Tax referendum and school district commentsArchived Message
Posted by Jim Greenwald on March 1, 2015, 4:57 pm
Good Sunday afternoon. I appreciate your comments and the interest on everything that is taking place. When someone asks what's going on I honestly say "There is a LOT going on."
Freedom of speech is great in America. I don't participate too often, but I want to communicate as well. I fully realize we have the right to beg to differ which in many instances we do, but I want to offer some true insights to some of these issues.
I was a Physical Education teacher in my early days as an educator. I have worked many jobs in the district from Sub Monitor to Superintendent. I have worked hard to better myself and firmly believe I am the right person for my position.
My six years as High School Principal put me at the forefront of everything from bomb threats to employees behaving badly. I always stepped up in a leadership role of fairness and plenty of intestinal fortitude. I'm not a good ole boy, not a figure head and I am very hands on. My days begin at bus stops at 4AM and reading to kindergarten children by 10. I am a tireless worker who has the best interest of this district in mind 24-7. Ask my staff; its a very common night to get a full itinerary of messages from me at 2AM. Also contrary to popular belief I have had nothing handed to me and have not been hired to every job I've applied for in this district.
I am born and raised a native of this town, and have had other options. Recently a message came to me from a large St. Louis district asking if I were interested. The answer was no; I'm fully committed to this district and community through the good times and bad.
My salary is fair market value and competitive wage for superintendents. There are local Superintendents who make more and have large extra packages from 1500 to 35,000 dollars. I don't have that and I don't want it. Last year the Board and I agreed to remove all mileage and car allowance from my contract. I'm glad they did. Last year a Superintendent in a similar South County district was making 275,000 and was stealing from the district by running up the credit card at Osage outlets and was inappropriate on the internet. Another Superintendent in North County was making 225,000 and was cheating district wide on test scores. I'm not involved in anything of that nature.
One more issue to clarify a couple of weeks ago GCHS Principal Daren DePew and Social Studies chairperson Vince Willaredt asked me to present to the 18 year old voters who opted to attend a voluntary meeting to hear the tax referendum presentation; it was voluntary all the way. The meeting was after school. I'm fully aware of the rules and would not think of talking to the students in class; it can't take place. This was a 10 minute informational session in the cafeteria after hours. It was at 11:30 after dismissal on a half day. Also students are not getting a full day off to vote, absolutely not. They are getting field trip status for the time they are gone to vote not all day or a half day. They will also be required to sign back in at the attendance office when they return with proof that they voted.
Have a super day. If you have not been to one of our many tax referendum meetings, I hope to see you soon.
Respectfully, Mr. Jim Greenwald Superintendent of Schools