There have been a number of comments about the contracts for some of the I-SS administrators in the Central Office. Although I do not have copies of the contracts for all of the administrators, I did ask for copies for some of them. The information below is from the copies of the contracts that I do have.
| Individual | Starting Date | Ending Date | Starting Annual Salary |
| Brenda Clark | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $124,500.00 |
| Melanie Taylor | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $120,000.00 |
| Mathew Fail | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $87,214.32 |
| Dale Ellis | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $110,970.00 |
| Ron Hargrave | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $118,000.08 |
| Brady Johnson | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $124,500.00 |
| Pamela Schiffman | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2012 | $121,758.72 |
| Marty Moore | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2010 | $105,000.00 |
| Jed Stus | July 1, 2008 | June 30, 2010 | $92,000.04 |
| Alicia Tate | Jan. 5, 2009 | June 30, 2011 | $101,000.04 |
| Denise Holliday | July 1, 2007 | June 30, 2009 | $60,000.00 |
Matthew Fail and Dale Ellis are both listed as Baldrige Examiners. The duties are quite intersting. I wonder if they will use their furlough time to fulfill their Baldrige duties????
ReplyDeleteDenise Holliday's contract was up June 30. Surely that answers the question of if she will leave or not. I am sure that there is a position in Kentucky for her somewhere.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Kentucky blog in regards to a warning of Holliday:
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
As an educator, Dr. Holliday will have little effect on the way I run my classroom or the way I teach. His suthority ends in Frankfort.
Wow, I guess you can lead a horse to water but . . .
Yes, I saw that too...as a matter of fact, the comment right under it is mine...
ReplyDeleteWhile some of the yearly salaries do seem a bit exhorbitant, I think you should also do your work to show who started out where. If I am not mistaken, Dale Ellis started out in a classroom as a teacher, much the way your wife is in a classroom, Mr. Klaene.
ReplyDeletePam Schiffman more than earns her salary by taking care of testing administration and technology.
I think if you are going to label people, you should also go to the extra effort of actually seeing what they do rather than assuming they are a "flunky" of Dr. Holliday's. Yes you have provided good information, but generalizing and lumping people together in a group that may or may not be deserved isn't quite fair or accurate. Maybe you should ask the people who work for these administrators how they feel about them.
It's like saying "Central Office Staff" when complaining about the directors and administrators there, but in fact, there are many hard working people who are based at central office and you lump them all into a group that implies they are not worth what they are paid. I happen to know several of the people who work there and you couldn't find harder working people or nicer for that matter. I feel sorry for these people, honestly. They go to work every day, work very hard, get few thanks, and are targeted as being part of "Race Street Castle" and whatever other catchy phrase you have for it. Then they have to hear by word of mouth or read on the R&L article comments about how people have such a low opinion of where they work.
I'm sure you don't mean for it to come acrossed that way, but it does at times. We all know your cheif complaint is with Dr. Holliday and his baldridge program, but I do feel that maybe if it is brought to your attention, you could start to differentiate a bit more about who you are discussing.
Why would Brenda Clark make this salary when she does not a doctoral degree? I don't think she has a master's degree. Her experience is a school principal. It would help to know exactly what these people do and what are their degrees and experience.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is the efficiency of OUR school system. If you look in another section of this blog titled "School Administration: There and Here" you can see just how inefficient this group of highly paid (and in this tax-payer's opinion the word exorbitant is a very accurate description) PUBLIC employees are when compared to other comparably sized systems. You do not address why salaries, which were already too high were raised to an even higher level BEFORE the contracts were up!!! This is just poor budget management. Heck the governor of the ENTIRE state of North Carolina only makes $130,629!
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read this entire blog, you should...these are real people, many of them teachers who, imo, do the REAL work yet are not only under-paid and under-appreciated, but disrespected by MANY at the CO. Others are hard-working tax-payers who are appalled at the waste and mismanagement of THEIR money. With the employment rate nearly 13% in Iredell County, there are probably more than a few who are unemployed.
You don't seem to be aware of what ordinary Iredell citizens think about PUBLIC money being thrown away. Please, read the heartfelt comments here and educate yourself.
Not sure about Brenda Clarke, she's never out in the schools. What I know of central office staff is just from working with them for getting our new people sent to us and having employees taken care of with their benefits and what not. Like I said in previous post, everybody I have been in contact with there have been wonderful.
ReplyDelete* should be the UNemployment rate
ReplyDeleteI don't care where these people "started out". That's superfluous. What I do care about is what they're doing now and how relevant it is to education. If, like many IFs, all they do is run around checking for Quality Assurance Reports and data and creating charts with Classroom Walk Through Data on it, then frankly, you don't need anything over a teacher's salary to do that. Plus, it's just plain a waste of money even on a teacher's salary.
ReplyDeleteQuality Department = former high school teacher, three former principals, two former teachers, + no higher degrees = over 1/2 million dollars + IF salaries = over a million=no connection to the classroom or direct contact with students. You will lose a lot of hard working valuable employees if Brenda Clarke is allowed to continue her tirades until 2012! Google their names and see if their cost is justified.
ReplyDeleteI recognize only two of those names and I have worked in this system for over twenty five years. Holliday brought a lot of people from outside into this system. And the poor SR&L never kept the public informed.
ReplyDeleteHate to beat a dead horse . . but to the previous comments about the Kentucky blog, here is the follow up from the teacher in Kentucky
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
I will say it again: Dr. Holliday's authority ends in Frankfort. He will not tell me how to teach.
I follow a state-mandated curruculum, and the superintendent is far too busy, as is my principal, to tell me how I should deliver the core content. Dr. Holliday, I'm certain, knows very little about Kentucky core content.
I do my best, make myself available to my students, but I resist anyone who tells me that I should use a specific instructional strategy
What an awakening they are going to have!
I think this blog is unfair to many people at central office as well. Many people like to let the rumor mill run wild but I for one am a believer in finding out information for yourself. Are salaries high? Sure, but we all have to remember that we voted for our current school board as our representatives to the school system. They then found Holliday who found all these other people to work with him. If there is anyone at fault it is the voters who elected the school board. A board that you think does not listen to your cries.
ReplyDeleteIf you WANT change elect different school board members. Quit harrassing people and making up rediculous notions that no one does their job at central office. Tell me if you would like this statement? "Oh that teacher at such and such school is horrible. I wouldn't send my kids to that school because that teacher is an idiot and will make your kids an idiot as well." Does that not make the whole school sound horrible? One bad apple should not make the whole group bad.
Teachers are very hard workers but we all know of at least one bad apple at all of our schools. Just becaue you have one bad person does not mean they are all bad. I know of schools that have a wonderful staff but they have that one teacher that isn't quite there.
I'm tired of teachers thinking they are complete saints because they teach and they don't want any position of authority over them. I've seen 40 some year old teachers act like 12 year olds and it is sad. When I read this blog I think of a bunch of teenagers getting together and complaining about their parents grounding them or taking their keys away form their car.
GROW UP PEOPLE!!! Act professional!!! Do your job and focus on the children!!
Post facts, not rumors, know what you all are talking about and quit the harrassment.
The 'information' is in a public database and very easy to look up...One can look up the salary of ANYONE who is paid with tax dollars.
ReplyDeleteThere are some very large raises occurring here in I-SS. If you look at the 2008 database for public employees, you'll see that one of the individuals listed above now makes $10,275.12 more than they did in 2008 (their salary in 2008 was $76,939.20). An over $10,000 raise...! What? Isn't there a budget crises?
It's called Freedom of Speech, perhaps you've heard of it?
ReplyDelete"One of the most notable proponents of the link between freedom of speech and democracy is Alexander Meiklejohn. He argues that the concept of democracy is that of self-government by the people. For such a system to work an informed electorate is necessary. In order to be appropriately knowledgeable, there must be no constraints on the free flow of information and ideas. According to Meiklejohn, democracy will not be true to its essential ideal if those in power are able to manipulate the electorate by withholding information and stifling criticism."
So consider this blog a public service to inform the electorate. Unfortunately, we have no real press (to serve as the Fourth Estate) in this county.
It is called freedom of speech but freedom of speech ceases when defameatory remarks start to come about. Just because they are more of a public figure does not mean you can just say what you want.
ReplyDeleteYes salaries are PUBLIC we all know that...How about we start publishing EOC pass rates/percentages for teachers and let parents decide who teaches their children? How would teachers feel about that? I've seen salaries posted on this blog in several places and it seems that is the ONLY way to get people interested in this blog and will be the only way when Holliday is gone.
Again, GROW UP PEOPLE!!!
Oh and Democracy has elected officials to represent the people...Elect different school board members if you want to see a change!!! Unless you are taking charge of a rebellion and hope to stand up and abolish your government and institute another form then go right ahead. But I don't forsee us breaking away from the British Crown again. I think you are doing nothing but fueling rumors and causing more upheaval within the school system.
It's just like what the above poster mentioned...You all are a bunch of teenagers and your always going to have some new persuasive arguement to try and get your way. You think you have some sort of power by posting remarks on a blog...yeah ok. Keep believing, this blog is rediculous.
This is not what ALL people in Iredell County belive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree, when I read this it reminds me of being in a teacher's lounge. All the complaining about students, IF's, principals, superintendent, parents...Why are they teaching again?? Sounds like none of the teachers like authority from all parties(stakeholders) involved in the school system. Maybe we should take a hard look at who our teachers are. I know of several young teachers eagerly wanting a job that deserve a chance.
ReplyDeleteI am sure as is Paul that there are hard working, good people working at the central office. Our complaint is indeed with the school board for approving these large salaries without ever researching to see if indeed it is in line with similar counties or without questioning the need for such personnel. Only by letting the public know about the monies wasted can real change come about. The newspaper does not list the salaries for the public to see and neither does the I-SS website. You have to do some digging and research to find out. The general public doesn't know to do this. Hopefully, the public is finding out this information and will take approprate action by contacting board members, attending board meetings, and voting out of office those who don't vote in the best interests of our students.
ReplyDeleteReally?? Freedom of Speech?? Public Record?? That's all you got to justify harrassment of employees? Rediculous...show me how any of this is illegal? Tell me you are not pissed off just because someone makes higher than you. There is a heirarchy in any form of employment. Salary for the superintendent is set by the school board. Superintendent then sets salary based below him/her and the lower the level in the heirarchy the lower the pay gets. People can, except for certain school based administrators can NEGOTIATE their contract. TEACHERS have a set pay by the state, most principals also have a set pay by the state.
ReplyDeleteAs the above poster mentioned, elect different school board members if you would like a change. This blog has really gone to far. I agree with the above comments.
http://www2.statesville.com/p/content/2008-public-payroll/
ReplyDeleteThere is the link for the public payroll as posted online by the Statesville Record and Landmark.
http://www2.statesville.com/content/2008/sep/29/i-ss-dominates-countys-salary-list/
That is the url to the article with which over 50 people commented on. If I am correct I belive this article was also in the paper version of the SR&L.
I don't take up for them much but I believe the SR&L informed the public of these salaries on September 29th, 2008.
The ISS website is not required to post salaries and it is also highly inaapropriate for them to do so. Being publc record people can find it our for themselves. IF people want the information they can go through the means necesary to get it. I know the salary list used to be on the Iredell County Sheriff webpage but I believe that has been removed or not updated.
As the above posters have mentioned...if it is illegal get a lawyer, if it is not elect different school board members and let the public vote who they want. After all, the school board are representatives of the people...this blog is not. It is a representative of some but by no means has it gone through the democratic process of being elected to represent the people of Iredell County.
At one time, I thought that the Central Office was being reduced, but instead it has grown. Without Baldridge it would be reduced. Some folks should have never been hired. That is the biggest complaint. Too many chiefs and not enough teachers for the students. This is tax payer money and not to be wasted. UNCC is being investigated for its waste. Mary Easley wasted State's money, but that is fair game to be investigated, but I suppose, ISS should be off limits. All improper activities should be investigated. That is life. We can't learn from our mistakes or history ,if we all we do is hide from it. It looks like we have some who must not care for the truth .
ReplyDeleteSorry , corrected. It should say,
ReplyDeleteWe can't learn from our mistakes or history, if all we do is hide from it. Some never learn, yet they say they change continuously. No, it is again "my way or no way" concept. That is not change.
Thomas Paine must be turning over his grave. It is the right of some to have an opinion, but not all. I do believe when people are exposed to the truth they will be more informed as voters. I
ReplyDeletedoubt if our BOE was elected by more than 20% of the people who could have voted. Our parents,students, and ISS employees need to get together and let the BOE know how they feel through phone calls, e-mails or petitions. This would show true democracy.
"Without Baldridge it would be reduced. Some folks should have never been hired. That is the biggest complaint."
ReplyDeleteGet rid of Baldridge...Please!!! However there are people listed in the salaries above that have nothing to do with it nor do they acknowledge it's existence in their departments. I think there needs to be more transparency as to what people do with their jobs and how much of that job was dedicated to Baldridge. Remember, Holliday was and still is our superintendent and they are doing their job too. No one wants to get fired for insubordination no matter how much they know the Baldridge initiative doesn't work.
Most above were targeted because they were related to Holliday or their Salaries are higher than most. Let's talk about baldridge and those people and not lump everyone together. Some are being lumped together and it is not appropriate.
Obviously there are some people on the above list who are unhappy with being posted there. So, I suggest that they differentiate themselves from a wasteful program by possibly explaining what it is that they actually do to earn these salaries. Remember, these are people making twice to three times the amount of many teachers in the district. So, I hope that they all have at least masters degrees and that there jobs can only be done by people with those degrees. If not, then their salaries should not be as high as they are, or at least, they should have tried hiring these positions from with the ISS system without having looked elsewhere, i.e. Jim Shipley.
ReplyDeleteOh, those pesky teachers - the ones who choose to spend their working days with children, of all things! When will they ever "grow up" and get out of the classroom like the ones who know best?
ReplyDeleteHas there ever been a time in the history of North Carolina or Iredell County that the citizens allowed "invaders" to come into our county and state and seize control without resistance? Our county and state have a rich history of questioning and independence. I hope every educator in ISS will see that now is the time to become visible and speak out in defense of policies or changes that eliminate services or hinder the education of the children of Iredell County and to let our interim Superintendent know he has our support but we will no longer be silent. We have all blamed Dr. Holliday for the fear of losing our jobs or the fear of retaliation. Let's let our fear go with Dr. Holliday and show the Board of Education and Administration of Iredell Statesville Schools the strength of all the stakeholders of Iredell County. The children of Iredell County are counting on us. See you at the Committe of the Whole Meeting Monday, August 3, at 5:30 at ADR.
ReplyDeleteI really like reading and responding to the comments on this blog. My comments here are gleaned from the above post.
ReplyDelete1:31AM I am as entitled to my opinion as you are to yours. You state that no one on this blog should lump all workers at the Central Office together, then turn around and lump all teachers together. You negated your own opinion! You write that teachers should act professionally-the overwhelming majority of us do. You go on to state that I should grow up. I have, and I take issue with you telling me what to do. You are another "my way or the highway" person.
9:11AM I have taught for many years and have always answered to those in authority. I do not nor have ever had a problem with that. The only concern I have about this chain of command occurs when I have someone above me in the chain who does not put my students first.
9:05 You mention, as do others, that if those of us who criticize Holliday do not agree with the school board, we should elect new representatives. What makes you think that we won't do that? I am already prepared to advocate for a totally new board as each member comes up for re-election. There is one exception to that-Mr. John Rogers has proven to me that he has earned the right to be re-elected.
9:18AM You state as your opinion that this blog has gone too far. I respect your right to your opinion, but a blog cannot go too far. Only those who respond to this blog can go too far. Apparently you are another subscriber to the opinion "my way or the highway" philosophy.
Also, there is no need for swear words on any blog, whether or not you think they are appropriate. Your statement begins "Tell me that you are not _ _ _ _ _ _ off..."
Thank you.
To commentor 5:45PM and 5:49PM--YES!! Well said!
ReplyDeleteCorrection: Commentor 5:46PM. My apologies.
ReplyDeleteIf you do a simple google search of these names and the word Baldrige, you find many connections and interesting pieces of information, such as them hocking Baldrige. Check out aven.com. You can buy their CDs there.
ReplyDeleteThe people associated with the Baldrige initiative outside of ISS, which is documented on different websites: Brenda Clark, Jed Stus, Melanie Taylor, Matthew Fail, Marty Moore, and Denise Holliday.
I am a parent, citizen, taxpayer, and a teacher in the Iredell-Statesville school district. I believe in the right for all citizens to have and express freedom of speech. And I believe in the right of this blog to exist.
ReplyDeleteWhy is that my belief? I have experienced the Holliday approach and roadmap to education first hand. I have experienced the local newspaper controlling and manipulating the flow and content of school news. Therefore, I understand that if news is controlled, the citizens (the electorate) will be extremely uninformed and there will be no democratic debate. And believe it, governments or leaders of any entity will have power over the masses if this is allowed to occur. This is why I believe in this blog. It does allow for EVERYONE (proponent or opponent) to respond to its articles.
As a teacher and parent, I have honestly not been impressed with all aspects of Dr. Hollidays' leadership. I believe he has done very well with some aspects of his responsibilities as the superintendent. I would be the first to admit the success of "Baldrige" if I truly felt it were a success. But I do not. Remember, I have lived and experienced the development and growth of Baldrige in I-SS as a teacher and parent.
THE ARGUMENT IS NOT WHO IN THE CENTRAL OFFICE IS GOOD AND WHO IS BAD. The argument is that the central office is now composed of mostly Baldrige experienced educators and that the pay scale adjustments seem to not be appropriate. And this has been done by design. An argument can also be made that much has been hidden from the public. Why do you think Mr. Klaene is being road blocked from receiving public data base information?
The following example is not even about a central office employee. The purpose of the example is to demonstrate the intent of the superintendent to saturate throughout the I-SS system employees who are from the Baldrige mold. I remember a 30 year old (who had only about six months experience as an asst. principal but was pro Baldrige) being hired at the smallest high school in I-SS as "the principal". He was being paid more than the principal at the largest high school who had many more years of experience in education and many more years experience as an asst. and also as a head principal. That was a very interesting disparity. To the above blogger who complains about the "negative" comments, can you give an explanation for this? The next year the vastly more experienced principal from the largest school salary was increased to where he made several hundred dollars more than the new and young pro-Baldrige hire. Again, to the above blogger who complains about the "negative" comments, can you give an explanation for this? It was also at this smallest high school that the new principal lost, through various methods, one-third of his teaching staff after his first year on the job. Again, to the above blogger who complains about the "negative" comments, can you give an explanation for this? As a parent, I was alarmed. This was also the high school where a successful teacher was escorted from the campus by law enforcement officials. The story of the "teacher escort" made the SR&L for one day. However, there was no real follow-up of the story thereafter. Again, to the above blogger who complains about the "negative" comments, can you give an explanation for this? That teacher was reinstated but left the next year to work in another.
Melanie? What's wrong with you? You're the only one who should know better!!
ReplyDelete7-30 6:25 continued...
ReplyDeleteI believe the above could be classified as an act of intimidation. There are approximately 35 schools in this system. I know mostly of the situations at that school and my school. I wonder how many more similar stories of acts of intimidation could be expressed by teachers throughout the I-SS system. I am certain that I would be saddened to the fact that it would be extremely high.
I have served on many school committees set up by the new method of micromanagement. I found that these committees were a waste of my time. Why? Because the data collected was manipulated. Baldrige personnel did not want to hear your comments. Baldrige personnel wanted to change the survey. Or, the Baldrige personnel would not allow the next year survey to be given to compare the previous years data . I am talking about teacher climate surveys. You know, the one that demonstrates the morale level at the school. The central office (excuse me for the generalization) did not care about the morale of teachers. And they certainly do not seem to follow the theme of “Stakeholder” input. They really only cared about the implementation of Baldrige and skewing numbers.
I am often having conversation with students and teachers who dislike the micromanagement tools of Baldrige. And many students claim that teachers really don't follow Baldrige. They just play this sad game. I also played this sad game. This game simply took too much of my time. It took away my personal planning for my students. I have a curriculum to follow and I do know how to set a path for my students. I do know how to teach my students and I do know how to make them successful.
This blog gives to those whose opportunity to speak candidly and have been denied that opportunity. This blog gives that opportunity to those who have been fearful of speaking due to possible retaliation. This blog gives the opportunity for citizens to research and find truths that the local media has refused to take the time to do. It does seem that if you do the research you will find that this current debate is not an anomaly and has and probably is occurring in other locations throughout the country. This blog gives the opportunity for ALL citizens to use their FREEDOMS to express themselves regarding their opinion of the implementation and residual effects of Baldrige.
And finally, to blog poster above, I also believe that the BOE should be replaced by the vote. However, the problem lie in the fact that this BOE has been manipulated and used for the past seven years. Dr. Holliday has been allowed to plant his Baldrige garden during the last seven years. It is time for that garden to be tilled under. I also believe that Baldrige is like a cancer that has entered the I-SS district as a foreign body. I believe that cancer has developed into many tumors that need to be quickly removed.
Anyone educated in Iredell County or Statesville City Schools surely is not capable of analyzing data! No one knew how to do that before Dr. Holiday arrived to save the day!
ReplyDelete5:50 PM, 6:25 PM & 6:28... great posts. As for any reference to the Central Office Staff, I don't think anyone meant to lump them all together in a negative fashion. In my mind, derogatory comments about the Central Office Staff are intended for those who have been large and in charge.
ReplyDeleteI know one of the people who used to work in the Central Office years ago. That person made a very good salary. I also saw them bring work home frequently and forego family time to complete their responsiblities. That perosn earned every dime that was paid to them. I dare say that there are still some great people in the Central Office who are just as dedicated.
When referring to the Central Office, let's all remember in the future that we are referring to those who have overstepped their boundries.
To 5:50 PM: AMEN!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo 6:25/6:28 PM: I know the principal to which you refer and I understand COMPLETELY what you mean!! Teachers are STILL leaving! And also, THANK YOU for posting such candid remarks!! I am a teacher also and I don't need 'data', whether real or manipulated, to tell me where my students are and where they need to be. We, teachers, are certainly NOT unintelligent people and are perfectly capable of doing our jobs without the use of Baldridge or any of the people that are "pro" Baldridge!!
Fun Reading! www.boonereport.com/2006winter/b.html
ReplyDeleteCheck it out; I had no idea there was another site out there willing to provide information that was against the administration.
It would be interesting to see each teacher's salary and their student scores for the past six years. I work with lots of them who talk the talk but can't walk the walk so to speak. They talk a good story about all the work they do and all the work others don't do. They are tenured so they sit at their computer most of the day and kids just do worksheet after worksheet. Not lumping all teachers together, but you would be surprised how many don't really like kids or their job no matter what you do, they just want a paycheck.
ReplyDeleteThere are some teachers who need to be removed as well as administration. The problem is that when you complain to the Principals, they cover for them. When you went to Central office to speak to Holliday, he tells you that it is up to the Principal.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect perfection, but I do expect people who are willing to do their best. People are people and nobody is perfect. And, I expect the morales and values of those teachers to be acceptable while in the classroom around my children.
I know of a North Iredell High School teacher with a reputation for flirting with and compromising himself with students. He supposedly did a very poor job of teaching and would then recomend that the students (female) stay after school for tutering. If they did, their grade would improve.
We heard of this prior to our girls getting assigned to him, but decided give him a chance as false allegations can ruin a person. It turns out that they weren't rumors. When I approached the Principal about the issues that we observed, she became very rude and defensive. It was only after I got really serious with her and mentioned other incidents shared by other parents that she gave in and moved our girls to another class where they proceeded to get way better grades. (I have the entire incident documented from beginning to end).
We were even warned by another teacher not to let our girls stay after school with this man. When I mentioned this to the Principal she DEMANDED to know who the teacher was and threatened me with liable... no kidding. Other parents had their children removed from his classroom as well. Last year he was not allowed to tutor after school but is still there teaching. I suspect that this year he will be allowed to go back to tutoring if no one complains to the Central Office or the central office doesn't do anything.
As I said, the High School Principal threatened me and chastised me like a child until I pointed out the legal aspects of the whole thing. And yes, I have the whole thing documented. This was the second time she was completely hateful to me for politely asking something. She, is one of those that uses the Holliday "slammed door approach". The problem with bluffing is that it doesn't work on everyone and especially those who have their facts straight complete with documentation.
This is only one incident, one Principal and one teacher. There are many more that need to straighten up or be tossed out. I have many more incidents documented and their are countless parents who have had similarly serious problems that carried them to the top only to have Holliday blow them off as well.
continued on the next post as I got cut off by BLOG limitaions.....
Another school ommited required information from a State report. I had been told that schools did this to keep their incident rating down. I have a case from EIMS that I know for a fact they did not report to law enforcement as required nor to the School Superintendant as required or to the State on the yearly report. They purposely falsified a public document. I would like to have all the parents who have had a child involved in serious incidents step up and ask to see that incident on the state report.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of this over and over. At one school, bus drivers student write ups were thrown in the trashcan in front of them. They were told that we had as many as they could have for that year. Incidents are swept under the rug consistantly to keep numbers low so that the principal and administration look good.
Under the State BOE policy manual policy number HRS-A-005 it states that Principals who meet the criteria for a safe school get a 1% slary bonus. How is that for a mind blower?
Many schools use the "Holliday slammed door approach" and there was no where to go at the top except Brady and Brady had his hands tied by Holliday policies.
There are many in the school system that need to be more people oriented and caring. One of the anonymous posters on here who was attacking citizen efforts for promoting change said that ISS was a business. That was well put and exactly how it has been run. Problem is, if it was a business and there was competition in this county in the form of another public education system, the "customers" would go elsewhere. The only reason ISS has survived operating as a business is because they are a monopoly.
I don't think I need to say it, but I will anyway. We have met many wonderful teachers through the years and many great people in administration. I think that the good people are in the majority. Unfortunately those bad apples have a very destructive effect on the school system and the students.
8-1 7:59
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. AND THAT IS A PROBLEM THAT BALDRIGE HAS NOT SOLVED. I was taught some wonderful values by my parents. My experiences encouraged and allowed me to develop a very good work ethic. And I believe these values and this work ethic have followed me into the classroom. And I also agree with Mr. Coover. The hands of many people have become tied (especially school administrators-one of your first lines of communication). It is the administration and promotion of Baldrige at all cost by the superintendent and the BOE that has contributed to this problem.
I have also experienced working with teachers who fail to do what is required. And my reference is not to the Baldrige requirements. However and for whatever reason, the principal does not hold these teachers accountable.
In the effort to achieve numbers that will promote the Superintendent and implementation of Baldrige it is unfortunate that it has become more about self promotion rather than logically dealing with real and serious issues. While the posted and printed numbers may look good, there are still real issues. And the real issues get pushed aside to promote the numbers designed to promote Baldrige. Good reasoning and common sense in reference to the handling of problems would serve everyone within the I-SS system in a more responsible manner rather than the promotion of a Superintendent and Baldrige.
I am in support of this BLOG and the efforts that are being made here. I do feel however that there are many more issues to address than salaries. Lack of money does affect our children, but the atmosphere in the schools affects them much more.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more parents and teachers address other issues such as too much homework. Third and fourth grade was terrible for all three of our kids. There was many a night that they sat up crying, rubbing their forehead trying to get it completed. I don't know if that is still the case or not. If so, it needs to be addressed.
There are discipline policies being abused and some that aren't even legal. Just like the educational process, the discipline policies in many schools are used to support numbers instead of incouraging student growth.
I think that those who are looking into financial records are doing a good thing, but financial issues are overshadowing some equally important issues.
With Holliday leaving and (hopefully) most of the BOE looking at being voted out, now is the best time for all of us to work together for positive change. That shouldn't be a problem considering how many people I hear constantly complaining about issues with ISS. If you don't jump in and help, don't complain. You will never have a better chance than now.
There are many great teachers ,and there are many teachers who just come to get a salary. Most people know who they are. The problem with Baldridge is that it never really showed the great teachers. It showed that teachers could be cloned, just like monkeys. Do it this way. Put the paperwork on a wall (PDSAs with correct date) and if the teacher could teach, too, great. Ha! Ha!! PLCs were for Instructional Facilitators to enforce the Baldridge concept and not true colloborative meetings. Just more brainwashing, nothing more. Agendas for whom, and data for whom. This was not for teachers, and only for those who couldn't deal with the classroom. Baldridge is, and will always be fool's gold and nothing more. Baldridge was the biggest pyramid of all. The top grew rich and the poor kept them there. Teachers did not grow ,nor students learn. It was just an extra program that was not worth the money that was spent.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a degree in teaching ,and you can follow a pacing guide, the NCSOS curriculum guide, and do a plan book, then you can teach. Add a schedule and be somewhat creative and always , always be adaptable and you can do it. Teachers , you are the future and education is forever continuous change. Those that protest the classroom teacher would not be where they are now, if it had not been for some caring classroom teacher. Freedom to speak out has long been denied. It is time for a new horizon and a new dream for ISS. Let freedom ring!
The principal you reference at the small high school was selected by a large group that included teachers, staff, and parents. That person was hired based upon recommendations of that group. At the time that hire was made, the district did mass group interviews....something they have moved away from. Maybe because people forget that they did the choosing, like they have here in the postings. If you are going to get blamed for something anyway might as well go ahead and do it without feedback which appears to be the new method. Try to present facts people. That is the problem here, too much one-sided information. I also heard someone talking about research on what is being made in other counties as far as salaries. That is one thing I have never seen on here, any comparisons, whether with test scores or salaries. Once again, information here is too one-sided to be taken seriously. Sorry, this is just a means to stir people without putting anything in context. Looks like it works. That is exactly what the school system is accused of doing, manipulating data. And you say bad school system. But it is ok here because it is freedom of speech. Who cares if it is the truth or if it hurts people. All administrators are evil regardless of their worth to the system or personal thoughts on Baldrige.
ReplyDelete8-1 7:40 He came in with his friend Dr. Bryan Setser(does anyone remember him? There are many allegations regarding him and that principal at the small high school, but we will leave it at that)
ReplyDeleteSo you consider things to be one sided. That is fine. And there is probably a lot more to the story than you mention. But hey, who can you believe these days, the SR&L, Holliday, IF's or this blog? Let the readers choose.
Now, can your answer the other questions from that post? Oh, there was also a former IF at that small high school that seemed to cause a lot of problems and that IF was removed and placed in a higher level position. I spoke to a BOE member at that time regarding that and other situations. He only mentioned that there was a very big mess at that school. I know a lot more about this and many other situations. And I do know who to believe! I also know who I can and cannot trust.
8-1 7:40 The following is a part of your post -
ReplyDelete"Maybe because people forget that they did the choosing, like they have here in the postings. If you are going to get blamed for something anyway might as well go ahead and do it without feedback which appears to be the new method. Try to present facts people. That is the problem here, too much one-sided information."
I have several questions from your above post.
Are you insinuating that the people who post on this site are LIARS? Do you think the stories they tell are fabricated allegations? Do you believe these are simply exaggerations of their work environment?
Are you insinuating that the method of hiring is the sole blame and responsibility of the general public or teachers?
If I remember correctly, the BOE election process is an at large vote and at most maybe 20 percent of the electorate voted in each district with the exception of the last election.
Remember the process only allows voters to select one BOE member.
Are you insinuating that the problems with the principal at the smallest high school rest with the few teachers who served on the selection committee?
And are you insinuating that a persons job is safe in spite of their questionable job performance simply because of the method they were hired?
It may only be me, but these are bizarre arguments.
As for those chosen by the school or elected in past elections, we learn from our mistakes. I am sure that all of them promised to represent us and improve our school system. The only way to find out is to give them a chance. They have had their chance and now we know. You might as well quit bringing up that "we" picked them. We sure a s hell did and now we need to pick some more.
ReplyDeleteThe BOE shoud be elected by all of the people and not districts. They represent the people of Iredell County and all our students, not the district that they are from. They are there to do the biding of the ones who voted them in or did not. I hope that they read this blog. This blog may get them more informed and perhaps, they will now get out, and visit the ISS schools they represent. It is time that they visit the teachers of this system and listen to their concerns.
ReplyDeleteThe IF at that small high school was removed because she was being bullied by some of the unprofessional teachers. She was not promoted, but moved to another school. If she has since earned a promotion based on her leadership skills...good for her.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that we should not lump all central office administrators together. Deal with each as an individual.
What about Dale Ellis creating a position for his wife that was a promotion last year? She supposedly did not get along with the principal and wanted out....hmmmm... nepotisim still alive and well in ISS!
The IF at that small high school was NOT bullied by the teachers. She was the one bullying them!!! She did enough damage at that school that should have cost her her job. She was supported by the central office staff because she used the same tactics that they use to intimidate teachers.
ReplyDeleteTeachers should not have had to be on any committees or the SIT teams . It was always decided at the Central office how it was supposed to be. They always wasted precious teacher time and The SIT was their way or no way. All the Central office did was pretend that teachers had input. That was one if the biggest lies in ISS. It the was exactly the way everything has been run in the last 7 years. Teachers are peons, nothing more and will continue to be if we do nothing about it. NCAE was the biggest laugh in this county. The officers were just as brainwashed as the IFS, and did nothing to help the teachers. That is why many teachers will never join ISS NCAE. It was an ___ kisser to DR. Holliday and anything that he wanted done, they willingly helped.
ReplyDeleteMeant "That was one of the biggest lies ever to have been in ISS schools".
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Classroom Teachers were not wanted for their opinions or their ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe only classroom teachers that the Central office administrators wanted were the ones who said Yes, yes and great idea" We'll be your clones and do exactly as told. No input from what we learned in college. No input from what we have learned in our classroom. Just sit, nod and agree to the IF and the agenda. Heaven forbid, no issues allowed and that was definitely a "no, no!" Just get over it and everyone teach the same way. Ha! Ha!
I have never been a big fan of unions but just think how things would have been if we did have unions in schools. Within a year of Dr. Holliday and his agenda, there would have been a massive strike at all of the schools. Baldrige would have left the buildings never to return.
ReplyDeleteAug. 1, 7:40 PM - You say there have been no comparisons on this blog. Please look at my post dated Monday, June 15. It is titled School Administration: Here and There. In that post I compared the number of I-SS Central Office administrators to that of the Buncombe County Schools and to that of the Davidson County Schools. One of these schools has a student population a little larger than I-SS and the other a little smaller. Yet, both of these systems have significantly fewer Central Office administrators than I-SS. Granted I did not compare salaries as I do not have that information. It has taken a lot of my time just to get information from I-SS. I have asked some other school systems for some additional information but I have only received a few responses. I have not had time to pursue that information any further.
ReplyDeleteAs for as comparisons of test scores, a number of individuals have compared test scores in their comments. I, also, would like to see more comparisons. Perhaps you could take the time to research that information and share it with the readers of this blog.
What about the his children "left behind" in SC
ReplyDelete1 child in Easley, SC with two children
ReplyDelete1 child in Charleston, SC
both paid for own education....what a father
the remarks above show the character of the people posting on this blog
ReplyDeleteIt sickens me if you are an employee in this county and might be teaching children!
I was sickened to work in this county under a character by the name of Holliday. Much has been hidden from the public and I am glad that some people are taking their time to uncover public information. Can you give a good argument why the superintendent would hire a lawyer from Raleigh to slow the efforts of citizens to find public information?
ReplyDeleteI was once at a meeting where someone asked Holliday about his salary and his wife's salary. Holliday turned red in the face and chastised the questioner. He said "you can attack me, but leave my wife and children out of it." I was amazed at such a statement considering his wife's position of employment within the system. As an employee I think she was subject to the same scrutiny as any other.
Some people want to have it both ways. It sickens me that some people do not seem to understand the justifiable concerns that many have regarding our school system. And it sickens me that we had a newspaper that pledged their soul to Holliday. I think these are a couple of the ingredients that has caused this pot of water to boil.
August 4, 2009 8:37 PM... That is alot of good energy you are wasting on bitterness. Holliday is gone. Take a deep breath, let it go and help us fight the problems still here. If you are the same person who posted at 9:56 I agree with your entire post. You sound like a person that cares deeply and looks at things realistically... just the kind of person we need to focus and help take back ISS.
ReplyDeleteNo, 8:37 and 9:56 are not the same person.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think that information is interesting. There was something similar posted on the Kentucky School News and (KSNC) but they decided to not go in the same direction with that post. They stated that you might find information about it in the ISSReport
.
Here is a suggestion. If new personnel is hired in Central Office I believe they should do a background check on them through Bill Braters' wifes company (QPI).
Was it not determined that the SC information was filtering into both sites from a poster in SC and has nothing to do with ANY of Mr. Klaene's blogs or the local responses? If it makes someone in Iredell County sick, just don't move to SC.
ReplyDeleteInteresting piece here ---> http://www.gallupindependent.com/2004/07july04/070904principal.html
ReplyDeletegotta say that almost always, where there is smoke, there is fire.
http://www.quality.nist.gov/QEXXI/PDF/QEXXI_Detailed_Agenda.pdf
ReplyDeleteExactly WHEN do these people WORK?
Even if the travel accommodations were paid, (and I'm not sure that they were) they are NOT working for I-SS's children when they are gallivanting around going to these useless Ego Fests.
I believe I counted NINE I-SS CO staff---most of them members of '$100,000+ Club'.. (I do not see Mr. Johnson's name on the list)
and Mr.Coover, before you start going on about how "everyone's venting, no one is accomplishing anything" it needs to be said that what HAS happened is a very important component of the gigantic mess in which I-SS finds itself...Most taxpayers have NO idea what has been and continues to go on at the so-called 'leadership level.'
Past mistakes should be acknowledged and made public so the likelihood that they will be repeated is diminished. (not the exact quote, but it works here)
9:57,
ReplyDeleteThe past mistakes need to be made public by organizing individual small groups to complile information regarding each subject. Currently everyone is posting each small thing as they find it and there is no force for change when that happens.
The information collecting is good, but not organizing efforts makes it all futile.
If you will notice, the public could care less about this Blog or the meetings. This is the first time I have been on here in several days and decided to check back over all the posts even old ones. This group has no teeth, no respect, no interest. You are doing a great thing, but when you find those past mistakes, no one will listen to you as you are only individuals with random information.
ReplyDeleteI have brought about more change single handedly by building up documentation and presenting it all as a packet. One time it took me handing it over to WSOC, but it forced them to rewrite policies that were wrong. I wish the good people on here could understand that good intentions still require an effective method of delivery. I have about done all I can do in trying to convince people though.
You are so right, a mere mention of the budget travesties on this blog will not change anything. I guess the hope of most of the posters here is that someone, ANYONE at the S R&L or maybe Mr. Johnson, or Board members will read the heartfelt entries on here and have an attack of conscience. Probably wishful thinking on my part, but it does seem that we have garnered SOME attention from those who have the power to affect change. A member of the BoE has been paying attention, and so has Mr. Johnson, as evidenced by the meeting with Mr. Klaene.
ReplyDeleteI respect your dedication to being a force to help better our community, Mr. Coover. Please continue in your efforts; we need articulate, passionate individuals such as you in order to combat the steamroller attitude that many of those in control have, and have had over the past seven years. Thank you for all you've done, and will do to help the students of I-SS.
9:01 I don't expect any outpouring of support from the R&L or the BOE. John Rogers has made himself available and I have heard good things about Charles Kelly although I have never met him. I have met John and he seems very sincere and dedicated. He also isn't fond of political correctness when something has to be said or done. It takes character to be that way in today's wishy washy society.
ReplyDeleteThe only way the R&L would show support for the public is if the public started gaining control. Then they will jump on the bandwagon.
Brady has always seemed like a great guy to me and other than a few anonymous stabs on this blog, I have never heard one person speak badly of him. That speaks volumns for a man in a public position.
I do like the wording of "steamroller attitude that many of those in control have". Unfortunately facing some that have been and still are in the administration is like facing a steamroller, but only if you let them. By picking your battles and having your facts straight you can make things right.
As for my efforts, I am about played out. It was my idea to start the group so we could address issues with more of a voice and more resources. I suppose that led to me expressing frustration when I didn't see efforts being combined and organized. I think the group thing is pretty well a wash.
Whoever you are, I appreciate your kind words.
If there is ever anything I can do to help you, let me know.