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year resident wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:41 PM:

" I think everyone got off the subject again. WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO AFTER WE PASS THE BONDS FOR THESE THINGS TO BE MAINTAINED? And why pass bonds if they can't afford to keep up all the stuff they spend it on? Why is it, when we speak up we are ridiculed, shut-out by the school board, or our children are picked on?

I for one do not have an issue with supporting the education of our children, but when I see money wasted, classes without enough books, offices with new furniture, school administration wasting the paper you send for the use of the your child’s education being wasted by the office; you got to finally stand up and say, "No more money or waste". I think if we got an entirely new board and they said we seriously needed more money I might vote for a new bond, but as long as this board exists, no way! The money would have to directly impact the future education of our children including the facilities. But as far as I have seen there has been a lot of wasteful spending by this administration. I think books should come first before new furniture for offices, new bars around High School, and etc.

Also, just to let you know on old article about new band equipment; problem solved!! There is a new place in town that rents band equipment to the students. They charged $15 a month to rent or buy it. The band teacher at the high school handed out the address, Kudos to Him :) "




WHo need the goverment school wrote on Aug 26, 2008 5:18 PM:

" Thank you for paying some of my medicare and social security, but it is worthless, the goverment stole your money. If I would have an option not to pay medicare and social security, just put in to the bank to myself, I would be a millioner.
The school is the same, you would be better off paying less taxes, send your children to private school and get a cheaper, much better education for your children.
You also no need to take to nonsense about school violence, prayers, etc... "




Parent wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:17 PM:

" As a parent of a high schooler I pay any and all expenses incurred in order for my student to get an education. I have to pay $40 - $60 per semester for him to take classes the SCHOOL decides he should take...but none-the-less, I pay for them. And while my student is being "baby-sat", I am out working for you "retired folk" to collect social security and medicare. Is it fair that I pay for your retirement, I think not but unfortunately it is how the system works. Who paid for you to go to school or for your kids to go to school? Duh, the working class and the RETIRED!!! If you don't want to pay taxes for your future Presidents, Secretary of State, Doctors and such then move to a place such a Sun City where there aren't any children. However, I do feel sad for you retired folks, you know the ones of you that have 2 homes, a motorhome, a nice SUV, and MEDICAL INSURANCE...be thankful you have what you have. "




asolution wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:11 AM:

" Paul: No problem, I will be happy to pay for my children...YOU pay for your social security and medicare. "




to Paul wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:39 AM:

" paul who paid for your education? If you went to a public school then their was a shared expense as there is now from all the tax payers. Why sould you not pay also or our you that special yuppy that everything was given to you, but your to good to give back?

Have childern pay for it. Partner you are so off base there is really no comment to your comment. You are in the same position as Paul.

To Bill wrote that internet college is better than MCC because of the teachers. Do you think if they put a 4 year college in Havasu which you will have to pay for will bring any better teacher's here. I don't think so. I agree with everyone that everyone's little project is affecting all of us in the pocket book.

We do have a dedicated work force at our school district. We do score above the national average on required test. Be happy that the majority of the student's are achiving a quality education. Not all student's will have a chance to go to college, but that doesn't mean they were not given a good education.

Last but not least If you have had a bad experience with one incident with the school district don't blame it on everyone who works for the school district. "




Blue wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:26 AM:

" While I don't necessarily agree with the posts others have sent, I do have one comment.... Those of you who want to know why you should be responsible for paying for other people children's education.... It's simple, really. These children will be your leaders, health care providers, police officers, etc. Our children are our future. Period. As for people having children when they can't afford them, I had children when I COULD afford them. College funds set up, savings, etc... I've had some circumstances beyond my control that has left me in a situation where I struggle. While I am not on welfare, I do require the public school system to help educate the one child I have remaining in my home.

As for "Have a child pay for it" ... What an angry bitter person you are. I am disgusted. "




paul wrote on Aug 26, 2008 3:34 AM:

" liz wake up the maybe your children and not ours so explain wy i am responsible for their comfortable edjucation and books and instruments and food and babysitting while you go to work and make some money the are yours so pay for their edjucation "




Who needs a goverment wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:44 PM:

" How come the private schools are not complaining? They can do better results from less money! How come? It is some goverment, union, blackmail, thing? If the goverment can not run a school as effective and successfully as a private school administrators can, just let the private school administrators (taxpayers) take over the schools and the goverment! hahaha "




Have children pay for it wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:36 PM:

" In this nice city, who can afford to have children anyway? The idea is to tax the retired folks on a social security, the young couples who can't afford to have children and the single people to have a free school for the irresponsible people who can not affor to pay for their children's education? The private schools are only $300 / month! Come on parents, fork it up! Don't wait for the childless people to pay for your children. It is enough enjoy your little monsters at public!
Can't affor to have a children? Get a dog! "




to Bill wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:30 PM:

" come on Bill, did you go to MCC lately? The quality of the teachers, the classes they offer? They can not compete against the internet colleges> They need more and more money to survive! No more goverment and taxpayer handouts, we have to shut them down! Enough is enough! "




LIZ wrote on Aug 25, 2008 4:50 PM:

" LETS SEE YOU GUYS ARE WORRIED ABOUT UPGRADING OLD BUILDINGS AT OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS BUT YOU DON'T CARE TO HIRE ENOUGH TEACHERS TO GIVE OUR STUDENTS PROPER LEARNING. WOW THIS CITY IS WONDERFULL TOWARDS OUR FUTURE. GET IT TOGETHER CITY COUNSEL AND START WORKING ON OUR CHILDREN AND NOT THE SNOWBIRDS. HAVASU PEOPLE NEED FIRST OPINONS BEFORE THEY DO SINCE WE LIVE HERE YEAR ROUND AND WE PUT UP WITH IT NOT THEM. LETS SEE THEY GRADUATED WITH LESS EDUCATION WAY BACK WHEN AND NOW THAT WE HAVE A GOOD LEARNING PROGRAM THEY TRY TO RUIN IT. SCHOOL BOARD AND CITY COUNSEL NEED TO GET TOGETHER AND WORK THIS OUT AND LEAVE OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR SCHOOLS OUT OF IT. "




FYI to All wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:38 PM:

" As discussions of JTED, overrides, and board openings I think we just need to clear on some commentary that has been made. In several of the different blogs I have always seen that teachers need more money, they don't make enough. In general I agree that the teaching profession does not pay as well as others, but then you don't go into it wanting to get rich. That aside I want to tell you that many of our district teachers are doing just fine in the payment category. Not only can a teacher be paid for being a teacher, they get 301 money, they can tutor for as many programs as they like and make very good money an hour, the can also be paid extra to be coaches, game workers, and scorekeepers. They can also be apart of various programs as a representative for the district where they get paid stipends. They also get tuition reimbursement for any courses they take. Hmmm....hurting for money or double dipping all over the place? The sad part about all of this is that non-teachers who work in this district can not be coaches, game workers, score keepers, representatives, and even reimbursable students because they are classified employees and are only allowed 40 hours a week. These are the same people who did not get a raise from the district this year, but teachers did. Let us not forget about the average working class person. I think it is sad that the district ignores them as deserving of any extra opportunities, but still EXPECTS them to vote for the JTED, override, and current board members. "




just a thought wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Bill P - just an FYI the school district has just gone through a MAJOR state audit. It is my understanding that those result should be available for public knowledge in October. Hopefully the newspaper will run the results so everyone can know what is going on. "




Bill p wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:26 PM:

" Interesting on how everyone feels about the money issue. What part of there is only so much money to go around for I think 9 schools. I believe the school district gets audited every year. How have those audit's come out? I haven't heard or read that the audit's have failed. I don't think that the school district would still be functioning if there was a problem.

I agree with you all that money is tight, and I am with all of you in that respect. I cringe everytime I read that the county needs a new tax for someting that really could be put off for a while. I cringe when someone says we need a 4 year college, but will need to instill a new tax to build it. My question is why can't Mohave Community Colege become a 4 year dregree program the buildings are already there. People we have to slow down some and whip this economy problem we are in. It will not happen overnight. The city of Havasu needs to curtail their spending also, and only work on project's that are absolutly required to keep the city running. Their dream project's need to be shelved for a while. "




gF wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:14 PM:

" the basic thing about the LHUSD is that they dont care about students as they say they do. all they care is about living in luxury. but when its time for elections and they want more money they start writing fantasy stories. "




vote no to JTED wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:51 AM:

" vote no to JTED and goldberg "




just a thought wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Bill P and year resident you both making interesting points. The truth remains that how money is spent is still clouded as that information is truly kept on the down low. You can go to Board Meetings and ask questions but make no mistakes about it before an item hits the Board the deals have already been struck between board members and administration. I think we need to begin making changes by removing people from the Board who currently hold seats. November is the time for this with your votes. I really think there should be term limits on members as well, if it is good enough for the president of the united states it should be good enough for any political office. No more shady business!!! "




train wreck wrote on Aug 24, 2008 5:45 PM:

" train wreck? i voted for the last override. i will not vote for any future override. between the cost of the sewers and electric i can not afford to live here. let the train crash. "




year resident wrote on Aug 24, 2008 5:18 PM:

" I did go to the school board meetings we had to get a lawyer to get the school to stop harrassing my kids because I was exposing the way they do things at the District. It is true speak up and they will make it a living hell for your kids while they attend school. Haven't you noticed they have a way of getting rid of the people who don't go along with their main objectives. "




drama city wrote on Aug 24, 2008 3:22 PM:

" can this city be more dramatic? "




Nightfalls wrote on Aug 24, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Looks like they are going to want another override. Wait we gave them an override and then the funding from the state came thru and L.H.U.S.D. kept the override and used it for something other then what the voters were told it was for. "




Former Teacher wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:54 AM:

" Last time I was in the teacher's lounges at the High school, about two years ago, they had old furniture that was from when the school began in the early seventies, and ancient copiers that only worked sometimes. But, man, you should have seen the beautiful new set of matching office furniture in Kathy Cox's office. It was stunning. "




bill p wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Just got back on line to read Steve's comment. No I do not work for the school district, and no I am not their spokesperson. I have in fact been to board meetings, and did take the time to asks questions what governed how and what the money was spent on. Steve I suggest you do the same, as well as year resident. Stop being so bitter in your judgement. Year resident if you feel there are a shortage of books, or you have complaints go to a board meeting and voice your opinion. Writing in a news paper survey's won't get it done. "




TW wrote on Aug 24, 2008 3:00 AM:

" Geeze, when I went to Lake Havasu High a lot of the classrooms were in trailers and most of the parking was on DIRT.... And we liked it like that, we LOVED it (grumpy old man from SNL). Seriously though, no one was complaining. We were happy we didn't have to ride a bus to Kingman High. "




Blah Blah Blah wrote on Aug 23, 2008 9:13 PM:

" Maybe we can ask the teachers to take a pay cut, 28K a year is way to much for a 4 year degree plus having to take additional classes throughout the year. As for all the complainers, Sun City is merely a few hours move. And then you can sit back and watch lawrence Welk and talk about how you had to walk 10 miles in the snow...blah blah blah. It will never change with you folks. "




vote no wrote on Aug 23, 2008 7:13 PM:

" i'm voting no! they take enough of my money as it is! "




year resident wrote on Aug 23, 2008 7:00 PM:

" I like the way some of you missed the real problems and focus only on putting me down. And no, our school buildings are not 100yrs old and that is the whole point; get it? I notice no touched the subject of "Did you know some classes do not have enough books for all the students? Plus the school has a maintenance budget; what did they use it for if they didn't keep up the buildings. I know they will say the airconditioner, etc You know the things we pass the school bonds for"

I do have kids at the school and know for a fact not all the kids had books because the school couldn't afford them. This was at a time when the schools bought new computers for teachers or it was computer flat screens because they didn't like the big CRTs. What about the spa they put in at Thunderbolt when it was first built? What about the bonds passed for maintenance, airconditioners, ceilings, abestos removal. Did You know at one time they wanted benches at $1500 a piece to put in at Oro Grande.
I tried to donate 4 benches for free for 2 years, but they would not accept them because they had them on the bond. Well after threatening to go public they took them and to this day they are still in use after 15 years. "




steve wrote on Aug 23, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Bill P and his alias must be a spokesperson for the rest of the school district can do no wrong - tax and tax some more crowd. Seen this before. Next comes a bond proposal for "critical capital improvement needs" that includes repaving the parking lot and new furniture for the staff lounge. "




To year resident wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:54 AM:

" I wonder what color the sky is in YOUR world because it is clear you are not living in the same world as the rest of us. While it is true that students "back east" -- AKA Valhala for those of you from there -- are attending classes in very old buildings, it is equally true that a great deal of money has been spent over the years to upgrade those facilities to enable the school districts to continue using them. Have you counted the cost of that?

Where do you get your "statistics" on the cost of dry erase markers vs chalk, and how do you know that most of the teachers "do not even know how to use" the computers? Are you serious??? And as for this gem of yours: "But we all know what this is about; you want more money to make the place more aesthetically pleasing to the people who work there," I just shake my head in wonder at your dilusionary statements. As if an aesthetically pleasing environment FOR THE STAFF has ever been the issue! It is, has always been, and should be, about the students...their safety and physical comfort and creating for them an atmosphere that fosters learning. If the result is a pleasing environment for everyone, where is the harm in that? But one need only look at where Lake Havasu falls state-wide and nationally in teachers' salaries to know that the District does not concern itself with the teachers' wants and needs, except as those coincide with the District's motives.

Now, before you shoot back with some pithy comment about me being a disgruntled teacher...I am not a teacher, nor do I work for the school district. I've just been in this town long enough, and have kept myself informed enough, to know the truth. Try it, year resident, you might like it. "




Bill P wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Year Resident you are living in the past. It is about time you get into the present. If you have a question where the money is spent, and what for make a visit to the school district office at 2200 Havasupai. Maybe you ought to go to some of the board meetings, and voice your opinion. When you went to school everything was given to you, but year resident times have really changed since you graduated 35 years ago. You can help change the system or go back to your perfect 100 year old building's, and chisel's, and rock's. "




year resident wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:16 PM:

" I was talking about the dry eraser pens the school buys for the teachers that dry up and are pretty useless to use for writing on a verticle board. They are a must have; because they are what everyone else uses. Besides, I was using it as an example of how wasteful the school can be when it comes to comfort things for the people who work there. Did you know some classes do not have enough books for all the students? Plus the school has a maintenance budget; what did they use it for if they didn't keep up the buildings. I know they will say the airconditioner, etc, blah, blah, blah. You know the things we pass the school bonds for, etc, blah, blah , blah. "




Bill P wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Everyone want's a better education for their childern, and employer's want better educated people for their work force. I don't agree with more taxes as some of you the money isn't there anymore. Don't blame the school district, or what someone makes in their saleries. I think Havasu is real lucky to have the dedicated employee's that work for the school district. If some of you complainer's ever worked as hard as those folks you would understand. You think monies all the money that the school district has is just up for grabs, I don't think you understand that all monies are earmarked for certain programs. It is not like your paycheck where you buy or spend whatever you want on something. If you want to do something stop complaining about the school adminstration who are decated people, and start complaining to the people in Phoenix who are in charge of school funds. Maybe you need to write to Gov. Janet and express your concerns to her, but don't hammer on the wonderful people who try, and do exceed in giving the best for your childern, and giving their best for a better educated work force. Last comment: Joe Stella keep up the great work you have done wonders for this district.

BILL P. "




Wow wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:20 PM:

" This town isn't all that old. Yes, some of the schools are pretty old, and in bad shape. I grew up in a town where our schools were over 100 years old. Of course, the adminstration was ALLOWED to keep them up. Our contractors were required to do the job right. But, I know that this town was limited on material, supplies and contractors when they started building schools and homes. Hense the project going on in the Havasupai Blvd area. They have been trying to fix up older homes and businesses that were built when the city was new. In this community, the parents are responsible for purchasing paper, pencils, copier paper, crayons, markers, tissue, etc... several times per year... for the use of ALL the students; not just theirs. And there is no bus system except for the JR high. My daughter got physically ill at one of our older schools and was unable to complete her school year that year, and unable to return to that school at all due to severe allergies that had her in an oxygen tent for most of her third grade career. No, I don't want to pay anymore taxes.... I'm broke enough as it is as a single mom. But it would be nice if my children could go to school without the fear of getting ill, maybe ride a school bus so I don't have to be late for work or leave to pick them up, or NOT having to pay for the extra papers and such that I really can't afford.... I would love it if someone could come up with a solution to this towns school system issues. My solution will be shortly to just pull them out and go to online school. It's free. My budget can't afford the way this district is run, the gas prices and groceries, etc. NO! I'm not on welfare, food stamps, or any program for aid at all. Apparently I make too much money for any help, but not enough to make it without serious sacrifices....and I wonder.... Where does MY tax money go? "




whatever wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:49 PM:

" hey year resident, for your information now parents are responsible for buying the dry erase markers for their kids and Starline DOES still have chalkboards that are actually used "




year resident wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:29 AM:

" What a joke. People who moved here from back east attended schools that are over a hundred years old and kids are still attending school in those old buildings to this day. I just attended my 35 year reunion and my school was way older than Havasu's and the same buildings are used to this day. Unless you are telling us the school hired the most crappy construction workers they could find. We had quite a few of those and I turned them into the Board of Contractors and they had to do the work right or give me back my money and pay fines. So you are telling me the current adminstration who had all these bonds passed did not take the time to make sure these projects were done right. My parents are still living in the same house that was built 50 years ago in Calif near the epicenter of many earthquakes and is still standing up straight and tall and is not even in danger of falling. So I guess from now on all of us should hire only contractors from Calif.

But we all know what this is about; you want more money to make the place more aesthetically pleasing to the people who work there. Last time the school was suppose to buy stuff for the students they replaced the crosswalk signs and bunch of other stupid stuff that they did not need. Teachers got new smaller computers which most do not even know how to use except to put in grades at the end of year. A major airline that year did not put in new computers because of the economic situation that year, but yet the school seems to ignore these things and think they need a dynasty to teach kids.

How about we buy you new chalk boards and chalk or did you forget how to use these items too. Lets keep the dry eraser pens that dry up and you throw them away by the dozen each day. But poor babies don't like the nails to chalk board sound you sometimes get with chalk, so lets spend 2,000 a year on dry eraser pens instead of 300 a year on chalk. This is an example of how wasteful this school can get because they want all modern stuff whether it is better or not. "




horst wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:43 AM:

" save the tausends of $you going to buy for music intruments and have the parents of the students who like to play buy them the will last longer because the will take care of them better it coming out of their pokets "




No New Taxes wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:41 AM:

" No new taxes! I can't afford anymore taken out of my pocket, and I have a student in the high school. Let's just ask the "higher-ups" like Gail Malay to take a paycut to help out the budget crisis. "




steve wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:05 AM:

" Oh boy, here we go again. Prep the public for needed improvements, get the supporters riled up, push for more taxes that are needed or our kids will suffer immensely. Enough! As stated earlier in the article, increase maint funding from the existing budget, cut out the frills and stop coming to the public trough for more. NO MORE TAXES! "

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