I added link to newest Kenosha News article (click here and here). Seems there are other 'radicals' "insert all previous anonymous name callings here' in the Village that have similar ideas. Love the mention of blogs...hmmm, whose blogs could that be? :-) ("Preston said he's been in contact with several people as part of an online blog who want the idea implemented or at least considered. ") And to think Michael Pollocoff mentioned that blogs weren't a way to discuss items at a recent Village Board meeting. We do serve a purpose Mr. Anonymous! Doesn't take a Ph.D. to write one or respond either (tongue-in-cheek).
Click here (The "REEL" and visible Truth about PLEASANT PRAIRIE) & here (The (Somewhat) Daily RAG). Here is State of Wisconsin Site: (click here). Interesting idea. Are the schools up to residents standards? Are we getting our monies worth? Is the current KUSD Board putting our Village taxpayers at risk? (click here). Does this sound a little familiar? (click here). What do you think? or add comments to the Blogs linked above
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29 comments:
Look out Pleasant Prairie. Even looking into a separation from Unified may mean exactly what Pollocoff detests...Looking out for our own interests. How ironic. We do, after all, have to look at what is good for the community at large right??!! Think about it. Every man and woman out for themselves is only right if you are one of the Village elite elected officials or the WAMI award winning staff members. I'm sure the WEA and teachers/administrators, not to mention community leaders, would have plenty of energy regarding such decisions. Just ask any of the Catholic School committee members regarding recent consolidation talks.
Here's something else to think about from today's paper:
The investigation led police to take a 16-year-old Kenosha boy in custody Tuesday afternoon while he was attending Tremper High School. Police, with the warrant, searched the teenager's home and located cash, clothing, a bag and a handgun that all were believed to have been used in the crime, Rafferty said.
This is more of the same shoddy journalism from the Kenosha News. Krerowicz is a hack journalist. His penchant for misquotation would be world
renowned if he wrote for a respectable media outlet.
Monica invites a resident to voice his concerns at a school commission meeting, and suddenly the Village is seceding from the KUSD. He didn't quote
anyone from the Village (or school commission) because this is patently false. The Village/school commission is doing an investigation into the costs,
referendums, et al regarding said secession.
It's similar to the article on the 80th street resolution. Doug Palmer, one of my closest friends lives @ 5128 79th street. He insists most residents
are in favor of the proposal, have called for this extension, and knew for almost 20 years it was coming. His brother-in-law was there Tuesday night, and concurred with the Village Board's decision as well. Lockwood proceeds to interview the two vocal opponents and champion their cause...in spite of the majority of the neighborhood residents being in favor of the opposite opinion.
This lack of journalistic integrity is a farce, and due to the lack of competition...beyond public reproach. I have been misquoted a few times in my miniscule dealings with the News, and learned from THIER mistakes.
BTW, Bob Babcock Jr. Met your wife this afternoon at Strange Elementary (my wife teaches there). She's great, I think she was worried I thought badly of you and/or your dad. I assured her otherwise, that I commend you for your involvement and concern for the Village and its future. (I am sure my opinion is your measuring stick!!! LOL) That being said, I am sure we'll be seeing each other again (hope you come to the school commission meeting on the 15th).
John,
I will be making every effort to be at the meeting on the 15th.
My wife was really worried more about discussing the Pleasant Prairie school stuff. Today was her second day teaching at that school so she didn't know anybody or what they thought about this. She's not really into our local government except for the water problems we have in our neighborhood.
She said you and your wife were very nice.
Bob,
You know that I'm a real jerk!!! Outspoken and proud of it.
I was rippin' into the News (and Preston for calling Krerowicz). When I said "some moron in the Village", she thought I was referring to you (she hadn't seen the paper yet). It was really funny, the teachers there know I don't really like to pull punches. I have some great information on the school district from a few sources. If you have any specific questions prior to that school commission meeting, email me...I will do what I can to get you answers.
Is there another blog out there by any chance? Not sure who this Preston person is but good for him for taking some initiative. I was looking at previous School Commission agenda's but I don't see any Citizen Comments listed; will they make an exception at next meeting?
Mike,
I applaud anyone getting involved in improving their community through the proper channels. I don't feel the News handled this well (nor many other things for that matter).
If Preston contacted Krerowicz, I don't appreciate his modus operandi. He basically whacked the bee hive with a stick and ran. I don't see how it could have happened any other way. How would Krerowicz got his name without being contacted (I know it wasn't Yuhas).
Just my opinion about the situation. By the way, that and $3.50 might get you a cup of Starbucks...but only a small one.
It seems I was proved correct in regard to the shoddy journalism. The pseudo-retraction in today's paper is all anyone can expect from the Kenosha News. I doubt there was any repercussion, meaning Krerowicz (or anyone else there) can continue this type of antagonistic, hack journalism. How lovely for us!!!!
Some basic questions
If we leave KUSD,
how much of the current KUSD debt are we responsible for?
do we get to take over the KUSD schools that are in the Village?
what is the start-up cost of a new school district, brick and mortar?
how hard will it be to staff the new school district with teachers, support staff, administrators, custodians, etc.?
What is the time frame to come on-line and ready for students?
Bussing?
Retirement?
It only took two minutes to come with this list. It is just the tip of the ice-burg. Of course the big question... who will provide garbage service for the new school system?
It seems that logic such as basic MBA math can't make a dent in an emotional issue.
Seems that maybe Richard is right that if we can get more bang for the buck, then we should do it,,,, and what seems to have failed to come out is that if we can't get more bang for our buck, then proving it should put this issue to bed so that we can focus on other issues.
John,
So contacting the media is not a way to raise awareness? So are you also a proponent of no cameras in the Village meetings?
-NN
I may be wrong. I often am, but I do not see any antagonism nor hack journalism.
What am I missing?
Contacting the media and giving them TRUTHFUL information is great! Never did I say otherwise. However, false information or sensationalistic rubbish isn't. The village has never stated its interest in seceding from KUSD, yet it said so in print. Kudos to Krerowicz and his editors for their fact checking?!?!?!?! This is something taught in basic journalism courses...and should be a tenet of ALL journalists.
If your name is used, and you didn't say what the article has you saying, and no facts are double checked....I would say hack journalism. Such was the case here....call it what you will, but it wasn't journalism.
As to cameras in Village meetings, they aren't gonna hurt...so why not have them. What does that have to do with shoddy journalism or the KUSD issues?
Yes, the media is human and they get their facts mixed up and yes they should check things.
I've read and re-read the article. What wasn't factual? I must be missing something.
As for camera's,,,I admit that I was curious that since you (apparently at the time) didn't agree with contacting the media, then perhaps you'd disagree with camera presence.
New neighbor...did you happen to catch the headline of the article???
"Village talks of splitting from Unified"
It's an implication the governmental body is looking into this, which isn't the case (at least not yet). There may soon be this investigation, but we shall see.
You can state otherwise, but it would be intentional ignorance. Once you've been a Krerowicz misquotee (I have), you learn quickly.
I apologize.
I read that as a Trustee communicating with a resident.
I had no idea that it could have been seen any other way.
LOL
Ok, fair enough. Try and consult that Trustee for their thoughts regarding the article. I will guarantee those thoughts weren't on par with yours. A Krerowicz apologist?? How lovely for you.
Don't you find today's pseudo retraction telling???
Maybe it's just my dyslexia.
I saw what you call a retraction, but I did'nt see it as a retraction.
It merely seemed redundant to me.
New neighbor,
I said pseudo retraction, meaning correction. If you left your name/email I'd apprise you of the Kenosha News' take on the situation. It substantiated my thoughts.
That said, I realize it's easy to be critical when hiding out in anonymity. Alex and Mike are normally a bit cynical/critical with regard to "anonymice" (their term), but seem to give you a pass. I wonder why that is...and this isn't a conspiracy theory or accusation, just a simple question/observation.
jroscioli@wi.rr.com
Over the weekend, I've talked to six people that read the article. Three of them are local educators and three are their spouses. Four of them are also PP residents.
They all seemed to have emotional reactions to the article and the idea of even studying a PPSD. They all seemed to have missed the point.
The point of the article seemed to be that there are business models (i.e. make vs buy; and tipping points) that can be used to determine the feasibility of a PPSD. A study that uses business models seems prudent.
Emotions and gut reactions are great things, I cartainly use them daily. But looking at the actual details, numbers, metrics, budgets, estimates, and forecasts are often far more telling than any gut reaction. Heck, a study may even prove their gut reactions to be correct.
Either way, PP residents will win by knowing the result of the numbers. I can only hope that more residents can see the usefulness of applying business logic to this issue.
However, I may be wrong. I often am.
I'll have to pause and reflect on my blogs. I never intend to be critical. It's not my style. Everyone has a right to their opionions and their emotional reactions too.
What's critical about anything that I've blogged on the subject of the study?
I thought I was supporting a viable solution (a study).
The School Commission and VB most likely have a completely different perspective than a single resident with an opinion. I can honor that. I am in no way critical of that.
NN,
2 things.
1) I hoped for more criticism of the Kenosha News. Most here (on this blog) are intelligent and educated. Rather, you dismissed the sensationalism brought by the headline. You were actually curious as to why I was critical. You are entitled to your own opinion.
2) A business model isn't comparable to a school district. The funding factors and tax issues make that impossible. A study WAS done in 2002 or so, by Nick Alioto for PP. It showed the costs and tax ramifications to be overwhelming. I believe the school commission is looking at that study again, pluggin in current numbers...not positive, but I think that will be brought to the meeting on the 15th.
I noticed you have stayed new neighbor, anonymity is a beautiful thing. LOL
Being new to the Village, I am not aware of the study done in 2002. I'd be very interested in seeing it.
What I am very aware of is the emotions of some that want to stay in the KUSD and the emotions of some that want to leave.
It seems to me that emotions will likely never properly address this issue. But ignoring the emotions does not seem prudent either. So an update to the 2002 study just might be a great way to address this issue. I applaud any such effort (assuming that the 2002 study is relevant).
As for business models not being comparable, I don't blame you one bit for feeling as you do. If I were you, I'm certain that I'd feel the same way. And I have routinely said that I am often wrong and a study just may be wrong for this issue.
Yet, I'd still hope that the School Commission will somehow address the stay vs. go issue, even if it is merely done by reiterating sections of the 2002 study. Doing so may let Village residents know that our tax dollars are being spent as prudently as possible.
As for my not being critical of the Kenosha News, once again I try hard not to be critical. I focused on the positive aspects of the article. I’d prefer to offer suggestions and possibilities. I prefer not to throw darts, even at my own critics. Actually, I embrace my critics, because they help me see things I would not be able to see without them.
I did write to the News. I received a quick and polite reply. I appreciated it a great deal, and told the editor who responded as much. That editor stated the headline was misleading and the result of poor judgement.
To your point:
"As for business models not being comparable, I don't blame you one bit for feeling as you do. If I were you, I'm certain that I'd feel the same way. And I have routinely said that I am often wrong and a study just may be wrong for this issue."
Your empathy is appreciated, but unecessary. If I were emotional about this topic, bloggers here would indeed know. That being said, I am not, it's not about how I feel.
The fact is, school districts and their feasibility are based on funding, socio-economic base, P-5 schools, etcetera. They are also stringently regulated. These are not emotional ideals. In this case, they are fact-based tools used to determine the feasibility of PP moving away from/staying with the KUSD. They also help determine the impact on our taxes.
They have nothing to do with a private business model, privatized businesses aren't based on a tax levy or socio-economic breakdown. There may be tax breaks given, but that is a different topic altogether. Those who are using them as emotional topics are indeed missing the point.
I just hope whatever assessment is fair and accurate. If PP has been paying 25% of budget, then we would "own" more than just the schools in PP, one would think. I realize we haven't always been paying 25% but how have things changed since 2002? Will that fact be in the updated assessment? Like stats, one can make things appear in your favor when you are for something, and against when you oppose. I think an independent, outside assessment, without the politics and fear, is necessary to get an accurate, unbiased review.
I think PP is 25% of the levy and 13% of the population. Not positive on those numbers, but they are close. This alone speaks to our socio-economic situation. I don't think there is ANY ownership of the buildings. Those properties are owned specifically by KUSD...not PP.
I know Nick Alioto did it independantly. I don't know about the differences from 2002, but I am sure there are indeed significant differences.
The bottom line point is that further facts have to be explored before deciding on such a huge issue. Only seeing part of the story or not showing all the facts to the residents of the village is unfair. We have every right to see the dollars and cents of an issue before it is decided since in the end it is us that is paying for it.
As for the Kenosha News- those that routinely read the paper know that things are more often than not twisted and do not reflect the person's actual views.
And why does anyone think this person called the Kenosha News; maybe the News called them seeking comment. They gave just that; their comments.
After many days of reflection on this issue, and after discussing with a PhD educator friend of mine, I can see that I may have failed to get across that a study would be for our kids, their education and the future of the Village. It's not about efficiency for efficiency's sake, but instead it’s because we may find a way to plan to make things better for the kids. Or, maybe validate that we already have a great situation. And the only way I know how to figure that out is to look at all the information available.
Thank goodness the School Commission meeting was rescheduled to the 15th. That rescheduling gave me more time to reflect on this. I just might have kicked the beehive again.
-NN
rpreston4@wi.rr.com
I will preface this post by saying I don't see PPSD happening any time soon. I am not happy about this, but rather a realist. That being said, I like the fact that KUSDs financial snafu has "forced" the Village to take issue with the lack of respect/voice PP has within the KUSD.
A) The entire purpose of a PPSD would be for the future of PP. I hope that means our children and children living here in the future. I am looking into PPSD for selfish reasons...my children (3 and 2 years old) are going somewhere for schooling sooner than I'd like to admit. Which probably makes me an SOB on this topic, and I am ok with that.
B) The major problem is the referendum, which is next to impossible. Convincing the people of Kenosha and Somers to vote to "allow" Pleasant Prairie to create their own district (creating a financial vacuum in KUSD) is extremely difficult to say the least. The legislation was posted by Dick Ginkowski in a link from Mike Renner (I believe) and shows the task at hand...regardless of our willingness to accept the financial and socio-economic burdens.
C) Asking educators what to do got KUSD where it is today. Look at the School Board...it is almost exclusively ex-educators and the spouses of educators. PhD or not, they have union brethren to answer to, and do so in vehement fashion.
Kicking the beehive and running/hiding is bad form. Sticking around to deal with the bees is perfectly fine, which shows the difference between Krerowicz and any resident who cares. He doesn't have to deal with the results of his "journalism" other than critics like myself...whom he can/does brush off.
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