Last May 4, Kettering voters rejected the 6.9 mill levy of additional operating revenue for Kettering Schools by 642 votes.  The tally showed 6573 votes (48%) in Favor and 7215 votes (52%) against.

The Kettering School Board is now asking for 4.9 mills — to be decided in this November’s general election. A change from 6.9 mills to 4.9 mills signals a significant change in the district’s five year budget plan, and, according to School Superintendent, Jim Schoenlein, it is the result of, “a change in philosophy.”

Dr. Jim Schoenlein, Superintendent of Kettering Schools, in his office, last Friday, August,

…continue reading the article Kettering Schools’ Reduced Tax Request — From 6.9 Mills To 4.9 Mills — Shows “Change Of Philosophy”

On the cover of Frederick Hess’s new book “Education Unbound: The Promise and Practice of Greenfield Schooling,” is an open green field. Hess’s theme is that we must transform the system of education and that the first step is to clear out the bramble and debris and create green space for new development.

Over the years, there’s been a lot of talk about transforming American education. The “Nation at Risk” report 27 years ago got the ball rolling by famously declaring, “If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today,

…continue reading the article To Bring Excellence To Public Education We Must First Engineer A Better System

Justin Coussoule, the Democrat challenging Republican Minority Leader, John Boehner, to represent Ohio’s 8th District, last Tuesday spoke to the Huber Heights Democratic Club at their annual picnic. Great food.

Coussoule, 35 years old and a West Point grad, shows poise and thoughtfulness. He makes a good impression. And he spoke with conviction that the race is winnable and that he is in the race to win.

He has already raised $100,000 to fund his effort, not nearly enough, but a great start.

Coussoule spoke of the leadership and character that was emphasized at West Point, and said that although

…continue reading the article Justin Coussoule, Democratic Challenger To John Boehner: “Public Service Must Be Selfless Service”

Ed Schultz, host of “The Ed Show” on MSNBC, in a recent show, spared no words in ridiculing Republican minority leader, John Boehner, saying Boehner is the “poster child for the out of touch, elite, Republican Party.”

Shulz played the ad prepared by Blue America Pac showing the amazing statistics of how much golf Boehner plays each year (over 100 rounds), and how much money, each year, he spends on golf.  The ad states: “For those who want an out of touch golfer for a congressman there is  John Boehner, for everyone else there is Justin Coussoule.”

About Boehner, Shultz said,

…continue reading the article MSNBC’s Ed Schultz: “John Boehner Is The Poster Child For The Out Of Touch, Elite Republican Party”

The following is an e-mail that I sent this morning to Dr. Jim Schoenlein, Superintendent of Kettering Schools.  In this e-mail I communicate three items:  1) I applaud Dr. Schoenlein for his bringing to public discussion the new book by Frederick Hess that calls for a transformation of public education  2) I request an explanation of the new five year plan, that shows $19 million in savings and is the basis for moving from a request of 6.9 mills of new property tax, rejected last May by Kettering voters, to a request of 4.9 mills to be voted on in

…continue reading the article To Gain Public Support For 4.9 Mills Of New Taxes, Kettering School Superintendent Should Explain How New Five Year Plan Cuts $19 Million

Justin Coussoule, West Point graduate, is well positioned to demonstrate the leadership needed to win the 8th Congressional contest.

Justin Coussoule, Democratic candidate seeking to replace John Boehner as representative for Ohio’s 8th District, recently lambasted Boehner as showing a, “total and complete absence of leadership.”

Coussoule’s accusation — that Boehner lacks leadership — is poignant because, of course, Boehner is called “Leader” by House Republicans. Coussoule is suggesting that the emperor has no clothes.

Authentic leadership is sorely lacking most everywhere you look.  Occupying a “position of leadership” does not make one a leader. Our society suffers because, so often, persons

…continue reading the article Democratic Candidate Justin Coussoule Should Demonstrate Leadership That Contrasts With John Boehner’s

Ted Strickland, Ohio's governor, speaking to reporters at the UAW in Dayton on August 6, 2010

Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland, was in Dayton today at the UAW union hall on Alwildy Ave, close to Edwin C Moses Blvd.  About 60 people were in attendance. Strickland gave a short speech making the case why he should be reelected and why the election of his opponent, Republican, John Kasich, would spell disaster for Ohio.

Strickland said that it seems incredible that Kasich opposes Ohio using $400 million in federal money to create an improved rail system, but that just yesterday, Kasich went

…continue reading the article Gov. Strickland Blasts Kasich’s Opposition To Accepting $400 Million To Build A New Train System In Ohio

It looks like Ohio’s next two year budget will have a deficit of at least $8 billion. A survey of 1800 Ohio registered voters shows that 50% of voters think that the best way for Ohio to balance its next budget is to reduce the compensation of government workers. The scientific survey was commissioned by the Buckeye Institute and purports to have a margin of error of only +/- of 2.3%.

In this survey, 41% of respondents indicated they are “Independent,” 40% indicated they are “Conservative,” and 19% indicated they “Liberal.” And in the survey, 40% of respondents identified

…continue reading the article To Balance Ohio’s Budget, Poll Shows Voters’ First Choice Is To Cut Pay Of Government Workers

Justin Coussoule, Democratic candidate seeking to be elected to congress to represent Ohio’s 8th District, is outraged at the lack of federal help for Lake St. Marys’ residents and is calling on the current 8th District congressman, Republican leader, John Boehner, to, “For once, do your job.”

Coussoule, on his blog, urges Boehner, “Fight for federal dollars to help pay for the cost of cleaning-up Grand Lake St. Mary’s and eliminating the sources of contamination to the lake. Help save people’s businesses, their communities and possibly even lives.”

Lake St. Marys is in Boehner’s district

…continue reading the article Democratic Opponent Condemns Boehner’s Refusal To Seek Earmarks For Lake St. Marys As Lack Of Leadership

Last February, I requested that I receive a copy of all material sent to the Kettering Board of Education members and, since February, at the time of each board meeting I have received a packet of material for which I have paid 5 cents a page.  Some of that material I have posted here.

Yesterday, I heard from the district treasurer, Steve Clark, that this practice would be discontinued, because he discovered that according to Ohio Revised Code, I cannot request future records, I can only request records already in existence.  I telephoned Clark and he said he was alerted to

…continue reading the article Public Records Should Be Made Available In a Timely Manner