Clayton.Talk

By Stop Worrying

March 2, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

This is the non topic of the year. The decision to yank it-notice, in such a way that no student has actually graduated with a diploma from an unaccredited system-has already served its political purpose.

The decision to restore acceditation-and again notice, it will be, no matter the threats, before any student will actually have to graduate with a diploma from an unaccredited system-has already been made.

It hasn’t been made of course, because there has to be the appearance that the BOE actions were actually the driving force for it being restored. Plus one gets the feeling Elgart and his cohorts are having too much fun watching the BOE perform for them like trained seals.

There may be strings attached, there may be double secret probation, heck there could even be double secret ceremony with the wearing of religious garb, but it will all be driven by the fact that it must be restored by the time this year’s seniors graduate.

It has to be, or else all the anger, and more importantly all the scrutiny of actions and political motivations, turns away from the BOE and straight toward Mark Elgart and Sonny, if those with power and influence have sons and daughters graduating with unacredited diplomas. And that is something Sonny nor Elgart can afford, and something that those of power and influence simply won’t tolerate.

The real question is, is a quality school system within reach? That’s something to worry about, given how easily people have been manipulated on the accreditation issue, and how easily they are manipulated into ignoring the real issues that affect teaching and learning in Clayton County.

So easily manipulated in fact, it wouldn’t surprising if a story broke that the water pitcher at the last BOE meeting was on the right side of the dais instead of the left side, people would ask more questions about that being a potential Robert’s Rule of Order violation, than they do questions about what the BOE is actual doing to improve conditions in the classroom.

And that should make folks worried. Very worried. But given what we’ve seen so far, it’s more likely they’ll just google water pitchers and Robert’s Rules of Order instead and get ready to make yet another show of righteous indignation before going back to sleep-or should that be sheep?

By Stop Worrying

March 2, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Given that there are three other options to full accreditation-accredited advised, accredited warned, or accredited probation-that give Elgart every out possible to justify his decision, do people actually have any doubt that this years seniors will have an accredited diploma? Seriously?

Not to be critical of you personally Kimberly, because I know you have to bring up topics that are of interest to your readers, but really Kimberly, you can’t possibly believe accreditation won’t be restored in some form before the seniors graduate in June, any more than you believe this snowstorm will last until then, can you?

Prediction. Not as set in stone as the stone cold fact that accreditation will be restored, but a pretty good guess that it won’t be full accreditation but either accredited advised, accredited warned, or accredited probation. If for no other fact that Elgart and his cohorts are probably having too much fun watching the BOE perform for them like trained seals.

By WTF?

March 2, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

getting accred. back should be the priority. once that happns if the board doesn’t work on and solve other issues going on in the schools then we elected a group of duds, while its good to see we got 3 outta 4 shots at getting accred. back because it won’t be full and i do believe sonny, Elgard and SACS will give it back because they only took it to expel the last board who wouldn’t quit, what this board does AFTER accred. is restored will show us what they’re really made of.

By Too Busy

March 2, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Kim and Pam: I guess the game has to be played. Accreditation is returning even if John Thompson got naked and ran up Tara Blvd., ran up I-75, and then over to Southern Drive or wherever SACS is located. It is returning. We are already fully accredited with the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). We hope that we can get accredited by the Cephus Jackson-Rod Johnson Accrediting Agency (CJRJAA) soon. I our greatest hope is to become Spivey-Jodeco Certified. Why another crazy search firm? We know whom we want…Dr. Sam King. Just bring him on. Why all of the phoney search cr-p? Why waste more of my money? It is real money, ya know? I hope y’all don’t give Glenn Brock and his firm another penny of my money. Brock graduated from Atlanta Law School — uncertified and now-defunct. Yeah…just hire Dr. King and let him straighten out all of this mess. No search firm. The search firms are responsible for Pulliam and Thompson. How did Hairston end up here? McGarity and Livingston locked down at four votes each with Cindy Cathy abstaining (couldn’t mess up those chicken sandwiches, I presume; she had been a McGarity person). This was in 1995. The results? Hairston…who was another flop. The Clayco boards don’t have a good record (in fact, a sorry record) of choosing supes. Dr. Sam King! Are you guys so stubborn or ignorant that you cannot see the obvioius? Dr. Sam King! Dr. Sam King! Dr. Sam King! Now, I’ve told you who to choose. I am entirely too busy to play with you any longer. You got yourself on this school board. Now, do your thing, Alieka & Gang! We the public are tired of your tentative, scarey ways. Just do it! Should I get a band of mad voters and arrive at your school board meeting room with Dr. Sam King! written all over the signs? Just do it! Quit worrying about the implications and “what will people think?” questions. They will think that he made us choose Sam King. Yes, people are always re-acting to me. Hmmmmmmm. Don’t forget that I was a professional wrestling ring announcer at age 19. You guys are marks. I’m a booker, and you cannot even see it. Kae Faben. I am just playing with you, and you cannot even see it. You’re like a ping-pong ball, getting bounced back and forth. I am very busy for the rest of the day. I leave you now in the good hands of Gir Sunny. “John Trotter, John Trotter. That was John Trotter!” P. S. Stubborn and ignorant board members chose Hairston (Cindy Cathy’s abstention caused this choice), Chavis (Connie Kitchens pushed for him), Pulliam (Ericka Davis’s choice all the way), Duncan (this choice was led by Rod Johnson), Thompson (spearheaded by Scott and Baines-Hunter). JT was opposed to these choices. JT was for Dr. Jim Williams and/or Dr. Sam King. Very simple. Let’s get it out there. Board members (all elected on their own, mind you) got caught up in their own perceived importance and chose these superintendents. JT did not choose them nor did he encourage any school board member to choose them. How is that for being blunt? Now, the choice is clear: Dr. Sam King. Watch this board make another stupid choice…someone who will be as much or more of a failure than the previously mentioned supes. Stubborn & ignorant. “Hey, we will get a search firm [waste more taxpayers’ dollars] and let it choose for us or at least we can cover ourselves when the choice goes wrong” - and it will. I have to run. You folk have a good day, and try not to allow yourselves to suffer while wallowing in too much angst. But, they say that “ignorance is bliss.” I did not call you stupid; I call you ignorant for a lack of understanding. You just don’t know what is going on. You are being bounced (by Lewis, Thompson, Brock perhaps, et al.) back and forth like a collective ping pong ball.

By Kimberly Allen

March 2, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Hi “Stop Worrying” - I do believe we will be accredited in time for graduation. But there are people who don’t believe that or aren’t sure.

I thought this blog would bring some good news for a change, especially for those who may have doubts, keeping folks informed about what’s going on with the process thus far, as well as for those who don’t live in the county but like to beat us in the head with the negatives, and provide the BOE with some positive support and press.

Kimberly Allen

By Betty Jeam

March 2, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Kim, It is very simple. I don’t know why (except for the smoke and mirrors from Thompson and gang) the board cannot see this. Sam King. Boom! Accreditation is back. Simple.

By Kimberly Allen

March 2, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

OK I’ll probably be sorry I asked this question but … who is Sam King & why should he/she be superintendent?

By Stop Worrying

March 2, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

Thank you for responding Kimberly. I know there are people who are worried, but if they take the time think it through-especially since Elgart has three outs to full accreditation-they shouldn’t be.

While I can understand the desire to discuss positives-the mock trial team comes to mind-they more often than not seem to occur despite CCPS, not because of CCPS.

As for the BOE, the only thing I’ve seen them do is be meek and obedient to the whims of Elgart and SACS. But unfortunately, they seem to be every bit as meek when it comes to address the real issues in the classroom-the only place that really matters in the long run.

So, as far as positive press goes, I don’t think they deserve much if any, until they can show they’ve actually done something positive that has a direct effect in the classroom. There are too many current and former teachers on the board to excuse their lack of action.

And speaking of actions,actions that might be unplesant to acknowledge, but would undoubtedly have a positive effect if the BOE would summon the courage to address them-Kimberly, are you still considering that blog on the gang violence and other behavior issues that are a much bigger threat to a quality education than accreditation will ever be?

By Betty Jean 2

March 2, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

Came to Clayton as asst. principal at Oliver ES. Principal at FPMS. Did great job at both schools. Promoted to Central Office. I think that he left as Associate or Asst. Superintendent for the Superintendency of Rockdale County. Was in the State’s Final Four for Superintendent of the Year. He should have been hired long ago by Clayco for the superintendency but the local board wants to go all over the country make a crazy pick (Hairston, Pulliam, Thompson). All were failures here in Clayco. Didn’t and don’t know how to deal with people (staff and teachers) or community (ignorant of the community). Dr. King is from Georgia (both parents were educators in Sumter County). Worked in DeKalb before a stint as an administrator in South Carolina. Very facile, sharp, and knowledgeable of the Clayco Community. It’s an easy choice. Can’t go wrong. He is well-liked and respected in educational circles in Georgia. The Governor, his liaisons, and probably Elgart (does he like anyone?) will be very relieved and satisfied with this choice. But, the school boards are so pitiful. Always making the wrong choices. No time to check typoes. Gotta to run, Kim. Having lunch with Earl and Rev. Bourbon.

By CCPS Solution

March 2, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Get the thugs out of the schools, expell anyone who is suspected of gang affiliation….Have more AP and IB programs…Make the kids speak ENGLISH!!!! not EBONICS…just mirror North Fulton or Cobb’s school system..set a HIGH standard and force them to rise to it.

By Kimberly Allen

March 2, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

Stop Worrying - re: Mock Trial team, I have mentioned them on this blog a few times and every time I did not one poster even acknowledged it. That’s not to say I won’t write on them in the future as they deserve any positive press they can get.

Re: gang blog, I may write that in the future, but while a lot of people admit the problem exists and hate that it does, there aren’t many (actually, none so far except poster(s) on this blog) willing and/or anxious to go on record with their thoughts. I posted my email address on this blog weeks ago inviting anyone who had information or wanted to discuss gang violence on the record to contact me & to date I have not received one single email. Here it is again: kallenis42@yahoo.com

Kimberly Allen

By Stop worrying

March 2, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

Stop the presses! I’ve been wrong about everything. Wrong, wrong, wrong!

It seems there might have been violations with water pitchers on the BOE dais, violations so major that even Elgart can’t overlook them. This is from a workshop on Robert’s Rules of Order on point of privilege.

Example 20b. Delegate A: “… this issue is …”

Delegate B: “Point of Privilege.”

President: “State your point.”

Delegate B: “I would like to have the water pitcher passed down the table.”

President: “Very well. Please pass the water pitcher down the table.”

Don’t you see what this means? What if a board member passed the water pitcher without the point of privilege having been established? My God, it could ruin everything! What if the water pitcher was empty, and a board member handed it to someone to fill up? Don’t you know what that means people?

Outside influences!!!!

Please everybody, remain calm; I’ve got to talk to the Parliamentarian.

By Kimberly Allen

March 2, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

Sigh … I’m out.

Kimberly Allen

By Kimberly's problem

March 2, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Kimberly’s problem, as far getting people to go on the record as far as the gang problem, points to the corporate culture of retailation that faces anybody in CCPS that dares to tell the truth.

For all the people who want to make excuses for this board, by saying gangs and such are an administration problem, one of the very first things this board could be doing is strengthening whistle blower protection for CCPS teachers and staff, so issues like this can be brought to the public’s attention.

The question is, do too many board members have friends currently in administration at CCPS that keep them from doing this?

By 1234

March 2, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

Kimberly, Gangs, disruptive students and crazy parents do run the school system. Employees are afaird to speak up because with the economy everyone needs their job no matter how bad it is working in these schools.

By Count Down

March 2, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

Trotter………….

28 days and counting. Hope you have been stretching out that old back of yours since you will be known as Broke Back Trotter. Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you.

I can deal with your dribble for 28 more days, but know where you’re gonna be going ain’t Brazil.

By MACE will talk

March 2, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

I bet MACE would go on the record Kimberly, and give you all the info you need for an eye opening blog. You can say this, that, and the other about them, but the one thing you can’t say is that there is anybody out there who has been more fearless, and more real, about the disruptive behavior tolerated by CCPS officials, and how damaging to the educational process it’s been.

By 28 days later

March 2, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

28 days from now? Is this some sort month long April Fools Joke?

By BB

March 2, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

To stop worrying - just another Trotter blog name

Actually Clayton just doesn’t give a hoot in HELL what J. Trotter thinks. Trotter is way late to the Sam King bandwagon anyway - funny he never mentioned it over a year ago when the last Super search was done. There was suggestions back then about seeking Sam King - but with the Trotter influenced fools Hunter, Scott, and Haynes - there was not the inclination to persue it.

By MACE IS BROKE

March 2, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

John Trotter is almost done. He has a lil bit o life left but for the most part MACE is broke. Don’t worry, we’ll be Trotter free soon. My good friend janice Scott

By Count Down

March 2, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

No April Fools joke.

The month of April will be no joke for Trotter.

By Forty Acres & A Mule

March 2, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Accreditation should be a charm this time around, because the Negro has surrendered to the whites. The blacks have integrated the BOE with white Pam Adamson and Mary Baker. Now the BOE sits with it hands tied, no power, all their power have been turned over to a white Parliamentarian and a whites hand picked so-called Ethics Commission, headed by that ole white boy Larry O’Keefe. Larry O’Keefe has adjudication over the BOE. Yet he’s not an Elected Official! Yes Accreditation is near, all the BOE have left to do is turn their backs on another black Dr. Thompson. However, Sonny and the State BOE may want to take over Clayton’s School System.

By ,,,^..^,,,

March 2, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

The whites on this Blog, wants this Blog to be a white Blog, a place where Whites can come to post deception, lies and propaganda about “Your Black Elected Officials.” All these whites action are the actions of Republicans and/or Conservative (which means keep things the way they were! Keep blacks beneath the whites, as in second class citizen status).

The whites actually don’t give a damn about you black democrats, your black officials or your black children. They only pretend to give a damn about those Uncle Tom black officials that will give special favors them and turn their backs on the blacks that put them there. Every time I see a blogger that comes on this forum to speak truth, these whites will go out and remove the post. Have at it swine, I will continue. I hope you whites understand this “you’re not fooling black folk”. Don’t worry whites all your action are coming to a head. We have the right people tracking you now.

By SynamonSays

March 2, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this

Interview with BOE Member Michael King can be seen at www.newroadsvideo.com. Sign in and go to archived episodes of “SynamonSays…What do you say? weekly show. Tune in every Friday at 8pm. More information email synamonsays@aol.com.

By Wrong person, right lawsuit?

March 2, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

If government is to be by the people and for the people, the people should have some serious concerns about an unelected and unaccountable to voters board making decisions that override the desires of the electorate.

Unfortunately, since the person bringing up those concerns seems to be searching for a constitutional right to have conflicts of interest, that conversation is probably not going to get the serious consideration it is due.

Pity.

By aksdfja;lsdjf

March 3, 2009 12:49 AM | Link to this

sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king bob hartley sam king sam king sir gunny sam king sam king sam king alieka anderson sam king sam king sam king judy lewis sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king pam adamson sam king sam king sam king sam king sam king

By curious

March 3, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

where’s the guy who always blogs against the trotter fellow? i don’t know his name because he uses 40 to 60 different names each week, but i sort of miss the drama today. trotter is batman and the other fellow is the joker. where is he? kim, there’s only three or four people blogging on here on any given day, but it is the most interesting blog on the ajc. i live in rockdale and look at this blog each day. by the way, i hope you guys don’t steal away dr. king from us. we love him out here.

By Hal Brock, Sr.

March 3, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this

Dear Bloggers,

I would like to know why people are picking on the honorable John Thompson? I like him! He is our distinguished Superintendant and a professional we need to keep.

I find it quite disturbing that many in the Central Office and others are suddenly distancing themselves from John.

Inquiring minds would like to know. ???

By Lotto Man

March 3, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

4,7,19,38,41, 11

You better play these number or you will regret not doing so!

By Clayton Parent

March 3, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Clayton County student that WON the 5th District Spelling Bee and will be competing in the State Competition! Some of the other counties in the 5th district include Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, and Carroll.

By Sammy King

March 3, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

How much wood could a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck a wood chuck?

By Go the distance

March 3, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

If central office administrators, who some consider to be not as far along on the evolutionary scale as cockroaches, yet still, just as likely to survive a nuclear assault on ClayCo, are distancing themselves from Thompson, it’s because they see the same thing you’d see if you left a two year old in an empty room with a box of crayons. They see the handwriting on the wall.

By Congrats for the student, not CCPS

March 3, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

Though I’m sure CCPS would like to bask in the reflected glory of the student who won the spelling bee, that success is most likely the byproduct of the student and family, and was acheived not because of CCPS, but despite of CCPS.

After all does anybody think the Mock Trial team owes its success from taking pointers from the BOE?

By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon, a little sad...

March 4, 2009 1:34 AM | Link to this

Note: Miss Kimberly, I believe that you and/or the AJC management banned the following blog because of my reference to praying for my enemies and how inexplicably efficacious I found this other-worldly exercise to be. I realize how politically correct the AJC tries to be. Therefore, I have deleted my opening paragraph and re-posted the remainder of the blog. Surely there is nothing else within the following which would offend reasonable persons. At first when I realized that you and/or the AJC management had capriciously and arbitrarily banned my message (which is the AJC’s right as a private enterprise, and I am sure that Peter Canfield, Esq., is guiding Cox Communications most effectively and expeditiously), I was initially somewhat irritated, but I usually engage in situational judo (GOOPS…Good Out Of Poor Situations). I thought: The AJC is openly and candidly going through restructuring and would not want to deprive its internet audience from the wells of wisdom which flow from the Good Reverend’s keyboard. So, instead of setting up a competing chatboard (which the Good Reverend is very capable of doing, but which will require that he exert some effort which is already being taxed, especially at The Hosea Williams Memorial Church of World Peace and Reconciliation Beginning in Clayco), I want to make sure that I exhaust all efforts at reconciliation of any possible rift which my previous post may have engendered. Miss Kimberly, I offer this digital olive branch to my Fordham Sister.

ORIGINAL BLOG MINUS OPENING PARAGRAPH I see where Brother “Too Busy” (The Right Reverend “Too Busy” Kingfish) got a few congregants fired up the other day with his postings about Dr. Sam King. Why all the fuss? He is the logical choice, right? He wants to return to Clayco. He was in the Final Four for Superintendent of the Year this year. He wants to come back to Clayco — and that alone ought to account for something. Who REALLY wants to come to Clayco? He is an excellent superintendent by all accounts. Why would a school board go all over land and sea trying to find a “messiah” for the school system? These “messiahs” prove to be false prophets. It is taking me a while to write this blog because I am trying to talk with a sister in Brazil on Messenger while blogging at the same time. She is working at the front desk of a resort hotel while I am blogging, and to think that we had the nerve to name the Right Reverend Kingfish “Too Busy” in Seminary for his perpetual multi-tasking! It seems that I have taken on some of his traits. [I just told my sister that I had to finish this blog and get dressed for another full day.] We’ll be visiting some brothers and sisters in a quaint suburb today. I hope that we do not cause them too much consternation but when Rev. Bourbon is called, he has to respond. It is the old “Macedonian Call.” Let me get back with my sister for a second…She just told me that I was “the best husband in the world!” Oh that all my brothers and sisters would enjoy this same love! She is sweet (doce), beautiful (linda), and smart (intelligente). In fact, some brothers (and sisters) even hate on me for having such a blessing. Those haters from Decatur are the worst…then the ones in Stockbridge (heck, they blog against the Rev. everyday…so much jealousy…they even have him going to prison and his church being broke…oh the power of jealousy) and then the Spivey-Jodeco crowd. This situation reminds me of when Rev. Slick Elrod was in seminary with us. He struggled mightily with both Hebrew and Greek, and his grades reflected this godly struggle. I remember one morning when Professor J. W. Stanley (known widely as the scholars’ scholar, especially in textual criticism, Biblical languages, and hermaneutics) handed out grades (and there was none of this squeamish stuff about affecting someone’s self-esteem by embarrassing them), he said to Slick: “Brother, you know this is Seminary, not Cemetary. Now, arise from the dead and start studying!” Slick was so darn mad that he was about to knock Prof. Stanley all the way back to Bowden Junction. We intervened and got Slick to calm down a little. He finally spoke: “I don’t care what grades I get in seminary. I’m still gonna have the hottest wife and the biggest church!” I might add that Slick also has the highest tithes and offerings each Sunday. He confided in me just last week at lunch that his biggest quandry is why so many other brothers of the cloth hate on him because of his success. Heck, he’s already built three churches (huge!) within a block of their respective beaches in Brazil. He’s worldwide now, baby, worldwide! And, as his friend and fellow pastor, I say: “More power to him!” But, I must add…Slick still can’t decipher Hebrew worth a d-mn. I told him to learn Portuguese. It’s so cool and romantic. To be able to say to your woman, “Eu adoro voce” or “Eu te amo, minha fofinha” is delightful. Yes, the Good Book tells me to delight myself in my woman. Oh, and that Song of Solomon…it’s outright funky, baby! So, Miss Kimberly, I do hope that this rather new lame school board will have the vision to bring in Brother King, but if it doesn’t, it doesn’t affect my life too much. I still got my sister in Brazil. Heedabeedahoohoo!

Postscript for Miss Kimberly: I hope that the Good Reverend hasn’t caused you any hardship. Usually, attorneys tell me that when I am around, they make more money…both plaintiff attorneys and defense attorneys. I think that the goal of any journalistic endeavor is to attract readership (especially for the advertising partners). People will react to the Good Reverend (and his associates, the Right Reverend “Too Busy” Kingfish, Bishop Buddy McCraken, Pastor Slick Elrod, Evangelist Elvis, Kenny the Squirrell, Earl of Cabbagetown/Rex Mill/Ft. Liquordale [the lay prohpet], Rabbi Rubenstein, et al.) negatively or positively, but they will react. Our goal is to inform and entertain — and not necessarily in that order. We write not to be understood but so as not to be misunderstood. Does this make sense? I did not think that it did, but this was actually on the masthead of a religious publication years ago. Let’s try again: “We write because it’s fun.”

By Jborodawg

March 4, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

I think choosing Brock is a positive. I think the search should mainly be local (state-wide). We don’t need another high-priced, big-city “failure”. I don’t think we have to offer extravagant perks to draw a highly qualified super. It seems the BOE has done enough to gain back acred. That is the priority. After that, then work should be diligent on classroom discipline and achievement. Not a bad idea to emulate N.Fulton and Cobb.

By WTF?

March 4, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

I agree that Brock is a good choice and choosing a local/Georgia person as superintendent would be a good choice also IF we can determine who they are/aren’t in cahoots with, we don’t need someone else on the county payroll so to speak who won’t do what’s right for CCPS & it’s kids.

By TrotterHater

March 4, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

Is the John Trotter blog? Opps! I see it is! Guess with MACE dying a slow death, Trotter has nothing better to do with all that spare time.

By Yeah, Riiiight

March 4, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Your goal is to misinform and entertain yourself. MACE is dying a slow death because he spends so much of his time writing blogs, and not enough of his time fighting for his members. Seriously, if all you can do is picket and write letter, then maybe you should consider taking your fight to Washington. That goes over so much better there, you know.

By BB

March 4, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Kimberly, that you and all of Clayton have to put up with the never-ending blowhard rambling of the sad J. Trotter. He even tells us, in his Rev Bourbon part of his possible multiple-personality disorder, who many of his other blog names are ” the Right Reverend “Too Busy” Kingfish, Bishop Buddy McCraken, Pastor Slick Elrod, Evangelist Elvis, Kenny the Squirrell, Earl of Cabbagetown/Rex Mill/Ft. Liquordale [the lay prohpet], Rabbi Rubenstein, et al.” He even mentioned his Brazillian girlfriend. I think JT is a few personalities shy of those attributed to “Sybil”. I wonder if they both had the same tramatic childhood events befall them.

Clayton - now we can go forward. We have a search team in place. We know who we want for SUPER. If we take the right steps as we move forward, accreditation will come back to our schools and our students. As we take these steps and learn from our mistakes, Clayton can be great again.

By Lotto Man

March 4, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

Todays lucky numbers

15-25-33-49-51—12 Mega Millions

783 Pick 3

By John Stewart

March 4, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

Kudos to the board voting 8-0 for Brock.

Clayco needs someone that knows Georgia education and politricks. Major props on this huge step towards obtaining our accreditation again. Alieka, Ms. Burroughs remaining board members……Great Job!!!

After we get accreditation back the next issues to deal with are no bid contracts, student achievement and discipline in the classrooms. Not necessarily in that order.

It’s time to bring it back old school and make Clayton a beacon light school district.

Contracts Let’s remove the decades old practice of no bid contracts and move into the 21st century and put them online for everyone to see. Let everyone see who bid and what they bid. It’s time to remove the county leeches.

Student Achievement Board we have to let teachers teach!! Give them some leeway to be creative in the classrooms and engage our kids. If our children can understand XYY RL Up Down D A B for a Sony Playstation game they can learn.

Discipline The biggest issue that separates Clayton from Fayette is parental involvement. BOE you want to get parents involved then lets deal with the BeBe Kids and the Wannabe thugs how they need to be dealt with. Let’s get a truly functioning Alternative School going. If the kid doesn’t want to learn in the classroom then make them go learn a trade. It is my understanding Clayco had some of the best trades schools at one time. Resurrect them!!

If a child is disruptive in the classroom take his little behind down to the office. Factor something into the mix to make the parent accountable for the childs behavior. If a child elementary/middle/HS is suspended some type of notification needs to go out to a social work agency and or Clayco PD so that they can check the home of the student to see if they have been left at home alone. If so lock the parents behind up. No better way to get a parent concerned about their child and school than making them miss a day at work or risk jail time.

By John Stewart

March 4, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Oh trotter my view of discipline being an issue that needs to be addressed is no way in *ell an endorsement of you.

By Wall of Silence

March 4, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

There are too many current and former teachers on the board to justify the silence on the student behavior issue.

One has to only look at the story on the gang violence at Jonesboro High, and how CCPS and the BOE put up a complete wall of silence, allowing only the system spokesperson to comment.

Compare that to the dance team story at the same school, when suddenly CCPS officials commented, BOE members offered comments, and not one, but multiple spokespersons were made available for comment.

Any coincidence that all these comments just happened to help drive the much more important gang violence story away?

And of course the gullible public went right along with it, preferring to get drunk on their own righteous indignation, as evidenced by one local website that had five times as many comments on the dance team, as they did on the gang violence story.

When the public starts paying attention to gang violence as much as they do dance teams and Robert’s Rules of Order, then maybe the BOE will have no choice but to start adopting policies with real teeth that will address student behavior.

Just because the BOE has put up a wall of silence, doesn’t mean the cursing, threats, and physical assaults aren’t happening.

By Lucky L. Luciano, Th. D.

March 4, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

Dear School Board Acolytes (including TrotterHater, Catlady, Clayton Taxpayer, Jborodawg or whatever name he using at the at any given time): You guys cannot even see a little bit. Glenn Brock? I tried to warn the slow-moving and slow-thinking board. The low price on the “search” is just a “loss leader.” Ole Brock will bring in a buddy of his who will turn around and recommend Brock and his Marietta firm for the position of School Board Attorney. Wait and see. It will happen. In Fulton, he brought James (Jamie Boy) Wilson, a retired Cobb County administrator who in turn recommended Brock & Clay. It’s not too dissimilar than a “Ponzi” scheme-type shenanigan. Boy, now that Wilson guy was a great success. What a cloud he left in. Look him up. They had and still have a mess in Fulton. Yes, this board hires an attorney who just less than a year ago turned on his clients. Now, perhaps the school board (his client) should have resigned in mass, but as the school board’s attorney, this certainly was not Brock’s job to publicly call for such. This was highly unethical, and someone probably should have filed a scorching complaint to the Bar on Brock, but he probably has friends at the Bar. Yes, school board, another pitiful move. This is no search “team.” This is Glenn Brock of Cobb County (with a conflict-of-interest manifestly present) picking Clayco’s next superintendent. Brock & Clay will end up being Clayton’s next school board attorneys. You heard it here first, folks.

Dr. Stanley and I taught most of Trotter’s Sybilian personalities at St. Louis’s Jealous of MACE Seminary. We are both pleased to see that Dr. Trotter and his Sybilian Gridiron Brotherhood of Pseudo Religious Leaders took to heart our earnest teachings that you never respond to a fool. We also see that he quite clearly recognizes that “jealousy is a powerful emotion.”

Miss Kimberly, I have to run. Teaching at St. Louis’s JMS has me getting home past 11:00 PM most nights and watching the re-runs of O’Reilly, AC 360, Ernest T. Bass, and Fresh Prince while imbibing on some “the corn and wine.” Your good theologian cannot blog until the wee hours or the late hours of the morning. My first class is 1:00 PM each day. As the senior tenured professor (with a few influential relatives out of Chicago), I seem to have my pick of the schedule. Hey, does anyone know this Larry O’Keefe fellow? He says that he is from Clayco. He’s in my Elementary Ethics class. I also have a Bob Harley in Board Boosterism 101. I don’t know how I got lassoed into teaching this course. Anyway, I have to run. Your friend, Lucky L. Luciano, Th. D. P. S. I redacted several things that I had written…I am trying to be The Great Reconciler like Henry Clay was The Great Compromiser. Heedabeedahoohoo!

By Yeah, Riiight

March 4, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Nothing is funnier than watching Trotter make fun of himself.

By Having fun...

March 4, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

I am enjoying this board more and more. Keep it up!!!

By Brock's Recent Inverview with Sam King

March 4, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Brock: Dr. King, are you sure that you can operate independent of Dr. Trotter?

Dr. King: Why, shucks, Mr. Wiseman Brock, I don’t know. He’s the real svenghali, the puppeteer who controls everything in Clayco — even installed Mr. Alex in as the County’s Chief of Staff. How can I work independent of Dr. Trotter? I read in the News/Daily that he has “hypnotic powers.” I don’t know if I could shake his ever-present influence.

Mr. Brock: Well, it is true that John is considered by many marks in the County as “the omnipotent ruler of Clayton County,” but we feel that with herculean efforts on your part that you might be able to at least walk down the hall on 5th Avenue without him directing your every move. We will start off by you gently and quietly walking down the stairs to retrieve a Coke in the breakroom. We will start off with baby steps. Do you think that you can do this?

Dr. King: Well, I don’t rightly know now, Mr. Brock. Let me call Dr. Trotter and ask if this is O. K. with him. If he says “O. K.,” then I will try. Could you ask Mr. Rod Johnson if he will lend me his organizational chart which he was pushing on Dr. Duncan her first day on the job? I might need that chart. And, while you are at it, would you ask Ericka Davis to teach me how she micro-managed the school system via her State email system? I know that Mark Elgart will not mind because he just passed over these egregious actions when he issued his SACS Report.

Mr. Brock: Well, I will talk with Mark. He is my good buddy. He and I, along with Brad and Bostic, are teaming up on the links at East Lake on Saturday. When we have lunch in the Clubhouse, we will finalize our plans for Clayco. I think that Eldrin and John D. will meet with us too. I think that John D. might want to put another dump in Clayco…near Lake Spivey or is that Lake Jodeco? But, I will check for you.

By Omerta

March 4, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Hey, Brock, why did you publish the interview…or were you the one who published it? Never let anyone outside of the Family know what you are really thinking. It’s Tessio. He was always the smart one.

By Rev billy bob Whiskey

March 4, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

MACE is on the way out. Trotter is impotent as the eunuchs of ancient Egypt. And daily, Trotter getting crazier than a Junebug. They say talking (writing )to yourself is not that bad, but answering yourself (as JT does on this blog)is a sign of instability. But most of us who have been close to the man coulda told that long ago. There are doctors for this sort of ailment - Please seek their advice. You can be helped. With GOD - all things are possible.

By Where the folks from the other website?

March 4, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

Where are all the people from that other forum who like to come on here comment on the comings and goings at CCPS? They got a real donnybrook going on over there right now. You know the one; it’s sponsored by DAM-Mothers Against Dyslexia.

By Monsignor Junebug

March 4, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

Just got through planning the largest Clayco Tent Revival that has ever occurred. Met with Rev. Bourbon, Pastor Elrod, Bishop McCracken, Evangelist Elvis, Earl (he’s upset that his cousin Elvis still won’t talk with him), The Right Reverend Kingfish, and others. Oh, yes, after the real meeting, we had a faux meeting and let the wannabes (like Rev. Whiskey) come to this meeting. But, the real business was conducted in the first meeting. We assigned the grunt work like putting up the huge tent to lightweights like Rev. Whiskey. I don’t know why Bishop Newton and Rev. Glanton ordained this fellow. He bores the peewadden out of any church audience when he is given the opportunity to substitute preach when the real pastor is out of town. In his trial sermon, eight (8) passed out — not slain in the spirit but bored to sleep. Poor Rev. billy bob Whiskey…he seems upset that he was assigned to Tent duties — not unlike the Outer Court. He just can’t be trusted. We’re going to assign him to the Children’s Tent when the Revival occurs. The children need chaperones. I tried to make him feel better by telling him that St. Paul was a tentmaker. You can’t keep him around with his pathology, you know. At this Revival, Sister Alieka Anderson will present to the Clayton County public the new superintendent, Dr. Sam King, and the new school board attorney, Glenn Brock.

By E Z $ Brock

March 4, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, dude, dem Dead Presidents are E Z in Clayco. Clayco “Chedda” Cheeze, baby! I like dat grana. Ohhhhhh, dis trip’s gonna be E EEEEEEE Z ZZZZZZZZ! I’m dealin’ wit Lieka! Yes, Lieka, my booooooooooooo! Roses are red, Thompson is blue, The chedda is EZ, and Lieka’s my Boo!

By PhotoShop

March 5, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this

Let me draw you a picture…Pam Adamson >>> Glenn Brock >>> <<< Mark Elgart = Sam King, Superintendent + Glenn Brock’s Firm, School Board Attorneys. Sorry, JohnBoy, but that’s how we do it or have it done to us in Clayco. Sam King >>> good. Glenn Brock >>> no good. Judy, you were always just a bit player in this SACS Drama. The Big Boys were going to determine the outcome the whole time. They finally got a naive, compliant chairperson in the chair’s seat who could be manipulated. Judy and JohnBoy, you probably thought that you were doing a swell job on Lieka, but you simply did not have the Gold Medal (Accreditation). The Big Boys have the Gold Medal. (Rod and Cephas willingly gave it to them.) You think that Gov. Blog of Illinois is the only one who knows when he has something worth something? H-ll to the Nah! That $700 Million school system budget is something to note. It’s a bonanza for a law firm which already literally makes millions off several Georgia school systems. Go in there low ball all search firms and then end up being the school board attorneys. Easily can rack in well over 1/2 million dollars per year off the Clayco taxpayers. No wonder Fincher & Denmark keep hanging around, wanting to at least pick up some crumbs. No hatin’ on them; just explainin’ how it works to Lieka & Gang. Someone has to break it down to them, even if we have to draw pictures. Come on, Lieka, you grew up on the Westside. You ought to have more street sense than this.

By Rev billy bob Whiskey

March 5, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

Nice going - Trotter. It would be a cold day in HELL before I would help you and your multi-personalities to anything other than a free ride to the mental institution. At least there you would be surrounded by those who care to listen to your ramblings. Of course, they are all in your head - but that help save money for the hospital on food and bedsheets. Remember to look over your shoulder ever once in a while, the man with the net is getting closer.

By the Glorious Crazy One

March 5, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

They’re coming to take me away, HA HA!

They’re coming to take me away!

By PHJ

March 5, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

I think they better hurry.

By Still waiting

March 5, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

Still waiting for someone to point out the first specific proposal that has a direct, tangible benefit on the day to day instruction in the classroom.

You can talk about some things the BOE has done, and you can even say they may have been right. But there are too many people on the board with actual classroom experience, to not know what the real issues are.

Following Robert’s Rules of Order isn’t worth squat if the BOE, won’t address disorder in the classroom, especially the disorder that is caused by not having policies that support teachers when it comes to students who choose to bring chaos.

And when you choose a wall of silence over addressing an issue, even if you don’t have the capability to fix it immediately, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

By Father McKenzie

March 5, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

billy boy, my son, please do not hold so much bitterness toward your fellow humans. It’s not good for you, my son. Bitterness and jeaslousy will eat up your insides. Thy hatred for anyone will only belittle you and make you brittle. Joy is contagious. Merriment is the medicine of the soul, as the Good Book says, my son. Good hearty laughter each day actually is better than running several miles. I recommend a good book for you, None of These Diseases by Norman Cousins. Yes, my son, please consider the light-hearted side. I would give you more specific advice concerning thy bitterness, but I do not want to violate any AJC blog policy relative to religion. Please call my office and ask Sister McLaren to set you up a regular schedule for thy Confessions. Go thy way my son and partake of the Tree of Joy.

Now, I have to run to see the Parliamentarian with the Clayco School System. I am asking him to be less ostentatious in his perpetual whipsering in Sister Alieka’s ear. I am going to suggest an ear piece. I think it would be better if he sat on the balcony. Then he could see the full array of what is happening and whisper into to Sister Alieka’s ear piece. Brother Bob could sit with him and help him — sort of like Loran Smith did for Larry Munson those many years. “Bob, Whatta ya got?”

I also want to sit with Brother Thompson. He is feeling dejected and blue knowing that the game is being played all around him. I will sit with him. The ministry of presence. After we sit for several hours, then we will call and see if Brother Bell will consent to meet with us. Brother Bell was engaging in the Ministry of Presence so well several months ago. Brother Thompson feels abandoned. I have encouraged Deacons Cox, Plenty, Berry, Norris, and others to call Brother Thompson on a regular basis to lift his spirits. There’s nothing like eating a hearty meal together at Butch’s Chicken House Restaurant.

I will meet with Brother Sam at the Tavern at Phipp’s later this afternoon. After lunch, we will go across the street to Lenox and check out the lastest suits at Brooks Brothers. If Brother Sam is to be named the next Clayco Supe, then he will be flashed all over the media and has to be looking sharper than Brother Ray J. and Brother P. Diddy. Oops, my phone is ringing…Oh, it was just Homer O’Dell, one of the worst heel (bad guy) managers or some early years. He finally saw the light and became a Baby Face. He helps the Diocese in any worthy project which comes along. See, my son billy bob, there is even hope for Brother Trotter. Please cast soft stones, if any. Make thy stones of Dough.

By Jimmy Genius

March 5, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

yeah right jhon tortter worte that!!! I can ceciper when he write somthing. I am a linguestt/ huh he is tying ot foool us. He aa foool hmself!!!

By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon

March 5, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

Congregants: I must say that all seems quiet on the western front. Judge Deborah hasn’t made a ruling on the Bell-Starr case yet, has she? I have been so busy, and I thought perhaps I missed something. I think she will side with Eldrin Bell (not exactly her favorite person because of his antics with the judges’ raises before the legislature a couple years back) but her questioning in the initial hearing seems to indicate her leaning. But, you can never rely on this. It boils down to this: Does she want Wade Starr running the county or Eldrin Bell? Eldrin is the darling of the Spivey-Jodeco crowd, but Alex is of the caucasian persuasion. Oops. I mentioned race, and I surely know that none of this sordid and cynical thinking ever enters into the purest minds of jurists sitting on the hallowed benches of Clayco. I rebuke me! Shame on me! I will sit in sackcloth and ashes (after I rent my clothes, of course) for the rest of day. (It is Lent, anyway.) This issue before Deborah, the Homecooking Judge of Clayco, is somewhat vexing for her. For whom should she cook? The political future lies with whom? Who could best help Deborah and her white colleagues in the robes? A real quandry. Eldrin is 73 or 74. Eldrin is a push-over but how long will he “serve”? Deb and other jurists are afraid of Wade (and rightly so because Wade tends to hold grudges, and he showed his hand with the Alex move). Deborah, rely on that passage from Micah — or was that Amos? — when you first ran for judge in 1990. Oh, how things have changed. You first run for office with the purest of motives, and then you decide cases based on political considerations and aspirations. And, Deborah, why does Judge Matt always assign the tough boogers to you? I think that I know why. Hey, your good Reverend has to go. Meeting Chollie and Frank for lunch at Longhorn on Mt. Zion.

P. S. Sam’s coming home. Good.

By About Goofball

March 5, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

The comments from the Right Reverend “Too Busy” Kingfish, Bishop Buddy McCraken, Pastor Slick Elrod, Evangelist Elvis, Kenny the Squirrell, Earl of Cabbagetown/Rex Mill/Ft. Liquordale and others he creates seems to be from a retired Clayton County teacher who might just have a child who is a current teacher in Clayton. Does anyone remember the old forum on News Daily? Have fun Earl - your posts are getting quite boring.

By WeSeeYou

March 5, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this

Roberta Abdul-Salaam (D-Riverdale) A dead beat taxpayer. A great time for her to resign from office, or be removed! http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/03/05/backtaxeslegislature.html?cxntlid=homepagetabnewstab

By Priorities

March 5, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

Is it really progress to remove a BOE member for a conflict of interest, when at the same time we allow students who physically assault teachers to remain in the room?

By BB

March 5, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

He is a retired schoolteacher. Sad - Mad - head of MACE. Why does Trotter have such a propensity for the religious titles in many of his blog names lately. Maybe a messiah complex is now in the wings - he could be right up there with Yahweh-Ben-Yahweh. I guess now those few misguided teachers who still contribute to MACE can see what their money actually gets them. Zilch.

By Why is there a MACE?

March 5, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

What does MACE do? Really kids are kids. They may sneak a piece of gum now and then, or write a note to a classmate, but why do you need a union for that?

It’s not like these kids are bad or anything. Other than the fact they don’t pull up their britches, which a uniform policy will take care of, it’s not like anybody in CCPS has ever said behavior issues are a major concern.

Seems like people are making up a problem where there isn’t one.

By Cardinal Madding Barbosa

March 5, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

Although I type fast, I can only spend a quick second here. Too many noble protests in all of the Dioceses, a big mailing going on as I type, and the usual parishioners wanting to come talk each evening. I talked to Padre Racetrack this afternoon, and he told me that the little situation with the Church of the Front Office Information Center has long since been dispatched of. Deacon Tessio and Deacon Michael as well as Evangelist Pam are no longer within sight. Bishop Noggins and Pope John IX took care of this sordid situation. The last that we have heard from Minister BABY, he kept muttering, over and over: “I love it!”

The superintendcy sistuation appears to be under control as well. With Alieka on training wheels (with Bob tagging along beside her to keep her from falling). We see Glenn Brock swirving up and down Tara Boulevard in his yellow Corvette care free with the top down. Sam has been told to just sit tight and let the public think that a real search took place. Yes, Sam King is coming home! With the money that Brock & Clay is going to make (close to $1 million per year), the firm ought to throw a huge party for all Clayco marks at the Beach. Gotta run. Too much happening here at the Parsonage!

By Is this the same guy...this MACE Hater?

March 5, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Who is the guy or lady who keeps blogging against MACE like he or she has no life? Is it the same guy who was listed at one time as MACE’s Communications Director — the same guy who essentially begged for MACE pickets against his principals? Boy, he seems to have an ax to grind. I heard that Trotter won’t give him the time of day now and that he is quiet as a church mouse at his school. This is funny.

By Easy Answer...

March 5, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Suppy and demand, my son. Supply and demand.

By Minister E. Theo Summitt

March 6, 2009 2:16 AM | Link to this

Kim: You asked a good and common question. Will accreditation return to Clayco? Yes, of course. This whole thing was about control. It is hype. Sure, there were many faults within the system; however, this is true for all large school sytems, more particular in urban systems with the more stressful problems. But, when you have characters like Cephas Jackson and Rod Johnson who of their own volition turn over Clayco’s sovereignty to rapacious politicos who will use this opportunity everytime to exploit the situation for filthy lucre, then nobody can be blamed except these two certainly misguided but also foolhardly souls. Who would dare do something like this — except that perhaps they thought it would bring them fame and/or some fortune? It is simply unfathomable.

SACS certainly now had a system which it could publicly flaggelate to demonstrate to the other thousands of school systems in America that it did indeed have some teeth somewhere in its baited mouth. If an accrediting organization had not de-frocked a school system in nearly 40 years, then it made school systems wonder if SACS and its affiliates had ANY teeth at all. Wow! What a gift both Cephas and Rod gave to SACS. Served to SACS on a proverbial silver platter. Let’s metaphorically stone to death this beleagured school sytem, and we can then hold this poor school system up for exemplirary purposes. People like Bob, the DADS guy, and others will certainly jump in there for hopeful political gains, fanning the fan of recalls, staging unsuccessful rallies, and so forth. This will be widely noted by the wire services and thus serve as warnings to other systems. Yes, Kim, Clayco was just used. Used and abused. It will receive its almighty SACS accreditation back (and local like Bob H. will jump up and down and toot Lieka’s horn when the whole episode has been methodically planned and orchestrated, despite anything that Lieka, Jesse, Ms. Burroughs, Baker, Pam, Bivins, Smitty, or Trinia and Michael do).

Kim, you are still very young (compared to people like me), and you will see the older you become that so much of life (especially public life) is about hype. The decisions are made in private (outside the scrutiny of the public eyes), but the play has to take place on the public stage. The gullible audiences have to be stimulated and satisfied. This SACS play is winding down. It has served its purpose. Now, school systems are more afraid of SACS. Glenn Brock and his firm will become the school board attorneys. Sam King will be appointed superintendent. The latter is a good thing because Sam should have been appointed years ago, but the old school boards thought that they had to find a savior many miles from home. Remember: A small spert 40 miles from home becomes an expert.

Mark Elgart, Cephas Jackson, Rod Johnson, Ericka Davis, and Eldrin Bell did a great disservice to Clayton County. Selfish human beings. I hope that they are proud.

By TrotterDowellHater

March 6, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

Does anyone really read the garbage, like the post above this one? Didn’t think so!

By About Goofball

March 6, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

It is sad that we have Earl and all of his personalities dominating this board. I do not believe he is John Trotter, but some retired teacher who has nothing better to do during the day than write stupid comments that no one has an interest in. Please go away - you were disliked on the News Daily Forum (got it cancelled) and you are not liked on this one. Get rid of your Messiah complex and go back to what retired people are supposed to do in Ft. Lauderdale - play bingo and shuffle board.

To all other mature adults who would like to have a real honest discussion on how to improve Clayton County from the school system to the elected officials, let’s take this board back from Goofball.

By Politics

March 6, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Where was the garbage post above wrong? Are there people out there that really believe that people like Rod Johnson were trying to do their best for Clayton? Are their people out there who really think SACS didn’t use the situation to their own advantage? Are their people out there who really believe politics didn’t drive this, and that people haven’t used this for political gain?

By BREAKING NEWS

March 6, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN BREAKING NEWS THE BOARD WILL HIRE BOB HARTLEY AS THOMPSONS REPLACEMENT MORE TO COME

By Mojo Mist

March 6, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

I think this blog needs to be shut down. I don’t recall anything ever being constructive with exception of Kimberly’s articles/announcements. As a Clayton County resident, I will be asking the AJC to remove it but keep Kimberly’s weekly articles coming. If needed, a poll can be added.

By whatever.

March 6, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

I think the AJC should put a voting system on the posts here. you know up. down. flag as offensive. And of course one vote per e-mail address. (notice I did NOT say screen name.) It works for the vent and for Yahoo Answers. It should work for this.

By whatever.

March 6, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

Oh and there should be one that says remove as this post is off topic. Having said that I really don’t know if we will get our accreditation back. And I am surely not holding my breath until we do. Sometimes the things happening at the BOE are enough to make you shake your head at the stupidity.

By How do people not get this?

March 6, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

How do people, after reading everything on this blog, actually believe there’s a snowball’s chance in you know where that accreditation will not be restored in time for this year’s seniors to graduate?

Honestly, the BOE could recreate the dance routine of the Jonesboro dance squad, perform it for patrons of the Pink Pony, and make a DVD called BOE Gone Wild, and SACS would still restore accreditation.

Until people start to understand that, and start to understand that quality education comes not from following Robert’s Rules of Order, but from allowing teachers to restore order in the classroom, people are going to continue to get a dog and pony show.

Support the dog and pony show all you want if it will help your self esteem to keep ClayCo out of the news. But don’t complain when your child’s education smells more of feces than quality.

By More discipline coverup

March 6, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

CCPS was all mouth when it came to publicizing the dance team; all the more better to drive the real story-gangland violence at the same school-out of the media spotlight.

But now that that has served its purpose, CCPS, as they do to teachers all the time, is more than willing to ignore the Attorney General’s advice and break the law in regard to the tribunal hearing over the incident and bar media and citizens from attending.

At least the administrator got a hearing. Too bad many of the teachers who have been physically assaulted in the schools don’t get the same courtesy.

By Rev. Twila Racetrack

March 6, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

Dear Friends,

I do declare. I believe that Rev. Bourbon and his colleagues have gotten under the skin of the Joker (the Anti-Trotter) who likes to dominate this chatboard when the Rev. and his friends are not around. Talking about boring, I must say that I had rather watch paint dry or go to a pond-draining than to read the excrutiatingly boring blogs of “catlady,” “oh please,” “whatever,” and the dozens of other monikers used by this same person who always painfully pleads with Miss Kimberly to take the other chap off. The other chap never asks Miss Kimberly to remove any blog or blogger. He is not afraid of the free exchange of thought or the market place of ideas. And, this “retired teacher” or “Trotter” or whoever he or she is who allegedly wrote under the pseudonym of “Earl” on the News/Daily blog certainly by far had the most responses from the readers. I think that on one topic alone (that board was set up whereby the bloggers themselves came up with topics), the responses dwarfed other bloggers’ topics by 30 to 1. It was a blow-away.

I think that Lieka & Gang are going to be O. K. Lieka is sweet, smart, and funny. She is just inexperienced as a board member like all of the board members on the school board are now. You cannot buy experience; it will come in time. We will be patient. Jesse and Pam have a lot of moxey, and they will be a great asset to this board. Ms. Burroughs, another educator (taught for years at Jone-buh High), has that quiet type of leadership, but don’t underestimate her or mess with her. She’s got a tough streak in her. The board will be O. K. if they simply not let un-elected people (under the guise of helping them) lead them around like they are helpless. I agree with Jesse on this simple matter. The board members were elected to lead, and they do not have to appear helpless in the matter. This is what makes the community lose confidence in them. The board members need to LEAD. We don’t need a Marietta law firm leading this board, and this is what happens with Brock & Clay. This firm will not simply answer legal questions; I think that this firm will be trying to lead and control the school board. What? Are there no competent lawyers in Clayton County to be of legal counsel for the school board?

Now, Lieka, draw upon that Astro Pride and go forth in leadership! Lieka, Lois, and Valencia are all graduates of Doug. They have to draw upon that abolitionist spirit…ever conquering, never cowering.

Now, I have to run. Meeting with Bishop Ramsey in DeKalb. Take care, my commnunity chaps. Your newest lady of the Clayton Cloth, J. Twila Racetrack.

By Oh please

March 6, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Well, all is truly lost. How does a board attorney choose to violate the open meetings act? How soon can we get this Lewis lady out? Granger might be a little too fanatical and showy, but Lewis has gone too far!

By Yeah, Riiight

March 6, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

That’s it, Trotter. Just dance around ‘offensive’ and maybe noone will bother to try to have your comments removed. You always come on this blog and try to convince people that the sober-minded individuals who post here are the same person. I don’t care what name or title that you try to give yourself. You are a fraud and a phoney. You try to sell distorted perceptions as reality when you are so far from the truth. The only power you have anymore is the power to confuse. You aren’t even good at manipulating people anymore. Can’t you find something better to do?

By George of Lovejoy

March 6, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, “Yeah Riiight” (and all of your other very lame names): Why are you such a whiner? All you ever do is whine!!! Get over it. I believe what they say about you…you don’t even live or work in Clayton County!!! You are the one, if any, who needs to go!!! You belly-ache and cry all of the time!!! Trotter or whoever is writing under those pastor names is funny and entertaining. YOU are not. Not. Why be so jealous? Give it up and give us a break!!! But, it is somewhat funny because you do act like The Joker vis-a-vis Batman.

By Wilma J. Dancer

March 6, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

I got so excited when I saw Twila Racetrack on this blog. I went to undergraduate with her at the University of Miami. (How ‘bout them Canes!) I heard that Twila had gone into fashion design or merchandising. Next thing I hear, she was at Cander School of Theology at Emory. She was always smart. She’s Padre Racetrack’s youngest daughter. I’m excited that she is here in Clayton County. She’s a real sister. Although she is Latina, she still pledged Delta at the U. She can be a great resourse for the school board. I’d hate to see her go after that Mark Elgart. She would turn that arrogant Alpharettian every way but loose! She’s a fireball! Oh, Kim, by the way, I did my graduate work in Manhatten…guess where? You’ve got it — Fordham U!

By Tman

March 6, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

The CC schools board is violating another law today, having a closed door tribunal with a assist. principle is against the law and may hurt the ability to receive accreditation. The Asst. attourney general warned them not to do it, but as always the board feels they are above the law and will not have the best interest of the kids at heart. Why would they risk whats at stake by having an illegal closed door tribunal?

By Andy from North Fulton

March 6, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Is this just a blog where Clayton’s Religious leaders get together to talk and get completely off of subject. No one cares out side of Clayton if your schools get accredited just dont close down the Airport!

By Hah

March 6, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

Andy:

Please ignore the insane rantings of a hypocritical, self-righteous, over-energetic fool!!!

By Yeah, Riiight

March 6, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Does anyone notice how he stopped using bold type after one blogger described his posts as garbage? He thinks that by posting his delusions with his various personalities’ different pseudonyms that he might just convince the one random person who has never been here before and is uninformed about the situation that his version of things is reality. What he hopes to gain by this is not really clear? He claims its just for his own amusement and sometimes he can get a chuckle, but in the end, he is just looking to misinform and confuse some innocent soul. Most of the regular bloggers just ignore him.

By BB

March 6, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

Now with his Rev Twila personality coming out - it makes you wonder just how close were John Trotter, Noreese Haynes, and Glenn Dowell - back in the day.

By Black Rain

March 6, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Hmmm. too much information there BB.

Why don’t we set up a blog page for Mr. Trotter and all his many personalities? Make it so only he can add comments and all of us only be able to read it. This white man could keep account of the hits it gets to satisfy his ego and we then could go forward with business at hand.

WE know that most of the religious titles on here and the race-baiting and the personal ridiculing are coming from this one source. Give him a playground all his own. Just not this one.

By Boldface garbage

March 6, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

Even if the boldface garbage post doesn’t tell the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say, is there anything really inaccurate about the part of the story it does tell? Surely no one thinks that Rod Johnson went to SACS out of concern for the students, and surely no one thinks that SACS isn’t capable of playing politics with accreditation do they?

By No excuse

March 6, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

For all the people who were making excuses for the BOE and their wall of silence on student behavior, saying it’s really up to CCPS administration to follow policy, today’s actions show why the BOE must be held accountable.

Once again CCPS shows a complete willingness to violate tribunal law, this time against an administrator. Why you should care is that most times this happens to a teacher, a teacher who has been threatened or assaulted, and when these children are returned to class with only a slap on the wrist, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out the damaging effect it has on the day to day operation of the classroom.

The BOE may not be geniuses, but too many of them have direct classroom experience to know that it is not enough to just have policy. If CCPS won’t enforce the policies that promote a sound learning environment, then it’s up to the BOE to make sure there are real consequences for failing to do so, not just throw a wall of silence up around it.

By UGA 8

March 6, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

Kim Please discontinue this blog! It serves only to divide and confuse by the bloggers!

By Earl of Ft. Liquordale

March 7, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Folk: I have had a ball all week looking at this blog with Abe and Eli. Abe and Eli have the biggest gambling bonanza going on here in the condo on the question of whether the Clayco school board will hire Dr. Sam King of Sumter County originally. The odds are now are 6 to 3 that he becomes Clayco’s next superintendent. Abe and Eli figure that they will rake in bets which will profit them in excess of $20,000.00. The brothers are excited, and their wives are even getting into it, knowing that such a net will result in a Carnaval Cruise.

Brother and Sister Gutfoot recently moved down here in October. They hail from Jonesboro where they lived off Wright’s Circle (actually Brenda Drive). I taught with Brother Gutfoot at Forest Park High School under Milton McDonald and Fred Amick for several years before Fred Smith stole me away to teach and coach tennis at Jonesboro Sr. High before I retired. Brother Gutfoot grew up in Atlanta’s Westend and attended Brown High School where so many of Clayco’s folk went to high school before moving to Clayco. (For the old folk, you will recall that Dee Dee Baker who headed up Special Ed. graduated at Brown as well as Lee Howell and Joe Roundtree.) Brother Gutfoot’s family made it out of Cabbagetown, but my family never made it out. I went to West Georgia on a Rehabilation Scholarship (due to my polio) and arrived in Clayco in 1967 to teach. I have loved Clayco ever since. We grew up on Carroll Street right off of Boulevard. Our house is still standing and is now a rental house. It is located right around the corner from Little’s Grocery.

Moving to Clayco with a decent wage was like moving to Paradise. Harry W. Brown and I grew up together in Cabbagetown. He started his first chiropractic center at the old Arrowhead Shopping Center, and now he and his sons have Brown Arrowhead Clinics all over the metro area. Harry’s sons went to Morrow High and played football there.

I love Clayco. The Mrs. and I still own our home in Rex Mill. Mr. Edmonds hired me, but MY superintendent was always Earnest. Earnest Stroud was a man, and a heck of a superintendent, and I judge ALL superintendents by him. He’s the standard. I hated to see him retire in January of 1987 when Joe Lovin took over. Watching superintendent races and picks are better than watching a Frazier-Ali fight, the Kentucky Derby, or the Daytona 500. It’s just in my blood. Clayco politics has always been a blood sport, but the AJC and other institutions just do not understand. It’s a Clayco thing.

Abe and Eli watch Channel 24 even down here in Ft. Lauderdale. (Eli pays for 323 channels on his suped-up satellite.) We love Alieka. She’s a Clayco Dame. We love her! We hope that one day that she will develop her public spunk so much that she will remind us (well, I will have to tell Abe and Eli) of the irascile Margaret Haynie who chaired the board and ruled it with an iron fist in the 1970s and early 1980s. Mrs. Haynie had a raspy voice, and you knew not to challenge her. Of course, she was tightly connected. Rep. William J. (Bill) Lee’s mother was the daughter of B. C. Haynie. Bill served in the House for 40 years, a standing record to this day. He could have served many more years but he promised to buy a house in the Eagle’s Landing Country Club for his patient wife Mary. Bill was Chairman of the House Rules Committee for years and was Speaker Murphy’s best friend. He was and is a piece of work. We want to see Alieka Anderson to become the new Margaret Haynie.

We don’t have a lot to do here in Liquordale, but we do resent that whiney guy suggesting that we just play bingo and shuffle board. Heck, we already have planned how we are going to slip away to the beach on Las Olas and across from the Bahia Mar to check out the spring break babes. We will act like we need to fish for some bait during the day so that we can hook some big snooks off of the 14th Steet Bridge at night. And, as always, we keep up with Clayco politics (school board, Eldrin Bell and Wade Starr and their stand-off, constant Riverdale City squabbling, etc.) which is more interesting than watching old episodes of the Sopranos. Abe and Eli figure out a way to develop a gambling scheme on Clayco politics wherein at least 40% of the residents of the condo actively participate by wagering money, and the other 60% still follow. The residents’ favorite Clayco star is still Victor Hill. When he came to South Florida sheriffs’ convention in Hollywood (between Ft. Liquordale and Miami), I invited him to the condo, and lo and behold, he acutally showed up. The older ladies almost cried. They still talk about him. They love him! They tell me that their “little sheriff” is real but “that Bell feller is sneaky.”

Brother Gutfoot and Freda (Sister Gutfoot) tell us that their sources (and I don’t want to reveal these sources lest I influence the gambling ring) tell them that the Clayco School Board is leaning toward Dr. Sam King. Dr. King would certainly be the smart choice. He is very professional, a sharp administrator, knows the Clayco Community, and knows how to treat people. I know Sam. Well, I met him on two occasions. My friends who retired after I did say that he’s a young version of Mr. Stoud but without Earnest’s stubborness. They say that the community will love him. Although the Mrs. and I live nearly 700 miles south of Clayco for most of the year, we still love Clayco and hope that the school board will make the smart choice. We need a benevolent King for our school system.

By Minister E. Theo Summitt

March 7, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Rev. Bourbon is rather distraught today. We ministers had our Monthly Ministerial Meeting (MMM) at IHOP on 138 this morning. The ministers were aghast that the Clayco school board once again was led by their Esquire(s) into Eternal Ridicule. Rev. Bourbon told the group: “Just when we thought that the board was turning the corner, this happens and it’s splashed all over the media. Can they not read? Why can’t our folk on the school board just buy a copy of the laws relating to the public schools in Georgia and see for themselves what the law says about open meetings?” Rev. Bourbon asked me, “Theo, could you call LexisNexis and order one volume for us ministers, and I will pay for it?” Rev. Bourbon was real down. I have never seen him this down. He kept muttering, “How could they do this?” Father McKenzie and Pastor Elrod almost answered simultaneously that the board members were listening to attorneys who have hidden agenda instead of using their own brains. Evangelist Elvis piped in: “Didn’t this same Glenn Brock fellow as well as Mark Elgart and other SACS officials meet with the old school board behind closed doors and were called out about this?” Monsignor Junebug and Rev. Twila Racetrack both said that an investigation ought to be launched about who advised the school board to further jeopardize the children by again egregiously violating the Georgia Statute relative to open meetings. Was it Attorney Julie Lewis and/or Superintendent Thompson? Was it Glenn Brock or some other attorney? Or, do they truly not understand the concept of transparency in governmental actions? Perhaps Bob, Cephas, or Larry were throwing their uninformed two cents worth in the equation. “No,” injected Rev. Jimbo Yawnanski, “let’s put it all on Trotter!” The others looked quizzically at him, but he continued: “We will let it indirectly leak out that we think that perhaps Trotter, with his evil-looking bald-head, van dyke, and tortoise-shelled spectacles, put a hynotic spell on all of the school board members. Heck, Mark Elgart already demonized him, essentially calling him an evil, pernicious ‘external, outside [redundent?] influence.’ He is an easy target, a perfect villain, or, as they say in the professional wrestling vernacular, “the perfect heel [bad guy].” Jimbo has always been cynical and jaded and has a pathology toward deceit. But, he and Rev. Whiskey received their ordination from Rev. Lookamee Glanton, and they insist on attending our meetings. They claim that they studied under Dean Seymore Buckner. The ministers quickly jettisoned this hairbrain idea.

Rev. Bourbon asked that a copy of the pertinent part of the Georgia Statute be sent to Alieka and the others as soon as our copy arrived.

The copy finally arrived, and this portion was sent to the school board members: Meetings when discussing or deliberating upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee but not when receiving evidence or hearing argument on charges filed to determine disciplinary action or dismissal of a public officer or employee” are excluded from the OPEN AND PUBLIC MEETING statute (O.C.G.A. 50-14-3[6][a]).

By Prologue

March 9, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

After reading the posts on this blog, it looks like the bloggers who are most criticized for being crazy are often the ones that give the most sobering, accurate analysis of what’s going on in the school system, and the politics behind it.

Ironic, isn’t it?

By Oh please

March 9, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

OH PLEASE! Overdone and superfluous commentary peppered with the truth is hardly sobering or accurate!!

By Marinemom

March 9, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Kim, don’t stop the blogging. If nothing else, it is entertaining to read. You have some who want to show their racist sides simply for the attention. You have some that want to truly participate and contribute intelligent and thoughtful responses to whatever the message is. You have others, that no matter what the subject matter may be, ramble on like crazy fools. Still, this is at times informative and most all of the time entertaining!

By Educating the Give em the Boot crowd

March 9, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

An effort is underway by the Give em the Boot crowd to flood Megan’s supervisors at the AJC with positive stories so that Megan will write them.

Nice effort, but it misses the point. Megan isn’t here to write positive stories. And she isn’t here to write strictly negative ones either. She’s here to write the stories that push the AJC’s political agenda.

If she was here to write negative stories for example, she wouldn’t have written five stories about the non story-the Jonesboro dance team-while ignoring the real story-the media reports of gangland violence at Jonesboro High and the reports that as many as four gangs are operating in the open at the school.

See the dance team story allows everyone to get drunk on self righteous indignation, take some action, and then present it in a nice neat bow as evidence that the schools are addressing a problem.

But the gang violence story shows the real truth, the truth that the status quo-Elgart, Sonny, CCPS officials-is more than willing to sweep under the rug. It leads to uncomfortable questions about how a school system could ever be considered fully functional by an accreditation agency when open gang violence is ingrained in the system, and it leads to uncomfortable questions about whether or not the school system is really improving.

Most of all, the AJC won’t touch it, because it gives credence to people the AJC tries to demonize, who point out that behind the smoke and mirrors of what Elgart and Sonny call a fully functional system, teachers and students who are trying to do the right thing are under figurative, and sometimes literal, assault.

The AJC won’t talk about that, because the business interests the AJC is in bed with don’t want public, and potential new businesses willing to relocate, to know what the day to day reality is like in the schools.

It’s not negative stories that Megan focuses on. And it’s not positive stories. It’s AJC agenda driven stories.

By To the mad math teacher

March 9, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

Although, you do make some very good points, I have to say this about your post. Gang violence is everywhere. It is not a problem restricted to Clayton county. Why do you continue to drive this issue down our throats? Do you go to other counties’ blogs and harp on them about the gang violence going unreported in their school systems? Do you even teach in Clayton county? Seriously, what vested interest do you have in Clayton that drives you to drone on and on about gang violence? Don’t think that I don’t know that this is only your issue de jour. Your core complaint is and always has been “DISCIPLINE.” Don’t think that repeatedly changing your moniker is protecting your identity. I, at least, know exactly who you are. I don’t disagree with your points, but you have a very ineffective means of expressing your concerns. Blogging about it day after day after day is not going to change anything!

By To "To the mad math teacher"

March 9, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

To Multiple Monikers: Can’t the same thing be said about your constant haranguing about Trotter? You seem jealous of Trotter because his blogs are stupendously more interesting than yours. Go back to teaching high school English…in DeKalb, you Henry County resident, and leave alone the guy who wants to point out the gang violence in Clayton County.

By To the mad math teacher

March 9, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

I’m not a teacher. Never have been. I’m a Clayton resident with children in the school system. I could care less about what Trotter does so long as he doesn’t influence the school board or misinform the public. I know that he and you think you know who I am, but you’re wrong. The things I know about you are thanks to the MACE website and other public internet sources. But, of course, you and Trotter seem to think that anyone who uses this blog besides yourselves are too incompetent to do research. I’ve told you before. You are obviously very intelligent and insightful. I just feel that your fight is better fought in other venues. I mean, seriously, don’t you get tired of fruitless efforts wasted on people who are not going to take up your cause. You never answered my question: What vested interest do you have in Clayton county? You know, besides reading and contributing to Trotter’s dementia here on this blog.

By Rev. Skinny Taylor

March 9, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

I have asked the parishioners time and time again to please pray for the Clayton County Board of Education, its members, and staff and their law-breaking ways. We are beyond prayer, and we’re just asking that Grace be invoked because everyone knows that we’re getting what we deserve — unaccredited schools, a board which keeps violating the Open Meetins law, and millions under-budget because of overpaid and underworked administrators not unlike AIG, Citigroup, and Bear Stearns, and, of course, Mr. Thompson who reminds us of Wall Street CEOs. Oh, for days of Pete McQueen, Jack Warren, Dan Colwell, Bayward McManus, Mimi Holland, and Pam Adamson. Oops, the last one is on the school board now.

By Bishop I. B. Crazy Trotter

March 9, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

About all of those things that the Enlish Teacher (from DeKalb) keeps saying about me on this blog (I presume between his classes…unless, of course, he is blogging during classroom instruction…hmm…how’s his test scores?): I resemble those statements. I resemble them. Thankyouverymuch!

By LOL!!

March 9, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I have to admit, you can make me laugh!

By mlk

March 10, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

what is going on in clayco? For once, I have to agree with that clown John Trotter. Those fool-hearted Board members selected Glen Brock to do the Supt search. He will be the next board attorney. That’s what he did in Fulton, Cobb and Dekalb. This is the same guy who threw the whole district under the bus by working behind the scenes to get accreditation yanked. The First search firm that brought thompson in promised to resume its search in january (at no additional charge) and select a new supt by June. Brock made that agreement for the board. Instead of telling the board that hazzard young and attea was obligated to do a FREE search, he charged the district pennies on the dollar to do a search. Why would he do that hmmmmm. I guess he will bill around 1.5 million dollars a year in fees after he selects the new supt