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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2007 > September > 18 > Entry
Fireworks at Dayton school board tonight
Lacey and Isaacs
Wow. Tonight’s Dayton school board meeting nearly devovled into a shouting match between board members and teachers’ union president Pat Lynch and among board members themselves.
Here’s what happened:
Lynch, during her usual report at the monthly business meeting of the school board, was very critical of the board again, as she was last month. Here’s a summary of what she said:
—Charter schools. Lynch hailed Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann’s decision to sue low performing charter schools. She said her union had been the first to sue charter schools and was instrumental in persuading Dann to take his action. She said the board “did little to deal with the negative issue of charter schools.”
—School calendar. There is no evidence that a year-round schools improve school performance, Lynch said, and the union urged the board not to move the district to a calendar that starts all schools in early August. She said the board “ignored” this advice and “our predictions proved true,” Lynch said. She said hot classrooms in August were “one cause” of last year’s lower test scores and this year likely would be the same given the six days canceled this year due to heat.
—Ludlow buildings. Lynch said the district already had three administration buildings when they bought the Ludlow buildings from Reynolds & Reynolds in 2003. She derided what she called the board’s “cavalier decision to spend the children’s money on building you didn’t need.”
—Academic achievement. The union has documented 30 instances in which two classrooms were combined into one under one teacher, Lynch said. She said the cost cutting by the district this year is “too expensive for the children” and that if academic performance slips again, “it will not be the fault of the teachers, who you will surely blame,” she said. Lynch went on to to argue that the board took too much credit last year when scores went up and that the credit was due to the teachers. She said the board too often listens to administrators rather than teachers.
“How long before the board listens to the people who teach and not the career administrators and politically motivated members of this board?” she said.
Her comments did not go over well with board President Yvonne Isaacs.
“You come before this board and you bring written statements and slander the board and throw rocks,” she said. “And you make interesting statements. Last year you were outraged the board didn’t give enough credit to teachers for our success. This year, because the scores have slipped it’s no longer your fault. It’s the board’s fault.”
She went on: “When there is credit to be taken, you take it. When there is responsibility to be taken, you don’t take it. You throw rocks at career administrators. I’d say there’s not an administrator here who has not taught in the classroom. you also speak about how this board has misspent funds when you know it has been 15 years since the last operating levy in this city.”
She said few boards have ever gone as long as Dayton schools before they finally sought a new levy in May.
“I’m not sure how hard you even worked to help pass that one,” Isaacs said. “We told you and the community there would be repercussions.”
Isaacs said Lynch knows the board cannot operate in deficit, necessitating cuts, and that the board has not been cavalier in its handling of the budget. She called Lynch’s comments “very offensive and irresponsible.” She said the union “has not invited us to sit down and talk about the issues”
” When we come to you we are met with hostility at times. If we are to go forward and work for the best interests of children, the adversarial tone you have been setting these last few months isn’t going to get us where we need to go. I invite you, Mrs. Lynch, to come to the table to work for the good of children. Why don’t we work together to solve these problems?”
At this point, Joe Lacey jumped in and asked, “could we have a definition of slander from our attorney?”
For an uncomfortable moment, attorney John Concannon waited for instruction from Isaacs who told him it was not necessary. Lacey went on to say slander means someone is telling untruths and intentionally trying to injure the reputation of another person.
“I don’t think it applies in this situation,” he said. “Slander requires malice toward the board and saying what is untrue. You are out of order to say such things.”
Isaacs replied by saying: “I think it’s an objective term.”
Lacey went on to challenge Isaacs’ assertion that administrators were teachers in the past.
“I’d like to have a show of hands of administrators here who have not taught.”
Isaacs began to interrupt and Lacey loudly asserted “I have the floor. We have order here.”
Isaacs replied: “Mr. Lacey there is no need to raise your voice.”
Lacey then began again to try to get administrators to raise their hands until Isaacs said it is irrelevant whether they taught or not.
“Then why did you bring it up?” he asked.
Isaacs said she did so because most of the administrators probably had been teachers at one point in their career and she didn’t understand why he was viewing that as a negative.
“If you don’t think it’s relevant, then I suppose it’s not relevant,” Lacey said.
At this point Lynch asked if she could respond to Isaacs.
“No,” replied board member Mario Gallin.
“You had your five minutes,” Isaacs said.
Board member Lee Massoud ended the conversation by saying she felt there was no evidence the new school calendar has had a negative effect on student test scores. She said scores went down across the state this year because new tests were added to the report card.
Permalink | Comments (61) | Categories: Dayton Public Schools
Comments
By Laura
September 29, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Re: the word walls and “learning centers” Sally Dennis speaks of. The district does not provide them. We are expected to either buy them or spend outrageous amounts of our own time making them.By Sally Dennis
September 28, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Teaching is a gift and those of us that went into this profession knew it was not for the money. Everyday we’re there dealing with disruptive students while we attempt to teach those who come for the quality education we want to give them. We take a lot of heat from downtown when they do their buidling “walk-thru to see if you have your word wall up in all subjects and learning stations. Then of course a report goes back to your building principal and Ms. Braithwaite, who I have yet to see in our building this year. My friend did tell me she did come to their building because they are in one of those five schools she monitors!! Not her but her appointees. My friend also told me they do not have all of what they need and being a CAO school doesn’t mean anything. No one comes from downtown and roll up their sleeves to us. Oh I take that back. It depends what school you are at!!!! All we get is critized. When shirts were made up raising test scores, downtown all received t-shirts and we received nothing. It’s the same thing when the Reading Jamboree takes place. We work hard everyday. We need to come together. Every school should have the same materials across the board. Instead you get, It’s a pilot program. We need to come together. Our children’s future is at stake. We must unite as one. You can’t blame teachers for the levy not passing. You have to look at our economy. There are too many lay-offs and what the board was asking for was to high for our area.By Scott Elliott
September 25, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Just to clarify Terri’s question, Mario Gallin called me after reading her comment to say she was, indeed, saying “no” to Pat Lynch’s request to respond to Yvonne Isaacs. Mario said she is sorry she did so, that she should not have because she spoke out of turn.By Barb
September 23, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
I find caller ID is very helpful. Parents are able to see it is DPS calling so they will not answer. Over half of my parents will help, work with their child and want to do what they need to do to get an education but that leaves a little less than half.By Laura
September 23, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Joe’s comment that they could have consolidated at Roosevelt for $20 million less would have assumed that the board flet they were no better than the students. I agree that Roosevelt is not in the greatest condition. It isn’t modern and bright and squeaky clean. However, I think there would have been far less criticism if they had waited until all the schools had been rebuilt before they purchased themselves a nice, relatively new building and furnished it far nicer than the schools the students and teachers spend their days in.By Laura
September 23, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
There are some parents in all districts who do not care, however, there is a disproportionate number in DPS. I was just told by a parent a week ago not to call her again (it was the first time I had called) because she wasn’t going to answer and she wasn’t going to come to the school. That speaks volumes to me. The offices at Ludlow and the equipment they have is so much nicer than anything I have ever had in nearly 30 years. I don’t think they should have to work in squalor, but the kids shouldn’t have to go to school in the condition some of the buildings are in and the teachers should have better resources.By Joe Lacey
September 22, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Bad info from Oldprof again. In Ludlow 1, I saw rooms full of empty cubes since I’ve been on the board in 2006. It’s never been full. Secondly, it’s simply not true that the administration could only have consolidated in new buildings downtown. Roosevelt had plenty of space to consolidate, so the savings, if you want a number, of consolidating at Roosevelt rather than buying a new building, would be about $20 million, the cost to buy and renovate Ludlow.By Caroline
September 21, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Rachael, It is true that some parents are unable to make it to parent teacher conferences because of work schedules. However, some parents really do not care. I know that can be hard for some people to understand, but it is true. I have had parents tell me as much before they hang up on me. Unfortunately, some kids grow up in really awful situations. This is reality.By Scott Elliott
September 21, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Terri, that’s not how I recall it happening or what my notes say, but I’ll doublecheck it with Mario. I have Lynch asking if she could respond, Mario saying no in response to Pat and Yvonne telling Pat that she’d had her five minutes. Pat asked to respond from her seat in the audience. That may not have been picked up on the microphone.By Terri
September 21, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Scott - just need to make a correction in your story. I just watched a tape of the meeting and Mario did not tell Pat Lynch that she had her 5 minutes. Mario was actually responding to Isaacs question as to whether or not there were anymore comments. She let slip a “no”. Then Isaacs responded to Lynch’s request to respond to the board with a “no - you had your 5 minutes.”By Parent Conf.
September 21, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Laura: I’ll grant you that some Dayton parents don’t have the same freedom of movement as parents in other communties might. But, the point is that parents are generally uninvolved with most Dayton schools. It may be because they feel intimidated. Perhaps it’s because they’re too busy themselves. I will agree with you that Dayton parents do care about their children as much as anyone. But, I must agree with the earlier comment that it certainly appears that the parents don’t care about their children’s educations.By teachers wife
September 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I realize not everyone can show up for the conferences-but do they not know how to use a phone? Write a letter? Show ANY indication that they care whats going on in their childs school? My husband tries his hardest to call parents-never gets a return call or voice mail. I mean they could at least ask once in a while whats going on.By Barb
September 21, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Oldprof nice try but it has been pointed out over and over the administration did not take the cuts like the ones that affect students. I would certainly agree with your logic on the need for a new adequate building if it was the one housing the students and the district made due with one of the old, run down buildings. If kids are first shouldn’t they be the ones to receive first? Books are not delivered because the district is so busy trying to make individual schools absorb the cost that they will hold the books back. If McDonalds is out of fries do you think corporate says sorry about your luck or gets fries to them and figures out the problem afterwards?By Oldprof
September 21, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Barb, perhaps you’ll appreciate the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” quality of the criticism—the main Ludlow building was pretty full until administrative staff was slashed after the levy failure. But is the Ludlow building the reason that textbooks don’t get delivered? I don’t know, but tell me—do you think there’s a cost saving when one building (a newer, more energy efficient one) is occupied in place of four buildings (all inadequate and outdated)? Do you concede that there might be improvements in efficiency and also cost savings if administrators don’t have to drive around town for meetings? And what do you hope to gain by dwelling on a decision made four years ago in response to conditions and opportunities then? I know I’d like to see hard numbers on the costs/savings of Ludlow, but none of the accountants on the school board are doing the work of putting anything together for you and me.By Laura
September 21, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
RE: Parent Conferences, I usually have about 2 out of 24-25 students. Open house? If food is served- maybe 4-5, if there is no food, 1-2. They don’t care. Tom: This will be the best thing that ever happened to you and your family. You would never have made the change if you had stayed in the Dayton area. And one more thing: “Keep the drive for 5 alive”By Anne
September 21, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this
Old Prof, did not consolodate to a building - they purchased a second. You may not have access to the exact figure - but they watch the blogs from downtown - if it were a dime less than 20 mill - they would be arguing this quickly 0 the actual cost must be considerably more by now when they add in all of the plush new updates to the old building. Just this summer, one of the old buildings that has been converted to a castle had to have over 60,000 spent on it - a water/plumbing problem - this is in the board minutes. Would they have still had to lay off the teachers? Not as soon. The problem could be eliminated if the state funded more fairly? No - not until Dayton is responsible with the money they do get should they be trusted with more. This summer, I saw Centerville admin offices - they are at a converted area in one of the school buildings, plush is the last word that comes to mind(responsible is the first). Where my own children attend school, the studnets get the new computers, the admins take the old ones. In DPS the admin gets the new computers and laptops. My children get the newer seats and desks that are more comfortable, not the admin. None of the people in my district have cell phones that are paid for by the district - another huge waste. Old Prof, don’t you think the district should have to be more focused on the children before we tackle bigger problems like the state? Only in DPS can you find the many empty rooms with great chairs and tables, not to mention the technology and white boards… downtown while our students go without this. Fix this, then we will work together to fix the state and federal - until it is fixed it is more money down a hole.By Rachael
September 21, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
John and Teacher’s Wife, don’t assume that parents who don’t come to conferences don’t care—they do. Parents in Dayton love their children just as much as parents anywhere. They don’t, however, always have the same options and luxuries. Some have to choose between getting fired or coming to a conference. Some just don’t have transportation. But they do care, and they want the best for their children, just as I do.By charterschoolhater
September 21, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Ms Issacs, you are a servant of the people. The people include the union representatives of those who teach the children. If you do not like the criticism then GET OUT!!! I for one would say don’t let the door hit you in the back side on your way out. I am sick of you Ms isssacs and the other Kids Second Team. Joe Lacey good for you. You represent us better than any other on the board. Ms Galllin I am disappointed in you. We elected you to represent us. By telling Ms. Lynch she may not speak any longer, you are only serving your own selfish interests. Mario I will never vote for you again. For that matter, I don’t see many people on the board other than Joe Lacey I would vote for either. This board of Ed other the Joe, really blows chunks!!By teachers wife
September 20, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
I have to add to what John said…my husband teaches at DPS and at parent teacher conference last week….3 PARENTS showed up out of over 100 KIDS. No one cares-no wonder the schools are warzones. At the school my son goes to-EVERY PARENT in his class showed up for the last conference. I mean come on-nothing is going to change until the community gets more involved-nothing.By Barb
September 20, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
I had the pleasure of being in the Ludlow building the other day. I was surprised that one floor had about 50 cubicles, desks and chairs. I think there were computers also but no people. I wonder why our kids don’t have desks or books. Didn’t Mrs. Issacs say the students have all they need. I guess books, desks and chairs are not a necessity for kids. I know I do not have enough books for my students. Upper adminstration blames building administration, building adminstration says there is no money but the bottom line is the kids do not have desks, chairs or books. I have to make copies daily and then will be told I use too much paper. Maybe we could have a few of those unused office chairs at Ludlow. Old Prof, Mary and some of the other regulars how about going on a tour of Ludlow 1 & 2 and then determine how much is everyone elses fault and how much is just careless spending?By Oldprof
September 20, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Anne, I have often written here that educational administration is bloated—but I have seen the source of that bloat, which is Columbus and D.C. I agree that slashing the faculty is a guaranteed way to wreck a school district—would it have happened if our legislators had not flouted the law and refused their responsibility to provide a funding formula for schools that can be predicted (much less one that keeps up with inflation!). As for the purchase of a 20 million dollar USED building—I have yet to see numbers from either side of that argument—even though Joe Lacey promised in his campaign and again on this blog that he would look into it—if he has the numbers, I want to see them and if not I want him to keep that promise. (And I’ve asked others for those numbers too, but got no promises.) One thing can’t be denied; having one central location for administration and enrollment services does improve efficiency and some levels of service to parents and the community. But overall, you’re reading things into my comments that aren’t my opinions.By cec
September 20, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
gettum Joe, I myself agree with what you had to say to Issacs she is out of line and power has gone to her head instead of listening to the TAX PAYERS of this district when we voted down the operating levey it should of been a wake up call to the board to start cutting at their level first like Mac Daddy taking a cut and turning in that open ended credit card, getting his own car and turning in the car the board gives him. cuttng the saleries of pricipals that don’t preform to state standards. get rid of double dippers (mimms)and I am sure there are quite a few others that we don’t know about that are. and as for the board’s attorney grow a pair! think for yourself. when you are asked a question by a board member, you answer it. even I know this. the B.S. that goes on is why I quit being a volunteer for the district besides what is wrong with a 1/2% increase on sales tax? all the school districts in the county would be thriving.By John
September 20, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
The board has no idea what is going on in the classrooms. Here is a great example of parent involvement in the DPS. A friend of mine who teaches told me that the average number of parents who show up for parent teacher conferences every year is around 4. That is out of over 20 students. Ask any teacher and they’ll tell you the same thing.By Another DPS Teacher
September 19, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
To ‘Happy I Live in the Suburbs:’ Please don’t think that the suburban school districts are without their problems; they are, at present, not under the high-power lense of a the media microscope. I, too, live in the suburbs and I can assure you, I hear enough horror stories from both present-day and retired teachers that actually makes me glad that I teach in Dayton. As my Grandma use to say, believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.By Barb
September 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
It seems as if a lot of people do not understand it is not so much that teachers agree with the union that is the only avenue we have to be heard. As I am reading “work together” I am wondering how many people know that when you ask the upper adminstrators for help you requests are ignored. Not even a thanks for letting me know. I wonder how many know that if you dare question what is being done you are then a target for the upper administration. I wonder how many know that teachers are usually trying to get the best for their students. Most of us have no political agenda. Most of us although frustrated, under appreciated and feeling downtrodden don’t ever let the parents or the students see that. We get no photo op, we are just the background and the backbone of the school system.By Anne
September 19, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Old Prof, you seem to be a lot more even when talking about the basic needs of students than you do when talking about the actions of the board. Parlimentary Procedure being followed more carefully will FURTHER insulate the board that tolerates such comments as “You have had your five minutes”. Instead, maybe they could take responsibility for once and discuss why they spent More than 20 MILLION dollars on 2 new buildings that are not for children, then they cry poor - and you blame the STATE funding ?! - You need to narrow your mark here. And yes under normal conditions, it is the teachers who can make test scores go up - but when the arts are cut, classrooms are filled beyond capacity, and grade levels are mixed in already over crowded rooms - the scores can only go down. The teaching staff numbers go down, the number of admins show no sizable change. Again the fault of state funding? Come on - sell the palaces, fire half the admins downtown and run the district like the successful districts are run - on limited budgets WITHOUT palaces and a 15:1 ratio of teachers to paper pushers. Come on, Old Prof., mismanagement problems abound in downtown Dayton, stop trying to send it all to the state. Oh yeah - Thanks Joe!By Laura
September 19, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Yes, Sam/Homeowner, I would love to see some of the parents and students fired for not doing their part so I can teach. I am positive that if the parents and students would do their jobs, even halfway, there wouldn’t be very many teachers to fire.By Penny
September 19, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Pat Lynch getting upset, a stunt. I am a RIFed teacher. I am a certified teacher. HQT status. I can teach 1-8. I have a masters. I know of several teachers teaching in DPS uncertified to teach in the areas they are teaching. A PREKINDERGARTEN teacher in an elementary building teaching 3-8 , several PK-3 teachers in upper grades, and Pat’s response, it’s seniorty. NO it is FRIEND of the PRINCIPAL. If your going to fight, if your going to get mad, DEFEND US ALL, show fairness and consistancy. The facts are the facts, I wish I could list names. The Union is not consistant, and has sold many of us out, I heard they raised the Union Fees to make up for the RIfed teachers.By Tom
September 19, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
This is just proof of how disgusting that DPS has become. Those that are at the helm (of both the board and the union) are so entwined in their own pride that the needs of the children are not even being addressed. I am a teacher who was laid off at the end of last school year. My wife was also laid off. We were forced to put our home up for sale and move to a different state to take a major pay cut. With all of these strikes against us, I still consider us blessed to have gotten out to districts where children�s needs are put first. I completely believe that the board and upper level administrators (I am not including principals or assistant principals � they have a thankless job and are often made to be the �whipping boy� for both the union and the board) are completely out of touch with what goes on in a typical school or classroom. The union officials are also as oblivious to the real situations. Unfortunately, it is the children who suffer and will continue to suffer because they are students of DPS. Do not get me wrong. There are still great teachers and great administrators, but the politics only �burn out� those that work their tails off to make a difference. I was talking to my principal of my new school today, and said what a complete turn around my new district is from DPS. In DPS, I had to pound my head off of a wall to accomplish anything. Everyone wanted to blame, but no one wanted to help. No one wanted to address the real issues. The board was too busy wasting money on buildings so that the upper level administrators could bask in air conditioning while teachers and principals tried to teach in classrooms that in my building averaged 96 degrees throughout the first month of school last year. They took extended lunches while we tried to educate a population of students who had no interest in learning (though this is not all the students, just look at the discipline reports�.it is a great number)�And yet, we trudged on. We bought our own classroom supplies out of our own pockets while they spent money on frivolous things and said they had no money . The union was too busy trying to protect the jobs of the ineffective and worthless teachers who may have been there many years, but have done little to no good in their entire career. The union ignored those of us who lost our jobs�We didn�t get as much as an �I�m sorry this happened.� And yet, we also paid our hundreds of dollars of dues. For what? To protect the jobs of those that shouldn�t have them? To pay the union execs. Salaries? I honestly don�t know. DPS still has some great teachers and great principals, and even great upper level administrators. The problem is that these people are waging war in a losing battle so that others can keep their �power trip.� If DPS were a corporation, I would say they get what they deserve�But, what they�re getting is a lost generation of young people who have little chance to �make it.� DPS, you reap what you sow. Parents: Get your DPS kids out NOW if you can�If you can�t, then make yourself a permanent fixture at school, the Ludlow office, and board meetings. Don�t settle for less than the best. Only when everyone in power of all aspects of education realize that you are there for the children will DPS ever stand a chance to be an effective district.By dps teacher and parent
September 19, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Just last year, the administration of DPS left their offices to go and celebrate the statistical gains by dancing in the middle of Ludlow. Meanwhile, the teachers were continuing to teach because duty calls. We cannot step away. This board and administration has led the district into financial chaos while the teaching staff and building administrators continue to do more with less. Recently, an administrator visited my building to outline why we are in academic emergency with all her materials printed on glossy paper in color with two pocket folders. I have to beg for five manila file folders. The distance between the teachers and administrators in their “ivory towers” downtown is growing into an impossible abyss. I have almost no time to plan lessons this year. It is easily half the time that I have administrators and “coaches” coming into my room to observe or to make tally marks on their clipboards about the contents of my bulletin boards. I am NOT making this up. This administration and board continue to bleed this district financially. These are the same people that led the district into so much debt and eat lunch at their private cafe, Chloe’s in their new administration buildings while the students suffer squalor.By Happy I Live in the Suburbs
September 19, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
DPS makes me laugh so hard I almost fall out of my chair. There is no way on God’s green Earth my children would ever go to any of these schools. Seriously though, this isn’t funny; this is pathetic. Fire the entire board and start over. Change needs to happen here and it needs to start at the very top. Each one of you are the very poorest examples for our children. Shame on you - everyone of you.By Dayton Citizen
September 19, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Good! Get mad, Get angry. We are all angry! Get sick and tired because I’m sick and tired. Let’s get all the crap out in the open. Confess your faults one to another. Now lets agree to to move on and solve the problems. Our kids are suffering. They are not being educated. The board and the union are failing to do their jobs. Unity! This whole city needs to look this word up in the dictionary and understand that in times like these we need to forget those things that are behind us and press for the opporunities in front of us. We now have the opportunity to build a better school system by learning from our mistakes. Everyone needs to repent, repent, repent. Cleanse your hearts and minds and focus on the possibilities we have in front of us.By lou
September 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
Kendra, it’s not going to happen. Our building is just as bad. With no extra teachers in the hallways the kids are cutting left and right. We, as a staff, have decided getting them to help is not an option. Like teachers do, we have been staying late to work on the problem and try to come up with a workable solution. After all it is the teachers fault, and when we fix it, the administration we get the credit. That’s how it is and probably will always be with the good ole boys incharge. Come on, Issac didn’t give us any credit when scores went up, now it is our fault the went down. And don’t forget she is the one that thinks we have all the supplies we need and we all know how true that is. Don’t worry Dayton your scores will reflect what the board has done and of course it is the teachers fault.By melanie cameron
September 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Dear “Get on the Bus”, Check out the latest Edspresso commentary and blogs! We’ve exposed the grassroots power of charter parents and teachers in California who overturned Speaker Nunez’ and other anti-charter administrators’ attempts to lasso CA charters with moonlight politics. Offer your thoughts on the wildfire spread of teacher merit pay across 22 states and the unions staunchly resisting to save nothing more than their power and influence. Have a great week, Melanie Cameron Managing Editor, EdspressoBy Caroline
September 19, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
It is clear that Joe Lacey is the only board member with any sense. I’m glad that Pat Lynch brought up these issues. It is about time the the union confront the board about what is happening.By Sam/ Homeowner
September 19, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
It makes me crazy to hear you guys complaining and pointing fingers at whose fault it is. I haven’t heard either side say “It’s my fault, I screwed up when…” Untill you all stop being babies and get to the point where you can all be honest enough to admit where your own mistakes were made, NOTHING WILL CHANGE! Real change happens at the top, when leaders expect more and hold those parties accountable that don’t produce results. (including himself) Parents, teachers, board members and students need to be held to a minimum standard, and if that standard is not met, YOU NEED TO BE FIRED! It’s not about the dollars, it’s about expectations and results. Just think if the levy had passed…It would have been “Business as usual.” Untill someone wakes up and at least tries to get past the finger pointing, I think this Dunbar graduate will keep voting NO on any levy. I wish you guys knew how you all look like a bunch of clowns to the average tax paying citizen. I guess we can’t count on Mr. Mack anymore…isn’t he looking for a nice soft spot to land in the south somewhere?By Concerned Mom of 3
September 19, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
All this arguing… It is going to be very difficult for the Union, The Board, and the Superintendent to agree on much of anything. Too much baggage from the recent board meeting and the past. Would anyone be willing to form some focus groups comprised of parents, teachers, administrators and board members? (The focus groups would have to stay focused on the business of brainstorming some real solutions. Everyone involved would have to agree to keep the focus on the best interests and needs of the students.) The first thing the focus groups would have to do is define the present state of the DPS. The next thing to do would be to form a web of the things that are going well. Then form a web of the problems. Next, the focus groups would have to prioritize which items need to be dealt with right away and which ones to put on a “to do next year” list. At this point, my suggestion would be to try to build on the strengths of the district, and then target a few problem areas to work diligently on fixing. While this is a timely process, in the end, it may be best for the students of DPS. The arguing and negative verbal exchanges aren’t having any positive impact on the students of DPS. I would be willing to invest my time and energy on something that would have a positive impact on DPS.By kendra
September 19, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
I suggest each and every member of the DPS school board take over in the K-8 grade classrooms at Kiser one day next week or in the near future and release the teachers for a much needed day of discussion and problem solving in addressing the currently chaotic environment found there. Then, maybe, the board will see what the teachers are up against on a daily basis working with no planning time, art, music, or physical education. This is all in addition to students who do not want to learn and get away with disrupting the learning process for the few students who are interested in their schoolwork. The situation in this school is much, much worse than anyone will admit and totally unacceptable in our country today.By Oldprof
September 19, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Calvin has a point, the board should have gone for a levy ten years ago. Unfortunately, none of the members of the board from back then are currently in office. We keep getting stuck in arguments about past failures and decisions long finalized—ladies and gents, that horse is out of the barn! And Lacey’s right, I was not present at the meeting; my comments were based on my knowledge of parliamentary procedure (and of some of the board’s failures to abide by it) as well as Scott’s account published here. Does Mr. Lacey wish to dispute anything I actually wrote—or does he wish to stand by his misreading and argue about whether he did or didn’t have the floor—a point that’s moot in regards to my comments?By Daytonian
September 19, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious that the Board is out of control and not in touch with operations - e.g. employees filing suit alleging discrimination against the Board (see Virginia Ogilbee v. Dayton Board of Ed) - Administrators ignoring EEOC settlements with the Board!By Joe Lacey
September 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Oldprof is spreading inaccuracies about last night’s meeting. I was there. He was not there. I asked to be recognized for comments and then I asked our attorney a question. He did not answer apparently because Board President Isaacs in a flagrant abuse of power told him not to answer a fellow board member’s question. Later, I raised my voice because, as I was talking, Ms. Isaacs attempted to speak over me. I pointed out to Ms. Isaacs that I had the floor, a point to which she conceded.By A Person from Within
September 19, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
It’s only a matter of time before the kettle boils over. The problem with Dayton City Schools is an accumulation of errors and mistakes and people passing the blame around. There are some facts to consider. First, why has Attorney Gail Littlejohn taken a back seat from presidency right before a levy needed to be passed? Why is Dr. Mack really looking to go south? And who would want to have their child in a Dayton Public school without the arts, music, or physical education? There are a considerable amount of studies done about the importance of how children can learn through the arts and music. My own child did fabulous in a school that emphasized the arts. And what about the obesity problem in America? Should our children not receive physical education? Think about it.By Old Coach
September 19, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Worried Parent, We ask you first to get involved in your childs’ school. That is the grass roots for your child. If more parents like yourself get involved in the schools you will collectively have a vouce that will be heard by the board on what is best for all children.By Best of Times
September 19, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
It all starts at the top, folk�s. The top leadership in the Dayton area continues to sit back and watch the local economy heading down the crapper, the foreclosures are skyrocketing and the jobless numbers continue to climb. Services are being reduced to unacceptable and sometimes unsafe situations. These are the �best of times�, wait and watch the fallout from actions/inactions from those who lead, we are still a couple years away. Mayor Mclin and Congressman Turner continue to watch the local area crumble with the loss of job�s and out of control spending�.yes our kid�s will be the ones left to suffer. Just this week the news reported both Mclin and Turner celebrating another tax payer financed boondoggle with the announcement of a new Control Tower for the Dayton airport, other Towers similar to this are being built in the $10 mil dollar range, Dayton�s new Tower will exceed $30 mil, it will look great but function the same as the lower cost Tower. Both Mclain and Turner also celebrated the loss of more jobs as the majority of Air Controllers will be relocated out of the local area. It�s no wonder the schools and local communities continue to slide downhill, those at the top doing the �pushing� will stay at the top while the local taxpayers and communities continue to suffer, again; these are the Best of Times.By Will
September 19, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
This is the quagmire that urban education has become. Ineffective legislation, leadership and representation result in a situation with no satisfactory solution. As someone wrote earlier this debate has fallen into the hands of people who are more interested in self/ego than effectiveness. All that matters to them is that THEIR idea works. I would challenge the union to prove that it can do a better job than DPS. Take advantage of the law, start their own small charter, staffed and run by union members. I would also issue the same challenge to DPS, forget WOW and DECA, start their own small, independent free of union control, staffed by non-union teachers. In short prove yourself. Prove that you can do a better job. The method is in place. I would venture that neither party however is willing to prove themselves. Instead they would rather waste the lives of Dayton’s youth arguing about who’s right.By Community member
September 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Operating a large urban district is a huge challenge, especially when finances are as tight as they are in Dayton. I believe our school board does a commendable job in a very tough situation and board members works very hard for only a minor stipend. Many people are under the misconception that board members are well-paid. This isn’t true. They work very long hours for the district and I believe the current board is one of the best we’ve had in this district for a long time. I’m worried that the teacher’s union is doing the teachers a great disservice by creating an adversarial relationship with the board. The teachers will not receive pay increases and the materials they need and want until an operating levy is passed. However, until the hostility between the teachers’ union and the board is resolved, it will be very difficult for the community to rally and pass an operating levy.By Calvin
September 19, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
It’s appalling how Isaacs doesn’t want to see how the board considers itself above reproach. They did take credit for increased test scores and the increased (easier) state scale rating last year. As for administrators who have taught some time long in the past, that’s hillarious. Most administrators couldn’t last a day with current kids, unless they go to the handpicked schools like Stivers. As for Dayton having gone 15 years without passing a levy, I call that incompetence on the board’s/superintendent’s parts. They should have asked for smaller levies during the interval. Instead they wait until they had a bomb and then wondered why people detonated it. It’s the board’s fault, Isaacs.By Worried Parent
September 19, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
We put our eldest son into K at a DPS school this year, a decision I was comfortable with as, I felt, the District was showing improvement and had been since Dr. Mack took the reins. However, I obviously didn’t do my homework, as the more I read, see and hear about what is going on in the schools and their administration, the more annoyed I become. We parents need a group that gives us a voice, keeps us all more informed and works to hold the Board more accountable than they seem to be right now.By Eve
September 19, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, Yvonne Isaacs can’t control a board meeting, Joe Lacy can’t control his need to agitate, and Pat Lynch can’t control much of anything so she resorts to finger wagging Told Ya So’s. Maybe these three should try writing “I will put my personal issues aside and make educating Dayton’s children my top priority” 100 times on a chalkboard. It’s a juvenile punishment but if the shoe fits…By Oldprof
September 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Well, it seems that the board will now have to spend more money, this time to hire a professional parliamentarian who can help restore order when people start shouting. Having worked as a parliamentarian myself, I might note that it usually asks for trouble when board members respond to public comments in session (even if, for point of argument, they were slanderous); it’s not a “point of order” to jump in and call for a definition; the meeting chair gets to determine who has the floor even for points of order; legal definitions are necessary for courts of law but public discourse can utilize common usage definitions. One thing’s for certain; the “us and them” mentality will not bode well for anyone’s future here; DEA/OEA has in the past focused on the real source of the agony—state legislators who bumble up education calling their actions “reform” while stubbornly refusing to revoke the sweetheart tax breaks they extend to their campaign contributors. (ooo, did I just slander someone?)By Bob Borgerding
September 19, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
There is enough blame to go around for everyone. First of all the major responsibility for a child’s education is the child. Next in line is the parents of the child, the teachers come next, and then the Board of Education. It is the job of the teacher to give the student the information necessary to be successful not only in school, but also later when the student enters society. The Board of Education’s job is to provide the teachers with the wear-with-all to do their jobs, and get out of their way, as long as the teacher is doing the job properly. Now the Board has done a woeful job of providing, and a good job blaming others for their shortcommings. There has been major misteps and mismanagement by the Board of Education.The teachers, futhermore, have a responsibility to insist that the job of each student in their care, do what is necessary to learn the subject matter, not get involved in anything else that a student might have going on at that particular time, and not pejuding a student’s talent, now while it’s true some are more talented than others, when it comes to education, work can overcome any lack of talent in the vast majority of cases. Parents must insist that their child(ern) do what is required in order to be successful in school, and students must do what is required to be successful now. This will make their lives eaisier in the future. As a resident of the City of Dayton, and a graduate of the Dayton Public Schools I am ashamed of what it has become. The people who need to do something about the problems want to blame each other rather than reflect on what is necessary to be successful and get the job done.By CityResident
September 19, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it interesting that the DPS attempts to settle arguments the way alot of their pupils do. Take it to the street and scream/yell. Whatever happened to setting the politics aside and doing something to change the perceptions of the city and its schools?By John Ferris
September 19, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
All kids are precious little folks who respond to every aspect of their environment, but above all, to smiling faces, kind words, and endless encouragement. We adults get so caught up in our ego trips, displays of anger, and personal prejudices, that it’s no wonder few children have faith in our leadership. Look in the mirror! Money ain’t gonna get it!By Joe Lacey
September 19, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this
I was baffled as to why the district’s attorney would not answer a board member’s question. What was he there for? Was he there only for Ms. Isaacs sake?By Appalled DPS Teacher
September 19, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Hats off to Pat Lynch!! I’m sure it wasn’t fun but she managed to get Ms. Isaacs on record in public at her most regal - “you’ve had your five minutes”. It is a perfect comment coming from this money-hungry board. They have turned into a real estate company instead of a school board, leaving teachers with over-crowded, steaming hot classrooms and students without the $20 million because it was used to purchase the Ludlow properties. I am pleased that Pat Lynch, an actual teacher, stood up for students and teachers and I hope she keeps at it, bravo!By Marcus Houston
September 19, 2007 7:28 AM | Link to this
I say that they need to replace the entire school board. It only about status and appearance to them. They are not doing anything to help benefit our children and they put too much pressure on these teachers to work with resources that should be there. My child attends a school where they can’t even bring books home because they don’t have money for books. But they always seem to find a way to spend money on something that benefits them, like this building. It is a shame that the teachers have to come out of their pockets for supplies and they are already underpaid. Taxpayers see this and this is the reason why they didn’t pass the levy. They still are not going to do right with the money.By Mary
September 19, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
I have to believe some of this could have been avoided if people stressed openess and reality rather than “perky positiveness” and cheerleading when it comes to school boards. After most school board meetings I have attended, I felt I needed a shower to remove the sticky sugar. These outbursts are probably actually healthy and overdue.By Another DPS Teacher
September 19, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
It’s about time someone told the DPS board about their shortcomings since they have plenty go around for everyone else. Kudos to Mr. Lacey for stepping up. Surprisingly, we have nothing from the very vocal Attorney Gail Littlejohn in a while. Cat got her tongue?By Donna
September 19, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Yvonne Isaacs made it abundantly clear once again how she perceives the teachers. Implying that we did not work hard enough to pass the levy is ridiculous. The levy did not pass because of the amount of money they were asking homeowners to put up and because of the public’s perception of how the money was spent. And as for coming to the table to work together for children? What does she think we do every day? I am working in one of the old buildings that is in disrepair. It is not clean. There is no air-conditioning and the heating units also break down frequently. Yet, our students come and we serve.Her comments, by Mr. Lacey’s definition, are slander.By Katie
September 19, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this
No wonder DPS is such a mess - everyone is too busy arguing and placing blame to figure out how to actually help the students. Perhaps if Ms. Isaacs, Mr. Lacey and Ms. Lynch could calm down, then they could actually talk about the issues. They are setting a terrible example for our students. Teachers are trying to get students to calmly approach situations in which their beliefs are challenged, instead of fighting or yelling about it, but yet the board itself can’t do that.By dirk sniggler
September 19, 2007 5:32 AM | Link to this
Yvonne Isaacs isn’t ready for the Crossfire prime time obviously. She accuses someone of slander, then slithers away when pressed for the actual definition. Same for the teacher’s comment. Mario is an angry out of touch old-woman who really doesn’t belong on the school board sans for her need to be constantly involved in some sort of activity to keep her busy. There surely is no cry for her in her Walnut Hills neighborhood. I would be willing to bet that 99 percent of her neighbors have never even heard from or of her. Once again, Joe Lacey comes out smelling like the only board member with a brain.