text:
Two years, 4 days. Nearly 64,000 visits with nearly 187,000 page hits. Thanks so much.
"Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing....
Good night,good night!
Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight
till it be morrow."
-William Shakespeare
See the latest Featured Article (click tab above) for info on the future of Fairbornspeaks!
"Don't worry, you're sound asleep and can't feel a thing."
....watch the last Board of Education meeting at this link:
...watch City Council meetings at this link:
Tuesday will be the "Last Call" for new posts on the Message Board!
Feet (Tuesday, 12 November 2013 21:46)
Thank you for doing an amazing job of informing Fairborn of the truth; whether good or bad.
Poor Senior (Tuesday, 12 November 2013 18:51)
Thanks Karen for all you've done!
S Gullion (Tuesday, 12 November 2013 17:26)
Thank you for all your time and effort making this an informative and educational site! We have lived in Fairborn for almost 10 years and really love the people and especially their children!
INFO (Tuesday, 12 November 2013 09:28)
The Ohio School Boards Leadership Council's annual conference is November 16 in Columbus. This group is led by the Springboro BOE member who turned their district around! The day of workshops and lunch is $50 - add dinner for $25. Registration IS open to the public. Go to www.osblc.com for further info.
Feet (Monday, 11 November 2013 20:42)
The teachers are going to picket the Primary School from 3:30pm until 5PM on Thursday. I thought they were complaining that they didn't have time to get their work done but they are going to spend an hour and a half picketing? Puhleaze.
Karen Combs (Friday, 08 November 2013 11:42)
Cryoboy - can you contact me via the "contact" tab above? You can use a secondary e-mail account or whatever you'd like. I will not reveal your identity, I just wanted to share a couple thoughts with you. Thanks.
Frank Gilbert (Thursday, 07 November 2013 22:07)
In an effort to keep our town from looking any trashier, I'd like to ask folks if you happen to see one of my signs around, please let me know. Somehow A bunch of signs went missing from places they were posted. You can reach me on facebook or give me a call at 830-4940.
Had some new visitors at last Monday nights council meeting. Good to see new faces and what we need a lot more of.
Don't forget, second Thursday of the Month is BOE meeting night.
cryoboy (Thursday, 07 November 2013 18:51)
Well i wondered about the good people of Fairborn, as to who they would vote for or not and i agree that Fairborn is headed down hill now possibly for good. I talked before about the good people of Fairborn what if we together marched in protest on the City manager , the mayor and city council in protest over the city manager's treatment and behavior towards the people of Fairborn. I have even run a test out side of Ohio, in Tenn, W.Va., Virginia, and Kentucky if those people would come and join our protest against the Fairborn Council and Manager. Well to say the least, it has been fantastic. Through friends, family, friends of family and much more, the response has been great. My questions now are to the Fairborn people, are you willing to march against the city manager and council hand in hand demanding her dismissal or firing???? Is it worth my time to put together such a large protest, not just a few or a hundred, but a thousand strong……. Your response …….. My brother you fought a good fight for city council...
dave criner (Thursday, 07 November 2013 12:53)
I want to thank everyone who voted in this election. you all rock. I personally have serious doubts about where our city is going, but the votes were cast. I especially want to thank all of you who voted for me. I really appreciate it.. there is always next time....and thank all of you for the kind words and encouragement.
Janice (Thursday, 07 November 2013 10:43)
Back late last night from my fall break in the beautiful Smokies and just devastated by all the news!
Thanks to a split vote, the WORST mayoral candidate managed to clench victory from the jaws of defeat. That's awful. The opposition needs to get better organized.
Worse yet (maybe?), people actually voted for Donna Wilson? They must have just thought "I'll vote for the woman candidate" because they couldn't possibly have known her and voter for her! The good news is they will only need 6 seats for Council meetings because she will want to sit on Deb's lap!
Worse yet, Dave and Frank lost.
But worst of all, no more Fairbornspeaks!? That can't be!
Stick a fork in us, Fairborn is done.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 07 November 2013 09:57)
P.S. - 432 visitors in a single day yesterday! Chew on THAT!
Karen Combs (Thursday, 07 November 2013 09:55)
"TS Quint" - Yawn. Whatever makes you sycophants think I will be posting your tripe in my final week? I am keeping this open for election/issue comments ONLY. Your personal opinions of me and my site are IRRELEVANT, particularly to me!
Assume whatever helps you sleep at night, honey. The fact remains that YOU - using a variety of not-so-creative monikers - keep trying to come on MY website. Now, why would you do that if it no one reads it? Do you talk to yourself at home too? BTW, you obviously don't know too much about how people read/return to websites to reach the conclusions you did. But, then again, I did RETIRE from trying to elevate you single-cell sycophants, so carry on.
Feet (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 22:05)
Frank Gilbert - don't give up! I voted for you. Lots of people voted for you. We know you were more qualified and should have been on Council but sadly you're not part of the cool kids club.
Kitty - Take Karen's offer! My spouse and I are going to stick it out until the next election and see if the city can get back on track. Without fairbornspeaks, there's no sane voice at all! You or Shadow should take it!
Tad Angry - Adkins should have never run in the first place. His home was for sale a few months ago. I have still not heard what his plan was. Was he leaving Fairborn? If so, why? Then all of a sudden there are a ton of blue Adkins signs all over town. What changed to make him stay? He could have easily ran for Council and the Adkins votes would have gone to Wood.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 22:03)
Final concern for the night - can't the Board of Elections do something about their unwieldy election results? Thousands of pages that are mostly blank and all without an INDEX! Ugh!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 21:50)
Frank - Relieved Himself on Fairborn is afraid to use his name because then you would know he/she is just a school teacher who doesn't even live here!
Frank Gilbert (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 21:43)
Relieved Voter #190
At least I got up and spoke my mind. Where have you been? Why are you ashamed to use your name? You are a prime example of why Fairborn is going down the tubes. Thank goodness I didn't get your vote.
By the way, don't look to get rid of me. I will continue to speak for those who did vote for me. And I welcome an introduction any time you have the courage to introduce yourself.
As I said before people, its going to get worse before it gets better. And that's if we can survive the worse, because now I am beginning to wonder if we can.
Karen B (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 21:33)
My mom lives near Maplewood Park and her voting location is a church off Old Yellow Springs Road. She votes absentee, so it wasn't a problem for her. Seems like voting in Fairborn is just like going to school in Fairborn. No rhyme or reason!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013)
Tad - I said that weeks ago! Agreed!
Tad Angry (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 20:38)
I'd pay to slap Tommy Adkins and Robert Wood. If one of them had just run for council instead - worked together to run an organized campaign - helped Criner - we could've had Wood, Adkins, Criner and Hapner = the majority on Council. What a shame. The best chance we've had in a long time ruined for one reason -ego. Now we are stuck with the preacher's kids - Dopey, Dippy, Dorky, and Cletus.
Danger Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 20:23)
TJ - gotta pay off the little propaganda - I mean "campaign literature" - walkers. I knew they were all sycophants, but I had no idea they were cannibals!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 20:21)
I've heard some very disturbing complaints about Old Yellow Springs Road being closed and voters having to take a very long detour to the polling place. Can anyone out there comment on this?
TJ (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 19:54)
Just saw on Facebook that Kirkpatrick donated a pulled pork, complete meal, to 65 people at Fourman's church. Apparently he has money to throw away. Just think if he would donate that money to needs in Fairborn, he would get our city off to a good start. This kind of political crap is what makes me sick!!!
Danger Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013)
JD - you know I can't post that, but I would like to ask -is that the same door that hit you in the face (repeatedly)? Yes, I think it is - I can see your lip prints on it. So, your destiny has finally come, JD - your purpose in life fulfilled - just as I close fairbornspeaks, you will once again be kissing my ... !! LOL.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 18:48)
Go get em' Ms. Fairchild! I would LOVE to give you Fairbornspeaks, if you want it! Just let me know!
Ah, "Get Real," you think we need to go to Beavercreek for Wi-Fi? Lol. We actually still have it in a few places in Fairborn too!
Of course, as delightful as it sounds to meet someone who won't identify him/herself and threatens to bring an unknown quantity of fellow thugs along - I think I'll pass. And use your laptop to enter my password-protected site? Gee, no thanks! Instead, I just figured out how to print/scan/post the October 2013 visitor stat page from the website host. Just click the "Featured Article" tab, and the entire chart is printed at the bottom of the articles. You can read it and weep. 5,217 visits and 16,286 page visits! This is the exact chart you would get if we met, so ENJOY!!!
Get Real (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 16:58)
How about Sunday at Barnes and Noble in Beavercreek at 4:00 pm. They have places to sit and Wifi. I'll bring my laptop...I'll even show you HOW to do a screen shot. You down? I think I know a number of people who'd like to come and meet you as well! :) Let me know!
Kitty Fairchild (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 16:16)
Mayoral race.....Am I disgusted? TOTALLY..Am I sad? VERY..Am I defeated? NOT ON YOUR LIFE....I will be a thorn in the side of this administration from this day forward if things do not take a turn for the better....You may want to silence me and those of us who actually wanted someone with Christian values and backbone to run our city but that's NOT the way this race has turned out....Sadly,I believe that with Kirkpatrick as mayor and Wilson on the council our fair city,already on life support could very well succumb to this administration...but it will not go down without a fight from the citizens who truely love this community and want what's best for it..watching and hearing how this race was won leaves me very little hope of this city having a chance to bounce back..perhaps had someone else besides a McDonnell puppit won we could have seen some things turn around..but I,as well, as many others who want to see this town prosper will continue to fight for what we believe in..Ms.McDonnel and her little merry puppits are no doubt feeling very victorius but don't count us out..we're still here,we're still vocal and we are NOT going away!!
Danger Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 15:23)
Flipping through channels and today's "Paranormal Witness" episode takes place in Lake Saranac, New York. In Fairborn, we already know some SCARY sh** comes out of THAT PLACE!!! Call an Exorcist!!! LOL.
Jim Caudill (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 13:28)
I guess I have to report that after further investigation, there are 2 parcels with the same 3915 St Route 235 address. The second parcel does, indeed, have a house located on it. It is about 4 acres with a tax bill of around $2,300.
The property owners are listed as Jeffrey L & Jeri A Dysinger who reside at 2342 S Union Rd in Medway. Perhaps this is a rental property or where they let some family member live. In any case, it is like me using one of my 3 Fairborn rental units to claim residency. You either reside at that address or you don't. Where is her voter registration? How do you vote if you have one address on your driver's license and another on your voter registration? I don't think I would have been allowed to vote if my name and address were different between my driver's license and the voter registration records.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 13:03)
"Fairborn Voter" - Yawn. My delete button loves you!
I look forward to seeing how much was spent on the DAILY newspaper ads by Kirkpatrick! And how many of those people passing out their padded resumes, I mean, "campaign literature" were even from Fairborn? Bet most of them weren't!
You are a special kind of naïve if you think thousands vote in these elections and so many just happen to come down to a handful of votes and ALL of those go in "their" favor! Then again, you also seem to put stock in campaign finance reports. LOL.
The cult in question does FAR more harm than good in this community and it's leader is an egomaniac! The fact that you defend it tells me you wash your communion wafer down with CPM Kool-Aid! Yummy!
I am a Christian, thank you. I just don't mix my religion with my politics. People who USE their "faith" for political purposes are proof there is evil in the world!
You want to turn Fairborn into a slum. You are well on your way. Everything and everyone who is good here is LEAVING. You and your cronies will be left with nothing but your STONE SOUP! Don't come crying to me when you choke on it! It has only two ingredients CHICKEN BONES and BROKEN PROMISES.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 12:53)
Some more interesting stats:
Fewer than half the registered voters showed up to Fairborn polls yesterday. Fewer than half of those who did even bothered to vote in the mayoral election!
Tommy Adkins won the majority of precincts - 10 (plus 1 tie with Kirkpatrick). Kirkpatrick won only 8 (plus the tie with Adkins) and Wood only 7.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 11:31)
Did everyone see where Springboro requested a REDUCED renewal school levy last night? They were among a rare few that passed!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 11:01)
"Relieved Yourself on Fairborn" - So you supported the FAKE who said she was a lifelong resident when she wasn't? You chose someone who is a defendant in a foreclosure case to manage tens of million$? You pick a gal who thinks a contract is more important than the state report card and thinks teachers should be allowed to double-dip? You don't worry that she "cares so much" about FCS, but not enough to even go to the polls for their last levy attempt? LOL. You can really pick 'em!
And don't even get me started on Andy "Shakiest Mic in the West" Wilson!! They had better have some Depends and a defibrillator handy when McWhorter and crew show up!! You know he and Mrs. Kravitz dodged the Candidates' Night forum because neither one of them can speak intelligently on ANY issue! Now, if you want someone to shake and twitch through a speech about a magazine article about choo-choo trains, well, Andy is your man!
No one said Frank was perfect, but he has been attending meetings FOR YEARS, listening to all the issues, is FRIENDLY and could run CIRCLES AROUND Jeri Ann Copenhefer Dysinger Luce Beaverhausen and Andy "don't taze me bro!" Wilson! The only people who could POSSIBLY support these two are teacher union thugs. It is a safe bet you are one!
Karen B. (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 10:56)
I sure hope Chapstick Wilson invests in a clothes iron before she joins the Council on camera. Anytime I have seen her speak in public, she looks like she just climbed out of her laundry basket.
Frank Gilbert (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 10:46)
As ( I think it was) Bob Hope was fond of singing, "Thanks for the memories". You have given an alternative voice to the citizens of Fairborn. It will be missed. Some of us will continue the struggle despite the odds.
EDE1 (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 10:45)
What will we do without Fairbornspeaks? There will be no place to find any REAL info about the city and schools! Shadow - can't you take it over?
I blame the Fairborn Daily Herald for getting Kirkpatrick elected by having a big FALSE headline about Wright State taking over Calamityville when that has never happened! Do they ever plan to print a retraction/correction? Saw in there today that Donna Wilson (Karen calls her Chapstick but I think DIPSTICK is more like it!) says Fairborn will be a college town. No one asked any follow-up questions. Yoo-hoo! WSU has been there since the mid-1960's!! If that was going to happen, what's been taking so long? As for "unique restaurants," where are we going to put those? Next to the costume shops or abandoned storefronts? Lady, get a grip.
Relieved voter (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 10:35)
Karen, you are a very intelligent woman. Which is why I could never understand your support of Gilbert. Yes, he spoke at meetings, but half of his comments were asinine. When I saw he was in second place last night I began considering homeschooling my kids because of the fear I had of what a man as ignorant as he is could do to our schools.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 10:09)
If you want to know what it will be like for citizens with LEGITIMATE QUESTIONS under Danny Kirkpatrick's reign, here is a good sample - this was posted on his Facebook page five days after I asked the question:
"I've been asked to clarify an issue about political signs. As Ordinance Chapter 1174.05 states: "No part of a privately-owned sign shall be located or project within the public right-of-way ..." Ordinance Chapter 1174.13 states: "The following signs, while regulated by this chapter, do not require a permit on the basis that they implement a compelling governmental or community interest in protecting the health and safety of persons and property within the city: Item (l) Political signs. To interpret the ordinance: political signs cannot be placed in public right-of-ways and they do not require a permit. I hope this clarifies the question that was raised."
No, Dan, NOT EVEN CLOSE. You see, where you cut off 1174.05, by pure coincidence, I am sure, was where it states UNLESS BY....PERMIT. And then 1174.13 states that political signs DO NOT REQUIRE a permit! That was THE ENTIRE POINT OF MY QUESTION!! Of course, I can't comment on this on his facebook page since the GESTAPO TACTICS of the city have blocked me for NO REASON WHATSOEVER. This fact, by the way, has been duly reported to Facebook by me! Abusing the "abuse reporting" feature is abuse, dontcha' think?
Dan has not even been sworn in and already shows he is INCAPABLE of giving a STRAIGHT and HONEST and MEANINGFUL answer!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 09:59)
"Suspicious" - I thought the same thing! Looks like whenever it gets too close for comfort, someone burns a couple ballots!
Suspicious (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 09:18)
What a co-in-ki-dink - last time around, Criner was in the lead until the eleventh hour and Steininger suddenly won by a handful of votes. Last night, Gilbert was the #2 vote-getter until the eleventh hour and Andy Wilson suddenly wins by 23? Looks like THE FIX IS IN!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 09:11)
What the results REALLY say - Tommy Adkins lost the Mayor's race by a mere 234 votes! Frank Gilbert lost the Board of Education by a mere 23 votes! These are both UNKNOWN candidates who did not throw the kind of money around that the Soup Kitchen Party did! Unfortunately, having a third candidate in the mayoral race caused exactly what I feared - a split vote that allowed the LEAST desirable candidate to win! Had Wood or Adkins simply decided to pursue a Council set instead, the results would have been much different.
Particularly gratifying was seeing Dave "Slick Willie" Taylor come in FOURTH in the Board of Education results. LOVE IT! Hopefully, he will take that as his cue to SHUT UP permanently!
Luce should resign immediately as she was caught in an apparent LIE about being a "lifelong resident" here AND it was discovered that she didn't even bother voting in the last school levy election! I sure hope she never asks YOU to vote for one! Face it, she has ZERO CREDIBILITY from jump street.
So before the Soup Kitchen Party tries to spin this as a "victory," they need to look at REALITY. You bought another election.....barely.
Danger Combs (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 09:04)
JD and "Get Real" - I thought I made it clear that I AM NOT going to post a bunch of insults against me. Your opinion of me is less than MEANINGLESS. I do think it is hilarious that the two of you wish to attack me and this site - while you both (and, heavens, particularly JD, who made it a full-time hobby and should have been charged an over-use fee!) post here routinely! If no one is reading and no one is influenced by anything posted here, fools, then WHY are YOU trying to write in again? LOL.
I'm happy to show you the site stats to anyone, anytime- which also break down page hits, browsers, search engines and the like. Let me know when and where (public location) you'd like to meet. Oh, wait - you can't do that because you are a big coward, right?
I will simply say this:
The tragic election results prove one thing - all it takes to win in Fairborn is to throw a lot of money at an election (oh, and having an army of cult volunteers, many of whom don't even live here, helps too!). Take the two people elected to the Board of Education - neither even attended BOE meetings! Now, that is the kind of Fairborn that the two of you deserve to live in, but it really isn't where people of quality care to reside!
I've been planning to shut the site down for quite a while and finally "pulled the trigger" yesterday BEFORE the elections because the outcome played NO ROLE in my decision. Face it, even if the competent candidates had won, they would still be far outnumbered by the idiots already serving! Now Fairborn has unwittingly elected a slate that all serves the same master to join two others that do too. There isn't a bad idea that this crew won't rubberstamp! Jim Hapner is the lone hope, poor guy.
Patrick Craig (Wednesday, 06 November 2013)
I share your frustration, Karen, and agree completely with your conclusions. The only question is, where in this nation is there not hopelessness? After all, it's all a matter of how well you cover up your disaster of a city, county, or state, and for how long. Detroit is unraveling, and many others will follow eventually. To those who would suggest, "if you don't like it here, why don't you move?" I respond, "Where would I go for better?"
Busy (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 05:12)
Shadow, I am not blaming the kids.
March On (Wednesday, 06 November 2013 04:09)
You fought a good fight
Feet (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 23:01)
Sad day in Fairborn.
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 22:03)
According to the link "Thank You Karen" provided to the Greene County Board of Elections (thank you!):
Mayor is Kirkpatrick with just 38.36% of the vote - the vast majority of citizens having NOT supported him. No doubt his imaginary friends will somehow convince him this was a mandate!
Council: (in order of highest votes): Keller, Hoffman, Wilson. Criner lost. In other words, the only person who actually DESERVED a seat didn't get one!
Board of Education: Luce and Andrew Wilson (!!) Frank didn't make it either.
Evidently, it pays to be UTTERLY UNINVOLVED and crawl out of nowhere to run for office here!
These results confirm EVERYTHING I felt about Fairborn when I got up this morning and posted the article ending Fairbornspeaks. This is a HOPELESS place, controlled by the Church of the Poison Mind, and destined for ruination!
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 21:50)
JD - I can't imagine why Frank would worry if he is coming in second in a race where TWO seats are vacant! I guess we will see how the results pan out soon enough!
Jim Caudill (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 21:40)
How come Jeri A Luce lists her address as 3915 St Route 235 in Fairborn, but the GIS system for Greene county only shows a garage or storage shed at that location? The .4 acre property and building are only valued at around $10,000 and she pays about $160 in property taxes for that address.
Further, it lists her name and mailing address as Jeri A Dysinger of 2342 S Union Road in Medway. Does she even qualify to run for office in Fairborn?
What is it with the names (Luce vs Dysinger) and the hokey address business? Doesn't someone have to certify this stuff?
JD (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 21:18)
You shouldn't worry ole Frank like that Karen. I'm sure he thought he had it sown up. I doubt if the results change much.
Thank You Karen (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 21:08)
Karen: If you would allow, I would like to post this link to the Greene County Board of Elections unofficial results for everyone. If you go to this page and refresh just about every 5-10 minutes, it will give you the most updated results!
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 20:52)
Whew! WDTN is reporting that these results are only with about 50% of the vote tallied - NOT 100%! There is still hope!
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 20:47)
Thanks all for the kind words - if anyone like Shadow or TJ or Feet or Janice or any of the other FRIENDS OF FAIRBORN want to take it over, I would be happy to meet with any/all of you and show you how it works. It is not difficult to learn (trust me, I am NO computer whiz!). Personally, I am just not up to up it any longer.
I am confused by the election "results" I am seeing. According to the Dayton Daily News and WHIO, 100% of precincts are reporting and Kirkpatrick won with 41% of the vote, but it shows only a total of 391 votes cast in the entire mayoral race!?!?! That CAN'T be right! It also says Chapstick Wilson, Rob Hoffman and Paul Keller won and Dave Criner lost, but again, so few total votes that it doesn't seem possible. For School board, it says Luce and Gilbert won. Luce should resign immediately if she did win - what a JOKE!
TJ (Tuesday, 05 November 2013)
Karen, I too express my sentiments as Shadow and Feet have. I feel like a family member has died because through this forum I have developed a great respect for you as an individual. I feel like I know you better than I do some of my own family members. You have stood your ground, no matter what, and have brought to light invaluable information regarding our city and schools. Most often, when we beg someone to continue doing something so good, it is for selfish reasons. I am guilty of that because I found it so refreshing to have you doing so much research and just plain work to expose all the facts, which meant I didn't have to do it. But let me say, I do hope you will please reconsider closing this site down. Maybe not put so many hours and effort into it, but at least keep the forum open here. I read Fairborn Speaks before I check any other news locally on the internet, because Fairborn Speaks has so much more information and useful data than any publication or broadcast I could watch/read. You have been an inspiration to many people, and it is a dirty, rotten shame that people have lowered themselves to slamming you at every opportunity for your freedom of speech in this great country. You have done nothing more than tell the truth, and unfortunately, the vast majority of our society today, would live the lie that our city/schools are upfront and honest. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your hard work, honesty, integrity, and most of all, being you, an individual who has a passion for her city and a desire to do something about it. I do hope that you reconsider and continue doing the great job you are doing!
Shadow (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 17:10)
Thanks so much for having given people like me a forum for our views. Unlike those of us with a nom de guerre, you put your name out there and were treated by some people like a criminal...Just for exercising your RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH! That took a TON of real courage! Yes, those of us with "screen names" had good reasons to "stay in the shadows" (I value my tipsters, especially those who don't realize who they are tipping!), but you received an absurd amount of abuse FOR TRYING TO IMPROVE YOUR TOWN AND SCHOOLS! Yes, apathy is prevelent around here; unfortunately, people don't realize what they have until it is taken from them and their children.
You fought a great fight, I'm happy I got to provide a little bit of extra firepower in spots.
In the next couple of days, I will try to repost anything I think might help others going forward as the struggles continue in this town and school district.
Please enjoy your respite and your charity work. If you do see some of the Big Fish in a Small Pond "Power People" around, I know you will want to scowl. Please take solace in the fact that you have made them more uncomfortable than they would ever care to admit. Besides, a person standing close to them may just be me! So give them a big smile!
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"
Feet (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 14:39)
I feel like a member of my family has died. Karen, the information and forum you provide is so valuable. We as a city get more information from you on this site, than any Council or BOE meeting. Don't let them win. Fairborn can still be saved, but without disseminating information here, there's no other way it can happen. I hope you will reconsider.
Feet (Tuesday, 05 November 2013 00:29)
The meeting took 10 minutes. Fastest meeting ever. Absolutely nothing happened.
Karen Combs (Monday, 04 November 2013 21:03)
Does anyone know WHY the City Council meeting was not on TV tonight? Anyone care to report what happened there?
Karen Combs (Monday, 04 November 2013 21:02)
"Busy" - Perhaps your mind would be put at ease if you actually read any of the info/links provided here!
I already posted how to get to the ODE's explanation of scores. Regarding the ones that seem to concern you most, it states: "The data from state tests over multiple years are examined through a series of calculations to produce a Value-Added designation for each school and district. Additionally, the tests also are examined to determine progress of three specific groups of students.
The five designations – determined in law – are the same ranges of growth that are used to compute teacher Value-Added performance. Also like the teacher Value-Added performance measure, up to three years of growth computations are used to assure the accuracy and precision of the measure. Schools are not penalized just because of one year of poor growth.
Just because a school may have a low achievement level in a given year does not mean that students are not learning. In fact, there may be a great deal of academic growth taking place moving students toward academic success. Conversely, there is a misconception that high achievers have met their potential and can no longer advance their learning. This measure highlights the importance of providing the curriculum and instruction that will help all students to grow academically every year."
Shadow (Monday, 04 November 2013 16:39)
Busy wrote:
"Shadow thanks for trying to help me catch my spelling error. It is pronounced "crawl" and started with a K. I caught it after my post sent and fixed it in my second post. Shadow repeatedly posting how Fairborn kids aren't going to top colleges is a good example when I think ignorant or ignoring. Maybe part of the reason could be that there is an economic recession, many students living below the poverty level, parents who never went to college or received a college degree themselves, the drastic increase in college tuition in the past decade, the internal drive of students to plan and pursue for their future, the knowledge of accumulating burdensome debt to be paid for years to follow?"
Forget the name Busy, how about "ENDLESS EXCUSES" I AM TIRED OF THE FCS ADMINISTRATION AND THE FEA USING OUR KIDS AS AN EXCUSE FOR THEIR FAILURES!!! Is that plain enough for you Excuse guy? On and on, you and your ilk say our kids are too poor, too black, too Hispanic, too Appalacian...STOP BEING LIKE YOUR HERO, LORD $CARBERRY, STOP BLAMING THE KIDS!!!!
Busy (Monday, 04 November 2013 16:29)
If you think I should have compared our "intermediate" to their "intermediate", you are wrong AGAIN. Their intermediate in Springboro is a 6th grade only building. Our 6th grade is part of Baker Middle School.
I didn't "stumble." I clicked the 1st one and could tell it was a lower grade elementary school that does not have state testing data to calculate an annual progress. then I randomly (Karen doesn't believe me - Okay) clicked another in the middle of the group.
After reading your response I looked at Springboro Intermediate, it actually seemed to more greatly prove my point. Their annual progress is worse: D for Econ Dis and F for students with disabilities. But they still got an A and B in the 1st 2 marks on their state report card.
My point is that Fairborn seems to bring kids up more in a year. But according to the KRAL, the kids are far behind in their starting point.
Danger Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 23:07)
"Busy" - Yes, I am sure you just "stumbled" upon the one that happened to prove your theory by pure coincidence. LOL. You aren't even comparing the same LEVEL of schools!
Yes, we are suffering tremendously because THEY (that would be the "leaders" you defend) have completely DESTROYED the socio-economic balance of this city. A city CAN NOT SURVIVE without a healthy blend of all income levels. There MUST be wealthy to help care for the poor. But whenever someone tries to stand up and advocate for COMMON SENSE here, we are attacked and invited to leave. Oh, plenty of people ARE leaving - just look around! Where do you think Fairborn will be when 70% are poor? 80%?
In 2006, just 5.07% of FCS students were at or below poverty. By 2010, it was 48.25%. Shouldn't the people responsible for that - namely the ATROCIOUS Superintendent, his minions, the City Manager and hers be RUN OUT OF TOWN? No question about it! I have never in my life seen such INCOMPETENCE allowed to continue on and on!
By the time you fools WAKE UP, you will be the only ones left!
Busy (Sunday, 03 November 2013 19:22)
Although you think you know everything, you don't. I didn't go through every elementary school to find the perfect one. I am busy and once I clicked on the 1st one listed and saw it labeled progress categories as NR, I skipped a few and I used what ever that one's data was. Sorry, no scam. For most categories on the report card it only cares that students made it to point B. The state, for the most part, does not care how long or complicated point A to point B is for many kids. Shadow thanks for trying to help me catch my spelling error. It is pronounced "crawl" and started with a K. I caught it after my post sent and fixed it in my second post. Shadow repeatedly posting how Fairborn kids aren't going to top colleges is a good example when I think ignorant or ignoring. Maybe part of the reason could be that there is an economic recession, many students living below the poverty level, parents who never went to college or received a college degree themselves, the drastic increase in college tuition in the past decade, the internal drive of students to plan and pursue for their future, the knowledge of accumulating burdensome debt to be paid for years to follow?
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 18:05)
Shadow - Thanks for the 5 year forecast. I do agree with your point of sending a message by not voting at all. I definitely don't think people should vote for candidates just because they "can" - because there is a blank on the ballot! ONLY support the people you WANT to support!
I plan to vote for only ONE Board candidate (Gilbert) and ONE Council candidate (Criner) because I feel they both have worked hard as CITIZENS, so I know they will give it their best as officials too. Frank may not be perfect, but, UNLIKE THE OTHERS, he has cared enough to be there in the past! And he has taken a stand on some controversies too. Most of the others never even darkened the doorway of meetings of the Board/Council that they suddenly think they should be elected to serve on?! Now THAT is what I call TRULY "offensive"!!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 17:54)
Tom Livingston - Wow - what an original idea! Do pat yourself on the back - no one has ever said that to me before! I sure hope you had a self-satisfied and smug smile on your face when you hit "enter." LOL.
YAWN. Do you attend the "Tedious Academy" full-time or did you just visit for a day? LOL.
A couple years ago, I would have told you that I shouldn't just leave the town I LOVE (you, dear sir, are the one who seems satisfied that it has fallen into the abyss!) simply because some FOOLS have taken over. I would have said we should fight for this city, try to restore it, do our best to run the rotten leaders and their pathetic cronies like you out.
But that was a while back. When I see that it has reached the point where people like Dave "I WAS ON THE BOARD WHEN IT WENT INTO FISCAL CRISIS, SO WHY WOULD I EVER RUN AGAIN?" Taylor, Dan "PROVEN LEADERSHIP IF YOU COUNT PROVEN FAILURE" Kirkpatrick and Jeri "DON'T ASK ME WHERE I RESIDED OR I WILL CRY 'BULLY' " Luce actually feel they can run for office here, I realize the infiltration of FOOLS is worse than I ever imagined possible!
So I have to say I am softening to the idea of leaving - joining the EXODUS of the people who made this town great and who are leaving in droves - and leaving it to the IDIOTS so they can fully convert it to a UNRECOGNIZABLE SLUM. They are well on their way as it is. When they have achieved the goal of making Fairborn the armpit of the region, you, at long last Mr. Livingston, will have a place you can deservedly call "home."
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 17:37)
"Busy" - you are a riot. Why do you compare our Intermediate School with 1 (of 5 or 6) of their Elementary schools? I'll tell you why - because you wanted to use ONLY the school with the lowest disability rates! WHAT A SCAM! Compare Intermediate schools and the difference becomes 14.4% FCS to 11.4% Springboro, right? Can't have THAT, can you? LOL.
So, - you acknowledge that the report card DOES measure annual progress, but you are upset because each time it doesn't measure it from all the way back when they began in Kindergarten? Well, as long as they give the current school/teacher credit for how much the child has moved forward based on where they began the year - WHAT is the DIFFERENCE?
If your point is that Springboro is wealthier and people with more money have it easier in life - welcome to reality. I could have told you that from the get-go!
Tom Livingston (Sunday, 03 November 2013 17:37)
Why don't you just move if you hate it here?
Shadow (Sunday, 03 November 2013 16:56)
From Busy:
"Finally got around to Thursday's DDN which posted KRAWL scores for area schools."
Busy, it is a KRA-L, not KRAWL
"Fairborn's were low. Beavercreek had more than 50% of their students entering K with scores in the top band, Springboro's had almost 70 % of students with scores in the top band. Fairborn had 34%. If the state gave district report cards based on growth from this starting point, I think Fairborn schools would have an excellent report card."
Here are the bands explained
Band Definitions
Each of the bands guides decisions about further assessment and instruction.
Band 1 – Assess broadly for intense instruction
Band 2 – Assess for targeted instruction
Band 3 – Assess for enriched instruction
Nothing in the band definition, nor in the KRA-L data sheet links this to an "excellent" report card; Excellent, Effective, etc. state ratings DO NOT EXIST ANYMORE. The "L" in KRA-L is for literacy, meaning it is a READING ONLY test and has nothing to do with skills such as problem solving, basic math functions, etc.
"When people disregard poverty as an important factor for our low report card score, then I wonder if they are ignorant or ignoring it to justify their complaints about FCS."
As I and Karen have shown in our responses to your post, if you want to identify ignorant people, a mirror would be an excellent place to start!
Shadow (Sunday, 03 November 2013 16:38)
if karen will afford me the privilege of a link, here is the latest five year fiscal forecast put forward by FCS:
Yes folks, as shown by the file name, there are a lot of assumptions being made by Lord $carberry and his minions...
Shadow (Sunday, 03 November 2013 16:25)
I have decided not to vote for any of the candidates running for seats as members of Lord $carberry's Manor Court, I mean the Fairborn Board of Education. From past members, whose "great idea" fingerprints are all over our BELOW AVERAGE performing schools, to relatives of current members, to a rude teacher union member who cries "I'm offended" when asked pertinent questions, this lot leaves a lot to be desired. Even Frank Gilbert, whom I have admired for his activism at meetings, has now turned into a person who considers posters here on Fairborn Speaks! as not being "real people" and who will not clearly state any of his pre-election positions on a myriad of school issues. Sorry Frank, but having "Dave" $carberry as your new BFF doesn't inspire confidence.
It sounds counterintuitive not to vote for two candidates with two board openings, but hear me out. I KNOW two of the current candidates WILL be on the board soon, but making sure these people don't have any sort of a mandate is important. Remember, despite Lord $carberry's latest spin, I mean quote, in the DDN (thanks for the link, EDE1!) of, "Everybody else in Fairborn, the state and the United States have to watch their budget, and we need to do that along with them. We need to keep stretching things to the best of our abilities," we KNOW that it was the state that forced his Lordship to cut costs; the state loaning FCS money was as risky a loan as one of The Beav's un-rated Commercial Paper investments! Simply put, FCS was (and still is) a bad credit risk and loaning money (which would probably never be repaid) does not do a state worker's career any favors. As TJ pointed out earlier, FCS went from an estimated $4.1 million DEFICIT to over a $1 million SURPLUS IN LESS THAN A YEAR!!!! This is not Lord $carberry's work (remember, he stated, "The (state) budget will not be voted upon until June-so our May levy is critical to our operations." in his February 2013 Superintendent message) nor is it The Beav's...IT WAS, AS I LIKE TO CALL THEM, KING STATE who came in and made "kindly suggestions" to our FCS "leadership" team after the voters of Fairborn, in a LOUD AND CLEAR MESSAGE, REJECTED the last levy by a margin of 2-1! How does that vote relate to this upcoming vote and not voting for two candidates? WE want to show the state that district voters disapprove of the candidates by NOT giving them a mandate. It is far easier for a state official to look at elected board member vote totals, compare them to levy vote numbers and see that a small minority of district voters is electing BOE members. This will embolden state personnel to keep the pressure on FCS; remember, just because FCS has submitted a five year forecast which makes the ASSUMPTION (their terminology...you know what happens when you ASSUME!) that they won't be in a deficit situation in the out years, the state may not accept it, especially since FCS has been in the state's doghouse two times in less than a decade and the reign of Lord $carberry has not yet ended.
I encourage district residents to vote as they see fit, but I wanted to show people that there is another option to "holding your nose" and voting for one or two candidates who have no merit.
Busy (Sunday, 03 November 2013 15:14)
Actually you need to go back and read your own article again because the state doesn't measure from where they are when they entered K. It measures progress growth in a year. I looked at Springboro Schools since I noticed how high their students scores were in the DDN article and because a friend of mine just moved there. Springboro had slightly more than double the percent in the top band compared to Fairborn students in this K- readiness test, KRAL.
I compared report cards of an elementary school in Springboro with Fairborn intermediate. Springboro's school had 3.5% economically disadvantaged and Fairborn had 58.7 % economically disadvantaged. Fairborn's worst grade F was AMO, the measure does not allow any consideration to the fact that Fairborn has hundreds of economically disadvantaged kids at the intermediate while Springboro has dozens. Also worth mentioning, we have double the percent of disabled students compared to Springboro. The state does not consider disability in the letter grade it gives in AMO. Fairborn F and Springboro B for AMO. I think Performance Index and Indicators Met do not consider any facts/circumstance other than how many took and passed the test and how well they scored. Fairborn did have Bs in annual progress for the gifted, disabled and econ. disadvantaged students while Springboro only got Cs in all those. How could FCS show more growth annually for identified groups than Springboro but Springboro smells like the rose? I think people should be furious that the state issues these report card scores that label schools and largely ignores factors that research shows has negative effects on learning or ability to learn.
EDE1 (Sunday, 03 November 2013 14:07)
Mrs. Luce stood up and said she was a "lifelong resident" here, but it looks like she wasn't. She also said she supports the schools, but not enough to go vote for or against their levies? Now she is "offended" that Karen would report it? Well I am offended that SHE DIDN'T!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 12:50)
In post #150, paragraph 4 of my reply to Ms. Luce, it should be "moot" - not "mute." I figured that out all on my own - no "Master's in Education" or anything! LOL.
Danger Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 12:46)
"Busy" - You need to get around to reading the last Featured Article here which offers links to Ohio Department of Education school rankings and an explanation of measurements. They DO measure PROGRESS from the starting point - whether it is low, average or high. People pretending otherwise are just ignorant or ignoring this fact to justify their defense of an indefensible FCS "leadership."
While you are at it, "Busy," figure out how Fairborn went from being one of the nicest places to live in Greene County - good schools, safe, prosperous - to being the poorest, highest crime rate, lousy schools. Oh, that's right - your ilk has been in charge!
Busy (Sunday, 03 November 2013 10:32)
Finally got around to Thursday's DDN which posted KRAWL scores for area schools. Fairborn's were low. Beavercreek had more than 50% of their students entering K with scores in the top band, Springboro's had almost 70 % of students with scores in the top band. Fairborn had 34%. If the state gave district report cards based on growth from this starting point, I think Fairborn schools would have an excellent report card. Some that get recognized as excellent schools by the state year after year would actually be mediocre. When people disregard poverty as an important factor for our low report card score, then I wonder if they are ignorant or ignoring it to justify their complaints about FCS.
Danger Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 09:51)
"Feet" - AMEN. Thoughtful of em', eh?
Readers - I thought you might get a kick out of knowing that the following question I asked Kikrpatrick (via his facebook page) remains UNANSWERED. No doubt, it is "bullying" to ask it! LOL! Well, I guess I stumped him but he is KIDDING PEOPLE to pretend his campaign signs aren't ALL OVER THE RIGHT-OF-WAY - I must have passed two dozen of them on a single trip to the store yesterday. What a PHONY!
Kirkpatrick (on his Facebook page):
Several people have asked why we don't have more "Dan Kirkpatrick" for Mayor signs around Fairborn. The city recently sent out a letter describing the appropriate placement of campaign signs. I intend to honor the message in that letter. Campaign signs are not to be placed in public right-of-ways. Campaign signs should only be placed on private property. If you see any of my campaign signs in right-of-ways - please let me know so we can remove them.
Karen Combs
Which ordinance governs this? 1174.05 states signs are not allowed in the right-of-way without a permit, but 1174.13 states political signs are allowed without permit in "all zoning districts" and goes on to define these to include most of what would traditionally be considered a public right-of-way. Don't you think that we need some CLEAR legislation on this issue? Why haven't we done it before now?
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 09:26)
The previous post is my original post regarding my questions to Ms. Luce and her initial response. I also received this late last night via Facebook. My response to her follows:
I am personally offended by your inaccurate comments on your website. I am not personally subject to any foreclosure action today, or any other day. You could have easily determined by contacting the requisite attorneys & banks as to whether I was personally subject to a foreclosure action. Additionally your comments concerning my lifelong residency in the Fairborn school district is problematic at best. My family & I have lived in this school district for well over 100 years as property records would establish and your negative comments cast aspersions on me and my family which is unacceptable. It is clear to me that you may prefer other candidates but that does not give you the right to defame me or my family. I today & always support the Fairborn City Schools notwithstanding the need to make dramatic changes in the administration thereof. Your attempts to bully me and other candidates is simply unacceptable. I hope that you recognize the error of your ways and you do a complete and thorough research before you cast aspersions on any persons character.
Ms. Luce - I fail to see ANY convincing argument that my post was "inaccurate." Furthermore, had it been so, why didn't you take the opportunity I PROVIDED YOU to advise me prior to publication!?
The way I see it, your response is nothing but an effort to play the victim and divert attention from the important issues raised.
It really dilutes the meaning of "bullying" to pretend that questioning A POLITICAL CANDIDATE about her OWN STATEMENTS and BACKGROUND would qualify! Moreover, as a teacher, surely you know that the government defines "bullying" as involving school-aged children. You have a perfect right to live where you want to live, to have property foreclosed upon, to skip elections. But you DO NOT have the right to HIDE IT or LIE ABOUT IT to the voters!
So, let's review the FACTS, shall we?
You ARE a listed DEFENDANT in TWO separate Clark County foreclosure cases related to the same Medway property, case #10CV0263 and #12CV0190 (the last activity on the 2012 case was just on October 24 of this year!). Your name remains on this property with the Clark County Auditor's Office. Courts do not list people in cases unless they ARE "personally subject" to the case! Attorneys and banks do not divulge client information, so your suggestion that I call them is mute. The records SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.
Property ownership records DO NOT always reflect where you reside!! Plenty of people own property in Fairborn but do not live here! To pretend otherwise is disingenuous! From the court records to your listing (which presumably YOU provided unless your former classmates simply made it up!) on an old Baker graduate directory --which shows your high school picture, name, e-mail address and "Medway, Ohio," (link of: http://fairborn-baker75.freeservers.com/Directory/Letter-L/index.html) -all "roads" indicate that you RESIDED at some point in Medway. Answer the question --DID YOU? Why not simply be HONEST WITH THE VOTERS!?!
I notice you also did NOT EXPLAIN your failure to vote in elections regularly, having only voted in two general elections here (2011 and 2012) and not bothering to even vote in the last FCS levy election! How can you expect to have any credibility as a Board member if you have to ask the public to support a levy when you didn't go do so yourself?
Regardless of which candidates I support for this election, my first and foremost concern is that the VOTERS OF FAIBORN are armed with the information necessary to choose better leadership. You can call that "bullying" all you'd like, Ms. Luce - I call it GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
Karen Combs (Sunday, 03 November 2013 09:22)
Critical campaign questions for BOE candidate Jeri Ann Luce:
I wish our local newspapers had larger staffs like they used to and could do a better job of "vetting" our candidates!
In the course of reviewing some public information, I came across some potentially alarming items concerning Board of Education candidate Jeri Ann Luce. The sources of this information include: Clark County, (Ohio) Clerk of Courts, Clark County Auditor's Office Property Records, Greene County Board of Elections Records. Based on the concerns these records raised, I sent the following to Board of Education candidate Jeri Ann Luce last night via private Facebook message:
I run a citizen-based website called Fairbornspeaks. As a concerned taxpayer and voter, I have a few questions for you. I plan to post these on my site by tomorrow, November 2, 2013 at 6 PM. If you care to clarify before then, or reply at any time, I will gladly consider/post your response:
1. At the Candidates' Night, you stated "I am a lifetime resident of Fairborn." I have seen records indicating that you actually resided for several years in Medway, OH. Can you clarify?
2. Are you also or formerly known as Jeri Ann Copenhefer and/or Jeri Ann Dysinger?
3. If so, have you been a Defendant in foreclosure litigation in Clark County, OH?
4. If yes, do you believe that someone with such personal financial woes is an appropriate candidate to resolve the FCS' fiscal crisis?
5. Finally, you also stated at Candidates' Night that you are lifelong supporter of the Fairborn schools. But Greene County Board of Elections records indicate that you have voted in only two elections here (general elections in 2011 and 2012) and did not vote at all during the last FCS levy attempt. Would you care to comment?
This was her reply:
Ms. Combs, I received your message and am willing to respond to your questions, however I am currently busy campaigning today and will not have the time to respond until later this evening. Thank you for your interest in my campaign. Sincerely, Jeri Luce
If I was entirely off-base with these questions, wouldn't her reply have been a bit more compelling and not merely an effort to postpone the inevitable? Well, we will see if she responds this evening. In the meantime, I think everyone can agree that these are CRUCIAL questions for the future of her campaign and/or her ability to serve on the Board with ANY credibility!
Feet (Saturday, 02 November 2013 23:11)
Just arrived home and on my door was a packet of crap that told me exactly who not to vote for.
Donna Wilson
Andy Wilson
Dan Kirkpatrick
Rob Hoffman
Paul Keller
They're campaigning together? What a horrible decision. It just lets me know exactly who not to vote for. I've only found two people that deserve a vote and none of them were in the packet. It's disgusting that we're going to end up being stuck with some of these people.
Danger Combs (Saturday, 02 November 2013 21:27)
The same FCS "English" teacher who wrote the phrase "could have did" on her FB page a while back also posted the phrase "it has went" on another page! NO TEACHER EVALUATION NECESSARY-SHE CAN'T SPEAK/WRITE ENGLISH!! Who gave her a Master's? Made her a "National Certified Teacher"? They OUGHT DONE DID be SUED FOR FRAUD! LOL.
Karen Combs (Saturday, 02 November 2013 21:23)
Sorry, folks, it is late and I am not feeling the best- if anyone was waiting for Ms. Luce's reply, it won't be tonight. I don't think much "campaigning" is going on after 10PM on a Saturday. Her response - if it ever comes - will have to wait until tomorrow. Have a great night!
Karen Combs (Saturday, 02 November 2013 20:43)
"Average Joe" - I don't "condemn" ANYONE for financial problems, but I think candidates have to be held to a higher standard. If you can't manage your own finances, then odds are good you can't handle the tens of million$ in the school budget! There may be an explanation for it that voters would understand, but we weren't given the opportunity since it was brushed under the rug!
To the other person who attempted to post using a vulgar nickname -not happening, sweetie. Also -go do a little homework - when the problems with the candidate you referenced came to the surface I was the FIRST and the MOST VOCAL to publicly BAIL and urge others to do the same!! So, you really don't have a point, do you? Since then, I learned a valuable lesson - CHECK THE PUBLIC RECORDS. Ms. Luce's were a little harder to track down since her name changed and she said she had always lived here.
average joe (Saturday, 02 November 2013 19:58)
Wow, that's some heavy stuff on Luce. Having faced difficult times financially ourselves, I don't feel right in condemning hee on that point. Especially since we don't know details. What should concern us is the "stretching" of the truth. I never felt it was right that she ahould run anyway because she IS a teacher. How can you maintain your objectivity? And we already have enough teacher related people on the board. Isn't that the problem now?
WT Frusted (Saturday, 02 November 2013 19:57)
I did some detective work...at that same meeting the FEA was told that only 30% of the members get well check ups. They were told that is why the plan is so expensive, to get it down they needed to take care of this. Reading the policy, they don't need a referral for a specialist either. My friends that work at some of the surrounding hospitals are being bombarded with "rules" on how they must take care of themselves to even be eligible to get a plan. EVERYONE is being affected by all the new laws...this is just selfish and sad.
WT Frustrated (Saturday, 02 November 2013 19:48)
Received my yellow propaganda notice today. Good thing I was careful taking it in the house, I might have lost it. Seems that the FEA/OEA vetted our board candidates. Looks like Luce and Wilson received the "reflected positive and favorable responses" endorsement. Wortle was a big no answering in a positive manner and Gilbert and Taylor didn't accept their invitation. Just to let everyone know; A friend mentioned that in July the Union discussed finding people to run for school board that would be sympathetic to the cause. This must be in a play book somewhere, trying to appoint people to side with the cause...Thanks for letting me know who not to vote for!!!
Janice (Saturday, 02 November 2013 19:33)
Wow - you sent Ms. Luce THOSE questions and she didn't have time to respond? I think I would MAKE TIME!!! Those are DEAL-BREAKERS!! Looks like someone has to go consult their campaign manager!
Karen Combs (Saturday, 02 November 2013 17:40)
Near the giant EYESORE silo on Dayton Drive, there is a big sign with Robert Wood for Mayor in a circle with a line through it (to indicate "no"). I think I have a pretty open mind when it comes to criticizing politicians, but this sign is JUST ASININE. According to the County Auditor's GIS system, the property it is on is owned by the "Huelsman Group." They not only had to be assessed by the city for weed mowing, but owe $6,149.46 in DELINQUENT TAXES. Didn't the city practically give this property to them to begin with? I know they had a big giant "Dautel" sign up during her disastrous campaign for County Commissioner too. It is one thing to have BAD TASTE in politicians, another to be UTTERLY TASTELESS. These people are BOTH. Well, leave the leadership-picking to people who PAY THEIR TAXES!!
Karen Combs (Saturday, 02 November 2013 08:24)
"Paula" - I don't posts without a point anymore (someday you loons will get it!) but I can tell you this much - I was thrilled too! I consider it a BADGE OF HONOR to be oppressed by this regime!
Karen Combs (Friday, 01 November 2013 21:23)
Shadow - thanks, it really isn't much $$, mostly TIME!
Janice - I agree the rankings are really sad! Everyone should keep them in mind when considering Board of Education candidates. A link to watch the Candidates' Night is:
Andrew Wilson didn't bother to attend - nor did his Council candidate wife! That's one thing to DEFINITELY remember on Nov. 5th! I think it takes a special kind of NERVE for a husband/wife combo to run at the same time! As much as I have no use for Chapstick, in this case, her husband having the gall to run is worse. He was NEVER a regular participant at BOE meetings (nor was Luce or Wardle, for that matter). Taylor doesn't attend BOE meetings, but had periodically served as their levy spokesman (since he doesn't seem bothered by giving inaccurate info to the public!). What on earth makes people like that think they deserve to get elected?
At least two BOE candidates who spoke showed some astonishing lack of priority! Jeri Ann Luce said we must "immediately resolve the problems with negotiations." I couldn't care less about negotiations, hon. How about we focus on PERFORMANCE? She also said about retire/rehire (or double-dipping) that we should "make it applicable for everyone not just a select few." In other words, we should not just let Scarberry and administrators do it, but all the teachers as well! How will making sure that teachers get more and more and more money fix our schools, Ms. Luce? I doubt she would know. She is paid $70,243 to teach in Xenia and their scores ain't so hot either!
Worse yet was Dave Taylor. He said he is "convinced our community doesn't grasp how well the school district prepares our kids." Yeah, I have a hard time "grasping" that Dave, particularly since there is NO EVIDENCE of it! Our ACT and SAT scores aren't great and - as Shadow has presented several times - very few of our kids make it into elite schools. He then says that a "few years ago" (presumably when he was on the Board of Education but before he was ineligible to seek re-election because he couldn't complete a proper nominating petition!), the FCS bought $50K worth of furniture for $1K. He said this proves they ARE "spending money wisely and effectively." Sure, if you just don't ask what they did with the other $42 million!! LOL. He closes out his silly remarks by thanking the crowd for their votes on "November 4th." This guy DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHEN ELECTION DAY IS!!!
I am working on a few other tips about Ms. Luce - may have something else to post soon.
Janice (Friday, 01 November 2013 20:29)
Those school rankings were so upsetting. I can't believe we have sunk to this and all the teachers and Board want to talk about is contracts and levies. Who cares about that when the results are so BAD???
Shadow (Friday, 01 November 2013 16:23)
From Karen's Post 115:
"U - Yes, in 2011-2012, the Beavercreek teachers took a 2% PAY CUT and a wage freeze for 2012-2013. Their latest contract called for a TOTAL WAGE FREEZE for the next TWO years - (2013-14 and 2015-16) - NO step increases, NO nothing. They also agreed to adjust their healthcare plan to whatever was necessary to realize a 6% savings for the district and to cap all future increases in such costs to 10% annually. The only way they get any wage increase at all is if the state report is EXCELLENT again, then they get a one time "bump" in pay. Making sacrifices for the financial welfare of the district? Linking pay to PERFORMANCE? WOW!"
Excellent work showing how a school district leadership team CAN control cost AND demand academic excellence! FCS? Different story entirely:
From the contract Lord $carberry and The Beav signed in August of 2011:
"Article VI Compensation and Reimbursement
C. Instructional Employees presently employed by the Board and assigned on the salary schedule shall be eligible for assignment to the next higher step at the start of each school year if said Instructional Employee was employed at the next lower step for one hundred (120) days or more in the preceding school year or each of the interval years between steps."
To make this easier to understand: Per the last contract's Addendum B, there is a salary plan with 19 steps; hence in most cases, in each successive year, a teacher will move up a step. Indeed, the Addendum B's salary schedules/indexes has a column titled "Years of Teaching" which directly correlates to the "Step" column in Addendum's Salary plan. Again, this isn't in every case, but if a teacher completes their 10th year in FCS, the next school year they start at a Step 11 and receive almost $2,000 additional that year.
That is why FCS teacher salaries continue to climb compared to REAL school district leadership teams who demand pay AND step freezes to control ballooning salary costs…Heck, as Karen pointed out, Beavercreek CUT teacher pay at the start of their contract and they get a bump if they PERFORM!
Speaking of performance, here is another ZERO OUTSIDE ACCOUNTABILITY contract gem from the $carberry/Beav/FEA "for the kids" monarchy:
"Article IX 9.15 Student Testing
The district will not release to the public an Instructional Employee's name or classroom number in regard to test scores, the result of any test average, or placements unless the state mandates the district to do so."
Yep, with this little proviso, you can be told that your little Johnny/Jenny is failing…And not be able to find out that the rest of their class is failing also! Nice way to protect incompetence in teaching, no? Why? What are FCS and the FEA hiding? Yes folks, a rhetorical question…FCS BELOW AVERAGE PERFORMANCE IN THEIR PRIMARY MISSION: TEACHING OUR CHILDREN.
Karen's latest featured article, which concerned FCS WORSENING results in long-term objective measures of educational performance, shows again that Fairborn Speaks! is the only place concerned parents can go and find out the TRUTH concerning FCS lack of educational effectiveness. Other outlets tug on the emotions and give anecdotal examples, but Karen should be commended for putting her own $$$ on the line in an REAL effort to improve OUR children's futures.
EDE1 (Friday, 01 November 2013 14:46)
While I was at it, posting this link to the latest article about the FCS finances. They say NO levy attempt in 2014. They better plan on sticking with that!
EDE1 (Friday, 01 November 2013 14:40)
This is what they said last year when Beggar's Night was rescheduled due to weather--(Fairborn paper 10/3/12)
City Manager Debbie McDonnell and Fairborn City Schools Superintendent Dave Scarberry made the decision based on the inclement weather and for the sake of the kids.
"Beggar's Night is really about Halloween for the kids," said McDonnell Tuesday. "It's all about them, so it really is in their best interest to hold it on a day when they and their families can enjoy it. Saturday is supposed to be much nicer."
This year we get told that some other group decides for us. These people wouldn't know the truth if it bit them. Do whatever takes to get a Council that makes it a priority to lose her and a School Board that gets rid of Scarberry. When it comes to those two it's time to TAP OUT!
Karen Combs (Friday, 01 November 2013 14:01)
Thanks, Cheri - I got singled out for Gestapo tactics by the city? Makes me feel so special! LOL!
Cheri McGee (Friday, 01 November 2013 13:55)
Karen - the city is arbitrarily blocking YOU on facebook but not others! How do I know? Well, I was posting there too and Karen said nothing worse than me or anyone else - and I can still post. This is ridiculous!
Karen Combs (Friday, 01 November 2013 13:18)
To Yeah, right - I don't post ZERO POINT posts anymore. I couldn't care less about your opinion about me! And if the worst you can muster about all the work that is presented here is to whine about whether I "fact-checked" when Grandparents' Day was, I PLEAD GUILTY. Didn't check, didn't care then, still don't care now! The discussion was about whether the teachers had gone "work to rule" - doing only the state minimums - and I see none of you sycophants willing to answer THAT! YOU"VE GOT NOTHING but little side issues and distractions. YAWN. As for me running for office, gee, that is so original - never heard/addressed that ABOUT A MILLION TIMES ALREADY. Really, how TEDIOUS can you get?
Danger Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 17:09)
OMG - The FCS is in a FISCAL MESS (real or imagined) for the second time in a decade. Our state report card is one of the worst around! (further info on this to follow). But below is what kind of CRAP they post on their webpage ("Curriculum Corner)? The inmates are DEFINITELY running that asylum!
Good stuff
The best thing to do behind a friend's back is pat it.
If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't been in bed with a mosquito.
Courage is contagious. When a brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.
Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other matters, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder.
There is no such thing as a non-working mother.
Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge.
One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.
Pride is tasteless, colorless and sizeless. Yet it is the toughest thing to swallow.
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years by trying to get them interested in you.
Be kind. Every person you meet is fighting a hard battle.
An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything.
I will add one of my own: if you think you are in a nightmare, you ARE. Welcome to Fairborn.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:53)
Retired - I took the time - as I OFTEN DO - to re-word my posts if I feel I didn't use the best possible choices to make myself clear, had an abundance of typos, etc. That is one of the few privileges of owning this site. Putting up with little charmers like you is another. LOL.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:49)
Retired - the way I see it, "Average Joe" simply ASKED A QUESTION which I offered a possible answer for and now we are under attack by you geezers! You aren't as friendly as you think. Too much Viagra? LOL.
Retired (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:47)
Like the way you changed your post. Now you don't look so bad.
TJ (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:41)
I just saw on Channel 7 news that the FCS will be 'in the black' for the next three years and do not foresee placing a levy on the ballot in 2014. Gee, maybe the State should come in more often and take over for our lack of leaders/leadership. I really don't understand how a District can go from being millions of dollars short in funds, to having enough to last for an additional three years??
Retired (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:28)
Karen-if you would be so kind to look at the Fairborn City Schools Calendar you will see that Grandparent's Day has been going on since last week at the schools. Fairborn Intrmediate had theirs (everyday) this week and will have another session on Monday. Do you really think each school would have one date set aside for all Grandparents to show up? I never called anyone a liar. I just said "Check your facts before you complain!" I really don't understand the point of you being so negative just because you weren't aware of something. Is that how all your responses have been to people on this site?
Karen Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:19)
It is BLOWING UP on the city Facebook page about their IDIOTIC REFUSAL to reschedule Trick-or-Treat. Sorry, kids, I have two bags of candy, but I am not getting pneumonia to pass it out - nor am I encouraging the foolish "parents" who would bring their kids out in this nasty weather! Come back tomorrow when it's supposed to be dry and 60. Just because your city leadership doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain - LITERALLY - doesn't mean you have to follow along! (Gee, I wonder where Dan "Safety" Kirkpatrick stands on all this? Falling tree limbs and downed power poles? Little children out in that? Sounds like a CALAMITY! LOL.)
Karen Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 16:17)
Sycophants, please! According to the school website, Grandparent's Day for the Intermediate School is scheduled for TOMORROW. If you think you already attended it, it may be time for the home.
Retired (Thursday, 31 October 2013 15:36)
Average Joe-Check your facts before you complain! Not sure if Junior High and High School have Grandparent's Day (highly unlikely), but Fairborn Intermediate and Primary School did with a huge turnout. So which schools are you complaing about?
Grandparent (Thursday, 31 October 2013 14:45)
Average Joe you are full of crap! I went to Grandparents day on Tuesday. So I don't think you know what you are talking about.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 31 October 2013 00:11)
Informed Voter - yes, and Deputy Mayor Stuart Snow had a letter of support in the paper for Dan too, which he signed as a "Dr." I guess that would be due to his $1,100 mail-order theology degree? LOL. Well, this is the same member of Council who took the UNPRECEDENTED move of voting AGAINST A CITIZEN WHO VOLUNTEERED FOR A CITY COMMITTEE and subsequently had to "apologize" for this outrage. I have known the man he embarrassed and rebuked as a REAL Christian who NEVER DESERVED this petty attack!
Now, Stewie pens a letter saying Dan is "head and shoulders above the others." Really? We know Squiggy Snow just dislikes Robert Wood because he had the guts to stand up against darling Deb when Stewie didn't, but what does he have against Tommy Adkins, an honorable man, disabled veteran, and active churchgoer?
Another "reverend" picking favorites. How charming. Well, unless Fairborn wants this to be the kind of NIGHTMARE CLAN that continues to run this town, when it comes to the mayoral race - VOTE FOR ANYONE EXCEPT DAN KIRKPATRICK!
When it comes to the other races - I agree 100% - vote for ONLY the candidates you really want up there - let the others fight for the scraps. I would love to see a BIG BOLD MESSAGE on Election Day to most of them - "WE DON'T TRUST YOU AND NEVER WANTED YOU UP THERE." That would be AWESOME!
With Stuart Snow - what a RELIEF that he will be gone from the Council! Talk about USELESS! And sat up there saying he has "more integrity in his little finger than most people have in their whole body." Humble, ain't he? I hear he preaches to a church that is mainly Appalachians, but he sat silent as a stone while the City Manager attacked them without cause. Real example of a Christian minister, ain't he? Even mentioned that his wife was Appalachian, but apparently felt no need to stand up for her either! Well, GOOD RIDDANCE! Let's make sure he takes Dan and company with him!
Average Joe - I know that teachers can do what is called "work to rule" which is performing only the bare minimum required by their contracts - I don't know how that comes into play if the contract is nullified, but I suspect the Grandparent's Day snub is part of a similar effort. This is about as smart as Scaryberry cancelling the band performance at the 4th of July parade! Keep it up, teacher's union - next time you say "it's for the kids," we will be adding a LAUGH TRACK.
average joe (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 22:07)
I heard the teachers had a meeting where they decided to not do grandparents day. Can they do that? Isn't that something set up by the district? And how does this benefit the kids? Can you say "shoot yourself in the foot"? If they're looking for sympathy, this ain't the way to get it.
Informed voter (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 15:13)
Through my research, this is how I see the upcoming council/mayor election. As in past elections, the Rev.'s PAC has flooded the candidate pool, therefore ensuring that if everyone votes for the maximum eligible it will take votes away from anyone not endorsed by them. That is why they are all running together as a team and their literature is being distributed collectively as a packet. In order to prevent their plan from being implemented it is important that people ONLY vote for the candidate or candidates that they would like to see elected and NOT cast the max allowable on the ballot.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 13:59)
Noname - Yes, if Dan Kirkpatrick or Robert Wood (or both) lose the mayoral race, one or both of them is OFF the Council.
I wonder how Fairborn feels about Dan Kirkpatrick, Paul Keller, Rob Hoffman and Donna Wilson all running together as a "team"? I thought Council was supposed to be seven independent individuals who could evaluate issues and make their own decisions. With this new "gang" approach, we would be, in effect, electing an "instant majority." Scary! If they already have the majority, and they all plan to play by the same "rulebook" (which, apparently, will be whatever the preacher decides!) then we are basically held hostage to them! This is NOT a way to improve Fairborn!
Noname (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 12:19)
I hope this goes through o.k. As a proud Appalachian, I say Dan Kirkpatrick was so awful and so arrogant to the people at that meeting that I don't know how/why anyone would vote for him. My neighbor is coming home early from a vacation to vote for someone else that's how bad he feels toward Mr. Kirkpatrick!
We gave this city manager a chance for years and she blew it. All him and his cronies will do is keep looking out for her. Nothing will ever get better for Fairborn doing that. Please don't make him mayor. If he loses, won't we have a chance to get rid of him all together?
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 10:08)
U - Yes, in 2011-2012, the Beavercreek teachers took a 2% PAY CUT and a wage freeze for 2012-2013. Their latest contract called for a TOTAL WAGE FREEZE for the next TWO years - (2013-14 and 2015-16) - NO step increases, NO nothing. They also agreed to adjust their healthcare plan to whatever was necessary to realize a 6% savings for the district and to cap all future increases in such costs to 10% annually. The only way they get any wage increase at all is if the state report is EXCELLENT again, then they get a one time "bump" in pay. Making sacrifices for the financial welfare of the district? Linking pay to PERFORMANCE? WOW! Those Beavercreek teachers really ARE there "for the kids"!! All ours do is whine, threaten, lather, rinse, repeat.
Cheri McGee (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 10:03)
Someone stole the Dave Criner campaign sign from my parents' yard. I know someone was stealing Tommy Adkins signs too. Is this what they have to stoop to try to win elections? Pathetic.
U No Like Math (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 09:29)
I took the liberty of offering my take on your last post, including what was directed to me:
You believe Beavers' 5 year forecasts? Santa and the Tooth Fairy too?
What is Beavercreek's premium with that zero deductible? Fairly high. As of October 2011, the last report I could find, it was $6155 single, $17180 family. But Karen already explained how Beavercreek
teachers EARN their keep. I think I saw not too long ago where they took PAY CUTS too. Imagine that!
We CAN safely assume that the FCS premiums are too high based on EVERY comparison made for the whole state! Let's try whatever we can to bring them down.
According to you, the Auditor doesn't know anything about individual districts. Then why do you think the Auditor knows that further cuts would hurt education here? Pick a position.
There IS a reason to believe that higher deductibles would reduce the premiums - because that is how insurance usually works! Your "version" requires us to accept that somehow the FCS is this special place where everything is different than the rest of Ohio. Tough sell.
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 08:47)
I am working on a list of things the new City Council should do immediately (besides fire the City Manager!) - feel free to offer your suggestions. It is obvious that they could use some ideas as they don't seem to have any of their own!
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 08:22)
I guess when State Rep. Rick Perales isn't out getting punched in the face at taco restaurants, he is busy endorsing the WORST candidates for city office! According to Dan Kirkpatrick's campaign facebook page, Perales endorsed him and his letter will soon appear in the newspaper. I find Perales' decision to be bad judgment in more ways than just his ill-informed choice here.
I don't think it is the place of state officials to pick favorites in local races. If someone else wins, that creates an awkward situation from the get-go. Maybe that is why one rarely sees it done. I don't recall seeing ANY endorsements by state officials for ANY city candidates since I began paying close attention to city politics years ago. In my opinion, it is just bad form. Of course, Dan Kirkpatrick doesn't mind - any guy that has a preacher for his campaign Treasurer really isn't above too much!
The final reason I object is that Fairborn has already been ruled by a little clique for a decade or so - we don't need state officials to promote this mentality. State officials should be prepared to work with whomever is elected to that office by the VOTERS OF FAIRBORN.
I already expressed my disappointment in a message to Mr. Perales and I urge you to do the same. He has a facebook page where you can send a private message, post, or you can reach his office's e-mail form via this link:
I think he might as well know that what he is doing to get votes for Dan Kirkpatrick may cost him a few of his own.
In response to tj: (Wednesday, 30 October 2013 08:16)
They also just rename the position
TJ (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 19:40)
In reference to Post #99 - what most people don't know is that the people cut from the positions are placed elsewhere in the district in similar or better positions. So there really are NO cuts, just moving people around to look like the position was cut.
WT Frustrated (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 16:00)
2 things
1. I keep reading that the state told the district either cut costs or get more money? (Very simply translated); That is why the levies are so important? I want a smart phone and a DVR, I should tell my boss he has to give me a raise so that I won't be in fiscal crisis or better yet...I bought the smart phone and DVR already (overpaid WAAAAY to much for it; some defects), and now he has to give me a raise? Where is the logic in that. Of course the state would suggest a levy, these are the same people that have been ruled against several times because of the way they fund schools is illegal!
2. The Union was told (as well as the BOE and leaders) that premiums would go down if a bigger percentage would go for routine well visits. This information was given to employees in July! So FCS teachers and classified staff have this AWESOME health care plan and still don't see the need to go have their blood pressure and weight checked once a year????
I don't know nor do I want to know who can defend trying to take money from someone who wants a quality product but continuing to give them cold fries and flat soda...UGH!!!
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 15:11)
Re-posting this before it gets deleted from Dan Kirkpatrick's FB page. His post first (wait - I HAVE to comment first -people are asking why they don't see more of his campaign signs? Must be the same people who talk to him all the time about how great he is!? No one else can see them and they hide under his bed when grown-ups approach! And then he says "so we can remove them" - who is "we," Dan? Who died and left you in charge of stealing campaign signs?), then my EXCELLENT question (not answered yet):
"Several people have asked why we don't have more "Dan Kirkpatrick" for Mayor signs around Fairborn. The city recently sent out a letter describing the appropriate placement of campaign signs. I intend to honor the message in that letter. Campaign signs are not to be placed in public right-of-ways. Campaign signs should only be placed on private property. If you see any of my campaign signs in right-of-ways - please let me know so we can remove them."
Karen Combs: Which ordinance governs this? 1174.05 states signs are not allowed in the right-of-way without a permit, but 1174.13 states political signs are allowed without permit in "all zoning districts" and goes on to define these to include most of what would traditionally be considered a public right-of-way. Don't you think that we need some CLEAR legislation on this issue? Why haven't we done it before now?
How come the "proven leader" didn't fix this mess in the FOUR YEARS he has been up there? I guess he is waiting for Deb to give him the approval to speak again! LOL.
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 14:58)
In the ENTIRELY IMPLAUSIBLE event you aren't CEO, you should really go meet him. Jog on into that "unnecessary middleman taking advantage of the poor" franchise his Bubbie lets him run and you may meet your soulmate. LOL.
How could we save REAL money? Make the changes they've been told to make since 2005. You see, dear, not facing an increase on a plan they NEVER should have had in the first place is NOT a savings, no matter how you wish it was!
I didn't go to Bora Bora this week. "Saved" thousands. LOL. Can't wait to tell my accountant.
There are a few possibilities for Beavercreek. For starters, with 10 schools and nearly double our enrollment, they have roughly TWICE the number of teachers we have - probably twice as many support staff too - so that is a much bigger number of insured for the policy, spreading the risk around = lower premiums. Also, feel free to check into whether they belong to a consortium to save money on health care insurance like 74% of other Ohio districts do. I noticed you didn't want to answer WHY WE DON'T TRY IT?
OF course, the people of Beavercreek are not only MUCH WEALTHIER and LOGICALLY HAVE MORE TO GIVE, but they can also take pride in their schools. Beavercreek was one of only 46 schools in more than 600 districts statewide to be rated "Excellent" for 10+ consecutive years. I don't think they have ever been in "FISCAL CRISIS" and certainly not TWICE!! No doubt their citizens feel a little differently toward them because of PERFORMANCE. In the meantime, the union thugs want MONEY FIRST, LUXURY BENEFITS SECOND, RESULTS LAST. I've thought it over and NO, THANK YOU!
Evidently, the State Employee Relations Board feels the statewide comparison of premiums IS valid because they go to great lengths to publish it! Nothing about the report is being hidden - that's why I offered a LINK to it. People are free to go look-up whatever comparisons they prefer! At the end of the day, no matter how many tables you read - one thing is clear - we are PAYING WAY TOO MUCH and we have NEVER BEEN GIVEN A REASON FOR IT! Unless you have an explanation that you can BACK-UP, stop yapping. Your "guarantees" -of all your "secret knowledge" which you won't even back-up by identifying yourself - are MEANINGLESS.
Good grief, I am not "dodging" questions. I am glad you have questions - it is ABOUT TIME more people got curious about the NEGLIGENCE of our public officials in Fairborn! Please, feel free to go look up the answers to all your burning questions and report back to us! I think the answer is around 10%, but I do enough researching and reporting - so I don't feel any need to accept "assignments" from you! Of course, it doesn't matter HOW MANY have no deductibles, unlike those 10% or so, FAIRBORN CAN'T AFFORD IT!!! We have a champagne union on a beer budget…. and rotgut results!
So, let me understand this -- you say if we make more financial cuts to our schools, you are worried about the "education"? Well, we spent the past 8 years NOT making the cuts and the education STILL STINKS. So, yes, I AM prepared to make the cuts and see how that goes! Not much to lose here!
KCIAAW (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 12:51)
It's always an honor to be "accused" of being someone on this site! I was hoping you would go with JD, but I'll take CEO!
1. Health care, prices almost ALWAYS increase year over year. Had they not made the change how much would they have spent? Since they made a change how much are they expecting to spend? The difference, if any, is savings. Plain and simple. There is absolutely no sleight of hand or dishonestly involved. Look the districts five year forecast - they predict increases every year. By avoiding or minimizing those predicted increases by making changes they are SAVING money.
2. How do you explain districts like Beavercreek that have no deductible and considerably lower premiums? For privacy reasons we will never know the medical history of the Fairborn teachers. However, it would only take a few very sick people to drastically raise premiums. Insurance companies are in business to make money, not lose it. I agree with you that they should be shopping around for the best deal but stating that raising the deductible will magically fix premiums is a flat out lie.
3. I said salaries and benefits. Benefits include health care. I was making a general statement in regards to overall compensation. I realize you were talking about benefits. My response was related to you writing: "Well, statewide, the average annual public employee premium is ONLY $6,240 and family plan is just $12,749!". Your statement leads be to believe you compared the Fairborn teachers benefit costs to all the public plans in Ohio.
4. Again the numbers YOU posted are for statewide public employees. This is not a fair comparison.
5. Why can we safely assume anything? I am not willing to assume that 50% are in that range. Also, you dodged my question about how many of those employers pay 100% of the deductible.
6. The audit CLEARLY states that further cuts "may greatly effect educational programs." Is that the route we want to go as a city? I would not expect our leadership to follow every suggestion as written, I would expect them to discuss and research every suggestion to see what makes sense for OUR district and then implement the results. The state auditor does not necessarily know the needs of individual districts.
U No Like Math - there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON TO BELIEVE that even with a higher deductible that our premiums would be reduced to the "average". I can all but guarantee you that if Fairborn switched to a high deductible plan and paid the deductibles like other districts are doing Fairborn would still be paying much higher overall to run their health plan care. Again, it is NOT the deductible that is driving the premiums of Fairborn - there is something much deeper pushing the number up.
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 12:24)
100% agree, TJ! Notice how NONE of them can explain the "45 cuts" either? They must hate being held accountable for a change!
TJ (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 12:16)
Watched more of the BOE meeting. Interesting comments by Swaim. Says some say the teachers are paid too much and that they have 'Cadillac' insurance. He says he doesn't feel that way, that they deserve more. He proceeds to say, "but we just don't have the money to give; if we did I would give it to you." Very interesting comment when the BOE and teachers keep saying this is all about the kids. The money if a levy passed was supposed to be about the kids, then we find out after it fails that it was mostly for automatic pay raises for the teachers. You cannot believe anything any of the FCS people say!
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 11:42)
U - You really put that succinctly! I tried to make the same point to the SKPers earlier, but you summed it up far better than I did!
EDE1 - Yes, won't that be an impressive "campaign" - vote for us, we haven't fixed a thing since the last time around"!! LOL!
U No Like Math (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 09:14)
KCIAAW - I don't understand your argument that other districts reimburse the deductible like that is such a big deal. If we pay over $23K and the average is closer to $12K, can't we can get a $12K policy (which is good enough for the average teacher in Ohio and since ours perform below average, they should be lucky to get that!), even pay ALL of a big deductible like $2500, and we are still only at $14,500 per policy - about $8,500 LESS than the policy we have now. If 300 people have this insurance, that is still a savings of over $2.5 million! Either you aren't too smart or you think the people of Fairborn aren't!
EDE1 (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 08:58)
They don't "get" it that people here are having a tough time. We have every right to demand responsible spending. I agree - this insurance fiasco is probably the tip of the iceberg. Bet there are many other changes they refused to make from the audit. The FCS is having a hard time scraping together an excuse for a levy as it is. If they had taken all the state's advice, we wouldn't need one at all! I am through paying for bad management. Fire them, put competent people in there and then - and ONLY then - maybe we can see the light.
Karen Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 00:56)
Ronnie - I considered that possibility, but if these are just unfilled/unneeded positions, then HOW DARE THEY try to pass them off as some big "cut"???
Danger Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 00:54)
KCIAAW? Is that a confession? Does that stand for Karen Combs, I am a whack-a-do? I agree, YOU ARE!
Now KPUAADA - (I'll let you decipher that one!) --Gee, you do such a great job of disguising yourself, CEO, I almost didn't recognize all those same arguments you repeated and repeated (and repeated) at all hours of the day and night - you know, the ones that I shot down weeks ago? YAWN.
Whassa' matter? Get bored bribing people for pictures of their kids on facebook? And who counted for you, Betty B. Botox? You don't seem to have a #6 after your #5 (skip that episode of Sesame Street?). Oh, well, try to keep up anyway, dear, your comeuppance will all be over in a minute…..
1. Paying $7.1 million instead of $6.4 million is a "savings" to the FCS? Maybe that thinking is why we are in a FISCAL CRISIS for the SECOND TIME IN A DECADE!! Don't get me wrong, I fervently hope the FCS continues to use sleight-of-hand and semantics in order to be dishonest with the public. I am just surprised, that's all. You would think that after losing the last time TWO TO ONE, they might have figured out that voters are OFFENDED BY IT. Just not that bright, eh?
2. So the FCS staff is so sick and decrepit that it costs us TWICE the amount to insure our teachers as the average Ohio school? My God, call the Centers for Disease Control before it spreads like the monkey flu. Wait a minute, look at those union reps - I may have isolated the point of origin! Sadly, it appears to be too late to save you. Gosh, I'll miss you. LOL.
Unless you can show me the WRITTEN ESTIMATES for health plans for the FCS using a substantially HIGHER deductible, I will reach the same conclusion that THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL REACH - the FCS never even bothered to try reducing these costs by negotiating a more reasonable deductible! So, please produce the estimates. I'll wait right here. LOL.
I know you are on a one-man crusade against truth, but deductibles are the main factor in premiums. That is just COMMON SENSE. Consumer Reports, August 2013, states "in general, plans with higher premiums have lower deductibles and vice versa." Unless you have EVIDENCE to the contrary, the REASONABLE EXPLANATION for our LOW DEDUCTIBLE is our ASTRONOMICAL PREMIUMS!
3. I NEVER compared "salaries" - the report - like my article is about HEALTH INSURANCE. Are you SURE you don't want to take me up on those reading comprehension lessons I offered to pay for? AS I SAID, the SERB report is very detailed and compares data many different ways - INCLUDING BY COMPARING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ONLY - and even breaking this down into regions of the state. So, nice and easy, try to stay with me now - I compared costs of SCHOOL DISTRICT health plans in the Dayton region! See how easy that was? I even put a link there so you can click on it and read it yourself (an exercise in futility, no doubt).
4. Again, we pay TWICE - that is DOUBLE, dear - the family health premium of an average Ohio school district WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. Yes, we are being ROBBED.
5. Thanks for asking. I deliberately didn't include the largest category (with 28%) because FCS is within it and the range is (unfortunately) very large - $200-800. Without further details of where people fell within this range, I knew some twerp like you would complain if I used it. But since you have complained anyway, then I think we can safely assume that at least 50% of those people are in the $400-$800 dollar range. There, now we are at over 51% of Ohio school districts paying a higher deductible. Happy? LOL.
We are a poor district. We shouldn't be in the top fifty percent of paying ANYTHING.
Danger Combs (Tuesday, 29 October 2013 00:53)
6. Finally, it is your position that the State Auditor issued an extensive report containing page after page of detailed recommendations for the fun of it?! It is your contention that the Auditor said "nevermind all those necessary changes and common-sense plans, just pass another levy"?! Well, I would call you intellectually dishonest, but I would hate to give anyone the impression you had ANY intellect whatsoever!
The audit repeatedly states the importance of not only following the recommendations, but finding even MORE ways to make cuts!
We had this Audit the first time we were in FISCAL CRISIS. Wouldn't a SMART "leadership" follow EVERY SUGGESTION to the letter? Why didn't the FCS? How many others did they ignore? What did all THAT cost us?
Well, the purpose of the 2005 Performance Audit is made clear on the introductory letter, which states: "The performance audit contains recommendations which identify the potential for cost savings and efficiency improvements." Indeed, there are 14 SUMMARY PAGES of such recommendations. The health insurance one is a biggie because it has the potential to save MILLIONS.
On the topic of health insurance, the audit states "Fairborn CSD (City School District) pays substantially more in health insurance than the peers." It UNEQUIVOCALLY STATES:
R3.6 (section 3, page 15) "The District should work with its collective bargaining units and health care provider to renegotiate key benefits to help offset health insurance costs.
Specifically, Fairborn CSD should change to a three tier formulary with higher copays, seek lower premiums, and increase the employee annual deductible."
NOWHERE does it say abandon these recommendations because it won't fix all your problems and YOU KNOW IT.
I think they are supposed to do another Performance Audit since we are in FISCAL CRISIS for the second time in a decade. Given the fact that our enrollment has dropped, I am sure the numbers won't be any prettier.
People like you - serving up LIE after DESPERATE LIE on behalf of this school district is one of the main reasons NO ONE BELIEVES ANYTHING THE FCS SAYS!!! So, again, thanks for making my job unraveling you SO DA**ED EASY!!!
Karen Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 22:37)
"Average Joe" - Yep! The big "endorsement" for Dan Kirkpatrick was Joan Dautel - THE WORST MAYOR IN FAIRBORN HISTORY!!! You have to admit you chuckled when she talked about his "integrity"! What is funnier - pretending he has it or pretending she would recognize it?
KCIAAW (Monday, 28 October 2013 21:37)
1. The BOE projected they would spend $7.6 million on healthcare in 2013/2014. They are now pacing to spend $7.1 million. That is a SAVINGS. Last years numbers, much like the numbers from 1964, are irrelevant. When a budget is put together and approved and an item comes in under budget it is a savings.
2. You claim "The deductible - the main thing that is causing the cost of the policy - remains UNCHANGED." This is completely, 100% misleading. The main cost associated with a large group health insurance policy, taken from www.NAHU.org is:
"The health insurance company bases annual premium changes for large employer groups primarily on the claims experience of the group in past years, as well as any overall increases in the cost of providing health insurance coverage. An example of such costs would be changes in laws that may impact operating expenses."
It is fact that the medical history of the GROUP being insured creates a baseline. Once the baseline has been established the deductible will move the baseline up or down depending on how it is adjusted. Who do you think would have a lower premium a group of 500 cancer survivors with a $500 deductible or a group of 500 healthy people with a $0 deductible. Without a doubt the healthy group with the $0 deductible will be cheaper! Go talk to your insurance buddy again - I can almost guarantee you misunderstood what they said.
3. When comparing salaries and benefits to determine if someone is properly compensated you need to compare "apples to apples". Comparing the teachers to "firefighters, schools, county employees, etc." is a complete waste of time. We might as well compare teachers salaries to doctors and lawyers too. A more insightful comparison would be that of only the teachers in the state or even just the teachers in metropolitan areas of the state.
4. "We are being robbed" because we pay more for health insurance then the average for all public workers in Ohio? See ALL of my above comments.
5. You claim "21.2% pay between $900-2399 and 15.9% pay $2400 or more! Ours is a mere $300!". What do the other 63% pay? You know that referencing what the MINORITY of districts do does not support your argument, correct? But, just to humor you, of those high deductible districts how many districts compensate the employee for 100% of that high deductible which causes the out of pocket deductible, per employee, to be $0?
7. You claim that EIGHT YEARS ago an audit was performed - would that be the performance audit in March of 2005? The audit that clearly states: "As the recommendations in this performance audit did not identify savings sufficient to remedy the District's financial
problems, the District will either need to make additional reductions that may greatly effect educational programs or work with its community to fund its current service levels." This is the audit that gave the city two choices - lower your quality of education or find a way to pass a levy. This audit specifically says that its own recommendations wouldn't save enough money to right the financials of the district.
Ronnie (Monday, 28 October 2013 21:32)
Been a while since I have posted. Karen, you ask a good question on the fuzzy math. Just a thought, did they fill district positions vacated by retirement?
average joe (Monday, 28 October 2013 20:52)
Read Friday's editorial section of the Fairborn Daily Herald for more insight into the candidates for mayor. And just a thought, look who is supporting them. Then ask yourself, who do I want for mayor?
Karen Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 19:25)
I have another question - they keep referring to "45 jobs cut" in April of 2013. WHAT JOBS WERE CUT? In the April 2013 board meeting minutes, I see a generic reference to cutting "22 positions" in teaching with NO SPECIFICS. WHICH teachers were "cut" and teaching WHAT CLASSES/GRADES? I then see a "reduction in force" for 20 Noon Duty Assistants (listed) and 2 Principal Aides positions (but only one individual actually listed). So, 22 imaginary teachers and 20 Noon aides and 1 principal aide. Maybe it's just my Fairborn grad math, but does ANYONE get 45 from that?
Shadow (Monday, 28 October 2013 19:03)
I would be remiss in my duties if I re-posted $carberry's history without bringing up his right hand man's...The Court Jester, AKA The Beav, AKA Leisure Suit Larry AKA Stuart Smalley (did you see the sweater he was wearing during last Friday's special session?)
Here is the "Did you Know?" Eric Beavers edition:
- In 2000, Beavers is employed at the Gorham-Fayette Schools.
- A September 13 2000 Bryan Times article details that Beavers is being hired by Stryker Local schools, with a contract which will pay him $45,000 a year through 2002
- A November 20 2001 article in the Bryan Times details how there is a controversy about how money is being transferred amongst school accounts. Beavers is called on the carpet at the BOE meeting to explain why there is a discrepancy in the schools books.
- A November 1 2005 Toledo Blade article details how the Defiance school district has hired Beavers. Despite the fund allocation controversy, Beavers has engineered himself a very nice raise of $12,800, to 57,800 while at Stryker. Defiance gives Beavers a contract through 2007 @ $65,000 per annum.
- A Dayton Daily News article dated June 22 2010 details how Beavers has been hired from the Defiance schools by the Springboro schools. We don't know how much more money Beavers was able to swing for himself while at Defiance Schools, but he is scheduled to start August 1st 2010 at Springboro, with a salary of $105,000 a year, plus benefits
- Beavers "me first" pre-disposition is clearly evident in a November 5 2010 Middletown Journal article, detailing his resignation from Springboro schools. The article contains the following details:
"Eric Beavers told school board officials on Wednesday he is resigning after three months on the job.
Beavers said he expects to be hired by the Fairborn City Schools. That board has called a special meeting today, where Beavers is expected to be officially hired.
Beavers said he resigned because of "board issues," but declined to elaborate."
Note, Beavers announced this at a Wednesday board meeting, the day after a levy was defeated in Springboro. Also note how FCS accommodated Beavers with a special meeting just to hire him. Clearly, he was negotiating behind the Springboro BOE's back with Fairborn. FCS, as was the case with the $carberry hiring from Cuyahoga Falls, should have did some research on who exactly they were getting, but alas, that would require LEADERSHIP AND COMPETENCE!
Karen Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 16:45)
Shadow - that link is AMAZING! BOE members TALKING - at a PUBLIC MEETING - about ISSUES that impact their school district? Whoda thunk it?!?! Did the "law" crack down on them? LOL.
Karen Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 16:41)
EDE1 - Not a peep - can't say I'm shocked - typical of the Soup Kitchen Party. I will at least give Hoffman props for replying, even if it was just to backpedal. Other than Criner, I concede that Hoffman is more appealing than Keller and, heck, satan is more appealing than Donna Wilson!
Keller thinks his long list of being appointed to his buddy's little committees and "charities" will win over the public. Just check out his performance at the Candidates' Night! He rambled so long about what a little "do-gooder" he thinks he is that he had hardly any time left to discuss the issues! JUST THE WAY THEY LIKE IT! Donna "Chapstick" Wilson outdid him though - she just didn't bother to attend at all! LOL!
Shadow (Monday, 28 October 2013 16:36)
Not too far off TJ, Podgurski's Port Clinton digs is a house on Tenth St., Lord $carberry's is the previously mentioned Lakeshore Condo.
If I am allowed the privilege of a link, here is a repost of something I put up a while ago before one of the (many) FCS levy campaigns:
Yes, Lord $carberry left the Cuyahoga City schools in a financial mess...The best minute item is credited to a City Councilman named Schmidt:
"Mr. Schmidt stated he disagrees with Mrs. Klinger. He stated his neighbors and other residents he has spoken with all support the school board. Mr. Scarberry was a bad hire, the board got rid of him and it is now time to move on. The board has made improvements and the interim superintendent is obviously on the right track."
Yes folks, the BOE at the time of his Lordship's coronation should have done some further "vetting" prior, but we know how good government can be at "vetting."
EDE1 (Monday, 28 October 2013 16:24)
Did Paul Keller ever answer your e-mail?
Karen Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 12:45)
I knew the lawyer's name, but I don't know much else about him. I certainly have no idea whether he represented Scarberry previously, but I do think it is NO COINCIDENCE that they come from the same area! It is CRAZY that we pay someone this far away! There ARE Dayton law firms specializing in school law. I am not sure why the BOE retains City Solicitor Michael Mayer; that seems like a conflict of interest to me.
TJ (Monday, 28 October 2013 12:03)
Karen, the Cleveland Attorney in question is John Podgurski. He is a close friend and confidante of Scarberry. Podgurski bailed Scarberry's rear end out of some deep trouble with his previous school district near Cleveland (the District name slips my mind at the moment). Scarberry got in deep water with that District and had Podgurski represent him. Podgurski is nothing more than Scarberry's personal attorney, ensuring that he gets into as little trouble as possible while 'trying' to serve here. It is beyond me why we allow Scarberry and our Board to pay an out-of-town attorney when the Board has it's own attorney, our own City Prosecutor (which I might add isn't saying much), but he is the Board's legal representative. Why isn't Mayer attending these Union negotiation meetings rather than using taxpayer dollars to pay the Cleveland Attorney. Also, if you look at the court cases against the Fairborn City Schools, using the Greene County Clerk of Courts Website, other Dayton Attorneys are being used for various cases against the school. At one time, Scarberry's justification for using the Cleveland Attorney was that 'he specializes in "School Law"'. No, he specializes in protecting Scarberry's butt and nothing else. They probably have condos next to each other at Lake Erie too!
Danger Combs (Monday, 28 October 2013 10:39)
Here is THE REAL QUESTION:
WHY does Dave Scarberry still have a job?
It was/is apparent malfeasance to ignore the Ohio Auditor's recommendations about the healthcare plan. They also missed the deadline to withdraw from the union contract, but did so anyway. It may be tempting to blame the Board first, but isn't the biggest problem Dave Scarberry? The FCS' District Policy Manual, File BBA, details the duties of the Board of Education. These are pretty basic things like "select and employ the Superintendent and Treasurer."
At #6, we get to the heart of the matter - "to consider and approve or reject THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT in ALL MATTERS OF POLICY, appointment or dismal of employees, salary schedules...and other matters pertaining to the operation of the district."
Taking one look at our BOE, we KNOW they aren't capable of determining what should be on the agenda, keeping track of important deadlines, or deciding to pursue a new direction! My goodness, these are people who think there is a "law" preventing them, as elected officials, from speaking to their constituents! It couldn't be clearer that they TAKE ALL CUES from Dave Scarberry.
Well, if those rats have been led astray on this contract - like the healthcare plan - then the PIED PIPER is Davey. And, like the Pied Piper, when he was dissatisfied with the town for the pay he received for leading the rats, he leads the children to ruin. That sounds about right.
I also see the union thugs up in arms about the Board's Cleveland-area lawyer. How did we wind up with this guy and aren't there competent lawyers in the Dayton area? Well, ask yourself, WHO ELSE CAME FROM THE CLEVELAND AREA? Is this lawyer protecting the interests of the BOE or someone else? Hmmmm.
Despite the OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE that Dave Scarberry and his top lieutenants are FAILURES for this school district, they remain here, double-dipping salaries that they have NEVER EARNED.
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 23:25)
Ah, bedtime and still NOT A SINGLE VALID POINT raised in opposition to the new Featured Article. Night, night sycophants, maybe you can think of something tomorrow........but I doubt it!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 23:14)
"Question" - you are obviously quite confused - one has nothing to do with the other! The FCS has been warned about fixing the ABSURDLY EXPENSIVE healthcare plan since a 2005 state audit. They ignored it then and have continued to ignore it, costing us MILLIONS while we sink into FISCAL CRISIS for the second time in a decade. They have steadfastly refused to bring the cost of the healthcare plan down to terra firma. So we are STILL at TWICE the cost of the average public employee plan! TWICE THE COST.
The SERB decision to find "probable cause" on a contract dispute which erupted during the past couple months has NOTHING TO DO WITH the failure FOR YEARS of the BOE to find a more reasonable healthcare plan!
I've already said I think the union will likely prevail on the timing issues of the contract nullification (as I said, that was the plan/HOAX all along!). But I wouldn't get too excited about the finding of "probable cause." Similar to a criminal indictment, a finding of probable cause means NOTHING other than that a case can proceed to an evidentiary hearing where a decision (like a verdict) would be reached. The union still has to cross the hurdle of proving the case. We will see if they do.
But, again, a finding against the BOE on the 2013 contract dispute does NOT justify the BOE's and Scarberry's FAILURE to find a more affordable health plan YEARS AGO. This issue was pointed out to the Board by the public REPEATEDLY over at least the past year. It was a key point in anti-levy literature and it REMAINS UNADDRESSED. Do you seriously think ANYONE is going to vote for a levy while this issue lingers?
Question (Sunday, 27 October 2013 19:42)
If the state has consistently warned the BOE about the insurance cost, then why did the SERB tell the union they had enough cause to proceed with their grievance and their planned strike?
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 18:11)
EDE1 - It does seem INCONCEIVABLE that the BOE and the FCS "leadership" goes right on making the SAME MISTAKES that have cost us MILLIONS every year - despite the State telling them LONG AGO to fix the problem!
EDE1 (Sunday, 27 October 2013 18:04)
Those insurance numbers are a crime. Scarberry should be in jail.
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 17:25)
Ah, day has turned into evening and STILL NONE OF THEM CAN MAKE A POINT!!! Dispute the article with some FACTS!!! Better odds of them finding them the Great Pumpkin!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 16:52)
Janice e-mailed me to let me know that someone else was posting as her. To that person: you are lost - the Middle School Message Board is on facebook. LOL.
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 15:54)
The Sycos are saying I am you??? I must have gotten real close on the Dave Taylor/Student Body sync up; they are panicking hard now. Now, I have had a Syco (probably Non-Fairborn, I love minimum wage employees CEO) try to play me on this board, but it wasn't you. Heck, I just now found that crazy "Respect" page the Kitty's squeeze put up. Between that and the change.org requests, I had some laughs today.
You mentioned the Kaiser Foundation study. Here is an excerpt from a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (a global competiveness think tank) on education in the developed world:
"United States...
> Education expenditure as pct. of GDP: 7.3% (6th highest)
Public spending increased by 5% on average among OECD countries between 2008 and 2010. In the United States, however, spending decreased by 1% during that time. Still, the U.S. spent more than $22,700 per student in 2010 across all levels of education, by far the most among countries reviewed. Once they have 10 years of experience under their belt, American secondary school teachers earn some of the highest salaries for their profession among developed nations. Yet, on average, 16- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. display the lowest mathematical proficiency out of all the countries assessed by the OECD."
Fairborn Speaks! is the only public place where any demand for FCS accountability in the education of OUR CHILDREN occurs. As seen from the small excerpt I listed, a lack of accountability for results is plaguing the entire country when it comes to our schools keeping us competitive with the world. The local angle on this is despite apoligies and niceties, no teacher representative wants to come on this board and discuss real issues of educational effectiveness and fiscal solvency. I'm tired of the endless anecdotal accounts that people like Candidate Hoffman spew endlessly:
"When buyers make negative comments about the Fairborn Schools I suggest that they visit the schools & meet the teachers & kids that are in each of the buildings. They quickly realize that we have great kids & dedicated teachers."
C'mon folks, he is trying to sell a house, of course he is going to go the emotional, touchy-feely route...The OBJECTIVE MEASURES UNDER LORD $CARBERRY ARE BELOW AVERAGE AND $CARBERRY AND HIS LOYAL FLUNKIES BLAME OUR CHILDREN FOR IT!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:50)
I wonder how much mileage they could get from the thousands of readers at Fairbornspeaks if they EVER HAD AN ACTUAL POINT??? I guess we will never know!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:47)
Here are a few more details that may help the union thugs understand the real world. These come from the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2013 Employer Health Benefit Survey, which includes non-federal private and public employees in places with 3 or more workers:
-Only 57% of employers offer health benefits to employees;
-78% of those with coverage have a deductible; 58% at small businesses (3-199 employees) have a deductible of $1,000 or more
-The average worker contribution is 18% of single plans and 29% of family plans.
-The average annual cost to employees is $999 for single plans and $4,565 for family plans. For the FCS, this is just $782 single and $1,955 family;
-75% of the insured pay a co-pay for office visits;
-61% have co-insurance costs.
Please keep these figures in mind while you WHINE AND CARRY ON about your "Chevette" healthcare plan, you spoiled brats!
Janice (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:28)
Karen, they stole that from you! You used to think several of them were JB or whatever his name was and now that's the best they can do is to say you are Shadow? You are me too, right? Too funny! Yes you must be the only one in town who has them figured out --that's why the last levy went down 2 to 1!! ;)
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:25)
Shadow - For some amusing reason, the SKPers think I am you. Yes, I made up that military background and even argue with myself on occasion? Good grief, NO WONDER the union thugs can convince them of ANYTHING! They are more easily misled than a blindfolded drunk in a corn maze!
For some other amusing reason, they also think they can block me on the pathetic forums THEY control (because, heaven forbid, they can't actually DEBATE THE ISSUES and THEY KNOW IT!) but that they can continue to come on the forum I control to insult me and others? Hmmm. What's the phrase I am looking for? Ah, yes - DREAM ON!
Danger Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:06)
Not a SINGLE reply to the healthcare article from the SKPers? Pretty bad when you can no longer hope to justify your thievery, ain't it?
Danger Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 14:04)
Ah, I am loving my "delete" button! If you have nothing to say about an ISSUE here, find something better to do with yourself. I have a few suggestions if you need them!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 13:25)
The question the SKPers (Sour Kitchen Party, aka the sycophants) can't answer is this: if the teachers had already agreed to a total wage freeze and healthcare cuts, WHY would the BOE repudiate the contract? The answer, of course, is that the teachers had NO INTENTION of accepting those cuts, the BOE has NOT INTENTION of enforcing them either. The "way out" is to do something SO STUPID that the state HAS to intervene. That is the crux of this HOAX and the reason their little "dance" is pure theater!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 13:06)
Shadow - love the link! Coincidentally, someone in that video rather resembles Betty Batman Botox with those "deer-in-the-headlights" eyebrows!
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 12:56)
"Betty Batman Botox?"
That is awesome...Maybe she can borrow the costume from our last Batman (Deb McBiggot) for Halloween!
Finally, if I am allowed a link, I think this is apropos for the upcoming local elections:
Maybe the street widening is for their '59 Cadillac (the car, not the health plan)
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 12:48)
I am not discounting any collusion between Lord $carberry, his manor court BOE and the FCEA/FEA (AKA the Hoax). I have posted the pre- May 2007 levy love fest between the FEA, BOE and Lord $carberry more than once to show the Teacher/sycophant posters who "criticize" his Lordship of their past duplicity. My "observations" still show the state is calling some shots, especially on the budget. The people in Columbus don't want to be left holding the bag if FCS defaults on a loan; it doesn't do ones state employee career any favors having a district you authorized additional money to go further in the hole. Of all people, Swaim hinted at this reality with his last levy remarks and even the latest FCS pro-levy propaganda sheet masquarading as a news letter made this clear: Fairborn can't pay anymore in levies and the state people KNOW IT. The last straw was the auditor's report showing The Beav trying to play "Wall Street's" Gordon Gekko and investing nearly $1 MILLION in risky non-rated commercial paper. The latest FCS propaganda "newsletter" states that it was "greatly reduced spending" leading to a $1.5 Million "surplus" at the end of the fiscal year...WRONG! State money and The Beav being "nudged" to divest his foolish investment were the reason. In the same vein, The BOE was "nudged" to repudiate the contracts, as they contained automatic yearly pay increases and an unsustainable health care costs...Which both Lord $carberry and The Beav signed onto at the contracts inception. As I stated before, the 2-1 May 2013 levy defeat was a LOUD AND CLEAR signal to the state that FCS was a bad credit risk and they needed to "act."
So, the possibility of Lord Scarberry and the FEA/FCEA "chumming up" again and trying to pass another levy to get the state out of
FCS' business is a distinct possibility. This quote from the Fairborn Daily Worker does give one pause:
"At approximately 7 p.m., we requested our labor relations consultant personally ask the board's team to sit across the bargaining table from us to discuss the current proposal and outstanding issues,"McWhorter said. "In response to our invitation, Mr. Scarberry told our consultant that since there was only a few issues remaining there was no reason to come in and talk."
ALWAYS REMEMBER, Lord $carberry always does what is best for Dave (as Frank Gilbert now refers to him) $carberry's intrests. He played white knight for the state, but if a levy is passed and they move on to other issues, Lord $carberry will make sure the increased tax revenues will go to line his pockets, his cronies pockets and whomever else helped him obtain more wealth and power. Always remember folks, it is never about OUR children, hence the BELOW AVERAGE performance of the district in objective educational effictiveness measures for a decade...The same decade Lord $carberry has reigned over FCS.
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:59)
Frank Gilbert wrote:
"I just like to know I"m speaking to real people. And I feel if they want to ask questions of me, its my right to know who I'm speaking to."
Guess what Frank, I am a REAL voter. You don't have any "right" to know who you are "speaking" to, but I have the "right" not to vote for you. It's OK, even if you lose, maybe your new buddy Dave (AKA Lord $carberry) and Squier Uecker will allow you to have marguerites with them the next time they pal around together...Or maybe not, since his Lordship wants lemmings who can help him keep his power.
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:53)
Could it be that Student Body and BOE Candidate Dave Taylor are the same person?
From the Fairborn Daily Worker: "Former board member David Taylor said the district does not communicate information adequately to citizens and taxpayers. One example is the Ohio Department of Education school ranking. "I'm convinced the community doesn't grasp just how well our schools prepare our students," he said. "After a decade of being 'continuous improvement' we got to being 'effective.' I don't think we do a good job of communicating how exciting a step that is…We don't do an adequate job of notifying the community how we spend their money. I will be communicate with you and be transparent."
We all know Dave wants to make sure any kids he has in FCS and any of his cronies kids are taken care of, but lying for his buddy Lord $carberry takes the cake. From one of my previous posts, here is data I gleaned from the Ohio Legislative Services Commission's Ohio Facts 2012, K-12 report:
In 2007, there were no districts with "Excellent with Distinction "ratings, 139 "Excellent" rated districts, 347 districts rated as "Effective" and 113 districts rated as "Continues Improvement." In 2011 (NOTE: This was after the 2007 FCS additional money levy was passed and after millions of dollars of additional state aid), there are 86 districts rated as Excellent with Distinction, 266 districts rated "Excellent" 215 rated "effective" and 32 rated "Continuous Improvement."
Yes folks, low expectation Dave Taylor thinks it is awesome that even though a whole slew of districts passed FCS by, we should be proud of his now wealthy buddy Lord $carberry and the "leadership" he has provided. Student Body is similarly fact challenged, stating "In 2011-2012 the district got a "B"." Hate to break it to SB , but in 2012, districts were still rated under the old system (the DOE' spreadsheet of school ratings is clearly marked "10 15 12." Maybe Dave Taylor equates FCS previous BELOW AVERAGE "Effective" rating with a "B" grade. Memo Dave: FCS is a C- now, while still drawing in more total tax revenue per student (Source: National Center for Educational Statistics) than the higher-rated Beavercreek City Schools...Another swing and a miss by Student Body.
Of course, Student Body, like his buddy Lord $carberry, likes to publicly proclaim his racism...or is that anti-hispanic? You can't tell, since he tries to blame them both (though curiously not including children from asian backgrounds. True to form, like Deb McBiggot, he also is anti-Appalacian, touting "facts" from a book of bigotry.
In sum, like Lord $carberry, he BLAMES THE STUDENTS FOR FCS POOR PERFORMANCE! Not the administrators, not the teachers, not the staff, OUR CHILDREN!!! They get fat checks, risk the districts money in investment vehicles the E-Trade baby even knows are junk (Talking to you Beav, though with the suit you were rocking at the last BOE meeting, Leisure Suit Larry has returned!) and BLAME OUR STUDENTS FOR THEIR POOR PERFORMANCE!
I did check some past graduating classes for you Student Body; interestingly enough, of the less than 1% of our graduating seniors matriculating to a Top 50 Univerity or College, I found an African-American, a child of Appalacian descent, a diasabled child and a military displaced child (so much for them having to "catch-up").
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:37)
Darling readers: I have also filed a Public Records Request seeking the total cost and funding source for the EIGHT-PAGE, FULL-COLOR LEVY PREPARATION AD, I mean, "newsletter" that the FCS mailed out! I am pretty familiar with printing costs and it must be JAW-DROPPING! This is FURTHER PROOF that this "controversy" is a HOAX. If the BOE thought for one minute that this wasn't going "end well" with the teachers getting more and more and then "forgiving" them, there is NO WAY they would have paid for this GARBAGE to be mailed out!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:29)
Janice- LOL. Let me guess - Sister Mary Elephant and Betty Batman Botox?
Janice (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:22)
Saw the comments during the last BOE meeting. They expect RESPECT and they act like that?
Why sit in the middle on the steps? If the seats are full go STAND UP at the back of the room like grown people! If you can't stand, then at least sit on the side aisles. McWarty did that to a) get on TV and b) make it look like there was a huge crowd there. That room is so small 11 is a crowd and Fairborn knows it.
The most offensive thing was reading off all those petition comments from people who don't even live here. Who cares what Debbie in Dallas thinks? When she moves here and starts paying high taxes for bad schools she can have a say. Until then, shut up about it! McWarty really blew it with that because it showed the public that he has no regard for the people who actually live here--not that he is one himself anyways!
The only two non-school associated parents I saw were the middle-aged Olsen twins with their hair extensions and tween jeans. Shows you what kind of person would buy the bull this union is selling! Clueless!
Shadow (Sunday, 27 October 2013 11:09)
Another one of my out of pocket spells and it is sycophant on parade. Karen, TJ and Janice have it well in hand, but hey, might as well join the party, especially with Frank Gorshen as The Riddler featured as the tease to Karen's excellent article on FCS' new "Yugo" health plan. Ah, Swami Swaim now has his line for the next Manor Court meeting!
Can't remember the handle of the last teacher I sparred with (they come and go like a bad cold) but her self-pity was palitable. OK, maybe the next teacher can explain a previous question I posed concerning this part of the FEA's past contract:
"Article IX 9.15 Student Testing
The district will not release to the public an Instructional Employee's name or classroom number in regard to test scores, the result of any test average, or placements unless the state mandates the district to do so."
Yep, they want to talk about "respect" yet, want THEIR PERFORMANCE as EDUCATORS hidden from the parents who pay their salary! Of course, this is par for the course, since they colluded with Lord $carberry and The Beav during the run up to the May 2013 levy vote; remember it was for "The Kids" and their was no mention of the rollover contract with its yearly step PAY INCREASE and continued Ferrari (so many luxury cars to choose from!) health care plan. The FEA doesn't "respect" the hard working voting public, so why should the voting public put them on a higher plane then their (former?) buddies Lord $carberry, The Beav and $carberry's Manor Court, I mean BOE. The administration has a lot to gain if teacher salaries and benefits go up...I mean you cant have the "leadership" of FCS making less than the teachers can we? Of course, $carberry is bringing home more than the VICE PRESIDENT of the United States, but you get the picture.
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 10:29)
On an unrelated note, there is one thing I am quite pleased with - having driven several of the sycophants "underground" on Facebook. Where they used to have profiles accessible by the public and a
place to air all their RIDICULOUS notions about Fairborn and its schools, they now set them to "private." This includes a few of the radical teachers whose sites could have been seen by students! I am
so relieved that school kids and others won't be subjected to their BALONEY! By re-posting their garbage here - and by using their own sites to expose the cowards posting here anonymously (but
repeating the same stuff on their personal pages), Fairbornspeaks was able to HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE and put them ON THE RUN. Yippee!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 10:24)
Barely Conscious Dummy-
Wow, you are asleep at the wheel! The BOE doesn't care what "position" they have put themselves in! Carico and Swaim are retiring. Tessie probably doesn't plan to run again. Uecker is doing what he ran promising to do by fighting the union. The only one who has the smallest bit of "flesh in the game" is Roland Parks. Now, guess who is always out there talking about how he "tried to go to negotiations but they won't let me speak," and was the LONE VOTE to allow the teachers and retired teachers who clogged the last minute to continue yapping? Yep, ONE of them is setting himself to come out "smelling like a rose" when this HOAX is all over with. I will give you three guesses!!
This is how this HOAX ends without the BOE looking bad (as if I care!): Since the Union is a PART OF THE HOAX, they will come out and say "we understand that the BOE was just panicked by the dire financial crisis in the FCS and was desperately looking for ways to fix it. They just chose a way that wasn't fair or legal, so we had to react. But now that everything is worked out, we want the community to heal and put the kids first." And you know what? A piker like you would fall for it!
Well, according to the teachers, they already agreed to a pay freeze and healthcare concessions. Now they are telling the public that the only issues they are concerned about are class size and noon lunch aides? Well, if McWhorter wants to sign a statement swearing to the public that class size and lunch aides are the ONLY issues that stalled these negotiations and the ONLY issues that the union wants to work out, I will join the picket line myself! LOL. You must be kidding!
You need to go read my latest Featured Article about the fact that we are paying TWICE the state average of school teacher family healthcare plan premiums! One can ONLY HOPE that this IS the beginning of the end of these DREADFUL TEACHER UNIONS that have DESTROYED education in Ohio! A $23K healthcare plan? INSANE!
Finally, I already know that "Negative" is Sycophantese for AWARE, right? Well, you sure seem POSITIVE to me!
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 10:00)
Absolutely Disgusted" - You remarks are so off-base that I am not even going to dignify them by publishing them! You need to have someone with at least a double-digit IQ read the post you are so hysterical over to you.
Karen Combs (Sunday, 27 October 2013 09:58)
"Busy" - looks like you are entirely unfamiliar with the FCS! They have only offered ONE healthcare plan for years!
Busy (Sunday, 27 October 2013 09:48)
comment to #53 Looks like you've been on the government's dime too long. Many companies offer choices in health plans to their employees.
Basic Concepts For Dummies (Sunday, 27 October 2013 01:21)
Clearly, like many other things here in Fairborn, you do not understand the relationship between unions and employers. In a union relationship EVERY aspect of said relationship is detailed in a legally binding contract approved by BOTH parties. This is why the teachers were upset that they did not have an opportunity to vote on the plan before it was instated. This will most likely lead to another unfair labor practice suit as the board can not legally force health insurance on the union. This is a MUCH larger issue then just the board forcing health care. If they can legally pick the health care without the unions approval what else can they add/change/eliminate/pick/choose without the unions consent? This could be the beginning of the end for the union. Oh, wait, there are laws in place to prevent these like this from happening. In the end these tactics are just going to cost tax payers more money. It's only going to leave nasty scars on the relationship between the board, the union, and the community.
Your claim that if the state decides in favor of the Union then the BOE and the Union will "blame the state" is ludicrous. If the state decides in favor of the union then clearly the BOE was wrong and the other way around. How can the BOE say any different? They signed the contract, they knew it was about to expire. The real questions to be asking is why are they only meeting once a month? Why are they only using a lawyer and not members of the BOE to negotiate? Why has the BOE put very little effort in to negotiating? As soon as the last levy failed they should have started negotiations to have a contract IN PLACE before the previous contract expired - why didn't they?
From what I have seen this BOE has put themselves in a very bad position with the choices they have made. Surely there were better ways to handle this situation then choosing to allegedly illegally cancel the contract especially considering it has been reported that the Union was ok with step and base freezes. Surely they could have voted to amend the current contract to address increases. Surely they could have negotiated the benefits months ago and agreed on something.
Before making wild accusations you should try and understand the dynamics of the situation. Oh, and try not to be so negative all the time, positive thoughts bring positive results!
Karen Combs (Saturday, 26 October 2013 23:22)
Another good indication of how far removed many teachers are from the real world was the complaint at the last BOE meeting that they weren't given a "choice" about the healthcare plan!!! Hey - readers - ANYONE out there EVER given a choice when your employer changed a healthcare plan? LOL. Me neither.
Karen - P.S. (Saturday, 26 October 2013)
TJ - Looks like the first thing that would need to be done is to get the Ohio legislature to extend the right of recall to BOEs. I say AMEN to that!!
Karen Combs (Saturday, 26 October 2013 21:26)
TJ - I can save you some time. do not believe there is ANY mechanism in Ohio law to recall a Board of Education.
From Ballotpedia:
The recall of local elected government officials in Ohio is governed by ORC §705.92. ORC §705.92 applies to "any elective officer of a municipal corporation".
Who may be recalled?
Elected officials of counties, cities, counties, towns, townships and villages that are defined as municipal corporations may be recalled.
The right of local recall does not extend to removing members of school boards.
In Ohio, there is no right of statewide recall, either of federal or state government officials, and no ability to recall members of the Ohio State Legislature.
Karen Combs (Saturday, 26 October 2013 21:24)
Retired - I CLEARLY STATED that the HOAX - and YES, INDEED, I DO BELIEVE IT IS JUST THAT - involves the BOE and the TEACHER'S UNION - not every teacher. I think they colluded with the BOE in this whole charade with an "ends justify the means" philosophy. Looks like they sold it to you, but not to many of us!
Why did the BOE repudiate the contract while the teachers were supposedly so conciliatory? Well, there is ONLY ONE REASON - the HOAX theory -and NOTHING you said offered the slightest hint at another explanation!
I love you sycophants trying to put words in my mouth. I never said all teachers were thugs. YOU DID. In fact, you acknowledge that some teachers go into the field expecting the fat contracts, luxury benefits and huge salaries. Thanks for finally admitting that. Now they can stop telling us what "heroes" they all are and how it is all "for the kids"!
We are a poor district and we are in FISCAL CRISIS. This BOE knows that the public will NEVER go for raises or keeping a $23,457 family healthcare package UNLESS the state forces them to do so. How can they get that to happen? NOT by negotiating a reasonable deal with the teachers - then all those concessions they were "willing to make" would have to be implemented. They don't want that! That's why they let the deadline pass to LEGALLY withdraw from the contract and suddenly "pulled the rug out" as you so accurately put it. I think all sides agreed in advance - make it the state's fault and the people can't blame the teachers or the BOE. It's a big show!
TJ (Saturday, 26 October 2013 20:56)
Just finished watching the most recent Board Meeting and once again, I am appalled at the lack of knowledge this group has. First, Ms. Little didn't even know to start a vote regarding allowing extra time for the public to speak. Mr. Beavers, the Treasurer had to ask her if she wanted the Board to vote, and of course, the majority voted no. Then she forgets to turn off her timer while Mr. Swaim is talking and interrupts him with it going off. Later in the meeting, in discussing employee actions, she refers to a classified employee leaving the district on, are you ready for this?, 'Sept 31, 2013'. Last time I checked, there were only 30 days in Sept. Fairborn citizens, I'm telling you, we need to recall this Board and start over. Yes, it can be done. It only requires a certain percentage of voter signatures and a reason for the recall. I am going to do more research on this and will report on it very soon. In the meantime, seriously, everyone, we need to get rid of this Board before it's too late.
Retired (Saturday, 26 October 2013 20:10)
Are you seriously trying to make people believe the teachers have been part of a "hoax" to trick the public into passing a levy so they can get a pay increase or have a Cadillac health insurance? Do you really think they are doing what they are doing to pass a levy? If the board is able to repudiate their contract now, what is to stop them from repudiating contracts every time they need to cut back on money or when the wind changes? What needs to be saved cannot be done solely off the backs of teachers and staff.
When people decide on a degree they want to earn, they go to college and take the required classes. Like someone that wants to be an accountant, doctor, social worker, business owner, or any other job that requires taking higher education classes. Teachers receive their degree and sign contracts with the verbiage included for what their job requires and their insurance information. Yes, this has to be negotiated. That is how all public school systems work. I don't think any teacher applies for a job not knowing they will have a contract. And they sure don't "not" take a job because they have to sign a contract. You try and make your readers think Fairborn teachers are the worst people on the world because they are reacting to their contract being stripped away from them without ANY explanation. Teachers have contracts. It goes with the job. Yes you are right, many people in Fairborn don't have contracts. It's because the path or the career field they CHOSE doesn't legally bind them with a contract. You try and make teacers sound like "money hungry thugs" because the legality of their job was jerked out from under them. Do you think any other profession would sit quietly if something like this was done to them? From what I have read in the local paper, the teachers said okay to no pay raises before their contract was repudiated. They also have agreed to pay more for their insurance. So why did the board repudiate their contracts? The BOE says they can't talk about repudiation because of negotiations. From what I have read, repudiation has nothing to do with what they are negotiating. So why aren't they answering the "why" to the teachers or the public? If this is a hoax, it is not the teachers trying to trick and deceive.
Karen Combs (Saturday, 26 October 2013 17:20)
"Wondering" --
I believe 100% BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT this "battle" between the BOE and the Union is a HOAX, a manufactured "crisis," an UNMITIGATED LARK. But I thank you, "Wondering," for reminding me of the need for me to watch as much as I could of the last BOE meeting. I have been distracted with other community efforts and hadn't done so yet, but I did that for a bit this afternoon. It certainly CEMENTED my opinion and cured my insomnia!
Let me state at the outset that I was SO HAPPY that there were serious microphone/audio issues throughout the public comment time. Welcome to our world. We have been asking them to fix the sound for YEARS.
Now, "Wondering," you asked about the value of the opinions of speakers at this meeting. Hmmm… who were they? Well, I saw current FCS employees, retired FCS employees, a former Board member, a current Board candidate, teachers from other districts, maybe 2 or 3 other desperado "parents" (whose opinion can be best summed up by watching them and reading their facebook pages) and a pathetic union "leader" (allowed to speak about TWICE the approved time) who doesn't live here and left his classy position sitting on the FLOOR of the steps behind the podium (where he swayed back and forth like Stevie Wonder in the groove while some dingbat next to him played on her cell phone) and narrated "petition" comments that came mostly from people who didn't even live here or pay our school taxes! In other words - I consider NONE of these people to be there representing the average Fairborn taxpayer!
While we're at it - let's consider also the behavior of people at this meeting. I have attended MANY Council meetings over the years. I have been criticized here of late for two things I did at an August Council meeting - commenting on the FACT that one speaker was given 13 minutes and most are held to five (so what?) and challenging a Council member who LIED to the community-- a fact she, herself, acknowledged!
But readers should go to the BOE meeting and watch at minute mark 38:55 while the entire crowd of union thugs yells out "Vote, vote!" and then one woman yells out that "It's my first Board meeting and I'm very impressed." Well, hopefully, honey, it will be your last! Then, while a BOE member is talking, the buzzer goes off and they begin yelling "time's up!" A cell phone rings incessantly in the background and whoever owns it is too clueless to stop it. In short, it was a non-stop campaign of disrespect, not a single NECESSARY and APPROPRIATE outburst, wasn't it?
I am currently working on presenting the FACTS about the healthcare plan that the teachers are now receiving - and still, of course, whining about. New info about this from the district - as well as a new SERB report on statewide insurance averages for public employees - is now available. I think these numbers will stun the readers here and convince them that the BOE/UNION "impasse" pales in comparison to the FISCAL CRIME that is taking place right under our noses!
What you should be "Wondering" about is why this district is in FISCAL CRISIS for the second time in a decade and why this BOE and Union thinks they are going to sell this SCAM to the people of Fairborn. You make the job of your opponents so easy!
Wondering (Saturday, 26 October 2013 15:02)
Wouldn't it be better for the students if the BOE and teachers could work out a compromise rather than striking? That's what most of the speakers at the last BOE wanted?
Janice (Saturday, 26 October 2013 13:58)
Way Too, TJ and Karen, I agree 100%! It is so obvious -plus their silence speaks volumes!
TJ (Saturday, 26 October 2013 09:12)
Karen, I do think you are right on. Following is a conversation that went on via Facebook in the past 24 hours. This is just a big show for the public to get sympathy from the teachers and the BOE!
"Mary Baine: With regard to your work environment, was that a ray of hope I spotted on the evening news?
Shannon Kallmeyer: SERB ( state employee relations board) has agreed this issue is worth considering and potentially sending to the Attny General. So, yes, but not for a contract immediate. That's fine for now!
Mary Baine: This is what I expected to happen, and it required you all to hang tough in the meantime. This whole episode reminds me of the Young & Scherf debacle; BOE members are sold a bill of goods and buy in big time, risking embarrassment as they back the play 100%.
2 hours ago · Like
Karen Combs (Saturday, 26 October 2013 08:42)
"Way Too" - I think the "farce" odds are extremely high. Let's break it down further:
This BOE is a teacher union's dream! 2 of the 5 members of the BOE are "educators" - Tom Swaim was a long-serving teacher and principal; Tess Little is an Art instructor at Sinclair. A third, Bob Carico, has a son-in-law who is running for the BOE (would he do this at the height of his father-in-law's unpopularity if this controversy was REAL?). Roland Parks is a big liberal who would likely side with the union. Even Mike Uecker seems to have been "flipped" to their side and he is now quite chummy-acting with all of them. Who knows? Maybe he actually thinks he "talked them into" taking this tough stand with the union?
And don't even get me started about Scarberry! This guy has coddled our teachers for a decade, BLATANTLY IGNORING the recommendations of the State Auditor to get our fiscal house in order so he could continue giving them LUXURY BENEFITS and HIGHER THAN STATE AVERAGE WAGES! So WHY would he stop?
Now, what would be the odds that this BOE - as PRO TEACHER UNION as they have ALWAYS BEEN - would suddenly make these strange and probably improper moves with the contract, particularly ABSENT A BUDGET MELTDOWN?? The last time I heard a Treasurer's Report, there was NO panic - they didn't even find a need to put a levy on the ballot - they didn't even have the official funding numbers from the state (but they knew we were getting more than expected) yet they cancelled the teacher's contract? WHY? Especially given the fact that the union CLAIMS (repeatedly) that they were willing to make all these grand concessions anyway! IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL!
Well, here is one thought - if the State Employee Relations Board says "bad BOE, you can't do that, you have to give them a raise and their original benefits, so hop to it!," then the BOE gets to hand these teachers what they want under the protection of saying "sorry, impoverished peasants of Fairborn, the state made us do it! We tried and tried to save you money, but our hands are just tied. Of course, since we HAD to give them all our money, we won't possibly be able to educate your children without a big levy!"
There is only ONE thing this hoax would require - the participation of the majority of the BOE and a couple union leaders. DO YOU THINK ANY OF THEM ARE ABOVE IT?
Once they give the teachers a basket full of goodies, there will be a big "kiss and make-up" session in public and they think all will be well with the world and they think we will be primed to hand them a new levy.
Sounds far-fetched? I would argue that it is MUCH MORE LIKELY than the odds that this BOE that has been in bed with the teacher's union ALL ALONG suddenly kicked them out for eating crackers!
If I'm not right, I would love to hear ONE plausible explanation for why the Board rejected the contract BEYOND THE DEADLINE FOR DOING SO and in the MIDDLE OF NEGOTIATIONS.
Yes, "Way Too," they DEFINITELY think we are stupid. The ONLY RECOURSE for the people of Fairborn is to keep voting NO on every single thing they EVER ASK FOR --no matter how painful it will be in the interim - until this rotten leadership - the BOE, Scarberry & Co., and the union leaders are GONE.
Way Too Frustrated (Friday, 25 October 2013 19:56)
This makes my heart hurt. My fears all along was that this was a farce! If some of these parents realized how stupid teachers think they are, by the way the last few days on this site, with all the complaining about kids proves my point, they would be furious. If they will talk bad about other people's children they will talk about yours, just not to your face. This has gone on long enough that my hope was that the boe might be for real. Now the union wants to wait until after break! Do they really think their chosen elected one will win and side with them? I hope the population of Fairborn understands what's at stake! Does the Union really think they will vote in their cronies? Most of the teachers do not live in Fairborn. This just really makes me want to fight harder to give the union a new school board and leaders. One that will fire their ungrateful and hateful selves. If parents would listen and talk without fear of the bullies and a spineless boe, we would find out how our children are really being treated and slighted because now they have an excuse to work to the rule and not excel in their jobs. Maybe I'm a little too excited for my own good, maybe after all the national crap I would really like elected officials to do there job and at least be competent. Our local government is a good place to start!
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 17:34)
Cheri - Thanks for the update! Awesome!
Janice - oh, good points on the crime rate and WPCU! I don't let twerps like OLP get me down - he has the worst punishment of all already - that is living with himself!
Cheri McGee (Friday, 25 October 2013 17:21)
Hi everyone! First I want to thank the community for your support of the "Stand Up For Kidz" adult comedy benefit for Michael's House Child Advocacy Center! We raised over $5,000 for this worthy cause! We also had news about another exciting donation today! Fairborn Pet Grooming at 140 Forestdale Avenue, 879-1921, generously offered to groom the Michael's House companion dog, "Nanook" once a month! Nanook is not only an adorable and well-trained dog, he is also a great source of comfort for the victims of child abuse served at Michael's House. Now he will be looking his best! Thanks to Tammy and her terrific staff at Fairborn Pet Grooming for this amazing gift!
Janice (Friday, 25 October 2013 16:40)
Karen, OLP is a loser if he can look at all the legitimate points you raise here and all he can say is you're fat and lie about your house. These people call you negative and childish? Someone needs a mirror.
Janice (Friday, 25 October 2013 16:34)
Karen, you forgot highest crime rate in the county, that happened under Dautel and Nagel too. Loss of the 80 year old Wright-Patt Credit Union too. A real hit parade for those them!
There was a reason the system was set up for the majority of Council being up for grabs every two years (mayor plus three council members). That was so we could replace the majority whenever the Council wasn't working right. That gave them incentive to get rid of bad City Managers too. Now, thanks to a deliberate move by them to put a confusing Charter amendment on the ballot a few years ago, the bad City Manager is protected by a "super-majority" vote being required to vote her out. Why should it be so hard to get rid of a bad employee? That isn't in the best interest of the people. They said it was so we could attract a quality City Manager. Well, that sure hasn't worked!
I am voting for Dave Criner -and Tommy Adkins for mayor. Still, at least two people will get on Council that we don't want/need. There is no way around that. But like Karen said, let the others duke it out with the rest of the voters because I wouldn't vote for any of them on a dare!
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 14:09)
Hee, hee - it is non-stop laughter around here! In today's FDH, the "Soup Kitchen Party" received an "endorsement" from Joan Dautel ---the WORST MAYOR in the HISTORY OF FAIRBORN (barely beating out Tom Nagel!). This woman is SOOOO (deservedly) unpopular that mere months after leaving office, she got massacred in a countywide election! She lost the majority of Fairborn precincts, FIVE of them by double the vote margin! Who will they get to "endorse" them next? OJ Simpson?
I wonder how that phone call went. "Hey, Joanie here, just taking a breather between innings and wanted to say I am going to write a letter to endorse you." Silence. "Hello?" "Um....thanks?" "Oh, no need to thank me." "Thank God! I mean, don't go out of your way." "Oh, it's no problem, I set my clock to crawl out once every eight or nine months and act like I still matter. And, lucky you, my alarm went off today." "Gee, I'll go play the lottery too." LOL.
She claims to be endorsing the whole Soup Kitchen ticket, but mainly drones on about Dan Kirkpatrick and his "integrity." Would that be the same "integrity" that allows him to vote to spend TAX DOLLARS on projects that benefit his own employer, Joanie?
You know, when you were a no-show to defend your good buddy Deb the last time she put her foot in her mouth, we thought you finally got the hint and decided to slink off. Well, it's never too late! What is the "legacy" of Joan Dautel and Tom Nagel? Doubling the poverty level, running businesses out in droves, closing 444, silently allowing the destruction of our neighborhood schools, the aptly-named "Calamityville" and leaving more renters than homeowners here. The "legacy" - A DISGRACE. In the good old days, these two would have been sticky and covered in feathers! Or, as they like to call it, Thursday night. LOL.
Best of all, she chalks all the criticisms of the City Manager and guys like Dan up to "personal animosity." No one knows these people "personally," Chachi, we resent them for their PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP FAILURES. And anything we take "personally" is based on THEIR personal attacks against US, not the other way around! If you weren't even guiltier of neglect of Fairborn than they are - you couldn't possibly defend them! How DARE YOU create a system where we are STUCK with a SHOCKINGLY DREADFUL City Manager just because she is a friend of yours? Is that the sole "qualification" some other people had for their cushy positions here, like the "taxpayer"? Hmmm. Well, please feel free to invite your friends to your legendary swim parties - but we surely don't want them running our town!
My recurring nightmare is that someone other than Danny wins the mayoral race (that's the GOOD part) but then Mr. Hapner has to leave due to his health or someone else does and they appoint Danny, Joanie or Tom Nagel right back on the Council! If that happens, there ought to be an uprising! This crew is harder to get rid of than pneumonia and about equally as pleasant!
FACT (Friday, 25 October 2013 10:16)
A FCS teacher's salary of $56,430, when prorated to a real-world 2080 hour work year = $86,944 NOT including their benefits! (Buckeyeinstitute.org)
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 09:54)
Here are some of the changes under the FCS healthcare plan (source Fairborn Daily Herald):
-Co-insurance now a 95/5 split instead of the 100% they were getting!
-$15 office visit co-pays
-Emergency room $100 and Urgent Care $25
Can you even BELIEVE they are whining about this while making an AVERAGE of over $58,000 for 182 days of work each year!?!? Sickening.
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 09:12)
OLP - If you care to submit something within the posting guidelines, I will post it. In the meantime, before you unraveled to various rambling insults, the only "point" you attempted to make was about the FCS healthcare plan and your misguided belief that having to pay more for that somehow constitutes a pay cut! NOT. Most people pay at least 20%. The teachers are still at what? 15%. Go suffer in silence. LOL
You then went on to complain about their "Chevette" plan. Really? With a $150 single, $300 family deductible? Readers - how does that compare to YOURS? These coddled union thugs are so CLUELESS about the real world! Finally paying 1980's co-pays for your office visits does NOT change the fact that teachers have a LUXURY healthcare plan!
As for the rest -my house was "given to me"? Gosh, I need to let my mortgage company know - they seem to expect a check every month! LOL.
Also, so sweet of you to worry about my "big grocery bill" - readers, I guess that's about the most creative OLP could get in calling me "fat." Yes, dear, I am fat. I also get up every day facing physical obstacles a wimp like you couldn't dream of, yet I manage to accomplish more by Noon each day than you do in a month! BTW, I keep seeing pictures of the union thugs in the news media and I don't see many swimsuit models in that group either! Guess $70K for a half year's work buys a lot of pork rinds! Of course, I DO have rather high grocery bills since one of my son's lives here while he is in college and I help the other son out with groceries as well as make periodic donations to a church. Thanks for your concern. LOL.
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 08:27)
One of my friends referred to the sycophants as the "soup kitchen party" - that's SOOOO true. They have done NOTHING for Fairborn but harm it and rapidly turned us from a place where businesses invested and people moved up in the world to a place where businesses flee and we have to pass out free clothes, food, and school supplies. I remember reading how one church in town used to go down and help the poor in some South American country, but now we have so many here, they just keep it local. TEN YEARS of trying it "your way" and this is where we are! ENOUGH.
Karen Combs (Friday, 25 October 2013 08:22)
MO - I hope the person who suggested it DOES organize it and keep us informed. It would have my full support and, obviously, many of the readers liked the idea too.
March On (Thursday, 24 October 2013 22:25)
Keep organizing the massive march
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 21:07)
Snoopy - no, I am definitely LUCY. This is Fairborn where EVERYONE needs psychiatric advice for a nickel!
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 21:06)
"Student Body" - Make it stop! If you are going to come on here and argue your "superior intellect," can you please LEARN TO SPELL? It's just painful! Have you ever heard of spell check? Look into it. In the meantime, please think of a new nickname-if you represent the "Student Body" at the FCS, we should close the buildings TOMORROW. The kids would be better off picking beans.
The scores are averaged for every school in the state, aren't they? Yeah. And how does FCS compare? Ouch.
2/3 of the VOTERS saw it my way. Voters are the ONLY people who count in an ELECTION, right? Ouch.
I turned my back on the OVERPAID TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. They are free to "invest" via PAY CUTS just as I suggested, right? Ouch.
You need to stop watching TV. This ain't "Survivor." You don't get to vote me off the island! But, like most decent people in Fairborn, I am at the point where I would LOVE TO GO before the not-too-distant collapse. So feel free to go door-to-door and get me a fair offer for my house where I walk away with the equity I should have - not what has been decimated by the ROTTEN "LEADERSHIP" of your ilk! No "tribal council" required - if people like YOU are the "future of Fairborn," I will leave GLADLY. After all, who wants to be surrounded by rat-eating, unbathed, back-stabbing creatures? Wait….maybe this IS "Survivor"! LOL.
Are you really so lame you think Fairborn needs YOU to watch a meeting that AIRED LIVE, was REBROADCAST FOR WEEKS and is STILL AVAILABLE ON MULTIPLE WEBSITES? Little "God complex" you're rocking there, eh? Hmmm. It doesn't look very good on you. Try plaid.
As for your threatened "hate campaign," dearie, do your worst. The problem with that boils down to one simple thing - I don't give a flying fu…nhouse what people think of me! I guess that is the "reward" for being old, poor and half-dead! I am sure you devote most every waking moment to making sure you appear like something you aren't and never have been. Well, I don't bother! You see, love me or hate me, at the end of the evening, I am NOT on YOUR website, am I? LOL.
Now, on to your newfound concern for the homeless: according to D. Taylor's magic math, "one-third" of the students leave the FCS each year. So, on what day of the week did you take those "homeless" stats? Might have been much lower, say, on Thursday, eh?
Well, by my calculations, we have about 100 more teachers than homeless kids. So I have a great idea to help those kids out. Each teacher can "adopt" a homeless kid for half the day and give them a little extra help. Wait….they would demand a stipend, wouldn't they? Yeah. Probably need a couple dozen "homeless noon aides" too. Bummer.
I hate to inconvenience you, dear, but all those poor, homeless, starving kids that are "our student body" are the VERY SAME people who live here in Fairborn and try to pay endlessly increasing taxes so we can overpay people to teach the ABC's!
Looks like somebody's gravy train is O-V-E-R and you are derailing! Choo-choo! Now it's late and I am tired. Long day of saving the universe. Gotta get my cape in the wash. LOL.
Snoopy (Thursday, 24 October 2013 20:24)
Karen: Are you Charlie Brown?
Waaaa waaaa waaa waaaaa waa
Student Body (Thursday, 24 October 2013)
have you even looked at the report card buy grade? If the one grade did so poorly across all measured areas it is possible that they did in fact lower the overall score that much. The new report card works on averages - that is when they add everything up and then divide that sum by how many scores they had. I know it isn't good for your doom and gloom storey if you look at them but I want you to know they are published on the states website and they do not support you. The Fairborn City School system is not anywhere near as bad as you say it is.
honey trust me 2/3 of Fairborn is not like you! Were there not around 70% of the city that didnt even vote? So the 2/3 that voted no only represent 2/3 of 30% so more like 20% voted no like you did. I have no issues with peole voting no if they can't afford it. you have to do best for your family. those people thogh shouldn't be bad mouthing the schools they can't afford to support.
It truely is a shame that you can so easily live with the "guilt" of knowing you should vote yes but instead have chosen to turn your back on the kids of this city and vote no. Ignorance is bliss.
You don't have the money to pay more taxes? Does that mean if a levy passes you will move? If so I'll start going door to door and raising awareness. The indifferent 70% may not care one way or the other about the levy but I bet we get at least half of them vote you out of town! I'll just show them a vidoe of you disrespecting the entire city of Fairborn at that council meeting! Or you culd do us all a favor and justleave now!
before I forget you never answered my question about the best way for our teachers to educate all of our homeless students. I provided my source and the information for other districts you asked for but yor ignored all my work. I haate to inconvenient you with the reality that is our student body.
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 20:01)
And who let Foghorn Leghorn on here? "Why, I do believe, I do believe you are shockin' me featherless, Madame! I say, I say, they ought to deep fry you with some okra!" ;)
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:57)
EDE1 - Yep! But you know, go ahead and give her another $70K a year and blame it on the "slow class"!
EDE1 (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:55)
Karen - My turn. Just Plain Rude said you should be ashamed of your self. Separated the "your" and the "self" - probably another English teacher.
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:50)
Snoopy - glad to hear it - for the record, I like diamonds or pearls, just like the Prince song. I like him too, but I don't think you can buy him at the mall. If you can, though, please buy two. That would REALLY impress me. LOL.
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:47)
Some of you new sycophants need to go back and read old posts when I used to write "plays" based on each City Council meeting - you would simply come unhinged. And I, for one, would LOVE to see THAT!
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:44)
Gosh, now I feel so bad!
Oh, good, that passed! LOL.
Sweetie, you must be a new recruit - this is MILD stuff! I know it has more than one syllable, and it doesn't involve a "concept" you learned from a video game, so it might be challenging for ya', but go look up "irreverent."
Who knows? Maybe tomorrow I will wake up void of creativity, humorless, hysterical and thin-skinned like you. But don't hold your breath or Tom Nagel will be dressing like you for the ball!
Snoopy (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:43)
I'm your #1 fan!!!!
That's Just Plain Rude (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:28)
C'mon now. Some of your stuff is pretty "witty". Your Tom Nagel comment was just plain ol' rude. You should be ashamed of your self. Have a little class!
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:14)
Dang - tomorrow night is the "Mortician's Ball" downtown - you are supposed to come dressed as your favorite dead person, but I can't find my Tom Nagel costume.
Danger Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 19:06)
Snoopy -
Poor thing, one sentence - just ONE - and you couldn't hack THAT? "Sniffed put"? Yeah - I'M the stoner! LOL.
Are you a candidate for public office? If not, call the Rev - he's probably looking for another whiz like you!
Snoopy (Thursday, 24 October 2013 18:40)
Karen what have you sniffed put tonight?
Marlowe Phillips (Thursday, 24 October 2013 16:57)
I would like be a CEO. Can someone ask my brother to hire me? ;)
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 16:34)
Is it just me or does EVERY ONE of these sycophants sound the same?!? JD, are you running a cult again??? I thought they confiscated your cult-leader license?!? Or do they just teach you all in a special seminar out in the woods? Do they make you wear a hooded robe? LOL.
You want a "concept" - try this one - you can't get blood out of a turnip!
I know for a little budding socialist like you, it must hurt to wake up one day and realize that life ain't fair. Some people are rich. Some are poor. Some are good-looking, others resemble you, etc. You remind me of all these liberal loons running the country - hey! We can have better health care for everyone for less money! Great! After that, can we start passing out BMW's too? I mean, why can't I have one? I will get better gas mileage and be safer and the list of benefits to society can just go on and on! You are, my dear boy, UTTERLY ABSURD.
The reason Beavercreek can "invest" more in their schools is because they have more to invest. PERIOD.
Like 2/3 of Fairborn - you WILL not now, nor can you EVER "guilt" me into giving more money I don't have to give. You spend more per child at FCS than annual tuition at Wright State University! Try to cope.
I did uncover a new revenue source and I am happy to announce it - the best plan I've heard in years! FCS PAY CUTS. That's right! It's time for those who have bled us dry for years to kick in to the FCS! No more of this "I don't live there (wouldn't dream of sending my brats to your crappy schools!), so I don't pay the FCS a cent" baloney! Our well has run dry. Now it's THEIR TURN. Let's see these OVERPAID teachers take a PAY CUT. They make MORE THAN THE STATE AVERAGE, don't they? Let THEM "invest" in our kids. Laughing yet? Yes, I know, I know. I AM simply a laugh factory!
I wouldn't give ONE CENT to the FCS under its existing "leadership." Clean house and then get back to me. Otherwise, FORGET IT. Keeping Scarberry? FORGET IT. Keeping his top lieutenants? FORGET IT. Keeping this BOE? FORGET IT. FCS does have a choice to make. It is whether to take the BOLD and DRASTIC moves now needed to regain the public's trust or to LEARN TO DO WITHOUT.
You might be scraping rock bottom by trying to blame all those DISMAL SCORES (and we are judged by the exact same criteria used throughout Ohio) on a single grade of children! Just real dummies, are they? Oh, wait, if that doesn't work, maybe it is the fault of the minorities, eh? Well, whew - for a minute there, I almost thought you were gonna have to break down and acknowledge that some of these teachers are flat out incompetent! Nah, blame it on the blacks, right? Wow.
Your little story was definitely lost on me. You seem not to acknowledge the fact that the first man - the one with the house made of dirt and straw - it is that or sleep in the streets! Now ask yourself the same question, genius! Thank God above that the majority in Fairborn knows exactly what to do ---KEEP VOTING NO!!
Janice (Thursday, 24 October 2013 15:56)
Karen, I don't know why you go through all that trouble to archive all the posts - you should pick the important ones and delete all their garbage. They are always cricitzing you but the truth is that they rely on it to know the issues too. They just hate that you keep other people informed and we have all figured out how they are hurting Fairborn. Well keep it up. If they weren't nervous they would not be here going after you.
Student Body (Thursday, 24 October 2013 15:54)
Your "illustration" shows how little you understand application of concepts.
if you cpomare the "spirit of giving" then the poor man gave more. however the "spirit of giving" won't buy text books, new school buildins or pay a custodian to sweep the floor. You actually need real dollars for that. So, in your illustration both peole gave the same. School systems run on money, not spirit.
You don't give the Fairborn district enough credit. In 2011-2012 the district got a "B". All things considered that is really really good. If you look at the details the 5th grade struggled with their indicators - missing 4, barely hitting 2, and passing 3. And we still got a b! For the "new" report card guess who struggled? the 6 grade (just so you can connect the dots the 5ith gradres moved up a year)! For progress they were -11, -15.3, and -17. Only one other grade was negitive and they were -2 in reading which is a D, 2.9 in math which is an A, and 0.4 in all tests getting them a C yet becaue this 5th grade did so poorly the entire average was brought negative! Guess what I predict for this year - the 7th grade will struggle andbring us down! Current card shows prgoress for 4th grade - A, 5th grade - B, 6th grade F, 7th grade C, 8th grade, A. Grade by grade is not bad all things considered!
You asked me ealrier if ethnicity plays a part in education. The state of Ohio and their numbers believes it does - they break out african americans from hispanics and whites, and even economically disadvantaged kids. Guess who scores second from the bottom in fairborn only behind the students with handicapps? African Americans! In Fairborn Afirican Aericans score 16% below whites in math! 11% in reading, and 14% in graduation rate! So to answer your question yes I do believe now that I have seen these numbers that ethnicticy places a role in scores.
Do you expect Fairborn to score as well as other districts that spend more money, per pupil? Chances are not likely that will ever happen. There are two options - continue spending less then surrounding schools per pupil and get lower restuls or start investing back in the kids!
I wish I could post an illustration as you don't seem to get things. One man built his house out of dirt and straw and had a lovely house. Another man spent more money and built a house out of bricks and stones it too was a lovely house. The houses were side by side. The rain started falling and there was a flood. The flood washed away the dirt and straw house but left the more expensive brick and stone hosue standing. Now do you want a dirt and straw house or a brick and stone house?
Janice (Thursday, 24 October 2013 15:51)
Lisa - you are right, Janice is a fake name, my real name is Boris Blisterback.
Some of your "team status quo failure" people are about the limit of stupidity and you are their leader.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 15:33)
Obviously Lonely Person -
Thank you for micro-monitoring my site - I have no doubt it is the highlight of your day!
You figured out that this is MY website? Good dog! Here's a biscuit!
I reposted a total of 8 posts, as follows: One was my recent e-mail to a Council candidate (I really should have posted BOTH of these, but I don't have time to deal with that now), 1 from a brain-dead sycophant, 2 which were my replies to that sycophant and containing well-researched stats (one of which is a brief few lines), 1 post from a BOE candidate, 1 in which another Council candidate replies to me, 1 which is my response to that Council candidate's reply and finally, 1 which I posted about 15 minutes before I decided I had the time this morning to do the Archives transfer and it relates to a SERB hearing TODAY. Sounds really fair to me! Indeed, the only intervening posts were from blatant plants sent on here to annoy me and posting NOTHING relevant to any discussion (much like you, OLP!).
If I was only interested in my opinion, that's easy enough - I would have reposted only my own! I love the opinions of your ilk as they are so EASILY unraveled! Without you fools constantly posting here, where would I be? LOL! BTW, I don't have a "fragile ego," dear - let's face it -if I did, I would not allow access by trolls like you! Get your life, honey.
Only Logic Prevails (Thursday, 24 October 2013 13:55)
I find it hilarious that after archiving the posts you reposted the "relevant" posts of late and they are practically ALL yours! This just proves that you absolutely will not listen to reason. You are such an egomaniac that you only believe your opinions matter. You do get something from this site, you get your fragile ego stroked.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:34)
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:05)
The FEA (teacher's union) has a hearing today with the State Employee Relations Board (SERB) on their "unfair labor practice" claim. I am not sure what the ultimate goal here is because I read through several cases and, even if a violation is found, pretty much the most that happens is that the parties are ordered back to the table. I didn't think they had given up on that yet anyway!
The complaints themselves are not posted on the SERB site, and I haven't seen a copy, but I would ASSUME (no guarantees, folks, just logic) that they are whining, er, "complaining" under the theory that the BOE has refused to negotiate. But the rules state "It specifically does NOT require either party to accept a proposal or make a concession."
Do they have a case because the BOE did not give proper notice to reject the contract renewal? I don't know. Publicly, this has been a one-sided fight where the union runs around yapping about negotiations but threatens the BOE if they respond! Ain't unions great? LOL.
Anyway, here is how the SERB process works:
-complaint is filed;
-there is an initial investigation to determine "probable cause" - IF TRUE, the allegation would constitute a violation of labor law (I would liken this to an indictment in a criminal case where it means "probably a crime was committed, probably this individual committed it," but it BY NO MEANS is a finding of guilt!)
-If no probable cause is found, the case is dismissed
-if there is probable cause found, a complaint is issued
-the SERB may order mediation during the pendency of the case
-At a hearing, evidence and testimony may be taken by an Administrative Law Judge or Board Members
-Following the hearing, an order will be issued which includes the facts and conclusions of law
-either party may file an "exception" (like an appeal) to the order
-If there are no exceptions filed, the order become permanent
-if exceptions are filed, the Board will review the case and may adopt, revise or dismiss the order
-Orders will contain a "remedy" for any proven violations of Ohio labor law
Stay tuned.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:34)
If only Mr. Hoffman's explanations made sense! First, it sure took a long explanation to get to his "hear what I meant, not what I said" and "perception is reality" conclusion! Let's get this straight - people just think we don't support our schools because some levies failed? Hmm. Well, Beavercreek has failed just as many (maybe more?) school levies, right? And we just passed one in 2012, right? It seems really odd that people think this about Fairborn, but not Beavercreek! And odder still that he would play right into it!
Frankly, I just don't believe that criticisms by "outsiders" of the FCS really have to do with questions of how the schools are supported. I think the criticisms are PERFORMANCE-BASED. Personally, I NEVER hear people say "hey, why won't you vote for more and more school levies over there in Fairborn?" I DO hear them say - "wow! What happened to your schools? They used to be great!"
As for whether the BOE and Council communicate enough - being a regular viewer of both meetings, I would say they do. In fact, it often doesn't turn out too well. The City Manager and some of her staff recently appeared at a BOE meeting where, in typical fashion, she opened her mouth and inserted her foot by saying Greene County had no conference center! How much "economic development" money will it cost us to smooth things over with the couple dozen of such centers that exist?? Good grief!
Let's also not forget the DISASTROUS pro-levy presentation that BOE mouthpieces Dave Taylor and Sonya Walker gave at a City Council meeting in 2012! That thing was so full of holes, they are still trying to recover a little dignity! Indeed, that was SO BAD that the Council voted to disallow future presentations of this nature or the Council endorsement of any future school levies! (You can add that to your little list of our accomplishments, Justin and Lisa!) So, mercifully, that won't be happening again!
The Schools and Council also recently shared expenses on something to do with the fuel station that the city runs and the schools use. The BOE is also allowed to hold their meetings at the City building.
I guess my point it - I really don't see how much "closer" the BOE and Council need to be?!?! What, pray tell, could possibly be gained by wasting a lot of time dealing with Scarryberry and company? Not much! I think each entity - the Council and BOE - should "stay in their own lane" and stick to the ABUNDANT issues that they are elected to handle. Go watch the Sci-Fi channel, cross-contamination never turns out well. LOL.
Well, kudos anyway to Mr. Hoffman for attempting to craft and answer. I don't buy it, but it was presented here and you can judge it for yourselves!
Karen Combs/Rob Hoffman (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:33)
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 23:33)
Well, color me impressed - Mr. Hoffman actually responded (my thoughts on it will be posted separately), as follows:
Thanks for bringing your concerns to my attention. As a Realtor that represents buyers and sellers in Fairborn, I hear a lot of negative comments about our schools. Obviously I live in Fairborn & both of my children attend Fairborn Schools. My wife is a Fairborn High School graduate & currently teaches third grade in Fairborn. When buyers make negative comments about the Fairborn Schools I suggest that they visit the schools & meet the teachers & kids that are in each of the buildings. They quickly realize that we have great kids & dedicated teachers. I assure you that I am not participating in creating a false impression of Fairborn. The perception amongst buyers that aren't familiar with the schools is that the citizens of Fairborn aren't supportive of the schools because the district hasn't had any recent success with passing a levy. I think that the residents of Fairborn pay more than their fair share of taxes to cover the cost of running our school system. I am not suggesting we throw money at the schools to "fix" the problems. I am also not suggesting that we don't support our schools. What I meant by the comment that was quoted in the FDH is that the perception is there, whether it's true or not is irrelevant. Perception is reality!
I feel that the Council & Board of Education share the same goal. That goal is to make Fairborn a better place to live, work & go to school. I have had conversations with current members of Council & have been advised that there has been very little communication in the recent past between the two.
Thanks again for voicing your concerns.
Rob Hoffman
Frank Gilbert (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:32)
Frank Gilbert (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 22:19)
Thanks for the advice Karen. I'll keep it in mind. I just like to know I"m speaking to real people. And I feel if they want to ask questions of me, its my right to know who I'm speaking to.
There needs to be a lot of change in our school system. No doubt the best place to start is the school board. After that, we'll address the issues of who stays, who goes, how much they make and are they worth it. But it will take time. And of course, I plan to make it a priority to get Columbus off its collective butt and do their job in regards to the school funding issue.
Have a great evening and thanks for keeping us informed on Jim Hapner.
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:31)
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 16:17)
More stats to back up the REALITY of Fairborn's AWESOME support of our schools:
Let's look at the four communities "Student Body" chose for MEDIAN INCOME:
Beavercreek: $47,828
Xenia: $29,067
West Carrollton: $28,199
Fairborn: $26, 921
Hmmm. Gosh, I think I'm onto something! Turns out that the poorest community can afford the least taxes! Whoda thunk it!?!?
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:31)
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 14:20)
"Student Body" - LOL - Back for more, eh? Let me sharpen my boot heel….
First and foremost, kindly acknowledge that your SYCOPHANT CREW has been in "power" (whatever that means in this decaying heap!) for the past decade or so in Fairborn. This is true in the SCHOOL "leadership" and the CITY "leadership." During this time, the poverty rate has DOUBLED. The homeownership rate has PLUNGED below the rate of rentals. The city has LOST DOZENS OF BUSINESSES. 444 has closed, devastating the entire town. We keep hearing all you little sycophant crickets chirping about working with the Base and WSU, but it NEVER HAPPENS. The base? They CUT US OFF. What do we get from WSU? Calamityville! An eyesore with fewer employees than a car wash but we keep sinking money into it! Yes, this is where YOU and your ilk have led us! Shame on you!
Still, I must thank you for pointing out how desperately POOR Fairborn has become under your buddies' reign of terror! As for the local tax effort index - the State of Ohio seems to think that it is a fair measure of the community's support of schools!! That's because they are savvy enough to recognize that the PERCENTAGE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES is how to measure whether a community supports the schools! By your "logic" the IMPROVERISHED, HOMELESS and DESPERATE people of Fairborn should be paying MORE than we can possibly afford for our MEDIOCRE schools? Even though we ALREADY GIVE MORE of our limited resources to our schools than the much wealthier community of Beavercreek - you say we "don't support our schools? And you endorse people who want to be elected as public officials repeating this LIE too? Shame on you both!
If you or Rob Hoffman actually cared about this community - (and not just the salary of his teacher wife) - he/you would be out saying "I am proud of how Fairborn gives MORE than they can reasonably be expected to give toward the schools. We need to make sure that the taxpayers are getting a better value for every dollar they are sacrificing to give!" Why isn't THAT his campaign speech? Oh, I forgot, you don't speak for him. That's too bad. I have a feeling he will never speak for himself either!
Let me tell you a little story (I wish I could add illustrations too) because you don't seem too bright. Let's pretend there are two men - a wealthy man and a poor man. Each pass a needy child on the street. The wealthy man checks his over-stuffed wallet, pulls out $1 and throws it to the child. The poor man opens his pocket, finds his last nickel and gives it to the child. Which "supported" that child the most? In your world, the wealthy man, right? In fact, you want to go beat the poor man up and see if there might be a penny in his sock! Wow - how do you put your head on a pillow at night?
I read much of the report you referenced and it PROVED EXACTLY WHAT I SAID. There are plenty of school districts facing worse challenges and rising to meet them! Here, we are met with nothing but EXCUSES and WHINING! The FCS has the same state grading system every other district has - yet, you use THAT as another excuse? Pitiful. Just pitiful.
I must address your decade+ old SINGLE reference of Anti-Appalachian hatred. If that was intended to upset me, it didn't. I simply marvel that Deb McDoodlehopper is not alone in her IGNORANCE and BIAS! I could say YOU are what is wrong with Fairborn - but I am confident you don't even live here! You obviously have high research standards - you can't produce ANY current sources for ANY of your claims! Oh - you found a book that says that? I bet you can find a book that promotes slavery, denies the Holocaust, or advocates for child abuse too - does that make it RIGHT? You are one sick puppy!
Finally, in case you haven't noticed - genius - I will tell you what is happening in Fairborn. Decent people are FLEEING. If they can't afford to - they just LOOK THE OTHER WAY. Your crowd is NOT respected -NO ONE thinks they will "solve" anything because they CAUSED IT! People either run from them or suffer in silence. And that is what a FOOL like you thinks is worthy of Fairborn? At least twice a day someone asks me "why do you bother?" Yes. That is what my hometown has sunk to - WHY DO YOU BOTHER? If you cared one iota for Fairborn, you would wake up, look around, and like everyone else who has lived here for more than five years ask yourself WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? If you can't see that TRUTH, you are nothing but a punch line. Thanks for being mine.
Student Body (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:30)
Student Body (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 12:05)
I don't want to speak for Rob Hoffman but maybe he was talking about property taxes per pupil for FY13? Public records show:
Beavercreek - $7,046.46 per pupil
Fairborn - $4,125.57 per pupil
West Carrolton - $4,892.85 per pupil
Xenia - $4,517.38 per pupil
The state local tax effort is not a good tool to compare districts finanacial support. Community support comes down to how much money, per child, is raised.
Minorities are not "harder" to educate, but different cultures learn in different ways and have different thoughts on education. I posted the fact because experts feel it relevent to publish that data. Studies show that as income increases so does learning regardless of race. Culutural differences however has more impact on learning then race. When you pile a bunch of students from different cultures in a room what is the best way to educate them all at the same time? This can be taken a step further by looking at the Appalachian culture, which is very prevenlent in Fairborn and there general, but not all inclusive, view on education. A expert presented a paper called "The ABCs in Appalachia": A Descriptive View of Perceptions of Higher Education in Appalachian Culture at the conference of the woman of appalachia in Zanesville, Oh in October of 2000 stated:
"A survey was completed by 127 students at 3 colleges in southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky; 91 respondents were considered to be Appalachian and had lived in Appalachia from birth to age 11. The results indicate that Appalachian students had been exposed to discouraging messages regarding the pursuit of higher education. Half of Appalachian students reported being expected to do extra work that kept them from their schoolwork. Other frequent responses included being accused of "acting better" than others who did not attend college, being ignored when talking about college experiences, being told to not waste time on college, receiving dirty looks when talking about college, and being told that they would never complete a degree." In a culture where education is not a top priority there will surely be an impact in the classroom right? If a child has no interest or sees no benefits to education how to you teach them? if the parents don't see value in education how are teachers supposed to motivate teh kids?
Homeless stats came from the Fordham and Community Research Partners' Ohio Student Mobility Project.
Dayton - 2.96%
Centerville - 0%
Beavercreek - 0%
KEttering - 0.21%
Huber Hts - 0%
Fairborn 4.13%
W Carrolton 0.38%
Mad River - 0%
Xenia is a ring 2 school not in the same category of the above schools and their homeless rate was not listed.
the new rport cards will not be finalized until 2015. Give the district a chance to improve on this new reporting style before deciding that fairborn is doomed. Before the new report card came out the district had a b despite having 4% of their enrollment being homeless! They have earned the benefit of teh doubT!
Karen Combs (Thursday, 24 October 2013 10:28)
Karen Combs (Wednesday, 23 October 2013 11:53)
Mr. Hoffman was not alone in his questionable responses to the FDH. I also sent this to Paul Keller:
Mr. Keller,
I have yet to see you take a meaningful stand on any of the serious issues that have been facing Fairborn, but I wanted to give you this opportunity to do so for the benefit of the thousands who read my citizen-based website each month.
I read your submissions to the Fairborn Daily Herald and I have a few questions:
a) These are written in the third-person. Who wrote them for you?
b) You state that we need to "fully staff" and fund an "Economic Planning Department." The Fairborn Council approved over $80,000 for economic development tools including a website. Do you feel we received any value for this investment? If so, please describe it.
c) How and when were you appointed to the Fairborn Development Council? What process was used to select members?
d) You mention the city cleaning up "brownfield" areas. Does this mean that you support allowing those who created the environmental disaster to get "off the hook" and forcing taxpayers to pick up the tab? If so, why?
e) You mentioned "Operation Fairborn Cares" - when can the community look forward to an annual report from this organization including the number of clients served?
I will look forward to your answers and will gladly post them on my site. Karen Combs