Are Open Meetings A Thing of The Past In Giles County
It's very clear that the County Legislative Body held secret/private meetings to decide who would be serving on the various committees of that body.
Now we find that the Director of Schools, apparently with the full blessings of the School Board, does not believe in open meetings. Having fired the football coach at GCHS he presided over a closed meeting that excluded the local newspaper.
Later he apologized for this oversight but an apology is not sufficient to cover such a major violation of state law, established protocol and just good policy.
I am very disappointed and concerned that this is just another example of the county slipping back into the closed meetings and denial of public involvement in the activities we the public are paying for.
Secrecy may protect the government employees but it's a heck of a way to run a railroad.
Now we find that the Director of Schools, apparently with the full blessings of the School Board, does not believe in open meetings. Having fired the football coach at GCHS he presided over a closed meeting that excluded the local newspaper.
Later he apologized for this oversight but an apology is not sufficient to cover such a major violation of state law, established protocol and just good policy.
I am very disappointed and concerned that this is just another example of the county slipping back into the closed meetings and denial of public involvement in the activities we the public are paying for.
Secrecy may protect the government employees but it's a heck of a way to run a railroad.
posted by Allen Barrett | 9:31 AM
55 Comments:
This is a clear and dangerous example that sports, especially football, are more important in the Giles County School system and academics. Teaching our children the necessary knowledge and skills to prosper in the future lives takes a very, very back seat to playing football.
But; then, it does not take many brains to play football.
The parents of these kids what them to be big and dumb, much like the parents.
I totally understand, we don't want our kids to be smarter than us; we don't want industry to come into Giles County for if it did someone smarter than us would then begin bossing us around. We just want to remain narrow minded, backward, slow paced, ignorant as we have been for the past 200 years.
"The parents of these kids what them to be big and dumb, much like the parents."
To 10:32, the person who made this post. It is very obvious that you have shown your ignorance to make such a judgmental comment as described above. First I will tell you that a lot of the parents in that meeting last night whom were well educated to include several Bachelor degrees, Master Degrees with some parents almost having Doctorate degrees. I know there were two Doctors present. Their kids are players. An yes it does take brains to play football. A young person has to learn how to understand reasoning and learn how to apply it on the field. So that comment is stupid and shows your ignorance. I am very much for education over football. My child has maintained a high GPA four four years and has attained a well above average ACT score. Yet you call him big and dumb.
Now the meeting last night was not a closed meeting. Some say it violated open meetings act. It was for the Parents of the football players and booster club members. I personally did not care if the media was there or not. Mr. Wright did not have to have a meeting at all. He could have just said it is what it is and not explained anything. However he felt like he needed to explain things to the people it affected. This was not a hidden agenda to hide anything. Everything that was discussed had already been published by the media. Mr. Wright made it very clear to everyone he would do what is necessary to make sure the citizens of the school district were heard no matter what school they were from. He stated the most important thing was the success and interest of the children. It did not matter if it was Football, Softball, Soccer, sports etc. whatever, it was his job to ensure the interest of the children of the Giles County School System. He never single anyone out and made it very clear he would listen to the citizens.
To sum it up Mr. Wright just asked for a little privacy for the parents, its that simple. He never denied Mr. Mize any information and made it very clear to everyone this was not going to be a session to bash Coach Smith. He stated the facts and then opened the floor for questions. Afterwards he then immediately met with Mr. Mize. I observed both men and they handle themselves very professional. Mr. Mize was fully cooperative. I had never had any dealing with Mr. Wright before this situation. It is in my opinion he is for the citizens and children this county. There was no intention to hide or have a secret meeting from anyone.
10:32 I do agree with you we have some backwards thinking in Giles County. Exit 14 is an example of this. But my child and the other children on this football team are not stupid or big and dumb. I'm and educated parent, my diploma says the University of Tennessee and I am dam proud of it.
Please 10:32 use some common sense because you will insert your foot in your mouth everything.
big and dumb, you freakin' moron.
Barrett iis just mad that he wasn't invited so he could blow the situation up bigger than it is and trash those who dont agree with him. Nothing was done wrong here! Thank God it is done and GCHS is moving forward!!! Mind your own business Barrett! Stir up trouble in M'boro where you live and leave us alone.
A couple of thoughts… To the person who posted at 12:52: for being an "educated" person you certainly do have a lot of spelling mistakes in your post… But then again, credit is due to the University of Tennessee I guess. LOL
As a person who moved to this area from a different state I can tell you, without any hesitation, that the young people that I have spoken to that go to Giles county high school are sorely lacking in basic skills of grammar, math and reading comprehension. We won't even get into their understanding of history and science.
So if there were all these "educated" parents at the meeting then they should have spoken up and voiced their opinion about the lack of openness in the school system. Again, I can tell you without any hesitation, that the students of Giles County need to stay local for if they venture out of Tennessee they are in for a rude awakening and a lot of mocking.
To 12:52
I am 10:32 and the main reason for my post was to invoke a rebuttal. I thank you for yours.
Giles County School System and unfortunately most of the parents believe that we have a "pretty good school system that provides a good education to our children".
The cold hard truth is..... Giles County School System is very poor as is all of Tennessee as a whole. I am comparing our school system to those throughout the US. Believe it or not, we in Giles County have to compete against the rest of the US for good paying jobs. If you want less than $20.00 per hour, or even less; then remain happy. I you want the land owners to continue to support the County Tax Base; then continue to be happy.
I would prefer to have a school system that is ranked higher than Lawrence County; dare I wish for a school system that is ranked higher than Williamson County? Yes I do. Once we have that, we will be able to attract business that will lift the tax burden from property owners to those business.
But I regress .... The powers to be prefer to have Giles County remain a rural, retirement center.
As for those in attendance; they are obviously better educated than our collective County officials. Therefore I suggest; get off your collective butts and run for office and change our system. I would (with my MBA) but I am too old and an retired.
Again, Thanks for your response.
If you would like to talk about the brains of our children I would be glad to sit down and chat with you.
I agree with 4:44. It is been my experience also that when talking to high school students here in Giles county they seem to be quite oblivious in their understanding of what's going on in the world, the proper use of grammar and basic science knowledge.
I must also tell you that I had a chance to talk to some Martin College students. I was not impressed there either.
12:52 you said "Now the meeting last night was not a closed meeting."
Then why was the sports editor turned away from the meeting?
12:52 Maybe you didn't know he was turned away, but you posted as you knew.
Wright made a terrible mistake. He should have know better. He only follows directions from Holt, Dunnavant, Mayfield, and others that think GCHS has become a member of the SEC.
So parents are afraid to say anything if the media is there and might tell. If you speak the truth you shouldn't be afraid to speak in front of anyone.
Secretive is the cause of a lot of trouble.
"Secretive" does cause a lot of trouble. Someone will always mess up sooner or later. No doubts there. Wright is being guided and they probably even know who the future coach will be. Priorities are for sure in the wrong place. So much happening in the schools today. Some kids do not even have a chance.
God hates Giles County.
My concern with the meeting is less about the content as with the way it was conducted. If this was the only incidence where this school board and system held a "private" meeting perhaps those favoring the way the meeting was held and exclusions from the meeting would be more justified. The problem is this is not the first or only incident. Remember the meeting at GCHS when the Board attempted to hide behind a curtain to discuss and make a decision. Do you remember the utter arrogance of the Board and how they treated the public. Mr Smith and the whole county was victimized by such illegal actions. The secret meetings held at a members cabin, the "retreats" that are held outside of Giles County that prevents citizens attending. The whole mess with Mr. Smith and a former director wasn't just a disaster and embarrassment it was utterly stupid and so disgusting that board members resigned because of the secret meetings and decisions. Currently the State Association of School Boards is in court trying to prevent parents and the media from viewing public records of the school systems, They are using secrecy to prevent the public from knowing what is being taught about Islam. Of all the people to seek censorship of information I would think those who consider themselves to be educators would be the last to support such actions.
People are watching. Just waiting for the right times. Secrets are not hidden forever especially if others know. If it is to protect themselves, one will stab the other in the back. Sad but true. Look at our government. As time passes, their secrets slowly come out. It is embarrassing how things have been handled, but then look who we put on the board, so we should not say much.
Don't forget, one of the parents "almost" had a doctorate degree. What an ignorant statement to make. If that is an example of the level of intelligence we are dealing with, I'm not surprised at anything that happens at the meetings. Morons indeed.
It is with notable attention that I absorb the written thoughts of Mr. Barrett pertaining to this topic. Specifically debating matters at hand related to secret meetings and deviation from established procedures. It has been proven that Mr. Barrett is an enabler of circumventing established procedures by his own penned admission. Published by Mr. Barrett Tuesday, November 18, 2014, “Why Spend Thousands of Dollars To Find What You Already Have?” clearly without argument states his desire to forgo established procedures in selection of government appointed positions.
Your track record is a known. Your desire to promote individuals based on your personal wishes is noted. Proceeding from the point you took ownership of the position to abolish the open and proper proceedings to advertise, interview, and select the best candidate in favour of simply installing a person whom you sir personally desired established your true identity.
Although I appreciate your offerings of topics concerning our community, the thoughts you inject into the subject matter now consists of the ramblings lacking sincere intent for the prosperity of Giles County. For it is not your desire to better Giles County but to promote those individuals who you thirst and long to control. AKA “Good Ole Boy” system.
Klugscheißer
The "Good Old Boy" system is deeply entrenched without anyone advocating its presence. The school system has now become the "Good Old Boys" network in full bloom. I have to agree with Barrett here, meetings should never be held in secret. Far more occur than the public realizes. Look at the School Board.
Klug,
I read that post that you use as proof against Barrett and he did not ask for procedures to be violated. They actually could have just put Smith as the permanent director. I've read your ramblings and you're nothing more than an enabler of the good old boys and full of hot air.
As a couple of posts mentioned, secrets do not stay secrets forever. It all comes back in our faces sooner or later. I have a bad feeling for the schools. And yes we did vote these people in. So much happening in the schools today but heads turn away. Lets not embarrass the school system for those reasons, but wow, lose football games, God help us! It is the same at a lot of schools when it comes to sports. Not just Giles County.
Thanks so much for solidifying my position Friday, October 02, 2015 1:26:00 PM . “They actually could have just put Smith as the permanent director”. I understand your agreement with Mr. Barrett in appointing someone to an open non-elected position within the payroll of the Giles County Government. No need to advertise the opening, compare applicants, and appoint the most qualified. Just appoint them.
Then whine about good ole boy operations.
Klugscheißer
Klug Everyone has a right to post their thoughts same as you do. Don't mean you are going to agree with them or they are going to agree with you.
You calling Mr. Barrett an enabler don't make you look good. Can't you post your thoughts without running anyone down?
Klugscheißer, I suppose your chosen name "smart ass" was meant to define your character but I would suggest a much more appropriate name based on your behavior "Dummkope Lügner". I never advocated that any law be ignored or violated nor have I advocated for someone to simply be appointed to any position without going through the proper process. If you had any understanding you would know that Mr. Smith had already been through the process of hiring. The County Attorney position is not one that requires a complicated process of hiring, it is an appointed position that only requires a nomination and the majority of commissioners to vote for them. It's the same process required for appointment to the Financial Management positions or to the chair of a committee. No one has been more critical of the "Good Ole Boy" system than I have. Your bold criticisms. on the other hand, are only heard as an anonymous post. Sorry but without your real name attached to your inaccurate statement, it fails to carry any importance.
I attended the meeting Wednesday also. Mr.Wright handled the meeting well. Numerous parents asked questions and he answered each and every question. He did sit down and had a one on one meeting with Mr. Mize stating what was said in the meeting. Mr. Mike spoke to some that was in attendance and he stated what Mr. Wright told him was exactly the same. People he didn't have to have that meeting to explain anything. I believe if people would give Mr. Wright half the chance he deserves then he will turn the school system around. He has impressed me so far for academics and sports. Some people need to realize if these kids don't have sports or some other activity to be involved in then their more than likely going to be in trouble or hanging with the wrong crowd. If you would like to speak with him then call and make you an appointment because he does have a open door policy. How many other directors had that policy?
Mr. Wright is a puppet of the selfish school board and the football booster club.
Never forget that!
I accept and concur your assessment that by posting anonymously I fail to carry any importance. We both reside within that realm of perception by the masses.
“I never advocated that any law be ignored or violated nor have I advocated for someone to simply be appointed to any position without going through the proper process. If you had any understanding you would know that Mr. Smith had already been through the process of hiring”. Yes you did.
Mr. Smith did in fact complete the process of consideration for the position of Director of Schools. However the time-line will verify that it was under consideration of the previous board and NOT for the current opening. If the current board felt that his previous vetting was sufficient they could have taken that interview along with his stated qualifications and not required him to be held accountable for another interview for this opening. I'm sure if they had taken that route your objections would have been noted. You campaigned verbally and with penmanship your desire to just “appoint” Mr. Smith based on his application process from another time period.
Without a doubt, by your words, your mindset was not directed towards securing the best applicant for the position of Director of Schools. It was not possible to know who the best candidate was without allowing the process to unfold. The Good Ole Boy method of operation became your M/O. For the suggestion to merely appoint someone based on past perceptions without regards as to who's the best qualified places the title of an enabler on your resume.
Klugscheißer
Parents, open your eyes and ears. Just because a kid is in a sport, does NOT stop bad activity. So much going on in the schools, but probably will never be addressed, because lets not embarrass anyone. All about appearance for many. So ask yourself, is it my kid? It may surprise you! When my daughter went to the high school, things went on then and even worse now. From the kid net door, to a politician's kid. Today it is just not the kid we have judged just because how one may look or hang around with. But many in denial! Wright needs to do the RIGHT things. If not, it will never last. Football is always priority in high schools in many high schools. All about money, not about the kids! If it were, the standards would be much different. I do hope Mr. Wright does well and see what is happening. Things have to be addressed. People on the board have kids or grand kids and if they think their kid is exempt from some of the problems out there, might want to take a second look.
You said it right. Selfish. Do not think it is going to play out how they think.
9:38 THe booster club that was in attendance was not a football booster club. It is a booster club that does numerous fundraisers for GCHS. They have regular meetings and work their butts off for all sports programs. Instead of sitting back and b....ing, your welcome to join.
Totally agree 2:29. Many parents out there bust their butts as some just sit back and whine and complain.
Klugscheißer, Mr Smith was the best. had the time periods you spoke of been years or even months perhaps I would agree with you. The process was being subverted by the school board and their attorney, that was why at one point we were paying two directors. At no time did I support simply appointing Mr. Smith but on the basis of the applicants I considered him to be the best person for the job. Everything that I suggested or supported was directly in accord with the law. Perhaps if you read it you would understand it a little better.
You two can talk until you are blue in the face. Politics, Race and Personal!
Come on sledgehammer, if you are going to try to appear more intelligent than the rest of us, please study the correct placement of punctuation. Your lack of commas where they belong and the addition of them where they don't make for a confusing post. Try applying a bit of that high-brain to a coherent post. You're welcome.
When is the parents' meeting to discuss math and science going to be held?
Ok. So the football Quarterback Club is the selfish bunch and the one's pulling the strings. That is why is said football.
The Giles County Booster Club does support all sports, and they are not to power hungry group.
Booster does help all sports. The ones that do not know that are the ones that do nothing! So many whine about things but do not lift a finger. A lot of parents do things for the kids, not just for their's. So the ones that whine should be thankful.
Oct 1 2015 2:40, Did I miss something? When did Barrett move to Mboro? I know he still has a house in Pulaski, plus 3 houses in Lavergne , 1 in Smyrna and his weekend house at the Governor's Club in Brentwood, but I did not know he moved to Mboro.
Mit all den hochintelligenten Menschen in unserem Schulsystem interessiert. Ich kann nicht warten bis zur nächsten Wahl. Ich habe so viele gut ausgebildete und professionelle Leute zur Auswahl.
Gehen Rotluchse!
Yeah yeah, kids gotta have both. Thanks.
6 Oct at 2:37
Interested with all the highly intelligent people in our school system. I can not wait until the next election. I have so many well-trained and professional people to choose from.
Go Bobcats!
Well folks, the latest from the school system. The director wants teachers to go to the homes of students parent teacher conferences. After the killing in Nashville of a teacher on a home visit, why would one even think of something so asinine. The ass..t director did an all call to all of the Pulaski Elementary parents to let them know that the school was the "school of the day" on Channel 5. He called in the middle of the day when parents freak out that the school system would be calling them about their children. Give him a chance, as has been stated. When will the stupidity of the heads of the school system end?
It will continue unfortunately until the good ole boys succeed on what they want. Already got rid of the coach which Holt voiced before Wright even came on board. Smith probably knew he would be released from coaching, so he may not have even wanted to try. Others are concerned of their positions. Good ole pulaski, people talk. Changes to come. It will not be Wright's decisions. He is their puppet. Wright called in the middle of the day about his own school being school of the day???? Yes not too sharp. That is enough to scare a parent for sure. It is all going to be interesting. I think some stuff will backfire on them. I am sure many are watching them like a hawk.
It will not end. It has been like this for years. Our faults. We all let it happen then we bitch about it. Things do come to an end sooner or later. They probably think they are sitting pretty right now. Brewer was always in charge. The Williamson guy, they controlled. As far as for Holt, that is a sad case. I think he forgets he has grandkids in the system. They will grow up to be him. Scary. Making the next boards for our future.
Is the county ready to build a new high school and close others? Will the new board member still want a school built in the south end of the county? Will the Central Office move to the north side of town and close the school there? A lot of questions for what is coming soon. Be ready.
7:49 PM, where did you get such information?
Something was said on WKSR today about building a new high School. I didn't get it all. Where and when and why?
Build a new high school and it will look just like GCHS in five years. The problem isn't the building but the maintenance and abuse of the building that is the problem. People who have no respect for themselves have no respect for others and the places they occupy.
Buildings do not make good students; teachers do. Especially if they are supported by the parents. Unfortunately the majority of parents in Giles County don't care.
Some of the present board members want their names on a plaque stating they were responsible for the building of a new high school. All Holt has wanted. You think he gives a damn about Richland. He curses its existence. Brewer wants BMS closed for personal reasons. Let's see what the community says about building a new school and closing others. This will be the time to make sure you have commissioners that represent YOU and not themselves or a select few of their buddies. Pay attention. Much going on behind the scenes that the public doesn't know. More closed and private meetings(against the sunshine law).
Yes a lot going on behind the scenes. Everyone gets caught one day! It is really sad that personal and other reasons are involved in decisions although it happens everywhere. But looking on the news at other school boards, ours is embarrassing. As someone said above, our faults. It will get worse before it gets better and I feel so sorry for the upcoming kids in the schools. It is just building, but a lot do care but the ones that do not bring down the good. Just as the board has done because of their personal and prejudice reasons. What goes around comes around.
will backfire
They have to keep them open to public.
Open meetings it has to be and also should make room. The storm has not begun.
There have not been any secret meetings of the legislative body or even phone calls. Each commissioner decides what committes he/she wants to serve on and asks for that in court! No pre planning or secret meetings. My goodness dont you nosey people have something productive to do instead of making up lies and stories?
Violations occurred during the last commission meeting when the vote fail to raise the taxes Vanzant called for a recess and commissioner went off in little groups and discussed the taxes and some gathered on Melissa Green and forced her to change her vote then when the recess was over and all the little meetings book up they voted again and the tax increase passed.
10:15 you are wrong! No commissioners had any secret meetings. If you saw some talking why didnt you go ask what they were talking about? People can greet and talk with whomever they wish. There were no meetings at all unless you call standing in line at the urinal a closed meeting..
Post a Comment
<< Home