Comment Anonymously on St. Cloud Times Stories Here!!

Bodette column: We’re boosting Web Accountability

Good morning, St. Cloud area.

Twelve years ago, the Times was one of the first news organizations to give readers the ability to post comments on news stories on its website.

In the spirit of online chat rooms, readers were permitted to post comment anonymously. The person who made the comment (they become the publisher of the comment, not the Times) didn’t have to use his or her real name. What followed was an often intense debate here and nationally on allowing anonymous posts.  Read More

Another poll for the SRR board to consider!

As with the districts polling instrument, you may only vote once. 

We’re Baa….ack

And once again the puppets are back begging for money.  The arguments have remained the same and the bleeding hearts will all be back again to tell us it’s all about the children…..

As we stated in 2007, the last time the board tried to ram through a levy request during an odd year election, the endless demands of the public unions are not sustainable.  We all knew it in 2007 and now just three years later the activities in Madison and other states have afirmed that in these economic and political times this endless escalation is now completely understood to be unsustainable.  Steps, lanes, watered down curricula and relentless demands for more and more will not be well received in a commnit that is struggling to pay the grocery bill….. 

This board has lost it’s mind in thinking about asking for more in an even worse political and economic climate. Maybe it’s time to get that billboard dusted off and back in use.

Funny thing, in 2007 we were paying a seasoned 15 year veteran superintendent more than the governor….Now we are paying a rookie — first year super — even more….What is this board thinking?

Time(s) to Come Clean

It has been a busy week in Sauk Rapids.  Board meetings, curriculum meetings, deals and contracts to sign.  But can you berlieve it, SAuk Rapids has shelved the flawed IMP/CMP math curriculum and not a word from your friendly neighborhood school board reporter.  What could have been bigger news?  The school board watch pointed out the need for this fundamental change some time ago, yer the Little Danny seems to have missed the boat.

I can’t blelieve it…..well, I guess I can. 

But what else could be brewing in little Danny’s office?  Will there be a come to Jesus meeting or are we to be forever in the dark, under the cover of darkness?  Will the school board watch remain the source for real news?  Will there be another billboard?

Stay tuned……….

New Community Web Site Formed

Big news here in Sauk Rapids.  It looks like the district has selected their new PR firm and gotten busy with a new blog.  We hear that this new district outlet will be hosting monthly School Board Member columns.  The board meeting agenda will be posted prior to meetings as well and important happenings will be advertized. 

Most importantly the new web site will be used as an outlet for new data showing the complete turnaround of academic trends in the district.  We are ecstatic to see this level of community involvement and initiative.  We hope everyone gets on the band waggon in support of this new effort.

Most of all we are looking forward to that first column from the chairperson of the board.