La Socialista and Mrs. Cole
SOMEBODY FORGOT THE “SIX QUESTIONS”
FITSNews - August 7, 2008 - Who? What? When? Where? How? Why?
Any third-grader (even a South Carolina third-grader) can tell you these are the six questions journalists must strive to answer in their stories. So … let’s see how La Socialista (a.k.a. The State Newspaper) reporter Joy Woodson did today in her “reporting” of the ongoing implosion of a Midlands-area school district.
We know from Woodson’s article this morning that the “who” is super-hot midlands elementary school principal Melissa Cole (above ), and the “where” is obviously central South Carolina. We also know the “what” - the fact that Cole has been placed on leave from her position, and the “when,” which according to Woodson is “at least since last week,” coincidentally right when the resignation of Cole’s boss was announced (editor’s note: you’re welcome).
But what about the last two questions? “How” did this happen? And more importantly, “why?”
As for the first of these two unaddressed interrogatives, we can forgive Woodson for missing the ball on “how” all of this is currently going down. After all, officials at the shell-shocked Lexington-Richland School District Five (people who draw taxpayer salaries to provide the public with information about their taxpayer-funded schools) are refusing to do their jobs …
In fact, the evasiveness of this particular school district with regard to its personnel matters is only exceeded by the evasiveness with which it has sought to bilk area taxpayers out of a quarter of a billion dollars using intentionally-manipulated student population data.
Put simply, there are boomerangs that shoot straighter than these educrats.
But Woodson’s failure to delve into the “why” behind Cole’s absence is inexcusable … and emblematic of her paper’s ongoing coddling of our state’s worst-in-the-nation public school system.
In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t coddle here at FITSNews … and we’re more than happy to scoop up all those readers who want to know what’s really going on in this bass-ackwards state.
For example, every one of 11,260 people who have read our “Sex, Lies and Educrats” story since it was first published on July 5 know exactly “why” Principal Cole is under the gun: she is alleged to have been engaged in an extramarital affair with the recently-released Superintendent.
Now … do we think she should get fired for that?
Ironically, not really.
Cole was the subordinate here, people, and the person who should have known better (and who was in a position to show improper favoritism as a result of the alleged affair) has already been shit-canned.
We’ve never met Mrs. Cole (our founding editor Sic Willie says he would definitely be up for a one-on-one sit-down), but from everything we can tell she’s good at her job and takes care of her kids.
Maybe it’s that we like to give attractive people the benefit of the doubt, who knows?
Anyway, our point here is not to weigh in on what should (or shouldn’t) happen to the gorgeous Mrs. Cole, our point is to demonstrate that once again the mainstream media is making itself look stupid by intentionally avoiding the biggest question of them all in its so-called “coverage.”
In case you missed it, that question is “Why?”
Yet as much as we like to make fun of them, we really don’t mind …
While La Socialista keeps losing readers thanks to its double standards and incessant pandering to the educrat establishment, we’ll keep picking them up by the hundreds, thank you very much.
Comments
By She was the victim? on August 7th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Woman are always the victims when it comes to these affairs. These men just take advantage of their power. I bet she never had the chance to say “NO, I’m married!”
By FWFIV on August 7th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I think you are getting too worked up over this Sic. Maybe there is not definitive proof of the affair, since that would require investigators, sworn statements, pictures etc. So anyone printing or acknowledging the rumor would perhaps be liable for some penalties later on. In the interest of avoiding that, the school district and Ms. Cole are parting ways without drama and being adults about this.
These “no fault acknowledged” things happen in private business. Our courtrooms and legal systems would be better off if more organizations followed this example.
Then again that is just my view from the outside looking in, could be way off base.
By Woodward and Bernstein... on August 7th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Hey journalists?? WIS reported that a “female district employee” went to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department about Andersen before his dismissal. Leon Lott described her as “scared to death.”
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8766303
Connection?
Come on State! Come on WIS…
Must the FITSGGIRLS pull all the threads around here?
By Concerned RS Parent on August 7th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I think Ms. Cole should be held to the same standards as Andersen. She is an adult. She made a bad decision and should face the consequenses. She may be a great principal — but she has questionable judgement when it comes to morality. She needs to be let go.
By Pam on August 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I agree with you Sic. Unfortunately, there is so much scandal brewing with this situation (I live in District 5 area) and I don’t know if she will be able to show her face without everyone whispering behind her back. They (meaning Andersen and Cole) used terrible judgement but it is a shame she will be shown the door because of it. From what I hear, she is an excellent principal and was extremely well liked. It is not a matter of “if” she will be let go, it is a matter of when.
By Draven on August 7th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Hey FWFIV,
You’re right, proof of an affair would require investigators, sworn statements, etc. Sworn testimony in a court case would be proof enough as well, which is why I’m pretty sure that there won’t be any lawsuit involving FITS “printing or acknowledging” a “rumor.”
By Too hot for Teacher on August 7th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
if she got caught in a dui or banging another teacher etc. She would have been canned.
She shows a bad example to children in this school and this district. I would can her ass if I were on the board of trustees. But those guys are liberal and probably hoping that maybe they have a chance with her if they vote to keep her. She is pretty hot for a principal, and this is probably a good bet.
Do you guys remember what your principal looked like? Gag! Most were men, and the women were skanks. She would have made school worth going to.
By District 5 Parent on August 7th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
WIS reported that a female employee filed a suit against Andersen w/ a restraining order. If it is Coles, what better way to hide an indescretion than to say she was harrassed. Also a good way to perhaps keep your job. People who have seen them together in public have said — there was no harrassment — it was mutual. They were seen at a local workout facility flirting openly almost daily for a year.
By FWFIV on August 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Draven-
I’m not worried about Sic, he’s a big boy and is smart enough to stay legal. Rather I was proposing a possible reaon for The State newspaper to steer clear of that particular aspect of the story since that seems to be the main point of Sic’s post.
Of course if there is already sworn testimony, on the record addressing/supporting this allegation, then The State did its readers a disservice by not reporting the full story.
By No Restraining Order on August 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
More lies. There was no restraining order, no suit. Total fabrication.
By fitsnews on August 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
#9-
Awwww … so sweet. And according to our attorneys we are, as Hammer once said, 2 Legit 2 Quit.
-FITSNews
By Whatever? on August 7th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Check it out for yourself….
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8766303
Connection?
By She was the victim? on August 7th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
12 - I must have missed it. Where do you read in that story that a restraining order was issued and a suit filed? I see that an employee went to the sheriff, yes, but does this mean the order was issued? I thought a judge issued restraining orders.
By Reader on August 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Re:
“…once again the mainstream media is making itself look stupid by intentionally avoiding the biggest question of them all in its so-called ‘coverage.’ ”
Exactamundo Willie. *La Socialista* is currently sending ours for free — and I am still hesitant to open it. Every freaking morning. I am hesitant to open it. Hubbie loves it for his morning ‘in the john’ routine, but…that’s about the sum of its value @ this point. Regularity of the husband.
Sad or WHAT?!?
I am telling you. What they are putting out is NOT news. It is the deliberate obfuscation of news.
[Yes. I had to look up "obfuscation."] [But if the word fits...]
By Sarah on August 7th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
#10… There was a call to the RC sheriff’s office from a very afraid employee. Just call and speak to Leon or Chris. It wasn’t Cole, but it was a female employee - close to Andersen - who with good reason was scared of him. She helped the board piece it together - the Andersen and Cole thing. She was very brave to do it. Too bad these two “leaders” made poor decisions - especially for their own kids.
By Sarah Refuted on August 8th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Sarah - Why was this employee scared? What facts do you know that caused her to be scared? Was it politcally motivated? What was Leon’s response? When did you call him?
By anglican missionary style on August 8th, 2008 at 8:58 am
yes I would do her.
By a concerned citizen on August 8th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Darla,
It sounds to me like you are just trying to make trouble and stir up a large hornets nest. Leave this alone, already.
By RSES parents better step up! on August 8th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
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 Amen to acaringteacher on August 8th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
AMEN….Gantt and White are showing us exactly what and who they are. Thought they were suppose to be the “good guys.” They have lost my respect and my vote. They better put a stop to all of this nonsense and give our prinicpal back. If they fire her then maybe she will run for school board. She will have my vote!!
By no wonder on August 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
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 contract employees on August 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Response to Concerned RS parent #4. What you may not know is teachers and administrators are under contract and the district has to have proof and cause to terminate these employees. They can’t do this on rumors but need evidence. A superintendent can be terminated without showing cause.
By So true no wonder on August 8th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Thanks “no wonder” for putting it best! And I have also heard that Mrs. Cole is hands down the best prinicipal in the district. Embarassed to be part of district at this point!
By tammy on August 8th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I guess you are checking out his other honey at Nursery Road School. I hear she managed to get technology boards worth over 100,000 dollars years before her scheduled turn. She got them the first year and a couple of months after being hired in this district. She is a hot lady, hotter than the other one, and we all knew Andersen had plans for her. The rest of us just have to wait to get our turn because we don’t have hot principals.
By a concerned citizen on August 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I agree with Amen to acaringteacher. I think Melissa Cole should run for school board. Maybe she would have a vision, purpose and mission that the current school board has not been able to get accomplished. Something needs to be done about the current situation and fix that we are in now. She would definitely have my vote also. Go Melissa Cole!
By contract employees on August 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Continue on #22. I should say if they terminate a contract employee without cause they could be subject to a law suit. They terminated the superintendent before Dr. Andersen but I understand Dr. Andersen was not terminated but a mutual agreement was reached. At least that’s what the paper suggested.
By no wonder on August 8th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Tammy IF what you are saying is true, no wonder there is no money for all the things we need. I hate to say it…. cause I think they are kinda mean in how they say things but have murphy and carlson (yuk) been right in some of there statements? Has there been money to spend and the “good ole’ boys” been doing what ever they please. And then when they get caught our school gets singled out as a “love shak” This really makes me mad. Stop investigating RSES and start investigating what Andersen did with the money for our kids while he was acting like a teenager in spring!!
By Yes Finally? on August 8th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
“no wonder” is the right name too bad you have it all wrong. The district board has been working on and talking about this problem for years. Without the funding for new schools and technology we don’t have the facilities or resources to recruit and retain quality teachers. Every chance our good teachers get they flee to the other districts. After years of delaying the yes vote by the short sited people of this county we are stuck with teachers like Cole and the unprofessional cronies who lambast the Board from doing the right thing. It is impossible to retain moral, upstanding qualified teachers in these conditions. Until we pass the vote we will continue to have problems like these from our district.
How do you expect to keep quality staff when the average teacher makes $50,000 a year. That is hardly a living wage. Add to that old and crowded conditions and we have to take what we can. And what we get is behavior like what is going on and those that are ignorant enough to support the problems that we are having by continuing to support Cole.
If people would think about it for a $100 or so dollars a year per household we could fund new schools, bring in Quality teachers and do away with these kind of problems. How hard is it to come off a couple hundred bucks a year to solve this? It is a good investment. With good schools the area will grow, there will be more jobs and those home owners will see an increase in their property value. If we don’t vote yes the district will continue to decay and the area will become a retirement community where property values and jobs will remain stagnant like other places in the state.
“no wonder” the Board is right on target. They called it, and it has happened. Now they are dealing with it. Perhaps now people will finally see we HAVE to vote YES, if we want moral and capable teachers in our classrooms.
By To Tammy on August 9th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Response to Tammy. Can we get a picture of the hot principal at Nursery Road. Who knows anything about this relationship.
By so insane on August 9th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Well folks….we know the rumors about Cole and Andersen can’t be true if what post 24 says is correct. Heck…..River Springs still has no smart boards!!!
By NRES on August 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Here’s your picture #29…
While we’re on the topic of pretty District 5 principals with poor judgement (maybe a calendar?), this one was recently reprimanded for mocking the handicapped. Something in the water apparently.
http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us/NurseryRoad.cfm?subpage=26882
By kick her while she is down on August 9th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Well let’s see… I have now been told over the past 3 months that Andersen was having an affair with the principal at Nursery Road, the assistant principal at Oak Pointe and now the principal at River Springs. Sounds like Melissa Cole gets to be the official victim since she happens to be having some trouble in her marriage and is an easy target. My how we humans love to kick people while they are down. So sick!!!!!!
By Casting Stones on August 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dear Yes Finally and Others:
Really curious to know after reading your blog, do you have children in this district? I do and have for the past 9 years, two have attended RSES and Ballentine Elem and we have had wonderful, talented, Board Certified, caring, motivating teachers. Many of them have been in the district for many years and are pleased with it and proud of our Students test scores. Funny it doesn’t seem to me that this would be an effect of incapable teachers.
It seems to me that we certainly have a lot of mistake free apparently perfect citizens in our community that have NEVER made any mistakes. Must be otherwise why would everyone be throwing so many stones? Let’s act like adults here not children with all of the name calling etc.
Melissa Cole is a wonderful, motivational and inspiring leader to both children and Teachers. Do we want our own lives to be examined and scrutinized over for something others claim we did?
I certainly hope the Board will see what an awesome Leader she is and do the right thing.
By Details on #31... on August 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
“Lexington-Richland 5 is promising to do a better job promoting understanding of disabled children, after an incident at Nursery Road Elementary.
Principal Christina Melton and assistant principal Julius Scott were being investigated by the district regarding a May 23 incident at the school, in which the two were accused of inappropriate display of play in front of special needs students. It included wearing crash helmets, at least one similar to those worn by special needs students…”
The State 6.6.08
oh those lex5 principals…
By Yes Finally? on August 9th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
“Awesome leaders” don’t walk around in shirt little skirts chasing men 20 years older than them. Cole is a glaring example of what years of delayed improvements have done to this district.
Awesome employees don’t run around town calling their leaders “Nazi’
Awesome employees don’t send gross volumes of emails to leaders that are trying to fix situations.
Awesome employees would support the the direction of their leaders and if our employees would do that your children wouldn’t be in mold infested trailers by the edge of a road. Vote Yes and let’s fix this district for the future.
By use some sense on August 9th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I am begging you people to use a little common sense. Since many of you don’t seem to understand the way things work in the real world let me explain it to you. Andersen was NOT terminated. Instead, he resigned and was given a settlement. If the board had any actual proof of an inappropriate relationship then he would not have been given any type of settlement and they would have terminated him. He was the boss and the principal was the subordinate - NO WAY he would have been given a dime if the board had any factual information that all of these rumors were actually true. Furthermore, Cole has been put on leave in regards to her “leadership.” That is a joke based on the amount of support being shown to her by staff and community members. She obviously does a good job! Looks like the D.O. wants to make it look as though Cole’s leave has something to do with the rumors, and that they are trying to dig up some reason to get rid of her. I believe however this board will have enough common sense to take control of this mess - send Melissa back to work and return focus to where it should be: starting another great school year!
By AMEN on August 9th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Amen “use some sense”. Thank you for finally stating the obvious! Like the district would actually pay off the superintendent and allow him to leave quietly and then go after the subordinate and terminate her if there were actually proof of an affair! Can you say lawsuit anyone???? If the district is that stupid it looks like Cole might be coming into a large amount of money pretty soon thanks to D5!!!
By robert on August 9th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
River Springs fight song………..
Huggin’ and a kissin’, dancin’ and a lovin’, wearin’ next to no thing Cause it’s hot as an oven
The whole shack shimmies when everybody’ s Movin’ around and around and around!
Everybody’s movin’, everybody’s g roovin’ baby! Folks linin’ up outside
just to get down Everybody’s movin ‘, everybody’s groovin’ baby Funky
little shack! Funky little shack!
By change on August 10th, 2008 at 1:54 am
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/485230.html
#108 Looks like the time HAS finally come
Fact: Gantt is involved in Real Estate
http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us/about.cfm?subpage=24514
Fact: Sloop is involved in Real Estate
http://www.lex5.k12.sc.us/about.cfm?subpage=24514
Fact: White works for law firm that successfully argued in court that school boards can use their broadcast machines to state only one side of an issue regardless if it is the government opinion.
caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/4th/071697p.pdf
Fact: White stated that the “GSI” model was not the only model used to predict growth. Wrongly identifying that model and failed to provide the name of any other. Then continued to state that no model was perfect. That includes his that speculates on growth.
June 28th Board Meeting responding to Kim Murphy
Fact: White is a lawyer who specializes in taxation law and Nelson Mullins benefits from his labor in that area. Specifically that firm markets the ability to help education institutions with unique needs
http://www.nelsonmullins.com/lawyers/nelson-mullins-attorney-bio.cfm?id=163
http://www.nelsonmullins.com/areas_of_law/index.cfm?action=cmf.detail&area=Taxation
Fact: Board and District leadership have stated that they are unable to attract and retain quality teachers while the district maintains some the highest scores in the state and scoring above national average on standardized tests.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1121009/2565_million_school_construction_vote_fast_approaching_in_district_5/index.html
AYP report cards for district
Fact: Board bought property instead of expanding current HS when real estate prices were at their highest and most economist were predicting a bubble burst
OK this one is hard to site but feel free to research NPR “Market Place” and Robert Riche (sp?) discussions during Winter of 2007-2008
Fact: Gantt stated popularity (ie votes) does not matter when it comes to funding real estate purchases and building new schools.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/485230.html
Fact: The proposed referendum provides money inversely proportional to population and specifically minority groups. Planning new schools for Chapin area and limited renovations for Irmo.
reference the referendum planning and AYP demographic information
Fact: The board hired Andersen, new about a problem when he sold his house, gave him a raise and signed his contract, told the state paper he was there to stay, then asked him not to come to a board meeting followed by negotiated terms of his resignation
Do I really have to site this one??? basically the state newspaper and board minutes
Fact: The Board hired former Superintendent, Berg, that circumvented voters to create a $100 million encumbrance on Kershaw County Schools.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/481386.html
KERSHAW COUNTY BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES WORK SESSION
April 18, 2006
Fact: Hite will not run again. Gantt has multiple competitors
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/485230.html
Yep appears time has come for change….
By some guy name Robert on August 10th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Some guy named Robert obviously has too much time on his hands! Get a life guy! Gosh….your poor mother!
By the legal lowdown on August 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
To #22…a lawyer friend of mine says that Mrs. Cole’s contract means the district has to pay her salary but they can put her in any employment position for which she is certified (ex: teacher)…the contract guarantees her salary, not her position. This lawyer also says that as long as the district does the above for the period of the contract, they DO NOT have to have evidence or proof of any wrong-doing.
So, the district can demote or pay her off and doing so is NOT proof of wrong-doing.
By Murphy's Oil on August 10th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
#39 is a post from Kim Murphy. I am sure that is NOT a suprise to anyone.
By D5 Parent of 10 years on August 10th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I agree AmenTo ACaringTeacher:
I voted for both White and Gantt and will not in the future!
By D5 Parent of 10 years on August 10th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Thank you Fitsnews for cropping the picture on this article. I worried about that little girl’s picture being posted.
By Murphy's Oil on August 10th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Wow, it didn’t take Kim long to start attacking the new supertintendent did it?
By Not worth it. on August 10th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I don’t see why anyone would want to be a superintendent. No job security, moving around, political factors. Who needs that kind of a life.
By Why so mean on August 10th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I am amazed that anyone would believe something simply based on rumors and gossip. The proof is in the pudding and D5 obviously has no proof since Andersen and the board reached a settlement. I challenge you all to think of how easy it is for people to say unkind and untrue things about others. It is unfortunate that so many people seem to get joy and pleasure by tearing others down. “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”
By If we are going to question morals on August 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Those of you who don’t think Cole should be reinstated as principal because you believe the rumors are very naive. I personally do not believe any of the gossip, but have heard that many in our community have bought into all of the stories and feel that Mrs. Cole should not be allowed to return because of her “lack of morals.” Just so the moral police understand - many of the other principals, teachers, custodians, district office staff, etc. lead lives that you might not find as morally upright. This district has employees that are openly homosexual, those that drink alcohol, go to clubs, live with others out of wedlock, have children out of wedlock, have affairs and so on. Perhaps we should try to cleanse the district of all employees who we believe to be unworthy of our perfection.
By why is "yes finally" so angry all the time on August 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
“Yes Finally” you have made it clear that you obviously don’t know Melissa Cole if you are referring to her as being the “short little skirt” wearing man “chaser” that you mention in your post. Melissa Cole is one of the most modest, humble and professional people you will ever meet and she carries herself accordingly. Perhaps you are projecting and BOY do you sound like and angry individual!
By put up or shut up... on August 10th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
kim and don, would you just run for the board already? Much easier to cast stones, huh?
By Reader on August 10th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
48,
Re: “…many in our community have bought into all of the stories and feel that Mrs. Cole should not be allowed to return because of her “lack of morals.”
It would be MAYHEM on Main Street, Everytown, USA if the stone-throwers demanded that everyone who had marital indiscretions get fired. Good Grief!
But I am certainly glad BMOC Andersen’s feet were held to the fire.
By Missing Submission? on August 11th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Will - you still have not posted my submission from over 12 hours ago. You said you were waiting to approve it. You have posted it on the other two blogs, why not here?
By Well-Orchestrated Plan on August 11th, 2008 at 6:07 am
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…”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 Will what are your ties with Vote NO? on August 11th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Will- I suppose you are the moderator of this campaign and or blog. It was suggested that your ties with the “vote NO group” have been revealed. Exactly what is your tie with this group?
By fitsnews on August 11th, 2008 at 6:22 am
#55-
I posted this earlier, but here goes …
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 become 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 common sense on August 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Will,
You made it crystal clear.
1. Your relationship with Vote No goes back to 2005.
2. You worked for them for free. (Like a favor between friends)
I think we all got it.
As you yourself might put it, “nuff said.”
By Deduction Watson on August 11th, 2008 at 8:46 am
#53 just want to make sure I understand, because I apparently am not as capable of putting together the pieces as you are.
I want to be clear on this one. I am not Murphy. I am not associated with her and I don’t even know the name of her group. I don’t know Cole and I really don’t know Andersen other than the pictures I have seen. And I have no idea who Fits news is, I was told to read this article from a neighbor. But here is what I do know about your post.
I feel really stupid because before I read your post, I was thinking.
The Board set out to get the Bond past. They hired Andersen and it didn’t happen. Andersen realized that he was going to have to work with the community and change the plan to create equity in education putting focus on Irmo area schools instead of some new school in areas where AYP was already being met. So when it looked to a group on the the Board like Andersen was turning on them and the interest of Real Estate development, the Board acted to sequester him.
See it is important that you read on from here as I will offer the facts that lead up to now
The Board knew that Andersen’s wife and kids were leaving him and that his house was for sale. So the board released a statement that he was here to stay. Needing another party to the prospect, the board looked for the most likely candidate - Melissa Cole. She was an active principal that interfaced with her boss a lot in order to get what was required at her school. The Board conducted a series of meetings about the alleged incidents and then began leaking bits and pieces instead of announcing the problem at hand.
But Andersen refused to be quite. Andersen was asked not to attend a Board meeting. This may have been done as a show of force by the Board against Andersen to demonstrate who was in charge - I don’t know that but one could speculate. I do believe the Board had no intention of firing him, because they had given him a raise and extended his contract. They just didn’t want to run the chance of Andersen stating in public that the bond needed to be changed to address the inequities. Then Andersen became a loose cannon that wrote the State paper making public announcements without the consent of the Board. That gave the Board the right to ask for his resignation. To cover that the Board also had to implicate Cole for failed leadership.
The backlash on her administrative leave is not what the board expected and that is where the turmoil began. Of course Fitsnews being a capitalistic enterprise seized on the opportunity for a titillating story and Murphy kept talking about projected growth or something.
My goodness do I feel stupid.
Yea your points make a lot more sense - Murphy set out 2 years ago to get the board to fire the superintendent over alleged affairs. Then she and a group of activist began rumors that were so effective that the Board acted on them. And they are doing all this because they hate children.
You put this together from the fact that she has been vocal at board meetings? WOW…. What did she say that helped you figure all this out?
If Murphy is that good. Then she needs to run for school board. A two year plan that is as effective as the one you described is more effective than any I have seen from the board. The fact that you speak of only Gantt being targeted in your message almost makes me want to say “thou doest protest too much”
I am glad you posted. At least now I know why I keep seeing my kids school district in the paper.
By Old School on August 11th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Anyone else notice the daily “Facility Needs — Fact or Fiction?” section on the front page of the Lex 5 website?
Interesting that they get to pick and choose which items are supposedly facts… why don’t they respond to ALL the questions on the website? and why don’t they offer a similar spot for rebuttals to their claims?
The bond referendum is a pure public relations scheme that relies on:
a) the bunker mentality of teacher’s who are afraid to rock the boat
b) a group of holier-than-thou smug school board members who are in the pocket of developers
c) a phony “blame the rich” class warfare tactic that has failed twice before
Split the bond referendum into multiple parts. Let the people decide which initiatives are truly needed.
And tie the bond referendums to other specific actions to slow the growth in Lex 5. You might get more support for a bond referendum that included implementing impact fees, setting limits on new construction, and stricter zoning laws.
The school board wrings its collective hands and says there is nothing they can do about growth. WRONG! They can make it a priority both publicly and privately to convince the powers that make the growth decisions that the madness must stop.
This bond referendum is just like dealing with the obesity problem by building more restaurants. Deal with the cause before you deal with the symptom.
By common sense on August 11th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Will,
It looks like you got all your friends to get back on your blog.
By Deduction Watson on August 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Finally someone is making sense. Good suggestion on how to move forward Old School
By Navigator Parent on August 11th, 2008 at 11:14 am
So, this whole thing is some sort of massive Clinton-esqe conspiracy and cover-up? Seriously? Who are the evil ones here? The school board or the Putting Students First folks (who obviously put everyone BUT the students first) ? This makes for good gossip and blog fodder, but for those of us with young children who attend River Springs and love it, we just want to know how to get to the truth and move forward. It is so disturbing to think this whole mess, which has destroyed 2 families comes down to real estate.
By curious on August 11th, 2008 at 11:22 am
So #57
are you suggesting Andersen was the good guy in this whole thing and Cole happened to get caught up in circumstances?
Was Andersen actually trying to work with Carlson and Murphy and the board didn’t like that? Scary, It kinda makes sense. I have never heard Carlson offer anything kind to say about increasing taxes and for schools; now he is offering to split the vote???
Has anyone asked Carlson if he had been discussing options with Andersen?
Does anyone know what they intend to do with Cole?
Does Berg intend to push the effort forward as one whole piece or is he looking to solve it with some arbitration between the Board and the opposition? That would tell me something if he just pushes straight ahead.
By Lisa on August 11th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I am increasingly disturbed by the assertion that there is one definative answer to the problems plaguing our district. It seems to me that disagreement has become a dirty word and that vicious comments on those whose statements we do not agree, seems more acceptable than agreeing that there are possibly many solutions to a very complex, multi-layered problem. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t like to vilify people just because they disagree with me. As a history teacher I teach that the basis of a strong democratic society is civil social discourse. This is something that is encouraged in the classroom; name calling and put downs aren’t allowed. Unfortunately, I’ve seen very little that is civil on this site. The words of some bloggers would not be tolerated in the classroom. I find it very worrisome that we seem to seek first that on which we disagree, and then harp on the differences rather then making an effort to find agreement and seek solutions. I also detest the “us” and “them” attitude that seems to be increasingly projected. I can assure you that we, the employees of School District 5, are you. We are taxpayers, most of us live in the district where we teach/work, we attend civic and religious functions in our community, and most of us have or have had children that attend District 5 schools. The moment “we” became “those people at the district office”, “those administrators” and even “those teachers”, the “we” that had always worked together for the good of our schools and children, became the accused looking to fleece the good people of District 5. The reality of the situation is that there are many valid solutions to our current problems. WE need to leave the name calling alone, drop the “us”/”them” attitude and regain the appreciation that different opinions and even different values can work together for the shared common interest of OUR children and OUR community.
By Watson, Time for the Next Case on August 11th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Watson, Sherlock here. You need a little work on your reasoning and logic. I will respond to certain points you attempt to make, but I will not respond to them all.
Your point about changing the equity of the plan to put focus on Irmo is totally wrong. The 2007 referendum had already provided that balance. There was no need to change the plan when it already balanced the needs of the older schools with the need to build new schools to accomodate growth and career type programs. How did the board “sequester” Andersen?
The whole real estate development conspiracy theory that you put forth is just more fodder that apparently you have stolen from Murphy, since you are not her.
As far as Andersen’s house being up for sale, the board never released a statement about that at all. In fact, they were too scared to say anything. The statement was generated by the community services staff of the district.
You MAY be correct about the board leaking information about rumors to members of the community. I know I have heard that as well, but do not know that as fact. I can’t imagine that they would be that stupid to want to continue to create turmoil in the district when they also want to pass a bond referendum.
You said that Andersen “refused to be quiet” The only thing that I am aware that he has said about this whole mess is that he emailed the State to say that he was asked to not attend the meeting to correct the false impression that the board was trying to create that they didn’t know where he was.
You state that the board asked for his resignation. I have seen no evidence of that. It sounds like there was mutual agreement to end the contract.
I never asserted that Murphy “set out 2 years ago to get the board to fire the superintendent.” But she did write frequent emails to them asking them to “reign him in”. She openly began her attempt to get him fired in the beginning of June of this year. She was working somewhat quietly behind the scenes prior to that. However, after June, she was sending emails and speaking to folks in the community stating that Andersen was a target.
Once Andersen’s house went up for sale, she and others allegedly used that opportunity to create and continue turmoil.
Murphy is good at what she does because no one counters her diatribes with factual evidence. Those that do, get attacked. This is where my comments from the previous post come in to play. Once Andersen began pushing for the recommendations from the community based group for school construction and renovations, her and Carlson and company began their campaign.
I mention the Gant issue because she has been so transparent with her attacks lately that it is so obvious. She is not even trying to be sneaky (her usual tactic) with her public attempts to discredit Gant.
Finally, you suggest that she should run for school board. I do believe she tried a few years ago and LOST. What a shame.
By Deduction Watson on August 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Navigator and curious: Read my post again, it was meant to be satirical…. I don’t think there was a cover up and don’t think there was some master plan by anyone. I don’t think the board, or Murphy or Andersen or Cole keep the list going did anything with forethought and purposefully. Based on the behavior to date it does not seem that they are capable of that.
I think what happened was an unfortunate stream of events and anytime we try to put meanings to it there will always be multiple explanations. So people are laying blame instead of moving forward
By Deduction Watson on August 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Lisa, I like what you say. But I do think there are those that ARE vilified in the history classroom. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Castro? Just saying….
NOT TRYING TO ASSOCIATE ANYTHING REAALLY TALKING ABOUT HISTORY AND NOT BEING SATIRICAL
Here is one for the group then, (meant to be civil and honestly unbiased) What is wrong with splitting the vote?
By Deduction Watson on August 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
BTW #64 your title…. That was pretty funny. Thanks for the levity.
Oh No people disagreeing are starting to find humor FITS. You better watch out you will have to start a new blog topic soon…..
By Will is going to help with the YES vote! on August 11th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Thanks Will-
I think it is important for people to know that you worked for the NO campaign and although you refused to take payment, you definitely backed their campaign.
Perhaps you might like to redeem yourself and work with the YES campaign for a change. It might be a nice change to work for the people trying to make positive strides for children. I can assure you that the YES campaign will be happy to have the equal time since you obviously do a great job of helping others see “your” light.
Come on board - No grudges - Equal time.
By fitsnews on August 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
#68-
Sic Willie refuses to define the unnecessary expenditure of a quarter-billion dollars on behalf of a wealthy developer as a “positive stride for children.”
Similarly, Sic Willie refuses to define the increasingly-expensive perpetuation of this state’s worst-in-the-nation public education monopoly as a “positive stride for children.”
Perhaps if the leadership of District 5 proposed a referendum that addressed legitimate needs as opposed to giving flight to the figments of a former Superintendent’s overactive imagination, they might be fortunate enough to receive his sage counsel.
And similarly, perhaps if the S.C. General Assembly and State Department of Education committed themselves to advancing legitimate options for parents as opposed to the current “public school choice” sham, they might be fortunate enough to receive his sage counsel as well.
As it stands now, however, we suspect Sic will continue his efforts to achieve “positive strides for children” by exposing those who epitomize hypocrisy in their ongoing failure to do so.
-FITSNews
P.S. - Of course, you can always ask him yourself … w@fitsnews.com …
By Stephanie on August 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!
translation for you that dont know
i am rolling on the floor laughing my f’ing a** off at you people.
All of this is Bullsh*t, non one single one of you has the whole picture and never will
Dont any of you people have a life?
Think about the time you spend gettng pissed off about all of this and then think about what constuctive thing you might have done during this time.
the school board is bunch of politicians. they LOVE to hear THEMSELVES talk,
School administrators are not far behind, they are minimes, so when the board runs out of air, they start.
By Yes Vote for SIC Willie on August 11th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hmmmm… Sounds a little biased to me. Come on… 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 in our plight instead of instigating mayhem. Try it - Try it. If you dare…
By Old School on August 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
How about this novel approach to dealing with “overcrowding” — increase the number of students per classroom!! Hey, what a concept. Nowadays, the educrat establishment has brainwashed parents into thinking that 21.2 students per classroom results in a far better educational experience that 25.2. Total bull…
Add 4-5 kids per classroom at the elementary level and you cut the need for a portable per grade.
Class size is a bogus measurement. Three brats in a class of 21 will impact the education of the other 18. A teacher who has control over discipline (which means getting parents to understand that their kids occasionally are wrong) can deal with a larger class size.
The EASIEST way to try and solve a problem is to throw other people’s money at it… because when it doesn’t work, you just go back and take some more.
By Mrs. Cole - A principal with principles on August 12th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Just ignore the rantings of Old School. It is time to begin the process of healing. Mrs. Cole will be reinstated soon. She will rise above all of this and hold her head high.
It is sad to think that she has been persecuted in such a way with no evidence at all to back up the allegations. If this could happen to Mrs. Cole, it could happen to anyone. We are not safe from the attacks of our fellow man.
It is an honorable thing that Mrs. Cole has kept silent throughout this whole vindictive process. Sometimes it is the silent voice that has the most conviction. Why rise to the rumor mills that have caused so much hurt and pain? WIll it prove anything? No, because there is nothing to prove. It is apparent that there is no evidence to suggest that Mrs. Coles’ leadership skills are lacking. Her faculty and staff have come to her aid and begged for her to be returned to them.
District 5 needs to reinstate Mrs. Cole quickly so that she can hold her head high and get on with the business of educating children. It will be a hard road for her and her family. But if she continues the challenge, we will be grateful and our community will be better for it.
Reinstate Mrs. Cole now and let the healing begin.
By You're Wrong on August 12th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Studies consistently show that having fewer students in a classroom with a teacher increases student performance. That is, the lower the number a teacher is responsible for in a classroom the better the effect on the students in that classroom.
I am being very specific because for years people have taken statistics on student to teacher ratios and claimed that they show no increase in growth of students based on a lower ratio. But these ratios have to do with the total number of staff at a school in comparison to the total number of children. That is totally different.
If you look at the research that specifically focuses on the number of students in a classroom, the evidence overwhelmingly disagrees with you Old School. The idea that parents have been brainwashed into believing that class sized reduction works is ridiculous. I am certain that many involved parents in classrooms can see the difference between a class of 18 and 26 even. And I am sure these parents are smart enough to make up their own mind based on experience… not by being “brainwashed.”
By Total Agreement on August 12th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I could not agree more (#73). I am hoping she is put back today. Apparently the new Supt. and his 2nd in command are meeting with staff and parents this morning. I trust they are letting them know she is coming back.
Cole’s silence is beyond admirable. Our tabloid society has created a frenzy and a false perception that she should engage the swine. She has shown great leadership and wisdom by not doing so - further evidence that she needs to come back NOW.
By fester on August 12th, 2008 at 8:04 am
What is your agenda #73
Old School is trying to talk about the broader issues. Why do you attack his legitimate (right or wrong it is still legit) points of view and then tie that to Cole.
Your dear are the one using Cole for some odd purpose. If your post had not referenced old schools statement, I would have thought you were legit, but you just made me angry tieing the two together. Cole is a wonderful person and you are using her to try to discredit peoples opinions if they are different than yours. You are festering the wound.
By fester on August 12th, 2008 at 8:08 am
#75 I concur with your comments. You actually seem to be concerned with her well being
By nuffsaid? on August 12th, 2008 at 8:15 am
#74 please provide me your research. This is what I found
http://www.arthurhu.com/index/classize.htm
“Many education advocates say that class size reduction is one key to improving education, however, schools in Asia with much better math performance have larger class sizes than the US. A California law has only turned into a disaster when there aren’t enough classrooms or teachers in place to implement a smaller size, even when money was made available. Even the normally liberal Seattle Times has come out against raising taxes for smaller class sizes.
Class Size Spectrum
49 South Korea
44 Taiwan
36 Japan
35 Catholic
30 US Average 1961
23 US Average 1999
18 US Goal
17.1 US Student Teacher ratio *
13.7 DC Student Teacher *
Percent outcomes Eric Hanusheck
15% Improvement
74% No Effect
13% Negative Effect”
By nuffsaid? on August 12th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Here are a few more direct references that support Old School.
Education Week: September 29, 1999
Seattle Times Aug 22, 1999
Education Week October 18, 2000
New Republic April 21, 1997
December 3, 1996 · Page A1 © 1996 San Francisco Chronicle PAGE ONE (SACRAMENTO)
11/20/96 Study: Girls weak in science
San Francisco Chronicle May 22, 1996
NATIONS WITH LARGEST CLASSES SCORED THE BEST US Squanders $6.4 Trillion to Rank Last in Education http://fathers.ourfamily.com/educatewomen.htm
Investors Business Daily Wednesday, September 30, 1998
Wall Street Journal April 13, 2000 Linda Lim
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-10/07/224l-100799-idx.html
The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Daily Report for subscribers 1.1.15 In 1985
http://www.heritage.org/library/cda/cda00-07.html
By nuffsaid? on August 12th, 2008 at 8:37 am
One more
“Educators and policymakers should not blindly assume that an across-the-board, across-the-school-day approach to class size reduction is best”
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/ReducingClass/Class_size.html
By Reinstate Cole - The time is NOW on August 12th, 2008 at 8:45 am
District 5 needs to reinstate Mrs. Cole quickly so that she can hold her head high and get on with the business of educating children. It will be a hard road for her and her family. But if she continues the challenge, we will be grateful and our community will be better for it.
Reinstate Mrs. Cole now and let the healing begin.
By That's how to debate nuffsaid... on August 12th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I appreciate your references to actual research nuffsaid. I have seen too many comments such as “studies consistently show” or “evidence overwhelmingly disagrees” in these posts. Wikipedia refers to this as weasel words. “Weasel words are usually expressed with deliberate imprecision with the intention to mislead the listeners or readers into believing data for which sources are not readily available.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weasel_words)
Citing references always helps an argument. Again from wikipedia…(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources) Maybe some of you should look into this before going on your diatribes.
By Old School on August 12th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thanks for the factual input, Nuffsaid, for what those of us who aren’t drinking the District 5 Koolaid already know. Anyone over the age of 30 remembers having classes of 30 or more students. We seemed to do okay (in fact, probably better than most of today’s literacy challenged MySpacers).
Classroom discipline has a far greater impact on the learning environment than class size. As long as we allow kids to act out without consequences, it won’t matter if you get class size down low enough to “justify” building more schools. And the finger needs to be pointed at parents who are creating a generation of pampered brats who demand attention and have no idea what good behavior means. Parents treat the school system like Burger King where they think they can have it their way.
And we have egghead educrats who think the best way to deal with discipline issues is to try and value the child’s unique and special background. Richland 2 actually holds seminars for staff to explain why poor kids should be given more leeway because of their background.
Stop being so selfish, parents. It’s not just about giving YOUR kids the best education other people’s money can buy.
By Iwrestlewithzen on August 12th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Might I suggest the following book
“The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives”
Understanding of “The Drunkard’s Walk”, which is actually a technical term for Chaos ‘like’ theory, can explain how two different groups can have two totally different perspectives of the same events. That being said, I would not discard either but rather try to reach middle ground.
The book solidified with me that winning a vote by 1% is not a vote for the winner but rather a vote for neither.
By Class sizes on August 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am
(SARCASM ALERT) Looking at the class size spectrum mentioned in post 78 leads me to wonder if we would really want our kids receiving the same quality education as South Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese, Catholics?(END OF SARCASM)
In reality, we would love it! However, what’s the common denominator in these schools with the higher number of students? I would say discipline. The teachers don’t have to worry about political correctness, or parents crying to the principal when little Susie is reprimanded.
Just my 2 cents…
By Class sizes on August 12th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I like the way you think Old School.
By Old School on August 12th, 2008 at 10:29 am
And while I’m on a roll, there is no need for elementary school kids to have any technology more advanced than a piece of paper, a pencil, and a library full of books. We’ve fallen into the trap where the assumption is made that using a computer somehow creates better students. All it does is teach shortcuts and looking for the quick answer. Having elementary school kids create awful Powerpoint slideshows instead of writing real book reports is one of the small steps that leads to the dumbing down trend we’re seeing.
The amount of money wasted on technology in the schools would certainly be better used for paying the best teachers more. Again, just like with the classroom sizes, there is no evidence that using technology creates smarter kids.
By No decision yet. on August 12th, 2008 at 10:48 am
She’s still on leave until Sept 9.
By Iwrestlewithzen on August 12th, 2008 at 10:57 am