Below is a list of the new people instituted so far. Please add more in the comments as they occur.
First, Dr. Atkinson is hiring her own (mostly outside of GA) team of high level administrators. So far this includes:
- Kathleen S. Howell as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
- Kendra D. March as Deputy Superintendent for School Leadership and Operational Support.
- Gary Brantley as Chief Information Officer.
- Walter Woods as Executive Director of Communications.
- Ralph Taylor, the executive director of alternative education and safe schools at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, N.C., will become DeKalb's associate superintendent for support services. As a result of Monday's board decision, Taylor will replace Felicia Mayfield, who is retiring Dec. 31.
We have been told that
- Mr. Moseley has been moved from Associate Superintendent to Area Superintendent.
- Dr. Pringle has been moved from Area Superintendent to Principal at Towers HS.
- Dr. Beaseley has been moved from Interim Dep Super for Teaching & Learning to a position in Race To The Top (RTTT- new NCLB funds won by GA).
- Audria Berry (head of the Office of School Improvement - aka Title 1) and her assistant, A. Davis were fired a couple of weeks ago.
Let's hope the house cleaning continues . . .
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/6tyy85u
School systems in the current state that DCSS is in give government schools a bad name.
What is RTTT?
ReplyDeleteWhy do we need a Chief Information Officer AND an Executive Director of Communications??
And no more "Executive" Directors. A plain ole "Director" is enough,
Sorry - Race To The Top... the NCLB money on steroids implemented by Obama.
ReplyDeleteWeren't there two people given their walking papers a couple weeks ago?
ReplyDeleteRight! How could I have forgotten? I'll add them to the post.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Beasley's appointment is another temporary position.
ReplyDeleteI would like him to display his knowledge of RTTT and the rules and guidelines associated with the program.
He was scheduled to speak at a previous board meeting (as the new RTTT director) about Band Uniforms?
What does RTTT have to do with band uniforms?
We need people in place of these programs who are knowledgable and forward thinking rather than someone who needs a job and has the time to fill in.
I hope he is gone soon to run his ministry.
Mr. Beasely, you know there is an opening currently at New Birth for a pastor?
For Cerebration and Anonymous, be sure to know your FACTS before speaking about who has been fired or replaced. It would be wise to spend more time focused on yourselves than the where abouts of others. Maybe if you had a job that "Truly" occupied your time, you wouldn't be so concerned about others. This site is truly a disgrace.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous 12:50
ReplyDelete"This site is truly a disgrace."
The fact that DeKalb Schools had the lowest achievement in the entire metro area is a disgrace.
The fact that only 20% of our Title 1 schools made Adequate Yearly Progress while demographically similar systems in the metro area had so much more student progress is a disgrace.
The fact that we have more support to teacher staff (1:4 - 1 support non-teaching employee certified to teach for every 4 teachers)than any other metro system (except APS) is a disgrace.
The fact that so many administrative personnel are still in place when they have utterly failed to move students forward is a disgrace.
Accountability at the highest levels must happen for student progress to begin at DeKalb Schools. That has not been happening. That's the worst disgrace.
It's a disgrace that teachers want to blame central office for not performing. It's a disgrace that no one at the local school level want to take ownership for the school's low performance, but yet, take ownership if they perform well. Teaching comes from the heart, not a pay check. Schools (Title I) are given anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 to increase student achievement, and they don't spend it all, that's a disgrace. The same principals have been in place at failing schools for many years, and they are still there, that's a disgrace. Teachers get in trouble for doing something wrong, and are sent to the central office to sit in the lobby all day for days or weeks, that's a disgrace!
ReplyDeleteAs far as we're aware, the information listed here is factual. Some came from the AJC, some came from David Schutten, President of ODE, via an email blast a while back. If we have something wrong, please feel free to inform us as to what that specifically is. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhere did Mr Baker at Towers HS go?
ReplyDelete@ 1:18 Teachers can't do a thing to improve instruction. They must follow the orders of the administration in the Palace and that from their principal and AP. I taught in DCSS and fought against many of the policies that are ruining the education our children are receiving and are a cause for the lower student achievement. I have been told by administrators that my view against not giving students zeros, having higher expectations for students and teaching above the standards and not to the CRCT were wrong and to do what I was told to do. I was also told that I was thought of as a trouble maker because I questioned those in authority.
ReplyDeleteTeachers who care can't do very much to change what is happening in DCSS. Most are putting their time in and getting the heck out or leaving all together.
It's also not a disgrace that money isn't all spent. Maybe it's not money that is needed to improve student achievement. One can't put a price on students and parents taking ownership and responsibility for the child's education. It's obvious that the over paid coaches are not working, as we have more and more of them will lower and lower student achievement.
DCSS isn't going to improve until teachers are shown respect, and allow them to do their job. Stop the scripted curriculum. Have all employees from those in the Sam Moss Center, to every secretary to the janitors focus on the children. DCSS is not a job creator, but should be all about educating the children. In the four plus years I've lived in DeKalb and Georgia, I have rarely heard the board, the superintendent, or anyone else making the big bucks in the district say much about educating the children, but oh so much about spending tax dollars on law suits, trips for these administrators, and expensive programs (computer and academic) that haven't panned out-ask a teacher.
Being someone that taught for eight years, teachers must find a way to look inside themselves to see what they can do better to help their students. Too many blame the students, without knowing them. Teachers must get to know their students and their background to understand the whole child. Teachers must develop relationships with their students. Once a child knows you care about them, it's amazing what they will show you they can do. When in disagreement with the building administration about how to teach, find a better way to communicate your concerns. Sometimes showing by doing, can produce better results. You can do what you are asked to do, without compromising your beliefs and what's best for the child.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous 1:15
ReplyDelete"It's a disgrace that teachers want to blame central office for not performing."
The Central Office has hired EVERY teacher and principal, allocated all of the funding, and set EVERY policy, procedure and program in DeKalb Schools. Of course the Central Office must take the responsibility when students do not show academic progress. That's what leadership is all about - moving the organization towards stated goals. With authority and increased compensation comes responsibility and accountability.
"Schools (Title I) are given anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 to increase student achievement, and they don't spend it all, that's a disgrace."
Most of the money is already "spent" or allocated before it gets to the schoolhouse. America's Choice ($8,000,000), Instructional Coaches ($10,000,000), Office of School Improvement personnel ($2,000,000+), Parent Center personnel($4,000,000+). These 4 cost centers alone account for $24,000,000 out of the $40,000,000. Where is their contribution to student achievement in our Title 1 schools?
"The same principals have been in place at failing schools for many years, and they are still there, that's a disgrace."
That's not factual. A few years ago in an administration meeting Lewis asked a principal to stand up who he wanted to note was the longest lasting principal in DCSS in a school. This principal had been there for 8 years - and this was the longest lasting principal in a DeKalb school.
In fact, Lewis replaced principals frequently as he sought to place the blame for poor achievement on them. Lewis replaced 24 principals in 2009 - just 2 years ago. Look at this Cross Roads article from July, 2009:
http://issuu.com/crossroadsnews/docs/july1809b
(see page B4 and B5)
Cross Roads quote:
"Some schools had all "C" people. No wonder the students weren't performing," he (Lewis)said.
.....Lewis said wholesale changes were made to the schools' leadership."
"We've taken and made stronger the administrative teams", he said. Every principal now have stronger support staff."....
"Lewis said that good support is important for principals, who will now be held accountable, not only for how they students perform, but also for how they look"
What happened? Scores tanked even further. Then Lewis was out and Ms. Tyson was in. So the accountability game starts all over again.
At some point taxpayers look at the data and at the promises from the Central Office and begin to ask why the leadership has failed in their stated goals of moving students forward and ensuring they make adequate yearly progress.
Here are the goals the DCSS leaders set:
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/mission-and-goals
The "still in place" personnel who have not demonstrated they know how to reach these goals need to go and let Dr. Atkinson hire personnel who do know how to meet their stated objectives.
Yes. It seems that things are changing....but change does not always end in positive results. I am still not convinced Dr. A was the best choice for this county....just the sheer difference in the number of students and employees is enough to have me worried. The employees morale is so low its sad...and may result in even less gains. Employees need some type of morale booster and its not changing their pay calendar from monthly to semi monthly.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 2:59
ReplyDeleteCentral office does not interview and hire teachers, principals do. Responsibility for student achievement starts at home, then the school with the teacher and administrators. Teachers interact with the students daily.
The Title I funds that are given to the schools are NOT already spent. It would be a good idea for you to join the school's committee on how to spend these funds. Ask the principal about the funds and volunteer to be a part of the committees in the school.
My understanding is the parent centers are to help parents help their child. Title I funds that belong to the schools are not taken away from the schools to fund other things. Do some research.
In order to improve student achievement, you must have DEDICATION from parents, teachers, and administration at all levels. Instead of placing blame, everyone must come together as ONE.
You mean Horace " I don't have a copy of your gradebook" Dunson is still around? The guy who was caught telling a lie on tape? Seriously???
ReplyDeleteThere is so much information on this blog that I am beginning to trust the school system more as a source of informatin. Frankie Callaway is the director at a charter school and does not answer to DCSS admininstration but to a board approved by the DeKalb County School Board. PS all charter schools in DeKlab are on First Class so look her up.
ReplyDeleteSorry got too excited as I typed. I meant misinformation.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a blog, not a news source.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has obviously touched a raw nerve in the central office.
A nervous raw nerve.
I don't follow your issue Anon. Yes, Dunson is still a highly paid DCSS administrator, having never been questioned on his role in the above story. And - does it really matter if Callaway now heads up a PUBLIC DCSS approved charter school operating out of New Birth Church (while her husband operates another charter school that is housed in a former school building now owned by New Birth)? She still managed to land on her feet, thanks to some serious support from big power. The GA Tech educated teacher in this story ended up out of a job. I always felt really irritated by that. Obviously, the leadership at the time did not value an honest, intelligent teacher. They rather wanted someone who would pass students along to graduation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as I've said thousands of times -- DCSS would be wise to host their own online blog - or at least some kind of weekly newsletter to push out the news - they could actually eliminate the need for this blog if they would provide the public the information they seek.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be great if this blog wasn't necessary? All the county has to do is open up and give parents and staff timely and factual information. What an easy way to make Cere, DM, and all the anons go away...
ReplyDeleteDr. Pringle is still an Area Assistant Supt. Towers High School principal still there. Please check your information.
ReplyDeleteThat is incorrect information about Pringle. She will no longer be an AAS and it will be interesting to see if she stays with DCSS at all. She is a straightup New Birth person, just like so many others. We can only pray that their time has come, since they have done so much harm to our children. Should this surprise us at all now that we know what the Bishop was up to?
ReplyDeleteAudria Berry is still on the DCSS payroll. The FirstClass CommunityNet Directory is updated overnight from Payroll. It's just a data transfer. If you are being paid, you will appear on FirstClass. Go to FirstClass (DeKalb Schools email system) to see that she's still there. Type her name into the Search box:
ReplyDeletehttp://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/directory/
Also look for Annette Roberts, one of the DCSS "Bookgate" principals investigated by the AJC. She is still on the payroll as well even though Alice Thompson told the AJC she had been terminated August, 2010.
When the new state Salary and Travel audit for 2011-12 comes out, taxpayers will see what Dr. Roberts was paid even as the DCSS administration told the AJC she had been terminated as of August, 2010. Taxpayers will also see if Ralph Simpson's salary was decreased to $89,599 like Ms. Thompson told the AJC.
See AJC QUOTE:
"Sanders-Butler’s sister, Rainbow Elementary School Principal Annette S. Roberts. She also is being fired because she refused a demotion to assistant principal. She purchased $14,184 worth of copies of her sister’s books for Rainbow."
"The district cut Simpson’s salary from $115,405 to $89,599, and Thedford’s from $105,615 to $93,168, district Chief of Staff Alice Thompson said."
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-fires-2-demotes-592425.html
How comfortable are taxpayers that the DCSS administration officially tells the newspaper something that is not true? How comfortable is the AJC publishing information that's obviously not true?
First Class,
ReplyDeleteEven after a person has left the DCSS, his or her name can remain on First Class. At my school one person retired and another moved out of state. The retired person continued to have access to first class until my principal e-mailed the administrator and requested that his name be removed. The other person moved during the summer. Her name was still on Frist Class after she moved.
It is a good system, but it is not perfect. I do not know anyone's employment status, I just know that your name can remain on 1st Class, even after you leave the DCSS.
@ Cere
ReplyDelete"I don't follow your issue Anon. Yes, Dunson is still a highly paid DCSS administrator, having never been questioned on his role in the above story"
The point is that all too often when teachers try to go up the "chain of command" to follow the suggestion of Anonymous 2:43 "When in disagreement with the building administration about how to teach, find a better way to communicate your concerns", then the teacher ends up being punished. When these teachers followed the established protocol to protest the grade changes, they were let go from the school system.
Anonymous 2:43 suggests that teachers need to find better ways to communicate their concerns. However, both of these high profile examples demonstrate that following DCSS procedure has not produced the positive results that Anonymous 2:43 infers.
"Even after a person has left the DCSS, his or her name can remain on First Class'
ReplyDeleteFormerly, FirstClass was administered by the CTSSs at the school, but too many mistakes were made (human error). It was decided that an email system that serves 15,000+ employees and 50,000 students (that's automated as well) could not be based on manual input. FirstClass is now driven by payroll and the student data management system data transfer.
How could Annette Roberts who was ostensibly terminated in August, 2010 still be on FirstClass December, 2011? She is no longer listed as affiliated with a school like she was a principal. She is now classified as Employee Users.
"There is so much information on this blog that I am beginning to trust the school system more as a source of informatin. Frankie Callaway is the director at a charter school and does not answer to DCSS admininstration but to a board approved by the DeKalb County School Board.'
ReplyDeleteFrankie Callaway is compensated by the school system. Like every other principal in the school system, her position and pay rests with the school board.
The state of Georgia is a very good source of information. All of the salaries and compensation as well as the achievement scores, employee classifications, and local, state and federal expenditures are reported on the Georgia websites of the Department of Education and OpenGeorgia.org per state law. Most of the actual data on this blog comes from the state of Georgia. Posters are free to look up this information and to call or email the state officials to confirm its validity.
@ Anonymous 3:39
ReplyDelete"Central office does not interview and hire teachers, principals do."
Look at the BOE minutes, and you will see that the superintendent hires every principal and in addition recommends every teacher. The BOE approves each and every employee the superintendent recommends.
"The Title I funds that are given to the schools are NOT already spent."
Teachers have very little input in how Title I funds are spent. Teachers who directly deliver the curriculum to students would not choose to spend $10,000,000 a year in non-teaching Coaches or $8,000,000 a year for ineffective scripted learning programs or millions for the Office of School Improvement admin and support personnel. They would ask for direct instruction for struggling students.
"My understanding is the parent centers are to help parents help their child."
The Parent Centers cost DCSS much more than metro school systems with comparable demographics.
http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2011/11/73000-dcss-secretarial-positions-are.html
In addition, the very schools that these Parent Centers serve have seen dramatic declines in students making adequate yearly progress. Since the goal of the educational system is student achievement, the DCSS Parent Centers have not proven efficacious. ALL non-teaching personnel must be tied to student achievement if funds are taken from direct instruction of students to funds their program.
"Instead of placing blame, everyone must come together as ONE."
Accountability must be placed on the administration and support personnel who make the decisions for the classroom. When you allocate the funds, tell teachers how and what to teach, and set policies, procedures and programs for the entire system, you must take responsibility when students fail to make adequate yearly progress. Leaders must be accountable for the success or failure of an organization. That's the definition of leadership. If you want to "come together as ONE" then you must ask teachers what they need for students to be successful, redirect the resources into the classroom where the students reside and are taught, and measure every admin and support job by its quantitative contribution to student progress.
Not ready for prime time... Atkinson is a nice lady with no Experience in a large school system and the folk she is bring in has had no prime time in a large metro school system. Backpack, erring mr. Technology is a BIG JOKE! DeKalb ....on Board for nother Bigger "Train Wreak"...Hello!
ReplyDeleteWinter Break Camp for Kids
ReplyDeleteDeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Winter Break Day Camp, Dec. 19-23 and 27-30, 7am to 6:30pm. Each recreation center is required to have a minimum of five kids registered in order for the camp to be held. The deadline to register for the camp is Dec. 16.
Winter Break Day Camp is a camp for ages 5-12 and will be held Monday through Friday at a charge of $30 per week. Participants must provide their own lunch and snack. Please make all payments payable by cashier’s check or money order to the recreation center of your choice.
For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, county public education specialist, at 404-371-3643.
Technically the superintendetn hires everyone. That's why it reads that way in the board meeting. In reality the principals interview and pick their teachers.
ReplyDelete"In reality the principals interview and pick their teachers"
ReplyDeleteVery true. But clearly the superintendent picks the principals, and Lewis made "wholesale" changes to the principals just 2 years ago.
It always comes back to the administration - how well they have done their jobs with respect to hiring and managing the teachers, ensuring there is discipline (or lack thereof) in the schools, setting the grading scale, requiring teachers to "never fail" a student or to give students multiple chances to make up worker retake tests even when the student has put forth no effort, increasing class sizes, developing the curriculum, setting the teaching and learning pace, and in general setting ALL of the policies, procedures and programs that determine how and what teachers teach.
Dr. Atkinson may be from a small system, but that's not necessarily a negative. She probably had a lot more contact with teachers and the classroom than many superintendents in large school systems. Many superintendents in large school systems are too far removed from the classroom. They end forgetting the demands on teachers that keep them from planning, instruction and assessment - the main functions in a classroom. Perhaps she can cut through the layers of bureaucracy and personally ask teachers what they need for students to be successful. I hope she asks them to evaluate the admin and support personnel who are there to provide good customer service to the classroom, and surveys the teachers to see how those expensive learning programs are working out for students.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all you need to learn how to spell. I will take a backpack and earrings all day over a person who needs a lesson in grammar and spelling. Nothing comes across more embarrasing than a person who can't speak.
ReplyDeleteNot ready for prime time... Atkinson is a nice lady with no Experience in a large school system and the folk she is bring in has had no prime time in a large metro school system. Backpack, erring mr. Technology is a BIG JOKE! DeKalb ....on Board for nother Bigger "Train Wreak"...Hello!
We already know that Katherine Howell has $70K plus salaried secretary and that someone (Dr. Atkinson?) tried to hire a $73K secretary for Brantley. I'd like to know what the support staff for these Executive Directors make.
ReplyDeleteThe title "Executive Director" implies a large executive staff with a lot of Directors (not quite executive, but with handsome compensation all the same) wandering around telling a lot of Assistant Directors (not quite as handsomely paid as the Directors, but still-well compensated) what to tell all of the Associate Directors what to tell all the Coordinators to do. And then there's a layer of staff. And then the layer of support staff.
And buried under all of this are teachers.
Please all concern citizens and stake holders; let us remember OUR STUDENTS OF DEKALB COUNTY. Place all this energy on supporting and moving the STUDENTS forward. Believe in GOD AND trust Dr. Atkinson's LEADERSHIP. THANK YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteA million thanks to the new Superintendent for starting to clean house. There are many more that need to be gone: Tyson, Mosely,Hr. JAmie Wilson- Tova Davis, Segovis,R. Ramsey and corrupt internal affairs employees,principals who abuse teachers and staff.
ReplyDeleteWhy not just say the Crawford Lewis appointed "upper management" needs to be removed? They drove expenditures up while driving student achievement down.
ReplyDeleteUnderstand Tim Freeman and Regina Merriweather are history. Word in the school house is that Dr. Atkinson is cleaning house. Keep going Dr. Atkinson. While you're busy cleaning-we are busy teaching in the school-house. And thank you for suspending district benchmarks. Our school created benchmarks for grades 1st-5th are working! We are getting results! Students are retaining what they are learning!
ReplyDeleteMany from Lewis' staff are gone. For fun, go back and read this old article about the 'cutbacks' proposed by Lewis in Feb 2010....
ReplyDeleteDeKalb to close four schools, cut administrators
Below is the data showing the salary increases from 2004 to 2009 for some of Lewis' top administrators - these were posted in another thread by an anonymous blogger who had done the research -
NAME 2004 salary 2009 salary
LEWIS,CRAWFORD $112,074 $287,991.63
REID,PATRICIA A $100,010 $197,592.50
CALLAWAY,FRANKIE B $106,698 $165,035.69
MOSELEY,ROBERT G $106,698 $165,035.69
TALLEY,GLORIA S no data available $165,035.69
TURK,MARCUS T $75,558 $165,035.69
TYSON,RAMONA H $99,960 $165,035.69
WILSON,JAMIE L $85,502 $165,035.69
MITCHELL,FELICIA M $96,354 $125,284.87
FREEMAN,TIMOTHY W $106,598 $124,049.27
GILLIARD,WANDA S $102,594 $124,049.27
THOMPSON,ALICE A $99,960 $124,049.27
NORRIS-BOUIE,WENDOLYN $100,060 $122,345.84
DUNSON,HORACE C $90,606 $122,195.84
SEGOVIS,TERRY M $93,888 $122,195.84
SIMPSON,RALPH L $95,826 $122,195.84
WHITE,DEBRA A $90,426 $122,195.84
RHODES,CHERYL L $88,804 $121,202.40
FREEMAN,SUSAN L $85,578 $120,844.00
@ Cere
ReplyDeleteExactly what administrators did he cut?
Look at your list:
LEWIS,CRAWFORD $112,074 $287,991.63 - Indicted on RICO charges
REID,PATRICIA A $100,010 $197,592.50 - Indicted on RICO charges
CALLAWAY,FRANKIE B $106,698 $165,035.69 - still being employed and paid by DeKalb in addition to her retirement
MOSELEY,ROBERT G $106,698 $165,035.69 - still employed and paid by DeKalb
TALLEY,GLORIA S no data available $165,035.69 - resigned
TURK,MARCUS T $75,558 $165,035.69 - still employed and paid
TYSON,RAMONA H $99,960 $165,035.69 - still employed and paid (a whole lot more!)
WILSON,JAMIE L $85,502 $165,035.69 - still employed and paid
MITCHELL,FELICIA M $96,354 $125,284.87 - still employed by retiring
FREEMAN,TIMOTHY W $106,598 $124,049.27 - still employed and paid
GILLIARD,WANDA S $102,594 $124,049.27 - retired
THOMPSON,ALICE A $99,960 $124,049.27 - still employed and paid
NORRIS-BOUIE,WENDOLYN $100,060 $122,345.84 - retired
DUNSON,HORACE C $90,606 $122,195.84 - still employed and paid
SEGOVIS,TERRY M $93,888 $122,195.84 - still employed and paid
SIMPSON,RALPH L $95,826 $122,195.84 - still employed and paid
WHITE,DEBRA A $90,426 $122,195.84 - retired
RHODES,CHERYL L $88,804 $121,202.40 - still employed and paid
FREEMAN,SUSAN L $85,578 $120,844.00 - still employed and paid
Until Ron Ramsey and Robert Tucker are gone, DCSS will still be under the spell of Crawford Lewis.
ReplyDeletehttp://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2011/01/ron-ramsey.html
Ramsey has his many family businesses to fall back on.
Wonder if Atkinson heard this one yet from Ron:
"We will have an economic boycott against the entire Dunwoody community and the PCID"
Until Ron Ramsey and Robert Tucker are gone, DCSS will still be under the spell of Crawford Lewis.
ReplyDeleteHow can you be the Director of Internal Affairs charged with investigating ethics and legal infractions and not investigate Crawford Lewis and Pat Pope/Reid? What credibility can this department have?
I worked and retired in law enforcement, thought I would try and make a change with the students in the DeKalb school system. Thing I have seen in the past few years are so criminal,that it would be hard to teach or kids what's right when our leaders are on the news every other month.
ReplyDelete"A million thanks to the new Superintendent for starting to clean house. There are many more that need to be gone"
ReplyDeleteThis should include the very incompetent Director of Fernbank Science Center, Doug Hrabe, who was placed there as a pawn by Crawford Lewis. He has all but decimated the facility and staff morale at the science center!
Until each of us come to the realization that we MUST develop the psychology of "I KNOW NOT", we will not be able to come to know anything.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is paying close attention to the economy, trouble is just around the corner. It's critical to put competent leadership in place from top to bottom, and it MUST be done by July 1, 2012. Dr. Atkinson, NOT JUST ANY PERSON WILL DO. The children are going to need REAL leaders and good teachers during the difficult times ahead of us. You MUST change the CULTURE of DCSS immediately. Bring your people onboard--that's your prerogative. Do what you gotta do for the sake of the children. There's some deliberate screening going on as to who gets to talk to you. Please be accessible.
Anon @ 10:55, if things are as bad as you imply perhaps the best thing to do would be to close the science center and relocate or RIF the staff.
ReplyDeleteTo:Anonymous..Speaking of Ronald Ramsey about "Ethics".He is totally limited in that field. He has done numerouus "unethical" things.For example, he refused to have a hearing for a teacher who had witnesses to present unethical procedures against a principal, plotted against employees so the administrators could prevail, and refused to follow their guidelines.
ReplyDeleteFrankie Callaway is not employed by DeKalb County Schools. She works for a charter school and was hired by the board of that school. Charter schools do use DeKalb County tax money but they do not answer to the board of education other than when their charter is approved.
ReplyDeleteCharter school directors do not have their pay set by the DeKalb school board. The pay structure of each charter school is the responsiblity of the board of that charter school.
ReplyDeleteSo? It's taxpayer money just the same. The DCSS board approved the charter school, Lewis insiders were placed there to run it and rent is being paid to New Birth Church for the space. Charter schools are not private schools as much as those attending them like to pretend they are.
ReplyDeleteUnethical: 1. lacking moral principles; unwilling to adhere to proper rules of conduct.Synonyms: Pringle, Dunson
ReplyDeleteWhen a charter files for approval or renewal the charter petition voted on by the County BOE generally identifies top administrative staff, so in effect DCSS did approve the Callaways being in their current positions.
ReplyDeleteMe thinks there are a few too many opinions uttered here that are "closely" tied with Dr. A. and her old friends.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much money the internet mole, I forget the term we determined in a previous blog, is making to let us know we are all WRONG.
The "Why can't we all just get along" mentality gets us no where closer to solving the real problems. Stop suggesting it. It won't happen. We are mad and we are not gonna take it anymore! And unfortunately, that anger is only way to get answers and movement out of this system. They certainly aren't the most proactive bunch, unless someone is talking about hiring one of their own.
Hopefully, Dr. Atkinson will move principals on the south end of the county out the door. These principals are only concerned about trying to be liked by their teachers until they turn their heads to some pooor teaching.
ReplyDeleteAre Frankie and Clarence Callaway on the state Salary and Travel audit that lists the salary and travel expenses for every employee in DeKalb? If they are, they are DeKalb employees. The 2011 state Salary and Travel audit comes out in a few weeks. We can see then.
ReplyDeleteThe fireside chats gave everyone a chance to speak and be heard. Several teachers received glaring stares from their administrators for speaking out on the morale in their schools. Some in attendance who are friendly with their administrators reported back every word that was said about their schools and from her, some teachers are feeling the heat. Sad but true, even in America, people cannot voice their opinions against members of the Family and Friends connection.
ReplyDeleteJamie L.Wilson is on his way to being out the door. he will resign or be fired.
ReplyDeleteWilson needs to be gone. He let two people keep there job that everyone knew were pat's girls. Tiffany the last i heard was still in the warehouse. He let maria washington back in sam moss as a admin. assistant. Pat gave these two high paying jobs. Tiffany was her second admin. assistant and she spent most of her time out of office in the county car doing things for pat. Wilson, Ramsey and Tucker had to know. Everything was good back then because lewis had everyone under his control so they turned there heads. Pat knew lewis was over his head and she used him big time. He should go to jail for just being stupid. Most of the people that were in the lay-offs had more time than these ladies. But it's who you know not what you know.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if you had a job that "Truly" occupied your time, you wouldn't be so concerned about others. This site is truly a disgrace.
ReplyDeleteTROLOLOLOL
Someone in the central office is worried!!!
wow Channel 2 is calling out DCSS about being so secretive after releasing Audria Berry and why are and what sweeping changes does Dr. Atkinson have in mind for DCSS before the BOE begin to see Dr. A as more of a threat and give her the "The ole Johnny Brown" (release her from her current contract ASAP)
ReplyDeleteWe must all pray for Dr. Atkinson.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that some people think this site is a disgrace.
I just spent the last 1.5 hours catching up on what's new with DCSS. I haven't been around in months. Thanks for the info. Much of it made me feel better. DCSW your doing a great job!! Thanks!I get the feeling that the haters hate our students.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, Annette Roberts is still on first class. Not only is she still on firt class, but conducting data from members of her former school trying to keep up confusion calling other principals and staff.
ReplyDeletePlus, she is bragging about how Dekalb is still paying her salary even though she refuses to believe her part of stealing was correct.
Where is her famous cooking family member? We have not heard her on Tom Joiner or Martha Stewart lately.
After Arabia Mountain, the headbutting parent at Allgood, the SWD-FAMU connection, here's a question about a more mundane issue:
ReplyDeleteSince Georgia lost its bid for RTTT funds, what need is there in keeping Morcease Beasley on staff at DCSS?
Information obtained from first class is not accurate. I left DCSS three years ago and I still had access to several DCSS data bases including email access.
ReplyDeleteCan we replace Principals of DCSS schools NOT passing AYP with those that have an perennial record of passing AYP? If the numbers go up and down respectively, we may be onto something right? The weeding out process can begin. We've got to start somewhere.
ReplyDeleteYes, Annette Roberts, a member of the Bookgate Club is still listed on First Class. Not only that, she is still acting as if she is the principal at her former school. She is making decisions,calling teachers and giving them play by play tactics about keeping up chaos inside her former school.Plus, Annette Roberts is still calling her old spies and so called principal friends about who to black ball within the county. We thought by now with the book sales revenue that she would be out shopping since no ordered books could be located in her school library.
ReplyDeleteDr.Audria Berry has finally left the county. Wonder how many more of his hired friends, female principals and assistant principals are still on pay roll.He had quite a few female friends who move up the rank under his leadership without any experience. Cannot wait to see the names and his calls on his blackberry and computer. OMG
ReplyDeleteChief Operations Officer
ReplyDeletePrev / Next
DeKalb County School System
Start Date: As mutually agreed Enrollment: 99,000
Website: Visit District Website State: GA
Compensation: The salary will be in the range of $159,000 plus an excellent comprehensive benefits package. The final salary for the successful candidate will be negotiated and determined based upon proven experience, qualifications and meeting the criteria.
Application Deadline: OPEN UNTIL FILLED—APPLY IMMEDIATELY
Interested in this position?
Apply Online
Download a Flyer (299.1K)
Additional Information:
The Chief Operations Officer reports directly to the Superintendent and serves in the second highest tier of administration in the organization; ensures the daily implementation of design and construction, fleet services, transportation, planning, plant services, security systems, and graphic arts functions which are fundamental to the effective and efficient operation of a large, urban school system; has oversight responsibility for the planning, organization, and coordination of operations of all programs, services and matters related to the school system’s Division of Operations; assists the Superintendent in ensuring compliance with established Board goals, the school system’s strategic plan, and all legal and procedural requirements attendant to the effective operation of the school system.
I saw this on the DCSS website
This is Barbara Coleman's position that they are trying to fill.
ReplyDeleteShe resigned immediately after SPLOST IV passed and has headed to greener pastures.
She did a great job while she was here. She sure as hell didn't sign up to be COO of DCSS when she worked for Parsons!
That is strictly my opinion.
I have forwarded the job app to a couple of private sector, highly qualified outsiders to apply.
I'll keep the blog posted as to what happens during the application process.
Sense they are doing all of this housecleaning, would you please ask Dr. Atkinson to come on by Rainbow Elementary and pick up the principal, Carolyn Benson and her little crew; counselor, Della Thomas-Culver and Title I Coach,Narva Dunlap. These woman aren't doing anything to help the students there. Whenever you come to the school, they are all piled up in Carolyn's office, laughing, eating and etc. When it comes to SST and "small groups" for the students, they have been cancelled nearly each week, announcement made over the PA system. Asked for service for my children and that has taken all year. When you go to the principal for help, she defends their actions and sweeps everything under the rug when it comes to her roadies. Take a look at this, when you have over 75% of your staff members complaining about you (Carolyn Benson) and wanting to leave, that speak volumes about your inablitity to be an affective leader or anything else. Communicating with parents is mostly non-existence. When parents come in to talk with her, she puts us off or have us waiting along time while she sits in her office at chats with her roadies. I was turned off by her behavior. One last thing, please don't pass the buck that previous principals are causing chaos at Rainbow, because this is true. The principal that you have over there now is doing a very good job of doing that herself. Please don't allow her phony ways fool you, because she is not innocent by any means. Ask her about how she sweep another incident under the rug concerning a teacher and a student last school term. Hence the teacher is the son of a ranking Dekalb employee over charter schools.
ReplyDeleteTax payers in DeKalb, wake up!! The school system in DeKalb is collasping. Do you realized that many of the Superintendent's senior level employees DO NOT live in DeKalb. They do not have an interest in the children of DeKalb; only the salaries they are making. Salaries ranging from 125,000 to $275,00 plus expenses for the Sup. Why are they being allowed to steal from the children. Why can't these high paying DeKalb employees living outside the county pay their share. No real leaders in DeKalb. The Board is doing nothing. This Superintendent is robbing the system and the children.
ReplyDelete