It would appear that the state NAACP won't be getting the 45 minutes it wants to make a presentation to the Wake County school board.
The Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, made the request for time at a January board meeting in an open letter sent last week to school board chairman Ron Margiotta.
Margiotta said he responded with an e-mail message offering to have the school system's leadership meet with Barber. It would basically mean a meeting with Barber, Margiotta, school board vice chairwoman Debra Goldman and Supt. Del Burns.
Margiotta said he made the counteroffer after speaking with Burns about how they had handled similar requests in the past from different groups.
"We've never in the past responded by giving a meeting with the entire school board," Margiotta said.
If would be a different matter if Barber or other members of the NAACP sign up for their three minutes during the public comment section of a board meeting.
Comments
True Feelings Show!
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 21:05 — pat_superiorI really can't believe that someone would attack Dr. Barber personally simply because he wants to understand what Ron Margiotta's plans are for soon to be segregated African American students. Why are you so disparaging of the NAACP? Bob_Sconce, you really need to stop hiding behind "I call it like I see it" statements. You know that you intended for them to be racist. What if an African American used clan with a K.? You would be yelling about how wild and out of control he/she is. Aquamanforlife, you are the same way!! I cringe to think that you possibly work alongside minorities. I bet that is a really strange situation!! Woodstock, what is so disturbing about Dr. Barber wanting to find out what Margiotta's plans are? You self righteous people keep repeating the statement that this board was elected by the people. Only a few people who think like them, voted for them. They govern the school system for all of Wake County, not just Apex and Cary!! Hopefully, they will keep their racist attitudes in those sections of Wake County.
Huh?
Mon, 12/28/2009 - 16:40 — Bob_SconceI think you have me confused with somebody else. When did I say "I call it like I see it"? However, I find it interesting that you presume to say how I'd react in any circumstance -- that presumption says far more about you than it does me.
First, how does a 45 minute
Mon, 12/28/2009 - 09:55 — woodstockFirst, how does a 45 minute presentation TO the board help Barber and the NAACP understand anything? If the goal is really to understand, it occurs to me that listening may be the better approach.
Second, in the months leading up to the election (in which the new BoE members were elected by a very large percentage of votes over the status quo with twice the normal turnout for an off-year election) the newly elected board members made many, many public appearances. They participated in forums, debates, neighborhood meetings and other events, all open to the public. In these gatherings, the BoE members repeatedly articulated their views on how they intended to move forward. The members participated in TV, radio and newpaper interviews; they filled out questionaires from various new sources, and they campaigned. If Barber does not know the views of the new BoE majority, he has not been paying attention and has made no attempt to learn. Also, to my knowledge, Barber never once bothered to attend any of the meetings or events mentioned above. Instead he spewed accusations of racism and law suites. Now, he wants his own special platform.
What is "disturbing" about Mr. Barber's sudden interest is that he was so willing to ignore the deficiencies in WCPSS for so long. It appears that as long a the school board reflected his political inclinations, the failure was tolerated. The achievement gap among low-income and some minority student sub-groups has been growing for years, yet only now does Mr. Barber feel the need to "understand."
Barber and the NAACP in general only survives in this day and age by creating controversy. To do that they need to fabricate an opponent. Right now that opponent is the new Wake BoE majority...you know, the very people stepping up to address the failures that Barber previously ignored.
Large percentage?
Mon, 12/28/2009 - 19:14 — pat_superiorPuh-leeze!!!! How many of the new board members are truly interested in educating ALL children? All of the new board members want to set African American children back 40 years. Granted there are some major problems in the schools. BUT, is segregating the schools in favor of Cary and Apex the thing to do? I think Dr. Barber just wants to dialogue. What's wrong with that? Should writers resort to disparaging the NAACP and Dr. Barber personally? Does the writer who complained about Dr. Barber's need to bypass buffets really have to go there?
It is interesting that
Mon, 12/28/2009 - 21:33 — woodstockIt is interesting that you claim to support a dialog between Bill Barber and the school board, yet you want to present an antagonistic and disingenuous argument in the process. Why is that? What is the purpose of that offensive and tactless approach?
As for your ridiculous claims, no one wants to "set African American children back 40 years," or segregate schools in Cary, Apex or anywhere else. That is preposterous. It is quite the contrary, in fact. Based on everything stated by the BoE, they want to advance academic achievement for all students, including low-income studuents who have been particularly ill served in Wake County.
The BoE meetings are open to the public and they offer public commentary. I am certain that Barber is more than welcome to sign up to speak at every meeting if he so chooses. He will have 3 minutes just like every other citizen. Also, I think every school board member can be accessed via email and phone; that provides another avenue for Barber to present his views.
So...
Mon, 12/28/2009 - 19:38 — Bob_SconceHow many of the former members were truly interested in educating all the children? How'd that work for them?
And, who's talking about segregating the schools? Heck, there was an article in the N&O about a month ago, talking about how going to neighborhood schools wouldn't lead to segregated schools because Wake neighborhoods aren't segregated.
I'm not a fan of going after Barbour's weight -- that's a cheap shot and, frankly, we all have things that could be the subject of cheap shots. But, his motives are fair game. Barbour's threat to sue the school district is inconsistent with your claim that he "just wants to dialogue."
Ron has offered Barbour a chance to dialogue. It will be interesting to see if the good Reverend accepts the counter-offer and if any meeting is followed immediately by a demagoguing press-conference.
I don't even understand why
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 23:25 — woodstockI don't even understand why the NAACP is granted any special consideration at all. It is an organization whose sole purpose is to lobby for special consideration for those who have a specific skin-tone or ethnicity. And to salvage any legitimacy, it must promote the perception of racism where it does not exist. The offensive tactics employed by this organization should no longer be tolerated.
Umm...
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 22:54 — supportwcpssI guess there shouldn't be any organization that advocates for a group of people defined by a set of characteristics.
Geez...
Sat, 12/26/2009 - 10:46 — Bob_SconcePfft. Hardly. I think his point was that those organizations are not entitled to any extra privileges. I can't get 20 of my best friends together and demand special treatment; why should the NAACP?
" I think his point was that
Sat, 12/26/2009 - 15:23 — user12345" I think his point was that those organizations are not entitled to any extra privileges"
Sad a group wants to come voice their thoughts / opinions on what is happening to their children and community and they need extra privileges to do that. Really sad.
What is sad is a group that
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 11:41 — woodstockWhat is sad is a group that purports to act in the best interest of low-income minority children yet continues support policies that discriminates against these very children and does nothing to address their unique adademic challenges. And, in the processs, they insult and work against the people who seek positive change.
Where was the NAACP when graduation rates continued to fall and the achievement gaps increased in Wake County? Where was their indignation and demands to present to the previous BoE majority as graduation rates among low-income students plummeted? The truth is, their focus was never on the children, it was-- as it still is -- on politics and power. They see their relevance slipping away. As long as WCPSS was led by the status quo mentality, the NAACP was content. Now, with change in the air that runs counter to the status quo and that will shine a light on the real issues surrounding the achievment gaps apparent among low-income and some minority groups, they want to feign outrage.
The NAACP has had ample opportunity to voice "their thoughts/opinions." But their position is not a mystery; they support the status quo's failed policies. But, those policies are going to change moving forward.
“Where was the NAACP when
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 12:28 — user12345“Where was the NAACP when graduation rates continued to fall and the achievement gaps increased inWake County
Well unless you hear them out, you will never know ... note, where you live (few blacks) graduation rates might be on the top of the list but for them maybe it is the high long term expulsions of black kids in Wake Co. or maybe they don't know like I do how much more the rich school get compared to them … or maybe they are battling problems in all the other poor rural counties and the poor showing Wake offers is better than many …. Find out what their issues and priorities are before imposing your priorities on them and wondering why they do not agree with what you want …
"...where you live (few
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 13:03 — woodstock"...where you live (few blacks) ..."
Completely irrelevant, and not true.
As for the rest of your comments, if the NAACP was demanding to meet with the Mayor's office and the town council, county commisioners, Chamber of Commerce, workforce investment organizations, social services, and other similarly connected community organizations as well as the BoE maybe I would believe their concerns centered on the well-being of the children in Wake County.
"Find out what their issues and priorities are before imposing your priorities on them and wondering why they do not agree with what you want …"
That is a very interesting comment to make considering the comments coming from the NAACP and other opponents of the new BoE majority. Where was their interest in a dialog before they ignorantly spouted off with accusations of racism and threats of law suits? BTW, the priorities of the new BoE are the mandate of the voters of Wake County who elected them into office with an overwhelming percentage of votes and twice the turnout of previous off-years elections.
Pfft...
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 10:20 — Bob_SconceThey have many opportunities for voicing their thoughts and opinions. They can email the board members, send them letters, speak at public comment periods, picket, send letters to the editor, put up a website and rent a billboard. They have a voice and have the right to use it. They don't have a right to demand more of the board's attention than any other person.
" They don't have a right to
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 10:59 — user12345" They don't have a right to demand more of the board's attention than any other person. "
As far as I can tell there is only group ... so why don't we just hand out numbers and take them in order to be fair... oh, look only one group .... that should be easy to handle ... I have never seen so much fear ....
Huh?
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 14:01 — Bob_SconcePfft. Look at the number of people showing up in the comment period at board meetings. How many of them would like a longer period of time? If we're going to allow people to make longer presentations, then why not just eliminate the 3 minute time period altogether?
The only thing to "fear" from the NAACP is that it often plays the role of mischief-maker, trying to stir up controversy where none exists in order to make a name for itself and its leadership. The NAACP excels at creating distractions. Consider its role in the Tedesco run-off election -- the NAACP had nothing to gain either way, but Barbour spouted off nonetheless.
The right approach with mischief-makers is to ignore them. Giving them a voice only encourages them to plot more.
It's unfortunate that this organization, which played a central role in the civil rights movement in years past now spends its time battling to aggrandize itself at the expense of those it claims to represent. Thurgood Marshall is spinning in his grave.
Silly maudlin posturing
Sat, 12/26/2009 - 16:34 — Dadof3Their voice can be heard through a number of channels. This is all political maneuvering (your preferred M.O.) and I hope the board stays focused and not sidetracked by the status quo circus.
did you NOT post this previously? pick a side of the fence...
Sat, 12/26/2009 - 15:35 — AngelaWThu, 12/24/2009 - 10:30 -user1234
Not bad really ... Ron's convervative backers would not allow him to meet with the group in a regular meeting and he countered with a smaller less public meeting ... not really a back first step. I hope the NAACP will take this first step and see where it leads ... Plan C would be to send John who can cross racial and political lines ...
I have picked a side - kids
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 10:10 — user12345This is not real hard ... you gather everyone who cares about childrens' education and you find the best way to move forward ... worrying about the group's race , how many members it has, if it is liberal or conservative does not seem important. Some people here would spend hours debating a 15 min presentation .... I think Ron made a smart decsion agreeing to meet with the group ....
That's right.Now, if
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 10:27 — woodstockThat's right.
Now, if there was an organization that wanted to move the discussion beyond race and actually address the very real and complex set of challenges facing students from low-income familes and communities, then we might get somewhere. That organization would not engage in attacks and name calling, but rather seek to engage all local officials and the community at large to find answers. Additionally, that organization would lead the effort to find solutions and not point fingers at those they feel need to do more.
We all need to face the reality that a school system cannot provide the answers to all the social, financial, health, substance abuse, parent/guardian, economic development, etc, issues that create barriers to at-risk students academic and future economic success. We also need to face the reality that race is not a barrier to success...barriers reside within the realm of ignorance, not one's skin color or ethnicity. Organizations like the NAACP actually delay or even prevent progress by deflecting focus from the real issues in their attempt to make it all about race.
IMO a meeting is better than a presentation
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 14:20 — TrailerParkGirlA presentation is about talking at someone, while a meeting is about talking with someone. We need dialogue between those with different views, which is much better accomplished in a meeting with a smaller group than a large presentation format. I hope Mr. Barber accepts.
I agree, TPG. A meeting is
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 22:13 — jenmanI agree, TPG. A meeting is better than a presentation any day. I think Ron handled this very well.
Not bad really ... Ron's
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 11:30 — user12345Not bad really ... Ron's convervative backers would not allow him to meet with the group in a regular meeting and he countered with a smaller less public meeting ... not really a back first step. I hope the NAACP will take this first step and see where it leads ... Plan C would be to send John who can cross racial and political lines ...
factually incorrect
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 11:04 — red_balloonIt would appear that the state NAACP won't be getting the 45 minutes it wants to make a presentation to the Wake County school board.
The NAACP can still have their 45 minutes with the full board. Fifteen people speaking consecutively at the 1/5 meeting will take care of the logistics.
Logisitics
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:40 — RichardAndersonAren't there a ton of legal rules and regulations regarding meetings for the entire board? Things like public comment time and so on?
According to policy
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:52 — supportwcpssThey could hold a special meeting with request, approval, and approrpriate notice. See meeting policy.
http://www.wcpss.net/policy-files/series/policies/1300-bp.html
Still don't think this meeting should ever happen in front of the whole board.
Going completely off tangent I also found the following in the policies. Am I missing something or does this imply that the Superintendent may employ additional legal council and not the Board? I know Mr. Hui is out but I would be interested on his take. According to this I'm not sure the Board itself has the right to hire an attorney. I'm sure I'm just missing something.
The Superintendent, in consultation with the Board
attorney and Board Chair, may employ additional legal counsel when
specialized services, not otherwise available through the Board attorney,
are needed or if a conflict of interest arises.
The excerpt states the
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:58 — red_balloonThe excerpt states the Superintendent may employ. It does not state the board may not. Maybe this is covered elsewhere.
Absence?
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 11:19 — supportwcpssI'm no lawyer but I don't think the absence of a rule implies they can. Otherwise, Ron could put on a tutu and dance in the Board room because nowhere does it say he can't.
Well...
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 18:35 — Bob_SconceThat's a grant of authority by the Board, which, under NC law, has the inherent power to hire attorneys and do other things necessary to running the district. Without that policy, it would be unclear whether or not Burns could hire attorneys.
So, that policy is like saying "Son, you can drive my car."
True. To reiterate, I am
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 11:25 — red_balloonTrue. To reiterate, I am assuming it is covered elsewhere i.e., there is similar language somewhere that bestows equivalent powers to the board. If such text is absent, then you have a legitimate concern/ question.
WAY to go Ron!!! Stand your
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:27 — aquaman4life68WAY to go Ron!!! Stand your ground, follow the rules and don't waste anyone's time with their garbage that doesn't really have to listen to them. Barber needs to look past the buffet and see what the real issues are with his people. However, that would be too much work for him and his clan to handle. Why should they handle it...the government schools are to handle and solve the problem. I would dare to say...the old board would have OK'd this request. The new board, thankfully WILL NOT.
Wow
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:43 — supportwcpss"garbage" "buffet" "clan". Well, we know where your mindset is. I hope others on the blog call you out for obvious racist remarks.
I do agree with Ron here and I highly doubt the old board would have allowed it either.
Well support...what's
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 05:27 — aquaman4life68Well support...what's keeping you then? Go out and gather your people to call me out on it?!?!
I didn't take these comments
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 22:14 — jenmanI didn't take these comments as racist either.
Double wow
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 14:15 — TrailerParkGirl"I do agree with Ron here"
He11 really has frozen over! Happy Holidays :-)
Aquaman could use some sensitivity training, but I'm not sure it falls into racist. I think "garbage" refers to the concept of continuing to do the same things without results and "buffet" is not racist, it's insensitive to people who struggle with eating habits. "Clan" could just be people with similar thoughts to Barber.
Very good people...let's
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 05:25 — aquaman4life68Very good people...let's analyze to death every word I say. Enjoy! LOL
And...on other thing..I have never been known as someone who follows the PC junk....I just call it like I see it. Enough is Enough with the whole situation.
Good response by the board
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 10:08 — red_balloonI hope Dr Barber seizes this opportunity to work for the betterment of those he represents but without losing sight of the fact that there are thousands more who would be impacted and whose interests he does not represent.