Janesville schools face a very different future
JANESVILLE — Janesville public school buildings won't be cleaned as well as in the past, and students who need individualized help won't get it under cuts that will likely be finalized next month.
Superintendent Karen Schulte is spending most of her time these days working on ways to cut the budget while saving as many jobs as she can.
She's facing a $13.4 million budget deficit in the fiscal year that starts July 1. The school budget's major expense is people: about 85 percent of it goes to salaries and benefits.
So far, Schulte has a list of cuts that add up to about 12 percent of the district's workforce of 1,368.
So far, Schulte's list of cutbacks includes:
-- About 12 percent of the 822 teachers.
-- About 6 percent of the 178-member custodian/maintenance/food service union, including 10 percent of custodians.
-- About 10 percent, or 36, of the secretaries, clerks and aides.
-- About 11 percent, or 10, central-office staff.
-- A freeze on administrative hires.
Schulte noted there are six school principal openings from retirements or resignation. She could have one principal handle two schools, have someone from the central office take over one of the principalships and/or hire an a retired principal on an interim basis, which would cost less because there would be no benefits cost.
Schulte's list of these and other budget savings adds up to $8.4 million. Her impression after hearing hours of school board discussion last Tuesday was that she would have to find at least $2 million more. She has instructed her department heads to wring their budgets, again.
Schulte said she has received cost-savings ideas from staff and is getting those evaluated as quickly as she can.
A teacher on Tuesday suggested the district doesn't need the computer-based MAP testing system for the lower elementary grades.
"I'm on it," Schulte said of that idea.
She needs more input from staff to make sure the cut would work and to find out how much it might save.
The school board on Tuesday approved cutting 50.9 teaching positions for enrollment reasons. Another 40 or so teachers could be cut to help the district balance its budget.
Schulte is looking to cut teachers who fill support roles, such as librarians, counselors and learning-support teachers, for many of those cuts.
That protects classroom teachers, but those support staff members are the ones who provide a lot of the one-on-one and small-group support that could make the difference between a low performer and one who makes the grade, Schulte said.
The district in an effort to boost test scores has been identifying specific weakness in specific students and focusing teaching efforts on those deficiencies. Support teachers are a big part of that effort.
Schulte expects to see marked improvements in tests scores when they are announced next month.
"I don't want to tear apart the structure that is working, but I know we need to have cuts," she said.
Principals are not pleased, either, she said.
"They do not want to lose any of those people, and I understand that," Schulte said. "But give me something else (to cut, or new sources of revenue)."
Schulte said it's too soon to describe exactly how the schools will be different next September, but that picture is starting to come into focus.
For instance, elementary keyboarding will disappear. Two teachers now circulate among the elementary schools, teaching what used to be called typing. Schulte said children are coming to school with keyboard skills learned at home, and classroom teachers will be asked to incorporate proper technique into other lessons.
Also on the list are 10 custodial positions. Schulte said that if the board approves that cut, it would mean reducing the level of cleaning, on a scale of 1 to 5, from the current 2 to 3.
Schulte said she would not cut all the custodians at once. She would gradually phase them out to make sure that she wasn't cutting too deeply and that buildings remained acceptably clean.
School board President Bill Sodemann likes to point out that while the schools will have less to offer, they'll still have programs, such as orchestra, that most neighboring districts don't have.
Board member Kristin Hesselbacher has similar thoughts: "I do believe the (distinct) has been able to offer a breadth and depth of programs, services and classes unmatched by any district in the area for a long time, and we will continue to offer a range of courses and services even with the reductions.
"We may end up with fewer sports teams, teachers, custodians, elective courses, support services, etc., but we will focus on learning and achievement with the available resources and people," Hesselbacher added.
Many positions could have been saved if the district's three unions would have reopened their contracts and accepted concessions on their benefits costs, Schulte said, but she agrees that they did the right thing.
She was disappointed, she said, that the unions were not given a way to safely re-open their contracts.
Schulte is trying to keep the computer technology and maintenance budgets intact. Both took big hits in the current year's budget, about $1.7 million combined. But she said she can't promise that a maintenance project or technological improvement might not get cut.
Schulte also wants to correct the impression some got from a recent news article in which she was trying to say that donations probably wouldn't solve the district's huge budget deficit.
Schulte said she is thrilled to receive donations big and small, and she is hoping that businesses or individuals will step forward to sponsor programs that might otherwise be lost.
Parents could band together to pay the costs of busing students in the Challenge Program, for example. Or the district could look at naming rights for the Janesville School Outdoor Lab.
Schulte noted the school board has refrained from taxing to the maximum allowed by law in recent years—something that is standard procedure in many districts—so perhaps local taxpayers could see that as a reason to give back.
"I am committed to our Journey to Excellence and raising student achievement," Schulte wrote in recent memo to the board. "We will get through these difficult times, learn from them and build a better, stronger model of education."
Referendum, anyone? School board mulls possibility
Should the school board consider a referendum to help the Janesville School District out of its budget crisis?
A referendum could allow the board to raise the tax levy beyond the legal limit, which would be close to a zero levy increase if Gov. Scott Walker's biennial budget bill passes without changes.
Board member DuWayne Severson, who has become the Doctor No of tax hikes, said there is no way he would support a referendum.
But another fiscal conservative on the board said there is a scenario that would lead to his support.
"I think it is going to be difficult to sell the public on a referendum without concessions from the unions," board President Bill Sodemann said in an e-mail. "How do you market, 'Vote to raise my taxes so that we can continue to give increases to all employees,' when most other public employees will have their compensation reduced due to the budget repair bill and when many in the private sector have lost their jobs, had their benefits reduced, pay reduced, etc."
The only other significant source of money is district reserves, Sodemann notes, and that money would have to cover two years, because district union contracts lock in costs through 2013, and the 2012-12 state aid package is not likely to help.
Using too much of the reserves—known as the Fund 10 balance—would lead to short-term borrowing and possibly a downgraded bond rating.
"If the unions refuse to open their contract, then I would be backed into the corner where 'standing on principle' will mean the loss of 100 or so more people," Sodemann wrote. "Faced with that choice, I would agree to a referendum that asks for about $2.5 million each for the next two years with the understanding that we will have to take it from fund balance if the voters say 'no.'"
A referendum would come after the deadline for teacher layoff notices, so if voters said "no," then the only choice would be using the Fund 10 balance.
If the fund balance was $5 million lower two years from now, "we would have to make sure that the new contracts starting in 2013 would make up the losses to avoid further deterioration of the fund balance," Sodemann said.
Board member Kristin Hesselbacher notes that any scenario is based on the state budget bill, which could be altered from is present form, and it's possible that the unions may yet be able to re-open their contracts.
As more local and state budget information becomes available, Hesselbacher said, she, too, might consider a referendum
"If the additional cuts are even more severe than the current list, the public may indeed support the idea of a referendum to bring in enough funds to avoid additional (or current) cuts," Hesselbacher wrote.
To learn more
Lists of teacher position cuts based on projected enrollments, projected class sizes at various schools and high school courses that have been canceled for next school year can be found in the district staffing plan, available on the district website at gazettextra.com/staffing.
These cuts represent 50.9 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Another round of job cuts is expected to help balance the budget.
Mar 23, 2011 at 6:02 a.m.
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Prettywoman,
If you do not employ teachers how do you educate the children?
Mar 18, 2011 at 7:18 a.m.
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Corporate USA doesn't care to have an educated society. It doesn't work well for them. They want uneducated people who are just glad to have a job, and will do what they are told.
Here's a fun video from George Karlin called "The American Dream." Unfortunately, I think he was dead on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLW1vFO-...
Mar 15, 2011 at 6:26 p.m.
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This discussion seems to broken into two distinct camps - those that believe a school exists for educating students, and those that believe a school exists to employ teachers.
Mar 15, 2011 at 6:01 p.m.
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Guess this is what happens when you rush to pass contracts. There'll be more of this going around. Pass contracts first, then try to balance your budgets; a little backwards.
Mar 15, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.
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The staffing plan, which the board has not yet approved, contains a net decrease in special-ed aide hours, a 19.5 hour decrease per day, based on enrollment needs. That saves $60,245. If I am reading this correctly, there's also a decrease of 4.6 special ed teachers. Again, this is because enrollment is going down.
You can see the staffing plan online: Go to the district website and click on the Finance tab at the top. The scroll down.
-- Gazette reporter Frank Schultz
Mar 15, 2011 at 3:16 p.m.
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It's not 360 secretaries, it's 360 secretaries, aides and clerks. There are a lot of aides in the elementary schools (or at least there were 25 years ago when I was in school). While I'm on the subject of reading (and comprehending) the numbers, it's also not 110 central-office staff it's about 90 (10 is about 11% of 90). And it's not 178 janitors, it's 178 janitors, maintenance and food services employees.
I won't get into whether you could save money by contracting out these services, because I really don't know. I'd just prefer people actually show they understand what they're reading.
Mar 15, 2011 at 3:07 p.m.
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This was written by a friend of mine during a discussion about Governor Walker, politics and education. I hope, regardless of your political beliefs, everyone can agree on the main point.
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I can see why conservatives would bite their tongues with all the "liberal" chatter going on, but they shouldn't feel targeted. The disdain is for the Governor and the lock-step GOP senators and ass...emblymen who followed him. Some, however, have spread their anger towards the GOP in general, and that's not quite right.
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I would agree the hateful posts do no good. People are angry, but they should direct it at those responsible, not those who with the conservative label. Hateful speech will get one nowhere.
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Walker did not campaign on ending collective bargaining altogether. He did not campaign as someone who would refuse to negotiate. There now appears to have been a hidden agenda, and here we are, divided over a power grab. Instead of listening to all ideas, he pushed his forward without a hint at compromise. He, in essence, discounted liberal ideas. Corruption is the enemy, and it seems to have infested the Governor's mansion.
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When I became a teacher, I was prepared to spend long nights grading student work, reading up for my own edification, and plan lessons for the upcoming classes. I was prepared for spending my own dollars to further my own education (and keep my license). I was ready to watch my friends buy bigger houses and nicer cars.
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But I wasn't ready -- even after 11 years -- for the vile, vulgar glee spewed my way once my compensation was cut. I wasn't ready for being called a "bottom feeder," "blood-sucker," or "thug," which really strikes me as funny given my physical stature.
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I've worked hard as a teacher. And my colleagues have too. Now, as I watch some of them forced into retirement, unemployment, or other professions, I wonder what I've signed up for.
Mar 15, 2011 at 12:03 p.m.
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I agree with Frank on this. Where in the article does it say about special ed? Unless I missed it with the quick scan. Cass is way off base on this one. My wife and I are waiting to see if her special ed. aide job is still there for next school year.
Mar 15, 2011 at 11:21 a.m.
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sluggo
Unfortunately, enrollment is NOT the relevant number (except as it relates to class size). The important number is resident membership - a completely different number, and the one that determines state funding. Janesville's "Aid Calc FTE" was 10,530 in 2006-07 and 10,140 in 2010-11.
That is a loss of 390 kids - at $9,000 a kid we are talking about $3.5 million dollars less in aid.
Mar 15, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
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realist; Thank you, I agree! Cass, You should do some research and see what goes on is schools before you are so ready to swing the axe to get rid of everybody. Emergency custodian??? what are you talking about? It takes at least 4-5 custodians to set up and tear down from a basketball game and get things cleaned up for the next day. Your average cleaning company will not even touch a table or bleacher. They are there to clean and thats it. The small Maintenance staff the district does have saves the district money because you do not have to pay a trip charge for every job you have them do and most of them are specialized at what they do. You are oviously cluless when it comes to this subject. Do some actual research and then get back to us, I think you will be surprised what you find.
God bless all :-)
Mar 14, 2011 at 6:43 p.m.
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Cass,
"I work in the field, and deal with contractors all day." What field is it you work in? If I had to guess I would say it is right field if at all.
Mar 14, 2011 at 6:41 p.m.
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No excuse,
It dosen't matter what the teachers give most people in this town and especially on this blog will still think they are overpaid, greedy, lazy bloodsuckers. People will never be happy until you are making less then them. Even then they will complain that you aren't doing a good enough job. Oh yeah and if you drive a foreign car you are a moron.
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:45 p.m.
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An idea was floated by teachers to contribute money to the district instead of opening up the contract. If most teachers with 5+ years of experience gave $1,000 each to the district. Total of maybe $600,000. Would that that be enough to make the anti-union, government hating people happy?
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:37 p.m.
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Yeah marge123, you've changed my mind. First off I want to say sour grapes is a cool saying. Just by you saying that indicates to me that you're up to date on technology. I'm sure us non union workers wouldn't be able to hand out recycling bins or put up street signs. I know i wouldn't be capable of typing with one finger of one hand while working at the DMV like the public worker i dealt with the other day. Thanks for enlightening me on how sour grapes i truly am.
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:26 p.m.
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I would like to make something else clear also... UNION EMPLOYEES ARE TAXPAYERS.
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:16 p.m.
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Also as far as Maintenance goes, there is a lot more that goes into maintenance that what Johnson controls does. Who would do the plumbing, electrical, etc etc etc. If you pay a service or contractor you would pay for a trip charge for EACH JOB that is rediculous.
Mar 14, 2011 at 5:09 p.m.
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Cass, You have no idea what you are talking about. There is no way that the buildings would be able to do the things you are proposing. You obviously haven't been in any schools lately. The high schools especially. There are so many things in the schools these days that the custodians have to set up or take down that there is no way a cleaning service is going to do all of the things they do. What about taxing the big business' that do not pay taxes? there is no need to cut education that deep. All it is, is union busting. Plain and simple. We need to get the vote out and get this dictator recalled. THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!!!!
God bless all
Mar 14, 2011 at 4:45 p.m.
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I love the "I lost 2/3 of my income" comments---why oh why didn't you want these gravy jobs before?--because you MADE MORE MONEY then! Sour grapes. I really doubt most could even do these public jobs anyway , they require skills and knowledge that the then overpaid private sector people did nor acquire.
Mar 14, 2011 at 4:26 p.m.
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I lost 2/3 of my income in the private sector, the least we can do is raise taxes on me to make sure the state workers save their jobs and have lots of excess money for "going to the movies."
Mar 14, 2011 at 3:36 p.m.
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Again reading the comments here, one person's cuts are another persons necessity for the school. Government, teachers, unions, people, Republican or Democrate or Independent can not seem to get on the same track except taking the easy route-----BLAME THE OTHER GUY. There have been logical ideas and illogical ideas but until someone takes the step to do something neither will happen and we will go on complaining that nothing ever gets done. If someone does take that step the wrath comes down.
Mar 14, 2011 at 3:15 p.m.
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THESE NUMBERS PISS ME OFF
360 secretaries...cut 50%
178 janitors...2 maybe 3 per school is all we need
lunch staff...ALL volunteer
110 central office staff...no wonder we are broke...cut 70%
you people are amazing...these numbers are HORRIBLE..you have secretaries doiung teacher jobs...get it together we don't need secretaries for secretaries...now your realizing what we in business have been doing for years...leave the teachers get rid of the waste of support staff
Mar 14, 2011 at 2:58 p.m.
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you know what...when I was a kid mothers volunteered for the kitchen(s) and we had great food...now you idiots buy it from Chubby Bubbas, or Pizza Hut, whereever, thats a HUGE waste in my book...we had mac and cheese and the MOMS made it and it ROCKED, sure we had the grey burgers too, (which I kinda miss) we ate spinach and stuffed veggies into our milk cartons..now its chicken nuggets and garbage...it can be done people, it can be done
Mar 14, 2011 at 2:38 p.m.
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Cass- regarding your 1st comment, you really have it all figured out don't you. If you have all these answers and ideas why aren't you proposing this to the school board??? You obviously don't have a clue on how some of these schools run and what goes on after normal school hours. maybe you should spend a week in one of the high schools and see what really goes on. There is no way you could get by with 3 custodial staff in a high school. And if you outsource to a private "sector" cleaning service, could you live and support your family on $ 8-10 an hr.???? I don't think so.
Mar 14, 2011 at 2:26 p.m.
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There seems to be some confusion about services provided to children with disabilities. If a child has a disability, services are mandated, by law.
I did not intend for anything in this article to be about special education.
-- Gazette reporter Frank Schultz
Mar 14, 2011 at 2:14 p.m.
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I don't think enrollment has "drastically" dropped:
2009-10 10,456
2008-09 10,567
2007-08 10,379
2006-07 10,555
2005-06 10,589
2004-05 10,606
2003-04 10,667
2002-03 10,699
2001-02 10,624
2000-01 10,758
1999-00 10,621
1998-99 10,723
1997-98 10,501
1996-97 10,636
1995-96 10,586
That is a net gain of 130 students since 1995
Mar 14, 2011 at 1:31 p.m.
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chipback
Really? Wow, is all I can say to you. Many teachers spend more money for things in their classrooms than parents spend to send their kids to school. Boo hoo parents now have to send in Kleenex, hand sanatizer, and baggies to the classroom. What, you think the teachers should pay for this on top of what they spend on materials and supplies that they don't get from the school? You're a parent, and you choose to have them, so suck it up.
Mar 14, 2011 at 1:28 p.m.
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Mommy2three-"Are you all aware of the fact that recently the both of the high schools put in banks for the students to use? Came as news to me... That's the kind of fluff that should be cut first, not teachers and classes"
I agree about not cutting teachers and classes; however, I need to clear up some information regarding the financial institutions. First, these financial institutions in both high schools are fully funded by the financial institution. The schools/taxpayers are not paying for any part of it. The taxpayers did not pay and continue to not pay for any of the building of the branches, nor the technology, nor the staffing. Second, the purpose of these branches is to teach financial literacy to these students so that they can leave high school educated about how to spend/SAVE money responsibly which might alleviate some of the issues that we are all looking at today and in the future.
Mar 14, 2011 at 1 p.m.
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bella - Fair enough.
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:54 p.m.
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Are you all aware of the fact that recently the both of the high schools put in banks for the students to use? Came as news to me... That's the kind of fluff that should be cut first, not teachers and classes
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:53 p.m.
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spark - fair enough. Apologies for the "stupid" comment.
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:49 p.m.
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bella - "But do you want to hinge your hopes on having a decent CEO, or on a union that will represent your interest no matter what CEO comes and goes?"
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I've never had hopes about unions. Never worked for one and don't agree with how they operate. Done quite well without one as has a majority of the workforce in this Country. I support public workers, just not their leaders. Similar to how many don't support CEO's. Just a difference of opinion and that doesn't make me stupid.
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:39 p.m.
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Mr Bread... I couldn't agree with you more!
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:13 p.m.
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Hey Chip, I don't know where your children go to school, but my daughter gets smarter every year! What would I do without that wonderful service? If you don't have any children in school, then shut your mouth. If you do, I'm certain you could agree they get smarter every year. Thank a teacher, or keep your children home all day and quit your job.
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:03 p.m.
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Here's an idea fire Karen Schulte she is over paid! $150,000 /yr is over paid and she doesn't do anything right!!!If you think she isn't over paid obviously your a friend of hers there are other cuts that could happen but nope its her way or no way!
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:02 p.m.
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Hey Cass... Food service is a self supporting entity. It does not affect the school budget in any way or form. Food service is already running as lean as it can go. Who feeds the students?????
Mar 14, 2011 at 12:02 p.m.
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spark - come on. I am not generalizing about non-union workers. I am not in a union myself. We all know there are decent businesses out there, and decent CEOs. But do you want to hinge your hopes on having a decent CEO, or on a union that will represent your interest no matter what CEO comes and goes? A CEO is always going to be more loyal to his shareholders than to his employers. But that's besides the point here. The point is that the Republican lawmakers, led by Scott Walker and the Koch brothers, are distracting you by talking about school budgets and unions, making you think they are the reasons for budget shortfalls - all the while giving tax breaks for businesses!
Mar 14, 2011 at noon
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Duh. Schulte IS taking a pay cut.
Mar 14, 2011 at 11:54 a.m.
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This is sad...and frightening. One part major declining enrollment, one part knockout punch from Governor's budget, one part angry unsympathetic blue collar community members = bad, bad, bad situation for our schools. If any of you read into this article as a "blame the Board" or "blame the superintendent" you are completely missing the point. Janesville School's budget problem starts at the Capitol, I hate to admit.
Mar 14, 2011 at 11:51 a.m.
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I know one way Superintendent Schulte can help balance the school budget: Take a cut in pay herself. But we know that won't happen. She would rather cut other people's jobs that need the money more than she does.
Mar 14, 2011 at 11:32 a.m.
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bella - You sound like an expert on CEO's, running a business and you must know all of them personally. Must know all the employees they have working for them personally. Must know what they make and how their individual companies operate. Must know how they treat their employees on an individual basis. After all, you are generalizing everyone that basically doesn't work for a union into one class. That's what this is really about. Having an opinion is fine, but calling people idiots and stupid, gives you zero credibility.
Mar 14, 2011 at 11:06 a.m.
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1st Karen is out of her mind. She cant even respond to a parent who has a safety concern about their child in school. Get rid of the charter schools and force those kids into the actual schools. What happened to School Within A School Program? Adjust those classes to the needs of the kids. I can see cutting some teachers but not the aids. They are part time and they help the kids who have special needs that tolerate going into a classroom daily and its not easy for them to be in those settings. You are hurting the child and the teacher who may already be overwhelemed with a large class. I also agree with making the kids do custodial work as a form of punishment...way to go Sigma
Mar 14, 2011 at 10:36 a.m.
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Instead of detention where the students sit and do nothing, the students should be put to work cleaning. Theres that problem solved.
Mar 14, 2011 at 10:24 a.m.
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The richer gets richer, and the poorer gets poorer. And anyone belonging to the rapidly vanishing middle class who voted for Walker, is an idiot. They got you fooled. Now they've given tax breaks to businesses so the CEO's can make even more money. You're not really so stupid that you think the workers will benefit from the tax breaks, are you? The CEOs have enrolled their kids in private schools funded by the tax breaks we're paying for. They're paying as little as they can possibly get away with in wages, and now they're taken down the unions. So now education is next. They've actually got you believing that schools are wasting money and that the school budgets are what needs to be cut for the deficit to be fixed. Wow, they did a number on you!! I feel sorry for you Walker-supporters. Scott, and the Koch brothers, are laughing at you all the way to the bank.
Mar 14, 2011 at 10:13 a.m.
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85% WAGES AND BENEFITS !! I think Gov. Walker has it right.
Mar 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
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Sounds good to me. It also sounds like treats to me and this time I will not be intimidated.
Mar 14, 2011 at 9:48 a.m.
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You ever notice something about the schools? They are constantly asking for more money from parents. If not in taxes, it's fund raising, cutting those stupid little squares off of boxes and then there's donating materials for students.
When does it end? Never. We're all just pouring money down a pit. The kids aren't getting smarter either, but that's all the fault of the parents. We're supposed to spend more time with them, in addition to spending more time making money for the schools. You cannot have both. How come they are always broke? Could it be...perhaps...because they don't really CARE about the kids but their paychecks?
After what I've seen in the last month, I am convinced that none of the employees at schools care about the kids. They care about draining the poor taxpayers checkbooks until they are broke. What then? What will you do for us parents who have no more money to give? No more little milk caps to drag around, no more little pink tags off of HH. I'd like to think that the schools would rethink entirely their priorities, but they won't. It has always been and always will be.....about the money.
Mar 14, 2011 at 9:47 a.m.
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You folks want to see some change.... make Walker and all those Repub senators take their kids out of private schools and put them in the public school system. I guarantee you there would be some change.... BET ME???
Mar 14, 2011 at 9:12 a.m.
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Watch out for Senate Bill 22 (hearings on it this week!): Creating a board of Republicans from the Senate, the speaker, and Governor that will oversee the formation of charter schools (money taken from public schools is being funneled into formation of charters). Teachers in charter schools do not need to have education degrees or even have a license to teach. This type of system often results in students with heavy academic needs or behavioral issues being removed from these charter schools and back into the underfunded public schools that become what we would term "inner-city" schools. Very conflicting research on whether charter schools have better results than public schools, especially in smaller cities and towns like Janesville.
Mar 14, 2011 at 9:09 a.m.
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I have to agree with the summer school issue. The cost per child in no way can cover the cost materials, staff, building expenses, etc. It is a very nice perk for students, but really needs to be on the chopping block as well.
Mar 14, 2011 at 8:04 a.m.
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Thank you Scoot and the Republicans. Who needs education citizens. The only jobs will be at WalMart and McDonalds.
Mar 14, 2011 at 7:57 a.m.
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Let the kids in the middle and highs chools sweep and mop the floors or maybe clean the bathrooms it would be a good life experience for them!
Mar 14, 2011 at 7:49 a.m.
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How about we raise the cost of summer school enrollment? I'm not sure most of you realize, but it only costs $7 per child to go to 4 weeks of summer school. $7!! Now granted, some of the classes are extra, like pottery or cooking, but everything else is covered under the $7 fee, including swim class. And how much are we paying the summer school teachers? I cannot imagine that $7 per student is covering that cost!
Mar 14, 2011 at 7:08 a.m.
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"Janesville schools face a very different future." Janesville faces a very different future........without GM. Wake up!
Mar 14, 2011 at 6:34 a.m.
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"All the meals are federally subsidized."
"federally subsidized" means "Here is some of your money. We are giving the rest to California.
Mar 14, 2011 at 3:05 a.m.
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Why don't they raise the cost of enrollment? People send their kids to private schools for thousands per year. I think the public schools should be able to charge more than $30/year, or whatever the current enrollment fee is. Just a thought...
Mar 14, 2011 at 1:11 a.m.
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One hundred students in 1 class room aint so bad .
Mar 13, 2011 at 11:15 p.m.
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I predicted these problems over 2 years ago before GM left. Even now, Janesville continues to lose residents. Time to start closing some buildings and consolidating services. We may even need to consider one high school instead of two.
Mar 13, 2011 at 10:23 p.m.
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So Cass doesn't actually read the paper - just makes inane comments:
"All the meals are federally subsidized. The lunch program uses local tax dollars only if it goes into the red, which it hasn’t for quite a few years."
21st century lunches not what parents might remember
By FRANK SCHULTZ ( Contact ) Sunday, March 6, 2011
Mar 13, 2011 at 10:05 p.m.
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On reading some of the comments:
1. Some people choose to spend money on cigaretes, some choose to choose money on eating out, some choose to gamble, some choose to eat twice as much as necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some choose to buy drugs and not feed their kids.
2. I have 2 adopted children and raise them on my own. I send their lunch to school everyday with them. It is healthier and more cost efficient than buying lunch.
3. These children were so far behind when they started kindergarten, they were doomed to be failures. One had IEP's in almost every subject, the other was with me longer and had only 2 IEP's, but if was not for the teachers giving those boys the extra help they needed and me working side by side with the teachers at home to make sure they studied and worked hard, they would not be the students they are now, almost always making the honor rolls, respecting their teachers, other children, and faculty, enjoying and looking forward to going to school everyday of their lives. It is ashame that we have had to come to this because of an our "leaders" who we, the people elected have decided to wage a war on the poor and the middle class and take away our right to representation. Whether it is a union or a lawyer our constitution says the people have a right to representation, and to win a presidential election in 2013, our Wisconsin leaders have taken away our right to representation. That is a sad, sad day and anyone who believes that this has anything to do with balancing a budget is just plain blind or totally ignorant.
Walker and his republican staff has taken away the right to representation from unions, and taken away our right to be heard. There is no democracy in Wisconsin anymore, because democracy is not just for the rich, but for all people regardless of income, race, or gender. Walker has trampled the people of Wisconsin.
Mar 13, 2011 at 10:02 p.m.
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realist, please don't read into this into a bad way. I know that at Parker, they are short staffed and underfunded. When an aide leaves for good, it is a fight to replace that person and for the funding, they have fundraisings to get money for the semester or year. I do not want to get into specifics for the fundraisers. Cass, with all due respect to you, if you had a child in special ed., you might ask for more funding for you child, so please STOP descriminating those who need the help the most.
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:51 p.m.
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Has anyone considered closing all the charter schools and other specialized services which are housed over a wide variey of locations? Are the heat, light, maintenance and staffing of these facilities cost effective?
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:43 p.m.
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also, why not make the teachers clean their own rooms? When I was little in school, the teachers use to assign kids to help...they did it themselves.... Kids love to help in the lower grades..... in the upper grades, have the kids in ISS clean!!!! Save a few bucks.....
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:40 p.m.
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Milton,
Calm down... He's not implying the kids are dumb.... he's implying that they are taking away quality in the regular education classes. The more the district presents as special needs the more money they receive from the federal government.
I think they should just raise the schools frees at the elementary level.... Get rid of the MAP testing program. Cut back on the paper supples....go green in the schools.... anything where you can save a buck or two and not cut a staff position....
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:30 p.m.
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I tried to explain my point to you but you are obviously on here to argue. I guess you are correct, I am ignorant.
"dumb people" Do you know what quotes are used for? Not paraphrasing.
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:20 p.m.
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"Dumbing down to cater to all and forgetting about the average kids."
That seems like calling them dumb to me!!
Mar 13, 2011 at 9:17 p.m.
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Milton,
Never did I say special ed students were dumb, especially ebd. But thanks for putting words into my mouth. What I am saying is that we are cutting regular ed teachers and focusing more on special ed. Less course offerings for regular ed but not for special ed. Rather there should be more of a balance. Maybe dumbing down was a bad term to use in this instance but it was not in reference to the special ed student.
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:52 p.m.
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realist - your comments show how ignorant you are. Not all students in special ed. have lower IQs. There are many that have medical issues (ie depression, physical handicaps, hearing impaired, etc) Many students, especially in emotional/behavioral classes have above average IQs. So before you start spouting about "dumb people," look in the mirror first and get your facts!!
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:44 p.m.
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"Many positions could have been saved if the district's three unions would have reopened their contracts and accepted concessions on their benefits costs" Wierd, considering the staffing plan was already decided upon due to the class sizes long before the teachers said no to opening the contract.
One other interesting thing that I noticed by looking at the staffing plan cuts. How many of those are special ed? Special ed is untouched by these cuts. Not that they are not useful but they have the most people and lose the least jobs? It seems as if this is where education is going. Dumbing down to cater to all and forgetting about the average kids.
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:38 p.m.
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I have heard this wording other times it has been brought up, interesting......
"About 11 percent, or 10, central-office staff." I wonder how many of these are secrataries if any.
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:31 p.m.
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Hey mudhole, I am a dude who is concerned about his daughters education!
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:27 p.m.
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cass - I don't know how you would/could cut the school lunch programs since they get federal dollars. The bottom line is some parents don't feed their children, and there's not enough foster parents to take care of them all. When it comes right down to it what's more important: An education, or food? I would pick food.
Unfortunately, some parents choose cigarettes. As horrible as this may sound to some people, reducing the cigarette taxes would help feed children, and what's more important: Badger Care or food? I would pick food.
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:15 p.m.
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So sad. I used to be proud that my daughter went to school in Janesville. I love her teachers and her principal. I went to this meeting on Tuesday night and have never been so disappointed in the district. Thank goodness for the staff at Van Buren that actually cares about our kids.
Mar 13, 2011 at 6:47 p.m.
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--yes, and which teachers will be cut? the younger ones with a chance at a promising future? the under performers? no, under our archaic union rules, those with the least seniority, like the recent teacher of the year in Milwaukee--
Mar 13, 2011 at 6:45 p.m.
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uwish11: Or maybe the union could re-open the contract! I know, when pigs fly...
Mar 13, 2011 at 6:35 p.m.
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Cass: Your Post on special needs is correct, now, if only the state and fed, gov. would come across with the FULLY FUNDED MONEY that is due the school dists.
Mar 13, 2011 at 6:24 p.m.
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There she goes again, lying to the Gazette so it makes her look good. Teachers have bought up many proposals to help save money including early retirement options that would save millions for the district. 25-30 teachers would like to retire early this year alone. District could cover one year of health insurance for each and save all those "high-end" salaries all you people of Janesville think are outragous. Why when this was brought up to her did she not even take 5 sec. to look at it? But she is open to all ideas right??? When teachers cant't get her to listen they have contacted board members directly and they go tell her about it. Teachers then get the nasty email from her saying to never go above her head again. At least she understands why teachers had no choice to open the contract. Too bad Sodeman and Stottler can't see the light. They just love tearing down any trust with teachers. You two are amazing. Surprised you still have a business considering how you treat people Mr. Phones Plus. The teachers were good enough for the Stottler boys when they went to school but now your kids are gone so screw them right? Too bad teachers can't speak their minds about how they feel about the people in this community and school board. They are supposed to just sit back and take it while continuosly getting beat down by the board, Gov. Walker, and this city. Why fight it anymore. This city and people are not worth it. Get out now teachers and go where you are appreciated.
Mar 13, 2011 at 6:18 p.m.
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Cass, is that the one law affecting public education, or is there another law? I'm having trouble keeping track of your list.
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