The new school board majority is flexing its muscles today.
Just one day after Tuesday's election win by John Tedesco, the new board majority sent a letter today urging Wake to immediately stop work on Forest Ridge High. The letter is signed by Tedesco, Chris Malone, Debra Goldman, Deborah Prickett and Ron Margiotta.
The four new board members don't take office until Dec. 1 so it's up to the current board whether to honor the request. The current board and staff have warned that any delays to Forest Ridge High will push back the opening of the school.
Here's the joint letter:
A letter to the Wake County School Board
And County Staff.
11/04/2009
RE: Forest Ridge High School
I hope this finds everyone doing well and in good spirits. Thankfully, time for campaigning is now over. We are now a month away and a new majority will take its seats on December 1. Whereas I completely agree that we need to go forward in a judicious and thoughtful manner on any policy change I think it incumbent upon us, and in this case I do speak for the coming majority, that we suspend any future or currently planned spending on the H6 site whether direct or indirect. When I was on the Wake Forest Board it came to me that sometimes regardless of what one might believe is a good policy or program, that when the people speak loudly enough it is our job.. that being the board and the staff to amend our goals and to listen and act. Call it servant leadership. Call it politics. Sometimes the intrinsic value proposition of public opinion outweighs other concerns. Whatever it is a healthy respect for the will of the people will always keep you in good stead. So without further delay the future majority is requesting a stop to H6. We look forward to an immediate review of the available options. Thank you…
With Regards,
Chris Malone
SB- Elect District 1
John Tedesco
SB- Elect District 2
Deborah Prickett
SB- Elect District 7
Ron Margiotta
School Board Member District 8
Debra Goldman
SB- Elect District 9
Comments
both sides have the right
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 21:11 — Athey01to do what they feel is appropriate. The new members have the right to ask the current board to wait and the current board has the right to perform their elected duties as they see fit, until their term ends. I don't have a problem with either stance.
Agreed.
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 21:59 — ApexterAgreed.
Wow
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 18:31 — supportwcpssHere comes the bulldozer from this 'new' board. I doubt any of these incoming candidates have all the information on this site but yet they feel the need to make a statement before they even take office.
I hope they become educated on issues before they future decisions. Instead it sounds like they will run roughshod over everything with blind Ron leading the way. Some schools are going to left in their wake.
I edited it for you.
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 21:40 — ApexterHere comes more bullpuckey about this 'new' board. I doubt you have anything but preconceived notions about these
incoming candidates yet you feel the need to make a statement before they even take office.
I hope you become educated about their plans before you criticize future decisions.
Instead it sounds like you will continue to prejudge everything with
criticisms of Ron leading the way. Some readers will find it hard to stay awake.
if the shoe fits...
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 10:21 — supportwcpssI think some of them have made it clear in blunt terms what they are going to do and it seems they are going to do it without a well thought out plan.
As for Ron, he deserves every criticism he gets. I have asked dozens of times over the last 6 months what innovative ideas Ron has brought to the table and no one on this site has yet to answer the question. Besides saying No he is not a productive board member and should be replaced, even if it is someone who shares his views.
Environment
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 12:20 — SDR256Ron hasn't been working in an environment where any innovation from him would have been welcome. Why throw your pearls before swine? But - talk about creative. Ha ha ha. Ron put his considerable talents behind innovating the current board out of office. THAT, my friends, has paved the path for creative improvement. Yes indeedy. Ron didn't twiddle his thumbs and whine about pie in the sky - he concentrated on the core problem and SOLVED IT.
I've spent my career working in creative environments. Creativity and innovation is great. But , if everyone on the team is just dreaming and brainstorming nothing gets done. You need a focused engine pulling the team forward.
Ron can be that engine.
Laughable
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:11 — supportwcpssInstead of not answering the question yet again you all avoid it and point fingers at the other Board members and the past. He has served on the Board for 6 years. Besides saying No what has he done????
I suggest you get someone else in District 8 for your cause in 2011 who actually brings ideas to the table.
No Ideas at the Table
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 20:59 — occum_sharpeI think the problem with the old board is that none of them brought ideas to the table, they just did what the administration told them to do.
Although many times he seemed to do it just to raise a stink, at least Ron had the guts to question what was going on without blindly following along. It was always amazing to me that when Ron questioned Chuck Dulaney, the other board members looked "frightened with disbelief." Kind of like questioning the "Wizard of Oz".
This new group won't always be so tight, but I do think they are going to make some mouths drop open over the next few months. Eventually, they will fall apart as they each represent very different districts and when it comes time to cut up the school district into neighborhood school zones, some of them will have to make decisions that will put them in the position of choosing between their constituents, who elected them ,and "sacrificing their district for the TEAM."
Admire the conviction
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 14:50 — louiselee44I'm not in Ron's district, but I'll tell you one thing - he took seriously facts, research, opinions, etc. that I presented to the board about mandating year-round school attendance. He wasn't afraid to go against the majority, like some who "saw my point" were.
He sought out information himself so that he would know both sides of the issue, and not just be spoon-fed by the administration. He did this in the face of uncalled for and unprofessional attacks on the part of a few board members. I personally witnessed this at some of the COW meetings. He also tried to get fellow members to look at alternative suggestions before going whole-hog MYR.
Is Ron perfect? Of course not, and he'll be the first to tell you so. And we haven't always seen eye-to-eye on how to approach some issues. But he stuck his neck out when most would have crumbled, and there's no denying that.
He listens to the truth when others turn a deaf ear because they don't want to have to face it. He puts his heart and soul out there for all to see because he believes that being right is more noble than being popular with the media or the PC crowd. Can't you admire someone who sticks to their convictions even if you don't agree with them? I can, and I've let certain individuals know that too. Try it - it's very rewarding!
And so it is - Ron is there for now, fair and square, the new members are there, having just been elected fair and square. Let's move on and try to make a positive impact on their decisions and on the future of the children in Wake County.
Ms. Lee
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 15:18 — supportwcpssI admire people who put forward concrete solutions to fix the issues, even if I don't agree with them. I do not repect people who posture, rant, and say No to everything, and then make no effort to find a visible solution.
A few years ago, I admired the group that put forward the cluster idea, even though there were parts I disagreed with. They sat down and defined an idea and I admonish the administration for not looking at that idea.
Ron does none of this and hasn't in 6 years. And for sake of arugment let's say the rest of the board is the same. You just don't chastise Ron because he's on your proverbial 'side'. That makes you a hypocrite. Why don't you take him task for not putting a concrete idea on the table?
empty words
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 21:44 — louiselee44"You just don't chastise Ron because he's on your proverbial 'side'. That makes you a hypocrite. Why don't you take him task for not putting a concrete idea on the table?"
You have no idea what conversations Ron and I have had, yet you call me a hypocrite. Why don't you ask the board members if I'm a hypocrite and see what they say? With the exception of the two new appointees, they know me - you don't.
nahhhh
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 15:51 — JSBinNCsupport - I don't recall anyone on the BOE being involved in that cluster idea - it was some committee - but the idea didn't come from the Board of Ed... ?
Or am I mistaken? If it was something that came out of a bunch of people that originally used to post over on a yahoo group... that is what I was thinking of - it seemed like it was pretty parent driven. And then the board shot their idea down. I think I recall another idea - basically what I believe is the basis for the new magnet program at Brentwood... a lady there used to post about math and engineering kinds of things (cirriculum, etc) and I thought I heard she was heavily involved in presenting and getting that magnet set up at Brentwood. Again - innovative for sure - but from a parent! Not a board person!
So - Ron *maybe* hasn't put anything original on the table for X years - I really have no idea because I don't go to the meetings... but neither has anyone else. What's the point in taking anyone to task?? I think everyone has been/was in their own corner on the BOE and there was ZERO cohesiveness. There is hope with new faces, fresh, somewhat un-jaded thoughts - that maybe some progress and innovative ideas will actually come out. Starting fresh might mean that nobody feels like the will "lose face" by suggesting or voting on things...
The cluster proposal came
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 16:26 — SideburnsThe cluster proposal came from Mr. Margiotta's BAC-8.
(Don't bother trying to jusitfy anything to supportwcpss. She doesn't really want answers.)
Impressive
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 23:39 — SDR256Wow. You learn something new from this blog - well, maybe not every day, but - at least once a month.
And is there a point?
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 22:02 — supportwcpssYou are assuming a cause and effect relationship here that I know doesn't exist. Ron had nothing to do with this proposal.
do you have to work @
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 08:36 — AngelaWdo you have to work @ kvetching or does it just come naturally?
kvetched, kvetch·ing, kvetch·es
....
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 08:06 — SideburnsI serve on Ron's BAC and served on the sub-committee for this cluster proposal. I don't need to assume. Ron supported and encouraged this proposal.
You simply have a hatred for Ron. We understand. Now, get over it.
What he's done
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 14:09 — SDR256I'll tell you what he's done that's innovative in comparison with the current board. RON HAS LISTENED TO PARENTS. That's thinking WAY outside the box for the likes of Patti Head - very very leading edge and risky. He listened and fought for families and held on, even though he was the only one. And look where it got him - in the king bird's seat. So, say what you want. It doesn't matter anymore.
Yes Laughable!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:47 — MamaLynnYou want to point the finger at Ron and you imply that the other 7 'status quo' board members are doing a bang up job (supportWCPSS). Why don't you answer the question about what they have done lately that has been positive! Please enlighten me!
Well...
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 15:11 — supportwcpssI never implied anything so don't put words in other's mouths. And once you again you didn't answer the question. You simply deflected to pointing at the other Board members.
Other board members have brought ideas to the table, some of which had merit, and some of which were just plain bad (I agree with the Wednesday choice). I won't bother with the ones that i think had merit because you will disagree with them all and some are smaller items I saw when serving on various school committees.
Why can't you answer the original question? Never mind, we all know why.
It doesn't matter
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 22:24 — SDR256It doesn't matter if Ron was or was not presenting innovative ideas - I really have no idea and I really don't care because that question misses the point. The point is that was not the game that was being played at the time. Presenting innovative ideas was not where his energy was going to be best spent with that board and he knew it. He could have been an education Einstein in there and they would have heard none of it. So, better that he spent his time listening to and focusing on parents and the issues that the current board screwed up so royally - like mandatory calendars. They made such a mess its kind of like criticizing someone for not building the world's tallest building while the community has just been hit with a hurricaine. First things first. He's got the foundation down now. I admire what he has done. He held the line and it was no trivial feat. He was the right man for the job during those six years and I thank him for it.
Indeed!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:43 — Dadof3What is laughable is your remarkable consistency on being wrong; the size of WSCA support being one sledgehammer-on-the-head example. The premise of your question is so semantically, well, goofy, that, well, have fun with that tact. Its the kind of vapid, shallow thinking the led to the parent-revolt we just witnessed.
I'll give you this; what you lack in substance you make up for in snark.
What Innovative Ideas Have The Others Brought?
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 11:11 — MamaLynnYou want to single Ron out about his innovative ideas, please enlighten me on the innovations brought from the other sitting members? I can't seems to recall a single one. As for Ron, if you know you are not going to be listened to or heard why try. I don't fault him for that!
No Kidding!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:42 — g88ky07Tell us what Patti Head did for us? Millberg? Horace Tart?
Forced year round down our throats! Reassigned 25,000+ kids! Shoved an early release day down our throats in the middle of the week! Buried the SAS report! Shall I go on?
One man can't do a thing when those around him tune out and as they're doing now with Forest Ridge, saying _crew you people, we're in charge!
Ahhh, but only until Dec. 1st, then the quitters and family haters get removed and kicked out the door! Can't WAIT!
Thanks
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 23:14 — TrailerParkGirlThanks for the vocab lesson on bullpucky. I always learn from your posts :-) You are right. I am not hopeful.
Don't you get it yet? No one
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 16:24 — woodstockDon't you get it yet? No one agrees with you.
The mayors of Rolesville and Wake Forest do not want the Forest Ridge school. The public does not want the Forest Ridge school. Plus, the Forest Ridge school will require millions of dollars to blast rock and to build roads and infrastructure before the foundation is even built. What don't you understand about that?
So bottom line, the new
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 16:47 — shank56So bottom line, the new high school built in any other location will come in under the currently budgeted site ?
That is my understanding.
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 18:36 — woodstockThat is my understanding. Yes. The Forest Ridge site will generate a lot of extra costs not associated with most other sites. Plus, in general, Wake County spends more -- much more -- to build schools than other systems. That needs to be looked into also.
"all" the information?
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 19:04 — Bob_SconceThe information that the current board has is all public record. What more does the incoming board need?
By saying this now, the incoming board provides an opportunity for the current board to save some time, money and effort. They're doing exactly the right thing.
Of Course
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 10:16 — supportwcpssThis is the new response on this board for every decision moving forward - "They're doing exactly the right thing". We now just have a new set of blind followers.
ROTFL
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 22:17 — TrailerParkGirl"We now just have a new set of blind followers," said the poster child for blind followers of the out-going BOE members.
Old cliche
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 22:45 — supportwcpssBut pot kettle black applies to you and your other blog cronies. Please find my post where I claim to follow all the decisions of the existing BOE. Let me know which post that is.
So You Don't Like The Old or New Board?
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 09:57 — MamaLynnSo I take that to mean you don't like what the old board did and you don't like what the new board is proposing. Well that explains a lot! Thanks!
Black and White
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 10:27 — supportwcpssWhy do you boil it down to a black and white like or not like. I disagreed with some of the things the old board did and I will disagree with some of the things the new board will do.
Unlike others I don't expect them to make all decisions on what I want.
Why Do You Assume That I Do?
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 11:54 — MamaLynnYou assume that I expect this new board to make all the decisions that I like...well your wrong. Unlike the last board, I know that this board will listen and do what they think it best. I know I may have to compromise, but I'm OK with that. My kids don't go to a neighborhood school and if they still need me at that school I will happily go. I just want to be a be able to know where my kids are going to go next. They were pulled out to go even further away from home in the latest reassignment mess. That I will not agree with and by the sounds of it, the new board won't agree as well!
The board is supposed to
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 10:34 — woodstockThe board is supposed to manage a "system" so that it effectively meets the academic needs of all students. Whether you like a policy here or an approach there, is immaterial. In general, the system and the BoE failed far too many students, many of whom are those most in need. It is shameful and time for a change.
LOL Your side lost. You can
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 18:41 — woodstockLOL Your side lost. You can either accept that and be part of the solution for positive change, or you can keep whining. The new board members have not even been sworn in yet and you are already claiming they have failed. What is wrong with you?
"Your side
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 18:50 — AngelaW"Your side lost"....resoundingly......
just sayin' :>)
Indeed. Ain't it great!
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 20:09 — woodstockIndeed. Ain't it great!
High School
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 14:25 — mommy59When you read the post from yesterday that was overshaowed by the school board elections I can see one reason why this was stopped.
t's going to be an unhappy holiday season for some school district employees.
The school board voted today to lay off eight people whose jobs are at least partially funded by the construction program. Two other vacant positions are being eliminated.
It's the second round of what's expected to be three waves of cuts to construction program management.
I just hope the WFRHS rennovations can be done on time.