Take Back Perry Schools
Introduction
We are a group of concerned parents, educators, teachers, students and taxpayers that are committed to taking back control of the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township from a divided school board. This division started from the actions of four individual board members with personal agendas and whose actions have put our schools in a downward spiral. Their ongoing disregard for board by-laws and state laws, as well as the flippant waste of taxpayer's dollars must be opposed in an effort to Take Back Perry Schools.- Impact on Fellow Board Members
- Impact on the School Community
- Impact on the Residents of Perry Township
Welcome
The actions of Susan Adams, Nancy Walsh, Barbara Thompson, and Rubie Alexander have repeatedly violated the official MSDPT Bylaws and Policies governing School Board member conduct which has negatively impacted fellow School Board members, the school community, and residents of Perry Township.
We encourage you to read more details about the actions of the four members of the school board by reviewing the sections below:
Under the leadership of Susan Adams, Nancy Walsh and Barbara Thompson, the Perry Township School Corporation has fallen victim to a hostile takeover. If these board members are allowed to continue their unethical, vindictive, and divisive practices, this school system will fall into disarray; the effects will be felt by the school board, the school community, the residents of Perry Township, and most importantly the children in the Perry Township Schools.
March 31st, 2007 at 1:02 pm
what happened to the wesupportwilliams website?
March 31st, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I was thinking the same thing!
What happened
March 31st, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I’m writing a post about it now. Check the news section shortly.
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
And Susan Adam’s web site is now empty. Must have been too much evidence for the TBPS lawsuit and for Dr. William’s potential law suit.
April 5th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Not the lawsuit Mr. Kindred - it is over for Williams.
April 13th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Well well Smithy…did you slip up a bit here? Cotty’s neighborhood? Someone’s house light was damaged? Way more board info than you should have? Hmmmm…sounds like someone who is married to a former board president who still supports the gang of 4….someone who has lots of time on his hands…someone who seems to have lots of anger….first initial “L”. Just be a man and come out with it. Why are you so afraid to admit who you are? You are an angry, hateful man, and I feel sorry for both you and M. It would do you good to own up to your comments.
Hello Admn - It has been a while since we spoke. I hope your organization is doing well I haven’t kept up on it, it has been rather quiet. I received this from a blogger who noticed this on a web page that has been active and I again would like for you to understand one thing.
If I may, and you can quote me, I have turned this over to my attorney’s and I have submitted a copy of this to the Indianapolis Metropolitian Police along with my report of vandalism a couple months ago.
I have no idea what is going on nor do I care. Do not involve me or Marsha in the feud you are having with the school board. I think in my last contact with you I suggested that you all are doing the right thing and fighting for our kids in this township.
If anyone of you who know what a L and M means in this township, might leave me open for some more valdalizm again. Now you wouldn’t want that and I haven’t reparied all the damage that was done last time.
I personally will hold TBPS responsible and I will not have any second thoughts about it. I already know of the culprits. If you do not believe me or she doesn’t believe me, I have pictures and a licence number. I CHOOSE NOT to do anything at this time because this is your battle. I have no children in the township, Marsha has retired and enjoying her volumteering and work at Hunger Inc. I, still have a business to run and I value my reputation accordingly. Keep me out of your quarrels and arguements. Name calling and vindictiveness is not my way of living and being a responsible taxpayer in this township. I favor no side of this arguement.
Just be crystal clear, if you involve me or Marsha in anyway, I will hold your organization responsible, even if who ever, claims to be with your organization.
Again, i wish the best for your organization, I hope you keep involved in Perry Township business. This is a good township, I have made many friends here.
Just do not involve me or my family. I clearly sent a message to the preciding school board members about involving my family, we have suffered through gossip, property damage, which has effected everything we do. The cost of security is high when you do not know what lurks around the corner.
This is not a warning nor is it a threat, just leave us alone, do your battles in another battlefield.
You may contact me anytime:
lhicks@jjtran.com or Larry and Marsha Hicks 1831 Delaney Dr Indianapolis 46217
317-888-5043 home or 317-821-0014 work.
Thanking you in advance
Larry W Hicks
April 14th, 2007 at 2:08 am
I’m not sure what you’re saying. I’m a little bit confused. I would say though, if you have information about someone committing a criminal act, I’d report it to the police and go after them. I don’t care who it is, on our side or not. Go get ‘em.
April 16th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Again Admn-
I an not in the least interested striking out at anyone, when I go get them, if will be because they want to harm me and my family.
Good Christians understand this.
Best of luck.
LH
April 16th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Wow! So now you question and attack my personal beliefs. Nice job. My opinion is this, if someone is breaking the law, they deserve to be caught and suffer the consequences. Not sure how that’s not “Christian”. Just like I’ve broken the “law”, Jesus suffered the consequences for my sin and I accepted that gift and why I consider myself a Christian. The law was broken and someone had to pay the price. Unless someone else is willing to step up for this person, then this person should be caught and pay the price.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:16 am
No sir- I respect your personal beliefs, respect you and your organization for what it believes in. I respect the other side, but sir, on both sides of this situation, there are other’s whom are rather radical.. I have happened to pay the price for their deeds. Not that you can control anyone who supports either side. It is just good to let my stand be known, either side, a lot of bridges have been burned on this subject and I again, keep my self open, I hope you understand this. But when one goes out on a limb to make a stand, one has to be prepared or the consenqueses of that stand. Unfortunately, you have several followers of your idea’s that do things different that you would.
Again, please feel free to contact me at anytime, I do admire your beliefs and your strong feeling for this township. It has been long time coming.
Respectfully
Larry Hicks
April 20th, 2007 at 9:24 am
A sincere and respectful thank you Mr. Hicks.
May 17th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I WAS WONDERING WHY NO ONE IS CONCERNED ABOUT PERRY TOWNSHIP FACULTY MEMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY. IF SOMEONE WILL ABUSE THEIR SPOUSE WHO IS TI SAY THAT THEY WON’T ABOUSE ARE KIDS TOO. I HOPE EVERYONE THAT LET THEM COME BACK TO WORK WITH OUR CHILDREN CAN SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT. I SEND MY KIDS TO SCHOOL TO GET AN EDUCATION. I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEM GETTING HURT BY SOMEONE WHO IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.
June 7th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
A discussion with my neighbors came to that Dr Williams is not even a resident of Perry Township and he actually lives in Center Grove’s district. Does Dr Williams live outside of Perry Township and is it required that a Superintendent live in the District? Are the Board Members residents of Perry township?
Please let me know. Thank you!
June 7th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Mr. Fritsch,
Dr. Williams does not live in Perry Township and is not required to as a part of his employment in the position of superintendent. Board members are required to live in Perry Township. My opinion is that this is not an issue, if it were then it should be an issue that Susan Adams is employed in Decatur Township while serving on the school board for another township. But again, I don’t believe it is an issue at all.
June 7th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Has anyone found out if Barb Thompson *truly* lives in Perry Township, or is it just her ex-husband?
June 7th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
No Daniel, not all the board members live in Perry Township. One of them lives, I think, in Center Township. It goes back to the inner city bussing from years agol. Someone thought that they deserved a say in our township. Would be nice if that would go away.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Staffer is it that hard for you to look it up? All the board members addresses are listed on the msdpt website as well as the wesupportwilliams website. And if you want to know if she “truly” lives there, why don’t you call the Assessor’s Office and ask.
And Ed is that supposed to be a sarcastic racial comment towards Rubie Alexander? Your comment is obscene. It’s called integration. Get used to it. Your comments have nothing to do with what is currently going on in the township.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Dr. Williams lives in Johnson County.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:28 am
and ironically, so does the Federal Judge who just presided over the recusal of Nancy Walsh…hmmm…It’s all in who you know.
June 8th, 2007 at 10:36 am
I had no idea that simply living in the same COUNTY as another individual could make such a difference!! It’s amazing that anyone believes that Dr. Williams really has THAT much power and influence! If he could really influence a judge to nix Mrs. Walsh from the hearing, then why didn’t he make him nix Mrs. Adams, too?? I’m curious…
June 8th, 2007 at 11:09 am
It is amazing I agree. Look at the power he has over all of you.
They play golf together in Johnson County…I think that is little more than a coincidence. They have been friends for quite awhile. And it only took one of them to be recused…why make it that blatantly obvious? Besides all of the affidavits were in regards to Nancy not Susan. There was not enough evidence to support his decision to get rid of Susan. But there were plenty of affidavits around re Nancy and her faith. Which I find ironic since a lot of you supporters of Dr. Wiliams are forever protesting your Christian faith.
June 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Just a quick correction, I don’t think any of us are “protesting” our Christian faith.
June 8th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I am sorry I mean professing. My apologies.
June 8th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Well….I heard from my neighbor’s sister’s uncle’s girlfriend’s mother’s brother that Mrs. Adams once shopped at the same KMart as Judge McKinney, and that’s why he ruled to let HER participate in Dr. Williams’ hearing! And to think that they actually made this man a Federal Judge! Can you believe it?
June 8th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
If Dr. Williams and Judge McKinney are “golfing buddies”, I would assume the Judge would have recused himself from the hearing, and I’m sure Nancy & Susan’s attorneys would have asked him to do so. Just because the two of them may have played 18 holes on the same course on the same day (maybe) does not make them friends. I think someone is coming close to slandering the judge now. I doubt if that will go over well with the Federal Court.
June 8th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I’m not sure if they were seeing it was the judge or Dr. Buffie that were golfing buddies.
June 8th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I agree with Ms. Freeman - if the judge had played golf with, or socialized in any way with, any of the witnesses on either side, he would have recused himself, period. Questioning the ethics of a federal judge isn’t in anyone’s best interests.
Let’s get back to the basics here - the board has not treated this situation with the regard that the ISBA Code of Ethics and the PT By-Laws dictate. Now the legal system, through this ruling, has apparently expressed a similar opinion in that this situation needs to be treated with all due respect for the rules, in order to be fair to all parties.
Hopefully, order will be restored very, very soon, and the mediation that should have happened long ago can take place.
p.s. - very funny Tyler… ;-)
June 8th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Sorry NCD but I don’t think they are going to want to mediate with a criminal. I don’t think that’s very ethical myself. And please, 1/2 of you have personal connections with Dr. Williams but that hasn’t stopped you has it? I’m not questioning the ethics of the Judge, but I am questioning why it wasn’t an issue when it is very well known that they play golf together? Based on the affidavits I read, I thought the Federal Court would think it was a joke and throw it out! It definitely didn’t deserve to make it through the Federal Court. By the way, how’s your lawsuit going TBPS? A 41E hearing is going to be coming soon if you don’t take care of your lawsuit…
June 11th, 2007 at 10:04 am
A criminal? Exactly what are you referring to?
June 12th, 2007 at 8:43 am
I attended last night’s meeting not as a parent of a student in the township but as a former student of Dr. Williams. I am appalled at the actions and behaviors of the board members. I am glad that my son will not be attending any of the schools in that district. No wonder there was vandalism at the schools because the children are learning from the example set by the board members. No wonder that the students are not passing ISTEP tests and that they are below average in national and state standards. It is too bad that the good students are being punnished for the actions of “adults”. I was wondering if we can impeach a president of the country could we impeach board members?
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:02 am
Just a thought I’ve had and have been playing with for some time. As far as the vandalism of my previous High School goes (and I’ll bet you’ll have heard about this incident):
We can’t start to let a few self-misguided students ruin the rest of us can we? I’ve heard plenty of things from my friends about the vandalism. I have yet to see an intelligent graduate from this year even so much as hint at a positive reaction to that. It was a waste of time and effort on their part and was not funny. They deserve any punishment from now until their punishers are satisfied. Again…just a slightly off-topic thought I’ve been playign with since I read the previous message.
June 29th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Please consider adding “taxpayers” to the description of your (our) organization. Taxpayers have a lot to lose considering the 4 who vote as a majority on the Board - some have become more interested since attorney fees may impact their wallet. I would suggest a canvas of Perry Township homes street by street to offer an orange sign for each yard. We need to see more orange. That might enhance the image of how many constituents are for or against the the actions of 4 Board members who consistently vote as a majority.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I totally agree with Ms. Pitcher. I am not a Perry parent, educator or teacher, but I am definitely a concerned taxpayer, homeowner in Perry Twp. I also consider myself a law-abiding member of the community that is tired of
“dummying down” our curiculums such that some students coming out of our schools are not qualified to be self-supporting members of society.
July 1st, 2007 at 8:52 am
The new description of the organization better reflects the makeup of all concerned with the actions by the Board.
July 6th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Admn-
I am deeply disappointed in what I am seeing your orgaization do over the past few days. You have the opportunity to help and focus this township from board memembers to teachers to parents to students. And all you do is fan the flames.
You only really get one chance to make a difference sometimes in life, and at this time you choose to be resentful and bitter.
I do not look at good administrators like Mrs PH leaving the township as a bad thing. She does not like the direction nor the turmoil that has taken place over the past year. Surely she didnt leave for more money? Wasn’t she the highest paid principle in the township? No, there are more reasons behind her exiting. Did anyone check to see maybe her contract wasnt renewed? Again strange, but I guess I will see stranger.
Again, you have the opportunity to really shape this township and give it a great shot in the arm for parents and our kids. Don’t waste it. All I have seen from you and your membership is resentment, and contempt. Calling board memeber’s cows sounds like 3rd grade stuff.
Again I am deeply disappointed.
Larry Hicks
July 6th, 2007 at 9:29 am
What exactly has our organization done that you don’t agree with over the past few days?
I’ll almost guarantee that the direction and turmoil that Mrs PH is leaving over was caused by the board. I’m not aware of her contract information.
July 6th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Admn-
I do not argue or debate an organization who’s direction is not best for our kids at this time.
It is a shame by the name calling of our board members “cows” that lowers your standards and effectiness to the bottom of the barrel.
Harressment is another word I would use when describing your organization. You have the opportunity to make a difference and you waste it by trying to discredit our board.
I had hopes that you all would now at least try to work with all 7 members of the board. Looks like my first impression of your group was the correct one.
A smile here, I would wonder what William-ized would say?
July 6th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Since you won’t debate you probably won’t respond. I’m curious though as to what claims of harassment you would assign to our group?
Trust me when I say various members of our group have tried to communicate and work with the board majority. However, they were the ones that didn’t want to speak to our group and other community members about the questions we had about the remonstrance.
Do you know William-ized personally? Why are you smiling?
July 6th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Proud of you Mr. Hicks. Thank you.
July 6th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Mr. Hicks, do your children go to JGE? Well two of the four of mine do. So yes I do consider Mrs. PH leaving a bad thing for Perry Township and especially for my kids. The 4 board members keep saying they are doing it for the kids. Well they have now hurt my children’s education by letting good administators and I will assume we will be losing good teachers shortly. Mrs. PH isn’t the only principal leaving Perry Township because of the leadership or lack there of in the school board. I can not below that anyone would agree with the actions that the four majority of the school board. I have no clue how they sleep at night causing so much destruction in what only 7 months. They have no made this fight more personal to me. I will not sit by until next election to wait to vote them out. With our tax dollars being spend in illegal and unethical ways I just pray that there will be something that will end this nightmare.
July 6th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Mrs PH and I are friends and 2 of my kids went to Glenns Valley ES Mrs Kelly. I have supported our schools for years, in my opinion, Mrs PH and Mr Nichols who also came from Glenns Valley were the best. Always had the children at heart. Both advanced through the township.
This isnt about leadership in the township, one man who resigned didnt wreak all this havoc, as well as certain board members, whom TBPS supporters say are destroying the school system.
We have let other teachers and administrators move on over the past 12 years. People retire, move for advancement, their spouse transfer. This is normal. I have not heard any negativism about any one who has said good bye to Perry Township. Until this year. In the real world, people change jobs and come and go. Perry is no different. The nightmare you speak of is not a nightmare as some would let you believe. If more would stop and visit the school center, talk to some of our administrators, you would find it runs much the same was as it has. Functioning well with problems to solve. We solve problems as a group, and some problems can not be solved quickly.
Admn - the law suits and the constant name calling are a waste of the school administrations time. You know Admn as well as the rest of your group. Again I ask you to work together instead of squealing everytime something does not go your way. People as a whole, who work together solves problems. As your group stoops so low that they have to call people names, hurt full names, is just about as low as one can go. No it just wasn’t a custodian thing, I am ashamed for you.
It is time to restart the connection between the administrators and the township votes and kids. Unfortunately, you are the ones who have to make the next move, and unfortunately your move only brings us down more and hurts the township.
William-ized has been quiet because he believes in what you do. He believes what I believe. William-ized tells it like it is and is proud of our schools and administrators. But……he havent had to pay a dime for attorney’s nor legal assistance. William-ized thinks one day you might make a difference in this township, but not soon.
July 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Admn - you might want to check the contractual thing.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Larry Hicks,
The board majority has been on a personal vendetta to terminate Dr. Williams. They have done nothing for the students in Perry Township. They have lied, violated ethics, and broken by-laws.
Take
Back
Perry
Schools
TBPS is not TBW or WSW!
TBPS is about Taking Back Perry Schools from 4 rogue board members, limiting the damage to MSDPT and doing what is right for the students and taxpayers. I find your inference that we should suddenly acquiesce to the majority board members as naive. You obviously thought TBPS was all about Williams. You must have been listening to William-ized.
As to the “cow” reference. I would normally agree that name calling does lower ones standards. However, the use of the term “cow” is used as a sign of respect and support to the fired custodian. We realize the cows and their supporters find this degrading, and that is our intent. The cows don’t have or deserve our respect.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
The normal number of people leaving the township each year for various “reasons” is 3-4, there are over 15 that have left already. Is it because of the board directly and their way of doing things or is it because Dr. Williams is no longer here? Either way, it was the board’s decision, so THEY are responsible for the mass exit from MSDPT.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Well I am sorry for both of you. Normally people work together to fix problems, I see there is no solution with you over this problem.
I might add that nothing is impossible, only clear thinking can solve problems.
It seem this is impossible for you.
Something you can count on, I will be running for the township school board this next election. I believe there is a lot of good people with good ideas in this township. As you know I am very familiar and knowledgeable about our schools and administrators. I can not stand by and watch your organization make a mockery of it.
Respectfully,
Larry Hicks
July 6th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Mr Hicks,
If you are friends with Mrs. PH why would you start the rumor that they didn’t renew her contract? My fear is that this is the start of many leaving the township. I know many teachers are very afraid of this school board and what they will do next, even some principals have told their staff that they might be on the next chopping block of the four. If someone looks at the four members the wrong way are they going to have Mr. Nichols fire them? It is possible and probably will happen and the board will state it is because they were bullied by the teacher or other employee. How can anyone approve of the actions of Mrs. Walsh with the mock graduation? If this board wanted to prove that they had the best interest of the community or they just weren’t voting 4 across all the time they would of admitted that Mrs. Walsh was out of line and censured her. That would of started the healing but instead they vote to allow her to continue her actions even against the advice of the school board’s attorney. Do you see nothing wrong with that?
July 6th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Larry Hicks…I will only respond to one of your many ludicrous comments ~ members of TBPS “trying to discredit our board”?? You must be joking! That is one thing we never have to lift a finger to do….this board majority does a magnificent job of discrediting themselves every time they hold a board meeting or open their mouths in public. I, for one, will not lose one minute of sleep over the fact that you are disappointed in us. As a matter of fact, that is proof positive we are headed in exactly the right direction.
July 6th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Larry….please, please, please stop. Ann didn’t move on because her “contract wasn’t renewed”. It hurts me deeply that you would even suggest such a thing. This will be my one and only post on this website, but I felt a response to you was necessary.
Respectfully,
Karen Foster
July 6th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Gee, Larry…best of luck running for school board. I’m sure your “friend” William-ized will vote for you, along with R2D2, and the board majority. Oh, yeah!…and the “bun lady”. That pretty much sums it up. Shouldn’t take too long to count.
July 6th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Larry,
You said, “Normally people work together and fix problems.”
Yes, normal people do normally work together to fix problems. We are not dealing with normalcy right now. We have 4 board members who refuse to work with anyone that has uttered a word in disagreement with their agenda. They have turned this township upside down and you expect people to be nice and respectful?
We need clear thinking to the extent that at least 2 on the board majority agree to hand in their resignations. They need to neutralize this situation by removing themselves from it - just as Dr. Williams did.
Now, if you can talk them into that, I’ll personally ask Bart Peterson to name you a hero.
July 7th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I am not one to post on websites but felt compelled after reading a post here.
I was very disappointed to see that Ann P.H. was leaving MSDPT and confused as why someone would ever think that this was not a bad thing for MSDPT. As a GV parent I was impressed with her leadership and she had a huge impact on my children.
As an educator in another school corporation I wasn’t surprised that she was hired by another school system. In addition to her outstanding awards, her reputation is outstanding as well. Her reputation far exceeds the MSDPT boundaries. My student teachers from various colleges have known her by reputation and have sought her out to interview with her. One outstanding student teacher with various state awards did just that and ended up working with her and has enjoyed working with her. Outstanding administrators attract outstanding teaching candidates. I am sure Franklin Township is all smiles right now! My family wishes Mrs. P.H. well in her new position and her gifts and talents will be greatly missed in MSDPT. What a class act Ann P.H. is and will be in Franklin Township.
July 8th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Larry Hicks Says:
July 6th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Well I am sorry for both of you. Normally people work together to fix problems, I see there is no solution with you over this problem.
I might add that nothing is impossible, only clear thinking can solve problems.
It seem this is impossible for you.
Something you can count on, I will be running for the township school board this next election. I believe there is a lot of good people with good ideas in this township. As you know I am very familiar and knowledgeable about our schools and administrators. I can not stand by and watch your organization make a mockery of it.
Respectfully,
Larry Hicks
Larry I completely agree with you and fully trust the knowledge that you have gained from the past and recently. Please DO run for the board. You would be an amazing School Board Member and a welcome addition to the school board in Perry Township.
July 8th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
what is the process for picking (electing?) a new president etc. for the board? Also, what is the process for finding a new superintendent?
July 8th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Admin — I repsectfully request that you archive Mr. Hicks post regarding Mrs. P.H. That post needs to be brought to the front of the page when he in fact does begin his campaign.
His “Method of Operation” is just like the current 4 board members who are not respected by anybody that I have met or talked to since last November. As a side note — This is a conversation that occurs daily. Not one person that I have spoken with respects them.
To throw out so casually the innuendo, “Did anyone check to see maybe her contract wasnt renewed?” That is disrespectful and in my opinion just plain rude.
Mr. Hicks — you lost my vote!
July 9th, 2007 at 6:45 am
Full Board discussion is supposed to occur regarding, officer nominations, prior to the reorganizational meeting. It is not a succession thing, that one moves up to the next seat, although that is what will probably happen tonight.
As far as finding a new super, the best time do start the process is in November. There are firms that will do the search for a Board. It takes several months and big dollars $30 to $50 thousand. Super’s who are available or job hunting at this time are not of the highest calibre or experience.
July 9th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Hi Karen-
I hate it about Mrs PH. You know she had both Tim and Shannon. Both Marsha and supporter her in every endeavor. I found about it through TBPS I didnt know. There are many contracts that are not going to be renewed and I was just asking. With what is going on in the township these days you never know what will happen.
Laughing here about my run for the school board, someone in this township has to stand up for our board, if we like them or not. I wouldnt put Marsha through the hell of 4 years that it would take. But I might.
This organization has the opportunity to become a pilot program of parents to help our kids and our township. But all the name calling, vicious threats, law suits, are bone chilling to me. You know me and you know how I feel about the schools and the kids in this township. This organization has one more chance to show it is a class act, tonight at the board meeting.
If they fail this test, I will not sit back and watch them take this township apart with all that they do.
Sorry Karen.
What I do know is
July 9th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Larry…I cannot fathom anyone of any calibur standing up for this corrupt board. Name calling and viscious threats seem to be the specialty of the board majority, yet you point fingers at TBPS?
Just what exactly do you mean that this organization “has one more chance to show it is a class act tonight”? If they fail this test,you won’t sit back…??? Wow! Sounds like a threat to me!! Hello, Pot! Meet Kettle!
I promise you this, Larry! I will not vote for a candidate for school board that stands upon the foundation you do! I am more likely to vote for my 9-year-old!
July 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I am just as concerned for this township as you are. I just try to support it quietly without ruffling any feathers.
Each of us are trying for the same thing but going in different directions.
July 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I am greatly disappointed you did not run my comments about Mrs. P-H the other day. You post R2D2’s. Thanx!
July 9th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Since everyone now realizes TBPS is NOT going away, we seem to focus on the next election. I expect to actively participate, and I doubt anyone in Perry Twp will elect someone just because they opposed Williams and supported the current board actions. If we want to make an attempt to recover the prestige of being the best managed, (look at our tax rates vs IPS & Washington TWP), honored (Outstanding Superintendent), school system in Marion County and Indiana, we MUST take a serious look at each candidate, their platform, their reasons for wanting to take on this thankless job, and their experience and background. We all know we failed miserably in the last two school board elections, but I doubt we voters will EVER make that mistake again!
By the way, I think we should have the minority 3 nominate Rubie Alexander for SB president. Then how would the 4 vote? It would be better than Nancy Walsh!
July 9th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Tommytaxpayer, I’m not aware that I deleted or moderated a comment from you that did not appear. It may have gotten caught in the comment spam trap that’s setup and operates automatically. Please repost your comment and I will publish it. My apologies.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:31 am
I applaud Kelly Butler for her courageous and thoughtful remarks to the board last night. Mrs. Butler was speaking for untold numbers of us who agree with her stand. It was a travesty of civil government that she was escorted out of the board room last night, but we have unfortunately become accustomed to the travesty that four board members have made of their meetings. I, too, would like to publicly commend Steve Maple, Gayle Houchin, and JoEllen Buffie for their dedication to Perry Township students and the excellent representation they give those of us who feel disenfranchised. My hope is that the other four board members who have caused so much pain and disruption in this township will have the grace to step down now that their agenda is apparently complete. Perry Township schools cannot afford to lose one more talented and gifted educator, and with these four on the board I fear the flight of more administrators and teachers to townships whose school boards have the interests of the students foremost in their minds.
July 10th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I haven’t posted for a while but I wanted to state a few points, again all my opinion. MSDPT school board has not failed to disappoint me with their continued antics and complete disregard for respect of other people as well as the justice system which already rendered a verdict against one member. It makes for the highlight of watching the evening news! By the way, since she did vote on having the taxpayers pay her personal legal expenses from this whole thing, has anyone checked with Carl Brizzi’s office to find out if it can be prosecuted as well as having the state step???? I am sure they are watching this closer than what you think but it just takes one to initiate the process. Would be a much recommended and deserved wake up call for your Rogue Four! It’s sad that I was really wanting to move back into Perry Township prior to my daughter’s start of school but at this time, it’s on hold. My husband and I have discussed that if we do move back into Perry Township, we may consider private school until Perry can get back on track. It is going to take a long time to undo what this group has managed to do in such a short period. I have several friends who are teachers in the district and trust me, don’t be surprised to see a lot more depart before it is all said and done. And as a side note, we are pleased as punch to have an outstanding teacher such as Mrs. P.H. in Franklin Township. Maybe if I wait long enough…we will essentially have a majority of the MSDPT teacher population in my district. Hmmm….
July 10th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Courageous? More like psychotic.
July 10th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
R2D2Bot - You have, again, lowered yourself to name-calling. Quit already! When will you realize you are totally out-numbered and we, the majority in PT will triumph?
July 10th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
As an outsider who has been watching these developments over the past several months, it has become quite clear that some individuals have become polarized in their positions and very close minded. Rational and concerned people who express their personal opinions in a difficult situation are not psychotic because they disagree with your point of view. How many other people are committed enough to their beliefs and values to do what she did?
July 10th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Oh, to retrieve all that has gone in the hyper-4th dimension, which obviously is where my glowing comments about Mrs. P-H has wound up. (All is forgiven…hope this doesn’t suffer the same fate!)Suffice to say, many other have praised this super lady on this site, and all I can add at this point is WE’LL MISS YOU! Also, Steve Mast at SMS will be missed…nice and neat guy, and a super principal to be sure.
Yes, we were in attendance at last night’s “circus”, in the room where this miscarriage of the 1st amendment occurs on selected Mondays!! Who wants to bet that Mr. Maple’s request for longer input time from the taxpayers will be eventually forgotten by the next meeting, and the amendment will never see the light of day again. Remember the public forum we were promised? Probably never see that either.
Bill Brown…I’ve respected you for years as the great administrator and boss that you have shown yourself to be to your lucky employees! More than ever, after you stood up (in more than one way) to the freaky four, I truly respect you more, and am sorry that you had to depart under these conditions! We will never get answers, but eventually maybe these people will get some conscience in them, and realize all the harm they have done to this great township. We can only hope!!! (HARD!!!)
Understand from the grapevine that the board managed to change the rules on the agreement for Dr. William’s departure, thus holding it up for a while. Please, TBPS site folks, tell us what you know about this! Apparently, good faith was violated again by certain members of the board. Will they ever stop this…we are on to them…get a clue, ladies!!
Thanks to Mrs. Houchins for her “No” vote last night, and Mr. Maple and Mrs. Buffie…we undrstand your votes!
By the way, that was 3 who were escorted out last night for expressing their opinions to the board. Again, we are seeing the end of the 1st amendment being honored in our proud township.
Take care, everyone, strength, and God Help Us Perry Township Taxpayers. See you at the next meeting…wear the orange! -Tommytaxpayer
July 10th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
No conspiracy here Tommytaxpayer. I apologize again for missing your original post. Thanks for coming back and sharing your thoughts with us.
July 10th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I guess we got what we voted for in this past election. With less than 10% of the registered voters voting for the school board we can blame ourselves for this disaster. Look at the bright side. This fiasco will only cost the taxpayers of Perry Township $1,000,000.00 when all is said and done.
Maybe the next time a school board vote comes up in the primaries a few more people will make it to the polls and vote.
July 11th, 2007 at 11:44 am
I know the election is months away for School Board and we are all talking about the changes that need to be made on the current board. Is TBPS going to be supporting a candidate? Has anyone stepped up to seek this support? I personally am going to be looking into running in the next election and wonder about the support from this group as changes are needed and I would like to be part of that change. I feel my children and the future children need a school system of which they can be proud and gives them a great education.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Does everybody remember when the school board majority told us that it was only going to cost $30 some thousand? Wow — they didn’t have a clue!!
I spoke at one of the first meetings with my concern about the cost. The majority 4 are bad business people. They didn’t listen to expert advice and look what the cost is? Legal fees, contract buy out, search committee expenses, lost time in training new administrators, and the list goes on.
This is so sad!
March 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
One of the reasons I chose to live where I do is because of how well the school district was ran. Now that I found this webiste, I am wondering why I didn’t do more research. I hope that my son is still able to succede here.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Sarah, I firmly believe the biggest key to a successful education is parental involvement. I believe if you’re concerned about the quality of your son’s education then you’ll make sure he succeeds. I also believe involved and interested parents like yourself need to be more than aware of what’s going on in your son’s room, school, and township related to his education.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Can anyone direct me to information regarding the school board candidates? I fully support Dave Guthrie and Les Branham. Having gotten to know them through RISE, I have utmost respect for both men and trust them to act and vote responsibly, but I know nothing of the other names on that list. Do you have any information here that I’m missing?
April 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
To J. Benson -
You were asking about some info. regarding school board candidates. Check out this site:
http://www.tbpscampaign.org/
Thanks.
Hopefully we can get lots of support for Mercer, Mertz, and Freeman. We need their leadership now.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Just came back from voting (Perry 7). We weren’t able to vote for Perry Township School Board. Our children go to private school but, if they didn’t, our public school would be in Perry Township. Doesn’t that sound screwy?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Kellie, you are eligible to vote in this primary not because you have kids in the township but because you are a citizen and resident taxpayer of Perry Township. I’d contact the Marion County election board about this and go back to your polling location and demand a ballot.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Have talked with neighbors and they never did get the correct ballots to our polling place. No votes for Perry Township school board were made in Perry 7. Channel 6 covered it. I can’t see how this is a valid election.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Glad to hear that Mercer, Mertz, Freeman won. FYI…the margin would have been even greater if many of our neighbors were allowed to vote. Can’t wait to see what the difference is on how my tax $ are spent. God bless you all and know that you are in our prayers.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Thank you to all of the people who worked so hard for Take Back Perry Schools and the TBPS Campaign. Your passion and dedication to the cause of restoring order to the school board is so appreciated.
Through all of the discussions regarding the activities of the school board that I have been involved with over the course of the last year 1/2, I always felt that the “silent majority” did not exist. However, we never had proof. The election results validate the efforts of TBPS.
Congratulations and thank you to Mercer, Mertz, and Freeman for stepping up to the challenge.
My sign is down. It was taken down right around the time that the polls closed. I respectfully disagree that they divide the township. I believe the election shows that they united and educated the voters. However, just because the orange signs are pulled from the yards and corners, please make sure they go up for the next school board election and the election after that. We have learned our lesson. We can’t let history repeat itself!!
May 7th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
It’s too bad Mrs. Alexander was re-elected. She really has no head for buisness and, regardless of her experience in the education system, I rarely find she adds good information and content to the meetings. That’s harsh I know but sometimes truth hurts. For ex. last year during the ongoing debacle, at one or two meetings she strongly voiced her opinion that she had the right to one vote and she would excercise that right…
HUH?
June 29th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Read that your school board suspended a teacher for the Freedom Writer’s Diary. maybe if your school board could read and had an open mind. They would support their teachers! This community needs to elect people with more intelligence! How scary! The school board president sounded so uneducated on CNN! Help yourself, elect a new school board! GREAT BOOK!
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
How can I get in contact with members of the Perry Meridian School Board? Someone please advise. Thanks.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Terry, board member contact information can be found on the township website at the following address. Some of these board members were recently replaced in the last school board election, however the new board and contact information hasn’t been posted yet.
http://www.msdpt.k12.in.us/schoolboard/sb_profiles.html
July 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
What a pathetic, cowardly school board to ban this book.
Are there no worthy candidates running for school board? Or is this simply the product of an educational system that is fearful of new ideas and freedom of thought?
Ignorance breeding ignorance…thy name is Perry Meridian School Board.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:24 am
RE Admin July 3! It appears that not enough board members have been replaced. There are always a few rotten apples that remain on the tree. If you want to regain the respect of the NATION and your district, then maybe you should start anew! If you cannot/will not do what the public desires, then all of you should be replaced. The book and the reason for the book are great teaching tools. To not allow it “in the classroom” is an atrocity to education itself. Go home those of you left on the board…resign and let a new group take your place and regain the respect of the community before it is too late!
August 1st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Stephen Shoebe: You are sadly misinformed about what went on and why. The school board is bound by confidentiality, so no one can talk about the proceedings. Ms. Heerman, on the other hand, is free to spin it anyway she likes and she has chosen to make this about the book. The book itself was never banned. Teaching using the book was never banned. The teacher has the option of using books as supplementary teaching materials, but when a teacher wants to add a book into the regular curriculum, there is a process - and she chose not to go through the process.
Ms. Heerman might have felt empowered to practice disobedience like it was portrayed in the movie, “The Freedom Writers,” but dumbing down the curriculum and not having expectations of students is not the mentality here in Perry Township as it has been portrayed in the media. I find it curious that people have assumed that the township’s board was trying to squelch her “creative” approach to engaging her class, when the creative part would have been in her ability to engage her students without having to attend a workshop to get ideas and a book. She could have introduced many of the concepts shared in the workshop into the classroom while staying within the constructs of the curriculum.
I find the thought of having to use this book to be successful in engaging students to be just as self-limiting as lowered expectations, and is merely a means of diverting attention from the real issue.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:51 pm
It is interesting to me that those that espouse to be proponents of “creativity” in the classroom are suggesting that the only means of teaching our students is with this book. It does not seem too creative to me to suggest that there is only one book that can be used to teach our children. How in the world could children learn prior to Miss Gruwell’s book? Can it be used to enhance the teaching-learning process? Yes. Should it be required to be used in every classroom? No. Is it banned from PMHS? No. Does Ms. Heermann care more about herself than her community, her colleagues and her students? Decide for yourself.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Admn- say it isn’t so…… Lee Robbins as Township Attorney?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
You mean an attorney that lives in the township, is familiar with the school systems, personally involved in school activities and a longtime resident of the township? Yeah, we’d hate to have that compared to what we have had the past two years. Here’s an idea, what if we didn’t hire someone that has to drive into the township and bill us for mileage and time to do it?
August 5th, 2008 at 8:06 am
LR is head and shoulders above the rest in terms of background and knowledge, besides what admin’s already said. One applicant has a reputation all over town for being “difficult” and that’s the nicest thing I can say. Another applicant has failed to impress me with his grasp of school law and comes woefully unprepared - and the district has been paying for that.
Even if Mr. Robbins were to bill at Reiling’s ridiculous hourly rate, it would still be a bargain because LR is not dealing with a learning curve.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:05 am
:)
Ole 3 time loser LR?
…… you just don’t learn do you? Isn’t his name on the bottom line of TBPS?
Sitting back- going to watch the fun.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Larry are you going to add anything valuable to the conversation or just sit back and lob vitriol around at anything we try to do to improve the situation? Guess you’ll do what you said, just “Sit back” and “watch”. You’d hate to actually step up yourself and try to improve something. Yes, Mr. Robbins is the one that filed the papers for our organization. He is a lawyer, we thought it would probably be helpful for someone to do that that was familiar with those types of proceedings and paperwork.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Doesn’t look or feel right Admn. After all he was a big part of the bru-haha. Nothing to add, none of my business, you need advice or help, just ask. When is this due to hit the paper’s?
August 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
So nobody that actually care enough to standup and fight against what was going on in the township should be able to be directly involved in anything anymore? That doesn’t make much sense either. None of your business? If you really believe that then keep your opinions to yourself and stay off the site. I don’t believe you really think that so keep voicing your concerns. I’m just saying it would be nice for you to actually contribute to the solutions being presented around here. You remind me of my kids when they say they don’t care where we go have dinner, but every option we suggest that start grumbling and complaining.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’ll take a 3 time “loser” over an armchair quarterback anytime.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Did Mr. Robbins not receive more votes than Ms. Hicks and Mr. Hicks combined in the 2006 election?
Does that mean anything?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Laughing. Well sure he did.Mr Hicks wasnt running. But he didnt get elected. And the time before that he didnt get elected. Didnt Ms Hicks have more votes than anyone? Aww MT…. quit living in the past.
AEN - not armchairing here. Again none of my business. Just township business now. Are you ready?
August 6th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Post #92 Larry Hicks Says:
:)
Ole 3 time loser LR?
…… you just don’t learn do you?
Post #94 Larry Hicks Says:
Doesn’t look or feel right Admn. After all he was a big part of the bru-haha.
Mr. Hicks,
Perhaps you should follow your own advice? Is it not you that is still living in the past? Maybe you are exempted from practicing what you preach?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
To Mr. Hicks:
Why the hate ? To call Mr. Robbins a 3 time loser is simply cruel. Mrs. Walsh has used that same phrase at board meetings when Mr. Robbins’ daughters were in attendance. How low will you people stoop ? And let’s be honest …. is there any doubt that if Mr. Robbins had run this past May in place of Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mertz, or Ms. Freeman, that he would have been as easily elected as they were. You can’t have it both ways. You say that he is pulling all the strings for TBPS and then continue to call him a loser. TBPS candidates clobbered all competition this past May. And get ready, sir ….. it WILL happen again in two years. Mrs. Walsh and Ms. Thompson are on borrowed time as board members. Everyone knows that who has been following this mess. You and others kept talking about having a silent majority in Perry Twp. We were told that the TBPS group was just a loud minority. After the election, do you still feel that way or are you ready to concede that this Twp. supported Dr. Williams and TBPS,and has been completely embarrassed by Mrs. Walsh and Ms. Thompson? Mrs. Adams had the sense to get out because she knew what was coming.
Either say or do something productive or follow your own advice and just sit back and watch. We have excellent leadership who will move this TWp. forward,and things will be even better two years
from now thanks to TBPS and people like Mr. Robbins.
PS - Thank you, Lee, for all that you do for Perry Twp. and don’t let the haters get to you. I would take being called a “loser” by Mr. Hicks and Mrs. Walsh as a badge of honor.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Hate? Your observation is mis-guided. It seems silly to me to again disrupt the township with someone who started the TBPS movement and was a large voice in trying to keep Supt Williams.
Some people might think he would be biased when it came to township decision’s of legality. Again he started this “grass roots” organization. I would suggest one might “lean” toward the majority of the board and knowing his feelings about Mrs Alexender Mrs Thompson and Mrs Walsh. I think he has made his feeling clear. Just as post# has suggeste.
3 time loser was crass of me I should have said he was defeated 3 times in elections and it would have sounded less hateful. Forgive my crassness.
Mrs Thompson Mrs Walsh Mrs Alexander are part of the present board. We must think about the future with the new board and new Supt Little.
Mrs Adams Mrs Hicks Mrs Berry Mrs LSB are all “former members” and should be left in the past with their faults and acomplishments. They no longer play a part in this townships business.
Again, for your information, this is really none of my business and I do and will support the presnt board et all.
Again I support TBPS and again, it has the ear of the township and has the skills to make our teachers, kids, parents proud of Perry Township Schools.
Sliding back to the “good ole boys” ways with the appointment of Robbins would in my thoughts a step backwards. Other’s will feel the same way.
Of course he could end up like the former representitive who resigned under duress but that is another story.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Larry, maybe “hate” is too strong a word, but most of us don’t use “loser” when speaking about people we like. Maybe you’re different in that regard, but that’s a whole other issue.
Lee will “lean” towards what is best for the township and the schools. What you probably (won’t ever) don’t understand is how the core group works. You won’t find obsequious followers like the 2Rs among us. There are no “yes” people. If there is a clear leader that person would be Chuck S. - not Lee. Because of the dynamic of the core group, I can say, without reservation, that Lee will counsel with an eye towards what is best for the township.
I know that you think that Lee would represent “a step backwards,” but let me frame that a bit differently. From about 2005 until July, the “new” thinkers had free rein, and we all saw what that got the township - local, state, and national coverage of just how quickly a township could take a nosedive when led by a few whose idea of leadership centers around what’s best for me is what’s best for everyone. The township needs to move away from that, and if that means bringing in known entities, then so be it.
It is imperative that Dr. Little hit the ground running and he needs someone who understands the terrain. Even if I didn’t know Lee, I would have to say, based on what I’ve read in the minutes when he has been on the school board, that he offered insightful input. Another thing about Lee is that while he seems to be thrust into the spotlight, he is not a spotlight grabber. That is something this township desperately needs.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:49 am
That point Amy is excellent, and we all have friends and aquaintences. We all want to help and support them.
“2005 free thinker’s” comment changed the face of Perry Township Board. From a rubber stamp and “good ole boys” that never changed, to the “working board” that asked questions.
The “working board” found out a whole lot about the workings of the Supt and Administration.
So with the house cleaned of spouses, kids, special deals, we begin again. Of course there is still the “other 3″ that are left over. That was pointed out by Maple with his comment of “it good to be in the majority again” at the first meeting.
With Robbins again trying to be involved with the schools and administration, with 4 of “his” people” on board would really make for an uncomfortable position for our new Supt. Personally I do not know Robbins, and again none of my business, but how I perceive him, TBPS, and the hauntings of the past, allow me to be critical of anything that looks to be “other than normal.”
August 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Are you saying that what we’ve had for the past two years is the “normal” you would prefer to move forward with into the future? Also, you bring up “spouses, kids, special deals”, sounds like accusations from the old board as well that were never validated or proven by anyone. Who’s bringing up the “perceived” past?
August 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Larry, that’s the problem - you make statements about people you haven’t bothered to get to know.
The continual references to “rubber-stamping” show either a lack of understanding, or perhaps a disregard of the way that a board of education functions.
D.W. was hired by a board that picked him because they liked his philosophy and they trusted his judgment - otherwise why hire the guy? When decisions needed to be made, most of the “work” took place behind the scenes, so by the time votes were taken, a consensus had already been reached, thereby the appearance of a “rubber-stamp.” The reason why board meetings were so short and to the point is that most, if not all of the hard stuff had already been hammered out before anyone walked into the meeting. This is the way it works in most board situations. The only time you don’t see this is when someone doesn’t get the idea of consensus, or communication breaks down. Consensus becomes difficult with people who operate on the premise of “what’s good for me is good for us all,” when “what’s good for me” isn’t “what’s good for us all.” Communication becomes very difficult too.
In my opinion, what happened in the past few years was brought on by 3 problems: 1. some board member’s unwillingness to allow people to do the jobs they were hired to do. “Oversite” was taken to a whole new level. 2. This “oversite” was never done by direction from the board. 3. A basic lack of understanding of the board member role and the board member’s individual rights (which is basically a vote in the decision process). These 3 factors caused the problem.
You believe that Dr. Little will be put in an “uncomfortable position” with 4 people solidly behind him and an attorney with prior BOE experience. That is an interesting perspective.
You’ve also said you support TBPS, yet you keep bringing up the fact that you don’t like someone you’ve never met and refer to a “haunting past” that appears to be largely a figment of a few people’s imagination that you appear to have bought into, but not necessarily experienced first hand. That is an interesting way to experience life.
What has happened in the past 2 years is not imaginary. The damage is real - not perceived. The other thing that is real and not imaginary is that the voters in this community spoke loud and clear that they were not in the least bit happy with what had gone on and the community came out in record numbers to vote its preference - and it wasn’t for any candidate you supported. Doesn’t that tell you something?
My suggestion is that you either do what we did, which was form a group and take action, or stop complaining until you have something beyond perception to complain about.
August 10th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Is anyone else upset about the new early dismissal for the township?
August 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Not complaining Ms Stinsen, past two years has been terrible, not normal. Voters spoke this last election, I trust all 7 members to run this township. LR is part of the former Supt reign, as other members of TBPS.
It is the townships job to take care of our kids, watch the taxpayers money, and work together. Something that has NOT been done the past two years.
I don’t want to “start a group” I am independent as I have always been. Hiring the “good ole boys” again will only bring more grief and split the township more. Remember there has really been a lot of water over the dam, on both sides. Very embarrassing, we should stay far away from the past. Very far.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:21 am
I was pleasantly surprised at the last School Board meeting, August 11th. The new Board President, Maple, is obviously more qualified to run the meetings, he has a kind disposition — and has a penchant for keeping members/audience on-track, so meetings last only one hour. The three new board members give the room a warm glow. It’s obvious that everyone is breathing a sigh of relief!
Both new and old board members are spinning yarns about coming together, unity, moving ahead, etc. Nothing is wrong with that, but someone really needs to talk to Maple about his troublesome spontaneous wit, which can get him into trouble and be very dis-unifying.
At the August 11th meeting, as Dr. Debra Barnes was recommending the next text book the district would adopt — a “witty” Maple interupted her and asked: “is the Freedom Writer’s Diary going to be part of that?” Instantly you heard groans from others who were as embarrassed as I was that Maple would say something so inappropriate. Of course Maple was referring to the recent controversy surrounding Perry Meridian high school teacher Connie Heermann who was suspended for an incredible 18-months for using the Freedom Writer’s Diary in her classroom…they say, without permission. I’m not sure what Maple’s joke really meant, except that he went on to hold up stacks of letters that he receives which are in protest of the teachers suspension. Maple added,”In these letters we have been called, nazi’s, communists, censors. I just want to not be on TV anymore and just run this Board. The board has been terribly misrepresented by the media.” Well, if he wants no more controversy in this matter, he’d better not make sarcastic wisecracks about it, don’t you think?
So despite the new board “talking” about unity, with comments like Maples , I think we still have a long way to go to be unified. We have many open wounds in this township. And all of us are cognizant that these wounds were caused by three remaining board members. So if they want to talk unity, don’t bring up the past and try to be funny about it at the teacher and her orphaned students expense! There is nothing funny about this board’s not-to-recent past. Do and say something positive, or say nothing at all.
Proteacher
August 15th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Great choice in attorney’s!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Yep, “Great choice” if you’re interested in spending as much money as possible. I’m not sure if you’re more happy about who it was than who it wasn’t. No need to respond Larry, we know it’s none of your business.