Is the new reassignment plan unfriendly to families?
As noted in today's article, yesterday's vote on the plan was far from unanimous. In what's become an annual event for him, Ron Margiotta voted against the plan as he accused his colleagues of not listening to parents.
"Reassignment should be used solely for the purpose of filling new schools," Margiotta said. "I can’t vote for a plan that’s so family unfriendly.”
Lori Millberg told Margiotta he was wrong. She said that for everyone who said not to move them, others said change the demographics of their school.
While Millberg didn't name a specific school, Stough Elementary parents made the rounds at nearly all the reassignment public hearings to back moving the kids from Lacy Elementary. They stressed making Stough healthy.
"Every time we open a new school, we have to move students in order to fill that school and every time somebody says, 'Don’t move me,' they’re in effect saying, 'Send somebody else,'" Millberg said.
Beverley Clark stressed how 45 percent of the students are eligible for grandfathering. She said the district should get credit for making that possible.
Even though Clark joined Margiotta in voting agianst the plan, she also downplayed the impact of reassignment.
"I hope that being reassigned is the worst crisis in their life they have to face, because if that’s the worst thing you ever have to face, you’re truly blessed," Clark said.
Comments
Bob...
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 12:50 — RiversideRealistI recall 2 outgoing BoE members saying the same in an interview with Ruth Sheehan (I can't recall which 2... one was the gal Kevin Hill replaced)... Anyway, it seems they already KNOW that they cannot spend time and energy on education, and yet they REFUSE to hand off (delegate) non-ed issues to anyone else. The only person they "work" with is Chuck, and we all know that what he says/does then becomes Gospel.
So, I don't exactly subscribe to the belief that they are so 'bogged down' by outside influences, they CAN'T do their job (I know that's not what you said/meant, but that is how SOME will construe it).
I still contend that they are willing to spend your money and play with your children because no one is willing to REALLY tell them "no". (Some of g88's rhetoric is beyond reason, but SOME of his/her suggestions have merit. Sometimes, you need to smack someone in the head with a 2x4 to get them to snap out of their zombie state.) (One suggestion would be a MASSIVE protest in which NO ONE sends their kids to school... until they're heard - but no one seems willing to do that.)
You can only get rid of a cancer with radiation and precise surgical removal. A band-aid and a prayer won't cut it.
Yeah...
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 14:59 — Bob_SconceYou're thinking of Carol Parker.
I agree with you -- the bogging down is largely their own fault. I think the size of the district has something to do with it also. An important job of the next boad needs to be reform how the board itself does business.
There is a risk in delegating more to the administration -- the hokey ideas seem to come directly from the administration. If you delegated to them, it might be that they would implement more hokey ideas all on their own. I suppsed the answer to that is setting clear policies, doing a decent job of oversight, and just letting the administration know who's boss.
The problem is that you don't want to do too much of that -- having knowledgable educators is a good thing, and it appears that both Del Burns and Chuck Delaney are smart and hard-working. Used properly, they could be an asset to the district. But, they have some very strong incentives to continue policies that are clearly not serving the county well and not to implement other policies which would serve the county well. (The incentives? Glory, respect among their peers, "Wow. Look at what Del Burns is doing over in Wake County. His diversity policy was in the New York Times!") The current board has gone along with these choices; let's hope the next board doesn't.
I'm hoping that head-upside-smacking happens on election day.
Have to disagree with part
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:43 — CaryCurmudgeonHave to disagree with part of that. Chuck Dulaney has busing running in his veins. If a new school board set neighborhood schools as a priority, I for one would not assume that Chuck would salute and march. He has been the architect of busing for too long.
As to Del Burns, I'm still not sure what useful function he performs.
Well...
Fri, 02/06/2009 - 17:37 — Bob_SconceThat is a risk. It might take a strong board to reign him in. But, ultimately, if an administrator is unwilling to do his job, it's the board's duty to find one who is willing.
The Barney Rubble function!
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:45 — g88ky07Meaning he stutters when he gets excited and basically doesn't DO squat!
I'll take that
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 14:01 — g88ky07as a compliment. :c )
Yes, much of my "rant" is pure frustration, clearly, but it certainly looks like WE could use MANY MORE who aren't afraid to let 'er rip!
Until WE are ALL standing up and smacking this system and these people "in the heads" they aren't going to get it and NOTHING is going to change.
The time for the 3 minute _itch sessions, emails and phone calls is past. Until parents are willing to do something as drastic as keep the kids at home, and I'm opened to a better idea, I think you are simply putting a band-aid on it!
As far as Ruth Sheehan goes, oh know, DO NOT get me started on her!
So MANY problems...
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 12:13 — RiversideRealist"Reassignment cost money."
Yep. Let me count the ways:
1) Fuel, Buses, Drivers, Maintenance (remember all those failed bus inspections?)
2) Non-current AND miscalculated (inflated growth numbers) data used in reassignment plan
3) FRAUDULENT participation in the FNR program, the numbers from which are then used to 'define' "high needs" nodes, which are then used to justify reassignment for diverse/healthy schools
4) Non-acceptance of certain demographics in application to y/r schools which results in under-utilized schools
I am sure there is much more waste going on, but those are the big ones. And ALL in the name of reassignment and 'healthy' schools.
How much more are you willing to pay?
I am really rooting for you guys to effect change! REAL change, not the 'buzz word' that was the 2008 Presidential campaign slogan of our Comrade in Chief (sorry, I can't help myself! :P )
For those who wonder if non-urban and urban are comparable
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:17 — FalcThought I'd share the following for those who question if rural/small town students have comparable challenges to urban students. It is from a news article about some idiot whose meth lab blew up.
"He reportedly was watching several children at the house while the mother was in another state. Some of the chemicals got on the children but were showered off."
What do you think the odds are those children come to school ready to learn each day?
Beverley's comment
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 22:00 — nowheremanBeverley's comment about "if reassignment is the the worst crisis one faces, then s/he is truly blessed" is unbelievable! As parents, we provide basic needs for our children: food, clothing and shelter. What is immediately after that? Education! Perhaps she doesn't value education as much as those in my family. My parents made plenty of sacrifices to put me in the best schools, and I intend to do the same for my children. Another reason I am outraged by this comment is that it is not even about whether or not this is the worst crisis we face. It is about parents making their own decisions about their children's education - not some person or group of people who do not know my family.
Truly Blessed
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 19:10 — kellibaBeverly Clark.....she has some nerve making the comment, I hope that being reassigned is the worst crisis in their life they have to face, because if that’s the worst thing you ever have to face, you’re truly blessed," If Wake County spent 1/10th of the their time focusing on the real problems with the WCPSS and quit wasting their time trying to bus kids all over the county, maybe we would see improvements all across the board. To Beverly and the rest of the Wake County School Board board, here is my comment....If the Wake County School Board had focused their time and energy on the real issues at hand versus wasting way too much time on countless and usually pointless reassignments, I would consider myself truly blessed.
I hope
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:04 — g88ky07everyone floored by Bev's comments will let her know!
Not that it will matter to her, but she needs all the grief she gives!
amen ... I was as po'd as
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 21:35 — loriacamen ... I was as po'd as you when i first read that.
So Fed Up
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 22:32 — kellibaIt is way past time for the current school board members to step down. We need true leadership and direction from individuals who truly have the best interests of the kids at heart. Right now, we have a bunch of dumb nuts on the school board who have let the so called power go to their heads. I had my rounds with the board members last year trying to move my son to a decent school....and where did we end up....private school....and does the board really care......nope.
3 of the 4 board members up
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 22:41 — CaryCurmudgeon3 of the 4 board members up for election this year are not going to run. There will be reform candidates running in all districts. Rest assured, their opponents may want to maintain the status quo, but they will run on beautiful, meaningless promises.
How to tell the real reformers from the wannabe's? Look for candidates who are backed by WEP, NCAE and the Greater Raleigh Chamber -- those are the status quo candidates, vote for their opponents.
Another has decided not to ride the swift boat?
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:00 — g88ky07Who is the 3rd to throw in the towel?
Patti or Horace?
Patti Head wouldn't dare
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 09:20 — Big_PicturePatti Head wouldn't dare run. She has no problem hurting her own neighbors. Her vendetta against Leesville has become personal and they would never allow her to win.
She has not officially
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 10:11 — g88ky07declared that she will not run, so don't kid yourself. She's vindictive and if she can get you again you can bet she will!
Don't let her! Contact her now and tell her you'll NEVER let her win another seat!
Patti, I hear. Maybe she
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:34 — CaryCurmudgeonPatti, I hear. Maybe she feels her good work her is done. Horace thinks he is doing a bang-up job and will run again.
Good ole boy Patti
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 00:14 — g88ky07needs to make it official then and row on home!
Horace is the next that MUST face up to the fact his days are over
He's been voting in line with Ron on things of late to start rebuilding his reputation, but his past votes and actions tell the REAL story!
Where was his _ss when his area schools got the MYR shaft? Right there telling us how great it would be!!!
Horace Better Go
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 06:57 — kellibaWhen I had my rounds with the school board last year, Horace was the one I spoke with the most. He is the board member for my disctrict and let me tell you he is worthless. I was on the phone with him one night until 10:30PM blessing him out. He lied one too many times to me and I called him out on it. For example, I had several conversations with him regarding the school my son was assigned to. This school had the highest crime rate of all the elementary schools in the area and I was determined my son was not going there (keep in mind, the school we are assigned to, is not the closest school to us). Everytime you mentioned the crime rate to him, he said he was not aware. My question to him was, why are you not aware if it is a school in your district...never mind the fact I had told him 10 times already. He recently had a conversation with a town leader (who my family has known for years) saying he was going to run again and asked them what he needed to do to get elected again. Everything he has said or done lately is nothing but for show to get re-elected. I told him I had his number and I would make sure he did not get re-elected again. The town newspaper even wanted to do an interview with me b/c they heard about my story with him. Anyone who has had to deal with him knows he has no business being on the school board. I could write for days on the crap I went through with him.
Horace a liar?
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 08:29 — g88ky07Say it isn't so!
Of course he is! Once a liar ALWAYS a liar when you're stuck in the "good ole boy" mentality!
He is my inattentive, lying, too busy seeking his own agendas too No good boe rep. I bet you are talking about FV ES? Do you still go there or have you pulled your child out?
He has been over heard saying all of us here in good ole boy district 2 just LOVE MYR. Well guess what Horace, you are STILL a liar!
He CLEARLY has been voting in line with Ron to start positioning himself for re-election. A re-election that won't happen it sounds like if you and I, and all the others, come forward and see to it that it absolutely does not!
A committee for our area should be created to inform the public about his lying, non parent friendly voting and positions. You should DO that interview with the local paper. You REALLY should! That would be a GREAT start to getting rid of him!
Horace....Ugh!
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 20:50 — kellibaNot talking about FV ES.....Garner Schools here.....see a pattern with schools in his district? After numerous conversations with him, I ended up putting my child in a private school......in Johnston County. I was so tired of his lies and broken promises. Although my child is in private school, this is a fight I am fighting to the finish. Not every parent can afford private school but every child deserves better than what they are having to put up with in the WCPSS.
You are SO right
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 22:27 — g88ky07and thank you for wanting to finish the fight. I truly would contact the paper that wanted to talk with you. We need to expose Horace Tart for what he truly is and YOU could help us go a long way in undoing his hopes for re-election.
YOU can do that and oh wouldn't it just feel sooooooooooo gooooooooooooooooood!
http://wunc.org/programs/news
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 14:46 — AngelaWhttp://wunc.org/programs/news/archive/NDD020309ROSA_GILL_PROFILE.mp3/view
Gee the only person who
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 19:30 — vsheehanGee the only person who would interview her wrote a sports book.
u n r e a l
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 11:49 — loriac"I hope that being reassigned is the worst crisis in their life they have to face, because if that’s the worst thing you ever have to face, you’re truly blessed," Clark said.
Because the school board knows what is best for us, and we should just do what they say? The issue is not being reassigned, it's being reassigned only for reasons of social engineering, where the only benefit is to make the schools look ok without actually helping anyone.
My rising 7th grader just asked to go back to Catholic school next year. He didn't want to deal w/ YR or with a new school where he wouldn't make any friends because they are all bused in from the other side of Raleigh. He did well at Leesville Middle, and he had good teachers. But - they don't have the extra resources to doing anything special to help the 'kids who don't care.' That's where this whole social engineering scheme falls on its face.
Amazing
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:34 — supportwcpssYou basically map 'kids who don't care' to F&R and then yell at some of us for calling you a bigot or single minded. This is ludicrous statement. It's not about the BOE knowing what's best for you even though you like to take that approach.
I can't go over 65 mph on I-40 so I guess the state knows what is best for me.
I have to pay more taxes so the goverment knows what is best for me.
You can go to both extremes in this argument where everything is about somebody else is telling you what to do which is a paranoid view of the world.
You cannot solve 100% of all people's issues. This is why we elect individual in our democracy. We'll see in November what the majority supports.
Mapping
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 17:13 — Falc"You basically map 'kids who don't care' to F&R and then yell at some of us for calling you a bigot or single minded."
You support a policy that maps 'high needs kids' to F&R, 'non-high needs kids' to non-F&R, and the health of a school to its F&R%, and then yell at some of us for calling you single minded.
First that’s not what her
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 14:28 — vsheehanFirst that’s not what her post meant.
Second your post does bring up an excellent thought. In the case of the kids being bused the way WCPSS does it one could say there is a higher proportion of kids “who do not care”. Not because they are F&R but because the nodes kicked out of a school are the 2 lowest performing nodes.
Now what are the chances that these two nodes being kicked out of their base school are filled with over achievers who show respect to their teachers and who see the only way out of poverty is through education. HMMM I would say not much. If you’re kicking out 2 nodes that are lowest performing then the kids sent away on that bus are more likely not to see school as the answer for them. Why do you think the school sent them away? Don’t you remember the op-ed for bussing? She talked about kindergartners discussing oral sex and hitting others like prize fighters. Let’s guess which of the kids in that class got put on the bus out of Raleigh certainly not the author’s kids but the reincarnation of Dr Alfred Kinsey was probably on that bus out of town.
Kids “who do not care” are not just in the F&R bracket. I have met many a pain in the @$$ kid from a variety of social brackets. Also in our old neighborhood in VA families in the LI bracket were just as likely to be super focused on improving their kid’s chances of getting into the best colleges as everyone else. There was cheap fencing classes at the community center because parents of all social brackets wanted their kid to take up an obscure sport that Ives gave scholarships for. Ahhh, Northern VA the land made for anti-anxiety meds; boy do I miss the place.
you missed my point
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 13:31 — loriacIf the reassignments made sense - like, they build the new middle school at Leesville/STrickland and now need to fill it, that's one thing.
The problem is that my kids are being reassigned to a school just because we are a 'high performing node' and it will help bring up that school's numbers. No extra resources for the teachers. My kid didn't know what to make of the kids from 'underperforming nodes' who just don't care - how is he supposed to help this. It's certainly not helping him.
So - I will continue to work to elect a school board that will consider proximity in implementing Policy 6200 (which the current board does not), and I will do what's best for my kid and vote for wcpss w/ my feet. Is this paranoid? I think a better word is informed.
Is it the Majority ?
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:53 — Voice_of_Reason_Gerrymandering, stupidity, and apathy work wonders in some elections. Maybe you side will win, I'm sure the civil rights "rent a mob" will be out in force since they will be told it is in their best interest by WCPSS and they will believe it. Only thing is this time maybe the other opinions may be heard as well. And since this is an off-year election, maybe we can get more people on our side and motivated to vote. Of course we will have to deal with the biased press too.
Poor thing..
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:07 — supportwcpssSo basically if you don't get your way in November then it will be because of all these bad peopleasnd not because of what the majority wants. Gimme a break.
If turnout is under 20%
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:31 — Dadof3If the BoE is elected during a low turn-out year, than "majority" isn't quite right -- but alas, I must concede the point -- as a non-vote is the same as voting in the end. If people don't care enough to cast a vote, we are sunk, regardless of side or issue. I do believe that's why we have the representation we currently have. Norwalk / Garner was an interesting contest, but Garner did himself, and us parents, no favors with the ethics issues that clouded his campaign, and Obama's coattails. Albeit, that the CC and not BoE -- but it's all connected.
Thats what it felt like when
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:27 — vsheehanThat's what it felt like when Bush won both times.
I noticed Support WCPSS that you did not respond to my response. I am waiting. Nothing snide to say to a former Kool-Aid drinker?
Hey are you going to donate to Del's head shaving for cancer campaign? No one has yet and it looks sad.
vsheehan
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 09:12 — ObserverNYDid you happen to catch the South Park rerun last night where Cartman got AIDS and nobody cared because it was so "retro" and cancer is the modern fundraiser of choice?
Sorry, just had to throw that in.
My suggestion to the good folks of Wake County is to try and get a huge absentee ballot campaign going before the next election. A lot of people who can't be bothered to make it to the polls on election day are willing to submit an absentee ballot.
Great suggestion
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 10:32 — SDR256We'll submit it at the meeting tonight.
Reassignment cost money.
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 12:02 — parentReassignment cost money. If these reassignments are based on numbers that Chuck admitted are not current and that have in some cases changed more than once during the process, it is very possible that we are reassigning folks that don't need to be moved. I spoke to a principal that said he had 100 third graders and the projection for 5th grade in 2 yrs was 80 fifth graders. Wrong! Are 20 going to magically disappear? These type of examples can be seen throughout the county. Isn't it time to go to the governing body that doles out the money for BOE and tell them that we are tired of our money being wasted on reassigments based on bogus numbers? And what genius decided to spend hours on a plan that hinges on a court decision that is soon to be determined. A smarter group would have waited to see the outcome before wasting our money. I'm all for ousting the current members, but lets attack this from all sides. Let's get the current members hopping to expalin why they waste so much time and money.
More than money...
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 12:34 — Bob_SconceReassignments cost time and focus. Every second the board spends on reassignment is a second that it's not spending on improving education. One goal of the board should be to make smart decisions which make reassignments less necessary, so so they can spend their time on more important things. I haven't really seen that yet.
Sounds panicked to me too!
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:44 — g88ky07We'll see what happens in Nov. after we produce the "swift boat" ads!
It's going to be, mmmmmmmmmmmm Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud!
Smart Guy! Comments like
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:10 — g88ky07Smart Guy!
Comments like this say it all! Supportwcpss Utopia of NON-education sounds like it's working well!!
Like a dung heap!
wow volunteering to go to
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 11:52 — vsheehanwow volunteering to go to catholic school! : )
My highly social daughter asked to be home schooled after one month in a WCPSS school.
The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:10 — shank56Judging by your attitude on this blog, no telling what your daughter hears and feels at home regarding WCPSS.
Ouch
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:47 — supportwcpssI was thinking this but couldn't bring myself to say it. Point made.
Please ,I got my cup of
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 14:49 — vsheehanPlease ,I got my cup of Kool-aid well before I hit the NC border. I read the NYT piece and was happy to find a place that would fit our family’s unique needs. I read the article in Newsweek about Raleigh Charter being the number one HS in America . I thought "Wow just think what all the other schools must be like!"! The place I was coming from didn’t have the top spot just all the HS listed in the top 500 no matter the F&R level. I diligently did my homework and I found a truly diverse school where the gap between ethnicities wasn’t that bad(the scores didn’t stay close after you had to get 69% right. ) . I had my kids enter the last month of the school year so they could make friends for the summer. thats what all the parenting magazines were suggesting at the time. It wasn’t till half way through the next year I could not keep the rose colored glasses super glued to my face. The realty of this place melted the glasses and turned my Kool-Aid into vapor.
When chicklet said she wanted to homeschool I was shocked. I thought its just her. I went to lunch for a week to see the dynamics. I was horrified by what I saw and how malicious some of the kids where but I reasoned it was just one bad mix of kids. Silly me.
You think I sound off the chain it’s because I feel WCPSS committed FRAUD. This place is nothing like it’s advertised. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!! I can’t even complain to the Better Business .
vsheehan
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 09:19 — ObserverNYWhat a shame you relied on the New York Times and Newsweek (Jay Mathews) for your research. They are both guilty of Liberal bias and journalistic malpractice. The Left lies. Simple as that.
Smart Girl!
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:06 — g88ky07Smart Girl!
Mr Hui Could you elaberate
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 11:33 — vsheehanMr Hui
Could you elaberate on what you ment by this part of the blog
"In what's become an annual event for him, Ron Margiotta voted against the plan as he accused his colleagues of not listening to parents."
Thanks in advance
Margiotta annually votes
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 12:12 — KeungHui (author)Margiotta annually votes against the plan. He usually references the diversity policy and his feeling parents are being ignored.
Mr Hui I must be low on
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:00 — vsheehanMr Hui
I must be low on brain power today. I am sorry but I still need more clarfication. Would you mind answering a few more Questions?
How long has Margotta been on the board? What about Ms. Gill how long has she been on the board and how many years has she voted yes for the re-assignment?
Thanks again for answering even the sillest of questions.
Margiotta was elected in
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:16 — KeungHui (author)Margiotta was elected in 2003. Gill hasn't had to vote the past two years because she's been the chairwoman and hasn't had to break a tie. (She''s broken some reassignment ties during the work sessions, usually to uphold recommendations from staff.) She's voted for the full plan in the past during 10 years on the board. It's rare for board members to vote against the plan.