" Wow.

You know, I first have to say how much I appreciate all of you who got on here and took the time to voice your opinions about this very serious issue. To those of you who voted yes for the Ontario School Bond, let me extend my thanks and gratitude for your support.

Having read through all of these posts, it is plain to see that most all of us, care deeply about this community. I was born and raised right here in Ontario, and am proud to be a part of this local community and school district.

There were a number of interesting points that were brough up in these posts, and I don't know how many folks get on here and read them, especially this late, but one of the things that was mentioned was the teachers not living in Ontario. While I agree that this is a shame, I would love to know what percentage of the prison guards actually live in Ontario...... wasn't that supposed to bring jobs to this community? What about the business owners, Doctors, Dentists, etc. who have all chosen to live somewhere other than here. Living in this community is not just a Teacher issue. We need a stronger community if we want these types of people to choose to live here.

Someone else pointed out very elequently that buildings don't teach kids, good teachers do. I couldn't agree more...... I like to think that maybe I am a good teacher..... but I will say this. When I was hired, three people applied for two positions. That is it. Other district open positions and have stacks of applicants for one job opening, why? Because they have nice schools with the necessary facilities teachers need to make a difference for their students. I do the best I can with what I have, but I know that there is so much more that could be done, if I had access to more modern facilities. If you want good teachers, you can't just "clean house" and expect great teachers to walk in the door behind them. You have to give them a reason to want to come here. New school facilities is a powerful draw to top quality educators.

I agree with all of you that this was a much better result than the last bond attempt, and a much better proposal. These types of improvements just make sense. I would imagine we will all have a chance to support this type of a move again in the near future, and I encourage all of you who voted yes to vote again and find someone who maybe didn't and let them know that you are supporting it.

The problems that this community is facing do not revolve entirely around the schools, but I think we all know that poor school facilities don't help things get better. If you want to improve this community as a whole, help bring in new jobs and new development, you have to start by providing good schools so families want to raise their children here.

And if you are upset that folks are leaving to Fruitland, support a city sales tax so we can at least make a little money when they come across the river to buy their groceries. ;) "

" Just because a building is not "up to code" doesn't mean there are safety issues. We live such pampered lives. Just because a building isn't pretty, or the carpet might smell doesn't mean there is a safety issue.

I guarantee you that if there were real safety issues the students would not be there. The school would close or do something different.

The is an old slogan that says, "Eat it all, wear it out, do with it or do without."

Spoiling kids doesn't help them. Fancy clothes, and fancy classrooms may be nice, but really it doesn't matter much. Do you think Abraham Lincoln was educated in an nice, air conditioned classroom?

People matter. Facilities are just supplemental. "

" To "It is Wrote"

Mentality is right. You need to get a dose of mentality.
No matter if you can string a couple of incoherent thoughts together. No matter if people visiting our communities look at our schools and choose to move to the Idaho side of the river. No matter that the condition of the schools only enhances the "Ghetto" mentality of a lot of the kids.
I think all of you people you are calling for the Superindentents' (Grotting and Carter) resignations only do so out of ignorance. Someone else made this same observation, but we live in a representative republic! Find people who will run for your school boards on a "Change" agenda and vote for them. Hey, it worked for Obama. Maybe it can work in Malheur County. "

" If the majority seem to not like Dr. Carter, then why is he still there? Don't you have a school board that represents you? Aren't they the people that hire and fire your superintendent? "

" The mentality! By George and by golly it worked for ME 50 years ago so it WILL work for them. No matter if the lab is 50 years old and no matter if the school is an energy hog. No matter because by golly if you all don't get rid of Dr. Dolittle, I will find a different reason to NEVER vote Yes. Even if it means rented modulars once parts of the older buildings are condemned.


Wake up people. The kids deserve better! "

" OHS Grad: They DID ask the students. The result was very similar to what was asked for on the bond. "

" New schools bring in good people. Good people help the community along with the local ecomomy. This community could careless about kids. They need new schools. You should (we should) ask the kids what they think. "

" To "been a teacher"

You said something about ESL. You said "Don't hire special teachers or aides for non english speaking students. Make them learn ENGLISH." Isn't that ESL or am I missing something? In any event, that is not a formula for saving money. I don't know if you've ever learned a foreign language, but judging by your comments I would guess not, but learning a new language is not an instantaneous proposition. It takes years even in total immersion. What are we going to do with the students that we haven't been able to "make learn ENGLISH" in the 5 minutes that you have allotted for that to happen. That in and of itself is why it was doubted that you are really a teacher, because real teachers know that. "

" To a "real teacher"... do you even read before commenting? Yes I AM a teacher and proud of it! All I am saying is that maybe costs can be cut in different areas to help. Who said anything about ESL? Did you not read that I believe that teachers are underpaid as police and fire people? Hello! Wake up ! I know the school buildings are suffering and kids are cold but you work with what you have and teach the kids the same. Remember in the old days? Sometimes things aren't always rosy but you turn it around and try to bring in the sunshine and have the students learn from that. How long you been teaching? Are you teaching your students to whine or.......? "

" I speak for many people whom I have had this conversation with when I say this: if the bond was going to build ONLY a school, not a new gym and not a new cafeteria, which both are NOT necessary, you would have had your bond passed. I know our school is excellent. Educators and students go hand in hand in making it that way. BUT, let's not get too big for our britches here! Our economy is suffering right now, you just signed contracts (finally) for the teachers, people are losing their jobs left and right, and you want us to spend more on taxes to pay for something we truly don't need? Wake up! Yes, the modulars are old, and yes, when I have attended conferences in them they are cold! They creak and crack and it just reminds you that you are sitting in a old trailer house gutted out to be a school room. But, I praise the teacher who has to teach in those things-they have to keep the attention of the students, they have to deal with the noise those modulars make, etc. Is it affecting the progress my children have and are making? NO. Why not focus on NOT overpaying our administration (principals, vice principals, coaches, etc). They are WAY OVERPAID! Instead, focus on those people who are with our children 8 hours a day doing the REAL WORK. if you stop over paying the administration then maybe you will be able to help fund the school, NOT A NEW GYM AND NOT A NEW CAFETERIA. We all are having to cut back on our spending.....it is affecting everyone. "

" Even If Dennis is gone, the naysayers would find some other excuse "

" I am so sorry the bond didn't pass in Ontario, but relieved to see that it was close. That means there's a chance. Put that thing up for a vote again ASAP. I have no concern about what the buildings look like on the outside or what impression they make on new doctors' wives. Let them go to Fruitland. I have always thought the Middle School was cool. I recently traveled in Europe and noticed that many of the very best schools were housed in antique buildings. I am concerned, however, with the space issue, the safety issue, and the technical issue. If kids in other places have access to technology and tech training, I want my kid to have it, too. Our buildings need major surgery for these upgrades, not bandaids. Ontario teachers, I appreciate all you've done for our family. I want these improvements for your sake, too. A modern, safe workplace for our teachers and students is a necessity. Whether you like or dislike Dr. Carter, these schools belong to the people of Ontario, and long after Dr. Carter is gone, we are going to regret not doing this for our kids in 2008. "

" To "Me":
Where did you get your Master's degree? "

" How can you say teacher are over paid when they only work 180 days a year. Break that out and look what is really is. To day is a so called holiday but I am still at work. I make 29,000 dollars a year and work 276 days last year. I got 2 days for christmas. "

" A new school is not going to make the teachers teach better or the kids smarter that takes good teachers and a good administration. I m not saying we have horrible teachers, but just because you are a good football coach does not make you a great teacher. We need to clean house and cut some of the fat out of the high school. When we get that right then a new school would be worth it. To all of you who keep talking about moving to fruitland, stay away then. Most of them own business in Ontario and dont even live here. Keep your want to high dollar dushbags in fruitland. if is so great why do you still always end up here. If your ship is sinking do you jump out and look for a new one or fix the old one. Well I guess we know your answer "

" Honestly, This needs to stop being a blame game, Everyone is entitled to their votes and opinions. THey also have the right to let what others say affect their opinions.

I voted No on the Nyssa School Bond on my own opinion that wasnt afflicted by anyone elses opinion. THe Nyssa High School has been number one in the state i don't know how many times, but alot. I remeber the first year we we rewarded with being first in the state. I was in middle school going through the modulers and walking 4 minutes to the wood shop. Saying that walking the extra 100 yards or being taught in a modular is affecting our learning abilities is clearly not relevant.

The modulars have smart boards, heat, doors, and desks. They are an okay working environment.

About eleven years ago, Nyssa BUilt the Elementry SChool. That is still not payed off. I think that since learning in the modulars is clearly not affecting the learning ability of the Nyssa Students, wait untill the Elementry School is payed off instead of rushing into builiding a new school.

I love the Nyssa School District and the staff. And i asure you that all of my kids will be attending this wonderful school just as me and my siblings did! "

" To Interesting: What makes you think most of the employees in 8C would have voted FOR the bond? "

" Misinformation is why nothing gets passed in Ontario "

" Just think if all employees that work for 8c school district lived within the district the needed votes would have been there to pass this measure. When over ½ of your employees don’t even reside in the school district in which they work that is a problem. "

" I lived in Ontario for my first twelve years in this community. When our children completed private grade school and it was time to move on to middle school, we had a home built in Fruitland. It was the best thing that we could have done for our children. The attitude of the Fruitland community is very supportive of the children's education. They have modern facilities and the community is willing to pay the price in taxes to provide the schools with the funding necessary to support the district. Until the Ontario community has a change in attitude, the community will continue to deteriorate into a broken- down, obsolete town that is unable to attract the young and affluent that it drastically needs. "

" This is to the "real teacher'. Where did you get the facts about Nyssa trying to get rid of the ESL program? Why would the Nyssa schools want to do that when they have a high percentage of students from the hispanic community? You need to get your facts right before posting such misinformation. You may have been thinking about the ESD from Union-Baker ESD, being fined for inflating the attendance records from the alternative schools in Eastern Oregon. If you read the article in Sunday's paper concerning the ESD's that might enlighten you as to what's going on. "

" Are too busy being mad at the school administration. I have lived here for 30 years and it saddens me to see they don't get it. Why else are we seeing folks moving across the river? Ontario contrary to what some may think is becoming a cesspool and it is because of the "No" mentality. Now I am waiting for Norm to kick the gangs out. No wait. That takes money! "

" I grew up in Ontario and attended Ontario Schools all my life. It was a great source of pride that my parents had in the town and community. After getting married in the 70's we bought a house in Fruitland. THANK GOD!!!! After over 30 years of living in a a town that puts their kids education and safety first, we have always been able to pass our school bonds. What's more important than our kids? We don't have money to waste either, and my child is no longer in school, but I will continue to support any bond for the schools. Wake up Ontario and Nyssa, a lot of people worked a lot of hours to put this money to good use. "

" I don't think that "been a teacher" has ever been a teacher. ESL programs are federally mandated. You can't just decide to save money by doing away with them. Ask the Nyssa administration. They tried. The were caught and fined several hundred thousand dollars by the department of ed. I don't see a lot of waste going on in the schools outside of the fact that the buildings are very energy inefficient because they were built 50-70 years ago. I would like for the no voters to try heating their homes efficiently when the walls are only a quarter of an inch thick and the ceilings have no insulation. It is not the students of today's fault that the buildings that were constructed two or three generations ago were not well built and need to be replaced. If you don't like Carter, take that up with him. Don't use it as an excuse to be a jerk to 3,000 kids. They haven't done anything to you yet. If you don't educate them properly, they will. It is a lot cheaper to build good schools where kids can be taught to be good citizen than it is to build prisons to house the ones who were no so taught. Oh, and don't count on their parents to teach them. Since Ontario is becoming a ghetto, the schools are all you've got. "

" For all those who don't "trust" the 8-C administration, please just look around at the current condition of our schools. That Middle School just needs to be bombed and start over! What an embarrassment to the entire City!!!! What family in their right mind would relocate to such a loser town? I am counting down the days until I myself can relocate. The pervasive loser attitude of most citizens here is the reason! God forbid we try to do better for ourselves and our children. Get a clue folks, its your property values that are going down the tubes, RAPIDLY! Soon Ontario will simply be seniors, gangs and tumble weeds. Anyone else is going to be long gone! "

" I feel that we need to get back on the horse and keep pushing forward put the bond back up again as soon as we can.The naysayers will always be there and those are the folks who choose not to get involved or to be informed about what's going on.It's quite apparent that we did do it right this time and that we are listening to what's being said the vote was only a difference of 85 votes this is closer then we have ever come before.Let's think about a little pride and community for Ontario. "

" So.....where do I start? I know this can't be done but why can't they put all their money into ONE fund instead of having different funds for this and that and then maybe they could afford to build their new schools. Teacher's have never made what they deserved, just as firemen and policemen. Teachers are always buying for their students needs out of their own pocket because they care about their students. Well, most of them. Jill Conant is a very honest person and a fair person too so don't attack her. She stands up for what she believes in and that is something to be proud of. More people should do the same! People are concerned about their finances at this time so maybe the schools will have to wait and do the best they can. Maybe they can find ways to save a little here and there and cut costs. Teachers could help cut costs by watching what they throw away. Can it be recycled in anyway? Maybe use both sides of the paper. Cut down on trash and use of trash bags. Turn off all unnecessary lights not only when you are there at school but also when you leave. I know security is a problem but don't you think you may see more if a light is on and is not supposed to be? Don't hire special teachers or aides for non english speaking students. Make them learn ENGLISH! Maybe even you could have one classroom for them with a teacher that was bilingual and teach them like in the old days when there was only one teacher for grades 1 - 12. It is a scary time and someone is going to get cut but it shouldn't start with the teacher or the students at the expense of the superintendent's pay. It is realy all about politics isn't it? Play the game? The next time you wonder if a teacher is earning their pay, why don't you volunteer to work in a classroom for a day or two. Some kids these days make teaching a lot more challenging. As you read in the papers kids will threaten and sometimes follow through, and put not only the students at risk, but who do you think will protect the students? The TEACHER!!!! "

" Wake up Ontario! There was an optomistic breeze flowing through Ontario prior to the election. Many thought that a YES vote would give life to Ontario's schools and help stop the exodus of good families trying to do right by their children. We need to get this bond back on the ballot and TRY to educate the electorate to see the wisdom in investing in Ontario before it's too late. "

" Many of my family members have gone through or are currently attending Nyssa schools (including my husband and I and our children). As an adult, I have seen the pride parents and grandparents have in Nyssa and their schools. There is no question in my mind that the teachers and administrators in Nyssa do a fantastic job. Teachers deserve a fair wage yes, but teaching has never been a high dollar career. Attend any career fair in the 90's (like I did) and you will hear that same information. If teachers are asking for more than the community and district can provide, who suffers? The children.

I would think that the some of the problems with Nyssa, Ontario and other small towns in the Treasure Valley, in general are community problems-what do you provide for students to do when they are NOT in school?

Compound that with programs being taken out of schools due to lack of funding, and what do you expect the kids to do? Parents are hard hit in this economy, they can't afford band instruments, can't afford all the costs associated with sports (physicals, road trips, gear etc.). So what are the kids doing now? walking around town with their rear ends hanging out of their pants.
There are many more issues within our communities than just the schools, perhaps the two entities should work together for the good of their residents? "

" As a long time teacher in Nyssa, I am very greatful for finally getting a decent pay raise! I know Jill Conant and the rest of the negotiation team put in a lot of extra time and effort into our future without any type of compensation. They gave up evenings, weekends, and summer plans for the teachers and we appreciate it! It was at our request that the association put out that flyer, we needed the community to understand how far behind we were compared to other schools.

In our last three contract negotiations the district has pleaded lack of money or economic downturn and we took very nominal raises to help the district. It was time that the district help their teachers stay competitive with their counterparts in the area.

In regards to the teachers causing the bond to fail, I agree that is absurd. There was very little said about the bond in the school buildings. I would have put a sign in my yard or window had I been offered one. There simply was not enough communication to the community at large on this issue or their needs.

This is not a time to be attacking the teachers - we are just as disapointed as you are. "

" Blaming the teachers of Nyssa for the failure of the school bond is absurd! As is accusing the teacher union of intentionally lying in their informational flyers. I have been told by several teachers that some of the numbers may have been mistakenly calculated in two places, and if it is a mistake it was an honest one done without maliciousness. Regardless of the fact our teachers do deserve to be paid as good as or better than Ontario and Vale – it was shocking to learn that our teachers are paid so low. They do an exceptional job of teaching our children and meeting the state and federal requirements of NCLB. Our teachers do NOT teach our children to cheat; they are trying to teach them that education is a valuable and important part of their lives. How can they do that when the school board does not place any value on the education and experience of our teachers? The superintendent does a great job and I have a lot of respect for his job, but why does he deserve such a high salary and pay raises when our teachers are doing without?

My children have thrived in Nyssa and know that their teachers truly care about their well-being and their success as students, not whether they pass a test or not. What can be more valuable? We can have the best buildings in the world but if we don’t pay teachers decent salaries then those building won’t mean a thing.

As a community member I have to say I was very disappointed in the lack of advertising the district put into the bond. To my recollection there was only the ONE letter to the editor a couple of weeks ago encouraging support, nor were their any articles done by the newspaper. The banner put up on the corner of the elementary fence was up after I and many others had already voted. Where were their flyers and people knocking on doors? It seems to me that the district already knew early on that this bond would not pass.

Also looking back at the editorial a couple weeks ago and tonight’s article there seems to be some conflicting information on the part of the district (maybe the teachers aren’t the only ones to mix up numbers?) The editorial stated that the bond would cost $5.97 per $1000 (a cost of $597 on a $100,000 home). Tonight’s article stated a cost of $5.50 per $100,000? I can tell you I voted No based on the information in the editorial; nearly $600 in additional taxes is something I simply cannot afford. And yes I know the district has said they would pay for the remaining elementary bond, still it is an increase I cannot afford at this time. Tonight’s article also alluded to safety issues – I have not read anything about safety issues. If there are safety issues the district needs to set those as a priority and fix them with some of the money they have tucked away. My daughter, a former middle school student, tells me that there are other bathrooms available to students when they are in the P.E., band, choir, wood shop, and art areas – so that argument seems a little weak as well.

You are correct Nyssa will come back together and be stronger, but to do so you cannot be attacking the heart of our community – the school and our teachers! Move on and work with the middle school to promote their needs to all the community BEFORE the next election. "

" To Nyssa Community Member:
The Nyssa Education Association did put out informational flyers. The information from the 2008 audit was correct. The district does have a contingency fund, a middle school building fund, a positive cash balance at the end of each year, and an investment fund. The amounts on the flyer were MISTAKENLY added. Who ever did the adding was probably trying to help. I don't know who and I'm not asking. We did not try to make the district look bad, we attempted to inform the people of Nyssa that there was money for teacher raises. Nothing was done to purposely make the district look bad or us look good. It is sad that you think we cheated. We did not. When I realized the flyers were wrong, they were fixed and correct flyers were put out. I will take the responsibility for the ERROR on the flyer, because I didn't read the flyer after we sent it to print. We have never said that we purposely doubled the figures to hurt the district, because it simply is not true. We have tried to always take the high road and do what is right. The district had $5.4 million in their cash and investment fund on June 30, 2008. If you would like to talk to me in person, my number is in the book. "

" When will government - and others trying to get into my wallet - finally learn that "No means NO!" At what point will you understand that once trust has been eliminated from the relationship it will take real effort to return?! Lastly, when will 8-C clue in to the reality that a new administrator that is willing to put the child first is essential to real and lasting progress?

Nothing will happen without trust. There can be no trust while Dr. Carter remains administrator. "

" All you NO people continue to punish the kids because you are mad at the administration. Kick the administration out and there will always be some excuse. Been here long enough to know that the naysayers are why the school buildings are why they are.

Grow up! It's for the Kids not the teachers! "

" I have lived in Nyssa for 10 years, long enough to see two bond measures defeated--the same for Ontario. What does it take to get some new building constructed?
You look and the exterior of a lot of homes in parts of Ontario and Nyssa (Vale too), they look pretty trashy. If people enjoy trashy looking houses, why not have old, decrepit schools to go along with them.
It would sure make me want to move to Malheur County all over again.
The reps from the Nyssa Ed. Assn came to my house and no mention was made about doubling the figures. I think Nyssa Community Member is lying through his/her teeth. I'm generally not supportive of unions--I abhor them actually. The teachers are asking to be paid as much as their counterparts in Vale and Ontario are. Teacher compensation is a different issue than building construction, because the funding is from different sources.
Nyssa Schools have seen the end of their meeting their government mandated AYP. By the way, Fruitland, Vale, Payette didn't make their AYP either. "

" Note to 8-C School Board:

You sent out an in-depth questionair after the last bond failed, and the poeple told you what changes needed to be made. You have not listened. Send Carter and his cronies down the road and the necessary changes will happen. This seems to be the only leverage the citizens have. "

" It didn't pass because those extra 43 naysayers want to know who gets to spend that money. If you are a loser, and live in a dump, and buy a new home- you are still a loser. We will have to get rid of some of the trash, and cut some of the fat. "

" As far as the bond not passing in Nyssa, as a community member I would have to put the blame on the Teacher Union for putting out a flyer with false information out to the community about the funds that the district supposedly has. They came out and actually said they doubled the figures to make the district look bad and make themselves look good. It would be nice to give the community correct information and not lie to us. Remember these are the teachers that are suppose to be teaching our kids not to cheat, but they just proved that it’s OK for them to cheat. I guess anything goes as long as they get paid more. NICE JOB TEACHERS….you will not be trusted the next time.
Our Community will be joined again and we will try again. As far as the teachers that don’t live in town, please stay out, if you are not happy here. "

" The issue needs to be put to a vote again as soon as possible. The needs are dire and they are still there. If we wait until the "economy improves", the naysayers will just come up with a different excuse. As close as it was, we only need to sway 43 of those no votes to the yes column. "

" Where have you been? Go to ontariopride.org and spend some time there. I think everything has been spelled out as clearly as it could. "

" The longer we as voter's wait to get this through the more money it's going to cost to build and it's something that can't be put off forever. The next time I hope the Argus does some indepth, fact finding, hard coverage and is totally clear about what it'll cost. I think there was some mis-information floating around, but I'm glad to see it was close. "