Dec
18
Stuart’s Christmas List
December 18, 2007 | 143 Comments
What are the biggest items on Stuart’s Christmas list? Here’s what I’d put on it:
- A new city hall/library/police department
- More apartments
- Maybe just one more sit down restaurant
- A new high school (I know this is a stretch, but miracles happen at Christmas, right?)
What else should be on Stuart’s list? What’s on your Christmas list?
Comments
143 Comments so far
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More bars like yours Nate!!
That doesn’t do much for me
Anyone watch the Channel 5 news… sounds like we better all wish for a new high school! I’m afraid to send my children there. Hope everyone was paying attention!
I wish that the adults in the 4 communities would care enough about their childrens welfare more than themselves.
And the B.S. begins again
Why wouldn’t the district get the most watched tv stations like 8 & 13. If you look at the ratings and the viewers each one attracts, I would surely think you would get them to come out first versus a less than 10 share news channel. Kinda sounds like the non-coverage of our offical newspaper, at least the DC News gives out factual info from the meetings as well as what is provided to them from our administration. They are not being told what they will or we can’t print that in the paper. Claiming there is not enough room in this weeks edition is a “cover up”.
BS? Would you spend 8+ hours in a building that was unsafe? Even the inspectors couldn’t give the admin a guarantee that the kids were 100% safe and wouldn’t get hurt. That’s pretty bad. Not to mention that one “tunnel” area was so bad, the inspectors refused to go in.
The kids are embarassed. The teachers are sick of it. All are frustrated. It shouldn’t be this way.
Talking about a walk-out by the students in protest of the school building. KCCI rumored to be here tomorrow. Any truth to it?
The “official” newspaper is just the ONLY paper in town, and in bad need of someong who knows how to run a paper. It is always late in reporting and so damned candy coated it is pathetic. Hope someone figures out how to actually report the news around here and grow some brass ones. Sometimes truth hurts. People need to know anyway.
Anybody look at the Christmas lights at Everett Anderson’s? What a show. Great job on their part. Congrats on winning the light show.
12:09 – I heard students tipped off the news channels, including channel 8.
I believe it would be more cost effective to just close down the district and send students to other districts. The article in the DM register today pretty much said the same thing. Middle school population should be 500 to be cost effective.
Where’d you see it in the paper?
There is going to be an organized walk-out tomorrow (Friday) by the students AND staff in protest as well as the hope that some parents and adults in these 4 communities get their heads out of their asses and approve a new school. Bottom line- no new school is only destroying the chance for kids to get the education they deserve. Stop thinking about yourselves for one minute and do the right thing.
Let them walk out all they want! Why don’t they do this at the beginning of the day and not 2:00? LOL Just another scare tactic!
OK Comeing in late here — what is wrong with teh high school, and would the district really get closed down totally?
Is a new schoolon the ballot ???
a local mom
I hope they walk out before 2. The point of a walkout is to make a statement by causing a (peaceful) disturbance. If the event is planned and happens at the end of the school day, what’s the point? Why should they have to wait for the teachers? The teachers can do their own at 2, the kids can go earlier.
I applaud the students for making the effort, but they can make it more impacting. Good luck kids!
Lets see the staff do it. If they do I think some people will be getting fired.
same old bulls**t!!! If you continue to vote no now then you really are a jerk!!!! Pass the bond and be done with it or go away. West Central Valley will prevail!!!!
It’s so obvious who’s really behind this so called walk out. What’s the point of walking out at the end of the day? If those people behind a new school think this stunt is going to help their cause, they better think again.
This walkout is student organized. It’s all us and no one else. How can you say it’s just a stunt to get a new school? THE BUILDING IS COLLAPSING!! Watch the news. Tour the school. Open your eyes! LISTEN to us! We live it every day.
Ok, “a student”, here is the question of the day – is the current high school suitable for elementary students?
9:41 obviously things have changed now that the west wing is collasping so use some common sense. No it is NOT safe for our elementary student!!!
Good luck tomorrow kids on your walk out!!
After you hear so many times, “the sky is falling” no one will take you serious any more. This stunt is organized by a few students and their parents with the blessings of the principal.
11:34 – Do you not watch the news? Last night it was on channel 13. The night before it was on channel 5. Before that, it was in the Herald. The students and staff say they welcome anyone who wants to come see for themselves the condition the building is in. Go see for yourself. And while you are there, I hope a wall falls on you.
9:41 – The west wing is NOT safe and cannot house the elementary. However, the two-story part is in decent shape still and would work for the elementary. The district could bulldoze the west wing and put the playground there. Just an idea.
For those that missed it last night:
http://www.whotv.com/global/story.asp?s=7527873
7:55am. I hope eventually you get your head out of your ass and realize this “doom & gloom” isn’t going to work. If there is a problem with the foundation, get a contractor in to rectify the situation.
11:38 – you are a dumbass.
I am using common sense. However, for the past 5+ years I have never agreed with the idea of using the high school for an elementary building.
You run into problems when no one takes a look at the bulding – such as an architect or contractor, when we have been trying to figure out what to do for a bond. It’s obvious that something was trying to be hidden. So strange that it’s extremely necessary to analyze the other buildings in the direct – but no the precious high school.
I saw the pictures on the news last night and the first thing that came to mind was that this type of problem does not happen overnight. The next thought was how was this not discovered years ago. The thought that some responsible individual(s) failed to either bring the problem to the attention of the school or if they did who made the decision not to do anything about the problem is a question high on my list that needs answering. The smell is probably a result of the underlaying cause of the trouble. This type of damage was years in the making and the only way short of a natural disaster is slow moving water to rearrange that much soil allowing the stress forces to shift. Take into account that sargent’s building collapsed because the foundation gave way is another indicator that there is a underground problem that needs to be found and fixed. the proximity of the two buildings is to close to dismiss. this is not just a school issue but a city one as well. as with everything around here this will be used as a reason to brow beat others to pass a school bond that they are not satisfied with. Do we need a new school? Probably. Should we have to settle for a plan that does not suit the majority of voters? No. Do the students have a valid complaint about the conditions of the building they are forced to attend every day? Yes. So now I have to ask why this was not addressed all those year ago when the cracks first appeared and why the School Board has not been all over the city to find out what the problem is and why it has never been corrected? Those are the big questions I would like to see answered first. The School can handle rearranging classrooms or renting some temporay space if necessary. The School Board should act to get the city energized in finding the problem.
I’m so proud of the students of WCV High for organizing this walk-out. This is a great group of kids who are getting short changed by the alleged “adults” who are supposed to be the leaders and caretakers of this community and the youth with the bad fortune to be born into it.
Kudos to Debbie Wilson and the rest of the high school staff who supported the students and participated.
I will say again that all of you who have voted no on a school bond issue, regardless of your reasons, should be ashamed of yourselves. Unfortunately, those of you who continue to vote no don’t have the good sense to be ashamed of your idiotic behavior.
It’s a losing battle. WCV will NEVER progress, will never grow, will never be a district to be proud of. So sad, but I’m all out of optimism.
Susan…”SMART” isn’t the word I’d use to describe you . I was thinking “idiot” would fit perfectly.
Bashing Susan makes you feel better… good for you; however does voting no make you feel better? It is sad to think that so many of you are watching this and thinking it is a publicity stunt. The staff and students are moved out of that wing. Go look into the windows of those classrooms that are affected and see the proof yourself.
Susan is a IDiot Anyway we DO NEED A new school. I say somebody needs to call somebody (state) that can shut Menlo and Stuart down. I think the time has came, Redfield and Dexter both have very nice buildings.
I say close down the whole district and send students to other schools. This will be more cost effective and provide students with a better education.
Can’t you give it a rest for the holidays?
I mean come on. This horse has been beaten enough for on year.
I doubt they brought in engineers to do the inspection. If they were engineers and they said it was unsafe I would be more inclined to believe them.
If they were strictly inspectors, which I imagine they were, then they don’t have the qualifications or the knowledge of structures to classify the building as unsafe. All they can do is guess based on what they see.
Then you go spend the rest of the school year in there with the floor caving in. If you think it is ok then hold Christmas in there.
inspectors are highly qualified people. i think i’ll go ahead and trust them on this. better to do that than follow you and suggest our kids are fine there.
I’m sure you would know.
I say again, inspectors can make the call but only the engineers are going to know if it is safe or not.
Wasn’t it jut a few short years ago that this building that is now collapsing was said to be fit and fine for another 25 yearrs?? Ya that is what we were told but we know now that it was all Bullshit. Same goes for the teachers if they walked out with the kids. Wasn’t that one of Arnies and Lisa’s reasons that the suport staff had to be paid over 9 months that they were being paid for hours in advance and they were not working them. Well as I see it the teachers that walkedd out at 2:00 with the kids need to have their pay docked for 1/2 hour. If it’s good for the support staff its good enough for the teachers. This current HS needs to go. The kids do need a new building but not a Cadillac as has been tried before. Build the basics and then build onto that in the future. Do a district wide elementary in Dexter and be done with it. I will vote no if they insist on putting any more money into that MONEY PITT. Bring the wrecking ball in llike we did in Redfield. We did studies on all the buildings ecept the HS and now look. You can damn well bet that the TV stations had the approval of Arnie. This is the guy who crys to the papers when they print negative articles. If he did not want this it would not have happened.
Oh, stop it. The walk out was organized for one purpose only. If you watched the coverage of it, you would have heard a student say that they just want to show the adults in the district that the students are unified in the fact that they need a new building. They were just asking that the adults be the same. Unified. This kind of crap that is commented on this particular subject is just a good example of adults acting like children. It is pretty pathetic, and it will result in those kids having no respect for the adults who are controlling their future who vote no for their own selfish reasons. The high school should be the ONLY thing voted on in a bond issue. It should be affordable, with ability to grow, and that’s all. We should make the elementary school a different issue and not tie it to the high school building bond, or it will fail again. Too much on one bond just gives everyone the fuel to argue and fight more. The high school building only. There is real need. Doesn’t matter who did what, and why the floor is falling in, and what happened last week or last month or last year. The problem is what are we going to do now? We are going to act like responsible adults and get those kids a building.
Unified? If I read correctly in the DSM Register, it amounted to about 20 students. If that is the entire student body, we have more issues to deal with than just a building.
With the help of the School Administration, the rally was organized by a parents and a few students. If the west wing is not restorable then tear that part down, build on to the present HS with a two story addition and build a district wide elementary in Dexter. I would vote YES to that referendum.
What is the point in docking a teacher’s pay a half hour for walking out in support of something that the students AND teachers obviously need? The teachers want this just as badly as the students, and newsflash – teachers don’t get paid hourly, but if they did, you go ahead and dock those $3 for that half hour they weren’t “working.” Seriously…
Unless someone missed it, the caviat has been introduced. Not unless there is district wide elem in Dexter will they pass a bond. I have absolutely nothing in common with Susan, but i certainly agree with the inability to maintain any optimism. Just like always. The school board wont talk. The kids try to and get ridiculed.(by the way, there were way more than 20 there)the cowards that sit behind computers and start all kinds of shit that doesn’t even have anything to do with anything just keep up. I hope the voters in the district are smarter than that. If so, we can still get a school building. It’s becoming about winning, instead of about getting these kids in safe surroundings. That is a crime. School board, grow a pair and do something now.
Looks like we are going backwards.. We’re back to using the students to do the dirty work of this district. I have heard that this was planned for a few weeks and they even had Tshirts printed for the occasion. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this. If we need to tear down the west wing why cant we build on to it for a high school and have the elementary in Dexter. If its not good enough for a HS then I’ll be damned if I will vote yes to this and have the elementary in it. Tear it down bring in the big wrecking ball and get it over with, I wonder why the study was NOT done on this buulding what have they been hididng???
Remember all the pictures of how bad the Redfield building was. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all!!!
If somebody had taken pictures of the poor condition of the Stuart building years ago maybe a new high school would have been built by now.
Would somebody further explain the options ABC the tax study committee is happy with according to the Dallas County News? Option C sounds like a 51% majority to pass 80 cent per $1000 to make a district wide elementary in Dexter. What are options A & B and how are they tied to option C?
If the committee wants the public to vote whether to have an elementary in Stuart or a district wide elementary in Dexter; why doesn’t the public get to vote where a high school is located? It will never pass to build a new high school on the 40 acres of land already owned by the district!
If you want your new high school in Stuart support a district wide elementary in Dexter. Sorry Menlo!
Yeah Menlo always gets &^$#(*
This bond should be for the high school alone. The elementary can be on the next ballot. It’s the only way either one will pass.
Hate to tell you, Stuart isn’t going to get a new high school anytime soon. We bash the old Redfield building for years because we are told how bad it is. Come to find out it had a good structure and the Stuart building is the one “falling apart” so they say.
If teachers walked out they should be fired. They are acting just like union members.
As far as a district wide elementary is concerned, what happens to the excess teachers? Are they “let go”?
The main purpose for a district wide elementary is to eliminate duplicate spending. Yes, staff will be downsized and the dollars saved used for a better education for the children. I would vote YES for district wide elementary in Dexter with an addition to the present HS site for 9-12.
Teachers are union members. Idiot.
2:42- not all of the HS teachers are union members. Unlike some states, Iowa does not require its teachers to belong to a union.
Regarding some of the previous commentary:
-most (out of 289) of the high school student body attended the rally (not 20);
-this rally was planned until the end of that week (not 3 weeks in advance);
-yes, students were selling shirts about a week in advance of the rally (not 3 weeks in advance);
-this was a rally, not a walk-out; if it was a walk-out there would have been many students leaving school grounds and not staying around;
-students were given the choice of attending the rally or staying in their classroom;
-the idea that teachers should have their pay deducted for not doing their job or should be fired for participating in the rally is truly ridiculous; just a pep rally, teachers are on duty supervising the activity…we were outside supervising the rally…if any of our students didn’t want to go outside, then we were obligated to stay in our classroom with that student(s);
-those individuals spouting off that we should be fired or have our pay deducted are just trying to divert the attention on the need for a new building;
-those bloggers who tried to encourage the students to walk out and not show maturity are trying to cause more damage;
-the structural problems in the west wing is not a ploy by the District to get a new HS; this building has been continually monitored by Dennis Morgan and these problems have not been hidden in order to suddenly spring it upon the voters;
-those who claim that this problem is due to a deficiency in maintenance are just trying to stir up a hornet’s nest; Dennis Morgan told me that BOTH inspectors and engineers have checked out the structural deficiencies and they all agree that the building is not safe;
-those who think that the District just needs to get a contractor in to fix things up…it is not that simple, nor is it that cheap. Why spend megabucks to fix up a building that is 70(+) years old and it appears to be situated on unstable ground?
-those who claim that the old Redfield building wasn’t as bad as it seemed…were you aware of the structural deficiencies involving major support columns in that building, among other things? (Dennis told me) How does Dennis know these things? He is in charge of all buildings, so he inspects all of them and ends up doing a lot of work on them himself (electrical, plumbing, etc.). Why don’t you ask him how much overtime he has to spend.
-the old Redfield building is gone, so no need to harp about how we should use it as a high school; I once asked Jack Glenn (longtime Dexfield employee) as to what they should do with the old building and he said, “make it into a parking lot.” I’m not making that up.
-for those to have the audacity to claim poor maintenance as the root of our problems, they obviously don’t know how much Dennis cares for the kids and staff who work in all of the buildings. He is the most compassionate and caring employee that this District has.
-before you start comdemning the idea of having the remainder of the Stuart building used as an elem., why don’t you wait to see how it could be modified? There are 11 classrooms that remain, plus, both shops (that could be remodeled into more classrooms).
-now, while you harp back and forth about this, just remember that we now have 3 HS teachers and the alternative HS in the District Office building, there is one teacher having class in the library, another one in the computer lab next to Mr. Schwinger’s room and one will be roaming from room to room when they are available. Lockers have been moved in from the west wing and students are now doubling up. Hallways are more congested. IF (that’s a BIG “IF”) a bond passes, then teachers and students will continue to be inconvenienced for the next 18-24 months until the building is completed.
-there is no need to harp about how we should have passed bond issues in the past, but all pull together to pass the upcoming bond issue. Arguing about the need and/or location of a new building will not solve any problems.
I didn’t realize we had school employees on the payroll that were structural engineers.
Maybe soil testing needs done around the eastern section of the Stuart hight school to see if the same water issues have damaged its foundation. Why build on if the east section might sink soon.
Keep it up Todd. Your comments might be informative to some, but just stir up the NO voters to defeat a bond issue once again!
I am sure Stuart & Menlo will vote against a district wide elementary in Dexter, and I am sure the Menlo principal will fight the Dexter location. Menlo parents won’t want their children bussed to Dexter. Let’s face it people; if you want a new high school you have to vote for the district wide elementary in Dexter. Sorry but I don’t see it passing any other way.
8:46- please enlighten me as to how my comments will stir up the No voters. I’m serious.
8:34- I never said that we had structural engineers on the school’s payroll. Those are your words, not mine.
You know how you have slammed Margaret and others from the east side in the past. I am sure Margaret won’t forget what you said about her. I am sure you fully supported the Redfield building being torn down. It will take some time for the Redfield people to get over their building being gone. I don’t see anything passing for a long time. You just naturally raise the dandruff of many no voters. Just keep it up!
You more less call Dennis & jack engineers.
So Todd you went back and got your engineering degree? Here I thought you were just a biology/education major and currently a biology teacher.
I guess if you are an engineer you might deserve respect and I should listen to you.
Last I knew you were far from mechanically/engineering inclined but I guess things have changed.
Do you know what was wrong with the major support columns in the Redfield building?
Could you please enlighten us from an engineer’s point of view what is wrong with the Stuart building? Curious minds would like to know.
Are you a union member Todd?
I’m glad to see that our tax money is going to supporting a “rally” for the students and paying the teacher to watch over them. The teachers seem to belive the building is hindering their “ability” to teach, but yet we need to take time away from education to hold a “rally”.
What will happen to the extra teachers if there is only one elementary?
Interesting times in which we live. Maybe you should quit playing around Todd. Most people, fourtunately, have figured out not to listen to what you have to say.
I live in Redfield and am glad to see that the old building is gone. In its place is a new facility, and we are very proud of it. I think some of you need to remember that not everyone from Redfield is a no voter. Many of us are in full support of a new high school, and I agree with the idea of two separate bond issues. My only worry is that too many vote yes for a district wide elementary but then vote no for a high school. Then we are still stuck in the same situation with not enough room for our high school students. The old Redfield building had windows put in it the year we voted yes for a United WCV, and within two years many of the windows could not be opened anymore. I can only assume that was because the building was settling. There were many days when my daughter came home because her gym locker had flooded from a broken pipe. I think one year we bought three pairs of gym shoes. I am glad that building is gone, and I am proud of what is there now. However my children are now leaving the middle school and going to the high school which is not safe and not something to be proud of. Margaret has listened, and she even has a WCV sign in her yard. I’d like to think she will be more positive now. I guess it is up to her to prove me wrong.
SCorched earth… wait till next september they will have a couple rallys in one week. You can stop by the school and protest or get a petition going to stop such wasteful spending.
[...] Stuart’s Christmas List [...]
It sure didn’t take long for me to be tarred and feathered!
11:11- I did not call Dennis and Jack engineers. It doesn’t take a PhD to see and monitor cracks in the foundation.
Sounds like you are critical of me speaking out against what Margaret Morrison and the WCVC bombarded us with during their campaign to defeat (successfully) past bond issues. I just took the time to comment basing it on facts. I don’t blame them for being PO’d at me, however, they are 6-0 when it comes to defeating bond issues and the students are 0-6.
“Scorched Earth” really has it in for me judging by his/her questions. I’ll respond:
a) Yes, I am a biology major teaching biology and no, I am not a structural engineer. If you would have noticed, I was repeating what was told to me by Dennis and Jack. Plain and simple. Plus, I have seen the bowed floor in Mr. Adkins’ room and the cracks in the walls in his and Mrs. Salazar’s room. Have you? Did you see the pictures of the cracks in the tunnel taken by Channel 5?
b)Dennis told me that a support column, in the Redfield building, was severely corroded and its strength was compromised. Add that to other infrastructural problems (plumbing, electrical, etc.) it made the old building not viable.
c) If you want an engineer’s point of view of what is wrong with the Stuart, you will need to ask the engineers who inspected it. By the way, are you referring to just the west wing or the whole building? Have you taken the time to call Mrs. Debbie Wilson or Dennis Morgan? Try it.
I can give you a “teacher’s point of view” if you want.
d) Yes, I am a union member. So what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
e) You think it is a waste of taxpayer money for teachers to supervise rallies. We supervise pep rallies and assemblies, too. Does that count, too?
Think back to when you were a student on the day before break. Did you feel like “learning” when you knew that school would dismiss early? The students only lost 20 minutes of classtime at the end of the day (2:25 p.m. early dismissal).
f) What happens to the elementary teachers if there is a district wide elementary is all up to the Administration. Class size will determine how many sections there will be. If teachers are to be “riffed”, the the teachers’ union will make sure that the District follows the guidelines that are in the master contract when it comes to deciding who stays or goes. The contract applies equally to all staff whether they belong or not to the union.
g) How am I playing around? Are you saying that I am not doing my job as a teacher or citizen? Please be specific.
Now, I do believe that you are exaggerating when you say that “Most people, fourtunately, have figured out not to listen to what you have to say.” Yes, I have my detractors, but I sincerely don’t believe that what I say is the reason why the past 6 bond issues have failed. If that is the case, then people are voting no for all of the wrong reasons.
I’m glad that we got the clarification that you, Jack, and Dennis are not nor ever have been engineers. We wouldn’t want any misinformation floating around.
http://who.images.worldnow.com/images/7527873_BG1.jpg
Would this be the picture you speak of Todd? Could you explain to me how this picture shows a structural deficiency? Why didn’t you show me this before? It is obvious to me now that the buliding is unsafe and should be evacuated. It would not surprise me if that deficiency causes the building to collapse tomorrow. From a bilogy teachers point of view how does that picture compromise the structure?
Don’t worry Broman. I’ll be around to keep you in check.
ok guys let’s establish a few things. andy forcht is a idiot. scorched earth is a idiot. Todd broman, thank you for speaking out and having the courage to face all of these knuckle heads. Keep up the good work!!
“Scorched Earth”- that picture is from Mr. Adkins’ room which is not from the tunnel. Your picture came from Channel 13. Please re-read my previous blog…I mentioned Channel 5…they were the ones who showed the cracks in the tunnels. It is those cracks that affect the west wing’s integrity.
As a person, biology teacher, non-structural engineer, etc., I don’t believe in spreading misinformation. That tactic is considered cancer in my book. It has been used in local, state and national issues and all too often good ideas are torpedoed by ignorance.
Since you are so intent on keeping me in check, would you please take the time to notice that my first name has only one “d”? It’s been that way for 53 years. So, since you want to find fault with what I say and try to point out inaccuracies, then, please spell my first name correctly.
Thanks.
Thanks, 1:35!
I agree with 1:35.
Don’t worry, I am fully aware of who you are and how to spell your name.
Yes I read your previous post “Channel 5″, but I don’t see anything about in “Channel 5’s site. If anyone would like to show a link I’d like to see it.
1:35- If you only knew who I was, I don’t think you would find your idiot comment so fitting. If you will read my posts you will see what my intent was though it may not be apparent to some on the surface. I can’t reveal who I am due to my association with the school district for fear of repercussions.
Scorched Earth, you have the right to act/write as you do, even if you choose to misspell my name. I am sorry to hear that you have such a low regard for me.
Try contacting Channel 5 to get the link for their report. At the same time, contact Debbie Wilson to get her viewpoint…just remember, she is a non-structural engineer just like me. You could also contact Dennis Morgan and get his take. He has had to show various skeptics of the damage in the west wing over the holidays.
I will continue to express my viewpoints based on facts.
By the way, Scorched Earth, you didn’t tell me how I am playing around…am I not doing my job, etc.?
Also, what about the other questions I posed back to you in response to your earlier diatribe? (i.e.- supervising pep rallies, the pertinence of my being a union member, etc.)
At least have the courtesy to respond to my queries.
Courtesy to respond to your questions, how interesting.
You are correct I can say what I want, as can you, but I’m not afraid to question anything and everything you say. I’m not the only person who views you in this light.
I’m only interested in seeing an engineer’s report, as they are the only ones you can trust on the issue, not something from the news channel, Debbie who I have absolutely no interest in talking to, as I know her very well and know how that would go.
Union or not just gives me a better idea of a person’s values and beliefs.
Pep rallies, for the most current situation, are a misappropriation of resources, plain and simple.
As far as you doing your job or you as a citizen, I won’t post it here anyway, sorry. It would have to be dealt with on a personal level.
I must say I’m glad I just found this blog, I had heard rumors of what you were up to but had yet to see it.
guess what scorched earth, you are even a bigger IDIOT than I first thought. If you are associated with the school as you say then you would have to know about this blog. that must make you a liar too. This says volumes about your own credibilty. this is 1:35.
I am considering making a top ten list of our communities idiots. I am sure Scorched Earth will make the list.
As Dr. Phill ( and I ) would say, YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!
Why am I an idiot? It was sarcastic and I was poking fun at Scorched Earth.
andy you might possibly make my list of top ten idiots of the WCV community. On second thought you probaly will. this is 1:35
make the list and you will read why
Just for your reasons(opinions), big deal. Nameless, faceless, uneducated, insignificant opinion.
oh yeah Andy. You just made the list. the lower half, but the top ten none the less. this is 1:35
Scorched Earth-
You’ve heard rumors about what I was up to: where they regarding my blogs beginning on Dec. 28th or something else? Rumors tend to be distortions of the truth…was I pretending to be something I am not? am I breaking the law? have I committed some dastardly deed? I’m curious as to what was said about me that made you look up this blogsite.
Generally, when someone starts a sentence with “I’ve heard…” then red flags go up because most likely this claim will have been passed from person to person and it will be far from the truth.
Please explain your statement, “Pep rallies, for the most current situation, are a misappropriation of resources, plain and simple.” What do you suggest as an alternative?
What kind of values/beliefs do I possess since I am a teacher union member? Does that make me less of a person? Am I greedy, selfish, less compassionate, etc.? Do you have an issue with the teacher union or unions in general? Do you have the same feelings for the other teachers that belong to the union or are you trying to find something else about me that you don’t like?
You won’t publicize your reasons as to why I am not doing my job. You’d rather do it personally, but since you use a pseudonym, I sincerely doubt you would talk to me face to face. So you leave the other readers and myself wondering if you really have something to say.
Like you, I am interested in what the engineer’s report will say. What would YOU like to see done? What are YOUR ideas? Do you want the Menlo building saved? Do you want a new HS? Do you want a district wide elementary building? Do you want the west wing saved?
You won’t talk to Debbie Wilson. Why? She has talked with the inspectors and engineers. She has personally inspected the cracks. Just calling her and asking questions is not going to jeopardize your job with the District.
I have posted my beliefs and have come under your scrutiny. Now, it’s your turn.
A no body’s list for nothing. I’m hurt
andy, I haven’t forgot about you. My list will stay with me only and not for public enjoyment. Unless of course, I change my mind. You are kind of like that guy that everyone likes to spin up because its so damn funny to see your reaction or hear what comes out of your big mouth. I know I am getting a little mean right now, my bad. Look forward to hearing from you and scorched earth again. I need a good laugh.
Tod, keep up the good work. You are a blessing to this community.
1:35 back at you
1:35 is cool.
It is nobody’s fault this 70 something year old building is falling apart. Those of you who still vote no should sit in our school for 8 hours and see what it’s like. How would you like to sit in a classroom with the floors sloping, the roof leaking, and the ceiling tiles falling down? It’s time to get real and stop being asses. We need a new school and we shouldn’t be denied of it. You don’t need to be a structural engineer to figure out the building is unsafe. Mr. Broman and Dennis kick ass! Scorched EArth: you need to think of the students. You need a helmet.
Your on this list too idiot, Golden Willy.
This is 1:35
I don’t care what you think 1:35
I take that back. 1:35 isn’t cool anymore. I agree with Golden Willy. The current high school is an embarassment not only to the students, but to the district. There is no good reason why we should keep forcing the kids to live this way.
ah, the bloger games have begun. Andy, Andy Andy. Why must you attempt to speak for me? My list is buried deep inside of me. But you will always have a special place. 1:35 will go away for now. I continue to hope and pray that the good citizens of WCV will see to pass the upcomming bond.
1:35 out
I am certainly no engineer, structural or otherwise, but all it takes is a person with relatively decent vision to walk into a building and say,
“Whoa…the friggin’ ceiling is caving in. Hmm..”
If my memory serves me correctly, and in this case it certainly does, the WCV Voice ran MANY pictures of decaying classrooms, including celing tiles falling in, garbage cans on desks to catch rainfall coming through the roof, and the trusses at Redfield (in that Grand Old Historical Landmark of a building) that were collapsing on the gymnasium. Ya’ll have such a short memory. I remember the Redfield situation distinctly because an engineer pulled me out of those tresses (taking pics for the paper) for fear the roof was coming down.
The only way the students of WCV will enjoy a safe and progressive district is to MOVE.
As far as Dennis and Jack go…those men kept those buildings up and going long after the shelf life had expired. WE all owe them a tremendous debt of grattitude. In my humble opinion.
Once again I express my complete support and admiration for the students, staff and administration of WCV for the rally. These kids may thrive in spite of so many of you.
Sign me…
Completely without hope for this collection of communities
Im Erika im a sophomore at Wext Central Valley. For the clearly ignorant people commenting on our “walk-out”, yes we need a new school. No we dont need you selfish jerks complaining about taxes or whatever. If you really needed something i would look into helping you if you needed it. We need a new schoo, if you havent noticed, more students are at the Admin. building than in the actual school at some times, I personally think thats one of the clues that we need a little help here. If we didnt we would not have done this rally we wouldve called up some guy and said ya we need a new buding pronto. But we need the money and the support from the peple im out community. now I dont understand why you wont just help out a little. Why wait a few more years when we can get it done now, and wont have to wory about it. Now whoever is coming out of school saying holy crap!!!! Were al gonna die, is clearly not that bright, we arent all gonne die, but yes it can and will become more dangerous if we dont do something about it now. So i really hope that you will think anout this, put yourself in our shoes, what would you want if you were a kid in a school thats falling apart?? If you want to be so inconsiderate to call me names, go right ahead but im nt going to get on here and cuss my brains out, and waist my time, i just thought that a kid from the school should say something. Thankyou -Erika
That’s my girl!
Good job, Erika! Let’s get more of your classmates and schoolmates to express their opinion. Unfortunately, there will be those who will dismiss your comments because you don’t pay the taxes. Too often the taxpayer forgets who the school buildings are for…the students.
If only this problem was not drug thru the mud – maybe people wouldn’t be so negative and would be more willing to vote yes.
Everyone needs to stop and quit bitching. Tod – that goes for you, too. You may not think your mouth is negative, but you only come out when you think you know it all. That is just as offensive as being negative. I’ve read enough of your arogance. It makes me sick that I would think of voting for a new high school just to see your chest puff more.
Let the past be – let’s deal with the problems that we are facing TODAY.
2:19- you are entitled to your perceptions of me (although I disagree with them). You, however, are correct in stating that we must deal with the problems that we are facing today.
Hmmm Interesting….
“West Central Valley proves to need the most improvement in preparing students for higher education, with a mere 12 percent meeting benchmarks.”
“Of the four benchmarks, biology and algebra have proven to pose the greatest problem in local ACT scores.”
Any comments Tod? Biology seems to be a particular area of concern.
http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab7.cfm?newsid=19146587&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554400&rfi=6
To Erika Wagner, and Susan if you care, maybe next time you make a post you should use spell check learn to use proper grammar. I know you have taken a number of English classes; a number of those mistakes in your writing are extremely elementary. It doesn’t reflect well on the education you may or may not be receiving. And I’m 100% sure the education has nothing to do with the buildings condition. I’m not a spelling or grammar Nazi by any means or an English professor but a lot of the mistakes made are very obvious and should and could be caught by doing a two minute read through.
Susan can you tell me, since you were there, whether there is a drop ceiling the rooms in which you claim the ceiling was falling down? If so that doesn’t necessarily anything to do with the structure of the building, at least not directly. One of the most common reasons for failure of a drop ceiling is due to moisture, from room leaks, causing the ceiling tiles to degrade and causing them to fall. Of course if the structure is compromised such that the actual roof, the support structure for the drop ceiling, is failing this could also cause the drop ceiling tiles to begin falling. I do not think this is the case however based on my observations. So your claim of the ceiling falling giving an indication of a compromised structure may not be accurate, unless of course there is no dropped ceiling then this is a mute point.
I think this should be clarified for the public’s sake.
No but the wet, falling ceiling tiles indicates a compromised and leaking roof. Witch will eventually lead to future problems. How well do you think those leaks are doing in this cold?? I doubt the ice is helping….
Facts don’t lie. WCV’s scores are low in science/biology and the %s are embarrassing.
It is possible that if more students had taken the ACTs, then our scores could have increased or even decreased for that matter.
Maybe some of the blame is to be put on me, but I have found that more and more students don’t care for science, thinking that this subject is unnecessary. The old saying, “you can take a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink” applies to today. Teachers, including myself, battle with student apathy.
Do you have opinions to share? Please, if you feel that I am to blame then don’t hesitate in exercising your First Amendment rights. What do you recommend? Should I specifically “teach to the test”? What?
I look forward to your reply.
***
You are correct…the west wing has drop-ceilings. Ceiling tiles are falling due to leaky roofs and now, compromised floors and walls.
***
I was disappointed that you would only focus on the student’s grammatical errors instead of her message. Why?
In my personal opinion, this is not in any way backed up by any figures, most students who take the ACT are probably the more intelligent college bound students. So let’s say the top students are taking the ACT but are scoring poorly on biology, as well as some other sections, if they are scoring poorly on a particular section, in this case biology and algebra, then I think the teacher’s performance should be looked at.
If these kids are passing your class with decent grades but perform poorly on the ACT then there is something wrong with your teaching and grading system. I often find that many students will only do what is required of them, and in my opinion to truly learn students must engage in self directed learning. That’s a fairly moot point since typically only the top students can see this and are capable of doing it. It therefore is the responsibility of the teacher to teach and reinforce concepts so the students can think for themselves and work through problems and issues on their own. The key is reasoning.
Teaching the test like you say is pointless. In my opinion you are probably teaching the wrong material and probably in the wrong way so you should look at your material and teaching methods.
And what is your point about the student’s grammar versus her message? Disappointed? I read her message, it doesn’t say anything earth shattering, and frankly due to the lack of punctuation, wrong words, and misspelled words it is fairly painful to read.
I know you have probably had her as a student by now in biology or will soon, how would you grade a paper that was written with that type of language and grammar? You may counter that is was just an internet posting, but poor practice leads to poor performance. Poor writing performance makes me question the credibility of any writer whether that is you or whether that is a high school student.
Like I said I don’t look for every missing comma and mispelled word in something I read but I’m sure when you read her message it was quite apparent how many mistakes were in it.
Her writing is a perfect example of poor teaching performance and why our district is probably performing poorly on the ACT. How would you feel if one of your sons posted a message that looked like that? She’s got to learn sometime how things are in the real world, and frankly if she turned something that in to me, if I were her boss, she’d probably be let go.
I don’t think poor performance can be blamed on a building; the only two reasons are poor teaching performance and poor instruction to students on self directed learning.
There are my two cents worth.
Remember the old saying. Change is good. A change should have been made in the biology department long ago. I know many students who won’t take biology just because of who teaches it! Maybe it is time to get new blood in the science department at WCV!
And people wonder why WCV has such a high open enrollment rate! Read the article in the Dallas County News. Maybe if we ever do get a new high school built we should clean house and get a new staff to go along with it!
I agree 100% 8:05. Of course there are two new Broman’s to take his place so things may not get better.
It is obviously apparent that there are some people who feel that I should get out of the picture. You are entitled to your opinion. But, I disagree with your assessments which shouldn’t come as a surprise to you.
8:05- biology is REQUIRED for students to take, so they cannot choose whether to take it or not. Please get your facts straight.
9:01- there is no reason to bring my family into this. It is obvious that you have no clue about my sons. Please get your facts straight before you make any assumptions.
Oh everyone knows your sons well.
They are biology majors IIRC, the apples didn’t fall far from the tree. 
There are a lot of teachers in the WCV system that are former graduates. Seems like a revolving door some times. Go to school and automatically get ajob at WCV. They should go out into the real world and get a job first before returning to their home school district. Hopefully when Tod retires they will get some “different blood” in the science department.
Mr. Broman is very knowledgeable in his subject area. In my opinion there is a pretty loose connection between his teaching methods, and the fact that students scored low in that section of the the ACT. If I’m not mistaken Algebra was another low point on the ACT’s,so why are you not attacking the teaching methods of the math teachers? Is it because they keep quiet and don’t voice their opinions on certain matters. In my personal opinion you have to applaud someone who stands up for what they believe in, and isn’t afraid to voice their thoughts even when they know they are throwing themselves out to dry. But what do I know?
Anonymous,
It is a “moot” point, not a mute point.
The whole discussion is moot until the School Board presents a new plan to the district for consideration.
If the district is testing below average then it should be addressed as a entirely seperate issue to the School Board.
If your child requires additional help then get it for them.
If there is sub-standard curriculum that needs fixing then the School Board needs to address that.
If any responsible person or group fails to do what is necessary to accomplish those things then vote them out or fire them and get someone else who can do the job.
This type of discussion accomplishes nothing.
Ok look here
Whatever idiot commented after me is a little too testy for my taste, but i personally know I’m pretty darn bright. So let’s think back on this, hmmmm we needed a school, oh I don’t know seven years ago. But the “people” or “community” were like oh my gosh no not a new school!!! What kind of crazy cat would want that. yeah since we didnt fix this a while ago, we have to face the music now. If I made a spelling mistake (because im not perfect), why don’t you just prop me on a big stage and stone me. Yes indeed.
I’m not a jerk, but it annoys me when you feel the need to ignore what I (one of the students who want and need that building) have to say. I have done nothing to you personally, and if I have I apologize. But you are totally beating around the bush here. The sinking ceilings are caused by leaks, water damage, and weight of the ice. No this is not effecting th building directly yet. But if you would either put on those glasses, or clean your ears, you would see that it will in the future. So why not get past it now? And look into the other things that can get done soon after. But thats a crazy idea right. ummm no….. Please dont turn around and insult me or my mother. That’s A) rude B) immature and C) Cocky. My mom has nothing to do with you being pompous. As if you have anything to be all big and proud about. I mean seriously you’re manking fun of a 15 year old. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say…. thats pathetic. sorry. Its amazing for me to look around and see there are so many people like you.
And whoever reads this and supports the Vote YES, i want to personally thank you!!! -Erika
Sorry Erika you’ve got a lot to learn about life and I think for you it may be a rough ride. Some of these people on these blogs I’m sure are some of the top graduates of WVC and other institutions. They were where you are once, and they got to where they are know by working hard. Being 15 and writing something like you wrote is no excuse and there is no excuse for your mom letting you write something like that. It completely takes away from whatever message you were trying to get across. I will say this one was better than before so you must have taken away something from them.
Our school appears to do well in local science fairs & at other regional and national science fairs. It seems a lot of class time (weeks) is spent preparing for these science fairs. This is time that should be spent instructing students; time that could improve knowledge and ACT scores for the district in the area of science. Maybe science fair should be offered as extra curriculum. Students can get rewards for scholarships but in the end are they suffering by not being properly prepared for college level classes?
Maybe 10:59 is right. Money isn’t everything. The scholarship money won at science fairs won’t do you much good if you weren’t prepared in high school to take the college level science courses.
NO no no, im not saying we should get everything we want. im sorry thats not what i meant, i mean that because of what our school is like, we need to repair it. I work hard as heck for what I want and need. My mom didnt “let me write anything” i did it. to get a point across. If you think im some spoiled little brat, your sadly mistaken. As for what i wrote there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I didnt mock anyone. The person was mocking me. You can think what you want, but ya i know what life is like, trust me. Im not an idiot, so dont talk to me lke im six. I will think what I like, and say what i think. ok im sorry if that upsets you.
-Erika
The science fair participants who get those scholarships are the best and brightest students in the school. You have no idea if you haven’t been there the amount of time they put in outside of school. There are nights on end working until the early morning hours. Not much of it is done in school. These are one of the few groups in the school that actually brings the school good press and shows what students are capable if they have the drive required. These aren’t the students you need to worry about.
They deserve all the money they get and are more than prepared for what their future will bring, because they are the hard working, dedicated students.
all of us may have different opinions about school curriculm (spelling, I am not sure) school facilities and what not. I still have hope for WCV. Imagine (again spelling, I am not sure) what our kids could do with improved facilities. Let us all come together and unite behind these kids. They are truly a special group. Long live WCV!!!!
Bloggers are at risk at being ridiculed and criticized. Sometimes, the attackers are so desperate to include the “attackee’s” family or some outrageous fabrication in order to juice up the attack.
Jan. 2 (9:01) and Jan. 3 (10:13) are classic examples of when people open their mouths and not have facts to back them up.
Shame on you, 9:01, for even mentioning my sons in the first place.
And, 10:13- I don’t know what IIRC means, but your smug assumption was only HALF right. Yes, my oldest son did graduate with a degree in biology, but my youngest is a computer science major. So, only ONE apple didn’t fall from the tree. But, guess what? Neither of my sons have the desire to get into education considering that they seen how much crap I have had to endure all these years from those who think they know what they are talking about and would rather base their accusations on hearsay and falsehoods.
Now, bloggers, what will be your next tactic?
Todd Broman makes more sense than 90% of the bloggers.
keep up the good work tod!!! you are truly appreciated
Your son’s are as big of a pain as you are Tod. Yep there I said it, shame on me.
The world’s changing, better get on board or get left behind.
Um yeah do you even know Mr. Broman’s boys? I really doubt that you do, your just a adult with clearly no life, picking on someones kids. Thats retarted.(no offense) Im sorry, but seriously none of what the people here are talking about has anything to do with his kids. So you should probably just calm down.
Yes I am the youngest son of Tod Broman and for that fact, everyone who has a differing opinion from him will automatically dismiss this. I’m fine with that.
Concerning the attacks on Mr. Broman-
Unlike most of the morons that post here Mr. Broman has the balls to put his name with his opinion. Those childish and immature responders have decided to take advantage of this by attacking him and his family (which would have never happened if he was a coward and hid behind the “Anonymous” tag). When you can’t argue with him because he makes SENSE, you attack him personally instead. It just goes to show you that he has much more honor and integrity that half the people on this blog. Reading through these postings it seems that the few people that aren’t afraid to state their names seem to have the same opinion. I wonder why that is?
Anonymous on January 2, 2008 7:20 pm
When was the last time you took the ACT’s? The science section (which includes biology) is mostly comprised of reading charts and graphs. From what I remember, very little of what you’d think to be “science” was actually in the questioning. Mr. Broman didn’t teach us how to read charts, he taught us Biology. If the ACT’s came with a dissection lab the scoring would be much different and much better.
Anonymous on January 2, 2008 8:44 pm
I thought the reason for the open enrollment was obvious. The buildings are falling apart and the community is too busy fighting with itself to get anything done.
Anonymous on January 3, 2008 10:13 pm
Wow…I know Mr. Broman already corrected you on that statement, but I just have to say that you are so terribly, horribly wrong that it’s funny.
Anonymous on January 4, 2008 10:59 pm
You are partially correct in that statement. Science fair is only emphasized in the courses taught by Mr. Schwinger, not Mr. Broman. Mr. Broman made it optional for his required classes, and although it had been required for his “Anatomy and Physiology” course, the class time that was spent on it was minimal (one or two progress reports and the final presentation of the project). This is nothing greater that what you would see for a final paper in an English course. Now you may or may not argue whether Mr. Schwinger is wasting time with his emphasis on science fair, but I do know that *Anonymous on January 4, 2008 11:48 pm* is correct in that the students that get most of the scholarships from science fair are the ones that are already the best and brightest of the student body.
Anonymous on January 6, 2008 10:42 pm
What did I do that was so horrible? In fact you should be proud of yourself. It’s people like you that made me want to leave so bad.
I have the same disdain and lack of respect for you, your father, and your brother.
You and your father are both arrogant, ignorant fools.
Someday you may know why.
We need your help, our school does. if you arent willing to put aside whatever differences you have for the people in the community, this problem will come back. It’ll come back, and we will be right her where we first started. Have you ever heard of karma? Denis and Louise are two very bright people, very caring to. they even looked at the school themselves, and said this is dangerous. I understand you don’t want certain things to come out of this, but everything comes with a sacrifice for someone. So Im going to go out on a lim here and ask for your help. Please the student body and school needs more than just Mr. Broman, the faculty, and some students to back them up. This is ridiculous, you need to stop bashing on Mr. B, and his family, and LOOK AT THE MATTER AT HAND!! Its right in front of your face. Now either your to big a coward to stick your kneck for fear of what people will say, or you flat out refuse to help someone(correction) Sorry some people.
Dont go bashing people’s familys!!!!! How would you like it if I did that to you??!!! hmmmm whos arrogant? I think the one who is trying to tear down someone else.
Erika
Takes a really big person to take shots at another behind the Anon label. If you actually knew who they were they would be the ones cetching all the ridicule.
What?
Blogs can provide a tremendous service to a community by giving ordinary folks the opportunity to respond immediately to issues and grievances, or by fostering open discussions that just may *gasp* lead to some creative solutions.
It is sad that Stuart is not capable of seizing the opportunity that has been presented to them in three different forums.
Yes, I know Michelle and her gang will jump on the “bash the Eye” bandwagon, but it was a benefit to the locals.
I can’t count the number of times I have jumped to the defense of Tod Broman who, in addition to being an extremely skilled and CARING educator, is also a man who has the guts to speak his mind openly. It is incomprehensible to me that parents would feel the need to attack him in the first place. An individual like Mr. Broman is a tremendous asset to the community and to the school system.
And to the grammar nazi who was quick to diminish the essence of my daughter’s posts: am I glowing with pride at the state of the written communication skills of the MAJORITY of you? No. The youth of today suffer from an innundation of “text-speak”, shorthand and a lack of interest in the traditional written word. They have somewhat of an excuse, albeit a poor one. Those of you who are beyond the age of 16, what is YOUR excuse for poorly spelled, grammatically incorrect posts? What is your excuse for personal attacks in lieu of analytical, or at the very least, coherent debate?
Is it conceivable that you folks could stop trashing your neighbors long enough to consider solutions to the many challenges that face your community? Or will you simply continue in this vein until the town of Stuart dries up and blows away?
susan, stuart will not dry up. A community of more than 1700 (and growing) will not loose their high school either. Not that anyone has suggested that. I just get tired of people saying the “state” (whoever that is) will come in and close our school. Or the “state” (again, who exactly is the “state”) will come in and take control of our district and place students where they think they should be. PLEASE GET A GRIP
Don’t you know where you live? The “state” refers to IOWA. Those from the state most likely involved with any of this would be the Iowa Department of Education and maybe OSHA.
I spoke to “the State” a couple of year ago while doing one of the bond issue stories. “The State” equates to the Ia. Dept of Ed and they confirmed that they cerainly will intervene if they feel it neccessary. It makes fiscal sense for the state entity to solve building problems where they can by consolidating districts and utilizing under-enrolled buildings that are in decent shape. At that time, the subject of Adair Casey came up – they have a much more modern high school facility that is not being used to capacity. No one would give me a timeline; I suspect that the Dept of Ed is not anxious to intervene, but it is a distinct possibility. I almost wish they would. The idea of my kids being on the bus even longer than they are now is not appealing, but I would like for them to have the advantage of a building that is at least SAFE.
Earlier this year a $13 million dollar bond referendum paying for a new high school and renovated elementary school was defeated with 50% support. 60% support is required. Another bond referendum is expected in the spring of 2008, said Wilson.
-Channel 13 News (on the voting for new school)
Never, never never seen such an idiotic mess! You people who continually think you can deny the entire district and it’s high schoolers a decent place to learn are the scum of the earth. Trouble is, you probably like being called that. You yearn for negative attention, and this is how you do it. How do you live with yourselves? No conscience, that’s how. Pitiful losers indeed.
wake up susan. Not going to happen
I didn’t say it’s going to happen, I said it is a possibility.
Seriously she said a POSSIBILITY. Pretty sure that means its a maybe.
Tod,
Just a suggestion, our oldest son scored a 1421 on his SAT. What helped him, when he was younger we always watched basic biology, history, space and nature shows. Competing in high school in the UIL(Univerisity Interscholatic League) his classmate and counter part asked him how obtained this knowledge. Basic parenting.