Sex, Lies And Educrats
MIDLANDS SCHOOL DISTRICT CAN’T SEEM TO COME CLEAN
FITSNews – July 5, 2008 – It’s been a sweltering summer of discontent for one Midlands-area South Carolina school district, and the heat doesn’t seem likely to subside anytime soon.
Beset by declining academic marks, embarrassed by negative national press over the status of a gay-inclusive club and caught artificially inflating their supposed “overcrowding” problem, the district is now facing the loss of yet another leader due to personal issues – all of this while attempting to sell voters on the need for a $250 million bond referendum.
After dismissing its previous superintendent three years ago for allegedly having an affair with a teacher, a high-profile sex scandal is once again plaguing Lexington-Richland School District Five – and this one couldn’t come at a worse time for the beleaguered administration.
The current scandal involves district superintendent Scott Andersen – who just last month had to fend off rumors that he was stepping down from his post – and elementary school principal Melissa Cole. According to numerous sources within the district, the pair’s romantic involvement has already cost Andersen his job – but school board members are hoping to “sweep the affair under the rug” until after the November referendum when they can dismiss Andersen at their leisure.
Andersen’s wife, Bernice, and the couple’s seven children have already left South Carolina and returned to Utah. Also, the Superintendent’s home in the lakeside community of Chapin, S.C., is up for sale.
News of the scandal began circulating like wildfire within the district last month, when school board members met privately with Andersen to discuss the situation but decided to keep him on the job until after the referendum, telling newspaper reporters they wished to “respect his privacy” regarding what Andersen’s own spokesman termed “rumors circulating in the community.”
Publicly, however, Andersen is at the heart of a much bigger and much more expensive alleged manipulation – an apparent attempt to deliberately overstate the projected growth of the district’s student population and make it appear that his schools are more overcrowded than they actually are.
According to figures obtained from district officials, Andersen and his school board allies appear to be intentionally inflating these figures to convince a skeptical public of the need for a referendum that has twice been rejected at the polls over the last three years.
Literally within months, astronomically-high numbers seem to be appearing out of nowhere, with no connection to anything other than the district’s desire for more money.
For example, according to Lexington-Richland Five’s official estimates, the population of Irmo High School is supposed to expand from 2,012 students this year to 4,041 students over the next decade – a dramatic projected increase that is considerably higher than what the district itself estimated as recently as three months ago.
But there’s no historical data to back up such an estimate. In fact, over the past fifteen years – which have seen tremendous growth in the Midlands suburb which is served by Irmo – the school’s population has only increased by 85 students.
Asked to explain their 2000-student increase, the district could not provide an answer, and said that the justification for their growth figures was “a rhetorical question that no one can answer.”
Of course, the district itself projected much more conservative growth rates as recently as April of this year, when Andersen sent an e-mail to his staff pegging Irmo’s projected growth at 650 students over the next five years.
And previously, in November of 2007, Andersen had said the school’s population would grow by only 400 students over the next decade.
Amazingly, not even the low-end of Andersen’s figures appear to be on the mark, as the five elementary schools which feed into Irmo High have all shown declining enrollment figures over the past five years.
In fact, the total enrollment for these five schools declined by 250 students last year alone.
But the deception doesn’t stop with estimates for future growth, it extends to how the district is managing its current student population – shoving more and more of them into portables despite glaring discrepancies between the actual student population and the core capacity the district’s schools are designed to manage.
Architecturally, the current core capacity for Lexington-Richland Five’s schools is 21,200 students – which is well above the district’s current student population of 16,505. Additionally, the student population this year is actually less than it was last year – by about 70 students.
Yet for some reason, the district spent $1.3 million this year on 22 portable classrooms – 17 of which went to the Irmo cluster of schools, which actually lost about 300 students from last year’s enrollment. These portables, of course, are displayed prominently right out in the front of the school as a way to showcase the “pressing need” for additional facilities.
Students we spoke with at Irmo High School do still say they feel “squeezed” in the current facility, as do students at Dutch Fork High School.
In fact, there was visible congestion in the Dutch Fork hallways on both of our visits to that campus.
So what gives? How can a district’s facilities be bursting at the seams despite a contracting student population?
Several teachers we spoke with told us that the overcrowding problem has been exacerbated by district policies designed to reduce available teaching space.
Specifically, the addition of state-supported 4K programs, creative student-teacher ratio adjustments and the allocation of ninety minutes per day for each classroom to be used exclusively for “teacher planning” have combined to cut the percentage of available classroom space – necessitating the “need” for portable classrooms.
“That leaves about 25% of classrooms vacant and creates the need for more classrooms, hence more portables and the perception of an overcrowded school,” says Kim Murphy, a local parent who has repeatedly challenged the district to come clean with its numbers.
Speaking of numbers, after posting “excellent” absolute ratings from 2003-2006 on its state-issued report cards, last year saw Lexington-Richland Five slip to “good.” Additionally, the district’s improvement rating dropped to “unsatisfactory” last year.
Not surprisingly, the district blames those losses on inadequate facilities for a growing student population – despite the fact that the numbers do not support those claims.
So what is the driving force behind the $250 million referendum being sought by Lexington-Richland Five?
Well, pushing the spending plan again this year are powerful local developers who have a direct stake in placing new schools next to their planned subdivisions. These interests – led by the Mungo Company – have bankrolled the last two pro-referendum campaigns, which have invariably outspent their opposition by considerable margins.
District administration leaders also serve as the referendum’s cheerleaders, devoting a whole section of their taxpayer-funded website to a “Fact or Fiction” page designed to drum up support for the referendum.
Fortunately, voters aren’t buying the spin.
Last year’s $256 million referendum was defeated 56-44%, and a $230 million referendum two years earlier was defeated with over two-thirds of the vote.
Will they be successful this year?
With Andersen ethically-compromised and his numbers failing to compute, signs point to “No.” But count on them to keep putting the referendum on the ballot year after year, anyway.
Comments
By That's spelled... on July 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
AndersEn.
Nothing wrong with the keyboard.
By UnderHouseArrrest-Lexington on July 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
You can bet your a55 Donnie Myers and Legal Tediums, Inc., are involved in this — tighten the noose around his neck!!!
……..
At any rate, we knew you wouldn’t let us down Sic Willie! We Heart You and Mrs. Sic!
[What a woman she must be -- to live amicably with you!!!]
By UnderHouseArrest-Lexington on July 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Grammar Patrol
By Confused on July 5th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I just don’t get it – manipulation of the true situation like this would never fly in the real world. I mean, if I’m running a business and need investors to chip in more to expand the operation, I would need definitive numbers for justification of my request. And, if I inflated my numbers to get what I wanted, I would be in a whole lot of trouble if caught – possible job termination or legal problems that could lead to jail. Why do public officials so often do things like this and avoid consequences like we face in the private sector?
By UnderHouseArrest-Lexington on July 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Legal Patrol, pls delete 1st comment
By Calhoun Fawls on July 5th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
This is bullshit. If you want to oppose the ballot, fine. I would probably be with you on that. But, the personal stuff, what’s that about. Are you really that pathetic or just not gettin’ enough so you have to think about how everybody else is gettin’ what you ain’t.
Ah, the clean tactics of the Sanford people.
By Silence Dogood on July 6th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Great story! Now if we can just get some attribution on the quotes, sources for the numbers, and documentation for the claims it looks like the bond request is going down the tubes.
I am not saying there isn’t a story here, but attribute quotes, numbers, claims and other information to a source.
By Tom on July 6th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Great post.
This is classic “old government” at work. Not just school admin, but “old” government.
These people can not separate themselves from their appointed mission, and therefore they become one, and the whole thing becomes a mess.
Good work married guy Will. The State will publish the same article in 2011…so until then I am thankful for your efforts.
By Deidre on July 6th, 2008 at 5:55 am
AnderSIN
By tax-pay-poor on July 6th, 2008 at 6:20 am
“Following an evaluation of Superintendent Scott Andersen in an executive session at last week’s meeting, the District 5 School Board agreed to increase his salary by 3.85%, bringing his annual pay to $166, 296.” (NIN)
Is that pay increase for his GIGANTIC alimony and child support payments he will be making???
By H.Melville on July 6th, 2008 at 6:32 am
TRUTH IS IN THINGS, AND NOT IN WORDS
D5 Staff -
We are in the home stretch of this school year. Only 16 days left!!!
I am letting you know that we have updated information about enrollment, facilities and a potential future bond referendum on our facilities website: http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us/about.cfm?subpage=38. If you click on “PRESENTATION”, you will see the updated material. Here is a direct link to the presentation: http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us//files/filesystem/Enrollment, Projection and Other Ref Info 2008.pdf.
The update includes information about the financial of a potential referendum this fall. One of the option shows a referendum total of $243 million. Depending upon the length of the payback for the bond, the cost per $100K home would be either ONLY $14 per year for a 20 year pay back or $0 for a 25-year pay back.
I hope you find the information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have questions or comments.
Have a terrific day!
Scott
By Observer on July 6th, 2008 at 6:34 am
The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.
H. L. Mencken
By HoraceMann on July 6th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Evil and good are God’s right hand and left.
By porti on July 6th, 2008 at 6:49 am
“Mormons have nothing whatsoever to do with this polygamous sect in Texas. The fact is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of polygamy in 1890: 118 years ago. It’s a significant part of our distant past, not of our present”
Has AnderSIN read this?
By seeker of truth on July 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
New motto for District 5
“Scientific truth is marvelous, but moral truth is divine and whoever breathes its air and walks by its light has found the lost paradise.”
By seeker of truth on July 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person’s money as his time.
By The TOMESTER on July 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am
As one who “singlehandedly defeated” Hampton One’s bond referendum last fall (not my words), I see the same thing in all these school districts. The District offices can (and with our tax money, will) say anything that makes the situation look dire.
In Hampton One we have an aging school that truly needs to be replaced. But the district, seeing an opportunity brought on by the school funding shift, swung for the fences, and turned a $15M school into a $30M referendum. And tried to sell doom and gloom the the 10,000 or so folks who would have to pay for it. And because we are rural, and are economically depressed , a much smaller number of property owners would actually be paying for this boondoggle.
Fortunately, despite a miserable turnout, the referendum was handily defeated. So soundly, in fact, the Superintendent found it was a good time to move on.
It’s not over, though: there’s a new, local-grown superintendent with legislative experience. Wish us luck.
By seeker of truth on July 6th, 2008 at 7:13 am
#17- The rural schools in our state definitely need an overhauling. Ultimately it is the children that are being affected the most. Your need is valid. Lex. 5 are also in valid need of change too. Change in ADMINISTRATION. The best way to fix the problem in our district is to fix the existing schools that are in desperate need of restructuring. The Board should have gone with the two-question ballot.
By DistrictWon'tBackDown on July 6th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Oxymoron:
Referendum: Referendumb
T.Petty: S.AndersEn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isKvVN8MXC8
Is this Petty? ………………. getting too deep
By Hillacrat & Shameless!!! on July 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hey You — District 5:
Hillary Clinton has the rights to this
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isKvVN8MXC8]
song — including all power, rebel-yell-in-your-face angst, and associated glory until after the DNC in Denver in August. Got it?
You Have Been Herein Thusly Warned.
By teacherfriend on July 7th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I agree with #18 — two question ballot. One question on whether to build new schools in the most rural part of our district (next to land Mungo owns) and one question on whether to renovate and add on designed classrooms to existing schools. Don’t count on the board budging. It’s all about getting the 3 new schools and getting 50% of the voters plus 1.
By windowofopportunity on July 7th, 2008 at 10:14 am
For a computer wiz, Andersen can’t even get the link right on his own mass email. Thanks for posting it, #11. Incidentally, that email was sent to all of D5 staff on May 14 and the link should be: http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us//files/filesystem/Enrollment,%20Projection%20and%20Other%20Ref%20Info%202008.pdf page 6 to see Irmo High projection as 650 in 5 years.
“Honest, open and transparent” are Andersen’s words describing himself at his very first board meeting in D5 and then again in other venues. Ha! Did you catch his “not-so-honest” statement in his email seen in post #11? “Depending upon the length of the payback for the bond, the cost per $100K home would be either ONLY $14 per year for a 20 year pay back or $0 for a 25-year pay back.” Try again Andersen.
The Board approved the first option, but it’s not as Andersen states. The truth… if you voters approve this Bond Referendum, your debt service will be $14 MORE than the $196 per $100K home for 20 years you are already paying now – not “ONLY $14″ as he says so matter-of-factly. But wait a minute… He also fails to tell you the most important fact… most of that $196 that you’re paying now will go away because… in March of next year ALL YOUR DEBT WILL BE PAID OFF. Tricky, tricky.
Do you think he’s not telling you how much the Bond Referendum will really cost you because he’s afraid you might not vote for it? (He, Robert Gantt, Ed White and their buddy Mungo really want these new schools.)
And when is he going to tell you how much your taxes will go up to pay to operate them?
By windowofopportunity on July 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
And then this appeared 15 days later. Now Irmo High will have 2,000 MORE kids in the next ten years???http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us//files/filesystem/Enrollment%20and%20Capacity%20Slides.pdf page 5
By Believe It Not (a.k.a. Sic Willie's Stalker) on July 9th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
sic(k) willie, you’re low-ness in attacking children knows not bounds. It seems silly to go down this road. You’ve admitted taking money from those in that school district who attack children’s future.
Shame, sic(k) willie. How much are they paying you to attack kids?
By Believe BIN Not on July 10th, 2008 at 5:52 am
BIN -
How you think raising the questionable morals of an individual leader is “an attack on kids” amazes me.
By rick on July 10th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Lets see, The voters say no, the school district comes back, the voters say no….yep you’re right sic willie you devil, its all about the kids. and the contractors and the teachers and the union and the damn this could get boring.
By constituent on July 11th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Still waiting for the district to come clean- it is the right thing to do- we trust you
By Another teacher friend on July 13th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Fits – For the sake of the children – thanks. Our so-called “leaders” need to be exposed when it gets to this point. Bogus presentations meant to mislead – inappropriate relationships… We teach “character education” in this district. Quoted from Board Policy IDBC –
“The district believes that the home is the primary source of moral, ethical and religious instruction and that the role of the school is to support and reinforce the importance of the character traits inherent in these teachings. To be effective, character development needs to be evident in the entire school district at every level. …these traits should be demonstrated, modeled and supported by the words, actions and deeds of all employees and official representatives of the district including the members of the board.”
By Jack Spratt on July 14th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Ohhh yall are just being too hard on Andersen and Coles. Look, it is simple, as a supervisor how do you give an inexperienced, young female teacher the principal role at the largest and newest elementary school in the district and make the situation good?
Of course you take a hands on approach. You get on top of the situation and you push and push and push until your satisfied. But I guess only Melissa knows if it was micro management….or if in the end his involvement left a bad taste in her mouth. What is odd is her husbands promotion YEEEOUCH…. :0 I don’t even want to know about that arraignment LOL
By abc on July 14th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Is this AndersEn’s solution to meeting the growth projections he reported? Got to give him credit for innovative thinking. Too bad his wife took like 7 kids out of the district. He better get busy if he wants to hit his target number.
By D5 Supporter on July 14th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
This is a travesty. District 5 continues to excel in EDUCATION. District 5 continues to educate our children and strives to REMAIN one of the best in the nation. These outrageous lies are vindictive. The persons responsible for initiating and perpetuating these myths should look at THEMSELVES. There are those out there that don’t care who they hurt – children, an administrator, a family/families in crisis… wholly for their own gains. How dare anyone make these accusations and let them bring forth the burden of FACT. They cannot, because this is a horrible display of people in a feeding frenzy of lies organized by political sharks.
By D5 Supporter II on July 14th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
D5 Supporter,
Take off your rose-colored glasses and look at the facts. The only way to better this district is face them and clean it up. Family/families in crisis IS sad. And if the accusations of inpropriety are true, it’s too bad the adults in leadership positions made such poor choices or even went as far as putting themselves in positions that are the least bit improper.
By spring hill resident on July 15th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Seems odd Andersen would be parked in a wooded area in a panel van during work hours. Get out of the van in a pair of shorts and t-shirt, look around cautiously and then proceed to walk a mile back to his house. Worse yet a Chapin student and Mom saw it and thought what’s going on here…. I think Jimmy Buffet has a song titled like that “You call it jogging, I call it runnin’ around”
By laying-down-on-the-job on July 15th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Maybe Jack Spratt is right above…. Maybe the real issue is with Coles? If DS Supporter is right AndersEn is doing a great job and Coles just got picked out…. Now why is that? Why if it is false would someone target Melissa Coles? Has she acted in a manner in the past that would have made her a target? I would love to hear why she was picked out if the story isn’t true.
By just say yes on July 16th, 2008 at 7:38 am
All this controversy really puts a new meaning behind saying yes to AnderSIN and the board. IF Melissa said yes to Scott and that is what she got think what would happen if we say yes to the board.
Where is the rest of the school board on this topic? Hiding behind some personal reasons for the sell of his house. A simple, “this is not true” statement from the board would be nice to hear. They like the fact fiction thing at the school so here lets see if they can fill this in
Fact: Andersen’s house is for sell
Fact: Andersen was seen by a Chapin student getting out of a van in wooded area around 4 oclock on a Thursday. Saw him walk 8 tenths of a mile to his house and then saw the wife show up later. Behavior was odd enough that she told her parents.
Fact: Andersen’s wife has left with 7 children
Fact: Cole’s husband left Melissa
Fact: Cole’s husband was promoted to assistant principal
An official response from the board would clear this all up. BTW if the allegations are true and the board is covering for little Scotty then they are as culpable of the impropriety as he is.
By s.carolina.gal on July 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Shame on the Builders? Really?
You say shame on builders like Mungo who are trying to do something to help our children get a better education, but considering that the United States is ranked 19th in the World for children’s education, it seems that we should be applauding those that are making a difference for our kids rather than always complaining about their efforts to assist.
I say thank you to them and builders like them that help provide my child with a better place to learn!
By rick on July 18th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Yep, me too! Since their not turning a profit it only stands to reason its for the kids….rose colored glasses and pass the cool-aid.
By Unpopular Patty on July 18th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
If the numbers the district is giving are wrong and there have really only been an increase of 90 students at Irmo High in the last 15 years then it sounds like we need to REZONE. Yes, I said it. REZONE. Chapin is very overcrowded so we need to move the the line and move some students from the Chapin feeder area to the Dutch Fork area. Then take students from the Dutch Fork area and put them i the Irmo area. We will still need to build, but not quite as many schools so quickly. No one wants their neighborhood rezoned and this will not keep us from needing new schools, but it is a start.
By concerned parent on July 18th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Oh my God. I am APPALLED at what I have seen on this site. I am so sorry I took the time to look into what a friend said she saw in the Irmo news (which was a reference to this site). As a parent of River Springs Elementary Students, I can tell you that Melissa Cole is a wonderful person and an excellent leader of our school. Anyone who KNOWS her personally couldn’t possibly be writing these hateful, destructive messages. It makes me sick. What I am seeing here is evidence of the hideous, hurtful, ugly rumor mill that destroys kids in school. I can not believe that parents are talking like this. I can only imagine what the kids are learning from these conversations since I doubt it ends online and does not continue at the kitchen table and in the front yards. I am scared that my children may be attending middle or high school with the children of some of the people behind these messages. I am seeing despicable things written about two people based on RUMORS. And they are then telling these two people (that they don’t even know) how THEY should behave….what is moral and ethical….you are kidding me, right…???? Look back at what you have written and take that to your family, friends, and your God, and tell me if you think what you have done is right. I don’t know my scripture as well as most do, but I know the spirit of it and it goes something like this…” why do you see the speck in his eye, but not the plank in yours”
By Concerned DF Supporter on July 19th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I, too, know the parties involved. This hate campaign is backed by a gorup of persons that want to skew reality. There is NO proof to these claims. Do not stoop to the level of even questioning this FICTION.
Here is the proof: District 5 is a respected educational leader. Schools like Dutch Fork High have been recognized as one of the best places to educate our children. Newsweek magazine named DFHS as one of the top 100 schools in America. This district has done an excetpional job of hiring the brightest and the best teachers that have worked tirelessly to provide the safest, most nurturing, and academic environment for CHILDREN.
Please get off your political agendas. You are defacing an icon – District 5. You are using malicious lies to further your hate campaign. And what is your underlying campaign? Basically, you don’t want your property values to go up. You don’t want the schools to be less crowded. You don’t want our schools to continue to excel. Why? You are too worried that your taxes will increase each time a child succeeds. You are too worried that your pocket book will suffer to help children succeed.
Bottom line – this smear campaign is based on vicious political group that DOES NOT WANT to see District 5 succeed, because it will hurt them financially. Childen are the last thing behind this horrible attack.
These attacks should be seen for what they are… They are another way that can detract the mainstream public away from the facts that District 5 is DEFINITELY overcrowded, and that technology and space are woefully needed to help our children continue to strive towards excellence.
You see guys, these are not the times that WE grew up in… Our kids are more technologically savvy than we ever had to be. Keep in mind that it will be our CHILDREN that take care of us when we are seniors. We need to give OUR CHILDREN the opportunities that are available to us TODAY. Things are NOT like they were 30 years ago. And if you think so… think about this. Do you still want to use the old lawn mower that was not run on gas? No, you are moving with technology. You are SMARTER than that.
Do not let these insane lies, get in the way of the real issues. This is just a ploy to keep JOE PUBLIC misinformed and not focused on the real problems that face our growing district.
Why would anyone listen to these malicious lies?
You talk about ROSE COLORED GLASSES… The glasses you want the mainstream public to wear are lined with lies, deception, a blatant manipulation of fact… all to make YOUR cause seem plausible. And these same villans SAY that they CARE about our children.
No, they care only about the almighty dollar bill. CHILDREN are the last things on the minds of this political group piloted by a few and fueled by many that don’t care to look any further than the surface for truth.
By You have got to be kidding on July 19th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Look back to post #37
The “facts” this person suggests have nothing to do with these horrible allegations based on myth. The “facts” are stupid and do not suggest any truth to these allegations.
He/She wrote: “Fact: Andersen’s house is for sell”
Hello, WHERE did this guy go to school? How can you listen to someone that cannot even write using correct english?
Sounds like he/she needs a good school to go to! Good news! District 5 is still the BEST in SC. Sign him up today!
By get real on July 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am
WOW!!! I can’t believe adults are actually acting like this. It reminds me of the HS games people play. Take a ounce of truth and add a gallon of lies. This article is BS.
By In The Know... on July 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
BS, Concerned DF Supporter. Facts are facts.
By Tami on July 19th, 2008 at 10:09 am
“s.carolina.gal – July 18, 2008
Shame on the Builders? Really?
You say shame on builders like Mungo who are trying to do something to help our children get a better education, but considering that the United States is ranked 19th in the World for children’s education, it seems that we should be applauding those that are making a difference for our kids rather than always complaining about their efforts to assist.
I say thank you to them and builders like them that help provide my child with a better place to learn!”
To you Gal…
I think you’re right. I think we should build Mungo another school!
By Just Vote No on July 19th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Well #41, you think Melissa Cole is a wonderful person? Fine. Did you think her predecessor was also? Wonder why Lynn Robertson left River Springs Elementary? She was having an affair with one of her employees. She didn’t retire voluntarily and surprisingly she isn’t retired now. She went to Richland One and is now a principal there. See what happens when a School District does not reprimand unethical behavior. She may be wonderful, but she learned from a pro. I will NEVER vote for a bond referendum in a district that cannot handle their “house”. How can they handle that much money.
By Lake Murray Dad on July 19th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
To Unpopular Patty-
I am so glad that someone had the nerve to finally mention REZONING. I used to live in one of the neighborhoods that SHOULD be rezoned out of the Chapin feeder. My family moved because we felt that rezoning was imminent and really SHOULD take place to make the best use of the facilities available . Nobody wants to mention rezoning as a solution, because it would certainly be hard to get reelected to a school board if the Board has to do the right thing and rezone. I have always been supportive of Bond Referendums to fund building projects in this district. However, I’m afraid that with all that MAY be going on with the Superintendent (and lack of action OR explanation by the Board) and with the declining state of the economy, it may be time to face reality and do what no one really wants to do. REZONE!!
By the way, Board and Dr. Andersen, the portables in front of Chapin High School are lovely. Hope it accomplishes what you have set out to do!!
Another thing that the Board needs to stop allowing is School of Choice (even retroactively) for the schools that have capacity issues. Another parent told me that there are students attending the Chapin feeder schools, Chapin Middle, and Chapin High School that are attending out of their attendance area, even when the schools are so overcrowded. I told her that there was no way that the District would allow this, but yet, when I checked into it, she was correct. Why would you allow this? Seems rather short-sighted, in my opinion, especially when you are trying to drum up much-needed support for a Bond Referendum.
By Here are the FACTS on July 20th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Don’t let this smear campaign detract from the true issues. Here are the FACTS. This agenda to smear the good names of hardworking individuals like Melissa Cole is meant only to keep the referendum down. But JOE PUBLIC is getting smarter and is refusing to listen to inaccuracies.
FICTION: The passage of the referendum will increase the property taxes of a homeowner by $1,300.
FACT: Not true. The owner of a $100,000 home will see taxes increase by $14 annually. Studies to determine the cost-effectiveness of building on to existing structures have been done and where feasible those renovations have been made a part of the plan. Those spaces will not come anywhere near meeting our need for classroom space…for now or in the future.
FICTION: The school district is saying not to allow “nay-sayers†to spoil the election.
FACT: Not true. The school district is urging community members not to rely on misinformation but to seek accurate, verifiable information, make an informed decision, and vote.
FICTION: The 135-Day count is 62 students fewer than last year.
FACT: True. For the same reason we show fewer students in our 45-Day count this year. This data ignores the results of our residency verification process conducted last summer where we know there were more than 400 students who were no longer enrolled in our schools in 2007-08, who were there in 2006-07 thanks to our Affidavit and Verification of Address process.
FICTION: The cost of the referendum is actually more than the district is saying since an additional $8.8 million is being funded with 8% money.
FACT: Not true. The cost of the referendum is just what the school board approved, $243,664,692. The design work being funded with 8% money is within the funding limits set by law and will NOT result in any additional increase in millage.
FICTION: The entrance to the proposed new high school demonstrates the district is constructing a Taj Mahal.
FACT: Not true. First of all, the entrance to the school and the overall design has not been determined nor has it even been discussed. The artwork being shown by a group of citizens is from a PREVIOUS project of one of our architects. Secondly, and most importantly, the estimated cost per square foot for all of the referendum projects is $111.33. The state average cost is $152. There are no plans for extravagant and and/or luxurious buildings. They will be cost-effective and cost-efficient spaces to create a learning environment to support quality teaching and learning.
FICTION: One in every five students in the district will be rezoned if the referendum passes.
FACT: Not true. There is absolutely no way to know the impact on attendance lines at this point. When new schools are opened there will be attendance line adjustments to populate those schools. Those lines will be drawn with community input and every effort will be made to minimize the movement of students and maintain community schools.
FICTION: The district will have no funds to operate the three new schools and refuse to discuss the issue.
FACT: Not true. The schools will be operated with funds from the General Fund Budget. Most of the cost of operating the new schools will be staffing costs already being budgeted and paid to staff housed in overcrowded schools. These costs will be moved to the new school. Additional operating costs will be redirected within our budgeting means…part of which will come from the money currently being used to operate and support hundreds of portables which will no longer be needed.
FICTION: The district overtaxes residents and creates an excessive “slush fundâ€.
FACT: Not true. There is no “slush fundâ€. Every school district in the state maintains a fund balance. This fund balance is created by carefully managing costs during the year. Financial analysts carefully observe fund balances since they are an indication of a district’s financial health. As a result, school districts that have strong fund balances do not have to issue Tax Anticipation Notes and benefit from lower interest loans…all of which save taxpayers millions of dollars in interest expense.
FICTION: Chapin Elementary has grown by 49 students yet the district refuses to add the needed capacity of 195 students to the school.
FACT: Not true. Renovations and additions to Chapin Elementary include increasing the in-building capacity from 655 students to 750, plus adding space to the media center, cafeteria and other spaces to support the increased number.
FICTION: District Five is not listening to the public.
FACT: Not true. Throughout the process of developing the current facilities plan, community members were involved. Parents, non-parents, senior citizens, educators, business people and county leaders all helped to develop the plan. This was done with two separate committees. In addition, the school board held several hearings to receive input on the plan.
FICTION: Using a combination of 8% money and bond money is a unethical and a “flimflam.”
FACT: Not true. There is nothing unethical about funding building renovations and improvements using this method. School Boards are authorized by law to use 8% money to address building needs, including renovations and maintenance. When those funds are not enough to meet building needs, school boards are authorized by law to conduct bond referendums.
FICTION: It will be many years, if ever, before all of the requested sewer taps in the Chapin area will be used so this is not an indication of growth in the school district.
FACT: Chapin Mayor Stan Shealy’s information about the number of sewer taps is that nearly all of them will have been used within 10 years.
FICTION: Renovations proposed at existing schools are being designed to deliberately reduce capacity.
FACT: The only adjustments to capacity have been programmatic adjustments over the years along with smaller class sizes. Schools are not being designed, nor built for smaller student capacity. In fact, most renovation plans bring students from portables into the building.
FICTION: The district is ignoring the fact that the community voted no on the referendum and is using other means to move forward, such as using 8% money.
FACT: Growth continues in School District Five and the board is using every resource available to address growth…including 8% money to pay for designs for new construction and renovations. These designs will allow us to move ahead as quickly as possible when a successful referendum is passed and the funds are available to do the work.
FICTION: The district is ignoring the general maintenance of schools in order to fund renovation projects.
FACT: Money has been allocated within the 8% limits to maintain our schools. An aggressive repayment schedule allows us to free funds to be used for the renovation projects and design work.
FICTION: It would be more cost-effective and practical to build on to existing schools as opposed to constructing new ones.
FACT: Studies to determine the cost-effectiveness of building on to existing structures have been done and where feasible those renovations have been made a part of the plan. Those spaces will not come anywhere near meeting our need for classroom space…for now or in the future.
By Irritated in Irmo on July 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Hmmm. Let’s see. Sic Willie, Gov. Sanford, “Putting All Students First”, Kim Murphy, Don Carlson and this blog. What do all these have in common? They HATE district five schools.
By Disgusted on July 21st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
This post and this site are disgusting.
By Political Motivation on July 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 am
Hmmm…
ROD SHEALY, JR. BEATS HIS DAD IN LOCAL REFERENDUM RACE
FITSNews – November 8, 2007 – He doesn’t have his father’s scraggly beard, infamous reputation or penchant for Magnum P.I.-style Hawaiian shirts, but Rod Shealy, Jr. does have bragging rights over his dad after a Midlands-area bond referendum was defeated 56%-44% earlier this week. Shealy, Jr. advised the “Vote No†campaign, putting him up against his famous father, who was a vocal proponent of the referendum.
The $256.5 million building plan for Lexington-Richland School District 5 was the second bite at the apple for the less-than-forthcoming school district in as many years. In 2005, voters rejected a $230 million referendum by a 67%-33% margin, the only school bond referendum in the state to be defeated that year. In the interest of full disclosure, the “Vote No†campaign in 2005 was advised on a pro bono basis by our very own Sic Willie.
Shealy, Jr., whose resemblance to Shealy, Sr. in appearance and mannerisms is downright disarming, downplayed the victory over his prodigious papa, who in 2006 re-established himself as one of the top political consultants in the state with wins in three intensely-competitive statewide races.
“(Rod Sr.) wasn’t helping the other side,†Shealy, Jr. told FITSNews. “He just strongly supported it, and endorsed it in his newspaper.â€
Maybe so, but Shealy Sr.’s individual pull in the area is legendary, and his network of newspapers wields tremendous influence on local politics.
Shealy Sr. told FITSNews that he was merely a “supporter,†not a paid advisor to the pro-referendum forces.
By Facts (?) Not Fancy - Just LIES and Tremendous Ego on July 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 am
PUTTING ALL STUDENTS FIRST VICTORY MISSION STATEMENT
While recognizing the excellent academic achievement of Lexington/Richland District 5, two additional areas of excellence must be incorporated into the overall District operational system. They are Vocational Education and sound, responsible financial management. Given the totally dysfunctional management provided by the past board officers and the monumental problems that they have created, our new board needs our patience, encouragement and complete support as they work to correct years of inept direction. The Putting All Students First Committee will be in the forefront of this gigantic challenge by keeping you informed and offering sound suggestions to our new board.
So why you might ask, do I spend so much time examining the financial and management practices of District 5? Because after 32 years of demanded performance and its attendant evaluation, it becomes obvious that with the District’s excellent reputation for college bound students, there was basically nothing being offered for the non-college bound. In addition, the financial and business management systems are dysfunctional at best. It’s my objective to give facts not fancy to the public so the necessary changes will be made.
By The WORD on July 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Eph. 4: 31 – Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 22nd, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Lake Murray Dad – I kinda agree with you on the rezoning, but I see it a little bit different. I am afraid of federal intervention. Irmo is something like 40%+ minority. Dutch Fork is more than 35%. Chapin is less than 9%. Richland county has a much higher percentage minorities than Lexington around Chapin. If we (AND I EMPHASIS WE PEOPLE) in our community are not careful with our rezoning and new schools, we will face with the same issue that Georgetown County faced. If we rezone without consideration to these matters, the federal government can come in here and they could define what schools go where…. THAT scares me more than all this dribble of “sex,lies and Educrats” (I am not discounting the seriousness of this article because it is a problem – true or not)
Let’s face it, we are growing (maybe not as much as the school board’s projections / maybe more than the other groups). What about a new Chapin school? Argue for it in town, out of town I don’t care (there is a lot to say about a one town school). Maybe a zoning plan that recognizes Chapin as 4A…. (yes I said it 4A). Expand Chapin, rezone to include more kids from “out of the area” too. Ease the crowding in Irmo and DF, be cognizant of an equitable distribution plan and at the same time keep the school count (operation cost) to a minimum. Keep just the three High Schools all of them 4A.
No argument from me – This is a good educational district. It is the kids that make it that way: because we as adults sure are not doing anything to help. Lake Murray Dad – I hate to say it: No, You are wrong, the trailers look bad. Putting kids in that environment to prove a point….come on. You don’t believe that. I can tell by what you wrote. Don’t cut off your son/daughters nose to spite his face. Yes, stop the dribble and finish this issue about “sex” scandals. This rumor/truth needs finality. Someone needs to have the guts to make a statement. Andersen, Cole, Board, a witness…. Someone. Bad news is like old meat. It stinks worse with time. I am certainly not sticking up for Murphy et al but at least that lady states what she believes. Ms Murphy you are not always right, but you are always Kim Murphy. It may be wrong sometimes but I am thinking they are not lies. I respect that.
We really have no idea what property values and taxes will do. We don’t know that the operation costs won’t go up. We think we know but we really don’t. If you do know, help me out on some of my stock picks PLEASE. SOMEONE please show some leadership and provide acceptable alternatives, don’t hit me with facts. Stop pointing fingers and get to work or it will be “no” in the vote. Not because of people don’t want the renovations but because people can not think past their nose.
Don’t run Andersen out of town on a scandal. If anything, run him out for failing to lead and foster community on this issue of schools.
Dear School Board, the vote was roughly 60 – 40 No last time. Give us other options. If you cut the board again, it will still be too short.
By The Putting All Students First Committee - HA! on July 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 am
This is the same Committee that was using my Uncle’s good name to endorse their political agenda. My Uncle had Alzheimer’s and could not remember where the bathroom was much less being an active supporter of this group! They had a petition letter going around a few years back and had his name as an endorser of their campaign. I personally called Don Carlsen (Member of this Committee) on the phone and asked him WHY they would falsely use his name. Don Carlsen said that he would look into the matter… When talking to other senior citizens on the list, it was also found out by my Mother (Senior citizen in Chapin) that other names had been used as well without their consent. This letter continued to circulate throughout the Irmo/Dutch Fork Area for MONTHS after Mr. Carlsen promised to “look into” the matter.
Any group that would stoop to this level is NOT a group that should be respected or TRUSTED. They are very adept at taking an ounce of truth and twisting the true meaning.
BEWARE of this group – The ONLY agenda they have is spread rumors and lies. Unfortunately, my Uncle was unable to speak up for himself.
So, I say “Putting all Students First” – HA!
This is not hearsay, speculation, or pure fiction. I am stating a FACT.
By Putting Students First - NOT on July 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Their real name should be Putting Our Egos and Wallets First. They will do anything to pass their “agenda”, which includes vouchers, charter schools, and anything else that erodes public education. They are politically motivated and highly funded and they use professional political consultants to write their material and forward their campaign. It is truly sad.
By curious on July 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
#56 and #57 – Are you doubting the information in the Fitsnews article? Do believe there is no truth to what is being said about the supt’s relationship with the principal? And do you think 2,000 more kids in the next ten years in Irmo High is a realistic growth projection? Fitsnews has a pretty good reputation of being right on the money, so as a reader – I’d love to hear if you think they’re wrong.
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 23rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
WOW I am amazed. I have to say I am relatively new to the district just a couple of years so maybe I don’t understand all the issues… There seems to be more hatred and infighting than there is progress. Like ya’ll I have seen Don’s letters to the Editor – WOW – unbelievable detail. Like yall I see these attacks on the elected leadership. What I don’t see is people pulling together to move forward. So you got Kim and Don out there saying what they believe. The only thing I am certain of is they don’t know everything, but they are trying. I see the school district trying to find a solution but the only thing they will consider is put it up for vote again… again… again… And if they don’t like the outcome they just find another way to buy the land and put up trailers for public displays…
People People, somehow I doubt I am the only person on this blog that is willing to say WOW good point Don operation costs may very well change and we need to control them. WOW interesting information Kim you might be right that the speculation on growth is non-determinant from the compiled information. AND wow Board there is a lot on your plate but you guys are holding the schools together so far.
By Response 58 on July 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
58 – From what I understand about the 2,000 figure is that it is ONE of the projections from the district’s computer system. The basic enrollment projection presented last year was that the district would grow by a minimum of 300 students each year. Certainly one could conclude that the other figure is above the minimum. The 2,000 number is a distraction and smoke screen. The district needs schools now regardless of how much more they grow. The question is how many more schools are they going to need. Kim and Don mislead you with one small, and sometimes insignificant fact, to divert attention away from the real issue – the needs of the children.
By Darla on July 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The “rumors” are TRUE!! The School Board met in executive session for SIX hours to discuss the “problem”. I am NOT a member of any vigilante group that IS alive and well in Chapin; however, covering this up is WRONG! I voted for the referendum the last time …but…unless the board has the gumption to expose (no pun intended!) the two parties, I will vote “NO” this time. This is a bad situation that has only been made worse by he school board trying to keep this quiet.
By Valerie Crites on July 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Melissa Cole is totally devoted to the best interests of students at River Springs. She fights for this constantly in spite of other employees demanding she conform to sub-standard procedures. She is a wonderful person and leader of schools.
By discouraged on July 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
“43-58. Disciplinary Action on Educator Certificates.
(Statutory Authority: S.C. Code Ann. Sections 59-1-445 (2004), 59-5-60 (2004), 59-5-65 (2004), 59-25-110, et seq. (2004), 59-25-530 (2004), 59-26-40 (2004), and 20-7-840, et seq. (Supp. 2004))
The State Board of Education has the legal authority to deny, revoke, or suspend a certificate, or issue a public reprimand for the following causes…
…8. immorality,
9. any conduct involving moral turpitude,…
…The intentional failure of a district board of trustees to instruct the district superintendent to report the termination of school employees as required by this regulation shall be considered by the State Department as an accreditation deficiency pursuant to R43-130 and, upon approval of the State Board of Education, all district schools will be placed on an accreditation status of probation.”
I am thinking with these potential outcomes on the plate this problem won’t go away any time soon. We may have to have a bond referendum to deal with the lawsuits before it is over.
By embarrassed on July 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
There appears to be no evidence of “immorality or any conduct involving moral turpitude,” but only speculation, rumor, and gossip. And how exactly would we define those behaviors? Shall we revoke the certificates of any school employee who has a child out of wedlock, visits a topless beach, drinks too much, fudges on their taxes, dirty-dances at a bar? At least those might be behaviors with some form of evidence, none of which has been offered in this case.
Oh, let’s see. Evidence. There is a man and his wife who have separated and she has moved out of state with their children…scandal, indeed! And their house is for sale!!! Shocker! Unheard of! And don’t forget this salacious tidbit: a teenager saw a man park a van in the woods and walk around and then meet his wife. Perhaps Jimmy Hoffa was in the van. Too bad the kid didn’t check; that might have made a story. This is not a story, it’s a non-story.
People’s fascination with this non-story might be amusing were it not for the fact that there are lives, careers, and families at stake, not to mention reputations and a school district’s honor.
By advice on July 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Debating the financial and other legitimate issues of the district is fine but the discussion of a personal relationship (based solely on rumor) is juvenile and only makes the legitimate arguments sound petty. Separate the two issues and drop the personal relationship thing.
By Taylor on July 24th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Thank you #65. Monday night’s board meeting will probably put the personal (personnel) issue to rest. We anticipate a resignation. But don’t expect to see the board drop the referendum even after losing their number one sales person.
By advice on July 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
As #66 says, the superintendent is the sales person for the school board. A superintendent may have his/her own initiatives, but the main job, especially on major issues, is to serve at the pleasure and direction of the board, selling their ideas to employees and constituents. With elected board members, we can expect a board to be as politically split as the community they represent, which often means a lot of division and little progress. (True leadership would mean one person steering an organization, hired with confidence to do so and doing so even in opposition…although accountability to someone — stockholders, voters, customers — still exists.)
So it begs the question if whether attacking a superintendent is like shooting the messenger. And, if dismissing a superintendent (driving them off?) isn’t like offering up the sacrificial lamp, only to leave the fox in the hen-house (a mix of metaphors, I know.)
By Just Do It on July 25th, 2008 at 7:56 am
The personal issue should NOT be dropped. This coverup has happened before maybe many times in this district. (See #47). As an employee of SD5, I believe if I were having an affair with my principal, I would be fired. I would expect that. Married or not, it is unethical. Why shouldn’t Superintendent AndersEn be held accountable? Wouldn’t he hold his employees to that standard? We have a great school district, great students and awesome employees. Let’s not let two people ruin our reputation. School Board, do the right thing.
By A Bird By Another Name on July 25th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Just Do It is clearly has a personal issue and since she was dumb enough to let the fact be known that she is an employee, it exposes her. The board should do the right thing and not act on rumors that people like Just Do It fabricate and pass on throughout the community. Grow up and truly think about the children.
By Right On Embarrassed on July 25th, 2008 at 8:32 am
EMBARRASSED is right. Let’s start looking at all of the behaviors of the board, administrators, teachers etc., throughout the district. This is so disappointing.
By Darla on July 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
This is NOT some made-up rumor. Melissa Cole’s husband has left her also. If you talk to teachers in the district, they are all aware of the situation. Morale is down because if this incident….and…the fact that it is being “hush-hushed”.
By Darla on July 25th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I understand why some people are defending Melissa Cole and the job she has done at River Springs. Melissa was a tennis player (Melissa Odom then) at Irmo HS. The fact that she was a good tennis player; the fact that she is being touted as a good principal have no bearing on what she has done after school hours….which is committing adultery.
By get real on July 25th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Why is this anyone’s business? (the relationship). If you start getting into every teacher, principal, board member and staff member’s personal “affairs” half the school district could be targeted for this sort of public treatment. Could we stick to the financial and/or other public interest problems?
By Joy Bridges on July 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Darla, we know who you are. Ryan Cole and Melissa Cole’s marriage break-up has nothing to do with any of this. Thanks.
By J.C. on July 25th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Darla, I think you must have a hidden agenda here. What does being a tennis player have to do with commiting adultery, which no one has any basis to prove. I guess now you will show up with a different name.This web-site is pure trash.
By A.C. on July 25th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
A teacher at River Springs. Went into her office and told her I don’t care whether it is true or not, she is the BEST principal I have ever worked for.
By Dear Darla on July 25th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Darla is sure is easy to throw anonymous claims on a blog. Your personal vendetta is very transparent and ridiculous. Get a life.
By Ashley on July 25th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Morale isn’t a problem at River Springs. We are looking forward to another good year.
By Children First on July 25th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
To #61 Darla. You should vote based on the needs of the children in this district and not on two personal rumored incidents.
By High on Morale on July 25th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Morale isn’t a problem for me and the people I work with either. We love our jobs, we love our administrators and we love the direction we are heading as a school and a district. Stop trying to make things up. You are pathetic.
By Life is Good at RSES on July 25th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
At RSES we will continue to do what we have been doing…working everyday to ensure that the highest quality of teaching and learning occurs for each child. I have no doubt that Mrs. Cole will continue to stay focused on this goal and lead the rest of us to continue to do so also. We will not be deterred or distracted by rumor…to do so would be letting down our students and families, as well as each other and our principal. The rest of the district may be caught up in a frenzy of rumor but we will simply ignore it and do our jobs.
Want to work at a happy school? Join us at RSES!
By To Darla on July 25th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Darla: two people who work together have each separated from their spouses. So what? This can be said of many people in our district. Are you going to start connecting imaginary dots between them all? That’ll keep you busy.
IF there is a morale problem it’s because of this kind of gossip-mongering. Those of us who aren’t promoting this gossip are quite content in our jobs, thank you very much.
By Hypocrisy 101 on July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
This mess is such a major distraction to the true focus of educating our children. Knowing some of the “players” in this mess, and the likelihood that some of these indiscretions are true, one is left with one big question: Why should we trust this superintendent, and this inept school board, with the stewardship of even MORE money (can you say fall bond referendum?) when they can’t even take care of basic moral issues, the same that we all learned in kindergarten? I for one will never vote for a bond referendum until two things happen: First, we clean house; second, we get honest impartial information. I think those Chapin folks who were so vilified last year for scuttling the last bond referendum are the real truthtellers here.
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 26th, 2008 at 12:45 am
This is amazing. I keep coming back here hoping to learn something about the options for advancement in the schools and all I see is this stuff. The article sites like 2 paragraphs to the alleged “turpitude” and like 20 paragraphs to the issue of the referendum and growth or the lack there of. Yet the blog is almost all about the alleged “turpitude”.
What I want to know is how we can continue to allow our children to excel. OK, so we get a resignation; we don’t; Melissa is buddy buddy with her teacher friends huddling together. Who cares!
What alternatives are out there? Clearly after two years of defeat, “loss of a salesman”, gross disparity in numbers, failing economy, slump in housing and on and on, I am wondering what options we have.
Why can’t we just expand the existing schools? Can someone answer that? (BTW – Please don’t respond with the same FACT/FICTION crap that clearly failed to advance us the last two times. Give me logic)
Let me ask a question and please don’t beat me up I am new here. The Student First Group says there is no growth. The District says it is huge. I am guessing it is between the two. Why can’t we use the money that everyone claims is held in reserve, and being used to buy land and portables to begin expansions on the schools.
Build a strategic plan that will take several years to complete. If we did it that way we could accommodate the issues of growth (if they occur) and placate the naysayers at the same time. Build it a piece at a time. Stop buying portables and expand the existing structures. Why can’t we grow slowly into a solution instead of a HUGE referendum that apparently is leading to terrible infighting and according to this blog is ruining people’s lives. Is the referendum really the only way? I will be quite disappointed if the sole purpose of the next board meeting is to accept “resignation” (#66).
#67 you may be right. The school board made up their mind about how they want to create new schools and they will sacrifice even their hand selected leader to accomplish their goal. Perhaps all the anger I read in this blog should be directed at the Board and not Cole and Andersen. I am more confused on the real issues now than I have ever been.
By mission accomplished... on July 26th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Misguided focus and confusion…welcome to another bond referendum season in SD #5! Paid political consultants or small-town watchdogs…either way, someone sure knows what they are doing.
By Just Do It on July 26th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Well, number 69, my manliness is now insulted. Not that it matters. I think everyone has lost track of what this blog is about.
By no contest on July 26th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I fear you are right, mission accomplished. Unfortunately, dedicated educators who have devoted their professional lives to serving the best interests of children are no match for this anti- machine. It really is a terrible shame.
By Just Do It on July 26th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Sorry #86, whether you are male or female is not the point. You have no manliness by throwing unfounded claims on some ridiculous and disgusting blog. I agree, you have lost track.
By Sanitation Engineer on July 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
More unfounded trash from FITS and the anti-public education machine. What sources?
By disappointed on July 26th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Andersen has done a lot of good for the district. It is a shame people have taken the gossip approach to a good man.
By Darla on July 26th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I seriously doubt that anyone knows my name. If you do, that’s fine with me. I have not uttered (written) one untruth. I have merely been trying to say that these are not unfounded rumors…but…actual facts. I love district 5…and I would NEVER say anything in a malicious hurtful way….BUT…I DO have a problem when morals are “thrown out the window”…. and nothing is done by the board. We are all entitled to our personal opinions. I DO, however, have a problem when people in authority transgress/aka/”cross the line”.
By Darla on July 26th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Response to #79. You are EXACTLY right. The children/students are the major concern. I do, however, question the referendum IF the numbers are PROVEN to have been inflated. I have no faith whatsoever that this board is student-focused. Sad…but…my opinion. Response to #82. I am in NO way a “gossip monger”. I have not discussed this with anyone who did not INFORM me of the “problem”. I learned of the situation 3 weeks ago from someone at the district office. I did not say a WORD to anyone. A teacher sent me an email with this website….I don’t know how to find this kind of stuff..nor..would I make a practice of commenting even if I did. I don’t know why I am wasting my time trying to explain this to you. You obviously have a very bad opinion of me and my reasons for commenting. You don’t have a CLUE how I feel about district 5. Trust me….you would be SHOCKED!! Right is right…..and WRONG is wrong. What these people did was/is WRONG. I don’t like it any more than you do. Peace.
By Sunday Message on July 27th, 2008 at 11:03 am
A message from church today…
The Book of James
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not…
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion…
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peacable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality…
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
By To Darla, Again on July 27th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Darla, I do not doubt that you care strongly for this district and its students. In fact, I think parties on all sides of all the issues do care very much for the district and the students and, as always, there are passionate disagreements about what constitutes the right vs. wrong thing. So, please understand, this is not about anyone’s lack of genuine concern for the students of District Five.
Hearing something from a district office employee does not make it a fact. D.O. employees have their own agendas (we all do) and they gossip at least as much as anyone else.
Even if one or both people leave their positions within the district, it still won’t mean anything in regards to the rumors. Who would want to stay around and work in this environment if the rumors are just that, rumors? And a lack of support for employees on the part of board members probably stems from much deeper issues than some rumors, which they could easily manage if they wanted to.
As to the referendum, numbers are slippery things. Two people can take the same set of data and interpret it to mean totally different things. I completely support your concerns about the board and the referendum…there are questions yet to be answered satisfactorily and you (we) all have the right to push for those answers and to suggest other possibilities. Unfortunately, it’s a rare situation that all constituents are going to be satisfied with any decision.
By Darla on July 27th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Response, again!! #95… I totally agree with every word that you wrote. The only point I would like to make is this: I am NOT on the “bad side”. My children graduated from District 5. My grandchildren now attend elementary school in District 5. I am NOT one of those “Chapin people”! The information that I received was NOT from a “gossipy” female. It came from a respected male…who, sadly does know the facts. I hope that I have not said anything that would lead people to believe that I am “happy” with this situation. It disturbs me tremendously. I do find the situation MORALLY wrong. The school board is fully aware of it. I do not like for anyone to be publicly embarrassed….BUT….when “public officials” do wrong…covering up the situation only makes matters worse.
By Judge Darla on July 27th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Darla – can you write and publish a book on how you have managed to live your life perfectly? You will surely make millions as everyone will want to be just like you. You are my hero.
By Say My Name on July 27th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Hey Darla, if it is fine with you that people know your name (Post #92), why don’t you just tell us? Come on, it’s “fine with you.”
Also, you said you did not hear it from a “gossipy female” but from a “respected male” at the district office. It’s good to know the “respected male” is earning his respect by spreading rumors to you. Since he is so respected, tell us his name too so we too can benefit from his respected reputation and lend credence to this situation.
By Darla on July 27th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Judge Darla, I have not lived my “life perfectly”. I sin every day..but..I have never committed adultery. I believe that “heroine” would be the appropriate term that you used to try to insult me. Jesus is MY HERO!! I am NOT “throwing stones”…..BUT.. I will repeat myself…”Right is RIGHT…and wrong is WRONG”. IF I have come across as being sanctimonious, I apologize…. BUT….you need to focus less on me and MORE on the current situation in district 5. Peace.
By teacherfriend on July 27th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Darla – There are a lot of folks who agree with you. Facts are facts and our district deserves a superintendent with strong moral values. (Dennis McMahon doesn’t fit that bill.) Andersen has got to go if he crossed the line.
By Judge Darla on July 28th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Darla we all sin everyday. Those sins are between us and the Lord, who serves as our final judge. Not you. Your hero Jesus, died on the cross that we might be forgiven. He is THE JUDGE.
By Leave Her Alone! on July 28th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Darla… Males gossip too and you ARE a gossip monger! The “Darla’s” out there who have spent the last month destroying the reputation of Melissa Cole should take a long look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are proud of themselves! Those of US who have had the pleasure of volunteering at RSES and working alongside this marvelous leader are disheartened that people like Darla have taken a perfectly fine friendship between Cole and AndersEn and twisted it into some crazy affair. So you say it is TRUE? Did you walk in on them? Did you see it yourself? No, you listened to some guy at the District Office! Shame on you and the other “Darla’s” out there! Leave her alone and please go away!
By Monday Message on July 28th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I figured this group like Bible versus so I thought I would look and see what the Bible tells us…..
Corinthians 15:33
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
1 Corinthians 6:9
9 do you not know that the unrighteous will not (B)inherit the kingdom of God? (C)Do not be deceived; (D)neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
By Saint Darla on July 28th, 2008 at 11:36 am
“Darla”…..PLEASE continue to post as your comments have provided me with a great deal of comic relief! I find it mind boggling that you are ready to condemn two people based on nothing but RUMORS!! Oh wait…..that’s right, I almost forgot about your “well-respected” district office MALE employee. Maybe your source is the former Irmo Elementary principal who is now working at the district office…oh no..I doubt you would respect him since he left his wife for another woman and has since married her. GASP….that’s right…. not only did he not lose his job…he was promoted. Well, maybe your source was the Chapin High prinicpal who has had affairs in the past…no…I guess you would not respect his opinion. Well then, maybe it was one of the MANY teachers in the disctrict who have cheated on their spouses all the while teaching YOUR children and now YOUR grandchildren. No…I guess you would not respect their opinions either. I find it interesting that none of these people are being raked over the coals and nobody is requesting that they lose their jobs. Oh..that’s right..none of these people are the superintendent so that story would not be juicy enough or serve a higher political purpose! You have no proof that these RUMORS hold any truth…and even if they do it seems the two parties involved are following the lead of many other district employees!! If you are going to throw stones they lets make sure to peg everyone!!!!
By Agree with #104 on July 28th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Right on Saint Darla (#104). I find it interesting that people are pairing Andersen and Cole together based on the fact that they both happen to be seperated from their spouses. What about the fact that the district teacher of the year left her husband and shortly after Cole’s husband (who works with the district teacher of the year) left Melissa Cole. Since then the RUMOR is that they have been spotted together frequently and are an item!! If this site is devoted to spreading rumors lets make sure to cover them all!!!
By iwrestlewithzen on July 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Maybe the whole district needs a good cleaning. From what I have read, I would start with the board, who, at this point, appears to be tolerating too much foolishness according to what you ALL have written.
Bottom line – The district claims there is a crisis for new schools.
The people of the district have said no – Twice.
Instead of tending house and finding a solution, the board has let this thing fester into some political witch hunt, and we as the people of the district have begun taking sides.
Where’s the leadership? Fire them all. Let’s get a team in there that can actually talk intelligently with a soccer mom and retired guy. That can handle a developer who wants schools put in his/her development area. That, for goodness sake, can select a leader that knows the appearance of impropriety is close enough to be impropriety at his level. Leaders are lonely people for a reason. Subordinates are bad “friends” beyond the work place.
Think about your logic here people, a couple of “rumors” and 2 people writing articles in their spare time to the news paper are derailing progress for an elected board of High Speed Lawyers, Educators and Real Estate professionals. WOW Either Don and Kim are REALLY good or the Board and AndersEn are well…. So I will back off maybe Facts ARE Facts….
School Board – 0 Other group – 2 Who else is running?
By Agree with 104 on July 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Saint Darla – Don’t forget board members!
By The time has come! on July 28th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Help to UNITE District 5 by stopping the rumors and focusing on the REAL issues. The Chapin Political group has a lot of power because the general public is complacent with the level of education that their children are receiving. It is an AWESOME job that District 5 teachers and staff do in making a difficult situation like overcrowding, inadequate facilities, technology depraved schools, etc.work every day. But NOW is the time to come to the aid of these teachers, staff members, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc. We are a TEAM in District 5 and we need the help of the community to truly LOOK at the financial facts in our schools. It is time to take a bold step and truly put our children first above our own political agendas. It is time to VOTE for change. Stop wasting valuable time speculating on rumors and lies that are fueled by a political group so devious that they are willing to ruin the life of a wonderful administrator and person like Melissa Cole. Get a life. And think of the children!
By Lisa on July 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I’ve been teaching middle school in Irmo and Chapin for the past 25 years . I get upset with blanket statements that attempt to paint a picture of the district as a whole. First let me say that if the allegations are true, so be it. We didn’t condemn Americans when Bill Clinton had an affair in office. His actions did not reflect the belief system of each person in America. While stupid, his choice did not make America a bad country or individuals in the country bad people. So should it be with the district. Dr. AndersEn is an employee of the district, and while he is a spokesman for the district, he is just a spoke in the wheel that is the district as a whole. If the spoke is broken, get rid of it. A district superintendent has very little to do with my morale as a teacher. Over a career, superintendents come and go. I have a tough, complex job. There are so many variables to my profession that I wake up everyday wondering what kind of student I’m going to teach today and what factors, outside my classroom, will affect my classroom. I get down, but it’s not about the superintendent. I more likely have issues with students, the learning environment, or one more stupid meeting that takes time from my teaching. Ask me in February if I like teaching and I’ll say “I can’t wait to retire!”. Ask me in August, and I can’t wait to start. It’s all perspectivie. Having lived through infidelity, I know how hurtful it can be. We all know people who define their life by that hurt and they are sad, self-centered people. I just don’t think our district needs to be a sad and self-centered place that only focuses on the bad. A good number of the blog comments appear to have that tone. Instead, I’d like to see our district pick up, go on, and be better than before. I get tired of people looking for conspiracies around every corner. People make mistakes and can be regrettably dim-witted. Let’s not define the learning environment of our children by the alleged mistakes of others.
By Nicely Said on July 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Lisa – very well said.
By curious on July 28th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
#104 Get your facts straight. The ex-IES principal has not yet married her. That aside…does any one know the results of tonight’s school board meeting?
By Hear, Hear! on July 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Change is in the wind. It is time to make some changes and those changes SHOULD focus on the needs of our children not on vicious lies and rumors. Our schools NEED to be updated. Our facilities NEED to be more technologically savvy for this unique group of children growing up in a techno-conscious world. And our children DESERVE schools that are not over capacity.
It is our RESPONSIBLITY to educate our children with the best. Change is in the wind. Stop the rumors and start a campaign that TRULY does put children first and one that does not USE our children to advance the political agendas of a few.
By School Board Meeting on July 28th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
No matter what happens… District 5 will stand strong and weather this unfortunate chain of events. Honestly, since Dr. Andersen has been harrassed for his personal issues, it would be a wonder if he chooses to stay. In any event, let us not lose the focus which is the CHILDREN and not allow this hate campaign which is designed to trick the general public into forgetting the real issues that face this GREAT school district.
By Response to Curious on July 28th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Curious – I do not know about the meeting, but I know that Board Chair Paula Hite was talking about it in the grocery store BEFORE the meeting. She said “big changes” were in store and that she wanted prayers for the district. So much for her professionalism and discretion. This board is pathetic.
By School Board Meeting on July 28th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Post #113, I agree. Anderson is being harassed by board and by the people who really run the district: the anti-crowd. From what Robert Gant is telling people, the Board is working hard to dig up some type of dirt on Anderson so they can take some type of action. If this is true, this is incredible. What ever happened to focusing on what is good for our children and my grandchildren.
By Board Reporter on July 28th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
No action by the board tonight. I guess the news on this page was wrong and unfortunately, the witch hunt continues.
By Concerned Parent on July 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Once again nothing happened at this board meeting. Dr. AndersEn was not present and has not been at work for two weeks and one day. I wonder if he is still getting paid, yet not having to work.
This is a great district, but we have lacked vision. I believe we need a new leader at the helm, and not someone already in the district for all the above things mentioned. Dr. Shirley being promoted shows a continuation of the good ole boy system at work.
109 Lisa said it best- Let the wonderful teachers do their jobs and give them the facilities they need to do this. The administration needs to be looked at closely. If you call the District office with a question, you get the run around, different answers or just plain misinformation. From everything from the Special Ed department to the gifted programs, nobody seems to know what is going on and they certainly don’t want to inform parents.
By golfingbuddy on July 28th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
School Board Meeting…
Well, he’s still here — sort of. Board chair said, “Some of you are aware that the superintendent is not here tonight… At the appropriate time we will make a statement.”
He didn’t show up for work today, he’s been on “vacation” for the last two weeks — since the boards “called” meeting a two weeks ago.
Did he cross the line??? After tonight’s meeting, I’d be willing to bet money on it. Doesn’t look like this is going away anytime soon.
By Leave Her Alone! on July 28th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
To Hear, Hear (#112) – I HEAR you! Godspeed! Let’s move on to important matters like the bond referendum! Thanks for your post!
By Keep the Focus on July 29th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Based on the State Newspaper – Dr. Andersen did not show for the Lexington District 5 Board Meeting. With or without Dr. Andersen, District 5 should continue the task of bettering our schools for the futures of our children. This smear campaign may have succeeded in railroading Dr. Andersen out of his position. Congratulations to all the powers that spent countless hours degrading individuals with no concern for their families and the aftermath of their actions. This campaign will continue long after this scandal dies down. It is a shame that the “Putting Children First” campaign has resorted to such malicious measures to try to detract from the real issues. Now District 5 – Stand up, stop letting others decide what YOUR child’s future will look like, and get involved. FInd out the facts from persons other than HATE GROUPS that take an ounce of truth and twist it for their own personal agendas. Keep the focus on the children. We cannot afford to let our children’s education be compromised through this mist of trickery.
By Vote YES on July 29th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Vote YES – for our children
Vote YES – to stop the lies and trickery
Vote YES – to help overcrowding, allow new technology, and enhance current schools and school programs
Vote YES – because it is the RIGHT thing to do for the future of our Children
Vote YES- And by doing so, stand against those who choose to LIE and use deceit to further their own political agendas. See Post #56. We already have PROOF that this group uses lies, the sick, and the edlerly to further their campaign. The ONLY agenda these people have is keeping their current taxes low. They don’t want their property values to increase. They DO NOT put Children First. Do not be confused by their catchy title. It is all a farce. You cannot believe anything they say because they twist the truth and make it seem like reality. In fact they are destroying the good name of this GREAT district.
Vote YES!
By District 5 - UNITE! on July 29th, 2008 at 5:55 am
WIth or without Dr. Andersen – It is time to UNITE District 5!
Help to UNITE District 5 by stopping the rumors and focusing on the REAL issues. The Chapin Political group (Putting Children First – HA!) has a lot of power because the general public is complacent with the level of education that their children are receiving. It is an AWESOME job that District 5 teachers and staff do in making a difficult situation like overcrowding, inadequate facilities, technology depraved schools, etc.work every day. But NOW is the time to come to the aid of these teachers, staff members, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc. We are a TEAM in District 5 and we need the help of the community to truly LOOK at the financial facts in our schools. It is time to take a bold step and truly put our children first above our own political agendas. It is time to VOTE for change. Stop wasting valuable time speculating on rumors and lies that are fueled by a political group so devious that they are willing to ruin the life of a wonderful administrator and person like Melissa Cole. Get a life. And think of the children!
By rick on July 29th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Ever notice that everything is for the “children”? Question, are the parents (taxpayers) getting the maximum effectiveness for the dollar spent in the educational experience? Is this school meeting its performance commitments? Are the Teachers and Staff given the tools and freedoms to maximize the opportunities for learning? What I’m hearing is that 2 people may or may not be bumping bellies and others find it their business to intrude. If indeed there is belly bumping going on then allow the affected spouses their day in court, otherwise its about maximum effective use of taxpayer resources. Focus on the real issue, use of taxpayer resources to enhance the teaching capabilities of the staff.
By No Show on July 29th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I was told by a district office person that they knew Andersen was not going to be there Monday night because the board asked him not to be there.
By Definition of: "Everything is for the Children". on July 29th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Speaking as a teacher…
We are in need of updated facilities.
We are in need of less crowded conditions at many of our schools.
We are in need of updated technology.
We are in need of staff development which will support new programs which will help our district advance in the areas of math and science.
With these tools we can continue to challenge, excite, and motivate our students.
When people say: “Everything is for the Children”, they are speaking about ALL students in Lexington District 5 from the tiniest 3 year old to the 18 year old graduating senior.
I hope this helps you to define what we SHOULD be using our school monies for #123.
For some it is evident, for others they need clear cut definitions. I hope this helps you.
By concerned parent from message #41 on July 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
just to let it be known…message from “concerned parent” #117 is not the same author of message from “concerned parent” #41.
By Definition of: "Everything is for the Children". on July 29th, 2008 at 9:01 am
From a teacher…
We need updated facilities.
We need to alleviate some overcrowded schools.
We need to grow in the area of technology.
We are sorely lacking in many areas.
It is only with the creativity and ingenuity of incredible administrators, awesome teachers, and fantastic students that District 5 remains an educational force.
To No Show: When we say: “Everything is for the Children”, we are speaking of all students in district 5 from the tiniest 3 year old to the graduating 18 year old.
I hope this answers your question. Teachers want our children to excel – We are showing you the way.
Vote YES.
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
So I went to my first school board meeting ever last night. I figured at 40 I would live it up a bit LOL. #121 you want me to vote yes???? You must not have been there.
I had heard Don and Kim were two nut cases out to stop district progress. Unlike most of this blog I am coming in as an outsider. Don was the most reasonable and articulate person in the room. He suggested a reasonable solution – break the vote in two. If the vote is a good idea, both items will win. What could it hurt?
As for Kim, well she at least knew that the modelling system was called GIS. Ed White is a lawyer for goodness sake and he knows that words have meaning. In attempting to correct the record on what he said he referred to the model as GSI at least 3 times. He never once called it GIS. Ed – the model is GIS (Geographic Information System). Either White doesn’t know the most basic information or a soccer mom reading a statement of documented events makes him nervous. Which one is it? Please say he just doesn’t know because fearing documented events is a much bigger issue.
Despite all that, what really got me was the discussion on the trailers and finances. If you look at the transcript from last night, future events were all addressed as “when the referendum passes” What happens if it doesn’t pass?
No #121 your wrong. Right now I am leaning to vote NO. Not because Kim and Don said to Vote No, but for the following reasons
No – Because Ed White doesn’t know the name of the model suggesting he doesn’t understand the outcome of that growth model
No – Because the Board is making plans based on the passage when it has failed twice in the past
No – Because AndersEn and the Board has caused so much controversy that AndersEn cannot even show up at the meeting
No – Because the group opposed to the referendum has asked for a reasonable alternative
No – Because the Board and Chapin Principal have created an in your face policy on the trailers on the main road into Chapin
#122 District 5 needs to Unite Tell the Board No to “one way or the highway”
By Thanks for Making the Effort! on July 29th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Good for you Post #128 for taking the first step to getting involved! Keep Looking 128. Ask teachers 128. What do WE need? Ask someone you trust. Ask the teachers in your child’s school. Please do not ask them on school grounds. They are bound to be unbiased in their place of work. But ask them in the community. District 5 is bursting at the seams. It is a fact. District 5 is in desperate need of technology updates. It is a fact.
We need a YES vote to keep our district moving forward into the next generation. Vote YES because of the NEEDS of our students.
You would listen to Don Carlsen that has already been exposed by post #56 as a person that supports a group that used Senior Citizens names WITHOUT their consent. One name being used was a senior with Alzheimers. This is not hearsay.
I am post #56. I know this to be fact. Ask Don Carlsen if I called him. I did. I called him at his home and called him out on the lie.
As I stated, this group is well known for taking an ounce of fact and making it SEEM like something that it is not.
Please continue going to board meetings. If you still have your mind set on a vote no, do so, but at least do so with more facts than one meeting that was obviously already in an upheaval because of the vicious lies and scandal created by this hate campaign. Vote no, it is your right. But vote no with all the facts.
Hopefully, Mr. White and other board members will be more articulate at your next meeting. The very best to you! Get your friends and neighbors involved as well. There are issues that run deep here. Keep coming back. Keep involved. We NEED involved nonbiased persons that have questions.
By Right on 115. on July 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Right on 115. I think Mr. Gant and his wife are working over time on digging up dirt rather than trying to solve the real issues in this district. We need a progressive leader who will keep this district one of the best in the state. We need new facilities to keep up with the other districts or we will fall behind. Perhaps rezoning, although unpopular, needs to be considered. This should start at Seven Oaks, Leaphardt, Harbison West, and all the way to Chapin.Harbinson West needs to be integrated. Maybe Chestnut Hills needs to go to Harbinson West. Or other areas rezoned.
By Teacher of the year on July 29th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Gosh – Ryan Cole’s involvement with a teacher, who also left her husband, puts an interesting bent to the drama. Oh well for the gossip.
By constituent on July 29th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
What is most ironic about all of this community discussion is that it is being done on a BLOG that has been banished from the District Internet access. Wow, how is that for a great epiphany.
By Not a RINO on July 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Will Folks for Superintendent!
By Putting kids's first on July 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Agree with 115. The gossip is old. Who cares. Let’s move on to the best interests of the school district and the total picture. Put the kids first.
By Putting kids's first on July 29th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I agree with #113. This has been a non-reproductive hate campaign and not designed to putting the kids first.
By Putting kids's first on July 29th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I agree with 127. No gossip, but a positive approach to putting the children first.
By oh please on July 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Will we be seeing SD5 on the new show Swingtown?
By kim murphy on July 29th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
HA! HA! We are making progress! We will win again in November regardless of the tactics we chose. Go Don Carlson!
By kim murphy on July 29th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Message 138 not from Murphy. Practical joke in poor taste. My apologies.
Writer of 138
By bob on July 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
!
By Confusing Numbers on July 29th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Message 139 not from 138 from 141.
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 29th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Thanks post 129. Like you respect my current leanings, I respect your position. Might I offer the following personal experience:
4 years ago I was hired to run Operations at Allen University. They, like other small Universities had significant hurdles in terms of funding and facilities. We balanced the books and showed a profit and past reaffirmation of accreditation at the same time offering more services and expanding facilities. (for the record I resigned after the accreditation was completed) So why say this?
The problems here are little different from what I found at AU. The district has to do more with less. It is a function of the business climate. Those that report, adding more schools will increase operation costs, are correct. Look at the plan. There are no economies to scale offered.
For instance: The district stated last night that they installed 700 computers. That is 700 * 0.50 a day in energy cost alone. That is $350 a DAY in energy consumption. Not to mention the IT support and inevitable disposal and upgrades. What in the new plan tries to reduce that number while giving the same solution?
The district noted they are out of space for the management team at the district office. What in the plan addresses reducing management with the expansion of schools. Go read the lawsuits about consolidation that is occurring in Sumter County. It is a great example of education meets business world.
I want to vote yes for expansions. I want to vote yes for rezoning PROVIDED I can be assured minorities get a fair shake and aren’t all moved to Irmo. I want to vote yes to giving the kids what they need. I still have to say no to the current plan.
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 29th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
So here is what I think needs to be done before you could even consider a yes vote:
Develop and publicly release proposed redistricting maps assuming complete passage, assuming passage for renovations, assuming no change. Ensure in the plan balance in minority populations in all schools.
Develop a green energy strategy to reduce operation costs in electrical consumption. Implementing active and passive solar solutions and geothermal heating and cooling. Seek matching grant money.
Develop a technology plan centered around thin client devices and Open Source software. Thin clients consume 1/3 the energy and the Total Cost of Ownership using LINUX is less than 1/2 of traditional PCs. Seek matching grant money.
Address the Busing issue. More schools mean more buses. I have no idea how to fix this…. But we need to know the costs. The rezoning will ultimately drive this.
Develop an organizational plan that streamlines and reduces district overhead. Set a goal to return 10% of district positions to classroom duties.
Demonstrate construction consolidation. To reduce maintenance standardize everything but the color of the paint. Consolidate maintenance to one facility and dispatch from there.
Here is a hard one – Review Teacher Pay. Our district pays on average 10% more per teacher than the rest of the state. We have one of, if not the highest, retention rates for teachers and one of the lowest available FTE counts of any district in the state. If the teachers want new facilities, are they willing to take a cut in pay to get them?
Ultimately a 3 to 5 year ROI should be developed. Maybe I should stick with business….
By Iwrestlewithzen on July 30th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Oh never mind. I just saw tomorrow’s news Sorry everyone. I quit. Maybe I can convince my wife to home school….
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/475249.html
By Board the problem on July 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
The problems in this district are obviously BOARD related!!!! They try to mislead the public time and time again. First they tell us they don’t know where Dr. Andersen is and make it appear as though he just skipped out on the meeting. The next day they admit that they asked him not to come!!! Maybe there sneaky and dishonest tactics are the reason they can’t hang on to a superintendent. I am sick of the moral police putting in their two cents. Live your own life and unless your involvement with others has a positive outcome then keep your mouth shut!!!! I will be sending three kids off to school in the next couple of weeks….all district five schools. Thank goodness that my kids attend schools with great teachers and administrators who seem to overlook all of this mess and focus on the students. And by the way…..my two youngest go to River Springs Elementary!!!!! Thanks to Melissa Cole and all the wonderful teachers at River Springs for all they have done for my kids and all the students they come in contact with each year!
By To Post # 143 on July 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I am not sure where you are getting your stats on teacher pay but I was in Richland District 1 and took a huge pay cut in coming to Lexington District One. Then I moved to Lexington District Five and took another pay cut. I would love to know what pay scales you are reviewing because District 5 owes me some back pay!
By the way #143. I think your other ideas are solid. I think rezoning will help with over all overcrowding issues but, it will not solve them. AND here is the bottom line, everyone WANTS rezoning until their neighborhood is on the chopping block. Then all H*#*! breaks loose. All the communities come out and cry out in anquish. They all have great reasons for wanting to stay at their zoned school.
I am all for options and you are right about technology in this district. It is a shame that our email systems our so antiquated and our main server crashes at least twice a month. We are in desperate need of a technology solution and not a quick fix. All the things you have discussed require monies.
Looks like we are back to voting YES with some minor adjustments, amendments, and a little consensus on the part of the community and board.
Please talk to your neighbors, co-workers, etc. Get everyone involved and focused on the real issues of educating our children. Thanks for all the great educators and administrators that are doing just that. We need to work towards solutions like Post 143 suggests and not on hearsay and gossip. Thanks again Post 143. Don’t give up. You bring up great points! And thanks also for the link to the news article.
By get real on July 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Yeah post #145. I was just going to say the same thing. I am gaining more respect for Dr. AndersEn–I am so glad he let us know why he wasn’t at the meeting. Doesn’t seem like he’s the problem here!!! The board misleading us about the real reason he wasn’t there shows where the problem is.
By George on July 30th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Remember Richard Nixon?
By Mute malicious maggots on July 30th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
How much longer does anyone out there think Lexington Five will remain a “top” school district in this state? I wonder how many employees have left Lexington District Five in the past two years…and not because of alleged affairs and moral turpitude that some of the world’s most vile maggots have disclosed on this blog. Lexington Five’s loss is Lexington One’s and Richland Two’s gain…take notice as the Lexington One community supports its schools by passing referendums…and watch out for Richland TWO–this district is innovative, accepts growth and change, and doesn’t try to keep the bloodline “pure”!
WAKE UP ALL CONCERNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS– YOUNG AND OLD –AND DO NOT LET “YOU KNOW WHO AND THE CREW” CONTINUE TO MISREPRESENT THE TRUTH!
On second thought, just let Chapin secede from the district.
By Board on July 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I find it interesting that in yesterday’s paper the board chair said she didn’t know where the superintendent was and Buddy Price the PR flunky indicated that he didn’t know. He then later came out and said the superintendent was on vacation. Then we find out that he was asked by the board to not show up. Does anyone know what is going on or are they all a bunch of liars?
By TheOnlyReasonThatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I became aware of this blog and tune in every few days to catch up on the latest. In reading all the reasons to vote no from #128 – Ed White using the wrong initials for GIS (yawn), Don Carlson & Kim Murphy not sounding like nut cases (for once), the Board being misleading and causing controversy (they are politicians), and Dr. AndersEn’s alleged infidelity (what can I even say about that), I have yet to see the reason that our schools are NOT overcrowded. You didn’t say that one – and it’s the only one that really matters. You can’t dispute that our schools are OVERCROWDED. Our entire fifth grade at CES will be in portables next year. 10 & 11 year olds will be out of the main building. Does this not matter? As far as the high school portables being on Columbia Avenue – it infuriates me. I am so angry about it. But, it only motivates me to vote yes. Hopefully by the time my infant reaches high school age, we in District Five will have wised up and voted yes. If you’re unhappy with Board – run for a seat. But don’t use them as an excuse to deprive the children of District Five of what they deserve – a quality education from the residents of two of the top ten richest counties in our state.
By OPENYOUREYES on July 30th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Well you’re partially right about the board being responsible for this mess. The REAL problem is the administration (and sweet connections with developers, construction managers, architects, etc) and their desire to GROW the district – in the budget and in number of students and facilities and POWER.
The board hires a superintendent that is to direct those below – but those below are entrenched and don’t want to be “directed” and the supertendent doesn’t want to make waves to fire them. You now, upcoming bond referendum.
So… superintendent and those below come to a meeting of the minds – Obviously the passage of a multi-million dollar bond referendum looks REALLY good on a resume and the rest of the admin couldn’t be happpier – job security, more money to spend, more personnel to hire, more bragging rights, more water and sewer lines for new subdivisions – plus the back scratching from those in the construction business.
To “manipulate” the mostly well-meaning board, the administration develops, along with the construction folks that are going to be lining their pockets if the referendum passes, all kinds of fancy presentations and growth projections – pages and pages of stuff for the board to review and approve. You can just look at all the stuff on their “Facilties Information” page, and that’s only a fraction of what has come and gone up there. Most people get frustrated trying to look at it, compare one document to the next, do the math… So the board says, “We’ve hired experts so they must be right.” Rubber stamp. And that’s as far as it goes. After all, shouldn’t they be able to trust the information that’s given to them by “professionals”? The board knows that the information is askew, but they don’t have time to do their homework and prepare an arguement or the desire to cross the admininstration in a battle – nor the fortitude to handle public humiliation if they can’t make their point. So they go along with the flow.
But, you’ve got to have one or two board members in theadmins loop to move the agenda forward. Real estate appraiser Robert Gantt and attorney Ed White (sources say his law firm was the lead firm in trying to take our vote away by doing away with bond referendums, but was successful in Greenville and other districts. Now those districts are up to their eye balls in debt BIG TIME – all the way to their children’s children. You can bet the firm made tons of $’s off the deal and construction folks wallowing it it and it only took the majority of the district’s board members to committ the taxpayers to millions and millions and millions for new schools – NOT the majority of the voters through a bond referendum – SCAREY.) So don’t just blame the board… it’s the system.
Anyway, we need to work on QUALITY – not quanity. There are 3 seats open for the school board election on Nov. 4 (same day as the $243 million referendum vote). Filing for the seats begins Aug 1. Those with a business background and a love for kids getting a good sound education need only to apply!
By Board Needs to Address Situation on July 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
It does not matter whether all of the rumors are true or not. With the history of this school district and its inability to unite on matters of importance, the School Board owes an explanation to the community. If the rumors are untrue, address them and move on. I am sure the Board Attorney advised the Board Members not to speak publicly concerning the personnel matter, but couldn’t they have just said that rather than giving out 3 different explanations for Andersen’s absence?
Mrs. Hite is clearly trying to make something good out of a bad situation. You have to remember that Dr. Andersen was picked by this Board (actually, Mrs. Ferrell was not on board then, so she gets a pass! and I am not convinced Mr. Gantt and Mr. White were gung-ho about his hiring) to “fix” all of the problems created by McMahon. This Board was looking to him to be the savior for the district. Remember when some members of the Board did not ever vote in favor of Bond Referendums? Then, when their boy, Dr. Andersen, came in and “convinced” them that these new schools were needed, they all of a sudden understood the need and pushed hard for them. They had to…he was their chosen Superintendent and now that this (whatever it is) has happened, his cheerleaders are not looking too good.
I still hope the Referendum can be salvaged. The need is still there and getting more pressing. With much-needed rezoning and the renovation/building plan, School District 5 will continue to thrive.
By TheOnlyReasonThatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
News to you #152 regarding “more water and sewer lines for new subdivisions” – this is absolutely NOT TRUE. That is a Lexington County issue and has nothing to do with the passage of the referendum. Chapin is already zoned for 4 taps per acre.
By The Needs Are Real on July 30th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I am furious with our school board for the lies and Mr. Satterfield for the lack of communication of why the portables are located where they are. I am not happy with Dr. Andersen for being so irresponsible when he knew such activity would draw serious negative attention to our district.
However, when I vote YES in November, I am not doing it for any of these people. I am not doing it because they want me to. I am doing it because I know our schools need renovations and this town needs additional schools.
I am voting YES for the kids in the community and for the well-being of the town itself and those are the ONLY people I am voting yes for.
Ask yourself these questions:
1 – Can we trust our board and every employee of the district? Obiously not!!!
2 – Are our schools severly overcrowded? YES…3 out of 4 are.
3 – Is enrollment increasing? YES
4 – Is there a solid renovation and construction plan? YES
5 – Is the construction schedule feasible? YES
You are not voting on the character or moral aptitude of any board member or district employee. You are voting on whether or not we need renovations done to our current schools and construction of new schools.
Look at the TRUE facts and you will see the need is real!!!
I think we could move forward a lot faster if our “leaders” left and we had new people leading this district. But hey…what do you expect…it’s politics and what politican doesn’t lie!
By OPENYOUREYES on July 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
#154
Yeah but northwest Richland County which is the largest land mass (and mostly undeveloped) in the Chapin attendance area – where D5 wants to put the new middle and high schools – is not. It’s Mungo’s wannabe goldmine. Maybe you just learned something new!
Back to the Lexington County side of Chapin… You’re right, it’s zoned that way, and actually other areas are zoend for more. In addition, a large chunk of it is still wooded. But if D5 builds a new elementary school in the St. Peter’ Church Rd. area and constructs water and sewer lines, you can bet Mungo and other thristy developers won’t be far behind with new subdivisions.
By Unite District 5 on July 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
How in the world can our board make decisions when you all are all back-biting one another. The problem is that everyone has an OPINION and no one has a SOLUTION.
The borad came up with a SOLUTION and guess what, some don’t like it. The board has looked at different options and guess what, some don’t like them.
The board has difficulties trying to make the RIGHT decisions because of all the infighting in our own communities. It is time to STOP the lies, SQUELCH the rumors, and listen to the FACTS. No one will ever agree 100%. It is time to come to consensus. Consensus may not mean that you agree 100%, but you are willing to agree that change is needed.
Unite District 5 – unite.
By The Needs are Real on July 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Dear Open Your Eyes…please take your own advice and do just that! The developments are here and don’t show signs of slowing down. Dutch Fork was built in the “projected growth area” years ago and guess what…they were right in placing a school there!
And regarding Mungo, they already have a goldmine and they make their money by building homes near good schools and advertising the school districts to sell their homes. If you have a problem with the massive amount of developments in this town then try to stop them. Oh yeah…good luck because they are a very affluent and active part of our local government.
Here is an education for you…NO location for an elementary school has been determined but Mayor Shealy has agreed to run water and sewer lines down down St Peters Church road two miles out of the town limit! He is doing this for a development so take that up with him. By the way…I do disagree with this but that is a battle for another day.
By WhatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
#155 The Needs Are Real.
What do you mean 3 out of 4 schools are overcrowded?
By TheOnlyReasonThatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Developers “develop” where there is a need. Naturally they will make money if they already have land there – nothing new to learn – it’s called business. The new high school is proposed for an area between Dutch Fork & Chapin high schools – where it is needed most. And, do you think people aren’t coming here anyway? I know not one person who has moved FROM Chapin in the past year and about 25 who have moved To it.
By The Needs are Real on July 30th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I should have just said that all four Chapin schools are overcrowded but I guess I was getting technical.
Lake Murray Elementary can house 720 students and 787 were enrolled last year.
Chapin Elementary can house 655 students and 812 were enrolled last year.
Chapin Middle can house 1018 students and 978 were enrolled last year.
Chapin High School can house 1065 students and 1240 were enrolled last year.
LME was overcrowded by 67 students.
CES was overcrowded by 157 students.
CMS still had space for 40 more students but will probably be over that this year.
CHS was overcrowded by 175 students.
Our entire district needed to house 359 students than the school buildings could accomodate.
That is why we have so many portables hidden behind the schools and now the ones in front of CHS.
By Susan Paige on July 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
One of the posts got it right! The problem in this district is not the rumors or the groups who oppose the bond referendum but the fact that even the district watchdogs haven’t seemed to notice how many administrative positions have been added at the district level in the past few years. Just this year, after the budget was passed, the board went into “closed session” and approved two more DIRECTORS. That’s about $300,000 worth of salaries. That money wasn’t available when the budget was passed, but suddenly became available in a board closed session. The super said the money would come from attrition. Who is leaving? Certainly no administrators. More board and super and assistant super nonsense!!
By Board the problem on July 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I am happy that this blog is turning from rumors and witch hunts based on little facts to the more important matters dealing with the needs of students in this district. I just hope these witch hunts won’t develop into law suits that cost the district so much money it will take away from the children in the district.
By Board the problem on July 30th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Rezone, rezone, rezone. Let’s fill out schools to capacity. May not be popular, but a STRONG board could do it. Elections are in November. Let’s get new perspective on the board.
By OPENYOUREYES on July 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Listen, you moms who are part of Save our Schools – Chapin I know are good folks and well-intentioned. But you’re being blinded by something. And to be honest, I’d love to tell you what it is and where you’re misguided, but the literature your sending out is beginning to look like that which is sent out by D5 – full of holes, half truths and non-answers. And many of us on your list are smarter than you think. But I afraid that if I point those things out, you’ll surely find a way to put a spin on it. I’d rather spend my time educating folks who are really interested in listening and learning. Renovate and add on to our schools. Make them shine, make them be a draw again. Utilize our assets. Don’t build new schools and provide more draws away from our communities. I guarentee, if D5 taxpayers see that is D5’s desire, you will see support in the future for new facilities. Isn’t it nice to see that we’re on the same side! We all want adequate facilities for our children and grandchildren.
And #158. If a school goes out on St. Peters Church, who do you think will pay for the sewer line? And where on earth are you seeing this rapid development? There’s some, but most subdivisions are at a standstill or have closed up shop. And don’t forget, while there maybe new children moving into our schools… they do eventually leave the school. An example… our kindergarten class this year was 1.058 students and the senior class was 1,065 students.
By golfingbuddy on July 30th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Don Carlson – Great idea to split the question… One for new schools, another question to renovate and expand existing schools. We can vote for one question or vote for both! It’s a common-sense thing to do!
By What no one seems to get on July 30th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I’m amazed. Even the district watchdogs seemed to only be looking at buildings and not the other astounding costs that the current superintendant and assistant super have incurred in the form of extra administrators. In the last several years, many, many administrative positions have been added with little or no justification. At the last budget meeting, after the meeting had concluded and many instructional needs were ignored, the board went into “closed session” and approved secondary and elementary director positions at a cost of about $300,000. The super and asst super stated that they would pay for this by “attrition.” I can assure you that they weren’t talking about any administrators leaving. It is no wonder they’ve run out of space at the DO…..
By Board the problem on July 30th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
#167. You are so right. We don’t need all of these positions at the District Office. Thanks for observing this.
By DO the problem on July 30th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
good job #162. The District office is over-staffed.
By WhatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
#155 and #161 – I understand why you are so angry and I agree with the information you are presenting. Quick question…where did your info come from? Are you receiving SOS-Chapin e-mails or did you research this yourself?
#157 – I totally agree, we need to unite to do what is best for our schools and our towns. Unfortunately, some people are deliberately distorting facts and misleading our community to support their cause of defeating another referendum. It does upset me that much of the strife in our community over this issue is based upon lies and that is why I want to get the truth out.
Regarding the portables at CHS – this is a direct result of the past two failed referendums. Portables were also added at Chapin Elementary and Chapin Middle. It will only get worse if we do not become proactive and take care of the problems at hand. You will see a letter from Mr. Satterfield in the paper next week explaining how he fought to find another location and the reasons there was no where else to put them. Many people do not realize there are already 15 portables behind the school now.
We just need to ask ourselves…What Really Matters? All the other distractions occuring within our district and community do not change the fact that our schools need help and it is up to us to pass this referendum.
By Would Carlson, et. al. vote for renovation ONLY bond? on July 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I have to ask this question. IF the bond was split into two proposals, as the Putting All Students First group has suggested, how can we be sure they will support the renovation piece and really vote for it? If I remember correctly, last November, a big part of the Referendum that this group opposed was the Chapin High School RENOVATION. They said it was the Fine Arts Center that sent them over the edge, but since that was part of a PROPOSED expansion that wasn’t part of the Referendum, surely that was not the reason for their dissent. They have to be smarter than that. Well, maybe not. Anyway, based on history, this group will want to design the renovations themselves. They don’t think anyone else is capable. Beware to those of you that believe splitting the Referendum would gain their support. It’s just a delay tactic.
My children deserve better than what these people are willing to support. I’m sure most of you observed the VOTE YES signs they used during the last Referendum campaign. How could you have missed them? That’s what they want our schools to look like: USED, PAINTED OVER, THROWN TOGETHER, BOTTOM OF THE BARREL SPRAY PAINT, DUCT TAPE, AND PLYWOOD. There are a lot of us out here (even in Chapin!!) who want better for our children. Of course, no one saw the signs that the pro-Referendum folks put up, because “someone” went behind us and removed most of them in the dark of night. Wonder who?
And for those of you that told us last time that you went to school in the 70s/80s in portables and that was good enough for you, well I’m sorry. It may have been good enough for you, but not for our children. They deserve better. Why do students in Lex 1 and Richland 2 deserve better than kids here?
One more thing…I am not a part of the SOS-Chapin group, but why are you assuming it’s a group made up of only Moms? That’s sort of like someone saying the Putting All Students First group is made up of only Senior Citizens. You never have liked that too much.
By WhatReallyMatters on July 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I am very active in Save Our Schools – Chapin.
This is not a “moms group” as was stated by OpenYourEyes.
If you see we are being “blinded†by something, please let us know. Our mission is to get correct information out to this community. If we made you feel that we were undermining your intelligence in some way through our e-mails I sincerely apologize. Rest assured we are NOT a puppet for the board or the district and our information comes from a variety of sources including the State Department of Education, Lexington County, Town of Chapin, and reports from Mayor Shealy.
We do not put a spin on anything and if you feel that is the case then please respond to the e-mail you received and we will clarify the comments/situation and provide you with the source of information.
We initially got involved with the district when they were discussing sending some kids at CES to Chapin Baptist. Believe me when I say our conversations with the board, Dr. AndersEn, and other district employees were candid and very heated. We still have issues with some of the things that are happening and do not pretend our district is without faults. However, we became aware of the more serious problems within our schools and community. There is so much incorrect information circulating and it is tearing our community apart. We want to get the truth to the community so this is where we are concentrating our efforts. We are not hiding anything or attempting to mislead anyone through false information. If you feel something you have received via e-mail is inaccurate, please reply to that e-mail so it can be reconciled. Thank you.
By Unite District 5 on July 30th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Right on Post # 170. What really matters is the overcrowding situation. Do we really want our elementary, middle, and high schools to house thousands of kids? That is what we would end up doing. Don’t we want to keep community schools? Isn’t safety a concern to anyone? Do you really want your child in a high school that has these kinds of numbers? We need to think about crowd control when we have this number of students walking the halls. Safety is an issue. Space is an issue. Important educational programs that need space will be an issue.
Fact: We ARE overcrowded. No one can deny that. PLEASE no more studies to prove it!
Fact: No one wants to be rezoned but, it will alleviate SOME of the problem, but not all.
Fact: We are in desperate need of technology for all schools.
Fact: Our students deserve better. We need to step up.
Fact: Each year that we wait to build a new high school, the costs escalate.
Come to consensus and UNITE District 5. Stop letting political groups that DO NOT have the best interests of our children dictate how YOU vote. Take the time to learn the real issues. Do not waste your time with the propaganda put out by hate groups willing to spread malicious rumors to further their campaign. Find out the facts for yourself. You need to make an informed decision based on facts. District 5 come to consensus – unite.
Get involved. Ask questions. Make an informed decision. Do not believe everything that is printed as fact. There are forces at work that have tainted the propaganda being put out.
District 5 – unite.
By Bummed on July 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
We need to pray for our leaders. I am very saddened that we are entering a new school year with this hanging over our heads. There are 2 families affected directly by these rumors, and 17,000 kids who will pay for it. Honestly, I think, whether the rumors have any basis in truth or not, the promotion of the rumors is purely politically motivated.
Quite sad.
By I heard a rumor this morning on July 30th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Missy told Alice who told Becky who told my cousin who knows this guy who works at district 5 that he said that maybe Don Carlson and Kim Murphy are having an affair. Everyone at Sonic saw it. They were in a blue panel van and then walked home. And OMG I was like sick-o because you know she was caught kissing Dennis McMahon in like the 8th grade.
And my best girlfriend Marci told me that Don was cute and I almost LOL so bad I barfed. Can you believe it?
Please don’t tell anyone, but I think the rumors are all true and Kim and Don are secretly married and Don is planning to run for governor and hire Will Folks to run his campaign. I was hoping Andre would run but it’s NBD.
By Great Post - Unite on July 31st, 2008 at 6:05 am
Good Message #173
District 5 needs to come to consensus.
Focus on facts.
Think of the children, teachers, and staff.
Make informed decisions.
Vote YES to reforming/revitalizing/building our schools.
We could begin with rezoning and then, pass the bond for a new middle and high school. PLEASE don’t start the waterworks when YOUR neighborhood gets put on the chopping block. Trust that the educators in all our schools are worthy and able to teach your children.
Great message – unite. Let’s stop the sarcastic jokes on BOTH sides and unite.
By Would Carlson, et. al. vote for renovation ONLY bond? on July 31st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Sorry I made a very obvious mistake in post 171. I referred to VOTE YES signs when I obviously meant VOTE NO signs. I am so used to saying “Vote Yes” that I mistyped. Sorry.
By Justice on July 31st, 2008 at 9:00 am
Yeah, Dr. AndersEn resigned. Let the truth set this district free so that we may move forward in an ethical and professional manner for the good of the students, families, and faculty. Wanted leaders with good character.
By wake up and smell what they are feeding you on July 31st, 2008 at 10:23 am
ANYONE who has had any dealings with district 5 should know that they have a history of lies and sweeping things under the rug. I am not new to district 5-I have been around as a student, employee and now parent-and the things that I know to be FACT that have been hushed by this district make me sick. Example: does anyone realize that at one point in the past 30 years, IMS had 2-count them 2 male teachers who were molesting students? Never heard that one did you? It happened and they were both “quietly dismissed” Did you know that there was an IHS teacher who was “let go” for taking questionable photos of IHS students? Nope that one was swept away in true district 5 form.
My children come home with literature concerning “character education” and now this? Looks like the administration and the board should read it first!! Rumor or not, there are and have been SERIOUS problems throughout this district for a great while. I do not want these schools teaching my children anything about character when their leaders lie and cheat. No rumor there-many people have pointed out the multiple stories by the board concerning AndersEn’s absence-both sides of the bond lobby spin their “facts” and on and on. People who are responsible for educating our children should be of the highest moral character-there should not be one inch of wiggle room for ANY kind of immoral behavior-so unless lying and adultery have dropped off of the list of immoral behaviors, then we need to clean house. We don’t need to wait, we need to do it swiftly and completely-then maybe the next person who occupies a position of authority in district 5 will think twice before being anything less that moral and honest. To address whether the stories are true or not-maybe you should all contact the family of our not so esteemed ‘leader’-they have been vocal about why AndersEn’s marriage broke up-so there we can now all call the truth what it is-the truth. No sally told bonnie who told ruth-but straight from the mouths of those who do know why their lives were turned up on end.
As to the bond referendum, I honestly do not know how I will vote in November, but I will educate myself with the facts, and I won’t rely on district 5 for those!! Are some of our schools in need of more space and renovations? Yes, but that is the only thing that I know for sure at this point.
For all of the defenders and people who cried “rumor, rumor”, have you thought about what AndersEn’s wife and children are going through right now? You run to his defense, what about their’s? Every person who resides in district 5’s attendance area should be angry and ready to defend the true victims here. The bond referendum is not the victim, AndersEn is not the victim, Cole is not the victim, the board is not the victim. You want to put children, parents and taxpayers first? Then start standing up for what is right and just-or maybe my list is out dated and honesty and morals are not longer right and just.
By Amen on July 31st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Amen #179. You are right. Rumors are never just rumors. Next question. Does the wonderful MRS. Cole get to keep her job?
By Get Off Your High Horse People on July 31st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
This judging of people is sickening and exhausting. Why are you wasting your time blabbing about the he-said/she-said I saw/ she/ saw instead of truly trying to make this a better, stronger district for our children and our community?! All of this hurts everyone in the long run…Let the families involved in all of this mess deal with it as they each need to and the rest of this district needs to move forward and stop being so terribly back-biting, dirt-digging and down right nasty!!! I mean who really wants to live here and continually hear all of this crap?! If you want to fight the battle to make our schools and our community what they should be, then do so! But stop with all the insults and negativity and move on!!!
By Darla on July 31st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
#’s 179, 178, 180: I agree with y’all 100%. I am sorry that people viewed me as being ANTI District 5. Nothing could be further from the truth. I knew from the beginning that what I “said” was correct. I also knew that the superintendent was not coming back. I have a problem with people who don’t think that morals are important. I guess that’s why our country is in the shape it’s in. The fact that Melissa has been a good principal; the fact that AndersEn was innovative, have no bearing on the PROBLEM. This is a sad day for all involved with District 5……but, I truly feel that the truth needs to be told…..NOT to hurt people (think of the children of the people involved who have ALREADY been devastated) but to explain what happened ..AND to let others know that this behavior will not be tolerated.
By Unite District 5 on July 31st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Unite District 5.
Move on… Let’t begin the business of UNITING and not dividing this great district. Get the FACTS. The real facts and make an informed decision. TRY not to let the overzealous political groups come between you and the truth. And the same can be said for the District 5 facts. Be your own judge. Do a little digging on your own. I know some of these posts are factual and others are only partially factual. Don’t look for the truth to come from this blog. Get involved, stay involved, and vote with your conscience.
Unite district 5 – unite.
By Hard to believe rumors on July 31st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Could the person who wrote this story please tell us where they got the idea the Dr. Anderson and Mrs. Cole were involved? Was this just based on something that they heard, or do they have actual proof? If they have proof, how about letting everyone see it!
By Unite District 5 on July 31st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Ok… #184 – WHO CARES.
Andersen is gone. Hopefully reconciling with his wife and children.
Move FORWARD. Look for solutions and stop the recriminations of fact or fiction. These are questions that we need NEVER know the answer to. Move on!
UNITE District 5 – UNITE!
By DO the problem on July 31st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
184. They don’t have proof or the lawyers would have presented it. This is so unfortunate.
By Hard to believe rumors on July 31st, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Hey Unite District 5, I’m in total agreement with you! This is just a blog and not true journalism, so it’s hard for me to believe anything this Sic Willie writes. I had never heard of any of this garbage until this morning when someone told me to read what was being said on this site. You can believe this will be my last entry as I have much better things to do than read this trash. Hang in there District 5!!
By D5 grad, resident, & parent on July 31st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Wow; what a blog!. I just discovered this blog today. Being a product of this school district (go Yellow Jackets!), an almost life long resident, and parent of two childern in this district, I have several opinions.
First, it’s time for a new school board. This board agreed to pay off McMahon when the board decided it was time for him to go three years ago. He was given a nice financial settlement (years pay via our tax dollars if my memory is correct). I am sure he enjoyed his trip to the bank – and smiled all the way. I will never forget Paula Hite stating the reasons for his dismissal would not be made public. How history repeats itself! The board basically “delayed” telling the truth about why Andersen did not attend the board meeting earlier this week. Today, a mutual agreement for Andersen’s departure is reached — and the terms and conditions have yet to be made public. Paula Hite was just on WIS-TV stating the public (which includes the tax payers of this district) do not need to know the reasons for the “departure”. I disagree. We as taxpayers and residents in this district have a right to know; can the board please tell us the truth! If was due infidelity issues, fine, just state that it’s a personnel issue related to Mr. Andersen. Most of the board (I’ll excuse Ms. Ferrell) treat the district 5 taxpayers will little respect. IMO this is the worst board we’ve had that I ever remember including my years as a student in this district. I do not feel that I can trust this board to be honest with the constituents in this district — and that’s sad.
I do believe facility improvements are needed in this district and overcrowding is a problem. If you’re not sure, just take a walk through the halls of DFHS, Chapin MS, or Chapin HS when students are changing classes. What’s needed and not needed, it’s hard to say. I know of teachers who are sharing classrooms; workrooms and storage rooms have been converted into classrooms, and teachers who travel on a cart from room to room to teach. I have witnessed this in the schools my kids attend. However, I honestly wish there were a non-biased set of facts — facts not generated by those for or against improving our schools but by a nonbiased person or group. Would rezoning help? How much available space exists at other schools? What is our student population — in each elementary, middle, and HS? If someone can point me to such a set of non-biased information please post the location. I am on the fence regarding the referendum until I can digest some straight facts. Also, as someone else noted, do we have too many administrators in this district? Could we have a leaner administration and put that money into teacher salaries? Go visit a classroom on parents day — these teachers are saints!! There are some challenging students they have to teach — and I’m willing to pay top dollar for the best and brightest teachers!
My heart does go out to the teachers and the administration within each school in our district. They have a challenging job. Lisa (post 109) is an example of that dedication. I had some excellent and very dedicated teachers in this district during my school years — and my kids have had excellent teachers as well. Years ago district 5 was the district teachers from other areas would want to work — top pay, nice facilities, and overall a good student population to teach. There were always a lot more applicants than vacancies and the cream of the teaching crop could be hired. I feel like this district is losing it’s luster — and is not the “green pasture” that all teachers want to teach. Lexington 1 and Richland 2 are two districts that have a lot to offer and have made great strides in the past 10 to 20 years. District 5 has not progressed in that same way and, from my perspective, it’s due to a lack of leadership at the top. So, thanks to those teachers like Lisa, who could probably serve themselves well to go elsewhere, for staying with our district and teaching our kids!
Maybe now the tide can turn. With a pending change in leadership and a gradual replacement of various board members over the years, hopefully this district can acquire the leadership required to return district 5 to the the stature it had in the Midlands and this state for may years in the past.
By DO the problem on August 1st, 2008 at 4:17 am
Agree with #184. Hopefully Andersen is reconciling with his wife and children. Children need a father.
By obama4change on August 1st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
“Included on that list: walled-off classrooms for Leaphart Elementary, a new free-standing kindergarten wing at Chapin Elementary and a new three-story academic facility at Chapin High”
So Chapin gets two new buildings and “weez gets some walls on da inside too. Oh thanks ya.” COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. Someone needs to rethink this plan.
Hello Obama!!!
By Unite District 5 on August 1st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
#190 – Feel free to voice your opinions. However, the place to do so would not be on this blog. Board meetings are publicized on the Lexington 5 website ( lex5.k12.sc.us ). You can have your say, and voice your thoughts, as well as get questions answered, by attending board meetings. By the way, when you make the effort to attend a meeting and decide to voice your opinion, please feel free to provide some solutions as well. Grumbling about things that you feel are inequitities really does not solve problems or address issues. Be PROactive not inactive, and please try not to be Reactive.
Thanks #190.
By selurdog on August 1st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Unfortunately school districts, like government agencies in general, are regime builders. It is the nature of the beast. Many school administrators, like most bureaucrats, are too busy building monuments to themselves to worry about the students or the teachers. It’s called self-promotion and self-preservation. How can they justify higher salaries for themselves if they don’t create additional responsibility by growing the administration? How can they justify promotions and pay increases for their direct reports if they don’t add to their responsibility. What better method of promoting your professional self worth than adding beautiful new, architecturally significant schools and administration buildings to your resume’. It’s just the way our wonderful government works.
There are many questions that the taxpayers of Lexington and Richland county need to ask. Why do we need five school districts, five school superintendents with supporting staff and five school administration buildings in Lexington County? Greenville County seems to do a fine job with just one. Seems like a lot of duplication of effort.
What happened to the idea that additional spending on schools should be proportional to the growth in student population. It would seem that the additional tax revenues generated by people moving into a school district should pay for the new buildings and infrastructure required to support them. Yet all we hear is how we need to increase tax revenues to support the anticipated growth. Sounds like we’re putting the cart before the horse to finance someone’s pie-in-the-sky projections.
Why does the fact that property taxes were recently lowered have anything to do with voters approving a bond referendum to build new schools? The reduction in property taxes was made possible by an increase in sales tax. Instead of paying a lump of money at the end of the year in property taxes, the taxpayers are just spreading out over the whole year by paying higher sales taxes. A much needed reduction in property taxes is not justification for spending more money than we need to spend.
Do we need to build new schools in Lexington and Richland counties? You better believe that we do! Several are popping at the seams. Can we reduce the need to immediately build new high schools and middle schools out in the middle of the country? You better believe that we can! Rezoning is never popular, but it is an immediate, very cost effective solution to a current problem. If and when the growth materializes then build the schools to support it. Until that time use what is available to accommodate the fluctuations in enrollment
Do we need to make schools architecturally significant and unique? Definitely not, they need to be comfortable and functional. The enclosed courtyards, bell towers, lounge areas and lunch room mezzanines are nice but add significantly to the cost of construction and increase renovation cost in the future. Build what is practical with consideration for future addition.
Why does District Five need to solicit out of state architectural firms? Seems we have many good local firms that can do the work without incurring all of that travel costs. Why does District Five limit the consulting firms to one (or maybe two) for each discipline, obviously restricting competition only drives up the fees. Maybe someone ought to look into the design fees being charged to District Five to see if they are competitive with other local firms.
How about all of the portables being purchased? Our district administrators hire very qualified architects to design very pretty buildings to project the appropriate image to the community. Then what does District Five do? They buy portable classrooms and place them right out in front of the nice school buildings. Paying for portables with hard-earned tax dollars and then having to redo the interiors because they were laid out wrong. Seems like someone isn’t playing with a full deck.
Take a walk through the schools during open house. Nothing but the best in flat panel computer monitors, up-to-date high speed computers and peripherals, smart boards, laptops and computer projection systems providing our students with the best and most up-to-date technology available. Unfortunately when most of these students graduate into the real world they will work for companies that can’t afford to update their hardware and software every year or every other year. Talk with some of the students and teachers. Find out how proficient they are at using this technology. Check out how often the multimedia labs and computer labs are in use. Do students and teachers benefit from all of this and make the most of these resources. A few do, but a lot don’t. Most students and teachers are overwhelmed by the rapid change in technology. Teachers are already inundated with reports, administrative duties and non-academic task to the point that their teaching time is severely jeopardized. How will they find time to learn how to effectively use another complicated program or computer system. Are we paying for a lot of “stuff†for show? The world is changing rapidly and our educational system needs to stay abreast of these changes, but all too often an attempt is being made to teach calculus to students that haven’t become proficient in multiplication. Get the basics down then worry about staying up to date with the latest and greatest.
How about books? Do we really need to change textbooks every year or two? Are the administrators responsible for purchasing textbooks looking out for the student’s education and taxpayer’s dollars, or, are the perks and benefits offered by the publishers at the last book fair or convention influencing decisions? Are there any school administrators accepting consulting fees from the publishers providing the textbooks?
Are the administrators purchasing these books seeking advice and input from the teachers that use them and then acting on that input, or, are they doing what is in their own self-interest?
Why does the school board feel it necessary to travel to distant states to hire a superintendent? What does that say to the hardworking, loyal employees of the school district? Based on the past two individuals hired it seems that the school board may not be doing their due diligence in performing the search. Find someone that has the best interest of the students and teachers at heart, someone that has some degree of moral character, someone that can and will lead by example, someone that understands that he or she works for and at the behest of the people of the county and is responsible for listening and responding to the voice and needs of the people in the district. Regime builders, egotistical self –promoters, arrogant prima donnas and individuals devoid of moral character need not apply.
School administrations need to be trimmed and the dollars saved used to provide higher salaries for the teachers, the foot soldiers in the war on ignorance. School buildings need to be functional and efficient and not monuments to the last self-promoter that occupied the superintendent’s office. The school board, the school administrators and our politicians need to recognize that they work for the public, the public does not work for them. The school district needs to establish and follow some basic rules where self interest and selfish interest are put aside, where the facts are presented truthfully, openly and honestly and where those in public office are held to a higher moral standard. Public officials need to lead by example if they choose to participate in the education of our children. The ones that cannot abide by the rules should be removed, immediately.
By obama4change on August 1st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
#191 are you the moderator for this blog? This whole blog is full of opinions including yours. So a minority point of view comes up and all of a sudden I would be better off “eating in the kitchen”? I know about being proactive. Talk about unite the district.
Let me see if I have this straight – The Superindent gets accused of wrong doing with a principle. His contract gets extended. Nothing is done. A few trailers go up in front of Chapin HS two days later the guy is gone. I wonder what the settlement will be? Irmo has had trailers for ever. Leaphart is in terrible condition. But the plan is Chapin gets new buildings. A brand new state of the art school is proposed for 5 miles from those new buildings where there are more goats than children “because there will be growth”. Leaphart gets some internal walls and Irmo gets an expansion. I say the plan is unacceptable. Then someone claiming to unite the district tells me to WAIT and come to a board meeting to state my opinion.
How’s this for a proposal? Let’s get some equitable representation for the entire district. Let’s focus on the schools with the most problems. How about spending some money on the other side of the district for a change. By the way how many kids at Chapin are on free lunch? Try 50% at Leaphart. I will see you at the board meeting.
Thank you too
By See you at the board meeting! on August 2nd, 2008 at 7:55 am
Awesome Obama! I think you should give your proposal to the board. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. And your questions are great! Things should be equitable across the district. Now is a great time for positive, proactive change. The rumor mill has no place here. Look to the future for ALL children in district 5. Be a visionary and help to make things happen.
This blog is not a means of getting the facts which was my initial point. It has been proven that this blog only serves to be a sounding board for persons (which is fine). But, if you seriously want to see change, renewal, and equitable schools then you MUST get involved.
The only way I know to do that is to let your voice be heard and, like it or not, our medium continues to be our elected school board officials. If you are not happy with the current persons then feel free to elect them out of office. The board consists of humans, and they are not perfect. We just aren’t designed to be perfect. I do think that they are doing the best that they can. I may not agree with everything they do, but I can agree that they are the elected body that a majority of Richland and Lexington voters elected into a position of importance to our community.
This blog will not change the future of District 5 but YOU can. And I will see you at the next board meeting. I look forward to it! Below are some dates/locations to get you started! :-)
August 11, 2008 – District Office
August 25, 2008 – District Office
Sept. 8, 2008 – River Springs Elementary (public forum)
Sept. 22, 2008 – District Office
By FACTS on August 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
Accurate Stats: for post # 193
Free and Reduced for Chapin 16%.
Free and Reduced for Leaphart 38% – Not 50% as stated in an earlier post still lower than Chapin.
** See link below for other schools that you may be interested in. The correct information is out there. You just have to look for it. That is why this blog cannot be considered a source of real knowledge and I don’t think that it ever claimed to be that.
http://www.publicschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/72496
By Nulli Secundus on August 2nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
How’s this 193? Osama’s a bomber, Obama’s a bummer. Has a nice ring to it! AndersEn and the school board are a bunch of alter boys compared to what Obama has in store for you. Want to see your taxes go through the roof and the country go down the tubes at the same time, put BHO in office! Talk about liberal spending and redistribution of wealth.
Educate me! What does the percentage of free lunches have to do with school overcrowding? Leapharts biggest problem began when it was built as an open classroom environment. It was a dumb design based on a bunch of unproven ideas. The same mistakes were made all over the state, now we have a bunch of schools that are difficult to teach in and difficult to renovate. So much for wasted tax dollars. Lets learn from our mistakes and not jump on the next new idea until its had a while to prove itself. If you don’t like the school your children are in, move. Thats the reason Chapin’s schools are becoming crowded while enrollment at Leaphart and Seven Oaks is declining.
As for school board mettings – Never seem much accomplished in a committee atmosphere. The local vocals get all of the attention with a lot of overused rhetoric. The people in the know won’t speak out for fear of reprisal. If the school administrators do what they are paid to do and the board members do what they are elected to do the solutions would be self evident without having to filter through all of the useless, repetitive and tiresome dialog.
By Unite D5 on August 2nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
Well, here goes… the way to be proactive is to be a part of the solution. Complaints and grumbling about the economy serves no one. If you really want to see change, then you have to make the effort. It isn’t fun and you may not like the avenues that you have to take, but true change is hard BUT worth it!.
Bottom line – our schools are overcrowded. People don’t want to focus on that. They want to focus on “poor me”. Well, this kind of attitude does not help the big picture. The big picture is that our high schools and middle schools are overcrowded. Solutions have been discussed such as rezoning which will alleviate but not solve the problem, build new schools, and also, add onto existing facilities. The school board has exhausted options. It is time to build. It is time to update. It is time to add much needed technology. For those of you that walk the halls of our schools and see only the good… GREAT! Our teachers and administrators are making it work everyday because we BELIEVE that all children deserve for us to make the most of a difficult (and yes it is difficult) situation. Without the consensus of the general public, the MOST VOCAL groups will continue to win bond referendums.
If you take on the attitude… Why bother? Then you are defeating our campaign before it even begins.
Get involved. Stay involved. Be proactive! Vote yes – for NO MORE overcrowding.
By DO the problem on August 2nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Let’s take a positive approach. Let’s hope the Board gets a new leader at the district office who puts the kids first. Certainly not any one currently at the district office. A new leader with progressive approaches with a children first approach .
By Angela or D/G on August 2nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I agree with # 198.
By Angela or D/G on August 2nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I believe we need a new leader who will put the children first. Certainly noone currently working at the District Office. We need a progressive leader who will keep us the best district in the state. Continue the search.
By Angela or D/G on August 2nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I agree with No. 162. You need to hire competent principals who can handle their schools and get rid of all these watch dogs. Perhaps one, two or even three over=sight people but not so many at taxpayers expense.
By My vote goes to #192 on August 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I have no idea who #192 is but he/she is who I want running my school district. I vote #192 for superintendent.
Of course, someone like that would probably have better sense than to take a political job. Too bad.
By What? Principals? HUH? on August 3rd, 2008 at 6:49 am
I am curious… Which principals are doing such a terrible job? I know our childrens principal’s at the elementary, middle(s) and high schools have done an excellent job of making us feel like our children are receiving an excellent education. It is not their fault that the schools are overcrowded and that the technology of our district is woefully inadequate. They have to work within a certain budget. That budget is looked over and over by teachers, staff and SIC members which are PARENTS that have been elected by PARENTS within a school. Why do we need more jobs (oversite committee) when we have all these people already “overseeing” our school administrators. That does not make sense. Your school SIC committee should be your school oversite committee and I know of the 5 schools in District 5 that my children have attended, those SIC members are doing a great job of asking questions and looking at the big picture that administrators face everyday. So, tell me what exactly are the principals doing that make them the bad guys? I don’t get that. By the way, once the budget leaves the school and has been approved by the SIC, then it is also approved by the school board. We don’t need to create anymore jobs or paperwork.
Bottom line – Our schools are OVERCROWDED. Principals are not making that up. Just drive to any of the high schools yourself. Ask for a tour once school is in session. Why not look for yourself and see if there is a misuse of space for yourself. Our schools are operating out of closets – literally. There are classrooms in closets and workrooms. Portables are everywhere, and that my friends is evidenced at all the high schools and middle schools. Some people may want to hide the portables behind the schools, but the SAFEST and most convenient place is out front where kids can get to bathrooms, and away from danger if some psycho enters the school property. It is also the safest place to house the portables if they have any type of technology inside of them.
Principals are not the problem. Grumbling is not the solution. Time to take action. Get the facts – Vote yes.
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/477358.html
Yes 33% 67 votes
No 67% 136 votes
Total: 203 votes
By Are you kidding? on August 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Are you kidding? Anyone could vote 100X on either side. There is NOTHING scientific in your logic… nuffsaid.
Nufsaid needs to stop clicking “no” votes and get a life. Get involved. Get the facts. THEN, make an informed decision not based on the lies and allegations that have been put out there by political hate groups.
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Don’t shoot the messenger, here is the satisfaction rating according to the district reported facts.
http://ed.sc.gov/topics/researchandstats/schoolreportcard/2007/3205.html
(Teacher and Parent responses included respectively)
Chapin High
Percent satisfied with learning environment 95.1% 93.0%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 93.5% 90.7%
Dutch Fork High
Percent satisfied with learning environment 95.0% 90.2%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 94.2% 83.3%
Irmo High
Percent satisfied with learning environment 93.8% 86.7%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 95.1% 66.7%
Chapin Elementary
Percent satisfied with learning environment 90.9% 85.6%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 91.1% 90.7%
Riversprings Elementary
Percent satisfied with learning environment 100.0% 91.4%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 100.0% 91.4%
Leaphart Elementary
Percent satisfied with learning environment 85.4% 79.2%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 68.1% 75.0%
Dutch Fork Middle
Percent satisfied with learning environment 85.9% 91.2%
Percent satisfied with social and physical environment 95.3% 88.2%
Our Teachers versus the state averages. I chose Irmo High because the numbers for the teachers there are lower than most.
Teachers Irmo High
Teachers with advanced degrees 63.0% 56.9%
Continuing contract teachers 85.6% 73.0%
Teachers with emergency or provisional certificates 4.5% 8.5%
Teachers returning from previous year 86.9% Down from 87.8% 84.5%
Average teacher salary $48,209 $44,357
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Our teachers are paid higher, return at a faster rate, require less provisional certs and on average (according to District 5 reported information reported by the SC Department of Education) hover around a 90% satisfaction rating on learning and physical environment.
Now tell me again what the district is saying about being competitive with other school districts? I am not sure I understand? Oddly enough the poll (albiet unscientific) and recent referendums appear to be commensurate in form with these numbers.
By What are you talking about??? on August 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Nuffsaid- Get your facts straight.
I took a pay cut going from Richland One to Lexington One and then, took an additional pay cut going from Lexington One to District Five. I am not sure what teacher pay has to do with overcrowded schools. Your message makes no sense.
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
They are not my facts they are the facts reported by district 5. Are you suggesting that district 5 is not representing the truth when it comes to report? Oh My. All I did was put up the information that the district reported.
Average Teacher at Irmo earns 8.6 percent more than the average teacher in the state.
http://ed.sc.gov/topics/researchandstats/schoolreportcard/2007/3205.html
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Oh yea and depending on the school 90% +/- 10% of parents and teachers are satisfied with the educational and physical environments. Not my words…. Those are the reported values from the district. Are those numbers wrong? I am sure the Department of Edu would like to know….
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
btw #208 I will try and type slower for you next time, so you can read the references to my facts. Did you ever consider that the reason you are jumping from district to district so often while taking pay cuts may be a reflection of your ability……. Just asking the logical?
By Proud supporter on August 4th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Go River Springs for the scores. Proud of our school.
By nuffsaid? on August 4th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Thanks #208 I decided to read the reports in a little more detail
Not my opinion… these are the numbers reported by the district
Using the Chapin Report as a base line
The average state classroom is 14% more crowded than the classrooms at Chapin high.
Student?teacher ratio in core subjects 22.9 to 1 26.2 to 1
Our district spends 21% more per pupil than the average student in the state
Dollars spent per pupil* $8,596 $7,091
Other districts in the state spend 10% more of there overall budget on teacher salaries
Percent of expenditures for teacher salaries* 50.4% 55.7%
And sadly other districts spend 15% more of their budget on instruction
Percent of expenditures for instruction* 52.9% 61.4%
By Concerned Constituent on August 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Referendum Poll
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/477358.html
“Should the Lexington-Richland 5 school board go forward with its plan for a November bond proposal, without a permanent superintendent?”
“Yes” or “No”
Thanks for the link #204. I voted on this poll… still two to one. BTW, you can only vote once.
By nuffsaid? on August 5th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Yes #212 you should be proud of your scores. As should most every school in our district. So here is what I can not piece together.:
Paula Hite et al have given their name to the documents that show that 90 percent (+/- 10) of the parents and teachers are Happy with the current conditions. (Now from what I have read about Leaphart OK something needs to be done there. But that can be done within the current funding.) Where are Hite et al getting the numbers suggesting people are a quarter of a billion dollars unhappy with the conditions? If post #208 is any representation, we have teachers willing to take pay cuts just to get into our current conditions.
How can we be woefully lacking in facilities and technology when 90+ percent are reporting satisfied?
Now if the reported information is incorrect, then I think we have some very serious issues, as these are the numbers reported by the Department of Education. We already report spending 21% more per child than the rest of the state. How much more do we have to spend? We already score above the national (not state – national) average in standardized tests. What would we get for the additional money? Higher test scores? greater retention rates? greater job and education placements at graduation? I would like to see a projection report on the relation between expenditure and results. Is there a point of diminishing returns?
#203 you say to go look at the schools. You say we are overcrowded and to get my facts straight. So I did what you asked. I looked at the data provided from the schools. That data is all peaches and cream, we are great, things are fine give us our accreditation. Maybe you are right. Maybe the numbers reported were “fudged”. If that is the case, I would suggest an outside review. If the reports are in error, then get rid of the report generators. If the reports are correct, well I have to say everything looks pretty good to me.
By Concerned Parent on August 5th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I would like Nuffsaid to check with the amount spent per pupil in Lexington One and Richland Two. Those districts serve a similar families and I for one do not care that we spend more than McCormick County per pupil. We do live in a poor state that has a high illiteracy rate. I want my children to compete nationally, not just within SC. Many of the vote No Group members educated their own children up north where taxes are higher and education is given more funding, then they move south and don’t want to do what other taxpayers did when their children were in school. We should not set the bar so low. We should be striving for excellence and minimal.
By nuffsaid? on August 5th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
GREAT POINTS Concerned Parent. Any more suggestions on what to research?
http://www.lexington1.net/?page=NEWS/Issues/Accountability/REPORTCARDS/reportcards.htm
Lexington 1 spends $8,089 we spend 6 percent more at $8,596.
Lexington 1 reporting scoring 1041 average SAT score. That is 22 points lower than our district reported number for the same period.
Just for giggles that is roughly $43 per point. If more money makes better students then $250mil/16,775 students is a an average increase of 346 points which would make us number one in the nation above Iowa!!! OK lets hold some feet to the fire on this one. Lets give em a 10 year amort. That is a 34 point climb.
According to the NEA
http://www.nea.org/edstats/RankFull06b.htm
Our teacher pay ranks 16th compared to other state averages standards
Our per pupil expenditures ranks 25th compared to other state averages
Our Bond referendum is roughly 1/3 of the total dollars that will be expendient on ALL education in North Dakota
According to the The State Paper reference 08/29/2007 Edition
http://www.city-data.com/forum/south-carolina/144491-s-c-trails-nation-again-ranked.html
“Students at Lexington-Richland 5s three high schools combined for a district average of 1063
Among the many statistics released Tuesday by the College Board, which owns and administers the SAT, are these reflecting how 2007 high school graduates fared on math and critical reading sections of the college entrance exam.
National average: 1017″
Almost 4.5 percent better than the national average.
BTW I was raised in poor county in this state. Went to public schools with split sessions because of the growth of the Yankee influx. Got scholarships and worked my way through college and graduate school even working nights in a slaughter house and weekends sloping pigs. I paid my pounds of flesh and so shall my kids. The school does not make the man. The man makes the education. What other facts would you like me to research for you?
By 3rdGrade-Teacher on August 5th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
#193- One way to remember the correct way to differentiate between principle and principal- is this……….. When referring to an educator “principal” has the pal in it, as in your friend. As for the spelling of Superintendent, you are on your own. Remember practice makes perfect!
“Let me see if I have this straight – The Superindent gets accused of wrong doing with a principle”
By I guess that IS enough on August 5th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
You can beat us down NufSaid but speaking as a teacher that had to have Art Classes in the hallway because of overcrowded conditions at one point, I don’t ever want to see District 5 like that again. Yes, we made it work. But, it was not easy. And guess what, NO ONE complained because we made it work. But our kids deserve better.
NufSaid – You have your own opinions. Great. Facts are facts. District 5 is overcrowded. Come on in to Dutch Fork on the first day of school and check it out for yourself. Parents welcome. We need a YES vote to help out schools, teachers, and students.
Enough said…
By Interim on August 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Thank goodness the board did not name Dr. Bollman as the interim. He has been such a divisive force in the district. As a parent, he has been ineffective and non responsive.
By What happened? on August 5th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
You’re absolutely right about Dr. Bollman – he IS a big part of the problem in District 5. What I want to know is where is Melissa Cole? I’m told she’s on administrative leave……….
By Darian on August 5th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I wonder if Bollman and his cast of cronies will undermine this new guy Berg like he has done the past two supes. He was very open and vocal about his dislike of Anderson. Please let us move forward.
By nuffsaid? on August 5th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Your right #219. I should not have mentioned that the “man makes the education.” Prior to that, all the information I had offered was referenced information provided by the district and questions. I will stay with that format.
How does a yes vote help schools, teachers and students? Seriously? Is there demonstrative evidence that increased spending in isolation increases performance?
Below are not my words but those of education experts.
http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/x8080.xml
“…spending has tripled over the past 35 years, and American education hasn’t improved either. In no case does it seem we’re adding a lot of value.”
“According to Education at a Glance 2007, released in September by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United States ranks second in spending on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP. It also spends the most dollars per student, excluding the pre-primary level, at which it is second only to the United Kingdom.
All this spending, however, may be serving neither the equity nor the excellence agenda as well as it might. The U.S. high school graduation rate of 76 percent is sixth from the bottom—besting only Mexico, Turkey, Spain, New Zealand and Luxembourg.”
So why vote yes?
By Change is in the air... on August 6th, 2008 at 6:05 am
If you are truly interested in change…
* If you want your high schools to be less crowded – YOUR elementary students are coming faster than you can imagine
* If you want to see the MUCH needed technology updates
* If you want to see ALL schools have updates
* If you want your children to be a part of an award winning district
Join the people at the polls and vote YES. Our children are worth your effort.
Don’t let the negativity that engulfs this blog engulf your heart. Remember these people are part of a hate group that has spread malicious gossip and rumors just to further their own political agendas. They take an OUNCE of truth and twist it to meet their own negative hate campaign. These people do not want our schools to move forward.
Change IS on the horizon and YOU can be a part of this new POSITIVE trend that truly does care about our children and their futures.
Be a part of this grassroots effort and vote YES.
By nuffsaid? on August 6th, 2008 at 8:08 am
See here is the problem. There are no numbers in your statements.
What does it mean for the high schools to be less crowded? Could we not make our HS less crowded by kicking out lets say every third person whose name has a ‘r’ in it? Does that really do anything for us?
Technology updates. What do you consider a technology update? Do you mean migration to open source applications away from the computer models of the 90s where we won’t use MS? If that is the case then why do we need money to do that, open source applications are free and typically can extend the life cycle of a computer while offering more features.
What do you mean by updates?
Are not the school districts already award winning? Would we win more awards if we spent more money.
Updates for what reason?
By nuffsaid? on August 6th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I find it interesting that any question or referenced material that is presented in opposition to the referendum is met with such hostility.
The following 4 posts have the common terms of “Ounce of Truth”
get real – July 19, 2008
The Putting All Students First Committee – HA! – July 23, 2008
Keep the Focus – July 29, 2008
Change is in the air… – August 6, 2008
The next 4 posts have a common term of “Hate groups”
Keep the Focus – July 29, 2008
Unite District 5 – July 30, 2008
Are you kidding? – August 4, 2008
Change is in the air… – August 6, 2008
Are they really hate groups? You mean like the Klan and/or Panthers?
I think the rhetoric would be better to served to provide referenced material.
By motherof3 on August 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I think it is unfair how they are treating Melissa Cole. She is a good administrator and a good person. They should leave her alone and let her do her job! She doesn’t deserve to be made a scapegoat.
By Witch Hunt on August 6th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I am a staff member at River Springs. I cannot believe what just happened. I was asked the dumbest questions ever by Gestapo enforcer Jim Shirley under the direction of Herr Bollman. He was asking me about who takes care of the grounds, and what 2 things I liked and didn’t like about being at the school. He also asked about sign in and sign logs. They are on some type of witch hunt. The new superintendent came by today and told us he would make sure everything is fair and that he would personally be involved in whatever is going on. HE BETTER.
By trouble in river city on August 6th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/481386.html
He may tell you that, but you may want to look at what Kershaw County says. I feel sorry for you guys.
By DS Morals on August 6th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
In trying to e-mail Jim Shirley or Dr. Bowman the e-mail’s won’t go through. In contacting Jim Shirley he says their boxes of full on the support of Melissa Cole. We believe they have shut off their e-mails so they wouldn’t have evidence of support.
By DS Morals on August 6th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Witch Hunt. #228. Under statement of this situation.
By UNDERSTATEMENT OF SITUATION on August 6th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Support of No. 228. Under statement of this situation.
By Hopeing and praying. on August 6th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
#227. Mother of 3. You have no idea of how unfair this has been. I am waiting for one person on this school board to step up and acknowledge that what is happening isn’t right. Certainly we can’t count on Robert Gant or Ed White, or their wives. But perhaps we can hope one of the others will reflect on the situation and do the right thing. Here’s hopeing and praying.
By blocked e-mail on August 6th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
When you try and e-mail Jim Shirley or Dr. Bollman you can’t get through. They have had so much support for Melissa Cole, they have closed down their E-mail. They acknowledge a large e-mail but say their e-mails are full????
By Hoping and praying. on August 6th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I hope one person on this board would step up and do what is right. Just one would be a positive sign. Certainly you can count on Gant or White or their wives, but perhaps someone else. Hoping and praying.
By RSES: positive representation on August 6th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Dear #228: If you are a RSES staff member, please honor our school by showing respect for all school district employees by refraining from name-calling. Your feelings are understandable but at RSES we do not condone, even in such times as these, public name-calling of others. Your co-workers appreciate your restraint…it reflects upon us all.
By Apologetic Witch Hunt on August 6th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
You are right 236. I should not have stooped to level of those idiots by calling them names.
By motherof3 on August 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
It is good to see so many people finally standing up for Melissa. So much horrible information has been said in this blog. Now the board needs to do the right thing. Leave her alone and maybe even apologize to her and to the rest of the school. I couldn’t believe so many people from the district office went to the school today. Like the entire school and anyone that supports a wonderful leader like Melissa might be to blame. #228 I am soooo sorry.
By RSES Breaks Through! on August 7th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Cannot get through, RSES? Hang in there with the rest of us! Try this email… Our new superintendent’s email address, his assistant’s and others to follow!
hberg@lex5.k12.sc.us
SStowers@lex5.k12.sc.us
Jshirley@lex5.k12.sc.us
Ebaumgar@lex5.k12.sc.us
rferrell@lex5.k12.sc.us
Rgantt@lex5.k12.sc.us
Pahite@lex5.k12.sc.us
Csloop@lex5.k12.sc.us
Ewhite@lex5.k12.sc.us
Email away for RSES and for Melissa Cole! Go Navigators!
By Amen on August 7th, 2008 at 4:57 am
Motherof3…why do you think Ms. Cole is the “scapegoat”? If she did wrong, this district has no choice but to address this. The district employees and community will know that right is right and wrong is wrong and it will be addressed accordingly and fairly. And what does the Gantt and White wives have to do with anything? They aren’t on the board? To all RSES employees, a few bad apples does not spoil the whole basket. So you have a little shadow right now. The sun will shine again and the good will prevail. Don’t let anyone’s personal misjudgment affect your job. Do your job and do it well. You are still a good school.
By Can I Get an Amen? on August 7th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Amen (240) you ask what do the wives have to do with it? Well, they are out in the community opening their big mouths and spreading rumors. You are also right that RSES is a good school, we are simply trying to prevent the bad apples (the board and their spouses, Bollman, Shirley and Co.) from ruining it.
By IF she did it... on August 7th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Melissa Cole has received overwhelming support because of her work. I agree she has done a fine job at River Springs. IF, and I stress IF, she did what has been alleged, what does this say about her morals and character? Is this someone we want leading our kids? Does this give us any insight into her judgement? One more question, how many of you were ready to impeach President Clinton?
By I must be a Pollyanna on August 7th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I do not want someone without morals being in charge of my children-why do you? Anyone who is in a position of authority over our children should be of the HIGHEST moral character-there is no exception-unless adultery has become an acceptable behavior, then Melissa needs to go. District 5 needs to start hiring people who don’t come to work to find a date-this too has been going on for a long time!!! Are Scott AndersEn and Melissa Cole the first to do this? No, but maybe if our house is cleaned, they will be the last. The board needs to institute a No Fraternization policy first thing and they need to enforce it. Then the dead weight in this district needs to be dumped. Why are so many people condoning this behavior? I do not want my children to grow up thinking that as long as you are good at your job, you can do anything you want and it is okay. You need to put your children first and think about who you allow them to be led by or they too will grow up to be immoral and cheaters. Think before you defend-who deserves your effort? As parents, we must demand that the people educating our children are beyond reproach-not running around acting like they belong on a soap opera. D5 needs to make sure that employees are only there to work-that would put our children first-but instead many are too busy with their social lives to even think about the children. For all of those that are so happy with of Melissa, what about character? What about morals? What about what these children are learning at her feet?
By We Want Answers! on August 7th, 2008 at 8:29 am
From “The State”:
Principal’s absence clouds new school year
By JOY WOODSON – jwoodson@thestate.com
River Springs Elementary principal Melissa Cole is on leave, Lexington-Richland 5 officials confirmed Wednesday, and some want her back.
More than two dozen people, mostly teachers and other staffers wearing River Springs T-shirts, crowded into the district office for a special called meeting Tuesday.
“She truly has a vision, not just for our school, but our district, to always have the children at the center of it,†said Susan Potter, a River Springs teacher who was one of about five staff members speaking in support of Cole. “I have never had a single reason ever to question her dedication, her integrity.â€
Cole has been on leave at least since last week, said district spokeswoman Michelle Foster, though she would not provide details — among them a specific date of the start of her leave, whether it was paid and when she might return.
“It’s a personnel matter,†she said.
Efforts to reach Cole Wednesday were unsuccessful.
It’s another issue the district is facing as the new school year nears.
It was roughly a week ago when the resignation of superintendent Scott Andersen was announced, which board members and district lawyers characterized as a mutual agreement.
Herb Berg, who retired as superintendent of Kershaw County schools in 2007, was named Lexington-Richland 5’s interim chief at Tuesday’s special meeting.
At the 650-student River Springs, assistant principal Boyd Hainsworth is in charge, preparing the school for the Aug. 21 start of the new year.
The assistant principal is capable, said Patrick Rorie, immediate past president of River Springs’ parent-teacher organization, but it’s just “another transition†everyone has to go through.
It was two years ago that the school was dealt another blow when then-principal Lynn Robertson left.
Without a principal at the helm, Rorie is worried about school opening, fundraisers and other back-to-school events. Still, no one from the district office has talked to the PTO about it, he said.
“How long are we going to go before we’re given any information?†said Rorie, who has two children at River Springs. “We’re flying in limbo a little bit.â€
Cole has been at River Springs since 2006. Before that, she was an assistant principal and teacher in Lexington-Richland 5 for a number of years.
As a high school student, Cole, whose maiden name is Odom, led Irmo High to three consecutive Class AAAA tennis championships. In 1992, the then-senior signed on to play at Clemson University.
By Sharon on August 7th, 2008 at 9:25 am
242 and 243 – If Cole is receiving overwhelming support because of her work, then doesn’t that say that her work, example and support of children and staff must be excellent. Isn’t that what we want? The only reason any of these other RUMORS are out there are because of political motivation from either the anti-everything crowd or others who are seeking revenge because of the McMahon debacle by the board. If people like you were really concerned about the children, this blog and the rumors that are being spread by you and others would have never happened.
243 asked what is happening to the children who are at her feet? They are LEARNING. Imagine that. Ask them. Ask their teachers. Ask their parents.
The only way any of these rumors are impacting the children is if the ADULTS are dumb enough to make it an issue with their children.
By IF she did it... on August 7th, 2008 at 9:53 am
#243 – I agree 100%
#245 – I am a parent of two River Springs students. They are “LEARNING!” I just don’t want them learning from an alleged adulterer.
By Alleged on August 7th, 2008 at 10:49 am
247 – the key word is “alleged”. However, for gossip mongers, that is all it takes. Who is alleging that?
By From the Outside on August 7th, 2008 at 10:50 am
How interesting. 241 (Can I get an Amen?) who is it that has a big mouth? Certainly, not the staff from River Springs who are creating a media feeding frenzy for yet more humiliating headlines. Your restraint and measured responses in light of not having all the information is admirable. I’m sure the parents at your school appreciate it.
By mary on August 7th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
what the heckis in the water at river sprints???? ROFLMFAO!
last principal got canned for “doing” the janitor
this one suspended for doing the superintendent…..
at least they are shooting higher, next one will be a presidential aide?
By gandg on August 7th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Sun Shining and Good Provailing!!
All in favor of transforming the blog to one that speaks truthfully about the great leadership at RSES, please type away!!
1. Melissa Cole is an innovative administrator who ENCOURAGES her staff to think outside of the box in order to meet the needs of our children.
2. Melissa Cole DEMONSTRATES that we are all able to expand and grow as learners if we survey our strengths and weaknesses and act upon them. Weekly she PARTICIPATES in classroom activities in order to help her teachers and students thrive.
3. Melissa Cole treats her staff as professionals and VALUES the extra hours that are required to make RSES the great school that it is today. She initiates monthly grade level meetings where she LISTENS to our views, goals, dreams and obstacles and HELPS us design a plan for change.
4. Melissa Cole values parental input and she works hard to keep parents involved and informed. We have one of the most involved parent support system in the country! Stop by any day and see how many of our parents are involved in their children’s education. It is amazing!
By Keep it professional on August 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
As a faculty member of RSES, I am shocked, disappointed and embarrassed that WITCHUNT as a representative of our school would stoop to the tactics used in 228! You are causing this effort to lose credibility. This is a public blog! Is that how you want people to view RSES? Standing up for someone you believe in is one thing…attacking others personnally to achieve what you want it another. Melissa herself would be outraged. That type of behavior is what started this mess and hurt with her. She would never condone such behavior. Shame on you! As for the board members and their wives…how closely have you worked with or for these board members! Do you realize how much they have given up to try make good decisions for our District? Please conduct yourself professionally and do not turn this issue into mudslinging inuendo. The entire District has already been damaged enough by this type of behavior.
By I must be a Pollyanna on August 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
245 and 251-What are our children learning? I have 2 children at RSES and they are both very upset by all that is going on. They are the ones who brought my attention to your so called “rumors” so all of those dedicated staff members who are so supportive must be talking somewhere for the children to have this kind of information. I am angry that I have had to explain what this is about, so no I am not happy with what my children are learning at Melissa’s feet.
248-these rumors are no longer alleged when Scott AndersEn’s own family makes them valid! So find another loophole in this situation to excuse immoral behavior.
250-bravo-maybe the next principal will shoot even higher
someone pointed out the way that many of us were taught the spelling difference between principal and principle-well RSES’s principal has shown that she has plenty of Pals but no principles and many of her pals have none either if they condone her behavior.
By bad on August 7th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
No policy to deal with GSA so they let one good principal leave and then make a new policy
No policy on fratnerization so they get into all this huppla about the superintendent who they brought in to “fix” things
They signed his contract and then get rid of him the next week and don’t disclose what the “terms” are.
Now they are “interviewing” RSES” employees about Melissa and trying to run that school? And people on this blog want to talk bad about her?
How much you bet if they let her go she doesn’t get “closed door” terms
By UNDERSTATEMENT OF SITUATION on August 7th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Polloyanna’s. Did you witness an adultry? Where’s the evidence. There is none. These are terrible rumors. If Robert Gant’s wife and Ed White’s wife aren’t part of this smear campaign, then I apologize . God bless.
By UNDERSTATEMENT OF SITUATION on August 7th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
No. 248. Scott Andersen’s wife has known mental problems. So put that in the equation.
By UNDERSTATEMENT OF SITUATION on August 7th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
#248. I am glad#248 pointed this out about Scott Andersen’s wife mental state. I beleve if you investigate this you will find out that she is highly unpredictale in her behavior.
By UNDERSTATEMENT OF SITUATION on August 7th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
#254. She better get closed door terms or the district is opening themselves up into hughe court battle.
By sickening on August 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Scott Andersen’s wife’s medical condition, real or made up, in no way makes his unethical and unprofessional behavior right. District 5 has set a high standard by enforcing the ethics code. Maybe he should have chosen someone from another district to be inappropriate with, not a subordinate. Well, #250, there is a reason they call RSES “The Love Shack”. If they had fired Lynn Robertson instead of letting her “retire”, then her predecessor might have thought twice. Well known fact here.
By involved parent on August 7th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
All I can say is…that whomever is responsible for bringing down our principal , I hope that you are able to look at yourself in the mirror each day and like what you see…because it is terrible to put anyone through what she is going through especially when ther ARE NO FACTS! She is a great leader, a great motivator and a great principal, and if somehow you missed that… then you must live under a rock! Melissa you are in our prayers and RSES you are too!!!
By Former resident on August 7th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I have never seen such dirty laundry, I am reading this from a place so far away and you all seem to be a great example of how not to treat your neighbor. Mentioning names, mental diseases, and adultery. It is obvious that your town is divided. Those who want to argue and blame and make it personal. Against those who want to put more money in your schools. Is this the type of atmosphere you want for your children. If the children and teachers say the schools are overcrowded then they are. Ask a child if he feels valued in a old stinky portable with broken windows. (does this represent your town? If these leaders made mistakes then take action. If this is the case the board must communicate to the community the reasons for their actions. ( no details please!)
By Darla on August 7th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I understand that the parents who have children at R. S. think that Melissa has done a wonderful job…BUT..these are NOT malicious rumors. Her conduct out of school is the problem. She DID have an affair. Her husband told the board this. She is on a “leave of absence”..does this not tell you something? I am sorry for the situation…BUT…she should be terminated just as the superintendent was. Right is right…and Wrong is wrong. I don’t care what her talents were as a principal. She is guilty of adultery.
By gladyourgone on August 7th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
#261 what makes you think that it is “Those who want to argue and blame and make it personal. Against those who want to put more money in your schools.” This problem appears to be much more systemic. BTW check #215. 90 % of the teachers are satisified. At River Springs the number is 100% Go check the numbers. I think the problem here is the lack of detail. Not about the allegations but about the whole school issue. Hey btw #261 growing up the windows in our house were broken, the roof had holes in it. I still felt valued. And I still value my mother and father who were always working but always there. It is thoughts of yours that money is more important than love and respect that sickens me. Your statement was shallow. Melissa Cole regardless of the outcome or the matter of the allegations showed children love and compassion. She didn’t need new facilities to create a good educational environment.
By gladyourgone on August 7th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
“Whoso looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” Matthew 5:28
Round ‘em up district heads! Darla said right is right
By Leave Her Alone! on August 7th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Darla,
I see you are still at it! You mentioned earlier that you are NOT a “Gossip Monger.” What the hell do you call this (#262)! Get a life! You mentioned before that you are a grandmother, live in Chapin and that your children graduated from RSES. Hate to tell you and everyone else this, but either your children gave birth at a very young age or you are lying through your teeth (RSES is only 11 years new!) Leave Melissa Cole alone, and again… GO AWAY! You are a disgrace to this community GRANDMA!
By dump darla on August 7th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
#265 check #96 Darla’s children gradtuated from Dist. 5 schools, not specificially RSES. I am in no way defending her, though. She seems to be getting great pleasure out of her meanness. Melissa must have beaten one of her kids in tennis!
By Former resident on August 7th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
264 You say I am shallow when most people who live in lex 5 area have a higher per capital than most people in SC . That means the children which we value most should not be sitting in a stinky overcrowded portable with broken windows if you have the means to change the situation. Can you say that this is the best you can do? If so fine no crime in doing your best. Before you cast your stone look at yourself and what good are you doing for your neighbor. No need to make personal atacks. Let the consequences fall but don’t judge what you do not know. Good luck y’all
By Leave Her Alone! on August 7th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
266. You are correct (thank you for the correction) and even better about your name “dump darla,” LOVE IT! As far as I am concerned, Darla has no life and has been on a rampage to smear RSES and Melissa Cole’s name – COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!
EVERYTHING IS HEARSAY! Yep.. Darla, I think you might be a little confused! This is how it works… Factual evidence is not what you HEAR… it is what you SEE! Plain and simple!
I want to see proof! Where is it? Hmmmmmm! If you got it, I promise to bow down to YOU! Bring it on! I am up for the challenge, are you?
By gladyourgone on August 7th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Former – you seem to get your facts wrong a lot. For the record it was: “Your statement was shallow.” But just as you misread that, you are misreading all the other facts. The AYP offered by the district stated the teachers are satisfied; reference ad nausem published information above. Yes this creates quite the conundrum because there is a desire or some political motive to get more money. That motive and (I am not sure what it is) has led to about as much scandal as I can stand. But let me assume you are correct. We are buying portables and they are already over crowded? The windows are already broken? Whose allowing these things to happen. There was enough money to buy land. But not enough to fix a window?
Bottom line if you think money makes better kids then you need to do some charity work yourself. Melissa Cole may or may not have acted as all this says, but from what I know she didn’t throw dollars at kids she loved them regardless.
By nuffsaid? on August 7th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
http://www.ors2.state.sc.us/abstract/chapter13/income10.asp
Medium Family Income for Lexington and Richland County is $58,900
Oh yea we got some money to throw around now baby! Why did you leave again Former Resident? And what was Scott making again? OUCH $155K? I need to get a gig like that.
By nuffsaid? on August 8th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Interesting paradigm is emerging in this blog. Look at the number of times the term “teacher” is referenced with regard to support of the bond referendum. Then look at the number of times “proclaimed teachers” on the blog support Cole only to get responses that they are WAY wrong. hhmmmmm
Don’t take my word go back and read. Here are some samples. There are more.
#228 claims to be a teacher – #252 – see the reaction afterwards
#242 versus #243
listen to the teachers
#108 – #110
#261
“Forever changing, altering direction and never the same moment can be repeated exactly as the last…
Just like the tides which roll to our shores
so do people enter and depart our lives.” — Lubka M. Novak
By Leave Her Alone! on August 8th, 2008 at 12:36 am
“Right is right, and wrong is wrong.”
Dear Darla,
Do you really think you can continue to tell everyone this crap, and go on and on about how terrible Melissa Cole is? You DO realize that you have helped ruin her reputation in this community? Here is exactly how I feel about you…
What is right? – You need to get a life!
What is wrong? – You have destroyed a loving mother’s soul. You have stabbed her in the back so many times, that she is unable to speak or breath.
This is NOT factual, nor a rumor, it is simply how I imagine she feels listening to people like Darla!! How sad! Again, Darla… Go away and Leave Her Alone!
By mary on August 8th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Still laughing, all this personal crap back and forth…
rule number one has always been never do it with co workers! ALWAYS a bad deal, and folks in positions of influence are always under a microscope
other shoe i am waiting to see drop is for Melissa to sue for sexual harassment….again, supervisor doing the employee.
last time i checked we did impeach a president over this very issue, did he or did he not have sex with that woman? Depends on how you define sex i guess, lol
Who came to Monicas defense? Ohh mmyy she was suchh a good intern, and Bills wife was not a nutjob, just a b*tch by some folks standards
Lastly, the district shot themselves in the foot, fire super because he playing around but blame it on him faking numbers, that just great, was hoping the bond referendum would pass, but now that it looks like they fired him for putting forth BS numbers to back it up, it probably will be a casualty as well.
By I must be a Pollyanna on August 8th, 2008 at 1:40 am
263-looks like Melissa Cole showed love and compassion to more than the children!! Like I said days ago, wake up and see what is right in front of your face. And yet there are still people on here who go on and on about how great she is-well when it comes to my children, I want the whole package, not just pieces of morality.
As to the people who called Mrs. AndersEn’s mental health into question, she is not the person who talked-his own children let the cat out of the bag-do you think that they are not stable too? As a child who suffered from a parent who cheated, no child will make this up, believe me. It is humiliating and it rocks your world even when you are a child. Why do people have so much trouble believing the truth? Someone asked if I witnessed the adultery, well I was not in the van with them when it was rockin’ so no I did not see it, but I find it very hard to believe that there is no fire with all of this smoke, but if the rest of you must get burned then go right ahead-we will be hashing out some other speck of this next week instead of rebuilding our district!
By Mother of 2 at RSES on August 8th, 2008 at 6:45 am
IF THE RUMORS ARE TRUE, then Melissa Cole knew what she was risking when she engaged in such inappropriate behavior (especially with her boss). I have a hard time understanding how she could be so dedicated to her school, while at the same time gambling with the reputation of RSES and District 5.
IF THE RUMORS ARE NOT TRUE, I wish she would shout it from the roof tops and put an end to all of this.
By Leave her alone on August 8th, 2008 at 7:53 am
We would all be better off without Darla’s and Pollyanna’s, who assume all rumors are true. Who told Dr. Andersen’s children about these rumors? Perhaps an adult with bad intentions. What about Melissa Cole’s children. Why can’t we drop this, get on with the business of a new school year and leave her alone.
By Pollyanna's trash on August 8th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Pollyanna – your comments are sick and disgusting.
By concerned parent from message #41 on August 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I am surprised we have people willing to serve on our Board. We will be lucky to find anyone, let alone 7 people, willing to donate their valuable time and energy to serve the children …OUR children… of this district after this summer. This onslaught, the attacks on their personal character, is horrible. To drag their spouses into this is unbelievable. I am sure, as in any marriage, there is information shared that is probably not supposed to be made public yet. How can these spouses make any comments without compromising the situation? These Board Members donate their time and energy to the betterment of our schools. The Member’s families, so graciously, allow their family time to be encroached upon. They all seem to be successful professionals who can make money just fine without having to use the district as a spring board to further their financial agendas. I am sure there is a professional benefit to being a Board Member, I am not naive, but I do believe that their first and foremost motivation is to serve our children and community. I can only imagine the stress and heartache the Board Members and their famillies are going through from these personal attacks and this very difficult situation. My heart goes out to them, their families, the Coles and the Andersens. I hope that this can be laid to rest soon, so our kids can go back school in a couple weeks, with Melissa Cole greeting them as they enter the doors, for their 1st day back starting another awesome year at River Springs. Whatever the outcome, I know the River Springs community will thrive. The anonymity of this site has bred a monster.
I support Melissa and the Board, and I appreciate all that they have done for our children.
By Darla REVEALED!!! on August 8th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Well folks…we have known it all along…but we now have the CONFIRMATION that “Darla” is a lying, rumor-spreading, gossip monger and we can disregard any information she shares. Last night I read her post about Cole’s husband “going to the board.” I don’t know where she is getting all of this false information (perhaps just making it up)….but I heard straight from the horse’s mouth (Ryan Cole) that this is NOT TRUE. That is FACT…right out of his mouth!!!! By the way “Darla” he would like your real name so he can address this with you!!!!!
By selurdog on August 8th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Let’s move on!
Mr. AndersEn made some mistakes, both of a personal and professional nature and whether real or imagined. If imagined then his mistake was to place himself in a position and behave in such a manner as to be suspect. The way that he spelled his name is a good indication of an over inflated ego, he was not a good fit for this community. He is now paying for those mistakes and is no longer a part of this community. His wife and family have nothing to do with it other than being hapless victims. Let’s move on.
Ms. Cole made some mistakes, both of a personal and professional nature and whether real or imagined. If imagined then her mistake was to place herself in a position and behave in such a manner as to be suspect. She cannot realistically return to her former job and pretend that nothing has happened. Unfortunately it is best for her to move on. This is unfortunate because it sounds as though she was a very talented and motivated person. Life’s lessons are sometimes very difficult but not insurmountable. Best of luck, let’s move on.
The bond issue has to be presented in such a manner that the people of District 5 have choices between the full-blown package and one or more conservative approaches. If the people in District 5 are not given the choice the bond issue will not pass. The School Board has made enough bad decisions, try to limit the damage by not making any more.
This web site could serve a valuable purpose if used in the appropriate manner. It seems to have a fairly large following. The information presented here is available for viewing worldwide. Unfortunately some have chosen to use it for personal vendettas, to spread rumors and fictitious information. These tactics influence opinions about the people of this community and district as a whole. The people of this community are better than that. They deserve better than that. If the participants on this web site really care about their community and their children then they will refrain from using such tactics for the world to view. Using these tactics places you in the same position as the two people first mentioned. You are placing yourselves in a position and behaving in such a manner as to be suspect. Let’s move on!
By A Concerned Citizen on August 8th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Why do people keep referring to Lexington One and Richland Two as the only ditricts that hold a candle to Lexington Five. Richland One has some very good schools also. It just happens to be a very large district. Not to mention, all of the elementary schools in Richland One were either renovated or are pretty new. They were able to pass their bond referendum and put students first. Why doesn’t Lexington 5 follow suit.
By fitsnews on August 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am
People, people … why not continue the conversation on the newest FITSNews post?
Here it is:
http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/08/07/la-socialista-and-mrs-cole/
Thanks for your visits!
-FITSNews
By acaringteacher on August 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Listen – I teach with Melissa and she is wonderful. Maybe she messed up… maybe Andersen “made her do it”. He’s at fault first and foremost. True colors are beginning to shine through… Robert Gantt and Ed White don’t care about us. All they care about is our votes.
By RSES better step up!! on August 8th, 2008 at 10:55 am
RSES parents better step up to the plate if they care about their own chidren. My husband and I had two children enrolled at River Springs last year and we were amazed by the wonderful experiences they both had. I met with Mrs. Cole one time and she was so very kind and spent over an hour with me to discuss what she thought was best for my child. I listened to her and she was right!!!! She is a wonderful hands-on leader who really cares about all of the children at that school. We moved last summer and are now at another elementary school in the district….YIKES!! It is supposedely “one of the best†and we have been soooo disappointed. The teachers are not nearly as dedciated and the principal is not nearly as involved as Mrs. Cole. You RSES parents truly have no clue how good you have got it. The principal sets the tone for the entire school. I do not believe the rumors about Mrs. Cole and think that they have been politically driven. However, if I were still at River Springs I would be fighting like crazy to keep Mrs. Cole whether the rumors were true or not. I don’t KNOW if the rumors are true (highly doubt it!!!) but I do KNOW that Mrs. Cole cares about children and is a great leader with incredible vision. Heck….. if she does lose her job at River Springs I sure do hope she gets hired where we are currently enrolled…….would love for my kids to benefit from her leadership!!!!
By common sense on August 8th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Thanks #284 – my children have also been enrolled in another local school before coming to RSES and I agree, people at RSES have no idea how good they have it! I agree with everything #284 said – my experience with Mrs. Cole has been exactly the same – she has shown deep, genuine, honest concern about every facet of my children’s school experience has demonstrated it to our family consistently over the past three years.
Here are my other thoughts about all this blogging:
“Darla” – what you are writing about Melissa is defamation and it is actionable. When all this is said and done, you might have to offer up whatever “facts” you have to a judge. There are a number of people who already think they know who you are and it wouldn’t be that hard to ascertain your identity through the legal system.
For the concerned parents who do not want their children at a school led by a principal who has supposedly compromised her morals, I would say, as has been said before, what proof do any of you have of anything? It is not that hard for malicious and/or politically motivated people to spread lies about others – especially when under the cover of an anonymous blog. Hearsay is just that – hearsay! It is not fact. Have any of you, yourself seen, with your own eyes, anything inappropriate? I would challenge any of you to come up with any proof to substantiate the rumors going around. Even if there were some facts, I highly doubt any of you writing on this blog are privy to them! Seeing two people at the Y together does not prove an affair. If you were having an illicit affair – would you work out with your lover at the Y in front of everyone? That defies common sense.
Also, can everyone please keep in mind that this blog is run by Will Folks, who, after being fired by Governor Sanford and having pled guilty to criminal domestic violence, now employs himself a “political consultant.” Don’t think he isn’t being paid by the Vote No group to stir up all this junk on this website so that we can all be distracted from the upcoming bond referendum.
By you are right post 283 on August 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
You are exactly right post 283. We have a similar situation. My wife and I moved INTO the River Springs zone this past year. Principal Cole spent a great deal of time with us and made us feel so much better about the transition of our children from one school to the other. She provided us with a great sense of peace about all the changes they were going to endure. We were coming from another elementary school in the district and it is not even in the same league as River Springs. She is very much involved in the learning process and her staff seems to love and appreciate her for her great leadership abilities. Ms. Cole knew my children by name and knows all students personally because she takes to time to do so. PLEASE…I urge you all to consider the experiences your children have had at River Springs……….you have to know that their is a reason that school functions the way it does. It is due to Ms. Cole’s great leadership! You have to speak up now or you will be the ones complaining if a new principal is hired. It is then that you will see what you have lost!!! Follow the lead of post 283 and “step up” in support of Ms. Cole!
By RSE on August 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
#284 – thanks for your message. We agree.
By sad to say goodbye on August 8th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I work at River Springs. I consider myself to be a good teacher. I care very much for my students and I LOVE what I do for a living. I will be sad to say goodbye…….but I will if they take Melissa from us. I have worked for many principals….but never have I worked for someone like Melissa Cole. I will not go back to working for a principal that is in the job for the wrong reasons. Melissa is there for the kids and treats her staff with the respect that teachers deserve.
By no wonder on August 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
#263 You have a point.
They ran on new schools, better conditions, better pay BLAH BLAH BLAH
They get the votes and what have they done… Picked Andersen out of all the options, Hired Andersen, renewed his contract, fired him, embarrased the district, hired a new guy who then sent people over to investigate sign in/out sheets at RSES, put the best principal in the district on administrative leave because of allegations that the guy THEY hired had had relations with her…..
How much renovation have yall seen? How much of a pay raise do you get this year? Then they want to blame some lady and a couple of old retired guys for out politicing them through misguided numbers at the polls.
No wonder the adjoining districts have new stuff and the only thing we have new is trailers and staff. Maybe I have been listening to the wrong people SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE
By Old School on August 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
#286
“Principal Cole spent a great deal of time with us and made us feel so much better about the transition of our children from one school to the other. She provided us with a great sense of peace about all the changes they were going to endure”
This is exactly the attitude that has created the environment we see today in our public schools. There used to be a day when principal’s didn’t have to baby the parents of students. When every child wasn’t a precious, fragile, little china doll.
Now so many parents want to make sure that Little Johnny or Janie has a daily affirmation that he/she is the most special-est, smartest child in the universe.
Face the facts, folks. Most of your kids are average. Many of your kids are spoiled brats who will need Mommy hovering over them through high school and into college so that Mommy can also feel good about herself.
This is such a simple exercise: If Melissa Cole did not have an affair with Mr. Andersen, she simply needs to say so. End of story. If she did, she needs to admit it, and face the consequences. She’s paid by the taxpayers.
By russel on August 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
sob…sob.. some fall on a sword, some fall on a ….well you get the idea
Mary, I guess Monica was a great intern after all
283 went there….HE MADE HER DO IT!!
Bill Green Where are you ???? We need a Heavy Hitter
Should not be surprised, after all the folks at Ascott and their green elephant parites, lol
NO wonder RS is a loveshack!
By Over the edge on August 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
#283..Andersen didn’t do it alone, if this is true. Why should he take the hit alone? Good person, great teacher, wonderful administrator, but if it all is true, she is a disgrace to SD5. Time to clean house for all the law abiding, ethical, hardworking employees that are still there.
By relationships on August 8th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I don’t think Mrs. Cole would approve of the remarks about Mrs. Ed White. I understand she worked for his reelection and has a good relationship with the family. I know this to be a fact.
By Bow-chicka-wow-wow on August 8th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
#291 – You weren’t referring to the Ascot swinger’s club were you? Maybe all these people defending the alleged adultery are part of that and therefore don’t have problems with bad morals!?!?!
By Former resident on August 8th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I never said That I believe that money will fix the schools. I said the argument seemed to be based on people who feel that money should be spentand those that don’t. My personal opinion is that money does not fix, people fix. So find a way to fix it! I taught in a portable in your district with a broken window and an air system that did not work properly. During the coldest part of the year it was 48 degrees in my classroom; for a week! I complained, nothing happened. Parents complained it was fixed. Who has the power? (Parents/citizens) You keep talking about a survey that says all is well with teachers. I taught in your district. all is not well! I am not an isolated. I know of pregnant women with alergies being put in old moldy portables, people who teach out of closets… Get involved visit your schoos talk to the teachers and students about what they are learning and how they feel in your schools.
By Former resident on August 8th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Wait sermon is not finished! Irmo is a great place. Do not respond to personal attacks, talk about what should be done! First, I feel the board should explain their actions. What do you think?
By Former resident on August 8th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
schoos ha ha
By Disgrace on August 8th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Over The Edge – What is a disgrace is when employees allow personal vendettas direct their malice toward an individual that results in hurting children. This has happened time and time again with district office staff who are more concerned with their “power” and ability to tyranically dictate then they are about actually helping children learn.
By Best of Luck to M. Cole! on August 9th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Mrs. Cole was not put on leave for any dealings with Andersen. Her leave was based on leadership. It was suggested that her “Leadership” was lacking. Obviously, with the majority of teachers, staff, and parents that have stepped forward, her leadership is beyond reproach. Let’s put Mrs. Cole back where she deserves to be.
By rumors on August 9th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Maybe Andersen had an affair, maybe not. I highly doubt (if there was an affair) it was with Mrs Cole. Before accusing people you should get the REAL facts. The school board better have some REAL FACTS before taking any permanent action. After all, the first time I heard this “rumor”, Andersen was supposedly having an affair with an “Oak Point administrator”(This was several weeks ago). Seems like people couldn’t make that rumor stick, so it became the “pretty Mrs Cole who happened to be having marital problems”….more believable, so it stuck. That is how rumors work, start something, find a “believable” target and it spreads like wild fire.
By Leave on August 9th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I think you are right. Mrs. Cole was placed on leave while an investigation was conducted regarding her leadership at River Springs. Perhaps the District Office wanted it to appear it had something to do with the superintendent and all the rumors? Who knows.
By mary on August 9th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I have heard stories about those parties 294, maybe that is why 259 calls RSES the Love Shack….perhaps an extension of the community, perhaps you are right, that is why no one has a problem with it all, they are all “in it together” hahahahahaha
for sure the bond numbers need to be reviewed by an accountant before the election, someone got to get all the BS numbers out that the board alluded to, perhaps to many 69s?
By yes finally on August 9th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Bottom line the District Board of trustees has been preaching this for several years. Unless we get the facilities we need we will continue to have sub standard teachers in this district. The behavior displayed by Cole and her “support team” are glaring examples. The Board recognized and has stated for a long time that with out a Yes vote we can not attract and retain quality teachers. Now they are trying to fix it. Vote Yes and these things will go away because we can attract better teachers.
We are being held captive by a bunch of retirees that don’t want to pay couple hundred dollars a year in taxes. If we continue this mentality we will continue to have bad facilities, bad teachers and eventually a school district that no one wants to be part of and then those retirees will see what happens to their investments in their homes.
Vote yes to fix our schools and improve our community.
By MY CHOICE!! on August 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I hope all of you will go back and read “Old School’s” post. That is exactly the kind of attitude many of the principal’s in this district have. I don’t know about the rest of you…..but I want my kids with a principal who does spend time showing my kids that they are special and helping them to see that in themselves and in others. Mrs. Cole is that kind of person and that kind of principal. If you want someone like “Old School” as your principal so be it……..as for me and my kids, we want Mrs. Cole back!!!
By OBVIOUS!!! on August 9th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
People….wake up! This is crazy!!! Obviously, the district and board have no “facts” or “evidence” of an inappropriate relationship between Cole and Andersen. If they did then Andersen would have been fired…not allowed to resign…and he certainly would not have been given a settlement like The State paper reported. As a River Springs parent I was told by a district employee that this “investigation” would be over by the end of last week. I have not heard that Mrs. Cole is back at work. It sounds to me like they have found nothing and plan to keep digging until they can create some kind of story here. There is no story!! Put our principal back in her office and leave us alone!!!!
By mary on August 9th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
HELLO…..how do we know we really need this? The info backing up the claim from the district is suspect… see following quote from the state:
He (Andersen) was the point man on the erroneous numbers,†said Duncan, who has grandchildren in Irmo area schools. “I can’t see the referendum being approved based on that
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/477358.html
or are the numbers good nad he is guilty of not keeping his pants zipped?
WHICH ONE IS A LIE? NEED OR SEX
I dont open my purse until I know, lol..otherwise like talking to a used car salesman….my gramma drove it to church only, hahahaha
talk about bad schools, i got family going to Allendale county schools.
By GIVE HER BACK!! on August 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
GIVE MELISSA BACK TO US!!!!! That is all I have to say! GIVE MELISSA BACK TO US!!!!
By Another River Springs parent on August 9th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I am disgusted that our principal has been taken out of her job. You people who are stating that she should not be allowed to come back obviously don’t have kids at River Springs. If you did you would not for a minute be able to imagine not having her leading our school and taking care of our children. I have seen the interactions she has with the students and her staff and it is indicative of the kind of principal and person that she is. So let the parents and teachers of River Springs decide what WE want and keep your opinions to yourself. WE know what WE want for OUR kids – WE want Melissa Cole!!!!
By yes finally on August 9th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
“My Choice” you are wrong. The teachers we have in this school are sub standard. That is why you see them publicly insulting the administrators at the District and running around in short little skirts batting eyes at men 20 years their age making more than $150,000 a year.
The problem is that you have had bad teachers for so long you don’t know what a good teacher is. We have not been able to attract decent teachers in this district for a while. Ask any teacher if they would rather teach in a portable full of mold or a new facility with state of the art technology, and they will tell you they would perfer to be at Richland II or Lexington I. We have to change things around here and change is finally in the air. Andersen let us all down but in his defense it was hard working in the environment he was placed.
Vote yes and you will see our ability to bring in quality, moral leadership for our children
By MY CHOICE! on August 9th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
“Yes Finally” you obviously don’t know what it means to be a good teacher if you say we have not hired them in this district. My children have had wonderful teachers and I thank them all for their hard work. Sounds like you have some issues with intelligent, young,attractive women and so you attack them in every way possible! Sorry you are so bitter. Hope you can let some of that go!
By Bitter...i think so! on August 9th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
“Yes Finally” you obviously don’t know what it means to be a good teacher if you say we have not hired them in this district. My children have had wonderful teachers and I thank them all for their hard work. Sounds like you have some issues with intelligent, young,attractive women and so you attack them in every way possible! Sorry you are so bitter. Hope you can let some of that go!
Let’s give the great teachers that we have all that they need in order to continue their tradtion of exellence!
By Some Facts 4 u! on August 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Since you people love listing FACTS I will present my thoughts in that way – as a list of FACTS!
Fact 1: We used to be zoned for River Springs.
Fact 2:We loved Mrs. Cole and the teachers at River Springs.
Fact 3: Now we are zoned for a different school in the district.
Fact 4: We REALLY miss Mrs. Cole and the teachers at River Springs.
Fact 5:We are thinking about moving back into River Springs attendance area.
Simple enough for you all! Leave Mrs. Cole and that school alone. Don’t fix what is not broken! I wish they would “investigate” the principal at my child’s school. Maybe he could be replaced with someone like Melissa Cole and I could once again feel good about the education my child is receiving!
By do you come from on August 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
vegemite sandwich
By wishn was a kid again on August 9th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
maybe are good teachers…..we know the principal teaches the birds and the bees well, what do the teachers teach if they love her so passionately…..damn wish i had teachers like that when i was in school!
By school board on August 9th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I think our school board has been doing a fine job with this situation (aside from letting us believe they didn’t know why Dr AndersEn was not at the meeting) and I don’t believe they are purposely trying to dig up dirt on Mrs Cole. I am hopeful that they won’t take any action to terminate Mrs Cole without just cause. If there is reason (REAL REASON BASED ON FACTS) to terminate Mrs Cole then so be it. The school will be fine and the children will get a great education. If there are no REAL FACTS then I hope Mrs Cole will be back at her school doing a wonderful job and we can all get back making our district schools the best in the state.
Our schools ARE currently overcrowded and in need of renovations AND new school buildings!!
By Some Facts 4 u! on August 9th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Even if Mrs. Cole and Dr. Andersen had a so called “affair,” which I don’t believe there is evidence to support – just rumors – they can’t terminate her for that. She was the employee, he was the supervisor. So they targeted Mrs. Cole on her leadership at River Springs. Tough to prove. So they probably hope Mrs. Cole will resign in frustration or they will move her to another position.This won’t be popular with many of the staff and parents at River Spring.
By nuffsaid? on August 9th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Actually “yes finally” please see my posts above in posting #213. By state standards – Our district on average pays more money. We have more advanced degrees and we have higher retention rates.
The conditions in this district create tremendously high satisfaction rates. Again reference my links above. Don’t beat me up I am just sighting information provided by the district.
I think you have it all backwards. I think if you look at the facts that I presented above you will see we have great students, great teachers.
This district is very healthy despite the behavior of Andersen
By Some Facts 4 u! on August 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
#315. Someone finally got the situation. This has nothing to do with the rumors, but an investigation on her leadership capabilities. Let’s hope the board or the District Office resolve this soon.
By rezoned on August 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
#312. Were you rezoned to Oak Pointe.
By get it together on August 9th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Very true – the district is obviously going after Cole for some made up reason and trying to make it appear that it has to do with the superintendent’s resignation. Guess they are buckling under the pressure of all the rumors. Get it together and give the lady her job back – sounds like she does a great job based on what her staff says. If the parents and staff are happy with the job she does that says a lot!
By Hard to find evidence on August 10th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Response to 301. I think you are right that Cole was placed on leave questioning her leadership at River Springs. They hope to find something they could use here because they may not can use the “rumors” regarding her relationship with Andersen because he was her boss. Also they probably don’t have evidence to back up the rumors. Finding fault with her leadership at River Springs may be difficult because it appears she is an excellent principal and well-liked by staff and parents.
By True Leadership on August 10th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Leadership, professionalism, caring, dedicated, organized, efficient, child friendly, parent friendly, etc… All words to describe the leadership qualities associated with Mrs. Cole. Put Melissa back in the LEADERSHIP role that she deserves for the children, faculty, staff, and parents of RSES. Mrs. Cole was not only a leader for her school, but other schools also looked to her for guidance as a role model and LEADER that provided a forward thinking and innovative model within her school to get the best from her teachers and students. When programs and strategies worked well at RSES other schools followed suit. That is real leadership. It is beyond reproach.
Give Mrs. Cole her school and leadership role back
By D5 Parent of 10 years on August 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
#309 – You Said, “Ask any teacher if they would rather teach in a portable full of mold or a new facility with state of the art technology, and they will tell you they would perfer to be at Richland II or Lexington I.” Then we don’t want them!!! We only want dedicated teachers who want to make a difference in a childs life and puts the students first!!
By Well Orchestrated Plan on August 10th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Reflecting upon the current controversy and chaos in School District Five, I have started to take a look at the big picture. Sometimes we get so mired down in the day-to-day happenings that we lose sight of what is really going on.
Let’s roll back the clock to July of 2006. The district recently hired a new superintendent. After a few months, Don Carlson, a vocal critic of the district, wrote an article in the IRMO NEWS praising the new superintendent. This shocked many in our community, as these were some of the only positive words he has ever uttered.
Meanwhile, at every board meeting, at least every one I have attended, Chapin resident Kim Murphy would show up and say something critical about what is going on in the district. Her topics have included Oak Pointe, sewer lines, growth, and of course, enrollment. She has spoken at almost every meeting with something negative to say.
Then in February of 2007, a group of district community members made recommendations about school facilities needs. Andersen worked with that group and supported those recommendations. As these recommendations were contrary to Carlson’s plan for the district, he and his gang of “concerned†citizens immediately began attacking Andersen. (Go back and read the Irmo News to confirm this.)
Why did they make such a flip-flop? Because they did, and still do not, want new schools built in our district. So as soon as Andersen went against their wishes, they sent out the wolves to attack him.
Then in November of 2007, the referendum was held and was defeated. When you analyze the election results by precinct, you will see there were a few areas in our community that strongly supported the bond. Where were they? The residents of the Dutch Fork community, specifically the River Springs precinct, were the biggest supporters of the bond.
Keep that in mind as you read on.
For the past three months, Kim Murphy has been coming to board meetings and publicly attacking board member Robert Gant. Murphy has specifically singled out Gant with negative and divisive comments. She is clearly trying to discredit Gant as she knows he is strongly supported in the Dutch Fork area, and is an avid proponent of addressing our facilities needs through the passage of a bond referendum.
But that is not enough. Murphy and her crowd of supporters, including a blogger with obvious political motivations of his own, have chosen to attack employees in the River Springs and Dutch Fork areas. For instance, there is a widely known attack, right here on this disgusting blog, of the principal of River Springs. And now, that smear is being extended to Oak Pointe employees and beyond.
Why?
By creating confusion, distrust and mayhem, the purpose of those who would destroy our district and public education in general is served.
It is so obvious and yet many cannot see it. Their plan is working and we are letting it work. We are now partnering with them in destroying our district and our community.
We have been consumed with one of the biggest distractions ever. Most of us have played a part in that by wagging our tongues and falling right into the trap laid by the bad intentions of a few.
It is apparent now more than ever that some members of our community are not indeed focused on putting all students first. Some are obviously not concerned about our children at all. Some of us have allowed ourselves to become entrenched in this divisiveness that has been generated by those who do not care about our children.
Don’t beat yourself up if you are one of those who genuinely care about our children, but have become caught up in this intended distraction. There are many others like you. I have been guilty as well. However, time is now wasted looking back, and I am determined to assume my role and take individual action that is going to move us forward in a positive direction. As a long-time resident of this great community, I am standing up and saying, “Enough is enough.†I am no longer going to be influenced by the well-financed, well-orchestrated and extraordinarily malicious tactics of a few people in our community.
Whether you are a parent, staff member, community member or board member, ask yourself this question…â€When was the last time I participated in a conversation focused on providing the best educational opportunities for every child in this community?†After all, that is what it is all about. Just think of what we could accomplish if each and every one of us decided to no longer participate in the gossip, no longer participate in the tearing down of others, no longer participate in the negative, destructive talk, but rather to refuse to lose focus on what is at the heart of this issue – the future of our children.
By common sense on August 10th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Well put, 234. I think in addition to what you have said, it is again important to point out that the creator of this blog, Will Folks, a “political consultant,” is quite possibly being paid by the Vote No group. I can’t help but guess that the attack on Melissa Cole and RSES was orchestrated by the Vote No group in order to divide and disenfranchise the RSES community, which, as you pointed out above, has been so overwhelmingly in support of the bond referendum. RSES parents, and D5 parents in this district, please see the rumors, the attacks on Ms. Cole, and this blog for what they are – an effort to manipulate you and to get you to take your “eye off the ball” before the referendum vote in the fall. The Vote No group has tried so many tactics to stop this referendum from being passed. Truly, we can all get mired in the data and skew “facts” any way we want to but simply, all you need to do is to walk down the hall at any of the district’s three high schools to know that we have an issue with over-crowding.
This distraction over Melissa Cole needs to be put to rest ASAP so that we can all move on and focus on the bond referendum. There is no way that any allegation against her is going to stick. I think people are already over the rumors and have seen through all that. Any attempt to question her leadership is laughable – no RSES parent is going to buy that from the board. There are just too many countless examples to the contrary. So really, the board just needs to wrap this up so we can all move on and get ready for the Nov. elections. I think Vote No has gotten its money’s worth out of Will Folks and this blog.
D5 Board: Give Melissa Back! so we can all move on!
By Think! on August 10th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Some people seem to think they have gotten “confirmation†that the rumors about Cole and Andersen are true since Andersen resigned. That is comical to me. The rumors were no doubt started by those opposed to the referendum so that they could stir up a smear campaign and run Andersen out of town. The board could not have kept him here after his name was dragged through the mud. After all, he is a political figure. Like others have said, no evidence of an affair was found or they would not have reached a “mutual†agreement and he would not have been paid any money. What has been done to Cole is simply just wrong! People are just taking the rumors and running with them at this woman’s expense. I ask you all to consider the golden rule. How would you feel if this were you, your daughter, your mother, your sister, your friend….think before you speak! Most likely it will be you that is the target one day. How will YOU want to be treated!
By Well Orchestrated Plan 2 on August 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Or was it that? The district knew of Andersen’s issue well before the selling of his home. And the board allowed the situation to fester leaking information to Murphy on purpose knowing she and he “well-financed” crew would engage in throwing the district into bedlam. Once a tipping point was reached, the board could ride in a save the day.
If either one is true then we should all be ashamed of ourselves for dealing in rumors and innuendos.
Stick to the facts and lets find a way to repair our district.
By dffan on August 10th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Irmo median income for a family was $62,005
Columbia Median household income$31,141
By Right Motive on August 10th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I agree with No. 288. Mrs. Cole constantly fights for her staff and the kids at her school.
By Going Green on August 10th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Well put “Well Orchestrated Plan” – we must refocus our efforts on our children. Energy expended for any other purpose is energy wasted.There is a lot of talk in our country about having a “green†environment. Green environments are those where energy and
resources are used in an effective and environmentally friendly manner. Right now our district is clouded with pollutants and should be issuing a â€smog alert.†Let us commit to “greening†district five. We can do that by channeling our best efforts and energy toward our children. Let us no longer pollute their lives and our lives with negativity, ill will and personal attacks. Just like old time smoke stacks billow toxic dust and chemicals into the air, the words and actions of many in our community have done the same thing. Let us clean up our act. No more rumors. No more finger pointing. I believe we would do well to follow the four-way test of my fellow Rotarians before we speak:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
If we cannot answer, “Yes†to all four questions, then we need to simply not say a thing.
By Do the Right Thing on August 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Put Mrs. Cole back in her office where she belongs. District 5 Do the RIGHT thing!
By fitsnews on August 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Ma’am (#325),
In 2005 I provided free communications consultation to the Vote No organization. I assisted them in crafting their message (which ended up receiving the support of 69% of the voters). I did this exclusively on a pro bono basis. Not only did I refuse to accept any payment for my time and my expertise, I also refused to collect any money for my expenses.
I was not involved at all in the 2007 referendum, nor do I have any plans to be involved in the upcoming referendum.
I have never taken a cent from any individual or organization with a stake in District 5 politics.
Let me repeat that last sentence so it’s perfectly clear – I have never taken a cent from any individual or organization with a stake in District 5 politics.
People are welcome to think what they want of both me and the website I operate, but there is absolutely no financial association or any other benefit which accrues to me by weighing in on this matter.
I provide my input on this issue – and on dozens of other issues related to public education in South Carolina – because I believe passionately in reforming our state’s fatally-flawed, underachieving and hopelessly-bloated education bureaucracy, and in empowering parents of all races and income levels with legitimate choices in the education marketplace.
Sincerely,
W
P.S. – Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to voice their thoughts on this post! We very much appreciate your readership and reaction!
Will Folks
w@fitsnews.com
By The clock is ticking... on August 10th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I am somewhat astounded by the curiosity and speculation around the resignation of Dr. Andersen. As many have noted, they obviously did not have factual evidence of an inappropriate relationship or they would have terminated him. Anyone living within a two-state radius of this gossip-obsessed community knows that the board and Dr. Andersen made the only decision possible by mutually agreeing to part ways. In light of the politically-motivated incessant attacks on his character and credibility, who could blame him for wanting to move on. It appears that board members and Dr. Andersen worked together a final time to act in the best interest of the community in light of unfortunate and uncontrollable circumstances.
Once this decision was reached, we all hoped this petty drama would end. However, those with ill-intent want to make sure we continue to lose sight of what is important – opening up another great school year and focusing on passing a much needed bond referendum. The sad fact is that now their actions are directly and negatively impacting our children. Four days before teachers report back to work, a well-functioning, child-centered elementary school is left without a leader and in total turmoil. I am confident that our well-meaning board members understand that it is time for this to end. There is obviously no hard proof to justify the removal of Mrs. Cole. By reinstating her, they may run the risk of offending a few who want to act based on perception and insinuation. However, it is clear the large majority of RSES stakeholders have full faith that she can continue to most effectively lead their school.
By Dear Mr. Folks, on August 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Mr. Folks,
Based upon the comments in your recent post, you really should meet our leader, Mrs. Cole. From personal experience, I know her to be equally passionate about reforming our current educational system. She is constantly challenging the status quo and never fails to back down in regard to providing the best educational opportunities for ALL students. Her fearlessness and steadfast determination have not made her many friends in the education establishment. Perhaps that has made her an easy target now. However, as a parent of a child who has benefitted from her vision and reform-minded approach, I am grateful that she is willing to stand firm in her convictions despite professional (and now personal) attacks. I think if you knew her, you would agree that it would be a real shame for us to lose a leader who holds such potential for much-needed change.
By fitsnews on August 10th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
#334,
We’d be happy to meet with Mrs. Cole. And for what it’s worth, we’re also on the record saying we don’t think she should be fired from her position …
http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/08/07/la-socialista-and-mrs-cole/
-FITSNews
By common sense on August 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Thanks Will,
Your clarification is importaint because there it clearly something very under-handed and politicaly motivated going on with this rumor campaign against Melissa Cole. The only other response I have to your post is that, if you really “believe passionately in reforming the state’s fatally flawed . . .education beaurocracy ” you really missed the mark when you wrote your articles on both July 5 and Aug. 7 implying that people had some reason to question Melissa Cole’s character. Since your mission is all about “empowering parents of all races and income levels” I want you to consider that in this particluar case you are not helping one child or one parent at River Springs Elementary School. I appreciate your effort to help us ensure “legitimate choices in the education marketplace” but the fact is that our children are currently zoned for RSES and they begin the school year in 10 days. It would be OUR CHOICE that our principal be there to open the doors to them. I respect your right to do your job and run your website. But I do think, now that you have acknowledged your ties to the Vote No group, only after I raised the question of your bias, it does call into question the integrity of your “reorting” on this issue and any other issues pertaining to this school district.
By Censorship on August 10th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Will – Why are you censuring the Socialista blog? ( http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/08/07/la-socialista-and-mrs-cole/ )
You have not posted entries that have been submitted.
By Waiting for the sun to shine! on August 10th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Dear #334,
You know and respect the same Mrs. Cole that I have been fortunate to work for at RSES over the past three years. I hope that you will join me in continued prayer that she will be there to greet OUR CHILDREN next Thursday. It is sad that Fitsnew did not offer to talk with her BEFORE writing such trash!
By fitsnews on August 10th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
#337-
Relax … sometimes it takes a little while for comments to be approved.
-FITSNews
By Will I see YES in your future on August 11th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Yes Vote for SIC Willie – August 11, 2008
Hmmmm… You are sounding a little biased to me. Come on help in our fight to make District 5 the powerhouse that it has always been… Try it. You’ll like it. Helping to alleviate the overcrowding will really make you feel like a big HERO instead of a big Zero. Try it. You’ll like it. Come investigate the numbers Willie – help us instead of belittling us. You can do it Will. It may be foreign at first to put your heart before your insensitivity. Try it – Try it. If you dare…
By frustrated on August 11th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
RSE teachers had a terrific showing at tonight’s school board meeting. But the superintendent and board shared NO news about Melissa. On our behalf, the district’s attorney was there and spoke of an “investigation”. I wonder how much we paid that attorney to say that.
By Mrs. Cole to be reinstated soon... on August 12th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I think Mrs. Cole will be reinstated. However, you should remind yourself how embarrassing it has been for her and her family during this time. She was accused with no evidence. She was hung out to dry and persecuted with little regard to how this would affect her or the persons she loves. Her personal life, which is hers alone, has been speculated on and criticized. There is not one ounce of truth to these allegations or she would have been fired LONG ago.
Please keep Mrs. Cole and her children in your prayers when she returns to work. It will be a long road and she will need to have the faith to hold her head high.
It is a sad day when fiction can so easily overide the truth. This will be a test of character for Mrs. Cole. But we have faith that she will come out of this stronger and as an educational force to be reckoned with.
Just get on with it District 5. Reinstate Mrs. Cole and let the process of healing begin. If it could happen to Mrs. Cole, it could happen to anyone. I suppose that life throws us curve balls sometimes. Some are harder than others. I congratulate Mrs. Cole for not stooping to the level of her attackers. Sometimes a silent voice is the loudest voice of all.
By Investigation Joke on August 12th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Frustrated – you should be frustrated. This so-called “investigation” is very suspicious. I have seen Lee Bollman at RSES only once in the past 2 years. Then all of a sudden, he shows up when the principal is put on leave. He apparently has met with several staff members and the rumor is that teachers filed complaints. However, those teachers have denied that. Worse yet, Bollman is making changes at the school while the principal is on leave. He has no idea what goes on in our school. He is making decisions that impact our children directly without knowing a single thing about a single child in our school.
The real frustration is that Bollman and the others involved in this “investigation” do not care one bit about our children. That is obvious.
By Delays, Delays, Delays on August 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Agree with No. 343. Also the new superintendent announced this morning that he would be making the decision on September 8th. Why the delay? Do they hope her tremendous support will die? Are they still trying to find something?This makes no sense. It is a real problem for River Springs and the district.
By everybody happy on August 12th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
The cat is out of the bag!
By fitsnews on August 12th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Kids and Kittens,
Feel free to continue the conversation on out latest Lexington-Richland 5-related post …
http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/08/12/bravo-mainstream-media/
Thanks for reading,
-FITSNews
By You're Wrong on August 12th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
You asked for my research and here it is. I agree with whoever it was above about how numbers can be manipulated to say whatever you want them to. Old School, you do have your research to support your opinion as well, which is why I think it is good for people to read and figure out their own stance.
To me it is obvious that the more interaction a child has with his teacher the more he will learn. The first is a qualitative research article on class size reduction. I think it does the best job presenting evidence. It states the ways class size reduction has improved student achievement, but also includes the negative things (like not being able to find enough qualified teachers.)
http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR7-4/kiger.html
mainstream article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-03-24-small-classes_N.htm
and here is the 2000 gov’t report on CSD:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/ClassSize/class.pdf
By Robert on August 12th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Bang bang bang on the door baby! Knock a little louder baby!
Bang bang bang on the door baby! I can’t hear you
Your what?… Tin roof, rusted!
Love Shack, baby Love Shack!
Love baby, that’s where it’s at
Huggin’ and a kissin’, dancin’ and a lovin’ at the love shack
—————————————
The documents say on or about March 28 and again on April 9 of this year, the defendant “did engage in an adulterous relationship with one Melissa Cole.â€
By G on August 12th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Let’s not get too personal with the Cole Andersen story. Remember there are two sides to every story. Melissa Cole is a top notch person and a great principle. She is not liked by everyone, but respected by most. She may or may not have had an affair. By all media and rumors she has, but does her entire family, including her sister, and parents need to have the scarlett letter on their chest as well. This community, especially the Christian community has chastised this family to a point they are all at wits end. Put yourself in this families shoes for a second. They are dealing with an immeasurably tough situation. Melissa may have shown poor judgement and may have committed a sin, but we should all stop being spec inspectors and allow her and the family to get through this situation through prayer and privacy. I personally pray for all families involved and hope that we can come together to start the healing process both with the district and families.
By Fire Melissa Coles on August 13th, 2008 at 7:31 am
i bet you feel stupid now #342!!! Melissa should be fired immediately.
By I must be a Pollyanna on August 13th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Rumors? Witch hunt? What spin will some put on this now? Hope that the crow doesn’t taste too bad!!!! All of this was cooked up to defeat the bond referendum in November, right? Not-two married people decided to commit adultery and destroy numerous lives in the process and embarrass the pants off of our school district-pun intended!
People are still asking for Cole to be there next week when school starts-Why? Where have the principles gone for this principal? I do care about who educates my children, so therefore, I will NOT send them back to RSES next week if she is still there.
By Children on August 13th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Let’s hope Andersen goes home at least for the sake of his SEVEN CHILDREN.
By No longer a rumor on August 13th, 2008 at 10:01 am
#352 I don’t think people are still asking for her to be there next week when school starts. I believe most of us just didn’t want decisions to be made based on rumors, and until now (thanks to WIS) the rumors going around were just rumors (some right, some wrong).
We supported our principal because she is a good principal and we wanted to treat her with the same respect that she always showed us. Hopefully, she can move on with her life and career too. I wish her well and hope her family gets the privacy it deserves while it goes through this difficult time.
Obviously, with the facts that are now out RSES should have a different principal. It’s sad for all involved –especially the children and innocent spouses.
Now, I need to figure out how to explain this situation to my children at RSES in an age appropriate manner when they ask why their principal is not there…..I know they will be asking about this soon.
By DO Employee on August 13th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I find it very surprising that many of you say that this is not the appropriate place for this discussion, but then you contribute by adding your opinion. If you truly believe that this is just a blog that reaps nothing but rumors, then do not contribute to the discussion by placing your opinion on it. The fact is, this blog was right and you were left in the dark. We now know the truth, just visit wltx.com and this blog was on point.
Ms. Cole should be held accountable for her actions the same Dr. Andersen has been. They’re both adults that entered into an immoral relationship that does have a negative impact in their ability to lead effectively.
Last, since the board memebers do not feel a need in telling us the truth, maybe this (blog) is the way of getting to the truth… rumors mixed with truth equals a demand for the truth. If the board memebers will not tell us why, all we’re left with is rumors and speculations. But I say to all, this blog is not far off from the truth.
By Hoping for the best on August 13th, 2008 at 11:25 am
# 354 You are right on and I’m sure many others agree with you!
By a concerned citizen on August 13th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I’d be willing to bet that those of you who are casting stones would also claim to be Christians. Well, first off a Christian forgives. None of you seem to be the forgiving type. She made a mistake but that does not show that she is still not a good principal. I do not condone extramarital affairs but I certainly am a Christian who is willing to forgive and I feel that you all should to. My prayers go out to her family.
By sin on August 13th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
#357 – You are right about foregiveness – Christians need to forgive. But the persons involved need to turn from their wicked ways. This relationship between two married people should not have happened and can never be blessed. Cntinuing to sin can only hurt all parties.
By sin on August 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
#355 You are right. This was a totally immoral relationship. Both parties should have had more control and concern for their children.
By 7 children on August 13th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
How does a father with seven children to guide have time for an immoral relationship, Let’s pray he goes home and learns to be a real father to the children he has.
By Children on August 14th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Right on 360. It’s obvious neither party were putting their own kids first when they engaged in this relationship. How could we expect them to lead our children in an educational environment when they abandon common moral principles.
By Sin on August 14th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Yes, she could be forgiven for her sin, but in the real world we face consequences for our actions. How easy would it be to live our lives thinking “I’ll do what makes me feel good and if I get caught I will just ask for forgiveness?” A leader, especially a principal, is someone we expect to have better morals, be more ethical, use better judgement, whatever you want to call it.
By Clark on August 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Absolutly agree #362. I will just add that not only in real the working world but in every aspect of life actions bring on consequenses- good and bad. Some mistakes have consequenses that last a lifetime. This doesn’t mean she can’t be forgiven. Forgivenss and consequenses are two different things. In Mrs. Coles case however, I don’t feel she deserves forgiveness! Not yet any way. To be forgiven, one must first be sorry and make restitution for their actions. Mrs. Coles is still denying anything happened and not cooperating with the school board. She’s not just hurting herself, and the fact of the matter is – it is completely selfish. The ones she is truly hurting is the kids and their families. Because there is a stand off (since Melissa won’t admit her faults), the school board has been unable to move forward and hire a new principal. Melissa has all of her friends and family convinced she did nothing and these are only rumors. HELLO!! it is in the divorse papers… Scott ADMITTED it. Melissa, STOP believing your own lies and start the repentence process. For goodness sakes think of the kids – the true innocent party, and move on with your life.
By the state paper on August 14th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I supose everyone who reads the paper noticed that one day in bold headlines it read Andersen admits affair and the next day the same paper reported that he had not admitted any affair. That the affair was an allegation put forth by this wife.
By the state paper on August 14th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Right on Clark!
Personally, I wouldn’t give up on my marriage, my kids, my money, etc.- everything except a boat and motorcycle if my wife didn’t have something on me.
The Cole Brigade fought and argued based on no evidence. Then we get that evidence in the form of divorce papers. Now they are looking to put a spin on that.
They are convinced that she can do no wrong. What do you think, she’s the Second Coming?
She willingly took this public job. She made a mistake and needs to deal with consequences. Show some maturity and step down.
(Cole Bri·gade: deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; naive, credulous)
By To # 364 on August 14th, 2008 at 10:53 am
You need to check that source AGAIN and stop making excuses and believing the lies of a backed into a corner Melissa Coles.
“Andersen’s wife, Bernice, named an otherwise unidentified “Melissa Cole†as having had an affair with her husband, according to court records.
Andersen did not contest in court documents his wife’s allegation of an affair.” (The State)
For those of you who know nothing about divorce – Scott has already signed off on those documents. Which means…HE DOES ACKNOWLEDGE that it happened. He and Melissa Coles had an affair at least twice as reported and I for one doubt that it was only twice. That is all that HE has ADMITTED to.
People get a clue. Stop backing this adulterous person. So what if you think she was such a great person and a great principal. If she truly were so “GREAT” , she wouldn’t have let down every single teacher, employee, parent and CHILD at River Springs. What kind of example has she really shown them all?
I am not much for quotes, but how about this one from Spiderman of all things: “Remember, with great power. comes great responsibility. …”
Obviously, Coles has no idea what is most important. Selfishness and Pride is what she is truly all about!
By the state paper on August 14th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
#364 You have no idea what you are talking about. The truth and proof will come out in due time.
By the state paper on August 14th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Any one in doubt needs to go down and look at the court papers. You will see that Andersen did not acknowledge an affair. He only signed the property settlement. The other allegations about the affair are from his wife and her attorneyt. Go look. Then talk.
By Klaus on August 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
hey, 357, 358 i know this is the south and the land of the southern baptist, but there are a few of us jews running around, but i guess we dont count
as far as job skills, sure she good principal, but Hitler was a great organizer, but guess what i think about his days of being in charge. Not comparing the two individuals, for those of you who just jumped up in outrage,
but point is that you might be good at your job, but you should not be allowed to be in your job due to your ethics. Kids dont need to see their principal and whisper …hey she was the one doing the super!
By Darla on August 15th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I truly do not understand why “EYE”/aka I/ ( “EYE” for emphasis) was ATTACKED. I made no sleazy comments. I told no untruths. I HAD the facts. I am IN NO WAY gloating. As I sad before: I do NOT live in Chapin. I am IN NO way a part of a vigilante group. My children graduated from Lex. 5 schools. My grandchildren attend Lex. 5 schools…(NOT RIVER SPRINGS!!!!, BTW!!!…thanks to whomever cleared that one up!!) I will repeat myself: This is a “sad day for D 5″…BUT…RIGHT IS RIGHT and WRONG IS WRONG!!! I am sooo sorry that this happened….BUT…it DID!!! In my humble opinion, the saddest part of this whole fiasco is that ,apparently, MORALS DON’T COUNT. Peace and God bless America.
By options on August 15th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hey Melissa it’s not all bad news. Your still young enough that you could get a job dancing at any of the clubs in Columbia. Just think of the draw. On a good night you might make more than a month’s worth of working as a principal and basically the clients would be a lot like your last boss. Give me a call if your interested. We’re here for you.
By Dump Darla on August 16th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Darla. Darla, Darla, you can’t expect to attack someone and not be attacked by those trying to defend them. Every one on this blog has STRONG feelings one way or the other on this issue. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
By Malice and intent to destroy good people on August 16th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Darla – maybe morals according to you are more important than the malice and intent to do harm to good people, who perhaps made a mistake.
By Darla on August 16th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
#372: I did NOT attack anyone. I just had the facts before many people. Look back over MY comments…they were not mean-spirited or malicious….or slanderous. They were TRUTHFUL. Trust me, I can take the heat. I was merely making an observation…and asking a question.
By dump darla on August 16th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Darla, you may feel that you were not attacking anyone, but to the Cole supporters, you were. Most of the posters were not privy to this information. They saw your information as gossip. You kept saying it was true, but you wouldn’t give up your source. I guess you didn’t want to get anyone in trouble for talking about something they were probably supposed to keep quite about since they worked in the DO. Yes, it looks like your info. was good, but most of the posters didn’t know until the TV report. I’m sure it was hard for the Cole brigade to hear this info. was true. They put their trust and faith in this women and now they feel let down.
By observer on August 16th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I think the board knew the documents were going to be filed – and Cole too. Board wouldn’t dare do anything in advance… they’d look like the bad guys. More would question their actions since their motive was only speculation. Now that the documents are public, the community EXPECTS them to do something. They rushed the Andersen buy-out so they could quickly get a salesperson for the referendum. Their indiscretions will cost us… thanks Andersen and Cole.
By Let Down on August 16th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
#376 Think how the rest of us feel. We put our trust in the Board and Andersen. Talk about letting people down.
“This lion, she is hungry, she does not have this ox. The cart, it is heavy. It does not have this ox. God is happy Saboo. He plays with us.” –Out of Africa
By Darla on August 17th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
#376: You are right in stating that I did not want anyone at the DO getting in trouble. I knew of the facts before there was even a whisper about it. I told NO ONE! I am sorry if I was perceived as being an “attacker”. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am truly sad over the situation….for ALL who have been hurt by this. I am more disappointed in Melissa’s denials than I am in the affair. She has lied to so many people who believed her and went “out on a limb” for her. She should now admit what she did and move on. I know that RS will have a great year….whoever the principal is.
By Think.think... on August 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Darla
I am sorry but I don’t believe that Melissa has been actually quoted as denying or affirming. Or are you revealing, “secret” information again? Perhaps, you should wait until she does before you get disappointed. If you live long enough you know there are FOUR sides to every story. His side, her side, what everyone else thinks, and the truth. And truthfully, I am more disappointed that someone in the district office leaked information from a confidential investigation to you. The paperwork says that those who leak information from these investigations are to be fired. I sure hope your source is. If you managed as a frog, to get your mouth around a juicy piece of fly, you should have KEPT your BIG MOUTH CLOSED. All you did was let it buzz for everyone else to hear and be so smug. Wrong is wrong. They are wrong, but you are wrong for revealing confidential district information. You were a breach in the levee. Cole Brigade or haters, your gossipy and mean spiritedness fostered so many harsh words from both sides that I fear neither will approach the other for reconciliation. You remind me of the Witch/Banker Lady from the Wizard of Oz.
Hmmm, I wonder if you look like her? I bet you make her look good.
“Denial” ain’t just a river in Egypt!” – Mark Twain
By Darla and lies on August 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Darla. You still don’t know the FACTS. They will come out. You must hate Melissa Cole. You know his wife, Burnise started these rumors. She even had his children and members of his church telling them. Also the court papers were not an admission by him as reported on WIS but instead allegations by her, which was old news. Go lookThese are public information. You are pathetic. Also his wife should be concerned about how he can support hers and his children if she continues in this campaign. She needs to get a head on her shoulders and think of her kids. I hope he can go back and support her and the kids, but in the meantime she has done things that will hinder him from doing this.
By I may be stupid on August 17th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
#382 WOW you sound a lot like Scott himself. I am thinking the wife is probably a pretty good source and I am thinking she really doesn’t care what happens to him. I am thinking she will find a way to get by with or without him. If the court orders him to pay and he doesn’t, I am thinking he will go to jail.
Either the case I am thinking, if the district plays these kind of politics in which inside ‘agents’ release this type of information wow I have a whole new perspective on this whole thing. Someone posted a while back some weird ‘Andersen-Gate’ about the district hanging Andersen out to dry because he was working with the ‘no’ voters. If your post is correct about Darla, that post is looking less kooky and more realistic.
Does anyone know if Andersen was working with Carlson and Murphy on splitting the referendum? Can anyone out there confirm that? Is Darla really an insider trying to discredit Andersen and using Cole as a scapegoat? #382 do you know the the “Facts” about this? Tell us please if you do. I am thinking that is a pretty good defense for both Andersen and Cole. If this comes out to be true, I am going to feel really stupid.
By Andersen are you out there? on August 17th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Mal-content Darla? This is getting scary. What is the chance that Berg called the district and said, “Hey I can get your new school and referendum money” and Andersen was the guy in the way.
Has anyone on the board ever worked with Berg before funding schools?
It would make sense, if Andersen was seeing the writing on the wall from the ‘NO’ votes and was trying to get something done. So he was negotiating acceptable terms with “no” voters. So if Andersen had a supporter in Cole (whose school, by the way, was one of the lowest funded schools in the district) they became targets.
Putting the whole thing off on Murphy and Carlson the board began leaking information through Darla about the two with plans to hire Berg all along.
Could it be this whole thing was fabricated by the board and Berg for the purpose of removing Andersen. Darla keeps claiming she knows more and more and amazingly she seems to be 1 day ahead of the news in her posts. I know if I was Andersen’s wife and was being told day in and day out to watch out for Cole. At the same time Andersen was trying to work with Cole, Murphy and Carlson to cut a deal, I would have thought it was true too.
Andersen or Cole speak up if there is any truth to this. We need to know.
By Darla and lies on August 18th, 2008 at 2:08 am
#381 is right. Cole has remained silent in all of this despite all the allegations and support. I feel sure she will speak after the investigations and legal issues are cleared.
By RSES staff on August 18th, 2008 at 2:14 am
DARLA – RSES Staff. I don’t think the staff at RSES are happy Melissa is gone. She is missed terribly.
By Court Papers on August 18th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Court Papers re: divorce – you are right about the court divorce allegations and separation agreement. Anyone who is interested can go down and sign in and look at these at the Richland County Court House. Seven people have already done so. You can see pictures and names of the people who have viewed these. You will see an allegation statement drawn up by Bart W. Fordham, Attorney for Ms. Andersen, stating her allegations of adultery signed by her, and then another document dealing with property signed by Mr. Andersen. If you are really interested, you can go to family court on August 29 at 11:30 at the Richland County Court House, that is provided both parties show up and neither withdraws the allegaions or property settlement . Just for information.
By Court Papers on August 18th, 2008 at 7:53 am
DARLA YOU BETTER GET THERE EARLY ON THE 29th SO YOU CAN FIND OUT WHO ADMITS OR DENIES ADULTERY ALLEGATIONS AND WHETHER ANDERSEN CAN AFFORD THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY SETTLEMENT SINCE HE IS NOW UNEMPLOYED. ASSUME THIS WILL BE TRUTHFUL INFORMATION SINCE IT IS FINALLY IN A COURT OF LAW AND NOT GOSSIP, POOR JOURNALISM, ETC.