Wake County school board member John Tedesco may lose his job because of his outspoken views on the diversity policy and community-based schools.
Tedesco acknowledged his employer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, has been getting pressure from supporters of the diversity policy who've questioned whether he should continue working for the non-profit. He said Big Brothers has not asked him to resign despite the lobbying from outside the group.
Rumors have been swirling that Tedesco was being targeted by those who argue his opposition to the diversity policy is at odds with his employer's work helping at-risk children, most of whom are poor and minorities. Big Brothers doesn't have an official position on the diversity policy.
There have been some online comments in which people said they would not donate money to Big Brothers if Tedesco still works for the group. Tedesco said those sentiments have been echoed in messages sent to Big Brothers.
Tedesco has worked with Big Brothers since 2006, rising to vice president for development.
With pressure mounting on Big Brothers, Tedesco said he loves so much the work being done to help at-risk children that he'd be willing to quit to protect the group.
"If they can't get at me but go after my job, I have no fear of walking away from my job and sleeping in my car to help the kids they're abandoning," Tedesco said.
Of all the members of the new board majority, Tedesco has arguably been the one most criticized by the other side.
The Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children had questioned the diversity of Big Brothers Big Sisters in a press release the group released about e-mail exchanges with Tedesco.
It was Tedesco's name that was being chanted as having to go at last month's NAACP HK on J rally. Tedesco said his car was plastered with rally posters that Saturday. His car was parked outside the Alley that day for a Big Brothers bowling fundraiser.
Tedesco said threatening e-mails are being sent to him and members of his family.
Tedesco's words are being monitored by critics of the board majority. Within hours of Tedesco attending a meeting Friday with another Big Brothers official, his remarks were posted online on the liberal N.C. Policy Watch's blog.
"Now seriously John. If you expect Wake County voters to believe you when you say you’re a moderate, consensus builder who is truly empathetic with the poor—and not a pawn of right-wing efforts to re-segregate and balkanize the school system—then maybe you should stop saying such extreme, divisive things in public," writes Chase Foster in the Progressive Pulse blog. "Otherwise, we might see you for who you really are. And yes, we are listening."
Foster said he just happened to be at Helios at the time and overheard Tedesco's conversation. Tedesco said he felt his comments were taken out of context.
Comments
Remember when...
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 20:54 — louiselee44The national Superintendent of the Year a few years ago didn't even have a doctorate, and that's quite unusual. No one questioned it however, because citizens were proud that Wake County's Bill McNeal received such an honor. Plus, that was before our county became so splintered and full of venom. What a shame...
Temple of Zones
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 19:16 — occum_sharpeMarch Madness is in the air and I heard a great comment about the great coach, Coach Cheyney formerly at Temple and his Temple of Zones and I thought about John Tedesco and his zones. Has anyone thought about how to pay for this? Let's look at Fairfax Co. VA since that is the plan that everyone on the side of neighborhood choice zones touts as being a good fit for Wake. Fairfax County is less than 1/2 the size geographically of Wake (395 square land miles compared to 832 for Wake) and has about 30,000 more students than Wake, yet it spends almost $50 million dollars more per year on transportation than Wake(Transportation is 5.1% of a 2.2 billion dollar school budget in Fairfax = 112 Million for Transportation compared to $63 million for Wake). Where is this money going to come from??? Charlotte Meck has fewer students than Wake, is smaller geographically (526 to 832 square land miles) and is spending significantly more on transportation than Wake, so much so that it is putting tremendous stress on their resources and they have began paring down the choices in the "Choice Zones" to save money. How many administrators, teachers, and TA's are going to have to be laid off to enact this plan??? How are you going to carry out a zone plan when state and local monies are being cut??? Nobody has thought about this, because thinking and rational discourse is not on the agenda (neither for the NAACP or the school board). The 26% of us with college degrees are scared to death with the reckless decision making of this politically driven board. We know there's no money to pay for it.
Occam's razor
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 22:06 — SDR256Occam's razor isn't very sharp seems to me. Keeping kids closer to home seems the simpler solution, and as the philosophy of Occam's razor goes, "the simplest solution is usually the correct one"
Razors sharp
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 22:53 — occum_sharpebut with no idea of what this plan costs, might not be able to afford refill blades.
Diversity busing
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 23:18 — SDR256There is no one with a degree in operations research who has designed this domino-effect of busing nodes. It is quite accidental, not the simplest solution. It is quintessential Brownian motion. Completely random, unplanned and total chaos. The opposite of razor-like.
I Totally Agree With You
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:49 — occum_sharpeon your point. The current assignment plan has some issues with it and it is not a "sharp" plan. I think primarily because it was engineered by a single person or small group of people with little or no oversight. I will also agree that spending funds to bus ANY child 20 miles one way, (poor blacks for diversity or rich whites to go to their favorite magnet), is not the best expenditure of funds.
However, with that said, a choice based zone system will cost more than the current system and there is a lot of precedent in other systems to back that up.
I don't believe this
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 23:43 — user12345I don't believe this impossible ... talk about random ... look at Walmart... they are able to stock toilet paper over night to thousand of stores ... the bulk of the kids just don't move around that much ... it is not like you wake up in 2010 and all the rich kids in the country have all moved to Briar Creek ... and the nodes that were poor ten years ago are still the poor ones today ... so, while there is change, it is not totally random .. the big question is when filling schools do you do it naturally and let the community grown into the school which has the highest cost but the least disruption or do you move everyone in the county one seat West to have a full occupied school which costs the least but is the most disruptive.
you're right
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 09:27 — loriacDid you attend any of CEM meetings last year?
There was movement allright - and there was nothing natural about it. A few examples....
Why move our node out of our middle school? There was no building, and plenty of room in our school.
Why swap 2 LI nodes to/from JGE? This upset the applecart for all these kids, as well as parents who were no longer close to their children's school, and broke many of the bonds that had been made,
These moves were made to falsely engineer a mix of children at their schools. Guess what - it didn't work. People don't like their choices made for them and they opted out. Everyone lost, most of all WCPSS who lost many involved parents.
The result of this year after year is almost 50 high poverty schools, an assignment map that makes zero sense, and no benefit to the kids who need it the most. Why would we stay with this current plan?
My Favorite!
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 10:04 — JanisTangoHere's my favorite from last year's reassignment mess.
74 kids moved from Durant Middle School (year round) to Leesville Middle School (designated year round)
75 kids moved from Leesville Middle School (designated year round) to Durant Middle School (year round).
If you looked at the nodes for these children they were being moved further away from their neighborhood. It made no sense what so ever. There was no net increase or decrease in F&R percentage, school capacity, etc. It just disrupted the lives of 149 kids and families. This is just one example of many that I saw!
Oh...
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 11:03 — Bob_SconceBut, don't you understand -- reassignments are caused by GROWTH, not diversity. Clearly, LMS needed to find space for an additional student, and this is how that worked.
Count that as 150 students impacted.
Why criticize a concept that works in most places - Occum
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 20:39 — Voice_of_Reason_Let a plan be drawn up, then see what it looks like. As we were told time and again, transportation costs are paid by the state. JT said he believed we would be able to lower transport costs and even eliminate some vehicles going to the zone plan. If that is true, then part of your concerns are mute. If your concerns are true, then I guess you will not have to worry about change.
In fact, if your college degree is correct, then most of the US has it wrong. I guess it must be their poor public school systems that educated them. Think of the millions of carbon credits that can be saved. Wow!
BTW - Occum what 26% w/ college degrees that are scared to death are you talking about? I hope you don't believe you are speaking for everyone with a college degree, if so, you are delusional. I would say the vast majority of the people behind the change effort had college degrees.
To answer your question
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:18 — occum_sharpeThe ones who pay taxes. Most citizens would not support a tax increase at this time. Most conservatives would never support one. They especially wouldn't support one for bussing.
You are right, however, in saying that many of those who supported the change were college educated, but I guarantee you that many of the supporters would fall out of the ranks if it amounted to a tax increase for their families.
Another issue with 15-20 attendance zones is having enough buses available in some zones to take students to and from school.
What is delusional is to believe that you are going to have 15-20 attendance zones with choice inside the zones without putting significant amounts of money into transportation and extra classrooms (trailers) for overcrowding. Note: there is already a great deal of concern that Mills Park Middle will open with significant crowding and that the same thing will happen at Mills Park Elementary. On the other hand, Alston Ridge may be only half full when it opens. Choice comes with a price, unfortunately no one on the new board had any idea of what the price would be when they made the resolution.
BTW- for semantics sake, if your are correct, my point in the previous post would be MOOT, not mute.
I don't think you have to worry
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 23:32 — Voice_of_Reason_The Republicans will keep them in check. And I know the Wake Taxpayer's Association will be watching and for now the "Gang of 5" have their complete support. You are making a lot of assumptions.
BTW- Thanks for the correction, even I can learn.
For the record: How did you derive that figure of 26% of college educated taxpayers you speak of? Just wondering.
Actually VOR
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:55 — occum_sharpeI didn't derive that figure, I got it from the John Locke foundations defense of Mr. Margiotta not having a college degree. I think they said something about 74% of the adults in Wake County not having college degrees.
You are right about the Republican Party keeping taxes in check and that's what scares me. The development of this plan and the financial details behind the plan will probably be revealed right around election time and if the Republican party doesn't support the funding of a choice plan, the money will have to come out of the classroom.
That's what scares me.
College Degree Statistics
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 09:53 — king123443.9% of Wake County residents have a bachelor's degree or higher according to the US Census Bureau.
College Degree Statistics
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 09:52 — king123443.9% of Wake County residents have a bachelor's degree or higher according to the US Census Bureau.
What scares me
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 23:30 — Voice_of_Reason_Is that you claim to speak for everyone with a college degree in Wake County. I'm sorry, I'm going to call you out on that. I guess also everyone that doesn't have a college degree doesn't pay taxes or count using your logic.
If you really think there is that much cost in this (I question that assertion also), then I seriously doubt the Republican party would commit political suicide by cutting teachers or money out the classrooms. I think you might find some cutting, but it will be because of the economy, not the school board's plan.
BTW-Isn't it the Democratic Party that threatens cuts in teachers, police and fire departments when they want to raise taxes while still supporting arts and parks funding?
Fairfax
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 19:38 — Duhhuh666Fairfax county has a higher cost of living (about 22% higher than Wake) and has terrible traffic. It can take over an hour to go 10 miles during morning and evening rush.
If we stop busing students from one side of the county to the other the busing budget should decrease not increase. (less travel = less fuel) so whats the point?
Not that simple
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:24 — occum_sharpeAs in the case with Fairfax's choice zones multiple buses leave the same neighborhood and go to multiple schools in the attendance zone, not one bus leaving one neighborhood going to one school. It is not as simple as you suggest. The folks in CMS thought that it would save money, too, but it ended up costing millions more.
As far as all the students bussed from one side of the county to the other, I think it would be great to cut out all of the magnet buses that take kids from all the way out in West Cary and West Raleigh to Hunter, Ligon and Enloe. I think it would be very interesting to compare the money spent to bus magnet students vs. bussing poor children to West Cary and West Raleigh. Of course, this kind of bussing is acceptable because its for a group of kids who aren't considered a "burden" to their schools.
Unconscionable ...
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 15:52 — essequamvideriAll right, Mr. Hui - here are some questions for you.
1. Why isn't this story on the front online page? Every time the faux rev's at the NAACP open their mouths to speak you run a story, on the front page. This posting is buried - you have to go to Wake Ed blogs to find it. How much more important is it that a school board member, and his FAMILY MEMBERS, who dares to disagree with the N&O and the NAACP, are receiving threatening e-mails, and that his very job may be in jeopardy?
2. You quote Chase Foster of NC Policy Watch, a "progressive" liberal non-profit, and you say "Tedesco's words are being monitored by critics of the board majority" - well, shock & awe. Isn't this the same Chase Foster that N&O reporter Kristin Collins loves to quote, whenever she has her liberal agenda to push? What do you all do - share e-mail lists? This is 1890's yellow journalism all over again. Just like Josephus Daniels - you all have a political agenda to push, while pretending to be concerned about education. This is nothing but politics.
3. The N&O (I don't differentiate between op/ed writers & reporters - you're all the same) makes snarky remarks about Art Pope & the John Locke org, obviously funded by Republicans - but completely ignores questions of funding of the Dem/progressive/liberal org's - some of whom are funded by taxpayer dollars.
NC Policy Watch is a project of the NC Justice Center, according to its own website.
Who's on the Board of Directors of the Justice Center?
REV WILLIAM BARBER OF THE NC NAACP.
ORAGE QUARLES III, PUBLISHER OF THE N&O.
GENE NICHOL - POV WRITER FOR THE N&O, AND HEAD OF THE POVERTY WORK & OPPORTUNITY CENTER AT UNC (which is a joke - remember this is where Breck Boy John Edwards allegedly "worked").
Duh ..... don't you think that in the interests of FAIRNESS and ACCURACY (the N&O's own self-described "values") you could have revealed those pesky little details?
4. How about an expose of the NAACP?
Here's a story on how "Rev" Jesse & his posse just marched on Birmingham, in favor of legalized bingo (nope - I'm not making this up), singing We Shall Overcome. How moving.
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2010/03/jesse-jackson-leads-bingo-rights-march-in-alabama/
Or how about a story closer to home - how the state NAACP has failed to investigate the Pender Co. NAACP for making false allegations about the Pender Co. School Board chair - the Board even sent a "cease, desist, and apologize" letter to the NAACP.
http://www.wwaytv3.com/node/21246
Or how about running a story on "Rev" Barber's supposed "doctoral degree" from Drew University? His profile per the NAACP doesn't read like any CV I've seen. Drew U awards Doctorate of Ministry degrees. You certainly felt free to examine Board Chair Ron Margiotta's educational background. How about turning that same exact level of scrutiny on Barber?
The NAACP took in over $24.6 mil in 2008, per their Form 990's. How about FOLLOWING THE MONEY, N&O???!!!
Yeah right. I won't hold my breath.
I'm working on a profile on
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:44 — KeungHui (author)I'm working on a profile on Tedesco. His job status is one of the issues that came up as part of the story. Since the profile won't be running for a few more days, I thought it was worthwhile to mention the pressure on his job status ahead of time as a blog post. If he had been forced out, a story would have run sooner.
Do you feel then that it would have been better, to do like what the other media outlets did, and only report on the NAACP comments about Margiotta not having a college degree without some further context?
The connections between NC Policy Watch and the Fletcher Foundation have been mentioned before. I don't mention it every post. It's like I don't mention in every post that AFP, Civitas or the Locke Foundation is funded by the Pope Foundation.
Mr. Hui - Well, you've
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:49 — essequamvideriMr. Hui - Well, you've managed to overlook most of my points, but I will address yours.
First, I'll agree with you that it's important to give context to the NAACP's comments re Margiotta not having a college degree. But think about it - here the NAACP is throwing stones at Margiotta - why not look at exactly what degrees Barber & Gatewood supposedly have? Why is that important - because Barber at least feels qualified to criticize the new Board members, especially Margiotta, on educational issues. What makes Barber qualified? So it's the N&O, that needs to give context to NAACP's criticism.
Seriously - go to the profile page on the NAACP site, and read Barber's list of accomplishments ( naacp org leadership etc. - can't post links of course) What do you think your boss - managing/executive editors - would have said to you should you have submitted something similar before you were hired? Do you think you would have gotten your N&O job? Why hold the NAACP to such low standards?
I never mentioned the Fletcher Foundation. What I pointed out were the links between NC Justice Center & Policy Watch - and no, I can't recall when you've disclosed that Quarles, Nichol, and Barber sit on the BOD of the NC JC.
And again, why was this story hidden - every single time the NAACP expresses an opinion you all must rush to get something out on the front page. But (again) you refuse to examine the controversies they have instigated, and the fact that they play fast & loose with the truth. You might go to the Right Angles blog at Carolina Journal & read their opinion, for some balance. I'm sure everyone at the N&O follows the "Progressive Pulse" religiously.
As I have said before on other articles, the N&O has become nothing more than a de facto lobbyist for the Democrat party.
If that's what you all are - fine - then change the name of the newspaper to "The Progressive Voice" or "Clarion Call of the Democrat" or some such nonsense. Don't pretend to have standards of "fairness" and "accuracy" - as described on this very site.
Wow, and while they are
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 07:24 — DrActualFactualWow, and while they are looking at things is anyone going to mention that fact that Keith Sutton has past leadership affiliations with NAACP and Triangle Urban League and NC Juvenile Justice League/Center. Mr. Hui, how closely linked is Sutton to current NAACP folks? In reading Sutton's bio there seems to be quite some connection.
As I have mentioned before,
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 12:47 — willynillyAs I have mentioned before, I met Keung in 1998 discussing a license issue. It is funny, every principal with whom I worked in the WCPSS saw Keung as a crusader against the the WCPSS. Here on the blog I see people thinking he is on the other extreme. People have their opinions so for what it is worth, I have always seen Keung to be fair and will call it how he sees it: evidence takes him a certain way. Even then, he always presents both sides.
It is funny, every principal
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 13:12 — carson79It is funny, every principal with whom I worked in the WCPSS saw Keung as a crusader against the the WCPSS.
Yes, this is what I have heard as well. I just laugh when I read people saying they think he is biased for the diversity policy, this guy invented the IMO misleading and inflammatory "shuffle" terminology!
If you want to believe that
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 23:40 — KeungHui (author)If you want to believe that I've spent the 11 years here working as a lobbyist for the Democratic Party or the NAACP or anyone else, I'll leave you to your misguided perceptions. You're going to refuse to believe that I've been trying to be fair no matter what I say. I think those who've taken the time to read what I've done since 1999 will know better.
Don't Cry for John
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:31 — they_knewIf Mr. Tedesco is pushed out of his job I'm sure there'll be a high-poverty "neighborhood school" that would gladly bring him aboard as a teacher. Surely he's qualified for some sort of provisional certification....
I'm sure you are proud of yourself for saying that
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:44 — Voice_of_Reason_It speaks volumes on your character.
Barber may have recd an
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:22 — DrActualFactualBarber may have recd an honorary doctorate (sometimes this is done for charitable work).
"Charitable" work? I
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:38 — essequamvideri"Charitable" work?
I consider "charity", whether financial or actual work, to be given freely, without compensation.
Barber makes his living off race-baiting. The NAACP pays him a salary to do it. That's hardly charity.
And if his degree is indeed "honorary", then his profile at the NAACP website (again, I can't link here) should say so.
When did Hui cover
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:11 — carson79When did Hui cover Margiotta's educational background (or lack thereof)?
It was in a recent article
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:24 — jenmanIt was in a recent article about the NAACP's complaint. Their attorney made the comment and then Hui reported on Ron's background as part of the story.
"As noted in today's
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:20 — essequamvideri"As noted in today's article, members of the NAACP hurled charges of racism and likened the board majority to clowns, Communists, dictators and the Mafia. School board chairman Ron Margiotta's educational background was questioned and he was called "unfit" to keep his post.
"[Margiotta] doesn't even have a college degree," said NAACP Attorney Al McSurely. "They've got clowns running this school board."
Margiotta, 71, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduating from Weehawken High School in the 1950s. Afterward, he started his own business to support his family. He took some labor relations courses at St. Peter's College."
As I can't post links, you'll have to search it yourself - the article is entitled "NAACP hurls insults at school board majority", posted 3/6/10.
McSurely: "They've got clowns running this school board"
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:02 — Voice_of_Reason_And we have a complete circus in Washington, what's new.
VOR best laugh I had all day
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:31 — choice4all"And we have a complete circus in Washington, what's new.
So this was the 1st time it
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:43 — carson79So this was the 1st time it was reported on?? That can't be right, the liberal media hates Margiotta so much - he can't have been on the board this long without a report on his failure to obtain a college degree?? lol
I was pretty surprised he didn't have one. I just love to learn so much that I am always surprised when people so interested in education do not obtain education outside of high school. . .he's on the board for a reason right?? It can't have been a decision driven by political ideology. There's too much of a time investment)
I was pretty surprised he
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:32 — jenmanI was pretty surprised he didn't have one. I just love to learn so
much that I am always surprised when people so interested in education
do not obtain education outside of high school. . .he's on the board
for a reason right??
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps this is a generational thing? Its not unusual at all for people Ron's age to not have a degree. My MIL served for many years on the school board in her town and she only went to college for 1 or 2 years.
Generational thing?
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:05 — earlyeducatorMy grandmother is 90 years old and she has a Master's degree. It is not Mr. Margiotta's lack of a degree that concerns me. It is his open, and obvious disdain for education. He refers to the "academic elite" on his website, which is not used as a compliment. Also, his refusal to acknowledge the two women on the board with their correct and rightly earned titles of "Dr." is disconcerting!
Would you not agree that
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 10:02 — jenmanWould you not agree that your grandmother's case is not the norm? My point was that now a college degree is required for many jobs that it was not necessary for in the past. It wasn't the norm back then to go to college whereas now it seems reversed.
I have great regard for higher education, particularly the liberal arts but I certainly recognize the 'academic elite' and the frustration I have with them at times.
Imagine another reality
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 22:17 — SDR256Imagine your post being read by children who are struggling to complete HS. What an elitist attitude. I admire Mr. Margiotta and I have some of the oldest educated family history in this country. And to me you sound like a total education bigot. I do believe in a basic education and from there you prove your stuff. Masters degrees and Doctorates - fine fine - - only if you like. Only if your body is one that can hold still and doesn't burst off in another direction. Doesn't mean your brain is than any other brain. Sometimes a real practical experience is the best of all. Teaches you to take everything with a grain of salt. Teaches you to question what the 'powers that be' try to feed you. SOOOO glad to have the basic and practical education I have had. I took the long road and it only kind of accidentally - after 10 years - ended up with a college degree. Not that my parents didn't fret and worry and try. I'm so glad I took the path I did. I'm so glad we have such a hard practical head at our helm.
Definitely it's an age thing
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:45 — carson79Definitely it's an age thing - I didn't know he was that old.
But to my point, all 9 of 9 Charlotte Meck Board members have college degrees. Durham county is 100% as well.
I guess his age may be more of the unique factor here rather than not having a degree. It would be an interesting conversation to have with him, I do find him interesting and all! Like what motivates him day to day, why did he sign up for this in the first place? What is his favorite part of his job? What does he want his legacy to be?
College Degree
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:57 — Duhhuh666Having a college degree is not a requirement for holding public office in NC. To be rather blunt "way does it matter" The board is a leadship position to provide direction from the public to the school staff on how the schools operate. The other 8 members have varing degrees some in education some not. I dont see the relevence.
He'd probably sit down and
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:47 — jenmanHe'd probably sit down and talk to you. :-) He's a friendly guy.
I doubt he will get a chance
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 19:03 — red_balloonI doubt he will get a chance to talk given carson's predilection to fire a salvo of questions. Incessantly.
lol I bet he'd find me
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 19:05 — carson79lol I bet he'd find me entertaining at least! He seems like he would not get annoyed and would be patient even if you reasoned your thoughts aloud as I sometimes do.
History?
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:18 — ego7601Why are you surprised he didn't have a degree? Many, many people in his generation (and the generation following) don't have a college degree. When he graduated HS, which would have been around 1955, people went into the military or workforce. There wasn't a strong sense of urgency to go to college. Many kids couldn't afford to go to college- scholarships weren't as abundant and parents of these kids were probably still very cautious with their money since the Great Depression was still fairly fresh in their minds. Ron chose to serve his country and after getting out, did what a lot of men did- worked to support his family.
I know people that don't have a college degree that are smarter than some with a degree. Just because you spend money to get a snazzy piece of paper doesn't necessarily make you more qualified for a position. Experience is a better indicator of qualification over a piece of paper. My lovely piece of paper isn't doing much to help my career- it is the knowledge gained while on the job that has helped me work my way up the ranks.
Honestly I didn't know he
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:17 — carson79Honestly I didn't know he was as old as he is.
I guess I need to clarify - I don't find it old that a man of his age doesn't have a degree - but that a man of his age who chooses to run for school board and chair that board (and devote countless hours and energy) did not attend college DOES strike me as strange.
Hummm
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 19:00 — Duhhuh666Hummm could it be he cares about his community wants to work to improve it?
Response to willynilly comments
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 15:02 — ncsenate14HURLBURT"Are we so lack of inventiveness that we cannot solve this problem without busing kids miles away from home?"
No. All we have to do is have neighborhood schools with involved Mothers and Fathers. WCPSS needs to stand up with the Mothers and Fathers of Wake County and demand equal shared parental responsibility from the Family Court System. Why do you think lower income family/single parent children are more at risk in education? Cause they only have one primary parent according to the Family Court System. One parent is relegated to an every other weekend schedule and their influence on that child is minimized and negated by that schedule. We can do better. Google ncsenate14 and wake up Wake County. The Family Court System has you trapped by separating children from their parents and also as a taxpayer paying for the results of unequal parenting responsibilities. $1.329 billion annually in NC. The solution is simple. Take the family court out of the family.
I agree......with 13 years
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 12:51 — willynillyI agree......with 13 years in the classroom (as well as former military) I think making the people responsible for certain things....BE responsiblefor those things is smart. If it "takes a village" then bussing kids out of the village really makes no sense.