tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post2816399767511687925..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: The TRUE COST of moving the MIS data centerCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66305513457036835672011-07-21T23:40:42.312-04:002011-07-21T23:40:42.312-04:00It should not go without saying that any IT profes...It should not go without saying that any IT professional worth their credentials will have developed strong project plans, with plenty of slack time. However, don’t forget to develop a comprehensive inventory of every server, application, networking connection, storage array and everything else in your data center before you start to move.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://nationalcws.com/" rel="nofollow">Data Center Moving<br /></a>90210saleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00411160383931395496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-12664283284669335962010-09-14T17:13:39.580-04:002010-09-14T17:13:39.580-04:00Sagamore 7, great job. You have awakened my inner ...Sagamore 7, great job. You have awakened my inner nit-picker.<br /><br />1) The official word is that there are 10 unused properties that DCSS owns. How can they say this?<br /><br />Last year on this blog we did a fairly thorough examination of the properties listed on the tax digest as belonging to DCSS. There were WAY more than 10. They included houses, empty lots, parking lots, commercial property... I realize these are not buildings that can be used for students - so why does DCSS have them? Can DCSS not SELL of some of them?<br /><br />2) They say there are only two of those ten that are completely empty? What are the other 8 being used for? I know for a fact (got it from my BOE member) that the old Briarcliff HS property is being used for storage - BUT NOT FOR THE SCHOOLS - IT'S BEING RENTED OUT. And yet, we need to pay $40,000 to remove and STORE furnishings from Bldg A?? Why can we not use our own buildings and spend a lot less money?<br /><br />-no masAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-28394472709035786652010-09-14T15:24:54.273-04:002010-09-14T15:24:54.273-04:00"the fact that much of this money will indeed..."the fact that much of this money will indeed be spent on building and parking lot renovations for the MIS dept - something many of our schools desperately need. They can move this equipment without having to repave the parking lot or paint the halls or fix the terrazzo or buy new furniture. "<br /><br />And that's exactly what we need to stress to voters as they go to the polls in November to vote on BOE members.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-10637058184014803752010-09-14T15:11:47.741-04:002010-09-14T15:11:47.741-04:00Exactly. That's why the work of people like Sa...Exactly. That's why the work of people like Sagamore 7 is so important. Sagamore dug out the published bid list for this project (read it above in the comments) and worked through the whole thing, highlighting the fact that much of this money will indeed be spent on building and parking lot renovations for the MIS dept - something many of our schools desperately need. They can move this equipment without having to repave the parking lot or paint the halls or fix the terrazzo or buy new furniture.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44813221699776832992010-09-14T15:06:27.934-04:002010-09-14T15:06:27.934-04:00The powers that be need to be transparent, honest,...The powers that be need to be transparent, honest, and open about the decisions that are being made within DCSS. The public is fed up, after RICO indictments and so many schools that are in need of repair, while administrators making way too much money, and doing a poor job, as the number of schools making AYP continue to become less and less each year sit in a palace. These over paid administrators also have knowledge of the how to run the ship that they are in charge of. This goes for our acting superintendent, our head of instruction, and the many friends and family.<br /><br />Rumors wouldn't swirl around the county like sand storms in the desert, if honest was shown by administration and we felt that we could trust those in charge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29280242055124808602010-09-14T15:05:49.397-04:002010-09-14T15:05:49.397-04:00We actually do pretty well with our facts. Often w...We actually do pretty well with our facts. Often we cite the sources for people to check for themselves as well. I'm just saying, let's stick to the facts and refrain from angry hearsay and opinions of people (even board members) as they are people first and foremost - trying to do a job under great pressure. I am working hard to elect others to the seats up for reelection, but I have made a personal pledge to refrain from publishing my personal thoughts on people in the future. I hope you will all join me in this pledge - it elevates the respect of this blog and it's just the right thing to do.<br /><br />Feel free to republish emails you receive, bring data, facts, research and ideas! That's what we really are all about here.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78306356061283641852010-09-14T14:36:30.959-04:002010-09-14T14:36:30.959-04:00Cere, I understand your post about keeping it to t...Cere, I understand your post about keeping it to the facts. There are many folks here who think they have facts, me included, only to discover that the facts we had were not right. Well, if the Central Office could be more TRANSPARENT and FORTHCOMING with information regarding a vote that includes any expenditure then maybe the stakeholders and taxpayers would layoff the personal comments. <br /><br />We know who the people are at the Central Office who have no business in the positions they are in. I will not name them, but it's most of them!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-51729647593965944072010-09-14T12:58:39.684-04:002010-09-14T12:58:39.684-04:00If there is misinformation, it is solely because t...If there is misinformation, it is solely because the DCSS Central office has done a horrible job with informing the public on the WBBC move and every SPLOST project.<br /><br />Sorry, but DCSS administrators are public officials, and considering their performance over the past few years, they are going to deservedly receive criticism of their performance. Heck the former Supt. and Chief Operating Officer are under indictment!!<br /><br />And the main post of the ""The TRUE COST of moving the MIS data center" post is that this Central Office time and time again focuses on its own needs over the facility needs of students and teachers.<br /><br />"OVERVIEW<br />In order to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for the students of the DeKalb County School System, a Capital Improvement Plan [CIP] has been developed and approved by the Board of Education.<br />The CIP outlines the most pressing facility needs.<br />The CIP is aligned with Board /Superintendent Goals, the Facility Needs Assessment and the Demographic Study. The plan is educationally sound, philosophically based, and fiscally responsible. To that end, the focus of the plan directly addresses the High Schools That Work principles and the commitment to learning environments that are healthy and safe."<br /><br />The above text was what as presented to the public for SPLOST III. This Central Office administration has done a fine job with improving Central Office facilities, and a very poor job with "learning environments that are healthy and safe", with a few exceptions, like Arabia Mt. High.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-52144049232167857332010-09-14T12:46:30.659-04:002010-09-14T12:46:30.659-04:00Ok, I've been informed that there have been so...Ok, I've been informed that there have been some accusations made here that have been disputed. Let's try posting the facts (along with our thoughtful opinions) and leave off the personal remarks regarding what we think of others. These are inflammatory and really don't serve the purpose of the blog well.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18120002147409978402010-09-14T10:41:52.674-04:002010-09-14T10:41:52.674-04:00Good Point. I think a Central Office/Admin salary...Good Point. I think a Central Office/Admin salary and expenses cap based on student enrollment numbers makes good sense. Only then will we bring DCSS (Our schools) more in line with other metro area school systems as far as spending per pupil goes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6060806055604580122010-09-14T09:56:27.839-04:002010-09-14T09:56:27.839-04:00I love the SPLOST 3 list that includes the Dunwood...I love the SPLOST 3 list that includes the Dunwoody/Chamblee Area Elementary School. Everyone knows not one Chamblee child attends the renamed Dunwoody Elementary School.<br /><br />Let's make sure Zepora and SCW understand this, since they most likely will fight anything built in the Chamblee area. They'll say hey Chamblee got something... riiiiight!<br /><br />I remember Clew telling the CCHS students and parents at a dinner, back in the spring, not to worry that CCHS will get the SPLOST funds due them. Was he referring to 3 or 4? Anyone remember this speech he gave at the CCHS black tie dinner they had?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-79201972428514580592010-09-14T08:49:19.052-04:002010-09-14T08:49:19.052-04:00I do recall now, that the previous board defended ...I do recall now, that the previous board defended having Freeman on the list, so it must have been talked about then. I was at a board meeting once when part of the ceiling came down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20563158155837591532010-09-14T08:20:03.801-04:002010-09-14T08:20:03.801-04:00Was Mountain Industrial part of SPLOST II (deferre...Was Mountain Industrial part of SPLOST II (deferred)?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87532389729040414352010-09-14T08:19:33.017-04:002010-09-14T08:19:33.017-04:00Notice that Freeman Administrative Building is tuc...Notice that Freeman Administrative Building is tucked in under high schools. Also, Ms Colman read something about "technology" as part of SPLOST so I guess that takes care of that. <br /><br />Wonder what they'll spend the rest on? We'll be keeping an even closer watch.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-37668318178879927912010-09-14T08:17:08.841-04:002010-09-14T08:17:08.841-04:00Below is the text of the brochure given to voters ...Below is the text of the brochure given to voters promoting the vote for SPLOST 3 (COPIED & PASTED)<br /><br />WHAT IS SPLOST ?<br />Referendum: March 20, 2007<br />This Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is an opportunity for voters in DeKalb County to continue the onecent sales tax for school improvements. This sales tax extension is limited to 60 months or until an established cap of $645 million has been reached, whichever comes first.<br /><br />If the continuation of the one cent sales tax is approved by the voters on March 20, 2007, improvements for our kids are funded by everyone who buys goods in the county, regardless of where they live.<br /><br />With the extension of SPLOST ...<br /><br />• Over 2,646,000 Square Feet of New Roofing<br />• Another 201,800 Square Feet of Roofing Repairs<br />• 2,535,000 Square Feet of School Renovations<br />• 185 New Technologically Advanced High<br />School Classrooms<br />• 183 New Innovative Elementary School Classrooms<br />• Over 1,206,000 Square Feet of durable Asphalt<br />Paving<br />• 7,000 Square Feet of safe Concrete Walkways<br />• 6 New State of the Art High School Teaching<br />Auditoriums<br />• 22 New Advanced Career Technology Instructional<br />Centers<br />• 25 HVAC Replacement, Repair, and Upgrade<br />Projects<br /><br />OVERVIEW<br /><br />In order to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for the students of the DeKalb County School System, a Capital Improvement Plan [CIP] has been developed and approved by the Board of Education.<br /><br />The CIP outlines the most pressing facility needs.<br />The CIP is aligned with Board /Superintendent Goals, the Facility Needs Assessment and the Demographic Study. The plan is educationally sound, philosophically based, and fiscally responsible. To that end, the focus of the plan directly addresses the High Schools That Work principles and the commitment to learning environments that are healthy and safe.<br /><br />The Capital Improvement Plan will touch every facility, school and center in the DeKalb County School System.<br /><br />The main areas of focus for the CIP are as follows:<br /> Retirement of existing COPs* financial debt<br /> Completion of deferred SPLOST II work<br /> Major Roofing, HVAC, Code & Life Safety Improvements<br /> High School Improvements<br /> Career Technology, Fine Arts, & Classroom Additions<br /> Renovations of Classrooms from floor to ceiling<br /> Technology Upgrades to ALL Facilities<br /> Transportation Additions of New Buses to replace<br />Aging Vehicles<br />*Certificate of Participation<br /><br />Facilities Affected<br /><br /> Technology Improvements & Upgrades will be completed at ALL Schools & Centers<br /> Other Specified Projects Elementary Schools<br />Allgood, Austin, Avondale, Bob Mathis, Briar Vista, Cedar Grove, Chapel Hill, Chesnut, Clifton, Evansdale, Fairington, Fernbank, Flat Shoals, Forrest Hills, Glen Haven, Hambrick, Hawthorne, Henderson Mill, Hightower, Hooper Alexander, Huntley Hills, Idlewood, Indian Creek, Kingsley, Knollwood,<br />Laurel Ridge, Livsey, McLendon, Meadowview, Midvale, Midway, E.L. Miller, Montgomery, Murphey Candler, Nancy Creek, Oak View, Oakcliff, Pleasantdale, Rainbow, Rockbridge, Sagamore Hills, Sky Haven, Snapfinger, Stone Mill, Stone Mountain, Terry Mill, Vanderlyn, Wadsworth, Woodward<br />Middle Schools Champion Theme, Henderson, McNair, Miller Grove, Salem, Sequoyah, Stephenson<br /><br />High Schools<br />Chamblee, Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Tech-North, Tech-South, DECA, Druid Hills, DSA, Lakeside, McNair, Open Campus, Redan, Stone Mountain, SW DeKalb, Towers Centers Clarkston, Coralwood Diagnostic, Transition Academy, Doraville Driver Ed, Fernbank Science, Freeman Administrative Building, Heritage, Sam Moss, Warren Tech<br /><br /> Large Model Additions<br />Dunwoody, Lithonia, M.L. King Jr., Miller Grove<br /><br /> New Schools<br />COPs Retirement: Evans Mill ES, Dunwoody/Chamblee Area ES, Rock Chapel Area ES<br />Tucker High SchoolCerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-49534931036619773032010-09-14T07:39:04.766-04:002010-09-14T07:39:04.766-04:00all solid reasons for pay structure to be reversed...all solid reasons for pay structure to be reversed and for the highest paid folks to be at the schoolhouse (except for maybe the superintendent). Highest paid should be principal and then the teachers --all others should be based off of that and lower. I think they actually work fewer hours in much nicer conditions with much more freedom and control over their time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87609778420370467352010-09-14T07:33:42.970-04:002010-09-14T07:33:42.970-04:00Cere (or anyone else): I am concerned that the MT...Cere (or anyone else): I am concerned that the MTN Industrial move and build out and the WBBC renovations are ultimately using SPLOST 3 dollars. Can someone please point me to the document where any of these administrative office expenditures were on the SLOST 3 list presented to the voters in March 2007? I have read the Nov. 17, 2006 list and I see $29.8M to move the Open Campus, Jim Cherry Center and DECA to Mtn Industrial but nothing about administrative offices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-31237375377905643012010-09-14T06:18:27.685-04:002010-09-14T06:18:27.685-04:00It was Gwinnett where they couldn't have fridg...It was Gwinnett where they couldn't have fridges.<br /><br />Emory LaVista is tomorrow. I hope some of you will go and pressure Ramona Tyson on some of these expenditures.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6540898133844762142010-09-14T01:27:50.858-04:002010-09-14T01:27:50.858-04:00Wasn't this a school for kids once? Why not m...Wasn't this a school for kids once? Why not make these improvements, leave the MIS folks where they are and move the kids who are in schools that are falling apart back into this facility. Sounds like it is in better shape than some of our schools. <br /><br />Parking seemed sufficient for the task force members and parents when we were talking about closing schools to save our budget. I know it is different pots of money, but why are we going through closing schools if we can afford to spend these kinds of funds for 10 people. what will the changes in upkeep be over the years. I feel like I'm in the Twilight zone.<br /><br />I'd swear that I read on some blog (cannot remember if Dekalb or another county) that teachers were being told they couldn't have a fridge in their classroom to save energy costs. But we can buy a $2500 appliance that will run on our tax dollars for employees? Again, it is not simply this money that will be spent, it is what follows as upkeep as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-63875046178196453332010-09-14T00:42:09.287-04:002010-09-14T00:42:09.287-04:00Ramona Tyson, Barbara Coleman, the BOE, Central Of...Ramona Tyson, Barbara Coleman, the BOE, Central Office, etc. believe we are idiots. They are trying to sell the $5 million for the WBBC as a needed data storage move. That's a damn lie. It's for a complete re-do of the building. MIS staff member Jamal Edwards goes six months not reporting for work while drawing a salary, but he's going to be working in a fancy new facility while a number of schools are in pathetic condition.<br /><br />And thousands spent on parking at WBBC? There is plenty of parking in the back of the facility, but the staff is too lazy to walk and extra few yards. How freaking insane is it that MIS staff is getting a new parking lot while schools have leaky roofs!!!<br /><br />Not one member of this BOE cares about how taxpayer funds are spent. There is not one fiscal watchdog on this board. Mo money, mo money for non-teaching staff, mo money for an admin building while school are in horrible condition.<br /><br />But ask a BOE member about it, and she/he will always say, we have 140 school buildings, blah, blah, blah...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3936846054938938932010-09-14T00:16:59.479-04:002010-09-14T00:16:59.479-04:00Whoops, sorry, I wrote that last post, forgot to l...Whoops, sorry, I wrote that last post, forgot to leave my name.<br /><br />-The data center is suddenly "vulnerable" in Building A?? it wasn't in the years it there before, but is now?<br />Stop with the histrionics.<br /><br />-"Even lunches would cease if the network is sabotaged or vandalized.<br />It can't be sabotaged at WBBC? More histrionics.<br /><br />_Sarah Copelin-Wood, your half-hearted apology is too little, too late. And do your homework one of these days and read the agenda and reports ahead of time.<br /><br />-"There are about 10 unused facilities in DeKalb, but only two are totally not be used."<br />DCSS does even know how many properties/facilities it owns! Pat Pope was supposed to make a list public a few years ago. And we'll sit on Heritage longer because the incredibly dismissive and not nearly as smart as he thinks he is Paul Womack thinks Heritage his own personal property.<br /><br />-"Walker saying we have a top notch staff and we are wrong to say that isn't the right way to spend the money."<br />Gene Walker also sung the praises on the RICO act indicted Crawford Lewis, and sponsored his Commerce Club membership. Sorry, but your accolades (and judgement) carry no weight, Geno.<br /><br />-The detailed list by Sagamore 7 shows the $4-5 million for WBBC isn't just for the data storage move, it's for a complete overhaul of WBBC, Ramona Tyson's former building. There are schools falling apart, roof leaks, broken AC, but MIS is going to get theirs now, despite that schools on the years old SPLOST III list are waiting and waiting. Despicable.<br /><br />$4-5 million being spent like its free money!! And no one from the BOE bats an eye.<br /><br />I spoke to a BOE member today who was fired up about the blog. He also blew off concerns about spending $4 to 5 mil on WBCC at the drop off a hat. So what there's been little to no explanation from the Central Office. They take every thing this Central Office says as the bible, and that did us well a few months ago when Pat Pope was COO.<br /><br />Our school system is not ever going to improve with this BOE and the current Central Office administration. Same old, same old.Dan Mageenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87771990000857722932010-09-14T00:15:54.259-04:002010-09-14T00:15:54.259-04:00-The data center is suddenly "vulnerable"...-The data center is suddenly "vulnerable" in Building A?? it wasn't in the years it there before, but is now?<br />Stop with the histrionics.<br /><br />-"Even lunches would cease if the network is sabotaged or vandalized.<br />It can't be sabotaged at WBBC? More histrionics.<br /><br />_Sarah Copelin-Wood, your half-hearted apology is too little, too late. And do your homework one of these days and read the agenda and reports ahead of time.<br /><br />-"There are about 10 unused facilities in DeKalb, but only two are totally not be used."<br />DCSS does even know how many properties/facilities it owns! Pat Pope was supposed to make a list public a few years ago. And we'll sit on Heritage longer because the incredibly dismissive and not nearly as smart as he thinks he is Paul Womack thinks Heritage his own personal property.<br /><br />-"Walker saying we have a top notch staff and we are wrong to say that isn't the right way to spend the money."<br />Gene Walker also sung the praises on the RICO act indicted Crawford Lewis, and sponsored his Commerce Club membership. Sorry, but your accolades (and judgement) carry no weight, Geno.<br /><br />-The detailed list by Sagamore 7 shows the $4-5 million for WBBC isn't just for the data storage move, it's for a complete overhaul of WBBC, Ramona Tyson's former building. There are schools falling apart, roof leaks, broken AC, but MIS is going to get theirs now, despite that schools on the years old SPLOST III list are waiting and waiting. Despicable.<br /><br />$4-5 million being spent like its free money!! And no one from the BOE bats an eye.<br /><br />I spoke to a BOE member today who was fired up about the blog. He also blew off concerns about spending $4 to 5 mil on WBCC at the drop off a hat. So what there's been little to no explanation from the Central Office. They take every thing this Central Office says as the bible, and that did us well a few months ago when Pat Pope was COO.<br /><br />Our school system is not ever going to improve with this BOE and the current Central Office administration. Same old, same old.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2028731926430663362010-09-13T23:54:59.443-04:002010-09-13T23:54:59.443-04:00@ Anonymous 10:48
There are 2 lounges at WBBC - b...@ Anonymous 10:48<br /><br />There are 2 lounges at WBBC - both have microwaves and at least one has a refrigerator.<br /><br />The bathrooms aren't fancy, but they all work, and they are generally cleaner than those in schools.<br /><br />Most of the offices were updated 4 to 5 years ago - compliments of a decorator (no kidding - which swatch do you want to pick for your chair?) - wonder if it was Pope/Reid's decorator from D.C.? The offices are nice and functional - the typical cubicles you would find in a corporate office.<br /><br />I think Ms. Tyson feels that this building needs another update, and this money fell into her lap. She's always felt MIS was like a corporate entity and took pride in making sure the offices looked like a corporate environment. <br /><br />Personally, I don't think any non-teaching environment should take precedence over the students' environment. Students are not lower level employees on an assembly line who can be crammed into any situation with little regard to their working space. Yet this is the attitude. <br /><br />Sadly, so many support and admin personnel in DCSS offices think they work for "corporate", not the school system and believe that as upper level employees (i.e. above the classroom and schoolhouse) they deserve to have the best working conditions. That's what you see at work here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66593809444166197922010-09-13T23:32:06.447-04:002010-09-13T23:32:06.447-04:00Interestingly, the ones that seem to be the most ...Interestingly, the ones that seem to be the most convinced that SACs is going to take action are the ones that have violated SACs policy the least.<br /><br />Roberts and Woods are out in their little la la land, convinced that all will be ok with SACs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39406328639712066142010-09-13T23:23:19.519-04:002010-09-13T23:23:19.519-04:00ANON 11:12 This is a high end estimate.
I am in d...ANON 11:12 This is a high end estimate. <br />I am in discussions with the private sector to see what is normal in these circumstances. <br />I'll keep you all posted.<br /><br />You are right ANON 11:11, McChesney is not up for re-election until next year. He gets a pass this year. His fear is that SACS comes in and requests the entire board be removed as they did in Clayton County. His greater fear is that SACS does nothing and the incumbents get re-elected. Imagine that! Status quo.<br />I'm going to sleep.<br /><br />Sagamore 7Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com