your comments responded to: part 6

This is the last of the comments, questions and complaints that came out of Megan's article of February 26, 2010 titled: "Northeastern has 'energizing' debate about bond issue failures"



"And as long as these teachers and staff are cramming "new computers for everyone" and "new paint, central air, windows everywhere, new gym" etc of course they are going to want it. I grew up in classrooms with fans and no windows and it didn't kill me. It's not about how nice the facility is, it's about how educated and well the teachers are. From what I have been seeing, I'm starting to question them. Don't preach to my children to come home and tell me what to do!"
@retired
1:39 PM, 2/26/2010
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@retired: thank you for your comment. I've never heard of a school without windows, but then again, I don't know where you attended. It is important in today's economy, marketplace, global environment that the way we were taught in the 60's will not work. There are no longer any jobs putting lug nuts on wheels at International Harvester. Today there are robots to do the work. It will take people who can build, program and operate these robots who will be in demand. Further, we are in a global economy selling our products and services to other countries and vice versa. Our needs are different.

As for the air conditioning, windows, safety, etc., yes they are necessary.



"NE has asked for a levy or bond issue every year since the mid-90's How do they account for that money? Do you all realize the present issue will attach bond mills and a .25% income tax that will last for 37-years? Then, like Northwestern they will return for Operations Levies because they can't mange what they have. Here's the answer... Combine the two high schools,(400-500 students total) build two middle and two grade schools and drop the income tax. I may vote for it then."
Pauly
1:51 PM, 2/26/2010
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Pauly: thank you for your comment. You bring up a good point. I would direct you to the district website at www.nelsd.org. Click on "district information". You will find a line that says "district voting history". When you look down the lists of levy's that were rejected you will find it take 4 or more tries in order to get a levy passed in the district. The important thing to look for is not the number of time on the ballot, but the number of time the issue passed.

Combining the two high schools will create a building on 1300+ students, not 400-500 as you stated. I would hope you would be at the meeting on March 18th to share your thoughts on how we should proceed.



"I'm tired of hearing about the school levy. It was rejected twice. If it passed would the voters have the right to vote it down? Why is it the opposite now? I wished I lived somewhere else sometimes because I'm tired of the pushing and pushing!"
mom
2:06 PM, 2/26/2010
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mom: thank you for your comment. As a board member responsible to you to provide your children with the best educational opportunity possible, I would not be doing my job if I let it go. This is a great opportunity for someone else to share in the construction of new schools! We are talking about 41% of the cost! I know there would be many residents in the district who would be after the scalps of the board of education if they ignored this opportunity. As for me, I will continue to push and push in order to have our kids in the best schools, and providing the best opportunities possible.



"1. The buildings should be condemned. Mold & asbestos, anyone?
2. It's time for Mr. Broderick to go. New leadership is needed.
3. Leonard Kadel needs a vote of no confidence and replaced with someone who actually knows what they are doing.
4. How about the $40K they spent on their full-time communications person? Where's *that* money going towards?
5. When they cut athletics and arts because they need money for school repairs, don't complain your kid can't participate.
6. Who cares about 1 school? KR students were "preps" 20 years ago and students who go to Northeastern are "hicks." Stereotypes happen. 2 schools won't prevent it.
7. If you didn't go vote, it's no one's fault but your own. Ignorance is not an excuse.
8. A nice school building does not equate a good education. A building *enhances* the educational experience.
9. Instead of spending time online complaining, use that time to be a proactive community member- RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD!
10. The local educational system directly affects your home's property value. Poor schools equal lower-valued homes.
11. If you went through this school system, even if you hated it, but you have kids, why are you not investing for their future?
12. Schools create jobs. All we need is *more* job loss in this community.
13. Lastly, if you don't like the way things are going, change them."
Jennifer
10:54 PM, 2/26/2010
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jennifer: thank you for your comments. I will reply to your questions, etc.
(1). absolutely, plus the electrical, plumbing and other infrastructure is out of date.
(2). Would you be willing to provide a reason? I Disagree. Mr. Broderick does a great job for the kids and residents of the district.
(3). I'm not going to argue your point. You have your reasons for wanting me out and I'm not going to address it without knowing specifically the reason for the statement.
(4). The Public Relation Director is a position that does more than "sells" the district. In today's market, schools have to compete for grants, and other items that are needed to continue. This position does much to get our programs into the public to show off what we are doing for kids. Due to state requirements, this position will be given additional responsibilities that will be mandated by the Legislature.
(5). We will not cut athletic programs for two reasons: (1). The funding of athletics is minimal to the amount to be saved. Cutting athletics does not save the district enough money. (2). By cutting athletics would allow students to go to other school districts, through the Open Enrollment Program, thereby causing a loss of $5870 for every student who leaves. As far as any other cuts, the district looks at all programs to determine what will be cut.
(6). your opinion (I graduated from Northeastern when there was no KR. Many of my friends were from Northridge).
(7). AMEN to this statement. The most important thing a citizen can do is to Vote! thank you.
(8). Good point
(9). Exactly. If you don't want to run for school board, at least come to the meetings and participate, ask questions, make your statement, get the facts and get involved.
(10) - (13). Thank you, more good and valid points.

Quite frankly, I'm getting the feelings we agree on some things, although I don't think you really know much about me.