Before you guys ask, Wake school officials say that it cost $487.50 to cover the cost of the reception for new school board member Keith Sutton.
After being sworn in by N.C. Appeals Court Judge Jim Wynn, the board meeting was recessed Tuesday to hold the reception. Michael Evans, Wake's chief communications officer, said Child Nutrition Services catered the event at $6.50 per person for 75 people.
The crowd, which included former school board member Beverley Clark and Wake County Commissioner Chairman Harold Webb, dined on punch and hors d'oeuvres.
Receptions are traditionally held when a new board member takes office. But this year is also an extremely challenging budget year.
Comments
I agree with what you said
Fri, 11/20/2009 - 05:38 — Kenneth456I agree with what you said about Paying for Keith Sutton's school board reception. Get Tall Paying for Keith Sutton's school board reception. How to Grow Taller Naturally Paying for Keith Sutton's school board reception. Growing Taller Secrets
No doubt, this move
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 20:50 — CaryCurmudgeonNo doubt, this move represented poor judgment. Could be that they so strongly believe that they will maintain a controlling position on the board after the elections that they really don't care about the public's perception.
If they are able to maintain control in spite of all the voter dissent, then they will have carte blanche to do whatever they please, without worrying about repercussions.
Rock the Vote
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 23:25 — ExplorisMSParentProblem is, will there be enough voters at the polls October 6 to make all that dissent count?
I am shocked at the number of parents I've spoken to recently who had NO CLUE there were four BoE vacancies and that most of those seats would be decided on October 6 instead of in November.
Spread the word!
That is exactly the
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 06:24 — CaryCurmudgeonThat is exactly the question. We know there are many people all over the county who are disgusted with this school board. But we also know that most (90%+) voters don't get off their sofa to go vote on election day.
Complacency is the killer. With 50 days left, we need to be throwing as much time and money as we can at this.
Where's the beef?
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 08:57 — woodstockI've heard a lot of talk within the circles of people I know, but have not seen or heard significant publicity about a concerted effort to change the nature of the school board to one that is more family-friendly. What are people waiting for?
Where are the radio, news paper, TV and billboard ads? The candidates I support and want on the school board are all endorsed by WSCA and the Republican Party (the Democrats have profoudly disappointed me and have very clearly demonstrated their revolting committment to the status quo - and the academic genocide of poor and minority students - with their endorsements. I want to see WSCA, the GOP, and everyone else who is interested in change put their time, money and effort where their mouths are? This is a critical election that will have a long-term impact on education in Wake County. It is time to take the campaigns from Mayberry to the big city.
The organizations that endorse candidates are only benefitted when the candidates win. From my perspective, there is not enough being done to ensure that. This is not the time to hold back or just cross our fingers and hope. The endorsing organizations and supporters need to open up their wallets TODAY...not even later today, right now... and work hard to fire up the voters so that they show up on Oct. 6 eager to vote.
Complacency is the mortal enemy of change.
...
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 11:30 — Sideburnswoodstock,
I certainly understand the passion in your post but I'm confused why you think WSCA is not putting "their time, money and effort where their mouths are". WSCA is comprised of concerned, committed parents and citizens who have jobs and families yet spend a great deal of their time, effort and, yes, money towards this extremely important cause. Our "wallets" are only filled when people like you donate to our PAC. Have you done so?
"The endorsing
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 10:05 — CaryCurmudgeon"The endorsing organizations and supporters need to open up their wallets TODAY...not even later today, right now.."
WSCA does not have a magic pot of gold to fund advertising and billboards. The leaders have each ponied up significant chunks of their own money, in addition to all of the hours sacrificed for this cause. We need more money.
I agree that complacency is the mortal enemy. But that complacency lies with every single citizen who supports change but has not found a way to donate their time or money. We won't have the money we need to get our message out unless you and everyone else who wants change open up the wallets and start contributing. Contributions don't have to be huge. Skip a dinner out and give $50. Or, find a way to make it $200 and we can use that money to populate several neighborhoods with yard signs.
To donate, go to www.wakesca.org
Well...
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:13 — supportwcpssIf thousands of parents across the county are outraged why don't you have a pot of gold CC? If this is so important to so many people I would think you would have money coing out your you know what.
How many people showed up at that last meeting of yours...
The last time you put a
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:55 — CaryCurmudgeonThe last time you put a stupid post like this out there we had one of our better fund-raising days, please keep it coming.
Follow the money
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:35 — Dadof3If $ = popularity, we could assign the richest candidate the position, and do away with all this messy voting business. It's illiberal, but very efficient.
because they're like me
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:29 — loriacWe are non-political... yes I vote in every election, but this is the first time I felt like I had to get involved to make sure there's a change. My contribution to WSCA was the first political contribution I've ever made. After I met everyone, I became convinced that they want the best for our schools. Do I agree with all their politics? Nope! We do, however, have common goals for Wake County Schools. Yes, we'll be making lots of phone calls and knocking on doors because we don't have the deep pockets of the status quo players.
We do, however, have lots of friends with the same goals for our schools - we may not be rich, but we can all drive to the polls.
so out of touch
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 21:08 — loriacI don't give them any credit for even thinking about this. They are so out of touch that it never occurred to them that spending money on hors d'oeuvres (and who really needs hors d'oevres these days) while classes are overstuffed or being cancelled, bus rides are longer, etc. is not a good thing!
This just shows the total lack of leadership on the BOE. They actually had a chance here to show some, and they blew it.
This should not be a shock
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 20:30 — changewcpssThis should not be a shock to anyone. You are talking about a group who had no qualms about wasting $250,000 on a MYR conversion at Leesville Middle when all data concluded that it was unnecessary. Same group who forced 22 unnecessary MYR conversions and now their egos will not allow them to admit their mistakes or correct the wrongs. $487.50 is peanuts to them and loyal employees are expendible in their messed up world. Change is on the way with WSCA.
They did NOT Have a luncheon for valedictorians in May...
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:21 — fiestamomThis is a slap in the face to every valedictorian who graduated in 2009.
They scrapped the traditional luncheon and had them show up for 'recognition" at a SB meeting. At the same meeting... they had a HUGE cake for Del Burns (or Dulaney, can't remember). These people have NO shame. Despicable.
Marie?
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:55 — RichardAnderson"Let them eat cake!"
I know, the quote is of questionable historical accuracy, but there is not denying that it is accurately applied to this situation.
I know all the apologists will say it is only $500, and they are right. For a multi-million dollar school system, it really is a drop in the bucket. However, when the Board is handing down cuts left and right, regardless of whether or not they are to blame, this just looks bad. Don't they think these things through and realize how it will look from the outside? (rhetorical question)
they are just going out of
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:41 — AngelaWthey are just going out of their way to appear more arrogant, condescending and clueless than usual....dear god is it October yet???
"receptions may be traditionally held" but so are CLASS SIZES, except when they are NOT....
Chuckle
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:56 — RichardAnderson"receptions may be traditionally held"
And so are school calendars for nine months... (:
ha!
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:49 — AngelaWexcept when they are NOT
(damn shoulda got that the first time around...ME of all people!! :)
They just don't get it
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:38 — loriacThis is non-essential, and a slap in the face to every teacher or aide not renewed, every kid whose class was cancelled, and on and on.