Candidates For School Board
Following are the names of those appearing on the Ballot seeking to be elected to the School Board.
Christie Glover and Ronald Stogner from the 2nd district; Billy Kennedy and Don Story for the 4th
district; Rhonda Turner 6th district. This is your opportunity to speak about the strength and weakness of each candidate.
Christie Glover and Ronald Stogner from the 2nd district; Billy Kennedy and Don Story for the 4th
district; Rhonda Turner 6th district. This is your opportunity to speak about the strength and weakness of each candidate.
posted by Allen Barrett | 10:34 PM
127 Comments:
Just think about it. This is your chance to go negative, smear, and criticize. Isn't that what this is all about?
Funny, that never entered my mind; I thought the purpose of the post was to inform the public of who is running, sounds to me like you're the negative one....And for the record, as I am an "outside" I don't know the candidate's background. I welcome all info, so I can make an educated choice at the polls.
I was merely pointing out that, due to the usual negativity seen on this blog, that here is another golden opportunity to continue the same old thing.
Agreed, most folks are just like you, expecting and therefore receiving negativity. Like I said, I was glad to get the 411 on who was running, but you are right, of the posts will probably be negative, starting with the first one which was yours.
Why do some people think they know more than anyone else, everythin should be there way and like to complain about Mr. Barrett that gives us information.
I get more from this blog than the newspaper.
I don't know who's running for what but what I see on this blog. I haven't been asked to vote for them from any canidate. So I will not go to the poles. Not knowing I might vote for 7-11, 8:09 and that would really upset me.
I am also an "outsider" who does not know these people or their backgrounds and getting back to the original question would anyone posting give some rundown on them? And, by that I mean not run them down but what is their backgrounds, expertise,do they have a personal interest in running, or will they work toward strengthening the school system within a budget? Some of you long time locals please shed light if you know. I could care less if they "ask me for my vote" all I want is the right person for the job and plan to vote for that.
anonymous 1:49
You agreed with me that the usual posts on this blog will probably be negative and then you turn right around and throw stones at me for first pointing that out. Ridiculous.
I happen to be a positive person who gets very tired of all the negative smears and name-calling. You missed the point, and I am not going to get into an argument with you over something we both agree upon.
I'm 1:49 and the "agreed" was sarcastic; the irony of you complaining that everyone was so negative always, and yet you who claim in your last post to be positive, are the first comment predicting the "gloom and doom". As I said, I appreciate the info on who is running, which was ALL that was stated in this thread; you took off with the very first comment, completely and totally negative; while others may also be negative, you have the dubious honor of being first;The topic was strictly an informing one, stating only the candidate's name, any negativity found in the topic was in your own mind.
Sheesh. Talk about aplitting hair! Absolutely ridiculous and hypocritical. You still misunderstand a simple statement and then get your feathers all ruffled.
Why don't you take a deep breath and relax?
4 03, "I get more from this blog than the newspaper." But what you're getting is mostly untrue. Maybe 10% is fact, and that's being generous.
As for the rest, looks like the first poster was right. All these posts and not a single comment on any of the candidates. LOL
Realy I think school board members should not have family members who work for the school system. Is it not conflict of interest if they do? It is my understanding that Stogner's wife is principle at Minor Hill. Jackson has been trying to get people he thinks he can control to run for the school board.
I am the second poster who commented on the negativity of the first poster and I must apologize for straying off topic. I sincerely am sorry. I have an excuse, but not a reason...I have little patience with folks who refuse to acknowledge facts simply because they dislike the messenger and confuse factual information with negativity. Just because we do not like the truth in some situations, does not make the truth any less real....no matter who says it. That being said, from what I've seen of Rhonda Turner, I respect her very much and the positions she has taken on many issues. I do not have any knowledge of the other candidates, but I do agree that it is a conflict of interest for a board member to have a family member employed by the school system, if for no other reason than to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Even if no partiality was ever shown, or favors dispensed, there would always be the perception of those things taking place. Why would any ethical person put themselves in that position? I certainly don't understand, but I truly would like to.
Again, I apologize for going off topic.
from the second blogger
Billy Kennedy's wife, daughter, and son-law also works in the school system at Richland. He is a major suck up for Jackson. This is definitely a conflict of interest.
Billy Kennedy definately needs to keep T. Jackson happy and he's doing an exceptional job at that. Has he every voted against anything Jackson wanted? But when you look at it, not only school board members who have family benefiting, but look at Commissioners Holt, Rose Brown, Reedy, James Harwell have they ever voted no on anything T. Jackson wanted? 4th District vote for Don Story, he has no conflict of interest that I know of.
You should consider conflicts of interest when deciding who to vote for. But it's just as important to consider if the candidate has a hidden agenda. Is it really to do what's best for the schools, or is the candidate's purpose to try to put themself in a position to do harm to somebody or get something they want? I've heard that Storey's family members has a lawsuit against the school system. Could that be the real reason he's running? If it is, will he devote any time to doing anything else but that? Just a question voters should consider I think.
510 sounds like a message from TJ.
Vote the 2 incumbants out or find youself taxed out! Don't hate them or anything like that - just love were I live & don't want to be taxed out.
7/18 @5:10 So you "heard" about a law suit? Did you check it out? Probably is public record if their is pending litigation. Did you call Mr. Story? I did. He didn't say anything about wanting on the school board so he could get more money. Actually, he said he'd been thinking about running for about a year. He said he would vote the way he thinks the people of the 4th district wants him to vote, NOT the way TJ wants him to vote. He also said he would answer his phone, or if not home, would return calls left on his answering machine. How refreshing! To have an elected official that is willing to speak AND listen to what others have to say.
So, instead of "this is what I heard" which is nothing more than rumor and probably not true, try picking up the phone, call Billy Kennedy and Don Story and ask them the same questions. That is, if you can get Billy Kennedy to answer the phone or call you back after leaving a message on his answering machine.
7/18 @5:10 So you "heard" about a law suit? Did you check it out? Probably is public record if their is pending litigation. Did you call Mr. Story? I did. He didn't say anything about wanting on the school board so he could get more money. Actually, he said he'd been thinking about running for about a year. He said he would vote the way he thinks the people of the 4th district wants him to vote, NOT the way TJ wants him to vote. He also said he would answer his phone, or if not home, would return calls left on his answering machine. How refreshing! To have an elected official that is willing to speak AND listen to what others have to say.
So, instead of "this is what I heard" which is nothing more than rumor and probably not true, try picking up the phone, call Billy Kennedy and Don Story and ask them the same questions. That is, if you can get Billy Kennedy to answer the phone or call you back after leaving a message on his answering machine.
IF Storys family members, does have a pending lawsuit against against the school system, would this not give him first hand knowledge of the problems. He would probably try harder to make things better. Kennedy has had a chance to improve things, now lets give Story a shot at it.
Nice people are the most dangerous of all when they are brain dead and obedient. Harsh words, maybe, but consider the huge tax demands they have made over the past couple years, in spite of record tax revenues!
Simple fact is, the two incumbentas need to GO & we need someone who will protect the citizens!
Well I happen to know for a fact that one of Kennedy's family members was the cause of the lawsuit. Talking about costing the taxpayers money. Kennedy needs to go! School Board members should not be running to pad their pockets through having their kinfolk employed by the County but instead School Board Members should be running on the platform of providing our Children the best possible instructional teachers, the Best Administrators, the best facilities, the best books, the best subjects, the best of labs and computers, the best and safest of everything. This should be the utmost desire of a School Board Member. There again, I said best for STUDENTS NOT SELF AND FAMILY MEMBERS. Stogner and Kennedy, can you really say that's why you're running?
I owe no allegiance to Stogner and Kennedy, but would like to ask a question. Why do they owe YOU an explanation as to why they have decided to run?
As a voter I think I should know why someone would run for office. Do they think they can do a better job than who is there now? Or, do they want the job to further their personal agenda? Are they going to be assessable to the people they represent? I think if I ask why they decided to run for office, the candidate should have an answer. And, I base my vote on the answers I hear.
9:05, I followed your advice and checked it out, and it IS a lawsuit. If you can call it that, everybody I talked to says it's ridiculous. And guess whose involved in it? One of Kennedy's family members. I never said anything about Storey wanting money, but I'd say that does qualify as having an agenda that isn't about the schools. Sounds more like being out to get somebody to me. And 11:33, talking about costing the taxpayers money. Their suing because they say its not fair at basketball games that the girls have to play the first game instead of getting to play the second game like the boys. I don't really care for Kennedy, but I'm sure not voting for anybody who would waste taxpayers money on something so frivalous and ridiculous.
The best of everything (money) will not educate the children. School should be about learning, logic, problem solving, etc. If there is no problem to solve, they'll never learn how to solve one. If you can't see that spending many times the inflation rate only bring more drop outs & fudged reports, you're going to get more adversity, not less.
A zero tolerance politically correct enviornemt that teaches tolerance is intolerable of learning. hmmm.
Example if what is heard is heard right. (herd mentality) If a dilligent group of citizen representatives calls a subject out of order for using a four letter word (not a real vulgar word), it might get me upset for censorship. On second thought - It's really appreciated cause it shows some respect that I where slip up. Therefore, I think good things of the podiummeister & his faithful. Really do if true.
Then, we think of what it is they're doing - a meeting where ansewrs are supposed to enlighten the subjects, but from some we hear silence & stupor. Then, it comes clear that the silence is related to covering for the omnipotent "corrupt one". Is the kinda bad word worse than coveting, deception, lying, taking things away from you (stealing?)? Maybe no if you're improving. I would imagine the good side of it is improvement - somewhere between slow and fastly imoroving - maybe half-fast instead of half-slow.
Anonymous 7:22
Does your post refer to the recent meeting where a member of the public used the word 'damn' in the comment presented? If thats the one you refer to where Bill Holt declared the person 'out of order' for saying damn I just sat there laughing because Bill Holt on more than one occassion has spoken a few choice words in my ear, and I'm a woman. Now Holts words to me were very much out of order so next time I will call him out on it. Concluded Bill Holt didnt like what was being said in the meeting.
3:55 a.m. The Kennedys don't have anything to do with the lawsuit. The parents are suing for discrimination because of the time the girls play. It is ridiculous. The girls play first in all counties that I know of. Kennedy is no longer coach so he has nothing to do with it at all. The parents are the ones wasteing tax payer dollars.
445 sounds like a good idea - the bad word is nothing compared to the bad liars & cheaters - & must apply double for those who obstruct to cover for the bad liars & cheaters - Skoo admin. a real bad environment that needs to be cleaned out yesterday!
All I know is that T. Jackson can never make a sound decision about anything. I have been to him several times as a parent about things that has went on at my childs school and it is a waste of time to go and talk to him. He acts as if he is in left field. And for those of you supporting Rhonda Turner GOD Bless You All she really has you FOOLED!!!!!!!1
Has anyone really called the family who is suing Billy Kennedy's son-in-law. You might find justification about why he was being sued. Several more girls will be called to come forward with some of the same complaints that the Pierce girl had to endure.
Don Storey will do what is right. Billy Kennedy didn't. He did as Tee told him to. I hope that when Fred Lindsay resigns he will come forward and tell what Tee told him or promised his daughter to get his vote as well.
Christie Glover will do a great job in the Minor Hill area. She has alot of kids that have been in the system and is familiar with the ends and outs of the schools. She is a good person and will dedicate herself to being an honest board member.
Rhonda Turner is doing a good job as a board member and that is all that matters
So vote Glover, Storey and Turner.
Lindsey daughter is the receptionist. That is all she has ever been promised. You are barking up the wrong tree there.
Not voting glover storey or turner
11:36 Why? The reason may be you don't live in any of the districts. You only have one choice, and you have to live in districts 2, 4, or 6 to have a vote.
Stogner is an honest and fair man. So what his wife is a principal. If anything this strengthens his qualifications. We need people on the school board who care about education. Lisa Stogner is a fine administrator who cares about the children and their education. Ronnie would be an asset to the School Board and this community.
The Pearces have several law suits against the school system. Don't know if any of them justified or not, but from what I've heard their all ridiculous. Just wanting to stir trouble sounds like to me. How are they related to Story anyway?
Stogner on the school board would be a simple clone of Kennedy, and quicker with the Jackson yes than Norman on steroids.
5;51 PM You sure hit the nail on the head.
Your opinions suck!
Maybe so but my vote counts.
Mr. Jackson and Mr. Kennedy are footing Stogners bill. Mr. Kennedy went around and got Stogners signatures to qualify to run. Why??? So Jackson can keep his votes stacked. The Stogners may be good people but I have witnessed Mrs. S humiliating students and making them feel about an inch tall.
Why did her school eighth grade class go from 80+ to 40 +. She is losing students just like the high school is to Cornersville.
There could be a variety of reasons why the eighth grade class at Minor Hill has dropped in number. Maybe the quality of the teachers is falling, maybe the food sucks, maybe the parents know that if they get their kids into Cornersville early, they won’t have any trouble doing so when they are in High School...
For you all to sit here and say that the class has droped more than half due to the principal, is stupid.
11:18 regardless of the reason don't you think it odd that many people left the school system? Does it seem odd that so many would leave the high school and provide their own transportation to Cornersville with gas four dollars a gallon? Doesn't this fact by itself tell you there are some major problems in the school system? Ask any of the Realtors in town how many people have left this county or chose not to move here because of the schools. Why of all the counties in middle Tenn. are we the only county with a diminishing population?
Understood 2:21, there are some terrible teachers & administrators in this county. That does not mean that there are not good teachers and administrators in this county. However, to say that the principal of the Minor Hill School is the reason that students are flocking to Cornersville, is narrow minded.
Narrow-minded is when you refuse to look at any other reasons for a cause. I looked at a number of other things and the problem comes right back to the school system. I fully agree that there are some good teachers and administrators in this system but they have allowed the bad seeds to infest and dominate the whole thing so that morale is at rock bottom for all. Jackson has beat down and manipulated to the point every child in the system is suffering. Putting two more yes votes on the board in Stogner and Kennedy would only make the situation worse, much worse.
My children attend MHS and most of the teachers there are wonderful. Stogner needs to learn how to treat the children. She is such a joke. She does not speak to a parent unless she needs their help with something. She treats the children with no respect and looks down on certain people. Try to attend some the school functions and see how stupid she makes her self look. I know for one that she kisses Jackson's butt. She was a wonderful teacher until she took over administrator and let it go to her head. She is under Jackson's wing and we don't need her husband doing Jackson anymore favors.
How convenient to blame the principal for the loss of students. I believe the real reason Giles County may be losing population is because there are no jobs here. But of course a small faction of people would blame that on the crook who are running this county. Ridiculous!
How could there be no jobs in the county when we pay an indusrtial recruiter over a 100 thousand dollars a year in salary and benefits. Oh, I forgot that's the mayor and we shouldn't criticize him or other officials. Sorry.
If it were in a novel (mayor serving as "industrial recruiter") the strange dual salary would be so obvious. But, here in Giles County the sublime and rediculous are mixed with the norm and acceptable. When the lines of acceptable practice do blur we end up paying the cost in court settlements or hire more people to come into compliance. If only there were enough of us related to or friends with those we elected to acquire these jobs.
If we would stop trying to mimick NY City & San Fransicko we might appeal to new busines and residents. With a school board and director who come up with new taxes & huge spending increases every year, I doubt anyone would risk investing here - home or business. Add to it no time to listen to citizens or even answer their questions! Jail threats if you dare demand to speak to them!
Ever hear of innovation, making things work, respecting citizens, doing without frills so the unfortunate in this sick economy can feed their children? hell no, it's gimme gimmie, gimmy.
GC is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Good people & hard workers who know how to make things work. Best hunting anywhere. Still low taxes compared to the waste lands of liberalism. If you can't sell that, you're brain dead.
Ahh, but that's the problem - not enough sense to realize this is supposed to be a free country, not tyranny. Correct one liddy biddy area & this could be the place to be. Clean up the school administration - vote some new blood in that will sent Mr. J back to Alabama!
If we do not get some new school board members with some guts enough to speak out we will never get rid of Jackson.
anonymous...
All I was saying is that you cannot blame the decline in population on the principal of MHS. Absolutely profound!
This area is nothing like Cali or NY and could never be the tax base they are without the deep pockets they hold. Or could they? I mean what will the market bear here? Will the local citizens allow their property taxes to go up again to pay for Sam Davis? Will they let the local sales tax go up (second highest in state) again to keep locals from buying here? Gas is high but if it means saving on sales tax and getting more shopping why not go out of town? Just go less often and enjoy a day of more dining options, large malls,movie theaters, and more (Franklin is not that far)?
If we could capitalize on the areas beauty and offer that rare commodity of a balanced budget, living within our tax base means, leaders who embrace where they came from and are not trying to be "like" somewhere else. Change is slow to happen but even slower in these tough economic times. When industry is leaving who can afford to pay? If you could get industry to come in you have to offer good schools, good taxes, a friendly atmosphere with low crime and if all this is not available at least a work force that is skilled and educated. If not that then offer the one thing that cannot be offered in other municipalities....small town with a big heart. People who embrace newcomers and look out for their neighbors. A natural beauty that can see what it is that differentiates them from all the other neighboring counties and adds to that good leadership that works within budget. Don't sellout the town with a bottled water plant, or the land with a rock quarry or landfill. Don't let the most profitable business be a recycling metal plant belching out smoke and leaching who knows what into the water table? In the time of going green how about our natural foods produced locally or goods? Why not bring in those who can appreciate living in the "land of milk and honey"? Probably because the rate of cancer is high here, short sighted standards of operation, a lack of imagination, or is it just that nagging skepticism that runs rampant throughout? Keep things the same and keep the same people in office or someone they like and know. Keep the paper printing non challenging stories and at all cost avoid a lawsuit. Or, at least avoid admitting you were at fault and settle. It's taxpayer dollars after all and we can afford it here right? Most of you do make over 100,000 a year right? No one is fearing another gas hike, job loss, or losing your health and health insurance? Who is going to pay for you or your families bills when the population declines further and industry closes?
We must consider the priceless assets we have & the fact that nearly all are free! Take the new admin complex on the side of the hill - probably much more than a million in both, and what do we have? A "Hud" looking dwelling smaller than most homes, stuffed in the side of a hill amongst other nondescriptive dwellings, serving as a nest for bureaucrats. If you can afford the gas, drive through the countryside & see some real beauty - some breath taking!
As for Sam Davis Park - a $2.5 million investment for 5 high school games is a $500,000 investment per game - $50,000 per game if 10% interest / capital cost! The pitiful part is the fact that the real beauty & utility of the park is already there! Bleachers - yes - $100K?! Porta-potties work! If the admin can't figure out how to build an outhouse with running water, replace them. A concrete monument to Holt should be a bad joke, but it isn't! Cutting a $5 million boondoggle in half to a $2.5 million boondoggle is still a boondoggle - jacksonomics for screw you again! Somebody is fixin to get rich at our expense.
It seems reasonable that Sam Davis needs to be fixed. But how many games or uses does it really get? Before 2.5 million is spent on it consider how to get donated labor, corporate sponsors, or any other avenue but going forward with taxes? If we cannot afford to do it....it cannot be done PERIOD!!! Maybe they rely on the passion of those who have children in school using it or those who have attended a game there? How will these same folks embrace it after their property taxes go up or more businesses shut down from the lack of support? I won't shop in Pulaski it sales tax go up. Why pay more for groceries, gas, and supplies when you can get it cheaper in Columbia or Athens and find more to shop for.
One has to stare at the artist’s rendition of the proposed bleacher section to comprehend a situation of endless bricks creating something that looks like a Hunter Smith Building vision of the future. It will not rejuvenate Bill Holt or anyone else with fond memories of their youth. Tour the town & see who could better use their money! What is education, choices, and value?
It isn't the cement seats or the hemorrhoids their parents got from sitting on them. It was the game and the fellowship of a few children playing and sometimes doing things they thought they couldn't do. The game doesn’t change because there is or isn’t $2.5 million in bricks under the spectators’ rear end. To another’s point, a little organization effort from those who are supposed to be teaching it, would bring in an endless stream of volunteers and equipment that would leave a bigger and more indelible imprint on everyone, than anything $2.5 million could ever buy!
Part of the reasons our taxes are so high is that people do not even try to shop localy. Just look at the ads in the Nashville papers when the state teachers meeting is taking place. Many people will spent fifty dollars or more to save thirty. Do you think Maury and Davidson county care what our tax rate is? Wake up people and try to keep as much of our tax dollars at home as possible
According to the statistics the sales taxes will be paid by visitors to Giles County? How attractive will this county be to visitors buying anything locally if the sales tax is high? The local merchants are barely keeping the doors open now and put a sales tax on top of it? If that does not work pay for renovations by jacking up the property taxes again? I agree that cement seats and brick piers would look as sterile and industrial contrasting the look of the area. Bottom line is we cannot afford it and just like Hunter Smith no one is listening. Why not spend more to get out of town if your town does not support your wises? Unfortunately, the ones that get punished are the stores and we lose MORE merchants as well as pushing out a tax base that might choose to move here. Why move here and pay more sales tax or more property tax and get less or lose industry? Does this not seem obvious as a bad idea? I guess not because we are still wrangling with the Hunter Smith money pit and the square gets smaller and smaller all the time losing stores.
Have you checked to see how many counties in the state have maxed out their sales tax, and if the surrounding counties have maxed out theirs? I didn't think so!
You know, if we continue to half ass do everything, we will continue to get half ass results. Our high school MUST have a place to play football. There are a million different ways to obtain one. The leaders of this county believe that Sam Davis Park is where this should be, and that a quarter percent sales tax is the fairest way to pay for it.
If the voters say no, then a new stadium may have to be built. This will be done with property taxes. Or funds will have to be raised elsewhere to renovate Sam Davis. This could be property taxes.
Either way, put youself in the shoes of the school board, the couty commission and/or the board of mayor and aldermen. What would you do? Playing on the road every game is a bad option!
Has anyone found out yet which college or university awards "degrees" in real estate appraisal? I'd sure like to know.
To respond to 3:42 here is a breakdown comparing our sales tax to Brentwood which is 2.25% to our current 2.50. Most of the areas nearby are less or the same as now. Here is how TN figures on taxes borrowed from another blogger who stated it well:
Most areas are 9.25% sales tax in Middle TN, but depending on county, it might go as high as 9.75%. You have the state portion that is 7% and then the county/city portion is added to that (which is 2.25 to 2.75). So generally, you are at 7.75% on foods and 9.25% on most everything else. We have no state or local income taxes, which if you're coming from an area where you were taxed on multiple levels of your income, it's a huge difference. Property taxes vary from county to county, but overall they are low in comparison to many other areas. Generally 1% of purchase price or in some counties much less.
I'm going to borrow a quote from tnkudzu who broke everything down nicely in another thread...
There is no Sales Tax on purchasing Real Estate.
There is no Tennessee Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate or Stocks.
There is no Income Tax in TN.
There is a 6% Tax on Dividends and Interest with Exemptions: The first $1,250 in taxable income received by a single filer is exempt. The first $2,500 in taxable income received by a joint filer is exempt.
There is a Real Estate Transfer Tax of $0.37/100 and a Mortgage principle Tax of $0.115/$100.00 with a $2000 exemption.
There is a State Sales Tax of 5.5% on Food Items and 7% on tangible personal property + variable County/City Tax.
Vehicle and Boat purchases are taxed different. The State Tax at 7% plus the County Local Option Tax with a max limit. The Tax on a $20,000 car would be $1,400 State Sales Tax and $44.00 for a County with 2.75% sales tax.
Federal Capital Gains Taxes apply no matter what state you reside in. On Owner occupied Real Estate when you sell your primary residence, you can make up to $250,000 in profit if you're a single owner, $500,000 if you're married, and not owe any tax.
The property you're selling must be your principal residence. That means you live in it. This tax break doesn't apply to a house or other property that you have solely for investment purposes. In those cases, the usual capital gains rules apply.
You can, however, turn a rental house into your primary residence, making the sale of it eligible for the exclusion. This is accomplished when you meet the IRS use and ownership tests: You own and live in the home for two out of the five years before the sale.
So maybe this breaks it down nicely or maybe it still makes sense to raise sales taxes or property taxes to you? Not to me!!
400 must be one of the school droolers - A property tax increase isn't an option no more than the sales tax! You must have some fingers in the $2.5 million pie a few crooks are slobbering over. If you're too good to sit on metal bleachers, then play in the road & you can sit on the shoulder of it! If you don't like that, move to Brentwood!
It's like the school bus crap - Jackson has money for everything imaginable now, but if you don't give him millions more by taxes or raiding funds, there isn't enough to replace busses. It isn't a matter of stupidity, it's crooks acting like clowns!
No, I'm not against bleachers in Sam Davis Park. I'm dead set against a bunch of crooks spending $2.5 million for something that might cost $100,000.
We're fed up with your boondoggles & tax threats!
Is there a law that says Giles County must have a football program? No, there isn't but it has become far more important and expensive than any educational program in the county school system.
By the way how many football players received football scholarships at a university over the past ten years?
I think that we need a stadium. How to do it is another question. 2.5 million is ridiculous though. There is too much being put to the football program at GCHS already. You would think nothing else matters. If we put as much effort into getting qualified teachers as we do in recruiting football coaches we would have the best high school in the state!!!
I would like for you to tell me exactly how much is being put to the football team at GCHS?
There is more than one group or school that plays at Sam Davis Park. You have Bridgeforth 1 team, Minor Hill 1 team, GCHS 3 teams
(Freshman, JV, Varsity)and also the Pop Warner League which has anywhere from 6 to 15 teams, the park and bathrooms are also used by several baseball teams and the county's school bands and I'm sure there are other organizations who have used it. It is not fair to blame it all on the High Schools team.
And I would also like to say my son plays football and it's not just a question of how many get a scholarship, he will be a teenager only once in his life and this will probably be the only time he gets to play a game that he truly loves to play, you only get one chance in life to be a kid and I would like my son to enjoy it while he can he will forced to grow up soon enough. And if that
means that we have to travel to another school every game so be it, we will do what we have to do.
There is no way to tell how much actual money it cost to operate the football program including the band etc. Much of the money and time is donated and much gets diverted into coaches salaries etc. One reason some are so angry is the fact so much is hidden from the public. How much of gate receipts go to coaches and where is that reflected in any budget? How much is made off the concession stands and where is that reflected in any budget? These are questions that the school board should be asking and providing some answers but don't.
They don't want the public to know all these things. We are suppose to supply the money and keep our mouths shut. They know better than we do about all of these things.
This thread moved to it's own subject heading.
How much money could be saved if more people would dig into the figures. Follow the money!! The stadium plan that an architect was hired to present is nothing more than a high school drafting class could have presented. And, the work could be done with local donations. Why does that seem feasible to those of us who are living within our means? If you do not have the money stop spending and find another way. I do not recall any mention to the community about needing these repairs and what could be donated? There are graduate architects that would have given their time, builders who should donate materials and time, and a LOT of us willing to roll up our sleeves and do what it takes. So much is hidden in who and how those contracts go out and why it costs so much.If we do not want it then too bad it will come through sales or property taxes so pick?
656 - you need to be running for the school board. Common sense could save this county!
If we don't get change on the schoolboard and dump jackson, this county will never amount to anything & children will grow up to be scam artists.
Nobody answered that question about a real estate appraisal "degree". I want to know the name of the university or college that awards them.
I agree anonymous 2:30, can someone please divulge that information?
Stop being a butt. Degree, license - how cares. At least Terry Harwell made the effort to help prepare himself for the job. Good luck to him.
this is for the school board heads not the tax assayers.
If you like Kennedy, give him retirement party, a gold watch, & tell hi he's a nice person.
If you like children & want a school system that isn't laughing stock of middle TN, vote for a change. We need someone who demand integrity in the dorector office & get rid of Jackson. Need someone who will hold the Jackson gags feet to the fire!
to the doubting thomas who keeps asking about a degree. evident you are the one who needs the edukayshun cause you obviously have a computer and i would guess a phone. why not put your fingers to use - get em out of your nose - call up some tennessee universities and colleges and ask what all you can get a degree in or go on line and do a search. be constructive other than whining and circling back around on here planting your skepticism and nonsense. i'd suggest you get a tall glass of lemonade first cause degrees are out there in most everything from animal psychology to art history to most any subject you could think of heck maybe even pitting cherries. my guess is just like about twenty other subjects that readily come to mind - you can put out the cashola and time to pay for the real classes at accredited colleges/univs and obtain a degree or you can get a certificate from a whole bunch of other places like training groups or a license from a state agency. agree with other poster at least some running for office have taken the time to actually be able to do the job. are you bothered because you have only the certificate or license and not the degree? just wundering?
Hear the ability to elect superintendents is coming back up in legislator. Anybody else heard an update?
Ok, point taken. But I would still like to know which iniversity or college award a degree in real estate appraisal. If it's legitimate, then advise me on where I could obtain such a degree. Thanks.
Okay to the smart ass that keeps saying at least one of the candidates has a degree. Well??? That is yet to be proven. Hearsay. Do you understand? Spout, spout, spout, now produce some results if you want you candidate(if this is your candidate) taken seriously. Don't get defensive and act like a democrat, I mean baby.
anonymous...
Relax and calm down before you rupture a blood vessel or something. I simply asked a legitimate question that calls for an answer. You didn't like the question, so you resort to name-calling. Then you suggest that I am acting like a democrat? HARDLY SO!
By the way, I am not the only one who questions the credential. Again, relax, ok?
My post 4:26 is not the same person as,4:00. A candidate can not be taken seriously when they or someone that supports them, spout off they have credentials when they have to date NOT proven it. The reason the whole "degree" is being mentioned is because someone posted he had a degree. Now, its put up or shut up, if you want the degree to be considered as a credential for being able to do the job. If you have a problem with it, then I suggest you shut up about the degree.
Okay folks, the title of this subject is on CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD. No one running for school board is claiming to have a degree in real estate appraisal. Go to the other subject where this pertains, PLEASE!!
8-1-856 You got it all wrong. TJ got the realestate and degree - turn your back or go to sleep & he'll have your realestate!
lOOK'S LIKE OLE TJ IS AT IT AGAIN TAKING ALL THE SECRETARIES OUT TO LUNCH ON OUR MONEY AGAIN. HOPE THEY ALL HAD A GOOD LUNCH I HAD CHEESE AND CRACKERS BUT THEN I PAID FOR MY OWN.
CHANGE THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTE FOR NEW PEOPLE
Wish I was in the 4th district so I could vote for Story. I think he would do a good job. He did a good job when he worked at Gabriel.
I can't understand the school board majority - lots of education but can't add things up or deduce right from wrong. Are they a bunch of flaming liberals, old fashioned crooks?? what are they up to???
Just need to get some more new blood in there & clean up their act!
anonymous 8:07
No, It's not that they are a bunch of flaming luberals or old fashioned crooks. I think your problem with them is mostly born of jealousy and total mistrust for anyone you guys don't like.
The one who mentioned the "degree" is the candidate. I saw it in a newspaper ad, but I understand he rephrased it to say he had the training and education for the job. A subtle difference?
TO 12:15: I am Jackson's biggest critic, I think he is a phony, two=faced and totaly incompetant. That being said, your remarks have probably undone any good that the imformed public has learned about the man....Just how do you know he took the secretary out to lunch, maybe she took him...maybe he paid with personal funds, maybe she paid, and he was after all, eating in Giles County which is a constant gripe on here about him spending money in that foreign country of Alabama you so snidely refer to. And since the restaurant was extremely close to his office, not a lot of "our" gas dollars were spent. Cheese and crackers are a pretty filling, probably healthier lunch than most had....like I said, I'm no fan of T's, but he does have a right to lunch, and you need to worry about real issues, there are enough out there....You can't possibly know the circumstances of the payment for that meal unless you are the secretary who was there, and I know for a fact that you weren't....grow up, worry about important things, quit undermining the credibility of real issues..
So you must have been the one having free lunch on the county.
It wasn't "a" secretary, generic term, it was a party of eight, had it been only one secretary there might be some question as to who paid but it was eight and the bill was paid by Jackson and yes he used his "community outreach" fund account. I may not have been in the room at Legends with you but you had to walk through the restaurant to get to the room.Do you think everyone in this town is blind?
Why in the world would Jackson (anyone) take 8 secretaries out to lunch on company money? That doesnt happen in the real world. If you invite a group out to lunch you pay for it out of your personal funds. Where did 8 secretaries come from? Did this happen after July 1 this year? We can see the receipt at Garner's office.
How would ANYONE know how the lunch was paid for? Was a school credit card used? I don't think so since there are none. How would you have any way of knowing how the lunch was paid for? 12:15 you are being absolutely ridiculous. I think that Jackson has a right to take the secretaries out to lunch as a show of appreciation for their hard work. And by the way you can't even count, it was a party of seven, six secretaries and Jackson. You can't even gets those facts right. It is people like you that spread lies that make this stuff unbelievable in the first place. Yes, I was at Legends too and thought it was a nice gesture on Jackson's part. Please stop spreading things that you don't know as facts!! Get the facts straight before you post.
How is eating out a "community outreach" and coming from that fund when it is staff? If the staff is so hard working it must be in eating out and disputing anyone who disagrees with who pays the bills?
Nope, I was, like you, only it was peanut butter/crackers; Like I said, I don't care for Jackson any more than you do, I just thinking jumping to conclusions makes the legitimate concerns about Jackson's ethics and behavior, and there are plenty of those, believe me, I know seem fabricated.....I want him gone more than anybody! But when there is an easy explanation for his actions that quite possibly are for once not unethical, well....you've just given him the ammunition to explain away every single REAL gripe on this blog. Now Jackson can say how everything is a deliberate attempt to smear him and point to your comment as an example. I don't know if the lunch was at taxpayer expense, but the possibility that it may not have been at least gives the folks who want to be part of the solution and not just mud-sling the appearace of objectivity and are not members of some professional whiners group. We have the same objective, get Jackson out, but I would rather it be for real ethical violations, rather than eating lunch that he MAY have not even footed the bill for.
If you were eating cheese and crackers how would you know that there was a party of eight eating lunch? Those people are entitled to a lunch hour. I don't believe it is anyones business when someone takes their staff to lunch. Please provide proof that "community outreach" whatever that is, paid for their lunch. Did you see how it was paid for, have you seen an expense sheet or even a receipt. You are barking up the wrong tree and simply trying to stir trouble where there is no reason. Get onto something that is real and quit telling lies.
What makes anyone think that Jackson paid for the meal? Unless one of the secretaries is blabbing their mouth. The only one I can think of with a big mouth is Kathy Beasley!!
12:58 has a point that even if this were not legitimate there are bigger issues and money drains then lunch. Although, if it is right whether small or large that's wrong. It is unethical to pay the bill for a lunch with funds intended for another area (if that rumor is true). But, obviously not something that this community would consider big enough to be indignant. It would seem his secretaries would have asked to pay for their own bill if they did see how it was paid? Maybe they consider themselves members of a community and this is his way of reaching out? That is if any of this is true.
"Community Outreach" is how one of Tee Jackson's expense accounts is shown in the school budget. This is the one in which he can spend up to $99 and only have to present a receipt, no questions asked.
The beat goes on with respect to crucifying Tee Jackson. I saw him the other day, and I told him that he was a far better person than me because of how he handles all the smearing. And you know what? He never said one negative thing about the know-it-alls! That's class i n my book.
Do get class and arrogance mixed up. It's not class but the arrogance of feeling superior and above the people. It's not class that causes him to call Danny Hickman out to his car instead of going into his office at the bus garage. It's not class when he lies to everyone in the county about no new money being available to the school system. It's not class when he tells the principals one thing while doing another. It's not class when he tells school teachers there is no money for raises then takes one for himself. He don't have class he has elitism.
It wasn't class that got him $1,000,000 new office with the excuse the other building was falling down, but low and behold the new building was built and the old one is still in use-must have not been in too bad of shape.
It's not class that takes him home to Athens, Ala when his contract states he is suppose to be living in Giles County.
It's not class that makes out a budget all by ones self and than has other people pretend they had a hand in it.
It's not class to make out the school calendar all by yourself when there is a committee to do it and than have them pretend they had something to do with it.
Has the thought occurred to you the reason he did not say anything is because most of the things being said are true.
It's not class to use money from people who are already struggling to get by to get what you want for yourself.
It's not class to let people do what they want just to keep their vote on your side.
728 - some pretty good reasons to put new blood in the school board.
The schoolboard can put an end to this crazyness, but that will only happen after we change the board.
It's very difficult to demand change of someone you have learned to respect because of the position of trust they hold and the things they say. What they do can be entirely different! Unfortunately they are either gullible, not sharp enough to figure out what is going on, or a wolf in sheeps clothing. Bottom line, if you see smoke and fire, it's a fire.
Several citizens have publicly made very serious charges of impropiety by the director. Instead of openly confronting the charges with an open mind, the board not only accepts "I didn't do nothing wrong", they forcefully deny discussion with threats of arrest and jail That is an abomination in a body that pretends to be directing the education of society!
Aside from one, maybe two directors, they are not doing their job and their actions are aiding & abetting fraud in the name of public education. It's a "couldn't be worse" situation that demands change, not blind respect.
I'm sure that you and those who think like you are getting your information secondhand!
744 What is the first hand scoup?I see the end result & never hear anything to the contrary - please explain.
I want his job!! Spend up to $99 for "community outreach" and not explain a thing. Some have to shop at the dollar store and he gets to shop at the anything is $99 and we get to pay? How is it possible to have so much control and so few to challenge it? Yes indeed I WANT HIS JOB!! The only problem is if I did have it my sleep would get messed up and I might choke on that food!
To 7:44 Perhaps some are getting their info second hand, but it's accurate. Where would you suggest we get info when the bosses are closed mouth and totally untrustworthy. You on the other hand are obviously getting your information from the guy with his hand in your back working your mouth.
I call it class, and you call it elitism. This only proves that we are entitled to our own opinions. You have yours, and I have mine.
Again, for you big dummies who think you know everything. Its not that he doesn't have to account for his purchase and/or explain them........it is that he does not have to have a receipt for them. There is a difference!
4x03 agreed - it's all in the eyes & values of the beholder.
The man is slick, smooth, convincing, and eloquent. If you have a dime, he'll get it! You call it class. Crooks are always impressed by the best in their trade. Did you mean clasic crook?
I call a crook a crook because a crook is a crook. If you had said a crook with class, we might you weren't a crook too; but, you admire him & what he does.
If Tee Jackson can spend in amounts of $99 without a receipt that would be against the law. That just does not make sense. Who in their right mind would not get a receipt for any expenditure.
How did Jackson come up with the money to pay for the teacher's luncheon on inservice day. He announced it was being paid for by the board of ed. Dollars to donuts it was money from Alsup Insurance. Known fact they give money as a thank you to GCshool system to show appreciation.
Same way he comes up with the money for anything else he wants, out of your pocket.
Sounds like an IRS problem - private sector can't feed the grunts unless it's included in income as wages of the peoplr getting the benefits.
I'm sure the grunts would rather have a raise than listen to TJ over yummies to get fatter on.
Sorry but us "dummies" just find that anything under $99 without a receipt or carte blanc is wrong. I can think of a lot of things under $99 to spend on. Without having to show how or where that went...all the better. It must not bother enough citizens or maybe (like me) they just do not know. What is the point of having accountability if small change is $99? Again, it is my tight budget thinking and not the "spend it, it's not my problem" that gets in the way.
Again, you dummy, he still must account for the spending!
He must account for the spending!
He must account for the spending!
Interpret it however you like, but he must account for the spending! If he foolishly spends, then the financial manager should bring it to someone's attention. However, he must account for the money, he just does not have to have a receipt for anything under $100.00
If anyone at WKSR wonders why they have such a small listening audience
it's not just because of the crummy music but just look at their reporting of the election results we
found out the school board results in Lawrence County before we learn about the school board in Giles. We're told that the tax increase passes but they don't have the numbers. Amazing, just amazing.
Is it possible that sanity may return to the school board with the newly elected members? Could this be the beginning of the end to the Jackson express? Clearly the voters have spoken loudly that they are fed up with the way the schools are being run.
Under Financial Management Jackson MUST have a receipt for everything spent. Garner will be in trouble if she does not have receipts on hand for the auditors. Lets face it, everything you spend you are issued a receipt. There is not excuse or reason not to have one unless you are hiding your expenditures.
To anonymous of the 7 Aug 9:26 post.
I have to wonder what you mean when you say he has to account for the spending. The contract requires that he merely submit a receipt for anything under $100.00.
This is the statement from the contract, "The Board agrees to furnish the Director with a community relations expense account with any expenditures exceeding $100.00 to be approved by the Board. This expense shall be beyond the usual travel/expense account. This account shall be job related expenditures incurred through business lunches, etc. with persons internal or external to the school system. Receipts shall be provided to the business office for payment for such expenditures."
There is no requirement for approval, and no oversight, no question about if it was appropriate or even business related all that is required is that a receipt be submitted. There isn't even a line item where the money is tracked and that dear lady is uncontrolled spending. Allen Barrett
11:35, "Clearly the voters have spoken loudly that they are fed up with the way the schools are being run."
vote doesnt necessarily mean that at all. may mean they didnt agree with the decisions of the individual persons who were on the board. may mean they just didnt like that those voted out were related to people who work for the board. may mean they have a vendetta against the family of those board members. may mean those who won are just more popular people in the community. may mean some just campaigned harder than others. may mean the few people who came out to vote were related to those who won. could mean any number of things. its amazing how some people are so full of themselves.
You may think what you won't just like the rest of us, but I think if you took a survey over majority would say their tired of the way the school board is being runned. You know I have already heard that Jackson is trying to get to the new board members elected. I can say for one that I hope they find some way to get his ass back to Athens.
It's one thing to be full of one's self when one knows right from wrong & has the presence to do something about it. (WAB?)
It's quite another thing when one is full of dung, thinks everyone should wallow in it with you, and has the presence to drag others into it by connivery. (YOU!)
Call it what you want. Nobody believes you anyway. I don't know any of them - new or old. Doesn't matter - voted the old out cause nothing could be worse than status quo. Guess a lot of us feel the same way, cause the old are gone & the new are here. Only you, can't see the obvious!
I can think of a few jacksonite commissioners who have earned the same results next time they run.
With the new board will Norman be voted in a chairman again. Seems like there is going to be a pretty liberal board. Norman will continue to suck up, Greene and Young will be questionable. Storey is level headed and Glover is a mom wanting what is best for her children. She has a great insite on Minor Hill school and what's going on there. Turner is open minded and questions. And we all know where Murrey stands be it right or wrong.
So who will guide the next school board down the right path of what's right for Giles County Children or down the Tee Jackson Path.
Here's hoping that Murrey will be the new chair.
I second that motion!
I hope the motion will be made and passed.
HOORAY, HOORAY!!!!!! Did you see the look on TJ's face when Bev Murrey became the chairman of the school board? I thought Jim (big disappointment) Greene would pass out more than the hot air he spewed supporting Norman.
Then when Turner was elected vice chair and TJ was instructed in the proper voting procedures you could see the red moving up his neck.
Finally his threats & lunches have no power. Could education possibly return to the education system?
Murrey 4 Norman 3
Turner 4 Greene 3
Greene tried to sway votes by attacking his own relative. I'd hate to have him as a relative. If he does that to kin folk what will he do to non relatives.
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