I don't think it's a good idea to have teachers deciding teacher issue when it comes to financing. The teachers union and one other union control the state governments now and to continue letting the teachers have more control I think is destroying the education system.

theJoker-people who spend like me? I don't have spending money; I'm on a fixed budget with no wiggle room for extras. I am not sure where the board will get the money for more teachers, but any teachers they hire for these positions is a step in the right direction for the children of Janesville. They need to be able to compete with others, and right now the US is ranked 32nd globally, educationally speaking. That's sad, considering we are supposed to be one of the greatest nations in the world. Don't you agree we should try to give all kids the best chance they can get to succeed?

TheJoker,
I don't believe that decision has been made. no $ has been spent or has agreed to be spent at this point.
.
"But Sodemann said he’d be asking what’s the most cost-effective way to deliver the instruction in all the special areas—art, music and physical education."
.
I believe having teachers run all over the district to teach music, art, phy-ed etc... is not the best way so I support the addition. You are criticizing the board for spending money that isn't being spent.
.
Face it, SOME OF you hate public education and unions so every chance you get to rip the school board, teacher's union, etc... you will take.
.
A discussion of an issue that MIGHT be solved by adding additional teachers has resulted in shots at both the School Board and Teacher's Union.
.
Some of you HATE both.

Whythink, please stop thinking. How are these jobs needed? Are they essential? No, they are not. The world will not come to an end if these teachers are not hired!

If there is a "need" for the position - let the budget comittee people find other areas that they can reduce to fund it. The taxpayers are broke and jobless -unless you wish to raise a new tax on someones unemployment?

Janesvillean wrote in response to Woodsman, "you do realize that teachers are accredited at the state level, don't you? Nothing to do with whatever it is you have against unions."
Really? The teacher's union has nothing to do with the standards set by the State, huh? I guess they just wasted their money successfully supporting the candidates they've endorsed for DPI superintendent for the last, oh, 25 years or so. I bet they waste a few more million in the next election, too, that silly, influence-less WEAC.

Those complaining about this spending...can you recognize a need versus an extra non-necessity?
.
I understand the need to "tighten the belt" but that doesn't mean neglecting NEEDS of the district.
.
This is a worthwhile hire to look into. Thanks to the school board and administration recognizing this need.

woodsman. You're right...let's tighten our belts so much that we become a society full of idiots. Tightening belts is fine but not when it comes to our future. Maybe you should tighten yours so you can pay more taxes!

Patarician, where we will get the money for all of these people you want to hire? Just because you think something is a good idea does not mean we should go spend money that we don't have. It is people who think and spend like you that is driving our city and schools into ruin.

Of course I was being humorous. If I would have been serious, I would have given the example of Mr. Smith the elementary math teacher now teaching 2nd grade welding. He now goes by the name of "Sparky"

Thank you leftofcenter-Most people don't realize how crucial arts and music are to the development of everyones critical thinking and problem solving skills. Every school needs teachers in these capacities. Why would a parent not want to give their child every chance to succeed? Janesville Schools-please hire more music, art and phy ed teachers, so we can give students in our community the BEST chance for success in the future....

Curlrock: I will assume that you are just being humorous and that you do know that we do not teach "Shop" in the elementary schools.

Domino: I have visited Parochial Schools. I grew up in one and my children have attended them for a period of time here in Janesville. I do not know which school you are basing your comments on, but from my observations and experiences, nothing could be further from the truth. If you go and visit St. Matthew's, St. Paul's', St. William's, St. Patrick's, St. Mary's, St. John Vianney etc., you will find a rigorous curriculum, certified teachers, and most importantly, some very impressive results.

Thought you should know the truth.

Bill Sodemann

Mr. Sodeman
why don't you visit a parochial school classroom and a public school classroom and take a look at the two different styles and curriculum. The planning for parochial schools is opening a workbook and doing worksheets. Then volunteers check the papers with no feedback given and they shove them in your folder. That's why they survive with little prep time

Yes. Let's just spend money we don't have and for the most part, for jobs that are essential. Another sign that the leaders of our school system are clueless.

Perhaps Mr. Sodemann would also like the math teachers to start teaching woodshop. Of course Mr. Smith the math teacher will now be known as "Lefty".

woodsman, you do realize that teachers are accredited at the state level, don't you? Nothing to do with whatever it is you have against unions.
http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/licguide.html

Music has the ability to train our brain for higher level of thinking – the kind of thinking for problem solving, comparing and contrasting the similarities and difference between objects, analyzing, reaching conclusion, synthesizing, and evaluating information.

In recent research, it was found that music can help in developing human’s spatial-temporal reasoning skill. Spatial-temporal reasoning is the ability to perceive the visual world accurately and form mental images of objects. It is the mind ability to see in very detailed images and to recognize, compare and find relationships among the patterns and details on an object. The temporal element involves a child’s ability to think ahead.

Art classes foster creativity, teach critical thinking, improve confidence, teach adaptability, and offer therapeutic benefits.

Your right,that is the way of the unions,just say that aint my job! Do your job,anything that is asked of you,or fire-em!

And where is this money coming from? People out of work,can't hardly make it as it is,where?? OH that's right just tax the property people some more,you people make me sick,literally i mean!! What part of tighten your belts don't these people understand? In reality i'm talking to myself & the wall.

A main reason elementary classroom teachers don't teach special area classes: they're not licensed to do so. It's not as simple as rolling out a rack of basketballs and saying, "Play" or setting out paintbrushes and saying, "Paint." The same is true for special area teachers not teaching math or reading. They're trained for one particular discipline.