Pastor's Association Partners With The Jewish Federation Of Peoria

 Genesis 12:3 ~ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Special Announcement: 

In light of our historic visit to Washington D.C., a time in which the pastors of the Urban Cure Network stood for freedom and with our nation's greatest ally in the fight against terrorism, Israel, we returned to Peoria and promptly opened dialogue with the local Jewish community to discuss the Israeli elections, and invoke community awareness of the many important issues surrounding Jewish statehood, and Israel's existence in the Middle East.

Pastor H. Burnett & Susan Katz
Jewish Federation Of Peoria

Pictured here with the local Jewish Federation Executive Director, Susan Katz, and one of the Local Federation's international exchange and information specialists, the aim of our coming together is to spark dialogue exploring the long, historic relationship that the United States and the Black community in particular has had with the Jewish community in the United States.

What many have forgotten or simply didn't know, is that in the struggle for civil rights, jobs and a better community and country, Jews stood lock and shoulder with the nations greatest Black civil rights leaders and proponents of freedom. They too were criticized for peaceful resistance, and were some of the first individuals to proudly hire Blacks and even help Black entrepreneurs establish business to provide for their families.

We arise to remember and respect that historic relationship and build upon it within our community. I invite as many local pastors as possible to join me in the renewing of a relationship so vitally cherished biblically and so important in our quest for a better and more vibrant community.

Roey Gilead

PASTORS: Please join me and the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors, next Wednesday (March 25th) at noon, 12:00PM, at the Jewish Federation Offices located at 2000 Pioneer Pkwy, Ste: 10B Peoria, IL. 61615 (309)689-0063 to hear the Honorable Roey Gilead, Counsul General of Israel to the Midwest, as he discusses the topic "Strategic Challenges Facing the New Israeli Government"

He will also make the same presentation that evening at 7:00PM at Bradley University's Neumiller Hall, but the afternoon session will allow us time to not only personally meet the Counsel General, but to discuss specific issues of concern as we seek to forge a strong bond with the local Jewish community. Lunch will be provided and the event is free of charge.

 

Please RSVP with the Pastor's association prior to the event by emailing us at Dunamis1@netzero.com.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Executive Director

Peoria Pastors Stand With Israel & Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu

Pastor Harvey Burnett, and nearly 30 other pastors from various parts of the country, were invited to Washington DC to provide input on the American/Israeli relationship and the ruckus surrounding the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu scheduled for Tuesday March 3rd, 2015.

First, Israel not only has a right to exist, but has a right to be a part of any plan or negotiation that deals with its national security especially against an enemy that has repeatedly taken aggressive actions in the region against both Israel and the US. 

Secondly, Black people are not "controlled" by entities such as the Congressional Black Caucus. Even though they threaten to boycott the Prime Minister, Black people are not homogeneous in our thoughts and values. We are certainly not held loyal to any entity that is deftly silent or absent as it pertains to the condition of the Black community and the community in general. 

Third, although there are racists of every nationality, the lies of Jewish racism towards Sudanese refugees is not only an overstatement, it is based on the ignorance of the methods of solo jihadists, whose goal is national instability and the institution of sharia in every part of the world, and how jihad must be addressed to make the community safe. 

WE are not deceived and we therefore stand with Israel!    

Pastor Burnett appears at about 29:20 into the video.
This event in Washington DC was sponsored by Star Parker's Urban Cure.  

For further clarity on issues surrounding this and other matters, please see the most recent posting at The Dunamis Word on issues of importance regarding our national security. 

National Solidarity Sunday

On Sunday 12-14-14 New Bethel COGIC along with thousands of other churches and houses of worship all across America, participated further in the national movement to facilitate change for countless families calling for a revamping of the criminal justice system and community policing.  

The critic asserts that Blacks have run-ins with the law and are in jail because they commit more crimes, but nearly every study done on the issues creates totally different picture than those that appear in the news. Not only is a Black man more likely to die at the hands of police or a law enforcement official, (as of this writing there have been 5 high profile Black homicides at the hands of the police in 5 months) but once sentenced, Blacks are more likely to receive a higher and more lengthy sentence than their White counterparts. Blacks are also more likely to be engaged and stopped by the police during the normal course of life and living based on "suspicious" activity. 

The fact is that both Blacks and Whites commit crimes at similar rates, nearly 6.4%. Yet the prison population explodes with Black persons and persons of color at disproportionately high rates. Combine that with the seeming reversal of 4th Amendment rights and high unemployment and poverty rates within the Black community, then there is no wonder why we have a dangerous combination of frustration and unrest, which leads to a strained relationship between the police and the community. 

Below is a 7 point agenda developed by myself, that a group of associates and I will be promoting along with other items and issues in the coming days and on into the new year. We believe that these issues are fundamental to the process of change which must occur in our city, Peoria, and is inclusive of everyone in the community and not just the poor and minority. In our opinion, these issues have an importance for citizens on Grandview Drive as equally as they have importance for citizens living on Howett St.  You'll be hearing more about these agenda items in coming days and we will add to them as citizens speak up and out on the issues. 

National Solidarity Sunday Agenda from Pastor Harvey Burnett

  

Black Lives Matter...Most Of The Time

The recent excuses given to not indict individuals trusted to protect the public has created a firestorm of controversy in the United States. The Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, Bishop Charles E. Blake, calls on the COGIC community along with all believers to send a strong message of solidarity Sunday Dec. 14th that Black Lives Matter! (I will save my continued and ongoing commendation to the church to prove the same in a future writing thus the "Most Of The Time" appellation in the title)

New Bethel COGIC, The Dunamis Word and entities in which I, Pastor Harvey Burnett, have association or oversight of, also gladly join in with our national church organization to send a message around the country that we believe that BLACK LIVES MATTER!

[Please join New Bethel COGIC at 824 N. Duryea The Romeo B Garrett Ctr. on the campus of Bradley University at 9:00AM Sunday Dec. 14th. Email for more details at Dunamis1@netzero.com]

Pastor Harvey Burnett, New Bethel COGIC, The Dunamis Word & Related Entities Also Believe:

The quality and current condition of Black Lives matter as well. 

Therefore, we call upon business and social and political leaders to help create and develop sustainable economic opportunities whereby Black and poor minorities can be and become gainfully employed and a relevant part of the development of their communities.

The quality of communication, between authority and the community, matters, and must be enhanced:

Therefore, we call on the police and other entities entrusted with the preservation of the public trust to create methods of communication and dialogue that are in the best interest of the entire community and that safeguard all citizens. We commend both citizens and authorities to be held accountable to following those established guidelines and standards, quickly fixing and redressing issues that arise.  

The tactics of authorities must be improved and developed in accord with the community:

We call on law enforcement at all levels to work with the community and community groups in developing strategies and tactics that best serve the public, fight crime and be of a benefit to all citizens.

We Believe That The Local Process Of Police Policing Themselves And The Use Of The Local Prosecutor Or States Attorney In The Cases Of Police Killing Is Ineffective And Ask For A Complete Overhaul In The Process Which Includes An Automatic Independent Review Of Each Occurrence In Which A Citizen Is Killed By A Law Enforcement Official. 
All around the country, in events such as those that took the life of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, the public relies on the local States Attorney's office for Grand Jury assembly and due process. The States Attorney's office however is placed in an immediate position of conflict of interest because that office regularly works with police in order to produce convictions against criminals. We believe that process should be changed immediately simply based on the "appearance" of conflict. We believe that legal review should be an "at arms length" process and regulated independent review appears to be the best way to create and maintain that type of relationship.  

We believe that the community policing strategy of "broken windows" is a tragedy and must be done away with.

We believe the the theory of "broken windows" leads to tragic incidents and standoffs between police and citizens. We believe that this failed theory has contributed to the mishandling of both innocent citizens and citizens such as Eric Garner allegedly engaged in certain low level  crime or criminal activities. We believe that the "broken windows" strategy is a racist strategy at root and only leads to racial profiling.

We believe the courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, should backtrack historical decisions and reaffirm 4th Amendment protections for ALL citizens.

The historically wild and fanciful interpretation of the courts at the recommendation of law enforcement has eroded American citizens 4th Amendments rights. A violation of 4th Amendment protections has led to excessive "stop and frisk" policies reinforcing practices of racial profiling that we see in departments and communities that embrace such theory. This must STOP! 

Good and exceptional officers should be hailed for their values, efforts and commitments to their communities.

We believe that police departments nationwide are filled with good police who respect and serve the public. We commend those good officers and leaders to stand forward, stand up, and reclaim their departments from associates who may have questionable tactics, methods and philosophies.

From the parents of a police officer:

"OUR TAKE ON ALL OF THE "UNREST" CONCERNING LAW ENFORCEMENT:

We are so disheartened with some of the bad people in law enforcement because they are making it really hard for the good cops, as our son is here in the Orlando area. People are getting so afraid of anyone in a law enforcement uniform that it's making it very difficult for the honest cops out there doing the right thing and making a positive impact in the community in which they serve. It is so very important for ALL of us that when GOOD and HONEST law enforcement gets on the scene of an emergent situation, that they are able to get control of the situation or else a lot of lives can be at stake. If people have a preconceived thought that ALL cops are "crooked cops" this will add more chaos at the scene because of this preconceived way of thinking. All of us can potentially suffer when we ourselves may really need to call "911" because we may be in a life threatening situation where if law enforcement isn't able to get control, our life or our loved ones lives may be at stake. It truly is an unfortunate and scary situation that our nation is in right now because of the bad cops out there.

From: Concerned Parents Of A "GOOD" Cop,
Rodney and Rhonda Furness"

God bless the Furness family and may the protection and the guidance of the Lord be upon them, their son and his family as he serves both God and the community in his profession. 

Press Conference Transcript

Want to know what I said? Don't go off on the bits and pieces, or what you heard someone say and simply fall in line with. Be bold. Be brave. Read the material. If you are given to the truth, this will open your eyes as to why I say what I said and why I will continue to question both the motive and mission of 'change 150' and the Mayor's commentary.

The one thing that is making a tangible and marked difference in the community, especially the Black and poor minority community,they say is going the "wrong direction"...PLEASE! They need to be ashamed of themselves!

Transcript:

District 150 Press Conference 3/24/2014 from Pastor Harvey Burnett

"Core Values"...Let's Get To The Truth!

Since the transfer of a John Wetterauer, the former Principal of Charter Oak Grade School, the parents group and certain others, now calling themselves 'change 150' have been up in arms even demanding the immediate removal of the District Supt. Dr. Grenita Lathan.

This group has not only rallied, they have overfilled board meetings, heckled those who disagree with them, insulted the Supt, demeaned Board members and continue to do such openly and happily.

Until my statements this week at the board meeting, noone really knew how low certain individuals, in the "funk" of this group's horrible advances had gone to intimidate the Supt. and Board members and to strike fear in their minds. There have been "blue ribbons" thrown on the Supt.'s lawn in late night drive-bys, personal threats toward both the Supt. and Board members causing some Board members to secure personal security for themselves.

The question is where does this "hatred" and this supposed urgency for "change" in leadership come from? 

One would think that it is because the District has failed in reaching our students. Yet the record reflects the opposite. Part of the District's record is as follows:

*Balanced budgets. Balanced and in the BLACK the last 4 years even with the State holding money.
*Greater and more extensive teacher training to reach students in the seats.
*The Acquisition of current textbooks to better facilitate modern education.
*Technology necessary to make the learning experience relevant.
*Updated and modernized school facilities and environments.
*Teachers who now are accountable not only to their bosses, but also to parents.
*An atmosphere of accountability throughout the entire education system.
*Vocational & Technical Training to serve the needs of students who want to immediately be a productive part of society after school is over.
*Open communication, participation and dialogue through Parent Universities, and the Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee.
*Environments where the considerations of our children are placed first and foremost.
*Multiple opportunities of gainful employment for a diverse population of Peoria citizens. 

I am proud to be a part of this because I know the impact of a good education on crime and violence and overall benefits to and towards the community. Some of the critics say, "well ISAT tests results were lower last year, therefore this District is failing"...Well, it is true that ISAT scores were lower. They were lower for nearly all school districts in Illinois due to the implementation of Common Core, which some teachers spent the whole summer preparing for, but were yet learning on the fly, when school started last year. In fact, in math, one teacher told me that nearly 2 years of learning had to be given to students to bring them up to speed with the CCC (Common Core Curriculum). The Daily Herald.com reported this of the lower scores for most school sand school districts in Illinois last year:

"The decline is largely due to a change in the way the state board grades standardized tests. The 2013 state report card results released Thursday incorporates the more rigorous Common Core State Standards, and higher performance expectations on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test with different benchmarks to better align with the Prairie State Achievement Exam, given to 11th-graders. 

Also included in the state report card is a new growth metric showing how much progress individual students or schools made from one year to the next." ~ 10/31/2013

It seems that most forget that Dunlap 323 consequently, also failed to meet AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) in test scores as well. Unfortunately, they blamed it on the Special Needs children of their district. By far most of those students were Black. (This is a little something that Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis also seems to have a little memory lapse regarding)

So what is the deal? If information is readily available, why are we at this point. I have claimed racism, and certainly believe that to be part of the case, but I will agree that there is more to it as well.  

This group has recently placed their "Core Values" statement out with the following supposed "values". I will outline the portion of what they say and critically examine each one. My commentary is highlighted and within parenthesis from this point on. 

Core Values Examined:

1- "Culture of collaboration where the school board, administration, teachers, staff, parents, students and community leaders collaborate on issues of importance...more..."

[This value CURRENTLY exists, and is nothing new. As a leader of community organizations, I and others with and without me, have always been able to access this Supt. and School Board for meaningful dialogue. For example, ANY PARENT can be a part of the Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee, which comes together to review, revise and recommend policy for the School Board to undertake as District policy. This group meets every month and Dr. Lathan does not oversee it. 

Then there is Parent University. I was the volunteer Parent Participation Liaison facilitator for 2012-2013 of this group. There were about 10 meetings over the 2012-2013 school year and I was at every one of them, helping parents address issues at their local schools, giving ideas on how to draw other parents into the classroom and schools and overall directing individuals on how to get their needs and the needs of their children met.    

I don't know how anyone else feels, but I DO NOT want any parties simply coming into the District who has no vested interest within the District. I don't want business and business owners with no children in our District and who do not live within the District to simply come in and control what happens in our District and among our children. The district is over 60% Black and poor, but we're not cattle and should not be treated as such.] 

"2- Consistent practices of accountability where rewards and consequences for following district policies and procedures are the same.  Staff needs to clearly understand what the policies and procedures are, well in advance, and should be held accountable for following them.  Correct actions or infractions must be documented and result in consistent rewards and consequences."

[Prior to this administration, THIS was the problem. Any dissatisfaction seems to stems from this...ACCOUNTABILITY. NOW, teachers are not held to be infallible any longer, and the grades that they give have to be reasoned and can be called into question. Then the relationship of Principals to the parent and teachers is somewhat different. Whereas there was a time when Principals were expected to uphold almost all that a teacher did and held to be true without question, now the Principal is a partner with both the parent  and teacher. The distress that the parent faced under the old system, which I suppose this group wants us to revert back to, is no longer there. The parent's voice is important and cannot simply be overlooked.  There is a standard of service that the parent can expect from the teacher and that will be overseen throughout the system. This is a good thing that takes "hopelessness" away from the parent and helps facilitate a partnership in education. 

Then, under previous regimes and normal practices, there was no documentation or "write ups" of employees who failed parents and there was no way to deal with rogue individuals and employees. It seems that day is over within District 150 and those who continue to want privilege of being unaccountable without responsibility are upset. The problem is that if there are teachers who have an issue, they have the protection of a union and a grievance process. Personally I feel that process (the Union process) should be used to approach any teacher dissatisfaction issues with their boss.] 

3- Coalitions with community organizations and groups who care about the education and welfare of all students in our school district.  Partnerships with parents, city leaders, civic organizations and other interested community groups can serve to enrich the educational experiences and opportunities of our students.  

[The school already has business partners who provide resources, donations and help with many things as it pertains to the education of our children, and partnership with community groups and organizations on nearly any given level. As far as I am aware, such relationships have never been prohibited. For example, Dr. Lathan personally asked pastor's groups to get involved in many aspects of the schools, Parent Universities and other processes and operations of District 150. So this suggestion is not a new thing or not anything that is currently not being done. 

However, in essence, this core value, if taken too far, is very similar to #1, and runs amuck of the same things cautioned against previously. Our children and what they have access to is not for a part time salesman who has no stake in the game. How can anyone effectively engage the district by just collecting a check? The School, is a business, but cannot be run like the everyday business. We are talking about people and their lives and highly impressionable children who know and understand when people have a vested interest in them. 

What this group is seeming to suggest, is that the leadership of the District relinquish a certain amount of "control" to community partners, and that is certainly a wrong move. There should be no outside corporate control over our children's education. That is a ridiculous move. In fact, I believe that would even be prohibited by law. The citizens, through the representative board member process, should maintain control over the district, for the benefit and the welfare of our children.]   

"4- Communication involves both listening and dialoguing.  A circle of communication requires all parties to speak and to listen to one another in a way that results in a shared understanding and resolution of issues."

[As I have already established, the Supt., as I have known her, is open to all communication both positive and negative. Then to my knowledge open dialogue, is what Board meeting are for. For the Board to discuss openly the process and policy of the district in an above board and forthright manner. Then what's more, just because someone disagrees with you, or your suggestion is not followed, does not mean that you were not heard or given serious attention or consideration. I have made many arguments and decisions have been contrary to my arguments. I was heard, but simply not agreed with. One cannot root up the whole process, simply because things don;t move when one's mouth is opened. It seems that this group simply wants to redesign the process of board business and policy and or have some sort of special access, kind of like a VIP status. if that is the case, and I don't know that it is, that kind of elitism is exactly why our education processes were lacking prior to this administration.]   

"5- Clarity of issues, whether they are financial in nature, or policy and procedural issues.  In order to build trust, honesty and transparency need to be practiced and apparent to all involved."

[If there is a question, all one has to do is ask. I ask and I receive answers and I know many others who have done the same thing from district 150. On the other hand, from 2 or 3 people, there is quite a controversy over FOIA's. Over the years, every FOIA I have asked for has come in. I have asked others who have FOAI'd the district to make sure they have received answers and there is no problem of which I am aware. They are after all constrained by law on the issue. under this administration, I have not seen anything "hidden" in the details. I said this administration. 

At this point, this seems to be an ultra-critical approach to incite suspicion. With that said, I DO believe that any public organization should be held accountable and simply not taken at first blush. That is a good approach, and I can agree that entities who are to serve in the public interest should be examined and made to make sure that they stay true to that mission.]  

"6- Care and concern for all of the schools, students, staff, and parents in District 150.  Caring for students and staff begins with providing a safe environment for students to learn.  It also involves protecting the reputations of all schools, students, principals, teachers and parents and treating them with respect, dignity, and fairness."

[Once again, this one escapes me and seems to simply feed into stereotypes and fears that have been perpetuated ad nauseam, ad infinitum by this group. First of all, due to the advances and resources and training that this District has spent money on (that the critics do not want them to spend) our children are being educated much better and teachers have many more and modern resources available and at their fingertips to reach our kids with. That is an advent of THIS administration which has worked feverishly to update modern education within Peoria District 150. I know because as a volunteer parent, with absolutely no remuneration, I have been on the front lines of that fight as well. 

Secondly, we all want a safe environment for our students. For some reason, even against clear and cogent instructions on the issue, this group feels that the Supt. took away armed security within the schools. This has has come up from and by members of this group on 3 occasions in which I have listened to them. EACH time, save one, at least one Board member rose to assure that it was not the District who disarmed these officers. It was a court order by the ruling of a judge who did so. In fact, a failed move of the resource officers group is ultimately responsible for this and now we can only wait until it is fixed...

So, in essence, I am wondering exactly what these things mean taken together? There are some good suggestions, but most of the "care values" ascribed here are already implemented by the District.  I know this because for 13 years I and my family have volunteered...EVERY DAY, doing something that betters our child's and children's education at various schools. Ours is not an hour or half hour per week interlude, although any time that a parent could spend in the schools is welcome, of that I am quite sure...We have set forth multiple hours of free time and professional efforts helping improve this district. I have STAKE in the game and I proudly say so. 

Where this group comes from after the fact, I have no clue. I have not seem one of them at any parent meetings or Parent Universities or any other forum pre-Wetterhauer or Charter Oak wanting anything "better" for our district. When our inner city children were facing deficits in technology, bad lunches, and school closings, this group was not there and current individuals promoting it, were absentee on these issues and issues that pertained to the educational advance of our children. 

I am not convinced that this group wants anything other than simple corporate control and influence and power over money, and will suggest and do nearly anything to obtain it. 

I will examine their supposed "core issues" next. Maybe that will help us understand them, and what they actually want, a little better. 

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Radio 1470, Or Should I Say 'change 150' Radio?

In a classic radio interview (at the end of this article) on AM 1470, the hosts, Jamie Markley and Scott Robbins sought intently to assert that my recent commentary at the Peoria School Board meeting wasn't appropriate and even "harmful" to the community. Here's what I said:

"You're not the sheriff, CHANGE 150,"..."We will not run

and we will not allow you to publicly lynch a Black woman in office. Yeah, that's right. You heard what I said. We won't allow you to lynch her or allow you to lynch any one who is helping our children. Yes, 'Wow' is the story," ..."If you don't like me, then you really won't like me because we are galvanizing to make our voices heard and voices known."

They asked if I wanted to take any of that back. To which I continue to state NO.

Further, they asked if I was remorseful for suggesting that the group 'change 150' were racists, by the use of the word "lynch". First, did I call them racists? At first blush, if one were to link the concept of "lynching" to historical racism and the attempt to use that methodology to shame, disgrace, dishonor, and ultimately place fear in the minds and hearts of others, the answer is yes. As I stated what has been done to and said about Dr. Lathan and some School Board members is nothing short of a 2014 modern media lynching. This is a long standard and common practice within Peoria. Both former Supt. Dr. Kay Royster, who "they" also refused to call Dr. at some point, and former Peoria Mayoral candidate General Parker have seriously found that out in modern times.   

The problem is that a certain faction of individuals, within this group, use historically racist methodology to promote their message which includes, disgrace, dishonor, shame disrespect and fear and intimidation of others. Further, it is clear, that the group's most vocal proponents perpetuates false information and misrepresentations under the guise of "change" to promote their position.

The Mis-Use Of The Media: 1470 Hosts "Pretend" To Be Confused

I may have been talking fast, but I wasn't talking that fast. From the beginning this presentation was one of bias. One of the most absurd things was the radio hosts attempt to seem oblivious to the connection between District 150 employees and citizen supporters of and within this group.

This is not a mere parents or citizens group. They claim to represent many different factions within the community. Here is an excerpt from their website which makes who they are and who supports them very clear:

"We are also a group of concerned parents, civic and religious organizations and political leaders who have come together to bring focus to the myopic leadership practices of current District 150 Superintendent, Grenita Lathan."

Then there is also this groups funding issue:

"Many of our donations have been in small amounts and come from teachers and staff who work within District 150." 

So at the very least, change 150 is a "non profit" organization. let's stop there for a minute....Since they are (or were) endorsing a School Board candidate for election, could they be a Illinois Political Action Committee For Education? If  this group is a political action group, do they have an obligation to release their donor information? They say NO for the protection of their donors, and that may well may be so, but why aren't the critics asking for additional information regarding this and why Sue Wolstenholm actually dropped out of the race? The reasons could be on the up and up, but it could have also been in effort to avoid the IPACE designation and any resultant donor disclosure requirements. That should be examined.  

Nevertheless, aside from change and endorsing candidates for School Board who have "dropped out" of the race, their primary intent is to remove Dr. Lathan from office. We know however, that there are several disgruntled District 150 employees not only and merely "donating" to the cause, as is their right, but actively spreading and promoting the vitriol of this group. Jeff Adkins Dutro, the Peoria Federation of Teachers Union leader, and District 150 EMPLOYEE, is most certainly promoting this group. Various employees, without refrain from him, are emailing and continuing to email other employees asking them to ascribe to this group's  statements and petitions. The only purpose of these actions is to give this group greater credibility under the guise of "bringing positive change to the district" and district employees.

Even though employees already have a union to redress issues of employment and employer/employee relationship issues, it is abundantly clear that this group has taken it further by fueling their dissatisfaction with leadership at street level confusing the issues and lines of policy, process, regulation and employment relationships. This is a very deceitful process and approach, and one which I believe that this group will ultimately pay for in the end.    

With that said, as I stated, I clearly did not believe that every member of the particular group is racist. Some are promoting their opinion, which is ultimately good for the community and as I have said before, everyone should have the right to voice their opinion. However some others, to whom those people are tied, have twisted themselves so tightly, until the voice of reason is hardly distinguishable from the voices of irrationality and hatred.

In my interview, I concluded by saying, "if the shoe fit" basically stating that if they or certain individuals and members were "racists" they should own it, and they should. Racism in the North has always followed this beneath the surface, "how dare you say that" pattern. Every Black person I know, and I have known them ALL my life, that has lived in both the South and the North, will readily say the same thing. The pattern of hidden, undercover and non-overt racism is a Northern(ly) inspired negative cultural value. 

Those who are not racists, know that they are not racist and should not own any suggestion to the contrary and certainly shouldn't be offended, but those who are, are exposed not only by their actions, but what they stand by, allow and by virtue of their silence endorse.

No One Likes To Be Called A Racist

In most cases, even those who are racists, don't like to be called racists because the term is filled with many negative connotations. Many individuals who deny that they are racists, have a disconnect in understanding just exactly how, they are racist and which actions are easily and readily interpreted as racist by those looking on.  

What sticks out like a sore thumb is that this group, was inspired by "change" in part because they feel that the removal of a White Principal from his long time position at Charter Oak School, due to testing irregularities (not merely mishandled paperwork, but changing of answers which led to changing scores) was too much,  and ultimately the straw that broke the camel's back. It was this event and removal of a "good man" (who has purged himself of it all through a voluntarily requested UNPAID leave of absence) made them come out of silence as to the demand to remove the Superintendent.

For them, it is a righteous fight to help deliver the employees from the "fear and intimidation" of the Supt. and her policies. What is interesting is that in the process this group has done nothing but:

• Continue to bully and demand their way at public meetings
• Heckle opponents of their position & 
• Use tactics of fear and intimidation in demanding that their issues be acted upon

These are the very things that they accuse the Supt. of. Inspired by the utter disrespect displayed by this group, another certain faction has even thrown blue ribbons in front of the Supt's home in night-time drive-bys. To understand this, one need to understand that Charter Oak was named a 2012 Blue Ribbon School by the US secretary of Education Arnie Duncan. So certainly, this deplorable, and sick and twisted act is a message to the Supt.

This tactic, and things such as this, are all too reminiscent of the burning crosses that the KKK  placed in the yards of Black people and those that supported Black rights in  the pre-civil rights era. The instillation of fear and intimidation and shame was the purpose. Could this be some type of modern equivalent? I think so, it is certainly not coincidental. Then, there are threats towards various Board members which have caused some to secure personal security and body guards. All of this, because some disagree with Board members that the citizens elected and who are doing the job and following regulations.   

If these are not the actions and endorsements of people seeking CHANGE within or associated with this group, then how is it, that the instances of threats and intimidation align themselves so closely with the rise of this group and their demands?

A small amount of critical thinking is enough to raise the question of why there is such a strong push to remove this Superintendent and why such a vehement hatred is being sent out by this group, if not in print, certainly in it's actions or at the very least, by those who claim to be associated with it?   

If this is really about the "progress" of our district, then allow me to ask, why Change: 

• Balanced budgets. Balanced in the BLACK the last 4 years even with the State holding money. 
• Greater and more extensive teacher training to reach students in the seats.
• The Acquisition of current textbooks to better facilitate modern education.
• Technology necessary to make the learning experience relevant.
• Updated and modernized school facilities and environments.
• Teachers who now are accountable not only to their bosses, but also to parents.
• An atmosphere of accountability throughout the entire education system.
• Vocational & Technical Training to serve the needs of students who want to immediately be a productive part of society after school is over. 
• Open communication, participation and dialogue through Parent Universities, and the Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee. 
• Environments where the considerations of our children are placed first and foremost. 
• Opportunities of employment for a diverse population of Peoria citizens. 

What Changes has this group proposed outside of changes in the Superintendency? How do their efforts make the children in the seats have a better and more positive learning experience throughout the district? How will their efforts better the educational progress and services rendered to this nearly 65% Black and minority school district? 

You will not hear the answer to those questions from this group. All you will hear is that THEY want change. In reality, they want to take over because someone "close" to them has "suffered". That someone is a nice, good, White guy, and that's ALL they need to know...forget all else...CHANGE!

I KNOW better. The cash cow of this district has been cut off and and those that know this and were used to taking advantage of overtime payments, checks in addition to salary, and overall cronyism has ceased!

Unfortunately for some of them motivating the complaints, cronyism, has ceased at the hands of a Black woman, and no matter how she has personally achieved, she is their nemesis, and is due no respect. This group shows a display of utter disrespect towards the leader of a group of children (the students) who who also identify with her. But for them, their blatantly disrespectful actions towards her, in spite of all the good changes that have been made without one word of encouragement from them, is of no consideration. Only their desire for "change" should be heard according to them.  

This is 2014, and Peoria, IL. is still suffering from a blast of 1920's styled racism. Shame on US if we, the citizens of Peoria who recognize this, don't take a stand!

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Radio Interview, or attempted radio "lynching"?

 

    )

HERE: Cindy Dollman Director of Development for the Peoria County Regional Board of Education said following proper protocol all comes back to the school’s top administrator. She said it’s typically up to the school to catch any possible mistakes or irregularities when analyzing its data. “The principal is in charge of making sure everything in the building is following state law, federal law, that all guidelines being followed within that building.”.

Special & Comical Note: 

In attempt to justify himself and his approach in demeaning Dr. Lathan and to diffuse my statements, (I suppose), Former Teachers Union leader Terry Knapp said the following:

"We're all Black!" 

He went on to state that the only people who were really White were albinos. I can't tell whether his statements were a justification towards "lynching" as if "lynching" is purely something for Blacks, or something that only Blacks can or ever will experience, or an effort to spark some "identity" or commonality among all people. He went on to continue to demean the Supt. and the Board. All I can ask him, and others that believe him, WHAT'S ON YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE? and DID YOU PUT THAT ON YOUR LAST JOB APPLICATION? I would like to know how that worked out...  

A 1 In 10 Million Chance

I suppose that the supporters of the change 150 group will be touting the phrase "struck by lightening twice" after this one. Based on their MAP scores, 1 in 10 million are the chances that the special needs students at Charter Oak would have had receiving the type of scores that they were credited on ISAT if CHEATING weren't going on.

It is a sad day when educators, and those claiming to direct the moral value underpinning of our minors, not only make a fool of themselves publicly, with the display of blatant disrespect and baseline racially centered rambling, but then go even further to support causes that they would condemn others for following and practicing.

Based On The Numbers Submitted, Scores Were Manipulated
Here is the email from a university mathematician regarding the test scores submitted from Charter Oak. It seems it would have been gross negligence NOT to have done something about the irregularities...unless one really wants to believe that they were 1 in 10 million EVERY year!

"I've shown page 10 of that report to my two best friends here in the math department today. Neither of them had heard a single thing about the incident prior to looking at the numbers. They both had a good laugh over the idea that anyone could look at those numbers and not believe there was cheating going on.

If I understand what you are asking me to calculate, I think it's the likelihood of all of the kids on page 10 passing their math and reading ISAT tests, given their extremely low rank on the MAP tests. This is a rough calculation, but in the interest of keeping it simple, I just multiplied those probabilities, which is how you calculate the likelihood of multiple, independent events occurring. I threw out the kid that didn't appear on the ISAT data (he would undoubtedly have lowered the number further).

Using the median number when the report provided a range of numbers, I came up with a probability of 7.88*10^-8. Don't take it as gospel. I only spent 5 minutes on it. That means there's a likelihood of 1 in 10 million that all of those kids would have passed the 2013 math and reading ISAT tests based on their 2013 MAP scores.

Keep in mind, however, that most of those kids did not just pass the ISAT. Many of them scored in the top 20% of all students (some even top 10%). That means they didn't just pass. Some of them went from a score that would indicate they barely knew anything on the MAP test to a score that would place them in honors classes in most schools, not special ed.If the firm that had prepared the report had provided the "unlikelihood" of the full increase into account, that 1 in 10,000,000 number would drop considerably. How much I can only guess without access to the proper data, but I'm guessing it would be a dramatic, dramatic drop, like the likelihood of being struck by lightning twice on the same day."

Change 150...Not Now & Not For Your Reasons Or By Your Methods!

UPDATE: Based on the numbers Charter Oak placed in their report, there was approximately a 1 in 10 million chance that they were telling the truth...1 in 10 MILLION! Incredulous! People trained to decipher numbers readily know that Charter Oak numbers were false. Read about that HERE

Recently,  I was motivated to act and get involved in what seems to be a fight over the leadership and direction of Peoria District 150. As I have previously stated, there is nothing man made that is perfect. However, I will take the modern and current District 150 under its current leadership with all of its imperfections any day over the alternatives that have been proposed. The dissent from a group called "Change District 150" is simply because they are discouraged in their vision for the handling of the the business of the District  and the recent reassignment of the Principal Of Charter Oak MS.

I want to set the record perfectly clear, as I am sure this group would like also:

I never had to "break away" from this group as I never was associated with it in any way shape or form. They have no credibility or validity associated with me or my name. ~ Pastor Harvey Burnett (Facebook Parent Connection Peoria District 150 Parents)

Week News

[WEEK: PEORIA, Ill. -- After Peoria District 150 parents and community leaders rallied last night over growing concerns with district leadership--one parent is breaking away from the newly formed coalition CHANGE150.
"I think they're picking the wrong fight, and they are fighting the battle the wrong way," said District 150 parent Harvey Burnett.
Burnett says he is also unsatisfied with Peoria's education system but he says shouting louder is not a solution.
"I think that this particular group has been heard, but now there's a desire to infiltrate the system, undermine the system and to try and strong arm," said Burnett.
After attending the change 150 rally last night, he was disappointed.
"It is like we don't care about the mishandling of test scores, which essentially amounts to cheating. It is as if they do not care about that and just want to proceed," said Burnett.
He is even more disappointed with what he says is a destructive and negative approach to change.
"This superintendent has brought positive change to the district and to the class room," said Burnett.
He says problems in school systems stem from underlying issues in the community like socioeconomic inequality. He believes a single person cannot be to blame.
"I refrained from using the word bullying, and I didn't use it last night, but I really think this is," said Burnett.
Instead, he says that all parties including the parents, the district and the city could to more to be a part of the solution.
"If we can be proactive and try to find some way to connect. If we can raise the level of expectations for our community as a whole, we'll be better off than just saying, 'Hey you need to move so the next one can be in place.' " said Burnett.]

The group Change 150 simply wants what they want with no rationale as to what is actually happening and or the big picture. The big picture is that although veterans of Peoria's education system may be uncomfortable with changing rules and regulations as it pertains to standards and performance policies many of which are state wide and nationally inspired, the greater issue is that we are much further along in the RIGHT DIRECTION in education than we have ever been as a community. Though one may pick over and debate methods and "management styles", one would be hard pressed to say that we need a reversion to former policies and results. The City can help by bringing a better community plan inclusive of all segments of Peoria and especially inclusive of its South Side and Black and minority owned businesses. Opportunity coupled with education and a serious redevelopment of many of Peoria's most devastated neighborhoods will do far more than building jails and community policing efforts can do. I for one certainly don't have all the answers but we have some good people in Peoria who can work together to come up with solutions to make this community a desirable community for ALL citizens. That is my prayer and for that I can't wait! 

District 150 Braggin' Rights

District 150 Right Direction from Pastor Harvey Burnett

The Response To Mayor Ardis Criticisms of Peoria School District 150

When we initially formed the Peoria Association Of Pastors as we have become known, we identified 3 primary areas of concern that we would focus on and bring attention to. Aside from spiritual renewal, as we believe the only hope for any and every community is Christ and acceptance of his Lordship in the lives of individuals who make up the community, the areas of concern were 1) crime and violence 2) quality of life/social justice issues and 3) education and its impact on our children, family and community.

Peoria Education

The education system itself is not perfect. It is changing to accommodate the needs of the community. Needless to say that in every corporation there is room for improvement, enhancement and further development. There is no corporation, no matter how profitable, affluent or large that does not need to be improved in some way, shape or manner. Peoria School District 150 is no different and the Corporation of the City of Peoria is in the same boat...needs IMPROVEMENT!

With that said however, I can personally point to the areas in which Peoria School District 150 under the leadership of Dr. Grenita Lathan, has done an excellent job in many areas that have gone unheralded by the media and totally overlooked by Peoria Mayor Ardis in his state of the City address. Here is the link to the Mayoral address:

State Of The City Address  

In it you will note that the Mayor blames the lack of attractiveness of the City on the School District. He states that the District is going in the "wrong direction" and that it is a "pig" which lipstick can't make look any better. At the same time, the Mayor introduced that people are leaving the City because of the negative "perception" of the District, a "negativity" which the Mayor certainly fuels by his statements. I would like to know a few things however. Since the Mayor likes to play word games as well then:

1) Who Is "The District"

As the attached clip shows, when I challenged the Mayor on his statements, the Mayor said:

"Nowhere in my address did I place blame on educators, children or their families for problems in our educational system"

Yet he says he stands by his commentary that "The District" is going the "wrong direction". I think it is pretty clear, but since he didn't say who he blames specifically, the question is "who is The District"? If "The District" is not its teachers, children nor their families, then who is "The District"? The District is not the School Board, neither is the District solely Administrators...so who is "The District"?  Since they are going in the wrong direction and the City is worse off because of them, who is "The District"?

As any reasonable person can see, "The District" INCLUDES ALL of its components. Its TEACHERS, STUDENTS, ADMINISTRATORS (whom the Mayor did not include in his exclusion) CHILDREN and of course the families. His attempts to cover what he is saying and redirect blame are simply attempts to OBFUSCATE the truth.

According to Dictionary.com, the word Obfuscate is defined in the following manner:

1- to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy.
2-to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
3-to darken.

The Mayor does all three of these things with his statements of course quite on purpose.

2) What Is The "Wrong Direction" That The District Is Going?

We all know that Mayor Ardis wants a leveraged takeover of District 150. He wants a system similar to Chicago, in which he has power of appointment of both Board members and the Superintendent...Believe me, that would be a tragedy!!!! Not simply because Ardis is Mayor (his person has little to nothing to do with it) Simply by concept of allowing the office of the Mayor to rule would be horrible, no matter who's in office in Peoria. Why, because as we have seen with other efforts, LARGE segments of our community would go without representation and would be under-served even worse than we already are...In addition, a school is a business, but does not run like a traditional business...Children are NOT clients and their families are not customers...

3) Since The Economic Blight & Devastation Of The Black Community In Peoria Can't Possibly Be Laid At The Feet Of School District 150, How Can The Mayor Or The City Claim That They Are Going In The "Right Direction"?

Many folk do not really understand. The 61605 zip code, by virtually every statistic that one can pull together, is one of the most economically devastated zip codes in the COUNTRY considering size and population demographic.

There is nearly 50% poverty and nearly 30% unemployment in that zip code alone. services include more retail liquor establishments most of which are not owned by residents in and of the area, but by foreign nationals and those who for 14 years, according to law, pay no taxes on personal income and many of whom turn over their business after such time, to other family members who also enjoy the tax breaks.

Where are the City's ideas to help the poor Black and minority inhabitants of these neighborhoods? Don't simply blame it on the Council Person. She has just got here and she is doing a great job. Don't blame it on the last Councilman either in totality...Peoria, was supposed to be a City of ALL the people.

So is the "right direction" the exclusion of the average Black family and or the poor and minority? Is that the path that we all should be so eager to follow?

Mr. Mayor and those who support his statements...I think NOT!   

I place the local CBS News story and my response to the Mayor's statements in the following or remainder of this article. As they say, read his statements, my response and you decide. 

CBS 31 News Story

My Written Response To The Mayor's Assertions (full version)

Mayor ardis.response from Pastor Harvey Burnett

Followup On Pre-Father's Day Anti-Violence Rally

Additional news coverage and synopsis of the event can be found HERE and HERE.

Peoria Inner City Track & Field Club, A Good Place For Your Youth This Summer

As pastors we are consistently asked what positive activities can kids be involved in during the summer which is often down time for many students from school. Basketball camps are often full and football season doesn't start until the fall with a very hot and often grueling preseason practice schedule.

So where can your youth go to be in am safe enviroenment,  receive excellent training and preparation for athletic activity and discover and further develop track and field talents?

The Peoria Inner City Track and Field Club is the place!















The Peoria Inner City Track and Field Club (PICTFC)is now accepting applications and enrollments for the 2013-2014 season.  There is not a better deal in town if you want your child to be exposed to a quality track and field program geared toward personal skill development and improved performance, community service, excellent coaching and all within a fun in a safe environment.

Developed  a little over 2 years ago by former Peoria HS track and field standout, Pasor Harvey Burnett, the PICTFC has already made an impact on the lives of many of Peoria's track and field athletes. Already athletes have gone to significant personal bests for this year over last years performance.
 

The club is seeking athletes interested in track and field or athletes interested in speed or athletic performance development between the ages of 10 and 18 with special training and development available for athletes at higher ages who are unafilliated with college or other semi-professional programs.

The scope of the program includes:

A low introductory annual cost of $40 per athlete
Automatic youth membership in the USATF
Training and development at all levels and skill sets
Strength training and development with a strength trainign professional (age appropriate)
Personal and modernized speed development programs and training
Community service opportunities (pad those college applications with what they want to see)
Ability to participate in meets outside of the area.
Opportunity to participate in the 2013 regional and national Jr. Olympics

There is a parent student enrollment and orientation meeting scheduled for 5:30 PM Tuesday June 4th on the campus of Bradley University at the Romeo B. Garrett Ctr. 824 N. Duryea, Peoria, IL At this meeting we will outline the scope of the program, receive enrollments and have a coaches introduction. Anyone interested in allowing their child to participate in the club is welcome to attend.

If one can't make that meeting, don't worry, practices are scheduled to begin Wednesday June 5th 2013 at 4:00 PM and Manual HS Russell Field.  No child can practice without signed enrollment and waiver and fee and parents are welcome to meet the coaching staff and receive a mini-version of the orientation at that time. Depending upon our sponsor contributions, a limited number of scholarships are available for placement in the program delivered on a first come first serve basis.  

To enroll forms can be downloaded HERE and regulations can be found HERE.  you can mail form along with fee to Peoria Inner City Track at P.O. Box 6167 Peoria, IL. 61601. You may also call our office at (309)688-6599 for further information or instructions.

We are accepting donations to help purchase uniforms equipment and offset enrollment fees. Please go HERE to make donations online and help us reach our goal in exchange receive discounts on national brand items. Check it out.  

Check out or web site HERE and our Facebook page HERE 

Calling ALL Women & Families! Mother's Day Rally 2013

The Peoria Association of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal is calling for a pre-mother's Day community rally for the restoration of our families and peace and safety of our community. This is not just an event. It promises to be a paradigm shift in how the community assesses and addresses crime and violence and sets forth change.

 

This gathering will take place Saturday May 11th, 2013 just prior to Mother's Day Sunday, at 12:00 noon,  near the corner of Butler & Warren Streets on Peoria's South Side, and is scheduled to last about an hour.

The first of two community rallies, the goal of the pre-Mother's Day event is to gather 1,000 Mothers/Women and their families to address crime and violence calling upon on our youth to cease from both destroying one another and our community's hope and future.   

"We will not fear, nor will we be afraid. It is time to call our young men and young women in. We must make efforts to speak to them, ask them, persuade them, to change. "Don't Shoot" cannot do what you can do and what we must do. WE must restore our families and children. No more death, no more murder, no more guns and no more shooting. We want them to live and what we can do is first pray, then plead with them to change. You will be heard!" ~ Pastor Harvey Burnett  

Pastor Burnett is asking for women and mother's to bring themselves, their significant others and families to pray and speak to our community and our youth. Email Dunamis1@netzero.com or call (309)688-6599 for additional infomration or how you and your group may participate and support this landmark community effort and event.

Dr. Steve Perry Delivers Vision Of "Excellence" To Peoria District 150

The Peoria Pastors Assn. thanks Dr. Steve Perry, for the service he rendered to District 150 teachers, parents and the Peoria community. In three sessions, Dr. Perry delivered a vision of modern education that challenged, motivated, inspired, tore down and uplifted all at the same time. I will discuss 2 of those sessions in this post.

The Morning Session

This first session was met with guarded enthusiasm by teacher's union faithful. The reason for this "caution" was because Dr. Perry, who is vocal regarding union issues and benefits in education, (a sentiment that we certainly agree with) took the time to uncover the fact that the teacher and administrators, as adults, are  responsible for the creation and maintenance of their educational environments which includes the progress in education of the students that they have been assigned to oversee. Dr. Perry boldly expressed that the job of teaching should be met with sincere dedication and with a passion for the profession and a sincere love for children and their progress which makes all the difference.

Contrary to criticism, the "blame" for poor performance in education wasn't laid squarely at the feet of the teacher. However, what was delivered spelled out, in no uncertain terms, that the teacher is the most important piece in the puzzle of a successful education. So important, as he explained, that their environment should center around how they can successfully reach and engage their target audience, the children.

An example was delivered of a child who returned homework completed, but also completely wrong. Dr. Perry explained that  a teacher with average dedication will simply grade the work, provide an "F" and wonder. Whereas, a teacher dedicated to excellence will observe the child's efforts, and make sure that before that child leaves the school every question was worked through and his/her questions answered thoroughly and correctly with prepared direction toward further work and new concepts.

As you can see in the video below, that message is not fully understood by the union representatives, who, for now, are more focused on the personal relationship with school administration, aka: Dr. Grenita Lathan, than addressing the serious issues of educational mediocrity and student success or failure.

Although he said that he agreed with 90% of what Dr. Perry said at the All District portion of the event, the Peoria Federation Of Teacher's Union President, Bobby Darling, complained that Dr. Perry's message focused on a small group of Peoria teachers stating the following:

“I thought he (Dr. Steve Perry) was a poor choice of speakers, I don’t think it was a productive way to start the school year," (PJStar.com) (Parenthesis added)

There is no statement or suggestion made today that could have been further away from the truth. Dr. Perry was ABSOLUTELY and unequivocally the RIGHT person for this event and even more for Peoria School District 150 teachers, parents and students for a number of reasons that I will outline in the balance of the article.

Evening, Parent University Session:

Attended by as many as 200 persons including parents and various community members, the evening session that was just as dynamic if not more so than the AM session.

Without a doubt Dr. Perry continued to be challenging and far reaching in his scope. However, what he delivered was information building upon the TEAM concept of education where teachers, parents and administrators work together to the benefit and achievement of the child's education success.  

 

First, The Union...

Although Dr. Perry is required to be a union member himself, he noted that the best question to ask is when does union agenda become STUDENT agenda? When will the union establish a position for the benefit of the students or to better educate the students? The Peoria Teachers Union, like most, advocate for the position of their constituents and members. Unfortunately, union "members" aren't the kids and their agenda normally never revolves around making things better for the children. This is a subject that is most challenging for the teachers and the point of contention as it pertains to classroom performance in Peoria Dist. 150.  (I'll have a little more along this lines at the end of the article under "I've Long Been Offended")

The Parents

Don't think they got away. Dr. Perry explained that it is the parents duty to advocate for their child or children, focusing on the "macro" issues of importance that produce a complete and successful educational experience for the children. He instructed that it was the parents job to pull out every stop to help make their child's education the best that it can possibly be. It is also the parent's duty to resolve issues professionally and with all diligence. Inappropriate dress, such as scarves, flip-flops and pajamas not only embarrass one's own self, but embarrasses and discourages the child and doesn't aid or assist in resolving problems and issues. Parental support in all areas of the child's academic life is important including during extra-curricular activities.

Finally, Dr. Perry encouraged parents to know the system of how complaints are filed, know the agenda including educational scores and performance of not only the district, but of the school in particularly,  and know what to fight for. Dr. Perry encouraged parents to continue to participate in Parent University or other PTO sessions on an ongoing basis to stay aware of issues.

The Teachers

This usually causes the problem. In Peoria, the epithet has been "you can't turn rocks into gold" which is a sentiment that a teacher delivered at the Peoria School District 150 meeting in opposition to accountability standards for teachers and education professionals.  In other words some of the children are of inadequate quality to educate. In addition, being poor or economically disadvantaged, may be an excuse for under performance. These sentiments solidify the thought that it is the child's fault, whether economically or mentally, for their inability to learn. In this session, as in the first, we discovered that there is nothing and I mean NOTHING further from the truth.

Dr. Perry discussed that the teacher has a duty to TEACH and this means to take what is given, add some spice to the curriculum and reach the mind of the student. This is a comprehensive undertaking. Under performing and behavioral ridden students are a reflection of a teacher and or administrator who, as an adult, has either lost control of the classroom and student(s) or have lost respect within the education situation.

As I have often said, and as Dr. Perry spelled out, it is a near impossibility to have a child for 6 to 7 hours per day and claim the child can't learn. This can be a sign of inadequate teaching methods and techniques and the question is how can any professional expect to be rewarded for under performance? For obvious reasons, this is the argument that some Peoria teachers don't want to hear. For some of them, failure is the fault of the student and family. The quality and character of the child and family is called into question as opposed to the methodology of the teaching professional.

As Dr. Perry correctly points out, the fact is that the teacher is the artist or architect, and the student is the canvass and raw material. If the teacher can't shape it, there must be consideration given to the fact that  the teacher may not either know how to do the job or simply just may not be doing their job for whatever reason.

The Process

Dr. Perry explained that parents should familiarize themselves with the process of both teacher and school change. As his school is a public school, he mentioned that whatever structure of school that is given to results should be embraced and if there is a failure it should be scrapped.

Example, he challenged teachers who did not want schools to close due to poor performance, to consider if they would place their very own young children or family members at those same schools. Obviously the point is that if one can't see themselves in a "failing" district or school, then how can they with good conscience rally for other children and families to be subject to failure?

I've Long Been Offended 

Some individuals complained that Dr. Perry's presentation was mixed with occasional and light profanity. The word "damn" or "hell" was inserted in a very sparse manner. In addition, there was criticism because he used the word "homie"...OK...Nonetheless, Dr. Perry's "cussin'" seems to have caught the most critical attention.

Let's contrast that to some other positions that we have raised over time that seems to have caught little attention at all...

School Suspensions

Although, I agree that cursing as a manner of communication in public discourse should be discouraged, I have long been equally offended by what this District has allowed in the name of Peoria Education. For quite some time, (certainly before current administration) without "cussin'" I and we have stood up questioning the minority suspension rate in District 150 Schools, to which no prior education professional seemed to have been concerned about. In fact suspension in the minds of many are yet justified based on many of the attitudes and issues I have outlined in this article.

School Lunch Quality

We have also stood against the previous inadequate school lunch program (which we hope has been changed for the better). Only cafeteria personnel were willing to stand with us in this fight because they viewed the quality of the food as being substandard and were offended that they had to serve it to students that they cared for as well.

Professional Dress Code

Now, shall we make observation of the Districts professional standards dress code???

Wait a minute...there is NO professional standards dress code as a matter of the UNION contract.  

As offensive as profanity  may be, as a parent I have often been offended at the lack of an enforceable dress code for teachers under union contract. Any given day you will notice teachers in attire that some 20 years ago would be considered totally inappropriate for the classroom. Such attire includes tight jeans, low cut blouses, short mini skirts, fishnet stockings and even what amounts to be "party attire" during the normal course of the school session. In some cases teachers are almost indistinguishable in dress from students.

Guess who protects this ability for the education professional to "come as you are"? Yes, you have it, the UNION! There is no professional standard of dress. As one who has been in the schools often, trust me, one needs to be set in place.  However, not even a principal, the top administrator in their building, can call their colleague into question on this issue at least with much success or without union grievances.  

Tell me, how does union protection in the dress code, support the message of adult authority, professionalism and or assist student achievement or success? How is the current dress policy, made under union constraints, a benefit to taking control of the classroom and the educational process? Does allowing teachers the opportunity to "look like their students" and not be accountable for dress policies to school administration help the educational process? Is it not offensive for a teacher to parade in front of hormonal boys (and some hormonal co-workers and parents) as if they have to answer to no one for their choices? No, this is a policy (or lack thereof) that does NOT serve the successful education of our students in any manner.

Then I find it hard to believe that sparse "cussin'" is really an issue. I think "change" simply may be the real issue.

Criticisms:

As I bring this post to a close, I couldn't help but deal with a few criticism leveled by those who certainly weren't "in the know" regarding Dr. Steve Perry and his visit to Peoria.

"Charter School"

Another criticism of Dr. Perry was that he was a "Charter School" Principal. I guess that the perception is that being a "Charter School" is a gimmick to student success. The fact is that Dr. Perry's school is a PUBLIC School, (a Magnet school to be exact) funded with public school funds similar to every and all District 150 schools. Only he is given the authority to run his building as the head of the facility. He evaluates his staff for their performance and maintains the ability to petition for the services and teachers that make the students educational process a success. With numbers that are top in the nation, and a growing trail of students who are college ready, and engaging the educational process at the next level successfully, no one can dispute or argue with Dr. Perry's methods or results.

In other words Dr. Perry simply does the job that he is employed to do and students and families are benefited in the process!

"Dr. Lathan Merely Wanted To Affirm Her Methods"

Finally, I (Pastor Harvey Burnett) was personally able to connect with Dr. Perry and his staff and facilitate the necessary conversations to make this event a reality. The idea to have him as speaker did not begin with Dr. Lathan, but was certainly embraced by her and her staff in the utmost, professional manner for the BENEFITS that Dr. Perry affords both staff, students and parents as one of the country's most renown educators and education personalities.

We are proud of District 150 staff and personnel for the work they did in embracing this historic event and getting this job done.

As a PARENT, I know that the education of our children is of vital and uncompromising importance. We have seen that the State of Illinois, and various political figures, have no conscience when it comes to educational cuts and the status of our communities.

As Mayor Ardis said, we should place more dollars and resources on the educational side of our children's lives, to prevent potential problems that occur due to lack of education and the lack of opportunity that comes along with it. Our honorable Mayor and I have respectfully disagreed on some issues in times past, but this is one area in which we have total agreement.

What we do for the benefit of our children will have valuable results for the future of our communities and we're on board 100%!

Next District 150 Parent University: Sept. 27th 2012 Glen Oak Grade School, Wisconsin Ave. 6:00PM.

Pastor H. Burnett

Director Peoria Assn. Of Pastors.