"WE CAN WORK IT OUT" beatles
The author of this post is Steve Costell... a Painesville City Board Of Education member I supported in the last election.
Thank you for providing a forum for people of our community to express their thoughts and concerns regarding topics that impact them. The post titled “What a Beautiful Mess” is an example of the ability for people to express themselves, but unfortunately, that post offers a point of view that is not entirely factual and may confuse readers that have taken the time to research the facts regarding Issue 4. I will attempt to offer clarity to the statements in this post, but if there are still questions, I encourage you to reach out to a member of the Board, or the Superintendent’s office for more information.
1) Truth and transparency- While questions regarding the status of any police investigation would need to be directed to the Painesville police, I can offer you the following information. Within days of the Board and Administration being made aware of the investigation, the administrator in question resigned his position. All known information was filed with the Ohio Department of Education and copies of these reports were printed in the News-Herald. As a board member and parent of two children in our district, I find the accusation that any administrator or board member knew of the alleged situation, yet did nothing about it, to be flat out wrong and damaging to our district.
2) Proposed cuts - The proposed cuts that we are facing have direct impact and visibility to the students and parents of our district. Here’s the list of proposed cuts as presented:
- Elimination of Full day kindergarten
- Elimination of the Elementary Academically Gifted program
- Continued limitations on hiring impacting class sizes
- Elimination of all Athletics grades 7-12
- Eliminate all associated athletic costs (sports transportation, administrators, coaches, etc.)
- Implementation of state minimum transportation in our district.
- Evaluate privatization of transportation services
- Elimination transportation secretary position
- Eliminate bus maintenance contract
- Evaluate the privatization of custodial services
- Eliminate all non-athletic field trips
- Reduce the contracted days of secretaries
When you compare the size of our administrative staff to that of similar districts, we have already have fewer administrators than other districts, and we are lowering costs by sharing services with other districts for our nutritional services, treasurer and transportation services.
3) Status quo- Everyone wants our district to excel, including me. I’m sorry if you think we have not made progress and things are “status quo”. Here are a few of the many changes or advancements that our district has made over the past few months:
- Changes in leadership at Harvey, Heritage and Chestnut may not have been planned, but have been implemented seamlessly and viewed as favorable by many that I have talked with.
- Maple Elementary is leading our Elementary Schools with an “Excellent” rating on the state report card.
- Our students and staff are excelling in local, state and national competitions
There are wonderful and innovative programs taking place every day in our schools. From DOGS to One Book one Maple, or our outstanding FBLA program, parents, students and staff go above and beyond to help our schools improve. We need the support of our community to re-build our Red Raider pride, and to help our children understand the value of a quality education.
4) The relationship of school performance and property values are definitely closely tied together. I agree that the current perception and scores of our schools are not be what we would like to see, but by voting against Issue 4, you are greatly limiting the ability for schools and community to move forward. Here are a couple examples:
The elimination of full day kindergarten will have catastrophic effects now and long term in our district. Through testing of our incoming kindergartners, it has been found that a large percentage require extensive intervention to help them rise to the levels they should be at. Without full day kindergarten, there simply won’t be enough time in the day for this level of intervention.
The elimination of grade 7-12 sports will take away from the after school activities available to our students and put more kids on the street looking for things to do. We don’t have a community pool or fancy recreation center, we have high school sports. In addition, many students strive to meet eligibility requirements to play their sport of choice.
I have tried to keep my response brief, but there is so much at stake for our students, parents and community that it’s hard to do. It’s important for people to have accurate information available when they make their decisions about how to vote. If there are any questions regarding Issue 4 and what it means to our community, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Hanlon or a member of the Board of Education.
Additional facts and the full presentation about issue 4 can be found here- http://www.painesville-city.k12.oh.us/PCLSOperatingLevy2012.aspx
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and community,
Steve Costell
Steve I truly like the fact that you took the time to express your views. This post might make it easier to decide. No matter what everyone should know the facts.
posted by terminator1 @ 7:11 PM
36 Comments
36 Comments:
Thanks for this post. I am a woman who voted yes, even though I cannot afford it. I can come up with the money, but it will come from somewhere else; it will not be extra money. I have since wondered if I did the right thing, based on the fact that my finances are so tight. After reading this post, I'm glad I voted yes, and if it passes, I'll just have to find the money and realize that it is for a good cause. I'm still ticked off that we replaced all the schools at one time, even though I did not think we could afford it. But I have decided to quit crying over spilled milk, at least with my vote, and I voted yes.
Pure nonsense
Springboro, Ohio
8 YEARS IN A ROW RATED EXCELLENT WITH DISTINSTION BY THE STATE OF OHIO
They SPEND just 7,900 educating everry student.
They have the mentality of using the word SPEND instead of cost.
Can you quit with the Springboro reference every day? The community is nothing like Painesville in any way....except they have schools with kids in them.... Do some research, you are not comparing apples to apples when you look at the WHOLE education picture. Springboro is over 90% white...the median home price is 171,300 and the median income is 72,316. How much Section 8 housing do they have there? How many Hispanic people, or people that speak another language? Just like Painesville.right, sure.......I bet Springboro parents all support their schools and expect their children to do well in school...also not happening with all parents in Painesville....so please quit with the money references about a district that isn't even close to ours...perhaps compare Springboro to Solon or Dublin, something a little more socioeconomically similar ...because socioeconomically do make a difference. I wish it was as easy as Mr. Springboro things it is...
Mr. Costell thank-you for your response.
That said first of all you are so wrong about no administrators being aware of what has been going on at Harvey. Maybe we will find out the truth than again it will just become something else sweeped under a rug. Have you personally looked them in the eye and asked?
This levy will generate $852,518 dollars a year PERMANENTLY meaning forever.
You have mentioned what programs and services will be saved can I ask of the $852,518 will go to future wages and benefits of classified, non-classified employee's as well as the administration?
Please answer that question.
You and the rest of the board never mention this part of the equation?
First privatisy bussing, custodial service and food service. The private sector can do these services more efficently at a lower cost. Check your lawn maintenance cost?
If nothing else compare costs and show the amount of savings. Let's atleast make the unions compete.
That was why we sent people to the boards get the most for our buck.
Now if the levy passes the teachers and the rest will waste no time getting as much of that $852 thousand plus.
Please Mr. Costell level with us . This money is it really for the kids.
Please make sure you do a thorough job of finding a superintendent. If you didn't get the job done with the people in place, what makes you think she'll be able to get it done now?
I guess my question is why does everything seem to go according to plan. Until Heritage and Harvey. Steve do you and other BOE members give full support to the new principal at Harvey?
Maple Elementary is leading our Elementary Schools with an “Excellent” rating on the state report card. How is that possible when they did not earn one point for our state report card? Who is handing out these ratings? I'm confused. We earned a 6 out of 26 on our state report card. Five of those points were earned at the high school. The sixth point was for attendance. How does Maple get any recognition? Shouldn't the high school teachers be given an award for getting these kids to finally pass a test????? Way to go Harvey!!!!!!!!
Just wait til all the athletes enroll elsewhere when they cut sports. You think the scores are bad now, the bottom will fall out at that point and they'll take their state money with them to a new school. Throwing money at a problem doesn't solve it, but pulling the plug financially certainly will have an incredibly negative effect.
5:02 Don't forget many other districts have "pay to play"
If your reason to go to high school is just about sports that may not be the right path tp take.
Steve I believe you will have to answer these people not me.
Term ,
I agree with what you about sports, but the reality is that sports is the only motivating factor in some of these students lives. I teach in the district, and this is the only reason some are motivated to work. They lack the inner drive to do well that was instilled at home by your parents and mine. If sports go away, you will see an even bleaker picture.
Why is it no one wants to tackle the 800 lb gorilla in the room...the parents who don't care?
As an educator in this district, I would also like to see a new superintendent that does not put up with 5% of students who don't want to be there and ruin the environment for the rest. #2 also believes they should remain in the classroom at all costs. I don't. Not when many, many, many interventions and things have been done to change their behavior, and it doesn't work. The 5% need to be somewhere else...it might cost more, but in the long run, students will be better ahead because those will be gone. Also, don't cave to the crazy parents. People who work here know exactly what this means.
I want a new #1 who wants change and who is willing to make the hard decisions and make the decisions to increase scores, even though it might anger some parents whose kids have been able to pretty much do what they want in school and not be held accountable. Most staff would agree if you ask them
Steve,
Thank you for your comments. Have you forgotten that Issue 5 was intended to bring the Public Employee Unions into 21st century where employees pay a fair percentage of the costs of healthcare insurance and a fair percentage toward their own retirement. The Public Employee Unions poored millions into advertisement to defeat Issue 5 so that the Public Employees could continue to enjoy their virtually free ride when it comes to healthcare insurance costs and putting away for your own retirement. Now, that Issue 5 was deafeated they are coming back to the taxpayers for more money to cover their virtually free ride. Non public employees pay 50% or better of the cost of health insurance and the days of a pension in the non public sector are over, we have to put money away for our own retirement. I will not support paying higher taxes when the Teachers are not willing to pay their fair share for healthcare and retirement and are not willing to be held accountable for the dismal performance of the school district.
Term,
Once again, not too smart. How many households, in Painesville city, can afford to pay $800 per sport as a pay to play fee? This is exactly why sports will have to be eliminated. Do your homework before exposing your not so smartness....lol
7:04 Maybe you miss understood me. If a Painesville student transfers to Riverside for sports the expense of pay to play follows them.
4:54 Once when my daughter was at State St. school. The teacher asked at a parents presentation what they wanted to do when they grew up. One third grader mentioned his goal was to play wide receiver in the NFL the teacher appauded his goal. After the presentation I asked the teacher ,what if his goal was to win 20 million in thwe Ohio Lottery? I explained the chances are about the same. Maybe along with expressing a positive response she might suggest an alternative career? Let's not kill dreams but suggest other opportunities. I wonder sometime when that young man realized that his dream career wasn't possible if he than gave up on all dreams?
Sportsd are important no question. I agree 100% with your comment. I watch parent involvement in Little League, PBA, as well as youth football and soccer somehow some of that enthusiasm has to be directed into our classrooms.
Steve while your at the Board of Education building maybe you could suggest replacing the United States flag out front. It seems to be flying at half mast and is shreaded from wear and tear. I wonder why no one inside has complained?
How about replacing it "For the Vets"
I think it's horrible when the children have to pay to play sports. Part of the school experience has always been playing whatever sports you want to, and that can only be good for the individual children and the school in general. Many parents are just getting by and it costs enough for incidentals even if the sports are free, let alone if they have to pay. We should not accept that as a "normal" situation.
Mr. Costell, can you tell me what the percentages of non-graduates are in Painesville schools according to race?
Our entire city is being overtaken by illegal Hispanics, and in the last six years our graduation rates are down 20%. I can't believe that there is no correlation there, although it may not be the entire problem, and I really would be interested in knowing that information. Can you provide it? It will tell us a lot about what is being accomplished, and not accomplished, in our city and by whom. Our entire nation depends on all future generations doing well in school, so which ones are failing at what rates, please.
to nov 4th 215pm I googled the ohio achools report card, all of the info you are seeking is there, it does appear the hispanics are the majority of the poor results, I think this is the link ilrc.ode.state.oh.us/ copy and paste it into your browser bar
5:35 This is a very good site and answer all of 2:15 questions. Thank-You.
2:05 Yes it seems that pay to play is becoming the way we go things now. Look at the sport programs in the city Little League ect. They all cost money.
Something most Painesville residents might not have realizied how much money the Harvey Booster Club contributed over the years with Sunday BINGO. That's gone now for many reasons and the system doesn't have the funds to fill the void.
Vet I checked out the flag[s] I can't tell if there is more than one on the flag pole. It is disgraceful. The simple fact that no one working in the building noticed the condition of that flag is well disgraceful. Seems many things go unnoticed by people in that building.
Pay to play??? "Pay to play is becoming the new way we go things now". OMG we aren't talking Pay to Play, if this levy fails there will be no sports! They'll chain up Jack Britt Stadium, put plywood over the doors and windows of the Beeler/Cimalio wieght room. No more Basketball, Track, Vollyball, baseball ect. No more Marching Band! Who wants to live in a community that won't support their schools??? Good luck selling your house. And by the way Riverside no longer has Open Enrollment.
Hey Term, did you see the 4 X 8 Romney Ryan sign walking down Owego or Fairlawn? What's wrong, it scare a few of you to much?
Stealing political signs make you proud of your party now?
Breaking the law OK for D's?
12:12 Did you call the police? or just me. No fear here pal, what fear I have is that in a country that can go to Mars. People are standing in line four plus hours to vote. Thank-you Secretary of State Hussted. What's the new GOP mantra "Surpress the Vote"?
Good luck tomorrow.
9:06 Chill, The levy will pass. I see you bought into the "fear factor". The present way things are run I almost wish we would go under state control.
The questions posed to Mr. Costell need to be answered.
Without an answer the answer could be None at all for the Principal. And all of it, when it comes to the $850,000 please answer Steve.
So, over 30,000 absentee voters in Lake County so far is suppressing the vote HOW.
Please explain this from your vast wisdom. Are you or your voters that uninformed that they forgot the election is always on the first Tuesday in November. Only one place in Lake County to vote in apply for absentee ballot and vote same day is here at board of elections. You expected no lines. Give me a break. You do know that regular voting at each precinct starts tomorrow morning.
The Secretary of State has nothing to do with the lines. Voters don't want to go to their polls Tuesday. Also, voters could have just requested an absentee ballot by mail and then returned it by mail and saved the the hassle of standing in line.
Blame the lazy or forgetful voter.
Yes he did everything he could to surpress voters. Taking it all the way to the Supreme Court?
Florida is another case.
I guess the goal; must be to make voting as hard as you can.
With your vast knowledge did have you forgot about the machines and long lines we had in 2004.
If one of these screwy people challenges you Tuesday. Tell them to get out of your way and cast your vote. If they persist call someone at the voting station. File a complaint These people will do anything they can to take your rights away. 12:53 can't even remember what the courts told our Secretary of State.
Republicans suppressing the vote did not just happen in 2008. It happened all over the country this year--right now--for this election. In Ohio, the Republican Secretary of State tried to greatly reduce the hours of early voting, including this past weekend. Democrats had to take it to court to stop them. In Florida, they have done so much to suppress the vote that some people think Obama will gain many votes by people who are freaked out and fed up that the Republicans are trying to keep them from voting again. And I do believe this is happening all over the country. So the new outrageous Republican mantra is just what 12:53 is saying--they are blaming the voters for being lazy and not wanting to vote on election day!!! I just had that conversation with an unreasonable Republican, and I was so dumbfounded that they could find a way to justify even THAT behavior that I finally quit talking--I couldn't change their mind, and I decided not to waste my words and energy on someone I had so little respect for. Now here it is with 12:53 - so this is how they are justifying their crap THIS year. The Republican I talked to earlier today said that it was not in the Constitution that we could vote on any day besides election day, so suppressing the vote on any other day was just fine! I pointed out that the Republicans try to do, and do, suppress plenty of voting on election days and then they are always there to suppress the counting of the votes. And since when would any reasonable person not think that voting should be as easy for everyone as possible?
But still millions of people are voting Republican. Yeah--because THEY'RE the trustworthy ones! I don't understand a vote for the Republicans...they can't even be trusted in elections, so why in the world would people think they can be trusted to run our country? Add all Romney's lies during this campaign, and the fact that it is the Republicans that crashed our whole country and honestly, I just don't know how anyone can vote Republican.
12:53, your post is one of the dumbest posts I have ever read. Better get back to your talking heads where you can listen to people who tell you how to think stupid...oh, I mean Republican.
It should be a cold day in hell when anyone anywhere is not trying to make it as easy as possible for every legal citizen in America to cast their vote, and to have their vote honestly counted.
2:15-you hit the nail on the head.
Mr. Costell stated "Through testing of our incoming kindergartners, it has been found that a large percentage require extensive intervention to help them rise to the levels they should be at." Why isn't it mandatory for the Hispanic children to speak English prior to starting school? Gosh knows they can do it and learn it they just chose not to. Many of these kids graduate still not knowing English as they should/could. If you want to cut programs - start with the ELL, TSOL,and all the catering done to these kids who will never appreciate the good education they are offered here. Same goes to their parents who continue to take them back to Mexico for weeks or months (not including the 2 week holiday break) This needs to stop, they need to be in a classroom as much as they can to keep their grades & education current.
Also, I'm sorry we don't have a fancy pool (I've wanted the city to do this for 20 years) and I'm sorry we don't have a fancy rec center BUT it's not my problem or responsibility to see that others children are being entertained. THATS THEIR PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY not mine. My children went skating, sledding (Fairport has a Free hill) they were enrolled in all reading programs at Morley (another freebie) you can also rent videos there for a family night. Take care of your own kids, you keep popping them out and expecting others to do your work.
Mr. Costell,
I believe the BOE and Dr. Hanlon were made of aware of some of the concerns the community had regarding the former asst. principal via email as early as June of this year. The email that was sent went to all of the board members except two (bounce back due to wrong email address). The sad thing is no one from the board ever responded to the email or the concerns that were addressed in the email.
8:33
I see nothing wrong with having a dream to play professional sports. Its not the dream that needs to be changed, its how we use that dream to motivate our children. My son had/has the same dream. The first thing I asked him was what college does he want to attend. The answer wasn't important (he said Ohio State) the important thing was to let him know that his road to the NFL HAS to go through college. Once we established his college we discussed what kind of grades it takes to get in that college. I had this conversation with my son when he was 9, he's 16 now and it is a driving force behind everything he does and attempts to do.
9:06
Riverside isn't open enrollment but I'm sure other schools are. It just so happens I voted yes to issue 4, but if sports are taken away from Harvey we will unfortunately start looking elsewhere to send our children.
Republicans suppressing the votes?!! Give me a freaking break. Early voting started October 1st. How many days do you people need to vote? Do you remember the "good 'ol days" when we actually only voted on election day?
10:36, this is 3:41: I believe you fall into the category of not being worthy of my energy and words, but I'll say just a couple things. When the voting day was originally set up by our Founding Fathers, some of the things they took into account were quite interesting and thoughtful. They made it on a Tuesday, because they knew that some people would have to travel overnight. Knowing that everyone wanted to go to church on Sunday, they allowed for people not to leave on their journey to vote until Monday, arriving on Tuesday to cast their vote. They made it in early November so that the crops were all in, since most of the people made their livings with agriculture. They said that not only would the crops be in, but the harsh weather hopefully would not be in force yet to hamper travel. And the reasoning goes on.
The point is, they made it as easy as possible for everyone to cast their vote. Can you tell me just how, in most places, that all the millions of people that need to vote with our hugely expanded numbers, would be able to vote on just one day? Look at the lines we still have with all the early voting going on.
I think the main point is how can someone (you and your fellow Republicans) profess to care about the Constitution and following what our Founding Fathers meant for us, and then try so hard to lie and cheat your way into winning elections and also going as far as suppressing the vote, and suppressing the counting of votes?
If you can justify that, then you are a moral wasteland, and really aren't worthy of my time and energy. And shame on you and your fellow Republicans; I am truly shocked that anyone votes Republican, let alone stick up for their attempts to steal every election that they can get away with. If you can justify that, then what else does your moral code allow you to do and to justify?
Mr. Costell -
Thanks for your well written response.
As close as the levy was, I am sure this affected at least a few voters.
Also, thanks to 'Term' for hosting this blog and allowing for a feedback forum for our community. Please follow Mr. Cimaglio's example and show up at the board meetings, get involved, give of you time and you will see good things. The schools need the communities and the communities need the schools.
As we enter this new season, it is important that we all work together on OUR community.
Keep being involved.
Thanks to all the people who helped promote our City School Levy. The teachers, staff and even students too young to vote were of great help. A special thanks to the voters. We have made a great investment in the future of our schools, students and the Painesville Community!!!
Thanks Term, you told me to "chill" and you told me "the levy will pass". God bless you and God Bless America.
The levy passing is only the start. It is now up to the community to get the most bang for the buck from the $852,000 per year. I for one will watch the spending of these monies the schools receive. If you had it you voted for it. That's what my Mom told me when it was put on ther ballot.
Galion voters get rid of city manager ... recall all city council members in one step vote in May.
http://galionlive.com/2012/11/06/galion-voters-repeal-charter-vote-down-school-levy/
Galion goes back to a Mayoral system.
Galion congrat's You are so far ahead of the curve compared to Painesville. I guess we will have to watch and learn?
Now lets hope for some long awaited pay raises for the peanut gallery. ENough at the top, those that live and work in the city for the schools are really hurting and with the levy passing, even more gouging into our wallet.
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