PFLAG of the Greater Oshkosh Area, Inc. has released the answers to the questions it gave school board candidates. There are no real surprises other than Ben Schneider's open homophobia and his obvious lack of language skills. I'm not Grammar Girl, but a quick glance at Schneider's page of short, confusing answers to difficult questions showed at least 8 punctuation and grammar mistakes. I wish he'd stop reminding people that he's the product of the Oshkosh school system; he's making teachers look bad and scaring parents. Is it really too much to ask that a school board candidate be able to write better than a fourth grader? Or, despite his personal opinions about LGBT issues, that he would be minimally diplomatic about student organizations in public schools? In one of the questions, PFLAG asked, "Federal law establishes the right for students to form GSAs in schools. Do you know if there are any GSAs in the district? Have any students attempted to form a GSA? If yes, what happened? What was/is your position?" John Lemberger responded that he knows there are no GSAs in any of the Oshkosh High Schools, but he is aware of a "community-wide, grass-roots GSA" and he would support efforts to form a GSA in the district. Tom McDermott reported that he couldn't find a GSA on the high school websites and thinks that's either because the kids aren't interested or "that the students who might feel the need for such an organization may feel intimidated have not come forward." Michelle Monte said that she heard "Superintendent Heilmann claims to have founded such a group in the high schools. I do not know if that is true." She adds that she would "have no problem with a GSA in our high schools" if they follow school district procedures for student groups. All three gave thoughtful answers to the question. Ok, Monte should have probably known that Heilmann can't start a GSA because he's not a student and McDermott shouldn't have had to look on the web to see if there's a GSA, but at least they put some effort into it. Here's Ben Schneider's entire answer as written: "Yes, I am. My position is; it is something I don't personally agree with." Let's review. The questions were; "Do you know if there are any GSAs in the district? Have any students attempted to form a GSA? If yes, what happened? What was/is your position?" "Yes I am." What? Huh? Also, what does not "agreeing" with the formation of a GSA mean exactly? Would he try to prevent the establishment of a GSA? Would he violate the federal Equal Access Act? Someday, hopefully soon, our high schools are probably going to have GSAs because arrogantly ignorant people like Schneider make them necessary. He's going to have to make a decision, if re-elected, about whether he's going to put the school district at risk for potential legal liability or if he's going to put his religious beliefs aside in order to obey the law. Oddly enough, the Equal Access Act was the result of intensive lobbying by religious groups who wanted to make sure that Christian students could form clubs in schools. I'm assuming those are groups with whom Schneider would personally agree. From my review, it doesn't seem that any school board candidate has a realistic grasp on the issues facing LGBTQ students or staff members in Oshkosh schools. Granted, it's difficult to estimate commitment to diversity based on a few questions from PFLAG and I understand that candidates have not heard the complaints from students that I have heard. John Lemberger seems, to me, to have the best handle on the issues and I was somewhat relieved to read some of Michelle Monte's responses considering she has aligned herself with Schneider. Tom McDermott honestly admits that he should be better educated about PFLAG concerns and I think that's a great start. Ben Schneider? Perhaps he would be better suited for a position on a parochial school board and a good candidate for a refresher course in grammar, punctuation, and comprehensive reading skills. The candidates' complete answers to PFLAG can be found here: http://www.oshkoshsofa.org/school_board_candidates_answer_pflag
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
School Board Candidates Answer PFLAG Questions
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36 comments:
Even if you don't care about LGBTQ equality, Ben Schneider's assault on logic and the english language should be offensive to you all from a school board candidate.
Is that the best you can come up with? Grammar? Give me a break.
There was much more that was offensive in Schneider's comment than just bad grammar.
Schneider and Monte will get my vote.
10:14's reading skills are as poor as Schneider's himself. Out of the whole post all they came up with was grammar that the author was talking about?? Alrighty then. Candidates for the reading comprehension class are gaining in number.
I don't believe that a lack of grammar or punctuation skills makes anyone's opinion invalid. God knows I certainly make more than my share of mistakes. But, I think if I was answering a questionnaire about why I was the best candidate for school board, I might use a spelling or grammar check and have someone smarter than me check my work.
He was criticized on the NW blog for this same type of thing by others and instead of ignoring it or saying that he was in a hurry, etc., he just decided not to participate anymore. That leads me to believe he's either too thin-skinned or too hot-headed to ignore or accept criticism (even in the often rude way it's presented on that blog). I don't think those are good characteristics for a school board member.
You mention in the article that he would be better suited for parochial school. I do not know how many children he has, but I do know that at least one attended Cabrini last year. When I mentioned this on another blog I was severely flamed for bringing it up. I believe this is an interesting decision for a board member. I realize religious beliefs are important, but what is so wrong with a district that a board member doesnt have their kids in it?
He also wants first and last names of those he's responding to by email or phone. The man is running for office and should be willing to and is expected to respond to any questions, not just those whose identity he knows.
BTW, did it strike anyone else that the roundtable discussion sponsored by his pal Esslinger was set up deliberately to be against McDermott and Lemberger? Sure seemed like Schneider and Monte had a lot of the questions beforehand.
Not all of Monte's kids are enrolled in the Oshkosh district either. This is a red flag and something I've considered when casting my votes.
Like any of you would have voted for Schneider and Monte anyway. They are clearly conservative and this is clearly a liberal crowd. I think the only reason McDermott gets a nod from this group is that he says he is conservative and votes and hangs out with liberals. Obviously this crowd has issues with religion or it wouldn't be used like ti was an insult. Whether I agree with their answers or not, I value that Monte and Schneider are active in their church. I also respect that they were willing to answer questions from a group that violates the doctrine of their Catholic faith. They clearly want what is best for their kids and are willing to look wherever they have to to get it instead of letting their kids fall through the cracks just because OASD doesn't have the right program. That makes them good parents and honest people in my book. Those values, in my opinion, make good school board candidates. They get my vote as opposed to the two who would say anything to get a vote.
It seems queer to me that people are upset with Ben and Michelle because they stick to their religious beliefs. I'm not real religious myself, but I'm glad we have two people running for elected office that actually have some morals.
Stick by your principals Ben and Michelle. YOU HAVE MY VOTE!
I thought Schneider had 3 children at Traeger?
Can you blame a guy who chooses not to participate in blogs in which false information is distributed so frequently. Why distribute lies?
I thought Schneider was a Finance major in college? Not an englesh major!
Newsflash folks, Schneider is conservative. Did you just find that out? He is fiscally AND socially conservative. How about, if you don't like that, don't vote for him as you have plently of liberals on the board already and running as candidates, and if you want a fiscally disciplined individual vote for him! Can't we just leave it at that or will more distribute lies??
I would be nice to him, you may need to borrow some money from him someday!
First of all, to stick to a principal is to stick to the leader of a school. What you meant to say was "stick to your principles," wasn't it?
Secondly, you are saying that liberals do not have religious values or are not active in their churches. You are not only wrong on both accounts, but your superior attitude is hardly based in the same kind of faith as Jesus demonstrated when he walked on this earth.
What's "queer" here, but predictable, are religious zealots who toss around their religion but don't practice it in every day life. I wonder if Mr. Schneider and Mrs. Monte follow so strictly every doctrine of the Catholic faith that you praise them for following where homosexuality is involved. Doubtful. For the record, Mrs. Monte didn't have a problem with gay groups being formed on campus. You should probably go back to the drawing board and find a better point to make. It's also not about what they approve of these groups or not. It's about what the law allows.
Lastly, while you're busy saying other candidates will say anything to get a vote, please provide specific. Messrs McDermott and Lemberger have had enough brass to stand up to you hypocrites, even when their positions have been unpopular with you. By doing so it seems clear they neither care about nor want your votes.
His kids may attend Traeger this year, 3:35 PM but the blogger said at least one of them attended Cabrini last year. Get it?? Why not join Schneider in a comprehensive reading program before responding to any more posts you either don't understand or didn't read properly. Until you do so, you'll always be on the outside looking in.
Mrs. Monte CAN'T have a problem forming gay groups on campus. The law protects groups and allows GSA groups in schools under Equal Access. Monte has no control over it no matter what she thinks or practices at home. That still does not mean she agrees with it. Did she say she agrees with it? From reading Kay's assessment of the comments, the candidates were not asked their personal beliefs and only Schneider offered his.
Lemberger's "save all the schools" is pandering for votes without a doubt. No one wants their schools closed, so he uses that for his slogan. McDermott changes to supporting K-5 after having his a$$ handed to him in the primary. Like that wasn't for votes.
In my opinion, that is far from sticking to your guns and is only to get votes at the last minute. Attacking Schneider and Monte is another cheap way to get Lemberger and McDermott votes in the 11th hour. Like I said, my opinion.
What doctrine from Catholic Faith regarding homosexuals are you referring to that you wonder if Monte and Schneider follow?
And Monte will only close those school where her supporters don't have children. She has learned at the feet of master panderers.
4:08, go back and read the thread of posts. Some of us don't have time for handholding. The question sounded rhetorical anyway.
I can’t speak for the rest of “the crowd”, but I’m active in my church, too, and I don’t have a problem with religious folks unless their theology starts creeping into public school policy. I don’t recall saying that I wouldn’t vote for Monte or that I would vote for McDermott. I also said that Monte gave thoughtful responses to the questionnaire.
I’ll take you word for it that Monte is a religious person and that her religion is not welcoming to LGBT people. She certainly didn’t indicate that in her responses. Ms. Monte said that she “sees nothing wrong with two people of the same gender attending prom together whether as dates or as friends.” So, if her religion teaches that same-gender relationships are wrong, she either doesn’t subscribe to that particular tenet or she can put it aside in the best interests of the school district. Ben Schneider doesn’t seem to be willing to do that.
If (and it’s a very big “if”) I were to pick two candidates to cast votes for based solely on the basis of the PFLAG questionnaire, I would probably choose Lemberger and Monte.
I've added the link to the answers to the PFLAG questionnaire at the bottom of the original post.
By my view, Schneider doesn't play well with others. I'm not saying that you have to agree with everyone, I just think that you need to have respect for your fellow school board members. I've watched the school board meetings and Schneider seems to try to showcase himself, putting aside the best interests of the ENTIRE school district.
As an aside, 3:24 inferred that someone active in church has a corner on morals. Can you say Ted Hagman? Non church goers can have morals too.
Respect works both ways. Someone needs to tell Weinsheim and Bowen their whispers and sighs when Schneider and Becker speak are very clear on radio broadcasts. I have also heard quite a bit about how they act at the board table. It is one thing to repeat, even ad nauseum, expertise in finance. It is quite another to blatantly direspect someone's right to speak simply because they are not in agreement. Disagreeing with the majority and being focused on finances does not mean he doesn't care about the entire district. He is a numbers guy, that is where his attention is going to focus. Besides, someone needs to be watching spending or there will be no money for any of the students.
Schneider has also made fun of people in the audience who he thought were scoffing at his ideas. Which by the by, we've seen plenty of his friends making faces at forums toward people they don't like. Yes, respect is a two way street. If Schneider is so intent on flaunting his religious values, he should ask himself What Would Jesus Do and be the bigger person. Two wrongs don't make a right.
I have no idea what Mr. Schneider means when he says he wants to provide "results orientated decisions." There is no such thing as being "results orientated." Geez Louise.
The church teaches that we as individuals shall not pass judgement on others despite the life choices that they may make. God will judge when the time comes and those that are worthy shall pass.
If the people choose to exercise their legal right to pursue a homosexual relationship at school or otherwise, let them. They will have to live with the consequences of their lifestyle on judgement day.
I respect Schneider for his bold but short statements and hope that people can understand that religious upbringing cannot be turned off with a switch. Besides, unless the laws change, there is little to nothing that the board can do legally for these groups. At best, they can try to prevent repercussion to those who are brave enough to go against the grain to form the groups.
Godspeed.
Wow! What a great discussion here! And mostly civil as well.
I'm voting for John Lemberger and Michelle Monte. I don't buy this Schneider-Monte versus McDermott-Lemberger business.
Lemberger is not pandering when he talks about not closing schools. I've talked to him about it - he sincerely believes that we can save ALL of our schools and that doing so is the most fiscally sound move, and the best long term plan for Oshkosh. I agree with him.
Who can say if Monte is "conservative" or "liberal" - these labels just do not apply to local non-partisan races. And religious affiliation means nothing to me - what is more important is what a person does and says. I doubt I agree with Michelle on every issue but I think she brings a fresh perspective to the school board and at this point she is no rookie.
I don't think Michelle has a problem with GSAs or gays & lesbians. I don't think you can make assumptions based on a given denomination of faith. But you can draw conclusions from statements - which is why I will oppose Schneider's candidacy.
As for GSA's in the high schools - bullying, harassment and both physical and verbal intimidation against gay, bi, & lesbian students is out of control. The school district MUST take steps to offer some degree of support, protection, and affirmation of their students that are taking an emotional beating right now. It isn't a religious thing, it IS a moral thing.
Boy, with all the talk of gay and lesbian issues that started this, and the demand for tolerance, it sure seems those that don't agree with Schneider are the ones that are guilty of intolerance. I wonder how many anonymous posters have dedicated as much time as him to volunteer efforts on behalf of children. I heard he coaches 3 basketball teams and has a great reputation for being a coach. I wonder how much coaching and volunteering "anonymous" does? Strip out the rhetoric. Like his views or not, this guy gives the youth of this community his all. At least give him that. He even teaches catechism at Church! How many of you volunteer as much of your time to children as he does? Maybe that is why he doesn't have time for blogs, because he is more productive with him time!
Just some thoughts.
Schneider and Monte will get my vote.
Conservative said-
"Like any of you would have voted for Schneider and Monte anyway. They are clearly conservative and this is clearly a liberal crowd."
I'm generally "liberal" but I do have issues with the power our public sector unions have. They are protected by arbitration and are able to increase their collective wages and benefits at the expense of the average property tax payer. That would not be a liberal position, but yet I hold it.
I am fed up with both greedy corporations and greedy public sector unions. Neither serve the good of the average middleclass American.
So he volunteers his time. That doesn't qualify him for sainthood. Many people volunteer their time to their schools, their communities, to other non profits and such. The original point was he answered the question about schools legal forming groups by stating his personal beliefs about the issue. His bigotry should not be tolerated. If he misread the question on something as important as his reelection, can he be trusted to properly read and/or interpret more important documents regarding school district business. Maybe that's why he's always at the opposite end of the spectrum from other board members.
Copy and paster strikes again at 11:07. He'll use any foum to rerun his sermon. Too bad he keeps missing the most appropriate forums, those in front of elected officials.
How anyone who doesn't support Schneider can vote for Monte is beyond me... she has aligned herself with Schneider, Becker and one of her "supporters" is Esslinger... not who I want respesenting our district.
Schneider has three children at Traeger. One was at Cabrini for pre-school last year an is now in kindergarten.
Someone should ask Lemberger who he would give his second vote to. I think it would be Schneider.
For those of you that critisize Mr. Schneider for voting "no" really have to look at what he voted no against. Why should he vote "yes" for a budget that he clearly thought was misappropriated?
Stop thinking you have to give a second vote to someone. Just because you CAN vote for up to 2 people doesn't mean you HAVE to.
BTW, Lemberger wouldn't give his second vote to Schneider at all.
“Can't we all... just... get along?”
Rodney King quotes
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