schools levy

[Amy Martin]

I'd be careful throwing around allegations like this Lori. I'm sure there's a lot more to the story than that - maybe he/she meant that they didn't want lunch staff counseling their students. If your purpose was to smear the principal of Lincoln, you succeeded. I've met an awful lot of school principals in my line of work and none of them struck me as the type to ignore a child in distress the way you've described.


Probably much the same way that the Catholic Hierarchy wouldn't ignore the atrocities inflicted upon the children of their parishes . .. .

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

Just to be clear:

* If it is a levy, that is for operating costs (i.e. faculty, materials, utilities). That is, anything that costs to run the actual facilities.

* A bond is for the physical construction of the building and physical maintenance of the buildings.

Thus, unless I have my facts wrong, a levy (whether this November or any other time) has no actual bearing on the school constructions and any possible overruns. The levy is solely to keep the schools operating.

Matthew

Correct.

That is my point, to spend $125 million on buildings, and not spend money on what is in them would be like getting a Ferrari with vinyl seats.

One could argue if new buildings make kids smarter or not. But no one can argue that if you do not fund teachers, and programs it is all for nothing.

As I said with the Bond issues, this one gets passed, then we look long and hard at Board Management, and hold them accountable.

The single biggest problem in Lakewood is not holding elected officials accountable. It is insane with our track record of elected officials. Our finest mayor ever served two years in federal prison. Think about it. Sinagra our best, since then it has been elect friends they will not screw us. Well not badly, well not real badly, well at least they didn't kill us, well all of us, well...

.

I would just like to point out that when the district went to the voters to pass the last levy we were told that they were only asking for approximately half of what they knew they needed according to all of the financial forecasts. They were counseled by Burges and Burges that voters would not pass a $12 m. levy which is probably true. Also, the district publishes five-year forecasts every year so no one should be surprised. We KNEW during the election that there would be a levy. Unfortunately, most people don't pay attention to the school board race. In fact, there was about 18,000 under votes this last election cycle. We do need change on the school board--it is very difficult to remove incumbents who have served 20+ years when voters don't vote for school board candidates (many reasons for this) or don't pay attention. I support our schools, but I know they could do much better providing a variety of services.

As far as finances, it makes me wonder what the role of the Financial Review Committee is and how much oversight they provide on behalf of the voters. I have not attended any of their meetings so I'm information gathering--not criticizing. Although I feel knowledgeable about reasons for the current levy (operating expenses), I'm perplexed about the $6m shortfall on the construction project and feel that we were mislead about how over-budget the district was on these projects when we asked about the construction during the election. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the district had to put an additional bond on the ballot to finish Phase 2 of the construction project.

I received the following email today:

April 15, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We need your input. Lakewood City Schools is holding several listening sessions to help the District better understand its main stakeholders’ thoughts, priorities, and expectations. Your thoughts and opinions are an important part of this process and key to ensuring that we are heading in the right direction.

The listening sessions will be conducted by a third party moderator, Burges & Burges Strategists. Your opinions and perceptions are valuable, so please consider attending. Everything you say will be kept confidential and will only be used in the context of a summary report. Your name will not be used in the report. There will be two sessions to choose to attend:



Tuesday, April 26 at 6 pm @ Ranger Café at Lakewood High (RSVP by April 21)

Monday, May 2 at 6 pm @ Harding Middle School LRC (RSVP by April 28)



This is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and opinions about our school district and its future. We will also be holding sessions with our staff.

To reserve your place at one of the listening sessions, please call my executive assistant, Anne Knab, at 216-529-4092 or you may email her at anne.knab@lakewoodcityschools.org with the subject line: Lakewood Schools – (fill in date) Listening Session.

We look forward to learning about your opinions and ideas.

Jeff Patterson
Superintendent

[Lori Allen _]

Todd, it was before the current principal. Yes, it is true. I was there, you were not. You have no right judging me when you were not present, nor a part of the situation. I can stand by what I say here on the Deck.

[Brian Essi]

Just to be clear:

* If it is a levy, that is for operating costs (i.e. faculty, materials, utilities). That is, anything that costs to run the actual facilities.

* A bond is for the physical construction of the building and physical maintenance of the buildings.

Thus, unless I have my facts wrong, a levy (whether this November or any other time) has no actual bearing on the school constructions and any possible overruns. The levy is solely to keep the schools operating.

Matthew

Correct.

That is my point, to spend $125 million on buildings, and not spend money on what is in them would be like getting a Ferrari with vinyl seats.

One could argue if new buildings make kids smarter or not. But no one can argue that if you do not fund teachers, and programs it is all for nothing.

As I said with the Bond issues, this one gets passed, then we look long and hard at Board Management, and hold them accountable.

The single biggest problem in Lakewood is not holding elected officials accountable. It is insane with our track record of elected officials. Our finest mayor ever served two years in federal prison. Think about it. Sinagra our best, since then it has been elect friends they will not screw us. Well not badly, well not real badly, well at least they didn't kill us, well all of us, well...

.

I would just like to point out that when the district went to the voters to pass the last levy we were told that they were only asking for approximately half of what they knew they needed according to all of the financial forecasts. They were counseled by Burges and Burges that voters would not pass a $12 m. levy which is probably true. Also, the district publishes five-year forecasts every year so no one should be surprised. We KNEW during the election that there would be a levy. Unfortunately, most people don't pay attention to the school board race. In fact, there was about 18,000 under votes this last election cycle. We do need change on the school board--it is very difficult to remove incumbents who have served 20+ years when voters don't vote for school board candidates (many reasons for this) or don't pay attention. I support our schools, but I know they could do much better providing a variety of services.

As far as finances, it makes me wonder what the role of the Financial Review Committee is and how much oversight they provide on behalf of the voters. I have not attended any of their meetings so I'm information gathering--not criticizing. Although I feel knowledgeable about reasons for the current levy (operating expenses), I'm perplexed about the $6m shortfall on the construction project and feel that we were mislead about how over-budget the district was on these projects when we asked about the construction during the election. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the district had to put an additional bond on the ballot to finish Phase 2 of the construction project.

I received the following email today:

April 15, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We need your input. Lakewood City Schools is holding several listening sessions to help the District better understand its main stakeholders’ thoughts, priorities, and expectations. Your thoughts and opinions are an important part of this process and key to ensuring that we are heading in the right direction.

The listening sessions will be conducted by a third party moderator, Burges & Burges Strategists. Your opinions and perceptions are valuable, so please consider attending. Everything you say will be kept confidential and will only be used in the context of a summary report. Your name will not be used in the report. There will be two sessions to choose to attend:



Tuesday, April 26 at 6 pm @ Ranger Café at Lakewood High (RSVP by April 21)

Monday, May 2 at 6 pm @ Harding Middle School LRC (RSVP by April 28)



This is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and opinions about our school district and its future. We will also be holding sessions with our staff.

To reserve your place at one of the listening sessions, please call my executive assistant, Anne Knab, at 216-529-4092 or you may email her at anne.knab@lakewoodcityschools.org with the subject line: Lakewood Schools – (fill in date) Listening Session.

We look forward to learning about your opinions and ideas.

Jeff Patterson
Superintendent

Kristine,

Thanks for that information.

We have to understand the problem to solve it.

Still, this sickens me how "sick" our local government has become at nearly all levels.

Term limits should be considered.

[Christine Gordillo]

Brian, I agree with most of what you said. One of my concerns is that the school board turns a deaf ear to the bullying that is taking place in our schools. I don't expect perfection, but, please don't lie to us. There was a student several months ago at the high school that was being bullied. She went home and committed suicide. When I worked in the lunch room several years ago at Lincoln, I was approached by a student who informed me that nobody liked him and that he was going to kill himself. When I went to the principal, I was told to stay away from him and to not go near him. I was told that the school did not get involved with these types of matters. I believe it is the law that schools have to report this to the proper authorities. I saw bullying all the time there. And of course, it did not appear that anything was ever done about it. I feel that we all bear some responsibility with working with our young people, especially today. We can't ignore issues or persons and think that by doing this, the problem will go away. As far as a tax increase, we need to say no. If I don't make my house payment, should the tax payers pay my mortgage? This district needs to be fiscally responsible and unfortunately, this usually does not happen until the cash cow is shut down.

Ms. Allen: The seriousness of the allegations you have made regarding Lakewood City Schools’ response to students who may be in distress or intending to harm themselves compel a response.

You allege a Lakewood High student recently committed suicide in response to being bullied. The District is unaware of any of its students having died this school year. You also allege that our staff and Board turn a “deaf ear” to bullying. Lakewood City Schools’ mission is to educate our city’s youth so that they may go out into the world as responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Learning cannot happen if a student is in distress, therefore the District has developed policies and procedures, provided training and resources for our staff to identify and help those students.

If bullying does occur at any of our buildings, Board policy 5517.01 details the instructions our staff is to follow when investigating an alleged bullying incident. The District is required by law to publicly report twice a year any incidents that occur in our buildings. That report can be found on our District web site.

There is also a Board policy (5630.01) requiring our schools’ implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports systems (PBIS), which are designed in part to create a culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect that makes it harder for bullying to take root. School-based mental health support and resources are available in all our buildings and the District has a self-harm protocol in place in which all of our principals and counselors have been trained in what to do if they suspect a student may harm himself or herself. The District has also provided mental health first aid training to counselors, administrators and parent resource coordinators to help our staff to identify, understand and respond to mental health concerns in our students.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss anything further you can contact Assistant Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio at 529-4244 or Director of Student Services Christine Palumbo at 529-4201.

Christine Gordillo
Communications & PR Coordinator
Lakewood City Schools

[Amy Martin]

Christine Gordillo
Communications & PR Coordinator
Lakewood City Schools

The "SPIN" Doctor of Lakewood City Schools

[Corey Rossen]

Christine Gordillo
Communications & PR Coordinator
Lakewood City Schools

The "SPIN" Doctor of Lakewood City Schools

I believe that Christine Gordillo has done a fantastic job for the school district.

In this instance, I am glad to see a response for the severe allocations being made against the people involved in a possible suicide and bullying incident(s).

I am surprised more people on the Deck are not outraged by the individual making the accusations. That, in itself, is scary.

[Gary Rice]

Christine,

Well said.

As a Lakewood Schools volunteer, I will enthusiastically second every one of your policy-related remarks. Over a period of more than thirty years, I have taught in a number of area public and private schools and districts and I've never seen a school district more proactive than Lakewood, with respect to student interactions and safety/security issues.

Finally, everyone, I would like to offer my personal opinions regarding some of the other concerns that were addressed here:

As far as someone NOT voting for a levy, if they might disagree with, or dislike members of a school board? That premise should be seriously re-considered. School boards, while charged with oversight and maintenance of a school district, generally have very little to do with the day-to-day operations of our schools. Those operations fall under the responsibility of a superintendent and the administrators appointed to run the district, as well as the certified and classified staff charged with the safety, education, and supervision of the children.

While there are those who may honestly disagree with certain members of Lakewood's elected school board, the fact remains that those members were legally elected to serve the community for a specific term of office and to my knowledge, have neither been charged nor convicted of anything relating to school or city malfeasance.

To anyone offering a premise that school districts somehow have plenty of extra money floating around, I would simply ask that those individuals show us where that money is? School districts can only work within the financial framework that they have. Penalizing schools financially by voting against a levy can result in staff layoffs, pay-to-play athletic teams, and significant reductions or even discontinuances of highly valued supplemental programs.

In my honest opinion, to "go after" certain board members by working against a school levy would do nothing except hurt the innocent students in our district.


Gary Rice
retired educator

[Amy Martin]

We the taxpayers are not the City's ATM. It's time to stop the insanity, and that includes reining in the school board.

[Jim O'Bryan]

While there are those who may honestly disagree with certain members of Lakewood's elected school board, the fact remains that those members were legally elected to serve the community for a specific term of office and to my knowledge, have neither been charged nor convicted of anything relating to school or city malfeasance.

In my honest opinion, to "go after" certain board members by working against a school levy would do nothing except hurt the innocent students in our district.


Gary Rice
retired educator

Gary

The Superintendent, and administrators work for the School Board. The School Board hire and fire, and exert influence all the time.

I totally get holding School Board members accountable.

I do not understand not funding schools, especially schools we just built.

The biggest problem in Lakewood outside of transparency is oversight.

.

[Lori Allen _]

All,

I was criticized for posting the below police report a few months back relating it to Lakewood Hospital, but I feel that it needs to be posted here again in order for me to defend myself. I redacted the name of the victim and parents out of respect for them. While the below police report does not mention suicide, I was sent a private message here on the Deck by a very well-known individual in Lakewood that informed me:

The second pdf you posted in time matters, was covering a teenager under 18 that committed suicide.

Out of respect, I will not stoop to the level of posting a screen-grab of this private message, nor will I post any death certificates or death records in order to satisfy a few Deck members that refuse to believe this could possibly happen. If they are that interested, the information is available through the proper channels. Seek and ye shall find.

What is even more concerning to me is that this incident was apparently never documented as a bullying or harassment incident, according to the Lakewood City Schools Semi-Annual Bullying and Harassment Report Summary (see last page of attached file). This incident occurred in November of 2015 at Lakewood High School. The August 2015-December 2015 Lakewood City Schools Semi-Annual Bullying and Harassment Report Summary shows zero bullying incidents at Lakewood High School during this time frame.

Even more concerning is the fact that the police incident report lists the report status as "no further action". In my opinion, the actions of those doing this bullying extends beyond bullying and borders on criminal activity. I sincerely hope that the perpetrators were not permitted to simply continue on their merry way without consequences.

[james fitzgibbons]

I am not taking sides but I want someone who has spoken against Lori to put facts forward that dispels her statements. I want to know the truth.

[Corey Rossen]

I am not taking sides but I want someone who has spoken against Lori to put facts forward that dispels her statements. I want to know the truth.

Should these facts begin the same way Lori's facts begin? Examples:
I believe that...
I think that...
I feel that....

These types of sentence structures turn whatever may be thought of as projecting a fact into an opinion.

With that as my premise...I feel that that the majority of Lori's comments (though intended to be thought of as facts) are really just opinions. One cannot dispel personal opinions of another.

I would go back and quote all of the references but there are simply just too many of them.

[Lori Allen _]

For those of you that doubt my credibility, I have been posting here on the Deck for a little over a year. Although some of my posts are opinion, when I post facts/research, I always have documentation or links to back up what I am saying. As far as this particular thread goes, to question someone's credibility over something as serious as this is disrespectful.

[Corey Rossen]

For those of you that doubt my credibility, I have been posting here on the Deck for a little over a year. Although some of my posts are opinion, when I post facts/research, I always have documentation or links to back up what I am saying. As far as this particular thread goes, to question someone's credibility over something as serious as this is disrespectful.

I know that in my case I have become desensitized by Lor's statements, especially the supposed facts presented as opinion or vice versa.