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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > November > 09 > Entry
Editorial: Incumbents struggled; levies didn’t
Tuesday’s election generally went well for schools, but not for every incumbent school board member.
The majority of the school levies on the ballot passed, including some that supporters were worried about.
Xenia passed a slimmed down bond issue to build new schools after two failed tries, while a bond issue for a new school in Cedar Cliff passed on the first try. Financially embattled Jefferson Twp. schools renewed a hefty 9.5-mill levy. In Beavercreek, where no levy is a guarantee, a renewal for permanent improvements passed easily. A notable exception is Trotwood, where a 7.5-mill levy for operations was soundly defeated.
So were voters just happy with their schools? If they were, a handful of incumbents learned the people could still demonstrate their displeasure with policies they don’t like.
Exhibit A is Springboro schools. The district has been squeezed for years by a peculiar set of circumstances. Its growth and wealth work against it in the formula that decides how much state aid it receives. The pressure really ratcheted up last school year as state auditors recommended aggressive cost-cutting, which included closing an elementary school (despite steadily increasing enrollment).
The school board has long taken much criticism for what some feel is overspending, even after making lots of tough cuts.
Among those hard cuts last year was the elimination of bus service for students within two miles of a school, which saved $371,000. The new rule, however, caused traffic bottlenecks and put a lot of kids on the streets.
Kelly Kohls and Scott Anderson ran for school board citing busing as a primary complaint. They were the top vote-getters.
School board member Don Miller survived, while board President Ira Thomsen was ousted. All this, despite the board’s decision to restore busing just before the election. To voters, apparently, that move came too late.
In other districts, teacher support was a big key. Some Kettering teachers were angry when school board member Frank Maus voted last spring against a contract that called for a 1.5 percent raise for teachers. It was approved 3-2.
The two incumbents who voted for the contract — Julie Gilmore and George Bayless — were re-elected, while Mr. Maus narrowly lost to challenger James Brown.
Oftentimes teachers know a lot about how a school board is operating, but they also are an interest group. Their interests don’t necessarily always line up with what administrators or taxpayers think is right.
Even where there is no apparent anger, teacher support — or lack of it — appeared to make a difference. Beavercreek’s teachers’ union passed over incumbent Joyce Carter’s election bid, but did so nicely. The union’s press release announced teachers were backing Peg Arnold, Rob Dotson and Kim Grant, including an unusual statement of “appreciation for the service of Joyce Carter, who admirably served the district in her appointed role on the board.”
The union’s endorsed slate of candidates won, and Ms. Carter, vice president for human resources at the University of Dayton, was out.
Managing schools is a tough business, especially in today’s environment. The skills required to be a good board member are underrated. Board members must make prudent decisions and know how to manage money well. In the end, they should always do what’s right for the kids, even if that requires taking heat.
But part of the job also is to persuasively explain why certain decisions were made. That’s the only way to stay in the job.
Permalink | Comments (28) | Post your comment | Categories: Editorials, Education, Scott Elliott, Suburban Communities
Comments
By Mary
November 9, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this
I think the Dayton Daily News also carries some responsibility in these matters - with endorsements, how the endorsements are written (usually superficially as to what is really going on in the schools), and the articles the newpaper runs each day to inform, or not inform, the public and thereby enhancing the power of the special interest groups. From what I understand, Joyce Carter had questioned the pay raises for teachers at a board meeting or in some other forum. I heard this before today’s editorial and before the election. As the Dayton Daily News pointed out in a previous editorial, top vote getter Dotson got endorsements from the athletic boosters which is a nonprofit and should not be making endorsements. Why didn’t the Dayton Daily News investigate that issue more and report the issue to the public instead of just mentioning it in the editorial. When board members are essentially put into office by a conglomerate of sepcial interests, we have a problem that the Dayton Daily News is also not articulating very well.
By Ben
November 9, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
Joyce Carter got shoved by a group run by local rich folks who want control of the board. Its a miracle Arnold survived them. Dig in it DDN it smells real bad. Its no wonder people don’t run for political jobs. Heard they sent a detective after Verlingo. New members owe them and will get the same crap if they don’t do what is “wanted.”
By Ken
November 9, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this
Ben, I mean Joe, go crawl back under your rock in your backyard, then the golf balls can’t hit you in the head.
By Lola
November 9, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this
to BEN - I am a teacher. Never quite seen so many rumors being passed, agree there was an outright attempt to push Arnold/Carter off the board. They did a decent job, I heard awful stuff being passed around even rumors about their kids. Administrators working with local hacks and teachers being lied to so they would follow. Both of them are very active actually helping schools. Money talks I guess. This thing had revenge for someone all over it.
By A Dayton Citizen
November 9, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
Admitting the DPS School Board race was not very contentious this year, I am still perplexed why it has received no mention in these seemingly ‘daily’ election analysis editorials? In a local election year that saw many incumbents unseated I find it interesting all 4 incumbents were overwhelmingly returned to the DPS Board. Yes, the lone contender was not overly strong, but in Dayton that didn’t seem to matter in the mayoral race. Could it be the community’s vote of confidence indicates DPS School Board is finally doing something right? Why no coverage folks?
By Out in the Open
November 9, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
Can you say “DRAMA” real loud? What a stupid reason to grind an ax. How many ‘Creek grads are on TV or Broadway? Focus on academics PLEASE.
By Mary
November 9, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
So, “Out in the open”, was this all because the drama teacher got fired? Please explain since the board members nor the Dayton Daily News are telling us what is really going on. My youngest graduated six years ago, and I am still fuming at the lack of academic support and focus on the classrooms. It made my job as a parent much more difficult. It seems the school district wants students and parents to bury themselves and their time in all the extracurricular fluff so they do not notice their education is a joke.
By bobby
November 9, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
The same incumbents that gave teachers a raise in Kettering will be telling the citizens how fiscally responsible they were when they push another Save our schools levy. If there is a Kettering school levy coupled with another Human Services levy, one can expect the levies to do worse than struggle.
By Out in the Open
November 9, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Mary - this wasnt the district..it was drama/play parents gone wild. Plays are top priority how? Some of them went nuts when teachers play contract wasn’t renewed. Still blogging here a lot. Morrison left and they told people it was because of board pressure over drama mess. Guy wrote two letters telling employees he had health probs but they kept spreading rumors he was fired. Not true but it makes a good story. $1200 supplemental? Doubt it. They involved people in bring back Denny thing. I asked him he is happy going home early and feeling good. Bunch of nuts but some of em have influence/money. Drama teacher still whining in the HS too. Agree on the academics. Drama is fluff (here they will come.)
By chi
November 9, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
What drivel! Drama is life and teaches kids so much! Stamper is the best drama teacher ever. My daughter loved her. School board (arnold and carter) was just cruel to her. Bring her back. Send them away! THey suck!!!!Our schools will be better without them.
By Drama Parent
November 9, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
I agree with Chi. I know for a fact Peg Arnold was out for Stamper for quite some time. Too many people know this. As for Denny Morrison Peg went after him too over the state thespian conference and a show choir contest scheduled on the same day. Denny would not give in to Peg and the show choir and Peg announded “we fix him” to several people. My child got the whatfor from Peg when they were upset over Stamper being forced out. Why isn’t anyone getting to the truth of the matter? The fact is a lot of people are afraid to talk because they know what a bully Peg Arnold is and how she can get things done to suit her personal wishes.
By Guess Who
November 9, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
I tink drama is very good. Me ain’t good at aritmitic but me can act. Drama is berry berry importtent to live.
By Nothing New In The Creek
November 9, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I think Peg got reelected because people don’t have enough reality tv in their lives and need more drama. You know she will continue to make drama for the school board and all who are concerned about the wellfare of our children and their education. Peg deserves an Oscar.
By Don't Blame All
November 9, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
I am good friends with Rich on the school board. I don’t know the others. Rich is a good, good man. Peg is not. Everyone knows Peg is a bully and will stab anyone in the back to get her way. I think we all need to stop blaming the whole board and look right where the smoke is. That’s where the fire is - Peg Arnold. I like Rob Dotson and I hope he and the others can clean up the messes Peg makes for our community. She really makes us all look bad. So Don’t Blame All - it’s Peg!
By thanks mrs. arnold
November 9, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
When I was in school we had a great drama program. Where is it now? I just learned the fall play is barely happening. It is a mess out there. I am sure Mrs. Stamper is not perfect. Who is? But Mrs. Arnold has destroyed what was once a good thing. She can place blame for what Mrs. Stamper may or may not have done but it is clear that Peg had the heavier axe to grind. Whenever she gets upset she goes after people. It has happened over and over and yet people stand back and let Mrs. Arnold do her thing. Now a highly recognized program is practically non-existent. Where are the people who can help fix this? And where are the people who will stand up to Mrs. Arnold? Do the other board members fear her as much as others? I had up close and personal contact with Mrs. Arnold in show choir and know first hand how she gets what she wants. I know the events over the thespian conference and show choir show and how it affected everyone involved. Mrs. Arnold was clearly behind that mess just like she is behind so many of the messes in the school system.
By Cynthia
November 9, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
Extra curriculars are important to students! Just ask any college admission’s office. They look for academics, extra activities, and leadership skills. It is hard to be a leader in the classroom. My children were involved in the music and drama programs at BHS. We have had an excellent drama program for many years, but not any more. The BHS administration seems to not care about the drama program. It is a mess right now. We have one person teaching drama classes and advising Thespians and other people are doing the plays. There is no tech program any more and no coordination of the program. No one is getting support from the administration. For example, there is little money available and the royalties are not paid on time so the plays keep getting moved later and later until it is impossible to put on a quality performance. Those of us who know what the drama program has done for our children should be pushing the administration for a quality program again. By the way, two former drama students are in the national spotlight: Jill Paice on Broadway and Jill Alexander in national commercials.
By More Drama 4 Drama
November 9, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this
Cynthia sounds like she has it nailed down. Why isn’t the administration doing anything about the drama mess? Could it be because Peg Arnold bullies the administration like she bullies everything else in the schools? This all could have been fixed a long time ago if the administration (Mrs. West) had done something about it. Now my kids have no strong program as long as West is Peg Arnold’s puppet. We all know what happens when Peg’s family gets in fights at the school. Others get punished. Pieces of this puzzle are starting to come together and it all points right back to Peg Arnold. I hope administrators, school board members and others of importance are reading these. But it matters more if they do something about it. Which they won’t.
By Howard
November 9, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
We have no one to blame but ourselves as a community. We elected Peg Arnold and others. They are responsible for making sure we have a good leader like Denny was or was not. The person they hire must make sure we have good administrators. Right now at the high school we have a weak leader who can’t take a stand on the drama issue. We have assistant principals who get power hungry and threaten to fire our choir director when she leaves a door open. Everybody seems power hungry and on power trips but no one is being a good leader. Its not any different than our government. We vote these people in and then complain about things not getting accomplished. HK
By Tuba Mama
November 9, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
Of all the posts on here Cynthia makes the most sense. My son was involved with both band and choir and had great experiences in both. We always went to all the musicals and loved them. The extra curriculars are very important and should never be taken for granted or taken away. Where are the school administrators in all this mess with the drama? It is not a bunch of drama parents as Out in the Open claims. There are serious concerns here for our children. You would never find anyone surviving if they tried to mess with the show choir. It is common knowledge that Peg and the director are tight. I hear there is a very expensive new piano in the choir room funded by Peg Arnold (who claims she got funds from different places in the school system). Do you know what we band parents had to go through to purchase new instruments or equiptment? Peg was not there trying to help us one iota. I guess it depends on who you’re friends with! Why is no one in the school system investigating some of the things Peg Arnold is doing to undermine our programs like the drama department? Is everyone afraid of this woman? Look at what this is doing to the current students who wish to do drama? What are we building for the future drama students? Boo on the administration for not caring!
By Freedom
November 9, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
Something missing here. A board has 5 members. One elderly lady is responsible for all this? Not on a board. Doesn’t work that way. Truly sounds like you guys are making up stuff as you go. Aint it great to be anonymous where you can’t be held accountable?
By Cynthia
November 10, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this
I understand what Freedom is saying about the board having 5 members and how can one lady influence them so much. Obviously, you don’t know that lady. She is very intimidating to people (the board, too) and she threatens people if they step out of line. I did not vote for her because I know personally many of the things she has done. These are not rumors. The voters just knew her name from being on the board so long. Those of us who have been affected by her or who have had friends who have been in her way, we know the truth. I sincerely hope that the new board will not put up with her threats and intimidations. Also I hope that the new board will get the drama program back on track.
By Known Facts
November 10, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this
I can verify what Cynthia says. I have personally been threatened by Peg Arnold, and there are a number of individuals who witnessed it. I have all of the threat in writing. No, I will not sign my name to this because I am quite afraid of what this woman can, has, and would do again to run me into the ground. I read everything written above and can also vouch for a number of the claims written above. Yes, it takes a board to run the corporation, but it is amazing what one person, even a little old lady can do.
By chi
November 10, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Yes the new board members will solve this problem. Mr. Dotson committed to the drama parents he would restore Ms. Stamper’s job. Ms Grant will help him and they are very smart. I hope they find a way to fire her. We have lots of proof. And an attorney who can help them. Good days are coming soon.
By wheels
November 10, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
Those who on Ms. Stamper’s wagon obviously have a blind eye. we were associated with her at another local school prior to her coming to Beavercreek and the same thing happened…she was forced to leave. Imagine that…it happening in two different locations! Makes you want to say HMMMMMMM doesn’t it?
By wheels
November 10, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Those who on Ms. Stamper’s wagon obviously have a blind eye. we were associated with her at another local school prior to her coming to Beavercreek and the same thing happened…she was forced to leave. Imagine that…it happening in two different locations! Makes you want to say HMMMMMMM doesn’t it?
By Nutz
November 10, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Lemme see if I have this all right - drama people got mad at board (one or two members, although all 5 voted same way) went out recruited people to run for board to “straighten the wrongs done” and now the new ones are offering to do zactly what you complained about the old ones doing? Weren’t yall complaining before that the board didn’t pay ttention to the administrators? New guy wants to not even check it out? Okay I must defnitely need a vacation from this site…my head hurtz! I think I like the one who you were mad at in the first place, or wait, was that the second one? OUCH OUCH OUCH
By Cynthia
November 10, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
I certainly hope that the new board members will thoroughly check out the drama program’s situation. To promise to reinstate someone before knowing all the facts seems a bit irresponsible to me. So far it sounds like Dotson only knows one side of the story. Check it out! Someone has to take a stand on the drama problems and fix the situation. Many students are suffering because the administrators and the board won’t make a decision. All the board did was make everything worse by letting Ms. Stamper go. She is still directing plays but now with the Thespian troupe. What is going on here?
By Hey Lady
November 10, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
I am a student who last year was punched in the face, choked and had my glasses broken, got thrown on the floor at lunch in BHS all because some jerk wanted my seat. Kate Arnold picked me up, turned around, and got the brat to stop hitting me by knocking her over with one good punch. She was suspended for 2 days, the brat for 3, and had to go to court (juvey) and do community service for sticking up for me! If you think that is saying her kids don’t get punished you are crazy. My name is Taylor and thank you Katie for stepping in. Mean people suck.