- 11.08.2009
- |
42°F
- Blogs > WakeEd
You may also like WakeWatch | Eastern Wake Buzz | Crosstown Traffic | Campus Notes
WakeEd
The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system: the reassignment of thousands of students, the conversion of traditional-calendar schools to a year-round schedule, the district's response to growth and the school construction program.
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
Uniting the opposition groups
Are we reaching the point now that parental anger over reassignment could lead to major changes in the school system?
As noted in today's article, there are a whole lot of groups around who want to change the school system. Many of them will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. at Holly Springs Town Hall to see if they can find common ground.
"The more you impact, the more you'll alienate," said Kathleen Brennan, co-founder of Wake CARES. "At some point you'll reach the saturation point. Whether that's been reached remains to be seen."
Among the groups that are expected to send representatives are Wake CARES, Concerned and Committed Leesville Parents, the Children's PAC, Take Our Schools Back and Keep Local Schools. The event is being organized by Wake Schools Community Alliance, a new group.
In addition, Holly Spring Mayor Dick Sears said at least a half-dozen Wake mayors are expected to attend, including Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.
"I want to hear all ideas about change," Weinbrecht said.
Lisa Boneham, founder of CCLP, thinks they could have the right combination to have an impact in this fall's school board elections. What she wants is for the groups to get together to back one candidate in each of the four races rather than split votes.
Boneham cited the combination of the manpower that Wake Schools Community Alliance can muster and the political expertise of the Children's PAC parents.
If Lacy Elementary parents back the PAC, they could have a lot of pull. Some of the Lacy parents being sent to Stough Elementary include Scott Ralls, president of the N.C. Community College System; Anne Middleton, a N.C. assistant attorney general; and Ed Turlington, a Raleigh attorney who was general chairman of John Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign.
The leader of the PAC, as previously noted, is Dana Cope, executive director of the State Employees Association of N.C. Other lobbyists also live in those Lacy nodes.
Rosa Gill, chairwoman of the school board, has seen a multitude of groups over the years try to recruit candidates.
Gill said that even if these groups can get a candidate elected that it doesn't mean that person will vote that way on the board. Over the years, more than a few candidates who ran as critics largely changed their views when they served.
School board member Patti Head, who hasn't said if she'll run again this fall, said these groups can do as they wish.
"It's part of the democratic process that they can form groups and use their votes to determine what in their heart is the right thing to do," Head said.
T. Keung Hui
T. Keung Hui covers Wake schools.
Comments
only 4% being moved to Stough from lacy
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 18:41 — nowheremanI'm sure, as past history tells us from three years ago with Meredith Woods, probably only 4% of the 4% reassigned will actually end up at Stough. Of course, it's not surprising that the BOE (not including Mr. Margiotta) and Chuck keeping striving for failure and/or mediocrity in our schools. They know no different when they look at themselves. How will this help Lacy or Stough? Neither Stough nor Lacy families benefit from this "masterpiece" of a plan!
School Committee does not
Wed, 04/08/2009 - 05:01 — edwalkerukSchool Committee does not represent our children's interest ( Essay ) or the needs of our community. It is time to hold each member of the School Committee accountable for the task for which they were elected. They have failed to deliver and in the process have lost our trust, faith and confidence. Their inertia is no longer acceptable. This mediocrity is not our vision for ( Dissertation ) our children's future. We need to change the culture of the School Committee from one of unanimity, supporting the popular vote, rubber-stamping decisions, and self-congratulatory patting of the backs, to critical and perceptive thinkers and leaders ( Assignment help ).
Can you read?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:22 — RiversideRealistWhat I SAID was that the government was the impetus that lead to FORCING lenders to make loans to people who could not, nor EVER, afford them.
If a DUMB A$$ lender decides not only to cave in to government strong-arming, but does so by making STUPID zero-interest (or whatever) loans, well, that's one MORE reason for the "bailouts" to have NEVER happened, and to have let poor, bad, unwise businesses FAIL.
It's called economic darwinism.
Please don't twist what I say. It won't get you anywhere.
WTF?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 15:44 — RiversideRealist"Who would have ever thought the free market could fail you?"
The free market never failed one da*n soul in this country.
GOVERNMENT is the problem, not the solution. If GOVERNMENT hadn't FORCED lenders to loan money to people WHO COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY IT BACK, simply to pat themselves on their backs and say "See, we care. We want ALL people to own a home. Even if they can't afford a mortgage", then the lenders would never have had the problems that led to our current economic issues.
As far as social security goes, I would GLADLY forfeit ANY AND ALL monies owed to me at the time of retirement, if I could opt out of making any more social security payments. I'd LOVE to invest more money in the free market.
I wish all these free-market haters would just move to Cuba and do us all a favor. Jesus! If socialism is so great, if government-run economies are the answer, WHY is it failing everywhere it's tried.
Moreover, can ANY OF YOU NAY-SAYERS please show me ONE, past or present, example of a non-free-market economy that is better than ours??
Otherwise, shut up.
way off topic
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:09 — supportwcpssYou are saying that the Gov. is responsible for offering up interest only loans??? You have to be kidding me...
Huh?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:10 — Dadof3You got that from what RR wrote? Must be happy hour somewhere...
Don't forget to discuss vouchers Thursday
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 13:41 — kmisegadesGood luck folks. Please remember that school vouchers would solve most of your issues by allowing YOUR tax money to follow YOUR child to the school of YOUR choice. Public, Private, Parochial or Home school - it makes no difference. It's your money, and your child. The free market will provide superb alternatives at affordable costs, improving choices to all parents and reducing the cost of schools and our taxes. Competition using the same tax dollars will force public schools to improve and the BOE to pay attention to you - a rising tide raises all ships. Remember that no government can force you to keep your child in a failing public school; you can always "vote with your feet" and reject them. Thales Academies are just one example how free markets can and do respond to consumer needs in Wake County. www.thalesacademy.org
“The free market will
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:50 — user1234“The free market will provide superb alternatives at affordable costs, improving choices to all parents and reducing the cost of schools and our taxes.”
Reminds me of the push to move Social Security funds into the stock market by free market advocates pre-crash.
Who would have ever thought the free market could fail you?
Funny...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 21:37 — Bob_SconceOn my last SS statement, I looked to see where I would be had I invested my SS payments in an S&P 500 index fund, and then extrapolated to age 65. Even at today's heavily discounted level, I still would have come out ahead investing in the market.
Your lack of reality is overwhelming
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:21 — Voice_of_Reason_This whole mess we are in is because of government. If the government didn't force lenders make loans to people that couldn't afford it we wouldn't be in this mess. Sure there was greed, WHY?, because they knew the government would bail them out and nobody would go to jail! AND THEY DID AND THEY DIDN'T THROW ANYBODY IN JAIL (WHY?, BECAUSE CERTAIN CONGRESSMAN WOULD BE FIRST IN LINE!). Then they (the Dems) talked down the economy to win an election and they got what they asked for (except now we are almost in a death spiral). And I have a gut feel Bush was duped by his Treasurer Sec (A Dem, YES A DEM!) just at the right time to make it happen [I SAID GUT FEEL, I might be wrong, but I don't think it was the crisis that was portrayed].
ALL THIS WAS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO BE "FAIR" TO THE LOW INCOME PEOPLE. Ask yourself, are they better off now?
Voice, sorry to say it but
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:55 — user1234Voice, sorry to say it but you are an idiot. I don’t mean that in a mean way, just an observation from your singular behavior.
I was saying that free market is not the answer to every problem and you take off on Democrats causing the latest crash. I think you have been brain washed and listen to Rush too much. Think outside your small box.
If...
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 05:36 — Dadof3If VoR is an idiot, than we need a lot more idiots and I pray to be such an idiot one day. But I am amused at Calumnibot's bumps and grinds on this other-worldly attack, if it all is an OT digression.
Thanks
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 20:23 — Voice_of_Reason_From you I take that as a compliment. Me and and lot of "idiots" behind me have protected the likes of you for a long time. I hope that makes you scared to sleep at night. You and your commie/Left leaning Libertarians friends can keep on talking user1234. The only change we have is chump change. It seems more and more I'm the chump for paying my taxes on time, paying my mortgage, living within my means, obeying the law, and saving for the future. My "small box" is based on a lot more of this world and country than yours (and I bet years also). You act like the underclass are getting such a bum deal, but in reality they get a better deal than anywhere else in the world. BTW- I don't need Rush or any other talkshow host to translate what is going on right now.
Typical m.o.
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 20:06 — fiestamomYour post has 5 sentences and three of them are insulting to VOR! Not that VOR needs me to defend him, but his post had *Facts* and the best you can do is insult and attack the messenger?
If you want people to respect you, facts not feelings and accusations would help.
Voice always has *Facts*
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 20:56 — user1234Voice always has *Facts* ….. They just are not on subject. His rants always lead back to class struggle, his wisdom from years of experience; his exemplary life of paying taxes and living the right way. He sees a communist / lefty plot behind every comment all concocted by diabolical Democrats and BOE members. See how he jumps from the limitations of the free market to Democrats causing the latest crash with Bush being misled by his Democrat Treasury Secretary (free market connection please). I could almost program this behavior since it is so predictable and paranoid.
You started it
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 06:32 — Voice_of_Reason_You attacked free markets. The problem is too many of us sat still and let the likes of you spout off without countering it. I am not going to let that happen. I can't do much, but I can point out your fallacies. I am not a wacko conspiracy theorist, sorry to disappoint. I am sorry if you are upset about what I say, I don't apologize for my saying it though, even if it was off topic. Yes, I am not politically correct, but last time I looked in the US Constitution, I don't have to be.
If I change one mind, that might plant a seed to change more. That has happened on this blog about the motives of the BoE and WCPSS, I am convinced of that.
I have tried to get away from specific gripes and prefered to stay "big picture" because: a) others are now handling it well, and b) I haven't been affected personally on reassignment. Butthe main reason is that I have come to realize that it is a lost cause to fight "little" battles as long as we have this current BoE. I prefer to attack the roots of a problem, not the symptoms. You might of heard this expression, "When you are up to your ass in alligators, it is difficult to remind yourself that your initial objective was to drain the swamp"; I prefer to drain the swamp, alligators die shortly after. [Or since you brought up my Louisiana roots, it makes them easier to catch to eat. Yum :^) ]
P.S. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with bringing up specific problems with facts to back them up. Getting the word out to "build the army" is important also. The examples that are brought up on this blog and elsewhere are good recruiting tools. Without an "army", we really are wasting our time.
alligators and idiots
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 09:51 — SDR256"When you are up to your ass in alligators, it is difficult to remind yourself that your initial objective was to drain the swamp"
I LOVE that! I'm going to re-use it. Exactly what's happened to individual neighborhoods and families too distracted by what the reassignment would do to their own children the next year to get their head above water and help fix it.
BTW, if you're starting a new party of likeminded idiots VOR, count me in.
It sure wouldn't hurt!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:27 — g88ky07I believe the state of Georgia has just moved forward to the next step of doing just that! Maybe it's a southern thing, but NC should follow their lead!
Ask the folks in Gwinnett County Patti, you know the ones you went to see how they do things!
What happened to BOE lovin'
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 09:34 — Big_PictureWhat happened to BOE lovin' Support Wake Schools and Bigger Picture (yeah right) 4 Wake County Schools? Are they quietly holding their breath and expecting the reassignment insanity to go through without a hitch or have they too realized what a farce WCPSS has become? Hitch your cart to the wrong horse and look where you end up; absent mindedly worshiping the wrong organization will burn you in the end. Go Alliance!
The Evite says
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 08:32 — g88ky07there is only seating for 100 for Thursday night, does anyone know what happens when that # is reached? is there a spillover area to watch it on tv or is everyone over 100 turned away?
Come on down!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 11:19 — SDR256We've already spoken about that. Mayor Sears said he will make sure no one is turned away. In true American can-do attitude, we'll work together to make it work!
We are hoping it is CROWDED!
I heard they are going to
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 09:19 — CaryCurmudgeonI heard they are going to borrow trailers from wcpss to handle the overflow.
That's a riot!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 09:48 — g88ky07I am off to a more positive start of my day thanks to that one!
and for accuracy of the data
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 22:06 — Bromhalthere are a grand total of 26 kids who are actually going to be reassigned to Stough. As of Dec 10, 2008 there were 623 kids at Stough - so we're talking about 4% - FOUR - of their enrollment. And you're talking about making a dent in the ratios of less than 8% (LI/non-LI). And 8% still doesn't get them below 40%.
"politically connected" Lacy parents
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:57 — BromhalKeung, you said: If Lacy Elementary parents back the PAC, they could have a lot of pull. Some of the Lacy parents being sent to Stough Elementary include Scott Ralls, president of the N.C. Community College System; Anne Middleton, a N.C. assistant attorney general; and Ed Turlington, a Raleigh attorney who was general chairman of John Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign.
In a sign of what we all face, as regards the shifting sands of (mis) information - none of the 3 you name above will have children assigned to Stough.
One's children attend magnet school. One's children have been grandfathered. And another one's weren't reassigned to Stough, but to Root - and they are grandfathered into Lacy anyway.
It’s not their kids
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 22:23 — vsheehanIt’s not their kids they’re worried about but PROPERTY VALUES
If there was not so much
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 12:21 — user1234If there was not so much disparity between the schools the affect on property values would be negligible. The fact that one school can substantially affect property values shows the inequality of the facilities, teachers, administration, etc. We need to make all PUBLIC schools equivalent to stop this jockeying from street to street to secure a spot in select privileged public school. If you want special go private sector.
Nice
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 10:14 — lacymomWow, vsheehan, what a charitable comment...
shake hands
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 11:46 — SDR256I hope you both plan to come on Thursday. Please come. We need you both.
Regardless of when anyone joined, or why, or how many battle scars you may or may not have - we all want the same thing! So, blog flaming has its purpose for venting and sharing history, but - - getting down to brass tacks it will be much more productive to remember the old playground rules of good sportsmanship (remember the days when you had to look someone in the eye to make a statement which compelled you to be much more civil?).
I'm not discounting the possibility that I may need to be reminded as well!! We are all passionate about our kids, which is a GOOD thing.
Are you looking for opponants of MYR schools?
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:46 — louiselee44supportwcpss stated:"Years ago I was intially impressed by that peition for save MYR until I started looking at the signatures - 2-3 from the same household, granparents from NY, etc."
Are you referring to the petition I started online almost 3 years ago? - the one against the forcing of year-round school attendance; the one that garnered over 3,000 signatures in the two or three months that I had it active, even though it was publicized by word-of-mouth and emails?
How many names do you really think are not legit? Even if it's hundreds (which I think you'd have a hard time finding), that still leaves well over 2,100 names quickly gathered on a valid petition - and many, many excellent comments and suggestions.
http://www.petitiononline.com/SOSWAKE1/
keep the faith
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:14 — louiselee44I still say this isn't over. I, for one, am not finished with all I plan to say/do, and others feel the same way.
Amen!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 06:49 — g88ky07With the latest post of it's only a multi-year assignment "in name", of which we all knew anyway, and with the economy tanking, school construction not being started, renovations not going to happen for some, or many, and the certainty that the public, as Paul Coble said Sunday, will NOT allow a tax increase in any form in the near future, kids that have been reassigned to schools that either don't exist yet and/or don't have funding to even start, I'd say it's a REAL good bet things may go the other way real quick. And ALL this before diesel fuel goes back up!
I smell sweat and fear on the part of the wcpss and hope and faith on the part of parents! Parents, and children, who deserve MUCH, MUCH better!
BoE voting
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 18:31 — Bromhalfrom the Wake Co BoElections site: 07 - Clark was the highest vote getter among any of these Nine at 5,200 and that was 64%; that will be gone. Lacy/Olds/Root/Joyner/Brooks/Daniels/Broughton etal parents will get together on this one, IMO. Margiotta - unopposed. Gill - unopposed. McLaurin-unopposed. Hill - 46%, none of opponents seem to have gotten enough to force a runoff. 05 - Millberg - 53% in a runoff. Goettee - 61% in a runoff. Tart - 53%. Head sits out there at 68 and got 4,600 votes.
Pretty sure the NC
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 19:43 — CaryCurmudgeonPretty sure the NC Democratic party plowed $30K into Goettee and Millberg's campaigns when they went to a runoff. So much for these being non-partisan races. I think it is wonderful that people from Clark's district are mobilizing to help elect reform candidates in other districts, look for those other districts to help oust Clark 2 years from now. Beware Democratic gerrymandering after the 2010 census!
Already played that card
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:45 — supportwcpssWho and how much went into Ron's campaigns....as some on here would say pot-kettle-black
two words: SAS Money
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 06:58 — fiestamomThe SAS money contributed others dwarfs the $$ contributed to Ron.
Are the contributions
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 12:10 — user1234Are the contributions available on some website? I would like to verify your statement.
See if you can
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 13:40 — g88ky07pull Ann away from the PetHotel, she'll get you the #'s.
I'm a Parent-Partisan
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 05:12 — Dadof3The whole "non-partisan" label is dubious to me. I want pro-parent representation, partisan for parents, not for social theory or "I'm such a good person!" ribbon wearers.
LOL, what went into Ron's
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:48 — CaryCurmudgeonLOL, what went into Ron's campaigns pales in comparison to what reform-minded candidates will raise. Start saving your pennies!
and a question...
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:51 — BromhalI wonder why the front page of the N&O said the Holly Springs meeting was tonight, and then the story says Thursday night. Or are my eyes glazing over from reassignment talk?
edit: indeed it is the glazing effect. mea culpa
New info. to the County Commissioners
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 17:32 — louiselee44I just spoke before the County Commissioners and presented some new data on utility costs for the converted YR schools, passing out graphs, etc.
I also brought up some points about forcing middle schools to go YR, focusing on gang activity.
And about the VA Beach system just recommending (last month) that their YR "experiment" be dropped.
I ended up by asking the Commissioners to please request that the School Board delay their decision. Probably won't do any good, but you never know.
I will try to post my "speech", graphs, etc. on my blogsite in a timely manner. Taxpayers, not just those with children, need to know how all of this affects them - and believe me, it does!
could you pls post a link to
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 21:24 — loriaccould you pls post a link to your blog site?
No one can ever say that
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 18:51 — vsheehanNo one can ever say that Leesville did not try their hardest or make their opinion know. The most amazing part is how positive you have kept your cause.
as always
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 17:49 — AngelaWLouise,
THANK YOU!!
We await the fate of Leesville Road Middle tomorrow knowing full well the FACTS do NOT support conversion but also knowing the rep FULLY supports (and put it up) it.
Too many lies and too many
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 13:21 — Big_PictureToo many lies and too many loose ends to consider today's vote final. Go Wake Cares.
The truth is coming out and either P. Head comes clean and acts honorably or she continues down the path of destruction and burns her community more than she has already done.
Proof is in the pudding
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 14:37 — SDR256I agree, Lisa, I think it does feel different this time. On the other hand, I also see Sideburn's point. The proof of whether the wind has changed will be in the actual turn out and results - not just from this first meeting - but over the course of the WSCA meetings. It does feel more positive, but we have to be careful not to let everyone assume that 'those WSCA folks' have it all wrapped up. This is going to take some doing and all hands on deck. WEP is a powerful and well funded opponent. Even so, I don't think what WSCA wants to acheive is a 'massive' (to use your word) undertaking. I just think every single person who read the article today or this blog today and said 'whew! finally!" had better SHOW up themselves! There is no MAGIC PAC or MAGIC parent group who can do this without every concerned citizen's involvement. We all have to show up or shut up! I guess that's what I took away from Sideburn's comments.
Let's Run With This One
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 13:46 — Lisa_BI have to admit, I am VERY excited about this one.
Having been immersed in School Assignment the past 4 years, I have met many wonderful, committed and dynamic people. Until a few weeks ago I did not know any of the people in the Lacy group, but I truly do believe that those I have met during the past few weeks are 100% committed to envoking SERIOUS POSITIVE CHANGE in the system. Something very interesting to me has been the fact that many of those I met at the work session and through other avenues are not even affected by the current plan and/or their youngest child is in high school so they don't even have a "dog in the fight" after this year. They just feel so strongly about the direction our school system has been taking that they want to help make positive changes. (Thanks!)
(I do want to say that the way Stough has been treated these past few years by WCPSS is unacceptable, and they're heading down the same path with Hilburn and York WITHOUT a care about what they are doing to those schools)
Like many here, I became involved in school assignment when it became personal, but my involvement has evolved into a much larger "area" than my own backyard. Many of us have come together now instead of wasting our time selfishly fighting for ourselves and against each other. The new Alliance is evidence of the potential of what a large group of individuals can do if they really want to. It truly is a great cross-section of individuals and groups from all over the county. I believe that the Lacy PAC has the political expertise and connections, and their "know how" could be invaluable if they choose to work hand-in-hand with the Alliance. Just imagine how great it would be if our entire school board truly listened to parents and made decisions that were based on current data and REAL facts that they didn't change every time they needed numbers to support their flawed policies... It is completely irresponsible for the School Board to ignore the mistakes they continue to make in regards to the Leesville schools, and disappointing to be told "we will review the Leesville facts IF WE HAVE TO, and ONLY IF the State Supreme Court rules in favor of Wake Cares". How backward is that? On the other hand, the tide is changing all around the county, and facts cannot continue to be ignored much longer...Thanks to EVERYONE for getting involved in this massive effort. Together we WILL make a difference for the families of Wake County.
Thank you for your
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 15:55 — Big_PictureThank you for your willingness to bring all groups together Lisa B. Your group alone has enough passion and connections to go far. The collective power of a diverse and driven effort is encouraging.
By George, they went too far
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 12:59 — Big_PictureBy George, they went too far this time. Upset too many parents and look what happens. Keep it going parents. Glad to see WakeCares, CCLP, Childrens PAC, Take Our Schools Back and Keep Local Schools coming together to face the out of control system together. Don't stop now.