Please keep in mind, that a private Facebook group and the woman who runs it, is not a fair representation of, or the spokesperson for all of the concerned citizens of Granite City.
You members have been elected by the people to make the difficult decisions on our behalf. Unlike the spokesperson for this private Facebook group, most parents and tax paying residents realize that you have taken an oath to act in a manner that puts the student's best interests above and before any "hidden agenda" that keeps being implied by the owner of that group.
Please realize, this private group is made up of 2000 residents that joined the group to discuss exclusively, candidates of a past election. It appears as if less than 5% of this group even have an opinion on this topic.
With that being said, I am hoping you will not let the bullying tactics, and the repeated tags posted by that page owner, where each and every BOE member is being called out one by one by name, and repeatedly put on the spot, pursued your decision on this residency vote.
Regardless of the personal opinions of the leader of this Facebook group, people will cast their votes at the next election remembering those who had the courage to do the right thing keeping the students in mind, despite the threats of never being re-elected for not falling inline with her way of thinking.
This residency requirement is an antiquated rule that limits our hiring abilities, while also excluding some highly skilled education professionals only because of their address.
Assuming you meant "persuade", I will say this. If a Board member doesn't have the guts to stand by their belief, they shouldn't be on the school board.
One of the members of the board in particular seem to be pushing this agenda. Oddly enough, she has only been on the board for a little over a month now so I'm not sure what the motive is. Time will tell.
I would also say hiring one or two administrators who don't live here will not change the district. No one person has the background or ability to change everything to where it should be. Kcee, do you honestly believe an outsider will be able to right the ship? If so, what could they do to fix a really bad perception of the local school system?
This is more than likely being done because several top of the heap administrators are currently living out of town and in fact, Mrs. O said one lady accused the superintendent of having a bogus address here. If that's true, then by all means, other administrators should be give the same consideration. Should the board fire a new superintendent if they find out she only has an address and not a residence?
Apparently they are voting on this issue at the next meeting. Why so soon, is one of the questions being asked. Why not concentrate on getting school started in the fall, another question. If people truly have a dog in this fight, they should call or e-mail the board members and ask how they will vote. You elect them to answer questions for you.
And as for the lady on the private page, she has every right to threaten ("bully") the board on election day. It's still America the last time I checked the sign over the door. If we don't like what current leaders do, vote them out and put in ones that may act the way you want to see them.
Mrs. O said at least three board members responded on that private page so you have to give them credit for guts at least.they did not fail, because they did what their country asked of them....
Assuming you meant "persuade", yes, that is exactly what I meant and I'm pretty certain you already knew that, but couldn't pass up the opportunity to try to make me appear foolish. I stand corrected over my butchering the spelling of the word. Hopefully that brought you some sense of satisfaction.
You won't find any where in my post where I made a claim that this woman didn't have the right to threaten the board of education members about not getting re-elected, if they didn't fall in line with her way of thinking.
What you failed to mention was the point I was making about her representing a very small percentage out of that small group.
And no, I am not saying that an "outsider will be able to right the ship". But, clearly just doing more of the same, certainly will not either. Budgets, and test scores can certainly testify to that. So, just exactly what does this district have to lose by changing some antiquated rule that is clearly not being followed by all anyway?
I can tell you right out of the gate, the district will lose some of the decades old nepotism and it's employees will no longer have the pleasure of family or friends negotiating their salaries and benefits.
What a concept, actually being hired at a job regardless if it's a teaching position, or a janitor, or higher administration on your merit and who you are related to, or close friends with isn't taken into consideration as part of your resume.
You ask why this is being voted on so soon, I ask why not. Let's get this voted on and move forward.
You ask why this is being voted on so soon, I ask why not. Let's get this voted on and move forward.
Actually the people on that page are asking those questions. Personally if they vote today or tomorrow it has no effect on me.
Her page is similar to a CNN poll. It probably reflects more of her followers than you think but not a fair representation of all GC voters.
Just remember though that the lifting of this antiquated policy won't end nepotism. Don't forget that the administration and Board have friends from afar. In fact, it's a strong possibility that the rush on this may be to accomplish just that.
I only hope that the school board meeting isn't swarmed with pajama pant wearing people holding signs with poor grammar and spelling. We had enough of that during the shutdown. The time to show dissatisfaction with the Board is the next time they run.
Oh and since I don't know you, there's no joy in making you look foolish over using the wrong word or spelling it incorrectly. You actually make a good point about the policy being antiquated for the need of the district. The word pursued could also be used in describing what this page owner is trying to do to the board. LOL!they did not fail, because they did what their country asked of them....