Keith Sutton appointed to school board

Several years ago, I had a chance to sit in on a Triangle Urban Meeting, led by Keith Sutton. The topic of the day was how to prevent the "elites" in Cary and Apex from trying to reform the WCPSS school assignment process. It was the general belief among those in the audience that any school assignment reform was a plot against African American students and an attempt to return to segregation. As one of two whites in the audience (and an advocate of assignment reform), I raised my hand and asked if I could respond to the distortion, spin, and misinformation that was prevalent at the meeting. Mr. Sutton told me that I would NOT be permitted to speak, but invited me stay after the meeting to speak with anyone that wanted to listen.

Following the meeting, I spoke for about 45 minutes with Mr. Sutton, and 4 or 5 members of the Triangle Urban League that opted to stay. I was generally unimpressed with Mr. Sutton's knowledge of the school system, and more than a little surprised by his lack of knowledge of how the WCPSS diversity policy worked. In particular, Mr. Sutton stated that he would prefer that more magnet schools be located in the suburbs, so that middle class students would not have to take so many of the magnet seats inside the beltline. Mr. Sutton did not seem to understand that magnet schools were essentially a quid pro quo -- middle class students willing to accept a longer bus ride in exchange for an enhanced program, and that the success of the magnet program depended on the locations of these schools and the willingness of these students to travel greater distances to attend them.

I specifically remember another interesting exchange with Mr. Sutton. At that time, my own kids had been reassigned, such that there were 21 other elementary schools located closer to my home than the one my kids were assigned to. When told of this fact, Mr. Sutton was incredulous, and said there was no way that WCPSS would assigned kids to a distant school, when so many other options were closer.

I left the meeting thinking that Mr. Sutton and TUL were not well versed in the operations of the WCPSS. They firmly believed that all WCPSS success was due to its diversity policies. And they were convinced that any attempt to reform assignment policies was simply a thinly veiled attempt to segregate schools.

WAKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MEETING MINUTES
July 21, 2009
ACTION ITEMS
FACILITIES
1. REQUEST TO DECLARE LAND SURPLUS: MECKLENBURG COUNTY
PARCELS
The Board of Education owns two tracts of land totaling 9.29 acres that are located on
Rice Road in Matthews, Mecklenburg County, and which is more particularly
described as having Mecklenburg County PIN #193-43-202 and PIN #193-3-201. The
subject property was conveyed to the Board by James B. Black, Sr. and wife, Betty C.
Black on May 28, 2009, pursuant to a court order issued May 14, 2009. Due to its
location, the property is unusable for cost effective school uses. A parcel map, aerial
photo, and map are attached hereto which depict and identify the subject properties.
Staff requests that the Board of Education declare the subject property as surplus.
Fiscal implications: Upon approval from the Board of Education, staff will dispose of
the property per Board Policy 7250. Recommendation for action: Board approval is
requested.
Don Haydon presented information to the Board. Ann Majestic, Board Attorney shared
with the Board that the situation was unique in that it is rare for fines to be paid in terms
of property. Ms. Majestic reminded the Board that they are recipients of the proceeds
from fines. Ms. Majestic reiterated that the Board nor the administration had decision
making authority. Ms. Majestic stated that the Board’s attorneys were consulted
by the District Attorney’s office to receive input when it was determined that property
would be a means for satisfying the second portion of the fine by James Black.
Tharrington Smith’s attorneys were able to give feedback to the DA’s office to try to
prevent receiving property that would be problematic.
Board members shared their concern of being unaware of what was taking place
and that their was no communication with Board members. Ms. Majestic shared that
their may have been conversation with the Board Chair, which might have been the
Superintendent speaking with the Chair.
Board members also expressed concern regarding a comment made by one Board
member and wanted to ensure the public that the comment that was made was not
representative of the entire Board of Education.
Board members then asked if the issue was discussed with the superintendent. Dr. Burns
shared that he received information via voicemail around the end of December, the first
of January regarding questions about a piece of property and environmental issues. In
February, an email was received with a request to review an environmental study. At that
point, since the superintendent has no role in determining what might happen with a fine
or forfeiture, no more thought was given to the situation at the time. In May, the
superintendent received another email regarding the disposition of the property, with
another email received in June. Dr. Burns stated that he shared with the Board Chair and
Vice Chair that information had been shared and that a piece of property was coming.
Again, Board members shared their concern of not being informed of the process for
being recipients of the fine for the surplus land. The Board also expressed the need to
inform the courts of the Board’s support in receiving fines and forfeitures. Chair Hill
informed the Board that he would make sure that correspondence was sent to Judge
Stephens regarding the Board of Education’s support in receiving fines and forfeitures.
After several comments from the Board, Beverley Clark made a motion to approve,
seconded by Lori Millberg. The motion was unanimously approved.

Based on some the "positive" comments on this post, how many of you posting live in District 4 ???

CaryMudge
RiversideRealist
Angela
G88
theglove
designman
drfeelgood

to prove himself. It is unfair to critize before we give an individual a chance to prove themselves in a new setting.

Obviously our school system is not that bad else we would not be having all the well educated people moving to Wake County. Heck they could move where the can get the best school system for their kids and they choose Wake County.

With the state cutting education spending 10% it is obvious that we need to work together as oppose to working apart if not for any other reason than efficiency sake.

Is Sutton cloned from Rosa's DNA, brainwashed, or simply incapable of independent thought? With statements like this, it makes one wonder: "I still support the Board's socioeconomic diversity policy and feel that it is the bedrock of the system's success," Sutton wrote.

It would have been easier and quicker to just record Rosa's voice and have it play over and over again at each school board meeting. This appointment could have been used to demonstrate that the BOE actually does want to respond to the concerns of parents. But, no surprise, it's business as usual.

"Sutton said his three strategies would be to employ quality teachers and staff, reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions and provide adequate resources. This includes giving taxing authority to the school board."

yeah, uh heard about that new budget today, didja Keith?? how's that adequate resource and more teachers thing working for ya with all them cuts???