tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post6401158228737768503..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: What are we looking for in a superintendent?Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84051953782556637062010-10-20T20:40:02.991-04:002010-10-20T20:40:02.991-04:00I'm Anonymous 9:37 pm who posted on April 22 o...I'm Anonymous 9:37 pm who posted on April 22 on the article "What are we looking for in a superintendent?"<br /><br />This was part of my post:<br />"DCSS needs a superintendent who builds on the strengths of teachers. While best practices is a good idea, a superintendent should recognize that different teachers have different teaching styles just like learners have different learning styles. What might be effective for one teacher may not work for another.<br /><br />When I was a very young teacher, I was a real hotshot and thought I had the best teaching style with my hands-on, individualized instruction. But the students of Virginia Burke an older teacher in the next room had remarkable results with her students. She relied heavily on the lecture method, but she was incredibly interesting and compelling. Her students loved her, felt safe in her class, hung on her every word, and she truly was the best teacher I have ever taught with. We taught in a very low income area with many "at risk" kids. Watching her success with "old style" teaching taught me that "best practices" should be defined as "what gets results with kids". I continued to use hands-on learning and individualized instruction because that was my style, but I came to respect the many different styles successful teachers bring to the classroom. Watching Ms. Burke certainly humbled me. "<br /><br />I just learned Mrs. Burke passed away at the ripe old age of 91 a few weeks after this post.<br /><br />I suspect Mrs. Burke may have not been appreciated in this educational climate, but what lucky children who had her as a teacher! She could turn around the most intractable student, and all of her students adored her. Virginia was in her mid-50s when I was all of 24 years old. She exemplified the feeling of safety and excitement that students should feel in a classroom. I hope the new superintendent respects that unique teachers are our treasures.<br /><br />Here is what the AJC said about her:<br />http://www.ajc.com/news/virginia-walsh-burke-marine-547432.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9912533039745496712010-10-20T20:26:14.820-04:002010-10-20T20:26:14.820-04:00I'm Anonymous 9:37 April 22
This was part of ...I'm Anonymous 9:37 April 22<br /><br />This was part of my post in the DeKalb Watch entitled "What we are looking for in the Next Superintendent":<br /><br />..."DCSS needs a superintendent who builds on the strengths of teachers. While best practices is a good idea, a superintendent should recognize that different teachers have different teaching styles just like learners have different learning styles. What might be effective for one teacher may not work for another.<br /> <br />When I was a very young teacher, I was a real hotshot and thought I had the best teaching style with my hands-on, individualized instruction. But the students of Virginia Burke an older teacher in the next room had remarkable results with her students. She relied heavily on the lecture method, but she was incredibly interesting and compelling. Her students loved her, felt safe in her class, hung on her every word, and she truly was the best teacher I have ever taught with. We taught in a very low income area with many "at risk" kids. Watching her success with "old style" teaching taught me that "best practices" should be defined as "what gets results with kids". I continued to use hands-on learning and individualized instruction because that was my style, but I came to respect the many different styles successful teachers bring to the classroom. Watching Ms. Burke certainly humbled me. "<br /><br />I just found out that Mrs. Burke passed away in June a few weeks after I wrote that post at the ripe old age of 91. She was in her mid 50s when I was a second year teacher. I'm not sure she would survive in today's educational climate, but what lucky children who had Mrs. Burke. She could take the most intractable student and turn them around. I never saw a student who didn't absolutely adore her. <br />See what the AJC said about her:<br />http://www.ajc.com/news/virginia-walsh-burke-marine-547432.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2877861035973064312010-06-03T21:28:59.075-04:002010-06-03T21:28:59.075-04:00Well, I guess we all know now what Kathy's pla...Well, I guess we all know now what Kathy's plans are...<br /><br />At any rate - I thought I'd share an ad for superintendent of San Diego schools - just an example for the board to consider as wording and goals... what caught my eye was the 20/20 Vision - gee - that was Shayna's platform. She wanted schools to write their 20/20 plans and the district to write one overall... sigh! Does anyone have a plan? A vision? Some goals? <br /><br /><i>JOB DESCRIPTION<br />San Diego Unified School District<br />Superintendent<br />Salary Range: Negotiable/Annually<br />Filing Deadline: Open Until Filled<br /><br />The Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District is pleased to invite applications for the position of Superintendent. The San Diego Unified School District is the 8th largest urban school district in the nation and the 2nd largest district in California with more than 134,000 students served in 225 educational facilities. The Board is seeking highly qualified candidates for the Superintendent position to be filled through an open and collaborative process with the community. <br /><br />The District's next Superintendent will be a proven leader and strong manager who can foster and maintain positive and productive relationships with the Board, the community, faculty and students. The successful candidate will be committed to work with the Board to implement their 2020 Vision for Educational Excellence. <br /><br />A key part of skills needed to successfully implement the 2020 Vision will be the ability to develop a deep understanding of the San Diego school community and communication and listening skills that will build broad community participation and support for public education. Candidates must also have career experience in the management of complex organizations such as a large urban school district. The Board seeks a Superintendent who can effectively lead within a collaborative model with authority shared among an established senior leadership team.<br /><br />All applicant names will remain confidential until the final community forum presentations.</i>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-68016796771557095802010-05-03T06:14:34.803-04:002010-05-03T06:14:34.803-04:00I am sure you are trying to be funny, but just in ...I am sure you are trying to be funny, but just in case...<br /><br />That is baloney. She is running for reelection and fully intends on winning. (Not so sure that is a good thing either.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-72140168917115192392010-05-03T06:08:24.765-04:002010-05-03T06:08:24.765-04:00Word on the street is that State Superintendent Ka...Word on the street is that State Superintendent Kathy Cox will be applying for this position along with APS Superintendent position... Do we really want Kathy Cox as our superintendent?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44269950600066554312010-04-26T14:00:27.667-04:002010-04-26T14:00:27.667-04:00Thanks Anon 1:43 PM - I didn't see your commen...Thanks Anon 1:43 PM - I didn't see your comment a minute ago - we must have posted at the same time. Appreciate the support -- this blogging thing is a new, unexplored frontier and really has no established "rules"... we try to make it up as we go along to the best of our abilities. But again - we are not a news source - we are not to be taken as gospel.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18666749264646221682010-04-26T13:56:24.693-04:002010-04-26T13:56:24.693-04:00??? I don't think anyone argued your point - a...??? I don't think anyone argued your point - and I'm not sure I am following what you mean, however, I do agree that we should refrain from tossing out rumors. In the past, a former board member was deeply embroiled in an ethical debate due to her company selling cheerleading outfits to schools. Many complained about a conflict and I think the DA even investigated. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this may have been the beginning of the DA investigating just about everyone. If there really is something to uncover - I'm certain the DA will uncover it.<br /><br />That said - this is a blog - not a news service - so you do end up with an element of anonymous surprise comments that you have to learn to filter. If they're bad enough - I usually delete them. But since this one was discussed right away, I left it. I think we can all take it for what it is - a random odd comment with no proof. That's the danger of blogging, but then again, is it really any different than meeting up at a pub and discussing politics? You can assume that much of what you hear is rumor.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-37430835657717641222010-04-26T13:43:03.020-04:002010-04-26T13:43:03.020-04:00@ Anonymous 1:12 pm
Blogs are opinion forums. Man...@ Anonymous 1:12 pm<br /><br />Blogs are opinion forums. Many moderators run blogs and filter out any post that does not conform to the moderator's opinion. Cerebration has tried to let everyone have a voice whether she agrees with them or not. She only removes really offensive posts. Deciding on which ones cross the line is a difficult task. I think she does an very good job of this. <br /><br />Her policy of open communication is why this blog is so visited, read, and has generated so much political involvement. <br /><br />Blogs that merely reinforce the moderator's opinion generally have a small, narrow group of posters. <br /><br />I often see posters who are aggravated and indignant that their opinions are challenged. This is similar to only discussing your viewpoints and associating with people who see the world as you do, something that we as a society are becoming more and more prone to do. <br /><br />Positives about DeKalb Watch (IMO - LOL) are:<br />1. It provides a variety of viewpoints<br />2. Many posts have explained the inner workings of the DCSS "blackbox" system<br />3. It takes the temperature of the feelings and frustrations that the parents/taxpayers and teachers are experiencing<br />4. It has a wealth of official factual information sites cited by posters<br />5. Posters have called into question the opinions and statements of many other posters by "fact checking" and citing reputable sources or giving thoughtful conclusions that would encourage a more careful analysis (similar to what you just did)<br /><br />DeKalb Watch is not peer reviewed, and it is not a professional publication. It is a cacophony of voices communicating, providing unfiltered information, and attempting to find common ground between disparate groups with goals that often conflict.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78189605933424075542010-04-26T13:12:42.494-04:002010-04-26T13:12:42.494-04:00To read from my post yesterday that I somehow cons...To read from my post yesterday that I somehow consider board membership employment and that members should be free from scrutiny is really an insult to my intelligence, and sadly may provide the trigger for exiting what I thought was a community of critical thinkers. I'll go this one step further and emphasize my opinion that board members are no different from many of us who don't like it when flat statements are made about them which are simply untrue, rather than framing a concern as a question which that member would be happy to answer. It is counter-productive, in my view, to toss bombshell statements out there and spend time hearing one defend himself or for us to spend time hearing about said defense, when in fact the thing may not be true at all. Besmirching of a reputation takes a few seconds; getting it back takes a lifetime. If any elected official engages in misbehavior s/he should be reprimanded. But what if there was no such misbehavior? And all it took was a statement starting with "here's one for SACS:..."<br /><br />Oh well. I won't bother anymore. I well understand the heightened fever pitch to build a better board. What I don't understand is why building a better board means we engage in false rumors and innuendos with respect to board members. And no, this is not a defense of this board or any particular board member. I don't have a dog in that hunt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30769149410442945882010-04-26T09:02:05.777-04:002010-04-26T09:02:05.777-04:00Exactly. This should not be considered "empl...Exactly. This should not be considered "employment" it should be considered "service". We need qualified people with a passion to fix our schools to take over the reins of the board of education.<br /><br />BTW - some system data from Public School Review:<br /><br />Number of Schools Managed 155 <br />Number of Students Managed 99,695 <br />District Total Revenue $1,193,406,000 <br />District Expenditure $1,128,807,000 <br />District Revenue / Student $11,971 <br />District Expenditure / Student $11,323Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-64953487144522445552010-04-25T19:09:41.709-04:002010-04-25T19:09:41.709-04:00Anon 3:12 said: "Funny -- searches are under...Anon 3:12 said: "Funny -- searches are underway now for viable board candidates. If those same potential candidates read blogs, they won't want to run for what everyone regards as a part-time community service (NOT!!) that can literally suck the life out of you -- and to get disparaged while they lose their breath. Then what are you left with?"<br /><br />I'll bite Anon 3:12. "What are you left with?" A realist who knows just how sucky the job is, but steps into it regardless without hopes of generating self-wealth, ego stroking, or next-steps in a political career. <br /><br />You're left with someone who knows they'll take a severe bashing, lose friends, and piss off every-other person they come in contact with. You're left with someone who enters the school board race because they know someone is going to win the seat and to keep the focus on the children it might as well be them. <br /><br />You're left with someone that'll get my vote.<br /><br />C?Y!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14337413169938920122010-04-25T19:00:53.813-04:002010-04-25T19:00:53.813-04:00@ Dekalbparent 9:44 am
There is an Instructional ...@ Dekalbparent 9:44 am<br /><br />There is an Instructional Technology Department. It consists of a manager and 7 Instructional Technology Specialists. Go to the DCSS website to see how many IT Specialists we have to work with 7,000 teachers: <br />http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/mis/it/<br /><br />These Instructional Technology Specialists are charged with delivering all technology training to 7,000 teachers (a ratio of 1,000 teachers to 1 Instructional Tehnology Specialist). <br /><br />CTSSs have been told for many years that they are not to deliver training since they are needed to maintain the network in the schools. <br /><br />Most metro school systems are heavy on the educational tech specialists (also called Instructional Technology Specialists) with one for every school or only serving 3 or 4 schools (versus 20+ schools in DCSS). <br /><br />DCSS has chosen a different route. Technical and in particular network personnel are abundant (284 employees) and educational technology personnel (7 employees) are scarce.<br /><br />We have invested tens of millions in capital outlays for technology and invest tens of millions in salaries and benefits each year in technical salaries and benefits, yet we only have 7 people to provide all of the instructional technology training for 100,000 students and 7,000 teachers. <br /><br />Is it any wonder that we're not seeing the ROI on technology expenditures for our children that we DCSS taxpayers should expect?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-83427153858153010492010-04-25T16:38:17.762-04:002010-04-25T16:38:17.762-04:00DCSS is the only system that I have worked in wher...DCSS is the only system that I have worked in where sorority or fraternity affliation was celebrated at the school house. I was amazed to see our principal gather her "sisters" for a photo opp on the Sorority Birthday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46851754115710542592010-04-25T15:12:41.980-04:002010-04-25T15:12:41.980-04:00Ah, the great Conundrum of The Blogosphere. We th...Ah, the great Conundrum of The Blogosphere. We throw accusations on the table like cards and see how they're played. Anon 12:33, the subsequent posters are correct. Jay has supported the area schools for years and at no profit. But it sure was tasty to throw it on the table with little facts, wasn't it?<br /><br />Unfortunately, this is also reflective of the Conundrum of a Bad Board. Each board member and his/her individual activities are made all the more glaring by the behavior of the collective board. <br /><br />For the second time this weekend, I would ask that we're careful and respectful with our criticisms. And refrain from tossing bombs. These people who run for the board of education by and large don't wake up one morning and decide to earn money off of the school system. Oh sure, if any board member has engaged in that behavior, they have been examined here on this blog -- and they should be. But as I always tell my sons when they're ready to accuse someone but don't have all their facts, frame your concern as a question -- not a statement.<br /><br />Funny -- searches are underway now for viable board candidates. If those same potential candidates read blogs, they won't want to run for what everyone regards as a part-time community service (NOT!!) that can literally suck the life out of you -- and to get disparaged while they lose their breath. Then what are you left with?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-64809141440973898742010-04-25T13:40:28.043-04:002010-04-25T13:40:28.043-04:00Jay has financially supported many area schools th...Jay has financially supported many area schools through his business for years. After he was elected, he fulfilled a few contracts to provide meals for football teams however to my knowledge he did not renew them once completed. This was the subject of an investigation by WSB TV and at the end, they realized nothing improper was occurring. <br /><br />We should make sure elected officials don't profit based on their positions however the Arabia Mountain situation is one where 'making money' is not part of the relationship.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-79901517386171732462010-04-25T13:34:12.247-04:002010-04-25T13:34:12.247-04:00I don't know about other school's "bu...I don't know about other school's "business partners," but our business partners <b>donate</b> items and money to our school they do <b>not</b> try and sell us anything. So, as long as Zo's Pizza is just donating or selling food at cost (essentially a donation) there is no conflict of interest. Donation or at-cost is not the same as doing business for profit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54150789910948554612010-04-25T12:33:00.264-04:002010-04-25T12:33:00.264-04:00Here's one for SACS. Jay Cunningham owns Zo&#...Here's one for SACS. Jay Cunningham owns Zo's Pizza. Zo's Pizza is a Business Parter of Arabia HS. Jay is Arabia's board rep.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61381323622098021522010-04-25T11:39:40.440-04:002010-04-25T11:39:40.440-04:00Dan M, I could not agree more.Dan M, I could not agree more.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-35098221771647986432010-04-25T10:55:36.579-04:002010-04-25T10:55:36.579-04:00Focus, focus, focus. Every single aspect of DCSS ...Focus, focus, focus. Every single aspect of DCSS needs to be focused back on the classroom and school house. Every other department/division is a support function, whether the Central Office, MIS, school police, Sam Moss, instructional coaches, etc.<br /><br />Ever since the Halford debacle of dividing the system into regions, and allowing all those administrators to keep their jobs when his plans failed miserably, the focus at DCSS has been on administration. The no holds barred political infighting to secure and hold onto upper level administrator jobs hurts the system in so many ways. Nepotism and cronyism by administrators and BOE members ain't helping either.<br /><br />The past and current BOE allowed the administration to swell and took every administration demand and wish hook, line and sinker (eSIS, America's Choice, Gloria Talley's army, Deborah Rives' army, Pat Pope contract changes, etc., etc.).<br /><br />The new superintendent needs to be an experienced professional who does not need to be reminded that administration and everything else is ancilliary to the classroom. The new superintendent needs to value input and suggestions from the thousands of DCSS tachers (and us parents too!). The new superintendent needs to know that it is unethical and unprofessional to allow school buildings such as Cross Keys to fall into disrepair while millions are spent on the lavish Mountain Industrial mega-complex and Sam Moss renovations. <br /><br />And it goes without saying, the new super will have to right-size the salaries of all administrators and managers, so they are on par with the salaries of veteran teachers, not double the salaries as they are now.<br /><br />I hope the current BOE as its constituted now is up to the challenge.Dan M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58085593724371110012010-04-24T19:44:00.256-04:002010-04-24T19:44:00.256-04:00Back to "what are we looking for..."
1) ...Back to "what are we looking for..."<br />1) someone who remembers the "mission" of DCSS is (should be) to educate children. The schools (those who are educating the kids) shouldn't suffer the cuts, the long list of depts. listed on the left side of the DCSS website should go first.<br />3) someone who will embrace a strong ethics rule and will insist on one for the board, schools, etc.shark baithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00063034860703474206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14949285951095584572010-04-24T18:53:55.212-04:002010-04-24T18:53:55.212-04:00I agree. Nice transparancy: 5:59.
Dekalb County ...I agree. Nice transparancy: 5:59. <br /><br />Dekalb County Schools needs some transparancy. <br /><br />Things have changed so much in education. <br /><br />We need a superintendent who can involve the community, and the employees in helping change the school system. This is not something an administrative team can do alone. This is what I was trying to say earlier. It takes involvement and agreement of all staff involved for change to occur. This does not occur unless you involve the employees and community in the process of the change.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2034277488899258452010-04-24T17:29:06.211-04:002010-04-24T17:29:06.211-04:00Nice transparency.
Gwinnett County Schools has ob...Nice transparency.<br /><br />Gwinnett County Schools has obviously done a Compensation and Classification study that they followed through with. Every employee in the system fits into these general classifications. Within the general classifications, they have placed workers according to market value. This is what Dr. Lewis should have done with the Compensation and Classification study. Great information for taxpayers and also for prospective employees.<br /><br />These are the General Gwinnett Schools classifications below:<br /><br />Salary Schedules 2009-2010<br /> Assistant Principals<br /> Bus Drivers / Monitors<br /> Classified / Administrative<br /> Information Management<br /> Principals<br /> School Food Nutrition - Hourly<br /> School Food Nutrition - Managerial<br /> Substitutes<br /> Teachers<br /><br />Additional Supplements 2009-2010<br /> Administrative / Educational Degrees<br /> CoachingDepartment Chairs<br /> Other Certified / Classified<br /><br />Here is the website. Click on any of the general classifications and you can see where each title is placed:<br />This is the kind of transparency we need:<br />http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/careers/careershr.nsf/010d64ffdfc63566852571dc0061d644/5d1dfad1cd332b0b852571e0006cb5c7?OpenDocument&0~CareersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54383280623653812010-04-24T13:41:56.989-04:002010-04-24T13:41:56.989-04:00@ Anonymous 1:24 pm
I don't believe Jay Cunni...@ Anonymous 1:24 pm<br /><br />I don't believe Jay Cunningham works for DCSS anymore. He keep saying - "when I was a teacher".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-89563309717672222572010-04-24T13:40:01.014-04:002010-04-24T13:40:01.014-04:00Everyone does realize that MIS contracts out to De...Everyone does realize that MIS contracts out to Dell the installation and maintenance of all those new computers and Activboards bought with SPLOST III money?<br /><br />Millions of dollars are spent for the vendors (currently Dell) to install and maintain the hardware that is in the schools. <br /><br />The $19,000,000 in annual salaries and benefits we pay for MIS personnel needs to have millions more added to the technology cost of installation and maintenance by these vendors. Every computer added to the DCSS network has an override of 30% to 50% to get it installed and maintained for the life of the contract by someone not in the DeKalb Schools MIS department.<br /><br />Having the vendor that sells the computers install and maintain them helps ensure their proper installation and maintenance so this practice is a positive. However, the millions spent with vendors for their labor to install and maintain DCSS computers needs to be added with the annual MIS expenditure when looking at the total cost of providing technology for DeKalb teachers and students.<br /><br />Hopefully, the new superintendent will be looking at the true cost of every cost center and program in DCSS, contrasting this with other school systems our size, and evaluating the benefits and service from all support departments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46136143270257095082010-04-24T13:24:55.732-04:002010-04-24T13:24:55.732-04:00I thoughy board members cannot be teachers in that...I thoughy board members cannot be teachers in that same school system...if that's the case, I would definitely run against Jay Cunningham!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com