Heim resigns
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 03:26 p.m., April 5, 2010
Updated 03:54 p.m., April 5, 2010
John Heim, superintendent of Emporia Public Schools, will leave his post here to become the executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards, effective July 1. The Emporia school board accepted Heim's resignation in a 5-0 vote during a special meeting this afternoon.
Heim will stay through June 30, the end of the district's fiscal year.
"This is a job I've always wanted," Heim said after Crouch announced with regret that Heim had submitted a letter of resignation. "... Part of me's always going to be here."
Heim described the KASB as a membership-driven organization that provides a host of services to school boards around the state. Board leadership classes, statistical analyses, legal services, and trainings were among the services Heim said the state organization offers.
Heim said the KASB is independent of the Kansas Department of Education and has a basic mission of helping school board members help educate children.
Heim said he expected to remain in Emporia and commute to the KASB office in Topeka until his youngest child graduates from Emporia High School next year.
Crouch said he anticipates that the local board will consider the search for a new superintendent at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 14.
"We'll need to meet as a board in executive session ... to discuss how we'll proceed," Crouch said.
Heim's replacement could come from within the district or from a wider search, Crouch said, emphasizing that he could not speculate because the matter had not been discussed among board members.
"Certainly we have some very qualified people, no question," Crouch said. "... You don't just replace a guy like this. You can fill a position, but you can't replace him."
Board members Grant Riles and Brent Windsor joined the special meeting by telephone, while Crouch and members Mike Helbert and Glen Strickland were present at the meeting, called early this afternoon. Amy Scheller was delayed and did not arrive until after the vote had been taken. Board member Angie Schreiber was out of town because of a death in the family.
For more, see Tuesday's print or online pdf edition.
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Can you say HOORAY - I can !
April 5, 2010 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Please School Board.
DON'T BLOW IT!
YOU HAVE A CHANCE to show the taxpayer that you know what you are doing.
You don't have to pay someone 200k a year now to run a business. This IS your chance, use it/
April 5, 2010 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
givin_my2cents (anonymous) says...
The school district needs the extra money and this is a perfect way to save some! I agee with the rest please don't blow it school board!!! I agree Steve!
April 5, 2010 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Guessler (anonymous) says...
Good riddance....I mean good luck Mr. Heim hopefully his new job pays enough so he doesn'thave to change his lifestyle...
April 5, 2010 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
I can say that I am pleased to see him go. I have seen way to many issues that he should have stepped in and made a difference but just pushed it off and ignored all together. Hopefully, someone will do a much better job.
April 5, 2010 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I don' t mean to be a wet blanket, but it would seem to me that Heim will still be associated with the school boards and school Districts of not only Emporia, but with all of the school boards of Kansas as the " executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards, " which sounds to me like he may have even more power and say so in all aspects of all the school boards & School Districts in the State of Kansas .
I say this because of the following, KASB, headquartered in Topeka, is the state organization that provides services, training and resources for local boards of education. KASB members are governing boards for unified school districts, community colleges, area vocational-technical schools, special education cooperatives and interlocals, and regional service centers. KASB assists local board of education with professional development and goal setting, policy development, research, legislative advocacy, superintendent searches, insurance services and legal issues.
So, my opinion is, Heim is not gone, simpley given more power and authority over all School Districts and School Boards through out the entire State of Kansas . Am I totally wrong in my assesment ?
April 5, 2010 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kuSportsPA (anonymous) says...
I wish the best for Dr. Heim, Great Guy! Congratulations on getting your dream job!
April 5, 2010 at 11:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citizenT (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the positive comment kuSportsPA! Very refreshing to find someone cheering another on.
April 6, 2010 at 5:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okay (anonymous) says...
I wish Dr. Heim the best. Most people do not have a clue what it takes to run a school system the size of Emporia's. They just don't like anyone making a better wage than their's. I do hope the school board does their job, another one that most people do not want and quite frankly could not do. It's easy to "coach" from the stands! with all the unfunded mandates, "school business" is a tough business!.
April 6, 2010 at 6:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Methusla, I think you are right on target. It has been some years since I dealt with the KASB, but they were a little out of touch then, and from what I see of Heim he is not going to make that better. Administrators spend a lot of time trying to convince school boards that they are elected to be yes men for their Superintendents, I completely disagree with that logic, but feel Heim will multiply that by 10 or 100.
This is a very good opportunity for Emporia to promote one of their own, and cut an administrative position. Nobody loses a job that way, and a message is sent to local administrators that the Emporia BOE likes to grow leadership from within. I never understood why, if the BOE believes they hire the best possible people for all jobs, they have always been so reluctant to move those folks upward to the "grand poohbah", and always hire outsiders to be Supt.
April 6, 2010 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
les_herschler (anonymous) says...
Dr. Heim is a good man and a great leader. He put the district and its patrons first, and did not cave in to the yahoos on the fringe who were clueless about the value and investment of educating Emporia's youth. His good fortune is truly Emporia's loss.
April 6, 2010 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
You nailed it, okay, with your "They just don't like anyone making a better wage than their's." And you're absolutely right about all the unfunded mandates that make budgeting a nightmare that few understand.
On the other hand, I do believe the board needs to find a way to combine at least a couple of these top positions for the sake of the budget, even if temporarily. A fair amount of organization by those in top positions should help.
April 6, 2010 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I agree, " school business is a tough business " . And that means that at times you may even have to be tough on yourself and the upper echelon ( leaders, including yourself ), for the betterment of all the people ( children, teachers, etc. ) and that includes cutting, even your own wages, etc., when times and situation calls for it . It would seem that is not the case though, in todays " tough " situation.
It would seem that is not the thinking of some or most in todays tough times. There are those who will not or would not make any sacrifices themselves for the better good . These types of people also believe themselves to be above being expendable or doing what would be expedient for the betterment of all. These people expect ... no demand ... everyone else to do with less, " tighten their belts " and yet refuse or will not do so them selves, when the situation or the people call for them to do so. Such is the case of Dr. Heim .
I know I will catch some serious flak for this comment, be told I am jealous of the wages he makes, but nothing could be farther from the truth . I just believe that everyone, and I do mean, everyone, should share the sacrafice of having to do with less and " tightening the belt " when it is necessary or called for. If that means taking a cut in wages, a reduction in support staff and having to do more yourself for less pay, then so be it. Afterall we are all in these tough times together and should all share the pain together, equally .
I learned a long time ago, a good leader, " leads by example, respect those they lead ( subordinates ), would not ask those under him to do something he/she would not be willing to or do himself/herself/themselves ". These are the types of leaders that those people they lead/command respect, as well as be respected by all people. There is to little of this type leadership in the world, today .
April 6, 2010 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
I understand that people are frustrated about budget issues but these hateful comments are ridiculous. Methusla, KASB does not have power over school districts. Re-read the paragraph about what they do. Why does that make you think he will have control over school districts???
I wish Dr. Heim all the best. He was a great boss and an excellent leader for our school district.
April 6, 2010 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
schooler (anonymous) says...
Before we start saying let's just move up one of the asst supt and cut a position, let's make sure they are capable of the position. Over the years, we have added positions such as directors and asst. to possibly cover the duties that couldn't be completed by the current admin. I don't argue with trying to tighten our belts, but we need a supt with good leadership skills, who isn't afraid of ruffling feathers if needed, and who will put our district in the best position possibly with the current situation. I'm not sure moving up one of our current admin would necessarily be the best option. Sometimes its best to bring in a fresh set of eyes, ears, and hands to change things up! I have seen over the past 13 years, many usd 253 employees not caring out their duties, but being able to keep their positions. I think it's time that people are held responsible for their position and if they can't seem to do what's expected, then it's time for a change-even if that does mean fighting through the red tape because they are tenure!
I agree school board and other district employees truly knows what this district needs-I just hope that's what they hire!
April 6, 2010 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksnewsie (anonymous) says...
From Heim's April message: "For the record, our management team was not untouched by the cuts. The largest of the cuts was $382,000 from administration. These cuts were not recommended by the Efficiency Study or the PBB Committee; they were recommended by the management team.
The cut to administration is 26 percent of the total cuts and 30 percent of the personnel reductions. The staff members at Mary Herbert Education Center certainly were not smiling when I had to deliver the news that we will have five fewer people doing the same amount of work starting in July. Yet, they took the news well and I know they will do whatever is needed to serve our schools. I have had the same kind of cooperation from the staff at Emporia High School where they will have to reassign the duties of two unfilled positions in the administration office."
http://www.usd253.org/home/news/super...
April 6, 2010 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksnewsie (anonymous) says...
Les is right. There are some "yahoos" who don't understand the necessity of a good education and don't understand that it doesn't come cheap. I'll bet you won't find anyone who works in education that couldn't make better money doing the same job in the private sector. Prove me wrong.
April 6, 2010 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Taxpayers have not only the right, but the obligation to question the way their elected and appointed officials spend tax dollars. We also still have the right to express our opinions, even if they are not popular or "Negative".
Coaching from the sidelines?
Jealous of what someone else makes?
Yahoo's on the fringe?
I don't think so!
School business is a tough business?
So is private business, so what?
April 6, 2010 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
ksnewsie,
where have you been?
What private sector jobs?
This is an interesting article;
cjonline.com/stories/041509/opi_429284812.shtml
If better paying jobs are out there, why not take them?
April 6, 2010 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
from the schools web page
Average teacher wage in Emporia is $50,227.00.
Minimum starting wage of $34,167.00
According to the emporia kansas page from wicki the median wage for a houshold in emporia is $30,809.00.
Individual median wage for a male is $27,000.00
female is $20,000.00
Now I know that average and median are two different sets of equations but it still gives an idea of compensation in Emporia
Any one with any job now days should be happy for that fact.
April 6, 2010 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
rcakmon
I have reread the duties of the KASB. Here is an excerpt from what the KASB does and oversees ... " KASB members are governing boards for unified school districts, community colleges, area vocational-technical schools, special education cooperatives and interlocals, and regional service centers."
The definition of " governing board " is as follows,
Noun 1. governing board - a board that manages the affairs of an institution
board - a committee having supervisory powers; "the board has seven members"
board of regents - a committee of university officers who have general supervision over the welfare and conduct of students
board of trustees - a governing board elected or appointed to direct the policies of an educational institution
regent, trustee - members of a governing board "
What about governing board or board members do you not understand ? I understand full well what a governing board and its members do and the power they wield . Do You ?
April 6, 2010 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
ksnewsie
This " yahoo " and " sideline coach " also understands that Heim did not say or imply directly that any of the $328,000 cuts in Administration related directly to him personnaly or his immediate staff, it would seem the cuts were and are borne by the individual school staffs in particular, Mary Herbert School, Emporia High School and most likely other Schools. No mention was made of cuts in the School Superintendents level or the Superintendents immediate staff level, such as cutting any Asst. Supers jobs or wages, Secretarial jobs or wages, etc., etc., etc..
Yes, I may be a " yahoo " or " a sidline coach " , but I believe I have been around long enough to understand that there are hardley ever any sacrifices, cuts, " belt tightening " , etc. done or undertaken at the top levels of the ladder, even though that is where the sacrifices, cuts, etc. should start or at least be part of cuts, sacrifices, " belt tightening ", if for no other reason to show compassion and share in the sacrifices that must be made or should be made or shared by all those involved.
April 6, 2010 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
les_herschler (anonymous) says...
Steve: Unlike some, for educators, it is not about the money but about the chance to make a difference.
April 6, 2010 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Farmraised--
The majority of the cost of the smartboards did not come out of the budget. Most of the money came from private funds.
I have a feeling that a lot of people who are calling or were calling for Heim's head are going to be hit with a rude awakening. There are a lot of worse options out there than Dr. Heim. It is a thankless job that he did pretty well. I definitely didn't personally agree with every decision but I think he tried to do what he thought was best for the district. Some people need to realize that the grass is not always greener!
April 6, 2010 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Be careful Meth, your "equal" sharing of the pain sounds a lot like socialism not capitalism. Life is not fair and we certainly are not a consensus country but a republic. Fortunately, majority rules and so far the majority is more centered that these postings.
April 6, 2010 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
genxer (anonymous) says...
yev, there are a lot of "thankless" jobs out there. However, a 6 figure salary should be thanks enough.
April 6, 2010 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Meth
I agree with you. Most of the cuts had nothing to do with the admin. However I had no problem with where the cuts came from either. What I had a problem with was Heim saying that all the teacher cuts would be cover by resignations or attrition.
FALSE
I know of one personally who got a pink slip who would still like his job.
The reason he was given the pink slip was because he didn't have a second language capability.
Well excuse me, maybe they ought to learn English like my ancestors did.
April 6, 2010 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okay (anonymous) says...
A superintendent with the attributes that are needed to run a school system like Emporia's will certainly command a 6 figure salary. If Emporia does not want to pay for top talent, they won't get it, even in today's economy. However, I do agree that everyone in the system will likely have to do more with less staff but not necessarily for less money for each individual. In my business, I will glady pay an individual more money to work harder and do more as opposed to having the expense of two lesser paid people, whose salary combined is more than the one!
April 6, 2010 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksnewsie (anonymous) says...
Perhaps, Bluma, the one who got the pink slip was simply a bad apple who needed to be let go. Not everyone who has been let go is the result of budget cuts.
April 6, 2010 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
justthefacts
Socialism
–noun
1.a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
I neither advocated " the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. Nor do I advocate such a thing. I merely stated that in these tough times, that everyone needs to pull together as a community of people who are in the same situation in order to get through it. Which there are those who are reluctant to do and only seem to believe that they are above everyone else, whom they believe are the ones who need to absorb the cuts, belt tightening !
I ask this, who is the most responsible for the good things that have been done in our school system, those on the frontlines everday, mainly the educators, teachers, maintenance, food services, transportation, etc. personel or those who are in the higher positions and are taking most of the credit for the advancements that have been made in the childrens learning abilities ?
I have no doubt that the Superintendent and the School Boards have had a hand in obtaining the educators/teachers that Emporia has. But these Superintendents/School Boards seem to believe they are the ones who are educating/teaching the children, each and everyday. And why do they deem it necessary, to, basically, say, you are the only ones who will bear the brunt of the cutbacks of wages, jobs , etc., while they, the Superintendents/School Boards, bear almost none of the same types of cutbacks in wages, jobs and personnel.
No, I do not begrudge the Superintendents/School Boards their wages they are paid nor am I jealous of their wage. But I do begrudge them their attitude of being above having to endure the same wage cuts, job cuts or personnel cuts that every
other School District teacher/administrator/worker is asked or demanded to endure.
Socialism, I think not. Evenhandedness, maybe.
April 6, 2010 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Les_herschler,
YOUR above;
"Steve: Unlike some, for educators, it is not about the money but about the chance to make a difference."
April 6, 2010 at 12:34 p.m
Then why all the discussion?
I believe it was ksnewsie who brought up the wage issue. (someone in education?)
A main expense in our school district is personnel costs. So like any tough business those costs need to be looked at also.
Don't you find it somewhat disingenuous
to state you are in your CHOSEN field to "MAKE A DIFFERENCE", and then constantly complain about your compensation?
ANOTHER QUESTION:
If $382,000.00 in cuts were made from admin staff reductions, why were those cuts not made earlier?
April 6, 2010 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
okay,
No person in today's job market can command any salary. If they want a job they will take what is offered.
The board needs to drop the pay on the top 13 admin staff and if they don't want the job, (to make a difference), I would venture there would be a tidal wave of applicants for the replacements. Probably 100 or more for each position.
April 6, 2010 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
http://www.kasb.org/kasb.html
try it you'll like it.
April 6, 2010 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Farmraised--
The majority of the cost of the smartboards did not come out of the budget. Most of the money came from private funds."
Individual school's technology funds are not private funds. They are budget designated tax dollars. My son's school was able to pay for 80% of its smartboards with this fund and the remaining 20% was donated by the PTO.
April 6, 2010 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I'm gonna ring in a "Ditto" on Steve's statements and replies.
Also, yes, methusla, you are correct in your assessment that the top of USD253 admin was untouched and that fact was skirted around in the newsletter.
April 6, 2010 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof--
By "private", I meant not out of the school budget. The Jones foundation paid for half of all the Smart Boards and the PTO in one school picked up the other half for it's school. Other PTO's also contributed. The district didn't have to pay a lot for all of those smart boards.
April 6, 2010 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
ksnewsie
Perhaps
But I think not!!!!!!!
April 6, 2010 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
methusla...yes I understand what governing boards do. But unless they start telling our BOE members how to vote they can NOT control what happens in USD 253.
But thanks for the chuckle! I love all your entries from the dictionary!
April 6, 2010 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
yev_kassem,
I'm not saying that it didn't happen the way you say, but the Jones Foundation was never mentioned to our PTO. We were told that the tech budget would cover a certain number, and the request was made to provide the funds for the remaining number of desired boards. The amount we provided was the price that the district was paying for each board. We were also told that the current Presidential admin had offered a grant to subsidize and thereby discount the smartboards to the districts who could buy them. If that is the case, that is tax money as well.
April 6, 2010 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
rcakmon
Are you really that naieve, to think that the KASB, has absolutely no influence over the way a School District/School Board votes. If so then you have no concept how the power of influence and politics really works in the real world.
If so, then I would imagine that you also believe or think that the School District Superintendent has/had no influence in the way the local School Board voted or votes .
April 6, 2010 at 9:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
Methusla...no I am not NAIVE.
I am laughing out loud thinking of Glen Strickland (or anyone on the BOE) being forced to vote a certain way by John Heim or anyone. In case you didn't know...the John works for them. They are his boss. Not the other way around.
April 7, 2010 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
rcakmon
I would imagine that you also believe that all other government officials are not enfluenced in voting a certain way by outside, influencial sources or people. As for Glen Strickland, he is only what, 1 vote out of 5, just like the City Commission, the County Commission, State Congress and Federal Government. All legislative assemblies, such as School Districts, B0Es, City Commissions, County Commissions, State Congresses, and National Congresses, whose members cast a vote on any legislation, laws, budgets, etc., are subject to having each individuals vote influenced by outside and inside powerful, influencial sources to cast their individual vote a certain way. One steadfast, upright individual casting a vote counts as only one vote and will not carry the majority decision. Glen Strickland may be a good man, however his one vote will not carry a majority decision on its own. So go ahead and have a good laugh. I still do not believe that you realize how politics and the influencing of elected, public, officials and voting can and is influenced by powerful and influencial sources, that is happening and does happen in City, County, State and Federal elected governing bodies, as well as governing bodies world wide. In other words influence peddling of a governing assemblys' individual voting members votes is and does happen and has the power to dictate how each and everyone lives their lives. So laugh if you will, most people usually do laugh at that which they have no comprehension of or do not understand.
April 7, 2010 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kseyetie (anonymous) says...
My my; the organizational and educational experts abound in Emporia. Dr. Heim is a fine leader and a distinguished educator. He will do well at KASB. Reading message boards around the state and the country has taught me only two things: 1. Most people are experts at doing every job except the one they currently have; 2. Most people believe everyone is overpaid except for themselves. I might add #3: Most people, given the job they say they could do for much less money (supt, governor, president, senator, etc.) would wet their pants and run for cover if they were placed behind the desk in question and had to suffer through the burdens of leadership.
April 7, 2010 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
Meth...I understand perfectly. I have a college degree and a graduate degree. I don't need you to explain to me about outside influences on elected officials. The difference between us is that you think USD 253 BOE members can be influenced by Dr. Heim and the KASB and I do not. Laughing has nothing to do with not understanding. It's what I do when I am around people that are so negative and determined to think the worst of others. Sorry if my correction of your misspelling upset you. Perhaps that is why you are slinging the "you don't understand" comments my way.
April 7, 2010 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
Well said, kseyetie!
April 7, 2010 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
rcakmon,
Sigh,
Hope those degrees are working for you.
But I bet your poop still stinks.
April 7, 2010 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I'm glad to hear that they do it to make a difference as opposed to making money. It should be no problem for these noble folks to take large pay and benefit cuts like us private sector civilians have had to do for a couple of years now. Thanks for being willing to take one for the team like the rest of us have. I know that when the cuts come there will be no resistance from them since it's not about the money but about making a difference.
April 7, 2010 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcakmon (anonymous) says...
LOL, Steve! As does yours! (-:
April 7, 2010 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I have just over 98 degrees.
April 7, 2010 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sloan (anonymous) says...
Best wishes to Dr. Heim. He will be missed by many who worked for him.
These comments are entertaining. Kseyetie, I agree with points 1, 2, and 3!
April 7, 2010 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
I just want to remind everyone that more often than not you get what you pay for. If you think an outside experienced candidate is going to come here for less money than what Heim made, I think you are wrong. We are going to have to pay for someone with experience, possibly more than we already are, or we take the other alternative and hire someone with no experience. Maybe we could find the diamond in the rough on the cheap side but I would rather pay someone who knows what they are doing.
April 7, 2010 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
kseyetie and yev are on target with their comments. Meth, as always, is as completely clueless as they come.
April 7, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
For educators it's not about the money, it's about making a difference. I think we can find someone who is willing and able to do a fine job for less. Educators are not in it for the profit motive they are in it for the greater good.
April 7, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
rcakmon
A college degree or several degrees does not give you nor make you have the ability to understand or have or obtain any common sense or sense of reasoning . I am well aquainted with and have been aquainted with a number of holders of college degrees and yet do not have any common sense or ability to comprehend how things are done or work in the real world of politics and those who influence and control politics, government, and politicians.
A college degree, neither makes you " smart ", nor does it put you above anyone else. The plain truth of the fact is if you went to college, earned a degree/degrees and yet learned nothing or don' t know how to apply what you have learned in the real world, all that degree is, is an expensive piece of paper .
I commend anyone who has had the means and ability to go to college get a degree, but that does not give any college graduate, holding a degree to think they are better than anyone else .
I also have known college graduates who are some of the " dumbest ", most irresponsible people I have ever had the displeasure to know.
And as far as you correcting my mispelling, I suppose since you have a college degree, you have never hit the wrong key on your key board or made a mistake in your exceptional life.
I don' t or didn' t look down my nose at you nor do I expect you to look down your nose at me, just because of a piece of paper that says you attended college and were lucky enough to graduate and recieve a degree.
Remember some of the worst leaders in the world, had a college degree or two or three .
Nough said, I guess that we will all just have to wait and see . Perhaps we can all have a good laugh sometime down the road, I certainly hope so.
April 7, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Thanks, irish, I was hoping perhaps you had died . Glad to see you are still with us and the same old incapable irish. Whose mouth outruns his abilities.
April 7, 2010 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Irish, you read comments, but still fail to understand their meaning. The true attribute of a " Boob " .
April 7, 2010 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
To people like irish, a mouth larger than their brain is an attribute.
April 7, 2010 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
irish, are you willing to start this all over again. If so, give it your best shot.
However, just remember one thing, I did not start the insults the first time, nor did I start them this time . I will admit that, unfortunately I escalated the insults the first time . And will do so again if enticed to do so by you . It is evident that you do not like me and I likewise, do not like you. So lets just leave it at that . It's up to you .
April 7, 2010 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The school superintendent should get paid a decent wage for the Emporia area.
Why not an inexperienced newcomer?
Someone bringing fresh Ideas to the table.
An educator, (who unlike some), is not in it for the money but to make a difference.
At one time even big John was an inexperienced newcomer.
Unless everyone thinks that the improvements of student scores rests solely on the super and has nothing to do with the teachers, what is there to loose?
April 7, 2010 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sorry rcakmon,
Please note and correct errors in red pencil.
April 7, 2010 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
I read dictionaries too. Your analogy is still reeking of socialism. Somehow the "worker" should rule the world and all those in "power" or the "elite" should be blamed for all the ills of the world. As I recall, Marx, and Stalin didn't refer to dictionaries, they simply "led" the masses blaming everything on the leaders. Look where that got them,
April 7, 2010 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
justthefacts
You have a certain affinity to either twist ones words or not understand them at all.
I blame the higher ups ( superintendents, etc.) when the blame is theirs, I do not blame them for everthing.
However the higher ups do not even accept the blame, when the blame is clearly theirs and worst of all they pass the punishment for their apparent mismanagement on to the people who have no apparent say so in what the higherups decide, whether it be correct, right or wrong and don' t even include themselves when considering handing out punishment for their mistakes and mismanagement.
Who do you think is to blame for the budget woes of the Country, States, Schoold Districts, Counties and Citys' , the taxpayers or the higherups that are supposed to be intelligent, capable managers ?
I know where I place the blame, mostly on the higher ups ( Manager, etc. ) along with the people, you/me and others that set back and allowed the mismanagement, influence peddling and mistakes to happen and take place, not once but again and again.
Now if that is being socialist or socialism, so be it. But I call it " Evenhandedness " !
April 7, 2010 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sloan (anonymous) says...
I think it's fine to disagree but comments about hoping someone died is taking it a little too far.
April 7, 2010 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
givin_my2cents (anonymous) says...
You tell em Steve I agree! Why weren't these cuts made before??? That's Emporia for ya, always a day late and a brick short! Typical!
April 7, 2010 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
sloan
If you don' t know the circumstances of this feud, don' t get in on it. And apparently you did not read my next sentence, where I said I was glad that irish was still with us . But, if you insist on getting in on this feud between me and irish, go right ahead and but in, with your two cents worth.
April 7, 2010 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Meth,
It's called an opinion, apparently it's not ok to disagree with you. I'm only restating what you said. The history is there and I haven't had to rely on a dictionary definition or a URL to define my original thoughts.
I'm done on this thread for now. Over and Out.
April 7, 2010 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
justthefacts
Of course it is O.K. to disagree with me . That is your/everyones right.
But to label anyone or their opinion as being Socialist, Socialism, Communist or what ever, just because that is what you think they are based on your particular beliefs or opinion is not particularly O.K. or your right, especially when you do not know or take lthe time to find out what the words you use to label someone, their belief or opinion, actually mean . Just don' t label anyone as something they are not or their belief, based on your opinion of them, without knowing the meaning of the words you chose to use when attaching a label to anyone.
Perhaps using a dictionary or a URL to enlighten yourself to words and their meanings would help in making an informed opinion.
April 7, 2010 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
You can certainly tell which posters on this thread work for the school district and those who don't. Some on here seem to think that everything in the past revolves around Dr. Heim and are sorry to see him go. I am not one of those people.
Reason #1: Dr. Heim is moving on to his "dream job". Very few people have that chance to work in their dream job.
Good for you Dr. Heim!
Other reasons:
Our school district, along with other taxpayer funded entities are facing budget shortfalls due to the economy. Those in charge had ample warning of these tough times and ample time to plan for them. They did not act in a fiscally responsible manner by trimming their budgets as the economy soured, instead they counted on more tax dollars using the mantras "It's for the children" and "You get what you pay for"
For much to long the taxpayer stood by and gave free reign to these entitites. Now that we have started to question the expenditure of our tax dollars we are labled fringe, yahoos, etc, etc.
Maybe the superintendent told the school board they needed to cut spending and they did not listen to his advice. He after all, works for them. If that is the case we have only our elected school board to blame.
No matter what, Dr. Heim is leaving and it falls on the school board to find a replacement for him.
Instead of rushing out to hire another suoerintendent at a six figure salary maybe the board should re-think the whole administrative structure of our school district with an eye out for cutting costs or eliminating positions in the upper management posistions.
The sucess of our schools does not rest soley on the superintendent, it has more to do with the teachers and their students.
April 8, 2010 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
No, Steve. You can't tell who works for the district and who doesn't. Perhaps some of us just see the value of education more than others. Or maybe some of us just aren't bitter about life and the choices the we make. Or maybe some of us don't have an ax to grind with elected officials. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of people who support the board WE elected and the people the board employs. We also respect the tough job they must perform.
April 8, 2010 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I agree completely Steve .
I would also like to say, that the biggest warnings for me, that the country was going to be in big trouble, were .. when the last President and his Boss the Vice President took office, and immediately set about squandering a significant surplus of funds, initiating tax breaks for those who needed none, destroying the middle class and above all failing to become uninvolved in one war and getting involved in another war, which were and are far more costly than anyone can believe and these two wars are still raging and still costing everyone massive amounts of money and lives. The signs of trouble for the country and most everyone were/are there, but our leaders just couldn' t see or understand the signs/signals or chose/choose to ignore them. So again I ask those who accuse me of socialism or being a socialist. Where would you place the majority of the blame for the countrys problems and financial/budget woes. On the leaders for making the decisions they made or were influenced or coerced or rewarded for making? Or would you blame the taxpaying people who continued to vote these uncaring, greedy, inept leaders into office again and again ? There is plenty of blame to go around. But I believe the " crux " of the blame falls on the leaders, whom we trusted enough to elect or appointed to office to work for us and do what is in the best interests of us, the people, all of the people, all of the time..
April 8, 2010 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
I agree 100% Irish. I would venture a guess that the majority of the ones who are blaming the administrators or are accusing them of having too high of a salary have never walked a day in there shoes and really have no concept of what they are actually responsible for. It is very easy to sit back and point fingers when you are ignorant of what is going on.
April 8, 2010 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Has anyone asked these administrators if they even want all that cash? I mean they do their jobs to make a difference not for a truck load of smackeroos anyway, so I'm sure they wouldn't mind sacrificing some of their income for the greater good and especially for the children. If they weren't so gal dern humble they probably would volunteer to take a 10 ..... 15 ......... 20% pay cut to help out during these very tough financial times but they don't want to look like the heroes they are. That's just the kind of folks they are. They aren't concerned about their own bank accounts, they are concerned about the community and the children. How about it administrators, pay cuts?
April 8, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
genxer (anonymous) says...
methusla, have you seen this recent article from the AP: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nearly-... ? It basically says that nearly half, somewhere around 47% of Americans will pay nothing/zero/nada, in income tax while the other 53% will pay 100% of all income tax rec'd by the federal government. Tell me, what percentage of the public should get a free pass on the backs of others until you will be satisfied with what we "rich" people pay?
April 8, 2010 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Perhaps when the wealthy cease to ship jobs overseas in search of higher profits at the expense of destroying the middle class then that will change. That trickle down fiasco just does not work very well does it?
April 8, 2010 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And now people who disagree with the status quo are "bitter about life" or "have an axe to grind with elected officials"?
"Yahoos on the fringes", "ignorant", and "don't have a clue", "coaches from the sidelines" were not enough?
Tell me Irish (anonymous), or
yev_kassem (anonymous),
Besides my first sentence in the above post, what part of my last post is untrue?
April 8, 2010 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
genxer (anonymous) says...
Most government employees that I have come across are lazy as well as incompetent and/or rude.
And I say "most" not because I can think of one that wasn't lazy and incompetent but because I'm leaving open a window in case I've come across one and just don't remember.
April 8, 2010 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
Steve, only the first two sentences were pointed directly at you, and they were a response to your first statement. The rest were directed at all those who attempt to cast negative light on the education system. It is to those people that I say you need to take a hard look at the job educators are trying to do and then form your opinions.
These are hard times for everyone. What are you doing to make a difference?
April 8, 2010 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
genexer
Yes, I saw the recent AP article .
I will also draw your attention to this part of the article. " Either their incomes were too low, or they qualified for enough credits, deductions and exemptions to eliminate their liability. "
I would like to ask you, other than incomes being to low to pay income tax. Whom do you believe is to blame for changing the tax codes and laws, allowing for more, larger credits, more larger deductions, larger deductions for each child, I believe, the child credit, deduction went from $ 1000 to $ 3000 or even $5000, I don' t have the exact figures, anyway, this allowed or caused ever Tom, Dick and Susan, even immigrants, both legal and illegal to start producing offspring at an alarming rate just to take advantage of some cockamamie idea, of some leader, that this would help the economy, by doubling or quadrupling the child deduction amount ? All this accomplished was, to cause a more rapid depletion of the surplus that was, into a tremendous deficit that is and will be for years to come. And increase the number of immigrants both illegal and legal into the country by at least 3 fold, for the purpose advantage of the free money handout, proposed, supported by, financed by the countries taxpayers and proposed by, supported by, authorized by and pushed for by, this countrys' brilliant elected leaders.
Fiscal responsibility, forsight, responsible leadership, compasion, reason, common sense.
I haven' t seen any of these attributes, lately .
And with the attitude and thinking of some on these threads, probably will not see good, viable leadership, again in what remains of my lifetime. Simply because some do not wish to admit that some, most or all of our leadership is actually responsible for a large number of the current problems. I am sure we the people did not tell the leaders to spend more than they had, had to, or were receiving ! I am sure we the people did no say to our leaders, hey, go ahead and go to war or keep fighting a war that has been going on for what seems decades. No I am sure that most of us did not tell our leaders to any of the things that they did, mostly likely at the urgeing of others. So I would like to know exactly who would all of you so called level headed, non-fringe, non-yahoos blame for the problems of the country ?
I may be a yahoo on the fringe, a side line coach, armchair coach, or anything else you care to label me . But I do care what is happening to our Country, State, County, City and folks, it is not good, no matter how much you try and candy coat it. I am telling you the bad leader ship over the years has finally caught up with this country and caused quite a mess and the recovery from this mess is going to be long and costly .
April 8, 2010 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
irishemporia,
Well to start off, I am trying to post my thoughts on ways to cut expenses of the school board from the top down vs. the bottom ups approach. Never was one to believe in the trickle down theory. I am sure some members of the board reads these threads. What would you have me do?
Run for the board? LOL , not enough friends to carry my coffin let alone win elected office.
Hard times? You bet and I don't think Emporia or Kansas has seen the worst. Remember the Kansas budget for 2011 is about 1/2 BILLION dollars in the red right now. Can the schools expect more cuts or even more delayed payments from the state? You bet and the board had better budget for them now. Tax increases, no way, not now. And the no tax thing is not only because I'm a greedy businessman. Once a tax is in place it is rarely if ever lowered. When I see my grandkids Riley and Corbi,
I don't want to see them saddled with the debt of our tax and spend ways because we didn't do everything we could to keep costs down.
To me this is truly what we need to do "For the Children"
April 8, 2010 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"I do not believe that people are having babies just to qualify for a tax credit. I do not believe that people are having babies to stay on welfare either. "
Well you may not believe it but they do. I know what I'm talking about, I'm from the internet. I'm serious.
April 8, 2010 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, farmraised, I believe it. I am not from the internet. And I am also serious.
April 8, 2010 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joeblow (anonymous) says...
Good for Emporia! Time for a change!Interim or Superintendant.We need that person with the diversity of experience to take our school system in a new and positive direction. We don't need a 30-year old trainee.We don't need a candidate who is not vested in our community.Live here,have your family here, not a weekend warrior.Last of all we don't need our former superintendant and his KASB making our choice for us.That would only be more of the same.Think for ourselves. Thoroughly check out our choice. This is a tremendous opportunity for Emporia and our children.The person of "our" choice is out there!
April 8, 2010 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
FarmRaised,
An example of the mother hen keeping her eggs at eye level :>
April 8, 2010 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I mean in plain sight :>
April 8, 2010 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bnance (anonymous) says...
All,
Comments to stories must stay on topic as per our user agreement. Comments on previous stories that are not on topic have been disabled.
April 8, 2010 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bnance (anonymous) says...
FarmRaised, I apologize for the confusion between the two threads. I didn't realize the nature of the e-mail exempt thread until after the fact. I have since received permission to disable them both until comments can be reviewed.
April 8, 2010 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
FarmRaised, Brandy and Steve,
Could ya'll please stay on topic????? ☺
April 8, 2010 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof and anyone who is interested in education.
You may be intereste in the following recent news.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36278615/...
April 8, 2010 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof,
I AM SERIOUSLY SORRY!
April 8, 2010 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
brnance,
Be sure and check out reddog's homophobic comment. Would hate to the see the ACLU come down on you for one bigot.
April 8, 2010 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Sometimes topics wander and very good discussions come out of that. I think the papers should allow a little wandering. Conversations between human beings tend to wander, these are conversations and we are human beings. Please don't remove our comments if we wander over yander. Thanks a bunch.
Mr. Heim,
I hope you believe that children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Let their laughter remind us of how we used to be. I'm serious.
April 8, 2010 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Conversations that wander are one thing, when reddog makes homophobic comments like he just did it crosses a line. I wonder how he would like all of his prospective clients to know that he sees gays and lesbians as "sick". I may not be the most religious person around but I do know one thing, we ARE NOT the ones that are supposed to be judging others.
April 10, 2010 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
LOL, Steve!!! I was just kidding you all. I really don't care and was in an ornery mood. But I don't know if you are SERIOUSLY sorry ;-)
April 10, 2010 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )