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The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system. How much will the new Democratic majority on the school board do to undo the changes made by Republicans since 2009? How will the new choice-based assignment system work now that the socioeconomic diversity policy has been eliminated? How will Superintendent Tony Tata lead the state's largest district through more budget cuts and possible layoffs? How will the board respond to growth and the school construction program?
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
The non-WSCA school board candidates are complaining about the alleged tactics of their opponents.
Karen Simon's campaign says that their campaign signs on Lumley Road in Brier Creek were removed while those for Deborah Prickett remained. it's being called a case of "unsportsmanlike behavior."
Last week, Democratic political consultant Perry Woods said four Debra Goldman signs were put in County Commissioner Stan Norwalk's front yard while he was hosting an event for candidate Lois Nixon.
Comments
Three more
Mon, 09/28/2009 - 21:06 — SDR256Three more Goldman signs are gone now. Groups of signs for WSCA backed candidates on the on/off ramps from 40 - Harrison survived one day. Tedesco signs seen being ripped to shreds onsite by folks posting opposition signs. Where is the front page coverage??
News Flash: Lois Nixon's campaign signs are PLASTIC! Huh????
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 13:47 — petehsDoes anyone else find it hypocritical that Lois Nixon's signs in D9 are made of NON-RECYCLABLE PLASTIC (confirmed by her vendor)? Her website says that she is a "Certified Environmental Educator and a Champion for the environment" and a "Recognized leader by state and national professional environmental education associations." Why on earth would she buy her signs to fill up the landfills after her race? Also, she ordered her palm cards and business cards from a company in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!! That's quite a large carbon footprint, Lois--and a smack in the face of our dozens of excellent local print shops who could have done them right here in town. If Lois is inconsistent about this issue, wonder what other areas will have her flip-flopping...
Lois Nixon - Schools are an Economic Development Tool
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 02:00 — TrailerParkGirlSchools are an Economic Development Tool (silly me I thought they were supposed to be an Educational Tool)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mc__nJ118Q
The Biggest Challenge - to increase funding (maybe so they can pay for even more Administrative overhead and more receptions for the BOE while cutting teachers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mWmJOvWC-w
Committed to Educational Excellence (an environmental educator who wants to keep bussing kids all over the county - isn't that an oxymoron, doesn't that create GHG emissions?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcYe6-anq2c
Many people, myself
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 12:38 — jenmanMany people, myself included, were ok with making the sacrifices necessary with the diversity policy and magnet system because we were led to believe that it was being done to help low income and minority children. Now that we've figured out that its not being done to help disadvantaged kids we're not standing for it anymore.
As somebody whose family is fortunate, I'm willing to give up a little to help disadvantaged kids but not to help WEP and Harvey Schmitt sell Raleigh.
Exactly.
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 19:39 — ApexterExactly.
OT-alert
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 11:21 — AngelaWThe department has also identified an additional 12 states as "high risk" when it comes to use of Title I funds—based on previous monitoring findings, state coordinator turnover, and size of the Title I allocation. They are: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2009/09/ed_dept_names_4_states_as_pote.html
Deborah Prickett Signs Have Disappeared
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 07:57 — JanisTangoI'm really disappointed that signs have been disappearing for candidates! I've put up several for Deborah Prickett that were removed and amazingly the Karen Simon's signs remained behind. This is not an issue that is happening to just one side. Both sides are experiencing it. We would all like to think we know who is removing them, but do any of us REALLY know!
Similar stories
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:46 — SDR256Debra Goldman signs have been disappearing too. Can we get some front page space on that?
So it's not just my imagination
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 00:38 — TrailerParkGirlI thought I'd noticed some had disappeared, including from places that normally never have signs disappear.
Sounds to me like Simon and
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:46 — woodstockSounds to me like Simon and Nixon are trying to get some cheap publicity. With less than two weeks to go before the election, I very seriously doubt anyone involved in the campaigns are spending time worrying about whose signs are where.
Cheap publicity is better
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 08:48 — changewcpssCheap publicity is better than the negativity they would experience if the press put together an honest assessment of their lack of knowledge on the big picture and the details. Cheap is the best the clueless could hope for.
Simon not serious enough to even vote!
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 20:44 — rainforestSince Simon didn't vote in any municipal elections, maybe she is just not serious about anything. Yep, clueless and cheap publicity with cheap being the "word".
Check out Wake County Board of Elections site.
Woodstock, (btw,
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:57 — WhalerCaneWoodstock,
(btw, why that handle. Hard to picture you hanging out in a field in NY in 1969.) I agree more important things than this. Signs are good for name recognition and campaign moral. That's it.
I only raise issue that someone with access to Debra Goldman signs thought it cute to violate Stan's property by putting 4 signs in his yard, but really pretty comical and irrelevent.
Whaler, since you don't
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 07:07 — woodstockWhaler, since you don't know me I imagine it is difficult to picture me doing a lot of things.
Actually, I am a bit too young to have attended Woodstock as I was in Jr. High when it occured 40 years ago. However, it appeals to me as an example that some of life's most magical and memorable moments happen in the midst of chaos, this is Woodstock's legacy (if you turn a blind eye to the irresponsibility and debauchery)...along with being the venue for some of the best music ever.
That's interesting
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:26 — TrailerParkGirlI always pictured Snoopy's sidekick. Interesting how different people make different assumptions about the same thing.
OKay TPJ, You have nailed
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:47 — WhalerCaneOKay TPJ, You have nailed me. I'm an old hippie wanna be. :-)
And I'm
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 00:43 — TrailerParkGirla product of the '70s that watched every Peanuts special every year - you know back in the day when you would wait in anticipation all week because it was your only chance to see it each year and you had to get up to change the channel and adjust the rabbit ears :-)
and afterwards we would beg
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 08:18 — loriacand afterwards we would beg for Dolly Madison cupcakes.
Proposing a moratorium on responses to this
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:38 — petehstype of insulting blog topic. We have 12 days to get the VOTES out and need to stop wasting time corresponding with the likes of Whaler and Karen Simon's "campaign." WSCA has no reason to defend the actions of its members who are contributing so much to this effort; rather, we should be spending every spare moment making calls, putting UP signs, canvassing neighborhoods and manning polls. Want to obtain a task to help out in the field? Go to www.wakesca.org and register.
Comedy writ tiny
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:15 — Dadof3Sign abduction? Really? So we've gone from xenophobia... to claims of political sign stealing. Wow. I can't wait to see the next allegation, scratch that, I can wait.
Let the games END and let education BEGIN already.
Go WSCA!
Pfft...
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 19:58 — Bob_SconceDoes anybody have any evidence that this anything more than mischievous teenagers? Political candidates are constantly having their signs messed with.
Oh what a whiner Simon is!
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 19:19 — g88ky07Who are they complaining to? Sounds like the stress of the campaign is getting to Simon. We have better things to do than to run around and take a few signs out of the ground.
Here's your sign!
I have seen Deborah Prickett
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 18:57 — Eric_BI have seen Deborah Prickett signs removed and Karen Simon signs placed next to where the Deborah Prickett signs were. I don't know who is doing this to the candidates' signs, but believe me, both candidates have been affected!
I'm just not so quick to claim that it is Karen Simon and her campaign removing signs without any proof.
FWIW, I know of no WSCA
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 18:29 — CaryCurmudgeonFWIW, I know of no WSCA people out there taking down signs. Campaign signs are not cheap, and our group does not support anyone removing them. Recognize that signs which are on public property (like beside roads) may be removed by the municipality. That may not have been the case here, but it does happen.
Angela, I haven't said a
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 18:14 — WhalerCaneAngela,
I haven't said a word about the Stan incident since our discussion last week. I would thow you quote back at you. Perhaps Debra Goldman supporter who put signs in Stan's yard should spend more time studying the issues to let Debra know that Wake County does not spend 72% of its budget on schools as she has recently claimed.
PKW
72%
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:50 — SDR256I believe that the 72% number quoted is the amount of property taxes that is taken out of EVERYONE'S property tax for schools. Turn your bill over.
Perry 1) DID I say "perry,
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 19:28 — AngelaWPerry 1) DID I say "perry, stop whining" or did I simply say "stop whining"? are you now campaigning for Karen Simon as well?
and YES THEY DO PERRY!!! really they do....see Eric's numbers there???
Perry, here, in case you
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 20:04 — AngelaWPerry, here, in case you missed it;
First, I am not the primary
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:23 — WhalerCaneFirst, I am not the primary consultant on Lois's or Karen's campaign.
Second, I responded because I am mentioned in Keung's post, so it seemed you were refering to me.
Third, in case you missed it.
Page 13 of the 2010 adopted budget:
where does Riata get her
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:14 — AngelaWwhere does Riata get her "savings" of 33% out of MYR?
and funny how WEP had to defend and decrease that 500M your candidate(s) were spewing to around $250M which STILL can't be proven because there are underenrolled MYR.
Lois Nixon started out
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 06:38 — CaryCurmudgeonLois Nixon started out saying those schools saved us $550M. WEP says $250M. Now Lois is saying $350M. Must be that Failblazers math they were teaching.
I know this may be
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:39 — WhalerCaneI know this may be confusing, but you don't add capital and operating expenses. Actual number is around 30.8%
Per pupil spending
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:34 — WhalerCaneAlso, to the Debra's notion that Wake is overspending on students, check out page 55 here. It shows Wake ranks 85th in the state in per pupil spending. Again, we are getting more for less.
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/fbs/resources/data/statisticalprofile/2008profile.pdf
54% ED Students Graduating
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 07:55 — JanisTango"Again, we are getting more for less".
Sarcasm on.....
Are you suggesting only 1 out of 2 ED students graduating is a good thing?
Sarcasm off!
No, I'm suggesting that Wake
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:12 — WhalerCaneNo, I'm suggesting that Wake County is a top 3 school system in the state while ranking 85th in per pupil spending.
That would be more for less.
Do you really believe Halifax County does better than Wake County with ED students?
I suggest checking out NCpublicreportcard.com and look at end of year test results.
Frankly, it is cynical for so many of WCPSS opponents upset with re-assignment to indicate thier primary concern is for Economically Disadvantaged students.
The hack doth protest too much, methinks
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 11:13 — Dadof3Someone else said, and as it is with me, my first motivation was the fact that Wake Co. ed was an increasing hinderance to my family. Along the way, we discovered that F&R students are NOT benefiting from these machinations, and they, after all, are the reason why WCPSS is playing pawns with our little ones. Had I discovered a and tangible real benefit here for poor students, I would have changed my mind -- as I have on my other fronts because of this fight.
So, we parents are learning as we grow and seek change. To call maturation cynical is, well, cynical. If we don't comport with your one-dimensional stereotype of us, that's not our problem.
Frankly, it is cynical for
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:35 — Eric_BI don't think it is cynical for parents who have had their families and personal lives disrupted by the student assignment process to ask the question, what does this all accomplish? If WCPSS could point to the academic success of ED students it would be one thing, but to have so many lives disrupted for no discernible benefits to ED students is another thing completely. There are better, proven ways that do not involve mass disruption of students and families.
Frankly, I think it is cynical for for WCPSS supporters to treat children like economic tools or to refuse to acknowledge and correct problems with current policies.
Yep, I figured that one
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 11:47 — WhalerCaneYep, I figured that one would strike a cord.
I agree that we should and must be doing more for our ED students, particularly considering we are 85th in the state in per pupil spending, but where I disagree is that they will be better off concentrating them in high poverty schools.
I appreciate your frustration, and willingness to get involed in our schools future, but it is inaccuate to suggest that what Wake has done for thirty years insn't an improvment of what happend in Durham, what it going on in Charlotte and Halifax County for that matter, for any student.
There have been many benifits to our children and our community as a whole by maintaining economic balance in our schools. Bringing talented people like yourselves to our community is among them.
That said, change is ineveitible. Let's make it rational, and move our community forward not backwards. I look forward to moving the ball forward whomever wins this fall.
do tell!
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 12:09 — loriac'There have been many benifits to our children and our community as a whole by maintaining economic balance in our schools. '
Exactly what benefits? Certainly not to the ED kids, who are not being helped. Not to the families who face constant reassignment, multiple schedules, long bus rides, etc.
That leaves 'community as a whole' which must be code for the business interests behind WEP who stand to benefit from healthy schools as opposed to educated children. What other reason could there possibly be for moving low performing nodes around to hide poor performance, if not to give the illusion that all our schools are healthy and Wake county is a great place to do business?
I find this sickening and will be sure to vote on Oct 6, and have been telling everyone I know to vote as well. We need to take back our schools.
I don't know how those
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 13:27 — CaryCurmudgeonI don't know how those people can sleep at night. They KNOW that ED kids are being left behind, but they keep right on with their student shuffle to maintain the illusion of good schools. To me, this is the height of hypocracy.
As I understand it Perry is running
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 19:32 — g88ky07the show for Simon, Nixon and Rakestraw.
no way, really?
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 20:05 — AngelaWno way, really?
Perry, I'm sorry, but you
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 18:35 — Eric_BPerry,
I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Wake County spends 72% of the property taxes it collects on Wake County schools.
http://www.wakegov.com/NR/rdonlyres/346AAC4D-D721-4BD2-A23E-1B65A3D60B90/0/Charts2009.pdf
About 51% on operating costs and about 21% on capital costs.
Eric Page 13 of the 2010
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 21:25 — WhalerCaneEric
The point
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:53 — SDR256The point for us stupid little taxpayers is that 72% of what we hand over is for the schools. This is a significant chunk of cash out of the household budget.
Except for the fact that in
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 23:01 — WhalerCaneExcept for the fact that in realiy, about 30.8% of what you hand over to Wake County goes to schools. Still a significant chunk of cash.
Problem is Parental choice, no MYR, more magnets, more neighborhood/community schools all cost more money, and slashing administration, or filling YR to capacity while complaining about need for choice, will not get it done.
May I make a suggestion?
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 01:34 — TrailerParkGirlGo hire yourself an accountant (one with governmental accounting knowledge would be best) to have them explain all this to you. Every good political hack should have a financial numbers person holding their hand :-)
"30.8% of what you hand over to Wake County goes to schools"
That is an incorrect statement.
Let's do some math. WCPSS
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:08 — WhalerCaneLet's do some math.
WCPSS
$260 Million CIP + $313.5 Million OP = $573.5 Million
Wake County
$903 Million CIP + $953.6 Million Op = $1.8566 Billion
573.5/1856.6 = 30.89%
It's not your math, it's your accounting
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 15:53 — TrailerParkGirlSeriously, go talk to an accountant. They will help you figure out the error in your accounting logic.
Take them the "where your taxes go" sheet from the Wakegov site and the entire Wake County budget document.
Here's a hint - you have said part of the answer (it's not only property taxes), but do not realize it because you do not understand accounting or financial statements.
75% of Wake County taxes go to WCPSS
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:30 — Eric_BPlease just give it up Perry. About 75% of Wake County taxes go to the public schools system and that is an indisuputable fact.
Here are the numbers for revenue from the FY2010 Wake County budget:
Ad valorem taxes: $626.8 million
Sales Tax: $122.6 million
Lease/Rental Vehicle Tax: $2.5 million
Payment in Lieu of Taxes: $1.2 million
Real Property Transfer (Excise) Tax: $6.5 million
For a total of $759.6 million in tax revenue. The rest of the money comes from state and federal shared revenue and charges for services, etc.
The number comes out to $573.5 million for WCPSS (operating + capital) / $759.6 million in Wake County taxes = 75%.
Why would all of our property tax statements say 75% goes to WCPSS if it was not true?