November 4, 2009 - 10:19 a.m. EST
How dare you? Mr. Robinette, as president of the Mayville Educational Association, stand before your fellow colleagues (who applauded you), your Superintendent (who surprisingly shared some of your views) and the full board of education and denounce the value of the MEAP testing. The board president (a school teacher in the Flint area) chimed in with his negative comments about the MEAP. No wonder Mayville MEAP results are among the worst compared to our surrounding area schools.
Where is your pride to excel to do your best?
It is a state mandate. Why not do the best that you can, instead of fighting it?
A couple of months ago, you, Mr. Robinette, bragged like a proud peacock about the AYP results when Mayville was given three “B’s”. Do I have to remind you that the only testing was the MEAP and MME (for the 11th grade) in that grading? Well, how can that be?
To get a good AYP grade (the state’s school report card) all Mayville had to do was to compare Mayville’s last year’s MEAP/MME results to Mayville’s the previous year’s results and show some improvement. Mayville’s previous MEAP scores when compared to the other area schools were among the worst and are still among the worst.
A person at the board meeting proudly stood before all present that he (when attending Mayville) knew he was not going to have his MEAP score count against him, so he was not putting forth an honest effort on the test.
The board president demonstrated how students in his class raced through the MEAP checking off answers without reading the questions.
The superintendent said it’s not fair to compare Mayville’s MEAP results to other schools because other schools may be using a different curriculum. What’s this, we are not in step with the surrounding area schools? As a board member, this is the first time he has brought that issue to the board’s attention.
The superintendent said Mayville has social problems that could be the reason why Mayville students don’t do as well as students in other school district, such as single parent families and parents who either don’t have the time or desire to help their student. Come on, it’s still the school’s responsibility to educate.
Stop making excuses.
Mr. Robinette, in spite of you, my granddaughter prided herself to do the best she could do on the MEAP tests. I’m sure a few others felt the same way. My granddaughter scored high in the percentiles each year. I wonder how well other students could have done on the MEAP with a little bit of encouragement.I graduated from Mayville and 48 years later my granddaughter graduated in 2004 from Mayville. My wife and I parented her through school. Our granddaughter started school at St. Mary’s in Mt. Morris where she developed very good learning skills.
She started attending Mayville during the fifth grade. We often considered sending her to another school during the eight years she attended Mayville because of the things she told us about what was happening at school. Things were made bearable for her, when my wife worked as a part-time secretary at Mayville schools.
I understand why parents pull their children out of Mayville.
I was elected twice to the Beecher Community School Board of Education and served eight years. I ran for the Mayville Community School Board with the silly idea that I could possibly make a difference. I found out quickly that most of my fellow board members had and still have no clue to what their elected responsibilities are.
Mr. Robinette, it is obvious you have never taken the time to understand the value and purpose of the MEAP testing. You had only one thing right, the MEAP is a snapshot in time. Contrary to opinion, MEAP results can be an invaluable evaluation tool. This may surprise you that most organizations do test their effectiveness of their efforts and make adjustments when needed.
Mr. Robinette, you stated MEAP testing would make more sense if it was done twice a year. Why? Don’t you understand that MEAP is testing what that student should have learned from the year before, not what that student is currently learning? Pedagogical standards don’t apply to the MEAP.
Let me make this very clear. What a student in Michigan is expecting to have learned when this snapshot in time is taken (the MEAP) is what the previous teachers should have been teaching that student prior to their current teacher.
Mayville has a problem teaching effectively what the state wants to be taught to the students.
Teachers are not being held accountable by the building administrators. The building administrators are not being held accountable by the superintendent. The superintendent is not being held accountable by the board of education. The board of education is not being held accountable by the community. Mayville schools needs accountability and to address our shortcomings instead of trying to dodge them.
Tom Hamilton
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November 4, 2009
11:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
as a parent who lives in Caro and sends my son to Mayville You concern me Mr. Hamilton, You are a board member at Mayville, Why would you talk so badly about the school you are in charge of promoting? Its YOUR JOB to be the flag barer of the school not to talk bad about the school. Why would you do this? Do you not want the school to improve? be getting more students and promoting the good being done in the school? It sounds like your loyalties are elsewhere. I have a Son in the District and am Proud to say he is there. The Teachers are the biggest asset to the district. Board members that only talk bad about the school they should be promoting should rethink what they are doing.
November 4, 2009
6:52 p.m.Report inappropriate content
After reading this opinion and discussing it with my two sons (9th grade and 11th grade) I have mixed feelings about the solidity of the school board and the board’s attitude and approach toward the MEAP testing situation.
I too graduated from Mayville High School. I remember what a "joke" the MEAP test was back in the 80's. Most students paced through it marking any answer just to get it finished as quickly as possible. My boys have just informed me that this has not changed. I make no excuses or place blame on anyone for the last 30 years of irresponsibility, but now that the appropriate bodies are fully aware that the MEAP testing is and always has been a reprehensible joke at Mayville High School it is time that something be done about it.
I have nothing but respect for the educators of our school district. I believe they do the best with what they have to work with and I believe that everyone of them that I have had the privilege to talk to or be taught by care about what they do. I have 5 children that have been in or are still in Mayville Schools and I am very proud of them for who they have become and what they have accomplished. I also believe that their teachers and administrators have had a great deal to do with that as well.
Mr. Hamilton is right. As a community we need to demand that something be done by our school district to help get students to better prepare and perform on the MEAP test.
I also think that Mr. Robinette is right about the MEAP testing being inconclusive all of these years.
How about coming up with a solution instead of all the bickering and "blame gaming" that our school board is becoming so famous for?
November 4, 2009
6:53 p.m.Report inappropriate content
After reading this opinion and discussing it with my two sons (9th grade and 11th grade) I have mixed feelings about the solidity of the school board and the board’s attitude and approach toward the MEAP testing situation.
I too graduated from Mayville High School. I remember what a "joke" the MEAP test was back in the 80's. Most students paced through it marking any answer just to get it finished as quickly as possible. My boys have just informed me that this has not changed. I make no excuses or place blame on anyone for the last 30 years of irresponsibility, but now that the appropriate bodies are fully aware that the MEAP testing is and always has been a reprehensible joke at Mayville High School it is time that something be done about it.
I have nothing but respect for the educators of our school district. I believe they do the best with what they have to work with and I believe that everyone of them that I have had the privilege to talk to or be taught by care about what they do. I have 5 children that have been in or are still in Mayville Schools and I am very proud of them for who they have become and what they have accomplished. I also believe that their teachers and administrators have had a great deal to do with that as well.
Mr. Hamilton is right. As a community we need to demand that something be done by our school district to help get students to better prepare and perform on the MEAP test.
I also think that Mr. Robinette is right about the MEAP testing being inconclusive all of these years.
How about coming up with a solution instead of all the bickering and "blame gaming" that our school board is becoming so famous for?
Mike Robinson
November 4, 2009
9:12 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I have a great idea, how about letting me sign that recall petition for you. You have obviously lost your belief and I don't believe that you care for Mayville schools. It sounds like you do have your own agenda and maybe it is time to sign that recall and get some new blood in that school district. Please do us all a favor and go back to Beecher you job here is done, and not done very well.
Thank you for your lack of support for our school district.
November 5, 2009
9:17 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Agent 1,
Your comments are of a responsible concerned person seeking the truth. You would be an asset to any board, stay involved.
To those who choose to bury their heads in the sand "do-do":
If my assessments of what is wrong with Mayville Schools are in error, please state your facts.
It is true the State has concerns of the MEAP results. There are some school officials across the State that take the MEAP scores serious, others don't.
Those schools that don't take the State's effort serious to evaluate and improve the quality of education, what else don't those schools take serious?
In my opinion, Mayville school officials are not serious about solving any problem. If the Mayville school officials were willing to address the problems in the proper forum in the first place, I would not have resorted to this method to get a community awareness to solve issues.
To concernedparents:
I refuse to be a token flag bearer, that would be willing to carry around a CACTUS telling everyone that it's a ROSE.
November 5, 2009
10:04 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I would like to agree with Mr Hamilton about several things about Mayville Schools. My child has been enrolled there for about a yr and a half now, and my oldest daughter attended there about six yr's ago. And i have heard several times from both of my children that the teachers and the counselors just dont care. I have heard of teachers talking on cell phones while supposingly teaching class, i have heard of subs talking about there personal lives with students, that have nothing to do with teaching the class. I recently had a conversation with a teacher regarding my child and her class, as my child is struggling with her class, she specifically told me that she does not have enough time in her class to help my child as she has 30 some students. I also had a former teacher that taught at Mayville Schools tell me that 90 percent of the teachers that are there just dont care about the students in that school. I dont know what needs to be done at this school but something needs to change. My thought is that you need to get teachers in there that do care about students and them succeding in life and in school. I know i am very seriously considering pulling my child out of that school district. And enrolling my child into a school district that does care about there students.
November 5, 2009
10:39 a.m.Report inappropriate content
stacypooh
I'm sorry you child is struggling, it's very frustrating as a parent. I'm hoping I can help you out. The Teachers are required to teach alot of different things through the year these are called glicks. It moves very quick and when some students don't catch on or understand it's hard to stop and help that student because the state requires you to get through so much in a year. Bad thing is all students don't learn at that pace. I understand where you are coming from. My suggestion is talk to the building principal. There are some tutors available for some one on one help or after school help in high school.I have never come a crossed a teacher at Mayville that was not willing to help my child out when they didn't understand something but my child also had to put forth the effort as well. I hope this helps.
November 5, 2009
11:43 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton (AKA postmaster) could you pat your self on the back a little more?
“Your comments are of a responsible concerned person seeking the truth. You would be an asset to any board, stay involved. ”
I say postmaster is Mr. Hamilton himself because “Postmaster” later goes on to say:
“I refuse to be a token flag bearer, that would be willing to carry around a CACTUS telling everyone that it's a ROSE.” Also in a previous post by postmaster…
Posted on July 11 at 12:52 p.m.
On Nope, he’s staying now
Some students breaks rules. I always have allowed those students to exercise their student's rights. They have always been allowed to appeal the discipline that school administration had imposed on them. Unfortunately, it takes four board members to over turn a decision made by a school administrator. If a student violates, the student must do the time. That way, I (and the rest of the Board) are protecting the student's rights. Is this the bullying I'm accused of?
One thing Mr. Hamilton is not, is a liar. I challenge anyone to state any lie that I may have uttered. Only one exception, I told the Superintendent that I would sign a Superintendent contract, I refused to sign a contract, not entered into the Board minutes and thereby not approved by the Board.
Mr. Hamilton I understand that you are not happy, but could you try to be a little bit professional, and not masquerade as a concerned community member patting yourself on the back for dragging Mayville’s good name through the mud in a public display. Shame on you. If you have an issue, bring it up at the board meeting or to the person you have the issue with, don’t hurt the community of Mayville by ranting in a newspaper seen throughout the county. I would also like to see the MEAP scores go up, but I ask you how does bashing Mayville Schools and the Community as a whole in a public newspaper bring the scores up? But Yes in your own words Mr. Hamilton “you would be an asset to any board, stay involved” your defiantly doing a good job patting yourself on the back.
November 5, 2009
3:07 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To all concerned parents of the Mayville School District if your tired of the belittling of the school district on line please come to the next board meeting on Nov. 17th at 6:30 in High School lab and Voice your concerns of the district and the actions of a few board members and bring a friend if they have concerns. The issues of the district can not be resolved without your input. As I have stated in the past, not one person can fix them by themselves. Its going to take the support from teacher, administration,board and community to do this as a community. The issues at hand will not and can not be fixed over night, but can and will be if we pull together. As a concerned parent and community member I have attended most board meetings for going on 3 years now. I am not afraid to voice my opinions on the maters at hand. I will not hide behind a computer ID.
Lets show certain members of the board we are tired of the circus they have made of OUR district and help fix the issues. I say and believe if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem which members have become.
hope to see you all at the next meeting!!!
Tom Sansote
November 5, 2009
3:10 p.m.Report inappropriate content
TO concernedparents:
Let me make this very clear. My comment was to Agent 1 which was: "Your (Agent 1) comments are of a responsible concerned person seeking the truth. You (Agent 1) would be an asset to any board, stay involved. ”
I am a retired postmaster
You (concernedparents) seems to be determined to ridicule everything, anything and anyone at all cost to avoid knowing the truth. The truth does hurt in this case, because all this could have been avoided.
All Mayville school officials had to do was to have made an honest effort to improve (instead blaming the MEAP's format) and to follow Vassar's example. Back in 2005/06 school Vassar had the worst MEAP scores. Comparing the same 11 schools, Vassar moved from 11th to 8th in MEAP ranking.
Mayville is only one of two schools in this area that has a mean MEAP average below the State's mean MEAP average.
November 5, 2009
4:13 p.m.Report inappropriate content
MLD, I'm glad you agree it's time for the community to put pressure on those whose responsible for the education of our children.
Mr. Sansote stated at several board meeting that he never took the MEAP test seriously and just checked off answers just to get done. Did he pick up that attitude from the teachers or fellow classmates, may be he had someone special waiting for him, right MLD?
November 5, 2009
4:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
In my previous post when I addressed a writer AKA (concernedparents) comments I was addressing the computer ID know as (concernedparents) comments. Not the concerned parents in general.
November 5, 2009
4:50 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton,
I'm sorry I did not read your statement correctly, I was just very angry, I had many ladies in my office asking me why a board member would talk so badly about the school they are on the board of. let alone in the Tuscola Advertiser. You say "all of this could have been avoided" are you speaking of your posting in the advertiser, or that fact that you were board president and did not make the positive changes I.E. working with the teachers and administration instead of trying to put the blame on them when you had the chance? I am sorry that I will not post my name for fear of repercussions directed against my children and family members, not by the teachers but by certain board members, whose authority is derived from bullying.
November 5, 2009
8:07 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To (AKA concernedparents)
Thank you for giving my comments a little more thought. This is real important to me that I am understood.
"all of this could have been avoided" yes, I am referring to my posts in the Advertiser.
For over two years, I have tried to get some positive steps toward addressing this problem and some other issues, only to have the Superintendent thwart my efforts by saying it's just the way it is at Mayville. What irks me the most is the fact that the Superintendent has the ability to control certain board members to side with him on issues he does not want to deal with. Many times he uses the excuse, "the district can't afford it" and certain board members take him at his word and nothing gets done.
Mayville has a teacher who could be serving as a Special Ed ala director solving some of our problems in that area.
Mayville needs a part time Athletic Director, perhaps someone from the teacher staff. The Superintendent, our current AD is only part time at best.
Mayville needs accountable in all areas, we have a secretary with a degree in Business who could be upgraded with more responsibilities to achieve that accountability.
The Superintendent has nixed any discussion on any of these issues. Again certain board members (even thou they had some concerns, too) still sided with the Superintendent wishes.
November 5, 2009
9:12 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster,
First off, I know Vassar school district, do you want to know how they raised their MEAP scores, it was simple. You as a board member should already know how they did this if you did your research. The state let them drop the scores of the wolverine school, you know all the kids that got and trouble and instead of being in jail they went there. So are you saying we need to follow Vassar's lead. Please explain to me what students scores Mayville gets to throw out. Please call the State and ask them. Oh wait, they would laugh at you, because it is not possible. I love the knowledge you bring. I did some checking into your past as well, Mr. Hamilton, is it true you were being recalled in Beecher as well. WOW you are officially two for two, good work.
Next thing Mr. Hamilton, being the educated board member you are, how much would that cost to have a special education director? How much more would you have to pay for an Athletic director? How much more would the school pay for another person to look at the business end, I thought Mayville already had a superintendent and a business manager to do this as well as a bookkeeper? Please explain this. When your done explaining this, tell me how Mayville could afford these expenses when the State has already proposed a $165 cut from the budgets as well as a potential for more cuts later this year and probably next year. I think I would much rather save money on the administrative end, so we can keep our teachers and keep student to teacher ratio's lower.
I can't believe it is possible everytime your write something you make less and less sense.
November 5, 2009
9:33 p.m.Report inappropriate content
MR. Hamiton
I'm a student for mayville high school. We love are school, are teacher teach us as best as they can.I would like for you to take the MEAP test and see if you can pass it.. So you need to stop talking so bad about are school and have pride for are Mayville School..
William
November 6, 2009
3:38 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Jonjones,
Please get your facts straight.
There has never been a recall election to remove me from any board and there are no petitions to recall me.
Your point is well taken about the Vassar Schools and the Wolverine situation. Something I was not aware of, which only makes Mayville Schools the worst MEAP achiever of our area for that school year.
At less than the cost of one teacher's salary, our current staff could split duties and responsibilities to cover those positions.
Plus there would be more than enough money available if Mayville Schools did not have to spent so much your tax dollars for the high cost health benefits from the most expensive insurance carriers, that our staff insist on having.
ie, Flint Schools, who went to court and won to lower their cost for health care benefits. Flint Schools will save a lot of money in the future and their staff will still receive very nearly the same coverage they had before.
To William,
Thanks for getting involve, we need more people to be involved, the truth hurts sometimes, that's why I got involved. Knowing the truth about Mayville hurts me deeply. But doing nothing or saying nothing hurts me even more, it also hurts students like you, who has not yet learned that the word "are" should be spelled "our" and to always capitalize proper names like "Mayville" and try to spell people's name correctly "Hamilton not Hamiton". William don't feel bad, a board member also spelled my name "Hamiton" I can understand your frustrations doing the MEAP/MME tests. I can assure you that I can master the tests.
November 6, 2009
6:30 a.m.Report inappropriate content
So once again Mr. Hamilton what is the cost of a teacher? You didn't answer the questions, I want dollars and cents. Then I want you, who constantly has a budget in front of you how Mayville can spend that money. Don't just say the cost of a teacher like it is no big deal. I think if it was that easy, spend it on a TEACHER for our kids, NOT ON ADMINISTRATION.
Next, you make a point about Flint winning a law suit. Well lets think there, how much did the school pay the lawyers for this lawsuit? So you would rather see school money go to lawyers outside the county rather than making teachers happy. Plus don't try to fool us, if the teachers got the insurance they BARGAINED FOR, that means they must have given up something in return. Mayville didn't lose out on anything, and here you are talking about filing a lawsuit that would cost thousands and thousands of dollars.
Also, thank you for acknowledging my competency and your incompetency. See I research my information before I speak. You just make statements with no knowledge and hope people take things at your word. Well for me to do this you have to earn my trust, that sir, you don't have. Also,I mad some calls down to Beecher Community Schools, do you want to go on record to say you never had a petition for recall on you. That is very contradicting to the words I received yesterday.
November 6, 2009
8:24 a.m.Report inappropriate content
WOW, now we have a board member picking on students and posting falsehoods. Good job Mr. Hamilton do you feel proud of what you have done?
November 6, 2009
8:59 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I now asked all citizens, parent and students to come together at the next regular Mayville School Board meeting and asked Tom Hamilton to resign. My kids deserve better. I want School Board Members to have a positive vision. I want the Board President to work closly with the superintendent and move this district forward. Negatvity breeds negativity. The Board should be making motions that addresses the low MEAP scores. Mr. Hamilton what motions have you ever made to document your efforts. Its always easy to talk, than take action. By the way you where in the process of being recalled but by the time everything would have gotten done your term as board trustee would have ended. This information comes directly from the person who filed the petition on you. By the way you said in the paper that all board members being recalled should be recalled. You should take your advice and resign. Please, come back to the board meetins as a positive citizen of this community with positive ideals to help, not to just present your negativities. Next Board Meeting 11/17/09 6:30pm
November 6, 2009
9:11 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I was just so mad to hear that our board member were talking bad about our school. I think that board members should be talking good about our school.
November 6, 2009
11:57 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Jonjones,
Yes, someone did file to circulate a recall petition against two board members, me being one of them. The petition was thrown out. That person also wanted to file against two other board members, but because of the rules, were not allowed to. There were four Beecher board members that had voted to fire the Superintendent. Some people did not like that, thus the recall attempt.
Since you "mad" (I think you meant "made") calls to Beecher are planning to open up a whole new can of worms, instead addressing the problems at Mayville?
I am not intimated by your attempt to demonizing me.
Kill the messenger!!!, seems to be your battle cry instead of trying to solve problems.
Obliviously Jonjones, you are someone with close ties to the Superintendent and know that dollar and cent price tags need to negotiated to determine which teacher's salary to use to determine that cost.
Again this is an issue that the board has not been allowed to discussed, guess who by.
Jonjones hold tight to your thoughts about saving teachers jobs and smaller classrooms, also keep in mind that privatizing of the secretaries and the custodial positions are on the horizon, stripping them of their health benefits when pay increases are proposed for the administrative people.
It is a shame that the Flint Teachers Union (who have money to burn) sued the Flint Schools (who don't have money to burn) forcing the Flint Schools to spend some of the money they were expecting to save by changing health care carriers.
The Flint Teachers Union did not have to take the Flint Schools to court and thus could have been a win win situation except for MESSA in Lansing.
The Mayville Educational Association could save the Mayville Schools a lot of money, if they want to, by switching health care carriers and not taking everything to court forcing the district spend money for trying to save money. The money saved I'm talking about is the taxpayer's money, which does not and will not take any money from the teachers.
November 6, 2009
2:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Since we are in a correcting mood, are you not intimidated or intimated? Sorry about that but I just thought it was fair. I am very well educated, I am a college graduate what is your College background?
You made a statement that I am very concerned about, are you trying to push the privatization issues at school. Shame on you, you are messing with peoples lively hoods. You won't beable to show your face in Mayville if you pull that, but then again maybe you will move after you finish your destruction of the school district.
Now, I called Beecher to see what they could tell me about your track record. You made yourself sound like a saint in Beecher, but that wasn't the case. I actually was just making a statement, and was going to leave it at that. But I am glad you let the rest of the people know that the stuff you pulled in Beecher with the Superintendent is the same things you are pulling now. You wanted to get rid of that person and now you are doing it again. But at what cost to the school.
Next, I am not a dollar and cents guy, I asked you for some figures because I don't know, and it is clear that you have no clue either. You just can't go around demanding changes and without knowing costs. Schools all over the State are making cut backs and your making statements about adding administration. I don't understand this.
I get bored with debating issues with lesser people, but lets clear things up. You stated "The Flint Teachers Union did not have to take the Flint Schools to court and thus could have been a win win situation except for MESSA in Lansing." Well why did the schools have to take the Flint Teachers Union to court? Please don't leave open ended statements out there like Flint Teachers Union has money to burn, how much are we talking about? What are your figures, and where did they come from? Please specify so I can double check this statement. Also, don't you think that a lawsuit that was FILED BY THE SCHOOL, cost the district money. I know that Lawyers don't work for free. I know this had to cost the Flint School District a lot of money.
I wish the Mayville School District the best of luck, and I hope things will run smoothly. I feel the schools pain with people like this trying to become spokes people. Parents don't worry, I believe there are good people at Mayville and good students. I just hope that one big mouthed person won't ruin peoples image of what Mayville is doing. I hope these back and forth messages, at least prove one point, that Mr. Hamilton is ignorant to issues that he complains about. I would just ask for Mr. Hamilton to do his job at the school board meetings and leave these issues out of the paper. This is not the forum for such nonsense.
November 6, 2009
2:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Well, as a parent that USED to have children in the Mayville School District (thank god for Schools of Choice!), I can use "WILLIAMENDERT" as proof that I made the correct decision in pulling my children out before it was too late. The boy has atrocious grammar and struggles to formulate a sentence - which is typical for students of the district. The responsibility for this falls squarely on the shoulders of the arrogant, overpaid, unionized teachers employed by this district.
As to the MEAP scores, well Mr. Robinette, they were indeed indicative of what those children were NOT learning over the years. Only in Mayville could a child graduate top of the class in the NHS and still have to take REMEDIAL MATH courses when they get to college because they are so far behind. I heard this and it was absolutely the last straw for me - I yanked my kids out immediately and it was the best thing I could have done. I got them out early enough to correct the damage - after a year and additional tutoring to bring them up to speed and make up for what they weren't taught.
The Mayville School District is beyond repair. The teachers care only about their pay and benefits - which are ridiculously high for this area and what these "teachers" actually do - the children are an afterthought. It's nice that some "concerned" individuals got off their duffs and chose to try and effect a change, but it really is too little too late. Mayville has the reputation of being the School of Last Resort in Tuscola County - if not the entire Thumb - and that is not likely to change.
Good parents gave up that losing battle long ago and did the best thing possible for their children - moved them out of the school district and got on with their lives.
November 6, 2009
2:48 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Tom Hamilton, you are not a person to stand up and tell others what they should and should not do!! You complain about the MEAP scores. Maybe they are not the greatest, but the teachers are working to improve them. They have reworked what is taught in each grade and in what order during the year to make sure students are given the OPPORTUNITY to learn what they need to. Teachers cannot wave a magic wand and make students learn. They present the material, they give students time to work on it and ask questions, they try and give each student the help they need, and then they have to move onto the next thing. As sad as it is, not every one is an A student, and not everyone will be able to perform well on the MEAP! I wonder how well you would do on it Mr. Hamilton. I have been to board meetings where you have tried to read statements; only you couldn't read it and had to have someone else read it! Are you mad at teachers because you never learned to read well?
I am proud of Mayville Schools. My child is excelling. In fact his teacher was concerned that his work was too easy for him, so now in some subjects he is doing the next grade levels work!! Do I work at him at home every night to make sure he is where he needs to be and help him study for tests? Yes I do!! That’s why he does well!!
Some learning issues are passed from generation to generation. If you never learned to study and do your homework, are you going to make sure you child does? If you thought your teacher hated you, are you going to try and have a good working relationship with your child’s teacher? I doubt it!! When I have a question or a concern about what is happening in the school or with my child, I ask the teacher!! Usually they can give me an answer right then, or they will find out what is going on and get back to me!! To me that is teachers who care!!
November 6, 2009
2:50 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I had more to say then I could post at one time!!
And Mr. Hamilton, how can you say you understand your responsibility as a board member? When you were president of the board you sat by MANY times and let student rights be violated!! You laughed about violence in the school! IT IS ON TAPE!! And as a current board member you said that you, as the rest of the board members, would have NOTHING to do with the current recalls. Yet, you drive people around town so they can have people sign the recall! That’s not helping, or are you getting paid to be a taxi? If so I hope you have the proper license for that and will be claiming the income on your tax return!! The state needs all the money it can get!!
And I do believe the teachers, administrators, and the superintendent are being held accountable!! At least by me!! If I have an issue, I call them on it, and I keep calling until I get an answer. Usually 1 phone call does it! And I will be holding the board accountable as well. I will not be voting for you again when your current term is up. In fact I didn't vote for you to begin with! And I have signed the recall I find correct, and when that comes to vote as well, I will be voting to improve Mayville schools! And that reminds me. Those you drive around for the recall are telling people they are signing to recall Mr. Hartzel, well that would be a lie. They are signing to recall board members. Mr. Hartzel cannot be recalled, as he wasn't voted into his job, so he cannot be voted out of his job by this community!! Way to show how smart you and your friends are!!
November 6, 2009
2:58 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Since you "mad" (I think you meant "made") calls to Beecher are planning to open up a whole new can of worms, instead addressing the problems at Mayville?
I think you missed 2 words in this sentence!!
are YOU planning
instead OF addressing
And there really should be a comma between Beecher and are, just so you know!!
November 6, 2009
3:45 p.m.Report inappropriate content
for_real09,
Your child is "excelling"? By Mayville's standards, no doubt, which are tragically behind the rest of the state. Call me a dreamer, but I expected my children to recieve a better education than would be expected from an inner-city district such as Pontiac or Grand Rapids. That was not the case, so I researched my alternatives and made the best decision given the circumstances.
Mayville has not kept pace with the rest of the world. The fact that so many people in the community are defending this type of backward administration and education is indicative of where the actual problem lies - the inept teachers and laissez-faire parents that find this situation acceptable.
Mr. Hamilton should probably step down, for his own peace of mind. Nothing can be done about a community so deeply entrenched in the dark ages.
November 6, 2009
4:13 p.m.Report inappropriate content
JoeT
I sounds as if your saying that your child will get a better education else where, thats good. But, let me remind you that there are students graduating from Mayville that are excelling in college. I know one young man who is in med school and finished in the top 20% of his class on the MCATS. I hope your children do as well, good luck. Bye the way "yes Mayville standards".
November 6, 2009
4:50 p.m.Report inappropriate content
wethepeople,
One student out of how many thousands that have graduated from Mayville? Wow, stop the presses! We have 1 success story!!! Not very good odds there, my friend. Definitely not a risk I was willing to take with my childrens' lives.
I also know the former student that you are writing about, and he was definitely an exception to the rule - but with dedicated parents such as his coupled with his own standards and ambition, his success was assured. The mediocre teachers in the district can not take credit for his success. The same can't be said for other members of his family, but you know that already, don't you?
Nice try, though. Mayville's standards are substandard at best. Embarrassing and inexcusable.
November 6, 2009
6:29 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Joe t,
Name 2 schools in the area that pay their teachers less than Mayville..... did not think you could. How about the school you sent your child too, do those teachers make more I bet they do? Check your facts. How about graduated students attending college where does Mayville rank compaired to other schools in the area? Now don't just blert out an answer, check before you comment. Mayville is in the top. I checked before sending my son here. Have you sat down and talked with the teachers, I have and they are great, possibly it's you Joe t that is the problem.
November 6, 2009
7:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
JoeT,
What a joke you are. You have know ideal about the family i'm taking about. If you did know something about the family all of the siblings are very successful. Please tell the readers about yourself and how successful you are. You seemed to have alot of negaitve comments about our school system and people in this community. Never mind the district and community is better off not hearing from you. Please take your family and ride off into the sunset, you diserve nothing less.
November 6, 2009
8:41 p.m.Report inappropriate content
And these comments from "wethepeople" and "concernedparents" prove my point about the type of people that have to be dealt with in this community. Why should I sell my home and "ride off into the sunset" because you don't like what I (and many other parents that have left this district) think about the way YOUR schools are run? I found a way to see to the needs of my family, while staying in the home I built, and not having to deal with this type of mentality on a regular basis.
As to the teachers in the surrounding areas that make less, there are many. Caro, Vassar and Millington all have teachers on staff that make less - especially when you take into consideration that their districts don't contribute as much to their retirement and health insurance plans. Those teachers have to contribute to 403b plans and pay more of their health care costs out of pocket - like the rest of America - without the Golden Parachute that Mayville's teachers have. Why do Mayville teachers still have a district funded pension plan?? The idea that we the tax payers owe mediocre teachers a living is ludicrous! If they can't do their jobs and teach students what they need to learn - as is indicated by the laughable MEAP scores in this district - then they need to be fired. Period. But the teachers' union prevents that, doesn't it? No difference between them and the UAW - and we all see where that got the auto companies and UAW members, don't we?
Oh, and yes I did talk to teachers and administrators before I pulled my kids out years ago - over the same problems that everyone has finally taken notice of now - and the answers and feedback that I received was not sufficient, so I took them out of the district. Simple answer to complex problems that still haven't been solved.
This district may get my tax money to squander, but it doesn't have my children to handicap.
November 6, 2009
9:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
wethepeople,
You want to know about me and how successful I am?? No need to toot my own horn to prove a point, so I won't give you much. Just know this: My spouse and I earn more than the average household in this community, we are both college educated with at least a baccalaureate degree (I know that is a big word, so look it up), we have no intention of being run out of town by a little control freak that doesn't like having his authority and "know-it-all" attitude questioned, and we care deeply about our children getting the best public school education possible.
Oh, and I guess we have different ideas about what "successful" is. Happiness in life is one thing, but having a successful career and earning a good living is another. You would think that each would go hand in hand, but your argument about "all of the siblings" being successful brings that into question.
I didn't choose to live in this area because of the schools, I can tell you that. I chose the area for the low taxes and the cost of living. You get much more house and property for the money in this area, crime is lower, and rural living is preferable to the overcrowding of the southern counties in this state, and that is important to anyone that takes their long term financial planning seriously. That was one of the reasons I didn't pack up and move when I discovered exactly how awful these schools were. There were better districts in close proximity with quality child care options, better sports programs, better extra-curricular activities, better tutoring programs - need I go on? It was the best decision that we could have made, and we don't regret it at all. Why beat a dead horse?
November 6, 2009
9:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
One last point for the night, you call me a joke because I voiced an opinion that was in contrast to the meaningless drivel that you spew. How ironic is it that your spat of temper so easily proved my point? You are the type of influence that I feared my children would be exposed to. I chose to pull my children out of this district because I wanted better for them. Being demonized for that decision only supports it further. You don't want to hear an opposing viewpoint because it is contrary to the view you have taken - a faulty view at that.
If you think that Mayville schools and their myriad of problems is sufficient for your child, then more power to you. One wouldn't expect a child of a person with such low expectations to rise much higher than the parent anyway, so no harm no foul as far as I can see. However, there were many of us that refused to accept such menial circumstances as being sufficient in the educating of our children.
It is really sad that the lack of knowledge in this community will have such a long term negative effect on the children being educated in this district, but it is easy to see that it has been that way for a long, long time. That is, perhaps, a large part of the problem. The people here have a very difficult time perceiving themselves in the way that the surrounding areas do. Too bad really, but a fact nonetheless.
So, I would expect a logical person to see the reasoning behind the decision of many decent, well educated parents that wanted the best for their children and recognized that Mayville schools would never provide that. However, it is vastly apparent that none of the people posting here would ever be able to grasp that concept. It is like explaining algebraic concepts to a toddler of normal intelligence - not possible.
November 6, 2009
9:50 p.m.Report inappropriate content
On a final impersonal note, since I'm not from Mayville, I don't agree with leaders posting one's "dirty laundry", but who can disagree that test scores must be evaluated and used as a basis for improvement strategies? The district needs to catch up with its neighbors, and if the students are not trying hard enough, find out why.
November 7, 2009
3:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
To CapedCrusader
The secret problems at Mayville that have ignored for years needs a good airing out. Now the community needs to step up put pressure on those who refuse to be problem solvers.
When the majority of the school board does not have a clue to what the problems are, how can you expect them to address them? I have done my best to inform the board during past couple of years, only to have administration make excuses, telling the clueless that everything is fine.
Yes, Mayville MEAP scores has improved a little. Of the 35 subjects tested at different grade levels, 29 of those subjects scored below the state averages. Mayville Schools still has the lowest scores in this area of 11 other schools. Nothing really has changed.
Mayville has board members who take more effort and pride in waving to the crowds and shaking hands, proclaiming themselves to all that they are board members, rather than solving problems.
My agenda has never changed. Stop the bullying and seek accountability at all levels. Those who are not doing their job should either shape up or be shipped out. I believe in transparency and in freedom for individuals to voice their opinions without being ridiculed.
November 7, 2009
3:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Sorry I left out the word "been" in the first sentence of my last post.
November 7, 2009
9:16 a.m.Report inappropriate content
For this "airing out" not to take on a Jerry Springer-like atmoshpere, one issue at a time needs to be resolved. Your letter and others above pit teachers against support staff, board members with a clue against those without a clue. Again, I believe that you are correct in saying that the time for excuses is over and for test scores to rise. That is a message that should unite the community, and if you focus on only that,it will.
November 7, 2009
12:43 p.m.Report inappropriate content
CapedCrusader,
There is no unity in this community - especially where the schools are concerned. The mentality here is "cover it up and ignore it and no one will ever find out". In order to fix a problem, you have to admit that there is a problem - that will never happen here.
Oh, and incidentally, this airing of dirty laundry is standard practice for this district. Board meetings are always chaotic, and nothing gets accomplished. Too many personalities competing for their own Reality Show. The lure of local fame and percieved power is the only reason that these people ran for these positions - Selfishness and idiocy reign supreme here. These people only wanted to make a difference in their own lives, because they certainly have done NOTHING to improve the condition of the schools.
These teachers have been paid too well to wallow in their own mediocrity over the years. The fact that their union representative would stand up and defend years of ridiculously low MEAP scores is just one example of the unwillingness of these teachers to take responsibility for their failure to successfully execute the tasks they were hired to undertake. They have failed the children of this district - miserably. And the board is incapable of rectifying that situation.
As I stated in previous posts: The Mayville School District is beyond redeption. Their reputation has been solidified as the laughingstock of Tuscola County, and possible the entire Thumb area, and that reputation is obviously well deserved.
November 8, 2009
5:32 p.m.Report inappropriate content
JoeT, I would like to say so many things to you right now that are just not allowed on this site! My child is excelling! Not by your so-called "Mayville Standards", but truly excelling. I could list his many achievements, but what would be the point. You consider me some backwoods idiot because I believe in the education my child is getting. I went to Mayville schools and have a fancy baccalaureate degree as well! And I didn't even have to look up what the word means!
You can complain about teachers, staff, school board, the Easter Bunny, any one you want. The truth of the matter is a child's education is only as good as the effort the CHILD and PARENTS put into it. You have success stories out of the worst schools, which Mayville is not, and you have failures out of the best schools money can buy!! Why? Because the parents have to care!! I agree that not every teacher will work for every child! But your bad experience does not mean that the entire school should be written off!! I am glad you did what you feel is best for your child; don't tell me I am ruining my child's future!! He has the world open to him and can do what ever he sets out to do, because of the education he is receiving at Mayville Schools!!
And Mr. Hamilton, I did spell that right didn't I? You have once again made fun of one of the students here at Mayville schools that special learning needs!! He works hard and does his best, but may never be recognized for that work because he won't be top of his class!! Put your foot in your mouth where it belongs! Bash adults if you want to, but leave our children ALONE!! You have caused enough damage!! You owe that young man a public apology, and he better get it!!
November 8, 2009
6:59 p.m.Report inappropriate content
for_real09,
First of all, you seem to have a problem accurately processing information. If you were referring to comments on this board made about one WILLIAMENDERT, then you need to direct you anger toward me, not Mr. Hamilton. I am the one that commented about his atrocious grammar, etc., and I stand behind that. Special Ed. student or not, he should be able to formulate a sentence and use spellcheck at this point in his education. So, bearing that in mind, I won't be apologizing for my observations.
You also seem to think that because I took my children out of this district that I am no longer an active member of this community. That would be an incorrect assumption on your part. I am very involved in this community, and I have followed the lack of progress in these schools for years.
As far as your "excelling" child goes, I will be most interested to see what your opinion is when this kid takes the SAT and ACT and tries to get into a good college. I strongly suspect you will be singing a much different tune at that time. MEAP is but 1 test that acurately gauges the capabilities of the students educated in this district. We already know that those scores are pitifully low - and to what level this district will stoop to doctor them. Have so many people forgotton the MEAP Fraud of the former Mayville Elementary Principal, Ms. Campbell - and what was done to sweep that scandal under the rug?? I haven't.
Keep defending this failing district, more power to you. One wouldn't expect less from someone that is so desperate to defend their own actions. However, the proof is in the end product - the caliber of education that students receive. By all accounts, it is substandard. Sorry you are so entrenched in this battle that you fail to see the numbers that are right in front of your face. In the end, it will be your child that suffers for your stubborn refusal to admit that there are serious problems in this district that need to be addressed. And you are right, your child's substandard education will be your fault - "the involved parent", or more accurately, the blind parent.
November 9, 2009
9:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
JoeT
Nice to know you are also posting as Postmaster. I wondered who was writing his stuff as I did not think the man could form a sentence. I was and still am upset about what was posted from Postmaster on November 6, 2009 at 3:38 a.m. I can process information just fine!! And I did not say he was Special Ed., I said he had special learning needs. I do not know exactly what they are, and I assume you do not as well. If you do not know for sure if this child is in special education and do not have permission from his parents to publish such information, you better not. IF he is in special education classes, he as additional privacy rights, and since you are such a well educated person, upstanding parent and citizen, and keeper of all knowledge, I would hate to see you violate someone’s right to privacy and possibly be guilty of libel! You do know the meaning of that word?
I was able to get half of my tuition paid for from a University scholarship due to my SAT scores, and the majority of the rest of my tuition was paid for by other scholarships. Remember, I did get my education from Mayville. I am not worried about what my son's SAT scores will be.
November 9, 2009
9:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
for_real09,
The comments made by Postmaster on November 6th were far from insulting to this academically challenged young man, so no apology is necessary. Obviously the boy needed some direction, and he apparently isn't getting it at school.
Also, thank you for proving my point, yet again. You say that this boy has "special learning needs", yet isn't in Special Ed. That means he is in the general student population, receiving the same education as everyone else - and posting the poorly written comments in question? Any idiot that would try and defend that boy's education needs their head examined.
You keep going on and on about what a great school district Mayville is, yet you keep offering proof to the contrary. By all means, please keep posting. This is most amusing. Oh, and the threat of libel??? Too, too funny. Especially after you divulged far more information pertaining to this boys' learning disabilities and educational status than anyone else on this site - yet you accuse me of violating his right to privacy?? That is hypocrisy at its' finest.
And for future reference, I post my own comments, speak my own mind, and leave others to do the same. I have nothing to do with the Postmaster posts, or any others on this website. If you don't like my opinion, don't read my posts. Simple solution to your complex problem.
November 9, 2009
1:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I don't know if the child is in special education or not, and that is what I said!! And if he needs to be and is not, it would because his parents refused the help. They do have that right. All people have special needs if you ask me! Just depends what those needs are!!
Glad you don't write postmasters posts, why did you try and take credit for it before?
And if you do not like what is going on in Mayville schools, please stop reading posts about it. That will solve your complex problem, because I don't have a problem!!
November 9, 2009
1:44 p.m.Report inappropriate content
As a taxpayer in this district, I have every right to voice my concerns and opinions regarding all matters pertaining to Mayville Schools, and after seeing the circus sideshow going on, I will be sure to pay much closer attention going forward.
As to the Postmaster posts, I never took credit for them. Only someone with your obvious bias would have viewed his post as insulting. The bluntness in my posts, to the contrary, could easily have been viewed as insulting by someone with your bias. I take responsibility for my actions, and I didn't want anyone to carry that burden. Now I see that it is obvious that you were just out for Postmaster's blood, no matter what he said or how he said it. Again, your obvious bias.
Also, to the outside world your problem is obvious. You are blinded by your own stubbornness and need to defend your own actions - in this case supporting a failing school district and leaving your child to the mercy of those that run it so ineffectively. Not much can be done in a situation like that. You are the typical Mayville Parent - stick your head in the sand and hope the problem will go away on its' own. So, continuing this banter with you is counterproductive since you offer nothing of substance.
November 9, 2009
7:07 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I find it absolutely infuriating the negative nonsense coming out of these miserable people. My children attend Mayville schools, as did I. Mr. Hamilton how can you possibly pick people apart and think that you can make a difference. You can not possibly believe that it is the school districts fault for students not putting forth an effort on the MEAP test. You as a teacher, parent and grandparent should know that education starts at home. As I stated before, my children attend Mayville schools, and if I did not teach motivation and encourage my children to do well then not even the greatest of teachers could teach them anything.
Instead of pointing fingers, what contribution did you make as a teacher? You feel it is ok to place the blame on everyone else but what is your role in where the district is now? It sounds more to me like you are harboring a grudge against the district and the children are suffering because of the negative comments. Bashing teachers is just unproductive and a man with your education should know better.
P.S. Please feel free to pick apart my grammar, spelling or even my opinion but in doing so remember that I was a student at Mayville schools when you were a teacher.
November 9, 2009
8:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
As a very recent Mayville graduate who is succeeding at a highly competitive university, I can vouch for the quality of Mayville Schools. It is absolutely disgusting to see school board members airing out complaints such as these in the most public of forums to the citizens of Tuscola County. Mr. Hamilton, your actions reflect poorly on not just yourself, but the entire school district. What part of your conduct is attractive to parents who have children in Mayville Schools or are looking to enroll their children? Belittling a student who commented on your post is conduct unbecoming of a school board member, not to mention the hypocritical basic grammatical errors in that same critical post.
What good comes of these letters to the editor and online forum posts? Categorically bashing the staff of Mayville Schools is no way for a school board member to act. There are problems with individual teachers, but that is a matter of administration and tenure that is given out for showing up to work. Note, these are not issues that Mr. Hamilton addresses; I have not seen a single positive change or idea directly attributable to Mr. Hamilton, he has instead focused on drastically expanding administrative costs and pursuing an anti-bullying agenda, that while noble, is not a crucial issue to the overall education of students. I can only hope that the members of the school board have the best interest of the students in mind and are not trying to settle personal grudges and long held animosity toward society in general. Sadly, this does not seem to be the case.
The increased accountability should start at the top, Mr. Hamilton, and it would be greatly appreciated if you (as a board member) and others like you did not categorically demonize everyone currently or previously involved with Mayville Schools. These voracious and indiscriminate attacks do nothing but contribute to the negative image of our school district.
Lastly, there are many success stories and failures, just like any other school district. I consider myself to be a fairly successful graduate, and I know of many more classmates and previous and former graduates who are succeeding. Success for students is really what education is all about and sadly gets lost in the politics. The education that does begin at home is further stimulated in an important fashion by the school district. We need more informed, involved and passionate parents, and in the same sense we need motivated students who want to learn and succeed. If any student wants to succeed and has the drive to work hard, Mayville Schools will give you an opportunity to do that, but it involves taking initiative, just like anything in life.
If anyone has any positive ideas about how to improve the school system, please get involved in any way that you can. A little action can go a long way, and so can a little basic adult responsibility, especially from our school board members.
November 9, 2009
10:01 p.m.Report inappropriate content
gadgetcraig,
You are definitely mistaken with your thinking that the board member, Mr. Hamilton, is the same Mr. Hamilton that taught at Mayville High School for many years. That was Mr. William (Bill) Hamilton who was a wonderful teacher and continues to be a fine person in his retirement.
The board member is Mr. Tom Hamilton - no connection WHAT-SO-EVER!
November 9, 2009
11:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To Jonjones,
I concede you may have received a more formal education than I did. Whoopie!!! It is also very obvious my intelligence and commonsense far exceeds yours. It really is a shame that people like you are awarded positions in the workforce based on the education you have received, instead of a person's ability to interact positively with those, whom you feel is a lesser person.
Yes, I know you called Beecher. I have never have tried to "sound like a saint in Beecher", this was just another statement you are great at making to sway public opinion against those who oppose your point of view. Please stay focused on the topic "MEAP" instead of trying to destroy the messenger.
Now, Flint Educational Association vs Flint Board of Education. You got that all wrong. Flint schools did not sue the teachers, the teachers sued the Flint school board, forcing the board to defend their actions. The MEA negotiators supported by MESSA (who have money to burn) FILED FOR THE TEACHERS a lawsuit. Here is a copy MEA published Oct 6, 2009 of the facts that you requested. Double check it. I'm man enough to admit that I can be wrong i.e: "Vassar", I doubt if you will have the same common courtesy to admit you had the whole Flint issue wrong. I also think you purposely distorted the facts.
copy;
"MEA President Iris K. Salters rallies the crowd at the Flint Education Association membership meeting on Monday.
At Monday’s general membership meeting, Flint teachers took their fight for a new contract from the bargaining table to the courts.
They filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop the school board from taking away their MESSA insurance and imposing another plan, Health Plus.
The teachers already filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge last month. No hearing date has been set with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC).
If the teachers are successful, the lawsuit will stop the school board from implementing the new health plan before MERC rules on the ULP. The lawsuit will be heard on Oct. 26."
Jonjones do you comprehend? Teachers lost. The SCHOOL was forced to that spent money to win, by the TEACHERS.
November 9, 2009
11:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm bad. I meant intimidated, but intimated also works.
I don't want the custodians or the secretaries positions privatized, but I understand you secretly favor PRIVATIZING them to secure more money for the teachers. I fought against privatizing the food services, you know all to well who wanted it privatized. Our own kitchen staff operates their own kitchen and doing a great job at it.
Mayville teacher salaries ranges from about $50,000 to about $63,000 for about 9 months of schedule work.
If Mayville school had HealthPlus instead of MESSA i.e Flint schools, Mayville could easily afford paying for multi-tasking the Special Education, Athletic and up-grading an Administrative Aide positions to create the efficiency and accountability that is sorely needed. My estimated cost would be about $30,000 to $45,000. This would solve problems that have plagued Mayville for years.
November 10, 2009
4:44 a.m.Report inappropriate content
My apologies to Mr. William Hamilton but unfortunately that was the only thing that I was wrong about.
November 10, 2009
8:50 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster,
Its seems to me that you know allot about the teachers contract at Flint Schools. Do you have a copy, I do. My Aunt has worked their for over thirty years. If you can still understand contract language it does state that the Flint Board of Education has the right to name itself policy holder but will provide any Major Medical carrier that is equivalent to MESSA. I dont know if Health Plus is equivaltent to Messa or not but that is way the court had to decide. All the Flint Board had to do is wait until factfinding was over and than impose Health Plus. Do you know that Flint Schools has an adminstration position for every hundred students. Mayville runs its district with three adminstrators for 880 students. Do the math, see the problem. You talk about MEAP all the time. What are your solutions. What programs need to be change. I believe its your friendsthat are going around getting petitions signed for the recall of three board members from Mayville. Can you answe than why when she asked me to sign the petition it was to get rid of Mr. Hartzell. Dont tell us you dont know what I'm talking about? The Board President was notified that you where going door to door with these ladies to get signatures on the recall. Is this true, why would people trust anything you have to say.
November 10, 2009
9:02 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton,
The problems that have plagued Mayville for years have much more to do with ambivalent parents, a laissez-faire teaching staff, and a board of education that has done little to actually manage the schools.
Granted, the health care benefits, pension benefits and salary demands of these teachers are laughable, but the board has done little to counteract that. Support staff and programs were cut, and underperforming teachers got a raise. In addition, you were on the board when Bill Hartzel was positioned as the Superintendent, Athletic Director, Head of Food Services, Head of Special Education AND part time High School Principal, weren't you?? All of those positions for one person that, now, doesn't want the job??? That is a fine example of the cost saving initiatives that your board put into place that have failed miserably.
While you have made some very good points over the years, nothing has been done to bring your ideas to fruition. You are a polarizing personality, as are a few others on your board, and that has continued to add to the problems in the district, not improving it.
I see that there are finally some other concerned individuals coming out of the woodwork and acknowledging that there are problems in the district that need to be resolved. I only hope that these individuals can move beyond the bickering and posturing, stop defending poor performance of teachers, and start demanding more from the board of education and the teachers in this district. That is a lot to hope for, and it will come too late to lure back many of the parents and students that Mayville has lost over the years, but it will provide the district with the opportunity to rebuild and become more competitive in the future.
November 10, 2009
11:03 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Well Mr. Hamilton,
I am glad you don't care about formal education, and you are on the school board. That is nice to know. Also, Michigan is in the situation that it is in because too many people went to GM and picked up unskilled jobs and most didn't get some sort of training to fall back on. Read a paper, unskilled labor is disappearing. You need formal education, whether it is in a 4 year college, community college or a trade school.
Don't worry about MEAP scores, that doesn't mean anything for the future of students. Things are going to turn bad if you start teaching for the test, that is the worst thing that a school can do. Give the students a well rounded education, give them the skills that they can carry over to college or a trade school. How many students have been accepted or denied entry into college because of their 3rd grade scores? Oh yeah, no one. The thing that matters is that ACT score for those students who choose to go to a 4 year college. Delta doesn't require an ACT score, and the education students get at Delta is excellent.
I do think that teachers should encourage their students to stay focused on the test, and maybe do some sort of a reward system for those kids who seem to put forth an honest effort on the test. I don't think it should be a joke of a test, where if a kid colors in bubbles and takes 5 minutes on the thing it is acceptable. But a reward system would be a nice thing. That doesn't take much for a teacher to do other than, observe the students and write down the names of the kids who wouldn't get a reward. There is your simple fix. But don't sit there and believe that the MEAP is a tell all of a school system. All that may mean is one school teaches to the test better than another, and to be honest, there are a lot of skills that the MEAP doesn't test that are more important.
Mr. Hamilton, in my opinion you are useless, I wish you would disappear from the school scene. You obviously aren't qualified for the position.
November 10, 2009
2:09 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To jonjones;
Again you have a special talent to distort and in many cases flat out lie. Why don't put you put your college education to a more positive and constructive purpose, instead of trying to destroy whatever you don't like?
To JoeT;
Mr. Hartzell, himself convinced the board to let him take on those duties, that is why the board gave him only an one year contract and to reevaluate the results. During that one year he succeeded to create a divided board by convincing 4 board members that he was indispensable, that hiring anyone else to help would cost the district too much money.
JoeT, you have no idea the countless number of times the issue of low MEAP results have been brought up to the Superintendent during the past 3 years. The Superintendent has never brought before the board any plan to solve the problem. A couple months ago I wanted a full board discussion to address the low scores by way of an agenda item. It was not allowed by the Superintendent, reason was the board got all the information it needed. The information I wanted, I got from the Department of Education. I mentioned that MEAP information at a board meeting. The president of teachers union responded by denouncing the MEAP's need and purpose.
Okay, I now I know I'm being stonewalled (common practice at Mayville) by the Superintendent, 6 board members and the president of the teachers union, plus a handful of misinformed community individuals. I felt the community needed to know the truthful facts of the Mayville MEAP, that is why you are reading about it here and not where it should be discussed.
You are right, it's hopeless and too little too late. But those at fault should pay the price, for their incompetency, not the innocent students in this process.
November 10, 2009
3:21 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Here is a Board member from Mayville sounding off .... Please sign his recall petition. The school doesn't need a member of the Board sounding off like this.... How did he ever get elected?
warnner55 (Anonymous) says...
Please forgive my past comments I do have a problem with Mayville Community schools and really would like them to close down, that being my ultimate agenda. I’m angry about the cuts that the UAW has enacted and the fall of the big three. I also would like to take this time to say that regardless of the numerous rumors, I do not have relationships with my cattle. I hate people who buy foreigner vehicles, even though many foreign vehicles are made in America, where many of the big three’s vehicles are made over seas. That does not matter, its just the principal of the thing. Again I am sorry for the comments that I have made, and that I seem to be the only person making negative comments about Mayville Community Schools. I just have to say my mind.
Postmaster
How does your Board get anything done? What have you offered as a solution to help? All I see is negativity about a school you are supposed to represent. Have you checked other schools MEAP scores? Out of all the school around Mayville, Mayville is not the only schools not meeting state standards. I see Millington, North Branch, Caro and Vassar ect..under state standards. Do you think maybe it could be the test if all these schools are not making state standards? I would think that you would want to help your school and see what you can do to help, not bash them in the paper. Maybe you have the same agenda as warnner55 to close the school.
November 10, 2009
3:44 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Jonjones,
First of all, nobody is useless, so your final comment in your last post was totally uncalled for. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Hamilton has brought up good points. The problem is that NOBODY on this school board is doing ANYTHING to rectify these problems. Don't just single out one individual just because he is the most vocal.
Secondly, contrary to what you would have people believe, the MEAP and MME tests do serve a purpose: They are uniform tests of education standards for this state. All students should be proficient. As to your idea of "teaching for the test", what about simply teaching?? These test scores are but one way that a students' progress is gauged. If a teacher and administrators see that students are weak in a given area, something should be done to rectify that problem. That has never happened in Mayville. As I have said repeatedly, lazy and incompetent teachers are given raises for their poor performance, not reprimands.
Now, as to the situation with Hartzel holding so many positions, it is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard of. One man should never be "indispensable" in any position, and this never should have happened in the first place.
November 10, 2009
4:32 p.m.Report inappropriate content
MATH 3rd grade
1 AKRON 1st 96.2%
2 MARLETTE 2nd 95.3%
3 MILLINGTON 3rd 95.2%
4 USA 4th 94.8%
5 VASSAR 5TH 94.4%
6 REESE 6th 92.4%
7 N BRANCH 7th 92.0%
State Average 91%
8 CASS CITY 8th 89.2%
9 KINGSTON 9TH 85.7%
10 MAYVILLE 10th 82.1%
11 CARO 11th 78.7%
READING 3rd grade
1 MARLETTE 1st 92.1%
2 KINGSTON 2ND 91.4%
3 REESE 3rd 90.9%
4 MILLINGTON 4th 90.4%
5 MAYVILLE 5th 88.1%
State Average 86%
6 CASS CITY 6th 86.6%
7 N BRANCH 7th 86.5%
8 VASSAR 7TH 86.5%
9 USA 9th 86.2%
10 CARO 10th 80.1%
11 AKRON 11th 76.9%
WRITING 3rd grade
1 REESE 1st 72.7%
2 KINGSTON 2ND 71.4%
3 MARLETTE 3rd 62.5%
State Average 61%
4 VASSAR 4TH 57.8%
5 AKRON 5th 57.7%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 57.1%
7 N BRANCH 7th 56.2%
8 CASS CITY 8th 56.1%
9 USA 9th 55.2%
10 CARO 10th 51.9%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 50.7%
ELA 3rd grade
1 KINGSTON 1ST 88.6%
2 MILLINGTON 2nd 88.0%
3 REESE 3rd 87.9%
4 MAYVILLE 5th 85.1%
5 MARLETTE 4th 85.7%
6 VASSAR 5TH 84.3%
7 CASS CITY 6th 84.1%
State Average 83%
8 USA 8th 82.8%
9 N BRANCH 9th 82.7%
10 AKRON 10th 76.9%
11 CARO 11th 76.1%
MATH 4th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 95.9%
2 USA 2nd 94.0%
3 MILLINGTON 3rd 93.1%
4 N BRANCH 4th 92.5%
5 REESE 5th 92.4%
6 AKRON 6th 92.3%
7 KINGSTON 7TH 91.3%
8 MARLETTE 8th 90.2%
State Average 88%
9 VASSAR 9TH 87.4%
10 CARO 10th 86.1%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 67.2%
READING 4th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 98.6%
2 KINGSTON 2ND 95.7%
3 AKRON 3rd 92.3%
4 REESE 4th 90.9%
5 MILLINGTON 5th 88.9%
6 N BRANCH 6th 88.5%
7 MARLETTE 7th 87.0%
8 CARO 8th 84.2%
9 VASSAR 9TH 83.3%
10 USA 9th 83.3%
State Average 83%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 73.4%
WRITING 4th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 56.2%
2 REESE 2nd 50.0%
3 MARLETTE 3rd 47.3%
4 N BRANCH 4TH 47.1%
State Average 44%
5 MILLINGTON 5th 42.4%
6 KINGSTON 6TH 39.1%
7 USA 7th 38.9%
8 CARO 8th 37.5%
9 VASSAR 8TH 37.5%
10 AKRON 10th 30.8%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 18.8%
ELA 4th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 98.6%
2 AKRON 2nd 92.3%
3 REESE 3rd 89.4%
4 MARLETTE 4th 86.8%
5 KINGSTON 5TH 84.8%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 82.8%
7 N BRANCH 7TH 82.2%
8 VASSAR 8TH 80.2%
State Average 77%
9 CARO 9th 76.7%
10 USA 10th 74.1%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 62.5%
Watch for more scores
November 10, 2009
4:42 p.m.Report inappropriate content
MATH 5th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 95.2%
2 REESE 2nd 84.5%
3 N BRANCH 3RD 81.3%
4 VASSAR 4TH 80.5%
5 MILLINGTON 5th 80.0%
State Average 77%
6 USA 6th 75.8%
7 MARLETTE 7th 70.5%
8 MAYVILLE 8th 68.2%
9 CARO 9th 66.2%
10 KINGSTON 10TH 65.4%
11 AKRON 11th 61.5%
READING 5th grade
1 KINGSTON 1ST 92.3%
2 CARO 2nd 92.2%
3 REESE 3rd 89.5%
4 MILLINGTON 4th 88.4%
5 MARLETTE 5th 84.7%
6 CASS CITY 6th 84.1%
7 VASSAR 7TH 85.1%
8 N BRANCH 8TH 83.1%
9 USA 9th 82.3%
State Average 82%
10 MAYVILLE 10th 78.8%
11 AKRON 11th 76.9%
SCIENCE 5th grade
1 VASSAR 1ST 94.3%
2 MARLETTE 2nd 93.5%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 92.6%
4 N BRANCH 4TH 88.8%
5 KINGSTON 5TH 86.3%
6 CARO 6th 83.9%
7 USA 7th 83.6%
8 MILLINGTON 8th 83.0%
State Average 83%
9 REESE 9th 82.8%
10 AKRON 10th 80.8%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 77.3%
WRITING 5th grade
1 VASSAR 1ST 73.6%
2 KINGSTON 2ND 72.5%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 69.5%
4 CARO 4th 68.2%
5 N BRANCH 4TH 68.2%
6 MARLETTE 6th 66.2%
7 REESE 7th 65.5%
State Average 63%
8 MILLINGTON 8th 60.0%
9 MAYVILLE 9th 51.5%
10 USA 10th 48.4%
11 AKRON 11th 46.2%
ELA 5th grade
1 CARO 1st 91.4%
2 KINGSTON 2ND 90.2%
3 REESE 3rd 86.0%
4 VASSAR 4TH 85.1%
5 MILLINGTON 5th 84.2%
6 CASS CITY 6th 81.7%
7 MARLETTE 6th 81.7%
8 N BRANCH 8TH 79.2%
State Average 78%
9 USA 9th 77.4%
10 AKRON 10th 73.1%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 72.3%
MATH 6th grade
1 CARO 1st 91.7%
2 USA 2nd 87.5%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 87.1%
4 VASSAR 4TH 86.4%
5 N BRANCH 5TH 85.6%
6 MARLETTE 6th 82.5%
State Average 80%
7 MAYVILLE 7th 79.7%
8 REESE 8th 74.6%
9 MILLINGTON 9th 77.1%
10 KINGSTON 10TH 71.8%
11 AKRON 11th 69.6%
READING 6th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 91.4%
2 AKRON 2nd 91.3%
3 MARLETTE 3rd 90.4%
4 N BRANCH 4TH 88.4%
5 CARO 5th 88.1%
6 USA 6th 87.5%
7 KINGSTON 7TH 87.2%
8 REESE 8th 86.1%
9 VASSAR 9TH 83.0%
State Average 81%
10 MILLINGTON 10th 80.0%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 76.6%
SOCIAL STUDIES 6th grade
1 REESE 1st 85.9%
2 N BRANCH 2ND 85.1%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 84.9%
4 CARO 4th 82.8%
5 KINGSTON 5TH 76.3%
State Average 74%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 73.6%
7 USA 7th 72.5%
8 MARLETTE 7th 72.5%
9 VASSAR 9TH 72.4%
10 AKRON 10th 66.7%
11 MAYVILLE 10th 66.7%
WRITING 6th grade
1 N BRANCH 1ST 89.4%
2 MARLETTE 2nd 83.6%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 82.8%
4 VASSAR 3RD 82.8%
5 CARO 5th 79.9%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 79.0%
7 REESE 7th 76.1%
State Average 76%
8 USA 8th 75.0%
9 MAYVILLE 9th 67.2%
10 AKRON 10th 66.7%
11 KINGSTON 11TH 65.8%
ELA 6th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 89.2%
2 N BRANCH 2ND 88.4%
3 MARLETTE 3rd 87.7%
4 CARO 4th 87.3%
5 VASSAR 5TH 86.2%
6 USA 6th 85.0%
7 MILLINGTON 7th 81.9%
8 REESE 8th 81.7%
9 KINGSTON 9TH 81.6%
State Average 79%
10 MAYVILLE 10th 75.0%
11 AKRON 11th 73.9
Still more to come.
November 10, 2009
4:52 p.m.Report inappropriate content
MATH 7th grade
1 MARLETTE 1st 93.2%
2 CASS CITY 2nd 93.1%
3 CARO 3rd 90.6%
4 USA 4th 87.9%
5 AKRON 5th 87.0%
6 REESE 6th 86.6%
7 N BRANCH 7TH 85.5%
8 MILLINGTON 8th 83.3%
State Average 83%
9 KINGSTON 9TH 82.5%
10 VASSAR 10TH 76.8%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 75.9%
READING 7th grade
1 CARO 1st 89.6%
2 REESE 2nd 87.7%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 86.2%
4 USA 4th 84.8%
5 MILLINGTON 5th 84.3%
6 KINGSTON 6TH 83.9%
7 MARLETTE 7th 83.8%
8 N BRANCH 8TH 80.3%
State Average 80%
9 AKRON 9th 78.3%
10 VASSAR 10TH 73.0%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 63.9%
WRITING 7th grade
1 MARLETTE 1st 89.2%
2 CASS CITY 2nd 85.1%
3 REESE 3rd 83.6%
4 USA 4th 83.3%
5 CARO 5th 78.6%
6 N BRANCH 6TH 78.2%
State Average 78%
7 KINGSTON 7TH 75.0%
8 MILLINGTON 8th 71.3%
9 VASSAR 9TH 70.8%
10 AKRON 10th 65.2%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 48.2%
ELA 7th grade
1 CARO 1st 88.0%
2 MARLETTE 2nd 87.8%
3 REESE 3rd 87.7%
4 CASS CITY 4th 87.4%
5 USA 5th 84.8%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 82.2%
7 KINGSTON 7TH 82.1%
State Average 80%
8 N BRANCH 8TH 79.8%
9 AKRON 9th 73.9%
10 VASSAR 10TH 72.1%
11 MAYVILLE 11th 59.0%
MATH 8th grade
1 USA 1st 88.2%
2 MAYVILLE 2nd 86.6%
3 CARO 3rd 83.8%
4 KINGSTON 4TH 80.0%
5 CASS CITY 5th 77.8%
State Average 75%
6 REESE 6th 72.7%
7 MILLINGTON 7th 71.1%
8 AKRON 8th 70.0%
9 N BRANCH 9TH 69.3%
10 MARLETTE 10th 62.5%
11 VASSAR 10TH 62.5%
READING 8th grade
1 USA 1st 78.8%
2 CASS CITY 2nd 77.8%
3 CARO 3rd 77.1%
4 REESE 4th 76.6%
State Average 76%
5 N BRANCH 5TH 74.7%
6 KINGSTON 6TH 74.0%
7 VASSAR 11TH 66.7%
8 MARLETTE 8th 71.6%
9 MILLINGTON 9th 71.9%
10 AKRON 10th 70.0%
11 MAYVILLE 7th 72.1%
SCIENCE 8th grade
1 USA 1st 86.5%
2 N BRANCH 2ND 84.3%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 83.7%
4 MILLINGTON 4th 83.3%
5 REESE 5th 81.8%
6 MARLETTE 6th 81.7%
7 CARO 7th 80.2%
8 KINGSTON 8TH 80.0%
9 VASSAR 9TH 77.1%
State Average 76%
10 MAYVILLE 10th 74.6%
11 AKRON 11th 70.0%
WRITING 8th grade
1 USA 1st 84.6%
2 CARO 2nd 80.4%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 75.8%
4 N BRANCH 4TH 75.1%
State Average 74%
5 MARLETTE 5th 73.5%
6 KINGSTON 6TH 72.0%
7 REESE 7th 68.8%
8 VASSAR 9TH 64.7%
9 MAYVILLE 8th 68.7%
10 AKRON 10th 61.9%
11 MILLINGTON 11th 61.4%
ELA 8th grade
1 CASS CITY 1st 80.8%
2 USA 1st 80.8%
3 REESE 3rd 79.2%
4 CARO 4th 78.4%
5 KINGSTON 5TH 78.0%
State Average 77%
6 N BRANCH 6TH 76.5%
7 MARLETTE 7th 74.5%
8 VASSAR 8TH 71.4%
9 MILLINGTON 9th 71.1%
10 MAYVILLE 10th 70.1%
11 AKRON 11th 70.0%
NINTH GRADE MEAP
SOCIAL STUDIES
1 USA 1st 84.4%
2 REESE 2nd 82.2%
3 CASS CITY 3rd 79.4%
4 CARO 4th 75.9%
5 KINGSTON 5TH 74.5%
6 MILLINGTON 6th 73.6%
7 MAYVILLE 7th 73.3%
State Average 72%
8 N BRANCH 8TH 71.4%
9 AKRON 8th 71.4%
10 MARLETTE 10th 70.0%
11 VASSAR 11TH 58.6%
I'll post the MME later.
November 10, 2009
5:02 p.m.Report inappropriate content
postmaster
I found a few mistakes in your post...
Look under eighth grade:
reading Mayville is ranked 7th and you have them at bottom ( 11th) and writing vassar is 9th and you have them 8th.
Boy! look at all the schools under state standards.... Didn't you compare Mayville to Vassar. They are in the bottom as well... No one is saying that Mayville did well on MEAP but you are comparing Mayville to other Schools look at who is not at state standards...
November 11, 2009
1:36 a.m.Report inappropriate content
The Journal reported. The new health plan is expected
to save up to $3 million.
MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST
Volume XI, No. 45
Nov. 10, 2009JUDGE: FLINT CAN LEAVE MESSA
---------------------------------------------------------------
FLINT, Mich. - Flint Community Schools can change health
insurance providers despite teacher protests, a Genesee County
judge has ruled, according to The Flint Journal.
Judge Joseph Farah said that the district is within its rights
to end its current contract with the Michigan Education Special
Services Association, an insurance administrator affiliated with
the Michigan Education Association, and instead purchase
insurance from HealthPlus of Michigan.
United Teachers of Flint had sought to block the move, saying
the switch would constitute a change in benefits. The district
contended that the new program provides the same benefits at a
lower cost, according to The Journal.
Teachers told The Journal they are concerned their health care
benefits will be reduced, but a district spokesman said they
have no plan to change coverage levels.
"When the district set out about trying to review its options,
its goal was to provide the same coverage for all teachers at a
more manageable cost," said Bob Campbell, spokesperson for the
district, The Journal reported. The new health plan is expected
to save up to $3 million.
November 11, 2009
7:55 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Correction; Thank you Charliesangel.
Your post supposedly quoting Warner55, I looked at all 57 posting that person made and it is no where to be found. Please give a date of that posting. I really think you created that post out of the thin air.
READING 8th grade
1 USA 1st 78.8%
2 CASS CITY 2nd 77.8%
3 CARO 3rd 77.1%
4 REESE 4th 76.6%
State Average 76%
5 N BRANCH 5TH 74.7%
6 KINGSTON 6TH 74.0%
7 MAYVILLE 7th 72.1%
8 MARLETTE 8th 71.6%
9 MILLINGTON 9th 71.9%
10 AKRON 10th 70.0%
11 VASSAR 11TH 66.7%
November 11, 2009
8:43 a.m.Report inappropriate content
postmaster and Warnner55
The posting that was from warnner55 was under "on Schools take $292 hit per kid" Posted on November 3 at 11:41 am.
Look it up I just copied and pasted it....
November 11, 2009
8:49 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Comments by warnner55
Page 1 of 1
Posted on November 3 at 11:41 a.m.
On Schools take $292 hit per kid
Please forgive my past comments I do have a problem with Mayville Community schools and really would like them to close down, that being my ultimate agenda. I’m angry about the cuts that the UAW has enacted and the fall of the big three. I also would like to take this time to say that regardless of the numerous rumors, I do not have relationships with my cattle. I hate people who buy foreigner vehicles, even though many foreign vehicles are made in America, where many of the big three’s vehicles are made over seas. That does not matter, its just the principal of the thing. Again I am sorry for the comments that I have made, and that I seem to be the only person making negative comments about Mayville Community Schools. I just have to say my mind
November 11, 2009
10:02 a.m.Report inappropriate content
DEFINITION - The term mean
The most common expression for the mean of a statistical distribution with a discrete random variable is the mathematical average of all the terms. To calculate it, add up the values of all the terms and then divide by the number of terms. This expression is also called the arithmetic mean.
These are mean averages:
1 REESE.................... 78.40%
2 CASS CITY............. 78.30%
3 USA ........................76.90%
4 CARO .................... 77.00%
5 MARLETTE ................76.20%
6 NORTH BRANCH.. 76.10%
State's Mean Average 73.50%
7 KINGSTON ................72.40%
8 VASSAR ................70.60%
9 MILLINGTON ........72.30%
10 AKRON-FAIRGROVE 67.80%
11 MAYVILLE ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,66.00%
It is obvious by reading the previous postings many do not know the roll of the board members.
It is not the responsibility of the board to solve problems.
It is the responsibility of the board to be aware of problems.
It is the responsibility of the board to make sure that problems are addressed.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to solve the problems.
It is the responsibility of the board to hold the Superintendent accountable.
Facts are that the Superintendent with all of his acquired educational background either can not solve problems or is not willing to.
Facts are that the board is not kept well informed by the Superintendent except in areas that he chooses.
Facts are that most board members don't know what the heck is going on.
Fact is Mayville needs at least 4 real leadership members (at all times) who have to convection to know what is going on and when problems arise, hold those people responsible for solving problems accountable.
Those who can not solve or even recognize the problems, they are problem and should be sent packing.
I want what is best for the students of Mayville.
Sadly, there are some who (that have made it clear via their posts) feel that those who are responsible for educating, should be given to free pass. I'm not a teacher, but I wish I could have been, but circumstances did no allow me to.
Every job that I ever held, my employers always evaluated my effectiveness and held me accountable for my failures.
Accountability at Mayville does not exist, but Mayville loves to make excuses and definitely loves "killing the messenger" should anyone dares mentioning that something is wrong.
My wife and I graduated from Mayville as well other members of our family and I expect other family members will, too.
Wise up! Solve problems.
November 11, 2009
10:24 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster,
I can't believe you're still posting your faults as the previous School Board President. A leader never makes excuses for mistakes. You should have work alot harder with the superintendent to get things corrected. Only now when your days are limited on this school board, you decide to speak out to the public. If you had problems with the superintendent you should have made it a public issue a long time ago. Even if other board members disagreed, you could have gone public about your concerns. Why did you wait so long. Maybe school board members need to take a look at thier true reponsiblities.
November 11, 2009
11:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I do believe I heard somewhere that you postmaster and warnner55 sign the paper to hire the superintendent behind other board members back. I remember it was quite a stir a couple of years ago but I don't know all the details.. I believe a board member should help with suggestions on any problems not just point them out. I would also hope that the board would work with the Superintendent to achieve the best possible solutions. If you don't work together it's just a dictatorship and I don't think that is a definition of a School Board Member. Everyone needs to work together... Why didn't you do this crusade when you were the President of the board. Is that what wethepeople just said? Now that you are on your way out you speak up....... Has the school said they are not doing anything to help improve the MEAP scores? What are you looking for them to do? Some how I don't think you can wave a magic wand and solve anything over night. I'm not saying that it's not important but what do you want from the school?
November 11, 2009
noonReport inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton,
I encourage you to take a look at the Michigan Association of School Boards’ Indicators of Effective Boards and Board Members.
http://www.masb.org/LinkClick.aspx?filet...
I will not run through this list, but it is clear that your actions, both past and present, do not come close to meeting these standards. You state that it is not your responsibility to solve problems, but then you state that it is the responsibility of the board to be aware of problems, and then to make sure that these problems are addressed. This may be a definitional disagreement but this sounds awfully close to solving problems. I even agree with your premise that there are problems with Mayville Schools; how could there not be? However, in your role as Board Member and even President, you have done nothing to positively effect change. Rather, you have embellished the problems by refusing to work with the administration and refusing to have a positive agenda. Again, I ask somewhat rhetorically, what good comes from simply stating the problems, without any action or even a vague idea of how to solve them? You are simply contributing to a negative and counterproductive atmosphere.
Quit passing the buck, Mr. Hamilton. You have increasingly suspect logic about your duties and worse, have been a complete failure as an effective school board member. This is disheartening to say the least. Is it just a sign of your ineptitude that you have done nothing to advocate for and support a strategic plan to improve the district? Or is it simply something innate within you that disables you from working effectively with others or from speaking positively about the school district, its staff, and its students? Again, I agree that there are problems; no one could say that the district is perfect, but reasonable people can solve disagreements, and can work together through personal disagreements, even when they seem overwhelming. It is an example of your complete betrayal of the school district and your role as a board member that you repeatedly fail to be a reasonable person, have failed to solve problems and have unfortunately made them worse. I encourage you to use your remaining time on the school board to be an effective member, to publicly support the district, and to effect positive change. It would be a tragedy if you used your platform to continue to berate the district and your fellow school board members. Let the increased accountability begin with you, since like it or not, you do have the titular role of a leader. Make your actions be an example of that role and work to solve problems silently.
November 11, 2009
12:11 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To Charliesangel;
The post you copied and paste was a one time post by an impostor using the username "w a N n e r 5 5" the real poster is "w a R n e r 5 5". Check it out. waNner55 has only one post, waRner 55 has 57 posts. Warner55 has not made a post since Oct 28, 2009, the day his computer crashed and is still without a computer to date.
To wethepeople;
Why did I wait so long? This might surprise you, MEAP scores come out only yearly. The 06/07 MEAP results were released by state in the FALL of 2007, the scores were low. Only two board members met with the Superintendent on numerous occasion seeking some sort of plan to solve this problem. None as was suggested. We heard his excuses and his promised the scores will improve. When this issue was brought up at several board meetings, only two board members and the Superintendent discussed the MEAP, we heard same excuses and promises, but no plan. The only comparatives scores the other board members received was not supplied by the Superintendent. At the board meetings he offered nothing but excuses and a promise. In 07/08 the scores did improve a little in some areas. State released 07/08 results in the FALL of 2008. Mayville scores were again low. Again only two board pursued the MEAP issue and some movement was promised. I honestly believed this time Mayville MEAP would some great strides in improvements. This must noted that no other board members during this time were willing to discuss this issue publicly or privately for fear of the community knowing the truth. State released 08/09 MEAP results in the FALL of 2009. I asked for comparative MEAP results to surrounding school. It never happen. All I got Mayville scores that compared Mayville scores to Mayville scores for past three years. Superintendent bragged how Mayville did on the AYP, three "B's"sounds good. All AYP indicated was that Mayville made some improvement. The Superintendent, the current board president and the president of the teacher's union tried to suppress and denounce the MEAP testing, so I went public to let the community know at facts.
November 11, 2009
1:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
So now I am confused, does Bob DeCoe, aka Warner55, have relations with his cattle? I am just trying to clarify. Hamilton, are you saying the impostor is wrong and DeCoe still does have relations with his cattle. HAHAHA.
November 11, 2009
1:33 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster,
Didn't you and the rest of the School Board vote for Mr. Hanson to be Board President. If so why would you have voted for a new board member to lead the board. What has Mr. Hanson done to suppress MEAP results. I have made some phone calls to the Flint School District and all I've have found out that he is an respected teacher in the district. I also remember having dealings with him when he was an finacial planner for Chemical Bank. I have known Mr. Hanson for many years and trust that his honesty hasnt change. How dare you charge a new board member with withholding or holding back information. Way would you want to tarnish his image. Thats right, he has already been told by certain board members that he would be recalled next. What a shame! I gues you have to live with yourself some how!
November 11, 2009
2:20 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To
unverifiedvoracity (Anonymous) says... "Make your actions be an example of that role and work to solve problems silently".
Perfectly stated. Silence? Exactly why problems don't get solved.
To
wethepeople, When board president gives example of MEAP's shortcomings and claims the MEAP should be replaced, that's how.
November 11, 2009
2:41 p.m.Report inappropriate content
postmaster
You make it sound like you and one other member of your board cares. Are you saying the rest of your Board does not care? How can it be that 95% of people on these comments are against you and you claim that only 2 members of your board care out of I think its 7 or 8 members, so 5 or 6 other members are wrong along with the administration and teachers??????? Maybe you need to take a deep look at yourself... Help fix the problem! What do you want the school to do??? You didn't answer this question. I believe its because you don't have an answer. Do you want them to get rid of the Superintendent, administration and teachers and start over???? Do you think this will fix it? Did I see in the past posts you hired the Superintendent? Are you just mad because you didn't get voted back in as Board President? From what I have heard out in about that the Board President is doing a great job an people are happy that Mr. Hanson has taken the seat of Board President. It sounds like you have alot of issues with alot of different people. I know it's about the MEAP scores but you have mad verbal attacks on the rest of your Board Members and staff at Mayville. So I ask you again what do you want the school to do? Do you think this can be resolved over night?
November 11, 2009
3:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton,
Further clarifying the intent of my statement, work with the administration and the other board members, not against them. As much as you may believe the contrary, you really are on the same team. Your repeated and immature public outbursts are not helpful to the goal of better education for students. Nor are your inappropriate efforts to help recall other board members. You are simply trying to dodge every other accusation in order to make yourself seem like an altruistic crusader. You do, in fact, have the position to solve problems without public shame and personal attacks. With maturity and adult responsibility, you could help to solve many of these problems without embarrassing the district and criticizing everyone involved. Assuming you do have a positive plan for the school district, stop the criticism and explain how you are helping the situation. Anyone can levy criticism, it takes a knowledgeable and visionary leader to fix the issues worth criticizing. Public silence does not mean inaction, it can be a sign of maturity and responsibility.
Also, you did in fact claim that the current board president tried to supress the MEAP information. Supressing is very different than criticizing the shortcomings of a test and claiming that it should be replaced, and I would hope that you could present proper documentation for your accusations or apologize. As an elected official, you cannot just make indiscriminate wild accusations. This one event could be an aberration, but multiple events are a trend, and they seem to be derived from pettiness and immaturity.
November 11, 2009
5:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
To
unverifiedvoracity, Since you made reference to the Michigan Association of School Boards’ Indicators of Effective Boards and Board Members, which I have read thoroughly, you will notice that there is an inherent responsibility required on the administration behave. Need I say more?
Board members only approve or disapprove recommendations from the administration i.e. laying-off personnel, granting pay raises, setting the budget etc..
Name one thing that any of school administrator has brought to board to improve community relationship.
Wildcat Chat expansion, was my project and I want more put into it by the administration. But guess who is resisting that effort.
Replacing Chartwell with our own kitchen personnel was bitterly opposed to by guess who? This administrator told me (a board member) to run the kitchen. There is another horror story that goes along with this. Self opt has been a success thus far. Thanks to Tony and her staff..
Please tell me one positive initiative made by this school administrator.
November 11, 2009
7:44 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster
If you think the kitchen is doing well - you should look at all the High School students that are taking cold lunch. My children do not eat there and I will not even let them have the free breakfast that they offer. I don't think any of the kitchen staff in the High School know how to cook - just warm up frozen food - go up there at lunch time and see what they have to offer.
If Mayville Schools have been bad for so long why did you send your grandaughter there?
You seem to be a very bitter person, I just glad that I did not vote for you.
November 11, 2009
9:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster - tell us how your grandaughter did in school - were you the type of parent that supported the teachers or were you the type of parent that blamed them when she did not do well in the classroom or get her own way in the band class.
November 11, 2009
10:56 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Hamilton
I suppose a little more clarification is required: only good ideas matter. You are willing to call a newsletter your signature achievement in three years as a board member? Perhaps an email newsletter to every parent would suffice? Would this not save postage costs? You could even make it weekly if you wanted to since the delivery cost is next to nothing. Also, I do know from first hand experience that Chartwell was ineffective, but the school lunch program has never been a success. Also, I believe your anonymous administrator has implemented many cost-saving changes, and takes on the duties of at least four administrators. With the budget in the situation that it is, this seems to be a substantial positive idea, and better than anything else your faction has come up with.
Regardless, Mr. Hamilton, this is not about that school administrator, this is about your complete failure as a board member. Did you not used to be on the curriculum committee? What positive changes did you enact there to increase the MEAP scores? What positive changes do you intend to suggest to improve the current curriculum? Maybe you could figure out how to teach proper verb tense and sentence structure? Also, since you are well-versed in the Indicators of Effective Boards and Board Members, would you care to grade yourself in each category? A to F, let's see your accomplishments. You could even make it a letter to the editor and title it "Tom Hamilton's MEAP Test," since you seem to enjoy being the center of attention. It's just a hunch, but I suspect that your score would be fairly low and your AYP would be negative, since your faction of the board seems to be growing increasingly nasty and poisonous, not to mention the constant flow of bad and selfish ideas.
Your actions are those of an increasingly negative and, yes, bitter person. You are helping to recall other board members, maybe that time would be better spent recalling yourself? You claim that the "administrator" has not improved community relationships, yet you are repeatedly bashing the school district. Is this not destroying community relationships, as well as the schools image? You seem to do nothing besides blame others, while denying your own failure and culpability in many of these problems. I have yet to figure out why you ran as a board member, since you obviously do not support the school district and are only interested in pursuing Mr. DeCoe's agenda, whatever that is.
November 12, 2009
12:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
unverifiedvoracity,
Bob DeCoe has made his agenda clear: He wants to see Mayville Schools closed down. Period.
Judging by Hamilton's earlier post on this board, it is apparent that he supports DeCoe and his agenda. These two definitely need to be recalled. It is obvious that these people have no intention of offering any meaningful contribution to the school district in any way, shape, or form.
However, taking those two out of the mix does not rectify the situation. There are significant problems with the level of education being provided in the Mayville School District. You would think that the facts that have been brought into play (i.e. MEAP and MME scores) would demand a response from the district - perhaps demanding that this be rectified. How empowering would it be to be back on this board in 3 years and be in the top 5 in the area, instead of at the bottom?
Use this as a challenge, and rise to the occasion....if you can.
November 12, 2009
6:46 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I am a 12th grader from Mayville, I find what Mr. Hamilton is saying is very inapporiate. If you have problems with the school system, then you shouldn't have said it on the internet where everyone can read it, you should address the problems to the board and at board meetings where the parents can hear the problems. Your not adressing the problem, your just becoming another problem to handle. Your just bad mouthing the school and making it so no one is gonna want to take their kids to this school. You talk about how Mr. Robinette has no pride, your being a hypocrite because what you are doing is not very prideful.
I for one think most of the teachers do a very fantastic job in teaching. Why don't you go and try to teach kids everyday that sometimes don't want to learn. It's very hard and stressful for teachers and your making it harder on them to do their job by saying that kids aren't learning anything.
Thanks
Rachele Lubeckyj
November 12, 2009
7:20 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Not every school district is perfect. Yeah we may have some problems, but you went the wrong way to address them. Hamilton, you can not gripe about how everyone around you does not do anything right and expect them to change without being upset. Your only hurting your own cause.
What makes you Gods gift to earth that allows you to play the blame game and then turn around and say "Mayville schools needs accountability and to address our shortcomings instead of trying to dodge them." If you want to call me uneducated, learn that your final paragraph, the clincher per se of your letter, should not contradict the rest of your letter.
Maxx Lieber
12th Grader
November 12, 2009
7:43 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Mayville Community School District is run terribly. All you have to do is spend one day walking around the school and observing how it is ran. There is an appalling “Good Old’ Boy” network between certain administration staff and certain school board members. Certain people in administration have broken step with the teachers and now there is not a united front for the students to feel secure in. That means the kids are going to work the system for there benefit, because that is what kids do! School is about education, not about making money. I have worked in the Mayville School System and the language the kids use, the clothing they are aloud to wear, and their general behavior (apathy has run ramped) is dreadful. True a lot of it has to do with parents trying to be their child’s best friend instead of being their parents. People like Mr. Hamilton know exactly what is going on and have the true interest of the students at heart. As a community we need to take a long hard look at ourselves and ask what we want out of the school and demand it. Remember no child is perfect, but each child deserves a chance to learn, right now they are not getting that. It’s not because the teachers don’t care, it’s because parents are not acting like parents and certain people in administration look at the school like a business, so if they stay in the “Black” they have done their job. I graduated from Mayville and I am who I am because of that institution. I look at it now and my heart it sadden. Honesty and an open dialogue along with fortitude will get us out of this mess. Kids deserve nothing but the best!!!! With out our best not only do the kids lose out, but Mayville will die as a community!
Dustin Blackwell
Alumnus ‘01
November 13, 2009
2:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Rachelle,
First of all, "good enough" is not good enough when discussing the level of education that a district is providing to its' students. I see that you believe that you are receiving a good education at Mayville, but my worry is what you will experience once you graduate and try to make it in college. I wish you the best of luck, but I also believe that luck would have less to do with it if you had received the education that you, and every child in this district deserves.
I am glad to see that you have a good rapport with your teachers, and I am sure that you try your best to learn all that you can. My argument is that you should have access to better guidance and leadership and that resources in the district are used to the benefit of you - the students - before anyone else. From my point of view, this has not happened.
There is room for improvement on the part of the teachers - much room for improvement. The administration has failed to enforce this, so there is an obvious need for change in that area. That is where the board needed to step in, but that did not happen.
My sincere regret is the loss of opportunities that have, and will be continue to be suffered by the students in this district. You deserved so many more opportunities than were given to you. For that, I am sincerely sorry.
November 13, 2009
3:48 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Dont false quote soomeone on something they didnt say. I never said that Mayville Schools are good enough and I never implied that either.
I know I am ready for college and so are many others in my grade. So the teachers are doing a good job with teachering. I have gotten a 3000 dollar scholarship just on my ACT scores, thats one way of showing that I am receiving a good education.
My name is spelled Rachele by the way.
November 14, 2009
8:44 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Postmaster,
In a post on the sound off page you stated "My term as a board member ends June 30, 2010. I do support the current recalls; Mayville does needs four “legitimate board members”." Does this mean you support recalling all four board members up for recall? Or are you calling yourself a non-legitimate board member? If so, then perhaps you should resign at the next board meeting and allow the voters of Mayville a chance to elect a "legitimate board member" sooner rather than later.
After speaking to someone who lives in Mayville and has students in the district, I am embarrassed for them to have a board member on the board with such distain for your own school district. I did ask this parent if they have ever felt that the superintendent has in your words “resisted all positive changes”, and was told many positive things about you superintendent. I was told he lives in Mayville, his children attended Mayville, and that he has worked in the district for more than 30 years. I find it hard to believe that someone with his apparent loyalty to Mayville and its school district has “resisted all positive changes”. Perhaps I should attend board meetings in your district to see for myself. I have no doubt you will post more degrading comments about your district in response to this post.