The Burke County Board of Education will resume its discussion of School Superintendent David Burleson's contract at 1 p.m. Monday in the board room at Central Office, 700 E. Parker Road.
http://www2.morganton.com/content/2009/apr/15/school-board-will-discuss-superintendents-contract/news-local/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
31 comments:
From Barking in Burke
http://www.barkburke.com/
Posted by Catherine Thomas
Clayton County Georgia: Are we on our way?
“The system has repeatedly failed to recognize the executive, administrative and leadership authority of the administrative head of the system. Examples:
(a) Despite the law being clear that the School Board member’s power and authority rests in its actions as a Board and the training received by members from the Georgia School Board Association, the members of the school board repeatedly acted outside the realm of their board powers.
(b) Board members have become regular fixtures at the administrative building and have insinuated themselves into every aspect of the school district.
(c) Board members subjected the administrative staff to various verbal insults, accusations and derogatory comments. In the public Board meetings, staff members were subjected to comments accusing them of being unethical, accusing them of playing games at the expense of the children and possibly illegal activity.”
Does this sound familiar? The above is an excerpt from the 25 page Report of the Special Review Team for Clayton County Public Schools dated February 15, 2008. The Clayton County school system subsequently lost their accreditation in August, 2008.
A little background: The SACS CASI, who investigated the Clayton County situation, is the “Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.” They are charged with making sure that all schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia meet accreditation standards. SACS CASI is an organization that has been “accrediting public and private schools for over 100 years, holds its primary mission as the improvement of education by recognizing and encouraging institutional quality through accreditation.” If a school loses accreditation, the students in those non-accredited schools lose the ability to apply to colleges on equal footing with other students, they lose the ability to receive scholarship money, and the system loses the ability to hire qualified teachers and other personnel.
What is so striking about the Clayton County situation is that the primary purpose for the loss of accreditation was the dysfunction of the school board! The Review Team investigated 7 different criteria to determine whether the school system could keep its accreditation:
Vision and Purpose
Governance and Leadership
Teaching and Learning
Documenting and Using Results
Resource and Support Systems
Stakeholder Communications and Relationships
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Review Team found that of all of the criteria above, “the Clayton County Board of Education is in violation of the SACS CASI Governance and Leadership standard for accreditation. In fact, the team found evidence to support a conclusion that the effectiveness of the Clayton County Board of Education is fatally flawed. The school system’s noncompliance with the SACS CASI standard for Governance and Leadership places the accreditation of the Clayton County Schools in jeopardy.” (Emphasis in the original report)
“The main problem was that the school system did not have a functioning board, said Mark A. Elgart, president and chief executive officer of SACS. The board’s conflicts affected everything from teaching and learning to staffing and allocation of resources, accreditors said.” (From “Clayton Schools lose accreditation; board members ousted,” The Atlanta Journal Constitution, by Megan Matteucci, August 28, 2008.)
Excerpts from the Report are chilling:
o The Board was so consumed with bitter accusations, personal attacks against fellow Board members and staff that it was routinely sidetracked from the business of the school district.
o The board members failed to understand and appreciate the necessity of strict compliance with laws and regulations . . .
o Board members discussed with their constituents issues that should have been referred to administration or staff
o Board members held committee meetings that facilitated micromanagement of the district’s operations
o Board members routinely put their loyalties to individuals, voting districts, particular schools or special interest groups ahead of the students or the district as a whole. The Board minutes contain numerous declarations by the members stating that they are responsible to their constituents and having to answer to their individual school district
o Board members consistently failed to respect district employees and fellow board members and treat them in a professional and non-confrontational manner.
o There appear to be members of the Board who do not meet the residency requirements for the offices they hold on the board of education
o The school district’s failure to adequately safeguard the district’s resources has eroded public confidence and support
o The actions of Board members have resulted in a waste of the school district’s resources:
(1) Time and money spent on open records requests for investigation of fellow board members
(2) Facility expenses, fliers and materials for meetings with the community
(3) Legal fees associated with various legal matters
o The constant public and private mistreatment of staff and public behavior of the Board are having a negative effect upon the ability of the school district to retain qualified professional and support staff.
o Despite their inherent conflicts of interest, many Board members cast votes concerning the hiring, compensation and benefits of employees, even when they appear to have a direct conflict of interest.
o At the beginning of almost every Board meeting in 2007, members of the public expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Board and its members. Despite the public’s pleas for reform, the Board failed to address the issue in a substantive manner. As the level of dysfunction grew, the district’s stakeholders grew more disenfranchised from the school district.
The above observations are quoted directly from the report. You may read the report here: http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/ajc/pdf/sacsreport.pdf
So, what happens when the SACS CASI is contacted by the North Carolina School Board, or if an SACS CASI employee happens upon an article like “Sheriff Asked to Frisk School Board Member for Gun”? Have we already put our children’s futures in jeopardy?
I understand that there are people who maintain that corruption in the school board has run rampant much longer than the tenure of the current majority. That may be. The Review Team that investigated Clayton County stated that the problems in the Clayton County school board began seven years before the then current board began their despotic reign. But at some point these things reach a climax, and something has to be done.
For some folks in Burke County, the climax was the frisking of a board member by the sheriff at the request of two other board members. For others it might be the upcoming meeting Monday and the legal and emotional “fallout” that will follow. I understand that the NCBSA and the NC School Board are watching. Could the SACS CASI be watching too?
So to answer the question put forth in the title to this blogspot - "Clayton County Georgia: Are we on our way?" The answer is: "We're there."
Let's just hope that we can correct things before the SACS decides that they need to.
Catherine, I think I love you.
When this ruling came down, Dr. McBride followed it closely. Although I love him dearly, your logic is much easier to follow. Looks like a mirror case to me.
If folks only knew what some of these board members do. Hairfield eavesdropping at West Concord during budget talks with individual principals...Norman has hung around corners for years sticking her nose where it doesn't belong, befriending disgruntled employees looking for dirt.
I have 2 children coming up the ranks in the system, they're both very bright and I refuse to sit by and watch this crazy board ruin their chances at a quality education.
You just keep on barking!
Chamber Supports David Burleson as School Superintendent
The Chamber Board of Directors voted on Tuesday, April 14 to urge theBurke County School board to renew the contract of School
Superintendent, David Burleson. Here is the press release that was sent to the media.
"The Chamber Board believes strongly that renewing Mr. Burleson's contract is in the best interest of continued progress in our public school system," Chairman Mike Watts states: "Stability of leadership
ultimately affects all sectors of the community, and Mr. Burleson has successfully led our schools since 2000. Under his leadership, the school system has experienced the lowest drop-out rate in the public school system's history. He has demonstrated his dedication to the citizens of Burke County through his personal involvement in our non-profit organizations. He gives 110% to Burke County, and if we lose him, it would be a great loss not only to our children but our community as well. We encourage the members of the Board of Education to consider
renewing Mr. Burleson's contract."
At this time, we would like to encourage all of our members to support this position by calling or writing the members of the school board to urge them to renew Mr. Burleson's contract. Time is of the essence on this matter. The board of education will be meeting on Monday, April 20 at 1pm at the central office of the school system. We would also encourage you to attend this very important meeting if your schedule
allows.
It's about damn time that we get administrators and board members in place that will stand up for the classified staff positions!!
Why is it we'll never read the endorsement from the Chamber in the local newspaper?
The Burke Chamber of Commerce has a long track record of engaging the business community with efforts in education. Anissa Starnes, President and CEO of the Chamber states, “no other issue plays a greater role than education, in determining the quality of our workforce, and the prosperity of our community. David Burleson understands that we must never underestimate the power of our school system when it comes to its role in economic development. He has been a powerful force and has had great success within our school system.”
The Burke County Chamber is the county’s largest business organization representing more than four hundred businesses and organizations.
Big fan of David Burleson!!! My hope is that the Foolish Fab Five move to terminate David just so this countey can watch Ed Hinson tear all five a new one. Elmer, Pepe, Timberly, Porky, and the Road Runner will get a great lesson in contract law that they will never ever forget.
Go get'em Mr. Burleson!
As long as David gets out of the office and the board can do a true investigation of things we will be ok.
Catherine Thomas, I only agree with getting rid of the 7 board members if David goes with them!
I find it unethical and self rewarding for the Chamber to endorse one of its favorite members David C Burleson.Not everyone in the Chamber feels this way, and David was past president of this club.
David should step down and plea for his retirement and to stay in the system so he can,but in a lesser role.
Catherine Thomas, I believe some of the social elite of which you belong to really think we will just let the five board members be ousted and let Buddy and Sam stay with David? No that is wrong!
I want a past ten year investigation into board actions and administration actions. Then, let the chips fall where they may.
State board of education declares the Board of education of Burke County matter concerning
David C. Burleson is out of their hands.
Many people do not know the legal prcedure's and loophole's that have to be jumped through to remove board members.
Many years ago when David Burleson stabbed Tony Stewart in the back to get the job he has now,the state board got a bad taste about Burleson.David has had some chickens come home to roost concerning his soon to be removal from the position.He has some good quality's but it is time for him to move on.Some good may come of this for David later.If the board is not truly doing right then they will get their just reward later as well.
I think change is good and in say another five or six,it will be time for Rick to retire!
There is a going to be a bounty out on Tracey Norman if things go bad Monday. I would watch my back Tracey. Trouble is in the making. This is getting serious and personal. The word is going around tonight like wildfire. Especially since you sent that letter to everyone in Burke about Rob H. I hope you are reading these blogs. I would hate to see anybody get hurt over this stupidity. People are crazy this day and time, its not worth it Tracey. Dont be Stupid like these crazy people who are after you.
lets have a board meeting april 29 at 10 am and see were ms norman is. look here
http://www1.aoc.state.nc.us/www/calendars.Offense.do?submit=submit&case=1102009001160&court=CR&defendant=NORMAN,BLAKE,THOMAS&courtDate=04/29/2009&county=BURKE&session=AM&courtRoom=0002
here is another possible date for a boe meeting. june 8
http://www1.aoc.state.nc.us/www/calendars.Offense.do?submit=submit&case=1102008005994&court=CR&defendant=NORMAN,KIRT,HENRY&courtDate=06/08/2009&county=BURKE&session=AM&courtRoom=0002
maybe may 22? oh no, ms norman might be in court for a 3rd date.
http://www1.aoc.state.nc.us/www/calendars.Offense.do?submit=submit&case=1102009001161&court=CR&defendant=NORMAN,KIRT,HENRY&courtDate=05/22/2009&county=BURKE&session=AM&courtRoom=0002
It is believed what was mailed about Rob H is nothing more than a Buddy Armour hoax.He did this to Brian Grady when he ran the last time.
Tracy being threatned is serious,but all that the crowd that is fighting this so hard is doing is going to make it hard when their board members get on,if they do.
Yes,Burke will be spilt for a long time but the people who want David out have class where as the others do not.These people are acting like spoiled brats.
It is obvious David can not get other employment as a superintendent.His reputation outside Burke County is ruined.
So threaten board members and scream all you can,change was ordered and it is coming.
Superintendent Burleson gains support
By Steve Welker | The News Herald
Published: April 17, 2009
Morganton, NC - Friends, colleagues and the business community are rallying to support Burke County Public Schools Superintendent David Burleson.
The 27-year-long veteran educator's contract is under review by the board of education.
School board attorney Jon Jones interprets a state statute to say Burleson's contract could end effective June 30. The board on Monday at 1 p.m. plans to resume its recessed April 6 meeting and to continue discussion in its Central Office board room about what to do with the contract.
Even if Burleson's contract is valid as written, and extends to April 10, 2010, the contract obligates the school board to give him 180 school days' notice of its intention to renew or extend his contract. That deadline passed seven days ago. Burleson says he and his attorney have agreed to give the board more time to make a decision.
Burleson picked up support this week from the board of directors of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. They voted unanimously Tuesday to urge the Burke County school board to renew Burleson's contract.
"The chamber board believes strongly that renewing Mr. Burleson's contract is in the best interest of continued progress in our public school system," Chairman Mike Watts stated in a news release.
"Stability of leadership ultimately affects all sectors of the community and Mr. Burleson has successfully led our schools since 2000. Under his leadership, the school system has experienced the lowest dropout rate in the public school system's history.
"He has demonstrated his dedication to the citizens of Burke County through his personal involvement in our non-profit organizations. He gives 110 percent to Burke County and, if we lose him, it would be a great loss not only to our children but our community as well.
"We encourage the members of the board of education to consider renewing Mr. Burleson's contract."
According to chamber President Anissa Starnes, the Burke County chamber has a long record of engaging the business community with efforts in education.
"No other issue plays a greater role than education in determining the quality of our workforce and the prosperity of our community," she said.
"David Burleson understands that we must never underestimate the power of our school system when it comes to its role in economic development," she continued. "He has been a powerful force and has had great success within our school system."
According to Starnes, the Burke County chamber is the county's largest business organization with more than 400 member businesses and organizations.
Burleson was chairman of the chamber's board of directors in 2008.
The school superintendent's supporters also have rallied on a Facebook site.
Lorrie Mosteller Parlier of Morganton created the page "Keep David Burleson!!!! Get rid of Fab 5!!!" on April 8.
In eight days the site acquired nearly 1,000 friends.
"Fab 5" is one nickname for school board members David Barnard, Tim Buff, Rob Hairfield, Tracy Norman and Karen Sain, who often are on one side of controversial votes when Sam Wilkinson and Buddy Armour are on the other.
Parlier's Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63156629613&...
It's a public group, but people must be registered on Facebook to see it.
Parlier said she started the site because she and her husband "think the world of David Burleson," who was "my teacher and a mentor" and "I will never forget him. He is a godly man."
"I think he's being done wrong here," she added.
The Parliers have a son who goes to middle school in the district.
She said she is concerned about the disruptive effect on him and other students from what she believes is some board members' efforts to replace Burleson.
"The world is in a crazy place now," she said, and this is no time to make it more confusing for young people by removing a well-liked and admired school leader.
"Our kids are seeing it," Parlier said.
She said the Facebook site grew rapidly after she set it up and notified her friends who told others who continued to spread the word across the Internet.
Now it's become a rallying spot both for efforts to protect Burleson's job and to build opposition to the five school board members, Parlier said.
School board plans to tape closed meetings
By Ann Doss Helms
Posted: Friday, Apr. 17, 2009
ahelms@charlotteobserver.com
The school board plans to join Mecklenburg County commissioners and Charlotte City Council in recording its closed-door meetings, chair Molly Griffin said today.
N.C. law allows elected bodies to discuss some matters privately, including personnel actions, property acquisition and issues covered by attorney-client privilege. The law requires the bodies to keep a “general account” that provides “a reasonable understanding of what transpired,” which must be released after the need for confidentiality is over.
County commissioner Bill James, arguing that written accounts are too sketchy, secretly taped a closed meeting several months ago, using an audio recorder disguised as a pen. In February the commissioners voted unanimously to record their closed meetings for eventual public release, something that is relatively rare across the state.
Charlotte's City Council voted 9-2 this week to do the same.
Griffin said there's enough consensus among the nine school board members that there's no need for a vote. “We want to be as transparent as we can be,” she said, noting that her board was motivated by the others' decisions.
The recordings will begin as soon as the school board lines up equipment, Griffin said. The board may try to borrow county commissioners' gear: “We're just very conscious of any expense right now.”
James' reaction to Griffin's announcement: “It is always easy to be last man (or woman) on the front lines after the war is over.”
School board member Larry Gauvreau says his colleagues have spurned at least two earlier requests to record meetings.
All three board will exempt some talk from being recorded. The school board and commissioners don't plan to record personnel discussions, which are generally required by law to be kept confidential. City council voted down a motion to record discussions of land purchases after the city attorney said disclosure could reveal negotiating strategies
I enjoy reading this blog. Please remember, however, that stories in The News Herald are copyrighted and should not be reproduced in full without our permission. You're welcome to use short excerpts in your comments. But please follow the moderator's lead if you want to refer to or share the whole story -- just quote a few introductory paragraphs, followed by the URL back to Morganton.com. Frankly, I need to keep the page-views count up on Morganton.com to justify the expense of running stories for free there. Steve Welker, managing editor, The News Herald.
David will be gone.It is a stain on our county what he has done.He can not get a job anywhere else.
Burke County School Board Cancels Monday Night MeetingCHECK OUT THE NEWS HERALD ARTICLE! The circus continues.
See you Monday Tracy
Sain accuses a fellow board member of carrying a gun. No gun found. Sain said more to the police than she has said in the last 4 board meetings. What a worthless piece of shit.
She is only on the board as a puppet since the board gave her husband a job.
Funny how Karen Sain can vote to get rid of the Superintendent who gave her husband a job as principal when he probably should have stayed an assistant principal??!!! Funny how David Barnard can vote to get rid of the Superintendent who let him resign as a teacher instead of being fired from Table Rock for his vulgar language???!!! Funmy how Rob can vote to get rid of the Superintendent who always treated him with respect when he was on his rants???!!!. Funny how Tracy can vote to get rid of the Superintendent who always treated her with respect when she went crazy in the expectional childrens department??!! Funny how Tim can vote to get rid of the Superintendent who let his wife keep a higher salary when she chose to become a teacher assistant??!! Funny?? NOT!!!!
RE: "David will be gone.It is a stain on our county what he has done.He can not get a job anywhere else."
You're the only ones who believe that, Rob and Larry. What YOU have done with your racist jokes and your snide "shoot to kill" comments is to reassure this county that YOU are pools of putrid bile hell-bent on making EVERYONE as miserable as you.
Should we talk about YOUR ability to get and keep a job?
Buddy, you are cute when you try to make profound statements.I know for a fact your refrence to Larry was about Mr.Thurston.He made you cry outside central office during the Billy Anderson matter,and that is why you park around back of central office near the loading dock where you can enter the back door.Andy Anderson had to come get you that night because you could not control yourself people were asking you questions you could not answer. I know for a fact Mr.Thurston does not have a computer,nor would he blog because what he writes will always have his name attached and be in the paper.Buddy,do you remember the private letter you sent Larry asking him not to write about you in the paper?Do you remember saying in that letter that children should never be allowed to name the schools? Well Larry will be sharing that private attempt to keep him from writing about you with the rest of the county. You better get ready,you won't look so pro schools when your letter is published.Its funny you allowed so much shit to go,and now towards election time you are riding the wave of the people.Too bad you did not stand against naming the school's after people.But,you would not because Robert Patton,and Pat Draughn would have been angry with you.Buddy as big a bitch you think Tracy Norman is, you have not seen what will come against you and it is all fact.Mail outs seem to be the way to go these days.What may you find about yourself in your mailbox?
If you support David as many do, please call the Board of Education. Even if it doesn't change things, they will know that we are dealing with idiots on our school board. The number is....1-800-381-6272. Her name is Allison Schaffer, an attorney. The more calls....the more awareness. Also, be at the courthouse on Sunday! Burke County needs to show their support for David in every way possible. Pray for David and his family. This school board (FoulFive) has caused them nothing but grief. If enough people show their support WE CAN STOP THEM. Before long, they will be a memory (nightmare) that we hopefully will be able to say, they're finally gone...all five of them. Thank God!
Buddy will be gone with them, guaranteed!
Some one please fill me in on quotes from the mail out that was sent out...about racits jokes. and tell me the deal... i want to know
I too find this entire situation appalling, and cannot understand why 5 people would carry such a personal vendetta that they would be willing to give up ANY CHANCE for re-election just to get rid of a Superintendent who has devoted 27 years to this system, and who is up for retirement at the end of Mr. Burleson's present contract. However, one good thing has come from this: the people of Burke County have shown they will not stand for tyranny from five power-hungry individuals. Instead, they will rise up, form facebook groups, start petitions, and organize a rally. We may be from a small place in the world, but we stand up for those who have given much to us, and we protect our children and education. I am proud to be from such a place, because I know the "Fab 5" do NOT represent us. the countless people on here who have stood up for their rights: they represent Burke County. So KEEP IT UP!! Stay Active! Remind this board that they do NOT define up, nor can they truly win in the end. Because there is little that is more important to a community that its educational system. That, my friends, we must defend. And to answer a previous post: you accumulate over 500 sick days as a superintendent by having taken 1 DAY OFF in 27 years. It isn't some conspiracy, it is hard work. Look into that someday printedvoice! It might do you some good! And while you are at it, remind your beloved board that is what they are SUPPOSED to be doing: working hard for the students, as Mr. Burleson has done for 27 years.
REF: the people of Burke County have shown they will not stand for tyranny from five power-hungry individuals.
YES THEY HAVE. FACEBOOK DOESN'T MEAN CRAP. NOR DO YOUR RALLIES & PETITIONS.
GET OVER IT !!!!!!!!
& BYE BYE DAVID, BYE BYE.
CHECK OUT THE UPDATE ON THE FAB 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Y7WdnyIYc
Well, Elmer, I'd say the DVD speaks volumes about your over-the-mike comments and your little email you sent to your pals.
I'm thinking the NAACP isn't through with you yet.
I don't see how you can blame anyone for your verbal stupidity but yourself. But you and your friends always blame others for your shortcomings, don't you?
Post a Comment