Merry Christmas

Having read through this earlier, I couldn't help post it for Christmas. Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

On this night, a comforting message

By: John Kass

December 24, 2007

"For all the children who should be loved always, but especially on this wondrous night, with our arms around them, and a long good-night kiss on the temple, a kiss more precious than anything wrapped in a box.

For the parents lingering in the doorways of the bedrooms, watching those sleeping shapes. For all the babies who aren't loved and may grow up with a hard crust around their hearts, because someone neglected to plant those kisses and give those hugs.

For every couple that adopts a child to save a life. For those who've tried to have children, but can't. For those who've lost their children. For the kids who've lost their moms and dads.

And for the crazy uncles who will drink too much and tell wacky jokes and put on the red suit and dance outside, before sneaking back in to surprise all those laughing kids. And for the aunts who make sure the coffee is strong, so the crazy uncles sober up.

For the men and women of all the choirs, who've been practicing for months, gathering on weeknights after work in empty churches, so that on this night they may carry us with their harmonies.

And for their voices that gently invite us to humble ourselves, so that we might ask for help to begin scraping away any bitterness that has taken root.

For every friend and relative, uncle and aunt and cousin who haven't waited for this one night to build something important. All year they've been building it, with their concern and love.

They show up on a Thursday afternoon in June, on some cool morning in November. They stop by to see if you are OK. So tonight is theirs, and tomorrow, too, because they are family, by friendship, by blood, by the acts of family.

For those who are far away and can't make it home this year. And for those who've been distant. They figure they've probably been gone too long. They wonder if there still is some chance there is a welcome for them, too.

The door is always open.

Just reach for it and see.

For those who keep their sense of humor, and are able to count to 10 when angry and actually do count to 10, and can forgive after the counting.

And for those who've made bad choices and acknowledge what they've broken.

This is the night that is all about hope. And so, this is the night to begin.

For the guys at the end of the bar, with their smokes, nursing their drinks, half watching the TV, grateful there is a warm place to sit and hear laughter, even the laughter of strangers.

And for the old women alone in their rooms, awake in bed, remembering these nights past and the laughter of children, nights when it wasn't so still, when there was so much to do and a houseful of hungry guests to feed.

For that person at work who laughs too hard at bad jokes and is eager to please, yet is stepped over and can't understand why. For the shy ones at work who would stun you with their grace and talent if they were given half the chance.

For everyone on the night shift tonight, and everyone who has to work tomorrow.

For the families of our police officers, firefighters and paramedics working tonight, and the officers, firefighters and paramedics themselves, who run into danger to help us.

And for all those in hospitals who are ill, who pray for dignity and relief, and for the doctors who take special care of them tonight, and hold their hands; and for the nurses who enter the room later, and pull up a chair, listening to quiet confessions.

For the clergy who struggle with belief, yet find it again, and are renewed.

For every sailor on every ship tonight, and especially those standing watch on the bridge, looking out into cold black water, remembering brightly lit rooms.

For our president and for those who wish to succeed him in the political campaigns, each making loud speeches, knowing that if they do succeed, they too will be terribly alone.

For all the members of the U.S. armed forces who protect us with their bodies. For the members of the intelligence services and the Foreign Service, who put themselves at risk to protect us here at home.

For their parents and their loved ones who wait for them.

For our great nation that faces difficult days.

To those of you whom I've offended by thoughtless and clumsy words and strident tone on bad days. I'm sorry.

And to those of you who've given this column a chance four mornings a week, those who write or call or e-mail, I can't adequately express my thanks. But thank you, again.

For everyone who has kept hold of what's important about this special night.

It is the message brought by that perfect child, born in a manger in Bethlehem so very long ago.

It is all about love.

And I hope it comes to you, and comforts you, and remains.

From my wife, Betty, and our sons, from my mom and from my brothers, and their wives and children, from all of us to all of you and yours.

Merry Christmas."

Great MSTA Article

Will the real experts please stand up?

By MSTA President Linda Schnakenberg

I am mad as hell, and you should be, too. We educators have lost control of our profession. We have given up the ability to map our own direction. We have lost the right to provide input into policies and practices concerning our classrooms. We have stood by and allowed ourselves to be attacked by higher education, politicians and others who proclaim expertise by virtue of having attended public school. We have settled for a few crumbs thrown our way to keep us quiet.

Many entities proclaim to be education experts, but attending school once upon a time does not qualify one as an expert. For example, those in the business world are not education experts. Corporations do, however, have needs and have established expectations and qualifications for their employees, both present and future. Those expectations and qualifications need to be communicated to educators so we can determine the best course of action to prepare our students.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the State Board of Education, and the U.S. Department of Education are not experts either. More often than not, their ideas and policies are unrealistic and impractical. They expound airy rhetoric, impose impossible directives and worship the almighty test as a single determinant of what our students know and are able to do. We are rarely asked, except as token representatives, for valid contributions to any education initiative.

Although it may come as a shock, those in higher education are not experts either. When was the last time a professor spent time in a public-school classroom?

It is time to take back our own profession. We are the experts. Our opinions and suggestions should be valued and sought after, not simply paid lip service. We are in our classrooms each day teaching, working and connecting with young people. We know who our challenges are, what works for our students, when to prod, where to place emphasis, and how to motivate. We deal with parents, administrators and John Q. Public. We make thousands of decisions each day. A few more decisions on behalf of our profession would not tax us too greatly.

One of those decisions should be political. We need to become involved in local elections. We need to elect school-board members who care about kids and education, who are reasonable and who value highly qualified teachers. We also need to elect education-friendly state legislators who listen to us, who will value and seek out our expertise, and who will enact legislation that is practical and realistic.

We must initiate and pass a statewide minimum salary schedule to return some validation to our profession. We should be paid as the professionals that we are.

We need to ask DESE and the Feds questions, and we need to demand explanations. We must present our opinions and thrust our suggestions upon anyone and everyone in those departments. In addition, we should demand that anyone dealing with education issues be required to spend real time in a public school classroom, not just 30-minute drop-ins.

Now is the time. We have waited long enough. We must step outside the comfort of our classroom doors and join together to make our voices heard across the land. Real change will not happen overnight. It will take time, determination and hard work to reclaim our profession, but the odyssey will make us stronger, worthier and in control of our destiny.

Challenge to the Candidates

Greetings all you readers. I have a challenge to offer up to all the Board Member Candidates:

I challenge you all to show up at a Town Hall style meeting where the district voters can ask you questions and hear your answers. I believe this would be beneficial to help clear the air, provide the community a chance to ask their questions, and hear the various positions each person has re: the questions the community has on their minds.

My challenge to the school employees: I challenge every school employee to get involved in the campaigns of your Board members. Choose your candidates of choice, and get involved in their campaigns. Each one will need folks to help put out signs, banners, printed material, and go door to door to ask for votes. This is your opportunity to be involved in helping decide who is on your Board and providing direction to your District for the future. Make no excuses. Donate your time and money.

My challenge to the community: I challenge everyone in the community to get involved in your elections. Donate your time and money to get involved in your campaigns. This is your local school and you all need to be involved. Do not take for granted any election. Exercise your rights and get out the word to VOTE!

Do you see my Vision? Speak to me.

School Board Filing Date

Today is the day to file to be on the ballot and elected to your local School Board. All you potential candidates get out there and put your names in to be an elected representative to your district.

It is interesting how the feedback has been to basically be quiet and "let it be" so to speak. It is often people are interested in quieting those who speak out and are willing to take action for their community. This will soon be addressed with our upcoming election. I would certainly welcome the Board candidates, whether existing or new, to send their position statements on issues to me at any point. I will be willing to post them unedited to the internet. I look forward to the upcoming campaign.

My desire is great, my resources are infinite, my cause is my community!

Do you see my Vision? Speak to me.

Proposals for 2008 school funding

This story was published by Joe Hadsall, of the Joplin Globe:

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt wants multi-million dollar increases for elementary, secondary and higher education in the coming budget year. Several education bills also have been pre-filed in the Missouri General Assembly dealing with everything from vouchers to testing athletes for steroids.

“We have succeeded in reversing a decade-long assault on higher education,” said state Sen. Gary Nodler, R.-Joplin, chairman of the Senate appropriations committee. “Next year, we will raise it to its highest level of spending in history.”

Blunt recommended last week an additional $121.3 million for elementary and secondary education in 2008, a 4.3 percent increase from last year. He also called for about $2.9 million in additional funding for 400 computer classrooms statewide, more advanced-placement math and science classes and after-school programs.

Blunt also wants an additional $40 million in direct funding for Missouri colleges and universities, a 4.4 percent increase.

Higher education also would receive an extra $80.9 million for additional needs-based scholarships.

Terri Agee, interim president of Missouri Southern State University, said she was happy to hear of the increases.

An extra $27.5 million for Access Missouri scholarships will send more students to college, she said.

“That program is very beneficial to our students,” Agee said. “We have more than 1,000 students participating in the program.”

Another issue that may surface in the 2008 legislative session is school choice.

Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O’Fallon, has submitted a bill that would allow parents of private-school or home-schooled students to be reimbursed their school property taxes.

State Rep. Ron Richard, R.-Joplin, who is slated to become speaker of the House in 2009, supports debate on the issue.

“There needs to be a serious debate, and I would allow that debate to happen,” Richard said.

The Missouri National Education Association has traditionally opposed school choice, arguing that it would divert public funds into private schools without accountability.

Officials with the MNEA could not be reached for comment.

Also on tap

Other pre-filed legislation that pertains to education in Missouri:

- A bill that would require mandatory drug testing of student athletes with an emphasis on anabolic steroids.

- A bill that would allow the state auditor to audit any school district in the same manner as any state agency.

- A revision of a bill that bars abortion providers from presenting sex education training in public schools.

- A bill that would require all schools to use traditional names of holidays — meaning a school district would have to call its winter break a “Christmas” break.

Mrs. Boulton's Speech Text

Speech text from Mrs. Boulton's speech presented at the December meeting:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. As a long time Bernie employee, I have been upset at the recent events that have transpired. The district has a history of a strong relationship between the board, administration and staff. I have been saddened at the events that have the perception of a weakening in this relationship.

At the last board meeting, one position was singled out as being worthy of a mid-year increase in salary. This was a slap in the face to every other employee of this district. It seemed like this position was more important than all of the others. EVERY person in this district is worth at least the $1.00 an hour raise that you gave to the PAT position. We work hard, follow policies set by the board and other governing agencies that apply to us. Yet, even though salaries are set by precedent in June or July, the board took a drastic measure and changed how they had been doing things for years and singled out a position for a raise mid-year. If the intention was to create a feeling of worthlessness, the board succeeded in doing that very thing for every single other position in this district.

The other event that has occurred that has upset me is the violation of the Sunshine Law. I want to commend the board for admitting that you broke the law. You are the head of this district and your example speaks volumes to our students. When our students break the rules, they must face the consequences, whether a warning, detention or something more serious. Whatever the consequence that you each face for this, whether it is a warning or monetary fine, you did the right thing is admitting you broke the law.

This is the strongest administration that I have worked for during my career, both here and at the other districts I worked for before coming to Bernie. They follow the policies that you write and are fair to everyone. I doubt that in the entire state that there is a more focused and dedicated trio of people administering a district. You have done a superb job of hiring this administration. I hope that you will continue to support them as they do the business of the school and follow and enforce the policies of this board and that are mandated by other agencies.

Thank you for your time.

Mrs. Rhonda Johnson's Speech Text

This is the speech text presented by Mrs. Johnson at the December Board Meeting:

My name is Rhonda Johnson. I graduated from Bernie High School in 1974. I have been employed by the district for 22 years. I am here today as a representative of the Bernie School Classified Staff.

It has been heard in the community that the staff morale at Bernie School District is very low. It has also been quoted that the classified staff are being treated as lower class individuals. As members of the classified staff we take exception to having these blanket statements made about our entire portion of the staff. In light of that we decided to take this opportunity to let you, and the community, know how we feel about our jobs and the atmosphere here.

We gave every classified staff member the opportunity to speak their own minds by use of a survey with space for additional comments at the end. Due to time constraints we are not going to take the time to read each individual comment now; however, there is a complete list in your folders. Please take that list home with you and consider this. If you were supervising 82 people in your business, you took the third of those people who were making the least amount of money and asked them about how they felt about the jobs they held with your company would you have received the support reflected in the comments before you?

We love our jobs; we are proud of the accomplishments of the students who pass through these halls; we get along with our peers as well as the certified staff. We respect this administrative team. Those of us who have been here the longest have stated that we think this is the best administrative team that Bernie has had during our terms of employment. We might not agree with every action or decision they make but very few of us reach the status of perfection this side of Heaven.

During the past month’s board meeting the Board of Education, against recommendations of the administration, awarded at $1,963 increase in salary to a single classified staff position.

In the past when salary increases were considered they were considered for all employees, classified and certified, at the same time. Even the administrators are awarded increases in salary according to salary schedule increases. This assures that even the administration is not awarded increases to salary when the rest of the staff is not receiving increases.

We feel that the selection of this individual position for special consideration mid-year is an affront to each and every person who is here every day, keeping their head down, doing their job to the best of their ability.

We are not requesting salary increases. However, we would like to request that the Board keep in mind that there are 82 employees in this District, the bulk of which try very hard to do the best job they can. Exclusion of 81 of those employees when special consideration is being given to one is not in the best interest of the District.

We would never presume to ask you to be a rubber stamp for every administrative recommendation. However, when members of the Board completely disregard recommendations of the administration one has to wonder what is going on behind the scene. Have you honestly done your homework and for some reason you do not agree with their opinion or are you letting your personal vendetta cloud your judgment?

You were elected with the promise to support and protect this school district. Can you honestly tell yourselves and this community that the turmoil being fostered right now is good for the school and community?

In closing we reiterate:

1. We are proud of the students of the Bernie School District and all or their academic and athletic accomplishments.

2. The staff, certified and classified, are getting along just fine. All families have a few disgruntled members and we may have a few of our own but as a whole the morale of the staff is good.

3. All members of this administrative team have been supportive and willing to help us in any way possible.

4. While we might not agree with every decision Ms. Ritchie makes, we have never had a doubt that her decisions were based on a true belief that it was the right decision for the student, staff member, school and community. A few of you have been quoted as stating you have trust issues with Ms. Ritchie. We have a few trust issues of our own, but they are not now and have never been with Ms. Ritchie.

5. Please put your personal vendetta aside. Let the school right itself emotionally and get on with the business of educating our children.

We thank you for your time and consideration.

Following is the response to my letter of request for information about who was at the illegal meeting and what was discussed.

This memo is written in response to your request regarding the discussion that occurred at the meeting which took
place in violation of the Missouri Sunshine Law on November 12, 2007. During this meeting, discussion consisted of personnel/personal matters among board members most of which are closed under the record. No votes or actions were taken. The following board members were present: Darell Crow, David Blevins, Ronnie Owens, Denny Riddle, Keith Snider, Rick Beaird, and Kevin Burris. The Superintendent, Robin Ritchie, was present during this meeting for the first 10-15 minutes before leaving. - Darell Crow, Board President

A Tribute - Coach Botsch

It is upon reflection of the talked about Bernie Tournament that my posting for today is focused. A tribute, of such, to a Coach who gives his all to the District. A man who dedicates his life not only to education, but to the betterment of our athletic programs. Oh how your father is proud.

You will find no greater man of character, integrity, encouragement, or leadership to your young people. No greater mentor exists than Coach B. Hold your head high and walk with dignity Coach, for your legacy precedes you. Your walk with greatness was handed down. Your inheritance of character was predestined by another and he looks down on you from Heaven with tears of joy in his eyes and a smile on his face. For you see Coach, he knew you would become the son he had always dreamed of, and even though he is not here today, his memory lives on in the hearts of our community. His love you can feel in the embrace you get from your supporters. His touch on your shoulders as he wraps his arm around you and gives you his words of wisdom whispered in your ears, if even from a friend who knew him. You see Coach, your father is still with you and you should feel this in the support our community expresses for you. Stand tall and walk with courage. Laugh in the face of adversity, for your supporters stand with you.

Neal Botsch had a vision, and it was realized in a son for which he is proud. Your community shares that vision. Have you hugged your Coach today? Contact Coach B and pass on what Neal Botsch would tell him...well done son.

Welcome to the next Evolution!
Do you see my Vision? Speak to me.