Comments and responses on the NELSD new plan

The following are responses to the comments and questions posed in the April 23rd article in the Springfield News-Sun, written by Andrew McGinn, titled "Northeastern tweeks building plan for August 3 election". The actual comment will be found in bold with quotation marks. My response will follow the comment.

As I always ask my readers, please validate the truth of my comments. These comments reflect my knowledge of the facts and may not represent the views of the other members of the Northeastern Board of Education.



"Still going to vote NO! The State Supreme Court ruled that suporting schools property tax was Unconstititional, and tasked the legislator to come up with a different plan, Which they haven't!!! How aout a Food Tax? Other states have this, and we could ear-mark it for schools, mental health, Libraries etc....
Who Cares!!
6:47 PM, 4/23/2010"


Who Cares!!: Thank you for your comment. You are correct that the Ohio Supreme Court declared the current funding system for public schools is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court did order the State Legislature to fix the system. The Legislature's "fix" was to give more money to the broken program, while taking it back in unfunded mandates. I've asked the Legislators why they didn't end up in jail for failing to do what the Supreme Court ordered. I also blame the Ohio Supreme Court for not enforcing their ruling...to no avail. I also blame the people in Ohio for allowing the Legislature to continue their "thumbing their noses" at our school funding issue. The ones taking the brunt of this issue are the school systems because they have no other recourse. The school system is the only tax the people have an opportunity to support or reject. The voters in Ohio can't vote no on new jails, or welfare, or medicaid, or other "entitlements". I understand your frustration, however, it will be up to the voters to start making school funding in Ohio a major issue in November and get rid of those who do not support fixing the system. I have presented a plan to my Representative and others, only to get "rhetoric" that we are doing the best we can. Would sure appreciate your help in getting this message across to the Legislature.



"This new plan leaves out the northridge schools that are falling apart. What will the elementary kids do? Also the idea of having the middle schoolers with the high schoolers will be a detriment to their childhood. Are we asking for an early defeat?
Tea
7:07 PM, 4/23/2010"


Tea: thank you for your comment. No. Northridge school is not left out. This plan calls for constructing a PK-4 building at the current site at Northridge school. As for the 5-12 building, this structure will be separate buildings. This was a major concern when developing the plans that the board was presented. We are assured there will be distinct separation of 5-8 and 9-12 students. We are asking our architect to bring together some renderings of buildings they have designed that allows for the division of students. I can assure you that this is a concern, but we are addressing it properly and in the best interest of the children.



"Well, it is 7:30 PM on Friday night. So all the people in NELSD that can't afford any new taxes are out to eat at Texas Roadhouse, BW3, or Red Lobster. Just wait until later tonight or tomorrow morning and they will all tell you how much they can't afford it.
Just Wait
7:48 PM, 4/23/2010"


Just Wait: thank you for your comment. When it comes to children's education, we all have to take a look and make our choices. I plan on supporting the plan because it will greatly benefit children, provide safe schools, and improve our property values.



"Prediction. Another resounding defeat. Do they think we are all not going to be there to vote no in August? Whine all you want. There is no hope for passage.
No No No
8:28 PM, 4/23/2010"


No No No: thank you for your comment. There is always hope. We are not whining, only getting the fact to the public. I trust you have visited our buildings and have seen first hand the condition they are in. I trust you have seen the lack of technology our children are dealing with. The choice is yours at the ballot box.



"Tea, read the article again! It addresses the elementary children. There will be new schools for all except KR will be reconstructed and not knocked down. If you read the blogs, the board addressed everything therefore there is no reason why people cannot vote yes! Let's stop the excuses and think of the future.
Read the article
9:44 PM, 4/23/2010"


Read the article: thank you for your comment. I think it is important that the message continues to be given out. There is a lot of misinformation that needs to be corrected in order for people to vote based on information, not misinformation. We will continue to get our message to the people using this blog, facebook, and other means of communicating.



"I am sorry that this plan was approved. I dislike the idea of having middle and high school students in the same building. Fifth grade is still considered elementary school. Why put 10 year olds in the same building as 17-18 year olds?
Northridge Resident
10:11 PM, 4/23/2010"


Northridge Resident: thank you for your comment. At first, I wasn't entirely sold on the idea either until I started asking questions, talking with our architects and other schools which housed various grade levels as we are proposing. There are many schools in Ohio that have PK-12 in the same building, with different wings. Our buildings will be constructed so that there will be no co-mingling of student in the 5-8 with those in the 9-12. As I stated in a prior response, our architects have designed buildings to handle this division. We have asked them to prepare some renderings of these building for our public to view.



"I do not agree with having 5th grade and up in a High school. Whats next? senoirs dating 5th graders? Thats just sick. Yes Notheastern needs building repairs and or a new building. But dot not put 5th-12th together, you are just asking for trouble.
northeastern grad '89'
10:32 PM, 4/23/2010"


northeastern grad '89': thank you for your comment. We knew this would be a major issue with this plan. Again, it is being addressed and I'm certain once we get the renderings from the Architects and be able to show the people some of their designs, the fears will be less. We are not putting 5th and 12th graders together. We wouldn't consider it. Once we get the designs, I hope you take the opportunity to view the designs, ask questions and determine for yourself how you feel.



"Northridge resident- An earlier news article stated that the middle school students will be kept separate from the high school students, but I agree that fifth graders belong in the elementary. I don't like the idea of 10 year students with 13 and 14 year old students. I wonder why the board made that change.
another NR resident"


another NR resident: thank you for your comment. The board made that change based on the square footage at Kenton Ridge. The OSFC has specific guidelines for the amount of square footage and the number of students in a building. When we originally looked at the number of students that we were considering for Kenton Ridge (6-8 graders) there was more square footage at KR than was required through the OSFC. In order to get the needed funding for the renovation and redesign of KR, we had to increase the number of kids at KR. With the large number that would be at Northridge PK-5 building, it was more beneficial to move the 5th to KR building. Also, the original thought was to have a 6-8 building at KR. With the 7-8 grades able to participate in organized achool athletics, this left the 6th graders sort of in a "limbo" state. We felt by bringing the 5th grade in with the 6-8, it would allow the 6th graders to be with those closer to their situation. It also, allowed us to have the square footage needed to renovate KR. Finally, as I stated in other responses, your 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grader will not be co-mingling with high school kids. I do appreciate your comment and concern. When more meeting become available, please come and present your concerns.



"A 5-12 building seems like it would cause some staffing issues with certification of teachers. Many districts are going to 7-12 buildings which lines up with Secondary certification.
just a thought
10:56 PM, 4/23/2010"


just a thought: thank you for your comment. You bring up a good question. The certifications are based on grade level, not necessarily on building. There are schools that house PK-12 in one building. Some in two buildings. I will re-address this with our administration, however, I don't believe that certification is an issue on the building.



"I was at the meeting. My understanding for the change is as follows:
1. the OSFC would only partially fund the renovation of KR+new building for a 6-12 school because there would not be enough students occupying the building. Adding the 5th grade solved that issue and lowered the cost to the taxpayer.
2. the proposed PK-5th grade new building at Northridge was going to be quite large. Moving the 5th grade to the 6-12 building reduced the size of the building.
cont-
JC
11:47 PM, 4/23/2010"

cont-
"3. The school administrators at the meeting explained that the 6th graders don't fit together well with the 7th and 8th graders, and felt adding the 5th graders would give the 6th graders a group of kids closer to their maturity level then the 7th and 8th graders. It would allow more opportunities for appropriate level activities for 5th and 6th graders.
JC
11:55 PM, 4/23/2010"

"As for the concern about mixing with high school students, both buildings (NR and KR) would be designed where there wouldn't be mixing of the high school students with the lower grades. They would be in separate wings and wouldn't overlap. As for staffing, my understanding is having one school combining these grades would make staffing better, because currently there are teachers who have to travel between schools.
JC
11:59 PM, 4/23/2010"


JC: thank you for your comment. You are correct with the scenario on why we went with the PK-4 and the 5-12 configuration. Thank you for your response on this.



"Certification is a key issue. When the SCS went to K-6, and then 7-8 buildings, the 7-8 building teachers had to obtain secondary certification, I honestly don't know how seperating by a hallway will make a difference. It is kind of a mute point because the issue won't pass, but I do appreciate the district making an effort in lowering the financial burden to the taxpayers. No still means no.
NE Resident
6:56 AM, 4/24/2010"


NE Resident: thank you for your comment. There was a lot of thought that went into this plan. Certification is an issue, however, not necessarily in the case of building design. As stated before, there are many buildings with various configurations of grades. Certification for certain grade levels are for those levels regardless of the building.



"Were does the Ohio F.S.C. get THERE money. FROM US!! The tax payers!! This money is not FREE!! Vote NO!
Vote No
7:20 AM, 4/24/2010"


Vote No: thank you for your comment. The OSFC got their money from the Tobacco Settlement. Each state received money to use as they saw fit. The Governor and the State Legislature committed this money to be used for the construction of new schools in Ohio. Each district was ranked by need using property valuation. The money does not come from taxes. So before voting no on the basis of your theory, please get the facts.



"As someone who subs through out the county ... if there is a school district that needs new buildings, it is Norhteastern. There are some excellent teachers and support people and great young people. But the buildings are beyond bringing them up to speed for the education in today's world with the skills needed for today. I encourage everybody to visit South Vienna, Northeastern High, or Northridge middle and elementary. See the needfor yourself.
JRF on the right
8:05 AM, 4/24/2010"


JRF on the right: thank you for your comment. Couldn't have said this better myself. Thank you.



"I think this is a good plan that will best serve the needs of the children with costing the taxpayers as litle as possible. I have to pay taxes for a lot of things I don't believe in. I will vote for something that will better the future of the children of Northeastern! DF
DF
8:36 AM, 4/24/2010"


DF: thank you for your comment. Like many of us who pay taxes, I don't like paying taxes for things that I would normally vote no on. Schools are not among these. This is a good plan for kids and for property owners. Thank you for your support.



"More taxes, out of controll spending, sounds familiar.Take care of what have.Stop this madness.VOTE NO NO NO NO NO NO
yogi
8:45 AM, 4/24/2010"


yogi: thank you for your comment. Please let me know what "out of control spending" we have in the district. I am more than willing to address this, but I will need your help in defining the areas.



"Thank you JC for clarifying the comments. Many schools around the US are being built in this manner by being divided in seperate wings. The younger children will never react with the older children. Also, have you thought that many of them probably have brothers in sisters that are in the high school? Not all high schoolers are trouble and mean to younger children. They probably babysit them! Just more excuses..........
Thank You JC
8:50 AM, 4/24/2010"


Thank You JC: thank you for your comment. It would be interesting to know that we have Kindergarten children at Northeastern. In fact, Kindergarten has been at NE for almost 20 years!!! At one time we had Kindergarten children at Kenton Ridge. Never were these children "stomped on", beat up or mistreated. On the contrary, they were reveled by the older children, protected and tutored. I personally know a young man who played football at NE who is a kindergarten and elementary teacher because of his involvement with the Kindergarten children.



"Just had to correct the comment by Vote No. The money from OSFC is NOT tax money from us. It comes from the tobacco settlement so it is FREE money. I hope the no voters of our district will appreciate how hard the board has worked to address their concerns and visit the schools to see for themselves how badly these new schools are needed.
Vote Yes
8:52 AM, 4/24/2010"


Vote Yes: thank you for your comment. Sounds like you have been to some of the meetings and did your homework. Thank you for your support.



"Again it's No...it will only raise your taxes on a hundred thousand dollar home $237.00 a year.ok how many live in a house that price.so if your house is over that add it up doesn't look pretty.i'm sure i speak for others as well as myself we can't afford more taxes.retired my income doesn't go up,yours does.the vote is still NO NO NO.I worked forty-two years and paid and supported the schools.
can ya hear me NO NO
10:11 AM, 4/24/2010"


can ya hear me NO NO: thank you for your comment. My only response is that if this passes, you will also enjoy the benefit of your property valuation going up. If it fails, you will also suffer the fate of your property valuation going down. The choice is yours at the ballot box. PS: you may be surprised to know that not only has my pay not increased in 4 years, but my hours were cut in half from September until April! Your pay stayed the same! I will still support kids and find a way to afford my taxes for schools.



""Can you hear me.."
I understand what you are saying. Most incomes haven't gone up (mine included). I'll be paying much more then the $235.00, but I'll vote YES.

"yogi" They have been trying to take care of what they have even with the community voting down almost every levy in the past (usually takes 5 tries or a threat from the health dept to close a school before the community will pass a levy). Out of control spending? this plan is actually over $25,000,000 less then the original.
JC
10:39 AM, 4/24/2010"


JC: again thank you for your comment. I appreciate your input to the comments. It shows you have been to the meetings, asked the questions, did your research and know the board is working to do the best for kids. Thank you for your support.



"For supposely educated people I wonder about your intelegence. You are smart in pulling the wool over the simple peoples eyes.Renters that don,t realize the landlords adding the extra high tax to thier rent.The simple that thinks it's going to add jobs "look at springfield". And last with all the previous levies still attached in the future other big operating levies will come. the lottery hasn't stopped the levies from coming.
glen grim"


glen grim: thank you for your comment. I'm not sure to whom your comment is directed. Fact is that people who rent (as you implied) do pay property taxes in their rent. Yes, the landlord pays the rent, but if the landlord doesn't include the property tax in the tenant's rent, then the landlord is not an astute business person. At one time, my wife and I rented when we were first married. I remember our rent increased due to increase in the property tax increase. Our landlord explained why he was raising our rent. Yes, you are correct when you state this plan, if passed, will help to add jobs to the area. It may not stimulate the entire economy, but it will have a positive impact on the area. Interesting comment about the lottery. I am working on a blog message about the lottery and how it was "supposed" to help fund Ohio's schools. The Lottery commercials don't mention that anymore simply because it is not true.



"“That’s a good thing for the community,” said district spokeswoman Linda Wallace.

When are higher taxes ever a good thing for a community?
enough already
12:10 PM, 4/24/2010"


enough already: thank you for your comment. Higher taxes are not a good thing for any community. However, failing schools are not a good thing for the community either. She was referring to the need for new schools and how they will benefit the community. If you have a better way of getting the funds to construct new buildings, the school boards in Ohio will be more than happy to learn.



"If you can afford to live in a house more than $100,000 you can afford $250 year.
Thoughtr
12:26 PM, 4/24/2010"


Thoughtr: thank you for your comment. When you break it down, $250 a year is about $21.00 a month. I can find that picking up change off the ground, or a variety of other cost cutting or cost saving plans.



"I have engaged board members and president personally. Each encounter... ended with a condescending retort with me being told... I didn't know waht I was talking about... I should check my facts... I should not engage my key-board till I knew all the facts... It goes on. I am well educated, successful in business and am tired of of the narcissistic arrogance of this board... Well here's a FACT for you, Next time try some humility and you win me over. Not this time... I am done.
pauly
1:55 PM, 4/24/2010"


pauly: thank you for your comment. Pauly, I don't recall you (if this is your real name) asking or engaging me about this issue and then being condescending to you in person. My comment to you in previous blogs was based on what you stated was not facutal. And I again will say that you need to get the facts. I don't know if you live in the district or not, or if you have ever been to a meeting. If you had, you would know that I am respectful to those who comment or ask a question. I am also direct to those who make comments in public that don't have the facts and it turn get everyone riled up. Like you, I am educated, but I also try to understand the issues that are being addressed and be able to make an intelligent comment. All that I have asked is that people come to the meetings, ask questions, get the information and then, if you are in disagreement, at least we will agree to disagree.



"I plan to vote no to all levies on the ballot, we are told the Library levy would only be $42.60 per $100,000. of property value, then the Elderly United another $31.50, then all the other added levies and fees the city and county can come up with, now or in the near future. There is no gurantee of more jobs. In fact if the Navistar moved out what would be left? The new hospital has lost the trust of citizens. As hard as it is citizens can't afford all of this.
Lulu51
6:47 PM, 4/24/2010"


Lulu51: thank you for your comment. I understand the frustration that people have over levys. It seems that every organization that gets funding cut from the state puts a levy on to recover the loss. I guess my only defense is that the Library will not increase your property values, the Elderly United will not increase your property values, voting for roads, emergency and fire levies, MRDD and other organizations will not increase your property values. Only the schools will help your property values. From this information, you can make your choice at the ballot box.



"With the treasurer of the Northeastern district making over 160 thousand dollars a year. I say take pay cuts or I vote NO!!! I am sick of over paid school worker salaries. None of them even work an 8 hour day. Or work 9 months out of the year. And still get what, 30 sick days a year, and personal days also. Get paid when school shuts down because of weather. Most people I know , if you do not go to work you do not get paid, or at least you would have to use a personal day.
Pay cut
7:02 PM, 4/24/2010"


Pay cut: thank you for your comment. First, the Treasurer does not make $160 thousand a year. She makes about $92 thousand a year. She does collect retirement that she has earned working for the public service. I have a blog entry on the pay for teachers that would interest you. Also, I am working on a pay blog for administrators ,that will cause you to rethink the "over paid" comment. I'm sure if many people would get the education, certification, and degrees that are required to be a teacher, then get the higher degrees, certifications and qualifications to be an administrator, you may rethink the "over paid" comment. In addition, the responsibility that an administrator or teacher has is more than most people can realize. I only hope people would questions what teachers and administrators in our schools really do. You'd be shocked.



"Pay Cut I'm not voting for the levy, but you are throwing out some very inaccurate information! First of all, only the teachers work a nine month year, and they are paid ONLY for those NINE months, the salary is spread over twelve months. It is my understanding that district administrative personnel work twelve months a year, if the Treasurer is making that much, that is crazy! More likely, that is the salary/benefits package for the Superintendent. Please don't lump the teachers into this
NE Resident
7:21 PM, 4/24/2010"


NE Resident: thank you for your comment. First, the Treasurer, makes about $92 thousand a year, the Superintendent makes about $105 thousand a year. Yes, the administration works 12 months a year, often with only 1 week vacation! The Superintendent and Treasurer both work directly for the board and are "on call" 24hours a day, 7 days a week. I know because I've called them at all hours after getting calls from residents on issues. When their pay is broken down by the hour, you would know they make very little compared with the responsibility and acoountabiltiy they have to the board and the community. These are not 8-5 jobs by no means. Same thing applies to teachers. Many go to school to get higher degrees, work summer education programs, evening programs with kids at the school and other areas that the public is unaware. I'm proud of our faculty, staff and administration. And even though you are voting no, I thank you for your comment.



"I propose that we create a law that bans multiple levy attempts in the same year. In fact, how about one attempt every 365 days. I myself am getting tired of voting no and the board just does not respect the voters wishes.If the levy passed, could we put a hold on it for 6 months then have everyone vote on it again ? As long as we are still a democracy, how about we act like one and respect the voters decisions the first time.
weary voter
8:50 PM, 4/24/2010"


weary voter: thank you for your comment. If this was the case, the schools in the NELSD would be at Catawba, Plattsburg, West Side and New Moorefield. We do respect the voters wishes, but we also realize the need to have better education for children. Surprisingly, there are people in this district who value education and will work to make it better. We have a need for new schools and an opportunity for the OSFC to help pay for them. As a board member, I have a responsibility to do whatever is possible to take advantage of the opportunity. People depend on the board to do that.



""JC" Thats your choice as to which way you vote, and that's great that you can afford to pay higher taxes on a fixed income. but myself and alot of people like me aren't able to do that. My income will stay like it is and how will we pay when they will continually ask for more, this is not the end. I guess they want to see us on the street, then they won't get any taxes.So I will still say NO!!
can you hear me
9:25 PM, 4/24/2010"


can you hear me: thank you for your comment. Yes, we understand that you and may others are on a fixed income. For you, that is good. There are many others who are not because their pay has been cut, hours cut and still they support new schools because they know the importance of education for their children. They also understand the importance of strong property values....the same property values that you enjoy. These people are willing to sacrifice $20 a month to have better education. Again, the choice is yours at the ballot box.