Are there too many critics vying for seats on the school board this fall?
As noted in today's article, you've got multiple critics running in all four board seats. In contrast, supporters of board policies have largely been able to keep it to one candidate in each race.
All these extra candidates, especially the critics, could make it easier for board supporters to retain control this year.
What's happening in the background now is that people are approaching candidates to ask them to withdraw and support a rival. The decision has to be made soon to avoid being placed on the fall ballot.
While Joe Ciulla, who vetted candidates for the Wake Schools Community Alliance, said he wouldn't personally ask any candidates to drop out, he's hoping they'll make the self sacrifice. For instance, Ciulla said he's hoping that Chris Malone and Debbie Vair can work out something in District 1.
Since WSCA has endorsed Malone, you can guess which one they'd probably would like to drop out in order to make for a head-to-head matchup against Rita Rakestraw.
Comments
not to worry, two less now
Sun, 07/26/2009 - 07:55 — AngelaWTwo leave Wake school board races
http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1621653.html
BOE Field a Little Less Crowded
Sat, 07/25/2009 - 07:55 — thegloveThe Indy Weekly scoops N&O and reports that Ballan has dropped out of the District 7 BOE race. GOP should have never endorsed him to begin with. There is too much politics at play in Wake's BOE races; ideas and solutions should be the focus, not politics.
http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A398342
Yeah, well maybe the GOP was
Sat, 07/25/2009 - 10:06 — SDR256Yeah, well maybe the GOP was smart enough to figure that out - politics should be taken out of the equation. The best candidate is an unaffiliated candidate in that District - Deborah Prickett. Her ideas, solutions and messages are the best. I just see this as such a strong, positive message for change in the direction you're suggesting. Instead of choosing to blindly charge ahead with a GOP-or-die message, they have cleared the way for a fresh new wind of positive change. Intended that way or not, its still a win-win to my amatuer eyes.
Want to help? Share your story!!
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 08:38 — me_mcadams(***NOTE: CORRECTED EMAIL ADDRESS LISTED BELOW.)
I know there are a lot of passionate parents on this website. As a member of the WSCA, I’m collecting parent testimonials about how current WCPSS policies and practices have PERSONALLY impacted you. Please send me your stories, both positive and not-so-positive – I’d like to hear them all. Please email them to me by Fri, July 24 at time4WCPSSchange@gmail.com.
Please include the following information when you write:
1) Your name, 2) District, or base school, 3) Your story – the good, the bad, and/or the ugly, 4) Your satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the current WCPSS, 5) What, if anything, you’d like to see change and why, and 6) Whether or not you’d be willing to be quoted in writing.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to share!
TRUITT......NATIONAL CONSULTANT
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 03:54 — PJWAKE COUNTY...... WE CAN GE A NATIONAL CONSULTANT, 36 YEAR EDUCATION PH. D. VETERAN WORKING FOR US IN THE SCHOOL BOARD...FOR OUR CHILDREN......FOR FREE!! WAKE COUNTY....WE WILL BE LUCKY TO GET HER. ELECT CATHY TRUITT TO SCHOOL BOARD...DIST. 2
We already get "Free
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 09:03 — CaryCurmudgeonWe already get "Free Consulting" in Wake County. Richard Kahlenberg and Richard Grant are famed booksellers and have been very helpful to WCPSS and WEP in their efforts to maintain the status quo. Unfortunately could not afford the $6K/day for the grade doctor to make a house call.
The LAST THING WE NEED IS MORE CONSULTANTS. We need people who are effective leaders and who are running for the right reasons.
Cathy Truitt didn't even bother to vote in the last school board election (I'm sure we will hear a dog ate her voter registration card or something like that). She gives ideas to others, but does not implement them herself (Kinda like that UPS consulting commercial). She has courted support from within the administration, and from those who want to bring change. Her having a PhD means nothing as far as her qualifications for this job (but it does qualify her to consult alongside Kahlenberg and company).
Cathy Truitt = More of the Same
All About Run-offs
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 08:04 — rainforestThe School Board races will be nothing but run-offs this year. Too many candidates; the Rep. sure can't get their act together. Where's the backbone? Dems are predictable and business as usual.
OT-alert--we could use one of these in WCPSS
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 11:20 — AngelaWReport: UNC wasting millions
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6929474
The research shows the university spends more on administrative costs than education, and that there are too many jobs with the same responsibilities
The report said in some areas, a worker has nine administrators over him, while more than half of campus supervisors oversee three or fewer workers. Cutting managers could as much as $12 million.
From Carlene Lucas, WCSB Candidate District 2
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 21:44 — Carlene_LucasTo find out more about me please visit my website at www.carlenelucas.com or join us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlene-A-Lucas/103135332747.
Thanks,
Carlene Lucas
TOGETHER WE CAN
Best of Luck and a question
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 07:28 — g88ky07From your website, "In the case of a school having an abundant number of available seats, the school system would investigate as to why that is the case and then develop a plan to improve the school to make it more appealing to parents. For example, if a year round school has a large number of available seats one option would be to change the calendar option."
Can you elaborate more on this? First, I think you should post this as a direct issue and call it what it is, MYR or FYR.
How long would the system need to "investigate" something that can be figured out with a walk through the school(s) and a look at the records? We're not worried about it being made "more appealing" we're frustrated and fed up with the reality of what's been forced upon us, the lack of community it has created and the never ending world of changing tracks and worse, being forced to change tracks! We're frustrated by teachers being let go because lots of kids get reassigned and not replaced emptying out even more seats and threatening parents and children once again with "track changes." We're frustrated with even the thought of "investigating or studying it" just take a look with your eyes and reverse it, it's THAT simple. How long should that take?
And, can you elaborate more of your feelings on the FYR issue? Thanks.
Schools where controlled
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 13:29 — Carlene_LucasSchools where controlled choice is implemented are providing an excellent education for their students and empowering the parents by giving them a school choice. I have researched how other school systems have implemented controlled choice in their districts and I strongly believe it is feasible for our system. I will update my website by tomorrow with more details on controlled choice and the FYR issue.
With controlled choice a student would not be reassigned once they are given their school of choice. In the case a family moves, depending on the distance from the school, the parent may have to provide transportation if they want their child to remain in the same school or they can find a closer school with available seats and be placed on a waiting list for their new school of choice if there are no seats available at the new school.
The system would not need to investigate long, at the beginning of a school year, we would conduct a walk through, look at enrollment figures, and ask parents within a certain radius why they chose another school over this particular school-was it the calendar option, school performance, low standards for students, etc. We would them work with parents and educators to see what changes need to be made such as changing the calendar option, adding more programs, etc. to make the school more attractive to parents.
As to how long it would take to reverse it, I cannot give you a definite because it would require a team effort and a majority vote on the school board. In addition there would need to be planning and research. If given a majority on the school board, I would hope we could implement controlled choice within a year.
I do not agree that year-round schools should be forced on us, but I believe they will have to be phased out over time with the controlled choice model if enough parents are not choosing them to fill the seats.
More questions on your reassignment ideas...
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 09:12 — JSBinNCCan you expand a little on your plan - would the 5 schools be restricted based on where a family lives? How would the 5 choice schools be determined? What if someone applied to all 5 and wasn't able to be granted a seat at any of them for whatever reason?
What happens to people that move here - and their kids are not starting in Kindergarten? How will that work?
WRT schools where NOBODY applies - I am pretty sure we have magnet schools today that have open magnet seats - but people don't want to attend them. They are not the "coveted" schools... these are schools with fantastic administrators and teachers that appear to be very happy at their school (as per NC Teacher surveys), traditional calendar and all kinds of other "attractions". People don't apply becuase (at least in the case of the ES school I am referring to) because it's high F&R and it scares them I think. They go to the stats, look at test scores and write the school off. They never go to visit it - because if they did, they'd find what we did - a positive, friendly, structured, challenging and amazing enviroment!
It would seem the only way to really solve this school issue is reassignment - which goes against the very core of stability for the students.
As far as I understand - bussing money is separate from classroom money - the two are not from the same bucket. Don't get me wrong - I support retooling how bussing is implemented in WCPSS - but to think or say that reduced bussing expense translates into more classroom dollars is misleading. (I believe...)
What is a "new resident"? Someone new to the street? Or new to Wake County?
I think you have some very interesting ideas that DO need more discussion and brainstorming. Just don't oversimplify - because the issues facing some schools are far from easy to solve.
The five schools would not
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 14:33 — Carlene_LucasThe five schools would not be restricted, parents could choose any five schools in the district but it would depend on the number of available seats. In addition, transportation will be restricted within a certain radius of the schools so parents may have to provide their own transportation if the school isn't within a certain radius.
If someone was unable to be given a seat at any of the five schools, they would be assigned a school and placed on the top of the waiting list for their chosen schools. When a seat is available at one of the chosen schools, parents will be sent a letter letting them know. They will then have the option to go to that school or stay where they are.
If people move here and their child is not starting Kindergarten, they will be given a list of schools with available seats from which they can choose from. They will also be placed on a waiting list for the school of their choice.
Controlled choice would prevent the F&R percentage from going above the threshold. Therefore, if this is what is preventing parents from choosing a school, they may now look at it as a better option. Studies have shown that diverse schools improve individual student performance and that will also help the school. Reassignment is not the only way to solve this school issue, if we use the controlled choice model. Controlled choice would address the issue of schools not being chosen by looking at enrollment for that school, taking parent and teacher feedback, and seeing if the school can be made more "attractive" by offering new programs, more challenging curriculum, or changing the calendar option.
Yes, busing and curriculum money are kept separate, but I was thinking more in line that if we spend less in busing, we can allocate more money to curriculum and/or reducing class size as long as the funds are not required by law to be used for busing.
A new resident would be either of the two. With controlled choice a student would not be reassigned once they are given their school of choice. In the case a family moves, depending on the distance from the school, the parent may have to provide transportation if they want their child to remain in the same school or they can find a closer school with available seats and be placed on a waiting list for their new school of choice if there are no seats available at the new school. People new to Wake County would be given a list of schools with available seats from which they can choose. If their school of choice is not on that list they may be placed on a waiting list.
I apologize if it seemed that I was oversimplifying the issues facing our schools. I never intended for it to seem that way. I know it will take a tremendous effort from everyone to find the best solution possible for students and parents. Our schools are facing some major issues that can not be solved overnight, but they cannot continue to be masked by shuffling our children from school to school. Our children need stability.
I am suggesting Controlled Choice for our school system because after researching other schools who have implemented it I strongly beleive it should be discussed, researched, and tweaked to fit our schools. I will update my website tomorrow with further information about Controlled Choice, but keeping in mind that it will need to be researched in detail before trying to implement it in our schools.
Thank you for your questions. And if you have any more please do not hesitate to ask.
Scared off by F&R - that's one of the HUGE pitfalls
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 10:06 — Falcof the WCPSS approach.
"WRT schools where NOBODY applies - I am pretty sure we have magnet schools today that have open magnet seats - but people don't want to attend them. They are not the "coveted" schools... these are schools with fantastic administrators and teachers that appear to be very happy at their school (as per NC Teacher surveys), traditional calendar and all kinds of other "attractions". People don't apply becuase (at least in the case of the ES school I am referring to) because it's high F&R and it scares them I think. They go to the stats, look at test scores and write the school off. They never go to visit it - because if they did, they'd find what we did - a positive, friendly, structured, challenging and amazing enviroment!"
What other behavior is to be expected when the mantra from WCPSS and its current policy supporters is "A school cannot be healthy if it has too many F&R students."
Follows logic - school system says F&R students create unhealthy environments. Resulting reaction - people avoid high F&R schools like they have the plague.
Change the attitude and mantra from the system to ALL students can and will learn and succeed regardless of their SES and more people will at least take a look. Like you said, if they take a look they may be pleasantly surprised.
Where I grew up no one knew or seemed to care what the F&R rate of one school was versus another because the same level of success was expected for ALL of them.
Out of the mouths of babes - (I have never discussed the WCPSS view on all this or my feelings about it with my kids so I don't know from where this came - intuition?) Driving my kids to camp this morning I was flipping through the radio stations and heard "neighborhood schools" so I stopped on the station. Turns out it was Lori Millberg. She went into her spiel about the whole high ED schools can't be healthy thing. My eight-year old pipes up from the backseat, "That's just stupid. It's not the kids, it's good teachers. They just need good teachers to help kids learn and how to behave like my teacher did with Johnny (name changed)." (Johnny BTW is NED.) And then came, "Mom? Is THAT why they do reassignments?" (I'd never told she was reassigned to change the F&R rate at her old school.) What could I say?
yep
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 10:18 — JSBinNCFalc I agree with you. I want to know what the candidates think - and more importantly what they think they will DO or NOT do - wrt to this specific issue.
We were blown away when invited to tour what is now our assigned magnet school... the vibe/atmosphere of the school was so incredibly different and positive and lively! I honestly was aprehensive... because as you say - I had been "preached to" that this was a "school in trouble". We sure are glad we took up the offer of tours and open houses to meet and see what was going on there. And once again - the lesson of not judging a book by it's cover (or in this case, published test scores) hits home...
Our kids are enjoying summer now... but can't wait for school to start also!
:)
Sounds like we've had similar experiences
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 10:43 — Falconly ours relates to one of those non-magnet traditional base schools that Ms. Millberg refers to as "not the right schools".
My oldest was rather disappointed when the school year finished in June as she'd rather still be in school than swimming in the pool at summer camp. She did not feel that way about the lower F&R school she used to attend. That's the only customer review I need :-)
Cathy Truitt running for Dist. 2 is THE REAL DEAL
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 13:31 — PJI am totally committed and convicted that Cathy Truitt IS who we need on the Board. Not only for D. 2 but for ALL of the County! Her 36 years experience in education, her travelling all over the country in education consulting, her great foundation of beliefs and values, her KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM..her VISION. If you have not sat down with her, please do so..check her website out at www.CathyTruitt.com She stands for healthy improvement that everybody believes in and that we so desparetly need. As one has said, "Wake Co. will be very lucky to get her."
I'm totally not convinced!
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 14:25 — g88ky07Tell me, is she for FYR or is she for reversing the MANY schools in D2 that are wasting our money, under capacity and have let teachers go because of it all?? IMMEDIATELY, not in 3 or 5 years, BUT NOW! Where does she stand on THAT issue? And, where does she stand on re-writing the great 3 year "move the kids all over creation" plan, is she up for a massive rewrite there also???
** On a side note, I am, however, TOTALLY convinced this is THE slowest website/blog on the web! I've said it before, but someone should fire the servers, they and their operators HUG!
I agree
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 15:08 — user1234** On a side note, I am, however, TOTALLY convinced this is THE slowest website/blog on the web! I've said it before, but someone should fire the servers, they and their operators HUG!
Saying the right things
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 13:39 — RichardAndersonCathy believes, "In a free country, the
bureaucrats in public education should not have more 'say' than
parents over where your child goes to school."
How is she going to do that when the head of growth and planning has publicly declares that the details are not for the board but he and his department to figure out? Does she have the guts to stand up and clean house?
...
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 18:11 — SideburnsI heard Ms. Truitt has already met with Ann Denlinger from Wake Ed Partnership and Bill McNeal to discuss her candidacy. Are they part of the plan for "drastic changes"? Sounds like the same ol, same ol to me.
Truitt will respond
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 14:48 — PJCathy Truitt will respond as Bill Daggett refers with " Rigor and Relevance." Believe me, she is for the positive changes...drastic changes....that most of the County, including myself, want to see. Timing is critical before wcpss implodes. We need a new superintendent, one that will visually and publicly lead. One to say ( after discussion and analysis), "Parents, we have surveyed you and have listened and here is what we intend to do and why." Not , we voted and this is the way we are doing it. I believe that commissioning a parent survey is one of the first things she would like to recommend. I am glad and hopeful that we can get our school system going back in the right direction, and Cathy Truitt desires to join in for the positive change. She is dedicated and has the time, knowledge and experience... We must keep our education standards and expectations high and not do things that self-defeat all of the decisions and waste huge amounts of money.
Everyone gets Spanish for
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 13:10 — jenmanEveryone gets Spanish for free standard so everyone has the prereq's for college ... people who want Chinese, Japanese, Russian pays for an after school program ... not sure where ED will be at a disadvantage not knowing Japanese?
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I'm sorry but I have to go back to this comment by user1234. This just sounds incredibly elitist. If better or broader career opportunities exist for those who know one of these other languages, then the ED kids who can't pay extra for it will remain at a disadvantage. There *are* actually poor kids who excel academically and whose families value advanced education. And I know plenty of non-ED kids and families who place little value on advanced education.
Not only does your comment sound elitist, but it is in direct contradiction to some of your other arguments. I'm not sure why you don't just move so your kids can go to Green Hope. If you want the advanced academics so badly, then you can pay extra for it. The kids who can't afford to move to Green Hope's assignment area won't be at a disadvantage not getting Calculus II. Its not like they are going to do anything with their lives anyway.
(before anybody freaks out, I'm being sarcastic.)
People and Groups and Groups
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:58 — shearertwPeople and Groups and Groups and People tend to allign themselves up all the time because they have similar view points. Rarely to two people or two Groups or one group and one person agree on everything.
The reason Republicans and Democrats tend line up the way they do in Wake Co. with regard to the BOE is fairly simple.
In general, Democrats have a high degree of faith in government. Republicans (or at least conservative ones) have a high degree of faith individuals.
Policies of the current WCPSS BoE are geared toward government solutions, and hinder all efforts for individual's to make a difference. Whether intentional or not, the sheer size of WCPSS makes it difficult for an individual to improve the education of their child. In order to improve your child's situation in WCPSS, you have to win the magnet lottery, basically. For those individuals who don't win the lottery, the only option they have is to try and make a difference locally. Its very difficult to make a difference in your school as an individual so you need to build a large parental support base. WCPSS diverity and assignment policies destroy's that option almost entirely. So, ultimately, you're left with no option but to take what the government gives you. That's a very uncomfortable position for any conservative (whether republican or not) to live with. In general, Democrats are more comfortable with government, so they don't have as much of a problem having no control over their children's education.
That is simply put, this is the reason why the Democratic party alligns itself with the current BoE and WEP and the Republican Party does not.
Republicans and WSCA Join Forces
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:42 — thegloveAs many assumed would happen all along, the Wake Republican Party and WSCA have joined forces to elect BOE candidates this October. So much for WSCA being nonpartisan. Of course WakeEd Partnership and the other orgs with claims of nonpartisanship are not being truthful either. They are clearly controlled and supported by the Democratic Party.
This BoE race, which at first seemed to have a different feel than prevoius races, is shaping up to be the same old tired mess we've seen in the past with politics being the focus rather than real change and candidates with character and integrity. Instead, it seems, nearly everyone is willing to sell their souls for political gain. We expect that within the realm of party politics, but for a supposedly nonpartisan BOE race, we deserve more...or maybe we don't since we allow it to continue election after election.
No joining of forces
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 07:14 — designmanI think you are off the completely off the mark and reactionary with your ridiculous claim that the GOP and WSCA somehow joined forces. Prickett for instance is an unaffiliated candidate endorsed by the WSCA, but is not endorsed by the Republican Party. Interestingly, she is the strongest candidate in the entire field of candidates and is the most vocal voice for change in Wake County. She is passionate about supporting neighborhood schools and advocating for policies that support students and parents in Wake County.
your accusation towards
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:57 — AngelaWyour accusation towards WSCA is unfounded and could be considered libelous and/or slander
http://www.wakesca.org/
We are a non-partisan, diverse cross-county network of citizens taking action towards a better WCPSS solution. The Oct '09 Board of Education elections will see WSCA-backed candidates willing to listen to parents and citizens. We believe that academic excellence and stability for each student are necessary components of a better solution....
Reality check time!
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 07:23 — thegloveIs it "libelous or slanderous" (too funny) to point out the truth that WSCA candidates lobbied for Republican endorsements? If that is not joining forces, then what do you call it? I await your spin.
Fallacy
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 08:29 — Bob_SconceSo, because WSCA-endorsed candidates also asked to be endorsed by the Republican party, WSCA and the Republican Party have now "joined forces" and, as a result, WSCA and the Republican Party have now "joined forces," making WSCA partisan?
That's ludicrous. Candidates also seek the endorsements of the state's newspapers. The News & Observer, for example, endorsed Beverly Perdue, as did the state democratic party. Does that mean that the N&O and the Democrats had "joined forces," making the N&O a partisan organization? The fact that a candidate has been endorsed by two different groups does not mean that those groups are in bed together.
(If nothing else, the fact that the two groups endorsed different candidates for district 7 indicates that they are *not* in bed together.)
I'm noticing a lot of newcomers coming onto this blog, spitting out this same error. It smacks of political gamemanship.
Surely you jest.
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 09:27 — theglove"Does that mean that the N&O and the Democrats had "joined forces," making the N&O a partisan organization?"
Are you kidding me??!! You cannot possibly be so naive as to ask a question like that. Yes, that is EXACTLY what that means. Do you honestly believe that the N&O is not a platform for Democrats? Quarles, who runs the N&O, is a diehard Dem, is on the board of the WakeEd partnership -- which is clearly a liberal org --, and his endorsement are about 95% Democratic...with a few Republicans running for dog catcher thrown in a pathetic attempt to show impartiality.
Here is a test, the school board race is packed this year with candidates. Let's see how the N&O's endorsements stack up to the Dem's and the WakeEd Partnership.
There is no mystery
Sat, 07/25/2009 - 17:17 — CaryCurmudgeonThere is no mystery regarding who the N&O will endorse:
District 1 - Rita Rakestraw
District 2 - Cathy Truitt or Horace Tart
District 7 - Karen Simon
District 9 - Lois Nixon
These are the candidates who would hope to keep the good ship wcpss running in the same direction.
WEP will not endorse candidates as they are a non-profit. But behind the scenese these are the people they will support.
Money pours into WEP from many places, and both parties.
WEP's mission is to continue to sell the illusion of great schools in Wake County. Many in business believe that as long as people buy into that illusion, they will continue to come to Wake County and it will be good for business (That is why they get strong support from every chamber of commerce in our county).
Wake Ed Partnership
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 07:55 — rainforestYes, I've heard the same about the Wake Ed. Partnership. Too bad that politics can't stay out of this. The Dems have taken over this group and trying to sway the elections. Maybe that's why the current board looks the way it does now. People need to do their homework about these groups. I bet the N & O endorses every single Dem.
WEP Board of Trustees
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 09:33 — SDR256Yes, homework is critical. Just a peek at the WEP Board of Trustees will tell you everything you need to know about that group. Keep politics out of it? Politics is all that it is about. This board has carefully groomed status-quo candidates and excluded others, privy to key political decisions and events before any of the REST of the public. And so with Orages Quarles, CEO and Publisher of the N&O as a trustee, this political preferences of WEP would easily translate to the N&O.
That list of trustees will tell you just how politically balanced this partnership supposedly formed to be a public interest watchdog really is. Many people still think that WEP is a partnership with the public's best interest in mind. What a sad ironic joke. Development and business watchdog would be more like it.
Argh...
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:36 — Bob_SconceI agree that the N&O generally favors Democrats in their endorsements. But, that's not really the point. The question is whether the N&O is a partisan organization. Or, is it just that its editorial page tends to agree with one party more than another. (Anyway, I don't think the governor's race is the equivalent of Dog Catcher -- the N&O endorsed McCrory last fall).
I could have picked any number of organizations which do endorsements -- the NRA, the League of Women Voters, the Sierra Club. The fact that they endorse candidates does not mean that they are in bed with other groups that endorse the same candidates.
oh for pity's sake
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 07:49 — AngelaW*I* am not speaking FOR WSCA, but merely pointing out that the candidates ENDORSED by WSCA do not "belong" to WSCA...and endorsement simply means; (what those candidates then do on their own, seeking OTHER endorsements is simply the candidates' decision...)
No matter how many times you repeat it
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:59 — RichardAndersonit doesn't make it true. Yes, there is some overlap, but clearly they haven't joined forces as in some races the WCSA endorsed candidate is running against the Republican endorsed candidate.
I agree with you that education should be beyond party politics, and the fact is that WCSA is moving things in that direction. They are not tied to one party. But they endorse candidates, not control them, so if a particular candidate gets their endorsement and then goes on to seek another, there is really nothing that they can do about it.
Non-Partisan? Think again
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 09:57 — concerned2Anyone of you who think that a race for political office should be apolitical needs a reality check. We all want the best for our children, but there are guiding political philosophies that affect just how that's done. There is no way to escape partisan ideals when they are so vastly different.
For example, the policy of Socio-Economic Diversity is a markedly liberal approach. It is embraced and pushed by the democratic party. It seems to be a clearly liberal view that SED is a higher goal to shoot for than academic excellence. The School Board has been dominated by democrats for decades and their consistent push for SED has left our children academically bankrupt.
Parental choice, fiscal responsibility and academic excellence seem to be the conservative approach. That view is embraced and pushed by the Republican party. We haven't seen this approach really given a chance by the School board for as long as I can remember.
This year, the democrats have fully invested in the status quo. Each of their candidates have bought into the prevailing philosophy hook, line, and sinker.
If you think what we've done in the past is working marvelously, or that things are bound to turn around if we keep going down this path, vote democrat. They've been the ones driving the bus that got us here.
However, if you think that the School Board has failed us and we need a new approach, vote Republican.
If that's party politics, then so be it. Our children deserve better than what this School Board has given them.
You MUST be joking...
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:29 — designmanPatti Head and Horace Tart are Republicans. How did that work out for the parents and students in Wake County? What new approach did they bring? Did they offer the "parental choice, fiscal responsibility, and academic excellence" that you claim the GOP offers? They epitomize the status quo. You have no agrument at all to support your inane claims.
I am conservative and a Republican, but, except for Ron Margiotta, the Wake County Republican Party has not supported candidates that have fought for positive educational change in Wake County.
Prickett is tuned into the needs of District 7 and has lived and worked in the District for years. She is an educator with vast amounts of relevant experience. Ballen is a retired political operative from Florida who has admitted he does not even know what the issue are or how he feels about them.
Patti & Horace have given us
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 11:41 — g88ky07is, in Patti's case, vindictive and agenda based approaches to education, in Horace's, he IS the epitome of "status quo." Sorry Perry, but your boy is average on a good day with a tail wind! He's voted with Ron the last several votes because 1: he knew his vote wouldn't change the "agenda" that had already been decided by the majority and 2: positioning himself for this fall.
Prickett sounds ideal and if the other 3 follow in her footsteps we'll be just fine. Ahhhhhhhhh, I love the smell of CHANGE!
"Ballen is a retired
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:42 — AngelaW"Ballen is a retired political operative from Florida who has admitted he does not even know what the issue are or how he feels about them."
other than some obscure comparision to the IRAQ war for heaven's sake!
Where is he? where is his website? WHAT does he support or not? Can one assume that the GOP had access to something that shares where Jerry Ballen stands on things??????? If so, why then hasn't the public seen it???
Ron too
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:52 — user1234Patti Head and Horace Tart are Republicans. How did that work out for the parents and students in Wake County?
"Pickett - She is an educator with vast amounts of relevant experience. "
I think of her more as an adminstrator running the character program for DPI .... I think of educators as meaning an actual teacher in the classroom fyi. Some think DPI is part of the problem with their watered down tests. And don't count Karen Simons out. She has two kids invested in the system right now ... so WCPSS is not abstract to her.
yeah a rising senior and
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 11:34 — AngelaWyeah a rising senior and sophomore.....neither of which grades get reassigned.
Karen Simon
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 19:15 — rainforestYou're right on it AngelaW. Simon's kids have had the luxury of staying in the same school; most parents in Wake County can't relate to this can they? Her address states that she lives in an apartment. Nothing wrong with an apartment, but it does sound like she might not be staying around (no roots). Simon has only been in Wake or NC for 3 or 4 years max. and living in an apartment. Do you think she really cares? It sounds like the Dems were kind of desperate.
Wow
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 20:38 — supportwcpssit's people like you who throw our ignorant comments with no foundation in fact and end up spreading nasty rumors.
Unless I missed a post somewhere where did you get the information that she has only been here 3-4 years?
Where did you get the information that she never had a child reassigned?
Living in an apartment implies she isn't staying around??!?! I'm sure you just insulted someone. My boss lived in an apartment with 2 kids for 10 years before they bought a house.
Questioning a single parent as to whether they care about education?
Just say you support the other person and move on. No need to spread senseless rumors.
Are you a little sensitive?
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 21:22 — rainforestNo rumors do the research. Are you saying she's a single parent? That's interesting, who is Jerry M. Simon that lives at this same address?
Not sure what researching
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:56 — user1234Not sure what researching all these personal details is accomplishing. Next you will be staking out her apartment and stocking her. No wonder WSCA members are afraid to list themselves with people like you around.
Exactly.
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 19:46 — SDR256Thank you for noticing User1234. Yet another reason I would not want to be a person seeking public office. Posting information like this pushes the boundries farther than my comfort zone.
Stalking, not stocking
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:22 — FalcThanks to my ES focus on vocab over spelling, I'm not great at spelling (but these days there's spellcheck), but I know my vocabulary :-)
Please try to keep up
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 11:22 — designmanPrickett is an educator with over 25 years of experience as a "teacher in the classroom," counselor, and mentor in addition to her experience at DPI. She is also a real estate broker and mother of a rising 9th grader.
Like Ballen, Simon is also a political insider that was hand selected by the Democratic organization the African American Caucus...an organization that very strongly supports the status quo.
District 7 knows who they need to elect this October. The decision is crystal clear: Deborah Prickett
Prickett well liked
Tue, 07/21/2009 - 20:29 — rainforestPrickett is well liked in my area. I've heard her name around for years since she worked as a counselor at the Leesville MS.
I would trust Prickett over Simon or Gerald Ballan. Gerald looks like the typical old fashion Rep.; politics as usual. We better run from this one. Where did he come from anyway? It looks like he has zero experience with schools. Why would he want to run for this office?