EVERSON

Jackson County BOE axes positions, programs

Posted by
Mike Buffington
Friday, March 27. 2009
Comments (119)
The Jackson County Board of Education approved a sweeping set of financial cutbacks Wednesday morning, including the elimination of 38 teaching and non-teaching positions, closing the Regional Evening School program, furloughing 12-month employees for five days and the suspension or elimination of several other programs.

Included in the cuts is the elimination of an assistant superintendent’s position. Dr. Keith Everson, assistant superintendent for human resources and support services, is one of the 12 certified positions in the district that will be eliminated for the 2009-2010 school year.

The actions come after last week’s in-house BOE retreat, during which the board discussed the system’s finances in detail. While much of the district’s state-provided funds remains uncertain, the school system is clearly facing a drop in revenue for the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.

Board chairperson Kathy Wilbanks said district officials reviewed all options to reduce costs without compromising the quality of education.

Overall, the school system anticipates starting the 2009-2010 school year with more than 530 teachers, compared to 545 in the current school year.

County School System cutbacks

•Closing the Regional Evening School program at the Gordon Street Center, saving $374,108.

•Eliminating all three middle school graduation coach positions, saving $257,574.

•Ending the middle school Spanish program and eliminating one corresponding teaching position, saving $64,107.

•Eliminating one elementary art teaching position, saving $80,799.

•Eliminating one elementary music teacher position, saving $62,384.

•Eliminating the high school graduation test prep program and two corresponding positions, saving $121,597.

•Eliminating the Youth Apprenticeship Program and one corresponding position, saving $56,991.

•Eliminating the assistant superintendent for human resources and support services positions, saving $156,232.

•Eliminating 26 classified positions, including 18 special education paraprofessionals, who will lose their positions due to a decrease in the number of students enrolled in special education classes. District leaders say a “pyramid of intervention” is pinpointing which students require more intensive academic assistance before being placed in special education classes. Several other paraprofessional and clerical positions will also be eliminated. The total savings anticipated is $550,000.

•Mandating a five-day furlough for all 12-month contract employees — which includes all superintendents, directors, coordinators, head high school football coaches, principals, assistant principals, and some fine arts directors. Those employees working part-time will be furloughed for 2.5 days.The move is expected to save the school system $110,900 in salaries and benefits. The affected employees will spread their furloughed days throughout the 2009-2010 school year. If the state imposes furloughs, the school system will adjust its plans so that no more than five days total will be furloughed.

•Restricting out-of-system travel for training and conferences to those that are required or are essential to program activities. Instead, the school system plans to provide more in-house training for a potential savings of $252,000.

• Other cuts include no band camps to save $20,000, holding all BOE and administrative retreats in-house to save $10,000, and trimming four non-certified positions in the district’s central office to save a total of $96,440.

•Enforcing field trip requirements to trim costs and not replace teacher laptops for an estimated $240,000 savings.

• Other possible cuts range from providing in-house ant control (saving an estimated $15,745) to eliminating the system-paid portion of employee dental insurance (saving an estimated $264,500).
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#1 Anonymous on 03/25/09 at 12:07 PM [Reply]
We wonder why children are falling behind when compared to other schools and other states, and yet you cut out more and more education? Where is the logic in that? What is next- one book between two or three students? Are you going to cut out all extracirricular activities completely?
#1.1 Priorities need to be the kids on 03/26/09 at 02:28 PM [Reply]
They treat the children like prisoners, they do not get recess and not allowed any time to be kids and they expect them to act like adults.
They already share books, and they are not allowed to bring them home, which makes it near to impossible to help with the homework they do not understand.
#1.1.1 TammyHayes on 10/09/09 at 10:54 AM [Reply]
This was crap if you ask me. I was one of the people that lost their jobs.Now the child I supported in special ed.who was very intelligent with autism is struggling terribly this year.The parents are desperate to get me back in order to get him back on track.
It's also really funny how that school has already hired way more that they let go.So tell me how that is cutting the budget.
#1.2 greg on 03/27/09 at 04:05 PM [Reply]
Its rediculous isn't it !! The kids are fat and out of shape because they have no recess and no P.E. The schools are just getting worse and worse, do away with the BOE and replace them with hard working folks from Jackson County. These bureaucrats are nothing but politician wannabees.
#2 Kings Bridge Middle Parent on 03/25/09 at 12:52 PM [Reply]
I have no doubt that Mike Buffington is the lowest human in Jefferson now. To put Dr. Everson's picture in the paper when he has lost his job is about the lowest thing you have done thus far and believe me you have done some pretty low things.
This was highly unnecessary guess anything to
sell papers though no matter who you hurt.
You scumbag.
#2.1 GeorgiaGirl on 03/26/09 at 05:09 AM [Reply]
All I can say is what comes goes around comes around. I guess Dr. Everson should've thought about his own possible demise while destroying other teachers' futures during his tenure. I guess you speak so highly of him because you've never seen his true dark colors shine through.
#2.1.1 We NEED Keith Everson on 03/26/09 at 08:35 PM [Reply]
I don't know why you would say such a thing about one of the most fair, honest, and approachable administrative employees of the school district. I have NEVER heard a cross word from anyone when it comes to Dr. Everson. He is a steadfast employee advocate and ALWAYS goes out of his way to speak to those he encounters when visiting schools. His smile and eye-contact let one know that he is a genuine caring individual.

He's one of those special people that make you feel comfortable even when first meeting him. The school district's morale and image will suffer because of this HUGE mistake. Dr. Everson's presence is invaluable -- his positive attitude and honorable influence will be sorely missed by the Jackson County School District employees!

You have no clue.......!!
#2.1.1.1 Former Everson employee on 03/27/09 at 06:49 PM [Reply]
I worked for Dr. Everson at WJMS for three years. I consider myself lucky to have worked for such a great leader (and we didn't always agree on everything). I can't believe that the system is letting him go.
#2.1.2 Bonita Eberhart on 05/05/10 at 10:23 AM [Reply]
I agree-Like the old saying goes-what goes around, comes around. Everson was really good at taking the jobs of others without taking everyint into consideration. He was less than fair and definately not a compassionate man. Thank you Mike Buffington!
#2.1.2.1 Linda on 05/05/10 at 10:12 PM [Reply]
Bonita, you sound like everson done you wrong. Everson was a poor excuse for a man. Everson fired my friend that was a bus driver. That driver won a case against everson and jackson county schools at the department of labor. then jackson county schools let everson go. people don't know the truth about everson, but he'll never work for jackson county again. Thanks to AJ .
#3 concernedcitizen on 03/25/09 at 02:23 PM [Reply]
How does the axe of the art and music teachers affect our schools? Does this mean that schools will share these teachers? OR did a school employ two teachers in this category, and just letting one go?

BTW: Cutting the dental insurance contribution is DEFINITELY a reduction in wages. This is just a different way of doing so, instead of saying "teacher pay reduced". . . what was the average amount contributed by the county for each teacher?

Can someone please explain to me what a "graduation coach" in middle school was responsible for? Will others (ie teachers) be taking on this duty?

Also curious if these "certified" employees that were "let go" were "certified" in anything beyond their curret job description. . .

. . .i'm just sayin'. More deep thoughts to come. . .
#4 SG on 03/25/09 at 05:31 PM [Reply]
The citizens of Jackson County should be concerned about the decisions being made by the BOE, Superintendent , and remaining Assistant Superintendents. Dr. Keith Everson has brought an enormous amount of knowledge and empathy to Jackson County. He is approachable, fair, and will not fall to the pressure of his peers. This is probably what cost him his position. Over the past several years, employees and parents have known who they could go to when sensitive issues needed to be addressed in a fair, unbiased way, Dr. Keith Everson and April Howard. The others are simply a close knit group who you do not want to cross. It would have served this county better for Dr. Adams or Dr. Sanchez to have retired. The person or persons who made the decision and recommendation to cut Dr. Everson may have just set this school system back 10 years. Our children deserve better.

Dr. Everson - Thank you for the degree of dignity and the wealth of knowledge you brought to Jackson County. The student's and employee's lives you have touched will always be better because of you. You will be missed.
#4.1 just a thought on 03/27/09 at 06:18 AM [Reply]
SG,
Just a thought.......A tight knit group you dont want to cross?

This is your childs education your talking about. You shouldn't care who you cross YOU have legal rights that CAN NOT be changed by these people. learn them and DON"T BE AFRAID TO USE THEM. they can't do anything to you and if they try to take it out on your child then they would have LEGAL Issues comming.

FEDERAL LAW states your child has a RIGHT to an education.

When my children were in the school system they hated to see me come through the door because I KNOW MY RIGHTS when it comes to my childs education. I made sure that they did what they should have done NO COMPROMISE'S.
#4.1.1 Anonymous on 05/14/10 at 02:17 PM [Reply]
Do you REALLY believe all of that naive "truth, justice and the American Way!" crap you are spewing? Have you EVER lived in the REAL world? Geez, what rock have you been hiding under? It is common knowledge that "politians" and administrators DO "get you back" if you oppose them on anything major. I can't believe you actually posted such drivel.
#4.2 AshamedJCCHSGrad on 05/18/10 at 08:14 PM [Reply]
Agreed. Dr. Adams is a poor excuse for a leader. Mr. Andy Byers would NEVER have allowed behavior like this. Is there any hope that he would come back and clean up the mess that Adams and his group of puppets have made? I think that there is much more to the story of Everson's RIF dismissal...I am quite sure that he tried to stand up against the many unethical and poor decisions being made by the current BOE...and for that, he lost his job.
#4.2.1 russell on 05/19/10 at 09:05 PM [Reply]
Everson lost his job for firing a bus driver for the principal at East Jackson Elem. The principal came close also. Everson and Ms. Shadix(social worker for east side printed an email with lies about the driver and her child that attends ej elem. Everson and Shadix had their names on it. Then the driver won her case at the labor board. So Everson had to go.
#4.2.2 linda on 05/22/10 at 07:58 PM [Reply]
everson was let go for firing a busdriver for the ej prinpical. there was an email, with everson's name on it. the busdriver won a case against everson at the labor board in athens. this was never told. but its what happened to my friend. she has the email. he was dump enough to print her a copy of it. boe and adams do not want to talk of it.
#5 Stephanie Senter on 03/25/09 at 05:35 PM [Reply]
I don't see any other fundings cut for any other sport on here except for marching band. Hello? We need just as much practice if not more!
#5.1 Anonymous on 03/25/09 at 06:48 PM [Reply]
Wait. Marching Band is a sport?
#5.1.1 TCK on 03/26/09 at 10:52 AM [Reply]
I think it is very unfair to take away Band Camp and not do away with Football camp, especially at JCCHS. They havn't had a winning season since before I graduated in 1998. Most people who go to their games enjoy the award winning band more that they do the pathetic excuse for football team. This is not sound insulting the the kids playing football, because the coaches are responsible for showing and teaching you how to play. Sounds like to me the coaches should get their pay cut in hal until they can prove the tema is doing better.
#5.2 Aretha Franklin on 03/26/09 at 06:13 PM [Reply]
I couldn't agree more! The band needs a TON of practice! And some rain gear!! Tax payers pay $10,000.00 for band camp?????What other sport, art, academic, does the school system pay for a camp out of tax money??? You want camp, do what everyone else does--FUNDRAISE!
#5.2.1 diana ross on 10/17/09 at 10:43 AM [Reply]
oh yeah, like a stadium for the football team, a gym for the basketball team, and tennis courts. I wonder how much in tax funds it took for those?
#5.3 Math and Science > Arts on 03/26/09 at 07:12 PM [Reply]
As was pointed out, the band also gets a HUUUGE amount of money from taxpayers. Also, the band directors are making salaries that are some of the highest in the state for band directors in any county. It is a matter of public records what all state employees make and I think you'd be surprised to see how the Adam's salaries compare to most of the administration members salaries.

That being said, I understand the importance of arts, as I went through the band and chorus programs when I was in school. You gain self-discipline, the ability to accept and improve upon criticism, and tremendous interpersonal skills.

Still, our math and science programs are very weak (I'm currently a science major in college and I see first hand every day how unprepared I was) and if there isn't enough money to go around all the programs then the least important one is probably arts.
#5.4 just a thought on 03/27/09 at 09:37 AM [Reply]
Stephanie,
The funny part is that the band may bring in more people that the LOOSING FOOTBALL TEAM at the comprehensive high school.

Maybe they need to look at the coach and replace him with someone who can win (and cost the county less in the process).
#5.5 JC citizen on 05/12/10 at 08:52 AM [Reply]
IF the band wants band camp, pay to send your kid, or do some fund raising. My daughter plays on the fastpitch team and we pay for our kids to go to camp, the booster pays for all travel, uniforms, everything. The parents put the field together and painted the bleachers and rebuilt the dugouts. Shut up band geeks, it is not up to the county to pay for your camp!
#6 SG on 03/25/09 at 06:54 PM [Reply]
The reason funding isn't being cut for sports is because there is NO funding to cut. You band people just don't understand, the athletic boosters fund the athletics...On the other hand, no athletic team has two 12 month coaches being paid by the system. Also one of those 12 month band directors doesn't even teach a class.

Can't take away what's you don't have..funds! How about having a little compassion for the families who have just lost income and just for once not whine about what the band isn't getting.
#7 crazybooklady on 03/25/09 at 07:43 PM [Reply]
How sad that one of the few people with integrity at the central office had his job eliminated.The buddy system that hired Dr.Adams as superintendent is responsible for this latest fiasco!
#8 CUT THE LIGHTTS OFF on 03/25/09 at 08:19 PM [Reply]
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS AT EJHS. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE POWER BILL. HOW MANY TEACHERS COULLD E SAVE BY CUTTING THE LIGHTS OFF? LET THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE DO SOMTHING AND PATROL THE SCHOOL. THEY WILL SAY THE LIGHTS ARE NEEDED FOR SECURITY OF THE SCHOOL. IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO PAY AN ARMED GUARD. HEY MIKE BUFFINGTON! FIND OUT WHAT THE POWER BILL IS EACH MONTH. I BET ITS CRAZY.
#8.1 I agree on 03/25/09 at 09:49 PM [Reply]
I totally agree! Turn the lights off! Some positions could have been saved if the bill would not have been so high!
#8.2 Burning Money on 03/26/09 at 07:59 AM [Reply]
We live near EJHS and its looks brighter than
Jackson/Hartsfield airport at night. We have often
commented that it was a waste of money to burn so many
lights at light. You would think with all the printed
advise to think green and turn off your lights when
you leave a room,that those in charge would use
common sense, look at this situation and correct it,
especially with the current budget cuts. One
light for each area would be more than enough and the
county deputies should be checking the area often.
The power bill has to be huge.
#8.2.1 someone... on 04/01/09 at 02:10 PM [Reply]
EJCHS Is equipped with motion activated lights on all of the instructional wings, the lights you see on at night are only secondary lighting for security purposes.
#9 Behind_The_Scenes on 03/26/09 at 06:44 AM [Reply]
What the Board and Dr. Adams is not telling the public is Dr. Everson has been the one working so hard to put a plan together to save the most jobs in the system but cutting out the ones he knew was a waste to the system. The ones who sit around makeing close to six figures and do nothing for the education of our children. Could he have gotten too close to the truth? I don't know if this can be investicated, but if it can...Mike Buffington, make this your next article since you want the public to be informed about the real spending in the school system.

The majority of the employees who are going to be around for the next school year, you have Everson to thank!
#10 concerned on 03/26/09 at 11:02 AM [Reply]
Cutting back on the special needs program! I am very concerned, having a special needs child myself, this really concerns me for the future of my child's education. Surely the lights and cutbacks on higher teacher salaries could come into play first. The special needs children need the parapro's to help the teacher's.
#10.1 Back to the Basics on 03/26/09 at 02:18 PM [Reply]
They need to remember the kids and quit treating them like they are in prison, allow them to be kids, have recess and break time.
I think they could cut out the in school suspension teacher and after school suspension teachers. That is rewarding to the kids and does not give them punishment, it punishes the parents who have to pick them up since they cannot ride the bus.
#11 Wade on 03/26/09 at 06:38 PM [Reply]
The DA that just said it was "unfair" to take away band camp might be the most ignorant person on the face of the planet. (my fault that title goes to most band people) The fact is that the county tax dollars have been used for no telling how long to fund "band camp" the sports programs have to fund their own programs through hard work and creative fundraising. It just goes to show how ignorant and self-serving ALL band people are when it deals with the band. WE as county tax payers have been funding these camps for years and by the way they are not getting rid of just not going to pay for the consultants that run their band camps, create their routines, implement their routines, organize the practices while the salaried people sit back and collect a big checks (2 by the way). Maybe if all the coaches in Jackson County could get a consultant for their individual sports they would be better as well. So the idiot that said get rid of football camp listen to this please....I am proud to have played for the panthers and would have rather played football and lost EVERY game than to have EVER played in the band!!!!!!!
#11.1 C.W. on 03/26/09 at 08:40 PM [Reply]
I can tell your brains were knocked out during a football game. It takes alot to learn to play in the band and most of the football players that were in the band with me dropped out because they sucked at band ! Besides that the football team could not play their way out of a paper bag so you know everyone is there to see the band. Quit your crying, football is over for you and you did not get to go to college to play football, WHY?.....CAUSE YOU ARE A LOSER !
#12 Jackson County Alumnus Stew Elliott on 03/26/09 at 06:55 PM [Reply]
Oh my god. They are cutting band camps?! Why?! Is it just me, or did we forget that the fine arts program are a big part of our school system and our community? Now, I was a member of the Jackson County Comprehensive High School marching band and the band program was a huge part of my life. I am sure that I can speak for the rest of the students that have participated in any other extracurricular activities, but once you decide to cut funding for the fine arts and sports programs, you've gone too far. Do you also realize that you are not helping the student, but rather harming them? How would they reach their potential?
#13 Band Alumni on 03/26/09 at 08:02 PM [Reply]
Just to let people know, they cannot cut band camp. All the money it takes to run band camp comes from fund raising (yes the band does that too, not just sports). Sports teams have the boosters, and the band has the band parents. If you don't want to take my world on it contact Mr. Rowser at EJCHS or Mr. Adams at JCCHS. AND Mrs. Adams does teach. I would know, because I was taught by her. Basically every band in the state of GA that has more than 100 students has two directors. East Jackson has an assistant as well.
The band works hard to pay for what they have, just like the sports teams.
#13.1 Your info is wrong! on 03/26/09 at 09:09 PM [Reply]
As a band parent, I know for a FACT that band camp is NOT paid in full by fundraising. It has always been funded by monies from the school district.

You are right about one thing - there WILL be band camp but as far as funding goes, please verify your information before commenting.
#13.2 umm on 03/28/09 at 09:02 AM [Reply]
The statement about most schools having 2 band directors is incorrect. There are awesome bands all over the state, some with 200 or 250 students in their band programs (or MORE in the case of middle schools), that are only afforded one band director. What the Jackson County bands have (two directors - and neither school is even close to 200 in band after EJ opened) is definitely the exception. It is excess that needs to be cut, especially when you take into account the massive salaries we are talking about.
#14 kathy on 03/26/09 at 08:21 PM [Reply]
WHERE WAS EVERSON DURING THE RETREAT? MAYBE IF HE WAS AT THE RETREAT, HE WOULDN'T HAVE LOST HIS JOB?
#14.1 We NEED Keith Everson on 03/26/09 at 09:00 PM [Reply]
That is absolutely ridiculous!! Get a clue or back up your "maybe if he was at the retreat" with some information.

If you know something, please feel free to enlighten us. Speculation is best left to those who know not what they speak of.
#14.2 me on 03/26/09 at 09:03 PM [Reply]
While I may not agree with all of the cuts I have to say that this seems to be the only county that has cut positions and programs in a fair manner. Some of our neighboring counties have just laid off teachers only. Many teachers are quite thankful they still have their jobs because they could have easily been cut instead of these other programs, assistants, graduation coaches, etc. When it is all said and done what our schools need are our teachers!
#15 greg brockman on 03/27/09 at 07:59 AM [Reply]
I am surprised at how much some of these positions were paying. I was under the impression that teachers didn't make 60 grand a year... of course I'm not saying they don't earn it, but 60k a year is not chump change.
#15.1 Anon on 03/27/09 at 10:54 AM [Reply]
Teachers provide your children with a proper education and spend more time with them, on any given weekday, than most parents. How can you seriously argue about their salaries? You could not pay me enough to teach, but I think someone who has that much of an impact on my child’s future deserves a salary that keeps their minds off their bills. They are preparing your children for the rest of their lives, and all you can think about is how much they are getting paid? Teachers have always been underpaid, and will probably always be underpaid. You tell your kids how important an education is, but then you gripe about how much the person who is providing the education gets paid? Im so tired of reading peoples rants about teachers salaries when teachers have such a tremendous impact on our future. 60k isn't chump change, but neither were my coaches and teachers.
#15.1.1 doc on 03/27/09 at 01:56 PM [Reply]
And they are doing such a good job that georgia is almost last in the country when in comes to education.
#15.2 Charles on 03/27/09 at 11:22 AM [Reply]
The figures given include fixed charges such as the district's portion of retirement, social security, etc. That being said, a teacher with a masters degree and more than 21 years of experience earns 61,000 in actual salary. Is that too much? I think not. Y'all, the salaries for most teachers aren't a big secret. Look at the BOE website, select employment, and follow the links to the salary schedule. For most teachers -- there you go.
#16 Matt H. on 03/27/09 at 09:41 AM [Reply]
Dr. Everson has been a valuable employee of Jackson County for more than 12 years and the loss of his expertise and knowledge is something that the County cannot and will not replace for a long time.

Too bad another neighboring County is going to get a top notch addition to their staff.

As for the pay for the positions, if I am not mistaken, the total number they printed includes salary, benefits, vacation time, etc. It is not only the salary.

Finally, GeorgiaGirl, it sounds like you were let go by Dr. Everson and with your attitude of revenge I applaud his decision. Glad you are not teaching or dealing with my kids.

Go Dogs.
#16.1 Don Hill on 04/03/09 at 09:26 PM [Reply]
Makes you wonder if GeorgiaGirl is aka Bonnie, doesn't it?
#17 PantherPrincess on 03/27/09 at 10:41 AM [Reply]
Wow All of Ya'll really crack me up... fussing on here for no apperant reason. Whats done is done and nothing is going to change.. maybe we should fire some coaches theres way to many for a losing team.. maybe we should get rid of on of the band directors because theres really only one that actually teaches.. maybe there are way too many assistant principles and maybe building a huge school like East was a big mistake... there are many reasons they have to cut the budget and cut peoples jobs in the process.. its not right and I think there just really stupid for doing it but then again it was there idea to build a new school that was supposed to be "better" than JCCHS and they had to hire teachers and a new Principle because so many teachers wanted to go over to the new school. When if you think about it to save a lot of trouble they could have just built on to JCCHS but no they didn't why because people aren't smart! Hints:Jackson County is full of nothing but HICKS... with some smart people, but mainly HICKS! So if you guys would stop fussing about stupid issues and think about the children and how there education is going to be different from most of ours! Thats something to talk about, cutting things like music and art now makes me think maybe when I have children is there even going to be those classes I mean there still going to have a teacher now but whos to say in 10 years there will be one! BAND CAMP? maybe we should cut the football team and just keep the band and cheerleaders because they have won a ton more than the football team (I should know I've lived here my entire life) maybe we shouldn't spend as much money on band and possibly do a bit more fundraising but cutting band camp is a big thing. Another issue is the parapros and special education classes there may not be a lot of special children out there now but they still need classes that help them some of them just need one on one attention and you take that away whats going to happen? all I have to say now is thank gah I'm out of JCCHS and I don't have to worry about these issues as a student.
#17.1 crazybooklady on 03/27/09 at 02:25 PM [Reply]
YIKES! Maybe we should cancel all extra-curricular activites and teach grammar and spelling all day!
#17.1.1 Anonymous on 05/03/10 at 10:42 AM [Reply]
I agree. Maybe PantherPrincess should go back to school and learn spelling and grammar.
#17.2 What?! on 03/27/09 at 02:45 PM [Reply]
What in the world??
#17.2.1 crazybooklady on 03/27/09 at 03:15 PM [Reply]
If you read Panther Princess's entry,there should be no mystery as to what I was talking about.I would also like to apologize for my typo spelling of "activities".
Is it any wonder college professors are pulling their hair out with the freshmen we send them?
#17.2.1.1 chan7 on 05/06/10 at 02:48 PM [Reply]
Panther Princess is most likely a product of JCCHS. I went there and the "No Child Left Behind" program is well in effect there! When I attended teachers seldom gave work and everything is always about sports...
#17.3 fedup on 03/27/09 at 03:06 PM [Reply]
out of the mouth of babes...
band nor football are the issue here folks...
#17.4 I know you are but what am I? on 03/27/09 at 06:21 PM [Reply]
Your highness,
There, their and they're. There's a difference unless you're a hick.
#18 Brent A. Mikel on 03/27/09 at 02:51 PM [Reply]
The facts are, unless you work at the Board of Education office as an administrator or if you are on the Board of Education, none of us know all the facts of the decision making ... and I mean NONE OF US.

However, what little I do know is this. The vast majority of any education budget is consumed by employee pay and benefits. While the percentages may vary from district to district, most school systems are spending in the neighborhood of 85% of their budgets on salaries and benefits. The remaining 15% is simply too tiny an amount to finagle, but as outlined in the article, cuts are being made in numerous areas (bus route mileage, field trips, music, art, etc.).

All cutting hurts. Obviously, it can be taken too personally, but the district is trying to NOT spend money it does NOT have so as NOT to go into deep debt. As we are seeing in Washington, government spending run amok incurs deeper debt, greater inflation, and future financial uncertainty especially for those who actually do pay their income taxes, property taxes, sales tax, and additional nuisance taxes - aw shucks, it effects everybody.

Finally, I have had both the privilege and honor when I used to teach and coach to work with or around both Dr. V. Shannon Adams and Dr. Keith Everson. Both men are consumate professionals. I also have either worked with or taught and coached children of four of the five BOE members. Losing Dr. Everson and the remaining positions is not some calloused and thoughtless decison. Loss means what it is says - it is a huge loss. Believe it or not, it also hurts the decision makers too.
#19 greg on 03/27/09 at 04:02 PM [Reply]
Every thing the government touches turns to dung. The best thing to do would be to do away with the BOE. Bunch of bureaucrats that think they have all the right answers.. government = screw ups and more red tape. No thanks.
#19.1 David on 03/28/09 at 06:56 AM [Reply]
"the government"

don't forget, it's we the people
#20 I think its great on 03/27/09 at 05:36 PM [Reply]
I think its great that they would cut a TOP position, instead of several teachers. I am sorry Everson is loosing his job, but better him than our teachers. More positions at that board office needs cutting, instead of taking out programs in our school.
#20.1 Dave on 04/01/09 at 10:03 AM [Reply]
Everson's position is one that needed eliminated. Jackson County Schools does not need high paid assistants in any form, especially those with mega salaries. The fact is School teahcers are not up to par in Georgia, and throwing money at them will not make them do any better in the classroom. This has been proven time and time again. More cuts are needed in the Jackson County School system. Further City school systems in Commerce and Jefferson should immediately be phased into the county to save millions of tax payer dollars. Duplication, duplication is nothing but money wasted and students deprived of better education.
#20.1.1 CitizenJane on 05/18/10 at 03:58 AM [Reply]
My kid will be homeschooled before I switch them to the Jackson County School System.

Jefferson City Schools outrank them in every way.

As a JCCHS graduate, I would NEVER put my child there.
#21 hardworkingbandstudent on 06/17/09 at 01:52 PM [Reply]
For all who don't understand why some band students and parents are furious, let me explain from the West side of Jackson County. We did not win ONE GAME this past year in football. The band, its program and its two AMAZING band directors, and its members, have been bringing home superior ratings and trophies since this school opened. Because of band camp, we are known as one of the best marching bands in the state.
#21.1 sarahkhubbard on 02/18/10 at 05:12 PM [Reply]
AND cutting art/music in the elementary schools? What?!!! Today was Elementary School Music Day at Western Carolina, and I was helping to demonstrate instruments. I asked one of the students what they were learning about right now in their music class, and the response was, "oh we don't have that."

The student may have misunderstood me, or it may be that only certain grade levels are offered general music class. (I'm a Music Ed Major, but I am not yet familiar with the Jackson County school system.) But to hear a second grader say that...it breaks my heart! :'(

Music in our Schools Month (March) is fast approaching. I wonder what that will be like in Jackson County this year.
#22 outsider observer looking in on 10/11/09 at 02:20 PM [Reply]
HMMMM all of these thoughts and opinions,,,,,mostly about a shortage of money,,,,,,,mmm just wondering about all the money sent to and spent in I raq,,,,do you reckon this could be a punishment for ''OUR'' counrty declaring war on a country,,,just for its oil and of course government contracts that ensued the war....(I just did not want to leave OLE Dick C.out of the equation) ,,,why I hear he employed over thirty thousand with his Haliburton company,,,,ole man its really rough when the chickens come home to roost....
#22.1 Mike on 02/28/10 at 06:39 PM [Reply]
Give it a rest, already! Like Obama is all pure...HAHAHAAA! A LOT more money is spent on "entitlements" than the military. Look it up.
#22.1.1 outside observer looking in on 03/18/10 at 07:09 PM [Reply]
yep ,,,,Every one likes,,,loves to blame president Obamba,,,,but the 780 Billion dollars OLE George spent on a needless WAR could have helped a lot of things ,,,even georgia schools,,,,,but then Georgia is a ,,RED STATE,,,, so in a way you are now paying the piper for the song and dance that ,,,,Ole George ,,,,,WANTED,,,,,,,,(very badly)....
#22.1.2 outside observer looking in on 04/17/10 at 06:41 PM [Reply]
Entitlements are the result of being ''earned'',,,,IRAQ War was the result of stupidity and a lot of lying ,,,LOOK it up!!!!......or maybe just up yours is good enough
#22.1.2.1 informed member of the public on 05/28/10 at 09:58 PM [Reply]
looks like you and the outside observer are in pretty much full agreement ,,,,,so what is all the about ''up yours'',,,, suppose to mean???did you go to a local Ga. school and learn all the wrong things???
#23 Anonymous on 03/11/10 at 04:23 PM [Reply]
This is really sad...where is all the money going? How about an audit and how about these high paid politians taking pay cuts to help fund our schools. Kids are already paying the price for the bad ecomony. Its so bad that I choose to work two jobs to get my kids out of public schools and in a private school. At least there they dont worry about money and layoffs! Maybe you should try to allow all the homeschooled kids to participate with public school functions and maybe that would help to save some of the programs.
#24 Oh dear Anonymous - on 03/31/10 at 08:23 PM [Reply]
Didn't you know? All the money is going toward new vehicles for the BOE, new computers for BOE, Conference trips to Jekyl for the BOE, Conference meals to Atlanta for the BOE, travel expense accounts for the BOE - should I keep going?
#25 Anonymous on 04/05/10 at 08:07 AM [Reply]
The biggest issue is that you have a bunch of HIGH SCHOOL graduates telling COLLEGE graduates what should and shouldn't be done in school! How ridiculous! They know nothing about actual education, except for the years they were in grade school. And you could probably save some of the important jobs by re-ducing the superintendent's pay!!!!! A little over 142,000 dollars is absolutely absurd!!!!!!
#25.1 Anonymous on 04/11/10 at 07:55 AM [Reply]
I agree completely unless you have a college degree in Education, you should not be deciding any issues with the Educational system. If you don't have a degree, don't run for the BOE either. Us folks with degrees know what's best.
#26 mind blowing on 04/06/10 at 03:15 PM [Reply]
142k is absurd. But how about the kindegarten teachers - second grade teachers that have been teaching for around seven years earning over 53k per year. What infurates me is these same teachers fuss about a furlough and how they want to quit their job because they are asked to take unpaid time. How many people do you know earning 53k a year and getting 2 months off in summer, a week at thanksgiving, a week at christmas, a week for spring break, plus all other federal holidays? With any degree even Master's. I think it is time for a pay restructure across the board for these positions. And I suggest starting with the higher degrees in early childhood education. Don't get me started on the degree either. These same teachers are only teaching because the "degree was easy and fast" not because they want to mold the minds of our future. And people wonder why education is suffering.
#26.1 J.D. Scurlock on 04/12/10 at 07:39 PM [Reply]
It is really incredible isn't it? I was shocked when i found out how much teachers make, especially considering all the benefits they get... then they are always heaping more responsibility on the parents to help do home work at home... they should cut their pay, state wide, by 5 grand, heck that would save all kinds of money !
#26.2 outside observer looking in on 05/30/10 at 05:05 PM [Reply]
I agree with you fully....did you know that to become a ''teacher'' all you need is 2 years of college level courses,and then you do an internship (do another teachers dirty work),,a letter of recomendation from this same teacher and of course you have to pass the state teaching exam....but then there are ''notes about the exam on line"....Teachers, firemen and policemen are the most over rated jobs out there.... right up there with preachers........
#26.2.1 Been there,done that! on 06/17/10 at 07:56 AM [Reply]
Outside observer,who are you? To become a teacher, you must have 4 years of college,and most teachers go way beyond that, at their own expense. And to say that teachers,firefighters and policemen are over-rated! I would love to know what your all-important job is!
#26.2.2 Anonymous on 06/21/10 at 11:14 AM [Reply]
If teaching is so easy and overpaid, I welcome you to teach in my classroom.
#26.2.2.1 anon on 07/16/10 at 02:00 PM [Reply]
Wuss, can't handle it get you a real job and then you can complain, anybody that makes the kind of money teachers make for doing nothing ! They want everybody else to do their work for them while they get paid !
#27 Anonymous on 04/08/10 at 07:40 AM [Reply]
The entire system needs to be restructured and teachers need to be paid according to their abilities to teach our children. I think tenure and automatic pay rasies should be done away with and evaluations should be in place to weed out incapable teachers. I not saying teaching is easy (I substitute alot) but i do think there are too many perks. Parents also have a responsibilty to stand up for their childrens rights and keep voicing their opinions to the BOE. I really hope to see major changes in the school system for our childrens future!
#28 DF on 04/08/10 at 11:45 AM [Reply]
I could not have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!

Our Goverment as far as Education goes should start taking care of this business ASAP it is too late for a lot of our children now............
#29 Charles Fletcher on 04/09/10 at 12:52 PM [Reply]
Well, it looks like the usual list of suspects are lining up to run for their "soft" jobs again.Let them know at the election that we are "sick and tired" of their usual blaize attitude to the people they shaft,namely we the tax payers. The represenative I have will probably win again because her ancestors practicully ran Talmo at one time. If any one else runs against Ms. Elliot I will place one of their campaign signs in my yard to show these individuals "I" will not be voting the Talmo regime way.
#29.1 Steve Mayfield on 04/13/10 at 07:38 AM [Reply]
I don't have a college degree but it never stopped me from succeeding in the corporate world. When business cycles were at the low part of the trough we negotiated salaries and commissions to reflect the change. when the cycle swung the other direction we increased salaries and perks. Since the largest share of revenue comes from the tax base of housing, reduce teacher and staff salaries to reflect the percentage difference. Yes, it is a lower income than you had, however you get to keep your jobs.
#29.2 talmo resident on 04/22/10 at 11:34 AM [Reply]
My friend, once again you are trying to blame someone else for the problems in the school systems instead of putting the blame where it belongs, "The State of Ga!!" Do you, in your little mind not see and hear of problems in other school systems as well. Jill Elliott or Ms. Wheeler are not on their board, did they cause these problems too? You see I am not from these area. I lived in a school system that has 4 high school 12 middle schools and and at least 25 elementary schools. They are having problems also. Check out the Atlanta, Dekalb and Gwinnett school systems. Is Ms Elliott and Ms Wheeler part of their board? Point Made! I now live in Jackson County and I am proud of our test scores, schools and teachers. I will continue to support our board members on their decisions, I don't have to agree with them all, but I know they are thinking of our students and trying to do the best they can during this hard economic time.
#30 visitor on 04/11/10 at 06:17 PM [Reply]
Wow. I can't believe how much you people whine. Good grief. Get a life already would you?
#31 outside observer looking in on 04/13/10 at 08:00 PM [Reply]
OOPS ....When ole George W.Bush said not child left behind ....(to get your votes),,,,,while he lead this country down the prim rose path of financial destruction,,,,,did any one of your ''managers ''ever attempt to say,,,,the price of thins might be to high,,,was there any cut backs during the ''Bush Error'' and now that he left the country in financial choas,,,all of you want to whine about cut backs....maybe this is ironic and also a payback for voting ''RED''
#32 talmo resident on 04/15/10 at 10:13 AM [Reply]
Charlie Fletcher, I don't know why our board members should affect you at all, your son goes to Jefferson and he is not affected by the county schools. I think Jill has done a great job and I will support her again. My children did go to county schools and they now teach in these county schools. I am very proud of Jackson County and the progress we have made in our school system.
#32.1 Charles Fletcher on 04/19/10 at 12:57 PM [Reply]
Well my friend you will get the same incompetent direction you have had for all these years. Ms Elliot is part of the problem and should be voted out "NOW! The possible reason you think the county school system is so great is the fact you have never known anything better. Lets get rid of the professional politicans and get back to some honest God fearing policies.As far as my son going to Jefferson is concerned my wife and I took him out of that losing environment and placed him a proper academic enviornment. So keep Ms. Elliot and her cronies and see how much deeper in debt and academic futility you become!
#32.2 Charles Fletcher on 04/20/10 at 06:41 AM [Reply]
Friend what planet do you live on? Ms Elliot is part of the problem in our school system. She has been in office to long and needs to not seek re-election and allow someone else to clean up the mess she and the other political hacks have caused! The reason my son attends Jefferson is that while he attended North Jackson he was having problems in school and no one I repeat no one would help. However when he started at Jefferson they saw the problem and directed us in the right direction.
Jackson County should vote out the entire school board and then fire the entire office staff! We as tax payers will have to clean up the mess they have created.
#33 TAXPAYER on 04/17/10 at 08:49 PM [Reply]
WHAT PROGRESS , YOU MORON. AS FOR JILL, SHE JUST SITS AND KEEPS HER MOUTH SHUT. NO BRAINER. NOVEMBER CAN'T COME FAST ENOUGH.
#34 talmo resident also on 04/19/10 at 09:51 PM [Reply]
There has been no progress in Jackson County schools. As for Jill, she just agrees with ms. monia and weasel adams. everyone knows that. she's a nobrainer just like wheeler. november is coming sooner than some think.
#35 Good Grief! on 04/20/10 at 01:32 PM [Reply]
Have mercy! PLEASE don't let this stupidity leak into the Commerce School System!! I don't know about Jackson County, but the band program in Commerce gets NOTHING - everything we have is due to fundraising and concessions. I firmly believe that if one extracurricular program is cut, they should ALL be cut - football, basketball, EVERYTHING!! Special education?? THAT SHOULD NEVER BE AN OPTION FOR THE BOARD TO CUT - EVER!!!! Most of the kids involved with special ed. are in serious need of the extra help that the teachers and parapros give them. Also, don't our kids deserve better than a "cut this, cut that" mentality?? Where are Georgia schools ranked in the nation? Close to dead last! We should be working on the quality of our kids' education, not cutting everything in sight and asking our kids and teachers to "deal with it"!! This is why there are so many of our students going to schools in other counties or families moving out of state for better schools for their kids! If it was at all feasable for me to move, I would! This sucks! Sonny Purdue is a such an idiot!!!
#36 ????? on 04/22/10 at 05:19 PM [Reply]
Mr. Fletcher-it is unfortunate you had a bad experience. Your son's former elementary school is a fantastic place to be-it was then and it is now. What type of help did you ask for and didn't get? You can't just sit back and complain if you didn't go through proper channels. Do not bash an entire system based on your limited knowledge-or lack of. What makes you an expert in this area? Being a tax payer doesn't make you capable of directing our schools. You continue to show your ignorance.
#36.1 Charles Fletcher on 04/25/10 at 09:14 AM [Reply]
Again the arrogance of some individuals astounds me. Jackson County School System is so frought with nepotism it is not funny. As the old indian saying goes "Until you have walked one mile in my moccasins" do not be critical of my decisions. We sought help for our son and all the Jackson County School system did was totally ignore it. So my ignorant friend lets keep our mouth shut unless you know from what you speak! Let's get rid of the "buddy-buddy system" and grt some qualified leaders in charge of our schools.
#36.1.1 ????? on 05/09/10 at 07:29 AM [Reply]
You never answered the question as to exactly what you did to get help for your child that Jackson County-the entire county as you say-ignored. Your child does not even go to the county schools. And you are hilarious telling me to keep my mouth shut-you really should heed your own demand. Why don't you shut your mouth and do something about what you think is wrong-quit blabbing and start doing.
#36.1.1.1 Charles Fletcher on 05/16/10 at 07:13 AM [Reply]
The plain and honest truth is that someone with your small IQ could not comprehend what I was talking about. The vast difference in Jefferson and Jackson County is as wide as your mouth and as deep as your ignorace. So just keep up your "braying" and someday some one may listen!
#37 Charles Collins on 04/24/10 at 08:39 AM [Reply]
You ignorant JC country Hicks. No wonder the school system is in such bad shape. keep breeding and keep sending your kids to the chool system and JC and Georgia will be the butt of jokes
#38 Tammy on 04/28/10 at 07:28 AM [Reply]
It's already the butt of jokes. Jackson Schools suck. They have big new schools but don't teach one thing. All you have to do is show up. Teachers are dumb as dirt, because they are related to the ones in charge. Didn't have to get a real job. So they don't try to teach just show up and the children know it. Kids are smarter than the ones in charge.
#38.1 standby on 05/18/10 at 06:21 PM [Reply]
If this is how the adults act I see why our school systems are in such bad standings. If we the parents of children that go to school, any school, Jackson County, Jefferson City, Commerce ETC, we should take a stand and try to get our school systems back on the right track. Please stop throwing the blame on everyone else. It is also our fault parents because we don't go to these board meetings and give our thoughts of how our children need to be taught and by whom. We as parents need to take a stand and help our crimpling schools.
Yes, there are people out there that think my ideas are stupid, dumb, crazy, so forth and so on. But it is our children that are being affected by all this cut back crap. They say take it from education they don't need it. Well parents, people, these children are our future and if we keep taking from them we won't have a future. Who is to blame then? I am a tax payer, parent, work in education and love children, special ed and all. Lets all take a stand people and take our schools back for our children's sake. If we aren't there for them then who is? The BOE? The goverment? They are the ones taking. It is time to give back lets work together and stop these people from cutting our children's educating.
#38.1.1 Parent on 05/19/10 at 07:46 AM [Reply]
The Board of Education does not want you to come and speak at their meetings - If you have a desire too, you must notifuy them before so you can be added to the agenda, sign an agreement form and you are only allowed to speak for 5 minutes!
#39 Soon to Transfer on 04/29/10 at 09:05 AM [Reply]
Here is how your administration works. The girls b-ball coach is gone, so they need to hire one. They have to current teachers on staff who are qualifed and applied for the position. Neither were given the job and they hire a 63yr old man to coach these girls. Now he is qualified, but time has passed him by. He also will only be a part time teacher. So we are cutting staff but hiring part timers due to age. This makes no sense. Shannon Adams, Joe Lancaster, and Todd McGee are a disgrace to this county and should all be fired. Look at Buford they had to hire a new boys B-ball coach and they go out and get a 34 yr old up and comer who has been winning for the last 6 years. When will the administration get it right with Academics and Sports. McGee does not care about sports, Lancaster has no clue and Adams just tells you what you want to hear. Fire these three and keep the teachers and I bet the same amount of money comes off the books.
#39.1 In the know on 04/30/10 at 03:30 PM [Reply]
Soon to transfer is mostly on target with the information. You can’t call him the new coach yet. He hasn’t been approved by the board. The coaching situation was supposed to be brought up at the last meeting. I’m guessing it is hard to approve hiring a part-time teacher when you are axing over fifty positions. There has been a hiring freeze for the past two years. How can this be approved? It all goes back to politics! His wife works at the Board of Education office! Some more interesting information is that he is not a qualified teacher. If you check out the PSC website, you will see that his certificate has expired. How long has it been since he has taught?.. or coached a high school team?

I think all the teachers being laid off should show up at the next board meeting. Maybe they could talk to the principal at the high school for a job. I’m sure Mr. McGhee could create some positions!
#39.2 In the know on 05/03/10 at 12:29 PM [Reply]
Soon to transfer is mostly on target with the information. You can’t call him the new coach yet. He hasn’t been approved by the board. The coaching situation was supposed to be brought up at the last meeting. I’m guessing it is hard to approve hiring a part-time teacher when you are axing over fifty positions. There has been a hiring freeze for the past two years. How can this be approved? It all goes back to politics! His wife works at the Board of Education office. Some more interesting information is that he is not a QUALIFIED teacher. If you check out the PSC website you will see that his certificate has expired.

I think all the teachers being laid off should show up at the next board meeting. Maybe they could talk to the principal at the high school for a job. I’m sure Mr. McGhee could create some positions!
#39.3 maxwell16 on 05/04/10 at 07:42 AM [Reply]
Just hired a new girls basketball coach at EJCHS also. Seems to be very qualified, loads of credentials and knows the game. Come over to EJ - the pride of the eastside!
You can do that these days, just provide transportation!
#40 outside observer looking in on 04/30/10 at 06:22 PM [Reply]
Ironic,,,,,,,,,,,,,HOW THINGS WORK OUT ....Georgia (a red state) voted Red,,,and now they are in the Red,and also seeing Red,,,,GO Bush Go,,,,,,Red necks.
#41 educator on 05/02/10 at 03:20 PM [Reply]
There is one thing that I've learned in my years of teaching - you cannot please everyone. Tammy, I would invite you to walk a mile in my shoes or any other teacher in Jackson County's shoes. Despite the difficulties that the educational system is facing these days, teachers do care. As in every profession, there are those individuals who are working solely for the pay check. (Yes, I do work for a salary, but I am in a profession that I love. I don't know anyone who would teach for free.) We have to teach all children regardless of the baggage that the enter the doors with.

Soon to Transfer, you might want to make sure you have all of your information straight. I understand that the new coach is actually much younger than you indicate, and will help give girls' athletics the respect that they deserve. Dr. Adams has had the difficult job of telling his staff that their positions are no longer. It has certainly been a difficult job that he did not want to do. As far as Dr. McGhee goes, I find him to be a firm, yet fair administrator. He cares about academics first, but also realizes the importance of athletics in high school. I am delighted that we have administrators that care for education in Jackson County. Times are difficult everywhere.
#41.1 Big Papa on 05/10/10 at 03:32 PM [Reply]
When did Jackson County ever care and know the importance of athletics?? Jefferson seems to be the only school system in the county that cares about athletics. Compare the number of scholarships offered between the two school systems.
#42 not_now on 05/03/10 at 09:11 PM [Reply]
I had registered my child to start school next year at EJ now that I have read all these post from people I am sure that he will not be attending there. Commerce will be our school of choice. Why are so many of you on here bashing the band and football activities? Have you stopped to think where some of the kids may be if there was no football or band to keep them busy? There are so many kids today who stay in trouble atleast with the activities they are able to do something with their time outside of school. Why does it matter if the football team is a winning team or where the money comes from for the band? The kids who participate enjoy it and that should be all that counts. Jackson County school system is not the only schools suffering from cuts right now there are many schools that are being shut down. This could be any of the Jackson County Schools. I agree that EJ should turn off the lights, and maybe that nice big shcool should not have been built but whats done is done. Cutting the teachers is not the way to solve the problem because our kids are the ones who are going to suffer from this. THINK MORE ABOUT THE KIDS AND TEACHING THEM this should be the number one prioirty considered when trying to save money. Good Luck to all of you who are part of the Jackson County School system!
#42.1 makes no sense on 05/09/10 at 07:24 AM [Reply]
not_now-you make several good points but what confuses me is that you registered your child at EJ but now won't be taking your child there? Because of the comments of many ignorant people here??? I assure you these comments are not the majority. It seems rather ignorant of you.
#42.2 just curious on 07/01/10 at 07:41 AM [Reply]
"Have you stopped to think where some of the kids may be if there was no football or band to keep them busy?"

Maybe at home with their parents...It is the job of the parents to raise their children, not the government's (school's).

"The kids who participate enjoy it and that should be all that counts"

No. Can we afford it? That's the first question.
#43 Denene on 05/12/10 at 11:58 PM [Reply]
Please run from ej schools, they are the worst schools in jackson county. All that's in them are mean old bleach hair menopause old hads. All they do is order your child around allday long. And yes, I'm one of the majority ej sucks.
#44 Anonymous on 06/11/10 at 07:09 PM [Reply]
Anyone ever think that maybe what's wrong with the schools is that they took God out of it?
#44.1 Jackson Countian on 07/03/10 at 11:48 AM [Reply]
I too, wish Allah would return to the schools. The children should pray to the east every morning and evening. And the females (separated from the males of course) should wear head coverings.
#45 Anonymous on 06/22/10 at 02:20 PM [Reply]
Nope not at all, schools are better without putting religion where it can be pushed on children who can not make the decision to worship or not.
#46 Charles Fletcher on 07/09/10 at 08:46 AM [Reply]
Religion is ones personal belief whether it be Baptist, Methodist, etc. However God on the other hand is a tangible being. Thus when the educational system kicked God out of the schools is when the public school system began to destroy itself. A question to you anonymous, Do yoy think God does not know who you are? Think about that!
#47 Anonymous on 07/09/10 at 10:47 AM [Reply]
It's amazing to me how everyone wants to make the school systems solely responsible for the education and raising of their children. Whatever happened to Parents taking some responsibility for their children? I like how so many people claim they could run the system better ... but they really don't have a clue! Maybe if people got off their rear-ends and decided they have had enough of living in poverty and decided to do something about it things would turn around. How about we all decide to stop sucking off the system and make better for ourselves!
#48 taxpayer on 07/18/10 at 12:08 AM [Reply]
Nope, Its the school system that has put themselves before the parents. Its all about the money. The schools wants everyone to be labeled as retarded and eat free lunches. Because more money for the schools. Even the teachers children are on ridalen, and some of the worst ones that misbehave. Then all you hear is a blame game. Quit wining and look at what the government school system has created.
#49 Jackson County Tax Payer on 11/06/10 at 01:46 AM [Reply]
One year after we eliminated Keith's superfluous BOE position, and then he left WJMs high and dry to go work for Gwinnett, are the employees of Jackson county schools "scrambling" to fill all the work this man did? Seems like the best $160k we ever saved.
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