Recently Ron Shirey Left The Giles School System
When Ron Shirey left the school system there was much speculation as to why and who would replace him. Mr. Shirey wore many hats at the central office from Safety Officer to Attendance Supervisor. People were told that because of his many duties he was an invaluable member of the administrative staff.
Now it seems that maybe he wasn’t so valuable after all, as Mr. Jackson has decided not to fill his position!!!!!!
Three interesting aspects must be considered concerning this situation.
First, will these duties be spread out among other administrators? Who will be able to absorb the many duties of the Attendance Supervisor and Safety Officer among other things and still complete their present duties? If this can be done at this time why wasn’t it done before?
Second, what will be done with the salary that was set aside in the budget for this “much needed” position? Will this money be spread among other administrators and will the School Board and Financial Management Office go along with this?
Third, why did Mr. Jackson decide not to fill a position he has identified as “vital” to the school system? Is it possible that since Mrs. Murrey, the present School Board Chair, applied for the job and is the most qualified applicant, that Mr. Jackson has made this decision to prevent her getting the job and possibly being replaced on the School Board by someone he might have even less control over?
Clearly there are a number of unanswered questions that need to be addressed with this issue and Mr. Jackson should explain his actions and reasoning to the public.
Allen Barrett
Now it seems that maybe he wasn’t so valuable after all, as Mr. Jackson has decided not to fill his position!!!!!!
Three interesting aspects must be considered concerning this situation.
First, will these duties be spread out among other administrators? Who will be able to absorb the many duties of the Attendance Supervisor and Safety Officer among other things and still complete their present duties? If this can be done at this time why wasn’t it done before?
Second, what will be done with the salary that was set aside in the budget for this “much needed” position? Will this money be spread among other administrators and will the School Board and Financial Management Office go along with this?
Third, why did Mr. Jackson decide not to fill a position he has identified as “vital” to the school system? Is it possible that since Mrs. Murrey, the present School Board Chair, applied for the job and is the most qualified applicant, that Mr. Jackson has made this decision to prevent her getting the job and possibly being replaced on the School Board by someone he might have even less control over?
Clearly there are a number of unanswered questions that need to be addressed with this issue and Mr. Jackson should explain his actions and reasoning to the public.
Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 6:03 PM
76 Comments:
Keep causing trouble Mr. Barrett. Continue to hold this county back! I would sure like to see you offer something positive sometime!
If you would spend some time reading and thinking instead of always attacking Mr. Barrett you would have already seen a large number of positive things that not only would make this county better but would also make you relevant.
And who is the judge of Bev being the most qualified. Were you in on the interveiws? Did you see the applications? I don't think you did. Once again you are implying things that you don't know for a fact. Administrators get more duties but they won't get more pay. They are on a pay scale just like everyone else with the exception of Braden. There is a salary schedule for administrators too. It is not the first time that administrators have been given extra duties. Why not, they don't get overtime so it does not matter how many hours they work. This has happened many times in the past, not just under Jackson. This same thing happened under past directors and superintendents. You are just trying to make trouble where there should be none.
Oh poor school board administrators, get no overtime, and are so underpaid for all they do. Why don't you put your sympathy where it belongs- the support staff are way underpaid, can't afford insurance for their families and because they work for the school system can get CoverKids, and can't get TennCare because they are offered ridiculously high insurance premiums at work, they don't get overtime and they have many different duties other than what their position is. And don't leave out the underpaid teachers who also do not get overtime.
Why don't you compare the average salary of the support staff to the average salary of administrators-believe there is a big difference.
By the way the position that was held by Mr. Shirey was made for him-he is now gone so it is now gone, makes sense doesn't it. When you make something specifically for an individual and they leave it usually goes with them.
that should have read CAN'T get CoverKids
I told you that Mrs Murrey wanted a position on the staff! She thought that by causing Tee Jackson trouble and by becoming the chair of the School Board that she could bully her way into this position. I told you.
I'm glad Mr. Jackson is a man of integrity, and did not hire her. Putting her in any position of leadership as such would undermine any attempts at improving our school system
10:14 If Mr. Barrett would go away, this county would be much better off!
He is a trouble maker!
If you had a brain 5:07 the whole world would be better off. I believe I saw somewhere on here that Mr. Barrett told someone that if they brought the money over to buy his house he would leave the county.
Seems to me that you and the other two nitwits that keep attacking him would just get up the money and call him on it.Oh, but that would be a solution and everyone knows you're not into solutions only whining.
5:05 congratulations on getting something right that every intelligence person already knew.
Mrs. Murrey applied for a position on the school board. I first read about it on this blog almost a month ago. Guess this is just more proof that you're still living in the sixties in that smoke filled VW bus.
837, 505, 507 Way to go, but where are you going? We know - do you? It isn't trouble makers you have to worry about. What we think is unimportant. Knowing you is unimportant. We see scum & can't help thinking "ruba dub dub."
Next is a cc from another thread on this blog. Might help to remember that old Christmas saying, "He knows when you're sleeping, knows when you're awake, so be good for goodness sake." Your good doesn't look good does it?
xxxxxxxx
I had to sit down - hear & see. I rarely read & don't think I ever heard that message before. He was reading Exodus 23. Within 30 minutes, I could see why we have the insane problems within our department of education & why this nation is rolling over on its back. It has an answer, but we are too screwed up to even want to fix it! It hammers home the evil of the idiot who keeps challenging WAB & anyone else who fights evil.
Verse 7 & 8 is a good one for Holt & the others who claim conflict of intrest & then vote it for obvious reasons! Walk tall boys.
Verse 24 doesn't say be nice & snuggle up to the evil one. "Utterly overthrow them & break down their images" is a pretty blunt command & if you keep reading, you'll get a better idea of how blunt it gets! Guess Winkles & Barret should have taken a hornets nest in to get TJ & Gonzo's attention back when they were thrown in jail for trying to talk to them! Imagine, look them in the eye and whack them in the head with a nest full of real mad hornets! They'd be happy to listen next time. 32 & 33 sums it up - make no covenant!
you cant compare the salary of administrators and supervisors to support staff. support staff do not have college degrees. of course they are not paid the same. that is true in any profession. but thats not even the point. the point is that now the supervisors will have double the work for no more pay. most of them already work extra hours every week just to get their many job assignments completed. and everybody knows this is happening because tj didnt want to hire bev but knew if he didnt she would find a way to fire him being chairman.
NOBODY WATNT TO HIRE BEV. Tee is not alone in that category! I am proud of the fact that he knows his job is on the line, and he had the strenght to turn her down.
Who in their right mind would hire there biggest critic to be one of their staff? This was the only logical choice. He also knew that Barrett could be appointed a board member, then he would have them both. That was a no brainer choice. What would anyone else have done in this case?
Sorry anonymous but Mr. Barrett had made it very clear that he would not seek or accept the position if Mrs. Murrey was hired as Attendance Supervisor. I saw the resumes and Mrs. Murrey was the most qualified. Mr Jackson was terrified about who would fill her place on the board but was more afraid of the lawsuit if he refused to hire her.
He didn't want her as his employee, so he keeps her as his boss....brilliant move
She may be board chair but she does not have the power all on her own. She thinks she has more friends than she does. She talks to a lot of people who she thinks are friends but they aren't. Jackson knows her moves because she talks so much. The board members who she thought she has power over do have minds of their own and it won't be long before they turn on her. As far as Barrett saying he would not take the board seat, I would not bet on it. She was not the best qualified. I know who applied also and there were other choices.
I can compare anything that I want to.
The Administrators do not deserve a raise for added duties until the support staff get one first. Are you saying just because they do not have degrees that they don't deserve to earn more than what they do? Some of the people who are support staff do have higher learning but it is not required for the job they do.
Simple question if you had no mechanics, no janitors, no bus drivers, no cafeteria workers,no maintenance men, no aides-how long do you think the schools would stay open? So degree or not they are just as deserving to be paid what they are worth just as well as those who have a job that requires a degree. Everyone who works in the school system has extra duties added on that do not go along with the title of their job.
Barrett is not in Beverly's district. He could not have been appointed that seat! Plus, the commission would have to approve the nomination, and Barrett would not have enough support their either.
Wrong on both counts dimwit 2;55
You might need to check it out. The commission has to appoint for vacant school board seat dim effing wit!
You made two statements with out any intelligent backing.
One is that "Barrett is not in Beverly's district". WRONG the 7th District covers both their residences. So that was a dimwit statement period. Can you at least admit that?
Second statement without any intelligent backing is "He could not have been appointed that seat" WRONG again dimwit. If you knew half as much as you thought, then you'd know when an elected position becomes vacant it is the responsibility of the county commission to "APPOINT" someone to that position until the next general election. Would you agree to that?
Now whether or not Barrett would have enough support on the commission to be appointed might be debated as until a vote was actually taken it would only be speculation on the part of any one. So once again you have relied on your unsubstantiated "FEELINGS" instead of the reality of life and that is what makes you a dimwit.
Back to hiring Bev for Shirey's job. Who in their right mind would hire someone who by her own admission does not keep a job for any length of time? I think she has great reasons for leaving the jobs, I wish that I could afford to do that myself, but when you hire someone you want someone that will be in that job for a good length of time not two or three years. I think that she told someone she has 15 years of experience, for someone her age that is not much. If you are a CEO would you hire someone who will not be there in a few years, I don't think so. I think that even if Barrett were in Jackson's position he would hire someone that will stick with the job. It is very disruptive to a staff to replace someone every couple of years.
406 you really do need a shrink. The school battle line has some of the nastiest scum I'v ever encountered. We have a director of schools who is simply corrupt for the sake of being corrupt. And you, you're a viper - no brain left, just venom. Chll out before you really go off the end & get carried away in a straight jacket!
You're g-o-n-e, get used to it! For the hiring criteria - 99.9% demand HONESTY - you and TJ flunk that one hands down. #2 is dealing with people -You & TJ flunk again!
You're flunkies & in your case, an insane flunky!
8:21, you are getting a little personal aren't you? I think that you are the one who needs the shrink. You have no idea about the honesty or the skill of 4:06 at dealing with people. If your reply is an example of how you deal with people then 4:06 is a saint. I don't see anything venomous about 4:06, just honesty. I am in a position where I hire personell, the first thing that I look at is job history. Any person who changes jobs a lot, does not stay at a job for a long time is out for me. Either they don't stick with a job or the employer does not keep them. Maybe you should look at your reply and see it reaking with venom. Sound like a serpent talking to me!
406 Think about it - You covet, lie, and steal. You do it in the name of education, corrupting the very knowledge & criteria of decency that society wishes to pass to future generations. Our intent is to create a more civil and prosperous world. Yours is tearing it down to your level of insanity.
Education became your religeon. The director is your graven image to worship. His any wish is your command. You follow knowing that which is told to the public are lies, intended to take from the public to enrich your many shrines to your many gods and images of the "education", as you see it.
You create images to perpetuate illusions of success where God's reward is consistent failure. Schools are now armed camps from one end to another with locked doors, police, and zero tolerance for anything outside your doctrine of pseudo-tolerance.
Fifty years ago, the doors and windows were open, minds were open, and people like you were securely kept in institutions where you could do no harm to your fellow man. Today you wander the hallways of your temple, pacing in circles, aimlessly conniving, coveting the wealth and minds of others who are perceived by you as having something you lack (decency).
You have my undivided attention! My hands are on my wallet! My ears hear your every conniving dastardly scheme to take what I have earned. My mind remains sharp enough to counter your schemes to corrupt the thoughts and acts of civilized humans. I'm sure your life is a living hell, & we'll make sure it stays within you and it infects no one else!
7:08, your ranting make absolutely no sense. I am 4:06. The only thing that I said was that I would not hire Beverly. I don't know where all your ranting and raving is coming from. I do not like Jackson nor I do not like wasted money. The only God that I worship is the one true God. Don't question my faith! I have no idea where you are coming up with the rest of what you say. The sound like a lunatic. I don't know how you came about your conclusions about me but you are dead wrong. I think you need to stop, take your medication and read my prior comments again. You are apparently imagining things.
Have been reading your trash for a while - sick of hearing it. You are a camelion, but the spots show clear.
Let's see - you would hire yourself, right. But, we just got rid of you & thAt ain't gonna happen!
The beat goes on and NOBODY seems to understand where all this hatred and backbiting started. But, be that as it may, there's no end in sight. Jealousy, resentment, and political impotence runs rampant. Consider the source.
Your paranoia is overriding your tantrums. Find yourself a nice dark closet & jump in. You want to bang a hammer on the podium, but you don't have the hammer!
Go to ACE Hardware & buy one - practice - maybe you'll lear how to drive a nail.
Yep, you prove my point once again. Please try to get past the jealousies, OK?
Hey, check out the school board website. The job is now posted again. Guess they couldn't find anyone at central office willing or able to take on all the jobs this position entails.
He had a good propect, but was afraid of who would replace her on the board. He was suppose to be safety officer. Guess he chickened out. Since Norman isn't standing in front of him to protect him I guess he wouldn't be good at safety. MRK
He had a good propect, but was afraid of who would replace her on the board. He was suppose to be safety officer. Guess he chickened out. Since Norman isn't standing in front of him to protect him I guess he wouldn't be good at safety. MRK
You say good prospect, have you checked the credentials? Did you call her references or previous employers? She is wonderful with an agenda!
Have you?
Nope, but then you are the one that seems to be recommending her. I am not saying that she was a good prospect or a bad one either. I just don't recommend people or hire people without checking our their record. I have learned that people that I know don't always have the best work record even when I thought they did. I once recommended someone that is a friend because I thought they would be good for a job. I just didn't realize that they don't have the same work ethics I do. I really had to apologize for that and won't do it again.
434 You have ethics???????????????????????????????????????????
Is Shirey coming back to his old job?
Shirey is back in his old job. No need for any submission of application or competing for the job. Now if Melody White shows up in the school system they can have a real homecoming. Allen Barrett
Told ya he'd come "crawling back"! Never thought it would be this quick though!
WAB if you are going to talk about her at least get her name right!! You can't even get that right much less half the information you print on here.
When did Shirey go back to his old job and was this made public like his leaving?
Hey anonymous 10:03, why don't you go ask Tee Jackson that question? Report back here on the blog what you find out.
Tee snuck Shirey back in without even telling the board members. When asked about hiring him back Tee said the position posting had never been closed. Lie, Lie, Lie!!!It was closed, Tee did Safety and others did attendence. He reopened and one person applied from Lawrence County. He did not accept that person but without reapplying Shirey was hired. People should have learned about him when he recommended McMasters to be principal at Richland. His he truly all that great?
Since Shirey is on the police reserves it reminded me of a question that could be placed else where. Why did Tim Wroda get fired from the polic dept. I have only known him to be on the up and up and very protective of the kids and their best interest at heart. He has been a loving father and parents could count on him to keep an eye on their children and give them advice. To me it was a great loss and he shouldn't have been fired for what I heard he was fired for. He supposedly let two sisters stay at his house with others present, but one had a boyfriend to stay as well. The parent should have taught their daughter better than to sneak around and be distrusting.
This needs to be formally investigated, how do we ever expect things to change if the systems that were put in place to ensure that the school system get the best possible candidate with the highest ethical standards? Shirey left for greener pastures, why has he chosen to come back so quickly? Most systems have a one year no hire back clause if someone resigns, does Giles county not have this clause in place and if not we should adopt it in to our bi-laws. I reckon anyone can just come and go around our children and they are suppose to be excepted back and continue to be a role model?????????
Is he really back for sure??????? I havent seen his truck or the white suv thing he was given to drive at the central office.
Shirey is under the Swinging Door Law. Come and go as you Damn well please!!!!
2:49 I thought that only applied to out of county people. Oh that's right he went to Marshall County.
I was told he was also given a raise.
Is there anything more telling than this absurdity. It's no wonder so many are upset with the school director. This was an act of total disregard for legitimacy.
Howard, here's something more telling regarding the director: He allegedly investigated a situation without ever talking to the parties involved.....at least that's the word on the streets of Minor hill. does anybody know the scoop on the teacher who had a claim filed against him/her? It was in paper, haven't been able to find out anything else??? Why all the hush hush? Anything to it?
Leaps and bounds teacher was the person the complaint was filed against. The person filing complaint just made the statement she smelled cirgaret smoke in the school and Polly took it personally. She does smoke but supposedly not at school. It has really become a big mess. Also heard the art teacher has been handing out advertising she is a psycholigist. Not legal.
The school system is in a mess from teachers involved sexually with students to teachers carrying on second jobs at school. It's my understanding that the issue of smoking in the building was only the catalysis for this situation. The complaint about the smoking was ignored by administration then retaliation was initiated against the one who made the complaint. After much abuse and slanderous rumors the teacher who made the complaint was left with no choice, if she was to put a stop to the rumors and save her reputation, but to file an official complaint with the Director. Mr. Jackson stated he had taken care of the matter but didn't even bother to speak with those involved. This caused the teacher to make an official complaint to the School Board.
Efforts were made to prevent the teacher from addressing the School Board but enough members sought to do what was right and she spoke. After making it clear why she had not sought the help of her district representative on the board she very eloquently and convincingly presented her case. As usual there was no response from the Director or the Board.
Allen Barrett
Mr. Barrett, when you stated that Mr. Jackson had not spoken to "those involved" but had declared the matter settled,how could you possible know that??? Also, by involved, do you mean the teachers who were gossipped about and threatened with criminal prosecution on school email? Is that who you are referring to? I saw the emails, there's no doubt that's what they contain, but it is my understanding that they weren't involved at all, didn't even know about it until after the fact is what I heard. But how can you know for sure that Mr. J did not question them? I heard he questioned a bunch of people at Southside so surely he would talk to the other teachers who were mentioned by name. I can't believe he would just continue to talk to all those people and not even ask the teachers how they felt about being dragged into something they didn't even know about, Mr Jackson and especially Mrs Swinford wouldn't blatantly ignore them. They surely are more professional than that. You must have gotten some bad info, Mr Barrett, like I said, I personally read those emails and I cannot imagine that the principal of that school and the director of the system would act like those teachers were not even important enough to speak to when the emails plainly stated that Mrs Polly was not going to sue them "at this time." (never did figure out from the emails what polly was going to sue them for, seemed backward to me) I would sure feel threatened if I were in their shoes and I just find that nearly impossible to believe sir, that Mr Jackson would close the matter without interviewing them, you might want to check your source of information. I know on this blog that he does't have a good rep, most public figures are fair game for blog topics, but that is just too unbelievable, even for the blog. You must be wrong Mr B
To anonymous November 25, 2008 9:28PM Boy, do you have A LOT to learn about the 'workings' of public education! I also SAW the emails. Not only were three teachers LIED about, polly went SO FAR as to say in the emails that she gave to Mrs. Swinford's a copy of the Tennessee State Harassment Policy, Giles County Board of Education Policy and contacted the Policy Police Department about the 'alleged' harassment towards HER over the past THREE years by the three teachers named in HER emails to Mrs. Swinford. Polly ALSO said in the emails she has waited 30 hours since she first reported and WANTS something done - she goes on to say she WANTS to know if BULLYING, by the three teachers, can be ADDRESSED. I am VERY close to the teacher who made the FORMAL complaint to the Board of Education on November 13th. I KNOW FOR A FACT, there WAS a meeting called BY the teacher who spoke to the Board on November 13th. It took place at Southside on October 8th and 'this teacher' was the ONLY one who recorded the meeting. SHE called the meeting, when SHE REALIZED what WAS taking place. Present at the meeting WAS Jackson, Swinford, Polly, 'the teacher', and her husband(chosen witness by teacher.) The recording of the tape tells A LOT. This is what I DON'T get - How does reporting the STRONG smell of smoke to the building supervisor, Mrs. Swinford, on September 23rd, in the office of the teacher who made the FORMAL complaint to the Board of Education on November 13th, lead to all of the above and MORE????? WHEN will 'those' RESPONSIBLE for EDUCATING the children of Giles County make it 'their' PRIMARY GOAL, instead of engaging in the above MESS?! When will 'those' with the POWER to make Giles County School System the BEST ACADEMICALLY in the State of Tennessee FOR THE CHILDREN OF GILES COUNTY put it at the TOP of 'their' list?! Anonymous you said Mr. Barrett "You must be wrong". HE IS RIGHT! Mr. Barrett WAS concerned enough to ATTEND the Board meeting on November 13th. In fact, it is my understanding, Mr. Barrett attends often. MAYBE that is how he KNOWS THE FACTS. MAYBE if you, anonymous, and others who MIGHT read this blog would attend School Board meetings on a REGULAR basis, YOU TOO would KNOW the FACTS! Anonymous, I will be GLAD to PROVE any statements I have made in this entry. Just tell me, on the blog, who you are and I will do the same. One more thing, Mr. Barrett, I KNOW the 'teacher' who made the FORMAL complaint to the Board IS VERY GRATEFUL for YOUR kind words and TRUTHFUL FACTS! PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Like I said, 6:43, I saw the emails, I know what they said, my only question was that Mr J had actually closed his "investigation" without talking to the teachers that polly accused of all that stuff that had nothing to do with the complaint of smoke smell. Im with you,though,can't figure out why any of that stuff was even mentioned, and yes I know it was all lies, but polly wasn't even mentioned in the emails I got and then started dragging up fantasy insults when principal just said make sure your leaps teachers are following the law,didn't accuse her of anything;what's up with that? all complaints supposed to go through polly? I just meant I find it hard to believe that Jackson and Swinford would allow polly to talk about all of those teachers just out of the blue when really all that happened was polly got mad because principal just asked her to "make sure" there was no smoking. She didn't accuse her from what I read,did you get more info about that? Polly is in building after hours and considered a director so it was a logical request by swinford;the rest of the mesages were hysterics for what reason,who knows?Is polly carrying around some heavy duty resentment that caused her to lash out or did the teachers say she was smoking in building: Its crazy and stupid. But I just find it hard to believe that 2 supervisors would not only interview those other teachers, but defend them against pollys tirade. Even if they are bad teachers, supervisors wouldn't be that blatantly obvious about not even talking to them. I would think they would at least 'go thru the motions' of trying to be fair. Surely they had to know the PR from this would become a nightmare. Didn't mean to insult AB or you, just find it hard to believe thats all;guess I do have a lot to learn. I still hope Im right though and Jackson and Swinford really did talk to them before "closing" case. That would be the only decent thing to do, and I do think they are decent people,
Gosh 9:28pm/7:51am, I find it HARD to believe the 'general' public is BLIND to the 'workings' of 'some' Giles County Board of Education supervisors. Like I said, I am VERY close to the teacher who made the FORMAL complaint at the Board meeting on November 13th. She let me read a letter she received from Mr. Jackson saying NONE of the charges she alleged WERE FOUND TRUE, (even the smoke in her office), no Giles County Board of Education policies were violated, no criminal wrong was done on the part of anyone involved in the 'emails'. She went on to say, the Director said in the letter it was an internal personnel problem and he was by law the one who makes the final decision - case closed! Oh, the teacher who made the FORMAL complaint to the Board on November 13th WAS NOT questioned on November 19th (which I believe was the day of 'investigation'.) Also, NOT questioned were the OTHER TWO teachers mentioned in the 'emails' by Polly. Polly said in the 'emails' they, along with the teacher who reported smoke, were - a little gang of three always causing trouble. Remember, I can get proof to all of the above if you reveal your identity on the blog, I will do the same.
NOW I have a question for ANYONE who may have information - what is this about the ART teacher at Southside PASSING OUT CARDS TO CHILDREN SAYING SHE IS A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST? Is she counseling students at school? Is that legal? Is that professional? Is she keeping what any child might tell her confidential? Southside has a QUALIFIED School Counselor. I believe she has been the School Counselor at Southside for about 14 years. WHAT IS UP?? ANY information would be appreciated.
Polly actually wrote that in emails, they were always causing trouble?? She actually said that in writing; I'm dumbfounded....is that a true statement? Are they troublemakers? Because if they aren't, isn't that a textbook case of slander...and those teachers got no defense from either supervisor????I am not doubting you, I promise I'm not; I guess I am just to gullible...I am very disillusioned with the administration of the school system if this is all true;Why is the polly woman allowed to control swinford and jackson? Any attorneys out there know if this was slander, lying about somebody's work???? discrimination??? I don't like the lessons the kids of Giles are learning; this needs to be dealt with;
about the art teacher,I heard she was working on a masters degree, don't know if she finished it,didn't know it was in psych
Anonymous 10:31PM - Like I said in 'anonymous 2:00PM' - YES! POLLY SAID 'IT' IN THE EMAIL TO SWINFORD THE BUILDING SUPERVISOR AT SES. AND, YES! SWINFORD EMAILED
(ALL EMAILS SENT ON SCHOOL EMAIL) ALL EMAILS TO JACKSON FOR ADVICE. AND YES! THERE WAS A CALLED MEETING BY THE TEACHER WHO BROUGHT THE FORMAL CHARGES AGANIST POLLY TO THE BOARD. AND YES! THE TEACHER WHO BROUGHT THE FORMAL CHARGES HAS THE ONLY TAPE OF SAID MEETING. AND YES! JACKSON INTERVIEWED 'A FEW' INVOLVED ON NOVEMBER 19TH. AND YES! THE THREE TEACHERS NAMED IN THE 'INFAMOUS' EMAILS WERE NOT QUESTIONED OR ALLOWED TO DISPROVE CLAIMS MADE AGANIST THEM AT THE MEETING(S) ON NOVEMBER 19TH. OR GIVEN THE CHANCE TO SHOW PROOF THAT WHAT WAS STATED AS 'PAST' PROBLEMS WAS ALL WRONG - I BELIEVE THEY HAVE DOCUMENTATION. AND YES! JACKSON DID SEND THE TEACHER, WHO REPORTED SMOKE IN HER OFFICE AND MADE THE FORMAL COMPLAINT AGANIST POLLY (FOR THE EMAILS), A LETTER SAYING 'CASE CLOSED'!!!!!
IN FACT, IN THE LETTER TO THE TEACHER WHO REPORTED SMOKE AND MADE THE FORMAL COMPLAINT TO THE BOE, JACKSON SAID, "I found no evidence of any attempt to slander, damage, or violate rights. The Memorandum of Understanding" (Teacher's Contract)
"has not been violated. I have found no evidence of School Board Policy being violated. I found no evidence of criminal wrong doing and no civil wrong doing. This is an internal personnel policy matter which by law has to be left to the Director of Schools. THIS MATTER SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CLOSED"
How PLAIN is that?! How WRONG is that?!!
FYI - The Giles County Board of Education has a BOARD POLICY -Discripter Code - 1.805 Issued Date - May 8, 2008 'USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL (e-mail) which says in part:
"Employees/board members have no right to privacy with regard to such data. Confidentiality of e-mail communication cannot be assured. E-mail correspondence may be a public record under the public record law and may be subject to public inspection.
TCA - Tennessee State Law reference - 10-7-512."
"Staff/board members will be asked to sign an application for terms and conditions for Use of the Internet."
"Messages shall not be sent that contain material that may be defined by a reasonable person as obscene or that are racist, sexist or promote illegal or UNETHICAL activity."
"Any usage contrary to the above shall be reported immediately to the director of schools and may result in the suspendion and/or revocation of system access or if deemed necessary, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken."
IN A LETTER not SENT TO THE TEACHER WHO MADE THE FORMAL COMPLAINT, JACKSON says, "Mrs. Swinford informed Mrs. Polly by letter of the report of possible smoke smell in Mrs.__________ office. Mrs. Swinford went to areas where smoking containers had been and removed them. Mrs. Swinford had all employees sign the no smoking handout. Mrs. Swinford reports no evidence of smoking in the building."
"CONCLUSION: All Southside Elementary School employees are aware of NO SMOKING policy. I found no evidence that anyone had been smoking in the building. No individual has said that they saw anyone smoke in the building."
"ITEM TWO: Mrs. __________ Complaint Concerning E-Mail"
"THE COMPLAINT: - Mrs. __________ said she believes she has been made liable, slandered, and her reputation damaged , and her rights violated by e-mail."
"Mrs. Swinford's Actions: Mrs. Swinford received the e-mail information from Mrs. Polly. The perponderance" (strong weight given to evidence)"of the information communicated was true, thus not slanderous."
"MRS. POLLY'S COMMENTS: What I put in the e-mails to Mrs. Swinford was true. I have been subjected to constant negative accuations. I simply believe that I was being used."
"CONCLUSION: I have found no evidence of any attempt to slander, damage, or violate rights. The Memorandum of Understanding has not been violated. I have found no evidence of School Board Policy being violated."
FYI - Giles County School Board Policy # 4.34 PUBLIC PERSONNEL:
"Allegations of discrimination/harassment shall be fully investigated by a complaint manager...." FULLY??? DID THAT HAPPEN??? NO!!!!!
"A substantiated charge aganist an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. There will be no retaliation aganist any person who reports harassment or participates in the investigation. However, any employee who refuses to cooperate or gives false information during the course of any investigation may be subject to disciplinary action. The willful filing of a false report will itself be considered harassment and will be treated as such."
Giles County School Board Policy # 7.18 "ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES: INTERNET - TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
#3 "Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The include (but are not limited to) the following:
(a) Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
(b)Use appropriate language.
(c) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not gauranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities."
FYI - GILES COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD POLICY IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY WORD - GO TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND READ THE BOARD POLICY FOR YOURSELF.
How was the teacher who filed the FORMAL complaint and reported smoke libled and her liberty rights violated (14th Ammendment of the Constitution of the United States of America)? - her professional and public reputation as the Elemntary School Counselor 'could have been damaged' IF 'the general public' READ and BELIEVED the emails sent by Polly. As an Elementary School Counselor, TRUST and CONFIDENTIALITY are BIG concerns of parents, children and teachers who come into her office to talk in private. Like I have said before, I am VERY close to her and she would like to ask the 'general public' to think back over the past 14 years of counseling at Southside Elementary and try to recall a time when she violated YOU or YOUR child's confidentaility. How was she slandered by the emails? The slander is 'implied' in the emails by a conversation or two that Polly says she HAD with Swinford about the teacher who reported smoke and the other two "trouble" makers - who constantly "tattle" to the principal.
I would like to see the "documentation" Polly has and is "sure" Swinford has on one or all of the "three" trouble makers. The teacher who reported smoke is MORE THAN WILLING TO SHARE HER DOCUMENTATION.
Wow - not only is there "trouble" at Southside- heard there is "trouble" at Pulaski Elementary as well. What's up with the school librarian there? Pulaski Elementary parents are ready for a GOOD, APPROPRIATELY-Behaved, enthusiastic, mature individual who loves ALL children to be the elementary librarian - Isn't it about time Mr. Holt?????? That library is a DISGRACE to that school!
Just resting after eating leftovers. Thought I would see what is going on with the schools....WOW this is better than WWF! I would hate to be a teacher in Giles County. Seems like the administrators are making FOOLS of the entire lot. Can't wait for the next discovery......
Give more info on Pulaski Ele librarian.
I also have a copy of the emails and have read the letters. polly lied and said terrible things about those teachers and jackson says the evidence says the things that were said are the truth. Anybody that knows all three teachers, knows everything polly said was a lie, but she sure can pull strings and make jackson and swinford dance...otherwise wouldn't they have at least asked the other teachers for their two cents???? wonder how sherry polly got so much control over the principal and director to make them dance to her music. Does any of the boe read this?Don't you know these teachers must be scared,worried,and just sick that the principal never said one word of defense for them as she listened to the lies? Board members, since polly obviously has forbidden jackson to do his job, please contact these teachers and do his job for him. They deserve better than this. Even if it was true what polly said, they still should have been interviewed,for it to be a REAL investigation...and we all know polly's reputation, we all know she's capable of lying and if you saw the emails, it would be obvious that not only were they full of lies, polly sounds more than a little paranoid....GILES COUNTY BOARD OF ED> DO THE JOB YOU WERE ELECTED TO DO, you've seen the emails, get the whole story, if any of you have a backbone and haven't sold out your integrity,how about contacting them, at least if they live in your district, although it's a job for the whole board. My guess is that not more than two of you have the guts to do it. polly controls jackson, jackson controls the board, and if sherry goes off on someone for some IMAGINARY SLIGHT, then the whole board does her bidding. Glad I've graduated,,,what a sewer!
Board will react as soon as the word is given to the board by person filing the complaint or if Polly comes to them. The complaint has to become a grievance and then it goes from there.
Carole Swinford doesnt defend ANY of the teachers at Southside except Sherry Polly........She thinks they are the only two over there who have the children's best interest in mind. I've had three kids go thru Southside.....when my first one went thru Debbie Braden was there.......no problems....The other two Carole Swinford has been there......ISSUES ISSUES ISSUES!!!!!!She needs to go back to Lincoln County.
Anonymous November 30, 2008 9:57PM
You need to check the Giles County Board of Education Policy and the contract between the Board and GCEA. If the complaint had been 'investigated' fairly by the Director, then proper action would have been taken aganist Polly and Swinford. However, it seems the Director is a part of the 'plot' and closed the case. I don't think it is over yet. The Director seems to be 'pulling' a bluff. Someone should tell him this is not a 'game of poker', rather people's lives. The Board is going to discuss this issue at the 'work session' Thursday, December 4th at 5:00pm. Good time for those interested to attend and her first hand.
Does anyone have one of those 'cards' the Art teacher at Southside is suppose to have handed out to students? If so, give it to your Board member. I hear she counsels students and then 'tells all' all over the school. I also hear Swinford is unwilling or unable to stop her.
still waiting to know what PES librarian did this time......
Work session was a joke; Blew off teacher, blew off bonus; Joke, joke,joke; Jackson's lack of integrity grows daily; one could almost say it grows by "Leaps and Bounds".
Board Meeting December 11, 5:00pm Teacher who complained about Leaps Director will speak. $1000 bonus will be given five minutes - how NICE of Board!!
Heard Dale Polly has been following teacher, who filed Formal complaint, around town. Like harassment. Heard he came up to Board meeting December 4 and acted like a mad animal. Heard he can stare down three women. But let a man TWICE his age get in his face and 'little' Polly want a cracker runs to the police crying. Heard 'little' Polly has a brother in law in the police dept. How Giles County!!!
This is getting better than a reality show. 'Little' Pollys wife MUST be GUILTY or HE wouldn't FEEL SO threatened!!!!!
The teacher will have an opportunity to speak at regular board meeting and can ask for extended time. Best she do this when more people around, tv there if Jackson allows, and radio and paper there. Board couldn't do much until she follows up on Nov. letter.
As far as blowing off teachers until negotiations is done board can't vote on it. Can't vote at worksession anyway. They can ask for extended time as well. After all they never had the opportunity to even be on the agenda until this board. Have faith things will work out. Just need patients and the right people at the right place at the right time. If you are support staff as well come to the board meeting. Numbers will help our cause. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodial, and everyone else needs to come. Come in great numbers. Take a stand.
If a bonus is not in the budget, even if there is money in another line item, it cannot be paid without a budget amendment first. The amendment has to be aproved by the board, education committee, budget committee and then the commission. This cannot happen before Christmas. Sorry folks. Financial management is not going to pay a bonus that is not budgeted. There are certain time frames for those committees to have these items before they are presented to commissioners.
Anonymous December 6, 7:55
"Board can't do anything until she follows up on Nov. letter"?????
The Board IS the BOSS and ONLY BOSS of the Director! WAKE UP! IF the Board HAD READ the information 'the teacher' gave and mailed them, the Board WOULD understand THAT BOARD POLICIES AND STATE LAWS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED. Guess the Board is just WANTING a grivence to be filed??!! WHAT A MESS! I CHALLANGE the Board to visit Southside and see if 'the teacher's' office smells 'musty and damp'. Or does the Board REALLY care about FAIRNESS??
Another blow off by board....no bonus; teacher threatened for reporting offensive odor; nothing done or said to teacher who reacted like she was strung out...what's wrong with this picture????? One's who were slandered and libeled are in trouble, one who did slandering and libeling is queen bee???Makes a body wonder how she is getting away with it....anybody want proof? It's out there, just ask the right people...also paper has documents, wanna take bets if its ever printed????
Hopefully the slandered person will continue to persue. She is one brave woman and stands up for what is right. She is giving hope to others that they can come forward as well.
Leaps and Bounds will have to reapply for the program again in the summer. Any non-profit can take the program and make it work. The salary is 42,000 set aside for the director. From the teachers pay scale this director get 20,000 more and then some. Most of that goes for riding the roads.
Maybe more people will start coming forward since one now has the guts to stand up and be heard. YOu go girl.
unfortunately 12:31, the grant was approved for two years, so reapplying is not a hurdle the "queen" has to cross. Apparently there is much misunderstanding about this situation...allow me to clear it up..I am friends with ALL involved including MS Polly. I admired her so much, for her teaching, but I also admire the others she slandered, and yes guys, it's slander, or more exact, LIBEL...1.A teacher reported smoke odor;2. Principal wrote professional letter asking Ms Polly to make sure nobody was smoking in bld after hours;3. No names were mentioned and nobody was accused, the letter was courtesy as MS polly is in bld after hrs. Letter was NOT threatening;4.Polly went balistic and accused not only the teacher who reported smoke, but two other teachers of all kinds of B.S.;
5. Polly claims on PUBLIC email, (hence LIBEL charge) that she is considering suing teachers named for all kinds of stuff which is 100% LIES. 6. Tee says he investigated and polly told truth, but tee NEVER talked to other teachers who were named; 7. tee closed investigation, which leaves people and board to believe that teachers mentioned are worthless, even criminals are questioned in investigation; 8.People are saying, "let it go" or "it will pass";9.Teachers let it go years ago when polly lied and now they live in fear that every time polly becomes a little paranoid, lawsuit may happen;10. 1st teacher to come forward has been accused of insubordination; all she did was report offensive odor in bld;
11.Other teachers are getting ducks in a row BUT remember tee CLOSED investigation without ever talking to them; SO, board of ed...please remember that you are tee's supervisors....you know the facts, and yes teachers could let it go away but what happens when polly gets her feathers ruffled again? Can the board afford to ignore this? Tee's investigation is nothing more than calling co-workers of teachers in for intimidation questioning...never asked the actual teachers.I think your good old fashioned Funk and Wagnalls would call that gossip...might want to look up def of slander and libel while you;re looking up gossip def also. Again, I will say that I have defended polly's actions when there was no defense; but she crossed the line this time, and tee and principal aided and abetted...don't know what happened to polly, but it is such a waste; board members, don't let more teachers who are innocent lose their reputations like polly did. DO YOUR JOB. facts are out there folks, again like previous post, ask the right people!
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