tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post614441411886331272..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: It's Your $20 Million, TooCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61783189023238925362009-11-01T14:07:52.549-05:002009-11-01T14:07:52.549-05:00Cere: I think the reduction in capacity could cert...Cere: I think the reduction in capacity could certainly be due to ELL class size mandates finally being recognized in the numbers. Another thought that occurred to me is whether this is simply a recognition of the loss of classrooms from the 4th wing being converted into use for the Tech School. Is DCSS including the planned capacity and their enrollment in their capacity number??? Perhaps I can get an answer at the Tuesday evening SPLOST III project's public meeting at the school.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6606607833615510332009-11-01T11:52:44.882-05:002009-11-01T11:52:44.882-05:00I didn't see this so much as a projected growt...I didn't see this so much as a projected growth in enrollment as a reduction in capacity numbers. Cross Keys has been listed for years as having the capacity for about 1300 students. Now, these new figures show the capacity at just over 1000. I wonder if that means they are just going to close one of the buildings?... Or maybe it has to do with re-configuring class size using ESOL standards? I'm not sure. There is growth projected, but there is also a reduction in capacity.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-63721941887348628812009-11-01T10:34:11.493-05:002009-11-01T10:34:11.493-05:00@Anon 7:36 ... good questions but I do not know wh...@Anon 7:36 ... good questions but I do not know what fundamental assumptions are being used by DCSS. I would assume until we find out otherwise that is "all of the above" along with demographic shifts. Many of the neighborhoods built up around our schools (CKHS, DHS, LHS, CCHS, etc.) in the 50s and 60s are going through generational turnover from retirees to 1st-time home buyers and young families. For example, in the next four houses on my street there are already 4 kids under 5 years old and 4 of their moms are pregnant.<br /><br />So, I think there are many threads that support the expected increase in enrollment.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-31908229126676000432009-10-30T19:36:39.277-04:002009-10-30T19:36:39.277-04:00Kim, I asked about Symphony Park because I have be...Kim, I asked about Symphony Park because I have been trying to figure out the basis for the large increase in projected HS enrollment for Ck (and Dunwoody). I didn't know if it was based on a large elementary population that will be in HS in six years or if it is anticipating a lot of high density housing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-43856319350991757612009-10-30T15:50:40.387-04:002009-10-30T15:50:40.387-04:00Does anyone know anything about Ms. Barbara Colman...Does anyone know anything about Ms. Barbara Colman? She is listed as Interim CIP Operations Officer on the BOE agenda for Monday night? <br /><br />Experience? Skill set?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22372361173175348872009-10-30T15:17:56.270-04:002009-10-30T15:17:56.270-04:00Anon 10:26--
Can't tell you how much they paid...Anon 10:26--<br />Can't tell you how much they paid, but I can give you the list of attorneys who represented DCSS; you can then form your own conclusion: <br />Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, Alfred A. Lindseth, Rocco E. Testani, Melanie W. Crowe, Weekes & Candler, Gary H. Sams.<br /><br />Chip Franzoni always complained about the retainers and the fact that they still had to hire outside counsel all the time. I would expect a school system this large to have a lot of legal issues, but we seem to have more than our share.fedupindcsshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11895950244074463477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6043071243580390192009-10-30T11:21:51.077-04:002009-10-30T11:21:51.077-04:00@Anon 10:02 re: Buford/Symphony Park ... those are...@Anon 10:02 re: Buford/Symphony Park ... those are still in progress. The general Buford Hwy land use and zoning question has been tied loosely by Comm. Rader to the specific project in Symphony Park planning process by Cortland Partners.<br /><br />The Cortland applications are going through the County's planning cycle as we speak and are on the agenda of the Planning Commission meeting this coming Tuesday (can't be in 2 places so I'm missing that one). <br /><br />Redovian and Drake plan to be at that meeting and I will get the details from the meeting one way or the other (wish an attendee would post up notes at <a href="http://www.communityradar.com" rel="nofollow">Community Radar</a> for all of us!).<br /><br />In any case, if the Cortland Partners project next to CKHS and Woodward gets approved, it is still an open question of when will they get financing to start - not positive in the short- to med-term. So, my guess is that we are at least 6-12 months away from anything like a finalized land use plan for the lower Buford Hwy section in question (NDH -> Briarwood Rd) and the same for any possible start to Symphony Park.<br /><br />I do know a former resident of one of the appmts in question for this project and he indicated a couple of months ago that the management had already let folks know their days were numbered. So, I think there may be folks moving out of some of the 4 properties in scope of Symphony Park even though the application hasn't been approved.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-23143811591331382412009-10-30T10:26:09.256-04:002009-10-30T10:26:09.256-04:00I wonder how much DCSS spent on attorneys for that...I wonder how much DCSS spent on attorneys for that $105 million lawsuit with the state that they ended up getting nothing from.<br /><br />Will we ever really know how much of our tax money they spend on attorneys? It's criminal for sure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34481489833149316022009-10-30T10:02:15.518-04:002009-10-30T10:02:15.518-04:00Kim, Did the DeKalb County commission approve the ...Kim, Did the DeKalb County commission approve the rezoning of the Buford Highway corridor to a much higher density? I think this was to allow the building of the high density Symphony Park development immediately below Cross Keys HS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85057621056094898692009-10-30T07:39:43.849-04:002009-10-30T07:39:43.849-04:00I have been very concerned for months about how th...I have been very concerned for months about how the SPLOST III project will progress at CKHS - the current personnel problems only intensify these concerns.<br /><br />I believe the work will progress as specified but what is left undone will be shocking. My concern is that at the end of all this effort, money and time CKHS will still be woefully lacking in its plant and way behind its peers in future prioritization.<br /><br />By all means show up at CKHS Tuesday a 6:00pm but also tune into PDS-TV Monday where CKHS and this project will be the topic of my public comments (Slot #1) at the Board's Work Session at Dunwoody HS. Don't be late!Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85409190436163699942009-10-30T06:50:46.858-04:002009-10-30T06:50:46.858-04:00This is incredibly sad for Cross Keys. How on ear...This is incredibly sad for Cross Keys. How on earth did this all get so incredibly messed up? I couldn't be more disgusted.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85507463071355727282009-10-29T22:26:08.595-04:002009-10-29T22:26:08.595-04:00Yes, I work there and they are trying to prepare f...Yes, I work there and they are trying to prepare for the Community meeting. They will have a rep there, but she won't have any answers. Then Donahue will try to keep the peace - still no answers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-11162357682231825622009-10-29T22:22:49.112-04:002009-10-29T22:22:49.112-04:00Anon,
Isn't Pope the 'key' witness in...Anon,<br /><br />Isn't Pope the 'key' witness in the Heery lawsuit?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32381683026914424022009-10-29T22:19:38.605-04:002009-10-29T22:19:38.605-04:00We'll certainly know on Tuesday - if someone s...We'll certainly know on Tuesday - if someone shows up for the long-awaited community meeting at Cross Keys with the promise of showing the construction plans to the community. Who will represent the county at that meeting I wonder? Will they simply chicken out and "postpone" it yet again?<br /><br />6 PM people - Tuesday - show up for this one!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-73208042275892858792009-10-29T22:19:08.027-04:002009-10-29T22:19:08.027-04:00That's right Cerebration! Now they (Crawford ...That's right Cerebration! Now they (Crawford Lewis) has placed former principals in charge again and they are already making a mess of things. Pope is paying the price for Pritchett. Now since Crawford was intimidated by Pope - he lobbyed to get her removed.Concerned Taxpayernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62568208739336659412009-10-29T22:15:05.419-04:002009-10-29T22:15:05.419-04:00Does anyone know what is going on at Sam Moss sinc...Does anyone know what is going on at Sam Moss since Pope was 'reassigned'?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34010847041904076892009-10-29T22:14:55.215-04:002009-10-29T22:14:55.215-04:00Was that why Schrenko was found out to have stolen...Was that why Schrenko was found out to have stolen money for a face lift and stuff? Jury trials are always so full of interesting surprises dug up by attorneys.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-64570391828962896132009-10-29T22:12:34.615-04:002009-10-29T22:12:34.615-04:00Actually, FedUp, I think the suit's about a pa...Actually, FedUp, I think the suit's about a pattern of mismanagement by Heery/Mitchell that cost the school system millions in unnecessary or over-priced change orders. Heery and DCSS don't seem to agree on who was in charge of what. DCSS seems to think that Heery was in charge of everything - and Pritchett was just there to sign forms.... The only reason Pat Pope is involved is because she was the one to point out the runaway change orders and put a stop to it (mainly because she's a construction professional - not an educator) - in SPLOST 2, DCSS basically acknowledged that no one in the system had a clue about construction so they hired HM to oversee it all - to serve as their guardian angel - be their eyes and ears - and report all changes and oddities. HM of course, bungled several tasks - and weren't watching things like DCSS was assuming they were and the contractors ran off with pots of gold (or at least pennies - from which the taxes came). In the end, Pritchett ditched DCSS and got a real nice job over at Morris Brown. And who is paying the price for the bungled construction now? Pat Pope - they're trying to make it look like it's all her doing - all her fault - that conniving woman and her master plan. How strange.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74885229397779667702009-10-29T21:58:04.739-04:002009-10-29T21:58:04.739-04:00The Georgia Supreme Court reversed the trial court...The Georgia Supreme Court reversed the trial court, thus throwing out DeKalb County's $105 million award. Schrenko v. DeKalb School Dist., 276 Ga. 786 (2003).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-19977874846430284732009-10-29T16:11:51.866-04:002009-10-29T16:11:51.866-04:00Please remember, this lawsuit against Heery is old...Please remember, this lawsuit against Heery is old lawsuit that has not gone to court. <br /><br />DeKalb has spent $14 million on a $500,000 bill that was change orders made during the first or second SPLOST.<br /><br />Has it made any sense to spend $14 million on a $500,000 bill?<br /><br />Go back and check it is there. WSB did a report many moon ago on this.One Fed Up Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523706925943880604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-91804818253034102892009-10-29T14:17:06.324-04:002009-10-29T14:17:06.324-04:00@fedup -
That's ringing a bell with me, too. ...@fedup -<br /><br />That's ringing a bell with me, too. I'll try to check it out (if somebody doesn't beat me to it - we have ace cyber-investigators on this blog!)Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-48959727031853751332009-10-29T13:31:35.700-04:002009-10-29T13:31:35.700-04:00I have a vague recollection that it was thrown out...I have a vague recollection that it was thrown out on appeal. It was weird, though, something along the lines of DCSS being correct but they didn't deserve the money. I don't really remember. I do remember at the time that the school board was mentally (or actually) pre-spending the money, and then they didn't get it.fedupindcsshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11895950244074463477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-50961099089754825152009-10-29T09:11:18.530-04:002009-10-29T09:11:18.530-04:00Wow, wow and more wow. How come this is never men...Wow, wow and more wow. How come this is never mentioned by the BOE and C Lew??? $100 million? Where is it?<br /><br /><br />DeKalb County School Board Awarded More Than $110 Million in Suit Against State of Georgia.<br /><br />ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2002 <br /><br />Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane, of the Superior Court of Fulton County (Georgia), awarded the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) more than $110 million in damages, in the DCSD's suit against Linda Schrenko, State School.<br /><br />Superintendent (DeKalb County School District, et al. v. Linda Schrenko, et al. Civil Action File No. 2001CV3545). <br /><br />At issue in the case was the definition of O.C.G.A. 20-2-188, which statutorily requires the state to pay certain student transportation costs associated with busing students to schools outside of their regular districts in order to remedy segregated schools under Georgia's Quality Basic Education Act. DCSD's Majority to Minority and magnet school programs were designed to do just that. <br /><br />Georgia law requires the State to calculate transportation funding based on the distance between a student's home and the school "to which [the student is] assigned." The State argued that the school to which the statute refers is the neighborhood or zone school regardless of whether the student actually attends that school. This interpretation results in less transportation funding for school districts such as DCSD, which bus a significant number of students to attend schools other than their zone schools. For over two decades then, based on their interpretation of the law, the State withheld funds from DCSD and failed to pay the proper costs associated with DCSD's busing program. <br /><br />The Court found, however, based on both a common sense reading of the statute as well as legal theories of statutory interpretation, that the school "to which [the student is] assigned" for purposes of transportation funding is the school that the child actually attends. <br /><br />Because the State had violated state law by funding transportation on the basis of its erroneous interpretation of the statute, the Court ordered the State to pay the DeKalb County School District $68,070,433 in transportation funds wrongfully withheld from DeKalb since 1978 plus interest in the amount of $42,315,501 through September 16, the date of the judgment. Thereafter, interest will be payable on the principal at the post-judgment rate under Georgia law of 12% per annum (approx. $22,000 a day) until the judgment is paid. <br /><br />Dr. Johnny E. Brown, Superintendent of the DeKalb School System said, "We couldn't be happier. When provided, these funds will mean added resources for instruction of our students in important areas such as reading and math. The children of DeKalb are the true winners in this case." <br /><br />"We're obviously very pleased with Judge Tipton Lane's decision and this is an incredibly significant victory for DeKalb," said Al Lindseth, a partner in the law firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, and lead lawyer for the DCSD. "The State's refusal to pay for what the law clearly said they should pay for has for too long deflected needed funds from the DCSD. For example, from the interest earned in just two days alone (more than $44,000), DeKalb could pay one new teacher's salary for an entire year," he added. <br /><br />The judge further ordered the state to "calculate and pay the state transportation allotment" for the DCSD for 2002 and beyond.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42843512534422450362009-10-29T08:24:10.760-04:002009-10-29T08:24:10.760-04:00On another note, while Johnny Brown was superinten...On another note, while Johnny Brown was superintendent, DCSS successfully sued the state of Georgia for $100 million. I wonder if they've collected that money.<br /><br />http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/trial-procedure-suits-claims/5935409-1.htmlCerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-91320551452164426942009-10-29T07:50:53.691-04:002009-10-29T07:50:53.691-04:00It was reported in the news that it was 14,000,000...It was reported in the news that it was 14,000,000. I have been trying to find the information. DCSS is a public entity. This should be in public finacial records.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com