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MAY BOND & LEVY

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jsmith2011 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsmith2011 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 07 2013 at 11:18am
Not only do I believe that the taxpayers should undoubtly take into the consideration the lack of performance in the school district I believe taxpayers should take issue with the number of administrators that continue to crowd the administration building and schools year after year and the amount of those salaries. How can it be justified with a district that has such low ratings? It can't be justified just like giving more money for new schools can't be justified. Add in the part where not much has changed in the ratings department in the past 10 or so years and it makes you wonder why they even have the guts to ask for more money from any of us.

More often than not, I hear the employees in the schools question why they continue to hire administrators with huge salaries and continue to add "departments". Obviously, it hasn't changed anything except that there are probably 75% more admninistrators in the Middletown School District than there were 10 years ago. And for the first time ever, I have heard many school employees say they are voting no on more money. They took a paycut to relieve the pressure of budget contraints that the district was under but since then the school district has continued to spend money in other areas.

I agree the high school in Middletown is terrible, rundown and out of date. Go to another district, Mason, Kings, any of them and there is quite a difference in their high school and junior high than ours but they also have students who are willing to learn and not running rampant in the halls like at MHS. They have parents who are willing to be a part of their childs education. They aren't just living in that town because they can get Section 8 housing. They have people who appreciate what they have and take care of it. The mentality in Middletown is that everything is owed to them and they should be able to do whatever they want...thank Dr. Price for that because it is not going away.

Last year due to budget constraints Lakota cut admin positions, Cincinnati Public Schools cut admin positions and so did almost every other school district around us. Middletown cut custodians and bus drivers but hired more administrators.

When taxpayers complained about an Asst Superintendent, the position was cut but returned several years later with the title of Senior Director of Learning. When taxpayers balked about Asst Principals, Middletown cut the positions only to add them back the next few school years and change the title to Dean of Students and hire more than in previous years. Then they proceed to say that those "new" positions are staffed by employees who make less than those before them. What sense does that make?

Middletown is full of taxpayers and citizens who just don't care and that's what the school district relys on...those people don't care enough to vote. The levy passes because those who have the money are the ones who pass the levy.

Middletown Schools are going to be in a world of hurt when the new testing and ratings come out. Why don't they wait until after that to ask for more money? Because after that, it's never going to happen. They keep mentioning getting money from the state but every time they mention it the word "expect" is always in the sentence. They "except" to get funds, which means to me it can or cannot happen.

It would help the taxpayers make a decision on passing the levy if a reporter from the journal would research and publish a simple graph comparing Middletown to surrounding districts and show school ratings, number of positions added in the last 10 years with titles and salaries in our administration of the schools. With those salaries they should also add who has a vehicle in this school district that the taxpayers pay for, how much the district pays for Iphone and Ipads for the administrators, how they justify all the added perks and then ask for more money from taxpayers who can't afford the same.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote enough is enough Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 07 2013 at 7:37pm
jssmith
I could not agree with you more. You have hit the nail on the head. If the citizens of Middletown really knew what goes on within those walls they would be appalled. Students cursing at teachers refusing to do even the minimum amount of work. Teachers went to college to teach and help children not to be threatened and feel unsafe in their place of employment.

The district has allowed students to do whatever they please whenever they please with no recourse. The time has come for the rules to me enforced, their kinder gentler approach is not working in Middletown. If a student can not behave in class and is a constant disruption then they need to go. When they become a detriment to those students who want to be there and want to learn.

As for the levy I have not made up my mind as to my vote but I am leaning toward a no vote. I would like to see a detailed disclosure of just how that levy money is going to be spent. Demolition, new buildings and new postitions being created. I am also curious about a company that is coming into the district at a cost of $10,000 a day to prepare for the new common core standards. I also understand that we now have academic support specialist that are mandated by the state. Why do we have one in every building and three at the high school when the state does not mandate this many. This  is just another perfect example of poor spending. 

IMO Central Academy has not lived up to its expectations. In an effort to save money why could that building not have been used as the administration building. Considering this building was just refurbished a few years ago.

IMO you are never going to see a return on your money with this levy unless the students and the parents of those students put an emphasis on education. You can build the Taj Mahal but it is still not going to change your scores.
Instead of blaming teachers put the blame where it belongs on administrators, students, parents and our beloved school board.
Enough is Enough
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote enough is enough Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 07 2013 at 9:14pm
I believe that the supertindent receives a $750 a month car allowance along with his $128,000 salary. This pushes his salary to $137,000 a year and I would assume that he also has some type of cell phone paid for by the district. His salary also does not include the money that the district puts into the teachers state retirement fund as well as his health insurance. This information was in the Journal last year.
Now I realize that in today's world there are jobs that come with some perks. When you take a job in a district that is strapped for cash such as Middletown you would think that with a salary at $100,000 plus you could afford to pay for your own gas and cell phone.
Now you might think that something as silly as a cell phone is not a big issue, but when you stop to consider just how many cell phones that the district has to pay for I'm sure that it adds up quickly.
 
If anyone is interested you can go to Ohio Citizens Accounting Standards Board not sure how up to date so some of the numbers could be a little higher.
Betsy Carter $119,000  Senior Director of Learning
Sam Ison $103,000  Director of Instructional Leadership
Gary Lebo $97,000  MHS Athletic Director
This is just a sampling.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enough is Enough
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jsmith2011 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsmith2011 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 07 2013 at 9:57pm
Apparently the bond issue will not be voted on in May. The staff received an email from the superintendent today telling them that the school district needed to work out some issues first with the state.

They tried to sneak it in and get the vote done fast but it didn't work out.....
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Bill View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 07 2013 at 9:59pm

The most glaring need is a Director of Discipline!  If they could just play a little more hardball with some of the problem kids, maybe remove them from the building into a separate place, that should accomplish more than all the Masters Degree folks they have making $90k plus.  But the reality is that because of the home life issues for these kids, and because of not wanting to offend segments of the community, the tough love approach will not be embraced in MCSD.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VietVet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 08 2013 at 6:18am
Originally posted by jsmith2011 jsmith2011 wrote:

Apparently the bond issue will not be voted on in May. The staff received an email from the superintendent today telling them that the school district needed to work out some issues first with the state.

They tried to sneak it in and get the vote done fast but it didn't work out.....


Might this be part of the reason for pulling the levy from the ballot?.....

Today's Journal....

BUTLER COUNTY: SCHOOL FUNDING

7 school districts may receive boost in state funds

proposed school funding plan, while three districts would get double-digit increases.

Fairfield, Lakota and Monroe would get double-digit increases for either fiscal year 2014 or 2015, while Middletown City Schools would receive double-digit increases both years, according to a Hamilton JournalNews/Middletown Journal analysis of data the governor’s office released.

Middletown, a district of 7,225 students, would receive nearly $6.2 million, or 23.9 percent more the first year compared to fiscal year 2013, and $4.7 million or 14.5 percent the second year

EVEN TO THE LEVY SUPPORTERS AND THE SCHOOL PEOPLE, THIS MIGHT LOOK LIKE TOO MUCH TO OVERCOME IF A LEVY WAS ATTEMPTED IN MAY. $6.2 MILLION IN FUNDS FROM THE STATE THE FIRST YEAR AND $4.7 MILLION THE SECOND YEAR KINDA TAKES THE REASON FOR ASKING THE VOTERS FOR MORE AWAY. PERHAPS EVEN THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE SUPER AND THE REST OF THE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO REACH INTO YOUR POCKET ALL THE TIME, HAVE FIGURED OUT IT WOULD BE TOO HARD OF A SELL. IT IS STILL OUR TAX MONEY THEY'RE GETTING. JUST COMING FROM THE STATE RATHER THAN DIRECTLY OUT OF YOUR PROPERTY TAXES.
I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over.
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bumper View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bumper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 08 2013 at 10:26am
they will be back as soon as they come up with a way to suck more funds from the taxpayers, raises for everyone and you know they will still be wanting that WWE wrestling ring. the smack down of the taxpayers will keep coming from this school and city, they both have way to many top pay paper pushers sucking up the funds, gotta keep that buddy plan going and going and going, and not a damn thing will change, other than maybe get a future WWE super star..
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Chris Fiora View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Fiora Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 08 2013 at 12:56pm
Vet,
The potential for increased operating/general fund money from the state had ZERO impact on deciding not to do the bond issue.  The bond issue was for money to build/refurbish school buildings.  Legally the two sources of money can NOT be intermingled.  The bond fund was ONLY for building.  Any increase in operating/general fund money will NOT be used for building purposes.
 
Bumper,
Do you realize that the school district has REDUCED spending by about $6 million dollars per year?  That the teachers and administration have taken 2 1% pay reductions?  That the teachers and administration are now paying 20% of their health care insurance cost siginifcantly up from where they were.  That the reason maintenance and busing were contracted out was to save money.  That the reason for the 6th grade center and closing one Middle School was to reduce cost.  Much of the cost savings have come by reducing the administrators associated with these area.  That no new operating money has been requested from the taxpayers for many years (the last operating levy was to continue an existing levy...it resulted in ZERO addtional dollars) 
 
Bill,
Are you aware of the discipline program that the administration started about 2 years ago?  It is called Positive Behavior Supports (PBS).  In addition they started a MIDDIE PRIDE program.  This is a strong attempt to correct the behaviorial issues that you're talking about.  Since that time suspensions and behaviorial issues have DECREASED.  Not because the district has become lax and accepting of poor behavior, but because it is actually starting to WORK.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VietVet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 08 2013 at 2:35pm
Mr. Fiora states.......

"Vet,
The potential for increased operating/general fund money from the state had ZERO impact on deciding not to do the bond issue. The bond issue was for money to build/refurbish school buildings. Legally the two sources of money can NOT be intermingled. The bond fund was ONLY for building. Any increase in operating/general fund money will NOT be used for building purposes"

Yes Mr. Fiora, I realize that a bond issue is not connected with an operating levy. I understand that the bond levies are for building new schools and operating levies are for maintaining current operations. You really don't have to educate me in that capacity. I'm not exactly a newcomer to the different levies and have been participating in them since returning to Middletown in 1985 as a property owner. Not a novice here Mr. Fiora. You may not realize it Mr. Fiora, but the way to win friends and influence people is not to talk down to them. Just might anger a few people doing that. Believe it or not, there are still some people with some intelligence in this community that aren't on your school board.

I was merely suggesting that when the pro-levy people realized that when the voters heard about the money infusion into the schools from the state, that it might produce more "no" voters and potentially cause a levy defeat. Better to wait a while longer so that the voters will forget about this state money resulting in a more favorable and less risky levy proposal in the future. A sly, but effective way to get your levies passed. This method has been used effectively before by previous school boards. The voters seem to have amnesia as to money given, if you wait long enough.

As to reducing costs, your explanation doesn't cover the unannounced positions created that suddenly pop up on our screens as we view the school district hierarchy, and, we get the added thrill of seeing those high salaries connected with these multi-layer job positions. When we see these things, Mr. Fiora, we are not enamored with your visions for our school district as to manpower. At times, it appears a tad bit top heavy with high paid paper-shufflers. It is hard to look at the list of positions and the salaries and conclude that you are reducing costs.
I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote enough is enough Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 08 2013 at 6:45pm
Mr. Fiora
 
I commend the board on starting the two programs that you speak of PBS and Middie Pride. This may help those border line students to improve their behavior.  You also state that suspensions and behavioral issues have DECREASED. The bottom line is the teachers have been gently encouraged throughout the district not to send students to the office because it looks poorly on the teachers classroom management and the district. If we ignore the problem maybe it will go away. 
 
When you have 25 to 30 students in a classroom and 1 or 2 of those students are a constant disruption and a teacher feels that sending those students to the office is a bad reflection on them of course your issues will decrease not because your programs are working as you state.
 
I'm not sure what it will take for the board to realize that there is a disci;pine problem in Middletown. When a few students are constanly allowed to disrupt the learning process of an entire classroom that is a detriment to the rest of the class. It is time to enforce the rules and those that can not or refuse to follow those rules need to be dealt with.
 
What programs has the board come up with to reward the students who are following the rules and not a disci;pine problem?  Seems we are forgetting them. Maybe seeing students who do the right thing be rewarded will encourage others as well. Just a thought.
 
 
Enough is Enough
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marcia Andrew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 11 2013 at 9:47am
Enough is Enough,
 
The District has been working on improving discipline in the schools the entire time I have served on the Board (7 years). The problem is not as bad as you make it out to be. The vast majority of kids are well-behaved and the vast majority of classrooms are orderly. Frankly, some teachers are better at managing students and controlling disruptive behavior than others. The Positive Behavior Supports and Middie P.R.I.D.E programs are intended, among other things, to provide teachers with tools to help in that effort, and to install consistency in how different teachers and other staff respond to the same type of situation. When the students have a consistent picture of what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave the way we want them to.
 
These two programs definitely include a component of rewarding good behavior. Each building has its own rewards system in place. For example, at Miller Ridge, students are recognized for demonstrating the components of P.R.I.D.E (Performance, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Effort) by which they earn the right to eat their lunch on the stage, served to them by parent volunteers. The staff at each building has been creative in coming up with rewards and recognition that don't cost much but have a motivational impact on students.
 
Also, at the high school, they have had Open Lunch for years. Eligibility for Open Lunch is limited to juniors and seniors who (1) have passed all sections of the OGT and (2) do not have more than a minor number of discipline violations. Open Lunch students may leave campus for lunch period.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LMAO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 11 2013 at 11:05am
Anything that has any sports attached to it I will be voting "NO". Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VietVet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 6:16am
Today's Journal...

Lucas ‘grateful’ to have court named in his honor

MIDDLETOWN —
For three glorious years, Jerry Lucas put Middletown on the map.

For two nights, the city will shine its light on Lucas.

The floor at Wade E. Miller Gym — where Lucas led the boys basketball team at Middletown High School to 76 consecutive wins and back-to-back state championships — will be named the Jerry Lucas Court

Two 5-foot-by 2-foot vinyl decals will be unveiled near midcourt. The Jerry Lucas portion of the decal will resemble his autograph, which Lucas says is unique because it’s legible.

Lucas, 72, called having the court named after him “a tremendous honor” considering all the great Middies who played there.

..........AND NOW, THE PLANS ARE TO TEAR THE WADE E. MILLER GYM DOWN ALONG WITH OLD MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL.........HMM, SOME IRONY HERE I THINK.    WHY BOTHER WITH THE HONOR IF THE COURT WON'T BE HERE MUCH LONGER? PLEASE EXPLAIN THE CONFLICT IN VENUES HERE, SCHOOL BOARD PEOPLE?
I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spiderjohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 7:25am
I believe that the name and logo will be moved to the new gym location
no conflict--no worries
enjoy the moment
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VietVet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 7:47am
Originally posted by spiderjohn spiderjohn wrote:

I believe that the name and logo will be moved to the new gym location
no conflict--no worries

enjoy the moment


Spider, you know me and my thoughts about salvaging some of this town. However, I will reluctantly stand and watch them tear down old Middletown High.....but I can't for the life of me, understand the reasoning behind tearing down the Miller Gym. Certainly holds enough people for a high school game. Got alot of tradition. Is a fine old court in decent shape and there will certainly be enough parking for attendance when the old high school is torn down. What else would be of consideration with the gym? As to addressing the location and the thinking that it may be in an isolated, poor location.....how about where Barnitz Stadium is located. It is also isolated and certainly not in the best of locations, yet they are not touching that facility.......if those are the issues here. JMO
I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spiderjohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 9:40am
Vet-- issue being that Wade E is connected to the old hs
With utilities and services. In essence, they are one.
Location?
We ALL know that to be another factor .
I have talked with reps from the teams that we play
(Coaches-score keepers)--they love the atmosphere(despite
the visitors' locker room) and enjoy playing there. Every one
of them say that they will miss the place.
Many don't believe that it will eventually come down.
In a way, tonight's ceremony is also somewhat of a
premature farewell IMO.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote enough is enough Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 2:12pm
Ms. Andrew

The district has been working on improving discipline for the last 7 years, sounds like discipline is on the same pace of improving that the test scores are improving. In 20 more years we might have a handle on discipline. We will just have to agree to disagree on discipline. 

I understand that the district has a zero tolerance policy. Why is it not enforced for all students equally?. Letting seniors leave for lunch is great, but I am curious as to why seniors with a minor number of violations are allowed to leave at all. What is considered a minor violation and how many can they have and still leave for lunch?

IMO you are going to have a hard time passing a levy with low test scores and discipline issues in the school.  Maybe if you laid down the law from day one students and parents would know what is expected of them and then they would act the way they should.

If you continue to blame the socioeconomic background of students and allowing them to continue in their irresponsible ways you are not a part of the solution but a part of the problem. At some point we all have to take responsibility for our actions. It is time to stop pampering and take charge. 

Enough is Enough
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spiderjohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 15 2013 at 2:47pm
I have participated as a citizen with the conduct/discipline committee(?) for a couple of meetings.
I like their direction and attitude, plus I see the progress(particularly @ the elementary level). IMO the PRIDE
program is working well, though the upper school teens are a much harder sell. So--as I have mentioned b4, we shall
re-build our student mindset from the early grades on up. It will take time, though the benefits are clearly out there.
I believe there to be a meeting this Tuesday--maybe you should stop by?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsmith2011 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 16 2013 at 9:28am
If you did not read the opinion article in the Journal concerning the school district and their choice for constructing the new junior high on Verity School property, you should read it. It was written by Joe Mulligan and makes very, very good points. The project housing on Breiel has had more problems than any properties in the Vail school area. Another project the school district hasn't thought through....maybe they were in such a hurry to push that levy through they weren't thinking straight but now that they have time to pursue other places they can make a much better decision.

Also, just when you think the school district has hired all the administrators possible, I understand they are creating a new position and hiring a new administrator to create yet another "department" for the next school year.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote acclaro Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 16 2013 at 11:33am
I doubt any reasonably thinking individual that does not have a vested interest in payment, advancement of their child to an Ivy league school (ergo school board member), or a member of the quid pro quo club that has run Middletown into the ground, is not only appalled, but indeed, absolutely disgusted and ashamed to reside in Middletown and have even an association with its terrible leadership, regardless if its paid professional (city employees), or otherwise (unpaid volunteers sitting on boards).

These abhorrent and utterly unjustified examples of waste, to build downtown, to build new schools, while the city falls apart, while citizens cannot sell their homes, while the city remains a laughing stock in every metric of performance, is beyond pale. Downtown Middletown and the joke associated with the benefit of Cincinnati State is played to ad nausuem, same with the school board and the new need for schools.

Taking that further, the need to place a 87 year old man as head of the Chamber is just absurd. Middletown and Butler County is simply put, the most un-progressive, laughing stock of an area, I have ever encountered. There is no credibility, there is no justification. Its all about one hand scratching the back of the other, and its absolutely nauseating.

I would be ashamed to be on a board, advisory or otherwise, and certainly, holding a leadership in a city completed mismanaged and run into despair and destruction. The problem is a few who are legends in their own mind, think others perceive them in the same manner. A word to the movers and shakers thinking they have the answers---you don't, you couldn't carry the skates of the top tier business executives having the misfortune to be tied to the ball and chain, called Middletown, snap out of it, and realize you are the problem, not the solution. In the interim period before such realization hits you squarely between the eyes, you are simply accelerating the destruction of the city's financial well being.        
'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vivian Moon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 17 2013 at 7:35am

Citizens of Middletown
Before you vote on any tax or levy I would strongly advise that you visit and read the 2011 Audits for the City of
Middletown and the Middletown School District.
WARNING! It could be hazardous to your health


http://www.auditor.state.oh.us/auditsearch/results.aspx

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote enough is enough Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 17 2013 at 7:44pm
Spiderjohn
 
The school district about 5 years ago had a committee called Saftey and Discipline. I actually sat on that committee as a citizen. We also had board members, administrators and teachers. The problem was they reallly did not want to hear from the community members it was nothing more than a dog and pony show. In all honesty I feel it was a waste of my time.
 
I'm not sure how much time you have spent in any of the schools in the district to observe first hand how the students behave and how discipline is handled. I have been in many of the buildings on a volunteer basis over the last few years. Without going into great detail I could not believe the number of students roaming hallways and paticularly how thay talk to staff with such disrespect. The foul language being used is also unacceptable. I have witnessed first hand what school staff has to deal with on a daily basis. Suspensions are down according to Ms. Andrew. Suspensions are down because the hands of teachers and principles are tied behind their backs by the school board and supertindent. This is nothing more than the district trying to make things look better than they actually are. Gotta pass that levy.
 
I agree as I posted earlier Middie Pride is a good program but it will not work on your worst cases. The Positive Behavior System is going to help some but again not your worst cases. The sooner the board and the supertindent figure this out the better. It would be nice to see the district set an example and actually be a leader instead of sitting back and following.
 
As a Middletown graduate it saddens me to see where the district is today. It is unfortunate that the actions of some students have created a negative stigma that is a reflection on all of the students. It would be nice if we gould get the Middie Pride back so that we all could be proud of our school. The bottom line is until discipline is enforced Middletown will continue on its downward spiral. Take a walk through any school at class change and you will see what I am talking about.
 
 
Enough is Enough
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tracyl View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracyl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 18 2013 at 8:29pm
You know, I stayed away from this topic for as long as I could stand, indeed I have stayed away from commenting on the forum as well.  My last post resulted in being basically called a trouble-maker who should talk with administrators before coming on here and "bad-mouthing" the district.  Well, that would be a great idea if I knew which administrator to ask.  It seems we have quite a few more now that the public is unaware of and they come in the form of the "Academic Support Specialist" or A.S.S.'s, as we like to call them.  They are now observing teachers and making decisions for teachers and some, without the supposedly required Ohio teaching license, are teaching children.  Where did the money come from to pay these people?  We have no clue.  To be sure, Race to the Top funds, at least some of them, have been used for Dean of students in certain buildings that most definitely needed them.  As far as the A.S.S.'s go, your guess is as good as ours.  Do these people help?  I cannot speak for every single building, but in ours, no.  This person has no clue about the students we serve and the issues that come with them and has ZERO people skills.  And what about the data manager positions that the district got brought back this year?  Where did that money come from?  How do either of these positions, and all the people who hold them, help students achieve?  Teachers have no clue from one observation to the next, one professional development to the next, whether they are doing what is expected because so many people have their hands in the cookie jar and not one is truly interested in HELPING kids.  It's all about the almighty dollar each kid brings in.  The fact that the district allows 4 year olds all the way to the end of September to start kindergarten is a statement to that sad fact.  And so is the cutting of tutors and the loading up of classrooms to maximum capacity.  Speaking of kindergarten, has anyone asked how the district intends to address the 3rd grade Reading Guarantee law?  Will they continue to allow K-2 students to go on to the next grade when they have essentially failed?  No one seems to know the answer to that question either.  I could actually go on and on with this and if I thought it would do any good, I would.  If this is bad-mouthing the district then too bad.  Last I checked it was a free country and there are a lot of us that are sick of the garbage and no clear way to be heard.
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VietVet View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VietVet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 19 2013 at 6:28am
tracyl, I support your stance on the district. You are not alone in the criticism of a failed district for several decades now. Test scores, achievement levels and indicators met do not lie, regardless of the spin the district tries to place on it. It is what it is. Unfortunately, you, and many others, who describe a situation here that goes against the grain of the public perception program the district has laid out, are scolded by the rose-colored glass folks who just can't see, nor admit the truth about the situation. That includes the school board, the superintendent, the administrators and most teachers. They all have been in denial for years. If the quality of your production is obviously poor, and it stays that way for years, the only recourse, if you don't show some improvement, is to cover up reality with major propaganda, double talk and avoidance of admitting there is a problem, identifying and correcting those problems. It is frustrating to see. year after year, people involved in a flawed system, making "baby step"/minor improvement changes, when major recontruction is needed. Has there been any real difference in the supers we have had in the last 25 years? Eastridge is the same as Price is the same as Rasmussen. Very little difference in the "cookie cutter" supers we have had with no one dynamic on the horizon. We will not see what we need here, as long as they hire the same type of person to lead this district. Passing levies, giving some praise about what has been accomplished once in a while, announcing some minor changes here and there.....that's about it from all of them. Won't change a thing as the wheels of continuous improvement rated/ 9 or 10 indicators met stagnation keep on turning for years to come. Why support a poor performer who is reluctant to make real change?
I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracyl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 19 2013 at 7:31am
Vet, teachers are just as frustrated as the public (well some of you, a lot don't care how their child does) when it comes to scores.  The district expects excellence from students academically but continues to makes excuses for students and take the load off parents when they come with excuses.  Look at your local "Excellent" districts and the glaring difference is the high expectations in both academics and behavior and the ZERO tolerance for violence and chronic disruptions.  They also don't make provisions for parents who complain they can't take on their child if they are sent home or can't bring in a child for detention.  Put you hands on a another child or teacher in one of these districts and your butt goes home for a LONG time.  Do it here, you are back the next day with a grin on your face.  Threaten to kill a teacher or student in one of those districts and you are gone for good.  Here, you guessed it, back the next day.  Sure, the positive behavior support system we have in place finally does recognize those really good kids, and there are many, who get lost in the shuffle because of the others, but there is still much to be done and it will have to come from admin.  Teachers have zero power over this.  We have students who clearly have learning disabilities that we simply cannot get tested for at least an entire school year.  They leave to another district and guess what, the testing and identification happens and they come back with an IEP in place which in the long run is helpful TO THAT STUDENT, but not the district.  Not that a bit of this matters, things will not change as long as the district does not have their priorities in check.
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