Sat, 01/30/2010 - 1:16pm - Posted by: tami

To Kona,

To quote you:

"What is disturbing is that all teachers are made very aware that this action is against the law. So it seems that this was a deliberate attempt to sway an election regardless of the consequences. "

I for one was not made aware that this action was against the law and I know several teachers who would agree with me.

Sat, 01/30/2010 - 1:14pm - Posted by: tami

I am so angry at the way people are bashing teachers. Especially those who have kids attending Columbus. Do they not know how hard those teachers work for THEIR CHILDREN???? All I can say is try walking a day in the shoes of a teacher. It is not the easy cake walk job as people think it is. I know. I'm a teacher. I work very hard every day for my paycheck. People have no idea unless they are in the classroom just how hard we work. I am so tired of people bad mouthing teachers. We put our hearts and souls into their children and making sure that they succeed, often, honestly, more than some of them do.

Yes, a mistake was made by the PTA members that copied the flyer. Yes, teachers probably should have caught that mistake. But honestly, there is so much going on during the school day, so many responsibilities, fires to be put out, curriculum to teach, problems to solve, that teachers often don't have time to check the folders. That's all it was..a mistake. An honest mistake. We did not meet as a group and mastermind this evil plan to purposely ignore the flyer and break the law.

Mon, 01/25/2010 - 6:04pm - Posted by: LordPillsbury

A serious response for a serious mistake. Sorry that I am so cynical about the "honest" mistake of your new members. I have seen the way liberal activism works and there is always an excuse when their hand gets caught in the cookie jar. This vote will determine the course of Oregon, it's government and the citizens ability to hold accountable of how government spends tax dollars. The left would have you believe that this is just a small increase of 2% for individuals earning over $125,000 single or $250,000 for a couple, and a small increase on "C" corporations. They also want you to believe that LLC's, Partnerships and "S" corporations are only going to have an tax increase from $10 to $150. This is totally misleading! A LLC, Parnership, Sole Proprietor and "S" corporations tax liability are structured to pass tax liabilities on through to owners. They report total sales as personal income and have a myriad of tax deductions, i.e. payroll, COGS and so on to limit their taxable income. What is left after deductions is what they then pay taxes on. I have a friend who owns a small business. He earned $50,000 last year as actual personal income, however, his business had just over $250,000 in gross sales receipts. In other words he had to spend $200,000 (deductions) to earn that $50,000, so he could feed his family, take them to a movie or pay the electric bill. So he paid some $4500 in taxes (9% of $50,000). With the new taxes proposed, he will pay 11% of his gross receipts of $250,000. That's $27,500. Plus this tax is retro to the beginning of 2009. So let's deduct the $4500 he already paid and we come up $22,000 owed for 2009 and if he does the same amount of business for 2010, he will owe over half of his personal income. Instead of $50,000, he now only makes $22,500 for the year. For owning his own business and employing a few people, he now earns $10.82 per hour plus he owes $22,000 in back taxes he hadn't planned on.
My friend has said he will move his company to another state if 66 & 67 passes and his employees jobs with it.
Does the media present this type of scenario to you? They would make you think that my friend would only pay $150 instead of $10. LIES!

VOTE "NO" and tell our government to tighten their belt in other ways then to threaten our schools, police and fire departments with cutbacks. Tell them they shouldn't have given themselves a $270+ million dollar raise in income. Say "NO" to big government and the socialist way and "YES" to the AMERICAN WAY. It's what made us great and will continue to make us even greater.

Sun, 01/24/2010 - 8:51am - Posted by: questionit

How much do we need?
Columbus serves 525 students
525 x $10,000 avg. = $5,250,000 per year in funding
Seems like we should be able to do a lot with $5 million.

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 8:56am - Posted by: kona

Megan,

Interesting that "new members" can take a brochure and make hundreds of copies (of anything) and place them into folders without any oversight. That is more than a "mistake". If the PTA has that little control over what members do, there is a problem. Especially when there are illegal acts involved. All material has always been subject to school district approval, especially when a biased organization is involved.

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 7:38am - Posted by: Megan

Kona, The older members of the PTA Board would have known not to put this in-we've been through this before. We have new volunteers, we need new volunteers and they are doing an otherwise excellent job, it was a mistake. We know everything must be cleared and I don't why it wasn't. As I stated, it was a mistake. I forgot to mention, over the course of the past 5 years we saved $20,000 to provide for a new playground for our kids since it wasn't in the budget to be paid for by the District. Enough.

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 6:24am - Posted by: takentime

I can't believe that the coat thing was an accident. That is a bit of a stretch.

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 9:16pm - Posted by: kona

Megan,

So you are suggesting that no one on that PTA board had any idea that what they were doing was illegal? Or, that everything put into the folders must be cleared by school district personnel before going into the folders? If that is the case then those in charge of the PTA are neglecting their responsibilities. Is it OK for any group to put whatever they like into these folders? This is more than an accident and it has nothing to do with "night before" activities. Where/when were the flyers run off and what was the purpose of the flyers if not to be put into the folders? A reasonable person would have trouble believing that these flyers were "accidentally" run off, and then "accidentally" put into students folders.

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 8:55pm - Posted by: Megan

Wow! It looks to me that people really need to volunteer or visit our local public schools to see what is going on and see how hard people are working for our kids.
I am a two-year Past President of Columbus PTA and on the current board.
This distribution of the flier was an HONEST mistake by new VOLUNTEER board members-it was an oversight as we'd had a long meeting the night before planning spring activities. I would like people to know of the positive things our PTA and school does for our kids AND our community. The Soccer Cleat Exchange (open to the public),
our 1 Book, Two Book, Old Book, New Book Used book sale (open to the public and currently accepting donations of books), Thank You Thursday, a manners program staffed by a volunteer to teach table manners during lunch time and finally the Council of Caring (to teach empathy and donate a small amount of money every month to a worthy cause either in our community, our nation or our world. Finally, our teachers rarely stuff the Wednesday folders, they are too busy teaching our wonderful children and in regards to the photo, that too, was an honest mistake-I rarely look at the back of my coat before I put in on in the rain-I wish someone would have caught it, but they didn't. I put my ballot in the box last week and I will tell everyone, that I voted Yes. This is the generation that will take care of me and I want them to be as well educated as possible.

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 2:22pm - Posted by: kona

fleatoo and zeke,

While being totally off the subject of this article, the two of you don't need to haggle over the point of the U.S. attorneys being fired. In the Clinton and Bush administrations the attorneys were fired, just as in most previous administrations, so that they could pick whomever they desired. Nothing new for either president.

As for this particular article in the News-Register, we will see if this illegal action is condoned by anyone involved. I would suspect that it won't be condoned by any responsible person.

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 11:27am - Posted by: Fleatoo

Zeke you said it. Clinton and Reno fired ALL 93, not just the ones who did not fit their political ideas. We all pick and choose what we are going to complain about and point fingers at, and it should be that we all point at all injustices, not just the ones that support our views at the time. To do other wise makes us hypocrites.
Aaron Van Beurden
Sheridan

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 9:52am - Posted by: zeke

kona - Unfortunately, you are correct. All signs point to arrogance, as well as a nature of entitlement.

Fleatoo - It doesn't appear to be about who is left and who is right of the isle. It's about the convictions of the storyteller.

In 2006, Bush and Gonzales fired 8 U.S. Attorneys. One might call that a bit of a shakeup, whether necessary or not.

But to be fair, one must gauge Bush's activities against other presidents.

In 1993, Bill Clinton (Pres.) and Janet Reno (AG) fired all 93 U.S. Attorneys.

Apparently Clinton had your esteem, and Bush did not.

Wed, 01/20/2010 - 5:19am - Posted by: Fleatoo

Lefties this, nutjobs ruining the country that. Boy you righties are sure pissed about this. Were you as pissed when George Bush and Alberto Gonzales went through the department of justice and fired any assistant US District Attorney that was not a conservative right winger and replaced them with someone who was, regardless of how good of a job they were doing? Talk about a law or two being broken, but I don't remember the right making a sound about that. Don't throw stones in a glass house and don't think you own the rights to America because you are right wing conservative, we all love this country, but have differences on how we think it should be run. That dosen't make anybody crazy, wrong or un American! I still think every last one of the posters should be required to add their real name to all posts with some of the crud that spews from their key boards. If your big enough to type it, you ought to be big enough to own it.
Aaron Van Beurden
Sheridan

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 9:48pm - Posted by: mbush35

jestersdead...

Apparently you would rather live the Obama dream that is ruining America rather than realizing this is America and not Mexico., We speak English here. iT IS THE National language. I served in the United States Military, not the Mexican militia. So what if someone speaks another language in their homes. My Great grandparents came from Norway. They learned English and worked to become LEGAL US citizens. Your psycho babble about thinking about what I write before commenting makes absolutely no sense. When someone wants to live the American Dream, they need to learn English and not expect everything to be handed to them once they sneak across the border.

Tell your Kids I am honored for their service for me and you need to realize that they are fighting for AMERICA... Not Mexico.

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 3:51pm - Posted by: kona

Zeke,

It seems like this was more than an act of "arrogance". It was an illegal , against district policy, act of "arrogance". Do we want our school district to act as an "oh well" on something like this? Obviously the message given to all employees last time around didn't resonate very well. It will be interesting how this is handled. It should be considered very seriously so the message is sent that willfully violating the law is not acceptable.

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 2:19pm - Posted by: zeke

kona - This was an act of arrogance. Everyone was informed of the specific rules over a year ago. Anyone who participates in a political activity would be rather stupid to be ignorant of the specific rules governing such.

There is no decernable way to prove the intentions of the teacher in question, but by claiming to be the victim, it takes the focus off the infraction -- exactly as planned!

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 1:46pm - Posted by: kona

I am surprised that the PTA is a "faceless" organization. Someone, or group, within the organization made the calculated decision to violate district policy and Oregon state law. Was the decision made because the fine is only $250, which made it worth violating the law? Or, was the decision made with the feeling it was okay because the district won't enforce its policies? Or, that the district will say "bad PTA', wink, wink? I am guessing that Supt. Maryalice Russell will handle this the way it should be handled. There is no room in a public school system for this behavior.

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 12:10pm - Posted by: Dana Seipp

I was thankful that someone had the courage to say something. It seems as if most of the time we think we can't do anything or make a difference and so we let things go. I am disappointed that people would choose to slander an individual instead of addressing the issue. What occurred with the fliers was illegal and therefore there should be consequences. When I speed and get pulled over, I expect to get a ticket. This accountability is what we want to see not just with our own children, but in our government.

I am honored to know Kristina Ribali. She is a woman of deep intergrity and strength. I wondered if those who are so quick to judge her know of the many lives of teenagers she has changed because of the time and love she has dedicated to meeting weekly with them. She has overcome tremendous difficulties to be an amazing wife, mother, and friend. She stands up for what is right inspite of the opinions of others. If this is what is ment as "zealot" then I wish there were more out there.

The final comment is the wonder I hold at an individual who would suggest that a mother put her child in school as a mole. Saying that Kristina would even think of that is clear evidence that they don't know her. If they were my child I would tell them that they own Kristina an apology.

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 10:21am - Posted by: jestersdead

mbush35,

My son graduated with, enlisted with and continues to serve with two of his best friends who's primary language in the home is spanish.

How are they a disgrace? Are you saying American soilders from non-english speaking famlies are less worthy of respect? Please do clairfy!

We all need to think before committing anything to words and posting them.

Our children are on the otherside of the map fighting for freedom with their lives so that Lefts and Rights can war with one another here stateside in the name of their political party, neither of which will ever change a damn thing.

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 1:08am - Posted by: mbush35

I am not surprised that the lefties that from the MSD would try anything, legal or illegal, to try to milk more money out of the citizens of the county. Their cheap shots have occurred as long as I can remember.

The biggest slap in the face was when my daughter brough home a flier asking Veterans to come to the school to speak to the children. What infuriated me was on the other side of the flier, it was written in Spanish!!! WHAT A DISGRACE TO ALL OF US THAT SERVED THIS COUNTRY!!!!!

Now tell me you leftist nutjobs that call yourself educators... What flag is flying outside of every school? When you figure it out rather than supporting more money to brainwash our kids with your leftist agenda... then you will get my vote to support your cause!!!!

VOTE NO ON 66 AND 67....

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 11:53pm - Posted by: Commoner

Interesting that two days ago, before the 66 & 67 controversy, I posted. Today, my account is deleted and I had to resign up. Coincidence or is there someone that doesn't want me expressing the truth?

All school district employees AND our McMinnville PTAs were told after the 2008 elections, the rules of not only the district, but the law of the State of Oregon. It is an election law violation of any school employee to promote a candidate or political measure during school hours and on school property. I'm very disappointed in this recent choice to ignore the law. The $250 fine is still in question: will it be per incident or per flyer. Either way, I'm disgusted that my money and our childrens' money is going to be spent paying for the disobedience of others. As for buttons, yes district employees can voice their choice with a button. Just like candidates running for office, there are rules on the size of promotion. A large sign on the back of a jacket is not a button. It's the rule.

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 2:48pm - Posted by: takentime

Kona you should realize that legal is in the eyes of what side you are on to some of these lefties.

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 7:20pm - Posted by: kona

Winchester,

Let me get this straight. You are suggesting that it is okay for the PTA to do whatever they like on school property, during school hours, as long as it is supported by PTA guidelines? Regardless whether, or not, it is legal? And, it is okay for teachers to wear political flyers on their clothing during school hours? This seems like what you are defending. Do you also feel that teachers should teach religion in public schools?

You are right, it will be interesting to see how this is handled since it is the second time around and all faculty (and the PTA) were warned previously.

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 12:33pm - Posted by: Winchester

It appears opponents of the very ballot measures they’ve forced are groping for attention, using their typical whipping boy, public education. Now, the press? I think this petty complaint was lucky to see the light of day, let alone the local newspaper.

This appears a non issue, at best. The Oregon PTA (Parent Teacher Association) clearly followed their guidelines (posted below).

“Kona,” posting an ORS (Oregon Revised Statutes) statute showing no discrepancies between the Oregon PTA rules and restrictions leads nowhere. If you can post Mac “District Policies,” we can look those over; but would they not be superseded by state law? The article above leads with this being a “state investigation.” As is, your slanted assertions do not appear enough to convict; guess we’ll see if mine are enough to acquit?

Interesting, Pasha, you described filling these “Wednesday folders” as volunteer (chimp) work. I suspect few teachers have time for it, let alone time to judge an “Oregon PTA” flyer for legal restrictions or legitimacy… But look how fast others are to condemn all teachers … sad commentary in itself…

Oregon needs the passage of “measures 66 & 67” – not just our teachers.

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 8:31am - Posted by: sereyabi

I was appalled that the name of a 7 year old child was published in this article. I think this borders on child endangerment. Let's just make this family a target, why don't we? Furthermore, since when is it legal or appropriate to campaign under such conditions? The teacher displaying the sign should be sanctioned, along with the principal.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:43pm - Posted by: kona

Mary29,

You said, "MSD teachers have FIVE furlough days this year! If that is not a cut in compensation, what is? "

MSD teachers will receive more individual compensation this year than last. With step increases intact and cost-of-living increases (when there was no cost-of-living increase) intact, teachers did not receive a cut. So, to answer your question, no the teachers did not receive a cut in compensation. Plus, they had five fewer days that they were required to work.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:11pm - Posted by: exhumbug

Did I miss something? Since when is it wrong to call attention to lawbreakers? If Ms Ribali had seen a bank being robbed or a child being kidnapped, should she not report it? Is the teacher the criminal or the victim? I believe the former.
If the teacher didn't want attention, why was she wearing the sign on her jacket? I'm reminded of the young men who paint their cars garish colors, modify the pipes to make loud noises and drive recklessly and fast. Then, they complain because they draw the attention of some traffic cop. One would hope the teacher was more mature. But, apparently those hopes are unfounded. No doubt, she was coached for her roll as victim by the union attorneys and spin doctors.
And, why was a seven year old child named in this article? Isn't it enough that the News Register singles out an adult whistleblower as a scapegoat? I gues not. Those who claim an interest in "protecting the children" don't seem too shy about sacrificing the child on the altar of public scorn and derision. Shame on you!
Breaking the law is not the way to win a campaign. If that were the case, why have voting at all? Let's just resort to mob rule and the winner is the last one standing. Or, we can do it the right way, and follow the rules.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 10:16pm - Posted by: manup1111

S.Dickey

Many kudos to the parent who took the picture of Ms. Larsen promoting the measure with her "sticker coat". Shame on all of the teachers who distributed political propaganda to our children regardless of ones stance on the measure. If you wish to promote your stance hold a meeting at your home, invite others to help spread the word- do NOT send my child home with your political views stuffed in thier personal things. Makes you wonder what was being taught in classes that day to! And apparently this isn't a first...?!

Is it not up to the voters to educate themselves on proposed measures and decide for themselves? When did my tax paying dollars start paying these teachers to stuff my childs back pack with thier agenda? Shame on Columbus School teachers and a big shame to Ms. Larsen who is now involving the police because during the picture taking in which she clearly turned her back she states she was in fear of her safety. THAT SHOULD BE FILING A FALSE POLICE REPORT- and HARRASSMENT, she was definately not in fear until she realized she had been caught.

So disgusted with the practice of these teachers, and PTA, and as far as Ms. Larsen- I certainly believe the family who took your picture deserve a pat on the back for looking out for our kids, not a false police report being filed. Shame, SHAME on you.

Your actions did more damage then good, as parents may think if our teachers are willing to resort to such unlawful and shady actions it may be something worth voting no on.

You people strip our holidays out and hold fall festivals instead of a Halloween party- Spring flings instead of an Easter Bash- Winter Fun instead of Christmas, and won't even allow parents to bake cupcakes for the kids in their childs class but you have the AUDACITY to send our children home with YOUR political beliefs. $250.00 fine just doesn't quite cut it now does it? What have are schools come to. Time for a NEW PTA, time for some reconstruction.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 9:53pm - Posted by: just1of5

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion or comment. Or why or who will benefit from these measures. Here is mine. This has happened before from this school. My children attended all through Columbus and in past years news letters had suggestive ideas as to why parents needed to vote. I also served on the PTA. Yes I believe these measures do have a lot of other areas of interest besides just the teachers. But, here is some information for all. About 5 or 6 years ago, the district received about 5500. 00 per student. I was informed that minority children brought in about 7500.00 and children with IEP's about the same. A staff member informed us at a PTA meeting that 95% of these funds went to teachers salaries. Now look at the percents of these measures. 51% of the both of them will go to district funding. Why would teacher not want to get their point of voting in favor across. Our superintendent's salary at this time was running in the ball park of 150,000.00 a year. The justification for this is they say teachers have student loans to pay back and their jobs are so very hard. They work 187 days out of the year. Well listen up most of us do have student loans to pay back and we work a lot more days and longer shifts. I hear how teachers take out of their own money to provide for these kids. That one gets me all the time. There were school supplies in those cupboards with kids names on them that had moved on to middle school. So lets get off the poor teachers drama. You chose the field and need to stop acting like it is a death sentence handed down upon you. Stop and look around most of our teachers live very well within our community. I have lived here since 1974 and been through the entire McMinnville School system. And, in my opinion we only have a few good great teachers that were in it for the love of teaching students. Remember the strike when teachers wanted more money. How ashamed I was to see our role models acting the way they did when they wanted more. I think all of us would like more money. Even us educated student loan strapped people just like everyone else. Shame on our teachers for being so greedy. Because if the measures don't pass or the district is ever short on money those salaries will be paid first and then the students. No one should be guaranteed a raise because they feel they are entitled to it. Try getting only a 70 cent raise in the last four years. Shouldn't I be entitled to cost of living raises too. I have student loans. I want things. But, my children come first.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 9:53pm - Posted by: Mary29

Kona,
MSD teachers have FIVE furlough days this year! If that is not a cut in compensation, what is? Also, those first year contract teachers have jobs back within the district---though they may not be the same position in the same building. Please know your facts before you go bashing the teachers again!

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 8:25pm - Posted by: kona

Pasha,

Not only did this teacher do an illegal act, this teacher violated district policy, just to influence the voting of a small circle of observers.

ORS. 260.432
(2) No public employee shall solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose any political committee or promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the right of a public employee to express personal political views.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 8:19pm - Posted by: kona

Winchester,

You aren't serious, I hope. You seem to be defending the action of the PTA at school, during school time to break Oregon laws. That is quite a stretch on your part to find justification for their actions. The teacher involved was breaking the law and district policy.

"In 2008 the district was forced to make policy changes due to similar issues during that year's general election. All staff, as well as the PTA, were clearly informed of the laws and their restrictions when the policy changes went into effect, and are fully cognizant of Oregon’s Election laws".

You said, "teachers I know took reductions in pay .....". Not in McMinnville. But yes, the union/teachers voted to raise their compensation at the expense of first year teachers getting fired. And statewide, the individual compensation of teachers increased considerably during the last year (Oregon Department of Education).

You still haven't suggested that what the teacher did was illegal.

ORS. 260.432
(2) No public employee shall solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose any political committee or promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the right of a public employee to express personal political views.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 7:58pm - Posted by: Winchester

Kona, teachers I know took reductions in pay, including job loss. You may have to look a bit further than your own back yard, this is a state issue. And, it's about far more than ‘teachers.’

Moving on…

Yes, the flyers in question were from the "Oregon PTA" -- here’s some info from their site:

“Oregon PTA Unified Bylaws state that PTA shall be nonpartisan.
This means that there shall be no connection with any political
party or candidate for public office."

"Political action is an integral part of PTA's activities, for without
political action, democratic laws would not exist. Adherence to
the nonpartisan policy does not require that PTA refrain from or
ignore political action, nor does it prevent PTA from carrying on
efforts concerned with legislative issues or official actions that
threaten the well being of children and youth.”

Support/Oppose Ballot Issues:

“PTA can take an active position—after a vote by the general
membership to take such a position—in support or opposition to
any legislative issue (including levy and bond issues). An active
position can include promoting the position in the PTA's
newsletter, distributing press/news releases, making presentations
to civic/community groups, purchasing media advertising,
printing banners, flyers, bulletins, handouts, etc. with conditions.”

I would purport opposition to measures 66 & 67 “threaten the well being of children and youth.”

Are PTA flyers customarily sent home with students? If so, it looks as if their content falls under the guidelines above. If someone has a gripe with the PTA’s conclusions, I suggest they take it up with them, not the school district.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 7:34pm - Posted by: Pasha

"Buttons - Wearing campaign buttons is an expression of personal political views and is permitted under Oregon law. This does not authorize employees to engage in a political lecture of fellow employees or members of the public while at work, and supervisors may stop such conduct if it occurs. Buttons may be prohibited in limited circumstances when the messages cause a disruption or the buttons in some way interfere with an
employee’s job duties." "...Employees may express personal political views and wear political buttons, but may not otherwise campaign or disrupt the workplace...."
Oregon School Boards Association. I believe that the coat falls under this regulation.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 7:13pm - Posted by: kona

Winchester,

You said, "Strange, you’ve asserted there have been nothing but “increases” in teacher compensation – yet admit cuts were made".

I don't recognize your attribution to my statements. What did I say that would cause you to make your conclusion? I did say that all other classifications (except teachers) of school district employees made compensation adjustments. Yes, there were compensation cuts made by everyone except the teachers. They were willing to let some lose their jobs so they could maintain more compensation.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 6:31pm - Posted by: Winchester

Pasha,

Thanks for your insight, too few volunteer within our schools. This is a tuff one … many I’ve noticed fighting these ballot measures tooth and nail are either employers, retired, or well off enough not be working for wages.

It must be frustrating as hell to be locked within a profession poised to take further hits, putting out daily for the benefit of that communities youth, yet unable to match the rhetoric of their opposition. My first question would be, are the facts of this PTA flyer correct? If so, is it not within the purview of educators to educate?

I doubt this “special election” will hinge on the votes of parents with school aged children, most are fully aware of recent cuts and are taking the effects of future cuts very seriously. As my mail box spills over with glossy “Vote No” material from the wealthiest coalitions I can well understand the frustration of educators attempting to match it.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 6:05pm - Posted by: Winchester

Kona (the Hawaiian Island? ;-),

I’ll leave the legality up to those who parse such matters. I did look over the flyer and noticed it was put out by the “Oregon PTA,” and not the local PTA. Perhaps the local’s relied on the advice or encouragement of the state group? Have such flyers appeared in other districts, or does Mac have the squeakiest wheel?

As far as teachers unions, isn’t that their business? They appear the same as private sector employee unions, to me … and I assume unions are ok with you..? Within such, rarely do outsiders call the shots, and, they’re democratically run.

Strange, you’ve asserted there have been nothing but “increases” in teacher compensation – yet admit cuts were made. If it’s bad now, what would elicit your sympathy?

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 5:36pm - Posted by: 2teachem

I come from a long line of educators and this story saddens me. Both my parents were teachers, and always had the interest of the students at heart. NOT POLITICAL AGENDAS!

The teachers and the staff at this school who knew of the flyers and the violations (especially the teacher wearing the coat) should be ashamed of themselves! Not ONE teacher stood up for what was right here. Not ONE staff member stopped these flyers from going out. How embarrasing for you.

You have lost the trust now of so many other parents (like me) who trust you to educate our children. This was not an oversight, but a clear attempt to buy votes with a $250 fine. Big deal. The unions will pay it, and continue the activity.

As for the parent who called the school out on this, I say thank you! I'm sorry you are being targeted for doing the right thing. Speak without fear, even if yours is the only voice. You should be commended and not chastised by ignorant people who can't see the facts!

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 4:47pm - Posted by: kona

Pasha,

You are kidding, aren't you? This was not an innocent "mistake". It was a deliberate act to sway an election. So you are saying that absolutely no paid personnel of School District #40 knew about these pieces of paper? Why not? Does the PTA stuff anything it wants into the "Wednesday folders" without knowledge of staff? How about the teacher wearing campaign information on clothing? This is a serious violation and shouldn't be glossed over.

"In 2008 the district was forced to make policy changes due to similar issues during that year's general election. All staff, as well as the PTA, were clearly informed of the laws and their restrictions when the policy changes went into effect, and are fully cognizant of Oregon’s Election laws".

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 4:19pm - Posted by: Pasha

I also have a child who attends Columbus, but know that "to error is human." We are one community with a common goal to raise happy healthy children into caring responsible adults. As a parent volunteer, most often volunteers are used to stuff Wednesday Folders, not paid staff. As I understand it, the PTA unknowingly sent "inappropriate" pieces of paper home in the folders.

The president of the PTA is a very kind, intelligent, hard working member of our community that would NEVER knowingly do something unlawful or harmful. Please remember that everyone knows everyone in McMinnville. We are friends. I love our town because of this fact.

Please know that friends are reading these statements. Friends wear stickers, friends teach our children, friends send their children off to school together, friends volunteer to the PTA, friends volunteer to stuff folders, and friends make mistakes. We are a tight community. Let's investigate what goes wrong in our community, but also understand that most times people just make mistakes and we repair them and go on with life and what is most important.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 12:08pm - Posted by: kona

Winchester,

Thank you for the clarification of your thoughts. You do admit that the act was illegal and should not happen, don't you?

Just curious as to how the refusal of the teachers/unions to take the same economic sacrifices as the rest of the District #40 employees last year? It certainly lessens the sympathy for the teacher's position.

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 9:44am - Posted by: Patty Huff

"public employees are not allowed to use public time or equipment to influence elections in any way, on penalty of being fined up to $250."
If this fine is $250 per incidence - that's a very inexpensive way to advertise your agenda. If, however, it is $250 per notice sent per child, THAT might be effective!

Sun, 01/17/2010 - 1:00am - Posted by: schoolmomx2

Children should never be pack mules for illegal activities. Period. If the PTC wished to express a position, they should have pursued legal avenues to do so. Both of my children have gone through public school - one a high school graduate and one currently a middle schooler. I am well acquainted with parent groups, committees and processes. It appears the usual overly-cautious, hyper-sensitive discussion and approval process for allowing such an activity must have been missing. I'm surprised that a body would have undergone such discussion and approved an activity that does not conform to policy, diversity and laws. The flyer and subsequent jacket photo are disturbing. Election law allegedly has been violated, will be investigated and will be handled. There is no "undo" - the damage has been done - never should have occurred. That said, to then malign a parent and a child is just wrong. Stick to the issues at hand. Violations of election law. The parent and child are not the wrongdoers. The parent is correct in bringing the issue to light. The children, parents, teachers and staff are now in a situation that never should have occurred and harms the teaching mission. It is unfortunate that for the actions of a few, the process is tainted and ill will is in play. Children should never be dragged through adult issues. It's wrong and it's a violation of election law. The manner in which school funding is handled is a whole different topic, but the ongoing pitting of children, teachers, parents, unions, etc. against each other makes for an unhealthy educational environment.

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 11:41pm - Posted by: rob9093

Frankly it doesn't matter what the motivation was of the person reporting it, they broke the law. It sounds like this has been an issue in the past and that they supposedly spoke to the teachers about this in the past. So it wasn't ignorance, it was arrogance.

Lets be real here. When the school violates the law to push politics, who is most likely to turn them in? Someone who agreed with them or someone who doesn't.

The facts in this case aren't in dispute.

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 11:32pm - Posted by: sadoggie

I suppose if requiring any government to spend wisely and within the budget as "far right-wing as being anything anti-government" then I guess you will have to put me in that line. The reason we have to hold these idiotic wars between the classes is what we reap when we sow the seeds of entitlements.

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 10:17pm - Posted by: Winchester

Kona,

I might suggest it was an act of desperation, being those closest to our schools are fully aware of the budget cuts having occurred -- and poised to occur if the legislatures work is dismantled.

And, overzealous behavior occurs on both sides. Kristina Ribali, once commented on such articles here. Admittedly proud of her proclamations and easily searched, they led to a far-right web blog espousing the typical hatred of anything government, and video testimony ridiculing local schools at a state hearing. Claiming to have been harassed, she no longer posts under her name.

She is as vocal an opponent of these forced measures as anyone I’ve witnessed. However, my description of her “looking for blood” was too harsh, and rather than delete it, I will let it stand as my mistake. …likely the same degree a mistake as those on both sides of this heated debate are currently exhibiting – including the local PTA…

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 5:32pm - Posted by: kona

Winchester,

What is your point? Are you suggesting that it was proper behavior by the teacher and the PTA? Sounds like it.

You said, Kristina Ribali has been bad mouthing teachers and schools. Is that true?

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 4:53pm - Posted by: Winchester

Sounds like the PTA giving their informed opinion. From what I’ve seen Kristina Ribali is looking for blood. The way she’s badmouthed schools and teachers has me wondering why she’d have her child in a public school … a mole?

Too bad this battle was ever waged, but zealots abound (just watch)!

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 4:04pm - Posted by: GlockGal

The NewsRegister only has half of the story. They failed to report on the situation with the teachers at the school. See the link below.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-34972-Yamhill-County-Elections-2010-E...

Sat, 01/16/2010 - 3:07pm - Posted by: GlockGal

When the YES campaign has to lie, disobey district policy and break elections law is it really all about the "childen" anymore?

The PTA should be ashamed of themselves. This sends a terrible message to kids. It teaches them you can break the rules as long as you get what you want. The $250 fine is nothing, I wonder how many votes that bought from frightened parents.