WAB on the Special Called School Board Meeting
Some interesting questions and observations from the School Board's Special Called meeting Thursday night where the subject was the new office building.
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posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 11:30 PM
70 Comments:
The presentation given by the parties involved was very impressive, a 3600 square foot building to house five or six new offices, two rest rooms and some storage space at a cost of over $550,000. That works out to be a little over $152.00 per square foot. On the one hand that's cheaper than the one and a half million dollars Mrs. Norman suggested it would take to build a new Bus Garage. On the other hand at least there'll be a new comfortable office that the bus mechanics can look at through the cracks of their own building as they make their way through the maze of hazards.
One of the amazing things that has me completely confused is that several times during the past couple of years the claim has been made that the electrical wiring in the current school office building is so old and outdated that you can't even plug a computer in the wall anymore. Now we learn that the entire "technology" staff will be moved to the main floor of the current school office building. I wonder why since most all the computers are in the schools those technology folks aren't in the schools with them?
The questions keep being asked about where are the blue prints for this project and so far no one seems to have an answer. Is this going to be another contract without a contract like the ball fields at Richland? Will this be another major violation exposed by the next state audit? Can this project possibly violate enough laws and regulations that it could lead to another contract extension for the Director?
When the question was raised by Mrs. Murrey about the bus garage and the safety of those working there it was made very clear by Mrs. Norman and Mr. Jackson that the needs of the technology staff was much more important. They have water in the basement, declared Mrs. Norman and they have all that electrical stuff. Excuse me, but they have the Robert Redford movie, "A River Runs Through It", at the bus garage. As of this morning there had been no reports of workers hanging from the ceiling of the school office building.
Another question that needs some understanding is why were there so many county commissioners at the meeting and so few having comments about this situation? Could it be that they also are intimidated or confused by the way the chairman conducts the meetings?
One of the more interesting questions that I have about the meeting last night isn't about the meeting at all, but the celebration dinner they had at Mrs. Butlers afterward. The question is who paid for this meal? Yes, I know we the people paid for it but more specifically was it paid for on the community outreach credit card, some other school board funds, the contractor who got the contract or was it some other entity? Inquiring minds want to know.
-- Allen Barrett
What is the source of funds?
What in @&*$# is the "technology staff?
Can't find anything in their budget. might be elsewhere? If this isn't there, how can they do anything? Seems like there should be a plan to fund & maintain it.
In light of the fact that they are taking $1.4 million from reserves to fund the current budget (spending $1.4 million more than revenue), where will the $500,000 come from this year, next year, and beyond?? How much to fix & replace garage +++$?
So, what do they plan to cut by $1.4 million in the 2007-8 budget to make ends meet. What else do they plan on improving & cutting, so employees can get a COL raise, so the can keep up with inflation, etc.? Looks like a big across the admin. board cut.
I know - the poison pill was swallowed & everyone has to pitch in to save the dinosaur. It's time for new life forms, just not enough forage left to keep the big fellow alive. Sorry NO NEW TAXES, NO BIG WHEEL TAX, no sympathy!
By the way, how many (who) will be located in the new building?
don m
Have you guys always been this paranoid? Do you trust anyone?
Trust is what the spider says to the fly.
Not having any trust is why you are all alone!
When you don't get another tax increase & have no more money to throw around, you'll either be alone or in a place with a bunch of crooks just like yourself.
I guess since the technology folks need to be in school we need five more of them!!
I just visited the Athens City School website. Yes, I am a teacher looking for a new job when I retire here this year. I noticed that the Athens school motto is the same as Giles County. How dare they steal it from us. HA! HA!
It is very big of you to call these guys crooks. It easy for you because you don't get involved in playing an active role in making a difference. If you did, you would see that its easy to sit on the side and throw stones.
Perhaps an investigation into the Athens City Schools' motto should be done?
Allen,
Does that $550,000 include the $150,000 spent hiring an architect to produce a rendering of the front of the bulding? If not, then the Taj Mahal clocks in at $194.44 per square foot... which probably doesn't include the cost of the land.
For shame, Fred Lindsey. You of all people oughtta know how wasteful this spending truly is. But I guess the continued meal ticket trumps any sort of responsibility to "represent" those who put you in office, right?
(The other guilty board members should be ashamed as well. But only Mr. Lindsey has a wealth of knowledge regarding the building trade... which he didn't put to good use in evaluating this vanity project of Tee Jackson's.)
Instead of worrying about , who is on who side, who is all alone,and all the other digs, everyone needs to think about what is best for the county. If taxes keep going up we will be loosing more industry.
2-25
To the Giles County School Board:
As a property owner, citizen, and registered voter of Giles County I am requesting public disclosure of the following:
1. Total dollars spent investigating and preparing for a central office facility since June 2004.
2. Total estimated man hours of all personnel who spent time on this project, who are paid by the GC board of education, but not directly charged to the costs noted in (1).
3. Total projected funds necessary to complete the project.
4. Projected functions and manpower to be located in the building.
5. Provide budget line item & account with funding approval reference. I can't find it in the current budget, and assume that any carryover funding, etc. must be included in current expenditures, revenue, & fund data.
Please publish same in the local newspapers within the county and on this Internet news site. I apologize for having to ask, but I can't find the answers & no one else seems to know either. Your help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Don MacDermid
Wow, look everyone “old investigation” of February 24, 2007 7:26:00 PM, is back on with the same stupid remark and never, never with a new comment!!
Investigation who wrote your cue card???
What's so wrong with moving Technology to the main floor? Shouldn't each Tech person have their own office as well?
Anonymous:
I could call you a name like "idiot", but I have a little more class than to get down to your level. As I have explained on here before, I am simply trying to interject a little humor into all this misery you whiners are experiencing. That's why I suggest investigations. It seems you guys want to investigate anything and anybody.....uh........other than yourselves. I'm laughing here, because THAT is humorous.
Investigation,
Class? You have no idea what so called level I am! Humor is fine, I laugh when I read the repetitive post of yours.
I will call you an “idiot” because I am no whiner, not in misery and never have I suggested an investigation of anyone. The “group” you are assuming I belong to is of the utmost humor. Just injecting a little humor here, enjoy!
Yes, the "group" is very humorous. See there, I agreed with you. But you do need to calm down a bit and not take things so seriously. Loosen up and laugh a little, for Pete's sake.
With humor like that, maybe we could petition to get the gong show back on tV. That way we could turn channels.
Could that be investigated? JUST KIDDING!
Why don't you become a PI?
The references to "investigating" have been directed to the DA's office, not to PIs.
Good!
Guess we'll never know the financial scoop (ref. 2-25-7 request). According to the 2006-7 budget, $187,861 was spent for capital stuff in 2004-5, $80,000 for 2006-7 & $26,003 per 2005-6 audit. Raw numbers say little other than it could be between something (?) and $293,000+. Then there's the $750K in capital project reserves, just itching to get gone. No one is talking - can't be that bad?
Flooding problem question: If the castle is up hill on high ground, overlooking the plebiscite how can there be a flooding problem? Drop the blade, put her in gear, dirt goes that-away & water is sure to follow. (theory of gravity) Water flow can easily be changed by adding a bit of dirt, shoving a bit here or there, or making sure sidewalks & roadways are not aqueducts. Could probably solve the problem before a good consultant could get his briefcase unlatched - & for coffee change. Ohhh, but there is sooo much money to spend & so few hours in a day to spend it.
molasses
Molasses,
Next time there is a heavy rain visit the Central Office. Yes the office is on a hill with a basement underneath, with a continuous running sump pump. Water does come down from the hill above it at Martin College. The first floor is lower than the street in front so the basement is definitely lower than than. Not to say that the bus garage does not have flooding also but they are more level than the Central Office.
I know for a fact that everyone at Mrs. Butler's that night paid for their own meal, out of their own pocket. Guess maybe the "facts" you spout aren't really truth at all but just another lame attempt to try to discredit anyone who doesn't see things the same way you do.
No the board did not pay for their own meals. they never do. So try again to cover up the spending. and not all of them stayed for the meal. green was absent and murrey got her's and left since it was paid for.
it was a going away party for houston. jackson is always looking for a way to eat out and spend the tax payers money.
so no no no the board members did not foot their own bill.
Don't doubt or question your comments. Water runs down hill & according to the lowest place available. A dirt berm works well in most applications. You don't have a lot of room to work with, but it's a possibility. If not, concrete wall sections are available and easy to install. Same for poured, rock, or block foundation walls high enough to divert the water away from the building & on down the hill - they will work, without question, and are relatively inexpensive.
A basement that leaks on a hillside is not a plan. A few feet of pipe, some gravel & a backhoe usually ends the problem. If block construction, might have to repair, seal, perimeter weeper pipe to drain, gravel, backfill, & forget it - no more mold, mildew, seepage, or water. Throw the sump pup away & use it as any other floor space. None of this should be super expensive or rocket science.
mudder says
Maybe it's like the Titanic - hit an obstysycle & sank. Why didn't the crew go down with her? Not enough water? Guess the captain was the first to abandong ship, not knowing it was drydocked!
Uh...Mr Barret (aka reporter Barrett),there you go again....calling someone a liar. That's so unbecoming of you, don't you think? You ridiculed the one who posted that he or she knew for a fact that those individuals paid for their own means. You condescendingly and arrogantly made reference to their "facts" as being anything but truth. That's because their truths are not your truths.
You see, this gets back to the problem I've had with you from the start. You do NOT know it all, so why don't you tone it down some? I suppose it is pointless to remind you again that the thing you are continually exposing is not your "truths" but rather, your posterior. No, from a lofty position of egotism, it might be hard to see that small speck of truth.
anonymous What is really unbecoming is that you attack Mr Barret for exposing a bad situation and thus defend the ones who did lie and done wrong. why don't you say anything about the facts of the matter instead of attacking Mr Barret for exposing what happened. I read on here many times where Mr Barret agreed he didn't know it all but it's very clear that he does know somethings and that puts him way ahead of you and your defense of wrong doing.
Shut up Sara! Mr. Barrett is indefensable....if that is a word.
94300 is a die hard loser - simply wants to deceive & obliterate truth.
sara..
If you will read my post closely, you will notice that it wasn't directed to you. Are you a spokesperson for the reporter?
Let me re-state the previous. You see, this gets back to the problem I've had with you (Mr. Barrett) from the start. You do NOT know it all, so why don't you tone it down some? I suppose it is pointless to remind you again that the thing you are continually exposing is not your "truths" but rather, your posterior. No, from a lofty positon of egotism, it might be hard to see that small speck of truth.
In parting, let me ask you a question or two since you appear to be his spokesperson. Is it OK with you that he gets on here and calls someone a liar? Would you find it unbecoming if someone called you a liar? Would you agree that everyone doesn't have the same perception of "truth", or would you more readily say that those who don't share your view of truth are simply wrong or misguided? Just wonderewd is all.
Sara,
Since you have my attention, I just wanted to make another point or two with you.
First of all, my concerns with Mr. Barrett have NEVER been about his efforts to report corruption. No, my concerns with him have ALWAYS been in his manner of delivery and in his treatment of those who would disagree with his views. If I attack him, it is solely on those grounds.
Lastly, I would NEVER knowingly defend a wrong-doer as you suggest. As for truth (a relative term), I think for myself and draw my own conclusions. Why do you think we have so many church denominations anyhow? We ALL don't see things alike.
Anonymous I am neither a spokesperson for Mr. Barret or anyone else I merely made an observation that you seem very unwilling to either see or accept. You are one of the most hypocritical people I have ever run into. You complain the most tenaciously about the very things you are the most guilty of. You claim to have a high regard for truth but dismiss the very evidences that prove that truth. I would certainly not like to be called a liar but if the evidence was so overwhelming that I could not produce any response I would have to accept that fact. You on the other hand look at the evidence and dismiss it because you don’t like the person of their ways, thus allowing one who is a liar and corrupter to simply smile and walk into their next devious activity. You are worse than the wrong doer you are an enabler. You cry out for justice while enabling the injustice to spread. I appreciate the efforts Mr Barret makes and find him not only truthful but very refreshing in this world of sweet talking, back patting, phoney boloney, brain dead liberal jerks. As for who you were addressing I couldn't care less if you post it, it becomes open territory and I hope a whole lot more will respond to you the same way I have.
If Mr. Barrett were in it for the good of the people, then that would be one thing. He is not. He wants to be seen and to cause trouble. If he really felt like helping the citizens, the taxpayers the school system or whoever, then he would try a different approach. He has got all of you fooled, and you are feeding his ego. He is not helping anyone.
You go Sara!
Okay, I think I have this figured out now. Someone who enters this country illegally is not an illegal immigrant but an undocumented worker. Someone who willingly decieves or misleads with false information is not a liar but is an undocumented truth teller. Okay, I've got it now. Oh, by the way jerk off, I mean anonymous, you say "If Mr. Barrett were in it for the good of the people, then that would be one thing. He is not. He wants to be seen and to cause trouble." What's the going pay rate for wanting to be seen and cause trouble? That's what I thought, he must really be in it for the good of the people.
Thank you, have a nice life.:@ (That's my OH! face)
Tell me one thing funny blue head, what has he done to help the people? What has changed because of his brilliance? I know. Absolutely NOTHING! He can not lead. He can not convince. He can not persuade. He is great at causing trouble!
Mr barrett, any chance you could scan that Butlers dinner bill for us all to see on this blog.
I tell you one more thing he ain't got. WAB said:
"So if I told you that I have a copy of the total bill you would explain that how? Do you really think with all the scrutiny I'm under that I would make a statement like that without overwhelming proof to back it up?"
He ain't got nothing but the pimples on his butt. Does he really expect us to believe that he has a copy of the total bill? He needs to get real. Give it up, WAB. You do show your posterior when you open up your mouth, or is your posterior and your mouth the same thing?
Sara, Wonderful comments - brilliant. You've stirred the soil & the worms are coming to the surface.
Look at it this way, They are not only corrupting the school system financially, they are the icons of "education & learning" ... FOR OUR CHILDREN!!!
Imagine, hating someone who exposes corruption in the education system. Of all places, what kind of low life would defend & witness for corruption there!
Need to get an injuction to stop the castle construction until we find out the total cost. Need to get a saliva test on people who vote to spend money & won't tell anybody whats going on. acting like the mafia!
What kind of dumb life would believe everything WAB Says?
sara...
Please have someone read my last post to you. I plainly said that my problem with your hero is not with his disclosures of important truths but in the way he presents them. I have never argued with him about his truths. How can I make that any clearer to you?
Yes, I have a high regard for truth, and I can accept it, one way or the other. What I CAN'T accept is the arrogance of one who belittles and talks down to those who disagree with his pompous opinions....be they rooted in "truth" or not! Again, that's not the issue with me.
You call me an enabler and a hypocrite? You call me a hypocrite because I challenge those who are mean and nasty to those they disagree with? You call me an enabler, because I supposedly dismiss obvious truths, thereby lending support to liars? You seem a bit delusional. I'm sorry, but I just cannot bring myself to be a cheerleader for your hero.
75900 You have to talk down to little people or they can't hear & see you. Some people can't hear, & some are just plain old rotton to the core.
I know, you want Allan to carry a pedistal with him - pick Iddy Biddie up - plop him up on the pedistal & tell him, "please tell the truth next time for the ten thousandth time, pretty please?" These people are taking bread out of the mouths of people who are barely making it to build a castle next to Niagra Falls, Pulaski
Trouble is, Iddy Biddie is bigger than all of us - was all hunched down in his chair & looking for a desk to crawl under. Iddy Biddie had frosting on his face & knew everybody knew he'd been eating our cake.
Sunday, March 04, 2007 7:59:00 PM
Y Uh... Sunday, March 04, 2007 7:59:00 PM (aka Barrett basher),there you go again....calling Sara a liar. That's so unbecoming of you, don't you think? You ridiculed her and the others whom you don’t agree with. You condescendingly and arrogantly made reference to their "facts" as being anything but truth. Your truths are not Sara’s truths because they are not your truths.
You see, this gets back to the problem I've had with you from the start. You do NOT know it all, so why don't you tone it down some? I suppose it is pointless to remind you again that the thing you are continually exposing is not your "truths" but rather, your posterior.
GOT IT YET? YOUR POST ARE THE EXACT TONE THAT YOU ACCUSE BARRET’S OF BEING!!!!!!!!!
I do not know you are Mr. Barrett.
SOOOO true - getting a lot of people who can think - shame they're not to be found in the school admin!
Are you guys flatulating, or are you actually trying to say something?
Reporter Barrett already carries his pedestal with him almost everywhere he goes. I'm surprised you didn't know that.
By the way, who called Sara a liar? I don't see it on any post.
Finally, why should I become an investigator? We already have a few know-it-alls who seem to be doing a fine job of investigating everybody....other than themselves.
And Jackson and the four members of the board sit and laugh and laugh and laugh. While ya'll swat at gnats and miss the elephants. While they build a $550,000 building for five people. That figures out to $110,000 worth of office space for each of those important people. Let's see. Jackson. Shirey. Braden. Unknown -probably till see who moves to the courthouse for the financial accounting department - or could be Ferguson. Receptionist. Keep swatting at the gnats while they laugh all the while spending YOUR tax dollars. While your children don't have the materials they need. Funny?
Why do you fight anyone that tries to provide some information on here? Why not take the time to find out for yourself. Then you'd have no doubt of truth or lie. Dare you!
I don't fight anyone who tries to provide information. As I have explained to you many, many times, my problem is with the delivery. I've never fought anyone over what they have to share. But I detest arrogance in any shape, form, or fashion. How can I make that any clearer?
for too nothing nothing nothing - your time sums you up. If you're the arrogance police, you need to visit the board of misdirection.
Perhaps some of you complainers need to visit your local whiners union among other things.
Well, would you look at that clock? I have a real job and must leave now for work. Have a nice day.
Perhaps some of you complainers need to visit your local whiners union among other things.
Well, would you look at that clock? I have a real job and must leave now for work. Have a nice day.
Giddy up go - & make sure you punch in - things would never be the same if no one was there to say, "welcome to WALMART".
Sorry, but I'm a professional. Hard to believe, but true.
Oldest...... OH my goodness - better leave that comment alone
to anonymous of March 9, 2:32:00 PM Yeah, professional jerk!!
73400 were you trying to say prostitute. doesn't fit - lokks more like selling the soul who knows? who cares?
Nope....a professional who opposes those who resort to name-calling and put-downs toward those they disagree with. A true professional is one who may think you're a moron, but you would never hear him/her call you one. Think.
True professional gives an accurate diagnosis and is bound by truth, that would eliminate the bored of education.
BEWARE, T. JACKSON MAY BE TRYING TO PUT A FRIEDLY MEMBER ON THE SCHOOL BOARD TO REPLACE HOUSTON.
What do you mean by friedly?
?? friedly - as opposed to french fried - well done, singed on both sides & ready to do whatever they're told??
You know they meant FRIENDLY why make such a big deal out of a misspelled word?
The bored of education is not a citizen friendly group
mouse who pets friendly cat
cause he likes him a lot
will make the cat fat
more likely than not
Riddler....
You are in league with such notables as Frost and Hemingway. I am impressed to the max!
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