Wow … anyone had a chance to read the letters to the editor in today’s Pekin Daily Times? Mike Noyes’ editorial from November 1st drew quite the response – no less than five letters to the editor regarding his editorial were published, including one from the teacher whose resignation letter Noyes used as part of his support for Mangan’s school consolidation effort. The former teacher’s name is Marc Sattazahn – and he’s PISSED.
You see, apparently Mr. Noyes didn’t ask for permission to use the letter of resignation in his editorial. In fact, Mr. Sattazahn never even spoke with Mike Noyes, and he certainly didn’t provide him with a copy of his letter of resignation. The letter was only circulated among the members of the District 108 School Board and the 108 administration. Someone in that pretty small group of folks gave Mike Noyes this letter without Marc Sattazahn’s permission.
Do I smell bacon? No? I could have sworn that I smelled bacon. Weird … it’s not breakfast time. Oh well.
I thought the teacher was part of the Manganocracy otherwise known as the Citizens for Pekin School Consolidation (which I’m becoming more & more convinced is just 3 people – Jim Mangan, Dean Bacon and Mike Noyes), but apparently not. He was unethically utilized by the Unholy Trinity to further their petty political ends.
Money quote from Mr. Sattazahn:
As an aspiring writer, I have sought publication for many years. Having my words included in an editorial (without my permission!) by Michael Noyes on the Opinion Page [...] was not what I had in mind. When I was in the classroom, we called that copying … and my students were punished for it.
Yowsers!
Mr. Noyes’ ears continued ringing through the next three editorials, all from District 108 employees. The second letter, entitled “Evil Doer” (yikes!), was sent in by Bonnie Aimone, a Washington School counselor. Money quote:
I think it was scandalous to use the private feelings and thoughts of this gentle, kind and trusting man without his permission, not to mention using them in a twisted way to support your own political views.
The third letter, entitled “Ethics”, was signed by THIRTY members of the Washington School staff. Yes … that’s a 3 with a 0 on the end. 30. They’re not happy, either. Money quote:
As educators in District 108, we will no longer sit idly by while others point fingers and attack our integrity and teaching practices.
The fourth letter, entitled “Tired of turning other cheek”, was signed by Stacey Melloy, an 18 year employee of District 108 who now serves as Facilitator of Advanced Literacy. I’m not sure what that title means, but it certainly sounds impressive. Ms. Melloy is also the mother of two “well-educated District 108 children.” Her money quote:
We have teachers and administrators who work tirelessly on behalf of the children and families of District 108. They quietly put in the extra hours needed to do a high-quality job, give supplies to children paid for out of their own pockets, spend personal planning and lunch times working with children, as well as countless other selfless acts.
I would advise Michael Noyes not to set foot on the grounds of a District 108 school building, especially Washington. When was the last lynching in Tazewell County?
The fifth and final letter writer actually liked what Mike Noyes said and commended the Pekin Daily Times on their bravery in publishing it and wished them luck on their “fine stance on freedom of speech.” It was signed by Denise Snakard … of Winnetka. That’s a north Chicago suburb, right? Ahh well … she probably grew up in Pekin. Otherwise, why in the heck would she be reading the Pekin Daily Times???
The big question that I have – and many of the letter writers today also had – is who on the District 108 school board provided Mike Noyes with the letter? Whoever did this is guilty of a significant ethical violation, in my opinion. Is there a mechanism for recalling a school board member? I certainly believe that the board member responsible would be deserving of such proceedings. Otherwise, be certain to remember the name and remember to vote in the next school board election – once we find out who it is, mind you. I have no idea.
There’s that bacon smell again! Where is that coming from??? It seems to be emanating from down Court Street … somewhere near Maurie’s, I think …
2 responses so far ↓
1
Denise Snakard
// Dec 1, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Pekin is where I grew up. Yes, my invested interest for Pekin’s current and future, begins with my education out of Pekin. If Mr. Roots can use his daughter for an architectual rendering of James Field and stating she was choosen for the very reason Pekin educated her, then, I can certainly read The Pekin Daily Times. Right?
From what I understand, if a public school teacher submits a resignation, it is public record. Thus, Mr. Noyes didn’t need his permission. In fact, Mr. Noyes could take anything on your blog and print it without your permission too. It public.
Sorry to learn so many 108 employees are unhappy with the “peoples voice”. These employees have earned enough money to have done a better job 1 – 8. I would suspect, good students are getting assistence from home on a nightly bases, only, the ones who aren’t, are the ones who should be held back, gain maturity, and move forward.
Actually, if folks really wanted to test the system, students should be picked radomly per class room, by a senile old citzen, have the students open up a math book and ask them all to do the assignment. Then, move onto reading, next English. What a eye opener that may prove to be. Right?
Jim Mangan must have some knowledge of what is happening. He just cant’ be stirring up problems for Dr. White just to get his name in print. The reasons must be valid. The 3 – 303 board members I bet are the same “3 Blindmice” who never do their homework before a board meeting. Shame on their behavior. This isn’t the first time they have “ganged up” on Mr. Mangan or Mr. Rossi. These 3 silly, silly boardmembers love to hear themselves heckling because that’s all they know how to react for their lack of homework. If one were to read the minutes, one would see very little volumn coming from these 3 Blindmice.
For shame this is even a topic…….
Amen, Denise S.
2
knightindragonland
// Dec 2, 2006 at 12:04 am
I do not question whether Noyes’s use of Sattazahn’s letter was LEGAL. I question whether it was ETHICAL, especially since it is becoming more and more apparent that Noyes’s version of the letter’s contents does not accurately reflect the intent of the author.
All Noyes did was drive a wedge of mistrust between District 108 staff and the school board … and for what? Even if consolidation passes, it will do NOTHING to improve the academic performance of 108 students.
Jim Mangan MUST have a valid point or he wouldn’t be doing this? PLEASE. That’s faulty logic. Mangan obviously has some personal vendetta against 108 in general and Don White in particular. Maybe he’s just jealous because Don White is obviously much smarter. Mangan will voice unfounded slander against 108 administrators and blatantly LIE about 108’s academic performance and fiscal responsibility.
Your solution to “help” failing 108 students is to retain them? Well Ms. Snakard, that policy has proven to be FAR WORSE than social promotion.
Why don’t you just brand the word “RETARD” on the child’s forehead, because that’s what retention does to them. It’s a “scarlet letter” that permanently marks them as a failure. All another kid has to do is ask the kid how old he is, and if he’s too old for his grade, they’ll know … he’s “stupid.” It makes those kids far more likely to fail again and drop out before completing high school.
Yes, social promotion BY ITSELF is a failed policy … but retention policies are WORSE.
As for other 303 board members “picking” on Mangan – again, I say NONSENSE. Mangan brought this on himself by publicly slandering 108 teachers and administrators. He’s fighting a dirty fight, and he deserves the scorn he’s received.
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