News-Record.com

I certainly understand the arguement that greater compensation may attract more candidates; however the current board reports to the taxpayers, whether they like to hear that or not.

I would hope that the voters get to decide what this compensation should be.

I have a suggestion that the percentage of any raise should be no greater than what is given to teachers and staff such as cafeteria workers, bus drivers, etc.

Perhaps a bonus could be earned based upon targets being achieved that are established by the community at large.

Under no circumstances do I agree with the inmates running the asylum on this one. If anything I can name 5 or 6 current board members who should return the money they have been paid.

Right again, Buckmtn!

SOME aren't earning the money they are getting now. As a SWGHS parent, I call Anita or Darlene when I have questions because Susan Mendenhall WILL NOT answer phone calls or emails and does not return messages. But, I think that whoever takes over her seat in 2006 and several other board members probably deserve a raise.

It's hard to answer your poll question. I don't agree with any of the choices. Maybe a "fill-in" space is needed.

I'm in total agreement with the buckmtn above. I would like to give SOME board members an increase to equal the commissioners, but others deserve a pay cut.

Also, how sad it will be when the board is making more that our teachers. I believe that any board with a conscience, would be talking about teacher raises before their own.

These board members knew what the salary was BEFORE they ran for these seats. Any who are not satisfied can resign. I think about all the people who give to this community and NEVER get a dime!.. ie..Scout Leaders, Sports coaches,PTA board-members, etc...There is NO EXCUSE for our board members doing a shoddy job because their pay is pittance.

I could find a better replacement for ANY board member in one day's notice that would be willing to do the job for FREE.

I like Buckmountain's idea of bonuses being given on goals achieved. There should be some type of measure if anything is being done.

Some board members definitely deserve a raise; it could be based on the average that is paid in other counties.

Maybe they should receive a "draw" and when money is wasted there is no draw. When money is saved and goals are met they get more.

Some should return their money as others have said; some do not return e-mails.

What do you all think of a "draw"?

Jennifer,
Badly worded poll IMHO. But I played anyway.

When was the last time Cumberland County's compensation was adjusted? Are further increases tied to any schedule or index or performance?

Also, keying on Buckmtn's comment, how much have teacher salaries risen in GC since 1994, which was when the Board's current stipend level was set?

NO!
NO!
NO!

No, the answer to the original post: NO, absolutely NOT. If these school board members are there for the money then SHAME ON THEM!

I'd like to try the OPPOSITE for a while, think of it as a little experiment. I think we'd be pleasantly surprised--Let's pay them NOTHING--NADA, ZILCH, ZIPPO!

I SERIOUSLY think that we'd see a totally DIFFERENT caliber of people vying for the school board seats, with different values and goals.

I'M NOT being sarcastic, I'm totally serious.

My child goes to Sunday School every week, these teachers would NEVER except a cent.

I see Scout leaders give 16-20 hours/month, NOT counting special events and campouts. They would NEVER expect a CENT!

School volunteers for reading, book fairs, teacher recognitions, special functions and PTA board members--you KNOW them--ALWAYS the same people, and they give selflessly MANY hours each school year--NO PAYMENT REQUIRED!

Look at the fine folks with "Meals on Wheels", Go to the Animal Shelter, Go to HORSEPOWER, Go to CHURCH!! Do you think those playing that lovely music each week are GETTING PAID!!!???

LOOK at what our Seniors are required to do! GCS high school students are REQUIRED to have a certain number or COMMUNITY SERVICE hours (that means FREE WORK) to graduate! Where are their examples?

I'm disgusted! I'm beginning to think that we live among a bunch of hypocrits!

Do our school board members think that they are in a "for profit" business?

If they vote a raise for themselves, I will be outraged. They should ONLY be reimbursed for expenses incurred while doing school business. All other funds should go back to our schools.

A raise is a slap in the face to our students!

Jennifer/Bruce,

Great idea on the poll. I do have a question for next week, but it's a fill-in-the-blank question:

Name one single academic achievement of the High Point Choice Plan.

Unfortunately, you won't get any answers.

Jennifer/Bruce/Quest

This would be a great question but try to get in before Spring Break or after Spring Break. We have been searching and searching and haven't had an answer yet. We need all the help we can get here. Only one acceptable answer so far:

It has sent kids to private school and has helped those kids.

And Bruce/Jen there should be some kind of prize- a jar of jellybeans; a free subscription to the N & R for "an" answer. Notice I said "an answer" not "what is the answer". So far the person who said "private school" is the winner.

Any more takers out there who are up to the challenge. The key word is "academic" achievement; part two of the question (now this may be a stretch) could be: how is this academic achievement measured?

I'll try to answer some questions here and pose a question of my own.

Stoptheinsanity: I checked on whether we can add a "fill in the blank" section but the software we are using doesn't have that capability.

David: This is my first poll. Sorry it wasn't quite up to snuff. BTW, what exactly was your concern with the wording? If I know where I erred this time, I can try to avoid it in the future.

Also, I haven't gone back to track how much teacher salaries have gone up, but in the past 10 years they have definitely increased. We hit a few years where they remained relatively stagnant, but overall, they are higher than they were in 1994. The board's stipend has not changed. I'll have to check into what has happened at Cumberland County.

Now, as to my question.

Several people have compared volunteering on the school board to other volunteer work, such as tutoring or leading a boy scout troop.

My question is this: Is that a fair comparison? The school board is responsible for an entire school system: 67,000 students, about 8,000 employees, a $500 million budget.

Is that more responsibility? Is that more pressure? I mean, how often do volunteer scout leaders or tutors get taken to task on TV, in the newspaper or in the blogosphere for a decision they've made?

For those who have repeatedly called, e-mailed or approached a board member with your concerns, how often do you make those same efforts with a tutor or scout leader or other volunteer?

Jennifer,

Thanks for your informative post.

Per your question "For those who have repeatedly called, e-mailed or approached a board member with your concerns, how often do you make those same efforts with a tutor or scout leader or other volunteer?"

Here's my answer - Both my boy scout and girl scout leaders answer my questions immediately - whether I ask them in question, over the phone or via email.

My school board representative, Susan Mendenhall, NEVER returns my phone calls, emails, etc.

Jen,

I think your poll was worded fine. We are happy to at least have a poll and hope to see many more. Thanks Ronda for that great suggestion.

Maybe you could make the "academic" question a multiple choice although I don't know what that would be as we need some identifiable choices. Could be a true/false and take a poll. A simple question like: "The HP Choice Plan has had a positive academic improvement on the students involved" - True or False - or have a similar question and have 4 poll answers?
Best I still think might need an essay question: HOW has it helped.

We are all still waiting for ANYONE to answer the question. That would make it an essay test.

btw, Did Toby say "uncle"?

I'm sure we will have a HP reassignment plan-related question in the near future. It is and will continue to be a hot topic and those are exactly the kinds of issues we want to use for the poll question.

As Jen said, we can't do write-in or essay answers. Besides, we want to keep this short and simple. But we plan to ask multiple choice questions with four or five possible answers, rather than yes-or-no, true-or-false questions.

Look for a new question every Tuesday (since this was our first question, we put it up a day early) here on The Chalkboard. And we will recap the results from the previous week, too.

Sounds like a plan, Bruce.

Jen, I appreciate your trying to justify a salary for our board members. If you are trying to make the point that MORE responsibility = More pay, then those witht the MOST responsibility are those giving DIRECT care to our children--they should be paid the most...teachers, scout leaders, tutors....etc..

I don't agree that board members have more responsibility, anyway. In fact, you say:

Is that more responsibility? Is that more pressure? I mean, how often do volunteer scout leaders or tutors get taken to task on TV, in the newspaper or in the blogosphere for a decision they've made?

I emphasize "a decision they've made"--you see Jen. Our board members SHOULD NOT be making all of these tough decisions on their own. In fact, their job should be relatively EASY if they did it right! The proper way to decide a TOUGH decision is to go ASK your constituents! They are just supposed to be voting the way the MAJORITY of the constitutents believe. THEY are just supposed to be the MESSENGER--the REPRESENTATIVE--then dealing with the public, and being on tv (getting "taken to task" as you say) would not be a problem.

I totally disagree that the burden for decision making falls on ANY of these members. They are making their jobs difficult by forgetting that they are answering to their community.

Those are good points, Stop, and welcome to The Chalkboard.

From personal observation, board decisions aren't always so cut and dried. There are some decisions that will upset people, no matter what you do. You may make one group or one school happy, but anger another in the process.

That's not to say board members do or do not deserve more pay, less pay or any pay. Just that they are called upon to make difficult, controversial decisions from time to time.

Bruce,

Thanks for the welcome, this a great forum. Another comment, you say: "Just that they are called upon to make difficult, controversial decisions from time to time."

AGAIN, (sorry) I have to disagree:

If the board would STOP the mentality that "WE KNOW BEST" and involve their districts in their decision-making, then POSSIBLY we would see LESS controversy. At least THAT way they can say, "Look, I showed you the plan that we were considering, I ASKED your opinion, I CONSIDERED your input-- possibly THEN, they would be able to JUSTIFY their decisions! Really, they should KNOW this. I'm beginning to think they like controvery.

Stop,

I actually wasn't trying to justify or not justify a salary for school board members. There had been comparisons between volunteers, such as tutors and boy scout leaders, and the school board. I questioned whether that was a valid comparison and asked 'Who has the greater responsibility?'

* a school board member who's job encompasses the educational welfare of some 67,000 students and the working conditions for 8,000 employees
* a boy scout leader, who's job is to oversee the dozen or so children who are seeking to advance to the next boy scout level

While both deal with our most precious commodity, children, I'm not convinced that the responsibilities of the two jobs are comparable.

Think of it this way, the effect the boy scout leader has on your child does not affect the children in your neighborhood (except, of course, for those in the same troop). But the effect the school board has not only touches you and your child, but nearly 67,000 other children and their parents. Not to mention the 8,000 employees and their families.

Think budget cuts, reducing the number of teaching assistants, doling out bond money for new schools, choosing who will be superintendent, etc.

I agree that we disagree.

Let me just say this, I wouldn't trust most school board members to go camping for a week in the mountains with my child.

I've been reading these comments and have to say that I am lucky to have Kris Cooke as my school board representative. I know we are grateful for her and the work she does for us. When we all got together last year to talk about redistricting, she helped to make sure that the Irving Park families were allowed to return/stay at Mendenhall and not have to go to Aycock.

She listens to her people and acts accordingly. I guess not all board members do that for their people.

Jennifer:

Your comment is:
* a school board member who's job encompasses the educational welfare of some 67,000 students and the working conditions for 8,000 employees

Actually you have written a very good job description for the Superintendent. In my mind the school board members should be listening to their constituents and directing the Superintendent.

Unfortunately in Guilford County you still have the tail wagging the dog.

Jennifer, than later you say reword the previous statement by saying:

"Think of it this way, the effect the boy scout leader has on your child does not affect the children in your neighborhood (except, of course, for those in the same troop). But the effect the school board has not only touches you and your child, but nearly 67,000 other children and their parents. Not to mention the 8,000 employees and their families."

WOW, that's the most compelling arguement I have ever heard for cleaning house on the School Board. I am sure glad that you are the writer because you have said it perfectly for me. Based on what you are saying only Anita and Darlene should still be around in order to mentor the 9 new Board Members.

Jen is suggesting, incorrectly in my opinion, that the board has responsibility for the schol system and its 67,000 students, 8,000 employees, and $500,000 budget. Like all "boards" their charge is direction, oversight, and governance. The responsibility of the school district falls to the school superintendent. The superintendent is much like the CEO or COO of a company, responsible for the operations of the organization, and they are paid a full time salary for that responsibility. Terry Grier is paid approximately $200,000 annum base salary for that responsibility. Board Directors are normally compensated by a director's fee for their work, and in many medium size companies, $6,000 per year is about what they are paid, and if business travel is required outside of their locale, reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

It is misleading to say that the board members have this vast responsibility for which they are not properly compensated. They provide direction, oversight and governance, and are charged with supervising the superintendent and holding him accountable for running the school district properly, just as any CEO would be by the company's Board.

Angel:

Kris is one of the primary reasons there are so many posts to this Blog, AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LISTENING.

Well no I take that back, she listens, IT'S THE COMPREHENDING THAT 1,000'S of people have an issue with. As a matter of fact 45% of the people in her own district had a problem with her last November. All I have to say about that is too bad it wasn't 51%.

Angel,

You are correct, not all board representatives "take care" of their constituents like Kris. As a matter of fact, she takes care of other board members' constituents as well, like when she supported the High Point Lottery Plan that ensured children in that area wouldn't have the same rights as Irving Park residents. So, if Kris is such a good board member for your district why does she allow students in that district to get their school of choice, and ensure that High Point students have to play the lottery and hope to make a hit with their first choice? I guess that the Irving Park people really must appreciate her, if she is looking out for them, but doesn't care about the rest of the county. Maybe we should reduce her compensation accordingly since she is only representing one portion of the student population?

By the way, what's wrong with Irving Park kids going to Aycock? I hear that it is a very nice school, and Kris even expressed at one recent board meeting that she had great empathy for how that school has and is being treated. She is very concerned.

Angel,

What is wrong with Aycock that you didn't want to go there? I've heard very good things about it.

Mendenhall is the neighborhood school for the families in Irving Park. It only makes sense for our children to attend there. We have been losing far too many families to private schools in the past few years.

Kris helped ensure that Irving Park families would consider public school for their children as long as we were able to attend our own school.

I'm sure Aycock is a fine school, it's just not our school.

Just wondering.

Why all the anonymous posting? (save for Barbara Ann and a few others)

We're not all running for a council seat, so the need to spatter our name around town is not as important as it is for you.

David:

Why don't you ask the same question of the posters on your site? Say start with Mr. Sun and take it from there.

...also, some cannot say for fear of the unemployment line...if you get my drift....

As a long time teacher it sickens me to think that this School Board would even entertain increasing its pay while so many of my colleagues have to work 2 jobs just to get by. I hope you are not upset to learn that I do not dedicate 100% of my time and energy to your children. I would like to do this but I need to pay the rent and get groceries just as you do.

When I hear about how our School Board members visit our schools, I cringe. I do not even bother to listen to their empty statements, which I know will become broken promises before the semester is over.

I read several statements over the past few days about how these people need more money because they are volunteering their time and are taking time away from their jobs or businesses. My colleagues and I wish they would mind their own business and stay out of ours.

If they really care about the children in the Guilford County School System, the School Board would collectively turn over their pay to the schools in their respective districts. You see that way teachers like myself would have to spend less of our own money on school supplies. Unfortunately, School Board compensation is probably enough to fund their next political campaign. Higher pay you ask, higher paid politicians are hardly a benefit to the children of Guilford County.

AND NO, AS A TEACHER I CANNOT AFFORD TO PUT MORE OF MY MONEY INTO THEIR CHECKBOOKS.

Teddy:
You are absolutely correct. Grier's responsibility is similar to a CEO and the school board's responsibility is to govern and hold him accountable. As a shareholder (with two children in GCS) I think we need better educated school board members who understand the function of a school board.

Angel:
How do you feel about the HP lottery and what has been done to us? Why are people in Greensboro allowed to have neighborhood schools while HP children must ride the bus for hours each day? Do you think Kris Cooke made the right decision to support the lottery?

Lisa:

Are you aware that Ms. Cooke also publically supported undoing the HP Lottery while she was seeking re-election last fall.

I don't recall her leading this charge once her new term started, this was rather disappointing, but not surprising.

No doubt Ms. Cooke would use any raise to buy more makeup she can keep a straight face as she talks out of both sides of her mouth.

David,

Buckmtn is right - there are many anonymous posts on your website. Many here are teachers who have to worry about posting under their right names.

Angel, Angel, Angel....

Your head has apparently been in the clouds far too long. So Mendenhall is your "neighborhood" school for the families in Irving Park and it only "makes sense that our kids should go there." WHY?
"We have been losing far too many kids to private schools" (boo,hoo,hoo!!!) At least they live in Irving Park and can probably afford private school.

Believe me, we are all quite sure and convinced Kris made you promises to keep you at Mendenhall. That it a given. Thus the results of the election. Kris made a comment at one of the recent school board meetings about how kids at Mendenhall had to know where their kids where going so they wouldn't be stressed - something to that effect. What about all the HELL the the 8th grade parents and kids have to go through in High Point every year?!? I guess you wouldn't know that "Angel".

What about the kids who can walk across the street to SW High School and bought property there for that reason? What about the kids who have gone to SW High School for years and it was their neighborhoods school and their sibling have gone there? Now it is being turned into a school for future mimes and puppeteers!

It sure must be nice to have a neighborhood school. How do you think the High Point parents like paying out money for private school now that they had saved for college? Do you think their kids look forward to being on a bus for 3 hours a day? Kris had no problem putting HP kids on that bus and taking away their neighborhood school. Yes, you are lucky to have a rep look out for your personal needs; but what about the rest of the county? School board members are supposed to do right by all kids.

I have heard many, many great things about Aycock. I have two neighbors whose kids go there for Advance Learners and love it. In fact one is moving closer just to have less travel time and enjoy the amenities of the city life. I can't see what your problem would be with Aycock?

Out of curiosity can anyone out there in blogland tell me how long it would take to get there on a bus from Irving Park?

What do you mean Aycock is "just not our school"? Why should Greensboro parents have "a school" and High Point kids don't have an "our school". Remember we are all one big county now so what is the difference between what Greensboro always seems to get and High Point doesn't?

Please fly down to High Point and see how the rest of the county gets treated.

Angel,

When you speak of Kris Cooke, one word comes to mind, "HYPOCRITE".

After watching her roll her eyes during the public comments at school board meetings or twinkling her big puppy dog eyes at Dr. Grier, I don't think the children are the most important thing on her mind.

No, expletive NO!

Paying these board members more won't produce better results.

See the following article from Kansas.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/
living/education/10945731.htm

Tweekybird - understood on your anonymity.

Ronald, thanks for that link. Great story, great tactics, great results.

Students will always rise to the expectations that we place upon them. Everyone... read it.

I have posted it at my place as well... discuss.

Excellent article! So many common sense ideas that have left our schools were re-implemented with great results. Disciple-pride-hard work-respect-rules and consequences. Isn't that what we have been saying about the schools that are running crazy? It takes someone with guts and determination to make changes--- and an administration that backs them instead of getting in their way.

I found it very encouraging that the students that were interviewed were ashamed of the gap between the black/white test scores. I know that the adults that pay attention in Guilford County are aware of these problems. Are the students? How can we get 'buy in' from them? If they don't care (and you know the teens don't care about much; both black and white) what can be done to make a difference? BTW, welcome to David-I visit your blog daily. No alias here, just my name

Ronald,

Excellent link and story. Thank you for sharing.

A common sense, no-nonsense, fair approach.

What is scrary is that problems are starting at younger ages. Having taught 4th grade and one elementary school and 5th grade at a different school with a similar situation, I worry what our middle and high schools will be like if these kids make it there. It will be too late then.

Yes, Deborah... And I appreciate all of your comments. I thank you for the welcome, but I have been keeping up all along even if I haven't commented often of late.

The personal attacks on individual school board members on this blog just causes me to skip past much of the discussion, however. The "Aunt Dottie" and "Krissy" stuff is sophomoric and has done nothing to solve anything. If anything, it entrenches people deeper into their respective corners.

To me, discussing ideas and pushing for what we all want IN A CIVIL MANNER is the right way to go. Many commenters here are self absorbed ranters, not solvers.

To see what I mean, just wait for the flames to rise at me following this post.

David,

You enjoy the flames or you wouldn't be posting that comment and you wouldn't have your own website which ignites many, many fires.

Apparently, many people LOVE the Chaulkboard or Jen and Bruce wouldn't have so many readers. To each his own. People can read; post; go to other blog sites to their liking, or turn their computer off. Isn't real CHOICE great!

For those that like to rant, I guess they feel the need after not being heard for so long.

p.s. I have seen many a "rants" on your blog site - we won't even get into before the elections

Actually, Barbara Ann, I don't enjoy flames. I enjoy lively discussion... big difference.

You are correct that I and many people love the Chalkboard, but the personality-aimed flaming comments... not so much.

Ranters are not being heard, they are being tolerated.

David,

First of all, it's good to have you participating here.

I'd say most of the folks here at The Chalkboard want what you want - lively discussion and civil debate. I've been impressed by many of the thoughtful responses we've received and most people here seem respectful of others. That's how it should be and that's how I want it.

However, like you said, there are a few "ranters," as you call them, who call names and bully those who don't agree with them. That's unfortunate and as a rookie blogger, I'm not exactly sure how to deal with that.

On a thread last week, I asked folks to keep it civil and respect those who don't agree with the majority opinion. One reader responded with a hostile, profanity-laced tirade - and in doing so, proved my point far better than I ever could.

Governor Easley was in town this week to announce that a company with North American headquarters near the airport is adding 150 jobs. This will bring the company's total workforce in Guilford County to >1600. The average salary of the jobs will be $60K.

Many of the current employees of this company live VERY close to Southwest High School. Guess where they will recommend these new employees moving? Right - Greensboro, Not HIGH POINT.

Someone needs to follow this and see where the 160 new employees will live.

Barbara Ann, David and others,
I have been involved fairly often, and deeply in the muck but I admit that I feel that the name calling doesn't help the situation. It probably gives the writer an outlet for their frustration. I feel the HP parents have a true reason to feel like they have been ignored and not well represented (that is a true understatement!)and their frustration comes out in different and unique ways.

I try hard to continue the fight with a little decorum; but have no idea if it helps. I remember Kris saying that the HP choice should be changed-- that the lottery part should be eliminated, but nothing lately. If Susan doesn't return emails/calls that is unacceptable to me. I am lucky that my rep is open and responsive to parents. There was almost a change in the make up of the board during the last election. I can only hope that there will be options available for voters in the next election.

Bruce,

How's about this.

Set up a PayPal account for donations to Dr. Grier's favorite charity. Every time a flamer, troll or indiscernible ranter does their thing, readers will be urged to make a $5 donation to that cause.

I think you might better make the donations to your local school--they all need the money :)

Of course you are correct, but the point is to discourage the practices of trolls, not encourage it.

Dr. Grier just seems to be perceived as a common enemy of all of the flamers here.

And I agree with you previous post.

David,

I love that word TOLERANCE. Oftentimes when I sub I try to make it the vocabulary and spelling bonus word and discuss it at length. Do you know how much TOLERANCE it takes to sit through a school board meeting at times and watch the show? Do you know how many fireballs you have to suck on to get through a school board meeting? Or wait until your item is last on the agenda after weeks of listening to CRAVEN?? Do you know how much TOLERANCE it takes when you feel like you do not have a school rep for many years and others do? Do you know how much TOLERANCE it takes to feel like 11 people want to put you kid on a bus for 3 hours a day?

You have many great ideas, David, but so do many others. People have their own unique style; they have their own opinions; they have freedom of speech. This is America. People can read; write; spy or turn their computers off. It is as easy as turning off a TV show that is undesirable for your kids.

People love the Chaulkboard because it is a place they can discuss freely and vent if needed. Bruce and Jen have a great thing going here. This is why it is the hottest blog place going. The school board doesn't listen. The public has learned more here about school issues then ever before.

You have your own web site YOU can control. You can do surveys; ask questions; incite discussion; ask for money and post a mastercard symbol; block posters from posting which still happens. It is your website. This website is for everyone. And we don't need "prepay" here.

While reading your website I can't tell you the number of times I have seen the use of profanity; the F word on many, many occasions; cussing; ranting. I would work on the rantingand use of profanity in Hogg land first. I have had to practice tolerance many, many times in reading your blogg site in the past. (like I mentioned - pre-election time, for example)

As far as folks listening to the ranters - I totally disagree. Many people are listening. There are school board members who spy and are listening. Well maybe they are just TOLERATING for a change like we have had to TOLERATE them for many years while they try to control our kids'lives.

Sometimes folks just have to tell it like it is and I am sure some of your school board chums don't like to hear the truth.

David,

You are very perceptive if you have been able to sort-out people's opinion of Terry Grier. He is probably one of the most disliked people in Guilford County, and he has earned that title. If he doesn't like being the most disliked person in the county, then perhaps he could put a stop to some of the madness that he is causing in our schools. But, my guess is that he won't do that, because he thinks he's a lot smarter than all of the parents and citizens of the county, because he is an educational professional, he's of the elite, and he knows what is best for everyone. And, most members of the school board continue to enable his madness.

Barbara Ann,

All of what you say is fair criticism except for this. I do not block posters, never have and never will... you and I have discussed this many times. I have received the "forbidden" message when trying to post at my own site many times. It is maddening, but I can't get my provider to fix it. But I keep trying.

Well, that and I don't understand the "prepay" and f-word parts which you say has happened "many, many times". I recall none.

I would gladly contribute to a Paypal account if proceeds went towards buying out Grier's contract.

Hey everyone, I think the debate needs to stop for today. Someone's child isn't coming home tonight and that makes everything inappropriate at the moment.

David H. and Debora M., you are right about donations need to be made, I think perhaps over at Urban Ministries in honor of this student whose last thing he did was helping others.

Hug your kid(s) tonight and continue discussing later.

Prayers to the family of the NW student.

For over a year now I have been labeled everything from a "priviledged White elitist to a ranting troll.

You cannot kick a dog but so many times before he bites back.

Dr. Grier and some school board members have kicked the parents of Guilford County students
to the point that they are now biting.

Working,raising a family,volunteering,paying taxes and running 24 hours a day puts enough stress on a family,throw in the fact that you have to deal with a school board like ours, it would make any one turn in to a "RANTING TROLL".

Please be a little more culturally sensitive to
those of us that are on the edge.

Sorry for the rage,I'll go back under my bridge now.

I hear ya.

David,

I have seen profanities used on your website at different time. I rarely go there now as you say there is a problem with the software and the "forbidden" message still comes up so it is frustrating.

The one story I do remember was when the neighbor who was kind enough to go to your house with food or something let the dog out by accident. Granted, it was a very funny and interesting story but I do vividly recall the F word being used.

I have definitely witness ranting many times also.
Pre-election conversation are another, long story which is history now.

What I am saying is why would we need prepay on the Chaulkboard although I know you were joking (I sure hope so.)

The point is there is freedom of speech. Some may not like what others say or how long it takes them to day it or how they say it, so just turn the computer off.

Let's call it a day and go out and buy a Peace Lily.

All,

Back to the ORIGINAL subject. It is a moot point.
The school board can vote to pay themselves what they want. The commissioners can approve what they want or adjust it. Your taxes pay for it.

The end.

My apologies, Mark. I did not see your above post until now.

I agree.

Time for all to take a break and definitely go hug our kids and count our blessings.

Peace to all.

Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall and Chris Cooke - they want money for their public service! I would try to remove any renumeration, reduce the useless meetings, and if outvoted,at least donate any stipend to a scholarship fund for Students wanting to become teachers.
Maybe the three gals need a priorities update. Public service should not be greed centered.

By the way...Susan Mendenhall had better start saving for the 2006 race, I am, and I intend to paint a very very clear portrait of her waste and votes hurting our children and devastating High Point!
GARTH HEBERT

Garth, did you say greed centered or Grier centered? Or are they in fact one in the same?

Garth,

While you are busy painting a "very, very clear portrait", I am painting you some special eggs. Each one contains votes for Garth in 2006. I can get a lot more of them out there by 2006. Lots of work to do but an easy task!

The Easter Bunny doesn't like people hurting children. He will be glad to help Garth help our kids be treated fairly.

Hi all....
I gave up reading the blogs a while ago but was "sucked back in" with this discussion (Sandy still reads them daily). Here's a related post that I left on David Hoggard's site. To weigh in on the raise issue.... give them a dime for every returned call or e-mail and a dollar for every WOTHWHILE meeting attended (worthless meetings have no value)!

As a reply to Pam, it was Dr Grier who said he was constantly trying to do "More with less". My comment back to him was to change his paradigm 180 degrees and do "Less with more".

What I meant by that was for Dr. Grier and the Board of Education to stop creating all of these specialty/magnet programs that focus the school system's resources on the top 10% students academically. Instead take the time, monetary and human resources and reallocate them back to a basic education that focuses on math, reading and science. This type of focus would benefit the 88% of Guilford County's student population NOT enrolled in a magnet program.

Additionally, the principals in Guilford County don't have the backing of the central office to do something as courageous as principal Wren. If a school principal ever tried something like that here, she'd be moved before she had a chance to succeed. Success at a local level "de-centralizes" the power. Therefor, it won't happen here as long as the current superintendent is in power.

In January, I spent a considerable amount of time drafting a 3 page letter to the BOE that gave specific examples of how they might approach such a "radical", back to basics idea. Only Darlene Garrett and Amos Quick responded. The current board has a solid voting block of 6 that votes as one. They fall "lock-step" behind Alan Duncan's lead. Until that changes or until Dr. Grier takes his Guilford County experiment-filled resume' elsewhere, we can expect more of the same. (Just ask the VSN parents)

Someday, sanity will return and our best educators will feel empowered to be as courageous as principal Wren. Until that time, I feel it is our responsibility to affect those things we feel we can/should change and to support the educators bold enough to care to try to make a difference.

Simply said, "Less specialty programs, MORE basic education!" "Less central office control, MORE local control" "Less shuffling of principals, MORE stability" "Less bussing, MORE community schools" (The list is endless!)
Tim Mann • 3/25/05; 9:55:16 PM #

This would make a great way to "pay" the school board - a fee for each returned e-mail or productive meeting. Better yet can they pay us for how many times we have had to hear the word "Craven" and we can donate the money to our favorite charity?

Now we read that because of rising construction costs, projects may be cut. Well here still sits CRAVEN empty. Another sore subject....

I agree about the answering of e-mails or should I say not anwering our e-mails. Does anyone else have better luck? I will say Darlene always answers; usually Alan (which could actually count for the group - ya think?) and once in a blue moon a few others (and not favorably) but definitely not our district rep in the past few months.

Have a great Easter break everyone.