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Dear Mr. Buchanan,

Are all teachers invited to participate or have representatives been invited?

I may have missed it, but I had not heard of these meetings before reading your posting here. How did you find about them? (If they were mentioned in Dr. Grier's "Friday Notes," I missed the notice.)

Are teachers allowed to participate (beyond attending) at meetings not designated for their own school? (I know that I will not be able to attend the meeting set up for teachers from my school.)

Is the News & Record covering all or any of these meetings? If so, by newspaper, Blog, or both?

Thanks for posting this information!

Sincerely,

Hardy Floyd

Another question to ask, is how freely will the teachers feel in speaking their minds? How can teachers feel comfortable if their jobs might be in the balance? I get Friday Notes and didn't read about this either, of course we both might have missed it. Another interesting observation; one day there are 4 HS attending, the next 10? Not very equal if you ask me!

Mr. Floyd and Ms. Mauser-

Just to give you more info regarding your posts, as I understand it, I believe that teacher representatives are asked to represent their school at School Talk meetings. The teachers are not in danger of losing their jobs and can talk to board members about their concerns, ideas, etc.

Our office disseminates press releases each time the board meets--that's how Bruce was able to pass that info on to you. I'm not sure if the School Talk meetings appear in Friday Notes, but if it doesn't, you both bring up an excellent point that it should be there, and we will address that.

Finally regarding Ms. Mauser's observation about the meeting in which "one day there are 4 HS attending, the next 10? Not very equal if you ask me!" I can only assume that you meant the fist meeting which included teachers from Grimsley, Page, Smith and Dudley high schools, along with the middle college high schools.

I just wanted to bring to your attention that there are four middle college high schools. Those schools, in addition to Grimsley, Page, Smith and Dudley, would equal eight schools.

Bruce and Jennifer--I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for allowing me to participate.

Sincerely,
Jackie Todd

Jackie,

Welcome to The Chalkboard! We hope you'll be a frequent visitor.

One way the school district's communications office gets the word out about these meetings is by letting the press know. We're glad to fill that role.

You also can find information on upcoming meetings at the school district's Web site: www.guilford.k12.nc.us.

Comments from The Administration and The Board lead us to believe that teachers can openly communicate without fear of retribution. However, when talking with teachers and other school staff from all across the county, their comments are prefaced with .... "this is off the record", or "you didn't hear it from me, but....". These statements reveal that open communication is not happening!
While working the polls during early election, I was approached by MANY retired Guilford County School employees, present GCS employees, and those who have left our system for other professions or counties. The story was always the same. We are desperate for change! One teacher even told me of a friendship with a present board member whom they could no longer support because teachers voices aren't heard.
Whether perceived or real, fear of retribution exists and must be corrected. The teachers are the connection to our students and their voices must be heard and valued in order to have a first class school system!

"ditto" everything Kay has said. I found the same thing while working the elections. I worked the early elections every day and heard the very same stories. It was, "I would like to get involved, but I can't. I am a teacher and afraid to loose my job." Several told me they had friends that were sent to "undesirable schools because they spoke up of problems at their schools.

I knew of teachers on site based management teams that did not even want their names on an attendance list for meetings held at their schools.

Why do our teachers feel this way? They definitely should not. If there is "no threat" of losing their current jobs, they need to know this.

Also, I find it interesting that February 14, Valentine's Day is the meeting where Southwest, Andrews and Central High Schools are invited. This is a day when some people like to go out to dinner and celebrate. I just find it "odd" that the three schools involved in the controversial HP "Choice" lottery Plan is on that particular day.

For what it is worth, the meetings should be open to all teachers and not just reps. Only in this way, can we know all the problems. Some schools are very big and just sending one "rep" who may not know of all the problems is not good enough.

Jackie, what is your official title and position with the schools? How long have you been with Guilford County Schools? Just curious.

Another thing I have heard or observed is that in any meeting where there are representatives from GCS and the public is asked for their "comments" in order to "work together", it seems to many of us that these meetings are to "put out any fires" and for PR purposes not to really address and solve the issues.

I hope this is not true of the planned teacher meetings.

Dear Ms Todd,
thank you for your correction about the middle hs being with the Greensboro NS. I forget about those! Hopefully each school will be well represented and true issues will be discussed! I have to agree with Barbara Ann and Kay--- Our teachers/administrators DO NOT feel open to discuss real problems as they fear from their jobs!

Barbara Ann:

Valentines Day is the perfect day for those schools involved in the HP Choice Plan, don't you remember the St Valentines Day massacre?

By the way Mrs. G. is probably thankful that the good Dr. has something to do tomorrow.

Barbara Ann,

To answer your question, my title is Program Administrator for Internal Relations. I have been with the school district for a little over a year, and just so you know, I live in North High Point.

I truly don't know how to respond to your observation regarding the oddness that the three HP schools, along with the other eight, are taking part in this meeting at 4 p.m. on February 14, Valentine's Day. I suppose if the meeting were to be held on, say, December 25, or July 4, or another school holiday, I'd likely be suspicious. But this is just not the case.

I think the Board of Ed., through its School Talk meetings and the Superintendent, through his monthly Key Communicator meetings, are trying to reach out to teachers. For what it's worth, I've sat through the Key Communicator meetings, and it doesn't appear to me that the teachers are holding back.

I have to tell you though that I'm a bit surprised at the negative reaction to these meetings. When there were no such meetings, critics charged that the administration was out of touch. Now that the administration is trying to do something about it, it seems like it's still not good enough. And that's unfortunate because I really do believe that these folks have good intentions and are trying to do the best that they can.

Jackie Todd

Jackie,

I do hope you are right about reaching out. The key to solving any problem is honest, open communication and teachers who are not afraid to speak up. This, however, has not been the case in the past.

Since you have only been at this position for a short time, I can see you are not aware of all the history. People who have been involved in school issues for many years and who stay active in other community groups, can only go by what they have observed has happened in the past. At times, it just gets down to "politics".

I was at a meeting last Spring where some parents came to speak on an issue involving a little girl and the police were called in. There was never any reason that night to call the police on concerned citizens. At first, it was denied by the administration; then the person responsible for calling the cops did come forward. She is no longer with GCS.

This is just one example of why people have felt intimidated at one time or another.

I personally have found, at times, that when I have written the school board about a problem that sometimes it is addressed. It depends on which school board member you write. At times, some members have gone out of their own district to be very helpful. Other times there is no proof of follow-through or even a reply. I do realize that often there is not an immediate solution. What many often feel, and this has been discussed at CDE meetings, is parents never ever get any feedback. When people go to a school board meeting, for example, they can state a problem but where does it go from there?

Another example is several months ago I was at a CDE meeting and promised some data by the then new PR director for GCS. I e-mailed her THREE TIMES about what she promised to send me. She never even responded to my e-mails and this is the PR director. How would you feel after that about the administration caring about citizens getting involved? She volunteered to send it and did not even answer my reminder.

From reading the newspapers after the last school board meeting, many school board members had asked for data showing whether the HP "Choice" Plan is working or not. From their responses that night as noted in the newspaper, even they did not get the information they had requested. They were told some of the data might have been entered incorrectly; that the data also had to be verified.

Perhaps forums/workshops with open discussion could be helpful, but people did not leave the Monday forum in High Point at Roy Collier a few weeks ago with much hope for a new beginning. They left there very frustrated. Most of the school board members present did not even speak up that night. There was no response that I can remember about the high busing costs being addressed after Mr. Hebert pointed out that they were way over what GCS had stated last Spring.

I guess only time will tell if the the administration and the school board REALLY do care what people think.

All I know is about 1,000 people came out to speak last year against the controversial High Point "Choice" Plan. No one listened then. Why would they listen to a few voices now. This is just how it is.

OK, Chuck and Barbara Ann, I'm going to ask for you!!

Jacqueline, what does a Program Administrator for Internal Relations do? I am sure that you are a nice person and I am certain that you do your job well.

As a taxpayer, it sounds like the Guilford County Schools must have all the money it needs for all educational programs in order to have filled your position. Therefore I am assuming that the School Board does not need to come before the County Commissioners for any additional funds this year.

Ms. Todd,

You mention that you live in "North" High Point. What is your point in mentioning this? Do you have children in High Point HIGH Schools?

And thank you for admitting that you're not surprised at the negative reaction to these last minute, so-called "TALK" meetings. At least you're honest. To help you better understand the negativism--it's TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.

You might get a better turnout at these meetings if you changed the name of them to School "LISTENING" meetings and invited any concerned citizen, student, teacher, etc...

Mark,

Beat you to it. I e-mailed Jackie and asked her the same question. Also if it was a new position or if she had filled an old position. She would not have had time to answer yet. Also I think we should know what this position pays - that information would have been posted in the Rhino when they posted all the school salaries above a certain amount. We should insure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely.

Sherry, you are "right on the money". I wondered myself why she mentioned she lived in North High Point. No one asked where she lived. What did that have to do with anything?

I also asked her in the same e-mail if she had kids in the public schools and if so,how she like the High Point "Choice" plan.

Sorry guys, beat you to the punch.

All--

Sorry I could not get back to you right away, I have been swamped. To answer your question, I am transitioning into the internal relations role from another position, Program Administrator for Publications. In that position, I was responsible for the district's written materials. While I will still be responsible for some of the district's written materials, the internal relations role will allow me to address how to better develop two-way communications with district personnel and to enhance relationships between the administration and employees. I will also oversee district programs for employees such as the Employee Express discount program, and assist in coordinating recognition programs like Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and the district's New Teachers Reception, etc.

I'm really excited about this new challenge. With 8,000 to its ranks, GCS is the second largest employer in a 12-county area. From the teacher, to the principal, to the bus driver,
to the office administrator, each of those 8,000 contributes to the education of our students.

As for the reason I noted that I live in High Point -- I noticed that the comments posted stem from people concerned about the High Point Choice Plan. I live in that area too, and each school decision affects me and my family. My son is not of school age yet, but when the time comes for him to go to elementary, middle and high school, I want what all of you want. I want my child to go to schools that challenge his intellect, and that prepare him for adulthood as well as the ever-changing workforce.

I certainly didn't intend to raise the ire of the folks on the Chalkboard, but I did want to point out that the administration is trying to reach out to its constituents. If folks feel precluded from speaking then we need to know why and work hard to address that.

Jacqueline,

Thank you for addressing some of our concerns. I spoke several months ago at one of the school board meetings on the importance of employees and self-esteem and recognition. We would also like to see Bus Driver of the Year; Janitor of the Year(no bubcontractors incluced here) and Substitute Teacher of the Year and Office Staff Person of the Year; also Cafeteria Worker of the Year. You apparently have much say so in this. We all touch childrens' lives every day. I never heard any feedback on my suggestions and those desires of many GCS employees so I seriously hope you can help us in that regard. Every employee likes to feel appreciated.

Jacqueline, I have to disagree with you on "you want what all of us want" if you are referring to the HP Lottery Chance Plan. The plan is based on "Control/Choice" for the sake of numbers. If you desire the best for your child and for him to be challenged and ready for the future, we can possibly buy that part of your statement. But by putting ANY child in a Pick 3 lottery when their first choice is a traditional, neighborhood school like the rest of the county; to simply have a Math teacher to teach Math and other basics subjects and not be in a forced magnet program where they may never get the "magnet" they want, how does that help a kid's future?? By even thinking of putting a child on a possible bus ride for 3 hours in a day - how does that help prepare a kid for the future - perhaps long commutes in rush hours in big cities? At least then they could listen to books on tape during their commute. Kids can't even do homework on the bus.

As your child is not school age, hopefully by the time he is the lottery will be gone and true choice will be offered in High Point like the rest of Guilford County.

When you get a chance please ask your real estate agent to give you a CMA on your property.

And Jacqueline, by all means, you never raised the ire of the folks on the Chaulboard, the ire of most parents involved in the HP "Choice" plan was raised over a year ago. It is just still there.

p.s. I personally don't see how tearing out perfectly good classrooms in a supposedly already overcrowded school to build a dance studio with the taxpayers money so some kids who have never had dance in their entire lives can "try it" to see if they like it. How many careers are out there in dance? Wouldn't this money better be spent on programs where there are jobs?

Something like Dance starts a very young age and is developed over time. Even then, very few choose a career in this field.

It is great to have these "extras" once we have provided children with a basic education to meet the needs of all children. Based on the AYP scores is does not seem like GCS is doing that.

Only time will tell.

Jacqueline, that was certainly an interesting selection of words you used in describing the educational path for your son. Allow me to ask you a direct question, do you want a lottery to be the ultimate deciding factor on whether or not your child is in a school that will challenge his intellect?

You mention that you want your son do be able to adjust to an ever changing workforce. I want the same thing for my daughter, however I don't see how that is possible if she is lotteried into some magnet program that she does not want to be a part of.

I am well aware that the present School Administration wants to reach out to its constituents. They want to reach out and place my daughter into one of two potential war zones.

What I would like to see you work hard on addressing is why a child that can walk home in under 10 minutes each day needs to be placed in a lottery and potentially placed on a bus twice a day for over an hour ride each way.

Jacqueline,

Per your comment "I want what all of you want. I want my child to go to schools that challenge his intellect, and that prepare him for adulthood as well as the ever-changing workforce."

You better go ahead and move to Northwest Greensboro now. You'll never get what you want in High Point - your administration and board have successfully ruined that possibility for all of us.

By the way, why did Grier fire the Andrews principal?

Ms. Todd,

It sounds like you have been dealt an impossible job with GCS. Good luck. Also, choose your words carefully. Just as quickly as this job landed in your lap, it can go away. Just ask the soon-to-be leaving principal over at Andrews. The big guy is also watching..he doesn't listen very well, but he's always watching.

I see where Mr. Whitman's resignation is now on the N&R website. It is truly unfortunate that this man was lured into a no-win situation.

Why doesn't Dr. Grier, Mr. Duncan, Ms. Kearns, Ms. Mendenhall, Ms. Cooke, and Ms. Sykes follow Mr. Whitman's lead? Do the students, parents and taxpayers of Guilford County all a tremendous favor and resign.

The rudder on this ship is already broken, their absence could only improve things.

Ms. Todd,

I'm glad that you came into this discussion and identified yourself as the person at GCS who is responsible for its recognitions programs.

Last year, as I recall there was much rancor within GCS about eliminating the honors designations for graduates and not awarding valedictorian and salutatorian designations. As I understood the opinion of many principals and district personnel, they thought that practice was obsolete and damaged the self-esteem of the other students who had tried very hard, but had just quite not achieved the same level of success in their school work. (Missed it by that much.)

Now, GCS also had a recognition program last year, for which you were responsible, Teacher of the Year. In this program, Harris-Teeter funded the award to the extent of $50,000 and the winning teacher won a new automobile, which she personally selected. What I don't understand is how GCS can choose to provide such a lucrative recognition program for one teacher out of so many deserving teachers in the district. While it was quite rewarding and exciting for the winning teacher, why would we provide such a reward to that one teacher? Doesn't that practice also damage the self-esteem of the many other fine teachers in the district who also distinguished themselves daily in their profession? Is this a hyprocritical practice, declaring it taboo for high-achieving students to receive some basic recognition, but completely justified for one teacher out of hundred's or thousand's to receive such a lucrative reward?

I am aware that Harris-Teeter funded this award and no GCS funds were used, but wouldn't it be a better practice to have a simpler (and cheaper)recognition of the one teacher deemed Best Teacher for the year and accept Harris-Teeter's largesse in another way that would benefit the students considering the tight money crunch that GCS says it is in? Perhaps, we could accept the $50,000 in supplies for our schoolrooms and do away with the "Tissues for Grades" program that is conducted in our classes? You know what the Tissues for Grades program is, don't you? It's the program where teachers tell students to have their parents buy schoolroom supplies, such as tissues that the district won't provide, and bring them to the classroom for use. The teacher then gives the student an "A" on their next exam. I don't suppose that you are responsible for this program, too, are you?

Teddy,

Glad you are in the ballgame. That is an EXCELLENT question.

There was another program at Christmas time - but only good for a high quiz grade given here - bring in money or little gifts for nursing homes and you got extra points.

Now I am all for charitable programs that would help those less fortunate but should kids get an extra quiz grade for this. Shouldn't these gifts be given from the heart? What about those kids who cannot afford this - same as "tissues" for grades.

Teddy, you forgot about bringing envelopes with stamps on them if you want your report cards. GCS does not provide those stamps either.

On your other point, there are MANY wonderful teachers out there and other school personnel: teachers' assistants; substitute teachers; bus drivers, etc. who are in the daily grind and work hard for our kids. How do you just pick one outstanding person?

Not to take away from the teacher receiving the award by any means but $50,000 could really be spent on things like updated textbooks; replacing broken blinds in our schools that we can't close when there are tornado drills; fixing the old HVAC systems to work; getting rid of the mold spores so we don't get headaches and children with asthma can breathe easier, etc. You get the picture. Our schools and kids have many, many needs. Shouldn't these basic needs be met first rather than money being spent on "prizes"?

Mr. Ballgame,

You just scored a homerun with your logical thinking. Would you be interested in a Superintendent of Schools position? I hear that one will be vacant soon.

Not sure where bloghopper heard that the superintendent's position would be open soon, but I would like to agree that Mr Ballgame had some excellent points and voiced them extremely well.
I also agree that the honor of valedictorian and salutatorian should continue. These students earned this!

With regard to valedictoian and salutatorian, it was not planned to change until after the Class of 2007. It is my understanding, if my notes are correct, that the School Board voted to both keep the valedictorian and salutatorian AND to also have designations summa cum laude, magna cum laude, etc. This way everyone wins.

You may want to write your school board rep to verify this.

Barbara Ann,

You are correct, the board voted in July 2004 to add the magna, summa and cum laude honors. High schools also will continue to use valedictorian and salutatorian for the top two students.

Thanks Jennifer - not a "senior" moment this time after all.

Are you going to run a follow-up, human interest story on that principal at Andrews resigning. I find it quite odd that someone would retire in the middle of the school year to pursue another degree. Don't you?

Teddy,

Just curious, how would you split up the $50,000 teacher reward for, say supplies? Schools get both local and state money for supplies. The amount is allotted based on the number of students, although schools impacted by poverty get more money.

For example, Northeast High School's instructional supply budget for next year is about $75,700. In comparison, Andrews, which is roughly the same size but has more poor students, would get about $88,600.

According to the state Teacher Working Conditions survey, Guilford teachers aren't all that happy. Is this type of incentive worth whatever morale boost it might give to teachers? (I can tell you from my interview with district Teacher of the Year Susan Poindexter, who is now the Regional Teacher of the Year, she felt pretty appreciated!)

What do you all think?

How about Dot and Susan as co-principals at Andrews. Now thats "World Class".

Slakattak, if Dot put her game face on like that picture of her on the front of the Enterprise from a few weeks ago those kids at Andrews better look out.

What type of world class did you have in mind? 3rd world?

Jennifer,

I will respond to your questions about my posting, but I was really hoping that Ms. Todd hadn't checked-out on our blog because its gotten a little too "hot".

How would I distribute the $50,000 among schools? I'm not sure how you would do it is central to the discussion here. The point is that a benefactor is funding $50,000 for a program to provide a significant recogniton to one teacher out of many top performers. I don't care, distribute it all to Title I schools, as I am sure that parents of students in those schools surely can't afford to buy grades for their children. And then, instruct the teachers in the other schools that such a practice is an unacceptable practice, and teachers continuing the practice will be terminated if they continue the practice. Of course, the principals will also have to be told that it is an unacceptable practice that they can no longer support in their school, while looking the other way.

You state that schools get local and state funds for school supplies, which is true. But, this has been a long-standing practice in GCS that teachers who need "classroom supplies" such as tissues, paper cups, etc., get them by "asking" the students to bring them in and that student will get a grade reward for doing so. I've even heard one parent state that their child had been threatened with getting an "F" if they do not! Any way you slice this one, Jennifer, it is just wrong! You don't seem to grasp the ethics of the situation here. Rewarding or punishing students with grades to get supplies that the district doesn't provide is not acceptable. I thought that schools were supposed to be building character in our children, not teaching them how to get the things in life that they want through intimidation and negotiation.

I would be startled to learn that Susan Poindester was not ecstatic to get a new car for Best Teacher. I'm sure that she is an excellent teacher and deserves recognition, but do we have such a finite grading system that allows us to select one teacher out of so many fine teachers and give them such a lucrative reward? I would submit to you that this program doesn't do anything to enhance the morale of all of these other teachers, but rather the opposite. As I said, recognizing top performers is certainly appropriate for any performance-based organization, but an extreme award for one person at this level probably creates more dissatisfaction than happiness. I would be in favor of a system that identifies and rewards many excellent performers. There are ways to recognize excellence in people other than singling one of them out to receive such a lucrative reward and a snub and a "attaboy or attagirl" for the others. This does not have to be a teacher competition with only one winner. There should be a way to recognize and provide more modest rewards for all of them.

I'll present one other question for you to research on this. Who's idea was it for Harris-Teeter to come forward and fund the $50,000 reward? Did Harris-Teeter come forward and volunteer to do it, or did a GCS representative go to them and "splain" it to them that it would be appropriate for them to do? If Harris-Teeter volunteered to do it, why are they not doing so in every school system in which they do business?

I have never had a teacher do "tissues for grades"-- I do understand what you are saying, and I agree, its totally unacceptable. Where are the principals in these schools? Grades should be earned, and no child should be punished by not 'giving.' At the schools that my son has attended, there have been giving trees, and I was always glad to help with extra items; but they were never tied into grades. These parents should speak to the principal and demand that this not happen. Could the PTA's help with this need? Could there by fundraisers for these needs? I have been on 2 school improvement teams, and trust me the instruction money is NEVER enough to provide the students with what they need. Unless you are in the schools, either working or volunteering you would never know how bad the needs are! It always seems strange to me that we have money to start new magnets, but some schools run out of paper by Feb.! what's up with that? Could be bad planning from each school, could be waste, could be theft... probably is not enough money in the first place!Just my opinion!

Jennifer,

I would also like to address your question to Mr. Ballgame regarding the $50K for teacher of the year and your comments regarding "Regional Teacher of the Year, she felt pretty appreciated."

First: ditto what Mr. Ballgame said.

On the "appreciation" issue. If you are familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, you will find that Physiological Needs are at the bottom and go up the latter to higher needs where "esteem needs" and "self-actualization" are at the top.

Do you think it is fair for only one special teacher to have these "esteem needs" met? Every day in our schools there are humble people: teachers, teachers' assistants; substitute teachers; bus drivers; cafeteria; janitors who touch the life of a child and make a difference.
Where is their appreciation?

I have found that "teacher of the year" starts with selecting one special teacher at a school. Most teachers are mainly aware of the qualities and results of the teacher at their grade level. The teachers vote on a "teacher of the year"; not unlike the popularity contest in a "Miss Congeniality" contest. It is very a very subjective process. What about all of the other teachers who give daily and unselfishly of themselves. How does anyone but the students themselves know how great one teacher is?

In reference to the survey and "Guilford teachers aren't all that happy." If you remember the survey and back to Maslow's Hierarchy, most of their physiological needs have been met. If you remember the survey, teachers want to feel included; like their opinions and suggestions really do matter and are considered; and appreciated. It doesn't take much to do that but a lot of postive, honest effort. There could be a Recognition Program for those special teachers who go above and beyond - say a $5,000 or a smaller check; a few dozen roses; some gifts certificates for a night out; a certificate of appreciation, etc. I don't think teachers work all year to get ONE CHANCE to win a car. At least, not the dedicated teacher I know. Teaching is a calling like being a minister; a policeman; a fireman. They aren't in it for the money.

Also back to Maslow, there are kids in our schools where their basic needs are not met. Second up the ladder is SAFETY. We have schools were the air quality is bad; where the HVAC oftentimes does not work; where we do not have blinds on the windows that close in case of tornadoes; where the schools are old and a garage type door lifts up and down doubling to hide bookbags and be a blackboard; thus could fall and hurt a little child. We have had janitors, in the past, who were subcontracted out and then dismissed because their backgrounds did not check out. There are many basic safety needs that need
to be improved. There are kids who don't have basic supplies. They cannot afford to buy tissues for a grade. $50,000 could be spent so fast and more would still be needed. That is Mr. Ballgame's point from how I see it.

Debora, The PTA helping is a great idea but some schools may not have the same PTA participation. You go in some schools that need painted and a bathroom may not work all day; you go in other schools that have brightly colored furniture in a fairly new music room. Many of the computers at Florence, for instance, where bought by PTA funds along with many of the books in the media center and in the classrooms for kids to use. The PTA built that playground. Shouldn't GCS provide computers and playgrounds for all kids. The needs are just so vast. Where do you begin. The have the money to tear out classrooms to build a Dance Studio in an over crowded school and spend it constantly on new programs. They should first provide the basics.

Jennifer, I just certainly feel if businesses have $50,000 to donate for a prize and a PR campaign that they could truly donate to help children in need and give some recognition to the many people in our schools who need a well- deserved boost. Recognition programs are great and are needed in any job; but there are many who deserve this.

As a follow-up to my previous post, I have some additional questions for Ms. Todd or Ms. Fernandez.

Regarding the Teacher of the Year award:

1) What is the process of selection that exists for this award? Is there an objective written criteria for selection, such as is it results based, can the results be measured, etc., or is it based upon anecdotal and subjective basis? If it exists, is it available to the general public. If not, why not?

2) Who are the individuals that make the nominations and selection of the Teacher of the Year? Is this a peer-driven process or does GCS central office drive it? Most successful recognitions with which I am familar the management sets the guidelines and criteria and a peer group actually applies them. In most cases, a person must be peer-nominated and then the final decision is made by a peer committee based upon the written nominations. Is this how this program works in GCS?

I think that the answers to these questions would lead us toward understanding the process better as well as solidifying the program in the minds of all of the teachers. Otherwise, I suspect that many of them are not motivated by this program as they don't think that they will ever have a chance of winning, and it just becomes a political process. I would like to believe otherwise.

I also considered one additional possibility regarding how Harris-Teeter came to be the funding organization for this program. Is it possible that Harris-Teeter was asked to do this by one of our economic development drivers, such as Action Greensboro? It would be a big boost to the image of Guilford County and its economic development efforts, I am sure. Of course, I never realized that this type of teacher competition would be carried to region and state, and even beyond. It's starting to sound a lot like the NCAA playoffs, rather than a simple teacher recognition and award.

Again, I am sure that Ms. Poindexter is an excellent teacher and fully deserving of recognition as such. It's just that I also know that there are many other fine teachers in the county who go without that recognition and reward. In such times as these when GCS is crying poor and claims that it is unable to provide all of the support to its schools that is needed, I would think that all fundraising efforts would be focused upon the client in this endeavor to optimize the positive impact, the students of Guilford County. Who's looking out for them?

Ms. Mauser,

I appreciate the sincerity of your post on the matter of "tissues for grades". I can assure you that this program is alive and well, and it has been for many years in GCS as I understand it. I expect that it is more subtle in some schools than others in how it is done, but the bottomline is that students are being negotiated with to bring in classroom supplies in some form. Forget about asking where the principals are on this. They know about it, and they look the other way. In many of the cases with which I am familiar, concerns presented to the principal are generally dismissed or disregarded as that's how it is. On the other hand, maybe it is not that way across the board in every school system and in Greensboro, but it seems to be that way pretty consistently in the High Point schools.

If you attended a school board meeting last year when the board was trying to get their budget to fit within the funding received from local and state sources, it was quite clear that the manner in which that occurs is that Terry Grier tells principals that they must reduce their school budget requests by "X" dollars per student. The budget is never reduced at the central office level or in pet projects of the board. And when these principals reduce their budgets, what do you think takes the hit? If you said school supplies, you found the correct answer. And, this is why the schools consistently make appeals to parents for financial assistance to the school in all manner of things. Afterall, how can you say "no" to your own child's school needs? But, you should realize that the central office makes cuts in school budgets for this very reason; they know that parents can be badgered into contributing to meet the needs in their child's school. They would be hard-pressed to get you to make contributions to support magnet school transportation and replacement of lost or stolen laptops.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. The schools (I have been in on those decisions/discussions) usually choose to cut supplies/teacher instructional money and anything else to save the teaching positions. The budgets are divided into personnel (some positions can be cut/some can't)and then other areas are supplies. Many sub-catagories that can be cut- some you can't. Remember that the teams are made up of teachers/assist teacher/administration and a couple of elected parents. It is extremely hard for a teacher to cut another teachers position, these people are friends! So where do you think they cut? Supplies.

I also agree that many PTA's don't have the funds to assist, but usually those same schools have a high percentage of free/reduced lunch kids and get extra money from the federal and local government.

The bottom line is that our board is not being a good steward of our money. Too many new programs that are untested/without a budget proposals/no qualified teachers. I have nothing against magnet schools, but they serve only 10% of our students, but take much more of our money-- and about 75% of the BOE time! Let's get back to educating our children-- all of our children!

The last time I saw the teacher of the years' car it had a "GET GRIER OUTTA HERE" sticker proudly displayed on the back bumper.

Okay, I've been out of town for a few days, but I'm glad to see so many posts over here.

Teddy Ballgame (Red Sox fan, by chance?), I'll try to answer your questions. The Teacher of the Year candidates must submit a detailed application. I'm not exactly sure what it includes, but I know they have to be observed in class by the judges.

And you are right: a peer review committee at each school decides on a particular Teacher of the Year for that particular school. Those school-level winners go on to the district competition, where the winner is selected by a committee that includes teachers and parents. If Jackie is still around, I'm sure she can provide more details.

It's worth noting that the Teacher of the Year competition recognizes a teacher from each school in the district, not just one teacher. All those teachers are honored at the TOY banquet.

Bruce,

Yes, a Red Sox for sure. You might remember me from the old days, I was # 9 in your program.

I have a question about your explanation of the Teacher of the Year process. Why is the process self-nominating? Every recognitions program such as this that I was ever familiar with required that a person be nominated by another person. Isn't it a little strange for someone to be nominating themselves, rather than one of the peers? I guess the answer to this is that they want to take a shot at winning the big prize.

Bruce,

Perhaps you can answer my questions that I presented to Jennifer, but never heard an answer. How long has a new car been the prize for being Teacher of the Year? How did Harris-Teeter come to be the benefactor? Does Harris-Teeter do this in any other school district in which they do business, or is it only in GCS?

okay people - 41 comments - a record - are you going for 50 now?

Back to the original title "Talking to Teachers" - see today' Rhino - sorry Bruce - great report of what teachers are saying needs to be done in our schools: suspend troublemakers; have kids in A/P classes who can do the work; don't set kids up for failure; let teachers teach, etc. etc. etc.

Teddy,

I'm not sure how Harris Teeter got involved. That was before my time. I'll have to do a bit of research. (Jackie, do you know?) I did check the district's Web site and found out this was the fourth year a car has been given away.

The point I was trying to make about the $50,000 was how much bang do you get for your buck? While it sounds like a lot of money, spread out over a district of some 67,000 students, that would be less than $1 per student. What is that, like a folder and some pieces of paper?

I haven't heard people complaining about the "tissues for grades." Tell me what schools are doing it. Are there any parents willing to talk on the record about that? Any teachers?

Back to TOY, I haven't heard any complaints on this either. But maybe teachers don't like the program because only one person gets the big reward. (The other finalists do get rewards as well - I believe this year it was $300 and $500 for the runners up and a laptop or $2,000 gift certificate from Harris Teeter for the other grade-level winners). But that still is only a handful of teachers each year.

Any teachers out there willing to weigh in on this? Is the TOY program a morale booster or buster? Is there a better way for Harris Teeter to honor teachers?

Teddy,

I haven't been able to get a hold of the Harris Teeter folks. But this is from a story in the News & Record about the donation:

... The $50,000 gift was the second part of a two-year, $100,000 pledge given in addition to the Together in Education money. (Harris Teeter spokesman Chuck) Corbeil said the company decided to focus additional donations to the Greensboro and Winston-Salem areas.

"As a major corporate citizen in those areas, we decided we wanted to focus on the schools in those areas," Corbeil said.

District officials are using some of the money to pay for such items as:
*principal, Rookie Teacher and Teacher of the Year award programs
*a ceremony to recognize Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate diploma recipients; and
*a summer camp for academically gifted middle school students.

The donation also paid for laptop computers for Guilford County Board of Education members. ...

Hope this helps answer your questions somewhat. I'll post more info when I get it.

Teddy,

I did some checking around and while Harris-Teeter donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to local schools, I can't find that they are sponsoring any other teacher of the year programs.

However, I can understand why they can't buy a car for every TOY winner in North Carolina, since there are 115 school districts and most of them have a Harris-Teeter.

But here's what I've found out about other large urban system:

-- In Winston-Salem, Volvo of the Triad allows the TOY to use a car for one year for free. They don't get to keep the car, though.

-- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg TOY gets $1,000 and an assortment of gifts, ranging from a fruit basket to an overnight stay at a resort. But they don't get anything as big or as nice as a car.

-- In Wake County (Raleigh), the TOY gets a new computer, $1,000 and the use of a Saturn car for one year. Again, they don't get to keep the car.

I hope this helps. And, yes, Barbara Ann, we'd love to get this thread up to 50 posts!

Jennifer,

Thank you for pursuing the answers to my many questions. I do appreciate that you made the extra effort here.

Harris-Teeter's largesse in this area is to be commended. It appears that they are proactively working to be a positive force in bettering education. I would like to know, though, why they chose to focus more resources in the Greensboro and Winston-Salem areas. What drove this decision as opposed to Charlotte or Raleigh areas. Perhaps because they don't have as good market penetration in Greensboro and Winston-Salem or some other reason?

Using some of the money for:

Principal and Teacher Recognitions - A good idea, but I'm not sure that concentrating it on a few accomplishes the goal.

Recognizing AP and IB Diploma Recepients - Excellent use of the funds. It recognizes and rewards academic achievement for students.

Summer Camp for Academically Gifted Students - Excellent use of funds again. It's focused upon the students.

Laptops for School Board Members - Lousy idea. Spending funds on the wrong people.

As far as witness for the "tissues for grades" issue, I'll see if I can get someone to come forward. It'll be interesting if anyone is willing to make waves and risk retribution from the schools.

I would be most interested if you get any views from teachers on the subject of the TOY award. I'm not sure how motivating this is for teachers. It's almost like buying a ticket for the lottery, your chances of winning the big prize are small. and just as in the lottery, if you win, it's a wonderful motivator, but if you lose (which the odds say that you will), I am not sure that it motivates you very much.

As you said, spreading the $50,000 on a per capita basis across all of the students in GCS is probably not a good idea. You have identified, though, that the school district uses discretion in how they utilize the funding. I salute the use of the money to reward academic achievement for the students, perhaps we should explore those areas a little more to see what impact can be made in that area. Recognizing the TOY in the district is certainly worthy, but the district using more than 1/4 of the funding to recognize one teacher just doesn't sound like the right answer to me. We can find ways to have a nice recognition and reward for that person each year, but it doesn't have to be that lucrative, in my opinion.

It sounds as though GCS again is decision-challenged in utilizing available funds to the best effect.

Barbara Ann,

Just picked-up a copy of the Rhinotimes today, and you are absolutely correct! The Rhino had some great coverage of one of the teachers' meetings, and I guess we were wrong to say that GCS teachers were reticent to speak-up about conditions in our schools. It sounds as though that group unloaded with both barrels! Of course, Terry Grier and other central office personnel were not allowed to be present. It sounds as though the four board members really got an earful. And, guess what? It sounds like they were saying pretty much the same thing that parents have been saying for the last year. It will be interesting to see if the board members take input from the teachers more seriously than they do from parents, and whether they really are moved to do someting about it.

Funny, but I haven't seen any reports about those meetings in the News-Record. Did I miss it somewhere along the line?

Okay Bruce, Jen and Teddy,

Here is post #49 and counting. Just getting caught up on the posts - was subbing today.

With regard to TOY - here is some additional information. Teachers are initially nominated by their peers - other teachers. At this point of the process, many times it is a popularity contest. And this is understandable. Once the teacher is voted on from the particular school, they put together a very detailed portfolio and receive $150 for doing a portfolio. Then the portfolios are reveiwed in another process. And as mentioned, Jennifer had explained there are other smaller cash rewards just for being selected from your school.

My take on the Harris-Teeter donations - buy the lap tops for the A/P and baccalaureate successful students. They will need them for college.

Whatever you do, just dish out the lap tops to high schools and not make students accountable. Seems quite a few just disappeared a month or so ago.

This just in from News 2 at 5:00

After one semester, the 3 schools in the High Point Choice Plan have greater numbers of students failing courses and lower attendance numbers for ALL 3 SCHOOLS compared to first semester last year (without the lottery).

I'm a gamlin man - I wouldn't place a bet on the success of this plan.

There is detailed information on the GCS website about HP Choice Plan-- lots of very informative info--take a peek!

Yep, and we'll have a full story on this in Saturday's News & Record.

Wow, reading GCS' report on the High Point Choice reveals the ultimate in hyperole. At the end of the report after a review of the pitiful results achieved in High Point high schools in the first semester, they have the temerity to state:

"Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship."

A national leader? By what measure?

They also make the wild claim regarding Andrews:

"The Andrews High School Center for Advanced Research and Technology is a comprehensive state-of-the-art education program combining rigorous academics with technical, design, process, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking skills."

Given the results that precede this claim, it is questionnable that this magnet is state-of-the-art and by what measure do they claim that? Rigorous academics? Someone in GCS' P.R. Department needs to tame their rhetoric. Let's not claim that we have won the racing triple crown when our horse can't make it out of the gate.

Can school districts be held liable for false advertising or bait-and-switch marketing tactics?

correction to my last post - meant to say -whatever you do "don't just hand out lap tops to students and not make them accountable"

Interesting articles in both papers on the HP Plan's lack of success.

Bruce, just a reminder, where is the update on C-B Carr that you promised? Is she coming back to GCS or leaving? Is she being considered for Andrews knowing that she did not want to leave?

Barbara Ann,
on another topic, Bruce or Jennifer reported that Ms Carr has resigned.

Barbara Ann,

Yesterday I posted on the blog about Cassandra's resignation. I put it on the strand where you first asked about it. (I forget which strand that was - maybe school watch?)

Anyway, I was talking to Mike Harris Friday about some information on principal turnovers and asked him for an update on Cassandra Barker-Carr. He said she had decided to resign. That should come up in the board's personnel action at Thursday's meeting. As of yesterday, the personnel report was not a clickable link. But eventually they make that so you can click on it and look at the names, etc.

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