I spoke during the public comment section of this evening's Board Meeting. I am inserting the text of what I said.
My name is Paul Klaene. Thank you for allowing me to speak this evening.
Last Thursday, I had an appointment to view certain school records. I was instructed to mark any pages I wanted copied and that those copies would be available to pick up today. I did mark a number of pages to be copied. Today, when I went to the Central Office to pick up the copies, I was told that there would be a cost of $18.00. I tried to explain to Dawn Creason that there should be no charge since I-SS policy states that when a person first requests copies of school records, he will be told the cost for copies. When I first asked for copies of school records in January, Mr. Ellis told me that there would be no charge for copies. As I was trying to explain this to Ms. Creason, Dr. Holliday walked up to me and very gruffly told to leave the building. When I calmly tried to explain myself, he again directed me to leave the building. He did allow me to pay for my copies before leaving. Attached to the copies there was a note stating that if, in the future, I would like additional information or have further questions, I am to contact the school attorney, Mr. Neal Ramee whose office is in Raleigh.
One of the records I wanted to see last Thursday was the I-SS computer database indexes. I was told that the indexes were not available. As you know, NC state law and I-SS Policy requires that all computer database indexes should be made available to individuals requesting public records. I first requested public records in January of this year, and I specifically asked for a copy of the database indexes two months ago but I have not yet received them. As I stated last month, I am asking the Board to direct the school administration to expedite my request for these indexes as well as my other requests for public records to which the administration has not yet responded.
Last Friday, I sent an e-mail to Mrs. Wike asking for an appointment to examine additional school records on Thursday of this week. I have not heard back from Mrs. Wike. Will I be allowed to view those records at that time?
NC state law and school policy give me a right to examine school records. No school employee should be allowed to impede that right.
Let me also add that my grandson was with me today when I went to pick up those copies. When we got back to the car my grandson asked: who was that mean man? My grandson is a first grader at Third Creek elementary and that is now his impression of the Superintendent.
During Dr. Holliday's time to comment at the end of the meeting he stated that he had directed all of his staff not to have any contact with me and that he had told me to direct my requests through the attorney, Mr. Ramee, so that they could make sure that they comply with the Freedom of Information Act. Dr. Holliday also stated that my request for information had cost I-SS $5,000.00 in staff time and attorney's fees.
If the administration had just complied with my requests for public records as required under the Freedom of Information act and NC state law they could have saved a lot of money. I-SS has been retaining the services of Mr. McMillan here in Statesville and now they are going to hire an attorney in Raleigh. Dr. Holliday is the one causing the system to spend all of this money, not me.
I have tried the polite approach before myself. I always made sure I was within the boundaries of school policy, state law and courteousy. I got into a major dispute with East Iredell Middle school. In the beginning they were doing some things that weren't appropriate. I wanted those things changed for the best interest of the students. I also wanted to help find suitable solutions that worked for all in making those changes.
ReplyDeleteI started by out talking with Stillerman (Principal) who sent me to someone else, who referred me to another. This went on until I sat and talked with Holiday who referred me back to Stillerman.
My request to help make change was flatly and hatefully refused. So what started out as an offer to help better things turned into a major conflict. In the end they did make changes by finding very reasonable solutions to all that I said was wrong. It took the involvement of WSOC and way too much of my time, but it was done. Since then I have found that this is standard when trying to reason with many in the school system. Their egotistical pride won't allow them to relinquish authority. It doesn't matter if they are dead wrong. I wish they could see how foolish they look.
Many of the parents I know hate East Iredell Middle and can not stand the administration. It is with good reason. Rules are strictly adhered to when they suit the administration's purposes. They ignore state law and ISS policy when it suits their needs though. I have several documented cases of this.
Another misuse of the system occurs when assaults and other incidents aren't reported so as to keep the school pint system at an acceptable level. I have heard many parents make claims to this effect and also have at least one first-hand documentation of this.
Some in ISS use intimidation tactics like a playground bully. They yell, threaten and even ban people from the property. Their bluff is wearing thin though and it is time for a gathering of parents to call that bluff and put common sense back into the system.