Tuesday, January 18, 2011

They gave her the raise...

Now what? So glad that's over. Maybe now that the "raise" issue is resolved, Ms. Tyson will start earning it for real and make some tough "superintendent-like" decisions. So far, she has basically hired consultants and pushed paperwork through. Now that she's officially a big-timer, I hope we see that salary audit, a call for a new one and some heads rolling.

We'll see...

120 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope someone bought her a pair of silver balls to go with. She will need them in order to do what needs to be done.

Anonymous said...

Weren't several of those who voted for the raise compromised by having relatives in the administration?
I can understand Big Spender Bowen, whose mother -in law is a teacher, (any more?) voting yes but I do not understand Foghorn Leghorn (Womack) What have they got on him?

Ramona will take this as an affirmation that she can keep the status quo going.

DCSS is a cesspool. The only hope is that SACS will remove accreditation. But I doubt that that will happen

Anonymous said...

So how did the votes break down? I heard 6-3 on Channel 5 a moment ago.

Anonymous said...

@Anon 4:49 Are you referring to cleaning house in the County Office, or redistricting, or both? As far as cleaning house in the CO goes, piece of cake. Plenty more people in this county will be supporting her than opposing. As for redistricting, that's a tough one. I recommend starting with cleaning house, then maybe people will respect your recommendation on redistricting knowing you are serious about what's best for the students of Dekalb.

Anonymous said...

@Anon 5:06 Womack loves Ms. Tyson. Listen to him speak about her. I recall a couple months ago him being interviewed in his house, and he spoke very highly of Tyson. He would just assume she stay on as the new Super. And why not? Being new, she is putty in the hands of the board!

Anonymous said...

I think the Board is weakening on redistricting, not necessarily Ms. Tyson.

Anonymous said...

The no votes were from Elder, Jester, and McChesney. Way to go ladies and gentleman. I'm disappointed that the board values their employees so little (teachers) and their interim superintendent so much (by the way... the superintendent has everyone doing things for them... do they really earn $223,000???). Depressing....

~DeKalb Teacher

Anonymous said...

McChesney wasn't opposed to the raise, but rather some of the other terms in the contract.

Cerebration said...

Considering where we are now, I say give her the pay that goes with the job. That said, I think it was a terrible decision to keep her on board for this long. In hindsight, they should have adhered to the original agreement – for Tyson to serve for 2-3 months while they searched for a true interim. A turn-around interim. Someone who professionally is good at righting sinking ships. Someone with guts and no ties to DeKalb. Someone to make the truly tough decisions to clear the way for a permanent super to take over the reins.

But – our board stuck with Tyson. We’re here now – and she has stuck it out in good faith. If she had known this would be the situation, I’m certain she would have negotiated the full salary from the get-go.

I think the extras went over the top. The bump in salary should be strictly “salary” plus maybe a car allowance – up until the minute a new super comes on board. The $2,000 a month is outrageous. (Maybe McChesney had an issue with this part too...)

An aside – does anyone know if Brad Bryant was paid the full salary while serving as interim state school superintendent?

Anonymous said...

So the least they can do for teachers is let their kids stay in their feeder patterns. The payoff will be WAY more than you get for Tyson's $75,000.

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I hope someone builds a giant wall around Dekalb and erases it off the GA map. No more money for them.

Anonymous said...

Not just the raise, but also:

-$2,000 a month for expenses, no receipts required

-$500 a month for transportation

-An additional $1,000,000 plus in retirement if she works eight more years for the system. Not a million total, but a full million dollars extra for serving as superintendent for 19 months.

Anonymous said...

She does not have the qualifications for the job. She should have received a one time bonus, not a raise.

Anonymous said...

OK, if they had to give a raise, so be it.

But why the extra $24,000 a year in expenses??? Plus another $5,000 for transportation. She went for making in the $160's to $270k.

And she gets this for a full YEAR after the new superintendent is hired??!!

Anonymous said...

In DCSS, the mediocre, least qualified employees are paid the largest salaries. Sickening.

Anonymous said...

Again, I ask: Is there no legal entity to oversee such a mess?
Empress Ramona is an "INTERIM"-not permanent---and is not qualified. Sh would have never been considered in a search.
Bonus "Yes" , but a pay increase that is designed to give her a hugh retirement....Ridiculous

Anonymous said...

I'm appalled, totally appalled! If my memory serves me correctly, I don't believe teachers have had any type of raise since 2008!!!

Anonymous said...

"It's impossible" if I recall an old Shirley Bassey song.

But this is not a song. Is this a real love story or what?

Because the BOE gave her this raise to a neophyte, it will have to give the next erudite superintendent the moon--yes the moon!

What were they thinking?

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure the DeKalb Delegation of our state rep's and state senators, minus Missing In Action Ron Ramsey of course, are pretty darn unhappy about the raise. They hear all the time from the business community on how much bad press the school system has brought not just in the region, but state-wide.

It's not any easier to attract business to the county with the messy disaster the Central Office and Board of Ed. has created over the past few years.

I'm guessing no just the Republican delegation members like Fran Millar and Mike Jacob are fired up, but even the Democrat members, like Chair Howard Mosby are not happy.

The delegation is going to shrink the board, to either 5 or 7, probably 7 as a comprimise.

I just wish they could help us get the 2004 Ernst & Young salary audit to the public.

Anonymous said...

This is nothing compared with the City of Bell in California where city council were approving moon-sized contracts for its executive.

What's the deal? Where is Deal on that?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/california-official-s-800-000-salary-in-city-of-38-000-triggers-protests.html

Anonymous said...

Ms. Tyson's raise was a act of God, that no one could have touch nor stopped if you they tried. A note for all of the Christians in DCSS that you need to pray and ask God to forgive your need to hate, because of the color of someones skin. It would also be great if you all could join forces with Ms. Tyson and the administration of DCSS, in the redeveloping of our district. You must understand that she is human and we all make mistakes.



WHERE ARE THE SAINTS OF GOD TODAY, PRAYER HAS ALWAYS CHANGE THINGS. WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERS IN CHRIST, WE MUST TAKE OUR BURDENS TO HIM AND LEAVE THEM THERE. HE THAT HAS NO FAULT CAST THE FIRST STONE.



If you think that we will find a perfect superintendent you are so wrong. It will be difficult for DCSS to find an superintendent because of how your treating Ms Tyson and the Board with all of your hate and threatening messages. If we do find someone they will be asking for at least $350,000 a year or more to deal with your hateful motives.



I can bet you that they wouldn't come in our district firing and placing nothing but White people in positions since this district is majority African American. I also feel that you should pray to the, " God of your understanding and check your heart see what he is saying about your motives.



I'm sure that Ms. Tyson will do a great job. You all have voiced your concerns to her and the board, now allow her and her team to work diligently in rectifying the problems that occurred before she took on that task of acting Interim Superintendent.

Anonymous said...

CORRECTION:7:10PM

A note for all of the Christians in DCSS that you need to pray and ask God to forgive your need to hate, because of the color of someones skin.

I MEANT TO DIRECT THIS TO THE CHRISTAINS THAT ARE BLOGGING AND WRITING HATEFUL STATEMENTS AGAINST SOMEONE.

Anonymous said...

I am very disappointed by the Board's decision to give her this raise. I'll assure you that I'll vote against Womack if he chooses to run again in 2012.

Ms. Tyson and this Board (absent Jester and Elder) are responsible for creating this mess. This board has made one bad decision after another. I regret deeply that Copelin-Wood and Walker and Cunningham were re-elected in November. Surely we could have done better.

For now, I just hope that Governor Deal removes the incumbent school board members and that the state takes over the management of the school system before it is too late.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 7:10pm and 7:14pm


PORCINE SUDSING


Translation: HOG WASH!

Anonymous said...

" note for all of the Christians in DCSS that you need to pray and ask God to forgive your need to hate, because of the color of someones skin.

I MEANT TO DIRECT THIS TO THE CHRISTAINS THAT ARE BLOGGING AND WRITING HATEFUL STATEMENTS AGAINST SOMEONE."

Point of order: any criticism of any black person is always because of racism. No matter what reason you may have, if they are of bad character or lacking qualifications, it doesn't matter. If they are a crook, you can't criticize them. If they are unqualified for a job or do a poor job, you can't criticize them if they are black. That makes you a racist.

And most of DeKalb County is completely ok with thinking this way.

That is why we're in the mess we're in. Everything is racism. Nothing is about qualifications or character.

Anonymous said...

HE THAT HAS NO FAULT CAST THE FIRST STONE.

That's big talk from someone who calls the people here racist.

"Take the log out of your own eye before you take the spec out of someone else's". If you can read, then read your Bible.

Anonymous said...

Once again, you are abusing His name.

As His only spokesman in Dekalb, I will tell you that He would need a flashlight to find Dekalb in a full moon!

Now that your deep racial conceit (Black, White, Asian) has lifted the veil, He has sent HIS second plague upon you but this one is only for 2 years. Did you enjoy the CLEW plague?

Anonymous said...

Ms. Tyson's raise was a act of God, that no one could have touch nor stopped if you they tried.

I guess since God is controlling the pay in the DeKalb school system, he must really dislike the teachers, the bus drivers, the janitors and everyone that doesn't work at the county office.

Anonymous said...

It is astounding to me that APS is facing probation for antics there - when we have endured what we have in DCSS - from criminal indictments to today's insult of an outsize raise for an inexperienced pretend superintendent who was hand picked by the predecessor who created much of this mess in the first place. I hope SACS yanks chains when investigators visit two weeks from now - and if that doesn't happen, Mary Margaret Oliver may be our last hope to leverage some legislative relief.

Anonymous said...

Please review the "Call to Action" article --if you are upset, please voice your issues and concerns with the appropriate state and SACS oversight people.

Anonymous said...

The additional compensation approved for Ms. Tyson is more than double my salary as a teacher in DeKalb. I have a Masters Degree (in Early Childhood Education) and ten years of experience IN the classroom.

So I'm going to assume this means she's going to be working twice as hard for the students she's supposed to serve. I look forward to seeing her visiting classrooms and helping students master difficult concepts. I'm sure she's going to put more money back in the classroom and eliminate the useless coaches and put everyone with a teaching certificate back to work with students.

Sure. Right after pigs fly and eagles go scuba diving.

Anonymous said...

Ms. Tyson's raise was a act of God, that no one could have touch nor stopped if you they tried.

Most of the Board answer to a higher authority (The Hebrew National frankfurter commercial). Here, the higher authority is more local and is at NBBC.

Anonymous said...

"I regret deeply that Copelin-Wood and Walker and Cunningham were re-elected in November.'

Just remember that the votes that pushed Walker over the edge came from the Fernbank community after he promised them they would not be redistricted. Let's see how well he keeps his promise.

I guess they think the Ferngank community thinks they can be insulated from the rest of DCSS, but that is going to be increasingly difficult to do as this BOE (with the exception of Jester and Edler) is determined to do "business as usual".

Anonymous said...

Title 1 fraud
The school I worked at filled out the forms for some students and had the kids sign their parents names. They also withheld subway passes, and basic services (guidance counseling, health, etc.) for students who hadn't handed in the free lunch forms. I reported them to the OSI here in NYC, but they seem to have gotten away with it, despite signed statements from students detailing the punitive measures taken against them, as well as the fraud perpetrated by the administrators.....the money seems to have been used primarily to pay administrative salaries, and not to benefit the children in any way. From what the investigators told me, Title 1 fraud is rampant in NYC, and the DOE doesn't want to know about fraud because it would cost millions and ruin the reputations of dozens of principals.....
Any advice for reporting the fraud to someone who might actually care?
Btw, the school I'm referring to is Clara Barton High School in Brooklyn, NY.....a hotbed of illegal activity.


Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/11105/comments.aspx?cp=3#ixzz1BRbC7P9O

Anonymous said...

Appalling and astounding. I disagree with you on this one, Cere. I have yet to see her earn a dime of what she is already making, let alone a raise for more. What has she done to this point to reduce the central office scurvy that is plaguing the system and preventing the funds from funding teachers who will actually TEACH our children and promote education? Beasley is still there. The office of school improvement has done nothing to make improvements.

I have never heard of someone receiving a bonus or a raise PRIOR to accomplishing their task. Usually it is a reward for accomplishment. What has she accomplished?

She didn't ensure redistricting and school closures last year - so this year we again missed out on state funding. She hired someone else to do it this year (but likely won't follow either plan).

I have heard her speak several times, and not once have I heard her speak to EDUCATIONAL QUALITY or EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES. I have only heard her talk about buildings.

How does this deserve a reward? School outcomes in this county, particularly on the southside (for the individual who believes this is about God's wrath regarding race), in particular are in a woeful state. HOW is she addressing that? I've never even heard her mention a need to improve student outcomes.

This is a sinking ship.....it really really is.

Private School Guy said...

Several observation. DCSS, specifically the Central office does not look at all like the overall make up of the county.
Racially the poor performance of DCSS is hurting the African American population more than the white population. They are bringing down property values for all residents. Anon 7:10 your property values are sinking due to this misconduct.
Regarding the Title 1 situation - YES! The schools do not bother to check to see if the FRL applicants are telling the truth it's not in the best interest of the school system. The right wing powers in Georgia and in the US Congress are going to have a field day with this. The possible scandal here could destroy public education as we know it and possibly lead to dismantling the entire Title 1 program.

Anonymous said...

Can we also assume that we are providing funds for round the clock security? Another great use of money for a SCHOOL system.

I just don't get that she doesn't get it. Is she really that ... moral?

Anonymous said...

Bishop?

Anonymous said...

Great job Mrs. Tyson! Thank you for the free service and your family neglect during these times. We know you didn't ask for it but when the burden was put on your shoulders you rose to the occassion. I am suprised the new board members weren't completely aware of it since it was voted on right after the run offs. I guess they were still partying. Now, they need to step up to the plate and do their own homework instead of asking for this and asking for that. They must speed up the learning curve.

Cerebration said...

I see your points, but I just don't consider this a reward. I consider it bad management by the board. The job needed filled. They asked Tyson if she would fill in for 6-8 weeks at her current pay. She agreed. That was what - last April? May? The board sat on their a**es and didn't make one tiny move toward finding a new super. Then, they had their big SACS response. Made Tyson do that. Now redistricting. She's doing that. What she now must realize is that she IS the superintendent now - not the board's puppet. She needs to step up to the (very expensive) plate and start cleaning up and moving attention back on STUDENTS. I am very concerned about her ability to do this, as she only has a few years experience as a business ed teacher at Lakeside, some years working for IBM promoting the Writing to Read program and then as an administrator of MIS for DCSS. She doesn't have professional training in that either - she is not an IT person - never has been.

The only thing she has is power and guts. She KNOWS what needs to be done. Top down cuts. Bottom up budgeting. Student focused. Smaller classrooms (NOT larger as she's already agreed to). Teachers - teachers and more teachers. Paras back in the classroom. Fewer administrators. Fewer MIS. Fewer security (our security force is ridiculous), more structure in the classrooms. Discipline. Order. Support.

It's just not rocket science. People have been teaching children for hundreds of years. If she'd like, I'll round up some of the nuns who taught me how to read and write. I'm sure a few are still kicking!

At any rate, put down your fully stuffed purse, Ramona, roll up your sleeves and dig in! Think - Children. Children. Children. And don't stop.

Anonymous said...

To the poster who calls this leadership team, Ms. Tyson's team. Excuse me this is Crawford Lewis' team. The same people who basically watched while Lewis and Pope were well... allegedly bilking DCSS. Tyson's team let it go on under their nose. It's Tyson's team who I have the problems with.

Pink slips need to go to Moseley, Thompson, Mitchell-Mayfield, Audria Berry and her entire army, Turk, once we have a new CFO in place, Ramsey, Tucker, the Guilroy's and any other currrent or former board member's family or friends.

I know it's a lot to ask, but good grief, these folks are the ones that got us to this point. Do we honestly think these folks will lead us to a brighter future? Seems like more of the same.

There are some bright spots, like Dan Drake, who actually knows how to run the software, that runs the numbers and projections for attendance etc...

Ms. Tyson show us the 2004 audit, WE paid for it. Also, get another in the works so we have a new normal for the new Super. You got your raise, now go out and earn it! Start paring down the Central Office gravy train.

Anonymous said...

@ Cere: You state that: The only thing she has is power and guts. She KNOWS what needs to be done. Top down cuts. Bottom up budgeting. Student focused."

Where are you getting this? All I've ever heard her talk about are buildings. I asked her a question about how they plan to address curriculum and implementation and lack of consistency in educational quality across the district at a meeting. She didn't respond - but danced around the topic. I DON"T think that she knows this or cares about it. I haven't seen that she KNOWS what needs to be done. You must be in different rooms with the woman.

Anonymous said...

I just heard our interim on the news...I am sick to my stomach! Fellow teachers prepare yourselves she said sacrifices have been made and will continue to be made. I guess it's easy for her to say this after the raise she was just given. Meanwhile I have not received a step or COL increase in 3 or 4 years. Ugh!!

Anonymous said...

@ Cerebration
Do you think that now Ms. Tyson has her retirement secure, she'll do what needs to be done for students? If it's a matter of money, then I say give it to her if that will get her cut in the over paid and over staffed admin and support areas.

Do you think Ms. Tyson will let the BOE minutes be posted on the DCSS BOE website? She has suspended them since she took control. Prior to Ms. Tyson assuming control, the DCSS BOE minutes were posted for 7 years.

Will Ms. Tyson make the 2004 Compensation audit that was hidden by Lewis and now by her available to taxpayers (who actually paid for the audit). We'll see if Sandy Spruill prevails on that one.

Anonymous said...

http://educationnext.org/fraud-in-the-lunchroom/

Maybe we'll get lucky and the feds will audit our Title 1/FRL program. Nothing would clear out the entire Central Office faster. Tyson, Moseley, Turk, Thompson, Ramsey, Tucker, Berry, Beaseley, etc. would be running for the exits.

Anonymous said...

At least my campaign donations to Edler and Jester did not go to waste.

Anonymous said...

@ Anonymous 8L52

"Ms. Tyson's raise was a act of God, that no one could have touch nor stopped if you they tried."

LOL I guess the BOE is God or they think they are.

Please tell me you're a prank poster.

Cerebration said...

Sigh. These are strong cases against a positive outcome with Tyson. I hope I'm not hoping against hope that she "knows" what to do and will do the right thing for children.

Anonymous said...

Cere, Ramona has already she she will NOT be tackling the central office downsizing on her watch. She said very clearly that there were only so many big issues that she could handle and also that the new super would need to make his or her mark and that she was leaving the central office to her successor. So, the only thing she can do to earn her raise is to, gee, hire a consulting company for $400K to do a job that should have been done ON HER WATCH a year ago. No way she deserves this. More than anything else - misuse of Title I, racketeering charges, Bahamas and Hollywood trips - this decision by the board shows they truly, truly, truly do not get it. We are on "fool me 17 times" at this point.

Cerebration said...

But didn't she say that waaay back in April or May - when she thought she'd only be on the job a couple of months? She would have to return to her old job and how could she do that if she had cleaned house of her peers? Plus - Paul Womack has publicly stated that they were going to start cutting back the central office - saying it would be "unrecognizable" in the near future. I'm hoping this was the board's ante to get her to do it. Hoping...

Anonymous said...

@ Cere: I read your comments avidly, and frequently agree with you. Can you tell me, honestly, what gives you hope for Tyson? She ran MIS - have you seen what is required of teachers (I'm not one, but know many)? Have you ever heard her talk about the fact that scores have continued to fall since she has led the district? Have you ever heard her talk about the need to provide supports to teachers and students rather than "sacrifices are necessary" when talking about this group? Have you seen her cut unnecessary central office employees? Have you seen her cut programs or call out the need to cut programs that aren't working?

I'm not trying to get on you....you just seem to think she can do it, and I really do want to know your foundation for that. The response to SACS - someone had to do it....but there were delays and attempts to prevent the public from seeing those documents at the outset, as I recall from this and the AJC blog. Nothing about her service in this office indicates that she is interested in an open administration. She doesn't ask questions (how much money will redistricting save), until a member of the public - or this blog - raises the question first - and even then rarely has answers.

I just see her as ridin' the gravy train set up for her. Wish I knew what she had on Womack, though.

Anonymous said...

Cere, she made the central office comment in October at a meeting at Peachtree Middle School. At that point, she knew the timeline of the superintendent search. IF she would just speak up and say the raise was a sign of confidence, blah, blah, blah, then fine, I might believe her. But right now I am nothing but disappointed. And sick.

Cerebration said...

I guess I've just read too much Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.


I'm still holding onto hope...

Anonymous said...

I'm done.

Anonymous said...

I just think there's got to be something more nefarious going on here. There is all the coverage of Atlanta Public Schools - with Kassim Reed (a reasonable,thinking adult) furious over the SACS probation - and yet DCSS is in the position it is in with no real media outcry? Add to that Foghorn Leghorn I mean Paul Womack lining up with SCW to support a raise for Ramona Tyson? That's got to be a sign of the apocalypse.

And why wouldn't the local media jump all over William Blackwood's editorial? It is so explosive I bet it finds its way into the national media. Are local reporters afraid of something? That's how it feels: like the mafia is really running things and people are afraid to speak the truth.

Anonymous said...

TO DCSS CHRISTIANS WHERE ARE YOU?

WE NEED TO PRAY AND TALK TO GOD ABOUT OUR STRUGGLES WITH DCSS AND LEAVE IT FOR HIM TO SOLVE NOT US. GOD WILL TARE DOWN WHEN HE CHOOSES ONLY. WHERE IS YOUR FAITH IN HIM.

GOD IS NO WHERE IN CONFUSION AND HATE..

IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY NANCY JESTER IS A ELDER IN HER CHURCH, INSTEAD OF HER SIDING WITH FOOLISHNESS FROM THE FOLK ON THE NORTH SIDE SHE SHOULD LEAD YOU ALL TO THE RIGHT WAY OF HANDLING YOUR ISSUES. I'M VERY CONCERN OF HER COMMITMENT AS A BOARD MEMBER??? NANCY PLEASE FOLLOW WHAT YOU HAVE READ IN GOD'S WORD REGARDING HOW TO HANDLE NEGATIVE AFFAIRS WITH PEOPLE OR BUSINESS.WHERE IS YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY TO GOD FIRST, FAMILY SECOND, CAREER LAST?

I SEE AND UNDERSTAND EVERYONE FRUSTRATIONS, HOWEVER NONE OF US ARE GOD. IF THE DCSS ADMINISTRATORS, BOARD MEMBERS ARE CROOKED TRUST ME THEY WILL ANSWER TO GOD, AND WHEN THE RAFT OF GOD HITS NO MAN WILL BE ABLE TO STAND IT. I WOULD SAY BLOGGERS YOU HAVE STATED YOUR CONCERNS NOW ASK FOR GUIDANCE FROM THE GOD OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING. I WOULD ALSO ASK THAT ALL OF US JUST SIT TIGHT AND SEE WHAT DCSS IS GOING TO DO, AND SEE HOW THEY ADDRESS OUR CONCERNS WITHOUT HATE, CONTROL FROM THE BLOGGERS.

Anonymous said...

RE: 10:10AM BLOG,

TO DCSS CHRISTIANS WHERE ARE YOU?
I'M REFRENCING MY BLOG TO THE STAKE HOLDERS OF DEALB CO

Anonymous said...

Like "god" doesn't have more important things to worry about than DCSS. This is his comedy central channel. He can tune in for 24/7 laughs!

When it was said that god helps those who help themselves, we don't think that meant helping themselves to the riches which have been plundered by the administration!


Jim Bohica Ben Dover

Anonymous said...

Ms. Tyson does not even deserve to be in that position at all. She’s only there because of the relationship that she had with Crawford and he asked the board to place her there thinking that he would return. How can you lead an entire district with no knowledge of instruction? There is a reason that DeKalb is a Needs Improvement District. Please!!!! This district is in more trouble than any of us realize.

Anonymous said...

"This district is in more trouble than any of us realize."

Wow... I'm afraid you may be right. This all makes no sense at all, and that is usually a good sign that there is much more here than meets the eye. Kind of reminds me of how crazy my marriage seemed, right before I found out about the affair.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully, when Ms. Tyson got done doing the "million dollar dance" after the meeting in her home, she realized we expect her to BE the super until a permanent one is found.

I asked her at an ELPC meeting about the over blown central office and she was all "we'll get a study done". The study was done and it's no longer relevant. She needs to get down and deal with the redundancy and get rid of some folks. We don't need umpteen people working on curriculum. Freeze our curriculum for a while. You can always hire them back later when we are in better shape.

She also needs to get those kids of central office folks out of the schools they are in before committing to redistricting a school. Or at least identify them and take them out of the equation. If the school is still over crowded, then these schools, elem thru high should be redistricted. If not, leave them alone and don't allow any new transfers for central office emps. occur going forward. They just don't need this perk.

WE do need audits though. Audit the transfers, do more address verifications and definitely audit the title one funds and their uses.

Ramona and Beezus, Turk, Moseley and HR director(Wilson?)need to have a "come to Jesus" meeting and deal with the overblown staff issues NOW! There is a revolt on the horizon on this issue.

Anonymous said...

"...AND WHEN THE RAFT OF GOD HITS..."
:) Thank you for that! I needed to smile or else I would cry!

Anonymous said...

"THE RAFT OF GOD". Is that what we can all climb aboard to sail outta this mess?

Seriously (not really) folks, I guess I'm off the radar with this poster because I'm not a Christian... Does this mean I can post hateful things with impunity?

Cerebration said...

Reminds me of the Catholic child heard to be praying, "Hail Mary, full of grapes"...

I will say that yes, Ramona Tyson did promise to take a look at the bloated central office staff waaaaay back at the April (?) ELPC meeting. I distinctly remember her using the words, "forensic" and "laser-like"...

So - get to it Ms Tyson.

Anonymous said...

Wow, some of you Anonymous (who knows who) always come on this site and talk trash about the families you hate no matter what the topic of discussion is. We get it, you hate several families. Perhaps over jealousy, not sure. Just really immature.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree that a few folks seem to have their pet issues that they always bring up, even when it is way off topic, but I am lost as to what you mean about " talk trash about the families you hate "... what are you trying to say?

Cerebration said...

Kasim Reed will go to bat very strongly for Atlanta schools. He was remarkable in his honesty of the city's handling the roads after the snowstorm. I really respect the guy. Wish we had him on the DeKalb team. I doubt if Burrell Ellis would have much to say if the same thing happened to DeKalb. Our county leaders have really separated themselves from the school system. I see very little teamwork and cooperation between the school system and the county commission.

Too bad.

Cerebration said...

Also, I try to delete comments that directly insult people by name or obvious inference (unless they are public figures). If I miss some, please send me an email -

reparteeforfun@gmail.com

And - please don't type in all caps, it's hard to read, and in internet etiquette, it's the same as yelling in someone's face. Please play nice.

Anonymous said...

Dear anon 10:10 who asks where all the Christians are:
We are here, each of part of the body of Christ, to be his hands and feet on this planet. He works thru us. He uses us to bring relief to the oppressed and right wrongs. No where in Scripture does Christ say "sit on your hands while evil has its way." Remember the clearing of the Temple? We are to speak on behalf of the least powerful- in this case, school children, who deserve an education within a fair system. When we call out persons who get huge salaries but do not have a sense of mission to serve vulnerable children, THAT is what Christ would have us do. Remember the Pharisees? They had all the authority. And they were dead wrong. Would you have reprimanded Christ for saying "hateful" things to them? I think he would say he was just telling them the truth.

I see your pain in your post, accentuated by your capital letters. Have courage and fear not. Trust, as the prophet said, that one day soon in our community, justice will roll down like the waters and righteousness like a stream. That is what each of us is praying will happen.

Anonymous said...

Anon 11:47

Ramona and Beezus... just the best line EVER!

Anonymous said...

Anon 11:18 p.m. - your concerns about Ramona Tyson are very well stated. There's a big difference in running an MIS Department and being a Superintendent of a large school system.

I wish that Paul Womack would come out and state just why he so strongly supports Ms. Tyson. Ms. Tyson is constantly complaining about the "very complex" state of current affairs in the Dekalb County School System. Well, just who created this mess? The students, the teachers, county residents, or even the State Government. The answer is a resounding NO! That leaves the school board and the administration.

Ms. Tyson also seems to be more concerned about getting her pay raise, about getting her on par with other local school districts, and just about her own interests than those of our children and our people.

Frankly, I just wish this entire board, with the exception of Elder and Jester, would just go away and take Tyson with them. Dekalb County has a wealth of retired business leaders who could lead and manage this school system so much better. Hopefully, the governor and our legislative delegation will come to the same conclusion.

Anonymous said...

I am no longer holding my breath on that one. We're toast.

Anonymous said...

I believe that internally the FBI has a "public fraud and corruption" division -- if there is evidence of someone or some entity stealing federally related funds or intra state funds, the evidence of said theft or crime should be taken to the public fraud end corruption divison in the appropriate locale....

Anonymous said...

The ridiculous superstitious religious bent of some of these posts just sickens me. So you trust Eddie Long to make your dreams come true? But you hate homosexuals? Can we leave the make believe man in the sky out of the blatant theft of our childrens' futures? You guys deserve everything you get. Use the brains that NATURE gave you.

Anonymous said...

I'm a Christian and African American.The color of the board, Tyson and DCSS community isn't relevant to the friends and family network/business as usual here in DeKalb. Every person who cares about the students in this county should be outraged by the boards action. The school board is clearly telling DCSS Community to go fly a kite. We need more than prayer we need action. Faith without works doesn't please God! We need to become our own Superman and get SAC and the Governor to get rid of this board. The community doesn't know that new lawsuits are being established against students educational dollars as we speak. The community doesn't know that the federal govt.EEOC is investigating DCSS for unlawful terminations of 6/30/10. Please complain to the folks who can do something about this. I know that I'm going to do my part and the color of our money is GREEN not Black or White. Our children deserve better.

Anonymous said...

I was at the meeting tonight and one table made comments about changes to be made in the redistricting process. They ended by thanking the board members for attending and also Superintendent Tyson. They asked her to address the crowd of parents afterwards as the Highly compensated LEADER of the school system.

She declined and that was after Jeff Dickerson, her crisis management highly compensated PR person had left.

What the hell are PR firms doing at the redistricting meetings?
Crisis Management?

It's time to fall on the sword Ramona!!!!

Anonymous said...

I heard from a board member that Tyson's legal team drafted the contract for her raise and ripped DCSS apart! I won't talk about what is supposed to be in it and how long but it's supposed a lot longer than 18 months and guarantees her lifetime pension.

We need an Open Records Act request for the new contract and then we can discuss her compensation!!!

Anonymous said...

sinking ship? uh, no. this is the Titanic and it is underwater. the admins are all in the boats floating away while teachers and kids are freezing to death in the water. it won't be long now...

P.S. Hope is gone. That's just your sweat in your closed hand you feel.

Anonymous said...

"I won't talk about what is supposed to be in it"

uh you better effin tell everyone here after saying that. the employees, parents, and kids all should know wtf is going on.

Anonymous said...

Freedom of Information Act should give us a little insight.
I assume employment contracts of public employees are open for the public to see?

Anonymous said...

I heard from a board member that Tyson's legal team drafted the contract for her raise and ripped DCSS apart! I won't talk about what is supposed to be in it and how long but it's supposed a lot longer than 18 months and guarantees her lifetime pension.

We need an Open Records Act request for the new contract and then we can discuss her compensation!!!

Sounds like the board member is out of his/her league to reveal to anything to the public without the permission from the board. Sounds to me that whoever the person is that your speaking of needs to resign if he/she he is unhappy.. I wonder if the board member that your speaking of one of the newly installed board members? If so I really hope that DCSS lawyers finds it out. Both newly board members needs to be closely watched by everyone that's on the board. I feel that they are working with a double edge sword. How can a board member smile in the other board members face a then turn around and reveal private information to the public? What is there responsiblity as a member on the board? The both of them needs to try to work together and not black ball anyone.
They aren't in place to so called, rip the system into pieces they need to make sure that they are in compliance with the job descriptions and consult with DCSS lawyers before they speak quietly to the media or anyone from the north side.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 12:17AM

The term you used "Tyson's legal team" has us concerned!

This "legal team" along with other unidentified members, may in fact be the wizzards behind the curtain.

Gee? We wonder...could this "legal team" also have ties to another organization frequently mentioned on this blog. Perhaps one functioning under the cloak of religion?

We wonder....

Ben Dover Jim Bohica

Anonymous said...

Not sure that this should go here....but it is sort of related....Anyone know what happened with the request for the audit under the Freedom of Info act? Hasn't the time frame for response passed?

Anonymous said...

"How can a board member smile in the other board members face a then turn around and reveal private information to the public?"

I hate to tell you, but this is the way they have always rolled.

Cerebration said...

Tyson's employment contract is not private information. It's definitely public. She is paid with tax dollars, so the people can know what she's being paid. The AJC got a copy of Lewis' contract when the board gave him a raise—I wouldn't be surprised if they do the same for Tyson.

Anonymous said...

"Anyone know what happened with the request for the audit under the Freedom of Info act? Hasn't the time frame for response passed? "

That's a question for Sandy Spruill. She's posted her email address here on Dekalb Watch. Why don't you email her and ask he if she's heard fom Ms. Tyson yet?

Anonymous said...

@ Ben Dover Jim Bohica 8:10

I would have to guess that you are correct. Why would the board kowtow to her demands? Why didn't they learn anything after the raise to Lewis at this time last year? Why is her lawyer team making up any contract? When my husband is offered a contract for a professorship, the university offering him the job writes the contract, not him and he can accept the terms, negotiate some of the terms or reject the terms.

Hopefully the wizard will be revealed and people will know once and for all that VERY FEW running the school care about the children, and only about their pay checks.

Anonymous said...

"I feel that they are working with a double edge sword. How can a board member smile in the other board members face a then turn around and reveal private information to the public? What is there responsiblity as a member on the board?"

Are you talking about Gene Walker promising Fernbank they would NOT be redistricted??

What is his responsibility as a member of the board??

Anonymous said...

Magnet are highly successful because they only admit students with the highest test scores - of course they are going to be "successful".

Give me a magnet school that takes not so successful students and turns them into successful students. That is the critiera that success should be built around.

Cerebration said...

As I posted on another thread - Below are the EXTRA teachers allotted to magnet programs and paid for with local tax dollars (not state or federal)

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts - 7
Wadsworth ES - 3
Clifton ES - 2
Evansdale ES - 2
Kittredge ES - 6

Chamblee MS - 4
Chapel Hill MS - 2
Columbia MS - 1

Chamblee HS - 7
Columbia HS - 6
DeKalb School of the Arts - 7
SW DeKalb - 6

Additionally, Huntley Hills gets 5.5 additional local points for Montessori and Briar Vista gets 3.0 additional local points for Montessori

So, yes, the magnets are given 53 EXTRA teachers and the Montessori 8.5 for a total of 61.5 locally funded teachers for special programs.

For those of you who like to promote the magnets by pointing to their success, I ask, wouldn't your school's students do better with more teachers and smaller class sizes too?...

Interesting that DESA is given 7 extra teachers. (That's as many as Chamblee HS and DSA) In fact, DESA and DSA combined are given 14 EXTRA teachers. Nice! (For them anyway...)

Anonymous said...

Cere,
Are you certain the magnet "points" you list are truly funded by local tax dollars??

The link you reference for School Allotments lists QBE funding, which is a STATE funding formula (by design).

Is it possible the term "local" actually means "state funds applied locally" (to the specific school).

Again, I've been told that "extra" magnet teachers are paid from state funds, not local tax dollars.

Cerebration said...

Local Funds

Information under this section pertains to local taxes required to finance the local portion of the Quality Basic Education in Georgia plus those programs and services provided over and above the level of the Quality Basic Education. The ad valorem taxes are the tax resources available to the DeKalb County Board of Education and are levied to finance the local share of this approved budget.

The Georgia Constitution authorizes boards of education to levy ad valorem taxes up to 20 mills for operating purposes. This section of the Constitution makes provisions for raising or removing entirely the 20 mill limitation. In the referendum held May 18, 1971, the voters of DeKalb County approved increasing the 20 mill limitation by 5 mills, for a total of 25 mills.

3. Assessments

a. Real Estate . . . In 1968 the Georgia General Assembly enacted a law (Code Section 92-5703 of the 1968 Acts) which requires that all property, for the purpose of taxation, be assessed at 40% of its present market value.

b. Automobiles . . . The assessment of automobiles owned by citizens of the county is listed as part of the county tax digest. The ad valorem tax is paid on an automobile at the time the license plate is purchased.

c. Public utilities . . . Public utilities are assessed as with other property, and this property is listed as part of the county tax digest. The property tax digest of each county within the State of Georgia is required to be approved by the State Department of Revenue.

4. During the 1972 session of the Georgia General Assembly, House Resolution No. 859-2043 was passed concerning the levying of licenses, fees, and taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages. This resolution called for a Constitutional amendment which was voted on in the 1972 general election. The 1985 session of the Georgia General Assembly, Act No. 31, continued this amendment to the State
Constitution.

The voters of the school district approved Amendment No. 40. This amendment authorizes and directs the DeKalb County Commission and the municipalities located within the school district to levy taxes, licenses, and fees on the sale of malt beverages, beer, and wine, with the provision that one-half of the net receipts be paid to the DeKalb County Board of Education for school operating purposes.

Cerebration said...

Look in the individual school allotments under the QBE formulas there are two boxes -

FEDERAL
ROTC (federal)

LOCAL
Magnet
Montessori
ROTC (local)
Points Advanced for Programs

Anonymous said...

Anon 3:39

I am not Cere, but I attended almost every school board budget subcommittee last year. Twenty magnet points were cut for this year, so the 50ish that exist today are down from 70ish the year before.

Cobb County cut teachers at Wheeler Magnet and Pepplebrook Magnet as well.

There is a funding formula for schools, the locally funded magnet points are above and beyond state funding.

Anonymous said...

A diverse group of public interest groups on Thursday said Georgia's government has allowed a culture of "low-level conflict of interest and low-level corruption" to grow and that changes are needed.

Good grief...does this story sound familiar or what?

The difference between Georgia's government and DCSS is that DCSS is not low-level corruption!

From the top on down people, top on down!

Jim and Ben

Anonymous said...

Cere,
Per my last post on state QBE funding, I forgot that the basic formula is: QBE - tax mill rate + equitation

or, put this way…
QBE = direct and indirect instructional costs paid by the state MINUS x
x = local mill rate (local taxes, up to 20 mill max) + equitation (amount state pays if the county has lower property taxes, i.e., rural counties who don't have revenues equal to more affluent urban counties)

QBE includes those FTEs regular students earn + the extra percentage (1.66%?) that gifted or special ed students "earn" on top of that.

*Anyway, my point is that "points" aren't strictly "local" funds. Yes, local taxes are part of it, but state funds are probably lion's share of the magnet or Montessori points, etc., a school earns.

Can't wait for Emory-Lavista Parent Council meeting Jan. 28 when state reps (including Joe Martin, author of QBE formula) are supposed to elucidate these murky waters…

Anonymous said...

well, we all knew that the magnets were a drain on resources for local schools, Just did not know the specifics...
Thanks Cere for the info - When are people going to get with the push for equal services? That begins with equal allocation of resources for ALL students...

Anonymous said...

why is the discussion being turned toward magnet stuff? my guess is it's a ploy to change the subject to something else controversial. let's not forget that someone just recently posted about ramona's contract being even worse than face value. take the magnet talk elsewhere.

Cerebration said...

Regardless, Anon 5:10, is it equitable that these schools garner so many more points than other schools? And then-point to their successful program as something not to be touched?

I'm just so puzzled why people can't see this.

The entire system needs revamped. All of it. Every single program needs evaluated. We have to squeeze as much as we can from the budget we have. Top down - cuts need to be made. Then bottom up budgeting - start rebuilding an education system that is equitable and works well for everyone.

Cerebration said...

PS - if anyone has a copy of the contract, please share it. It's a matter of public record.

Anonymous said...

Amen Cere!

Anonymous said...

sheep

Anonymous said...

YOu could run the magnets but refuse to grant any local points ... that would solve that problem but no one is looking into that....

Anonymous said...

@ anon 5:43 can't take the truth about the magnets? like it or not, the issue of magnets is part of the big picture - There is a reason that it comes up again and again and it isn't a distraction. The "red herring" excuse only works for so long my friend.

Anonymous said...

No, I think Anon 5:43 is simply tired, as I am as well, of the magnet issue showing up on every topic on this blog. Isn't this about Tyson's raise? Hasn't there been countless blogs on the magnets where comments on them are way more appropriate? This blog is often so ADD... is it that hard to stay on topic?
I say this as a total magnet supporter. But really, keep to the topic at hand, please.

Anonymous said...

I think that she deserves it. She originally turned down his salary when she started. That is probably why they are giving it to her for a after a new superintendent is hired.
If you look at the comparables, Wilbanks in Gwinnett makes around $360,000 or so for the same job. I think that that was why Lewis wanted a raise a year ago. Just pondering!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 7:21

What a slap in the face to Wilbanks in G county...how dare you compare what we have to him?

It's like comparing apples to another kind of apple!

Jim Bohica Ben Dover

Anonymous said...

@7:21PM

Although I don't think any public school superintendent in these United States CAN EVER EVER EVER deserve to make more than the Speaker of House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, or the Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I respectfully submit this as only one of the MANY reasons why Dr. Crawford Lewis and, much less, Ms. Ramona Tyson did not and do not deserve a raise of any sort:

"ATLANTA, Tuesday, October 19, 2010 - Georgia's largest school system has won the nation's top prize in public education, which will provide $1 million in college scholarships for needy students in the district. Gwinnett County Public Schools snagged the Broad Prize for Urban Education, an award the Broad Foundation gives annually to urban districts that show the most gains in student performance and closing minority achievement gaps...."

Anonymous said...

To the poster who stated that Tyson was only to be in the position until Lewis came back you are right. If you remember the Board supported Lewis (who recommended Tyson) til the bitter end. That tells us they have absolutely no idea what is really going on at DCSS. The Board and Tyson was able to sneek in this raise by making 2 bigger issues more important, lower level employees losing jobs and redistricting. Classic slight of hand. I'll distract you with this hand while I am tricking you with the other. The Lewis administration is still running the system. Voters of DeKalb you get what you asked for. More of the same.

No sympathy here.

Anonymous said...

ANYTHING THAT IS WORKING WELL, DCSS BOARD AND FRIENDS WILL DESTROY ...

WHEN ALL AROUND THEM, BUMPING INTO THEM EVERYDAY, ARE THINGS TO FIX, TO CHANGE, TO ELIMINATE.

THEY REFUSE TO LOOK AT OUR REALITY.

THEIR REALITY IS TO BRING EVERYTHING DOWN TO MEDIOCRE SO THAT DCSS OVERALL DOESN'T LOOK SO BAD. IT'S A SAD FACT.

JESTER AND EDLER, PLEASE PLEASE DON'T FALL IN LINE. YOU TWO ARE OUR START, OUR HOPE, FOR A BETTER TOMORROW WHERE EXCELLENCE AND BEST IS VALUED.

Anonymous said...

nancy and donna need to convince 3 others to go along with them or need to get a 5 member school board really quickly and one other to go along -- a 2 person minority doesn't get very far.... Pray that they have strength, strong will, and lots and lots of Excedrin to hold out until we can get them into the majority by electing others like them or get the new reduced BOE (write your legislators).

Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNA said...

Business as usual in DeKalb - Black on Black Crime by DeKalb County's predominately Black Board of Education. Tyson was paid $76,000 to irreparably harm successful educators on the Southside, and therefore OUR CHILDREN. What is the school system saying? That there's no way our principals, teachers and children could be successful without cheating? Here are Dr. Flanagans credentials. She's more successful in our local school house than the administration has been. Do we want to see her persecuted? Let's act NOW.

Dr. Agnes Flanagan

Professional, Motivator, Leader, Love for Children, Engaging Speaker, Determined, Dedicated, Always willing to help, Positive Spirit, Smart, First Class and Parent. As a principal of (3 middle schools), she has helped dozens of teachers, clerical staff to advance in their careers. People simply love and respect Dr. Flanagan.

Brief History/Accomplishments:
Appointed Principal of (2) troubled middle schools in which of one, the school inherited 32 trailers and over 2500 students. Both schools were extremely successful.
Appointed Special Assignment as Acting Administrator because of strong leadership skills at an early age of her career.
*Nominated Teacher of the Year for two years.
During the Minority to MInority (Segregation of buses), appointed to a north school to maintain the war of black and white at Peachtree Middle School. Total success!!
Appointed Middle School Coordinator for 9 schools to assist Area Assistant and Principal with the many challenges of middle schools. Totally successful.
She was granted the chance to return to her role as principal of CGMS.

Cedar Grove Middle School:
*Instilled a feeling of pride, dignity, professionalism to the entire school.
*implemented technology for students throughout the school with a total of 5 computer labs
*hired a strong and skilled teaching staff. Teacher Quality is important to Dr.Flanagan.
*created an open door policy for all stakeholders
*maintained an instructional schedule that affords all students effective opportunities for learning
*Although all DCSS middle schools are afforded a period for Extended Learning Time, Dr. Flanagan is the only principal in DCSS that created her own curriculum for Extended Learning Time - 1st period. Realizing the need for additional support in the areas of Math, Dr. Flanagan wanted to make sure that the school start the day with an emphasis on Math. She created her own curriculum in which all teaches are required to start the day with basic math tools that will help students do better in their math classes. This process has been going on for at least 5 years and the impact of student achievement is profound. It makes a difference and we thank Dr. Flanagan. Other schools have now adopted this procedure under her leadership.
*Additionally, she created her own instructional focus for the 8th grade writing test leading the system with a 9+ gain. She mandates that all ELA teachers share in the teaching of the various kinds of writing to make sure that the students are prepared.
*Students are recognized in various districtwide projects: Science, Social Studies, Spelling Bee and others.
*Strong student extracurricular activities: Young Men and Women of CGMS.
*Exceptional Special Education Department. All challenged students are included within the entire school program and taught the same curriculum with high expectations for achievement.
*Accountability - She holds herself, teachers and children accountable for learning,
*Parent Support - The open door policy affords parents to share in the overall learning experience. Many parents work in the media center. The annual Reading kickoff creates standing room. Parents present their favorite book and look forward each year. Every PTSA meeting is well attended through parent support.

Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNA said...

Part-Two Dr. Flanagan
*Instructional Focus - every meeting held at the school, Dr. Flanagan shares knowledge and support relating to teaching and learning. She teaches parents to help their children through learning about CRCT, AYP, Report Cards, Teaching and Learning.
*Raised the bar for the school. Students know what they are expected to do. The atmosphere is too exceed standards. Dr. Flanagan has added VALUE to our school and we are truly appreciated.
*Data Driven school. Dr. Flanagan leads a team of instructional leaders in the school every Monday morning at 7:30a.m. with current information from schools across the nation, a clear understanding of the importance as she guides the process of analyzing every child;s learning potential. She is a strong instructional leader which she is to be credited and acknowledged for the last 5 years at CGMS.
*Host school for many board meetings in which the school models exemplary customer service. This can be witnessed by any and all board members.
*Promotes strong attendance. School maintains high student attendance throuhgout the school year.

Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNA said...

Part 3: Dr. Flanagan

Dr. Agnes Flanagan

Professional, Motivator, Leader, Love for Children, Engaging Speaker, Determined, Dedicated, Always willing to help, Positive Spirit, Smart, First Class and Parent. As a principal of (3 middle schools), she has helped dozens of teachers, clerical staff to advance in their careers. People simply love and respect Dr. Flanagan.

Brief History/Accomplishments:
Appointed Principal of (2) troubled middle schools in which of one, the school inherited 32 trailers and over 2500 students. Both schools were extremely successful.
Appointed Special Assignment as Acting Administrator because of strong leadership skills at an early age of her career.
*Nominated Teacher of the Year for two years.
During the Minority to Minority (Segregation of buses), appointed to a north school to maintain the war of black and white at Peachtree Middle School. Total success!!
Appointed Middle School Coordinator for 9 schools to assist Area Assistant and Principal with the many challenges of middle schools. Totally successful.
She was granted the chance to return to her role as principal of CGMS.

Cedar Grove Middle School:
*Instilled a feeling of pride, dignity, professionalism to the entire school.
*implemented technology for students throughout the school with a total of 5 computer labs
*hired a strong and skilled teaching staff. Teacher Quality is important to Dr.Flanagan.
*created an open door policy for all stakeholders
*maintained an instructional schedule that affords all students effective opportunities for learning
*Although all DCSS middle schools are afforded a period for Extended Learning Time, Dr. Flanagan is the only principal in DCSS that created her own curriculum for Extended Learning Time - 1st period. Realizing the need for additional support in the areas of Math, Dr. Flanagan wanted to make sure that the school start the day with an emphasis on Math. She created her own curriculum in which all teaches are required to start the day with basic math tools that will help students do better in their math classes. This process has been going on for at least 5 years and the impact of student achievement is profound. It makes a difference and we thank Dr. Flanagan. Other schools have now adopted this procedure under her leadership.
*Additionally, she created her own instructional focus for the 8th grade writing test leading the system with a 9+ gain. She mandates that all ELA teachers share in the teaching of the various kinds of writing to make sure that the students are prepared.

Anonymous said...

Part 4 Dr. Flanagan
*Students are recognized in various district wide projects: Science, Social Studies, Spelling Bee and others.
*Strong student extracurricular activities: Young Men and Women of CGMS.
*Exceptional Special Education Department. All challenged students are included within the entire school program and taught the same curriculum with high expectations for achievement.
*Accountability - She holds herself, teachers and children accountable for learning,
*Parent Support - The open door policy affords parents to share in the overall learning experience. Many parents work in the media center. The annual Reading kickoff creates standing room. Parents present their favorite book and look forward each year. Every PTSA meeting is well attended through parent support.
*Instructional Focus - every meeting held at the school, Dr. Flanagan shares knowledge and support relating to teaching and learning. She teaches parents to help their children through learning about CRCT, AYP, Report Cards, Teaching and Learning.
*Raised the bar for the school. Students know what they are expected to do. The atmosphere is too exceed standards. Dr. Flanagan has added VALUE to our school and we are truly appreciated.
*Data Driven school. Dr. Flanagan leads a team of instructional leaders in the school every Monday morning at 7:30a.m. with current information from schools across the nation, a clear understanding of the importance as she guides the process of analyzing every child;s learning potential. She is a strong instructional leader which she is to be credited and acknowledged for the last 5 years at CGMS.
The School maintains high student attendance throughout the school year.

Present Project: Dr. Flanagan was in the process of guiding a STEM grant (Science,Technology, Engineering and Math) focus. It was her vision to implement video conferencing where the students and teachers would be able to speak, see other kids and schools in countries such as China and Japan. If you recall, STEM was one of President Obama's strong areas of focus in his State of the Union Address.

DCSS Family, This is an example of Dr. Flanagan's visionary leadership and her demonstrated ability to move our students forward.
Wake up,know our enemy and let's do something about it!DeKalb Community

Cerebration said...

Loreen, I'm not exactly following what you're saying. Is Dr. Flanagan one of the people pulled for possible cheating? As far as I know, it's still not reason to panic, as the school system had to pull all who may have knowledge of possible cheating within a school. They will try to sort it out and punish those responsible. Truly, if your principal did nothing wrong, I think she will be reinstated after they figure out who is exactly responsible.

That said - there is a big case to be made for keeping very tight security on the actual tests after students take them. If they are not secure and someone messes with them, then I'm afraid the principal will be in some trouble for not protecting the tests.

I predict that only a fourth or so of the people pulled will actually be shown to have really done something wrong.

Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNA said...

Hello Cerebration,


Yes, Dr. Flanagan and one teacher from Cedar Grove Middle School were removed. I believe strongly that there are serious reasons to "panic" when multiple schools in your neighborhood (Cedar Grove Elementary was also impacted) are desecrated with a “shoot first, ask questions later” action (submission to DA and PSC for action). We all in the DCSS Community should panic. Lord knows this BOE and the administration do nothing but give us daily reason to panic. Everyone is scrambling to get their voices heard for re-districting, but guess what? They’re going to do what was planned by Dr. Lewis over a year ago. I was at the summary meeting presented to the board and the recommendations did not vary from the previous committee reports. This same flimflam has been used for the Supt. selection process, as well. It was used when they put a “friend/family member” as Principal at CGHS. After meeting with the community, students, staff and parent council they still promoted the person whose name was leaked out a month prior. When our community treats these actions lightly we're playing into their hands. Now North DeKalb is supposed to have a false sense of safety until it's your turn. And that’s coming in the form of "redistricting". Appropriate fiscal management, which includes accountability and credibility should come first, don't you think? Why did the district text these 24 employees of our decision to throw them under the bus in the name of ‘due process’?


I’m not necessarily saying there was NO cheating and that no one should have been referred for further scrutiny. Fact is, I don’t know. But I DO know of Dr. Flanagan and her stellar record at CGMS, her reputed status as “clean up” Principal in S. DeKalb when other leaders fail to bring in results, her AYP track record, her character and her honor. Like others on this blog, I question the timing, the motivation, the incentives, and the sheer gall of this administration. Vindication may come later, but how is it OK to set up people for falling in the first place?

Anonymous said...

People were caught going into schools after hours late and on weekends. If this happened, people should not be being paid until they are proven innocent. The testing scandal is more and more serious.

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-finds-teachers-could-820153.html


All I can say is that "good" people do "bad" things. Tax payers should not be footing the bill for any more school workers who lye and cheat the system.

Anonymous said...

I think that these "high stakes" tests have got to go... they aren't helping anyone... we're paying alot of money to "game" the system on things like America's Choice and otherwise. We've got folks like Beasley telling teachers how to teach. We've got kids crammed into classrooms like sardines -- as many as 38 to a classroom (maybe more) -- they are not grouped according to ability -- the teacher is expected to perform miracles with both hands tied behind their backs. You get a guy with a PhD like Blackwood who tries to hold kids to a high standard and accountable and he gets flack from supervisors who don't get what he's doing. Teachers who want to hold kids accountable can't give 0s and can't fail them. Kids arriving in classes below grade level can't be sent back. Teachers are supposed to "differentiate" the curriculum and teach according to the different "modes" of learning while implementing things like America's Choice and somehow prep for the CRCT and meet curruiculum objectives and follow the pacing charts -- even if none of it makes sense to them or their kids and they can't decide what to put on their bulletin boards and then they get creamed when their kids don't pass the CRCT and when the school doesn't meet AYP fast enough (even if the kids are below average intellegence and don't speak english as a first language) and we're surprised that there's cheating? I'm in the camp that's surprised that more haven't been identified and that it's taken this long to catch up.... It's a "duh" for me.... (I'm a parent). It's time to put good, experienced principals and assistant principals in all buldings (not asst. principals who are demoted principals) and let them actually run the buildings and put an expereinced educator in charge of curriculum and school improvement... let the teachers teach or make them get new jobs but untie their handes and remove the nooses (is that the right plural?)

Cerebration said...

I see your point Loreen. I hope you'll continue to send us important information that you find on this subject.