The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system. How much will the new Democratic majority on the school board do to undo the changes made by Republicans since 2009? Will the new student assignment plan be a hybrid of the last two models or primarily be a return to the use of busing for diversity? Who will replace Tony Tata as the new superintendent of the state's largest district? How will voters react to a likely request in 2013 to borrow potentially more than $1 billion to build and renovate schools?
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.
The reassignment policies of the Wake County School board were the focus during a five minute segment on Stephen Colbert's The Colbert Report on Comedy Central Tuesday.
The segment included video of board member John Tedesco and NAACP of N.C. President William Barber.
| The Colbert Report |
| The Word - Disintegration |
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.
Comments
John Todesco is a cleft lip
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 17:27 — ChoppersealJohn Todesco is a cleft lip snake . He worded is flyer to confuse you about the neigbor hood school situation and I can't wait to tell this racist bastard to his face . Wake county is not just for white peolple ,because black people pay taxes too. What are you going to do next ? Sick dogs on the black kids ? The racist tea-baggers are losing momentum because the american people can see who you really are . Slave masters he hate any black person ,so you want to take your country back to slavery at any cost . I hope they file a civil suite against your imperial wizard Sarrah Palin for creating the climate for that innocent congress woman to be shot in the head in Arizona . Yall remebered Nov. ,but we will remeber 2012 . To bad yall lost yall "monkey nigger" Michael Steele after he helped yall win all those seats . To bad because everybody is gonna vote when it comes to re-electing Barrack Obama . Carolina is now a blue state thanks to yall racist tea-baggers . No body is gonna donate to yall racist cause to give that snake John Todesco any money ? Wake county has moved beyond the Jim Crow error yall are trying to recreate and the world see's it . How can we have tea-bagger dummies in congress who don't even know how to legislate ? Lol. The democrats will win the 2012 election by a land slide , and Sarrah Palin will be your nominee , I will make sure of that . Remember operation chaos ?
he's a political satirist, folks....he gets PAID for controversy
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 21:36 — AngelaWColbert lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert. . ,
The couple have three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John, all of whom have appeared on The Daily Show. Colbert prefers, however, that his children not watch his show, The Colbert Report, saying, "Kids can't understand irony or sarcasm, and I don't want them to perceive me as insincere".
It used to be much nicer living in Raleigh
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 15:31 — from_hereBeing from here, all I can say is that it used to be such a better place to live before all of the irate northerners moved here. John T. said on tv last week that he wanted WCPSS to be like 13,900 of the 14,000 school systems in the country. After the USA ranked 25 out of 34 in math and similarly in other subjects, perhaps being like all the other school systems isn't the best strategy. Besides, if you can afford a gated community, you can afford private school.
"I didn't buy this house out
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 14:08 — JonesSausage"I didn't buy this house out here for my kids to be sent to school with poor people!"
Bet you didn't
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 17:10 — ChoppersealHow poor are you ? If you had that much money you could send your kids to private school , you racist bastard !
Nobody said that (ECON 101 lesson)
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 14:58 — Voice_of_Reason_Most people look at individual schools nearby to help chose where the move in a new town. Affordability is a counter. The ethnic mix or economic strata has very little to do (if any) in that decision. School reputation and standing is important. House prices (and taxes) have that consideration to this as well as reflected in the free market. Almost all parents that move with children that do this, ask any realtor. And this is the norm nationwide. I know to some it may be a shock, but ask anyone that moves here because of a job move that has children. For example the same house on the same size lot in the same city may have quite different prices based on schools. Why is it fair then to charge a different amount of taxes for those homes, after all they are the same? So, is that fair that one person gets a better school? Maybe not. But then, is it fair you have to pay a higher tax (and price) for a home in a better schools area? Maybe not, especially if you change it at will for some experiment. Sure there is sharing of money involved, but why can't you be able to get a bit more if you put in a lot more? There must be a balance of fairness. I don't care about who goes to my school, I do care about the end result. And if you don't realize that you will hear the money disappearing in the future, just like Detroit. You also might get a lot more support for tax increases. BL- Most people want what they pay for. It amazes me that on top of everything the PSTA funds keep coming up. Of course, I can do what some people do, live in a cheaper house in the unincorporated areas and go private.
was this post sarcasm? is
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 16:32 — bppackwas this post sarcasm? is that you, Mr. Colbert?
surely you don't really believe that rich folks deserve a better education than poor folks. or that everybody should pay the same property tax no matter what the value of their home is. or that Raleigh is anything like Detroit. all these sound like the rationalizations of someone who doesn't want their kid going to school with people "not as good" as them.
if you want to live in a certain school district, it is not difficult to find a nice home in a nice neighborhood in that school district. and you don't have to live in the unincorporated areas do do it. I know first hand.
Not really, I 'm just speaking truth, Real World truth
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 21:37 — Voice_of_Reason_In your world every one needs to cough it up right and we all share. Bobby who never studied in school because he liked to party all the time now works at the local gas station and pulls in a $15,000/yr income, he decides to have three kids and expects the government to pay for their care and feeding...the government provides him with all sorts of assistance and gives him money back when he files his taxes, even more than he put in. Life is good and Johnny gets his free education for his children. Johnny lives in a poor area, so property taxes don't cover school expenses for his children so money must be reallocated from wealthier areas. Johnny gets plenty of extra money from wealthy people to help him keep his family keep fed, clothed, housed, and schooled, and even gets free medical and dental coverage since he doesn't make enough, no he hears he can get a free phone too, great. Life is good. Johnny has all he needs to survive. Johnnie go out and votes for the guy that gave him all this, the Democratic party, he thanks them and keeps voting them in. Johnnie is happy but wants more and complains because he hears that the evil rich guys are taking advantage of his hard work. Johnnie doesn't like rich people. Johnnie thinks rich people are anyone who makes over $50K/yr., they must of got it from taking advantage of other poor people.
George didn't party to much in school and made good grades and went to college. George borrowed money for college, did well and graduated. He became an engineer. George started working for a company and was paid a modest salary of $35K/yr. He got married and held off having kids until he paid off his college loan and saved enough money to provide for his family. His wife also worked and they were able to save enough for a house. George always payed his taxes and life was good. George has kids and decides that he needs more money if he is to enjoy life and provide for his children if something happens to him. George gambles everything and starts his own business, life is good. George's business takes off and he is able to hire people to help him, not only George pays taxes, but the guy he hires pays taxes too. Life is good, but now George realizes that the harder he works the less money he makes for his time this makes George work longer hours. George saves for a new house. George buys a new house in nice neighborhood. That house building employed a whole bunch of people and helped many businesses locally make money. George moves in an discovers he owes twice the property taxes he was paying before even though he didn't make any more. George figures that it is worth it because he has a good school for his kids nearby. Life is good. Then George's business is in trouble and George has to go in debt to pay taxes and meet his payroll. George was lucky to have saved so he could keep his house. But George works harder and is able to keep his head above water, then his school starts going downhill. George's property value falls and now he owes more on his house than it is worth, but his property taxes don't change. George is scared. George starts listening to the news and hears about the rich people not providing enough money to schools is the problem why his school is now overcrowded and doing poorly. George is mad. George goes to a blog and complains, he is told he deserves nothing and should give more. George is told by Johnnie he is selfish rich guy and shouldn't expect anything more than he gets out of schools. The crowd applauds. George wonders why Johnnie is not grateful to him. George says screw it, sells his house and moves his business elsewhere. The people rejoice because he was just a selfish fool. (or was he just played the fool)
The End
Of course you wouldn't
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 17:12 — loriacOf course you wouldn't understand it. People (and kids) are not COGS and want to enjoy the results of their hard work. If they invest (by invest I don't mean in the monetary sense - I mean volunteer, build relationships, etc.) in a school (or neighborhood, or community garden, or whatever), they want to be assured they will be able to take advantage of that and not have it yanked out from underneath them.
It is all about me?
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 17:27 — user12345Isn't that like making improvements in an apartment and wanting some return for your time ... you don't own the asset, so you can not keeping it and the landlord can ask you to leave ... if you want to invest and get recognized with special favors maybe buying a house (e.g. going to a private school) is a better plan ... there can not be individual assurances to you for a public school ... you need to find another recipient for your time if you are expecting anything except the personal satisfaction of doing good ...
Right - the elusive middle
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 17:37 — loriacRight - the elusive middle ground - but people would want better than to be assigned 5 times in 5 years as many were, and not because of growth.
You are jumping around from
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 19:23 — user12345You are jumping around from the theme of investing in a school and getting a return and then jump to instability and being reassigned. I understand your need to nest at one school. I just don't expect it from the public schools. Moreover, I see my contribution to the country system not a single school, or classroom. Frequent assignment are a result of growth whether you want to admit it or not. Just like the distance issue where I suggested they resolve that any child going to school more than 20 miles from their school get a free pass to a closer school or in your case no child can be reassigned more than once every three years would have with one simple swift change avoided all this mess the new members have created.
Colbert report
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:24 — henryeColbert is just another who echoes what ever is popular.. with no regard to facts and figures in short he is looking out for his own popularity.. The smart people dismiss whatever people like this say or do..since they are opportunist looking for suckers..to belittle..
SURE, KEEP THINKING THAT
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 14:26 — maugustsonWhereas Rush, Hannity, Levin, and Savage only espouse truth. Whether you like or not, both John Stewart and Colbert speak truth to power and have massive audiences. Whether or not you agree with them, it's a bit egotistical to call yourself smart, and those who watch their shows and agree with some of the satire they're performing as dumb (implied).
And you're right, Johnny T. is a sucker.
('...both John Stewart and
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 14:35 — woodstock('...both John Stewart and Colbert speak truth to power...")
Colbert does make some pts ... the real problem GROWTH!!!
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 23:35 — jeffymothraPart of why Stewart and Colbert are popular is because they do point out some glaring facts and often try to support the complete opposite in satire. It isn't meant to be a factual news show, but they do make some very valid, points. And there are some completely silly points. It's a comedy show, but don't think it is all made-up sillyness. Folks wouldn't watch it then.
Now on to our problems ... I do realize there are problems within our school system, but the desegregation has some very good influences on our society. They are extremely, hard to measure especially compared to test scores or graduation rates. I don't agree with the continual reassignments being done either. However, that issue is heavily caused by growth and growth planning, not desegregation.
A question ... If wake county schools had been segregated the last 40 years, what would Raleigh look like? What would our crime rate be? I believe Raleigh would be a much worse place.
Growth is a problem no more
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 00:15 — FSandYOUThanks to the Meekers, NAACP, Brannon and their following, the only growth Wake County is going to see going forward is possibly in a garden or mold growing in the frig. Growth has ended for WC and therefore we don't even need to discuss projections or new schools going forward. We won't need a one!
Wake County Schools
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:17 — lizzyoDear N&O,
Couls you please research and publish (again) the ratio of administrators to students in the Wake County PSS?
Thanks!
The important numbers
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:19 — John_Burnsare the expenditures per pupil - Wake County is one of the lowest in a State which is already one of the lowest in the Country.
These guys took a bargain and are trying to destroy it.
Game Over
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:16 — John_BurnsMr. Tedesco - this is what it looks like before it all falls apart.
Game is just getting going
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 00:07 — FSandYOUIt's far from over, just ask Meeker, the CC's and the other Mayors. Ask them how they're going to make up for the lack of revenue that will be coming their way for years to come. But, there is great news, we won't need ANYMORE new schools to keep up with growth going forward.
There isn't going to be any and I for one LOVE IT!
Why Repugnicans are stupid
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:54 — oldrwizrThe problem with trying to have a rational discussion with a Repugnican on any issue is that they just don't get it. I've nver seen any evidence that a right-wing Neanderthal (take AgentPierce as a brilliant example) has any idea what the issues actually are. For instance, in the school board/busing/resegregation issue, they think it's about "diversity" for diversity's sake. They think we're saying if a black child sits next to a white child he'll do better in school. Their little pea brains just can't understand beyond that, so there's no point in even trying to have discourse with these idiots. They will never acknowledge -- through some combination of denial and stupidity -- that when schools are segregated educational oportunity suffers for the "have-nots" regardless of "equal resources", a term the Reich-wingers love to bandy about. In other words, they'll pay you to stay away from their children. Well, it doesn't work. Parental involvement and community support can never be the same in an all-minority school, and of course the Nazis say, "That's their problem" to that, and it can certainly be handled and dismissed that way. But if "equal educational opportunity" is something more than wordplay, the minority children need to benefit from the extra resourcing and involvement seen at schools whose children come from the upper segment of the socioeconomic ladder. But I certainly don't expect an AgentPierce-type person to understand or support this basic truth.
You are an outstanding
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:13 — woodstockYou are an outstanding spokesperson for the far race-hustling left and have obviously perfected the practice of "shutupery." Well done, sir, and keep up the great work! The Nazi reference is especially compelling and it has us all in awe of your intellect and tolerance.
Gimme a break people ...
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:46 — wsphutchthese guys (incl. Jon Stewart) are comedians, not experts in social or political issues. The problem with these shows, and why I quit watching them years ago, is that they AND the soft-minded individuals who watch them take the witty, leftist banter as news, social mores, guidance, or truth. It is NONE of these; and they (Stewart,Colbert, etc.) readily admit that their only intent is to entertain and make people laugh ... IT IS ON COMEDY CENTRAL!! Nevermind that they irresponsibly ignore the masses of young impressionable minds they are warping, at least they admit their own product is meant as escapism, not realism or even idealism. And as usual, the N&O takes the quick, irresponsible, knee-jerk reaction - either intentionally or unintentionally pushing the liberal agenda - and uses this piece to scare Wake County into supporting a side of the issue it otherwise did not becuase as this paper has now reported AS NEWS ... Wake County, and the majority of the school board, is being laughed at. Did Colbert, the N&O, or you forget that the Wake County School Board is an duly elected Board, by the people, of the people, and for its people. If Hollywood doesn't care to take in all of the issues and points that have gotten the SChool Board to where it is now, then WHY IN THE WORLD would we give any creedence to what Hollywodo says or thinks ... especially comedians!!! N&O, once again you are failing your constitutents. Shame. People read your own news, watch non-sensationalist television, put down the placards and sarcasm and find your own truth. Quit being so lazy as to get your "news" from a MTV sponsored 24 hr comedy station. Sounds silly doesn't it?
And i bet you think
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 13:16 — CDOAnd i bet you think FOX(Beck, Oreilly, Hannity, The Morning idiots) Rush and others are news.
Nuff said.
Only the Jester could tell the truth to the King
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:20 — John_BurnsBy the way, it's called satire. And it's devastatingly effective. Vaclav Havel drove the Russians out of the Czech Republic with it.
ouch
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:42 — jmturnerLooks like Colbert touched a nerve with some of our thin-skinned, right-wing forum visitors. Truthiness hurts.
Like I said . . .
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 13:54 — jmturnerThanks for proving my point!
Amen, brother, very well
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 14:44 — woodstockAmen, brother, very well stated. Comedy Central is indeed America's source for the truth.
Feelings, feelings, that what is all about isn't it
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:08 — Voice_of_Reason_As you gloat in your feelings, I am happy for you. The truth is feelings don't get the job done. You have nothing to prove that SED busing works. Only good feelings, that it. Like I said, I can make a great comedy skit on SED busing and get the same laughter. I wouldn't because this is not a funny issue, it is a real issue and nobody is really addressing the fundemental problems. Why are children dropping out and removing themselves from normal productive society? The answer has proven not to be a good dose of socio-economic mixing. Have fun making fun of others, it is really helping to come up with other solutions....isn't it. But I forget, Liberals have all the answers.....look at all their successful cities and school systems. A standing ovation for liberals!!!
thorn
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:06 — SDR256No, actually, the fact that this has been raised into the National spotlight says to me Wake County citizens made a decision that has become a thorn in someone's side in Washington. I guess those hard core bureaucrats don't like Democracy when its in the hands of the people.
We have struck a nerve
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:39 — pianoguyStopping forces busing has nothing to do with "resegregation". It's about parental choice and kids going to school as close to where they live as possible. But things like parental choice and actually learning something are of no interest to the education establishment, who believe that all parents are morons and that only the "educators" are qualified to make decisions about where your child goes to school and what they learn. As such, they REALLY do not like to have their authority challenged, as evidenced by the fact that the entire liberal establishment at the state and federal level is coming down on little ol' Wake County for daring to stand up to the elites. This school board is being attacked by the state NAACP, the "accrediting" organization (using the term loosely), the US justice department, and now the national media for simply saying that we aren't going to bus kids all over town anymore based on their race or national origin (and yes, that's what it's about - NOT income). This is a really ugly political/cultural war like I have never seen before.
Exactly
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 21:35 — Voice_of_Reason_Everyone from the Communist Party USA to the local Democrat party is in on this. This was the socialist school model they want to spread everywhere. We stirred the hornet's nest. I do believe it is going to get uglier. Wake County schools are just pawns in a much bigger game.
Exactly - and why is the
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:46 — loriacExactly - and why is the focus not on the 99% of other school districts that don't do SES busing today? Are they already 're-segregated', so no need to call them out? This makes no sense to me.
pawn
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:09 — SDR256Its not meant to make sense. Its not intended to illuminate. Our school system is being used as a political pawn. It'll likely get worse before it gets better.
Exactly -- by the Tea Party,
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:21 — virginiadareExactly -- by the Tea Party, by AFP, etc. Isn't that exactly what Burns said and why he quit?
By both sides, Virginia.
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:53 — jenmanBy both sides, Virginia.
I'll be interested to see
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:37 — loriacI'll be interested to see how many school systems across the country jump to implement SES-based assignment based on this. Maybe even Chapel Hill will jump on the bandwagon!
As for the upcoming election - I think I have it now. Instead of working to rally the voters, and winning an election, I will take the constant whine approach.
Hmmm - sit-ins at board meetings, federal complaints, get a newspaper to take up your cause with a constant drumbeat of negative articles, and let's not forget getting the comedians to take up your cause with a fly-over of the facts. I guess this suits Americs'a ADD mentality much better. Got it.
Disintegration! Love it!
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 10:56 — CottonelleWhile I usually abhor these kind of performers, I love the coining of the term "disintegration" because it is so true as to what this board majority (most of whom weren't here when integration was accomplished) is doing, asserting that it would happen anyway, even if kids aren't bused. They are denying that there has been ever so gradual improvement in race relations in the last forty years, precisely because we are forced to see each other on a daily basis. Some of us have found we can like and respect each other. We can't continue that if we don't know each other. It is glaringly apparent by some of the ugly comments here, that many never bought into civil rights. If they weren't a part of it, don't care to take the time to understand it. It isn't just about you and your kids, and nobody else's. What parent wants their kids to sit on a bus for two hours? If that's what it takes for people to get to know each other so they can later work and prosper together in harmony, then it continues to be necessary. African Americans are who have for the most part been making the sacrifice for that goal.
Eugene Robinson of the
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:04 — virginiadareEugene Robinson of the Washington Post has a new book out titled "Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America". That's the first place I heard the word and thought it was apt.
If this was about disintegration
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:09 — Voice_of_Reason_Tell me, what has the black community done about integrating geographically and socially into white society. After all, there are laws to prevent discrimination in housing. Economically, I understand the challenges, but that doesn't fully explain the voluntary segregation that still goes on. BTW- Colbert doesn't live the life you might suspect he lives, he lives the life of the rich. And 20:1 he is just as guilty of what he makes fun of.
All he makes fun of is idiot
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 17:30 — Andrew95All he makes fun of is idiot pundits and politicos on both sides, and he himself is a very educated, liberal guy. So no, he's not guilty of everything he makes fun of.
BTW: you say colbert lives life of the rich. Sources?
ANDREW95
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 00:26 — Voice_of_Reason_His children attend the Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, NJ. (Tuition between $22,500 and $29,700 per child) His children surely do not have to worry about "getting poor all over them." Have a google search of images for more proof if you need it, those aren't cheap clothes. I am sure I could provide more if you want.
Definitely doesn't walk to talk. On a positive note he seems to be a good Catholic, teachs Sunday school, and does give generously to charity.
What has the African American community done to integrate?
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:25 — CottonelleWhat? You haven't noticed that African Americans have taken the opportunities and accomplished much? Going beyond basic jobs to become school principals, lawyers, doctors, have taken their basketball, football, acting, singing money and contibuted it and their time back to those less fortunate, including white kids and others? There are always going to be n'er do wells of all kinds that no one can reach. Who thinks Colbert doesn't live well? They all do if they have money. You don't have to NOT live well to have an opinion on the state of the poor and dis-enfranchised.
I am not talking work, sports, and politics, sorry I apologize
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 11:56 — Voice_of_Reason_How about churchs, civic groups, and social settings. You are correct about all the rest. I am sorry, I should of made that clear. But, I will concede, it is more about economic than racial segregation. Economic segregation occurs naturally even within the black and white races. As far as Cobert's lifestyle, I don't live in the same league as him, albeit I am comfortable but don't have a huge amount of liquid capitol like he does. I find a lot of people in his economic league and career, (especially liberals) rarely walk the walk, an mainly push their agendas for social networking reasons. They are often hypocrites that are far removed from what they preach. They are always happy to spend other people's money. You are right though, he has the right to his opinion, just like I have mine.
Interesting point about not
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:51 — jenmanInteresting point about not walking the walk. A friend of ours is a professor at UNC. Very liberal guy & he lives in Chapel Hill. He asked me for my take on all of this. He was very honest when he said, "a lot of this sounds great but then I think hey, not my kid". I mentioned that it would be like busing Chapel Hill kids to Durham and vice-versa. Then I said, "Heck, you guys aren't even merged with Orange County". His response was "We would, but they don't want to pay more taxes for their schools". It was interesting because we've got those same differences in Wake County but we've got to all deal with each other in one system.
It's very easy for somebody to sit on the sidelines and judge but very difficult if they had to deal with it themselves. I'm still waiting for Barber to insist that Durham schools insititute a socio-economic diversity policy. ;-p
Which Town???
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 20:54 — occum_sharpeWhich town in Wake County would pay Chapel Hill taxes for a town school system??? Think twice before you answer Cary or Wake Forest. The one thing about the folks in Chapel Hill is that they are smart enough to know that you can't get something for nothing.
Well why should they not be forced
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 21:28 — Voice_of_Reason_After all in Wake County the people that pay the most taxes don't get better schools. Isn't it the same principle?
Good Grief...
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 10:48 — Bob_SconceAll this moaning, "national joke," and so on is over the top. Colbert skewers all sorts of people, all the time. He's a comedian, and nobody takes him seriously. Only people who live here are going to remember this past the end of this week -- to everybody else, we're just another place that he skewered.
Bob,
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:10 — WhalerCaneYou are correct, but unfortunately this Board, and John make it easy for the Colbert's of the world to mock them, particularly when he engages in 'new speak' trying to claim the mantle of Dr. King.
That said, i wanted to engage you on another point because I find you very rational.
We discussed the other day, that once you created high poverty schools, it would take more resorces, and I questioned whether this Board, and even John T. would follow up on that considering thier rhetoric. Well proof is in. Here is what John posted on his facebook page.
'I will not support increasing taxes. I support being more effecient with the dollars we have - hmm, maybe spent a few million less on busing before we talk taxes.'
Aside from this shows he will never support funding high poverty schools, it shows he is willing to mislead using false information. Eliminating diversty will not 'save a few millions' in busing, and high poverty schools will cost more money as we both have agreed on and John T. has stated. First, even if all kids went to their closest school, the savings would likely be about .7% or less than $1 million dollars. Even if you double or even triple it, that will not even begin to cover costs of high poverty schools. Even if those saving where higher, all that transportation savings goes back to the State, not into the classroom. As well, Charlotte which has 'neighborhood school's' buses more per student than Wake County even though they are smaller. John knows this, but it is a pattern for him to throw out bogus stats and when called on them, he just moves on to his next set of false claims.