Sam Aycock Fired Budget voted down New financial auditor named
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Anonymous
said...
Looks like the "Fab Five" are still determine to drive Burke County Schools into the ground!!! From News Hearld:
Schools board will replace attorney
By Arrick Gordon news@morganton.com Monday, May 5, 2008
MORGANTON - School board attorney Sam Aycock was officially dismissed at Monday night's Burke County schools board meeting. In a flurry of actions the board also named a new financial auditor and finally approved new school board district lines. The board refused to accept the proposed 2008-09 budget.
In a surprise action, school board member Rob Hairfield addressed board members and recommended terminating the legal services of Aycock. When challenged by board member Buddy Armour about the reason for the recommendation, Hairfield said he felt there were instances in previous legal matters involving the previous school board where the board attorney seemed to be too "subjective" and not "objective" regarding certain actions.
"We have a new board," Hairfield said "I believe it's time for a change."
The recommendation was approved on a 5 to 2 vote with Armour and Sam Wilkinson voting nay.
With only 10 days left before a statutory deadline, the school board balked when asked to approve the 2008-09 budget.
Finance Director Keith Lawson presented a proposed budget $350,000 smaller than the 2007-08 budget. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett urged the board to pass it, because state law requires the school district to submit its funding request to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15.
Several board members said they're not satisfied with the budget, however, so the Finance Committee (Rob Hairfield, Sam Wilkinson and Tracy Norman) invited all of the board members to express their concerns at a special Finance Committee meeting.
The committee meeting will begin at noon Friday in the central office.
In other business the school board chose a new financial auditing firm.
The current contract is with Lowdermilk, Church & Company.
Four bids to provide auditing services were received and financial committee members met with representatives from two of the bidding firms.
On behalf of the finance committee Hairfield recommended hiring Smith, Miller & Buff. Board Chairman Tim Buff said the firm's CPA is no relation.
Hairfield said the school system will save $10,000 to $12,000 on the new contract.
The board unanimously approved the change.
Finally, after six months of debate, research and investigation, the school board unanimously approved the proposed map of the school board voting district lines. Credit was given to Scott Black of the Burke County GIS Department for assisting the board with the new map.
The board received a petition with almost 860 signatures from Draughn district residents. They asked the board to establish a Glen Yoder Scholarship Fund. A former principal within the Burke County Public School system, the late Yoder was revered as "a dedicated, selfless teacher, mentor and administrator."
Wilkinson, who presented the petition said he would like to see some aspect or part of Draughn High School named for Yoder. The board will consider the request.
The board's next regular meeting is set for 6 p.m. May 19 at the board room on Parker Road.
WHEN IS THE PEOPLE OF BURKE COUNTY GOING TO STAND UP AND OVER THROW THIS BUNCH BEFORE OR ARE WE GOING TO CONTINUE TO LET OUR CHILDREN SUFFER!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we the people of Burke County need to get together and have our on meeting to see what we are going to do about this mess we are in, Our children are very important, they are our future. The only thing the schools are worried about are EOG's. that is all my child has been doing all year is getting ready for the testing. Something need to be done.
*THEY DID NOT APPROVE REXANNA LOWMAN *THEY DID NOT APPROVE DOUG RHONEY *THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF THE KITE RUNNER *THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF THE SCHOOL BOARD ATTORNEY
AND......
NOW THEY DO NOT APPOVE THE BUDGET...with 10 days left to the deadline!!!
What do the Fraudulent Five want when not approving everything/anything that is brought before them?????
Are their plans to just shut the doors on Burke County Public Schools???? Shut the doors on our children's education???
WHERE WILL THIS END????????? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!!!!!!
With only 10 days left before a statutory deadline, the school board balked when asked to approve the 2008-09 budget.
Finance Director Keith Lawson presented a proposed budget $350,000 smaller than the 2007-08 budget. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett urged the board to pass it, because state law requires the school district to submit its funding request to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15.
I hope that all those that voted this bunch in can sleep well knowing they are destroying our children's education and the success of Burke County Schools.
To 8:03 pm As a teacher in Burke County I can assure you that teachers dislike the testing as much or more than parents. However, the mandate for testing comes from the state and the federal program "No Child Left Behind". If students don't do well on the tests, the state can come in and take over the running of the school. It seems to be a no win situation for us all.
The bloggers here say that our children are suffering, the board is determined to drive BCPS into the ground, the doors are going to shut on BCPS, the doors are shutting on our children's education, our children's education and the success of BCPS is being destroyed because the board is replacing Aycock as board attorney and they're taking another look at the budget before it's approved?
Do the bloggers hear themselves?
Oh my goodness, things aren't the way they've always been and we're all going to die!
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Keep Looking into the Crystal Ball, because all predictions are coming true...
When will the "fab five" begin making decisions that are for the children instead of themselves. I would like to know why this "group" thinks that they are so important...they are just the school board....however, they seem to be doing a great job of dividing the community and forgetting about the community. I hope that everyone who voted for these individuals are beginning to see the light....
As one board member so often said..."Hello Burke County, is anyone out there???"
Hello, Burke County! Wake up! Do not let these 5 individuals terrorize the community! Fight for the children, not for personal agendas!!! Go to the school board meetings, sign up for the public comments, and tell them you are tired of their antics and agendas!!!
The really amazing thing about this hysteria is that most of these folks must have attended a different meeting than I. Every item with the exception to Aycock was a 7-0 vote. Please be specific and tell me how you blame 5 of the 7 for 7-0 votes. But yet you blame new members. Aycock was 5-2. I don't think he has much of an impact on our kids in the classroom. I hope not.....he always was unprepared and never completed assignments.
I have a few comments about Tracy's never ending idiotic statements and actions. 1. Her comment about "there is so much talk in the community, there must be some truth to it". She was referring to reasons for student transfers but if she is correct, then the talk of her and Buff must be true. 2. Could she laugh any louder or flirt any more than she did with Walt Church? 3. With all the needs and issues in the entire school system, she chose to make it her mission, nay, her calling to get a new lock for a door at Forrest Hill. Well bring out the band and let's have a parade. 4. Tracy, "where is it at" is not correct in any language.
OMG-Did anyone notice how members of the board started looking for other ways to cut the budget and justifying why they needed to keep their budgeted money when Buddy suggested the board not give themselves a raise. Rob, no one made you take the job on the board, pay for your own travel and expenses.
According to board audio files the board discussed a "school board training" to the tune of $250.00 per hour for 4 hours for $1000.00!!!!!!Also to pay the trainer's expenses!!!!!
Let's cut this to balance the budget!!! Thank you Buddy for pointing out to the board that they need to cut expenses.
I would like to know how many times Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman travel to Raleigh and how much the school is paying for that. In this board meeting they (Mr. Buffa nd Ms. Norman) mentioned at least 3times about trips to Raleigh....is the school system paying for all those trips and their "overnight stays"??????????
How much money are Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman taking from the school board in these "special trips to Raleigh??"
And my last question.....why is it always Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman taking the trips together?????
Better hide your wallets! The newest board members will be making plenty of trips to Raleigh and across the state for "training". Year before last, Tim and his family and Tracy and her boys went to Wrightsville Beach to a conference at the Holiday Inn Resort. To accomodate the family, one board member insisted on ocean-front. Tracy went again last summer. Those trips are public record and so are the expenditures (cost of room, food, registration, mileage). The finance department will furnish those to whomever wants to see them. You should look at all the board members and what they have spent in the last three years.
Also, look at the increases in the budget line item for travel and training since Tim and Tracy have been elected.
11:02AM, Martinat, Brandon or Brackett, is that you? Sounds like some old campaign rhetoric that didn't hit a nerve with the voters back then. Maybe it will hit a nerve now. Or... maybe not. Saving a few bucks in the budget on board member training and travel for State meetings doesn't make a very big dent in the overall budget shortfall. Can we find some more waste other than just cutting training and travel?
Buddy wants to make the public think that the board is spending a lot of money on themselves. Buddy will not however, talk about Burleson, Brackett or Scott Smith's travel allowance being cut. Nor will he talk about cutting two positions like the energy resource manager or custodial supervisor for the county. Buddy is in his own raging torment and needs to realize change is happening like it or not.
I have never known that an attorney could impact the children in the classroom so much.Wait, the legal troubles in the past could have cut money from the classroom. It was time for Aycock to go.The county commission changes attorney's frequently when the power changes.I believe John Ervin and who knows who else will come may 19th to tell the board what a bad mistake they have made.If the county commission changes attorney's in november will he stand up to them? No because he feels it was a slap in the face of Burleson and that is the reason people are mad about this thing.There were many happy people tuesday when the news broke.It is time for a change in a lot of positions! If someone can stand up at the next board meeting and tell the public how this directly affects the classroom in a negative way they should be given 1,000 dollars if they can prove the point. I doubt that will happen. I hope this board continues changing things that have eat at the core of Burke Schools for years.
The budget should be scrutinized and this board should be commended for it's thought on the budget for the next year.Never take Brackett's word for anything.
To the above comments about Mr.Armour. please dont talk about him think about this.If YOU ARE UGLY AND CAN AFFORD IT YOU CAN HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY.IF YOU ARE FAT YOU CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT.BUT,,, WHEN YOU ARE STUPID THERE IS NO CURE FOR IT! Please leave Buddy alone he can not help it.
Buddy wanting to save money is the biggest charade I have ever seen. He has been on the board for a long time and he picks one thing to fuss about.Fuss about the ungodly salary and travel allowace you have placed upon the citizens with your votes through the years.Buddy is pro administration, not pro taxpayer!
In reference to Scott Smith's, Randall Brackett's, and David Burleson's travel budget....Have you seen lately how gas prices are increasing? Have you ever noticed how many places in one day Mr. Burleson is? PLENTY. He moves from school to school, from funeral home to funeral home, from hospital to hospital...not to mention that I am sure he is required so many training hours as superintendent. As for Scott...just look at all of the schools that we have, all of the technology in those schools, and all of the computer viruses and machines that need fixed...travel is required. Not to mention,the need for his training to keep our computer network up and running and in this century. I am also sure that Randall Brackett has the same issues... The main objective is the board's travel. Yes, they are required training and some of it takes place in Raleigh, yet it is a choice to go to trainings at the beach and invite your family to go along at the school's expense. Wake up.
Let me just say that if you have ever met Buddy, you would realize that he is a penny pincher in a good way. He always tries to find a way to save a buck, especially in the schools. Apparently you people want to run your mouth, but not back it up with evidence. I bet you he rarely turns in all of his receipts just to save the system money. However, you have some that will party on the school system's budget. Get a life. I can also tell you that the allowance that they get, their little meager pay check for travel, doesn't even cover half of the fuel that Buddy uses to go from school to school and event to event in one month. Yes, he actually is seen in schools, not for show, but because he cares about children. So, apparently you have nothing to "FUSS" about until you get your facts straight.
Teachers rarely leave Burke County for a training....they usually only attend trainings on work days that are held within the county. Teachers that DIRECTLY impact our students. But Tim Buff and Tracy Norman can justifiy a trip to the beach for a training???? AND take their families??? So can a teacher sign up for a training at the beach and bring along their entire family??
Most people when they take a job are told here is the pay take the job or leave it.Burleson does travel but he is paid quite well.Mr. Armour is not the only board member seen at school functions.Rob has been seen at numerous ballgames over the past few years before he was elected and since.He goes to band concerts,plays and other things because he has grandchildren in the schools.Ihave seen rob at a lot of basketball games before. If the board needs to cut their travelor expenditures they should but the administration is no different and no one can argue that for Buddy. You have to have total accountability.
Why does Buddy continue to defend Scott Smith and Burleson so much? Scott Smith got his job because of Buddy and got his doctorate because we paid for it.We also give him unlimited travel to and from statesville every day.This measure needs to cease. He can be replaced with a cheaper more effective person and someone just as qualified.
We can not wait to see who the new attorney will be.I hope they are not a rotarian. The board needs someone who can represent them and not have to go through David Burleson or Randall Brackett. Oh the winds of change are blowing. The attorney will probably put a stop to the every day spin of administration. Keep it up and get tough. This Board is moving in the right direction.
Hey winds of change, Can't wait to see how much the new attorney will cost the county per hour while he "gets up to speed" on the past several years business. Maybe we can pay travel and workshop expenses for him to train himself/herself in school law. If the board members were not qualified, they should have not run for the board. Let them get their training on their own time, no one is making them sit on the board. Besides, how much training does Tracy need to call Mr. Burleson to get a door fixed.
A little bird told me to watch for something to be filed in court very shortly on the Anderson case. Oh yes, its coming back. I do know for a fact there will be a case filed in Federal Court very shortly. Watch for Burleson, Brackett and some others run for the hills. Burleson, why happen with your interview for Supt. for Bumcomb County? I know. Did not get it. Friends have friends who are on other school boards in other counties. This little paragraph is for Doug Rhoney. You told the parents and some of your staff at your school that Coach Rob Proide could not go to a high school and coach because he is not certified to teach high school. I heard it come straight out of your mouth. What a lie. Proide interviewed for the baseball coach position at JCD High School and may have it from what has been told. This knocks out Huffman. The man gets in trouble last year with his mouth and nothing gets done about it. Maybe a few little recordings of him cursing in class and on the field needs to be sent to the board. Something else Burleson. You need to let the teachers know about DHS. The only people you are hurting are the students and the teachers. If you wait to the last minute it will be to late. Maybe someone from the board needs to hold your hand and make sure our children will have teachers. Maybe Rob or Tracey. Good luck in court Burleson and Brackett.
To 8:00pm blogger....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!!!! For months we have heard the "run for the hills".....last time I saw Mr. Burleson he was not running for the hills, but try to run a school system just has he has done for many successful years. Get your facts straight before you start pouting off again. And we would love to see the Anderson case in court....felony charges for recording in the locker room...yes...let's see that!
"Why does Buddy continue to defend Scott Smith and Burleson so much? Scott Smith got his job because of Buddy and got his doctorate because we paid for it.We also give him unlimited travel to and from statesville every day.This measure needs to cease. He can be replaced with a cheaper more effective person and someone just as qualified."
Did you know that BCPS offers tuition reimbursement to all teachers. The last time I used it it covered $125 per class. That doesn't come close to covering the cost of a class. I also believe that Catawba county covers more.
Travel doesn't count home to work. It only counts where you go after your first destination. We don't have a school in Statesville, so Scott is not getting that travel money.
All this should be public record. Go look at the facts.
"You told the parents and some of your staff at your school that Coach Rob Proide could not go to a high school and coach because he is not certified to teach high school."
Most licenses have some overlap, k-6, 6-9, 9-12. I am guessing Rob would teach freshman. Plus, it is not like he couldn't work for get a 9-12 license. Can't comment on Rhoney saying those things.
Group rate. I love it! The new board attorney could have his work cut out for him. His board bosses' actions could keep him in court because of their "need for training". There is a remedy... Who's bringing the sun block?
North Carolina encourages teachers to seek NBPTS certification with incentives that exceed that of any other state. The state pays the application fees ($2,300) for as many teachers as wish to pursue certification any year, and grants an automatic 12 percent salary increase to those who receive certification. Many other states have chosen to give far less support to the NBPTS program, and some give no support at all. Despite the large amounts of tax money that have been spent promoting certification, there is no evidence that the certification process does anything to elevate a teacher’s ability to instruct students. Furthermore there is no evidence that certified teachers are better at producing high student achievement than are non-certified teachers. The only study that looked at measured student learning found that NBPTS certified teachers were no more likely to produce exceptional student progress than were other teachers, and that some certified teachers had abnormally low student progress.
Research on National Board Certification More than 150 studies, reports, and papers have been commissioned on the National Board Certification process, and more studies are underway. This growing body of research, which clearly demonstrates the impact of National Board Certification on teaching and learning, underscores the importance of NEA's support for National Board Certification.
One of the most significant research findings so far: National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) actually do produce greater student achievement gains than their counterparts, and do so especially for lower achieving students.
Appalachian State University (April 2005): This study found that NBCTs developed and implemented instructional plans and assignments aimed at fostering deeper student understanding, and students taught by NBCTs achieved deeper learning than students of non-board certified teachers. The study found a statistically significant difference between the depth of student learning of NBCTs and teachers who had attempted but did not achieve certification. The study examined the teaching practices of 64 teachers in 17 states. The study is mentioned in this NBPTS release.
University of Washington/ Urban Institute (March 2004): An independent, multi-year study of more than 600,000 records of North Carolina students found that teachers who achieve National Board Certification do a measurably better job in the classroom. Students of NBCTs improved an average of 7 percent more on their year-end math and reading tests than students whose teachers attempted but failed to gain certification. This performance differential was most pronounced for younger and lower-income students whose gains were as high as 15 percent. Read the NBPTS release.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (October 2000): This was the first comprehensive study to compare the teaching practices of NBCTs with other teachers, and to compare samples of student work from classrooms of the two groups of teachers. The findings: Teachers who have achieved NBC significantly outperform their peers who are not Board Certified on 11 of 13 key dimensions of teaching expertise.
That is great information. Based on the statistics of the positive impact of NBCT's would anyone like to crunch the numbers for Burke County? We should have an increase in student performance of 7-15% for students that are in NBCT's classrooms. That is worth celebrating!!!!!
First let me say I am (thankfully) outside your county. And yes, the BCB of E is a Joke. However, so are the citizens that make treats on this site. You are just as bog of a joke becuase you let these 5 run you over constantly. When is someone over at your county going to stand up and take actions instead of mouth. You have no right to moan and groan and do nothing. In our county, we would stand up and remove this board. You have a good superintendent, but I am afraid you are going to lose him. Fortunatley, your kids will not be allowed in our county schools. Deal with your problems and quit looking stupid.
First let me say I am (thankfully) outside your county. And yes, the BCB of E is a Joke. However, so are the citizens that make treats on this site. You are just as bog of a joke becuase you let these 5 run you over constantly. When is someone over at your county going to stand up and take actions instead of mouth. You have no right to moan and groan and do nothing. In our county, we would stand up and remove this board. You have a good superintendent, but I am afraid you are going to lose him. Fortunatley, your kids will not be allowed in our county schools. Deal with your problems and quit looking stupid.
To the 4:41am blogger...FYI, Scott Smith did not get his job because of Mr. Armour. He was the most qualified and Dr. Stewart offered him the job. Get your facts straight. To the 8:00pm blogger...if you would actually take the time to get to know Rob Priode, you would know that he loves his students very much. I am a former pupil of Mr. Priode, and he is one of the best teachers in Burke County. Finally, to all who continue to make Mr. Armour look like the bad guy...if you really want to know anything about him, I'm sure he would tell you himself. Just give him a call. But, I guess that's just too difficult; it is just easier to assume what everyone else is saying is the truth.
Sadly, you are correct. The politics of Burke have always suggested that education has a low priority among the majority of the people with the highest priority given to keeping property taxes low. Past boards have fought this mentality in court and through the media with some, but not a lot of success.
BCPS offers a fine educational product at a lower cost to the taxpayers than any surrounding county. The county recently elected a new school board to keep the cost low - no matter what. You will not see this board challenge the County Commissioners for additional funding because Buff/Norman and Hairfield are their loyal subjects.
Burleson had assembled a very effective team of Central Office administrators who gave BCPS the ability to bring the best teachers into Burke and keep them. But Buff and Company have created an environment not conducive to attracting or keeping anyone with any educational talent because Buff and his crew have none themselves.
But you are right. This county will probably just sit and watch the rapid decline of its schools. When things get so bad, they will eventually elect a board that is child-centered and not cheap-centered. It will take years - at least ten - to bring the system back to where it was just two years ago BN (before Norman).
Now economically, things are bad. So the conservative rant of Buff makes good political hay for Burke taxpayers. But even when good times return, the schools, because Burke places such a low value on education, will have to fight for the next extra penny. Such are the politics of Burke.
To the jerk who insists on copying and pasting whole articles to this site: If you haven't got the sense to put your own words together into a complete sentence, stop taking up space by submitting other people's work. You are just confirming your Buff-induced, Fab Five ignorance.
Buddy Armour is the root of all evil in Burke Public Schools. If David Burleson can get a better job and do a better job many Burke citizens will help him pack.
It shows that you people are at a loss for words when you post something that has nothing to do with the board of education. I think you will see that there will be many more changes over the course of 4 years. I do not think my children's education will suffer any more than it did under the old regime. Burke's elite are upset they can not get close to this board to get what they want. I think Demiter knows he is leaving a fast sinking ship and it is not just to do with the board.
Sadly enough Burke County is the talk in the surrounding counties. Actually BC Board of Education is the "laughing stock" of surrounding counties. I recently had a conversation with a school employee in Caldwell County so was in disbelief with what is happening in Burke....their words were, "Burke County has some of the most innovative programs in North Carolina, under the leadership of David Burleson, so what does this new board want?" I had no answer other than "an axe to grind." They have done NOTHING for our children since taking office!!!
You are a liar buddy we know this is you. Are you just waiting to get your name on Draughn where you can resign? People are talking about how you look when they see you. You look depressed and sad as hell.
Burleson needs to go. All these people who harp about the children are the same ones who have neglected the students in the past.Our children deserve to get an excellent education no matter whether their superintendent is man of the year or not. What a joke that was. Next maybe they can make it David Burleson day in Burke county where we all can pay respects to ole king David. Give me a break. We need to have a parade in honor of him.
To any serious bloggers: I believe this forum is to be used for discussions and maybe find solutions. To those of you, and it may be only one of you, that keep saying Burleson needs to go and he is doing a terrible job, please explain and be specific. It is easy to say "He is a joke, send him packing" but you offer no specifics. Also, when you point out a problem, it is helpful to offer up a viable solution. Those are the discussions that may help our system.
I have a few suggestions: Why do the middle schools have sports tournments. When the middle schools were built, the season ended with the last game. Extra games take more gas and pull kids out of class. Another place to save money is to cut all the banquets during the year and at year-end. There is a banquet for every thing you can imagine: bus drivers, teacher of the year, teacher assistants, etc. If the banquets are cut then the position that plans all the banquets could be cut and none of this would impact our children's education. If you are truly wanting to save money, all these little items add up and the money could be used programs that do impact our children.
I never thought about the tournaments. That is a great idea.
I will be in the minority when I say this, but I think all sports should be cut from the middle school. Instead offer after school intramurals where everyone is welcome and their are no cuts.
I would also cut the instructional coaches. A good principal should already be doing that job
To those that keep harping about "no cuts from sports for middle school"......get a grip!!! Life is about not always being the best or making the team. Are you going to be there for your child that has NEVER been disappointment when they do not get their first job....are you going to run to the employer and ask why your child "was cut." Come on......life is about disappointments....teach your children how to deal with life rather than trying to shield them from the big bad world!!!!!
Do u really think a coach wants to cut a child.I dont think they do.It is a hard decision to make in sports who makes the team and who dont.In sports like basketball I think you only want so many on a team.It is hard enough to play everyone when you have 12 players.
I made the no cuts comment. I have coached in a middle school and had to make cuts (12 players 40 trying out). It is a hard thing to do, but it is necessary. I am not "harping" on it, but I really didn't make that clear in my first post.
I also went to a middle school that had an afterschool intramurals. I loved it. We would have weeks of certain sports. You could choose flag football or soccer, volleyball or golf, etc. We got to try nearly every sport. Boys and girls were sometimes mixed and sometimes seperate. I got to play sports, like basketball, even though I had no business on a basketball team.
My real intent was not about sheilding them from the real world, but more of letting more kids in on the fun.
I think the last several posts are excellent posts and more in line with the intent of this blog. There is more trouble with parents and students concerning sports than any other area in the school. Intramurals sounds great. The schools are going to say, though, that sports make the money so they will not be willing to cut them. However, the money made can only be used for more sports so nobody wins. It would take a group of strong parents to chnage the system as it is. If you start talking abou changing sports, there will be melt down.
To the people who keep commenting on Mr. Armour's "sad" demeanor...you would be sad, disgusted, depressed, angry, etc. if you had to work with the fab five on the school board and never get anything accomplished. I know that I would, especially when your goal is supporting children, and "their" goal is taking down the school system and anyone that gets in their way.
To the person that commented about Mr. Hairfield showing up at ball games....big deal....I am sure that his presence is mostly for show or to strike up some kind of controversey...but where are the rest of the board members?....Oh wait....I forgot....one helps run the other's store during the week and another...well....let's just say that he has seen his brief fair share of schools...and well...I guess we will excuse the nurse at least 3 to 4 days out of a week.
Wadcutter said... After listening to the audio from Monday's meeting, I'm betting today's goal was to re-instate the Associate's position while cutting other positions to pay for it.
The new majority want that other superintendent to come back to the county no matter what it costs our kids' education.
If you recall, Tim and Tracy voted against filling the position when Andy Anderson was recommended saying the job was unnecessary. And they voted against Andy's renewal contract. Buff didn't care then that the Superintendent was overloaded.
Why the sudden change of heart? With the reduction of over 20 teachers in next year's classrooms, Mr. Burleson said he did not think it would be right to fill the Associate's position at the cost of more lost jobs. I agree.
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM
Anonymous said... Wait just a minute, how hypocritical does that make Burleson,Wilkinson,and Armour sound? Burleson in my opinion, has no choice and should not. The person who wrote the above article is a moron if they think this position will cost their child's education.if Burleson knew he could pick say a Robert Murray to be the associate it would be no problem.Who would take over if something happened to Burleson? Randall is not qualified by the the state's standard. The minority now cry fowl but to no avail. I thought the teaching positions were retired personel and they just would not fill those positions. I for one believe the energy resource manager and custodial supervisor position are no longer needed and they need to be done away with.Also, I would block any attempt by Burleson to put Charles Cook or Robert Bonner at Draughn as head custodian. I hope Board members will start to cut Armour and Wilkinson to shreads in the next meetings about the budget.
May 10, 2008 1:12 PM
Anonymous said... Why is it Armour and Wilkinson now try to save money when for years they did every behind the seens trick to get the administration everything they wanted. David Burleson you now have Bosses who do not cater to you and to continue to undermine them is insobordination and you need to be written up. Im am tired of this and this board needs to cut snakes heads off.
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:23 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:42 PM
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May 10, 2008 4:43 PM
Anonymous said... Why is the board all intent on getting an Associate's position when they had no interest in filling Anne Stephens position which would have greatly benefited Draughn. Instead we have Betty Terrell covering middle school and high school and not doing a good job at either. All of you so intent on cutting Robert and Charles seem to have no problem adding an Associate to the budget. Let's say you get your way and both positions are cut, what have you saved if you turn around and add an Associate's salary plus benefits to the budget. If you are all about saving money as you claim, how can you support the Associate's position. As someone pointed out earlier, if twenty teaching postions are not filled, Mr. Burleson would not seem to need additional help.
May 10, 2008 5:23 PM
Anonymous said... A good reason to have an associate is to have someone to take over for Burleson. No one care about Robert or Charles and they will not be missed.Yes the salary will be high but so is Randall's and the old board brought in a finance officer and now we have that extra salary while Brackett does nothing. Buddy is stupid and everybody knows it.
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM
Anonymous said... I just read in the News Herald about the budget meeting on Friday. Why the insistance on funding for an associate's position. Mr. Burleson did not have one from 2000 until 2004 and has not had one since Mr. Anderson left. Why spend $160,000 unless you have some ulterior motive. Word is that fraud five want Rick Sherrill in as associate so they can more easily move him into the super's position. So in order for them to do that, we must pay $160,000 per year until they can get their plan in place. Now don't get all bent out of shape and start in on how Burleson needs to go. Maybe so, but why not fill his position when he does go rather than pay Rick Sherrill in the meantime. If your intent is save money, this move does not make any sense.
May 11, 2008 5:32 AM
Anonymous said... If something happens to Mr. Burleson, hire another super. It happens all the time. If a teacher leaves in the middle of the year, a new one is hired. We don't pay an assistant all year so they can take over if somehting happens to the teacher.
May 11, 2008 5:34 AM
Anonymous said... I do not work or live in Burke County but I must say that from the audio of the BOE, News Herald, and this blog, it sounds like this school system is being run into the ground. It is a joke to the people in my county and the only thing I ask is that none of the board members move out of Burke County. At least I know that the county I live in will never be the worst in the state. The agenda of the new board appears to have nothing to do with the students of BCS, but more of their own boring lives and power hungry egos.
May 11, 2008 1:10 PM
Anonymous said... YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Anonymous said... It has never been about the children in bcps. Geraldine rector may have been the only board member to have truly cared about the education of the children. David Burleson needs to move on and show bcps what he can do. He would not have to play good ole boys politicslike in bloody burke.
May 11, 2008 3:57 PM
Wadcutter said... To the 7:46 self-proclaimed brainiac:
Keith Lawson replaced Cathy Carswell, the previous finance officer, who went to Newton-Conover as Finance Director. No new position was created. And Finance is just one area of Mr. Brackett's responsibility. But of course you knew that already because apparently everyone but you is stupid. Or is Armour the only one you can confirm as stupid? And since you seem to be an expert on recognizing stupidity, what does that say about you?
May 11, 2008 4:13 PM
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May 11, 2008 5:53 PM
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May 12, 2008 7:09 AM
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May 12, 2008 1:41 PM
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May 12, 2008 3:38 PM
Anonymous said... I know how to cut cost don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I work for the state and I don't drive a state vehicle home.
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM
Anonymous said... I know how to save money don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I should'nt have to pay for their ride to and from work.
May 14, 2008 1:56 PM
Anonymous said... Squeezed between rising costs and falling enrollment, the Burke County Schools Board of Education will wrestle with its proposed 2008-09 budget during a special Finance Committee meeting at noon today in the central office. The school board, by law, must present next year's budget to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15, just six days from now. Urged to adopt the budget at Monday's regular meeting, the board balked. "I'm not going to support this budget," declared Board Chairman Tim Buff. "Enrollment has dropped every year that I've been here. Every year we've added employees.... "We're dipping into the fund balance again. We just cannot continue this. "We've got a responsibility to the people of Burke County. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's get down to this" even if it takes more meetings. Board member Tracy Norman also questioned drawing down the "fund balance" ? the schools' version of a citizen's savings account ? to cover expenses. The proposed budget's introductory paragraphs supports their concerns: "It is important to note that using fund balances is treacherous, because we are using non-recurring revenue to fund recurring expenses." Norman said repeatedly tapping the fund balance to make up for shortfalls in revenue is "kind of like putting a BandAid on a dam." And she seemed neither satisfied or reassured when school officials said it's not unusual to tap the fund balance when other revenue sources don't meet the district's needs. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett explained, "I would say to you the problem we have is the large fund balance we've committed to opening two high schools. We created a large amount of fund balance" in anticipation of opening Patton High School last year and Draughn High School this summer. "We had $3.8 million. We need to keep $1.2 to $1.5 million. We're drawing down $750,000. "This is a pretty good budget, despite cutting into the fund balance." The "Local Current Expense Budget" ? so-called because it doesn't include state funds for certified personnel (pri-marily teachers) ? totals $16.45 million. That's about $350,000 (2.1 percent) lower than the 2007-08 budget. "It has been a particularly difficult budget to balance," admitted Finance Director Keith Lawson. He said school administrators started work on the budget in February. The Finance Committee had at least four full meetings leading up to this week's presentation, as well as many smaller or informal sessions. Superintendent David Burleson said dozens of people, including department heads, principals, teachers and outside advisers, contributed their input. One problem in the budget-making process, Lawson noted, is the state legislature has yet to approve its education budget. The school system won't know until later this year how much it will need for non-certified personnel, whose salary increases tend to track along with those the state gives to teachers. Another unknown is the cost for energy: transportation, heating and cooling. Utility expenses in the proposed budget jump $300,000 (8.4 percent) to $3.86 million. "My biggest concern has to be the loss of some positions," said board member Sam Wilkinson who, with Norman and Rob Hairfield, sits on the Finance Committee. "We're going to be roughly 27 positions lower." The reduction in salaries, supplements and benefits amounts to $858,000 (8.7 percent) from 2007-08 to 2008-09. Superintendent Burleson hastened to assure people that there will be no layoffs. Instead, the staff size will be re-duced through retirements and by not replacing people who leave voluntarily. "What we have concentrated on is not affecting the classroom situation," he added. "There will be a little change in class size in the lower grades (through third grade)," but the district will still meet state requirements for allowable class size. Like Buff, Burleson noted the district is losing students. At the same time, of course, the district is opening another high school. In 2000, when planning for the new schools began, Freedom High was bursting at the seams, carrying a pupil load of roughly 1.5 times what it was designed to hold. Based on the district's experience opening Patton High School in 2007, the proposed budget for 2008-09 anticipates spending an additional $762,000 for Draughn High School. "With the exception of the expenditures for Draughn, the proposed budget is a continuation budget with no expan-sion. It'd be nice to have an expansion budget," Burleson said, but he doesn't expect to see one any time soon.
May 17, 2008 6:48 PMWadcutter said... After listening to the audio from Monday's meeting, I'm betting today's goal was to re-instate the Associate's position while cutting other positions to pay for it.
The new majority want that other superintendent to come back to the county no matter what it costs our kids' education.
If you recall, Tim and Tracy voted against filling the position when Andy Anderson was recommended saying the job was unnecessary. And they voted against Andy's renewal contract. Buff didn't care then that the Superintendent was overloaded.
Why the sudden change of heart? With the reduction of over 20 teachers in next year's classrooms, Mr. Burleson said he did not think it would be right to fill the Associate's position at the cost of more lost jobs. I agree.
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM
Anonymous said... Wait just a minute, how hypocritical does that make Burleson,Wilkinson,and Armour sound? Burleson in my opinion, has no choice and should not. The person who wrote the above article is a moron if they think this position will cost their child's education.if Burleson knew he could pick say a Robert Murray to be the associate it would be no problem.Who would take over if something happened to Burleson? Randall is not qualified by the the state's standard. The minority now cry fowl but to no avail. I thought the teaching positions were retired personel and they just would not fill those positions. I for one believe the energy resource manager and custodial supervisor position are no longer needed and they need to be done away with.Also, I would block any attempt by Burleson to put Charles Cook or Robert Bonner at Draughn as head custodian. I hope Board members will start to cut Armour and Wilkinson to shreads in the next meetings about the budget.
May 10, 2008 1:12 PM
Anonymous said... Why is it Armour and Wilkinson now try to save money when for years they did every behind the seens trick to get the administration everything they wanted. David Burleson you now have Bosses who do not cater to you and to continue to undermine them is insobordination and you need to be written up. Im am tired of this and this board needs to cut snakes heads off.
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:23 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:42 PM
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May 10, 2008 4:43 PM
Anonymous said... Why is the board all intent on getting an Associate's position when they had no interest in filling Anne Stephens position which would have greatly benefited Draughn. Instead we have Betty Terrell covering middle school and high school and not doing a good job at either. All of you so intent on cutting Robert and Charles seem to have no problem adding an Associate to the budget. Let's say you get your way and both positions are cut, what have you saved if you turn around and add an Associate's salary plus benefits to the budget. If you are all about saving money as you claim, how can you support the Associate's position. As someone pointed out earlier, if twenty teaching postions are not filled, Mr. Burleson would not seem to need additional help.
May 10, 2008 5:23 PM
Anonymous said... A good reason to have an associate is to have someone to take over for Burleson. No one care about Robert or Charles and they will not be missed.Yes the salary will be high but so is Randall's and the old board brought in a finance officer and now we have that extra salary while Brackett does nothing. Buddy is stupid and everybody knows it.
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM
Anonymous said... I just read in the News Herald about the budget meeting on Friday. Why the insistance on funding for an associate's position. Mr. Burleson did not have one from 2000 until 2004 and has not had one since Mr. Anderson left. Why spend $160,000 unless you have some ulterior motive. Word is that fraud five want Rick Sherrill in as associate so they can more easily move him into the super's position. So in order for them to do that, we must pay $160,000 per year until they can get their plan in place. Now don't get all bent out of shape and start in on how Burleson needs to go. Maybe so, but why not fill his position when he does go rather than pay Rick Sherrill in the meantime. If your intent is save money, this move does not make any sense.
May 11, 2008 5:32 AM
Anonymous said... If something happens to Mr. Burleson, hire another super. It happens all the time. If a teacher leaves in the middle of the year, a new one is hired. We don't pay an assistant all year so they can take over if somehting happens to the teacher.
May 11, 2008 5:34 AM
Anonymous said... I do not work or live in Burke County but I must say that from the audio of the BOE, News Herald, and this blog, it sounds like this school system is being run into the ground. It is a joke to the people in my county and the only thing I ask is that none of the board members move out of Burke County. At least I know that the county I live in will never be the worst in the state. The agenda of the new board appears to have nothing to do with the students of BCS, but more of their own boring lives and power hungry egos.
May 11, 2008 1:10 PM
Anonymous said... YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Anonymous said... It has never been about the children in bcps. Geraldine rector may have been the only board member to have truly cared about the education of the children. David Burleson needs to move on and show bcps what he can do. He would not have to play good ole boys politicslike in bloody burke.
May 11, 2008 3:57 PM
Wadcutter said... To the 7:46 self-proclaimed brainiac:
Keith Lawson replaced Cathy Carswell, the previous finance officer, who went to Newton-Conover as Finance Director. No new position was created. And Finance is just one area of Mr. Brackett's responsibility. But of course you knew that already because apparently everyone but you is stupid. Or is Armour the only one you can confirm as stupid? And since you seem to be an expert on recognizing stupidity, what does that say about you?
May 11, 2008 4:13 PM
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May 11, 2008 5:53 PM
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May 12, 2008 7:09 AM
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May 12, 2008 1:41 PM
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May 12, 2008 3:38 PM
Anonymous said... I know how to cut cost don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I work for the state and I don't drive a state vehicle home.
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM
Anonymous said... I know how to save money don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I should'nt have to pay for their ride to and from work.
May 14, 2008 1:56 PM
Anonymous said... Squeezed between rising costs and falling enrollment, the Burke County Schools Board of Education will wrestle with its proposed 2008-09 budget during a special Finance Committee meeting at noon today in the central office. The school board, by law, must present next year's budget to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15, just six days from now. Urged to adopt the budget at Monday's regular meeting, the board balked. "I'm not going to support this budget," declared Board Chairman Tim Buff. "Enrollment has dropped every year that I've been here. Every year we've added employees.... "We're dipping into the fund balance again. We just cannot continue this. "We've got a responsibility to the people of Burke County. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's get down to this" even if it takes more meetings. Board member Tracy Norman also questioned drawing down the "fund balance" ? the schools' version of a citizen's savings account ? to cover expenses. The proposed budget's introductory paragraphs supports their concerns: "It is important to note that using fund balances is treacherous, because we are using non-recurring revenue to fund recurring expenses." Norman said repeatedly tapping the fund balance to make up for shortfalls in revenue is "kind of like putting a BandAid on a dam." And she seemed neither satisfied or reassured when school officials said it's not unusual to tap the fund balance when other revenue sources don't meet the district's needs. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett explained, "I would say to you the problem we have is the large fund balance we've committed to opening two high schools. We created a large amount of fund balance" in anticipation of opening Patton High School last year and Draughn High School this summer. "We had $3.8 million. We need to keep $1.2 to $1.5 million. We're drawing down $750,000. "This is a pretty good budget, despite cutting into the fund balance." The "Local Current Expense Budget" ? so-called because it doesn't include state funds for certified personnel (pri-marily teachers) ? totals $16.45 million. That's about $350,000 (2.1 percent) lower than the 2007-08 budget. "It has been a particularly difficult budget to balance," admitted Finance Director Keith Lawson. He said school administrators started work on the budget in February. The Finance Committee had at least four full meetings leading up to this week's presentation, as well as many smaller or informal sessions. Superintendent David Burleson said dozens of people, including department heads, principals, teachers and outside advisers, contributed their input. One problem in the budget-making process, Lawson noted, is the state legislature has yet to approve its education budget. The school system won't know until later this year how much it will need for non-certified personnel, whose salary increases tend to track along with those the state gives to teachers. Another unknown is the cost for energy: transportation, heating and cooling. Utility expenses in the proposed budget jump $300,000 (8.4 percent) to $3.86 million. "My biggest concern has to be the loss of some positions," said board member Sam Wilkinson who, with Norman and Rob Hairfield, sits on the Finance Committee. "We're going to be roughly 27 positions lower." The reduction in salaries, supplements and benefits amounts to $858,000 (8.7 percent) from 2007-08 to 2008-09. Superintendent Burleson hastened to assure people that there will be no layoffs. Instead, the staff size will be re-duced through retirements and by not replacing people who leave voluntarily. "What we have concentrated on is not affecting the classroom situation," he added. "There will be a little change in class size in the lower grades (through third grade)," but the district will still meet state requirements for allowable class size. Like Buff, Burleson noted the district is losing students. At the same time, of course, the district is opening another high school. In 2000, when planning for the new schools began, Freedom High was bursting at the seams, carrying a pupil load of roughly 1.5 times what it was designed to hold. Based on the district's experience opening Patton High School in 2007, the proposed budget for 2008-09 anticipates spending an additional $762,000 for Draughn High School. "With the exception of the expenditures for Draughn, the proposed budget is a continuation budget with no expan-sion. It'd be nice to have an expansion budget," Burleson said, but he doesn't expect to see one any time soon.
79 comments:
Looks like the "Fab Five" are still determine to drive Burke County Schools into the ground!!!
From News Hearld:
Schools board will replace attorney
By Arrick Gordon
news@morganton.com
Monday, May 5, 2008
MORGANTON - School board attorney Sam Aycock was officially dismissed at Monday night's Burke County schools board meeting.
In a flurry of actions the board also named a new financial auditor and finally approved new school board district lines. The board refused to accept the proposed 2008-09 budget.
In a surprise action, school board member Rob Hairfield addressed board members and recommended terminating the legal services of Aycock. When challenged by board member Buddy Armour about the reason for the recommendation, Hairfield said he felt there were instances in previous legal matters involving the previous school board where the board attorney seemed to be too "subjective" and not "objective" regarding certain actions.
"We have a new board," Hairfield said "I believe it's time for a change."
The recommendation was approved on a 5 to 2 vote with Armour and Sam Wilkinson voting nay.
With only 10 days left before a statutory deadline, the school board balked when asked to approve the 2008-09 budget.
Finance Director Keith Lawson presented a proposed budget $350,000 smaller than the 2007-08 budget. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett urged the board to pass it, because state law requires the school district to submit its funding request to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15.
Several board members said they're not satisfied with the budget, however, so the Finance Committee (Rob Hairfield, Sam Wilkinson and Tracy Norman) invited all of the board members to express their concerns at a special Finance Committee meeting.
The committee meeting will begin at noon Friday in the central office.
In other business the school board chose a new financial auditing firm.
The current contract is with Lowdermilk, Church & Company.
Four bids to provide auditing services were received and financial committee members met with representatives from two of the bidding firms.
On behalf of the finance committee Hairfield recommended hiring Smith, Miller & Buff. Board Chairman Tim Buff said the firm's CPA is no relation.
Hairfield said the school system will save $10,000 to $12,000 on the new contract.
The board unanimously approved the change.
Finally, after six months of debate, research and investigation, the school board unanimously approved the proposed map of the school board voting district lines. Credit was given to Scott Black of the Burke County GIS Department for assisting the board with the new map.
The board received a petition with almost 860 signatures from Draughn district residents. They asked the board to establish a Glen Yoder Scholarship Fund. A former principal within the Burke County Public School system, the late Yoder was revered as "a dedicated, selfless teacher, mentor and administrator."
Wilkinson, who presented the petition said he would like to see some aspect or part of Draughn High School named for Yoder. The board will consider the request.
The board's next regular meeting is set for 6 p.m. May 19 at the board room on Parker Road.
WHEN IS THE PEOPLE OF BURKE COUNTY GOING TO STAND UP AND OVER THROW THIS BUNCH BEFORE OR ARE WE GOING TO CONTINUE TO LET OUR CHILDREN SUFFER!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we the people of Burke County need to get together and have our on meeting to see what we are going to do about this mess we are in, Our children are very important, they are our future. The only thing the schools are worried about are EOG's. that is all my child has been doing all year is getting ready for the testing. Something need to be done.
*THEY DID NOT APPROVE REXANNA
LOWMAN
*THEY DID NOT APPROVE DOUG RHONEY
*THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF THE
KITE RUNNER
*THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF THE SCHOOL
BOARD ATTORNEY
AND......
NOW THEY DO NOT APPOVE THE BUDGET...with 10 days left to the deadline!!!
What do the Fraudulent Five want when not approving everything/anything that is brought before them?????
Are their plans to just shut the doors on Burke County Public Schools???? Shut the doors on our children's education???
WHERE WILL THIS END?????????
THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!!!!!!
With only 10 days left before a statutory deadline, the school board balked when asked to approve the 2008-09 budget.
Finance Director Keith Lawson presented a proposed budget $350,000 smaller than the 2007-08 budget. Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett urged the board to pass it, because state law requires the school district to submit its funding request to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15.
I hope that all those that voted this bunch in can sleep well knowing they are destroying our children's education and the success of Burke County Schools.
They are a disgrace to Burke County!!!!
To 8:03 pm
As a teacher in Burke County I can assure you that teachers dislike the testing as much or more than parents. However, the mandate for testing comes from the state and the federal program "No Child Left Behind". If students don't do well on the tests, the state can come in and take over the running of the school. It seems to be a no win situation for us all.
The bloggers here say that our children are suffering, the board is determined to drive BCPS into the ground, the doors are going to shut on BCPS, the doors are shutting on our children's education, our children's education and the success of BCPS is being destroyed because the board is replacing Aycock as board attorney and they're taking another look at the budget before it's approved?
Do the bloggers hear themselves?
Oh my goodness, things aren't the way they've always been and we're all going to die!
Here's some information which may be helpful to some.
Are there any prescription treatments for anxiety disorders?
-----------------------------------
An anxiety disorder is a state of excess worry that interferes with a person’s daily life. Several types of drugs can help people with anxiety disorders. Drugs in the benzodiazepine class are used most often. They work in the brain to relax the mind and body. Alprazolam (brand name Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) are examples of benzodiazepine medicines. Your doctor should supervise your care closely if you take one of these drugs, because they can lead to physical dependence.
Buspirone (Buspar) is another medicine that is very effective in treating anxiety and is less likely to cause physical dependence than the benzodiazepines. It is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and again at bedtime.
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor), imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) are also used to treat anxiety disorders and are most helpful for people who have symptoms of both depression and anxiety.
THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!
Keep Looking into the Crystal Ball, because all predictions are coming true...
When will the "fab five" begin making decisions that are for the children instead of themselves. I would like to know why this "group" thinks that they are so important...they are just the school board....however, they seem to be doing a great job of dividing the community and forgetting about the community. I hope that everyone who voted for these individuals are beginning to see the light....
I agree with the last post at 3:35 PM.
As one board member so often said..."Hello Burke County, is anyone out there???"
Hello, Burke County! Wake up! Do not let these 5 individuals terrorize the community! Fight for the children, not for personal agendas!!! Go to the school board meetings, sign up for the public comments, and tell them you are tired of their antics and agendas!!!
The really amazing thing about this hysteria is that most of these folks must have attended a different meeting than I. Every item with the exception to Aycock was a 7-0 vote. Please be specific and tell me how you blame 5 of the 7 for 7-0 votes. But yet you blame new members. Aycock was 5-2. I don't think he has much of an impact on our kids in the classroom. I hope not.....he always was unprepared and never completed assignments.
I have a few comments about Tracy's never ending idiotic statements and actions.
1. Her comment about "there is so much talk in the community, there must be some truth to it". She was referring to reasons for student transfers but if she is correct, then the talk of her and Buff must be true.
2. Could she laugh any louder or flirt any more than she did with Walt Church?
3. With all the needs and issues in the entire school system, she chose to make it her mission, nay, her calling to get a new lock for a door at Forrest Hill. Well bring out the band and let's have a parade.
4. Tracy, "where is it at" is not correct in any language.
OMG-Did anyone notice how members of the board started looking for other ways to cut the budget and justifying why they needed to keep their budgeted money when Buddy suggested the board not give themselves a raise. Rob, no one made you take the job on the board, pay for your own travel and expenses.
According to board audio files the board discussed a "school board training" to the tune of $250.00 per hour for 4 hours for $1000.00!!!!!!Also to pay the trainer's expenses!!!!!
Let's cut this to balance the budget!!!
Thank you Buddy for pointing out to the board that they need to cut expenses.
I would like to know how many times Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman travel to Raleigh and how much the school is paying for that. In this board meeting they (Mr. Buffa nd Ms. Norman) mentioned at least 3times about trips to Raleigh....is the school system paying for all those trips and their "overnight stays"??????????
How much money are Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman taking from the school board in these "special trips to Raleigh??"
And my last question.....why is it always Mr. Buff and Ms. Norman taking the trips together?????
Makes you wonder??????
Tim Buff and Tracey Norman are a couple. All they worry about are each other not our children.
Tim is not the only man dating Tracey . Tim you better open your eyes.
Better hide your wallets! The newest board members will be making plenty of trips to Raleigh and across the state for "training". Year before last, Tim and his family and Tracy and her boys went to Wrightsville Beach to a conference at the Holiday Inn Resort. To accomodate the family, one board member insisted on ocean-front. Tracy went again last summer. Those trips are public record and so are the expenditures (cost of room, food, registration, mileage). The finance department will furnish those to whomever wants to see them. You should look at all the board members and what they have spent in the last three years.
Also, look at the increases in the budget line item for travel and training since Tim and Tracy have been elected.
11:02AM,
Martinat, Brandon or Brackett, is that you? Sounds like some old campaign rhetoric that didn't hit a nerve with the voters back then. Maybe it will hit a nerve now.
Or... maybe not. Saving a few bucks in the budget on board member training and travel for State meetings doesn't make a very big dent in the overall budget shortfall. Can we find some more waste other than just cutting training and travel?
Buddy wants to make the public think that the board is spending a lot of money on themselves. Buddy will not however, talk about Burleson, Brackett or Scott Smith's travel allowance being cut. Nor will he talk about cutting two positions like the energy resource manager or custodial supervisor for the county. Buddy is in his own raging torment and needs to realize change is happening like it or not.
I have never known that an attorney could impact the children in the classroom so much.Wait, the legal troubles in the past could have cut money from the classroom. It was time for Aycock to go.The county commission changes attorney's frequently when the power changes.I believe John Ervin and who knows who else will come may 19th to tell the board what a bad mistake they have made.If the county commission changes attorney's in november will he stand up to them? No because he feels it was a slap in the face of Burleson and that is the reason people are mad about this thing.There were many happy people tuesday when the news broke.It is time for a change in a lot of positions! If someone can stand up at the next board meeting and tell the public how this directly affects the classroom in a negative way they should be given 1,000 dollars if they can prove the point. I doubt that will happen. I hope this board continues changing things that have eat at the core of Burke Schools for years.
The budget should be scrutinized and this board should be commended for it's thought on the budget for the next year.Never take Brackett's word for anything.
To the above comments about Mr.Armour. please dont talk about him think about this.If YOU ARE UGLY AND CAN AFFORD IT YOU CAN HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY.IF YOU ARE FAT YOU CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT.BUT,,,
WHEN YOU ARE STUPID THERE IS NO CURE FOR IT! Please leave Buddy alone he can not help it.
Buddy wanting to save money is the biggest charade I have ever seen. He has been on the board for a long time and he picks one thing to fuss about.Fuss about the ungodly salary and travel allowace you have placed upon the citizens with your votes through the years.Buddy is pro administration, not pro taxpayer!
In reference to Scott Smith's, Randall Brackett's, and David Burleson's travel budget....Have you seen lately how gas prices are increasing? Have you ever noticed how many places in one day Mr. Burleson is? PLENTY. He moves from school to school, from funeral home to funeral home, from hospital to hospital...not to mention that I am sure he is required so many training hours as superintendent. As for Scott...just look at all of the schools that we have, all of the technology in those schools, and all of the computer viruses and machines that need fixed...travel is required. Not to mention,the need for his training to keep our computer network up and running and in this century. I am also sure that Randall Brackett has the same issues...
The main objective is the board's travel. Yes, they are required training and some of it takes place in Raleigh, yet it is a choice to go to trainings at the beach and invite your family to go along at the school's expense. Wake up.
Let me just say that if you have ever met Buddy, you would realize that he is a penny pincher in a good way. He always tries to find a way to save a buck, especially in the schools. Apparently you people want to run your mouth, but not back it up with evidence. I bet you he rarely turns in all of his receipts just to save the system money. However, you have some that will party on the school system's budget. Get a life. I can also tell you that the allowance that they get, their little meager pay check for travel, doesn't even cover half of the fuel that Buddy uses to go from school to school and event to event in one month. Yes, he actually is seen in schools, not for show, but because he cares about children. So, apparently you have nothing to "FUSS" about until you get your facts straight.
Calling someone stupid is only a reflection upon the person doing the name calling. Some adults are nothing but big children. Grow up.
Teachers rarely leave Burke County for a training....they usually only attend trainings on work days that are held within the county. Teachers that DIRECTLY impact our students. But Tim Buff and Tracy Norman can justifiy a trip to the beach for a training???? AND take their families??? So can a teacher sign up for a training at the beach and bring along their entire family??
Most people when they take a job are told here is the pay take the job or leave it.Burleson does travel but he is paid quite well.Mr. Armour is not the only board member seen at school functions.Rob has been seen at numerous ballgames over the past few years before he was elected and since.He goes to band concerts,plays and other things because he has grandchildren in the schools.Ihave seen rob at a lot of basketball games before. If the board needs to cut their travelor expenditures they should but the administration is no different and no one can argue that for Buddy. You have to have total accountability.
Why does Buddy continue to defend Scott Smith and Burleson so much?
Scott Smith got his job because of Buddy and got his doctorate because we paid for it.We also give him unlimited travel to and from statesville every day.This measure needs to cease. He can be replaced with a cheaper more effective person and someone just as qualified.
We can not wait to see who the new attorney will be.I hope they are not a rotarian. The board needs someone who can represent them and not have to go through David Burleson or Randall Brackett. Oh the winds of change are blowing. The attorney will probably put a stop to the every day spin of administration. Keep it up and get tough. This Board is moving in the right direction.
Hey winds of change,
Can't wait to see how much the new attorney will cost the county per hour while he "gets up to speed" on the past several years business. Maybe we can pay travel and workshop expenses for him to train himself/herself in school law. If the board members were not qualified, they should have not run for the board. Let them get their training on their own time, no one is making them sit on the board. Besides, how much training does Tracy need to call Mr. Burleson to get a door fixed.
A little bird told me to watch for something to be filed in court very shortly on the Anderson case. Oh yes, its coming back.
I do know for a fact there will be a case filed in Federal Court very shortly. Watch for Burleson, Brackett and some others run for the hills.
Burleson, why happen with your interview for Supt. for Bumcomb County? I know. Did not get it. Friends have friends who are on other school boards in other counties.
This little paragraph is for Doug Rhoney. You told the parents and some of your staff at your school that Coach Rob Proide could not go to a high school and coach because he is not certified to teach high school. I heard it come straight out of your mouth. What a lie. Proide interviewed for the baseball coach position at JCD High School and may have it from what has been told. This knocks out Huffman. The man gets in trouble last year with his mouth and nothing gets done about it. Maybe a few little recordings of him cursing in class and on the field needs to be sent to the board.
Something else Burleson. You need to let the teachers know about DHS. The only people you are hurting are the students and the teachers. If you wait to the last minute it will be to late. Maybe someone from the board needs to hold your hand and make sure our children will have teachers. Maybe Rob or Tracey.
Good luck in court Burleson and Brackett.
To 8:00pm blogger....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!!!!
For months we have heard the "run for the hills".....last time I saw Mr. Burleson he was not running for the hills, but try to run a school system just has he has done for many successful years. Get your facts straight before you start pouting off again.
And we would love to see the Anderson case in court....felony charges for recording in the locker room...yes...let's see that!
Is that you Buddy? Your medicine got you up again?
"Why does Buddy continue to defend Scott Smith and Burleson so much?
Scott Smith got his job because of Buddy and got his doctorate because we paid for it.We also give him unlimited travel to and from statesville every day.This measure needs to cease. He can be replaced with a cheaper more effective person and someone just as qualified."
Did you know that BCPS offers tuition reimbursement to all teachers. The last time I used it it covered $125 per class. That doesn't come close to covering the cost of a class. I also believe that Catawba county covers more.
Travel doesn't count home to work. It only counts where you go after your first destination. We don't have a school in Statesville, so Scott is not getting that travel money.
All this should be public record. Go look at the facts.
"You told the parents and some of your staff at your school that Coach Rob Proide could not go to a high school and coach because he is not certified to teach high school."
Most licenses have some overlap, k-6, 6-9, 9-12. I am guessing Rob would teach freshman. Plus, it is not like he couldn't work for get a 9-12 license. Can't comment on Rhoney saying those things.
I am sure the new attorney is a good one:
1. Helped RH with his multiple DWIs
2. Helped TN with her degenerate son
3. Helped TB with divorce for adultry
These guys must give a group rate.
Group rate. I love it! The new board attorney could have his work cut out for him. His board bosses' actions could keep him in court because of their "need for training". There is a remedy... Who's bringing the sun block?
You think its bad now wait til next year, because Tracey and Tim are not going anyway.
North Carolina encourages teachers to seek NBPTS certification with incentives that exceed
that of any other state. The state pays the application fees ($2,300) for as many teachers as
wish to pursue certification any year, and grants an automatic 12 percent salary increase to
those who receive certification. Many other states have chosen to give far less support to the
NBPTS program, and some give no support at all.
Despite the large amounts of tax money that have been spent promoting certification, there is
no evidence that the certification process does anything to elevate a teacher’s ability to instruct
students. Furthermore there is no evidence that certified teachers are better at producing
high student achievement than are non-certified teachers. The only study that looked at
measured student learning found that NBPTS certified teachers were no more likely to produce
exceptional student progress than were other teachers, and that some certified teachers
had abnormally low student progress.
Research on National Board Certification
More than 150 studies, reports, and papers have been commissioned on the National Board Certification process, and more studies are underway. This growing body of research, which clearly demonstrates the impact of National Board Certification on teaching and learning, underscores the importance of NEA's support for National Board Certification.
One of the most significant research findings so far: National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) actually do produce greater student achievement gains than their counterparts, and do so especially for lower achieving students.
Appalachian State University (April 2005): This study found that NBCTs developed and implemented instructional plans and assignments aimed at fostering deeper student understanding, and students taught by NBCTs achieved deeper learning than students of non-board certified teachers. The study found a statistically significant difference between the depth of student learning of NBCTs and teachers who had attempted but did not achieve certification. The study examined the teaching practices of 64 teachers in 17 states. The study is mentioned in this NBPTS release.
University of Washington/ Urban Institute (March 2004): An independent, multi-year study of more than 600,000 records of North Carolina students found that teachers who achieve National Board Certification do a measurably better job in the classroom. Students of NBCTs improved an average of 7 percent more on their year-end math and reading tests than students whose teachers attempted but failed to gain certification. This performance differential was most pronounced for younger and lower-income students whose gains were as high as 15 percent. Read the NBPTS release.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (October 2000): This was the first comprehensive study to compare the teaching practices of NBCTs with other teachers, and to compare samples of student work from classrooms of the two groups of teachers. The findings: Teachers who have achieved NBC significantly outperform their peers who are not Board Certified on 11 of 13 key dimensions of teaching expertise.
That is great information. Based on the statistics of the positive impact of NBCT's would anyone like to crunch the numbers for Burke County? We should have an increase in student performance of 7-15% for students that are in NBCT's classrooms. That is worth celebrating!!!!!
First let me say I am (thankfully) outside your county. And yes, the BCB of E is a Joke. However, so are the citizens that make treats on this site. You are just as bog of a joke becuase you let these 5 run you over constantly. When is someone over at your county going to stand up and take actions instead of mouth. You have no right to moan and groan and do nothing. In our county, we would stand up and remove this board. You have a good superintendent, but I am afraid you are going to lose him. Fortunatley, your kids will not be allowed in our county schools. Deal with your problems and quit looking stupid.
First let me say I am (thankfully) outside your county. And yes, the BCB of E is a Joke. However, so are the citizens that make treats on this site. You are just as bog of a joke becuase you let these 5 run you over constantly. When is someone over at your county going to stand up and take actions instead of mouth. You have no right to moan and groan and do nothing. In our county, we would stand up and remove this board. You have a good superintendent, but I am afraid you are going to lose him. Fortunatley, your kids will not be allowed in our county schools. Deal with your problems and quit looking stupid.
rjDang...and I thought our grammar was atrocious!! As for how you would "stand up" to the BOE...do tell...
To the 4:41am blogger...FYI, Scott Smith did not get his job because of Mr. Armour. He was the most qualified and Dr. Stewart offered him the job. Get your facts straight. To the 8:00pm blogger...if you would actually take the time to get to know Rob Priode, you would know that he loves his students very much. I am a former pupil of Mr. Priode, and he is one of the best teachers in Burke County. Finally, to all who continue to make Mr. Armour look like the bad guy...if you really want to know anything about him, I'm sure he would tell you himself. Just give him a call. But, I guess that's just too difficult; it is just easier to assume what everyone else is saying is the truth.
To the out-of-county blogger:
Sadly, you are correct. The politics of Burke have always suggested that education has a low priority among the majority of the people with the highest priority given to keeping property taxes low. Past boards have fought this mentality in court and through the media with some, but not a lot of success.
BCPS offers a fine educational product at a lower cost to the taxpayers than any surrounding county. The county recently elected a new school board to keep the cost low - no matter what. You will not see this board challenge the County Commissioners for additional funding because Buff/Norman and Hairfield are their loyal subjects.
Burleson had assembled a very effective team of Central Office administrators who gave BCPS the ability to bring the best teachers into Burke and keep them. But Buff and Company have created an environment not conducive to attracting or keeping anyone with any educational talent because Buff and his crew have none themselves.
But you are right. This county will probably just sit and watch the rapid decline of its schools. When things get so bad, they will eventually elect a board that is child-centered and not cheap-centered. It will take years - at least ten - to bring the system back to where it was just two years ago BN (before Norman).
Now economically, things are bad. So the conservative rant of Buff makes good political hay for Burke taxpayers. But even when good times return, the schools, because Burke places such a low value on education, will have to fight for the next extra penny. Such are the politics of Burke.
To the jerk who insists on copying and pasting whole articles to this site: If you haven't got the sense to put your own words together into a complete sentence, stop taking up space by submitting other people's work. You are just confirming your Buff-induced, Fab Five ignorance.
Why don't everyone do something about all of this Bull.
Buddy Armour is the root of all evil in Burke Public Schools. If David Burleson can get a better job and do a better job many Burke citizens will help him pack.
It shows that you people are at a loss for words when you post something that has nothing to do with the board of education. I think you will see that there will be many more changes over the course of 4 years. I do not think my children's education will suffer any more than it did under the old regime. Burke's elite are upset they can not get close to this board to get what they want. I think Demiter knows he is leaving a fast sinking ship and it is not just to do with the board.
Sadly enough Burke County is the talk in the surrounding counties. Actually BC Board of Education is the "laughing stock" of surrounding counties. I recently had a conversation with a school employee in Caldwell County so was in disbelief with what is happening in Burke....their words were, "Burke County has some of the most innovative programs in North Carolina, under the leadership of David Burleson, so what does this new board want?" I had no answer other than "an axe to grind." They have done NOTHING for our children since taking office!!!
You are a liar buddy we know this is you. Are you just waiting to get your name on Draughn where you can resign? People are talking about how you look when they see you. You look depressed and sad as hell.
Burleson needs to go. All these people who harp about the children are the same ones who have neglected the students in the past.Our children deserve to get an excellent education no matter whether their superintendent is man of the year or not. What a joke that was. Next maybe they can make it David Burleson day in Burke county where we all can pay respects to ole king David. Give me a break. We need to have a parade in honor of him.
To any serious bloggers:
I believe this forum is to be used for discussions and maybe find solutions. To those of you, and it may be only one of you, that keep saying Burleson needs to go and he is doing a terrible job, please explain and be specific. It is easy to say "He is a joke, send him packing" but you offer no specifics. Also, when you point out a problem, it is helpful to offer up a viable solution. Those are the discussions that may help our system.
I have a few suggestions:
Why do the middle schools have sports tournments. When the middle schools were built, the season ended with the last game. Extra games take more gas and pull kids out of class.
Another place to save money is to cut all the banquets during the year and at year-end. There is a banquet for every thing you can imagine: bus drivers, teacher of the year, teacher assistants, etc. If the banquets are cut then the position that plans all the banquets could be cut and none of this would impact our children's education.
If you are truly wanting to save money, all these little items add up and the money could be used programs that do impact our children.
I never thought about the tournaments. That is a great idea.
I will be in the minority when I say this, but I think all sports should be cut from the middle school. Instead offer after school intramurals where everyone is welcome and their are no cuts.
I would also cut the instructional coaches. A good principal should already be doing that job
To those that keep harping about "no cuts from sports for middle school"......get a grip!!! Life is about not always being the best or making the team. Are you going to be there for your child that has NEVER been disappointment when they do not get their first job....are you going to run to the employer and ask why your child "was cut." Come on......life is about disappointments....teach your children how to deal with life rather than trying to shield them from the big bad world!!!!!
Do u really think a coach wants to cut a child.I dont think they do.It is a hard decision to make in sports who makes the team and who dont.In sports like basketball I think you only want so many on a team.It is hard enough to play everyone when you have 12 players.
I made the no cuts comment. I have coached in a middle school and had to make cuts (12 players 40 trying out). It is a hard thing to do, but it is necessary. I am not "harping" on it, but I really didn't make that clear in my first post.
I also went to a middle school that had an afterschool intramurals. I loved it. We would have weeks of certain sports. You could choose flag football or soccer, volleyball or golf, etc. We got to try nearly every sport. Boys and girls were sometimes mixed and sometimes seperate. I got to play sports, like basketball, even though I had no business on a basketball team.
My real intent was not about sheilding them from the real world, but more of letting more kids in on the fun.
I think the last several posts are excellent posts and more in line with the intent of this blog. There is more trouble with parents and students concerning sports than any other area in the school. Intramurals sounds great. The schools are going to say, though, that sports make the money so they will not be willing to cut them. However, the money made can only be used for more sports so nobody wins. It would take a group of strong parents to chnage the system as it is. If you start talking abou changing sports, there will be melt down.
To the people who keep commenting on Mr. Armour's "sad" demeanor...you would be sad, disgusted, depressed, angry, etc. if you had to work with the fab five on the school board and never get anything accomplished. I know that I would, especially when your goal is supporting children, and "their" goal is taking down the school system and anyone that gets in their way.
To the person that commented about Mr. Hairfield showing up at ball games....big deal....I am sure that his presence is mostly for show or to strike up some kind of controversey...but where are the rest of the board members?....Oh wait....I forgot....one helps run the other's store during the week and another...well....let's just say that he has seen his brief fair share of schools...and well...I guess we will excuse the nurse at least 3 to 4 days out of a week.
Hello
hey...
wha-wha-what's up?
not much. jus' chillin'
did you see the yankees get beat last night?
YEAH, THEY SUCK.
Wadcutter said...
After listening to the audio from Monday's meeting, I'm betting today's goal was to re-instate the Associate's position while cutting other positions to pay for it.
The new majority want that other superintendent to come back to the county no matter what it costs our kids' education.
If you recall, Tim and Tracy voted against filling the position when Andy Anderson was recommended saying the job was unnecessary. And they voted against Andy's renewal contract. Buff didn't care then that the Superintendent was overloaded.
Why the sudden change of heart? With the reduction of over 20 teachers in next year's classrooms, Mr. Burleson said he did not think it would be right to fill the Associate's position at the cost of more lost jobs. I agree.
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM
Anonymous said...
Wait just a minute, how hypocritical does that make Burleson,Wilkinson,and Armour sound?
Burleson in my opinion, has no choice and should not. The person who wrote the above article is a moron if they think this position will cost their child's education.if Burleson knew he could pick say a Robert Murray to be the associate it would be no problem.Who would take over if something happened to Burleson? Randall is not qualified by the the state's standard. The minority now cry fowl but to no avail. I thought the teaching positions were retired personel and they just would not fill those positions. I for one believe the energy resource manager and custodial supervisor position are no longer needed and they need to be done away with.Also, I would block any attempt by Burleson to put Charles Cook or Robert Bonner at Draughn as head custodian. I hope Board members will start to cut Armour and Wilkinson to shreads in the next meetings about the budget.
May 10, 2008 1:12 PM
Anonymous said...
Why is it Armour and Wilkinson now try to save money when for years they did every behind the seens trick to get the administration everything they wanted. David Burleson you now have Bosses who do not cater to you and to continue to undermine them is insobordination and you need to be written up. Im am tired of this and this board needs to cut snakes heads off.
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:23 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:42 PM
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May 10, 2008 4:43 PM
Anonymous said...
Why is the board all intent on getting an Associate's position when they had no interest in filling Anne Stephens position which would have greatly benefited Draughn. Instead we have Betty Terrell covering middle school and high school and not doing a good job at either. All of you so intent on cutting Robert and Charles seem to have no problem adding an Associate to the budget. Let's say you get your way and both positions are cut, what have you saved if you turn around and add an Associate's salary plus benefits to the budget. If you are all about saving money as you claim, how can you support the Associate's position. As someone pointed out earlier, if twenty teaching postions are not filled, Mr. Burleson would not seem to need additional help.
May 10, 2008 5:23 PM
Anonymous said...
A good reason to have an associate is to have someone to take over for Burleson. No one care about Robert or Charles and they will not be missed.Yes the salary will be high but so is Randall's and the old board brought in a finance officer and now we have that extra salary while Brackett does nothing. Buddy is stupid and everybody knows it.
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM
Anonymous said...
I just read in the News Herald about the budget meeting on Friday. Why the insistance on funding for an associate's position. Mr. Burleson did not have one from 2000 until 2004 and has not had one since Mr. Anderson left. Why spend $160,000 unless you have some ulterior motive. Word is that fraud five want Rick Sherrill in as associate so they can more easily move him into the super's position. So in order for them to do that, we must pay $160,000 per year until they can get their plan in place. Now don't get all bent out of shape and start in on how Burleson needs to go. Maybe so, but why not fill his position when he does go rather than pay Rick Sherrill in the meantime. If your intent is save money, this move does not make any sense.
May 11, 2008 5:32 AM
Anonymous said...
If something happens to Mr. Burleson, hire another super. It happens all the time. If a teacher leaves in the middle of the year, a new one is hired. We don't pay an assistant all year so they can take over if somehting happens to the teacher.
May 11, 2008 5:34 AM
Anonymous said...
I do not work or live in Burke County but I must say that from the audio of the BOE, News Herald, and this blog, it sounds like this school system is being run into the ground. It is a joke to the people in my county and the only thing I ask is that none of the board members move out of Burke County. At least I know that the county I live in will never be the worst in the state. The agenda of the new board appears to have nothing to do with the students of BCS, but more of their own boring lives and power hungry egos.
May 11, 2008 1:10 PM
Anonymous said...
YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Anonymous said...
It has never been about the children in bcps. Geraldine rector may have been the only board member to have truly cared about the education of the children. David Burleson needs to move on and show bcps what he can do. He would not have to play good ole boys politicslike in bloody burke.
May 11, 2008 3:57 PM
Wadcutter said...
To the 7:46 self-proclaimed brainiac:
Keith Lawson replaced Cathy Carswell, the previous finance officer, who went to Newton-Conover as Finance Director. No new position was created. And Finance is just one area of Mr. Brackett's responsibility. But of course you knew that already because apparently everyone but you is stupid. Or is Armour the only one you can confirm as stupid? And since you seem to be an expert on recognizing stupidity, what does that say about you?
May 11, 2008 4:13 PM
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May 11, 2008 5:53 PM
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May 12, 2008 7:09 AM
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May 12, 2008 1:41 PM
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May 12, 2008 3:38 PM
Anonymous said...
I know how to cut cost don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I work for the state and I don't drive a state vehicle home.
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM
Anonymous said...
I know how to save money don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I should'nt have to pay for their ride to and from work.
May 14, 2008 1:56 PM
Anonymous said...
Squeezed between rising costs and falling enrollment, the Burke County Schools Board of Education will wrestle with its proposed 2008-09 budget during a special Finance Committee meeting at noon today in the central office.
The school board, by law, must present next year's budget to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15, just six days from now.
Urged to adopt the budget at Monday's regular meeting, the board balked.
"I'm not going to support this budget," declared Board Chairman Tim Buff. "Enrollment has dropped every year that I've been here. Every year we've added employees....
"We're dipping into the fund balance again. We just cannot continue this.
"We've got a responsibility to the people of Burke County. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's get down to this" even if it takes more meetings.
Board member Tracy Norman also questioned drawing down the "fund balance" ? the schools' version of a citizen's savings account ? to cover expenses.
The proposed budget's introductory paragraphs supports their concerns: "It is important to note that using fund balances is treacherous, because we are using non-recurring revenue to fund recurring expenses."
Norman said repeatedly tapping the fund balance to make up for shortfalls in revenue is "kind of like putting a BandAid on a dam."
And she seemed neither satisfied or reassured when school officials said it's not unusual to tap the fund balance when other revenue sources don't meet the district's needs.
Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett explained, "I would say to you the problem we have is the large fund balance we've committed to opening two high schools. We created a large amount of fund balance" in anticipation of opening Patton High School last year and Draughn High School this summer. "We had $3.8 million. We need to keep $1.2 to $1.5 million. We're drawing down $750,000.
"This is a pretty good budget, despite cutting into the fund balance."
The "Local Current Expense Budget" ? so-called because it doesn't include state funds for certified personnel (pri-marily teachers) ? totals $16.45 million. That's about $350,000 (2.1 percent) lower than the 2007-08 budget.
"It has been a particularly difficult budget to balance," admitted Finance Director Keith Lawson.
He said school administrators started work on the budget in February. The Finance Committee had at least four full meetings leading up to this week's presentation, as well as many smaller or informal sessions. Superintendent David Burleson said dozens of people, including department heads, principals, teachers and outside advisers, contributed their input.
One problem in the budget-making process, Lawson noted, is the state legislature has yet to approve its education budget. The school system won't know until later this year how much it will need for non-certified personnel, whose salary increases tend to track along with those the state gives to teachers.
Another unknown is the cost for energy: transportation, heating and cooling.
Utility expenses in the proposed budget jump $300,000 (8.4 percent) to $3.86 million.
"My biggest concern has to be the loss of some positions," said board member Sam Wilkinson who, with Norman and Rob Hairfield, sits on the Finance Committee. "We're going to be roughly 27 positions lower."
The reduction in salaries, supplements and benefits amounts to $858,000 (8.7 percent) from 2007-08 to 2008-09.
Superintendent Burleson hastened to assure people that there will be no layoffs. Instead, the staff size will be re-duced through retirements and by not replacing people who leave voluntarily.
"What we have concentrated on is not affecting the classroom situation," he added. "There will be a little change in class size in the lower grades (through third grade)," but the district will still meet state requirements for allowable class size.
Like Buff, Burleson noted the district is losing students.
At the same time, of course, the district is opening another high school. In 2000, when planning for the new schools began, Freedom High was bursting at the seams, carrying a pupil load of roughly 1.5 times what it was designed to hold. Based on the district's experience opening Patton High School in 2007, the proposed budget for 2008-09 anticipates spending an additional $762,000 for Draughn High School.
"With the exception of the expenditures for Draughn, the proposed budget is a continuation budget with no expan-sion. It'd be nice to have an expansion budget," Burleson said, but he doesn't expect to see one any time soon.
May 17, 2008 6:48 PMWadcutter said...
After listening to the audio from Monday's meeting, I'm betting today's goal was to re-instate the Associate's position while cutting other positions to pay for it.
The new majority want that other superintendent to come back to the county no matter what it costs our kids' education.
If you recall, Tim and Tracy voted against filling the position when Andy Anderson was recommended saying the job was unnecessary. And they voted against Andy's renewal contract. Buff didn't care then that the Superintendent was overloaded.
Why the sudden change of heart? With the reduction of over 20 teachers in next year's classrooms, Mr. Burleson said he did not think it would be right to fill the Associate's position at the cost of more lost jobs. I agree.
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM
Anonymous said...
Wait just a minute, how hypocritical does that make Burleson,Wilkinson,and Armour sound?
Burleson in my opinion, has no choice and should not. The person who wrote the above article is a moron if they think this position will cost their child's education.if Burleson knew he could pick say a Robert Murray to be the associate it would be no problem.Who would take over if something happened to Burleson? Randall is not qualified by the the state's standard. The minority now cry fowl but to no avail. I thought the teaching positions were retired personel and they just would not fill those positions. I for one believe the energy resource manager and custodial supervisor position are no longer needed and they need to be done away with.Also, I would block any attempt by Burleson to put Charles Cook or Robert Bonner at Draughn as head custodian. I hope Board members will start to cut Armour and Wilkinson to shreads in the next meetings about the budget.
May 10, 2008 1:12 PM
Anonymous said...
Why is it Armour and Wilkinson now try to save money when for years they did every behind the seens trick to get the administration everything they wanted. David Burleson you now have Bosses who do not cater to you and to continue to undermine them is insobordination and you need to be written up. Im am tired of this and this board needs to cut snakes heads off.
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:23 PM
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May 10, 2008 2:42 PM
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May 10, 2008 4:43 PM
Anonymous said...
Why is the board all intent on getting an Associate's position when they had no interest in filling Anne Stephens position which would have greatly benefited Draughn. Instead we have Betty Terrell covering middle school and high school and not doing a good job at either. All of you so intent on cutting Robert and Charles seem to have no problem adding an Associate to the budget. Let's say you get your way and both positions are cut, what have you saved if you turn around and add an Associate's salary plus benefits to the budget. If you are all about saving money as you claim, how can you support the Associate's position. As someone pointed out earlier, if twenty teaching postions are not filled, Mr. Burleson would not seem to need additional help.
May 10, 2008 5:23 PM
Anonymous said...
A good reason to have an associate is to have someone to take over for Burleson. No one care about Robert or Charles and they will not be missed.Yes the salary will be high but so is Randall's and the old board brought in a finance officer and now we have that extra salary while Brackett does nothing. Buddy is stupid and everybody knows it.
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM
Anonymous said...
I just read in the News Herald about the budget meeting on Friday. Why the insistance on funding for an associate's position. Mr. Burleson did not have one from 2000 until 2004 and has not had one since Mr. Anderson left. Why spend $160,000 unless you have some ulterior motive. Word is that fraud five want Rick Sherrill in as associate so they can more easily move him into the super's position. So in order for them to do that, we must pay $160,000 per year until they can get their plan in place. Now don't get all bent out of shape and start in on how Burleson needs to go. Maybe so, but why not fill his position when he does go rather than pay Rick Sherrill in the meantime. If your intent is save money, this move does not make any sense.
May 11, 2008 5:32 AM
Anonymous said...
If something happens to Mr. Burleson, hire another super. It happens all the time. If a teacher leaves in the middle of the year, a new one is hired. We don't pay an assistant all year so they can take over if somehting happens to the teacher.
May 11, 2008 5:34 AM
Anonymous said...
I do not work or live in Burke County but I must say that from the audio of the BOE, News Herald, and this blog, it sounds like this school system is being run into the ground. It is a joke to the people in my county and the only thing I ask is that none of the board members move out of Burke County. At least I know that the county I live in will never be the worst in the state. The agenda of the new board appears to have nothing to do with the students of BCS, but more of their own boring lives and power hungry egos.
May 11, 2008 1:10 PM
Anonymous said...
YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Anonymous said...
It has never been about the children in bcps. Geraldine rector may have been the only board member to have truly cared about the education of the children. David Burleson needs to move on and show bcps what he can do. He would not have to play good ole boys politicslike in bloody burke.
May 11, 2008 3:57 PM
Wadcutter said...
To the 7:46 self-proclaimed brainiac:
Keith Lawson replaced Cathy Carswell, the previous finance officer, who went to Newton-Conover as Finance Director. No new position was created. And Finance is just one area of Mr. Brackett's responsibility. But of course you knew that already because apparently everyone but you is stupid. Or is Armour the only one you can confirm as stupid? And since you seem to be an expert on recognizing stupidity, what does that say about you?
May 11, 2008 4:13 PM
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May 11, 2008 5:53 PM
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May 12, 2008 7:09 AM
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May 12, 2008 1:41 PM
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May 12, 2008 3:38 PM
Anonymous said...
I know how to cut cost don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I work for the state and I don't drive a state vehicle home.
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM
Anonymous said...
I know how to save money don't let maintance drive county vehicles home. I should'nt have to pay for their ride to and from work.
May 14, 2008 1:56 PM
Anonymous said...
Squeezed between rising costs and falling enrollment, the Burke County Schools Board of Education will wrestle with its proposed 2008-09 budget during a special Finance Committee meeting at noon today in the central office.
The school board, by law, must present next year's budget to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on or by May 15, just six days from now.
Urged to adopt the budget at Monday's regular meeting, the board balked.
"I'm not going to support this budget," declared Board Chairman Tim Buff. "Enrollment has dropped every year that I've been here. Every year we've added employees....
"We're dipping into the fund balance again. We just cannot continue this.
"We've got a responsibility to the people of Burke County. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's get down to this" even if it takes more meetings.
Board member Tracy Norman also questioned drawing down the "fund balance" ? the schools' version of a citizen's savings account ? to cover expenses.
The proposed budget's introductory paragraphs supports their concerns: "It is important to note that using fund balances is treacherous, because we are using non-recurring revenue to fund recurring expenses."
Norman said repeatedly tapping the fund balance to make up for shortfalls in revenue is "kind of like putting a BandAid on a dam."
And she seemed neither satisfied or reassured when school officials said it's not unusual to tap the fund balance when other revenue sources don't meet the district's needs.
Associate Superintendent Randall Brackett explained, "I would say to you the problem we have is the large fund balance we've committed to opening two high schools. We created a large amount of fund balance" in anticipation of opening Patton High School last year and Draughn High School this summer. "We had $3.8 million. We need to keep $1.2 to $1.5 million. We're drawing down $750,000.
"This is a pretty good budget, despite cutting into the fund balance."
The "Local Current Expense Budget" ? so-called because it doesn't include state funds for certified personnel (pri-marily teachers) ? totals $16.45 million. That's about $350,000 (2.1 percent) lower than the 2007-08 budget.
"It has been a particularly difficult budget to balance," admitted Finance Director Keith Lawson.
He said school administrators started work on the budget in February. The Finance Committee had at least four full meetings leading up to this week's presentation, as well as many smaller or informal sessions. Superintendent David Burleson said dozens of people, including department heads, principals, teachers and outside advisers, contributed their input.
One problem in the budget-making process, Lawson noted, is the state legislature has yet to approve its education budget. The school system won't know until later this year how much it will need for non-certified personnel, whose salary increases tend to track along with those the state gives to teachers.
Another unknown is the cost for energy: transportation, heating and cooling.
Utility expenses in the proposed budget jump $300,000 (8.4 percent) to $3.86 million.
"My biggest concern has to be the loss of some positions," said board member Sam Wilkinson who, with Norman and Rob Hairfield, sits on the Finance Committee. "We're going to be roughly 27 positions lower."
The reduction in salaries, supplements and benefits amounts to $858,000 (8.7 percent) from 2007-08 to 2008-09.
Superintendent Burleson hastened to assure people that there will be no layoffs. Instead, the staff size will be re-duced through retirements and by not replacing people who leave voluntarily.
"What we have concentrated on is not affecting the classroom situation," he added. "There will be a little change in class size in the lower grades (through third grade)," but the district will still meet state requirements for allowable class size.
Like Buff, Burleson noted the district is losing students.
At the same time, of course, the district is opening another high school. In 2000, when planning for the new schools began, Freedom High was bursting at the seams, carrying a pupil load of roughly 1.5 times what it was designed to hold. Based on the district's experience opening Patton High School in 2007, the proposed budget for 2008-09 anticipates spending an additional $762,000 for Draughn High School.
"With the exception of the expenditures for Draughn, the proposed budget is a continuation budget with no expan-sion. It'd be nice to have an expansion budget," Burleson said, but he doesn't expect to see one any time soon.
May 17, 2008 6:48 PM
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