Some prominent local officials are putting their money into this fall's school board races.
Campaign finance reports filed last month show a local who's who of Democrats and left-leaning unaffiliated voters among the donors for school board candidates Rita Rakestraw and Lois Nixon. Based on the report, both candidates seem to have deeper war chests right now than their opponents.
The latest reports from most candidats show relaively small amounts raised so far. The exceptions were Rakestraw, Nixon and Horace Tart.
Rakestraw has the most money so far, having raised $10,082 in the District 1 race.
Rakestraw's contributors include Raleigh City Councilman Rodger Koopman, Knightdale Mayor Russell Killen, Raleigh City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and state Sen. Josh Stein. She also got donations from the campaign committees of Raleigh Councilman Russ Stephenson and Wake County Commissioner Stan Norwalk.
Nixon doesn't have quite as much cash as Rakestraw in her District 9 run, but records show she's raised $3,922.
Nixon's donors include former Wake County Commissioner Yevonne Brannon, former school board member Susan Parry, WakeUP Wake County Exec. Dir. Karen Rindge and Russ Stephenson's campaign committee.
In District 2, Horace Tart reported having $3,602. The money is apparently carried over from his successful 2005 campaign.
In District 9, Debra Goldman reported raising $470.
In District 1, Chris Malone reported $350.
The other candidates had even less money reported. The real test will come Sept. 1 when candidates who are spending more than $3,000 must file a report.
Click here for Rakestraw's report.
Clikch here for Nixon's report.
Click here for Tart's report.
Click here for Goldman's report.
Click here for Malone's report.
Comments
Never Underestimate the Power of Money
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 11:09 — CaryCurmudgeonNo one should assume that the money will come to throw the status-quo out of office. Their supporters have very deep pockets, and their money will come from well beyond Wake County.
We may have right on our side, but our voice could get crushed by a well-funded media onslaught funded by Stan Norwalk and his friends.
If you have had it with arrogant and uncaring school board members telling you where and when your children should go to school, then put your money where your mouth is.
Skip a dinner out and donate $50. Hold off on replacing something in your house and donate $100. Or, look through everything you do and find a way to donate $250 or more.
Donate to WSCA at www.wakesca.org or donate to the candidate in your district.
Our worst nightmare would be to wake up on October 7th, find out that we did not get the job done, and know that we could have done more. Please don't let that happen.
No surprise
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 10:21 — freedom12It's no surprise that these entrenched Democrats got their checkbooks out quickly because they're scared that the advocates for school board change like us have been so vocal. The 4 best candidates (Malone, Tedesco, Prickett and Goldman) will end up raising a lot more money moving forward - they may not raise more money dollar-for-dollar in individual races compared to the status quo candidates, but we will win the PR war and the votes on Oct. 6. I can't wait to wipe the smirks off the faces of Hill, Sutton, Millberg, McLaurin, etc. etc.
OT-alert
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:10 — AngelaWParents of WCPSS students can now apply to serve on the Parent Advisory Council. The Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) is a diverse group of engaged and informed parents who serve as a sounding board and problem solving entity to the Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System.
The group meets four times a year for six hours each meeting. The parents meet as part of a summit with the superintendent, along with the superintendent's cabinet, the Principal Advisory Council, the Teacher Advisory Council, and the Support Advisory Council.
The application deadline is August 27 - click to download the application form (PDF).
SPAC
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:24 — louiselee44Thanks for posting that Angela. I have been a member of the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council since it first began. If anyone has questions that don't require a long typed answer, I'll be glad to try and help out.
Louise
CC rises from the dead?? You never responded when I answered
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 23:04 — shank56Keith Sutton appointed to school board Submitted by KeungHui on 08/05/2009 - 16:41 Tags: WakeEd | diversity | Harvey Schmitt | Keith Sutton | Rosa Gill | school board You answer my question Thu, 08/06/2009 - 22:16 — CaryCurmudgeon You answer my question first, which of those recommendations are not good for Wake County, and why? reply So I answered as you requested Sun, 08/09/2009 - 19:46 — shank56 Now your turn, CC. Please respond to my orignal question above in regards to your statement. edit reply I don't have a problem with Fri, 08/07/2009 - 07:08 — shank56 I don't have a problem with your recs except maybe for #2- the area superintendents. There has been growth in the number of schools - each super is point person for the principal in approx 25 schools and helps with the problems that come in each. Audit- sure , no problem but I think they have been audited to death. The CMA made recs but I don't think shrinking the top was one of them. As I recall, most audits find Central Office to be lean given the tasks at hand. edit reply
BACK To THIS TOPIC
My point in responding to Richard Anderson's post and Malone's reseponse is that it is NOT a handwriting issue, IMO. I could care less about this race. And I woulnd't have commented but for the previos comments by RA and Malone.
But when I see flippant remarks about state and/or federal filings, it makes me wonder if the candidate is in touch with reality. Maybe the $350 raised and the copy/appearance of this filing by the candidate himself is just dandy with you all. This is not my district.
Just find this VERRRRYYY INTERESTING.
____________________________________________
SO CC..can you answer the question below I asked last week??
Skank, Doesn't matter,
Wed, 08/05/2009 - 20:50 — CaryCurmudgeon
Skank,
Doesn't matter, each board member is sworn in to serve Wake County.
Your maturity is showing, Mr. Classy from Cary
Wed, 08/05/2009 - 21:03 — shank56
Classy name calling . But enough of your comments.
So when you look at Millberg, Clark, McLaurin, Head, Tart, Ron M, Hill, and Goetee who were elected by their constituents, which do you think are not serving "Wake County?"
Please identify whom you identify as "Wake County" in your statement above.
Please identify whom you
Thu, 08/06/2009 - 21:35 — shank56
Please identify whom you identify as "Wake County"
CC: Who do you think are the people whom the BOE reps are to represent in Wake County?
You have been silent. There is no right or wrong answer. It is your opinion and those whom you speak for.
So whom in Wake County should the BOE reps represent: constituents in own district; own political party; parents of students across district ; taxpayers across district without students; taxpayers regardless of family status; etc.
I'm Not Dead Yet
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 23:26 — CaryCurmudgeonGee Skank, I'm flattered you've been waiting so long for a response so I'll give you one: The ENTIRE SCHOOL BOARD has failed. 54% of ED students graduated last year, I consider that failure. Do you? Or, do you think 54% merits an award?
Still avoiding the question
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 08:13 — shank56Still avoiding the question in the thread. Whatever...
NCAE Endorsements:
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 22:53 — CaryCurmudgeonFrom the NCAE, their endorsements for School Board:
District 1 Rota [sic] Rakestraw
District 2 Horace Tart
District 7 Karen Simon
District 9 Lois Nixon
LOL, they actually sent letters endorsing Karen Simon over Debra Goldman (Simon is running in D/7, Goldman in D/9). If anyone had a doubt who the status-quo candidates were, there they are. D.Prickett has spent years as a teacher, counselor and character education consultant. NCAE chose to endorse Simon who supports status-quo but has never spent a day in a classroom as part of her job.
The "real test"
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 15:15 — g88ky07will come on October 6th when all the parents/voters that want to reform this school board can either show up and vote or make excuses why they couldn't work it into their schedule!
No matter how much money someone spends, or doesn't, between now and then!
So ask those friends and neighbors, will they vote or give you a lame excuse as to why they didn't!
Politics
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 11:59 — Jeff_morseSo Now we all can see that this Election is Political. The Dems are lining up behind the Status Quo Candidates. What a surprise. We need to win all four seats that are up this year.
Please look at
Deborah Goldman
Deborah Prickett
Chris Malone
John Tedesco
They all need your hard earned money!
We are fighting the Democratic Machine. Enough is Enough.
Thank you for helping these four Candidates Stand Up for the Children of Wake County. They all care about what you think and want for your children.
We already know the current School Boards approach to this. So why would anyone Support those Status Quo Candidates?
.
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 15:04 — theglove.
Observations and question
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 09:41 — RichardAnderson1 - Good thing we aren't grading on handwriting or Malone would fail!
2 - An L. McCarley gave $300 to both Nixon and Rakestraw. She is listed as a Media Specialist for WCPSS on the Rakestraw form and Media Specialist unemployed on the Nixon form.
Q - Does anyone else think it is strange for an employee (now perhaps former, but that is immaterial) would give to the campaign of their future boss? I have no idea on what level L. McCarley serves, she may never have contact with the BoE in any way. I also support anyone who gets involved in the political process. However, as an employee of the system, coming out for or against certain BoE candidates seems to me like a pretty bold move. As a teacher, I was told the best thing to do with school board elections was lay low. Don't compromise your professional position with your personal politics.
Please don't take this as a reflection on either candidate, I was just making an observation.
I will be interested to see what comes up in the next round of forms. Certainly seems like Perry is earning his keep for Rita. (-: <--- A joke, since I know Perry reads this blog.
You must be joking
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 05:30 — thegloveYou are making handwriting an issue? Boy, do you have too much times on your hands, LOL. Actually, the form is very legible, so I don't even understand what your beef is. Maybe you should find a hobby or something that is more productive than critquing the penmanship of others.
HANDWRITING GRADE
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 13:19 — ChrisMaloneDistrict1RICHARD ANDERSON! Thank you for your humor. Of all the postings I have heard about this is the one that got the most play from people e-mailing me.. Where I dont have to write. Its a Malone thing. Now my wife has perfect penmanship. In regards to the postings all I will say is what a great campaign, and thank you to everyone who is so enthusiastic about this campaign and indeed for those of you who have joined it. I cant do it without it. Richard dont worry though. I will be on point as your next School Board member, pen and all.
It's not just the handwriting/ penmanship
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 21:41 — shank56Laugh all you want, but these filings are "really important" and really serious. You seem to dismiss the importance and laugh it off as handwriting.
My first impression was that you were sitting in the car outside the buidling at the deadline scribbling whatever you remembered- crossing out dates, running outside the lines. Get it in by the deadline.
Sure hope you are not a CPA who scribbles off tax returns for others like this; or a broker submitting SEC filings - (gee it's just a Malone thing?)
How will your voters know that you take details seriously and will communicate back to your BOE colleagues and constituents in a serious manner?
We are ALL laughing over
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 05:34 — thegloveWe are ALL laughing over this one. Can you get more petty?
"My first impression was
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 22:29 — CaryCurmudgeon"My first impression was that you were sitting in the car outside the
buidling at the deadline scribbling whatever you remembered- crossing
out dates, running outside the lines. Get it in by the deadline."
I have heard about those FBI people who can profile a person based on their handwriting, are you one of those? Very cool!
How will your voters know that you take details seriously and will
communicate back to your BOE colleagues and constituents in a serious
manner?
The last I checked, calligraphy was not a criterion for election.
Mr. Malone has been a Town Council member, and in the private sector works for a security investigations firm. I believe he's pretty good at getting down to brass tacks.
Other than penmanship, what exactly do you think makes Mr. Malone's opponent Rita Rakestraw a better candidate?
I just have to say...
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 13:50 — JSBinNC... everytime someone posts "richard anderson" in this blog I immediately think of that dude saying "mister anderson" out of the matrix!!!!!!
Happy Friday everyone... :)
Better?
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 14:13 — My_Name_is_NeoLike this better?
So
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 14:15 — RichardAndersonSo who would be Agent Smith?
Thank you, Mister
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 14:16 — JSBinNCThank you, Mister Anderson... :)
It has to be somebody that has those super cool sunglasses...
Survey
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 09:18 — MorrisVMorrisDid anyone else get a survey call? The questions seemed pretty bias. Sounded like they are fishing for the anti-diversity vote. Sad.
Would you rather have diversity or be able to send your children to their neighborhood school?
Do you support diversity?
Do you want your kids attending diverse schools? Diverse=race? Diverse=income?
Would you still feel the same way about attending diverse schools if your child had to ride a bus for hours?
Would you still support diversity if you knew children were forced to be on a bus for hours traveling far from their home?
Would you support diversity if you knew your children would be sent to a far off school and pass two neighborhood schools on the way?
Do you support YR school?
Do you support the WCPSS forcing your children to an inconvenient calendar that disrupts your family life?
Do you support the Superintendant?
Would you still support him if you knew he made over $200k/yr?
How much do you think teachers make?
Would you still think favorably of teachers if you knew they made over $50k/yr?
Details
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 09:28 — RichardAndersonWho was conducting this survey? Yes, it sounds impossibly biased, but what do you expect? People to focus on the facts and leave politics behind? Wishful thinking.
They never identify their
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 10:34 — MorrisVMorrisThey never identify their employer ... just a person in a large room … I figured they were just going down the Republican?? roll to indentify future donors they could draw on ... note: my summary of the questions is not perfect ... I added a little drama (sorry)... the way it came across was not neutral.... the questions were not like a Pew poll - carefully worded and unbiased ... they did not seem to be genuine want a unbiased poll but lead me with loaded words ... again, one would hope that stability and achievement would be the issues but to get out the vote and secure donations, I think, someone wanted to see if certain code words like "bussing" and "diversity" would energize the backlash vote. They appeared to be fishing for the right message and words that would get you excited. So, when the results are later quoted that most people in a recent poll in Wake don't like diversity, take it with a grain of salt.
Thanks
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 10:40 — RichardAndersonThanks for the info. I do survey design and reporting as part of my work (which helps partly explain my insistence on data) so I am inclined to be skeptical of any survey results when they are reported in the media. Surveys are a great way to prove a point or, as you indicate, get the right questions for the answers you already have.
Ah, the reasons why I quit being involved in the WCPSS drama come to the fore again.
Question Mr Hui
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 09:12 — choice4allI am a little confused when it comes to ethics and donations, but it seems that Meeker would be a conflict of interest for donations when His wife is a sitting board member. Or is that how politics works?
The district's code of
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 11:58 — KeungHui (author)The district's code of ethics for school board members doesn't appear to preclude board members from donating to candidates. That's happened several times in the past. Whether it's an issue for Meeker to give money under Raleigh's rules is something I don't know.