It is tiresome that the DTU does not want to continue to meet with district representatives. If the district reps crossed out sections of the current contract, the reps did not feel they are appropriate in the current environment. This is not too hard to comprehend. The current contract is hardly historic. It was the first contract with a brand new local. It was the first contract after two board of election cycles where the employees of the district and their PACs provided unprecedented amounts of money and manpower to elect a majority. That majority included Bokor, Babcock and Ekeberg who immediately approved unaffordable contracts. Look where we are now, Bokor, Babcock and Ekeberg are running in the April 9 election. The DTU cries ring hollow. Get back to the negotiating table.

Maryb, it appears that the DTU is quite friendly towards that former board majority in Babcock, Bokor, and Ekeberg through their election promotion on the DTU Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DTU15?ref=ts&fref=ts

If the 2009 election is any guide of what to expect, I anticipate we will see thousands of dollars in direct or in-kind campaign contributions reported April 8 (a day before the election). While the DTU is free to promote and contribute to the candidates of their choice, the sitting board members receiving such gifts (which also includes David Seiffert) have the option of declining them, and publicly denouncing them, as there does appear to be a clear conflict of interest present with their acceptance.

Can you imagine if Tim Millar were running for reelection (which he isn't) and the prospective private bus companies were promoting Tim for reelection what an outcry there would be?

Those 5 points are poor support and pathetic reasoning to stall negotiations at this time. District 15 parents would like to see this negotiation finished - ideally with our drivers back, in house and with a sustainable, sensible contract based on what makes sense now and not historical game playing by Board Members in the pocket of the DTU due to financial contributions. If the stall tactic is an effort to gain time so they can pay their people back into voting position, the public needs to respond to this tactic by NOT voting for candidates paid for by a collective bargaining unit. My children deserve better than that.

It would also be fabulous if the DTU bargaining voice read the contract and reported on it honestly so the truth about pink slips would be clarified once and for all. Did they not notice at the Board Meeting that the two unanimous votes immediately prior to bus driver pink slips were for part time teachers and first and second year probationary teachers? The 90 day pink slip is standard in all of the contracts and means nothing. DTU Leadership - Educate your members, speak for them from a perspective where YOU know and stand behind the facts. DTU Members - Require leadership that can intelligently represent you from a position of strength and knowledge.

Vote 123 in the April election. Those are the candidates that are in no ones pocket.

The union can negotiate at a later date with the bus company.

How about electing people with integrity! Forget about those who are endorsed by others, vote the individual who truly has the best interest for the children in this district and the guts to stand up for what they believe in. In reference to the contract... it is quite apparent there is no "good faith" negotiating going on with D15 BOE. The elimination of nearly the entire contract was completely unnecessary and proves a further agenda for D15 BOE negotiators. I also noticed that you can no longer view any of the previous board meetings on line or find any news releases from D15 as of this past weekend. Perhaps the district might really be hiding something from the people in the district.

Nothing is being hidden:

All the board information from the previous meetings and minutes are posted here by the year:

http://www.ccsd15.net/pages/CCSD15/Board_of_Education_Group/Board_of_Education_Meeting_Dat

All the news information is right on the main page. You can look at older news releases by clicking on more news.
http://www.ccsd15.net/pages/CCSD15

forrtheloveof:

For every regular (videotaped) meeting I see a link here:
http://www.ccsd15.net/pages/CCSD15/Board_of_Education_Group/Board_of_Education_Meeting_Dat/2012-13

VOTE 1-2-3 April 9th, or it will be UNION $-$-$.

It is important not to negotiate in public. If all sides sit down, put emotions aside, and put kids first - I am confident we will come up with a negotiated settlement.

If you want solutions - vote #4 on April 9.

THE VOTERS NEED TO HEAR WHAT THE BOE IS DOING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

A special BOE meeting can be called with a 48 hour mandatory notice in a public media (AKA PALATINE PATCH). Did you know CCSD 15 computers are restricted from accessing the Palatine Patch? The BOE posts a meeting notice on a non accessible media forum late on Friday for an 8:30 A.M. Monday BOE meeting, . The BOE president is the only member of the BOE present Monday morning so when he calls the meeting to order he seconds his own motion. The meeting starts but, the school superindendant is on the phone seeking legal counsel and no one is paying attention to anyone addressing the BOE
I'm afraid voters are going to throw out BOE members who have stuck thier necks out for the children of the district because they lump all the BOE members together.
VOTERS NEED TO CHECK OUT THE CANDIDATES vote for someone they find has a proven reputation for protecting the children and the future of CCSD 15

So much talk about "illegal meetings" by the BOE, editing out of official records, etc. Please, do us all a favor and back up your claims with action. File an official complaint with the Illinois Attorney General:
http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/Default.aspx

Perhaps Melanie would even do a full story on these "illegal meetings" if there was even an ounce of truth to these charges, as she has already demonstrated in her own comments to her own articles, how sympathetic she is to the bus drivers.

I'll be looking forward to hearing official charges being filed at PublicAccess@atg.state.il.us and reading about it in the Palatine Patch.

Who owns the buses marked district 15.sell the buses that we the tax paying citizens own. The drivers are representatives of the community and give their best efforts to provide the safety of our students. I hope that the district can come to some agreement with the drivers union and provide JOBS for our drivers. If not let's see about your reelection ....

Stephen, I am suggesting that these are baseless accusations if you or others are unwilling to utilize the Public Access Counsellor of the Illinois Attorney General to validate your claim. Taking advantage of the Public Access Counsellor is routine, not some expensive and flagrant action. The lack of anyone willing too take this action simply reinforces the belief that these charges are without merit.

Tim Millar issues a press release imploring the union to ‘come back’ to the negotiating table – which the union never left. The truth is - some meetings were scheduled a little farther apart by everyone’s agreement. The union wanted time for members to look over a contract decimated by Millar. The board wanted to allow for some personal vacation time. Millar’s press release is a lie.
Tim Millar schedules an open, public meeting to allow for citizen input. Millar’s organization then posts public records of the meeting with most of the relevant citizen input deleted. One deleted segment includes very damning financial analysis of the only two existing bids. Millar’s public meeting gambit is a lie.
Tim Millar says the law demands that he send out pink slips to maintain options. But he’s sent the slips earlier than the law demands, and he has no ‘cheaper’ alternative – because the bids are higher than the current union contract. Millar’s pink slip charade is a lie.
Tim Millar says he wants to bargain in good faith – then Millar hands the union a copy of the current contract with nearly everything crossed out, including child safety sections that involve no actual cost to taxpayers. Millar’s good faith claim is a lie.

Tim Millar is simply union busting for personal political gain. He is not bringing any benefit to taxpayers; in fact he’s hurting them. To further his agenda – he lies.
District 15 deserves better, more competent, more honest service and representation than this. Why does Tim Millar hold ANY public office? Why on earth is he being allowed to run for District 1 Councilman unopposed?

Stephen your ranting about "Tim Millar", "his organization", suggestions he is altering public records, and on and on, especially considering he is soon to be gone from the board in a month, really seems to lose all credibility. You then come up with some lame excuse to not take your issues up, especially the allegedly "illegal meetings", with those who are assigned with a mandate to follow up on them is the icing on the cake. Please take your venom elsewhere. I know Tim Millar and he is the polar opposite of what you describe. If you are upset about possibly losing your job that is understandable, and I can sympathize with that. But please do not start making things up and making baseless charges, dragging good people through the trash just to try to win your arguments.

So somehow Tim Millar is editing the video of the board meeting (taken by a D15 employee who most likely is a CTC member). Or (with only another month on the board) he is making D15 employees do this on his behalf? Who in D15 would risk their job (or criminal prosecution) to do this for an outgoing BOE member? These accusations are all preposterous.

First you allege illegal acts were done, then you say it doesn't matter how, why, or who did them? Sounds like backpedaling from an unprovable position. Either contact the authorities about your allegations or drop them.

If you have problems with the video that is online I would take that up with Super Thompson; that person works for him.

No Thompson works for Millar

You may figure Thompson works for the BOE but the videographer works for Thompson. Dr Thompson's contact info is on the website.

I'll keep repeating for those reading and not commenting: Please look to the motivations of those who spread misinformation...particularly if it is financially motivated. Those who say they are not employed as a bus driver may be leaving out the fact a spouse or family member is.

Tim Millar, as is true for all the BOE members, do not get paid for representing the community on the Board.

I also can appreciate those who are concerned about what outsourcing might mean for them personally. However, please keep in mind spreading misinformation does not help anyone. Misleading people regarding your motivations is also bad form. Just be honest...say you/your wife/husband/family member is concerned about "fill in the blank".

@Scott-- I said that Tim Millar is Scott Thompsons Boss, the community voted for Millar at the elections and the exiting BOE voted for him to be president. The last BOE hired Thompson and September 12, 2012 gave him a 1.5 % raise in which his salary is up to $224,000. and future salary adjustments will be determained based on performance. The BOE also extended his contract another 5 yrs till 2016-2017 school year. The videographer?? If there is even such a person that exists, since now a days we all have video recorders that do the job. Millar knows what he's doing He has a Science degree in computer science. He's no dummy!

I' glad they took the video was taken down. I was one of the people that spoke after the break....and now feel like my comments fell on deaf ears. A lot of people cant make those board meetings and they should be able to view the video....all of it. I feel like they were going vote to send the pink slips also because Millar read his script before the vote....they had already made up their minds....

"The videographer?? If there is even such a person that exists, since now a days we all have video recorders that do the job"

I guess you havent been to a BOE meeting and seen the man in the back of the room.

Oh wait - most people commenting about the BOE have never been to a meeting.

In all of this - I haven't seen anyone from the district respond regarding the fact that the only bid remaining on the table (Durham) is higher than the current bus drivers contract. This seems to be a pretty essential point. Why has that not been addressed?

Scott: Since when is it not allowed to recommend someone for office? Don't you vote for the President, Governor, Mayor, etc based on who will do right by you? Those who do not want to see the Transportation Department get outsourced, ie; parents, taxpayers, and yes....employees are doing nothing more than recommending those who will work towards what is best for the children in this district. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head to make them vote one way, or another. Let's face it, school board elections, unlike Presidential elections do not get a lot, if any media attention. Yard signs are pretty much the extent of their campaigning. The rest is done by people spreading the word in whatever way they can to let their friends, neighbors, and others know where the candidates stand on issues. And again just to reiterate, the DTU DOES NOT FUND ANY CANDIDATE. We are bus drivers and assistants who, when you calculate how much we earn over the course of a year, don't make 6 figure incomes, not even close. We can't afford to give money to a campaign. All of the Candidates Bio's running for School Board are out there. Those who care, can find them if they wish. I don't know you from Adam, but I can probably guess that at least once in your life you have had a conversation or debate with someone over candidates running for office.

d15parent - I'm fine with the DTU supporting candidates. Just don't pretend they don't ("they did not endorse any candidate for the BOE, they did REPRINT the Dailey Heralds BIO of current and former BOE members ")

The DTU is part of the IEA/NEA - we'll find out *after* the election how much mony was poured into the campaigns of these four candidates.

This Board has been transparent. They have allowed conversation on topics and they have created committees - including the Communication Committee - which did not exist with the prior Board of Education. The Communication Committee specifically supported conversation on Late Start / Early Release when it became clear that this was a concern to many parents in District 15. The Communication Committee of the current Board of Education hosted a forum where we all were able to state our thoughts and opinions ensuring that the Board heard our concerns. They did not have to do this, but chose to do the right thing for the families of the children in District 15. They further supported multiple surveys in order to garner the opinions of the stakeholders and have shown a preparedness to act on the information gathered. I can appreciate that creating the opportunity for discussion was a show of support and interest in hearing the thoughts and opinions of stakeholders even though the process does not allow for shared conversation at the regular Board Meetings.

I believe Tim Millar has already been "cononized", as well as torpedoed, run through the mud, and slandered at least by some. As for the contract, that is a negotiating matter between the union and the district. It is not up to Tim to "renew" it. Heck, he will be long gone before any possibility for a contract renewal as the current one ends at the end of June. And last I knew Tim only had one vote on the board. Anyone is free to tell the entire board anything at any open meeting.

Stepen Bramer, looking back at your post where you state: "Mark: To clarify ... I'm not a bus driver, a union member, a clerk, or any of that. I'm well employed ... and will be so however this turns out. I'm a district 15 resident and taxpayer who does not want to see my taxes going out to the UK in support of inferior bus services for our kids (of which I have 2)."

Google is a powerful tool. For the sake of transparency, let me ask you something. Does your wife work at CCSD15 as a bus driver?

1: Mark, Stephen already answered your question at 4:02 PM. Please try reading previous comments.

2: Why are you and Vicki so obsessed with what his wife does? It doesn't change what he is saying. You and Vicki cannot wrap your heads around the fact that there are Palatine residents and taxpayers who disagree with you guys.

3: Before obsessing over Stephan's wife, perhaps you could answer the claim about Durham's last bid? Is Stephan making that up or are you guys actually wrong and the union's offer is the cheapest and best?

It's called transparency. He made a declaration that ... I'm not a bus driver, a union member, a clerk, or any of that. I'm well employed ... and will be so however this turns out. I'm a district 15 resident and taxpayer"

He left out an important fact. Those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing.

I am not on the BOE and haven't reviewed the bid. Do I think the BOE is going to vote to spend more money just to outsource? Absolutely not.

Vicki - Also ... I gotta say. You are confused in some fundamental ways. Transparency is what elected representatives and governments owe their constituents. Private citizens (such as my wife) have a right to … can you guess … privacy. You really should try to figure out where those lines are drawn and why. You might be able to pick up some pretty good civics classes over at Harper. Your guesses about what the board might do aren’t particularly useful. But (now here’s where that concept of civic responsibility comes into play) if you believe they SHOULDN’T vote to put a more expensive and inferior solution in place … you should contact your elected representatives on the board and let them know that.

Mark, Scott, Vicki, Tim ... anybody ... Do any of you claim that the Durham bid beats the union contract, or that outsourcing provides a better solution for kids?

I can only hope The city coucil will keep Timmy in check. Next stop for Timmy? mayor? senate?

This just in: I haven't confirmed it myself, or viewed the newly posted video for completeness but "Driver-parent-voter" just posted at 11:08 am today that

"The 2nd part of the video is up!! 2 hours!!"

If this is true, this is certainly a positive development, and a credit to whomever at the district worked to get it done. Now if the district will confirm the details of the Durham bid ... and resume negotiations with a copy of the existing contract that hasn't been completely expunged... this thing can begin to move toward resolution.

"having so many secret executive meetings behind closed doors and special short notice board meetings without recording them"

Actually if you follow any BOE you'll see this is quite normal. Boards go into Executive Session often to discuss the stuff they cant discuss in public yet (personnel issues, contact negotiotions, etc). They cant make the decisions in private; they have to be voted on in public.

Also - I believe Executive Sessions are audio taped (but not for the public; the members have to be able to speak freely to each other in Executive Session); they are never video taped.

Ask any BOE member and they can explain this is not out of the ordinary.

Not to say that I don't love the patch, but I know someone out there questioned that the cadidates Bokor, Babcock, Seiffert, and Ekeberg were officially endorsed, by the Daily Herald. Here you go;

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130320/discuss/703209767/?interstitial=1

to Bucephalus the hiding horse that wrote..........................
7:14 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Vicki, could you please tell us your occupation, that of your husband, whether or not you've paid property taxes in D15, and which D15 schools your children attended? I'm not trying to pry, I just think in the interests of transparency we deserve those answers. After all, you have nothing to hide.
==============
ok Bucephauls the hiding horse....
What is your name, occupation etc, horse?
We deserve answers don't we?
Where do your kids go to school?

................horse hypocrisy? absolutely...................

Vicky isn't the one hiding like a horse. Once you identify yourself, Coach, people might take you seriously.

Everyone,

Please take the time to watch the second speaker. He is Palatine's elected district representative. He is doing his job to bring the view of the community to the school board. Please pass this video clip to everyone you know. We need more people like Tom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG5oBYiUqrc

But he certainly makes a great point Buchephalus. Where do you live? Who are you?

John Parker is right on the money with his comments. I back up everything I say with verifiable facts. A horse is a horse of course but has no credibility on this thread.

John Parker – Of all the people on this thread, I think only three are using real names. Each individual has the right to make that decision on their own and there are plenty of good reasons not to provide personal information of any kind online. The truth is, even having given names we have offered no proof of who we really are. Any of us could be anybody. You could actually be Michele Bachmann operating under a pseudonym. I’ll do you the courtesy of assuming you really are John Parker, particularly since your actual identity is irrelevant to anything you say here.

Obviously, the only thing that matters here is what each person has to say. On that score, I’m not certain what it is that you ARE trying to say. As you’ve suggested, I’ll go listen to the 2nd speaker at your link to see if that sheds any light.

John Parker - I watched the video indicated by your link above. I assume the first speaker is you and that your interest in this is really from the perspective of governmental debt, based on your affiliation with Tax Payers United. I listened to some of what you had to say and then, based on your recommendation above, skipped to the second speaker. I didn't hear either of you mention the District 15 bussing situation specifically. So I'm left to assume that whatever stand you are taking here (not yet clear to me what that is) that stand is driven by a desire to avoid debt and raised taxes. Let me know if I'm wrong there. I just want to point out to you that the current union contract has now proven to be the lowest cost option, and therefore the best option for taxpayers. At some point the board is going to have to release that information to the public. That being the case, and if frugality is primarily what concerns you ... can we assume we'll have your support and the support of Tax Payers United? If not, why not?

to Steve Bramer,
You make several assumptions. My only goal is to bring the view of the community to the school board so they can do their job responsibly. Is this what you are talking about? Even though (2) of our State Representatives have spoken to the school board directly D-211 thumbed their noses at them. A reasonable person that can see the big picture knows Illinois is in trouble. I was hoping that the school board would show some leadership and set a precedent for other districts to follow. If they don't Illinois will be forced to pass laws and take away even more of our freedom to run our own school district. The situation is grave in my view and paying teachers $100k on average in D-211 is unsustainable.
Is this what you mean Steve?

John - I'm a member of the community and you certainly don't speak for me. I've asked around, and none of the people I've spoken to believe you speak for them either. Have you been elected to, or appointed to, any position that makes you our spokesman? Or was this a self appointment? If you legitimately find yourself in such a position (an unlikely prospect) then I hope you'll put a little more effort into discovering what we'd like to have you say. As it is - I read from you a bunch of platitudes and word salad. I still haven't read anything from you that relates directly to the bus union discussions. Since you asked ... that's what I'm talking about.

Steve, Once again you have based your conclusions on many false assumptions.
read on........

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111208/news/712089634/?interstitial=1
State Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Schaumburg Democrat, was on hand to voice her opinion on the tax levy. She is an opponent of the recent income tax increase, and earlier this year explored legislation that would prevent levy increases when the taxing body's total equalized assessed value is lower than that of the previous year.

"Overwhelmingly, the number one issue on people's minds is their property taxes," Mussman said prior to the board's vote. "There's a growing frustration that property taxes continue to increase while family incomes have frozen or decreased.
"I strongly encourage you seek every possible alternative method of cost savings before asking the residents to pay more," she added.
Steve, I asked two State Elected Representatives to speak to the D-211 School Board on *behalf of the citizens of the community*. They both came and spoke the the entire BOE in D-211 at their regularly scheduled meeting. I can post the video clip again if you want.
If there is anyone in D-15 that also uses D-211 the facts may help them choose a qualified candidate for the school board. Somtimes we need to look past the bus issue.

Steve, Our State Elected Representatives represent us, not you or me.
I hope this clears things up for you and your friends.

A platitude is simply a truth repeated until people get tired of hearing it.
I use them because the liberal progressives still don't understand.

John Parker ...

Merriam Webster - defines
platitude:
1: the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2: a banal, trite, or stale remark

www.thefreedictionary.com/platitude

While the free online dictionary defines it as:
plat•i•tude (pl t -t d , -ty d ). n.
1. A trite or banal remark or statement, especially one expressed as if it were original or significant.

Apparently you use them because, like definitions, you are unclear on the difference between what is real and what you've pulled out of your hat.

Stephen Brammer,
plat·i·tude/ˈplætəˌtu:d, Brit ˈplætəˌtju:d/noun
plural plat·i·tudes
[count] disapproving: a statement that expresses an idea that is not new
▪ His speech was filled with familiar platitudes about the value of hard work and dedication. -(liberal progressives still don't get it)-my opinion.
----------
Like I said Steve,
Our State Elected Representatives represent us, not you or me.
I hope this clears things up for you and your friends. I will continue to say it untill you and your friends understand.

Steve, it is apparent that you still don't understand. It's ok Steve. Take care of the buss issue. Your comments on this thread will help, right?
I hope that there are people in D-15 that are more concerned about the big picture and vote for candidates that can put us on the right track.

to Steve Bremmer, Trading insults with you is like dueling with an unarmed man. Swallow your pride occasionally, it's non-fattening. It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. Please re read what I wrote until you understand my point.

Thanks John. I'll take all of that under advisement, and I'll certainly put all the time into your contributions that they deserve. If I happen to come upon anything that warrants further discussion I'll get back to you.

Thanks Steve, I think you missed the bus.

@ Stephen Bramer & John Parker in alphabetical order (I respect your views)
you both have had great comments in the past but, it seems to be getting personal for both of you. LET'S GET BACK TO FACTS and stop attacking others PLEASE??
Share your knowledge and insite so the voting public can make an informed decision by April 9TH instead of sending people to the polls SCARED and voting with their hearts instead of their minds.
This post is about .."District 15 and DTU Still at Odds" that being said..
We need professional, quality driven, cost concious (not penney pinchers), accountable BOE members without personal political motives to make decisions affecting the students in CCSD 15. If you agree with me research the 9 candidates running for the 4 BOE vacant positions and VOTE BY APRIL 9 for the 4 candidates YOU FEEL have the best interest of the CHILDREN as their primary goal.

John Parker isn't even a palatine resident? Why does he comment about d15 and busing?

DBLD: I'm looking around for the 'like' link here ... it's gone missing. I like what you have to say though.

D B L D: In an earlier post you were rightfully telling John and Steve to tone down their posts as they seemed to be getting too personal. You then turn right around and out of the blue start personally attacking Tim Millar. You just lost all credibility in my mind. To claim that Tim "has hurt the children" is very insulting and shameful coming from you. Clearly all you care about is yourself and potential impact to your finances. Please do not imply otherwise.

Mark: "Clearly all you care about is yourself and potential impact to your finances." is also very personal and insulting. Insulting others while affecting a staid tone is no less insulting.
Mr. Millar, as an elected public official has placed his conduct in that role open to public critique.
"Please do not imply otherwise." is telling someone else what opinion to express, which is not under your purview.

Again to the real issues: In-house union bussing is shown to be the most cost effective solution for taxpayers, and is also best for our children by general agreement.

Union busing: Cheaper for taxpayers, better for kids.

@ Steve and G. Baker
let's split hairs for Mark. In-House bussing is proving to be less exspensive so it's better for taxpayers. In-House bussing gives CCSD 15 full control so it's better for the kids. In-House bussing has all the State and local tax monies stay at home instead of going to the UK so it's better for OUR economy. In-House bussing is district employees so they receve benefits like all district employees so it's better for the employees. UNION employees have a contract so there are policies and procedures that make day to day decisions standard for all employees so it's better for the employees.

I don't know how many people read these comments, but mine is directed to those of you out there who do and may have some confusion about what you are reading here and/or hearing in the community.

As we all know, a Board of Education's purpose is to represent the entire community, not just a select few and not just the employee groups. Their job is to make sure the money is spent wisely, that contracts are negotiated and not just handed out Cook-county style.

A BOE is supposed to be made up of 7 independent thinkers who have no particular agenda, who may agree or disagree on each issue, but who show up to discuss/debate the issues, do not show up to be a rubber stamp for the Administration, and who REALLY put the kids first (in action, not just words).

It's been a long and tiring battle over the years to get to that point here in Palatine. It's not like this in every town but it is here. Lucky us.

When we have folks with a financial motivation, they often will say or do anything to preserve their economic interest. It's human nature.

If anyone out there is confused, please feel free to email me directly at: vicki_wilson1@hotmail.com. If you would rather speak by phone, just email me and I will call you back. I have absolutely no motivation, financial or otherwise. I am just a mom and a believer in the IDEA of an independent BOE who does their job properly.

Thanks,
Vicki Wilson
vicki_wilson1@hotmail.com

Vicki: Union busing is cheaper for taxpayers and better for kids. (as Mr. Baker said above). I do credit you for your passion around these subjects, and for your willingness to put yourself out there for something you believe in (which takes courage). But, the fact remains that ... in this case ... the union solution is best for all concerned. The candidates who support the union, also helped architect the current teacher's contract, which much more favors the district and taxpayers than did the previous contract. So the values and standards you espouse should lead you to support the DTU and the candidates who recognize its value.

Feel free to email me with your phone number Stephen so we can have a discussion that encompasses the entire community and the education of the community's children.

Vicki: You shouldn't be putting personal information on the Internet. It's really kind of a dangerous thing to do. The more info you put out there, the more at risk you become, even if you release the information in different places. Predators can find, piece together, and use that info. We've exposed ourselves already just using our real names. If you think you are being brave for yourself, consider that the risk you take on for yourself might also put people around you at risk. I'm sorry, I know that's off topic - but I felt obliged (as sort of a neighbor) to offer that warning. You would probably be smart to drop that email account and create a new one. I'm not going to send any of my info to that email address because the whole world knows it now.

Vicki - At any rate, I'm happy enough to keep these conversations online.

If you change your mind, you can also use contact@d15citizens.org.

Perhaps you are unaware the vast amount of information available on the internet. The only downside to putting my email address (something many people and companies already have) on a thread on the Patch is getting additional spam. That is a risk I am more than willing to take if even one person reaches out for additional unbiased information. The upside outweighs the downside.

It's obviously your choice Vicki. I'd only say, think of what you can do with public search engines alone. Then think what programming knowledge might allow beyond that. It's not necessarily any one bit of data. It's also how they can be pieced together.

Union busing: Proven cheaper for taxpayers, better for kids.

The New York City school bus strike is now in its third day – pitting the union’s concerns over job security and bus safety against the city’s need to bring down bus costs that are the highest in the nation. About 152,000 students – 11 percent of public school students in New York – rely on school buses, which cover 7,700 routes. Forty percent of the buses were running Wednesday, the city said, because they are not driven by members of the striking Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181.

The public school bus union mess posted above will never happen here. After all Illinois is in great shape financially. Have we become so soft that we can't drive our own kids to school? In my opinion public sector unions are a waste. The private sector is the only way we can expand the economy. Big government is not in the best interest of anyone except liberal progressives.

John: Do you understand what a no-strike clause is?

Steve, your silly comments waste everyone's time. Do you understand that not everything is about you or your wife' s job?

The January 2013 jobs report contained good news on several fronts for Gov. Scott Walker when it comes to measuring his top campaign promise -- that the state would create 250,000 private sector jobs by the end of his four year term.
We need a Scott Walker in Illinois.

Taking a page from John Parker's book, I thought I'd cut and paste some information. But as a radical departure from John's MO I thought I'd credit the original link, and actually read the content.

Promising jobs is not the same as delivering them. Job creation has dropped under Scott Walker. Someone like him is the last thing Illinois needs.

http://chippewa.com/wisconsin-falls-to-th-nationally-in-private-sector-job-growth/article_ff948b22-2269-58eb-a5ac-6244f0b971e6.html

March 29, 2013 5:40 am • MARY SPICUZZA | Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin dropped to 44th in the nation when it comes to creating private-sector jobs and is lagging behind other Midwestern states in job growth, the latest federal data released Thursday show.

(the union agrees not to go on strike while the contract is in effect)

Steve, more left wing liberal progressive babble? Huh, how unlike you.

January report contains good news for governor:
The January 2013 jobs report contained good news on several fronts for Gov. Scott Walker when it comes to measuring his top campaign promise -- that the state would create 250,000 private sector jobs by the end of his four year term.
-- The report, issued March 14, 2013, said preliminary estimates showed the state added 12,400 private sector jobs in January 2013.

Steve, You and your progressive liberal friends have as much credibility as Norman Bates discussing family values.