2000-2001

School Year 2001-2002

School Year 2002-2003

School Year 2003-2004

School Year 2004-2009

Job Description - Superintendent - East Maine School District #63

This convoluted document makes the Superintendent's job appear overly difficult and therefore, worthy of the extraordinarily high salary received.

Further, the Job Description does not appear to be the only one used by the District since school year 2000-01, as it references district standards developed since Dr. Williams arrival.

Another Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request will need to be submitted to find out how the description of the Superintendent's job has changed over time.

Of course, that just my opinion!

Your comments please!


Kenneth J. Butterly

In order to enlarge image, place arrow over the image and click mouse key.

Job Description

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

Contract - Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Wiliams - 2004-2009

This 5-year contract was signed 6 months before passage of EMSD63's 22% Tax Increase Referendum.

Your commemts please!

Kenneth J. Butterly

In order to enlarge image, place arrow over the image and click mouse key.

Superintendant Williams Contract 2004 - 2009

Counterfeit Excellence - Update

This is an update to my March 16, 2007 posting titled Counterfeit Excellence. Since that time, I acquired additional data from East Maine School District 63 (EMSD63).

In the Spring of 2006 and again that Fall, I had short discussions with Mr. Scott Herrmann, Principle at Gemini Jr. High School (GJHS.)

First Discussion.

Mr. Herrmann was informed of my findings and expressed concern about a logical perception of “grade inflation” at Gemini by parents and taxpayers, and said that he would review this issue with his teaching staff.

Second Discussion.

Mr. Hermann reiterated his concern and said that the problem should not we occur in the future.

GJHS Principal Scott Herrmann, is a man who is true to his word!

Where last years “Honor Roll” lists averaged 65.15% of the student population. This year’s lists average close to 20%. Current search indicates that no more than 20% of the student population would normally attain “Honor Roll” status.

Am I happy with the result? Yes! Should I have had to make the comment to Mr. Herrmann to begin with? No!

Had I not intervened, I believe, grade inflation at GJHS would have occurred again this year.

So, where was Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Katherine Ruh? Where was Superintendent Williams? Where was the "ever vigilant" EMSD63 School Board? Were they all brain-dead? How could all of these trusted professionals be so out of touch, that they could not or would not see the the grade inflation/honor roll problems at Gemini?

In the end, I have some satisfaction in knowing that I have done my part to solve this problem!

But that’s just my opinion!

Your comments please!



Kenneth J. Butterly

Sleight-Of-Hand Governance – The Way Things Work in East Maine School District #63

I was going over my notes on the June 6, 2007 Regular Board Meeting when something struck me as odd. So I called two other witnesses to confirm my observation.

What caught my attention was the comment made by Board President Jane Wojtkiewicz, that a change had been made to the list of administrators referred to in the memorandum. I was then expecting to hear the names of those two administrators as well as the new “aggregate sum” amount to be voted on. Neither was forthcoming!

The publicly posted agenda for this meeting included the following “New Business” item.

“# 288-06/07, Recommendation to Approve Administrators’ Compensation and Contracts 2007-2008.”

Later on in the Agenda document one finds:

“ Board of Education Memorandum #288-06/07, Recommendation to Approve Administrators’ Compensation and Contracts 2007-2008 Contact Person: Dr. Kathleen Williams, Superintendent It is the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve administrative contracts and compensation as presented to the board for the 2007-2008 school year in the aggregate sum of $930,323.68 for the following individuals: Dr. Scott Clay Ms. Lynn Glickman Mr. Eric Henry Mr. Scott Herrmann Mr. Nick Maldonado Mr. Larry Mishkin Ms. Katherine Ruh Ms. Judith Satkiewicz Ms. Kristen Ulery...”

So, what did they do?

The Board, in my opinion blatantly ignored their responsibility to inform the public of vital financial information prior to a vote.

Here's how it happened.

The Board properly announced in the June 6, 2007 Agenda that there would be a “New Business” item to be voted on.

Board President Wojtkiewicz adjourned the Board to closed session to discuss among other things, item “# 288-07/07, Recommendation to Approve Administrators’ Compensation and Contracts 2007-2008.”

As you can see from the quotation from the June 6th Board Agenda presented above, nine names appeared on the list, along with an aggregate sum amount.

Following the closed session, President Wojtkiewicz announced that two members of that list had been removed. The remaining administrators names were not made public nor were the adjusted aggregate dollars. Was there public discussion or explanation of the changes? No!

President Wojtkiewicz immediately asked for a roll-call vote. The recommendation passed unanimously (7-0).

Excuuuuuuuuuuse me?

That little maneuver was a good example of the smoke & mirror Board Governance here in EMSD63.

The proper procedure as I understand it is:

The Board must first publicly and clearly state in writing the language of the modified agenda item prior to vote, so that the public knows exactly what the Board Members will be voting on.

The public must then be given an adequate and timely notice of the change, with a reasonable opportunity to review the amended proposal. That means that the new agenda item must be placed in written form for 48 hours prior to the vote for public inspection.

Finally, the public must be given a reasonable opportunity to comment on this new agenda item.

This did not happen!

One could argue that this incident is a clear violation of the "Open Meeting Act."

Was this a mistake? I doubt it. EMSD63's Superintendent Williams and President Wojtkiewicz have won awards for their management and leadership acumen. No, I think they just believed no one was watching. Even members of the press were absent. The Superintendent and President apparently intended to "fast track" the Administrative pay raises by passing that memorandum, no matter what, that night. And, knowing they had the votes based on the results of last April's election, they just did it!

That's the way things are done in East Maine School District #63.

Why? Because they can!

But that’s just my opinion!


Kenneth J. Butterly

“She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness.” - Oscar Wilde

Teachers were made aware of their vulnerabilities last night.

Superintendent Williams and East Maine School District #63’s School Board showed their true colors at the June 6, 2007 Regular Board Meeting. This fatuous group gave the audience, absent the local press, a clear glimpse of EMSD63 administration/teacher union cooperation.

There is no love lost here!

Some teachers from Apollo School came to the meeting to publicly read a letter that had already been delivered to the board, regarding a perceived retaliatory transfer of a well-liked and valuable teacher from Apollo School to Nelson School. A teacher read the letter stating the groups disapproval of the transfer decision and indicated that she and other teacher’s had (I’m paraphrasing here), felt a need to voice their dissatisfaction in spite of their fear of possible retaliation. Teachers sitting around me also echoed her view. Superintendent William’s response to the teacher and to the others present in my opinion, was arrogant, swift, cold and calculating. If I might paraphrase: you teachers signed the contract. The contract gives us the authority to do what we did. Shut up and go away! “What a Bitch”, referring to Dr. Williams, was heard as the teachers exited the room.

These are not the first teachers and probably not the last, to feel the sting of Williams' imperial administration.

Not every teacher is unhappy!

Most new teachers will never have to worry, let alone deal with this problem. Why should they? None will buck the system and most are just happy to have a job. And tenure, what’s that? Have you noticed how few young teachers ever see three years of service in EMSD63? Maybe there is truth to the rumor that there is an unwritten policy to limit the number of tenured teachers in the district.

A little contrition please!

Last nights confrontation did not have to happen. There is an obvious disconnect between the administration and the teachers. Dr. Williams and the President of the Board, in my opinion, showed a clear lack of respect by their arbitrary demeanor, not just to those teachers but to the children and taxpayers they serve.

The Superintendent eventually told the teachers that any of them could transfer to another school. It would serve this arrogant and dismissive School Board and Administration right, if all the teachers from Apollo took them up on the offer!

But of course, that is just my opinion!

Your comments please!


Kenneth Butterly