School Board Report Card -- Part 1
School Board Report Card -- Part 1 Save Email Print
Posted: 12:09 AM Jul 9, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:05 AM Jul 10, 2008
 Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com
52 comments
A | A | A

The South Bend Community School Corporation has been the subject of plenty of controversy this year -- most notably just weeks ago, when the school board fired Dr. Robert Zimmerman about halfway through his contract.

So who are these people on the board? What is their background, and why do they want to devote their time to changing the dynamics of education?

The answer they all gave was similar. The position isn't very glamorous, and it can be grueling, but they believe in the power of education and the effect it has on a child's future.

Six out of the seven board members sat down with me one on one and explained why they should get an "A" on their report card.

"You are not going to please 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time," admitted Marcia Hummel.

After 14 years on the board, she knows this best.

Hummel is here because she was asked to join the board back in 1994 after she witnessed the community divided by a teachers strike. She's still here because she has seen the progress that an effective board can make.

Right now, though, there's some question.

"I am very concerned about the growing micromanagement of the board," Hummel told me.

She believes they should only be here if their main goal is to make sure each and every student learns how to succeed.

"Even with all the obstacles that education faces today, it is the one sure tool that can actually reduce poverty and build a community up," she remarked.

On Hummel's report card:

  • Has served 14 years on the board
  • Was president for four years
  • Graduated from Riley High School
  • Attended IUSB for almost three years
  • Spent 16 years in this school corporation as a business peer professional in classrooms

When I asked Ralph Pieniazkiewicz if he had ever imagined he would serve on the school board, he replied, "Never. That never ever even crossed my mind."

After 30-plus years of teaching and coaching at Riley, it wasn't until his retirement party 10 years ago that Pieniazkiewicz decided to run for the board.

His reason still stands -- improving student discipline and drive are goals that don't get fixed in the short term. He wants to see a community career center focused on trades.

"I think we would save a lot of kids, keep them in school, and I think our graduation rates would just skyrocket," he says.

On Pieniazkiewicz' report card:

  • Has served 10 years on the board
  • Two terms as vice president
  • Graduated from Washington High School
  • Has a bachelor's and a master's degree in physical education and industrial arts, both from Murray State University
  • His two children graduated from Riley High School

"It's certainly been an eventful year, I’ll say that," admits Sheila Bergeron.

It’s her first year as president, and Bergeron says she's prepared for anything -- especially after the board elected 5-2 to oust Superintendent Dr. Robert Zimmerman.

"It doesn't work very well if it works apart, and people are going in different directions," she says.

She's confident that will change, now that an interim superintendent is in place. She says her experience studying education for years will be put to good use.

"I'm a real people person and I can compromise. I’m not so stubborn that I can't look at someone else's views and see the merit in those," Bergeron says about herself.

On President Bergeron's report card:

  • Has served 10 years on the board
  • Student taught in the local schools
  • Has a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from Indiana University, and a master's degree in social work from IUPUI
  • Her three daughters graduated from Adams High School

When asked about her time with the school board, Dawn Jones reveals, "I've learned a lot."

As a longtime board member and a mother of eight, Dawn Jones says the older she became, the more she realized the value of education.

She decided to go to college after she started working for former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer.

"I just want to make sure that as many kids obtain opportunities as they can and move forward in their academic career," Jones explains.

Once on the board, she was inspired to keep learning. She went back to school. She's even taught school in her own home for a few years to her children.

"I really understood the importance of one on one and parent involvement," she says.

On Jones' report card:

  • Has served eight years on the board
  • Currently holds the position of secretary, and recently was president
  • Has an undergraduate degree in general studies and a master's in public administration, both from IUSB
  • Her children graduated from South Bend schools

"I do feel I am the voice of the people right now," says Bill Sniadecki.

It's that voice he says he wished was part of the board when his daughter went through the system.

His brief time spent in the seat doesn't shy him away from making sure many hear his opinions.

He says he fights for what he believes in, like keeping Dr. Zimmerman in place -- even though he and Dawn Jones were knocked down on this vote.

He says it has motivated him to get back up again and share his message.

"I ran as the common person," he explains. "I went the trades route. I was a mechanic, I was an electrician."

"We probably got more kids that do not want to go to college, but they are gonna have to have more than high school level training to get jobs now," says Sniadecki.

Like Pieniazkiewicz, he would like to see some type of trade school in the corporation.

On the Sniadecki report card:

  • Has served three and a half years on the board
  • Graduated from Washington High School, as did his daughter
  • Served in the military
  • Has worked as an engineering aid and traffic tech electrician for the city of South Bend

"I feel like you’re on a three-legged race with seven people," says Ann Rosen, when describing what it is like being a member of the school board.

Vice President Rosen says that since day one on the board her focus has been to aid in well-thought decision making.

She says her skills are sharpened every day from working at Family Connection, a small not for profit agency that improves early childhood education programs.

On Vice President Rosen's report card:

  • Has served three and a half years on the board
  • Has an undergraduate degree in biology from Oberlin College, and a master's degree in early childhood from Manhattanville College
  • Her two children graduated from Clay High School

"In education, I would say, across the country, we have never done a really good job in evaluation," Rosen says. "So we have educational fads that kind of come and go. Nobody ever really says, ‘Did this work? How did this impact kids, are they really learning better?’"

It's these important decisions that the board will continue to make -- decisions that directly affect South Bend students.

Now, the big question is what exactly went wrong with Dr. Zimmerman? Was removing him the answer to their problems?

We'll let you decide in part two of our School Board Report Card series.

And which board members are up for re-election in the fall? Did they say if we'll see their names on the ballot?

Snaidecki, Rosen, and Jones are all up for re-election. Jones was the only one who said she definitely wants to stay put.

Kim Barnbrook is also up for re-election. We called her several times and emailed her asking her to sit down with us, but she never responded.

Coming up in part two on Wednesday night, there has been a lot of discussion about the firing of Dr. Robert Zimmerman. NewsCenter16 asks, why did it happen? Finally we have an answer on why the board fired the superintendent.

Then in part three Thursday night at 11, NewsCenter16 studies the school board to see if it really is dysfunctional and if other school boards operate much better. Erin Logan continues her series on the School Board Report Card by talking to an expert on school boards and how they should operate.
Related Stories
School Board Report Card -- Part 2

 More Stories
St. Joe Michigan one of Delta Skies Magazine's "Great Escapes"

6-year-old boy, three others, in serious condition after string of early morning shootings

Declining economy not present at RedBud National

Teen rushed to hospital after possible drowning in Mishawaka
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Bonnie Location: Elkhart on Jul 13, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I have been following this -every school system will have adults who act like this. Question: if you 'remove' top/model students, does that mean the rest will never ever move into the top/model slots?
Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jul 11, 2008 at 08:54 PM
What contest in hell did we lose to be stuck with these arrogant losers?
Posted by: scott Location: south bend on Jul 10, 2008 at 05:22 PM
We are paying for Plan Z. We will for years to come. We made academies and took the top students out of each primary and middle school building. The top students and role models are gone. Our kids are bussed all over the district. Magnet schools mean "open enrollment". Uniforms mean "I don't have to enforce present dress codes". 1% raises five times over the past 6 years means good young teachers look elsewhere. The high cost of insurance leads to older teachers who should have, but can't afford to retire. I don't know if Dr. Zimmerman did a good job or not. But it is evident that the school board and Dr. Raymond didn't.
Posted by: Mishawka Alumni on Jul 10, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I was a Mishawaka Caveman many years ago. Mishawaka has lots of issues too they just don't behave like the South Bend Board members do, they have some class. We need to realize we have a problem with the antiquated edcational system. Let's start over. I think we should have kids attend neighborhood schools. Bussing is stupid and costs to much. Schools should be K-8 middle school should ve grades 9-10 and you earn credits that get you to high school. High Schools need to be run like colleges-students need to set classes themselves and have choice on who teaches them. Teachers must undergo the same evaluation process like college profs. Credits earned in grades 11-12 should count towards graduation and a college.
Posted by: Jeff N. Location: SB on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
To Laine . . . what I meant was when they're up for election. Do you not care about out kids growing up with computer skills that are relevant to Macintosh 2000 models??? Do you think it was a good idea to spend all the money during plan Z ONLY to 3 years later have the architect retire and have no results to show for it. Do you not care about extra curricular activities and much needed vocational skills??? Answer these questions how you want . . .
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 10:21 AM
No hard Q&A from this fluff station. All interviews with public officials are handled with kid gloves. Why? Are there no reporters there or just entertainers reading from a script? What is everyone want to know? I would like to hear an explanation for some of the actions they have taken. They are public officials answerable to the people, are they not? Shouldn't the board be a link in the educational chain, right between the teachers and the parents. It sounds like all three links have crack in them. Parents that use the schools as a baby sitting service. I do not think I would want to server on this board and carry all their kid on my back, but that does not mean that the board does not have to be accountable for their actions. I believe you are pointing the finger in the wrong direction when you point at the teachers. They are the ones on the front line of this war. Quote to them for they are our strongest link. They don't get paid enough.
Posted by: Laine Ferguson on Jul 10, 2008 at 10:10 AM
To Anonymous at 3:41 07-09-08: "Is lainie ferguson really Steve Luecke? It sounds like it, based on the complete lack of responsibility he/she thinks our local government owes us." I never once uttered any word about our government and what it does or does not owe us. Way to put words in someone's mouth!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Are there going to be any tough questions, such as what have you as a school board accomplished...ever?
Posted by: Mary /Teacher Location: South Bend on Jul 10, 2008 at 07:57 AM
That ignorant Sniadecki is not "my voice." He is the biggest problem with the Board. All these people that are complaining probably have never been to a Board Meeting and seen the deplorable behavior of the NEA, and members of the public who have a personal agenda. I applaud the majority of the Board for putting up with the vicious and many times unwarranted criticism from ignorant people who just like to complain and whine. These complainers are like robots who only listen to the Tribune (they aren't bias, yeah right!)or the propaganda the NEA so called leadership puts out in their newsletter. Most of what they print is just NOT FACTUAL! The Tribune WANTS an appointed Board that they can control. Watch their stories and see if you don't see that. Everything is slanted negative to the goal of getting an appointed Board.
Posted by: ED Location: SOUTH BEND on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:19 AM
BOAD MEMBERS REPORT CARD I JUST FINISHED WATCHING 3 BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS OR MORE TRY TO BLAME MR. ZIMMERMAN FOR THE SHOTCOMINGS OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM. THEY SHOWED THEIR AROGANCE AND DISRESPECT FOR THE INTELIGANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.UNDER THEIR LEADERSHIP OVER THE LAST DOZEN YEARS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS HAVE DEVELOPED A REPUTATION THAT NONE OF US CAN BE PROUD OF. FAMILIES ARE PAYING THOUNDSANDS OF DOLLARS,THEY CAN NOT AFFORD,TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS JUST TO KEEP THEM OUT OF SOUTH BEND SCHOOLS. MR. ZIMMERMAN WAS NOT AROUND DURING THESE YEARS OF DETORATION OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM BUT THESE THREE BOARD MEMERS WERE AND ARE NOW TRYING TO DEFLECT THEIR YEARS OF LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND BAD JUDGEMENT ON TO OTHERS. THESE THREE BOARD MEMBERS ALONG WITH KIM FEARED MR. ZIMMERMAN BECAUSE HE REPRESENTED CHANGE ,TOGETHERNESS OF ALL TO REVIVE OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM TO BECOME THE BEST IT COULD BE.

Please do not post in all caps. Thank you. -WNDU.com

Posted by: SBCSC Teacher Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I too share the disappointment in the board latest decision to release the superintendent that they single handedly selected after being compelled by the community to accept assistance. It is deplorable that this board is dictating the lives of our children. Is this the type of goverance what can be expected? The board does not know their roles. Each member has a personal agenda that they are trying to accomplished. We had the opportunity to get retired educators and we allowed Bergeron, Ralph and Hummel back. Yes lets go back to the appointed board, we need intelligent, knowledgeable,respected individuals. Persons that are secure in who they are and not in need of a platform to toot their own horns. Where is our mayor, I realize it isn't a election year for him but he does need to step to the plate after all this is the city that he is responsible for. Schools are important intities to businesses coming to our city. Vote for change in November!!!!
Posted by: No More Kids @Home Location: So Bend South Side No Pride on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Sounds like Riley? Sounds like a real problem--do you know that kids who don't carry IDs create their own temp ones? Do you know that anyone can actually walk into any SBCS with a premade temp ID and get in the building? Do you know that door 21 is the door that's always open? Do you know that are kids can't read and write because of all the nonsense? NONSENSE is everywhere--starts at home, in the neighborhoods, and in the schools. Very Sad
Posted by: SB Teacher Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I am ashamed to say that I am a teacher in the south bend school. The recent debacle has all of us with many concerns with the state of our schools. We have a tremendous job before us and we have to work with a board that lacks intelligence and integrity. No high standing informed board would make a move such as this at this time. This is definitely the Raymond move. She is very much in Florida dictating our direction. We know that she had no regard for our children she didn't even like them. It is a sad state that Dr. Zimmerman critics felt he was too visible in the disadvantaged, minority area yet this is a group that we have not been able to address and move forward. Supposedly this is the concern of the board? NOT!! this board is made up of people that want to be the authority over educational concerns however lack the fundamental basics, I question their educational backgrounds, my greater concern is what contributions have any of them made? what is their work histories?
Posted by: Concerned Mom Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Need to get young, fresh, & creative minds on the school board that can make a positive difference in the way the South Bend Schools are run and ways that they can get through to students today. These older school board members are set in their old ways, in a different generation than what society needs in this day and age. I believe Mishawaka Schools set a good example for their city and for their students.
Posted by: Concern Citizen Location: SBCSC on Jul 9, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I am quite disappointed that wndu would run this facade of persons depicting to be concerned about education for all students when indeed they are tooting their own horns. To be in involved in a buy-out with out a resolved teacher contract is totally not right. You expect teachers to be accountable go back in 3 weeks and give their all and you take money to buy out the superintendent that you wanted no public input into hiring. There is no reason that this should be going on now with the state of our schools, all 4 high schools on probation, low graduation rate, low test scores,truancies high,low attendance. A couple of board members have axes to grind because of their own children, it is sad how you lied about where your children completed their high school terms. It is apparent that there is no regard for our children because you don't regard your teachers. The buy-out is wrong and all of you need to give up your seats and go,Oh what about your perks?!! stipend/insurance????
Posted by: Moses Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Once upon a time, South Bend had an APPOINTED school board. Yes, they were political appointees, but for the most part, they were stellar members of the community with areas of expertise in business management, finance, human resources, education and social sciences. They could be looked up to and admired as individuals and as a group. They were not room mothers and/or crossing guard dads looking for their "15 minutes of fame" as a School Board member. Our current School Board is the MOST COMPELLING reason to return to an appointed School Board. BTW, can these clowns be sued for imcompetence?
Posted by: anonymous Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Concerned...Sounds like you are talking about what Riley was like when I graduated back in '05, yeah only three years ago. Also from what I've heard it's only gotten worse.
Posted by: Tracie Location: SB on Jul 9, 2008 at 04:18 PM
How is this a report card? They are just chatting. A report card should indicate what they provided to the school system and the results of that effort. I will only vote for the two who did not kick out Zimmerman. It is bad enough that I pay for a failing school system. I certainly don't want to pay for Zimmerman's unwarranted buyout.
Posted by: Nick on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:43 PM
There is education and intelligence. Some have the education on the board, but few have intelligence. The best comment in the artcile in Shelia Bergeron saying that she is a people person and can look at others point of view. To offer a buyout where there wasn't much time left, was a moronic thing to do, obciously the highest position on the board lacks intelligence.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:41 PM
How many of you who post actually attend school board meetings? I bet none of you do. It's easier to flap your jaw and be part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Is lainie ferguson really Steve Luecke? It sounds like it, based on the complete lack of responsibility he/she thinks our local government owes us.
Posted by: Concerned on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:40 PM
The entire school board is a joke. SBCS should be run like a real business. Lets start start with term limits, and then clean up the school personnel--yes, get rid of all the lazy crappy teachers--the ones that party with the kids, the social workers that have booze parties at their homes, the coaches that behave inappropriately at games, the athletic director down town that allows this nonsense, the teachers that bring booze into the school and hide it in a coffee cup, the teachers who are lazy & give busy work while avoiding real work and effort, the school security people that behave like the kids instead of authority figures, janitors who are having affairs with teachers, and lets not forget the rude lady in the attendence office. Fire/remove these deadbeats so the kids can start learning. Students and parents should fill out evaluations on teachers each semester--a pattern of behavior and abilities can be tracked. Parents who fail to do their jobs should be punished too.
Posted by: Lou on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I still see no reason for a school board after this article. For all of their high and mighty talk, the fact is we graduate less than 50% of our students, this alone should give every member of the board an F. Put in the waste of letting a Superintendent go and wasting so much of our money(NOT THEIRS!) on a contract buy out because of what were quite obviously personality conflicts with the board. These people care only about their own power and prestige in the community, not our children or us taxpayers. Get rid of them all and hire a single professional to run the system as other sucessful programs have done. Have that person make administrators and teachers resonsible for their performance and give that person carte blanche to fire any that aren't up to par. In addition increase starting teacher's salaries by the amount you save in not having a board. We need better teachers not better buildings.
Posted by: ben franklin Location: moving van on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:19 PM
4 years ago the present day Superintendent told a friend of ours that their choice to send their child to St. Joe was a good decision over Clay Hmmm. As long as those checks cash right? "I am very concerned about the growing micromanagement of the board," Hummel told me. Like you micromanage Zimmy. District 5 needs a person who knows where Clay is other than election time. Softball interviews.
Posted by: ANONYMOUS Location: SOUTH BEND on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Just because the principal at Adams doesn't put up with crap doesn't make him racist. He injected some much needed discipline into the school. If you are where you're supposed to be, doing what you're supposed to be doing you won't have any problems with Mr Weideman. (not sure of spelling)
Posted by: Ronald Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I agree with Chuck who said, "Those aren't report cards. Those are resumes." There is no depth to this article! Where's the exploring of issues, philosophies and solutions with the Board members. This is not useful reporting and we WNDU viewer/listeners deserve better! I generously give Erin Logan a D-minus for her efforts.
Posted by: Lainie Ferguson on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Jeff N. - Check your facts, not all board members are up for election every year. You may want to know what you're talking about before you go adding more ignorance to the world. As for my hypocrisy, I am not complaining about the board members. I’m complaining about people like you who are not informed enough to type an factual statement. Take it how you want.
Posted by: Wally on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:35 PM
How about the school board get out of the way and let teachers teach! Not all the poitically correct BS but the basics then add things that kids need to survive. I have hired kids straight out of high school and they can't even fill out a job application or make correct change how can they survive when a workforce needs people with basic skills and they don't posses them! Vocational training goes a long way for young people even if they don't follow that path it teaches basic problem solving skills and basic organiztion. Cmon SBCS board get your head out of your rears and wakeup kids can learn if you hold them accountable your graduation rate is horrible and you should be ashamed.
Posted by: Jared Newburg Location: Elkhart on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Like most elected offices, I believe alot problems could be solved by these two words: TERM LIMITS
Posted by: Jeff N. Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Iainie, you are whining yourself, in a blatant form of hypocrisy. On to more intelligent matters, It is my prediction that Rosen, Bergeron, and Pinky are all not elected this fall. The SBCSC is in peril, especially with their high spending and bad financial decisions backfiriingw while coinciding with a bad economy. Say goodbye to much needed extra curricular activities, technology spending, and logical(not lavish) building improvements . . .
Posted by: samantha Location: new carlisle on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:37 PM
One of them looks like she does crack. F
Posted by: concerned Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Until public education goes to a voucher system it will never get better! Why is our university system the best in the world and our public education one of the worst? Because the schools do not compete for your student!! Kill public education the sooner the better!
Posted by: Jeff Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Anonymous, I don't believe your racial imbalance theory, it is just making an issue where there isn't one. South Bend has only 24% black residents according to the US demographic statistics, not over 50% as you claim. For areas outside the city limits that are part of the South Bend School Corp, the number is about 10%. Thus the South Bend Community School Corp. area is roughly 20% black, or about 1 in 5. Plus people can only elect candidates who actually run for office. Thus if no black people run, then no black people will get elected. I have no problem seeing more black people on the board, however I don't think the racial makeup of the current board is the problem. Stupidity and arrogance are color blind.
Posted by: parent Location: niles on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:34 PM
They really need to look at the Niles Community school board.. Privatized there transportation Dept.. Its not right... Its gonna come back and bite them in the butt
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I think the Parents in the SB Schools need to find out why Dr. Joan Raymond has been here and meeting with the board members secretly????? She is the one who pushed to get Zimmerman fired.
Posted by: lainie ferguson on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Whine whine whine....*sigh*…it's always the same thing. You people complained when the board fired Zimmerman...said the board needed to get their noses out of the corporation's business because they micro-manage too much. Now you're complaining that they don't micro-manage enough! Which is it, people? This is exactly why they can never do the job the public wants them to because the public is constantly contradicting its self and never ever ever ever happy with any decision that is made. As for the lack of minority representation, how many minorities actually run for the school board? Not many! Minorities have to run before they can be elected! It’s up to you as the public to change that…until then quit whining!
Posted by: parent Location: sb on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Glad to see WNDU doing this story!!!! Even though it prompts much needed (negative) responses...it gets people talking and hopefully forces these members to be PUBICALLY held responsible for their actions! Please remind us closer to election time who these "members" are so we vote with refreshed information! I also agree that most of these problems we face today are results from poor parenting. More conversations need to happen to see where we can improve in those areas. SBCSC is basically FREE so that is where most of the neglicted children have to go.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:03 AM
When you have a school board member home schooling, that's a red flag. What no confidence in your system? Am I the only one who noted the racial imbalance? Is not South Bend over 50% black? Where are they? If you what more for your children YOU must work for it, not set and wait for someone to hand it to them. This board may be very well educated but they lack common sense. To be on the board you do NOT need a degree, or white just a real desire to make YOUR home town better. How many computers have they added to your schools? What happened to the vocational class the school system had years ago? What about the teacher strikes? Why wasn't this highly educated board able to work this out? Now I do not give them all the blame YOU pretend-parents carry a lot of the responsibility for YOUR child's education, again step-up or let them fall though the cracks. YOU'VE BEEN SERVED, your move!
Posted by: SB Teacher Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Those are not really report cards, there is no evaluation procoess listed on background information about them. Why did the others refuse to participate-what are they scared of? If they can't take the heat, they better get out of the kitchen!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:33 AM
I agree that term limits are needed. Some of these people have been in too long. Ten years, eight years. The power has gone to some of their heads and they have abused it to the determent of the children in the South Bend Schools. I am a South Bend School graduate, but I would never send my children to their schools. I have moved to Mishawaka, Penn area now, and that is the best school system in the area.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Did any of these idiots actually say they deserved an "A", or was this just the reporter prompting an answer?
Posted by: Dean Location: S.B. on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Hummel-F Pieniazkiewicz-F Bergeron-F Jones-F Sniadecki-C Rosen-C Overall-F
Posted by: Allen Location: south bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:22 AM
There needs to be a real conversation on the problems in the south bend community. The problems are not just at the school level, you only need to drive thru the city on any given evening and see the result of low graduation rates, empty buildings from a unsafe community and a place for business. Until south bend starts working as one prominent business will continue to move from the city limits. Start putting criminals in jail not just giving them a walk pass on there 14th or 16th arrest. True they deserve a real chance, however they have to want that chance to better themselves and be better citizens. As for the rest of the citizens it could be summed up as quick as this, A CITIES JOB IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIROMENT FOR THE LAW ABIDING CITIZENS. the surrent south bend is not..NOT this place.
Posted by: SB Teacher Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Thank you WNDU for the information but if you look at the length of service of some of the members you can see that term limits are needed. This board has made some bad decisions and needs to go. Everyone of them needs to be replaced.
Posted by: Chuck Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 05:35 AM
Those aren't report cards. Those are resumes. Report Cards have grades on them, and at no time have you given any analysis to offer grades. You're merely giving each school board member a chance to show their qualifications and make a campaign statement.
Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 05:14 AM
I agree-the school board is a joke. There is only one person that is worth keeping and that is Mr. Sniadecke. He is the ONLY one who responds to any e-mail if you have a question or a concern. I have e-mailed several others on the board and so has my husband and the rest of them think that they are above answering. Get rid of them all except for Sniadecki.
Posted by: Anon Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 03:31 AM
Why stop at firing Zimmerman, Fire that racist Principal at Adams High School. He needs to be fired. He is also a misogynist. The board members are well aware of his actions and they continue to keep him at Adams. One would have to ask the school board why they would hire a principal with a past of racisim, and put him in an inner city school. Just check with the people in Berrien and Cassopolis. There are articles in the Michigan papers about it. It's just the good old boys protecting the good old boys. I implore those parent who have experienced his improper actions to call the school board and make complaints. Although some have already been told. What is the board waiting for - a law suit? SBCSC pays more in legal fees than they do to educate. Kudos to Mr. Kapsa for reassigning Karyle Green. She has done more harm than anyone in the system. No wonder there are so many problems. You need to have people in Admin. positions who students can immulate. It certainly isn't Todd Wiedeman!
Posted by: LCB on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:40 AM
6 out of 7 gave themselves an A? What stooges. There was a time when good men declared Revolution over such terrible government abuse.
Posted by: KG Location: South Bend on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Thank you WNDU and Erin Logan for FINALLY asking some questions about members of our local "government". This is called "holding them accountable" through the media. Now we just have to get them to do the same for the mayors office!!
Posted by: SB Teacher Location: SB on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:24 PM
The school board is an embarrassment to the community. I think everyone should pay close attention to Erin Logan's story and rememeber who NOT to vote for in November. Hopefully there will be more changes with the SBCSC in the near future... starting with the disgusting board.
Posted by: Me on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:17 PM
The board is a JOKE!
Posted by: greg Location: south bend on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Wasting time on the school board is like wasting time on the Snyder family. Choose better stories.
Posted by: Carol Location: South Bend on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Why did the school board members fire Dr. Zimmerman? I think Dr. Raymond knows! I think this school board has earned an "F"!
Posted by: Teacher S.B. Location: S.B. on Jul 8, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Dont waste the time on this story the overall school board grade is a big fat F!! In my opinion there are only 2 people on this board worth reelecting.

WNDU News Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Most Popular Headlines