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| Jeff Dickerson |
There is only one metro area popular politics-theme on local TV: The Georgia Gang. It's an important show, watched by most elected officials, bloggers, the behind the scenes crowd, etc., and it clearly shapes political debate locally and throughout the state.
On today's show, after discussing DeKalb's MAJOR increase in water & sewer rates, and CEO Burrell Ellis proposing a substantial property tax increase, of course moderator and DeKalb resident Dick Williams brought up the Ramona Tyson pay increase (aka "The Demand").
As I stated earlier, The Georgia Gang is extremely influential. Panelist Jeff Dickerson is now a highly paid spokesperson for the DeKalb County School System. For some reason, when his name and title is shown on the show, it has "Jeff Dickerson, Atlanta Tribune", even though he is nowhere to be found on the Atlanta Tribune site.
He is now the opposite of a journalist. He is a PR flack who purposedly tries to shape news coverage. In this tough economy, he gets paid handsomely to do so (from taxpayer dollars).
Whenever The Georgia Gang discusses the county school system, property taxes (which the school system receives 70% of), etc., Dickerson OF COURSE has an ethical duty, and a duty to the show's viewers, to disclose that he is a (highly) paid school system employee.
Instead...on today's show, he defends and justifies Tyson's demand for 44% pay increase and a 300% increase in her monthly expenses...WITHOUT DISCLOSING THAT HE WORKS FOR RAMONA TYSON???!!! She figuratively signs his paycheck!!
It's been a loooong time since I sat in my college ethics class, but any DCSS high school student can easily identify that Jeff Dickerson acted in an incredibly unethical manner, professionally and personally.
It's mind boggling that a pretty darn solid television news affiliate allowed Jeff Dickerson to intentionally shape the controversial debate regarding the Tyson contract demands without any disclosure. Fox 5 Atlanta is better than that. They really do a nice job without local news coverage and with their I-Team investigations.
Dickerson is at least pretty upfront on The Georgia Gang website that he is now a flack, not a practicing journalist:
Jeff Dickerson e-mail: jdmedia@comcast.net is president of Dickerson Communications, a public affairs firm that provides public relations, issues-management and media consulting services to private- and public-sector clients.
Dickerson Communications was launched in 2000 and specializes in crisis communications. The firm has helped some of Atlanta’s most prominent organizations manage public crises, including Coca Cola, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA, Delta Air Lines, AT&T, several state agencies, the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Atlanta Public Schools, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Grady Memorial Hospital and many others.
It is very telling that he does not list that he is currently well compensated as the DCSS' lead spokesperson.
So anyone unfamilar to Jeff Dickerson watches today's show and says, hmmm, this guy must be a respected journalist to be on the top politics TV show in Georgia, and he supports the Ramona Tyson Demand, so it must be legit, right?
But how do you think that same viewer would react to hearing Dickerson's strong defense of "The Demand" with the disclosure that Dickerson makes over $2,000 a week and Ramona Tyson is his boss???
I am spellbound by the complete lack of any disclosure, and the lack of professional and personal ethics displayed by Dickerson. Yep, I freely admit that I am so jaded by the last few years of scandal and fiscal management by DCSS that I'm hardly a fair judge. Am I wrong to be dismayed? Was Jeff Dickerson purposedly hired by the Central Office and BOE after they fired the respected Julie Rhame and three other DCSS public relations staff (of course only keeping Philandra Guillory, the daughter of former but still powerful BOE member Frances Edwards) because Dickerson can shape the debate via his valuable TV perch on The Georgia Gang?
Let's hear your take, DCSW readers? Jeff Dickerson: To Disclose or Not Disclose?
It is very telling that he does not list that he is currently well compensated as the DCSS' lead spokesperson.
So anyone unfamilar to Jeff Dickerson watches today's show and says, hmmm, this guy must be a respected journalist to be on the top politics TV show in Georgia, and he supports the Ramona Tyson Demand, so it must be legit, right?
But how do you think that same viewer would react to hearing Dickerson's strong defense of "The Demand" with the disclosure that Dickerson makes over $2,000 a week and Ramona Tyson is his boss???
I am spellbound by the complete lack of any disclosure, and the lack of professional and personal ethics displayed by Dickerson. Yep, I freely admit that I am so jaded by the last few years of scandal and fiscal management by DCSS that I'm hardly a fair judge. Am I wrong to be dismayed? Was Jeff Dickerson purposedly hired by the Central Office and BOE after they fired the respected Julie Rhame and three other DCSS public relations staff (of course only keeping Philandra Guillory, the daughter of former but still powerful BOE member Frances Edwards) because Dickerson can shape the debate via his valuable TV perch on The Georgia Gang?
Let's hear your take, DCSW readers? Jeff Dickerson: To Disclose or Not Disclose?
Watch the video clip from the Georgia Gang here -
198 comments:
Jeff Dickerson's contract with DCSS expired in October.
Umm, I've seen Dickerson in AJC articles after October listed as a DCSS spokesperson. Will look some up online.
Even if his contract ran out, should he disclose that he was a paid DCSS spokesperson? Then , no matter what he says, he has as much credibility as anyone else.
"Coca Cola, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA, Delta Air Lines, AT&T, several state agencies, the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Atlanta Public Schools, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Grady Memorial Hospital"
Surpirsed he doesn't list DCSS as one of the organizations as one of the "most prominent organizations manage public crises" for. DCSS is much bigger than the Atlanta school system Botanical Garden, Morehouse School of Medicine, etc. Seems he would want to list DCSS.
Unless he's trying to hide it.
Dick Williams needs to fix this. It is his show.
Looks like Dickerson was still getting paid by DCSS at least through mid-November!
From November 8th, listing Dickerson as a DCSS Spoesperson:
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/lockdown-over-at-dekalb-732360.html
About 12:45 p.m., a man pulled into the school's parking lot and shot someone across the street in the leg, said Jeff Dickerson, spokesman for the DeKalb County School System.
"The school will remain on lockdown until the suspect is apprehended or it's time for kids to go home," Dickerson told the AJC.
From Nov. 14th:
http://www.ajc.com/news/72-face-possible-sanctions-741513.html
Other districts, including DeKalb, are withholding details, citing the pending ethics cases.
“We’ll be transparent with the results and answer your questions as soon as we’re given clearance to do so by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement,” said Jeff Dickerson, a school system spokesman.
Dick Williams is an honest straight shooter. And he's a current journalist, as editor of The Dunwoody Crier.
Not sure why he's giving Dickerson a pass on this. But it's a major look the other way, that's for sure.
Anyone know any journalism professors or philosophy/ethics prof's? Would love to hear their take on Dickerson.
Do need to ask a professor, even the AJC reports that they are part of Cox when they do a story about Cox, CNN when they do anything about Time Warner, etc....
At a minimum, this should be disclosed.
But just like with everything else, I think we are a very small number of people who care!
"Was Jeff Dickerson purposedly hired by the Central Office and BOE after they fired the respected Julie Rhame and three other DCSS public relations staff (of course only keeping Philandra Guillory, the daughter of former but still powerful BOE member Frances Edwards) because Dickerson can shape the debate via his valuable TV perch on The Georgia Gang?"
Well. Duh? You think. How unethical to pretend you are an unbiased news person and then peddle a raise for your boss! What a negative for this show.
Cere,
Below is the video clip of this mornings the Georgia Gang segment.
Please feel free to embed into this conversation.
Georgia Gang 121910 DeKalb Raise for Ramona Tyson
John
I read this on the South DeKalb Blog (http://southdekalb.wordpress.com/), a great blog by the way.
"DeKalb bonds downgraded | ajc.com.
This is not good news for the county. We are sliding further from the AAA credit rating. This means the county will pay more in interest, sort of like a person with marginal credit. Thats bad news for all of us, and I wonder how the county will spin this as not so bad news. What was more disturbing was the fact that Moody’s downgraded the county’s outlook from stable to negative. There could be long-term pain for residents if this slide continues."
How many posters think the DeKalb County School System has some responsibility for the demise of DeKalb County?
Here is the ajc article.
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-bonds-downgraded-780494.html?cxtype=rss_dekalb
I agree with the moderator of South DeKalb blog. This is scary stuff. How do you think any PR person can spin this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4sGS3c37u0&NR=1
Well, at least here he admits he's a media consultant.
It was said on another post, but the positive about this Tyson big raise mess is that Tom Bowen won't win re-election.
And after talking to many DeKalbites, the Ramona Tyson demand for a raise was the last straw. People are outraged, and I think they will remember next November at the election booth.
Hold on Donna Edler and Nancy Jester, help is on the way.
I am afraid that people will have forgotten by next November. People forgot this November-look at the election results. People are fickle and if things are going okay, they will re-elect the incumbent. It's just human nature.
JD announcing his relationship with DCSS would be the same as the Titanic's principal designer raising his hand and saying: " yep, I built that! "
DCSS and the Titanic, there are definite similarities only we think there will be more Titanic survivors!
Ben Dover and Jim Bohica
Cohn and Wolf now handles the PR for DCSS. There is no Jeff Dickerson listed in the DCSS employee database.
Yes. But Jeff Dickerson has made thousands from DCSS by Ms. Tyson hiring him - and these dollars are very recent. You honestly don't see any conflict of interest here as he pumps up her right to a $75,000 raise which will result in a minimum of $1,000,000 more in retirement payments to Ms. Tyson from DCSS taxpayers?
Dickerson won't be in the school system employee database. He was hired as a consultant. He was the spokesperson at least until a few weeks ago. I believe he was being paid $2,000 per week. Might have been more.
@ anonymous 3:29 om
"Cohn and Wolf now handles the PR for DCSS. There is no Jeff Dickerson listed in the DCSS employee database."
How would we know? The DCSS BOE has refused to post the public minutes of the BOE meetings for 6 months since Ms. Tyson became the superintendent. These BOE meeting notes have been published for every meeting for 8 years from 2002 to July, 2010. Why won't Ms. Tyson and the BOE publish the BOE meeting notes anymore?
And who are you that you have access to the DCSS employee database?
The contract with Cohn and Wolf was approved at the October BOE meeting.
The employee directory is public for all to view.
@ anonymous 3:42
"The employee directory is public for all to view."
Could you tell us how to access the employee directory?
Interesting post from the Get Schooled blog.
Tyson's raise means taxpayers are on the hook for a whole lot more for her retirement.
If she collects retirement for 20, 25, 30, 40, how many years, this 44% raise means a major increase in the way her retirement will be calculated.
Now we know why it goes through 2012.
http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/12/17/does-dekalb-interim-school-chief-deserve-73000-raise/
Dekalbite
December 18th, 2010
2:43 pm
60% of $73,000 a year is $43,000 a year more for the rest of her life in retirement salary that DCSS will pay for this raise (60% of your last highest two contiguous years) + 3% increase every year.
$43,000 more a year in retirement for even 20 years in retirement means DCSS will now be on the hook for a million dollars. Already without the extra $43,000 she will get $100,000 a year in retirement just based on her current salary (and she’s not that far from retirement). Do we really need to obligate the taxpayers to $143,000 a year in retirement costs?
A bonus would have been appropriate, but a million dollar payout is crazy. Does the BOE realize this a million dollar commitment? I’m sure Mrs. Tyson does. She’s not that far from retirement so I’ll bet she’s looking forward to this raise.
Have you ever really looked at the DCSS website?
Wow, those retirement figures are the real story here.
How did the AJC miss that?
Her fat pay raise goes though June 30, 2012.
Tom Bowen clearly had to know the financial implications of not just giving her the big raise, but for extending it to 2012.
"Apples to Oranges" Tom Bowen?
Well, Mr. Tom Bowen, you just gave away another one million dollars in taxpayer money.
Another BOE/Central Office bleep-ing disaster.
Bowen is loved by his constituents, at least the ones I have met.
However, this debacle will lead to the demise of the BoE as we know it. The DeKalb delegation will surely shrink the Board now and the election will be sooner rather than later.
BUT, it isn't just changing the board members that has to happen it is the culture of DeKalb as a whole that needs to be changed. And that, my friends, is a much tougher nut to crack.
@ anonymous 3:47
" Have you ever really looked at the DCSS website?"
Many times. I've also looked at Community Net which is supposed to have every DCSS employee listed, but these folks are not there.
Can you give us a hint of how you found a listing of Cohn and Wolf - like maybe a link to the page that lists them?
@ anonymous 4:12
I believe anonymous 3:47 pm is referring to the staff directory on the Intranet that can only be accessed from a DCSS computer. Unless you are in front of a DCSS computer you can't access this staff directory since it contains the telephone numbers of the DCSS staff members. So I don't think this is an option for parents/taxpayers outside of DCSS.
The DCSS staff directory is openly available here:
http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/directory/
You just need to know at least a few letters of the last name.
This pay raise is a lot of doo-doo designed to better support an illusion.
You don't give people that type of money like that. The poor lady CANNOT be an effective principal at any level. She does not have the skills--period. If she had the required skills there'd be no need to conduct a job search---just pluck up any one out the administrative woodworks of any bureaucracy.
Whatever skills she is displaying is the result of taking her marching orders/advice from someone else who may be qualified but objectionable to the constituents/public. Somebody is off-stage prompting her? Who is this person? Who are these people?
Does any one really think that some one who could not manage her section/people (technology & personnel) all of a sudden can manage the whole enterprise?
Why is the board so agreeable to the raise? One answer: to better perfect the illusion...of who is in charge. Which board member or members are running the show?
It's all about her retirement.
Tom Bowen and the BOE just guaranteed Ramona Tyson an extra $1,000,000 retirement.
That's your tax money.
And she did a horrible job as head of DCSS MIS.
Typing teacher to millionaire. Sort of like C Lew's gym teacher to big dog ride.
This figures... I'm a teacher and they told us our contracts next year will be based on our "fulough" rate this year. They're not even putting us back at the rate of pay next year that we should have been at this year. Again... payting the FAT cats at the expense of the teachers -- the only ones in the system working directly with CHILDREN! Angry -- yes... surprised -- NO! Thanks BOE for your support!
~Disillusioned teacher~
<>
Are you thinking that RT is not really running the show? You don't think she can get a lucky streak of good decisions?
Are you saying that it would be weird for a court stenographer to step in as an interim lawyer and argue a case?
Jeff Dickerson is a joke. All he's done is write a couple of whiney editorials for the board and Ms. Tyson and barely answered/returned media calls. I know cause I work for a news outlet and have had dealings with him. And based on the consultant rate that he charged them, he would have made $150K a year if it was for the entire year.
He was also working for APS as a consultant, and if you saw him defending the CRCT cheating scandal on the Ga Gang, it was a joke. He was making excuses by saying that everyone was just picking on APS because they're a black system and blacks haven't had an equal education in this country for over 250 years. Really Jeff? What in the heck does that have to do with teachers and administrators cheating on tests and putting those students at risk for future failures. And 250 years? Might want to check your historical facts cause the US isn't that old. And yes, there have been horrible educational disparities between blacks and whites over the decades (I'm an older black female so I know firsthand), but come on. We need to demand more from our school administrators and teachers and stop making excuses!!
@ anonymous 4:56 and anonymous 3:42
"The DCSS staff directory is openly available here:
http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/directory/
You just need to know at least a few letters of the last name."
Thanks. But anonymous 3:42 said:
"The contract with Cohn and Wolf was approved at the October BOE meeting.
The employee directory is public for all to view."
Anonymous 3:42 - I went to this DCSS public directory and neither Cohn or Wolf are listed as DCSS employees. So you must be looking at an internal DCSS directory. There is no DCSS public directory listing these DCSS employees. Do they not have email accounts or phone numbers in the DCSS system? Who are these people who taxpayers are paying $282,000 a year. At least with Julie Rhame, the public could contact her.
You will never find them in the DCSS Directory. They are not listed as employees, because they aren't, they are consultants aka vendors. All who provide a service and/or a product to DCSS aren't listed as employees. You have to access the accounts payable vendor database...which is totally separate from the directory.
How many times does Dickerson have to say he was employed by the school system? He has done that on the program before. Ask Dick and he will surely point that out.
Since Dick drives the show, does he also have an obligation to point that out too? Since many people know that Dickerson was employed by the school system, is it really necessary to say that every time he comments on it? Most people have already made up their mind regarding his comments, so what difference does it make?
@ anonymous 6:59
So how would we access the accounts payable database?
Anonymous 3:42 says this is on the DCSS website. Could you give us a link? We would like to have access to the information that anonymous 3:42 assures us is public information.
@ anonymous 7:16 pm
"How many times does Dickerson have to say he was employed by the school system? He has done that on the program before. Ask Dick and he will surely point that out."
Every time he supports the DCSS administration he has an obligation to add that caveat. Do you think viewers watch every program? And could you please provide a link to a video of this program where he says he was an employee of DCSS?
From our new Cohn and Wolf Public Relations firm website:
"n today’s world “real time” is real important. So, we shape digital strategies that clients need, and use social media to deliver what consumers want. After all, no relationship ever works if only one person does all the talking.
Our specialty is branding."
LOL - they'll earn their pay at DCSS. Do you think they'll put a Facebook page up saying how great the DCSS administration and BOE are? They are big on social networks and technology. I hope they don't have to use DCSS technology.
Take a look at them. You're paying their salaries:
http://www.cohnwolfe.com/
Cohn & Wolfe is NOT an employee of DCSS. Cohn & Wolfe is a global public relations company. Cohn & Wolfe is a consultant to DCSS. A very expensive consultant. With big-name clients. DCSS is small potatoes to Cohn & Wolfe.
Per the Cohn & Wolfe website: "In every corner of the globe, a Cohn & Wolfe campaign has stirred the masses and thrilled our clients." See their offices here: http://www.cohnwolfe.com/en/global-network
Our hard-earned tax dollars are paying for part of Cohn & Wolfe's very substantial overhead.
Cohn and Wolfe's specialty is branding. Here's what they say about themselves: "The core of what we do is simple: we build brands by captivating, engaging and motivating stakeholders to act."
So, teachers, parents, students and taxpayers -- you all are DCSS's stakeholders. Are you captivated? Engaged? Motivated? As a part of the masses that C & W dismissively refers to, do you feel stirred?
Oh, wait a minute! C & W is paid with our tax dollars. So, that makes all of us -- the stakeholders and the masses -- C & W's client, too. Do you feel thrilled by the work they are doing for the Gang Who Couldn't Shoot Straight?
No? Not surprised. Education is not even one of the industries that Cohn and Wolfe specializes in. [http://www.cohnwolfe.com/en/industries].
But, then education is not really the core business of DCSS either. DCSS exists for one thing and one thing, only: to enrich the corrupt DCSS administrators and the equally corrupt BOE who enables and overlooks the corruption.
"How many times does Dickerson have to say he was employed by the school system? He has done that on the program before. Ask Dick and he will surely point that out."
How many times, Anon 7:16 PM ?
Every single time. If he values professional ethics, every single time.
I'm pretty sure he contract with DCSS is still ongoing.
There are no salaries involved with Cohn and Wolf. It was a fixed, fee contract of $262,000 through October of 2011.
Dickerson no longer has a contract with DCSS.
So what exactly are we getting from Cohn and Wolfe for $282,000 dollars. They needed to do some better spin for Ms. Tyson's million dollar raise.
Most know that George Stephanopoulos was a political advisor to President Clinton. He even served as his communications director then left after the 94 election.
He hosted This Week and is now on GMA. Does he indicate he formerly worked for Clinton whenever he conducts a political interview? He definitely did so when he began is career with ABC but not with every interview.
Several mention ethics for Dickerson but don't seen to hold Dick accountable. Check with Dick for when Dickerson mentioned his affiliation with the school district. He probably remembers each time it was done due to constant protest calls from many.
"Was Jeff Dickerson purposedly hired by the Central Office and BOE after they fired the respected Julie Rhame and three other DCSS public relations staff (of course only keeping Philandra Guillory, the daughter of former but still powerful BOE member Frances Edwards)"
$65,000 in 2004 to $114,000 in 2009. $115,000 in 2010.
I saw she got a raise in 2010 according to the new 2010 state and salary audit:
http://www.open.georgia.gov/
Did teachers also get a raise?
"Most know that George Stephanopoulos was a political advisor to President Clinton. He even served as his communications director then left after the 94 election.
He hosted This Week and is now on GMA. Does he indicate he formerly worked for Clinton whenever he conducts a political interview? '
Please direct us to a video a month after he worked for Clinton when he defends an action that directly puts money in Clinton's pocket and I'll buy your argument.
I am a long term substitute Math teacher at XHS in Dekalb County.
I will support Ms. Tyson's raise if she pays me what I would make as a certified teacher for the 89 days I put in as a teacher.
The teacher I replaced was making $3300.00 per month. I will settle for $3000.00 per month instead of the $1900 I am now making WITHOUT benefit.
Fair is fair or there is dishonesty here!
@ anonymous 9:11
Sounds like a good deal to me. At least DCSS taxpayers won't be on the hook for $1,000,000+ in retirement benefits like Ms. Tyson will be eligible for.
@Whatever skills she is displaying is the result of taking her marching orders/advice from someone else who may be qualified but objectionable to the constituents/public. Somebody is off-stage prompting her? Who is this person? Who are these people?
That is such good/unfair question!
Did the lady on the video say that Ramona's salary was "commiserate" (mis-prounounced) instead of commensurate? Probably an appropriate new use of the word.
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Notice of Statutory Hearing and Intent
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-212.6, the DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed salary increase of the Interim Superintendent on January 18, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. Public input and discussion will occur. Anyone wishing to speak at this public hearing may sign up to do so by completing a Request to Comment Card, in person, between 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., on the day of the public hearing. Also, prior to the hearing, please reduce comments to writing, in the event the Board cannot hear all comments at the public hearing.
Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-212.6, immediately following the public hearing, at 10:30 a.m., on January 18, 2011, at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083, the DeKalb County Board of Education will consider this matter. The rationale for this proposed action is to recognize the fact that the Interim Superintendent is serving in her current capacity for an extended period of time.
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
This last move is almost enough to drive this teacher who has invested the past 8 years in Dekalb County Schools to pack up and leave! I am tired of being slapped in the face over and over again by this board and administration! I love teaching, but I can't stand to sit back and watch them sink us even further, if that's even possible! What am I to do, but leave? Our Teacher Advisory Council is a joke, teacher concerns sent to county admin via school admin. fall on deaf ears, and addressing the board/admin is a no-no as we have been warned to follow chain of command procedures. We have got to change something, and we've got to do it now! I am willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means losing my job to get them to WAKE UP in the county office. I want to teach, I want resources for my students, and I want support from my county office! Is that too much to ask? (Apparently)
Hey, could this whole Tyson raise thing be a diversion? Maybe the BOE does not want us to look at their right hand currently, maybe we should be watching their left hand right now?
Just asking the question. This whole thing stinks and I would love to hear what the consultants for redistricting and the Super search think about this. Amazingly this happens after the charrettes and the Super Search meetings last week. What's up?
Tyson needs to go on Undercover Boss and see just what it's like to work in the schools she "leads." There when the roof leaks. There when the HVAC is down. There when the computer network she oversaw fails. There when teachers are filing needless paperwork. There when students are defiant and disrespectful and the Admin. shakes their head and says, "I don't know what to do with them." There when you hear the boss is getting a pay raise that is higher than your current yearly salary which will be even lower after the new insurance rates kick in. There when a child smiles as a teacher does his or her job. There when a student "gets it" for the first time. There when the teacher arrives before their required time, eats a 15 minute lunch in a room with 400 kids, makes countless phone calls and parent conferences during planning, and leaves after the sun goes down all to make every attempt to motivate and inspire the students. There when a child says this is the one place where they are told they CAN do it! There when awards are given, performances are done, and lives are changed.
There in the good and bad.
In the end, she would see the bad side of the day is inpsired by the County Office, while the good side of the day is all brought on by the teacher. Teachers are doing their job, NOW DO YOURS!
This Tyson episode was the last straw. To ask for such a raise when her subordinates are being furloughed and laid off is unconscionable. No doubt, more will have to be furloughed just to pay her this raise. Ms. Tyson defines greed and selfishness.
This Board of Education is simply unfit to serve - it is in total disconnect with the residents of Dekalb County. I really don't think that the Dekalb Legislative group will have the luxury of reducing the size of this Board. I think that SACS will dig into what is obviously a big mess and will, at a minimum, put the District on probation. Then, and only then, will Governor Deal dismiss the entire Incumbent Board. That day can't come soon enough.
NO RAISE TYSON! Do the opposite, take a pay cut and hire back someone that is living on the street in a box in the bitter cold. Fire CO staff that are creating jobs for others just to keep their own. Adjust CO classified salaries to match school house classified salaries. Adjust salaries of all demotions to match their new job title, not their previous title. You accepted the job as an interim "as is" just like acting principals and long term subs accept theirs. What's next? Dr. Beasley asking for a raise because he's an "interim"? Give me a break! NO RAISE TYSON! Not in a furlough year...not with a $50 million deficit...NO RAISE TYSON!
I am having a very hard time with this raise for Ms. Tyson.
I think what she and the Board has forgotten is that while she is serving as Interim, she doesn't have the experience to be teh permanent superintendent. Therefore, she should not be paid as such.
Honestly, if the system had hired a retired superintendent from somewhere else to serve as interim, I would feel differently if that person came in with strong credentials.
What has been done here is unconscionable. I hope that people are writing their board members. There are other ways to reward her.
If I'm not mistaken, she has a masters degree... at least Dr. Lewis had a Ph.D..
Anon 12:12, I too have heard from many, many teachers that the Teacher Advisory Council is useless because the Central Office does not allow anything of substance to reach the BOE.
If anyone has access to the meeting minutes of Teacher Advisory Council meetings, please e-mail them to the blog or just post them yourself.
Some Board of Educations have a teacher as an ex officio member. Any competent Superintendent would meet with the Teacher Advisory Council quarterly. Any competent Board of Education chair (unlike Tom Bowen) would allow the Teacher Advisory Council to give an annual report at a public BOE meeting.
The Teacher Advisory Council could be a valuable tool to help improve DCSS. But for now and years before, the Central Office has suppressed them and taken all the air outta that ballon!
@Honestly, if the system had hired a retired superintendent from somewhere else to serve as interim, I would feel differently if that person came in with strong credentials.
Absolutely. They hired instead someone without any experience or competence.
This raise is a diversion to make us believe it was a wise choice. I don't get this BOE. Or is it someone from within or associated with the BOE running the show?
The raise is not a diversion. It was orchestrated by Ramona Tyson to add another $1,000,000+ to her retirement package.
She knows the weak-willed Tom Bowen doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to go out and get a retired supt., as he should have done in the first place.
Tyson used her perceived power position to extort, I mean demand, the raise which leads to another $1,000,000+ to her during her retirement years.
Yes, she is doing a decent job under hard circumstances. But taxpayers are going to pay her a freaking million plus dollars over her retirement when instead we should just be paying a retired superintendent $20-25,000 a month until the new supt. is hired. We wouldn't be on the hook for anything else.
Tom Bowen and the BOE have no problem with spending a million dollars on Tyson. They don't care how they spend OUR money, and they know Tyson will still let them get away with all their nonsense and pet projects, whereas a strong retired supt. would call them out on their junk.
Help us Nancy Jester and Donna Edler! And please, please voters vote out Tom Bowen when he's up for re-election (and doesn't Tom have relatives working for DCSS?).
If Tyson is smart, she will ask for a low-key, low pay (say $120K) position after her two years at this salary are up, and the coast at that desk job (like half the folks at the county office) for another 10 years or so until she hits 40 years. Then she will be able to pull 80% of her highest 2 years in retirement, which will be almost $200K.
And just wait fellow teachers, when they keep our salary the same next year but demand we teach the furlough days... know what that's called? A pay cut.
SACS AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE: WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU LOOKING AT THIS NONSENSE? DO YOU HAVE A PLAN TO SILENCE THIS BOE? I AM SICK.
1) Yes, this all came down because Tyson recognized she was in a power position and she's well aware that Tom Bowen is a weak, no guts leader. If Bowen has any backbone, he would have resigned the day after Crawford Lewis and Pat Pope were indicted for criminal enterprise.
2) But the increase is once again indicative of the simple fact that this Board of Education throws around our tax dollars like its Monopoly money!
They all know that the raise means a million dollars more to Tyson over her retirement.
They don't care about giving her a million dollars more, as long as she doesn't cause any embarasment to them!
They don't care if there are teachers struggling to get by. They don't care if school roofs leak and there's mold in air conditioning systems. They don't care if some schools are trailer cities.
What are you going to do about it, Joe Taxpayer? Does anyone other than those who read this blog regularly give a flip about another million dollars in taxes down the drain?
@Yes, she is doing a decent job under hard circumstances.
By what lights is she doing a good job?
Let's consider these issues:
eSIS is still baffling classroom teachers!
She has hired the Beasley!
She continues to allow the administration of flawed benchmarks!
Principals are hired willy-nilly based on family connections!
Student discipline is unenforceable!
Social promotion is disguised by no zero policies and/or its corollaries!
Teachers are bullied by principals dressed in $1000 suits!
Social security and/or Board TSA is not paid!
Step increases provided/paid for by the State of Georgia are not passed on to teachers!
And many more.....
She must be doing a good job because she has left Chamblee-Dunwoody-Druids Hill-Lakeside alone!!!
"What are you going to do about it, Joe Taxpayer? Does anyone other than those who read this blog regularly give a flip about another million dollars in taxes down the drain?"
I don't think so. A huge percentage of DeKalb residents are totally disconnected. They don't read the newspaper, thy don't watch the news and they don't read this or other blogs. And in this I am included some people with college educations.
Most people are just resigned to the fact that all politicians are corrupt and dishonest.
The other day we were dicussion a friends' child who cannot tell a lie. Someone at the table suggested that we needed him in politics. His father said the child would self-implode his first day in service.
Bowen has many flaws. However, he erred big time in believing that this would all just blow over and Dr. Lewis would be back in just a few weeks.
The problem is deeper than the salary bomb being dropped on Mrs. Tyson's lap. Folks go into education knowing it pays modestly, but then discover the way to riches and power is to get a lame degree in eductional leadership. Once in some sort of administrative job, they believe they are now due to be paid at the same level as an executive in the private sector. The result is teachers continue to be paid their modest salaries, and their supervisors, whose only qualification for promotion is often ambition, reward one another with big salaries. Most of these folks couldn't make nearly as much in the private sector as they do in public education. The entire pay system is grossly flawed. The teacher who does the job makes far less than those who bailed out of the classroom to find an easier job that pays better.
Quite honestly, Ms. Tyson should be doing the interim job pro bono as atonement for the many years of mismanagement with which she crippled the MIS department.
I assuming that it is possible to completely mismanage a division of a school system one day and on the very next day becoming able to miraculously properly manage the entire school system. This is akin to the theory that bad teachers make great principals.
Can anyone tell us about Ms. Tyson's days at IBM? What? No one? Was she stationed on an atoll in the Pacific?
All I know is there is no way on God's green earth that Ramona Tyson would make anywhere near HALF as much in the private sector!
This is no more than the standard inequity in the system. Ridiculously highly paid administrators in the central office and teachers taking cut after cut, but doing the real work in the system. Tyson is not surprised, in fact, she's used to it. She's been a part of it for many, many years and has become an expert at playing the game. It's like an episode of "Survivor".
She said it best herself in this AJC article.
Superintendent: Inequities at DeKalb schools
“I’m not surprised by the inequities,” Tyson told the AJC. “We see it all over the district.”
Oh, so now after all these years, she suddenly cares.
Yeah, right.
Wow! As a retired teacher, I always believed I didn't get into teaching for the money, but for the desire to serve and inspire.
How stupid was I?
I have to say, I personally think that much of what Ramona Tyson is being credited for has been initiated by SACS. She certainly didn't dream up these charrettes nor the facilities audits being conducted by the planning department. Also, certainly the new internal auditor (a professional from the auto industry) must have something to do with the new looks into system operations. Ramona has simply served as chief communicator of everything going on around her. Although she has done a decent job of keeping the ship afloat, I have to doubt whether she would have initiated these efforts without big pushes from the state DOE, state legislators and SACS leaders.
This is work that should have been done years ago. We are bleeding money that should be given to us by the state, but since we have run such an ineffective, loose system for so long, we have suffered the losses. This is thanks to Dr. Lewis and Pat Pope who allowed for the system to run amuck, simply because they didn't want to have to meet with state leaders, lest they get "found out". The board in charge of him at the time is also culpable and IMO, liable for damages and inequity.
No, she is not driving change - others in more powerful positions are demanding it. She is just doing a good job of managing those demands.
If Ramona truly had the moxie she is given credit for, she would not only publish the 2004 Ernst and Young salary audit that showed just how overpaid some in the system are, she would have ordered a brand new audit months ago. She would also, in the true spirit of transparency, post the check register online so that taxpayers could see where every dime is spent.
Ooops - can't do that - there would be mutiny if we could see how much goes out to attorneys!
Where's the educational adequacy report for the staff at the Central Office, affectionately called the Palace? Mr. Drake needs to do one on the MIS Dept. how many non-schoolhouse personnel really know what they're doing?
Ms. Million Dollar Tyson oversaw the DCSS MIS Dept. for years. She even had no idea employees were hiding out, not reporting for their real jobs, after being given significant pay increases and also had no idea how to do their jobs.
Jamal Edwards, son of former BOE Chairperson Francis Edwards, comes to mind first. How many more clueless folks do we have at the Central Office? Do I even have to ask this question? Can you believe it? A person does not report to their new job, with a pay increase, for 6 months until parents at a school discover this person has been hiding out. How come Tyson didn't know this? Today, Tyson is given a 44% raise and this Jamal Edwards continues to work for the system? I smell a huge rat and it's Ms. Tyson.
She shouldn't be given a raise she should be shown the door!
Hey, we made the biggest political blog in Georgia:
http://www.peachpundit.com/2010/12/17/dekalb-school-super-asks-for-raise-but/
And Cere, regarding this:
"Also, certainly the new internal auditor (a professional from the auto industry) must have something to do with the new looks into system operations."
I truly believe there is a new internal auditor because of the discussion that came from THIS blog. It sure didn't originate from the BOE. This blog has directly and indirectly sparked some of the major upcoming changes from the school system.
No more fat retirements. No more nepotism. No more fraternity/sorority-related promotions. No more New Birth mafia in admin positions. A Change Is Gonna Come, yes it is.
I hope you are right, but I don't think that your optimism is well placed. Time will tell.
Nothing new here. Check out the highest paid college president, according to Atlanta Unfiltered.
Walter Broadnax, ex-Clark Atlanta U. president: $1,149,666
Broadnax’s base pay, as reported to the IRS, was:
$341,527 in FY 2006,
$355,200 in FY 2007
$1,149,666 in 2008.
And then on February 7, 2009, the Chronicle tells us,
Clark Atlanta U. Cuts 100 Workers, Including 70 Professors
Facing falling enrollment, Clark Atlanta University laid off 100 employees on Friday, including 70 full-time faculty members.
Carlton E. Brown, president of the historically black institution, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the university remained financially sound. “This is how we stay that way,” he said. “You have to fit what you do to what you can pay for what you do.”
Enrollment has been falling at Clark Atlanta for several years, from 5,000 in 2001 to 3,900 this semester, according to the president. Several hundred students dropped out or transferred this semester for financial reasons, he told the newspaper. —Scott Smallwood
http://chronicle.com/article/Clark-Atlanta-U-Cuts-100/42378
Listen up! It's not about education. It's not about children. It's about power, control, access and money.
EDUCATION IS THE BEST GIG FOR INFLATED SALARIES AND PENSIONS FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T IN CORPORATE AMERICA.
SAME THING, BUT DIFFERENT.
A good example of bad math and bad information is "60% of $73,000 a year is $43,000 a year more for the rest of her life in retirement salary that DCSS will pay for this raise (60% of your last highest two contiguous years) + 3% increase every year."
This is particularly bad math and bad information. Teacher retirement pays 2% if your salary for each year you work. In order to pay 60% you would need to work 30 years in the retirement system. The salary is determined by the highest two full years of pay. If Tyson works one full year with the raise and one half year with the raise then her highest two years will be the average of those two years. Presently she has worked 22 years and would need 8 more to get to 60 (provided she has the appetite to put up with all the hate she gets off this blog). If she retires after 2012 she would get and extra 11 K per year and if she lasts 8 more years
she would make an extra 30 per year. If she makes 30 years she would have to live another 33.3 years to get an extra million in retirement. That would require her to live about 38 years from now. Additonally if she does the extra retriement doesn't cost DeKalb. It comes out the state teacher retirement system. Part of that will be funded by deductions from Ms. Tyson's pay checks.
You can't just access the accounts payable database, unless you are an employee, specifically a finance employee. You would have to do an open records request on all payments made to the company or consultant for which you believe received payment from DCSS.
I don't think the raise is for 1 year. I think it's for 18 months. I guess you know more about her retirement age.
Anon 3:00 PM
the 1 MILLION calculation was assuming that she stayed in the school system for 30 years. The 2% per year multiplier was used. Her new contract is written so that she will have the two contiguous years at the outrageously high salary. The math was correct.
Didn't CLew once present a plan where some of those working in administration would either be fired or take teachers positions at a lower salary?
I have yet to see anything about what has been accomplished by the new super auditor. Have I missed it?
Does anyone have the e-mail or snail mail address for SACS so that complaints can be registered. This incident is an outstanding example of the rot that infects the entire system and we should register our complaints.
I seem to remember that there recently was a movie "million Dollar baby". It seems as though DCSS has its own.
I'm surprised Dickerson didn't declare her one of his "Winners of the Week!"
Why does the system need to have a spokesman who can sleek out the decisions of the board? We wouldn't need to spend so much money on this kind of spokesman or all of the attorneys if the board and the administration were making good decisions that benefited the students. Let's ask the board to be honest about how much they are spending to clean up and/or "spin" decisions like this which do not DIRECTLY impact classrooms and learning in a positive manner. If it doesn't, then let the board start paying the taxpayers back.
The only question EVERY board member should ask about ANY decision they make should be "how will this DIRECTLY improve student learning conditions and situations"? If there is someone whose salary is increased who is not DIRECTLY involved with students, the answer, in these economic times, should be NO. If the learning situation cannot be DIRECTLY improved by the decision, then the answer should be NO.
As an aside, do the other school districts in the area have to hire outside consultants to do consolidation and redistricting? I don't think so. Again, this board and this administration love to spend money but hate to do the hard work of the system. They certainly have no interest in education.
Actually, I think for large scale redistricting and consolidations, consultants are absolutely used.
The school board isn't suppose to do the work of the system, rather they are there to make policy and approve recommendations.
Anon 3:00 pm, you're math is the bad math.
60% of Tyson's $76,000 raise is $45,600.
If Tyson works for DCSS just eight more years, which is very feasible, then the $76,000 raise means she would make an EXTRA million in retirement, in addition to her current retirement, in just 22 years. Not a million in retirement in 22 years, but an extra million in retirement in 22 years.
But isn't there a 3% annual increase in the retirement? She would make her extra million much quicker.
If Tyson works eight more years, she's looking at an incredible retirement of $144,000 per year, not counting the 3% kicker I'm unsure of.
If she retires with 30 years at her current rate of $164,000, she'd be looking at an annual retirement of $98+ per year.
Her DEMAND for $76,000 over two years nets her close to $150 per annually in retirement, and much more if there is a 3% kicker.
I only hope that DCSS Central Office hotshots don't have any retirement perks that are different/better than our teachers and shool house support staff.
@3:00 said: "..Additonally if she does the extra retriement doesn't cost DeKalb. It comes out the state teacher retirement system."
This is school board member logic. It's not real money, it's taxpayer money.
I'm guessing Anon 3:00 pm is Jeff Dickerson, or a current or retired Central Office administrator.
I thought that the Teacher Pension fund is an investment fund. Am I confused?
Her new contract is written so that she will have the two contiguous years at the outrageously high salary
How do you know? Have you seen the contract?
From all media accounts, this is an 18 month contract, not the 24 months you claim.
There is heck of a lot of misinformation on this topic - most of it intentional in my view.
The Teachers Retirement Fund IS just like any other retirement program - both the employer and employee contribute to the fund.
Anon 5;21, what is the misinformation? The AJC gets its info. directly from the school system's PR rep's. What is the misinformation you're referring to???
2012??? I want t0 see Crawofrd Lewis and Pat Pope behind bars!!
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-schools-corruption-trial-783504.html
The corruption trial for DeKalb County's former schools superintendent could be pushed back until 2012, prosecutors told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.
We're going to hold you to this Gene, even though you have more relatives working for DCSS than any other BOE member:
"We’re getting tougher. Changing our culture, District 9 School Board Member Dr. Eugene Walker said after the board voted unanimously Dec. 6 to amend three key policies."
http://www.championnewspaper.com/news/articles/719amendment-changes-toughen-dekalb-school-policies719.htmlhttp://www.championnewspaper.com/news/articles/719amendment-changes-toughen-dekalb-school-policies719.html
In ANY increased salary scenario of 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months Ms. Tyson's salary basis for retirement in the near or distant future is significantly ameliorated.
Her care-taker status does not warrant the higher salary nor the retirement benefits it accrues.
Give the poor woman an option: a one time bonus without retirement impact or return to her previous position. The Beasley or the Dunson would be happy to float the DCSS ship into June 2011.
@ Anonymous 4:46 pm
You are correct although the figures would be slightly less for Ms. Tyson since she has an 18 month contract:
Here are reputable sources for this discussion of retirement:
1. Taxpayers (DCSS) contributes to school employees' retirement fund, and school employees contribute to retirement fund. DCSS is responsible for 10.28% of a school employee's retirement contribution and the school employee is responsible for 5.53% of their retirement contribution:
"Teachers Retirement Plan: The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is one of the best in the nation with 10.28% of salary paid by the DeKalb Board of Education with teachers contributing only 5.53%. For more information regarding the Teacher Retirement System, please visit the TRS website at www.trsga.com"
Source: DCSS website
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/administration/humanresources/benefits.html
2. 2% x the number of years worked x the average of your highest 2 continuous years forms the basic retirement salary:
a. example #1: 2% x 30 years = 60% x $165,000 = $99,000
b. example #2: $144,000 2% x 30 years = 60% x $240,000 = $144,000):
"Defined Benefit Plan – (DB), the TRS Plan.
"As its name implies, your retirement benefit is “defined” by calculation using your years of membership service, the average of your two highest membership salary years, and a 2% multiplier. Under this plan, you assume no investment risk, plus you have survivor and disability protection while you are an active member. Also, you are guaranteed retirement income for the rest of your life. "
Source: Teachers Retirement System website
http://www.trsga.com/active-members.aspx
3. TRS retirees are guaranteed a 1.5% COLA every six months.
"The current index is higher than the base indexes for all remaining retirees; therefore, these retirees
are eligible to receive a 1.5% COLA effective January 1, 2011."
source: http://www.trsga.com/news/january-1-2011-cost-of-living-adjustments.aspx
... and click on Download the January 1, 2011 COLA Memo
4. The Teachers Retirement Fund invests in pension fund vehicles (stocks, bonds, etc.) to increase the principal of TRS and meet TRS obligations like any other pension fund.
"INVESTMENTS — The System has continued to invest in a mix of high quality bonds and stocks as it historically has done. These types of investments have allowed the System to participate in rising markets, while moderating the risks on the downside. New funds continue to be invested in high quality securities. A high quality balanced fund has proven to be a successful strategy in a variety of markets over a long period of time."
source: Teacher Retirement System website:
http://www.trsga.com/publications.aspx
....and click on 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
At best the BOE should be operating from Ms. Tyson's old salary (bloated or not).
To that salary they should a "bonus" of 1/10, 1/20 of her salary. That is what they do when they give teachers an "extended" day.
Ms. Tyson resume is not that of a superintendent.
Part 1 of post:
@ Anonymous 4:46 pm
You are correct although the figures would be slightly less for Ms. Tyson since she has an 18 month contract:
Here are reputable sources for this discussion of retirement:
1. Taxpayers (DCSS) contributes to school employees' retirement fund, and school employees contribute to retirement fund. DCSS is responsible for 10.28% of a school employee's retirement contribution and the school employee is responsible for 5.53% of their retirement contribution:
"Teachers Retirement Plan: The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is one of the best in the nation with 10.28% of salary paid by the DeKalb Board of Education with teachers contributing only 5.53%. For more information regarding the Teacher Retirement System, please visit the TRS website at www.trsga.com"
Source: DCSS website
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/administration/humanresources/benefits.html
2. 2% x the number of years worked x the average of your highest 2 continuous years forms the basic retirement salary:
a. example #1: 2% x 30 years = 60% x $165,000 = $99,000
b. example #2: $144,000 2% x 30 years = 60% x $240,000 = $144,000):
"Defined Benefit Plan – (DB), the TRS Plan.
"As its name implies, your retirement benefit is “defined” by calculation using your years of membership service, the average of your two highest membership salary years, and a 2% multiplier. Under this plan, you assume no investment risk, plus you have survivor and disability protection while you are an active member. Also, you are guaranteed retirement income for the rest of your life. "
Source: Teachers Retirement System website
http://www.trsga.com/active-members.aspx
3. TRS retirees are guaranteed a 1.5% COLA every six months.
"The current index is higher than the base indexes for all remaining retirees; therefore, these retirees
are eligible to receive a 1.5% COLA effective January 1, 2011."
source: http://www.trsga.com/news/january-1-2011-cost-of-living-adjustments.aspx
... and click on Download the January 1, 2011 COLA Memo
Part 2 of post:
4. The Teachers Retirement Fund invests in pension fund vehicles (stocks, bonds, etc.) to increase the principal of TRS and meet TRS obligations like any other pension fund.
"INVESTMENTS — The System has continued to invest in a mix of high quality bonds and stocks as it historically has done. These types of investments have allowed the System to participate in rising markets, while moderating the risks on the downside. New funds continue to be invested in high quality securities. A high quality balanced fund has proven to be a successful strategy in a variety of markets over a long period of time."
source: Teacher Retirement System website:
http://www.trsga.com/publications.aspx
....and click on 2010 Co
Regarding the pension discussion:
DeKalb teachers are on par or less with salary and benefits than teachers in Gwinnett and Fulton so their salaries and retirement benefits are not up for debate if we want teachers to teach our children (that is our core business isn't it?).
But you can see the considerable amount that goes to TRS (close to $90,000,000 a year). It is critical that the DCSS BOE and the DCSS administration controls excess non-teaching personnel in the form of admin and support as well as takes a hard look at non-teaching personnel's salaries since there is a 10.28% override for retirement contributions from taxpayers.
Cutting, consolidating and outsourcing non-teaching positions needs to be done to avoid these high benefit payments. Invest the savings of the benefit money into hiring more teachers for the classroom content areas of science, math, social studies and language arts.
This BOE and DCSS administration does not seem to understand that. I'm not sure if they've done the math.
Ms. Tyson resume is not that of a superintendent
But, that is the job she is doing - resume or not.
7:24 p.m. is exactly right. The pension obligations of state and local governments, such as DCSS, are bankrupting local governments and we taxpayers are going to be left holding the bag. If you watched 60 minutes last night you would have seen a renowned economist predict that the next institituion to implode is local government.
And I thought Womack claims to have financial expertise.
@8:06
Give superintendent "substitute pay" then!
The average super makes less than $160 000 per annum.
We have inflated the superintendent rate of pay exactly the way we've inflated the home values nationwide. Stop the madness now! They are not governors or senators...
Even if the contract is for 18 months, the total money she will be making that second year will be added to the salary she reverts back to when the 18 month contract is done, unless she flies the coop, the total salary that second year will still be second highest of her tenure, the math kicks back in and it seems to me she will still be a million dollar baby. What a great Christmas gift!
@ Anon 7:24 " This BOE and DCSS administration does not seem to understand that (how pension, colas. etc. are figured) . I'm not sure if they've done the math."
I am sure that they darn well do understand the math. You must consider that DCSS is run as a job bank and wealth redistribution vehicle (probably dreamed up by the BISHOP). Educating children is only the legal hook that they use to extract money from the taxpayers for the benefit of the administrators to whom the wealthiest to be distributed. Instant creation of an upper-middle-class with little effort by its participants.
The teachers, most of whom really do care about educating children,are merely pawns in this game. The real teachers never break into the administration and become part of the inner circle to enjoy the largesse. But they still get reasonable pensions upon retirement.
This pension game cannot go on forever. it probably will last longer in DeKalb County than in more educated places because of the demographics. "We are now getting ours" as you and I keep working to pay taxes. It is nothing more than legalized extortion.
All this is why my children are in private school. And yes, I'm still paying for your children who attend public school and it's still worth it to me.
If you don’t want to do the math, here are the precise calculations for Ms. Tyson's $76,000 raise for 18 months:
1/2 year at $165,000 (.5 x $165,000 = $82,500)
1 1/2 years at $240,000 (1.5 x $240,000 = $360,000)
$82,500 + $360,000 = $442,500 divided by 2 years = $221,250 average high 2 years
$221,250 x .60% (retirement percentage) = $132,750
So if she gets this raise, she will retire at $132,750 ($33,750 more than she would have if she retired at her current salary of $165,000). But the magic of COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) will be at work:
If she retired at the current salary of $165,000:
2 years x $165,000 = $330,000/2 years = $165,000 average high 2 years
$165,000 x .60 (retirement percentage) = $99,000
Let’s look at her 3%”guaranteed” COLA a year Look at the 3% a year *guaranteed" COLA a year (this is conservative since it's actually compounded every 6 months at 1.5%):
101,970
105,029
108,179
111,425
114,768
118,211
121,757
137,039
141,150
145,384
149,746
154,238
158,865
163,631
168,540
173,596
178,803
184,167
189,693
195,383
201,244
207,281
213,500
219,905
226,502
Total: $399,0006
Look at the 3% a year *guaranteed" COLA a year (this is conservative since it's actually compounded every 6 months at 1.5%):
136,732
140,834
145,059
149,411
153,893
158,510
163,265
168,163
173,208
178,404
184,757
190,299
196,008
201,888
207,945
214,184
220,609
227,227
234,044
241,065
248,296
255,745
263,418
271,320
279,460
Total: $5,003,744
I know she may get some raises over the next 7 or 8 years, but if we throw in the extra $76,000 x 1.5 years (18 months), that $114,000 should cover the raises she gets. So if she collects retirement for 25 years, DCSS is indeed “on the hook” for over $1,000,000. Please show me how these figures are incorrect.
Do you see why teachers and parents are aghast at this raise?
I served on the Teachers Advisory Council for several years. Under Dr. Brown, elected representatives from each school stayed as reps year after year. They liked their positions on the TAC and used them to advocate for teachers. Dr. Brown seemed to want an honest forum at the meetings where people actually got up and complained, and he assigned various administrators to deal with their issues.
Under Dr. Lewis, the elected reps were soon replaced by Teachers of the Year, a less adversarial bunch, but more importantly, a group whose composition changed every year. No chance for advocacy or even knowing who your rep was. Under Dr. Lewis, the group became simply an audience before which the administration would present its same old tired programs.,
That's where Ms. Tyson learned what the TAC is and could be. She cannot imagine what a truly representative group would be like,nor can she provide an actual forum for us to air grievances. Under Dr. Lewis, the TAC became a scripted affair. That's when I quit serving on it.
We need a way for teachers to have a voice in DCSS policies and decisions. We're always sitting silent while administrators, board members, and even parents, discuss us and our role. Our so-called educators' groups are only there if we get sued, or want to start a lawsuit--not to help us stand up to these poor excuses for authority figures.
It's time for teachers to have real representation in bargaining for better conditions for ourselves, so that we can educate the students of DCSS. Ms Tyson's raise feels like a big kick in the backside, when we're already down and looking forward to a semester of threats, anxiety, and broken promises.
Anon 9;53, I shed a tear reading your e-mail. It truly touched me. We have so many strong teachers in DCSS, yet the Central Office and BOe continue to treat them like dirt, and parents/taxpayers like myself don't champion you as we should.
I vow to make a difference. I will contact my BOE rep's and push for better conditions and pay for teachers, with a resultant reducation of staff and waste for the Central Office conglomeration of fools.
What do you expect from BOE members like Gene Walker?
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
"State paid $190,000 to settle earlier sex harassment suit"
The sexual harassment lawsuit pending against state parole board member Gene Walker isn't the first time he's been named in such a case. The Associated Press has learned that the state quietly paid $190,000 a dozen years ago to settle the first lawsuit in which Walker was accused of sexually harassing a secretary.
The payment has never been identified as such in a state budget or audit, but following inquiries by The AP, the Legislative Fiscal Office and the state auditor confirmed the money was paid through a budget category labeled "other operating funds" of the state Senate in 1993.
The earlier lawsuit was filed when Walker was a powerful state senator. The state paid to settle allegations that he and two legislative colleagues sexually harassed a secretary in the state Senate.
An even bigger payout potentially is at stake in the current lawsuit against Walker, which was filed by a former parole board secretary. Plaintiff's lawyers have told the state's risk managers they believe their claim is worth $1 million to $3 million in damages.
Walker, who helps decide when murderers, sex offenders, and other felons are released from prison, declined a request for an interview. He referred questions through a parole board spokeswoman to his state-paid attorney, Bruce Edenfield.
This blog ie beginning to loose its getting to be too racist and too North Vs. South. We need to look on the positive side. Roll up our positive sleeves and God favored ways to bring this school system out of the dumps that started with Halfold, improved with Brown, went to the dumps with Lewis and is on the rise again with Tyson.
I SUPPORT AND APPRECIATE HER LEADERSHIP DURING THESE THESE DIFFICULT TIMES 100%. I say give her her money. She certainlt deserves more than the $165,000 Salary paid to Thompson, Turk, Wilson & Moseley when some of them are trying to stap her in the back.
criteria of success. Let's pay her for the work and sacrafices she has made for this system
This PROVEN Administrator did not Ask, Apply nor Desire the job. Degrees are not evidence of success. No doubt she has done a fantastic, difficult and challenging job as she has neglected her young family. Let;s get behind her and support her.
It's not about supporting or not supporting her. She's an acting superintendent filling a void required by law, with by her own admission no intent whatsoever of remaining in the post.
She has served in this role for 10 months. It's simply unconscionable to pay her $1M in addition to the annual increase of $73K. Give her a one-time bonus, if she stays on another year give it to her again, but leave the extra million for the kids.
COLA's are not guaranteed - there is a formula to that as well, dependent on CPI.
Many of you are posting incorrect information - please read up on the TRS. There is a whole entire website full of information. The ignorance on this subject needs to cease.
Hey 2:06, What are you talking about? A north South issue? I don't care if Ms. Tyson is black or white, during these tough times no one should expect or get a 44% raise. We have teachers, who deserve a lot more than what they have been given the past couple of years. If Tyson wanted to win respect of the stakeholders she should have come out and refused the raise and asked for a bonus instead.
Ms. Tyson did NOT do a good job when she headed MIS. The Dept. got too big too fast and all the BOE did was purchase odd programs and systems that have nont worked well together.
This is not about north or south, this is about simple economics. The entire leadership remains in place at DCSS, why? Herself, Turk, Moseley, Mitchell-Mayfield, Thompson, Ramsey, Beasley, latest hire. They all remain in place after a huge scandal involving a corrupt Super and COO took advantage of a system. All these people did was look the other way. It's time for change total change! These people must go! If they are so good they should find work in another system. The taxpayers want some action! We want to see the 2004 audit that Clew hid from the public. We want to see minutes of every meeting posted on the website. Why hide any minutes? Why rewrite minutes to fit their liking. Tyson talked of trust and transparency when she took the interim, why haven't we seen any?
Why is it supposedly "racist" to talk about a black mafia that is dragging us all down, and ruining the futures of thousands of black children to boot?
There have been only two processes that have been transparent lately. The charette process and the super search process. NEITHER ONE HAS BEEN RUN BY DCSS, BOTH HAD TO BE FARMED OUT AND DONE BY PRIVATE COMPANIES.
If Tyson could start leading maybe DCSS teachers morale could be better. The teachers have been forgotten in all this and Tyson's raise has basically deminished any morale that they had.
This is NOT leadership, this is extortion and the stakeholders have had enough. From my estimation from reading the blogs, there is a huge majority that is
upset over this. Why now?
I agree the only people that seem to be for this ridiculous raise are the people that work around Tyson, are they going to be expecting a raise next?
The other folks I am really disappointed in are the DeKalb prosecutors who need more time to prepare for the Clew/Pope trial. As long as the trial hangs over DCSS' head, nothing will change, it will be business as usual. As long as Ramsey keeps his cushy job of NOT investigating anything that involves our corrupt leadership, nothing will change. As long as things are being hidden from public view, like the 2004 audit and meeting minutes, nothing will change. It's business as usual at DCSS and the only ones reaping the benefits are the exact people we need to get rid of!
I am so disgusted with our DCSS leadership. It's time to get the pitchforks out and head to the Palace. By the way, the Palace is a public place, paid for by the public. I know Tyson and Moseley thinks it's all theirs, but until the people rise up, this bilking of OUR tax money will continue.
The only people who deserve a raise right now are the teachers, para-pros and support people in the school house. NOT THE PALACE! It's time we tear down the walls, that are hiding so much, at the Palace. We need a little sunlight aimed at the Palace. Why are they trying to hide and sneak so much around the people, that are actually paying the bills?
It isn't the prosecutors. Sometimes I worry about people's reading comprehension skills.
Judge Becker told Lewis that he had to get a new attorney because of the potential for a conflict of interest because the firm of Lewis' attorney also represents Parsons Construction who employs Barbara Colman who will now be a witness for the prosecution. Lewis is appealing that decision and the appeals court may not rule until the Summer of 2011. If the appeals court rules against Lewis and he has to find a new attorney that will further delay the process.
Not the prosecutors, but an unfortunate coincidence is what is slowing this down.
Reality check, it will be hard for ANYONE to get a raise this upcoming year, especially if you believe reports that many homes are still overvalued. If true, this could mean lower property taxes and less revenue for the school system.
Add to that, there is not guarantee stimulus money will be available to prop up local governments and schools. There are reports that some states will go bankrupt.
You can't pay employees if you don't have the money. If you want to give raises, you must make cuts somewhere in the budget. If anyone knows of a way for government employees to get cross the board cost of living raises without making significant cuts, please share your recommendations.
A reality is coming that many are not prepared for.
True about the delay - it's due to Lewis being told by the judge that he must seek new counsel. He is dragging his feet (I would guess because he's already spent the $100k the school system gave him for his defense on the current lawyer). This lawyer (Brown) apparently tried to really slow down the appeals process by dumping massive amounts of new documents on the court. Luckily that was squelched.
Read about that here -
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-schools-corruption-trial-783504.html
The DA has been ready to go to trial for quite some time... It's Lewis and the defense that is trying to slow things down considerably.
Regarding transparency - if Tyson were true to the utmost level of transparency, then someone would be taking excellent minutes of every board meeting and those minutes would be posted online. She would also request the check register be posted online for taxpayers to review who is being paid with our money and for what. Last she would publish the 2004 Ernst and Young salary audit AND request that a new one be conducted ASAP.
Three biggies that would serve for unprecedented transparency and forging a bridget of trust.
The county is no better. There is so much whining and fussing about foreclosures, lower tax collections, budget cuts, furloughs (of IMPORTANT people like the police!) yet - the CEO saw fit to hand out permanent jobs - with raises- to interims in his administration. Sigh!
DeKalb promotions carry $40,000 in raises
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis gave raises of more than $40,000 last week when he promoted four interim department directors to permanent positions.
Salary records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution show Airport Manager Mike Van Wie’s salary went from $90,912 to $103,212 and Geographic Information Systems Director Stacy Grear’s salary went from $97,404 to $103,104.
Patrick Bailey, director of the medical examiner’s office, saw an increase of $75,504 to $86,580.
Chief Communications Officer Burke Brennan’s salary rose from $108,084 to $119,160. Former communications chief’ Shelia Edwards was making $138,000 when she resigned in July.
(You know, this is just after announcing an 11% increase in water bills for residents of DeKalb.)
I understand that the delay tactics are being played out by the defense team, however the prosecutors need to be outspoken here. Why is Becker giving Clew more time, another year? The prosecutors should be screaming about the delays. How much is this costing the taxpayers? Isn't the DA using an outside firm to work the case? When does someone say enough is enough, the county is running out of money?
"Why is Becker giving Clew more time, another year?"
Judge Becker is moving very cautiously so that a conviction of Lewis and Pope will not be overturned on appeal -- thus costing even more money and time, as well as springing Lewis and Pope from almost certain, well-deserved jail time when convicted.
The DA is not using an outside firm to prosecute this case.
BTW -- there should be some kind of Georgia Bar sanction against Attorney Brown. He knew that his representation of Lewis would be a conflict of interest. He sees this as some kind of chess game, I guess, in which he, ultimately is the only winner ($$$$$$). What can he do to cause the other side to stumble or overlook something that will open the way for an appeal? Brown is the kind of lawyer that gives all lawyers a bad name. The Georgia Bar should step in.
Couldn't agree more with you regarding Brown. I just want to see justice served before it's so moldy no one would touch it.
I guess the real question is, how can so many who worked directly under Lewis and Pope still have their jobs with DCSS. These folks should have been shown the door months ago. Nothing has changed at the Palace, the same money grubbing officials who think they are God's gift to DeKalb County, when in reality they have acted like satan and are placing OUR kids education at stake.
Where is SACS in this and where is the State of Georgia?
Here's a scenario where I will endorse a raise for Ramona. Say she initially took on this job thinking it was for 6-8 weeks, however now it's been months and months and it's become a nightmare and she is being sent out to do the dirty work for the board daily with no end in sight. Actually, I imagine that this is close to her reality.
The board recently passed a policy stating that RIF requirements should include job performance over seniority. (Word is, they couldn't reduce the force in admin because they couldn't touch those with the most seniority, but those with the least are the ones actually doing the work.) So - now, they have a list ready to go. And they say - go to town Ramona! And she, being pretty bright, says, heck no! If I do this, I can never, ever return to my old post. They say but you must. And she says, not without a big fat payoff. They say fine.
So - let's say she now goes in and cleans house for the incoming super. I would do back flips! I would also recommend that she leave those positions open so the the new super can either fill them, or choose to leave them unfilled. No more appointing "Beasleys" to gem jobs as a parting gift. Leave the boxes blank.
Say she does this - then she initiates an all new salary audit (and issues a report of the last one from 2004 that the board has deep-sixed). And last, she makes Marcus Turk post ALL HIS BUSINESS online - as in the check register - open for all to see.
If she were to do all of the above - I would hold a party in her honor (although, I'd make her pay, since she makes waaaaaaaaay more money than I.)
;-)
Amen Cere! I'd love to help throw that party! However, it's hard to gauge this since there has been and still is rampant corruption at the Central Office.
There are so many with connections that have no business in any DCSS property. Many of them are in MIS and Tyson hires to boot.
I've signed up to speak at the hearing, following the MLK Holiday. I was wondering if there was a regularly scheduled meeting with public comments the first week of January? I seemed to have deleted the post from DCSS.
Cere you have a brilliant comment and idea for Ms. Tyson and I hope you are right, but my cynical side says........
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a bright DCSS New Year! There is only one way out of this ditch we're in, finding competent leadership.
And the new superintendent should pursue a policy of giving more autonomy to principals (which implies hiring better qualified principals than DCSS currently promotes) especially in instructional, hiring, and fiscal matters.
I had to laugh when, in her interview with CBSAtlanta, Ms. Tyson stated that we have a "morale problem" in Dekalb. And I suppose that her asking for and getting a $73,000 pay raise while teachers get furloughed will help the morale!!
She also said that the DCSS is more complex than others. Look, these "complexities" are attributable to poor decisions at the School Board, poor oversight and management by the School Board, and corruption at the "Palace". This is what makes the DCSS more "complex".
see today's AJC for an article on how the north pays for the south.
we are being had.
got this long post off the AJC blog.
@ Ernest
Self-interest governs the market. Tyson got hers. The sensitivities involving a black woman in the South are also acknowledged.
The real issues lie elsewhere.
Lewis should have been terminated for cause. An ongoing affair with a subordinate in his chain of command should have been the reason. Same obtains for Simpson and the woman who was buying his books. Let the authorities worry about criminal acts. The organization should protect its integrity by adhereing to sound managerial practices. Once the RICO indictment went out, the entire top management should have been put on leave and then coaxed out.
An interim leader — ideally someone of a different race with absolutely no ties whatsoever to Georgia — should have been brought in and told to clean house — not just in the central administration, but also down to the level of principals and ap’s.
DCSS, however, has a long history of covering up transgressions an protecting its own. And the corruption has a distinct racial hue. It existed under the white regime, but it has mushroomed since the blacks took over. The situation is reminiscent of the argument that colonialism did not exist long enough in Africa, whereas the Indians, for example, were able to absorb important things from the British.
I have been in the system for over two decades. The worm’s eye view today, in 2010, when we do have a post-racial President, is very, very distressing. Go to the schools that, despite everything, work: Chamblee, Dunwoody, Lakeside, Druid Hills. The mocking of and contempt for the black-run administration are palpable. As are the behavioral and educational differences between the vast majority of the black students and the rest (including, I would argue, many of the Hispanics). There are exceptions, but, overall, black teachers tend to be less competent than white teachers. Many black administrators are embarrasments. We are talking, for example, about flagrant improper use of the English language in an educational setting — compensated for, supposedly, by an ability to get “respect” from black students.
Gp to the schools in the south, and one sees an educational system in full-on collapse, producing scores of “graduates” completely unprepared to function in the real world.
Tyson and all of the others — including, you are correct, the Board, where the ultimate responsibility lies — are part and parcel of the problem. This is why having her in the position in the first place is so deeply disturbing. They are running a welfare-like jobs program based on racial “vindication.” But the conditions for this kind of system no longer exist. That boat has sailed.
Changes in the global economy are placing a significant segment of the metro area’s black population in a very precarious position. The cost of bad education today is long-term stuctural unemployment — with the social consequences shunted into areas like south Dekalb and Clayton, where they can be more easily ignored.
There will be a strong push to separate the schools that do work from the system and to ensure that the funding goes with them. The digust is tremendous. The racial divide (which is really cultural) is too great.
This is a ready-made environment for Republicans to go after public education.
Go to Lewis and Ellis’ subdivision and look at the foreclosed homes there. The so-called black “elite” down there is on thin ice. The people it victimizes are facing an economic and social apocalypse.
Dubois understood what the absence of a strong black intelligentsia able to create a civil society meant in the South.
People should revisit his writings today and, above all, break the color line of silence and speak out about just how bad it is.
see today's AJC for an article about the north supporting the south.
we are being had.
got this long post off the AJC blog.
@ Ernest
Self-interest governs the market. Tyson got hers. The sensitivities involving a black woman in the South are also acknowledged.
The real issues lie elsewhere.
Lewis should have been terminated for cause. An ongoing affair with a subordinate in his chain of command should have been the reason. Same obtains for Simpson and the woman who was buying his books. Let the authorities worry about criminal acts. The organization should protect its integrity by adhereing to sound managerial practices. Once the RICO indictment went out, the entire top management should have been put on leave and then coaxed out.
An interim leader — ideally someone of a different race with absolutely no ties whatsoever to Georgia — should have been brought in and told to clean house — not just in the central administration, but also down to the level of principals and ap’s.
DCSS, however, has a long history of covering up transgressions an protecting its own. And the corruption has a distinct racial hue. It existed under the white regime, but it has mushroomed since the blacks took over. The situation is reminiscent of the argument that colonialism did not exist long enough in Africa, whereas the Indians, for example, were able to absorb important things from the British.
I have been in the system for over two decades. The worm’s eye view today, in 2010, when we do have a post-racial President, is very, very distressing. Go to the schools that, despite everything, work: Chamblee, Dunwoody, Lakeside, Druid Hills. The mocking of and contempt for the black-run administration are palpable. As are the behavioral and educational differences between the vast majority of the black students and the rest (including, I would argue, many of the Hispanics). There are exceptions, but, overall, black teachers tend to be less competent than white teachers. Many black administrators are embarrasments. We are talking, for example, about flagrant improper use of the English language in an educational setting — compensated for, supposedly, by an ability to get “respect” from black students.
Gp to the schools in the south, and one sees an educational system in full-on collapse, producing scores of “graduates” completely unprepared to function in the real world.
Tyson and all of the others — including, you are correct, the Board, where the ultimate responsibility lies — are part and parcel of the problem. This is why having her in the position in the first place is so deeply disturbing. They are running a welfare-like jobs program based on racial “vindication.” But the conditions for this kind of system no longer exist. That boat has sailed.
Changes in the global economy are placing a significant segment of the metro area’s black population in a very precarious position. The cost of bad education today is long-term stuctural unemployment — with the social consequences shunted into areas like south Dekalb and Clayton, where they can be more easily ignored.
There will be a strong push to separate the schools that do work from the system and to ensure that the funding goes with them. The digust is tremendous. The racial divide (which is really cultural) is too great.
This is a ready-made environment for Republicans to go after public education.
Go to Lewis and Ellis’ subdivision and look at the foreclosed homes there. The so-called black “elite” down there is on thin ice. The people it victimizes are facing an economic and social apocalypse.
Dubois understood what the absence of a strong black intelligentsia able to create a civil society meant in the South.
People should revisit his writings today and, above all, break the color line of silence and speak out about just how bad it is.
@7:52 You are so right.
You can see the full discussion at:
http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/12/17/does-dekalb-interim-school-chief-deserve-73000-raise/
Just thought of something. I was surprised that the Ernst & Young 2004 salary audit didn't appear after Lewis was arrested.
But it makes sense. Tyson was one of those overpaid administrators.
Now her retirement will be well over a million, not just because of her raise from The Demand, but because her salary was inflated in the first place.
Free steak or lobster dinner on me for anyone who can from the Ernst & Young salary survey!!
@7:52 that was very well reasoned.
But it is not so much "vindication" as it is "retribution" or "reparation".
To put it bluntly, I can get it from YOU now. The teachers and children are only pawns in this game.
off topic a bit. Did you happen to see in the AJC article about DeKalb County real estate that the Bishop's home had been reassessed downwards by about 39%.
yes, and in 7:52 analysis --how, exactly, does the Bishop fit in and how has his puppet-mastering come into play? And, why is it that no one fully understands that they are keeping themselves in chains?
I have said it many times...
WHAT IS DCSS TRYING TO HIDE BY NOT RELEASING THE 2004 AUDIT THAT OUR TAX MONEY BOUGHT!
Get ready Ms. Tyson, I gave you a chance, after hearing you speak at your first DCPC in the spring. You spoke of transparency, trust and that darn DCSS mission statement that continues to get trampled on by you and your corrupt leadership.
I have had enough and will begin speaking out against everything the BOE, you and your staff try to do. Maybe you need to hire more outside consultants to navigate you and your overpaid lackeys though these latest gaffes created by you and you alone!
It's time to expose the fraud that DCSS has become. Someone is pulling the puppet strings and I for one will not give up until I find out who it is.
Remember Ms. Tyson, this is OUR money you are supposedly earning. I ask you now to go out and EARN it. If we the people do not see measurable success soon and I mean within the year, you will placed into the dustbin of DeKalb County history, while collecting OUR million dollars in pension.
This whole process is disgusting and I trust no one in the Palace to bring us out of it.
Right, go out an earn it by paying someone else to do the dirty work. How many more consultants does it take to turn around a system?
Why don't we fire the current leadership and have the consultants come in and get paid for what they are currently doing? Right now the only person on DCSS payroll who is actually earning his pay is Dan Drake. The rest are busy sending poorly worded emails around while sitting in their expensive office furniture paid for by OUR tax dollars!
"Vindication" in the sense that, "if I make x and drive a y, then it's ok to be black." This crude mentality exists among a very, very large percentage of DCSS employees, especially those in the central office.
Actual education has little to do with it.
Hard to envision any other sector of today's economy in which a "doctorate" from an on-line papermill would guarantee six figures, often the holy grail of southern black aspirations, and a host of other benefits, including a defined-pension program.
Simpson, the one who should have been terminated on the spot for the books, is big in New Birth, as are many of the administrators who live in Dekalb. Some even send their children to school there.
New Birth has a big presence at Arabia, which. so far, has enjoyed a privileged status. The ex-principal from there now oversees an entire region. Difficult to imagine that she does not have strong ties to Long.
very good analysis at the AJC blog.
@Ernest
I am sure we agree on much more than we disagree.
What I say reflects more than twenty years’ worth of experience and the resultant conviction that DCSS has been brought down by a parasitic, race-based mafia that feeds off of ignorance and disinterest. The changing economic winds have created a situation in which the functional part of society will no longer countenance paying the bills in the name of racial “justice.”
Also, the corruption, malfeasance, and incompetence are such that they enable people who do have a racist agenda to paint with a broad brush. Crawford Lewis and his lackeys are not cariacatured stalking horses. They are real. Nathan Deal does not need to say much. Put the right people in charge and certain outcomes are foreordained in a system that, in terms of its impact on black children, is designed to fail.
Of course, parental involvement is the single-most critical element. When that is present, a good education can be had almost anywhere. But could, for example, a Beaseley exist in an environment in which parents were involved and aware? Go ask around at Chamblee, Lakeside, Druid Hills what they think about his poorly worded edicts, which are so embarrassing — just like so many of the other things meted out by the central office (absurd grading system, no-zero policy, ridiculous discipline protocol designed to obfuscate the real magnitude of misbehavior among black males in particular).
Could one muster a real “talented tenth” out of the high schools south of Memorial? Colleagues report that the sals and vals at places like Lithonia, McNair, Miller Grove, etc. more often than not read at an elementary level. There are numerous stories our of Fernbank about how shocked these black students are when then they encounter peers from other environments.
Southwest has managed reasonably well, it seems, with its high-achievers’ program. But the sctuttlebutt is that things have taken a marked turn for the worse.there. An AP cheating scandal that, apparently, got swept under the rug was talked about quite a bit at this summer’s readings. In true DCSS fashion, there are two demoted principals employed as ap’s, despite very checkered pasts (including sexual harassment). Arabia, from what we are told, is run by the New Birth crowd — yet further evidence of just how pathological the system has become.
The inability to act on the principle that “no crisis shiould be wasted” for real change tells you that racialized retrenchment is taking place. It will get even worse, once the new revenue reality forces real job cutting. Think about the percentage of “middle-class” people in south Dekalb who are employed in the government sector. Furthermore, imagine these people trying to do anything else. Real desperation will result.
Walker and Womack are in a symbiotic relationship. They need one another. However, Womack is playing a much stronger hand. The people who support him will get more control over their schools and the money they pay into the government coffers. The future does not hold much of anything good for Walker’s south Dekalb constituents.
Similar to black-on-black violence, the direct responsibility for this sad state of affairs lies within the black community (although there certainly are broad societal factors at work over which the community has little, if any control).Crosby is one of the few who have spoken abou this issue as forcefully as the circumstances warrant. It would appear that his statements did not go over too well among blacks.
from the AJC blog.
@Ernest
I am sure we agree on much more than we disagree.
What I say reflects more than twenty years’ worth of experience and the resultant conviction that DCSS has been brought down by a parasitic, race-based mafia that feeds off of ignorance and disinterest. The changing economic winds have created a situation in which the functional part of society will no longer countenance paying the bills in the name of racial “justice.”
Also, the corruption, malfeasance, and incompetence are such that they enable people who do have a racist agenda to paint with a broad brush. Crawford Lewis and his lackeys are not cariacatured stalking horses. They are real. Nathan Deal does not need to say much. Put the right people in charge and certain outcomes are foreordained in a system that, in terms of its impact on black children, is designed to fail.
Of course, parental involvement is the single-most critical element. When that is present, a good education can be had almost anywhere. But could, for example, a Beaseley exist in an environment in which parents were involved and aware? Go ask around at Chamblee, Lakeside, Druid Hills what they think about his poorly worded edicts, which are so embarrassing — just like so many of the other things meted out by the central office (absurd grading system, no-zero policy, ridiculous discipline protocol designed to obfuscate the real magnitude of misbehavior among black males in particular).
Could one muster a real “talented tenth” out of the high schools south of Memorial? Colleagues report that the sals and vals at places like Lithonia, McNair, Miller Grove, etc. more often than not read at an elementary level. There are numerous stories our of Fernbank about how shocked these black students are when then they encounter peers from other environments.
cont.
Southwest has managed reasonably well, it seems, with its high-achievers’ program. But the sctuttlebutt is that things have taken a marked turn for the worse.there. An AP cheating scandal that, apparently, got swept under the rug was talked about quite a bit at this summer’s readings. In true DCSS fashion, there are two demoted principals employed as ap’s, despite very checkered pasts (including sexual harassment). Arabia, from what we are told, is run by the New Birth crowd — yet further evidence of just how pathological the system has become.
The inability to act on the principle that “no crisis shiould be wasted” for real change tells you that racialized retrenchment is taking place. It will get even worse, once the new revenue reality forces real job cutting. Think about the percentage of “middle-class” people in south Dekalb who are employed in the government sector. Furthermore, imagine these people trying to do anything else. Real desperation will result.
Walker and Womack are in a symbiotic relationship. They need one another. However, Womack is playing a much stronger hand. The people who support him will get more control over their schools and the money they pay into the government coffers. The future does not hold much of anything good for Walker’s south Dekalb constituents.
Similar to black-on-black violence, the direct responsibility for this sad state of affairs lies within the black community (although there certainly are broad societal factors at work over which the community has little, if any control).Crosby is one of the few who have spoken abou this issue as forcefully as the circumstances warrant. It would appear that his statements did not go over too well among blacks.
The Wake County Public School System is a public school district located in Wake County, North Carolina. With 143,289 students enrolled in 163 schools as of the 2010/11 academic year, it is the largest public school district in North Carolina and the 17th largest district in the United States.
Guess what.... They just hired a retired military General who was the COO of the Washington DC school system... The contract was signed for $250,000....
Again tell me why Tyson needs so much money, for a smaller school system?
rest of AJC post.
Southwest has managed reasonably well, it seems, with its high-achievers’ program. But the sctuttlebutt is that things have taken a marked turn for the worse.there. An AP cheating scandal that, apparently, got swept under the rug was talked about quite a bit at this summer’s readings. In true DCSS fashion, there are two demoted principals employed as ap’s, despite very checkered pasts (including sexual harassment). Arabia, from what we are told, is run by the New Birth crowd — yet further evidence of just how pathological the system has become.
The inability to act on the principle that “no crisis shiould be wasted” for real change tells you that racialized retrenchment is taking place. It will get even worse, once the new revenue reality forces real job cutting. Think about the percentage of “middle-class” people in south Dekalb who are employed in the government sector. Furthermore, imagine these people trying to do anything else. Real desperation will result.
Walker and Womack are in a symbiotic relationship. They need one another. However, Womack is playing a much stronger hand. The people who support him will get more control over their schools and the money they pay into the government coffers. The future does not hold much of anything good for Walker’s south Dekalb constituents.
Similar to black-on-black violence, the direct responsibility for this sad state of affairs lies within the black community (although there certainly are broad societal factors at work over which the community has little, if any control).Crosby is one of the few who have spoken abou this issue as forcefully as the circumstances warrant. It would appear that his statements did not go over too well among blacks.
@7:53, a fair comparison would be looking a salaries of superintendent salaries in the Atlanta area not NC. If you research what Wilbanks, Loe, and Hall make, you will find that the salary request for Ms. Tyson is at the low end.
The suggested salary for the new superintendent is $275,000.
R. Tyson is a "substitute" superintendent. Let her salary stay as is or let her return to her previous position!
Dekalb need not compare area salaries for the next superintendent. BOE should calibrate the next superintendent's salary to economic conditions: $250 000 is plenty!
NO, NO, NO to a huge salary increase. She is only an interim superintendent. Give her a modest bonus in recongition of her extra services, but this should never be a salary increase. If Ms. Tyson wants the big bucks, then she should apply for the job and be willing to go through a rigours vetting process. If Ms. Tyson is no longer willing to be interim, let her resign.
What part of PUBLIC SERVICE does Tyson and our BOE not understand?
Eddie Long's tentacles reach far into DCSS and the county gov't.
Hopefully that will end once he faces trial for the allegations against him. Don't forget that we pay this clown rent for the DeKalb Leadership Academy, even though there are many empty DCSS properties throughout the county. The principal of DLA is former Central office administrator frankie Callaway, who retired quickly in disgrace when local TV had a stroy about her involvement in grade changing. Callaway is of course a New Birth member, as is Crawford Lewis and many, many current Central office bureucrats. Her husband, even though retired from DCSS, is also still on the public dime as principal of another DCSS approved charter.
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/atlanta-property-taxes-north-785162.html
Property records show New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Bishop Eddie Long bought his five-bedroom brick home for $1.1 million in 2005. The 5,000-square-foot home is now appraised at $677,400. That’s a 39 percent drop from its $1.13 million value in 2008.
Cere,
I looked at the AJC blog. There is more of that long post that someone cross-posted. Not one, but two demoted principals working at SWD? One of whom faced charges of sexual harassment!!!??? New Birth running Arabia Mountain!!!!???? What kind of circus do we have south of Memorial?
FWIW, Frankie Callaway's husband Clarence is the principal of Destiny Academy - a high school for about 100 at-risk students. The board recently gave them some special additional funding. New Birth men's mission once took up a collection to send students from the school on a trip to Africa. They collected $100,000 in one request.
Ironically, although the building that houses Destiny is an old elementary school, tax records show that it is actually owned by New Birth Church.
Add to that, Clarence's wife is principal of the new charter, Leadership Academy which had budgeted $10,000 a month for rent to New Birth to lease space for the school, and we have a very cozy situation.
Nothing against either of these special charter programs, BUT - these kinds schools (Arabia included) pull students (often the brightest students with involved parents) from our regular schools, further depleting their enrollments and causing them to be under-enrolled and under-funded.
Here's the tax info on Destiny -
Parcel ID: 15 005 03 002
Owner Information
Tax District 04 - Unincorporated
Zoning R75 - SF RES DIST
Owner NEW BIRTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Land Use 951
Co-Owner
Land Unit 422967.6
Owner Address 000000 PO BOX 503170 .
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46250-8170
Neighborhood 8029
Property Address 3595 LINECREST RD UNI
Building Characteristics
Bldg. #1
Year Built 1956
Square Footage 15,080
Condition Code
Average Basement Area N/A
Quality Grade Fair
Bsmt Finished N/A
Air Conditioning Yes
Bedrooms 0
Fireplace 0
Bathrooms 0
Stories 1
Current Appraised & Assessment Value
Tax Year 2010
Land Value $59,400
Bldg Value $327,000
Misc Imp $0
Total Appraised $386,400
Assessment@40% $154,560
Sales History
Book/Page 07336-00251
Sale Date 07/15/1992
Deed Type LW - Limited Warranty Deed
Sale Condition P - To/From Church/Charity
Sale Price $150,000
04090-00007
07/13/1979
QC - Quit Claim Deed
0 - Valid Sale/Fmv
$0
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/PropertyAppraisal/realDisplay.asp?pid=15%20005%2003%20002
Search terms: 3595 LINECREST RD
From the 11 Alive Blog,
http://www.11alive.com/news/comments.aspx?storyid=168634&catid=
Thre are 2 sides to this. Let's say your boss at work was fired. Your company makes you an intererim supervisor until the position can be filled. But instead of hiring a replacement, they get you to do the job for $73,000 less than your old boss. Job still gets done for $73,000 les to the company. I know an employee that was hustled like this for 5 years before she had to just quit.
It's a strategy. She is saying either hire some one so I can go back to my old job, or pay me to do the current job.
12/19/2010 8:51 AM EST on 11Alive.com
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tree_top wrote:
@ Fabalust1...understood, but not clear.... did the interim Supervisor ask questions the 1st thru 4th year about when the position would be filled, or was she afraid of asking the question ?....or was she just happy with having the interim Supervisory name ?
You don't sit around and wonder whats going on and get ulcers, without opening your mouth about a questionable scenario.
Did her interim Supervisory position come with perks or fringees, until a permanent replacement was hired. ?
In fairness to the general public, the Dekalb School Board should make public what (if any) perks the interim Supt received, prior to asking for a hefty raise.
In addition the public should be apprised what happens to this hefty raise if a permanent Supt is hired, does she keep it, if so, is the 73,000 in accordance with a normal raise for a Deputy Supt during a certain time period ?
Also this may be a good time to isert in bylaws, that read what an interim Supt should be paid while a search is underway for a permanent replacement, avoiding similiar questionable circumstances in the future.
12/19/2010 9:53 AM EST on 11Alive.com
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tree_top wrote:
OOP's sorry.. I meant @ fabalust1
12/19/2010 9:55 AM EST on 11Alive.com
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juicius wrote:
I don't know if I could do her job. I mean, I literally don't know what the job entails. In the general sense, I probably do, but not in specific, wheels to the pavement details of her job. And I bet most of you complaining about her raise don't know either. And are not qualified to do the job. So if she's qualified, and is familiar with the district, doesn't need time to gear up to do the job that needs to be done, why not let her get paid commensurate to the responsibility? In the same position, I'd have asked for the raise to be retroactive. Fair is fair. If she can do the job, let her get paid for it.
BTW, in this economy, I bet every single one of you belly aching about this raise can be replaced by someone younger for a lot cheaper with a relatively small drop-off in performance that will be made up in short order anyway.
Now, is that fair? No? Then shut it.
Here's the link to the article regarding the $100,000 donation to Destiny from the New Birth men's mission
http://crossroadsnews.com/view/full_story/7102968/article-Destiny’s-trip-to-South-Africa-in-peril
This will be the second trip from the school to South Africa. In 2002, the school took 47 students to the continent and raised $100,000 the day before they were to leave when New Birth Men’s Ministry passed the hat.
Read more: CrossRoadsNews - Destiny’s trip to South Africa in peril
@ anonymous 8:56 am
"If you research what Wilbanks, Loe, and Hall make, you will find that the salary request for Ms. Tyson is at the low end.
The suggested salary for the new superintendent is $275,000."
Be careful when you compare Ms. Tyson to Mr. Wilbanks, Ms. Loe and Ms. Hall as a justification for a raise.
To really be fair we would need to compare how many of our schools are making Adequate Yearly Progress in DeKalb versus Fulton, Gwinnett and Atlanta City.
Mrs. Tyson was one of 3 direct reports under Dr. Lewis. Before her appointment as interim superintendent, Ms. Tyson was head of Finance (what happens with he budget) and Human Resources (every teacher and other employee who is hired). These were and are two of the most critical areas for student progress so she shares responsibility for student progress or lack thereof with Dr. Lewis. She has been the interim superintendent since last spring.
Please share the figures that show our students' achievement has increased, not decreased. Increased student achievement is the main responsibility of the superintendent and the BOE. Cindy Loe and Alvin Wilbanks have seen student achievement increase so figures can be cited that show they deserves pay increases. Hall is resigning due to faulty student achievement numbers (and actually declining student achievement this year when the tests were monitored).
Mrs. Tyson speaks of accountability, but accountability is more than cutting teacher positions and schoolhouse personnel to balance the budget. The accountability that taxpayers pay her for is to raise student achievement. That she has not done, in this job or the last. When she does, I don't think any taxpayers will mind her $76,000 raise. I don't even think they will mind the extra $1,000,000 in retirement costs.
"Lewis should have been terminated for cause. An ongoing affair with a subordinate in his chain of command should have been the reason."
If his subordinate was promoted under Dr. Lewis, will that result in her termination? Is an ongoing affair with the superintendent a recommendation for promotion? It seems unfair to students if any learning decisions were being made by an employee who gained her job due to a relationship to the superintendent. Students deserve decisions regarding their education to be made by someone who is in that position due to merit. Have Ms. Tyson and the BOE addressed this or will they need to wait until Dr. Lewis's court case? Are there no legal depositions that have been taken that would allow Ms. Tyson and the BOE to investigate this and make some determinations? Can they not use the evidence gathered by the District Attorney to find out who this employee is, were there promotions involved, and are decisions affecting students' education being made at the current time?
From the 11 Alive blog
Thre are 2 sides to this. Let's say your boss at work was fired. Your company makes you an intererim supervisor until the position can be filled. But instead of hiring a replacement, they get you to do the job for $73,000 less than your old boss. Job still gets done for $73,000 les to the company. I know an employee that was hustled like this for 5 years before she had to just quit.
It's a strategy. She is saying either hire some one so I can go back to my old job, or pay me to do the current job.
12/19/2010 8:51 AM EST on 11Alive.com
Recommend (1) Report Abuse Permalink
tree_top wrote:
@ Fabalust1...understood, but not clear.... did the interim Supervisor ask questions the 1st thru 4th year about when the position would be filled, or was she afraid of asking the question ?....or was she just happy with having the interim Supervisory name ?
You don't sit around and wonder whats going on and get ulcers, without opening your mouth about a questionable scenario.
Did her interim Supervisory position come with perks or fringees, until a permanent replacement was hired. ?
In fairness to the general public, the Dekalb School Board should make public what (if any) perks the interim Supt received, prior to asking for a hefty raise.
In addition the public should be apprised what happens to this hefty raise if a permanent Supt is hired, does she keep it, if so, is the 73,000 in accordance with a normal raise for a Deputy Supt during a certain time period ?
Also this may be a good time to isert in bylaws, that read what an interim Supt should be paid while a search is underway for a permanent replacement, avoiding similiar questionable circumstances in the future.
http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/12/07/pay-school-superintendents-what-they-are-worth/
@ anonymous 1:07 pm
I don't think we would see an outcry if Ms. Tyson could point to any positive track record for DCSS. Can she point to her successes in MIS? Where is the working and abundant technology for students even though close to $200,000,000 has been spent in technology (much of it obstensibly for students) in the last 5 years while she headed up that department? Where were the stringent financial controls and numerous high quality teachers hired and retained while she headed up Human Resources and Finance as head of Business Operations the year Lewis and Pope were indicted? What is her track record on positively impacting students when she made the budget cuts - mainly to schoolhouse personnel - when she became Interim Superintendent?
It's little about her raise and more about does she have a track record she can point to in any of the powerful jobs she has held in DCSS. If she was recognized for the stellar and abundant technology she has brought teachers and students, I think taxpayers would not blink an eye at this raise. If she had done even the slightest positive action when our budget was imploding under Lewis, taxpayers would be supportive. If she had made the necessary cuts outside the schoolhouse rather than almost all of them inside the schoolhouse, then taxpayers would be fine with the raise.
In summary, Ms. Tyson has no track record that show she deserves this raise. Indeed, they have been very unhappy with the results she has given them on all counts. Accountability is a word she sidesteps and so does the BOE, but taxpayers are demanding it. That's why there is such an uproar. Nether Ms. Tyson nor the BOE have EVER had to be accountable and produce results. It's no doubt a shock to them that anyone would hold them responsible now. Two of the BOE members have already lost their jobs due to this sentiment. Hopefully, if the BOE gets reduced to 7, the others who presided over the fiscal and educational mess DCSS has become will be held accountable as well. Let Ms. Tyson show she can actually improve things for students. That's not something she has shown so far.
"Where were the stringent financial controls and numerous high quality teachers hired and retained while she headed up Human Resources and Finance as head of Business Operations the year Lewis and Pope were indicted?"
Remember when this happened under Ramona Tyson:
http://www.cafepharma.com/boards/showthread.php?t=92432
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/8868818/detail.html
DeKalb school board members want to know how a five-time convicted felon was hired by the school system. In February, Superintendent Crawford Lewis hired Darren Ware as human resources director. Lewis apparently didn't know that ware had convictions dating back to 1986. Channel 2 Action News uncovered convictions on forgery, burglary and theft. The school board says a search firm called the Lanta Group was used, and that firm recommended Ware. Dr. Lewis made the final decision to hire Ware, and the firm reportedly has done other searches for the school system. Ware was fired and escorted out, but community advocate Dr. Harry Ross claims the superintendent is ultimately at fault, and is calling for his resignation.
I give Crawford Lewis credit as he took the blame for this, but DCSS Human Resources was the responsibility of Ramona Tyson at that time. Either Tyson knew about Ware's criminal background and did nothing, or she didn't know. Either way, this was a major failure under her tenure as Asst. Supt., Business Operations.
Hey, give her a break, I'm sure Darren Ware was New Birth member ;)!!
"Not one, but two demoted principals working at SWD? One of whom faced charges of sexual harassment!!!???"
Where is that on the AJC website? can't find it. Hope it's not true...SWD High deserves better!
Actually, I am of the opinion that the Lanta group did not actually do vast searches. Lewis knew who he wanted, but he wanted it to look like he had an outside recommendation. This is the firm that also brought us Gloria Talley (chosen because she could get our SACS accreditation renewed - which was dicey at the time) and Pat Pope (who unbeknownst to most everyone, was already working as a consultant in the construction dept for a over a year...all the while, also serving as a partner in her husband's architecture firm - which was doing a lot of business with DCSS.)
The former principal at SWD is an AP at Chamblee. These things happen if the district feels that person is not up to leading a school.
Regarding the allegation that an AP faced charges of sexual harassment, can anyone speak to what happened in the trial? If not, there is always a presumption of innocence until found guilty. Perhaps there are circumstances the person making the allegation is not aware of.
In all fairness, Ms. Tyson was not head of Business Operations until 2008 (right after she got the BOE to buy eSis - the Central Office and BOe were very pleased with her recommendation of eSis and SchoolNet) so she had nothing to do with Darren Ware. However, she was the head of Business Operations during Lewis's last year as superintendent so I'm sure there are many things she could have handled differently during that time. Did she reduce teacher turnover during her tenure from 2008 to 2009 as she over saw the Human Resources Dept. as well as Finance during that time. I was rather surprised that the BOE picked eh head of Business Operations (Finance and HR) to be Interim Superintendent when the reason for our scandals were primarily financial. This seemed a contradiction in terms. However, Ms. Tyson was Dr. Lewis's recommendation to be superintendent according to the Paul Womacks statement to the AJC.
Let's see -- the "district" says you're not up to running a whole school, so ... they put you in charge of running part of a school? Or, even better, kick you upstairs to the central office.... And exactly who makes these decisions? Where is the transparency? How do we know who knows whom? What role do race and fraternity and sorority ties play in all of this? What a sick system.
Anon 2:59, in the past when there was a principal that could not manage a school, they were usually sent to the Sam Moss Center. Those spots are no longer available. If the former principal wants to remain employed by the school system, it now means taking a demotion.
1st time principals being over their head in this role is not new for any school system. The question becomes what do you do with them. Many times they are also sent to schools that do not have active parents. The students usually lose when this happens.
Well, do we ensure that they have up to date, effective training? There are some very highly respected companies that offer intense annual training for principals - are we making sure our principals are 100% prepared?
few things -- 1) under Dr. H there were monthly training meetings for new principals and for principal-wannabes. These meetings took on a chapter at a time of huge 2 or 3 volume manuals that principals need to know (for instance one month would be on hiring, another month on training teachers, another on firing, another on some other topic -- different topics that principals need to know to be really good at the job of being a principal). Dr. Brown discontinued these and they need to be brought back. (2) Dr. Beasley is also a minister. I wonder -- at what church? Is this church one of the many churches connected to the array of churches connected to New Birth? what is the financial connection between Dr. B's church and New Birth? Does this have any impact on the decision to put him in his job or to keep him in his job? Inquiring minds would like to know. Who is the puppet master?
Just for the record, Dr. Brown didn't discontinue "new principal" meetings. In fact, Crawford Lewis and Alice Thompson ran those meetings. New principals met in a building in downtown Decatur.
"Crawford Lewis and Alice Thompson ran those meetings. "
LOL - That's kind of like not having meetings!
Merry Christmas to all!
Has anyone heard that part of Ramona's new contract is a $2,000 per month business allowance that requires NO RECEIPTS or EXPLANATIONS of expenses?
An additional $24,000 per year for her to spend as she pleases.
This is news I heard from a neighbor who heard it from our BOE rep Don McChesney when they called to express their displeasure with the salary increase. He explained why he voted against it and this was one of the reasons.
See everyone on the 18th of January to express our displeasure to the board regarding this raise.
Sagamore 7
The increase requested by Empress Ramona is obscene. The various points on this blog about the gouging of the public trust by factions in the DCSS should not be tolerated. Is there no governmental entity to oversee such corruption?
It's time for DCSS math trivia!
Isn't it interesting the $2000 per month, non-audited (no receipt required) expense account translates to roughly 10% of her new salary.
Hmmm?? 10%. Why does that sound so familiar?
Oh yes, 10% is the suggested tithing level!
BD and JB
Are the expenses without receipts standard for superintendent contracts? That seems strange.
PLease write your legislators (GA House and Senate) -- e-mail is fine -- and urge them to require that all expenditures by DCSS (and DeKalb County itself while you're at it -- go for the state itself it you'd like --it's all our tax money) be required to be posted on line -- this means, payments by check and p-card -- minus identifiying bank account information and with information to allow the taxpayer to see what it is being used for -- if they get enough e-mails I think they will have to really consider such a bill -- copy our incoming Governor. Make it happen -- on on-line register.... do it, now!
People on the northside don't understand how corrupt the southside is. Crawford Lewis carried on with a woman in the office. He used county money to do this. People knew but said nothing. Simpson sold books to a woman he was involved with. Two aps in her school got in a fight over her at the buses. The principal at Bethune did all kinds of bad things to people. He certainly liked to put his hands on women. It took us a long time to get rid of him, and now he's at Southwest. These are just exampels of what is so wrong. There are many more. Our children can't read, but they will put you on a pdp. Tell you to be happy you have a job.
Just look at how DCSS protects its own: Both Callaways left under shady circumstances but are rewarded with Charter Schools. Retirement salary plus new salary.
Dunson has had his flings and follies, but keeps getting promoted. Simpson still has a job...demoted yes but was his salary changed?
Instructional coaches are the biggest joke in the system..
$2000 expense account..
And the beat goes on...and the beat goes on!
@ anonymous 10:57
"Crawford Lewis carried on with a woman in the office. "
Is this a matter of public record with the District Attorney. This is listed in the charges against Lewis.
Did this woman get promoted? What have Ms. Tyson and the BOE done about this? Doesn't this decrease teacher morale and set a terrible example for students? Has she been deposed? Is her deposition a matter of public record?
The most important question:
Is she making educational decisions for our children in DeKalb?
Does SACS condone promotion of an employee who makes educational decisions for children because she had a relationship with the superintendent?
What is SACS doing to investigate this? This would seem to go beyond cronyism.
Perhaps Nancy Jester and/or Donna Edler will ask for the 2004 Compensation audit that Lewis and now the current administration has buried. Wouldn't everyone like it made public?
And can they get the DCSS BOE minutes published? Why has Ms. Tyson not put them online. They've been online since 2002 until Ms. Tyson became the interim superintendent. Never has DCSS had less transparency on the DCSS BOE website since she came on board. Perhaps she feels that limiting BOE information online is the way to limit criticism. Take a look at the DCSS BOE meetings. And then go back and look at past meetings. The attachment that details how DCSS is going to spend $18,300,000 Stimulus dollars is labeled an Excel file, but you can't open it with Excel or any program I could find.
Minutes were taken, typed and saved (that's state law), but now the administration and BOE do not make them available for taxpayers. It would take the fulltime webmaster ($82,000 in 2009 salary and benefits and now up to $85,500 in 2010 - I guess he got a raise) no more than a minute to upload the BOE minutes. He coordinates between DCSS and a private company who actually builds the website.
Write the BOE members and ask them where the minutes are and why they are no longer posted on the website. We know they are there since state law requires they be typed. We know it would take less than a minute to post them. Why are they refusing to post them when they've been posted since 2002?
Teachers $18,300,000 could have been used to help restore your TSA and/or give you a COLA or rehire teachers and lower class sizes for students. Parents would you have preferred Ms. Tyson rehire teachers so your child would not be sitting in a class of math or science class of 35+ students?
In October, DCSS received $18,300,000 in federal stimulus money.
What did Ms. Tyson and the BOE do with this money? You'll never know, although it should be published on the DCSS website. Parents/taxpayers and teachers go to:
https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/ViewMeetingOrder.aspx?S=4054&MID=17157
...and click on Education Jobs Act Funding on the left hand menu.
"Georgia will receive $322 million of the Education Jobs Act funding and will distribute the funding across all 180 school districts in the state according to the pro-rata share of QBE earnings. The DeKalb County School System will receive approximately $18.3 million of this funding. All $18.3 million will be distributed during the months of September and October. This amounts to $18.3 million on top of the QBE allotment. DCSD received $9.2 million in September, 2010 and will receive the remaining funds in October, 2010.
Because the Education Jobs Act funds may be used for compensation and benefits to employees who provide school-level educational and related services, the Act frees up General Operations funds to be used for other purposes. Once the accounting requirements are satisfied under the Education Jobs Act, the funds that will become available as a result of the Education Jobs Act may be used in a broad range of purposes. "
..."It is recommended that the Board of Education select the option _______________ to make use of the funds freed as a result of the Education Jobs Act.
Motion by: ________________
Seconded by: _____________
Vote: _________"
The DCSS BOE has not said what they will spend the money on and left it blank. You can't even open the options attachment (see Supporting Documents).
The summary says the options include:
"There are a number of options available to DCSD for use of the funds freed by the Education Jobs Act. The options include the restoration of the 11 months of the Board-sponsored retirement contributions during the 2009-2010 year; the restoration of all remaining furlough/work calendar reduction days; providing a step increase to begin in January; and providing a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) salary increase. "
Write your BOE members and ask them how they are spending these millions that are supposed to be used in the classroom for students. is the lion's share going to the admin and support machine?
My preference is for Ms. Tyson to rid this school system of the many poor teachers in our classrooms. My wish for the next school year is to have competent teacher in ALL of our classrooms in DeKalb.
I would like to know if Ms. Tyson is spending the money on travel to conferences - remember the last stimulus money - $400,000 for the "Hollywood Conference"? How many teachers could we rehire for $400,000? Taxpayers would like a full accounting of every nickel of this $18,300,000. Do they think since it's federal funds that it doesn't cost taxpayers?
Does anyone think Ms. Tyson or the the BOE will tell taxpayers exactly how this money is being spent?
I wish someone would write an article on this $18,300,000. It deserves its own post. They've been so secretive about the money and the last expenditure of stimulus funds was so egregious it hit the AJC.
2:00, do you keep up regularly with news about the school system? The answer to your post was in the AJC on 10/22.
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-to-end-school-688435.html
You are sounding like Chicken Little.
@ anonymous 2:02 pm
"My preference is for Ms. Tyson to rid this school system of the many poor teachers in our classrooms. My wish for the next school year is to have competent teacher in ALL of our classrooms in DeKalb."
Unfortunately, wishing will not get a competent teacher in every classroom in DeKalb. But we can have competent teachers in every classroom? Do you think DCSS is the system the most competent teachers choose as we lose teachers to attrition and retirement?
Ms. Tyson needs to do what's necessary to attract and retain competent teachers. Can we observe her using "best practices" in her job as superintendent when it comes to attracting and retaining the most competent teachers for DCSS students?
Here's some questions:
1. What do other bloggers think Ms. Tyson needs to do to attract and retain the most competent teachers?
2. What "best practices" would you like to see Ms. Tyson evaluated on by the BOE as she seeks that $76,000 raise and another $1,000,000 in retirement?
@6:48 am, yes large expense accounts with no receipts required are the norm for superintendent contracts nationally. It's a way for the BOE to effectively offer a higher salary without getting the public lashing. Just imagine the outcry if Ramona's new salary was announced to be the $294,000 it seemingly is.
@ anonymous 2:34
"2:00, do you keep up regularly with news about the school system? The answer to your post was in the AJC on 10/22."
I'm so sorry. I didn't realize the AJC was the official reporting section of the DeKalb County School System. I guess it's too much to ask for a full accounting of our tax dollars from the school system itself. We really need to absolve the school system of all responsibility to inform us of expenditures and just get our information from the AJC.
F.Y.I. The question was somewhat rhetorical. Do you think the report in the AJC details all the ways DCSS is using this money?
I guess you're new to this blog as well?
http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-more-furloughs.html
My guess is you are just a troll trying to cause trouble.
2:58, I re-read your post. You had a 'call to arms' at the end, asking citizens to write Board members on something that was announced in October. Do you have any obligation to find out what was decided or do you need to be spoon fed all information?
Some of you don't seem to realize that all of these frivolous inquiries take time away from what is important for a school system, educating children. Is it reasonable to ask for an accounting of dollars spent? Sure, you could probably look at the monthly financial report to see most of the income and expenditures. You could probably ask most on this site and probably get an answer. But to do what you asked for seems ridiculous.
Maybe a lot of the press releases that did appear on the website are no longer placed there because of central office cutbacks in PR?
@ anonymous 3:21
I'm not new to this blog. I've written a number of articles for this blog, and have enjoyed the hundreds of comments of the posters on the articles I've written. I also read every single post on that DeKalb Watch article you so helpfully provided that link to as it was being written.
I have found no official accounting for the $18,300,000 in federal funding this fall. I'm not sure how that question is causing trouble for you or anyone else. Please explain why asking for a full accounting of this money by DCSS is a "trouble making" activity.
I'm only interested in official and credible data. Using official and credible data sources allow taxpayers to make informed decisions.
You have been so kind as to provide links to the AJC and Dekalb Watch website. Please provide a link from DCSS website or another official and credible that details exactly how that $18,300,000 is being spent.
Every DCSS employee does not have the TSA Account. The way it was given was changed a few years ago. You must have worked three years to be allowed to get it. If the stimulus money was put into the TSA, unless other provisions were made some employees would not have gotten anything.
A COLA adjustment was done in a way, because the furlough days that had been taken for November until the end of the school year, were replaced and staff is being paid for those days.
Yes, I want the TSA back. But, I think that whatever way the stimulus money was used there would have been complaints.
It is clear that people on this blog do not mind getting involved. We need to be involved with the general assesmbly. I know that things are hard for everyone. But, in the Metro area we pay more taxes on everything. Taking the amount of money that has been taken each year and using that money to fund, small rural districts is hurting all Atlanta area school systems.
It is not just a matter of salaries but also services, equipment and supplies The rural districts need support, but not at the level that money is being taken from the big disticts. Is there any accounting of how much of that money is actually going to the school systems?
Also, if you can find someone who worked closely with our former superintendent, you will find out that he did not accept advice well. This was even from those in his inner circle. In fairness to any of the people that worked with him, there was probably only so much that you could do.
"Every DCSS employee does not have the TSA Account. The way it was given was changed a few years ago. You must have worked three years to be allowed to get it."
Dr. Lewis changed the TSA in 2004 (one of his first actions with the BOE in full agreement) so that you worked 3 years before you got a TSA contribution (see BOE minutes). Before that all new hires got TSA Board contributions just like Cobb and other systems contribute immediately to Social Security (which the Board TSA was supposed to replace).
"Also, if you can find someone who worked closely with our former superintendent, you will find out that he did not accept advice well. This was even from those in his inner circle. In fairness to any of the people that worked with him, there was probably only so much that you could do."
I do think they crossed Lewis or suggested very many oppositional ideas. Lewis was very smart in that he gave you a new position that came with a substantial raise, and for that you needed to sit quietly while he made decisions. That's who we have in upper management - the folks that sat quietly. I guess taxpayers are satisfied with those people. The BOE has certainly been satisfied with them.
@ anonymous 3:21
"I guess you're new to this blog as well?
http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-more-furloughs.html"
I'm anonymous 2:00 and 2:58 (same poster), and I promise I'm not a "troll" looking for trouble. You guessed wrong - I'm not new to this blog. I've written numerous articles for Dekalb Co. School Watch for almost a year and read and enjoyed the comments of hundreds of posters to my articles. If you read my articles (and you must if you read this blog very often), they are data driven and provide links to credible sources.
I read not only the AJC article you referred me to but also the Dekalb Watch link (see above) you referred me to (I read the posts as they are being written).
I believe in official and credible data sources. Only by using such sources can parents/taxpayers make informed decisions.
I'm curious as to why you would think asking for an official and credible accounting of $18,300,000 in federal funds is causing trouble. Exactly who is this causing trouble for? That answer would enlighten us more than anything. Would taxpayers not liked to have known about the "Hollywood trip" before reading about it in the AJC? Shouldn't a full accounting of tens of millions of dollars be provided to taxpayers?
State of Georgia financial expenditure sources say that DCSS received $128,000,000 in federal funds in 2009-2010. That's 14% of our entire budget:
source: Georgia Department of Education - School System Financial Reports:
http://app.doe.k12.ga.us/ows-bin/owa/fin_pack_revenue.entry_form?p_fiscal_year=2010
(Use the drop down menu to see DeKalb and then click on Expenditures)
You have kindly provided me/us with links to a short newspaper article (AJC) and an opinion blog (Dekalb Watch) regarding the expenditure of these federal funds.
Please be so kind as to provide me/us with an official and credible data source (website link) that details the expenditure of the $18,300,000 that DCSS received this fall from the federal Education Jobs Act Funding.
@ Anonymous 3:21
I promise I'm not a "troll" trying to cause trouble.
Regarding your post:
"I guess you're new to this blog as well?"
htt;://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-more-furloughs.html"
I'm anonymous 2:00 and 2:58 (same poster). You guessed wrong - I'm not new to this blog. I've written numerous articles for DeKalb Watch for almost a year. If you read my articles (and you must if you read this blog very often), they are data driven and provide links to credible sources.
I read not only the AJC article you referred me to but also the DeKalb Watch article (see link above) as well (I read the posts as they are being written).
I believe in official and credible data sources. Only by using such sources can parents/taxpayers make informed decisions.
I'm most curious as to why you would think asking for an official and credible accounting of $18,300,000 in federal funds is causing trouble. Exactly who is this causing trouble for? That answer would really enlighten us. Perhaps that is the most important question of all.
Would taxpayers liked to have known about the "Hollywood" trip before reading about it in the AJC? Shouldn't a full accounting of the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars be provided to taxpayers?
State of Georgia financial expenditure sources say that DCSS received $128,000,000 in federal funds in 2009-2010. That's 14% of our entire budget:
source: Georgia Department of Education - School System Financial Reports:
http://app.doe.k12.ga.us/ows-bin/owa/fin_pack_revenue.entry_form?p_fiscal_year=2010
(Use the drop down menu to see DeKalb and then click on Expenditures)
You have kindly provided me/us with links to a short newspaper article (AJC) and an opinion blog (DeKalb School Watch), neither of which are official sources.
Please be so kind as to provide me/us with an official and credible data source (website link) that details the expenditure of the $18,300,000 that DCSS received this fall from the federal Education Jobs Act Funding.
Part 1 of post:
@ Anonymous 3:21
I promise I'm not a "troll" trying to cause trouble.
Regarding your post:
"I guess you're new to this blog as well?"
htt;://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-more-furloughs.html"
I'm anonymous 2:00 and 2:58 (same poster). You guessed wrong - I'm not new to this blog. I've written numerous articles for DeKalb Watch for almost a year. If you read my articles (and you must if you read this blog very often), they are data driven and provide links to credible sources.
I read not only the AJC article you referred me to but also the DeKalb Watch article (see link above) as well (I read the posts as they are being written).
I believe in official and credible data sources. Only by using such sources can parents/taxpayers make informed decisions.
I'm most curious as to why you would think asking for an official and credible accounting of $18,300,000 in federal funds is causing trouble. Exactly who is this causing trouble for? That answer would really enlighten us. Perhaps that is the most important question of all.
Would taxpayers liked to have known about the "Hollywood" trip before reading about it in the AJC? Shouldn't a full accounting of the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars be provided to taxpayers?
Part 2 of post:
State of Georgia financial expenditure sources say that DCSS received $128,000,000 in federal funds in 2009-2010. That's 14% of our entire budget:
source: Georgia Department of Education - School System Financial Reports:
http://app.doe.k12.ga.us/ows-bin/owa/fin_pack_revenue.entry_form?p_fiscal_year=2010
(Use the drop down menu to see DeKalb and then click on Expenditures)
You have kindly provided me/us with links to a short newspaper article (AJC) and an opinion blog (DeKalb School Watch), neither of which are official sources.
Please be so kind as to provide me/us with an official and credible data source (website link) that details the expenditure of the $18,300,000 that DCSS received this fall from the federal Education Jobs Act Funding.
So sorry. Correction to my post of 3:58 pm:
"I do think they crossed Lewis or suggested very many oppositional ideas."...should read:
I do NOT think they (upper level administrators)crossed Lewis or suggested very many oppositional ideas. Lewis was very smart in that he gave you a new position that came with a substantial raise, and for that you needed to sit quietly while he made decisions. That's who we have in upper management - the folks that sat quietly. I guess taxpayers are satisfied with those people. The BOE has certainly been satisfied with them.Lewis was very smart in that he gave you a new position that came with a substantial raise, and for that you needed to sit quietly while he made decisions. That's who we have in upper management - the folks that sat quietly. I guess taxpayers are satisfied with those people. The BOE has certainly been satisfied with them.
Here is this week's BS comment from DCSS Spokesperson Jeff Dickerson on today's Georgia Gang: SAT scores shouldn't be used in regards to HOPE scholarships because the tests are "discriminatory".
Jeff, Jeff, Jeff.
You also defended GDOT and the big counties for the way they handles the ice and snow. How did this guy secure a TV gig?
Great news: DCSS PR Flack Jeff Dickerson is on a leave of absence from "The Georgia Gang" tv show.
At least for a little while, Dickerson can no longer make comments supporting the DCSS BOE and Central Office under the false guise of a legitmate journalist.
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