Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A bold, ambitious plan

The image “http://mm.news-record.com/drupal/files/imagecache/nrcom_feature_thumbnail/files/Images/_298986428012009.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

(N&R)

GCS Supt. Maurice "Mo" Green unveiled his multi-year strategic plan Tuesday night. And I'll have to hand it to him...the plan is bold and mighty.

Carved mainly out of what is currently in place in Charlotte, the plan calls for the district to be divided into regions, with regional superintendents. A district-wide audit of resources and the addition of security guards are also part of the plan.

These were items I campaigned on recently. I support non-sworn security guards in our schools. I support a district-wide audit of resources (and if it includes supplies, I support the free-flow return of supplies in our schools). And while the regional concept presents another layer of bureaucracy, if it makes our schools better, than I'm willing to see what happens.

But there are questions...where will the money come from for some of these initiatives? Teacher layoffs are being openly discussed. Budgets are being sliced. And is the full Board...on board?

The document has been unveiled...it will be followed, closely.

More coverage:

N&R
Chalkboard
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E.C. :)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Meet Bill...

William C. Harrison ...Bill Harrison, that is...as he is being named as the new CEO of North Carolina's public schools.

Whoa...what?

Yes...in a dramatic and unprecedented move by Gov. Beverly Perdue that combines the previous positions of the formerly-elected State Supt. of Public Instruction and chairman of the State Board of Education, Harrison will be the sole point-person, appointed by Perdue, to oversee public education in the state's 100 counties.

Many armchair watchers of public education (me included) have longed for the unnecessary layers of bureaucracy to disappear in Raleigh. It's finally happening.

News & Record:

William “Bill” Harrison, Cumberland County’s schools superintendent, is Perdue’s choice to be both chairman of the State Board of Education and chief executive officer of North Carolina’s public schools, a new position.

In essence, Harrison will lead both the policy-making and day-to-day operations in the Department of Public Instruction.

“I believe the changes will end up providing more accountability in our schools and I believe what you’re seeing is the first movement toward a more consolidated system,” Perdue, a Democrat, said Monday afternoon. She made the announcement in Raleigh flanked by the state’s top educational leaders, including Harrison and UNC President Erskine Bowles.

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I've got to hand it to Perdue, this was a bold, gutzy move. I hope it is successful for the sake of our children.

E.C. :)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Axe Central Office jobs before cutting teaching positions

http://www.gcsnc.com/schools/images/sozment.jpg I'll have to hand it to Oz...she is a bold character.

In fact, for the first time this year, the word "layoffs" came from chief financial officer Sharon "Oz" Ozment's mouth...but not in a good light.

The News & Record reports that during a discussion in the middle of a school board retreat this past weekend, Oz said that even teacher layoffs or class size increases aren't enough to offset the predicted state budget shortfall.

So why is it even being mentioned?

N&R:

School administrators say even extreme measures, such as laying off teachers or increasing the number of students in each classroom, are unlikely to cut enough from Guilford County Schools' budget to offset the predicted state budget shortfall.

The word from Raleigh is that the budget may lose between 3 and 7 percent, or $11.3 to $26.4 million, Chief Financial Officer Sharon Ozment told the Board of Education during its retreat Saturday.

Increasing the maximum class size by one student per class in nine grade levels would lay off 126 teachers but only eliminate $6.3 million from the district's budget.

Ozment said she provided that information to illustrate that even cutting from the school district's largest budget responsibility - personnel - would not make up for the losses from a 3 percent budget cut.

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It's not bad enough that school districts across the country are in the same predicament and are starting to layoff personnel--so much for that so-called nationwide teacher shortage!

But here in Guilford County, where waste is GCS' middle name, here's a thought...try cutting Central Office staff! GCS is way too top heavy. This district will start seeing immediate savings by axing about half of Central Office. We have too many administrators and management..,.too many micro-managers. And what do we have to show for all this management downtown? Our schools continue to be under-performing.

The image “http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:4n0_Yh8Ecsix0M:http://www.unctv.org/takinginitiative/images/feature_guest/aduncan.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Board chairman Alan Duncan effectively said personnel cuts are the last thing on his radar scope, but Duncan is easily swayed by others...I'm not so sure if he won't be swayed on this issue. I hope he isn't.

N&R:

Chairman Alan Duncan emphasized that if it came down to drastic budget cuts, then personnel cuts would be made to empty positions and through attrition, not laying off teachers.

"Our people are very important to us," Duncan said. "Looking out for our existing employees who are doing excellent work for us will always be a top priority."

Duncan said the budget cuts could create issues with the state's mandates on classroom size.

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But Duncan probably wouldn't go along with a cut in Central Office staff either.

Folks, this budget problem is going to get worse before it gets any better. And I'll be interested to see if this issue comes up during tomorrow night's Dog & Pony Show...excuse me, Strategic Plan unveiling...or if it comes up during this Thursday's Board meeting.

But here again is another example of our children suffering because our state legislature failed to do its job.

E.C. :)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Retreat agenda for Saturday, 1/24/09

The image “http://www.matthewktabor.com/images/gcs_logo.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. From GCS:

Retreat Agenda

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Mission Possible/Cumulative Effect

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

K-12 Literacy

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Personnel Allocation Process

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Communications to the Board
(No material for this item)

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Working Lunch

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Parent Forums & Discussion
(No material for this item)

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Governance Committee Update

1:45 p.m.

Adjournment

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Bonds sold, projects forge ahead

In a new blog entry, GCS Supt. Mo Green says $130 million in school bonds have been sold, which means the district can continue to move ahead on what it calls "key capital improvement projects."

The image “http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Z_PMDe_uWTAcIM:http://mm.news-record.com/drupal/files/imagecache/zoom_view/files/Images/green.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Mo Green:


We got some great news last week. The county told us it sold $130 million in school bonds. This amount includes $45 million for the completion of Eastern Guilford High School.

The sale of these bonds means we can move forward on many key capital improvement projects, including some of those currently under construction, such as Jamestown Middle School. In fact, we will have a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jamestown Middle building on Friday, January 23.

We will also continue land acquisition efforts for this year, including sites for the following projects:

  • Special education west
  • Southeast area elementary school
  • North Greensboro elementary school
  • Airport area high school and middle school land

In addition, the district will move forward with the design of projects on the 2008 bond list. The Guilford County Board of Education has already approved the short-list of design firms for at least nine projects. In the next few months, our facilities team will continue to work with the board to identify design firms for the remaining projects on the 2008 bond list.

We will adhere to the board’s priority list and move forward with construction efforts on other projects once land acquisition, design and permitting is concluded.

The board had earlier heeded a request from the county to decrease our project cash flow needs. Although the tighter cash flow may slow down how aggressively we can move on these projects, we are pleased that we can proceed with them. This way, we will fulfill the promises we have made to many of our school communities.

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E.C. :)

Mission Possible working, says GCS

The image “http://www.matthewktabor.com/images/gcs_logo.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. In a midday lunch meeting yesterday, GCS brass told School Board members that Mission Possible, the ongoing lauded program to recruit and retain teachers in the highly-impacted schools in Guilford County, is working.

This morning's News & Record says more teachers are being recruited to these schools and that test scores are on the rise, according to data released by Supt. Maurice "Mo" Green.

Green, who unveils his long-awaited Strategic Plan for Guilford County Schools next week, told Board members the program needs to continue to be funded to achieve success.

N&R:

"I would certainly say it is working in some regards," Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green said after the meeting. Created under former Superintendent Terry Grier, Mission Possible pays teachers as much as $10,000 in recruitment incentives and $5,000 in performance bonuses for math and English teachers. Cumulative Effect is a similar program for high school math teachers.

More teachers are being recruited to the 28 low-performing schools involved in Mission Possible, more are being retained and early test scores show improvement, Green said.

He added that with limited data - not all state test scores have been released - it is difficult to isolate any program as a single factor for success.

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E.C. :)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Make-ups for yesterday's snowday

The image “http://www.news-record.com/files/imagecache/nrcom_article_image_landscape/files/Images/cocos%20classroom.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. It's all about those tests....

From GCS:

Yesterday, Guilford County Schools (GCS) was closed to students due to inclement weather. To make up for the instruction lost, students will attend school on Feb. 20, 2009.

In addition, Wednesday, Jan. 21 was designated as an exam day for high school students. In order to give students adequate time to review for exams, GCS has revised the exam schedule and will follow the plan below.

Wednesday, Jan. 21 is a full school day: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 - Review Day, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 - Exam Day, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 - Exam Day, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009 - Teacher Workday, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 - Exam Day, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 - First Day of Second Semester.

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E.C. :)

Monday, January 19, 2009

Central principal accepts award

The image “http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:dopA9I7Ollkv6M:http://schoolcenter.gcsnc.com/images/ace/53121/ace_539509141_1217808478.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Congratulations to High Point Central principal Revonda Johnson for accepting the Humanitarian Award from the City of High Point's Human Relations Commission.

The News & Record's Doug Clark mentions the award in contrast with the recent discovery of KKK hoods found on the school's campus:

The racial achievement gap dishonors the civil rights champions of the past, he said. He asserted that 48 percent of GCS' 71,000 students "live in poverty. More than 1,000 are homeless." Honoring King's legacy means equipping them with the education they need. "We must be champions for education and excellence."

Johnson was cited for her support of the Student Human Relations Commission and for striving to improve academics at High Point Central.

It's a tough job at a school where the issues Green mentioned definitely apply. It has challenges. But Klan hoods?

No, as Green found out, that's not in character there. Johnson's award was an affirmation of that, and probably no one was happier for her than the superintendent.

And remember, honoring Dr. King's legacy means not judging someone by the color of one's skin but by the content of one's character.

So before we judge the color of the landscaper, let's judge the character by the job they did previously for GCS.

E.C. :)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Meeting to focus on Mission Possible

The image “http://www.matthewktabor.com/images/gcs_logo.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. From GCS:

The Guilford County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting on Wednesday, January 21 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss Mission Possible and Cumulative Effect. The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the administrative office, 712 N. Eugene Street, Greensboro.
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E.C. :)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

More on Education Secy-designate Arne Duncan

The image “http://www.edutopia.org/sites/default/themes/edutopia2/images/global/masthead.gif” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. In a 1997 interview with Edutopia, U.S. Education Secretary-designate Arne Duncan spoke candidly about his views on school reform, how he attempted to turn some of the toughest schools in Chicago around, and his visions going forward. The comments left by readers are mixed, he seems to have a love-hate relationship with the rank-and-file in Chicago.







Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The color of the landscaper is more important than student achievement

The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/images/daniels_c.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/images/quick.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. The News & Record's "Inside Scoop" blog is featuring a question...what do YOU think when you think of Guilford County? Well, to me, I think of one thing...how we are quickly becoming the laughing stock of the state with embarrassing politicians who do nothing but waste your taxpayer money, engage in corruption and race bait.

And another example of race baiting took place again last night at a GCS Board meeting in which an interesting exchange took place between new Dist. 5 board member Paul Daniels and vice-chairman Amos Quick (Dist. 9) over...the color of a landscaper.

During a weird meeting in which discussions took place ranging from schools being a day shy of being taken over by the state, to more funding being allocated for Montessori programs to what to do about daily cafeteria leftovers (what????) to SMOD, Daniels and Quick bumped heads over a groundskeeping contract.

Today's News & Record:

The school board meeting also included a brief discussion about the school system's practice of awarding 12 percent of its contracts to minority-owned businesses. The issue came up during the approval of a contract for groundskeeping services.

Confused by an abbreviation noting the business was owned by a white woman, Daniels said he failed to see how "we can become race-blind and gender-neutral" when the system continues to note such items in the contract process. His comments came minutes after several members of local minority-owned businesses praised the school system for its efforts to work with them more.

The state requires the school system to set a goal percentage for minority-owned businesses in construction and renovation projects.

The school board set its goal at 12 percent.

The board also set a self-imposed goal of using minority-owned and women-owned businesses for goods and services.

School staff also reminded the school board that this contractor was the lowest responsible bidder for the service and previously had held the contract.

Before voting, Quick addressed Daniels' comments, saying the history of inequality now makes it necessary to discuss race and gender. He also noted that state and federal laws require government organizations to include a percentage of minority- and women-owned businesses in contracted services.

Daniels later said he believes the school board doesn't need to consider racial history because some amount of racial equality has been reached.

"I think most people looking around Guilford County, they think if we're not there, we're pretty close," Daniels said.

He also added that he believes most women-owned businesses are actually owned by men.

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Have we not come farther than this in 2009? Because it is becoming harder and harder to raise my daughter in this area. Amos Quick, who rails on and on about student achievement, is once again aligning with the Deena Hayes faction of the School Board and loses sight of the big picture, quickly.

If this contractor came in under budget and has previously held this particular contract, why the need for a discussion? Kudos to Daniels for calling Amos on the carpet in saying that we need to become a race-blind and a gender-neutral society. That's what I'm trying to teach my daughter. Unfortunately, I have to work much harder at it following meetings like this.

E.C. :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Why I'm bullish on Action Greensboro (and I don't mean to be)

The image “http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:xUG9BKLXqIJzEM:http://www.greensboroconnects.com/img/GsoConnects-logo1.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. I think this will address the comments of both my friends Sue and Ryan.

Ryan, I'm don't mean to be bullish on Action Greensboro, I have a great amount of respect for the work they've done. I'm proud to have been a part of the old Greensboro Young Professionals back in 2001, which was a precursor to the work AG is doing today.

But I was laid off in 2001 right after September 11...and then the publication I was working for had folded soon after.

And after living in this area for nearly two years, we packed up and left and returned to Washington where we came from in early 2000.

While we returned nearly five years ago, I'm currently underemployed at present. A $9/hour service job doesn't pay a lot of bills nor bring a lot of frills, but we're surviving.

Yes, the work AG is undertaking is admirable. But I guess I'm looking at things from a half-empty/half-full perspective.

I look at my time spent as a teacher (Andrews H.S.: 2005-06) in GCS, and how I was treated...and how my colleagues were treated (many of whom either no longer teach at Andrews, or who no longer teach within GCS, or who no longer teach at all). It was the impetus of my recent school board campaign last year.

I also pay attention to see how my daughter's rate of success is at her school. I question things that aren't right or are not appropriate in my opinion.

And for me personally, who is underemployed, who is extremely concerned about jobs and economic development and job creation and company retention in this city, I guess I'm looking for more...and haven't heard or found what I'm looking for yet from AG.

Sue, yes, I have contacted AG's Judy Morton, and I will be in touch with her more in the days to come.

But I'm also a realist...and when initiatives are announced, there should be a tracking system.

For instance, remember when the following was announced back in September, 2006? Was this partly absorbed into Mission Possible? Are there any public stats provided by this initiative?
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Action Greensboro Commits $2 Million for Pilot Project to Recruit and Retain Math Teachers for Select Guilford County High Schools

Action Greensboro—a unit of the Action Greensboro Partnership and a partnership of Triad-area foundations dedicated to bringing more and better jobs to the region—has committed $2 million over the next three years to expand a pilot project to recruit and retain highly qualified math teachers for selected Guilford County high schools. University, public school and community leaders gathered at Smith High School today to announce the collaborative project involving the Guilford County Schools (GCS), the 16-campus University of North Carolina, and the two local UNC campuses, NC A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. The school system and participating University partners also are contributing significant financial resources and services, bringing total estimated funding for the joint effort to nearly $4 million.

Numerous studies have underscored the need for North Carolina to produce more scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in order to compete in the global, knowledge-based economy—a challenge magnified by a chronic shortage of qualified high school teachers in high-need subject areas such as math and science. A key issue is pay, since graduates in these fields typically have opportunities to earn much higher starting salaries in the private sector. The lack of adequate mentoring and professional development also makes it harder to retain these teachers.

Currently, some Guilford County high schools are experiencing annual turnover as high as 50 percent among math teachers. The goal of the joint project is to attract a full complement of qualified math teachers to eight Guilford County high schools; retain them through a combination of financial incentives, intensive mentoring, and professional development; and in turn, improve student learning and performance in math—a subject crucial to success in most technical and scientific fields. If successful, the pilot project will demonstrate the potential benefit of introducing market-based or “differential” pay in selected academic subject areas—coupled with expanded mentoring and other forms of teacher support—statewide.

In announcing the partnership and supporting grant, UNC President Erskine Bowles said, “It is now painfully clear that if America doesn’t quickly wake up and get more people better educated, we are going to be a second-rate power before we know it, and the best jobs of the future will not be in North Carolina. They will be in India, China, or Singapore. If our children and grandchildren are going to be equipped to compete in a knowledge-based global economy, we have got to do more to increase the pool of qualified teachers for our classrooms and attract the best and the brightest into teaching. It is our nation’s most important profession; we have to begin again to treat it as such.”

“Because of the higher salaries and benefits offered by private industry, we know that our schools have a very serious problem retaining teachers in high-need subject areas such as math and science,” Bowles added. “We also have a responsibility to provide the ongoing mentoring and professional development teachers need to be successful. This truly is a crisis, and I believe we have to start treating it like a crisis and consider new and different solutions. Working in partnership with Guilford County Schools and Action Greensboro—we are going to attack this problem head-on here in Guilford County and identify effective ways to overcome it. If we succeed here, we hope to expand this effort throughout the state.”

Beginning this fall, GCS introduced differential pay for up to 53 qualified math teachers at six high schools previously identified by Superior Court Judge Howard Manning as under-performing: Dudley, Smith, Andrews, High Point Central, the Middle College at Bennett College, and the Middle College at NC A&T. Eligible teachers will receive market-based incentive pay of $10,000 to bring their annual salaries in line with recent math graduates employed in the private sector. These teachers will also be eligible to receive additional performance-based incentives of up to $4,000 if their students demonstrate at least 1.5 years of growth for the academic year. The Action Greensboro grant announced today will enable GCS to expand this differential pay and performance-based bonuses to two additional high schools—Eastern and Southern. In addition, the grant will also fund a number of related initiatives at all eight schools intended to improve teacher retention and the quality of math instruction.

As part of the announcement, Skip Moore, Chair of the Action Greensboro Operating Group (and president of the Weaver Foundation) said, "All of us associated with Action Greensboro are pleased that we can further our support for the Guilford County Schools. In the past five years, Action Greensboro—through the Commitment to Excellence program and its support for the Guilford Education Alliance—has focused on both recognizing the accomplishments of our schools as well as improving in areas where the schools do not measure up. Public education is one of the three major considerations companies use in locating, expanding, and remaining in a community. This program is particularly important because it will focus on high schools with academic need. Mathematical skills, and associated reasoning skills, are endemic to further education and to the workforce. I am convinced that the involvement of the two local UNC campuses, and the direct support of the UNC General Administration, will reinforce the high school teachers' work and that we will see significant advancement in performance. We specifically want to recognize and congratulate the Guilford County Board of Education for its recognition that market demand and compensation varies among disciplines and that performance must be appropriately rewarded. It was a courageous step for them to step up to this issue and we are proud of them for doing so. All of Guilford County will benefit from this effort that brings UNC and the Guilford County Schools together to improve public education. Thank you for letting Action Greensboro be a part of this effort."

Strengthening and stabilizing the corps of math teachers at these high schools will require far more than higher pay. In addition to financial incentives, the pilot project will test the impact and effectiveness of a number of supporting initiatives and strategies, including:

  • UNC recently funded an accelerated summer program at NC A&T that allowed 12 graduates who already had degrees in math, science, or engineering to achieve their teacher certification prior to the start of the 2006 school year. To date, GCS has hired seven of those graduates, three of whom are teaching math at pilot high schools.
  • The NC Model Teacher Education Consortium, a component of the UNC Center for School Leadership Development, is providing a part-time recruiter to assist the Guilford County Schools in recruiting qualified math teachers and will provide tuition support for teachers needing additional coursework. The goal is to achieve a stable math faculty at these schools over the next three years.
  • Through their joint Math and Science Education Network and other programs, NC A&T and UNCG will provide an intensive and rigorous professional development program for all participating math teachers during the summer of 2007, with ongoing follow-up sessions for new and continuing teachers. Participants will receive stipends of $4,000 each to cover tuition and support.
  • All new math teachers in these pilot high schools will be mentored by designated faculty at NC A&T and UNCG, as well as by full-time mentors from GCS. To facilitate this crucial interaction, UNC is providing new laptop computers for all participating teachers and mentors.
  • Through its iSchool, UNCG will provide students at the eight pilot schools access to college courses in math and science. Depending on the level of student readiness and interest, the courses may be taught face-to-face or online.
  • Through its Principals Executive Program and in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC is providing an intensive management training program for principals from the 17 high schools Judge Manning identified as needing special intervention. Two Guilford County schools—Dudley and Smith—have three-person teams (principal, assistant principal, and teacher) participating. The University is seeking additional state funding to expand this training to other under-performing schools.
  • As a pilot project testing the effectiveness and wider feasibility of differential pay, performance-based incentives, and varied support systems, it must be able to demonstrate results. In cooperation with other partners, UNCG will provide ongoing evaluation of the various strategies and a final evaluation of the overall effort. This evaluation will be made public.
We are very excited about this partnership. We have long used the concepts of experience and earned degrees to differentiate salaries in America’s public schools. Like our counterparts in colleges, in universities and the private sector, it is time to add market demand and performance to that list. It is partnerships like this that will help us attract and retain the best educators possible.
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ahhh...memories!


E.C. :)

Action GSO intends to make public education a priority...but...

The image “http://springboard.actiongreensboro.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/agp_ii-225x300.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. (UPDATE FOLLOWS)

...is it me, or is this so-called plan short on substance? Where is the plan? There's nothing on the Action Greensboro website. There's nothing at all on SpringBoard, the Action GSO blog. Nothing...

I'm looking at the article in today's News & Record and I don't even see a whole lot of specifics from the story.

N&R:

The volunteers have written a plan that emphasizes immediate job training, for example, and backs away from support for the arts in this economy.

"We really see this as a work in progress," said April Harris, Action Greensboro's executive director.

Even in a lousy local economy, I agree that job training needs to be stepped up, and that's why I have always supported increased vocational education. But where's the meat and potatoes? Where's the grist of the plan?

What is in the plan?

Sorry to be so blunt, but I have more questions than answers on this one. I'm actually a little disappointed.

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UPDATE-1/13/09, 10:52AM: Well, here's the plan from Action GSO, uploaded within the last hour...again, I don't see much of anything new in here with respect to public education.

There are nine failing schools that will be the subject of an action plan by the School Board during a meeting this evening. Have these schools been the beneficiaries of monies and assistance by Action Greensboro? Will they make a presentation during tonight's meeting as a show of support?

E.C. :)

Clueless Cookie is at it again...

The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/event_photos/09/ll/Picture%20208.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. (via GCS)

...and this time, she's showing her arrogance.

At a legislative luncheon yesterday at Page High School, GCS Board member (and the Board's legislative committee chair) Kris Cooke proudly, and without fear of reprisals, told a group of gathered state legislators (in so many words):

Give us taxing authority...or else.

Today's News & Record:

Board member Kris Cooke also lobbied state legislators to give school boards the ability to levy their own taxes.

"We desperately want the taxing authority," Cooke said. "If we don't do a good job with the money, vote us out."

Several board members oppose having the taxing authority.

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Be careful, Cookie...maybe you'll get your wish in four years.

Problem is, GCS doesn't do a good job with the money it has already. Hence, the supply money that is gone (I'm still waiting for the supply budget to be publicly audited).

GCS:

The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/event_photos/09/ll/Picture%20202.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. (via GCS)

Most of the agenda and discussion focused on critical state and federal funding issues. Board member Deena Hayes called for a change in state policy to exempt the public school system from North Carolina sales tax. While many public entities are exempt from the tax, it cost Guilford County Schools $2.3 million in the 2007-08 school year.

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The image “http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:hR3dx_cDxHRqrM:http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Senate/pictures/64.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. But State Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) had more serious issues with the state's third largest school system...and apparently, he didn't walk away with a whole lot of answers. Specifically, he had reservations with the district's dropout rate and the direction of funding for specific programs.

N&R:

Berger, a Republican, said he would like to see more funding for programs such as incentive and bonus pay for difficult-to-recruit positions such as math, science and special education and at low-performing schools..

"If we can find new dollars, they need to go to things like that, with a proven track record," he said.

Guilford County Schools operates a teacher incentive program similar to this called Mission Possible.

Berger also called into question the 2.9 percent dropout rate reported by the school system.

"There's no question we've got to recognize the problems we have in education, specifically the horrendous dropout rate," he said.

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I also found this interesting:

N&R:

The school board lobbied for several other issues on the legislative agenda during the meeting as well. The agenda covers a many issues, the one element central to most is money. The system says it needs more flexibility to use it.

The image “http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:PbdrWdrXNIq5sM:http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Senate/pictures/106.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Several legislators said more funding isn't likely. "There are so many issues and, as it relates to money, I don't know how we'll work it out," State Rep. Katie Dorsett said.

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So it's another example of the state reneging on its primary mission...to educate its children. Of course, Raleigh is not alone in these dire economic times, but of course, if they knew how to budget properly in Raleigh, GCS would not have had to send back money to cover their mistakes.

And another interesting note...the article mentioned the board registered its opposition to any tuition or voucher program. Wonder why that would have come up all of a sudden and out of nowhere? Any thoughts? Could it be because enrollments at local private and parochial schools are on the rise?

E.C. :)


Monday, January 12, 2009

Meeting agenda focuses on non-performing schools

The image “http://www.matthewktabor.com/images/gcs_logo.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Heads-up on tomorrow's GCS Board meeting...according to an agenda item, Board members will discuss yet-another action plan on how to deal with our lowest-of-the-low performing schools.

These schools are:

Elementary: Gillespie, Montlieu, Oak Hill, Vandalia
Middle: Ferndale
High: The Academy at High Point Central, The Academy at Smith, Andrews and Northeast

More importantly, look at the attachments on this agenda item for some interesting reading.

One thing I'd like to comment on...both the Central Academy and the Smith Academy are rather-new schools. Why are they considered low-performing already?

Just my $.02....

E.C. :)

Powerful article on Guilford County's homeless children

The image “https://www.usshortcodes.com/csc/images/directory/57.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Kudos to local education reporter Brian Ewing for a powerful article on the more than 930 children who are classified as homeless in Guilford County. Following a recent report on what Guilford County Schools is trying to do to address the problem, Ewing profiled a homeless family with children struggling to survive from day to day.

An excerpt:

Richard Tuck, who supervises the system's social workers, is getting word out about the services available to homeless students and their families. Such students can enroll in school without proof of residence, immunizations or school records. The system will assist in getting the necessary records, providing transportation and helping students remain in their original school.

Tuck said students dealing with homelessness often miss many days of school, which puts them at risk of dropping out.

Schools have partnered with local aid agencies and churches to provide additional assistance to students and their families. Those networks can also help families get reestablished.

One of the largest resources in that network is Greensboro Urban Ministry and its new transitional housing program, Pathways Center . The group operates a temporary shelter and works to resettle homeless families quickly.

Pathways director Mark Sumerford said he sees about 100 school-age children every year.

The shelter can take in about 16 families , but there are 42 families on the waiting list, Sumerford said. That's nearly double the average.

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E.C. :)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mo's ready to go with GCS Strategic Plan

The image “http://www.digtriad.com/genthumb.ashx?e=1&h=205&w=270&i=/assetpool/images/090108062057_400x300_gcssuperpublicmtg.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. GCS Supt. Mo Green talked to CBS-2's Tracey McCain about the district's well-publicized Strategic Plan, which is just about ready to be unveiled.

At the same time, the superintendent will hold a town hall style meeting tonight beginning at 6:00 in Dot Kearns land--at the Emerywood Baptist Church,1300 Country Club Drive, High Point.

Green says new textbooks and supplies are not an option right now, parents and PTAs will have to help out more and he wants to crack down on low test scores and student discipline.

The Plan will be unveiled Tuesday January 27 during a special presentation to the community; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the GTCC Campus Jamestown, Koury Auditorium, 601 High Point Road, Jamestown.

E.C. :)

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Unveiling two other blogs

[erikfall08.jpg] I'm venturing into other territory, but writing and blogging keeps me strong. And as usual, I have a lot to say.

This week, I'm happy to announce that I'm unveiling two new local blogs:

"Triad Media Watch" (http://triadmediawatch.blogspot.com)...Triad Media Watch will be a regular examination of all things related to local media, including print, TV and radio in the Piedmont Triad region. Our first discussion surrounds the overall direction of the News & Record, and what can be done to make our local newspaper better.

"GreensboroMetro" (http://greensborometro.blogspot.com)...GreensboroMetro will be a discussion of issues surrounding the city of Greensboro and the politicians and the economy that drives Greensboro. And lately, there are a lot of them...from the David Wray/police blackbook controversies to the future of city manager Mitch Johnson, to the arrogance of certain city councilmen.

Interestingly, a new commenter on GreensboroMetro just said I should consider running for City Council! My response: "heh...don't tempt me."

But this is citizen journalism at its finest and I'm happy to oblige.

Both sites are open, but pardon the dust as links continue to be added to both sites.

E.C. :)

Shelves almost bare at Teachers Supply Warehouse

The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/teacher_warehouse/images/Teacher%20Warehouse%20014.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. I told you so.

Last month, I pondered what would happen if the widely-reported Teacher Supply Warehouse begins running out of supplies before the end of the school year, in the wake of recent (and additional) supply cuts to our schools.

And now, it is happening.

Click here to watch this from CBS-2.

So for you Board members who voted to cut off supplies recently....anything to say? After all, many of our teachers are also working two, sometimes three jobs to help make ends meet...they're the least to afford county-issued supplies out of pocket.

I thought not...

E.C. :)

And the Rotten Apple Award goes to...

The image “http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:G4KJ9FS2Cb7OfM:http://www.policyofliberty.net/gif/ManzanaPodrida.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. The image “http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/images/hayes.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. With your votes during the Christmas/New Years holiday period, GCS Board member Deena Hayes takes our first Rotten Apple Award for her obviously-still-controversial comments referring to slaves and slavemasters in a Board discussion several months ago about the district's Very Strong Needs program. (click here for a recap)

Congratulations Deena.
The image “http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:G4KJ9FS2Cb7OfM:http://www.policyofliberty.net/gif/ManzanaPodrida.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.The image “http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:3sietlTf1Y_ALM:http://www.gcsnc.com/images/kearns1.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Recently-retired GCS at-large board member Dot Kearns takes the runner-up spot for her ridiculous comments calling Guilford County "an ethos of slavery." (click here for a recap)

Good going ladies for successfully embarrassing Guilford County both on a local and national scale...and now finally being recognized for it!

E.C. :)

Monday, January 5, 2009

Homeless students take center stage again in Guilford County

The image “http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/news/local/2007/08/03/1665722/1186154221_NorthCarolinaEducation-220x165.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. A while back here on GSW, the homeless student population was profiled.

It takes center stage again as a new report released by GCS states more than 900 students in the system are homeless.

N&R:

Homeless numbers are expected to increase in county schools this year, according to a report released by the system today.

Officials said about 930 students are currently homeless. The total number of students who experienced homelessness at the end of the 2007-08 school year was 1,282. Officials believe this year's total could surpass that.

GCS:

Last year, a total of 1,282 students were considered homeless by the end of the year. Already this year, approximately 930 students in GCS are homeless, a number that is expected to increase as the year progresses.

“Unfortunately, if this trend continues, we could see a significant increase in the number of students who are homeless by the end of this year compared to last year,” said Richard Tuck, dropout prevention/intervention/parent outreach supervisor. “However, as a district, we have many resources to help these children be successful, and we want to make sure all parents know how we can help.”

The schools, parents and community agencies all have a part in supporting these students, which is outlined in the McKinney-Vento Act, a federal law passed to help families who are homeless keep their children in school. According to the law, a child or youth is considered homeless if he or she lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

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E.C. :)