Koch noted that the board was put into a position Thursday where it had to approve a $29 million loan because much of it was to pay invoices on work that had already been done, but that the district needs to avoid putting itself in that position.
"Don't spend it unless you have it," Koch said.
Koch also expressed strong concerns about Common Core, saying that local schools should not allowed their standards to be dictated by the federal government.
Koch noted that he had received the endorsement of the Joplin NEA chapter.
I hope this means Mr. Koch intends to help raise millions of dollars to fund education in Joplin (since funding is depending on complying with standards)!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @7:19 AM: I thought the state was coming up with its own standards, and while the Feds encourage Common Core through Race to the Top grants, they don't require it.
ReplyDeleteNote that after reading one failed Race to the Top application, it's clear Huff and crew will never succeed in in that.
Currently we are racing to the bottom of a bottomless pit. Time for a change! Out with the old and in with the new.
ReplyDeleteMO has renamed the Common Core State Standards. Now they call the Missouri Learning Standards.
ReplyDeleteRandy, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's my understanding that the new "Missouri Standard" are the same standards as Common Core. Our state department gave it a name change to pacify concerned parents.
ReplyDeleteAnd 7:19 AM, Mr. Koch may not have the money to stop Common Core, but he has the will to advocate for our district. It's a whole lot better than climbing over the top of teachers' backs to race to the top!
I am reassured by Koch's business background and personal ethics. I think he will be a tremendous asset in oversight and problem solving. Put Koch, Martucci, and Roberts on that board with Fort and you will see changes taking place immediately. Put Campbell, Sharp, and Good on that board and the only changes you will see will be for the worse, if that is even possible. I guess we can dip to 0% reserves and CJ's income can go up to $250,000 plus travel expenses to line his pockets with our misery.
ReplyDelete5:01: what makes you think thus about Campbell?
ReplyDeleteCampbell is merely a stalking horse on Good's behalf to try to siphon votes from Martucci. Nothing more to it than that.
ReplyDelete9:03. What do you mean "stalking horse on Good's behalf "?
ReplyDeleteStalking horse is a political candidate who runs only in order to provoke the election and thus allow a stronger candidate to come forward.
ReplyDelete6:09 am. Campbell decided to run before hearing of Good running. She too belives in being consertive with the schools money. She has no vendetta with those who were rezoned the school districts boundaries. Campbell's children attended North Middle School and received an excellent education. What message does it send to the parents and students when you pull your children from public school so they don't have to attend NMS? Martucci thought her children were too good for NMS.
ReplyDeleteI do not know 6:09 AM, but I can tell you 7:57 AM that you are dead wrong about Martucci. You have fallen victim to the spin the current Administration has put on her because they do not want change. Martucci has 3 kids enrolled in Joplin schools. Do you know the real reason why her one daughter does not go to NMS? Obviously not, because if you did you would not be repeating the false spin. If you want to know the real reason, just ask her. Martucci has not hesitated to explain it to anyone who asks. And her reasoning makes total sense as a parent. Don't criticize someone's parenting decisions-and for doing what is right for their child-unless you know the facts. Did you hear Martucci's interview on KZRG this week? If not, go to KZRG's website and listen. She is intelligent, passionate and informed. She has experience working in school systems. She knows how they work and, more importantly, what is not working in our school system. She will insist on the school district living within a budget. She will support teachers so they stop leaving our district in droves. She will work to improve academics so that our test scores stop declining. That is why she received the endorsement of the NEA, Jim Kimbrough, and other respectable citizens. I have no patience for people who try to build up their candidate only by criticizing the other candidate. Why don't you talk about the issues, the experience of the candidates, and their vision for our schools? That way people can make an informed decision grounded in truth rather than baseless accusations. We need to vote in Martucci, Koch, and Roberts. That is what we taxpayers, the teachers, and students need!
ReplyDeleteWasn't Campbell asked to run by Randy Steele --a member of the current board and one of CJ's cronies? Just like how Nancy Good was asked to run by CJ himself. Good is on the board of Bright Futures with CJ, so how can we expect any change if she gets on the board? Good is already on record in the Joplin Glove saying that the current administration is doing a "remarkable job."
ReplyDelete