News-Record.com

Did anything happen after closed session?

Quest,

A couple of things happened, but nothing big:

- Smith High School has a new principal, Noah Rogers, who currently is a high school principal in Norfolk, Va. Current Smith principal Sam Misher will become principal of Northern Middle when it opens in 2007. I'm not sure what he'll do between now and then, though.

- The board decided it will meet Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. after all. Anyone who knows this school board and how much they enjoy meeting saw this coming.

- The board decided to postpone any decision on a health sciences and construction technology academy at Smith High until next month.

There was quite a discussion about Sunday.
Darlene was upset that it would not be televised. Marti did not want to go full stop.
Kris wanted/pushed to do it.

The subject WILL be redistricting.

One more thing is that they are targeting to decide/vote on it at the last meeting in Feb!

Now let me get this straight, there are now 4 High Schools in High Point?

Also, the sign is Hilarious!!!!!!!! Is that legal?

Bruce, you have to post a picture. Don't get scooped on this one!

Bruce,

Is Southwest still keeping any of the focus themes, i.e. video production?

I didn't catch all of the board meeting but I thought there was discussion about the equipment they had in there, comparing it to Weaver.

Is it your understanding that ALL of the focus themes put in SWH are gone?

What about the dance studios they built at SW? What will they now be used for?

SW will keep video production but make it where its accredited instead in the arts. I didn't understand that part.

As I consider the fact that, after two years, the school board is dismantling most of the programs that they put into place as part of the choice plan,along with the seemingly non-existent computer techonolgy program at Andrews, could one take this to mean that there was not ever really any commitment to building world class magnets and schools, but only a lottery to be used to assign students to schools in a manner designed accomplish an agenda? And, when the lottery disappeared, there was no there, there? A house of cards held together only by a lottery?

I am curious as to whether the early college program at Southwest High School was discussed. I couldn't watch the meeting, and the article mentioned that an education program at Southwest had been eliminated. If the early college program was eliminated, where would those children currently enrolled have to move? There are many students who got around their lottery assignments because they applied and qualified for this program. By the way, I wonder why so few parents know about this program?

Deb,

Now I remember. I guess that makes sense. The video production with have a technical accredidation not in the arts.

What about the dance studios they spent money on when they tore out classrooms. Any mention of this?

Stormy, I didn't hear of them taking any programs out of Andrews. This is how I understood the various changes from what I watched. BRUCE, CAN YOU CLARIFY, PLEASE:

Central - only 2 students in the school of business that school is being eliminated

Central- school of medicine being combined at Andrews with the other sciences (Dot asked if the students can take their classes at Andrews and return to Central for the rest of their school day)- answered affirmative

Ferndale - to be a pre IB program (which in my opinion is a good idea)

SWH - School of Arts going out (based on Deb's observation and this makes sense since they will have at P-G)

Penn-G - to be come a dedicated Arts Magnet - Grades 6 to 12

SWH - Academy of Education going out - kids in it can continue but not new students can apply - it was felt that many never really wanted this anyway just applied to stay at SW so it was mentioned that some many may drop it? They are going on the assumption that those in the program will stay in it

Weaver (technical)- kids from Ragsdale, Central, Southwest (i.e. kids from High Point) who take classes there now - some of same classes will be offered at Andrews - they will take the classes at Andrews and not have to make the trip to Greensboro

This is my understanding of the various changes mentioned.

Barbara,

I understand that no programs have been eliminated at Andrews (that we know about), but my point was really asking an academic question as to whether, after two years, whether there was any there, there, in what was supposed to be world class programs. Two years and millions later, what have the taxpayers of the county gotten for the pains of the choice plan/lottery? Zilch.

At a meeting a few times ago, it was stated that SW would continue with their 'arts' like it was before the choice plan. I understand that they had dance etc before that. Classes would be offered, but not as a magnet.

Dot almost had a fit when they said the medical thingy would go to Andrews. 22 Students? 22 Students? "Can they go to Andrews take their classes and come back"?

That said it all. Central parents will not be bused! Pronto.Finito.O Fin! Proof of the puddin.
That is what is has been about all the time!

She makes me sick!

By the way, they estimated that of the 40 in the Edu thingy at SW only 10% might like to keep doing it.

WHAT A BLEEDIN FARCE!

WHY DO WE LET THESE PEOPLE TO &@#* AROUND WITH OUR CHILDREN?

I am a parent of a student at Southwest High School. My son is in the magnet/arts program and also plays football for Southwest. In order for my child to continue in this program, he will have to attend Penn Griffin Middle School (because it will transition to a middle/high school beginning next year) for the remainder of his schooling. I do not wish for my high school son to attend school with middle school age children. What are the school board members thinking, or are they thinking at all?

A. Brown,

You hit the nail on the head...they don't think. It would be asking too much for most of that group to do any thinking beyond what they plan to do for dinner, much less what the unintendended consequences of their decisions may be on children. Long-term planning for this group means next week.

RE: Dance Studios at SW

So let me get this straight, they tore out perfectly good classrooms, spends thousands of dollars to do this (after I actually had written them several times prior to the wrecking ball for the walls to come down for a dance studio), paid for quads to come in for traditional classes, put in dance studios for some kids who have never had dance before so they could have this as an elective? Is that it?

Stormy,

I get now what you were trying to say.

Deb,

To my knowledge, I didn't know they offered dance classes before the IT Plan, but I would have to see if I had an old catelog. Can any SW folks answer this? It's a moot point now that the money has been spent.

Check out DJ.s comments on Allens blog on the thread about Guilford County back to the future.

I got a little more information on the new Smith principal. He's a 1977 graduate of Ragsdale, where he was student body president, so he's got strong local ties.

Also, Sam Misher, the current Smith principal, will start working on Northern Middle as soon as Mr. Rogers gets here. There's a lot to do in starting a new school: hiring a staff, picking a mascot, buying band equipment, etc., so that's what he'll be working on.

Barbara,

I wasn't trying to say anything. I said exactly what I meaant to say. The School board doesn't have the ability to plan beyond today's meeting.

The BOE loves to spend time spinning their wheels. They will spend tremendous amounts of times on some subjects of little importance. Other subjects that need attention are overlooked. They can then go to public and say "How hard we have worked". The BOE is incapable of putting anything in priority order. They have the view that everything is important. This means that nothing is important.

Speaking of that, Joe, you will be pleased to know that the board has just spend the last, oh, hour-plus talking about ways to shorten meetings! There's a pretty funny joke in there somewhere, but I'm too sleepy to find it.

Bruce,

I much appreciate that you're reporting to us live from the board's retreat! Please keep up the good work!

Also, - I have a favor - please confirm on the CB at the end of meeting if they'll be meeting tomorrow from 1 - 4 to discuss redistricting.

Bruce, you are the man!!!

Please dont forget what Quest asks.

Hey Bruce,
Please tell the board that my child is now officially withdrawn from Guilford County schools. That's one less white butt for them to bus around!

Yup,
a colleague of mine told me yesterday that he will put his son in Private school next year.
10 grand a year he said. But he going to do it.

Thanks Bruce.

I am physically unable to take BOE retreats. I went to part of one and it was 5 times worse than a regular meeting. I see why they don't carry the meetings on TV. The people that really suffer are the staff. They have to be there on stand-by. If you surveyed school boards across the country, you would be hard put to find one that meets more and gives so little direction to the Supt. and staff. If you are a senior member of the staff, the pay is good, but job satisfaction is non-existant.

The Choice Plan initially was presented with world class program coming to the schools. GCS did not actually have the funds when the plan was "sold" to "community leaders" and the newspapers. GCS applied for grant money. There were errors on the grant application when they applied for the funds. They asked for too much money than the grant provided. The funds were denied on that basis. Maybe now if grant money is received, the programs can be promoted so students will at least know about them.

Yes, Quest and Truth, the board definitely will meet Sunday from 1-4 p.m. to discuss redistricting. It should be interesting.

The discussion on board meetings ended with no firm conclusion, but the board basically agreed to try and keep the meetings to a more reasonable length. Forgive me if I don't hold my breath on that one!

Yes, Quest and Truth, the board definitely will meet Sunday from 1-4 p.m. to discuss redistricting. It should be interesting.

The discussion on board meetings ended with no firm conclusion, but the board basically agreed to try and keep the meetings to a more reasonable length. Forgive me if I don't hold my breath on that one!

Okay Joe for making so much darn common sense today

EDWARD R MURROW it shall be

We can do a HUGE electronic petition when the time comes AND go door to door.

Bruce,

You computer is broken. Why are you double posting? (Ha)

Are you or Jen going to the meeting on Sunday?

Can't blame the computer for that one, Barbara Ann. That was pure operator error (a fancy way of saying, "I messed up!")

The board just talked about academic performance and the reason more schools didn't meet federal Adequate Yearly Progress goals. I don't mean this to be flip or sarcastic, but some board members said the problem was that parents just don't know how to read the test score results and if they really looked at the situation more closely, they would realize that GCS is doing a great job.

And by the way, it's a beautiful day outside -- you shouldn't be in front of your computers!

Bruce,

It IS a nice day and I am heading out - hope you will do the same.

re: your second paragraph - you mean citizens/parents aren't capable of reading reports on line or the newspapers? not saying "all" is bad in GCS or different from the rest of NC and the national trends, BUT I think most people are intelligent enough to read and analyze data. And remember Dr. Z said "there is no racial gap" - it was an socioconomic gap, I believe is how he put it - and forget AYP's what about "ABC's" and not enough kids showing up at Central and Andrews for the test and so ABC's could not be counted for that school. What does that tell you? Not enough kids showing up to school?

Bruce, it's call PR "if you believe it to be true, it's true". Put it out there in the newspapers the public eats it up. Put out what you want, have a staff on hand for PR and publish mostly positive results on your own cable TV channel and your own website - why not?

They aren't going to put out reports about teachers getting harassed, hit or kids getting arrested, for example, or report about the gangs in our some of our schools.

But I REALLY do believe most people involved in the current school situation (and there are many and have been at this for a long time now), can READ the research, study the test results and reports, and the patterns and come to the same conclusions.

off this subject but ARE YOU OR JEN GOING ON SUNDAY TO THE RETREAT so you can report in the newspaper or on line?

signing off now

Sorry, Barbara Ann. I mean to answer your question in the previous post.

Yes, we will be covering the redistricting meeting tomorrow -- we always cover these board retreats and we know how important redistricting is to our readers. We're certainly covering anything related to redistricting.

Jennifer will be at the meeting tomorrow. We decided to divide it up - I think I would've cracked up if I had to work both Saturday and Sunday!

It should be noted that "Murror's Friend" is using a bad email address. All mail is undeliverable. Pls put the right address in the system. Thanks.

BRUCE GET OUT NOW. JUST GET UP AND SLOOOOOOWLY BACK OUTTA THERE!!!!!!

YOU'RE UNDER THEIR CONTROL NOW. GO!!! BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE ALONE.

ALWAYS USE THE "BUDDY" SYSTEM WHEN GOING INTO TRECHEROUS TERRITORY!!!!! YOU'RE STARTING TO USE THEIR "SCHOOLBOARD" JARGON, NEXT YOU'LL EVEN BE BELIEVING IT! WORSE YET, YOU MIGHT START TO LOOK LIKE ONE OF THEM!!!!! YIKES!!! BRUCE IN A TURTLE-NECK WITH HORN-RIMMED GLASSES!!!!???? AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

GO NOW!!!!!!!!! NOBODY'S LOOKING!!!!!!

Did I slip into education jargon? If so, I apologize. It's been a long day!

But don't worry about seeing me in a turtleneck with horn-rimmed glasses. I'm no fashion plate, but those items aren't in my wardrobe!

Speaking of the retreat, Dr. Grier mentioned wanting to change the district's logo from the current tree logo.

I didn't realize this, but the tree in the current logo is growing out of an open book. I just thought that was a pile of mulch or something.

Bruce,
I will be interested in hearing how the board rates their own performance this year. I believe that was one of their main topics. I, for one, don't care if the meetings take along time, if they would accomplish something. Maybe staff needs to get them the material earlier, or maybe they need to read the material. I hate it when they pass out big folders as they start to speak. The boe should have the material, study it, have their questions ready... less of the.. 'well, I need to talk this out for myself' 'what page is that on' how do I read that chart stuff.... drives me crazy!

PS, just got on the computer, been working with the kid on science stuff.

Bruce,

Carolina just thrashed the Wildcats on natonal television. Go Heels!

Now, will you name names of board members that think that their constitutents are too dumb to read AYP's? That will allow us to address them properly on the matter. By the way, do you think that they know how to read the AYP's, if they think that everything is great? I want to know what they are smoking to get them so high?

If you are blogging while you are in the meeting, you are probably bored stiff!

On a more serious note, district officials say they'll need at least $8 million extra from the county commissioners just to meet rising costs. They expect the district to grow by 1,700 students.

Plus, the state has raised teacher pay and there are some locally-hired teachers who are paid out of the local budget. Those teachers always have received the same pay raises as their peers.

Bruce,

Their logo is a pile allright, but it isn't mulch. It's much earthier than that.

Debora, the issue of the meetings came up in the board's self-evaluation. Meetings was the biggest topic that came up.

And sure, Stormy, I'll be more specific. Alan Duncan brought up the idea that people don't fully comprehend the test score data and if they did, they would see that the district may be doing better than they thing. Dr. Grier also endorsed this idea. In all fairness to them, some other board members nodded in agreement.

Bored stiff? Yeah, maybe a little. But I can at least pass along some updates to you guys. That way, you can share a little of my misery!

Completely extraneous board retreat post:

The school board is taking a break now. Here's the spread for their afternoon snack:

- fresh fruit
- cookies (chocolate chip, mostly.) Store-bought, not homemade.
- peanuts
- pimento cheese & crackers
- Jell-o cups
- M&M's (peanut, not plain)
- snack mix
- some leftover birthday cake from lunch - today is school board attorney Jill Wilson's birthday.

Well, back to the meeting!

Changing the logo, huh? What's Grier got in mind? A tree growing from a bus? OR is he thinking just totally get rid of the tree and just make it a bus? That would be cute...a little smiley face on the bus and a big dollar sign on the side. Now THAT would truly represent what this system is all about.

There's no shortage of nuts at the meeting, is there! I hope they at least offered you some goodies. I might just drop by and leave a bag of "Smarties" for 'em.

So, they need another $8 million, huh? How about a logo of Grier throwing money down a rat hole? That's representative.

Actually, Smarty, I can't take their snacks. It's News & Record policy - we can't accept any type of gift from folks we cover, even food at a board meeting.

That may sound silly, I know. But many other newspapers have similar policies and I'm going to abide by the rules. Too bad, 'cause that pimento cheese looks pretty good....

The board now is talking about the new state graduation standards, which will take effect starting with this year's rising ninth-graders (currently in eighth grade).

Students will have to pass five end-of-course tests in core subjects like English and algebra to earn a high school diploma They'll also have to complete a senior project. This will be a tremendous challenge for high schools here in Guilford County and all across the state.

Dang! You can't partake in the goodies?!! Can I bring you a PB&J or something? Barf Bag?

Guilford County Schools will only begin to show improvement when we FIRE mr. grier.

He is the # 1 Problem that is confronting our schools.

The Vast Majority of citizens in Guilford County dislike grier and would love nothing more than to see him kicking a Tin Can down the road toward his retirement Villa in Ft. Lauderdale.

Notice to School Board: Fire grier!!!!!!

I saw the perfect logo for GCS yesterday by the Welcome to High Point sign on Eastchester. I'm proud to say that I was able to get a picture of it before it disappeared. Grier will be happy to know that his mug would be prominently displayed.

(I heard that City of High Point trucks removed it. Probably wanted to give it to Mayor Becky to hang in her office)

Now we know why Bruce didn't have any chicken wings or spirits when he came to the Tree Lighting Ceremony on SW School Road..it is against policy. That makes me feel better.

That's right, Jane. Nothing personal about your cooking!

The board is in closed session right now to discuss some personnel and real estate stuff. Afterwards, they're expected to vote on a proposal to delay making Penn-Griffin a 6-12 school until 2007 (the program was approved at Thursday's board meeting).

Dr. Grier asked for the one-year delay so they could better plan the new program. The big sticking point right now is what to do with those 350 neighborhood students who would be displaced by the high school kids.

Bruce,

I glad to see that you and the News-Record take ethics and conflict of interest in your business seriously. Too bad that Terry Grier doesn't do the same, and his case it wasn't just pimento cheese sandwiches.

Gahhhhleeeey, I know Gomer, I mean Grier would ne'r implement a plan that hadn't been thunk out.

Bruce et al,

You are cracking me up. You really had me scared after that last post, Bruce. I was driving around today realizing you had posted from that meeting. I thought they might have spiked your kool-aid. Maybe it's something in the duct work like Legionare Disease. Bruce, thanks for the blow by blow description. Nice to see the "menu". You must be bored but these updates are great. Ask Jen if she can do the same tomorrow.

Took your advice - went out today for a ride with hubby and had a few beers and caught come clips from old Steeler games on TV (YEAH!)

Speaking of Penn-G I was wondering about that all day today. How in the world could they get a HIGH SCHOOL up and running by fall 2006? Where do you put the 350 kids? We certainly don't need more trailers. Where would they find all the high school teachers to teach all the art classes and basic classes there? Sports teams? Clubs? I am glad to hear the word "PLAN" in a sentence coming out of that room. Maybe there is a slight ray of hope after all. Gosh that is unbelievable. A PLAN. As long it is not "just a proposal" like the "Choice" plan. We have heard those words way too many times. Now a well thought out, real PLAN would be nice to have for a change.

Did you hear the words "GOALS" or "RESULTS" today?

Forgot to mention. Debora has an excellent idea (as usual). Why can't they get the data, maps, reports at least a day before the board meeting??
Is that too much to ask. It wastes so much time. This way they could come prepared and ask intelligent questions then. They know the meeting agenda ahead. This would make the meetings go much faster and not was the public's time either.

Come prepared!

To those of you with a digital photo of this street sign on Eastchester. Could one of you go into the "cone of silence" and e-mail it to my Roadrunner address.

Maybe they are going to change the logo to Grier sitting under the tree and an apple falling on his head, like Sir Isaac Newton.

Did you say the school board was going to delay a program for planning purposes?

You must have misunderstood!

They were able to revamp three large high schools, put world-class magnets in place, and implement a lottery in a few short months.

Now they need a whole year to implement one little 6-12 school.

The way it works is the school board talks about what they might want to do for months, then after many fruitless discussions it’s tabled then brought back then more fruitless discussions then it’s voted in, there is no money or plans in place. Someone makes up a few classes with impressive names at the last minute the classes are printed in the registration books. Who knows what happens after that but there does not appear to be any planning involved.

Almost forgot! at some point during their sprint to the deadline, a board member brings up moving High Point students around AGAIN! All the while, the High Point parents have been at home waiting for it to happen AGAIN! The parents just never know if it’s going to be at the December or January meeting.

The school board needs an intervention team! Someone please help!

I think that the Penn thingy really throws a spanner in the works for this new Chop plan. Havent worked it out yet but would the Penn non magnets get sent to SW ( or a least a part)? I really dont think they understand those numbers..

Too much for Eric (Gimmienothervodka) Hokstra's brain...
Something funny is going on. You can bet on it.

Guess they can't send students to SWM because of no space. Ferndale is an op out school already with some going to SWM. Welborn will be full of the new map plan students. The questions are endless.

Bruce, want you to know that hundreds of parents across n. High Point and J. Town rested much easier last night after learning of the N&R ethics policy of not eating provided snacks. It's good to know silly little things like pimento loaf, Mrs. Fields, the facts, or even M&M's could ever threaten the objectivity of any N&R writer, especially the editorial writers. Thanks again,

Truth, you don't know artists. It's relativly easy shaking the bushes and turning up quality world class teachers for Adavanced Technological Research (industry lay-offs) and International Business and Language (just offer Green Cards)and getting them to work for 35 G per year. But gathering together a bunch of talented, world class, tempremental artists and getting them to leave NYC, Julliard, Berklee or the Sorbonne is like herding cats. I agree with with staff.

Endless,
of course thats it. They must of noticed that between last Thursdays meet and yesterday. Griered definitely said that the Penn middlers would go to SW.

Looking at the data from dear Eric(gimmenotherpintandimaoutaere)
The Penn numbers were only included in Plan B

Adding up the numbers for the four schools
its
Current total 2582 Students
Proposed total 2743 Students

A delta of 161 children. Do these children come from the rest of the county?

The HS numbers add up the same for current and proposed so he must of messed it up. Unless Endless has another explanation?

Truth,

I would think it has something to do with the middle school numbers. We also know the numbers keep changing depending on which set of number Eric (givemeanotherbcpowerandanotherpinttogoplease) Hoakster is asking to come up with while under the gun.
Anything is possible. But it must have something to do with the distribution of the middle school attendance. You have to look at the fifth grade numbers too.

TRUTH

Don't forget the public isn't capable of reading and interpreting AYP scores. So what makes the public capable of doing math either.

They must think we all had Guilford County School educations.

Speaking of mathematically challenged, what is 400 minus 50?

A question that must be asked is how many seats are being allowed for the improved/expanded magnet programs?

Are these going to be open to the entire county or at least the western half of the county like the other magnet programs?

They need to allow so many seats for these programs. Plus it is imperative that these programs be communicated to the public and included in the upcoming magnet fair.

Bruce or Jennifer, are you there? If so, reinforcements are coming!

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Buckmtn:

I think Mayor Becky pulled the sign after that photo of the fresh new building for the Las Vegas furniture market came out. She didn't care for the new welcome sign. It was up and gone in a flash from what I heard. Someone might have taken a photo on their camera phone.

I must be one of the lucky few that saw the new HP welcome sign. I didn't get a picture though. I guess I should never leave home without my camera.

For those that didn't see it, I'll try my best to describe it:

It was located right beneath a "Welcome to High Point" sign. It was a catoon-like image of a local Superintendent. Now remember, I'm just the messenger...This cartoon image was relieving himself--and I mean it looked as if he either REALLY had to go bad OR he just enjoyed WHAT he was "going" on. He was going on another nicely drawn picture of the High Point Schools.

Now some will think this offensive. Others will say it pretty closely resembles the truth. All I know is that I had to pull over from laughing so hard. I can see why it was taken down so quickly, it could've caused an accident.

Whoever has it, I'm guessing some public official, I bet they're having a good laugh. I imagine it in someone's living room.

Just wondering if anyone is at the meeting and how the discussions are going. Wondering if we will get a feel for each board member and how they would vote, or the general feeling of the High Point redistrict discussion. If you are at the meeting, let us know how it's going.

Yikes, it's already 3:30 on Sunday and I realized I hadn't posted anything about the board's redistricting talks. That was the only item on the agenda, so I don't have much to share with you all like Bruce did yesterday.

They're supposed to come back to the discussion about delaying the Penn-Griffin Middle School change later today. Other than that, they've basically gone round and round looking at the proposed redistricting maps. They've spent the most time on A, looking at all the changes in the county.

Sounds like proposed changes to fill the new Reedy Fork Elementary and Northern Middle and High schools meet with the board's approval. They also agreed to support the staff's recommendations on Guilford/Jefferson elementary schools.

The meeting is supposed to end at 4 p.m.

We'll see...

PS: Sorry, I didn't get a look at the lunch spread. Ironically enough, I brought some PBJs. (Someone posted that suggestion earlier, but I swear I didn't read about it until after I got here.)

Anxious,

I don't have a feel for what they might do in High Point. They went through maps B and C with some questions but no clear indications. They've been on map A for awhile now going over different sections. A big focus has been the proposed switch involving Rankin Elementary students who go to Eastern to move them to Page, which is closer. Problem is, the kids they'd switch them with would only be a little bit closer.

Please tell us what color Susan's turtle-neck is? And is Dot wearing that dead squirrel around her neck again? Oh the suspense of not being able to be there!

Hey, I got the picture thank you. Based on what I see it is obvious the good Dr. isn't suffering from a bout of kidney stones.

YES, SHE ACTUALLY SAID IT

Priceless quote from today's retreat in reference to a proposed Page/ NE Guilford kid-swap, per Susan Mendenhall:

"But that would just be shifting kids around. What good would that do?"

That settles it. She was stoned. By tomorrow she won't know she even attended the retreat.

Jennifer,

You have to lead your story tomorrow with Mendenhall's quote. That stetement just drips with irony and hypocrisy that is too good to be true. It needs to be memorialized, so if they decide to do a scoop and swap in High Point it can and will be held against her.

Someone PLEASE sneak over to Susan's house and throw away all of her turtle-necks! They're depriving her brain of much needed oxygen!!!

I attended the board retreat today. Here are some interesting stats from Jim Moen regarding the cost of transportation in HIGH POINT ONLY

Map A adds $353,051 per year plus the purchase of 2 new buses

Map B* decreases the transportation cost by $593,988

Map C decreases the transportation cost by $114,108

Map D decreases the transportation cost by $232,386

Yes, folks there is almost a MILLION DOLLAR difference in Maps B* and Map A

Well, there ya have it. Map "A" it is then. Nothing but the best for the children of Guilford County.

What was decided about Penn-Griffin today?

So what's the problem? You can't come up with 6 members on the School Board that are willing to spend a million dollars like a drunken sailor on leave?

It's easy, you have the Diversity Divas, (Dot, Susan and Deena), backed up by the Pips (Amos, Walter and Alan).

I think Deena and Amos want diversity but they also like neighborhood schools.
I think they are against too much busing.

Regarding Penn- Griffin - nothing decided.

Is is true that map B* moves the kids from the Meadows at Jamestown (on Penny Road) away from Florence Elementary and puts them at Jamestown Elementary and then on to Welborn and Andrews? Please somebody tell me this isn' true. I heard that someone on staff was asked about the differences in the maps and he replied, Oh, well, map B*--that's just the kids at the Meadows. Guess What??? Those are my kids! Guess what else? You can almost see Florence Elementary from our house. This is pathetic and it's just getting worse. I know this gripe doesn't affect everyone, but I'm at loss...how does moving one small neighborhood of kids do anything? Busing 40-50 kids, for what? We're out of here.

Cant be,

where have you been? People from your area have been giving out flyers. Sending E-mails.
You have to get out there and give your input to the Board. If you snooze you may lose.
Sorry.

The funny thing is that all the costs mentioned above are comparing to the choice plan. So, if the CP plan had gone ahead for another year then it would have cost even more money(busing more kids)
Its crazy?
Anita said. The difference between map A and Map B is 1 million bucks!
Just think how much we could save county wide!

It can't be and Funnything,

Yes, you're right.

Just look at the Map D figures - giving up the Choice Plan will save the district in excess of $232,000 PER YEAR.

I say leave the lines alone until a new school is built!

I understand the "Anita map" was removed from consideration yesterday?

What was the vote and who voted to do this?

Maps,
I've been to meetings and I have spoken at one of the board meetings, but I can tell you honestly that most of us didn't catch the B*. That is, that it actually changes our Elementary school. We knew the feed to Welborn and Andrews, but we didn't realize the K-5 change to Jamestown Elementary. We aren't snoozing, I promise, but it's hard to keep up with all the subtle changes. I think all this is just for show and that they have already decided what they want to do. They just need to get their story straight before they vote.

It can't be,

Are you startng to get the same feeling now as about two years ago when the BOE was holding meetings to assess the choice plan/lottery? Were all of the meetings then just for show with certain members of the board and adminstration already knowing what was going to happen? The same feeling is starting to emerge on redistricting. It appears that they are just meeting and talking, introducing subtle changes along the way, getting the public to the point they have already decided it will be. And, do you thnk that it is the same players that slammed in the lottery; Duncan, Sykes, Kearns, Mendenhall, and Childs (replacing Burnett)? That's only five, so they need a two more. Is it possible that some horse-trading is going on, buying board members support in High Point by making concessions in other areas? Just a thought. Keep an eye on where quid pro quo may be happening. You'll know who the two are when you see the final vote.

Buck

The Anita map was voted down 9-2 with Anita and Darlene not voting against it.

Obviously, the finkle finger of fate can be a cruel taskmaster. I mean, you can step off the curb and be hit by a bus or have a jet plane land on your house etc.

I simply cannot accept that for no other reason than living in the same town as Dot Kearns, that my right to determine where and how my kids are educated can be stripped away like blossums in the wind. I can't believe that for no other reason than living in the same town as Dot Kearns, I can pay higher taxes than surrounding communties, my wife and I have done all we can to support our local school and community, and because I have chosen to live in High Point and NOT one of these surrounding communities, that this can be done to us.

I can't accept that for no other reason than for living in the same town as Dot Kearns, I find myself living in a school district that even though it is only one of fourteen highschool districts in the county, is 46% minority and the second most diverse school in the county, my wife and I, along with friends and collegues have had to fight and struggle like hunted fugitives with targets on their children's backs defending ourselves against by this obsessed person for the last two years, who, thinking she is acting on behalf of "diversity" and on a divine mission to save High Point, is destroying the place.

It's well past time for the leadership of the schoolboard, other boardmembers and local governments to a stop to this rogue, obsessive singular persuit before irreversible damage is done here. It's time to stop.

Amen John Gehris!

Stormy,
Oh yes, I definitely get that feeling. This is going to be bad. All this is just for show and to give them time to get the story straight. My question, seriously, is if they approve map A or C, what would be accomplished at Welborn and Andrews? What/who will this help in High Point? I'm not joking. I want to know the true statistical, factual argument in favor of these maps and how they would affect High Point. Do you suppose the board members read this blog? If any of them do, please let us have a real answer. What a joke. I have tried to stay positive for so long, and now I'm just tired of it all. I'm not one to run away from problems, but I have stuck this out for 9 1/2 years and this is the FOURTH time we've had to fight for our kids' education. Sad thing is, I think they'll change it again in a few years, just in time for my youngest to have to go through this. Interesting fact, High Point Christian Acadamy raised their tuition by $900 two weeks ago. Wesleyan is about to do the same. The demand is there. How sad.

Thanks, somehow I thought that was going to be the vote.

It can't be,

I heard about that tuition hike also. I think they might name their next building the Dot Kearns wing because she has done more for PRIVATE SCHOOL enrollment in this city than anyone! That will be her legacy.

If the current enrollment numbers printed in today's HPE are correct, then 69% of the middle schoolers in High Point are non-white. Sounds like we have lost some white kids. Does anybody care?

I heard Dot comment yesterday about where they are - Davidson County

Dot had no idea there was a difference from map "B" and map "A" for high point.

Yes, I heard that Dot had to have her own interpreter yesterday.

In fact she was quoted as saying, "I don't know how we know what we're doing"

Yes - a direct quote

"I don't know how we know what we're doing"

APPARENTLY MOST OF YOU DON'T!

Scrap the maps. Quit rushing this through. You are destroying communities.

Scrap the maps!

Scrap the maps!

They should scrap the maps!

They know they want to make Penn-Griffin a 6-12 next year. That is a new high school and they probably need to allow the neighborhood kids to go there. Redistricing would make much better sense after the new school is running. They could concentrate on diversity for the whole county at the same time. I hope they've learned that they can't continue to ram things down our throats without proper planning (and correct data...Eric!).