The Elephant in the Room

The news is out.  West Clermont School District has hired a new Superintendent, Keith Klein.  He had only been with our district for 6 months as Assistant Superintendent, and now he readies himself for the top spot in our district.  I truly hope that he understands that he works for us, our students, and the board who hired him.

We all know that our district has failed its school levy, 60-40, no matter what the amount, the past three times is has been on the ballot.  There is talk that another levy will be placed on the ballot this November.  We also have 3 school board member positions open.  Those seats are now occupied by JoAnn Beamer, Denise Smith and acting board President, Doug Young. 

When speaking of cuts here and there, we never hear about the teachers’ union.  Well, this spring, the teachers contracts will be up for negotiations.  Clearly, this elephant needs to be addressed.  We must take a good hard look at what exactly the unions are doing to our schools.

Here is just a glimpse of how the unions focus on themselves and not the students.  I urge you to watch the newly released video by Pragar University.  “How Teachers Unions Hurt Schools,”  is narrated by Terry Moe, a Stanford Professor.  Full story at breitbart.com

Yet another argument for Workplace Freedom.

Young Remains West Clermont School Board President

Doug Young was voted to serve as West Clermont School Board President for the next term.  Jo Ann Beamer was voted as Vice-President.  Both votes were split decisions.  For the complete story, please go to Cincinnati.com.

The school board meets at the Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Road, at 7 p.m.  The meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

West Clermont Local School District Report

 

The West Clermont Local School District Report is in.  It deserves a look, so grab a cup of joe and enjoy!

West Clermont School Levy set for November Ballot

It’s official.  On July 16th, the West Clermont School Board voted to place a 7.9 mils levy on the November ballot.  The vote was 4-1.  It seems like business as usual for the district, including the hiring of another assistant superintendent, which adds to the already ‘top heavy administration.’  In the meantime, it looks like in September, the students at the elementary level will still go without gym, library, art and music.  We will continue to lose good teachers.  Frankly, I am quite baffled.  How many times to you read the same book and expect the ending to change?

And so it goes, if and when the levy doesn’t pass, we will again see the finger wagging because “we don’t care for the kids.”  I don’t know about you, but I am ready to throw the book out and find a new one!

Participate in School District Survey in Clermont County!

Save Clermont Schools is conducting a survey about the School District  located in Clermont County.  I have seen how the cuts made to West Clermont Schools have hurt this district, but it is my opinion, that until real transparency is achieved, we will continue on a downward spiral.  Please take the time to complete the survey.  Questions for the survey were submitted by folks who follow the saveclermontschools blog.  Deadline for the survey is August 8th.       It is high time that our voices be heard.

Hiring Practices in West Clermont Schools Questioned

                                                  

 Save Clermont Schools, a blog that keeps people informed about the schools throughout Clermont County has some interest facts about the hiring practices in the West Clermont School District.  Links are given providing facts including the Ohio Ethics Commission bulletin from May 12,2012 on Nepotism, which gives instruction about hiring family members.  I strongly suggest you read on..

More Administrative Spending for West Clermont Schools….Really?

I know that I spent 21 years at home raising my 5 children, but give me credit for a little common sense.  In the past years, West Clermont Schools have made millions in cuts, including music, art, library and gym at every elementary school.  Teachers have been let go.  Bus service is limited to those living outside of a 2 mile radius of the school attended, with no high school service at all.  Plus, they are supposed to be on the brink of fiscal watch, yet the board just approved the hiring of another Assistant Superintendent, 4-1.  I am baffled beyond belief and I am not alone in my sentiment.  Bob Jones is also puzzled.  Maybe you will be too.  Read on…

Listening Session for West Clermont Schools Tonight!

Citizens living in the West Clermont School District will have an opportunity to have roundtable discussions concerning key issues tonight at 6:30 pm at the Union Township Library, located at 4450 Glen Este-Withamsville Road.  There will be 3 of these Listening sessions in all.  Please RSVP and plan to attend.

West Clermont School Board Meeting, 7pm, tonight!

  The West Clermont School Board is having their regularly scheduled meeting tonight at 7 pm at the Union Township Civic Center.  Please try to attend this meeting because the board will be voting to hire a new Assistant Superintendent.  Hope to see you there!

West Clermont School Board’s New Survey……Not Very Favorable

   Save Clermont Schools is a site you should check out. You can have updates sent directly to your email, just sign up on the site. School board meetings are summarized from across the county, however, in our world, most will be interested in West Clermont Schools. Recently, our board shelled out big bucks for a survey, yet 75% of those surveyed didn’t have children in the district. Puzzled..?

Read on……