School Board, Superintendent, New Hand Book, Resignations, Calendar, Etc.
I have been asked by a number of callers to please post a new topic dealing with the School Board and some of the things that are happening I have listed below many of the subjects that have been suggested, some I am aware of and some I have no knowledge of.
These topics are posted for general discussion.
School Board staying at Opryland Hotel for a "get away" at taxpayer expense.
Arrogant bullying by School Board members Don Story.
New Calendar with Fall Break removed and a week out for Thanksgiving instead.
School Board Member Homeschooling their child.
Proposed Ten Million Dollar debt to repair school roofs.
Resignations of such long time employees as Donna Abernathy, Ron Shirey and Shelia Middlestadt, etc.
Low morale of bus drivers and teachers.
As I stated previously these are not my topics but some of the one requested by mostly school employees who fear retaliation if their identity were to be known.
These topics are posted for general discussion.
School Board staying at Opryland Hotel for a "get away" at taxpayer expense.
Arrogant bullying by School Board members Don Story.
New Calendar with Fall Break removed and a week out for Thanksgiving instead.
School Board Member Homeschooling their child.
Proposed Ten Million Dollar debt to repair school roofs.
Resignations of such long time employees as Donna Abernathy, Ron Shirey and Shelia Middlestadt, etc.
Low morale of bus drivers and teachers.
As I stated previously these are not my topics but some of the one requested by mostly school employees who fear retaliation if their identity were to be known.
posted by Allen Barrett | 11:12 AM
132 Comments:
Wow! Ron Shirey resigned? Thats a surprise since he has been with the school system for years in various positions.
People do reach retirement age and really retire from a job. God bless Mr. Shirey. He was outstanding at everything he did. Thanks for your many years of service.
I think it is fine to home school your child. This day and time, I don't blame anyone for doing that.
I just find it strange a school board member would do that and be a school board member. Care to tell who the school member is?
5th district
My understanding was the school board had their fall retreat at Opryland Hotel. Wasn't there an invitation for the board to do a Fall Retreat once at a board members place and everyone went nuts because it wouldn't be where the public could be there all the time. My how things have changed. Tee was a snake in the Grass and this guy doesn't give a rat behind as long as Story is helping support him.
Fall break is a much needed rest for everyone after a hectic start of a school year. Everyone floods to the beach or some type of get away. Thanksgiving everyone will be getting ready for the holidays an spending time with family Tee did this to the teachers once when he told the teachers he would take his calendar to the board but took his own. The board voted on his and didn't even see what the committee had proposed. I understand Mr. Greene did some research on systems that did not take fall breaks having higher scores. Where in the range does Giles County fit that a week in October or a week in November will make a difference.
Teachers' morale is at an all-time low. The fall break being taken away is a slap in the face. It seems they are trying to force teachers out...and the number of college students enrolled in education is low. It might help if they visit schools and see what is going on...like a kid with O.D.D. having a fit in the hall...disrupting every class on the hall. How does one teach with that?
Well, looks like the right Reverend Barrett is stirring up drama once again.
5th district means Jimmy Greene. Does that mean the Giles County school system is not good enough? Makes you wonder dont it.
I have a question......When teachers are out for a week at Thanksgiving (full week), 2 weeks at Christmas, 7 day spring break, etc......are they required to take vacation days for this? If not, is this on top of vacation time earned each month? Also, are they given any personal days?
Jim Greene doesn't home-school his children. Furthermore, teachers don't earn "vacation" time each month, they earn one sick day each month, for a total of 10 per year. Additionally, they earn two personal days per year. These can be rolled over at the end of the year and become sick days if they are not used during the year. Teachers are paid for 200 days per year. Students attend for 180 days, there are 5 “paid” in-service days (not counting the in-services attended, but are not paid for), plus parent teacher conference days, and other work days. Hope this information helps.
Then, I don't understand the calendar issue. My friends and family who work in the school system are complaining that Fall Break was taken away. I see it as the first 5 months you receive 3 weeks and in the spring another 7 days. Will you not also be off for holidays which will make three day weekends? You start school later (I thought everyone wanted their kids to go to school later) and they get out before Memorial Day. Let's not forget 100% paid individual health insurance, life, dental, retirement. It sounds like a great benefit package to us who work in private industry. I would love to have three weeks off within a five month period. I know teachers need incentives, but so do those who work elsewhere. I should get a week a month just for handling stressful situations on a daily basis. No job is perfect. I just don't understand. I thought the Board did a good thing with the calendar. It is impossible to make 100% of the employees happy.
perhaps 6:23 you need to go back and read Barrett's post several times as you missed the point entirely. It is plainly stated that these were not Barrett's ideas but suggested by others. One again you are shooting the messenger for something he didn't do.
Get out of Barrett's ass, Dick. See what I did there.
I thought the board member in question sent his children to private school as the Giles County system he has shaped was not good enough.
It doesn't matter what the school board does, Giles County will never have enough quality teachers to give a child a really good education. I went to school with some of the teachers in your school system. There is no way they would teach my child. It isn't anything personal against the county, or the school board, you guys just live in a poor town where the good teachers choose not to be.
I do not think that teachers get free dental insurance.
As a person who has worked in the public at a factory, retired and now work for the school system I use to think the teachers were a blessed bunch!!!! Boy have my eyes been opened!!!! They earn every minute that they are away from the classroom. They struggle with lesson plans, unruly children and have a cloud over their head with the ever present evaluations that are out there. On top of that the knowledge that at any given time one of the angry or disturbed students or parents could choose to copy cat some of the actions of others that take the value of life lightly. They are more exposed than an other public workers and have to be aware of others at all times. They deserve the days to recharge their bodies and minds!!!!
Any employee is "exposed" and must be aware of others at all times and all employees need time to recharge. Teaching is an employment just like any other. I am sorry, but do you think teachers are the only ones that have to get recharged? If you worked in a factory then you really do have it made now. Your just dealing with a different type of people.
I think the Ron Shirey news is a little misleading. He has not left the school system, only changed positions. Not sure why or the details, but he is still in the school system.
Shirey leaves after Christmas.
Ron Shirey resigned from his current position. He will be taking Donna Abernathy's job.
The teachers, staff and children will be loosing two vacation days next year. The two they got off for Thanksgiving. Just the week off at a different time.
Is that the only changes made?
Shirey tried Donna's job and didn't like it so came back to Director and gave letter of resignation. I think and I say think Greene's son goes to Richland. If so out of his designated school zone.
It would be wise to have year round school in Giles County judging by the atrocious usage of grammar by some of the comments.
The English professor is back judging.
Let's start at the top;
School Board staying at Opryland Hotel for a getaway at Taxpayer expense. The school board members went to the TSBA Annual conference at the convention center. Yes they stayed the night. The training that was presented at the conference was part of each school board members state required training.
Arrogant bullying by School Board Member(s?) Don Story. I know Mr. story quite well and am unsure when, where, or how he has bullied anyone. Is he bullying board members? Teachers, students? County commissioners? Please be more exact. Also, you said members. Does that mean more than one is bullying?
New Calendar with Fall Break removed and a week out for Thanksgiving instead. I don't see a problem with it. If you went to the meeting, you would have heard the input of the board members. If there was a problem with the calendar, why didn't anyone speak up?
School Board Member Homeschooling their child. Who? Which board member is home schooling?
Proposed Ten Million Dollar debt to repair school roofs. That is a misstatement at best. The Bond is to do 8 - 10 million dollars of repairs on all the schools. Not just on the roofs. A FREE survey of the buildings was done and there was a list of repairs and upgrades, that need to be accomplished, generated.
Resignations of such long time employees as Donna Abernathy, Ron Shirey and Shelia Middlestadt, etc. Can't speak to this, because I don't have any facts. I don't deal with rumors.
Low morale of bus drivers and teachers. There are a lot of changes going on. It will take time for things to get better. I hope the school system will give the new Director a chance.
Please present facts, not rumors.
So very well said 4:59.
4:59 Thanks for telling us something about how it is instead of trying to kill the messenger.
Lots of rumors goes around so people get on the blog and tell what they heard. I don't know what you said was true or what you heard anyway a good post. We always need to hear two sides to anything.
Here's a topic for discussion = Is it appropriate for a Director of Schools to be dating and/or seeking to date a teacher (subordinate) within the school system?
Is the Director married? If not it's no one's business who he dates.
Now Mr. Gonzales has been placed in charge of the bus garage and buses. Cindy is in charge of Human Resources, instruction and evaluations. How can a kindergartner evaluate a professor? The maintenance men now are required to pay taxes for driving their trucks home or through the McDonald's drive thru to get food. The school system is as dysfunctional as I have ever seen it. One person stated that changes take time to get things right. This train is headed for such a derailment never seen by this county. If you don't think teachers, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, administrators, and other workers are not suffering with morale; just ask one of them. It is AWFUL!
Mr. Greene did have his kids in Columbia Academy while he was a school board member. He has now enrolled his child in Richland Elementary. Wonder why he voted to change the zoning rules. He clearly lives in the Pulaski zone (Northridge Drive - up the hill from Bridgeforth), yet his child is taken to Richland. Don Story thinks he is in charge of the school system. He thinks we should recycle the children like old shock absorbers and make them better with the second passing of the product. Children are not manufactured products. They are not all made alike. Someone said today that the Dr. would be gone soon. He is creating so much baggage that he cannot possibly stay - drinking, hustling women, being stopped by police,and being driven home by others. Our school board knew of his baggage and turned their heads to what had happened in every job he has had.
You wonder why Shirey didn't want to put up with all that was going on at the Board building. He was fed up with all the BS that was happening around him. No one seems to know from one day to the next what shoe is about to fall. It is something NEW - EVERY DAY. People continue to work because they need a job, but with morale as low as it is, the product is diminished. Do you want to help? Vote for NEW board members when the time comes.
If the teachers and bus drivers don't like the way it is then they are welcome to resign. There are plenty of qualified people to replace them.
10:04--Obviously YOU are SO wrong. They can't find enough people wanting to drive buses at any time. If you doubt my statement, call the bus garage and ask how many people have applied. The school system cannot find teachers to teach the required subjects needed at the high school or middle school levels. That is why Alabama teachers are so often hired. It is funny when someone gets on here and spouts to know what is happening and that person has no idea. It's like saying you know who I am and you have no idea what you are talking about as usual.
Cheatham County all over again. Just home a child doesn't take their life due to the lack of interest by the Director. Lord help the bus drivers.
Again, the right Reverand allows all of this drama, gossip, and crap go on. The views presented here are nothing but malicious attacks against folks. I don't know how the Rev is able to sleep at night.
7:31 CG how do you sleep at night?
I don't know a thing about the School Director. I hope the ones saying the things about him know what they are talking about. If they are lying I hope the Director sues them. If it's true the people of Giles County needs to know.
Free speech blogs allows people to post anything just it allows you to post against Barrett.
For the one which I think was you that said there was others ready for their job if they didn't like it. Some times a person has to stay in a job they don't like to support their family. Jobs aren't easy to find. Just ask some of these children that just finished college.
So who homeschools their kid? That was part of the original topic, and no one has listed any Board member that does that.
I understand that WAB posted these were not his topics, but if he wants to be taken seriously as a reporter of what is going on and real news for Giles County, I don't think he should post things he knows are lies.
The same thing is true with the first topic "School Board staying at Opryland Hotel for a "get away" at taxpayer expense." WAB knows from years past that it was the TSBA annual conference. So don't try to make it sound bad. Just report the facts.
Some of you will argue those are the facts, but everything that gets posted on this blog always has a twist to it so it goes against whoever WAB doesn't agree with. That's the same as posting "WAB is sleeping with a married woman!" This is a completely true statement because WAB is a married man and I'm talking about his wife. You can make anything sound bad or worse than it is if you really want to.
So WAB could you screen the topics you post to try to make them not as biased? Again, I know you stated these are not your topics, but you could still research them a little and refuse to put things on the topics that you know are not true. And try to stick to a little less biased original posts? Then maybe we could have some better "discussions" rather than bickering over things that aren't even true. At least consider it if you want this to be a "news" blog rather than your "opinion" blog.
-Mack
Dear Mr. or Mrs Dec 19th 2013 10:01:00 PM:
I am not originally from here and while looking for a house, my children attended Bright Beginning or what most locals call Highland. At one of their thanksgiving or Christmas meals I was introduced to Mr Green’s whose son was attending Kindergarten there. His son attended 1st grade and is currently enrolled in 2nd grade at Richland.
The real reason for this post has to deal with a different subject you touched upon. I need to ask you a question about the “former” zoning rule. I have been asking this since my family moved here and no one can give me an intelligent answer. Why was Richland zoned that way? Why could people leave the north district and go to ANY other school but someone in the city or south could not go to Richland? Does that sound “fair” and “right” to you or are there “other” reasons? Whatever the reason or the perceived reason, doesn’t the removal of the zoning rule make our education system equal for ALL the children now? Do you feel that some children or people should receive a better education or treatment then others? I mean Mr or Mrs. Dec 19th 2013, 10:01:00 PM, it’s not like your fine county and community has a history for organizations that like to judge people….
As for the teachers being upset for “losing” vacation, I can’t see where they “lost” vacation. They still receive a week off in the fall. They still only work 175-180 days a year. It’s just that their days off (or worked) have been rearranged. I don’t know about the rest of the blog population but my employer doesn’t let me set my own work days or schedule. Maybe they could use that extra time in the summer for vacations or to recharge?
Martin Van Buren
I want to give a shout out to the school board members! Great job taking away the Fall Break! You guys totally know what you are doing! I mean, you have spent how much time in the classroom dealing with the students? I might see you browsing around a school every once in a while acting like you give a damn. Good luck with re-election with the bone-headed decisions you have made this term!
Now I want to give a shout out to the educators in the county. Great job on allowing your Fall Break to be taken away. I'm glad so many in this county stand up for what they believe in (after the fact). How about being pro-active and going to the school board meetings and take an active role in our community (beyond the classroom)? It is awful that Fall Break has been taken away, but you let the school board crap all over you at every meeting. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! You don't pay those monthly TEA/NEA dues for nothing (except to give 95% to the liberals). Quit wasting your money for ZERO representation!
Free Thinker
Psst...1:09 PM. Duh...birthplace of the KKK? They didn't want a certain group being able to attend up there! Just like the idiocy of allowing "athletes" to go to GCHS without a penalty, but one could not transfer to Richland (unless penalty invoked). Just shows how backward this county is. We need new leadership!
Friday, December 20, 2013 1:09:00 PM
You must not of been in Giles County long. They don't like change unless it's going to benefit them.
I was like you thought they still got their vacation. When you think about it. Students as well as faculty was getting a week break, then they had two days for thanksgiving to look forward to. Then look forward to Christmas break which some don't want called Christmas but winter break.
Maybe it helped them. Everyone working in a factory would like to have these breaks too but sorry don't get them.
What did the school board do with the hospital money? Are they paying it back? Or hss it flown away?
For the bonehead who said that the teachers should resign if they are unhappy....ha!! Come spend a day in a classroom. This post and these comments have just proven why the children's attitudes are so poor, they pick up on their parent's attitudes. If the schools had parents who cared about their children's education and backed the teachers like they did back in the day, this school system would be top notch. The teachers at every school voted on a proposed calendar through their "calendar committee representative" (this was set up by Dr. Webb). The committee as well as the schools were shocked to see that the new calendar was nothing like any of the proposed calendars. No, the new calendar didn't take away a full week of vacation but the few days it did take were a blow to the faculty and staff of the whole school system.
So did the "calendar committee representative" speak up at the Board meeting? I agree with "Free Thinker" that if you don't speak up for what you want, you can't gripe about not getting it after the fact.
I will not address each poster individually, I will just give facts.
1) 10 month employees of the school system ( teachers, assistants, so forth) are paid for 200 days each school year. 180 days in the classroom with students present. 5 inservices days. 5 days assigned by the board ( in the past these had been 2 parent/teacher conference days and 3 paid holidays, which I believe many private sector employees receive) this next school year the 5 days will be 2 parent/ teacher conference days and 3 teacher workdays without students. The remaining 10 days are vacation days (no matter how many years of service this number stays constant) the employees cannot use these during the school year, they must be used in the summer.
2) Employees receive health insurance coverage. Individual coverage will be paid in full but family coverage costs the employee, on average, $600 a month.
3) Employees have a $10,000 life insurance policy.
4) Those are the only 2 insurance policies paid for by the board.
5) The calendar committee delivered a calendar to their respected schools and were completely caught off guard when the board received a different calendar. The committee did not know the different calendar existed so how would they have be able to fill out the needed paperwork which would have allowed them to speak to the board about the calendar.
6) School system employees joined their profession because they love children! Stop treating them as second class citizens! Visit their schools and see for yourself how much they do in one day! Teachers do not work to the clock, they come in early and they stay late. They take home papers to grade , they spend time shopping ( with their own money) for the students who do not have what they need to live, they put their job first ( ask any spouse of a teacher), and finally they do this each and every all the while being insulted and treated unfairly by the public!
Please stop assuming you know the answers to what is going on in the school system, ask an employee.
I am a parent not a teacher and I think that there should have been a survey sent out to ask parents their opinion on the new calendar. The teachers and students deserve a break in the fall after being stuck in the classroom since the first of August. One other thing is how do you get the school board members phone numbers if their not listed?
Back on the 17th a post was made ending in "you guys just live in a poor town where the good teachers choose not to be". Based on the post that followed money is not the only issue limiting the quality of education in the county. There appears to be multiple issues all up and down the line, starting with the school board. I have not read a word indicating where the board had a plan to improve the educational level of the county. Some members may make statements in the paper but that's as far as it goes. Using money as an excuse will not get things moving in a positive direction.
Dick
Good post and so true.
Dear "Saturday, December 21, 2013 1:24:00 AM"
"One other thing is how do you get the school board members phone numbers if their not listed?"
I spent exactly 4 minutes on-line and found the following numbers for each board member. I think these are all correct, but sometimes there were more than one match for the name.
Jerry Bryant - 424-1206
Doug Ead - 363-0872
Jim Greene - 363-2767
Rhonda Turner - 292-6334
Christy Glover - 565-3832
Don Story - 527-0265
Mike Young - 363-5740
Hope that helps. Again, I'm not 100% on the numbers, but pretty sure.
Why call when they don't answer the phone or are too busy to get back to you. Caller ID saves their As.es from takeing calls at home.
Are bus drivers going to pay taxes for using the buses to carry themselves home and stopping ocassionally to pick up something at the store?
I like the point made above about what the board is doing to improve education in this county! I have talked with several teachers and the issue of fall break is the least concerning issue. How about administrators who hire COMPETENT employees, not bimbos that are friends with their kids? Nothing better than to waste time in several interviews when the decision has already been made. At least this is what I hear. How about a more strict disciplinarian in the schools? There are several in the county where the kids get away with a lot of unnecessary behavior.
11:40
To what school administrators are you referring? That happened at PES and the reasons were obvious, but I have not heard that at other schools. I hate to call them bimbos, but not as qualified as others. Check the good schools and see if that is happening.
The board is responsible for so much of the tragedy that is taking place in the school system. They should be held accountable for many of the problems occuring right now. I have to say that I am really disappointed in some of the board members. Jerry Bryant was always respected I thought. I was wrong. Jim Greene thinks the school system is likened to a manufacturing plant. Children are not metal products. Don Story is just an IDIOT. He doesn't want to listen to anyone. He KNOWS EVERYTHING! He thinks. The women are just ornaments on a tree. SAD.
To Free Thinker
When the teachers lost their bargaining rights, they lost much of any opportunities to protest or object to issues. The Dr. knows that and the school board relishes in the teacher misfortune. I appreciate you pointing out the wrongs of the system, but the shout out to the teachers may have been a little much. The reason teachers are being shit on is the disrespect teachers and their profession receive from the public. Everyone needs to talk to a Giles County teacher to hear and get a feel for what it is like to work in the environment of our school system. Teachers continue to work harder, get paid less than surrounding counties, and fear being mistreated my the Dr. and the board.
Things have improved since Jackson left but there is still need for improvement. Teachers are treated the way they are because they allow that treatment to take place. Many have little self respect in the way they dress and act and their attitude is hang on until retirement and don't make waves. They are scared of the students and don't even attempt to control them.
8:05
I would like to know what things have improved since Tee left. You could not be a teacher because you are far from the mark as to what is happening in the school system.
At the end of this school year, count the number of retiring teachers there will be. It's not because of being afraid of the students, it's so many other factors. Ask some of the teachers why the profession is in such a turmoil.
Anonymous: Dec 20, 1:22:00.
I was being facetious. You can’t perform an internet search without the history of your great community being at the top of the list.
Facetious: treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.
Anonymous 11: 40
Obviously you are not impressed with Bryant, Greene and Story. Does this mean you approve of Ead, Glover, Turner and Young?
I have some questions for the blog. What are the education levels of all the board members? Is a person’s educational attainment or career experience important for a board member?
Anonymous Dec 25, 5:20:00
Are teachers leaving because of the
a.) Aging population and more people are able to retire?
b.) They can start teaching in Alabama and in a few years enjoy a retirement check from Tennessee and Alabama? (This was an issue in my home state because it was so small, co-worker says it happens here too, but you may want to check)?
c.) Now being held accountable for their poor performance?
d.) Horrible leadership you described?
e.) All of the above?
Personally I would believe “e” to be the best choice, but I look forward to your fact laden response that will me wrong.
Martin Van Buren
To 5:20 Well, the thing that has changed the most since Jackson left is that we now know where most of the money is going. I agree with most of the other comments about the school system and the Board but still think one of the main reasons for so many problems is that teachers are so weak and easily intimidated. I don't understand why they continue to pat dues while getting no benefits from their union.
It was mentioned about teachers bargaining rights. I believe most of the blame for that belongs with their union. Now unions are good and needed. However it seems that the teachers union just like the UAW is to concerned protecting the 10% of their members that are not doing the job they are paid to do. In the end the other 90% suffer. Teachers need to be held accountable for their performance. They shouldn't be held back by the 10%.
I have to fully agree with you, it was one of the teacher associations that caused to the loss of bargaining. PET campaigned and fully supported the bill which removed bargaining rights. PET also fully supports the new tenure laws. Teachers are leaving because of the negative view from the public. Lack of support from the local board and the state board is very discouraging. Most teachers will not stand up at a board meeting or publicly at all for fear of being let go! They are scared (and rightly so)! If you are not in the local system each day you have no idea how stressful it is all the time. Please do not insult the educators this is not their fault!
Unions are pieces of shit. Any person that would join a union is either misinformed about a union, or a piece of shit. This isn't 1950 anymore. Take credit for your own job or get another. I am sick and tired of people thinking a greedy union is going to do anything to help them. Unions are pretty much equal to welfare from the government. Any educated person in this century should be ashamed to back a union.
Our school system is lacking because we have unqualified teachers and an under-funded local government. Higher taxes provide money to the school system to carry us into the new age. The problem is that we can't raise taxes to the level needed because there aren't enough people in this county that can pay higher taxes. Some of that is due to jobs, and the larger part is due to laziness and government dependence.
8:38
I beg to differ when you say wholesale that "Our school system is lacking because we have unqualified teachers." We have some very good teachers in this county. When was the last time you visited a school to see what goes on in a school? Teachers are overwhelmed with the added paperwork and stress that has been dumped in their laps over the last 3-4 years. I agree with you about the lack of funds to have a better school system. WE CANNOT afford more taxes, BUT you get what you pay for in the world. The school board patted each other on the back for cutting the budget and saying they have balanced it. Check into all the money that is being spent on various projects that will not help educate ONE student. I tell all of you to talk to educators in this county to get an idea of what each deals with on a daily basis. Too many people listen to parties that have nothing to do with the subject and have NO knowledge of the circumstances.
Ask someone in the mix before making comments that are incorrect. The school system is quickly bleeding out. Soon, there will be no resuscitating it.
Dec. 20th, Welcome to Giles County. Mr. Greene did send his son to Highland but now in public school. The Zoning is all about Richland having an overflow due to so many parents not wanting their children at GCHS. Now so many go to Cornersville.
8:18 why don't you tell the whole truth? Zoning was set up years ago to keep certain students out of Richland. They were not wanted unless they were athletes and Richland did every dirty trick they could to get the athletes around the zoning rule. Mr. Story pushed to get that rule changed because of the decreasing number of students at Richland and recruiting by Richland has started all over again. There is nothing wrong at GCHS except a building that needs to be replaced which will never happen with Webb and the current board. The students are not what's wrong at either school nor is it the majority of the teachers. It's adults like us who keep things stirred up with constant comments on various blogs and constant criticism about issues we really know nothing about.
Ditto 11:02, DITTO.
Seems that no social studies books will be purchased next year. Where are the funds for those books going? Mrs. Young doesn't think they are aligned to the state curriculum. What do you think? That's what happens when inferior leadership is in place.
10:33 Are they aligned to the state curriculum? Seems to be a waist of money to purchase books not compliant. Would you agree?
Your attack on Young seems personal.
Until you have walked in the schools of a bus driver and a teacher you need to shut the hell up. Bus drivers encounter the first behavior of a child each morning. They can tell you if a child is going to have a good day or bad day because of the greeting they may get. So many bus drivers are compassionate to the students and will let them know how much they care. Then the teacher gets to greet them. If your not a teacher then you don't wonder if a certain child managed to get into school with a weapon to kill that day. And it has happen in Giles County, Tn. Or an irate parent is ready to come in and chew your head off because his child said it was so and that's all the parent wants to believe. And if you have a child that is ADD/ADHD then you know how rough it is on you and your family to deal with this child. Now add about 20+ more to that and welcome to the classroom they are in. Do you have a highly functioning child in a classroom with a mentally and physically challenged child. Distraction and your child can't get all the information down because of something going on with the challenged child. Teachers (not all) are usually at their job by 7 and at 3:15 some get to go home, but a bunch don't due to the preparations for the next day, grading papers, cleaning their classroom and more. But those that do leave early see if they don't have a bag on their arm and if you look inside you will find papers to grade at home after they fix supper, do homework with their children, get them ready for bed and then you can get a chance to relax while you grade the papers. Giles County teachers and all that work for the system except for a few in Central office get paid at the bottom of the pay scale in the state. Our school board members may have someone working in the system, but not one of them have a clue what it is like to face the students each and every day. They think it's a walk in the park and to Mr. Greene and Mr. Story they are assembly line people throwing out a product some doing a good job and some doing a half-ass job. Our students aren't a product they are human beings that our teachers are trying to make productive citizens out of, But with the poor moral, low pay, and lack of support from principals, Central office and school board members they are doing a pretty good job with all this working against them. Hang in there teachers and hope and pray that a new board is elected that can understand what you do is valuable to me, your community, state, and Country. Thank you.
yada yada yada, whine whine whine. Many of the best school systems in the country and around the nation have outstanding results while those with the most money spent per student is the absolute worse. Look at DC and New York for instance. It's not the amount of money that is spent but the amount of attention given to each student by highly qualified educators. Those who are highly qualified to teach have generally left the profession out of frustration, lack of appreciation, non-support of administration etc. The problem is that teachers, regardless of who else is to blame, is greatly to blame for their situation by their cowardly cowering in the corner when they should be speaking up. Teacher unions have focused on one thing money while giving away all power in the classroom and discipline over students. By all means take a trip through the school system, spend a day or two at different ones and you will be shocked at what you see and hear. Teachers dressed like hookers or like little children instead of professional men and women. Language from students that is completely ignored by teachers, sometime even shared by the teacher. Students treated differently regardless of the dress code or disciplinary codes. Administrators gossiping with teachers about other teachers and administrators. There can be no discipline when the adults are behaving like jr. high students. There can be no educating when the students are allowed to control the school and class. How do you solve the problem get rid of both the teachers and students that have no interest in education. Kids act up have their parents under court order sit in the class with them. If students can't behave instead of telling them it's ok they have a learning disability whip their butts or send them to jail so other students see you mean business and they are given a chance to actually learn.
1:19
It's obvious you have not been in a school lately. You sound like one of those teachers who can't get a job because you are inferior. You have a gripe towards teachers. You must have been corrected by a teacher along the way and you didn't like it. I bet your kids act the same way in disrespecting teachers, administrators and adults in general.
Your attack on Young seems personal.
Sunday, December 29, 2013 10:42:00 AM
It is personal when you see others who have worked harder and deserve better jobs because they CAN DO a better job.
5:01
You did not answer the question about whether the books are compliant. Was that not one of the things which you based your complaint.
Who are you to make the evaluation of ones performance in their job? Why don't you state specifics as to why Mrs. Young is not deserving of the position she holds. Maybe you are jealous you were not chosen for the position she holds?
Any way it seems your comments are like the enablers. Never backed by proof just uneducated opinion.
wab
How about do a topic on the probation system and the debtors prison being run by the court system
thanks Tom
The state of Tennessee has revised the Social Studies standards, and they will take effect next year. The standards were just recently changed in the spring, so I am sure that current Social Studies books that are being sold are not addressing the new standards. Additionally, a textbook shouldn't be the only resource used in teaching. Teaching the standards typically require educators to use a multitude of resources to effectively teach.
To 4:51 You are wrong on a number of counts. I am an educator and have been for over twelve years. My comments are based on personal experience in the Giles County school system and two other systems one smaller and one larger. One can not command respect while acting disrespectful to others and especially to oneself. When educators act respectful and demand respect then and only then will things change for the better.
5:26
Are you Cindy or the Dr.? Sure, a testbook should not be the only resource of effective teaching. It would be nice to have textbook that the students can follow along so that they know what is to be taught and learned. Just Saying
To 8:01 You must be one HELL of a teacher. You complain about those you work with daily and the administrator who is your boss. Why don't YOU get out and allow another teacher to have YOUR position? Quit bitching and start making a DIFFERENCE, since you seem to know SO much. How happy were you in the other school systems where you worked? Same bitching I bet.
textbook
5:26 then no student in Tennessee should be using a Social Studies textbook? That is amazing.
7:25 That is the attitude that teachers are having to face from those who control the money and the policies.
Dear 7:25,
I think the point is that why should the county pay to buy new ones that will have to be replaced in another year because the textbooks will not address the changes until 2015. All the students will still use textbooks, but the teachers will have a tougher time having to fill-in with a lot of other reference materials for the next year inorder to meet the new standards. Then they can buy textbooks for the 2015 school year because the textbook companies will have addressed the new standards by then. I know that's probably a much tougher year for the teachers until the new books are ready, but why buy books that don't address the changes required? Wouldn't it be wiser to save the school system some money and just buy the books when they are ready to meet the new standards? I think it's finally something smart the school system is doing!
or the school could purchase enough used books to meet the demand.
The school has books now they are just not the latest. Why not use those for another year.
I am a citizen of Cheatham County. I also have 2 children in the school system. My wife called the board members in Giles to warn them of what they were getting with Webb. Now you people are starting to see exactly what got from that clown. Can't keep his hands off the bottle or the babes. Now we deal with his buddy Curtis. Hope to God he doesn't follow Webb, lest you get a double case of dumbass
If the school system decides to buy social studies books next year only doubles the funds that will be needed to buy the next series of books up for adoption. Don't let 3:41 sound like a smooth talker trying to sway the public from the need for new books. As it is, books are used for six years before being replaced. In the line of books to be adopted are science books, Language arts and reading books, math, computer technology, social studies, music and art, and others. Once you get behind on the purchase of books, it will be just like with the buses. Poor management and poor judgment
I am always SO frustrated when my children come home and say we don't have a book for this or that subject. The teacher gives handouts until he or she exceeds her copy quota. Unbelievable. That is NO way to run a school, a railroad, or an assembly line. For crying our loud, buy the kids a book. I know I have bought enough lousy cookie dough surely to fund a Social Studies book.
10:13 You wrote, "books are used for six years before being replaced. In the line of books to be adopted are science books, Language arts and reading books, math, computer technology, social studies, music and art, and others."
While I fully understand the need to replace textbooks the six year schedule is just plain ridiculous. With the advancing of technology most science and computer technology books are obsolete almost as soon as they are printed. On the other hand such books as math, reading, language arts, music and art have no reason, other than their destruction, to be changed other than to make money for the publisher. A child can learn the basics of reading with a McGuffy's Reader as well if not better than with what's available today. replacing some of these books on a six year schedule is a total waste of money, while waiting six years to replace some is a waste of intelligence.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 10:09:00 AM
With the curriculum changing so rapidly every few years, it is not foolish to change books after their six year use. If you were a teacher, rather than someone who thinks money is being saved, you would understand. I say, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. Become a teacher and allow YOUR mind be reshaped to trends and needs on a yearly basis.
The "trends and needs" have resulted in a very expensive failed system. Have you not noticed that with the "trends and needs" the level of education has shot straight downward since the early sixties late fifties? It's mostly these "trends and needs" that have caused our children to suffer in the academia.
No, the difficulty is children and their doing well starts at home where parents don't expect more from them.
It seems everybody wants to blame the schools for poor student behavior and all the other vices children have as well as society. Well, parents brought them into the world. Don't they have some responsibilities? But let's not get away from the topic of the blog. The School Board and all the crap it has caused with the puppet Dr. and his "Barney" CY.
New blog site. Chamber Director is Jane Lee Robinson's daughter. Done deal or not. She has been dismissed from two jobs and now going to be the one to change our economy and bring a reason to come into giles County to shop and live. Sorry Chamber, already, now this.
Who is Jane Lee Robinson?
I assume you are talking about Jane Lee Robertson. Unless you know FACTS about someone's job history and reasons for leaving, it may be smart to keep certain comments to yourself. This blog is loaded with gossip and lies. I would hate for someone to have to hire a lawyer to defend their own stupidity.
lET HER RIP TATER CHIP
I like Jane Lee and know nothing about her daughter. If someone has to hire a lawer because of their stupidity that's their problem.
Back to School Board. We too often start something else to remove the heat from the original intendees. The system is going to be such a state soon that no one will be able to turn it around. More and more people are coming forward to run for the board positions down the road this year. Good for them. Qualified applicants will have my vote.
7:09
Thank you.
9:39 This blog is full of lies and generalities. Specify what causes you to conclude that our school system is in "such a state" that it can't be turned around. If you can't do that then don't waste our and your time with junk comments.
Stay tuned 9:33. You will see soon.
A child's education should be at the top of every ones list parent or not. It should also be obvious as to where the Giles county school system is ranked in the state. Teachers need and deserve the respect of their students. Also for their students to understand and follow rules. That action needs to start at home. It's not the teachers responsibility to teach behavior habits. It has been mentioned about Richland and athletes. People don't want to hear it but with the scholastic standing of Richland HS the school board shouldn't even allow sports at the school until their rating drastically improves. The school system can and needs to be improved. That needs to start with the beginning grades in order to establish a good learning base. Blaming this or that, wanting to sue someone, calling someone a lier or having politics involved isn't a solution. Parents, teachers and the school board need to get together on the same page.
Giles County Schools To Remain Closed Tuesday
Based on the extreme weather conditions predicted for Giles County over the next few days, Giles County Schools will delay reopening of schools until Wednesday, January 8.
Giles County Schools were scheduled to be closed Monday for teacher in-service training and Schools Director Tim Webb has announced that the extremely frigid temperatures forecast for the next few days prompted the decision to close schools Tuesday as well.
“We are working closely with the Giles County Emergency Management Agency to provide support for folks in need,” Webb said. “Although Giles County EMA has established warming stations, should the need arise, our schools will be made available as warming stations and our bus fleet will be made available to help our citizens who find themselves in jeopardy and in need of transport for assistance.”
Giles County, Lawrence County and all of Middle Tennessee are under a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 a.m. Monday and a Wind Chill Advisory from Midnight Sunday until 8 a.m. Tuesday. Snowfall accumulations of 1-to-2 inches are possible and wind chill values of 5-to-14 degrees below zero are also expected.
“We urge every parent and citizen to reach out for assistance should you find yourself in need,” Webb added. “Giles County Schools and all of Giles County Government are committed to protecting the safety and comfort of our citizens. Please call if you need shelter or assistance during these extreme conditions.”
When has a school ever been used as a "warming station?' What a nice gesture, but who takes care of those there? Who is going to feed them while they are there?
Has he and the school board gone damn crazy? What person in his right mind will drive a bus on icy roads to pick up people and take on the liability of the impending accident?
Dick W...
Well said...
3:16 If a member of your family needs an ambulance during cold and icey weather,bet you will appreciate the ambulance people coming after them. I didn't like Dr. Webb but I will thank him for this. When power goes out for some and they need a place to keep warm, the school would be a good place. Food can be brought in to them. Think about it, You might be glad for help some day.
11:58 you would be thanking the county for paying for your injuries too when the bus you were riding on was involved in an accident. You can't ahve it both ways. 99% of the people around town laughed at the idea. There is always ONE.
3:36 If the ambulance one of your family members was riding in crashed would you sue?
I think in cases of emergency churches and churhes should open their doors.
I bet if your power went out you would be the first to call the electric company to send their men in out in freezing weather or tornado. Don't emergency men take nurses to the hospital when roads are slicky? We do have a lot of good people out there.
Should the mail run if the roads are slicked over?
5:48 Let's all meet at your house when the lights go off.
Power outages in Giles County, but they can't open the shools for a warming place because 3:16 thinks it's wrong.
Is it a good idea for the schools to be a warming place? Not really! In theory it works, but in reality the risk is too high. A school is for education and maybe an emergency shelter. Your power going out for a few hours (uncomfortable as it is) is not an emergency. 100% of the people in this county would be welcomed into a home, church, other privately funded facility if they were in need. Why open up a facility operated on taxpayer's money? I don't get your hippie logic!
Free Thinker
Free Thinker
I don't think Dr. Webb was trying to imply that a tax-funded school should be used rather than some other privately-funded facility for use as a warming station. By the way, what's the difference between an emergency shelter and a warming station when people are freezing from the cold and have no heat? Aren't the salt and brine that's put down on our highways paid for by taxpayers?
I'm just trying to understand what appears to be a little lack of compassion here. Are you by any chance a Republican?
5:07 I like your post.
I have known of power being out for days. Then the school should be a great place for people to be.
One room, not every room unless it's hundreds of people out of power or anywhere to go.
The school is by tax payers dollars so they should brnifit in emergency.
Republican? Ouch! I am one free thinking democrat!
Fre thinkar
Yep! I thought the free thinker sounded like a obama man.
If the power is out how would the schools be kept warm, even their gas furnaces have to use electric blowers to circulate the warm air.
6:59 Power can be out in one section of the county and not in another section. Grow up and think og other people.
Not necessarily, but, wouldn't chances be the roads might be to bad to get out to warm place.
So if power is out for days stay at home and freeze. Roads are cleaned as soon as possible.Power is back on as soon as possible, but I have known of it being out for days.
The schools as "warming stations" was purely a political move by a politician, Dr. Webb, wanting to look good and gracious before the folks in this county. He knew that Emergency Management had already offered "warming stations" at several other locations. There was no mention of who to specifically contact or a phone number to call if you needed access to one of the "school warming stations." It may be a nice idea in theory to offer such a service; however, the county does assume a large amount of liability. Also, was there a plan as to who would be in charge of running the "school warming stations"? Another political move by a politician.....
11:21
So well stated. Thanks.
I thought it was our God-given right to " ahve it both ways." Hell, this country was founded on the principles of having our cake and eating it too. Where have you folks been?
Or perhaps he just wanted to help folks who needed a place to keep warm.
1:23,
If it wasn't so stupid, it would be funny.
Kinda like you, eh 9:53?
No, 9:53, you are the one making ths DA remark Buddie.
Buddie who? I thought our District Attorney was someone else.
1:29 Silly question, you knew 9:25 was calling 9:53 Buddie. Would you prefer to be called honey?
Does anything please you?
8:11, the dumbass capitalized "Buddie" so he was obviously too stupid to know you only cap names and proper nouns or he was referring to someone specifically. By your reasoning, I would prefer to be called "Honey". Also, you seem to be the one who is hard to please; I was merely asking a question. Clarify things for you any?
I was told to check the blog out and this post has got to be the one hit me most.
Anonymous said...
When has a school ever been used as a "warming station?' What a nice gesture, but who takes care of those there? Who is going to feed them while they are there?
Has he and the school board gone damn crazy? What person in his right mind will drive a bus on icy roads to pick up people and take on the liability of the impending accident?
Sunday, January 05, 2014 3:16:00 PM
Police, Ambulance people and others get out and help in all kinds of weather. 3:16 must work at the school or drive a bus afraid he work have to do something.
I wonder if a neighbor moved near you had a child molester living in their house, you would ask them into your house if you had a young child and it was snowing and very cold outside.
I didn't like Dr. Webb, but think he did the right thing. I admire him or that.
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