I found it interesting that no matter how well it was explained, Ms. Norman just wasn't going to give in. She has definitely painted herself into a corner on this issue, and refuses to admit the error of her ways. In her missionary zeal to ban this book, she completely overstepped her bounds on this one.
Adding insult to injury, apparently only two board members (Wilkinson and Armour) even bothered to read the material, and both gave the text rave reviews. If others read the material, they sure weren't owning up to it.
Once again, the needs of the "priveleged few" are placed above those of the "trivial many" (the rest of us).
The more I read and hear about this situation, the more I am reminded of a song by Bob Dylan entitled "Idiot Wind". The lyrics are posted below for your enjoyment.
Someone's got it in for me, they're planting stories in the press Whoever it is I wish they'd cut it out but when they will I can only guess. They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy, She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me. I can't help it if I'm lucky.
People see me all the time and they just can't remember how to act Their minds are filled with big ideas, images and distorted facts. Even you, yesterday you had to ask me where it was at, I couldn't believe after all these years, you didn't know me better than that Sweet lady.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth, Blowing down the backroads headin' south. Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth, You're an idiot, babe. It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I ran into the fortune-teller, who said beware of lightning that might strike I haven't known peace and quiet for so long I can't remember what it's like. There's a lone soldier on the cross, smoke pourin' out of a boxcar door, You didn't know it, you didn't think it could be done, in the final end he won the wars After losin' every battle.
I woke up on the roadside, daydreamin' 'bout the way things sometimes are Visions of your chestnut mare shoot through my head and are makin' me see stars. You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies. One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes, Blood on your saddle.
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb, Blowing through the curtains in your room. Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth, You're an idiot, babe. It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
It was gravity which pulled us down and destiny which broke us apart You tamed the lion in my cage but it just wasn't enough to change my heart. Now everything's a little upside down, as a matter of fact the wheels have stopped, What's good is bad, what's bad is good, you'll find out when you reach the top You're on the bottom.
I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind I can't remember your face anymore, your mouth has changed, your eyes don't look into mine. The priest wore black on the seventh day and sat stone-faced while the building burned. I waited for you on the running boards, near the cypress trees, while the springtime turned Slowly into autumn.
Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull, From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol. Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth, You're an idiot, babe. It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I can't feel you anymore, I can't even touch the books you've read Every time I crawl past your door, I been wishin' I was somebody else instead. Down the highway, down the tracks, down the road to ecstasy, I followed you beneath the stars, hounded by your memory And all your ragin' glory.
I been double-crossed now for the very last time and now I'm finally free, I kissed goodbye the howling beast on the borderline which separated you from me. You'll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above, And I'll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love, And it makes me feel so sorry.
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats, Blowing through the letters that we wrote. Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves, We're idiots, babe. It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
Why does mrs norman talk about her kid walking through the school door. THEY DONT! GOOD LORD! YOU ARE THE BIGGEST HORSES ASS I KNOW. SHUT UP. Send your kids to public school first then talk.
I'm sorry, will SOMEONE please explain to Tracy that the book is NOT about sodomy? I'm tired of hearing her talk. She honestly sounded dumber and dumber as the audio continues. Another funny thing was Barnard's neurology lesson. I did not realize he was a neuropsychologist, too. So much for my college education.
I listened to the board meeting on audio and cannot believe Tracy Norman continues to launch an argument against the Kite Runner. My question to Ms. Norman is "have you read the book??" I have read the road and found it to be outstanding. I was extremely upset that Ms. Norman once again gave HER OPINION. And Ms. Norman you are NOT a child therapist so please do not sit there and make statements in which you have no knowledge or experience. Ms. Norman if you want to be a child therapist please get the education that you need. As a child psychologist, please do not attempt to make statements about child sexual abuse until you have knowledge of what you are talking about - which you obviously do not.
Can you believe we the people of Burke County voted for this woman. She knew if she would "Ban" a book from the schools, she would get national attention. Well, it worked. Whats next.
The truly amazing thing to me is the fact that this entire "book banning" exercise was based completely on hearsay!! Neither Ms. Norman nor Ms. Dobson (the chief complainant) has read this book.
When all is said and done, there was no basis in policy for the actions of the board on this issue. This was nothing but political grandstanding and a test of the new board's "power".
The only thing this board really needs to understand is this. You only have as much power as people are willing to give you.
Hold on, now. Let's not overlook the attempt to dismiss Mr. Aycock as the board's attorney.
The audio has Hairfield making the motion (which was a PREPARED statement written by Lord-knows-whom). After Hairfield read it aloud, Buff asks for a second. No response. He asks for a second yet again. Still no response. The motion died for lack of a second.
I'm told that a disgusted Hairfield tried to stare a hole through Barnard. Apparently Barnard missed his que.
Was this a precursor to more dissent within the ranks? We should stay tuned...
Keep up the pressure. Some folks are concerned that the new majority's penchant for headlines is reaching people who are thinking about bringing business to Burke County. The first thing they contract information/scouting services to evaluate is whether or not the area's "infrastructure" is sound. And they don't mean roads, water and sewer, and the availability of other utilities. They mean education systems, healthcare systems, crime control, and any other service that their employees will need and feel comfortable with.
Schools are the #1 draw or deterrent. Our chairman and vice-chairman favoring book banning probably isn't a draw. The fact that Ms. N is constantly in the press probably isn't a draw. So obviously there's a lot riding on our ability or inability to put our best foot forward.
That is a great point.. So let's put our best foot forward and talk about the new high school. Let's discuss the ""80"" minimum for a senior class then throwing that out the door for 74. Let's talk about focusing on providing each child a text book before we worry about novels. Let's talk about granting transfers for Patton/Freedom and denying transfers for Draughn/East Burke. Let's talk about how to help children that need help. As adults, if we really care then let's put our best foot forward which is our children or you could just focus on my grammer..........
There were not many people left in the room to hear roger trevorrow speak about the book monday night. He is not respected by his peer's at Freedom High and many female students avoid him like the plauge. He has a bad reputation. He was allowed however to sit and talk numerous times after his 5 min were up.He and the Chairman no nothing about parlimentary procedure. Rob Hairfield tried to remove Sam Aycock from his position.He did have the balls to ask for it,but the others were afraid come showtime.This had been discussed widespread by Tim and Tracy and I was surprised they would not go with it.Now Tim can tell one side he wouldnt support it and the other he as chairman can not make the motion.He is starting to spin like David Burleson. Rob's motion make s me wonder even though they do have the power to remove the attorney. The commissioners do it often. What happend did Hairfield have the only balls on the board when push came to shove.
Oh, come on. There were three people there - Barnard, Sain, and Norman - to second the motion/statement. Hairfield was not acting alone, and Buff can't wiggle or spin his way out of anything. I hear the statement was signed. A signature binds the signer(s). Maybe you should ask to see it. After all, it's public record.
If you listen to the very beginning of the audio, Barnard is the one asking to add the board attorney to the agenda making some reference to "other board members". That tells me all five had a stake. All five had a role to play.
Why did Buff ask for revisions to the agenda? Did he know before-hand that the board attorney issue was coming? Were there conversations behind the scenes? How do you account for the prepared statement and such a well-organized presentation? And if all five conversed at the same time, guess what? They conducted an illegal meeting in violation of the open meetings law.
If there are any parents that have children attending Freedom and would like the book Kite Runner to remain in the school system please call the ACLU. They would like to hear from you. Your name will remain anonymous. You can google to get the NC phone number.
I would like my children to have a text book but I'm not sure what to ask for. Is this only pertaining to high school or is middle school affected also? I know I am preturbed in some classes in the middle school as my child cannot bring a text book home to study and instead may use it at school only. He thinks this is because all the classes use the same text books and there are not enough for everyone to have one. Can someone give me more information before I call the DOE.
Please be respectful of our psychic powers in the future. Jim Childers was just named AD at Draughn High School and Randy Sain (husband of Karen the Puppet, school board member)was named principal at East Burke Middle School. Could we get a shout out of nepotism from the amen corner. Isn't that one reason Burke County voted out the old board? If you look back at some older comments you will see these names and their new jobs listed. We have been accused of being unfair to the current board by stating they had agendas and campaign promises to keep, ie Andy Hodges, head basketball coach. You will now have to consider that we really are psychics or just maybe we are right.
Call someone on the school board and by all means include the General Statute. The DPI will blame it on the local school boards who will then blame Mr. Burleson. He will either do nothing or blame the principals. It's a shame that the bookclub people in here don't raise a hair over textbooks especially when most of them are in the school system... To think it was about education..........
115C 96. Powers and duties of the State Board of Education in regard to textbooks. The children of the public elementary and secondary schools of the State shall be provided with free basic textbooks within the appropriation of the General Assembly for that purpose. To implement this directive, the State Board of Education shall evaluate annually the amount of money necessary to provide textbooks based on the actual cost and availability of textbooks and shall request sufficient appropriations from the General Assembly. The State Board of Education shall administer a fund and establish rules and regulations necessary to: (1) Acquire by contract such basic textbooks as are or may be on the adopted list of the State of North Carolina which the Board finds necessary to meet the needs of the State public school system and to carry out the provisions of this Part. (2) Provide a system of distribution of these textbooks and distribute the books that are provided without using any depository or warehouse facilities other than those operated by the State Board of Education. (3) Provide for the free use, with proper care and return, of elementary and secondary basic textbooks.
The bloom is truly off the rose now. If there was ever any doubt about hidden agendas and political maneuvering, it has now been erased for all to see.
The sad thing is that these people are going to be doing this kind of thing for the foreseeable future. Give a few people a little bit of power and what do you get?
Are you paying attention to this? Now the issue is textbooks. When the new Reich cannot win the book banning argument, when they get discovered fulfilling campaign promises and creating jobs for a board member's spouse, when they fail to remove the board attorney in favor of a politically motivated cohort, when they jump over TWO recommendations of the superintendent to get the principal THEY want, when they insult the professionalism of our teachers, they proclaim there aren't enough textbooks for our kids.
Again, are you paying attention? Always an unfounded and trumped-up fall-back issue. Always a knee-jerk redirection away from their pre-planned, orchestrated conduct. The textbook issue sounds like a Hairfieldian attempt to save the integrity of the new majority. It ain't working! You can't save it if it isn't there.
Sorry to burst your bubble but I happen to be a parent who saw the article in the News Herald for this blog. After reading everyones comments in here it is very apparent that educating our children is not a priority. It is only a job earning a paycheck. If you really cared about education then all the problems from the past and present board would get the same noise. While there are many in the school system who do care there are still a few who could care less. If my child or any other child does not deserve a textbook then change the General Statutes. I would guess that if your group could gather a majority of the issues and push for change then the majority of the voters which are probably parents would change the board. It is obvious that a majority of the voters did not think the previous board focused on educating ALL children and we may find out that our current board is no better. If groups like yours can't find but one issue to fight then you will remain the disgruntled minority just like the minority of children who are looked over by BCPS. Are we fighting for our children our ourselves?
You did not burst anyone's bubble. Textbooks are purchased with money from a state allotment. That allotment can only buy textbooks. The money is distributed to each school system according to a formula devised by DPI and the SBE.
If there are not enough textbooks to go around, that is probably not an issue that can be solved locally. Have you bought a textbook lately? If your kids go on to college, you will pay $157 ($100 for a used book) for one book that the professor may barely use. Then you will buy a "work book" for another $60. All for one class.
The General Assembly is notorious for not keeping up with the rising prices of textbooks. However, I am confident each school system stretches its allotment as far as possible.
The use of supplemental books like The Kite Runner can give another class the use of a textbook while a novel is being studied elsewhere. It's not a remedy for the funding problem, but it's just one small way that all school systems can and have worked around the issue of textbooks. The internet is another resource.
No, you did not burst anyone's bubble. But to use the textbook issue as a reason to diminish the importance of studying novels - well that's a tactic the new board embraces. And as someone who actually cares about educating the whole child, I do not care for that tactic.
Finally, if a majority of voters actually cared about educating students, more that 8500 out of 45,000 would have bothered to vote. But if that voting majority would have taken the time to look at candidate motivation, perspective, vision, and performance, there would be no need for this blog.
Just read the paper's headline and big story! How is it that the superintendent can make this "lateral" move but could not "laterally" move the principal from EBHS to Draughn or from Heritage Middle to Draughn??? It really isn't a lateral move if more money is involved, now is it?
But wait, I'll bet the personnel committee knew about this "move" before anyone else.
Was the EBMS job posted for five days, Mr. Buff? Were interviews conducted, Ms. Sain? The chairman of the personnel committee's HUSBAND is going to be EBMS's new principal, and he will get a raise! Imagine that!! And Buff and Pals do not have an agenda!! Someboby PINCH me!
What a slap in the face to all that's fair and equitable. The real 411? Randy Sain is an excellent principal. He will do well anywhere he goes. But not even Randy will be able to wash off the stink that will accompany this "move". This is priceless.
Now that is a great idea. Let's buy a bunch of Kite Runner novels for the elementary and middle school kids instead of worrying about text books. Actually I have addressed the previous board about textbooks and thought about seeing if the new board was any better. If I could speculate as many do in here anyway; in a massive push to replace the "Standard Course of Study" books with "EOG" based books it has probably broke the bank. Then if NCLB ends then everyone will be wanting to go back to the original books. Buy the way.. There should be no reason to buy a textbook in "Public School"......
Before we all go jumping on Rob let me tell you what I heard at a soccer game in the past couple of weeks. Tim and Tracy did not want Robs motioned to carry to get rid of Sam. Why, because they have there own agenda. They want Mr. Brooks as the school board attoney. Also the comment was made that some of the people that eat at Abeles Resturant are part of Abeles Muffia. Isn't this right Mr. Brooks? Sorry Tim and Tracy that Mr, Brooks spilled the beans.
listening to the tape and watching her in public - tracy norman (in my opinion) is just a dumb white trash uneducated tramp on a power trip. i know the rest of you all see it!
Direct Quote from the News Herald: "Because the transfers are lateral moves, Burleson said board approval is not needed. However, the school board will have to approve the increase in pay for both men." The board does not recommend people for positions. That's Burleson's and Demiter's job. Do you really think the board members told Burleson they wanted Sain to be the ass't principal and Burleson said - "okey doke, guys and gals - he's not the best one for the job, but I'll do whatever you say." I thought you guys were in love with David Burleson's professionalism - his character - his unwavering love for the children of BCPS. Are you now saying he allowed the board to bully him into giving Sain the job even though he's not the best one? I'm so confused by your "logic". He "created" a position for Sain? Sain is going from an elementary school to a middle school. Wow - what a huge move. It appears your hatred and your desire to always appear to be right makes it difficult for you to think things through.
Of course that is what happened. Burleson recommended two candidates for Draughn before he had to agree to their "chosen one" or risk the school not moving forward. Sain did get a promotion by going from a small elementary to a middle school. (Salary is based on student enrollment) The board got who they wanted in all the Draughn positions and Mr. Burleson tries to work for the children as best he can within the adversarial atmosphere the board has created.
A quick question...When will Andy Hodges be named the head basketball coach at Draughn?? And I don't believe that anyone needs to look into their "crystal Ball" to see that coming!!! Also how will Karen Sain be allowed to vote for her husband as a principal???The new board majority stink to high heaven!!!
Tracy Norman is not on the board for the children of Burke County - she is on the board to be SEEN and HEARD! As a parent, I sure do not want Tracy Norman doing what she "thinks is best" for my children - she has done a pitiful job raising her own children - so who in their right mind would want her to make decisions for their children - she has one child that has had numerous charges including drug and concealed weapons and her youngest child lives with his father - so hopefully he will have a chance. Tracy Norman made the decision to be toss her own family aside and run with Tim Buff - so in my opinion is a pretty worthless parent - again, I do not want her making decision for my children. She needs to be at home taking care of her own family rather than running to every event in Burke County with Tim Buff - what a shame that a mother would choose to fulfill her own needs to be in the public spot light rather than be a mother to her children. But the amazing thing is that Charlotte Buff just stands to the side and watches the whole thing...UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Its funny how all these losers have nothing better to do than make a site because they are fucking sore losers because they lost the election.Scott smith must a an ass kissing cock sucker
Your grasp of the subtleties of the English language is quite impressive. Tell me, how long did it take to come up with such a witty and relevant comment? I'm sure your mother must be proud.
By the way, you might want to stop using language that will make your buddy Tracy blush.
I dont really give a shit about tracy.I think this school board is just as pitiful as the past.they both are full of crooks and were self centered.Quit making David out to be perfect cause he aint.he makes mistakes too.
Mr. Childers is a nice man and was a good assistant principal. He was "removed" from East Burke Middle School because he was not able to make the hard decisions and stand up to parents, teachers, school board, and do what is right for the children. Randy Sain is an awfully nice man and a good elementary school principal. I don't care who his wife is. But is he strong enough to turn EBMS aroud? Can he be tough and make the hard decisions? The children of eastern Burke County are depending on him to do a good job. Please come through for them, Randy. They only have one shot at middle school.
So, what you're saying is that it happened something like this:
Karen, Tim and Tracy have called a meeting with Burleson and Demiter and they are standing in Burleson's office. That loud-mouthed, pushy, agressive, condescending Karen Sain is forcing Demiter to recommend her husband, whether he's the best candidate for the job or not.
(Based on the David-loving-bloggers here, Sain IS the best choice, but that doesn't bode well for your argument of nepotism).
Anyway, they have Demiter's arm twisted behind his back, and won't let him go until he calls RANDY! RANDY! It's Randy Sain who gets the job at EBMS!
So, Burleson goes with the board's choice because if he doesn't, EBMS comes to a screaching halt because we all know that school wouldn't function without a principal in place right away. They are helpless there without the leadership of a principal; the assistant principals are worthless.
So, Tim, Tracy and Karen all strut out of the office, all cocky and full of themselves, high-fiving because they made the administration recommend their favorite guy for the job.
Did you just get into town? The precedent has already been set. I would say a more likely scenario is Mr. Burleson was handed a list of upcoming names and positions the board had already decided on. Any recommendation he makes has to be approved by the board and it saves time to go along with their choice. While you were out of town two recommendations by Mr. Burleson were submitted and voted down by the board. He has clearly learned his lesson and I'm sure the rest of their preferred faculty will be hired pretty quickly. No one is saying that Mr. Sain is not a great guy or as you say the best choice but compared to who and what happened to the board wanting to have interviews and see more than one, two, or three candidates before making a choice. I say they have already made their choice and Mr. Burleson has realized that fighting them is a waste of time and energy. Furthermore, I do not find Mrs. Sain to be as you described, I just find her to be useless.
Burleson made a proposal to the board about the switch before the naming of draughn's principal.I think he did it to give the board what they wanted meaning Karen Tim and Tracy.Then Valdese got Childers and evryone is happy.Did Mike Kinney get to pick Jim as A.D. or did Burleson? The Valdese clique is happy especially the Thompson's,Bakers, and Robert Bonner and Charles Cook they got their buddy who they will work to control. The attorney issue is a good one. Tim and Tracy no doubt will get who they want and will wait until their guy can take over.Aycock is safe but for how long a year, six months? If I were him I would save them the trouble. Rob just jumped the gun and he probably wants someone different.Burleson learned from the law conference that if the board does not want something he should not recommend it. David will learn to offer the board something to get something just watch time will reveal all!
To the above idiot about conducting an illegal meeting. Buddy, which I believe that was you, ask them if they did. You seem to know everything anyway. Can you prove they conversed illegally? And you have over the years met at other board members homes to discuss school buisness.You know any attorney can be dismissed at any time unless a specific contarct states otherwise.
4:06pm, The board did not vote on the Sain transfer, like the newspaper said. This was a decision made by the administration; no approval was needed from the board for a lateral transfer.
The principal that needs to be removed is shanda mcfarlin.she does nothing but run her mouth about people and runs patton like a boot camp.Ive heard this from several people
I'm honored that you think I'm Mr. Armour. But he's not the only one who can Google the Open Meetings Law. He's not even the one that watched the "meetings" of the Buff Brigade begin at the Merita Bread Store and continue on to Timberwoods to attend the political party meetings drumming up Democratic and Republican support prior to the election.
So I'll ask YOU, can you prove Mr. Armour was ever in anyone's house "over the years"? At what bread store did he and the ousted ones meet? You people insult the intelligence of the lowest beetle crawling in your back yards by thinking you can get away with your little power plays. The telecasts reveal a ton of information, and you don't seem to have the sense to realize what the average joe is seeing, hearing, and taking away from those televised meetings. You don't think people notice how scripted and predictable your actions are?
It would take a REAL idiot to not see it. And it would take the same idiot to misspell simple words like "business" and "contract".
Next time you are all at the grocery store or the bread store, you should all talk about THAT!
Check out the letters to the editor tonight. The piece on the website that caught my eye was entitled "Think for Yourself" (...now there's a revolutionary concept). This letter speaks volumes about the "hearsay campaign" going on in this community.
March 10, 2008 6:31 PM March 11, 2008 9:57 AM March 11, 2008 4:57 PM
In reply to the above three posts. I was in the audience of the Miss East Burke pageant on Saturday as our friend's daughter was a former Miss East Burke and also wondered about the #1 pick. Those around me did not applaud when she was announced as the winner. In fact, very few people clapped in the audience when this winner was announced, other than those 10 or so who supported this girl, perhaps family? There was much applause when the other places were announced. Several said the first and second runners up should have won. I heard that the winner is a big pot head and knew the middle seated judge as she had been in school with her sister. There were several contestants who did not make the top 10 who were really good. Don't the Miss EB winners have to pass the drug test? There was also talk last year that the winner smoked pot regularly. What's going on? Does anyone know any background on this winner? Is this contest really rigged? I can't imagine the administration wants someone like this to represent the school?
Talk about scripted and well rehearsed statements at board meetings? When the past board met to discuss billy anderson bill simmons came out and read all the specific general statutes that allowed them to meet in closed session pertaining to that situation. Who gave him this aycock or blackwell? Also, billy,rexanna, and blackwell were in the conference room waiting and left early where no one could see them.This was well planned wouldnt you say? Aycock and blackwell represented ray on a lot of his legal debacles over the years.This should have been a conflict for aycock to be board attorney.His wife who i understand was a fine teacher and classy lady taught for the system.Maybe that was a conflict.He is burlesons best friend by admission at the man of the year banquet.Can he be objective when it comes to the system.It is hard and and he will not admit it but one must think his connections and recent legal troubles should have him removed or he step down.It is the ethical thing to do.Blackwell should not have represented anderson because of him being a former board member and his ties to ray and administration.
It's rather inappropriate to repeat rumors about students/children. Adults, if you are an adult and not a disgruntled Miss EB contestant, should not make statements that could in any way injure/harm a child's/teen's reputation.
Also, does anyone have a program from the pageant? Usually they list where the judges are from. In the past, the judges have been from outside Burke County.
That was a good point about a student's reputation as all comments should protect student reputations. Also the pageant judges are from outside Burke County. The male judge was a hair salon owner in Hickory with 20 years of experience with the Miss America pageant and the Miss USA pageant. The two female judges were with a dance studio, Ann and Amy's in Hickory and had lots of experience with pageants. One was 2005 honor graduate of EBHS.
You certainly brought up many conflicts of interest between Blackwell and Martinat and Blackwell and the school board. I don't see the conflict though with Aycock's connections to the school system and school board with his wife as a teacher nor with any legal problems he has had. Buff and Sain have spouses employed in the school system and that appears to be the same type of conflict. Can you explain this further?
Alot of the girls knew Lacey I hardly seen the male judge lift his eyes off the desk. Is it not odd two sisters won two years apart? whats the odds on that?
No I did not stare at him the whole time, but I sat behind him and could not hrp but see that he looked down the whole time. Any grammer errors? By the way can you spell KISS MY ***?
Rob to my knowledge has no relatives working in the schools as well as Barnard.I do not know about tracy, and buddy and sam w do.Tim should recuse himself and karen when it comes to relatives.I have no problem with people who are elected who had relatives working prior to their appointment.Ray got many jobs for family after he was elected. Buddy demanded scott smith get his job because scott then went to buddy's church.This came from a former board member.
To the above poster at 4:22 I should have been clearer. Sam Aycock has no legal troubles I am aware of.I was meaning he has represented ray in the past in his legal troubles. Sorry about that.I meant ray being a board member when sam was hired could have been a conflict.
To the 8:08 poster, how could Buddy "demand" that anyone be given a job? I thought it was the super's job to recommend and the board to vote. No? So are you saying that the board does have the ability to vote/approve people for positions based on personal choice/preference over qualifications? Let me guess, the previous board had that power but somehow that isn't going on NOW?
What do you think about school board members who were previously employed by the school system? Do you think it is possible for their employment experience to influence their decisions? Why DID they leave? Why aren't they forthcoming with answers about this? Just curious.
People rally to defend buddy armour,but just a small few.I do not care what david barnard did as a teacher previously in this system.He was elected by the people and I care about what he does as a board member.Their qualifications met the constitutional rights we all have to seek office.If you do not like it move to another country. Buddy could not hire people by himself but he could persuade the super just as these new board members will to hire whom they want.By the way the school board and administration learned in raliegh that if the board does not like a recommendation by the superintendent that he should not bring it to the board as such.Ask one of the administrators about that it was taught by state lawyers for dpi.This means david was wrong two bring two names to the board that they were not going to approve.I would have love to seen Buddy's face when he heard that.
I just heard today that the DHS Boosters do not want Chris Cozort as the baseball coach at DHS. I think Chris is a fine person and would be a great coach at DHS as he is at EBHS.
4:46am, I care what Barnard did as a teacher because he was inappropriate with students and faculty. He was let go by the system which gave him an "ax to grind". He may be qualified to run for office but that does not make him smart enough to do a good job. As for what the board learned in Raleigh, I take that with a grain of salt like most information that comes from Raleigh. I'm glad Mr. Burleson brought the names before the board and I hope he continues to bring the names of qualified people before them. It gives the board the opportunity to show how spiteful and antagonistic they really are.
To 4:46 AM, I would say you are definitely on the mark. No attorney - certainly no DPI or NCSBA attorney - would ever advocate that a superintendent NOT bring the most qualified recommendation to his board. If his board is inclined to reject his recommendations time after time, then his board has no real clue as to what their role actually is.
The new majority want to rule with an iron fist. And if you haven't noticed from the Audio, no CLOSED SESSION minutes were brought before the board for approval in open session. The Open Meetings Law permits boards to vote on closed session items in closed session thus sealing those minutes "...until their need to be sealed no longer exists". But up until now, Burke County School Boards have always released closed-session minutes to the public. Mr. Buff, when in the minority, was always screaming that the public, who is paying the bills, has a right to know what goes on with its board of education. Apparently, not any more.
He doesn't want the public to be privy to the new majority's closed-session actions, language, or "adversarial" conduct.
So be sure to listen carefully this Monday night. Or better still, show up at the meeting and get a copy of the agenda. If you do not see "Approval of _______ minutes-Closed Session", then you will know I'm speaking the truth.
If you thought the "old" board was oppressive and out of touch with the electorate, what do you call the actions of this new one?
No coaches in any sport were ever talked about at the DHS booster club meeting. The only thing said about a coach was that hopefully a football coach would be named in the next couple of weeks.
I wish you people would quit crying about the school system, quit whining and do something about it. There are plenty of board meetings you can attend an speak out. And there are plenty of lawyers in town.
Who cares if Shanda is indeed a relative of DB. Are all relatives of DH banned from the school system as well????? Shanda is a fine pincipal so why drag her into the mess that the new majority has created!!!! It is humorous how the "new majority" followers post all kinds of blogs in an attempt to move the attention away from the mess that has been created by their arrogance and ignorance!!!!
She needs to hire better coaches instead of someone who has never coached varsity basketball and before then never coached basketball in his life.What does he do walk out on the team.maybe kids would have went to patton had they had a coach who knew that they were doing
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats, Blowing through the letters that we wrote. Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves, We're idiots, babe. It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
How about not wasting space with lyrics ?? Didn't this site originate to bash the new board? The Fraud 5? It's not like we are enjoying chocolate & beer anymore.
What a loss! I pray the media will portray the picture of the person I knew from preschool to graduation. Harold was well liked all throughout school by everyone. I am saddened by his alleged recent choices, but it does not represent the person that I believe he truly was. Bad choices do not define bad people. Rest in peace Harold. Class of 1993. Family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes. I agree. That was a hs teacher from McDowell County that killed himself the day after he was suspended pending an investigation about a relationship with a high school student. Something that's never happened in Burke County.
Well, at least y'all aint got a school board member that supposedly had engaged in such activities years ago: or a former well-known retired basketball coach. Titan Class of '82
When are you going to do something to us instead of running your mouths. Stop bashing our board and bring it on. We are in control so get used to it. For 4 more years!
Then do something real and positive for a change. Maybe you won't get "bashed" so much.
Stop trying to grab headlines and sound bites and DO SOMETHING POSITIVE!!
Stop trying to tell everyone you're "in control". Usually, when people do this, they have a bunch of insecurity, creating a need to "remind" others of their so-called power.
As for the rest of your comment, be careful what you wish for. You are not God.
You know I think this blog should be shut down.People bitched and moaned about the old school board and now people bitch about this one.I guess no one ishappy no matter what.Some of the stuff thats been said on here could lead up to some huge lawsuits.Is every parent who has children get in trouble is a bad parent? Ive heard about kids of people who are in teaching,and other positions in the school system who have parties and drink all the time.Are they bad parents too.
To the 9:14 blogger, here's a suggestion: Just don't visit the site anymore. I don't recall this being required reading. Unlike some views held by some of the current board members, you do NOT have the right to CONTROL EVERYTHING. Why do you feel the need to visit this site?
Well, Glen, tonight there will be another school board meeting. I hope there will be plenty of public comments. The public needs to keep the pressure on this bunch.
New questions have risen concerning Mr. Sain's appointment/transfer in what is really a non-lateral move from Icard to EBMS. Same for Jim Childers' appointment to Draughn. The people from the East Burke and the Draughn communities want to know why the Superintendent would not do this for DHS when a principal was sorely needed?
The salary increase for Mr. Sain will still need to be addressed by the board, but you know the votes will be there.
It is my understanding that DBurleson could have appointed a principal to DHS if he waited until three months before the school opened. That is when the state recognizes the school and will pay the principals salary. He needed school board approval to get a principal paid earlier.
My question is, could he have asked for the salary first and then appointed a principal?
I was wondering how can mr.burleson and the school board be sure that there will be a varsity football team at draughn.Everyone at patton thought the same thing last year at this time.I not throwing off on burleson but i hope they all remember the mistakes they made with this issue last year.
That was pretty bold of Burleson after Patton's 1st VARSITY football season. Oh yea... there wasn't one. Draughn has how many rising seniors who played EB football? Sounds like an attempt to pressure kids to switch just like having 2 deadlines to transfer...ie 3/1/08 and 5/31/08.
121 comments:
If you haven't listened to part three of the audio for tonight's BOE meeting, I urge you to do so.
I found it interesting that no matter how well it was explained, Ms. Norman just wasn't going to give in. She has definitely painted herself into a corner on this issue, and refuses to admit the error of her ways. In her missionary zeal to ban this book, she completely overstepped her bounds on this one.
Adding insult to injury, apparently only two board members (Wilkinson and Armour) even bothered to read the material, and both gave the text rave reviews. If others read the material, they sure weren't owning up to it.
Once again, the needs of the "priveleged few" are placed above those of the "trivial many" (the rest of us).
The more I read and hear about this situation, the more I am reminded of a song by Bob Dylan entitled "Idiot Wind". The lyrics are posted below for your enjoyment.
Someone's got it in for me, they're planting stories in the press
Whoever it is I wish they'd cut it out but when they will I can only guess.
They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy,
She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me.
I can't help it if I'm lucky.
People see me all the time and they just can't remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas, images and distorted facts.
Even you, yesterday you had to ask me where it was at,
I couldn't believe after all these years, you didn't know me better than that
Sweet lady.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth,
Blowing down the backroads headin' south.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I ran into the fortune-teller, who said beware of lightning that might strike
I haven't known peace and quiet for so long I can't remember what it's like.
There's a lone soldier on the cross, smoke pourin' out of a boxcar door,
You didn't know it, you didn't think it could be done, in the final end he won the wars
After losin' every battle.
I woke up on the roadside, daydreamin' 'bout the way things sometimes are
Visions of your chestnut mare shoot through my head and are makin' me see stars.
You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies.
One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb,
Blowing through the curtains in your room.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
It was gravity which pulled us down and destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage but it just wasn't enough to change my heart.
Now everything's a little upside down, as a matter of fact the wheels have stopped,
What's good is bad, what's bad is good, you'll find out when you reach the top
You're on the bottom.
I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind
I can't remember your face anymore, your mouth has changed, your eyes
don't look into mine.
The priest wore black on the seventh day and sat stone-faced while the building
burned.
I waited for you on the running boards, near the cypress trees, while the springtime
turned Slowly into autumn.
Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull,
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I can't feel you anymore, I can't even touch the books you've read
Every time I crawl past your door, I been wishin' I was somebody else instead.
Down the highway, down the tracks, down the road to ecstasy,
I followed you beneath the stars, hounded by your memory
And all your ragin' glory.
I been double-crossed now for the very last time and now I'm finally free,
I kissed goodbye the howling beast on the borderline which separated you from me.
You'll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above,
And I'll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love,
And it makes me feel so sorry.
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats,
Blowing through the letters that we wrote.
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves,
We're idiots, babe.
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
Copyright © 1974 Ram's Horn Music
Why does mrs norman talk about her kid walking through the school door. THEY DONT! GOOD LORD! YOU ARE THE BIGGEST HORSES ASS I KNOW. SHUT UP. Send your kids to public school first then talk.
I'm sorry, will SOMEONE please explain to Tracy that the book is NOT about sodomy? I'm tired of hearing her talk. She honestly sounded dumber and dumber as the audio continues. Another funny thing was Barnard's neurology lesson. I did not realize he was a neuropsychologist, too. So much for my college education.
I listened to the board meeting on audio and cannot believe Tracy Norman continues to launch an argument against the Kite Runner. My question to Ms. Norman is "have you read the book??" I have read the road and found it to be outstanding. I was extremely upset that Ms. Norman once again gave HER OPINION. And Ms. Norman you are NOT a child therapist so please do not sit there and make statements in which you have no knowledge or experience. Ms. Norman if you want to be a child therapist please get the education that you need. As a child psychologist, please do not attempt to make statements about child sexual abuse until you have knowledge of what you are talking about - which you obviously do not.
Can you believe we the people of Burke County voted for this woman. She knew if she would "Ban" a book from the schools, she would get national attention. Well, it worked. Whats next.
The truly amazing thing to me is the fact that this entire "book banning" exercise was based completely on hearsay!! Neither Ms. Norman nor Ms. Dobson (the chief complainant) has read this book.
When all is said and done, there was no basis in policy for the actions of the board on this issue. This was nothing but political grandstanding and a test of the new board's "power".
The only thing this board really needs to understand is this. You only have as much power as people are willing to give you.
That is why Ray is sitting at home right now.
He's probably holding a seat for Tracy.
Hold on, now. Let's not overlook the attempt to dismiss Mr. Aycock as the board's attorney.
The audio has Hairfield making the motion (which was a PREPARED statement written by Lord-knows-whom). After Hairfield read it aloud, Buff asks for a second. No response. He asks for a second yet again. Still no response. The motion died for lack of a second.
I'm told that a disgusted Hairfield tried to stare a hole through Barnard. Apparently Barnard missed his que.
Was this a precursor to more dissent within the ranks? We should stay tuned...
Keep up the pressure. Some folks are concerned that the new majority's penchant for headlines is reaching people who are thinking about bringing business to Burke County. The first thing they contract information/scouting services to evaluate is whether or not the area's "infrastructure" is sound. And they don't mean roads, water and sewer, and the availability of other utilities. They mean education systems, healthcare systems, crime control, and any other service that their employees will need and feel comfortable with.
Schools are the #1 draw or deterrent. Our chairman and vice-chairman favoring book banning probably isn't a draw. The fact that Ms. N is constantly in the press probably isn't a draw. So obviously there's a lot riding on our ability or inability to put our best foot forward.
That is a great point.. So let's put our best foot forward and talk about the new high school. Let's discuss the ""80"" minimum for a senior class then throwing that out the door for 74. Let's talk about focusing on providing each child a text book before we worry about novels. Let's talk about granting transfers for Patton/Freedom and denying transfers for Draughn/East Burke. Let's talk about how to help children that need help. As adults, if we really care then let's put our best foot forward which is our children or you could just focus on my grammer..........
I think they should make it where all kids go where they are supposed to go.No ways around it.
There were not many people left in the room to hear roger trevorrow speak about the book monday night. He is not respected by his peer's at Freedom High and many female students avoid him like the plauge. He has a bad reputation. He was allowed however to sit and talk numerous times after his 5 min were up.He and the Chairman no nothing about parlimentary procedure. Rob Hairfield tried to remove Sam Aycock from his position.He did have the balls to ask for it,but the others were afraid come showtime.This had been discussed widespread by Tim and Tracy and I was surprised they would not go with it.Now Tim can tell one side he wouldnt support it and the other he as chairman can not make the motion.He is starting to spin like David Burleson. Rob's motion make s me wonder even though they do have the power to remove the attorney. The commissioners do it often. What happend did Hairfield have the only balls on the board when push came to shove.
Oh, come on. There were three people there - Barnard, Sain, and Norman - to second the motion/statement. Hairfield was not acting alone, and Buff can't wiggle or spin his way out of anything. I hear the statement was signed. A signature binds the signer(s). Maybe you should ask to see it. After all, it's public record.
If you listen to the very beginning of the audio, Barnard is the one asking to add the board attorney to the agenda making some reference to "other board members". That tells me all five had a stake. All five had a role to play.
Why did Buff ask for revisions to the agenda? Did he know before-hand that the board attorney issue was coming? Were there conversations behind the scenes? How do you account for the prepared statement and such a well-organized presentation? And if all five conversed at the same time, guess what? They conducted an illegal meeting in violation of the open meetings law.
Inquiring minds need to know.
If there are any parents that have children attending Freedom and would like the book Kite Runner to remain in the school system please call the ACLU. They would like to hear from you. Your name will remain anonymous. You can google to get the NC phone number.
If there are any parents that feel that their children should have a textbook then let the DOE know about it.
To the March 5, 2008 6:21 PM post
I would like my children to have a text book but I'm not sure what to ask for. Is this only pertaining to high school or is middle school affected also? I know I am preturbed in some classes in the middle school as my child cannot bring a text book home to study and instead may use it at school only. He thinks this is because all the classes use the same text books and there are not enough for everyone to have one. Can someone give me more information before I call the DOE.
Please be respectful of our psychic powers in the future. Jim Childers was just named AD at Draughn High School and Randy Sain (husband of Karen the Puppet, school board member)was named principal at East Burke Middle School. Could we get a shout out of nepotism from the amen corner. Isn't that one reason Burke County voted out the old board? If you look back at some older comments you will see these names and their new jobs listed. We have been accused of being unfair to the current board by stating they had agendas and campaign promises to keep, ie Andy Hodges, head basketball coach. You will now have to consider that we really are psychics or just maybe we are right.
Call someone on the school board and by all means include the General Statute. The DPI will blame it on the local school boards who will then blame Mr. Burleson. He will either do nothing or blame the principals. It's a shame that the bookclub people in here don't raise a hair over textbooks especially when most of them are in the school system... To think it was about education..........
115C 96. Powers and duties of the State Board of Education in regard to textbooks.
The children of the public elementary and secondary schools of the State shall be provided with free basic textbooks within the appropriation of the General Assembly for that purpose. To implement this directive, the State Board of Education shall evaluate annually the amount of money necessary to provide textbooks based on the actual cost and availability of textbooks and shall request sufficient appropriations from the General Assembly.
The State Board of Education shall administer a fund and establish rules and regulations necessary to:
(1) Acquire by contract such basic textbooks as are or may be on the adopted list of the State of North Carolina which the Board finds necessary to meet the needs of the State public school system and to carry out the provisions of this Part.
(2) Provide a system of distribution of these textbooks and distribute the books that are provided without using any depository or warehouse facilities other than those operated by the State Board of Education.
(3) Provide for the free use, with proper care and return, of elementary and secondary basic textbooks.
Holy crystal ball, Batman!!
The bloom is truly off the rose now. If there was ever any doubt about hidden agendas and political maneuvering, it has now been erased for all to see.
The sad thing is that these people are going to be doing this kind of thing for the foreseeable future. Give a few people a little bit of power and what do you get?
...More of the same thing you always got.
Are you paying attention to this? Now the issue is textbooks. When the new Reich cannot win the book banning argument, when they get discovered fulfilling campaign promises and creating jobs for a board member's spouse, when they fail to remove the board attorney in favor of a politically motivated cohort, when they jump over TWO recommendations of the superintendent to get the principal THEY want, when they insult the professionalism of our teachers, they proclaim there aren't enough textbooks for our kids.
Again, are you paying attention? Always an unfounded and trumped-up fall-back issue. Always a knee-jerk redirection away from their pre-planned, orchestrated conduct. The textbook issue sounds like a Hairfieldian attempt to save the integrity of the new majority. It ain't working! You can't save it if it isn't there.
Sorry to burst your bubble but I happen to be a parent who saw the article in the News Herald for this blog. After reading everyones comments in here it is very apparent that educating our children is not a priority. It is only a job earning a paycheck. If you really cared about education then all the problems from the past and present board would get the same noise. While there are many in the school system who do care there are still a few who could care less. If my child or any other child does not deserve a textbook then change the General Statutes. I would guess that if your group could gather a majority of the issues and push for change then the majority of the voters which are probably parents would change the board. It is obvious that a majority of the voters did not think the previous board focused on educating ALL children and we may find out that our current board is no better. If groups like yours can't find but one issue to fight then you will remain the disgruntled minority just like the minority of children who are looked over by BCPS. Are we fighting for our children our ourselves?
You did not burst anyone's bubble. Textbooks are purchased with money from a state allotment. That allotment can only buy textbooks. The money is distributed to each school system according to a formula devised by DPI and the SBE.
If there are not enough textbooks to go around, that is probably not an issue that can be solved locally. Have you bought a textbook lately? If your kids go on to college, you will pay $157 ($100 for a used book) for one book that the professor may barely use. Then you will buy a "work book" for another $60. All for one class.
The General Assembly is notorious for not keeping up with the rising prices of textbooks. However, I am confident each school system stretches its allotment as far as possible.
The use of supplemental books like The Kite Runner can give another class the use of a textbook while a novel is being studied elsewhere. It's not a remedy for the funding problem, but it's just one small way that all school systems can and have worked around the issue of textbooks. The internet is another resource.
No, you did not burst anyone's bubble. But to use the textbook issue as a reason to diminish the importance of studying novels - well that's a tactic the new board embraces. And as someone who actually cares about educating the whole child, I do not care for that tactic.
Finally, if a majority of voters actually cared about educating students, more that 8500 out of 45,000 would have bothered to vote. But if that voting majority would have taken the time to look at candidate motivation, perspective, vision, and performance, there would be no need for this blog.
And I'm not sure I'm in the minority any more.
Just read the paper's headline and big story! How is it that the superintendent can make this "lateral" move but could not "laterally" move the principal from EBHS to Draughn or from Heritage Middle to Draughn??? It really isn't a lateral move if more money is involved, now is it?
But wait, I'll bet the personnel committee knew about this "move" before anyone else.
Was the EBMS job posted for five days, Mr. Buff? Were interviews conducted, Ms. Sain? The chairman of the personnel committee's HUSBAND is going to be EBMS's new principal, and he will get a raise! Imagine that!! And Buff and Pals do not have an agenda!! Someboby PINCH me!
What a slap in the face to all that's fair and equitable. The real 411? Randy Sain is an excellent principal. He will do well anywhere he goes. But not even Randy will be able to wash off the stink that will accompany this "move". This is priceless.
Now that is a great idea. Let's buy a bunch of Kite Runner novels for the elementary and middle school kids instead of worrying about text books. Actually I have addressed the previous board about textbooks and thought about seeing if the new board was any better.
If I could speculate as many do in here anyway; in a massive push to replace the "Standard Course of Study" books with "EOG" based books it has probably broke the bank. Then if NCLB ends then everyone will be wanting to go back to the original books. Buy the way.. There should be no reason to buy a textbook in "Public School"......
Before we all go jumping on Rob let me tell you what I heard at a soccer game in the past couple of weeks. Tim and Tracy did not want Robs motioned to carry to get rid of Sam. Why, because they have there own agenda. They want Mr. Brooks as the school board attoney. Also the comment was made that some of the people that eat at Abeles Resturant are part of Abeles Muffia. Isn't this right Mr. Brooks? Sorry Tim and Tracy that Mr, Brooks spilled the beans.
Is Mr. Brooks an attorney in Morganton...if so with what firm?
listening to the tape and watching her in public - tracy norman (in my opinion) is just a dumb white trash uneducated tramp on a power trip. i know the rest of you all see it!
I think Ms. Norman is sexy, also I think she could probably work at Emerson's if she gets impeached from the board.
i think this website is going a little too far bashing people
Direct Quote from the News Herald: "Because the transfers are lateral moves, Burleson said board approval is not needed. However, the school board will have to approve the increase in pay for both men."
The board does not recommend people for positions. That's Burleson's and Demiter's job. Do you really think the board members told Burleson they wanted Sain to be the ass't principal and Burleson said - "okey doke, guys and gals - he's not the best one for the job, but I'll do whatever you say."
I thought you guys were in love with David Burleson's professionalism - his character - his unwavering love for the children of BCPS. Are you now saying he allowed the board to bully him into giving Sain the job even though he's not the best one? I'm so confused by your "logic". He "created" a position for Sain? Sain is going from an elementary school to a middle school. Wow - what a huge move. It appears your hatred and your desire to always appear to be right makes it difficult for you to think things through.
Of course that is what happened. Burleson recommended two candidates for Draughn before he had to agree to their "chosen one" or risk the school not moving forward. Sain did get a promotion by going from a small elementary to a middle school. (Salary is based on student enrollment) The board got who they wanted in all the Draughn positions and Mr. Burleson tries to work for the children as best he can within the adversarial atmosphere the board has created.
A quick question...When will Andy Hodges be named the head basketball coach at Draughn?? And I don't believe that anyone needs to look into their "crystal Ball" to see that coming!!! Also how will Karen Sain be allowed to vote for her husband as a principal???The new board majority stink to high heaven!!!
Tracy Norman is not on the board for the children of Burke County - she is on the board to be SEEN and HEARD! As a parent, I sure do not want Tracy Norman doing what she "thinks is best" for my children - she has done a pitiful job raising her own children - so who in their right mind would want her to make decisions for their children - she has one child that has had numerous charges including drug and concealed weapons and her youngest child lives with his father - so hopefully he will have a chance. Tracy Norman made the decision to be toss her own family aside and run with Tim Buff - so in my opinion is a pretty worthless parent - again, I do not want her making decision for my children. She needs to be at home taking care of her own family rather than running to every event in Burke County with Tim Buff - what a shame that a mother would choose to fulfill her own needs to be in the public spot light rather than be a mother to her children. But the amazing thing is that Charlotte Buff just stands to the side and watches the whole thing...UNBELIEVABLE!!!
11:12am,
Todd - is that you?
Its funny how all these losers have nothing better to do than make a site because they are fucking sore losers because they lost the election.Scott smith must a an ass kissing cock sucker
12:55,
Your grasp of the subtleties of the English language is quite impressive. Tell me, how long did it take to come up with such a witty and relevant comment? I'm sure your mother must be proud.
By the way, you might want to stop using language that will make your buddy Tracy blush.
I dont really give a shit about tracy.I think this school board is just as pitiful as the past.they both are full of crooks and were self centered.Quit making David out to be perfect cause he aint.he makes mistakes too.
I don't think anyone is saying Mr. Burleson is perfect, just smarter than the fradulent five.
Mr. Childers is a nice man and was a good assistant principal. He was "removed" from East Burke Middle School because he was not able to make the hard decisions and stand up to parents, teachers, school board, and do what is right for the children. Randy Sain is an awfully nice man and a good elementary school principal. I don't care who his wife is. But is he strong enough to turn EBMS aroud? Can he be tough and make the hard decisions? The children of eastern Burke County are depending on him to do a good job. Please come through for them, Randy. They only have one shot at middle school.
Randy Sain is a good guy. Do not know his wife but know he will do good for EBMS.
8:38am,
So, what you're saying is that it happened something like this:
Karen, Tim and Tracy have called a meeting with Burleson and Demiter and they are standing in Burleson's office. That loud-mouthed, pushy, agressive, condescending Karen Sain is forcing Demiter to recommend her husband, whether he's the best candidate for the job or not.
(Based on the David-loving-bloggers here, Sain IS the best choice, but that doesn't bode well for your argument of nepotism).
Anyway, they have Demiter's arm twisted behind his back, and won't let him go until he calls RANDY! RANDY! It's Randy Sain who gets the job at EBMS!
So, Burleson goes with the board's choice because if he doesn't, EBMS comes to a screaching halt because we all know that school wouldn't function without a principal in place right away. They are helpless there without the leadership of a principal; the assistant principals are worthless.
So, Tim, Tracy and Karen all strut out of the office, all cocky and full of themselves, high-fiving because they made the administration recommend their favorite guy for the job.
Ok.... I'm buying that.
The attorney tim and tracy want is tim rooks.He is working a case for tracy's son or her divorce.When this is done sam aycock will be gone.
Sam Aycock has cost this county a lot of useless money. He should be gone.
11:04am,
Did you just get into town? The precedent has already been set. I would say a more likely scenario is Mr. Burleson was handed a list of upcoming names and positions the board had already decided on. Any recommendation he makes has to be approved by the board and it saves time to go along with their choice. While you were out of town two recommendations by Mr. Burleson were submitted and voted down by the board. He has clearly learned his lesson and I'm sure the rest of their preferred faculty will be hired pretty quickly. No one is saying that Mr. Sain is not a great guy or as you say the best choice but compared to who and what happened to the board wanting to have interviews and see more than one, two, or three candidates before making a choice. I say they have already made their choice and Mr. Burleson has realized that fighting them is a waste of time and energy. Furthermore, I do not find Mrs. Sain to be as you described, I just find her to be useless.
Burleson made a proposal to the board about the switch before the naming of draughn's principal.I think he did it to give the board what they wanted meaning Karen Tim and Tracy.Then Valdese got Childers and evryone is happy.Did Mike Kinney get to pick Jim as A.D. or did Burleson? The Valdese clique is happy especially the Thompson's,Bakers, and Robert Bonner and Charles Cook they got their buddy who they will work to control. The attorney issue is a good one. Tim and Tracy no doubt will get who they want and will wait until their guy can take over.Aycock is safe but for how long a year, six months? If I were him I would save them the trouble. Rob just jumped the gun and he probably wants someone different.Burleson learned from the law conference that if the board does not want something he should not recommend it. David will learn to offer the board something to get something just watch time will reveal all!
Burleson will start cutting certain throats to get some of his way, you can count on that!
Did Karen obstain from voting in the matter of her husband's transfer?
To the above idiot about conducting an illegal meeting. Buddy, which I believe that was you, ask them if they did. You seem to know everything anyway. Can you prove they conversed illegally? And you have over the years met at other board members homes to discuss school buisness.You know any attorney can be dismissed at any time unless a specific contarct states otherwise.
4:06pm, The board did not vote on the Sain transfer, like the newspaper said. This was a decision made by the administration; no approval was needed from the board for a lateral transfer.
How about the Miss East Burke contest Saturday? Anybody think it might be rigged??
The principal that needs to be removed is shanda mcfarlin.she does nothing but run her mouth about people and runs patton like a boot camp.Ive heard this from several people
To 4:11 PM,
I'm honored that you think I'm Mr. Armour. But he's not the only one who can Google the Open Meetings Law. He's not even the one that watched the "meetings" of the Buff Brigade begin at the Merita Bread Store and continue on to Timberwoods to attend the political party meetings drumming up Democratic and Republican support prior to the election.
So I'll ask YOU, can you prove Mr. Armour was ever in anyone's house "over the years"? At what bread store did he and the ousted ones meet? You people insult the intelligence of the lowest beetle crawling in your back yards by thinking you can get away with your little power plays. The telecasts reveal a ton of information, and you don't seem to have the sense to realize what the average joe is seeing, hearing, and taking away from those televised meetings. You don't think people notice how scripted and predictable your actions are?
It would take a REAL idiot to not see it. And it would take the same idiot to misspell simple words like "business" and "contract".
Next time you are all at the grocery store or the bread store, you should all talk about THAT!
How about the Miss East Burke contest Saturday? Anybody think it might be rigged??
of course it was rigged !!!!!!!!
weren't you there !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Watch and hide. Tim Rooks will be the next school board attorney. Its coming.
when he is, remind us.
actually, principal shanda mcfarlin does a very good job. I've heard this from several people.
well, someone once said never to mix chocolate & beer
I was at Miss East Burke Saturday and I thought the out come strange. Not my top 10 not close. How about the judges some girls knew them.
Check out the letters to the editor tonight. The piece on the website that caught my eye was entitled "Think for Yourself" (...now there's a revolutionary concept). This letter speaks volumes about the "hearsay campaign" going on in this community.
March 10, 2008 6:31 PM
March 11, 2008 9:57 AM
March 11, 2008 4:57 PM
In reply to the above three posts. I was in the audience of the Miss East Burke pageant on Saturday as our friend's daughter was a former Miss East Burke and also wondered about the #1 pick. Those around me did not applaud when she was announced as the winner. In fact, very few people clapped in the audience when this winner was announced, other than those 10 or so who supported this girl, perhaps family? There was much applause when the other places were announced. Several said the first and second runners up should have won. I heard that the winner is a big pot head and knew the middle seated judge as she had been in school with her sister. There were several contestants who did not make the top 10 who were really good. Don't the Miss EB winners have to pass the drug test? There was also talk last year that the winner smoked pot regularly. What's going on? Does anyone know any background on this winner? Is this contest really rigged? I can't imagine the administration wants someone like this to represent the school?
it's always 4:20 somewhere.
I think you all need to get a life. You act like a bunch of Democrats.
Talk about scripted and well rehearsed statements at board meetings? When the past board met to discuss billy anderson bill simmons came out and read all the specific general statutes that allowed them to meet in closed session pertaining to that situation. Who gave him this aycock or blackwell? Also, billy,rexanna, and blackwell were in the conference room waiting and left early where no one could see them.This was well planned wouldnt you say? Aycock and blackwell represented ray on a lot of his legal debacles over the years.This should have been a conflict for aycock to be board attorney.His wife who i understand was a fine teacher and classy lady taught for the system.Maybe that was a conflict.He is burlesons best friend by admission at the man of the year banquet.Can he be objective when it comes to the system.It is hard and and he will not admit it but one must think his connections and recent legal troubles should have him removed or he step down.It is the ethical thing to do.Blackwell should not have represented anderson because of him being a former board member and his ties to ray and administration.
7:25,
It's rather inappropriate to repeat rumors about students/children. Adults, if you are an adult and not a disgruntled Miss EB contestant, should not make statements that could in any way injure/harm a child's/teen's reputation.
Also, does anyone have a program from the pageant? Usually they list where the judges are from. In the past, the judges have been from outside Burke County.
To the comment March 12, 2008 2:45 PM
That was a good point about a student's reputation as all comments should protect student reputations. Also the pageant judges are from outside Burke County. The male judge was a hair salon owner in Hickory with 20 years of experience with the Miss America pageant and the Miss USA pageant. The two female judges were with a dance studio, Ann and Amy's in Hickory and had lots of experience with pageants. One was 2005 honor graduate of EBHS.
In reply to the comment of March 12, 2008 2:24 PM
You certainly brought up many conflicts of interest between Blackwell and Martinat and Blackwell and the school board. I don't see the conflict though with Aycock's connections to the school system and school board with his wife as a teacher nor with any legal problems he has had. Buff and Sain have spouses employed in the school system and that appears to be the same type of conflict. Can you explain this further?
WHO CARES?
Alot of the girls knew Lacey I hardly seen the male judge lift his eyes off the desk. Is it not odd two sisters won two years apart? whats the odds on that?
I seen it too he never looked up.
Why is it odd that two sisters won? It is a small community.
Also, the judge never looked up? Did you stare at him the entire time and never look at the stage?
By the way, it should be "I saw" not "I seen."
1:55 PM i wouldnt say acting like a bunch of democrats more like a bunch of babies that didnt get there way
No I did not stare at him the whole time, but I sat behind him and could not hrp but see that he looked down the whole time. Any grammer errors? By the way can you spell KISS MY ***?
That would be grammatical errors :)
Also grammAr... A not an E :)
Have a great evening!!!
Rob to my knowledge has no relatives working in the schools as well as Barnard.I do not know about tracy, and buddy and sam w do.Tim should recuse himself and karen when it comes to relatives.I have no problem with people who are elected who had relatives working prior to their appointment.Ray got many jobs for family after he was elected. Buddy demanded scott smith get his job because scott then went to buddy's church.This came from a former board member.
To the above poster at 4:22 I should have been clearer. Sam Aycock has no legal troubles I am aware of.I was meaning he has represented ray in the past in his legal troubles. Sorry about that.I meant ray being a board member when sam was hired could have been a conflict.
To the 8:08 poster, how could Buddy "demand" that anyone be given a job? I thought it was the super's job to recommend and the board to vote. No? So are you saying that the board does have the ability to vote/approve people for positions based on personal choice/preference over qualifications? Let me guess, the previous board had that power but somehow that isn't going on NOW?
What do you think about school board members who were previously employed by the school system? Do you think it is possible for their employment experience to influence their decisions? Why DID they leave? Why aren't they forthcoming with answers about this? Just curious.
People rally to defend buddy armour,but just a small few.I do not care what david barnard did as a teacher previously in this system.He was elected by the people and I care about what he does as a board member.Their qualifications met the constitutional rights we all have to seek office.If you do not like it move to another country. Buddy could not hire people by himself but he could persuade the super just as these new board members will to hire whom they want.By the way the school board and administration learned in raliegh that if the board does not like a recommendation by the superintendent that he should not bring it to the board as such.Ask one of the administrators about that it was taught by state lawyers for dpi.This means david was wrong two bring two names to the board that they were not going to approve.I would have love to seen Buddy's face when he heard that.
I just heard today that the DHS Boosters do not want Chris Cozort as the baseball coach at DHS. I think Chris is a fine person and would be a great coach at DHS as he is at EBHS.
Sam W. what do you think about this?
4:46am,
I care what Barnard did as a teacher because he was inappropriate with students and faculty. He was let go by the system which gave him an "ax to grind". He may be qualified to run for office but that does not make him smart enough to do a good job. As for what the board learned in Raleigh, I take that with a grain of salt like most information that comes from Raleigh. I'm glad Mr. Burleson brought the names before the board and I hope he continues to bring the names of qualified people before them. It gives the board the opportunity to show how spiteful and antagonistic they really are.
To 4:46 AM,
I would say you are definitely on the mark. No attorney - certainly no DPI or NCSBA attorney - would ever advocate that a superintendent NOT bring the most qualified recommendation to his board. If his board is inclined to reject his recommendations time after time, then his board has no real clue as to what their role actually is.
The new majority want to rule with an iron fist. And if you haven't noticed from the Audio, no CLOSED SESSION minutes were brought before the board for approval in open session. The Open Meetings Law permits boards to vote on closed session items in closed session thus sealing those minutes "...until their need to be sealed no longer exists". But up until now, Burke County School Boards have always released closed-session minutes to the public. Mr. Buff, when in the minority, was always screaming that the public, who is paying the bills, has a right to know what goes on with its board of education. Apparently, not any more.
He doesn't want the public to be privy to the new majority's closed-session actions, language, or "adversarial" conduct.
So be sure to listen carefully this Monday night. Or better still, show up at the meeting and get a copy of the agenda. If you do not see "Approval of _______ minutes-Closed Session", then you will know I'm speaking the truth.
If you thought the "old" board was oppressive and out of touch with the electorate, what do you call the actions of this new one?
No coaches in any sport were ever talked about at the DHS booster club meeting. The only thing said about a coach was that hopefully a football coach would be named in the next couple of weeks.
Does anyone know who Shanda McFarland is related to in the school system???? Take a guess!
I do know Shanda likes to go around running her mouth about people at other schools.I know who shes related to
who??
actually, principal shanda mcfarlin does a very good job. I've heard this from several people.
She does a good job running her mouth.Ive heard this from several people.
I wish you people would quit crying about the school system, quit whining and do something about it. There are plenty of board meetings you can attend an speak out. And there are plenty of lawyers in town.
Time to split this discussion thread?
have also heard Shanda is DB's first cousin??? Does anyone know? Rumor needs to be put to rest if it isn't true.
Who cares if Shanda is indeed a relative of DB. Are all relatives of DH banned from the school system as well????? Shanda is a fine pincipal so why drag her into the mess that the new majority has created!!!! It is humorous how the "new majority" followers post all kinds of blogs in an attempt to move the attention away from the mess that has been created by their arrogance and ignorance!!!!
Sounds like your group is about as narrow minded as the school board. Both of you have become quite entertaining. Keep up the great work... lol
entertainment is what it's all about by now.
She needs to hire better coaches instead of someone who has never coached varsity basketball and before then never coached basketball in his life.What does he do walk out on the team.maybe kids would have went to patton had they had a coach who knew that they were doing
yeah, cause sports is a lot more important than education.
I dont think that is what the writer was talking about.I dont believe he was saying sports are more important.
Yeah really.walking out on the kids like that sets a good example.
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats,
Blowing through the letters that we wrote.
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves,
We're idiots, babe.
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
How about not wasting space with lyrics ??
Didn't this site originate to bash the new board? The Fraud 5?
It's not like we are enjoying chocolate & beer anymore.
Duke Conover left a long time ago.
What a loss! I pray the media will portray the picture of the person I knew from preschool to graduation. Harold was well liked all throughout school by everyone. I am saddened by his alleged recent choices, but it does not represent the person that I believe he truly was. Bad choices do not define bad people. Rest in peace Harold. Class of 1993. Family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I think the person was talking about pattons coach walking out on them.
Yes. I agree. That was a hs teacher from McDowell County that killed himself the day after he was suspended pending an investigation about a relationship with a high school student. Something that's never happened in Burke County.
There has probaly been teacher-student relationships.They probaly have never came out.
Well, at least y'all aint got a school board member that supposedly had engaged in such activities years ago: or a former well-known retired basketball coach.
Titan Class of '82
When are you going to do something to us instead of running your mouths. Stop bashing our board and bring it on. We are in control so get used to it. For 4 more years!
Then do something real and positive for a change. Maybe you won't get "bashed" so much.
Stop trying to grab headlines and sound bites and DO SOMETHING POSITIVE!!
Stop trying to tell everyone you're "in control". Usually, when people do this, they have a bunch of insecurity, creating a need to "remind" others of their so-called power.
As for the rest of your comment, be careful what you wish for. You are not God.
You know I think this blog should be shut down.People bitched and moaned about the old school board and now people bitch about this one.I guess no one ishappy no matter what.Some of the stuff thats been said on here could lead up to some huge lawsuits.Is every parent who has children get in trouble is a bad parent? Ive heard about kids of people who are in teaching,and other positions in the school system who have parties and drink all the time.Are they bad parents too.
Did you people know that Ms. Norman is a lesbian. I am a female. Ms. Norman an I had a brief sexual affair.
"Some of the stuff thats been said on here could lead up to some huge lawsuits."
Really? Like what??
To the 9:14 blogger, here's a suggestion: Just don't visit the site anymore. I don't recall this being required reading. Unlike some views held by some of the current board members, you do NOT have the right to CONTROL EVERYTHING. Why do you feel the need to visit this site?
Hey 9:14,
Welcome to the brave new world of politics, where no one is ever satisfied...and there's always something or someone to complain about...:)
REF: "You know I think this blog should be shut down."
yeah, last time i checked nobody held a gun to your head & said go to this site, read & comment...
but then again, i could be wrong.
Well, Glen, tonight there will be another school board meeting. I hope there will be plenty of public comments. The public needs to keep the pressure on this bunch.
New questions have risen concerning Mr. Sain's appointment/transfer in what is really a non-lateral move from Icard to EBMS. Same for Jim Childers' appointment to Draughn. The people from the East Burke and the Draughn communities want to know why the Superintendent would not do this for DHS when a principal was sorely needed?
The salary increase for Mr. Sain will still need to be addressed by the board, but you know the votes will be there.
of course the votes will be there...this is the 'fab five' we're talking about.
It is my understanding that DBurleson could have appointed a principal to DHS if he waited until three months before the school opened. That is when the state recognizes the school and will pay the principals salary. He needed school board approval to get a principal paid earlier.
My question is, could he have asked for the salary first and then appointed a principal?
"The salary increase for Mr. Sain will still need to be addressed by the board, but you know the votes will be there."
I think the votes would be there regardless of the board members.
once again..."the votes will be there"
I was wondering how can mr.burleson and the school board be sure that there will be a varsity football team at draughn.Everyone at patton thought the same thing last year at this time.I not throwing off on burleson but i hope they all remember the mistakes they made with this issue last year.
That was pretty bold of Burleson after Patton's 1st VARSITY football season. Oh yea... there wasn't one. Draughn has how many rising seniors who played EB football? Sounds like an attempt to pressure kids to switch just like having 2 deadlines to transfer...ie 3/1/08 and 5/31/08.
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