Harry Amend, our CdA School Superintendent for one more month before he retires at the end of this school year, had a long session with folks at the Mica Flats Grange last night. He was there to promote the upcoming May 20th vote on the $31.1 million dollar school levy. Questions from the audience of about twenty five very interested people continued for nearly two hours.
Many of the questions were about the money: the 2002 Levy where remodeling of Lakes Middle school was approved but never done, how the money will be allocated if the levy passes, and why a large 2-year levy (55% required to pass) is being put forward instead of a longer term, lower yearly tax burden bond issue (67% needed to pass).
There were many other questions as well. In a surprising twist, one audience member had a copy of the real ballot we will see in the voting booth. It does not specify any dollar amounts for any project, and in fact, does not even mention many of the “needs” promoted by the district. The actual wording on the ballot is legal-style and basically gives the district the right to use the levy money for any building project or school related improvement that they want. In other words, it’s all squishy language that can be used as the administration and school board see fit.
Harry admitted the wording is vague and any use is possible. But he stated the school board passed a resolution last week promising to use the levy money for the actual projects they are promoting. Harry said this was a big change. Apparently it’s a new idea! Then another citizen reminded everyone that any school board resolution can be changed very easily with just another school board resolution.
I asked Harry to use his last month of influence to make two important changes in the way the district operates. First, to establish a formalized research, review and estimation process before any levy or bond issue is brought to the public. And, secondly, to create dedicated, administrative financial accounts that are specified for each of the levy projects and kept only for that purpose.
Without actual changes in the system, the voters won’t be willing to hand over more and more of their money. A predicable, responsible, transparent process will go a long way to re-building trust with the public. Let’s hope Harry is still listening.
Mary, a very polite rendition of a rather sometimes stormy meeting. Gary Ingram, in his usual direct, no-holds-barred style, asked Harry if he felt the board was competitent, (this following a discussion on the issue of no bids for remodeling, then or now). What was surprising was Harry’s answer. He ticked off severeal attributes of a competitent board, the first of which was “that they show up for meetings”! The dumbing down syndrome!
Comment by yabetcha — May 13, 2008 @ 11:24 am
You’re right, the meeting did have many lightning bolts. Gary’s comments were bold and direct and Harry stumbled around trying to answer. I laughed when he said at least this school board “shows up”–maybe that’s all the administrators want them to do. Harry also sniped at me a few times, letting his anger show. Someone said he has “nine toes out the door” to retirement and that seems about true.
Comment by mary — May 13, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
I noted Harry’s body language when the question was asked about the trustees’ competency. He was very defensive, folding his arms tightly on his chest. That’s telling.
Comment by Dan — May 13, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
One of the most telling things for me was that perhaps a ‘Chinese Style Menu” might be used in the future if this levy does not pass. In other words,they would specify each project separately and then the voters could decide which is worthy of passing. I for one, would like to see this done. This would require specific language on specific projects and would hopefully require more homework done before putting a project up for vote. Perhaps if this levy goes down, the voters would get another chance to s vote on a variety of plans instead of the 4 to 6 items in one vague open ended package.
Comment by Mama Bear — May 13, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Again, who paid for the Korea trip?
Comment by cda_foodies — May 13, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
At last Monday’s trustee meeting, Harry explained that the Korean’s paid for the trip. He didn’t specify how much they paid, but said that it was paid for by them.
Comment by Dan — May 13, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
You couldn’t be more correct, Dan. An action such as folding arms across the chest is VERY telling.
I can’t believe the superintendent had the nerve to act offended when someone point-blank asked him if he thought the five people he’s seen volunteer countless hours to set school policy, deal with weighty personnel issues and wade through mind-numbling boring meetings in the name of our children were competent.
Shocking!
He should have just said what we all know to be the truth: No. Those people are not competent. Not in the slightest. I mean, sheesh, they were actually stupid enough to take money from a yet-to-be-started project in 2002 and use it to finish other projects. That’s a sure sign of idiocy.
Comment by frank — May 14, 2008 @ 1:12 am
Sounds like we need to vote for the new candidates for school board and hope they turn out better than Ron V. of NIC board.
Comment by Mama Bear — May 14, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Tim White the President of the U of I will be leaving the university after four years. At the U of I webpage today, there was an article about Tim’s accomplishments:
” White led the University to: (a list of accomplishments during his time at U of I) but this one in particular was so relevant:
“created a stable, transparent, and innovative finance and budget system”
Harry, Hazel, Steve, and the Trustees of SD271 you could do the same – create a stable, transparent and innovative finance and budget system. It is a strong possibility!
Comment by ShyAnn — May 15, 2008 @ 11:27 am