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Hindering public comment does disservice to school district
By DEB WUETHRICH
I’m not often one to weigh in with my own opinion on things, especially controversial things, most often opting for the professional journalist stance, attempting to cover community issues as objectively as possible, sharing a representation of other people’s views, as it should be for news reporting. But like my bi-weekly column in the Herald and a Blog, sometimes even reporters have something to say and want to express an opinion that might be warranted.
I still can’t believe I witnessed what I did at Monday night’s school board meeting. Picture the room full of people, some with their jobs on the chopping block, some nervously waiting an opportunity to voice a comment to their representatives, the school board members.
Picture the consternation of some of those people when the board president rapidly recites her bi-monthly speech, “This is a meeting held in public, not a public meeting,” and spells out how speakers should give their names and limit comments to three minutes. Then, before one of those nervous and anxious people, a few who may have been attending a board meeting for the first time, could muster up the courage to go first, the board president, after I’d say, a no-more-than five second pause, moved on to the next order of business while audience members looked at each other, some wondering, “Was that our chance?”
Oh, well. There’s always the public comment period at the end of the meeting. Many of those present were determined to stick around anyway to hear the news they dreaded being made official that night with a vote: Tecumseh Public School jobs would be eliminated. They patiently awaited the second comment period. Debbie Johnson-Berges again recited “the rules” for public comment — then looked out over the audience for what I believe was even less than five seconds this time, and then asked, “Does the board have anything?” (This was the point that board member Gary Urban did, indeed, have something to say and tendered a surprise resignation.) I saw, once again, people looking at one another, wondering how they’d missed another opportunity.
Now technically, I know the board president can say she gave them their chance. No one spoke up or raised their hand. And she followed procedure and moved on to the next order of business: board member comments. But I can’t help but think that a disservice to the citizens of the school district took place Monday night.
I have covered various governmental meetings for the Herald for seven years now. Before that, I covered them in two different states. Here’s something I’ve observed: most people who want to share a concern in a public forum are nervous about that. They’re not public speakers. It takes them a moment or two to muster up their courage when the moment arrives — especially to stand up first. As a constituency of these elected board members, they deserve a moment’s consideration to help get the ball rolling.
Tecumseh City Council is a model place to see such consideration in action. Mayor Harvey Schmidt will deliberately scan the room, ensuring that everyone who wants to be heard will be heard before moving on, whether there is an audience of two or a full house. Maybe it’s “against the rules,” but I’ve even seen the council allow for a comment or two apart from the established time if it might shed some light on the issue being considered, and it’s still done respectfully and professionally.
When I covered Raisin Township board meetings, which unfortunately conflict with TPS meetings, so I can no longer go, I observed Supervisor Carl Wagner allow even frustrated audience members to comment for several minutes, even if it was unpleasant — even if it meant the trustees would have to sit there until 11 p.m., which they sometimes do.
To be fair to the board president, Monday night’s action was an unpleasant business and she probably wanted to move past it as quickly as possible, and in her haste to do so, some hesitant people missed the chance to express what they came out to discuss. Granted, these are hard times with tough decisions to be made and I admire those who fill the seats of these often thankless positions.
But at Tecumseh School Board, snooze, you lose, I guess. If you have a public comment, you have to be prepared to jump up and barge in with it, no matter how nervous you are.
I just think that a school district that is attempting to improve its communications with the public, and even lists it as an annual goal at each year’s retreat, can do a better job of it. A district that is trying to rebuild trust can make sure that the presiding member at least takes a real moment or two to ensure that people who take the time to attend the meeting get more than a rushed opportunity to say their piece. It can be done, and with respect shown on both sides. I don’t think that’s asking too much of any public body that says it welcomes input from the community.
WHY COMPLAIN NOW ???
The SCHOOL BOARD hasnt heard this community for months so why complain now ? The community voted NO to the sports complex and the School Board did what ? The community spoke out over the School Board out sourcing the work and the School Board did what ? State Rep Mr. Spade and the L.I.S.D. Superintendant made sure the School Board knew about that HOUSE BILL and the School Board did what ? Everyone knows how bad things have become and that folks have left the district and continue to leave and despite that the School Board did what ? 16 teachers now gone and several programs cut and despite that the School Board did what ? Dont complain thats a waste of time. SIGN Mr.Gorvos recall and end this fiasco before the STATE takes our school .
Govros has her chance to speak - twice
I'm sorry, but I don't share you disconcern for cutting off Mrs. Govros. I've had the pleasure of speaking at these meetings on numerous occasions and didn't have any issues. Mrs. Govros came to the meeting with a prepared statement, had TWO chances to speak, one at the beginning and one at the end of the meeting, and failed to present at either time. The Board has a lot of work to do, and cannot simply reorganize their meetings to allow for people to speak whenever they "garner the courage". She is a school teacher with "tenure", she should be used to speaking in a group, and was there for the purpose of speaking - presumably. Don't cry foul now that she failed to following the accepted protocol for the rest of the public. The rules are there for a reason, she should have to follow them too.
Mrs. Govro has been to many
Mrs. Govro has been to many board meetings and certainly knows how to complain when something doesnt go her way. She had every opportunity to speak. I say shame on you Mrs. WUETHRICH for writing this article. Their was at least a 20 second pause that night. I am not happy with the budget cuts of teachers losing their jobs either, but their is not much the board can do, and if people were upset they had their chance to talk 2 different times. You know that!. Maybe Mrs. WUETHRICH should have spent her time at Tecumseh Middle School on Tuesday , and watched the committed teachers spending a whole day learning about co teaching, and writing an article wondering why the rest of our colleagues chose not to come in and participate that day.
You are very wrong on the 20
You are very wrong on the 20 second pause! And you really think that 20 seconds is long enough for one person to get up and speak? Eric, are you givemeabreak also? Very similar in writing content! Are these the same committed teacher that were pink slipped also! You are cracking me up today!
Sorry - two seperate people
Sorry to disappoint you. Eric and Givemeabreak are two seperate people. However, perhaps we received similar educations - that would explain our similar writing styles.
Really?
Received similar educations? I think not. Only one of you knows the difference between there, their, and they're.
Am I missing something?
How did this turn into a Mrs. Govro bashing thread? She wasn't even mentioned in the original article ... What did she give you both a bad grade some time? And what is 'disconcern'? That doesn't even show up in Webster's ....
This is nothing more than typical politics starting to take place because her husband is pushing the recall effort. I wouldn't be surprised if Givemeabreak is a board member.
.... and these committed teacher's shouldn't have even had to be learning "co-teaching" ... that is just another program aimed at dealing with the shortcomings that this school board has created after laying off so many teachers and spending the money on sports.
Try researching harder
First, if you were at the meeting, you would know it was Mrs. Govros who tried to have the rules bent for her. She made quite a spectacle of herself. Enough said there. The simple fact is she came prepared to speak, had two opportunities to speak and chose not to when the time was offered. Don't cry now about not following the rules that everyone else in the community follows who attend and make comments at the Board Meetings.
Your assumption that I am a board member is wrong, why does it always come to that when people without an argument want to argue?
As for the word "disconcern", perhaps you need a new dictionary. See below the definition from Websters:
Good luck with the rest of your responses.
Givemeabreak
So, what your saying is despite a room full of freshly canned teachers and angry parents NO ONE spoke at all ??? Gary Urban spoke I know that but that was it ? PLEASE tell me thats not the case !!!
Limited opportunity
That was my point. No one stood right up to speak when those two periods came and I just felt that there was a too brief "window" for the public to speak before the board president moved on to more business and later, Board Comment when Mr. Urban spoke, or tfor people to realize it was time to get the ball rolling and I heard some people leaving grumbling about that. It was simply my observation that this sometimes happens at school board that I don't see at other governmental meetings, where the presiders do make extra effort to be sure that others are heard who want to say something.
I have seen our School Board
I have seen our School Board president in action and Im sure she was figuren the board was gonna take heat so Im sure she didnt drag her feet to get passed it . I also know Parlimentary Procedure enough to know when they open the floor to the public you cant be snoozin if you want to be heard. Let this be a lesson to us all I guess !!!
Exactly Correct
Mike - you are 100% correct. Normally when a board meeting is packed, there are a number of people waiting to speak at the first "open" comment. Then typically, more speak at the second "open" comment section. This time, dead silence twice. Berges did her typical speach and paused, looked around and moved on since no one raised their hand or spoke up. Don't blame her for wanting to end an unpleasant meeting and requiring that all citizens follow the rules for the meeting.
Givemeabreak
How sad !!! Maybe Im just to out spoken but if it was me and my job was gone for a football stadium the board would want armed guards at every meeting LOL.
NO one got a chance to SPEAK!
I was there Mr Bailey, Berges was in such a hurry to get it passed by, not wanting to hear from anyone. You know how they work. It was pathetic! What comes around, goes around, they will get theirs. I say we outsource McAran's job, I'm sure Adrian can send someone over for 4 hours a day. LOL
Princess
Yep, considering what the job pays for those 4 hours Im sure they can find someone ! LOL
Givemeabreak
Certainly not going to debate your use of a word I could not find in my 2006 Webster's Dictionary, so I'll concede that to you. But your arrogance is quite overwhelming to me. Some of us in this community still have jobs and could not be in attendance for that very reason. Had you explained in your original post about the 'spectacle' you believe Mrs. Govro made, I would have at least remained silent as I was not there to see it. If you go back and read your post, in relation to the story, it made no sense.
Unfortunately, I saw it as a cheap shot and tried to fire one back. I regret that.
No offense taken
KevinB - No problem. After I posted, I wished I could "edit" like you can on some boards. Thanks for your thoughts.
Nope, pretty
Nope, pretty sure givemeabreak is a EX Board member. So that being said, knows all the ins and outs of the whole process. And I was there, and the wonderful very conceited Board President DIDN'T give ANYONE time to ask ANYTHING! So cheers to Deb for putting herself and The Tecumseh Herald out here for you all to comment about! It was funny how Mr. Anderson even made the comment No one had time to respond to anything. He is very right, you can't hear anything with the 2 little speakers in the corners. But then again, that is how McAran wants it, no one can dispute him then!
Princess
Can the School Board close its meetings to the public ? Ive been waiting for that to happen. I mean 'CLOSED DOOR' meetings that result in us getting only the minutes after the fact !
Open act.......
I don't think so, but then again remember who/whom we are talking about!
PLENTY OF TIME WAS GIVEN
Mrs. Govro is the subject of this board because she is the one who made a spectacale of herself once again. However Mrs. W, you should be ashamed of yourself for your aticle and your comments. Ample time was given at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. You were there; although you might have been sleeping. The only reason and yes the only reason Mrs. Govro was there and upset is because her husband was losing his job. I would like to see her come and complain sometime when their is something that actually doesnt affect her. The last time she was vocal was when she felt as a teacher of Tecumseh Schools she should get first pick at their day care. This woman is about her own self serving interests and that only. Now for Mrs. W to say oh that poor woman wasnt given a chance to speak is ridiculous.
Reading Specialists
Isnt amazing that the reading specialists talked about all the things they are doing to improve reading scores, and how that the number of kids who are reading at grade level is above now 90% in the elementaries. But with that when MRs. W woke up from her nap at the board meeting all she could do is worry about someone who didnt get to talk, after 2 opportunities.
I am mad as hek about things going on in the school district to, but constantly focusing on the negative is doing nothing but bringing this district down. Wake up people we are in the worst economy since the depression, the worst economy in the united states, and the state legislator is screwing all kids in Michigan.
Test scores, teacher salaries, wins and losses, good teachers, That is what we should be focusing on.
Eric
"Test scores, teacher salaries, wins and losses, good teachers, That is what we should be focusing on. "
The term "Buffoon" comes to mind. Note all, that "wins and losses" comes before good teachers in his list. How coincidental he shares similar ideals to McAran.
Go back and learn how to spell and write properly, I pray you are not teaching our kids.
Knowing the issues that are
Knowing the issues that are going on here in Tecumseh and Board Meetings that certainly have many people that wish to speak their minds are hard to control. But with that said I have been a Board of Education member in the past, (not in this town) When I was on that Board there was some critical issues we had meetings and open forum’s where the protocol and Roberts rule of order are adjusted.
This can be done HERE if those people truly want to do what is right! Rules for meetings can always be adjusted; the problem here seems to be that they did not want to. They did not want to HEAR anyone. This is why they continue to FAIL. Yes we have to CONTROL things so they do not get out of hand, but it can be done so people can speak their mind.
Some will feel there was proper time and some will not, but with all due respect! Do you really think they wanted to hear anyone? Sorry as I see it, there is a LONG HISTORY here with the Board Members, McAran, Mills, EXC.
If we think things are bad now, it’s just begun! More layoffs will come next year, more bad decisions will come from the above people all for what? Tell me please that they care. LOL.
You have to remember Mills
You have to remember Mills is only doing what he is aloud to do. God still controls everyone and everything that goes on with the schools. It is worded in his contrat, he has the "final word". Ask to see his contract. Maybe the Herald can print it on the front page! LOL
Mensing
Im putting a letter in the Herald next week that has to do with Mr. Mensing. Im not very happy with this idea that he had something to do with this new field. Jason may support it but give me a break he didnt bring it here ! I cant see a P.E. teacher having that kind of power to control the School Board. The special treatment I hear he has gotten fails when compared to the pressure he is under now to win over this new field.
I agree with you, But Mills
I agree with you, But Mills does what HE likes to do when hiring coaches and that is giving them to teachers. It’s been a revolving door of Basketball Coaches over the last seven years and it is a shame.
What would the point have been.
Vandlr and others - what really would the point have been to set the rules aside at the time in question? The Stadium was approved and funding authorized over 9 months ago, the contracts have been signed for many months [and therefore the school is bound to pay these contractors to do the job] and the Stadium is more than 50% completed as we discuss this. Further, no one said a word during the first "open" session - BEFORE the resolutions were made, seconded and PASSED.
So, at the time we're all debating about, the evil deeds we all hate were already DONE. People in this community need to get involved in advance, not Monday Morning quarterback everything after the fact.
In this case, the layoffs had been announced two weeks previously at the prior board meeting. Govros and the others in the audience knew what was going to happen in the Board Meeting, they were told in the prior Board Meeting, in the paper and in the Agenda for that night's meeting. So, if they really had something to say that could have changed the outcome, why didn't they speak at the beginning? Waiting to the end of the meeting, when it was about to close was pointless - Just like this entire argument on whether she should have been entitled to speak "after-the-fact". Other than change the time the meeting ajourned, what would it have changed?
Givemeabreak, I understand
Givemeabreak, I understand what your saying. My thought was just as in what I have seen before in my past. If you allow people to speak during a board meeting, even if that means adjusting things before or at the end. People than at least have the ability and could say why they wanted. So they could be heard.
Greetings everyone!
HI Givemeabreak and eric, and everyone else, of course. This is Jennifer Etherton-Govro. It's nice to
meet you...but I haven't really met you, have I? I am the only one of the
three of us that has put their name on here.
I'm tired...beyond tired. I wanted to come home tonight, crawl
in the bed, and call it a day, but was told I reeeeeeeally needed to read these
responses first.
I have spent nearly my entire day doing something for the benefit of7:30am and9:45pm .
others. I left at
just got home...
Because of confidentiality issues, I can't disclose what I do, but I can tell
you it takes me places like prisons, hospitals, churches, etc. And yes, I
squeezed in lunch with a friend whom I had offered to help with some work-related
problems and did my grocery shopping, but I guess I just put that out there so
the accusation of "self-serving" might deflate a bit...if not, oh
well...God knows.
That being said, I am going to address what was said...but I do not promise
perfection...which is apparently is an expectation of some. And for
the record, my email is govrogang@yahoo.com and my phone number is 902-7505 for
anyone who would like to address me personally. This would be greatly
appreciated, especially if you're anything like Givemeabreak or eric...who
apparently love to hear their own voices as I have no idea what they are basing
their responses on.
Let's look at the "spectacle" I made of myself. This is how
I recall the event happening.
I showed up at the meeting completely prepared to say NOTHING. Though
I was upset about my husband being laid off, I still have to work there.
It really doesn't make sense for me to intentionally put a target on my
back. Oh well... looks like I did it anyway.
During the course of the meeting, I started hearing a theme, "we need
technology for this...we need technology for that....we outsourced this, and
are now spending more money, now we are going to outsource that, we are
concerned about security at the high school with phones, and yet want to let
anyone work on our school computers where confidential student and family
information is kept, etc." As things were said that went against
what I consider "right" (and we are ALL allowed our opinion of what
that might look like), I made a list. If I felt lead to say something at
the end, I would...but wasn't sure I was willing to put myself out there like
that...for exactly the reason sited, it would look like it was about my
husband's job rather than education.
Have you ever tried to stand up and speak in a situation where your boss is
sitting in front of you, your peers are all around you, and there are a number
of people you don't know at all? Do you have a clue how intimidating that
can be when you KNOW what you are going to say could get you in hot
water? I do...but I have no problem doing any of that!!! I believe
I do well in these situations...but this time it was different. This time
it had the potential of being about my interests, instead of the interests of
education, and THAT'S what scared me. I didn't want to do that. It
wasn't until Mr. Urban said what he said, that I found the courage to say what
I wanted to say. My heart goes out to him...he is a good man, who loves
kids, and I believe he wanted to make a difference. I chastised myself
for not saying something when it was "your pleasure", yet this man
could put his heart out there, for all to see. So I decided to rectify
that...just as soon as I realized the last sentence by Ms. Berges was stated,
concerning Mr. Urban's resignation. For those of you who weren't there,
this is how the next minute to minute and a half went.
Jennifer: (stood up) Ms. Berges, I had cold feet before, may I say
something now?
Berges: "SURE" (caps for understanding, she was not emphatic
in her response...but she did say "sure")
Jennifer: Do you want my paper? (the one you have to fill out to
speak at "your pleasure")
Berges: Yes
Jennifer: (walks to the front table, turns around and places herself off to
the side where she could be seen by board and audience) My name is Jennifer
Etherton-Govro
Berges: (interrupts) Excuse me, the time for that is over.
Jennifer: (flabbergasted) That's what I just asked you, why did you
say sure?
Berges: You could bring your paper up here and we'll read what you
have to say.
Jennifer: I didn't write what I wanted to say on there, it's just an
outline.
Berges: I can't help that, the time for that is over.
Jennifer: (turns to the press table and points directly to them) Well
press, I'll be glad to talk with you afterwards." (Then returns to her
seat)
Spectacle? I guess if you already have something against me
Givemeabreak and Eric, you would have seen it that way. But I can't begin
to count the number of people who addressed me afterwards about how wrong it
was that I was "shut down". A couple of people even said,
"go, Jennifer, go" and "tell it, Jennifer", as they passed
by me when I was speaking to Ms. W. from the Herald.
So, for the record, I asked to speak, and was told, "sure".
If she had said "no, the time for that is over" when I first stood
up, you wouldn't have had anything to write about now, because I would have sat
down. I didn't know I was "breaking a rule". Agenda's are
made, and can be changed...or at least I thought so. I have since found
out in meetings like this, there are legal reasons for not altering the
agenda. Live and learn...and I did.
I have attended many board meetings? I went to the one two weeks ago,
and I believe I went to two a year ago in June (to support teachers...none of
which were myself). I love when people use words like; always, never, a
lot, many, etc. There was a time when I was required to attend quite a
few meetings over a period of time. That was when I was the chairperson
of the District Financial Planning Committee. Do you remember that
committee? We had a fund equity of around $125K at the time, which was/is
pitiful. We developed a plan to increase the percentage of money saved
over the next ten or so years to increase our fund equity to an substantial
amount in order to withstand a true financial disaster...not build a football
stadium. But I digress....
20 second pause? Are you sure we were in the same meeting?
No Mike B., no one spoke. Like you said, what's the point. But I
think it's so much more than that. I spoke with a teacher before the
meeting started and she said, "I would love to say
____________" I asked her why she wasn't going to. She said,
"It doesn't matter what you say and then you get ridiculed."
Sad, huh? I have a hunch she's not the only one who feels that way.
Also, Mike B., to respond to your "why complain now"...I have aMaumee Tecumseh
School District
thought about this...not a reason or an excuse, just a possibility. When
the community was approached about the stadium, they heard tons of
"good" reasons why this should be built. They were over-whelmed
with propaganda for quite some time before it was put to a vote. Then the
vote happened...and the stadium was turned down. (Do you hear the sigh of
relief throughout Tecumseh?) Not too long after that, the Herald
publishes a statement that said the bond was just a worse case scenario, and
the district really did have the money, so they were going to build it anyway.
(Can you see all the jaws dropping around town?) Next, you read that a
company has been hired to "assess" the old Indians stadium, and have
now condemned it! (Can you smell the aroma of manure coming from
somewhere between
Evans?) Following the "condemnation" of the stadium, it is
demolished. (Can you feel the shock and dismay of this community?)
Though there are other disturbing events along this path, I'll just skip to the
end, where the education of every student in the
lay-offs of teachers, teacher assistants, computer techs, and custodians...yes,
even the custodians. Close your eyes and picture an elementary school in
February, with the snow and ice and salt and mud, and a custodian available to
mop once a day (currently at Herrick Park, it is done every time it is needed,
because salt destroys the floor and the HP custodian takes great pride in the
cleanliness of that building...bar none!). Can you picture that?
Yuck! (Can you taste the after taste of being fed something foul?)
Mike, I think this community's senses were so over-whelmed, they were
speechless!!! That's why no one spoke up before. Tecumseh (and forgive me
if I appear to be speaking for the opposing view point...it's just the name of
our town) is just getting it's feet back underneath it. Once the equilibrium
is established, people are bound to comprehend what has really happened and
start to react. It may seem like a day late and a dollar (or $1.4
million) short, but the recall isn't about that. It's about salvaging the
future, not fixing the past.
I have to admit, I found one statement by eric hilarious (please interpret
the word hilarious to be sarcastic). He said, and I cut and pasted so
that it was written as he wrote it, "I would like to see her
come and complain sometime when their is something that actually doesn’t affect
her. " IF I spoke up about everything, even the things that didn't affect
me, then you'd be calling me a busy body and trying to stick my nose into
everything. I truly believe this is a lose lose with you...because you
obviously have an axe to grind with me. OF COURSE, I'm going to stand up
about things that affect me. Why wouldn't I? I sleep well knowing I
said and did all I could, when I could. But what is more important is, I
speak up when it affects MY students....maybe not ALL students, but certainly
MY students. Everything I had intended to say at the Board meeting, and
did say to Ms. W, had to do with my students and how these recent board
decisions affected them. But since Ms. W. couldn't print absolutely
everything I said, and I wasn't allowed to speak...I guess you'll never
know.
Just to set the record straight: the meeting two weeks before ONLY1:15pm on Monday, 5 hours and 45 minutes
told of teacher lay-offs so no, we hadn't known about my husband's lay-off for
two weeks. As a matter of fact, my husband was told at
before the board meeting.
I believe I have addressed the pertinent points in the previous
responses. If you would like me to address something I didn't, please
don't hesitate to ask. As I stated in the beginning, I am more than
willing to speak with anyone. You have my email and my phone
number. If you'd like a face-to-face, that can be arranged too.
I just want to end with an apology. I am sorry my wanting to speak up
for students (yes students, not my husband) took on a life of its own...and
took the focus off where it should be....THIS DISTRICT AND WHAT IS BEST FOR A L L STUDENTS!!!
Sincerely,
Jennifer
YOU care nothing about
YOU care nothing about students Mrs. Govro. Shameless self promoter is more like it. Aren't you the same teacher who thought should have first choice to pre school for their child because you are a teacher? Lot of caring for ALL students there!
Bravo. And thank you.
Bravo. And thank you.
Perception is a powerful tool
Welcome Jennifer. Hopefully you're well rested and feel better after venting.
The dialogue you outlined above is not the same dialogue that I heard sitting in the same room, so no, I do not have the same "take" on what occurred, and still feel that you were "out of place". I would love to hear the tape recordings that the papers' make because I did not hear her invite you to speak but said the opposite, that the time for public comment was over. The "Sure" you refer to was in response to your question as to whether you could give her something - not permission to speak. However, as you point out, the situation is intimidating, so perhaps you perceived things to unfold as you outlined above - but others of us didn't.
I assumed you came prepared because you handed her some papers. Contrary to your statement that you have to fill something out in order to speak, you do not. I have spoken plenty of times at the Board Meetings, and never filled out anything. The only requirements to speak are 1) speak during the public comment periods, 2) stand, 3) state your name and address, and 4) limit your comments to 3 minutes. So, perhaps you can understand why I was confused on the point that you had prepared something when you handed her your paper. Generally, the only papers coming from the audience to the Board are prepared statements and reports. There is no "permission slip" to speak.
Finally, I'll go back to my earlier statement and ask exactly what you hoped to achieve at that point with your statements. The Stadium is already funded and nearing completion. The Board voted on and passed the layoffs. If you had any hope of effecting policy, you should have spoken at the start of the meeting (which is still unlikely) but at the end is too late.
Good luck with your recall.
Thank you.
Thank you for toning down the angst in your response. Slept like the
dead, if you really want to know.
I admit it is very possible that due to tension in the room, and in my own
body, I may have misunderstood what Berges said. However, the only thing
I have at the moment is my memory. So that is all I can reference.
So much of what many people say comes from assumption. Remember what
assume spells... it makes an .......you know the rest. I had two papers,
both of which I picked up when I walked in. When I picked up the one that
required your name, address, phone number, email, and gave five or six lines to
write your concerns on, I specifically asked someone (sorry, don't remember who
now), "What is this for?" I was told it was if you wanted to say
something during your pleasure. I was stunned because I too have stood up
and spoken before without filling anything out. So I assumed (there's
that word again!) it was something new the board was requiring. No big
deal, I'll fill it out and be ready...just in case.
As for what did I hope to achieve....I guess, no, I know what I wasTecumseh
going to say would not make any difference. If the whole town of
is going to speak and say no to the football stadium, why are they going to
listen to me?!?!? I just wanted it on the record that someone, and a teacher at
that, is against what has gone on.
Thanks for your well wishes with the recall, but I still don't know who you
are. My email is govrogang@yahoo.com and my phone number is
902-7505. Please feel free to contact me directly.
Jennifer
Givemeabreak
Do you work for the schools ? You a teacher also ? I dont know Mrs. Gorvo but it seems to me you to have abit of history together. I detect a tone of anger and was wondering if you want to share your thoughts with the rest of the class ? LOL
Hmmmm...
I've had the same wonderings Mike, because I have no idea who "givemeaboardmember" (Ha! My husband came up with that one!) is! Jennifer
Nope -
Sorry - not a teacher, not married to a teacher, not a board member, not married to a board member. By the way, if you succeed, you'll need "give me FOUR board members".
Oh, yea
And I forgot - before you stood up and attempted to speak, I had no clue who you were. So, no history or personal axe to grind. Just trying to keep the boards "balanced" and reporting on track. But there again, its my perception - your's may differ.
Givemeabreak
O.K. I'll take your word for it. If you see me stand and give my name and address at a Board meeting please make sure you introduce yourself so I can put a face to the name.
And ruin the fun
Can't do that, it would ruin the surprise when you're booed on Parent's night at the new field this fall.
Givemeabreak
LOL !!! Atleast you have a sense of humor thats a good thing. You should know me well enough by now that Im gonna pick those tomatoes up and throw them back ! So keep your head down ! LOL
Jennifer
Wow, my name got mentioned 2 or 3 times Im flattered. LOL All I was trying to say was I am not a school teacher nor do I work for the sdhool in any way yet, I have blasted this board for how long ? I dont work in the construction business but I have blasted the board over not useing local contractors ! My son will be a senior this year and I could say "my son has graduated so who cares, Im all done with this fight." DONT GET EXCITED McAran THATS NOT HAPPENING ! ! ! I simply want to know when everyone else plans on standing up ??? I suppose this Recall will show me.
Good Morning, Mike...
Sorry...nothing was meant by naming you directly. I just wanted to point out where the comment was coming from. Hey! We are having a garage sale this Saturday. Why don't you stop by and introduce yourself? We would love to meet you in person. If you look through the garage sales in the Herald this week....I'm sure you'll have no trouble figuring out which one is ours! :-D Jennifer
Jennifer
I will try to do that but EVERY saturday Im at my fathers helping him out. My father suffered a stroke afew years back and lost his vision so the lawn is my problem now . The only good thing is he lives on the lake so that helps. LOL I will try though and thanks for the offer.
WOW!
We are so much more alike that you even know! Every Saturday we go to my dad's and clean his house and mow his yard because my mother died on 12/31 very unexpectedly and my father has Alzheimer's to the point that there are days he thinks I'm his sister. It is such an EVIL disease! Anyway...this Saturday we are going to bring him out to our house because he loves to talk to people and will get such a kick out of yackin' it up with people who stop by. He's a very sweet, dear man....even with his Alzheimer's he knows how to be gracious and polite and wants to build people up (he always thanks me for cleaning the house and tells me how wonderful he thinks I am.). He adopted me when he was almost 40...and devoted his life to raising me and my sister (not biological). I love to tell this story...so even tho it is so totally off topic, I'm going to tell it anyway! When I was in high school, I was a diver. If I went to a 4p meet, he knew I'd be home by 7p. If I went to a 7p meet, he knew I'd be home by 10p. He always picked me up at the high school. I was never allowed to ride in anyone's car because he was afraid they'd kill me. So one time, we had a meet that was an invitational (competing against 9 other schools instead of just one). I didn't think to tell him that because it started at 4p, that we wouldn't be back until midnight...so he showed up at the high school at 7p. He waited there until midnight!!! We lived 3 miles from the school!!! I said, "Daddy, why didn't you go home? I would have called you to come get me." His response was, "Because I didn't want you to think I forgot about you." Wow....what love! I'd like to think that anyone who was raised in that kind of loving, caring environment might have a caring bone or two in her body too! On that note...we will be cleaning and mowing Sunday evening instead.
Hope you can squeeze a minute or two in before or after your dad's. If not...you have our emails and my phone number. Be blessed, Jennifer
Wow
My step mother was a school teacher in the little town of Camden MI. for 30 years. She is a very dear woman and takes care of my father like a saint. My father was the Atheletic Booster President for Jonesville for 15 years and you dont even want to know what they think of this mess !!! Most of my veiws come from him considering he raised me when my parents divorced. Most folks in this town know my mother and step father John and Carrie Krzyzaniak. My mom had workes at Tee Pee for years and John sat on city council.
Thought
Got off the phone with the L.I.S.D. Superintendants office after asking how Mr. McArans position could be terminated. If I understand correctly ? Only the School Board can do that because he works for them. So, rather then recall the board members why not offer up a deal ? We drop the recall and you terminate McAran its a win win situation . UNLESS he continues to get paid under his contract even if terminated ? I cant go along with that ! ! !
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