Did school board member Ron Margiotta ask candidates if they'd support firing Supt. Del Burns?
That's an assertion made by Cathy Truitt during this afternoon's forum on WPTF for District 2 school board candidates. She said that Margiotta asked if she'd support a motion to fire the superintendent during a candidate vetting interview.
Contacted later, Margiotta called "it an outright lie" by Truitt.
Here's how today's fireworks transpired.
Joe Ciulla called WPTF to question Truitt about her ad accusing John Tedesco of being a pawn of Margiotta and western Wake. That ad also accused incumbent Horace Tart of being part of the status quo.
Truitt said the ad was in response to several months of malicious attacks against her by supporters of Margiotta and Tedesco on the WakeEd blog.
Truitt also said that Margiotta met with her before she decided to run and asked her a series of questions. She said he wanted to know if at the first board meeting would she back him on these motions: stopping the diversity policy, firing the superintendent and breaking the school system up into smaller units.
Truitt said she couldn't answer those questions for him.
Tedesco said there was "no substance" to Truitt's assertions. He said he hadn't met with Margiotta before he got any endorsement.
Tedesco reiterated some of the complaints he had made in a Garner Citizen interview about Truitt alienating Margiotta and western Wake. He also accused Truitt of putting her ego ahead of Garner and Fuquay-Varina.
Truitt said she could still work with Margiotta and other board members.
Margiotta wasn't so sure about his ability now to work with Truitt when he was contacted by the N&O. Margiotta said he lost respect for Truitt because of her assertions.
Margiotta said he asked Truitt questions on a variety of topics. But he said he never asked about firing the superintendent.
Margiotta said Truitt was "wishy washy" when he asked her about her position on the diversity policy.
Jumping back to the radio show, host Rick Martinez asked Tart to respond to the accusation in Truitt's ad that he represented the "status quo." Tart reponded that he didn't feel that was actually derogatory.
"It's not a negative comment to me to say that I'm status quo because we are making progress," Tart said.
Click here to listen to that section of the WPTF forum.
Comments
Fire Del and Chuck
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 13:44 — chriskennedy1Leadership starts at the top. Its clear that Del and Chuck are, at best, puppets of the Board. Their leadership stinks, as they enjoy hiding behind numbers their staff are asked to craft. I sure hope that a new Board will clean house, and also put in place a new attorney and new spokesman for the School System as well. If the Board takes steps to change the policy making and transparency of the School System, they will have to root-out those individuals that have a vested interest in protecting the broken system.
Perry, I have listened to
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 10:09 — shearertwPerry,
I have listened to Rita speak on two different occassions plus this video. If she is as intelligent as you say, she has a very difficult time expressing her thoughts. The school system is a mess. The administration starting with Mr. Burns is run amuck. We need very smart people who can articulate their ideas (assuming they have some of their own) and influence the direction of this school system. Rita has had 3 opportunities to display this ability and has failed (very badly) in each case. How can you possibly say she is ready to oversee the management of 1.2 Billion dollars?
one stop
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 13:19 — AngelaWone stop viewing:
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/614987/wake-education-board-district-1---chris-malone
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/614992/wake-education-board-district-1---debbie-vair
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/614990/wake-education-board-district-1---rita-rakestraw
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615074/wake-county-school-board----district-1-discussion
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615084/wake-education-board-district-2---horace-tart
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615081/wake-education-board-district-2---carlene-lucas
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615087/wake-education-board-district-2---cathy-truitt
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615080/wake-education-board-district-2---john-tedesco
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615140/wake-county-school-board---district-2-discussion
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615149/wake-education-board-district-7---karen-simon
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615147/wake-education-board-district-7---deborah-prickett
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615151/wake-county-school-board---district-7-discussion
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615220/wake-education-board-district-9---debra-goldman
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615221/wake-education-board-district-9---lois-nixon
Bizarre
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 09:40 — woodstockTruitt attacks Margiotta in a newspaper ad, then lies about him in a radio interview. Is she becoming unhinged? Does she even realize that she is not running against Margiotta? Very odd behavior for someone who is asking us to vote her into an office position that requires good judgement, honesty, and an abililty to get along with people.
Wow Again
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:17 — choice4allI tried to watch Rita's 5 minute interview again...(I can only take it in small doses) This person needs to step aside and stop spewing rederick that she knows nothing about (and that is clear every time she opens her mouth) Stimulas Money? Is she kidding? That was the only part of the interview she perked up when talking about getting our fair share!! Our fair share of what? She read off the same notes as Simon with the same numbers with the same tone. Prickett and Tedesco on the other hand spoke from their hearts and their heads and it was obvious they KNEW their facts. GO PRICKETT! GO TEDESCO! You both ROCK!
Should add
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:20 — choice4allShould add that I wish I could vote in ALL districts. Education without representation is the current status quo....That needs to Go!
Can someone please tell me
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:50 — shearertwCan someone please tell me which middle school went from pop. 1100 to pop. 1400 after conversion?
I'm sure L'user has that data, right?
District 7 Comments from Candidates
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 08:38 — rainforestJust heard comments from news 14, and I see you're referring to Simon's remarks (I guess she means Leesville MS). Is she just making this stuff up? The figures she provides are not based on any facts that I can find. How long has she been in Wake County?
Here is the link to the interview:
http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/politics/615151/wake-county-school-board---district-7-discussion
She did not just say that....
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 13:53 — its4mykidsDid Simon just refer to the students as "childrens". If this woman gets voted in, it will be a disgrace to educated people all over Wake County. If you can not speak proper English, you have no business seeking such an important position in a school system.
I agree, that would not be
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 14:43 — CaryCurmudgeonI agree, that would not be ekitable !!!
Joe, Be careful, that
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 00:00 — WhalerCaneJoe,
Be careful, that women who you are belittling because she has culturally different pronunciation of words than us white people has a masters degree. I don't have one. Do you?
Perry, The 'ekitable'
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 09:28 — CaryCurmudgeonPerry,
The 'ekitable' comment has nothing to do with Ms. Simon, and I have said nothing to belittle her.
And if you listen close
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 14:00 — g88ky07she also says we, the parents of childrens forced to go to school "mandatory school" are just "unintended consequence"! Is that what we are Karen? Gee, I actually feel more like a kicked mule after all the mandates people like you have shoved down my throat over the last couple of years!
I also might add, if you don't think anyone should be elected, nor seek, these positions if they can't speak "proper english", Karen Simon is a scholar compared to the broken english that comes out of Horace Tart's mouth!
far be it from me to usurp
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:57 — AngelaWfar be it from me to usurp L'user's limelight, but the only middle conversion *I* know of went from 1281 students @ Traditional last "year" to 1275 MYR (per G&P 9/8/09--Day 10 results by Traditional Calendar) for a gain of......oh wait, there WASN'T a gain was there? and there WAS $250,000+ to do so....bargain, right?
I am assuming this has been
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 11:03 — changewcpssI am assuming this has been shared with D Prickett. One shining example of the ignorance of the current BoE (with the exception of R Margiotta).
Ron, please do some interviews this weekend!
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:25 — g88ky07Call Mrs. Truitt out on her allegations. If she is not telling the truth about this I think she has no choice but to step aside in this campaign. District 2, and our school board, does not need a candidate who simply will say anything to get elected!
Ron M. Interviews
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 21:08 — rainforestAgreed that Ron M. needs to say something. Truitt is out of her league. Who does she think she is? Maybe she should try voting in a municipal election for a change.
Truitt nor Lucas live in a
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 11:06 — thedudescousinTruitt nor Lucas live in a municipal, so they cannot vote in municipal elections.
Municipality?
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 23:01 — SDR256Did you mean municipality?
Yes, sorry for the
Mon, 09/28/2009 - 07:13 — thedudescousinYes, sorry for the mistake.
Guys, take is easy on Rita.
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:17 — shearertwGuys, take is easy on Rita. This is not her fault. The Dems picked a puppet and somehow the strings have gotten all tangled up. I’m sure Perry is working as hard as he can but its just too much information to cram into someone in such a short period of time. I keep waiting for her to break down and say, “I think we should all try and save the dolphins, you know, I mean…. they’re just so cute.”
This is truly scary folks. This schools system is incredibly complicated. It would take 10 geniuses to get this right. Perry, for the sake of our children, will you please ask Mrs. Rakestraw to step aside. For as many times as I’ve heard you bash Sarah Palin, can you not realize that Mrs. Rakestraw is in WAY over her head here. I’m sure she is well intentioned but does anyone believe this woman could possibly have a single idea of her own or be able to stand up to Del and company in any way?
Of course you don’t, but that’s exactly what you want in a candidate, isn’t Perry?
.
I replied yesterday, but
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 00:13 — WhalerCaneI replied yesterday, but some reason it isn't here. Rita has schooled Chris Malone everytime she has gone up against him. At Wake Ed-Chamber event, he did nothing but read his answers.
Rita is intelligent, and a quick learner. She has exihibited far more courage than many of you who post here who don't have the balls to run. I wouldn't wish school board on my worst enemy.
If you are asking me if Rita is qualified to be President of the United States, Absolutely not. Neither is Sarah Palin.
But Rita has been a teacher, knows what happens in schools, and will be a fresh voice for all our children.
I am as proud of Rita as any candidate I have had the privledge to work with. She is going to make an outstanding school board member, and will still listen to school opponents like you.
You are mistaken. I do want a candidate to challenge Mr. Burns et al, and I'm confident Rita will do so.
A fresh voice?
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 05:37 — Dadof3Now it's a douche commercial.
Challenge? Yea, sure, and look out for that flying pig while you're at it.
"There's nothing more
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 07:41 — AngelaW"There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're doing." (hey Del & Chuck and BoE (eR)
...
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 07:01 — SideburnsTruitt claims she took out her attack ad as a result of the comments made on this blog. Then she goes on to say "The facts I put in that ad are not aimed at anybody." What an angry misguided woman. It is obvious she just wants to win -- at all costs.
Truitt's allegations don't pass the smell test
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 06:09 — fiestamomWhy would Ron Margiotta ask Truitt if she would be interested in joining him in firing the superintendent and breaking up the district into smaller pieces? I don't think 2 votes would be enough to fire Del, or break up the district. All this was supposed to happen at the FIRST board meeting?
Geez
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:18 — SDR256Ron may be many things but the man is not stupid.
Bwaa haaa haa!
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 23:12 — SDR256This really is addicting like a bad soap opera. The last time I felt this I was watching Dallas. Oh, thanks for this 'episode'. This is going to give me happy dreams tonight.
"Truitt also said that
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 21:02 — user12345"Truitt also said that Margiotta met with her before she decided to run and asked her a series of questions. She said he wanted to know if at the first board meeting would she back him on these motions: stopping the diversity policy, firing the superintendent and breaking the school system up into smaller units. Margiotta said he asked Truitt questions on a variety of topics. But he said he never asked about firing the superintendent. Margiotta said Truitt was "wishy washy" when he asked her about her position on the diversity policy" So, he admits the diversity question and denies the superintendent question? I think this is the smoking gun for anyone denying this election is about eliminating diversity policy... and this is exactly what so many feared would happen if Ron's minions get in... Remember that Ron has little economic diversity in his area it frightens him …
User
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:22 — TrailerParkGirlhave you ever thought that what frightens people is the failure of the current policy to address the achievement gap, that people find it scary that they build prisons based on 3rd grade data?
It's not about eliminating, it's about building up something called STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT and changing course to something that will actually make a difference in STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, instead of focusing on schools. I'd like to point out that you yourself have said the policy as written should be ignored when there are better solutions on the table or when reassignments don't make sense (like that ED magnet student and remember every kid in his node was reassigned too btw) because sometimes you actually have common sense and it tells you that the policy as is is not effective.
I think we agree in many
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 08:51 — user12345I think we agree in many ways ... I think we agree having diverse schools is good ... having schools on either side ... all poor or all wealthy is not desirable ... having disparity in the schools such that people feel they need to move all the time to be in certain schools … that innovative programs like KIPP and CapPrep should be tried … VoTech should be tried.... that diverse schools can be achieved with community schools with a base of say 5 miles around the school ... that magnets seem to have had some mission creep and their purpose and benefit is confusing ... that ED/AA results are sad ... probably not much different than everywhere else but we can do better ... what is so uncomfortable is that non-pro-diversity forces don't acknowledge the benefits of diversity and appear to want to eliminate it ... modify is ok ... eliminate not good ... also, having board members like Ron who has little economic diversity in his district , no Title I schools and most of the schools of distinction / excellence be a spokesman for the non-pro-diversity movements seems misplaced …
Have you been attending the candidate forums
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:56 — TrailerParkGirland listening to the pro-student achievement and innovation forces about what they have to say about the current (socioeconomic balancing for healthy schools that some label diversity) assignment policy and actual diversity and how the current policy is actually detracting from SE diversity in some communities, not to mention not helping students and parental involvement?
The status quo are not pro-diversity, they are pro-maintaining the current SE balancing for "healthy", "they are an economic over educational development tool" schools policy while ignoring negative impacts to student achievement, families and communities and our "most pathetic in NC" achievement gap.
Goldman, Malone, Tedesco, and Prickett understand the things you listed plus fiscal accountability, the status quo candidates do not. For example, Lois Nixon actually thinks students can attend any of 26 schools, that there are no MYR schools, and doesn't understand how taxing and funding work, which is why she keeps inaccurately arguing that 72% of the taxes you pay to Wake County do not go to schools. Tart does not agree that students should even be able to attend a school in their own BOE district - there goes the 5 mile base idea. The more I hear, the more clear it becomes that the status quo candidates will NOT get us ANY of those things that we agree on. It will just be more of the same rubber stamping and the results will be no different.
As to Ms. Truitt, people have picked up on the fact that she is for herself first. She's an educator and didn't even get the NCAE's endorsement. She is apparently willing to do anything to get elected including making stuff up, even if it hurts future collaboration which would put her own district at a disadvantage were she to be elected. Tedesco is the clear choice in D2.
Ms. Truitt is in it for the
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 15:46 — thedudescousinMs. Truitt is in it for the kids, as is Ms. Lucas. I think it's funny how you throw up that NCAE doesn't represent Wake's teachers but then you say it does. Mr. Tedesco has an attitude and ego problem and he is in it for himself.
Huh?
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 12:53 — TrailerParkGirlWhat I said was that one would expect that it would be logical for the NCAE to endorse a candidate that is an educator (Truitt), but they did not. (My understanding of NCAE locally is that some teachers belong, but many do not so they seem to represent some teachers, but not others.)
Your argument that Mr. Tedesco, a person that works with at-risk children, is in it for himself is completely illogical. Even Perry Woods has said Mr. Tedesco's heart is in the right place.
You're full of it dude!
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 19:05 — g88ky07Truitt is in it for herself and her legacy, your cousin there doesn't know enough to even be in it! Mr. Tedesco has ZERO ego and ZERO attitude and a comment like that from you proves you have no clue!
I have spoken to every D2
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 09:18 — thedudescousinI have spoken to every D2 candidate and John does have an attitude and ego problem. And I'm not Ms. Lucas's cousin. But she is the only Wake County parent in D2 with a child still in Wake public schools, so I think she has enough.
Maybe you just don't like
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 19:14 — SDR256Maybe you just don't like John because he is knowledgable and won't back down. Besides, who says that a healthy ego won't serve you well as a school board representative? Being a push over wouldn't work in that position. Rita Rakestraw, for instance, seems like a strong wind would blow her over.
Mr. Tedesco Has Children
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 14:44 — MamaLynnMr. Tedesco has siblings that he is helping to raise in D2 schools. He also works with the kids in that community so he see a lot more than most parents!
"non-pro-diversity
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:25 — jenman"non-pro-diversity movements"? You agree with pretty much every point we make yet you still fall back on the racist/elitist boogeyman. Even Chris Malone said in one of the debates that neighborhood schools aren't a magic bullet either--that we have to do more. So he's not planning to implement neighborhood schools and then turn his back on needier areas.
What we have now is not working. Our diversity policy isn't about student achievement and I don't really even think its about de-segregation. It is about business, plain and simple.
What advantage do business
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 19:53 — RevHiDWhat advantage do business leaders get from diverse schools? I thought it was the great education of the workforce and the ability to attract workers to a county with a nationally recognized system. What is their evil scheme?
Diversity is the excuse
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 08:30 — loriacDiversity is the public reason for all the busing - as SDR says, however, the REAL reason is to make every 'SCHOOL' look good, and win faux awards that tout the 'diversity' of our schools, and make Raleigh look like a good place to locate your company.
The sad, sad thing is that all these programs really do nothing to help the ED kids. Let's get the focus back on education of our children. I, for one, am sick of being lied to.
Naw, their scheme is ignore
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 22:50 — SDR256Naw, their scheme is to ignore - deny - that the big fat cat is out of the bag - the expensive busing solution is not working. Diversity has nothing to do with it! Please let me repeat - diversity has nothing to do with it. Diversity is not part of the equation for the business folks - really - you are fooling yourselves. These guys don't want the average public to understand that the current mechanisms (they are not solutions) are put in place to make SCHOOLS look good. If - in the meantime - children fail - its ok as long as the schools look good to the outside and we can continue to win awards as 'the best place to live.'. If the outside world really understood how our CHILDREN ARE FAILING they would never want to place businesses here.
We need BoE representatives who will put education first. Business leaders are suspicious of this. But if we put education first, and our CHILDREN BEGIN TO SUCCEED this will truly become a place to want to live - and stay.
"Diversity"?
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 09:16 — Bob_SconcePlease define that. The word has been horribly bastardized by the education ivory tower. I went to a diverse college -- we had people from all over the world, who natively spoke a bunch of different languages, subscribed to different religions and have a varierty of different backgrounds. That meant I could learn a lot about the world through my classmates eyes.
What I see pawned off as "diversity" in WCPSS has no resemblence to my college experience. In WCPSS, you could have a class with 20 kids, each from a different country, but if 6 of them don't live in a poor section of Raleigh, then the class isn't " diverse." What an abomination.
"I went to a diverse
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:10 — user12345"I went to a diverse college -" Given that few can afford college and those that can are wealthier and non-minority your college is not an accurate cross section America ... btw, my country club is also diverse having many non-millionaires who we now accept :-)
So?
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:40 — Bob_SconceSo you're defining diversity as an "accurate cross section [of] America," which is quite different than the traditional definition.
As far as the "few can afford college" line, I disagree. UNC-CH's tuition this year is around $5500. Stafford loan rates are 5.6%. And, that's a deal -- you can buy a college education for a monthly payment of about $200, over 20 years. A college education will get you a lot more than $200 extra per month (just don't major in something moronic.)
L'user, I'm sorry to have
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 09:08 — shearertwL'user,
I'm sorry to have to point this out...but this post looks like a "white flag" to me. I'm guessing you watched the videos too.
As Gen. MacArthur would say, "We're not retreating, just advancing in another direction."
So I guess the new strategy is to Attack Ron, even though he is not even up for election. You might as well attack Bush too while you're at it.
I think we all want
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:08 — user12345I think we all want basically the same thing ... every non-supporter of your cause has said eliminating diversity is the line in the sand ... I think since Ron has little economic diversity in his schools he should sit this part out ...
You have this backwards
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:43 — Dadof3Since Ron has the most closely aligned pro-family and pro-ed positions he should be right smack dab in the middle of everything.
Since your irrational, self-important jabbering is impossible to follow, perhaps you should sit this out?
User, in your mind hearsay
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 07:29 — woodstockUser, in your mind hearsay from an bitter and angry woman (Truitt) desperate to be on the school board = smoking gun? I don't know why I even bother responding to you as that is just complete nonsense.
Also, here is an FYI to Truit, your opponent is not Ron Margiotta.
As for Burns, he should have to answer to the pitiful and inexcusable student subgroup graduation rates. The Chamber of Commerce may get by with promoting the facade of "healthy schools," but he cannot. He needs to address the needs of all students.
Pfft...
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 21:30 — Bob_SconceSo, first of all listen to the discussion before making this statement. Even based on the summary, at most it means that the diversity policy is more of a factor in this election than whether Del Burns should be the superintendant. I doubt that anybody would disagree with that.