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Post by gatormom on Mar 3, 2009 17:59:34 GMT -5
Board President Steps Down Reported by 204-info@ipsd.org on 3/3/09 The following message was sent to the community by Mark Metzger on March 3, 2009: In the last several days there has been a good deal of discussion in our community focused on me for sending an inappropriate email. It is an action that I deeply regret and one that unfortunately takes the time and attention away from finding a solution for the families that have been affected by the middle school issue. As such, effective immediately, I am stepping down from my position as board president. I will continue to serve on the board, but I will recuse myself from any further discussions or board votes related to this issue. Pursuant to board policy, Vice President John Stephens will immediately take over as board president. He will serve in this capacity until the board reorganizes after the upcoming election in late April or early May. Mark Metzger Board of Education ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=22558
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Post by WeNeed3 on Mar 3, 2009 18:49:53 GMT -5
Metzger steps down as D204 board presidentMarch 3, 2009 By TIM WALDORF Staff Writer Following a 2 1/2-hour executive session meeting of the Indian Prairie School District 204 board, Mark Metzger announced his resignation from the post of board president. "In the last several days there has been a good deal of discussion in our community focused on me for sending an inappropriate e-mail," Metzger said. "It is an action that I deeply regret and one that unfortunately takes the time and attention away from finding a solution for the families that have been affected by the middle school issue. "As such, effective immediately, I am stepping down from my position as board president. I will continue to serve on the board, but I will recuse myself from any further discussions or board votes related to this issue." On Friday, Metzger responded to accusations made by the father of the alleged victim of an off-campus sexual assault by two of his Gregory Middle School classmates by distributing an e-mail in which he said, "I think it's about time for me to issue a response and blow up the lies this (expletive) continues to tell." Metzger intended to send the message only to other board members. However, he mistakenly sent it to district officials and to the alleged victim's father. Metzger's announcement came on the heels of the executive board of the Indian Prairie Parent Council's condemnation of his actions. Moments before the special board meeting, the IPPC executive board released a statement saying Metzger "has failed his leadership responsibilities by exhibiting a complete lack of compassion toward a parent in our community whose only goal was to advocate for his child." IPPC executive board is the umbrella organization for all 34 local PTA and PTSA units in District 204. The board's vice president, John Stephens, will now take over as board president, and will serve in the post until the board reorganizes after the April 7 school board election. www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1458518,naperville-metzger-steps-down-D204-na030309.article
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Post by gatormom on Mar 3, 2009 19:16:22 GMT -5
This is appropriate, IMO. There needed to be a consequence. I am glad he recused himself from all discussions and votes regarding the Gregory situation.
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Post by drdavelasik on Mar 3, 2009 21:05:21 GMT -5
Interesting comment after the article in the Naperville Sun. Seems this issue is now impacting two school districts.
janet m wrote: Passing the buck seems to be the problem solving strategy used regarding the two students at Gregory Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204 who are allegedly accused of an exceptionally heinous and violent crime committed against a third boy, also a student at their school. Let’s say what the crime was: sodomy of a child. It shouldn’t matter if this alleged crime occurred off campus or not. The judge who decided the charges warranted a trial passed the buck by not ordering that the two accused boys not be allowed to return to their former school with the alleged victim of this violent crime. He released the two accused boys to their parents- the same parents who did not know what their boys were doing to a third boy in one of their homes, for over an hour. When the matter was brought to the attention of Gregory Middle School’s principal, Stephen Severson, he passed the buck to Superintendent Stephen Daeschner instead of using everything in his power to make sure these boys were not in the same learning environment together. Yes, there were ways he could have accomplished this instead of waiting for the alleged victim’s parents to demand the boys’ lockers were moved. Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, meanwhile, failed to notify the School Board for two months, apparently deciding inaction was better than being proactive. Later, he refers to this matter as an “unfortunate incident.” The School Board has behaved equally wrong. School Board President Mark Metzger sent an e-mail referring to a parent, the father of the alleged victim, using expletives instead of showing a parent enduring unimaginable pain, compassion and respect. Mr. Metzger is comfortable sending such an e-mail to the School Board, probably because he knows they won’t disapprove of his unprofessional language. Probably because he knows they are of similar character and mindset. One of the boys who allegedly participated in the sodomy of a classmate is now at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville District 203 (his father lives in the attendance area of Lincoln Junior High), as of Wednesday, Feb. 25. Let’s pray the school’s attempt to protect the identity of this alleged rapist does not result in his being alone with another child in his father’s or someone else’s home. Looks like the buck got passed again. Seems like the principal of Lincoln Junior High, Pam George, and Superintendent, Dr. Alan Leis, accepted the buck being passed very easily too. Candidate for Indian Prairie 204 School Board, Dawn DeSart, believes that “the district and other schools should realize the remaining boy at Gregory Middle School (even though pictures taken during the alleged sexual attack were brought to school) is not a threat to anyone but the victim.” It’s nice to know that Indian Prairie has clairvoyant candidates running for school board. Parents in District 204 and at Lincoln Junior High need to demand better from their school districts: No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone arrested for a felony. No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone who allegedly sodomized another human being. These school districts keep expecting the tax payers to pay up because of the excellence they provide. Does this situation really demonstrate this excellence? Parents need to demand the immediate resignations of Indian Prairie School District 204 Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, its School Board President, Mark Metzger (not a token step-down from being President to remaining on the Board where his incompetency, lack of compassion, and foul communication style will remain) and should see to it that all present members of its School Board are never re-elected and that solid and sensible positions on this matter are held by new School Board members. Parents of students and incoming sixth graders at Lincoln Junior High in District 203 should demand that their children do not share a learning environment with a student charged with a felony, in this case, sodomy of another child. Start demanding the excellence these school districts say they provide every time they ask for more of our money. School and district administrators strive to create learners who are creative problem solvers and compassionate community contributors. They should not be exempt themselves. Demand this excellence from all school and district administrators, whose handsome salaries you pay. Demand this excellence from all present school board members and those interested in sitting on a school board who you elect and who represent your voice. Demand this excellence now.
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Post by steckdad on Mar 3, 2009 23:21:57 GMT -5
Interesting comment after the article in the Naperville Sun. Seems this issue is now impacting two school districts. janet m wrote: Passing the buck seems to be the problem solving strategy used regarding the two students at Gregory Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204 who are allegedly accused of an exceptionally heinous and violent crime committed against a third boy, also a student at their school. Let’s say what the crime was: sodomy of a child. It shouldn’t matter if this alleged crime occurred off campus or not. The judge who decided the charges warranted a trial passed the buck by not ordering that the two accused boys not be allowed to return to their former school with the alleged victim of this violent crime. He released the two accused boys to their parents- the same parents who did not know what their boys were doing to a third boy in one of their homes, for over an hour. When the matter was brought to the attention of Gregory Middle School’s principal, Stephen Severson, he passed the buck to Superintendent Stephen Daeschner instead of using everything in his power to make sure these boys were not in the same learning environment together. Yes, there were ways he could have accomplished this instead of waiting for the alleged victim’s parents to demand the boys’ lockers were moved. Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, meanwhile, failed to notify the School Board for two months, apparently deciding inaction was better than being proactive. Later, he refers to this matter as an “unfortunate incident.” The School Board has behaved equally wrong. School Board President Mark Metzger sent an e-mail referring to a parent, the father of the alleged victim, using expletives instead of showing a parent enduring unimaginable pain, compassion and respect. Mr. Metzger is comfortable sending such an e-mail to the School Board, probably because he knows they won’t disapprove of his unprofessional language. Probably because he knows they are of similar character and mindset. One of the boys who allegedly participated in the sodomy of a classmate is now at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville District 203 (his father lives in the attendance area of Lincoln Junior High), as of Wednesday, Feb. 25. Let’s pray the school’s attempt to protect the identity of this alleged rapist does not result in his being alone with another child in his father’s or someone else’s home. Looks like the buck got passed again. Seems like the principal of Lincoln Junior High, Pam George, and Superintendent, Dr. Alan Leis, accepted the buck being passed very easily too. Candidate for Indian Prairie 204 School Board, Dawn DeSart, believes that “the district and other schools should realize the remaining boy at Gregory Middle School (even though pictures taken during the alleged sexual attack were brought to school) is not a threat to anyone but the victim.” It’s nice to know that Indian Prairie has clairvoyant candidates running for school board. Parents in District 204 and at Lincoln Junior High need to demand better from their school districts: No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone arrested for a felony. No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone who allegedly sodomized another human being. These school districts keep expecting the tax payers to pay up because of the excellence they provide. Does this situation really demonstrate this excellence? Parents need to demand the immediate resignations of Indian Prairie School District 204 Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, its School Board President, Mark Metzger (not a token step-down from being President to remaining on the Board where his incompetency, lack of compassion, and foul communication style will remain) and should see to it that all present members of its School Board are never re-elected and that solid and sensible positions on this matter are held by new School Board members. Parents of students and incoming sixth graders at Lincoln Junior High in District 203 should demand that their children do not share a learning environment with a student charged with a felony, in this case, sodomy of another child. Start demanding the excellence these school districts say they provide every time they ask for more of our money. School and district administrators strive to create learners who are creative problem solvers and compassionate community contributors. They should not be exempt themselves. Demand this excellence from all school and district administrators, whose handsome salaries you pay. Demand this excellence from all present school board members and those interested in sitting on a school board who you elect and who represent your voice. Demand this excellence now. I have asked this question on blue..so I will ask it here. Why is the alleged felon allowed to stay in Lincoln MS? all it does is bolster the decision of the 204 admin and legal team. does 203 not have compassionate admin? are they not creative problem solvers? This issue has been the "perfect storm" with so much legal gray area it is silly. We all know what the perfect solution would be. kick them out of school until they are found guilty or cleared of the charges. but I am sorry that is just not the reality and it is a bitter pill to swallow. Quit projecting your emotions onto the wrong people. get behind Darlene Sengers' bill, call whoever you can call and help get it passed....
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Post by gatordog on Mar 3, 2009 23:23:23 GMT -5
This is appropriate, IMO. There needed to be a consequence. I am glad he recused himself from all discussions and votes regarding the Gregory situation. I agree. Appropriate. And his recusing himself on this matter was essential. For this specific matter (that he has bungled so severely), he has resigned in terms of participation in this decision making.
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Arwen
Master Member
Posts: 933
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Post by Arwen on Mar 3, 2009 23:34:38 GMT -5
I hope we can all move on now. MM has given a lot to this district by volunteering his time for so many years. I am not a fan of his leadership style, but I do give him credit for his commitment. This incident was unfortunate to say the least and warranted this big move. I am looking forward to some new voices in the mix. I am also glad we have only 1 year remaining on Dr. D's contract. While both of these men bring valuable experience to the district, I think their communication skills and general demeanor have made a tumultous time even more contentious than it had to be.
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Post by drdavelasik on Mar 4, 2009 1:00:31 GMT -5
Interesting comment after the article in the Naperville Sun. Seems this issue is now impacting two school districts. janet m wrote: Passing the buck seems to be the problem solving strategy used regarding the two students at Gregory Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204 who are allegedly accused of an exceptionally heinous and violent crime committed against a third boy, also a student at their school. Let’s say what the crime was: sodomy of a child. It shouldn’t matter if this alleged crime occurred off campus or not. The judge who decided the charges warranted a trial passed the buck by not ordering that the two accused boys not be allowed to return to their former school with the alleged victim of this violent crime. He released the two accused boys to their parents- the same parents who did not know what their boys were doing to a third boy in one of their homes, for over an hour. When the matter was brought to the attention of Gregory Middle School’s principal, Stephen Severson, he passed the buck to Superintendent Stephen Daeschner instead of using everything in his power to make sure these boys were not in the same learning environment together. Yes, there were ways he could have accomplished this instead of waiting for the alleged victim’s parents to demand the boys’ lockers were moved. Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, meanwhile, failed to notify the School Board for two months, apparently deciding inaction was better than being proactive. Later, he refers to this matter as an “unfortunate incident.” The School Board has behaved equally wrong. School Board President Mark Metzger sent an e-mail referring to a parent, the father of the alleged victim, using expletives instead of showing a parent enduring unimaginable pain, compassion and respect. Mr. Metzger is comfortable sending such an e-mail to the School Board, probably because he knows they won’t disapprove of his unprofessional language. Probably because he knows they are of similar character and mindset. One of the boys who allegedly participated in the sodomy of a classmate is now at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville District 203 (his father lives in the attendance area of Lincoln Junior High), as of Wednesday, Feb. 25. Let’s pray the school’s attempt to protect the identity of this alleged rapist does not result in his being alone with another child in his father’s or someone else’s home. Looks like the buck got passed again. Seems like the principal of Lincoln Junior High, Pam George, and Superintendent, Dr. Alan Leis, accepted the buck being passed very easily too. Candidate for Indian Prairie 204 School Board, Dawn DeSart, believes that “the district and other schools should realize the remaining boy at Gregory Middle School (even though pictures taken during the alleged sexual attack were brought to school) is not a threat to anyone but the victim.” It’s nice to know that Indian Prairie has clairvoyant candidates running for school board. Parents in District 204 and at Lincoln Junior High need to demand better from their school districts: No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone arrested for a felony. No child should have to be in the same learning environment with someone who allegedly sodomized another human being. These school districts keep expecting the tax payers to pay up because of the excellence they provide. Does this situation really demonstrate this excellence? Parents need to demand the immediate resignations of Indian Prairie School District 204 Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, its School Board President, Mark Metzger (not a token step-down from being President to remaining on the Board where his incompetency, lack of compassion, and foul communication style will remain) and should see to it that all present members of its School Board are never re-elected and that solid and sensible positions on this matter are held by new School Board members. Parents of students and incoming sixth graders at Lincoln Junior High in District 203 should demand that their children do not share a learning environment with a student charged with a felony, in this case, sodomy of another child. Start demanding the excellence these school districts say they provide every time they ask for more of our money. School and district administrators strive to create learners who are creative problem solvers and compassionate community contributors. They should not be exempt themselves. Demand this excellence from all school and district administrators, whose handsome salaries you pay. Demand this excellence from all present school board members and those interested in sitting on a school board who you elect and who represent your voice. Demand this excellence now. I have asked this question on blue..so I will ask it here. Why is the alleged felon allowed to stay in Lincoln MS? all it does is bolster the decision of the 204 admin and legal team. does 203 not have compassionate admin? are they not creative problem solvers? This issue has been the "perfect storm" with so much legal gray area it is silly. We all know what the perfect solution would be. kick them out of school until they are found guilty or cleared of the charges. but I am sorry that is just not the reality and it is a bitter pill to swallow. Quit projecting your emotions onto the wrong people. get behind Darlene Sengers' bill, call whoever you can call and help get it passed.... At the very least, to move this accused felon to another school within D204 would suffice in the interim. The victim should not have to alter his school (amongst friends that can offer support) due to a violent act imposed upon him in order to regain a feeling of safety.
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Post by drdavelasik on Mar 4, 2009 1:02:24 GMT -5
This is appropriate, IMO. There needed to be a consequence. I am glad he recused himself from all discussions and votes regarding the Gregory situation. I agree. Appropriate. And his recusing himself on this matter was essential. For this specific matter (that he has bungled so severely), he has resigned in terms of participation in this decision making. Not so sure I believe that will truly happen with this group. But then again we will never know.
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Post by asmodeus on Mar 4, 2009 7:55:11 GMT -5
It doesn't bolster anything. The SB is prohibited from denying the accused a "standard" education (i.e., no alternative school or paid home tutoring) but is free to transfer the child to an equivalent school within the district. The SB chose not to. This particular child was voluntarily moved by his parents to D203, and D203 cannot legally deny him.
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Post by WeNeed3 on Mar 4, 2009 8:17:25 GMT -5
This is a grim fact we all have to face. All the current system does now is move this child around to another school where he might do something to someone else. This is not a d204 thing. I don't believe the state law will allow any school to move them to an alternative setting until convicted. That is why Senger is lobbying in Springfield today.
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Post by justvote on Mar 4, 2009 8:47:09 GMT -5
I agree. Appropriate. And his recusing himself on this matter was essential. For this specific matter (that he has bungled so severely), he has resigned in terms of participation in this decision making. Not so sure I believe that will truly happen with this group. But then again we will never know. I agree - I find it difficult believe that he will not participate in conversations regarding this issue "behind the scenes" offering opinion where he sees fit.
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Post by drdavelasik on Mar 4, 2009 10:22:57 GMT -5
Not so sure I believe that will truly happen with this group. But then again we will never know. I agree - I find it difficult believe that he will not participate in conversations regarding this issue "behind the scenes" offering opinion where he sees fit. He will participate indirectly - all he must do is plant his thoughts in the minds of either CP or AT and he voice is heard. Happens currently on other issues so why would this be any different.
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Post by asmodeus on Mar 4, 2009 10:51:59 GMT -5
This is true...but no one is claiming that moving the offender is a complete solution. There is always a chance he may strike again. But I have yet to hear an explanation from the SB (or anyone else) of why moving him would not an IMPROVEMENT over leaving him with the victim. This is the main point we have been arguing. We are not saying it solves everything.
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