Pantagraph.com | News | El Paso parents want better communication from district

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

TO: TO TAXES wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Your data is inaccurate if you read the details. El Paso has a larger population of people with different housing needs. They have a greater amount more rentals, condos, trailer homes, etc. Also, if you continue on the website it shows that El Paso pays slightly higher real estate property taxes than Gridley - although they pay the same percentage. Let's consider all things before making a blanket statement that Gridley pays higher taxes. Don't twist facts - let's be realistic. "

To Taxes wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:15 PM:

" According to research done by city-data.com in 2005, the median house value in Gridley was $104,200 and the median house value in El Paso was $95,400. Now...I can look at the houses in ElPaso and compare them to Gridley's house. I think ElPaso has superior houses. (They just look nicer, I think.) But, the data shows that houses in Gridley are more expensive. Wouldn't that mean that Gridley residents pay more taxes? "

Think About This wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:08 PM:

" I have a feeling that the school board does care. I talked with a member after their meeting on Saturday and he said that they discussed the issue in great length. I also have a feeling that if the school board would have responded last Thursday, the meeting would have lasted even longer and it would have become more of a 2-sided argument rather than an opportunity for the board to hear people's comments. Give them a chance. What exactly would you do if you were in their shoes? I would bet that many of them have tried to figure out how it feels to be in your shoes. Do you think they really enjoy being complained about? "

To Bloggers wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:51 PM:

" I don't think an option to involuntary transfers has been discussed. Their staff must not see it as an issue worth reviewing. "

To Perspective wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:43 PM:

" Board members should know what they are doing and it is a tough job. I also appreciate them volunteering to serve. At the same time they should not treat parents as if they know nothing. Parents and children are stakeholders in education as well. They are elected to serve the public; they are not elected to refuse to respond and not look the public in they eye when asked a question. They are elected to represent our interests, not dictate theirs. "

To perspective wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:12 PM:

" The board should know what they are doing; but they are not responding (whatsoever) to the hundreds of parents who are asking them to pursue a different path than involuntary bussing of grade school children. This is unfortunate: they are elected to represent tax payers and students. If they will not have free open dialog they are not representing. What you described is what we should have for board members, but we do not. "

Perspective wrote on Aug 19, 2007 6:10 PM:

" EPG is one district not two. Things don't always work out as planned, some people need to stop worrying about every little thing and look at whats best for the district. The school board knows what they're doing, thats why they're on the school board, you elected them, and you aren't making their job any easier. People complain about everything, its almost like nothing the school board does is right. If you want it to be like it used to be, move to a town like Flanagan or Tremont and stop complaining. I don't care what you moved to El Paso for, its not like that anymore, now either accept it or leave. It is what it is, get over it. "

To To Bloggers wrote on Aug 19, 2007 2:27 PM:

" What exactly did the principals and school board say about next year? Are they going to even explore other options? "

Taxes wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:59 PM:

" You are correct about the tax "rate" being the same, however fair market values which deterimine the amount of taxes paid is much higher in Elp than Gridley. (similar houses to Gridley in ELP are higher priced). However this may change now due partially to our Boards policies. We have lost the status of "Good Schools". THANKS KELLY. "

To Bloggers wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:47 PM:

" While this venue has be somewhat entertaining and a good place to have dialog and vent frustrations, it has not had impact. Does anyone have an idea of how the many parents who are opposed to this can organize? The Board and Principals met on Saturday and plan to keep this policy for next year as well. Please share ideas, I would like to participate. "

To Opinion wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:24 AM:

" Gridley pays the exact same tax rate to the schools since we are part of a UNIT district. "

To MY TAX DOLLARS! wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Do you work in ElPaso? Whenever you leave ElPaso to travel to annother community whether it be just to shop in Bloomington, you leave the "comfort" of your tax dollars and rely on other communities for their police protection and emergency services. Your tax dollars provide those services to you and to anyone that travels in your community. While Gridley's service may not be as elite as ElPaso's, they do provide those services. "

Rude Awakening wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:11 AM:

" We intentionally moved here from a bad school dist. to avoid some of this stuff. I have no problems with my children goint to Gridley as scheduled for Jr. High, but to randomly choose kids to be educated outside of their home community each year is wrong. My son is not being bussed over - thankfully. I lived in another district that this occurred in and it is unfair to the kids because the friends they make at school are not the ones they can play with outside of school unless the parents drive back and forth. I was tired of it and now may be facing it again? This school system is not the one I knew when I went here - someone used to CARE about the kids and their families. Hire more teachers! "

Former EP resident wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:15 AM:

" I'm so glad I made it out of that "hole" that so many think is such an elite community. That has to be the worst town to grow up in, maybe going to Gridley won't be so bad for the kids after all.......EP you never cease to amaze me and continue to give me a good laugh from time to time. Keep living there and holding on to all your old glory days from being part of such a midwest metropolis!!! "

To no sense wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:55 PM:

" This decision has taken our kids out of our school, ruined town/school pride, divided freinds, exported $$ to Gridley, upset many many parents, destroyed confidence in our board and principals, spoiled childrens excitment about going back to school, devastated the attractiveness of our communities; and you say parents don't get it??? You are on an island. "

To Opinion wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:01 PM:

" You are absolutely correct. Leave the kids in El Paso, keep the classrooms over crowded and the teachers over worked and let's just see what type of education and attention those children get! "

OPINION wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:56 PM:

" I know as a local Homeowner that we pay enough in taxes to this school district in El Paso they should put our kids where WE want them and have a local bus route also, where is all our money going to ? makes you wonder..hmmmm "

TO PERSPECTIVE wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:15 PM:

" Hey smartie pants! HOW FAR IS IT FROM KAPPA OR SECOR!!!!! Think outside of the box!! "

MY TAX DOLLARS!!!!!!!! wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:06 PM:

" If my tax dollars pay for police protection and emergency services then my child ought to be able to attend the school in my community, especially when the other town doesn't provide these services! Why should my kindergartener have to go to Gridley school through fourth grade....which is 5 additional years....and be without the services my tax dollars pay for! Especially when my house is within walking distance of the elementary school! If there is an accident at school and either of these services are needed......these services are a town away! "

To PERSPECTIVE wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:51 PM:

" THERE ARE MORE ISSUES THAT JUST MILES! "

to perspective wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:42 PM:

" 7-8 miles from JP...............much farther for our rural families near: Carlock, Roanoke, Eureka, Minonk, Benson, Hudson................and another layover/transfer. For most of these towns ElPaso is a natural hub for going to work, groceries, DR, or any business. Gridley, is not. "

TO DRAFT wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:37 PM:

" EXACTLY!!!........ BLOGGERS PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE 10:26AM COMMENT "

Wow wrote on Aug 18, 2007 7:29 PM:

" So many people making comments who have so little idea about what it takes to run a school. It's not as easy as you think. "

Perspective wrote on Aug 18, 2007 7:12 PM:

" Are you serious? GET INFORMED? I actually drive to and from E.P. everyday and I'm pretty sure the signs outside of both towns say 7 miles. Oh wait, all the way to the schools might be an extra mile, i definitely see your point now! "

to PERSPECTIVE wrote on Aug 18, 2007 6:07 PM:

" it's more than just 7 miles - get informed! "

To PERSPECTIVE wrote on Aug 18, 2007 6:02 PM:

" You are right we are blessed compared to third world nations and a portion of my tax dollars may be going to help some of them out. BUT THIS IT THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN AND PAY TAXES AND I HAVE A RIGHT TO VOICE MY OPINION WHEN IT COMES TO MY CHILDREN! "

Perspective wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:25 PM:

" OK. We're complaining about busing our kids 7 miles. Think about how blessed we are. We live in america. We have schools to go to. How many people in third world countries do you think would complain about busing their kids to school. Get over it and find something more important to worry about. "

To: Hey Lucie wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:02 PM:

" Are you saying that you must have children at school within the district you are employeed? She's a taxpayer and not expecting the government to fund her children's education. It's a job and it's not up to you whether or not she could keep it. Do you know how hard it is to find good help these days, especially at minimum wage! A Slap in the face, whose - the schools or hers? Some might agree her family is the one who got the slap! Do whatever you want LUCIE - it's a free country! "

Politics wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:48 PM:

" Politics playing the same thing.....baffling and duping the public with the usual.....garbage. All in how you want to look at it. ElPaso Gridley is no different than what is happening up the road at Fieldcrest......I am thinking all of the people who run for office for school boards have to learn how to talk out of both sides of their mouths!!!! And to top it all off, they can not look you in the eye and be truthful either. "

??? wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:45 PM:

" Are the Vest's and the Faulk's the only ones who speak at these meetings?? surely there are more parents concerned.... Lucy should be concerned about her job next.... I just don't get it... "

Why wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:43 PM:

" are there special needs kids, IEP kids, being bussed from Gridley to ElPaso, why can't they be taken care of in Gridley... this all sounds like one big CIRCUs to me...... Keep these kids in there own towns.. For the sake of the kids.... "

A little of a lot! wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:40 PM:

" Not only was it very little communication, but very little research or options were explored! "

A little of a lot! wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:32 PM:

" Not only was it very little communication, but very little research or options were explored! "

We're not Unit #5!!! wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:06 PM:

" If we have administrators that want us to be like Unit #5 - maybe they should look for a job there! We are two great small towns that value family and community and want to keep our little ones close. "

Understand what will happen! wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:01 PM:

" If Gridley citizens think this is OK -- they are on your way to losing K-4 in their community with the risk of attendance centers. K-4 in EP -- 5-8 in G and HS in El Paso. GO ahead, blame it on old feelings, even though most parents could care less about any old school rivalry because we didn't grow up in either community! But if it makes you feel better...go ahead...but your're not right! The whole thing about this issue is that it's INVOLUNTARY. If an EP citizen loses their K-4 in their home town due to a lottery - there is no reason Gridley couldn't lose theirs with attendance centers. Each community should service the needs of K-4. Neither community would want to lose K-4, but if El Paso is forced to give it up - they will take it away from Gridley by way of attendance centers!! "

Can't say Gridley didn't get anything wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:39 PM:

" Well, at least Gridley is getting a new track with El Paso raised money. They got something out of the deal. This was so WRONG! "

Couldn't care less about any fued... wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:38 PM:

" Didn't grow up in El Paso, but chose to make it our home - couldn't care less about any fued against Gridley, but want my k-4 child in the town that I live. "

A EPG Parent wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:36 PM:

" No parent or student should have to go unvoluntarily or FORCED. Parents better stand up NOW and not allow this to continue in the future. "

Re: GROW UP^^ wrote on Aug 18, 2007 2:07 PM:

" Your snide little comments arn't helping the situation. So it worked for you, AND??? Why don't you focus your rants for people that want to read your spew? What is good for you is'nt necessarily what's good for other families. "

SAD~~ wrote on Aug 18, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Before the merger, it was stated that the grade schools would remain in each town. What a joke that was. This is about keeping our young ones close to home, and we we're duped but good. "

Hey Lucie wrote on Aug 18, 2007 1:10 PM:

" If I were an administrator, you would be looking for other employment. I consider it a slap in the face for you to home school your children because you did not get your way, and still draw money from the taxpayers. "

Grow up wrote on Aug 18, 2007 12:53 PM:

" I can't believe that everyone is making such a big deal about this. I graduated from El Paso and my children graduated from Gridley. There has been children bussed from Gridley to El Paso ever since my children attended there through Bright Beginnings. This is NO new thing that the district has "thought up". Would you rather have your kids in an over crowded classroom? I know personally of children that have been bussed to classes in the past 2 years from Grildley to El Paso and everyone is fine with that. It seems like there needs to be some parents that need to get over "the only school is good enough is El Paso." Grow up and let your children learn through the best means possible. "

To Outsider wrote on Aug 18, 2007 12:43 PM:

" Gridley has been shifting students to El Paso since the first year of the merger. While those parents volunteered, the parents felt forced to volunteer their students. Both communities gained and lost through the merger. We need to get past being individual school districts and work on being a unit district. "

Pathetic wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:46 AM:

" This was all done behind closed doors... like every other aspect of politics in El Paso. Parents should demand answers. I am sure that it was all a random drawing.... not! Squeaky wheels with fat billfolds stay in El Paso, everybody else, get on the bus. Nice decision from the board, two weeks before school starts. "

outsider wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:35 AM:

" El Paso seems to have lost quite a bit through this merger. "

poor elpaso wrote on Aug 18, 2007 11:10 AM:

" Poor, poor El Paso! Gridley isn't good enough for their kids but El Paso is the greatest for Gridley kids?!! Whatever. This has been an ongoing fued between El Paso and Gridley ever since I can remember. Give it a rest already. The kids have accepted it, it's the parents who can't put the rival in the past and let the kids learn and be friends. Gridley has to go to El Paso more so than El Paso has to come to Gridley so shut up already! "

Is EPG implementing a DRAFT? wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:26 AM:

" If they bring the El Paso kids back from Gridley next year are they going to send new ones? Is EPG implementing a DRAFT? Wouldn't this prove that the administrators made a mistake, that this isn't working. Or does everyone have to "serve time"? Gridley should't be seen as a prision or military training camp, but this is how it looks if they go down that road and children are asked to serve "a tour of duty." Both towns deserve better than this. Bring them home with a better option and don't ever let this happen again!! Volunteers, that's it! Even our military doesn't force men and women that don't volunteer. "

Just Wrong wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:13 AM:

" This is wrong! Keep the little ones where at home in their communities! What is the use of living in town if your children can't attend the school? "

no sense wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:59 AM:

" Parents just do not get it. I guess every school should be an "ala carte" program. Of course, no one would want to pay the taxes for that! Get a clue people, this not the working of an evil district "hatching" plans, it is a financial reality of small rural schools. You may look to your local, cowardly state legilslator (because of their failure to get school finance reform) for answers! I am sorry you have been inconvenienced! "

lol wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:04 AM:

" Told ya so. NOTHING good came out of this merger. "

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