News-Record.com

We are glad you are back. Hope the school system will be much better before your child reaches Kindergarden. It appears that the biggest problem we have and the one Dr. Grier did little about is discipline. We need several stories on this one.

Best of luck.

Love your headline. I pictured Jack Nicholson sticking his head around the corner in "The Shining."

Welcome back!

Ditto to what Joe said.

Welcome back Morgan!

Now that you're a mom, I think you'll better understand why we can get so frustrated at times. Congratulations and don't work too hard! Amanda was great and I hope she'll stick around to help.

Mom:
Congratulations, welcome back to the party…

Welcome back, Morgan. To echo Joe above, once your child reaches Kindergarten, then you'll know why we complain the way we do.

Thanks everyone!

Welcome back Morgan!

Morgan,

We should also mention that Amanda did an outstanding job while you were out. I hope that you both will continue to cover public education for the N&R.

OK, enough of this nice stuff.

When does early voting start so I can vote NO to these school bonds. I don't care how they dress up this political pig, the answer with the majority of the sitting School Board members is NO.

Early voting begins April 17. See this link from the Board of Elections:

http://gcms0004.co.guilford.nc.us/elections_cms/docs/Misc%20Documents/MayEarlyVoting.pdf

We really need to start finding out who's running and who's not. We need to start pressing these folks.

Yep Morgan forget the college fund Better have the friends and families help start the private school fund if things don't change in Guilford County.

Public schools are becoming more and more like public health and public housing.

Yep Morgan forget the college fund Better have the friends and families help start the private school fund if things don't change in Guilford County.

Public schools are becoming more and more like public health and public housing.

Yep Morgan forget the college fund Better have the friends and families help start the private school fund if things don't change in Guilford County.

Public schools are becoming more and more like public health and public housing.

Itneresting letter in the high Point Enterprise.

It says a lot to me.

Hold those who hire school superintendent responsible
YOUR VIEW ---

After reading the Jan. 25 letter in Your View, “Guilford school board thanks Terry Grier for his service,” from The Guilford County Board of Education, I realized that the citizens of Guilford County have the public education system that we deserve.
Grier, schools superintendent, will soon be in California “helping” the children of San Diego. While that is a great development for Guilford County, the same people who drafted this unnecessary tribute to Grier will still be here with our children. They will further “grierify” our public schools.
By continuing to re-elect these board members, we allow the ongoing decline of our public schools. If something is not done soon to reverse the tremendous “accomplishments” of Grier, the motto of the Guilford County Schools should be “Guilford County Schools: Abandon Hope All Who Enter Here.”
Thank God for the excellent private school system in High Point. At least someone’s child is being properly/adequately educated in Guilford County.
Does anyone think that those schools are seeking the advice of Grier and the Guilford County Board of Education?
In my opinion, the private schools of Guilford County should have written a tribute to Grier. He has done more to advance their interests than the interests of the public school system.
GARY M. JOHNSON High Point

I think I'm in love with Gary M. Johnson of High Point. He's got his thinking cap on!

Anon,

"Public schools are becoming more and more like public health and public housing.".....what does that mean exactly, what are you REALLY trying to say?

As far as who or who isnt' running, i hear they are planning to run again except for Childs.

Welcome baaaack, Morgan. Sleeping through the night yet? (cruel question) Looking forward to seeing you again at future CAC meetings.

So, did the board kick Grier out yet? Any idea Morgan on how long Grier will be here?

Welcome back Morgan! Welcome to parenthood. You will be there for awhile!

I have a question for Vic Voter,

If you are voting no to the school bonds, does that mean you do not believe we should build new schools or do much needed repairs and renovations to existing buildings, or do you just think you are "getting back at the school board"? Just curious as to what you are saying no to, the building needs or the Board of Education?

When I vote NO, I am saying no to the Board of Education.

We do need new schools but we also need a different approach from the BOE.

Sometimes in life you need to go back to go forward.

So you're saying the end justifies the means? Remind me not to get in a foxhole with you.

Re James Darling

I have very similar thoughts. I sit on a jagged fence wanting to go forward but wondering if Terry isn’t leaving too soon. With an alcoholic and many others a true bottom must be hit before pieces can be picked up and help is meaningful. I do not know that there is any hope at this point, in fact the same problems and key players still dominate and the Public prays for relief treading water rather than swimming for shore.

Sadly even a no vote on the Bond will not send the message to this Board, we will say the public does not understand. We will not understand the public’s message of distrust. If the Bond passes it will be taken as a referendum of trust and confidence. Knowing better myself gives me no comfort.

Hi Garth. Heard you were under the weather. Hope you're feeling better.

Now, now Garth. You have been warned already that you should not be honest and open with the public.

Didnt you get that message?

In Sunday's paper there was a very short article about bands marching in MLK parade, each got a $1000 stipend.

I am for new schools to take care of increased enrollment. However, you have to face the fact that the BOE will not redistrict to utilize excess capacity. Also, the renovations are for the most part unnecessary. Look at Ragsdale, it is a good building and doesn't need much more than a good paint job. Spending 20-30 million just because a building is 40 years old does not make sense. The first priority is to avoid buying more modulars.

How many mobiles does Ragsdale have?

Aren't they overcrowded? I think it's more than needing a new paint job, they need more permanent classrooms.

Jamestown Middle School will become available for High School use. They will have far more extra rooms than their are modulars. It will take years to fill-up two school buildings with High School students.

Your schools here are ratty, run-down, out-dated dumps. Is that good enough for your kids? Are you willing to have the children and the teachers continue to suffer just so you can "send a message" to a group of adults that don't give a flip what you think?! Is making the kids and the staff continue to suffer additionally really going to make a difference in the way business is done here? NO! At least if the bonds pass it is one more step that we can take to get SOMETHING done for the children here. But why don't you all just put your own egos and agendas ahead of the welfare of children here. That seems to be what the culture is here. That is why this county is 20 years behind in building schools and having adequate facilities for children. All of you who complain about school climate and fights at school, much of that is due to over-crowding. Look at the research, it is clear that over crowding and outdated facilities adds to poor and unhealthy climate.

And remember, that all these construction jobs are NEEDS, not wants. Look at the detailed list if you think I am blowing smoke. If you do not pass this bond now, you are still going to have the same list of needs, but in a year or more it will cost the tax payers MORE because of cost increases.

And in case anyone thinks I am biased for political reasons, my family is moving out of here because of just this attitude. So I have no agenda. I am leaving Guilford County because the taxpayers and the County Commissioners do not support children. To me, this is not a healthy place to raise my children.

If you have questions about exactly where the money is going, what the list of construction priorities are, and whether or not they are really needed, I will arrange a community meeting. Let me know.

All the best to you, Terrina.

http://erikhuey.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/terrina-bids-guilford-county-good-riddance/

Terrina,

I refuse to allow my tax dollars to continue to be overly inflated because the gang of 11 down on Eugene Street don't know how to manage my money.

I agree we need new schools built desperately, but I do NOT trust the school board to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Until some other group takes control of the situation, I will VOTE NO.

So, where are you going Terrina that is heaven on earth?

Terrina,

You should definitely understand the culture here since you actively participated in the Get Grier Outta Here lawn sign campaign. Confirm? Deny?

Andrews High School is a perfect example of why passing construction bonds will NOT solve problems like fights and school climate. A brand new UNNEEDED wing was added to Andrews a few years ago and the school is not overcrowded. Not only does this prove that you are wrong but also that our school board is not qualified to handle construction projects.

Lastly, are you really moving because of the attitude here? Because our commissioners and taxpayers don't support children? Or is it because your hubby got the ax and is forced to find a new job? Either way, many of us don't care how you go, JUST GO!!!

I worked to help resolve the destructive rift in the community that was caused by the HP Choice plan. I never put out a "Get Grier Outta Here" sign. I think that was a personal attack that was unnecessary in trying to make a change or make a point.

If you do not like the BOE, push for the right to Re-call your board members. And if you do not like the board, get involved in replacing them by recruiting qualified people to run in each seat that is up. Here you have people who complain about the people serving on the board, but when elections come around, NO ONE runs against the incumbent, or like Jeff's seat, no one ran against him. So I don't believe taxpayers here care. THey like to complain, but no one is willing to spend their personal time to make a change here. THat is why I believe this is not a good place to raise children.

And my husband had just been promoted at his current job, but we decided to leave anyway.

I think it will be hard for this area to attract and keep top executives and middle managers. Your school facilities just do not compare to other comparable areas.

Terrina,

I apologize if my sources were wrong about your husband's employment. I heard that he was fired and that is why you were moving. I guess it makes sense that he was given a promotion so he decided to leave. Either way, whoever did the research before your family moved to Guilford County should NOT be allowed to research your next move because they suck at it!

As for Jeff Belton's seat...Marti Sykes is the ugliest (and I don't mean physically), nastiest person I've ever met. She made decisions for the schools and communities outside of her district that she would never have made for her own district. The people in her district were happy with decisions that affected them and rightfully so. I think that is why Jeff ran unopposed. We can't run for her seat if we don't live within the boundaries. Maybe you will find a new school district that does it differently.

PS..since you claim you "never put out a Get Grier Outta Here sign" please pack up the ones you took from the ABC meetings and ship them to San Diego. They will need them!!

Terrina,

Are you sure that where you are going there arent any disgruntled parents that complain about the school board?

Are you sure that it is better than Guilford County?

From what I hear I dont think Pheonix is that great. There are plenty of gangs and apathetic people out there. Plenty of people that accept the status quo.

If you think about it, all this questioning that the fifty or so people that come to this blog and send mails to the BOE might have actually helped? Its called democracy. BTW, quite a few of us did get our candidate and get him elected! What a great effort that was!!!

I think that you might look back one day and agree that this is not such a bad place if you look at the big picture. Or at least, it could of been worse!

Good luck and thanks for your efforts.

Terrina,

Your leaving is sad news to me. But I sure as hell understand.

Lance's comments above are, I'd imagine, a prime example of why you and your husband have decided to flee. But let me tell you this.

From the first day I met you I could see the fire in your eyes. You wanted things to get better and actually did something about it... and always went about your business with a positive attitude and wonderful outlook that would be infectious in other jurisdictions. But here in Guilford, positive, hardworking parents are met with what Lance exhibits above.

Thank you for all you have done. Perhaps your powerful statement as to why you are moveing will serve as a wake-up call to everyone who shares you passion for Guilford's kids.

Please accept my sincere apologies for never getting back with you those many times when you wanted to get together and try and figure out the politics of this County. Truth is, as much as I would have appreciated the meeting, I really wouldn't have been able to offfer any more insight than you have already gleaned as exhibited in your post above.

A fan,
David

Thank you David.

I am not posting to plead my specific situation, as this is not about me or my family, but more about other "transplants" and executive families that are recruited to this area. I just want the good folks here to be aware that many executive families move here with high hopes, but once we get a sense of the real facility and fiscal issues of the community, and the political climate, we often choose to leave. Please talk to the HR department heads at the major employers here. I believe they will corroborate.

I rarely take any criticism or hits personally, but if you mess with my husband, I will take issue. I would like to call Lance on the table about my hubby's situation. He was recently promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing and there is no issue about reality there. If you would like to check that out, please contact his former boss, Matt Kelly at Volvo Trucks of N.A. Because of his successes, he was "head-hunted." That is how it works. When you are good at what you do, people seek you out.

There is so much potential here in Guilford County, but taxpayers and complainers need to get involved and get active. Otherwise, 20 years from now, you will still be 20 years behind.

So everybody needs to agree to everything that local goverment decides?

When is that healthy? Are you really saying that Terrina?

My daughter studies in a mobile classroom everyday and she is not unhappy about it. She would rather be in Northern but we cant afford to live there. If the bond passes we will get some relief I just know however that it needs to be looked at again for several reasons. I am prepared to wait six months more. My daughter will not mind. There are much worse sitautions.

The fact is that anyone (even if you are not an executive) can get headhunted to another job. MANY peope do.When that happens its easy to turn around and say "I hate this place anyway". Thats a very normal attitude in fact. It helps to justify the action.

Terrina,

I take offense with the following comment:

"Your schools here are ratty, run-down, out-dated dumps."

I am sure that many other people are dissapointed too. I thought that you were better than that.

I guess I was wrong.

Terrina, I am an executive at a local Company but I am here for good. I am very happy with my childrens education!

Executives will come and go from any community. Executives do not make a community. Its the people that post on this chalkboard that fight unjust programs, that e-mail and question board members constantly that are part of the community.

We are in it for the long haul. We are the community and while the fly by night executives come and go we will be here fighting for the best interests of our community and the tax payers. A bond is a bigger commitment than breaking open the piggy bank!

Terrina, You made it clear why you are leaving. You could be living in the best school district in the Country but your husband was given an opportunity. Its quite normal to accept it. Good luck.

So much for research.

Dudley High is one of the equiped best schools in the County.

Its one of the worst school in the STATE!

I am also disappointed.

Kennedy,,,Emma Kay,,,,Terry,,,Dot,,,,,Terrina,,,,,

What do they all have in Common ?????

That is a very classic parting message.

Very classic.

Terrina,

I have already admitted that my sources about your husband's employment may have been wrong. I do find it odd, however, that you had your fill of Guilford County, the taxpayers, the commissioners, the ratty, run-down dumps we call schools, and your bags were packed and ready to go. Then as luck would have it, your husband was head-hunted. Great timing.

Since you will obviously pick a new home with wonderful schools (unlike your family's last recruitment) there will not be much for you to focus on once you get there. Maybe you should think about writing fiction in your free time. You definitely have a flair for the dramatic. Whatever sells at the time, right?

Guilford County taxpayers have approved a half million dollars in bonds since 2000. If we're still 20 years behind, there is a deeper problem than just money. I'm not a high-powered executive but my calculations say that another half million dollar bond being handled by many of the same board members would just be more of the same. As a long time resident, I just can't vote YES but if I were moving away, I would think it was a great idea.

In all sincerity, good luck with your move and thanks for helping us get rid of Grier!

Lance,

Excuse me, but it is a half BILLION dollar bond that is being hawked to us. That's $500,000,000, when the county manager has already cautioned that property taxes will be taking a hike driven by school bonds that taxpayers have previously approved. If we are listening closely, he is giving us a look-out shout. He said that property owners are already facing a heavy tax burden.

I think that Erik Huey said it best. Terina is confusing a no vote to the bonds as a no to support Public Education.

It is exactly my no vote that will signal my full support of public education.

I apologize for stating that the schools here are ratty, run-down, dumps. That was too strong, and I take it back.

I do believe that some of the schools here are really old and way past their service. I hear from principals and teachers at our older schools who say, "What can you do about our facilities?" and "Can you get me a new building?" or "Can you let people know that we have no heat or no air?"

Did you know that at Jackson Middle school the whole 7th grade has to use ONE bathroom that is located OUTSIDE the building? It is a big problem for the students and staff. The door has to stay locked because of the danger of a stranger wandering in there, and it is a logistical hassle for the teachers and for any 7th grader that has to go to the bathroom.

I have also been to the schools and sat in classrooms that are just really not good enough. That is facility stuff and I just want people to know. Most of us stay in our own little bubble and don't know what the schools are like across town. I want taxpayers to know that we have serious facility issues in our schools.

How can you learn if your classrooms are freezing or so hot that your clothes are sticking to you?

I just would hate to see kids and teachers continue to suffer one more class day when we could do something to make things more livable and safe. At NW middle and high school, for example, when there is a tornado coming their way, they have to bring about 800 kids or so from the trailers into the main building that is already packed with people. At the High school for example, there are 2300+ students but the main building is only built for 1461, so that is a major safety issue.

The last time I was at NW middle, I watched a parent volunteer run out screaming, and knocking on trailer doors to alert teachers about the tornado that was headed for the area. I was told there was not phone access to all the trailers. I was told that they have asked and asked for a phone system that would allow the principal to make one phone call that would immediately go to all classrooms. Is it okay for them to go another school year like that just so we can "make a point" to the BOE that we are not happy with their work?

I have not lived anywhere like this. Just telling you my experience and what I see.

Thanks "anonymous" Of course I meant half billion. Hell, Grier is paid nearly a half million in salary and benefits every year. That would be chump change.

Terrina, are these specific examples included in the bond package? It seems this school board puts too much money where it is NOT needed. Plus, it shouldn't take bond money for most of the needs you just listed. Phones? Bathrooms? Heat? Air? It should come from the regular operating budget. I still say NO to bonds!

I know that Northwest is overcrowded and a new building can't be built without a bond (well, I've been told it can't) but Northern was built to relieve the burden. Then again, look at Northern High School. Just ANOTHER WASTE OF BOND MONEY!! We didn't need a Taj Mahal built, just seats. It's ludicrous!! How could we pass a bond to build that kind of school when we have one where the bathrooms are outside??? How can anybody in their right mind approve more money for this school board?

Terrina,
How can we find 10 million for an academy at Smith and then have schools be in the condition you described. Terrina, you are not thinking here.

The Smith academy was for Griers resume. He doesnt care. The school board are blind. More reasons to demand sensible spending and say NO to the bonds until changes are made.

Terrina, I admire you for admitting your mistake. I have lived in several places during my life an I know how you feel and its really easy to fall into that trap.

Best of luck in Pheonix (did I read?). I am sure that you will also make a great contribution there too. Like many areas of our country that City also needs lots of help.

Terrina,

What did you ever do with all the Get Grier Outta Here signs you took from the ABC meetings? You were the official PR person for ABC. Don't signs that say "Get Grier Outta Here" with "ABC" at the bottom come under PR duties? What about the yellow raincoats that someone put on Dotty's signs? Did you not know who put those raincoats out there?

Yep General......Emma Kaye....Terrina....Dotty....GREAT QUESTION

Is it Ten Stars now?

Terrina,

What did you ever do with all the Get Grier Outta Here signs you took from the ABC meetings? You were the official PR person for ABC. Don't signs that say "Get Grier Outta Here" with "ABC" at the bottom come under PR duties? What about the yellow raincoats that someone put on Dotty's signs? Did you not know who put those raincoats out there?

Yep General......Emma Kaye....Terrina....Dotty....GREAT QUESTION

Is it Ten Stars now?

Terrina,

What did you ever do with all the Get Grier Outta Here signs you took from the ABC meetings? You were the official PR person for ABC. Don't signs that say "Get Grier Outta Here" with "ABC" at the bottom come under PR duties? What about the yellow raincoats that someone put on Dotty's signs? Did you not know who put those raincoats out there?

Yep General......Emma Kaye....Terrina....Dotty....GREAT QUESTION

Is it Ten Stars now?

Terrina has a valid point regarding the state of public schools in economic development and attracting business relocations. School facilities are one consideration in the determination of quality schools, but only one of several. There are other important considerations for businesses looking to relocate or to attract executives to their location. Following is an excerpt from Expansion Management regarding the importance of quality schools in the process, followed by Give Kids Good Schools.Org definition of quality schools.

SO, HOW DOES GUILFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STACK UP AS A QUALITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROCESS? MY ASSESSMENT IS THAT SCHOOL FACILITIES ARE NOT NEARLY AS IMPORTANT AS OTHER FACTORS IN DETERMINING QUALITY SCHOOLS. IF YOU HAD ALL OF THE OTHER LISTED FACTORS WORKING WELL, STUDENTS COULD SUCCEED LEARNING IN A RENOVATED BIG LOTS STORE, JUST AS WELL AS AN $80 MILLION BUILDING. SO, I PROPOSE THAT WE FOCUS OUR FINANCIAL ASSETS UPON BUILDING QUALITY IN THE SCHOOLS RATHER THAN EXPENSIVE BUILDINGS.

Clearly, the quality of the public schools is a pretty good indicator of the type of manufacturing work force a company is likely to encounter in a particular community.

In fact, if anyone on your company’s site location team tells you that schools are not an important factor in your decision-making process, my suggestion is that you find something else for them to do because they don’t understand what they’re talking about. They’re probably focusing on where management will send their kids to school, rather than on how well educated your future workers are.

It’s not enough to determine where the best individual school in a particular metro, because the site location process is not really about where you or your transferring executives will send your own kids.

Rather, in the site location process, you need to remember that the public schools are the institutions that are producing your future work force. How well they do their job in educating your future workers will, in a very real sense, determine how successful your operation will be in that location.

WHAT ARE QUALITY SCHOOLS?

High expectations for every student
Quality public schools recognize that all students can learn and provide the tools, support, and connections students need to reach their full potential.

Parent and community support
Parents and community members are actively engaged in supporting their schools in constructive ways. They hold school officials and themselves accountable for results.

Qualified teachers in every classroom
Highly qualified teachers who benefit from continuous professional development strengthen teaching and learning.

Rigorous curriculum and fair assessments
A rigorous instructional program tied to high standards builds student knowledge and strengthens critical thinking skills, while fair assessments monitor progress and truly measure what students know and can do.

Sufficient resources that help all students achieve
Student achievement is the measure of school success. Resources and teaching strategies are tied to this goal at quality public schools.

Safe, healthy and supportive learning environment
Safe, sound facilities and student enrichment activities create an environment where students can learn and grow.

Schools and classrooms equipped for teaching and learning
Students and staff have access to timely, relevant resources including up-to-date textbooks and current technology.

Strong school leadership
Principals are empowered to lead and make informed decisions that promote learning at the school level.

Terrina: Why take the statement back? All you did was speak for the thousands of other parents who are too afraid sometimes to speak the truth. The truth is, whether GC wants to admit it or not, that our schools ARE ratty, rundown dumps. And if you don't believe that, then you haven't stepped foot in some of the schools here in a long time.

Thank you for continuing to be the voice of truth for GC parents. AND i'm sorry that some people here can't handle the truth.

I think it speaks volumes that your statement caused such a stir quite frankly.

You will surely be missed by those stuck here who want to see change in the schools but feel hopeless as to how to bring it about.

The politics in this county are absolutely ridiculous and the prejudices here are out of control, whether people want to believe that or not.

God bless you and your family. I envy Phoenix!

People,

Take you heads out the sand. This is not a Guilford County problem. This country is racked by similar probems. Just look and read about Grier new SD job. Same old problems.

Wake up. You can move on, pretend that ts only here but the fact is that its everywhere!

It sounds like you are under a lot of stress, Terrina.
I hope the next place works out better for you.

GC Parent,

"The politics in this county are absolutely ridiculous and the prejudices here are out of control, whether people want to believe that or not."

So what prejudices do you see that are out of control? Whose to blame for this, in your opinion?

N&R's Amanda Lehmert wrote:

"The district staff is recommending the six-day class rotation at the elementary school level, a schedule which is supposed to meet teacher and student needs. It will give K-5 kids one class of art, music and gym every week, and two language classes. Implementing this district-wide would cost $1.39 million and require 215 teachers."

I've got an idea...how about instead of favoring foreign language 2 to1 over the arts and PE in this new schedule, GCS administration implements only 1 weekly class of foreign language instead of 2 classes to elementary students countywide? Then they can use the money we save to install bathrooms and fix heating & air.

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