Many people have asked me about my relationship with Mark Metzger. Let me begin by stating that I have been regularly attending
school board meetings since 2005, and since that time I have missed only a handful of meetings. I feel this has given me
excellent insight into the issues our district faces and what is required of a board member managing a district as large and
complex as D204.
When I first started attending school board meetings I listened and observed and tried to learn about the issues. One observation
I made early on is that school board meetings are sparsely attended (which is a shame and makes for a rather lonely night
out, but thats for another post). After a while, sitting alone in the audience provided the existing board members with an
opportunity to see a familiar face. As a result, I did get to interact with a few of the board members; Chris Vickers, Curt
Bradshaw, and Jeannette Clark in particular. For instance, I have had specific conversations with Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Clark
regarding A/C in our elementary schools. Over time I also introduced myself to Alke Tyle, John Stephens, Bruce Glawe and
Mark Metzger. When it became apparent in early 2008 that the school board no longer wanted to pursue Brach Brodie as the
site for Metea Valley, I sent an email to Mr. Metzger (in early March 2008) asking if other sites were being considered besides
AME/Midwest Gen. I specifically asked him about a site at W. 111th St. and S. 248th Ave. (the Macom site) and also a piece
of land off Aurora Ave. east of Eola. Mr. Metzger responded that the property at 111th and 248th was not an option and the
other site I inquired about was not large enough.
My next correspondence with Mr. Metzger took place right after Bruce Glawe tendered his resignation in August 2008. At that
time I sent an email to all of the board members inquiring about the process to fill Mr. Glawe's open seat. Mr. Bradshaw
and Mr. Metzger both responded letting me know that a process would be determined and released though the IPSD website. In
early September 2008 I went through the formal interview process for Mr. Glawe's position which included an interview in front
of all of the sitting school board members. I was hopeful that my time spent attending board meetings, being familiar with
all of the districts issues, and learning how the district works would be to my advantage. However, the night after my interview
I received a call from Mr. Metzger who let me know that the school board had selected Cathy Piehl. That was my first personal
one-on-one conversation with Mr. Metzger, or third correspondence if you count the two previous emails.
My most recent conversation with Mr. Metzger was in regards to district finances. At my request, he shared with me some CPI
numbers and suggested that I follow up with Dave Holm for additional information, which I have done.
While many of the SB members know me by name, it is because of my commitment and dedication to attending school board meetings
for over 3 years. Aside from casual interactions with all of the board members over this time, any issues or concerns I have
voiced were done so in a public forum. I've had the opportunity to speak many times (at the school board meetings) during
the time for public comment regarding issues that have, and still do, concern me within our district. I have tried to make
myself recognizable to the board members so that when I did raise an issue, I would be certain to receive some type of response.
I feel this has served me well in learning how a school district of this size and complexity works.
To summarize, I have had 4 interactions with Mark Metzger over the past three years as described above.
In regards to my relationship with Mr. Metzger, I will again stand by what I said at the IPPC forum which was quoted in the
Naperville Sun:
"Mark Rising said he respects much of what Metzger has done for the district since he became a board member in 1991. But,
he said, he has seen Metzger's attitude change these past few years. I've witnessed a loss of compassion, a disconnect with
the community, loss of trust with the community, and the latest thing he did (regarding the email) I think was just plain
vindictive. Rising said."
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1459113,board-candidates-want-full_na030309.article
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Mark Rising for District 204 School Board |
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An Independent Voice for a District We Deserve |