WAB Attempts to Question the School Board...
...and runs into the oh so respectful of free speech, two minute limit.
Isn't it great to see "public servants" show such respect to the taxpayers? Listening to Mrs. Norman just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Isn't it great to see "public servants" show such respect to the taxpayers? Listening to Mrs. Norman just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 4:37 PM
232 Comments:
Probably seemed more like 2 hours to TJ & elves
Mrs. Norman conducts herself in a professional and dignified manner. That is something that many of us could learn to do better.
Professional, OK, but what profession? Dignified? - out of control! Bet she went home & banged her head on the floor.
I think what the old bag really needs is to go home and get banged, if u know what I mean,thats the best stress relief,then maybe she wouldnt b such a bi??Wounder if anyone would be man enough to do that.Maybe her and the coach need a day off together.
I worked with Mrs. Norman once upon a time and found her to be a wonderful lady.
65859 - Since when is a lie anything but an insult to those being lied to. Are you saying that Jackson did not openly lie, knowing full well that he was lying? Both Jackson knew above everyone else whose name was on that arrest warrant & the crap that led up to the arrest! (remember the hearing & trial fiasco?) The lie and the conduct of Norman & the board majority is beyond discrace! IT"S THE BOARD OF EDUCATION!!! They have no business influencing the lives of children!
He did lie. The school board had him arrested. They are the ones who called on the police they even informed them before the meeting, there would be trouble. They did what they intended to do from the get go. Defending most of the members who make up the school board is like defending a murderer or rapist that did their deed on the town square at noon! It is a shame that they are suppose to answer to the voters, but in all actuallity they answer to noone but Tee Jackson-most of them have family who works in the system somewhere that should be considered a conflict of interset and they should not be allowed to serve. Most people will do what they have to do to protect their family.
2-12-7
How can anyone be insulted by truth? If the purpose of education is wisdom and truth, how can it insult any educator? How will inquisitive minds learn to deal with the threats & challenges of life, if the rule is, hear no evil, speak no evil, and see no evil. What other than deceit will benefit by silencing discussion of truth? The only insult is deceit, untruth, and the corruption it spawns!
How can the Chairperson (Norman), the majority of the board of education, and the director of schools (Jackson) be offended and insulted by truth? How could fear drive them to deny a citizen 2 extra minutes to address them in a public meeting. How can fear turn to gestures of rage in vocal and contemptuous open denial of that request? Apparently all upset parties knew that a question to Jackson, would ask if the school board had Winkles and Barrett arrested. It pertained to Jackson's recent written statement that the board did not request the arrest, while public records say they did! All noted, knew the facts. The response of spin & lie by Jackson was interrupted by Barrett producing an arrest warrant that had the former board chairman's signature on it! There is more to this corruption story, but I'll stop here to make the point.
The director of schools, chairman of the board of education, the "old" elected board of education members, and a legal representative of the state board of education were in a state of rage, claiming insult, and disrespect because someone wanted a simple expression of truth. It never came! It was openly stated that they are free to ignore the sunshine law and operate in secret. Jackson's written complaints of lies regarding the arrest warrant, was proven false in the meeting. Their open deception and contempt for the public has eliminated any credibility in the director and board of education (2 new members not included), and they must resign immediately. How can any of the fine people in the school system function without removing the stigma of corruption these people brought upon our community? How can anyone believe anything said or done by their brotherhood of corruption? It is a disgrace!
Need to add toehead to the list. Anyone who spends that much time trying to defend deceit & lies has to be corrupt to the bone. Knowledgeable? Yes, but perverse. smells like one of the corrupters
To Feb 12, 5:31
NO!
To Trimspa, actualyy what you meant to say was exactly what you said in the first post. Maybe you have Tejacksonitis, crap starts flowing out of your mouth and you forget what you've said. "I'm lying and I can't shut up".
Here's an idea Trimspa, why don't you step up and be the one to smack the taste out of WAB's mouth, or are you just an instigator?
Trimhed said:
Do you really think that the meeting was called to discuss your arrest, which was ancient history to them?
Ancient history??? Why then did Jackson feel compelled to put his LIE into print (that B&W weren't arrested by the school board) and distribute it, at taxpayer expense, to each member of the school board??? The only reason this was brought up by Barrett, is because of the recent (absurd on its face) LIE by Tee Jackson. Next time, try engaging your brain before you start typing, okay?
Toehead says he ain't in the in crowd - pulled his head out long enuf to say arrest ain't arrest - person like that got his head so fer up tj's other end he can't hear, see, or breath nothin els
J. Kendrick, You are a pitiful excuse for a human being! Why don't you go have another sandwich?
Anonymous said:
J. Kendrick, You are a pitiful excuse for a human being!
Could you be a bit more specific as to what I'm doing wrong? Or are you simply smearing me for no good reason? Please clarify!
You got yourselves arrested.
I say what I say because you and WAB choose to play on words to mislead other people. I can live with a disagreement. We are all different. We will not always agree. Diversity is a good thing. What you and WAB are doing, in my opinion, is worse than lying. Giving just enough information to mislead some of these poor folks is sad.
Anonymous said:
I say what I say because you and WAB choose to play on words to mislead other people.
What on earth are you talking about? I sometimes try and inject a little humor -- Cagle Gives Barrett the Finger, for example -- into what I write. But anyone who reads past the headline, and watches the videos, will get the full story. No one is being "mislead" by Mr. Barrett or myself.
What you and WAB are doing, in my opinion, is worse than lying. Giving just enough information to mislead some of these poor folks is sad.
Example, please. I've posted to YouTube everything that was memorable about the recent school board meeting. (Everything but a few minutes regarding field trips, multimedia computer purchase, and the resignation of a SB member.) I doubt seriously if very many people would be interested in watching such boring details... certainly not enough to justify the many hours of work it would take for me to post it.
In general, our philosophy is to give you primary documentation (ie, audio and video) and let you come to your own opinion. Moreover, I'm committed to printing both sides of any issue, and so, I welcome (and will publish) any rebuttals that Tee Jackson, Kathy Norman, or anyone else wants to offer. I'll even give them top of the blog billing, if they contribute something for publication.
Let's get back to the subject of "misleading poor folks." We have in the School Director's office, an outragious LIAR who spins the truth like Bill Clinton's "that depends on what the meaning of is, is." It's a fact that the school board had Barrett and Winkles arrested... yet Tee Jackson spins the truth by saying, in effect, it was the police who did the actual arresting, and so blame them. Another mind boggling spin, is the claim that a private MEETING doesn't violate the Sunshine Law, so long as a public meeting on the subject is later held.
Anyone with two brain cells to rub together, knows that B&W were arrested by Michael Gonzales acting on behalf of the school board, and that Kathy Norman's private meetings were illegal violations of the Sunshine Law. The truth is obvious.... so who is doing the misleading in Giles County? Not Mr. Barrett and myself, that's for darn sure.
You know that you are not doing unbiased reporting! You don't need for me to point that out. You know the power of the pen. I'm sure I'm wasting my time, because I am POSITIVE that you know what I mean.
That was funny especially with the whole Anna Nicole Smith thing and all. Your's would have been funnier if you called me Funny Blue Balls.
So back to my question. Are you an instigator or are you gonna be the big man to jump up and smack the taste out of WAB's mouth. I'll make you a deal. If you promise to do it, I'll hold the camera while you smack the taste out of his mouth and he can hold the camera while you smack the taste out of mine. Dare ya! Double dog dare ya!
P.S. That sucks that your wife could'nt keep a secret about my blue balls.
Trimhed? Do you think you are anonymous on here?
73ate26 diversity is good for what? Perversity? another cockroach climbs out of the woodwork for the lyin' machine
Anonymous said:
You know that you are not doing unbiased reporting!
Show me a reporter, anywhere, that is completely unbiased. I do have a bias in favor of individual freedom, low taxes, and honesty and openness in government. The horror.... the horror! Those whose biases lean in tne opposite direction -- the leeches who suck the taxpayer dry, like Mr. Jackson -- are INVITED, at this blog, and at my embryonic newspaper, to PRESENT THEIR SIDE UNEDITED AND AT AS GREAT A LENGTH AS THEY DESIRE. What more can I do, than to present BOTH SIDES, and let the public decide which side is being truthful? And do you really think the Lake news conglomerate is unbiased? Will they publish views they disagree with, with no space limitations, and even anonymously? You know they won't.
You don't need for me to point that out.
No... I need you to point out, by example, a specific deficiency in our reporting. Go ahead... name something!
You know the power of the pen. I'm sure I'm wasting my time, because I am POSITIVE that you know what I mean.
No, you're wasting my time because you're condemning me without offering any specifics. Try, try again.
Anonymous
Yes, they got themselves arrested by going up there and showing their rear ends...simple as that. As for the so-called "reporting" being unbiased, that is the joke of the century for Giles County. The champion of truth, justice, and the American Way would be unbiased? Oh please, what a laugher that is.
Anonymous, What happened to the word association game we were playing? You know where you said loser and I said the first word that came to mind which was Anonymous.
Anonymous said:
Yes, they got themselves arrested by going up there and showing their rear ends...simple as that.
The state law, ignored by the school board, mandated that lowly peons like Barrett and Winkles be given the opportunity to speak. And the jury of their peers, after reviewing the evidence, found them "not guilty"... simple as that.
As for the so-called "reporting" being unbiased, that is the joke of the century for Giles County.
Where have I (or Mr. Barrett) claimed to be unbiased? You are attacking a straw man, and you know it. As I said earlier, I am biased in favor of individual liberty, low taxes, and honesty and openness in government. Yet, despite these biases which I admit, I invite and implore folks who believe in the opposite -- tyranny, high taxes, and secret, unnacountable government -- to post here, where there will be no length or content limitations. Despite this, no-one on the school board is willing to decloak, and defend their actions (though I'd bet they're participating already as cowardly "anonymous" posters.)
The champion of truth, justice, and the American Way would be unbiased? Oh please, what a laugher that is.
Indeed. I would be shocked to find that WAB had no biases. And yet nobody has bothered, at this late date, to attack him for his reporting on the property committee meeting, bus garage, or school board meeting. Wonder why that is?
Can anyone tell me why the bus garage has been condemnd and those guys are still working on building a new room on the back.That seems to me to be a real waste of tax dollars. Better yet why are those guys still working inside that building,I know there are trying to help take care of the safety of our children by keeping those busses going but? Seems like the parents of those children should rally for those guys inside,give a little feed back . We all need to stick together and try to get those guys a better more safer enviroment to work in.If you think about it how can they really do there job well in those kind of conditions,looks like our kids would be much safer if the people working on there bus,could work with open mind and not have to worry about that building falling on them.Dosent condemnd mean get out ,or not go in to? What the hell?Those are some very brave guys in there and I think we should stick together on this one. They really need somewhere else to go before jackson gets his new building dont you think? Can you tell me what kind of danger jackson building is for our kids? thats right none at all what so ever.Come on people of giles county wake up and smell the jackson stench,look at what he is doing raise a little hell,close that thing down, and do what is right,for all of us , our kids , and our pocket books or wallets ,its time to stand up and take control and make a diffrence for a change.I challenge any one to have a little feed back, I challenge anyone to have a back bone and speek your mind,I challenge anyone to challenge anyone to challenge any one dont be scared any more, get up and do something here,planting pretty flowers wont help our kids i can tell you that right now,but a safer enviroment for those guys to work sure would, think about it.signd CONCERNED
Kendrick,
Just ignore those who keep attacking you. You must be hitting a nerve. Instead of those complaing about what you and Mr. Barrett write they should be angry about what happened at those meetings unless they are part of those meetings that would be the only reason I can see for someone to defend them. I do not understand how they keep getting away with what they are doing?
Turn the other cheek - believe there is dignity in not responding to attacks, be above all the controversy?? It all sounds like, "Don't flush the toilet, you'll pollute the environment!"
Believe in the deceiver and you will be deceived.
What is yhe difference in a liar and the ones who defend the liars?
Watched an interview with the Iranian President this morning. Scary man. The only thing he said that made sense to me was "Be careful of those who try to deceive for it is only to divert your attention from the real issues. Be patient and you will discover the real problems". This statement speaks volumes for Giles County. While we focus most on a delapidated bus garage (which should be condemned) taxpayers are about to build Jackson a new building for what, three or four employees. Has anybody actually seen the plans and the exact cost while teachers are underpaid and students don't have the supplies they need to get a quality education. While we focus on exactly where to put a courthouse annex we lose sight of the fact that our county has not run out of space in the courthouse because of growth. It has run out of space because of additional employees in each office which our lack of growth will not justify. We forget why the work was stopped. Because of a local contractor angry because he didn't get the work. We question lack of leadership when people who lead have deceived us about simple things like where they live. An ambulance director is fired and publicly embarassed in the paper and community for what reason unless he refused to go along with what he knew wasn't right. People are refused to sit in chairs in the commission meetings where they can actually hear. Why unless a control struggle? We attack a man who reports what is happening at meetings we all should be interested in but don't or won't take the time to go to. Why unless it is those who do not want the truth to get out to the masses? Information can be dangerous. We question whether or not the school board attorney poked a man when we should demand to know how much taxpayers paid for him and the local attorney to both sit at that meeting. The whole time I sat there that was the prominent question on my mind. How much are we paying these two attorneys and why do we need both? There are those who "try to deceive" and "divert our attention". Funny how a terrifying guy from a country that is building up their nuclear warehouses can say it best about what is going on here.
9:18:15----AMEN! What a relief to finally read a Comment worth the read. You summarized the situation in Giles County accurately. Only wish every citizen would read this, and pay heed. Concerning the 2 attorneys at the school board meeting, I also wondered as I sat there how much this was costing us, the taxpayers. If people don't start attending meetings or paying attention to what's going on and start making a difference this beautiful county will be overrun with conditions hard to live with.
Refreshing to finally read a Comment with substance instead of the banterings and bashings of a juvenile mentality.
Two excellent & informative comments. It's a sign that things are indeed changing. Look aroud us - some of these idiots will be punding rock soon. There are laws & they are going to get an exercise unheard of before.
Then, more trash - Toehead needs to be barred from this site & humanity! - a piece of garbage clinging to corruption.
THANK YOU Anonymous of February 13, 9:18 a.m. This writing should be in the newspaper under Letters to Editor.
Now, I will ask this question one more time and rephrase it to make sure you and everyone else reading understands. Trimhed...do you care if people on here know your identity? I guess I should have put it to you that way...my mistake.
Try and respond without any obscenities if you are capable.
2-13-7
Parental visions see children following with the same footsteps, gestures and animated expressions. Some envision a doctor, a scientist, or a lawyer defending the downtrodden. The vision can be a great person of character and substance doing simple things in a wholesome manner. Whatever the vision, it boils down to freedom, a right to have a family, a right to pass your values to your future generations. What sweeter thought to rest a weary head upon.
Slumber brings another vision, a vision of what it should be. What will the cause be? Because of the vision's ability to see, it chooses the things you do that shouldn't be, things that could be, if only you would be more attentive and learn. The magic is the fact that your child can be better than you will ever be. So be it. Soon it becomes a matter of belief, where sure enough, whatever is done can be right or be wrong in the eyes of a beholder with the same right to be right or be wrong in the eyes of a beholding witness. Soon the child says he closed the door if asked if he opened it when he went outside. The opposite works when he comes back in by saying he closed the door instead of opening it. Soon, when asked if he took the car, no works because he sold it. No works if asked if he took pizza money, when he actually took a $100 bill. Eventually, no or yes works for everything, interchangeably. Suddenly, nothing made sense. You're broke. The kid was mad because there was no more. The teacher was mad because you wouldn't believe. The teacher's lawyers said it didn't matter what you believed, because you were beneath their level of intellectuality, and they would bequest a writ of "slamdamus" to take the kid into protective custody and toss you in the slammer. You see, while you were busy trying to make both ends meet, the teacher grabbed both ends and wrapped them around your neck.
Your child doesn't love you any more. Teach taught him how to avoid all the bad things you do, your silly beliefs, your fears, and the fact that your uneducated grandfather was poor because he wouldn't go out and take what was rightfully his. He learned how to make a $100 in a minute and you say he's a thief instead of a banker. He earned money by turning idle assets (car) in to cash and you call him a crook instead of a broker. You see, love has substance, grandpa left nothing of substance, so he has no substance. He was a worthless old coot, better be forgotten. You see, a "be" cause doesn't have to worry about morality or formality because, it's "because". With that, you start downing in the sweat from your forehead & awaken, thinking you are a Titanic passenger who woke up too late.
The panic attack is, what if this is real? Next you turn to this Blog, and here you are, listening to your Giles County "educators" telling you to believe, because they behold the power to make you believe, be seated, be quiet, be obedient, and be at the bank when your taxes are due. Further, all pertinent questions will be addressed to the cause, "because"! It couldn't be worse! Maybe it be too late!
Mr. McPeters.....
Why don't you simply do away with the "anonymous" choice for those who post on here if you call them cowards when they do? Could it be that you allow the anonymous post so that you can call them names....that is, when what they post doesn't go along with yours?
Anonymous said:
Mr. McPeters.....
Why don't you simply do away with the "anonymous" choice for those who post on here if you call them cowards when they do?
How often do I call people cowards? Only when extremely provoked, as in the case above where a moron tried to judge WAB's worth by his success in a stupid popularity contest (aka election).
Most of the people who post anonymously do so because they can't afford for their "superiors" to know how they feel about certain highly charged issues. I understand this, and while I'd prefer for people to at least post under handles, I don't resent these people being anonymous.
On the other hand, when a poster uses anonymity to make asinine attacks on someone who doesn't post anonymously (Mr. Barrett for instance), it really ticks me off... and once in a while, I call these hit n' run character assasins "cowards" -- which people like Mr. Cowboy Stew certainly are.
Could it be that you allow the anonymous post so that you can call them names....that is, when what they post doesn't go along with yours?
No, it could NOT be that. Let's take a look at two community forums -- this one, and the one set up by the Lakes, on their electronic fishwrapper site.
Since Jabuary 1, of this year, the Free Speech Zone has had at least 870 comments posted (mostly anonymous). Meanwhile, the "Forum" of GilesNews.us has had ZERO, ZIP, NADA comments. Of course, the Lakes don't tolerate anonymity, and insist on "approving" each post before it goes before the public's delicate eyes. As a result, their "forum" is a complete and utter failure. My Free Speech Zone, contrariwise, is thriving. And the difference is, I allow unfiltered postings by the anonymous, and the Lakes, control freaks that they are, do not.
NOW do you see why I allow anonymous postings? I truly am committed to freedom of speech, and, if it takes anonymity to get people speaking freely in Giles County, so be it. Trust me... my policy has nothing to do with being able to call a tiny handful of posters "cowards." The very idea is simply preposterous!
(With that out of the way, would you care to deal with the SUBSTANCE of my post -- ie, that attacking WAB for losing an election is a nitwit thing to do, given that Jesus Christ is the biggest "electoral loser" of all time?)
Not only do you call people cowards, but "moron" is another of your pet names. Sorry, but I just had to point that out to you. I realize you are an intelligent man, but can't we have a difference of opinion without resorting to name-calling? I offer an olive branch.
This blog is a joke, and is used by most as mere entertainment!
Anonymous said:
Not only do you call people cowards, but "moron" is another of your pet names.
Only for people who deserve it. And, compared to the great number of posts which attack and belittle me, I rarely call anyone a coward or a moron. But I reserve the right, on my own blog, to identify people in accordance with the way they have behaved. Behave like a coward; risk being called a coward.
Sorry, but I just had to point that out to you.
You may have felt obligated to point it out, but I am not unaware of the words I use when posting.
I realize you are an intelligent man, but can't we have a difference of opinion without resorting to name-calling?
I hardly ever start it. Should I allow others to call me (and even my 80 year old mother) names, without responding in kind? Especially when they really are cowards and morons???
I offer an olive branch.
That's swell, but everytime I've offered an olive branch, my offer was rejected. Check, for instance the old theads dealing with zoning.
The thing is, Kenrick, anyone who doesn't agree with you or WAB is automatically labeled a Jackson supporter by yourself or WAB.
Not so, people just do not understand with all the evidence out there about what has taken and is taking place how someone can claim Tee Jackson is doing a good job.
Hey Kendrick why don't you put up a topic called uncensored posts and anything posted like some of the above moved to that topic then whomever wants to read smut can click on that topic and read all the smut that they want to. Some people have NO RESPECT for others and can not refrain from gutter talk and that would be just the place to put their posts so others would not have to read them but their right to free speech would not be infringed upon-being is that they insist on continually posting it even though they have been asked several times not to do it!
GOT TO SEE THE COLUMBIA HERALD!!! Cagle makes the front page & the GC "SKOO" mafia is in print for the whole world to see!!! Wait till Jackson gets his turn - contracts don't matter when the law leads you away!
GOT TO SEE THE COLUMBIA HERALD!!! Cagle makes the front page & the GC "SKOO" mafia is in print for the whole world to see!!! Wait till Jackson gets his turn - contracts don't matter when the law leads you away!
Wow, now everybody who reads the Columbia Daily Herald will get to see the idoicy of WAB!!
I think its great, nowhere in our little county have I heard anything about this from our news media-if that doesn't show you how biased it is I don't know what would. I do not see how you can say Mr. Barrett is and idiot, regardless if it was a push, a shove, a punch or just a touch he put his hands on another person and by law is illegal. You CAN NOT touch someone else without their permission. Cagle being an attorney, he should have known better.
I was just made aware that our paper also has the story. They probably didn't want to be out done by Columbia.
me said:
Hey Kendrick why don't you put up a topic called uncensored posts and anything posted like some of the above moved to that topic then whomever wants to read smut can click on that topic and read all the smut that they want to.
I've thought about that before. But the problem is, creating a topic for obscene postings will simply encourage some people to see how far over the top they can go with their obscenities. And THAT would be a problem because lots of impressionable young kids read this blog. I really don't want to undermine the efforts of parents to raise good, clean minded children. So I'm not going to change my current policy, which is "deletion if words unsuitable for prime time television are used; email me if you want to see what you missed."
lm said:
I was just made aware that our paper also has the story.
I just looked at today's Citizen. And it's the strangest thing... they have a headline about an "assault," but nowhere in the story is the Barrett vs Cagle incident mentioned. I guess they simply ran out of room, or something like that.
I said the Citizen didn't have the Barrett vs Cagle story. I was wrong. What happened is, the paper mixed up their headlines... the story headlined assault, which I earlier read, and couldn't find mention of an assault, is about the school board meeting. Meanwhile, the story headlined "school board meeting" is actually about Cagle poking Barrett.
Please pardon me for my temporary confusion in this matter. Thanks.
103109 "Idoit" from anyone in the upside down crowd is a true compliment, of intelligence. Got to decode the messages - didn't means did & didn't is did (did didn't). Worse is better & better is down the tubes Bettern' worse); Up is down & down is up, making everything upside down. Therefore, because you can add & subtract, you make no sense to them.
To Anonymous who said...
Wow, now everybody who reads the Columbia Daily Herald will get to see the idoicy of WAB!!
Have you settled your lawsuit with Wal-Mart yet after having your butt glued to the toilet seat?
But allen, you have to remember that the vulgarity and name-calling comes mostly from those on your side of the isle. Just wanted to clear up another of YOUR misunderstandings.
The sweet sound of silence- Apparently they didn't run out of koolaid - none left to testify???
Watch history channel ww2 stuff??? - looks like our Kamakazi pilot hit a stump. The other disgraced one is sharpening his sword in Nashville.
A good day for turning the tide.
Mrs. Norman,
I read the article in today’s paper and could you explain why you sat in as a note taker when the board members were evaluating the Director? I don’t understand.
63149 - Excellent comment!
I can't understand any school system getting caught up in a mess of this size. The corruption is so open and interrelated within the school board, director, council, employment, funding ... absolutely endless. A good Fed DA would have countless indictments in a matter of hours. Get one of many to roll over and the blood bath would be endless! The intimidated are easiest to break down. Great movie plot!
Why did we not have all of these problems with Mr. David Little, Mr. Sam T. Collins, Mr. James Abernathy, etc.????
Do we really have great problems, or did we just not have WAB, Winkles, etc. back then?
February 14, 2007 4:02:44 PM,
Might I remind you of the big potty mouth that has been posting? Not on WAB’s side
Anonymous Feb 14, 9:18
You mention WAB, Winkles, etc. Who do you consider to be included in the etc?
9-18-14If you pay taxes check how much you pay now compared to past years. Check the conditions of some of the buildings.Where did the maintance money go. Some schools have rusted outside doors. Any teacher worth their salt would rather have good buildings to work in than a castle of a central office.
2-15-7
Remember the $1.3 million 2004-5 tax increase, the next $1.5 million increase that almost passed in 2005-6, or the $2.5 million that almost passed for 2006-7 (double the increase of 2004-5!). Spending is up $2.4 million in each of the last 2 years with NO TAX INCREASE!
Do you realize the undisclosed matching funds for each can be well over $2 for $1 local tax! Did you know that the current ratio is about $1.85 to 1, because the "big money" isn't going to classroom and instruction! - both match at over $2 to $!? Anyone want to say it isn't so?
We not only have out of control spending at nearly 3 times the inflation rate, the fund request documents (budgets) have been "cooked" to a create a shortfall of revenue, to justify huge tax increases! That fits the definition of fraud! It couldn't be worse.
Professional appearance, eloquent speech, a fine education, and the ability to influence others are assets of great importance to all. The reward is great if for good. The threat is great if for deception and corruption. Can you deny what is undeniably captured in this Blog? Can you look at any prior 3 year original budget, compared to the those created immediately after tax denials, or versus actual data; and not be overwhelmed by what you see? This goes beyond the director. The checks and balances within the board of education and commission are short circuited and not working! Education is about information. Corruption will refuse to exchange it, deny it exists, deny criticism, meet in secret, and teach deception! We must remove corruption or it will corrupt everything it touches. It can be removed.
don m
91814 - Without WAB & Winkles - you would be out trying to borrow money to pay your taxes! If there were no huge tax increase before, guess they were doing things right! You need to move to massatwopits or culifolnya
Perhaps there would be less hatred, jealousy, and anomosity if they weren't around? Just a different slant for consideration, even though it will probably bring me criticism or some derogatory name. Oh well.
don
Are you still smarting over not being employed (free of charge) to keep the books? Please get over it. OK?
By not letting Don do the job he offered to do free of charge just shows how some like to spend our money.
No, it shows how "some" view those who want so badly to be in charge. Everyone in Giles County is not blind and ignorant.
7x21x14 (smarting?) Not at all, so there is nothing to get over! I have never wanted a job & want no part of politics! Just hate corruption. I did offer to help, have provided information for people to use, & will help any way I can.
The thorn in your side is something you will never understand & I could care less if you never do. Some think education & a God given gift of intelligence is a license to take from those who may not have one or both of those advantages. That's not nice. We've been nice to you & yours, but your kind sees that as weakness.
I have provided bits and pieces of information that any gifted, aristocratic, or high placed person can understand. Apparently you are insulted. On the other hand, Plain old folks like me & my neighbors are touchy feely enough to feel a rope around the neck & know not to play with the lever to see if the trap doors work, when someone is trying to help us off the scaffold. Maybe that's a class you missed in school.
In plain old English, you nor your cohorts are going to tax me (nor my neighbors) off our land! I do know what you are doing! I do know how to stop it! I do know where to get it done! It's just a call or two away.
Keep tugging away at the little lever - it works a lot like a toilet, just a tug or two & all that nasty stuff is gone where it belongs.
don m
8x53x54 I agree - folks in GC are neither blind nor ignorant -that's what's going to take you down. Jump in with your cohort - you can flush two for the price of one (more if it turns you on) -
I have never seen such a bunch of cry babies. For Heaven's sakes, get OVER it and act like grown-ups. You and/or your "people" didn't get elected, and that's just too bad. Do you really think the way you are acting now is going to help you or your candidates get into office next time? I don't see that happening. Oh, but that's because Giles Countians aren't wise enough to vote for you or them, right?
NO, we didn't have these troubles before WAB and his entourage of intellectuals.
My kind? Yeah, I am very much insulted by the arrogance and condescending attitudes of those of YOUR kind.
sounded more like sending corrupters up the river. don't have to do nothing then. would we have to have another election & appointment when they get arrested & jailed?
9x10x35 Always room for one more!
Mr. Barrett, you are doing an excellent job of keeping the county as a whole informed. Keep up the good work. You are surly hitting a nerve by some of the posts. If the ones yelling CRY BABY did as much as you we would be better off.
To Anonymous who said:
"NO, we didn't have these troubles before WAB and his entourage of intellectuals".
Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:10:35 PM
I agree. McPeters and WAB just stir up the stuff in the toilet. Just a couple of $h!t stirrers.
beertap, you sure picked the right name
for yourself. I always heard that alcohol kills brain cells. You are living proof that excessive alcohol use will leave a person brain dead.
McPeters. I would like to ask you just how honest you really are? On this very page you argued that your site is for free speech,but on the blog about Cagle giving Barratt the finger you told a guy there was no free speech on your blog ! You said its mine,mine,all mine. Whats up with that. I really wish you would stand up and be the man you claim to be,why judge someone else and not let your self be judged,calling someone a retard on the other page does not say very mutch for your character.I think RETARTED the word should be outlawed.And ill tell you something else primetime t.v.is one of the most vulger thing thing there is,no child could be corrupted more either way your site or the t.v.. To the other blogger on here that said flush two for the price of one, why not flush two and get the third one free. And I would also like to say I do support Mr. Barrett,I dont always think some of the things he says should have been posted,but alot of things on here should not have been posted. Mr. Barrett I appreciate all the time and hard work you put into your research,keep up the good work on informing you fellow man,and even though I disagree with you Mr. McPeters the most with your one sided opinons, and your two facedness,and your poor judgement on name calling,I do appreciate your site. Really wish you wasnt so one sided about everything. Thank You Mr. Wonderfulllllllll!!!!!!!!
Anonymous said:
McPeters. I would like to ask you just how honest you really are?
Very honest. If I say it, you can take it to the bank, and cash the check.
On this very page you argued that your site is for free speech,but on the blog about Cagle giving Barratt the finger you told a guy there was no free speech on your blog !
That's not what I said. I said that "you likewise have no right to say ANYTHING on MY blog that I don't want to see published. This blog is my PRIVATE PROPERTY, and I CONTROL what goes on here, get it????"
On your own property, you have the right to put up any political sign you want. On someone else's property, you can only put up a political sign if you have PERMISSION to do so. As I've tried to explain, the right of private property trumps that of "free speech."
You said its mine,mine,all mine. Whats up with that.
It's MY blog. Not some piece of "public property." I therefore have a right to set standards for what I allow to be posted here. I could, if it floated my boat, apply the same standards that the Lakes apply to their forum. But I'm much more lenient than that. I allow pretty much anything but bad language.
I really wish you would stand up and be the man you claim to be,
In what way am I falling short?
why judge someone else and not let your self be judged,
I guess you've missed all the postings that attack me (and even my mother). As long as they are suitable for primetime TV, I allow them to remain on my blog.
calling someone a retard on the other page does not say very mutch for your character.
Sir, little Timmy probably was retarded. He certainly had very little ability to communicate without using foul language (hence my deletions) and on the whole he demonstrated the intelligence and maturity level of a very young, albeit foul mouthed, child.
I think RETARTED the word should be outlawed.
So much for your committtment to freedom of speech!
And ill tell you something else primetime t.v.is one of the most vulger thing thing there is,no child could be corrupted more either way your site or the t.v..
I don't disagree with your assessment of television. My point simply is, we all know what words can't be said on the boob tube, and it shouldn't be too hard for posters to (at the least) live up to the standards of prime time teevee.
[comments to other bloggers deleted]
...and even though I disagree with you Mr. McPeters the most with your one sided opinons,
What kind of person has "two-sided" opinions? By the laws of logic, an opinion has to fall on one side, or another, and is, thus, one sided.
and your two facedness,
I am not two faced. If you don't understand that the "free speech" here is (because I own the blog) primarily MY free speech, which I share very, very generously, then you are a bit slow in comprehending rather simple facts. (Incidentally, "free speech" works this way for everyone, from the lowliest blog, to the New York Times.)
and your poor judgement on name calling,
Oh, grow up. Practically all the name calling I do is in retaliation against previous attacks made on me. Otherwise, I am calling someone a name that they've richly earned by their online behavior -- judging WAB by his success in a popularity contest, for instance. And one thing is for darn sure-- I get namecalled a lot more often than I namecall back.
I do appreciate your site.
It sure doesn't sound like it. Don't you think you'd be a lot happier running your own blog, where you wouldn't encounter my "one sided" opinions, and could revel in the profanity that truly free "free speech" would bring?
Really wish you wasnt so one sided about everything.
I'm not running for office; therefore I have a set opinion about everything, and I will stick to that opinion, rather than cater to the conflicting desires of the electorate, by telling everyone what they want to hear.
Thank You Mr. Wonderfulllllllll!!!!!!!
You're welcome... I guess.
To anonymous who said:
"beertap, you sure picked the right name
for yourself. I always heard that alcohol kills brain cells. You are living proof that excessive alcohol use will leave a person brain dead".
Actually, I don't even drink alcohol, I just collect beer keg taps. You must be kin to WAB, you think you know everything, don't ya?
For some reason someone thinks Mr Barrett has an 'entourage'. Are you considering folks who agree with him and appreciate what he does to be 'entourage'? If not, who are you refering to? This has been asked many times on this blog but never a response.
To the person that proclaims all the foul language used on this blog was by “The Entourage” supports. All can see Beer tap is not a member of that Entourage and he is calling them shit-stirrers. What do you have to say now?
Tom,
I consider the ones who support him (WAB) to be not very intelligent, and easily led astray.
12-11-59 What level of education do you have?
Nobody said ALL of the foul language was coming from the entourage.
Bachelor's plus.
5-23-53 is an "educator", tied to the jackson clan. Figures everyone is stupid except self - probably one the the budget fudgers..
Not an educator...just looking out for the good of the community...
2-16-7
"Good of the community" - You need a seeing eye dog - a school board that cooks the books, holds secret meetings, ends meetings when their hero gets caught lying & can't lie his way out of it, doesn't let citizens talk more than 2 minutes, openly deceives to get way more money than they are supposed to, spends teaching money on pork projects, lets buildings rot while they try to build a porker pen, and jail citizens for talking to them!
good stuff? - they keep the lawn mowed, give everyone the high sign, & are busy developing nanotechnology (understanding things so small no one can see them ^ where all the money goes), then mow the lawn again, etc.
I'd like it better if they would leave the gnat on the donkey's rear end be, get some Wally stickers, paste them everywhere, & figure out how roll back prices. I think we're spending a whole lot for something we'll never see!
Let's see, you like lawn mowers & gnats. I want to get your hands out of my pocket. So, if you'll fill your pants with gnats & hop on a mower, I'll sit back & wave at you. you wont' have time to be in my pocket & we'll both be happy ever after.
batchelor plus & not educated - can't be jackson, he's married. don't think he or she is eligle for nothing. probably ugly on top of it all?
Anonymous February 16, 12:11 pm:
Thats still not a clear answer. You have decided then that anyone who supports Mr Barrett is unintelligent and part of his entourage? Apparently you are tossing those individuals in a basket and not being specific which is what I was asking for.
I dont support all of Barretts actions or maybe even some of his comments,but I do support him for his somewhat birdseye view of things going on in Pulaski.
Yeah, tunnel vision.
More news at the richland school thing below? yuck!
February 17, 2007 10:45:36 AM what are you talking about at richland?
Tom/12:11:59 PM,
Sorry bud, you don’t have a clue about supporters of WAB. For your information, I have NEVER met or laid my eyes on WAB, but after reading the audits for the county and the education department and their conduct when a citizen wants to address the board, I AM PROUD TO SAY I AM A SUPPORTER!
My IQ is 139 and I am a very successful business owner. I am now retired after I sold one of my companies but still receive income from properties I own. I pay hefty taxes and don’t like the tax rate in this county and don’t come back at me with “move to another county” because I was born and raised her and so was my wife.
Now I would like for you to fill in the blanks of your accomplishes with your Bachelor’s plus,_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Barrett,
Will you need financial assistance with your legal claim? I think there are more than a few that will be happy to help.
Do you think that Mr. Barrett is conducting himself in a professional manner?
Don't respond with something like "the way that county government operates, you can not conduct yourself in a professional manner". I know better! I will guarantee you, that if he changed his approach, then he would get more positive results, and he would would get better treatment. Think about it.
To Anonymous Feb 17, 11:34
You seem to misunderstand what I am asking. I too support Mr Barrett. What I'd like to know from the Anonymous who constantly refers to Mr Barrett's "group", Mr Winkles "etc" is who is Anonymous including in that group and/or etc? I asked for specifics.
2:43:38 Barrett doesn't have to grovel to you or any other public servant. Because you got elected or appointed to a position of power doesn't change the fact that you are the servant and the public is the master. Go back and listen to the tapes - he was and has been civil in spite of the outrageous things done to him. Of course, you know all that - just trying to puff your feathers up and look like something you're not.
You too are full of poo!
I ask again, do you think Mr. Barrett has conducted himself in a professional manner?
Tom,
Sorry, I miss understood your post.
Saturday, February 17, 2007 6:34:32 PM How would you “act” if you had been treated as Mr. Barrett and Mr. Winkles?
I think both of them have acted with the utmost respect and professional due to the treatment they received and the amount of money it cost them. Quite frankly, I would not be as nice as they have been!
Since the arrest and aquittal of Barrett and Winkles you would think the five school board members and our county exec would treat Mr Barrett civilly and with less contempt. After all, these two men were wrongfully arrested and proved innocent yet they did not retaliate by sueing the crap out of the school board and the county. Yet the officials did not learn their lesson. Mr Barrett and anyone else who asks questions are treated very rudely. Vanzant doesn't even acknowledge Mr. Barrett.
Whinnie the Poo speaks & we now know who you are.
How can I agree or disagree when all that I read looks and sounds like blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thank you MR Wonderfullllll
So, has Mr. Barrett acted in a professional manner?
I have answered your question Re:February 17, 2007 6:55:43 PM
To Anonymous who said....So, has Mr. Barrett acted in a professional manner?
My answer is YES!
No, he hasn't acted in a professional manner. If he did, he would have a larger following. But he doesn't, and the proof seems to be (in my mind) the negative talk I hear about him around town.
Perhaps he has some serious anger management and ego issues that need to be addressed.
You are a stupid guy with a blue head, and your answer does not count.
I can tell you, the answer is a resounding NO! He has not acted in a professional manner. He knows it.
Why ask the question if you have your mind made up that he is not professional.
Like we said, “We think he has.”
Oh, by the way, do you think Mr. Cagle acted professional?
One more thing to 8:41:54 AM and 8:17:16 AM if you are truly sincere about Mr. Barrett having more supporters by changing his manner, why don't you give him a call and meet with him in person and discuss the issue? If you are really concerned!!!!!!!!!!!
I am trying to get you guys to think about what you are doing, why is it not working, and what could I do differently to possibly help make it work.
That is why I ask.
Our elected officials,, or some of them, only care about their own wishes or things they will benefit from. If anyone speaks out against them they are being,arrogant,idiots,troublemakers, and many other names. They have no desire to represent the majority that elected them.
If the School Board has nothing to hide, why can they not let anyone who is a registered voter speak and say what they want to say. Is this not what FREEDOM OF SPEECH is about? The voters are the ones who put them where they are. They seem to forget this once they are elected.
You ask why I wouldn't want to call reporter Barrett up and discuss his lack of professionalism? Well, the simple answer is that I disagree with him. So why would I want to discuss his lack of professional conduct with him?
One of the reasons that people are not allowed to speak freely at these public meetings is that if everyone were allowed to speak freeely, the meetings could potentially last forever. I suggest you contact your representatives before the meeting about whatever you think needs to be said. Then you should make sure your representatives are representing your wishes. If not, then do not support them.
A representative's opinion and your opinion will never agree 100% of the time. That does not make them a bad represenative. Further more, a representative is not required to vote for the majority of his/her constituents. He/she should gather as much information as necessary to vote his/her conscience.
little old lady,
living in her shoe,
got caught being shady
couldn't know what to do
Little old lady
found what to do
from bag man shady
now both in deep dew
We're getting a real education. TEST:
1. People can't speak to board heads because:
a) too busy raising taxes
b) too busy spending money
c) too busy hiding
d) all three
2. Barrett is a bad person because:
a) Board heads like wood, not could.
b) Barrett is smarter than wood bees.
c) Barrett might tell on them.
d) all three plus 1-d
3. Jackson got a +3.7 because:
a) bored boards need excitement too
b) they forgot the minus sign.
c) they obeyed the commandant
Anonymous of Sunday, February 18, 2007 12:59:13 PM I post was not directed to you and the person has already replied. SO NO NEED FOR YOUR’S, UNDERSTAND?
Isn't this a free speech blog? I hate to keep asking the question, but certain people only believe you can speak your mind on here IF you agree with them.
We're getting a real education. TEST:
1. People can't speak to board heads because:
a) they didn't contact their reprsentative first
b) they didn't know who their representative is
c) too busy causing trouble
d) all three
2. Barrett is a bad person because:
a) Board he does not know how to get things accomplished
b) Barrett is an idiot.
c) Barrett it too buys causing trouble.
d) all three plus 1-d
3. Jackson got a +3.7 because:
a) Beverly Murrey's agenda lowered his score a bunch.
b) the test scores have improved since he has been Superintendent of Schools.
c) He conducts himself in a professional manner, even when attacked by a bunch of idiots.
I can promise you that the Director of Schools had not one thing to do with the test scores improving. He did not go into the classrooms and teach the students what they are tested on nor did anyone else from the board or the central office. The teachers are the only people responsible for the improvement in the test scores.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The multiple choice test above pretty much sums up who causes the trouble and who conducts himself in a professional manner - even when attacked by others. Good test. I'm sure it is both reliable and valid.
The teachers do a wonderful job, and in no way do I mean to take away what they do, but the test scores across the county did not go up without a central source of leadership.
Feb 18, 8:52:31,
The above test you reference was a little humor taken from a previous post. It is funny, and it is quite true.
Explain how the central source of leadership increased the test scores please. Just wondering.
Could the test scores be tampered with?
Could the test scores be tampered with?
no
Because something has to drive the improvement. If it were in one or two classrooms, or one or two schools, then you could say certain teachers or certain principles were making it happen. If it is county wide improvement, then the logical choice is the central office is providing the necessary leadership.
To the annonymous who kept asking if Mr. Barrett acted in a professional manner. I guess uncle Jack was right. "THE TRUTH, YOU WANT THE TRUTH? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"
Why did you even ask your question? I guess it's quite obvious that in your opinion to act in a professional manner you either have to call someone stupid or an idiot. I guess you've proven your point.
Because something has to drive the improvement. If it were in one or two classrooms, or one or two schools, then you could say certain teachers or certain principles were making it happen. If it is county wide improvement, then the logical choice is the central office is providing the necessary leadership.
That did not answer my question of "How did the central office provide the necessary leadership?" What are some examples of help the teachers are given from the central office concerning the test?
Yes Mrs. Norman, we have heard you say our test scores are up over and over during your campaign. Oh, I mean you read your speech stating our test scores are up in every subject, but you didn’t come out so well when you were confronted after reading your list at one of those meetings, did you?
Should the Central Office now be investigated for test score tampering? Ridiculous!
Being sarcastic, Kendrick blabbed at the first of this thread:
Isn't it great to see "public servants" show such respect to the taxpayers? Listening to Mrs. Norman just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
OK, what about the disrespect that WAB showed Mr. Jackson to begin with? An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth...This is just an example of Kendrick trying to mislead the easily influenced like he and WAB do so well.
Perhaps both of them are preachers?
Anonymous Monday, February 19, 2007 8:30:52 AM
Should the Central Office now be investigated for test score tampering? Ridiculous!
If you are NOT Mrs. Norman why did you answer my post that was addressed to her?
You need to be investigating for sticking your nose in another person’s business, period.
Now, Mrs. Norman would you answer my post?
February 19, 2007 8:46:15 AM Kendrick did not influenced me, I was present at Mrs. Norman's speech and witness the people that cornered her later for some answers. My eyes influenced me!
It seems that this nation is in a state of political disintegration. Law is no longer the law, the Constitution is obsolete, and we are being run over & tossed aside by that which is supposed to protect us
I look at this blog & recall what I see comming out of our school administration, and it becomes apparent that we are way over the edge. Everything is the opposite of what learning and value should be. Corruption and deceit have taken over. How can they provide a program to foster values and exchange of ideas, of fact instead of agenda, inquisitiveness, of free government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I see well dressed eloquent people, filled with facts, and potential tallent acting like two bit tyrants, spitting on everything we used to believe in. It isn't a simple denial of truth & goodness, it's a mission to convince everyone to join them against traditional values and morality. A liar who doesn't swear is still the worse of the two. A thief in a suit is worse that one who is ragged and hungry The antics of Norman, Jackson and a very few others are a disgrace to our community - just look at the video's, read, and weep! They don't respect the office they hold! They need to go. Removing them by holding them accountable for their actions is respect for the office. Doing nothing disrespects the office and the community!
To the stupid guy with the blue head: Mr. Barret is Uncle Jack. He is out of control.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not Mrs. Norman, who, by the way, is a fine lady. I answered your silly insinusation in hopes of stopping what would certainly be another rumor. Test scores are not manipulated one way or the other.
I am the person who asked the question "How did the central office provide the necessary leadership?" What are some examples of help the teachers are given from the central office concerning the test?" I have still not received an answer. The answer is not that the central office did something to the tests, that was not even the question. Please stop trying to change the direction of the question. It has been said that since this director has been in office the test scores have improved. I want to know how the are related.
Signed Test question person
Wrong once again! Goodness gracious. Please go back and read the February 18 post wherein someone "suggested" that perhaps the tests had been tampered with. That is the post I was responding to, so don't be so hyper-sensitive.
As for leadership and assistance, the schools get plenty of help and encouragement from Central Office staff regarding these tests. I might add that test security is a high priority. Our teachers do a wonderful job in this county, and regardless of who is "in charge" (I know you hate that term), the test scores should show improvement. OK?
Examples please of the help. I personally was responding to "Should the Central Office now be investigated for test score tampering? Ridiculous!" No I am not being "hyper-senitive", just really am interested in the examples of help. And YES YES our teachers do a wonderful job in this county. And further more how do you know I "hate that term" of some in charge the fact is we have several people in charge in the school system. My hat goes off to all the principals in this county actually in the country. Their job is a full-time job. 24 - 7
The anonymous who answered Mrs. Norman's post has to be Mr. Cagle. He has a history of jumping in uninvited and wrongly defending her.
To Anonymous who said...
To the stupid guy with the blue head: Mr. Barret is Uncle Jack. He is out of control. You just can't stand it can you? Hopefully the Citizen will cover your story when your head explodes.
Monday, February 19, 2007 1:14:39 PM, What the heck are you talking about? Seems you have jumped the gun and presumed something that I did not say or think. Like I said, I asked Mrs. Norman a question and she knows exactly why I am asking her, so mind your own business.
Sorry if I became confused with the posts. I still would like the person who is so sure that the central office staff and the director help the teachers educate the students and get them ready for the test to give me examples.
Its the blue head that will explode!
Explain to me how the test scores could go up across all schools and across all grades without having central leadership.
Perhaps the greatest help given by the head office is they got out of the way.
Examples of that central leadership are what?
Harry O and others, explain to me how you think the scores can go up by not leading, or by getting out of the way.
Something or somebody has to lead the effort! It can not happen by chance.
The test was re-written about 4 years ago matching the state curriculum. The textbook companies have begun printing textbooks that are state specific. The principals are working hard in each building to provide the much needed resources to help the teachers. Now it is your turn to give specific examples on how the central office staff or director have helped.
Feb.18,1;22;28 Mrs. Nornman gave no one else a chance to speak at last meeting. It seems if you do not agree with her or Jackson you do not have a right to speak.
So are the test scores going up across the entire state?
Is it true that only nine counties in the state did not apply for the Pre K Grant and Giles was one of the nine?Hope this is right topic to put this on.
It seems that Murrey and Greene are trying to improve our school system. will some of you other members step up to the plate for the benefit of your children and grandchildren.
Special called school board meeting this Thurs. night to vote on the first phase of the Jackson/Gonzales/Dunivant/Hartselle/Foster/Norman building being built. Come speak out if you think you can quick draw Norman and her gavel. The bus garage will go on hold once again. There won't be enough balls around the table to get a vote to hold off.
So now we have a new topic to complain about? Test scores?
Test scores are good. Just give credit where deserved. To the teachers.
The teacher deserve a lot of credit, but someone gave the teachers the necessary leadership to make it happen. I can assure you that it did not happen across the board without something driving it.
I am not a teacher, and I am not affiliated with any school or the school board. I do know how results are achieved.
Murrey has an agenda! She is mad because she didn't get seriously considered for the Director of Schools position. Greene is Connie Howell in disguise. He just likes for the loud bunch to yell his name.
Hopefully we are not going to spend money on a new administrative building! In the 3 years since 2003-4, the board of education has increased teaching salaries by 19%, which is almost double the inflation rate for that period. That is a huge increase for a no growth area. It is a concern to all, but, not the end of the world.
All other school spending went up 35%, almost double the rate of teaching salaries! By definition, only teachers can teach! Administrative area salary is up 45% - 2.4 times the teaching increases! If you ever worked in a competitive environment more than 2 days, you will understand how absurd this is! The emphasis is building a bureaucracy, not teaching!
If what is said is true, bureaucracy is running out of room to stuff more bureaucracy. That means we can expect more creative financial plots. I would think anyone with a financial background will think twice about this, if true. Creating a web is one thing, while getting caught in it is another.
don m
If you think the teacher's salaries have increased 19% over the last three years, you must be crazy! Where did you get those numbers?
Anyone who has ever been in that building knows that they need a new building. I don't know what all of the fuss is about.
55736 - comes straight from 2003-4 audit & the 2006-7 amended mystery budget - teaching 2006-7 $11,845,090 vs. $9,950,989 in 2003-4 - increase is $1,894,101 = 19.0%. Everything else is $16,795,931 vs. $12,450,770 is $4,345,161 = 34.9% increase. That is gross teaching salary and it is affected by head count increases or decreases. School board doesn't provide a head count with budget data, so no one really knows. Information is dangerous where secrets are kept. It's but one of many reasons we need financial management & an open book!
How much did you get? Inflation was 10.5% for that same 3 year period. How many people were added? Any more people net in basic skills, or did it go somewhere else? Teaching is not a priority!
don m
You are only talking about the county's portion of salary. The actual teacher's salary increase is FAR less that that. And, we are still one of the lowest paid counties in the state.
Feb 20, 5:47
What a nasty remark to say about Jim Greene and Connie Howell. You have nothing of substance to say so you can only resort to cutter sniping. If they stand out from the majority its only because they are speaking up for what is right while their peers sit there like knots on logs.
5:47:12 PM, I don’t know Connie Howell, but I do know Mr. Jim Greene and there is not a bad bone in his body, so take your nasty remarks where the sun don’t shine.
The teachers receive teaching materials (textbooks, etc.) from the "hill." They get money to spend on supplies from the "hill."
The rest is up to them and their students.
2;32;37 - good point, but ... That is the total salaries paid to "teachers". The sources of the funds to pay the teachers are property tax, the local option sales tax, state matching funds, and some other revenue sources noted in the general revenue fund category - all are in one pot paid to teachers by the school board, not the state. (a few are in a totally different category)
If you add teachers, their salary will increase the total. If existing teachers get a raise, that increases the total. In other words if raises were 9% over the three years, then roughly 10 % more people were added (if at the same salary levels) to get to a total 19% increase. Anything over 10.3% over that 3 years is better than average (inflation).
It doesn't say much about individuals, only the totals. In other words 10 people at $30,000 comes to the same total as 30 people at $10,000.
Another view is 10 teachers at $30,000 are given 2 more teachers to do the same job of 10, total salary jumps to $360,000, a 20% increase.
If you give the 10 teachers a 20% raise with no new people, total salary is $360,000 and the same 20% increase.
Suppose we had 10 teachers & the $300,000 being distracted by 2 bureaucrats making $100,000 total. Suppose they figure a way to get rid of the $100,000 distraction. They deserve a raise and a bonus - that's how a lot of private sector management & professional areas work! You don't need a tax or price increase to pay and get decent wages.
Another point is simple. If the board hires more people to non-teach, then the money will not be there to give those who do teach. Would be a rotton deal for teachers if they are the last to the feed barrel. That may be what the "total numbers" are trying to say. What do you think
Connie is as good as they come
To Don M
I do not teach, have any one related that does, so I'm not biased.
Your intentions may be good, but some of your statements are off!
The county does not need financial management. That is where the smoke and mirrows come in.
The County Mayor conspired this whole thing to keep anyone from looking at her conduct and help get her re-elected.
It seems it has worked!
What is needed is to have the State law changed on funding of schools.
Check it out. The schools are assured of an increase every year in funding. The school funding take between .75 to .80 of every dollar collected in property tax. (The fox is not in the hen house, the fox has the lock and key to the hen house.) The School Director does not have to answer to ANYONE once the money has been approved by the county commission. With a Blank Check and no accountability how do you think any thing will change UNLESS the law is revamped completely.
Most teachers' support the School Director because they don't understand the funding themself. They are told what kind of raise and funds they will get each year, their insurance package and retirement package and nothing more.
Legislative action to introduce and pass a bill on school funding, sponsored by the our county commissioners will be the only way to bring this about.
Everyone needs to get on the same page.
Contact your County Commissioners and ask them to send it to the State Legislator. Also ask them not to support Mrs. Vanzant on anything since she is holding a County Office against State requirements of being a resident of the County.
Ole Smokie
2-21-7
Ole Smokie, I can't disagree with what you say or the fact that it is as it is right now. What you say is excellent & can trigger some of the changes we need, very quickly.
I've been in the position of having to make things happen with many more dollars than here for many years. If the finance director will not put his job on the line for absolute honesty, disclosure, and example for others, & with others, no one needs them and they will not survive very long. It is a position of extreme power if the director has the sense to realize that nothing happens unless others make it happen together. A good accountant can find opportunity in a heart beat. It's like a good bird dog & straight shooting hunter - they get the game together. Madonna & her furry dog would starve. (I know, she'd way lay the hunter on their way home & live happily ever after).
a finance director can - Suppose a well connected vendor & director is doing bad things & no one wants to make waves - < Stop paying them - only finance cuts checks. > Done it many times & almost fired for it, but who is going to stop you if it crosses the line & you have given warning. I shut down a billion dollar near bankrupt company with military contracts - a hair raiser with big threats - < It resulted bank transfers of millions thought to be uncollectible - not checks in the mail. > On very rare occasions where payment isn't made - the fight is amongst the bad guys, if it's done right & legitimate. Had a consulting firm with ties to the COO who didn't pay a local small business. Lots of promises & BS until they were cut off - They borrowed money to pay the little co. TJ can't cut a check with a finance director in place & that ends the game.
Today, the commission can refuse to approve any funding and the game ends. The game thrives if incomplete and fraudulent information is accepted. Bad decisions are made if deception rules. If someone would have submitted a budget in the condition of the school board approved documents, I would have refused to look at it. They could expect to see auditors looking into their operation almost immediately.
The school system is a sacred cow, untouchable by some. Cows aren't sacred & a good steak never hurt anyone! There's no milk & it's dinner time.
Keep the faith & solve the problem. Legislation & lawyers add to problems & rarely help anything except those who "help themselves" to whatever you have.
Thanks.. don m
A finance director, namely you, don? Never happen. Wonder why?
4:00:33 You wonder why?
Because anyone who wants that position has to fill out an application and resume and get it back to Co. Exec. by Mar. 12. If he wanted the job, which he never has, that's what he would do.
Don & Smokie,
It is refreshing to log on to this blog and read informational post such as yours and I really appreciate your posts.
Ole Smokie
Would you please explain how J Vanzant conspired the financial management to cover her conduct and get herself re-elected? Would like to understand your thoughts.
I don't wonder why. I pretty much know why. And NO, I have no afiliation with Mrs. Vanzant or with any county officials.
40033 If you can read, you know why - I'm retired - don't want it & never did. No bitternes, frustration, or need to run someone else's life, etc. FYI - I was a finance director & Controller for many years.
If the new director is certified, I'm sure you'll hate them too. A good one could be your worst nightmare. Can also be the best thing that ever happened to you, if you ever see the light. Surprise - most people do. I sincerely hope we get a good one who will work with everyone to help this county.
This is the answer to the percent of teacher raises. I asked a teacher about raises. I got the actual salary schedule for 2003-04 & this year which includes the $1000 or so raise. They beginning teacher BS no experience increased a little less than 10%. This was in black and white! This is the absolute truth no lies. If you don't believe it you can ask a teacher to show you her handbook if she still has 2003 or you can go to the central office and ask, all of this is public knowledge. There is no way to tell from a total budget line item when you don't know what is included and how many people are being counted I don't care what kind of degree or experience you have as comptroller or anything else.
Obviously you do care about Mr MacD's degrees and experience. Shows in your comment!
2-22 6`29`05
Obviously, you didn't read or understand my comments, or what was said. Not mad & not trying to put you down. You appear to be hurt by the school circus. If you're not - take it on the chin.
1. The first comment (2-20 5`57`36) related to building the admin. temple. Unfortunately, they have endless effort and money to do that, while real priorities rot. The other comment is teacher salary increases of 19%, while administrative salaries are up 45%. We're aware of the $1000 raise & the fact it would be around 3.3% on a $30K salary or 2.5% if $40K, and the probability that combined 3 year "teachers" raises were under the 10.3% inflation rate. The tax payer doesn't know that might mean they added 9% (?) teachers in a period of little or no growth. <<< The real issue is the fact that administrative salary spending went up 45% - a rate of 2.4 times faster than teaching! >>> It doesn't matter whether it is salary or head count. It is a clear sign of out of control spending with no affective internal control. Obviously some admin. raises were a lot more & sooner than teachers! (??) If teachers are not mad, how do they find your way to work?! The money was there!
2. The 2-20 6`30`14 entry tells you the affects of head count & raises. If we had independent financial control (financial management) in place, chances are very high that school information would be informative, meaningful and accurate - none of which is true today! That would end the games! A good financial director can shut it down and will take criminal action to do it!
3. The 2-20 10`56`36 comment relates to how pay works, & with the other 2 comments, trigger thinking about how bad things really are & how easy it would be to fix them - if we got rid of those who deceive!
4. I don't have a Ph.D. or MBA, but several had work for me, and a few terminated by me. I can't count the number of people of all education levels who have taught me things or the number of instructional seminars I've attended or conducted. I've been audited by all of the major public accounting firms, fortune 500 major corporate internal audits, various governmental audits, and defense contract audits over 40+ years without an unfavorable opinion! I am not an exception.
I have taken the time to enter all the data from all the little reports in my little computer - don't know everything, but sure do know it's a huge mess that can be cleaned up.
5. The "teaching" account is presumed to be audited by the state and accurate. As such, the comments made are correct and should help teachers and taxpayers to get rid of the waste & corruption that break this county!
6. Without question, there are millions of opportunity dollars that can be taken out of the school budget. bureaucracy hinders rather than helps any education & information process. That money must be eliminated shared with the many employees who can and must do it! If you ever become a winner, you will know how great & challenging life can be. I can only imagine how depressing it would be to work in a corrupt environment where the only criteria is snatching more money to spend. The things you question were answered, read it again.
don m.
A school budget has to be turned into the commission in very early spring. There is absolutely NO way to accurately predict how many teachers will be needed in the fall. The schools do a head count for a month after school starts trying to figure out where teachers are needed!! If the school system underestimated the teachers needed they cannot get more money from the commission in October! Therefore, needs have to be overestimated.
Maybe overestimated but not overly exaggerated!
It is a situation where you do not want an accurate budget. It is not incompetence, it's corruption! The numbers I have are yours and they say a couple of teachers one way or the other is maybe $100,000 or so, absolutely not $2.4 million! Where is the huge migration to Giles County, the flood of building permits, or new big high paying industries? We know that information is available, don't we?
Where is the teaching head count and reasonable assumption that it will change? Your revenue estimates are manipulated to reflect a decrease in activity, not growth! There is no assessment of new economic affluence within the community, just an arbitrary huge spending increase every year. The only goal is spending - nothing to reflect innovation or technological changes. Education is knowledge, and I'm sure you folks are well aware of this & lots more.
I see no use of accounting tools that have been available for many decades. Flex budgets have been around for eons - they can accurately predict and provide for increases or decreases in volume. Zero base, activity base, ABC, etc. is old technology. Perhaps, it interferes with crisis management - cutting teachers, no pencils, no fuel for busses, buildings going to rot, etc. Typical indicators of corrupted control are losing buildings because of neglect while adding bureaucratic structures. Sound familiar? But, you know that.
We understand your numbers & what they say - the public doesn't! When 3 year numbers say teaching salaries are up 19% and direct teaching support salaries increase 18.6%, while your inflation adjusted sales tax numbers say growth is negative, I know something is wrong. The sounds of those same folks claiming they are not keeping up with inflation says something bad is wrong. Sounds a bit like adding teachers in non critical education areas?? Then, when we look at the rest of salaries - (administrative stuff) and see a 45% increase! There is no doubt, run away spending is a huge problem! If the village is starving, we need to stop chasing rabbits & eat the elephant who is eating the crops! Don't talk about teachers, busses, or anything other than bureaucracy. Bureaucracy is huge, growing, and expendable. Millions are itching to be scratched!
Where does the "have to be overestimated" mandate originate? Do you know of any certified accountant that agrees? You have "underestimated the consequences" of what you do! Where do the recent practices of omitting BEP revenue & lowering revenue estimates originate? Guess I'm not up to date??
don m
don m...
Oh, on the contrary, your intelligence and knowledge are light years ahead of us. However, you knew that, didn't you? Such modesty is commendable.
It isn't about me. It's about the keepers of information deliberately manipulating, suppressing, and falsifying financial information. Isn't that a felony?
don m
Who are those keepers? Can you name a few and what felonious acts they have performed? This is your golden opportunity.
Get your 2005-6 & 2006-7 original & follow-up budgets - are you going to claim the originals are not materially (very significantly) falsified? Still want to claim "NO NEW MONEY"?, "NO INCREASE"?
The only remaining questions are, who knows what, the how, the real why, if, and of course, when! There is no shortage of current role models to provide vision. Of course, you are immune. Enough said.
don m
don m...
I must apologize for not being as enlightened as you. But I have to say that you masterfully danced around my question. Again, would you care to name those people and their felonious acts?
It isn't about enlightenment or arguing fiction as fact under the pretext of "debate". My answer was clear as a bell and easily found in the documents I noted on 24x11`00`29. Those responsible for creating and witnessing for those documents is anything but a secret.
Most of my information has been handed out & some is even on this site. But, you say it's too complicated & doesn't make sense - which is what almost any good scam is all about - isn't it? Fortunately, it is relatively easy to sum it up once you have the detail. Notably, there was no rebuttal of fact, just bits and pieces of irrelevant deception, like your response. You are articulate and super intelligent. Why use that talent to witness for corruption.
The words fraud, deception, etc. have long standing definitions. If the act fits the definition, it isn't name calling, it is describing a person engaging in an anti social and usually illegal behavior.
Apparently, your information is not nearly as complicated as my request that you name the perpetrators of felonious acts. For an example, it was John Wilkes Booth who shot President Abraham Lincoln.
Anyhow, I've decided to drop that request. We need to be respectful of each other as members of the human race. That's the essence of the true brotherhood of man.
And yes, that was an olive branch I held out to you.
How can he reach out to you with no name?
Why did I know someone on this blog would enter a response like that? Typical.
Because you're getting smarter - being exposed to real people outside of the propergander machine that wants to reprogram you- absorbing some values - stay tuned & watch the movies again, you might amount to something.
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