Jim Mitchem's son receive scholarship money from Township despite parents $300k/year combined salaries.
Kevin Mitchem, the son of James Mitchem, the Valley View School Superintendent, received one of ten $500 scholarships that DuPage Township awarded to high school seniors earlier this year. If a needs test was a qualifier for the scholarship, however, the Superintendent's son would not have been eligible.
Is this ethical?
Click to read the entire article http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/valleyviewschool.html
Share your comments.
There are many scholarships that are not need based. I see no problems with him getting the scholarship if he meet the criteria.
ReplyDeleteYou're grasping at straws and quickly loosing credibility.
I don't think it is a question of ethics for the superintendent's son to receive a scholarship if he earned it fairly. However, I do think it presents the appearance of impropriety for the child of a scholarship committee member (or someone with influence over the decision-making process) to receive a financial award.
ReplyDeleteHell Yes, It's unethical. DuPage Township does nothing but transfer taxpayer dollars to friends, and favorite charities. This is just another example.
ReplyDeleteDo away with township government, period.
Jim Mitchem and his wife are already raking in big bucks in a failing school district. Let some other family collect the $500.
The township is NEVER going away, end of story. They do many many good things for the residents of the Township. I'm just not quite sure why you are always "trying" to drag them through the mud. What do we pay, like $50 - $60 a year for the services provided there? I think you can give up on the idea of them going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, why is our hard earned tax money being spent on scholarships. I can use the money to put my kid through college. Every little bit helps, so why doesn't the township stop with charitable donations using tax dollars?
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah thats right this gives them power.
The functions of DuPage Twp could easily be transferred to the County or Village. Just read the Trib and Sun Times. There is a move to eliminate townships in Illinois. In Bolingbrook the operations of the Levy Center could be run by the County or Village and then the doling out of tax dollars to the pet charities of the Township and the Village might be curtailed. In regards to the scholarships..I don't think they ever announced the criteria or qualifications. DuPage Township is not open or transparent. They are trying to do as much as they can without any scrutiny. Some day the Township will go away and that will be real progress!
ReplyDeleteYou're making a big deal about nothing!
ReplyDeleteThe scholarship is not based on income. Scholarship are not just the poor. I'm surprised to hear you suggest that Kevin should have been discriminated against. Your true colors are showing.
I thought DuPage Twp was there to feed the poor, and elderly. Now they are giving out scholarships? Scholarships to the very wealthy few in Bolingbrook? WTF
ReplyDeleteThis latest abuse of taxpayer money is a microcosm of the state legislative scholarship debacle, a program so riddled with abuse that even Governor Quinn tried to abolish it as late as just last month:
ReplyDeletehttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-14/news/ct-met-quinn-legislative-scholarships-1014-20111014_1_legislative-scholarships-rikeesha-phelon-tuition-waivers
Dupage Township has shown once again why they are the posterchild for the citizen's ability to dissolve township government.
These taxpayer dollars should be returned to the taxpayers via a tax reduction.
Anonymous, Friday, Nov 18th @ 10:00:
ReplyDeleteApparantly you are not familiar with EVERYTHING the Township does. They assist ALL residents in whatever capactity they need to. If it is assistance there is GA, if it is scholarships, there is Youth Dept., if it is foreclosure, there is Housing development, a job, Career Counseling, and to provide Seniors with activities that keep their minds, bodies and souls rejuvinated. Whatis wrong with you people and why do you deny the residents of these benefits? One day you might need them as well, and ho would you feel if you were turned away? Just once, can you try to see the good in all the Township does, and stop trying to downplay them just because you're in a political debate? You really do sound so cynical!
Anonymous 12:31pm:
ReplyDeleteYour comment sums up the problem perfectly.
There are government agencies, non-profits and churches performing similar type of services as DuPage Township. Why do we need an extra government body drawing our tax dollars?
Are you defending DuPage Twshps decision to award Kevin Mitchem the $500 scholarship? When Bolingbrook is littered with college aged kids from less affluent homes that can certainly use the money.
What's wrong with you?
I'm defending them for awarding the scholarship to Kevin Mitchem if he met the criteria.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying that they should have discriminated against him?
Y.E.S. YES, YES, YES, YES!
ReplyDeleteTownship government needs to be shutdown. Donations should be left up to the taxpayer, not the politicians. Especially Bolingbrook Leeches.
Are you crazy????
Why would Jim allow his son to take the money? If he's such an honorable man, why not allow some other student with financial challenges to collect it?
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to believe the $500 to Kevin is an indirect payoff to Jim Mitchem for something. This smells funny.
The article’s first commenter indicated that they see no problem with Kevin Mitchem receiving his scholarship if he met the criteria for awarding it.
ReplyDeleteWhat criteria did Mitchem and the other nine need to meet to receive their scholarships? Did they have to provide their grade transcripts and support for extra curricular activities? Were the applicants interviewed for their scholarships?
Who were the Township officials that interviewed the seniors and reviewed their transcripts and credentials?
How were the scholarship publicized? Was information regarding the scholarships sent to college and career counselors at all highs schools that our Township seniors attend (that is, Bolingbrook H.S., Romeoville H.S. and Naperville Central H.S.)?
Does the Township have formal procedures for awarding the scholarships?
If the Township has no written procedures and Township officials award scholarships to family members of community leaders with whom they frequently interact, the Township officials are open to criticism that they award scholarships to the well-connected. And if the community leaders are highly paid school district administrators, the Township officials are open to criticism that the scholarships are awarded to the well-off.
Hey Anonymous 1:41pm;
ReplyDeleteWhat criteria? According to the article, the township did not have a criteria. Money was handed out at random, to friends, favorite charities, payoffs, etc.
Maybe the author of the article should have done a little research before submitting it to be published. Then again, why would anyone expect that from a group that has such a hatred for specific people here in town.
ReplyDeleteDid any of you that say that there is no criteria do any research? Bet not! If you had, you would see the scholarship and the criteria listed in the packet along with a long list of other scholarships and the criteria that corresponds to them.
For once, take time to do a little research and not believe everything that you read. If you do that, you won't look like such a fool.
The internet can be a wonderful tool. You'd be amazed what information you can find with a few clicks if you take the time.
Hint...the scholarship packet can be found online.
I don't give a crap about the criteria, and certainly don't give a shit what's posted on the township website. Just stop throwing away my money.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 3:03pm, until you can come up with a reasonable explaination as to why the township is giving away taxdollars like it's the lottery, shut the fuck up!
The only one losing credibility by the hour is DuPage Tshp and its greedy supporters.
I like how you say he was paid in TAXPAYER dollars. As if he isn't quaalified, didn't earn his pay and is just lucky to find it under his pillow. Seriously Rhonda, at least give the man credit for deserving the position he has.
ReplyDelete....more crazy talk.
ReplyDeleteRhonda Reed-Slaughter is not the only contributor to the site. This particular article was written by Jim Kadlec, a highly respected member of the community who volunteers his time reporting for The Number Crunchers.
In fact, Mr. Kadlec attend DuPage Township meetings regularly, and is often armed with questions for the township board.
Lets congratulate Jim. Job well done.
Anonymous 3:59pm, that's dumb logic. come on.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone even know if the "less fortunate" or "under-priveledged" college aged young adults even applied for a scholarship? Or how do you know if the Township didn't grant everyone of their applicants? You don't! You just shoot your mouth off to hear yourself speak. You are so quick to accuse the people that do not agree with you or namecalling and cussing, when in fact, it looks to me as though the only one here that is getting hostle is you!
ReplyDeleteLegal:
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your contributions to the blog.
You are correct. Jim Kadlec (a very fair & kind man) is a volunteer reporter for The Number Crunchers. As a retired auditor, he's using his free time to attend Dupage Township meetings, discuss issues with Township supervisor/board, and publish articles specific to DuPage Township.
At the end of the day, he would like to see less government waste and more transparency in local government. Which is the main objective of The Number Crunchers, and its volunteers.
The Number Crunchers can now praise the fact that our volunteer reporters reflect the Bolingbrook community, overall. We have reporters that are republican, democrat, independent and no-party affiliation.
The issues that connect us? We want less government waste, and more transparency.
If anyone's interested in becoming a volunteer reporter, or Waste Tracker, drop us a note. We welcome all voices.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Reed-Slaughter
If Mr. Kadlec is an author, he should know that he should get facts before writing. Unless what he's writing is a work of fiction.
ReplyDeleteA scholarship is not necessarily needs-based. If he met the criteria for the scholarship and was the most qualified candidate, then good for him. Everyone has the same ability to apply for the scholarship and if they don't meet the criteria, then too bad.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with posters who said that Number Crunchers is grasping at straws. If you look at any tax bill, the biggest portion is the school district. The dollars that get wasted at this taxing body are surely astronomical. I don't begrudge an education but that's where it all just needs to stop. Stop with the bloated administrations, stop with the extravagant sports and extracurriculars. Focus on providing the best education possible at the best possible price to the taxpayers.
Anonymous 6:28pm, & 6:32pm;
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me like you are grasping at anything to justify bad policies; criticizing Jim K, Rhonda R, and The Number Crunchers won't change that.
Maybe you are fine with this type of behavior, not all of us are. It seems to me the only one grasping at straws is you?
Anonymous at 7:30
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that you, Jim K, Rhonda R. and The Number Crunchers support discrimination! T
he voters will be sure to keep that in mind for the next election.
ok
ReplyDeleteWhat an amateur job of reporting.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 10:36pm, Stop the lingering, and get a life. We don't agree with you, and never will. Get a life, loser.
ReplyDeleteI just checked the website. It would be nice if DuPage Twp did post the criteria for their scholarships. I would suggest if someone has those criteria or a copy of the application that they send it to Rhonda for publication.
ReplyDeleteDid you check the school website? The criteria for ALL of the scholarships is list there.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters what the criteria is. If Dupage Twshp's only purpose in the community is to serve as the Village slush fund, every donation s/b under scrutiny, period.
ReplyDeleteIf Mitchem's smart, he would give back the $500. How can anyone have sympathy for a family that's raking in $300,000 a year?
The fact that his son has a 4.0 gpa is commendable. But, he's not the only child in Bolingbrook with a 4.0 gpa. Surely the Township could have found a student that could really use the money.
Scholarships ARE given for excellent performance; my son was also a 4.0 student and No 1 in his Business Class. (He did not get a Township scholarship) The crux of the matter is; that we are using the taxpayers' money. If the Township has so much money they can give to favorite charities and scholarships to rich kids, then why not give some of this money BACK to the taxpayers. I'm sure they would appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteNext time, get the facts before you write such drivel.
ReplyDeleteThe kid qualify for the scholarship.
The scholarship is not need based.
End of story.
Hey Anonymous 2:47pm; why don't you get YOUR facts straight before writing such drivel. This scholarship deal is wrong. End of story. No one cares what the criteria is, the entire program is corrupt because Dupage Township is corrupt.
ReplyDeleteWhy not close shop and give the money BACK to the taxpayers?
SEVERAL COMMENTS HAVE BEEN DELETED DUE TO A VIOLATION OF TNC's BLOGGING POLICY.
ReplyDeletePlease keep your comments specific to the topic, and free from personal insults and profanity.
Thank you,
The Number Crunchers
Got ya! You only allow attacks against an 18 year old kid and his parents.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Booo hooo. Poor Jim Mitchem and family. They are raking in $300,000 a year from us, then throw a tantrum when someone questions them.
ReplyDeleteOh please. He should do the right thing and return that money. If he's dumb enough to listen to you clowns, he deserves all the scrutiny in the world.
DuPage Township need to do us all a favor, close the doors. Stop cheating the taxpayers.
Just for the record the scholarships were made available through the township website and distributed to the high schools' counselors offices. Also, they do have criteria that need to be met and one of the criteria is not if the person is poor or not. You cannot discriminate according to a student’s name or what their parents make that is the true definition of unethical. Please feel free this spring to print out an application on the website or pick one up at the high schools and you can see for yourself how the winners are determined.
ReplyDeleteAre you against the scholarship or are you saying that Kevin Mitchem didn't deserve to get it?
ReplyDeleteWhy haven't you answered the question if you're against the scholarship or just against Kevin Mitchem getting it?
ReplyDeleteI heard Jim Mitchem showed up at the DuPage Township Food Pantry to pick up his free turkey with all the trimmings. I'm glad they don't discriminate against the rich.
ReplyDeleteno doubt. lol.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, Why do you allow comments like the one made by Anonymous @ 6:49 on 11/24 to be made?
ReplyDeleteThis article would make more sense if the reporter actually did the research to find out what the scholarship qualifications were instead of just guessing. Not that hard to research. Poor job of reporting. If the scholarship was had a "needs based" requirement, then you have something to complain about. If not, this is a non-story.
ReplyDeleteLet it go. We don't agree with you people. DuPage Twnship is nothing more than a slush fund for the well connected.
ReplyDeleteTell Mitchem to return the $500 and the free turkey. Don't his family make enough. Sheesh, $300,000 a year.
I thought that TNC were a watch dog group that researched and presented facts. I don't see any facts in this report that Kevin Mitchem was not qualified or deserving of the scholarship. A good reporter would have researched the facts and then presented an unbiased opinion. This report is far from that.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 8:36, Guess what? Not everyone agrees with you. Rhonda invited the residents of Bolingbrook to view this story via the Bolingbrook Patch. Apparently, many people think that as long as the young man met the criteria of the scholarship, there's no problem.
ReplyDeleteSince this site prides itself on facts, where is your supporting documents that Mr Mitchem received a free Thanksgiving dinner?
If what you claim is true that many people believe there's no problem, why are you still lingering and bitchin about it? Move on.
ReplyDeleteIf Mitchem can accept a paltry $500 from DT, he will take a free turkey. Give it back!! Donate it to a poor family.
Anonymous @ 8:36 and 9:09
ReplyDeleteYou sure have a chip on your shoulder. I, for one, am glad that Rhonda put the invite on The Patch. If she hadn't, I probably never would have come here. Now I know what this is all about and it doesn't appear to be numbers.
Good for you, Anonymous 10:26am. Hasta la vista!
ReplyDeleteMy November 17 article does not indicate whether the School District Superintendent’s son deserved or did not deserve DuPage Township’s $500 scholarship based on his academic grades, extra curricular activities or other criteria. Please read the article again.
ReplyDeleteI merely mentioned that the scholarship was awarded to the son of two high-level Valley View administrators with combined incomes of over $289,000.
The awarding of scholarships can be based on need, as are some of the Township’s social service programs. If the Township awards future scholarships, perhaps need should be a criterion and the Board would avoid criticism.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteDo you investigate to find out what the criteria was for the scholarship before you wrote the article?
Anonymous 12:16pm et al:
ReplyDeleteJim Kadlec has sufficiently explained his point of view, and we support him 110%. If you are not satisfied with the article, or his response, too bad.
The Number Crunchers have a zero tolerance for cyber bullying of any kind. If you continue to submit comments that add very little to the debate, the comments will be promptly deleted.
We will continue to publish articles that expose local government waste, and will NOT allow anyone to interrupt the process via cyber attacks and bullying.
Grow up. We are entitled to have a dissenting voice. No ones forcing you to read it.
Rhonda Reed-Slaughter
THANK YOU!!!!
ReplyDelete