Thursday, March 19, 2009

Schools Making Progress into the 21st Century

http://www2.morganton.com/content/2009/mar/18/letter-schools-making-progress-21st-century/news-opinion/

Since all the "inept personnel who severely impeded the overall education process are gone", we can really make success now! Come on Rob - they are gone, let it go!

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can 't see that the technology department is any different than when Scott was here. I guess the high paid assistant director is making all the difference!!!! The salaries of the director and the assistant director should be made public and we will see if the taxpayers are getting more bang for our buck!!! Rob, you are so stuck on yourself. I think you talk just to hear yourself. You really don't have a clue..........

Anonymous said...

Salary records indicate Dr. Smith was making around $98K. They also indicate Ms. Blalock makes about the same, and her new assistant is close to $73K. Dr. Smith never had an assistant. Our IT department didn't need one. So apparently this is Hairfield's idea of progress and efficiency.

His attack on Dr. Smith is unwarranted. BCPS HAD to curtail its spending on technology until the new high schools were completed and the final costs were in. That was sound judgement on the old "inept" employees' parts. Rob seems to have forgotten that little tidbit.

And talk about hypocracy at its best! Did you know Rob and his teammates hired a "policy administrator" last Monday night? That's right! He and Buff created a NEW POSITION. Its all in the record. So Rob is not above hiring his friends and playing favorites.

Hairfield is a loose cannon with ZERO credibility, accountability, and integrity. The "shoot to kill" comments between him and Barnard confirm it. And if the schools are making so much progress, why do teachers and principals alike cringe when he and his cohorts enter a school building?

Anonymous said...

Maybe the principals and teachers cringe because the board members may find out something that they were not supposed too.One teacher passed out at east burke years ago when Hugh Blackwell entered her room. They do not go around enough in my opinion.
Scott Smith had let Mountain View elementary school's technology go for 7 years.Thats how long he was here.I want to know more about this policy position that was hired monday night.This was over the top and I am not happy if the board did this.I feel the News Herald should publish all County,and State employees exact salaries in the paper and online.The paper needs to do a huge story on these jobs and what the pay is.People in rest homes vote and read the paper and can not get online to find out things we can.I think a comparison needs to be made from all the big salary positions down to the little man.
As I said above this paragraph,the board members need to haunt the schools more and find out what david does not tell them.David is to busy being United Way,Homes for hearts,Rotary,and who knows what other organizations he is serving instead of the school system?
I have never been afraid as a school employee when an administrator or board member came in.I do my job and do not have problems like some of my peers seperating themselves from the politics of it all.
I only know of one or two elementary schools who are very political and one has a board members daughter as a teacher stirring up things,the other is a principal who's mother is a secretary at central office. I think enough teachers know how to seperate the boards crap and administrators crap to get to the truth.I know that Mr.Shane Mace has been caught saying things about the board, to teachers and it will soon fall back on him.The teachers are contacting board members to find out what is true and what is not!

Anonymous said...

Burke needs to step up to the plate and put an online link to all salaries. I don't see this happening though as then people would see the inequity in the system. Not surprised they have created another position as seems that's all they do now. And how can a $73,000 salary be justified when they are talking cutting AP's in the schools?

Anonymous said...

Well, if you are expecting truth from Buff, Norman, Hairfield, and Barnard, you might as well forget it. They wouldn't know truth if it bit them on the butt!!! I didn't mention Sain because she never speaks....

I agree with the comment about publishing all the school system salaries. I think the public would be very shocked at recent salary increases...

Anonymous said...

Sain speaks with her vote and it is always with Buff & Norman.

Anonymous said...

Those salaries are supposed to be 'public record'. Supposed to be able to make a request to finace and receive anyone's salary. Maybe someone needs to do that and post them here on the blog.

Anonymous said...

Is this country not founded on free speech? Above person says that Shane Mace is talking about the board to teachers and that it will come back on him. Are you implying that the board would use their powers to punish Mr. Mace for speaking his mind? OH, that's right, Tracy Norman did want to get names of the teachers who had recruited the students to speak at one of the board meetings. Isn't there a name for that, something like abuse of power?

Anonymous said...

Does the Morganton Herald have any real news reporters?

Anonymous said...

Can school purchased cell phone text messages be requested of any public servant? our engineer text messages all day long and can't be all work.

Anonymous said...

Can technology's instructional teach something other than claymation??????

Anonymous said...

Who is the policy "administrator" and what is his/her salary? Is this a temporary or a full-time position?

Anonymous said...

Maybe the herald will publish all employees with school cell phones and each of their charges for the past year.

Anonymous said...

Rednecks.

Anonymous said...

Lets retrieve Burlesons emails for the last three years.

Anonymous said...

REF: "Who is the policy "administrator" and what is his/her salary? Is this a temporary or a full-time position?"

A former H.S. principal from OUR county south of you. Full-time, I'm pretty sure.

Anonymous said...

TO 5:07 PM

LEAVE DR. BURLESON OUT OF THIS.

THANK YOU.

Anonymous said...

I am quite sure your Dr. Burleson was never the principal at R-S Central.

Anonymous said...

TO 5:11 AM

LEAVE DR. BURLESON OUT OF THIS.

THANK YOU.

Anonymous said...

He is mot a doctor or does he have his phd.If he can get one maybe he can get another job.You are only fooling yourself by calling him that.

Anonymous said...

"I have never been afraid as a school employee when an administrator or board member came in.I do my job and do not have problems like some of my peers seperating themselves from the politics of it all."

I guess not - particularly if you go to church with or suck up to the board's ring leaders. Just how much good has your boot licking done for you and your department?

Anonymous said...

"The paper needs to do a huge story on these jobs and what the pay is.People in rest homes vote and read the paper and can not get online to find out things we can.I think a comparison needs to be made from all the big salary positions down to the little man."

You sound just like your friend Hairfield. He's always whining about salaries and jobs. He's always defending the little man - except when he does the hiring and pays those big salaries to his own misguided minions. You also sound a litle bitter - also like your pal. Did BCPS give YOU the shaft? Has Hairfield made a deal with you, too?

Anonymous said...

Kirt Norman was also charged with resisting arrest with yet another court date in June.

Two boys, three charges. Who's paying for all this legal work?

"Train up your children in the way they should go..."

Anonymous said...

Maybe her boy's read the 'Kite Runner' and thus had their 'minds raped'. Poor little lost lambs.

And Dr. Burleson. Who is Dr. Burleson? What planet are you from?

Anonymous said...

Why didthe story about the Heritage Middle School student being caught with marijuana just now come out???

Anonymous said...

Why would a board create another 'administrative' position with all the budget issues and threats of cuts that are being discussed right now? And yes, I want to know who this new Policy Adimistrator is, and exactly what is his/her function, other than to draw another huge salary. Boondoggle!

Anonymous said...

March 20th, 8:59 - do you want benefit dollars included or just straight salaries?

Anonymous said...

Scott Smith has been gone from the school district for 8 months. Quit with the incessant demonization! It's getting old to hear all the time and we need to look ahead.

With the economy the way it is, ANYONE who doesn't NEED a cell phone should have it taken away. I don't think EVERY director needs a phone, for example. They should be given out to match the necessity of the position. Period. We ALL must be good stewards of the school district's money.

Rather than having the Board members just visit the schools, I think each of them should pick a position every so often and actually help do it for a 1/2 day. Not to throw it in their faces or to be mean, but to learn it from their standpoint.

Rumor has it that the new policy administrator is Tim Davis. True or false, I do not know.

Anonymous said...

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/p/content/hdr-2008-public-payroll/

Anonymous said...

In response to 7:30pm. No deal has ever been cut with Mr.Hairfield and I am still working for this system.I hope I am working for three new members in November.The shaft you say? Well not terminated,but the shaft is what we are getting from the board and administration.I know for a fact the NCAE is getting ready to open a few kegs on this board and its administration.
We the employee's are not getting what is deserved nor are the children.Our administration and board has been playing who is boss,who can jab who at board meetings,and which member thinks they represent the teachers and students.The problem is one group of the board thinks they are doing a great job being the majority.The minority thinks they represent a vast group of students and employee's.Neither is true. I hope in November we get board members who never belonged to,associate with SOS,or the board members. I know one deal I would except from Mr.Hairfield.Please change the course of direction we are headed in,and get us a new superintendent from outside the county! That would be a deal.

Anonymous said...

Could someone PLEASE get a list of the people with cellphones that are paid for by the school system and POST IT?

What is SOS?

Anonymous said...

Who is in control?
What is going on at Patton High in regards to the baseball team,and its coaches? The rumors all over are that a baseball coach got into it with a student and wrote on his face.Some teachers went to Mr.Burleson about this and were written up by the principal and walked out.The teachers returned the next day.The coach who is also a teacher was dealt with in house and no one may talk by order of Shanda and David. The parents are not buying the story,and it has not gone away.The teachers who were written up for going to David for insubordination is going to make an issue out of this. They shouls. My understanding is baseball coaches were getting players out of instructional class time often. We will see how this unfolds.

Anonymous said...

David covers up everything,and the board loves shanda and will buy her crap!

Anonymous said...

Straight from Pamlico County's Web Site - Mr. Sherrill's old stomping gounds.......does this sound familar??
Implementation
This mandatory school dress code shall be implemented for all students in grades kindergarten through twelve in Pamlico County Schools commencing in the fall semester of the 2006-2007 school year.
Student and Parent Notification
It is the responsibility of the school principal to communicate the information contained in this policy so that students and parents are able to comply with the school dress code requirements.
School Dress Code
A. Shirts and Blouses
1. Shirts and blouses must be collared and have sleeves. Pullover shirts, known as golf or polo shirts, turtlenecks, and button-down shirts or “oxford” shirts are acceptable.
2. The shirts and blouses must be of a solid color (i.e. black, white, etc.). Shirts and blouses with more than one color will not be permitted, to include stripes.
3. Shirts and blouses may not bear any emblems, insignias, logos, or slogans, other
than that of the student’s individual school.
4. Shirts and blouses are to be tucked into bottom wear
(pants/trousers/capris/skirts/shorts/skorts/blue jeans) at all times.
6402 SCHOOL DRESS CODE 6402
2
5. Baggy/oversized shirts and blouses are not permitted.
B. Bottom Wear
1. Boys may wear shorts, pants, or blue jeans. Girls may wear shorts, dresses, pants,
skirts, jumpers, skorts, capris, or blue jeans.
2. Navy, black and khaki-colored trousers and blue jeans are approved for wear.
Bottom wear with more than one color will not be permitted. Bottom wear may not bear any emblems, insignias, logos, or markings other than small brand name and that will be no larger than 2 x 3 inches in size.
3. Baggy/oversized pants are not permitted. Pants and shorts with side pockets,known as “cargo” pants and shorts, may not have more than six pockets.
4. All bottom wear must be worn at waist-level. Girls only may wear the “hip
hugger design” bottom wear, but the shirt/blouse must be tucked into the bottom wear. In grades 6-12, a belt should be worn with bottom wear that has belt loops. In grades K-5, belts will be encouraged as appropriate.
5. The length of shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, and jumpers cannot be shorter than three (3) inches above the knee. Students shall not roll up one or both legs of shorts or pants.
C. Sweaters, Sweatshirts, and Undershirts
1. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and vests may be worn over a collared shirt with sleeves.
Visible undershirts must be of a solid color. A sweater/sweatshirt is not to be worn in lieu of a collared shirt.
2. Sweaters, sweatshirts, vests, and undershirts may not bear any emblems, insignias, logos, or slogans, other than that of the student’s individual school.
3. Sweaters and sweatshirts must be waistbanded and worn no more than two (2) – three 3) inches below the waist and are not to be folded or tucked underneath.
4. Baggy/oversized sweaters, sweatshirts and vests are not permitted.
5. For students in grades 6-12, “hoodies” are not authorized for wear at anytime during the school day and/or during activities listed in paragraph J.
D. Jackets/Coats
1. Jackets must be appropriately sized and may not be baggy or oversized.
2. Jackets must be removed upon entering the building in grades six through twelve.
E. Shoes
1. Spiked heels are prohibited.
2. Bedroom shoes are prohibited.

Anonymous said...

March 23rd 8:06pm, Why are you asking others to do what you could do yourself? Just ask Keith Lawson for it. It's public information. I assume you're a Burke County citizen.

Anonymous said...

The board is beginning to lose their great love for Shanda. Give her time.

Anonymous said...

Posted this on the MH site yesterday...in case you missed it, the rate of violent incidences actually INCREASED post dress code in Pamlico Cty - about 7 per 1000

You'd think they have a better place to focus. Here's a head's up for you too. I'm sure the video below will be shown at the April town hall...what a nasty scare tatic.


http://www.spike.com/video/school-dress-code/2688655

Anonymous said...

Buddy give up your woe is me horse crap! Nobody respects you, Hell,SOS doesnt either they just use you for info.You hate Rick and we know it.He chewed your ass out recently and you are so full of the venom you accuse the current board of,that you can not wait to get revenge.You wrote the book on retaliation in BCPS.Now you are on the other end.How does it feel?

Anonymous said...

No one has still answered why this money saving board has hired a "Policy Administrator". Isn't that Mr. Sherrill and Mr. Burleson's job??? Obviously there is more money in Burke County than Hairfield says there is. He shouldn't whine about the budget if there is money for a new position!!???

Anonymous said...

Therein lies the problem. There is always money to be found when one of the board's minions is to be moved up or moved in. They will cut elsewhere to pay for this.

Anonymous said...

I think it was hypocritical to hire such a position yes.Did Buddy and Sam vote for it? They usually do.It seems we have buddy and Sam crying fowl on things,but will not attack issues that may point at them or David Burleson.When will we have board members who put the administration's feet to the fire?

Anonymous said...

I believe that is what the 'new' board had campaigned on, but in the end politics creates strange bedfellows.

Anonymous said...

An assistant director in technology and a policy administrator have been hired.

Mr. Hairfield said in his 03/18/09 Morganton Herald letter, "Very few positions will be eliminated. However, the amount of money given to the schools in some areas WILL BE reduced 25 or 50 percent. Those areas include textbook purchase, supplies and materials, and some athletic funds in the middle schools."

How can you justify and even boast about your motto "Teaching Tomorrow's Leaders Today" when you hire two EXORBITANT-paying and UNNECESSARY positions such as these, and THEN say the above areas WILL HAVE reduced funding up to 50 percent?

It is not about the children.

Anonymous said...

March 24, 2009 3:38 AM: You sound scared. What's your cell phone number? Let's discuss it.

Anonymous said...

Check the voting record on hiring the policy dude or give Sam and Buddy a call. My guess is Armour voted against it. Sam too.

It's easy to make assumptions, but if you really want to know the answer, don't be a coward. Call them. Or wait until the minutes are published on-line. But you had better know which personnel report this new administrator is listed on.

Anonymous said...

The policy administrator is just another in a long line of positions that have been created this year. All approved by a board that campaigned on just the opposite. One of them is up for re-election come November and I'm heading to the polls for sure. "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."

Anonymous said...

"Can school purchased cell phone text messages be requested of any public servant? our engineer text messages all day long and can't be all work."

Last I heard they had each had a blackberry. So I bet it is not text messaging, but email. So yes you can request their emails.

I also know that they are all very smart and know they use gmail a lot. You can't request those.