Seriously? Wow!
My kids do not go to Wilson because of 2 reasons. We tried their summer school camp thing and we disliked it very much! Second I knew 3 parents at my kids old daycare that worked at Wilson. They were the worst parents at the center and the most disliked because of their attitudes and they had the worst behaved kids.
Next, we LOVE Roosevelt. They have, in my eyes, the best teachers around.
Lastly, my kids, if roosevelt closed, would have to not walk. They will NOT ride the bus. We are not a "rich" family but money aside they will not ride it.

facebooker"Saying don't do this to the poor kids is saying do this to the richer kids"

As somebody else stated most of these kids walk to school and have no other way to get there. The rich kids can ride the bus.
I for do not think ALL schools are within 2 miles of their home. If so they should all walk to school!

carlitosway- yes I am sure Wilson has all levels of income there but there was an article not long ago that they have the highest amount of poor children in the school.

Karl,
Yeah the committe has gone over and people have devoted a lot of time to this issue. What I have issues with is that there are schools already being singled out without having any facts on the table. So I wake up one morning and see the article that the Gazette printed and low and behold my daughters school is featured on the article. How do I exaplain to my daughter that her school may be on the chopping block? "Well honey it has to do with the school board, the city and everyone spending foolishly" is that what I am supposed to say? Why would the committee, or the Gazette even print this story? Why aren't all of the schools listed as possibly closures? I find it offensive that these schools are already picked as potential closures. So we try to save $500,000 a year by closing a school?

With that logic, I am now leaning about removing my child from the public school system all together! Why would I want my child to pay the price of her education because of the over spending and greed of others? Private school seems to be the only viable option. Or move to another state completely....

Close an entire school for the price of 3 to 6 teachers? This is just grand standing. The real savings is reducing employee costs. That is the ONLY way to make ends meet.

Saying don't do this to the poor kids is saying do this to the richer kids. Come up with a better reason. Roosevelt is janesvilles oldest operating school why close that one. Where will all those walking kids go?! Just because Wilson kids walk does not make that a reason to not do it there.

I agree Wilson should be the last option. Too many children walk and have no other way to school. I was just trying to add that there is way more to this than what the article stated. Jefferson is at MAX capacity FYI. There is also not any schools within a 2 mile radius for the children to go to, that is what tey have to look at. As for the $2,000 someone suggested we should pay, well I am here to tell you I do not have that. We live on LESS than that a month!! We have three children and barely get by. On top of us BOTH working, I am a full time student. If I could AFFORD to go on vacation or pay 100 a month on cable or cell phones I would also give that up! I swear some people are just plain blind to other people and the REALITY of what is going on around them! Here, how about we leave the stupid ice arena alone and put the money into our children's education!? I understand this is a possibility, and may be what is needed. I just hope they really think it through and make sure kids are safe before they do it, and the Gazette would print ALL of the information or none at all. We all are already stressed with what is happening, adding to that is just not nice at all!

Adams, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, and Wilson have all rooms being used at this time. Some adjustments may free up some of the rooms in a variety of ways. How to that will be discussed at future meetings.

These committees have devoted a large amount of time to this project. This is not something that one could wave their magic wand over to get results. Proper staffing and finding the correct certified instructors, in addition to solving transportation issues are only a small part of the equation.

These people should be given a great round of applause. The committees consist of Board members and community representatives.

Karl Dommershausen

Commissioner
Janesville School District

johnnyreb6977, Umm Milton17 got their information directly from the article. I quote, "For example, Jefferson Elementary School currently uses 16 general classrooms, the lowest number. Wilson and Harrison elementary schools use 24, which is the most."

momof2eagles,

I have but one email pertaining to Wilson School, so far and I just answered that one. I have had no phone calls or messages left to call anyone back. I am for keeping Wilson School open for a variety of reasons that I have not fully prepared yet. There will be no perfect school to close, but in my estimation, this one is wrong and I will fully document my stand.

I am behind in answering my emails from the public because of the overwhelming number of them, pertaining to the budget, staffing, and a long variety of issues. I try to respond to all my emails, but I have failed recently. I spend over 30 hours a week visiting schools for a variety of reasons, including being in classrooms, talking to staff, Conversations Toward Excellence listening sessions, Board meetings, Committee meetings, a variety of other meetings, answering emails, and just doing research and preparing for meetings. Most of the others do the same. I also have a business to run, and if my wife were not covering my back, I could not keep up.

I encourage persons to call me if they are uncomfortable with any situation, but I do not ignore or not answer anyone on purpose. Others visit me in my office periodically and that is good because I can show the information I have gathered and give them the sources for their own research.

Our listening sessions are on rotating evenings, times, and schools. Because of the sheer number of attendees, we have been reluctant to hold them during class time because of school interruption fears. We could revisit that issue in the future if enough people wish to attend during school hours.

Thank you for posting a response and I worry that your emails do not get to me. Please try again or call me at 774-8660. That is the best I can offer.

Milton17: I don't know where you got your information from for Jefferson but I know for a fact that it is at capacity because my niece has to go to adams because jefferson was full.

Joel - I think you should pay for all the kids 'cause your so smart and nice.

Joel_Rodgers, I think if more people had $2000.00 to spend on each kid for their education, then I'm sure we would have a private high school here in Janesville. I have one child in elementary, 1 in middle school, and one at Craig. The Elementary School is the only one I think I would even consider giving a dime to. The quality of education in Janesville is very disappointing. I would work three jobs to get the money to pay for each of my children if I felt I would get my money's worth. I do agree with you, though, that we need to take an interest in our children's education. We can't count on the school's to do that now.

Joel_Rodgers, you are an idiot. Remove head then post.

I agree with many of the post concerning the students at Wilson school. Mr Dommershausen, I have called the school board members and have emailed the school board members regarding this very issue. NONE have had the courtesy to get back to me or any of the other parents who have contacted you. Any other suggestions for those of us who work while you listening sessions are going on????

No matter which school (s) recommended, if any, for closing, there will be personal and neighborhood arguments for or against. These arguments will consist of facts, false information, and tear rendering stories. None of these arguments will be perfect, nor will they be conclusive.

There are several ways that you or your group’s voices should be heard, but not on the blogs, because noting is decided there. The blogs are just ways for individuals to vent themselves, whether the information is correct or unsubstantiated, of which there is plenty of statements in every direction to attest to that.

1. Call your School Board member to ask questions and listen to the information. Do not twist what they say to fit your agenda

2. Email your School Board member through the SDJ website http://www.janesville.k12.wi.us/

3. Attend “Conversations Toward Excellence” listening sessions, with the next one being held at Jackson School on March 1, 2011, on. The time is from 6:30 until 7:30, usually runs later, and several of the Board Commissioners are very willing to stay later to address individual concerns. This is a very successful program, with the last one as standing room only, and presents stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns. Unlike the Board meetings where Commissioners usually do not ask questions, except for clarification of a point, interactive conversations are encouraged at these sessions.

4. The combined Boundary Lines and Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2011 at the Craig High School small auditorium at 5:30 PM.

5. Attend Board meetings to show your support for any view, or to voice your opinions and concerns. The next one is scheduled March 8th, 2011

I, and all Board Commissioners welcome a chance meet and listen to your concerns in a civil manner. Please step up and work with us. If you think we do not listen, that we are listening only if we agree with you, or you are disruptive, then your attendance would be of little value.

As I read the blogs, I see signs of hope that some people want to work together, where others, no matter what answers are presented, ignore truth and perpetuate discontent. These are opportunities to change and come together as a community when it is needed more than ever. Let us share our responsibilities.

Thank you,

Karl Dommershausen

Commissioner,

School District of Janesville

This redistricting committee is a complete sham. They were told that they would not be looking at closing a school, but the City (Brad Cantrell) told them from day one that they had too much capacity for the number of kids, but the Board didn't want to listen. That was 9 months ago (and it has been that long since they met) and now suddenly they see the light and they want a decision RIGHT NOW. Nice move school board. Leadership at its best.

With regards to the comments about where are all of the kids and that there were more schools when the City had 15,000 fewer people... well it's a problem across the whole state. Young people who are of age to have kids are choosing to leave Wisconsin in droves, so those who are left are older and either have fewer choices or just prefer to not move. The entire Midwest is aging faster because our young people are leaving. The political events in Madison do not help.

From what I understand, two closures are justified. Just too bad that 4 schools were renovated and added on to 7 or 8 years ago.

singblues-I doubt that was your point to begin with seeing as how you seem to think that the classrooms at Jefferson are smaller than the other elementary schools. They are in fact around the same size as all the other elementary school classrooms. Of course all classrooms vary in size a little, even in the same school, but I can assure you the classrooms at Jefferson are not significantly smaller than any other school. Which of the schools did I suggest closing that your kid goes to that is making you make statements that are not based on any actual facts?

Badger Fan 1 - point of clarification. They have not had a renovation in the last 15 years. As far as I'm aware they were not part of the last referendum for renovation.

mrsdamracefan
wow ignorance in the making all schools have a protocol to follow and there is no under educating at Wilson or any other schools. they have smaller classrooms and the staff that meet the real needs. The safety is an issue as there is no safe access for these Students without transportation. They have to cross main highways/railroad crossings/ But then again it isn't about the people or their their safety....... It is about targeting the less then as usual and I have had enough of the non-caring and maybe those without children in our school distict. Take the schools with the silver spoons and suggest closing them and see where you get HAHAHA...You would get rage.....

Joel Rogers

You should have spent more time in school to educate yourself. Your like walkie talkie. Un-educated and out of control. You don't know half the facts of whats in the bill. For example. Do you realize the legislatures will pay less for their retirement benefits? Their 2.0% drops to 1.6%.
Now go read the bill

frogger there are every level of income at Wilson. GMAof3 I see you have little concern for your 3 grandchildren WE are being forced to do this because og WALKERS lies as to the actual budget and where the cuts really need to be. Please read Forbes research as to who actually pays for their retirement and health care It sure isn't the tax payers.....It isn't about the Budget it is about getting rid of our rights thru busting the Unions The very ones who have made the mark on FAIR WORKING RIGHTS for all people. Walker needs to tell the truth behind his real targets as what his intentions were exposed in the TAPE. He can't keep blaming the workers BLAME HIMSELF is what he needs to do for his USING the public workers as his scapegoats GET A CLUE he has been exposed for who he really is for. It sure the hell isn't the PEOPLE...

Wilson is of the best schools in Janesville I used to think because of the area it would not be and After seeing the progress in my grandchildren and other kids that go to Wilson I was amazed. My grandson at other schools was not doing as well due to class size and higher expectations, he used to hate school and he has done so well here and loves school and his teachers. They have IMO some of the greatest teachers and staff in Janesville. The teachers in Janesville are some of the best as to their caring and time dedicated to the children and they have an awesome relationship with parents. Walker needs to resign and We the people need to get someone who cares about the people not their self serving EGO. he is IMO an evil anti-people, sub-human and could care less about Wisconsins FUTURE.

So let me get this right, Wilson is one of the two most filled schools and that is the first school that they are looking at to close?!? Just doesn't make sense, when Jefferson is at lowest capacity!!

I do agree not to close Wilson for the sake of the poorer children.

@Sannio: Relax. Taking money from me so you can buy a house, does not benefit society as a whole. Taking money from me to keep murderers and rapists behind bars does. Taking money from me to educate our youth is an investment in the future, and does benefit our society as a whole. If I choose to spend extra, and send my kids to a private school on the chance that they could do even better is my choice. Is it right that I have my own well and septic system, that I have to pay for you to be able to flush your toilet or get a drink of water? Besides, I do pay for your healthcare if you are now old enough to qualify for Medicare/Medicaid. Direct you anger at the root of the problem. Corporations that have profited greatly from shipping our jobs overseas, making products that we continue to buy, further fueling that profit at your and my expense.

singblues-I take it you haven't been in Monroe. No taxpayer renovations? They have had an addition added just like Harrision, and most of the elementary schools for that matter. Did I miss something? Did someone other than the taxpayers pay for it?

@Joel_Rodgers/Cass: so, do you truly believe that most families have what you claim? That most families in Janesville have that much "fluff" to cut out of their budget?

If a school or two are closed it must be done on a business like basis. Some people will play the victim card whatever happens. Fiscal responsibility does not mean we hate kids or teachers. In fact, the opposite is true.

This is for the people who don't think they should be paying the "2000 dollars" for education of their child.
Where, exactly, do you think the $2000 comes from now? It comes from other people. You're advocating the government taking money from other people to educate your children.
For my part, I "donate" over $1000 a year to educate your children.
There is no "Right to an education".
There can be no Right if it violates the rights of others, such as taking money from them, which is theft.
Would you agree that the government should take money from you to pay for my car so I can get to work?
Do you agree that the government should take money from you so I can buy a house?
Do you think the government should take money from you to pay for my health care?
Didn't think so...
On with the debate!

Joel_Rodgers - It's the choice of parents to send their kids to a "private" school and spend $2,000 plus a year for their kids education. If they can afford to do that, good for them. I for one do not have $8,000 extra dollars to spend on my four kids to attend a "public" school on top of the cuts from my paycheck that Govenor Walker is proposing! Get serious.

BadgerFan1 - your logic could be viewed the opposite way...... "If any schools get closed it should be Harrison and Van Buren. First, they have the pod system, and second they are both close to other schools. Harrison could be split between Monroe and Kennedy, and Van Buren between Lincoln and Wilson." - Monroe which has not had a taxpayer renovation, could easily be dispersed to Harrison and Kennedy. The same can be said about Van Buren. As far as Jefferson Elementary, if you really look at the physical dimensions of each classroom, they cannot support 30 students in a classroom. No one want's to see their school closed, unfortunately it's a reality. No matter what the school board chooses to do, there are going to be unhappy people in the community. They have a no-win situation...unless there is some millionaire who is willing to make a donation to the School District to help out with the budget crisis...the fact is Janesville does not have enough students to support 12 elementary schools. The neighborhood concept of schools is wonderful but the financial reality is that, the neighborhood concept cannot be sustained any more.

When I was growing up we had 2 more schools than now. Rock,Happy Hollow,and Hillcrest were around, but no Kennedy. The population was 15,000 less than today. Where did all the kids go?

Reintroduce them in High school? Um you do realize that teachers go to school for a specific grade to teach right? They dont just say I wanna be a teacher and get any job. A kindergarten teacher who has been that for 20+ years is not going to be a Senior high teacher.
Still, I sincerely hope it is not Roosevelt!!

Why did they choose these four schools? Monroe, Lincoln, Harrison would be better choices. Jefferson, Wilson, and Roosevelt - REALLY??!! And to ask a parent to pay $2000 for education is crazy!!! Maybe u can afford mr Joel but others can't!!!

Close any school you want, but DON'T close MY school!!

Close down Jefferson?? Who on their right mind would close down a school that is actually at capacity?????? Oh wait never mind we're talking about the Janesville school board!

This is a great idea. Close 'em down. Good job school board.

Save more money by reducing teachers at the high school and increasing class size - at least at the Junior/ Senior Level. In high school the kids aren't really looking for as much 1 on 1 time anymore - additionally, it probably would help in preparation for college to coddle less and expect more.

Joel_Roberts, 2,000 dollars is a lot of money to some people and I know that they do not have money like that to spend on them for Christmas.

amen, yet people like Joel_Rodgers/Cass, seem to think that if parents truly "loved" their children, that they would be able to come up with an extra $2000 per kid to send them to school. Shameful indeed.

I am afraid, and outraged, that if an elementary school closes, it will be Wilson. That is where our community's biggest concentration of poverty is; and thus the people with the least amount influence. These people don't have much of a voice in our community because our society equates wealth with power. It is shameful that our district would even consider closing Wilson, but I am sure that is the route they will take. Those kids have the least amount of access to transportation, the district doesn't provide transportation, so there will be a much bigger truancy issue when this happens. We may save a little now, but at the expense of hundreds of young lives.
How does a 5 or a 7 year old child make the trek to a school miles away from their home with no supervision? And if the almighty dollar is all that matters to you; who do you think will be paying the bill for all of the issues related to these truancies?
We should be ashamed of ourselves. All of us. Where are our values as a community? As a state?! As a nation?! We have become an extremely materialistic society. Money first, people later. Shame on us.

@Joel_Rodgers: Another re-post from different thread under a different username <again>. Lame.

This should have been the FIRST action to be taken rather than cutting classses first.

If we can take away collective bargaining then lets make churches pay their fair share of property taxes.

Roosevlet is the oldest school in Janesville. Why would they close that one?! I hope and pray they do not!!!! We would be lost without our teachers!!!

I'll believe it when I see/read that this board makes a decision. They will ask for studies after studies and not take the advice. They'll come away from their board meetings with "let's put it on hold or we'll review it at a later date." ie: the advice from "WASB" to hand out notices but our board decided to not heed the advice.

schnckstac1 - You're in denial. Its coming brace yourself...its called REALITY CHECK.

I do not think Jefferson or Roosevelt should be closed, but of these four they are the only two that even make sense. Wilson has a lot of students whose only way to get to/from school is to walk and I can only see truancy rates for these students go up if Wilson gets closed. If any schools get closed it should be Harrison and Van Buren. First, they have the pod system, and second they are both close to other schools. Harrison could be split between Monroe and Kennedy, and Van Buren between Lincoln and Wilson.

thank you for posting that>>> I almost feel better !!! :)

So where would the Wilson kids go. Is there a school within 2 miles and safe for the kids to cross streets etc. I do feel Wilson should be one of them I can't imagine the cost to keep it warm in the winter. As for the charter and Tagos etc... Put these kids back in the regular school, they make it as though its a privilege to go to these schools a special reward for not doing what is required of them in a normal school setting. Quit wasting money and do what you are being paid to do.

Didn't we already assume this would happen with all the closing of factories.

I am a Jefferson parent and for anyone worried about this please call your principal. I talked to ours today and he said the article is a bit misleading. The two schools that plans are being made for, but ONLY to see what it looks like (not a for sure thing AT ALL) are Roosevelt and Wilson. These are only plans to see if it COULD help, nothing is written in stone. Please do not let this article make you worry!

I see no issues with closing a school or two, if we are overspending on duplicate services. This would be another way of roping in spending. Do it.