This topic came up in today's Open Thread, and then the News-Gazette had this article.
The Champaign school board will evaluate Superintendent Arthur Culver and his contract in a special meeting tonight.
The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at the Mellon Administrative Center, 703 S. New St., C. The board will meet in closed session.
The board evaluates Culver annually. According to his contract, the evaluation is to be done in January...
Last year, the board evaluated Culver in May and gave him a two-year contract extension, to June 30, 2011.
Please use this as a Unit 4 Open Thread, if you'd like to discuss Supt. Culver or the School Board elections or anything else related to Champaign schools.
UPDATE: The Board last night extended Culver's contract to 2012, which is becoming a bit of an election year tradition. Two board members (Tomlinson and Blank) voted no.
Oil Man,,,,,I think that at least part of you're wish is going to be fulfilled soon,,,,by a candidate,,,,,unfortunately, the school board attorney has put a muzzle on the current members,,,,,,I have been told almost nothing gets out to the public without being gone over with a fine tooth comb. But, maybe after some of them are gone from the board,,they may be more forthcoming with what has been going on, or then again,,,,,they may just wish to put it behind them, and move on,,,something I can fully understand under the circumstances.
OK, I should probably know this, but I don't. What's the controversy about Culver?
How did he offend,,,,,,,,let me count the ways........well there are many,,,,some questions about his true qualifiactions/credentials,,,strong arm tactics againest staff when he arrived,,,,,,,firing the basketball coach of his sons team at Franklin,,,,,when his son cursed him, and the coach put him on the bench,,,,,,,,some questionable things that went on down in Texas when he was down, there,,,,,,double talk on many issues,,,,,,,promising one group something,,,,,,,,then changing his mind the next day,,,,,,,Or I really loved this one,,,,coming down hard on there will be no police officers in our schools,,and less than 24 hours later he took a hard right,,,,,,,and said, they would be a great idea,,,,,,,,,I just touched the tip of the iceberg,,,,,,,,,but I think I said enough for the general drift to seep out:)
OK, I'm starting to get some ideas about why people don't like him. :)
I would love to see our School Board Candidates who frequent this blog to post their ideas on the subject...
I am pretty sure that Gordy is working on that. We should have something fairly soon.
Did you have a particular issue in mind, Xian or just Culver in general?
I'm no fan that his evaluations are being done late, with little public comment (I think technically there is a period of public comment before they go into closed session and then they come forward and vote in public), and that his goals/objectives have not been revised since he's been hired.
Words fail to convey what I feel about the election night contract extension of 2 years ago. All I can say is wow..
--
j
Part-Time Pundit
"I am pretty sure that Gordy is working on that. We should have something fairly soon."
I am working on an idea right now. I'll definitely try to get some interaction from at least some of our school board candidates before April 17. It won't be this week, however.
Wow, that was quick ;)
I was curious about some ideas you might have in terms of how to deal with what seems like a disconnect between Culver's daily business and the needs of the district, most importantly its children. Also, I was wondering if you had any ideas on how to deal with school integration issues in a way that would both deal with the consent decree and appease at least most of the many factions in the community?
Forgive me if you've already written on these issues. I'm a little scatter-brained these days...
Sorry, running out the door to head to NYC for a day... wanted to send a quick note... not blowing you off, just ping me say Wednesday and I'll remember to respond when I get back. :)
--
j
Part-Time Pundit
I expected the school board attorney muzzle. It brings back memories of the CU MTD's attorney muzzling that Board when they forced annexed all those subdivisions into their district.
Transparency is not a strong suit of the Champaign schools, not least when it comes to Dr. Culver. Wandervogel did a decent job of recounting Culver's missteps but as I see it, the real problem is that none of the questions parents and community members have about those actions are deemed valid enough to address. There is little accountability, no apparent felt need to be responsive to the people who pay for and use schools in Champaign.
(Not to leave the young uns out of this dated cultural reference but) one of the many things I think of when I think about Dr. Culver is "You got some splainin' to do!" The unfortunate thing for the people of Champaign is that no one is saying it forcefully enough. It is entirely possible that Dr. Culver is the best leader we have ever had in Champaign, but the unanswered questions trailing behind him could eventually bring him down.
In general there is an atmosphere of distrust in the schools. The teachers don't feel trusted by the principals and other administrators, the parents are often given the run around when they try to get some information. It seems like it starts at the top where the board and superintendent don't trust the community. One of the things I would push for if elected is a Problem Solver. An ombudsman like post which provides one stop shopping for anyone with an issue. The problems needing to be solved would overwhelm the position initially but we need to solve the problems people have with Champaign schools rather than make them feel they have to kick down the door to be heard. Obviously it would take some real authority and perhaps a budget to make a Problem Solver position effective otherwise we have a complaint department.
So who would you have replace Culver and how much would it cost? Do you think that it would be easy to find someone to take on the problems we have here including the consent decree and the Judge?
Thankyou Mr. Jackson,,,,,,,though I admit sometimes I let emotion get in the way of my words. I agree with you in total. Everyone is being left out of the system,,,,,parents do not know what to believe anymore. It was more than just the amount of money the school district wanted that caused the failure of the referendum,,,,,no one really knew what, or how that money was going to be spent. Mr. Culver,,,,,was telling people one thing,,,,,then another,,,,and pretty soon no one had any trust left. I do think, even though the buyout would be large,,,,that serious consideration needs to be given to sending Mr. Culver back to Texas,,,,,or whereever he choose's to go.
Not to worry, the Board gave him a strong 'vote of confidence' by extending his contract to 2012. Five more years of brillant management should really help Unit 4.
I am a Unit 4 parent and I appreciate the work that Mr. Culver and his team have accomplished. I know that there has been and continues to be stress and strife--and my perspective is that that is to be expected given the amount of change that needed to occur from the past procedures and practices in the district. Change occuring more slowly could have allowed for more consensus, more discussion, more "buy in", but those kids depending on us do not have more time. They have only one chance to be a fourth grader, or a freshman, or whatever grade they're in--so I felt the need for change has been urgent. It's about the quality of education being offered to as many students as possible, not how happy the adults are with their jobs!
That said--I don't think that anyone could do such a massive job in a way that makes everyone equally happy, and of course there are decisions I wonder about and practices that concern me. I do feel that lots and lots of good has been accomplished, though, and not just any leader can get that to occur. So, rather than beating down someone for not being perfect, why can't we recognize the accomplishments?
Mainly because Mr. Culver thinks that he is perfect.......ask him he will be happy to tell anyone that he is the keeper of the iternal flame,,,,,,,,,that he will lead Unit 4 to the heights of educational nirvana. The guy has lied to everyone from north of Bradley Ave. clear down to Savoy.
Maybe the board should consider an indepentent group evaluating Culver, they don't seem to have the guts necessary to do the dirty work themselves, why not get another group to look over his goals (since hire) and see if he has accomplished ANYTHING!
I'm sure this has been mentioned in previous threads, but I will point out once again that Arthur Culver is not a doctor -- completing the requirements for his Ph.D. was one of the as-yet-unfulfilled promises he made when the Unit 4 school board hired him.
The Board's decision reaffirms my recent decision to move my family and my tax dollars out of the Unit 4 district.
I have given up on Unit 4. It's clear that the Board doesn't care what the public thinks on any topic. Remember when the referendum was defeated? The administration's answer was to hire anout-of -town consultant to sell us on it. They haven't learned a single thing from all of the issues in the past, so the public school system in Champaign will continue to sink into mediocrity. Frankly, at the rate they're going, mediocre will be good. Under Culver's leadership, the district has performed poorly, and no on trusts him on anything. You can't get a simple answer out of the school on issues that the public is concerned about, and then they whine about why the public doesn't trust them with more money. I feel extremely sorry for anyone whose children have no other options. I'm going to devote my time and resources to governmental bodies who listen to their consitutents and actually care about the services they provide--and that's not Unit 4.
Unit 4 met federal AYP standards, which is tough for a big district with lots of student groups. We have art, music, and great extras. They outperformed last year's budget by about a million dollars. My daughter is getting a great education. People are paying tuition for much less than I"m getting with my tax dollars. I don't know Arthur Culver, and I don't care if he has a PhD. I am tired of hearing about the consent decree, and I wish we had the money for better buildings (They all should look like Barkstall and Stratton. )If I want an answer to a question, I ask my child's teacher or E.'s teacher or principal, and I get it. Do any of the writers besides Chuck Jackson (thanks for running for the Board) have kids in school?
To Parent: You know you are right, I have said way more than my alloted 2 cents worth,,,,,and I am tired of the whole thing myself, I am glad you and and you're daughter are having a good educational experience in Unit 4, and that she has a teacher that you both like very much. I hope this continues on thru to her graduation. Now, if only a few thousand more could say the same, then we would have no problem at all. Take Care and Good Luck,
I regret that I have to go back on my word, to Parent. In todays News-Gazette, Ms. Skirvin,,,,,current Unit 4 School Board President, said the reason Mr. Culver got an extention is because he is doing the job,,,,and it is a competetive situation,,,,,supt's with a track record are in high demand??!?!? When I read that, I almost spilled my coffee down the front of me! If another school district wishes to take Mr. Culver away from us,,,,I will literally volunteer to pack up all of his clothes,,,carefully pack all of the household goods,,,,,,,and be a help in any way I can. That old Rodney Dangerfield joke: "Take my wife..........please" !
Did Ms. Skirvin give any examples of why she thinks he's doing the job? Because, for the life of me, I can't think of any. What color is the sky in her world?
When Arthur Culver was hired as Superintendent 5 years ago, he had finished all of the course work towards a PhD. He has not taken time away from the school district to write a dissertation. There was nothing in the job listing, his contract with the district at that time, or in amendments to the contract since then that requires him to attain a doctoral degree (I just read through the contract again). Mike Cain, Unit 4 Superintendent from 1997 - 2001, also did not have a doctorate.
Another concern was about the Superintendent’s Goals not being updated for this evaluation.
The goals are aligned with the Strategic Plan for the District, and they are broad enough to measure all areas of performance. Unit 4’s goals for the superintendent exceed the state requirement for performance-based contracts that state “contracts must include goals and indicators of student performance and acad emic improvement as determined by the local school board to measure the performance and effectiveness of the ad ministrator and such other information as the local school board may determine.”
Lastly, I am always amazed at the wide range of opinions regarding Arthur Culver. The Board focuses on the superintendent’s performance, not his popularity. Our schools have achieved state and national acad emic goals for the first time, and the 10-year history of overspending the budget has stopped. As stated in the News-Gazette, all Board members gave him a good evaluation.
with all that said, why did the outgoing board need to extend his contract one year, out to 2012?
Also, why was one of Culvers 1st chores to run Ms. Harris out of Unit 4? Mike Cain was a good leader and brought some stability to a mess the board made at that time. Also, when Mike Cain did not cause the money problem that was reported,,,,,why did the new person brought in that found the problem, shuffled out of here so quick? People in the know, are not buying what you are saying,,,,,,,,simple as that!
Ms. Skirvin, with all due respect, passionate committment does not equal performance. You say that all board members gave hima good review, and I believe that, but therein lies the problem. Do you not see that there is a complete disconnect between the Board and the public that might account for the negative view of Unit 4 and the rejection of the referendum? Even if you thought he was doing a good job, why did the board members who are not running for re-election feel the need to extend his contract? He already had a contract out to 2011--why was that deemed insufficient?
Ms. Skirvin,
I wonder if you can tell us, please, did the board formally decide -- that is, vote -- that the superintendent has met all the goals in his previous contract? If not, how do you reconcile extending the contract with the Illinois School Code, section 10-23.8, which says: No performance-based contract shall be extended or rolled-over prior to its scheduled expiration unless all the performance and improvement goals contained in the contract have been met.
Have all the goals in his previous contract been met? It seems, according to state law, that if so, the board certainly could extend his contract. But if all the goals in his previous contract have been met, then did the board set new goals, and if so, what are they?
The supt. is a public figure, and his standing being low in the community speaks DIRECTLY to his performance. If a supt. does not have the trust of the community, nothing can be done effectively. See the bond referenda as a result.
This is only part of the reason why one of the main tasks of the new board should be to build trust in the community. If we want money to build schools, we need that trust. If we want to get the business community, University and Parkland, and other community groups involved to help the schools, we need that trust. And right now, we don't have it.
We need to give people a reason to get engaged, we need to show them the success stories at Unit 4, and we need to prove to ALL community segments that we are committed to the best possible education of our children as the FIRST priority.
--
j
Part-Time Pundit
To John Bambenek: John someone that I hold in very high regard told me you a are "bulldog", when it comes to going after the truth, and wanting things to be done correctly. The identity of this person might just surprise you:). Anyway, I hope you get on that board , give it you're best shot. I think at first you might be a little overwhelmed at the info that has not been shared with the public, hopefully, the new board will be more open,,and willing to share this info with all, because we all need to be involved to solve the problems,,,,my very sincere good luck to you.
Thanks... I can't speak to how the board as a whole will be if I get elected, but I'll at least be one vote for openness.
--
j
Part-Time Pundit
Kindly allow me to introduce myself; I wound up here while trying to look up school board members' contact info on google.
I have lived in Champaign 10+ years; I have a child in Unit at a level greater than 1st grade (would prefer not to say where at this point, other than the child hasn't graduated high school yet).
Perhaps Mrs. Skirvin would like to discuss why Mr. Culver has not yet completed his doctorate at the rinky-dink college he was a board member of before he came to Champaign...surely it won't be graded THAT severely...(the college is nowhere close to the U. of I., either physically or educational reputation-wise).
"We want to build trust and confidence"... is the constant refrain we hear from the school board and upper-level (principal +) administration,
But then the board goes and extends Mr. Culver's contract until 2012???
If he's such a hot commodity, why isn't he pursuing other opportunities? If he's staying because he wants to allow the son who disrespected his basketball coach to finish high school in champaign, be honest enough to say that.
If he's staying because his wife has 2 fat jobs at the U. of I. (Annetta Culver is Senior Director, Student Affairs, and Senior Director, Career Services, at the M.B.A. program) and between him and her they've probably got an income of $300,000+ (remember, his contract includes cell phones and other perks totalling almost $25,000 per year), be honest enough to say "I'm soaking you fools for every penny I can get out of you, and I intend to keep doing it--while doing as little work as possible--for as long as I can convince the school board to go along with it."
Arthur Culver was not initially hired on the basis of his qualifications (the most qualified was the Jewish guy from Baltimore). The only reason Arthur Culver was hired is because he was seen as the most malleable of the candidates who applied for his position.
Arthur doesn't think for himself; he does what Dorland Norris tells him to do. That's why we get the constant backtracking and talking out of both sides of his mouth.
I'm one of the folks who was initially willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, and I had high hopes he would succeed.
But he didn't, hasn't, and won't, and I want to know what we need to say to the other folks to get them to dangle an offer for Arthur, Annetta, and Dorland that will rid us of them. I'll even help all three of them pack when they leave town.
It's such a shame our tax dollars have gotten dragged into this mess...
One who hopes--I couldn't have said it better myself. The school board constantly talks about how they want the public's trust, but they do little to earn it. Instead, we get Ms. Skirvin's laughable explanation that Culver is passionately devoted to the children, as if that could explain and excuse all of the mis-steps in the past. I agree with you. I would respect the board more if they just came out and said that they think they know better than the majority of the public; that they don't care what we think; and there's nothing that we can do about it; because, in the end, that's really what has happened.
You, the Champaign School Board you go ahead and keep patting this guy on the back and give him a big raise! You people are too thick headed to see the problem is not with the School System but with the parents! It ALL starts in the home, These folk want YOU to raise these kids ! The discipline has been taken out of the schools, you can't even talk to these misfits without worrying about a lawsuit. These trouble makers are the sons and grandchildren of the people I went to school with 30 years ago and nothing has changed. It's about time someone on that board has guts to tell it like it is. I lived in Champaign for 25 years and I got tired of my property tax money being thrown away on a broken system. So I sold my home and moved from Champaign. Most things get better the more money you throw at it, not schools. and hey MR. Culver how about that Phd YOU promised to get?????
Will the board promise a better contract for the teachers and support staff for their part in meeting AYP?
Good point, Anonymous, but I can just see Mr. Culver (not Gene Logas, the business manager, or Mrs. Blank) sitting at the head table at the next board meeting saying "we don't have the money for that, we don't have the money for that."
Gregg, I can understand part of where you're coming from, but this isn't about the schools raising the kids. This is about someone who got a healthy raise (somewhere in the range of $25,000-30,000, if memory serves correctly) over his predecessor before he ever did ONE LICK of work for the taxpaying citizens of Unit 4, and he's just staying around, taking up space, breathing out carbon dioxide, and creating problems. It's really hard to find anyone who works for him (or who gets stuck paying the taxes that fund his worthless self) who has any respect for him, and that's creating other issues and problems within the district.
What's it going to take to get rid of him? I don't know, but an end to these pointless contract extensions would be a good step in the right direction...
I agree, Culver was hired for one reason, to appease the likes of the late John Lee Johnson and his crew, They thought a black man would come in to Chamapign and every thing would be "jake" Culver left Texas under some questionable circumstances, The Board hired Him and then the Consent Decree got dropped on them, Culver should have had one contract and if wasn't getting better find some one else. I find it hard to believe that Champaign & Urbana has a history of going out of town to find people to fill these types of jobs, the School Dist. is not alone, the last several Chief's of Police and Fire have come from elsewhere, this has to have an effect on the members of the respective Depts. and to the School Dists. Champaign in my opinion bought the first thing that caught their eye, Ie. Culver! I'll tell you how to get rid of Him, Do like people did when the cable company tried to force the channel converter boxes on us a few years ago, You FILL that School Board meeting with Taxpayers and call for his ouster!!! "Money talks and the BS walks" Who is paying Culver, the School Dist. ? not hardly! the taxpayers are.It's time to let them know !!!
Well at this point, even I cannot think of anything more to say or ask of Mr. Culver,,,,,,,,except: Doe's you're chewing gum lose it's flavor on the bedpost overnight???