Words And What They Mean!!!!!!!
Please read this statement from the School Board Memorandum and tell what it means.
"The Board will pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or the estate of any employee who dies while in service."
This has been explained by some as to mean that the school board will make up the difference between what the insurance company pays in order to make a total payment of $10,000.00.
What is actually written is that "the Board will pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or the estate of any employee", there is nothing written about insurance policy or the difference between the policy and the age reduction decrease.
"Who dies in service", is this simply service to the school board or perhaps in service to their country through their military service?
Were I the beneficiary of someone who died while working for the school system I would be asking the Board to give me my $10,000.00 as stated in this policy. This has nothing, as written, to do with whether I had received a payment from an insurance company or not. It doesn't even depend on whether I had a life insurance policy the board by this written policy has obligated themselves to pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or estate of any employee that has died.
It's this kind of words meaning one thing and thoughts about those words meaning something different that has helped get this system in the mess it's in. Allen Barrett
"The Board will pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or the estate of any employee who dies while in service."
This has been explained by some as to mean that the school board will make up the difference between what the insurance company pays in order to make a total payment of $10,000.00.
What is actually written is that "the Board will pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or the estate of any employee", there is nothing written about insurance policy or the difference between the policy and the age reduction decrease.
"Who dies in service", is this simply service to the school board or perhaps in service to their country through their military service?
Were I the beneficiary of someone who died while working for the school system I would be asking the Board to give me my $10,000.00 as stated in this policy. This has nothing, as written, to do with whether I had received a payment from an insurance company or not. It doesn't even depend on whether I had a life insurance policy the board by this written policy has obligated themselves to pay $10,000.00 to the beneficiary or estate of any employee that has died.
It's this kind of words meaning one thing and thoughts about those words meaning something different that has helped get this system in the mess it's in. Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 1:29 PM
96 Comments:
WAB as an employee of the GCBOE and having had much experience with the 'language' of BOE policy and the teacher's contract I can tell you what 'it' means. 'It' means while an employee of the GCBOE IS employeed, "inservice", with the GCBOE and should die while still employeed, or "inservice" the GCBOE will pay $10,000 to a chosen beneficiary. At no cost to employees.
About a week ago the employees of Southside were 'required' to listen to an insurance pitch, after regular working hours, by a representative from America One, the who spoke to the BOE about insurance at the last BOE meeting. For 20 to 30 minutes she tried to sell her insurance. She gave each of us a form to sign, several of the ss# were wrong, she said not a problem. We HAD to turn the form in at the end of her sales pitch. I for one, resented, after working long hours at a stressful job, being 'required' to listen to an insurance company trying to sell their product to a 'captive' audiance.
The schools director doesn't care about the employees of this school system!If he did he would take an interest.He chooses not to do his job and look after his flock. Shame on him!This is a total injustice to the employees of the school system not to mention the citizens of this county. Now we will have to as taxpayers foot the bill to pay for the life insurance if someone dies to meet the BOE obligation of $10,000 for these older employees. This is crazy and not to mention these older employees will have to pay a much higher premium than the current insurance policy that is in place now.I guess the school board thinks the bus drivers make the same salaries as those gifted ones on the hill. Jackson needs to go and so do the school board for screwing this up!! We have all be shafted!!
Depends on who pays for the policy. Sounded like the gcboe pays for the policy & therefore provides the insurance & $10K.
WAB is right about the wording - invites all kinds of problems!
Imagine an organization paid by our blood & tears to teach our children how to act & survive - with a mess like this! DUMP TJ!!!!!
What the school employees seem to forget is that before Jackson came there was not life insurance program at all. Now you have a policy provided by the board of education plus the option to buy more. For the first time you can purchase insurance for you entire family with no physical!!
Jackson is not the one to thank I hate to tell you. He has personally said to me that he would rather there not be any payroll deductions for the employees, hence there would be not insurance benefits that were voluntary the employees could choose to have or not. Please dont give that SOB any credit. He is only out to help himself and those who promote his evil agenda. If you are a teacher you should know very well who made made this benefit available to you. However, if you think it was jackson you better think again.
I am a teacher. Have been in the system many years. If a teacher dies in service, the insurance company pays that persons benificary $10,000. The BOE pays the policy. The tax payers fund the budget for the BOE. There also is another life insurance policy 'out there' for teachers for $1,000 if a teacher dies in service. The BOE pays the policy.
I think it is time the BOE holds Jackson accountable. When Jackson messes up, it is the BOE responsibility to make things better. The BOE IS Jackson's ONLY boss and they CAN fire him! Gee wiz, they HAVE enough to go on. The BOE says they are a 'better board' SHOW US!
The life insurance policy came into being one of the years there was "no money" for a raise. But, being the kind, generous folks that they are on the school board, we were "given" this insurance. The school board made a very big deal out of it at the time. Now they have changed vendors for the insurance. Time will tell just how difficult it will be to collect on this policy. And, by the way, the $10,000 only involves the employees covered by the memorandum of agreement. Which means, if you are not certificated, and do not fall into the age requirements at death, the benefit will not be $10,000 but somewhere south of that figure.
Remember one must be 'inservice' at the time of death. The way the certified personnel are being treated, several claims may come forward in the near future - death due to sever stress and unfair treatment!
Get ready taxpayers! Before you weren't aware you were paying insurance claims with your tax dollars. Now, the cat is out of the bag and the school board has now become an insurance company. Just remember that anyone that dies age 65 and over that is employed with the school system will get a check from the board of ed. to make up the difference between the $10,000 death benefit and what the reduction on their policy is due to age. Wow are our elected officials, namely the school board members being wonderful stewards of the taxpayers money? It amazes me that the school board members cant understand what they have done. How hard is it to understand that cutting a check for $5,000 + per individual employee that dies age 65 and over is dumber than having an insurance policy in place to pay the full $10,000???? The current insurance the employees have can pay it all if the school board would see fit to leave the insurance alone. No they had rather give it to another agent that obviously is connected to jackson in some way and probably giving a kick back to him like alsup has in the past. Jackson did this previously when he awarded the workers compensation insurance to alsup giving him quite a hefty commission but costing the taxpayers in excess of $120,000 more in premium every year. Who is jackson looking out for himself and his buddies and whatever he stands to benefit from it or the hard working teacher, bus driver, custodian, cafeteria worker, teacher's aide, etc? This is a disgrace to everyone in this county. EVERYONE!! I only hope the school board has misunderstood and will do the right thing.
824 - "any employee" means any employee. I would hope that ALL employees are covered by insurance @ $10K ... at no charge to the employee! (????????)
Really, should we absolutely not expect the department of education to have at least the smae common sense & knowledge as the least educated person in the county?
We would be better off to open a pool hall and invite all children in to learn how to survive rather than the garbage they're being indoctrinated with! - an astounding thought that has a reality of comparison!
Were being brain washed with PC, not things we need to exist in this messed up dangerous world!
I do appreciate the positive changes in the BOE. On the other hand we still tolerate Jackson & the so called people of dignity who think he's exceptionally good, & think we aren't swimming in a toilet.
All employees are not covered @ $10,000 through the insurance provided by the BOE. Active employees upon turning 65 will have a reduction in their $10,000 benefit. The BOE makes up the difference between what the insurance policy covers up to the $10,000 amount stated in the employee handbook. See if the policy reduces to only a $5,000 benefit, the BOE is paying the other $5,000 to the beneficiaries out of the schools general fund. In other words, your tax dollars. Does that make sense? Yes and no I am sure. Nothing sensible about letting the BOE assume the job of paying claims when and insurance company can provide the coverage for a very, very reasonable premium. Who is looking out for the employees best interest as well as the taxpayers? Not the director or the school board members. I don't know about you but I don't want my tax dollars being used this way if there is a better more sensible way.
It looks like WAB has stirred up or uncovered another big mess. But it looks like he's the only one who is really looking out for the little guy. How does he get so much stuff that the paper and radio don't make available to us? Thanks WAB.
Yes, he is very good at stirring up trouble. He loves it though, particularly when he gets noticed for it. Please don't feed his already swollen ego.
Allen B. didn't stir this he just reported it like Scott Stewart did. Or are you saying the editor of our local paper is also stirring trouble. Your are an idiot! You must be a jacko fan. The only thing swollen is jacko's head and it is about to be deflated. Has anyone ever noticed jacko looks like a toad?? laughing.. Just wondered....I've always thought that!
9:39 Check out 'jacko's' finger nails. Does he get them done??
9:30
Wrong! The difference between Mr. Stewart and wab is with the manner in which "news" is reported. But you know that, don't you?
I wonder what people who know you best think you look like. Interesting.
Whether Mr. Jackson gets his nails done is none of your business or mine. Perhaps he's just very particular about his appearance. What's wrong with that?
That post was meant for 9:39. Typo.
10:53 He should be "conscientious" as he so eloquently puts it, of his appearance because he sure has egg on his face. He is a joke and you are too for defending him. You are very quickly becoming a minority in this county. The issue about his nails give the appearance of perhaps being a bit feminine. In case you don't get the joke. People sure don't compare me to a toad. HAHA! No neck jacko with his twitching mouth and nervous actions when put on the spot are hilarious. He is so obvious in those gothca moments I have repeatedly seen in the past. Wrong to you I am afraid, barrett didn't make his report until way after scott stewart did. Who are you trying to fool?? Just yourself! Your won't be able to make any case that jacko is upstanding on this blog or in this county so give up. Cut your loses, lick your wounds and crawl back to your hole.
To 1 Mar 10:53AM
You state "The difference between Mr. Stewart and wab is with the manner in which "news" is reported. But you know that, don't you?"
The thing that you continually misunderstand about what I attempt to do on this blog is to provide news and commentary. Mr. Stewart has a very different position in that he doesn't have the full opportunity to freely express his opinion as I do.
You obviously don't agree with me and that's fine the point is if you feel the necessity to respond that's what the blog is for and with my name on my post it becomes very clear to whom you are responding. Allen Barrett
I'd like to know.... who is solely responsible for putting out those specification on those insurance bids? And how did they (the bids specs) get so messed up? Was it Loretta Harwell or the School Board?
Don't know Loretta Harwell but there is enough blame to go around. The Board could have avoided the whole thing if they would have only listened to more than a two minute statement. Morris and Barrett tried to tell the Board what was about to happen but they would not listen.
One thought on the news you get from other sources. There is an effort from the T-man to control what news is reported and just how it is reported. I have actually over heard conversations between the man and newsmen. I don't believe that WAB will bend to any pressuere to keep something low key or to not report it.
You are right. His ego needs would not allow that.
The initial bid specs were done by Loretta Garner and 4 days before the bid opening they changed to 5 pages long and Brenda Speer was the one who had changed them. Loretta is the one to blame here. Although the board and their ignorance didn't help much. The whole thing was mishandled and Loretta or the school board refused to listen to anyone.
In defense of our local newspaper, this topic is hardly a news item. Mr Barrett's blog is an appropriate place for this discussion.
Apparently the news media doesn't agree with you as they have reported it since getting wind of it. Anytime our tax dollars are at stake it is news worthy. School employees insurance coverage being paid by our tax dollars is at stake here. You care to explain how that is not news worthy?? Our county is liable here and it may take legal action to open some eyes.
10:03 and 5:37, Are you the same person who absolutely cannot respond to the topic discussion and MUST complain about WAB and his postings? Do you admire him that much or just threatened by his knowledge, or if not knowledge, his opinion. As I stated before, yes anonymously, but you do have the option of not reading his posts if they bother you, he signs his name to his opinions AND try and keep this straight, it's a big deal. WAB is a PRIVATE citizen who has a right to post on a public blog his opinions as do all of us. He is NOT one of the issues. TJ is a public person by choice and therefore we are allowed to discuss his actions, appearances, and whatever else one wants to post. It's in a document called the U.S. Constitution, called FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Now if outright lies are stated, that is libel and not allowed legally, but opinions on ISSUES AND PUBLIC officials are what this blog is for. Why can't you understand that? Your obsession with wab's posting is childish, to say the least. Unlike you, when he expresses an opinion about an ISSUE, we all know it's from him. Don't read his postings IF they upset you, but for pete's sake, quit posting about him and express your ideas about the topic. You are, whether you recognize it or not, judging his motives, and that is a dangerous thing for a Christian to do. (I am making the assumption that you are a Christian.) If you are truly interested in truth, by all means, put your info out here to share with all of us. But most folks don't care about PRIVATE citizens egos, ethics, or even opinions; why do you care so much about wab?
Stay on county issues, please. That's the purpose of this type of venue.
7:25 Right on! However, 10:03 and 5:37 have to 'know' something to 'pass it on.'
I don't think everyone truly understands what the citizens of Giles County are facing now with this decision being made. Giles County School system now has to have a reserve set up to pay these claims they have obligated themselves to. And to be a bit clearer that means Jackson will be coming to the commission for the funds to do that. To the tune of $400,000! That in turn will generate a property tax increase. All because Jackson the school board and the finance director think they are smarter than everyone else. This is what a mess they are getting us into now. Anyone furious yet?? So commissioners what are you going to do? Seem a bit smarter to have an insurance plan in place to do that? It is much smarter and better stewards of the taxpayers money to pay the premium for an insurance plan than to pay the first claim if an employee in the school system dies age 65 or older. Get ready we are getting suckered again by Jackson and this all stems from him wanting to have a certain insurance agent in town in charge of all the insurance versus doing what is best for the employees and the county tax dollars. Somewhere the line needs to be drawn.
This is ridiculous! How many people do you all think have died while employeed by the school system. Prior to the insurance policy ever starting the school system paid an employees family $5,000 when an employee died while in service, no insurance policy! Jackson started a life insurance policy. This has all started because one person did not get the bid. Lawyers & auditors have looked at the bid and have found it legal. It is time to drop it. If the bid was done over it would be illegal. Drop it folks!! These people won fair and square.
7:25
Yes, I take credit for the posts you mentioned. You mentioned my admiration for your hero. You couldn't be more wrong about that. I think the way he talks to people is absolutely despicable. I have never once been at odds with the man over his "truths". I think he is factually correct about as many times as he is blatantly in error. No, my problem with wab is in the way he talks to people. Please don't misunderstand; I have stated that repeatedly on this blog. It's rather simple; I stand opposed to arrogance, regardless of who it is. And, though it's none of my business, I find it absolutely unbelievable that a minister would behave as he does. I had to laugh when you stated that I feel threatened by this man. Again, you miss a simple point.
Since you seem to be so well informed 8:40, why don't you furnish the information which auditors and attorneys have made on this decision? No one to date has made any decision whether legal or not. By the way, you seem to miss the whole point. The company that is currently handling the $10,000 never submitted a bid. The question is, how can this company be doing business with this county when they did not meet the bid requirements at the end of September? Looks like to me since Garner would not let Brenda Speer submit her bid because of being late, this company that is handling the insurance now, who was the latest of them all, would not be allowed. If I was Brenda Speer I would raise a serious stink that my bid was never considered.
8:45 you are either extremely dense or just plain stupid I guess you'll have to decide but for whatever the reason you fail to understand that Mr. Barrett is not a physical threat to you but an extremely strong psychological and emotional threat of your own making. You see he is everything that you are not but wish you were and by him being who he is makes you feel even more the inferior. It's the fear of your being found out that makes you dislike and hate the man. Your problem is that you are lazy and undisciplined. You have the capability to discipline and educate yourself to the point that your character and influence could be as great if not greater than Mr. Barrett but instead you take the easy way and instead of focusing on the issues you attack him on a personal level. There have been times when your rhetoric has been just plain untrue and extremely speculative.
I am a board certified psychologist and have dealt with your type envy a number of times. Always the person is in denial and the denial is proportional to the level of envy. Anger is a characteristic manifestation of such deep seeded feelings, anger projected toward the object of that envy and anger internalized. Untreated the prognosis is bleak with the frustration and anger eventually reaching such proportions that the individual suffers from anxiety and irritability toward others in all situations. I hope you will seek out someone to talk with about this situation.
To 8:45. If you truly are a "Board Certified Psychologist" then shame on you for calling someone "extremely dense or just plain stupid."
I hope you don't have the same aversion to some of your patients who may fit that despription. If so, then what a farce you are.
To 11:40 maybe you qualify for the dense or stupid category since you don't seem to know it was Howard that claimed to be a board certified shrink not 8:45 or maybe you are 8:45.
I believe the statement was "you are either extremely dense or just plain stupid I guess you'll have to decide" that you took offense toward. It seems to have been a choice the individual had to make about himself. Your offense is uncalled for as there is nothing unprofessional about a person being allowed to make a decision about what their behavior is. I think it rather funny myself and very accurate.
And once again, 8:45 you prove my point-Not one word about the topic of this blog, but all about WAB; It's getting a little creepy how you can't stop yourself; regardless of the topic, you only discuss a private citizen. Don't read his posts if you truly don't like what he says! Got any thoughts or opinions on the insurance issue being discussed?
Maybe Howard and WAB are Clooosssseeeee friends....:)
Howard
You are absolutely outrageous! And you call yourself a board certified psychologist? I checked my DSM-IV and couldn't find anything closely akin to what category you might fall into. I'm thinking borderline personality with co-morbid schizoid personality. Would you concur?
As for your "speculations" about my feelings toward your champion and mentor, let me just say that you are not nearly as bright as you think you are. I have absolutely no fear of wab in any capacity and have NEVER hated him. To say I vehemently oppose his condescension and arrogance toward those with whom he disagrees would be a far better assessment of how I "feel" toward a man I have never met. Are you beginning to see how foolish your statements are? I hope so.
Lastly, I am very happy in my own skin and have no desire to be like wab. I respect diversity, don't you?
for 2:57..
If "people like you" would stop making statements about wab that serve to feed his ego, I would feel no need to respond to them. I dislike your defending his misbehavior much more than I dislike his inflammatory remarks. But then, I wonder why name-calling and accusations don't make you angry as well. You know, psychologists will tell you that it's not healthy to suppress anger or to project it onto someone else. Think.
Gosh all this silly yea yeaing has made me forget the topic. Oh yea, it's has to do with something about taxpayers having to foot the bill for life insurance for school employees, I think!
Stay on the topic people.
I am 2:57, 7:44,,, what is the topic of this thread????? It is not WAB, what is so hard about that? I don't defend the person you are obsessed with, just point out the YOU won't post on any issue of our county and post only on Mr B. on almost every single thread; Talk about his arrogance, and in the same sentence inform me that you dislike my "defense of him" much more...well boo hoo,that will shut me up cause you dislike me...What gives you the right to point out his arrogance, you are sounding much more holier than thou than wab ever did. You point out what you PERCEIVE are a PRIVATE citizen's faults and condemn him for investigating what every single mature RESPONSIBLE tax payer should do. It's easy to hide behind anon and finger point at someone who signs his post; I REPEAT MY QUESTION; DO YOU HAVE ANY LOGICAL OPINIONS ON THE TOPIC OF THIS THREAD, OR ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR COUNTY ISSUE? ANY OPINION AT ALL THAT DOESN'T PUT DOWN A PRIVATE CITIZEN? Just once, see if you can respond on the boe's actions regarding this ins issue and don't mention the person you "AREN'T" obsessed with. Here are some terms to help you with the whole concept of a blog of this type: public official, freedom of speech, tax payer, public office, public's tax dollars, gossiping about someone anonymously...hope these words and phrases will help you focus on the TOPIC, not a private citizen whose posts are easy to avoid reading if one finds them distasteful..
Oh and one more thing, "people like me" are neither defending or criticizing Mr Barrett, just trying to point out the hypocrisy of an anonymous poster exhibiting the same behavior that he is accusing a private citizen of engaging in; big difference, one is holding himself accountable by signing his name, other is trying to be sneaky by being anon...YAWN, I am weary of this silly game; you don't care about the county, only about sounding more smug than you accuse others of being....TOPIC, TOPIC, TOPIC
11:12
As one of my heroes, Ronald Wilson Reagan, said "there you go again". Please don't talk down to me as if I were a third grader. That's the same old arrogance permeates this blog, and "people like me" who point that out are either called names or accused of defending corruption.
I would suggest that you too stay on topic and stop trying to belittle "people like me" who don't share your views. Otherwise, you appear to be a bit hypocritical.
I applaud efforts to better our great and wonderful county in spite of what you might think, but the tactics you people are using is wrong. You never convert the sinner by beating him over the head with your Bible. Would you agree?
7:33 am
You are obviously obssessed to the point of oblivion.
The muck has regurgitated the lizzard - dumbo is back
The toilet is stopped up & overflowing - dumbo is back.
We really need to get dumbo a WAB mask. Dumbo could then walk up and down main street with hat on frontwards, no trench coat, & people wouldn't be throwing things, snarling, & spitting all over poor old dumb butt dumbo!
Dumpo - give it up - you'll never measure up to wab - you crawl on your belly cause that's what snakes do - we know you can't help yourself - nothin personal, just the fact, mam
5:24 Every certified teacher would have to die "in service" (while still employeed) BEFORE the BOE would have to pay $400,000. Get a grip! Know your facts!
8:45 He/she who be without sin, cast the first stone.
11:05 To Howard: EXCELLENT! Your entry is perfect for the situation at Southside and the 'infamous' e-mails. Polly, Swinford & Jackson fit right in the analogy. The 'fearsom threesom' might not know they are entilted to six mental health visits each year, included in their school health insurance.
I do not have any better clue as to who Howard is as does any one else on this blog. One thing that's obvious is he's a very perceptive person of intelligence and a really great judge of character.
To the 3 Mar 11:24 poster.
You make an excellent point when you state "Every certified teacher would have to die "in service" (while still employeed) BEFORE the BOE would have to pay $400,000"
The problem is that the Board of Education in its memorandum of understanding has taken on the responsibility of covering "every employee", not just certified teachers, with a $10,000.00 death benefit, yet nowhere in the school budget is this liability reflected.
At the Financial Management Committee meeting in response to Commissioner Jackson's question of where the money will come from the School Superintendent stated he would just write a check out of general funds.
Again one must ask why the school system is put in this position of providing a death benefit at full cost when they could just as easily provide the insurance promised for a mere fraction of the total cost.
Now another side of this matter is the fact that some beneficiaries have not been compensated with ten thousand dollars, even when they had the insurance, while others were, is their a way to justify such a prejudicial system? I think not and if two people are covered by the same policy they should each receive the same benefits.
Allen Barrett
WAB
Since when can Tee Jackson make a decison to take money from the General Fund? That takes 21 commissioners. Its not his decision to make. Time for the Board of Educ to buy his contract out. Yep, it would cost but we would be better off in the long run.
11:24 Just to clarify things a little better because most people don't know this information. Assuming there is an age reduction schedule starting at age 65 in the employer paid life insurance and you have 60 employees in the system that are age 65 years or older. With the average age being 65 the board of ed is having to make up the difference versus what the insurance pays and assuming the average difference is $5,000 then you multiply 60 by $5,000 that will equal $300,000. By federal law the BOE will have to set up a contingency reserve fund to have the money available to pay all claims in the event these 60 employees were to all die at the same time. Regardless of the chances of these 60 employees dying at the same time, federal law states you are required to have the funds available at all times to pay the claims. This is just an example but the BOE will be required to set up a reserve fund and have on hand these monies available at all times. I am trying to educate those who don't know or understand. I hope this helped.
The board keeps a 3% contingency fund in case of emergencies. God help everyone if the school system loses $300,000 worth of workers. The poor families. It would have to be an epidemic and would get more than school associates.
Ok I am 11:24 Thanks for the info. Must be that TJ wants more money in the General Fund to mess around with. I too thought ALL employees were covered by the $10,000, but just couldn't really remember.
Reality is that MOST employees of the BOE WON'T make it to age 65 without having a stress related massive heart attack! Reality is there are NOT and WILL never be 60 employees of the BOE who will be 65or older. You may be right about the reserve fund and the law, but you are way off with the age of employees. Reality is about 40% of the certified employees of the BOE are 50 plus and will retire with in the next five years....if they don't drop dead from stress...then the BOE will have to cough up the $10,000.
WAB if some benefciaries have not been compensated with the $10,000? If that is the case, and I don't doubt you, why haven't the 'beneficiaries' sued the BOE? I can think of only one maintance man dying inservice with in the last few years. Are there other employees of the BOE who have died inservice since the $10,000 went into effect? Oh, also a wonderful speech teacher a few years back.
It was pointed out by Commissioner Jackson to Superintendent Jackson that he could not just take money from the general fund. If Superintendent Jackson was speaking of the general school funds or simply implying he had the power to influence enough commissioners to get it from general funds wasn't made clear, the laughter curtailed the discussion.
There are several bus drivers and non certified school employees who are near or over 65 years of age.
The teacher's family was paid $5,000.00 form the insurance company and $5,000.00 from school funds. When a bus driver died in the same situation his family received $5,000.00 from the insurance and nothing from the school. I do not know for certain but was told they have not sued or tried to get additional funds because they don't want to be perceived as trouble makers.
Watch the upcoming school budget for this new line item to be included. Allen Barrett
It appears that riddler is back in full form....a cheerleader for the "magnificent one" in every sense of the word. I think the ones who are obsessed are the cheerleaders.
I would rather be found guilty of defending the victims of name-calling and insults than to be counted among those who defend the ones doing the insulting. Such is the case of riddler. Think about that if you will.
WAB isn't it ironic those who stand up for their rights and ask for what IS fair and DUE them causes them to be considered 'trouble makers'. Until folks get the nerve to stand together and DEMAND their rights, because those in power WON'T grant them freely, then we will have people afraid to stick their neck out.
I did not realize there were bus drivers and non-certified employees over or near 65. My mistake...sorry. Also, my sympathy goes to the bus drivers family. I just did not remember the incident. Again, my apologies.
643
poor widdle thing
playin with a dingaling
one end in its ear
the other in a beer
Defender of the dumb
a suckin its thumb
prefers to be drab
instead of like WAB
4:49 According to the school census from last year there are 50+ employees age 65 or older. Regardless of certified or non-certified, this is to be paid to all employees of the school system. Also, it does not matter whether or not all of those 50+ die at once or not. There is potential of the BOE having to pay out claims on those age 65 and over. Therefore, the contingency fund has to be established in that event for those in that age bracket. I understand totally what you mean about stress. It is stressful for those of us not working for the school system to watch how these employees are being treated as well as the stress involved in making sure the director doesn't nickle and dime the taxpayers of this county and the well-being of the students. I can't even imagine what the employees go through. I hope for the best for all the employees.
4:44
The schools have to keep a 3% balance of the total budget as required by law. They are not supposed to dip into it as its the amount the new year operates on before next year taxes are paid. Dont believe its a contingency fund.
WAB Are you saying Tee Jackson was actually laughed at in a meeting after responding to a question by commissioner Jackson?
8:10 You are speaking of something completely separate from what is being discussed. You are correct but that is a completely separate issue required by the state. You are comparing apples and lemons.
8:14 I'm not WAB but I was there and yes he was laughed at.
I too was there and to confirm what 11:00 said, yes he was laughed at. Seems Jackson thinks the resolution to any problem is just to write a check. It is easy to spend other people's money and that is exactly what Jackson has proven above anything else he is more than capable of doing. Of course, at the expense of all Giles Co. taxpayers. Would you allow someone access to your checking account to spend, spend as they see fit? Absolutely not! Taxpayers need to take a stand and demand accountability and curb these spending frenzies. We are suppose to question our elected officials as they are stewards of our tax dollars. Even though Jackson is not an elected official he is still accountable as the school budget is the biggest tax burden on the county. Education is important but Jackson's idea of what is best for our school system should not be conducive to a superb football program. Don't get me wrong...sports are important but, when sports supersedes academics there is something fundamentally wrong. These employees of the school system need to be valued as they are shaping our youth and preparing them to be fully functional citizens in society and will one day be taking care of us. We need to remember that! All employees within the school system should be valued from the director down to the custodian that keeps our schools clean and looking good. I just wish we had a director that placed equal value for all employees. What a shame and a disgrace to have such a person running our school system. Everyone should be gravely concerned. Please take a stand and call your school board members and ask questions.
Better yet, go to the next BOE meeting and speak in the last two minutes. If you are one of the lucky first five, you will get to speak.
riddler,
Keep that Robert Frost quality prose coming. I'm about to crack my bones laughing at YOU.
You would think these school board policies would be read by the school's attorney to eliminate the poor verbage.
Anyone should have no trouble figuring out what those simple words mean!
Isn't it a clue to why US education isn't wotking?? If you want to learn about conduct (morality) don't rely on TJ, Barney Frank or Sir Ted Kennedy - get a Bible & teach them how to read it! No time for math?
Local BOE(s) must break away from the state & federal claptrap of political correctness & corruption!
Personally, I think the policies should be proofed by some of the "smarter than we are" people who want to be in charge of things. After all, they "know best".
you lost your hammer last time, what will it be next time?
2:59 Not only did 'she' loose her hammer, she lost her marbles and is too dumb to know the 'game' is over and 'she' needs to go home.
707 you got that right
March 4th post:
Good read and I agree with most you say!
One thing you are wrong about and most people feel the way you do, but the School Super., Mr. Jackson is not accountable for the spending of your tax dollars
Most board member do not even know or care, the law is written so, as any State Auditor will tell you, (once the county commission gives him the money, he can spend it any way he wishes. It is his money!)
He does not have to answer to anyone. Period.
I do not know of any tax payer that would agree with that statement. Not even a School Teacher!
Education is what the Public needs and it is an Education of School Funding and the problems with it.
To anonymous 10:27 which March 4th post are you referring to?
Couldn't our commissioners make an official recommendation to the school board to have T Jackson fired?
1027 right on! 1016 amen & go for it.
10:16 The commissioners will have to make a recommendation to fire ole jacko. The school board doesn't seem to know how to follow their own policies.
Believe under General Law the school super could spend tax dollars anyway he wanted once it was given by the commissioners. Under Financial Management he has to ask for amendments to change. However, he still has fat cushions in his line items so he still manages to spend without amendments.
9:10 That is completely wrong. Under Financial Management there is a centralized office accounting system. Other than that, there is no difference.
6:02
I beg to differ. Tell us what is the same.
6:02
Mr Barrett posted a long list of school amendments on this blog on February 11.
6:57 It is all the same. The only difference is the accounting system is in a central office. All departments can spend the money the same as before. Its just that the checks and balances come through a central office.
It is a falicy to think that there are any more effective controls. Ask WAB if you'd like.
Previously there were no checks and balances. WAB what do you think, do you notice any improvements to what we had before?
12:17 You are right, there were no affective checks and balances prior to Financial management. Poor control invites deception and dishonesty. One person with opportunity can bring a community to its knees. Arguably, one person toppled the global banking empire (with help of friends in high places). That has happened here too, but the good changes since 2004-5 are substantial.
In that sense, education provides the example.
1) School property tax increased $1.3 million in 2005.
2) If the second $1.5 million 2006 increase wasn't narrowly defeated, the total would have been increased to $2.7 million more per year (rounded).
3) If the third $2.5 million 2007 increase wasn't narrowly defeated, the total would have been increased to $5.3 million more per year. (a 113% increase in 3 years!)
If you add the $1.3, $2.7, and $5.3 millions, the total money taken from taxpayers would have been $9.3 million over the three period. All things considered equal, the $9.3 million accumulative number would jump by $5.3 million each year after 2007. In 10 years, $5.3 million would be $53 million before interest considerations.
Unquestionably, none of the increases were necessary! Cumulative spending during that three year period exceeded the BLS average by almost $9.5 million! The $5.5 million 2006 & 7 increases that almost passed would increase the $9.5 million to $15 million over the BLS average. The how you can ask for more money when you are drowning in it, boils down to falsifying revenues - a process that makes the false prophet appear to walk on water, because actual annual revenue is many times greater than budget, in spite of colossal waste! That which sometimes gives a one way ticket to jail in the private sector called for an attaboy and raise in the public sector. Based on the volume of legislators that have taken the down river trip in recent years, reliance on criminal cunning outwitting public ignorance might be a sign of mental misfire.
You are wrong! There are,were and always will be checks and balances. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT IT IS NOW COMING OUT OF A (High dollar) CENTRALIZED OFFICE!
The cumulative spending that you discuss was approved by the commissioners. Once the money is approved, the money can be spent. The checks were written by the departments. Now the checks are written by the Financial Management Office. The deception has absolutely nothing to do with the accounting system. The deception you write about (approved funding) can still be accomplished in two ways:
One is if the current Financial Manager misses and/or does not bring up unnecessary spending,
Two, if the Financial Manager is deceptive and/or bought off.
Corruption is rampant.
I'm not sure that it is corruption. Its just that one persons priorities are different from others. If you are an elected official, sooner or later the official will have disagreed with every voter on one item or another.
EXACTLY! Thank you for the sensible post.
702 you simply don't know what you are talking about and don't have the technical capability to understand it.
The underlying issues have been detailed on this blog many times by several people.
Do you know when the last sales tax revenue deposit is received and recorded at year end June 30 of any given year?
If the director of schools uses his position and authority to understate that revenue by several hundred thousand dollars to deceive the council into granting him a tax rate increase, we have a case of fraud waiting to be prosecuted. When the deception extends into September, is that a different point of view? How about when it it extends from year to year? How about when it is used to create an illusion of raising more revenue than anticipated ... by simply falsifying the budget number???
What about pleading, documenting, and passing a budget amendment to make the budget appear to be favorable in all respects, to avoid a state audit write up, and to turn around and brag about financial integrity! Check the director evaluations and tell me that the taxpayer isn't being ripped off by the straw men!
The train is comming & this crap is about to get run over!
9:57 Please explain to me how the Financial Management act could have possibly corrected what you are talking about? The money was approved. It was moved, and it was spent. This has absolutely nothing to do with what financial management is about. Financial Management is about a centralized accounting system. If the money is approved, then it can be spent.....not matter who writes the checks! Get your facts! The real facts! Then try to post an itntelligent post!
1151 do you know what the word "management" means? You literally don't have a clue. Have you ever read an audit?
My friend, it is you that does not understand. It is pointless to continue this discussion, because you will not take the time to understand what you are promoting and voting for. The only thing financial management act of 1981 really does is centralize the accounting system. The commissioners still appropriate the money the same way as before.
This question was asked relative to the Financial Management Act of 1981 by a poster on 25 March 12:17.
"Previously there were no checks and balances. WAB what do you think, do you notice any improvements to what we had before?"
Yes, I see a remarkable improvement in the accountability of the financial expenditure procedures. Last year for the first time the budget was publicly addressed in a meeting specifically required by the Act. While it certainly was not all it could have or should have been it was progress.
This was the first year there was not a long list of the same violations sited by the state audit.
The Act sets a stricter standard against conflicts of interest. While this issue is being bantered between the CTAS, the county attorney and others clearly the groundwork is available to prevent officials of the county from voting to give themselves and their families pay increases.
No law or policy is any stronger than its enforcement. A weak overseer does not make the law weak. Allen Barrett
1008 All I can say is run your mouth. When the door closes on your fingers you might learn enough to listen next time.
Yes Jackson is still stirring the pot, but he is stirring with his fingers & the water is getting hot, very hot. I wouldn't want to be him! To my knowledge, falsification of revenue as Mr. Jackson does, is a thing of the past - a very major change. Instead of tax increases, you may get to see some decreases in the future! As a matter of fact - that highly intelligent & civic minded proposal has already been suggested!
regarding the rest of the county departments, I haven't really seen a huge problem. Minimally a financial manager can help them if they will let it happen.
I'm sure if your finger is in the pot, you too feel the heat & redness & will remove it unless you are as braind dead as you claim to be.
What does the Financial Management Act of 1981 have to do with mine or anybody else's finger in the pot? All I am telling you is that in reality, the only thing that changed is where the checks are written. If you read WABs letter, you will see that he didn't really say anything to the otherwise.
He is talking about a budget proposal. Like I said, if the commissioners approve money, then it can be spent. Just like before, only the checks come out of a different office.
Read the act, then tell me if there are any significant changes other than a Central Accounting System and rules for the Central Accounting System. I don't think you will find it.
Yes the location for cutting the checks has changed----but at least now the teachers' paychecks are cut for the same amount each month. This was not true in the past----checks could vary from a dollar to as much as thirty dollars a month. A lot of teachers had no idea what amount would be on their check each month. If a teacher was on a tight budget and every penny was set aside to pay bills the teachers sometimes had a problem paying their bills.
Perhaps ALL the accouting will be done in a more uniform method if done by a group of people who have to make everything balance instead of sending out things that don't make sense.
NEVER could understand why paychecks were NOT for the same amount each month and never got a decent explanation for the decrepencies.
729 the fox is no longer in charge of the hen house. sleeping at the door, maybe, but that's real temporary.
This fox in the henhouse addage is getting old! You don't know what you are talking about, so you come up with cute sayings and rhymes to cover up your ignorance. Keep it up.
743 getting nervous???
About what??????
I don't get nervous. I don't rely on silly sayings either!
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