Will supporters of the new Wake County school board majority finally turn out in large enough numbers to match the critics?
In a Sunday e-mail message, Wake County Taxpayers Association President Russell Capps urged people to show up at today's school board meeting to back the new board. He says people don't have to speak but should sign up in case there is a need to do so.
"WE NEED TO HAVE A CROWD OF OUR FOLKS THERE TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT AND BACKING," Capps writes in his e-mail message. "This is very important because the opposition crowd (mostly loud and boistreous students, parents, and teachers from Enloe High) were there in numbers at the last meeting and took nearly every seat and signed up to whine and complain and criticize our fine Board members.
Capps is talking about how critics have dominated the turnout at the last two board meetings. This occurred even though the WCTA joined Called2Action and Americans for Prosperity in trying to mobilize supporters for the Dec. 15 meeting.
Critics of the new board have been mobilizing to pack today's meeting.
For those who don't want to brave the potential crowds, WRAL says it will broadcast the meeting live online. Cary TV 11 will also broadcast it live for western Wake residents.
Here's Capps' e-mail message:
WCTA call to action Re: School Bd Mtg
Urgent!
The Wake County School Board meets again this coming Tuesday afternoon January 6 at 3pm. WE NEED TO HAVE A CROWD OF OUR FOLKS THERE TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT AND BACKING. This is very important because the opposition crowd (mostly loud and boistreous students, parents, and teachers from Enloe High) were there in numbers at the last meeting and took nearly every seat and signed up to whine and complain and criticize our fine Board members.
Please make a special effort to be there early (by at least 2:30 pm ... if possible) and get a seat. Please sign up to speak at the table in the hall outside the Board Room on the 2nd floor of the Schools Administrative Building on Wake Forest Rd. before you take your seat. (You don't have to speak but sign up to do so just in case there is a need to).
PLEASE... PLEASE make every effort to be there to show you support!!!! Parking is kinda scarce but I always park on Dresser Ct. across Wake Forest Rd. from the hearing building. There is a Pedestrian walk light there to assist in crossing dangerous W.F. Rd.
Thanks !
Russell Capps
Comments
Civil dissent
Sun, 01/10/2010 - 15:44 — jrscanesFunny how you characterize civil discourse and dissent as "whining, complaining and criticizing." How is it that you expect respect when it is quite obvious that you have none for anyone who disagrees with your point of view.
School Board meetings are public forums and board members are elected representatives who have a responsibility to listen to all that they represent, not just those that voted for them.
I think you owe all of us an apology for this. Though I doubt you have the decency to provide one.
Dear WCTA: It's not all
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 23:26 — ApexterDear WCTA:
It's not all about you. While I appreciate the support that you offered the 4 new board members, you were not the sole reason for their election.
The primary people responsible for the election of the new board members are the former board members. By carrying their disregard for fairness and public opinion to epic proportions while joining the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce's lies about how "A vote for the bond doesn't mean your support MYR, honest! We'll work it out after the election," they created the critical mass of people who were disgusted with the status quo and insisted on change.
Are you saying the purpose
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 17:27 — shearertwAre you saying the purpose of diversity busing is for "parent choice"?
I'm confused. Other than the golden magnet children, who got bused by choice?
OT -- Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 14:43 — WakeCountyParentI'm having trouble finding these...can someone point me in the right direction?
Also, how does one go about participating on one of the Board Advisory Councils or the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Committee (or whatever it's called)?
If I remember correctly, the
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 16:56 — jenmanIf I remember correctly, the Superintendent's advisory group 'advertises' when it is looking for new members. Members are appointed for a certain term I think, with new members needed every 2 years or something. There's an application that you have to fill out. Not sure when the next 'call' will be or the last one was.
BAC--From what I understand, each principal nominates a rep to serve for their school. You can also attend the BAC meetings as just an interested person as well.
OT Alert - Reported on WRAL-TV
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:27 — KnightdaleParent"A stolen vehicle being followed by Raleigh police pulled into the Enloe High School parking lot Tuesday morning, and one of the people inside jumped out and ran inside the school, police said. No other details of the incident were immediately available."
then again...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:07 — CaryCurmudgeon.
why did you remove your
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 17:44 — carson79why did you remove your comment?
was it even that bad? I didn't think it was, I saved it and it is not that bad.
Wow
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:04 — supportwcpssWhine and complain and criticize...wow
The other side can't have an opinion...?
Sure they can...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 11:21 — Bob_SconceAnd they expressed it by whining, complaining and criticizing.
:)
What's the
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:51 — woodstockWhat's the opinion....continue the status quo? That is not acceptable.
Where were you and the boisterous opposition when under the staus quo leadership graduation rates for low-income students declined below the state average; siblings were assigned to different tracks and different calendars, and qualified minority students were systematically discriminated against by being denied access to advanced courses? Where were your opinions then?
Well
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 14:30 — supportwcpssI was spending 10 hours a week working with a program that helps these kids and totoring them. Helped tow graduate.
Where were YOU?
I was spending 10 hours a
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 14:41 — woodstockI was spending 10 hours a week working with a program that helps these kids and totoring them. Helped tow graduate.
Did you "totor" them in spelling? And, how far did you have to "tow" the graduates?
Impressive
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:30 — supportwcpssBest you got woodstock? So my typing is not great - never has been.
Again what have you done? Never mind, I think your diversion answered question.
Oy vey!
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 16:44 — woodstockHave you no humor? Wound tight as a drum, eh?
---------------------------
Oy vey! Again with the baseless assumptions. It is not my priority -- as it seems to be yours -- to boast about what I do to serve others. But, if you must know, for the past decade I have been intimately involved in programs that assist those most in need, helping them gain the skills they need to find good-paying, sustainable careers. I also volunteer to coach youth sports in the Wake County area.
The ACTUAL status quo is
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:11 — carson79The ACTUAL status quo is "NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS" THAT LIMIT SCHOOL CHOICE completely for anyone but the most affluent students.
Please Give Me A Definition Of Affluent?
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:26 — JanisTangoWhat is your definition of affluent? For an family of 4 that has a salary just less than 28K can qualify for F&R. Is any family making more than 28K affluent? I would really like your definition. WCPSS only tracks kids based on F&R and nodes. How would they know someone is 'affluent'. What is their definition? Please share!
perhaps we should ask
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:40 — carson79perhaps we should ask woodstock as well who below refers to
"The affluent Enloe students "??
I'm sure you will ask her for her definition too of course!
I am not sure I see the connection or leap you are making? when did I refer to the F/R policy?
So...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 16:42 — Bob_SconceIn general, this blog has had trouble with terminology surrounding non-F&R students. Most of us call them "affluent students" or "more affluent" students.
I think his/her point is that the magnet students who are bussed into Enloe are more affluent than the base students. I don't know why this is a surprise -- the magnet lottery is set up to get affluent students into otherwise poor and underpopulated schools. The lower the F&R percentage of your base school, the easier it is to get into magnet programs.
who was surprised by this?
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 17:19 — carson79who was surprised by this?
Ok...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 17:22 — Bob_SconcePoor choice of words on my part.
"perhaps we should ask
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:28 — user12345"perhaps we should ask woodstock as well who below refers to "The affluent Enloe students "??
Remember woodstock is wealthy and thinks everyone is like him since he does not get out of his neighborhood often (he may not have the key for the gate at the entrance
) ... seriously, if he only knows the Enloe kids from his neighborhood it skews his observations ... the Enloe kids from my neighborhood are not affluent.
I am wealthy?
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 18:03 — woodstockI am wealthy? Sorry to disappoint you, but that is far from the truth. I am not opposed to being wealth, it just hasn't worked out that way...yet.
Regarding the use of "affluent," that is not my word, that is the term often used here by the status quo folks to describe non F&R students. What word would you prefer I use. What I meant by "affluent" are the non F&R students who apply to Enloe and are bused in... I asked it they would stay at Enloe if the elite programs and courses were not longer offered there. Of course you know that was what I meant and were just playing dumb...well, at least I think you were playing... LOL
It's interesting that
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 18:20 — carson79It's interesting that the AP classes offered at Enloe they are cosidered "elite programs and courses" in your eyes.
also, not all non-base kids that attend magnets are affluent or even non-F&R.
"Elite" in that most
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 18:30 — woodstock"Elite" in that most students in most schools in Wake County do not have access to the depth and breath of course selections that Enloe students do. That is why they are fighting tooth and nail to hang onto their priviledged status. Hell, I don't blame them; they have a sweet deal.
over the top
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:31 — loriacThe last meeting was over the top. After the first 5 Enloe students repeating themselves, there was nothing new said. We got that they love diversity and it increases their educational opportunities. (left unsaid - don't dare take away their magnet, and they are woefully ignorant of the effect of the diversity policy on the rest of the county's children) Mr. Margiotta was very accommodating and let everyone have their say. I'm all for VOTERS having their opinion be heard on agenda topics, but let's be considerate of the board's time, and let them get to work.
Also keep in mind that many, many voters also had their say. We just don't all have the time to make sure we show up in numbers to every board meeting - we voted.
Wow
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:39 — supportwcpssOver and over again I have heard comments on this page that sound like the 180 opposite of the comments before the election. It's so obvious.
Saying that you don't have to show up at Board meetings is a ludicrous statement. I, as well as many others, said the same thing with the old Board and we were criticized for it.
People here say the same opinion should not be regurgitated over and over again but yet had no issue with that at Board meeting and CEMs in the last 2 years?
Hypocrisy runs rampant.
don't twist
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 11:02 — loriacI didn't say people couldn't have their say, especially if they are unique points from VOTERS. Let's be considerate - when our neighborhood went to the CEM, we chose our best speakers, divided up our points, and took 4 speaking slots. We didn't attempt to monopolize the meeting and repeat the same points over and over.
Sending in 25 Enloe students (or however many) all repeating the diversity mantra, when they don't even understand the policy (and I know this after conversing w/ many of them on their FB group) is not an efficient use of our board's time.
I will send emails to my board rep and let them know when I agree or disagree.
I read some of your
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:02 — carson79I read some of your "conversations" on the FB page as well and it seemed like as soon as someone stated a clear opposing viewpoint you disappeared.
If you got a few good emails as you say, why do you say the students don't understand the policy? I think they do and it's just that they disagree with your opinions.
not a discussion
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:20 — loriacI didn't disappear - the group didn't want discussions. I asked the question 'Why' do they support diversity.' The answers were all (99%) from the standpoint of 'it helps my education to be exposed to all these viewpoints'. This is what I would expect from HS students, but was hoping for more from Enloe students. I received a few emails asking for more info, showing that at least some were thinking beyond themselves, which I guess is a start.
My opinion, from the responses I received - the students are fighting to keep Enloe as it is, which is a great magnet school w/ many electives and many people of different background. However, they don't understand the impact on the rest of the county. They acknowledge the school within a school, and some volunteer and tutor the ED kids, but with only 40% of these kids at grade level, there were no answers on how the diversity policy benefited those kids.
Actually....
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 16:38 — Bob_SconceThat's the best argument for diversity that I know. The problem, though, is that it doesn't play out in practice. Enloe is basically two schools in the same building -- magnet students go to one set of classes, and base students go to a different set; naer the twain shall meet.
The real diversity of opinion that benefits them is among the magnet students themselves -- lots of smart people whose families hail from all over the world. But, that's hardly a justificiation for the other use of the word "Diversity" that they were pushing for.
"Enloe is basically two
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 17:01 — user12345"Enloe is basically two schools in the same building -- magnet students go to one set of classes, and base students go to a different set; naer the twain shall meet. "
Bob, there has been some question about that ... do your kids go to Enloe? or are you just repeating what someone else said ...
Uh...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 22:05 — Bob_SconceMY kids are too young for high school. I am repeating what somebody else said. Actually, what a number of people have said. You can also confirm it by looking at the # of F&R students taking things like Calculus III.
I'd be interested if you have information that suggests I'm wrong.
Bob, I see the same
Wed, 01/06/2010 - 10:16 — user12345Bob, I see the same situation in my daughter's meeger AP classes that they are predominately white and higher income in a school that has high F&R ... so, I don't see that anything at Enloe of white upper income kids grouped in the advanced classes and low income minorities in the remedial classes is different there than any other HS in the county. I am guessing you see the same school within a school for your kids at Leesville for AG with low income minorities under represented.
not only at Enloe
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 22:33 — loriacWe were told the same thing about SouthEast - ie, just get through Freshman year then you'll never see the base kids in the AP classes.
maybe you haven't been back
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:22 — carson79maybe you haven't been back on it in awhile?
There were many more points brought up...
you call what you've been
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:21 — jeannie84you call what you've been doing on the Enloe FB page "conversing" and getting to know the students?? that's a laugh! but while you have no idea who you're dealing with, those students do and they have -- wisely -- ignored you.
At Least She Is Trying!
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:35 — JanisTangoAt least Loriac is trying to open up the lines of communication with the magnet students. I heard that John Tedesco had a meeting with a lot of magnet folks last night and instead of getting booed and heckled like he was expecting, it sounded like there was some open dialogue that was positive. Please let me know who from that Enloe group is reaching out to listen and have dialogue? I really think more common ground would be found versus not. It's really difficult to go to a hostile environment like John has done on multiple occassions to try to open up the dialogue that is so severely needed.
If a person's attitude is my way or no way...that person will be severely disappointed in a few years. I know even with my position on what I want that compromise is needed. I'm willing to make it....are you?
please list these "multiple
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:43 — carson79please list these "multiple occasions" that John has been in a hostile environment - also how do you know that he expected to get "booed and heckled"?
How would you know this?
I'll name 4!
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:27 — g88ky07When he showed up at the CACACACACAAACCC meeting before elections when Calla told him he wasn't welcomed, when he showed at the church in FV where Big Boy wouldn't let him speak, the Sutton Diversity rally a couple of weeks ago and apparently reached out YET AGAIN last night!
Next!
was he booed at the YWCA
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:34 — carson79was he booed at the YWCA thing? did he get booed at the meeting last night?
i tried
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:30 — loriacand received a few good emails - so, yes, would call it conversing.
you honestly think that the
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:17 — JSBinNCyou honestly think that the spectacle at the last board meeting was "opinion"?
that was elitism at it's finest.
public education is not just about my child, or your child - it's about EVERY child. It's not just about Enloe students - but every student. Sometimes to be more fair to everyone sacrifices have to be made. I am not sure that any of those Enloe children or parents even understand how their special opportunities are directly the result of other children sacrificing.
I'd love to have time off from work this afternoon to go and share my opinion.
"This is very important
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 09:44 — user12345"This is very important because the opposition crowd (mostly loud and boistreous students, parents, and teachers from Enloe High) were there in numbers at the last meeting and took nearly every seat and signed up to whine and complain and criticize our fine Board members."
Why does a taxpayer group need to come and counter a bunch of highschool kids? Are the Enloe kids asking for a tax hike?
Just Because Your Are Loud Doesn't Mean A Thing!
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:41 — JanisTangoTrust me there is a lot of dialogue going on with the current BOE that doesn't involve standing up front and giving a speech for 3 minutes. I personally have sent several emails giving them my opinion and ideas. I'm definitely not alone.
How many people at the CEM meetings were there to congratulate the board on their fantastic and insightful job on the 3 year assignment plan? Not many that is for sure. If they were happy with it they stayed home.
Janis, last time Ron called
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 16:00 — user12345Janis, last time Ron called in some Christian group and some Taxpayer group of which he is on their boards for support ... they did not show up ... I am not surprised ... not because they don't value education ... but because they have no reason being there as organizations ... again, if they are burning Bibles ... send in the Christian group ... if they want to raise taxes ... bring in the taxpayer group ... but just trying to find any conservative group that has some free time to show up and cheer for them seem sad ... the fact that they are afraid of a few HS kids from Enloe is even sadder ...
Therefore
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:21 — supportwcpssSince the CEM meetings only had a few hundred people at the most then everyone else was happy with it. In that case didn't the majority not get their way?
...
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 15:30 — SideburnsDidn't not get? Are you saying they got their way or that they didn't get their way?
Personally, I want the Enloe
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:19 — woodstockPersonally, I want the Enloe students and parents to keep it up. The louder the better, in my view. Every time they talk about the wonderful qualities of their school, it shines a big bright light on the unfairness of the current magnet system in Wake County and the vast disparity of course and elective offerings at other public schools in the county. The affluent Enloe students essentially enjoy a private school experience with taxpayer dollars, while the low-income students in the same school lanquish. As Enloe supporters defend their priviledged status, others are taking note.
Also, it is getting more and more obvious that Enloe is really a school within a school. There are enormous academic disparities between the affluent students and the low-income students who are by and large segregated within the school. The best and brightest affluent students are not in the same classes with the poorer performing low-income students.
You could say this about any
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:06 — carson79You could say this about any high school...so I'm not sure what your point is?
Why does it bother you that there might be a school within a school? Should we bus all the low income kids or people in non-advanced classes at Leesville out to try to combat this horrible problem that exists there as well????