Comments by Emporia_Spartan
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Posted on July 23 at 11:41 p.m.
I am so glad that the Emporia BOE is using analysis and restraint in making decisions that include new programs, changes, funding, etc. We have long worried that the Board was a rubber stamp for everything that passed across the agenda, regardless of rationale, cost, or need. I appreciate the leadership that the 3 new Board members have brought during the past year. In this time of unknown enrollment, funding instability and community concerns, fiscal responsibility is crucial. Also, congratulations USD 253 on making AYP. I wish Mr. Carrillo the best at WAW as we try to help the kids reach their goals this school year.
Posted on May 1 at 7:26 p.m.
I am curious to know how the new principals are selected. I personally know of several applicants who are more than qualified who weren't even given an interview. The rumor mill, infamous in Emporia, tells it this way: District gurus hand-pick and nurture future administrators who "fit in" or are "team players" early on. This makes for a system of administrators who are all on the same page and who won't make waves. I would like for someone to explore the application, screening process. The school board doesn't have any input apparently, am I right?
Posted on April 9 at 5:09 p.m.
Well, we will miss Chef Harold. He is legendary in Emporia and the area. I wish him well and thank him for his 6 years of dedication and culinary delights here in Emporia. I find it very interesting that so many of the icons at ESU have moved on since President Lane came onboard......I can't help but wonder if there's a connection. Boyce Baumgardner, John Schwenn, Virginia Dold, Roy Mann, and now Chef Harold, to name only a few. I fear that others will be added as the new regime takes over. People have noticed that Dr. Lane doesn't like to keep ties to the past at ESU even though there's a rich heritage and many wonderful people that should not be ignored. Many see the handwriting on the wall and are choosing to move on to something else when the opportunity arises.
Thanks, Chef Harold for what you have done over the years to elevate ESU to fine dining. We will have high expectations for your successor!
Posted on April 2 at 11:19 p.m.
What a great teacher. colleague, and friend. I have always admired his expertise, his high expectations and his sense of humor. He has touched so many lives through the years, and this award is richly deserved, Congratulations to an outstanding educator! Now, others in Kansas will know what we have always known in Emporia-- we have tremendous educators, and John Harclerode epitomizes greatness in and out of the classroom.
On John Harclerode selected for Kansas teachers' Hall of Fame
Posted on March 14 at midnight
The Board had not approved the freeze on funds that had already been allocated and approved for this year. The Tyson panic is creating a horrendous situation for teachers and students this semester. This is a knee-jerk reaction without Board input and should be questioned. Being financially prudent is very different from freezing funds that have already been planned for.
I also find it more than curious that the story omitted the discussion and the vote about non-renewed teachers in the district. On a vote of 4-2 the non-renewal was approved, but the two who voted no (Strickland and Schrieber) had very valid reasons. A letter was sent to the teachers who were not retained by their principals indicating that it was the intent of the Board not to renew-- BEFORE the names even went to the Board for consideration. How can Theresa Davidson or anyone in the central office know the "intent" of the Board before the information has been shared with the Board members? Is the central office so used to having a "rubber stamp" Board that they don't think the new members are going to challenge the "after the fact" notification or the "it's a done deal" attitude before the item is brought before the Board? I would like to see more input from teachers who are affected by this "freeze" on funds and other unilateral decisions that negatively affect our schools. It's time that teachers and administrators stand up and speak out rather than just rolling over and sighing about injustices or perceived problems. I really feel that this Board will listen and respond to those who feel a need, an inequity, or a disservice to members of the District.
Posted on February 2 at 6:33 p.m.
This does pose an important question-- Tyson has used and exploited undocumented workers (although Tyson always denies such) for years. Now, many will be left without benefits, unemployment compensation, etc. How many are there, and how will Tyson help them? We need some answers about those in need in order to help. Can't Tyson give some idea of who will stay and who will relocate and when? There are such ripple effects throughout the community that we are all affected. The school district, as well as other agencies, needs answers in order to make contingency plans. It seems as though Tyson could do a better job of communicating and planning IF they cared at all about their workers and communities where they are located.
Posted on January 30 at 9:06 p.m.
Everyone in Emporia has been victimized by Tyson, some more than others, obviously. Tyson doesn't care about its employees or the communities in which it locates. It seems like a totally disjointed way of doing business and unfair to everyone to make an announcement to fire 1500 people; have no help for them in place, and then change the date of stoppage -- all within one week. My heart goes out to all of the affected workers, and I hope that they can find work here or elsewhere very soon. Emporia will recover, but we need to support our Emporia-based businesses rather than shopping in Topeka or Wichita. We may spend more, but perhaps we can strengthen our town. I'm not sure how much money will go out of Emporia because I'm not sure how much of the Tyson earnings were spent in Emporia -- have you been at the post office or Western Union locations when the Tyson workers have been paid and are sending money orders out of the country? I have witnessed A LOT of money flowing out of Emporia, so it's just something to ponder. Also, I hope that the city commission will work hard to attract businesses that will utilize the skilled and well-educated graduates of FHTC and ESU rather than the lower-skilled workers. That is the real way to keep our graduates in the community instead of losing them as soon as they get that diploma or certificate. Emporia has so much going for it as a good place to live, but we must do more to make it a great place to work also. Hopefully, the hatred and bigotry can be put aside as we focus on making Emporia better and stronger for all of us who are here to stay.
Posted on January 29 at 5:49 p.m.
Thanks for so many years of dedicated service to the community, Mr. Graham. You will be missed. I echo the others who wish you well and acknowledge that Reeble's and Price Chopper are all focused on being home-owned and operated stores. There's a special "feel" and attitude when shopping there. I hope the new owners will continue the friendly, helpful, and affordable approach to providing us with our essentials in Emporia. Also, thanks to the Bernard and Jane Reeble Foundation for contributing to the betterment of our community so many times in so many ways. EHS has been blessed so often with the generosity of the Reeble family. The legacy will continue in Emporia even though you are headed to beautiful Colorado
Posted on December 20 at 1:50 p.m.
Thankfully, people are beginning to recognize that our Hall of Fame needs help in becoming a true NATIONAL hall of fame for teachers! Thanks to Jerry Moran for working to get this great seed money. I hope to see the state legislature follow through on some support, and I really hope that everyone will support the Hall's new campaign to thank teachers... "One in a Million-- Teachers Who Make a Difference." Governor Sebelius recently referred to the NTHF as "a treasure of Kansas." I agree and hope that it will soon become a National Treasure!
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Posted on October 8 at 12:11 a.m.
I thought that Senator Obama appeared more poised and "Presidential." Senator McCain came across as angry at times, ruffled at times, and lacking in audience appeal much of the time. Both talked around the questions, taking too much time, rather than answering in a straight-forward manner. Both could use help in word precision! I think that the team of Obama and Biden will lead the country more responsibly, based on the 2 debates between the 4 candidates. I'm a little afraid of the future, to tell the truth....
On Rate the Debate