The Democratic majority on the Wake County school board voted down, along party lines, a motion to discuss Superintendent Tony Tata's job performance in open session.
Thomas Goldsmith, who is out at the meeting, is reporting that Republican board member Deborah Prickett made the motion to make public the ongoing discussions on Tata. It was voted down 5-4, paving the way to go into closed session.
"I completely oppose a closed session," Prickett said.
Meanwhile, chanting protesters have gathered outside the Wake County schools headquarters Monday, urging school board members to retain Tata, whose job performance has been under review by the board.
Minutes later, the nine-member school board trooped into a meeting room to meet briefly, then adjourn to closed session.
"The message is that Tony Tata is a good man who is doing good work on behalf of the schools system," said GOP board member Chris Malone, who talked briefly to about 30 protesters as he entered the building.
Members of the group said they nonpartisan supporters of Tata who appreciated his service to the schools since being hired in December 2010.
"Tony Tata is a super superintendent," said Pete Ashworth, 79, of Garner, who said Tata has twice visited his veterans' group in Fuquay-Varina.
UPDATE
The meeting was originally scheduled to end at 3 p.m. but it's gone well past that time. A cardboard box labeled "Fritos" was taken inside the board conference room, presmably for them to munch on.
Comments
Anybody still wondering
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:55 — woodstockAnybody still wondering about the power and influence Yevonnon Brannon has over the BoE majority? She says jump, they chant, "how high?" Well expect for Sutton who just hangs his head, suffers through his angst, and votes accordingly.
I usually have tremendous faith the in the American people to eventually get things right, but the voters in Wake County got it all wrong in the last BoE elections and now we are all going to pay for it. You think you've seen turmoil before? You ain't seen nothin' yet.
totally agree....usually
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:02 — neverindoubttotally agree....usually have faith in good people but I'm very afraid of what is to come. No sane person would take this job if they fire Tata for doing a good job.
I'm wondering how they're going to spin it to the public though....transporation? student assignment? They approved the current assignment plan, right? and he's gotten rid of the chief of transportation.
very thin justification to the public. The true politics and immaturity will be obvious to anyone looking carefully.
I don't know Tata, but based
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:24 — woodstockI don't know Tata, but based on his honest words, responsible actions and confident demeanor, perhaps he will over-ride the spin by the fanatical board majority by being forthright with what happened behind closed doors. The public deserves to know the kind of dysfunction he was dealing with and the character -- or lack thereof -- of those who comprise the board majority. They are small people who have no business in positions of authority or public trust.
Does suggest
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:07 — Dove314Given Tata is the sane one at that table, it does suggest that all 9 sitting board members deserve to be fired for their historic and current contributions to making a mockery of WCPSS. I'm disgusted with all of them, every single one.
I share your disgust...but I don't understand
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:19 — Athey01how intelligent people repeat the same stupid mistakes of past boards. It is not about their egos and personal agendas.
I'm disgusted with all of
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:17 — jeffrey1I'm disgusted with all of them, every single one.
Me too, and I would not be opposed to replacing all nine board members. Yes I have supported the views of the republican members in the past, but their lack of leadership and their inability to communicate across the aisle lead to the divide in the county. I actually thought the dems might be able to bridge the divide, but so far they've behaved exactly like their counterparts.
Exactly
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:22 — rpm123The new members, one of whom I voted for, have behaved in just as partisan manner as the previous majority.
To remove the superintendent now would irreparably harm the board's ability to conduct perhaps the most important governmental responsibility in Wake County.
Looking for alternatives?
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:33 — Bob_SconceThere are a number of excellent charter schools in the area. For high school students, Research Triangle High School was started by the same folks who started Raleigh Charter (ranked as the best high school in the state). And, since the legislature popped the cap on charter schools, there will be more every year into the foreseeable future.
You can go to those schools and shake the GSIW-contaminated WCPSS dust off your feet as you go.
Yep
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:58 — SatchHHThat's just what the charter folks want and their supporters (Luddy, Art Pope, Ron Margiotta, Chirs Malone, whose child goes to a charter) and those pushing the charter/voucher movement (heavily Republican) have helped create this mess since the majority in 2009 came in. What a mess. I think they've deliberately created a mess in WCPSS so more people go to charters and private schools and line their pockets. Why bring in a superintendent with so little real ed world experience to this huge, complex county? I know Mr. Tata was excellent in the military, but bus logistics come with their own set of complexities - which he clearly didn't anticipate. That's just the tip of the iceberg. He got in way over his head and I respect what he's done, but long term, I don't think he's good for the county.
I think they've deliberately
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:02 — jeffrey1I think they've deliberately created a mess in WCPSS so more people go to charters and private schools and line their pockets.
If you ever put the kool-aid pitcher down for even a second, you would learn that charters are funded by tax dollars, and Luddy and his private schools are NON-PROFIT.
Why bring in a superintendent with so little real ed world experience to this huge, complex county?
The same reason that Ford brought in a CEO with no real world experience in the automotive industry. The same reason Quintiles hired a CEO with no pharmaceutical experience. The same reason that the chancellor of the New York City Public Schools has no educational experience.
Because GOOD leaders LEAD by surrounding themselves with technical experts, analyzing all the input, and making the tough decisions necessary for the business to be successful.
I don't know exactly how the
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 19:53 — danofncI don't know exactly how the schools you mention work financially, but I do know that the fact that a place is a non-profit doesn't mean that the people who own the place isn't making any money.
For example, he could be renting the building to the school.
Charter school are PUBLIC
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 10:20 — woodstockCharter school are PUBLIC schools, not priviate schools.
So...
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 10:19 — Bob_SconceIf you're referring to Thales, they are required, by law, to file an informational tax return with the IRS. That return describes the schools' finances and its relationship with its insiders (Luddy would be one). Those forms are published on a website called Guidestar.com -- there is a lot of detail there about how Thales spends its money and its financial ties with Luddy.
I looked at that report a while ago, and, frankly, the relationship seems to be the other way: Luddy has spent a lot of his own money on Thales, but has received very little in return. Rather than being a source of Luddy's wealth, it appears to be a sink.
Come in Dan. If they werent
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 22:21 — shearertwCome on Dan! If they werent renting the building to the charter school, they'd likely be renting it to someone else for more money. None of these people are making money on Charter schools. They all have much easier and more profitable ventures in which to invest their money and time. They are involved in Charter schools ONLY because they believe the public education system is failing us and they see Charter schools as a viable alternative. The current Dem BOE majority's actions are a perfect example of what is killing public education in the US and what is driving good people and parents to seek something else. The frustration level is at an all time high and you can place about 90% of the blame on the old Dem and the new Dem BOE.
Look...I didn't say they
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 00:26 — danofncLook...I didn't say they didn't have the greatest intentions.
I just said that "non-profit" doesn't mean that no one is making any money. Even if it's "just rent", then a charter school would be a tenant supported with government dollars, which is a good thing to have in your building when office space isn't in huge demand.
Our old church has a preschool that is a non-profit, but the preschool pays rent to the church and the church would likely be foreclosed upon if the preschool stopped operating.
Dan, You never say anything,
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 09:15 — shearertwDan,
You never say anything, you simply "imply" or "suggest". That's because you don't have to courage to make a statement and stand by it. You "imply" or make "suggestive" comments and then try and claim "you didn't say that". Do you really think everyone on this blog are as stupid as Evans and Martin think all the parents in WC are?
You are clearly attempting to imply that these people are supporting Charter schools, at least partially, because they have a buck to make. You are also implying that they are part of some conspiracy to make WCPSS look bad and therefore increase demand for Charter schools. You might as well be a 9/11 truther! If you're going to wear a tin foil hat, make sure it's good 'ol American made tin foil and not that Chinese manufactored stuff with all the lead in it.
Again, none of these very successful business people who support Charter schools are in for the money. There is no money to be made here! These folks are not interested in a few thousand dollars of rental income which they are likely to donate either back to the Charter school or to some other charity (even if there is a "profit").
Before we even continue with this ridiculous argument, do you have ANY evidence whatsoever that any of the people involved in Charter schools in WC have made a net profit?
I would say that you like to
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 13:42 — danofncI would say that you like to read more into most of my comments than actually is there.
I remember Bob posting the Guidestar stuff from before, but Guidestar seems to have taken most info behind a paywall. I don't care that much.
My comment was a general statement that non-profit doesn't mean no profit.
No...
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 14:40 — Bob_SconceNot a paywall.... You do have to login, though. And, I just looked, the 2011 form is there. (Believe me; I'm cheap -- I don't pay.)
From that, I see that Luddy draws no salary and apparantly made a $4.2M interest-free loan to Thales.
Of course non-profits generate income for others just in the course of day-to-day commerce. That happens whenever they hire employees or buy textbooks. But, that's also true of the public school system -- construction companies are huge benenficiaries of WCPSS, for example.
There is a difference
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 14:38 — woodstockThere is a difference between profit and getting paid for one's efforts. "Non-profit" does not mean one must lose money in the process of running an organization and work for free.
The charter/voucher idea is
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:48 — woodstockThe charter/voucher idea is NOT a "heavily Republican" issue at all. Across the country it is a complete non-partisan issue in terms of public support. In fact, it is "heavily" supported by minority populations, which traditionally lean Democrat. Wake can be a very unique place in other ways too. For instance, most of the country rejected forced busing two decades ago, yet in Wake we still have people pushing it... like the current radical left-wing BoE majority.
Tata is NOT in over his
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:35 — neverindoubtTata is NOT in over his head. He is dealing with a Board that is completely unworkable.
Regarding the transportation issues: the guy in charge is no longer in charge. Tata took care of the problem. Now he will find someone from OUTSIDE education, with a background in tranportation logistics to get the job done. Give him a chance. He can't wave a wand and get rid of every incompetent person he inherits. Did you watch the Board meetins where transportation chief Haydon had to answer questions? He had no idea what he was talking about. Now he's gone.
Tata has his focus in the right places. You just can't clean up a mess overnight.
This commercial reminds me
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 18:05 — woodstockThis commercial reminds me of Tata's situation. Obviously, the monkees are Hill, Evans, Kushner, Sutton and Martin and the human trying to talk sense to them is Tata... the only difference is Tata will not be joining them in a dance in the end.
BOE Majority in Action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRrMu7B1L2I
From WRAL: Just In: Wake
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:11 — jeffrey1From WRAL:
Just In: Wake County Board of Education members will meet again Tuesday to continue discussing a personnel matter that many speculate has to do with whether Superintendent Tony Tata should be dismissed from his post.
and...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:16 — Bob_Sconcethe NBC twitter feed said that the Republican members were disgusted by what just happened.
I fear the writing is on the
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:35 — spiffy1I fear the writing is on the wall for Tata. What are the dems trying to do, appear like they care and are having an "open" mind and "open" discussion.
So GSIW, can you tell us the person that is in line to take Tata's place? I'm sure you've been working closely with JM, CK, and SE to ensure your man/lady is ready to roll.
you mean you can't figure
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:04 — AngelaWyou mean you can't figure out that Del Burn is waiting in the wings?
The only thing worse than
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:41 — jenmanThe only thing worse than Burns would be Dulaney. Good lord I hope that the Dems are not dumb enough to bring back Burns.
Burns resigned... he quit by
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 10:24 — woodstockBurns resigned... he quit by choice. Not even Yevonne Brannon crew on the board are stupid enough to try and bring him back.
He quit but recall
Tue, 09/25/2012 - 12:21 — nmoskalHe said it was because he couldn't "in good conscience" implement an assignment policy that wasn't the old diversity policy. Now that this BOE majority wants to re-implement the old diversity policy (only substituting census income data for FRL status), he can come back and do that "in good conscience".
"Not even...stupid enough" hmmmm.... right now you have more faith in some people's level of stupidity than I do.
watch and see.
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:48 — AngelaWwatch and see.
I'd better buy some tequila
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 21:20 — jenmanI'd better buy some tequila because I'm going to need it if that's true.
...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 21:31 — SideburnsStock up.
'it's a heck of a time to
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 22:17 — loriac'it's a heck of a time to quit sniffing glue' ....
Thanks for the laugh. :)
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 22:33 — jenmanThanks for the laugh. :)
GSIW has the coronation
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:55 — starsonoursGSIW has the coronation ceremony planned for Del's return...Picture Caesar entering Rome after his conquest of Gaul.
Get a hold on it...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:58 — RonnieRThere was an election and the the Dems won. I don't agree with what they do,
but I respect their right to do it. Remember, the Dems will be able to add up to
3 more after NOV elections, depending on how the current GOP members fare.
If you are unhappy with the Dems, work to elect GOP (4) in 2013 and a couple more in 2015.
I think that the General is doing a fine job, but, again, they Dems have a right to have
one of their own as Super.
The "Fritos" box was to remind them
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:56 — FSandYOUof what the blowback of this political stunt will smell like.
For the rest of their one and only terms.
Does the public have any
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:17 — neverindoubtDoes the public have any recourse should the Board vote him out? Are there legal ways to have the Board thrown out? or their decision rescinded? Lots of people there rallying for Tata....don't see any against him?
No recalls...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:35 — bpuli9999in NC, AFAIK. There are lawyers on this forum who might be able to give you a more authoritative answer. Believe me, if there were a recourse, someone would have done it in 2009-2010.
You could try disrupting a few BoE meetings though. Call in the tea party folks. And see if that works.
Repubs and "tea party folks"
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 17:00 — shearertwRepubs and "tea party folks" are far more respectful of the process than the likes of Ms. Evans, Brannon the Rev BarBar. Therefore, you won't see any disruptions.
Does 'the public' have any
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:13 — neverindoubtDoes 'the public' have any recourse in a situation like this? Is there a legal way the public could work to have a School Board thrown out or their decision rescinded?
I remember Deborah Prickett...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:06 — bpuli9999supporting "secret" interviews (in a hotel room) when they were in the process of hiring a Super. What changed, Deb?
Hui
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 14:05 — FSandYOUDoes you not being there mean the court martial won't happen after all?
You are paranoid. Someone is
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 14:47 — KeungHui (author)You are paranoid. Someone is working it from the scene and someone is working from the office.
Funny, that's hardly what most would call me
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:53 — FSandYOUSo thanks!
...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 13:56 — SideburnsKeung,
Can the Board come back into public session if they declared this meeting on the calendar as a closed session meeting?
Just chatted with a UNC
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:17 — KeungHui (author)Just chatted with a UNC School of Govt. person who says the board should be able to vote today as the meeting did have 48-hours notice.
...
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:31 — SideburnsMy concern wasn't about the timeframe - it was about the way the meeting was published. It was listed on the WCPSS website as a Closed Session - not a public meeting. Doesn't the public/media need to be notified that it's a public meeting in order for it to operate that way?
You start the meetings in
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:41 — KeungHui (author)You start the meetings in open session so I don't think it's as much of a concern as you think.
Maybe a search..
Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:37 — bpuli9999of some old emails might help.