tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post977860583316582718..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Vote "No"Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6213014041064773382010-12-19T14:17:41.689-05:002010-12-19T14:17:41.689-05:00"How sad for you that you continue to bash th..."How sad for you that you continue to bash this man who cares deeply for the students in DCSS."<br /><br />Mr. Redovian voted to increase the class sizes to an unmanageable level (36 for high school science, math, social studies and English teachers and 39 for all the others) rather than ask Mrs. Tyson to cut the huge number of admin and support personnel and trim the overpaid Central Office personnel. <br /><br />Mr. Redovian approved every request of Dr. Berry, manager of the of the Office of School Improvement, as this department spent $128,000,000 mainly on non-teaching personnel and ineffective learning programs?<br /><br />Where was his analysis of Return on Investment? Where were the tough questions? <br /><br />These are the reasons he lost to Jester.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61691870988618684762010-12-19T13:25:17.100-05:002010-12-19T13:25:17.100-05:00Disagree Anon 1:15.
If redovian decided not to vo...Disagree Anon 1:15.<br /><br />If redovian decided not to vote as he's outgoing, he has a duty to make that public. You're right, he's going to get slammed no matter what, but he had a duty to the 100,000+ people in his district to be very clear on what his stance was on the topic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34479880904582650052010-12-19T13:15:42.487-05:002010-12-19T13:15:42.487-05:00Get over it - grow up - you really are one of thos...Get over it - grow up - you really are one of those "sore winners". It does not matter what Redovian did you would have criticized him. If had shown up, you would have said "well he should not have voted, he's a lame duck". <br /><br />How sad for you that you continue to bash this man who cares deeply for the students in DCSS. Your words are more of a reflection on you than on Redovian.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-23632620226360899552010-12-19T11:40:54.030-05:002010-12-19T11:40:54.030-05:00Sorry to the End!
So typical of Jim Redovian. He...Sorry to the End!<br /><br />So typical of Jim Redovian. He could have and should have posted on DeKalb School Watch his feelings about the unconscionable raise for Tyson -- prior to the Friday-morning-out-of-the-public-eye vote.<br /><br />And then, instead of being an adult and attending the Friday meeting where he could attempt to look out for teachers, students and taxpayers -- and make his objections publicly known -- his announced excuse for being absent was "family illness."<br /><br />Puh-leeze, Jim! This is how you look out for your constituents, many of whom were also your supporters? Goodbye and good riddance! Sorry to the end! Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-12531549691230068292010-12-19T11:09:11.639-05:002010-12-19T11:09:11.639-05:00Also B isn't a solution as the new board membe...Also B isn't a solution as the new board members have not been privy to the executive session discussions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-68727807400190406092010-12-19T11:07:48.922-05:002010-12-19T11:07:48.922-05:00The discussions were held on Thursday in a called ...The discussions were held on Thursday in a called executive session. Redovian was there and I am certain he made his feelings known. The Board of Ed has some of the most stubborn humans I have ever seen on it. They seem almost unmovable once they have made up their minds. <br /><br />All along, posters have been trying to remind others that each board member gets only one vote. If the vote had been 7 to 2, the outcome would have been the same.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4893093136351168992010-12-19T11:02:49.919-05:002010-12-19T11:02:49.919-05:00If that's true he should have either a) voted ...If that's true he should have either a) voted for the "better" way or b) called Nancy Jester and ask her how she'd like him to vote, and vote accordingly. To not vote at all is lame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-28356466953712051132010-12-19T09:41:58.467-05:002010-12-19T09:41:58.467-05:00I received this comment from Jim Redovian. Very i...I received this comment from Jim Redovian. Very interesting indeed.<br />First the email my wife and I sent to the BOE.<br /><br />In the spirit of giving, I need to ask you all to please remember that you are all elected stewards of the taxpayers funds. While I agree the Ms. Tyson has stepped up to a difficult position, to give her a raise in mid-year during some of the most difficult economic times would be <br />irresponsible of the board. You have students who fall asleep in class because they cannot sleep at night due to the lack of money to pay for heat. You have families that are unsure how they are going to stay under a roof because they cannot afford their rent or mortgages due to unemployment. These are extremely tough times and we all need to do the responsible thing and continue to tighten our belts and do our very <br />best in a difficult situation. <br /><br />Teacher and employee moral is at a very low point and a permanent raise given to Ms. Tyson before any test scores or figures of accountability would be a huge insult to all taxpayers of DeKalb county. A bonus is one thing, but please think of all the individuals you represent and act in good faith for the citizens you represent. Please do the responsible thing and do not give this excessive amount at this time of increased local taxes.<br /> <br />Thank you for doing the right thing!<br /><br />Jim Redovians reply:<br />I don't believe a decision as important as this should include the vote of a lame duck board member and chose not to participate. I do believe we could have found a better way to compensate Ms. Tyson<br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-40985630195911108212010-12-19T08:44:58.574-05:002010-12-19T08:44:58.574-05:00Who is the "éminence grise"?? There has ...Who is the "éminence grise"?? There has to be one involved in this caper.<br /><br />Google "éminence grise"<br /><br />I just don't get it!! <br /><br />Give her a one-time "Thank You" bonus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36913382141194697702010-12-19T08:21:02.000-05:002010-12-19T08:21:02.000-05:00Don McChesney voted no, but it is my understanding...Don McChesney voted no, but it is my understanding that his objections were to some of the terms of the contract, not the amount of the salary increase.<br /><br />Womack really threw me for a loop at that meeting. Not only did he support this raise, but he said we have to be willing to pay for the best. I think this must mean that the rumors of him wanting to hire Beasley as Superintendent are unfounded. That at least is some good news!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41658873007401996062010-12-19T07:16:03.593-05:002010-12-19T07:16:03.593-05:00This is revolting. How in the world can we get thi...This is revolting. How in the world can we get this stopped? Is it possible to have the entire board replaced? How dare this be requested, much less GRANTED and by such an overwhelming majority. I would also like to know who the one decenter was on the board. Maybe they are all right but the rest are just a bunch of greedy, disgusting immoral monsters. <br /><br />How will we ever fix this? So upsetting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62783632747988342772010-12-19T06:33:30.475-05:002010-12-19T06:33:30.475-05:00Why does Arabia Mt still not have a principal? Or...Why does Arabia Mt still not have a principal? Or did they hire one and that person not work out so the position is reposted. Is Pringle serving as both area Supt and principal?<br /><br />What is up there? Or did someone just forget to remove the posting though the date posted says Dec. 10?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-51999272606300748832010-12-19T06:26:37.980-05:002010-12-19T06:26:37.980-05:00Don't forget to email Nancy Jester and Donna E...Don't forget to email Nancy Jester and Donna Edler as well. nancyjester@gmail.com<br />info@DonnaEdler.com<br /><br />They get to vote on this now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30611249134873516632010-12-19T01:09:07.257-05:002010-12-19T01:09:07.257-05:00Contacting Your DeKalb County Elected Representati...<b>Contacting Your DeKalb County Elected Representatives -- <i>All</i> of Them</b>!<br /><br />Here's where to find accurate contact information for the DCSS BOE members and the DeKalb County legislative delegation: <br /><br />http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/tc-home.html#<br /><br />Click on "View Property Tax Information" and you will have the elected officials' home mailing addresses. All you need are their names. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested. It will be worth the small charge. They won't be able to ignore the outcry. <br /><br />No time to go to the P.O.? Prefer e-mail? Be sure to sign up for www.readnotify.com -- and tag your e-mails with ReadNotify, as directed. You will know for sure <i>if</i> your e-mail is opened, <i>when</i> it is opened, <i>how long</i> it is open, <i>how many times</i> it is opened, <i>and</i> if it is forwarded. <br /><br />Let us know about the interest shown by your elected representatives in remedying the top-to-bottom corruptness in DCSS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-13016075563971362902010-12-19T00:19:29.914-05:002010-12-19T00:19:29.914-05:00I don't blame anyone for exploiting the system...I don't blame anyone for exploiting the system and the conventions of public education. I blame everyone for letting it get to this point where there is so much overhead involved in running the system. The "top of the pyramid" organizationally speaking has always been the headmaster, principal, or whatever their title has been. The concept of running an educational "system" is a completely different animal and I think one that has run wild. We have to find a way to make our public schools operate more independently WHILE maintaining equity in funding / opportunities.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22507359028761105602010-12-19T00:14:21.550-05:002010-12-19T00:14:21.550-05:00Well, no, I would not be shocked. However, a lot o...Well, no, I would not be shocked. However, a lot of these admin types are also logging a lot of long days and nights. My beef isn't whether they are putting in hours - it's whether they are adding value. Seriously, how important is it that about $1million in annual salaries are represented at practically every public meeting. What is ultimately accomplished at these meetings, really?<br /><br />All I am saying is whether or not they work hard, we need fewer people outside of our school houses and more of them inside our school houses. The financial incentives are there to get out of the school house - take that away and put it instead IN the school houses!!Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9375227647566263452010-12-19T00:09:37.805-05:002010-12-19T00:09:37.805-05:00"The "parity" argument is a non-sta..."The "parity" argument is a non-starter - most high profile superintendents are over paid in my humble opinion. These folks work hard, yes - too hard, if you ask me."<br /><br />Principals work harder and many more hours than superintendents and asst. superintendents. And y'all would be shocked by how many Central Office administrators sneak out early on Friday's and take long lunches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44986410967420424012010-12-19T00:08:53.585-05:002010-12-19T00:08:53.585-05:00"These two new annual salaries will bump her ..."These two new annual salaries will bump her retirement pension to $4,800 a month (instead of 'only' $3300 a month). Not bad for a public servant."<br /><br />No. Here retirement pension will be 60% of $240,000 or $144,000 rather than the current 60% of $165,000 or $99,000. <br /><br />That's $12,000 a month in pension benefits.<br /><br />$45,000 a year more the BOE just committed taxpayers to.<br /><br />Any way you look at it - Ms. Tyson is now DCSS's million dollar baby.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34805226062022171652010-12-19T00:07:53.936-05:002010-12-19T00:07:53.936-05:00"Apparently Ralph Simpson and others have fri..."Apparently Ralph Simpson and others have friends that are out to get her. I suspect that at the end of the 18 months her career at DCSS is over."<br /><br />Ralph Simpson should have been FIRED! Same with Horace Dunson the grade changer.<br /><br />(http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-on-mlk-grade-changing-horace.html)<br /><br />Simpson and Dunson are old news, and shouldn't have any power base left at the Central Office.<br /><br />We will no longer tolerate the nonsense, even though Ron Ramsey does. For the old Crawford Lewis insiders, your days at DCSS are numbered, Ralph Simpson, Horace Dunson, Audria Bahamas Berry, Frankie Callaway, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87312413308045263542010-12-18T23:10:49.213-05:002010-12-18T23:10:49.213-05:00Finally, contact your state legislators and ask th...Finally, contact your state legislators and ask them to expediate teh process of shrinking the board. The hearings must start as soon as the Legislature convenes.<br /><br />For those of you in S. DeKalb, this is especially important. Your legislators need to hear from you on this issue. They need to know that you have their back if Cunningham or Woods tries to organize something to fight them.<br /><br />This is key -- because a change in the structure of the board will trigger a new election quickly and we can organize to elect 5 strong members this time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74561520958264806632010-12-18T23:08:07.542-05:002010-12-18T23:08:07.542-05:00Other steps you can/should take is to write your b...Other steps you can/should take is to write your board members and suggest that they not support this raise. Offer an alternative if you choose, ie a bonus or something, but do send a brief email. <br /><br />Finally, if your board member happens to be Paul Womack or Don McChesney they need to stop being such asses when it comes to teachers in DeKalb. Teachers are very important and as a parent I often feel like I am the only voice criticizing these two men to their faces for their mistreatment of teachers. I can't vote for them and for now that is mote.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41233745854130024842010-12-18T23:04:36.924-05:002010-12-18T23:04:36.924-05:00Just a quick reminder that you don't have to ...Just a quick reminder that you don't have to wait until the January hearing to express your disgust with the proposed raise for Ms. Tyson. <br /><br />Instead, sign up to speak at the Board Meeting on January 3.<br /><br />MARGARET_C_FRANCOIS@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us<br /><br />Include in your email, your name, address and phone number <br /><br />I think it is truly important to do this at this meeting if you are able.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-49192267862837039162010-12-18T22:55:02.270-05:002010-12-18T22:55:02.270-05:00The highest paid employees of DeKalb public school...The highest paid employees of DeKalb public schools system should be the principals of our high schools. Why? Because they actually run our schools or, at least, they should. Until the salary schedule is turned upside down and the highest paid official in the central office makes no more than the highest paid principal, I harbor little hope of a rational system.<br /><br />The "parity" argument is a non-starter - most high profile superintendents are over paid in my humble opinion. These folks work hard, yes - too hard, if you ask me. I would love to have a lot fewer administrators at the central office who do a lot less work and a whole lot more people in our schools making the majority of the money.<br /><br />I feel like Alice in Wonderland the more I pay attention to public school system administration in our beloved country. "’Curiouser and curiouser!’ Cried Alice ..."Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-90998848447715254012010-12-18T22:49:47.754-05:002010-12-18T22:49:47.754-05:00I am so incredibly disapppointed in Ms. Tyson. I ...I am so incredibly disapppointed in Ms. Tyson. I think she is tired of working so much and I don't blame her at all for that. She should have gone to the Board and Ray and Associates and asked them to find a new interim for the next XXX months until a permanent superintendent could be found. <br /><br />I also know that she has some real enemies throughout the central office because of the whole book deal. Apparently Ralph Simpson and others have friends that are out to get her. I suspect that at the end of the 18 months her career at DCSS is over.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46997969278175606312010-12-18T22:46:52.422-05:002010-12-18T22:46:52.422-05:00"The school board members, two of whom will b..."The school board members, two of whom will be out of office after this month, all have an extreme interest in the redistricting process."<br /><br />This is BS. The author of the Dunwoody Talk blog is obsessed with redistricting. However, Roberts consistently supported the closing of schools even when the list included schools in her district. She might not have always said the nicest things on this issue, but she always said it needed to be done. I can't tell you why she was like this on this issue, just that she was.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com