Well said, shermd71... Bill Sodemann is wrong for Janesville Public Schools.

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Soft ‘n Gentle toilet paper

Sparkle napkins

Vanity fair napkins

Zee napkins
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For a complete list go to scottwalkerwatch.com

If the charter schools house expelled kids, can they even be in a building with students?
Why do all married couples have to take the insurance - isn't that paying twice?
rocksolid - do you know the answers to these?

shermd,
how was my post a "personal attack?"

DanMan - wow, being a "tax payer" qualifies someone to make decisions about our education system? Could you set the bar any lower?

I voted for a Senator to represent a district what I got was a union representitive.

bella, Remove head, then speak. Taxpayer, Kids in public schools, Hello?

Idaho just got it right.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110309/ap_o...

"I find it interesting that some (I presume teachers and/or other union-represented employees) are saying "there's no trust with the board". So, what you're really saying that with your union behind you, you still don't trust your employer. Isn't that kind of a waste of money (dues)? Just wondering. . . ."

School board members who do not reflect the ideology, agenda, or mentality to support teacher unions, they are labeled teacher haters, student haters and, education haters. But boy oh boy you become their best friend when you take in all of their ideas.

When they say "there's no trust with the board" They are really saying, "We are not getting our way". And they run like the 14 renegade Democrats.

I find it interesting that some (I presume teachers and/or other union-represented employees) are saying "there's no trust with the board". So, what you're really saying that with your union behind you, you still don't trust your employer. Isn't that kind of a waste of money (dues)? Just wondering. . . .

If you homeschool your children and you work as a business owner - what possesses you to think that you have ANY qualifications to be on a school board? It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. And there's been a LOT of ridiculous things happening in WI lately.

rocksolid, fair enough. Then why when I explained my concerns to you did you not correct me on the course you were thinking about? When I approached you I made it clear I was talking about Accelerated Orchestra and it being on the list of cuts. Why was the response given to me related to the teacher going to the elementary classes and not anything about these two classes? Thanks for the speedy reply.

Well with all the budget cuts and school closings on walkers bill WE WON'T need a school board as there will be no students left in this State. There will not be enough schools open to allow all students in as every building has a capacity. the cost will rise and the income of the people under his bill will fall and so If you don't support the teachers and children you don't deserve to represent them. Henry NO, Burt NO, to cut without an *outline* will make for some pretty messed up outcomes. BTW what polictical side do they represent? this is an election and i am curious to where their heart is and their reality to what we need verses what they think we need.

ifiruledtheworld, I couldn't agree with you more!

This is a thankless job for sure, mostly because of the cynics and liberals that feel that union employees are entitled to whatever they want. Teachers and aides do a tremendous job educating our children. I've got two daughters that received a better education that I did. Sadly, the taxpayers can only bear so much burden, and our educators need to make sacrifices also. Back to the school board, some members, in my opinion, seek the position to forward their agendas or just to have a feeling of power. Most, I believe, do it because they care about our children and their futures. I would like to see this budget standoff resolved in a way that as we like to "say", puts kids first.

Oh booch, you decide to make a personal attack at my post. GOOD!!

I would think ALL teachers and public union employees in Janesville would GLADLY pay more for their pensions and health care to save more $ and jobs for the district!! Like they did in the 90's with the QEO!! Janesville saved jobs and took CONSIDERABLY LESS than, say, Beloit, to save MANY jobs!! NOT ONE teacher that I know wouldn't give more!! However, what's in it for the teachers? To LOSE ALL of their bargaining rights that were EARNED and NEGOTIATED for over 50+ years? To start EVERY teacher at a first-year teacher's salary (roughly $31,000 per school year) regardless of amount of schooling or years of experience? Yeah, that's pretty fair. Yeah, I know, you don't think we deserve them. So, when union bargaining disappers, who will set the wages for ALL other employees? Because that's ONE of the MANY POSITIVE things unions (yep, those TERRIBLE, GREEDY, OVERPAID and UNDERWORKED union people)has done for EVERYONE!! An 8-hour work day, 40-hour work week, improved working conditions for EVERYONE!! Not just union members!! Oh yeah, I know, you think it's EASY to be in a union!! Plow for 36+ hours straight, teach ALL kids how to survive in this cruel, shallow, greedy world, and ALL of the other union tasks/jobs out there!!

As far as Mr. Sodemann, he has his beliefs. I respect them, though I don't agree with them anymore than he does mine. But even though schools are now being run like a business (which is 100% counterproductive and WRONG), would Mr. Sodemann run his own business this way? To remain competitive and successful, I HIGHLY doubt it!! Public attacks on the JEA by him and others on the school board is UNACCEPTABLE!! Because he is a business owner does NOT give him the right to denegrate ANYONE in a public forum!! And his weak attempts to explain himself on this blog show he is the WRONG person for a school board candidate!!

At the meeting that "jakiao" is referring to, I made it a point that in these difficult times we also need to count our blessings and not just focus on the things that we may be losing. I went on to give the example of orchestra at Parker (not Craig). Currently there are two orchestra classes at Parker, Symphonic for the more advanced players (upper grades) and Philharmonic for those who are more towards the beginning stages (lower grades). My daughter(s) are in the advanced class and it is on the list to be cut for next year. I pointed out that although I was disappointed that the advanced orchestra class was going to be cut (actually combined) that I was thankful that Parker even had an orchestra program as most of the area high schools do not (Milton for example).

My use of the word "advanced" was meant to indicate the higher of the two classes not the name of an actual class (I do not believe I ever used the word "Accelerated"), which is where I believe the misunderstanding with "jaikio" must have occured. Parker does not even have an "Accelerated Orchestra" as far as I am aware. That being said, it is true that I do not know all of the specific names of the hundreds of different course offerings at our elementary, middle and high schools, who teaches them, where each of them travels to, where they eat lunch and what their favorite color is. For that I am sorry.

I did say that the orchestra teacher, Ms. Loescher, who is outstanding, does travel to other schools, so I am not sure what he is referring to.

Again, the message was, "in difficult times, let's also be thankful for what we do have, not just complain about we might lose".

Sincerely,
Bill Sodemann

I have the utmost respect for Bill Sodeman. He is an intelligent thinker who is willing to talk straight and face the problems head on. D. Severson has also grown intellectually in leaps and bounds over his years on the school board. I appreciate that he's finally standing up for what is right and not pussy-footing around the tough issues.

As for Mr. Murray, a liberal sleeping in the giant teachers' union pocket...well...not a lot to say. That essentially says it all...

Several reasons to end collective bargaining for non salary matters:
1. 86 year old in Wausau School District wanted to VOLUNTEER to act as a crossing guard two blocks from where he lives. The union had an issue and filed a grievance.
2. A teacher voted Teacher of the Year last year in MIlwaukee Public School District was laid off because of seniority. No respect for the teacher's performance. Yet we have bloggers here that mention that teachers do care for children. They do care but I guess you have to be a dinosaur teacher who might not be effective but as long as they are members of a union.
3. In Racine County last year, jail officials tried to utilize inmates to cut the grass in various parts of the county but the union filed a grievance stating that union employees are the only ones to do the work. Is this ridiculous or what?
4. Sick time stacking-6 or more corrections officers in WI made 100 K plus last year because of their ability to use sick time as time worked to accrue overtime. For example, I could call in sick for first shift but if I worked on the second shift I would get overtime at time an a half.
5. Some social workers in Milwaukee are paid 5 hours extra a week to carry a pager even if they do not work ANY HOURS that week. Pay them for what they work not for what they do not work.
6. The highest paid city union employee in Madison is a bus driver who made $159,000.
"They're among the SEVEN bus drivers who made more than $100,000 last year thanks to a union contract that lets the most senior drivers who have the highest base salaries get first crack at overtime."
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/g......
YEAH.......it is not about the money huh?

My question is why any of these people would want this stressful, unpaid job in the first place.

TheCourtJester: Surely you jest! You are saying I am not using my education (BS, MS) because my opinion about taxes isn't the same as your opinion about taxes--nice segue! Where did you go to school? Or did you go to school? Our property taxes have been spiraling out of control and we are retired. We have thought of moving. So why does that mean I don't care about education? I volunteer in after school tutoring and have teachers in the family. Some of whom agree with Gov Walker and some don't but we don't accuse each other of not using our education. We all worked hard for our degrees.

My daughter will be a freshman in the fall, where she goes to school is going to depend heavily on the cuts made.

What sports are on the chopping block?
The district could save hundreds of dollars by utilizing technology replacing the need for text books, smart boards for assignments, tests, quizzes, etc.

Utilize email to correspond with parents, notify parents of AP referrals, etc. Saving on paper and postage.

Eliminate paper files and go digital. The cost may be substantial in the beginning, but the long term cost savings would be significant.

What concessions are district office employees making? What about pay freezes for superintendt, principals, assistant principals, and various upper management positions within the district office?

To save on reimbursment costs when travelling to another district, conferences, etc. require carpool.

Consider renting middle school pools on weekends for a small fee, or open the gym for volleyball and basketball again for a small fee.

The board needs to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas regarding the budget issues.

Yes, the other side is always good to hear. Mine is but one opinion. I would also like to see a response to the discussion too, even if sent in a message.

Thank you for the explanation Jakiao...

Now, in fairness to Mr. Sodemann, knowing that he reads these comments, I would like to hear his side of the story.

Mr. Sodemann, if you do not, for obvious reasons, wish to respond publicly, please send me a private email.

I do strive to understand the whole situation and counter opinions before making a determination on how I will vote.

Thank you.

theone, Okay. I felt going into detail about my discussion with him might be a bit too lengthy to post without being asked to, and since you asked so politely I'll gladly tell you.
--
During the "Conversations for Excellence" meeting at Jefferson Elementary on February 15, Sodemann offered up a story to everyone about how his daughter is in the "advanced violin" class at Craig High School. He was mistaken in the name of the class as it is actually called "Accelerated Orchestra." He stated that the class was being cut because it cost too much to offer with such a low number of students, typically 4-5 a year.
--
After the session ended I came up to him and introduced myself. Then I posed to him my confusion about why Accelerated Orchestra was to be cut. You see, the program takes place with the Senior Orchestra class at both schools. The program is nothing more than a set of requirements for students already taking Senior Orchestra. As I told him, it requires that you lead and assist every member of your section, seek professional private instruction, and perform social services for the performance arts in Janesville.
--
He responded to my face that the reason they chose to cut it was because it caused the teacher to have to travel between the other schools in Janesville, notably the elementary schools, on a daily basis and caused an increase cost to the school district.
--
That is an incredible fallacy. The reason the two orchestra teachers from Craig and Parker travel to the elementary schools is because they are also employed to teach the children in the 4th and 5th grades! Accelerated Orchestra has absolutely -nothing- to do with this. These classes are vital to the students who wish to learn.
--
This shows me a few things about this man. If he actually believes what he told me and wasn't pulling a canned answer out of the "almost the right topic" category, then he has shown me that for at least this one class he is COMPLETELY ignorant as to how the class works. That leads me to ask what other classes hit the chopping block because of his naive view on the education system in Janesville.
--
His actions are reckless and will not serve us well in the future. I speak out because I am a concerned citizen who hopes to one day in the near future become a father. I want my children to experience the quality of education that I received growing up here. You can twist my words and make me out to be someone with an ulterior motive, but I have nothing to hide. I am only speaking my mind.
--
For the record, I was an Accelerated Orchestra student at Craig High School under the instruction of Paul Jenkin. Class of 2005. Eighth year of orchestra classes in the Janesville School District.

So...it sounds like what you had was... a failure to communicate.

If you didn't see fit to clarify your question (giving Mr. Sodemann the benefit of the doubt here)you shouldn't be slamming him here and now for not being able to answer a question that you by your own admission,realized he didn't understand.

That says more about your motive.

theone, I didn't say I spoke with him at a council meeting. And I said my one-on-one *discussion*. Singular. I have only spoken with him one-on-one once. He was part of a panel of other school board council members at Jefferson Elementary two weeks ago. I would estimate some 30-40 people showed up to discuss the list of classes proposed to be cut for next year. When the meeting ended I got up and approached Bill Sodemann and was able to have a short discussion with him. In this discussion he showed me a complete failure to understand what he was talking about. Given the format of the discussion I could have easily spoken up and asked him directly what I asked after the meeting. Had I done so I would have been forced to question him for his complete and total ignorance on the subject when he claimed to be authoritative on it.
--
Please reconsider your view on my original post, theone.

And...depending on the order on the ballot...he might be the next one also...

Wow...we have something in common Rizzo...He was the last one I voted for too.

Sodemann is the last one I would vote for. Ever.

You had me going there for a minute Jakiao...I thought you were serious at first. Good one.

You had "one on one" discussions with him at "council meetings"? Really?

I just figured that as school board president he would be too busy to attend "council meetings", but, maybe not.

You should go to a school board meeting sometime.

Wow, that's what I get for copy/pasting a typo three times. Correction: Sodemann on all three accounts.

I don't know anything about any candidate other than Bill Spodemann. What I do know is that I am not voting for Bill Spodemann. He has demonstrated to me at council meetings, in my own one-on-one discussion with him, and in his actions and statements as President that he does not know what he is doing. In my opinion he is not in touch with reality and is too naive to perform his duties to the extent we need of him. What has settled into Janesville is a troubling, ill wind. What follows is nothing short of terrifying to all those who hold dear the quality of education this school district has offered and the impact it will have on all those to come. Whoever pilots our school board going forward better be very prepared for the storm. We only get one shot to get this right, and Spodemann is not the man to handle it.

kinda my point, but then they keep getting cut a little, or a lot more. I'm not sure how much more fat you can cut off the steak before all you have left is the bone.

not sure where you are getting your information from, but all those areas have been cut spiderpig. Look at the Board agenda.

don't make teachers contribute more.
-would have if there were any trust with the board or if layoffs would have been reduced. This dream that if teachers agree to concessions less people get laid off is great. The staffing plan that has been in the works for the last two months was set. Anything the union did would not have done a thing. Agree to insurance/retirment provisions and we will go back, change board policy, reschedule students and lay off x less teachers? Yeah right!

don't cut anything.
-What has not been cut? Maintenance, department budgets, special programs, athletics, text books, support staff, teachers, electives to name more than a few.

no layoffs.
-You been away for a while? See above.

but please go ahead and raise taxes.
-or use some of the reserve.

sodermann seems to be the only person on the board who is looking out for the taxpayers.
thanks mr. sodermann.
-yes, thank you for making the taxpayer your only concern.

Henry had my vote until..."Henry also called for a tax increase"

Get a clue man.

shermd,
that sodermann home schooled his kids does not mean he wasn't paying taxes. it does man that he gets double-dipped -- he pays for the public schools and out of pocket expenses for home-schooling curriculum (not cheap).
**********
as for your amped up rhetoric that he hates kids, c'mon - seriously?

gotta love it.
don't make teachers contribute more.
don't cut anything.
no layoffs.
but please go ahead and raise taxes.
sodermann seems to be the only person on the board who is looking out for the taxpayers.
thanks mr. sodermann.

Lovemycountry,
"Bill Sodemann will continue to use the district resources most wisely. Vote Sodemann."
Wierd, because tonight he chose to not give the secrataries a zero percent raise this year and a 2% raise next year for a total cost of around 100g. 10 minutes later the Jack voted to approve a sound wall built at craig for 134G, even though there was a bid for 80G submitted. Why go with the larger bid, because the steel in the door used by the lower bid was of 14g instead of 16g.

I am...and...I will.

A vote for Sodemann is a vote for Sergeant Walker. Walker is anti-education and Sodemann supports him.

If you are pro-education and support a quality learning community, you will not vote for Bill Sodemann.

How about early retirements for teachers that are close to retiring? Then hire some new teachers to replace them. I know there are plenty of people in this town with teaching certs who would love to get a career going.

Sodeman has been strong voice of reason. He has my vote.

Bill Sodemann will continue to use the district resources most wisely. Vote Sodemann.

I agree that the Charter school and TAGOS will have to be moved out of their rentals. To do so, will most likely result in a school closing. How many elementary schools are near each other? I have not measured the distances, but aren't Kennedy and Harrison the closest in proximity? How many families have left those schools due to job transfers? I seriously think we need to consider one of those schools and not one of the four mentioned last week. And yes, it would completely stink for the teachers who would be trying to relocate within the district.... but it's obvious something needs to be done and I'm worried that the JSD is just sitting by, not wanting to be "the bad guy" just yet.

It's to bad some people write in here that they cut teacher benifits and it will make it all go away.They are probaly the first ones who said they were happy gm and all the other business that left wouldn't make a differance.It kinda shows maybe they lived in alabama or mississippi and graduated from the third grade,and are proud they made it that far!

VOte for Scott sodeman,
He'll keep your taxes down, who cares if the schools stay open or not, he'll keep your taxes down. All while he homeschooled his children for most of their lives. Got to send them to the high school or they can't get the validictorian status or any scholarships. Now I see how he can support walker so much. Same values.

More comments from an apparent non-reader. The good-Governor's repair bill puts a cap on the tax levy that a school district can impose on you. That should make you, donnaw, happy. I can see why you feel the way that you do about education- you didn't seem to benefit from yours in the least.

Cut the benefits! We can't take any more tax increases! What part of we don't have any more money do you not understand?

We should ALL begin this process by NOT voting for incumbent School Board
President Bill Sodemann. 100% AGAINST schools, teachers, taxes, and representing the STUDENTS and community!! Schools MAY be run as a business, but I REFUSE to believe that Mr. Sodemann would run his business like he tries to run the school board and district!! Home schooling his children until high school, pro-Walker, anti-students, anti-teacher. And this is who Janesville wants representing the STUDENTS and FAMILIES? Really? I KNOW Janesville can do BETTER than Mr. Sodemann!!