McHenry County Blog

Applicants for appointment as McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools.

Here’s the list I received in response to my Freedom of Information request for the names of those who have applied to become the McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools.

You may remember when it became clear that Governor Pat Quinn was going to cut state funding substantially for the offices, that newly-elected McHenry County Supt. Joe Williams decided not to take office.

Quinn refused to send the money to pay Asst. Supt. Williams and his retiring boss Gene Goeglein for the twelfth month of the state’s Fiscal Year.

But ten educators find the salary–in the $90,000 range–attractive enough to apply.

And, all are not from McHenry County.

Five come from towns that are all or in part in McHenry County:

• Karen Behrns, Crystal Lake, is principal at the District 300 Cambridge Lake Charter School
• Diane Hartman of Lakemoor, who actually took out a petition to run in last year’s election, but did not file it.
• Kevin Kalous, Algonquin, teachers Physical Education at Cary Jr. High School.
• Brendan Murphy, McHenry, is listed as a Curriculum Specialist at the Waukegan School District’s Abbott Middle School.
• David Shepherd of Island Lake teachers Social Studies at Marlowe Middle School in the Huntley School District.

Four people applied who live elsewhere in Illinois:

• Terence Brown, Rockford
• Reginald McGee of Freeport is an Assistant High School Principal at Auburn in Rockford.
• Randall Otto used to be Superintendent and principal at the Orangeville School District in Stephenson County.
• Roxanne Ferici lives in Chicago and is an Elementary School Principal in Niles Grade School District 71.

The final applicant is Martha Hasselbusch from Parma, Ohio.

Information about the candidates was obtained from TheChampion.org, plus some phone calling.

Without a Regional Superintendent of Education for June, McHenry County officials had to scramble.

County Administrator Peter Austin worked out a deal with the State Board of Education and Lake County Regional Supt. Roycealee Wood to her to sign over 100 GED Certificates.

He has been exploring the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement that would have Wood being able to do whatever is needed for McHenry County teachers and residents.

Elected Regional Superintendent of Schools in November, Joe Williams has announced he does not intend to take office on July 1st.

The Northwest Herald’s Kevin Craver broke the story that the current and incoming McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools are resigning, apparently because their salaries, hence, their pension base will probably be cut soon.

Current Supt. Gene Goeglein gets paid $100,762 per year.  His term expires at the end of June.

Assistant Supt. Joe Williams won the right to take his place in last fall’s election.  He gets paid $90,686 for being second in charge.

If the salary next year is cut 12%, as Craver reports, then Williams earnings would be in the neighborhood of $88,000 next year–less than he is making now.

Illinois Statehouse News reporter Benjamin Yount tells a bit of the background from the Springfield point of view:

Lawmakers ignore Quinn, add millions back to budget

May 11, 2011

By Benjamin Yount Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD — What Gov. Pat Quinn took away, the Illinois Legislature is giving back.

Lawmakers restored millions of dollars in their final drafts of the education and human services budgets that the governor had cut from the 2012 spending plan.

But they also trimmed hundreds of millions of dollars from the budget that Quinn presented earlier this year.

Quinn made headlines and raised eyebrows in February when he suggested that the state stop paying for regional school superintendents, which totaled $12.6 million this year. The governor zeroed out that portion of the budget for next year, but lawmakers returned $11.3 million in their draft.

State Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, who helped craft the education budget, said lawmakers feared that doing away with regional superintendents would cost the state more than the governor’s cut would save.

“When we talked to the State Board of Education, they were fearful that if the regional superintendents go away that they would then have the responsibility to provide all of those services. So they were panicked, feeling there was no way they could provide those services,” said Davis. “So there was actually some disconnect between the governor’s office and the State Board of Education.”

The $11.3 million includes salaries and nearly $2 million in grant money. Rock Island Regional Superintendent Jim Widdop said the grants alone used to be $12 million, but any funding is better than nothing.

Grafton Township precinct map. Click to enlarge.

Continuing a series of Republican turnout in the February 2nd primary election, we now turn to Grafton Township. Previously, precinct results for Algonquin Township have been previously  published.

As in Algonquin and Nunda Townships, all Grafton Township precincts had contests for county board.

Part of the Crystal Lake July 4th TEA Party demonstration. My favorite is "If you're not outranged, you're not informed."

What you see below are the thirty-one Grafton Township precincts. Next to the precinct number is the percentage of Republican Party turnout. If there was a person on the ballot for precinct committeeman, his or her name is seen in parentheses.

If you live in a precinct with no elected committeeman, you could volunteer to fill that slot. If you are interested—and maybe some TEA Party demonstrators may wish to make their citizenship more intense—just send me a email and I’ll pass your name along.

• Grafton 1 – 11.0% (Mike Skala)
• Grafton 2 – 19.3% (Scott Breeden)
• Grafton 3 – 9.9%
• Grafton 4 – 10.7% (Tammy Lueth)
• Grafton 5 – 9.8%
• Grafton 6 – 17.5% (Harriet Ford)
• Grafton 7 – 17.2% (Fred Wickham)
• Grafton 8 – 12.5%
• Grafton 9 – 10.1% (Eric Hartmann)
• Grafton 10 – 13.8% (Lloyd Everard)
• Grafton 11 – 11.0% (Bernice Gora)
• Grafton 12 – 8.1%
• Grafton 13 – 8.4% (Gene Goeglein)
• Grafton 14 – 7.9% (Terry Aavang)
• Grafton 15 – 25.5% (Daniel Ryan)
• Grafton 16 – 6.1% (Tom Halat)
• Grafton 17 – 10.5%
• Grafton 18 – 8.2%
• Grafton 19 – 4.4% (Samuel Paglini)
• Grafton 20 – 6.3%
• Grafton 21 – 10.2%
• Grafton 22 – 7.1%
• Grafton 23 – 6.1% (Linda Betzold)
• Grafton 24 – 8.3%
• Grafton 25 – 7.1%
• Grafton 26 – 17.7% (Linda Moore)
• Grafton 27 – 21.1%
• Grafton 28 – 7.8% (Thomas Poznanski)
• Grafton 29 – 9.7%
• Grafton 30 – 12.4%
• Grafton 31 – 11.1%

Sun City continued it reputation of being a high turnout area. County board member Dan Ryan got 25.5% of his constituents to vote GOP. He was on the ballot, but did not win. He blamed his loss on not filling out the conflict of interest questionnaire proposed by the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water. He was the only committee who topped the 20% benchmark that I am using.

Lakemoor’s Diana Hartmann is thinking about running for the Republican nomination for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools.  You see her with her now-two year old son and husband Michael in this photo from last fall at Stades Farm.

With Gene Goeglein retiring, there is an obvious political opening.

Goeglein’s deputy, Joe Williams, announced his candidacy at the last Grafton Township Republican Central Committee meeting.

When I saw her name and email address in the McHenry County Clerk’s office on the list of people who have taken out petitions, I shot off a message asking for details.

Here’s her reply:

“I was sitting on the fence about jumping in the political scene. I thought it may be a little late.

“However, I was interested in Regional Office Superintendent, Republican, and I live in Lakemoor.

“I hold a superintendent license and have been an educator for the several years.

“I’ve lived in McHenry County for about 4 years and prior to that Rockford, IL for about 10.

“I’m Ed. D. A.B.D. (All But Dissertation), which means I’m finishing my dissertation now.

“Therefore I decided to look at this the next time around. Since I need 560 signatures and almost nobody knows me, I thought I better build this up more.

“Unless I hear people would like me to run, I will wait and build my platform.”

Hartmann’s email is dbrierton@comcast.net.  She asks those who would be interested in helping pass petitions email her.

Huntley’s Joe Williams rolled out his candidacy for Regional Superintendent of Schools at the Grafton Township Republican Central Committee last Wednesday in Lakewood’s Lou Malnati’s Pizza.

That was the night I was listening to State Rep. Lou Lang speak to the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee in Woodstock. Grafton Republicans provided free pizza, so by attending the Democrats’ event, I probably avoided gaining two pounds.

The letter Williams sent to Republican precinct committeemen and committeewomen follows:

My Fellow Committeemen and Committeewomen:

After 40 years of service to the public education system, Mr. Gene Goeglein has decided that he will not seek another term as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for McHenry County.

The Regional Office of Education plays a critical role in the governance and regulation of the key functions of the public education system as well as providing professional services to the thousands of McHenry County educators on a daily basis. This is a great responsibility which requires experience, expertise and a commitment to maximizing the available resources on behalf of the students of our county.

With the full support of Mr. Goeglein, I am seeking election as the next Regional Superintendent of Schools for McHenry County. I have served as the Assistant Regional Superintendent and County Truant Officer for the past 4 years and am intimately familiar with the functions, duties, responsibilities and most importantly, the expectations of this office. I am fully prepared to effectively discharge these duties and improve upon an already excellent office.

My professional efforts are driven by and focused on my belief that all of our kids deserve the best efforts that the adults in the community can provide. I also believe that it is our responsibility to seek constant improvement.

I became a school teacher upon my return from active duty in the United States Marine Corps and continue to benefit from the self-discipline and commitment to the service of others that I learned there.

In my career as a teacher, coach, administrator and leader, I have sought opportunities for student success, teacher achievement and systemic improvement.

I hold a Doctorate in Educational Administration, have twice been appointed to serve on state-wide task forces, and provide regular insight to legislators and stakeholders who shape public education policy.

It is also my good fortune to work with the members of our community on a daily basis as they navigate the increasingly complex world of public education.

However, the most rewarding aspect of my career thus far is the continued contact with the students, athletes and families of McHenry County.

It is a sincere joy to watch our young people transition beyond public education and into their adult lives, knowing that our educational system has partnered with the community to make this happen.

As a former United States Marine Corps infantryman, it is especially powerful for me to see many of my former students have transitioned from being protected into becoming the very protectors of our society.

I am a Huntley resident and have served as an appointed and elected precinct committeeman in Grafton Township.

My wife, Laura, and I are the proud parents of Joseph Jr. and Elizabeth. Joseph started school this year and Elizabeth will enter kindergarten in two years.

We are proud of the educational opportunities that our children will have in the system, and have made our home here largely for that reason. Like you, we are committed to helping them get the most out of this opportunity.

As with all of the challenges I have faced, I am fortunate to have the support of mentors, friends and family. However, my fellow Republicans, I need your help if my efforts are to be successful. I need your support as Republican Committeemen and Committeewomen in securing the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot. I have enclosed nominating petitions and a self-addressed stamped envelope for their return.

As a committeeman myself, I understand the effort required to secure signatures and I extend my thanks in advance. I would greatly appreciate any and all signatures that you would secure on my behalf.

Please feel free to contact me personally with any questions, comments or concerns. I am confident with your support that I can continue the tradition of excellence that McHenry County has come to expect from our Regional Office of Education.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph R. Williams

An interesting thing happened at last Thursday night’s Huntley school board meeting.

First, Superintendent Burkey was unable to attend the meeting, being at a Superintendents’ meeting of Large Unit District Association officials.

So, second in command Terry Awrey was in charge. Awrey addressed the issue of making up school days.

But for some reason Awrey expanded the topic to include whether you have to make up days or not.

Awrey talked with Gene Goeglein the County Regional Superintendent of Schools. Goeglein informed Awrey that unless the District made up the school days the District would lose accreditation. Based on this Associate Superintendent Terry Awrey said Thursday:

“If we were to miss those three days, not only would we lose our general state aid for those three days, we’d lose our accreditation as a school.” (Northwest Herald)

It just so happens there is no requirement to lose accreditation.

The Illinois State Law Survey says:

“The school district may also suffer recognition penalties.”

“May.”

Not “Shall.”

Big Difference.

I would expect District 158 officials will clarify this at a future meeting.

They wouldn’t want the teachers who just went on strike to incorrectly believe the District will lose accreditation, if they don’t make up the days.

The Huntley teachers union wanted to make up the days and not lose three days pay.

So much so the union agreed to drop four alleged unfair labor practices against Huntley District 158.

What happened to the teachers the union were fighting for in these legal actions?

Sounds like the union leaders sold their interests down the river.

The Board, you see, had no intention of making up the three days. And in order for the union not to lose three days pay, the union had to give the Board something.

One of those items the union wanted badly was very hotly contested during negotiations and was included one of the unfair labor practices. The union wanted to go to the legal mats for it in the hope they could get lucky with a ruling.

The result was the teachers union had to give up its legal claims on it and more or keep on striking.

It seems it was not a Norma Rae moment.

Julie Hunter and Kim Aschenbach, Huntley teacher union co-presidents and grievance chair Jane Kantor threw solidarity out the window.

Solidarity is when teacher union leaders want their “professionals” to march with signs, and chant slogans while striking.

But what do you call it when their fellow teacher leaders sell out the interests of individual teachers?

I can’t come up with a word that really fits.

The sold out teachers clearly would have been better off if there hadn’t been a strike.

An interesting thing happened at last Thursday night’s Huntley school board meeting.

First, Superintendent Burkey was unable to attend the meeting, being at a Superintendents’ meeting of Large Unit District Association officials.

So, second in command Terry Awrey was in charge. Awrey addressed the issue of making up school days.

But for some reason Awrey expanded the topic to include whether you have to make up days or not.

Awrey talked with Gene Goeglein the County Regional Superintendent of Schools. Goeglein informed Awrey that unless the District made up the school days the District would lose accreditation. Based on this Associate Superintendent Terry Awrey said Thursday:

“If we were to miss those three days, not only would we lose our general state aid for those three days, we’d lose our accreditation as a school.” (Northwest Herald)

It just so happens there is no requirement to lose accreditation.

The Illinois State Law Survey says:

“The school district may also suffer recognition penalties.”

“May.”

Not “Shall.”

Big Difference.

I would expect District 158 officials will clarify this at a future meeting.

They wouldn’t want the teachers who just went on strike to incorrectly believe the District will lose accreditation, if they don’t make up the days.

The Huntley teachers union wanted to make up the days and not lose three days pay.

So much so the union agreed to drop four alleged unfair labor practices against Huntley District 158.

What happened to the teachers the union were fighting for in these legal actions?

Sounds like the union leaders sold their interests down the river.

The Board, you see, had no intention of making up the three days. And in order for the union not to lose three days pay, the union had to give the Board something.

One of those items the union wanted badly was very hotly contested during negotiations and was included one of the unfair labor practices. The union wanted to go to the legal mats for it in the hope they could get lucky with a ruling.

The result was the teachers union had to give up its legal claims on it and more or keep on striking.

It seems it was not a Norma Rae moment.

Julie Hunter and Kim Aschenbach, Huntley teacher union co-presidents and grievance chair Jane Kantor threw solidarity out the window.

Solidarity is when teacher union leaders want their “professionals” to march with signs, and chant slogans while striking.

But what do you call it when their fellow teacher leaders sell out the interests of individual teachers?

I can’t come up with a word that really fits.

The sold out teachers clearly would have been better off if there hadn’t been a strike.