tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post702715148215771519..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Dr. Lewis at DCPCCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-26003973296871560692009-09-09T11:59:31.237-04:002009-09-09T11:59:31.237-04:00We were sent this article written about the dcpc m...We were sent this article written about the dcpc meeting in the <a href="http://www.thecrier.net/articles/2009/09/08/front/schoollines.txt" rel="nofollow">Dunwoody Crier </a>--<br /><br /><i>New Dunwoody school lines?<br />Tuesday, September 8, 2009 10:48 AM EDT<br /><br />By Bill Florence<br />For The Crier<br /><br />Will Dunwoody schools have new attendance lines next fall?<br /><br />The answer may be “yes” based on a countywide school reorganization plan announced last week by DeKalb School Superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis and his staff at last week’s meeting of the Dunwoody-Chamblee Parents Council held at Dunwoody High School.<br /><br />The plan, which Lewis said he will present to the DeKalb school board before year’s end so it can be implemented for the 2010 school year, will close low-enrollment elementary, middle, and high schools, requiring school attendance lines to be redrawn throughout the county.<br /></i><br /><br />The redistricting issue did not come up at all at the board meeting that followed the dcpc meeting, however, we can look for redistricting announcements to be made by December, I believe.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-35271811056619801002009-09-08T23:09:11.997-04:002009-09-08T23:09:11.997-04:00What about the Resolution to ask the state for a w...What about the Resolution to ask the state for a waiver on the class size maximum and a lot of other state requirements?<br /><br />Was there any discussion?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-28314142926653275302009-09-08T23:01:05.051-04:002009-09-08T23:01:05.051-04:00well, no duh, they approved all 3 positions - unan...<i>well, no duh, they approved all 3 positions - unanimously - and then went on to compliment Dr. Lewis for his excellent choices.</i><br /><br />Seriously? Wow.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-8520463963437356052009-09-08T22:45:38.843-04:002009-09-08T22:45:38.843-04:00well, no duh, they approved all 3 positions - unan...well, no duh, they approved all 3 positions - unanimously - and then went on to compliment Dr. Lewis for his excellent choices.<br /><br />Sigh.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-51287943683811273882009-09-08T22:22:45.187-04:002009-09-08T22:22:45.187-04:00The hand sanitizers that were distributed ran out ...The hand sanitizers that were distributed ran out of the actual liquid within a day. DCSS is not providing refills. Schools don't have money for this kind of thing. PTAs will probably have to pick up the slack -- or the stands will remain empty.<br /><br />Am I correct that Tony Hunter currently holds the highest MIS job in DCSS? And, if I am, doesn't that mean promoting him to "Executive Director" probably gives him more money and opens up yet another central office position (Hunter's old title). I wasn't at the BOE meeting tonight and couldn't watch on t.v. I REALLY hope the BOE denied this request.<br /><br />DCSS always has the same response to poor performance. "Well, we finally got the problems worked out and the system is up and running now." And, they are in complete denial that the botched implementation of the new system was utterly unnecessary. If true MIS professionals were in charge, proper testing and field tests would have been conducted. They absolutely don't care that the local schools were turned up-side-down for nearly four weeks. They don't care that the principals, guidance counselors and teachers were truly on their own -- no support and no way to explain the problem to their customers without implying that DCSS didn't/doesn't know what it was/is doing -- the cardinal sin.<br /><br />I've noticed that DCSS is never ashamed of its poor performances. Their response is always PollyAnna -- "Well, when we implemented the last system it was like this, too. It will all work out eventually! And all the parents and teachers will be thrilled with the system." Not even a "Sorry."<br /><br />If we were in Japan, Tony Hunter would have commited suicide by now for having brought shame to his organization. Maybe Dr. Lewis thinks Hunter will do better next time and Hunter just needed a title and salary boost to get motivated.<br /><br />If our BOE approved this promotion tonight, we need to take a serious look at who and how they voted. Taxpayers should demand a written explanation from all the BOE members who voted "yes" -- detailing their reasoning.<br /><br />While this Tony Hunter thing clearly annoys me, I am thrilled that many principals and teachers stood up to the complainers and let our students watch the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES deliver his very inspirational message.<br /><br />I will not join the conversation over socialism and keeping children from hearing the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES encouraging them. I can't join the discussion because when I try to understand why a parent wouldn't allow their child to listen to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, it makes my brain hurt.No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30280183734989275802009-09-08T18:57:29.872-04:002009-09-08T18:57:29.872-04:00Corporate Wellness directors are almost always doc...Corporate Wellness directors are almost always doctors, nurses or someone in public health. Why in the world would they be promoting a former principal to an "Executive Director" of Wellness position? I hope they post her resume and the job description.<br /><br />BTW - don't they have to advertise for positions?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-76421967406915730832009-09-08T17:23:07.503-04:002009-09-08T17:23:07.503-04:00My child reports there are none in her classrooms ...My child reports there are none in her classrooms at Dunwoody HS.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-59959425788985374542009-09-08T17:14:48.079-04:002009-09-08T17:14:48.079-04:00Thanks Dekalbparent.
I think with county charter ...Thanks Dekalbparent.<br /><br />I think with county charter schools the different is that this is a policy decision, not a matter of neglect.<br /><br />Functionally of course, the same result.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3097618400841681772009-09-08T17:10:14.989-04:002009-09-08T17:10:14.989-04:00@Anon 3:00:
There are no hand sanitizers at Druid...@Anon 3:00:<br /><br />There are no hand sanitizers at Druid Hills High School, either. The secretary said they were distributed during the summer, and they did not bring any to DHHS - she has been trying to get one ever since, with no luck.<br /><br />I wonder how many other schools are in this boat. Clearly it's not just charters.<br /><br />I, too, am upset by the waiver request. I understand the concept of Corporate Wellness, and it's admirable, but unless this "Wellness" also applies to all the kids, the waiver request and creation of a new position really grate on me.Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66604559994889220712009-09-08T16:42:04.530-04:002009-09-08T16:42:04.530-04:00About Mr. Donahue: How is an educator qualified t...About Mr. Donahue: How is an educator qualified to run a plant services department? Just wondering........Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-31161450453597494262009-09-08T16:41:09.621-04:002009-09-08T16:41:09.621-04:00Wanna bet that Steve Donahue has no education or e...Wanna bet that Steve Donahue has no education or experience in facilities management? Principals are educators. They need to remain as educators. Hire professionals with education and experience in their field to perform those jobs.<br /><br />And why do we even need a "Corporate Wellness" program???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-15478756297740001942009-09-08T15:53:57.563-04:002009-09-08T15:53:57.563-04:00I'm also not thrilled with the waiver requests...I'm also not thrilled with the waiver requests our BOE is making to the state - <br /><br />Examples -<br /><br />Minimum Direct Instruction <br />A waiver from this rule would allow DCSS flexibility in spending a minimum of 65 percent of the total operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures or increasing the direct classroom expenditures as a percent of total operating expenditures by two or more percentage points over the previous fiscal year.<br /><br />Guidance Counselors <br />A waiver from this rule would allow DCSS to waive the requirement that guidance counselors are engaged in counseling or guidance activities, including advising students, parents, or guardians, for a minimum of five of six full-time segments during the school day. <br /><br />Class Size Waiver for K-8 <br />A waiver from this rule would allow DCSS flexibility in complying with maximum class sizes and to capture FTE funds that would have been lost if a class was over the limit on the FTE Count Days.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-49775484983794122242009-09-08T15:03:46.886-04:002009-09-08T15:03:46.886-04:00This kind of stuff bugs me - (from the agenda for ...This kind of stuff bugs me - (from the agenda for tonight's meeting) <br /><br /><i>Requested Action<br />It is recommended that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the appointment of Dr. Yvonne Butler as Executive Director, Corporate Wellness Program. <br /><br />Dr. Butler is a former Principal at Browns Mill Elementary School. <br /><br />Requested Action<br />It is recommended that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the appointment of Mr. Steve Donahue as Executive Director, Plant Services. <br /><br />Mr. Donahue is currently employed as Interim Director, Plant Services. </i><br /><br />(But as DunwoodyMom pointed out, Donahue is the former principal of Peachtree MS.)<br /><br />Two things: If good principals are so hard to come by - why promote good principals into corporate jobs? And - why not actually hire someone with expertise in things like Corporate Wellness and Plant Services to fill those jobs instead of filling them with people trained in education?!!<br /><br />This kind of management drives me nuts.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39905140141616517612009-09-08T15:00:21.257-04:002009-09-08T15:00:21.257-04:00Can't go but can someone ask Dr. Lewis why he ...Can't go but can someone ask Dr. Lewis why he is denying hand sanitizer to charter school students? Reportedly the plans to stock "every" county classroom with Purell (or equivalent) exclude charter schools.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85929532075999681842009-09-08T14:40:50.903-04:002009-09-08T14:40:50.903-04:00It looks like there are still 6 spots available fo...It looks like there are still 6 spots available for citizen comments -- if you would like one, send an email to <br /><br />MARGARET_C_FRANCOIS@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us<br /><br />or just go to the meeting a little bit early and ask to be put on the list of alternates. You can usually get a spot.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9635519802289804672009-09-08T14:33:43.047-04:002009-09-08T14:33:43.047-04:00The agenda for tonight's BOE meeting is up. I...The agenda for tonight's BOE meeting is up. I wondered what happened to Steve Donhue - former Prinicpal of Peachtree Middle School. He is now the Executive Director of Plant Mangement.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39638290365906419582009-09-08T14:25:53.128-04:002009-09-08T14:25:53.128-04:00Right, Anon. I have been wondering if those illega...Right, Anon. I have been wondering if those illegal transfers from other counties are partially what put our enrollment over 100,000. If I lived near the new Arabia HS in Rockdale or Henry county (1-2 miles away) I would probably work out a way for my kid to get in there... <br /><br />One really, really big way to do this is by using an affidavit or "Educational Guardianship" - virtually sponsoring any child to attend the school in your district. <br /><br />Again - it really wouldn't bother me as much if the schools in my district were habitable!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-35765986505119140592009-09-08T14:14:11.997-04:002009-09-08T14:14:11.997-04:00I think we need to figure out how many type of tra...I think we need to figure out how many type of transfer classifications there are at DCSS. I have been told multiple times that "administrative transfers" are solely the purview of the Superintendent's Office. Maybe transfers by children of teacher and staff are considered something else. Including NCLB transfers, I'd like to know how many actual transfers there are, with school location and a reason why for each.<br /><br />And don't forget that non-resident students lying about their residency is still a big deal. We are paying to educate students who should be educated in the county they actually live in (that's you Clayton County!).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-40593989447952532822009-09-08T13:36:41.450-04:002009-09-08T13:36:41.450-04:00Well, then, why is Lakeside having to hold classes...Well, then, why is Lakeside having to hold classes in the cafeteria (which I checked out and it's true!)<br /><br />I think we have an issue with administrative transfers and other kinds of "non-residents"... It's just not right - it's wrong for Lakeside kids to be crammed into trailers and the cafeteria when schools like Arabia and others have plenty of beautiful space.<br /><br />Paul Womack - you need to investigate this!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-52328200123925167072009-09-08T13:08:51.181-04:002009-09-08T13:08:51.181-04:00Chamblee was the only in the northern end of DeKal...Chamblee was the only in the northern end of DeKalb County to be a receiving school under NCLB - I'll bet that's the reason.<br /><br />Lakeside and Dunwoody had that privilege the last few years.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-83330944558950370122009-09-08T12:57:50.179-04:002009-09-08T12:57:50.179-04:00This is interesting. My notes from the meeting sh...This is interesting. My notes from the meeting show that Dr Lewis said the number of transfers dropped from 1100 to 400. I wish someone would have specifically asked him if he was referring to ALL transfers or just AYP transfers... Cause it sure seems like we still have a transfer issue.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44941897405893483432009-09-08T12:38:43.108-04:002009-09-08T12:38:43.108-04:00Chamblee HS has many more students than expected a...Chamblee HS has many more students than expected also. It is very crowded, especially 9th and 10th grades.<br /><br />Everyone keeps asking: Where did these students come from?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74902284054221222712009-09-08T09:09:00.317-04:002009-09-08T09:09:00.317-04:00I heard over the weekend that Lakeside is now hold...I heard over the weekend that Lakeside is now holding several classes in the caferteria. These class enrollments are so high the students can't safely fit into a trailer or a classroom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84619775685863410872009-09-08T07:11:42.375-04:002009-09-08T07:11:42.375-04:00BOE members, or their office staff, approved trans...BOE members, or their office staff, approved transfer requests as well.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41276740979837824672009-09-08T06:31:53.932-04:002009-09-08T06:31:53.932-04:00Actually, I think school house level administrator...Actually, I think school house level administrators had the ability to approve transfer request from teachers/employees. In fact, I think a teacher/employee only had to go to the central office is that administrator said no.<br /><br />It put school principals in a terrible position.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com