Today we are posting a letter to this blog’s editor by Kenneth Butterly, a Niles resident (Elementary School District 63) who nevertheless lives within Maine Township High School District 207. It addresses many of the points made in our 07.19.2018 post; and it is published with the permission of its author. FWIW, Mr. Butterly’s reference to his and this editor’s past disagreements might be better understood, at least in part, by reading our 12.12.2011, 01.19.2012 and/or 11.03.2015 posts.
__________________________________________
Robert, you and I have gone nose to nose on several occasions regarding local subjects. And we’ve hardly ever agreed. However, this is not going to be one of those times.
The “Public Opinion Survey” was District 207’s attempt to finesse its way toward its goal; the $240.7 million referendum. The questions were obviously designed to solicit a positive District-leaning response. And yes, we’ve not seen the results of those surveys, nor in my opinion, were we ever meant to. The “Public Opinion Survey” technique is a commonly used marketing gimmick designed to make target audience members feel as if they are part of the show. This same method is being utilized elsewhere by districts engaged in similar referendums.
Now to your question. Is the District planning a November 2018 or April 2019 vote?
On June 29th, D207’s Superintendent and his Board hired Mr. Brett Clark as D207’s Co-Director of Communications for $150,000+. Sean Sullivan and Teri Collins moved and seconded, respectively, the motion. Results: Aye: Austriaco, Collins, Coyle, Lee, Owen, Sullivan; Nay: None; Absent: Besler.
What does this mean? Two things I think.
First, D207 now has 2, yes I said 2, Co-Directors of Communications: (1) Long time Director of Communications, $85,000+ Mr. David Beery; and (2) $150,000+ Mr. Clark, to work toward the referendum. That’s $235,000+ in propaganda-creating talent.
Second, D207 intends to go for broke and, at this moment, it’s still unclear as to whether that will occur this November or in April 2019.
Mr. Beery, to my understanding, has never fought a referendum battle. It’s also unclear if Mr. Clark has done so, either. On the other hand, if you believe Mr. Clark’s work history, this is not his first rodeo.
Mr. Clark’s “Linkedin” page states the following:
“Summary
Experienced educator with more than 20 years experience in the areas of communications, marketing and human resources. Skilled in Crisis Communications, Editing, Public Speaking, Media Relations and Publications. Earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation from Public Relations Society of America.”
Under the “Experience” section he displays the following job titles:
- Adjunct Faculty, Governors State University (Feb. 2017 – Present – 1 yr. 6 mos.);
- Director of Communications and Marketing, Consortium for Educational Change (Sep. 2015 – Jul. 2018 – 2 yrs. 11 mos.);
- Executive Director of Human Resources, Glenview D34 (1 yr. 3 mos.);
- Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Glenview D34 (4 yrs. 1 mo.);
- Director of Community Relations and Grants, Glenview D34 (7 yrs. 11 mos.);
- Public Relations Director, Ladue SD (2 yrs. 3 mos.);
- Lead Public Information Specialist / Public Information Specialist, Parkway SD (2 yrs. 5 mos.);
- Publications Coordinator, Missouri Society of CPAs (8 mos.);
- Information Specialist U. of Missouri, St. Louis (6 mos.); and
- Public Relations Coordinator, McCann Erickson Public Relations (9 mos.).
If you want to see it all, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-clark-apr-0b69126.
So, what’s the bottom line?
The fact that Dr. Wallace and Board President Carla Owen see a need for this much public relations fire-power says a lot about their fear of being rebuffed by the taxpayers/voters, and a heightened determination to get the money.
The plot thickens!
P.S. For those of you who might be interested, please take notice of the following:
SUBJECT: D-207 Building & Grounds Committee mtg. Monday, July 30, 2018 at 5:15 p.m., 1177 South Dee Rd.
AGENDA: “…3. Public Comments 4. Facility Master Plan 5. Financing Facility Master Plan….”
Kenneth Butterly
To read or post comments, click on title.