I would like to know why he is stonewalling the teamster’s insurance plan.

He also hopes to continue speaking engagements with community groups.

How about meeting face to face with the people that could be losing their jobs! Look them right in the eye and say what you have to say! Why not have a meeting at the Golden Gate Community center where everyone can come and ask questions. But then the real hard question would be ask there and not the softball ones.

maybe he thinks the plan dosen't merit concideration. all we are hearing from you and badpiper is "blur ribbon this" and "millions in savings that".

what i am asking you is if we are paying millions of dollars in salary to these Administrative "professionals" who are the Teamsters to DEMAND some diversion to their stated goals?

Here we go more teacher rants! In the 2nd paragraph they left out teachers whining. IT'S MY BOSSES FAULT!

and in reference to #2. that is what School Board meetings are for? i remember seeing the Teamsters there presenting their case.

Thompson is squirming....

ABBOTT is going to be gone.. NOW, he is speaking up trying to save his job.. GET RID OF THOMPSON and save $240,000....

TWO DIXIE CHICKS...Save another $340,000

Add TWO principals and one asst. Principal.. save another $250,000+

Maybe they all can get jobs back in ROCKFORD, ILL. THIS IS NAPLES, FL. NOT ROCKFORD,FL

Hey lets reduce the teachers salaries and give it to Thompson and his excellent administration team. It's a shame he had to bring down some quality people from upnorth to help him straighten out this mess in this school district. Too bad there was not any quality people already here that he could have used, or even promoted? Nothing but over paid whining teachers who want even more money. Maybe we can give raises depending on how well students do on their f-cat scores? Now that will be a savings! We can also save the custodial jobs with all this surplus of money. It"s a win, win, situation for everyone!

Re post #6 - "Thompson is squirming...."

--------------
I agree; you've got it right. I think Thompson correctly believes his days here are numbered, especially now that voters booted Abbott out. Next out: the other two school board members who voted for Thompson -- Donovan and Calabrese.

Then, bye, bye Thompson...

http://www.dennisthompsonresponds.blo...

PS If Thompson ever again gets a contract as superintendent in some school district -- like he had in Rockford -- maybe he should consider honoring it before ditching it for a job where there's no competition and no one requires him to fill out an application. (Pssst...A public school district is NOT a private club.
It seems this fact is very big news to him and his three school board pals here in Collier...)

Yes, I've become disoriented by the stupidity of Dr. Wannabe Dumb and Dumber Mr. T.

The solar panel crap on Marco.

The privatization of custodians...idiot!

Well, said Homeboy!

But wait there's more...the bullet proof desks...and that idiot Withers should leave with him for the sheer fact of settlements he's doled out to everyone at the taxpayer's expense.

Let's not forget the new princess principals from Rockford, who Thompson thinks he has the right to hire here over LOCAL principals who were promoted here in Collier County...if I had a child in those schools, I would yank him out so quick knowing the new princess principal was a Rocky Rockford Rebel.

Parents, teachers, and citizens are all ABOUT TO REBEL against this man.

GET HIM OUT BEFORE HE CAUSES ANY FURTHER DAMAGE!

I'll donate to the Thompson-go-home-fund - and another buck for the side-kicks, although they are under no "real" contract - Pay them off - send them packing - and take their principals' with them - especially the asst principal who has been noted to to have a loud, nasty and demanding voice - noting that nothing can touch her bcause she has friends in "high" places!

Thompson may not be going anywhere. How's this scenario: the outgoing board majority extends Thompson's contract 5 more years, gives him a $100,000 raise, and does the same for his dixie chicks and his rockford principals in case the new board is thinking of firing him. Then they fire the custodians. They may end up doing something like this. Although I wish no ill on Calabrese, it is better he stay incapacitated until Abbott is gone so that this type of scenario doesn't play out.

Reality check: Property values have gone down closer to 40%-45% in the past two years. People just don't want to listen to the truth.

After the Baker debacle and the waste of our hard earned cash to pay the settlement brought about by Abbott, Donovan and Calabrase's actions to oust Baker nothwithstanding the District's contractual obligations for a number of years to him, we should be careful not to repeat this bad precedent by having to pay Thompson, the chicks and the rest of Thompson's entourage for years without work.
Rather, the new Board should hold their feet to the fire and force them to fall in line with the Board's determinations on the goals and methods for taking our children forward, and at the end of their contractual terms let them return to Rockford with no additional financial benefits at the expense of Collier County taxpayers.

POC is dead on. if you think this year is fun, lets see how CCPS Admin justifies their raises next year(09-10). or will we hear again from LaButte "...it's in their contract and, by law, we can't violate that agreement..."

Mimibuck........since you reference me by name. The healthcare, Blue Choice plan document is with Thompson <Board, and others. It is a great plan, however, Dr Thompson simply does not want to "surender the healthcare of the district over to the Teamsters". Since the employees of that bargaining unit are all under scrutiny for outsourcing, he does not want their insurance plan. As for meetings, all the union contracts call for labor management meetings, they do not occurr. Instead, we now form committees from the community to discuss issues. This is being done to repair the public credibility lost by this new administration. The experts are in the working people of the district, if its knowledge you seek, that is where it is. Smart managers seek imput from the folks doing the job at the ground level. As for Dr Thompson quotes, first he stated that transportation and food service would not be privatized due to their relationship with the children, then he states we must look at all options....which is it. The article seems to put together his statements from different times and then print them as though he just said them.

Administrators set an example with a pay cut?.....Lets see, ....the only pay cuts I am aware of is in transportation. Those drivers and attendants just took an average twenty percent cut by the shortening of bus routing. Thats right, a 20% smaller check. Do the math,

and, those routing cuts came by way of more effient routing design....thats ok, however, it still impacted the employees on average 20%.

DR THOMPSON.....if you are listening.....I tuned in to the DNC last evening. I wanted to hear Bill Clinton's speech. He did a good job and much of what he talk of was the decline of the quality of life of the average American. He spoke of lower wages and declining healthcare. He spoke of pensions and pensioners, and how Obama will bring us to a better place. I then thought about your custodial employees. You want to do the very thing that the Democractic party wants to stop. I know you can stop the decline of the people in your employ. Through Teamster insurance, as you refer to it, or your own insurance solution. You sir, are an American who served our country....will you not continue to serve? Our leadership does not want anymore decline towards 2nd class civilization. I am a Republican, yet even so, the message sent out last evening was clear...stop the decline of the working man and woman....and you can if you choose to.

Colonel Thompson's goals: increasing student achievement; hiring, developing and retaining quality teachers; and creating efficient parent and community relationships. The first swings on the NCLB and FCAT which will go with their President. Developing and retaining quality teachers? Not at my school. The best have been blackballed and thrust into untenable positions--driving them out. Efficient parent and community relationships? His only "friends" on this forum are the nasty people like GatorHater, cornandbeans, umleed, joespizza, upnorth, and radionews.

This belief that the end is coming soon is evangelical nonsense. Folks have been using that line for two thousand years. Naples property values plummeting? Student population disappearing? Not this century.

But I am glad Colonel Thompson is plugging for the referendum. How's Gatorlover going to reconcile his love and his hate? Upnorth: the superintendent is not the boss of teachers. We work for our kids and for their parents--the same folks Colonel T does. If you hate the chorus of complaint so much, do something to make us happy.

CCPS is losing many quality teachers. The word has gotten around the state that the new superintendent is not to be questioned (by the school board, principals, teachers or parents). One of the new Rockford ladies said, "let the parents complain, we are used to it". The job openings will be filled by less qualified people. Why would you come to a county with so much turmoil? There are plenty of school districts that appreciate hard working staff.
The principals are afraid of losing their jobs, so they are trying to "follow the commander" and control their teachers. Teachers are being stressed by threats. This will have an impact on classroom learning.
My heart goes out to the students who are the ultimate sacrifice in this mess.

“We are in desperate need of this referendum,” Thompson said. “It will keep the ship moving forward until things improve.”

When Curatolo first suggested this, he said it was a waste of time, not worth the effort.

"hiring, developing and retaining quality teachers;"

This is probably the most truthful line of the entire article. Hiring and developing, meaning he wants to run off the higher paid experienced teachers and bring in less expensive first year teachers. It's a common practice that looks good on paper, but rarely works out.

Ask an experienced teacher if they feel he is trying to "retain" them with his actions.

;-)

“We have to work harder and smarter and consider all options,” Dennis Thompson

Lets see Denny, Here is an option. How about YOU take a Pay Cut & send the Chicks home... or better yet .. The smartest option of all .
Just go home... So we can fix the damage & move on.

It is going to be a tough couple of years coming up for Thompson and his staff.

The budget/finance situation is very real and that will have to be delt with head on. In fairness to Thompson most of these budget problems are not his fault but it is something that not only he but the entire school system and the community will have to address.

With the ousting of Abbott his control over the board has diminished greatly. When the elections are over in November he will most likely only have two members left that will support him blindly and one of those two is not able to participate at this time. Thompson might have to change his way of doing some thins in order to survive here.

As much as I do not care for Thompson or for his thought process I don't want to see him removed as Baker was. That would only cause more turmoil and cost us untold dollars to send him away. Neither of which this school system or community needs at this point.

Let's hope the new board will enact good sound policies, give proper direction to Thompson and his staff then hold them all accountable for how they manage the school system.

Our students, parents, teachers and taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Rosalind,

I am a Realtor. Property values have already plummeted. Although sales are up, it is because people are finally starting to buy some truly great deals. The number of sales will continue to increase, but prices will continue to come down. Regardless, millage rates will have to be increased to keep revenues at the same level. That does not even consider keeping up with inflation.

Tough choices need to be made, and there are no "leaders" talking about how to address the issue. The quickest way to alleviate the suppression of property values would be to eliminate Save Our Homes. That said, I don't see it happening any time soon.

POC-
Exactly correct. The crisis in local government financing will be next year. Mileage rates will have to raise, or admin salaries will have to come down - big time.

The easiest way to lower admin salaries is to fire them. Get rid of the top 10 people in every county office. CCSD, CCSO, Transportation, Services, all of them!

Plus, vote out every incumbent official and only vote for financially frugal candidates!

Chap914's comments in #13 and swfl_ff in #25 both make good points. The CCPS Board needs to make sure Thompson is accountable. To do the same thing that the board foolishly did with Baker is fiscally irresponsible during times which are booming and inexcusable during times which are difficult.

I do hope the existing board does not try to extend any contracts now. They need to leave any potential extension alone. It may work out to the benefit of the community and future of our children that the board is meeting with only 4 members right now, should this issue come up.

I have to agree with you BTV. That is my big concern right now. A lot of damge can still be done before Abbott leaves the board in November.

It is probably good that there are only four members right now. That may save us from a lot of potential problems. Any votes ending in a tie would result in the motion failing.

The Novemeber election can not come too soon.

Couldn’t they just demote him that way it would not be a total waste of taxpayer money.

While extreme, below is an example that is not isolated. There are an incredible number of similar circumstances, such as this:

Property location - 4845 20th St NE
PID# 39657880000
1.14 acres
Built 1999
Sq Ft A/C - 1439
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Described as needing new carpet and paint.

* Property sold for $337,000 on 12/20/2005
* Property is assessed at $192,819 for the 2007 tax year.
* Current tax bill is $2,162.45
* Property just sold for $75,000 8 days ago on 08/20/08.

* With a $50,000 homestead exemption the property owner would be paying taxes on $25,000.
* Roughly speaking, property tax revenue on $25,000 would be $287.50 for the year, down from $2,162.45. However, that does not take into account that the homestead exemption for schools is only $25,000 for the first $75,000 of assessed value. So, taxes would be just slightly higher. Even so, due to SOH the property owner's assessed value of $75,000 will be limited to increases of 3% into the future.

The story is being played out by the thousands throughout the county and state!

POC - Sorry, but this is not correct. I just went to a meeting wherein the tax appraiser spoke. They cannot use short sale/foreclosure prices to adjust land values. They are not arm's length transactions. The tax bill will stay approximately the same as it is now.

I don't know. I was just correcting POC. I guess you can call it a shiny object moment.

am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that all of the high schools had artificial turf placed on the football fields...out of the capital fund? it has the appearance that Dr. Thompson is trying to spend as much out of the account as he can, before any adjustments are made in the November election.

It would seem that new turf is a frivolous expence during a time that there is a budget shortage. That is like us remodeling our homes with the money we need to live on in future years.

I just don't get it. If there is a problem with money, why buy fake grass?????

lol upnorth. You're a real winner. I can't believe how hilarious you are!!!! THanks for the laughs.

"Disoriented?" How condescending.

I believe we all would like to know the real story, Mr. Thompson, and trust me, "all us country bumkin yeyhoos" here in Collier County, even though we aren't as smart as an Illinois yankee, will try our best to comprehend.

Pa-Leeze! Don't patronize me. The story seems to be A LITTLE education and student concerns and A LOT of back scratchin' going on!

Give me a break Mr. Thompson. Earn your pay and fix this mess.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The economy is hurting everywhere accept in the Collier County Public Schools Administration Building. Since Dr. Thompson has been here one year, does he have an evaluation coming soon? All teachers and staff get an annual review, where's his? Does anyone else out there wonder if we get a day's work for a day's pay out of the School Board? They make $34,000 a year but do we get 40 hours a week out of them? Most of them have other full-time jobs so when are they committing to the school district? Dr. Thompson can't be blamed for this entire mess, but his arrogance towards his staff and the community is completely unbearable and completely his fault. I did not realize, contrary to some in this comment section, that the road to Education Superiority came through Rockford, IL. He and his two assistants bailed on their school district last year in the midst of a financial disaster because the state of IL hadn't pass a budget by the time school was to start and where was Thompson for all of this? Here in Naples waiting for the call from his good friend Linda Abbott. Dr. Thompson, since you think that the building administrators need to pick up the slack for the dismissed Program and ESE Directors, maybe you should get rid of the two Dixie Chicks and the BIG MOUTH of the SOUTH Mrs. Lebute and "pick up the slack" yourself! Are you afraid to get your hands dirty? BLess this mess and Bless CCPS because at this point it truly needs some devine intervention!

"People become disoriented during a massive change." What a joke.
We're just a lot smarter than he and the chicks are. We have always known how to make it through tough times. And without the destruction he is leaving in his path. Oh I wish he was LEAVING!
Congratulations, Mrs. Curotolo. I voted for you because you didn't vote to bring Thompson here.

doggoneit,

The sale was neither a foreclosure nor a short sale. There was no court order with instructions that governed the sale. The seller DEUTSCHE BANK was free to sell the property to anyone who was willing to pay more or provide better terms. I am assuming that the buyer was not related. As such, they would have been able to freely compare like kind properties. That is an arm's length transaction.

ethic101, the property stuff is because the article cites the tough economic environment that we are in, and that property values have declined 8%. It is impossible to adequately address the issue without grasping true property values, which have dropped more in the range of 40%-45% in the past two years.

As a Realtor and a father of a school aged child, I wish things were better. But, I'm giving you the straight scoop. Hopefully our "leaders" will wake up to reality. There is just no way to adequately deal with the issue without addressing the SOH issue.

Thompson just cannot stop insulting the poor ignorant Southern hicks here, can he?

Maybe SACS can save us. It happened in Clayton County:

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/sto...

I just heard that school board members there got canned.

there is a group of people that want to eliminate the good ole boy system created in naples years ago. in doing so they are creating their own GOB system themselves. by allowing Dr. Thompson to bring the key players from his rockford days and the way the current board sanctions his everymove, we are allowing a reverse GOB system.

time for change....good bye Linda...hello progress.

Thompson says, “We are going back to a seven-period day at the high schools in the 2009-10 school year.”

When did we have a 7 period day? How can we be "going back" to something we never had?

Thompson's figures keep changing. He used to say we would save $3.5 million by firing the custodians. Then it was $3 million. Now it's $2.3 million?

GoodSense, that's because it's a scam. fuzzy numbers. like the Teamster pie-in-the-sky!

Piper, you have said you are a volunteer and I believe you. My point is the school board and Mr. Thomson run the district. Like it or not. I’m sure any “meetings” are at the discretion of the Admin. The Teamsters cannot demand anything. If allowed you may continue to press your point in the sunshine of the Board Meetings. But it will become old and your team will prove itself a nuisance. Bus routes were MADE MORE EFFECICIENT because it became mandatory. A 20% cut and the kids are getting to school means the person responsible for routes before should be fired. But, the taxpayers had to do it.

And POC, and others, Southerners do not like taxes and changing the taxpayer approved SOH would require another referendum and i’m willing to bet that isn’t gonna happen. actually, now that the party is over and Gov. is HAVING to slim down, that was the point of the whole thing. we were/are being overtaxed for the sake of the safety and security of the northern tourists. time for a change, and it ain't Barry.

Post #44. We have to remember Dr. Thompson does not have a good memory. He used the phrase "I do not remember" quite often throughout his deposition on the Baker issue. Funny, he has never struck me as someone who forgets.

mimibuck,

The point of SOH is very debatable. Regardless, the end result is that it suppresses property values. No logical person would be willing to pay as much for a property when their property's tax assessment will be 3 or 4 times the amount of their neighbor's.

upnorth:
Why don't you just save all of your lame retorts for your own personal pleasure? It's so obvious that the only reason that you post is to get a reaction from others, no matter how negative.
How sad to have to stoop so low for attention.
I pity you.

Every time there is a school related blog, you can't wait to get your greasy little fingers on the keyboard, to unsuccessfully bash the teachers.

You really need to bet over your childish crush on Thompson.
He's married.
While you're at it, get your head stuck out downsouth, upnorth.

POC what is your point? i'm not going anywhere. only a greed infested realitor/investor would care about such things.

life ain't fair POC. we pay sales taxes and care for the local community all year long. locals endure the hurricanes and bugs all year long. what would be here if everybody left for six months every year?

does it also bother you upnorthers' that Orlando theme parks give locals discounts to keep the places viable until the tourists return?

Let's hope Dr. T finds work elsewhere, before this situation gets worse!

#49 mimbuck, ......why would an organization as large and known as the Teamsters, go public with an insurance plan that was not what they said it was? What would they benefit from falsehood? Thompson knows he wants his privatization option left open. To join an insurance pool comprized of the very people you may get rid of is not in the cards. The previous routing manager just resigned....and now some of the routing is being put back as before due to the routes being to tight and causing difficulties in buses staying on time...... AS for meetings, a collective bargaining agreement is binding. Labor management meetings are in the last and present agreements. You are correct, we could force them to comply, however they will basically be mute and non participatory as they have been since Dr Thompson took over. He does not recognize labor organizations. It is funny because the next President reached out to the Unions. If you heard his speech on 8-20-08 , Obama stated he wants to change the status of all right to work states. Now go ahead an attack me

and the cuts were made primarily, to attempt to fend off Thompsons design of privatizing transportation. The employees, for the most part, understand the stakes. It was in a large part, the employees that contributed ideas to management to help save money. Lose twenty perscent of your salary, or lose everything.

Mimbuck, what would the teamsters have to gain from putting out a false insurance plan? The teamsters would have to be insane to go public with an insurance plan that did not have the savings in it that they say it does! To date everything I have been told by the teamsters has been true or came to pass! No way the teamsters could lie about something this big and keep union members! You say that it is a scam, tell me where you get your info from! Are you an expert in this field? The teamsters would not be able to keep members by lying to them!

If Thompson gave teachers a 8% raise I guess he would become a great guy? Let me see what I can do for these struggling teachers? How do the underpaid custodians and support personel make it on THEIR SALERIES? I really hope they take on the unions insurance offer, and we will see by next year how much each employee will be paying out of their pockets for coverage. I can hear the teachers now, FIRE THE CUSTODIANS!

What do you care, upnorth? Why are you so involved with this issue?
Is the money coming out of your pocket?
Find a hobby!
My guess is that a very intelligent teacher divorced your worthless a--.
Drop the grudge. It's redundant.

mimibuck,

I grew up here since 1971. I hardly need to be made aware of what it is like to live here year round. Wake up, things aren't working.

Thompson will be the reason CCPS may not have accreditation next year...and this article confirmed how close Collier is to sinking into oblivion.

Thompson has to go now....before it's too late.

This school district in GA. was the first district in 40 years to say BYE BYE to it's accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will not put up with CCPS's antics much longer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/29/edu...

Post#55, You must be one of our underpaid english teachers? Fortunately, I would not marry a teacher, I don't think I could put up with the whining. Blogging is my hobby! Yes, I do pay taxes here and I really hope you are not a teacher in this county. Fresh, keep laughing that is what life is all about. How did you know I went on vacation to the south and north poles? :)

POC,

Values are way down, you are right. The county will not suffer. They have been way under assessing the high end properties, beachfront condos, Port Royal, etc. They lowered some areas that really needed it this year by alot and raised the highrise condos minimal to cover the loss. GG Estates is being ripped off. Doesn't matter, next year they will just raise the rich a little more to make up any decline in other areas.

kira R U kidding me? U R worried about retirees who live in condos, when CCPS may have students who graduate and CAN't GET ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE BASED ON the status of accreditation of CCPS.

YET ALONE STUDENTS WHO CAN BARELY READ, WRITE, or PERFORM BASIC MATH SKILLS?

Mr T.....is ruining any chance for students to succeed.

Here are just some of the sales from last year of the highrise condos. The rob the poor give to the rich:

Sale Date Sale Amount 08 Assess
4/25/2007 $2,500,000 $1,931,894
8/17/2007 $2,250,000 $1,822,749
5/1/2007 $2,100,000 $1,834,278
7/18/2007 $2,300,000 $1,851,460
6/14/2007 $3,500,000 $2,174,278
10/2/2007 $4,600,000 $4,067,725
6/1/2007 $8,984,000 $7,023,240
10/2/2007 $3,600,000 $2,181,926
12/13/2007 $2,485,000 $2,043,628
8/17/2007 $2,150,000 $1,561,962
11/21/2007 $2,375,000 $2,148,628
4/4/2007 $2,500,000 $2,183,628
5/2/2007 $2,785,000 $2,288,628
4/11/2007 $2,188,000 $1,806,962
5/21/2007 $4,900,000 $4,210,708
3/22/2007 $2,541,900 $1,788,628
12/4/2007 $2,050,000 $1,431,400
8/8/2007 $2,725,000 $1,979,001
8/21/2007 $2,000,000 $1,680,436
5/14/2007 $2,595,000 $1,740,957
1/23/2007 $2,350,000 $2,047,001
12/31/2007 $2,915,000 $2,157,001
12/5/2007 $2,650,000 $1,945,452
3/23/2007 $2,000,000 $1,515,552
8/1/2007 $2,500,000 $1,491,799
12/3/2007 $5,500,000 $3,563,838

hey, GG Estates Property owners look at your proposed tax bills!

Only thing I know is that my property tax bill is almost at 5 thou a year, and almost all of it goes towards helping to pay for this school system. Now your telling me in (post#60) that students can barely, read, write, or preform basic math skills? Your right, what is Thompson doing? He has not fired enough of teachers yet! blasted tenure! Teachers want more money, for what? They are already some of the highest paid in the state. Reduce the teachers saleries and save the custodians jobs. At least they are cleaning?

You ARE hilarious, upnorth! I wonder what you did for your "SALERIES" (post #54)?

Goodsense and Freshface, We are arguing with an incompetent.
Let's ignore and maybe he'll go back to one of his poles, or at least remove the one he has stuck downsouth.

Post#63, I listened to teachers complain all day!Post#64 What is with the downsouth references? Do you have a mental fedish?

eet mor chikin

;-)

upnorth,

While the amount of property tax that is collected for schools is sizable, it is apparent that you have not looked at the county's budget.

upnorth, I guess you didnt learn anything with your problem concerning FreshFace earlier in the year.
Poor little inadequate person.

You also seem to have a memory retention problem, as I have mentioned in several other blogs that I am NOT a teacher.

Focus on something positive in your life, and get some help in getting over your obsession with degrading an entire profession.

#43 - All the high schools had 7 period days when I was in school, and that was just 10 years ago. We did just fine. BUT, if the block scheduling works best, then that’s what they should stick with. All I'm saying is that 7 period days are nothing new.

Upnorth: If you were living here and paying house taxes from 2000-20005 I thank you! You paid for many of my professional development trips out of state (they don't allow teachers to take professional trips now, but we used to)! We had such a nice time when we took those trips. We learned (and honestly, I incorporated all of it in my classroom and also taught teachers) and had a blast.

I'd also like to thank you for helping me buy my home with a pool. When I lie on my float during the school year now I will think of you, upnorth!

Oh, and my convertible is so much fun!!!! I thank you for that, too. It's awesome driving alligator alley with the top down on my way to Miami for a weekend of fun in the sun and clubs.

You're awesome, upnorth!!!!!! Keep giving to my colleagues as I am not teaching anymore due to health problems. I know they appreciate all of your money for doing nothing in the classroom. They just sit there and babysit for Godssake! :)

(tongue in cheek. I know my teacher friends work their butts off)

Indigodragonfly, I didn't know there was a problem with Freshface? She has her opinions and I have mine. End of story. If she was offended by things I have said, I was also offended by things she wrote about me! Obviously, you don't understand that with all the name calling you do. So, I guess you have not learned anything? My obsession is degrading the constant whiners I read here blaming all the educational problems in this county on the board or Thompson, and you are one of them. Now, who is obsessive?
Remember, not everyone on here has your lame opinions or believes in them!
Go ahead your turn?

Freshface- You are welcome! :)

FreshFace:
I love your attitude!

upnorth, You not only have a problem, you ARE the problem. Truth hurts, live with it.

By the way, thanks for supporting all my teacher friends!

Keep "whining" teachers, you'll get the positive things that you deserve.

Note from Rockford: Fight hard to keep your custodians. Outsourcing has been a disaster in Rockford. The people that become "school porters", while nice people, do not get sick days or health insurance (if they told me correctly)....are we a third world country using slave labor? And they spend a lot of time doing nothing. Maybe not all but some I have seen do little. One "Night porter" admitted that she worked hard for 3 hours then did homework and slept the rest. The schools are in horrible shape and getting worse. Mold was growing on the carpet in one room because furniture was moved onto a too wet carpet after the shampoo job. The teacher had to wait 3 days to get her room ready for her class. It takes a week to get a light bulb replaced.
FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR CUSTODIANS!

Hey emmylopez,
I was teaching here 10 years ago. We had a 6 period day with an optional 7th period, mostly for students who needed to make up a class they had failed. Teachers taught 5 out of 6 classes and were paid extra to teach the 7th class. There weren't that many classes offered during that optional 7th, though.

anyone watch Big Brother? I think Thompson is a huge fan of the show!

Indy...thank you :) I think upyours is a hoot! You can't get angry with someone that negative. I just laugh my butt off.

We teachers, and those that support teacher, know he's a terribly angry person. I hug him! Give him warm fuzzies. He needs them.