A lack of unanimity may have doomed efforts by some parents to get the school board to reverse the conversion of Leesville Road Middle School to a year-round calendar.
As noted in today's article, school board members heard Monday both from Leesville parents who oppose conversion and those who are in support. Board members who supported conversion seized on that division.
"You hear two different things from two different groups," said board member Horace Tart.
Tart said he's heard from at least as many people who support converting the school as who are in opposition.
During the pubic comment section of the meeting, three Leesville parents urged the board to go ahead with the conversion. Two spoke against the calendar change.
Marguerite LeBlanc said she's "very happy" with converting the school. She argued that it makes sense to give calendar continuity to families because a majority of the middle school's students will come from year-round elementary schools.
Noting the people who've urged the board not to convert the school, LeBlanc said the decision needs to be made based on what benefits the students.
"This shouldn't be a popularity contest," LeBlanc said. "This shouldn't be about who yells the loudest and the longest."
Eric Blau, another Leesville parent, said the increased capacity from conversion would create stability for families by reducing the need for reassigning students out of the school.
"It's time to make the tough decision now so that kids don't get yanked around," Blau said.
In addition, he said there would be plenty of traditional-calendar options for families who don't want to stay at Leesville.
Lisa Boneham countered supporters by saying she represented more than 1,000 people, including staff and parents at Leesville Middle and families from the feeder schools, who oppose conversion.
Boneham argued that just because a majority of the feeder elementary schools are on a year-round calendar doesn't mean that parents support the conversion.
Boneham claimed that half of Leesville Middle's staff have indicated they'll leave if the school is converted to a year-round calendar.
Louise Lee stepped up next to say that the year-round calendar would harm the school district's academic efforts.
The final Leesville speaker, Tom Hurley, opened things up by praising the school board. He particularly singled out Patti Head for doing a "quality job."
Hurley, who has two kids at Leesville Elementary, said kids are saying they prefer the multiple breaks on the year-round calendar. He also said that the added capacity from the year-round calendar is needed considering the uncertainty of getting another bond issue passed.
UPDATE
Inserted extra paragraph to help provide more context to LeBlanc's quote. Corrected spelling on LeBlanc's last name.
Comments
Mr. Hui
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 10:18 — AngelaWThese cyber attacks are getting scary, and posting someone's address with malicious intent (so obviously intended) should NOT be allowed....
Had to check wity Lisa and
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 12:11 — KeungHui (author)Had to check wity Lisa and the higher ups here before deleting the posting. It's gone now.
great,thank you, now you
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 12:26 — AngelaWgreat,thank you, now you might want to check the one below claiming to be "absolutely right".....
Take Down The Trash
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:38 — stop insanity (not verified)Threatening behavior and character defamation have shown us what anonymous posting does. Take down the trash, please.
Off-topic, but educational related.....
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 15:05 — WuptdoOT: One of the many enemies of parents, taxpayers and children of Wake County, WakeEdPartners and Raleigh Chamber of Commence is having another "roundtable" meeting. Meeting will cost $10, but worth the money to see the folks behind "Friends of Wake County" at work. Just nod your head a lot, pretend you IQ is much lower, and you will blend in easy with these "kool-aid" drinkers. Shower immediately after leaving.
Located at the "Greater" Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, on Nov 6, Noon to 1:30 pm, light lunch is included.
http://www.wakeedpartnership.org/events/education_roundtable.htm
Know your enemy like you know yourself.
Reap the benefits
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 14:28 — SideburnsMs. LeBlanc, Mr. Blau and Mr. Hurley are obviously aware of the possible track changes they may face in a MYR middle school. And that their child might not get the right level of math class if they don't change tracks. And that they need to stick around during track-out if their children play sports. And that it is difficult to maintain 2 calendars in one family once their eldest reaches high school. They also realize, I'm sure, that the middle school will be converted because of growth and only for capacity needs.
I'd be praising Patti Head too if I believed all that.
sure, all that stuff was
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 15:25 — AngelaWsure, all that stuff was researched in the defunct Growth Committee at Leesville Elementary.....OH WAIT, that's the stuff we gathered to put out info to the parents just BEFORE the committee was dissolved, that's right, I almost forgot....perhaps then that "memo" wasn't seen...
No doubt.....
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 13:33 — WuptdoI have no doubt that the elitist Stan Norwalk is just grinning ear-to-ear over the prospect of another MYR school.
OT:
BTW Stan, what do you think of my name? I got it from a Navy Senior Chief I worked for many years ago, except he would add "flacking" between "t" and "do." A good man, whom I helped bury many years ago at Arlington National Cemetery. He died of complications from "Agent Orange" when he served in Vietnam (2 tours). Which makes me wonder --- Given your age Stan, how did you avoid the draft? I certain that vets that are over 50 would like to know.
Leesville Community Engagement Meeting
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 13:30 — Lisa_BWell, the Leesville community IS going to have our own Community Engagement Meeting after all. I think it's an excellent idea, since I am certain that there will be close to 1000 people in attendance. The potential negative impact on our community of another MYR conversion is MASSIVE.
It wouldn't have been fair to the person from outside our community who might have just wanted to attend a Community Engagement Meeting to discuss moving 1 node or plea for a opt-out concern to get LOST IN THE SHUFFLE of the Leesville crowd, so I'm glad we're having our own.
THANK YOU GROWTH MANAGEMENT FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
Way to go Clueless parents!
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:55 — g88ky07Way to go CLUELESS parents on the other side. All 3 of you helped squash a chance for the majority to FIGHT another socialist year round mandatory fleecing!
Praising Patti Head? Ha, what an idiot!!!
Horace, the reasons you don't hear well, the hearing aid has to be turned on. Oh we're going to have fun with you next year! Count on it!!!
No Bonds and NO MORE HORACE FART!!!
Speakers Were Respectful
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 13:23 — Lisa_BHey g88ky07:
I don't think what the 3 speakers said yesterday mattered to the BoE. They knew how they were going to vote before the re-vote took place, and even if our entire group had shown up they would have still kept LRMS on the draft for the time being.
The 3 who spoke were very respectful, and with the exception of a couple of comments I disagree with (no one on our "side" has ever "yelled loudly" so I'm not sure who she was referring to, and the results of the PTA meeting in 2007 are still VERY meaningful because it's the last time our community had a say) the 3 speakers advocated for their own families. I respect that.
HOWEVER, I'm not sure if they all stayed to hear the BoE's discussion of the Leesville situation--if they heard the facts verified by GM, my guess is they will feel differently about the negative COMMUNITY impact of that decision.
Maybe they only care about their own personal situation, and that's their business. It's not my place to judge if someone wants to only focus on their OWN situation. As long as they don't attack others and do conduct themselves respectfully, that's their choice.
BUT, if they truly do care about what is best FOR THE COMMUNITY I think they'll understand that converting LRMS to the YR calendar is the WRONG thing for the community.
Lisa, You have stated
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 00:21 — Anonymous (not verified)Lisa,
You have stated that "every parent
should look out for their own situation," that "everyone one has a
right to their opinion." Yet you then turn around and call those who not
agree with you short-sighted and selfish. Sorry, but your side of the argument
is not necessarily the right side. It's your opinion, just like other's have a
different opinion. Insulting them as selfish and short-sighted is hardly respectful.
Your argument assumes that people choose traditional calendar because it is
best for the community. They don't – they choose that calendar because it is in
their best interest. Which is exactly what you have told parents
they should do – choose what's best for them.
Therefore it is false logic to turn that statement around to suggest "Those
who prefer YR must be against the community."
That is faulty logic. Pay
Fri, 11/07/2008 - 14:55 — Faulty Logic (not verified)That is faulty logic. Pay attention to what is being said.
Their argument did not say that by preferring YR you are against the community. It said if you prefer YR then argue for your own case but quit making attacks against the large community effort where they prefer traditional.
You are absolutely right!!!
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 00:03 — Anonymous (not verified)You are absolutely right!!! Did you see what she obviously posted herself in response to the negativity toward her on WRAL's website. She said those against her were jealous!!!! I definitely want to be a loud mouthed, opinionated, unattractive, overweight $^^#@ like her
Anonymous has taken this
Sun, 11/09/2008 - 00:15 — Gone Too Far (not verified)Anonymous has taken this entirely too far. Now it has become personal against Lisa B and her family. She is threatening another human being and should be reported to the authorities.
N&O knows who she is. Please take care of the situation before it escalates further. Thank you.
I assume Anonymous thinks
Fri, 11/07/2008 - 09:29 — Morality Police (not verified)I assume Anonymous thinks she herself is the aneorexic supermodel wet noodle without an opinion, correct? You need the outward benefits because you have such a rotten hateful inside.
And oh yes, saying that Lisa is such an obese obnoxious hideous hunchback. Right. Whatever.
Sticks And Stones
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:45 — Quit (not verified)You have become desperate and pitiful Ms. Anonymous. I did read Lisa's responses. Well written but to an undeserving audience. What a shame she had to spend time justifying her already transparent and very public mission to 3 abusive strangers. Nice job Lisa. I could not have handled myself so calmly. Leesville has a true gem. Thank you.
Anonymous, You are
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:53 — LES parent (not verified)Anonymous,
You are not helping your cause at all! If you have a issue please write the School Board and express it. Show up at the Leesville Meeting and speak, prove why YR is a good solution. Both sides need to be heard, but attacking Lisa B. and CCLP is very inappropriate. Stick with advocating for your side!! Why aren't you spending your time gathering data, etc to present your case?
Please Stop The Attacks
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:28 — Lisa_BWell said, with true dignity
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:47 — Impressed (not verified)Well said, with true dignity and class. How do you maintain composure with these clueless bullies?
If you don't stand for
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:24 — Take A Stand (not verified)If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything.
Keep up the great work Lisa and CCLP. Your opinion is shared by the majority. Your optimism is admired by the entire community. The anonymous psycho is just looking for attention.
Please Report The Predator
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:19 — Disgusted (not verified)Ditto. Please let the
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:36 — Concerned (not verified)Ditto. Please let the police know about the sick behavior we are witnessing. It violates privacy and is threatening. The irrational behavior needs to be halted. Keep focused Lisa. You are doing unbelievable things and we appreciate you.
It's Your Right To Be Short Sighted And Selfish
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 09:19 — Lisa_BPlease allow me to explain what I meant.
The fact that my opinion happens to coincide with what is in the best interest of the community is what caused me to form this group in the first place. Obviously, the group would only consist of 6 people if I was fighting for "what is best for the Boneham family". That wouldn't stop me from advocating FOR my family, but it sure wouldn't be considered a huge community effort.
Wasn't anonymous posting
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 05:30 — Anonymous Too (not verified)Wasn't anonymous posting outlawed? Why are the trolls back?
It was refreshing to read constructive posts without the negative attackers. If you do not require registration they will continue the attacks, taking the conversations back to the gutter.
Understand that your logic is not the only logic out there, Anonymous. Your paranoia is what is obvious.
As a reader with no dog in
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 16:19 — shank56As a reader with no dog in this fight, I find Lisa B. and Anonymous both to be passionate about their beliefs, and also respectful in their comments.
Unlike Anonymous Too, I do not see the post by Anonymous to be attacking, nor outright trolling.
Anonymous Too seems to be attacking someone who disagrees with his/her side. Talk about paranoia.
Anonymous Too also likes to read "constructive comments without the negative attackers." Just look at the "respectful" and constructive comments above made by g88k07 which did not bring any outcry by any of the LRMS crowd":
Comments like those above by g88k07 and Anonymous Too may lead some to believe you will get what you deserve.
Which punishes the good intentions of Lisa B and Anonymous - and is not fair to either.
Are you
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:12 — Stop The Bully (not verified)Are you serious?
Anonymous posted Lisa B's address and phone number on the blog last night.
Anonymous said "I definitely want to be a loud mouthed, opinionated, unattractive, overweight $^^#@ like her " today.
Anonymous is the epitome of a trashy low-life cyber stalker with no redeeming qualities.
Her uncontrollable anger spews out all over the blog. No respect will be given to someone who shows such disrespect toward others. She should be banned from posting, not commended for her lack of character education.
Check the date of the first post
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:23 — shank56Tue, 11/04/2008 - 23:21 — Anonymous (not verified)
My response was to this post above.
Any "Anonymous" post since is ..well... not very respectful to say the least.
How do you know that "Anonymous" is one and the same person ?
Actually sounds like the same kind of trashy stuff g88ky77 throws around constantly at the BOE and none of you ever peep about his/her posts being disrespectful.
The switch over was delayed
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 07:26 — KeungHui (author)The switch over was delayed due to the election. Barring any changes, anonymous posting should be out by the end of the wek.
I know your resources are limited
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 10:09 — Dadof3but my observation linking anonymous posting with infamous evil anonymous acts of history simply becomes more clear for the shocked sceptic (and, as usual, the anonymous cowards)
As an old sang goes; "The floor board squeaks and out comes the [white] sheets..."
MYR conversion for growth not supported
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 15:21 — Eric B (not verified)Hi Lisa,
All 3 of us did stick around to hear the BoE's discussion of the reasons for LMS MYR conversion. Personally, I only support the MYR conversion if it can be justified on capacity grounds and that is the point I made in my comments to the board. If the school capacity is needed, new schools can't be built in time, and families will be disrupted through massive reassignment out of LMS, then MYR conversion is the best solution. (Yes, I know that reassignments will occur anyway, but adding 200-300 additional seats definitely reduces the need for reassignment and reduces the number of students affected.)
The problem is that the Growth and Planning representative standing in for Chuck Dulaney utterly and completely failed to make the case that growth necessitates a MYR conversion. Growth at LMS based on 20th day numbers shrank from 1337 to 1281 from last year to this year. The planned enrollment numbers for 2011-12 based on their projections is only 1295. Leesville High School is projected to grow by only 10 students from now until 2011-12. Leesville is now considered by Growth and Planning to be a "slow growth" area.
Why is this happening if the capacity is not really needed? YR schools are expensive to convert and more expensive to operate. If we don't really need the additional capacity at this time, then it's just a waste of taxpayers' dollars.
I'm going to request additional information from Growth and Planning, but based on what I heard last night, I'd have to say that this conversion should not proceed.
Thanks Eric
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 22:52 — Lisa_BHi Eric:
Thank you for being respectful in your comments, and for looking at the "big picture" here as well.
The numbers certainly don't justify this conversion, and your willingness to scrutinize your previous decision because the numbers didn't add up shows your true concern for doing "the right thing".
Amazing
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:42 — Anonymous (not verified)You nut cases just can't accept that there is another side and it might be the majority. Ms. Boneham professes to represent a 1000 people yet 2 show up and now many have posted on her blog?? Where are you masses Ms. Boneham?
The meeting has not
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:31 — Mom4Leesville (not verified)The meeting has not occured. It is set for November 17. What are you referring to in stating that 2 showed up? I had no idea her blog had been activated, although I'm not much of a blogger and probably won't post. I will be at the 11/17 meeting with the rest of the supportive Leesville parents and teachers.
Testy, testy aren't we. Nut cases? Now that's original. Post after the Leesville meeting if you doubt her claim of 1000, and then we'll talk.
Mr. Hui
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:33 — AngelaWthanks for adding that clarification to Marguerite's quote. isn't is LeBlanc with an "e", though? :+)
did she clarify Benefits at all? Like the benefits in middle schools that don't allow for ALL course, such as AG maths, etc not having "enough" students to justify it on all (or ANY) tracks? or the "benefits" of having to attend practices, sports, band, etc...during "track-out" to provide continuity to these programs thus elimanted and favorable "time off" (supposedly) provided by (M)YR?
Or was it just the (supposed) benefits of not having to be reassigned, although even WCPSS points it it cannot prevent it and there WILL be reassignments anyway?
Just wondering, is all.....
Thanks. Changed the spelling
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:47 — KeungHui (author)Thanks. Changed the spelling on LeBlanc's name. It's not fun reading some of the handwritten names on the speaker sign-up sheets. She stressed the benefit of calendar continuity for families and not being swayed by the anti-conversion folks.
What About The HS Students?
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 13:58 — Lisa_BShouldn't Calendar Continuity apply to HIGH SCHOOL children too? I sure think so.
Or are we just supposed to "write them off" when they reach 9th grade, as if they aren't important to the family dynamic?? NOT IN MY FAMILY!
High School students will be leaving for college in a few short years, and my high school daughter's relationship with her younger siblings is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the relationship between my Elementary School and Middle School kids.
Somehow, if your children haven't reached high school age, you can't look that far into the future to understand that yet.
The whole mission of www.1Campus1Calendar.com is TRUE Calendar Continuity---INCLUDING your ENTIRE family, for ALL of their school years.
This is not directed at anyone in particular, but just wanting to stress that ALL of the children in the family should be considered when you're looking at TRUE CALENDAR CONTINUITY.
I wish you would shut your
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 00:04 — Anonymous (not verified)I wish you would shut your mouth and worry about your own problems
As one who has lived it, I feel your pain
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 17:08 — Chris_HMy oldest son is a Senior in High School and my youngest an eigth grader. The last year and a half we have been living with Mandatory Year Round.
I work and so does my husband. I do not get to spend trackout with my son and the schedule is so hard to manage. Even Teacher Workdays are different then YR. When you have a teenager they often have their own job and are woking hard to get into collge. I feel that this schedule has placed a lot of stress on my family and made for a very tired Mom and Dad who always have something going on - always a kid in school who needs to get up very early. Always someone with homework etc.... We seem to have less time for each other and when we do it is split - one kid with one parent and vice versa - very rare to have all 4 together - usually have to take one out of school. With AP clsses and Block scheduling even a day is a killer to make up. I am sad that my son is going off to college next year and that for the last 2 of his scholastic years he and his brother have been so 180 from each other schedule wise. They get along fine don't get me wrong. I just miss the days that we could take a day and do a trip and not have to come and someone has to do some darn homework.
My time is done with the two schedules in June - college schedule lines up much better. Anyhow people should really think about this, your teens need their families just as much or more.....even if they say they don't.
cannot imagine deciphering those things!
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 12:09 — AngelaWnot a problem! my "secret journalist wanna-be side coming out"! :+)
hmmmm, calendar continuity, that's an interesting conundrum.....had WCPSS followed their OWN prodecures for conversion, Leesville Elementary should never have ben converted thus eliminated a vast portion of the now 60% feeder (M)YR students....nothing like "stacking the deck"
Thanks for the continuing coverage to the Leesville situation......
Like anything we say matters
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:50 — gunfamWhen so many in the Apex area spoke out against MYR at every "community engagement" meeting it didn't matter - they did what they wanted anyway. Same thing here - it didn't matter what was said, they made their minds up already. Its so frustrating, and now we get to go through it again with the next reassignments coming out soon. Oh boy. Oh and thanks for all those meetings right after Thanksgiving, 'cause we have nothing better to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
the fact that "popularity
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:14 — AngelaWthe fact that "popularity contest" was even mentioned as a "factor" is misguided in the least, unmentionably disturbing at best. This is and should be about EDUCATION. If WCPSS were truly concerned about EDUCATION and not a social agenda and a political minefield, the picture would be a whole lot different. The deragotory and increasingly personal attacks on the 1campus1calendar group is an unsettling example of "desperation campaigning". The facts are lacking so the personal attacks increase.....again fight FOR your family not AGAINST other families.
I'm curious if Mr. Hurley "interviewed" my children....one I'd hope not and TWO he'd get a very different answer than he is portraying.
This is FAR from over
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 13:15 — Lisa_BNO WORRIES Angela.
Unanimity?
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 08:13 — Dadof3No offense directed toward Mr. Hui, but a criticism towards a popular or populist (and, as nearly always the case, a vapid one) sentiment that may elevate the most historically left-leaning major party candidate into office: unity.
It isn't a lack of "unity" (really, now, where does one find this consensus, outside of breathing, death and taxes) but a lack of a well-maintained majority consensus on public educational priorities. I agree with LaBlanc's sentiment; although we disagree with the end result. There's something repulsively authoritarian regarding compulsory unity -- an idea to which I will not unite.
Del-Chuck want social utopia; I, and many fellow parents, want a quality education. Work backwards from that and the results will be amazing.