Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A School Board that Respects Parental Rights and Authority

It always encourages me to see those in elected positions of authority working hard for families. Read on about a recent meeting:

POLICY COMMITTEE

November 28, 2011

PRESENT: R. Marquardt, D. Weigand, T. Miller, V. Elliehausen

OTHERS: R. Parks, B. Williams, T. Neitzke, A. Pauli, J. Ciriacks, B. Altendorf

The meeting was called to order at 5:08 p.m.

Policy 370 – Co-curricular Activities

This policy was reviewed at the September 12, 2011 policy committee meeting at which time revision were requested. As requested, the wording, in part, of the district’s discrimination policy was removed, but was cross-referenced in the policy. Mr. Weigand asked that the requirement for parental permission be included in the policy, not the administrative rule, since the Board of Education does not at this time review administrative rules, and he would like to see that process begin in the near future.

Ms. Elliehausen and Mr. Pauli stated that this type of specific requirement is best suited for the administrative rule, not policy. Mr. Weigand said that the policy needs to be a requirement for written parental permission and the administrative rule would enforce and facilitate the process.

Mr. Neitzke stated that the role of the building principals is to communicate to parents the expectations of their student’s participation in co-curricular and clubs offerings. Mr. Weigand stated that in his rationale he drafted, it is very broad and the board should decide if it is above or below the line. He stated that his rationale is broad enough and fundamental enough that it belongs in policy and the specifics would be administrative rule. Mr. Marquardt suggested that the rationale statement Mr. Weigand provided, which included written parental permission be the intent for the policy and how it is administered is administrative rule. Mr. Pauli will work with Mr. Weigand on this policy. Mr. Marquardt agreed that this policy should include communicating the expectations for each child’s participation with parents, but that the administrative rule should define the process. Mr. Weigand agreed that as long as parents understand and give written consent he could go along with that for policy, with administrative rule writing specifics to enforce policy. This policy will be brought back to this committee in January for further review.

Policy 333 – District Programs/Activities

At the September 12th policy committee meeting, Mr. Weigand asked that district administration review the Cedarburg School District’s policy regarding this subject. Mr. Pauli reviewed Cedarburg’s policy and shared the differences between their policy and the West Bend School District’s current policy and concluded that the differences are minimal. The Cedarburg policy abides by Wisconsin State Statutes which require an opt-out provision; however, Cedarburg’s process includes personal follow ups/phone calls to parents are made to ensure all parents have responded and understand the election. It was mentioned that 48 of 275 10th grade students in Cedarburg elected to opt –out of “sensitive” topics. Mr. Weigand has requested that the process for West Bend requests parents to elect 1 of 3 options: opt-in fully; opt-out fully or opt-out of specifically identified sensitive areas of the curriculum. Mr. Weigand said the election process would be a good way for parents to make the decision for their child, mentioning that human growth and development is not a required topic but if the district does offer it the district should make it more parent friendly, and we should be more creative in ways to offer the decision to parents. Mr. Weigand said he believes the public would like to be given an option and he would like a policy and implementation in place so that nothing falls through the cracks during parental notification and parental decision making for the “sensitive” topics.

Mr. Marquardt suggested allowing parents to select a path for human growth and development, Path A and Path B, depending on the sensitive nature of the material, and if parents do not respond their child would default into the less controversial path.

Mr. Pauli stated that the HGD committee would convene second semester and during the committee work they would review the Cedarburg process.

Ms. Elliehausen asked Mr. Weigand if he was okay with no changes to 1-3 of the policy. Mr. Weigand responded for number 3 a lot of great ideas were put forth and he would work with Mr. Pauli on implementing them through administrative rule.

The committee discussed the policy include a provision similar to Cedarburg’s #5 which pertains to students participating in invasive medical procedures. Administration concurred that this provision can be added to current policy. Mr. Weigand and the committee further discussed that with items 4 and 5, and now new number 6 related to invasive testing that stronger language be added clearly stating that students would not be able to participate in the surveys or testing without parental permission. There will be an opt-in for 4, 5 and 5. Mr. Pauli added the exception of those areas required by the Department of Public Instruction, the State of Wisconsin and/or Federal law if funds are associated with them. Administration again concurred that this provision could be added to those sections. Mr. Pauli will work with Mr. Weigand on these revisions to policy 333.

This policy will be brought back to this committee in January for further review.

Policy 615 Disclosure of Financing and Total Costs of All Referenda

Mr. Williams asked that district administration develop a policy that would define, in the case of referendum or borrowing, the District’s responsibility to disclose: 1) total principal amount, 2) interest to be paid over the term of the loan, 3) total cost of 1 and 2, and 4) assumptions used to support the amount of the referendum or borrowing. All district communications to the full community would also include this information. The committee forwarded this policy to the full board for first reading at their December 12, 2011 regular board meeting.

Review of policy process

Ms. Elliehausen provided a list of the current Board policies and the date each was last reviewed. She also provided a timeline for the remainder of the policies that haven’t been reviewed as part of the 5-year cycle. Additional information included the role of the committee, the process for reviewing policies and forwarding to the full board, as well as the process for requesting a new policy. Policies within the 600 series are the next to be reviewed by this committee.

Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Letter from a former homosexual

This is really an eye opener. I wonder how many parents are aware of this information?

Compassion Kills

by Greg Quinlan, President of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays

As a former homosexual, I know homosexuality is not genetic or irreversible. DNA or medical tests to determine if a person is homosexual do not exist. Sexual orientation is based on feelings, self-affirmation, and public declaration. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are no replicated scientific studies to support that people can be born “gay” or that homosexuality is innate.

I left homosexuality nineteen years ago. I watched 100 of my friends and acquaintances die of AIDS before I stopped counting. Yet I would never have adopted a gay identity if I had been taught that change is possible. And if my friends had been informed, they might still be alive today.

But nothing has changed. Too many youth are being led astray, as I once was. Homosexual student clubs like Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) teach children to approve a lifestyle that killed my friends and to defend it in the name of “compassion.” GSAs focus on “questioning” youth, knowing that in an adolescent’s life, confusion and insecurity about the opposite sex is common. GSAs teach students that homosexuality is innate, and that bisexuality and transvestite behavior is normal. That teaching is false and is not compassionate.

As the President of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX), I know firsthand that GSAs adamantly oppose PFOX’s efforts to bring the ex-gay message to students. While GSAs believe in equal rights for gay groups, their vision of equality is narrow and does not extend to the ex-gay community. GSAs and their parent group, the Gay and Lesbian Student Education Network (GLSEN), advocate for gay inclusion at all levels of education, but reject any ex-gay participation.

Ask GLSEN if they support tolerance for the ex-gay community. Ask GSA clubs if they accept people who change their sexual orientation as much as they support those who change their gender. Ask GSA sponsors if they will direct students with unwanted same-sex attractions to ex-gay resources or demand that they celebrate their newfound “gay” identity.

Do GSAs inform students that anal sex is more unhealthy than smoking? As a nurse, I witnessed my friends unnecessarily die of AIDs because no one mentioned alternatives to homosexual behavior. I forgive my parent’s generation for not fighting for my peers, but I cannot forgive myself if we fail to fight for our own children now. Think twice before allowing GSA’s to enter your school system. How will the School Board feel if even one child decides to enter homosexuality as a result of the GSA being a school sponsored club? Remember, their kind of compassion kills.

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) provides education and public awareness in support of families and the ex-gay community.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Superintendent Asks for Poll about Operating Referendum

When we want something badly enough we ask for it. If we are told “No” we might ask again, and try and think of a different way to ask or a different spin to put on the question so we can get the desired answer. Sometimes we experience that with our children; School administrators are no different.

Tonight, in the Stakeholders meeting held at the ESC, Superintendent Ted Neitzke suggested the Stakeholders Committee put a straw poll to the community to see if there is support for an operating referendum. He said he did some research and it would cost $1,800-2,000. The straw poll would consist of robo calls with questions to the community. Ted asked the committee, “Should we do this?”

He then admitted to the 9% unemployment and comments he hears in the community that the district isn’t reducing enough. He then went on to ask if the idea should be put to bed or introduced.

School Board Member Rick Parks said he was the one who suggested it and thought it was a “prudent first step” toward an operating referendum. He then also admitted that the community’s “numbers show that holding the line” is what they want.

Other committee members, Tim Stepakski (chair) and Bart Williams said that a wrong message would be sent to the community if a straw poll like this is conducted. Stepanski stated that the message the new administration has been trying to put forth is not in line with an operating referendum and “even polling says something different than that message”.

Stepanski did not rule out the idea, he simply said the timing is wrong.

Parks continued to advocate for the poll, saying that if there is even going to be talk of a referendum, a poll should be done first.

Williams brought up the double-dip recession facing Wisconsinites and said that even helping his son sell popcorn for boy scouts is a challenge in the current economic situation many face. He said, “People are worried and even raising the question brings concerns”. He went on to say that the district is in a good spot with fund balance and the budget is balanced. “I don’t see a need for it.”

Parks continued his advocacy for the poll by mentioning the possibility of someone paying for the cost of the poll, to the nods of Mr. Neitzke. Neitzke said he has three questions that are possibilities for the poll and read them.

Stepanski and Williams said they are not in agreement with moving ahead with a straw poll and Parks now said he agreed.

Administration has been told “No” for now. Let’s see how badly they want that operating referendum…………..Stay tuned.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Annual Meeting

The Resolutions passed last night during the annual meeting held at the East High School Auditorium. Resolution No. 1 asked for a levy of $37,408,031. It is a tax to the maximum allowable limit.
I'll pass on a few comments from the meeting (in no particular order):
* board member

*Bart Williams: This budget is a "decent start". He also asked his fellow board members to inmplement a 0.5-1% reserve and again called for "true zero based budgeting".

Vince Marolla: Asked the board where they would get the $250,000.00 to fight the Gay Straight Alliance in federal court. "What were you planning on cutting to pay for it?" Then he stood there until his 2 minutes were up. (off topic?)

Mary (West High math teacher): She was worried about safety issues with 34 students in a classroom and equated a high ACT test score with success in life. (I won't comment.......)

Jason Penterman (high school librarian and local union leader): He is upset about library aides being cut and wants an operating referendum.

Joy Schroeder: Suggested suing the state for budgeting issues and also asked for an operating referendum. She also talked about "naughty boys" in her child's K class and is upset about class size.

Kathy Van Eerden: talked about school boards (again, off topic?)

*Rick Parks: told audience that if they opposed the levy, they would be asking for less because the levy is as high as it can go.

Al R.: said kids need to be educated for the global world of tomorrow.

*Kris Beaver: Began by stating he has been on the board for 6 1/2 years (and all the HUGE tax increseases!-my comment), and wants an operating referendum though realizes it will be difficult to pass.

*Dave Weigand: Appreciates the new administration that does not seem as hostile to the taxpayer, but will not support a "Tax to the Max" predisposition that taxes to "every last dollar" they can.

*Tim Stepanski-VP: Told Ted Neitzke, "Mr. Neitzke, if you need more money ask us for more."

*Randy Marquardt-President: Does not see the need for an operating referendum. Does not see the need to spend money on putting one forth and sees zero support for it.

Warring Finke: Wants operating referendum

Kathy Meindel: "We've not only cut to the bone, now we've removed the marrow."

*Todd Miller: Supported the levy because it "taxes to the allowable limit." He also wants to see an operating referendum.

I noticed Joe Carlson was there but did not comment. He commented enough during his years on the board for us to know his views on more taxes. Let's keep those in mind if he ever again decides to run for school board.

The room was filled with teachers and administrators-those who benefit from more taxes.

Here's where I'll comment. I recently saw a photo a kindergarten class from 85 years ago. There were 40 students in it. The elderly former student told me the class was well behaved and they learned a lot.

Some, unfortunately, think that more money will solve problems. True wisdom would see that parents need to be more involved in their children's lives. Discipline problems (serious ones) would melt away with more parental support and nurturing.
More money or more parenting? My vote is for more parenting. Schools, stop taking more money from us. HELP mom's stay home and be the parents they need to be.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

ANNUAL MEETING MONDAY SEPT. 26, 2011

East High School Auditorium

The proposed levy has decreased by $458,566. 00, but it is still a tax to the maximum allowed limit. Because of Governor Walker's Act 10 the school district cannot tax higher.

6p.m.
Registration

6:30p.m.
Public Hearing and Presentation of Budget

7p.m.
Annual Meeting


Details can be found here:
http://www.boarddocs.com/wi/wbsdwi/Board.nsf/Public

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

BOARD DRIVEN POLICIES OR ADMINISTRATION DRIVEN POLICIES?

Monday Sept. 12, 2011

The policy committee met last night. The following items were on the agenda:

Review of process for policy revision and Review of the following:

a. Policy 370 – Co-curricular Activities

b. Policy 333 – District Programs/Activities

I sensed a bit of a power struggle in the policy meeting.

I’ve always thought that the administration resented policies made by the board, and they often wrote “administrative rules” to undermine board authority. The discussion that followed confirmed my initial thought.

Dave Weigand, policy committee chair, requested a review of policy 370-District Programs/Activities. He requested, among other things, to have the policy state that written parental permission be obtained yearly for students in each club they participate. His intent is to give parents information on the clubs and obtain parental permission for clubs specific for each co-curricular athletic or non-athletic club. “It’s important for parental permission to participate, “ Weigand stated.

Valley Elliehausen, from administration, stated she, “wouldn’t advocate for a parental permission” policy for clubs. Further, she said that the district uses a Code of Conduct and students and parents sign it for clubs. Weigand, fighting for parental rights, continued to advocate for parents, stating he would like to see parental permission in district policy. Valley then said parental permission could be part of an administrative rule, but would not agree it should be district policy.

Weigand also requested the policy state that the elected school board review all clubs (every level) yearly in order to gage interest and participation, etc. Valley again stated that the administration, and not the board, reviews clubs, “That’s our role” she stated. Al Pauli added that the school principals at the middle school level review clubs. The discussion went on to reveal that the only time the board hears about clubs is when cuts are being made due to “budget constraints” and/or non-interest.

That leads me to wonder why the GSA was brought before the school board last spring and summer.

Valley began the policy meeting by letting the board know that the administration will be making a schedule of policies to be reviewed and anytime an administrator comes forward with a policy they want reviewed, their wishes will “trump” the process. Weigand added that the board would also have the ability to make suggestions for policy review on a case by case issue.

Valley asked that the board contact her to indicate policies to be reviewed, and she would then check with other districts’ and the School Board association to find out what other districts are doing.

By her comments, I came to understand that it wasn’t as important to her what the Board in West Bend thinks, but is concerned with what is done elsewhere.

I wonder what the local taxpayers think of those priorities.

Valley stated she does not want policies from the board telling how to run the district. According to district administration, the board operates “over” and not “under” the line. In other words, the board is to set policy for the administration to use in writing “rules”. Randy Marquardt, board president, wants policies to be general and “guiding”. Dave Weigand stated he wants “the board to make the intent clear” in policy.

This seems a minor difference, but in practice it is a major issue. In looking over some older policies, I noticed that the past boards have clearly written their intent and even steps to follow in policy. I sense a recent shift in where the real authority lies, and that shift is not moving toward the elected board.

After discussing policy 370, Weigand moved on to policy 333 regarding “passive permission” for activities in the district. This is a newer policy, written in 2007. http://wbsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496946/File/Board%20of%20Education/Policy/300/333.pdf?sessionid=b7a340531557af5affc1867a3bea1239

Weigand argued that an “opt in” and not an “opt out” would be more appropriate for activities such as surveys, etc. “We want parents to have opportunity to opt in rather opt out”, giving parents true authority over their minor children.

He further stated that the way it is now is “reversed”. Weigand also said that the Cedarburg School District has an opt-in procedure for human growth and development courses.

Randy Marquardt agreed “on certain issues”. He also stated he has, “no problem endorsing that kind of change.”

Weigand charged Valley, as administrative liaison, to work on the suggested changes to the two mentioned policies.

Valley also mentioned a policy proposal from board member Bart Williams about “truth in disclosure for referendum”. More details will be forthcoming as the board looks into this-hopefully-as the board engages in activities they were elected to do.

Friday, June 10, 2011

West Bend School District Leadership seeks to approve Gay-Straight Alliance Club

From the district website (meeting location is Badger Middle School and begins at 7:15pm):

Agenda Item Details

Meeting
Jun 13, 2011 - Regular Board of Education Meeting
Category
5. Action Items
Subject
B. 7:55 Reconsideration of GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Application for recognition as a school-sponsored club
Type
Action
Recommended Action
I move to approve the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) as a School-sponsored club

Topic and Background:

Based upon their legal analysis of the factual allegations, applicable laws and legal precedence, two separate law firms have indicated that it is more likely than not that the GSA would prevail on the merits of the lawsuit filed in federal court against the District as a result of the denial of the GSA’s application for recognition as a school sponsored club. The two firms estimate that the cost of defending the lawsuit would range from $215,000-320,700. They also estimate the amount of time that Board members, administrators and other District employees would be involved in litigation activities could range from 224-328 or more hours over the next year. If the GSA should prevail, the District would also likely be responsible for payment of the plaintiff’s attorneys’ costs and fees incurred in the litigation.

The leadership recommendation is to approve the application of the GSA for club status.




By supporting the creation of a school club, the associations of the club are supported by default, aren't they?:

1. Promoted events such as Gay Pride Parade (found on GSA national site):
http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=587&q=gay+pride&gbv=2&oq=gay+p&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=2084l3905l0l5l5l0l0l0l0l345l1337l2-4.1

2. Viagra and Cialis ads on the http://gsaforsafeschools.org/ website.

3. Undermining of marriage. In Wisconsin there is a marriage amendment and students are required by law to be taught "instruction in marriage". A mixed message will be very confusing for students.

4. Promotion of events such as "all school assemblies" according to the attorney for the GSA, Educational workshops for students and teachers, National Coming-out Day, Day of Silence
(students attend class with tape covering their mouth and refuse to speak in class), and more.

5. Activism in the schools

My concern is for families raising their children in the religion of Christianity. The doctrines teach that homosexuality is wrong and not something to "tolerate". What future conflicts will arise if this club is approved?

Stay tuned.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Outgoing school superintendent Pat Herdrich's comments on WBKV

Pat Herdrich made some comments on WBKV this week. She claims the community does not care about or understand what is really important. I find her comments to be a sad commentary on her position and the responsibility bestowed upon her to be in charge of our schools.
I feel that she is the one who does not truly understand the community where she worked for several years.
Pat, the community has been telling you what is important to them. Their children attend the schools you have run for 6 years. Look at the current issues. Look at who the community has elected to the school board. Look at our values. Our children attend the local schools. This is what it's all about. We do understand.
I hope with all my heart you look closely at the Menomonee Falls community and work with them and not against them. It is their community.

Monday, May 16, 2011

DO ACTIVIST GROUPS BELONG IN OUR SCHOOLS?


There has been recent movement in the West Bend School District to allow the Gay/Straight Alliance school club status. (current clubs and school policy are listed below)

Since schools are part of our community, and citizens are compelled to fund them for educating the children of the community, I thought I’d do some research to find out more about the group that wants to be a school sanctioned club. Their website (found by doing a Google.com search) was the most logical place to begin. I was looking for compelling evidence that this group fits in with the educational goals of the local schools.

If the GSA is granted club status, they will have daily access to all children attending the schools. In the meeting on Monday May 9th they said they were a “support group” and that they did not support bullying in the schools.

Let’s take a look at what I found.

WEBSITE FACTS:

They call themselves an “activist group”. They want to “transform schools”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/what-we-do/transforming-schools

This is from Wikipedia and explains what contemporary activism is:

Activism consists of intentional action to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, both sit-ins and hunger strikes.Some activists try to persuade people to change their behavior directly, rather than persuade governments to change laws. The cooperative movement seeks to build new institutions which conform to cooperative principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.

In what ways do they intend to “change your school, transform your school?”

Listed are: activities, books, more about their “activist group”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/posters-movies-and-more/recommended-books

(some of the listed books are the highly controversial books recently opposed locally)

Several books are recommended on the GSA website. This is just one example of the offerings this school club recommends to kids.

From the report, The Legal Liability Associated with Homosexuality Education in Public Schools: http://www.ccv.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Legal_Liability_of_Homosexuality_Education1.pdf

the novel Rainbow Boys, three 17-year-old boys explore their homosexual attractions. Frequent themes include obtaining pornographic magazines18 and movies19, as well as graphic descriptions of masturbation20. The book features a scene where one of the teen boys has anal intercourse without a condom with a 29-year-old man he has just met via the Internet.

One event listed on their website is the annual “Pride March”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/pride

A quick Google search will bring up some pictures. They beg some questions:

“Where is the educational value of this school sponsored group?”

“Why does this group claim it is not at all about sex?”

“Why would a school sponsor a club that lists the parade as an event?”

“What about age appropriateness of school sponsored activities?”

Pictures of the Gay Pride parade:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=gay+pride+parade&cp=12&qe=Z2F5IHByaWRlIHBh&qesig=dZoGLo-3QfHRVs29FW83sQ&pkc=AFgZ2tnuZ6_vR3ppUGs5vQkx8RU4XemrUm7kSM_zBLQHZAKsjw647JlZ9GRGnMmjDvoIFDGJto66zij9aGlQKE3jYJ96DJsPBg&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1024&bih=604

What about health and liability issues related to a school sponsored group?

Also from the “legal liability” report with details in the report:

"Exposure to and experimentation with homosexual behavior carries serious risks that school officials should be aware of in order to protect students. There is concern that by allowing access by homosexual activist organizations, and by establishing policies that have the effect of normalizing homosexual behavior, schools may have become responsible for physical and emotional harm to the students entrusted to their care. In addition, because homosexual behavior has been proven to contribute to many harmful consequences for those who engage in it, school officials should be aware that it is possible that a legal liability exists for the tort of negligence if it is proven that homosexual activist organizations were granted access to students under the school’s responsibility and that students subsequently suffered physical or mental harm."

This, from page 7 of the report tells of mental health problems of homosexuals in countries openly accepting of homosexuality, debunking the notion that a support group is necessary:

"Again, most homosexual activists argue that such mental health problems are the result of societal nonacceptance and/or stigmatization of homosexual behavior. Such conclusions, however, are unlikely and still unproven in scientific circles, and schools should avoid basing policies on unestablished assumptions. In any case, studies like the referenced one conducted in the Netherlands was done in a culture that is very open and accepting of homosexuality. As if anticipating homosexual activists’ typical claim, the study notes that “the Dutch social climate toward homosexuality has long been and remains considerably more tolerant” 12 than in other countries. Yet the same mental health problems were found in homosexuals in that country as in homosexuals in the United States."

In my opinion, school is not the place to bring this debate. I feel this way for a couple of reasons, one of which is that people’s children attend schools, and families do not want their values undermined in their child’s school.

Waring Finke (the attorney representing the GSA) stated at the meeting the GSA desires to have all school assemblies, and they want the administration to shut down anyone who would speak against the homosexual lifestyle.

Is he asking that his group use the school district to re-educate our children? Could the GSA cause school districts to have legal action taken against them for neglecting to keep agenda based groups off school property and away from the children who are there for their education?

Should schools be sanctioning clubs that endorse illegal behavior and promote a lifestyle that holds such grave health risks? What is the liability of a school district that allows school sponsored sex clubs like the GSA? Some of the GSA’s activities are listed on the website and are clear examples of what they endorse.

This is said to be all about stopping bullying in the schools. The schools already have policies that do not allow bullying for any student. Ted Neitzke told the group at the meeting that there have been no complaints of bullying in either high school.

In my opinion it is the GSA group and their attorneys who are the bullies. They use schools to promote their agenda and gain momentum for their cause using our children. They are neither neutral, nor all inclusive. Anyone who speaks out in opposition to them or exposes the fact that many have left this lifestyle is quickly shot down by name calling.

Some parents may believe the Bible and Jesus’ statement about marriage between one man and one woman. Some states, i.e. Wisconsin, may disagree on the definition of marriage. How tolerant is the GSA to these points of view. What about them?

The GSA wants to “transform schools”. It appears they want to alter the values you may be teaching your child. Is this really just about a support group that wants to use the PA system in the West Bend high schools? Is there something more? When I saw what was offered on the GSA website and heard the attorney tell of the activities the group hoped to do in the school, I really began to wonder.

In my opinion, the school district did the right thing by not allowing them school sponsored status and keeping them as an after school, student-led club. It keeps the liability issue away from the district and it protects our kids from what appears to be an agenda based group at their school. Bravo, West Bend School Board. Stick to the curriculum. That is what we pay taxes for.

The school board appears to be the ones who care about kids and education.

Current clubs as found on the school district website:

Yearbook-East/West

Music-Band, Choir,Orchestra

Co-Curricular board policy:

INSTRUCTION 370

OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTIVITIES

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The School Board endorses a quality athletic and co-curricular program to serve the interests of all students. The District shall not discriminate in student participation in athletic programs or activities or facilities usage on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures as described in Board Policy 411.

Co-Curricular: Non-Athletic Activities

Co-curricular activities are an integral part of the educational program and shall fit both the aims of the school and the needs and interests of students. Co-curricular activities shall be appropriate to the age group and in keeping with the general community standards. A co-curricular must have a written statement of purpose which identifies the activity as educational oriented and enhancing with school objectives. All school sponsored activities must be open to all students regardless of color, creed, sex, handicap, or national origin.

Students engaged in co-curricular activities must engage in such activities either on school premises or off, as long as proper safeguards are taken for the safely and educational relevance. The student activities may perform for outside organizations where admission fees are charged only if proceeds are used for charitable, educational, or civic purposes. Student activities earning team awards shall return those awards to the school. All school rules are applicable to all student participants.

The following show more activist ties:

http://candlelightcollective.wordpress.com/

Some examples of bullying by this group(which they say they oppose) include:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Space-for-Washington-County-Group/358103983550

Shaina Solidarity
West Bend GSA members:I have the "pleasure" of Dave Weigand attending my church and today I just couldnt help myself I HAD to..on the way out I walked past him and said "I know a good psychologist if YOU need one Dave"

22 hours ago

·

Safe Space for Washington County Group Although it is well known that psychology can't 'change' sexual orientation...we can definitely help with distorted thought processes:) Joy Myers

And, a new blog that seems to have a connection with one of the proposed GSA advisors:

http://hiccup-p.blogspot.com

Friday, May 13, 2011

New Superintendent of Schools

Best wishes to Ted Neitzke, new superintendent of schools in West Bend.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

First Meeting with New Board

Board of Education Meetings

May 9, 2011 - 7 p.m.
McLane Elementary School

833 Chestnut St.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Board Instruction
6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. - Facilities


Saturday, April 30, 2011

2001-12 West Bend School Board

President- Randy Marquardt
Vice-President- Tim Stepanski
Clerk-Bart Williams
Treasurer- Rick Parks

Committees:
Curriculum and Instruction:
Chair-Tim Stepanski
Dave Weigand
Kris Beaver

Policy:
Chair-Dave Weigand
Randy Marquardt
Rick Parks

Finance:
Chair-Rick Parks
Bart Williams
Kris Beaver

Technology and Facilities:
Chair- Todd Miller
Randy Marquardt
Bart Williams

Stakeholders:
Chair- Tim Stepanski
Rick Parks
Bart Williams

Cesa Rep- Tim Stepanski

WASB delegate-Randy Marquardt

WB Public Schools Foundation-
Randy Marquardt
Rick Parks

CFAC-
Kris Beaver
Bart Williams

CFAC2-
Randy Marquardt

Negotiations-
Todd Miller
Dave Weigand
Randy Marquardt

Friday, April 29, 2011

New Board Leadership to be Chosen Tomorrow Morning

April 30, 2011
9:30 a.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Board Reorganization
a. Election of Officers
b. Committee/Other Assignments
3. Adjourn into executive session pursuant to Wis.
Stats. 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any
public employee over which the governmental body has
jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, and take any such
action, if necessary, based on its discussion namely:
administrative structure and transitions.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Sex and Drug survey for kids 11-18 years old

How would you like your son or daughter to go to school and be asked:


During your life, with whom have you had
sexual contact?
A. I have never had sexual contact
B. Females
C. Males
D. Females and males

During the past 3 months, with how many
people did you have sexual intercourse?
A. I have never had sexual intercourse
B. I have had sexual intercourse, but not
during the past 3 months
C. 1 person
D. 2 people
E. 3 people
F. 4 people
G. 5 people
H. 6 or more people

If you attempted suicide during the past
12 months, did any attempt result in an
injury, poisoning, or overdose that had to be
treated by a doctor or nurse?
A. I did not attempt suicide during the
past 12 months
B. Yes
C. No

These questions are found on the upcoming survey sponsored by the West Bend School District, and your child will be filling it out unless you opt them out. The complete survey can be found at: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sspw/pdf/yrbs09hsques.pdf
It has been updated for this year.

Parents received a letter this week informing them of the survey and advising them to fill out a form if they want to OPT OUT their child, and return the form to the school. No return envelope was provided. The date of the survey was not given. If a parent fails to return the form their child is automatically going to be a participant in this anonymous survey. The school district asks that all students take part in the survey.

I have a few questions myself.

1. If the district insists on asking such questions of our children, shouldn't the option be to OPT IN and not OPT OUT?
2. How many children will participate in this survey without parental knowledge?
3. Is this a good use of our tax dollars and class time?
4. What thoughts enter a child's mind when such questions are posed?
5. How can a parent decide if they want their child to participate when the survey was not included in the correspondence?

School contact information:
Badger Middle School 335-5455
Silverbrook Middle School 334-5500
East High 335-5530
West High 335-5570

Parents, please stay informed about what happens in your child's schools. Their future is at stake.

Feel free to contact the Board of Education with any questions or comments.
2009-2010 Members
Committees
President
Joe Carlson
jcarlson@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-1042
414-807-7287





Personnel / Finance
Stakeholder Communications

Vice President
Tim Stepanski
tstepanski@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-0775




Board Instruction
Stakeholder Communications
Clerk
Kris Beaver
kbeaver@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2602




Personnel/Finance
Board Instruction
Todd Miller
tmmiller@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2604



Technology/Facilities
Stakeholder Communications
CFAC2
Randy Marquardt
rmarquardt@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2601



Policy
Tehnology/Facilities
Dave Weigand
dweigand@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-2984



Board Instruction
Policy
bwilliams@west-bend.k12.wi.us
rparks@west-bend.k12.wi.us