The Wake Schools Community Alliance apparently has a lot of money that can be spent in the final month before the school board election.
According to the WSCA's latest report, the group has raised $18,741 and still had $14,046 on hand as of Sept. 1.
Among the WSCA's latest contributors are Wake County Commissioner Tony Gurley, Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly, Holly Springs Town Councilman Vincent DeBenedetto and Morrisville Town Councilman Tom Murry.
District 7 school board candidate Deborah Prickett, who got $500 from the group, gave the WSCA $295.
At least two members of WSCA's steering committee, Joe Ciulla and Kristen Stocking, also gave money to the PAC.
Click here to read the WSCA's latest report.
The group did meet the Sept. 1 deadline to file. But according to the Wake County Board of Elections, the WSCA mistakenly filed the report initially with the state Board of Elections.
Campaign strategist Perry Woods, who is helping Rita Rakestraw in District 1, had filed a complaint on Sept. 8 with the Wake Board of Elections about the report not being in yet.
There was controversy over the lack of a previous report. The WSCA was one of the groups that received a certificate of delinquent reporting for not having filed a mid-year report by July 31.
Take Wake Schools Back has not filed a report with the state Board of Elections since July 31.
As noted earlier today, the Children's PAC is shutting down.
Comments
Kind of curious … I think
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 15:40 — user12345Kind of curious … I think that eight directors of WCSA made the choice of who to endorse and fund (based on who ever the status quo’s were not supporting) and everyone just fell in line without question … does that seem scary that so few can direct so many … I am aware that the general membership was invited to meet the endorsed candidates afterwards …. Seems unusual for a group that seems so intelligent and independent?
I may have this wrong but I don’t think there was a ballot of the thousands of cross county supports was there? Typically, a person wanting support comes before the group or their name is nominated (e.g. directors, candidates, trustees) and the larger group votes on which to support … I find it frightening that people would pledge allegiance to the selection of such a few ….. I do understand why people do it but I wonder if they ever think about making such a blind choice …
Executive Directors?
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 11:21 — SDR256If you're thinking that WSCA functions like some kind of executive board of a formal corporation or something like that, you've got it wrong. This has been a much more organic experience. I think it must be similar to other grassroots efforts. We have simply found each other - parents and citizens who discover that we've all been thinking the same thing in our various little pockets around this county. Once we've gotten together we realize that we're not alone. And we vehemently agree. We need candidates who will put education first and will work with parents to figure out the path back to that priority. End of story. Just like the other scary scenarios the status quo wants to wave around like a red blanket, getting rid of magnets has never been something we've talked about. As Chris Malone has said "why would we get rid of a program that works?"
Some of us who have been more vocal are simply conveying what has been synthesized in various meetings, discussions, phonecalls, emails, coffee discussion across a large group of people. We're not making independent 'decisions'. Its more like swarm theory maybe? I've worked for large and small corporations. WSCA isn't anything like that. Its more like one big wide coffee klutch. Some of us are just a little mouthier than others. As I've tried to explain before, User, there are a lot of folks out there - especially Moms - who do NOT want to engage in this kind of cyber-debate. Its too stressful and risky for them (that was me two years ago believe it or not). Their lives are much more hand-on, at the bus stop, in the classroom, doing homework, carpooling, getting to their jobs or whatever needs to happen to keep their lives going - or as my spouse says 'tending the homestead'. So, WSCA is kind of a bridge between here and there. Most people can't afford the time and maniacal obsession required to get a PhD in WCPSS for Wake children to get a good education and our drop out rates to stop hemorraging children. Doing this - blogging on a Sunday morning, digesting data, writing writing writing, building websites, putting out roadsigns, hosting fundraisers, calling people - takes away from the homestead and its a calculated donation. Some are more willing to donate time, some talent, some money, but there is in fact a large coalescence of agreement.
We do believe there is a Door #3 - beyond the CMS vs Wake mind-numbing debate so loved by the N&O. There are elements of this solution that we would definitely like to have considered - like KIPP. But beyond that, what the final solution will be cannot be micro-identified until the candidates have a chance to work together with parents after the election. Alls-we know (as they say from where I came from) is that the discussions and decisions will be based on these priorities:
These candidates will work for:
SDR … I meant in no way
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 13:23 — user12345SDR … I meant in no way to suggest conspiracy or you were a front for some conservative organization … I understand the informal structure and organization (e.g. coffee clutch) … I understand that many people don’t want visible affiliation due to possible retaliation … all are sad facts of politics and society today ….
Personally, I admire all the people running since it is such a hard job for little personal or financial reward … I don’t believe the people in office or those running are evil and intend to harm children though some of their policies and action may have had harmful, unintended effects… I understand there is an old guard and forces that want to dislodge them … I really don’t worry about your candidates who all seem to be reasonable people just like their opponents … I think the problems are so large (e.g. solve world hungry with no new funding epic level – new schools, globally competitive education, graduation rates, etc.) and new people won’t make a big difference one way or the other in the short term (e.g. re-segregate) ….I think anyone new will get a dose of reality when they finally take the wheel … if it had been easy, it would have been done before …I understand why people have to characterize their opponents as being evil to energize their base … it must be so hurtful to candidates and they must need a thick skin to offer themselves for public service and then be accuse of being hateful and evil… I also think people should at least listen to all the candidates before making a decision … parroting the talking points of some organization seems lazy and disingenuous …I think there are many good suggestions being made on all sides which is also encouraging … I am not one for voting for one team (e.g. Woodstock) because some group tells me to … I am suspicious of powerful groups on both sides trying to manipulate the masses to attain their goals (financial or ideological) and I don’t think individual should abdicate their responsibility to make informed individual decisions … I take endorsement under advisement but to vote one way blindly because a group tells me to seems so undemocratic and lazy …. I have learned a lot from the blog on the unintended consequences of too many, uncoordinated policies from people’s first experiences … I think while many might think myself, Perry and support are evil because we have different views based on different life experiences, we actually all want a better education for all children ….
Dude, you have
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 17:42 — woodstockDude, you have been provided with mountains of data, insight, and logic and yet you still seem to be walking around in a fog. What is your deal? If you haven't picked a side by now, I am not sure there is enough information in existence to convince you of anything.
The "side" I picked is ALL
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 19:53 — user12345The "side" I picked is ALL kid and education ... no one "side" has all the answers ...also, don't depend on "information" which can be manipulated... everyone should talk to the candidates first hand before making a decision ..
The reality is we get to
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 08:47 — woodstockThe reality is we get to vote for one candidate. If you can't pick a side, then you will be left out of the decision process. Also, there have been many opportunites to talk to and to get to know the candidates. If you don't who you support by now, you are not paying enough attention.
If you do indeed want to support "all kids and education," you cannot possibly support they status quo candidates. Staus quo wants to hide the problem in "healthy school." The proponents of change have a desire to address the challenges directly and improve education in Wake County.
No kidding
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 19:23 — g88ky07and 123456789................ walking around in a fog is on his good day!
...
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 16:21 — SideburnsFor once, you are right. You do have it wrong.
Yep, that was one lame
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 17:25 — CaryCurmudgeonYep, that was one lame attempt at a fishin' mission.
oversight.....
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:08 — NOFANOFWAKEMADNESSI am confident that our children will not be an oversight.
"First They ignore you...Then They laugh at you...Then They fight you...Then you win." Gandhi
...
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:43 — SideburnsSo -- screw that handful, right?
You can claim you weren't trying to diminsh the efforts of the parents but we aren't falling for it. It is becoming more and more obvious that it doesn't matter how you win -- as long as you win.
And, please keep posting. You are doing a terrific job making our case for us.
A small handful
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:16 — SDR256A small handful - wouldn't that be a minority?
...
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 12:45 — SideburnsOh, Perry, Perry....
Instead of attacking parents and their collective efforts (I know, all in a day's work), you should be working with Stan's golden child a little more. Last I read she doesn't think Wake County has mandatory year round schools. Although, after her performance last night, I can see why you are resorting to these desperate tactics.
Charge on, parents!
Side, I didn't attack
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:28 — WhalerCaneSide,
I didn't attack parents, but filed a complaint on the 8th, before last night, when no report was there when it should have been by the 1st or 2nd. I'm glad it is there now, and accept explination that it was sent to the wrong BoE.
I'm very happy about Rita's performance last night, and will post it everywhere I can when it is available.
Mandatory school assignments exist in every school district in the country. This year WCPSS gave every student assigned to YR the opportunity to opt out, and all but a very small handful were granted that request. In essence today, there are no MYR.
That said, I agree parents should have more choices, but that costs money. The real question is how do we pay for it. I think there should be impact fees on new growth to help pay for it. The concept of MYR came about because the BoC and the BoE agreed that the public would not support a bond to pay for all traditional calender schools. If you can convice Mr. Coble and Gurley to put forward a bond to do that, I would support it.
With all due respect, you
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 10:08 — changewcpssWith all due respect, you are either unaffected by MYR, uninformed about MYR or just trying to stir the pot. Which one is it?
Can anyone with a child in Wake County Schools actually be so clueless about what a grave mistake MYR has been? My crystal ball says that regardless of who wins the open seats, the lies have been exposed and MYR will soon be a thing of the past.
In essence today,
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:59 — g88ky07you're out of your gourd.
Tell the 1,000's upon 1,000's of parents who got forced, strong armed, mandated, what ever you want to spin it as, into the calendar they currently are having to "deal with", that there are NO MYR's!
You tell 'em Rita Jr.!
"opportunity to opt out"
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:06 — Bob_SconceWhat a farce. That's an opportunity in name only. Sure, you could ask for a traditional calendar, but (in nearly every case), that traditional option is fairly distant. That was done on purpose -- to make the traditional option as unattractive as possible.
As for the contention that schools had to be converted to save money, consider this: Wakefield Elementary was converted and lost enrollment. Not a single trailer was removed. The idea behind YR is better use of space -- kids move out of one classroom, and others move in. Yet, at WES, kids move out of one classroom, and it sits empty for 3 weeks until those kids track back in. (Not complaining about that part directly -- it's much easier on the teachers and students than moving constantly.) This school's conversion had nothing to do with additional capacity.
nor was EITHER Leesville
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:07 — AngelaWnor was EITHER Leesville conversion about "capacity" and why are Sycamore and Brier Creek only @ about 700 if it's about "capacity????
Here's Mandatory for You!
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:40 — JanisTangoYear round folks get to opt out and traditional folks do not. That is mandatory to me. Traditional folks can apply for year round, but not all of them get in. Check it out..that is a fact!
Exactly
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:20 — CaryMomof4Not only do we not get to opt out, but we have to stay in our overcrowded base school while our year round option is undercapacity and runs half empty busses through our neighborhoods. If they had denied my applications because the school was full I probably would have never gotten involved with following WCPSS issues or this blog and wouldn't be out here telling everyone who will listen to get out & vote October 6th to make a change.
Huh?
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 15:19 — Bob_SconceLet me get this straight:
1. You're on traditional calendar
2. The year-round school that serves your node is under capacity
3. The traditional school your kids attend is over-capacity
4. The school district won't let you switch to the year-round school
Is that correct? How can any sane person defend that decision or the people who made it? Sounds like somebody's been keeping their head where the sun don't shine. Unfortunately, they have plenty of company in there from currrent (and recently departed) board members.
That's pretty much it,
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 15:49 — CaryMomof4That's pretty much it, except that we just finally, after 4 years of applying got into that year-round school this year, but there are others who were turned down again.
Am I thinking about this right
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 16:06 — TrailerParkGirlthat that is the same area that was reassigned to that YR option school because they were told their nodes were needed to help "fill" that YR school? But now they are STILL denied entry?
Yes. For 2008-2009
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 16:31 — CaryMomof4Yes. For 2008-2009 enrollment was 670 and capacity was 873 at AE and enrollment at SCE was 617 with a capacity of 513 but we had to stay at SCE.
For 2009-2010, 71 year-round applicants to AE were denied seats but day 10 enrollment was only 734. So candidates can claim all they want that families have a school choice, but if they are not allowed to have open seats in their school of choice that's not really a choice.
So sick and tired of
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 16:49 — rr77rr99So sick and tired of hearing "parents have a choice."
The ONLY "choice" parents have is to fill out requests for transfer applications. Those applications are then scruitinized based on many factors including, race, gender, "economic status" (determined by home value? how do they determine this?) , tranportation, to name a few... ONLY THOSE THAT QUALIFY are then considered to fill a seat. There are NO guarantees that transfers will come through.
THERE IS NO CHOICE IN WCPSS!
Re "opt outs".. from MYR. It's a whole Catch 22. You go from one over crowded mess you were forced into ... into another with resentful principals and teachers who rather you stayed at your "base" school.
Like Bev said, .. why can't they go where we put them?
Sick of the blame game with WCPSS and gov't officials on why there are no schools to accomodate growth. I am convinced growth has nothing to do with this mess. They could have easily predicted growth, gotten numbers from towns and planned accordingly. WCPSS could have EMBRACED parents and gotten their support to lobby for bond money and more education dollars (no, instead WCPSS Turns to the Goodnights who don't even have kids in WCPSS to do their "bond bidding.")
It's all a game to WCPSS and the politicans. Our kids are the big losers in all of it! These kids are ripped out of community settings, familiar schools, support systems they can trust and turn to, money is diverted to preschool programs to to bay for bus fuel, AP classe, music and art classes cut (screw you smart kids.. you don't matter at all... go back to the middle where you should be.. don't bruise the egos of the kids that can't keep up with you.)
I pray change will come during this next election cycle, because things are getting worse and worse and worse for our kids and not one person at WCPSS (hello, teachers where are you?) is willing to stand up and say that.
My goodness
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:33 — g88ky07in a word, YES!
You are right on the mark on all of it!
probably more than you know....
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:02 — AngelaW"They could have easily predicted growth, gotten numbers from towns and planned accordingly. "
http://www.iopl.org/documents/022606-newsobserver.com-wakeleadersbalkedatearlyfast-growthalert2.pdf
As a school planner in 1992, Bunn warned
county and school leaders that the
number of Wake students would break the
100,000 mark in 2000 and reach 118,000
by 2005.
Her projections were met with disbelief,
and her job was eliminated a year later.
"Her projections were met
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:28 — user12345"Her projections were met with disbelief, "
And people still don't think growth exists ....
and they continue to grossly
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 18:42 — AngelaWand they continue to grossly mismanage it over a decade later...(psst--hence the status quo refrain)
We Know Growth Exists
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 18:22 — JanisTangoWe all know growth exists. You can't go to a corner of this county and not know that. When the bond came up many years ago, we voted because we knew new schools were going to be needed. I was personally excited when I knew they were building a school within a mile from my house! I thought reason would prevail and they would reassign us back to where we logically should be. Of course they didn't do that. They keep moving us further away and they bus in kids that aren't F&R kids to take our spots! This school close to my house has 500 available seats....yes 500 and they aren't even on the 3 year assignment plan to be filled! It's an overflow school for other schools that aren't filled to capacity and won't be anytime soon! No one is going to convince me these reassignments that were done last year were all about growth! No way. Even Chuckie coined the term logical progression. We are doing you a favor by shipping your kids with their peers! Wrong...my son's friends are all going the other direction because my son's friends live close the school we attend and we don't.
AND THIS
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 19:53 — g88ky07is one of several reasons why we're going to turn out on October 6th and put this ridiculous bunch out to pasture!
two words, Perry....Leesville Middle....look it up
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:31 — AngelaW"The concept of MYR came about because the BoC and the BoE agreed that the public would not support a bond to pay for all traditional calender schools."
Angela, I'm not sure what
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:47 — WhalerCaneAngela,
I'm not sure what you are trying to get at. My statement is correct. I do admit however to having limited knowledge of each indivdual assignment. I look forward to you enlightening me about Leesville Middle when we meet.
I do know that very few who requested a traditional calender were denied. I have heard between 4 and 173.
of course you don't because
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 13:53 — AngelaWof course you don't because you don't LIVE THIS SCHOOL SYSTEM, you are in this for the politics and the economic pay-off....
Leesville Middle made the papers, you must have missed THOSE MONTHS....I will gladly, but by then it should be moot when MYR gets REVERSED after October 6th.
such a disparity in numbers, did you take a poll +/-??
Angela, With all due
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:15 — WhalerCaneAngela,
With all due respect, you characterzation of my motives is flat wrong. I'm in this because I care about Wake County and our schools' future, and by the hour, I am working for less than the minimum wage on it. Frankly, the only reason I have a school board candidate pay me anything is so they will listen more to my advice.
I wouldn't wish running for school board on my worst enemy and respect all who are willing to put themselves forward, even WSCA candidates.
The 4 number I saw from WCPSS, and Mathew Eisley wrote 173.
You can catch me up on Leesville middle when we meet.
let me be clear, my
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 15:18 — AngelaWlet me be clear, my "economic" statement in that post did not refer to a paycheck, instead the economic pay-off you see the schools having for Raleigh.
(BTW, I get paid NOTHING for this, this is about MY KIDS and THEIR future in the schools---large difference there, people vs. buildings!!!!!!!!)
"Frankly, the only reason I have a school board candidate pay me anything is so they will listen more to my advice" so you can't convince people other wise?
(really Perry, you might want to think before you write, otherwise, why do *I* even have to say anything? ;p
....
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:32 — SideburnsThat's a whole lot more than any of us are making on this.
Wump!
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 16:21 — Dadof3Thats a big fat AMEN...
As well, there is no real
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 14:18 — WhalerCaneAs well, there is no real political value in my engaging you or others who post here, but I do so because I do respect that you care, even though we have a difference of opinon.
Great but much to go
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:27 — Dadof3It's good to see such a financial turn-out, yet there's monied interests and political jockeying from the big boys that make an honest grass-roots effort (which is gloriously bereft of the usual political machine machinations that give cats like Perry something to paw at...)
In other words, if you want better education in Wake County, WSCA need YOUR contribution!
Folks, You need not make any
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:04 — CaryCurmudgeonFolks,
You need not make any apologies for WSCA on this. We followed the directions received from the Wake County Board of Elections, to the letter. Multiple errors were made by the BoE, which the local BoE acknowledges. Documentation supporting all of this has been submitted to the state BoE.
No apolgies needed!
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:56 — g88ky07that's a lot of votes forthcoming from all those $5 and $10 contributors!
Don't stop now!!!
This report looks good...but
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:57 — woodstockThis report looks good...but you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Yes we are a parent group
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:48 — SDR256Congratulations Perry, as a paid political bird dog you've managed to uncover the fact that we are who we've said we are all along - concerned parents doing the best we can. Enjoy your irony and your long afternoon of plotting and scheming. I have to leave for school volunteer work now.
I am glad we have such good
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:28 — user12345I am glad we have such good reporting ... (wow $4000 from one doctor and why would anyone in Dallas, TX care about this campaign).... my only comment is that I worry when organizations are not organized enough to submit their reports on time or to the right group which may be political, dishonest, or lack of experience ... I think it makes it harder to criticize WCPSS when your campaign has accounting / reporting problems.
Wrong
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:20 — Dadof3CC addresses the issue, but surely you'll drone on, regardless.
Try lack of experience
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:06 — TrailerParkGirlIt's a group of parents and citizens who have never done anything in politics like this before.
Reporting late is not the same things as "accounting" problems, so please try not to exaggerate the situation. Accounting problems would be a description of what happened in the WCPSS transportation department with invoice fraud, not some parent and citizen group not filing a report on time. The issue noted was filing of the paperwork, not the accuracy of accounting.
So, to me looks like unless you want to count Raleigh and naturally diverse Holly Springs in your WW scenerio, you may have to give up on that WW only label.
WOW!
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:28 — g88ky07WOW! And with a couple of large gatherings still to come for even more!
awww, wassamatta Perry? sour grapes?
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:07 — AngelaW"Campaign strategist Perry Woods, who is helping Rita Rakestraw in District 1, had filed a complaint on Sept. 8 with the Wake Board of Elections about the report not being in yet"
getting worried about a level playing field, gotta look for dirt that isn't there? Status Quo all the way.....
No soar grapes, just due
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 10:35 — WhalerCaneNo soar grapes, just due dilligence. I was confident it was just an oversight, but did find it ironic that a group who constantly criticizes WCPSS for it's inability to administer money properly, and for its lack of transparency was late with their reports, and orginally when filed, did not included contributors or disbursements.