tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post1447586909131554164..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: How does this Happen? DeKalb educator indicted for changing recordsCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-86395979816461795742011-03-29T21:55:19.100-04:002011-03-29T21:55:19.100-04:00"10-15 more coaches are being hired for next ..."10-15 more coaches are being hired for next year."<br /><br />Let's hope Ms. Tyson lets Audria Berry go so the next superintendent won't be burdened with her. Title 1 school achievement has reached such a low point that it's bordering on criminal to keep the same management in place.<br /><br />Lewis' mistakes need to be swept clean for the new superintendent. Ms. Tyson needs to earn that big raise by getting rid of Lewis' "friends".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-7088916403021146132011-03-29T21:51:28.680-04:002011-03-29T21:51:28.680-04:00@ 9:37 Having the sorority that you went to on you...@ 9:37 Having the sorority that you went to on your vita or any information for a job of any kind is a turn off. Phi Bet Kappa is very different from a sorority and true honor, but the sorority doesn't mean squat. We have enough of this in the county already. Don't need more of it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-43929135683138756622011-03-29T21:37:54.046-04:002011-03-29T21:37:54.046-04:00OFF TOPIC:
10-15 more coaches are being hired for ...OFF TOPIC:<br />10-15 more coaches are being hired for next year.<br /><br />Also Dr Davis a part of the sorority.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-70155318554172664152011-03-25T16:58:55.788-04:002011-03-25T16:58:55.788-04:00@ 3:20 pm
"I guarantee you they will draw di...@ 3:20 pm<br /><br />"I guarantee you they will draw districts to give these folks the majority.. The North DeKalb folks will get their one voice and voila! Friends and Family stays intact'<br /><br />Remember that Edler won her seat from Zepora Roberts with 80+% of the vote. If there had been a high quality candidate with with no baggage, then Copelin-Woods would have also been defeated as well. Many South DeKalb voters are also disgusted with the way the school system is run - perhaps more so than Central or North DeKalb. <br /><br />The key to any BOE race is getting high quality candidates. Perhaps the Edler and Jester wins will show that the stranglehold the current BOE members (Jester and Edler excepted) have had on the school system can be broken.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-76563828359597703012011-03-25T15:20:03.258-04:002011-03-25T15:20:03.258-04:00I'm not a conspiracy theorist here. However, ...I'm not a conspiracy theorist here. However, I wonder if the DeKalb legislators who must vote on this HB22, are trying to do something to keep DCSS and the current atmosphere working. If they shrink the board, you better believe politics will take a huge role in the policy and how it is formed. I'm nervous having 5 or 7 will give the very folks power who has had it and squandered it for years! Jay Cuningham, Dr. Walker, SCW, and Mr. Bowen. I guarantee you they will draw districts to give these folks the majority.. The North DeKalb folks will get their one voice and voila! Friends and Family stays intact, Guilroy's, Jamal Edwards and other BOE family members will keep their jobs and the new Super will be hired in house. Taxes will be raised, more money for Audria Berry's Office of Destruction and there will be no audit and if there was one it would be shoved in a box and forgotten about. Clew did it, what would prevent the 5 member BOE to do it too.<br /><br />I was for HB22 before I became skeptical of it. Can someone explain how everyone's voice will be heard and represnted by a 5 member board in DeKalb County?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-50558657241760772282011-03-24T21:28:47.063-04:002011-03-24T21:28:47.063-04:00Look, in order for things to change, we need to st...Look, in order for things to change, we need to start somewhere. Let's start now. I want RT to get credit for starting to do the right thing. She's not going to be here a year or two from now. We need a culture change. Now. If you are being required to do things that are wrong or uncomfortable or unethical, keep a journal. Use a tape recorder. Call SACS. Call Dr. Barge. you do the right thing and report. Don't do the wrong thing and comply. The rith thing has to start somewhere. Where will be as a society if we don't start changing things today? There's an interesting Holocaust quote about the preacher that didn't stand up for the Handicap folks when Hitler came to eliminate them because he wasn't handicapped and he didn't stand up for the Jews because he wasn't Jewish but then there wasn't any left to stand up for him when they came to take him away. It has to start somewhere. The blog is making a difference. If Ramsey did something bad or wrong, report him to the state bar of Georgia -- he's an attorney with a license so report it that way. If there is a real crime -- a rape, an assuaul, a theft, go to the DA -- start reporting. It is time for the crime to end and for the system to start using the money to actually educate children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20294306008133287012011-03-24T20:25:10.525-04:002011-03-24T20:25:10.525-04:00What about all of the other people that did what t...What about all of the other people that did what they had to do to retain their jobs? Oh, I forgot! You MUST be a part of the friends and family plan. People have been telling on people for years and NOTHING was done. Why all of a sudden the whistleblower policy that a huge organization like DeKalb should have had long before SACS mandated them to have one, is getting such high accolades. Please give me a break!!!! You all just wait until the BIG TRIAL and all of your mouths will be hanging open.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-90615855212936134012011-03-24T19:58:41.726-04:002011-03-24T19:58:41.726-04:00Let's give credit when credit is due... she ...Let's give credit when credit is due... she had to do what she had to do before to retain her job... culture-wise. Although tape recording and beocming a "whistle blower" may have merit... the culture clearly needs to change for the kids... the kids are entitled to a future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-13642362371143011932011-03-24T19:43:28.606-04:002011-03-24T19:43:28.606-04:00So you think it is acceptable how she handled Ralp...So you think it is acceptable how she handled Ralph Simpson and Carol Thedford?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-51990102117466463272011-03-24T19:42:12.755-04:002011-03-24T19:42:12.755-04:00Well she should have been tough on herself when Le...Well she should have been tough on herself when Lewis was doing his dirt!!!! Ms. Associate Supt over Operations!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-53294678679423839012011-03-24T18:06:31.853-04:002011-03-24T18:06:31.853-04:00LTSE @10:51 Your comments are indicative of the a...LTSE @10:51 Your comments are indicative of the attitude that has served only to bring DCSS down, and how otherwise good and skilled people can be misled into believing an illegal act will be overlooked and excused. You are supposed to lead and uphold decent practices, even when it is difficult. If you think you are a good LTSE because you 'help' "poor teachers" by covering up their problems and misdoings, you are misleading yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-7721836484986521242011-03-24T16:34:13.673-04:002011-03-24T16:34:13.673-04:00Sorry - just pointing out the new, better way Tyso...Sorry - just pointing out the new, better way Tyson is handling employee issues. I, personally feel positive about the direction she is trying to take. She is tough on bad behavior. Her predecessor was not. Look what happened.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9324495370885219792011-03-24T15:36:43.817-04:002011-03-24T15:36:43.817-04:00Who could say nay to that?Who could say nay to that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-50450108376527298942011-03-24T15:20:54.217-04:002011-03-24T15:20:54.217-04:00Cere give it a break. Stop beating a dead horse. ...Cere give it a break. Stop beating a dead horse. You all need to worry about what's really getting ready to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-31710113912578242122011-03-24T14:40:06.459-04:002011-03-24T14:40:06.459-04:00@10:51pm "Lead Teacher for Special Educaiton&...@10:51pm "Lead Teacher for Special Educaiton"...As a teacher, I have missed deadlines and been in trouble, however, as a Spec Ed teacher for years, I never once falsified a date or forged a signature,and it was hard to stay out of trouble. I am sure there are many others who can say the same. Those are serious offenses and probably criminal. If you are aware this is going on, then you have an obligation to report it. You should not, under any circumstances, be covering up for anyone. Being in a leadership position calls for difficult decisions and a high degree of good character. Any administrator who participates in being deceitful to mask an employees deliberate, illegal acts is culpable too. You should not expect a 'pat on the back' for helping to cover up a problem. We are here to serve the public and students and must do so with some degree of integrity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2192024768258872442011-03-24T12:54:08.934-04:002011-03-24T12:54:08.934-04:00ps - you're right. shouldn't have used the...ps - you're right. shouldn't have used the word "demanded" - rather he "asked"... Below is the actual text of the email, in case some of you don't remember --<br /><br /><i>To: All DeKalb Employees <br />From: Dr. Crawford Lewis, Superintendent Subject: Message From the Superintendent <br />Date: 24 June 2009 <br /><br />As you know by now, Atherton Elementary School was recently implicated in the CRCT cheating scandal that has been a source of much publicity by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). As Superintendent, I was both concerned and surprised that this investigation was elevated to the front page of Sunday's AJC newspaper and warranted a probe by the District Attorney's office. Dr. James Berry and Mrs. Doretha Alexander are good people who made a grave mistake. They both acknowledged their involvement and accepted their consequences. They have served the DeKalb School System with distinction for many years. It is important that you know that the school district was not consulted nor played any role in their recent arrests. While we do not condone their actions in any way, they should be allowed to move on with their lives. DeKalb County School System is a family, and during difficult times family should come together. As a family, I am asking the entire system to reach out to Dr. Berry and Mrs. Alexander and show your support. An e-mail, card or phone call will go a long way towards showing Dr. Berry and Mrs. Alexander that we still care about them. The DeKalb County School System is a great school district working together to ensure that all of our students are successful and prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.<br /></i>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-60793683343129687822011-03-24T12:46:38.717-04:002011-03-24T12:46:38.717-04:00Good point. In fact, I believe SACS instructed th...Good point. In fact, I believe SACS instructed the board a while back to create a whistle-blower hotline -- has that been done? I've not heard anything about it. Is there an easy process for reporting wrong-doing?Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-15150875456188185712011-03-24T11:48:40.657-04:002011-03-24T11:48:40.657-04:00Let me remind you that DeKalb now has an independe...Let me remind you that DeKalb now has an independent auditor who answers to the board. If you are employed and know of any wrong doing in your school or building it is not only your duty to report it and is required by the Georgia educator code of ethics. If the wrong doing is criminal then not reporting it makes you an accomplice. In my case, I would go to my principal first and if it were not handled then to the auditor. If unlike me you have a principal or building manager who is dishonest then go straight to the auditor. Please remember the line betweenb wrong doing or unethical behavior, and something or someone you just don't like. I think it is fine to pose questions about anything, especially if you are unsure that it is proper. However, don’t repeat the gossip on stuff you haven’t experienced. Likewise, if you are not a DeKalb employee and have some first hand reservations about wrong doing go to the proper authorities rather than anonymously repeat innuendo, hearsay, and misinformation. For instance, I heard Dr. Lewis's speech and saw his email about the principals who cheated. He did not "demand" that people write them nor could any thing he said or wrote be construed as a demand. He may be guilty of other things but that is not one of them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-21995457741724223992011-03-24T11:27:30.072-04:002011-03-24T11:27:30.072-04:00Suspension without pay would not be legal. The pr...Suspension without pay would not be legal. The proper course was followed turn the matter over to the Professional Standards Commission and the DA. The DA booked him into jail. If proven guilty he will lose his job and be sentenced to jail and or fined. Unless an administrator admits wrong doing then they can not be punished until due process has taken place. Of course, if you don't believe in or want to wait for due process, then why not just execute the suspect rather than suspend them without pay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54318698413832269082011-03-24T07:59:29.052-04:002011-03-24T07:59:29.052-04:00@ 10:51 -
We had a teacher who repeatedly did no...@ 10:51 - <br /><br /><i>We had a teacher who repeatedly did not comply with special education regulations. We still supported her to the end because we are not in the business of getting rid of some of these poor teachers. </i><br /><br />As a parent, I would have appreciated it if you would have let that "poor teacher" go. Personally, I pity the "poor students" under the teacher's care. Why is it that in education, no one gets fired? People get fired every day everywhere else...Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-55752364838536810712011-03-24T07:58:24.551-04:002011-03-24T07:58:24.551-04:00The master plan is working!!
Many if not all rece...The master plan is working!!<br /><br />Many if not all recent posts on this blog lack emotion! There is little expression of anger, outrage, or disbelief! It is as if we are all emotionally spent. All of our "givvadam" has been used up.<br /><br />This is exactly, EXACTLY what the leadership of DCSS, JD, et. al. was hoping for! We were so busy fighting the brush fires, we missed the massive malestrom that has gutted our school system.<br /><br />What has changed?<br /><br />There has been little or no movement on finding a new superintendent.<br /><br />The case(s) againt Lewis, Pope and crew are mired in legal quicksand.<br /><br />Even word coming out the HM case will go to arbitration means very little.<br /><br />Ladies and Gentlemen, we have been worn down, beaten once again by a well conceived, well executed battle plan...a war of attrition.<br /><br />Jim Bohica Ben DoverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-13034707785981662072011-03-24T02:09:28.565-04:002011-03-24T02:09:28.565-04:00Anonymous@10:51pm...managing people is a tough job...Anonymous@10:51pm...managing people is a tough job. Being an effective leader means building a team, developing everyone so that they have a common goal, and motivating people, even those who are acerbic. If you had to routinely 'save someone's neck' or carried someone for a year, then you did not lead or manage. There should be zero tolerance for falsified documents or non-compliance. Someone who chronically misses deadlines needs to be supervised and developed. Threatening and being unpleasant and making demands/threats never works. You have to lead people so that they want you to be successful as part of the team you are all on. True people management skills are learned, but are not automatic when you are promoted because you have an advanced degree. Talk to that difficult person and listen. It may not work, but maybe you can make some progress. Don't assume that titles will command respect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36778940199060293992011-03-24T01:39:09.562-04:002011-03-24T01:39:09.562-04:00There are good teachers just like there are good a...There are good teachers just like there are good and responsible LTSEs. It doesn't matter what our opinions are. If there is an audit of Special Education, there are all types of people who will be in trouble, including anyone who falsified a date, forged a signature, mislead a parent, pushed inappropriate services or modifications for convenience or funding, etc. or anyone who knowingly processed and approved a document which they knew to be bogus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-45117465027523586962011-03-24T01:28:21.210-04:002011-03-24T01:28:21.210-04:00Unethical behavior in DCSS is a part of the leader...Unethical behavior in DCSS is a part of the leadership culture. It also exists everywhere in society. No one is perfect. But just because something exists in society does not mean we should all just go along with it. Just because someone else has 'gotten away with it,' is not an excuse to look the other way or accept things the way they are. There are a myriad of problems in DCSS, and it is all coming to light.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87640656678294746812011-03-23T22:51:06.349-04:002011-03-23T22:51:06.349-04:00Teachers, be honest-how many of you failed to comp...Teachers, be honest-how many of you failed to complete paperwork in a timely manner, including IEPs, and you forged a parent's name on a log, and an administrator saved your neck. The vast majority of administrators do this because they do look out for the teachers, but for some of you, it sure is a hard task. We had a teacher who repeatedly did not comply with special education regulations. We still supported her to the end because we are not in the business of getting rid of some of these poor teachers. Thank goodness for the other 10 awesome special education teachers in the building. --the LTSEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com