(Logging at 13-JUN-2000 20:54) ..Mark> Ok Dan... all set. REP_SCHOOFF> ready and willing... REP_SCHOOFF> So how much should I pay for an internal CD-RW drive? ** BJ232 just joined "City of Beloit Online Forum" (3 members now) ** ..Mark> A basic drive is about $200 and goes up from there. Might find deals at around $175. ..Mark> Jason's here! BJ232> Hey guys REP_SCHOOFF> Welcome BJ232! REP_SCHOOFF> We're just about to begin... ..Mark> Jason... Dan tells me he's got domains registered and a real, live web developer in the family. It should be an interesting election year. BJ232> Yeah Mark, have you ever heard of domain names that cheap? REP_SCHOOFF> a good deal too.. 000domains.com ..Mark> I've seen them at $7.95 a year, but there were strings in the fine print. ..Mark> Nancy is showing in the visitors log /who GROUP LIST: 21:01:36 46) City of Beloit Online Forum Mark, REP_SCHOOFF, BJ232 - idle ------ [3 in this area] BJ232> I wonder if we can tell her to hit the chat key, even though it looks like no one is on? ..Mark> I just cliked on her name and sent email : ..Mark> Nancy, ..Mark> Just hit the Chat button. The server isn't showing anyone present, but we are here in chat now. ..Mark> Mark ..Mark> I changed the start page message again ** DOG1768 just joined "City of Beloit Online Forum" (4 members now) ** REP_SCHOOFF> Welcome to the online town meeting. REP_SCHOOFF> Does anyone want to start with a question? /who GROUP LIST: 21:08:00 46) City of Beloit Online Forum Mark, REP_SCHOOFF, BJ232, DOG1768 - idle ------ [4 in this area] DOG1768> What are you busy with at the moment? REP_SCHOOFF> Most of my time is spent on constituent concerns REP_SCHOOFF> and community efforts REP_SCHOOFF> The legislature is preparing REP_SCHOOFF> the "study committees" that will start this summer DOG1768> What are some of the most pressing concerns among your constituents? REP_SCHOOFF> The most pressing thing I hear about it Prescription drug prices, along REP_SCHOOFF> of course with taxes REP_SCHOOFF> With prescription drug costs the REP_SCHOOFF> idea thing would be for this to be part of the federal REP_SCHOOFF> Medicare system... REP_SCHOOFF> But if it doesn't happen, Wiscon. should act. DOG1768> What can be done to change the fundraising extremes we read about--can restrictions be set? REP_SCHOOFF> First of all ban the loopholes -- so called soft money DOG1768> Would you favor such restriction? REP_SCHOOFF> I would support restrictions -- one tough thing is REP_SCHOOFF> the supreme court has said that REP_SCHOOFF> free speech included the right to spend unlimited amounts REP_SCHOOFF> that's why limits can only come with a "carrot" REP_SCHOOFF> such as public financing REP_SCHOOFF> One thing I seldom hear ..Mark> Public financing has a sort of bad reputation. Do you think it's a viable solution to campaign money problems? REP_SCHOOFF> I think it could be -- we could increase the voluntary REP_SCHOOFF> check off on your taxes -- but with the loopholes REP_SCHOOFF> people/candidates are afraid of REP_SCHOOFF> accepting limits REP_SCHOOFF> If there will be unregulated/unlimited REP_SCHOOFF> ads at the last minutes -- REP_SCHOOFF> Simply ban soft money REP_SCHOOFF> and BJ232> I agree, they need to fund races it at a certain substantial level or it is considered a joke. DOG1768> Why a joke? REP_SCHOOFF> disclose the source of issue ad money -- would go a long way REP_SCHOOFF> Right know an average assembly race REP_SCHOOFF> costs 50K REP_SCHOOFF> but the voluntary limit is 17K REP_SCHOOFF> I believe a reasonable limit would be about 30K REP_SCHOOFF> or REP_SCHOOFF> less if there was a good chance REP_SCHOOFF> that both or all canidates would abide by it. DOG1768> Why can't a limit agreement be made? REP_SCHOOFF> It seems that we cannot get people to agree to limit it -- probably afraid REP_SCHOOFF> of a reform that hurts one party or another when REP_SCHOOFF> it really hurts all of us... REP_SCHOOFF> the issue ads on TV that don't say REP_SCHOOFF> "vote for" REP_SCHOOFF> can be paid for by money that could not ..Mark> Doesn't it corrupt our entire political system? REP_SCHOOFF> be contributed to campaigns REP_SCHOOFF> Yes - it goes in that direction -- just think REP_SCHOOFF> to run for Congress you have to raise 1 million or more EVERY two years /send bj232 And that doesn't count the nice suits. ;-) REP_SCHOOFF> What is nice about DOG1768> promoshjdjkdh hgghfkhgfkytdtkjCo REP_SCHOOFF> the State Assembly is that it is still primarily a "local" office DOG1768> Excuse me, my computer locked REP_SCHOOFF> no prob. REP_SCHOOFF> Dog - do you live here in town? DOG1768> Would you propose a limit? REP_SCHOOFF> I did support DOG1768> Yes, we had breakfast last week. REP_SCHOOFF> a bill this past session that would have raised the Assembly limits REP_SCHOOFF> I should have known ....walking the dog... DOG1768> raised what limits? REP_SCHOOFF> the bill also would have raised the voluntary check-off to $5 ..Mark> Isn't one of the problems with public financing the "shutting out" of third party or independent candidates? IOW, doesn't it naturally favor two-party system? Or am I just paranoid? REP_SCHOOFF> the voluntary limits that are mostly ignored REP_SCHOOFF> Mark , you may be right -- but the current big money certainly REP_SCHOOFF> does that now -- maybe to a larger extent -- just think REP_SCHOOFF> if we limited - REALLY limited REP_SCHOOFF> Assembly races to 30K -- than the most you could ever "be behind" in fund raising REP_SCHOOFF> would be 30,000 REP_SCHOOFF> IMHO in campaigns ** NK980622140 just joined "City of Beloit Online Forum" (5 members now) ** REP_SCHOOFF> less money would be better REP_SCHOOFF> Welcome NK NK980622140> Hi Everyone... REP_SCHOOFF> Hello REP_SCHOOFF> We have been discussing REP_SCHOOFF> campaign finance reform. ..Mark> Hi Nancy! (I assume?) NK980622140> Hi Mark...Thanks for your help.. ..Mark> Good point there, Dan. You're probably right about the big-money doing the same thing now. DOG1768> Would you favor more support for private schools? REP_SCHOOFF> I'm afraid REP_SCHOOFF> that the concept of state support REP_SCHOOFF> for private schools is often at the expense of public schools REP_SCHOOFF> This is certainly a tough issue -- my Alma Matter REP_SCHOOFF> Beloit Catholic closed yesterday DOG1768> What can be done to improve public schools? DOG1768> Yes, sorry. NK980622140> I don't understan why it can't balance out for both public and private schools?? REP_SCHOOFF> We (the collective We) have to value our schools -- DOG1768> But if private schools are giving better educatio? DOG1768> education, that is. REP_SCHOOFF> sending children to private schools -- is often a religous choice... DOG1768> Have you heard of Waldorf Schools? REP_SCHOOFF> No I haven't.. DOG1768> Non-religious, but increasingly popular; as an alternative. REP_SCHOOFF> where/what are they NK980622140> some people use the religious schools Because of the probs with the public ones ...way too scary ..Mark> The world is scary to this OldOnliner, Nancy. ;-) REP_SCHOOFF> Vouchers and other ideas NK980622140> I Agree with you there Mark...LOL...for me too .. REP_SCHOOFF> just seem to be losing the focus on creating the best educational REP_SCHOOFF> environment for all of our kids REP_SCHOOFF> Why shouldn't we have the best schools in REP_SCHOOFF> the world? NK980622140> I really think the parents need to put more effort in the kids too. ..Mark> As the parent of a BMHS student, I can say that it's a great school. What a change from 5 years ago. REP_SCHOOFF> Without parents -- you're right REP_SCHOOFF> But of course -- that cannot be legislated... REP_SCHOOFF> One thing the Beloit will face DOG1768> There are seveeral in WI. REP_SCHOOFF> in the future is the state/condition of our DOG1768> sorry, jammed again. REP_SCHOOFF> elementary schools. REP_SCHOOFF> To me - the 12 elementary schools ..Mark> Well... I suppose someone could propose licencing requirements for parents, but I don't think it would be very well received. I just wish they'd realize that not all students can be average or ..Mark> better. ;-) REP_SCHOOFF> are anchors in our neighborhoods. DOG1768> Just wanted to say that there are several Waldorf schools in Wi. What could be done to open the public school curriculum to the kind of change that is working in alternative schools? NK980622140> some time I wish it was like when we were growing up...LOL..not so many problems in the schools.. REP_SCHOOFF> Is is a different concept of education DOG1768> Yes, maybe refresh the concept. REP_SCHOOFF> Nancy - we all do! REP_SCHOOFF> David, we have given our public school districts the REP_SCHOOFF> ablility to establish "charter" schools to try out new ideas -- Beloit NK980622140> I've tried to figure why ..and what went wrong...*S*... REP_SCHOOFF> hasn't done this yet. DOG1768> Would you support the idea of the Catholic school students starting an initiative of their own; starting their own school? ..Mark> INformation on Waldorf Schools of America: http://www.awsna.org/ REP_SCHOOFF> I don't think it is constitutional to give state resources to a religious REP_SCHOOFF> institution -- REP_SCHOOFF> thanks for the web site DOG1768> Make it non-religious. DOG1768> Simply youth-oriented. DOG1768> Freer, open to meeting their needs. REP_SCHOOFF> The School District of Beloit could already start a charter/alternative high school -- but REP_SCHOOFF> keep in mind the people of Beloit voted REP_SCHOOFF> to put 26 million into a renovated REP_SCHOOFF> High school --- REP_SCHOOFF> and stop lights (LOL) NK980622140> is that a smart idea to renovate rather than build a new one?.. DOG1768> yes, for most people that is right and adequate; fewer seek something else. REP_SCHOOFF> I think we made the right choice to renovate -- DOG1768> maybe not build--use an old warehouse. I saw this done in Viroqua by a group of 20 youth, some teachers, and parents REP_SCHOOFF> I like the idea of public investment in our riverfront/ our central city -- whenever REP_SCHOOFF> I have visitor I drive them by the High School -- it's really great at night with a football game reflecting REP_SCHOOFF> in the river /send bj232 There are 3 affiliated schools listed in Wisconsin. All are Pre-K thru 8. There's a search function on that URL I posted. NK980622140> I'm sorry I can't contribute more to this conversation..being is I am not from Beloit. REP_SCHOOFF> Where are you from? NK980622140> Florida...I sent you an email awhile ago.... ..Mark> You live in Beloit now? NK980622140> No Mark...am still in Fl...but the Deadbeat Dad went and escaped to Beloit..LOL..that's why I joined your club.. REP_SCHOOFF> I hope the people we referred you to were helpful -- ..Mark> Hmmm... Wisconsin has laws dealing with deadbeat dads as I recall. DOG1768> what do you think high school students need that they are not getting? NK980622140> thanks ...yes and no..am not sure WHO is holding the Ball though... ..Mark> Well... my son says, "Air Conditioning" and less crowding in cafeteria. (I just asked him as he walked by.) REP_SCHOOFF> please let us know if there is anything more we can do -- e-mail me NK980622140> just having you answer helped the Moral too...thanks... REP_SCHOOFF> I'll see what i can do about the AC REP_SCHOOFF> can you say "unfunded mandate" ..Mark> LOL! DOG1768> And, Mark , in the curriculum? ..Mark> Seriously... I'd like to see a longer school year. NK980622140> Thanks I will do that....I think it's great that you take the time to chat like this too.. REP_SCHOOFF> the Hackett experiment seems ..Mark> Phase it in taking the school year out to 200 days. REP_SCHOOFF> to be working well (that is year round school) DOG1768> How does that work? ..Mark> But Dan... aren't the total days in school still the same as any other school? REP_SCHOOFF> Same number of days 180 REP_SCHOOFF> but spread through out the year NK980622140> year round school...we have thought about that here too..but haven't implimented it REP_SCHOOFF> they have more but shorter breaks ..Mark> My son even says they're pressed for time near the end of each quarter. DOG1768> More like in Europe. REP_SCHOOFF> So far it's been an expirim. in 1 school REP_SCHOOFF> Teachers, students, and parents REP_SCHOOFF> seem to like it... ..Mark> A longer school year could be mandated (YIKES) at the state level. REP_SCHOOFF> In fact a class is coming the Capitol tomorrow! NK980622140> each state will get the chance to use the yr round or not....correct? REP_SCHOOFF> I will ask them how year 2 is going of the expiriment! REP_SCHOOFF> Yes in Wisconsin it is District by district -- and usually school by school NK980622140> I'd be interested in their thoughts on how they like it too.. DOG1768> How about a different approach, different methods of teaching; anything been tried that way? REP_SCHOOFF> I think we have had a lot of REP_SCHOOFF> innovation in teaching REP_SCHOOFF> I recently heard about a tutoring program that uses community volunteers REP_SCHOOFF> on a one-on one approach -- the difference being DOG1768> Do we need all the stress-inducing testing? REP_SCHOOFF> that each sessions is customized for the students level... DOG1768> sounds great. REP_SCHOOFF> the jury is defintiely still out on testing DOG1768> where do you stand? REP_SCHOOFF> I'm afraid people will "teach to the test" ..Mark> Dog: My son took almost all advanced subjects this year at BMHS and I have to report that the offerings are so much better for students of all types. They've really come a long way towards ..Mark> customizing the learning experience. ESP. Compared to what I saw as a student 30 years ago. REP_SCHOOFF> From what I've seen -- school work is getting tougher! -- REP_SCHOOFF> Mayble i'm losing something in my old age... DOG1768> yes, instead of teaching to the age and level ..Mark> On the flip side, my nephew is a troubled student the same age as Ad and he, too, was in classes that helped him greatly. DOG1768> tougher, but better? child oriented? NK980622140> LOL...Life is tougher...we aren't getting old.. ..Mark> It's amazing how MUCH material they have to cover in classes now... Biology covered way more than I recall BIO I and II covering when I was in school. REP_SCHOOFF> We're actually doing a great job in Beloit DOG1768> but is covering more actually helping them to relate better to the material? DOG1768> not just learn but discern, be imaginatively awake iwith it? ..Mark> I don't know, but I know my son learned more than I ever did in at the same level! REP_SCHOOFF> Certainly we can't stop innovating - but from the feed back from students in Beloit -- they are learning!! REP_SCHOOFF> We need to make sure that budget cuts DOG1768> good. the key seems to be --being able to meet them. REP_SCHOOFF> don't sacrifice art, or shop, or sports, or clubs --- DOG1768> where they are at, in their experience, development, etc. REP_SCHOOFF> The things that make a well rounded students ..Mark> I think there's still room to sacrifice a few administrators, though. ;-) DOG1768> less thinking about it, more doing, you mean? REP_SCHOOFF> really Mark -- they have made a lot of cuts in the past 5 years REP_SCHOOFF> New thought -- don't you think Mark should run for city council? DOG1768> are our schools training students to be workers or better human beings? a youth asked me this recently ..Mark> Yes, they have... they've made great progress refocusing on the core thing -- classroom teaching. DOG1768> Mark who? /who GROUP LIST: 22:03:05 46) City of Beloit Online Forum Mark, REP_SCHOOFF, BJ232, DOG1768, NK980622140 - idle ------ [5 in this area] REP_SCHOOFF> the Mark here in the room NK980622140> I would vote for him...LOL....he sounds like he would make a great councilman.. REP_SCHOOFF> he's ignoring us DOG1768> what does one need to be a councilman? REP_SCHOOFF> To live in the city for 10 days... over 18... not a convicted felon ..Mark> Were that to happen, the first campaign I'd have to win is with the a voting public of one - my wife. ;-) REP_SCHOOFF> Here's hoping you win that one!!! NK980622140> I think the schools..well here anyway..just want the kids to pass and move on... REP_SCHOOFF> Here they've made an active DOG1768> become good workers? REP_SCHOOFF> stand against "social promotion" REP_SCHOOFF> even if it meant hurting the "stats" vs. the rest of the state ..Mark> Wisconsin mandated non-social promotion! It shouldn't have taken a state mandate, but it was a good thing. REP_SCHOOFF> you're right - but the Beloit School district was first ..Mark> Yes...they were beginning the process, but studying it to death (by details). The mandate really put some juice into the process. REP_SCHOOFF> This year they were the first to turn in the State Mandated district wide school safety plan REP_SCHOOFF> One of my proudest days was delivering REP_SCHOOFF> the plan to our state schools supeintdt. REP_SCHOOFF> Well its about 9:10 REP_SCHOOFF> any last thoughts? NK980622140> I bet that was difficult to put together... REP_SCHOOFF> It was quite a document... REP_SCHOOFF> Hopefully we'll never have to use REP_SCHOOFF> the crisis portion. NK980622140> 10pm here..I'm glad I came in...thanks for joining the group.. ..Mark> I apprecaite Nancy and David participation. I wish we'd had a better turn-out. Maybe next time. REP_SCHOOFF> Thanks All!!! NK980622140> Night... ..Mark> Good night. NK980622140> thanks for letting me know you were having this chat Mark. REP_SCHOOFF> Thanks Mark!!!! REP_SCHOOFF> - signed off - ..Mark> Let's get Judy on sometime, Dan! /EXIT ..Mark> - signed off - ..Mark> ** The moderator has left the group ** (Logging turned off)