In previous posts I told of the announced shift in personnel at the I-SS Central Office. The shifts were triggered as Mr. Johnson assumed the role of Interim Superintendent. Mr. Johnson had informed me that administrators moving into new positions would receive raises corresponding to their new responsibilities. Mr. Johnson has now provided the amounts of those raises. The change in position and salary for each administrator is given below.
Brady Johnson was Deputy Superintendent of Operations and is now Interim Superintendent. His previous salary was $129,900.00 and is now $175,100.00, which is a 34.8% raise.
Ron Hargrave was Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education/Student Services and is now Interim Associate Superintendent of Operations. His previous salary was $118,000.00 and is now $125,000.00, which is a 5.9% raise.
Dale Ellis was Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and is now Interim Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education/Student Services. His previous salary was $110,970.00 and is now $117,000.00, which is a 5.4% raise.
Dr. Melanie Taylor was Chief Academic Officer and is now Interim Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Her previous salary was $120,000.00 and is now $125,000.00, which is a 4.2% raise.
Bill Long was Director of Recruitment & Retention and is now Interim Associate Superintendent of Human Resources. His previous salary was $81,900.00 and is now $92,000.00, which is a 12.3% raise.
Mr. Johnson stated that all of these salaries are subject to the 2% reduction/furlough and that each of these individuals will revert back to his or her previous position/salary after the new superintendent is hired.
In my opinion, under normal economic conditions these raises would not be out of line. But, with the drastic cuts in the overall school budget, these raises do seem to be unwarranted. It was recently reported in the Statesville Record & Landmark that there would be a 5.8% reduction in More at Four Funding; the elimination of funding for literacy coaches, staff development, and improving student accountability; a 13.1% cut in funding for teacher mentoring; and an estimated $420,000 cut in transportation spending. Many students who previously were able to ride a school bus are now required to walk to school. Yet these administrators were given raises. As I mentioned before, the justification given is that these individuals will be taking on new responsibilities.
The Record & Landmark also reported that the cap on class size for 4th through 12th grades will increase to 31 students. Each of the teachers in these grades will have to take on new responsibilities for each additional student. Are these teachers going to be given raises because they have to take on these new responsibilities? No! Are other school employees going to be given raises because they have to take on new responsibilities due to cuts in the budget? No! This was emphasized in the Record & Landmark article. It was reported that there would be no salary increases. I guess no one bothered to inform Ms. Broadnax, R & L reporter, of the raises for the administrators mentioned above. Why is it that the School Board sees no disparity in giving raises to administrators who take on additional duties but continues to ask other employees to do more and more for the same pay?
Click on the link below to view the online version of the article in the Record and Landmark that was referenced in this post.
For the 357th time funding comes from different places and can only be used for the reason it is intended for. Find out if I am wrong but the money that is being paid to the central office cannot be used to give teachers a raise or to put towards transportation or supplies or anything else. How thick headed can you be? Stop trying to catch somebody doing something that they aren't doing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTeachers are told over and over again that, due to budget issues, they must do more with less.
ReplyDeleteThat 'more' now includes (for 4th through 12th teachers) increased class sizes---which as indicated above is a HUGE issue, not just for teachers (because obviously, as Mr. Klaene mentioned each additional student significantly increases the work load) bur, MORE importantly larger class sizes reduces individualized instruction for students! The 'more' also means teachers will be forced to purchase instructional items needed for their classrooms out of their already shallow pockets...all with absolutely no increase in pay--not even the tiny 'step' state increase. If administrators are getting more money for their increased responsibilities, then why aren't teachers?
If there is money available for salary increases for administrators, then there is money available to increase the local teacher supplement. AND if there isn't enough for teachers, then administration should follow their own advice and 'do more for less'
Talk about your double standards!
correction:
ReplyDelete*but, MORE importantly
How about actually looking at it the correct way:
ReplyDeleteBrady Johnson took Dr. Hollidays position so the pay alloted to superintendent stayed at 175,000
Ron Hargrave took Brady Johnson's position so the pay alloted for that slot went from 129,900 to 125,000 (a reduction of 4,900)
Dale Ellis took Ron Hargrave's position so the pay alloted for that slot went from 118,000 to 117,000 (a reduction of 1,000 dollars)
Bill Long took Dale Ellis' position so the pay alloted for that slot went from 110,970 to 92,000 (a reduction of 8,970 dollars)
Bill Long's position is being left vacant (a reduction of 81,900 dollars)
Not sure who Melanie Taylor's role replaced, so we can just mark that down as an increase of 5,000 dollars
So the school system actually SAVED 91,770 dollars during the shift of personnel and salaries. Hard to find fault with that, but I'm sure some of you will....
Look at this year's budget. It says Dr. Holliday was going back to $140,000.00. Our BOE had to OK the salary increases above. I understand the others but not Brady's, only because I figured that the board had OK'd this year's budget for 2009-10. I thought they knew what they ok'd.
ReplyDeleteThe hypocrisy of the CO not following their own mantra of 'Do more with less' is not addressed in the list ... these individuals are certainly not 'doing more with less'-- they're not even 'doing more with the same'.
ReplyDeleteSeems someone is bent on justifying the unjustifiable.
9:34 thanks for putting it in perspective. Some people are going to comlain no matter what but thanks for trying.
ReplyDeletePaul, the citizens of Iredell County owe you a debt of gratitude for uncovering this part of the secret maneuverings by the BOE. For whatever reason it was done - it looks bad. Perception is important, and the perception of many teachers is that they don't matter when it comes to money. Teachers are working much harder for no more money, while administrators are - in many cases - not working harder at all. Take a look at Race St. and ADR parking lots on Fridays at 4:00 and see how many cars are still there. CO administrators are supposed to work until 5:00, but they often leave early. Only the secretaries who have to clock in and out stay until 5:00. It is the people who do the work with students, who endure the stress of larger classes, who solve more discipline problems as a result of those larger classes, and who spend longer hours preparing lessons and grading papers, who are shouldering the entire burden of the budget crunch. It is the people in the big offices who never deal with students, who are reaping the rewards. And as for there being "different pots" for different categories of salaries - that may be true - but we have not been told WHERE this money came from. If there are different pots - then why were CO administrators and principals asked to give up the 2% of their salaries? They were told that it would help retain some of the TAs. Was that a lie? This little move by the I-SS BOE is a slap in the face to teachers, and a slap in the face to principals as well. What it does is protect those administrators at the top from the 2% reduction in pay - while still imposing that cut on administrators in the schools who do the real work.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you telling Paul that the citizens of Iredell County owe him a debt of gratitude? He is on a self absorbed ego trip trying to have a little bit of power by twisting facts and being a rebel rouser. He has pried into everything trying to find something and has come up empty handed every time. This started as a thing between him and Holiday and he can't let it go. Hooray for Paul! Yeah right.
ReplyDeleteThank God for the American Revolution!
ReplyDeleteSomeone does not care for Civil Rights or the Constitution. I suppose that person would like to go back to slave days. Noone is allowed to investigate or ask questions.
ReplyDeleteIt is still a dictatorship, when the only one with an inflated ego does not want anyone to question anything, and that "ain't" Paul Klaene.
When you disrespect others you only show how low you are willing to go. Hell "ain't" a very nice place.
Aug. 22, 7:56 AM – It is true that some of the funding that I-SS receives is designated for specific purposes. However, the system receives a significant amount of other resources that can be allocated as needed. As I mentioned in a comment to a previous post, at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting Dr. Holliday said that the State allotment for the Central Office was 1.3 million dollars. The total pay for all the Central Office Administrators is around 2.5 million dollars and that does not include the pay of the Central Office support staff. This means that I-SS uses some 1.2 million dollars from these other sources to cover the salaries of the Central Office administrators. Much of this money can be used for other purposes.
ReplyDeleteAug. 22, 9:34 AM – Each of these individuals could have been paid almost any amount, so let’s just say that each one could have been paid an even $200,000. Then, using your logic, we could say the school system saved almost a half a million dollars by only giving them the raises mentioned in the post. Yeah right.
Aug. 22, 11:25 AM – I don’t know about the ego trip but perhaps I am being a bit of an activist. You say that this started as a thing between Dr. Holliday and me. That is not correct. This started by questioning the amount of money spent to support an overstaffed Central Office and I guess we have now arrived back at the beginning.
Paul, again thank you for your commitment to the truth. The fact remains that if it was wrong for Dr. Holliday to make that much money, then it is equally wrong for Mr. Johnson to make the same. There is no other logical way of looking at it. If sacrifices must be made - they should be made by ALL employees, not just by those at the bottom. I hope all concerned turn out for the public meeting at which time we can ask the appropriate questions. Perhaps if the present school board had asked the same questions that Paul has now raised, we would not be in this predicament. I firmly believe that change is needed, and that we, as concerned citizens, can achieve that goal together.
ReplyDeleteYou have arrived back at the beginning. It's called being in a rut. Get a life. Holiday is gone and it is a new day.
ReplyDeleteDid Holliday create a central office that exceeded a budget allocated by the state? Is that a simple yes/no question? If he did create that financially heavily laden central office than another question could be asked. Such as, from what area(s) was money transferred in order to create the extra payroll for these central office positions. An example may possibly be the hiring of Brenda Clarke from (was it Shipley and Associates? - I am not certain) who was paid a salary of 129,000. Only an investigation will answer those questions. I do know of an example of where money was skillfully shifted from a budget of money (which could only be used for one purpose) to pay a person in a dual role. That probably accounted for a loss of at least 120,000 over four years to that specific program. And where did that money go? I think there are many questions that could be asked and answered. I pay taxes. I would like for Paul to stay in his rut.
ReplyDeleteMelanie Taylor replaced Brenda Clark who was just reassigned to a different CO position, which is just what they do when people complain: shift people around, there are not demotions or cuts in pay due to contracts.
ReplyDeleteIf you believe their salaries are going back when there is a new super, I know a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell you!!
I know money is in different pots, and I do not agree with 98% of what Paul Klaene says, but it is inexcusable for CO people to take raises when teachers do not even get their step increase from the state this year. They will make less with the changes in insurance premiums!
The majority of ISS will take a pay cut this year, but these top positions take a raise. sickening!
Why are they still saying the 2% is in effect? If you get a 12% raise, but then are cut 2% aren't you still net 10% raise? did principals whom took on more students get a raise? did schools who lost an AP and had to do more with less get a raise for the increased responsibilities? a slap in the face indeed! I think this is Mr. Johnson's and the Board's worst move yet. I think it is time for a new board of ed while Paul is on his personal witch hunts, why not focus on them?
ReplyDelete"We're trying not to lay anyone off," he said. "We're just doubling up and asking them to assume more responsibility."
ReplyDelete- Postponement of grades 6-12 math textbooks;
- No salary increases;
above from R & L article-
I think Mr. Johnson is confused. The upper crust were asked to take on more responsibility and WERE given raises.
Never trust a liar
Boy ya'll sure are rough on old Brady. Did you ever think about sitting down with him one on one and asking him how this works? He just might have an answer that makes sense. Then you'll have to find another non issue to complain about. Pretty rough on Paul too. One poster only agrees with 2% of what he say's and another poster said he is on personal witch hunts. Tough crowd!
ReplyDeleteWhat planet are these people from? Did the BoE actually approve all of these outrageous raises? This type of thing has gone on for too long. If we actually had a REAL newspaper in this town, then the comparison percentages to other comparable districts, and how far out of line I-SS is would be the front page headline!
ReplyDeleteThe taxpayers are being made laughing stocks of by the BoE. We need to direct serious energy to replacing ALL of them as soon as they are up for re-election.
Paul, I hope that you, Janey, Renee and others who are gracious enough to spend time serving the public interest will conduct grass roots information campaigns to make sure that this board is OUT ASAP. Perhaps an organized emailing explaining how frivolous they have been with taxpayer funds would be a good place to start.
Now the newspaper is to blame. Where does it stop with you people? An organized mailing is next? Can't wait.
ReplyDelete8/22 10:16 - I wish someone would answer your question! That is the type of inquiry stakeholders need.
ReplyDeleteThat someone to ask would be Brady. He works in the central office the number is 704-924-2028 or his email is bjohnson@iss.k12.nc.us or the address is 549 N. Race Street Statesville, NC 28677. I would post a photo of him for identification but this site doesn't have the means to do that. Somebody please get up the nerve to see the wizard! Somebody has to play Dorothy and be brave because the scarecrow the tinman and the cowardly lion that live on this site sure aren't going to ask on their own. If you think Brady has done something wrong go ask him!!!! Ya'll are worse than the third graders you are supposed to be teaching!
ReplyDelete8:03 you claim to know of money that was taken from an account and used for purposes other than what it was designated for. Who did it and when did this happen? Name & date please or stop posting false acusations.
ReplyDeleteHow easy it is to sling challenges at teachers have been the victims of a gestapo-like environment for nearly seven years. Teachers STILL do not know in whom they can trust. Many of the educators who have been vocal detractors of the CO administration policies in the past have been forced out of their positions, involuntarily transferred, bullied, or given unfair, unfavorable evaluations.
ReplyDeleteThese are the teachers' reasons for continued anonymity, August 23, 2009 9:17 AM, what are yours?
Teachers long for the day when they'll have the freedom of being able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of retribution from those who hold the strings.
Unfortunately, that day is not yet here.
to the above 9:17: It is not a false accusation and I do not type false accusations - I type what I know to be truthful - It is absolutely true, and I will give my information to whom I can trust - 9:39 is absoulutely correct!
ReplyDeleteI don't believe for one moment that there is still concern for being bullied. If what you are saying is not false accusations then there is no reason to hide. You must not be so sure of yourself!
ReplyDeleteMan, I need to go through this blog and see how many posts have to do with people's salaries. This is the only way Mr. Klaene can make sure people are reading his blog. I bet every post on this blog that was salary related has over 30 or 40 comments. Not including this one because obviously people are still commenting.
ReplyDeleteShould the CO staff that were shifted have taken on the former salaries of the previous staff...no. But by doing so they could take those raises and when they get their paychecks gladly donate those funds back to the schools out of their own pockets since they don't get paid out of the same funds as the teachers. I'm sure the raises and the savings at CO could benefit some rooms in I-SS. It also would not hurt them because it would be considered a tax write off due to the donation.
Personally, I'm sick of the salary talk. lets take my salary for instance. I make 31,290 in a year. That's 10 months. If I added on the two extra months then I would make 37,584 before any supplents on the year.
Lets take Brady Johnsons new salary of 175,000. If he were 10 months he would earn 140,000.
Lets look at Dale Ellis' new salary of 117,000 which was a reduction and put it on a 10 month scale. 93,600.
Me being such a young teacher I get why their salaries are so high. I don't care that they make more money that I do. In any organization those at the top make higher. If they were to make millions of dollars like the bank CEO's that put us in an economic tailspin where they get multi-million dollar bonuses I would be ticked.
However, this is not the case. They make what seems to be a lot to almost anyone in our county but most of the southern end. I feel we are unjustly scrutinizing the CO and that people are just mad because they make over 100k. I hope one day I will go get the degrees and I will put in the time that will let me be compensated well in the future.
Teachers should get paid more but I don't feel we should get paid the same or even close to the same as to what our CO gets paid. They have 22,000 students, 3,000 employees, and I would say close to 60,000- 100,000 parents, community organizers, business, and whoever else they have to appease to keep the system intact.
Let us not mention that they have to go to conferences, research curriculum, improve process, conduct meetings, and attend BOE meetings. They do more than you think. I've seen it, and I have been around it. I don't work at CO, but I have been in enough districts with my job now to know how it is supposed to operate.
I wish people would quit griping about the salaries and truly focus on what is coming through our doors in 2 days. We have a tough year ahead of us and we need to suck it up and take steps forward instead of backwards.
And to finish my post at 1:10 PM because I went on a rant:
ReplyDeleteIf teachers and personnel are so mad over the BOE...well run for office in the election and change how it is done. If you don't like how BOE runs things then vote for the other person. If that person is the one who wins then obviously the PEOPLE wanted them. I believe in democracy and I believe the majority speaks volumes as to who should run.
Look at the last presidential election. I believe Obama is what we needed. I feel he is doing a good job and if I ever feel like he isn't then I have the right to speak my peace...but I don't say impeach, impeach, impeach. Lord knows I would have said it all the time when Bush was president but in a democracy you have to wait until the next election and you vote for change. Change is what Mr. Klaene and others want but sending nasty comments, and inappropriate rumors out across a blog are unacceptable. I am 25 years old...I'm young...but I guarantee most on here are in the 40's - 50's and act like they are 12. It's very sad and sometimes I am disappointed that I live and work in a county of complaints.
Hopefully some of you will see some light and realize there are more important things to worry about instead of someone else's salary. You all say you comment for the kids but I think you all comment for your own selfish reasons. I believe this blog is set up for selfish motives and I believe this rumor mill is only set up to demolish any morale (at least the morale that is left) teachers may have.
This blog reminds me of all the rumors going on with the health care reform. Anyone still believe there are death panels in health reform? If you do...well go read the facts because that was a fictitious remark Sarah Palin made and if you believe her you need to get your own head re-examined.
How about we start posting good things about I-SS? Put teachers in the spotlight some? Find good student work? Put up new teaching practices? Post some lesson plans that everyone can use? How about something to share 21st century skills in the classroom?
Those would be great but I digress because this is a rumor mill and we can't post anything important about the students or teachers except to complain about a man who lives in Kentucky, fuss about IF's, and let us not mention post up everyone's salaries just to fuel the fire.
Just go look at the ISS budget proposed for 2009-10. Read it. It is on the web. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAugust 23, 2009 1:11 PM : I respect the concerns expressed in your comments, and agree with some of them. However, I'm not sure that your understanding of what is reality in I-SS is complete. Everyone knows that superintendents and their assistants receive a higher salary than that of teachers. This is logical.
ReplyDeleteWhat is not logical, and has not been explained (imo, because it cannot be justified) is why the percentage of the total budget going to I-SS administration is so much higher than that of comparable school systems. Also illogical is the extreme upward spiral of budget dollars spent on administration over the past seven years---this must be rectified if the BoE wants to regain the some of the trust and respect they've lost.
You mention that the BoE members are elected, and you are right. But unfortunately, as a rule, only about 23 percent of Iredell County's eligible voters vote. That's where blogs such as this one come in--they inform the public of how their tax dollars are being used and allow the voting public to make more informed decisions when elections roll around. This is a vital service, because as you probably know if you ever read the S R&L, we don't have a real newspaper here---if one is interested in maintaining a healthy democracy, having no Fourth Estate creates a bad set of circumstances.
I'm sure your weren't referring to Mr. Klaene's comments when you used the term 'rumor mill'...he has done meticulous fact-based research using I-SS's own records.
In any blog there will be some rumor and much opinion--you being only 25, I'm sure you're most aware of the pros and cons of blogs.
This blog is dedicated to reforming our school system--not to the topics you cited. You could start a blog dedicated to the issues you mentioned--I say this with sincerity. You could post the address here and those who are interested in sharing ideas could gather there.
It sounds as though things have not been that difficult for you under the previous head administrator--you are lucky. Please try to understand that many were not so fortunate.
*correction
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you weren't referring
25 years old and still brainwashed. Don't worry, you will grow up one day and see the world in a new light. You must be prejudiced against those who have more experience in the teaching field, those in the 40s and 50s who have seen administrators come and go , and education do forward flips and backflips to whomever was putting out the new programs. After awhile, history repeats its self, but one day you will see for yourself. It takes some maturity to know that everything is not in black and white, but it has many gray areas. Just wondering if you are an ISS graduate or just a wannabe CEO. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know that believing in a purist system was so bad. Especially the way a democracy was to be set up. My age has nothing to do with prejudices and it definitely has nothing to do with an unsuccessful Baldridge initiative that drove teachers out of the system, killed morale, and tried to produce products rather than universally intelligent students who should be able to master all required fields of the curriculum in a differentiated setting. I am a believer that people don't have to make A's to succeed in the world. I am a believer that everyone does not have to go to the top schools to be a success.
ReplyDeleteWhat I feel is that it is sad when teachers feel like they have to post on a blog to feel like their voice can be heard. Have you visited the lunch tables with grade levels? You all say it in a "public" setting there and I believe your just talking to the same people here. All I am saying is this blog is a horrible use of technology and it will never change anything as long as it is a forum of complainers.
For you to attack my age is sad because if you don't know it yet...Most of the complainers are the ones who act just like the kids in their class.
I understand how history repeats itself...but if it is true...why didn't you see Holliday coming a mile away? Why didn't you elect the right school board members. It seems those of us who are older would be able to dig back into history, and well...prevent mistakes.
I know your excuse...we did not have anyone like Holliday before. Ok, I will accept that. However, that does not give you the right to assume everyone is a Holliday. It does not give you the right to assume that CO does not do their job and it definitely do not give you the right to post bogus remarks about people on a blog. What example are we setting for our students if they run across this blog?
I'm not a rogue person here but I think people need to seriously reflect on what they say before they post and realize we are going to get a new superintendent and whoever that person is will not run our school system in the manner it was.
And to finish my post...
ReplyDeleteWhat people need to do is get a unified idea of the person they would like...then be ready to present that to the school board during the interview process. This way they have a means to see what "your" people want.
As far as an I-SS graduate or a wannabe CEO your wrong. All I said was that if I put in all the work to get the degrees to put me in a position to run a school system I would hope to be compensated well. I'm a teacher, I'm just as equal as all the other teachers. I would fight for them just as anyone one else who is a teacher would. However, I feel these complaints are unjust and until you all unify and come up with a soultion to the problem this blog will forever be a rumor mill.
Captain America, I hate to nitpick, but feel that modeling good grammar is essential in the teaching profession (many students are not exposed to proper grammar at home) so, please use 'you're' to express the contraction of 'you are'...'your' is of course, a possessive pronoun.
ReplyDeleteI do not mean this as a 'put-down' and maybe you were just in a hurry and usually use proper grammar.
I am curious, did you attend I-SS schools?
Oh and have you checked out June and May on this blog. I bet it is an average of 2-5 comments per post. Yeh, tell me salary discussions do not fuel this blog. Thus, fueling the rumor mill.
ReplyDeleteAnd the counter at the bottom. Don't believe that bogus stuff. Everytime you hit refresh the count just goes up. No doubt a lot of people have looked and 39,000 is pretty impressive since May but come on it's not 39,000 people looking at this blog. The counter is such a stupid piece of technology to add to a site.
Actually yes I did attend I-SS Schools. So let's blame my grammar on everyone that taught me. Also, on a blog...grammar and proper punctuation does not matter. Do I want my kids to view this site. If I had them, no. I want my kids to be happy to attend public school.
ReplyDeleteSeriously? YOU'RE going to attack my grammar? Did you see all I typed? This is not a thesis or a research assisgnment. If you would like to mark it up with red ink please do it!!!
Hmmmmm, quite a bit of rancor for someone who is a "25-year-old teacher"...Harping on the fact that this blog has a counter? Really? To put it politely, could it be that someone is being disingenuous?
ReplyDeleteCaptain America! Welcome to the black hole of positivity and sincere push for solutions. I enjoyed your well thought meaningful post. I have to disagree with the Obama cheering, but other than that, thanks for some encouraging reading.
ReplyDelete“…until you all unify and come up with a solution to the problem this blog will forever be a rumor mill.”
“What people need to do is get a unified idea of the person they would like...then be ready to present that to the school board during the interview process. This way they have a means to see what your people want.”
Now what did you get for all of your effort, oh yeah… chastised for your grammar and attacked for your age. That’s about right. You are correct in saying that money and salaries are what people are really interested in. A quick read through the posts confirms that. Also, “we can't post anything important about the students or teachers except to complain about a man who lives in Kentucky, fuss about IF's, and let us not mention post up everyone's salaries just to fuel the fire.”…Right on again. Thank you!
Then you said that people needed to quit griping about salaries focus on the students that will be coming in 2 days. What were you thinking that these self absorbed whiners would actually show concern for the students? I was rolling in the floor on that one. I’m still wiping the tears out of my eyes and the silly grin will be there all night.
Our children have had some really great teachers in ISS. In my opinion, they are the majority. Those are the teachers that I had hoped to support and give a voice to. You are the first to identify yourself as a teacher and the first to show that you passionately care about finding resolve and unity so we can move forward.
If you think you would like to work together to find some positive resolve and a new starting point… ISSResolve@yahoo.com that’s me. I will be more than happy to take time out of my schedule to work with you. Concern for students! That’s a good one!
Captain America
ReplyDeleteI was not putting you down. Just saying things come and go , and you will change as you age.
You have been affected by so much that has had to do with television, and technology. That to me is lots of brainwashing. Go for the gold. Become the president of the USA. I'm glad a younger person is getting with the issues that are presented on this blog. Don't consider everything that you read as true, or a criticism of you personally. Keep reading and writing!
6:42.. things do change with age. When we are young we want to change the world. When we get older we see how hard it is to make change and give up trying. I agree that there are some things you learn to overlook as you get older and we should pick our battles.
ReplyDeleteI also think that many give up on making things better and just start looking out for themselves. Society will eventually beat you into that if you aren't careful and then apathy sets in. There is a balance to be maintained, but it is best to weigh heavy on the positive side. Personally I don't want to get old and give up life is too short.
Mr. Coover, there have been many people who are self-professed teachers on this blog; Cap. America is not the first. Also, since you are so hyped on this individual, why haven't you chastised him/her for not posting his/her real name? You harp on your own issues without going forward to try and fix them yourself. Creating an email does not a grassroots activist make. You say the blog is not enough; you're email address is even less so. You whine as much as anybody who posts on this blog; if you didn't like it so much, you wouldn't keep coming back. Create a group of your own, sir, and see what type of progress you can make since you are so distressed about this blog.
ReplyDeletePay is an extremely important issue to most people. To assume that it's not shows that you must not have to worry about such a thing, which makes you very lucky. Much like Cap. America, I am also a younger teacher, and my husband and I cannot afford to start our own family because it would cost too much due to the salary I make. That's a sad truth; I work all day teaching other people's children and willingly stay after school for them. I come in on weekends as well. I care passionately for the students I teach and am willing to go above and beyond for them. You know next to nothing about those you call out.
"You are the first to identify yourself as a teacher and the first to show that you passionately care about finding resolve and unity so we can move forward" Untrue Larry! Many posters have indirectly identified themselves as teachers. Also, you wanted people to identify themselves and I doubt that you will find "Captain America" on any ISS roster. Perhaps if you weren't so bent on posting lengthy and repeative posts, you might have actually comprehended what you read. This blog has done a great service in getting out the word about many discrepancies in ISS. It has also brought to light the low morale in ISS and I think Mr. Johnson is working on that. Please take your forum and Captain America with you.
ReplyDeleteRight On! 6:58 and 6:59 thank you for the comments! Keep up the good work Mr. Klaene, reading Mr. Coover's posts makes one wonder what his motive really is.
ReplyDeleteIt's called a blog Larry. Perhaps you haven't run across or participated in one online. They are everywhere and pretty much anything goes. It is a sounding board, not a formal process. Perhaps you can do a PDSA on this blog for everyone.
ReplyDelete6:58 and 6:59...Captain America may not have posted his/her real name, but they have taken on an identity other than anonymous so that all of the posts are tied to one person. I have been repetitive about one thing...unity. If my posts are too long for you, don't read them. Also if you notice, I haven't been posting much, no need unless you want to argue pointless information.
ReplyDeleteAs for my forum and and Captain America, I have already put that in motion. It would be a step in a positive direction to begin a new group outside of this one. That is the purpose of me being here and I will continue to read posts looking for others who are like minded. That was also the purpose for "creating an email", to begin communication outside of here.
As for Brady Johnson working on low morale, I know that he is. I have complete confidence in Brady and have said so from the beginning.
7:21...I can't begin to imagine what your point was. I am aware that is is a blog and anything goes, are you? What do you mean about a formal process?
ReplyDeleteI don't for one second believe that "Captain America" is a teacher at all, nor do I believe that he/she is 25. The comments about the counter, and attempt to justify the irresponsible salaries of CO administrators was just a little too strong.....
ReplyDeleteThis post had 49 responses. The captain’s responses were about coming together and quit whining about salary so we won't count those. My responses were in support of the Captain and returning posts to those who jumped on me. Let's exclude those posts and we still have 39 responses under the Administrative Raises article.
ReplyDeleteThe post before this was about Interim Superintendant Brady Johnson agreeing to meet this group in person. Keep in mind that Brady has been accused on here of setting double standards, being a hypocrite and a liar. Still for all that Brady has been made out to be, only two people responded to the fact that he is making himself available for questions and answers. That isn't the kind of mentality that I would expect from a group of caring intelligent teachers. The posts speak for the intent of this group.
Well, I guess it would not be appropriate if I did not comment back.
ReplyDeleteOk, the counter...really? Anyone that has ever done HTML or had any experience with webpages knows that a counter is used to keep the amount of VIEWS on a page. Already through my posts alone and the amount of times I might have hit refresh earlier in the day I might have "viewed" this site 20 times. So if I was a viewer of this site on a regular basis my statistic would be 1 person to every 20 views. So if that was the case due to the current number of 39873 I would have viewed this site 1993 times. Which I could have easily done over the last 4 months. A counter is relative to size and views only. It does not tell you who viewed your site and it doesn't tell you how often they viewed it.
It was a minor complaint and seriously people shouldn't get to crossed up on it. It's just a pointless tool of technology.
As to my age, why can't I be 25? Why can't I have the understanding of how an organization is structured and how compensation should be arranged? Ever since time began we have had kings and a heirarchy system in almost everything we do It just makes since for us in any civilized society.
Why do you assume 25 year olds are clueless and incompetent to know how the CO and compensation should work?
The point we NEED to focus on is who will take over and who will then create enough transparency to show that CO staff are making what they deserve or don't deserve.
Once you get the correct person in the top spot the other salaries will work itself out. However, these negative posts and negative rumors and negative remarks are like a cancer that infests itself, feeds on the weak minded, and fuels low morale for everyone involved in the school system.
I've got to quit posting such long remarks. Here is the rest of it...
ReplyDeleteIt is not right and our focus should in fact turn to the students. Look in their eyes and find the right person to lead CO staff, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and organizations in the right direction. This way our students can be proud of us and want to work for us in the future. I know of several young and qualified teachers who went to work in other counties because of all the rumors they heard from May until the beginning of August. It scared them. Without new teachers we don't learn new techniques and we become old and out of date. Young teachers need veteran teachers and veteran teacher need new teachers. It's a great process but this cycle will have to restart once we get together to choose a new superintendent.
When was the last time a BOE member posted on this blog? I know it has been awhile. Until this group starts to focus on clear objectives for the future you will not see them posting anymore.
Be smart! Be Active! Be in the know!
Captain America,
ReplyDeleteI doubt most teachers know about this blog. Hence your working the numbers. There are expenditures of money that need to be investigated. Don't worry about opinions of those who post. They do have the right to post. And they do know that the citizenry was not properly informed over the last seven years.
That being said, everyone is back to work and I believe that most of them are focused on their jobs. I am sure they are curious how things will operate this year since the former Super. has left. You should remember, we did go full tilt Baldrige once Brenda Clark was hired. So that is very simply a natural human response to a situation. The conscientious teachers simply want to be able to use their time wisely and efficiently.
There are things that should be questioned - such as contract extensions. That would leave Mr. Johnson with some limited options on how to move his pieces on the board. I do think that we will be getting on a better track than before. But only time will reveal that belief. Again, most teachers are ready to start their year and are probably excited about the possibilities.
And only one board member has ever posted on this blog. They may read it. And that is probably good.
Who is that "Coover" person? Does he/she have something to say or does that person just obsess on other people's blogs?
ReplyDeleteCaptain America, I'm with you. I love President Obama! Has he not yet called our ISS Baldrige people to Washington? Isn't it great that he knows his priorities? Yes, the focus should be on students, not someone's ambitions within the out-dated Baldrige pyramid!
ReplyDeletelets see.... you have dale ellis' title wrong, bill long's title wrong and Ron hargrave's title wrong. This is what is most concerning about this blog sometimes. Little attention to detail obscures facts and creates rumors. Please check the org chart.
ReplyDeleteAugust 28, 2009 5:38 PM :
ReplyDeleteWhat ARE you talking about ? The organizational chart on the I-SS website has not been updated, so there's no point in 'checking it' until it has been.
Mr. Klaene is looking at information that came directly from Brady Johnson...exactly where does your information come from?
Aug. 28, 5:38PM - The person responding at 12:34PM on Aug 29th is correct. Brady Johnson provided the information to me. His letter included the previous title and the new title for each person as well as the the previous salary and the new salary. So there was great attention to detail and no attempt to obscure the facts.
ReplyDeleteWell.. there is a new org chart. Bill Long is Interim Executive Director of Human Resources, Dale Ellis is Interim Assistant Super of Secondary Ed ), Ron is Interim Deputy Superintendant of Ops . Now, unless the Org chart got changed again, those are the titles.
ReplyDeletePray tell where is it?
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the CURRENT organizational chart on I-SS's own web site
http://iss.schoolwires.com/153110619164115443/lib/153110619164115443/_files/09-10_Org_Chart.pdf
I'll ask again, where does your information come from and please provide an address.
just ask any adminstrator in central office and they will give you a copy of the new org chart- The one on the website that was apprarently updated in june was incorrect as well-
ReplyDeleteWhere is the 21st Century Learning approach? If the new organizational chart that August 30, 2009 10:53 AM keeps mentioning does indeed exist, then it should be on the I-SS website for all to see.
ReplyDeleteBottom line, Mr Klaene's post is exactly correct. His source is the TOP administrator.
Looks like August 28, 5:38PM needs to LEARN from this blog. Professor Klaene has done extensive research which has been of great benefit to the people of Iredell County. If you want to "ask again," first listen to the answers you have already received, and look again at the source you have cited. Address: iss.schoolwires.com. (You really haven't read it, though not sure why it matters which title anyway - it's just a means of shuffling positions for the purpose of disguising central office raises).
ReplyDeleteWell, August 29,9:06PM - admamant as you are: come on back!
ReplyDeleteI didn't cite any source- another poster did. I merely said that the titles above don't match the districts current org chart which was given to ap's principals and IF's and CO. I sincerely doubt that Brady gave all administrators one ORG chart and Paul a different scenario. The shuffling wasn't for raises- the shuffling was because vacancies exist due to Dr Holliday leaving. And yes those that were shuffled to fill the gaps did get raises.
ReplyDelete"Pray tell."
ReplyDeleteHello? President Obama? What do YOU think about our ISS Baldrige people? What? You are not impressed with 1980s Reagan Economics??!!!?
ReplyDelete1980s. 20th century! DEFINITELY NOT 21st CENTURY. Who are we kidding here?
ReplyDelete8:59PM: So maybe you should check with the most CURRENT and most ACCURATE information, instead of mouthing off about this blog!!
ReplyDeleteplease check the org chart on the website. It has been updated and does reflect the correct information as I posted. I think you will see that I did post the most accurate and current information in terms of the errors in the original post with regards to a few admin titles etc. It is important that accurate information is provided
ReplyDeleteSept. 19, 6:59AM - I assume you are referring to the posts Aug. 28, 5:38PM and Aug. 30, 8:59PM. As you mentioned the organizational chart is now available on the I-SS web site and it is true that some of the titles given on the chart are not the same as in my post above. However, that chart was not online when I wrote my post and I did use the information Brady provided in his letter to me. If you wish, I will gladly meet with you and show you the letter. I do not know the reason behind the discrepancy in the two lists. If you read the Sept. 16th post of the information provided by Ms. Creason you will see that the title she provided for Melanie Taylor is also slightly different from the one on the organizational chart. So the problem seems to be that different individuals in the Central Office are not being completely consistent when stating individual's titles. However, the main purpose of the above post was to inform the readers of this blog of the increases in salaries that accompanied the new titles whatever the exact titles might be.
ReplyDelete