Great stats Dr. Talk. So explain how Walkers plan to cut $900 million from education funding will improve our schools. Explain how our children will benefit from having fewer teachers, supplies and extra-curricular programs which will be necessary to cut once funding is removed.

Jasper, so we should agree to a bill we don't know the details of?

"We have tried spending more money and putting more teachers in classrooms for more than a generation, with no observable improvements to anything except the schools’ bottom lines. Why? Because of the lack of competition in the K–12 education system. Schooling in the United States is still based largely on residency; students remain tied to the neighborhood school regardless of how bad its performance may be."
http://reason.com/archives/2011/02/22/lo...

"Republicans really have their priorities straight; keep tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations but cut funding for education."
--PanamaRed

"the U.S. spends the most in the world on education, an average of $91,700 per student in the nine years between the ages of 6 and 15. But the results do not correlate: For instance, we spend one-third more per student than Finland, which consistently ranks near the top in science, reading, and math."

"During the last 40 years, the federal government has spent $1.8 trillion on education, and spending per pupil in the U.S. has tripled in real terms. Government at all levels spent an average of $149,000 on the 13-year education of a high school senior who graduated in 2009, compared to $50,000 (in 2009 dollars) for a 1970 graduate."

"Despite the dramatic increase in spending, there has been no notable change in student outcomes."
"More spending usually means more teachers."
http://reason.com/archives/2011/02/22/lo...

@that_one_craig_student
You're thinking in terms of groups. You have to think in terms of individuals. It's not going to cost $10 Million for one student to take one class. And I wasn't limiting it to a bake sale. They can find other forms of work to pay for classes. They can also check out books for free at the library.

righton: there you go again...trying to evade the issue. you keep questioning my education. I have to question your integrity. I asked to better define your beliefs from your first post. are you embarrassed to clarify your earlier statements? if you really believe what you posted then be proud and defend your opinion.

Jasper

What are they asking students to sign, is this allowed?

At least my kid did not sign the petition at school peddaled by the teachers. He said " I will not sign a document that I do not fully understand the details of".

At least I know he won't be jumping off any bridges when told to do so.

The teachers need to stop influencing our kids with their opinions and view points about their job and finacial issues. Stop acting and talking like they are not part of the problem.. that Wisconsin is broke. Sure they will agree to pay towards their healthcare and pension, but won't give up the collective bargaining. What else can they bargain with the State about?

There are a lot of online schools, some based on public school curriculums and allow the student to earn a public school diploma while still getting the classes they want like advance placement and languages.

It's an answer to slashing AP classes from the Janesville schools offerings...

I was watching tv the other night and saw an advertisment for high school online.. I can't remember the exact website, but it's something like highschoolinsight.com ..something like that. Maybe that is the answer to the School District's budget? Leave elementary and middle schools alone and make high school students attend online only. (hmmmmmmmmmmmm, where's the world headed?) We've lost many, many jobs and residents...well, what will happen if there's nobody left to attend the high schools?

My wife has relatives that live in the deep south.Property taxes are about $15oo or less a year on your home.But the trade off the public school are the worst in the country.They send there children to a private school either way you want a good thing you pay for it.I hope and pray thats not the road Gov Walkers headed dwn.

Republicans really have their priorities straight; keep tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations but cut funding for education.

The nerve of some people.....at conferences last night a lady came up to me spouting how good she felt taking her child out of school to protest downtown and how she was holding back our non-leader Scott Walker. In the nicest voice I could muster I told her to shove it and get away from me. She had no idea who I was yet assumed I felt the same way she does. In my family, my children (all six of them) leave the debating to the adults and understand that their "job" is to stay in school and get as much knowledge as they can before being dropped into a world with people like this lady. Our School Board volunteers work their butts off to piece together something that works even when people like this that care only about what they want,ignoring what anyone else thinks, wants or needs. Go to a board meeting sometime and you can see for yourself.

I remember when I was a teen during the Iran hostage crisis we wore yellow ribbons to show our support and had a peaceful march to Parker high school BEFORE school started!

I can say after talking with our teens and their friends that participated in walkout that they really are clueless about any issues. They just thought it was way to get out of school and have fun.

UW Whitewater = $5,857 one full year undergrad. That's up to 36 credits if you take a full load.

Phoenix is a real college?

Some of you commenting are so clueless. And you are worried about "teachers" screwing your kids up?

Doc0430: I hope people read your post. Very smart way of putting everything. I only would change 1 thing...you said that you pay your way...what about other people's ways like the city workers, union dues, health care, ect. By the way, this is sort of off subject, but the cost increases have gone up for "regular folks" for city services already. The city dump has raised their prices again, probably to pay for that new union deal the city manager forced through. I'm sure it is the first of many.

A county school campus built on the county farm at 14 and 51 would make sense. Of course then you have a bunch of empty school buildings rotting and there are enough buildings sitting empty rotting already. But I do agree instead of spreading the "wealth" thin consolidate all into one. There would certainly be many benefits to a central location especially by the sheriff's department; its a long walk to McDonalds from there. Would also make it more difficult to cut classes.

Welcome to the state of Wisconsin Land of Dictatoship without the right to fight back

Doc0430/Private Sector/Walker Supporters: I respect your views but don’t agree. High school kids are able to form their own opinions. They watch the news, listen to their parents, talk with friends and read the news papers/blogs. Blaming teachers and labor unions is the easy way out. The issue of why everyone is broke goes far beyond unions. Let’s not let the banks, gas prices and our former president off the hook just yet. When we as responsible adults decide to go into a profession, we should know what our wages and benefits will be. If you decide to work in the private sector than you know you will POTENTIALLY pay more for your pension and health care. You should also know that on AVERAGE you will be paid more in the private sector. If you go into a state or local government job, with union protection and bargained wages and benefits, you know that you are going to make X amount of dollars and have good benefits. You can’t honestly believe that a teacher who has spent money on a four year Bachelor’s degree and possibly even more on a Master’s degree should lose upwards of 17% of their salary. What happens to small businesses when middle class families aren’t going out and spending money? Families who lose large portions of their income are not going out and spending money. Our professions are a choice we make as responsible adults. This is not a communist country and sometimes life isn't fair. Not everybody makes tons of money or has great benefits. Those things are earned rewards for hard work in high school and or college. State employees have agreed to pay for some of their pensions and health care. Let’s stop pointing the finger at each other and learn to compromise.

dmfd24 Totally agree I don't understand after the teachers and other public employees have agree to what Walker demanded they still are being used as if they haven't agreed What the true opposition is , Is the taking all PEOPLES RIGHTS away and to no surprise to those that see the truth To dictate all people in our state.

Good job kids! Let your voices be heard!!

Some Franklin Middle Schoolers walked out as well.

I just have to say that I love all of these comments saying, "don't you get it, America is broke". We passed broke years ago, we're just massively in debt now. I guess I'm glad you finally see it but have to laugh at the irony!

All of you haters need to realize that the district is actually making some money off the health care packages that they pay for teachers. Where do you think the $25 + million(can't ever get a straight answer of how much is there)in the district Fund 10 balance. This is money that is reinbursed to the district that has not been used for health care! And staff has not asked to get their 4% of those millions each year back; since they do pay 4% of their health care. If staff has to start paying more, then 12% of those millions they are getting each year should be divided out to staff! Please people start asking why the district is not willing to use money from this Fund 10; they have around 12 million more in there than other districts our size keep in theirs!! This would stop any cuts!

Just another example of what these teachers are telling their students is their point of view, don't they realize this could all be settled with the budget repair bill? The reason those courses may be dropped because of the school districts failure to be able to balance the budget because of the higher wages and huge golden benefits packages the teachers union negotiated for their teachers? What are these kids learning by NOT being in class, and to walking around the school district building carrying signs is just silly, what is this suppose to accomplish? Just another example of irresponsibility of the teachers because they are unwilling to give up the collective bargaining rights of their union which has been fleecing the taxpayers for way too long! Why should we (the taxpayers of Janesville) continue to pay for their retirement pensions when we can't even afford to create are own retirement futures? No way not anymore, it's high time that these teachers tow their own when it comes to this! Last weekend there was an article in the Gasjette where they had a clerical school district employee (NOT A TEACHER EVEN) and her health care policy costs $1,440 a month, of which she was only paying $43 a month herself, it cases like this that are breaking the backs of the taxpayers! Do you honestly think that this is right that these students were allowed (more than likely even encouraged) to skip out on school today? Where is the district on allowing this to happen, have they ever heard of the term TRUANCY? Because these kids were exactly that today, TRUANT! And that right there is breaking the law here in Wisconsin, although I'm sure the school district won't even do there jobs here and there (more than likely) won't be any disciplinary action taken as a result of this, once again the school district is failing, last week it was teachers failing to show up for work, although they can't call it a strike because that would be illegal in Wisconsin (not that taking fake Dr excuses at their rally in Madison) This whole deal just stinks, get back to school kids and get back to work teachers, because your all breaking the law, and it's all because you didn't want to pay your fair share!!!! Remember how strong the UAW was in Janesville, they were able to bully their way into getting all those GM employees unemployed! Wanna see how far your union can take this? I don't hate any of these teachers and I just wanted that put on the record, since thats all they have as a defense in all of this, they just call everyone haters and bashers. Thats not the case here, I just want the playing field a little closer to level (I realize it will never be level since they won't ever pay 100% of anything in their benefits) 13% of $1440 is still way too little but at least it's taking some of the pressure off of the taxpayers and the state.
Thank you for reading and I'm sure your all going to bash and hate me now, so go ahead, I pay my way!

Mouse
Feb 23, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
If for example I employed (just for numbers) 100 people, and along came a business that offered me some computers at $2000 + necessary software, let's say $500. Then they educated my workforce on those computers, which eventually gave me the ability to get rid of 75% of my workers. Plus it gave me great opportunities to make 20 times more in a tenth of the time. My wealth would grow tremendously, whilst those I got rid of felt deep pain. Apply that across the nation, into most work places, then tell me this was the fault of the unions or teachers. Police use the computer- less police - nurses use computers less staff.... factories, retail, mechanics and on and on.
********************************************************
So Mouse, are you saying that we should get rid of computers? Wow! I thought I had heard and read it all over the last week, but you have just taken the cake on the most stupid statement by far over anything I have read! Unbelievable........

dmfd24 - I think you have that backwards.

Sure, some students may have jumped on the bandwagon to get out of school but they only missed roughly one class. The VAST MAJORITY of those participating were in it for the right reasons; they scheduled it for the end of the day for a reason. It wasn't for an excuse to skip school.

And many of them have some ideas on how to cut spending before cutting classes. Some of them may not work at all but hopefully they can share these ideas and be told why it would or wouldn't work or why they can't move forward with a particular idea at this time. High schoolers are not naive and not stupid or ignorant as many think.

We've raised a couple of generations and are raising another of people who think they are entitled to things that other people are obliged to pay for. These students aren't doing anything they haven't seen their parents' generation do. They watched their parents' generation become convinced that "affordable" health care is a right ("affordable" meaning that other people help pay for it). Health care and education are just the latest in a long line of "entitlements" most of us are convinced we have a right to but with no particular personal financial obligations attached to it no matter how out of control the costs get.

So now our children think that the free education they've been guaranteed must also be provided according to their specifications without regard to cost. Their demands would be more tolerable if they actually bore a fair share of the expense, but they do not. Even their parents bare little of the expense. The average school tax bill for an average home owner is around $1,000 but the amount spent per student by the district is around $12,000. And of course, renters pay even less that that $1,000. It's easy to be opposed to cuts in something that benefits you but for which you don't help pay.

I wonder if our founders would be proud of these students and their "protest" as someone rather absurdly said. When our founders protested the unfair taxation without representation of the British government under which they lived, they risked much, even their very lives. These students risk nothing, not even a tenth of a point on their GPA. Our founders stood up for freedom from the servitude of unfair taxation. Our students stand for increasing the tax burden for the direct benefit of themselves and at no extra cost to them. That's not exactly a noble act, now is it? "Give me liberty or give me death" one of our founders said. "Give me my free education the way I want it or I won't go to school at all" say our somewhat spoiled children. Not much equivalence in those 2 statements, is there?

What I don't understand is how can our curriculum mandate that, you have to take a foreign language but yet not have enough enrollment to maintain a German class?????

@DrTalk: If you have a method that would make a bake sale net over 10 million dollars, please, enlighten us.

Maybe instead of protesting the students should start a bake sale to raise money for the classes they want to take.

Instead of union members protesting the budget repair bill they should start a bake sale. That way any tax payers that want to pay more for public employee wages and benefits can do so.

I don't know how anyone could possibly support Walker with all the information surfacing.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/...

@vatoloco: at the time, there was no word of Scott Walker's budget repair bill. As far as we were concerned, the only protests happening in the foreseeable future was the one we were planning, the walkout. By the time the fiasco in Madison exploded, the walkout movement was simply too far along to stop. Think of it like a little boy stepping onto a train track when there's an oncoming train chugging along at 90 miles per hour. The train simply has too much momentum to stop. That was the situation we found ourselves in. There was no effective way to disseminate the information to everyone in the schools, so we went along with our original plans.

I, for one, am extremely proud of these students. They worked together to take stand for their right to the best education our community can provide. It is sad when an education gets classified as "a government hand-out." Great job Parker and Craig students! THIS is what cooperation looks like. Our governor could take a lesson from you all.

I'd also like to take this time to reiterate the fact that this was not inspired by the protests in Madison or influenced by our teacher's "blue flu" last Friday. This was set in motion approximately two weeks ago and orchestrated between the two schools by a group of kids. Zero influence from ANY teacher was given. Our actions were our own, and we thought for ourselves.

They must have learned this from the leaches in Madison.

And to clarify once more, since so many people don't take time to read comments that were posted too much earlier...The students had this in the works BEFORE Walker released this information and anyone converged on the Capitol. There is nothing wrong with students exercising their rights. Why are so many of you against this right? If you don't think it should be allowed, there are plenty of countries in the middle east you can visit for awhile!

I've read some comments about police involvement, including threats of truancy tickets, handing out of them, etc. I'd just like to address some of those concerns right now:

Today, myself and a few other students were called down to our officer liaison's office. There we were told that they JPD's intentions did not involve arresting/ticketing students. That was never the goal, nor was such a thing threatened at anytime. The ONLY instance where truancy tickets would be handed out is if this was a students 5th or 6th time being truant. The schools allow "x" amount of hours truant before they will actually call someone down and present them with a ticket. Since this was most people's first time offense, truancy tickets were not an issue.

Its clear to me, more today then ever, that we have become a country of Non-Thinkers. We believe whatever we're told by the media, when its been proven over, & over again that the mass media in the USA (or name any other country) is never based on facts, its based on whoever telling the stories Agenda. These kids are being led by an adult... whether it be a teacher, or maybe a teacher/parent (whoever). The Collective Bargaining Rights (CBR) when they were created in Law were suppose to benefit Company Management & Union Employees. As its been since the CBR inception it only benefits Unions & Union employees. Cities, & manufacturers are held hostages, because of them. City, State & Federal Taxes rise because of them every time a Union contract comes up for renewal. I think the CBR laws need to be scrapped, & maybe redone.

Gov Walker didn't surprise anyone by announcing this offensive attack on CBRs. He had shouted it from every campaign podium before he ever got elected. I've stayed pretty uninvolved in the whole Union created fiasco surrounding this other then comments in places like this, & had a soft spot for teachers in this mess, but since no one can tell the truth when it comes to whats really at stake here... and not that i ever expected the unions to be honest because they wouldn't know honesty if it bit them on the nose, but I thought there would be more people actually standing up to find out the truth. I guess its true what I've read in foreign presses. We "American's have become unthinking sheep." In part due to the broken public schools we have. The ones that have embarrassing low test scores year after year, & increasingly higher every year drop out rates (Mostly males.. wonder why?)

Scott Walker was elected on his platform to curb waste, fraud, & fix the CBR money pit to taxpayers. The Majority of Wisconsinites want it, & I guess we're going to have to organize larger groups to go to Madison to stand on Gov Walkers side. I always stand on the side of "Truth", And in this case Gov Walker's side. I voted for him in part because I think Unions are hurting this country.. The only ones that aren't hurt by a Union are the executives spending the union dues. Companies leave the USA to avoid having to deal with them.

Those Un-American, Socialist Democrats need to come back to the state, & do the jobs they were elected to do. This isn't the first time they cut & run because they didn't like where they thought the Vote would go. They seem to be using that tactic a-lot, & I for one have won't be voting for Democrats anymore, because I see a pattern developing where they seem to believe if they can't have it their way, it will be no-way. Sounds more like communism to me. My family voted for one of those democrats cowering in Illinois, but he won't get those votes again.

I know I'll be in Madison this weekend.

Students using civil disobedience to let their feelings be heard. Awesome! Our founders would be proud of these young people!

For those here talking about non-essential courses... foreign language is not a non-essential course. Any student wishing to go to a 4-year college needs at the very minimum 2 years of a foreign language, at least in Wisconsin. Some require 3 years. They're very much essential courses these days for anyone hoping to get into a 4-year college.

Possibly the bigest problem is people want school to be the way it used to be as well as the way it is now. We are no longer in the agriculture age, but we are in the information age. School does not have to cease in the summer for kids to work on the farm. Schools could be open year around and from 7 AM to 11 PM. If we look at today's kid, he or she is seldom without a screen in front of them. These screens would not need a classroom for viewing. We could close half of the high schools and middle schools and require the teachers to work 40 hours per week, twelve months per year. Language classes could be taught in elementary school including Chinese. English as a second language could be elementated with the new immigration laws which should be passed. Vocational education could be for those who do not wish to go on to college and the drop out rate would go down. Boys could go to school one shift, girls the other shift. A one hour meeting time could be set up between shifts for boys and girls to get together. Teachers would have a writing lab where they could write their complaints and publish them once per month in a newsletter. Just some thoughts.

Maybe we should spend more money on some more consultants to find out if there are any other one way streets we can change?

If Walker can indeed "guarantee employment" by anyone in any location, that would indeed be impressive, but I'm also looking forward to the Harry Potter movie.

How is the new ice arena looking now?

to Joel_Rodgers:
"I blame the parents for not paying extra money in fees to the School district to cover the programs they would like to become educated in...leaving the parents with a $3,500 fee for this course."
You haven't had a child in school recently have you? It is so expensive now just to register. When I signed up my daugther there were actualy parents in tears because they couldn't afford the registration fee! Do you really think that parents are going to fork over $3500 for a Spanish course or the like? Oh wait, the school board will probably have the fees adjusted to income and the families that can't afford it will get help from the city. Who's gonna pick up the tab for that? Suddenly the $40 garbage fee doesn't look so bad after all.

Piznat- I agree with you that America is broke. I also agree with you that far too many people enjoy too many handouts and we have to curtail some of those abuses. I do think though that allowing the Bush Era Tax cuts for the wealthiest 3% should have expired. Shared sacrifice, even for the " poor" wealthiest, was so important for our ecomony.

Joel_Rodgers You may have posted the most intelligent comment I have read online in days. Thank You for bringing common sense to a table full of trash.

Geeze, what next? The tax payers walk out and quit paying?

The article is about kids protesting cuts to schools, but is everyone missing the big picture here? America is broke, that should be the headline for every one of these type stories. Are they teaching the kids that America's finances are shameful? Probably not. There are too many people with their hand out looking for something free from the government, some of this is by design some by the notion that I want my cut of the pot of money. Nearly half of the households in the US pay no income tax, so it is left to the other half to foot the bill for a lot of things. When will people start understanding that America on every level of Gov't is broke?

righton: I know the reasons the students THINK they need to be upset. I wasn't asking them to explain their actions. I was asking you to explain your statement. Rather than give me a logical explanation, you impugn my intelligence and label me a hater.
I will ask again...who do you feel is lying to the students? What do you think they are lying about? What is being stolen and who is doing the stealing? Please avoid the name calling and simply provide some sustenance to you first post.

im all for this, but wondering if the school policeman threatened to stop/ticket students?

Walk out ! Most have a new car or friends with one,they drove to the arches or the border for junk food, and could really give a crapp! Sure some are interested in politics but most are interested in what they will do when the bell rings "do they still have a bell" and do they all join in on the pledge of allegiance first thing in the morning ? I guess those days are over. Like I said monkey see monkey do ,the time of day they walked out most classes were probably done anyhow ! In my opinion this is getting old! The silver platter has gone away ! Just deal with it ,it will be all fine as time goes on,just because your in a Union doesn't mean your special. And again be THANKFUL you have a job !!

truthteller, I am sure that is the case with some of the kids, but not all. My daughter was involved with a meeting with Schulte, and was surprised and disappointed that she was not informed enough to even explain why certain classes were being cut. As a matter of fact, she needed students to tell her exactly what a certain class entailed! Ridiculous if you ask me.

over half of my class had less than 24 students when i was a senior in high school. if they cut classes like accounting II and marketing II, how will students have the basis of what their interests are today instead of what they could be in a few years when they're away at college trying to decide. you have to give the students choices. it has always been a free education, at least let them decide what their interests are before eliminating things like foreign languages and upper level classes with minimum students.

Tomorrow the students will reserve a block of rooms at the Clock Tower in Rockford for a couple of weeks.

For those of you who think you know what your talking about on here, let me inform you that this walk out was planned BEFORE the protest and ralley started in Madison, so maybe the teachers took a lesson from the children this time!

BeenThereDoneThat: This is one of your resent entries in the Janesville gazette’s blog “On Is that tattoo just a 'scribble'?,”…maybe you can get a refund from that website that sold you your GED.

12isgreaterthan4
"is ILLEGAL ALIENS! They are a drain on our society. Send them away and that will free up BILLIONS of dollars!"
The republicans want them for cheap labor.
the dems. want them to vote.
sooo.. i'm afraid; that ain't never gonna happen..

Hey 'righton', why all the hate? You need chill my brother/sister. Your intolerance completely wipes out any valid points you're trying to make. I say good for the students! I didn't have any problem with my kids participating and showing support for their teachers.

Joel_Rodgers, That is exactly what I've been wondering. There are a lot of non-essential courses offered. It should be the same as if they were choosing to play a sport. Let the parents of those students pay the cost of the non-essentials.

winewia
"With all the Elementary & Middle Schools in Janesville, why don't they consolidate some of them since there have been a lot of families that have left Janesville?!"

Because..,i am afraid...that...would be smart...

they had this planned, but middle schools were involved too, these kids were talking about it at least 2 weeks ago, they took the time, and texted as many kids possible

Wiselady who is using the kids? They walked out on their own.

wislady
"I hate it when people keep using the kids."
I do believe you have it backwards..

It's called freedom of speech.

I hate it when people keep using the kids.

Sounds like the students held this protest in an organized and responsible manner. Kids aren't stupid! They have brains and can think for themselves. This doesn't sound like a last minute fling that they engaged in to get out of school! The walk out occured at 2pm...practically the end of the school day.

Our teenagers that took part of this protest today really had no idea why they were protesting. They said they just got caught up in mob mentality.

Thank God my kids are blessed to go to a parochial school.

This walkout was actually planned long before anything began in Madison. It was being organized at least 2 weeks ago.

With all the Elementary & Middle Schools in Janesville, why don't they consolidate some of them since there have been a lot of families that have left Janesville?!?

righton: you stated "You are doing the thing that made America great--standing up to those who lie to you and steal from you." Could you please explain just who is lying to these students and how anything is being stolen from them? Specifically who and how; not just emotional generalities.

"I wonder what gave them the idea to walk out?"

I am guessing you are being funny.
The teachers and their cry baby ways as well.
Well at least Karen S will be getting a raise. That will help for sure!!!!

<<<<What will the students accomplish by denying them self’s of an education. Walking out and protesting , this something they seen their teachers do.>>>>

Copo - apparently you didn't take anyone's offer of an education upon yourself: "them self's", "this something", "they seen". Wow!

Proof that our educational system in the city/state is lacking. Out of the mouths of babes.

Monkey see Monkey do !

What will the students accomplish by denying them self’s of an education. Walking out and protesting , this something they seen their teachers do.

Why wouldn't the students walk out...these teachers have made it an example of what to do when things don't go your way..in reality...the students are the ones that always suffer...why you ask...UNIONS and outrageous contracts...over priced and FREE insurances...Teachers start thinking about the kids not your stupid UNION

I imagine may parents will be thinking of home schooling or on line schooling now.

I wonder what gave them the idea to walk out?

Good question. We did ask them. Read all about it in Thurs. paper.
--Gazette reporter Frank Schultz

I would like to hear exactly how Janesville will recover the 10M lost. Maybe one of the students has an idea on that.