Saturday, March 25, 2006
Green Ribbons on School Property Trees for “St. Patrick’s Day”
In out third and final installment of Carpentersville resident Wayne Bastiaan’s election morning “sign patrol,” we return to Dundee-Crown High School where the men in the red District 300 truck were instructed to put back the signs they had taken down and put in the back of their school district red truck.
This time we learn Superintendent
Ken Arndt’s explanation of why green ribbons were allowed on District 300’s Dundee-Crown High School trees right before the referendum.
Bastiaan sets the scene:
The blue marked signs, by the way came from the blue garbage can at Dundee-Crown High School, rather than the dumpster.
This time we learn Superintendent
Ken Arndt’s explanation of why green ribbons were allowed on District 300’s Dundee-Crown High School trees right before the referendum.Bastiaan sets the scene:
“I noticed a bunch of green ribbons tied around small trees on District 300 property at Dundee-Crown’s parking lot area.If you missed the Golfview Grade School dumpster diving for "Vote No" signs yesterday, click here.
“The principal was no longer available.“When I mentioned the green ribbons, I was told by the policeman (he’s the local policeman at that high school, but he is a Carpentersville cop) that I had spoken my piece already and, if I didn’t leave, I would be arrested for criminal trespassing.
“I then called Superintendent (Kenneth) Arndt’s office.
“He returned my call.
“I asked him about the green ribbons and he made a joke about St. Patrick’s Day:‘They’re St. Patrick’s Day ribbons.’”"That's behind us and these ribbons are your solidarity ribbons you were tellin people to put up, just like your 'Yes' signs.
"Then I asked if they would them from the trees on school property at Crown and he said, 'No.' Then, I asked him if I could remove them and he said, 'No.'
Then, he came back and said,"You can go ahead and tie red ribbons up on those same trees, if you like."
The blue marked signs, by the way came from the blue garbage can at Dundee-Crown High School, rather than the dumpster.
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Ah, yes, the colors of solidarity. "I remember it well."
D300, D158, yada, yada.......
It's the funniest thing. At least one relatively small polling place during the November 2004 D158 referendum included several workers with solid black pants and hot pink tops. (They weren't there to serve sandwiches provided by a restaurant and they weren't there as a singing trio to entertain those waiting patiently in line to vote.) Coincidentally, that's the identical color combination the pro PAC used and was identified with. Who would think that with so few workers that several of them accidentally wore almost identical attire. Wow, coincidences and odds are so amazing.
It was already later in the day. Someone mentioned it to a judge. The judge agreed it was an excellent observation.
Now, some people might view this as election interference. The pink and black attired workers might be interpreted as walking political signs INSIDE the polling place. Some might even think of it as intimidating.
Pro tax people, of course, would likely not agree.....unless, perhaps, it was done by the opposition.
Heck, I'm "just" a voter who wants at least the polling place relatively pure. There are times I wonder why anyone in Chicago voted. No matter which way your vote would be cast, it took guts to walk to the doorway through the outside "receiving line" that included precinct captains, precinct workers and all those cigars - all from one side of the ticket....because the other side of the ticket mostly didn't exist.
A belated St. Patrick's Day wish for awareness at all future elections.
There are more "awareness" stories - perhaps they'll come up another day............
D300, D158, yada, yada.......
It's the funniest thing. At least one relatively small polling place during the November 2004 D158 referendum included several workers with solid black pants and hot pink tops. (They weren't there to serve sandwiches provided by a restaurant and they weren't there as a singing trio to entertain those waiting patiently in line to vote.) Coincidentally, that's the identical color combination the pro PAC used and was identified with. Who would think that with so few workers that several of them accidentally wore almost identical attire. Wow, coincidences and odds are so amazing.
It was already later in the day. Someone mentioned it to a judge. The judge agreed it was an excellent observation.
Now, some people might view this as election interference. The pink and black attired workers might be interpreted as walking political signs INSIDE the polling place. Some might even think of it as intimidating.
Pro tax people, of course, would likely not agree.....unless, perhaps, it was done by the opposition.
Heck, I'm "just" a voter who wants at least the polling place relatively pure. There are times I wonder why anyone in Chicago voted. No matter which way your vote would be cast, it took guts to walk to the doorway through the outside "receiving line" that included precinct captains, precinct workers and all those cigars - all from one side of the ticket....because the other side of the ticket mostly didn't exist.
A belated St. Patrick's Day wish for awareness at all future elections.
There are more "awareness" stories - perhaps they'll come up another day............
Re: Illinois law regarding signs on PUBLIC school property on election day when the school is a designated polling place
For future reference – or perhaps applicable to one or more of the sign/school property issues currently on the blog…... It is my understanding from surfing the statutes, that on election day a PUBLIC school that serves in the capacity of a polling place, for all intents and purposes, becomes a public building. It is a polling place. Legal electioneering is defined in the statutes and involves the mandatory 100 foot rule, etc., etc. Temporary placement of signs on the property is allowed as long as they fall within the electioneering regulations. Local regulations do not have the power to counter this.
NOTE – repeat PUBLIC school property.
If I’m misreading it, clarification is welcome. Pop over to the Internet Illinois General Assembly site, go to compiled statutes, select Chapter 10 Elections, do a keyword search using electioneering and read the whole thing.
----------
It should be noted that some school districts don’t like this. They don’t like opposing folks handing out literature or putting up signs in the areas that are allowed. Newspapers in the past two or three years have printed stories about peaceful people doing legal electioneering being hassled.
For future reference – or perhaps applicable to one or more of the sign/school property issues currently on the blog…... It is my understanding from surfing the statutes, that on election day a PUBLIC school that serves in the capacity of a polling place, for all intents and purposes, becomes a public building. It is a polling place. Legal electioneering is defined in the statutes and involves the mandatory 100 foot rule, etc., etc. Temporary placement of signs on the property is allowed as long as they fall within the electioneering regulations. Local regulations do not have the power to counter this.
NOTE – repeat PUBLIC school property.
If I’m misreading it, clarification is welcome. Pop over to the Internet Illinois General Assembly site, go to compiled statutes, select Chapter 10 Elections, do a keyword search using electioneering and read the whole thing.
----------
It should be noted that some school districts don’t like this. They don’t like opposing folks handing out literature or putting up signs in the areas that are allowed. Newspapers in the past two or three years have printed stories about peaceful people doing legal electioneering being hassled.
My son just told me that a multitude of the Green Yes Yes signs were plastered on the walls at Jacobs.
Can somebody tell me what school policy is on wether signs can or cannot be posted on school property? Does the school get to choose which candidaytes or positions on a referendum get to place signs on the walls of a school?
Can somebody tell me what school policy is on wether signs can or cannot be posted on school property? Does the school get to choose which candidaytes or positions on a referendum get to place signs on the walls of a school?
MONELSON
I took this from the D300 site today - it may disappear soon. In any case - NOTE - The copy and paste may be screwy don't take my word for it - check it out yourself not that I put a can in a can't also NOTE This is what the District said - it may or may not be what the LAW says. and NOTE 3 -I'm not sure what period of time you're talking about - please see my post one or two above about legal electioneering ON VOTING DAY - if a public school is a polling place. There are specifics about how far what can be from where in what type of building, etc.
http://www.d300.kane.k12.il.us/web/superintendentspage.html
Download the Guidelines for Participation in a Referendum (pdf document)
http://www.d300.kane.k12.il.us/docs/DosDontsD300.pdf
Guidelines for Participation
in a Referendum
Generally speaking, state law forbids using public funds to urge voters to vote for or against a referendum.
But specifically, you:
CANNOT
PTOs/Referendum Committee
members:
Use school district resources (paper, copy
machines, etc.) to produce materials that
encourage a "Yes" vote unless the district is
reimbursed for those materials or the materials
are replaced;
Present a pro-referendum message at meetings
held during the day in district facilities.
However, if you are asked your opinion you can
respond.
Post pro-referendum signs/posters/stickers or
other materials in a district facility or on district
grounds.
Teachers/District Employees
Including Administration:
Wear campaign buttons while at work or in
class;
Distribute campaign materials while at work or
in class;
Promote or discuss the referendum with students
in class;
Promote the referendum with a citizen during
normal business hours.
------------------------------
CAN
PTOs/Referendum Committee
members:
Hold informational meetings in district facilities
after business hours;
Distribute information produced by the school
district;
Wear pro-referendum buttons in district
buildings;
Post signs and distribute materials encouraging
"Yes" votes off district facility grounds;
Speak about/promote/advocate for the
referendum during official business meetings.
(You are still private citizens with First
Amendment rights.)
Teachers/District Employees
Including Administration:
Speak about/for the referendum after work
hours, including at functions like PTO meetings.
(However, it is strongly advised to limit
comments to "information" only.)
Distribute information away from school about
the referendum.
Put up yard signs in the home yard endorsing
the referendum.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
call me.
Darlene Johnson
Communication Services
847-426-1300 ext. 305
dmj@d300.kane.k12.il.us
I took this from the D300 site today - it may disappear soon. In any case - NOTE - The copy and paste may be screwy don't take my word for it - check it out yourself not that I put a can in a can't also NOTE This is what the District said - it may or may not be what the LAW says. and NOTE 3 -I'm not sure what period of time you're talking about - please see my post one or two above about legal electioneering ON VOTING DAY - if a public school is a polling place. There are specifics about how far what can be from where in what type of building, etc.
http://www.d300.kane.k12.il.us/web/superintendentspage.html
Download the Guidelines for Participation in a Referendum (pdf document)
http://www.d300.kane.k12.il.us/docs/DosDontsD300.pdf
Guidelines for Participation
in a Referendum
Generally speaking, state law forbids using public funds to urge voters to vote for or against a referendum.
But specifically, you:
CANNOT
PTOs/Referendum Committee
members:
Use school district resources (paper, copy
machines, etc.) to produce materials that
encourage a "Yes" vote unless the district is
reimbursed for those materials or the materials
are replaced;
Present a pro-referendum message at meetings
held during the day in district facilities.
However, if you are asked your opinion you can
respond.
Post pro-referendum signs/posters/stickers or
other materials in a district facility or on district
grounds.
Teachers/District Employees
Including Administration:
Wear campaign buttons while at work or in
class;
Distribute campaign materials while at work or
in class;
Promote or discuss the referendum with students
in class;
Promote the referendum with a citizen during
normal business hours.
------------------------------
CAN
PTOs/Referendum Committee
members:
Hold informational meetings in district facilities
after business hours;
Distribute information produced by the school
district;
Wear pro-referendum buttons in district
buildings;
Post signs and distribute materials encouraging
"Yes" votes off district facility grounds;
Speak about/promote/advocate for the
referendum during official business meetings.
(You are still private citizens with First
Amendment rights.)
Teachers/District Employees
Including Administration:
Speak about/for the referendum after work
hours, including at functions like PTO meetings.
(However, it is strongly advised to limit
comments to "information" only.)
Distribute information away from school about
the referendum.
Put up yard signs in the home yard endorsing
the referendum.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
call me.
Darlene Johnson
Communication Services
847-426-1300 ext. 305
dmj@d300.kane.k12.il.us
Thanks 4Piggybanks2.
Well let's see, heres my list of violations:
Michael Breagy, principal of Jacobs has a "D300 Yes Yes" sign in the back window of his can for several weeks. I think that parking spot across from the entrance to jacobs that says reserved for the principal is on school grounds.
But it also explains why he had a student give the pro referendum messages during the announcements. Now the notes say promote the referendum with a citizen during normal business hours. So any meetings during flex block with students who are citizens (remeber you do not have to be an adult to be a citizen) would be a problem.
Any signs posted in the building promoting a yes vote would be a problem. Like I said, my son says there were lot's of them.
You know, if theres anything I have learned from watching all those law and order programs on tv (as well as Tommy Cruise in the movie the Firm, it's that each incident would be a seperate violation. That's one violation for each poster. One violation for each meeting. One violation for each announcement.
Wonder were we go with this. the only witnesses to this were the students.
Well let's see, heres my list of violations:
Michael Breagy, principal of Jacobs has a "D300 Yes Yes" sign in the back window of his can for several weeks. I think that parking spot across from the entrance to jacobs that says reserved for the principal is on school grounds.
But it also explains why he had a student give the pro referendum messages during the announcements. Now the notes say promote the referendum with a citizen during normal business hours. So any meetings during flex block with students who are citizens (remeber you do not have to be an adult to be a citizen) would be a problem.
Any signs posted in the building promoting a yes vote would be a problem. Like I said, my son says there were lot's of them.
You know, if theres anything I have learned from watching all those law and order programs on tv (as well as Tommy Cruise in the movie the Firm, it's that each incident would be a seperate violation. That's one violation for each poster. One violation for each meeting. One violation for each announcement.
Wonder were we go with this. the only witnesses to this were the students.
Students have cells phones with pictures.
If this is going to be brought up for charges it needs to be fought by parents in the district. A Woodstock 200 superintendent was charged and convicted of electioneering many years back. He lost his job. Cal discusses this in an earlier post.
Not fighting this now will permit this deplorable action when they come back when the next teachers contract is up for renewal. Remember this is not about need it is about greed. These people will do anything to fatten their wallets be damned the very children they teach, their programs and their education.
It still amazes despite finding well over another 60 million dollars this passed.
Until informed parents speak out in the districts the schools will use threats and intimidation to pass referenda. The sad part is some parents voted yes because they were afraid to speak out and that their teachers would take it out on the kids.
If this was my district I would be all over the board like hot-fudge on ice-cream.
This passed because the school intimidated parents not to speak up. Not only shame on the school but shame on the parents for being cowardly.
If this is going to be brought up for charges it needs to be fought by parents in the district. A Woodstock 200 superintendent was charged and convicted of electioneering many years back. He lost his job. Cal discusses this in an earlier post.
Not fighting this now will permit this deplorable action when they come back when the next teachers contract is up for renewal. Remember this is not about need it is about greed. These people will do anything to fatten their wallets be damned the very children they teach, their programs and their education.
It still amazes despite finding well over another 60 million dollars this passed.
Until informed parents speak out in the districts the schools will use threats and intimidation to pass referenda. The sad part is some parents voted yes because they were afraid to speak out and that their teachers would take it out on the kids.
If this was my district I would be all over the board like hot-fudge on ice-cream.
This passed because the school intimidated parents not to speak up. Not only shame on the school but shame on the parents for being cowardly.
Jim and Cathy Peschke -
The problem for us in D300 (and probably elsewhere) is that now the referendum has passed, the board and the admin are un-approachable. The admin has a more arogant and smug attitude than our factless "friend" and his son who writes here does(remeber I said I wouldn't goad him here anymore). They are busy counting and spending my money. The board is pretty comfortable. They had to beg to find the last two appointees to the board and I do not remember any serious challanges to them. (I don't think anyone wants the job).
Public input to the board ocurrs at the begining of meetings and is limited to five minutes a speaker. The board and the superitendent (Conrade Arndt) sit quietly and are very attentive, with smiles plastered on thier faces that seem to say "my god when will you people every shut up so we can have our meeting". I do not know if the board has an informal rule, but I have seen very little interaction with these speakers in the many meetings I attend.
So I wonder how I can get my hot fudge close enough to dump it on thier ice cream. (not sure this image is a good one!)But I intend to stay vigalent.
The problem for us in D300 (and probably elsewhere) is that now the referendum has passed, the board and the admin are un-approachable. The admin has a more arogant and smug attitude than our factless "friend" and his son who writes here does(remeber I said I wouldn't goad him here anymore). They are busy counting and spending my money. The board is pretty comfortable. They had to beg to find the last two appointees to the board and I do not remember any serious challanges to them. (I don't think anyone wants the job).
Public input to the board ocurrs at the begining of meetings and is limited to five minutes a speaker. The board and the superitendent (Conrade Arndt) sit quietly and are very attentive, with smiles plastered on thier faces that seem to say "my god when will you people every shut up so we can have our meeting". I do not know if the board has an informal rule, but I have seen very little interaction with these speakers in the many meetings I attend.
So I wonder how I can get my hot fudge close enough to dump it on thier ice cream. (not sure this image is a good one!)But I intend to stay vigalent.
Allegations that School District employees trespassed on private property and removed yard signs are also serious charges. For a government entity of any kind to interfere with Constitutionally protected free speech exercise is egregious. To do so in an effort to feather its own financial nest is unconscionable.
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