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School board hears yet another proposal

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By MARGARET REIST / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2007 - 12:26:04 am CDT

A new proposal that would keep Dawes Middle School open for at least a few years surfaced at Tuesday’s Lincoln Board of Education meeting.

But first, there were impassioned pleas and reasoned arguments from those who don’t want to see Dawes and Hawthorne Elementary School close as part of districtwide attendance area changes.

“Has this board become so distant from those it represents that you have no idea what we want or need?” asked Karen Lamb, a parent of a Dawes student and an opponent of recommendations for districtwide attendance area changes that would close the middle school and Hawthorne Elementary.

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Keith Prettyman

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Hawthorne parents presented figures they say show that schools surrounding Hawthorne will be near or at capacity if their school closes with no room for growth.

And they presented a slide show – after lengthy discussion by board members about whether showing pictures of Hawthorne students at the public meeting was a liability risk – showing Hawthorne’s diversity and figures illustrating how the school has seen dramatic improvement in minority students’ test scores.

“We’ve not only bridged the (achievement) gap, we’ve raised the bar,” said Hawthorne parent Chip Stanley.

And then, when public testimony was finished, board member Keith Prettyman floated yet another idea.

He suggested keeping Dawes open during renovation of Goodrich Middle School, a proposal that would depend on the cost of other bond construction projects.

Goodrich’s renovation is not part of the projects earmarked as part of the $250 million bond, but it is the first school on a part of the 10-year facilities plan to be tackled if there’s any savings from the bond projects.

But Prettyman said it appears the district would likely have the savings to start Goodrich construction when the new Schoo Middle School is finished and ready to open in fall 2009.

If that happens, he said, he thinks Dawes should remain open during the construction period, allowing existing Dawes students to remain there and moving Goodrich students there while their school is being renovated.

That would allow the board and the district to track growth and student attendance patterns for several years. It also would save the district money by expediting Goodrich renovations. And it would give more time for the possible transition of Dawes students.

“I don’t want anyone to think that this is a long-term solution,” Prettyman said.

But it does preserve the board’s flexibility during a significant transition period with a new school opening in the area, he said. Schoo is being built in Fallbrook, a new area in far northwest Lincoln.

Tuesday’s meeting was board members’ first opportunity to publicly discuss the planning committee’s final recommendations for redrawing attendance areas districtwide. The board was expected to vote at the Oct. 23 meeting, and it was unclear late Tuesday whether Prettyman’s proposal would delay that.

The recommendations would redraw attendance areas districtwide, particularly in outlying areas where the $250 million bond issue will build three new schools and add major additions to several existing schools.

But the most controversial proposals would close Hawthorne and Dawes attendance areas and use the buildings for other purposes.

District officials have said existing schools could easily absorb the students without overcrowding and there’s no room for the attendance areas to grow in those core areas.

Although the district is growing, supporters of the plan say, it’s not growing where all the district’s schools are located.

Several board members said they liked the idea of keeping Dawes open during Goodrich construction and would like staff to prepare facts and figures on the concept.

Board member Kathy Danek — a vocal opponent of closing both schools and the one member of the planning committee who voted against advancing the proposals that would do so —– said she helped come up with the idea of keeping Dawes open during the Goodrich renovation.

But she urged board members not to close either school and said she could never vote to close Dawes, which is in her northeast district.

“I have a chip on my shoulder,” she said. “It’s called northeast Lincoln.”

Closing Dawes disenfranchises a portion of the city and she questioned whether the proposals were a way to contain the pain and disruption of changing boundaries to pockets of the city, rather than redrawing lines that would affect students districtwide.

Board member Richard Meginnis said he wanted to make sure the public understood that Prettyman’s proposal would not mean changing the 10-year facility plan upon which the bond proposal is based.

Board member Barb Baier urged her fellow board members and the public to consider that using the two schools for other purposes, like alternative high schools, would better serve the entire district. She and other board members said they were concerned about the uncertainty Prettyman’s proposal would cause for Dawes students.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com


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angry wrote on October 10, 2007 2:31 am:
" I'm becomming angry fast. The board doesn't have the guts to do the right thing, or so it appears after this meeting. The right thing is to close Hawthorne and Dawes. These schools are not needed and should not be kept open. Do the right thing, cut the taxpayers loses and close em. "
whatever wrote on October 10, 2007 5:32 am:
" Leave the schools open, I guarentee in less than 3 years LPS will be wondering where to put the kids. "
R. Ality Check wrote on October 10, 2007 6:01 am:
" Well, Angry, the board is closing the schools, they have merely created a temporary appeasement by leaving Dawes open temporarily. Prettyman is just doing a little "lawyering". Angry parents and PTO activists should not be fooled, they have not won a victory. Taxpayers and PTO members need to unite to force a true change against the tyranny of the LPS Board and Administration. "
tms wrote on October 10, 2007 7:26 am:
" I understand the anger of the parents. I challenge you when re-election time comes for the board membrs, show your feelings by voting those that don't listen to your concerns off the school board. "
russell wrote on October 10, 2007 8:01 am:
" The numbers state that Clinton is over capacity yet the board will do nothing to relieve the crowding. Some Board members say they want quality education for everyone but those members will not change Clinton's boundary to make that a reality because that necessitate keeping Hawthorne open. Remember we DO NOT HAVE an elected school board. An election requires 2 candidates and the last school election had no opposition. The next election will be in 2009. "
What about a bus? wrote on October 10, 2007 8:06 am:
" I"m just thinking that we just passed a bond issue to pay for improvements of current and building of new schools. My question is why did we need to build new schools if we're going to close the old ones? I know, I know - the schools aren't in the right area of town - well my answer to that is pretty simple - it's this wonderful invention called a SCHOOL BUS lets use them - I bet it would be cheaper than building new schools! Wake up school board! "
PB wrote on October 10, 2007 8:17 am:
" I believe the board will vote to close the schools--a vote against children and parents; for that, they should be voted out. Is there a provision for recall? Don't people wonder why parents can crunch the numbers but the school board doesn't respond? Did you notice that not one single board member addressed a single question to any of the concerned parents? What are parents, the great unwashed? "
MaxeyParent wrote on October 10, 2007 8:24 am:
" Keep the schools open. I voted for the bond to expand schools; not to close neighborhood schools. Yes I pay alot in taxes. I find it amazing the city historical planner is a big proponent of downtown and the haymarket but cannot see the value of these schools for maintaining neighborhood viability in older parts of the city. Is this really about money? Fallbrook(NEBCO) gets what it wants in this town? "
Lisa wrote on October 10, 2007 8:54 am:
" Perfect time to realize, get up and VOTE!! "
as wrote on October 10, 2007 9:08 am:
" Closing the two schools without attempting to redraw (& stick to) geographic boundaries is flat out dumb & should be remembered the next time LPS wants more bond $. One definitely has to wonder what Barb Baier would say if it was HER son's school about to be closed! "
Let's be honest... wrote on October 10, 2007 9:44 am:
" Enough politics. There is ample evidence that keeping Hawthorne and Dawes open is a good thing. Why does the school board have a problem doing what's right? The kids at the schools have spoken, many in tears at the thought of closing their schools and them being separated from life long friends. The parents and neighborhood friends have spoken with evidence that closing these two schools will have a ripple effect with all the surrounding school districts with overcrowding and inferior education being provided to our children. And eventually that will only lead to behavioral problems and violence. Yes, the school board needs to have the guts to do the right thing and that is to keep the schools open. They are hired to do what the tax payers want. I think it's obvious what the taxpayers want as evidenced by all of those who have attended the meetings and who have put so much time and effort into trying to keep the schools open. School board members are wanting to please somebody, but obviously it's not the tax payers who lives in these districts and who are passionate about supporting the schools that are currently doing an EXCELLENT job teaching our children. Is that not what schools are for? To teach our children? The school board wants to teach our children that it's useless to fight for what you want because it's all about money and elections..not about the people. What a horrible lesson for our children to be taught. Shame on you Lincoln School Board. "
Shane wrote on October 10, 2007 10:00 am:
" The tax payer will save NO money by closing these schools so how is that "cutting the taxpayers losses"? Why aren't you angry that they school administration continually changes the numbers for costs, future student enrollment and will not look at changing boundries even after obvious choices were shown to them. Closing schools after you sold a school bond based on the fact you need MORE space is wrong any way you try to sell it "
Wake up wrote on October 10, 2007 10:03 am:
" I've never seen a city where schools redraw, redraw, redraw, build, build, build, close, close, close, move, move, move. Look what you are teaching the kids right there. Its gimmie gimmie gimmie, I want, I want, I want! What the Lincoln school board and superintendent are doing to the people of Lincoln is disgraceful. Everytime they want a new school its a constant pathict pile of excuses like I've never seen in my life in other states. Other cities have big schools that have been there since their grandparents went there and are very proud of them. As long as I can remember, Lincoln has been building and adding on to schools which is ridiculous! These kids are yanked from school to school like incompetent parents yanking toys out from under children. No wonder property taxes in Nebraska are nearly the highest in the U.S. You've even gotten parents whinning like the kids, if they don't have a school for their kids at their doorsteps! And why not, this is what LPS has taught the parent when they were kids in school. You parents need to grow up and say ENOUGH. The schools have even taught the parents the gimmie game and they could care less what its costing the citizens of Lincoln. They could care less whether the retireds are handing by a thread trying to pay the out of sight property taxes. This does not go on in the cities I have lived in!!! What is wrong with you people???? If a recession or depression comes along you people are going to find yourselves whinning at the soup lines. "
Dictatorship by Commitee wrote on October 10, 2007 10:11 am:
" Again Lincoln ignores its citizens and their children. This will somehow improve the quality of life in our area of Northeast Lincoln? I don't think so. This will only further degrade inner areas of Lincoln and continue the downward spiral of this city. The leaders refuse to look at other cities and the outcome of this kind of blind ignorance. Where are the studies of this project? What are we basing this restructuring on? Where are the children that go to Huntington School to go for Middle School? Goodrich? Miles away. Total stupidity. But again the "leaders" of this town will ignore the people and further the gap between the voters and them. I personally will do all in my power to be sure these people are not reelected. Kathy Danek is the only person that makes sense from this group. "
as wrote on October 10, 2007 11:26 am:
" Another point - Goodrich is & has been over capacity for years. Isn't it better to redraw the maps after the new schools are open so that portables are NOT necessary rather than making plans for bringing in even more? "
FormerGoodrich Student wrote on October 10, 2007 11:37 am:
" Northwest Lincoln has been in need of another middle school for years - and it's finally happening. I attended goodrich 15 years ago and they began busing Airpark kids to Dawes at that time because the school was too crowded. Don't blame the school in fallbrook on money - it is greatly needed! "
voter wrote on October 10, 2007 12:23 pm:
" When I voted yes for the bond issue, it was with the understanding that our schools were crowded. Nothing was said about closing any schools at that time, or I would've voted NO. We'll just be in the same boat again five years from now when the schools are overcrowded again becaused we've closed two viable facilities. And, by the way, my kids will go to Schoo, so I'm not biased. "
Luke P. wrote on October 10, 2007 1:54 pm:
" I'm sure Ms. Baier would be upset too if the school that her and her partner's child would close. However her argument is that there is a better way to utilize those schools for low income families. If you take a look at what LPS does for low income families or families with special needs, then you would be as upset as I am because LPS could do better in that regard. I think it's an unfair characterization against her that you use. Maybe all of the people who are angry and upset that LPS is considering to close the schools in question ought to either 1.) complain to their perspective members instead on this website or 2.) run for school board yourself. But I might suggest (if you run) to have a more comprehensive platform than just your anger towards the LPS administration because you won't get any further than you are right now sitting infront of your computer being angry. "
Or better yet wrote on October 10, 2007 1:56 pm:
" How about a recall election now for the board members. Build new schools so that old schools that are still workable be closed. Glad I don't have any kids in school and voted against the bond issue. "
Peace Frog wrote on October 10, 2007 2:09 pm:
" This situation shows the problem with people trying to work with government today. People seem to think the officials they elect are simply supposed to be their robots to command at their will. You speak, they jump. That's what's going on here. But these parents can't look at the scenario objectively because they have a stake in keeping the two schools open. The board members can look at it objectively, and they see the waste of money it would be to keep them open. They realize the public would be screaming about wasted money a year from now if they keep the schools open, and when the board members said, "We just did what you told us to do! What's the problem?" the public would flip a lid. We elect government officials not to be our puppets, but to receive more information than the normal citizen on a subject, analyze the information thoroughly and objectively and provide a reasoned approach to solving the problem the subject provides. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. But we don't pay them to jump when we snap our fingers. That's what the Dawes and Hawthorne parents want. That's what the people out in Fairfield want from the mayor they now seek to recall. That's not how it works. The board has reviewed this thoroughly and found that there's no need to have Dawes and Hawthorne open with the low attendance each has. It's wasting money. They need to be closed. Will it inconvenience the parents to some degree? Yes. But is it better than flushing money down the drain when LPS already flushes a lot of money down the drain in salaries to the overpaid superintendent and her administrative staff? Yes. "
It's Time to Get Started wrote on October 10, 2007 2:37 pm:
" Section 32-1303 Recall petition; signers and circulators; requirements; notification. (1) A petition demanding that the question of removing an elected official or member of a governing body listed in section 32-1302 be submitted to the registered voters shall be signed by registered voters equal in number to at least thirty-five percent of the total vote cast for that office in the last general election, except that (a) for an office for which more than one candidate is chosen, the petition shall be signed by registered voters equal in number to at least thirty-five percent of the number of votes cast for the person receiving the most votes for such office in the last general election, (b) for a member of a board of a Class I school district, the petition shall be signed by registered voters of the school district equal in number to at least twenty-five percent of the total number of registered voters residing in the district on the date that the recall petitions are first checked out from the filing clerk by the principal circulator, and (c) for a member of a governing body of a village, the petition shall be signed by registered voters equal in number to at least forty-five percent of the total vote cast for the person receiving the most votes for that office in the last general election. The signatures shall be affixed to petition papers and shall be considered part of the petition. "
Paul wrote on October 10, 2007 3:26 pm:
" I will be the first to admit I did not view the entire school board meeting last night, but I would like to comment on a few things. First, the school board is NOT a paid position. It is strictly a volunteer position. Second,I do indeed see merit in keeping these schools open. I've been in small towns where the school is THE focal point/the lifeblood of the community - same here with these examples. However I can also see a need quickly coming on the horizon, and that is a community need for alternative placement for students - ie: an alternative middle school as well as high school. My thinking is this is a growing population in our city that will definitely need to be addressed. So before we all want to have a recall, or give up the fight altogether, let's think of the big picture. It's just too bad the needs come down to a comparison of dollars and cents. "
MzK wrote on October 10, 2007 4:13 pm:
" There are a lot of pros and cons today -- But the bottom line - in a growing community you should always err on the side of caution. Displacing kids in one neighborhood so you don't have to move other children. What are they thinking? But we shouldn't beat up on Keith Prettyman -- he's trying to come up with a compromise -- you might not like it -- but giving Dawes an attendance area - and keeping it open for a couple of years gives the parents a chance to prove their school can make it. So now its up to the parents -- ARE YOU WILLING TO SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO DAWES - Improving their attendance numbers over the next couple of years is the only way to make a difference. "
To Peace Frog wrote on October 10, 2007 5:03 pm:
" 1. Lincoln Board of Ed members are not paid. 2. This does not affect just Dawes and Hawthorne parents, 3. I hoped they would have a "reasoned approach" to these closings also, I just haven't been able to find it, 4. LPS has been pushing for smaller class sizes for a long time, why the change now? and 5. You state LPS wastes a lot of money anyway, so we should just close these schools to put an end to part of the waste, at the expense of kids and great neighborhood schools. Sorry, not my kind of logic! "
cn wrote on October 10, 2007 7:31 pm:
" Have you been to Dawes? It either should be shut down or gutted completely! "
numbers wrote on October 10, 2007 7:32 pm:
" Look at the numbers. If you watched any of the presentations on boundaries, you would see the mathematical reality. To expand boundaries far enough to fill Hawthorne with "neighborhood" kids, you'd have to draw a circle so big in the center of a Lincoln map that you'd encompass an additional 3 or 4 elementary schools. That doesn't work! Also, Dawes is surrounded by industrial land...you can't build houses there. You need schools where kids are. Not where there is no growth. And about boundaries, people keep saying that we should draw lines and not allow transfers. Sounds logical, and I agree with it, but a majority of Lincolnites want to be able to choose their school...for a variety of reasons. "
been there wrote on October 11, 2007 6:14 am:
" I can't believe Danek is trying to jump on the Hawthorne band-wagon. Has she ever been to there? My kids sit in a very hot and deteriorated classroom. I am glad they are going to go to Eastridge. I saw the meeting and she has very selfish motives. Is she really thinking about the children? Has Don Mayhew ever been to our school. Doubt it! If you don't close Hawthorne then redo it so the classrooms are not 100 degrees. And don't wait 10 years to do it. (Better yet, just close it and Dawes...who has ever heard of Dawes anyway?) And those that don't believe it will save tax dollars are just lieing to themselves. "
War Fly wrote on October 11, 2007 6:23 am:
" Unlike the Socialist/Fascist element, I, for one, DO expect my elected officials to respond to my wishes. That's why I vote for them. That's the purpose of "representative government." If elected officials are not to "jump" when the voters speak, what's the point in electing them? Just as well have a Dictatorship. Of course that "dictatorship by committee" is exactly what we've got, from the school boards right up to the Legislature, because it's so easy. Not enough people care enough to get involved in the process 'till they're in danger of being crushed. By then, it's usually too late. "
Here's an idea... wrote on October 11, 2007 10:51 am:
" Chip Stanley for School Board! "
se wrote on October 11, 2007 12:44 pm:
" Lincoln, look around you. How many surrounding communities have already gone through the turmoil you are experiencing. How many smaller towns have had to close perfectly good schools and consolidate with a nearby town. It happens all over. School isn't about the kids anymore, its about money! "
Kathy Danek wrote on October 11, 2007 5:07 pm:
" yes Kathy Danek has been to Hawthorne -- NUMEROUS TIMES -- I speak for myself - and am not afraid to sign my name. I've been to Mrs. Johnson's Kindergarten room - and Mrs. Stanley's 1st Grade Room - read to children on Read Across America Day - Brought bags of NEW coats for every child who doesn't have a winter coat - and donated hats and mittens to your event to help children. I've been to Hawthorne and I love Hawthorne -- the fact that the Children are the world - and are excelling at a very HIGH Level -something to be applauded. We passed a very liberal transfer policy. I would suggest that "BeenThere" check it out -- You have the right to transfer your children wherever there is space - Call Student Services - and do what you think is right -- But don't get angry at board members for being happy with excellence in achievement, applauding an excellent staff, and protecting the rights of a neighborhood. "
MzK wrote on October 11, 2007 5:56 pm:
" CN - Obviously you have not been to Dawes Lately -- they spent over $7 million dollars on it -- and it is great inside. AND Numbers -- if you're going to play the "surrounding area for Dawes -- look to the North and West -- Then look at Culler -- with a cemetary, no houses 52nd to 35 Vine to O and R to O 48th to 66th NO Houses48th to 40th Vine to Orchard - hardly any houses.. Andthe Hoochy Girl shop on 48th street is really an important neighbor for a school. Obviously - you are an administrative hack - who doesn't know the area . "

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