On 10 apply for 2 seats on school board

Posted on June 26 at 5:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

tibetrin
Thanks for the kind words. It definately provides confidence and to have your your trust is deeply appreciated.

On Two city schools fall short in 'yearly progress'

Posted on June 25 at 12:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I too have had experience with my son who has struggled in school at times due to depression and social anxiety, which really put him back in regards to grade level. It was overwhelming with testing and advocating to assure teachers would adapt their style of teaching where my son could acheive his potential. Luckily we had strong teacher support and were always available when needed. He is starting the block program at Parker next year and I think it will really benefit him. My son is now on the correct medication and receives mon and dad support daily and he has progressed and is close to his appropriate grade level. He is a spatial visual learner so he needs some help with understanding math and science concepts. He can figure it out and get the right answers, he just can't do it the process the teachers want him to do it. My wife is also a special education teacher for the Beloit School District and she has had ninth graders excel in her class by using TRIBES and the love and logic approach.

On Two city schools fall short in 'yearly progress'

Posted on June 25 at 11:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I also feel that the No Child Left Behind Legislation focuses on one test once a year. I think some lobbying should be done to assure that the requirements of this legislation is reachable from a special education standpoint as well as from the viewpoint that some children who speak English as a second language scores do not reflect the true acheivement level which these children are capable of reaching.

On Two city schools fall short in 'yearly progress'

Posted on June 25 at 11:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I feel attendance is strongly associated with student achievement. The Minnetonka, Minnesota School District has developed a system-wide truancy and tardiness policy which removes grades being used as a punishment or reward for attendance issues. In an article titled: Leading to Change: Effective grading by D.B. Reeves in a 2008 edition of Educational Leadership, the Minnetonka School District has reduced system-wide absences by 42%, reduced disciplinary referrals by 64% and suspensions dropped 37%.
By having a system-wide policy removing grades as a tool for attendance, it improves students behavior, forces school systems to develop accountable actions for truancy and improves student achievement. There are several school districts which have had similiar results. I would strongly encourage the school board to look into this possible policy change.

On School board debates merits of new positions, expenses

Posted on June 25 at 11:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

It is time for some serious reflection to what is being created and to closely look at ways to save some money and attempt to sort out the result of not only GM closing but all related businesses as well such as Leer and others. Creating new administrative jobs need to be discussed but also some creative and innovative structuring is needed to assure the district is financially responsible to taxpayers. We are in a recession, the housing market is not looking good, we have businesses closing, unemployment up, and many more people having difficulty finding decent jobs. The school district must look at unconventional and innovative staffing and educational plans and possibly look at other districts throughout the country who have adopted practices and money saving options. I am very aware that the school district budget after health benefits, salaries, and facility issues, much is set and not much room for financial savings: unless the district moves forward and begin looking toward out of box type of options. I really beleive with a little creativity, this district can further be a system looked to as a model for all school districts throughout the country.

On Fourth man applies to Janesville School Board

Posted on June 23 at 7:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Thanks JasonTH.

I know some of the applicants and they seem very reasonable and they each a special viewpoint and experience if they are appointed to the board.
I understand what I am capable of accomplishing and areas in which I am lacking. My strength is listening and putting forth a positive attitude. Of course I can be convincingly passionate at times, but the many years I have spent in politics, business management, and customer relations/service, I stopped comparing myself to others and just present who I am and what I'm about. Not knowing the direction or cfriteria the school board is going to use to choose two replacments,I hope they see that I am very capable of serving the district well and I receive one of the two vacant seats. If I am not appointed, I wish those who are well. My personality is pretty open book and I know some may not see me as the best candidate and thats okay. I know my abilities and feel I can be an asset; I'm not going to lose sleep thinking of ways to make an arguement that I am better than anyone else. I will lose sleep when I am on the board and have to make a decsion that benefits children and figuring out how to pay for it. Thanks for your wish of luck. :)

On Fourth man applies to Janesville School Board

Posted on June 23 at 5:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wow,you are too kind, thank you.

On Fourth man applies to Janesville School Board

Posted on June 23 at 3:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Thanks for the kind words! I just try to make the community a little better. Janesville has watched me grow up politically with all my babbling and word stumbling around. I am far more experienced and feel I can offer a strong voice on behalf of the kids. If I can influence the educational system in this district for 8-9 months and then take a chance at election time, win or lose, I would have given back to the community.

On Salerno recommended for Janesville School District post

Posted on June 20 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I have no personal opinion regarding this hiring but I have to question the many bloggers who state this individual has no experience in human resources. Experience is not the only factor when considering to hire an individual for a position. I spent more than 10 years in business management and let me tell you, I have hired some people who have the experience and couldn't do the job that someone with educational experience but not direct hands on experience in the business management field. When hiring, a person has to be looked at from many different views and the deciding factor is not necessarily the experience factor. Hirings, especially in a public sector is much like a basketball game. Everyone in the stands can officiate the game better than the referee, yet those in the stands have not read the rule book or have taken the exam to be a referee. The cheap seats are easy to make decesions from, yet many people do not go back to school, apply, or run for elected office. If people have a problem and feel they can do the job better, go get your administrative degree in education or run for the school board. Both are thankless jobs and once again, hiring policies are much easier to criticize when the accountability is not upon the person who is responsible for the hiring.

On Vechinsky resigns from school board

Posted on June 11 at 10:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I have a great deal of respect for Dennis Vechinsky and he has earned my vote each time for election. The board will miss his experience and expertise.
My best wishes to Commissioner Vechinsky.