News-Record.com

Any idea why Dr. Holcombe did not go to Aycock?

I would think that considering the success that Mrs. Foley has had at Falkener that it would have been wise to leave leadership in place.

And why can't Grier make, "any further comment"? Is his vocabulary limited?

How's about some good N&R reporter giving Mr. Price a call?

How much notice did William Price give to GCS. The principalship is an executive position. Courtesy dictates that a person give at least 45 days notice unless one has to resign for health reasons. Of course the problem is we had Jerry Weast who gave only a few days. It set an awful example for others. I don't believe people should walk off the job. It is unfair to all concerned. If they have a new job, the new employer should not require the employee to abandon his employer prior to a decent notice.

I left a message at Mr. Price's home number. Don't know if he'll be interested in talking, though. Dr. Grier has to be careful what he says because this is a personnel matter.

Kay, it's my understanding that Ms. Foley asked to be considered for a middle school job if one became available. Bigger school=better salary.

And I don't know how much notice Mr. Price gave, Joe, although his resignation hasn't been in any of the recent personnel updates presented to the school board, so I would assume it's a recent development.

You are right that a lenghty notice usually is better for a school. But in this case, it probably worked out better because a change could be made over the Christmas break. Both schools had their new principal by the start of second semester. If you have to switch leaders mid-year, it's easier to do it during the break than during the semester.

And the beat goes on....and the beat goes on.

Why would anyone in their right mind want to work for Grier? Grier has the habit of switching principals around. I say if the principal has a good rapport with a community, leave him or her at that school. That is part of the problems in GCS no stability with the leadership. It is going to get tougher and tougher to fill these positions as principals retire. I bet alot retire early to get out of this mess. And I say I blame them!!!

Hank, as far as being contractually obligated, I would think it would have to do with state guidelines. I worked in another state and it took an act of God to get out of your contract so most people finished out the year.

I move here and I have never seen so much turnover in mid-year with both principals and teachers. What I would like to know is why so many leave mid-year? Is it because there is no legal ramfications if they do or is it more than that. I would think most principals and teachers would finish out the year for the sake of the kids.

That's a good question, Hank. As Iris says, it varies from state-to-state.

But North Carolina is a right-to-work state, which means it's very difficult to enforce these types of employment contracts. On the flip side, it's a lot easier to get rid of unwanted employees here, too.

GCS would be shooting itself in the foot if they pursued any legal action trying to force Mr. Price to finish out the year. Not only would they likely lose, but they also would scare away future employees with such a heavy-handed tactic.

Besides, who wants an employee who doesn't want to be there?

If only the people you want to do a "Wittman" would do it.

Another factor at the state level is that the bigger the school, the more a principal is paid. The difficulty of the job isn't taken into account. So in order to get a substantial raise, a principal has to move to a bigger school.

You're going to have more principal turnover in a larger system like Guilford simply because there are more jobs, which leads to more openings. That doesn't mean it isn't a problem, though.

Iris,

I agree with your former state's policy with respect to early resignation.

The school system plans extensively to provide education for it's students and must depend on these teachers to be there the 10 months they promised to fullfill. This is a policy no different than ones employed in higher education.

What if 5% of our school frontline teachers and administrators quit all of a sudden knowing there was not gonna be an consequence for their action? Chaos and handwringing would ensue.

No, I don't agree with Bruce, there has to be consequences if a teacher or principal up and resigns for any reason other than health or family during their contracted period. Deviation from this policy in education would send a message to employees that the administration ain't serious about teachers or princpals leaving prematurely.

Hey David, There is never a good time to leave and it was a hard decision. However, after discussing the possibilities and timing with my wife, we felt it was the best time. I knew I would one day teach at the university level, so recently completing my EdD opened the door. Secondly, two principals in one household severly limits family time. Teaching at the college level will increase our opportunity to spend time together. We accomplished a lot at Aycock - school reform, four part plan - and made great strides - cut discipline in half, recognized as one of 15 most improved schools, grew into a science & technology magnet with an enhanced Spanish Immersion program. The school is set up for success and I plan to work with Ms. Foley during the transition in leadership. Many great memories... William
W. Price • 1/3/06; 2:21:58 PM #

THINGS ARE NEVER WHAT THEY SEEM.

MAYBE HE WAS TOLD TO LEAVE OR IT WAS MUTUAL.

87% passing rate on state tests, despite an 80% poverty rate?????????

According to many of our school board members that is an impossibility.....

I've got an idea! Why don't they move Ms. Foley to Central Office.

She would make BIG BUCKS like the rest of them and most importantly, she could teach those MORONS how to educate kids in a school with a high poverty rate.

**** Marilyn Foley for superintendent! ****

Gotta,
well said. You forgot one thing however.

-Aycock School board rep Deenha Hayes OK with FRL and Diversity numbers.
-School board at Large member Dorothy Kearns OK with FRL and Diversity numbers.

As documented on here and from NC report card statistics the overwelming proof from the rest of the county is that Diversity is not a prerequisite to achieve a good school.

The begging question is what the on earth has Grier done with Andrews and Central the last few years?

He is the one and only one that should be made accountable to fix those schools.
Dont blame our children!

Give M. Foley Grier's job!!! What a great idea!

Who wants to contact the school board???

OhReally is on to something. Do we really believe that this was his choice? C'mon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Message to Dr. Grier ~~~~~~~~~~~~

The request for a long notice applies to everyone except you. If you want to leave Guilford County Schools, please just do it. Do not feel pressured to give any notice at all. Really...no hard feelings. Go tonight if you want to. Thanks.

Got up this morning and noticed that most people living between High Point and G-Boro north of the Deep River were walking funny. After looking closer I found, sure enough...an olive branch was sticking out their a----. Thank you. Dr. G.

I applaud Dr. Price for his work at Aycock under the seething contigencies of Guilford County school politics.

To respond to the ill-named "Truth":

Yes, less diverse school populations do succeed often at significantly higher rates. Prequisites for grade achievement may be many things before they include, well, inclusiveness.

But what do you mean by "good schools"? And what do you mean by a "good life"?

We might, for instance, decide as a community that we want "good" schools (meaning both higher test scores and less measurable effects of tolerance and compassion) for a greater range of children across the entire county. Or does Guilford County want to secede from Greensboro (were it possible)? Perhaps toll roads into and through the city would be good, then? And user taxes on library, arts and entertainment, and an income tax on money made at businesses located in the city? Isn't the Guilford County school system for ALL county children? Don't all of them have equal rights to the same quailty education? Several high-profile court cases (e.g., Leandro) have reinforced this point.

Since a lot of crucial financial support is donated (raised by sports and other diversions) in wealthier neighborhoods; and I believe the property tax money is still divvied up so the most goes to the highest assessed areas; those enclaves of white upper-middle and solid-middle citizens will always clamour for segregated schools.

It isn't a mnatter of just getting the best grades at one's own school, but spreading wealth around to help all schools. Part of that wealth goes beyond money alone: it means the wealth of diverse ways of seeing and experiencing the world. I mwant my kids, which I plan to raise with wonder and curiosity and exposure to many languages and ideas thorugh travel and reading, to have the chance to share their ideas and dreams and ambitions with children of many backgrounds.

But apparently more Guilford County residents, like the majority of Americans, prefer to "circle the wagons".

What you want for your children is a good thing Freddy. It is something you beleive in and choose with your own free will and that's where it's value originates from. If you had some morons who were forcing you into thinking this way to cover their administrative failures or preserve property values in their neighborhood, I doubt if you'd feel the same way, but I will grant you the courtesy of realizing you may feel differently.

Freddy Niche,

"I believe the property tax money is still divvied up so the most goes to the highest assessed areas"

Could you provide some documentaton for that statement? Property taxes are collected by the county and the County Commissioners allocate funds to the schools based upon their needs as evidenced in their overall budget. The School Board and school administration decide how those funds are allocated among the schools. So, how does that square with your statement, unless the board and administration are unfairly allocating the funds. It would seem that your statement has no basis of fact. In additon, poorer schools get a significant portion of federal funds as well, so I don't see the validity of your comment.

Outrageous Property Taxes,,,,Pathetic Schools on a Downward Spiral.....

Why are any of you still living in Guilford County??????????????

Freddy, Freddy, Freddy,

You have been hiding in your little niche so long.

It IS one county movement unless you have the misfortune to live in North High Point or Jamestown. Then it appears no one listens or cares about these childen. The are just used as a commodity. Property to be shipped on a long bus ride. Each piece of property being given a different value by the school board and TG.

Diversity for the whole county starting with Dudley, Smith, Ragsdale, Northwest OR

Neighborhood schools for North High Point and Jamestown

You can't have it both ways. Too many people are involved now and united. They will not let this unfairness continue. They are in it for the long haul. They have nothing else to loose. Elections are coming up soon. The school system will want more bonds.

Until fairness for all is offered, there will be no peace.

Freddy does have a point about property taxes which does lead to educational disparity among communities with the distribution made according to assessments.

Of course, this means that the poorer communities receive less allocation and most reasonable people can guess what that means, of course, except for the North High Point bunch. LESS MONEY FOR EDUCATION GOES TO POORER COMMUNITIES WHICH TRANSLATES INTO SUBSTANDARD EDUCATIONAL QUALITIES.

Freddy has made a very valid point.

Dear Freddie and Bubba,
I don't understand the comment about tax distribution-- You can't mean the money the school system gets, because that money is spent is a reverse manner.. the schools with the highest FRL numbers get the most money, so do you mean county money for other things? I am serious about this question, just not sure what you mean. Are wealthier areas getting more water, garbage trucks, new payments, more libraries, better fire/police protection.. Where is the inequity as you see it?

fyi, BUBBA

all three high schools in High Point are not doing so great

the lottery plan has not helped

Andrews gets tons of money from private foundations

so you have no idea what you are talking about

it's the children who continually get screwed out of resouces in the classroom and qualified teachers when money is spent on trailers instead of buildings, imported Italian furniture,
highly paid consultants and central personnel (what is their job description anyway, $500,000 on racial healing water and insulting seminars to our teachers(just buy the movie "Crash")

it's your tax dollars being wasted too!

Bubba, Freddy,

Debra is right FRL gets more money from the Federal government and GCS certainly puts money into poorer schools, plus private donations. We have been throwing money at these schools for years and some are still not successful and some probably won't ever be even it you still throw more money their way. A school can be successful with a dedicated staff with support from the administration. The problem is the administration does not support their staff in high risk areas. They rather move kids around to hide the problems instead of addressing them head on.

Billy Holiday spoke so well to the problem of the disparity between the favored child (North High Point) and the poor child (Andrews) in her famous song, God Bless the Child:

Them that's got shall get (North High Point)
Them that's not shall lose (Dudley & Andrews)
So the Bible says and it still is news
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

Yes the strong get smart
While the weak ones fail
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own,
that's got his own

You'd think the High Point community would band together, place there selfish attitudes aside, and plan for a more equitable education system for our children, regardless of income or race.

Neighborhood schools = Segregated, lack of diversity, me me mine parent attitudes, keep our kind (mostly white) inside and theirs outside of the equality tent schools.

Bubba, is your head in the niche with Freddy?

Please tell me exactly how the North High Point child is "favored"?

If you would pull your head out of the niche for a moment, you will hear the parents of North High Point saying that they want DIVERSITY in ALL of Guilford county.

Take your Bubba Bible preaching to the next school board meeting. It is on Jan. 10th. Please recite these words to them. And then remind the board that there are schools in Greensboro that are MORE segregated than these schools you sing about in High Point.

Tell them to start with Dudley, then on to Northwest, then to Page,...etc..you are preaching to the choir Bubba boy.

Bubba,

you are ignoring the facts.

Other non diverse schools in the county have improving passing rates year by year.
It can be done.

In High Points case if you look at the feeder school passing rates (middle and Elem)
for both Andrews and Central they also have improving results for the last four years.
Welborn for instance passes 70+% of its children. The problem is when they arrive
at Andrews. They BOMB! Big time! Andrews passed only 30% last year. It has been
bombing down for the last four years and nothing has been done where something needs
to be done.

Bubba, they are the same children at Welborn and Andrews. Its not the children that are to blame its the school!!!

Focus on the school and the administration.

Also, as other people have said when bussing a child across town it takes a lot more
effort to participate in after school programs and tutoring etc. I would say that
the likelihood is for some children this would then deprive them of some of these
opportunities. This is exactly what Amos Quick had said many times. Do not
deprive them of Educational opportunities!

Bubba, I rest my case.

THOSE ARE THE FACTS. THIS IS THE TRUTH!

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, January 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, N.C.

The Board will continue its discussion of magnet/option schools, proposed calendars for the 2006-07 school year and recognize the Guilford County Schools’ Employee of the Month for January.

Bubba, I'll be watching for you. If you want, I'll save you a seat. I'll be the very, disgruntled looking North High Point parent. Well, there will be lots of those, so just take any empty seat, if there is one.

I expect you'll be there since you're so passionate about the underserved children in this system. There's lots of those too.

Excellent points, Truth. Putting children on long bus rides doesn't not address their academic needs. Smaller classes, tutoring, mentoring programs will help these children to rise above their backgrounds.

Also, Bubba, no one is against diversity. In fact, I have all kinds of neighbors from all races and cultures. Forced bussing, however, is wrong, wrong, wrong on all levels. And in the end the kids who want to learn who have parents who care about their education regardless of their income level or RACE will be successful. I seen it happen with my own eyes in another state.

The Choir,

Well I can see Billie's lyrics didn't mellow your cold selfish heart with respect to the educational disparity that currently resides in High Point.

So I'll just continue with the balance of the song:

Money, you've got lots of friends
They're crowding 'round your door
But when you're gone and spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations (NHP residents) give crusts of bread and such
You can help yourself, but don't take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

'xcuse me, why has the State sent two teams to help turn two of HP's three schools around and not any other schools in the Guilford County system? Because the problem is in HIGH POINT and is not a county wide problem or the Board would have implemented the same changes county wide.

It's unfortunate the School Board got weak knees and caved into special interests (namely the NHP community) and sold it's HP (primarily the poor) kids down the road. I pray that the State steps in and takes over the HP school system and stops all of this ugliness. I applaud those board members who stood on principle and didn't reverse their votes.

Tax to the Max, if that is who you are. I now realize many of you wish to remain anonymous because of your pig headed arguments.

I realize this hurts you and your NHP supporters, but the PROBLEM, according to the Board of Education of Guilford County as well as an outside organization, the State of NC Education Department, RESIDES IN HP, and NOT the rest of Guilford County. Apparently they're doing just fine in their education programs or the Board and just possibly the State would address any issues in the manner their doing (or trying to) at this time in the HP school system.

And try to refrain from using your gutter language to demean me. Foul language is used as a last resort when all other ability to reason fails.

BTW, the state has stepped into A&T middle college also-- that and Andrews are two of the 4 worst schools in the state.

I don't live in HP, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out moving children around doesn't make things better. Under AYP; even without title 1 status, all sub-groups are evaulated for EOC/EOG's -- you can't hide if one subgroup is passing or failing. We need to identy the students that have specific needs and address those, quickly and effeciently to help these children become prepared to be adults that can contribute to our society. Unfortunately that is not being done in far too many schools.

Bubba,
As one of the leaders for the Mad Mob in North High Point,,,,,I would hope to think that we did have an influence on the boards' decision to eliminate the LOTTERY part of the Failed High Point Choice Plan...

We as Group will continue to fight for Freedom and Democracy in our County school system....

Neighborhood Schools are wanted by the Majority of the citizens of Guilford County.

Why must you continue to blame a group of HARDWORKING AMERICANS for our school administrations FAILURE to successfully operate a certain High School....

mr grier removed an AWARD WINNING Principal, Who was more powerful than grier,,,and replaced him with an inexpeienced Lady who lost total control of the school in a very short period of time..this lady also was a Doctoral Graduate from griers' MATCHBOOK, On-line University in Florida,,,,,,Hmmmmmmmm,,,,why would you do such a thing mr. grier???????????

Bubba,,, Do not place the blame on the Patriots in NHP,,,,the blame lies in the BLOODY HANDS of mr. grier and the school board members who are dumb enough to follow his under handed agendas.

the Choir,

And I also wish an outside unassociated party would come to the rescue of the HP school system.

I believe this whole issue has gotten to the point that only an outside body (probably State) can truly implement the changes that will bring all of us together in order to improve the HP school system and once and forever help us to escape from this stigma.

One of the drawbacks of giving this sort of responsibility to a locally elected body (in this case the GCB of Education) is that when things do get controversial they tend to want to change course instead of standing by their original plans. Primarily this is because they want to get reelected. It's all about the polietics. However, do we really want to see a state takeover of our schools? This can be viewed as an admission that we as a community have failed and this would be sad.

Some locales who've experienced the necessity to kick the educational football have given the intervention to their mayor, who has the power to hire the managers to turn the process around. In light of the "love" I've seen expressed toward Mayor Smothers, this might be difficult to implement.

Billie, I wish you were here to help us resolve this issue and bring love and kindness to our hearts for the sake of our kids.

Bubba,

I will not refrain from my Gutter Language,,,,,though it is not meant to demean you personally,,it is meant to demean your LEFT-WING SOCIALISTS BELIEFS...

Have a Nice Day!!!!

Wasn't Billie Holliday a Heroin Addict??????????

Yes, Billie was known to be a connoisseur of China White.

As likewise, George W had a reputation for drinking, evaded the draft, and was quite good at the art of "drilling" as a virile young student during his years as a Yalie.

So....what's your point, Mr. Tipton...you must have a point....what is it, I says to myself?

Bubba,

The lottery was not a good solution for any of the children in High Point or anywhere else. Moving from middle school to high school is a difficult enough transition for students without adding the uncertainty of what school they or their friends will attend. There needs to be stability in "all" of the students lives.

Busing is not the answer either. Instead of helping the struggling students, it simply splits the numbers so the percent passing looks better. It does nothing to help the individual be successful.

Since 1999 Eastern and Northeast schools of been on a steady decline with some attempts at recovery due to this outdated maybe "illegal" concept.

Have you noticed when kids are bused its the poor that are pushed around and are given the long trips? Their parents are not able to stay in contact with the teachers because the school is so far away. Ever try to catch a city bus to Eastern Guilford or Northeast. Have you priced the taxi cab cost lately? It's hard to contact parents by phone when the number is constantly disconnected.
I no for a fact my student night have failed a class or two this semester if I had not been on and around campus.

The so-called leaders of the communities with struggling schools need to role up their sleeves and get to work and help find a solution in their community. Parent involvement and community involvement is a known factor for a successful school.

It is not just the school's administration's responsibility to educate a child.
The students must want to be be educated!!

By the time the student reaches high school, they either accept this as being important to their future or it is just a place to socialize.

As in New Orleans , it's no one's fault but yours if someone offers you a train or bus ride to rescue and you don't get on.

Education is your train ride!!
Abuse it and lose it!

Bubba,

I think we must see eye-to-eye on one other thing too. The School Board Reps. for High Point have done NOTHING to help.

I'm thankful it's a new year and at least for ONE High Point School Board member, her time is UP.

Seriously, are you going to the board meeting? Maybe you could take the board some of that white china? Maybe they would make better decisions.

Hey, Tax to the Max, tell Bubba that if he wants all schools to be equal, everyone needs to pay the same amount of taxes. That's right everything needs to be equal. We need to share everything!!! Everyone needs to have an equal house, car, job, etc.

God Bless America!!!!

oooh, sharing houses, money, school,....clothes? and meals? and vehicles?, and best of all, SPOUSES?? Count me in!

hey, bubba. George Washington did not go to Yale and he didn't avoid the draft, he was the general of the army for god's sake. Where did you go to school, Dudley or some place?

Bubba luvs Jesus but does Jesus luv Bubba

Spreading untruths about the fine people of NHP, hard working, tax paying, good parents, parents who volunteer in ALL the schools, parents who teach ALL the children to read, parents who birng in paper for ALL the children.

That's a No No! NO MORE LIES!

Jesus loves the little children
ALL the children of the world
They are yellow, black and white
They are prescious in his sight

And you better quit screwing with the children of the world!!!

I find it funny that Billy H would write songs about poor people when she had enough money to get high on drugs. It's all in priorities. mmmmm...go to school and learn.....hang out and do drugs.....buy that $100 pair of sneakers.....mmmm...buy a book

Did you ever hear that saying "the harder I work the luckier I get"

"The world is filled with willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them." Robert Frost

You are right, Bubba Gump, the ones willing to work pay the taxes, vote in the elections and vote for the bonds that are in this county. Glad you acknowledge that. The numbers are growing as I type. They do have a big say so in the turn of events.

YES, we want state teams to come in and fix the High Point schools. BRING EM ON! They certainly couldn't do any worse than the locals. Besides it is the NCLB way now.

That is hilarious to say that Mayor Becky can hire managers and help??? What managers? She has said the schools are the county. She runs a city. She's still trying to take the red light money from the children of Guilford County. That is the law too. Where was her help two years ago? Where was her help for Fantasia and he friends?

The ticket out of poverty is the return of family values and getting an education.

Bubba,

Where did you get the idea that the other schools in Guilford County do not have problems and it is just High Point?

You have not researched and studied the numbers; the facts. Look up the Guilford County Schools report cards on line.

Dr. Grier has told me that there is little difference between the achievement scores of Smith, Dudley, Central, Andrews or surprisingly Southern High School. Reportedly, Judge Manning didn't have many positive things to say about any of these schools.

It is not just High Point. There are problems, educational issues, and safety issues in many of our schools.

It is not just Andrews. But Andrews does just happen to be one of the lowest schools in the state. This did not happen overnight. This school needs special attention and not some "quick fix" solution. The kids of NHP are not the "saviors". There are many solutions. You have to look at the source of the problems and address the REAL issues. We have to really take a look at the TRUE needs and address those needs.

It is not up to other children being moved to help educate children in other schools. We pay superintendents, central staff, curriculum facilitators, specialists, stat experts big bucks for this. These are the so called "experts". Our kids are not the answers. The right staff, teachers and PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT are the answers. Support from the business community is a real plus. it has to start at home with parents taking responsbility for their children. It has to start with parents who don't expect others to solve all of their problems. Others can help and are able and willing; but parents need to accept responsbility and so do the students if they truly want to learn and find a means to improve.

We all have real choices. So do these kids.

And by the way, fyi, only the lottery part of the IT Plan is gone. The programs will remain. That was part of Nancy's motion and the vote. So why aren't some people recognizing this fact?

The programs are there. They can be enhanced, given time to grow and develop into what they should be. No one has taken the programs away.

I am glad to see a Community Service Program in place for kids who have behavioral issues. It does not serve them just to suspend them on the streets. Maybe this can help provide purpose and focus. At least, when the students who choose not to follow the rules and allow other students to learn have an alternative educational means provided.

Bubba, if you are going to play the race card why mess with God Bless the Child That's Got His Own"? Why not go right to "Strange Fruit" and be done with it.

Bubba, the idiocy and the irony of the argument we are having is that SW High is now close to 50% minority. (see Bruce Buchan. article per N&R 2 wks ago). One could even argue that it is the MOST BALLANCED school in the county.

Everyone hopes that the day will come when all people get a fair deal/level playing field in life. (maybe you Bubba, could write the script)I would offfer that such a thing will never be accomplished by force of governmental decree, especially by hippocites the likes of Dot Kearns and Sue Mendenhall, who if the SW parents thought for a single minite would force their neighborhood kids away from Central High to help kids at a distant school get their school straight, would be at Central with bells on. It won't be accomplished by the likes of Mr. Grier, who will simply do whatever is politic or whatever lines the old pockets and couldn't lead people out of a paper bag.

You are giving a free pass to the people who have run High Point schools into the ground and going after your fallback targets, and we all know who they are. Start writing, Bubba.

C. Boy,

It's George W Bush, not George Washington, for those with math skills, no. 43 in the Presidential line. On many occasions George W is referred to as "W", and by many others as of late, as "L". His daddy is 41, and his only friend in Washington (the capitol) at this time is number 42, one of the greatest Presidents our nation has ever known, and also at times referred to as Bubba.

C. Boy,it's school time, you're at the Chalkboard in front of your classmates, so don't choke.

C. Boy, what great US President was number 42? ___________________.

We're all waiting with panted breath for your answer. Hurry up the bus is waiting outside to take you home, and don't fret you won't have to sit at the back of the bus.

God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own.

Bubba, I don't think I can answer. The kids I sat next to in highschool were dumb. White, but dumb.

Hey Bubba.

Bubba, have you noticed that when the state sent a team to help Andrews, that team didn't come to town with any politcal agendas.

They came to help the school--period.

They set up offices in the school and developed a PLAN. They are working with the administrators, teachers and the parent leadership team. They are changing things WITHIN the school. They have never once suggested that different kids be brought in to help the test scores.

This team has a proven track record of helping schools succeed, unlike our longtime school board reps or Dr. Grier.

Place the blame where it lies.

C. Boy,

I feel your pain and know what it was like to sit in a classroom and study from torn books while others in my district were fortunate to have up to date materials to study from. It hurt, but I shook it off, and determined in my heart that nobody was gonna hold me or my children back.

Oh, yes, the answer to that question was, William Jefferson Clinton, was number 42.

C. Boy,

Bubba's question about what great US President was number 42 is a trick question. The answer to his question is "None". Number 42 wasn't great, but rather barely mediocre. He is probably still debating the meaning of "is".

I suggest that you stop the debate with Bubba. Bubba doesn't deal in logic. He's just trolling hoping to stir the pot. He makes statements that are totally unfounded, and he doesn't care about any real facts. Any real discussion of the issues is not possible with Bubba.

That's the spirit, Bubba. No one should hold you or your children back ever! And in today's day and age, no one could because if you work hard and stay in school, you can be successful, and you don't need a middle class or rich kid to help make that happen!

And futhermore they will always be people who concentrate of things not being even no matter what you give them, and will place blame on someone or something for their woes in life.

BUBBA

WWJD?

He would not be casting the first stone.

He would look at the board in his own eye first before looking at the splinter in others.

Sloth and Envy are two of the deadly sins.

Lust is in there too. Now Bill Clinton could tell you more about that one. That coveting commandment too.

Remember that when you pray.

Shhhhh.....Bubba!!! What you just said above is exactly what you DON'T want someone else to hear, especially your allies on the GCS ADMIN and board. It would be like giving the holy water and crucifix treament to a vampire.

You are quite right, Stormy, about arguing with Bubba, but unless I can find some other way to occupy my time, (I'm waiting for the management to assign me an cute, young "intern", in other words- a "devil with a blue dress, blue dress, blue dress, devil with a blue dress on",) I got to make due with Bubba.

Wow; I'm out of the office on assignment for one day and The Chalkboard activity goes off the charts! We don't keep track of such things, but we very well may have set a new record for most posts in one day yesterday. For that, I say thank you for your continued interest.

Now, I'm going to get out of the way and let C.Boy, Bubba, Stormy and company continue their debate.

Bubba is obviously trying to bait us.
I suggest we ignore his posts since he refuses to argue with facts or discuss those presented to him.

Leave it!

I note that under previous principle SW was making progress, now they are dropping quickly. It may just be the new arts magnet but because of all the turmoil one of the few average High Schools in the county is now below par as well. Grier should be doing some serious explaining not blaming.

I wish I was like Bubba Clinton. Monica L doesn't want me because of my accident in Nam. C Boy, get back to work. Bubba C is not sharing those cute little interns he knows in D.C.

btw Bubba Luvs J.....your Volvo with all the liberal stickers on gives your TRUE identify away...also all those books you carry to school board meetings...also the homemade signs on polls during the elections....you just leave too many good clues

Jenny,

WWJD?

Great question. I think Jesus would not put children on a long camel ride across the dessert tearing them away from the children they grew up with; making their parents totally stressed out trying to get from one town to the next because their kids were spread out in three different directions.

I think Jesus would quit all this nonsense of using other people's children to accomplish political agendas. He doesn't sort by color.

I think Jesus would want to see ALL children educated but would expect them to take responsibility for learning; and to be respectful to their parents and teachers. I think Jesus would hold their parents accountable.

I don't think He would want continued stress for the families in High Point like it has been for the past several years.

I think He would want neighborhood schools for all just like the rest of the county wants and most get.

I think He would get angry at a lot of this nonsense just like he did in the temple when the gambling was going on. He gets angry too.

That's just what I think (my opinion) but who am I to say.

Bubba Luvs Jesus,

You're a card you know that?

But, you do have a good thought about shifting the responsibility to an outside organization to monitor the High Point school system. I don't see this next hurdle of drawing lines is going to appease anyone, then we'll be right back to square one. Everybody complaining, calling each other racist and such. We need to stop this nonsense.

If I were an elected official in the center of this fray, I believe I'd lean toward taking the monkey off my back and saying, "nc dept of education, heal our wounds." It's called passing the buck and placing the onus on someone else to resolve. Sort of like old Pontius when he said, "I wash my hands of this matter."

Like you said, State has got two of the HP schools already under supervision, include the third one and then we'd have true equality.

Bubba, ya'll come back now, hear. Although being Greensboro's answer to Paris Hilton (being famous for being famous)and flitting about here and there, trying to court favor with the Action-G / AT&T intelligentia / power elite could be time consuming, (it's a dirty job but someone has to do it and it might as well be you.)so we understand if you're otherwise occupied.

Stormy

You'll note that I said "I belive" the monies are divvied up with some respect to property values. I didn't say I "know" this to be true. It was only one of several contingencies I listed. Perhaps Mr. Buchanan can tell us how property assessments bear upon each area school?

Even if this truns out not to be the case in Guilford County, we do know it is true for many counties and areas of this country, thereby setting a precedent going far back in time. Else, why would people choose to move to "better" school-associated neighborhoods, rather than partaking of our fine magnet schools, while having cheaper houses in the city (and not just in the dreaded "urban gang zones")?

Finally, can you deny that wealthier neighborhoods tend heavily to offer extra monetary support to their chosen school? And if one parent is able to stay home or work part-time because the other rakes it in, this also confers a distinct advantage of time donated. I don't disparage such commitment, but it clearly means we should compensate by adding teachers' assistants in schools without such luxuries.

- The Choir,

No I won't be attending the upcoming meeting as a result of prior scheduling, and quite frankly concern for my safety, but thanks for the invite. And if I did go, China White would not accompany me either intraveneously or otherwise. That was one habit Billie and I didn't have in common.

You and I apparently have a meeting of the minds respecting taking this terrible divisive issue of making the HP schools decent for our kids and giving this responsibility to either the State or some other organization to fix. For that, I feel you and I have similar sentiments.

- To the noted Commander of the victorious Mad Mob, known to all who matter in this life as, The 12-Star Gen. Slak, I salute you sir for a campaign vigorously fought and won.

You and your group cowed those weak kneed board members whose sole purpose of existence is to do whatever is necessary to survive politically. But it's my opinion that the North High Point group won but the resolution of the lower income kids education of HPoint lost. And that fact saddens me greatly.

- Barbara Ann,

In my Bible, the poor are referenced in excess of 5500 times. I agree that Jesus would be saddened by what has transpired in HP but would side with the poor and not the North High Point types in this matter.

- C. Boy & Oberleutnant Dan,

Your constant racial references saddens me and quite frankly probably is the reason for so much discord in this matter. In fact, it just possibly represents most of the views of many of you.

For your information, my fat ass is as white as freshly fallen snow.

- Hank W.,

Thank you for your support and kindred spirit.

Bubba Luvs Jesus, and Jesus loves Bubba.

Sid and others:

I agree: one community county wide. The whole neighborhood IS the county itself. I don't seek to tear down anyone's community: we are all ONE community. As far the funding goes: it isn't even the hard numbers that go into the school; it's the claer correlation between the wealth of the child's parents and the odds of the child doing well. If the overall wealth average of a school's parents is low, the odds are very, very great that the child will do poorly and the school will not flourish.

I am no Marxist, but it seems in lieu of actual redistribution via higher minimum wages and better job training, we have no options other than to beef up TAs and support services for the underadvantaged, above and beyond the schools with more economically advantaged families. Leandro and other cases have mandated equal eduaction: does this mean equal outcomes, or just equal monies spent?

Shuffling the economic mix of schools can, in fact, aid the lesser-well-ff children by providing an environment with more of those parents who have time and education themselves to volunteer (poorer families are more likely to have both parents working full-time or just a mother working; sometimes they are less-educated and may be intimidated or unsure how to help out). There's also greater percentages of kids with college ambitions and abilities, pushing one another in an intellectually-respectful way at economically-diverse schools than in mostly-poor schools.

Of course, our entire American culture is rife with boosterish, rah-rah anti-intellectualism. The main point of school seems to be to get it done with so we never have to read another (hard) book.

Freddie,
Sorry but your or the School Boards theory just don't hold water. High school students are the most seperated academically (Honors, AP, college prep, etc). There would be no peer influence.

Also, when kids are bused long distances from their home, parents are not going to have a presence in that distant school. Parents of all income levels are much more likely to be in a neighborhood school. It would be all but impossible for my wife or I to spend any time at the FIFTH nearest school to my home (Andrews). I have nothing against Andrews and I sincerely hope the School gets turned around. It's simply too far away.

I live in Jamestown and want my kids to attend Ragsdale, where I could easily volunteer. Western Guilford is second closest and then Southwest. In fact, Southwest would be my third choice (based on distance from my home). It really is the distance!

Note to School Board:

I'm tired of the games. I STILL don't know where my child will go to school next year. STOP playing around.

Please do the following:

1. Set a date by which you will be done f&%*ing with the schools in High Point. At least that way we will have a date to look forward to.

2. Pull a map out of Grier's pocket that makes sense. Just like the maps in all the other parts of Guilford County. Draw lines so the kids in High Point can go to their 1st or 2nd closest school--just like the kids in the rest of Guilford county.

3. VOTE on a SENSIBLE map and be DONE with it!

4. If steps 1-3 seem too daunting for you then pull out the map that ALREADY exists for High Point and go with it. It's the map you use NOW when a new student is lucky enough to move to the High Point area.

5. Then admit you didn't need to redistrict in the first place. A map already exists!

One would think that with as many schools as there are in this county that you have plenty of other things to be doing. I just saw that there are over 210 vacant positions in the school system. ...make THAT a priority and say ENOUGH with the screwing of the kids in HIGH POINT!

I would be a lot of money that Bubba is our dear friend Jon.

If not its his brother!

Freddy,

from available public information it can be seen that Smith, Andrews and Central have a much higher student to teacher ratios than a lot of other schools including SW,NW,Ragsdale,Page,Grimsley. If you take the time to look you can find plenty of other things too.

It is the school board that is responsible for this.

It is also Dr Grier's!

Why do you keep on blaming the parents from other areas?

I never hear the SB focusing on real issues like this.
I have never heard a parent from Smith,Andrews or Central speaking at the School Board meetings, at forums or posting on this board in regards to issues like this.

My dear friend you have fallen into their trap.

I understand you feel bitter. We do too!
Lets join together and put pressure on Dr Grier to really solve the problems and get you the required resources.

I would bet that Bubba is but one of the many folks who are finally fed up with continuously getting shouted down by a few anonymous, self-righteous, narrow-minded thugs parading as caring and involved parents.

At least we don't provide alcohol at a high school party.

If you could get your head out of the liquor cabinet you might be able to add a little more to this conversation Mr. Hoggard.

So the answer is build over capacity in the middle class area schools. Create space in those schools.
Bus in the unfortunate that want to come and everybody is happy.
Aren't they?

Everybody ignore Dave, dont bite. Just ask him for facts and be cool.

He is just here to provoke.

Dave, bring us some facts.

I dare you.

DavidaliasBubbaaliasJon,

you make me Laugh! You are soooooooo funny!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Hey Bruce,

have you ever busted a century?

With David and his alias's coming on we are soon gunna du it!!

Reaching 100 posts would be a fitting celebration of the lotto finito!

I'm lovin it!

David,

I visit your blog on a regular basis and I felt your sense of community pride around the Grimsley football team's run to the state championship game. Why do you feel that parents, students and the community in North High Point aren't worthy of the same sense of belonging? The problems at Andrews and Central are the result of an institutional hypocrisy dating back to the boom of the manufacturing industry (keep them dumb and at the mills). The problems didn't happen overnight but sending kids to the fifth closest school is not the answer and will not result in a quick fix. There are school systems thriving and making tremendous gains in test scores that have a majority of FRL students. Norfolk VA just to our northeast is an example. It's one of the top five urban school districts in the country, yes I said in the country! We must demand more from our school board (you in the near future?) and superintendent. We may need to attract outstanding teachers to underachieving schools with salary incentives rather than sending money to the central office for the administrators. Additionally, kids with financial need could be provided access to computers for afterschool online tutoring for starters. A number of other options are availble if the superintendent and school board have the courage to do what's needed for all of the students in Guilford County.

Biotek boy

David's just a little jealous because NHP parents made a difference and won one battle. He (I mean Bubba) can't handle the truth. He's just missing all the action on his little blog site, seeking his usual attention.

It's too bad Bubba (oops David) is fed up with parents who want what is right. He better get used to it. Only one battle has been won. The troops are not tired yet. Have another bourbon and enjoy the ride.

Bubba, thank you for saluting the General. He's now at 13 STARS. Then there is Lt. Dan, the warrior princess, the fighting queen, the colonel, Glinda, the good witch, the storm, the mountain man, the detective, Jane, Joe and then Jane and Joe, the squirrels, the dog that salutes the general with his paw, Cindy Lou Who, the Gringe... We salute all of them for their dedication in the war on fairness for all.

The Grimsley and Page have that area where they conveniently bus those poor kids out to Eastern to preserve the amount of lilly white buttocks in their schools.

Careful Hoggy, you need an extra $500/month so your son can get new Birkenstocks, right? Or maybe he's spending his money on kegs now. I'd be nice to the kind folks on the chalkboard. Their schoolboard knowledge does circles around your pea brain.

Better stick to windows and the ABC store. Snort, snort.

Come on.

WHo cares about the back pocket map.

We have to celebrate the end of the LOTTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only 10 more to Go!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on DaveoopsbubbaoopsJon.

Post again!

We can do it together!!!!

Carla - If your reading comprehension of my posts are that pitiful, I'm not the one who needs to check my liquor consumption. AA's number is in the phone book - seek help girl. But thanks for keeping up with what I have to say all the same.

Lotto, Don't Start, Pecos, etc. (you guys morph too much to keep up) - As you know from hanging around hereabouts, I have long been a staunch opponent of the HP Lottery, so lighten up and get my point.

I simply think you are a bunch of sniveling, backwards, flame throwing cowards - but you shouldn't take it personally - because there is no real 'person' behind your continuous vitriol... so I am really berating are avatars anyway. All I sense are cowards devoid of real conviction for true change in our school system. That is unless it is YOUR child that is being adversely affected.

It is so easy to snipe anonymously isn't it guys? - try doing it in front of God and everybody. Then, and only then, will I and the hundreds of other Chalkboard readers be able to take you seriously. Otherwise, you remain but a curious and quaint diversion to me an many others.

Stand up and be counted.

Don't Start - What facts do you require?

Number 90 Bruce! The challenge is on to make it to 100 by midnight!

Freddy, it can be one community in spirit. That sounds well and good. The reality is the county cannot afford the cost of busing students here, there, and everywhere. It does not make good fiscal sense. The law is forced busing for race (even in disguise) is illegal. You cannot use the FRL figures other than for just that (per Dept. of Agriculture).

I totally agree with Scott. Go in any high school. Students sit in there own little groups: nerds, jocks, goths, etc. I would imagine after school that while some are going to the country club for golf and high tea, others are hanging out with their friends playing basketball. While some are doing sports, others are watching TV. They don't "hang" in the same circles.

Children who are bused out of their urban environments cannot always get to after school activities. Kids in the suburbs and urban areas might have after school jobs. Teens have busy lives. It is not like when we could just walk to school and activities (well SWH parents across the street can if they weren't in a lottery)

Most middle income parents have two parents working full-time, contrary to what you like to believe. They juggle schedules with 3 kids, at 3 different schools, babysitting, dealing with health problems, helping with homework, driving, doctor appointments, etc. They made the conscious decision to be a two parent family and work hard for what they have.

If there is a mom at home, she is not going to treck across town with the price of gas what it is to volunteer if she has three of her own kids, a husband who travels a lot and a household to manage. There is only so much time in a day and so much energy.

This is the real world.

At many of the forums I have attended or heard about through friends, black and white communities have said the want NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS. Even many of the school board members have said this publicly. If this is what everyone wants, why can't they have it???

Biotekboy - Good points all. I am not one of those who thinks that poor kids can't learn. (This is a point that seems lost on many here.)

What we have to do is find is a way to more effectively involve all parents in the education of their (and my, and your) children. Until we accomplish this, I (and you and the 4 Star General) will have to take up the burden that uninvolved parents avoid.

To do otherwise is to give up on public education altogether.

David,

My email is valid. Drop me a line and this ghost will meet you for lunch, my choice (North High Point of course)and treat. You up for that?

Biotekboy

Hey David we don't care if you take us serious or not.

The people that matter take us serious.

Go back to your blog site with Billy the Blogging Poet, Chewie, and all those other real names.

http://www.njagyouth.org/Liberty_.htm

Okay to celebrate the upcoming 100th post - way to go Brucie - best read blog site - yes Bruce I feel we can do 100 by midnight - piece of cake

and to salute the General - his 13 stars now and all his troops - new, old, and reunited

and don't forget the NHP committee getting the scoop award

and to hail the end of a lottery of the human spirit - our children - CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK - and remember to have the volume on

We've had 100 posts before, right Bruce? So this is nothing new.

And Hoggard, okay, I'll reveal myself. Just come over to 1307 Tipton Street tonite.

Okay big boy?

David,

Where did you get Bubba from? Oh well, I guess that I could be Dr. Bubba but I don't want to change my blog name. I will pay for your lunch everyone else is on their own.

Biotekboy

Darn! VBG I wanted to be the 100th post. GO BACK TO ENVYWOOD!

WWW

Hoggard, that was Biotech boy that invited you to lunch. I don't think Bubba really exists.

I'd be happy to join you and the biotech boy.

Ask Bruce, we're a harmless bunch. He doesn't get all bent outta shape about our real names. The issues are the same if my name is Marcy, Lucy or Helen Bed (my personal favorite).

Just start hearing WHAT we say. There's many valid points.

Sorry David but I agree with Carla. The party presumably started before midnight and ended at 2:00am. There were somewhere between 2 and 4 kids that were too drunk to drive home. That doesn't sound like a responsible host.

And from the information on www.123nc.com I have to wonder what else David has been up to over the years.

Congratulations to the general on being awarded his 13th star!

What whiskey? Nobody invited me. I need a drink!!!!!

No, Hoggard, it's dessert... at my place. Tipton St.

C'mon, it'll be really fun. I'll tell you everything you need to know to be a really good schoolboard member. I've had lots of experience.

And Bubba/David

there you go again

how do you know, nor do I, whom Jesus would side with?

"those North High Point types"???

stereotying at it's worst for many good people with good hearts that you just don't know, nor understand, parents who just want what the rest of the county has like say Grimsley parents

it's easy to put everyone in a lump category based on rumors and a well-financed pr campaign

I think a lot of real truth came out at the last SB meeting - play the tape

in the end I think Jesus would be looking hard at our school system for letting down children and for putting parents through years of stress on their families and children in this constant redistricting mess, causing heartache, and people to pick-up and change their entire lives and move

I think he would look hard at parents he blessed with children and be asking them how they are doing their jobs - are they being responsible for the gifts he left them

ONLY Jesus knows people's true hearts

not you, not me

but I can live at peace with myself

As for the Price issue . . .

There are rumors spreading through the teaching staff at Aycock that this is a scandal involving sex or sexual harassment of a teacher.

Bruce, is there some way to verify this?

Jane, Truth is, I probably know many of the posters here - I just don't understand the anonymity. I try to be an upfront guy and have little respect or regard for those who hide in the shadows with such strong opinions (unless they work for the school system, which gives someone a bye in my book)

Tech and I are working on the lunch details. If yours is a valid amail address, then you are in. Let's fix this thing and quit sniping.
***************

Ready to Join - And you would have handled such a party how? Or not at all?

If of that age, were your kids at my house on New Year's? If so, they were safe. If not, I make no guarantees and you have none either.

And if you start doing extensive background checks for the masses, Lord help us all. If you are ready to start throwing stones, please provide your full name and address.

I thought drinking under 21 is against the law in NC? I wouldn't be caught dead serving booze to minors. Imagine the repercussions if the child leaving your house was in an accident.

We've called the cops on underage drinking parties in our neighborhood. We lost a friend to a drunk driver.

There was some scary stuff that happened over New Year's in other parts of the county with kids and underage drinking. Scary stuff.

David:

You don't condone teenage drinking. Call their parents like any responsible adult would do or call the cops.

It's not up to you, David, to understand the anonymity. There are reasons. Besides that, we like it. It's fun. And yes some Janes and Joes do work for the school system. Some have lucrative business contracts with them. One's a detective.

And David, you don't have to know everything as much as you would like to.

You know something David. People in politics never show their true faces. They change all the time. They have their own agendas. No one has to say who they are here as long as they keep it clean.

There are many bloggers who get don't want spam from all the nuts out there.

Imagine - You are correct in how the law reads and I agree with it. Read the post I wrote on the subject... or don't and stay misinformed.

I suppose I'd better quit trying to get any work done now and hit the sack.

Great conversation guys, no one has called anyone names except for me. Progress.

Freddy Niche,

We'd be much more impressed with your postings if you had some facts to support your contentions. What you believe to be true is irrelevant, as well as what happens in other counties or states. We're dealing with Guilford County here. Quit counting on Bruce to do your research. The information is out there, go find it for yourself. I told you before how funds are allocated, but you appear to not have paid any attention to it. If you can find documention that funds are allocated to schools on the basis of property assessments, we'd like to see it.

People select their neighborhoods in which to live for many reasons, one of which is the schools that serve that neighborhood. If parents want to send their children to a magnet school, then that should be a choice that is available to them, but still, it should be a choice. If they want their children to attend school in their neighborhood, then they should be allowed to do so regardless of their income level, race, or ethnicity. No government official should have superior rights to these decisions than parents, although it is clear that all parents' rights are quickly being eroded in this country.

Freddy N,

People choose where they want to live because they can. It is AMERICA! The reasons are many proximity in driving to work and saving gas, closeness to shopping, schools, their church, parks, the interstate if they travel a lot, same for airports.

This is not a socialist country (like some people are trying to make it) where the government tells you where to live, work, how much money you can have, yudda, yudda, yudda....

If you want to go to a magnet school, that should be your CHOICE. The vast majority of people in this county want and choose neighborhood schools. Yet the money is put into all these special programs instead of the basics: reading, writing and math.

Children graduate and are not prepared for the workforce. They can't even read and can't even count change without looking on the cash register.

NTHEKNOW

THAT MAKES SENSE ABOUT PREVIOUS POSTS ON HOGG'S BLOG. TEACHERS NOT GETTING A BREAK (RIGHT) "SHOULD WE GO PUBLIC OR DO WE SETTLE THIS IN PRIVATE." GUESS THEY DIDN'T WANT THAT ONE BROUGHT UP AT A BOARD MEETING

YOU ARE ON TO SOMETHING.

PEOPLE DON'T LEAVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR WITHOUT DUE CAUSE. WE ARE ALWAYS TOLD IT'S "PERSONNEL MATTERS".

"Too far way"?

I attended a public high school TWELVE MILES from my home in NW Connecticut. I did drama and chorus and wne to ball games. My siblings were on various sports. Our parents got to a good number of these things. We even took the "late bus" back home when we didn't have a car until senior year.

Guess what? My older sister was valedictorian, summa cum laude in college, got a master's in Electrical Engineering and just retired at 41.

My brother became a Grammy-nominated producer/engineer.

My youngest sister retired at 30 from Panasonic to have kids after living in Japan and NYC and now San Francisco. She graduated cum laude from Mt. Holyoke.

I teach at an area college.

By bringing us up with values of diversity and willingness to "go the extra mile", my parents turned out a pretty high-achieving bunch.

Suppose all the tax money in Guilford is poured into one pot, with no regard (even through inner-chamber political wrangling) then sent out "equally" to schools across the county; maybe even more spent in struggling schools. Granting all that, I still don't have a response as to what type of "good" we want our schools AS A COUNTY to reflect?

Are test scores the absolute #1 "good" we want to measure? Is it acceptable then to have a few. mostly white, mostly middle and upper-middle economically dominated schools earn the lion's share of higher scores. They will, because the correlation between parents' incomes/wealth and child's achievement is clear. And when and if the less-well-off kids still stagger behind, do we follow through with the Draconian "Left Behind" scenarios, where public schools in "those neighborhoods" are constantly realigned, dismantled or maybe just closed for good while we give vouchers for all those kids to attend Catholic schools?

Also, no one has addressed my question: does the state have a duty, as outlined in the Leandro case, to provide "equal education"? If so, is that a promise for "equal funding" or for "equal outcomes"? The first is still NOT true, no matter what is said, because one way or the other, the kids at the wealthier-neighborhood schools are getting more money in their programs as well as volunteers. The second is probably impossible, but the attempt is perhaps noble. Or maybe we prefer a county of huge disparities in skills, wealth and hope?

Read
"Freakonomics" by Stephen Levitt if you want numbers and facts about these disparaties. Also, Jonathan Kozol's "Shame of the Nation".

Do you think Guilford is so special the same trends that have decimated schools across the country for decades since the end of integration don't apply here?

Would you prefer we allow people to live in their own sanctuaries of whiteness, shelter their kids entirely from others of difference? Hello, Balkanization.

I think if the suburban sprawlers want to use Greensboro amenities, earn money in the city and drive into and thorugh its roads, they should have to pay a bunch of big fat user fees each time. Why don't Summerfield and Oak Ridge just secede from the county entirely?

Oh yes, and Jamestown.

Freddy, all the people you are arguing with here have kids who go to a highschool that is almost 50% minority, so these white schools filled with rich happy privledged children are coming from your imagination, there are no parents on these blogs presently who have such children. We're rebelling against corrupt politicians kidnapping select children from our schools to either boost the demographic at their own school or else cover their blunders at other schools. Diveristy is not the issue. You have your wires crossed or you are buying thier propanganda.

Freddy,

have you written, called or the School Board or spoke at any of their meetings?
Several of us that post here do this consistently.
While you do that please mention Smith's Student to teacher ratio. That administration is doing a good job with little resources.
Unfortuneatley we cannot help you. It is the school board and Dr. Grier that have the power and resources.

I'm the real Bubba and nobody better be using my name without my and Billie's (my China White girl) permission.

We've, and I include myself, gotten kind of off the beaten track of discussing the personnel turnover at GCS (which we concluded was a normal occurrence for a vibrant and growing educational system) and I believe Hank W., Iris, and Bruce (keeper of the blog) pretty much said what needed to be said.

I do want to have one last shot across the bow.

Terri Grier and his staff including some of the stronger Guilford County Board members are faced with a difficult task of making education more equitable in High Point. All of us could argue until Jesus returns, with our stats, bullet points, fte's, fya's, and all that other crap, but the fact remains we need a solution, and this whole process should have been given more time to evolve.

Of course, we all know what happened, some of the NHP residents said, "I want equality & good education provided to all HP kids, as long as it don't require any involvement on my part." So much for community spirit. These are some of the same people who will say, "I like _________ people and ________ people as long as they don't move into my neighborhood."

Mama may have, Papa may have,
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own.

C. Boy,

The bus waited so long for you to answer the question that it ran out of fuel

Please don't thank me, thank the reassignment program for trying to bring Southwest High (I assume this is your school of choice) more in line with the diversity that helps us all to realize it just ain't a white America, but a black, brown, orange, and whatever other color I missed, great big old multicultural melting pot.

After all, I did hear it was the New South, so let's start acting like it by being inclusive and not exclusive.

Bubba, at what level does one become "diverse". I've never been given an answer. Simple question.

ps. I have thanked the "re-assignment" program many times, you can't imagine...Now when can I say I've thanked it enough.

C. Boy,

Since you couldn't pass the Chalkboard exam on naming our 42nd President, then Me, Billie, and China White will make it as simple for you as possible.

You'll know diversity when you see and accept it. Obviously, you haven't gotten there yet, but I have high hopes for you and Oberleutnant Dan.

A helpful hint, staying holed up in your NHP environ is not helpful.

Thank you, Phuc. Thank the General also....That was a close one...the edge of the abysss...looking down....I move the General be elevated immediately to fourteen Stars for service to humanity.

Bubba,

You better be cautious. Some of these people you've riled just might burn a cross in your front yard.

Bubba,

How do you characterize Dudley????

Hank W
That would never happen. It's too dangerous! They wouldn't want to trip over all the broken bourbon bottles in the front yard.

I'm pretty sure this is a record for most posts on a single topic.

The only diversity at Dudley is whether to eat Mexican, Italian, or Chinese for dinner.

What ever they choose, just don't serve it with Crackers.

General -- Have you ever considered running for a seat on the school board? The way you saved C.Boy makes me see what a great leader you are. I totally agree with the 14th star.

Biot