Can Clayton lure new businesses?
A few new businesses are trickling into Clayton County. At a time when much of the attention is focusing on problems in the school system, it’s refreshing to learn new jobs are being created. Read my latest blog entry on Wordpress
Home > Clayton.Talk > Archives > 2008 > June > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNo DADS or diplomas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have to wonder if the Clayton County Board of Education and Superintendent John Thompson read the same SACS report as everyone else did, since they somehow manage to find new and improved ways to alienate the community.
According Mark Elgart during our Q&A, “[CCPS] must fully engage the community so that the beliefs, values, and expectations of the community are embedded in the mission, goals, and purposes of the school system.”
First, the CCBOE decided it was a good idea to propose holding public comments at a separate meeting, make constituents tell the CCBOE secretary what they want to discuss by 4:30pm the day of, and submit 10 copies of their comments in writing, in advance.
I don’t see what difference any of that will make since it is obvious to many who attend CCBOE meetings that school board members aren’t paying much attention during public comments, anyway. This new process makes it that much easier for them to dismiss and ignore us and/or discourage citizens from speaking out. But perhaps that’s the game plan.
Next, Thompson sacked The Diverse And Dedicated Support (DADS) organization. DADS was here before the SACS report, John Thompson and some of the remaining CCBOE members. According to AJC news reports, their success spun off chapters in nine schools.
Yes, all CCPS volunteers should definitely submit to a background check. But why kill DADS completely when it is clearly effective, and some members actually have completed background checks?
Only disruptive students will benefit from this loss.
Many believe their ouster was politically motivated because some DADS members support CCBOE resignations and recalls. Newsflash CCBOE - they are not the only ones.
It seems our children get the short end of the stick again, compliments of CCBOE administrators. This was also evident when graduating seniors were handed a diploma case containing a blank piece of paper because the current superintendent’s name was not listed on the diplomas.
Never mind that Thompson has been on duty for less than two months contributing little, if anything, to the Class of 2008.
Seriously, do any high school graduates out there know or care who their superintendent was, or about any other name listed on the diploma besides their own? I don’t.
After receiving my high school diploma, I spent what I thought was a few seconds backstage just staring at it and feeling proud. Later, my grandmother asked what took me so long to come back out and I told her after working so hard I wanted to check out my diploma!
So I felt every graduate’s pain on that note. The very least someone could have done was warn graduates via word of mouth beforehand. Since Thompson was willing to spend $80,000 on new diplomas, as a Clayton taxpayer I’d prefer some of that money fund background checks for DADS members, which would benefit our children so much more.
Let’s hope Thompson re-evaluates, finds a way to get the necessary background checks done, and allows DADS to continue their good work because more volunteers like them are needed in CCPS, not less.
Permalink | Comments (202) | Post your comment | Categories: Kimberly Allen
Comments
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
This is exactly the kind of administrator Norreese Haynes tried to warn you about. Big on ego, SPINELESS on discipline.
But you all cheered when the one voice who would joined up with Eddie White and done everything in his power to stop this appointment with proper due process was illegally removed from the board.
Now your paycheck is getting “shredded” and you’re paying for an ego trip…through the nose.
Aren’t you happy?
By Ernest
June 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
All good points Kimberly! It also looks as though any chances for building ‘good will’ with the community is lost for Dr. Thompson. If anything, it reinforces the notion that he may not be the right person for this job.
Does anyone else remember him saying on TV that the diplomas would be invalid without his signature and that of the current board president? Didn’t he also say the diplomas were destroyed only to then say students could get those if they came to personally pick them up? This is not how to win friends and influence people…
By WTF?
June 9, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Kimberly, you sound like you actually expect these people to do right by the community and our students. When are you gonna learn? :-)
To answer your questions, no I don’t know who my superintendent was. Did not even known I had a superintendent because my school system functioned normally and as a student, administration was not my concern unless I ended up in the principal’s office.
Don’t hold your breath for Thompson to change his mind on dads. He seems like a stubborn one who has to prove he is running things despite who gets hurt in the end.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
There have been several cases cited where a board member or supt. resigned, retired or even died and the diploma is still 100 percent valid. Thompson knows this, or should know it.
This leaves us with two options. Thompson is totally incompetent, or Thompson is an out and out liar.
You had a person on the school board who repeatedly spoke out against this type of unethical behavior, but you cheered when he was illegally removed.
Now you got Thompson, and now you get to pay…through the nose
Aren’t you happy?
By WTF?
June 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Speaking for myself, even with the problems we have right now I can honestly say that YES I am ecstatic Noresse Hayes is G-O-N-E!!! He did some good while there and I thank him for that but we need a fresh slate. That entire board was suspect, still is.
So yeah, I’m pretty happy right now. With a little time, things will even out. Haynes was a MACE/Trotter puppet and WE DO NOT NEED ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH JOHN TROTTER WORKING IN CCPS IN ANY CAPACITY!!
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
WTF,
Don’t be so sure Norreese is G-O-N-E. As much as the judge wishes it didn’t land on her docket in an election year, eventually she’ll have to make a decision based on the rule of law.
At least you acknowledge the good things Haynes did (new procedures in place for make sure ClayCo never has another “land deal,” stopping Celeste Johnson’s illegal double dipping, stopping Rod Johnson from KNOWINGLY hiring an accused, now indicted, child sexual predator from working in the system, saving HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars by exposing the “Pulliam Patronage Plan” to give jobs to cronies that she couldn’t even provide job descriptions for)
Yes the above was a long sentence, but it just goes to show the list of accomplisments of Haynes in a few short months on the board. That doesn’t even include the Teachers’ Bill of Rights which FINALLY addressed discipline in a meaningful way (as oppossed to the Pulliam way of writing teachers up for reporting problems, so we can bully them into “lower the numbers”)
If you still want Haynes gone, then what you’ll get is Thompson amock, completely unchecked by a weak school board. If that’s what you really want, get ready to pay…through the nose.
Aren’t you all happy?
By anonymously anonymous
June 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty happy about Noresse Haynes removal from the board!
Thompson got in because Eddie White was black-balled by John Trotter with the vicious rumor he tried to start right here on the AJC blog. Trotter wanted Eddie White’s seat free for his good buddy, Glenn Dowell. Eddie White would have stopped this egomaniac, but after all, the remaining board members needed their fall guy. I’m ready for the GBI to begin investigations. I don’t trust the Jewell Scott camp to really do anything about any of this.
By In For the Long Haul
June 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Thank you Kimberley for stating these important points. I think Dr. Thompson has watched the movie “Lean On Me” a little too often. Nothing but a Joe Clark wannabe. I guess all the grandma and grandpa types that volunteer their time to read with students will be ousted from the schools next. Thanks to the school board he has carte blanche to wreak more havoc and getting paid very well to do it. The all around incompetence of this board is embarrassing.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Eddie White could have possibly put a stop to the Thompson hire; he just chose not to. To be clear, I’m not blaming him for the hire.
What I’m saying is that, if he hadn’t chose to resign when he did, there is no way Michelle Strong could have called the unscheduled meeting to hire Thompson.
That being the case, if White had been willing to postpone resigning until the next scheduled meeting, possibly there would have been time to foster a public/media outcry against this hire and put a stop to it.
And if Haynes hadn’t been illegally removed from the board, White could have had an ally in bringing pressure to bear.
Ironic that we may have Thompson in part because a board member resigned too soon and not too late.
By anonymously anonymous
June 9, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Nice of you to play the ally, Norreese, now that it is all said and done, but we all know where your loyalties lie. John Trotter is a public nuisance who is hell-bent on destroying Clayton county. If you want public support, then quit MACE and testify to the authorities about Trotter’s indiscretions.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Well Clayton Taxpayer, since you’re glad Haynes is gone (at least temporarily) then I guess you’re really happy an even bigger chunk of your tax bill is going to pay Thompson.
I’m glad you relish the opportunity, without Norreese Haynes in your way, to make Thompson a rich man at your expense.
285,000 dollars and counting; I’m glad you are enjoying the experience.
By Clayton Taxpayer
June 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
I neglected to thank you, Ms. Kimberly Allen, for devoting a column to the DADS and Diplomas issue.
We couldn’t get the bored to act on the ethics complaints, but they wasted NO TIME in proposing this new communications policy.
Inferior-intendent Thompson promised us a miracle…
What he’s delivered so far is a debacle (the only person who cared about the signature on that diploma was him), and a travesty (running those evil-doer DADS out of the school system).
Nope. I don’t believe either one would convince the Vatican that a miracle is at hand…
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 9, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
The diplomas were a perceived threat to Thompson’s ego. The DADS were a perceived threat to Thompson’s power.
People are so busy trying to set up Trotter as the “straw man” to blame everything on, that they forget that it was members of the GAE majority voting bloc (Rod Johnson and Ericka Davis) that through the ENTIRE system under the bus by calling SACS.
And that directly lead to a “corrective superintendent” and John Thompson.
Thanks to GAE member Rod Johnson throwing the ENTIRE system under the bus in a snit (he was mad that Norreese Haynes stopped the Johnson gravy train by exposing Celeste’s double dipping) now ClayCo gets to pay Thompson…through the nose
You can send your thank you cards to Rod Johnson. Yes others voted for him, but he alone started AND finished it by throwing the ENTIRE system under the bus, then going back on his word on resigning to vote for Thompson.
What else should we expect from a man who KNOWINGLY hired an accused, now indicted, child sexual predator to work for CCPS?
By CC Tax payer
June 9, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
How much is going to cost the Clayton County Tax payers to have all the Sheriff’s cars repainted and Victor Hill’s names taken off them when he is voted out of office? Also Ive heard that Victor had all the furniture in his office cut down and shortened to make his self look taller? Guess the New sheriff will have to buy a new desk and office furniture.
By Maude
June 9, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
John Trotter what can be done to make you understand you are not wanted in Clayton County? Do you care nothing about children? Get over being fired by Clayton County Public Schools and GAE. The kids you are hurting wasn’t even born when you started on this route of total distruction of Clayton County Public Schools. Let’s hope the voters of Clayton County have wised up and will not vote for any of your puppets. Oh, yes get a job so you do not have so much to spend on blogs.
By Bruce
June 9, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
He must be related to Victor and Kimbrough with an ego like that. Just because his name was not on the diploma he decided to let those kids walk with blank paper. What a disgrace to these kids after all they are going thru with the school board. I can honestly say it does not get any dumber than that. Where do we find these egotistical people, are they from this planet? Common sense escaped them.
By CC Taxpayer
June 9, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
I dont think John Trotter gets it and never will. He is a self centered egotist that thinks everything is about him. Just like Victor Hill and the rest of the Clayton County elected officials. That’s why Trotter fits in Clayton so well. And their new school superintendent is no differnt than the rest. In his eyes its all about his own self gratification. I’m afraid to say this new bunch running in the next elections are no better. They have no idea how to run a county , not a clue. It looks like in time Clayton County will loose their charter and be divided up among surrounding counties.
By joe blow
June 9, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
If you think the taxpayer money was wasted when the board hired Thompson, what about the work Thompson have staff members doing work on his house like installing a remote for his garage door while they were on the clock.. I think we need a open records on this because it was written up. I know i work in the department.
By Hayneshater
June 9, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
John Trotter, and Noreese Haynes both take a hike! You are not wanted in Clayton County anymore!
By Sick of it All
June 9, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Does anyone really think that our current school board would have made the correct decision in hiring an Interim? SACS and two of our Governor’s liaisons said Thompson was unqualified for this task. And our Board still hires him!
Thompson has done NOTHING. He is all dressed up with no place to go.
By Funny
June 10, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Good one Clayton Cty Tax payer.”Also Ive heard that Victor had all the furniture in his office cut down and shortened to make his self look taller?” I don’t know if this is true but it’s funny as heck.
Why did we expect this dysfunctional school board to actually vote someone in with intelligence. Instead of graduation being about the kinds Thompson finds a way to grandstand. Talk about EGO.
Totally off subject does V. Hill really think the voters are that stupid that we would make him top cop in Clayton County. Vote NO to him and to combining the Sheriff and Police Departments. I personally think V. Hill just doesn’t like Jeff Turner because he is taller than he is
By fred schwartz
June 10, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
It’s really sad when ignorant people can’t take a hint and have to have the facts shoved right in their face to get the point. Noreese, Vic, Jewel, John (Thompson AND Trotter), Lee, MACE, and the REST of you idiots on the BOE that refuse to do what you should do for the good of the school system - YOU ARE NOT WANTED IN CLAYTON COUNTY ANYMORE! Hopefully, the voters will take care of most of you.
By Vince
June 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
ALL of Clayton’s school problems can be tied to the vindicative nature of MACE.
Period.
By anonymously anonymous
June 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Candidates for BOE that are working for MACE:
Glenn Dowell Jessie Goree Milton Mack
and possibly Aleika Anderson
I stress the word ‘possibly’ so Aleika-fans don’t throw a fit.
By anonymously anonymous
June 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Candidates for BOE that are working for MACE:
Glenn Dowell Jessie Goree Milton Mack
and possibly Aleika Anderson
I stress the word ‘possibly’ so Aleika-fans don’t throw a fit.
I forgot one…
Andre Glover
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 10, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Vince,
If all of CCPS problems can be tied to MACE, then you won’t mind answering a simple question.
How many administrators (you know the ones who actually run the system) are members of MACE?
That would be…zero. But among administrators (again, the ones who actually run the system) you can count as GAE members the President of GAE and one of the board of directors.
So if not one of the administrators who run this “fatally flawed” system is a MACE member, how is MACE the problem?
Facts and logic Vince; facts and logic.
By anonymously anonymous
June 10, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents - You love to ask the same questions over and over and over. Well, let me give you an answer for this one. Administrators might run the system, but their orders come from the board. If board members are members of MACE, then they are under Trotter’s influence. Trotter has a vendetta for the Clayton Public School system. Please tell us, how many board members of the Clayton County school board for the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year hold memberships to MACE. How many times did Trotter tell you how to vote at board meetings? How many times did you use blackmail to persuade Ericka Davis’ vote?
Mr. Haynes (or Mr. Trotter), please stop thumbing your nose at us. There is not one person here who regrets your removal. You can call it illegal all you want, but Judge Benefield has upheld the decision. Unless your dumb luck hasn’t quite run out yet, or unless Trotter can pull enough pennies together to buy off a supreme court judge, you are finished in Clayton county and you are finished on this blog.
You will not find any support here!
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 10, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
So administrators get orders from the board? Well that explains it, as from the last election, though the SACS “investigation” up to the recent resignations, the majority voting bloc on the board was members of GAE.
Again, how does that make MACE, the problem?
And it should be noted, Judge Benefield has yet to make her final decision.
By anonymously anonymous
June 10, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents -
Mr. Haynes (if you are in fact Norreese Haynes, since you have not yet admitted to it), Websters.com gives the following definition for the word residence:
the place, esp. the house, in which a person lives or resides; dwelling place; home
Renting a room in someones house is not a residence if you do not spend your time there.
I have respect for you more so than John Trotter, as it seems to me that you have made the decisions that you’ve made with the best of intentions. You are a victim of circumstance and for that I feel sorry for you. But, you refuse to see that your victimizer is John Trotter. As long as you continue to align yourself with him, the parents of Clayton county will never again trust you with their children’s future.
You continue to dance around the same points, but you fail to respond to the questions I presented you. MACE school board members blackmailed the “GAE majority voting bloc” under orders from John Trotter. Trotter has been trying to disillusion the public for a long time, but now we are taking notice, and we are not going to tolerate it anymore.
By ccwhoa
June 10, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Dear members, supporters and citizens of Clayton County,
The account in the newspaper has been spun by the news-daily to create dissent between the CCWHOA and CCPS. We will not fall for this tactic. The CCWHOA supports all efforts to retain our accreditation and our intentions for hiring an attorney will not be defined by the media. The story should have been about The Taylor Commission. The Taylor Commission was mentioned 1 time in the story and CCWHOA was mentioned 8 times. There is truly something wrong with that picture. Don’t be bamboozled! We will get the correct information to the community over time.
By Maude
June 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Do not for one minute believe that MACE does not have puppets working in high positions at CCPS. They may not be “members” of MACE but they are under Trotter and cannot even go to the bathroom with his approval. This is a fact. MACE literature is passed on the county e-mail starting from an administrator from the centeral office. Yes, this was after the so called ban from using the system’s e-mail service. I really do not blame Norreesee. He was a product of Trotter’s influence. He was a special education when Trotter was still working in the county. The potter (Trotter) saw a lump of coal he could mold to do his bidding. I am also tired of hearing about the GAE voting block. There was no such block other than in Trotter’s mind. There were a block of board members that wanted what was best for the children of Clayton County not Trotter’s agenda. Before you compare GAE to MACE do your research. GAE is a part of NEA and it’s 42 million plus members, GAE has more 40 thousand plus members and CCEA has 28 hundred plus Clatyon County educators as members. These are NONPROFIT organizations ran totaly by the members! MACE is a for profit organization ran by non educators Trotter and Noreessee. While Trotter, Noreessee and people hired from the side of the road picket a few schools, write threatening letters, and rank and rave in public, NEA, GAE and CCEA are making positive changes for educators that will insure that all children get a first class education.
By Da Truth
June 10, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
You are correct, Maude. If anyone doesn’t believe that, just go to http://www.theteachersadvocate.com and take a look for yourself. The website is riddled with articles that indicate Trotter’s influence of Board Members and other political candidates.
As Maude indicated, they may not be MACE members but Trotter has them in his pocket.
By Balance
June 10, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Sorry my fellow democrats, What Clayton needs is a few traditional and conservative republicans to be voted into office in order to clean this county up.
By Balance
June 10, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry my fellow democrats, What Clayton needs is a few traditional and conservative republicans to be voted into office in order to clean this county up. If Clayton can change the demographics - only then will things change. The majority of current Clayton County registered voters either a) Are not fully educated when it comes to making a voting decision or b) Do not care. This is how incumbents can be elected and are able to stay in office un-opposed. If I had children that were going to school here, I would be highly upset! I apologize to the parents that do. Fortunately, I am single with no kids… just a house that I will probably be renting out sometime next year due to the “Clayton” factor.
By So True
June 10, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.”
By raja
June 10, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
ccwhoa
Right you care about the kids but your leader Synamon Baldwin don’t support recalls. When different people went to her to support a recall for district 1 and 9 she decline stating she didn’t believe or support a recall. Now she want a dollar from the community. I’m so sick of the clowns in this county. It’s you who trying to fool people not newspaper.
By Solid truth
June 10, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Have you seen the new Pimp Daddy show in the Clayton County School board race starring John Trotter/MACE as the head pimp; those being pimped by him: Glen Crooked Dowell (Youth Empowerment, Inc.) has a contract with the Clayton County School System and Jesse Double-Sided Goree by working full time for the school system and running for the school board at the same time. Oh and don’t forget the cameo role being played by Mary polictical brown-noser Baker. Wake up Clayton County and put and end to this foolishness on July 15!!!!!
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 10, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Dear Kimberly Allen:
Thank you for the article. You strike me as someone who really cares about our community and wants to find good solutions to some of the problems we face here in our county? Have you reached out to Dr. Thompson to get his side of the story? I too, was upset and embarrassed by the recent events you talked about in your article. I was ready to have Dr. Thompson’s head on a platter for once again adding fuel to the flames of our accreditation wildfire storm in the media. It was only until I met with him at last night’s “Key Communicator’s” meeting that I learned a lot of the information being reported by the media was inaccurate. I attend monthly “Key Communicator” meetings with the superintendent and other school board officials. As a part of the corrective action plan, 2 to 3 parents from each Clayton County Public School have been identified, by their principal, to attend these meetings. The goal(s) of the meeting is to give parents information regarding SACS and other related issues, and to give us the opportunity to ask questions (yes an actual dialog with the superintendent and the board chairperson) about the process. We, in turn, will pass along the information to parents at our schools via PTA meetings, public forums, etc.
I have been following the SACS accreditation situation closely since the investigation began last fall. I have attended board meetings, PTA meetings, community forums, and participated in marches and rallies. What stands out the most for me are the inconsistencies and biased information put forth by the media outlets. We as citizens need to be more critical of the information presented to us in print (and on television) and not always take it for the truth. I am not by any means siding with Dr. Thompson’s decisions regarding the diplomas or the DADS program. However, after getting the “facts” (not media spin) I do understand why those decisions were made.
I encourage you to reach out to Dr. Thompson to get his side of the story. You may not agree with him, but at least you will give your readers the opportunity to have all the facts. The only way we are going to move forward is to at some point, come together. I’m not thrilled about the current board or some of the decisions that the superintendent has made. But let’s face it, we are not going to get a new board or superintendent by Sept. 1st. There has actually been some process in meeting the nine mandates; however there is still a lot of work to be done. This information was presented last night and will also be disseminated at the public forum on Saturday. The superintendent and board will be having a public forum Saturday, June 14th , 10am at Lovejoy High School. Clayton County citizens have been asking for an opportunity to “dialog” with the board and Superintendent and this is their opportunity. I only hope and pray that people turn out and not wait to get second hand information via an article or news segment.
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 10, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Dear Kimberly Allen:
Thank you for the article. You strike me as someone who really cares about our community and wants to find good solutions to some of the problems we face here in our county? Have you reached out to Dr. Thompson to get his side of the story? I too, was upset and embarrassed by the recent events you talked about in your article. I was ready to have Dr. Thompson’s head on a platter for once again adding fuel to the flames of our accreditation wildfire storm in the media. It was only until I met with him at last night’s “Key Communicator’s” meeting that I learned a lot of the information being reported by the media was inaccurate. I attend monthly “Key Communicator” meetings with the superintendent and other school board officials. As a part of the corrective action plan, 2 to 3 parents from each Clayton County Public School have been identified, by their principal, to attend these meetings. The goal(s) of the meeting is to give parents information regarding SACS and other related issues, and to give us the opportunity to ask questions (yes an actual dialog with the superintendent and the board chairperson) about the process. We, in turn, will pass along the information to parents at our schools via PTA meetings, public forums, etc.
I have been following the SACS accreditation situation closely since the investigation began last fall. I have attended board meetings, PTA meetings, community forums, and participated in marches and rallies. What stands out the most for me are the inconsistencies and biased information put forth by the media outlets. We as citizens need to be more critical of the information presented to us in print (and on television) and not always take it for the truth. I am not by any means siding with Dr. Thompson’s decisions regarding the diplomas or the DADS program. However, after getting the “facts” (not media spin) I do understand why those decisions were made.
I encourage you to reach out to Dr. Thompson to get his side of the story. You may not agree with him, but at least you will give your readers the opportunity to have all the facts. The only way we are going to move forward is to at some point, come together. I’m not thrilled about the current board or some of the decisions that the superintendent has made. But let’s face it, we are not going to get a new board or superintendent by Sept. 1st. There has actually been some process in meeting the nine mandates; however there is still a lot of work to be done. This information was presented last night and will also be disseminated at the public forum on Saturday. The superintendent and board will be having a public forum Saturday, June 14th , 10am at Lovejoy High School. Clayton County citizens have been asking for an opportunity to “dialog” with the board and Superintendent and this is their opportunity. I only hope and pray that people turn out and not wait to get second hand information via an article or news segment.
By Mr. Info.
June 10, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Every piece of information in this article is false and rumor based. Just like everything else in this newspaper. I have lost all respect in the journalism here at the AJC. Very little of what is reported is of actual research, but of hot air. Attending the meeting with Dr. Thompson and Mrs. Strong last night (where they addressed these concerns specifically from citizens), and now reading this garbage, its obvious that newspaper sales out-weigh the truth. This lady and the other editors at the AJC are true definitions of “Quack Reporters.” Good Luck.
By Kimberly Allen
June 10, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
To Concerned Parent and Homeowner, thank you for your response.
As a taxpayer, homeowner and someone who wants to be able to send my children to school in Clayton with a clear conscience, I do care a lot about our community and do my best to make sure this blog is a positive contribution. My goal is not to add to the negativity about Clayton, but not to totally ignore it either.
As far as contacting Dr. Thompson, I have emailed him on more than one occassion about more than one issue, and I never get any response. But it is wonderful that he took the time to speak with and reassure you about his plans for CCPS. I look forward to Saturday’s town hall meeting and I do hope that it works out well for the kids sake more than anything else. Perhaps I will get an opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Thompson at some point (if he will speak with me) and will get to hear his side on this and other CCPS issues.
I am curious though, what reason(s) did he give to you for cancelling the DADS program, and for not even warning students ahead of time that they would not receive their diplomas on their graduation day?
I have met a few graduates that have expressed dismay about being unable to take pictures with their diplomas and most importantly, opening their diploma case to find a blank piece of paper. One even wondered if she had actually graduated and (given the current status of CCPS) was scared to death she would end up having to return to a possibly unaccredited system.
Again, thanks for your response.
Kimberly Allen
By Word
June 10, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Edrin Bell heard telling people he talks to Dr. Thompson everyday. Dr. Thompson even calls him at 5am in the morning. Inquiring minds want to know what is he telling you Dr.Thompson. Why are you even listening?
By No More Pimps In ClayCO
June 10, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Synamon Balwin’s CCWHOA is a farce! What does she do with the membership dues? Why is she supporting candidates who payed her “consulting” fee? Remember she “endorsed” Sandra Scott and still supports her! She has said numerous times she is against the recall efforts. CCWHOA is just another pimp in the long line of pimps here in Clayton County trying to make a name for themselves. Cancel your membership to CCWHOA ASAP! what have they done for you or your community anyway?
By No More Pimps In ClayCO
June 10, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Synamon Balwin’s CCWHOA is a farce! What does she do with the membership dues? Why is she supporting candidates who payed her “consulting” fee? Remember she “endorsed” Sandra Scott and still supports her! She has said numerous times she is against the recall efforts. CCWHOA is just another pimp in the long line of pimps here in Clayton County trying to make a name for themselves. Cancel your membership to CCWHOA ASAP! what have they done for you or your community anyway?
By So True
June 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Face it, none of us really want to make Clayton County better, we just want to throw stones.
By C4
June 11, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Attention District 4 Stakeholders & Other Concerned Citizens
C4-Concerned Citizens of Clayton County will host a “Meet & Greet” on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 @ 6:30 PM with the District 4 School Board Candidates at the Virginia Gray Recreation Center, 1475 Fayetteville Road, Riverdale, GA
By WTF?
June 11, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I wish we had no stones to throw, because right now it is an embarassment to say I live in Clayton County.
I wish those elected and appointed to serve would do their jobs properly instead of fufilling personal agendas which interfere with our children and property values.
By CC Taxpayer
June 11, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Talk about throwing stones? At the rate Clayton County is going there wont be any stones left to throw.
By jackie
June 11, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I understand that Clayton County is in trouble but has anyone looked at the diffrent schools and the way they are ran? The new leadership of this county is supposed to be netural but is he really?
By Barbara
June 11, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
STOP reading the AJC and listening to the Media. I’m also a parent and homeowner and a member of the Concerned Citizens come people need to come to meetings and listen to Dr. Thompson. AJC reported that the Diplomas where destroy, they where not some student needed them for the armed services. Some wanted them because they have been with Dr. Duncan at Riverdale High. They can still picked them up if they want them. No other counties give out Diplomas on Graduation because you can still received the wrong one. I graduated in 1982 and we didn’t receive them when I graduated. Stop listening to rumors and people who don’t take care of there kids those are the parents that don’t show up for PTA meetings and when the teacher calls them for a meeting, and they don’t show and nobody care tell my child what to do attitudes.
By anonymously anonymous
June 11, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Barbara:
First off, I graduated from Henry County High in 1996. I received my diploma at the ceremony, not a blank piece of paper!!
Secondly, you need to speak for yourself when referring to neglectful parents. I, for one, take care of my children. I show up to PTA when I can. I have an A honor roll student. I not only show up to every teacher conference, but I call or e-mail my daughter’s teacher for weekly reports.
I don’t see this progress Thompson keeps proclaiming. I am not saying that he is a bad superintendent or an uneffective administrator. He certainly isn’t smelling like roses right now. All I am saying is that with all the problems that the district is having, a bunch of paper without his name on it should have been the least of his concerns.
And… the DADS program was a strong and effective program. The program was scrapped because too many of the DADS members were speaking out against the BOE.
By fred schwartz
June 11, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
To WTF: I agree with you whole heartedly. The only agenda school board members should have is to give the student population the best possible education that can be provided. Instead these idiots think it’s a stepping stone to higher political office. I wonder if Lil Vic, the Scotts, and all the other political incompetents started this way. lol
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 11, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Barbara,
Since you want to be an apologist for Thompson putting personal ego ahead of the students, step up and answering the following question.
On your wedding day, would you have been just as happy if your husband had slipped a wedding band on your finger made of a blank piece of paper with the promise to get the real ring at a later date?
Would that have made the moment every bit as special when you showed the ring, the symbol of your marriage, to your friends and family after the ceremony?
I didn’t think so…
By raja
June 11, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Barbara
CC in the pass give the students their diploma at graduation, so they were expecting the diploma. If you can’t see anything wrong with that then I’m sorry. You don’t pull something like this at the last minute reguardless of what other counties may do, espically since they were already printed and ready. I also graduated from Henry County High and receive my diploma at graduation.
By Yeah, okay
June 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
The only students I ever knew who did NOT receive diplomas on graduation day were those who were allowed to walk during the ceremony, but still needed credits to officially graduate - those are the only ones who received the blank piece of paper. Maybe that’s why you did not get a diploma when you graduated? I graduated in 1986 and I got my diploma that day. Of course I was educated out of this state.
If students are not supposed to receive a physical diploma, then what’s point having the graduation ceremony at all?
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Since Thompson STILL doesn’t get it we need to give him the chance to feel what Clayton’s graduates felt.
How about on his next payday, giving him a blank piece of paper and telling him his check will arrive at a later date.
I bet he’d FINALLY get it then!
By District 5 resident
June 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I graduated from JHS in 1993 and received my diploma that day. You did not get the diploma during the actual ceremony. You had to go to the vistor’s concession stand (this is when graduation was still held at our local stadiums) to receive the actual diploma. I know this was the practice at least until the school system switched the graduation site to the WCC.
By the way, anyone know how much money we are wasting by having graduation so far away? I saw nothing wrong with having graduation at one of our stadiums.
By MAD as HELL
June 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Barbara
I agree with Barbara, the people who are saying those things about Dr. Thompson, are the self serving (my child), PTA no shows, and not really Involved in the schools or their community. They sit on this blog and Monday quarter back, tell me this, when was the last time you did something for the schools or the community that was not self serving to your child or you. You make me sick!!!
By anonymously anonymous
June 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents - This is the first time you have posted something that actually made me smile. :)
Great idea!!!
(still laughing)
By Maude
June 11, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that Attn. Clayton Parents (aka Trotter) has posted something that I agree with. Maybe someone else is using his blog name. The ego of Thompson was the only reason for students not getting their diploma the day they walked across the stage! I can’t believe that some people really believe that TALL TAIL Thompson used why he saw the public outrage. I am afraid we will on see more of that ego over the next 13 months. The man knows every little about education in Georgia and it shows everytime he opens his mouth to people who do know about education in Georgia.
By Yeah, okay
June 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Well lets see if Thompson’s almighty presence makes the BOE members we elected into office actually listen to the people for a change, because up until now they have not and have said and done a whole lot of nothing.
and Attn: Clayton Parents this is first time I agree with your response lol. With all the money Thompson’s getting, missing one paycheck probably won’t hurt his bottom line at all.
By MAD as HELL
June 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I’m confused, the students still got their diplomas and it cost the taxpayers nothing, then what is the problem. Students waited 12 years for their diploma, a week or two won’t kill them. Dr. Thompson did what he thought was best, that is what he was hired to do and nobody got hurt except YOUR EGO’S.You make me sick!!!
By District 5 resident
June 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Mad as Hell, He thought he did what was best?! So its okay to waste Herff Jones’ money? If Herff Jones hadn’t agreed to pay for the duplicate diplomas, who do you think was going to pick up the tab? Clayton County homeowners, that’s who. GA state law does not require the superintendent’s signature on the diploma, just the school seal and diploma type. So it is all about his EGO, not mine.
And did you have to wait a week or two to pick up your diploma? If students had always received their diplomas on graduation day, wouldn’t you be disappointed to find out, the day of graduation, that in fact you had to wait a week or two?
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Well thank you one and all.
While I strive to bring a different perspective to what really ails CCPS (with 3,000+ documented fights you think discipline and teaching conditions might be a problem?) I guess I can still safely say to those who don’t appreciate my take on things that even a broken clock is right twice a day. LOL
As for MAD as HELL; care to answer the question that Barbara either hasn’t seen, or is studiously trying to avoid?
On your wedding day, would you have been just as happy if your spouse had slipped a wedding band on your finger made of a blank piece of paper with the promise to get the real ring at a later date?
I didn’t think so…
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 11, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Anonymously anonymous:
Where are you getting your “information”? The news….blogs…water cooler gossip???? The DADS program was aborted because the Memorandum Agreement (contract with the schools) had expired. Before you start throwing rocks, be sure your throw at the right individual. The contract should have been renewed under the previous leadership. But the ball was dropped and no one caught it. Also, ALL the participants in the program needed to have criminal background checks. Not all of the participants did. It is required by law that any individual (volunteer or employee) that has unsupervised contact with students must pass a criminal background check. As a parent, I’m sure you will agree with this law and the enforcement of such. Any organization operating in our schools under an expired contract and without proper security clearance would be yet another item to add to the SACS investigation list. From my understanding, the group can submit a new contract moving forward, provided that the security clearance and other administrative neccessities have taken place.
CLAYTON COUNTY CITIZENS: Stop being a slave to the media and get informed! WE can be our worst enemy. It is time for US to take control and hold ourselves accountable for getting the facts and getting OUR county back on track. I challenge all of you to go to the forum Saturday, ask questions, and be as critical as you need to be. That would at least be a step forward. Griping on the AJC Blog is just counterproductive.
By NicholsonforBoe
June 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Kimberly, It was a pleasure meeting you at the forum hosted by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. It was refreshing to attend a forum and actually see an audience. I applaud our students for their efforts to educate the public. I agree with Concerned Parent and Homeowner. It is our responsibility as voters/homeowners/parents to attend at least one forum to educate ourselves regarding the candidates. I want to remind everyone of the upcoming forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for school board candidates. It will be held on June 16th at the Performing Arts Center. The forum starts at 6. Hope to see you there. Diana Nicholson
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Concerned Parent and Homeowner,
Griping on the AJC blog is not counterproductive, if it brings issues to light that the AJC otherwise won’t report on.
Case in point: The AJC did not report on school board member Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused, now indicted, child sexual predator until the story was brought to the Clayton Talk blog (even though it was featured in an exhaustive investigation in another newspaper.)
I don’t think it is AT ALL “counterproductive” that now readers of the AJC know that school board member Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hired an accused, now indicted, child sexual predator; do you?
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Just for the record, since it seems like we are taking a poll, I graduated from Atlanta Public Schools (1993) and none of our students received dipolomas on the day of graduation. Also, a lot of the Universities do the same thing. They mail the diploma after graduation and present you with a diploma cover at the ceremony.
I think the difference is that there was poor communication on the district’s part. If the students were not going to receive diplomas or the diplomas were going to be delayed, students, parents, and the community should have know about it ahead of time. It was truly embarrassing and disheartening to know that such an important day was tarnished for our students. They deserve better.
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 11, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents
You seem to be confused.
Griping is a synonym for complaining, grumbling, grieving, etc.
All of which ARE counterproductive.
Disclosing information about a public official’s wrong doing is not a gripe.
By Yeah, okay
June 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Concerned Homeowner and Parent - I can understand if the DADS contract had expired (although none of the DADS members I’ve spoken to have ever mentioned that tidbit).
But either way, why completely abort a program that is working well? Why not find a way to keep it afloat instead of scrapping it? Why not re-sign a new contract with those that did have background checks done, and give the others an opportunity to get them done, especially since the school year is over?
THAT in a nutshell is partially why folks are throwing rocks in Thompson’s direction and I hope a few hit him hard. DADS is an asset and more should have been done by all involved to salvage it.
I will be there on Saturday, because I’d like to hear his explanation for this. There is no logical reason for not finding a way to keep DADS around.
It is obvious that you are a Thompson supporter. Don’t know how long you have lived in Clayton, but this blog is far from counterproductive. Before this blog Clayton residents had nowhere to vent their frustrations and talk to each other about what’s going on around us. We have spent years sugarcoating, sweeping problems under the rug and hoping it will all work out. Look where Clayton is right now? Our horrible reputation precedes us! This blog serves a purpose although some posts get crazy at times. Usually the folks that hate media outlets the most are the ones that get exposed the most.
The SACS report says community participation is necessary to retain accreditation. Scrapping DADS is counterproductive to what SACS says we need to do to maintain accreditation. Please tell your boss that.
By Yeah, okay
June 11, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Forgot to add that I agee with you & Kimberly. Students should have been warned before graduation day that they would not get diplomas. Obviously they were expecting one. Our kids have gone through enough this school year, that stunt was like the icing on the cake. I know they’re so happy to be out of there.
I don’t think we can compare college/university diplomas to high school diplomas. I also received my college diploma on the day of graduation. The only ones who didn’t receive their college diploma on graduation day was because they owed money to the college and colleges don’t release diplomas unless you are paid in full. We are talking about public schools here and there is no tuition. Apples and oranges.
By raja
June 11, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Concerned Parents and Homeowner
CC is not Atlanta Public Schools. They are usually in line with the counties around them, such as Fayette and Henry not APS. Since we have so many clowns running our school system and county we are not on the level with those two counties anymore. If you were here back when the schools and county was a model for the metro area you wouldn’t accept this mess. This county was detroyed by fake worthless people who came here looking for something they couldn’t get anywhere else. POWER A bunch of dumb educated fools.
By Saw Man
June 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Victor didn’t have his office furniture shortened as someone on the blog asked about but Victor Hill did have a custom furniture company build office furniture for his office that was 4 inches shorter than normal furniture. All at Tax payers expense.
By Saw Man
June 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Victor didn’t have his office furniture shortened as someone on the blog asked about but Victor Hill did have a custom furniture company build office furniture for his office that was 4 inches shorter than normal furniture so he wouldn’t appear so short. All at Tax payers expense.
By MAD as HELL
June 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
This blog and the AJC are counterproductive to Clayton County and anyone that says it is not is a liar and no matter what they say, they are not involved in our community. They talk about officials but they are to busy to run for office. They talk about how bad it was we lost DAD-s, but they or their spouse was never involved in DAD-s. This blog is for lazy A-S people who think all they have to do is pay taxes and take care of their house; they do nothing for our community. Kimberly if you cared about Clayton County you would not have wrote this article, say what you want but it all sounds like BS. I have never seen Kimberly in our Community doing anything but taking notes, if you was involved with the school in your area, you might have been invited to the key communicators meeting with the Superintendent. Then you could have asked those questions. If I was the Superintendent, making time for people who are not involved with the schools or making Clayton County better, would not be at the top of my list. Why would he meet with you, so you can spin it for your Monday quarterbacking AJC blog mob? You people make me sick!!
By Balance
June 12, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Even current BOE member David Ashe acknowledges the negativity surrounding Trotter’s organization… “He [David Ashe] said he entered the race out of fear that Metro Association of Classroom Educators President John Trotter would produce a candidate who would run for the seat. Ashe said he did not want a Trotter-backed candidate to run unopposed. He said part of his reason to drop out of the race was his belief that both Sampson and Garrett would make good school board members. He will not endorse either candidate, though.” Full story from Clayton News Daily at: http://www.news-daily.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=24288&TM=28880.87
By anonymously anonymous
June 12, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Well, if this blog is SO counter-productive, then why are you wasting so much of your precious time blogging on it when you could be doing something for the community, (like trying to convince citizens that a superintendent that none of us wanted, but was forced upon us by some power-hungry half-wits is the best thing since sliced bread)!
I have attended one forum. I have participated with the PTA. I have volunteered with the soccer program at my daughter’s school and I have arranged geust spearkers. I am a single mother so I there is no dad in the picture to be a DAD. I agree with Yeah, okay. Effort should have been made to save the program! I won’t be at the forum Saturday due to a previous engagement, but I don’t need to go. I have been trying to be impartial to Dr. Thompson, and allow him the time he needs to prove himself. He is not responsible for our school system’s problems, but he knew that the system was being scrutinized very closely by the public when he accepted the job so he should expect some level of criticism.
MAD as HELL - I’m sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling well, but if we make you so sick, then save yourself a trip to the doctor and just stop reading and blogging. You know what they say, “Don’t go away mad, just go away!”
By Clayton Taxpayer
June 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Could someone give me details of the forum to be held this Saturday? This is the first I’ve heard of it.
To MAD AS HELL: If this blog is for, “lazy A-S people who think all they have to do is pay taxes and take care of their house; they do nothing for our community.”, why are you reading and responding on it?
By Antoine4Chairman
June 12, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Voter Alert
There is an alternative for Chairman. Do you want strong leadership on the County Commission?
Do you want strict ethical behavior?
Are you better off today then you were four years ago? If not, visit my website at www.enoughisenoughga.net
There is an alternative for Chairman..And his name is Dabouze Antoine!!
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
anonymously anonymous and Yeah, OK
Please take time to READ my comments. I never said that the Blog was counterproductive. I said that “GRIPING” was. Obviously, we live in the Information Age. Online forums are certainly necessary. But it is MY opinion that they can be used as more productive tool. Especially in OUR unique situation. Now, I’m all for the initial “get it off your chest” complaint. But, at some point we have to to move forward and try to address and solve the issue. I am a proponent of the Blog. I tune in every week when my schedule allows, but I never responded to any of the comments. I have since come to the realization that “I” was being counterproductive by just sitting on the sidelines. It is now MY CHOICE to use it as a platform to challenge readers to use their critical thinking skills and put action behind their words as it relates to the troubles we are facing here in OUR county. Please explain to me what is wrong with that.
Anonymous Anonymous I am glad that you attend PTA meetings, soccer programs, and are involved with your school. But with all due respect, those are things that parents are supposed to do. I wish more parents would take their roles seriously. Don’t argue to me about your issue with the DADS program. Take your concerns to the forum and speak to the person(s) that actually made the decision. That is a start in moving forward (being productive). Otherwise, your concern is only diminished to a meaningless “gripe” on Kimberly’s June 9th blog.
Yeah, OK Just because I choose to gather all the facts does not make me a supporter of Dr. Thompson, nor does it make him my boss. I AM, however, a supporter of the children enrolled in CCPS and will do what I need to do ensure that they are afforded the opportunity to have a quality education. Will you join me?
By Kimberly Allen
June 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Tonight’s political forum which was to be hosted by Bryant’s Construction Group will no longer be held at Rivers Edge Elementary. I will post again when a new venue has been found.
Kimberly Allen
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Of course Ashe is going to bash Trotter; he’s a GAE member. As such, he’s going to support their political agenda.
People bash MACE for an “agenda” don’t seem to have a clue that GAE, which is aligned with the left leaning NEA has their own political agenda, one that is often at odds with what is best for teaching and learning conditions.
There are specific instances where the GAE political agenda has resulted in board policy that is a detriment to teaching and learning conditions, and there are specific instances where MACE’s agenda has resulted in board policy that benifits teaching and learning conditions, but people don’t want to acknowledge that because it gets in the way of bashing MACE.
It’s amazing that people are so committed to bashing MACE that they give a free pass to a political organization even when that organization has political aims that are detrimental to learning.
By HLS
June 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
To those who do not get the local paper - News-Daily. They are reporting that a group of realtors - Metro South Association of Realtors - have endorsed Trotter’s new friend and confidant Glen Dowell for BOE District 6. This flies in the face of every voter, group and officials who have made it very clear that we want no one with ties to John Trotter and his brand of politics. What were they thinking, or maybe who pushed this thru. There are 3 good candidates - John Askew, Mary Baker and Rev. Green - with no connections with Mr. Trotter. Remember this action by this realtors group when you go to buy or sell a house.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
So when is Rod Johnson, the man who KNOWINGLY hired an accused, now indicted, child sexual predator to work for CCPS going to live up to his word and resign?
You guys bash Trotter like he stole your ham buscuit, but you have a member Rod Johnson who threw the ENTIRE system under the bus by calling SACS, went back on his word about resigning, and KNOWINGLY hired an accused child sexual predator, but week after week after week, you let these trangressions go without comment.
Amazing.
By Attn; Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
So HLS,
Amazing how you’ll come on here to bash Trotter, but give a free pass to the board member who went back on his word to resign, threw the ENTIRE system under the bus (because he was mad that Norreese Haynes exposed his wife’s illegal double dipping) and KNOWINGLY hired an accused child molester, and you and the other Trotter bashers let that go without comment.
Let’s see on the one hand you have a person who runs an organization dedicated to improving teaching and learning conditions. On the other you have an enabler of accused child sexual predators, helping them get jobs in the school system.
Which one HLS, do you think is most worthy of condemnation?
By Tigger
June 12, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents,
It’s easy to play the fences isn’t it? Things go good, MACE was there at the forefront. Things aren’t good, MACE told you so. If MACE and its messages are so productive and worthwhile, why were there 3,000+ documented fights? when Haynes, Scott, Strong, and Baines-Hunter (all influenced by MACE) were in office? BTW, one was sent packing and two are being recalled. Some maniacal agenda by GAE? I think not. It’s just the outcome of character flaws in people that Trotter recruits.
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 12, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the information HLS.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Tigger,
Why were there 3,000+ documented fights if the MACE message was so good?
Simple. The majority voting bloc is comprised of members of GAE.
The administrators (you know, the ones who actually run the system) are GAE members, including the GAE president and a member of the GAE board of directors.
It was a GAE majority voting bloc that voted for the land deal. That brought Pulliam in. That sat by and said nothing when Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hired an accused child molester.
Look, I’m not saying MACE is perfect. No organization is. But come on, MACE gets blasted regularly and a GAE board member who KNOWINGLY hires an accused child molester gets a free pass on these blogs? Are you kidding me?
Bottom line, I support the philosophy of “You can’t have good learning conditions, until you have good teaching conditions.” If you look at MACE sponsored and GAE sponsored board policy, you’ll see tangible differences, and you’ll clearly see the MACE sponsored policy better supports teaching and learning conditions.
But people won’t do that because A) that would take effort to look it up and B) they would have to admit that MACE brought a tangible, positive benefit to board policy, and by all means we can’t ever acknowledge MACE doing something positive.
It doesn’t mean that I don’t get every bit as upset when board members aligned with MACE who let their own personal agendas get in the way of advocating for the improved teaching conditions that lead to improved learning conditions.
Now if you really wanted to get rid of MACE you’d do one simple thing: restore the discipline. But that hasn’t happened, because too many parents do want to parent and too many administrators don’t want to stand up to those parents who think it’s the school’s problem that their child doesn’t behave in socially acceptable ways.
By Yeah, okay
June 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
To HLS (or anybody) I just went looking for the endorsement info on the news-daily & can’t find the article. would you mind sharing the link please? Appreciate it!
By VH
June 12, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents,
Why isn’t MACE an ally of administrators instead of opposing them so much? Why keep them out of MACE? Shouldn’t discipline issues be tackled from both sides? Particularly if they are the ones who must be consistent in adhering to a discipline issue reduction strategy or policies we currently have? It appears MACE has a current framework that is broken if discipline is really the priority.
By You Have Got to be Kidding
June 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
LOL LOL LOL LOL What in the world has been going on while I was absent? I understand that the superintendent is having a “Informational Meeting” this Saturday at 10am at Lovejoy HS. I wonder how many of the you will show up? Oh, that’s right, if you go and find out the truth, whether you agree with it or not, you may not be able to whine and b@#*h.
What you need to be b@#*hing about is “why all of sudden did Mt. Zion HS kick out the Youth Under Construction summer program? I know what the media says but what is the real deal?
By Proud of nothing
June 12, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Proud of nothing
anonymously anonymous and to the women who make the “single mom statement”
I am so tried of the “I’m a single mom statement” some wear it like it is a badge of honor or the world is suppose to fill sorry for you. If you were married then you are a Divorcees, if you were never married then you should have kept your legs closed. There is nothing to be proud about raising your child on your own because you didn’t do your homework.
By Maude
June 12, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Once again please do not believe Trotter (attn. clayton parents) in his hate for GAE. Totter is just jealous that GAE is getting all of his members. Remember he depends on uninformed under qualified teachers who join MACE to pay his bills. Check out both organizations at www.GAE.org and www.theteachersadovcate.com.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
VH,
There are plenty of times where MACE works effectively with individual administrators. You just don’t hear about it. I’ve actually asked (because MACE is always portrayed as “confrontational” even when it isn’t) why MACE doesn’t highlight those administrators who are willing to work towards “win-win” situations.
Sadly, if those administrators were highlighted by MACE, then those administrators would themselves face retaliation from central office, such is the fear of the GAE administrators who run central office.
Even more sadly, administrators and teachers have different agendas when it comes to discipline.
When a child is acting totally out of control the teacher wants one thing: The firm, consistent, and compelling consequences needed to maintain the integrity of the learning environment and the teacher wants those consequences supported not undercut by administration.
The administrator often does not. Why would an administrator not want that as well? Glad you asked. Because the administrator has a different agenda. They don’t want the child written up because that increases the discipline numbers and that increases the pressure from central office (since the discipline numbers are part of No Child Left Behind, and are reported in the paper as well.)
The administrator also too often kowtows to the parent, because once again, if the parent complains, the administrator faces scrutiny from central office.
It’s not unlike bureaucrats in morally bankrupt regimes; otherwise “good people” who know what they are doing is wrong, but can’t afford to take a stand for fear of losing their position.
MACE, being outside the bureaucratic apparatus, can freely advocate for the good teaching conditions that are essential for good learning to take place. MACE doesn’t have to worry about retaliation from central office, and MACE doesn’t have to compromise advocating for discipline, like GAE does, because GAE has to also take care of its administrators.
It sad that they dynamic is that way, but it is what it is, as they say. What can voters do? They can support candidates that put discipline first. I’ve already seen some candidates websites, candidates who seem to be well meaning, where the word discipline is not mentioned even one time.
Let me ask something? All you pepple who complain about those citizens who exhibit poor values, poor parenting, and otherwise anti-social behavior; do you think those parents are sending their kids to private school?
If not, don’t you think it would be an excellent idea to support candidates that put discipline front and center? You complain about alleged “MACE candidates” (as far as I know, MACE doesn’t endorse candidates, unlike GAE) but there are specific examples where GAE has tried to water down discipline policies to support administrators at the expense of maintaining the integrity of the classroom learning environment, yet no one checks to see if a candidate is supported by the left-wing GAE/NEA.
Why is that?
By Yeah, okay
June 12, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Another DADS casualty
http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/335/10305920.txt
By anonymously anonymous
June 12, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
To Proud of Nothing:
You obviously weren’t paying attention. The remark about my marital status was to defend the fact that I am not a member of the DADS organization, since that group is strictly for fathers. You have no idea what circumstances led to the point that I am a single parent. My mother was also a single parent because my father passed when I was three years old. That circumstance was beyond her control. Sure, I made a mistake and picked the wrong person, but you can’t tell me that you have never made a poor judgement about someone. My pride is not in myself, but in the product of my efforts: my well-adjusted, well-behaved, and intelligent children.
This blog is not about me or single mothers for that matter. It’s about the current conditions of the system educating our children.
To Attn: Clayton Parents:
Here we go again. Must we do this day in and day out. You are right. GAE sucks, MACE sucks, Rod Johnson sucks, and you suck. But, John Trotter is willfully attacking our school system because of something that happened umpteen years ago. Thanks to Mr. Trotter and his lack of tact, I now know where to find out anything I want to know about him. His vendetta against Clayton county is sick and scary, and I pray that he gets some help from a professional very soon.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
So now we see Maude for what she is; a GAE apologist. Put your money where your mouth is Maude. You want us to compare GAE and MACE? Here are two specific examples of board policy, one sponsored by GAE and one by MACE. (Highlights in each policy my own)
This is from the GAE sponsored Memorandum of Educator Rights:
Where teachers have followed the procedures set forth in the law, and the appropriate conditions are met, teachers shall have the right to request the removal of any disruptive student from his/her classroom. Administrators should follow the law and appropriate procedures in determining whether the student should be returned to a teacher’s classroom, once removed.
From the MACE sponsored Teachers’ Bill of Rights:
If a teacher, in her/his professional judgment, states that a student needs to be removed from that regular classroom environment for a period of time or the remainder of the school day, as the case may be, because the student’s misconduct is materially and substantially disrupting the learning processes of other students, the administrator shall respect the teacher’s professional judgment. At a minimum, the administrator shall not return the student to that classroom on that day unless the teacher has otherwise indicated. The administrator shall not unnecessarily undermine the teacher’s disciplinary authority in the classroom. Notwithstanding anything else in this policy, an administrator, after investigation, may take appropriate action against a teacher who may abuse the right to remove a student from the classroom;
It’s crystal clear to anyone who is willing to look at it objectively. The GAE policy gives a weak “right to request” a disruptive child be removed, while the MACE policy which gives an unequivocal “right to remove” a child destroying the integrity of the learning environment.
You wanted a GAE/MACE comparison Maude there it is. Specific, tangible evidence that MACE is supporting teaching and learning while the GAE policy is watered down to support administrators.
YOU asked us to compare GAE to MACE Maude. So tell us, which policy specifically supports discipline? Which one specifically supports removing disruptive children from the learning environment, so that teachers can actually teach?
Go ahead Maude, tell us.
By Inside Man
June 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Bob Fartley is working with the DA to have members of the school board indicted? I been hearing that he is working hard behind the seenz so he can get new member on the bored then dont have to do recal.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Well out of curiousity, does the Teachers’ Bill of Rights which I referenced above also suck?
Or is it possible, God forbid, that the Teachers’ Bill of Rights is actually a positive MACE accomplishment?
By Saw Man
June 12, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
You are very correct “Attn Clayton Parents” Bob Trotter is attacking Clayton County schools because of and old vendetta that happened many years ago. Trotter was a failure as an administrator and a failure as an educator. And because of that he wasnt appointed to the administration job he wanted and has had a vendetta against the school system ever sense. People like Trotter only destroy what others have built. Who is paying the price for Trotter’s failure? We all know who, its the kids of Clayton County, thats who. But Trotter could care less. Why do you think Trotter started “MACE” ? He is a failure as an educator ,so he uses “MACE” as a cash cow to make money for himself. Trotter is like a TV preacher, he is in the same class.
By anonymously anonymous
June 12, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Actually, Saw Man, I’m the one that said Trotter has a vendetta against the county. Attn: Clayton Parents is, in my opinion, Norreese Haynes, but many think that it is Trotter himself. Trotter hasn’t been back on the blog since he revealed contact information for one of his former associates. He really shot himself in the foot on that one because I contacted that person, and got definitive information about Trotter and his associates.
That’s where a lot of my info comes from, but I must admit that some of my accusations are merely speculation. I think, however, that I may be right as Attn: Clayton Parents has not bothered to address them.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Saw Man,
You sure you didn’t mean “straw man” as you want to set Trotter up as the cause of CCPS problems?
You bash MACE, but I give a specific comparison of board policy sponsored by MACE compared to the same sponsored by GAE. (Teachers’ Bill of Rights compared to the Educators Memorandum)
Since Maude isn’t willing to put her money where her mouth is, why don’t you tell us which board policy specifically supports the teaching and learning environment in terms of discipline, and which policy is watered down to support administrators?
It’s real easy to bash, until you are confronted by facts and logic.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I’m not Trotter and I’m not Haynes and can’t speak to some of the personality conflicts alleged on this board; so I don’t. I’m just someone who knows enough about teaching conditions to know that dicispline is out of control in ClayCo, and that GAE, Elgart, most of the ClayCo administrators and many of the board members are willing to address anything but discipline. (Think about it; have you heard Thompson say even the first word about discipline, despite the many problems? What does that tell you about administration’s unwillingness to address it?)
For better or worse, the only entity I see in ClayCo that can unequivocally address lack of support for discipline and the devastating effect it has public school education is MACE.
MACE isn’t part of the school system, so the school system can’t control them when it comes to the “inconvenient truth” about discipline.
MACE doesn’t have administrators, so they don’t get pressure from administrative members to water down that inconvenient truth about discipline.
Doesn’t mean MACE is perfect; no organization is. Doesn’t mean that they don’t have an “agenda” (everybody has an agenda; be it administrators, parents, teachers, board members, the business community, everybody).
But what I believe, while no organization is without flaw, that they are the one entity that can, because of the way they are set up, unequivocally advocate for the discipline that leads to the good teaching condtions that lead to student learning.
What upsets me about bashers on this blog is that you can point to specific policy sponsored by MACE (look at the Teachers’ Bill of Rights compared to the GAE Educator Memorandum I posted above) that supports teaching and learning and MACE bashers have been so indoctrinated by ClayCo administrators, GAE, and the media that they won’t acknowledge it, even when the policy is staring you in the face.
People better wake up to those who would use Trotter and MACE as “the straw man” to hide their own misdeeds. (Land deal anyone?)
If they disappeared today there is still no doubt CCPS would have major, major problems tomorrow.
By MACE Supporter
June 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
MACE is the best thing that ever happens to the CCPS.
NO RECALL!!!
Trotter, keep up the good work you are doing. Eldrin Bell is the crook behind what happen with the BOE. Vote his incompetent butt out of office.
By anonymously anonymous
June 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
To Attn: Clayton Parents -
Yes, the two policies listed above are vastly different. The second that you claim is from MACE’s Teachers Bill of Rights is certainly a stronger policy. Whether you are Trotter or Haynes, I can tell that you are an educator and that you believe in providing children with a safe and solid education, as I am sure that all of MACE’s members do. In reality, we are not attacking MACE, but John Trotter and his personal agenda.
Now, as far as discipline goes, your policy is appropriate. However, many children with disciplinary issues are acting out due to post-traumatic stress. Very often, things happen to children and for whatever reason their parents are unable to protect them. We do not have control of life or other people, only ourselves. If a child has to be removed from the classroom, then a greater problem is present that needs to be addressed. Otherwise, there will not be an end to the problem. Children with disciplinary problems often do not want to be in the classroom, therefore removing them because of behavior only rewards them and re-enforces that behavior.
By Who Let The Dog Out???
June 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Would someone please put Trotter back in his cage? He’s messing the floor in here! Don’t forget to line the cage with prints of his posts…………..
By Bruce
June 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
This blog is suppose to be for voicing your concerns. I have one question to ask: Why are we fighting all the time and fighting each other. We are in trouble here and fighting will not help this mess. We need to focus on moving forward and getting this county back on track. There are candidates that we need to look at. the primary is coming up real soon. Go to the forums and the meet and greets.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Who Let The Dog Out,
Well there’s an intelligent post. Not only full of substance, but insight as well. I’m surprised you actually took time away from gathering nuts, berries, and tubers, not to mention hunting wholly mammoths, in order to post.
Though it’s impressive that you’re starting to experiment with the rudimentary skills needed to tranfer symbolic thought to language, I’m not sure your fellow clansmen, Krok and Orc will appreciate you taking time away from the essential task of gaining sustenance. My understanding of Paleolithic culture is that conflicts among clansmen can often devolve into brutish, nasty affairs so please be careful.
By the way are you posting from a stone tablet with Wi-Fi capability, or have they finally run a DSL connection to the cave?
By So True
June 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Bruce
Sorry but the AJC blog is not the place for real talk about fixing Clayton County, they only throw stones here.
By Kimberly Allen
June 12, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Speaking of going to the forums …
Bryant’s Construction Group will host a political forum this evening at the Lovejoy Community Center, 1622 Hastings Bridge Road starting at 6:30pm. Confirmed candidates scheduled to appear are listed below:
Clerk of Court: Linda Miller (I), Tony Antoine and Michelle Thomas
Solicitor General: A representative for Leslie Miller-Terry (I) and Tasha Mosley
Commission 3: Michael Bryant and Angela Redding
Sheriff: Kem Kimbrough, Sherman Lemon, Jack Rainwater and Earnest Strozier
House District 78: Glenn Baker, Shegale Crute-Ralph and John Taylor
By Maude
June 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Attn. Clayton Parents I do put my money where my mouth is and it isn’t in John Trotter’s pocket. I thought Georgia Law gave teacher’s the right to have a child removed from their class,not MACE. As in anything correct there are steps to take in the process if not everytime a teacher got mad at a child or their parent they would demand to have them removed from their class.
By Really
June 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
MACE is history, but they sure go down fighting hard. MACE was a “for profit” company. Guess Trotter is fighting to keep that income. GET A JOB!
By raja
June 12, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
SO True
You are so wrong. The only people that hate blogs are crooks and their cronies. If the blog didn’t matter why respond. You know it does matter because these people are voters which equal power.
By HLS
June 12, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
The endorsement by the South Metro Assoc. of Realtors was not online, but in the paper delivered to homes.
IS DeadPoet/Attn:Clayton parent - a bus driver for the county? - keeps using that - thrown under the bus -phrase way too much. Cut and paste is too easy.
By the way - Rod calling in SACS along with at least a half dozen others notables, black and white, who were contacting SACS about the foolishness going on in the BOE meetings for the past 2 years, is different by the Nth degree when you are talking about a man, Trotter, who has made his living for 10 years trying his best to do damage to the Clayton school system. Rod just helped shine the light on the darkness that is MACE/Trotter. Thankfully the apathetic voters in Clayton are being educated and Trotters time is running out.
Do not worry about Noreese losing a job - Trotter shopped him around for years for a number of political positions, with the inherent changing residences - he will just do it again. Long as you can rent a room in each district, he has got it licked. Oh,eh,sorry.
By ThemFolks
June 12, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Come on Clayton County, you cry about everything, grow up! You know yourself that if Thompson would have left the old Superintendent and Board Chair names on the diplomas people would have been screaming about the legitimacy of the diplomas. The guy was in a loss-loss situation from the outset. Damned if he do and Damned if he don’t! Now D.A.D.S; find the creator of the group and ask if him do he need a background check. There are fair and legal ways to do almost anything; do things the right way. What is more harmful is to keep running negative Media Blitzes about Clayton County Schools System. Sound like to me; there an element out there in Clayton that actually don’t want the County to keep accreditation.
By TruthThat
June 12, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
A man resigns from the Board, then two weeks later file a compliant against the board, and he wants the board to act on it. He should have stayed on the board at least until he filed the compliant. Now, he’s a Private Citizen like the rest of us. If and when the board starts taking action on complaints filed by PRIVATE CITIZENS in the county they will probably be inundated by let see the county’s population is 280,000 complaints that they will have to HONOR with the same respect as the PRIVATE CITIZENS who first filed. Maybe they’re that STUPID!! I’m waiting for my opportunity to file. Let see; I want Rod Johnson sanctioned for taking the school system to SACS without a majority vote in front of the public, the entire board sanctioned for conducting Closed Meeting w/SACS, and the State and sanction the members that voted and signed the LAND DEAL etc.
By YesMan
June 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Greedy Bob Hartley getting paid by the county’s wealthy for this Recall Effort. How sad, he knows so little. “He who is not content with what he has would not be content with what he would like to have.” Hartley being paid by Gail Buckner, Uncle Tom Bell for Recall, “If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.”
By Jimpoboy
June 12, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
“The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.” Get Fact before you act!!!!
By Smartman
June 12, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday and our present thoughts build our life tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind.” The Newspaper Lady (Megan) is controlling your mind. “It is your mind that creates this Clayton County world.”
By RealPeople
June 12, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Thomas Jefferson once said, “The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.” Get Truth, not Megan’s version of the truth!!!! Megan Metticutti, we know the old adage, “Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.”
By WE The People
June 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
“Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson etched across the pages of history the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence, we were here. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail.” Go Board!!! Go.
By Rip
June 12, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
The citizens of Clayton are really in stupid. The TRUTH is, Rod Johnson put your school system in this SACS mess and he still sits there. Says he’s resigning, yah right, when December 31, 2008 when his terms up. The citizen of Clayton has been Hoodwinked. Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its TRUTH, we blindly pursue others. “Truth is sacred; and if you tell the truth too often nobody will believe it. “Most truths are so naked that people feel sorry for them and cover them up, at least a little bit.”
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
No Maude you did not put your money where your mouth is. YOU asked us to compare GAE to MACE. I gave you two specific board policies one sponsored by MACE and one sponsored by GAE and asked you which one unequivocally gave the teacher the right to remove a disruptive student and which policy was watered down to protect administrators by letting teachers only “request” a removal.
YOU asked for a MACE/GAE comparison and YOU were given one. Now YOU don’t want to step up to the plate and answer. Typical GAE apologist. When confronted by facts and logic you turn tail and run. No wonder you guys are SPINELESS on discipline. It’s in your DNA.
By MeadowView Man
June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Rip, those imbeciles Bob Hartley and Red, running around screaming “Recall” because a Black woman stayed at an ATL hotel and ate Ribs or Cheesecake or Black women had a coach fired. What a Dunce, while White folks in Clayton stealing “Millions of Dollars from the school system. Ever wonder why every kid didn’t have books or attending rundown schools with a budget of over 516 Million Black folk taxpayer dollars. I agree Rip, “They are White Folks Outhouse Negroes.
By BigTimer
June 12, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Some of the current CCBOE said “You cannot go on ‘explaining away’ for ever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on ‘seeing through’ things for ever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it.” That’s Clayton citizen’s problem now. An inability to see that the real problem is Whites wanting to keep control of the school systems money is willing to strangle you to death with your children’s accreditation. This leads some to question, “What do you know and how do you know it?”
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
HLS,
Thank you for proving my point as to how desperate people are to set up Trotter as a “straw man.”
You go to great lengths to bash Trotter and Haynes, yet even though you mention Rod Johnson you give him a total free pass on the fact that he KNOWINGLY hired an accused child sexual predator to work in the school system.
I ask you again, specifically which is worse. A man who runs an organization that advocates for teachers’ rights and restoring discipline or a man, Rod Johnson who KNOWINGLY (as reported in two media outlets) hired an accused, now indicted, child molestor.
Well?
By GovernmentMen
June 12, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
“Bad men cannot make good citizens or public leaders. They drastically degraded the state of morals, and create a corrupted public conscience incapable of self-governance, which is in fact Clayton County under Elgin Bell.”
By EYE ON THE BALL
June 12, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
“So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.” The same can be said about Clayton’s BOE. One member Riff Raff Rev Rod Johnson ran to SACS started an investigation to DESTROY him own children. That government for you, now the Black citizens want DESTROY everyone else except Riff Raff Rev Rod Johnson. What Black Fools! However, just the old goes, “Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed.”
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
HLS,
I just reread your last post. It’s worse that I thought. You have actually come on this blog to praise a man who KNOWINGLY hired an accused child molestor to work in the school system!
That might be the single most vile thing I have read on this blog; and that’s saying something.
By THE COUNCIL
June 12, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
“In the councils of school board government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the embedded county corruption complex, etc. CCAE, MACE, GAE.”
By TRIEDOFWHITEFOLK
June 12, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
HLS, you are among the greedy white folks hiding behind the scenes, running to SACS crying foul when you think the school system is getting ready to stop paying you. Just like you said, HLS and your White friend have run to SACS Elgart crying and he accommodated you by THEATENING us poor Black folk. The only reason Elgart accommodated you is because your head is PINK like his. You, HLS and your White friend don’t give a damn about our Black kids, only lining your pockets with the Black taxpayer dollars, Clayton County is a CASH COW for you isn’t it. You, HLS, and your white friends manipulated that IDIOT Rod Johnson to go to SACS and throw His own children and all the Black kids and parents’ accreditation under the Bus. WAKE UP, Black folk, remember Whites owned Clayton County ten years ago. They think they still own it REMEMBER “They defend their errors as if they were defending their inheritance.” REMEMBER, Black folk, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”
By Snake Lady
June 12, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Someone should have told D.A.D.S creator, “Enjoy your job, make lots of money, and work within the law. Choose any two.”
By Mandigo Warrior
June 12, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
“If Black men and women will not act for themselves, what will they do when the benefit of their effort is for all Black folk?” Make your county better, don’t be USED by THEM users.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
As long as GAE is endorsing candidates, contributing to campaigns, and as long as CCEA president Sid Chapman is “embedded” in the system, earning years towards teacher retirement while not actually teaching, it’s going to be hard to keep out the influence of GAE/CCEA.
You didn’t know that your tax dollars will be supporting CCEA President Sid Chapman as he’s earning years towards teacher retirement while serving not as a teacher, but as a union rep?
Of course you didn’t know that. They don’t want you to know that; that’s why they work so hard to make you think that MACE is “the problem” even though the administrators who run the system are members of GAE, not MACE.
Say what you will about Trotter and MACE, but your tax dollars aren’t going to support him, as they are CCEA/GAE President Sid Chapman.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
As long as GAE is endorsing candidates, contributing to campaigns, and as long as CCEA president Sid Chapman is “embedded” in the system, earning years towards teacher retirement while not actually teaching, it’s going to be hard to keep out the influence of GAE/CCEA.
You didn’t know that your tax dollars will be supporting CCEA President Sid Chapman as he’s earning years towards teacher retirement while serving not as a teacher, but as a union rep?
Of course you didn’t know that. They don’t want you to know that; that’s why they work so hard to make you think that MACE is “the problem” even though the administrators who run the system are members of GAE, not MACE.
Say what you will about Trotter and MACE, but your tax dollars aren’t going to support him, as they are CCEA/GAE President Sid Chapman.
By Maude
June 12, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
I love to raise Totter’s blood pressure. You can see his white face getting red as the types.
By G. Mack
June 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Blacks, Whites, Uncle Toms etc, etc, etc. Don’t you people get tired of being pimped? As long as we are divided and fighting among ourselves, we are a defeated people. Clayton County is in dire conditions now. The question is what will you do to correct this problem? It will be up to us. The bottom line is ALL BOE members need to resign now in the hopes that accridtation can at least try to be saved. Bob makes a good argument in the newspaper about SACS providing an alternative to the loss of accreditation as long as the citizens step up and take matters into their own hands. I can care less about all that sidebar stuff like Trotter, Whites stealing money etc, etc,
By So True
June 12, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Raja
I do not believe you thought you could justify this blog, spoken like a True fool.
By raja
June 12, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
So True
You the Fool. If this blog don’t mean anything why you keep reading it?
By So True
June 13, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Raja
Because fools like you Raja, make good entertainment.
By Balance
June 13, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
To All Voters on this blog,
The following story posted in clayton-news is the reason why we need to go to the candidate forums and remove all the incompetent officials from office this year. http://www.news-daily.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=24299
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Wow! The ignorance is rampant in this county and on this blog.
So True… Are you now up to throwing stones at raja?
To the person posting personal quotes every three minutes… Find something better to do. The population of Clayton is both black, white, hispanic, and few other nationalities and we all own this county! And we all have to take responsibility for the politicians running amock.
To Attn: Clayton Parents… Rod Johnson may not have stepped down, but he will be gone soon enough. His seat will be filled with a competent and capable candidate whose concern is focused towards the children. I have the utmost respect for those who dedicate themselves to teaching, but the unions do not serve their purpose without private agenda. That is all of them GAE, MACE, and whatever else is out there. All of these organizations, in reality, victimize the teachers. They preach better working conditions to hold on to support while they use the organization as a guise to influence politically. Trotter may have done a lot for you, but in the process of that he has ruined Clayton county’s education system. The children should be most important. Out of a classroom of twenty or more children, one will have a discipline problem. The rest of those kids are doing their best, and some face many challenges in the school system today. Why can’t we keep our efforts and energies focused on them? They can do very little to help the mess the adults create for them. Instead of “no child left behind”, all the children will be left behind, and I am not comfortable with that!
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Balance. That story is very informative and aggravating. I, too, have had a similar circumstance with the DA’s office in dealing with a juvenile. Of course, the offense was not as serious as murder, but there was almost no action taken at all in my situation, and I am still raging about it. I feel for the mother of the victim. I do understand her pain and frustration.
By laughing
June 13, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
By TRIEDOFWHITEFOLK
You can’t imitate black folk Trotter! Quit trying to act like you are black. You are making a fool of yourself!
By CC Person
June 13, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Hey “TRIEDOFWHITEFOLK” you are correct white people were the majority and ran Clayton Clayton ten years ago. Look at the crime stats from the early 90’s and compare them to the ones in 2008, look at the school system back 10 years ago and how Clayton County was run back then. Judge for yourself and see who destroyed Clayton over the last 10 years. Wake you and see who your real enemy is, its “YOU” dummy. You did it to yourself and are now trying to blame somebody else. “TRIEDOFWHITEFOLK” quit yapping
By So True
June 13, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
anonymously anonymous
No, the stone just jump out of my hand. lol,
Sorry Raja, bad stone.
By The Way it Was
June 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
CC Person
Thank you; finally someone said what the real problem is!
I am so Tried of BLACKS, They can’t kill each other fast enough.
By raja
June 13, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I could care less about you throwing stones. The real stones will be thrown on July 15th when the crooks and their cronies will be looking for work.
By Bruce
June 13, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Tomorrow at 10:00 Love Joy High School I understand Thompson will be there. If you are complaining, then you need to be there. Make your voices heard. Fighting amoungst ourselves is not solving anything.
This years primary should be the bomb because there is so much mud slinging. We will see if the mouths are there. Complaining does no good.
I was at the forum last night and it went very good. However, I believe that place should have been packed with the primarys so close. Let’s not repeat the same 4 years.We have 1 Native American candidate and the rest black. I spoke with all of them and know who I am voting for because I am confortable with what I know about each one. People, we really need to vote it is imperative that we do. We need to put aside all the racial mess be it black or white and get our county back on track. Right now we are looking real bad.!!!!
By Antoine 4 Chairman
June 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Clayton County deserves a Chairman who is ethical and straightforward.
Our County is in need of solutions, not just talk. Enough is enough!
Visit (www.enoughisenoughga.net) for more information.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
You must fancy yourself quite the magician Maude, thinking you can raise Dr. Trotter’s blood pressure while I’m typing. But once again Maude, you are woefully misinformed. In fact, recent studies suggest that blogging activates the brain’s limbic system, and for can provide benefits in areas such as sleep, memory, and immune function.
In fact, I would venture to guess if anyone is red faced on this blog, it’s you, after coming on here yesterday, and making a complete fool of yourself.
Remember readers, it was Maude who came on here and asked us to compare GAE to MACE. So I did, and quoted two board policies on discipline, one sponsored by GAE and one sponsored by MACE. You can read the details up above, (June 12, 1:05 PM) but suffice to say that GAE’s Educator Memorandum gives teachers the right to “request” a child destroying the integrity of the learning environment be removed, and the MACE sponsored Teachers’ Bill of Rights gives teacher the right to remove a child destroying the integrity of the learning environment…for the rest of that day, if in the teacher’s professional judgment it is necessary.
Any objective reading of the policies shows that the MACE policy places the emphasis on teaching and learning conditions while the watered down GAE policy places the emphasis on making administrators comfortable by not forcing them to make decisions on discipline.
Maude knows that anyone, even if they hate Trotter can see this, and that’s why she’s avoided the question multiple times even though SHE is the one who asked us to do the comparison.
It’s real simple Maude; which is the stronger policy? The one that gives the teacher the right to remove or the one that gives the teacher merely the right to “request”?
Remember readers MAUDE asked for the comparison; and she got it. But now that readers have seen a side by side comparison, Maude suddenly wants to avoid the question. Looks like you got hoisted on your own petard Maude.
By Take Clayton Back
June 13, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
It aggrivates me that we have so much infighting here and in this county. It aggrivates me more that some on this blog are promoting their ignorance as a representation of the entire County’s. Not all white, black, hispanic, asian, people are the same. So please stop asserting that the thoughts and actions of some are those of all others.
We have had a large number of people move to this county in the last 10 years as allowed by development. What goes with this is also a larger number of bad apples coming to this area. Not only criminals but those who are only looking for political gain and pushing their own agendas at the expense of this County. There are some who have even been here awhile who have also pushed their agendas through newcomers. I believe you can tell which are the bad apples not by their words but by their actions and who they associate with.
The majority of people in this county, no matter what color are good people looking for better. Those of us who have been here for decades or even in the last 10 years know how it was and where we are now. Yes, it’s changed. We know the County has declined in some areas. We know our schools must get better to where they were. We know that there are a number of dysfunctional leaders in office that must go. We see it, we know it, we must change it and not allow it back.
The good people of this county far outweigh the bad. We must come together and be as one no matter the background, race, economic status, etc. We must be one voice for the good of our county. Does this mean we won’t have differences or differing opinions? No. But at a minimum, we will all know where we must go - together.
Please quit battling each other. Instead…work together, speak together, share together, and cherish this county together. It is OURS and we must eliminate the power of those who are abusing it. Educate yourself and then those around you. Vote for better in 2008.
By herewegoagain
June 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
By Antoine 4 Chairman
Your agenda sounds like communism! Just what we need, more reverends in politics! NOT!
By Bruce
June 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Take Clayton Back
Thank you. This is what it suppose to be about.When you have a dirty floor you scrub and wash it.This is what we need to do with this county. I too am so tired of these adults bashing and fighting.
We need to get to work and not look at the color of the candidates skin. Just talk to them and, you will find out just what you need to know. We have 5 good candidates for sheriff, pick who you want and check out their web-site and talk to them. That’s the best way to do it. Time is getting close, Le’t step up to the plate and do our jobs. This is our county and we should want it back from the Victor Hills Jewel & Lee Scott and all the other no doers of this county.
By Synamon Baldwin
June 13, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Thank you to Take Clayton Back. Finally some intellectual exhange. Ditto to everything. Excellent! Lets “Take Clayton Forward” We can do this! We must vote and be an example for our children!
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Take Clayton Back for Chairman
Let’s all do a write-in ballot.
That was really great and I couldn’t agree with you more!
By Concerned Parent and Homeowner
June 13, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Well said Take Clayton Back!
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Let’s start the Bob Hartley for Chairman write-in campaign!
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 13, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Take Clayton Back,
It’s hard for people to work together when they have different agendas. For example teachers have an agenda of actually wanting consistent support for dealing with discipline so they can actually teach.
Administrators have an agenda of not dealing with discipline because A) they don’t want “the discipline numbers” to reflect negatively on the school B) they don’t want No Child Left Behind sanctions and C) they don’t want to deal with parents saying their child’s “rights” have been violated.
And that’s why MACE and GAE have different agendas. That’s why MACE has advocated for teachers having a right to remove disruptive students, and that’s why MACE has advocated for increasing protections for teachers who have been retaliated against while GAE has fought tooth and nail to water down each and every proposal to strengthen teachers’ rights.
Look at the MACE policy that allows a teacher, if in her professional judgment it is necessary, to remove a child who is destroying the learning environment.
Then look at the GAE policy that’s watered down to say a teacher can only “request” a disruptive child be removed; a request which often goes unheeded because the administrator doesn’t want his “discipline numbers” higher (and the subsequent grief from central office) doesn’t want to deal with an angry parent, and frankly doesn’t want to do the work of getting out of their office to walk to a classroom, and yes, God forbid if the discipline numbers are “racially disproportionate” they sure don’t want to deal with the political fallout of that.
People need to be educated on this so they can know the dynamics. Unfortunately many don’t. Look at the websites of some of the BOE candidates; they won’t even mention the word discipline, much less address it. How can you be a serious candidate and not even mention the word discipline?
MACE has been protrayed as the “bad guy” in this, because they are outside the control of the status quo and thus can unequivocally advocate for stronger discipline.
GAE, with the GAE President and a member of the GAE Board of Directors being ClayCo administrators is part of the STATUS QUO of this “fatally flawed” system and thus is doing everything in their power to hold on to their power (trying to sanction Haynes for bringing up the land deal, throwing the ENTIRE system under the bus by secretly meeting with SACS weeks before Johnson filed his complaint, illegally removing Haynes from the board, etc.)
Yes it’s infighting, but people need to know the “why” of the infighting so they can see which organizations or candidates are advocating for a return to discipline and which are advocating for the status quo which ensures THEIR power is intact.
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents - I want to address the remark about the candidates not addressing discipline. Discipline was brought up at the forum that I attended. A lot of things were said from “blame the parents” to “the system is fine like it is.” I have spoken personally with Treena Morris and discipline was among the many points that we discussed. If you want to find out the candidates platforms on discipline, then you need to get out and find out for yourself. Truthfully, you will not get any one candidate to agree with you totally on the subject (unless they are Trotter’s people) because the larger demographic of voters are parents and not teachers. You harp on and on and on about children that disrupt the classroom and presenting a danger to the teacher, but as I said earlier, a majority of the students are not that kind of a student. If you want to kick the kid out, then go right ahead, but remember there are other children involved and deserve your passion and focus as well.
By Antoine 4 Chairman
June 13, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Do you want effective solutions to the problems in Clayton County? I do! It’s time to make a positive difference. Enough is enough!
Visit www.enoughisenoughga.net for more information.
By Bruce
June 13, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hi Antoine,
I met and spoke with you last night and was very impressed. You will be getting my vote. We do need to move forward and make this a year to remember of changes.
Bravo to all of you positive folks. We need this on the blog, I was getting depressed reading some of the responses.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
June 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Anon Anon,
That’s why I “harp on discipline”. Because the other kids deserve the teacher’s focus and attention. But without firm, consistent, and compelling consequences, the few “chronic disrupters” get the majority of the teacher’s attention.
This is a common theme, played out over and over again. Even the system’s own exit surveys pointed to a lack of support for discipline as a major reason teachers are leaving, but it wasn’t until the Teachers’ Bill of Rights was passed by Haynes that ClayCo had a policy with real teeth in it.
I agree with you about the “other kids”. Why should twenty students’ educations be compromised by two or three students who, for whatever reason, simply refuse to obey?
And why should those two or three get the message that simply refusing to obey is a valid option that can actually be rewarded?
Yes, “rewarded”. If you’ve ever been in a school and seen a student running errands for the office, often that student has been sent to the office for disciplinary reasons.
And their “consequence” is to run errands for the school secretary? Does that make any sense? It does if you’re an administrator who just doesn’t get it!
By anonymously anonymous
June 13, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hey! I just noticed that someone posted as me. I did not post anything about Bob Hartley for chairman. I really don’t know that much about Bob Hartley. I don’t know if I would want him for chairman, but if he were to run for that office or any other office, I would certainly put forth the effort to find out more about him.
By The man on the white horse
June 13, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Bob Hartley would be an excellent choice for a write in candidate for Chairman!
He has integrity and a spine. Great thought AA
By Take Clayton Back
June 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents,
MACE and GAE may have different agendas but both have the same overall expected outcome of a school system being able to provide a quality education to all students. The agenda is just a difference about how to get there.
I do not believe either MACE nor GAE have the complete answer to where we need to go and I think both would be better served (and especially Clayton County) if they leveraged eachothers strengths and resources - as well as those from other groups. This would not take away from their specific function nor purpose but would allow for more productivity and a means to get to where we need to go. But it will take both and the “we” vs. “them” mentality must go.
I disagree with you in that it is hard for people to work together when they have different agendas. I will say however that to do so, they must all have the vision of the same endpoint and must put egos aside. The latter I believe is the barrier.
I do not believe MACE nor GAE oppose a quality education that allows high test scores, a low number of discipline issues, and a system where all teachers want to be. We know where Georgia education ranks in the country. Why not make this a win-win?
By carol
June 13, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I am a taxpayer in clayton county and had a child to graduate this year. T was upset when I found out that my son was not going to get his diploma that night. We found out after the graduate. He told them to tell their parents that they was not getting their diplomas. It was Dr. Thompson place to tell the parents not thew students. He made that decision and he should of had told the parents. When I talked to him he told me that their diplomas would be invalid. How could their diplomas be invalid, when in fact when they were order Dr. Duncan was the superintended. He also said that their diploma was just a piece of paper. To him its a piece of paper , but our kids strive for 12 years for that piece of paper. He told me not to believe what I read in the paper. But then what is in the paper is exact what he said to me. So it is hard for me to believe anything that Mr. Thompson is saying. The board members lied when they said the media was lying about how much they was going to pay him. But come to find out the same thing the media said is exact what they paid him $285,000.00 and 2,500.00 house allowance. His total come to 400,000.00 that what the media said. So how can the media be lying about the board. I have no confidence in this board or the new superintended. Come July their will be new board members. I have already got my son diploma because he don’t care who name is on the bottom of it. We need to put the children before we put ourself. It is about the children, not about them. I once was a strong supporter of Lois Baine Hunter, but now I am not. I just want somebody in their that is going to do for the children not themselves. I have been told so many lies from the board members, then I found out all they have said have been just plain out lies. So its hard to believe them, some of what SAC have said is true about the board.
By NotAnotherOne
June 13, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
By Antoine 4 Chairman
Are running for a church position, or a commission chairman position? This looks exactly like what a church would be promoting. We need a chairman, not a reverend!Are you sure your name is not Robin Hood? http://enoughisenoughga.net/images/Dabouze%20Antoine%20Flyer%20issues.jpg
By CC Person
June 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Saw Man , I want to hear more about Victor Hill’s shortened office furniture to make him look taller?
By NOT GOING FOR IT
June 13, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
G Mack, I’m sorry your day is in the past! You and that other Uncle Tom Bell,and Bob Hartley that was yesteryear, fooling that True Blacks. You guys are trying to get rid of the remaining school board members because THEY SEE YOU stealing. Bob Hartley is employed by the Clayton County Rich White Folks. You know the ones Gail Buckner, T. Starr, and the like. Those two Yellow Negroes are PIMPING UP for the White Folk Agenda, yah, working this Recall BS against TWO of our PRIDE Black Women. You see Bob Hartley hid behind GMACK, meaning GMONEY, what a PUNK, I mean PIMP.
Come on Clayco, let’s pimp these two (think they’re in the white house, but are in the white folks Outhouse Negroes). PLEASE answer, if you’re a Man and Not Scared. Again! Simpleton, Bob Hartley answers the following questions to show us your knowledge on this subject. Question #1: Why is the school system in Clayton under SACS scrutiny, what individual initiated the investigation? Question#2: Is the person still in office; if so why? Question#3: Is it or is it not Money, Power, Jobs, and Contracts that have the school system facing lose of accreditation? Question#4: What Black persons do you know in Clayton that making Millions of dollars and controls what the Media tell us? Everyone in the Metro area is following the Money Trail and it’s leading to one Race of people. Question#4: Who’s that people? Working for those WHITE Folk. Please answer the questions before you get ANGRY!! Remember “In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.” Seek the TRUTH, Dummy! “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
Note: I bet They won’t Answer. TRUTH HURTS!!!!!
“WATCH OUT CLAYTON RESIDENTS “ Signing anything today with your full name and address may/will destroy your WHOLE LIFE. Remember these Identity THEIVES coming to your houses or approaching you in the street. BEWARE!!!!!
By TruThat
June 13, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Raja & CC Person,
You know you guys are the root of all evil in the world! I know why TIRED said what he said. 10 years ago you were undercover thieves and that why we had a takeover, however some Black Dummy still thinks they have to depend on you. I don’t need never have never will.
By BigTimer
June 13, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
That ole psycho BillyRip was right when he said greedy Whites and those simple-minded Black that follow them. “Get your facts first, and then they can distort them as they please.” They’re philosophy is, “If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts.” However, the Buffoons need to know this, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” I wish other Ding-a-Lings like Bob Hartley and GMACK” could comprehend this. With Hartley it’s all about MONEY; not the kids
By YourPeople
June 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
GMACK, “Age does not always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.” The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.Bob sound silly in the paper.
By raja
June 13, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
TruThat
Is that you Victor?
By A Child Of God
June 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Dear: NOT GOING FOR IT,
It’s so funny to hear you talking about experience and research as though you were some kind of psychologist? Do you even know Mr. Bob Hartley? Have you spoken to Mr. Bob Hartley? I’m pretty sure you aven’t. I have spoken to Mr. Bob Hartley more than a couple times and I can honestly say he is a very kind, nice, hard working man.
Sounds to me like your trying to stir up some things. Maybe some Hatred? Since you are so God fearing what do you think “He” would say about what you have written. Take a moment and imagine Jesus Christ sitting next to you. Is He sitting in a chair across from you or beside you? Would He agree with your actions towards one of His own, the way you are acting out of anger? If He is in agreement, then continue doing what you are doing? If He is not then maybe you need to re-evaluate your motives and your heart.
So please work on that negativity, because Mr. Bob Hartley doesn’t have that kind of attitude.
P.S answers the following questions to show us your knowledge on this subject (like you say).
What is it about Bob Hartley that makes you…. (Think, Speak, Wish good or bad on him?)
How long has Bob Hartley been on your mind?
How often do you think about Bob Hartley?
I wonder if you say “I love you” or did things out of the kindness of your heart, what would cause such a change in you….
Do you ever wish Bob Hartley would go away or never existed because you just can’t get past….. (your feelings or hurt from yesterday?)
Do you want to love Bob Hartley? (Like a brother, uncle, a friend, or a child of God?)
If so what is stopping you? (fear, resentment, hatred, YOU)
Well that’s too bad, He’s here to stay!! Either in the flesh or in memory.
Change is good, you know what to do…
P.S Get your facts from a reliable source if not the source itself. Hear-say is just a replay of what people like to imagine as being the truth!
Sincerely,
A Child of God.
By idiothater
June 13, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
By NOT GOING FOR IT AKA John Trotter
Take a hike. You can’t pretend to be black. Your white fool! You are finished here! Don’t you get it?
By raja
June 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
TruThat
Victor is that you?
By Sam
June 14, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
You “race baiter” are the problem. To say Bob is hanging with the rich white folks pretty much confirms you don’t know Bob. Let’s see, he went from “Put a brother in the house” to “hanging with the rich white folks” I’d say he has done a great job positioning himself into the who’s who in this county in a relatively short time. I know Bob and Bob hates corruption at the expense of the citizens and he takes stands against it. Now when it comes to the school board, they ared all a bunch of blabbering idiots. They are a disgrace to us and an embarrassment. Sandra, Rod and Michelle can’t even speak proper English. All that racial crap won’t fly. Even if the whites are stealing Millions from the district, that not the cause for losing accreditation. You people are pathetic! You are simple minded fools being manipulated by John Trotter who by the way forgets he is a white man himself. The so called “Black” school board are nothing more than Trotter’s house n****! And you have the nerve to imply Mr. Hartley is controlled by the county elite? Get a clue you fools!
By Blacksoul
June 14, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Take Clayton Back
It is amazing how white people can get on this blog and spin their agenda.
Take Clayton Back, you had me going with your song and dance, UNITED CLAYTON, until your white friends blogged right after you promoting there hate MACE, hate the Scotts, Hate Victor Hill, and anyone tied to them agenda.
Take Clayton back, you really mean Take Clayton back from Black people.
Black people don’t get bamboozle. Do you really think any of these White people on this blog is going to vote Black, unless they have too? (Watch one will say I am)
I am sorry Mr. Hartley I do not know you but if people who belong to these hate groups will back you, then I can not trust you. Why do they want you in office so bad??? You strike me as a good business man but maybe a crooked politician
To you white people that are hate blogging to push your agenda on the AJC, Whites are not the Majority in Clayton so do not think you are the Majority reading this blog so when others post please do not try to right us off as just one person. Do not try to belittle Black people.
Raja, you sell out. Every time I look up you are agreeing with white people that blog hate.
Sam, so it ok for white people to steal millions from our CC schools but we should be more worry about Sandra’s, Rod’s and Michelle’s broken English, WHAT THE HELL!!!. Don’t yo AS ever post here again. Just an Fking dumbas thing to say.
See why I can not trust you Mr. Hartley the company you keep. (If Whites can do it to Obama about Rev. Wright, the same applies to you and their candidates).
By Blackpolitics
June 14, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Blacksoul
Are you admitting that most black politicians in clayton are a failure, and corrupt? I would be ashamed to be a black voter who voted for some of these scumbags holding office here. Unfortunatly the majority here have no shame at all.If they can’t do a better job , they dam sure wouldn’t get a vote from me. They have disgraced this county, and made fools of themselves. Anyone that would vote for anyone named Scott, or Hill shouldn’t even have voter rights.
By Nospin
June 14, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Well! I see its race baiting season again!* When elections draw near, you can be sure the race baiter’s will show up in force. After all thats how allot of them got voted into office last time. If you fall for that stuff, you deserve what you get! I have a hunch it won’t fly this year. Voters are much smarter now. This time, vote colorblind, or suffer the consequences!
By Blacksoul
June 14, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Blackpolitics (a white person)
Black people notice Blackpolitics’ spin, Blackpolitics so it ok for white people to steal millions from our CC schools but we should be more worry about Sandra’s, Rod’s and Michelle’s broken English.
Answer that question without trying to spin it.
Blackpolitics, you sound just as stupid as Sam’s post.
Nospin (a white person)
Race baiting, what do you call it when you tell people to vote color blind? Race baiting
Nospin is another white person who spins race baiting to push his hate group’s agenda.
Nospin said *“This time, vote White, or suffer the consequences!” *
Nospin, just because you do not wear your white hood in public we still know who you are.
By TrotterSpotter
June 14, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Blacksoul
You know how to really make a fool out of yourself in a public forum. You wouldn’t be wearing a cheap leisure suit, with a panama hat would you? LOL!
By Blacksoul
June 14, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
TrotterSpotter (a white person)
I would not be caught dead in a leisure suit.
Trotter did look very funny, but you just spin the topic, so it ok for white people to steal millions from our CC schools but we should be more worry about Sandra’s, Rod’s and Michelle’s broken English.
Answer the question or leave your comment and your white hood at the door.
By RespondingToAnIdiot
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Blacksoul- a wanna be black man
Go ahead spin Noreese. He is finished here Trotter.(and so are you and your lame for profit MACE) ROTFLMAO!
By Blacksoul
June 15, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
RespondingToAnIdiot (a white person)
As you can see Black people of Clayton County, these hating, race baiting, and racist white people on this blog, refuse to answer such a simple question.
So it is ok for white people to steal millions from our CC schools but we should be more worry about Sandra’s, Rod’s and Michelle’s broken English?
But they want you to vote Color Blind, so they can keep stealing money. I see why Victor Hill cleaned House, to many Racist white people stealing money. I hope the new CCPS Superintendent will do the same.
Answer the question or leave your comment and your white hood at the door.
John Trotter please let these RedN*CKs know that I am not you, so maybe I can get them to answer my question, ty.
By RespondingToAnIdiot
June 15, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Bye bye Blacksoul
You are trully an idiot. I’ll bet you have a really large following. They should make you the poster child for the national association of uneducated black racists.(even though you are a whitey) No more responses to an idiot. Bye fool.
By Let's Talk Seriously
June 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
If you are tired of all the racist banter, please join in real discussions about how we can truly make Clayton County better.
Come over to:
Let’s Make Clayton Better
Discuss the real issues and join the discussion of how we can see a better tomorrow on July 15th!
By Bruce
June 15, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
This is truly a shame. The last election for Sheriff was solely racial and, look what we got. I am not talking against blacks or whites,I am black but, no matter what the skin color is, these candidates should be able to do the job if they are elected. People, let’s stop fighting and check out the candidates, Jul 15 is very close and we need to put our house in order.
By Curious1
June 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
I was at the meeting in Lovejoy with the new Super. I am truly not impressed with him. He did not directly answer the questions he was asked. I am sure most parent was disgusted with him, I was. He could not cut it in Pittsburg and was about to be run out,and we picked him up and paid him all he asked for. We did not even wait to see if he could do the job we gave him all the perks, nothing held back. A driver, 2,000 housing allowance, 285,000 salary plus whatever. Why can’t he drive himself, what can’t he take some of his salary (like all of us), and pay for his housing. We are in serious trouble and, this man let our children walk down the isle with blank paper because his name was not on the diplomas. Look out we got another ego trip in Clayton. This is the last thing we need. We have an ego Sheriff, DA and, even some Candidates runnig for office with ego’s already. People, we need to be at every forum, townhall meeting and, any place that we need to be to help us see what we are getting into. I pray for our county because, we are in serious trouble. Our homes value has dropped greatly, property taxes higher, our children and our lives are in trouble!!! What is so bad is the parents and citizens in this county had no say so about this new Super. We are paying for something we did not ask for and, that joke of a school board put him in.
By Blacksoul
June 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
RespondingToAnIdiot
Sam, RespondingToAnIdiot or your white racist friends did not answer the question I asked about what Sam said
So it is ok for white people to steal millions from our CC schools but we should be more worry about Sandra’s, Rod’s and Michelle’s broken English?
Sam should not have made the statement, but none of you said anything about Sam’s statement. I wonder why? If someone would just answer the question I will stop posting the question or maybe you won’t answer because you believe it is true so you spin it and call me a racist or John Trotter.
I don’t think so, you are the true racist. It hurts you when the shoe is on the other foot.
You can dish it out but can’t take it. Next time watch what you say.
By Derrick District 6
June 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Let’s Talk Seriously
How come you did not want to talk serious when Clayton Communities.org asks you to?
This question is only for Let’s Talk Seriously, please do not answer or comment if you are not Let’s Talk Seriously.
By anonymously anonymous
June 16, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
What “whites” are stealing money from the district? You know, anyone stealing from the school district would not be ok! The only ones in the position to do that that I know of are the current school board members, and the multitude of other Clayton politicians. Crooked doesn’t have a color! We are all subject to crooked politicians if we do not inform ourselves of their agenda. We have to be scrupulous! We can’t just form our opinions based on good personalities either. Just because you met a candidate and they were nice to you, does not mean you should give them your vote.
By Questions and Red Flags
June 16, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
CC Voters beware: Several of the school board candidates are being pimped and controlled by self-interest groups and they clearly don’t have our children’s best interests at heart. Glen Dowell has a contract with the Clayton County School system and is running in District 6; also he is one of John Trotter’s boys and being backed by Metro South Realtors. Mary Baker District 6 candidate has no leadership or educational experience; has been endorsed by CCEA. She is one of Sid Thompson’s girls. Mary stop brown-nosing with every black politician in the county; a Hiliary wanna be.
By Realtor
June 16, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Questions and Red Flags:
First of all, you need to get your facts straight. Dr. Glen Dowell has a contract under the federal No Child Left Behind Act and is a vendor through them. He ascertained that contract himself, Not Clayton County. Clayton County Public Schools is ONLY the payment processing entity for the funds. Dr. Dowell has stated on numerous occasion publicly that if there is (which there is not) a conflict of interest, he would take the appropriate measures to remove that conflict on behalf of the Clayton County citizens.
In reference to JT, they both are in the educational field and yes, I am sure that they talk, but we feel comfortable enough with the selection of Dr. Glen Dowell to know that he is not JT and will not allow the disruptions within the board’s pasts to carry on. Dr. Dowell is not part of MACE and has never been a part of MACE. So please know what you are talking about before you say anything, anywhere.
Secondly, what do the REALTORS have to gain, except to increase your property values and to increase the overall wealth of the county? By understanding that the pentacle to improving values whether it be in businesses or homes, it starts with the schools. The REALTORS have given public town hall forums for several years now stating this. We understand that clearly and plan to endorse ONLY the most qualified candidates. We have well over 400 hours of due diligence performed just within the school board race alone. Do you come close? We have a team of REALTORS from all walks of life looking out for their own children and homes. Now, after hearing this, I am asking you to do more than just type a paragraph or two on here, but to actually do your own due-diligence and call and ask numerous sources for the facts, mostly the candidates themselves. I think you would be most impressed by them as you learn of their credentials.
And by the way, you have not mentioned anything about the rest of the slate of candidates that the REALTORS have endorsed. Is it because you don’t know any of them because you have not completed your homework and become an educated voter, or you are completely satisfied with the remainder of the field? If it is the latter, then I say we have done at least what we set out to do, which is to recommend and endorse the most qualified candidates available. If you have anymore questions, I suggest that you call the Metro South Association of REALTORS in Morrow and they will point you to several people to speak with in reference to this. That would be your first step to be more informed.
By Suspicious too
June 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
The Realtors brag about having had an hour and forty-five minute meeting with Thompson. Eldrin Bell says he talks to him everyday and sometimes Thompson calls him at 5am in the morning. These are the new outside influences. Oh wait Bell is a carry over from the old outside influences. Has everyone forgotten how we got here in tne first place? Can you spell land deal? We must elect people who can stand on their own. The realtors are supporting those they can control.
By anonymously anonymous
June 16, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Trotter doesn’t need to do anything, but offer Glenn Dowell something that he wants, and since they are good friends, I’m sure Trotter has already figured out how to negotiate with him. That is influence, and that is exactly what the CITIZENS of Clayton County don’t want. Sure, you want to bring up property values so you can have fatter commissions, but I doubt very seriously that even half of the realtors of the Metro South Association of Realtors even live in this county. STOP trying to tell people what is best for them. We don’t need propaganda forced down our throats.
By anonymously anonymous
June 16, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Qualifications on paper due not equate to integrity!
By REALTOR
June 16, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Suspicious too:
You are fooling no one. You are the same person as Questions and Red Flags. Again I say to you, know your facts. Obviously you do not even know that the only time the REALTORS spoke to the Superintendent was in one meeting. Yes the meeting did last for nearly an hour and a half, and it was all positive. Are meetings with the Superintendent only supposed to last for a certain time limit? I did not know that there was a policy set for time limits with the Superintendent. But regardless, there were no back room deals being made like you would like to think. The meeting was about marketing the county in a positive atmosphere, which by the way was the same meeting that we had with Gloria Duncan and Barbara Pulliam. By marketing us in a positive light, do you think we would be looked at in the manner we are looked at now by the media. I am proud to say that Dr. Thompson has acted upon that by sitting down with certain media outlets and discussing those issues. Dr. Thompson believes as we believe that if we show the media all the positives that this county and our schools have to offer, it would dominate the airwaves instead of the few negatives that do.
The Land Deal had nothing to do with a REALTOR. There was no REALTOR involved. Again, I say if you speak, please know the facts.
So the REALTORS in your eyes are outside influences. We share facts, we volunteer relentlessly, we are the only entity that sponsored any event within the county to try and educate the masses of voters and citizens in the county. We only want the best for this county and we are not afraid to show it. And it is obvious that we need to because you are failing to do YOUR own home work, seeing how your facts are all wrong. And most importantly, we are parents of students and most REALTORS are involved in their child’s schools as partners in education and PTSA and school council members. We are also business owners throughout the county. You forget that the same people that you think are making backroom deals and doing harm to this county are your neighbors and friends. You speak as if you know us, but you hide behind a name on the blogs making accusations that you have not performed your due-diligence on. You gather remarks made by others and you take those and twist it for a juicy statement for all to read hoping that others will think of them as facts. I do not understand the satisfaction you receive from doing this. You do no good to our county by these actions, but yet you still do it.
By Attn; Clayton Parents
June 16, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Funny how people mention John Trotter, yet give a free pass to CCEA President Sid Chapman.
How much does Trotter cost the taxpayers? ZERO. But Sid Chapman has a sweetheart deal that allows him to earn years in the Teacher Retirment System as a “teacher” in ClayCo when in reality he does not teach but rather sits in the comfort and safety of a union office.
Isn’t this a rather questionable arrangement, that nobody in the status quo wants to discuss? Will Sid’s puppets that he endorsed be willing to address the issue if they are elected?
And why should the reader care? Well are you a taxpayer? Well guess who’s retirement you’ll be paying for, a retirement that has been earned in part by NOT teaching? Not John Trotter’s but Sid Chapman’s
And maybe since Chapman doesn’t have to actually teach maybe that’s why he was willing to do GAE’s dirty work and TOTALLY GUT discipline in the system by opposing the MACE sponsored Teachers’ Bill of Rights.
Parents, what do you want when a severely disruptive child is destroying YOUR child’s right to an education? Do you want a policy that allows a teacher to remove the disruptive student or do you want Sid Chapman’s watered down to protect administrators in GAE which only gave teachers the right to “request” a child be removed? (Which means that spineless administrators gave the disruptive child’s “right” to an education more priority than YOUR child’s right to an education?)
Giving teachers the right to remove a disruptive child, (The Teacher Bill of Rights) or taking away the right to remove a disruptive child (Sid Chapman’s idea of “discipline”)
Which policy is unequvocally stronger? You know which, and that’s why the GAE/Sid Chapman apologists won’t answer the question.
By anonymously anonymous
June 16, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Attn: Clayton Parents - Hope you had a good father’s day! Of course, as parent I don’t want someone else’s disruptive child destroying the learning envioronment for mine, BUT a comment against John Trotter does not mean that we support this Sid Chapman. You should voice your concerns about the GAE to the authorities or journalists. I had absolutely no knowledge of MACE or GAE before the Clayton.Talk blog. That means that most Clayton citizen do not know anything about Sid Chapman or how or why he receives his paycheck. If you want to bring attention to this issue, then seek the right outlets.
Also… to everyone… I just want to say that I find it interesting that when someone speaks out against a candidate, someone else always accuses them of not doing their homework. You know the old adage; when you point fingers…
By buyliquoronlinecori
August 20, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
The site www.ajc.com is good resource, respect, owner. And see this [url=http://howdoqj6.netfirms.com/buyliquoronline.html] buy liquor online [/url]