Southern York County Life

there were issues. THe math teachers were confronted after their presentation and the board president did nothing to stop it. One parent was given a large amount of time to berate the math department and the changes that are being made. From my understanding, the students left feeling like they had done a bad job because people didn’t like it.

mamma - 20 March 2008 04:44 PM

JPC,
I was at the meeting and did not witness any verbal attacks.  There were some concerns raised by the tax coalition and a couple who presented that their son was verbally attacked by a district bus driver.  Maybe that is what the reference was toward.  This couple indicated the administration was dishonest with them and they were very upset.  There was also a man who was upset about the teacher turnover (not a SF member) and his son lost a teacher mid-year for the second year in a row - again very upset but in both these cases I think they have a right for concern.

You forgot to mention that it was explained to the concerned parent that the teacher informed the district very suddenly that they had to take a personal leave and then will retire in June. The parent seem satisfied w/that answer. That had nothing to do what your group tries to show. Also the couple that had a concern about a bus driver, stated that they talked to an “administrator”...that could be anybody because the district does have someone in charge of the bus transportation and handles calls to parents. I am sure Dr. Shank will find out what happened.  If there was dishonesty from an administrator, I am sure she’ll take care of it. The couple has every right to be concerned.

livelaughlove - 20 March 2008 05:30 PM

there were issues. THe math teachers were confronted after their presentation and the board president did nothing to stop it. One parent was given a large amount of time to berate the math department and the changes that are being made. From my understanding, the students left feeling like they had done a bad job because people didn’t like it.

About a month ago, some people said some very negative comments about teachers and adminstration to the board right after a group of 5th and 6th graders just made presentations on some projects that they did.

It sounds like there is an awakening within the SESD.  It is sad to say but things have to get worse before they get better.  I know of the procedures and issues within the district being a former empoyee.  The leadership methods of Dr. Shank, aka Dragon, are not conductive to a healthy environment for anyone - students, teachers, parents or the community.  You will see strong passion from parents and members of the community at school board meetings as a result of this type of leadership - it is very common.  Leadership of total control and intimidation, lacking in communication never works. 

It has taken too long, in my opinion, but FINALLY the community is stirring.  Fortunately, I do not live in the district and my children attend school in a healthy district.  I am saddened for my colleagues and friends that are still there.  I have very close friends who work at SESD and they keep me very updated.  My new position is in a leadership role in education and I have contact with county teachers and administrators and they are very fascinated over the incidents at SESD.  York City School District professionals joke continually about South Eastern making them look good.  I read all the newspaper articles and read last week’s letter to editor that over 100 community members signed.  There is hope in the future for SESD.  The students and professionals deserve it.

students should not be pulled into the mess. That is a major issue.

FINALLY - 20 March 2008 06:38 PM

It sounds like there is an awakening within the SESD.  It is sad to say but things have to get worse before they get better.  I know of the procedures and issues within the district being a former empoyee.  The leadership methods of Dr. Shank, aka Dragon, are not conductive to a healthy environment for anyone - students, teachers, parents or the community.  You will see strong passion from parents and members of the community at school board meetings as a result of this type of leadership - it is very common.  Leadership of total control and intimidation, lacking in communication never works. 

It has taken too long, in my opinion, but FINALLY the community is stirring.  Fortunately, I do not live in the district and my children attend school in a healthy district.  I am saddened for my colleagues and friends that are still there.  I have very close friends who work at SESD and they keep me very updated.  My new position is in a leadership role in education and I have contact with county teachers and administrators and they are very fascinated over the incidents at SESD.  York City School District professionals joke continually about South Eastern making them look good.  I read all the newspaper articles and read last week’s letter to editor that over 100 community members signed.  There is hope in the future for SESD.  The students and professionals deserve it.

Did you like the way Mr. McShane handle things?  You stated that “fortunately” you do not live in the district and your children attend a different school...so are you saying that I am not as fortunuate because my children do attend this district? You just insulted your colleagues and friends who work here if you feel that way.  My children are doing well and are getting a good education.  I am pleased w/ the way things are going.  Now we have new programs and fresh ideas that will benefit the wonderful children in our district.  Geezzz, 143 signatures out of thousands?  Seems like that is a minority of people who feel the way you do. Since you are not part of my children’s education anymore, I wish you well.

Wow!  Thank you for your input and concern FINALLY.  It is very consistent with many others.  Were you called by Students First for an exit interview.  I am sure you know how many feel the same way you do if you are in contact with educators in the county. 

Proud Parent, I would encourage you to call teachers and administrators that suddenly resign under the guise of medical, moving closer to home etc.  That is what Students First does and you may find the story you get when you go to the source very contrary to what the admin is telling.  In fact, there was a high school spec ed teacher that suddenly resigned about 2 months ago and she wrote to students first and it was a very interesting letter.  In fact she provided her phone number and said she was never offered an exit interview by the district.  Just want to point out that things are not always what you think.  These inconsistencies are exactly why students first strives to search for the truth.  Please call these people yourself - they are dedicated and many times hurting and they appreciate that someone has noticed and is concerned.

mamma - 20 March 2008 07:53 PM

Wow!  Thank you for your input and concern FINALLY.  It is very consistent with many others.  Were you called by Students First for an exit interview.  I am sure you know how many feel the same way you do if you are in contact with educators in the county. 

Proud Parent, I would encourage you to call teachers and administrators that suddenly resign under the guise of medical, moving closer to home etc.  That is what Students First does and you may find the story you get when you go to the source very contrary to what the admin is telling.  In fact, there was a high school spec ed teacher that suddenly resigned about 2 months ago and she wrote to students first and it was a very interesting letter.  In fact she provided her phone number and said she was never offered an exit interview by the district.  Just want to point out that things are not always what you think.  These inconsistencies are exactly why students first strives to search for the truth.  Please call these people yourself - they are dedicated and many times hurting and they appreciate that someone has noticed and is concerned.

Thanks for your suggestions, I think I will call that spec ed teacher, perhaps you can pm their phone number to me. But I would like for you to talked to some of the new teachers/staff and ask them about working at SESD. I have talked to some of the teachers that resigned.  The reasons were reasonable why they left.  It is nice to see some of the retired teachers in the hallways as subs or mentors.  But I do know that a few did leave because of the negativity of some the teachers or they felt harassed by those teachers.  On SF’s blog, there is a comment section that people can respond SF’s opinions.  But for some reason, when people try to post their opinions (respectfully) that are not like SF’s, it does not get posted. Can you find out for me why? Thanks!

Just checked the sesdstudentsfirst.blogspot.com and did not see any opinion comment section.  I will ask about it.  When you suggest talking to new teachers do you mean the large group that was hired just this school year?  What do you consider new?  It might be wise to wait and see if the first year to the district teachers stay for another year don’t you think?

Did anyone actually stop to think that there could be 2 sides to every story? I strongly suggest not just listening to one side of the story when someone “suddenly” resigned. There could be more going on there that may be misconstrued. Think of how many times something happened to you and you recall it completely different than someone else that was involved in the exact same time.

School Board members are NOT allowed to respond to anything that is said to them by the community unless they are directly spoken to and are asked for a response. They just have to simply thank you for your comment and move on to whomever else is waiting to say something.

If you are so unhappy with just about everything in the district, move away to some place that you think you’ll be happiest. Why not take advantage of being a tax payer and visit the school? You do realize that you’re always welcomed to go in and request time to sit in the classrooms, don’t you? Being a tax payer, you have the right to sit in on every classroom that is located within the district. Instead of whining and complaining, take advantage of your dollars. Stop sitting behind a screen and think that you have all the answers.

mamma - 20 March 2008 09:22 PM

Just checked the sesdstudentsfirst.blogspot.com and did not see any opinion comment section.  I will ask about it.  When you suggest talking to new teachers do you mean the large group that was hired just this school year?  What do you consider new?  It might be wise to wait and see if the first year to the district teachers stay for another year don’t you think?

If you look under each posting or news article, there is a section that says"comment" . Usually there is “0” beside it. Thanks for looking into it.  As far as the new teachers, I suggest some that have been here for 2-3 years.  I found them to be very refreshing w/new ideas and excited about being a teacher here! As far as recent new teachers, I heard the new Math teacher at east is wonderful. The students just love her!  I hear she has several years experience as a teacher.  I wouldn’t mind talking to her myself just to see how she likes it.

In all honesty, I have not attended board meetings very frequently since the last teacher contract negotiation.  I am a strong supporter of the teachers and staff, and I am always concerned that they get the best that the district can possibly afford.  However, I am first and foremost a proponent of fairness.  There is no room in any of these things for bullying or intimidation.  It seems that some people even today just dont get it.  If they dont get thier way, they feel that they have to shout and threaten.  Stupid.  Sigh.  And I really like my Thursday nights....

The main reasons we worked so hard on the presentation are:

We elect School Board members to be active in the running of the school system.  They are not experts in every field that comes up in the process and we don‘t expect them to be.  However, we feel there are many in the community who do have the expertise in the various fields and can provide invaluable assistance to help the Board run the system efficiently and expertly.

We expect the Board’s Committee chairpersons/members to actually do work, not just report what others did and said at their meetings.  They need to conduct research, solicit advice, whatever is needed to get the job done properly. (A bill for $9,561 is included in our presentation from Sponaugle for the wood shop exhaust system.  According to Green Heck, the Green Heck Model 100LM exhaust assembly does not exist - there is no such model.)

We know the Board has an enormous responsibility and its job is not an easy one.  If our recommendations are implemented by the Board, it will make their job easier and possibly save money along the way.

livelaughlove - 20 March 2008 01:16 PM

was anyone else disturbed that the audience members were allowed to verbally assault those teachers and kids?

For those of you who were not at the meeting, I don’t believe the audience members verbally assaulted anyone.  There were concerns voiced about the math program and the students not learning the basics.  The example given by one parent was the multiplication tables are not being learned and they should be taught as most of us learned them, by rote.  Another concern was having the students work in teams where they are not all on the same level and a more advanced child may be held back.  Another concern was if the program does not work, where are the kids who spent a few years on it.  Will they be behind?  One parent made another valid point - when you give a clerk $5.00 for a $4.25 item, if the cash register computer isn’t working, they don’t know how much change to give.  These were not assaults, just questions and concerns.

ProudParent - 20 March 2008 02:29 PM

I found it quite interesting that a member in the audience asked if all SB members get background checks since everyone else that is involved in the district has to.  Any opinions on that?

One of the requirements to be eligible to be elected or appointed to a Pennsylvania school board:  “The PA Constitution bars from elective office anyone convicted of an “infamous” crime, which the courts have interpreted to include various misdemeanors based on the nature of the crime and all felonies.”

I don’t know if the York Co. Board of Elections actually investigates candidates or if it is done on the honor system.  The latter is my bet.