tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post1207368613124837297..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Background on Dr. Atkinson, the latest superintendent finalistCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-60160061785913432802011-08-19T21:59:44.394-04:002011-08-19T21:59:44.394-04:00@ Anonymous 8:30pm
"So why has there been no...@ Anonymous 8:30pm<br /><br />"So why has there been no personal scrutiny of white candidates?"<br /><br />Well, we've only had one white candidate while we've had 3 black candidates so the term white candidates (plural) is not correct. I think Cox would have come under more scrutiny if she had gotten as far as Atkinson. <br /><br />Personally, I can't imagine why the BOE has not considered Sam King, Rockdale Superintendent, or Emily Lembeck, Marietta City Schools Superintendent, for this position. Both have had stellar results with students demographically similar to DeKalb. One is black and one is white - both have had great results for students which is the ONLY criteria that should be considered. Both have great track records - BEFORE and AFTER strict monitoring of standardized testing.Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07862880288663811743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38040090374327146962011-08-19T21:54:28.456-04:002011-08-19T21:54:28.456-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07862880288663811743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3302822599909139282011-08-19T20:30:09.427-04:002011-08-19T20:30:09.427-04:00People of other ehnic groups are still in jail in ...People of other ehnic groups are still in jail in for stealing money. However, no other superintendent candidate has been scutinzed at this level? We have had a superintendent in DeKalb who was an embarrassment because he served time in jail on weekends for having two DUI's that we know about. So why has there been no personal scrutiny of white candidates?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-5760854079357004752011-08-19T20:26:27.215-04:002011-08-19T20:26:27.215-04:00http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/08/14/...http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/08/14/news/mj4910561.txt<br /><br />http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/08/14/news/opinions/mj4909680.txt<br /><br />http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/07/29/opinion/mj4854233.txtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67473833732186059352011-08-19T20:24:13.115-04:002011-08-19T20:24:13.115-04:00demiIt is amazing to me that some of the very same...demiIt is amazing to me that some of the very same DeKalb County School Board members who would question the qualifications of Dr. Cheryl Atkinson for the job of Superintendent of DeKalb County School System were staunch supporters of Dr. Lili Cox for the job back in the spring of this year. Let’s do some comparisons, Dr. Cox was Superintendent of Hickory Public Schools in Hickory, North Carolina for only eighteen months. Her student enrollment was 4,500 students, 500 employees, and an operating budget of $40,000.000. She had previously been Associate Superintendent of Almance-Burlington Schools in Burlington, North Carolina for three years. Her other administrative position was Executive Director of Organizational Development for one year at Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, North Carolina. <br /> <br />Dr. Cheryl Atkinson has been at the helm of Lorain, Ohio school system since 2007. Lorain Ohio School System’s student enrollment is 7,626 students, 955 full-time employees, and a budget of $95,000.000. Dr. Atkinson’s previous administrative positions include Deputy Superintendent of Instruction in Kansas City Missouri from 2003-2007. She was also Associate Superintendent in Charlotte Mecklenberg-County School System, in Charlotte, North Carolina and Regional Superintendent in Charleston, South Carolina . <br /> <br />Dr. Lili Cox received all her formative education and educational degrees in North Carolina , and her entire work experience has been in the state of North Carolina . Dr. Cheryl Atkinson was born in Dayton, Ohio moved with her family to North Carolina when she was in high school. She received her bachelor and master degrees from University of North Carolina at Charolotte and her doctorate from Virginia Polytech University. Her educational experience has been in the states of North and South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Ohio.<br /> <br />As you can access from the information and the data, Dr. Atkinson’s total executive experience mirrors more the DeKalb County School System than Dr. Cox's experience. Dr. Atkinson has worked in school districts that mixes urban, suburban with many multi-ethnic and cultural students.<br /> <br />Some Dekalb County School Board Members have questioned Dr. Atkinson's selection based on her Lorian Ohio school district's current statistics, but if you read an article about her job performance in the Cleveland Plain Dealer ("Cleveland Schools CEO Finalist: Lorain Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson," May 28, 2011) you would better understand how she saved a school district that was headed for a nose dive. Additionally, Alison Strouse of the Morning Journal, stated that the Lorain Ohio school district has made continous progress under Dr. Atkinson's leadership. Dr. Lili Cox has never worked anywhere long enough for you to adequately access or assess her job performance.<br /> <br />Is it true that the main difference between the two candidates may lie in black and white?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-81968256521563294802011-08-19T00:52:48.358-04:002011-08-19T00:52:48.358-04:00School has started and teachers at my grand child...School has started and teachers at my grand childrens' school are excited and off to an excellent start. <br />It is time to accept the fact that we finally will have a new Supt... a new leader, who hopefully can concentrate on the school house and student achievement. <br />Please give her a chance to work on academicis instead of focusing on community meetings and poltical stuff. WE NEED 95% ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. Let's give her the uninterrupted time to concentrate on instruction before we "'kill her" with public appearances.<br />Let us now stop and pause before continuing all of the negatives for which we do not have all or should I say few facts.<br />I look forward to a graet school year and as parents, those of us who can and make a positive difference.<br />Together we can make Dekalb Schools # 1 again if we can support a Supt who has a track record of pulling a targeted schools out of the ditch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-77593647868594170342011-08-18T08:30:13.234-04:002011-08-18T08:30:13.234-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030585419295262247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14603988974975341332011-08-18T08:27:42.683-04:002011-08-18T08:27:42.683-04:00ODE has gone on record supporting her: http://www....ODE has gone on record supporting her: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1841361/Atlanta./Educators'.Group.Supports.Dekalb.Superintendent.Pick. What data do they have to support her? The teachers in DCSS I know are not on board with this selection. How do our blog teachers feel about the ODE endorsement?<br /><br />ODE, if you're out here, please show us the data used to support your endorsement. No one seems to want to share it.Anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030585419295262247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78928956207156367112011-08-18T07:57:31.483-04:002011-08-18T07:57:31.483-04:00So what personal financial documents are relevant?...So what personal financial documents are relevant? We have former DCSS leaders under indictment for stealing money from our children. HR firms routinely examine personal finances of potential recruits to assess their vulnerability and stability. Could they be bribed? Could desperate financial straits lead them to theft? These issues are routinely explored in the candidacy process. It is pro forma. Had this candidate disclosed the bankruptcy proceedings on her application (which is a public document), it would matter less. That she did not is worrisome because we are about to put her in charge of literally billions of dollars. And please, just drop the Brad Bryant fight. No one is pushing for him. Parents want a smart, articulate superintendent who can push back against a status-quo board. That's not Brad. But is it this candidate? There is little in her background to suggest so. And while some posters think anti-Atkinson comments are biased and hateful, it really just profound disappointment. Parents and children have been waiting for a true turn-around leader for DCSS. This selection is the last straw, as her record does not indicate she has the experience to lead a district as complex as this one. For many, this was the last gasp, the last try to hang in there with this school system. And now parents, en masse, are planning their departures. By comparison: look at APS. Davis is kicking butts and taking names. He is in charge and the BoE and parents respect him and are in support. That's the superintendent profile we wanted. But with this board, we will not get it. We will get a nice person - as Ms. Tyson was, as Crawford Lewis was - but not an effective one whose laser focus is improving student achievement so these children will have more fruitful, productive lives.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-88730902710914952692011-08-18T00:54:59.950-04:002011-08-18T00:54:59.950-04:00Information is powerful when it is relevant. Many ...Information is powerful when it is relevant. Many documents such as her personal finances have no place here. This is more like a witch hunt. Let either of you put your lives on display and it produces no "blemish", please be the first to continue casting stones. Since you have chosen to go this route, Brad Bryant's life is up for display (your superintendent want-to-be) and Robert Duron's life will be on display. Stay tune for the displays, I am sure the public will enjoy the juicy information of solid corruption.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-53959772503957226212011-08-17T21:23:16.293-04:002011-08-17T21:23:16.293-04:00For anyone who thinks this ain't a done deal, ...For anyone who thinks this ain't a done deal, check out this link. It's a story about the LORAIN school system's search for a new Superintendent. http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/08/17/news/mj4920338.txtbettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13386590545063295429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-48563057023580925242011-08-17T11:19:14.607-04:002011-08-17T11:19:14.607-04:00@Anon, how far they go down the list before reques...@Anon, how far they go down the list before requesting a new pool is something the Board has to consider. We don't know where Dr. Atkinson ranked on their initial list. We do know she was not in the top 3 but she could have been in the top 6. If their evaluation of her was close to that of the top 3, I don't think that would be 'settling'.<br /><br />There is really more we don't know than what we do know with this hiring. In general, there are no guarantees with hiring. Many things beyond the control of a superintendent must happen for them to be successful.pscexbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634017508215285786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85187843497571913192011-08-17T09:58:43.074-04:002011-08-17T09:58:43.074-04:00@pscexb:
Are you saying the BOE should keep going ...@pscexb:<br />Are you saying the BOE should keep going down the list until they find someone willing to come - take whoever they can get? That's not good enough for our children. Maybe we need to get an Erroll Davis type for now and keep looking, instead of sign a binding contract with an average candidate. As the school year starts, superintendents interested in a move at the end of the year will start job searches.Anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030585419295262247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-28142273048502349702011-08-17T07:49:38.585-04:002011-08-17T07:49:38.585-04:00Cerebration, thanks for sharing the chart as it re...Cerebration, thanks for sharing the chart as it really allows one to look for academic growth year over year. This reminded me of how ITBS scores were presented so one could do that. Simply looking at one year in isolation does not give the full story as you are also looking at different students each year. We wouldn't know the academic level each group entered school so that could skew the data.<br /><br /><br />To Anon @ 7:34, when hiring you rank your candidates in the order you would like to extend an offer. More than likely you rank the first 10 then decide a cutoff point for further discussions. The Board brought in their top 3. They all dropped out. The logical thing to do is go to candidates 4 - 6 to see if there is still interest. It doesn't mean to go back and see if their are more candidates that are interested that were not in the original pool though you could check to see if there is interest nonetheless.<br /><br />Some of you are mentioning superintendents that were never finalists. The only ones that can be considered are those that can get at least a majority vote from the Board. Add to that, we don't know if any others had genuine interest in this job. It takes interest on both sides before you can get to a voting situation.pscexbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634017508215285786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-49677269363193076382011-08-17T07:48:38.968-04:002011-08-17T07:48:38.968-04:00resident 2012: This sounds like a fabulous agenda...resident 2012: This sounds like a fabulous agenda. Exactly what needs to happen. <br /><br />Question? How can you accomplish this if you start looking for your next job within a year or two? This woman ain't gonna be here that long. It is her record of moving on that proves she hits and runs before a consistent measure of her abilities is noted. She wont see anything through.<br /><br />Anon at 8/13 8:50 am: Unless she is a real ball buster, which it sounds like she isn't, she is just more of the same. Changes like these require a strong business minded individual. No we are not a business, but the changes you are speaking of require this type of educator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29032875990106858252011-08-17T07:35:04.247-04:002011-08-17T07:35:04.247-04:00Ladalang: thanks for the heads up...sounds like y...Ladalang: thanks for the heads up...sounds like you are doing a dance of joy over getting rid of her. Many of us are not happy about this choice. Our board's freshness date expired along time ago. <br /><br />Our current school system is failing our children and our board is responsible for fiscal ineptness. <br /><br />Sounds like Dr. Atkinson's goals are to make the children "feel good" about themselves, make a few changes and proceed up the ladder. Good news is she won't be here long. Next stop, Federal DOE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9431791487593035942011-08-17T07:34:29.121-04:002011-08-17T07:34:29.121-04:00She applied in March? Thought she said Dekalb rec...She applied in March? Thought she said Dekalb recently approached her? She told her Board she was not actively seeking another job after being turned down by APS. Hmm...Anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030585419295262247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6648128936913662102011-08-17T07:24:10.147-04:002011-08-17T07:24:10.147-04:00Plain and simple, this woman is a job jumper. Her...Plain and simple, this woman is a job jumper. Her list of employment in the last 20 years is staggering. This may be fine in the private sector but we need someone who is going to stick around. <br /><br />As one blogger wrote in Ohio when considered for the job in Cleveland, her mo is to blame the previous administration for all her woes. Do we really need the constant rehash of DCSS state of affairs? We know the problems, in fact, just ask us, she will get an honest opinion of the real problems in DCSS. I don't want to hear the "Blame Bush" speech locally, if you understand what I am saying. Blaming others is deflection. Pure and simple. <br /><br />Consider this as well, her application was submitted to DCSS in March. She was, at the same time, considered for the top job in Cleveland. And also at APS. What is she running from? She just got to Lorain 3 years ago. She touts herself as a person who comes in an fixes the problems. Not according to the parents in Lorain. <br /><br />An eleventh hour decision is not informed, it's desperate.bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13386590545063295429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39607383025519161702011-08-16T23:13:17.041-04:002011-08-16T23:13:17.041-04:00Some data: I just added a screen shot from the Oh...Some data: I just added a screen shot from the Ohio DOE website to the body of this post showing Lorain's test scores over time. One of our bloggers took the time to research and sort for our review. This is the kind of data we are seeking.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3114544127998143192011-08-16T20:30:28.404-04:002011-08-16T20:30:28.404-04:00Race should not be an issue in deciding who the ne...Race should not be an issue in deciding who the next superintendent should be; however, with this Board I believe it is an issue. Cheryl Atkinson’s qualifications simply cannot compete with Dr. Robert Duron’s qualifications. It’s unfortunate that pressure cannot be exerted on this Board’s self-serving interests to do the right thing–reconsider hiring the best qualified individual–Dr. Robert Duron. JUST ONCE, PUT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN OF DEKALB COUNTY FIRST AND FOREMOST!!Bewilderedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05534814106099540781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-68568813871511440902011-08-16T14:29:32.645-04:002011-08-16T14:29:32.645-04:00It should be mentioned Ms. It should be mentioned...It should be mentioned Ms. It should be mentioned Ms. Atkinson is touting a grade she hasn't yet received as her shining accomplishment. Be aware you have been infiltrated by a her fan club, although they are singing her praises but are ready to let her leave. They are unlike those of us who know what she’s made of and also want her to leave. The article regarding her most recent report card is just one small shining example of what you have to look forward to. She released the results over a month before they were due out claiming she knew the score. Yet a call to the BOE confirmed she has no way of knowing her grade. The grades had not even been completely calculated. Jumping the gun for any small shred of something positive in a sea of failure. And then the real snow job comes when she takes credit for the high school getting an effective grade as she claims but as of yet there is no proof. We just merged two high schools. Every single time we have done this in our district, we get an inflated rating for whatever reason. We had this conversation when they talked about the merger. To see this woman take credit for it is mind blowing. <br /><br />If politics is what lands you Atkinson we here in Lorain pray for you. If you board can get their heads out of their asses, they will continue looking for a candidate that has a proven record and not one that just says they do.<br /><br />Watch out for factchecker, he is the Lorain board’s PR Person and spends his days and our tax dollars on local blogs insulting voters and lying through his teeth. With the shift of new board members in November, we’ll have to make sure his grant money runs out. I’ve learned a good liar seems to work just as well as the truth especially when you have a newspaper complicit with upholding the fantasy.Ladalanghttp://betterlorainschools.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-23280006647086117022011-08-16T12:22:10.510-04:002011-08-16T12:22:10.510-04:00This may well be the last straw for SACS. With Bra...This may well be the last straw for SACS. With Brad Bryant's close connection to SACS and his candidatcy supported by the governor, SACS knows the BOE has selected a candidate that doesn't meet their specified criteria. Not saying Brad was the right choice - but SACS would probably think so. <br /><br />On another point: where do I get my credentials as a member of the DSW Mafia? I thought I was just a concerned patent biut it seems some out there believe DCSS problems originated with this blog. Gee. For mafiosos, we should be way more nefarious.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-80491207765340917352011-08-16T11:13:33.458-04:002011-08-16T11:13:33.458-04:00I am not at all impressed with the selection of At...I am not at all impressed with the selection of Atkinson. We have this business of a Friday near-midnight announcement, sorority connections, less than stellar use of the English language, and did I forget to mention, APPALLING school rankings in her current district, even if the latest rankings (yet to be announced) show a modest improvement. These are all BIG, BIG warning flags that we're in for more of the same shucking and jiving by the DCSS. <br /><br />I'm genuinely curious about what effective steps can be taken in the next week and a half to keep Atkinson from getting hired.<br /><br />Writing to our BOE representatives? <br />Threaten to vote out the BOE members that approved her selection? Won't that work only if South Dekalb citizens send e-mails of protest? How likely is that?<br /><br />Continuing to fuel the media machine? Worthwhile, but so far not very effective in producing any change. There's no evidence that the DCSS staff have any shame or interest in the opinion of those who pay their salaries.<br /><br />Beyond that, we can refuse to vote for SPLOST IV. I can't imagine anyone would vote FOR it, but I have been wrong before, and 'fools and their money are soon parted'.<br /><br />I hate to say it - voting with your feet is probably the only truly viable option.<br /><br />I'm not saying we should do nothing. I'm just wondering what to do that has a real chance of making a difference.What to Do?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-57674485260294017092011-08-14T22:50:44.438-04:002011-08-14T22:50:44.438-04:00So...if they have contracts and the superintendent...So...if they have contracts and the superintendent can't do anything with them until June (except pay them not to do their job and pay replacements if they can find the money to fund that), why is the BOE rushing to choose a candidate inferior to those that have been available? Let's get a change agent to clean house and bring in a strong person next summer if one isn't available now. If Atkinson isn't what we need, we are stuck with more of the same ol, same ol for years...<br /><br />If Atkinson is willing to come this time of year, what's to say Duron, the stronger candidate and still available, wouldn't come if asked? Some of our BOE used 1 failing grade to vote him down but they are willing to vote for Atkinson with her record of only 1 passing out of 6 and in almost emergency status. Really? That's talking out of both sides of their mouth.<br /><br />@resident 2012: it's only over if we all roll over and accept what isn't acceptable...bloggers, don't be back here next year complaining when things don't look any better... you have a voice these next 2 weeks and if you use it, you can at least have a clear conscience to sleep at night....same adage as voting: if you don't exercise your right to vote, don't complain about your elected officials..if you don't voice your concerns about this candidate now, accept the outcome for better or worse...can you live with that?? Do we serve our children's interests best by "taking what they (the BOE) give us?" I think not.<br /><br />Some interesting facts off Atkinsons’ APS application: <br />1. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.<br />2. 2006 Fellow: Broad Urban Superintendency Academy; First, it is actually called “Superintendents Academy”; One of their criteria for ongoing support: Fellows are expected to actively search for a superintendency in a large urban district.<br />3. Served on National District Review Team of SACS and Council on Accreditation and School Improvement for district accreditation for Cobb County GA and also for Onslow Co. NC..so she has connections to SACS<br />4. She lists 3 references: the Lorain Board President, the chief editor for the Lorain paper, and a retired deputy superintendent in Charelston, SC (yep – that’s how she spelled it on her ap)…where she served for only 1 year (2002-03)….it is odd she was in Charlotte from 2003-06 and used no references from there or her Broad teachers... <br />Odd references all around.. Oh...and she also has a sentence in her ap…..”which has transform literacy achievement in Lorain.”Shoes Keep Droppinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06155046070508596584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6789841762059096582011-08-14T21:19:34.615-04:002011-08-14T21:19:34.615-04:00Good question SW! I mentioned the situation with ...Good question SW! I mentioned the situation with Dr. Boring earlier. You can also consider the situation with Pat Reid (formerly Pope). She was not fired, her contract was simply not renewed when it expired in June. The Board had a choice to attempt to dismiss her and possibly enter a legal fight that would cost money and time or simply wait out her contract. They chose the latter.<br /><br />You can also look at what is going on in APS now. The new superintendent made a bold statement about not having educators alleged of cheating in the class room. Given they already had contracts, the teachers were entitled to due process. Now APS is paying for teachers not to work. <br /><br />On a national level, you also saw this with the 'rubber rooms' in NYC thought I understand an agreement was reached with the union to have those individuals perform office tasks rather than simply sit in a room.<br /><br />We should also note we see this in many government positions.pscexbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634017508215285786noreply@blogger.com