tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post5842427550818349456..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Why is Cross Keys STILL in Limbo?Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-88386399964717600452009-09-21T17:12:01.205-04:002009-09-21T17:12:01.205-04:00Great idea. I remember once that Emory Lavista Pa...Great idea. I remember once that Emory Lavista Parent Council held a meeting on the subject of athletics - I'll see if I can dig up the minutes from their website and we can start there.<br /><br />Also, anyone remember that Cassandra Anderson-Littlejohn had a sports supply business? She sold lots of equipment and cheerleading gear to schools -- while serving on the board of education.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38403069340592323552009-09-21T17:07:56.538-04:002009-09-21T17:07:56.538-04:00I'd love to see a new thread about DCSS athlet...I'd love to see a new thread about DCSS athletics with posts from coaches, parents, etc.<br /><br />The DCSS Athletics Dept. operates in a manner unlike any other school system in the state. There are some very shady contracts. CEO candidate Stan Watson was part owner of a company that had a contract with DCSS Athletics, but he sold his interest when he ran for CEO because he knew it would have been a point of contention during his campaign.<br /><br />DCSS Athletics should have its own advisory board, with members appointed by the BOE. I don't know who is in charge of maintenance for DCSS Athletics but that person should be fired, because most are in pitiful condition.<br /><br />The BOE has looked the other way regarding DCSS Athletics for far too long. There's too much inefficiency, cronyism, shady contracts, favoritism, etc., etc., etc. It's badly broken and needs repair.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-19614354320340889762009-09-21T15:08:12.989-04:002009-09-21T15:08:12.989-04:00I once heard that the Dunwoody football coach mows...I once heard that the Dunwoody football coach mows his own practice field at the high school - he likes to keep it really nice.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84243899073937721832009-09-21T15:03:15.654-04:002009-09-21T15:03:15.654-04:00Anon 1:08--You are correct about football as a mon...Anon 1:08--You are correct about football as a moneymaker, but not basketball. I remember several years ago Charlie Henderson of Athletics had a powerpoint showing which sports made money for the county, and number two behind football was middle school track! For some reason they charged to attend that, but they did not charge to attend high school track meets (I think the explanation was that parents stop going when they get to high school, probably because it takes so long). The rest of the sports were way behind those two in revenue.fedupindcsshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11895950244074463477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14742475854911043612009-09-21T13:08:08.792-04:002009-09-21T13:08:08.792-04:00At anon on 9/19: DCSS Athletics doesn't care a...At anon on 9/19: DCSS Athletics doesn't care about any of the sports teams. Football and basketball are the only money makers in the county--if it weren't for those 2, there wouldn't be any $$$. And if you didn't already know, since all of the stadiums are shared--all of the revenue generated via ticket sales goes to DCSS athletics and is then split among all the HS & middle schools for their athletic budgets. NONE OF THE SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS RECEIVE THEIR FAIR SHARE based on the attendance of their games. Tucker, Stephenson, SWD, & MLK pull in a majority of the spectators in football yet they still have to buy any extra helmets, uniforms or equipment that is needed outside what is allocated. So even Cross Keys athletics benefit from the larger schools teams because of the revenue sharing. Don't even get me started on the concessions which all goes to one company and not the schools! If only each school had a stadium--the schools in Henry County & Gwinnett rake in $$$ hand over fist because they receive all the proceeds from concessions & ticket sales, which goes towards maintaining all of their athletic facilities. Also, as a football parent & booster, I can tell you we work out butts off to raise money for everything our team has extra including helmets, game meals, field maintenance--we're luck if they our field is cut, and a host of other things, the same way other clubs at the school have raise money including cheerleaders, BETA Club, ROTC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-515775310491232932009-09-21T12:20:05.183-04:002009-09-21T12:20:05.183-04:00I think renting out our fields everywhere is a fab...I think renting out our fields everywhere is a fab idea. Why not? As long as it's managed well and doesn't cause damage to the grass, etc. Adams stadium sits around unused 90% of the time - it could serve as a really great community events stadium - we may even wish to consider enclosing it and really making it a professional venue!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-90662599690860063112009-09-21T12:01:04.733-04:002009-09-21T12:01:04.733-04:00Anon 8:28, you are wrong. There are DCSS schools ...Anon 8:28, you are wrong. There are DCSS schools where the principal allows fields to be rented. I'm not sure whether its DCSS Central Office approved, but I've seen it happen many times, and not just at Henderson Middle or Shamrock Middle. There are Latino soccer associations using Sequoyah, Adams Stadium and Chamblee. It's possible that some of the schools don't even know there fields are being used on weekends for soccer.<br /><br />The DCSS Athletics Dept. has always been a mess. They care about football and basketball, and everything else is secondary. And they play favorites again and again and again. it's all who you know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87019525064502622452009-09-21T08:28:31.866-04:002009-09-21T08:28:31.866-04:00All, I do not believe that DCSS will rent out any ...All, I do not believe that DCSS will rent out any field to non-DCSS teams, except for school sanctioned club teams and some YMCA youth sports.<br /><br />Emory uses the DHHS field because it has a long standing agreement with the school that may date back to when Emory transferred the property to DCSS. Emory installed the lights, grass, watering and drainage systems. <br /><br /><br />Kim, if you want to get a private organization to spruce up the fields at Cross keys, you would have to go through DCSS and its new (and poorly drafted) gifting policy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-19240832461712507072009-09-21T03:05:03.022-04:002009-09-21T03:05:03.022-04:00Dekalbparent (not "DeKalbparent?"), what...Dekalbparent (not "DeKalbparent?"), what you're seeing at Adams on Friday and Saturday nights is football. Lakeside and other nearby DeKalb schools that don't have their own stadiums play there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30286999061953516892009-09-20T23:23:52.991-04:002009-09-20T23:23:52.991-04:00Doesn't a futbal (soccer) league play at Adams...Doesn't a futbal (soccer) league play at Adams Stadium on weekends? I see lots of cars and people in the stands.<br /><br />Emory Univ used Druid Hills' practice field for summer camps. So it appears that DCSS is OK with some organizations' use of facilities.Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85265883465923021232009-09-20T23:17:23.308-04:002009-09-20T23:17:23.308-04:00"Georgia Sports Leagues presents the Co-Ed Su..."Georgia Sports Leagues presents the Co-Ed Summer Flag Football League at Henderson Middle School."<br /><br />---<br /><br />This is pretty darn infuriating. I've tried to rent DCSS athletic facilities, but have been told by DCSS staff that they are only available for practices, not games, due to some legal reason.<br /><br />But "Georgia Sports Leagues" is using Henderson Middle, and some adult baseball league uses Shamrock Middle for games and practices.<br /><br />You see when it comes to DCSS, Crawford Lewis, and DCSS Athletics, it's all who you know. if they don't want ya, they'll say there's a policy. blah, blah. But if they know ya and like ya, you're in. Lewis is a big joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38653132941069648842009-09-20T21:26:16.190-04:002009-09-20T21:26:16.190-04:00@Cerebration: "Cross Keys needs to consider r...@Cerebration: "Cross Keys needs to consider renting out its sports facilities ..."<br /><br />This is a good idea but only the gymnasium floor for basketball is marketable - the rest of the facilities are passable as practice facilities and not particularly good ones at that.<br /><br />I've been pitching to public and private organizations the idea of partnering with DCSS for recreational and sports facilities. There seem to be interested parties but it remains to be seen if DCSS will accept such a partnership. My thinking is if they are not willing to invest and manage, let someone else do it!<br /><br />Until someone invests some money in the poorly maintained football/soccer field and the truly special but poorly maintained baseball field, I'm not sure they're marketable for league play.<br /><br />As of now, they are used heavily by un-managed and unauthorized leagues and individuals. Until they are managed properly, I'm afraid progressive suggestions like yours will remain only an idea.<br /><br />Stay tuned and let me know about any contacts - I've noted the one above for future reference - thank you!Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-13521225417940448592009-09-20T20:52:37.759-04:002009-09-20T20:52:37.759-04:00Maybe Cross Keys needs to consider renting out the...Maybe Cross Keys needs to consider renting out their sports fields for private leagues ---<br /><br />Check this out --<br /><br /><br />http://www.georgiasportsleagues.org/events/index.php?date=2009-09-13<br /><br />Co-Ed Fall Flag Football09-13-2009<br />Georgia Sports Leagues presents the Co-Ed Summer Flag Football League at Henderson Middle School.<br /><br />Season Start: September 13, 2009<br /><br />Season Length: 10 Games + Playoffs<br /><br />Style: Co-Ed Screen<br /><br />Location: Atlanta, Ga<br /><br />Entry Fee: $500.00<br /><br />Free Agent Fee: $50<br /><br />Contact Mark (678)799-0159 for more information or to register for the season<br />Location: Atlanta, GaFor more information contact Mark Nations via phone at (678) 799-0159 or via email at mark@georgiasportsleagues.org.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22084152469174851942009-09-19T15:47:58.419-04:002009-09-19T15:47:58.419-04:00http://championnewspaper.com/cross_keys.html
It&#...http://championnewspaper.com/cross_keys.html<br /><br />It's amazing how much time and resources Ron Seebree and the DCSS Athletics Dept. throws at the top football programs, like SW DeKalb and Tucker. The other programs that don't win, we'll, you're SOL.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-48126276622876368212009-09-18T17:24:56.334-04:002009-09-18T17:24:56.334-04:00If you still haven't had a chance to visit Cro...If you still haven't had a chance to visit Cross Keys, inside and out, please do. You'll be shocked at its condition, and its potential. It's a huge property, and has been intentionally neglected by the Sam Moss Center, or the Sam Moss Center staff is incompetent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-53692011407748297762009-07-20T16:10:32.159-04:002009-07-20T16:10:32.159-04:00Didn't know that about the new Tucker capacity...Didn't know that about the new Tucker capacity, No Duh. I guess they're hoping that the old axiom, "If you build it, they will come" rings true! (Same for Arabia!) <br /><br />Meanwhile, Cross Keys sits.....Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-8517011688023065522009-07-20T15:51:25.204-04:002009-07-20T15:51:25.204-04:00Well, what about the new Tucker High School? It&#...Well, what about the new Tucker High School? It's designed for close to 1,800 capacity. Last year, THS had 1,450 enrolled. Wouldn't that make THS 19% underutilizied on opening day?<br /><br />I know Womack has mentioned to individual community members the possibility of some redistricting to THS. It would make total sense to expand the THS district to include Pleasantdale Road. The school basically sits on the same road (with a name change only). Talk about a cost-effective bus route!No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25807830210626431592009-07-20T15:12:03.385-04:002009-07-20T15:12:03.385-04:00For some reason, DeKalb ends up returning Title 1 ...For some reason, DeKalb ends up returning Title 1 money almost every year. LOTS of money - A million or more... one of our Board members, Pam Speaks, was director of Title 1 for DeKalb County Schools - maybe she can enlighten us - Someone in her district - please ask her sometime.<br /><br />BTW - Everyone - make sure that you either attend or watch the Board meeting this evening -- 6PM at the Freeman Center, Building A, 3770 N Decatur Rd<br />or on Comcast Channel 24.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39211347446200136192009-07-20T14:09:54.997-04:002009-07-20T14:09:54.997-04:00What Title 1 can cover (WARNING: LONG)
From Title...What Title 1 can cover (WARNING: LONG)<br /><br />From Title 1 section of website of Hillsboro (FL) County Public Schools:<br /><br /> All public schools receiving Title I funds are district schools operating as Schoolwide Programs. Schools utilize Title I funds to enhance the regular district instructional program. Schools use funds to:<br /><br /> * add highly qualified staff,<br /> * support parent and community involvement efforts,<br /> * improve staff development,<br /> * purchase additional instructional materials and supplies,<br /> * add technology and needed equipment.<br /><br />From State of Idaho guidelines:<br /><br />Allowable Uses of Funds<br /><br />Some allowable targeted costs are included below. This is not an exhaustive list. See the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74-86, for the complete list. <br /> <br />- Employee salaries and benefits — that are for time devoted to the performance of the Part A program, as described in the approved Consolidated Plan Application. LEAs must maintain appropriate time distribution records for any employee who works on Part A duties but also has other duties. The recommended limit for administrative salaries/benefits and other administrative expenses is what are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient performance and administration of the program. Idaho suggests that no more than 10% of the allocation be used for administrative purposes.<br />- Professional development — if specifically related to the Part A program, designed to meet the specific educational needs of Part A participants, and supplements rather than supplants, state and local training. Teachers whose professional development is paid by Title I, Targeted Assistance, must have Part A participants in their classroom. <br />- Supplies and educational materials — if reasonable and acquired/consumed specifically for the purpose of the Title I-Part A program. The LEA must document the details and location of the supplies and the reason for the purchases.<br />- Equipment — if 1) necessary to effectively operate Title I-Part A programs, 2) existing equipment will not be sufficient and 3) the costs are reasonable. The LEA must document the details and location of the equipment and the reason for the purchases.<br />- Travel and conference costs — if specifically related to the Title I-Part A program and not to the general needs of the LEA or school and are reasonable and necessary. <br />- Maintenance/operation costs — (such as janitorial and utility costs) to the extent that costs are not otherwise included in rent or other charges for space, are reasonable and necessary for the success of the Title I-Part A program, and are distributed on an equitable basis.<br />- Rental/lease of buildings — if the space is necessary for the operation of the program and space in publicly owned buildings is not available.<br />- Interest on lease purchase agreements — if in accordance with cost principles of OMB Circular A-87.<br />- Refreshments for parent meetings/trainings — if reasonable, particularly when such sessions extend through mealtime.<br />- Indirect costs-- if approved and on file with the Idaho Department of Education and costs included are in compliance with EDGAR. <br />- Financial incentives and rewards to teachers who serve students in the Title I schools identified for improvement, corrective action and restructuring for the purpose of attracting and retaining qualified and effective teachers. In making this reservation, the LEA cannot reserve more than 5% of the Title I-A allocation. However, it may reserve “such funds as are necessary” from the Title II, Preparing, Training and Recruiting Highly Qualified Teachers and Principals program for this purpose.<br />- To support ongoing training and professional development, as defined in Title IX (ESEA General Provisions). Equitable amounts must also be provided for participating private school parents and teachers.Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87639392766691684952009-07-20T11:43:54.194-04:002009-07-20T11:43:54.194-04:00Also, referring again to Don McChesney's and t...Also, referring again to Don McChesney's and the Board's "concern" that attendance is "dropping" at Cross Keys -- I would say that interestingly, even with their gerrymandered attendance zone Cross Keys is more highly utilized than McNair (1124 students in a newly renovated building that holds 1701 with a new auditorium and $25,000 worth of statues of mustangs.) <br /><br />Funny - no one is calling for closing or selling or otherwise doing damage to McNair. Under-enrolled by 577 (66% capacity).<br /><br />Same for Avondale -- even with the merger of DSA, and a renovation (at least for the DSA part of the building) they will still be seriously under-enrolled.<br /><br />Same with Clarkston (now under total renovation with auditorium) Under-enrolled by 326 (74% capacity).<br /><br />Same with Towers - total renovation with a new auditorium, etc... Under-enrolled by 321 (76% capacity).Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-80027103281193266622009-07-20T11:25:54.834-04:002009-07-20T11:25:54.834-04:00I see in today's paper that DeKalb County Comm...I see in today's paper that DeKalb County Commissioners are voting on low-cost housing initiatives for builders. <br /><br />WHAT: The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will have a public hearing on a proposal to give developers incentives to build low-cost housing.<br /><br />WHEN & WHERE: The hearing starts at 10 AM, Tuesday, Juy 21 (tomorrow) at the county government's Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, in downtown Decatur.<br /><br />WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU: The proposal would allow developers to build more units per acre if they provide "workforce" housing for workers earning 60-125% of the county's median household income.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25498120074081423642009-07-20T11:14:24.017-04:002009-07-20T11:14:24.017-04:00Son of hogging the blog (sorry).
When they wa...Son of hogging the blog (sorry).<br /> When they want to, the Dekalb County school system is capable of <br />renovating buildings in record time, with proper materials, and on a reasonable budget.<br /> The shining example of this is Robert Shaw Theme School, which was accomplished in 3-5 months. I think that the renovations to the old Lithonia High (now middle) school were completed in a timely manner. The former Stone Mountain Middle School (now theme school) <br />was completed in a reasonably short time also, although I think it might have actually opened later then planned. It can be done, but you have to watch the DCSS like a hawk.<br /> Otherwise, they might pull another fast one like the years ago renovation of Avondale Elementary: it sat uncompleted for two years. The firm they had hired took the money and ran. The firm's name ( I wish I was making this up)<br /> was something like:<br /> "The Billy Bob Construction Company".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-81828781037094677862009-07-20T10:47:29.705-04:002009-07-20T10:47:29.705-04:00Son of awcomeonnow with an overview of Symphony Pa...Son of awcomeonnow with an overview of Symphony Park:<br /> Folks, you need to start throwing questions at the Dekalb County Comissioners about areas that are full of delapidated multifamily in the county.<br /> The most specific question is WHY CAN IT NEVER BE REPLACED WITH DENSELY PACKED OWNER OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL?<br /> Can't they at least make a section of these developments single family? At the very least make 250 units owner occupied townhomes, much as I dislike them.<br /> I strongly believe that all of these "mixed use" developments are presented as such so that the bond financeers (bondits, to those tuning in late) can generate as many fees as possible from a given piece of property. Symphony Park would likely be financed through both the development and housing authorities, with the checks for seperate authorities inevetably going to the same address.<br /> I think that owner occupied housing is being left out of the mix because tax advantages for developers/ fee generation for bondits would be partially ommitted if the housing mix made any sense.<br /> Buford Highway has 60 complexes along it, the vast majority of which are fairly ancient by Atlanta standards. Couldn't they at least put some single family somewhere in place of all these abominations?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38304807519066583402009-07-17T23:21:05.208-04:002009-07-17T23:21:05.208-04:00Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am one of the t...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am one of the teachers at Cross Keys and have been for 20 years. Many of us have grown frustrated and have become hoarse, no longer able to voice our concerns. So, I can only say thank you from us and from our fabulous kids!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-50229069188323782402009-07-17T12:31:59.400-04:002009-07-17T12:31:59.400-04:00Really, substitute Chamblee for Redan and Cross Ke...Really, substitute Chamblee for Redan and Cross Keys for an "under-capacity" black school in the Supreme Court ruling quoted in my post on July 14, 2009 9:14 AM<br /><br />Eery.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.com