tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post5063828861047090641..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Sometimes, A DeKalb Story Has a Happy EndingCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-65510396764432462622010-09-23T22:08:58.303-04:002010-09-23T22:08:58.303-04:00For those that could use a little cheering up and ...For those that could use a little cheering up and who aren't tired of my favorite high school yet:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crosskeysfoundation.org/index.php/ckf-aboutus/ckf-principles/92-ckindians2010" rel="nofollow">Fox 5 Team of the Week</a><br /><br />Check out some of the recognitions the Athletic Director inserted before the presentation ...Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-47737535834330460172010-07-31T20:53:39.583-04:002010-07-31T20:53:39.583-04:00For those interested, additional photos of the ren...For those interested, additional photos of the renovation taken during our recent "sneak peek" by attendees. I should have some video to share soon, too. I'll post back updates.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/album.php?aid=32929&id=116708735013151" rel="nofollow">Nancy Jester's px</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=192821&id=208820358061&ref=mf" rel="nofollow">Kim Gokce's px</a>Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84870476370586475982010-07-26T08:49:34.599-04:002010-07-26T08:49:34.599-04:00The tale of un-returned calls from the warehouse o...The tale of un-returned calls from the warehouse owner is familiar. Back around 2000 the Idlewood Road neighborhoods were trying to get the school board to consider another location for Stone Mountain Middle School.<br /> We were informed that if we could locate a sufficiently large parcel, the school board ( with Pritchett over site selection at the time) would consider utilizing it.<br /> A 17 acre parcel of land was located by neighborhood residents. We were informed that the school board had already considered the site. The news came as a complete suprise to the property owner: he had never received any phone calls whatsoever concerning the property from the DCSS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-21129577999152929712010-07-25T10:35:43.849-04:002010-07-25T10:35:43.849-04:00@Anon 7:36 and Kim Gokce
The point of the C. Lew s...@Anon 7:36 and Kim Gokce<br />The point of the C. Lew study was to see if DeKalb could afford a flagship K-12 arts center. They determined that the money was not there, and an outside source would need to donate to build it. <br />I know that the Druid Hills site seems like it should be in the condition of Shamrock, Lakeside, Chamblee, etc. The Briarclif HS site was limited on the technology that could be put into the school over a decade ago because it already was not meeting the electrical code. There was very little access in the building to computers. The system would have had to be completely replaced in order to support the student computers and activ boards found in the other schools. <br />Before DSA moved into the building, a study was done on the building. (This was before the C. Lew era) It was determined that in the near future, the roof supports would fail. I do not believe that the shut down of that site was due to Pat Pope's desire to raze and rebuild. It was due to a real danger to the students and faculty of Open Campus, Jim Cherry, and DSA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-16593372026545655562010-07-25T10:21:12.312-04:002010-07-25T10:21:12.312-04:00Dr. Simpson knew about the purchases as they were ...Dr. Simpson knew about the purchases as they were done directly through him, if my memory is correct. They weren't done through Amazon that much I remember. If he knew about the purchases and the total amount spent, as an area superintendent, I put him with being just as responsible as the principle for a misuse of Federal funds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-443556247656898302010-07-25T10:04:24.537-04:002010-07-25T10:04:24.537-04:00Rumor is that the County will switch Thedford with...Rumor is that the County will switch Thedford with the Instructional AP at Columbia High School. The Columbia High AP was passed over twice for principal at Columbia. Thedford either graduated or worked as a teacher at Columbia. Columbia was just placed under Ralph Simpson's supervision. Is there another AJC story in the making here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2884527864595747812010-07-25T09:16:21.010-04:002010-07-25T09:16:21.010-04:00Does DCSS have the most unethical bureaucrats? Or...Does DCSS have the most unethical bureaucrats? Or are other systems just as "lucky"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39894269497402338712010-07-25T09:13:21.422-04:002010-07-25T09:13:21.422-04:00The way I read the article and other information a...The way I read the article and other information about the situation, it is up to the discretion of the principal to make purchases of less than $5000. That means anything above $5000 would have to be approved by an area superintendent. Allegedly, Thedford hid purchases totaling more than $5000 from her area superintendent (not Dr. Simpson) and the principals who were under Simpson bought hundreds of dollars worth of books, not thousands like Thedford. Unless there is some proof that Simpson exerted pressure on people to buy the book, I think that he is going to come out in the clear. I would imagine that any of the other people involved would be quick to point a finger at Simpson to save their own skin if they could prove that he did anything wrong. <br />Whether we agree with it or not, there is nothing in the law or Dekalb's ethics code that says schools could not purchase the books. The two administrators at MGHS are the only two who will probably get in trouble because they allegedly attempted to conceal the purchases. If Dekalb attempted to punish Simpson for an ethics policy violation that wasn't on the books when the violation was committed, Dekalb would probably be dealing with another lawsuit that they would almost certainly lose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-31389454872046756132010-07-25T08:49:22.616-04:002010-07-25T08:49:22.616-04:00The principal may be demoted, but we are probable ...The principal may be demoted, but we are probable going to have to pay her her principal salary for whatever she does, as she already signed a contract for this school year. I wonder if by next contract this will be swept under the rug and the higher salary will continue to be given?<br /><br />All involved should face disciplinary action.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-70357090781161625972010-07-25T08:07:57.844-04:002010-07-25T08:07:57.844-04:00Very interesting article and as always, yet anothe...Very interesting article and as always, yet another hold in DCSS ethics policy, though I wonder if any school system has rules about employees selling things to schools. Probably isn't generally necessary.<br /><br />I am pleased that Ms. Tyson has seen fit to refer this on to the PSC. I am not happy that no action has been taken against Simpson.<br /><br />As always, those at the top of DCSS seem immune.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39063166807107661612010-07-25T07:32:22.843-04:002010-07-25T07:32:22.843-04:00Here's the article about Simpson's book:
...Here's the article about Simpson's book:<br /><br />http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-probes-sale-of-577838.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58265725776992136292010-07-24T22:49:02.841-04:002010-07-24T22:49:02.841-04:00Me, too.Me, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-77948406411768152582010-07-24T20:37:43.009-04:002010-07-24T20:37:43.009-04:00TO ABOVE COMMENT: WOULDN'T WE ALL LOVE TO KNO...TO ABOVE COMMENT: WOULDN'T WE ALL LOVE TO KNOW. MAYBE ONE DAY IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE ... WHY SOME PEOPLE GET AWAY WITH REALLY TERRIBLE, CRIMINAL THINGS AND OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE ACCUSED AND HAVE TO FIGHT AND GO BROKE JUST TO GET THEIR GOOD NAME BACK. MAYBE ONE DAY, JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL. I KEEP HOPING ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58930771703733855862010-07-24T20:30:34.555-04:002010-07-24T20:30:34.555-04:00DCSS is such a mess. I don't understand why s...DCSS is such a mess. I don't understand why someone in the state or SACS isn't stepping in. Money is constantly misspent and misused.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-37367310017435491362010-07-24T20:04:56.949-04:002010-07-24T20:04:56.949-04:00There is an article in tomorrow (Sunday's) ajc...There is an article in tomorrow (Sunday's) ajc that indicates that he is being investigated. I saw the paper at the grocery store and the story was on the early edition's front page. I didn't read much of it, but what I saw indicates that three administrators are being investigated, including Simpson. DeKalb has also asked the Professional Services Commission (?) to investigate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84906877045173873442010-07-24T17:38:53.925-04:002010-07-24T17:38:53.925-04:00Why isn't Dr. Simpson being investigated as we...Why isn't Dr. Simpson being investigated as well? Or is he untouchable?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14930524092403428082010-07-24T17:34:47.032-04:002010-07-24T17:34:47.032-04:00Anon 12:38
First, thank you for your dedication t...Anon 12:38<br /><br />First, thank you for your dedication to our children! Whether you are at Woodward, Montclair, Dresden, Cary Reynolds, or Oakcliff, you are producing some of the most amazing results of any group of teachers in DeKalb and beyond.<br /><br />Secondly, Cere is right, the gap in advocacy has been the hallmark of the CK attendance area schools for a long list of reasons we've covered on this blog repeatedly. Take Cere up on the offer and send in a portfolio. That said, few elementary schools have gotten the treatment under SPLOST that some of the HSs are now.<br /><br />I know Woodward has had some significant updates to classrooms, hallways, and such under SPLOST work but still is far from what we'd all like to see.<br /><br />Regarding the Cross Keys Foundation, we 100% have taken on the task of advocating on behalf of ALL 7 schools of the CK area. We've focused on CKHS this year because of the urgency last summer of seeing the reno go through and trying to fill some gaps while there is attention on it.<br /><br />We have met with every principal of the area and do have their priorities captured for CKF purposes. I would encourage you to keep a lookout for community members at your school who might be good contacts for us. We asked the principals to send us individuals who might be willing to help be a local liaison but I would like your input also for your school.<br /><br />Lastly, here's a little secret ... we don't have bags of cash ... shhhhh! Besides the scholarship program started at CKHS this year, we are expending tiny amounts of money. Our efforts have been focused on constituency building, PR, volunteer recruitment, in-kind and direct donations from local businesses, and direct service to the children.<br /><br />While we are implementing a long-term fund-raising strategy and serve as a grant writing resource, our focus will remain advocacy and organizational support. The types of capital maintenance needed at your school and virtually every other one will be a matter of public money in most cases. <br /><br />I hope this makes sense. Please consider <a href="http://www.crosskeysfoundation.org/index.php/joinus?view=Contributions" rel="nofollow">joining the Foundation</a> or <a href="http://www.crosskeysfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/mailing/subscribe&reset=1" rel="nofollow">simply our e-mailing list</a> and help us broaden the base of supporters by sharing our mission. THANK YOU!Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-33152762752840193962010-07-24T14:00:42.005-04:002010-07-24T14:00:42.005-04:00Not surprising the Forward of the book is written ...Not surprising the Forward of the book is written by New Birth's Bishop Eddie Long according to the book's cover.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-21843057769986986082010-07-24T12:59:22.340-04:002010-07-24T12:59:22.340-04:00http://www.wsbtv.com/video/24359663/index.html
De...http://www.wsbtv.com/video/24359663/index.html<br /><br />Dekalb Principal Demoted and TransferredAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4553531469220238572010-07-24T12:50:24.946-04:002010-07-24T12:50:24.946-04:00The reason the recent efforts focus on high school...The reason the recent efforts focus on high schools is because this was the defined goal for SPLOST 3. SPLOST 1 went to elementary schools - and adding gymnasiums to all ESs. SPLOST 2 - well, not sure - it was a combo - and a mess. You should have general repairs done to your school from the general maintenance budget. Sadly, DCSS has been very, very, very lax on maintaining our buildings and now many of them are showing the damage from so much neglect.<br /><br />Additionally, sadly, schools and parents must advocate very hard for basic needs to be met. Although I personally believe that the people in charge of maintenance should be on top of all needs - they are not - and the way needs are met is by the "squeaky wheel" method.<br /><br />Take photos. Send them to your board rep. Send them to us at the blog and we will post them.<br /><br />reparteeforfun@gmail.comCerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58083616790401535132010-07-24T12:38:09.101-04:002010-07-24T12:38:09.101-04:00I'm glad that Cross Keyes is finally getting i...I'm glad that Cross Keyes is finally getting it's due. I'm still upset that DeKalb puts all it's efforts on the HIGH schools. I teach in a CK feeder school in the Buford Hwy corridor and we have substantial needs as well. We have windows that are barely hanging on due to old putty falling out, dirty ducts, and other things that need attention. When is it going to be our turn? Can we get some of that support please Kim?? Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-21150944277382600702010-07-24T09:50:03.603-04:002010-07-24T09:50:03.603-04:00Well, the interior is truly under-going a transfor...Well, the interior is truly under-going a transformation that will shock many when complete. Again, great credit due to Evergreen Const. for the alacrity and seeming quality of the work.<br /><br />Early on in this thread, someone expressed a concern about whether "gangbangers" would ruin the delivered improvements. I think that this is a valid concern for the grounds and exterior. No place in Atlanta is exempt from marking, graffiti, and vandalism, unfortunately. But I think there is reason to be hopeful ...<br /><br />I was approached by a junior last May who asked to volunteer to help the Foundation. When he asked what he and his peers could do to help, I thank him and confessed that I had no tasks at that moment but that there'd be plenty to do soon.<br /><br />I confided to him about the YMCA partnership that was being nurtured at the time and the general goal. He said, "Don't spoon feed us, Mr. Kim. We are not children; make us work for it."<br /><br />He insisted that we develop a plan in which the students themselves could help execute the field improvements - another example of the type of individuals coming through our attendance anonymously.<br /><br />If anyone doubts that these kids are serious about their school and hard work, be reminded:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/CrossKeysHS#p/u/6/bGPeMt4FrDA" rel="nofollow">Work Day 2010</a><br /><br />I didn't know it that morning but the young man wheelbarrowing dirt around was to be the Valedictorian and a President's Scholar at Georgia Tech for 2011. Empowering these young people who have been so service minded before having support is going to unleash some interesting dynamics.<br /><br />As a result, student volunteers will be hands-on with some of the field improvements and also will be developing and managing their own campaigns to care for the new facilities, inside and out. So I think we will have good stewards of the renovated CK, especially inside the building.<br /><br />In terms of external security, I do believe it will improved because a) Higher utilization will somewhat limit the opportunities for mayhem, b) A greater sense of community "Stake" or ownership of the property is already manifesting and will grow if nurtured, c) The Foundation will foster a new level of expectation for the physical security of the building after hours partnering with the North Precinct and DCSS security, and d) we'll be launching a formal outreach and communication campaign this fall to the immediate community surrounding the school on all sides.<br /><br />Just the fact that the site can now be a source of pride and not an eye sore will get the community off to a good start. The sustainability of the new quality environment must be carefully guarded by DCSS, school house administrators, neighbors of the school, students, and the community at large.<br /><br />This school has not be watched over for so long I think folks will be surprised at the change in community support. Another reason all DeKalb schools need to have this kind of environment - inspire the neighbors!Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-59608408933207103412010-07-24T08:12:04.328-04:002010-07-24T08:12:04.328-04:00I find this post amusing. A few months ago, while ...I find this post amusing. A few months ago, while construction at CC was ongoing, I had occaision to visit the school for the first time. I posted a comment to the effect that the interiors of the school seemed pleasant and in good condition and certainly much better than Chamblre HS. I was immediately attacked, told I did not know what I was talking about and accused of being a DCSS plant. I am glad that Kim took a camera so that the those folks who did the attacking (and who had obviously not visited CC since before the Reno was started) can see for themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-47607903316574185812010-07-24T07:36:56.175-04:002010-07-24T07:36:56.175-04:00I guess that is the decision that the CCHS council...I guess that is the decision that the CCHS council will face when school resumes in the Fall. It is a tough decision. <br /><br />Pat Pope wanted to tear down and rebuild everything, so any report condemning a property probably needs to be investigated. <br /><br />Until every student in DeKalb has a home school that has consistently working air/heat, modern bathrooms, up to date plumbing, roofs that don't leak, and I would argue a seat in a building, DeKalb has absolutely no business investing SPLOST dollars in a k-12 arts facility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62072274307510111652010-07-23T22:11:33.290-04:002010-07-23T22:11:33.290-04:00Anon @ 12:25 a.m. I am on the CCHS Governance Cou...Anon @ 12:25 a.m. I am on the CCHS Governance Council and attend all meetings. No motion has been made, much less passed, at any meeting to forgo a renovation and "roll the dice" to see if SPLOST 4 passes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com