If you don't like someone just put them out. I am tired of the crybaby people who feel procedure does not apply. Bud Niekamp was elected to the school board. He was elected to the vice president then became president due to a resignation. Work with him. He wants to keep the spending down. Do you want the state to take over your school? Keep it up and that could happen. You can not spend more than you take in. If you don't beleive me look at the auto industry. Look at the banking industry. Get it. Why can another High School in your community make it? They watch the spending. Can he run a meeting? Can people let him or will they YELL at him? Act like adults and let the man do his ELECTED JOB. If you still dilike it Vote him out next time.But for now show support.
OldOne
: 7/2/2009
Quincy - "we play by our own rules here." A good example was them not taking the low bid and then using money to fight it in court. Play by the rules kids.
Former Citizen and glad of it
: 7/2/2009
You would think that someone who's been on two boards for as long as he has, would have learned some thing by now on how to conduct a meeting. From what I have observed, read, and viewed, Mr. Niekamp is self-centered and has his own agenda to prove. When my two children were in QHS, I tried to call Mr. Niekamp once about an issue, even left a message with his wife to call me back, but I never got a return telphone call. Thank God my husband and I knew that it took more than teachers and a school system to educate children. Today, both of our daughters are college graduates and we are extremely proud of them. I feel that THEY BOTH GOT A GREAT EDUCATION THROUGH THE QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. MR. NEIKAMP DO US A FAVOR AND RESIGN AS PRESIDENT AND FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD.
Mother of two QPS graduates
: 7/2/2009
Bud is not capable of running a meeting; he won't let his own board members speak; and he yells at teachers. Get him out!
: 7/3/2009
Elections have results. If you dislike the job Mr. Niekamp is doing, you should have voted for another candidate at the last election. As I recall, less than 50% of the eligible voters cast ballots in the last school board election. If you don't vote, you have no right to criticize the outcome.
: 7/3/2009
You people should be ashamed! You made total idiots of yourselves at the meeting yelling the way you did. You're idiots and your families should be embarrassed by your actions! At least Mr. Niekamp can handle pressure unlike you fools and I'm sure he will do a good job of it! Good for you Bud for having a backbone and not backing down.Fooloish spending has got to stop!
: 7/3/2009
If you where there or watched the live video stream of meetings you now know that there is a difference being board member who's role was being a distraction and just voting "no" to anything and that same board member now being the president of the board and having to provide the leadership and experience to conduct school board business. It was embarrassing and counter productive. My "hats off" to the other board member who were gracious and patient in a situation that is a mockery to the position and the responsibilities of the school board role. To those pundits for change, maybe you should be looking at what the current school board has accomplished over the past two years in cutting budget(s) and what the Superintendent's office has done to fix the problems and clean up the house that was left them. I agree with instituting change, but that includes you as well. Understand what has transpired these past two years and you will see that it isn't "business as usual".
saveourschools
: 7/3/2009
SAVEOURSCHOOLS.... You are exactly right. I might not agree with all of the decisions, the cuts, the layoffs that have been made, but at least the school is trying to deal with the situation they have been handed. Over The past 5 years, the school board has been trying to right many wrongs. Are they perfect? No. Is there room for improvemnt? Always. However, the problem always has been and always will be that people don't want more money taken out of their paycheck. Nobody does. However, in order to have an educated city (and I don't just mean a college or high school degree), you have to invest. In order to get a return on something, you have to invest. If you don't put anything into the system, you won't get anything out of the system. Yeah, more than 6,000 people have voted for Bud every time he is up for reelection over the the past 20 years. That doesn't make it right. QPS #172 has been trying to do what is right for Quincy, it is time for Quincy to do what is right for QPS. Being the President of the school board doesn't really mean much of anything. If you saw the board meeting on Thursday, nothing will be acccomplished on his tenure. For everybody out there who was bashing the "NEA" audience....it is funny how people only see one side....I guess you completely missed Bud at the beginning of the meeting and how he was talking towards people. And how about the people who stood up in support of Mr. Niekamp and were screaming and yelling like little children? I am interested in how those of you who have supported Mr. Niekamp, now justify him wanting to spend money on the audit that wouldn't have accomplished anything....
brickinthewall
: 7/3/2009
We need to establish term limits.
: 7/3/2009
This school district has been a disgrace for many years. OVER SPENDING AND WASTING THE TAX PAYERS MONEY!! I thank Mr. Niekamp for his honesty and ability to say "NO". Does anyone other than a relative of a teacher or administrator trust this school baord?
: 7/3/2009
It would be difficult to conduct a meeting with people yelling at you.
jon
: 7/3/2009
The TV coverage of the SB meetings showed people who never attend what happens. No wonder no one runs for office that could affect change and bring the schools into compliance. Too many angry people vent on this site and on Qcy News.org but they run their mouth, not for office. They know how they will be perceived. They just want to hold the guns and not be in the line of fire. Our schools are mismanaged. Bud is an example of a poor education system. Poor english skills, but many of you who write on these sites show that you have a poor grasp of english and spelling. Too many kids finish high school at the alternative school and not the high school. Too many of our kids go to JWCC to get a GED and go on the college courses. We lose the money that would be received based on attendance. Too many end up in prison or just drop out of school and drop out of society. I think many prefer having these kids out of the high school setting unless they can play sports. I applaud parents with the ability to home school their children and are able to pull them out of an educational system that fails to educate.
Sick of drama queens
: 7/3/2009
School district has been a disgrace for many years? ARE YOU SERIOUS???? Look at what the teachers have been able to produce and what they have been able to get students to accomplish with the lack of support in the community. Being a teacher is one of the most important jobs on the face of the planet, yet in Quincy, we are looked down upon. We are treated like we don't deserve to walk down the street. We educate your children because you won't do it at home. We teacher your children values, because you won't do it at home. We keep your children off the streets, because you won't do it at home. We feed your children, becuase you won't do it at home. We buy your childrent school supplies, gifts, etc.., because you won't do it at home. What honesty does Mr. Niekamp show? Ability to say no? That's easy for anybody to do. I wish you could say, I appreciate Mr. Niekamp's ability to offer solutions to enhance our childrens' educations. That is what everybody should be hearing. You don't trust the school board because you are afraid that people are out to get you. The school board isn't out to get you, they just want to make your life better. Everybody who has voted for Bud, it is time to quit being selfish. Stop looking at what it is going to do to YOU now, and start thinking what it is going to do to your community, your chidren, you life in the future.
Uneducated, but hopeful
: 7/3/2009
sick of drama queens... So you are saying QPS does not educate the students? "......pull them out of an educational system that fails to educate." Again....time to get a grasp on reality....
Que
: 7/3/2009
The academic elitism attitude toward Mr. Niekamp is disturbing. Especially by the many teachers in attendance at that meeting. It's patronizing and condescending. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree. I work for a wonderful, intelligent boss who is "only" a high school graduate. My spouse has somehow managed to be successful as "only" a high school graduate. My parents are enjoying a comfortable retirement despite being "only" high school graduates. My boss, my spouse, my parents - all pay property taxes, and vote, despite being "only" high school graduates. Most of the property taxes in this school district are paid by people who are "only" high school graduates. The attitude displayed by many at the meeting, including many teachers, and some of the board members, and especially the school attorney, was smug and demeaning. Education does not make you a better person than someone else. Do the teachers treat the parents of their students in this condescending manner? The school district payroll is not subsidized by only the college educated property owners.
: 7/3/2009
Mr. Niekamp clearly has not learned the rules of order for school board meetings. A school system's mission for its students is the acquisition of both knowledge and the thinking skills to put that acquired knowledge to use. Surely a school system requires those learning and thinking skills in its leader. That Mr. Niekamp is not up to speed on parliamentary procedures is not the point. The fact that Mr. Niekamp has participated in meetings that followed those procedures for twenty years and still does not possess a thorough knowledge of even the most basic of those rules is evidence that he does not possess the abilities to learn and process information, abilities which are needed to be board president. Learning basic rules of order is a simple matter compared to understanding the complex issues a board president must handle. I do not doubt that Mr. Niekamp is well intentioned. Good intentions are necessary to lead the school system, but good intentions are not sufficient. Think of it this way. Your house is on fire, and there are two fire fighters who could come to your assistance. They both have good intentions and want to put out the fire. But only one has learned how to use the equipment, Which firefighter would you choose?
The road there is paved with..
: 7/3/2009
Rather I agree with Mr Niekamp or Not....It was a circus, only because People (Mostly teachers) made it that way....Can you image if City Employees yelled and displayed no respect the Mayor and Aldeman during a Council meeting what would happen" I can tell you....The QPD would escort them out of the Council Chamber and they would be reprimanded.
JN
: 7/3/2009
you people have voted him into office for 20 years plus the board appointed him as vice president and now all of a sudden he's not worthy?you're the fools, you go bud
you put him there, now deal with it
: 7/3/2009
Folk's, a college education doesn't prove a thing. The only thing it does do is improve your resume. To pass college exam's all you have to do is buy a test. Not all do, but a lot do. I would lot rather hire someone with a little common sense than a college education. Just look back over history and some of the greatest accomplishments in the world were made by people with very little education. Most, (not all) college grads. lack one of the most important things in life, Common Sense. Someday somebody has to take a stand against the spend, spend theory. Look at our Federal Goverment, it hasn't worked for them and will not work for the school's either. Bud, Win or lose I think you are doing an outstanding job and wish you the best.
: 7/3/2009
If everybody thinks Bud is uneducated you need to remember he went to school here in Quincy. Guess it don't say much about our school system then does it?
: 7/3/2009
Just because a person has a college degree doesn't certify him or her as an expert. Most of the billionaire's club list were NOT college graduates. Look at Bill Gates. Look at our current economy and how many in charge have "college" degrees. It takes common sense, real life experiences, and ambition to run the school board. Bud Niekamp is exactly what our school board needs because maybe fiscal responsibility will be enforced once and for all. ROCK ON BUD! I like those who beat the beat of a different drummer!
Bud ROCKS
: 7/3/2009
For those who think that Mr. Niekamp's "common sense" qualifies him to be school board president, I would suggest giving some thought to Mr. Niekamp's account of how he managed to start his own business from a March 2008 Herald-Whig interview. "...I worked down at Gardner Denver when I got out of the service. I learned a lot down there. That's one reason I was able to start my own business. A lot of the drills and milling curves, they threw them away. I asked the foreman if I could have some of that stuff, and he said, 'Just help yourself.' So one night, I took a whole big box of stuff across the highway to the car, and the next day, he says, 'Bud, I don't mind giving you something, but don't take so much at once.' I guess I got a little hoggish, but that's the reason I was able to start my own business." Bud's "common sense" didn't cause him to question whether the foreman had the authority to give him permission to take company property. Even when the foreman cautioned him not to take so much at once, Mr. Niekamp's "common sense" did not cause him to question whether taking company property was legal or ethical. REAL common sense would at least have made him wonder why, if taking the parts was on the up and up, it would matter if he took them a few at a time or all at once. REAL common sense would have caused him to question why the foreman felt it necessary to warn him. And yes, this incident happened a very long time ago, but in the interview given just last year, Mr. Niekamp STILL did not seem to appreciate what REAL common sense should have told him long ago... that taking property without the consent of the owner of the property (that's not the foreman, Bud!), EVEN IF it was going to be thrown out, and EVEN IF you only take a little at a time, is still theft. Unfortunately, I think it is possible that Mr. Niekamp actually DOESN'T know this, which illustrates an unfortunate quality of Mr. Niekamp's: he doesn't know what he doesn't know.
: 7/3/2009
To you put him there, you deal with it. Of the 6,000 plus people that voted him in, I bet half are in a nursing home.....
: 7/3/2009
Typical Quincy good ole boys club...now showing themselves in the school board debate. And so far all it has gotten you is a school system in financial distress while you make fools of yourselves in the community and put forth a very poor example for the children you are elected to educate. Why not drop the antics and let Bud do the job he was elected to do? Give him his dignity and see how it goes before you have done irreparable damage. Drop the story Whig. Your obviously part of the problem, not just reporting anymore.
: 7/3/2009
I agree with the last Poster...The news media needs to back away....If you don't want to do it for Bud...Then do it for the Family...Thanks
: 7/3/2009
This isn't about Bud or "The Family". Its about the kids and the community and Bud, no matter how well intentioned, is incapable of dealing intelligently with the problems at hand.
: 7/3/2009
How does anyone know that Bud is incapable of running the school board??? He hasn't even had a chance to do so and everyone is already jumping on the band wagon against him. Give him a chance before you say he is incapable. Unless you have psychic abilities how do you know he can't do the job???
QPS worker
: 7/3/2009
Protocol should prevail. A college education doesn't ensure better decisions for the children can be made. As far as running the meeting.....If it were someone else the board would do everything they could do to assist and help.
: 7/3/2009
If people were so worried about the "Children" then they sure had a heck (yeah I said Heck) of a way showing It last night.... Show them ...If you don't agree with someone, scream at them and treat them like crap (oops...I said Crap) What's that teaching children?
: 7/3/2009
Mr. Niekamp has never seconded other board members motions, served on their committees, or voted for their initiatives. Why does he think they should all just fall into line and support him. It is his job to convince them instead of refusing to answer questions or reveal his sources.
: 7/3/2009
This is not the Bud Niekamp that I voted for. The Bud Niekamp that I voted for said only wanted to reduce spending. This new Bud Niekamp wants to spend our money on audits of audits and on litigation that is because he is illegally on two different boards.
: 7/3/2009
"If everybody thinks Bud is uneducated you need to remember he went to school here in Quincy. Guess it don't say much about our school system then does it?" Any school system will only give back what is put into it. I think his grammar and knowledge of parliamentary order shows that he gave the same amount to his schooling as he has to the school board.
: 7/3/2009
I am not against Bud. However, I am against his audit. We people who voted for him figured he would act like he did for the last twenty years
: 7/3/2009
The school board president should be a leader. Niekamp has long boasted of not listening to anyone else. Does that sound like a leader to you?
: 7/3/2009
Rather I agree with Mr Niekamp or Not....It was a circus, only because People (Mostly teachers) made it that way....Can you image if City Employees yelled and displayed no respect the Mayor and Aldeman during a Council meeting what would happen" I can tell you....The QPD would escort them out of the Council Chamber and they would be reprimanded. JN RATHER you agree or not? Regardless, can you "image" if the mayor or alderman garnered as little respect as Mr. Niekamp? Mr. Niekamp has not showed a side worthy of my respect in a long time. In the paper, he complains that the crowd was stacked against him because it was made up of mostly teachers. I think that just demonstrates how ludicrous the idea of him holding the position is. If the teachers, who understand the way the school system needs to be run more than anyone else, totally reject him as representation, why should others support him? Until you feel like getting a group of teenagers involved in something they have no interest in while also dealing with the consequences of this man's decisions, he should not be allowed to be president of the board.
: 7/3/2009
This man has already made a circus of the district. [/html] What could he do with an entire term?
: 7/3/2009
It doesn't matter whether you've been to college or not, you have to be able to work with others. Mr. Niekamp has never been able to do that, voting no, but never offering any other solution. I trust that the other board members truly have the good of the school district at heart. I believe they understand that the education of the children will affect all of us in the future. Mr. Niekamp only seems interested in not raising taxes to support the education of these children. The cost of everything has increased including the cost to educate children. Quincy schools have received awards for achieving high performance on state mandated tests. I never see much written about this, but I believe the schools are doing a fine job with the resources available. I believe Mr. Niekamp is not the best person for the job of President because he is at odds with the purpose of a school board. Serving on the county board gives him the opportunity to veto help for the Quincy school district.
concerned cititzen
: 7/3/2009
It is illegal for Mr. Niekamp to hold both offices. Breaking the law is not a good example for our children.
: 7/3/2009
I applaud Mr. Dickerson for accepting the vice presidency. Is he only vice president-pro-tempore, because Mr. Niekamp is president-pro-tempore?
: 7/3/2009
There were more people at the SB meeting last night then probably any other meeting.. Most of the people that were there probably didn't even vote in the election. Its funny how people don't want to vote for who they want to lead, but the first time they screw up or something doesn't go there way they are always the first ones to complain. If you want something your way then you should get out and vote!!!
annoyed
: 7/3/2009
"When Bemis tried to speak again, Niekamp pounded his makeshift gavel he made from a claw hammer and ruled him out of order." Good grief! Somebody get this self-aggrandizing buffoon OUT of there A.S.A.P., so that the school board can get back to dealing with issues that are in the best interests of the district's students.
Quit letting the lunatics run the asylum!
: 7/3/2009
: 7/3/2009
Several Observations here: Did anyone else notice how many people kept yelling & screaming about the forensic audit EVEN after the Board KILLED the motion? My thinks someone doth protest too much. Wonder what Koch is so afraid what the audit may reveal? Suggest people look at the Bond Schedule pages on the 2002 & 2003 QSD Financial Statements filed with the ISBE. Does anyone know who the Board President was back then? His initial are: Dennis Koch. Did anyone notice that Gorman refused to provide any information and answer any of Niekamp’s questions? Wonder how much of that information would have to be produced by FOI? So let’s review things… Gorman will not provide info to the Board President about a public (agenda) document, even if the info is subject to FOI. Hmmmm, something smells here. Remember people, Gorman said…” I do not intend to respond further to the request….. or any future request, until I am authorized and directed to do so by the Board of Education.” Soooooooo, how did Gorman and Gorman Jr. intervene in 5 Tax Objection lawsuits, and rack up $500,000 in legal fees? All WITHOUT being “authorized and directed to do so by the Board of Education”. And now we may finally be able to get some ANSWERS!
: 7/3/2009
Since Bemis nominated and voted for Niekamp for VP, I wonder if he also gave him that claw hammer/gavel to use. Maybe that was the quid pro quo. Oh, one more thing, Glenn, the next time you give the "Old soldiers never die" speech, look up the word: brevity. I bet even Niekamp knows its meaning.
: 7/3/2009
I know this is cruel, but what the heck. Did ya all see the picture with the caption.. “Superintendent Lonny Lemon, right, helps explain parliamentary procedure to President Pro Tempore Melvin "Bud" Niekamp during the first of two Quincy School Board meetings Thursday night at Baldwin School.” OK, here’s the next Whig poll: Did these two get a motel room together after the meeting.? OR Where is Lonny’s other hand? OR Bud, it's not K-12 jelly, it's KY. Just a joke, Lonny. We all need a laugh. Can't wait to hear the punchline Quincy jokes at the next IASB meeting.
: 7/4/2009
A college education means a lot. Your comment seems like sour grapes because you don't have one. I never bought a test & I don't know anyone who did. I have plenty of common sense & I worked during my college years as do my college age children. I can't believe Bud has been elected to the school board for so long. It's a sad time.
: 7/4/2009
Obama doesn't have experience, and look where he is. Many voters are just fine with THAT. Apparently only Republicans are required to have vast experience. I was disgusted with those being disrespectful to Mr. Niekamp, including those on the board. They also showed disrespect to other citizens who aren't so 'educated'. Even board members who lamented 'not following the rules' weren't following the rules! If he's elected, he's elected-the mob DOESN'T rule in this country....yet. Bemis and his 'new friends' have caused ALL this mess with their secret dealings, and they're happy to have the public think it's all Bud's fault. He's not the one who caused the tort fund mess and huge deficits, they are. Our US constitution is in shreds...it looks like the rule of law in local areas will be the next to go.
: 7/4/2009
people talk about how he is trying to save us money. But yet he wants to spend tax money to fix an error that was like 8 years ago. i think if Bud stays its gonna end up costing us alot.
bb73
: 7/4/2009
Is the Mercantile Bank going under? What does Dean Phillips have to do with the stock bottoming? Is the Government investigating?
Anonymous
: 7/4/2009
Filing false audited financial statements concealing the entire debt refinancing of a public school district is somewhat more than an "error" The QSD has been engaging in "Enron" accounting for a long time. Such an "error" can and should have consequences. Just ask Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling. If Gardner-Denver pulled this trick, people would be prosecuted. Don't forget that Dickerson, Daniels, and Lovelace were all on the Board when these events occurred. And now a scheme is hatched to put Dickerson back as President. If this isn't "business as usual", what is? The Board meeting called for last Thursday by Bemis & the Buttheads was all about trying to trick or trap Niekamp by hook or crook into exiting as Pres. Did everyone notice that it was Gorman who decided there was no need for an executive session. A 2 hour open session, selecting 2 new officers, and no need for a closed session? Just further proof of who really controls and runs the QSD. And he was never elected to the Board.
: 7/4/2009
Illinois law states that you cannot hold two public offices. The Illinois Attorney General's opinion backed that up. Case law of a man who held both a county board seat and a school board seat found it illegal. Thus any actions by Mr. Niekamp such as signing contracts, bonding, cash flow loans etc. will be found to be invalid.Anything and everything that has the Presidents signature will be subject to challenge. Everything he does will become a litigation nightmare and will cost the taxpayers. Sorry Bud, you are a nice guy and got 6,000 votes but that does not excuse you from following the law.
camowarrior
: 7/4/2009
Can anyone list and describe the exact powers and duties of the quincy school board president? Can anyone describe exactly how the School board can and will "be paralyzed" by Niekamp. I read that the Board easily brushed aside all the resolutions Niekamp made. 1 vote is still only 1 vote. So a Board meeting was contentious - so what. At least for a change we saw open, transparent, real participatory democracy in action. It ain't pretty, but it gave everyone a voice for a change. Unlike the city council meetings, people went home at least with the satisfaction all were heard and given all the time they wanted to vent their emotions and beliefs. Just what is so wrong about that? After all, this is about a PUBLIC school district
: 7/4/2009
Wow, Why did this get so much attention. Where were the voters during the elelction? I agree they packed the meeting. Yes hold the kids up to get more money. Yes say you must have a college degree to lead. (I have two). Yes say whatever but the facts are the people do not want more taxes. The people want great education available for the children. The taxpayers also want no more waste in the spending. I agree that a college degree does not make a leader. Comon sense does. One of our postmasters in the 50's made a coment that no mater how well written the manual is written comen sense must preveil.
OldOne
: 7/4/2009
Thanks Holly. Good little tidbit of news here. "Michelle Eberlin: The president of the Teachers Federation was silent, letting the teachers speak for her. Eberlin said she would have spoken if necessary. The union did get the ball rolling to make sure teachers were in attendance and left it up to them whether to speak or not." Considering how the teachers conducted themselves and the comments they made, it appears they didn't improve their standing with the Joe-Six-Packs of Quincy. The one who pay most of the property taxes here. Really smart of that one teacher to say how happy and proud she was that the district spent $500,000 on legal fees, but oh so outraged that some 0ut-of-town attorney made $13,000 or so representing the interests of about 1,000 Quincy taxpayers. Guess she just forgot to mention that most of that $500,000 money for legal fees from the quincy taxpayers went to Chicago attorneys. Real bright comment there.
: 7/4/2009
Go QND - makes me glad my children attend private schools!!!!
: 7/4/2009
To the QND parent who had posted previously: That's wonderful; QND offers a great education... but [obviously] it is not an option for *everyone* to send their children to QND. We need to have quality *public* schools as well. And we cannot do that with the current "leadership" in place.
The school board should strive for excellence, just like QND does.
: 7/4/2009
Nice comment QND parent, makes me glad that your kids attend private school, also!
: 7/4/2009
FISCAL RESTRAINT are the key words here! Dickerson literally put us under and why on earth ANYONE in their right mind wants him back in there is beyond me!
Lil Old Me!
: 7/4/2009
The point is that district did not have much choice in defending themselves in the tort litigation. It would have cost more if they hadn't defended themselves. They do have a choice in regard to auditing the audit. Even though the forensic audit did not pass, Bud announced that he is still trying to get it. Until he says that he has quit trying, I will keep complaining. It makes me sick to see my tax dollars spend on things that do not benefit students.
: 7/4/2009
Those board meetings sound like pre-arranged witch hunting and show the public how our good ole boys lead the electorate. Got the union in there to stir things up and work against progress. Bud in there because he was voted to be there. Drop the antics and get down to the business of providing a POSITIVE education for the children of Quincy. What we are seeing unfolding here is a travesty. It shows the corruption of Quincy and that politics seems to be more important than common sense and good actions, both of which Bud is known for. And regarding taxes, why would anyone need to give a larger percentage than they already do? Politicians and unions always want more to support their interests. What I am seeing now makes me feel that the money being spent is not being spent well. Makes me wonder if Bud isn't right about an audit. The mere mention of one may end any questionable practices if Bud remains president. Go Bud!
: 7/4/2009
I am sorry that I clapped too much at the meeting. It is hard not to be emotional because teaching is not just a job for me. Everyone who knows me, knows someone I have taught. So, it is not something you turn off when you leave the school. I spend an average of 60 hours a week at it all year round because I love learning and students. I took a large pay cut to do it because I wanted to do something I felt was important. I am not sorry I did. I am just trying to explain why it is hard not to get emotional when someone wants to spend $500,000 on a forensic audit that would not help anyone except the staff performing it. If there were something wrong, Mr. Bastean would have found it by now. It is a public record.
: 7/4/2009
I don't care if Mr. Niekamp has a college degree. I don't care if he can run a meeting. I just want him to follow the law and resign one of the offices and quit trying to waste money on audits and litigation.
: 7/4/2009
A forensic audit does not show if money is spent well. It only shows if it was spent legally. It would just cost money to hire the outside agency and for the district to explain each piece of chalk, pencil, roll of toilet paper, etc.
: 7/4/2009
QND is a great school...Maybe it's worth the "Extra" Money to send your Children there. But...... they will have to leave their Black Tee shirt with little saying and Pants to their Ankles behind...Oh yeah...Jeans and Hot Pants are a No No. ... and Pleeze.... Keep Bud too.. (Just joshing You)
: 7/4/2009
The District did not have to hire private attorneys to defend the tort tax. That was and is Jon Barnard ‘s responsibility. Suggest you obtain copies of the 5 Petitions to Intervene filed by private attorneys claiming to represent the quincy school district. Read them very, very carefully. Now explain specifically how “it would have cost more if they hadn’t defended themselves.” You must be really sick and on life support considering the fact the district blew $500,000 on Chicago attorneys and still ended up giving tax refunds to the Quincy tax payers
: 7/4/2009
A forensic audit or similar such audit can be tailored to look for specific items involving transactions and activities that involve money over a certain amount. Kind of like selecting certain items of food from a menu. Dennis Koch is crying wolf and spreading the “$500,000” cost around to create panic and discord, and to prevent the audit for personal reasons. Sit tight until an honest, objective accounting firm, perhaps from outside Quincy can render an honest, accurate assessment of the costs and possible benefits. Something like a cost/benefit analysis. Ask Dennis Koch to explain the use of cost/benefit analysis. After all, he claims to an honest, competent accountant. Guess he acquired those qualities AFTER he left the Quincy School Board. Wonder if he ever worked in the accounting department at Enron???
: 7/4/2009
For many years, it has been true that Mr. Niekamp cannot by law hold two elected offices in the same city. Reason: by logic, one cannot swear a 100% loyalty oath to two separate entities at the same time. Neither Board has a legal right to remove him, although members have asked about this several times. The challenge comes from three sources, and each must refuse to take up the process of removing him, before the next source can proceed. In order of rights to remove are: the district attorney, the state attorney general and then, any private citizen of good standing in the voting area. After the two attorney offices have declined to pursue the case, it is left to any citizen. Then, a judge's ruling decides the issue. The process has never been done before because the Board knew that it had enough votes in the majority to function. Now, the issue is real and must be decided. President Pro Tempore Niekamp, because he signs off on legal contracts and bonds, cannot have his position be in question. Legally, this would paralyze the district. With Mr. Niekamp holding onto the office of president, the Board is almost totally and legally non-functioning.
Facts (without taking sides)
: 7/4/2009
"It makes me sick to see my tax dollars spend on things that do not benefit students" is a quote posted 7/4. Would the poster please explain what is meant? I want my QSD tax dollars to support students, too. Paying teachers, buildings, supplies, etc. is for the students. What is not?
: 7/4/2009
I'm sorry, I don't want to hear from teachers whining that they teach and educate the kids! SHUT UP! I have tutored kids, and most all of the kids I've tutored don't know the basics! You sit there and groan about your pay, and back it up by inadequate teaching to students! Our education system is garbage because of the garbage teachers that are out there these days! So shut up and take care of the kids before going after Bud Niekamp, you elitist, panty waisted whiners!
: 7/4/2009
Paying teachers, buildings, supplies, etc. is for the students. Paying for a forensic audit benefits only the accounting firm that does it. As someone said, a forensic audit does not tell you if money was spent well, only if it was spent legally. It seems impossible that $500,000 worth of illegality is in the budget. You can say it wasn't spent well, but it was spent legally.
: 7/4/2009
I was not groaning about my pay. I just apologized for clapping. The meeting would have gone faster if nobody had clapped. I was saying that it is hard not be emotional about any job that is so much a part of your personal identity. Of course teaching is not the only job like this. Many jobs are like this, but when you have taught 4500+ students, everywhere you go in the community, many people think of you as a teacher first. You start to think of yourself as a teacher first. It is hard to be detached and unemotional.
: 7/4/2009
here is what I do not understand, the school board was against Bud all these years, and yet they were the ones who voted to make him VP of the school board, and then Bemis resigns as president of the school board, please keep that in mind when voting (if you actually get out to vote). and to those teachers who commented about "Only a High School Education", keep in mind that those people who have "Only a High School Education" are people who build your car, build your house, grow your food, and make sure that you have a paycheck, it's time to get your stuck up nose out of the air, you should be ashamed of your comment, as for those parents who send their kids to QND, good for you, I am sure that they are getting a better education, to those parents who want to send their kids to QND but do not, find a way, take on a part time job for the extra money, quit buying new cars and other toys, make that sacrifice so you kid can go to QND, if you truely want them to go, figure out a way to make it happen. some of the kids that I see around Quincy, certainly are not getting a good education, listen to them talk, they can not even make change without a machine telling them how to make change, my wife and I were in Hobby Lobby a while back, there were two kids (around 17 yrs) they were wearing QHS shirts and jackets, one of them pointed out something, the other replied, "I Ain't Got That One", sounds to me that the teachers are failing at their job.
: 7/4/2009
I hope Mr Niekamp will take the time to learn the rules of order and procedure for school board meetings. It would be so great for him to take the high raod and show the nay-sayers he is above their politics. Bud please rise up to the challenge and put the school board back on the right track. We need the fiscal responsibility you claim to promote. Please show the taxpayers how to run a fiscally responsible entity. Don't lower yourself to the antics of others. We are tired of more and more taxes and wasted money. I have thought many times of running for the school board, but I don't like the games they play. If you need help with issues, lets get more common people on committees .
firebird
: 7/4/2009
I am sick and tired of listening to people say that QND is better than QHS! It's Not! It's different in that they are not governed by a public school board. The kids at QHS are just as intelligent, if not more so, than the kids at QND. Another difference is that the public schools Have to educate several students that really have no interest in being in school. Many more do quite well and treasure the special time in public schools. With Lonny Lemon as superintendent we have the opportunity to finally have a school system that is progressive and a model for the rest of the state. But now the school board that will determine the quality of our kids education is in chaos. It Must End!
: 7/4/2009
Advice to Mr Niekamp: Quiet falling in the Trap they have set up for you....They want you to get Mad...They love it when you lose your cool and act like a "Dumb @ss... Be the Bud Most people voted for....If you can't do that....Then do yourself a favor...Call it a Day! And Too... Get rid of that stupid Handmade mallet....Your Not Judge Joe Brown or Judge Judy
: 7/4/2009
Quote from a previous post: "my wife and I were in Hobby Lobby a while back, there were two kids (around 17 yrs) they were wearing QHS shirts and jackets, one of them pointed out something, the other replied, "I Ain't Got That One", sounds to me that the teachers are failing at their job." End of quote. Now wait a second. The problem with education is that more and more parents are teaching their kids to expect teachers to spoon-feed them. Teachers can not make kids learn. They can not make kids present in the classroom. They can not follow them around to reprimand their grammar. Also, if you place so much weight on grammar, why on earth would you support Bud Neikamp? Have you HEARD him speak? I also find it incredibly ridiculous to base an opinion off of a school of approximately 1650 on one kid in Hobby Lobby. I am a seventeen-year-old student at QHS and I can pick out every last grammatical and punctuation error in your post.
: 7/4/2009
I was disappointed in the Teachers at the Board Meeting...They went from respected Educators to Edward Hyde and Dr Henry Jelyll in a Blink of an eye.. ..They all need to apologize to Mr Niekamp and Other Board Menbers ...And by no means am I'm I holding up for Niekamp...I'm just shocked and disappointed at their Rude behavior.
: 7/4/2009
Teachers shouldn't apologize to anybody!!! They get paid little to do an incredibly important [but for the most part, thankless] job. When students do well, we hardly ever hear about the hard-working educators who made it possible... but when the school system's in shambles, the teachers often get blamed [in spite of the fact that the blame *really* lies at the administrative/beaurocratic level]? You should take your head out of the sand, and *thank* a teacher instead of belittling them!
Some of these posts are just so depressing.
: 7/4/2009
It used to be that most teachers were underpaid... but check out the teachers pay in the paper when it is posted and in most cases that is no longer the case. 30+ thousand for 9 months work sounds good to me. The problem is discipline... teachers need to be able to use the yard stick method again.
: 7/4/2009
For as hard as teachers work, 30K isn't much [especially considering that many teachers wind up spending money out of their own pockets, to buy supplies for their students]. PS- what is "the yard stick method"?; I've never heard of that.
: 7/4/2009
Where's the choice of "Yes. He should resign because it is illegal for him to simultaneously hold two offices."??
Go, Bud. Go.
: 7/4/2009
I attended the SB meeting and I look at the situation with multiple concerns. One of my first questions was 'why' was Mr. Niekamp 'elected' to be the VICE PRESEIDENT - and yet now it appears that he is not competent to serving as President. Research on this was my mission & and it seems that Mr. Niekamp was elected VP because NO ONE ELSE would accept the position. Nomination 'was made' for Mr. Dickerson but he DECLINED - back in April when this all began, post the April Election. Therefore I do not any longer 'fully condemn the school board members for the position that came upon Mr. Niekamp. Your now the VP Mr. Dickerson and I wonder 'why' you would have refused back when Mr. Krause made the motion for you as VP. It is VERY concerning in an economic times such as now, as to how 'anyone' would allow the audit to a tune of $500.000+. (for an issue that majority deem resolved and the challenge being shown as to how it had been made). Those desiring to hold fiscal accountability and to elevate the performance of students participation and grades made is the goal at hand for the educational board. To this, I do not see how a 500.000 + audit would benefit 'anyone other than those hired to do the jobs.' I have ask many questions and ask numerous people. It is my understanding that Mr. Niekamp had become extremely 'blaming and making accusations that everyone on the school board was dishonest or corrupt among other name calling he would make. This does not seem to demonstrate good leadership roles. On Tuesday night, when those of the board would request time to speak (at the 4:00 PM meeting), Mr. Niekamp would bang his 'man - made gavel' and NOT allow them to speak. Ask ourselves, is the the role of a good leader or a dictatorship wanting to take control. Mr. Niekamp, I do not intend to be disrespectful to you, but 'why in the world would you perform like that?' Some of your responses saddened me to hear you speaking as you did. I don't believe that a personal has to be 'highly educated - with all kinds of degree's to hold a position of President of the School Board. Yet, I do believe that a person in this position DOES need to conduct him self professionally and know how to conduct business and the out come to be for the benefit and good of the students and at the same time being accountable to the tax payers of this community. On that same token I believe the 'educated - teachers' who spoke out on Tuesday need to be held accountable in how they perform their presentations. Some of you were not setting a good example for your students either!!!! I do think that both sides fell short on integrity & honorary skill of performance on Tuesday night. I do think that Mr. Niekamp has served the board well in the past but with the current conditions I question it now, especially in the chair as President. Remember again, he got this because NO ONE ELSE who step up to the plate with nominations! THE STUDENTS need to be the prime reason to move through this as soon as possible. Cast aside 'ego's if this is the case Mr. Niekamp. This can not be a 'healthy' emotional or physical time for you Mr. Niekamp. Nor do I think it is for all the others who are 'working their way through this issue - wanting it to be a positive resolve for the students and the taxpayers. To the school board, may you also look at this from all the avenues possible for resolve. I will be attending the school board meetings and will be watching how 'all conduct their time at hand and how quickly this can be resolved.
: 7/4/2009
This is to the person with the brain of a gnat who said 30,000 + sounds good to me for 9 months work. First of all its for 12 months not 9. Second, all you people who complain about teachers , and administrators salaries, they went to college and paid the price, whats your excuse.
: 7/5/2009
What's the yard stick Method....Wow you must be young....It's when a Teacher could smack an Unruly Child either across the Rear or on the Knuckles..and the Parents would give them another Smack when they got Home..Do it in this day and Age, the Parents would Sue and the Teacher would get fired..
: 7/5/2009
how can it be for 12 months... june, july and most of august there is no school, besides the 30 is the low salary it goes up to 50 or 60 in some cases... and there should only be 1 superintendent for the whole district and only 1 principal per school... do away with all those wasted administrators.
: 7/5/2009
I pay taxes here in Quincy, yet my child goes to school elsewhere. Due to the fact that it seems its who you know what kind of education your child gets. Why would I send my child to school where the teachers whine non stop about their pay and benefits when they are clueless how lucky they are. The employees use cell phones in class but kids aren't allowed to. They also have family visitors come and go as they please. They were about absent children but no regards to their grades. As long as the staff gets their raises and do as they please no whining. Suggest more meds for the kids so that babysits them and they don't have to. The schools been top heavy for far to long. Let Mr. Niekamp continue to be one that stands up and makes others responsible for their spending. Their is a saying that goes something like this. When one ____ they all squat !!! I am so glad that Mr. Niekamp isn't like the rest of the board. Laughing stalk of Quincy that is the people that elect a person then act like children when they don't get their way,whine whine whine. Just like the teachers and top heavy management. No shame in saying my child doesn't get their education in Quincy. Nurse 22.
: 7/5/2009
as for the salary for 12 months when they work 9, teachers and school bus drivers can elect to be paid for only 9 months or 12, it's the same amount of annual salary, just broken down to either 9 or 12, the pay is also based upon the number of years they spent in higher education and the number of degrees they hold, and it's also based upon the area of education they are qualified for teaching. now as for those teachers who are complaining about their low salaries, if you do not like it, find another career, there was a time when a future teacher would be aware of the "low" salaries before they even went on to college for their teaching degrees, but they went ahead with it anyway because of their love for teaching and their students, today it's a different story, the future teachers are more concerned about themselves and then the students, teachers of today have this deserving attitude like so many others, you do not deserve crap, you earn it, does Mr. Niekamp deserve or earn where he is now, the answer is no, what we need is a complete overhaul of the school board, each and every one of them needs to go and go now, start off fresh, however, it's a matter of time before the state steps in and takes over, I am surprised that it hasn't happened years ago, QSD has been on the states watch list before, it will happen again, only they will step in, we need more people to step up to the plate and run for school board, lets get rid of the current board completely and find a more responsible school board, lets also do the same with the city as well.
: 7/5/2009
It would seem that this can all be solved by just following the law. I voted for Bud, but if the law says he can't serve and he continues to serve, that says volumes about his personality. He is waiting for someone else to take his office away. What would our society be like if no one followed the law unless the police were looking directly at them?
: 7/5/2009
Why is it you never hear the whining from Nurse's etc.. that you hear from teachers.Talk about a hard job... they works nights, Holidays etc . At least..teachers can be with their familes on Holidays .(plus home all Summer) .. ...If anyone is underpaid and unappreciated it's the Nursing Profession.
: 7/5/2009
Bud proved on Thursday that he doesn't have the knowledge or capability to be president of the school board. After 27 years, he still had no idea how to run a meeting? Unacceptable! While some of the blame falls on the other board members for voting him as the vice president in the first place, he should realize he is in over his head. As a teacher, I DO NOT want Bud in charge of negotiating my contract.
7-5-09
: 7/5/2009
Read a blog last night that refers to Quincy as "WHINE COUNTRY" Boy did they get that right
: 7/5/2009
In response to the nursing profession being underappreciated... My advice is to go back and and get your teaching degree if you want to be with your family in the summer and holidays. Don't knock teachers for being able to be with their families. Teachers also work nights, holidays, and weekends!
7-5-09
: 7/5/2009
Quoted: I don't want Bud negotiating my Contract... Always about Money, "Ain't" it?
: 7/5/2009
I am a parent of 2 QPS students. I also graduated from QHS. I am truly unhappy with the doing away with English in our school system. Could this be the reason our children have such poor spelling and grammar skills. I have seen several notes sent home form teachers where the words were misspelled and the use of proper grammar was missing.BRING BACK the English books and teach our Teachers and students how to speak proper English like we did when we were students!!!!
me
: 7/5/2009
Teachers get raises just like every other profession. Grow up...and use correct English please. Not all teachers misspell and use incorrect grammar. And many teachers DO teach English and grammar, even though it is not part of the curriculum. Teachers have guidelines to follow. We cannot just teach whatever we choose! Because you are able to read these posts and respond, you should thank a teacher, not criticize any and every chance you get.
Annoyed at Ignorance
: 7/5/2009
The people who are whining about teacher's salaries are ridiculous. Quincy teachers are some of the lowest paid teachers in the state with some of the largest class sizes. In addition, the schools do not have enough money to pay for the supplies needed to run a classroom. I know one teacher personally who regularly spends several thousand dollars of her own money on supplies to make her class more interactive. Many of you also make the mistake of assuming that teachers choose what they teach. They are issued courses by the school system, some of which they may not have taken since that one course in college or that they have not taught in 15 years. Furthermore, all courses are dictated by state standards and school requirements. AP and dual-enrollment classes must have their syllabus approved by either John Wood teachers or AP. The method in which they teach these courses is dictated by the school's requirements which favor methods that are proven to improve test scores and not necessarily improve comprehension or knowledge. This is all out of a teacher's hands. Quincy spends severely less money per student in comparison to the state average. Teaching is a full-time job. I know many teachers who work 70 or more hours a week. Teachers do not get off three months in the summer. Most teachers are in workshops or meetings until the beginning of July. Then they must begin to prepare for the next school year. This can be incredible amounts of work if they have multiple preps (some teachers have up to five) or if they have a course they have never taught before. I would also like to have you think of making your teenage or 6 year old child do something they don't want to do. Now put thirty two of them in a room for just forty seven minutes. By the end of that forty seven minutes, will all thirty two have them done what they should have? That is why not all students learn what they should have, because the student was not cooperating. You can not insult the teachers of this district without spending a single day in their shoes and having no idea what their job entails. Perhaps, if a referendum in this town ever passed, we might be able to afford LEGAL class sizes and students could be taught more effectively. Even if legal could not be achieved, maybe the teachers would be able to fit enough desks in their rooms for every student.
: 7/5/2009
I am a QHS senior and when I look back at my education in the QPS school district, I see exemplary teachers. They have challenged and encouraged me. They have spent their own money on me. I have had perhaps three or four teachers out of forty who I did not feel taught to the best of their abilities. I have not felt deprived of any opportunities. The only complaints that I have of the years I have spent in the QPS school district are of measures put into place by the school board or by the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.
: 7/5/2009
To the poster complaining about teachers getting to spend time with their family: What? When did that become such a ridiculous concept? In addition to it being what I would consider a right, it's not really accurate. My mother is a teacher. In the last four weeks before school ended, I saw her for MAYBE ten to thirty minutes a day. This may exclude the once a week dinner that I got to have with her before she went back to work. And now, its summer and I haven't seen her not sitting on the couch reading the textbook (of the two new courses she must teach next year in the same class period because the school can't afford them to be in separate classes) since last Sunday. I may have seen her eating twice or even going to the bathroom and there was that run to the grocery store. What a slacker. Doesn't she CARE about her students? Won't you PLEASE tell me again about all this time I'm spending with her? Oh, but I suppose you're right, I did have a three minute conversation with her last night about whether I could find something to eat. I look back upon it with SUCH sentimental feeling in my heart. I'm so glad she is of a profession that allows such heart-to-heart bonding time. I think I may get her for a whole HOUR on Tuesday when she takes me to a doctor's appointment. What will we do with such a grace? But don't worry, the next time she comes home before midnight on a school night, I will tell her to go back. Her average of only three nights a week up at school until 11 or later is just pathetic. God only knows how she somehow values the dietary and sleeping habits of her own children over your child's grammar. It's disgraceful. I don’t understand how she expects to not be given a pay cut like Bud wants (so she can send me to college) with this type of behavior. (And if you’re offended by my sarcasm, I would say that it’s really too bad that my mother can’t be around more to teach me how to be nicer to ignorance.)
: 7/5/2009
Bravo to the yougn person who defended their teacher/parent. As I do not live in Quincy I do not feel it's my place to comment. I do own a home their, and pay taxes. Teaching is a profession I would not want to take on. It's too hard to eal with most kids today. I raised mine and thought the got what they ask for from QPS. I think Bud is on the right track, just not the person to handle the chore, sorry, but education does teach you how to deal with others and not demeen oneself. Good luck, in Q-City, I hope all works out well for you-all.
One man out.
: 7/5/2009
To the person who advocated the "yard stick method": Oh, OK, thanks for the clarification... it turns out that I DID know what you meant [I was in school when they used to have that, which is why I made sure to NOT get into trouble], I just didn't know it by that name.
: 7/5/2009
First the yard stick method worked because parents stood behind the teachers. They respected the teachers and the child knew teachers were the final word. Someone changed all that. Now the teacher is not backed by the parent. This is often because the parent feels the school is a BABYSITTER not a place for learning. How many parents know who their childrens teachers are? Lets not get into the pay issue. Police work hard for the money they get and often work all holidays and weekends. Firemen risk are even worse. They could not pay me enough to do those jobs. We need to get this board back as a functioning body that will educate the youth. Keep up the "clown acts" and the State Will Take Over then watch out. Big Brother will have YOU. This board needs to work together with the community behind it.
OldOne
: 7/5/2009
Let's start at the top, how about our boys in Washington. Our government is out to screw us all. This country is bankrupt, Illinois is bankrupt and new states everyday on borrowed time. If your worried about spending and taxes for the QPS, I suggest you start complaining to your congressman ( if you can find one with a brain). Face it people, your taxes are never,never going to go down. Vote all U.S, state and local incumbents out in 2010 and we might have a chance at surviving this mess!
: 7/5/2009
Just wondering... did you feel the same way while the *previous* administration was in office? Understand that this country's public school system DID NOT *suddenly* go to Hell in a handbasket on 01/20/2009... this kind of stuff has been going on for the past several decades.
: 7/5/2009
I am very sorry to see the negative comments between the advocates of QHS and QND. My coach always taught me respect my rivals, especially the ones who lived in the same community. She always pointed positive things out, such as their coach helping with the Lincoln celebration, their players acting at the Community Theater, etc. Their coach was also was very respectful of us. We are fortunate to have two excellent high schools in town. I understand that there is a problem with the way that education is funded in this country which needs to be addressed the national level. Meanwhile, let us not let our emotions cause us to turn on each other. The issue relative to Mr. Niekamp is the law. The issue relative to the audit is the best interests of the residents of this community. What are the chances that savings could outweigh expenditures? I am sorry that QND families have to pay taxes and tuition. However, educating everyone is in best interest of the community, not just those who receive the services. There is perhaps the greatest societal benefit in educating those who do not want an education. I hope that the education that we will get next year will enable all of us to become productive members of society, paying taxes and not wasting public resources. In the long term, I pray that the problems with educational funding can be addressed at the national level. I do not honestly believe that the citizens of our community do not want me to have a decent education. It is just the one of the few places that they can say "no" to taxation. They cannot directly vote "no" to welfare, or new state office buildings, trips to visit Argentinian mistresses, etc.
QHS Senior
: 7/5/2009
Wow - the teacher's union has had it's membership working all weekend...and it's a holiday too....in the summer...poor teachers...your jobs are just never done...
: 7/5/2009
You're right! Teachers are never done doing everything they can when it is in the best interest of children!
: 7/5/2009
I'm not a teacher... but I've just got to ask WHY is there so much animosity against the teachers who have been posting here? It's ridiculous. Grow up!
: 7/6/2009
Since when did this topic become about the teachers? Try to stay on track with your comments. Its about the school board!
: 7/6/2009
IThe think it's because Teachers are correcting every post on this board who did not Spell correctly, Used the proper grammar etc..It's like they are anticipating our short comings because they are college education and we're not...
: 7/6/2009
Isn't Lovelace also on two boards? Doesn't he have conflicting interests? Will he step down?
: 7/6/2009
It is absurd to suggest that an elected official could be removed for misunderstanding of Roberts Rules or who uses the English language in a certain colorful way. It is refreshing to have citizens learn how messy the democratic process in action can be. If you really wanted to see a disgusting process become invisible and go behind the doors of powerful incumbents in Springfield and Washington. Let freedom rule no matter how ugly!
: 7/6/2009
Sounds like you're stuck with this imbecile, Q-Town. Glad I got out when I did.
