Opinion
I Support Ann Samuelson
Ann Samuelson was one of the first Jewell School Board Members I met when I joined the Jewell School Staff in July of 2007. She was on a mission to get highway 103 repaved before school started. She was concerned about the safety of our school children traveling by bus on that bumpy road with so many pot holes. I must admit as a newcomer to the area, driving the road was a challenge. Ann worked diligently on this issue. The whole valley owed her a big “Thank You” for getting the road repaved in a timely manner and meeting her deadline of completion before the first day of school.
I continue to be impressed with Ann’s support of our Continuous School Improvement Plan to improve student achievement. Our teachers have been working extremely hard to identify the Power Standards in the core curricular subjects and also the elective courses. The Power Standards are those standards that we want students to master at each grade level. The Power Standards have been vertically aligned K-12 in the curricular areas. This year we had two teachers who became teacher trainers for our district in Effective Teaching Strategies. Learning Teams have been established where teachers review data and talk about instructional strategies that will help us meet our school improvement goals. Ann Samuelson has praised our efforts not only at Jewell School Board Meetings, but also at the NWRESD School Board Meetings. Ann, I for one, appreciate your support, your encouragement and kind words as a Jewell School Board and Community Member!
Sincerely,
Debbie Brooks
Local Blog Posts
Opinion Links
Recent Comments
The fact that Skinner, the one that supposedly told Oly that illegal executive meetings were taking place, says publicly that none took place and then Oly himself is now being …
By Staci from the article Former School Director asks Ethics Commission for investigation.No Doubt you do not get it. You can connect anything if you like, Knock yourself out. The topic is proceedings related to the board of directors, Carrie wishes people …
By No Doubt ? from the article Former School Director asks Ethics Commission for investigation.There is a direct connection between the complainant on this and the recall group, they supported Seeleys then and they still do, hope I never drink that flavor of kool-aid!! …
By No doubt about it from the article Former School Director asks Ethics Commission for investigation.Like another said, this simply comes down to lack of handling communication correctly. Assuming there is the intent for some form of communication during the executive sessions? Maybe there was …
By LEAD BY EXAMPLE from the article Former School Director asks Ethics Commission for investigation.Good correction, forgetting the overlap of the four year terms of positions with the elections held every two years does cross the math every now and then. Doest not change …
By PLEASE READ from the article Former School Director asks Ethics Commission for investigation.
34 Comments
On Apr 30, 10:14 PM, interbred hillbilly wrote:
debbie
we dont ned no fancypance atminustrator with a bunch of book learnin to tell us how to do biznuss out heer in the sticks. ifun Oly tells us we ned to git rid of Ann then by gawd wer gunna do it cuz hes got all the ansers and all you want tado is talk bout coriculums and power standirds. the only power standirds ima worryd bout is my truck my boat and my younguns throwin arm-not nesisarily in that order.
On May 1, 7:56 AM, 202 teaching wrote:
Learning Teams have been established where teachers review data and talk about instructional strategies that will help us meet our school improvement goals. Are the students/parents involved in the assessment process? Teachers should have written surveys in class, asking students to reply anonymously may help dispel any anxiety.
Before you can make any changes, you need to gain insight on your teaching. Asking students to provide feedback and engaging them in the assessment process lets them know that you respect their thoughts and value their contributions. Do we value the students?
On May 1, 11:02 AM, Rbiddlecome wrote:
I agree with that in theory. However in a small school like Jewell has there is NO way any teen would fall for the false security of “anonymous”. With a handful of children in any given class teachers would instantly recognize handwriting. It isn’t like at college or even a school with 30 kids in each class.
On May 1, 3:57 PM, Guy wrote:
No, teachers should be teaching, not assessing. They should know their subjects and stick to them. All this shared governance is BS. Get feedback from the kids? Give them tests. If they pass they are getting it and the teacher is good. If they fail, find someone who can teach them. That’s all the feedback one needs. Our schools are so over administrated that it’s a wonder the children ever learn anything. It’s 2+2=4 period, not “2+2=4 how do you feel about that, Johnny?”
On May 1, 5:35 PM, Johnny wrote:
You hurt my feelings, you simplistic brute. My contributions are invaluable, and my thoughts should be respected. How will they know how to teach us if we don’t tell them. This is how it should be, cause mom told me so. We are having a pity party next week and Guy you are officially invited and I’ll accept your apology then.
On May 1, 5:44 PM, Ginger wrote:
When did “guy” attend school...in the 50’s? I think if we are only teaching the basics to the “average” middle of the road kids, then yes, 2+2=4...but not all kids learn the same. Larger schools have the programs/resources (most of the time) to “assess” the learning curves of their students and help kids w/ learning disabilities. They also have programs/resources to challenge those who are “above average”, encouraging them to reach higher in their education. Jewell is in the process of taking the next steps for standardized education...this includes a whole new set of curriculum and introducing some new standards. I think it would be great to involve the kids and parents in this process, if possible. Parents of students make up a large portion of those who work at Jewell school. If Jewell lost staff and volunteers (and by lost I mean they quit)and ONLY had those who did NOT have kids,grandkids,nieces & nephews,etc. (this includes ALL the board members, the principal, the secretary, teachers, cooks, bus drivers, maintenance workers,etc.)in the school, the school would be left w/ a skeleton crew to teach and maintain the school. The school, the kids, and the community would suffer. The parents and the community have a vested interest in making sure all the students are learning at a level that will make it possible for graduating seniors to extend their education via college or trade school. I think it’s possible to have a survey or some sort of involvement that would be productive for those who choose to participate. But, THAT would require the administration to be open to student/parent participation.
I would like to thank Ann for her participation in the paving of Hwy 103. It was in bad shape, and had been due for a LONG time to be repaved. On the other hand, I don’t appreciate the cloak like behavior exhibited over the past two years (ie. Patty Drew’s administrative leave) and the extension of the contract to Mr. Jones. I support Tania Skinner as a board member for Jewell school. She was not comfortable offering the contract, not only the first time but also the second time, under the circumstances. She asks a lot of really good questions at board meetings and seems to want to understand the entirety of the “what’s and whys”, not voting yes because it “seems like the popular vote”. She has shown great integrity and concern for our community.
On May 1, 6:11 PM, Reader wrote:
“Its all about the Kids”
Horse pucky!
The grownups involved with Jewell School just have too much money and they spend too much time arguing who gets it.
On May 1, 8:38 PM, LMAO wrote:
Anne paved the roads. LMAO. I knew that one was coming sooner or later by Ann or her supporters, my thinks she writes for her supporters alot of times cause I dont think people can be that st_ _ _ _. Paving was on the schedule already, she just knew when to jump into the spot light.
On May 1, 8:44 PM, Bombastic Busybody wrote:
“ THAT would require the administration to be open to student/parent participation. “ This would be wonderful, I just love getting my ass kissed.
On May 1, 9:15 PM, Ann Support wrote:
Ann supporter ask Ann who pumped through the last master education program over there at Jewell. That was a real winner. HEE HAW Does CIM ring a bell anyone? Theres a history of sum fine dealings by those board members
On May 2, 6:06 AM, Guy wrote:
60s and 70s, But when I got out of high school I went in to college at a college level. Most high schoolers now enter college at a Math 60 and a Writing 40 level. This is why they have to spend the first two years of college learning all the they were never taught in high school. They burn through half of their financial aid before they even start their first 100 level class. Instead of giving everyone a gold star, maybe we should go back to the concept that some people are less than stellar and guide them at an earlier age to Vocational Ed and start giving more challenges to those who excel in academics.
Now Johnny, make sure you clean behind the band saw…
On May 2, 9:25 AM, For the People wrote:
The School Board chairperson is the key to the success or failure of a School system.
The community deserves the right to know the circumstances of John Seeley, Patti Drew and the extension of the contract to Mr. Jones. Apparently a substantial amount of money has evaporated from the school district over the last 8 years for lack of receipts. These fiscally unsound practices should be criminally prosecuted and the people involved be known to the community at large.
The school district had been a failure in regards to sound money management and receipt documentation. How could a substantial amount of money disappear and the School board/ budget committee had no knowledge of the discrepancies. Sounds like easy money for everyone! Is the school board/ budget committee saying that 4 million minus 2 million is 1 million? What about criminal and ethical issues?
Apparently in the past the school has filled out a request to waive the approved education material appropriate per state mandates and proposed alternative material that did not meet the required state approved curriculum.
When Jones first came to Jewell none of the material being used for classroom instruction had currently been approved by the state for a publicly funded k-12 school district.
The key failures over the last 8 years have been the Jewell school board members. The chairpersons directly responsible have been Dave Samuelson and Karl Meier. Is it also shocking that they appear to be good friends? When Karl became the chairperson, he lack the attributes needed to understand how important education is and apparently is not proficient with basic math skills. We have all heard Karl stating, “ I was not aware of that”. Ignorance is no excuse in the court of law.
Debbie Brooks is supporting Ann Samuelson and we should be reading anytime now that Jerry Jones supports Karl Meier. What would you expect school employees to be saying?
We need to investigate the past to determine who/why and what caused the failures over the past years. After investigations have determined the failures, only then can we learn from our mistakes. Maybe the mistake is the community has allowed the school board to much cloak like behavior hiding behind confidential issues. The community owns the school, but at times it seems like the school board members think that they own the school and the timber money and decisions are made that are not in the best interest for all.
On May 2, 9:58 AM, Ginger wrote:
Guy,
I am not sure how the bigger/other schools are doing w/ standards or new curriculum. I would be concerned for the students if what you say is true. You might want to put a bug in the ears of the school board/school counselor. I would also want to know where the parents are...do they go to conferences w/ the teachers and school counselors to see where their kids need help to get into college or a trade school? I know that Jewell is taking every attempt to help those that need extra attention (the original main goal of the GS program, at least it was a program), this includes challenging those who excel in academics. My kids are those who have always excelled (even before we moved here 8 years ago). I have been pleased to see that the teachers at Jewell were able to recognize this and place them accordingly (based on their assessments). My son (a senior) has been taking college classes for the past two years. I have also seen a kid w/ an I.E.P. succeed and graduate as Valedictorian. I am disappointed on the night of the academic awards to hear kids names called for recognition of the hard work they have been doing, only to sit there (clapping like mad)...no one goes up to get the certificate. Several kids were not there. Maybe the parents didn’t know about the event..? Maybe the school could do a better job informing the parents of such an event..? Every little bit helps when it comes to encouraging kids to work harder to build the foundation of their future. I just wish more parents were plugged in to their kid’s future (at every school), no matter what direction it goes. Is that too much to ask?
On May 2, 1:17 PM, Uncle Walt wrote:
What Guy says about colleges having to bring fresh high school graduates “up to speed” is correct. Which should be causing taxpayers to demand why they’re paying TWICE to educate the same student. Why should we pay for a high school education, that doesn’t graduate kids at a level ready to enter college.
And if the kids are having to take “remedial” college courses to get “up to par” ... they aren’t ready to enter the work force, either. I’m sure many of us could tell stories about kids behind the counter who, without the register to tell them, would have no idea even how to count change back to a customer.
On May 2, 3:28 PM, Past or future wrote:
Did everyone read the articles in the Daily Astorian today about “Jewell has good board members” by Marc Fick and “In the Dark” by Carolyn Eady. Both articles are under Letters to the Editor.
We should expect Marc Fick to display this type of character as a jewell school employee. Mr Fick is the sports director and currently teaches no curriculum classes. How do we justify the expense of a full time sports director? Popoff was a complete joke, but at least he taught some classes. Mr. Fick now sounds like a paralegal stating “NO laws were violated by anyone on the board”. Until proven in the court of law this would just appear to be Mr. Ficks interpertation or maybe someone else at the school wrote this article.
Lets just say for a moment that both sides of the recall have their own agenda. We should be looking at the facts that have happened in the past. The comments above by “For the People” should be addressed.
The declining timber revenue is a serious issue and a budget that may be 20% larger if approved. This is serious and we need to be financially prudent with the Jewell school funds.
Vote because of the facts not because of future claims or sombody like Ann Samuelson stating “I believe in supporting what works”. Everything works for Ann because she never has been able to point a finger at any wrongful doing. If she was forced to point a finger it would be pointing right at her. As you know she won’t be hanging her head in shame.
On May 2, 5:15 PM, Kathy wrote:
Past or future,
I would guess you haven’t met Mr. Fick and seen the outstanding job he does working with girls in basketball. He is sorely missed in Astoria, and you are so lucky to have him at Jewell. He has more character than most you would ever meet, how sad that you all are so ungrateful!
On May 2, 5:55 PM, Past or future wrote:
Kathy
This is about spending money wisely. Mr Fick has a fine character and the Fick’s did a wonderful thing for julie Seeley.
So are you saying we can justify spending the amount of money that we spend per year on Mr. Fick for a outstanding job that you claim he has done for the girls basketball. How much do we spend per year including the PERS retirement plan? Alot of people would claim that his ability is not outstanding in basketball coaching. Maybe you are more concerned about sports then the kids getting a great education.
Mr. Fick has a basic teaching license to teach at a basic elementary level.Mr. Fick could be teaching some classes like when he first came out to Jewell.
On May 2, 6:05 PM, WOW wrote:
somebodies getting their eggs fried now - - - - thats a whooper with a big splash of reality
On May 2, 6:10 PM, Hey Baby wrote:
alot of people would love to have that job, dont be mistaken that would require some serious kissing you know what for that pay and schedule
On May 2, 6:44 PM, Ann Samuelson wrote:
Mr. Fick is a part time athletic director, and I feel fortunate that Jewell School has him on staff. He is not a full time employee.
On May 2, 7:08 PM, cousin cousin wrote:
Ann
So does that mean that Mr. Fick works part time for a full time pay check. Better ask cousin Dave Samuelson about that one. We would not want anyone thinking that might be a conflict of interest for Ann approving or voting on Mr. Ficks employment contracts.
Can you share with us how much Mr. Fick is paid to coach girls basketball?
On May 2, 7:32 PM, Oh Baby wrote:
I thought I smelt some smoke, where theres cousins theres dozens of you know what
On May 2, 8:03 PM, Ginger wrote:
Okay, okay...now let’s not pick apart the teachers. That is where I draw the line. I agree that the cousin thing looks a bit odd, but Mr. Fick can’t help being related to Ann. He is a good man w/ good intentions. I don’t know HOW he would know if any laws were or were not violated by the board...? There is evidence to prove there were. Not to mention the community members who are up in arms over the lack of respect by the chair and vice chair over the past two years. The budget is another very important issue...that is a lot of increase to sustain. We don’t have state funds like most other schools. This is a very serious issue, one I hope will be paid close attention to by ALL those involved...for the long term of the school’s existence. I would like to see a more detailed list of spending. I hope to see more community members at the next budget meeting this Monday (5/5/08) night at 7pm...maybe you can ask a few questions and get some answers for yourselves?
On May 2, 8:58 PM, For the People wrote:
Ginger
How do you feel about the following statement. “The School Board chairperson is the key to the success or failure of a School system”. Seems to be alot of surveys done to document the importance of this statment. Glad to see that you are involved with the budget committee. We need people that will stand up for what is right. We need to balance the budget for a long term declining timber revenue.
On May 2, 10:57 PM, Ginger wrote:
For the people,
I agree w/ that statement. A chairperson w/ good leadership skills can have a huge positive impact on the way things are run. It’s the opposite for someone who has no idea what they are doing. I also think that it is up to the rest of the board to be able to think for themselves and question issues every chance they get, regardless of what the board member sitting next to them thinks. They need to know that they are making decisions based on their representation of/for the community. I also think they need to be able to LISTEN to the community and be open and honest re: issues. If they don’t know what is going on, they should find out and be prepared to report back, possibly w/ a solution...or at least be open to suggestions from the public (public/outside input can be very useful).
On May 2, 11:31 PM, heterogeneity wrote:
“How do you feel about the following statement. “The School Board chairperson is the key to the success or failure of a School system”. Seems to be a lot of surveys done to document the importance of this statement. “ Oh yes this must be a true statement because I think it is or I want it to be. Arrogance in its highest form.
On May 3, 5:54 AM, No Brainer wrote:
Unbelievable we are dealing with an education leader ship issue and there is people that dont get the simple math. The school board is the boss of district and it is that simple. The chairperson is the number one boss of that boss group. Numero Uno certainly impacts the success or failure of a school system. No arrogance in thinking clearly and thats #1 thinking
On May 3, 7:53 AM, Please Listen wrote:
This blog is good for the community. Maybe the school web site should consider having a blog like this. The community needs a way to address issues and be heard anonymously. Board members should not be burdened with phone calls at night on personal school matters. This would be a great way for the school board to LISTEN to the community.
On May 3, 9:47 AM, Ginger wrote:
I don’t think anyone should feel like they need to call a board member at their home...ever...although Karl’s wife seemed confused after the Jan. meeting that no one had, so I did. Discussions about school business need to be done at the MEETINGS. I thought that is what the meetings are for...to take care of public business...this includes discussions or comments and most of all questions and answers. Honestly, that has not been going on...so a site like this, aside from the angry unproductive comments, is a good way to communicate.
On May 3, 10:41 AM, Judas wrote:
Which way is the wind blowing today. Maybe the community should elect board members. Then the board members can vote on a chairperson. Gee maybe the community just got their chair the democratic way. Oh I forgot, this is Jewell where anarchy rules. Who in their right mind would want to be a board member let alone be elected chair, because in someones mind the school system is not a success. Well it sounds a whole lot better now than before. So (For the People) should be hailing King Karl. But no, all you have waiting for him is a crown of thorns that you are holding in your hands. I see you’ve pricked yourself and your bleeding, how appropriate. After you hand him his crown of thorns, you can wave your hand in the air(with blood on it) and wait for the chant from the crowd, for you to be king, the boss of all bosses. And if it doesn’t come, count yourself lucky, I’m sure there will be still a few empty crucifix’s waiting behind the new school.
On May 3, 11:01 AM, Humble Pie wrote:
Ginger, Why is the budget 20% more than before. In what area’s are the increases so great.
On May 3, 11:07 AM, Problems wrote:
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS and more PROBLEMS. When will certain board members realize that you can not solve a PROBLEM until you admit that there was a PROBLEM. The angry unproductive comments may be due to the disrespect that the Jewell school board have orchestrated over the years. Jewell school employees continue to say “none deserve to be recalled”.
When did the communtiy deserve the burden of financial losses because of unsound money mangement or the burden of maintaining a new school that could occupy 2 times the amount of students enrolled.
Maybe we should give all the money away to charity. The money has caused nothing but corruption.
On May 3, 11:44 AM, Judas wrote:
Problems wrote: PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS and more PROBLEMS. When will certain board members realize that you can not solve a PROBLEM until you admit that there was a PROBLEM.---- Why can’t all the board members admit to the problems, seems pretty easy if you are correct. OLY admit your sins and PROBLEMS will forgive you, c’mon everybody step forward step into PROBLEMS confessional. All the truth now, and maybe he will fogive you. Boss of bosses ----LMAO
On May 3, 7:44 PM, Holy Judas wrote:
Holy art though is quite an intertaining figure but hes not even in left field. I agree Oly is in left field and I’ll pull you from the bleachers so you can hold hands, but hes not on the board now. I think you should get back on base, you are not as clever as you think with the thorn thingy.