The regular Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, August 10th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Iredell County Government Center on Center Street. Click on the link below to access the agenda for the meeting.
Board Agenda & Minutes
Although there have been a number of positive steps taken since Dr. Holliday resigned, we must continue to be vigilant. We must make sure that the focus of the school system remains on the students and that the teachers are given the tools and the proper support needed to ensure the success of all students. Also, the Board will soon begin the process of selecting a new superintendent. The citizens of Iredell County need to send a clear message to the entire Board that it is essential that all stakeholders be allowed to fully participate in the selection of the new superintendent. Therefore, I am asking everyone to attend the Board meeting on Monday. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. It does not matter if you agree with me or not, now is the time to come together for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
Paul,
ReplyDeletePlease find out why we still have Leadership Academy headed by a former teacher to showcase to other districts the things that Holliday put into place? No need for that! And if it is to train internal leaders, why not have a leader, not a former teacher with no education additional credentials. Put that 100,000 + to use where her skills are....the classroom! We could hire back a TA to schedule visits from other districts and hostess them
Other school systems do not want them. I teach in Davie County. Do not send them over here.
ReplyDeleteHey, I have lots of teacher friends in ISS.
I don't want your Baldrige.
Keep it or get rid of it. I do not want it.
So a former teacher with exceptional training skills and leadership skills should never do anything but just teach because they haven't been a principal? Poor logic if you ask me... She's had more formal training and leadership experiences than you could ever imagine.. Sounds like you just have an issue with the salary which is high I admit. But don't question someones skills and experience when you have no idea.
ReplyDeleteDo you really know what is wrong with this country? Greed. CEOs are being let go at big banks because of this. Right now we are in an economic disaster because of greed. I know lots of great teachers with great leadership skills and exceptional skills that could help you tremendously. 20+ years and still in a classroom giving it all for a salary that does not pay for the hours they have given. Usually, they give us a free workshop at teacher meetings, and noone pays them extra. Get real. This is a changing world. Cuts have to be made, and this is one of them. If it does not affect the classroom , get rid of it. Hire our TAs back. They are the best bargain in the state of NC.
ReplyDeleteOne thing people have to understand is that administrators have contracts - some 2 year and some 4 year. All teachers have contracts too. You can just get rid of a person who has a contract- you either have to buy them out or wait till their contract is up. Also, TA's are paid out of a different budget and you can't move money from one budget to another budget. I wish you could.
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt Marty Moore was trying to be greedy. If you look at what Dr Holliday was paying some other administrators during his heyday, you'll see that he chose to pay some people very high salaries. I imagine that when contracts are up, then decisions will made to reduce those salaries or reassign or at least make the salaries more in line with what other administrators make.
I have noticed something consistent over the years. People love to bitch, put each other down, be angry and raise Cain about issues; until someone asks them to roll up their sleeves and help fix what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure what the reason is. Maybe they are angry enough to complain but don’t really care enough to work hard for resolve. Maybe they get so hung up on “us against them” that they don’t want to meet with the other side and give in. If it is something other than this let me know. I have been trying to figure it out for years.
I used to have a bi-weekly column in the R&L until the R&L edited me so much it wasn’t even my article anymore. I quit when they refused to print an article they were concerned “would be too divisive”. (The title of my article was healing, not division. It was directed at those who continue to stir up racial divide.)
It didn’t matter to me at that point anyway. I wrote those articles for a long time. It wasn’t so I could be heard; it was to bring about change. People asked me to write about what upset them, mostly the condition of society and the government. People I had never met stopped me, thanked me for saying what I did and asked me to keep doing what I was doing. I still have people tell me they miss my column. Yet, I was never able to form a group of people to address the issues that supposedly meant so much to them. Without results, those columns were pointless.
I’m seeing that here again. Every time I made a post suggesting a starting point of resolve, that series of posts died. Look back over here and see. It seems there is plenty of hate and anger for the other side, but not much so much at the issues themselves.
I’ll tell you this; if we do form meetings such as I have offered to lead, everybody is going to be right and everybody is going to be wrong. The truthful answer to a problem is always somewhere in the middle. We need to get off each other and focus on those problems. That is why I said that there is no direction here. We aren’t moving forward.
It’s easy to be angry and attack others or rant about any subject. However it takes sincerity and dedication to change what is wrong. We have a given amount of energy every day when we wake up. How do you use yours, causing more division or searching for resolve? The sooner we find that middle ground starting point and shake hands, the sooner ISS can begin to heal.
My email address is: ISSresolve@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLarry Coover, must you repeat post your comments?
ReplyDeleteOnce is sufficient.
I wanted to make sure it got to everyone. Apparently you are one of those who like division. After reading a post intended to bring everyone together, you had to make a smart a@@ comment. Thanks for proving my point.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that some are most anxious to lead, good luck with that. In the meantime, for many, it is quite annoying to see the same posts over and over again. Consequently that activity might just have the opposite effect of the one that was intended.
ReplyDeleteThere are diffeerent subject posts on here with obviously different posters. I haven't read some of those topics as they aren't an area that I am able to be effectively involved in. It would be easy to assume that others only read the subjects that apply to them as well.
ReplyDeleteAgain, your negativity has no affect on bringing about change. As I asked in my post, " We have a given amount of energy every day when we wake up. How do you use yours, causing more division or searching for resolve?"
Pointing out the annoying to those who may not realize the effect they're having is not negative---it is meant to be helpful. Assuming negativity in others just might make the one doing the assuming negative.
ReplyDeleteC'est la vie"
I posted an email address. Feel free to use it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, but no thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone with concerns on this blog.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Alvin Ostwalt and I have been a resident of the community my entire life. I have been an employee of the Iredell County and Iredell-Statesville School systems for 27 years.
Those who know me understand that I am sometimes outspoken on issues. I realize that some people may admire that and some may disapprove or disagree. I have made many comments in the past to the SR&L blog and currently to this blog. I think that my comments on the SR&L blog may have possibly caused the leadership of that paper to reduce the ability of the community to post their concerns regarding school issues as I am a strong critic of the SR&L.
I have decided as a teacher and parent that I would make my name public. I have decided to do this because I now have confidence in the interim leadership. It is unfortunate that I and many other employees did not have that confidence during the last seven years.
In the past, as a parent, I had written to members within the central office staff regarding concerns and issues for my children and others. I wrote sincere and respectful letters to people that I knew and had worked with or for. These are people that I did trust. It was unfortunate that I did not receive a response from my letter(s). Certainly it was disappointing, but I felt that I understood why. I believe these people were simply between a rock and a hard place and had to be cautious.
On occasion, I have called several board members and in one instance I emailed a board member sharing some of my concerns. This particular board member chose to share my information with Dr. Holliday and I later received an email from the superintendent inviting me to have a discussion as to my concerns. This happened approximately three months ago. I did not bother to have a meeting with the superintendent. My reason was that I truly believed it would be a waste of time and of no benefit. I also emailed the specific board member and shared with him that I simply had written to him as my district representative. I wrote that if I had wanted to petition the superintendent, than I would have directed an email specifically to him.
Again, I have made the decision to make my name public. I do understand that I may be contacted by superiors and I am comfortable with that. For now, I truly believe we can begin to have the dialogue that we had in the past been denied.
And Alvin makes one. We need some more, a bunch more. Thank you Alvin.
ReplyDeleteFrom Alvin's teacher homepage; "Strive to become the best individual you can be no matter what challenge you may encounter".
Hey 10:37, I feel you and agree 100%. Mr. Coover's sometimes colorful language and phrasing comes across as very negative. He also suggests that people are petty and that they only hate the other side, not the issues. It is also suggested that many are lazy because they don't try to change things. It's very negative to put others down like that and will only cause the very division that he so abhors.
ReplyDeleteI don't see Mr Coover's agenda that way. I see it as he wants to take action in a proactive way- and move forward rather than projecting blame. It is time to move forward. I do think however that Mr Coover and Paul Klaene have different ways of going at it. Both can be accepted and both are needed. It would be great if they could align and use their skills to work with the system to solve problems. I am sure Mr Johnson would value both of their perspectives.
ReplyDeleteYes venting will continue and should be allowed for now. I am sure it is a relief. I just wish that when we do move forward that the projecting of blame and attacks can stop and that people will try to really understand how a school system works and how we all can make the necessary improvement.s
I haven't yet seen anyone on this blog explain why our test results are so much better than they were before Dr. Holliday came. Apparently, teacher happiness is more important to the teachers than student success. It's hard to argue with going from 75th in the state to the top ten. Dr. Holliday turned Transylvania County around when he was there - but now it is going backwards. It is just a matter of time for I-SS. People will seek the path of least resistance, and without someone pushing them - they will go right back to teaching about half the time. With no one tracking student scores - there is no accountability. The reason that more people who are in favor of the systems work that Dr. Holliday brought don't post - is because they are the ones actually working. Those who post all the time - and believe me most posts are from Paul Klaene, Mr. Coover, and a few others - posting over and over to make it look like a lot of folks - those people have nothing to do except spread hatred and misinformation.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem for I-SS is now that we have a superintendent who aligns himself with these miscreants. Pathetic.
Mr. Coover,
ReplyDeleteI sometimes read your commments and also think that you may at times contradict yourself when you complain about negativity. But, I think I understand your perspective. You seem to be a person of strong conviction and I know and appreciate your attitude about political correctness. And I also thank you for your input. I believe your style of writing is sometimes more aggressive and more forward than most. And you should realize that style will certainly have a positive or negative impact upon the conclusion of the reader.
I think that most realize that it has been unfortunate that the previous style of leadership led many to the feeling of resentment as evidenced by the majority of the comments on this blog. But, that is the reality. That is the reason I spent personal time posting to the SR&L and this blog. There was simply no where else to go and be listened and responded to. And I certainly would like to thank Mr. Klaene for the opportunity to comment on this blog. And I also want to take the time to thank Mr. Klaene, Janie Munday, and Renee Dulin for taking their personal time to investigate denied public information. I think that is extremely important.
And now it is time for I-SS to go forward with a more positive approach than in the past. I think the timing is perfect and that we finally have the opportunity to move I-SS in the direction that most of the posters on this site would like to go. And with my discussion as a parent and teacher with others in the community, I am of the belief that most in the community would agree.
Paul Klaene and Brady Johnson have a lot in common. Both use poor grammar, both are rolly polly pear-shaped wimps, and both love chaos. Brady Johnson has created more fear and disruption in the week that he has been interim than Dr. Holliday did in 7 years! One other thing: Brady Johnson has been in I-SS for 30 years - when he was here, he did nothing to turn the district around. Dr. Holliday was here 7 years, and look what he did. you people just admire and desire mediocrity. Because I know that the posts - ask me how I know? I've hacked into the blog itself, and can see who is posting - most of the posts come from exactly 5 individuals - I've decided to post anonymously - just as most of them do - as many times as they post. Let's really have a forum here.
ReplyDeleteTo 8-9 2:31
ReplyDeleteRegarding (Pathetic):
I have named myself. Are you willing to do the same? Afterall, if pulbic meetings are held for people to comment than you will have to show yourself.
Oh, and at the current time I do have school work to complete.
Don't criticize Brady Johnson. He may have poor grammar, but that may be because he was educated here! He means well.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 2:31 PM...
ReplyDeleteIf you read over my posts, I haven't taken a side on most issues. As for Baldrige, I have seen some expenses listed on here that sound out of line. As for good or bad, I don't know. That is where I want to see supporters of the current system give the pros and people who are against give their cons. This needs to be done at an organized gathering, not on a Blog where people just take jabs. Even though I don't know the facts about the workings of our current system, I am certain that there are both good points and bad points as no system is ever perfect.
Also, I did not care for the atmosphere that surrounded Holliday's leadership, but he as well had some good points and approaches.
As for your statement that; "People will seek the path of least resistance, ...without someone pushing them", you are correct. Right now the path of least resistance is to anonomously jab people on a Blog. I hope to see both sides of every issue face up to working together for compromise. That doesn't always start out smoothly, especially in this case where emotions have been building for 7 years. But I believe that both sides are concerned enough about our children to do so.
That's just what I mean - I-SS has been turning out incompetent graduates for 30 years! And he contributed to the problem. And look at the other leaders here - they put "doctor" by their names - but they all went to teacher colleges. Melanie Taylor taught Business Ed - for Pete's sake. It's a joke!
ReplyDeleteAlvin,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments. I am well aware that my wording is directly to the point. I have dedicated alot of time to this effort that I don't really have. I originally got frustrated at Paul, Janey and Renee as I didn't think the group was aggressive enough. I'm ready to get this thing up and running and see everybody headed in the same general direction. As I said, I have other things to do, so please look past my directness and look at my purpose which is getting all sides together for resolve.
August 9, 2009 2:19 PM hit my intentions perfectly. I do understand completely how those who don't know me would see it differently. I'm willing to take the licks to get it going, I don't really care. It's for my kids, it's not about me.
Larry, agree with much of what you post. Paun, Janey and Renee just want to stir up trouble; they have no solutions. What we need is a leader, so many of us hope that you take up the leadership of this thing.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with 8-9 3:40
ReplyDeletePersonally - I don't believe Paul, Janey, and Renee are stirring up trouble. I think they are performing part of their civic duty by questioning and I believe it is there right to question and inform the citizens. This is an important part of civic responsibility.
There may be others in the community who would like to "take the time" to pursue that role of leadership. While the BOE has taken much criticism, they have "taken their time" to serve the public. And the public has the right to question the actions of the elected board.
Let me see , if we went to school in the Statesville City schools or the Iredell County Schools, then we did not get a quality education before Dr. Holliday's era. I am certain that we all received a much better education then, and the majority of the people could read, write and do math at a much higher rate than now. So I wonder who is educating my child now. I do not think a 9% increase in testing scores from last year to now is anything to brag about.
ReplyDeleteWith all the emphasis on teaching the test, then I would think it would have been much higher.
Aug. 9, 2:31 PM - The main posts on this blog say they are posted by Paul Klaene and if it does not say that it was written by someone else then it was indeed written by me. As for the comments, if I do write a comment I put my name to it as I am doing with this comment.
ReplyDeleteAug. 9, 2:54 PM - I agree with you that Brady Johnson and I do have a lot in common. We are both truly interested in helping make I-SS a school system that has the best interests of the students as its focus. I am sorry that my grammar is not up to your standards. If you truly hacked into this blog you would know there are many different people leaving comments. However, if you do not think there are enough people commenting, contact your friends and invite them to read the blog and leave a comment.
Larry Coover, please continue to write comments. I want everyone to have a chance to voice his or her opinion. But, please don't post the same comment more than once. I am sure that most people reading the blog, read the comments to each post.
To all, thanks for reading the blog and writing comments.
Paul, I made sure that my post intended to draw everyone together was widespread and have not done so since. The ISS group and this Blog in general have not done anything to push for resolve, only added to the discord.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 2:54 PM; I would have posted anonymously also if I was going to be that juvenile. For the record, Paul and Brady are two totally different individuals who both have a dog in the same hunt. I can see them having very different opinions on many things while trying to meet in the middle, as it should be.
3:40 PM; Paul, Janey and Renee aren't trouble makers. I think there may be some justifiable bitterness present as with many others in the school system. Having said that, I believe their intentions are to improve ISS where they see shortcomings.
That puts them in the same boat with everyone on here who is adamant about their point of view. And, as I said before, everyone is right and everyone is wrong. I really have no major beefs in this myself except that ISS is divided on many issues. Division doesn't work for my kids. Divided administrations create friction that filters down to students and cripples the educational process.
As for leadership, I would be more than happy to devote time towards getting constructive interaction between both sides of all issues.
Now that the conversation has finally come this far let me throw in another thought. Many are unhappy with the BOE, myself included. What helpful input have they received in making decisions? The system is so divided that they really have their work cut out for them. Possibly (I said possibly) the reason they have tuned out teachers and parents is because of all the fighting and discord.
Again, I believe that both sides from all issues can reach a compromise and then the board can be presented with suggestions that represent everyone. It won't be perfect, but it can be a starting point from which we can begin working together. Adjustments can be made as we go.
The reason for my directness is that this needs to be done now. The fighting needs to stop and the work begun. It's time to get off the individual and on the problem.
Anyone interested in starting the process email me at ISSresolve@yahoo.com
LETS MOVE FORWARD PEOPLE!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 2:54 PM (and all his/her other repeated posts) sounds more "Squeaky Fromme" SCARY than just juvenile. It is doubtful that Dr. Holliday or 99.9% of his followers would claim that one. He/She needs some serious help, and in the meantime let's hope that our people and our children are safe!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 2:54 is probably a student. That's one problem with posting anonymously - we don't know who anyone is. However, with the current BOE in place - anonymous posting is all anyone will risk. I'm for having Larry lead the charge. He is aggressive and just what we need.
ReplyDeleteRegarding 2:54: The posting patterns from that computer throughout all these blogs appear more typical of an adult who frequently "overindulges." Note the time sequences of the repeated postings and the subsequent deterioration of manual dexterity (typing errors), reasoning skills and spelling/grammatical abilities. "Rolly polly???" Maybe Mr. Klaene does need to require a registration (like the SR&L, which still allows an alias for the public) to avoid such wasteful postings.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, have ANY of us taken the time to read Mr. Klaene's School Board Meeting blog above (Saturday, August 8, 2009 12:347 AM)? Who could possibly disagree with ANYTHING he says there?
Sometimes I misspell and I can't help it, if I want to correct it. You should not be so inconsiderate of others. Think about it , and one day you may find yourself in that person's place. Sometimes it is nice to have an opinion even though others may not agree. Aren't you glad you can get on Mr. Klaene's blog and vent?
ReplyDeleteI want to commend Alvin for having the courage to step out and put his name on the blog. Having worked in the school system under Holliday's regime for 5 yrs, I know how much courage it did take to go public. Thank you Alvin for defending Paul, Renee, and myself. I have known Renee for many years and had the honor of working with her. She is totally dedicated to her students learning and spent time on her own in the summer to help her hearing impaired students. Some posters may think that the time that we spend researching for certain things at the central office is a waste of time but without information and data to back up what we are sharing with the administration and the BoE, they are not going to listen or take us seriously. Not everything that we do is listed on the blog. Someday I hope that we can all come together and have the numbers needed to really impress the board that we want change. Until then, the 5 or 6 people who are willing to work together and make time in our busy lives to change things will still go to board meetings and meet with anyone who asks us to. Come join us. All opinions are welcome.
ReplyDelete9:57: Have you read the August 9, 2009, 2:54PM post? Is it appropriate or considerate to ridicule the physiques of Mr. Klaene and Mr. Johnson? Today's 7:37AM post only refers to that particular poster (based on his/her computer ID), who shows up time and again with derogatory comments regarding Mr. Klaene and Mr. Johnson, and who has a signature pattern of errors. If you look over the previous blogs, you will see postings 5-10 minutes or less apart over periods of 30 minutes to an hour (then apparently passing out) from that same computer with obvious reductions of mental faculties.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mr. Klaene should require a posting registration, as the quality of the posts is definitely deteriorating here. Another idea would be to only allow people to email Mr. Klaene their posts, and he could delete the inappropriate ones. Also agree that everyone should go to the school board meeting tonight.
ReplyDeleteAnother note to 9:57AM (though you and I may be allies): If I ever find myself in "that person's place," where all I can vent is my displeasure regarding the physical appearance of my opponents, please put me out of my misery! (Though I must admit it has occurred to me in the past that Dr. Holliday resembles a weasel -- oops, forgive me, I am so ashamed)!
ReplyDeleteHe has the rights to delete posts, which he probably should use on a few of these.
ReplyDeleteYeah, like the one above (from the one who posted the one above - truly ashamed of myself - trying to get over the resentment toward Dr. Holliday - he's gone - the weasel - YEA)! Argh. Bad, bad, me!
ReplyDeleteI agree that there have been a few comments that I would have liked to delete but as I have stated before I want to give everyone an opportunity to comment or perhaps to vent or even to whine as needed. In my opinion it goes along with William Blackstone's quote about our judicial system. "It is better that ten guilty escape than one innocent suffer." I trust everyone to judge each comment on its merit. Also, remember that Dr. Holliday only posted 'approved' comments on his blog. I certainly do not want to be like Dr. Holliday so I will continue to allow any comment unless it contains something really offensive.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mr. Klaene. You are correct, from the decent point of view. As a cynic, I wish you would be more restrictive. I can't help but admire your tolerance, and only wish you and the children of Iredell County, the best! I hope that all those who respond to this blog will first seriously read and ponder the posts that you, Mr. Klaene, have presented to the public. If there is any objection, they really haven't read your posts!
ReplyDeleteWhere is the pro-Baldrige blog? Can't wait to read it. Pro-Bs? Where are you? So many of us are waiting with bated breath.!!
ReplyDelete"Let's really have a forum here . . ," (2:54PM Aug. 9th). Where did you go? Did you sober up? Well, what can you say now?
ReplyDeletePathetic - so disappointed not to hear from you since August 9th. But then, you must be one of those who weren't properly educated in Iredell County/Statesville City. So sorry! Hey, if you know Baldrige, then you must know everything there is to know to survive in the real world (of the 1980s)!
ReplyDeleteThe posts were going nowhere, now they are going backwards. Where is the concern for our children?
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Where are the Baldrige people? Where is your blog?
ReplyDeleteLarry - I agree, this poster is more interested in bickering through an internet blog than actual improvement. I wouldn't define myself as "pro-baldridge" but I think many elements are useful in the classroom. So I'm right here, but not really looking for aimless fighting like it seems you desire. If I'm wrong and you have a real question or something to discuss, go for it.
ReplyDeleteAgain- Where is your Blog? We want to read it. Teach us (something other than our physical attributes)!! Backward? Forward? What do you want to say? Remember, Iredell County/Statesville City people really don't don't know any better! Let's hear from YOU who know it all!
ReplyDelete5:55 PM: I had a discussion with someone today who gave their view of Baldrige. I will try to give that viewpoint as accurately as I can.
ReplyDeleteIn their opinion the Baldrige program works. However!!! there are parts of it that are a total waste of time, especially a large amount of the paperwork.
The opinion I got from that person was that there is nothing wrong with the system itself, but the way it has been used is wrong.
So the summary of this person's opinion is that Baldrige is good, but the way ISS has used it is not.
I was also told that some of the methods that are being complained about are not Baldrige related.
I'm throwing all of this out there to start a productive conversation. I have no opinion of my own and am not even trying to form one. I want the teachers who work in the classroom with my children to decide between them what is best so we can improve the working conditions of those teachers and the education of our children.
6:55...(and anyone else) This was a "pro-Baldrige" person who sees flaws in the Baldrige program. Surely there are some things about Baldrige that you find helpful. Don't hesitate to list some things that are detrimental as well.
One thing I think almost everybody is in agreement on is that teachers are filling out paperwork instead of teaching. Can we agree on that?
How about some helpful suggestions here. I think if anyone names something negative they should also identify something psoitive.
Keep in mind that I really would like to do this in a group setting. Maybe to avoid bloodshed we can start here?
How about starting with your own blog?
ReplyDeleteLarry,
ReplyDeleteI can only give you a brief generalization about Baldrige considering my work environment and my discussions with teachers from other settings (remember there are approximately 35 plus two new IB Candidate)and some CO employees. So there can be a variety of observations,
I think many anti-Baldrige, myself included would say, there are some good tools that can be utilized. And that is the key element (some). The problem is in order to win the award (I would assume), it would be all or nothing. The new IB's, being candidate schools, will have to follow the IB way or else they will not be approved by IB. I hope you can see where that takes us.
I can certainly see how Baldrige can be of use in the financial aspects of the school system. I saw evidence of that tonight at the school board meeting regarding savings in bus transportation. But, I think the classroom concept of Baldrige (one size fits all) is not necessarily conducive to all K-12 classrooms. As stated before, some tools can be helpful and justified; but not all of the tools or processes will work for all situations. It is also very time intensive and there have been no extra hours built into the 24 hour day.
I think it is possible the system may be taking the above concerns into consideration. At least I would hope so.
Remember, it took seven years to produce a product that would eventually win the BNQP award. But ask yourself, what was the trade-off during that seven year period? Some would say increased improvement in test scores. But do the narrowed areas of testing truly focus on what is best for our students? Personally, I don't think so.
5:55PM: Please: Bicker your own Baldrige (incidentally, not "Baldridge" - only one "d"). So why are you "right here?" What is your point if not "aimless fighting?"
ReplyDelete9:09- I didn't know that you had ownership of this blog. Actually, Paul has asked for people with all viewpoints to post and discuss. So why do you keep demanding to know where the "Pro-B blog" is?
ReplyDeletePro-B blog reference: "Mr. Rogers' E-mail Address Updated" August 3, 2009; Anonymous August 5, 2009, 9:11PM. Sorry it annoys you (August 10, 2009, 10:05PM), just eager to see it happen. It will be so much fun!
ReplyDeleteAlvin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply. I think some of the problem with the use of Baldrige might be summed up in your 2nd paragraph.
"I think many anti-Baldrige, myself included would say, there are some good tools that can be utilized. And that is the key element (some). The problem is in order to win the award (I would assume), it would be all or nothing."
From what I have gathered Holliday having that award under his belt was a priority. The person I spoke with yesterday said that once Holliday got superintendant of the year and the Baldrige award he was out of here.
I keep hearing more that indicates Holliday used ISS and it's people as a stepping stone. The detailed use of Baldrige put him in a position of recognition and also brought him financial return.
In another note, I also found out that the BOE does not have full control over the superintendant. He/she has power that overides what they may want done. That apparently was the case with Holliday. Much of what he did infuriated the BOE but their hands were tied.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion to the BOE in the future would be to publicize those things that a superintendant does that they are against. The blame needs to be shifted to where it belongs. It would appear to the public that the BOE has kissed Holliday's behind the last 7 years. From what I have been told there has been an ongoing battle behind closed doors.
Well, if indeed there has been a battle going on, then I think we all know who won! And if there was such a battle, then why did the BoE keep giving Holliday raises and contract extensions? Something doesn't add up. Seems now that some members the BoE may fear for their political lives, they are claiming it's all Holliday's fault...sorry I don't buy it.
ReplyDeletecorrection
ReplyDelete*some members OF the BoE
That's the beginning of another discussion of another issue. This is definately something the public needs to inquire about.
ReplyDelete"why did the BoE keep giving Holliday raises and contract extensions?" is a good question.
Holliday did win the battle.
ReplyDeleteYes, he did and I-SS lost, big time. The mess left in his wake is one that will take years to clean up.
ReplyDeleteAll we can hope is that future BoE's (heck, and maybe even this one) will be wiser and learn from all of the mistakes made over the past seven years.
Holliday was the glue that held everything together. Now that he is gone everybody tearing each other up. We need someone like him back in charge!
ReplyDeleteHow did ISS lose? Students are not learning? We are not preparing them for the future? We are not making them responsible adults who can solve problems and work with others? Let's be proud of what our kids have accomplished in this county....bring the focus back to them.
ReplyDeleteActually, preparing kids for the future would mean that the system is teaching students to learn, the actual process of learning. That way, once they are without teachers, they will be able to learn without somebody breaking down the information for them. Responsible adults also make it a point to work through problems regardless of complications. The current system is actually more about catering to students individual needs. There is nothing educationally wrong with that, except that the real world does not cater to personal needs. In college, if the professor lectures, you listen to lecture. If they say, read 100 pages, you read the pages and don't get overhead notes. Preparing students for the future is not the focus because those things can't be tested. Without data analysis, it's just fluff.
ReplyDeleteIt is fairly clear that some teachers like Baldrige and others like parts of it, and others do not want it.
ReplyDeleteSome schools that barely used Baldrige always had passed the EOGs and AYPs , and then some that have used Baldrige since it came in, have never passed the EOGS or AYPs.
I really think that the teachers should decide what works in their classrooms and what is best for their students. PLCs should be decided when and where by the grade levels, and it does not need to be on the same day. If we lead it ourselves, then it can be any day of the week that we want it. Colloboration in grade levels has been going on for years and years. Teachers do not need the same info over and over, because most teachers have been professionals for a very long time, and have a college education that should be being used. The new teachers need to be mentored, but they are like students who can absorb knowledge quickly. Teachers do not lock themselves away from helping colleagues. Becoming a teacher is a talent. Either it is within that person or it is not. Please Mr. Johnson let us teach. Thanks.
PS Colleges still say that we are sending many students to them unprepared for college work.
Even our Honor students can have a time in college at the beginning. If our students are progressing so well in our school system, then why do we still have students who are struggling when it comes to college work?