Good Job By The School Board!!!!

I am very excited by the school board’s decision last night.

These POM PARENTS seem to think if they come in and bully and throw tantrums at school board meetings they will get their way.

They want respect but fail to give it.

Tina Rossmiller tried to push through reinstating the Pom’s uniforms by making a motion, a motion she could NOT GET A SECOND on it.

That sent a very clear message.

What will happen is it will go to the policy committee, who then if they decide to make any new policy’s  regarding co-curricular activities will have to go before the board 3x before it becomes final..

I think they probably will make a policy regarding co-curricular uniforms however I doubt the banned uniforms will ever be allowed again.  There is no justifiable reason for them.

THIS IS GREAT… THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE.

THESE parents have lied and mislead people for months now.

Gina Duwe was spoon fed the article she did on the POMS and it did not represent the facts.

They mislead her and they lied to her.  But a good reporter will always check their facts.

If you check out all the information there are really only 3 uniform tops they are no longer allowed to wear.  3.

These parents cry about the unfair treatment of these girls, yet THEY BROUGHT IT ON THEM SELVES.

THEY DID THIS TO THEIR KIDS.

THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MEDIA.  THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE THROWN A TANTRUM.

THEY HAVE LIED.  MISLEAD, BULLIED, AND THOUGHT THEY WOULD GET THEIR WAY.

HEY POM PARENTS WHAT WAS that truly bad behavior after the meeting?

Did you think acting like that was going to get you some where?

ONCE again GREAT job by the school board.

MR.Everson,, did not make these rules, he is enforcing the ones that have been on the books for several years.  He has also made it clear he is looking at other uniforms as well.

These girls were not singled out , they were not discriminated against,.

They are being made to follow the same rules as everyone else and they don’t like it.

Lesson here:  misleading, lying and bullying people is not going to get you anywhere.

Should Conrad Murray Have Been Arrested?

Yes. I don’t think you can let the part he played he in Michael Jackson’s death be ignored.

What they charged him with, is correct.

Because Michael Jackson was a grown ass man, an intelligent man.  NO one made him take these drugs.

It is a very sad story, but there is no one person to blame, maybe the Jackson family should take a good look at them selves, and how many of them mooched off of him for years.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20342490,00.html

A nice email from Mr. Alisankus

Anyone who follows this blog knows I am a strong supporter of Mr.Alisankus running for school board.

After sending him a couple emails, and posting on the blog.

Mr.Alisankus sent me an email.  He has not ruled running for school board at some time. We probably will not see him run for school board until a time when he is not municipal judge.

He explained the reasons very well, and I thank him for that.

But I stand by my thoughts that he would be excellent on the school board.  He will continue to stay on my dream school board list.

Should Pom Girls Be Required To Wear Clothes??? Part 2

It looks as though an action item could be on the agenda tonight for the Pom girls ..

What a joke it has become.

BUT the real joke is ,, the board will not decide anything more tonight than if it should go to the policy committee, which will then decide if its worth changing at all, then from what I understand it would have to go back to the board at the next meeting.. Oh my gosh, all because some parents and little   pom girls think they are entitled.

That they should be allowed to break the rules.

I have watched them in action several times now, and the outfits they are allowed to wear are cute, and there is no reason to show more skin than what they already do.

What kind of message are they trying to send.

I watched a dance/pom team a couple of weekends ago and they had clothes on , at least more clothes than what these girls where, and they looked very nice. Professional and they WON.!!!!

These girls and parents have been asked several times , by several people why these outfits are so important.

They have never answered the question.  We all know why they want them.

THAT being said,   I do think its important to look at all the uniforms of all the different teams and clubs throughout the school.

The wrestler’s??  GET over it ladies.   Quit throwing everyone else under the bus.  IF you can not make your argument with out throwing other teams or clubs under the bus you lose credibility, you have no argument.

Mr Everson did not make the rules, but is enforcing them as they should be.

Congratulations to the Saints!!!!

I am very excited and happy for them.

But I like the Colts as well.  It’s more like I like Peyton Manning.

But the Saints never been there , and of course had never won. So it was nice.

Congrats to the Saints!!!!!!!

Palin defends Limbaugh’s use of retard..

Kind of tells you what she is . She will never work inside the white house in any capacity. She is delusional if she thinks she will.  But we knew that.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/07/palin-considering-2012-ru_n_452602.html

If every adult could make a difference in this world, as this young man did in just 13 years.

Our thoughts and prays go out to his family and friends.

I don’t think people realize just what diabetes does to one’s body.

He was a brave young man, with a big heart and smile.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessealswager

Will school districts drop sex ed rather than comply with state law?

“What that means is you can’t tell them what’s right or wrong, you just have to be a purveyor of facts,” Olsen says. “Well, that’s sort of giving them a green light to go off and be sexually active.”

WELL guess what folks a high percentage do  any way.  So why not educate them about the dangers of disease and the choices they have.

Evansville already addresses these issues through their health class, as they should.  IF these kids are going to take part in adult activities they can sure as hell sit through a class and hear about the very real risks involved, especially at such a young age.

It does not give them a green light.  They ran the red light long ago.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/0/28/41a/02841ae0-fa30-11de-a37d-001cc4c03286.image.jpg?_dc=1262783245

“It serves the purpose”

Did you see the special channel 47, did this last week on the J.C. Mckenna middle school?

As the reporter even said ” it serves the purpose.”

Everyone has to suck it up.  Including kids and staff at this school ..

The board has gone on record saying there will be no new building until the high school is paid off.

This community can not afford any new school, until that H.S. is paid off.

Maybe if they had done a better job keeping up with the maintenance over the years they would not have the problems they have now.

It is like a home owner crying because of dry wall damage do to a leak in the roof.  Well you should have fixed your roof sooner.   You only have your self to blame.

You did not make maintenance a priority and now they are paying for it.

They interviewed a very nice young man who is in a wheel chair and has to go through an obstacle course to get to his classes, and lunch.  (his wheelchair was motorized) and the school has elevators for him..   They asked him what he would change about the school and he said…

“Nothing.”

Who wants the sex tape?

I don’t care for what this woman did,  but I do not blame her for wanting that tape back.

What the heck does this guy think he is going to do with it?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/02/05/edwards.sex.tape/index.html

Kids Having Sex Before ” the talk.”

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/12/07/cohen.sex.talk.cnn

Do Teacher’s Unions Protect Bad Teacher’s OR DO Administrators????

I was talking with  some one this last week , and I made the comment that I think the teacher’s union protects bad teachers.

This person (my cousin) who works in another district asked me, ” Does the teacher’s union protect bad teachers OR is it the ADMINISTRATION?

TOO MANY SCHOOLS  have teachers that should probably not be teaching.

So why with all the good one’s out there does that continue.

Who protects Who?

SHOULD THE POM GIRLS BE REQUIRED TO WEAR CLOTHES?

ONE  would think so but evidently a couple of the parents of these young girls think they should not.

Have you ever watched one of these so-called routines?  My daughter wears more to bed  than these girls do out on that gym floor shaking everything they have.

IT BREAKS DRESS CODE RULES. .. IT WAS  the new principle that made the call that it was time for these girls to cover up.

GOOD FOR HIM,, GOOD FOR HEIDI CARVIN TO BACK HIM.

MORE clothes does not take away from their dance routine in any way.

MY QUESTION WOULD BE WHAT KIND OF PARENT WANTS THERE KID HALF DRESSED IN FRONT OF DOZENS SHAKING HER STUFF?

HAVE SOME PRIDE GIRLS WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON.

AS FOR THE PARENTS ASKING THE SCHOOL BOARD TO ADDRESS THIS,  you would think these parents would be embarrassed to go and ask the school board to allow their kids go shake it half-dressed.   This is not a discussion for the school board, but for administration.

Is that how we want Evansville School district viewed as?

This type of clothing is not allowed to be worn to school, it should not be allowed at school functions.  No special treatment for Poms.

Brazil Needs To Give This Guy Back His Son.

UPDATE”"”   The Court has ordered the boy be returned to his dad ..

A happy ending.

I had not realized the mother of this little boy had died.  That he was in custody of his step dad?

No Way.. This little boy needs to be home with his real dad.

http://bringseanhome.org/letter.html

What Does G.P.A. Mean To You? Why was the bar set so low.

Grade Point Average .. right?

I think it is absolutely outrageous that to play sports or be in extra curricular activities all you have to do is have a D average..

1.5 g.p.a. at Evansville High School and you are in.

What does that say about the importance of education to the Evansville School district??

” well jimbob if you can play ball, and get at least a D average  all is good.’

Come on.     Now I know most of the kids get well above that.

But why set the bar so low?

I think if they want to play ball or be in a extra curricular activity they need to show some effort and have at least a C average.

Activities of any kind should not be more important than education but you would never know it by the school’s policy on academics and extra curricular activities.

***  NOT all school board members voted to approve that policy.   If you want to dispute policy with the board lets make it a worthy one.

SPEEDO’S AND SPANDEX PLEASE.

A reader emailed me and asked

why was I apologizing to the

school board ? Apologizing because no

one should have to watch someone

else shimming around in spandex , or spandex and speedo’s…

I would however stay for  the

entire school board meeting to see

this.

I apologize in advance to the school board

I was talking with someone today about the Pom discussions going on.

How some Pom parents were going to take it to the school board?   I think if they take it to the school board…..

Then several school staff members should dress in Speedo’s and Spandex and put on a dance for these parents.

To show them how uncomfortable people can be when other people are not dressed appropriately .

When things are shaking and hangin …

Make No Mistake He Compromised

Make No Mistake high school principal Scott Everson compromised with these pom parents and pom girls.

Why he did I am not sure.

He did not have to .

But the Pom parents and girls continue to have a what some have called a tantrum.

I am sorry but Poms is not a sport.  It is no where any where near the same thing as basketball , or wrestling or volleyball in terms of what is required .

They don’t have to allow them to perform at half time or at school events at all.  They could restrict them to strictly competitions.

I have heard several things how poms even became part of a school activity I think they should just be grateful its allowed at all.

What Do Your Kids Know About Christmas?

What do you think Christmas is about?

I think its really sad that more and more kids, family’s think its about getting things.

It’s important to teach them about what Christmas is really about.

In many area school districts, a need for painful financial cuts

Evansville is very much not alone is having to make some hard choices.

Then they have these pom parents who think their daughters not being allowed to wear skimpy outfits is an important issue.  Throwing a tantrum , like children.

What kind of priority do you think the board will give them?

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/local_schools/article_88d2050a-ef61-11de-b758-001cc4c002e0.html

Merry Christmas!!!!

It’s funny every year about this time,  I ask my self.  ” Is it over yet?”

It gets to be so stressful, trying to get ready for company,  finishing shopping, and cooking.

But I would not want it any other way.   It’s the time with friends and family you can not replace it.    The memories last longer than any gift.

If you have to travel be careful.

Merry Christmas.

I Love Stories About Real Hero’s.

This passenger had no idea what he was getting into when he jumped on this guy.   He just did it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091226/ap_on_re_us/us_airliner_attack

Parkview school residents likely face referendums in April

I think we will be seeing more and more situations like this, as school budgets are in dire need.

This school is simply asking for money to exist on.  Not for anything new as the story is written. But to exist.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/dec/23/parkview-school-residents-likely-face-referendums-/

Big paydays for Fannie and Freddie bosses

GREED, got them into their mess in the first place, and here they go again.

They learned nothing.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/24/news/companies/fannie_freddie_pay/index.htm

Improper help invalidates students’ WKCE results

Read the comment about the testing at the high school in Evansville.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/dec/24/improper-help-invalidates-students-wkce-results/

There Is Always Going To Be Some Rule We Don’t Like.

I have received comments from people regarding the Pom Girls protest to being made to wear clothes during their routines at the school.

Several people were just making comments, and asked that I not post them.

Some comments  were not fit to print , who made personal comments about the girls.

With both the Observer and myself, we moderate what comments we allow for a reason.  Unlike the Gazette where  it became ridiculous , and was more like a free for all.

There are always going to be rules we don’t like.  That is called life. What they are being made to do( cover themselves) is pretty minor.

The volleyball team is not crying, I was told the track team already addressed the issue.

So for them to throw such a tantrum, they have embarrassed themselves.

I think we can all go through the school hand book and pick out a few rules we would like to change because they do not suit us.

If the rules were changed for them, where would it end?

Any where you work , or go to school there is a dress code.

I had someone email to say now the discussion has taken to facebook, and the comments are not nearly as nice as they were on the Gazette.  Some very personal comments being made.

But I really don’t know what they expected.

If you want to complain, do it through proper channels.

School Administration then the school board.

All they managed to do, was embarrass themselves , and showing how entitled they must feel, and some what spoiled.

Have some respect girls for your selves cover up.   Your routine is not impaired by what you wear.

Get use to rules girls, they will follow you all your life.

I Love The Leon Commericals

Why did they ever stop these….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow1RGK0XX_U&feature=PlayList&p=D038B516143A4DCB&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=4

One Of Wisconsin’s Own.

Good for him.  Great job done by the social worker.  It’s always nice to hear about story’s like this.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/25/fugitive.gives.back.irpt/index.html

2 Teens Arrested In Shootings Of 3 Horses, 5 Cows

Any thoughts about what should happen to these boys?   I think we all have a few ideas.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22041480/detail.html

He Is So Cute.

But my dogs are cuter, and love the snow as well.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/20/bo-obamas-first-snow-stor_n_398817.html?slidenumber=3GyGQ%2Fk9WBg%3D&slideshow&slideshow&slideshow&slideshow&slideshow&slideshow&slideshow#slide_image

Packer’s In The Play Offs.

It’s nice to see them in the play offs again.  I don’t have high expectations I would just like to not see them one and done.

What Ever Happened To Thank You Notes?

Are people just turning into a bunch of barbarians?   What ever happened to the good old-fashioned thank you note?

My brothers and sisters were raised that thank you notes went out within a day of a gift.  My mom’s thought was  ‘ no putting off what has to be done.’

Very true.

My kids already have their thank you notes in the mail to those who gave gifts.   It does not matter if we saw and thanked them on Christmas day or not.

It’s about being considerate.

No thank you emails,  no thank you phone calls, good old-fashioned pen to paper thank you notes.

We spent a weekend in Chicago at a friend’s house a month ago.  We took them out for dinner as a thank you,  thanked them as we left, and then I sent them a hand written thank you when I got home.

Over done?   No  , it’s about showing appreciation and courtesy to those in our lives and taking no one or anything for granted.

But I have noticed thank you notes are not as common as they used to be.

Do  your children  know what a thank you note is?  Do you send out thank you notes?

Yeah For Mason

No, not one of the city’s alders.

For Mason Crosby..

WE watched with uneasiness yesterday when he was called upon to kick that 52 yarder.   The room erupted when he made it, out of relief and happiness for him.   He needed that.

One friend sat there saying  ” I knew he would.”

After the last couple of weeks I have heard people say ” I could have made that.”  when Mason has missed a field goal or point after.

It makes one laugh at comments like that.   Sure you could make it over your doughnut shaped stomach.     I can not think of too many people who would want his job.

Hopefully this went a long way in helping his confidence.

Go Pack!!!!!

Thank You Chicago Bears!!!!!!

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!

I could not believe it.. Good For You!!!!!!

Thank you, Thank you , Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have said all along I like the Bears.  They came up huge tonight.

Thank You…

OT loss shows Vikes have major issues

Vikes fading at the right time.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/gallery/five-keys-to-bears-vikes-122809#sport=NFL&photo=10749354

Wis. man reaches plea deal in sex-assault case

I wondered what had happened with this case.   I have serious questions about this case.  It’s clear it was not a strong case, or the D.A. would not have been willing to plea to disorderly conduct.

I as well as others have questioned the wife’s motives in this.   She waited a while before reporting this to the police.   I think she used this allegation to try to get back at him in the divorce.   Her motives are questionable.

Sad that someone can be charged on hear  say.  No actual evidence .  Just hear say.

It sounded odd from day one.

http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2009/dec/29/wis-man-reaches-plea-deal-sex-assault-case/#comments

Federal appeals court sets limits on police use of Tasers

It’s about time some guide lines are put in place for there use.  When each department sets their own guide lines    it only leads to confusion in interruptation of the law and policy.  This makes it very clear.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/81381.html

Authorities Investigate Cause Of Menomonee Falls Mansion Fire

Some thing about daycare provider and mansion seems odd to have in the same sentence.

It’s not that daycare providers can not live in Mansions.

Maybe it’s because she is accused of stealing 3 million from taxpayers of Wisconsin.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22083169/detail.html

Volunteers Search For Lost Dog After Crash

This is so very sad.  This poor puppy, must be scared, cold , hungry, maybe hurt.

I hope he is found soon.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22094231/detail.html

Deputies Eye Intoxicated Drivers On New Year’s Eve

I think they should sit right in the general area of bars.  Just wait for the drunks to come out and attempt to drive.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22094310/detail.html

Charlie Sheen’s wife asks judge to modify restraining order

Two and a half men is my favorite sitcom , or it was.

I don’t think this guy is ever going to grow, up.. His wife maybe should check herself as well.

Drunk fools.

Really this show is about Charlie Sheen’s life,  it is about the dog he was.

I mean he wanted people to believe he had changed.   This incident sets him way back to -0.

Thank Goodness for Jon Cryer.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/12/30/brooke.mueller.sheen/index.html?eref=ib_us

IF you are going to do it.

IF you are going to drink like a fish tonight.

Either set your self up with a designated driver.

CALL A CAB…608-228-1967.     YES.. USE Evansville’s Taxi service.

Bar owner’s need to pick up the phone and call a cab for their drunks when needed.

OR….

Go to jail for being a drunk.     Your choice.

Can You Help?

I was checking out craigs list today,  and came across this ad.

We are looking for someone with a huge heart to donate dry dog food to us. We have a boxer, and with the economy, we are unable to afford food for ourselves let alone our dog. Can you PLEASE help us with a donation of dry dog food? It would mean the world to us! Thank you so much.

Copy and paste the below link, and email them.

comm-avynr-1531953037@craigslist.org

The ad says they live in Whitewater.  I have emailed them and asked if they would be willing to meet in Janesville.   If not I will make the trip to Whitewater.     I also asked what kind of dog food their dog is currently eating.   Anything would do ,  I would imagine. But it’s always nice to keep animals on the food they are currently on.

If you would like to help them contact via email link at the bottom of the post,  you will need to email them.

IF you would like to help them but do not want to or can not make the trip,  we will make sure they get anything you have to donate.

I would much rather help people out in these economic times, than see another dog in a shelter.

Start the new year out right and help them out if you can.

Have A Safe New Year’s.

Have fun

Be Safe.

3 Year Old Shoots &and, Kills 3 Year Old.

So very sad.  I would think with both being officer’s there would have been plenty of talk about not playing with guns.  Then again he is only 3.     How very tragic.

Very tragic, yet these were both police officers??  Where the hell were the safety’s on these guns?   Who was watching these kids.   Anyone else would be charged.

http://www.knoe.com/global/story.asp?s=11754668

Officer accuses NYPD of racial profiling

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/31/officer.racial.profiling/index.html

‘One Life To Live’ Gay Sex Scene Is First Ever On Daytime TV

We did not need this anymore than we need to see this kind of crap between heterosexuals.

It’s all about ratings ..

Everyone needs to keep their clothes on, except in their own homes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/31/first-ever-daytime-gay-se_n_408349.html

3/4 of the world is covered by water, the rest is covered by Charles Woodson.

someone had that plastered on a sign at the Packer/Cardinal game.  Loved it.

Did We Get Played?

Heck of a game yesterday.  I just worry we got played.  It’s true it was almost half time before Arizona started pulling its players.( Kurt Warner after one quarter.)  But even so it just seemed way to easy.  It makes me worry about next week, going back there and having our butts handed to us.  Lets hope not.

Aaron Rodgers, what was that move he did yesterday?   He must have forgotten he was playing football , not wrestling.   He was having fun though, up until yesterday I had never really watched to him do anything really different when celebrating.

I just hope we did not get played.

Go Pack!!!!!

14 And Pregnant.

Well it would seem like Heidi Carvin’s email to Pom parents may have more merit than they want to  admit.

I had a sad , long conversation with a parent this weekend, whose family is dealing with that situation.   I had heard ‘rumors’ for a couple of weeks from different kids, but tried to dismiss these rumors.  I encouraged the kids I talked with to do the same.   But this ‘rumor’ just hung around.   I have always said when a ‘rumor’ won’t go away, there is more than likely something to it.

These parents are devastated.  I can not even begin to imagine.  At 14. she is a baby.  A baby having a baby.    When I first heard this ‘rumor’  I seriously wondered if this young girl even knew what it meant to be pregnant.   Really what I was hoping at that age , kids were not participating in activities where they could end up pregnant.   So very, very young.  But I know kids this age are sexually active.

But some kids become sexually active at a very young age, Evansville School district knows this.   When I was growing up some kids drank, but they did not flaunt it or talk about it in class.

I am sure there were some that were sexually active, but they did not talk about it.   IT would seem anything goes anymore.   Some kids think noting of talking about sexual activities or drinking right in front of some teachers.   Almost like these kids think they are grown up.

I strongly suggest everyone ask their kids what the ‘rainbow game.’ is..   Ask both boys and girls I bet they will be shocked that you even know that term.   It is a very sick game.   IT says a lot about the girls that participate in this.  About their self imagine, how they see their self-worth, .

The boys are not off the hook here, some make a different game out of sexual activities.

I am not sure what this young girls family is going to do.    My heart breaks for them,  how absolutely devastating.

I will end with this girl is a very well liked girl  , very smart in every other way.   High honors… so smart.  But making bad choices.   She also participates in a very popular extra curricular activity .

This boys parents are in shock, as he just turned 15.    Come on parents open your eyes.

How about that me saying  .  ” Heidi you were not so far off.”

We will keep this family in our prays as any choice they make will be very difficult.

Breaking National News: 2 Guards Shot in Las Vegas Federal Building

I think as it continues to be a struggle to find a job for many, their unemployment benefits run out, people continue to lose their homes, some their families.  This type of senseless behavior will continue.  Some people feel like they have nothing to lose.  Very sad.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/80630162.html

Victims’ parents remain divided over West Memphis 3 case

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/28/west.memphis.three/index.html

Report: Threats against federal judges, prosecutors rise sharply

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/04/judges.threats/index.html

7-Year-Old Boy’s Body Found After Falling Into Fox River

How very sad.  My heart just breaks for that family, out having fun and to have it end in tragedy.

We went sledding out to the golf course around Christmas and I made it clear to the kids that if your snow board, sled goes any where near the ponds out there you bail.   They were given definite instruction that they were not to go out on the ponds.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22130419/detail.html

Mom Arrested Trying To Break-up Daughter’s Relationship

Do you get the feeling she would be a mother in law from hell?

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/80695347.html

Interesting Letter To Evansville Development Group.

I am kind of surprised by this letter.  AS  I wonder how they have been allowed to become so far behind and not make repairs to the ponds as they agreed to.

Why should the city continue to do business with contractors who do follow through with what they agreed?

There is no excuse for any of it.     This letter was sent back in September, so I would hope they would have fulfilled their obligations by now.

All the budget issues and here was this money to be had, had they enforced it.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0zopdc0RKnE/S0Ne6ByJW6I/AAAAAAAABrc/fU2V-_WSLqc/s1600/image0.jpg

finally listened to WIBA

Vicki Mckenna sure throws the word slut around alot .   She did  not address the issue long but did point out that she is glad Evansville School District has a dress code, and finds it hard to believe that  Heidi Carvins email was intended as it was taken.  I did email.  Inviting her talk to a member of the school board or to Mr.Everson to get all the facts not just this parent wanted her to know.

Puppy Death: Man Arrested

There is a special hell for those who abuse animals.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/80730457.html

jkdales asks -what are parents afraid of?

What are parents afraid of ? Do parents enjoy their kids being the punch line in a joke? When I was in high school, in the 80’s era , from the outside it would seem like girls had some degree of respect for themselves. I know there were some having sex, but it was not talked about. It’s sickening how these high school girls dis respect them selves. It’s no secret there are many sexually active teens in our high school, and some at the middle school.

Where are these parents. Let me guess, heads in the sand, or in our case snow?

When I was growing up sex was talked about very little in our house. But anymore you have parents, men and female parading boyfriends and girlfriends in and out of the house and their lives. Sleep over’s like it’s not a big deal. So maybe if the parents had more respect for themselves or at least were more discreet their kids would not think that sex was not a big deal.

We also got dragged to Church every week, which I now go on my own. I am not a religious freak by any means, but I have values and raise my kids with the same.   My kids go to Church at least twice a month.    Don’t think for one minute I am saying religion leads to respect for one’s self because it clear it does not .  But I think it helps.

When my daughter was a freshman,her friends mom and boyfriend went on vacation and left her home alone with only grandma calling to check in on her. Her boyfriend was over their a couple different nights. Because she is watching and learning from mom.

This same girl has now had several boyfriends and from what SHE has told friends and who ever else was around she has slept with each one, and cheated on them in between.

But seriously at the age of these kids, do they really even know what sex is? Sure they know the mechanics of it.  Really.

I am glad you addressed this issue as teenage sex is rampant as is the drinking in this district. There is no problem with you addressing it I agree with the no name approach.

If people think they know who you are talking about, they are only guessing. My gosh it could be any number of girls in this district who have found themselves in this place.

It is very disheartening but it does start with the parents. Even parents with decent values know you can not put sex in a box and only pull it out when you feel like talking about it. It may be an uncomfortable talk , but it must be brought up often enough and let your kids know what you expect. But don’t just tell them what you expect but show them. Actions speak louder than words.

The biggest Joke is some of these parents want to blame Heidi Carvin, for their kids irresponsible behavior?

Same parents whose kids are doing things right under their parents noses.

Parents need to stop trying to be their kids friends, you are the parent act like one.

At least the school is trying to do something , when parents either can’t or won’t.

Good For You Melissa

I was very glad to hear that Melissa filed her papers to run for school board again.   She has done a excellent job, and I believe will continue to do so.    I have learned a lot from Melissa about budget issues and some school issues and I will talk about that more later.   Don’t get me wrong, I do not agree with her on everything.  But we can’t all have our way all the time.

I am not sad to see that Jeff Herbers was not running again.   REALLY  my biggest problem with him is , is wife works for the district.   That is conflict of interest all the way.   That should just be policy if you have any family member working in the district you can not run.

But I was never impressed with his voting record either.    The word puppet comes to mind.

Body Of Missing Dog Found Following Crash

So very sad.  At least they can have some closure now.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22144098/detail.html

to my young facebook followers..

Over the last few days I have gotten some young facebook followers…   I would remind you to check your privacy settings.. you would not want school officials seeing some of what you have on your facebook.    IF you are wondering how I know,  this blog tracks all visits right back to  well in this case facebook, and isp.    Fix your settings unless you want anyone seeing your stuff.

Don’t worry I won’t tell.

Lovie Smith Keeps His Job.

How he managed to keep his job , I do not know.   I like Lovie but question some of his decisions the last couple years.  The NFL is the only place I know where you can get fired , which usually means you are doing a crappy job, and go yet to another team and at times make more than what you were from the job you were fired from.

http://walworthcountytoday.com/news/2010/jan/05/six-bears-coaches-fired-lovie-remains/

Big ,Big, Badger Game Tonight.

They play Michigan State  05:30 p.m. tip off.

Go Badgers.

Update::  Well this did not end quite the way I wanted it to. It was really a ugly game.  At least they kept it close.

What a nice mommy.. not

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/80810747.html

Breaking National News: Office Shooting in St. Louis

AT least three people shot, conditions unknown.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/80900862.html

Teen Sex Trend: Blow Jobs Are The New Goodnight Kiss!

Debated about this one , but sadly it all to true.

For those of you who did not have the nerve to ask your kids what a rainbow party is, it is nothing more than an oral sex party.   As you can read about this ‘new’ trend  in the first link below.   Sick and disturbing and happens in Evansville.

Both of these links posted to my blog yesterday, so I thought I would check them out and see what they were about.    I usually ignore incoming referring links.

http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-teen-sex-trend-blow-jobs-are-the-new-goodnight-kiss/

http://athensboy.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/teen-sex-sucks/

Sarah Palin’s Daughter Launches Public Relations Firm

Who the hell is going to hire this little girl?   She knows nothing about public relations, she or her mother.   So far Bristol has done a horrible job with Public relations with her own life in the public.. YOU know why?    Because she is a young girl .   A young girl with a stupid mother, a young girl you got knocked up in high school.   IF Bristol had gone and gotten a degree in communications or most anything..  I would say nothing , but good for her.. But what experience does she have but things based on her mom, and we all see what a night mare that has been. What is she going to do, BUY her way into this position.

STAY IN SCHOOL BRISTOL.

GOOD GRIEF.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/07/sarah-palins-daughter-launches-public-relations-firm/

Report: Sarah Palin Debate Advisers Predicted ‘Debacle of Epic Proportions

McCain’s advisors knew from day 2 that she was a walking disaster.  She is a liar and a stupid , stupid woman.  Who does not seem to know that yes you can have a career, but you still need to pay attention to your kids.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/07/report-sarah-palin-debate-advisers-predicted-debacle-of-epic/

Man Caught On Camera Beating Girlfriend’s Dog In Elevator (WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO)

Tie his hands and feet and let a man as big as him if not bigger beat the hell out of him.   Lets see how he likes being helpless and being beaten.  Laws have to got to be changed to require long jail terms for abuse of animals.  It is a very thin line between beating an animal and killing a person.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/07/chris-grant-dog-beating-v_n_414018.html

I Am So Glad He Did Not Get It.

I am so glad Mr.Brett Diva Favre did not get another MVP title.  He most certainly not deserving. Rodgers had better numbers this year.   Peyton Manning got a 4th MVP title.

I like Peyton Manning.  He is humble,  and FUNNY.. I love his commercials.

So the vikings get to play Dallas.

If Dallas plays them , like they have their last few games.  The vikings will be one and done.

Go Pack!!!

I am hoping there are no big surprises this week, after last week’s game against the Cardinals.   It would be a shame if we were one and done.

I DO Think we will beat the Cardinals today, maybe not as easily as last week..

Go Pack.!!!!!

Congratulations To The Packers!!!!!

You had a great season.  You made us proud.

YOU came back and did not get spanked.

I do feel bad for Aaron Rodgers. but he was one cool dude through that game.

They had a great game.

Would of been’s and should have been’s do not apply.

Congratulations to the Packer’s…

Check OUT the face mask grab on Aaron Rodgers, last play.

Face Mask and Helmet to Helmet Hit…

Bad Zebra’s , Bad Zebra’s…    Bad and Blind.

I Want My Way…. Should I Throw A Tantrum???

When you have a child with a disability , you very quickly find out how ill prepared the school district is  for children with disability’s.

I have had to fight for every damn thing we have ever gotten.  But it was kind of that instinct mother’s have when something just does not feel right.   A nagging feeling that just will not go away.

So even after being told numerous times from different teachers they did not think my child qualified for special services,  I insisted they test him.

FOR THOSE who do not know,  if you request the school test your child for a disability either L.D. or Behavioral they HAVE TO>  They have 60 days in which to do it.    MAKE sure you put it in writing and either hand deliver it to the school or send it certified mail  or they will tell you they never  got it.

They tested my son, and surprise, surprise he qualified for services.  Then I did my little dance ‘ I was right, I was right.. “”

WHY the school finds it so hard to believe that parents know their kids better than they do I don’t know.  The school will talk about how they want parent involvement, and when you do they act as thought they don’t want you there.  I have heard this from many people over the years.

THIS last year my son TESTED OUT  of needing L>D l services.   But during the time I was fighting to get him services and after he received services I learned a lot about the rights of those with disability’s.   I read.  I talked with different organizations and doctors.

My son does still qualify for services under 504, not L.D. services.

So when I see things happening at the school that should not happen. I talk, and I tell.

I have had several conversations with Melissa , about what I see as the Special Education dept getting screwed at the school.

THEY need more aides at LEVI LENORD elementary.  This is not a question about do they, they do.

But money is an issue, when there is none.  HOWEVER when  special education is needed a school can not say ” NO can not do it, there is no money.  IT will get you sued, among other things.”   BY law you have to give services for those , in need   money or no money.

IT is a double-edged issue though as the GOVERNMENT mandates schools to do a lot of different things for those who need services, they MANDATE them and then do not pay for all of them.

THAT is not right.  IF our government is going to mandate something they better damn well help pay for it.

This   ” NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND>”   test.    WOW, teachers need to be graded.  NO DOUBT>

But this test is not the way to do it.   IT floors me  of what is expected of children of special needs on this test.

They get special services for a reason.  EVANSVILLE FAILED THIS TEST THIS LAST YEAR.

WHAT  is more concerning is every year the BAR is raised in terms of what level these kids have to reach .  SO even this year if we did better than last, the bar is higher this year.   IF they don’t get to the point of being able to pass this, they lose federal MONEY>>>

*** HOWEVER because they failed last year,  they were given MORE money to try to get themselves in COMPLIANCE> ..  MONEY for FAILING??? There is a idea.

BUT between  T.R.I.S. AND LEVI LENORD, THERE is over 60 kids that receive services.  THAT number is CRAZY>> That is a lot of kids who need special services.    THEY NEED HELP>

ALL KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BELONG IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.   IT is crucial they receive the same treatment as their peers.    ANYTHING less will get the district in trouble.

BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO CHANGE THE WAY IT FUNDS SCHOOLS.

IF you are going to MANDATE it ,, pay for it.

NOT all kids who get special services NOW, are going to get them their entire school career, such as my son.  SO lets invest some money into what services they get, and maybe more such as my son will at some point in their school career , will not  NEED SPECIAL education.

IF YOU SUSPECT your child needs special help at school DO NOT TAKE NO FROM THE SCHOOL.

IF you have that mommy instinct that says something is wrong.   Go with that GUT feeling chances are you are right.

IF YOU ASK FOR TESTING , THEY HAVE TO .  PUT it in writing.

IF THEY TEST AND SAY YOUR CHILD DOES NOT QUALIFY,  DISPUTE IT.

YOU CAN ASK FOR THIRD PARTY TESTING, MEDIATION, OR TAKE THEM TO DUE PROCESS, WHICH IS An ACTUAL COURT HEARING.

DON’T EVER SIGN ANYTHING IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THEM.  THEY DON’T KNOW IT ALL.    A DEGREE IN EDUCATION DOES NOT MEAN THEY ALWAYS HAVE YOUR CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS IN MIND.

YOU CAN GET SPECIAL SERVICES FOR LEARNING DISABILITY’S OR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.

THE SCHOOL DOES GET MORE MONEY FOR EACH CHILD THAT RECEIVES SERVICES.

SO I WANT to see the district step up and start addressing some of the issue with special ed .  Should I throw a tantrum???   Maybe not..

But I will keep bugging them,  I do not go away.

Fox News Is Adding To Their Trash..

Sarah Palin  joining fox news.   Which just goes to show people have been right about them for years.    One does not have to know anything to get a job with them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/11/palin-fox-news-contributo_n_418809.html

Wisconsin Basketball Takes A Hit Of Bad Luck.

Michael Redd is out for the season AGAIN with injury.  He is a talented guy, but he has been injured more, than what he has played in the last two years.

Jon Leuer broke his wrist and is questionable how long he will be out for, possible season ending injury. I hope not.  That would be a huge loss.

CONGRATULATIONS MR.WOODSON AND THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR.

I am so excited.  There IS no one more deserving.

Thank you for a great year Mr.Woodson, and Congratulations .

http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2010/jan/12/packers-cb-woodson-voted-aps-top-defensive-player/

I have to tell you a secret….( there is a great advocate for our children at the school.)

I am some one who when I don’t like what I see, or hear.  I keep asking questions , and gathering information so I can make informed choices.

I have found there are not to many people with in the school district who TRULY advocate for students.

I have had many people , including teachers tell me , ‘ You have to advocate for your child, because that teacher WON”T”.    That teacher just goes with what ever is easiest.

I have mentioned her on here before and I am again. . MRS Theresa Daane.   She is our director of pupil services and has been with the district going on two years now.

WHAT A GREAT HIRE, BY THE DISTRICT.

ANY ONE WHO EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH KRISTA JONES HAS MENTIONED  Mrs. Daane as night and day from Krista.    Krista never held anyone accountable for anything.

Now I want to make it clear that it’s not that Mrs. Daane is a green-eyed glowing ogar who hovers over people making sure they do what they are supposed to and that they follow the law.  NO she does not have the time for that.  She is a very busy lady.

HOWEVER when there is a problem she fixes it.

YOUR CHILD DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE A I.E.P.  in order for her to help you.  IF there is a problem with anything ,  she will help IF SHE CAN.  SHE knows where to start, and she DOES WHAT SHE SAYS SHE IS GOING TO DO,  …

MORE THAN once I have heard her say,  ” say what you mean, do what you say.”   .

She I am sure would tell you she is not a miracle worker.   But she listens and has lots of great suggestions.    SHE also will tell you why something will not work.,. but then make suggestions that will work.

She is just a breathe of fresh air for the district ,   I give her a hard time often about the fact they could not have put her office any closer to the bathroom had they tried.

IF you have a concern you can contact her at 608-882-3320,  please remember she is not ‘ dear abby’  and your concerns should be school related.

She really does listen and she does get results.

readers letter to school board.

The school board meets on the 18th, and the pom issue is on the agenda.   A reader sent this to me, wanting to express her concerns to the board, and district.   She will be sending this to the board.    Interesting points.

Evansville School Board,

I am writing to you a concerned parent of a Evansville High School student.  We have lived in the Evansville School District for five years now, and during these five years we have often wondered about the Poms team.

I think it is wonderful that the school does allow them to take part at school functions .  But having a daughter in H.S. and   one in Junior High there has to be a line drawn about what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to dress code.

If you followed any of the comments on the Janesville Gazette the question was put to the parents and girls several times, ” Why do you need those skimpy shirts to dance? “   They never answered.    They have no good reason.     I feel very strongly that the reason they want to wear those type of shirts and short skirts  is because they like how it makes them look.

No doubt , they think it makes them look sexy.    That is not something we need to have 14-18 year old girls conveying.  I will remind you that they are young girls.  They are not women by any means, yet they want to dress like it.  How they dress and some of the dance routines they do sends the wrong message.

I would like to thank Mr.Everson for taking this stand. It is about time.  To go in a different direction than his decision is to do nothing but undermined his authority.  Do you want to run the school as an administrator?   My guess would be no.   He may not always make the most popular choices, but he deserves our respect of the choices he makes.

If you do not draw the line some where , where does it stop?   If you say o.k. we will re-write policy for these girls, you will have a line of people expecting you to change the rules for them.

I can think of a few rules that should be changed or tweaked.  But I can respect the reason they were put in place.

These girl’s claims that they are being discriminated against is a slap in the face to anyone who has every truly been discriminated against. They have not been discriminated against, they just don’t want to be held accountable to the same rules as everyone else.    Every student must be held accountable.

The outfits the school bought are very nice looking.  The one question I would ask is why did Mr. Everson compromise with them at all.  If these outfits are break dress code, they break dress code regardless where they are at.  At these so-called competitions they are still representing the Evansville School district,   is that really the representation we want?   Is that the message we want to send?

If these girls really don’t like the rules about Poms and dress maybe they should take their pom poms else where.

I am sorry but these girls as well as the rest of the H.S. student population is in too big of a hurry to grow up,  which is clear by some of the activities some take part in as it is.

I was also told that all uniforms are being looked at , and that the volleyball team for starters has already been told, no more short shorts.     I think it is good that someone is finally taking a stand and attempting to take back the school get some sort of control.

I would fully accept you to back Mr.Everson, you hired him to do a job now let him do it.

If anyone would like to speak with me about this issue feel free to contact me at the phone no. below or email me.

Renee xxxx

608-882-xxxx

*  I also wanted to add that my two daughters are active in sports and band.  It  was funny to read some of the pom parents and girls post on the Gazette that those who oppose their dress must be jealous.   It would seem as though it is these girls who are trying to be something they are not.

( I was asked to block last name and phone no if I was going to post on blog.)

a little about modesty

Here is the link for the entire article and a clip of  tips of sense of modesty.

http://stevelutz.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/towards-modesty/

In it, he outlined “Four Guidelines for Modesty” which he found useful in raising 5 daughters.

1. If you have trouble getting into it or out of it, it is probably not modest.
2. If you have to be careful when you sit down or bend over, it is probably not modest.
3. If people look at any part of your body before looking at your face, it is probably not modest.
4. If you can see your most private body parts or an outline of those parts under the fabric, it is probably not modest.

Is This Is What Is Happening To Our Vets?

Now I don’t know the details about why he is losing his home.  I ALSO DON’T LIKE PEOPLE PLAYING THE VET CARD, ANY MORE THAN SOMEONE PLAYING THE RACE CARD.

BUT IT DOES RAISE QUESTIONS.

IF YOU CAN HELP HIM, or know someone who can.  Please contact him.  Vet or not losing his home is a sad thing.

Veteran Seeking Hightop Van to Live In (Watertown, WI)

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Date: 2010-01-13, 12:09AM EST
Reply to: sale-djrmt-1550229837@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

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I will very likely be losing my home. This was my G.I. home-loan home. To stay off the streets, I am seeking a donated or very modestly priced hightop van to make my new home for me and my cat. Cosmetics are not important as I will probably paint it camouflage.

What Kind Of Music Should Go With Speedo’s and Spandex?

I am trying to decide what kind of music should be played at the school board meeting Monday night.    Still taking names of those who want to perform in a brief dance routine before the meeting wearing their speedo’s and spandex…. because for  sure everyone will be comfortable watching this take place…  I just hope we can get the school board to sit through it.

I was thinking,

Bump N Grind by  R.Kelly

Baby Got Back- By Sir Mix Alot

Chubby Checker-  The Twist

what are some fun others..

Everything will sure to be shakin, you might think you are at a game..

Sorry no pop corn.

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 18, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Theodore Robinson Intermediate School LMC
420 S. Fourth Street

Everclear Alcohol Incident at Drake University May Lead to Ban in Iowa

This is some nasty stuff.  Especially in the hands of youth who just want to see how quickly they can get drunk.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/08/everclear-alcohol-incident-at-drake-university-may-lead-to-ban-i/

Top 10 Rejected titles for Sarah’s New Show on Fox:

Top 10 Rejected titles for Sarah’s New Show on Fox:

#10: “Sarah Talks Trash”

#9: “Politics: It’s A No-Brainer!”

#8: “Pallin’ Around with Palin!”

#7: “Shootin’ the Sh*t and Shotguns With Sarah!!”

#6: “Ice Queen”

#5: “Makin’ America Mavericky!”

#4; “Chick With A Stick”

#3: “Hittin’ What She Aims At!”

#2: “I’d Rather Be Pretty Than President”

and the Number One rejected title for Sarah’s new Show on Fox:

#1: “From Wasilla to Guerilla!”

rat terrier puppies

We have a friend who is  looking for home for rat terrier puppies.  Both are males.

They are free,  with conditions.

*  pre-paid spay/neuter fee at the vet.

*  home visit

* agreement to return if for any reason in the future you can not keep.

* looking for a home with a family knowledgeable of the breed.

Call for more info, leave mssg if know one is home.

608-882-0154

It’s not about them. It’s not all about the dress. What does society say?

I don’t know how many times when my kids have tried to make a argument for something they want or some place they want to go  they will say ‘ but everyone else is.’

Over the last twenty years I have heard that many times.  Our response has always been

” We are concerned about what you are doing, not everyone else.”

So this arguement that the Poms team has about   ‘ other teams wear the same type of uniform’ holds not water.

So what , what others are wearing. YOU can still have attractive uniforms  and wear something more than your underwear.

I have heard a couple mother’s with young girls who participated in the Pom camp that their daughters would NOT have participated in this camp if these Pom girls were wearing the outfits they wore during games in previous years.  It sends the wrong message.

What they wear does not impact their dance.    Dance, if that is what you want to call it. I have heard several say what they do is not dance.

I don’t think its a sport.  IN any way.  THE W.I.A.A. DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT AS ONE.

I think as some one has pointed out in a post, that society puts a lot of pressure on kids, young girls in particular to act and look at certain way.    Too act older, dress older.

How ever how we dress sends a message about us.

I have also heard that some girls will not try out , and they are not comfortable dressing half way and parading out in front of a gym full of people and shakin what they have.    EVERYONE should feel free to try out, and not be hesitate because of what they might have to wear .

These are intelligent girls who have been led to believe they have to dress in a certain way, to get attention , to be noticed.

IT”S to bad, because if you have brains and talent you can dress in a burlap sack and still get respect.   You don’t have to show up half dressed to get attention.

Talent and Brains goes a lot farther and will get you more respect.

Brett Getting Kind of arrogant … Go Dallas…

In the last few days Brett has made some kind of cocky comments , about what he thinks of the  vikings chance in Sunday’s game.    ……….

Go Dallas… pound them.

IF it’s their protest

If this violation of the dress code really is the pom girls issue, tomorrow night I want to hear from them.

I want to hear them give their arguments to be allowed to break the dress code.

Not their parents , not their coaches.

I want to hear from these girls.

Because according to the parents, its the girls who were ’so upset.’  . So let’s hear from them.

If this becomes mommy and daddy’s fight, or the coaches.  They lose all credibility in their argument.

Unless of course mommy and daddy are trying to recapture some youth, and it’s really they who are upset and not the girls.

I laughed when talking with a couple of high school boys, and they were in favor of the  low-cut tops and short skirts,  they were laughing about it, as they drooled on their shoes.

I am sure these young boys are in favor of the less clothes the better. But wrong message.

Is that how we want young girls viewed?   That is the wrong message to send.

We need to hear from these young girls tomorrow night.  If its their battle let them fight it.

Anything  less it becomes about mommy and daddy throwing a tantrum.

so far ahead..

Many people calling the queens, (vikings) classless this a.m.   I  have said this for years.

With the diva or without him.  But karma is a bitch and it will bite them when they take on the almighty Saints.

Go  Saints!!!!!!!

I never saw that coming.

I was very happy yesterday for the Jets.   I never saw that happening, but I am excited for them.

Their ‘rookie’  QB is taking them places Favre never did.

Now I have to change my poll.

How will you honor Martin Luther King Jr, today?

My sister-in-law and I are helping some elderly from our Church with some things around their homes they need help getting done, this afternoon.   Things they can no longer do themselves. My sister-in-law in law told me I will pick you up at 1 p.m. be ready. Our Minister encouraged everyone to volunteer to help someone today in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.

School board meeting tonight, clothes required.

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 18, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Theodore Robinson Intermediate School LMC
420 S. Fourth Street

Teen drove into ditch, vanished as parents searched

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/18/grace.coldcase.swanson/index.html?hpt=T2

Police missteps linked to Oakland officers’ deaths, report finds

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/08/oakland.police.report/index.html

Two charged with hate crimes in gay man’s beating

These two guys should never be let out.   Ever.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/14/ny.hate.crime/index.html

Don’t give up your day job Brett.

really it would be o.k. to give up your day job. Just don’t  attempt to rap or sing.

http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/MostEmailed/~3/NcJvhOxZMxU/wghp-brett-favre-pants-on-the-ground-100118,0,761309.htmlstory

No Speedo’s or Spandex.. thank goodness. But if one were to wear speedo’s and spandex does that mean you do as you please?

I am sure you are all relieved.

IT was interesting.  IT is too bad not enough of the girls spoke.

I am 100% behind the school board in revisiting the athletic dress code.  FOR ALL>

That is only fair,  if these girls are going to be told to put on more clothes , than it should apply to all extra activities.    I am not sure what they would do with the wrestlers, because in their arguments they kept mentioning the wrestler’s but they failed to remember that wrestlers are under weight restrictions Poms are not.

I DO NOT BUDGE , FROM  my argument that these girls need to put on some clothes.

The school does not owe them any money regardless of what uniforms they can not wear, as they still can wear those to competitions.

Do these girls really think the uniform makes the dance?  That is sad if they do.

A board member also brought up that she had heard from another coach that ’some’ of these girls had walked around in front of some of the football members in their sports bra’s.

Sharon Skinner had said she found this inappropriate , if they had been.    Julie Redders confirmed that they had done that, once but that she addressed that with the girls.

It was also pointed out that the girls cross country team at times has practiced in their sports bra’s.   WHY?     What would make them think that is o.k..  That is not o.k..

I have said it on here before and I will say it again,  I am not a big fan of Heidi Carvin’s.  HOWEVER I do not believe for one minute she intended her email the way they took it.

These girls are like many of the young girls at the high school, and yes they do engage in some things they should not be at this age.   But no more than the rest of the student body.

My biggest disappointment was  BRIAN CASHORE AND SCOTT EVERSON.   WHERE was their  voice?   Their silence sent the wrong message.  They did not have to defend their decision but explain it.

Some said complaints had been coming in for the last seven years about these Pom girls.  The questioned was asked why now is something being done.    I  think its about time, not just for the Pom girls but any sport where they are not dressing to cover themselves.

But I think one of the more important things these girls learned is , if you are going to throw a tantrum don’t expect people to try to soothe you.   Don’t expect the gazette or the blogs to cut off the comments , because they do not favor you.   Life does not work like that.    You will face other controversies in your life.   Your arguments would have held more weight had you stuck with the facts.

I know you like the blogs and the gazette because you have come to both a lot lately.  You will never find any venue in life that will only tell your side, not even your mom and dad.(remember we track it all, even right back to the face books.)

I did find Julie Redders very honest. She admitted the mistakes along the way along with the hard work and accomplishments of these girls.

Tina Widmyer a parent of one of the Pom girls spoke about talking with other districts about what they wear for uniforms.  It would not seem like there is a clear idea by any one of district of what a standard uniform should be.

I think of the girls who spoke they did a nice job.  It was a learning experience for them, for the parents as well.

I did not hear one volley ball player there tonight complaining , and they were already told no short, shorts.

I do agree if there is a change it has to be across the board, for everyone who participates in a extra curricular activity, or sport.

So I think changes will be coming , but these girls and the parents need to remember that you may not care for those changes either.     As  long as they change it for all , and not just some that is what is fair.

Tina Rossmiller, board member,  did a nice job explaining her concerns about consistency, and why she had brought this to the board.  She did say she was not for or against the decision but wanted to make sure there was consistency.  She also asked what are our values as a community, that  was going to be important in deciding any dress codes for the school.

You did a nice job girls, but you still need to cover up.

Evansville signs up for race to the top

This kind of surprised me.   It surprised me because there seems to be a lot of unknowns about it now.

The school is not in any way committed to participating, but they had to sign up to show they have the interest, but in the end if they don’t want to they don’t have to.

I have done a lot of reading about it.  I think the idea is great.  To weed out the bad teachers and reward the good.

But from what I have read,  yes the schools get money for participating, but almost all it goes for implementing the program.   I  had thought maybe it would free up some cash for them. or flat out give them cash for participating.   But from what I have read I don’t think it does. But there still is a lot of things to be learned about this program.

I just hope it works better than the ‘ no child left ‘ testing.

Feds give up on prosecuting ‘Junior’ Gotti

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/13/new.york.feds.gotti/index.html

Victim to speak `from the grave’ in Peterson case

I think there are cases, this one in particular where ‘ from the grave.’ statements should be allowed.   I wonder if it has set in yet for him he is not getting out.   I am tempted to go and watch parts of this trial as we are not that far from the entire thing.   He is creepy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100119/ap_on_re_us/us_drew_peterson

Dancing Wrestler’s?? The Observer Has It..

http://talesfromnormal.blogspot.com/2010/01/wrestlers-dont-dance-in-normal-mn.html

It is a funny story.

foot up the xxxx

Favre, Vikings put their “pants on the ground”

Posted by Mike Florio on January 18, 2010 9:28 AM ET

Many of you have sent the link to the video of the Vikings celebrating their 34-3 win over the Cowboys with a few bars from the new hit song, “Pants on the Ground.”

So here it is, via the folks at the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

(You’ll watch it for the singing, and you’ll replay it for the two incidents of forceful ass-slapping.)

But before we go, allow us to nudge a dark cloud over the purple parade.  The scene in the Vikings’ locker room was a little too jubilant for our liking.  They’ve got an incredibly difficult game on tap next Sunday at New Orleans, and if they somehow win in the Superdome, the Vikings will have to face the Jets or the Colts in Miami.  On grass.  Without a roof.

So we think it would be wise to avoid any further “Pants on the Ground” celebrations until the Vikings emerge from the next two games without a “Foot up the Ass.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/18/favre-vikings-put-their-pants-on-the-ground/?related=1

.

Dad who threw stripper-pole party to stand trial after judge tosses guilty plea

Oh my gosh.   A stripper  pole.   He was charged with serving alcohol to minors , but was he drinking right with them?  What is wrong with him?    good grief.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2009/12/dad_who_threw_stripper-pole_pa.html

Congratulations To Matt!!!!! The Observer has the great scoop!!!!

Congratulations to Matt.. I have told him for the last couple of years I thought he should run for office.   I was thinking alder office,  but this is great..

I have no  doubt if elected he will do a great job.

http://evansvilleobserver.blogspot.com/2010/01/mailbag-matt-gaboda-writes-candidate.html

Your request is being processed… DWI Cop Defense: Vionique Valnord, Victim, Was Drunk

I think the jury will eat this bad cop alive.   What a sick guy he is.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/20/dwi-cop-defense-vionique_n_429886.html

Peterson’s defense team challenges ‘Drew’s law’

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/19/illinois.drew.peterson.hearsay/index.html

Big Win For Badgers

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/badgers/

It should be in the top 10, story from Observer.

I enjoy the Observer’s stories from ‘Normal’ .    But I have never found one  quite as funny as the story about the ‘wrestler’s who don’t dance.’

But to fully appreciate this story you would have had to be at the meeting Monday night , and listened to the different groups they threw under the bus to try to make a argument for themselves.

The point being is what these boys wear to wrestle in, is a lot different from what the girls wear to  dance in.  They are doing totally two very different things.

I think at the end of the year this story from ‘ normal ‘ will be in the top 10 from the Observer, for the year 2010.

http://talesfromnormal.blogspot.com/2010/01/wrestlers-dont-dance-in-normal-mn.html

HOW many of YOU are CAPABLE of finding out WHEN the board meetings are?

First of all, the Gazette never should have allowed comments on their latest article on the Poms. They allowed comments just a month ago and it got out of hand.  They knew to expect the same.

Write the article.  Leave off the comment section.

Because,  yesterday afternoon I got on and was reading comments. Pretty tame compared to a few weeks ago.   It was nice to see.   Until someone who posted as Evansvillehousewife got on and started lying.

At first her posts just looked like she supported the poms.  Great.

But then she tried to dispute something that was said at the meeting.

When she got called on it,   she lied some more.

Then admitted she was never at the meeting.

Then she tried to say she was not at the meeting because the notice was not published. Another lie.  It was published in many places around town, The Review,  and if you go to the school’s website it is listed there.

So she was full of lies in her posts… She came off as a very mentally disturbed person.

Instead of looking like she was supporting the Poms , she just sounded like an angry, bitter old bat looking for someone to fight with.

She not only lied, but then back tracked and admitted things like she was never at the meeting, yet she was trying to say something never happened.

So I think it just went to show that the Gazette has to moderate their comments.  Most people are rational and post normal comments.  What this woman did was commit slander, and take away from the cause these girls are fighting for.

Another poster pointed out another discrepancy from earlier posts where she said she had kids, and then yesterday varied between saying she did and did not.

She was too lazy to become informed on the issue ,  made outrageous lies that the meeting was not posted.    That she had kids , then she did not,   ..

As scary as this person seemed with her anger,  she lives in Evansville..

Yikes.

I have had numerous comments from people about the Poms I would say there have been around 20 comments that I have not posted as it was very personal attacks on certain girls or parents.    The Gazette has to moderate.

good grief people

IF you honestly think there are things the board or Brian Cashore should know, do not tell me.

Contact either Brian Cashore or come to the next school board meeting.   I would say contact a board member , but they more than likely would refer you to Brian Cashore.

Because if you are thinking by sending me this information I will post it, you are wrong.

Brian Cashore’s phone no. at school is  608-882-3506.

For those who don’t seem to know , Brian is the athletic director.  Talk to him.

good grief.

do you cheer for him just a little?

Big game this weekend,  Saints pounding of the vikings right?

I don’t know I never expected the Jets to beat the Chargers.  Maybe that was the problem the Chargers never expected the Jets to beat them.

Minnesota is the under dog.    That really can mean nothing.

But sorry I will not cheer for him.  In fact the couple times that Dallas managed to sack him on Sunday I was on my feet screaming ‘ get him,  take him down.’

IF he were still with the Jets , I would cheer for him.   IF he had gone to play for the Bears I would have cheered for him.   Except of course against the Packers.

But he is a trader.  He knew how the majority of Packer fans feel about the vikings.

After all the Saints have been through they DESERVE a shot at a championship.  Unlike the vikings who have consisted throughout the years of a bunch of outlaws.

Drugs, D.U.I.’s   ,  the boat incident,  steroid users..

No parole for ‘Angry Betty’ Broderick

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/21/california.betty.broderick.parole/index.html

Former Badger Leading Medical Team In Haiti

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22319006/detail.html

Software executive admits affair after mistress’ billboard campaign

She sounds a little crazy, but its funny.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/01/23/new.york.phillips.billboard/index.html?hpt=T2

The Drew Peterson case: 2 wives to have major roles in pretrial hearing into drowning

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-peterson-advance-17-bd-jan17,0,5635078.story

“Like so many other parents, I thought, not my kid.”

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20338914,00.html

Would you have walked on by?

If you had met this man when he was at the worst place in his life. Living under a bridge.  Would you have walked on by him if you passed him on the street?

I am willing to bet there would be more that would walk on by than would stop and see if you could offer assistance of some kind to him.

Yet he gave his life for five people he never met.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100123/ap_on_re_us/us_marine_proper_burial

Former deputy ordered to stand trial

The one thing that is very clear from this is this guy deserved to lose his job. He should have been fired not given the option to resign.

Because what we do know as fact as there was underage drinking going on and he did nothing.

He should have left the party and promptly reported it, he knew this girl was not 21.

The fact  he could show such bad judgment in a situation that he should not have had to think twice about, makes you wonder what other bad choices he made that night.

It does huge damage to his credibility.

I find it funny that the Gazette cut the comments short on this quickly.  Yet when it came to the Pom girls a couple weeks ago they let the comments go on, and on, and on.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2010/jan/23/former-deputy-ordered-stand-trial/

It’s good to see Brett has not lost the touch!!!!

It was so good to see Brett end the game today like he ended so many Packer games with a interception!!!!!

NOW those purple viking fans know whats its all about, the interceptions,  the will I or won’t I retire.  Show them Brett what its all about.

***  The one thing I will say for Brett, they beat the hell out of him and he kept getting up.

But he looked OLD!!!!!!

Go Saints!!!!!

’show them between the white lines.’

Brad Childress may forever regret saying that before last night’s game.  When I heard him say that I thought you arrogant xxxxxxxxxxx…

his comment was something to the effect . — we are the best team here and we are going to show them between the white lines.–

Yeah right.   The vikings got what they deserved.

They were not poised at all… 8 turnovers, between Brett’s interceptions and the fumbles.

The Saints however should have taken advantage more often of those turnovers and did not.

They did not play nearly as well as I expected them to , on their home field.

But those vikings had TWO huge penalties on the drive in over time.

In one the defender never looked back to see where the ball was and got called for pass interference ,  it would have been a hard ball to catch but it could have been.  It was not un-catch able if he did not have defender all over him.

The vikings lost this all by them selves.   They would probably try to tell people the  ball was greased before they got it, to explain the fumbles.

But adrian Peterson has fumbled all year long, but turned it up a bit for last nights game.

Brett fumbled and had two interceptions for the night.  One interception at just the right time for the opposing team.   He is very good at that as we all know.

The Saints went after him.   GOOD.    About time.   Brett is the one who still wanted to play he got what he deserved.   I do not feel bad for him at all.

Even if Brett were to come back next year.. they won’t be as good.    There are very few teams who ( like the New England Patriots) who year after year dominate.

The viqueens don’t have the poise or discipline to do that.    They have arrogance.

I am very excited this morning.   It was nice to watch.

Some great quotes I found on Yahoo Sports.

“6 Fumbles
2 Interceptions
1 Missed interception on Saints last drive that was right in the CB’s hands.
Refs did not cost the Vikes. Now Brett, PLEASE retire!”

“All anyone can do is blame the refs. After EVERY sporting event, no matter what sport, it is always the officials fault. Go out, apply to become a ref, and see how “easy” it is. I am sick of the B.S. Adrian Peterson is the most overrated running back in the NFL because he fumbles the ball more than almost anyone. After every play Brett Favre went to the referee and whined because he cannot take a hit, even though he is considered tough. PLUS, the Williams defensive lineman TESTED POSITIVE for performance enhancers at the beginning of the year, and have yet to serve their suspensions. Im sure your team will be amazing with Tavaris Jackson after Favre retires for the 100th time “

“I love the Vikings, but I have no sympathy when they can’t hold onto the ball. I didn’t like the calls, but it didn’t need to be an issue. It was only an issue because of the horrible play on the Vikings part. Crazy, but I knew they would screw it up.”

Yes I am lovin it.

Son Charged In Kerrigan Dad’s Death

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/22331473/detail.html

Girl, 7, vanished while looking for a butterfly

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/25/grace.coldcase.pockett/index.html

Airport Stops Man With 44 Lizards In Pants

http://www.channel3000.com/nationalnews/22347634/detail.html

“I think we were all kids at some point and somehow we have survived. “

That is the a comment I got from a parent here in town recently.   She had emailed me , regarding the Poms. She was a pom mom.

That kind of statement  sticks with a person.  ” somehow we survived. “  So as long as everyone survived the behavior is acceptable?

I do not think so.   There is a lot of concern in this town about the issue of under age drinking.  There is concern about the safety and well being of those young people choosing to engage in very adult behavior , way to young.

Several months after Dane died, the school attempted to address the issue of underage drinking and besides staff, and the municipal Judge and police officer had  4 other people come to this meeting ..  4.

Maybe they should have moved the meeting to the bar in town, to get people’s attention.

This community has had a big jump in drug use as well not just the typical drugs you think of , but kids abusing prescription drugs,  usually mom & dads.   They buy, trade, sell them.

There will be a meeting  – Partners in prevention addressing the drug and alcohol issues and the youth in our community at the library March 5th 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Maybe Next Time Mr.Alisankus?

Mr. Alisankus  you and I both know that I have asked you the last two school board elections , to run for school board.   I would love to see you on the school board.   I realize its to late for this coming election.    I think you should know that the post , where I ask you to run has gotten over 100 hits in the last week.   They all track from within our community.    Maybe you would be willing to run next time ??????

Tiger Woods’ Wife Staying With Brett Favre? Elin Nordegren Reportedly At QB’s House

Why would she?  I am sure she can afford a hotel.  But if true how kind of Brett.  Maybe not so Brett , but his wife.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/27/tiger-woods-wife-brett-fa_n_438581.html

WE need to get ‘fxxx the troops’ off of facebook.

How this was ever allowed to stay up by facebook I do not know.

We may not agree with the wars, but this is not acceptable.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=251453876306&ref=nf

Students Suspended After Sex Acts Reported On Bus

Elementary students.

http://www.wlwt.com/education/22357351/detail.html

How He Got Caught

Like many I have half followed this for months.  I am very disappointed in him.  But I guess that does just go to show you can be well liked, good-looking , great career and still be a pig.  I have always liked him, would have loved to have had him in the White House,  BEFORE  all of this.

The extent he went to lie, and hide his lies..

I feel horrible for his Elizabeth Edwards,  his wife with terminal cancer.   What kind of guy does that?   One that is a pig that is who.

I am so glad she gave him the boot.

I however will not let the SLUT off the hook.  Rielle Hunter is a slut.  She is nothing more than a high-priced call girl.  She knew he was married, and she stayed in the relationship, sounds like she started it, and stayed to see what she could get.

Elizabeth Edwards is a very smart woman, and I wish her the best.   I am glad she knew when it was time to put the trash at the curb.

http://www.slate.com/id/2243109/?GT1=38001

Family : Cops Beat Man To Death

You don’t beat someone for smoking pot.   You don’t kill someone for smoking pot.

The State Police should never investigate the State police.

This man should not be dead.  These officers should be fired.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2010/01/30/ma.police.beating.death.cnn?hpt=T2

Edgerton church welcomes atypical pastor

Congratulations to them.!!!!    I think this is great that this church has welcomed her. This is how a church should be.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2010/jan/31/edgerton-church-welcomes-atypical-pastor/

Actor Killed By Blanchardville

It’s a very curvy hilly area.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/83295882.html

This Proves You Can Wear Respectable Uniforms and STILL Dance/Poms

NOT JUST DANCE/POMS, BUT WIN!!!!

State Farm is a CHARMER.

STATE FARM is a joke.  During hurricane Katrina they found more ways not to play claims. To deny people who had paid premiums for years and years.   People who lost everything in that storm.     Their song is a joke.

I worked for American Family, and American Family for years and for the most part now, just stays away from coastal states.  Which that is their right.

But to end a policy for no other reason than they don’t want to be on the hook for paying out money,  is very unethical.

IF they had said when your policy expires we will not be renewing it… that is one thing.  But that is not what they did.    STATE FARM is no thing but a bunch of greedy dogs.  Who really do not care about their clients.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35220269/ns/business-personal_finance/

Should Felons Be Allowed To Work At The School With Kids?

To work at school with the kids, and tell them to behave.

To follow the rules.

To make good decisions.

I  don’t think they should be.  What do you think?

It says a lot about this person’s character.

How do you put someone in a position of authority.. when they themselves do not have a respect for authority rules or laws.

POLL:: SHOULD FELONS BE ALLOWED TO WORK IN OUR SCHOOLS?

Student’s Father Gets Prison For Punching Pittsburgh Principal

First of all, he punched woman.  What is that guys problem.

BUT for a school not to allow him to take his own child?  It does not say how big this school is and  if they knew who he was or not.    But seriously to punch someone who is NOT hurting your child.  Then have it be a woman.   Makes you wonder what this guy does at home does it not?

http://www.wpxi.com/news/22420609/detail.html

“Fight Club” Teacher Taught Fighting Before, Cried When Confronted

http://gothamist.com/2010/02/03/fight_club_teacher_taught_fighting.php

Protecting Bad Teachers

This article is from  Teacher Union Facts..  click on this link to read the rest of the story.

http://teachersunionexposed.com/protecting.cfm

Evansville has it share of bad teachers and they need to go.

Having a good teacher at the front of every classroom should be the number-one priority in public education. But the outdated employment practice called “teacher tenure” lets union leaders keep incompetent, troubled, and burnt-out teachers in the system, while keeping out people who are actually committed to educating children.

I don’t represent the children.
I represent the teachers.

— Al Shanker, former president of the American Federation of Teachers

Bad Teachers Are Rarely Fired

Tenure Keeps Annual Teacher Firing Rates Too Low

• Chicago: Principals say that 83 percent of bad tenured teachers “rarely or never” get fired
• Columbus: Teachers union admits tenured teacher firings can cost up to $50,000
• Dallas: 0.78 percent of tenured teachers are terminated annually
• Idaho: It can cost “$100,000 or $200,000” to get rid of a bad tenured teacher
• Illinois (not including Chicago): Two out of 95,500 terminated — it costs $219,504 to fire a bad teacher
• Los Angeles: Eleven out of 43,000 considered for termination
• Newark: About one out of 3,000
• New Jersey: Five out of more than 100,000 terminated
• New York City: Ten out of 55,000
• New York State: Seventeen tenured teachers annually — it costs $128,941 to fire a bad teacher
• Tucson: About one out of 2,300

In most states, teachers are awarded tenure after only a few years, after which they become almost impossible to fire. Union leaders insist that they support archaic tenure laws because they ensure “due process” for teachers. But these laws actually help bad teachers keep their jobs.

In 2003, one Los Angeles union representative said: “If I’m representing them, it’s impossible to get them out. It’s impossible. Unless they commit a lewd act.” Between 1995 and 2005, only 112 Los Angeles tenured teachers faced termination — eleven per year — out of 43,000. And that’s in a school district whose 2003 graduation rate was just 51 percent.

One New Jersey union representative was even more blunt about the work his organization does to keep bad teachers in the classroom, saying: “I’ve gone in and defended teachers who shouldn’t even be pumping gas.”

In ten years, only about 47 out of 100,000 teachers were actually terminated from New Jersey’s schools. Original research conducted by the Center for Union Facts (CUF) confirms that almost no one ever gets fired from New Jersey’s largest school district, no matter how bad. Over four recent years, CUF discovered, Newark’s school district successfully fired about one out of every 3,000 tenured teachers annually. Graduation statistics indicate that the district needs much stronger medicine: Between the 2001-2002 and the 2004-2005 school years, Newark’s graduation rate (not counting the diplomas “earned” through New Jersey’s laughable remedial exam) was a mere 30.6 percent.

A lot of people who have been hired as teachers are basically not competent.

— Al Shanker, former president of the American Federation of Teachers

We published an op-ed in the Asbury Park Press detailing how the Newark Teachers Union has fought to protect bad teachers. Read it here.

Reporter Scott Reeder of the Small Newspaper Group discovered in 2005 that “[o]ut of 95,500 tenured teachers in Illinois [outside of Chicago] an average of only two are fired each year for poor performance.” In Chicago itself, hundreds of principals surveyed by The New Teacher Project in 2007 said that 83 percent of poor-performing tenured teachers are “rarely or never” terminated.

Click here to read our op-ed in The Birmingham News discussing how the Alabama Education Association fights to protect bad teachers from accountability.

The evidence that tenure laws keep bad teachers in schools is overwhelming. In New York State, outside of New York City, only about 17 tenured teachers are terminated annually. New York City’s Chancellor has revealed that in that city, only ten out of 55,000 tenured teachers were terminated in the 2006-2007 school year. In a year in Florida, scholar Richard Kahlenberg wrote, the involuntary dismissal rate for teachers was an abysmally low 0.05 percent, “compared with 7.9 percent in the Florida workforce as a whole.” In Dallas, even when unofficial pressures to resign are factored in, only 0.78 percent of tenured teachers are terminated. Out of Tucson’s 2,300 tenured teachers, only seven have been fired for classroom behavior in the past five years. Des Moines, a school district with almost 3,000 teachers, has fired just two for poor performance in five years.

If I’m representing them, it’s impossible to get them out. It’s impossible. Unless they commit a lewd act.

— Los Angeles teachers union representative, as told to Public Agenda

“The Rubber Room”

According to the Daily News, at any given time in New York City an average of 700 teachers are being paid not to teach (they instead report to “rubber rooms”) while the district goes through the hoops (imposed by the union contract and by law) needed to pursue discipline or termination. A city teacher in New York that ends up being fired will have spent an average of 19 months in the disciplinary process. The Daily News reported that the New York City school district spends more than $65 million annually paying teachers accused of wrongdoing, in addition to the cost of hiring substitutes.

Teachers Agree: Bad Apples Stay

A study conducted by Public Agenda in 2003 polled 1,345 schoolteachers on a variety of education issues, including the role that tenure played in their schools. When asked “does tenure mean that a teacher has worked hard and proved themselves to be very good at what they do?” 58 percent of the teachers polled answered that no, tenure “does not necessarily” mean that. In a related question, 78 percent said a few (or more) teachers in their schools “fail to do a good job and are simply going through the motions.”

The Union Tax on Firing Bad Teachers

So why don’t districts try to terminate more of their poor performers? The sad answer is that teachers unions have made the process prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. In Illinois, Reeder found, it costs an average of $219,504 in legal fees alone to get a termination case past all the union-supported hurdles. Columbus, Ohio’s own teachers union president admitted to the Associated Press that firing a tenured teacher can cost as much as $50,000. In New York State, the average is $128,941 (Education Week reports that in New York City, the average is $163,142). A spokesman for Idaho school administrators told local press that districts have been known to spend “$100,000 or $200,000” in litigation costs just to get rid of a bad teacher.

I’ve gone in and defended teachers who shouldn’t even be pumping gas.

— New Jersey teachers union representative, as told to Public Agenda

The Bottom Line

Most teachers absolutely deserve to keep their jobs, but it’s absurd to pretend that the numbers of firings actually reflect the numbers of bad teachers protected by tenure. As long as union leaders possess the legal ability to drag out termination proceedings for months or even years — during which time districts must continue paying lawyers — the situation for students will not improve.

Even Al Shanker, the legendary former president of the American Federation of Teachers, admitted, “a lot of people who have been hired as teachers are basically not competent.”