Where's the money?
From its beginnings the "Leaps and Bounds" after school program has been controversial at least.
Many felt it was an inappropriate use of tax money to provide a day care service. Some felt it was being poorly administrated, overly funded and under supervised. It has been the topic of much discussion on this blog and other places.
The question now is what happened that this program was shut down unexpectedly, putting people out of work and parents left scrambling for a place for their children to go after school?
At the recent school committee meeting amendments were made to the school budget that moved $16,400.00 and $12,700.00 from the school general funds into the Leaps budget. This was explained as the $16,000.00 was donations made to the Leaps program this year and the $12,000.00 was donations made to the program in previous years. Understand that these were clearly identified as donations not fees. Upon further investigation it was revealed that of the $16,000.00 donated this year $5,000.00 is "expected" to be an amount realized from a "future" fund raiser. How do you justify taking money from the school general funds for use by the Leaps program when the money doesn't yet exist?
Now we are told that the program is out of money and that is why they had to shut down early. In April eight of the "staff" went to a convention at a cost of over $7,000.00, if this program was in financial difficulty why was this trip taken and especially why did it include someone who was not planning to be part of the program next year?
Money has been given through the state lottery funds, fees from parents, donations, fund raisers and from the school general fund........ where has the money gone that the program was abruptly discontinued and teachers told they were no longer needed? Allen Barrett
Many felt it was an inappropriate use of tax money to provide a day care service. Some felt it was being poorly administrated, overly funded and under supervised. It has been the topic of much discussion on this blog and other places.
The question now is what happened that this program was shut down unexpectedly, putting people out of work and parents left scrambling for a place for their children to go after school?
At the recent school committee meeting amendments were made to the school budget that moved $16,400.00 and $12,700.00 from the school general funds into the Leaps budget. This was explained as the $16,000.00 was donations made to the Leaps program this year and the $12,000.00 was donations made to the program in previous years. Understand that these were clearly identified as donations not fees. Upon further investigation it was revealed that of the $16,000.00 donated this year $5,000.00 is "expected" to be an amount realized from a "future" fund raiser. How do you justify taking money from the school general funds for use by the Leaps program when the money doesn't yet exist?
Now we are told that the program is out of money and that is why they had to shut down early. In April eight of the "staff" went to a convention at a cost of over $7,000.00, if this program was in financial difficulty why was this trip taken and especially why did it include someone who was not planning to be part of the program next year?
Money has been given through the state lottery funds, fees from parents, donations, fund raisers and from the school general fund........ where has the money gone that the program was abruptly discontinued and teachers told they were no longer needed? Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 10:28 AM
285 Comments:
Wow...all I can say is Wow.
Wow is right!I thought this program was for at risk children.Why are so many expensive field trips being taken?Since when is getting an education conducive to going to Disney? Many kids will not get to in their life time go there.I didn't and don't believe it affected my education.I also understood it to be that the program was income based.So many questionable things about this program, the person that is director and who qualifies to be in the program, etc. Sounds like some restraints need to be put on the purse strings of this program.
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! Just another example of the crap that goes on in our school system! Mr. Barrett, is it true that there is/was a Disney trip planned? What the....????? Why would Jackson take that kind of liability risk with students going off that far? This situation clearly needs to be addressed at next board meeting.
WAB THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION!
I know for a fact a female custodian at southside went to the 'staff' conference, you know the one to the tune of $7000, in New Orleans in April. Did she go to learn how to sweep the floors better or what? Anyone who goes to southside knows how dirty the school has become.
Teachers have been told REPEATEDLY there is NO money in the budget! NOT AN EXTRA PENNY! OMG - except for a proposed fund raiser 'LOAN' to Leaps to cover someone's ass-sets. Who will make up the difference if the proposed fund raiser does not net $5000? Can you say taxpayers?????????
The board of ed. is just as responsible as the director. The board was elected by the people of Giles County to be good stewards of the educational dollars. To say they did not know is incompentance! Jacko is responsible for the entire workings of the educational system in Giles County. HE DOES GET PAID WELL FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY. My question - When are the good people of Giles County, who REALLY care about their children's and grandchildren's education, future and well being, stand up with their voice and say collectively, 'NO MORE!'? When will the teacher's of Giles County stop turning a blind eye to the corruption they KNOW goes on. There ARE a lot of good educators in Giles County working HARD everyday to help the children of Giles County have a chance in life. However, there are also people in the educational system, some with power, some money, others Giles County connections who think they are untouchable. Until the good people of Giles County say 'NO MORE!' 'they' WILL remain untouchable.
Yes, there IS a Disney trip to FL planned in June for the Leaps program. You say, 'Why would Jackson take that kind of liability risk with students going off that far?' It brings to mind an old song, "With (his) pockets of gold." I have to ask myself, why would ANY parent let their child go off to Disney with a program leader who is incompetent?
Exactly how much is this Disney trip going to cost?
I've been wondering....Is Sherry going to drop off her summer Leaps students at all the local VBS's again this summer? Yes....literally drop them off and LEAVE like she did last summer.
WOW...another negative thread. But is anyone really surprised by that?
Wow 8:42 it sure is. I'm not surprised at all considering all the shady folks we have at the helm. You apparently love reading the blog as you comment often and appear to look for the negative.It must whet your appetite and rev your engine to enlighten us dumb dumbs of your knowledge. We learn so much from your "another negative thread" comments. Can't you do any better? Please try in the future to engage us in some better dialogue if at all possible.
8:58 Well said!
8:42 How is the truth, fact finding, concern over tax dollars and the educational future of our children a 'negative thread'?
Do we sometimes consider comments that we don't agree with as negative? Do we realize that in calling these ideas "negative" that we have made a negative statement.
But we do need to know what is going on so that we can make our own decisions about what is going on around us.
Being involved in some of these things, I can tell you that most people won't have a clue about what is going on if someone does not bring it out in the open. There is too much that goes on in this county behind "closed doors."
Open forums are sometimes negative but what happens behind those closed doors can be even more negative.
8:42, it would wonderful, great, terrific, cool, peachy keen, swell and any other synonyms you want to throw in if life was like the old country song, "We sure could use a little good news today."I share your distaste for doom and gloom overload; that being said, I also do not want facts, and by facts I mean, well FACTS, to be covered up under a blanket of warm fuzzies. When a large portion of public officials are corrupt and seek personal gain at public expense, it is the responsibility of mature citizens to seek the truth and correct the wrong. No, it will not always be what we want to hear, and perhaps some have the talent and ability to word things in a manner that will indeed make you feel all warm and fuzzy; others are less concerned with tact as long as it's truth. Do I share your desire for positive, uplifting news in our local, state, national gov't. You betcha'; But not at the expense of compromising facts that must be told and reporting "negative" threads is preferable than acting as if bad things haven't happened and aren't continuing. I urge you, since the negativity is so distressing to you, to step up, take the lead, go to meetings, obtain copies of public budgets, talk with officials, taxpayers, retirees, talk to those who are accused of wrong doing and get their side of the story; then in a positive, kind, gentle way, please report those facts to us. I promise we will support you, if we can identify you, that is.
Mr Barrett is correct; (positive statement) Leaps program has been a consistent controversial program from the beginning, (consistency is a positive trait) The students and staff have engaged in exciting, expensive, once-in-a-lifetime activities which require an exorbitant amt of money.(positive statement) All of theses activities require creative bookkeeping for all who handle the funds and budgetary needs of the program. (creative is a positive word) One does not have to wonder about some of the administrative decisions made by the staff which seem like a soap opera, (many people enjoy their "soaps", again, a positive thing)and that explains why this program is able to hold so many taxpayer's attention so intently.(understanding is positive)
Whew...that's too hard for me, folks, but you can't say I didn't try. I much prefer the Dragnet version of the news, "Just the facts".
I concur with most of what Mr Barrett said in the topic opener; I may concur with all of it but I would need to do my own research before saying I agree 100%. I don't believe in taking anybody's word on any issue all of the time. It's my duty as a responsible, tax paying contributing member of society to help make the world a "better place" for my children as my parents did and their parents before them and so on. And here's the thing 8:42, a little analogy for you; a clean spotless picture perfect house would be a wonderful thing, however in order to achieve that result, I have to get down in the dirt and scrub, finding those sneaky little dust bunnies, expose them and them get rid of them, and sometimes I have to get rid of the clutter, useless items that are taking up space, and preventing my home from being the best it can be. When you think about it, it's a pretty negative job, but once it's done, it's well worth it and my family and I are happier, healthier and motivated to work as a team to keep our home in excellent working condition. We are extra vigilant about how we treat our home and we support each other willingly for the common good which creates a cycle of constant achievement and excellence. Do you understand my analogy, 8:42? I hope you do! (wow,another positive statement: on a roll, huh)
Sincerely,
Foreigner
Foreigner - Right on! Like the 'analogy'! Hang in there!
I would like to know how many of the Leaps children are low income or at risk. Also how many of the teachers kids are either attending or working for the program. I heard that the kids working there were all BOE employees kids.
Now people are beginning to catch on. There maybe hope yet to change our school board members and the director next election.
to 8:58
You see, that's the bone of contention with you guys anyhow, isn't it? Smart people like yourself should be "at the helm" in this county. Right? Then we would be rid of all the shady characters who do things behind closed dooors, wouldn't we? Look, everyone you disapprove of in county government is NOT a crook, and the sky is not falling. How's that for an analogy for you?
Listen up 4:29 not every official is being put in one nice little package with a pretty little bow titled "corrupt garbage". You on the other hand just defend. Yack, Yack, Yack!That is all I hear. You are not the only person in this county with an opinion.When someone posts their feelings on here is doesn't always represent a possibility of wrongdoing.Sometimes it truly is wrongdoing.People have relationships with officials in the county and see the wrongdoing and are clearly aware. Have you been a part of every meeting closed door or otherwise? No..so you don't know. Are you capable of comprehending that? Are you saying that all of our officials are saints and martyrs? Surely not. None of us are perfect. Unless of course you think you are that is . Who are you addressing with this constant rant of nothingness anyway? Hey I have a concept for you...if there is no corruption or wrongdoing then you should be able to rest your precious little head. Try it on for size you just might find it fits.Think for once.
5:07
Listen up; we both know that only those deemed "corrupt" by a small group of self-appointed know-it-alls are thrown into that little package of corruption you mentioned. And yes, I can comprehend much more than you think, so don't go there with your condescension. Sure, other people have opinions, including ME. But the problem is that it differs from yours, so I should keep my mouth shut. That's never going to happen, so get used to an opposing view.
No. none of us are perfect, including people of your persuasion. You don't have all the answers either, so perhaps you might be more successful by practicing some humility and perseverance instead of arrogance, condescension, and ego. Now that's a worthy concept to consider, wouldn't you say?
You might consider who you are talking to and just how much I do know.Your problem is that more people do more than you. Those you say "deemed corrupt" have earned their title.You truly are full of yourself aren't you? I welcome a healthy debate. You again, do not even entertain the idea of corruption or wrongdoing. That makes you less than informed. Who do you protect? Someone obviously. You can't let others have an opinion is what it is. You have an issue with someone having a difference of opinion with you. Oh and I never told you to shut up.I do believe you have the right to voice your opinion. But please be mature and fair in your stance. You think you are one of the "smart" ones. You accuse me of doing exactly what you do, which is shoot down any opposing opinion like yours like it is the only one that matters. You are confused and very misled. By the way, what persuasion would I be? I'm just asking since you have all the answers and seem to know me so well. Please enlighten me as only you know best. I would be happy to ponder your concept if you made walking around sense. You are tied to someone being questioned and all you can do is squirm in your place because really wonder if their is validity in my statements. It scares you doesn't it? That I could be right. Well, I know I am actually on many levels. You see I don't get on this blog with diarrhea of the mouth speaking of things I know nothing about. That you can bank on! I know I may not have all the answers and never proclaimed to like you appear to believe(arrogance on your part)but I do have a lot of info that people would love to know. Could it be someone you know or are trying to shelter?
5:48
Well, what is your problem? You seem so eager to define what you perceive to be mine. Speaking of perceptions, those deemed corrupt by whom? They earned their title, according to who? Not everyone sees things the same way you do, so that makes them ignorant or uncaring as to what goes on? How is that anything less than arrogance? Please enlighten this old slow-minded Giles County native since I am uninformed and care nothing about wrongdoings. Poppycock!
You know what? The two funniest things you said are that I am afraid of what you might have to say and that I may be trying to "protect" someone. What a load of horsehockey! You say you have a lot of information a lot of people would love to know. Interesting. Just because you know something about someone, does that give you the right to get on a public forum and try to ruin or embarrass them....along with innocent family members. I hope you would say NO to that!
OK, it's your turn to come back with some witty remarks. Sheesh!
8:53 I am not 5:48. However, what do you think is the actual purpose of a 'public blog'? To share information and gather facts, hopefully. If 8:53 "knows something" about a public figure and that public figure IS doing something wrong, then IT IS the RESPONSIBILITY of 8:53 to post on the public blog. Sharing the information with public tax payers. When the information affects the education of the youth of Giles County IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to get the information out to the VOTING public....THEIR "innocent family members!" As you WELL KNOW "someone" HAS ruined and embarrassed him/herself by THEIR OWN actions. IT DOES NOT take someone getting on the public blog to make the fact known. She has arrogantly flaunted HER distructive behavior HERSELF!! SHE tried to ruin, embarrass, hurt and damage the professional reputation of a few educators "along with innocent family members." I believe the truth will come out and NOT on the blog. Hope you make yourself available to her the truth.
6:41 MANY if not ALL of the 'kids' working for Leaps are related to board of education employees. Polly picks her working staff. When one wants to be popular, one does the popular thing. However, someone forgot to tell Polly that behavior SHOULD have STOPPED in high school.
I am sure if you call the Tennessee Department of Education, Lottery money grant office, they will be able to tell you how many of the Leaps children are at risk.
It is also a KNOWN fact for as long as the program has existed the 'kids' helping, and being paid with unclaimed lottery money, basically did as they pleased. Not answereing to the adult educators put in charge of them. Gathering in the halls, on the playground and in classrooms to talk to each other and talk non-stop on cell phones. Polly was made aware of the situation MANY times. However, it was not the popular or cool thing to do to get the 'kids' who were not responsible to do their job or fire them. When a person (who is a supervisor - to the tune of $87,000 - second highest salary paid by the board of education) is trying to be included in the 'cool' teenager group, because that person wants SO badly to be like them, EVERYONE SUFFERS. Let me say this, there were one or two 'kids' who took their duties seriously. However, they are long gone.
Here's a good question...how many of Polly's family members work for the Leap's program?
9:33
Please answer one question for me. Would you feel the same if it were your family in question? It's really a yes or no answer. Thanks.
I can answer that question for you 9:45 because it has happened to me personally. Want to know how I handled it? I chose to stand up and fight back. You see there is no worry when you have done no wrong.You thought you were smarter by asking that question because you had no idea I was respond like I did. There is a difference in fact and fiction and those things said about me were not factual. Anyone that steps into public office exposes themselves to public scrutiny. If embarrassment they do not want, then they should conduct themselves ethically and morally to avoid this. It is not what you wanted to hear, but it is the truth. You won't get any pity with the "family embarrassment" bit. It is up to that person to make sure that don't give cause for embarrassment.
So, 9:45, what do you propose and what is your opinion on the purpose of a public blog? If there is NO doubt that the corruption exists and is ongoing, first hand, iron-clad proof has been given to the corrupt supervisor's supervisor and they brush it aside or create smokescreens, or even go so far as to destroy evidence, then what? There is always fallout when a family member makes choices that they should not make, and many, many times, innocent family members are hurt. I am inferring that you are of the persuasion that even though the proof is undeniable, admissible and goes through many levels of mid and upper management, that you feel it is not only okay, but it should be encouraged to completely cover up and ignore the illegal, unethical, and immoral activity, for the sake of "innocent" family members? Please understand that when a person chooses to break the law or engage in underhanded behavior, it is not the people expressing their freedom of speech right on a blog that embarrass family members, it's the one guilty. Your opinion of remaining silent when you know this type of activity is going on, is what is unethical and further more, it's un-American, and quite possibly criminal. Choosing to stay silent so as not to embarrass a person's family, even though their is absolute proof is
called,aiding and abetting. People give up certain rights to privacy when they decide to either become public figures or when they decide to break the law.
I haven't read on this thread a single word that could be considered slander, but I have read a lot of things that I know to be true and have reported them. Life is not always a day with Mary Poppins, 9:45, and as I read elsewhere on this blog what I consider one of the most intelligent and relevant statements I have ever heard and think it should be repeated often by the "happy, peppy, people", "JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE THE FACTS, IT DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACTS." (sorry about the paraphrase whoever said that)
So 9:45, are you part of the solution or part of the problem?
Sign me,
the thinker
thinker...
Put on your thinking cap please. You obviously were not wearing it when you penned the above quote. Whose undeniable proof? Who brushed it aside? Undeniable proof should be turned over to the proper authorities when those who are made aware of it do nothing. I would agree with you on that. But why is it proof just because you and a select few intellectuals say it's so?
And surely, you don't think I would chose to look the way or remain silent when someone does wrong? If you think that, then perhaps you need to have your thinking cap serviced or trade it in on a new one.
Finally, what a stupid thing to ask me. Am I a part of the problem or the solution? Well, I am certainly not a part of the problem. However, I do not consider running around town trying to belittle, call names, and the like anything skin to a solution. Since you call yourself "The Thinker", may I suggest this: THINK!
12:45
I almost forgot to respond to your post. I totally agree with you about standing up and fighting back. I guarantee you that I would do precisely that if someone got on here and started trying to trash one of my loved ones such as what routinely goes on here. Whether th right or wrong, I would make it my life's goal to find out who was responsible.
Let's look at it this way. Just because I may know of someone who is committing adultery would not give me the right to get on here and tell it and give names. That sounds like a good way to get my head blown off. A little tact would be wise, wouldn't you think?
thinker...
Oh, let me clear up a couple of typos I made in my 7:07 post. In the second paragraph, I meant to type "And surely, you don't think I would choose to look the other way or remain silent when someone does wrong? In the last paragraph, the word "skin" should have been akin.
I wanted to get this straightened out before you csll me an ignorant redneck or some other name.
Darn it, I forgot to put quotation marks after the word "wrong".
You are sounding more than a little paranoid there May 23 @ 7:07, 7:14:00, 7:22, and 7:23. I have never called anybody on this blog a redneck and don't really consider being "ignorant" an insult. That just means that you are not aware of the facts of a situation. That "proper authorities" term is wearing a little thin, may I suggest a thesaurus for some new vocabulary?
As I stated in my original post, wrong-doing has been reported through several levels of management. It was brushed aside, and totally ignored. Not being an attorney, I am not sure whether the activities were illegal, but considering the over-crowding of the court system, I would venture to say that the things witnessed would fall very low on a criminal priority list. But that in itself does not make them any less wrong. So, if as you claim you are part of the solution and not the problem, how bout you doing a little thinking and offer some suggestions on how to solve these problems with leaps, please. And please don't create a smoke screen and further cloud the issue by comparing unethical workplace activities by a public figure with gossiping on a blog about a private citizen's betrayal of their family. There is a vast difference between a person's behavior who has access to my children and tax dollars and a friend of yours cheating on their family. Your analogy is yet another example of sweeping the facts under the rug so that the behavior is allowed to continue, and that is called enabling. Do you not realize that the purpose of the blog is to inform, discuss and offer suggestions to people who chose to have their lives dissected publicly. It's not being negative, it's being pro-active. I would also be interested to know to whom you were referring to by your words, "....a select few". Because of my position and vulnerability as well as being a target for a vendetta, I keep my posts very secretive. (and before you jump on that statement, let me assure you that I am well aware of the fact that i also sound paranoid) and in my OPINION, I have good reason.
But again, I ask you, if you were being truthful about being part of the solution, I would love to read them. Going through proper channels does not apply to Leaps.
Thinker
In the world of reality what is wrong is not necessarily illegal and what is illegal is not necessarily criminal. Mr Barrett has discussed this matter on the thread dealing with the illegal bid rigging and absences of bidding on projects at the Richland school by Mr Jackson.
Ask any attorney or the DA about the differences between being wrong and illegal and being illegal but not criminal.
The situation with the bid rigging was grounds for disciplinary action by the board even firing, the board chose to ignore it, but it was not a prosecutable criminal action.
thinker..
May I suggest a little less arrogance on your part? You are not nearly so smart as you think you are. By the way, who accused YOU of calling anyone a redneck? Your delusions of grandeur and self-importance are remarkable. As for being part of the "solution", I would want nothing to do with it if it meant that I would have to behave as you and a small group of know-it-alls do. And, YES, I understand and appreciate the value and intent of a blog. But I also know it's not supposed to be a forum for calling names and attempts to malign and ruin those we don't like and with NO regard to the lives (collateral damage) who are hurt in the process! May I suggest your discussing that with the one who actually started all that mess? Let me just say this. I too must write from a position of anonymity because of my position. Otherwise, I would be more than happy to tell every single one of you who I am.
Finally, if there was embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, why wouldn't it be prosecutable by the county? Just wondering.
6:36-You accused me of calling somebody redneck; I've have talked to the perpetrator;who is the "phantom" small group you keep referring to?; and finally, who said anything about embezzlement? Collateral damage is caused by the perpetrators of unethical behavior not people expressing freedom of speech. And finally a disclaimer; The concept of Leaps was a wonderful positive idea; The lack of direction from those (plural) who had authority as well as short-sightedness was the downfall; but please "don't throw the baby out with the bathwater"; it is a fixable program and would be an asset to many children.
Anymore suggestions?
The Thinker
thinker..
You need to do a lot more thinking. I SAID embezzlement OR misappropriation of funds. I did NOT specifically say embezzlement any more than I accused you of calling people here rednecks. And I am certain that you know very well who the little group of "smarter than the natives" group is. Thank God they cannot get the votes to be elected!!
I realize it is pointless to argue with someone of your intelligence, so I will concede. Now you may again childishly have the final word. The thinker? What a laugh that is!
9:33 YES!!!!! Because I KNOW families who have been HURT by Polly's RECKLESS, UNCARING actions.
Polly cares SO LITTLE for 'her' family that she would disgrace herself AND them!
Let ME ask YOU a question. Why do you have MORE respect for Polly and her family than SHE DOES?
12:45 You answered my question from 9:45 as if it were me (9:33) responding. I think it is wonderful that you are commenting on the blog about wrong doings. I am also sorry you have experienced Polly's thoughtless actions. However, when answering questions, PLEASE CLEARLY state you ARE NOT the person the question was directed to. I also have experienced serious, false accuations from Polly BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT I HAD POSTED ON THIS BLOG LAST SUMMER. Actually, it was someone else. Which left me 'guilty by association' - NOT GUILTY AT ALL.
THANK YOU!
7:22 That was me who called you an ignorant redneck NOT thinker! You ARE paranoid!! I ALSO corrected your typos NOT thinker!
Sorry for the late posts, thinker, but I have been out of town for a few days. It was SO refreshing.
6:42 When you lay down with dogs you get fleas on you. However, YOUR fleas have jumped on the innocent and left SEVERAL 'bite' marks. Or as you said "smarter than the natives" (the innocent). Causing MANY a YEAR of personal and professional HELL! Putting THEIR families through UNDUE stress and pain. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!! Do not think the 'Fighting Irish' will EVER stop defending his good name? - NEVER! Do you think YOUR threats of 'watch your back, wait until you are found out, someone would like to know where you live and who you are' and threats of a law suit really scare or intimidate ANYONE?!!! The Fight Irish say, PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR LOUD MOUTH IS!!! GET IT ON!!! SHOW THE PROOF!!! SO FAR YOU HAVEN'T SHOWN ANYTHING BUT YOUR IGNORANCE AS A REDNECK!! Redneck - one who ACTS in an ignorant, uneducated, backwards way. YOU!
You REALLY need to come up with something other than the adultry thing - unless that IS ALL YOU have on YOUR mind??? Leaps IS short funded! THAT IS A FACT!! Money WAS transfered from the BOE General Fund to Leaps. Local educational monies to a state funded program?? Odd, to say the least. Teachers worked FOR FREE!! TEACHERS WHO HAVE NOT HAD A RAISE FROM THE BOE IN THREE YEARS!! Leaps was their SECOND job to fund the LOW pay the BOE so kindly gives them. So, they covered your ass-sets AGAIN! I would say 'someone' or 'some group' has committed 'public adultry' with the taxpayers money. The taxpayers have a RIGHT to know who the CHEATING BAS***DS are.
Kindly inform me of the public office I ran for and was defeated - as you have claimed more than once on this blog - OR SHUT YOUR REDNECK MOUTH!! TRY PUTTING A FEW FACTS FORWARD TO BACK 'SOME' OF YOUR CARELESS, IGNORANT, UNEDUCATED, REDNECK STATEMENTS.
Maybe if we knew who you were we might know for which office you did or did not run.
It hardly has anything to do with the subject of Leaps and Bounds as far as I am concerned.
Maybe it matters to others but I really doubt that it does. I think that most of us are more interested in the facts. To quote Joe Friday, from Dragnet, "Just the facts, Mam."
9:59 It has more to do with Leaps than YOU know!! "Just the facts, Mam." "We" don't need to know if I ran for office or not. It really doesn't matter to "we". However, someone is hopping around or should I say Leaping around with their comments about not being elected to office. So, I say AGAIN - reveal the facts.
Ho-hum!!!!
At this point in time I don't care if you ran or not or even if you won or not. Perhaps time will make me more interested in being enlightened.
Right now I am a bit tired of all this "You ran, you lost!" and "Who said I ran?".
What most of us want is some positive action that will get to the bottom or maybe the "top" of this Leaps' scandle. Maybe even the "tip top".
8:24 and thinker..
Well sheesh, you two sound exactly alike in your rhetoric, so what is one to believe? You both are so crazed by resentment and hatred that you sound like one person. Are you sure you are not one and the same? Could there be a split personality?
Your characterization as rednecks any here whom you deem ignorant or not in agreement with you is so stupid. If you don't like it here, why don't you head back North...or wherever you came from. I am sure that they would appreciate your lofty intelligence moreso than we do. After all, locals here don't have the intelligence to appreciate yours! What arrogance!
Once again this is not tax payer funded! Grants come from unclaimed lottery prizes. What part of this equation is so hard to grasp? Like it not this program does help the kids enrolled. Just poll the parents of the kids in the program. All the malcontent,know it alls,can't change the facts in spite of trying. The bottom line is whether u like Polly or not, it's not about her. If you help one kid; mission accomplished. The same local yokel idiots, constantly crowing about 'their'tax money act as if no one else pays any taxes. How about being part of the solution for a change?
8:21 YOU just don't get it! Or have few if any comprehension skills - 'thinker' is not the person who made the REDNECK comments, I AM! Oh well, just enjoy your long necks and fried bolonga today. Try to remember men and women died defending YOUR freedom to act ignorant. Hey! Bang your head on a rock or two today. Maybe that will loosen up any working parts in that thing on your neck.
11:16
Calm down; you're going to have a stroke or something. I did NOT say you were the "thinker", and I use that term loosely. I simply asked if you and the thinker are one and the same, because your writing and complaining skills are so similar.
By the way, I happen to be one of those veterans who came close to giving his life a time or two so that people like you can act foolish. You just can't stand that, can you? I would say that is about as hard for you to swallow as it is the fact that there are locals here who have brains and who are smart enough to not elect any of you intelligent people to office. Laughable, indeed!
12:55pm "laughable" there's a word that came up often in another thread a few months ago.
Now you have graduated from REDNECK to IGNORANT FOOL! Not mad just making a STRONG realization. I am soooooooooooo glad you chose to serve this WONDERFUL country. I hope you served it well..... My father, step-father, brother, uncle, husband are ALL veterans. One of my nephews is currently on active duty. My father is buried in a military cemetary. My first husband, deceased, has a white marble headstone with a cross engraved on it, courtesy of the U.S. government....if you know what I mean??? My second husband a Vietnam vet. REAL war trauma...if you can grasp this concept. I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF THEM!!!! AS I AM OF ALL AMERICANS WHO CHOOSE TO SERVE THIS GOD FEARING COUNTRY WITH HONOR. My step-father earned the bronze star - if you know what that signifies?! - along with the Purple Heart - as a Marine. My uncle retired with a rank of Captian in the U.S. Navy.
I am DEEPLY saddened YOU would take such an HONORABLE day, a day of tribute to U.S. deceased military and their families and use such words as 'foolish, shallow, laughable' to make your SORRY point. Also, that you would so CAUSALLY say that I am NOT proud of MY country or the vetreans who help keep this country GREAT!
May God have mercy on your soul.
Oh you are so darned right i can GRASP THE CONCEPT! You have a lot of nerve, don't you?
Who said you were not proud of your country? Certainly not I! And you have the gall to call me..and I AM a combat vet..a redneck? I don't think so! And I NEVER used derogatory references to Memorial Day. I'm wondering if you haven't been drinking or something. Have you?
May God have mercy on your soul had it not been for vets LIKE me who were out there on the line risking it all!!!!!!!!
Lady, if you were trying to get my attention, YOU GOT IT! And yes, I AM one of those who mentioned the word laughable a month or so ago. But I'm not laughing now. You people just never stop, do you?
5:54 "Calm down; you're going to have a stroke or something..." So, it is OK for you to imply that I don't have the ability to 'think' (meaning; in other words; I am stupid or ignorant) and say BECAUSE OF YOU I have been granted the freedom to "act foolish." However, YOU become enraged when I refer to you as a redneck - meaning; acting backwards; not polished. YOU brought up YOUR military experience, NOT me. YOU implied because of YOUR military service YOU granted me the right to "act foolish". Kindly explain YOUR comments to me on YOUR 12:55 post:
"By the way, I happen to be one of those veterans who came close to giving his life a time or two so people like you can act foolish. You can't stand that, can you? I would say that is about as hard for you to swallow as the facts that there are locals here....."
YOU tied veterans, service, honor AND today to your sorry 'blog' comments. And like a typical redneck, YOU 'jumped' on the person who brought YOUR sorry comments to YOUR attention.
NOT to discredit you 'sir', but many came before you and many after to protect this country and Her freedoms. Like the men in my family. I AM grateful to them, ALSO.
AGAIN I SAY, NOTHING, NOTHING IS 'LAUGHABLE' ABOUT THE DEDICATION OF THE U.S. VETERANS AND THE CURRENT AMERICANS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES!
YOU, sir, NEVER give 'people' a chance. By the way, what makes you think I am NOT a native of Giles County????????? I NEVER said all Giles Countians are rednecks........
Leaps & bounds sounds a lot like leapfrog. Sounds like the leaders are stopping for a moment of pleasure half way over the taxpayer!
6:42, Thinker here-I have asked you on more than one post to offer suggestions on how to help with the Leaps problem; I also said that is was a worthy program and could and should be fixed; So please "practice what you preach," and do some thinking and truly be part of the solution. Trust me, although I am flattered by your compliment to my intellectual capacity, I'm no smarter than your "average joe". That should be evident as even though you accuse me of lying about knowing who this mysterious "secret" group is, I have absolutely no idea, I work alone. Whether you believe that or not, will not, however, alter my quality of sleep tonight or any other.
The misappropriations/embezzlement debate will prove I am not claiming above average intelligence, because I didn't see either in your post and frankly I am curious to know what makes you so sure I am not a Giles Co native? I can think of only two reasons why you would assume that: 1. A constant phrase through your posts is that you very strongly feel that the natives of this county are only capable of substandard academic achievement (which I frankly find very insulting) and 2. The other constant is that are frequently point out that you believe I have above average "smarts." As I said, you are assuming that both statements are true, just as you assumed it was me that called others "rednecks." We all know how that turned out.
Finally to 8:24, no apology was necessary for the mistaken identity as we all run that risk when we post anonymously. If it offended me, the accusations which turned out to be false, I do have the opinion of publicly coming forward.
In closing, 6:42, I will ask once again, instead of ranting and raving and accusing me of things that are false, please offer some of your ideas on how to fix the program, that is the point of all of this hoopla. (Just guessing here, but if I was a betting person, I would bet that the referred to poster will be all about sarcasm, defense and no concrete suggestions. As I said, just guessing, though)
Thinker
8:37
I will not debate you further on anything, OK? You are going to have the last word anyhow, so I concede that. But you totally insult me when you accuse me of being disrespectful toward veterans. As I said, I myself AM a veteran, so you ought to just drop that. And furthermore, I never said that I alone gave you the freedom to act foolishly. I said veterans LIKE me. When you insinuate that I am disrespectful toward veterans, you bring out the "fighting side of me" as Merle Haggard sang in a very poignant song.
Oh what's the use. You have your opinions, and I have mine; neither of us will change the other. Call it a draw or whatever pleases you.
To thinker...
Look, I apologized for confusing you with the other one. What more do you want me to do?
Some simple facts, as requested, about the leaps program. Originally it was to be funded entirely by lottery funds as has been stated.
In reality the program has benefited from local funds since its beginnings. They have used property tax funded school buildings and utilities without any cost to the leaps program.
The Leaps director has set her own agenda, salary, time, travel, etc without any input from the school board. At a recent school committee meeting it took three direct questions simply to get the Schools Director to state he was the Leaps director's supervisor.
The program, regardless of it's potential or purpose, was used as a baby sitting service or daycare for people who could well afford private daycare for their children.
There has not yet been a specific and full accounting of the funds and how they were used.
Eight people from the Leaps program, in April, did attend a conference in New Orleans at a cost of over $7,000.00. Yes the appropriateness of those attending is questionable but not by the school director.
Yes the program was abruptly shut down, supposedly for lack of funds, leaving a number of clients without any alternative plans for daycare.
Yes $5,000.00 was moved out of the general school funds into the Leaps program in violation of stated school policy.
No there is not one single study that proves children benefit more from attending Pre-Kindergarten and Leaps Daycare than those who do not attend. Even the governor's own commissioned study stated that there was no benefit beyond third grade. There are a number of studies that clearly state children in daycare settings and kindergarten are "more inclined to act out aggressively than those who are not in such programs".
Fact is millions of dollars have been spent on this program and Pre-kindergarten with no positive discernible benefit other than the providing of government funded daycare for private individuals.
Who should be outraged at these facts, taxpayers who have once again been required to pay a high price for a very low yield; classroom teachers who have been cheated, yes cheated is the proper word, out of appropriate pay increases; students in K-12 who have been shortchanged because money went into these ineffective programs; and the parents who sat back and accepted less than the best for their children/students.
We may shout hang the Director of Leaps or the Director of Schools but the real responsibility lies with each of us who failed to see for ourselves what was taking place in school; failed to speak with our children or their teacher unless there was something wrong; failed to be more supportive of that classroom teacher by requiring our children and ourselves to show a greater respect for that teacher; failed to demand a higher standard for our classrooms; failed to realize that the schools are ours and as such we have a responsibility in what goes on there. The situation is a muddled mess at this time but can be improved with the active involvement of every county citizen. Allen Barrett
Active involvement? This county?All the majority of folks here want is juicy gossip.Most if not all of the people that post never even bother to set foot in our schools to see firsthand what is good about the system. If the goal is to help our kids, if not, why not? But to find something positive would mean actually giving Tee Jackson credit,or heaven forbid Sherry Polly!
How many here know or care that the State auditors thoroughly peruse Leaps programs and funds usage? Why would auditors purposely overlook wrongdoing to protect Polly, Jackson or anyone else? I agree Mr. Barrett we do need citizen involvement of the positive christian ilk.Not the tar and feather mentality that is rampant on these sites. Are our teachers perfect.. is Polly, Jackson of course not. It appears that some who post here walk on Richland Creek. One would think with high dropout rates,limited job opportunities in this county anyone trying to help our kids should be applauded rather than constantly demonized and insulted.
Nothing like Christians in Action I always say..many talk the talk.but when it comes time to walk the walk..only seem to take the same shortcuts the sinners take.Don't like Leaps, volunteer make it better, be part of the solution. Mentor at the schools help cut dropouts, help reduce high teen out of wedlock births.
Pass on worthwhile life experiences.Be the role models you claim to be.I forgot all this would mean stopping the hateful rhetoric and out right lies and half-truths and making a real difference.Any takers?
12:29
Thank you for a wonderful and positive post. I think Mr. Barrett could learn something from what you said. We do NOT need the 'tar and feather mentality" that you mentioned. And YES, we need a more Christian involvement and effort. What we don't need are those running around town calling names and trying to stir up as much trouble as they can to further their own agendas. And I think some have an agenda that is nothing more than being noticed. That is shameful, particularly for anyone claiming Christianity!
So again, thank you for a positive post. And isn't it nice to think or consider that Mr. Jackson, as well as others, ARE in fact professional people who are NOT the crooks and liars the same old bunch continually accuse them of being?
8:37
I didn't see anybody here say you were not a native Giles Countian. If you are, there are those who think you are not very smart though. But in your defense I can say that I never noticed you call all Giles Countians rednecks. But I didn't read where you were accused of that either.
I thought we voted in the Financial Management Act to prevent this kind of thing. Where were they when the money was not there to spend? They were supposed to keep watch over our dollars to keep overspending from happening. If they did not have the money how are they going to Disney World?
Financial management only keeps track of the money and pays the bills as they come in they have no direct control, over what money is spent on after it is in the separate budgets of various departments.
When the state does an annual audit they do not look at everything in a department or its budget, they merely do a general examination of a few areas.
To some, saying the truth is stirring up trouble. The problem is, for me ignoring a problem is no way to improve a situation. Without treating the cancer and sometimes even cutting out the cancer there is no hope for the patient's recovery.
I listed a whole group of problems in my 25 May 10:37 post, those things for the most part were ignored with only another remark about me needing to learn to be more "wonderful and positive".
While there is much to be positive about in Giles County, as I have said before this is the only place I ever chose to live, ignoring the facts that there is also some ugliness here is utter foolishness.
There are real problems here that are growing and creating real hardships on many of our citizens.
As I have asked before I ask again, simply look at the facts, don't take my word for anything ask your own questions, do your own research. My posts are not offered as absolutes only starting points that offer everyone an opportunity to be involved in the discussion and offering their own unique perspective. Allen Barrett
I would like to see a list of names of all teachers/assistants associated with the Leaps and Bounds program. This should be public information since they are paid by tax dollars or governmental programs.
The Leaps program was audited last week by State Auditors as it is every year, it is not a general departmental audit, but rather very in depth. State regulations require some type of in kind contributions or funds in addition to the grant money . I.E. use of school facilities,fund raisers, and community partners is usually part of the grant requirements. As far as the transfer of funds, that money was actually money raised in that manner and just returned to the Leaps budget.Oh, the Disney trip was conceived as a reward for certain goals to be attained during the year.Where is the outrage over the Washington DC trip Richland students take every year? The idea of both is to allow kids to see and experience more of the world than Giles County ;actually broaden their horizons and knowledge.As I said earlier question the parents of Leaps kids listen to what they say. Don't take my word as Mr. Barrett stated do your own research you may be shocked at what you really find.There is nothing wrong with holding our elected reps accountable; but a slash and burn tar and feather mindset is morally
wrong. Go over to Southside it is no state secret as to who works there, and while you there.. ask what you can do to help our kids and you might just help the community in the process. Conferences are attended by many staff in the system some by mandate.G.C.E.A ,Title,Special Ed. to name a few.I want to add those who work for Leaps fill out applications,the process is very transparent, also some of the high school workers are paid through a program called B.I.E. For those who don't know it is a program that helps transition high school grads planning on entering the workforce after graduation. The goal is to teach skills needed to obtain and retain employment.This forum could provide an excellent media for exchanging valuable information and insights for truly uplifting Giles County and its citizens, but only if it is utilized for honest, balanced, dialogue. And not a character destroying,rumor mongering gossip rag. Truly unworthy of this great community and her people.
great 12:42 you know lots! so who else teaches or works in the program other than you? you spent all your time on trying to convince us that everything is "transparent" so who other than you works there?
wab great post! You are so right!
12:29am Folks should volunteer for the Leaps program and in the public schools. However, to make leaps 'better' it would need new leadership. One needs to be present to lead......
6:03am Plezzzzzze take off the rose colored glasses and attend on a regular basis the board meetings.
10:31 I too am sorry. I too LOVE America and am GRATEFUL to the vererans and our military. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR MILITARY.
Better than a draw, let's call it 'friends with a united cause'.
Mr. Barrett, Financial Mangement issues purchase order and verifies if there is money in an account before it can be spent. If there is not money it is not SUPPOSED to be spent. They are there to control spending. You off all people have preached that. If the money is not in those accounts it is not to be used. How would Leaps have spent money they do not have. They also are to help with budget items. Where is the salary schedule for Leaps?
5:00 PM Salary schedule available yours for the getting. Dont expect Mr Barrett to do everything. He's not anybodys secretary.
5:00 and 6:19 I am not Barrett, but I do have the the salary schedule from the state dept. Hopefully, it will be made public on this blog soon or you can call the state dept. and talk to Laura Nichols like I did.
Who says I work there? Just did lots of research.Aren't we all trying to separate fact from fantasy?All these wild tales and rumors floating about.
Everyone truly concerned should know the truth. The salary schedules are available for the asking at the BOE.
I'm really not trying to convince you (whoever you are) of anything just putting out info that I've found and things than can be documented. Not childish name-calling, and attempting to ruin anybody's reputation for internet sport.
5/26 5:00 p.m. obviously you haven't read today's newspaper. the audit is there and it shows SEVERAL categories/departments that OVERSPENT the budget ALL with the Financial Management Office being the watchdog office. yeah right. SOOOOO it would appear we have some inept folks in the FMO. hence your theory about purchase orders, etc.... is WRONG - dead WRONG to the detriment of the taxpayers. My guess is that anything can get paid for through FMO as it appears no body is Charles in Charge.
Here is a synapse of the average day for a Leaps kid: Students attend class 3:00 -5:30..2:45-3:30 all students are in classrooms with certified teacher working to complete homework. Those that do not complete by 3:30 still have opportunity to finish,full-time teacher there to assist.
Classes taken:
1.Technology/Critical Thinking
2.AIMS-Science & Math Activities,Experiments
3.Writing Corner/Living Skills
4.Healthy Lifestyle/Gym
Healthy Snacks provided daily to all students
This program was dismissed in a earlier post as a mere babysitting service ,hardly again poll the teachers and parents of these kids and see the real difference it has made.I don't know of any babysitter with the resources to provide the kinds of services to working parents that wouldn't cost and arm and leg financially to them.That is why an impressive waiting list of kids trying to get in exists. As stated earlier, it don't make a plump cats rear end whether you like Polly,Jackson,Obama,Bush whomever as long as we are not leaving more of our kids out and behind. It was also stated incorrectly that the kids are unsupervised,again not so: a teacher and helper keep them under constant supervision. I challenge all who read these posts as did Mr. Barrett challenge to do likewise, to go get involved in our schools.If you think things are not being done as they should be drop in , if you are really there then there is no supposition, gossip, rumor mongering and the like. In the end all that matters is what is fact and can be proven, not urban in our case rural legend!!
Once again I would like to know how the trip to Disney is going to be funded if there is no money. Also, I believe there is a difference in a Disney trip and the Richland Washington D.C. trip - I would think that the Washington D.C. trip would be FAR MORE educational than Disney. Furthermore, the parents of the students going to D.C. fully fund the trip. Are the Leaps parents funding the trip to Disney? IF so, then how is it that their child qualified for the Leaps program to begin with? Mr. Barrett mentioned Pre-K in an above post - I heard there were only 10 kids at the Minor Hill program. Explain why so much money is going towards a class with ONLY 10 KIDS!!!!! Mr. Barrett, do you happen to know the figures of exactly how much money is spent on each Pre-K class in our county and do you know if our county will still have the same number of Pre-K classes county wide for the next school year?
There is no financial qualification to be able to be in the Leaps program; It is not nor ever has been based on family income;
Why is everybody asking Mr Barrett to do what anybody in the county is capable of doing; oh wait I forgot; they want him to speak up so they can attack him as being negative. Lazy, lazy, lazy
11:29am You must be close to someone in the Leaps program or you are one of the organizers who draw a Leaps check. Your plan looks nice ON PAPER. However, there IS a difference between the written plan and the reality of putting the plan into action. Much of what you stated is NOT true, as it relates to supervision, students staying on task and completing their homework. Just ask a few parents who have had their children in the Leaps program this year. Make sure they are not 'buddies' of the Leaps director because she has afforded them some favortism.
Not a babysitting service you say - really??? Then why were the students dropped off at VBS last year and left by the Leaps 'teachers'? Hello, the waiting list is 'impressive' BECAUSE parents have a CHEAP place to leave their children five days a week unitl 5:30 or 6:00.
You say, 'In the end all that matters is what is fact and what can be proven.' Truer words were NEVER spoken.....The Leaps director has worked hard to keep the REAL facts from being proven.' However, it seems the cat is out of the bag and a 'few' people are about to be scratched.
4:06 You are so right about the educational difference between the D.C. trip and Disney. I remember when my son went to D.C. with his class. We saved and saved and saved for expenses of the trip. I am with you, seems like 'someone' DOES NOT want to 'reveal' where the Disney money is coming from. Let me see, could it be the General Fund of the board, again? This is another case of the Leaps director and TJ keeping the 'facts' out of the public eye. Notice how 6:35 answered PART of your question, but left out the part relating to how the Disney trip will be funded. Umh.....
I am 6:35. I apologize if there was a misunderstanding. I was not trying to answer any questions regarding the trip. I have strong, (you have no idea how strong) negative feelings regarding taking school children that are in the age range of Leaps students out of state, much less that far and to a place as expensive as Disney. There are several places, in adjoining states if they must cross the state line that are much closer and would require less travel time, less expensive and most certainly less controversy.
My only reason for posting is to respond to the issue regarding "at risk" students being the only ones who qualify for leaps. That is simply a misunderstanding by the general public. A percentage must be "at risk", but I am uncertain what that figure is. I hope this clears that up and again I apologize about the misunderstanding; I sometimes skim the posts rather than read carefully and simply responded to an issue rather than specific post. My feelings for Leaps while not identical, closely parallel your own; could be a great program; theory vs reality- never the "twain" shall meet".
No i don't draw a check but those kids stayed on that schedule, so i'm not gonna argue what I know for a fact, lets just agree to disagree.
Did you know that the church was one of Leaps community partners? Leaps parents are paying out of pocket for the trip it's not a freebie as you insinuate. As for Disney vs DC depends on what you calling educational.Many of the historic and technology attractions are excellent
for kids to learn from. We have done both and my family learned things touring the White House,Washington Monument and The Dinosaur Relic Trail so whatever for you and yours. Yes I am gonna address the idiotic assertion of a few buddies kids,we can clear a lot of this crap up by going to the school and ask the teachers about the kids work and habits that attended the program. It is amazing how paranoid some of you are. "Polly has worked hard to keep stuff hidden,Jackson keeps stuff hidden,BOE keeps stuff hidden
State Auditors keeps stuff hidden, who have I left out of the conspiracy?? Are sane,sensible people starting to see a pattern here? The State audited this program just last week,passed with extremely high scores, as a matter of fact they were under more scrutiny as a result of many calls to the State by some 'concerned citizens'. OH MY!! passed again..
Gotta be those crooked State Regulators,looking out for Polly,Jackson, BOE... Is this nuttiness and madness ever gonna end? Only been going on two years.
Most folks in the know, realize most of this insanity is the result of 'cat fight'. A she said..she said..the cat scratch analogy is hilarious!!! Maybe the way to end it is have a winner take all, knockdown drag out at Co-Op Park..the proceeds to pay for Disney..DC and save all the parents money!!!!
One question that I asked but isn't being answered is where did the money go? The fact remains that $5,000.00 was taken out of the school general fund and put into the Leap's fund. There is absolutely no provision that legally allows money from the general fund to be used by the Leaps program. Leaps is not a line item in the budget and because of this the financial director has stated that she has no firm idea where all the money for Leaps has gone or to whom. Money that was brought into the program has not been or is not tracked properly because of poor record keeping. Think about this, if the records are audited but there is no record of money coming in or going out what is there to be audited?
Several counties have passed state audits with flying colors only to find out later that hundreds of thousands of dollars was missing.
Take the example of Eugene Nichols who served as a bookkeeper for the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency. While overseeing the EMA’s finances, Nichols cut 22 checks totaling $107,409.25 from three different bank accounts. This was not caught by a state auditor.
No doubt part of the speculation and suspicion is a result of poor financial reporting but an even great problem is the result of secretive and at times abusive management activities. Allen Barrett
I have invested many hours researching this debacle engulfing our community and came to several conclusions.Some being:our schools do need more parental and community involvement whether you have children attending or not. Another is the 'perpetual state of gotcha' that exists in our county,once problems are identified, rather than devising a workable,sensible, plan to correct it,the frenzy to destroy all involved is unleashed. C.I.A. aka Christians In Action, the tragedy is in many instances we lose sight of the issue that triggered the onslaught.To be clear I'am not bashing Christians, rather pointing out we have a charge to behave in a manner more pleasing to our God.Finally, after hearing an reading so much negativity about Leaps and Bounds I found most of the staff directly involved with the kids to be very dedicated to what they were doing,
Polly has teachers in place that are making a difference in spite of what many naysayers would want us to believe. Which brings me to Polly, my observation is strictly from a casual observers viewpoint.
She does not seem to be in her element as in being a very hands-on supervisor, very aloof and detached for whatever reason or reasons.Which brings us back to the audit results, it is obvious x and o's are ok no disappearing funds as has been reported. So why is this person such a lighting rod for controversy? In a word arrogant. Rather than confront and explain to diffuse some issues she allowed them to linger and be subject to conjecture which brings us to where we are today.A certain ineptness has stained a very good program and staff who are making a difference.Again, that money Polly requested was taken out by mistake
according some BOE members she had receipts and documentation, hence they returned the funds.No cloak and dagger mystery here. Once again with all the scrutiny and pressure being exerted is it feasible or likely wrongdoing was overlooked? Mistakes are one thing, malfeasance is another, again I offer this is it sensible to believe that with all the prying eyes and trained accountants examining records,of Leaps which totals approx.160k per yr.not millions as in the case of a county budget, nobody in 3 or 4 years found anything amiss?? Ole Eugene stole what 122k?Maybe Bedford County should fire it's accountants and auditors and hire the Leaps watchdogs, to be sure no stone would be unturned.
The money that was moved a couple of weeks ago from the general budget to the leaps program has not been returned as of 4PM today so the idea it has been returned or was taken out by mistake is a lot of plain mush. Mr. Barrett asked where did the money go, it definitely did not go back into the general funds so where is it? Read the audit the school system over spent period.
As for the snide remarks about Christian behavior its not hard to see through that veiled attack against Mr. Barrett. Let me remind you that anyone who does not confront evil and wrong are simply enablers of that evil and wrong. You can put as much whitewash on it as you like but the fact is something still stinks. What happened to the budget, where is the money and who and why was the trip taken to New Orleans if funds were so low that the program was shut down abruptly as Mr. Barrett claimed?
The frenzy to destroy all is unleashed? Don't you know where that had its beginnings? I'll not even mention the person who is at the root of all the tar and feathering and run 'em out of town on a rail mentality in this county, because I will only be accused of attacking a "private citizen". How convenient! Situation ethics perhaps?
4:10 AMEN!! Anybody can hide anything if 'they' know how. It is said TJ is an expert at 'hiding' money.
3:29 You are right about one thing....Polly does not seem to be in her element as a hands on supervisor. Her element is me first and what can I gain for me. She and she ALONE has ruined her reputation in the community. Polly and 'friends' can say all they want about the 'root' of the problem and who is causing trouble. However, it does not take a rocket scientist to know she has bit off more than she can chew. It is like someone said in an earlier post - 'Just the facts maam'. I really believe the 'community' is VERY tired of the 'poor me' Polly syndrome. You reap what you sew and it is time to pay the piper.
9:27 "winner take all knock down drag out at the Co-op Park"????? Yep! REDNECK FOR SURE!!!!!
MY question is will there be a Leaps program next year?
This is neither for or against, just if there is no money does that mean no program next year or did that mean broke this year, but will be money for next school term.
With all this fussing back and forth, I'm to much of a redneck to understand it.
Think what you will my comments were not directed at Mr. Barrett or anyone else here if you read my comments i believe I said I don't bash God's people I merely was stating how we all get caught up in worldly matters, too the detriment of our spiritual well-being if that's snide oh well...As for the money being moved by mistake guess you never made one? If you answer yes that's mush.Whoever is at the root is unimportant, pray for them you don't answer evil for evil..do you?
That is what unleashes a frenzy to one up and destroy and get even no matter the result. I digress how much investigation and scrutiny is enough? I applaud Mr. Barrett and anyone else for asking for accountability. You say whitewash, white wash what exactly? You sound reasonable. Is it reasonable to assume after hour upon hour of examination of Leaps books only and procedures nothing out of the ordinary was uncovered..despite more than normal attention? As a taxpayer I want waste and theft rooted out, as a citizen of this community I want fairness and common sense in play also.Because you think something is so doesn't make it exist, again best evidence available shows at best not the greatest budgetary acumen may be in play but accusing people of theft is wrong as two left shoes.
Backup you accusations with cold-hard irrefutable facts,not innuendo, conspiracy theories.They make great Tv movies.Here is another snide remark from this Ole Methodist,Christians don't accuse their brothers and sisters without proof positive, and if the proof is there we don't mete out justice we just remove the offender let God handle the justice...
To answer you 10:05 the grant was awarded last yr. for 3 yrs @ approx 160k,so yes it should be back.Hopefully with some tweaks to it's management, maybe more kids can benefit. You have to understand some things in play here,the program is not the problem but is one ingredient in what we can call "Gotcha Gumbo",has some exotic mixings to say the least.For example toss in two heaps jealously for an 87k Leaps Director's salary, one hard to swallow cup of 100k School Director's salary w/contract extension for lil' added flavor,add some tasty Giles county deer-n-headlight stared venison(the look after pouring over budgets for years with no solid prosecutable offenses) and let it all simmer and boil for a few years! I have heard from a few chef's of this Giles County Original,that despite following it's recipe and really turning up the heat on the ingredients ,when it's done It',still hard to swallow!!
Thanks for letting me know it will be back.
Is no one in Giles County capable of reading and understanding a financial report? If you believe the director of schools is honest, write it down in here.
The audit is online. You can get the hole thing if you can read, add, & follow the pea from one shell to another.
Please ... we need something positive. Write down all of the positive things in the audit. Surely someone will help protect send some good news!
9:17
No, the only people in Giles County who can read and properly discern are those who have moved here. Didn't you know that? It's been made crystal clear on this blog.
9:17 Let's take a vote:
A. The Director of Schools IS honest.
B. The Director of Schools is NOT honest.
7:15 It is closed minds like YOUR's who keep this wonderful county of Giles BEHIND THE TIMES. Let me make this 'crystal clear' OPEN YOUR SMALL TOWN CLOSED MIND and HELP THE CHILDREN OF GILES COUNTY!
9:17 Hear is some 'food' for thought; if MOST of the audit is honest or positive; BUT there IS 'a little' deception - DOES THAT MAKE THE AUDIT HONEST?? SHOULDN'T THAT SEND UP A RED FLAG??
I have heard Jackson is a past MASTER at 'little' deceptions! Wake up America!
Questions for Thur 28 12:07
So the Baptist Church is a partner with Leaps. The children went to Bible School to be spiritually coached. (Even though the school system is not engage in formal prayers or read the Bible as anything but an example of literature.)
Hum. If by some quirk of fate one of the parters with Leaps was one of the local "girlie" clubs would the children likewise spend half a day for five dayes there to be coached about exotic dancing?????
Question:
According to post Parents of children are paying out of pocket for the trip to Disney World. What about the lower income children that are supposed to be served by this program? Are their parents paying? I wouldn't think that they would have the money in these econmicaly strained times. I don't!
Question of passing audit:
Having been involved in serveral school aduits, the same school books may pass by one auditor and not pass another auditor. So who knows how good the audit was done this time?????
Just sign me a slightly skeptical Giles County Teacher.
So true 11:42! I agree with you. You raise a lot of valid questions. You deserve clear answers and not for someone to be a smartypants about it. People defending this program get in a huff when questioned like their hand has been caught in the cookie jar or something. Good point about the audit. I agree with you on that too. The comptrollers office and CTAS are a waste of taxpayers dollars. Similar the funding of this program and many county salaries.
11:42 Exactly! Here's another question: If the Leap's parents are paying for the Disney trip out of their pocket, and some cannot afford it for what ever reason, are they just excluded??? I mean like left out of this 'wonderfully educational' trip??? Talk about life long rejection and sad memories. One would think a 'caring' director of Leaps would 'plan' a 'wonderfully educational' trip that ALL children in Leaps could afford.....one would think. Of course, that would not make the director of Leaps feel like 'Queen for the Day - or Week' either.
We have an education system that requires highly educated people - with a BS degree, plus work to a masters, plus continuous hours of annual education. Is it training or a basis of independent reasoning? Is it regimented learning with conditioned response or a method of analysis and deductive reasoning? If you're able to reason, you know the answer.
What is an audit report and the various document exhibits within it? Should they to convey a message of financial condition to assure the public that the financial condition is excellent, good, OK, bad, or terminal. The 2008 audit message says there are no "material" problems.
Audit comparisons of "final budget" to actual are unquestionably excellent! Does anyone know why it's favorable? Does anyone know what is being compared to reach those favorable results? What is "excellence"? Is it the biggest baddest bull rearranging the china shop or is it a rare arts curator dusting the Rembrant? I say it's as good as it gets, but no one seems to understand what "it" is! Good for the bull may not be good for you or anyone else who must feed the bull.
The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) organization supposedly sets high standards for upper level accountants in government, in the same context as the AICPA does for CPA's. Without question, the many financial and industrial failures in this land were routinely blessed by both GASB and AICPA certified individuals and organizations. Obviously, something was and remains horribly wrong!
GASB has a web site. See if you can find a code of ethics! There are volumes of complex rules and regulations, but nothing about simple honesty & disclosure! Why would anyone need truck loads of books and papers to describe two little words? Perhaps it's because someone is trying to tell you a pile of dung is just waiting for a seed to turn into a rose; and, the rose is priceless!
Questions provide motive for answers. Educated teachers didn't get a raise? Did we hire more people when we need fewer? No time to teach because of bureaucracy? Is the objective teaching or smothering, or tolerating, or building a dynasty of friends and importance? Where did all that money go. Did someone enjoy it more than those it was taken from?
The first clue is "What was the "final budget"". The first logical question is "what important measurable event occurred between the last day of school when the final budget was concocted, and the end of June? Was it "positive" of positively deception?
Second clue is "what happened in the one year period since June 30, 2007?" Use the big numbers first & you'll get all the energizers you can handle.
Anger is not a bad emotion if you're being ripped off. Zero tolerance is a good solution if it eases the anger. Yes, GASB needs their doorbell rung too. They either know better or are too dumb to be sifting through important financial papers!
11:34 Even Bernie Madoff passed financial inspection....or so the news special said last night.
There were some very good teachers/workers at Leaps and Bounds. (Sherry Polly is not in this group) The concept for this program is wonderful, but, without proper supervision it did go to pot. The program was not for "at risk" kids or low income kids it was available to all kids. My child went there for 2 years and he doesn't fall into either of these groups. SOME teachers did make sure that their group got homework and any help that they needed. SOME teachers did watch the kids. The only time I saw Sherry there was when she was sitting in her car, smoking and talking on her cell phone. Some of those big bucks that she is being paid should be split among of handful of people that really worked for this program. Leaps and Bounds, if properly ran, could be a HUGE benefit for the kids. And it needs to operate from the time school starts (not two months later) thru the end of school (not weeks before it ends) And BTW, my child would not have went anywhere out of town with Ms Polly.
7:17 I agree with you. I saw a lot of good things happen in the Leaps and Bounds after school program. As well as a lot of wrong doing. There were dedicated teachers and a few student helpers who took pride in their job and REALLY cared for the children. There were also several who took advantage of the lack of supervision or 'fun loving' nature of the director. It seems one teacher was left to be the 'anchor' for the entire program. She did a GREAT job of trying to make 'things' work on a daily basis. Don't know if it is true or not, but heard about a week ago the 'money came through' and Ms. Polly is going to keep her position as director of the Leaps and Bounds program. When will the citizens of Giles County gather with a collective voice and say, 'No more!' For the sake of the children of this county.
Finally, thought provoking dialogue befitting our community!When like minds and fairness are on the forefront good things will happen, rather than simple, abhorrent name calling and accusations being flung about, people stepping up and honestly and fairly debating an issue as this one pertaining to our children.I for one think that if Mrs. Polly remains in her position, substantative change has to occur once and for all.
The teacher who was left to try to keep the program pulled together to benefit the children is the one who should have been head of the program from the beginning.
to answer all questions about trip and when it starts: the kids had to get 850 points to be able to go on the trip that was from grades, attendance at school and after school, community service, surveys brought in from parents, permission slips to go on trips, and fundraisers, but there were also ways the kids could get points takin away fighting at anytime at school, get sent to the office, or just bad behavior. the kids that got their points was paid for from fundraiser (turkey sale and fish fry) but that money ended up in general funds thats why it was asked for it to be transfered back to leaps and bounds. the parents knew about the trip from the time their child got in the program so they had time to save to go. the reason for the kids goin on the trip is to show them that you can get out of pulaski you just have to work for it. working with kids on a daily bases and when you do go out of town with them on a trip and they dont even know what the interstate is. it is sad.
the program was started late in the past because when you get a grant you have to wait on the state to release the money. now that the money is here the program is looking to start when school starts this year because they know they have the money and how much to budget for this year.
Leaps & Bounds Disney trip is Tuesday morning....How much is that costing us!!!
you nothing the money to go was from fundraisers the kids and parents did.
How many of those children going on this trip are children of teachers?
1 teacher of leaps and bounds staff 1 of the staff that is not a teacher in the school system but is employeed by leaps and bounds and 1 other teacher from another school but the teacher is not an employee of the program.
How many total students going on this trip? Are our buses providing transportation? If so, is the person driving the bus a giles county bus driver?
i am not curtain how many students are going and yes the buses are carrying them to the airport and picking up, but transportation will also be paid out of fundraiser money... the parents had to pay for their seat on the bus.
Is this a trip to Disneyland or Disney World? So these students will be flying? Approx. how much per student for this trip? I ask because I have had to forgo a vacation this year for myself and my kids because I have had to cut back. I am just wondering how people are affording this.It does make me question things because it is my understanding that these children had to qualify based on income to be in this program. Once those those financial qualifications were met, if there was any room left over in the program other children could be in it. I mean if it isn't based on income I would think a lot of kids would qualify and have a great incentive to be in the program if trips like this are being taken. I have never been to Disney and neither have my kids. Probably never will.
dont ever say never. the trip has been in the progress of getting it cheap enough to afford to go the past 14 months. it takes lots of time to watch airplane tickets as long as the demand is down and you get some of the first seats the tickets are pretty cheap the tickets will go up the faster the flight gets full. also not sure how much the tickets cost. but a hint for you in the future i also have never been but something ppl do not care to relize its cheaper to go to the caribean than it is to stay in the us for vaction and usually with that when you pay for your room your food is paid for so you have nothing to really worry about when you get down there unless you want extra stuff.
and its disney world...
its not only income that gets them in its test scores. and grades and everything academic that also gets them in.
Oh okay so if I was a student I would see the benefit of not achieving my full potential.As far as how cheap this trip was isn't the issue. When some of us are having to choose between paying our bills or going on vacation the choice is clear. I for one can't afford for my lights to get turned off or my vehicle to get repossessed while I tuck away money for my child to go on a trip that is not necessary, affordable or educational. A trip within the state for a day would be much more affordable and rates could be negotiated for a trip like this as well. Are all children in this program going? Another question is are these the same children in the program now that were in 14 mos. ago when the plan was devised? It seems to me you would want to cycle these children out for the sake of progress so they wouldn't have to be in this program for years. Trips like these not meant for educational purposes are definitely not a deterrent for children to achieve and do well without help. I understand that children come from all backgrounds and some can't help their situation at home but, programs like this can be a crutch for parents and children alike, in order for both to not do their very best to study and parent like they should.
making good grades was one of the ways the kids got their points to be able to go. if the child got their points the parent pays nothing only if the child wants spending money.
Wait a minute!!!! You can't have it both ways either the children have to pay or the progam pays for the trip. Which is it.
One place someone tells us that the parents have been saving up for the students to go and here you tell us that the program will pay because of achievement.Which is it?
Also, what is this about the Caribean? Is this an idea for the next trip or what??????
I don't know about anyone else, but I think I am confused!!!!!
the kids that didnt get there points they would have had to pay and parents paid to go... if the child recieved 850 points the child went free(the program paid).
i said a hint for you and your family and no its not an idea!
this is very simple to understand... either the child got the points or not...
How many students who did not get the 850 points are going? Was there a plan for the program to pay part of the cost if the children did not earn the total points needed.
Say a child earned 637 points which is about 75% of the points needed for a free trip, did the program pay 75% of the cost of the trip or are the parents responsible for the whole amount?
Just wondering!!!
Still think the director could use your idea and take the children to the Caribean next time. Probably wouldn't cause any more stir than this trip has caused.
Another question: The statement was made that this trip is to show the children they can get of Pulaski but they have to work for it. Since the county poplation is dropping everytime we turn around it would seem that someone has figured out on their own that you can get out of Pulaski and Giles County if you want to.
But it seems to me that our goal as educators should be to get decent paying jobs and have our students ready for these so that their future as citizens of Giles County is not to get out but to be able to live here and be proud of their county. So that we all can enjoy the possibly of extended families living in the county instead of becoming a retirement community.
yes the program would have paid for part of it but no child that really wanted to go and parent that wanted there child to go paid because they made sure they had the points to go but the parents that child didnt get the points also said my child could have worked harder to get the points they knew what they had to do to get them.
and no that is to much of a liabilty. and there were no classes that would help educational like the oceanography program at disney(that is the lowest part of the science tcap scores).
coming from another school to town half the kids do not know how to tell time on a real clock and find it hard to count money these are some of the math areas that the program stresses. and how are the kids that never leave how are they suppose to get out if they dont know what an interstate is...?
well thats somethin you will have to talk to the mayor about... my question is how do you keep the kids out of the street and out of trouble if they dont have jobs for young adults and things for them to do or some where to hang out... alot of the time teen wrecks are from going out of town for fun...
i agree as a parent that i do not want my child to grow up in a place like here like i did and i know thats sad to say.... as soon as i can i will leave. unless i see changes with in school system, police department, court system, and all around recerational activities(more places and things to do) what ppl dont see is that would bring money back into the community but face it there will always be ppl that move because their career is not here and there is not enough ppl here to benefit from it like a neonatal place in the hospital.
So, if my child participated in leaps & bounds, AND if they came to school (and L&B) like they are suppose to, did their school work, did their homework at L&B, did not get in trouble at school, etc. they would have earned the points for this trip. Hmmmm . . .
The children are being rewarded for behaviors that should be the norm and should be expected of them???
When will the children learn to take responsibility for their actions (or inactions) and do their school work, attend school, stay out of trouble, etc.? Why should they be rewarded for something that should be second nature to them?
I sure feel sorry for the teachers that will get these students after their Southside career is over. These students will want some type of reward for doing what is expected of them. Maybe the teachers at Bridgeforth will start handing out twenty dollar bills to students who do their assignments, homework, stay out of trouble, etc.
You raise quite a few good points. I agree with you totally. It will be rare to find anyone whose child is enrolled in this program or teachers who teach in this program capable of understanding what you are saying.If they agree then the admit this program is a waste of money. I understand it is lottery money but, nonetheless it is money. I wonder how many children this program can accommodate? After learning that students are rewarded with trips to Disney World for being underachievers I certainly hope that students don't latch on to this idea in order to be in this program. I will never understand no matter how it is explained, why these trips are being taken. Rewarding of good behavior? How insane is that logic! That is a gimme. Students should behave anyway. Should we reward all Giles County students that met their goals and attendance? The "reward" is in the form of receiving an education. Be glad we live in a country that gives you the right to that education. It is shameful that we have to beg and plead to get children to accept a gift of an education. People in this country have no idea how lucky a people we are. That is, until we lose those freedoms.
10:46 am 'turkey sale' fund raiser????? Could the two cases of turkeys left in the Southside School lobby overnight to rot be some of those 'turkey sale' fund raiser turkeys????
I don't care how 'cheap' the plane tickets are or the Disney 'trip' package. If several students are going, because they met their goals, then it IS costing A LOT!! Question: If the program is OUT OF MONEY where is the money coming from??????? I am sure it costs more than $5,000; as the New Orleans trip cost $7,000.
If the students do not understand the concept of an 'interstate'. Why fly them to FL. Why not drive them to Huntsville or Nashville and visit the MANY educational offerings in these two towns.
As far as the students not knowing math and science. Maybe some teachers need to get with the program and give these students a little more attention.
Notice how these questions were asked MORE than ONCE; How many children going? What are the costs of the plane tickets? How much is the stay in Disney going to cost?....and NEVER answered. However, you seem to KNOW A LOT about everything else as it relates to this Disney trip...uhmmmmmmm
Great post 8:14! We agree they are avoiding the questions that most concern us all. You are right that if the students don't understand the concept of an interstate, why hop on it, which is not far away and take a trip to Nashville to the Hermitage or other worthwhile less expensive source of learning. One of my fondest experiences was going to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center when I was in elementary school. I know it wasn't that expensive to go because there is no way my parents could have afforded it. Another great place is Shiloh. Very rich in history and another fond memory of mine. I am beginning to wonder if it isn't these teachers who are orchestrating this trip for their own enjoyment. What is the itinerary for this trip? What will they do each day? How is this being structured since it is supposed to be educational. I don't think it is asking too much to have these questions answered.
well they are leaving tonight everything is paid for in some kind of way wether you like it or not i am sorry that so many ppl are jealous maybe you might want to go ask the person who put it together if are so worried about it... and as a requirment by the state they have to do staff development and that is at the national convention... keep talkin but i dont really think there is a whole you can do about it... and yes i do know alot... i hear alot and to tell you the truth leaps and bounds had a visitor from the state the last week of school and the most points on its scale was 200 giles county's leaps and bounds program got 200 so talk your small town talk cause what really can you do... and btw if you want ask about anything about budget or fund raisers i am positive that mrs polly will show you... oh another thing the turkeys were not left out cause i was the one who got them out of the freezer! and if you have any other questions make sure they are logical... use your brain...
and the kids that are going deserve to go they did community service and brought their grades up i prolly would have brought mine up knowing i was goin to DW...
we have already been to shiloh.... there are no oceans or oceanography classes i can think of around here to help with that part of the tcap scores...
I'm certainly not jealous, so I hope you weren't directing that at me.Why if someone asks questions do you and those involved in leaps get so defensive? People do have a right to question and get answers to those questions. You are a very immature person. I only hope you are not a teacher in the system teaching our youth. Scary thought! No one has said they could have or could not have prevented this trip, rather question this program and the benefits of it. As far as the point rating you mentioned. I guess if the program director wanted to make the program look productive they could. Just like Jackson likes to fool everyone that we have a school system based on "Academic Excellence in a
Wholesome Environment". We know that is bunch of horse hockey. If there were not so many problems with the director of leaps and they was she runs the program, manages the funding and treats other teachers there would be cause to not be so suspicious. Anyway, that is all I am trying to say. I'll let you get back to packing for your trip.
I beg to differ that you must take a trip of this magnitude to learn about oceanography. Judging by what this program represents of getting children to a level in education the same as their peers, it would seem to me basic reading, writing, math and science are necessary.What on earth has oceanography go to do with it. That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard of.
actually im not going on the trip but i will be there to see them i love the kids as if they were mi own brothers and sisters... i have been with the program from the begining and if you want to see how it works i am almost positive that the ppl at the front door would mind to show you around... talk about the immature part... i have been told before that i was to young to be on here but to be so immature you dont see this on myspace... this would make it 2 summers in row... and what you dont understand is we test to see how fast the stuff we do gets on here and we say the stuff pretty loud... sorry
To 9:28 since when did a trip to disney world become conducive to a basic education. Sounds a little discriminatory to me. Kids who are underachievers are rewarded with expensive field trips to expand their learning experience. Are all students in the Giles County School System going to be rewarded for their good behavior and excellent test scores? Don't blow a gasket,I'm just asking.
the school system as a whole has to do good on tcap and its broke down in subjects then topics that they should learn in that year so it dont only help the kids it helps everybody...
if the school has in there budget like elktons 2 times a year good conduct trip... i guess the school could go...
9:40 I think you meant it does not only help the kids, it helps everybody. Slight grammatical error on your part. Are you a teacher? I pray not.
yes... no im not but i wouldnt be in enlish anyway... im not good at it sorry but am math and science... im not that smart im an average student...
To the trip organizers: Please do not insult our intelligence by saying that one of the reasons for this ridiculous waste of dollars is to learn oceanography; what about the Chattanooga Aquarium? If it is a pleasure trip, then please be honest enough to say so. I would have more respect for that.
I think it would be most enlightening to see the records of the behavior points system. And yes in the interest of "transparency", lets get a bottom line dollar amt on the cost of this trip total, and per person.
There are so many places so much closer that would be equally exciting and educational and practical than disney, why there is even one in our own state, ever heard of Dollywood? Spend a few days at the park, hike the trails of the mtns, learn about State Parks, and oh yeah, the "real" reason for the trip, oceanography...there's a pretty nice aquarium in Gatlinburg. I wonder if the organizers weighed the cost of chartering a bus vs a bus to airport, then flights, hmmmm would be interesting to look at the plans that were rejected; As I said at the beginning, please do NOT insult us by pretending that oceanography was even considered when this trip was planned...uh, pssst, don't let this get out but Orlando is NOT on the ocean.
Children are learning a lot from this program and other school business, folks don't sell them short. The lessons they are learning, though, are favoritism, deception,sidestepping the questions, it's only wrong if you get caught, and then it's only wrong if you don't know the right people, leadership requires nothing more than, when faced with a problem, do nothing and hope it passes away or the ones that need your leadership get tired of counting on you.
Yes they are learning a lot, but right now the only concern we need to have is that our children and their chaperons do have a safe trip and return to us none the worse for the wear and tear. The rest is a done deal, and it's never, ever going to change. We have to accept it and move on.
we went to Chattanooga and stayed a night last summer... and alot of the kids have a chance to go to gatlinburg with their church... and dont even bring up the dc trip you take in mid. school thats what i looked forward to growing up... and there is no reason for us to do something that somebody else has a chance for the kids to do... and i liked dc dont get me wrong but one time is enough... and if you didnt already know we have already took a tour or visted almost every historical, scientific anything in tn and al in the past that leaps and bounds has been in giles co(the past 4years)... i sure do hope they have a good time...
Isn't it obvious that the poster with poor grammer is the child of someone getting paid by the L & B program????? Anybody else tired of hearing them defend abuse of government dollars?????
Yes I agree 8:09. My thinking is that the past 4 years with the same children in the program is okay with everyone? I thought this program was designed to help them meet their goals and achieve a level the same as their peers. What good is this program if children are continuing to stay in this program? Indicates to me that the program is not helping. If they take as many trips as is being stated, where in the world is their time for classroom instruction??
haha i mite have a grammer problem but it looks to me as if you cant understand something so simple... when a child comes to leaps and bounds it is to study and do homework untill they get it done... then they have classes that will better help them now or later... the classes consist of gym, aims(hands on math and science), writing conner (hands on writing), and technology, mon-thurs. thats what the kids do. then about once a month but not every month they go on a field trip... like the presidents homes that are around here, space and rocket center, everything there is to do in chattanooga(spell check),and many other places... but you have to think is this all that fun the schools get to go on trips during the school day with money that is fundraiser or donations money why is it botherin you if your child is not in the program and you have nothing to do with it... if you want them to be in there so bad how about feelin out an application and tryin to get them in insted of makin problems where it is not needed... and by the way its called a leadership team that comes up with ideas like this mrs polly makes suggestions and gets together what the team sees fit for the kids... and as a parent i would want mi child to have fun where she is stayin while i am at work not waiting by the door for me to pick her up... im sorry but the kids like the program and it really dont matter what you have to say about it cause i think the kids that are in the programs words are stronger than yours...
and no its not the same kids we have new ones every year but if the child has not reached 6th grade and the parents wants them in and they was in it the year before than they are in thats how the grant was wrote... and that had to go through the big ppl at the state not lil ppl of giles co.
My god is this what our Giles County Education System is churning out in the name of education? Speaking of all these posts from this kid, whoever they may be. I say kid because they have pretty much identified themselves as such.I would be sorely disappointed if my child could not do any better than this. From the sounds of it they need to spend less time on myspace and other social networking sights and dedicate themselves more to learning how to read, write and speak proper English. We are still teaching that in Giles County Schools aren't we??
Why is it that the only place this whole matter can be discussed is on this blog? I have asked at the school office and the financial office and no one seems to know any details about the program or this trip it's always the same answer ask Ms Polly.
There has been nothing in the paper are on the radio. Certainly it cost much more than 5000 dollars for this trip but according to the original post the 5000 dollars from general funds was for fund raisers yet to be held.
There needs to be a complet airing of this matter with the school board. I agree with those who have said before Leaps is just a government daycare service that we all have to py for . This trip is just another example of the waste and secrecy this school system operates in.
11th grade english also teaches you that everyone has their own type of literature... and it dont have to follow any gramatically correct rules, spelling rules, or punctuation and capitalization rules... like ee cummings!
LEAPs and Bounds... Lottery Education Aftersctshool Program... it is funded by unclaimed lottery money...
and i have stated all the facts except how much it cost because i was not at that meeting but i will tell you we have a bunch of recipt books that are showin how much money was donated and fund raiser money... that was brought to the last board meeting and showin to several of the board members and they asked jackson why it was ever done this way why dont leaps and bounds have there own account so you mite ask someone who makes the accounts why it wasnt done this way in the first place...
You say, "11th grade english also teaches you that everyone has their own type of literature... and it dont have to follow any gramatically correct rules, spelling rules, or punctuation and capitalization rules... like ee cummings!"
Your llth grade logic doesn't apply when you are completing a job application. I would never hire you based on your improper use of the English language. You better wake up and start applying yourself and what you learn in school or someone will think you are a real "dummy".
you dont have to deal with immature ppl that are worried about somethin you have nothin to do with isnt on an application either... but i can you did somethin wrong on your application cause you have to much time on your hands... if had a really good job you wouldnt... lol you ppl make me laugh with pleasure... but sad at the same time...
First let me say this: I believe the 'kid poster' is actually an adult who might be the 'secretary' for L&B. Don't have any proof. It just seems the 'kid' KNOWS TOO MUCH to be a 'kid'. I think the horrible gramitical, spelling and punctuation errors are just a sad cover.
To June 1 8:39 - Let me correct you, dear - I WAS AT SOUTHSIDE AT 7:00am THE MORNING THE TWO CASES OF TURKEYS HAD BEEN LEFT OVERNIGHT IN THE LOBBY OF THE SCHOOL. I SAW THE WATER AND BLOOD OF THE TURKEYS RUN ACROSS THE LOBBY FLOOR. I ALSO SAW THE CUSTODIANS CLEAN UP THE MESS. I HEARD THE 'HEAD' CUSTODIAN - WHO WORKS FOR LEAPS- SAY 'I TOLD HER TO PUT THEM UP, BUT SHE SAID THEY WERE FROZEN AND WOULD BE OK.' Don't know who 'she' is , but I can guess...
"can't do anything now" This seems to be the motto of the L&B program. This type of thinking is what I meant by Polly favortisim as it relates to workers and students 'allowed to register' for the Leaps program. One can CLEARLY see how she has developed a 'strong' following of 'bullit proof' followers. Also, remember Bernie Madoff passed some type of 'audit' with his big RIPOFF. However, his house of cards fell. ummmmmmmmmmmmmm..... 8:39 it is your type of cockiness that causes YOU to stumple.....be careful folks are watching.
If the TCAP test is requiring oceanograpyh knowledge, then the Giles County School System SURELY has the books, viedos, etc. to teach the needed skill. If not, it would not be HARD for a teacher to supplement the needed knowledge WITHOUT LEAVING the classroom. My gosh, the internet is a VAST source of knowledge. GET A GRIP! -honey.
To June 1, 9:39 Looks like the BOE, Director, State and Leaps would get a 'clue' if the people of Giles County have had questions about the misdoings of the Leaps program for TWO SUMMERS! This fact does not make Leaps 'innocent'. It continue to make the program suspicious. ESPECIALLY, since YOU know ALL about EVERYTHING to do with Leaps EXCEPT the budget and spending!!!!???? The top person at the State level, over the unclaimed lottery money - from which the Leaps program was created (Laura Nichols)- told me, by phone, the BOE CAN SUPPLEMENT the Leaps BUDGET if it so chooses.....ummmmmmmmmm.....no one can tell the TAXPAYERS - because it is OUR MONEY - if this has been done!!! Deception to say the least.
Also, please explain your comment, "we test to see how fast the stuff gets on here and we say stuff pretty loud" What exactly do you mean?????
Finally, 9:39 The BOE cut the funding drastically for classroom field trips for the school year 2008-2009 and NEXT year teachers have been told it will be difficult to afford ANY field trips. So, AGAIN, how did Leaps get the THOUSANDS of $$$$$ it is taking to go to Disney?????
To June 9:26 Parents do not have a snowballs chance in he** of getting their child in Leaps, even if they fill out an application, if Polly doesn't want them in there. THIS IS THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION.
To June 1, 10:58 'Things' don't change in Giles County because NOT MANY will stand up to the lies and crap. Folks just want to complain and that's all. If SEVERAL concerned folks will MAKE IT THEIR BUSINESS to ATTEND BOE meetings ON A REGULAR BASIS and CONTINUE TO SPEAK UP, if only in the 2 minutes allowed, write letters to the editor and continue to ask pointed questions....change will happen!!! However, it seems the citizens of Giles County are WAITING for SOMEONE ELSE to do it FOR them. And so it goes...........lies, deception, misuse of money, higher taxes (for few services) and a crappy education for your children and grandchildren. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THE TEACHERS OF GILES COUNTY ARE ALL CRAPPY - THERE ARE MANY, MANY, MANY DEDICATED EDUCATORS IN GILES COUNTY!! However, you might be surprised at the 'stuff' that is allowed to go on in the schools of Giles County because some principals, the director and BOE LET IT HAPPEN. OMG
well if you feel so strongly go to the next one and use your 2 min. like the parents at richland... leaps and bounds i feel has nothin to worry about...
June 2, 11:30 Believe me, I AM working on it!! Don't need your permission. Just because some 'folks' have been quiet, DOES NOT mean they ARE NOT taking action. It does seem strange to me that the recent MULTI problems with the school system and MULTI schools HAS NOT been in the LOCAL paper????? What is up with that??? Or do 'folks' ALREADY have that figured out?????
11:50 Why didn't you say you are NOT the secretary of Leaps aka 'kid poster' like 11:29 suggested. Looks like that would have sent you into a ranting fit with poorly constructed sentences??? Maybe YOU aren't as smart as YOU think YOU are.......
hahaha no i think most ppl of GC know to ignore the ppl like yall small town talk and small town drama... this is very entertaining!
maybe it aint the sec. she is at disney...
Just ignore 4:05. They sound like a brat. Don't engage them in anymore conversation and ignore the posts. Besides this is adult conversation on an adult level and this person cannot even form complete sentences. Let it go and when no one is talking to them they will go away. Play into their game and they are satisfied.
In this economy, there is no way to justify such a trip, regardless of how the funds were obtained. It's selfish, irresponsible, arrogant, and shows extremely poor taste. The director of leaps made the statement once upon a time that field trips should be taken in TN as the funding for the grant comes from TN lottery $$. I agree, for many of those kids, it's the trip of a lifetime but much like the waste of "date night" that has been in the news, the timing is just plain wrong. Nothing illegal, just not ethical, that's what it all boils down to, character, good character and solid leadership. But as I stated earlier, it's never ever going to change.
To the poster who made sure that EVERY word was grammatically incorrect; surely you don't think you are fooling anyone??? As for having already been to the Aquarium, ummmm I do believe you are allowed more than one visit in a lifetime, that is if you are truly studying oceanography. Give the citizens a tiny bit of credit please!
well when you go every yearthe kids get tired of goin and so do the parents that attend trips... its not the sec. but i would say that i am a pretty good assistant sec. by the way the atlanta aquarium is good to but the kids are aloud to go if they recieve the points... just got a call from them and the kids said that they were having a really good time... thats all that matters...
The Leaps program should not have the same kids in the program year after year. That is not fair to the kids who would like to get in the program. If the same kids were not in the program year after year the same place would just get better because the staff would be more knowledgeable about what goes on there. I think the kid poster is really a kid that happens to be a staff member and family member also. I agree they know way too much to just be a bystander. I work for the school system and have for years but I could not tell you half of what they have said.
6:30 you are on target with what you have said about our young poster. She has posted before on another blog on this subject with the same lack of language compentency. At that point in time she was actually brazen enough to identify herself. Yes, this is unfortunately a product of our school system---but I believe that she actually has no idea the shadow that she casts on her family, her school or her teachers (of which I was one)by her blatant disregard of the use of correctly spelled words and understandable thoughts. Since she seems to have no shame, I am ashamed for her because I know that she can do much better!!!!
To 7:43 you are right! Bravo! 4:05 aka 'kid poster' aka ??? L&B director's offspring?? is home with director of L&B program. (They could not go to Disney trip for some reason??) The use of language IS VERY similar to the 'other blog thread'. I seem to remember the 'kid poster' trashing, in no uncertian words, a Giles County teacher with all kinds of crappy language. "just got a call from them and the kids said they were having a really good time....that's all that matters.... So, skrew the oceanography lesson??? The one that is NEEDED SO THE CHILDREN OF GILES COUNTY CAN PASS THE TCAP TEST??? BECAUSE THE TEACHERS OF GILES COUNTY DON'T HAVE THE BRAINS TO TEACH OCEANOGRAPHY??? If I was between the ages of 2nd grade and 6th grade, I would be having FUN at Disney World also - BUT, who is footing the bill and how much is the bottom line????.....kid poster!
Still a valid question!!!
They are having a good time. That's all that matters.!!!!! As I said, never ever going to change; not even the pretense of responsibility, only arrogance and nobody is allowed to question any activities, expenditures, personnel, ever.Imagine being able to be in charge of a program that costs thousands of dollars and if anyone has a question, an innocent question the response from the head of the program is, "All that matters is that we are having a good time." Until we get a Director of schools who cares about more than his manicures, a board that will do more than suck up to the director, (when the board has the power to put a stop to all the crap anyway), and a community that wants ethics in their schools and will hold the principals accountable, it's not going to change. Even gcea has been sucked in with the good ole boys; trying getting a straight answer out of the president; you will immediately be referred to a past president, who will immediately give you the run-around. Don't believe it? Put it to the test; It's easy enough to check out.Nothing ever changes and it never will because people will gripe and complain, but when it's time to "put up or shut up", they shut up
Just sign me "hopeless"
Maybe we should turn it over to the
DA. He is always looking for criminal behavior. On second thought maybe he already knows. You are right though 8:46 on so many levels and I echo everything you are saying. Too bad the director didn't use some that money she earns to at least get a better hairstyle. I'm just saying.
Did anyone know that the Director of Finance is related to the Director of Leaps? Funny isn't it? I wonder if Director of Finance is keeping out a watchful eye for her kinfolk?
Should they both be "tarred and feathered" and ridden out of town on a rail. The nerve of those two individuals being related! Such audacity! This needs to be investigated thoroughly with any dirt posted here for all to see....as long as the dirt doesn't affect the ones doing the digging!
You should say dirt I was thinking of egg on their faces. But good luck finding dirt on people who choose to walk the straight and narrow. You are just pissed that your hero is being questioned. Go back to where you live with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus and everything is rosey and positive. The rest of us live in reality while you live in fantasy.
haha i love this:) are yalls lives this boring... does it really matter why polly didnt go if all your gunna do about it and post petty stuff that are not hard facts and you find it hard to go right to the source... you really dont care about anything but the drama... but someone went to the finance office and did talk to someone of power up there and contacted polly to go get whatever they wanted so you should know by tomorrow...
8:46 It's not 'hopeless' if YOU get off YOUR butt and do something.....like attend board meetings and work sessions regularly. First it takes ONE concerned citizen, then two, then three.......
8:58 the 'hair' comment - no matter how true - was just mean.
9:53 "...good luck finding dirt on people who choose to walk the straight and narrow." I NEEDED an early morning laugh! This statement is JUST 'laughable'!!
You must be watching too much late night comedy TV.
10:58 No it does not MATTER why Polly did not go to Disney.....it just SEEMS odd she is NOT in the CENTER of the 'fun that matters'. However, most ppl KNOW family IS more important to her.
Why go "right to the source" when the "source" is known to tell MAJOR untruths....hello, anybody home in your brain?! "contacted Polly to get whatever they wanted" OR whatever she had 'doctered up' to show them??
kid poster - thought your mother banned you from the blog several months ago?? You got on another thread and 'apologized' for 'shaming' your family with YOUR trash talk. YOU SAID your mother did not know you were on the blog and she was very mad. Guess you are off of restrictions?????
9:53
My hero happens to be the Lord Jesus Christ and NOT some angry little man who runs around town doing his best to stir up trouble for those he dislikes or resents.
My hero would never provoke someone to the threshhold of anger and then sue him for his use of "the finger" in the heat of the moment. I call that morally and spiritually wrong and certainly not befitting someone professiing Christianity. That kind of Christianity I do NOT want and will never have a part in. Thank you and have a good day!
6:33 Glad I could make you laugh! However, my statement is true no matter how funny you might think it is. Some people do try to live their lives by example and believe it or not there are a lot of people who don't have "dirt" on them. Why is that so hard to believe? It is not so far fetched to believe that some people try to live right. Just because society demonstrates to us many people
make decisions to only come back and haunt them doesn't mean everyone does. Ole ye of little faith. Also, it takes much more than attending one, two or all the meetings and work sessions to inform yourself to be able to change status quo. I have been in regular attendance for sometime and all I have seen is sweep, sweep, sweep. Everything is swept under the proverbial carpet. Now, that is my take as I have been there and witnessed it myself. Not to mention,voiced my concerns from time to time by addressing the board. I wish your advise worked of just informing yourself and being at all meetings, but all this serves for is more frustration for those of hoping for change and putting the faith we have in our board to no avail. What a let down in so many instances regarding the problems within our school system. Now,I am glad you found humor in my statement earlier as it is much healthier to laugh then to mope and frown. I just wish you knew where to find humor. It certainly isn't in the serious comments posters make on here involving their concerns. I would hope you would have better taste than that to laugh at someone for being honest. Perhaps you need to watch late night comedy tv if you are looking for humor as you suggest I must do.
Let's not forget that Christ could have come down from that cross and could have called ten thousand angels to his side. BUT, the point is...He didn't do that. So the lesson is clear. We pray for our perceived enemies instead of taking them to court. That's one of the lessons of the cross.
So, now we are calling God into this. Where was God in your past posts? I don't think you have posted representative of how God would have. You are judging and scripture says you are not to do that. Are you only going to pull from the bible only when it suits your post or need? You are way out of line and are confusing people as to what you mean. Ridiculous!
11:00
Did you read your post before you entered it? You judge me by suggesting I don't know God? Incredible!
Yes, I know and serve Him! No, I'm not way out of line here. Do you recall that many apostles and disciples were put to death for speaking out in opposition to what they saw going on? Were they out of line. And NO, I am not placing myself at the same level as an apostle. Just thought I would mention that before you pounce.
The point I was trying to make is that Christ could have came down from that cross and killed every Roman soldier there. But what did He do? He asked God to forgive them. I would think we could take a lesson from that instead of suing people at the drop of the hat!
To 3 June 7:44 poster. Your comment about the finger helped identify your target. First, no one was provoked the video clearly shows Mr Cagle interrupting a conversation between me and Mrs Norman. Since then I have learned that much of his anger that night had been primed by the Director and a Board member. Second, no one was sued over being poked in the chest. Criminal charges were filed for assault. At trial Mr. Cagle apologized and I accepted the apology. He paid the court cost and the matter was closed.
As for your comment about the "angry little man who runs around town doing his best to stir up trouble for those he dislikes or resents" you obviously are speaking of someone I don't know because there is no one in town or the county that I resent or dislike.
Once again you make mention of Christianity in very negative terms concerning me. I'm certainly glad that you're not a negative person and do so much that is Christ like, hope your horn lasts.
Your understanding of Christianity is very limited and superficial if you think "Christ could have come down from that cross and could have called ten thousand angels to his side. BUT, the point is...He didn't do that. So the lesson is clear. We pray for our perceived enemies instead of taking them to court. That's one of the lessons of the cross".
Christ didn't come down from the cross or call ten thousand angels to help him because He was there to provide salvation through his sacrifice not to prove we should pray for our enemies. I believe that little matter of running the thieves out of the temple showed how Christ felt about intentional wrongdoing. There is also the matter of how he spoke to the established religious leaders of that time calling them "vipers" and "thieves" among other things. These two examples make it abundantly clear that we are to confront not enable wrongdoing.
The admonition against being "lukewarm" tells me that a person is to develop a set of core values that he lives vigorously by. Since you seem to be so passive what are your core values that you believe in strongly enough to defend and uphold?
It is no secret who I am and what I believe and what I do for it is all out in the open, can you honestly say the same?
I apologize to other readers for being off subject. Allen Barrett
11:08 I did not judge you. You need to abide by the same principles you expect of others. I hope you live your life daily as God would want you to. I try to do the same and some days fail miserably. Just know that it come across weak when you inject God into the conversation when it appears to some reading your post that you may be losing your argument or failing to making a substantive point. If you are going to continue to make comments on this blog you need to be able to accept criticisms just the way you level criticisms at others.
Another point is we follow the law of the land and that keeps us safe. Are we only to pray for the criminals while they rape, steal and murder or do we allow the justice system in our country run it's course, which is to protect the people? I am just wondering. You see in God's eyes all sins are the same.A liar, a murderer, a thief and so on. He won't go lighter on those who only lied versus those who murdered. At least that is what my bible taught me.
11:53
Look, we have the criminal justice system to take care of those who do wrong. Can we not trust that? Surely everyone is not corrupt and crooked. ? If they are, then we need to pray fervently every single day.
I believe mr barrett just mentioned something to the effect that God hates sin. Well, that's no secret, and the Bible is full of examples where God proves to be both a loving and a wrathful God. As for my "core" values, I think that's something that I'll not talk about here. Like mr. barrett, I know who I am and what I stand for and feel no need to go about tooting my own horn. By the way, egotism is NOT one of my core values.
wab
I know why Christ didn't come down from the cross. I was making a point that He could have. But there was a larger purpose which we all know is salvation.
12:16 How do you think law enforcement officials and the justice systems becomes aware of criminal behavior. Are you saying that if someone attacks me, stabs me, robs me of my personal effects and leaves me for dead is only to be prayed for. You make no sense. There is no law or criminal justice without the people. The law doesn't uphold itself. Of course everyone is not crooked or corrupt but, how often has it been when we find out someone has been arrested, abused their children, gotten a DUI, have said" I had no idea, they seemed like an upstanding,law abiding person"? I can think of quite a lot. Those people do exist. I surely hope you are not my neighbor. I would hate to think that if you saw a criminal act being committed against me and my property that the only help you could give me is to drop to your knees and pray. It certainly makes me think you don't have an obligation to report it to the authorities. You just leave me really confused.
My, my, what high sounding talk about letting the justice system protect us and using it to punish wrong doers but when Mr Barrett brought charges against someone who poked him in the chest instead of engaging in a brawl he becomes the bad guy.
So which is it be unchristian and charge a person for their criminal act or pray for the person to stop beating on you or pull out a gun and just shot them. Now WWJD?
Good point 1:17 but who are you directing your comment to?
12:46
As I have said repeatedly, turn over evidence of wrongdoings to the law enforcement and judicial system. Yes, we are to pray for those who despitefully use us, but we are also to turn them over to the law and then butt out. Let's say someone raped your sister. Law enforcement is notified, and an arrest is imminent. Does this give you the right to go ahead and take the law into your own hands before that arrest can be made? I think you know better than that. And I think you know that I would not drop to my knees and pray when someone is in danger. And I would not tell the wrongdoer to go ahead with his actions til I get back with the police. How absurd. You shouldn't be confused about that; it's really simple.
To 1:17
Look, I know some of the circumstances surrounding the "finger" incident. Let me just say this. ANYONE, including you or me, can be provoked to violence. Did you not know that? What would Jesus have done? Well, He wouldn't have pressed charges, that's for sure. Yes, the attorney intervened in a conversation between barrett and Mrs. Norman, but you need to understand a little more about why he did. Had she been my wife, I would have used a little more than my finger to defend her honor.
Let's get BACK ON TOPIC please!!! How much is the Disney trip costing and how many children went???
We still haven't found that out yet. If we really need to know we need to contact the central office I guess. Not that you would be able to find out anything. Anytime you ask questions or want information from either the finance office or the board of ed. you either are given a great big run around.
9 went but it only cost about 500 dollars a child usually it is around a 1000 but the 500 was food snacks flight and everything except for the spendin money the parents had to provide.
Not to bad of a price!
I think it would be best for those of us who want to know this information to direct it to someone who can produce it in writing. Therefore, the information is substantiated. I am not saying that the above info is not correct. I will check it out and do my best to post the documents if any on the blog if the blogmaster will agree. I think with that information where all can see, that question will be answered.
4:22 WOW! Sounds too good to be 'true'. The flight, food, snacks, hotel, transportation to and from airports AND entry into Disney World - maybe Epcot Center, also??? Please tell ALL how such a BARGIN was found. $500 times 9 = $4,500. That's LESS than it cost Leaps to take SEVEN adults to the conference in New Orleans!!!!! What did those SEVEN adults do with $7,000 of expenses in The BIG EASY???
4:49 You are on the right track....let ALL see the 'expense sheet' or 'documents' with the ACTUAL charges listed.
there were no group rates in N.O.
and they stayed longer because the conference was longer than the time in disney and the kids stayed at a hotel in disney world so the tickets to the parks were with the hotel... and it pays to work on a trip for 14 months and there are really good group rates
8:50 OK, THANKS! Now, WHERE CAN ANYONE SEE THE ACTUAL EXPENSE DOCUMENTS THAT WERE FILES (OR WHATEVER) TO CHECK OUT THESE GREAT RATES????? YOU FORGOT TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION. And PLEASE don't say ask Polly - my gosh! Does she carry them in her back pocket. And who could track her down anyway. She seems to be riding the streets all the time.
8:50 So like ump....how long did the Leaps 'leaders' like stay in N.O. and uah....how long did the little kids like stay at DW....like I mean it was like a days difference or somethin' or what.....me and my family like want to get the psycho rate like at DW....me and my brother like have wanted to go for like ever....
You should be able to go to the finance office and find out some information. That is if they will let you see it. Of course they are not suppose to deny you access because of the public open records law. It may not be available to you immediately but, given notice that you want to see it, it should be made available to you within a reasonable amount of time. If she doesn't honor your request, I suggest you contact your commissioner in your district and tell them. If enough heck is raised and more people get involved something should materialize.
June 2 10:58pm So like uh, tomoro has come and gone and like uh, no financial facts from upm polly or like anything like that...ump, uh what's up with like that?! Like maybe you ump uh mean like the sound financial facts are like the 9 kids going to DW for ump uh like $500 smackers each. WOW!! what a bunch of like ump uh crap and all! Same like thing is like going ump uh on in FM office with like Garner. I mean like polly and like Loretta are like ump uh sisters or something....this is like crazy!
like um... some person who stirs up abunch of stuff needs to be thanked by leaps and bounds when asked for a deposit slips and such it mad someone go back and check there things... over 4000 dollars was found that got placed in general funds that was not asked back by leaps so thanks to all of you that have went through things and made ppl double check... so add 4000 on what was asked for thats how much general funds owes leaps... maybe next time you will do your own job and not worry about somebody elses... :) maybe the person that asked for it just dont want to admit for the no wrong doings... but you would be suprised of who it is... just maybe it could be someone you think is a preacher but really got his license takin away from bein a lawyer for breakin the law... (lots of research you can do on the internet about one person)
hope you have group of about 20 or more and plan to wheel and deal with the ppl in dw for 14 months...
1:47,3:13,3:17, do you think you can type just one sentence the rest of us could understand. Maybe take your time typing and read over your post before you submit it. Is the way you type is the same way it sounds in your head? You make zero sense. Don't make us guess at your message, give us plain and clear ENGLISH.
4:56 OK here it is in plain English.....to 3:17 maybe the preacher/lawyer/concerned citizen REALLY did ALL taxpayers a favor. Maybe the preacher/lawyer/concerned citizen FOUND money in the WRONG account (general fund as in school general fund) that was INTENTIONALLY put there to be taken out later for someone else????? Like it was 'hidden' there. I have heard Jackson is a past master at 'hiding' and putting money in the WRONG accounts. Let's think about it......there HAS to be SOME reason polly ALWAYS gets away with crap. I wonder what the State Dept. over unclaimed lottery money thinks about GRANT money in the GCS general fund and being ALLOWED to stay there?? "over 4000 dollars was found that got placed in the general fund that was not asked back by leaps..." Here's a little advice....all of what one reads on the internet is not true. Surely, just like all of what one hears on the streets and in the stores of Giles County about Polly,Jackson,L.Garner can't ALL be true or can it?????
it was not herd and not on the internet but it was in leaps and bounds books and work database... so may it is not just tall tales... maybe its the truth that ppl can not seem to grasp... and it was not grant money! it was all donations and fundraiser money that leaps and bounds had and deposited thinking it was a seperate account but was not...
6:44 Please explain what you meant by "it was not herd and not on internet but it was leaps and bounds books and work database....so may it is not just tall tales..." Sorry, I don't understand what you are trying to say.
Are you trying to say after three or four years of having the Leaps program in Giles County, with Polly as the director, Polly DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO ENTER FUNDRAISER/DONATED MONEY?????? Has this same accounting mistake been made all 3/4 years??? Wouldn't the expert State auditor catch an error?? I thought Leaps passed the audit with 'flying colors'. I seem to remember an entry saying 200 of 200 points.
Maybe 'ppl' have been lied to soooooooooooooo much there is NOTHING to 'grasp' on to.
As has been said about this audit, passing or failing an audit depends on the auditor. Some auditors either do not know, undersantd or care about what they are looking for while others know exactly what they are looking for, are dilligent and nail you good when they find it.
Passing or failing an audit can depend on the luck of the draw as to who does the audit.
No kidding!?! That's why Leaps and Jackson have been able to do the two step with Leaps and school money. THEY are willing to gamble on the 'luck of the draw as to who does the audit.' Maybe 'monies' are 'held out' to give a 'special auditor' a 'special' gift ($$)??
I'll bet those doing the audit are probably just as "corrupt" as all the other county officials who are on this blog's black list.
6:26 Just remember you said that I didn't. I did not memtion corruption. I was merely stating the fact that some people take their jobs more seriously than others and some people really do not have the expertise to find money that has been entered in the wrong places or is cleverly hidden.
Where I work we have Federal auditors. We know which ones will be through when they come and which ones will talk about their children, pets etc and do very little about searching for problems--they just take what we say at face value and don't bother to look for anything out of the way.
It is all in the luck of the draw as to which one we have. We are insturcted to prepare for the strict auditors and to hope for the social butterfly auditors. We usually end up with the "butterflies".
So if we tried to pull any slight of hand, we could in all probability get by with it for a while---at least until we had a strict auditor.
As long as our county people are doing their jobs in a completely open and honest manner I don't think that they will be discussed on this blog for very long.
7:58
I was simply parroting the word "corruption" that the complainers so often refer to on this blog when discussing county employees and elected officials they don't like. I am on your side and agree with you wholeheartedly.
I am very interested in the preacher/lawyer/concerned citizen comment as the only person I've seen on here identified as a preacher is Mr. Barrett. Are you saying that he used to be a lawyer and got disbarred? If he was that sure would make a blog topic and shut him up.
Is the preacher,lawyer concerned citizen Mr. Barrett?
What's this about WAB being a disbarred attorney, my what secrets are being revealed about the great reporter. How it feel with the shoe on the other foot for a change?
5:50 You are the very reason negative gossip gets started and then grows like a cancer. "What's this about WAB being a disbarred attorney" NO ONE said WAB!! My what trash is being spread by the 'great gossiper'. How does it feel with 'the shoe' in YOUR mouth. 3:06 & 3:07 are probably the SAME person...as you can see the posts are one minute apart. I would also guess 5:50 is the same poster. Try to stay on topic:
Let's see some OFFICAL reciepts from the DW trip and don't tell us to ask polly.....
3:06
AMEN! Don't you think an investigation into the matter should be started immediately with any dirt found broadcast to the entire county? How's that for tit for tat?
How about it June 04, 3:13PM would you clarify the statement "you would be suprised of who it is... just maybe it could be someone you think is a preacher but really got his license takin away from bein a lawyer for breakin the law... (lots of research you can do on the internet about one person)"
Is WAB, (Mr Barrett) the person you're talking about. If it is this should be the end of him and his big mouth.
We could only hope an end to you and your big mouth 10:47. But, that would be asking too much huh??
Seriously does this county ever follow the money? Or the "donations" to be sure that they are actually going to and doing what they are intended to do? No? No? Why not? Afraid that what you will find is poorly managed programs that provide incomes and jobs for unqualified or inept individuals whose greatest asset is "sucking up" to whoever will provide jobs,goods, or money. Some with no more ethical pause then how they can benefit from it. It makes you want to run from charities or social programs poorly watched and managed. Who is there to be accountable to? Who is watching over these programs and what are the repercussions for getting caught? Usually not enough to keep the same from happening over and over.
Notice how June 4 3:13 STARTED a rumor about WAB and then REFUSES to back it up with ANY facts. I have three friends in the school system who SUFFERED the SAME KIND OF TREATMENT at pollys. Makes one wonder WHO and WHY 'someone' started THE SAME KIND OF TRASH!!!
Oh, MUST be because WAB is getting TOO close to the TRUTH and 'some' ppl 'think' they can cloud the issue with crap.
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