News-Record.com

I sure will miss Susan Mendenhall --- NOT!!

Correction to the title of this post please.

North High Point will FINALLY have a representative.

It's awfully charitable of you Jennifer to say that this person represented the residents of North High Point. I just hope that no taxpayer money is wasted giving her any parting gifts.

Susan has nothing to regret. She served the people she represents relentlessly and well. Would only that the people in Jamestown and north High Point would have a rep. of similar dedication. She should be nothing but proud.

The focus should be on safe schools, fairness to all students, support for our teachers and staff, neighborhood schools like the majority of the county wants, enhance magnet programs that are a TRUE magnet, quit any swapping, chop plans in redistricting. Address the real issues of education and fix the problems within a school first before adding more confusion to the mix, and a real BIG issue improve community relationships, and responsible spending in our schools.

And Bruce, you forgot my name in your article. Still working out the details with my husband about possibly running.

Barbar Ann McAbee

Well, I didn’t know you were considering running!
I certainly would’ve included you had I known you were interested.

If you decide to run, please let us know. And if anyone else out there is interested in this seat, that goes for you, too.

This could be a very interesting race.

DING,,,DONG,,,the Witch is DEAD, the Witch is DEAD, the Witch is DEAD,,,,,DING, DONG,,, the WICKED Witch is DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

As the Flying Monkeys and Palace Guards celebrate the News of Susan Mendenhalls final Meltdown,,,,the Children of GCS may once again see the Emerald City on the Horizon.....

Fortunately,,,,in the Wizard of Oz,,,the Witch was only a bad dream....

Unfortunately,,,For the Children of GCS,,,,Susan Mendenhalls' "Reign of TERROR",,,was all to much of a REALITY!!!!!

I think the time has come to formally recognize, as has been so bluntly and crudely driven home by the events of the last two years, the HUGE PROBLEM of the fact that a single schoolboard rep cannot possibly represent central High Point and northern High Point / Jamestown. You have to face the facts that both places have become much different places, not only geographically, but in many other ways. Asking a single rep to serve these areas is grossly unfair to all parties and the candidatges themselves and a recipe for continuing conflict. One looks forward to next fall, no matter who is elected they are going to have to live somewhere and the folks at the other end of the region are always going to be defensive. I think we need to re-thing the districts. Taxation without rep. is always going to cause trouble.

John,

Good points, but since Central already has a school board representative in Dot Kearns, would it make sense that the new district 2 Rep come from NHP/Jamestown, so that they would have representation? That would solve the problem that you presented.

Good point, Stormy. I was thinking long term, which I realize is silly when dealing with our existing Guilford Co. governing bodies. I was thinking Dot would eventually move on to other things, but rumor has it; she has in her will that she be stuffed and mounted in her seat at Eugene St. so I guess you may be right.

What that? You say that's already occured? You're mean.

John,

Sorry, I didn't intend to make any mean comments about Ms. Kearns. I guess she just looks that way. Of course, she does babble on much of the time during meetings about how she helped those poor Georgia itinerant farmers back during the Great Depression of the 30's or some such. I've never really understood what any of that had to do with Guilford County Schools, but I suppose, on some level, it makes sense to someone.

Whether you agree with Susan or not, the fact that she realizes that she has done about all she can do should be recognized. She reminds me of Peggy Abernathy, it takes courage to step down but Guilford County would be better off if more followed hear lead an let others serve.

Barbar Ann McAbee,

You have my vote!!

My understanding is that the new maps that have been presented for redistricting still bus students from downtown Greensboro to Gibsonville.

Instead of busing Rankin students they will be busing from Bessemer students. Rankin and Bessemer are not that far apart so I am not sure what this accomplishes. These schools are not in the Mcleansville, Whitsett, Rock Creek, or Gibsonville neighborhoods.

If these students want to attend Eastern this is okay, if not they need to speak now. Some of our highest performing students have come from Rankin,
but I know it is difficult for them to participate in after-school activities.

Bruce or Jennifer it would be nice to see things like this in the paper. Other than just pictures of maps, parents need to hear "students from Bessemer will be attending Eastern in Gibsonville."

What is the definition of a neighborhood? This is the first thing that the board should establish.

Part of the definition should be defined by the distance from the school when applicable.

We need people who have business experience on the SB!

It is not a matter of a city or school being represented, what is needed is a representative for the children and their future. Nancy Routh has done a fantastic job swimming upstream against the muck. We have watched mismanagement of funds, resources, trust and opportunities in the last 5 years. Blaming it all on Susan would be wrong. All she did was swim with the tide failing to ask "are we going in the right direction?". Managing a school system is not about financial management. Managing a school system is not about people management. It is all about protecting the rights of our most valuable resource, our children. They have a right to a good education and the opportunity to achieve whatever freedoms they can live up to. Unfortunately the lack of managerial skills presented by most of the current school board and their inability to recognize that they are being managed by the schools administrators, have robbed many underprivileged children of these freedoms that a good education can offer. We can no longer afford to allow mismanagement of resources due to poor planning and management. We must address issues clearly and directly without concern to personal agenda. We who have been given much owe much to the next generations. While our school system fails Grier consults and teaches and lectures on the side. He says it is his time. Costing the taxpayers a quarter million a year or more I would ask why is this time not being used to benefit our children in Guilford County. How can he spend "his time" working for others, telling other superintendants "how to manage the media" while even a single child under his watch is failing. I would be ashamed if I did this. Our community deserves accountability. Our children deserve a future.

Does anyone know if redistricting is on the agenda for Jan 10th's meeting? Per GCS website latest news, meeting will address "magnet/option schools".

whether it's garth or tim mann, i feel north high point and jamestown will be represented well. both of these men have the ability to communicate the needs and wants of the taxpayers from this area who have been without representation for as long as ted kennedy, i mean susan has been there. both have the ability to stand up for the citizens they will represent. both have the ability to neutralize strom thurmond, i mean dot kearns. factual, statisitcal positions as opposed to emotion based decisions are what our kids need and we as taxpayers deserve. i would vote for either one.

Yes Amy--it's on the agenda, toward the bottom of the page--here's the link:
http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/agenda.htm

I still believe that Dr. Grier is not the problem. The problem is a School Board that does not know where it is going. Dr. Grier under the right king of environment would be an effective leader. Remember it takes 10 months for the Board to hire a Supt. We need to worry about getting and keeping the best teachers available. I do not plan to vote for any candidate that calls for the termination of Dr. Grier as his/her platform. I may be wrong, but I think Grier could do a great job with a focused School Board.

Joe,

we need to worry about getting and keeping the best Superintendent available,,,,we already have a great group of Teachers.

also,,how about for a change of pace and maybe a change in direction for our education system,,,please let someone else go last at the public speaking for Tuesdays' board meeting.

What I would like to know who does Dot have in the wings to take Susieeee's place? Can anybody guess?

NOw Bruce or Jennifer that would be a story!!!

Well, Bruce you never asked (forgot to tell you at last coffee). Yes I had been approached for over two years now.

I had discussed it with Susan on several occasions and told her I would not run if she was still running. So I was waiting to hear her final decision which you printed today. She had also told me about the problems of representing an area so big that could have opposing views. I think Stormy and John G are truly on to something.

And with Dot most people in NHP and Jamestown feels she has acted more of a local rep for the Central District than at-large,

And thank you, Frank, I appreciate your vote of confidence. and oops - my name is Barbara Ann- had a typo this am - was in a hurry.

A lot depends on some personal family matters at this time but I should know that by the filing deadline. I have been substitute teaching in the schools since 2000 and volunteering with children since forever. I tend to think that a lot of our children have no voice and that they need a strong one. I have followed the issues closely for many years now.

If I decide not to run, I will fully support Garth. He is living proof that someone with a poor background can beat the odds, get an education and be successful. You don't have to ship a poor kid on a bus across town for an education. To me, that sends a very negative message. I have known him to be a person of integrity.

I would strongly support neighborhood schools and addressing problems of safety, discipline and the same rules for ALL student; and addressing the true academic needs at the basic level.

Both Garth and I have been concerned about children having a voice. Either one of us could be that voice.

Stay tuned. It could get real interesting.

Barbara Ann McAbee

candidate,

btw, my degree is in Business Management and that is the type of work I did for over 20 years while I put myself through night school. Accounting, Office Management and Sales was my full time job before becoming a full-time mom, community volunteer and a part-time substitute teacher.

I totally agree with you on a SB candidate should have a business background. (They definitely should know how to read a budget.)

That would be me, Garth, or Tim.

Lots of choices out there.

As a citzen of this County they call Guilford, The 14-Star Gen. Slak would like to announce his intentions to run for school board, with the intent of ousting Alan Duncan...

Plans are in motion to relocate my residence in order to run for this district seat...

Stay Tuned for further Details..

14 star General,

I'm going to move too, just so I can vote for you!

Yes, Garth or Tim are excellent choices.

Tim...Garth...Barbara....yep, all good. To be honest, a caged monkey that eats it's own poo would be better than the representation that we have now!!!!!!!

Yup,
Suzie was as useful as a sore pinky in a brothel!

USELESS!

Tim Mann for president!!!!!

Vote for TM!!!

Has anyone heard if Debbie Maines is still running?

No phony baloney numbers will get past Garth on that school board.

VOTE FOR GARTH!!!!

BARBARA ANN BECAUSE SHE CAN

She knows the schools and looks out for children.

VOTE BARBARA ANN!!!!!

Frank,

I am not that familiar with many parts of Greensboro and the demographics, not being originally from here. I do agree that people need to see more in print of what may happen before it happens. I could not read the "star" maps on line. What a fiasco.

Neighborhoods should definitely be defined by distance and not just "as the crow flies" but by driving it, timing it, noting the traffic lights, the slow school zones one passes, busy intersections, etc. Not splitting up neighborhoods and using natural boundaries consistently must be considered. Neighborhoods could also be defined by what outside organizations such as a local YMCA or other public service facility is available for a particular area.

Regardless, we cannot afford to keep busing kids this way and that. Anita has stated that quite clearly. She has common sense.

Also with the magnet programs, you could divide the bus routes in to the Eastern and Western parts of the county and attend magnet programs in your half or provide your own transportation.

If you have desirable magnet programs that students/parents want and kids need, the will come.

Bruce/Jennifer,

An interesting article written by Taft Wireback was printed in today's (jan 6) N&R. The article discussed the problem Davidson County is having with new buses not heating properly. I was particularly taken with the following:

"If a problem were to occur, he [Jim Moen] said, Guilford could tranfer those busses to parts of the county south of Interstate 40 that usually aren't as cold."

Is he joking? This leads me to only 2 possible conclusions:

1. Moen actually believes Guilford County is so big that it supports 2 climates; or

2. Yet more proof that High Point is treated differently from the rest of the county. Send the ice cold buses to High Point. Let the warm buses transport the Greensboro kids.

Comment?

Tim Mann has represented our wishes since 1998. He's been the only consistent representation we've had. As a woman, I vote Mann.

Quest,

Thanks for the laugh. Moen's comment is surely the most moronic of the new year. Thank goodness Santa brought my "southern" High Point kids new down jackets for Christmas. I will review with them what to do in cases of frost-bite.

Thank you so much for the heads up. I will watch the weather forcasts more closely. Are local meteorologists aware that they should be announcing the weather now for BOTH climates in Guilford County? This could get really confusing. Oh, well, I guess that's the trials and tribulations of living in that "other" part of Guilford County..you know..."Low Point".

Since I don't believe that Mr. Mann is running, I suppose we all could start a write-in campaign. Speaking for myself of course, I'd take that MANN anyday!

There is still hope for many of us. The make up of the board will change with Mendenhall's departure. She would have been beaten by Hebert or Mann. I disagree with Barbara Ann. Mendenhall running would be a reason to run, not step aside. Therefore, Mann and Hebert make the best candidates. Yea District 2!

Barbara Ann,
Lets be honest. Susan and Dot would probably love for you to run but don't. We have two possible's and need to go down to one.
Its either Garth or Tim. But we need only one. The enemy will run and win if we are divided. Divided we lose but united we stand a chance.
Dont run.

heretoday,

fyi the reason I would not have run if Susan ran is I know the campaign would have gotten so ugly because of all the last two years and because of how things went in the 04 election. I would not want to embarrass my family. It wasn't because I didn't feel she would win. I think Susan knew she couldn't win and her time was up. I have been approached and for since Jan. 03 and have been closely involved in the schools for many years now. I have the financial backing if I do decide to run.

To Let's Be Honest,

Why in the world would Susan care if I ran or not? She is getting out of it. I have no idea how Dot would feel. I have zero ties to Emorywood, neither does Garth or Tim.

Tim has not committed to run from what I have heard by many or read in the newspapers. With all Tim's traveling, I doubt he will run, but that is truly up to him. I will make my final decision based on some personal timing in my life.

That is why we live in a democracy. It's great to have real choice.

As for Garth and I, he will support me or I will support him.

To all who have posted this is preliminary at this time. Filing is not until the end of February. And as many names who have posted here for Garth and Tim, I have received phone calls and e-mails for a long time now. I am sure they have too.

And I am sure there will be candidates to come forth from the Emorywood district. That should be your main concern.

heretoday, let's be honest, et al

You have my phone number or could look it up.

Feel free to call me anytime if you wish to discuss my candidacy.

Anyone who has had kids at Florence since I started subbing knows my reputation in fighting for kids and their rights and for their safety, the safety of YOUR children whether it was for:

proper nutrition
a stranger not giving them medications
emergency procedures in a firedrill or tornado
procedures for asthma attacks
identification badges for temporary janitors
ID's for construction workers
a leaking roof over their heads in the halls (Alan D took care of that)
15 year old mini blinds poking them in the eyes (that will be taken care of too)
heat and a/c to their trailers when they were roasting or cold

just remember all this before you cast your vote if it gets to that

I have helped keep YOUR children safe for all these years. I have spoken up for their rights when the didn't have a voice. Also I have spoken up for employees who never got a thank you, ones who sweep floors, cook your kids' food to be recognized. I am in the schools and know what goes on and where they need help.

I certainly know I have children's best interests at heart.

"Write Him In" Why would you do something that stupid to write in someone that is not running? It would only cancel out votes for Garth or Barbara Ann and give more to Dot's candidate.

"Tim Mann has represented "OUR" wishes"....signed JMeadows

That decides my vote. I am supporting Garth or Barbara Ann whichever one decides to finally run. They will consider the best interests of EVERYONE.

Barbara, Tim, and Garth:

Would you support naming the next High School after Edward R. Murrow?

Joe,

That has to be the top issue for district 2.

Joe, give us a break.

Please talk about real issues.

Of course I would Joe.

I told you that in writing before and I sent my e-mail to the the school board about the new middle school. But it is voted on by the committee for each school. That is what Alan told me.

Names are not important to me, but I know it means a lot to you. It is what goes on inside the school that counts. As Shakespeare said, "What's in a name?"

Education and safety for all of our children.
And true accountability. This is what should matter inside our schools.

Barbara Ann, you have missed your vocation.

You would make a real good politician!

Joe Stafford,

I'm sure your baby making days are over but, assuming you have children, why don't you try to talk them into naming one of your grandchildren Edward R. Murrow and get over it.

The pursuit of excellance is a 24/7 job. I believe we should pursue it in the classroom, on the ball field and in our daily lives. I am sure naming of the schools does not matter to some people. Reading does not matter to others. Going to school does not matter to many children. I don't run other people down. I expect them to pursue excellance in everything they do. The naming of schools is symbolic of the Boards thinking. We now have 18 directional name schools. I wish you would care. If you do not care about this, what others areas do you not care about?

Joe, sorry but with all due respect your comparisons are way off.

I care about reading.
I care about writing.
I care about going to school.

I don't give a hoot about the name of a school.

I think the first person that posted a reply meant that how you name a school is not a reason to vote for someone. Come on! That was the implication in your question and I think it was in disrespect to the problems that exist in district 2.

I agree. It is not a primary reason for voting for or against a candidate. But you know, I like to know a candidate's thinking on various matters. Sometimes, there comments on low priority items tells how they might approach a big item. I want each district to have outstanding leadership. The fact that some had no or no serious opposition is a sad commentary for our communities. I wish 3 people would run for each open seat. We would learn a lot.

Best regards,

Give us a break,

Thank you. I may not have missed it yet.

To all,

How you name a school is definitely not a reason why vote for someone, in my opinion. It is not high up up on the priority list of what needs to be done in our schools.

To me, the priorties are improving education, safety and neighborhood schools and responsible spending, building trust for the school board from the community so we can move forward, building community relationships. It is about time that the School Board started listening to the people in North HP and Jamestown areas and treat them as they would when the Greensboro parents have requests.

An example that comes to mind is the federal grant for Smaller Learning Communities. It never went into Grimsley to my knowledge. The parents spoke out and it never came. The 3 High Point high schools received a similar grant right before the elections next to Dot's photo on the front page of the newspaper. I don't remember them asking any of us, do you? I thought one of the parameters of the grant was COMMUNITY SUPPORT. How can you have community support if you don't ask the community's opinions or you continue to ignore them? 800+ people spoke out at SW forum against the IT Plan. Did it do any good at the time?

Another example - to my knowledge there was ONE SB MEMBER at SWH's graduation in 2005. (Nancy Routh I believe.) There were about 5 SB members at Western. How many board members went to other graduations?? What message does that tell you what they think of us? Actions do speak louder than words.

Back to Joe...

Joe had emailed me many weeks back and ask if I would speak to name the new Northern Middle School "Edward R. Murrow". I told him I had other commitments and could not speak that night but I would e-mail the board and I did. I basically asked Alan if they would consider this. He explained it was done by the planning/construction committee for that school (I think Joe was on it.) The majority decides on the committee decides.

I mentioned basically if they could pursue this sometime in the future because it is so important to Joe and he is very passionate about it. If a particular name is that important to someone, he does all this research and keeps coming to meeting after meeting, just give him the name. If it doesn't make much difference to the other parents, what does it really matter in the big picture.

I don't think you will ever hear the end of that name until we see a school names "Edward R. Murrow".

Joe is not in District 2 anyway so it is a moot point.

oops - typo - a school "named" Edward R.Murrow

I bet we have a school named after Dorothy Kearns before we have one named after Murrow.

Joe do you have an opinion of this? Barbar Ann?

North High Point,

Please don't misunderstand what I meant based on my name. I believe Tim Mann represented "our" wishes meaning NHP and J-Town. He was one of the primary authors of the maps that kept all of us together. He has fought tirelessly for SW. I don't know if he is going to run but if does I know he would fight for neighborhood schools among other issues. I believe he considers the 1999 district the SW neighborhood. Let's stick together neighbor and not let the school boards politics tear us apart.

Now that Susan is on her way out it is time to start working on all other board members on our list!
Only when the board is made over can we impeach the kingpin.

Jmeadows, It was obvious what you meant by "our". There is just one candidate that is already campaigning for herself.

I have an idea.
Tim,Garth,Barbara,and anyone else who might decide to run for Susans seat we need to have a unified message to the public that no matter who wins any and all candidates will make a motion once they are on the board to fire terry grier.(once you secure the 6 votes of course).
This message was sent to him in Tenn. I hear and when the writing was on the wall so to speak he was on his way out the door.

The School Board does not name schools after living people.

JMeadows

That's what I heard but that was 7 years ago. This is now. Things have changed. The schools were not a mess in 1999. The numbers have changed. Thank you for the clarification though.

I am still voting for Garth or Barbara Ann.

If you want to save money, why not join me in doing away with sworn SROs at 100k each. The School Board should have their own safety staff at about 50k or less each. They should be assigned as needed to schools. Some schools may need three and some may need zero. We can save a bunch of money if District 2 will support this and other proposals.

newsandrecord

The filing period is not even until February so give it a rest. It's obvious to many what JMeadows meant by our.

I don’t mind who as long as they WILL represent the North but I cant take the campaign speeches every three posts. We are losing focus here!
Joe, now you are making sense!!!
Charrrrrrrgeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Barbara, you said it!

I find it hard to believe that an SRO makes 100K

Sorry to be stupid Joe but what's a "sworn" SRO? Is it the "sworn" that gets the extra 50K?

The SRO's cost the school system about $80,000 a year. WE have to pay for their salary and their car. Many of these won't help with traffic duty (not their job) and other common sense things. I'm not sure every middle school needs one-- I would rather have another asst principal that could help with all aspects of daily school life. At some schools, they probably need one, if not more. In a school system as large as ours there is no one 'best' solution... well, there is but I don't think you can 'un-merge'-- with 117 schools there isn't a pattern of needs that fits everyone!

Some friendly advice for Barbara Ann, Tim and Garth can be found over at Hoggs Blog, but here's the gist..

Start a weblog of your own.

The voters are hungry for transparency and unfettered interaction with candidates and elected officials. There is not better platform for accomplishing this than a blog.

If you need help, let me know.

David,

I don't read Hogg's blog.

And as I told you long ago, I am not doing a website, but thank you for offering to help.

There are no official candidates until after the filing in February. For many of the candidates who are considering running, it is time timing and other issues. This is way too early for anyone to be campaigning. The deadline is not here yet.

There will be lots of time for that later.
(I didn't know you knew all the voters.)

Regards,

Barbara Ann

Debora,

You have hit the nail on the head. With a school system this large, it is difficult for one "best" solution for each school. I think the principal and parents at the school should have a major input here. You would have to address the needs for each school, weigh the benefit vs the cost. Safety should always be a priority.

A good place to start sorting out the needs might be with the police records.

I would like to see more community service programs and alternative schools for kids that have repeat behavior problems. They need a focus without taking away from the kids in school who do come to learn.

Okay David, I gave in to my curiosity. I went to your site and read your latest strand. Seriously, very kind of you to suggest helping.

When my decision is final, if one day I consider for ANY reason having a web site, I will give you a ring. Do I get to have some "cool" web site name. I am not computer savvy at this. I like to stick to what I know. But for now, a web site is way down on my list.

Barbara Ann

Barbara Ann-

I read your entry about your speaking up for employees "who never received a thank you--one who sweep the floors and cook your kid's food, need to be recognized."

I was wondering about what result came of your efforts. Did anyone listen to you?

B.A.,
I wasn't suggesting a website, I was suggesting a blog. Big difference. One (static website) is boring, non-interactive, and hard to manage as a means of affecting public opinion. The other (blog, like Chalkboard) are dynamic, engaging and can be set up for free in about 10 minutes.

Despite what you say to the contrary, a large segment of District 2's constituancy (including you) are quite tuned in to the web, so anyone who decides to run will benefit greatly from a strong online presence in my opinion.

Cool website name? Sure... BarbaraAnnForKids.com

Employees Rule,

Yes they did. I had written them for a long time about this. Spoke at commissioner's meetings on similar matters for raises/recognition for all employees in the school systems and spoke at school board meetings about recognition on many occasions. About Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and one need is recognition and that teachers want to be heard; that their input matters.

They started the Employee of the Month Program, for example. It is for all part-time and full-time employees. (Bruce posted about this as a CB strand when it started.)

There are individual schools where you can feel the difference as soon as you are there if the employees are happy or not.

I had written a lot to them about Sedexho and the use of temporary janitors; also of what I had heard at various community group meetings (CDE in Greensboro) about the concerns of other janitors who had been with the schools for a long time getting longer hours, not getting supervisory positions, etc. because Sedexho's people got them. Sedexho is not gone. There were several speakers who had addressed this in the past about various issues with Sedexho and who had written the SB members. I wrote many times about temporary janitors wearing ID badges, signing in at the front office; same for construction workers, and how anyone could just put on a "guest past" in some schools and walk right in.

And yes changes of procedure went in place at several of the schools.

If you do take time to write especially about safety issues for our children, they do listen. But you have to keep on trying. I have seen many examples of procedures changing. But they don't know there is a problem if you don't speak up about the problem.

It's easier for many to just be satisifed with the status-quo and go about their day-to-day business.

There's always the "power of one" but many voices are certainly much better.

oops - "guess pass" - sorry in a hurry

Sedexho is NOW gone. - just typing way too fast today - lot to do

Thanks for looking out, Barbara Ann!

Barbra, while you are making corrections, it is Sodexo, not Sedexho.

I thought it was "Dasexho". I figured that's why they rethought the whole contract with them. And it made sense why Grier liked them.

The night of the candidates forum every candidate I spoke with (Debbie Maines, Mr. Van Duesan?, Adams Farm girl,(can't remember her name)Garth,and even Jim Kirkpatrick when asked off the record if they would vote to fire terry grier told me YES!
That was some time ago before many other problems.
I feel the public must know from all who are considering running:Will you vote to fire terry grier if elected to office and the motion comes up?
Garth,Tim or Barbara do you care to weigh in?

No we are getting to the important issues.
None of that naming schools bs.
I will only vote for those the answer "aye".

There were the SAME candidates too off the record who said "NO" to many others. Guess that was the politician in them. I wouldn't think anyone would know the answer to that until they were actually ON the board and had the employee evaluation objectives in front of them.

I would imagine Garth's comment would still be "off the record" therefore it wouldn't be put "on record" here.

There are no candidates until February. By that time Emorywood should have a candidate to ask.
Debbie Maines?

Debbie Maines has already answered at the forum. She said she would fire him.
I just want to see what other people think.
I'm telling you all that grier needs to hear that anyone who takes Susans seat is going to be hard after him and not someone he can win over and make a puppet like he had with Suzie!
I'm not sure if Debbie would stand behind what she said now but just something to think about: What if the Central backed person did go on the record saying they would fire grier and our candidates danced around the subject and this caused us to lose an election we should win.
Just something to think about.

I agree that any potential candidate should be frank about Grier. Waiting to hear how the other candidates respond is whimpy and shows no spine. There are too many invertebrates on the board now.

WOW!!! Lots happens when you're away from your computer for a while. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered, but the most pressing right now is HOW the board will proceed with redistricting. My position is for school closest to home. Others may desire busing for diversity. Whatever the position, the BOE needs to be consistent across ALL TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS --COUNTYWIDE..... NO EXCEPTIONS (including "theme" schools)!!!!!!!!!!

Let your voice be heard or at least your face seen at tomorrow night's BOE meeting on Eugene Street.

I'll address the questions posed to me directly at a later time. Good night!

griers dirty-

it seems that debbie has answered. garth has answered. tim answered it during the abc days. i've never heard b.a. answer the question. it doesn't look like she has been blogging tonight but i bet she will weigh in soon. this race is going to be very interesting.

W.W.BA.D?

And Tim, Get some sleep and tomorrow you'll realize the board meeting is on Tues.

Nighty-nite

Moose,

THANKS for the correction re: TUESDAY's meeting. Also, my position re: TG is clearly defined on the rear of my vehicle.

Grier is not the problem. Most of the issues people are most upset about stems from actions of the School Board. Grier has said on many occasions that we must make some fundamental changes. The School Board is not interested and does not encourage Grier to proceed with new ideas. It is highly unlikely that a new Supt. would be better than Dr. Grier. Compare Grier with Weast. Grier is 10 times better. He is not in love with himself. Grier would be great if the School Board gave clear directions on where we should be going. I Give Grier a A- and the School Board a D-.

Joe,

Sometimes I think you must be on Grier's payroll.

Our schools are going down every year.

Yes, Grier has lots of ideas but there is only one problem -- THEY DON'T WORK! They have more to do with his resume than my kids' education.

I don't think our school board is the problem. Grier has been fired from every other job he's had. He is totally ineffective. He aspires to be the US Secretary of Education but he can't get there from here.

Putting Grier out of OUR misery is the best for all parties involved and the desire to do that is a pre-requisite for my vote on Nov 7th.

Tim, Debbie, and Garth are not a Guilford County School EMPLOYEE who teaches in the school.

I don't see Tim, et al going up to their BOSS and saying publicly they will fire them. GET REAL! Are anyone of you willing to do this? Give me a break.

Debbie has not said if she is running or not? Debbie? Also what is her CURRENT position on Grier? I never heard her comment when she was running before. Neither did many others. It doesn't matter what anyone "says" once they commit on ANY of the issues, what matter is what they DO once they have studied all the issues and are privey to what actually goes on. Contrary to what "GriersDirty" (whoever it is???)
stating she heard people SAY, myself and many others heard just the opposite. In fact I heard a candidate that ABC supported and advertised for speak publicly at an ABC meeting about contractual employee issues of breaking a contract and what it would cost the school system, etc. to break a contract. He never committed one way or the other,but definitely inferred he would not fire because of the cost involved to taxpayers. Over 150 people were at that SAME church meeting and heard him say the SAME thing. So why did ABC support and fund him???? He definitely made it clear he would contribute to the board by seeing they did their jobs as a SB and oversee school operations.

No one including myself , Tim and Debbie have said they were definitely running. Check on February 28th when we have ALL made our final decisions. Then you can start the candidates' forums, inquiries and the questions. This is January. Elections aren't until November. Give it a rest. This isn't the time nor place for a candidates' forum. There will be plenty of time for that.

Questions should be saved when you see who actually commits. You will be quite surprised who ends up supporting whom. I have made it quite clear that it depends on some personal timing in my life and my husband's job. Tim did not commit in the News & Record. I haven't heard anything from Debbie.

I believe in Neighborhood schools and will speak on that at the BOE meeting. I agree with Tim that the most pressing question now is Redistricting. This effects EVERYONE for 4 more years (so the school "policy" states). The county should be CONSISTENT in their one county movement and in following their redistricting guidelines. The big questions is CONSISTENCY. If it is Diversity, then you start in the schools that need it most. Myself and MANY others, follow what Nancy Routh's motion proposed in leaving focus themes in school, not watering down the curriculum of the traditional schools, and giving kids a TRUE CHOICE of a neighborhood school or a magnet theme. No forced redistricting. GCS has already spent money to put in labs etc. and brought in teachers to teach these programs. They are NOT tearing them out. That was quite clear at the last BOE meeting. These can be a real draw to improve these schools. The IB Program at Central is an excellent program. Why would they make it a traditional school and take it out? That would makes no sense. The programs need to be looked at, streamlined and see what is working and enhanced. But we certainly don't need six pages of Puppetry, Mime, and Fingerpainting 101.

I now feel we have exhaused this subject and it is time to move on.

I HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU AT THE SB MEETING TUESDAY EVENING. I hope you will speak up too for what you believe in and the TRUTH.

You're right, Barbara Ann, it is early in the process and these questions may be premature. But I just think this conversation shows how much interest there will be in this election.

While I can't play favorites on who I would like to win, I actually would like to see all of the aforementioned names enter the race. It's always good for voters to have choices, in my opinion. We've seen several school board elections decided in unopposed races in recent years, which is sad. Even if the incumbent is doing a good job, the voting public should always have a choice.

And don't forget that the field will be whittled down in the May primary. So there's no real issue with like-minded candidates splitting the vote; there will only be two candidates on the ballot in the November general election.

I will be at the meeting on Tuesday (hope I can find a seat!)-- it will be nice to see some other parents at the meeting! I feel so alone sometimes. I won't be speaking- sending my thoughts via email this time! Leaves more time for new/return speakers! Have at them!

Debora,

We always appreciate you staying involved. You are consistent in your attendance. I always look for you when watching TV.

It certainly is easier to watch live on TV now and tape, and easier to nap in between and replay later. Many of us just can't always make the meetings due to other commitments.

But there are many who consistently write the SB to express our views.

And Bruce, thank you. It think it's time for another strand.

and btw, please excuse all typos in my long post - in a real hurry - there is much else to do today

thank you - all

"I'll answer those questions posed to me directly at a later time" T Mann

same goes for me and much more on many issues

In the end, whether I decide to run or not, I will remain very involved and committed to the education and safety of all of our children. I don't plan to be moving anywhere soon. And if the timing is not right for me to run, I will work tirelessly for the person who I feel is the best candidate for the job

going back to an previous subject: GCS has managed to complete 4 new schools since 2000 with their $500 million in bond money. brightwood elementary is a traditional school with 682 students, falkener elementary is a magnet with 561 students, hairston middle is tradtional with 753 students and triangle lake montessori is a magnet with 406 students.
five years and over $500 million dollars and gcs has pumped 2402 new seats into their growing system. only 1435 of these seats are in traditional schools. the balance of 967 seats are magnet - which, traditionally have attracted about 5% of student population and cost double the amount of traditional students to educate.
so, generally speaking, gcs gets $100 million per year for 5 years. with these generous funds, gcs is able to build .8 of a school each year for 5 years (almost an entire school). gcs is able to add 481 new seats per year for 5 years in order to handle their growing enrollment of about 1000 students per year.
i'm beginning to think their building abilities parallel gcs' ability to meet nclb requirements, meet national & state SAT averages, have an adequate number of students pass EOG's, effectively lower the achievement gap, yada, yada, yada.

oh yeah, with this kind of track record, i cannot wait to vote on another bond referendum, especially with dr. grier and his current board at the helm.

additionally, barbara ann would make an excellent candidate for school board. we seem to be blessed with so many excellent candidates: garth, tim, barbara ann! maybe north high point, southwest guilford county and jamestown will finally have adequate representation on the gc school board.

**********Kind Warning to Posters*******

While I understand the need/want/desire for anonymous names when posting, and I admit that I do it myself, what I don't understand is someone posting under a well established poster's name.

For example, I would NEVER post as "Stormy" or "The General", or others that contribute not only informative but sometimes necessary information.

Anyone that would attempt to post under the "name" of a well-established poster has an agenda that, well, quite frankly is pathetic.

Sorry to interject that but it needed to be said.

Also, the lastest technology is very sophisticated and now with IP software available to the general public, these things are very easy to investigate.

Just a word of caution so no one gets "caught". That would be embarrassing for some, wouldn't it?

Barbara,

first of all you are the one that has been campaining on here for the last 80+ posts.You have repeated you main campaign reasoning several times. Then every 20 or so posts you say its early days and everyone should wait..

The other supposed candidates have been very quiet. That is pobably a wise approach.

Good luck with your decision and if you decide to run.

If you are referring to Quest, it was not meant for "quest". Quest with a capital Q is NOT "quest" to everyone who remembers all the names. Just short for "a question" see email address "goodquestion@sb.com". So sorry, my bad. It was not intentional.

Notimeyet,

If you have followed the last three years of school issues, I have always voiced my opinion OPENLY for positive change in our schools, at the commissioners meetings, at SB meetings, at forums. This is nothing new. I have ALWAYS posted my opinion on the CB since it came into inception and have been a FREQUENT poster. Ask Bruce if you are a recent poster maybe you aren't familiar with this. This is nothing new.

You are are the one who kept asking the questions, not me.

I am not foolish enough to be sabotaged into a corner, risking my employement.

I feel as Cheryl, we are all lucky to have a good selection of candidates to choose from. Whether I choose to run or not, I will still clearly state my views. It is know as FREEDOM OF SPEECH. We all have something positive to bring to the BOE, all three of us.

And you have the right to vote for whomever you want, write a name in or not vote at all. That is your choice. As Bruce said, we all have a choice.

Sometimes there are reasons people do not speak. Did you ever thing of that? Just a thought.

Barbara Ann,

I think Hoggard might actually be on to something. With your own blog, you could say what you wanted and then no one could complain. They could just choose not to read. Also, you could post your platform once and for all (after the filing date of course) and you wouldn't have to keep repeating yourself.

Good luck if you choose to run. You do love the children. I'll say that for you!

To 'NOT even': You are not allowed to say that I have any good ideas on this blog. It's just not done. (even though I agree with the vasy majority of opinions posted herein sans the vitriol/anonymity.)

I don't know if Barbara Ann McAbee'd make a good representative for the dispossessed of the High Point school system, it seems she always has to consult with her husband prior to making a decision.

Perhaps her husband should run for the position.

Hoggard,

Why there is a lot of friction with you I don't understand. You do seem to say that you agree with many here. I guess until there's a public display of your affection for some here, it'll be hard to believe.

I wonder if your speaking at tomorrow's schoolboard meeting might win over some of the skeptics. I can guarantee if you spoke up for the abused kids in High Point that your intentions would look more credible.

The bottom line for us is:

1. We want to STOP being experimented with

2. We want to go to a school that is reasonably close

3. That school should be acceptable in performance and safety.

I don't think it's too much to ask.

Now be nice in your response. My name is not really "Sincere" and the email address is bogus--just because. Go easy on the sarcasm.

Oh please stop, Bubba-

While I am not a big fan of Barbara Ann's ego, there is really nothing wrong with consulting with one's spouse.

I agree "B". Susan Mendenhall consults with Alan all the time before she makes any decisions or votes. Although they are not husband and wife, she counts on him to do most of her thinking. The thinking that he doesn't do for her is done by Dorothy Kearns. Alan's constitutents must really love Susan. He basically gets two votes in every matter.

With only a few short months to go in her term, it would be nice to see Susan blossom into a mature thinker.

That's what they say about Susie and others on that board,If "momma ain't happy no buddy's happy"

Anyone running would be NUTS not to consult their spouse if they treasure the institution of marriage. I know Barbara Ann. It has more to do with her husband's job situation.

B,

I'm just saying that since it appears Barbara Ann consults him all of the time, just possibly he's the brains and that he should be the one to run in her stead.

Hey, if I had a manager who constantly told me all the time, well I need to talk with so and so about this decision, and refused to "call the ball" on his/her own accord, I'd probably fire the manager and promote so and so.

You are correct, Barbara Ann does have a tendency to do a lot of puffing about herself.

Violet,

By hoping that Susan will evolve into a matured thinker, I can only assume that to do such in your eyes she should be in agreement with the anti-reassignment crowd? Well if that's the case, Susan, for the sake of the HP school system, don't change one bit.

Bubba,

I would just love to see Susan make up her own mind. She is the rep. for a lot of people and it seems she doesn't listen to them, nor does she do her own thinking. Thus one would say that's taxation without representation.

I didn't even mention the reassignment mess. I would just love to see her for ONE day do what she was voted to do: REPRESENT HER CONSITIUENTS!

Sincere,
The three points of your bottom line are not only reasonable, they are essential.

As far as "winning over skeptics" by publicly speaking at tomorrow's board meeting goes - it sounds to me like some sort of club initiation/hazing ritual. For the most part, I don't join clubs.

I speak in front of the board when I have something to say that needs to be delivered in that forum, not simply because there is an opportunity on Tuesday nights to do so.

As far as the anonymous posting thing goes, I believe the practice really works against NHP parents' causes and credibility. Here's why...

First off, surely you know that almost the entire school board reads what is written here. So...

When a board member is speaking face-to-face with a highly involved NHP parent on a real-name basis, I'm sure that that board member is wondering in the back of their minds, "Which one of those anonymous, flame-throwing, Chalkboard posters is he/she really." And then I just have to wonder if that same board member subsequently dismisses everything that was said in the face-to-face conversation and then seeks out truly verifiable viewpoints.

Barbara Ann doesn't have that problem, neither does Garth, Tim, Joe Stafford or any other real person who posts here.

But do what you think is best.

Bubba, I don't think Violet meant that at all. I think she might have been referring to representatives who throw her children into an unfunded pseudo-magnet forced- busing lottery plan, you know that one, the main impetus for which, was the demographic enhancement of the alma mater/neighborhood school for two of the sitting schoolboard reps, but I don't know for sure. Maybe she'll respond.

David,
You can be sure that many of us do communicate to the school board quite a lot through E-mail and of course in our own names. I don’t understand what the big deal is about people not using their real names here.
It’s a personal choice.

Truth, If you communicate with your real name via email, why do you use a 'handle' here? What's the difference?

I probably should shut up about this. Its just that I want to know who I am talking to. All of this anonymity on matters of such importance just freaks me out.

I give up Hoggard. I thought you might actually have a civil bone in your body. I was wrong. I'm sorry that you don't feel that you "don't have anything to say to the board that needs to be delivered in that forum". I'm even more sorry that you feel that speaking up for the students and families in High Point would be some sort of a hazing ritual. That is a repulsive suggestion. But I'm not surprised you answered with malicious words. It's not the first time. I give up with you. Don't bother responding.

And just for the record. I have spoken up before for issues other than my own. In fact at one board meeting I deferred my time to a speaker because I thought that her situation was more dire than my own. I can see that you use your blog as a mouthpiece but when our voices truly need amplified, you become mute.

I didn't expect you to speak anyway. Even if you did get on the list for speaking, I'd expect you to be a no show. I've seen that trick too.

I feel sorry for you. And while I'm still feeling repulsed. I want to say that your "feed the hogg" campaign is also pathetic. I know of families that are truly starving. And yes, I have personally brought aid to them. You're crying wolf Hoggard and if you want to help others than do it, if not then put a lid on it.

Sincere, Repulsion is a two way street. For you to take what I wrote and then summon and spew that much venom because of it is repulsive to me.

That chip on your shoulder must be quite a burden to bear.

What part of "The three points of your bottom line are not only reasonable, they are essential" set you off.

Hogg,
you are not welcome here anymore. You or your alias's. Yes, even you do post under differnt names.
Go away!

Bubba,

Put a lid on it. I'm not taking the bait. Apparently you don't have a family.

fyi - my husband travels much of the time and I am a full-time mom - we treasure our family life

Unlike myself, he is not involved as heavily in the school issues.

If you notice the majority of the board members, they have other jobs that allow them the freedom to serve or are retired.

Why don't you write your real name and you can run.
You really need to find another blog to troll on.

Truth, David wants to know who Jane, Joe, Jane & Joe, Janie, Joey, etc. are. That' why he is meeting Biotechboy for lunch. Don't you go, C boy. His school board friends would like to know too. Notwelcome, he cannot leave the CB. His bloggie is dead lately. He needs the action.

Hoggard, why aren't you consistant about your views about anononymous posting? IE, Mr. Sun, Chewie, and all of the other Smurfs are revered on the Hoggity Bloggity.

David Hints: you cannot fight what you do not know. It's much bigger than you know. You cannot see it coming. People learned from past mistakes about high visibility. Its name is "anonymous".

David Hints: You cannot have two faces and expect either on to be trusted.

Dear Paris Hoggard, been jetting around the Carribean lately with P. Diddy. Was told you are trying to be the Greensboro version of me, you know, famous for...being famous. Step One: bleach hair blond. Step two: internet sex tape. Call me after completing step two.

Toodles

Paris

True. There is trust. There is unpredictable. There is unpredictable on purpose. There are people with real names and faces who cannot be trusted. They have proven this by their past actions. Then there are some people on the Guilford County School Board. Trust. Do not trust.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ELECTION

Representation that has been lacking for so long.

Paris H. Everyone plays a role. You do it so well on your bloggie. Masks without masks.

Response to questions:
First let me say I have been humbled by the support for my running again. I must make clear early that to fix North High Point and Jamestown schools I believe Andrews and Central must be fixed. Southwest is not broken and can easily be put back on track, unfortunately it is too small for the current makeup of Jamestown NHP and Colfax. With at least 2000 to 3000 new homes either planned or permitted within a stones throw of the school you would have to be deaf dumb and blind to miss the coming collision. We (the community) must use common sense in what we expect from our elected officials. I have proposed 2 viable solutions and have tried to get community feedback on them. There is no other solution that I can see but I don’t know everything and Dr. Grier provides such meager information to the public. (I believe that the school district needs to remove control of this information from the administration so the public can be involved in the process)

Solution 1 – (my favorite, but it has problems) – Build a new Southwest for 2,200 to 2,500 students, using a design to allow Freshman acclimation to such a large environment. Merge SW middles and old high school creating SW middle, using old SW middle as a primarily 6th grad transition campus. By using 6th and 9th grade “controlled environments acclimation of transitioning students to new environment is accomplished. Instead of having administrative staff for 2 High Schools, you have for only 1. Because of increased size you can offer more course offerings successfully, create a rigorous college prep, and identify and support students with learning needs more effectively. (alright, having to place my son in the Piedmont School for 8th grade because SWM failed him with his slight learning disability makes me doubt GCS ability to function in this area. He will return to SWH in the fall with his LD properly addressed and hopefully behind us). Also larger school prepares college bound students for the 12k to 30K campuses of most Universities. I went to a “larger High School” and enjoyed photography, swimming, Water Polo and Wrestling (ok I might push the envelope a bit saying I enjoyed wrestling, I stunk at it, but it taught me to persevere even when chances were slim). Drawbacks – Team sports opportunities reduced because of increased competition, some students may fall through the cracks, (that is happening right now and I believe the right staff and orientation of the teachers to identifying these youth may overcome the obstacle.

Solution 2 – a second High School in NHP/Jamestown area for 1200 students. Trying to map it out anywhere you put it would be close to current SWH. This leaves a need for a second middle school as well. While I know the area deserves and needs it, conservation of resources ($$$) may make hard sell.

Other issues:
Would I fire TG. Personally I do not like the man and doubt his veracity. As an employer I have only let 2 people go. I cried both times and felt that I had failed. I believe an employees success or failure is my responsibility and saying I would fire a man without more facts would be premature. Would I have renewed his last contract, absolutely not! Am I incensed at his treatment of Deena Hayes, most certainly. The gentlemen on the board should step up and correct the way he addresses and responds to a lady. (I know, a sexist comment, but it is who I am, and as far as I can see she has always acted appropriately.) His management of information that I believe should be open to the public is abhorrent to me. If he is doing what he should the facts will vindicate…

High Point Magnets:
I am not the biggest fan of magnets, (but YEAH to the Montessori group at last nights meeting, the 11 year olds’ birthday act of courage was spectacular!) this does not mean I do not support a well run beneficial program like Montessori and Technology and IB. Oh I left out the arts, my aspiring cellist and Piano Player might read this. My biggest complaint is the administrations lack of ability to support a magnet properly. In a larger High School most Magnet needs could be addressed through the normal curriculum.

Last of all, naming of schools,
In college I noticed the naming of schools (management school) (math school) etc., mostly buildings as done 2 ways. 1) acknowledged large benefactors, 2) famous people from the school. I find no fault with either and believe it added personality to the Universities I attended. A persons’ temporal status would appear unimportant in the decision.

BONDS
I believe we need them badly! If the school board were to propose a new High School and Middle school solution for NHP/Jamestown/Colfax, I would campaign for them and provide substantial economic support to the effort of getting these bonds passed if they included our needs being built in the next 3 years. We waste too much on temps, helping a leasing co. get rich. Our community deserves better and construction costs will not go down in the foreseeable future if ever. I would oppose and lead the effort to defeat the bonds if they did not include a solution for us. About 1/3 of the county votes against bonds as a matter of principal, it does not take much effort to defeat a bond when the management of other bond funds can be questioned.

Thanks for your involvement whether you support me or not the most important thing is to be involved.

Thank you Susan for the late Christmas present.
The article was too kind to you because you turned your back on the people you were elected to serve. You have left a legecy for everyone to remember. This one is bigger than the Blairwood lie.

Garth and others,
There will be a bond issue coming up in a couple of years-no doubt about it! Eric said that there would be a new HS in the airport area. This is your 'sw high' that you spoke of. As per my observations they will put schools and projects in every area to garner support. The needs aren't always at the top of the list. NWMS for instance, built same year as NEMS, no money either bond, yet more than 300 larger than NEMS. That is just one example. Summerfield almost 800 students, built for 450-- no money either bond. I could go on.... and on.....and on... but I won't.