Wake NCAE announced today its endorsements for this fall's school board elections
The group is backing Rita Rakestraw in District 1, Horace Tart in District 2, Karen Simon in District 7 and Lois Nixon in District 9. With 5,000 school employees in the organization, Wake NCAE's backing could be a major factor in the elections.
Jennifer Lanane, president of Wake NCAE, said the group "will work hard this election season to help each of these pro-public education candidates get into office."
“This is an important race for the students and employees of Wake County Public Schools. We need school board members who show concern for all students and have an in-depth understanding of all the issues that face our school district,” said Lanane. “The candidates Wake NCAE recommends are people who have many of the same priorities for our communities and our children as we do.”
The endorsements are interesting when you consider that the group picked Tart over Cathy Truitt, a retired Johnston County educator. The group also picked Simon over Deborah Prickett, a former Wake teacher who now works for the state Department of Public Instruction.
In Tart's case, Wake NCAE praised him for his "knowledge, experience and pro-public education record of the past four years."
For Simon, the group said her "combined educational background in governmental management and budgeting, and her recent work in the criminal justice field, will bring fresh eyes to the board of education and perhaps a new way of tackling problems."
Wake NCAE's endorsements largely mirror those of the Wake Democratic Party. The difference is that the Democrats aren't officially backing a candidate in District 2 because no one from their party is running.
In contrast, Wake Schools Community Alliance, Take Wake Schools Back and the Wake County Republican Party are all backing Chris Malone in District 1, John Tedesco in District 2, Prickett in District 7 and Debra Goldman in District 9.
Here's the full press release:
The Wake-North Carolina Association of Educators (Wake NCAE) Recommends Wake School Board Candidates
Raleigh, NC – Wake NCAE has endorsed Rita Rakestraw from District 1; Horace Tart from District 2; Karen Simon from District 7; and Lois Nixon from District 9 for the upcoming Wake County School Board election. The selections were based on recommendations from the Wake NCAE Government Relations Committee (GRC). Recommendations were based on written questionnaires and in-person interviews to gauge each candidate’s views on and knowledge of a wide variety of public education issues.
“This is an important race for the students and employees of Wake County Public Schools. We need school board members who show concern for all students and have an in-depth understanding of all the issues that face our school district,” said Jennifer Lanane, president of the Wake NCAE. “The candidates Wake NCAE recommends are people who have many of the same priorities for our communities and our children as we do.”
Horace Tart, an incumbent candidate, earned a recommendation for his knowledge, experience and pro-public education record of the past four years. Lois Nixon has been an active volunteer for the NC General Federation of Woman’s clubs working as their Education Department chair and has been the director of the Wake, Keep America Beautiful for 20 years. . Rita Rakestraw brings the much needed prospective of a former classroom teacher. Rakestraw has nine years of teaching experience in Durham and Orange counties. Karen Simon’s combined educational background in governmental management and budgeting, and her recent work in the criminal justice field, will bring fresh eyes to the board of education and perhaps a new way of tackling problems.
Based on their skills and experience, the Association believes these recommended candidates will be effective school board members.
“Tart has demonstrated that he cares about children and educators during his four years on the school board,” Lanane said. “And Rakestraw brings the critical perspective of a classroom teacher to the board. We also believe that Simon and Nixon, who have both shown commitment to our community, will be helpful and important additions to the Wake County School board.
“Our nearly 5,000 members will work hard this election season to help each of these pro-public education candidates get into office. Wake NCAE believes that our recommended candidates all have a deep appreciation for children as our most precious resource, and they’ll work to bring the best to our students, educators and schools.”
Wake NCAE is the largest local affiliate of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), representing 5,000 employees of the Wake County Public Schools.
Comments
Cathy Truitt is a National Consultant...Come on Teachers...
Wed, 08/26/2009 - 21:47 — PJOh, but she is not status quo. No longer can things be the way they have! They will be better and on the right track if we elect Cathy Truitt !! Horace good man but does not hold a candle to Truitt... Tedesco? Who? Credentials? Dr. Cathy Truitt for Board, then Superintendent!
These endorsements made me
Sun, 08/23/2009 - 07:32 — rr77rr99These endorsements made me laugh, you know why... NCAE backed Bev and now they are screwed by her.
What is this organization and what do they do?
I see this Lainine woman get up at school board mtgs and compain about about stuff. Let's see, the one that sticks out is this early release Wed. She said all the teachers wanted this, but every teacher I spoke to said, they didn't even know about it and the last thing they want is another MEETING. They wanted personal planning time, not more meetings.
So, yeah, what's the real story here? We'll never get it, I know.
When is the GOP and WSCA Going to Step Up?
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 21:22 — woodstockThe GOP and WSCA has endorsed four BoE candidates, Tedesco, Malone, Prickett and Goldman, yet according the the recent financial reports, those four candidates have the least amount of funding to date among those running. Why is that? What is an endorsement without the donations to go with it? Surely, the WSCA and the GOP have passionate members that care about the change needed in Wake County. I hope this is not another case of all talk and no action. It is time to get this done. Tick tock.
Don't know what the GOP
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 22:03 — CaryCurmudgeonDon't know what the GOP plans are. As far as WSCA, I think you have the wrong impression. We are not a bunch of wealthy philanthropists. Our efforts have focused more on building an army of volunteers who are doing the grass-roots work. We have all put money into this. I have pledged $1,500 (which I don't have lying around). If you have already contributed, then thank you. If not, then please contribute to the extent you can. The more money we collect, the better we will do with getting our message out. We only get one chance at this, don't take the chance of losing this election and then wishing you had done more.b
No "wrong impression"
Sun, 08/23/2009 - 06:33 — woodstockIt does not take a philanthropic financial commitment. A few thousand folks county-wide contributing $20 dollars a pop gets it done. I thought there was mounting opposition against the status quo. There certainly should be, but instead there seems to be mounting complacency.
You say you contributed $1,500. Good for you. If only 100 people county-wide made that level of commitment, it would fuel a monumental change on the BoE, a change that could transform Wake County school to one that is more family-friendly and that finally puts the priority on edcuation rather than social engineering. Also students from poor families will not continue to be ignored and hidden in the system.
If the status quo retains a majority on the BoE after this election, any complaints about busing, schedules, reassignments, low graduation rates, or arrogant school board members will fall on deaf ears.
Please come
Sun, 08/23/2009 - 12:13 — SDR256Please come to one of our WSCA Round Robin events on Saturday Aug 29. That is exactly what this is aimed at - individual donations. You're right that there are still many who think that their intention to vote on Oct 6 is enough. It IS important but its not enough. It takes money to get the information out to the thousands more who aren't even aware this is an election coming up.
Debra Goldman fans!
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 11:42 — g88ky07If the 1,000's of fans being handed out, and used, at Lazy Daze just this morning was any indication, Debra Goldman will "blow away" her competition!
Wish the other 3 could've got in on that act! That was pure genius!
foreign language -- middle school
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 10:30 — sam123456I am confused...I thought that all kids in the county were supposed to have equal education opportunites. Why do East Millbrook, West Millbrook, and others get access to foreign langauge and Wakefield does not? This puts the students at Wakefield at a strong disadvantage. In today's world foreign languages are going to be critical. If we have to cut why target foreign languages...why not cut out something like life skills, dance or drama???
Survival of the fittest ...
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 17:50 — user12345Survival of the fittest ... there is so much disparity between the schools ... you have to go to an "A" school if you want all the bells and whistles....
JSB--I forgot to ask her why
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 11:24 — jenmanJSB--I forgot to ask her why they aren't offering it. I just assumed it was due to budget cuts but I don't know. I called West Millbrook and they still have Spanish this year.
Get the word out!
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 10:48 — momof2goodboysThis type of information is even more reason to get the word out to vote this fall. I will tell everyone I know in our district to please vote for Deborah Prickett! She is the most qualified in my eyes!!!
Hey! there are Honors
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 10:29 — AngelaWHey! there are Honors courses in High schools NOT being offered because of loss of staff as well....AND higher class sizes.....don't tell me that's not ridiculous and another reason for CHANGE!!!!
class sizes
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 11:04 — loriacAt the HS open house last night, I asked the Honors Geometry teacher about class sizes - one class was at 29, the other at 36.
They are truly shortchanging the kids.
Central Office
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 13:13 — annie15Yet, I rode down Wake Forest Road yesterday and the parking lot of the Central Office building was overflowing with cars. I suggest that we are way too top-heavy with administration.
Not surprising
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 13:43 — RichardAndersonThose who make the budget tend to take care of themselves.
I just got off the phone
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 10:11 — jenmanI just got off the phone with Wakefield MS--no foreign language at all this year. They used to offer French and Spanish but now there is none. Unbelievable and truly sad.
did they say why?
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 10:14 — JSBinNCdid they say why?
Why? Because quality education is NOT the top priority.
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 09:02 — woodstockWhy? Because resources such as foriegn language teachers are limited. Therefore, the Magnet Schools get priority when these resources are assigned to prop up the insane so-called "diversity" policy which claims to benefit economically disadvantaged students, but in reality only harms them..as indicated by the pitiful 54% graduation rate.
The solution is to vote for, depending on your district, Goldman, Prickett, Malone or Tedesco, for a seat on the school board. They put education first and will work to ensure that ALL schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality edcation for ALL students, a concept that seems to lost on the current school board.
And if you're not in a
Sat, 08/22/2009 - 16:55 — SDR256And if you're not in a district where there is an empty seat and you cannot vote please donate!! The status quo has deep pockets as illustrated by Rita Rakeshaw's pot of gold from those who want things to stay just as they are. If you want BoE members who will be effective and responsible with your property tax dollars vote for change!
NCAE has no substance
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 15:27 — woodstockFrom article: "For Simon, the group said her "combined educational background in governmental management and budgeting, and her recent work in the criminal justice field, will bring fresh eyes to the board of education and perhaps a new way of tackling problems."
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This is as ridiculous as it is gets and is a perfect example of the NCAE's slavish relationship to the Democratic Party. Simon is by far the least qualified candidate running in this election, but she has a position in the Democratic Party -- precinct chairperson or something. She has ZERO education experience, low-level government experience managing grants (this is what the NCAE claims is her "governmental management and budgeting, and her recent work in the criminal justice field") and -- based on her answers to the Independent question -- a near total lack of understanding of the issues facing the Wake County school system.
By endorsing a candidate as monumentally weak as Simon, the NCAE has relinquished any and all credibility they ever had and have demonstrated that when the Democratic Party says jump, they ask, how high?
NCAE is directed by the Democratic Party
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 15:25 — woodstockWow! It seems some instruction is in order. The teachers in Wake County had NOTHING to do with the local NCAE endorsements. To even suggest that is an inglorious display of ignorance. The NCAE is nothing more than an extension of the Democratic Party. Since in Wake County the Democratic Party continues to demand status quo failure and the academic genocide of poor students by valuing so-called "diversity" over education, the NCAE must follow suit...they know who butters their bread.
If the NCAE actually had education as their first priority they would invest their time, money and effort into demanding change and endorse candidates like Malone, Goldman, Prickett and Tedesco.
It is also important to note that the NCAE does not advocate for students, or even necessarily for education. They are a lobbying group for a minority percentage of teachers. They lobby for things like increased pay for teachers, tenure, and increased benefits. They also provide legal support should a teacher need it.
From the NCA website (Please note the absence of education-related topics):
MEMBER BENEFITS
- Members are able to take advantage of hundreds of countywide, statewide, and nationwide, member-only discounts.
- Discounts and benefits include: vision care, financial planning services, personal insurance, car insurance, Disney vacations, theme park admission, cruises, hotel and motel rates, car rental, car purchasing, restaurants, auto care, lines of credit...and the list goes on and on...
- Members can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by taking advantage of the many benefits offered by NCAE and NEA.
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I would NOT vote for a BOE candidate that received a NCAE endorsement. It would suggest that they would be willing to serve the wrong master.
foreighn language -- middle school
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:07 — sam123456I know this is off topic, but I just found out that Wakefield Middle is not offering foreign languages this year. Is this true at all middle schools in the county???
I had not heard that--that's
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 08:28 — jenmanI had not heard that--that's terrible if its true. Makes me even more thankful that we got into East Millbrook.
I don't know about Wakefield
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 06:42 — KeungHui (author)I don't know about Wakefield Middle specifically but foreign languages are still being offered at other middle schools.
Foreign language is still
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 09:09 — annie15Foreign language is still being offered at my son's middle school, just not to everyone. There are now 2 teachers instead of 4, so they have said they can't promise it to everyone. Instead of a full year of Spanish, he only got one trimester of it this year. I suppose this is an example of the budget cuts in action.
NCAE
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 20:36 — dsspr1N&O, please post the NCAE members total vs the NC teachers total
How many total teachers.....
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 19:38 — kirtlHow many total teachers are there in the county? Is 5000 members a lot, a small percentage, 50% of the total? 5000 sounds like a lot, but what really is the total?
I'm doing this off the top
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 06:48 — KeungHui (author)I'm doing this off the top of my head but ther are about 9,000 teachers in Wake. Of Wake NCAE's membership, about 4,000 are teachers with the rest being support staff.
Keung, do you know how many
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 07:20 — CaryCurmudgeonKeung, do you know how many total employees wcpss has?
Somewhere between 16,000 and
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 08:55 — KeungHui (author)Somewhere between 16,000 and 17,000.
I am starting to feel sorry
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 19:19 — user12345I am starting to feel sorry for you guys ...
NCAE members - NOT teachers
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 16:21 — twoteachersMr. Hui - please do not use headlines that teachers endorse candidates when it is NCAE. A small percentage of teachers in NC belong to NCAE so they do not represent all teachers.
Thank you!
Agreed. Try this;*NCAE, a
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 08:30 — changewcpssAgreed.
Try this;*NCAE, a union for a small number of teachers chooses to disrespect long time loyal public school employees and supporters by endorsing a candidate who is a puppet for the status quo BoE which has intentionally torn communities and families apart with their distain for what communities and families contribute to education.*
The truth may not sell more papers, but it needs to be told.
WOW!
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 08:55 — g88ky07After all the additional info here on NCAE, looks like the headline isn't going to change! Hmmmmmmmmm.......
I agree
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 18:32 — momsateacherwith twoteachers. Thank you!
ditto on the
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 19:21 — dryeraseuserditto on the twoteachers....
once again...NCAE...speaking up and then the paper printing it as if ALL TEACHERS support these candidates. LET me speak for myself please.
NCAE
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 16:06 — Prn13NormDidn't the NCAE support Obama, Perdue, and Hagan? These three have really helped teachers! Helped teachers find the unemployment line!
Jennifer Lanane
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 16:01 — g88ky07you are as clueless as your candidates, so thanks, you just helped prove our point that your organization is out of touch and does nothing except to benefit OUR cause! Just like telling all your supporters to vote for Bev, look where that's gotten you and them! If you think teachers will support your candidates after they did so with Bev and then got hammered, I think you're delusional! You looked so pitiful whining yesterday I wanted to just hand you a tissue!
"WE will continue to bust our tails this election season to help each of your status quo candidates fail miserably" Especially Horace Tart and his hypocritical campaign manager Nelson Dollar!
How can anyone respect such
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 15:48 — changewcpssHow can anyone respect such a hypocritical organization? Arrogantly slapping educators in the face by endorsing non-educators. Wonder whose deep pockets are funding this farce? These NCAE folks are as clueless as the current BoE. WSCA candidates are more pro-public education than the uninformed status quo puppets. What a pitiful excuse for our educators' union we have in NCAE. Teachers should stand up to endorse candidates who actually respect them rather than be subjected to more abuse by the status quo failures. Truly disgusting.
...
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 15:42 — SideburnsWell, we can count Rakestraw out. She doesn't even have a surface understanding of what is going on in the school system let alone an in-depth one. Her comment "There are no mandatory year-round schools in Wake County." in the Indy questionnaire is indicative of how out-of-touch she is.
VOTE THIS OCTOBER!!!
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 15:31 — avg_joeThe current school board reflects the apathy of the voters in turning out for past school board elections. That is why it is so critical that parents turn out for the school board election this October!
Thanks to our misguided school board, situations like the following are commonplace:
* Your child passes 10 other schools they could be attending on the way to their own school.
* You have 3 children, all with completely different school schedules, even though they're all in the same school system.
* You have to leave work early each Wednesday so your kids teachers can meet to talk instead of teach.
* Your kid gets reassigned every 3rd year, because their school is apparently not diverse enough.
If you don't care for the current school board policy, and you find your kids in the same situation next year, you only have yourself to blame if you fail to vote.
Now I know who to vote for
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 15:02 — stevemichaelsWhenever a big organized body like this recommends a canidate, I know naturally to vote for the other person - my reasoning: Whomever they endorse must have the same mindset that the only solution to education is more money, more money, more money to maintain the failed status quo. If someone running has ideas to improve education without draining the taxpayer they would never be endorsed. So I simply vote for whom they do not endorse.