tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post426986740339007151..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: The DeKalb County Public Schools FoundationCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-24432802444564072262010-11-08T17:43:49.849-05:002010-11-08T17:43:49.849-05:00I always thought it would be useful & appropri...I always thought it would be useful & appropriate for DCSS to have@to file an annual 990 showing where our tax money goes & disclosing conflicts but its exempt...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-75597638857148944282010-11-08T14:57:27.063-05:002010-11-08T14:57:27.063-05:00Thanks for the snarkiness, Anon 12:53. I did go to...Thanks for the snarkiness, Anon 12:53. I did go to their Guidestar listing, and there is zero info. on their receipts, expenditures, and salaries.<br /><br />Wrong-there are no salaries. They biggest expense under confrences is the teacher of the year dinner and this is also their biggest source of income (table sales. They paid 2500 for a certfied audit which would be available to viewon request. In additon to the dinner they also gave out just over 23,000 in grants. The 990 is 22 pages long. If you read it carefully and know how to read a tax form they is abundant information.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-33968776942103868172010-11-08T13:13:44.555-05:002010-11-08T13:13:44.555-05:00"Do your homework before you rant. All tax ex..."Do your homework before you rant. All tax exempt foundations file a 990 with the IRS which is available to view on line that details all receipts and expenditures along with the salaries or costs of the foundation's efforts. You can find these at the Guidestar web site."<br /><br />Thanks for the snarkiness, Anon 12:53. I did go to their Guidestar listing, and there is zero info. on their receipts, expenditures, and salaries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61390262024820828462010-11-08T12:53:04.875-05:002010-11-08T12:53:04.875-05:00I have learned that transparency is the key to any...I have learned that transparency is the key to any organization, as there is just too much corruption, fraud, and friends helping friends at all costs.<br /><br />Do your homework before you rant. All tax exempt foundations file a 990 with the IRS which is available to view on line that details all receipts and expenditures along with the salaries or costs of the foundation's efforts. You can find these at the Guidestar web site.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-27415422912610919422010-11-08T10:22:29.418-05:002010-11-08T10:22:29.418-05:00According to the DCSS web site, this new foundatio...According to the DCSS web site, this new foundation was officially started in January of 2008. <br /><br />After all of the discussion, the real question remains: What student programs, school programs, etc. have received funds from the DCPSF, Inc. to support or enhance academic achievement?<br /><br />The Teacher of the Year banquet, as noble as it is, was handled by DCSS committees up until recently. The old or new "foundation" was used only to receive and hold the money because DCSS couldn't. One would assume that all of the funds collected are spent on the event. This event's budget would be a large part of the $192,520.<br /><br />At the end of the day, can all of the salaries, benefits, expenses and overhead costs being paid out of DCSS general funds be justified?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4399614245303466262010-11-07T23:53:00.921-05:002010-11-07T23:53:00.921-05:00Anon 6:25 "I've read their agreement and ...Anon 6:25 "I've read their agreement and they will take an "administration fee' out of your collections,"<br /><br />In my reading of it, the only admin fees they have a right to are as a percentage of interest that is earned on account balances. In the case of CKF, we keep all of our cash assets working so that is a non-issue.<br /><br />I could see foundations with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting around paying these fees ... but then again I'd have to question why there is so much money lying around in the first place. The issue in those cases isn't that DCPSF charges admin feeds it is that the "sub-foundation" isn't putting their donations to work.<br /><br />For me, there is no issue with asking reasonable questions about how the DCPSF operations. However, I would think the progressive folks on this blog would see to raise up, not tear down an initiative like this with so much promise.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34392492116252914262010-11-07T18:47:39.945-05:002010-11-07T18:47:39.945-05:00Anon 6:25-would like to know where the statute is ...Anon 6:25-would like to know where the statute is that makes that against the law. I know federal employees are prohibited from certain activities thru the Hatch Act, but I've never heard of such a law that prohibits county employees from supporting a non-profit. Seems to me that is a first amendment issue. Does that mean that teachers can't support Jump Rope for Heart (Amer. Heart Assn.) or Race for the Cure (ACS)? What about Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) or Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE)? Both 501c6's--also non-profit. I think your information is incorrect.PolitiMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04994037235035183747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-8607891972589499102010-11-07T18:32:29.068-05:002010-11-07T18:32:29.068-05:00I see nothing wrong with the support the Foundatio...I see nothing wrong with the support the Foundations at the county office gives to Cross Keys Foundations and others.<br /><br />I think this is part of their purpose. <br /><br />It would be nice to post expensives. However, this is probable not a requirement of a foundation. This is why you have a choice as to if you donate to Foundations.<br /><br />Kim is open with the Cross Keys Foundation to have others involvement. This is super. This is not the case with all foundations. Some of them have boards which are permanent fixtures. This is ok also. However, I do think involvement from the school community is important. It should not be just give me money or help me raise money. There should be involvement from the community in my opinion. Everyone has an opinion. I am sure Cross Keys Foundations is set up very well. That is why I have donated books and may get involved more with their Foundation. They are very above board and what involvement from the outside.<br /><br />Kim all Foundations are not set up as openly and with involvement like your Foundation.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58138297982532443742010-11-07T18:25:25.236-05:002010-11-07T18:25:25.236-05:00Kim, it is illegal to have school system employees...Kim, it is illegal to have school system employees in this state raise money for a non-profit entity. Both of those salaries are being paid for by DCSS taxpayers, not from the Foundation board. Until the foundation board takes over funding all the foundation expenses, like the salaries of these two ladies, then they are technically not a separate entity and are still subject to open records requests et al just like DCSS. I'm glad it's working out for you and knowing you, it will run like clockwork. You are all volunteers on your board, which is different. But don't be fooled, I've read their agreement and they will take an "administration fee' out of your collections, and that's why our school didn't go with them. So please just be aware of that and be careful. Wishing you continued success/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-8583746133565925082010-11-07T16:43:31.830-05:002010-11-07T16:43:31.830-05:00Kim,
I'm glad that the DeKalb County Public S...Kim,<br /><br />I'm glad that the DeKalb County Public Schools Foundation has done a nice job with you as a "pass through". That's a worthy service.<br /><br />HOWEVER.<br /><br />We are right to have some doubts. They have some explaining to do about being in the hole while spending $142,736 on "Conventions, conference and meetings"."<br /><br />There website has little info. I hope, heck I pay, that if they did spend $142,736 on "Conventions, conference and meetings", that not one penny was spent on a DCSS administrator, and that those funds were only spent on teachers.<br /><br />Lord knows we don't need one more penny spent on the Central Office.<br /><br />It's 2010. It's easy to post statement, minutes, etc. online. I personally would consider donating to the DCPSF, but only if they were very transparent about their spending and fundraising.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-70873707323049232082010-11-07T14:05:13.537-05:002010-11-07T14:05:13.537-05:00Anon 1:57 "They passed it so it's an exce...Anon 1:57 "They passed it so it's an exception since it's unlawful to do what DCSS and others have done."<br /><br />can you reference the statues in question? I'm sincerely interested to know what laws have been broken by DCSS in this regard.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-28711827296746914022010-11-07T14:02:25.273-05:002010-11-07T14:02:25.273-05:00While I understand the first instinct of some to b...While I understand the first instinct of some to be skeptical of anything with "DeKalb County Public Schools" in its name, I think those of you jumping on the DCPSF need to take a deep breath ...<br /><br />Let me lead by saying that our Board of Directors at the Cross Keys Foundation (CKF) were in the final stages of filing our legal documents for incorporation and non-profit status (btw, thank you Rep. Mike Jacobs!) when we reached out to DCPSF as a matter of due diligence. Our Board felt that we should investigate the services offered by DCSPF as a possible cost savings opportunity and "speed to market."<br /><br />Both panned out for us. Ms. Neely and Ms. Talmadge were instrumental in helping the Cross Keys Foundation get off the ground and we continue to operate happily under the umbrella of DCPSF. Our decision to partner with DCPSF was a fortuitous one based on two simple principles: 1) Leveraging their services meant more resources could be directed to our mission in Cross Keys attendance, 2) We could always "go it alone" if the relationship did not work.<br /><br />If there is a mysterious conspiracy to defraud the public at DCPSF, they are doing a fabulous job of hiding it. We have found them to be frank, open, and cooperative in every case. They go out of their way to help us foster success for CKF. They have provided our organization with excellent support and have played no small part in the direct impact we have had in our attendance area. How are they helping?<br /><br />For those with an open mind and who are truly looking for ways to help your local public schools, here's what you need to know ...<br /><br />My understanding is that the DCPSF was setup to mirror what was accomplished in Cobb Co with their foundation. They have put in place the legal status and operational components necessary to spawn and sustain local school foundations. That means that they have setup the "firewalled" banking accounts necessary to support separate groups' accounting needs and they maintain the umbrella legal status as non-profit.<br /><br />All donations we collect at CKF are made to payee "DCPSF" and are deposited directly into an account dedicated to CKF. This has worked flawlessly for us and we would not have accomplished as much as we have without their support. Literally, but for their support we would not have been able to offer the first two CKF Scholarships last May at CK Honors Night.<br /><br />They have been quietly doing this for nearly two years. The CKF was the first group to leverage the DCPSF resources and status - more have followed. I am proud that we at CKF set the precedent for others to follow. The groups that are sprouting up around the County are doubtlessly a long-term positive for the future of public education in DeKalb and the community should be lauding and supporting the efforts of DCPSF.<br /><br />I am happy to answer any questions neighbors in DeKalb have about how we've worked with DCPSF - send a note to kim AT crosskeysfoundation DOT org<br /><br />For those that dismiss the entire DCPSF organization because of a relationship that disturbs you, realize that killing the patient to kill the tumor is a bad strategy in medicine and should be avoided in public organizations, too.<br /><br />Lastly, regarding CKF openness ... with the exception of $100 ckeck printing fee from our bank, 100% of our collected funds have gone directly to the seven school houses of Cross Keys. We are a membership organization and welcome everyone to join as a member and volunteer to serve on our Board. We operate on 100% volunteer power and can always use more members and a few more Board members.<br /><br />Our Board's next meeting with our Student Advisory Board is this Saturday, Nov 13, at The Library Coffee Co. at 8:30a and if you are willing to lend a hand, please join us.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-50756793816125939242010-11-07T13:57:07.555-05:002010-11-07T13:57:07.555-05:00It is currently against the law to have school sys...It is currently against the law to have school systems support non-profits, but no one has brought suit yet against the systems that do this. The state of Ga just passed a law last session making it legal for the state to set up a non-profit for raising money for schools in this state. They passed it so it's an exception since it's unlawful to do what DCSS and others have done. Two good examples of school systems that are completely separate entities from the school systems and have totally separate offices are Atlanta Public Schools Foundation and Decatur's school system's foundation - I believe it's called the Decatur Education Foundation. They both have websites you can look up for more info.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-33287729896177599072010-11-07T12:47:55.746-05:002010-11-07T12:47:55.746-05:00I agree that there is a problem with representatio...I agree that there is a problem with representation sometime. However, I have voiced my opinion on this and someone said I used the R word on a blog. The only thing in the world I could think this could be was that I suggested the possibility of more diversity on a board to reflect the school and members. I guess this bothered some individuals that I was bold enough to make such a suggestion so they went on a blog to say I used the R word to try to hurt me in the election. I absolutely could not believe someone would stomp so low. This could means so many things and I was upset that someone would turn what I said around indicated that what I said was some violation because I stepped out of line with my suggestion.<br /><br />I like diversity as that is a part of life. I actually do not judge people by their religion, ethnic background or sexual perference. This is just not me so I do not have an understanding of why someone would think my recommendation was wrong in a public school group in DeKalb County Georgia.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1968343778839179412010-11-07T12:35:39.128-05:002010-11-07T12:35:39.128-05:00You don't have to donate to an organization yo...You don't have to donate to an organization you don't support. Vote with your dollars and if enough people feel the same then something will have to give.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54373444663543836182010-11-07T12:07:02.841-05:002010-11-07T12:07:02.841-05:00All in good time. All in good time.All in good time. All in good time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-47395957201863910982010-11-07T12:06:02.256-05:002010-11-07T12:06:02.256-05:00PolitiMom, well said. The good thing for us out h...PolitiMom, well said. The good thing for us out here living for truth and justice, is that truth and justice always wins out somewhere down the road. Time is on our side. <br /><br />Besides, those who knowingly did wrong and threw innocent people under the bus, have to live with knowing that every single day and always always have to look over their shoulder wondering when their deeds are going to come home to roost.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58689549154356216922010-11-07T11:08:53.313-05:002010-11-07T11:08:53.313-05:00The problem with a foundation like the one at LHS ...The problem with a foundation like the one at LHS that has had the same parents in charge who use their home address is that the board doesn't generally change over, there is no public accounting of where the funds are going, the board is not comprised of representatives of all stakeholders within the community (e.g. all 5 feeders, corporations, all different factions) -- it really seems to represent "one point of view" and has been that way from inception without any accounting being down to the public. So you have to trust that if you like the folks in charge, which personally, I do, then, you don't mind sending your money to their home address, and you don't know how much, if any is going to them for running the organization, and don't get to vote on the structure of the organization or or members or projects so there is a general sense that it "isn't the way it would be in the corporate world" and "something is just not right" with it....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-26842417491867649222010-11-07T09:35:33.046-05:002010-11-07T09:35:33.046-05:00Anon 12:23
The reason we are all here is to act as...Anon 12:23<br />The reason we are all here is to act as a collective whistle-blower on corruption and help make our system work better. My children LOVE their school, their teachers and our home school's test scores and administration are one of DeKalb's shining stars. BUT-it doesn't excuse all the mess at the Palace. I'm SO thankful there are people like Ella, Sandy, Cere and others who have the time to investigate and figure out fact from fiction. Since I don't, I listen and tell everyone I know and hopefully between all of us we can affect some change.PolitiMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04994037235035183747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25351282413688679312010-11-07T09:31:52.394-05:002010-11-07T09:31:52.394-05:00Y'all are making me crazy. I regularly defend ...Y'all are making me crazy. I regularly defend the blog against people who say that posters are less than constructive, but this time you're off base. <br />Setting up a non-profit foundation for a specific school can be daunting and expensive. The DCSS Foundation simplifies this task. It's my impression that even the CKHS foundation uses the DCSS Foundation as an umbrella. It may the one part of DCSS that is not corrupt (except for the classroom teachers, who are all true heroes IMHO). If you don't like what a school foundation spends its money on, step away from the computer, go to a meeting, provide some input, take on an action item or two, and make a change. Don't just take electronic pot shots at people who have actually stepped up to the plate. Who freaking cares what address they use for receiving mail?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-40666668533357809312010-11-07T09:05:52.245-05:002010-11-07T09:05:52.245-05:00Consider the choice of either joining DCPSF in the...Consider the choice of either joining DCPSF in their efforts or berating them -- Be honest to yourselves, which of the two options has a bigger positive impact on the children?<br /><br /><br />The point that most are trying to make, is that we are not sure what their efforts are, so how can we support DCPSF. I emailed the organization and was referred to the web site. I read the web sited and didn't find the answers to my questions, which is why I emailed them. People want transparency with any involving the government or schools in DeKalb. There is nothing wrong with us wanting to know what we are truly supporting before we support it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18803231078472605632010-11-07T07:24:26.034-05:002010-11-07T07:24:26.034-05:00I am sure that money from the foundation was given...I am sure that money from the foundation was given to top brass to travel to workshops. However, the foundation may have paid for Lewis' workshop trip that got him in hot water also. I am sure if the Superintendent asked for the money he or she would get it. I am just saying there is no list of workshops or travel expenses. No telling what got paid for out of this money that was donated. This in itself is a problem.<br /><br />I am sure the Lakeside Foundation is very above board. I know the individuals involved and I am sure it is above board and the money is being spent on the school. I have absolutely no doubt on the situation.<br /><br />My issue has always been the exclusiveness of its membership and the individuals who make the decision. The board is the board so their is not public involvement other than give me money or donations. That is why I am more supportive a of group of citizens who pay $50.00 or $100.00 a year who elect their board or officers and who have a vote in decisions. This is all I am saying. The members should work to earn money and donations. However, the money is protected by many eyes who have access to look at the money as you pay your $50.00 or $100.00 a year to participate or vote if you want to want by attending meetings. <br /><br />I dislike the foundations and organizations where only a few individuals are involved and make decisions. However, they want your money so they can decide what to do with it and also like EduKalb they want to tell you who to vote for also. They got one candiate right and that was Dr. Walker and in DeKalb County that was a pretty sure beat regarding who was running. Even if that race I do not think the people listen to EduKalb very much about their decision. People do not like to be told how to vote. This is a personal decision.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4382270147366547572010-11-07T00:23:14.863-04:002010-11-07T00:23:14.863-04:00Hey,you folk..ever heard of just one positive thin...Hey,you folk..ever heard of just one positive thing that happened that we can all embrace and help push the negative stuff for some of our neighbors. Some of us have children still in this system and are pleased with their teachers, test scores and our administrators. Yes, we have many issues and we must broach them we energy and a sense of purpose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-90234735831586376872010-11-07T00:00:55.755-04:002010-11-07T00:00:55.755-04:00Consider the choice of either joining DCPSF in the...Consider the choice of either joining DCPSF in their efforts or berating them -- Be honest to yourselves, which of the two options has a bigger positive impact on the children?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-10825869117047284052010-11-06T22:58:00.387-04:002010-11-06T22:58:00.387-04:00The people who started and run the Lakeside founda...The people who started and run the Lakeside foundation use their home address as the official address of the 501(c)3. At least they used to .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com