Get Schooled

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this

I used to teach in Cobb - Redden should go for his dictorial rule. Most of the board and administrators wer under his thumb. I find it ironic that he talked about Kessler intimidating cobb employees while doing this investigation, when he himself rules by intimidation - it’s his way or the highway and he doesn’t care if the public agrees with what he wants or not. This laptop initiative was his baby from the start and he was going to push it through regardless of all opposition. I’m glad it fell apart and I hope him and his BS talking suck-ups on the board go with him.

By Lauren

August 17, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this

It’s a no-brainer. Redden has destroyed the voter’s confidence in his decision-making skills. Let’s compare — $48.3 million was just spent on four new schools while $70 million is the expected initial cost for laptops. Is that $70 million best spent on laptops? I think NOT!

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 11:46 AM | Link to this

How ridiculous for Redden to cry “intimidation”!!! He is the adminimstrator who fired men without so much as a chance for them to speak. He allowed children to be dragged out of their classrooms and interrogated about a Coach who they loved and admired. Thank God they were smarter than Redden gave them credit for and they also now despise this administration. INTIMIDATION…Redden banning a fired Coach from going to games or any school function…because he was too popular and Redden couldn’t stand the heat from his rash actions toward this man. INTIMIDATION…Redden threatening and then actually following through with transfering this teacher to another school…further exerting his war-monger attitude on this community. I can’t wait for him to get booted out ASAP and those mamby pamby board members, the five of them need to go right behind him!

By David

August 17, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this

It is time for him to go!!! The voters expected schools not laptops. The county needs leadership not a dictatorship.

By Fred Jones

August 17, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

I think Gen. Redden has been amoung the best superintendents in the US. The board should think long and hard before letting him go.

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 11:58 AM | Link to this

I happen to personally know several teachers currently teaching in Cobb who are afraid for their jobs if they speak out AT ALL and not one is in favor of Apple Computers for themselves and certainly not to send home with students. They will be happy to see Redden go.

By Brent

August 17, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this

Mr. Redden’s alledged management style would certainly qualify him as an expert at identifying potentially abusive or intimidating behavior.

Mr. Redden’s personal demeanor and candor with the tax payers of Cobb County as witnessed within the various community meetings on matters of SPLOST fund utilization and control illustrate for all a lowpoint in community service.

Cobb County deserves better.

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this

I happen to personally know several teachers currently teaching in Cobb who are afraid for their jobs if they speak out AT ALL and not one is in favor of Apple Computers for themselves (but do want what was promised by the SPLOST) and certainly not to send home with students. They will be happy to see Redden go.

By Me

August 17, 2005 12:01 PM | Link to this

I liked the laptop initiative. The program did alot for other districts that implemented it. Too bad it was ruined in Cobb.

I agree, though, the Cobb County Board needs an overhaul. It can’t happen quick enough. And, I totally agree that Cobb needs new schools more than a laptop program.

By TJ

August 17, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this

What’s the real issue here? You don’t like Redden? Apple shouldn’t have gotten the deal? Or should the students really have their own laptops? I’m very confused. The real issue is not being addressed. The laptop initiative was not a bad ideal. It may have been administered improperly but the initiative was innovative and would have equipped our kids with the tools necessary to succeed. So since the investigation found that Apple was selected improperly, does that mean we give Dell or IBM a chance? Likely chance. What this all boils down to is Cobb County is still country and slow. How can you so no to technology? Most colleges require students to have a computer when they arrive. So equipping students with one was such a terrible thing???

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

And do not let the Board get away with making Redden the fall guy. They were begged by us for over a year to re-think, slow down, listen to us, pretend to listen to us. All they ever did was say, “it’s a done deal”—“next question”. Phooey on all of it!

By Dave

August 17, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this

It seems clear that he never divulged what the tax money was going for and was trying to push through the #3 out of 3 suppliers of equipment. But why should he care about total cost - it’s not his out of pocket money. When that runs out simply go back to the bottomless tax payer well. Me thinks he doth protest too much blaming everyone else.

By Char

August 17, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this

Mr. Redden deceived the tax payers of Cobb County about the SPLOST tax. He ignored the majority opinion against the laptop initiative. His judgement appears to be severely clouded. It is time for him to go!

By Brian

August 17, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this

This is a no-brainer. If Redden is half the man that his supporters claim, he will resign. If he does not resign, the board should fire him immediately. He has been a cancer in the Cobb County School system since the day he was hired. His standard operating procedure has been one of lies, deceit, and intimidation.

Not only will Redden be gone in the near future, but most of the board can count on being gone as the election cycles come around.

By Me

August 17, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this

People are fed up with corrupt community leaders. Various districts all across the nation are being investigated for fraudulent financial reports. School Districts! City governments, too. (hey Vernon.) I think he’s a total nimrod for trying to pull this off, in these times, when people are growing more and more leery of their “leaders”. Seriously. As taxes rise, people want more input, and they definitely want accountability for their hard earned bucks.

By Brian

August 17, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but the laptop initiative was a horrible idea. The last thing the Cobb County school need is laptops when parents are having to buy tissue, hand soap, crayons, etc. to supply the classrooms.

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

“TJ”, you must have entered the topic of this County and the laptop issues YESTERDAY, or you’ve been on Mars! There’s no other rational reasoning for your comments about Cobb County. And to answer your questions, there are LOTS of issues with this administration, no-I don’t like him, no-Apple shouldn’t have gotten the deal

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

TJ - it’s simple. Taxpayers pay for public education, the board supposedly represents them. This board and Redden once in charge decided to do things without public support from the community. At best the laptop was a 50/50 split within the community and probably only 20-30 percent of administrators and teachers wanted it. Furthermore, it was a disingenuous to start the laptop iniative with monies that were originally not allocated for it. The splost tax was in part to update technology not embark on a 70 million project that wasn’t supported by the community and would require millions more to keep using. The judge upheld this ruling, that’s why it has “failed”. If the community wants to pay another tax for a laptop iniative and they are told upfront about it - then go ahead and see if the community will support it. Laptops aren’t a terrible thing, lying and manipulating to get them in the classrooms is not acceptable. By the way how many “Northern” school systems give away laptops? All cobb schools have computers and the splost money was to buy more and update older ones. So please understand issues before commenting - otherwise just email the vent.

By Mark

August 17, 2005 12:28 PM | Link to this

We (parents and teachers) try and preach to our kids about honesty and taking responsibility for their own actions. This just another example of another person in a influential position not taking that responsibility. When is one President, athlete, businessman or other leader going to come out and say I made a mistake and I am asking for forgiveness. We (the general public) would be much more forgiveing if people would just be honest and tell the truth. I hate to say it, but this is just one more example of the direction our society is going and the people in the best positions to change it are causing us the most problems.

Mr. Redden stop blaming everyone else and be a real man and do the “Honorable” thing and step down.

General Joe must go!

By Jenifer T.

August 17, 2005 12:28 PM | Link to this

Yes, Joe must go and take his 5 “rubber stampers” with him too! Betty Gray and Lindsey Tippens are the only ones who have had some common sense thoughout the laptop ordeal!

By Thomas

August 17, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this

It’s way past time for Redden to go, along with the 5 on the board who have been his “yes men”! As some mention, it’s great for students to have access to computers, but a program for tax payers to furnish one to each student is frought with pitfalls and cost overruns in the future, not even counting the cost for the initial supply and training. To see how Redden has spent the taxpayers money for “consultants” and selected the #3 candidate for supplying the laptops says a lot about how little he’s concerned for getting the most bang for the buck out of the money available. The computer equipment that was already available in the schools was not kept usable in some cases and I’ve heard from some teachers that they had to supply some things in their classrooms out of their own pockets because the board didn’t make it available. Which is the first priority…..supplies, toilet paper, etc or new computers?

Get him and the 5 out of there ASAP…I’m surprised the people from the 5 districts have put up with this as long as they have so far!

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this

There is only one reason a selection is done “improperly” - somebody is getting kicked back money or paid off. It’s that simple. Apple would be an odd choice since it’s hardly used in the business world. Oh yea, somebody on the board, or family members were gonna make out on this big time! And KellKathy is right- Kathie Johnstone and Plenge are just as guilty - they were the pawns that squashed all oppostion at the schools and refused to answer tough questions or listen to staff concerns.

By Wendy

August 17, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the ENTIRE school board go. Time and time again, they have made poor decisions and have caused us NATIONAL embarassment. Personally, I’m fed up with the group as a whole. It’s time for a total overhaul!!!

By Me

August 17, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

I hadn’t read both articles when I intially replied. I can’t believe he’s compared to John Stanford out of Seattle. Stanford was a true education leader, imo. He did so many great things for that district. But, wasn’t he Fulton County’s super for awhile, and wasn’t there a misconduct lawsuit where he lost big (in Fulton)?

By CoGAT

August 17, 2005 12:47 PM | Link to this

He must go for one simple fact: he is not a leader.

By Cliff Biggers

August 17, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

Mr. Redden has cast education in a bad light in Cobb County. He has displayed a contempt for the public interest, while engaging in cronyism and heavy-handed management tactics that have destroyed morale and exacted a heavy cost in public sentiment. I taught in Cobb County for two decades, and I always felt that we had the support of the community, but that support has been eroded by Redden’s confrontational, self-indulgent approach. If the board doesn’t get rid of Redden, I suspect the county voters will choose to get rid of those board members who support him. If he were a man of integrity, he would resign for the good of the county and the schools… but that would require an act from Redden that isn’t egocentric, wouldn’t it?…

By concernedtaxpayer

August 17, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

I do not understand why the school’s attorneys did not catch this issue. Were not the lawyer’s involved in this process? How could they even allow this contracting bid to go through? How much will this cost Cobb county in legal fees? Appeal to a higher court and cost more money? Our tax dollars can be better spent. Maybe General Joe is not the only one who should go.

This entire process just shows that Cobb County is run by the “good ole boys” who believe they are above the law.

By Beenthere

August 17, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

This whole thing is not about laptops, it is about power and control. Otis Brumby, the “Boss Hogg” of Cobb County manipulates, for his cronies and himself, all elected officials in the county for his real estate and business deals. A grand jury should look into what he has been doing for thirty years around here. He wants to control the others like he does his lap dogs, Betty Gray and Lindsey Tippins. The reason Butch Thompson sued using Brumby’s attorney, Roy Barnes, is money! Butch would get contracts off the new Roads SPLOST and he had to make sure it passed. Wake up fellow citizens, a good and honourable man is being trashed because he is attempting to educate our children and Otis only cares about MONEY! Be careful KellKathy that after Otis uses your anger to get Joe, he doesn’t come after you.

By brian dunn

August 17, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this

It’s simple. There is a shortage of teaching space, aged buildings, and a shortage of teachers. And they’re going to spend $70 million on laptops? To educate the children you are going to need much more than a computer to better test scores, and the environment that the children learn in. You are going to need dedication by the students, the teachers, the parents and all that are involved. It could be that the fundamentals are harder to teach than handing out laptops. Sometimes it takes real leadership to get down to real issues. I believe Mr. Redden needs to go on up to work for Apple, after all, they’re the ones that are paying him.

By BWS

August 17, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

It it time for Joe to step down. He has misused the public trust. We need more Board Members like Board Member Betty Gray who will stand up to people like Joe and hold them accountable for their actions.

By F451

August 17, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

Why does the AJC article say: “In his first public statement since the report was issued Sunday…”? Has the AJC forgotten that “press conference” where Redden trotted out, read a prepared statement and refused to answer any questions?

By TJ

August 17, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

“Laptops aren’t a terrible thing, lying and manipulating to get them in the classrooms is not acceptable.”

This is point I was trying to make. It seems Redden and the board are being persecuted for trying to make a change but going about it the wrong and maybe illegal way. Yes, they need to be held accountable and lose their positions if need be. But where will that leave the our students? I’m just for trying to improve my child’s education and preparing him for the future. All this squabbling and carrying on is not the answer.

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this

BEENTHERE - You’re condoning Redden’s “bait and switch” and even indirectly calling it “honorable”? That’s the real issue - don’t spin it by diverting attention to another person who might gain by the stopping of the initiative. Whether the incentive was altruistic or not, REDDEN still DECEIVED the community and ABUSED his power. Focus on this issue first, then we’ll worry about the next person who tries to swindle this splost money. Do you work for FOXNEWS?

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this

Beenthere, You’re condoning Redden’s “bait and switch” and even indirectly calling it “honorable”? That’s the real issue - don’t spin it by diverting attention to another person who might gain by the stopping of the initiative. Whether the incentive to stop the initiativewas altruistic or not, REDDEN still DECEIVED the community and ABUSED his power. Focus on this issue first, then we’ll worry about the next person who tries to swindle this splost money. Do you work for FOXNEWS?

By Cobb Mom

August 17, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this

Joe needs to go. He is a cancer to this school system and his arrogance is appalling. His rubber stamp 5 need to go too. This is about more than laptops, which I think in general is not a bad idea as a long-term plan. Joe Redden, his administration, and his rubber stamp five can not be allowed to remain in a position of leadership, supposedly “representing” our community because I wholeheartedly believe they made a concious decision to NOT represent what the majority of this community wanted. They refused to respond to any questions they didn’t want to answer from parents and ignored our opinions if it didn’t match their own. The board and administration need to be reminded who they truly work for…the residents of Cobb County. Kell High School was a happy hopeful new school community, the future was bright, until Redden and this board tore it apart and took away some fine men that were true leaders for our children. The only positive thing that came of it is that it opened my eyes and made me notice what the people in charge of my children’s education are doing. Funny how the tables have turned now General Redden. Those who live in glass houses……. (To CGV: the righteous will prevail)

By TechDir

August 17, 2005 01:13 PM | Link to this

How about an “Open Records Request” asking Joe to list all the gratuities (meals, trips, golf, etc.) he’s accepted from Apple. Once that’s public the anwser will be clear.

By Dave

August 17, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this

This board, Redden impaticular, is why I am working 3 jobs to send my kids to a private school!

By Cobblog

August 17, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this

Hey Beenthere, you don’t get it.

We Kell people USED OTIS to exact our revenge on Redden and the School Board. Once we saw what the board did to Vandagriff — for transgressions that were light-years less criminal than what Redden has done — we went backdoor to the MDJ and sicced them on Redden, Laura Searcy and the board.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and we’re offering up seconds. Joe, Laura, Johnny and the rest — bon appetit.

By Brian

August 17, 2005 01:18 PM | Link to this

Having an “Apple” laptop is certainly not going to prepare any child for the future.

Once again for those who are a little slow … The last thing the Cobb County schools need are laptops when parents are having to buy tissue, hand soap, crayons, etc. to supply the classrooms.

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 01:18 PM | Link to this

TJ - the solution is simple - purchase your son a laptop.

I’m sure you don’t teach your child that “the end justifies the means.” Allowing this to go through gives implicit consent for this policy.

If the people of this county want laptops - start an upfront initiative for this. This is still a democracy (I think) if the majority want it they’ll pay for it - if they don’t then you will have to decide if this is the right place to educate your child.

Or maybe you can work with him in addition to his schooling - there is no greater teacher than a parent.

Good luck.

By F451

August 17, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

“…Redden acknowledged that Chief Information Officer Kimberly Quinn was hired after a job posting for the position had expired. Her salary was also higher than the posted range for the job. But Redden justified the decision because two other applicants had turned down the job, in part because of salary.�

And her contract was for 3-plus years, which is against state law. And the board had turned down Redden’s request for a long-term contract for Quinn (but she got it anyhow). And Brock Clay, the board’s law firm, doesn’t seem to have seen the contract before it was signed. And if the salary offered exceeded the amount authorized by the board, shouldn’t Redden have had to go back to them and ask for a higher cap?

This doesn’t just look unethical. This looks illegal.

By edge

August 17, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this

First off I am all for technology, but the way this was implemented was way beyond stupid. I might also add that Cobb uses archaic networking systems that I just cannot see supporting 60,000 new laptops with a incompatible operating system. Obviously they didn’t get support for the cause and now blaming others for their failures. I think a complete overhaul of Cobb operations is necessary. Starting with board members, the superintendent and his cabinet. Let’s make sure all capital needs are met, and then start process of a technology infusion. Cobb Commissioners have a similar problem as well, trying to implement digital public safety radios while doing it in a rather sneaky way that goes under the public radar. And oh yeah if the county SPLOST is not passed, expect a millage rate increase to pay for those digital radios. We need a special prosecutor for public graft and corruption in Cobb immediately.

By Me

August 17, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

Brian, Every district I’ve ever been has asked for those basic supplies. Some districts don’t even have their bathrooms stocked with supplies (Dekalb). Laptops versus basic supplies means nothing, because basic supplies are an accepted and common ‘back to school’ thing. Now, crowded schools versus laptops. But the money was approved for Tech, not easing crowding, right? It should be used for Tech.

TJ, I get your point, and totally agree. It seems like everyone’s down on laptops for the kids now. A good idea has been destroyed by a bad leader. So, now when people think of Cobb.. they’ll think of laptop and, dare I say it, evolution sagas.

In Maine, I think they rolled out the laptop program in stages. All one grade, then expanding slowly. And, they had some guinea pig schools try it first.

By Fed UP in Cobb

August 17, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this

First item of business is a purge of Redden and his cronies: Beers, Dillon, Quinn and Kalina. Either the school board does it now, or the DA’s office might do it later. Second is to target Cobb’s version of the Gang of 3 in Dec. ‘06 when board members Kathie “La La Land” Johnstone, Laura Searcy and Curtis Johnston see their political careers ended in resounding defeat. September has a SPLOST vote which will be a referendum on the board of sorts. I’ll vote NO for the first time. General Joe has led our school district into disarray and now it is labeled as “needs improvement” by the feds. Way to go Joe. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. The Gang of 3 better wake up to reality.

By CobbMomandFMRSPLOST volunteer

August 17, 2005 01:53 PM | Link to this

To the couple to people on this board who think that Joe is the best thing that ever happened to Cobb and that Apple was a great choice, I would tell you that you have not worked on a committee addressing this issue with him- to see the “other side” of his terrible temper when he does not agree with your views, or challenges documentation that refutes the premise that his 1:1 initiative was based upon. Read the entire Kessler report if you can- this was an APPLE DEAL from the beginning- he and Beers were entertained along with Donna Oliver within 2 weeks of the passage of SPLOST 2 (arrangements made by Apple’s travel agency- and they only visited Apple locations for computer initiatives). Ms. Quinn, who was in charge of the same initiative in Maine, was there in 2002-2003 when the Maine Attorney General had to renegotiate the Apple contract for 6th and 7th grade computers for more favorable terms financially for the state of Maine! Funny, how Ms. Quinn didn’t seem to disclose this to anyone. When the committee I volunteer on has worked on this for over a year questioned specifics about the program, each time the questions were met by Beers or Redden with “That’s not a problem”- even though there were clear problems in other school districts that had attempted such programs. Perhaps the most outrageous comment was made by Don Beers to myself last October when I questioned the declining Math portion of the SAT scores in Henrico County schools ( REdden’s model for his Power to Learn)- after trying to me I was in error and asking where I got such data- Sept. and July 04 Henrico County Board minutes- Don Beers told me that I Put way too much emphasis on SAT scores. I am still waiting for a letter to that effect for my children when they apply to college!!!! Our same committee was visited byy Kathie Johnstone in January of this year ( I believe in cooperation and consult with Redden) and told our commmittee that our input on the Power to Learn was not needed. It was none of our business as a citizen oversight committee to be looking into this issue. Ms. Johnstone later denied this under oath in the trial in July.

Many of the posters on this board are correct- teachers and principals due live in fear for their jobs and are afraid to speak out. The level of deceit, dishonesty and willful disception on the part of Redden and the people who work for him is appauling. One prinicpal lost a program for underserved kids with English as a second language because her husband has been outspoken against the laptop issue . Is there proof of that? No- but the mileau around it reeks.

The kids in all parts of this county, the teachers, the admin. people, the parents and the taxpayers deserve better than this. And as my son says,

” Mom, if any of us behaved or talked like Ms. Johnstone did we’d be suspended at school.” Out of the mouths of babes.

By Lauren

August 17, 2005 02:06 PM | Link to this

TJ, you aren’t thinking clearly here. Laptops are notoriously fragile and expecting thousands of pre-teens and teens to treat them with care as they schlep them back and forth to school and after-school activities is ridiculous. Once the program has been implemented, laptops will become a “necessity” as each teacher will try to use the laptop during class time. What happens when several of those students have broken laptops? Will it be considered “discriminatory” if they can’t participate in the class? What about viruses? Once the program is implemented, there’s no going back. The long-term cost is going to be excruciating!

One thing that was a huge eye-opener for me was when the AJC ran an article last Spring. It was direct feedback from participants in a laptop program up in Virginia. Not one participant (teachers, parents or students) could point to dramatically-improved test scores or said it was a “terrific” idea. Most couched their answers in such a way that it was obvious they were only trying to give a positive spin because it was expected of them(and being quoted in a newspaper was their five minutes of fame).

The Laptop program needed to be brought before the voters in an honest way —- and it wasn’t. Outside input was ignored and common sense would dictate that any program which so polarized a community needed to be tabled until there was a consensus.

Redden jeopardized the SPLOST vote for all the other legitimate projects in our county. He should resign for that reason alone.

The fact that he and the Board informed the county residents that they were paying $70 million for a laptop program without their input should make each Board Member fear for their position. (Only after there was a huge cry from the community were there “town hall” meetings.)

Shame on ALL of them!

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 17, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

I agree! Get rid of the Jerk. It’s nice to know that Gwinnett is not the only district with a jerk running things. $70 million dollars has been saved from being wasted; please make sure it is spent for a worthy cause.

I don’t think the problem is purchasing laptops, the big problem for me is sending them home with “children�. My suggestion is to follow through with the upgrades, create a nice “computer lab� and dedicate at least an hour a day for use. You could even extend the hours for kids who don’t have computers at home – like with an after school program. As for the cost, you could find a few responsible teenagers to run the “lab� after ours.

By KellKathy

August 17, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

“CobbMom” knows what she’s talking about as far as the fear and the retribution served up by Redden. But he also is not above favoring and covering for his cronies! There is a coach/teacher who knew very early on about a yet unannounced firing Cobb employees, mysteriously left his job in Cobb, got another job IN COBB and miraculously was never mentioned in any wrongdoings during a financial fallout at a well known highschool in Cobb. You think this smells??? Guess what, he is a GOLFING buddy of Redden and was seen coming out of Beers’ office - very sheepishly one afternoon. Couldn’t look certain parents in the eye. Way to go, Redden. Let’s see if THIS guy can help YOU now. Maybe it’s “BeenThere”..jk

By Miss Double D

August 17, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this

Something just does’nt sit right with me and this Redden guy he looks too shady to me, i’m sure the truth will come out sooner or later. Take care of those kids in Cobb Co. my niece & nephew go to school there, redden is giving the school system a bad rap!

By Brian

August 17, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

“Every district I’ve ever been has asked for those basic supplies.”

Are you 5? Just because it happens elsewhere does not make it right. When schools do not have enough budget for basic supplies and are having to ask for donations from parents and from local businesses, it means the school district does not have money to waste on a laptop program that may or may not have benefits.

By usedtoteach

August 17, 2005 02:41 PM | Link to this

Anyone else see the irony in the fact that the same board that was pushing to “lead the country” with its use of technology is the same board that’s fighting for creationism instead of evolution?

By Me

August 17, 2005 02:50 PM | Link to this

Brian, Supplies List? You’re kidding, right? I don’t think the school needs to furnish pencils, paper, folders, crayons, binders, markers, scissors, kleenex, purell, etc. Yes, bathroom supplies should be stocked. But, a school supply list for kids? I think it’s wrong to expect the school to furnish those supplies. And, for my kid, shopping for supplies is fun. He gets to pick items that show his personality a little.
I must be confusing your post with another issue. Because when you mention crayons, and the school not having money to buy said crayons, I don’t see why they should have that money in the first place? I’m putting aside poor families that can’t afford basic supplies, of course.

By SCS

August 17, 2005 02:51 PM | Link to this

I was living in Maine when the laptop program was initiated there. It was in 1999 when Agnus King, a succesful businessman was Governor. Unlike today, very few families had computers in 1999. A chicken in every pot and a laptop in every home is just another handout in an attempt to purchase support from voters. Maine is also one of the highest tax states in the nation - its officially called “Vacationland” but dubbed “Taxationland” by many of us. Does anyone know what consultant John Carver had to do with this mess - did his advice contribute to the fiasco? Clearly Redden and the board did not listen to the citizens of Cobb Cty.

By Me

August 17, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if he should go or not. He lied and minipulated yes, but what did he do that any President of the United States didn’t do. And the truth is they have our lives in their hands. I think the laptops are a good idea. But if they don’t do it my child will still learn how to use a computer and I’ll buy her, her own laptop. Whatever is done will be done.

By RWH

August 17, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Thousands of us who are parents who have children in Cobb County Schools; we want to think that we have some of the finest, experienced, professionals and great leaders within our school system. We jump at great opportunities in seeking the best education for all of our children. We stand by the saying that…no child is left behind. What we don’t know and what was not told upfront the truth about the Laptops subject gives us all a reason to be upset and question Mr. Joseph Redden actions. Those who are Educators and work with him or around him knows better than anyone what he did was not honest, deceitful and made no efforts to correct what went wrong, and did not inform any of us…yet, the system and if any money was paid, it went on without him taking any recourse actions. This Laptop subject have really been a problem from the beginning because it was not financially drawn-up well. With the cost of things constantly going us; another 1 cent would have put many families in a very bad financial state. Could the finance for these laptops could come from something else, you bet, but the same of things often happen, make the tax payers be responsible! We can’t do that anymore when we look at the state of our traffic and two lane highways bogging us down on a daily reocurrence. If it is possible, we can come up with other ways providing these Laptops for our students and it would not cause this much of ongoing problems. Before we talk about firing Mr. Redden, the money that was used for all of this research, it should be given back and I am in agreements; if laptops can better help our students or should there be a need for them, I think that it should be done in a more less expensive way. Taking some of the recovery research money and put some of those laptops in place where each student can have use for them. This do not mean having lapstop for every student accross the board unless there is a financial-easy plan that they can be purchase without charging the taxpayers of Cobb County more! Mr. Redden needs to correct his misleading information and the Board of Education must assign an Intrim until they can find someone who is fill this position with a more professional approach to helping Coob County School Students!

By F451

August 17, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

A specific note about school supplies: The same week we first heard about “Power to Learn,� my younger son’s orchestra teacher stood up before the parents and literally begged for donations so she could buy replacement strings for the school’s violins, etc.

The Cobb County schools couldn’t be bothered to provide strings for their string instruments — or a lot of other things needed for the running of a school. It’s not “birthday cupcakes for the kids,â€? or something some teacher thought would be nice to have. If a school is going to have string instruments, there should be provisions for their upkeep and supplies.

That’s when something first struck me funny about the “P2Lâ€? program: Gen. Redden and his five supporters on the Board were devoting all their efforts to this hundred-million-dollar, futuristic vision that was going to transform education in Cobb County — but they couldn’t even manage to assure that — back in the day-to-day, education-as-it-is world — their students and teachers had basic school supplies.

By TJ

August 17, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

Why are we so afraid to give students laptops??? I know they are fragile but so are IPods and cell phones and most kids guard those gadgets with their lives.

And “usedtoteach”, we have three PCs in my home. My seven year old and three year old are very compentent on the computer. And my seven year old is in the gifted program. So there’s no need to question my parenting skills.

By Kim

August 17, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Yes, he should be shown the door or resign. There are approximately eight ugly and decaying trailers at Shallowford Falls Elementary School ruining the neighborhood because of overcrowding. Use the funds to build new schools or add on to existing schools. The laptop program was a joke from the beginning. And, Cobb County, do whatever you can to get rid of existing trailers and don’t buy anymore! They are an eyesore to everyone, neighbors, students and parents.

By Dr Miller,Vinings

August 17, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this

If the “General” stays Cobb County has a better chance of a blizzard in August then getting another tax approval by Cobb County voters.

By JG

August 17, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this

Redden should be let go and held accountable for his action (just because Johnny did something wrong and got away with it is not a defense as I tell my children). Giving a laptop,that is compatable with the school network, to teachers is a good idea and should be included in any new tech plan. Students don’t need to carry home 30 lbs of books and a laptop. Most of the text books aren’t online or would cost as much as the book. Labs should be upgraded and kids should have the option to access the internet at these labs after school. Money should go to a teacher who can be there after school and provide guidance. The people I know in Cobb(us country folks) who were against giving every kid a laptop were educated professional who work with computers every day and understand that middle school kids need to learn the basics reading writing and arithmatic and you can do that with paper.

By Donethat

August 17, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this

Beenthere is right on the money! This is not about Apple or laptops or Carver or purchasing procedures or audits or SPLOST or Kell HS or Year-around school or education…It’s about Otis Brumby having a vendetta, personal in nature, against Joe Redden. After Otis was appointed Chairman of the State BOE by his buddy Roy Barnes (for absolutely no qualified reason other than money and support during his election), he instantly became an education expert. Thanks in part to his total lack expertise in education and Roy Barnes “brilliant” handling of education on a state wide level, Barnes was shown the door after just 4 years.

Otis Brumby has the ultimate bully pulpit in that he can write anything he wants, put any spin he wants on an article, and he remians virtually untouchable (as well as unaccountable). He has targeted an honorable man who has served his country well and is a pillar of integrity. joe redden character has never been called into question by the AJC. Why? Are they that lame? I think not…Before anyone dismisses Otis Brumby as someone who’s just “doing his job”, go back and read the front page article on Redden’s cell phone use and the insinuation that he was using it to call old girlfriends. Folks, that’s is simply despecable.

By Alex

August 17, 2005 03:52 PM | Link to this

TJ, Your child is gifted? Must’ve inherited that trait from your “compentent” other-half. Cheers.

By Lauren

August 17, 2005 03:52 PM | Link to this

TC:

You’ve just proved my point. I’m sure you’re quite bright and have gifted children, but your thinking cap seems to be skewed on this one!

There’s a whale of a difference between an iPod or cell phone and a laptop. If the iPod or cell phone breaks, there is no mandate that it be replaced. There would be with the laptop program. Every child would be entitled to have one, even if they managed to mangle it between the bus stop and their classroom.

Think this through. Should a community be financially responsible for putting an expensive piece of electronics in every student’s hand? A piece of electronic equipment that is notoriously finicky and expensive to repair?

Once the program was implemented, the money that it would take to keep it running would be staggering. After all, in our current environment you can’t make someone responsible for their actions without getting torched by hundreds of well-meaning but naieve bystanders. For example, can you mandate that a child who breaks their computer three times in a year has to forego the computer and go back to a paper notebook? Hardly! What about the child who chronically “loses” his laptop and is never prepared for class?

The logistics of keeping thousands of computers up and running when the administration has no control over their owners is a nightmare.

Kids will have more invested in taking care of their iPod or cell phone because they know Mommy and Daddy won’t buy them a new one if they break it! The schools will have no such control to leverage against the students who abuse their laptop.

For those students who have NO access to computers outside of the labs in school, there could be good and useful programs implemented (i.e., in local libraries) where the access issue can be addressed. There could even be a one-time gift program of desk top computers to families who are poor with children in school to help their family — not just the students — become more proficient in working with a computer.

C’mon, TJ……SEVENTY MILLION DOLLARS? Surely we can agree that this number is staggering when you realize that it’s only the first installment!

By George

August 17, 2005 03:59 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe someone just said they are working three jobs because of the board and Joe Redden and his administration.

You people are all missing the real issues. The laptop issue didn’t pass but does a bad proposal deserve a firing? If that was the case people would be getting fired all over the nation (especially in the corporate world).

The biggest problem is all of these people bickering in Cobb County are all doormats to the MDJ and to your own ignorance.

Nobody knows exactly what happened but everything will soon come to light (we hope).

Until then you people should just sit back and try and come up with your own opinions and ideas instead of it being drilled into your brains by the mass media.

By Me

August 17, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this

TJ, Right there with you. Just 1 child, though. More computers than people and now that he’s a middle schooler, I’m starting to consider a laptop. I’ll probably wait until highschool.

f451, Agree that something needs to be done. Maybe the orchestra teacher hasn’t got the attention of the right folks, yet?

By Donethat

August 17, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this

usedtoteach, I simply don’t see a bait and switch. For this to be true, Redden would have had to have had the laptop idea in mind when he was working to get the SPLOST passed.

I think it is more than obvious when the SPLOST passed, no one was giving special attention to technology portion. Technology changes quickly, as do the methods of engaging kids in the classrooms.

By TJ

August 17, 2005 04:08 PM | Link to this

Ouch, cheap shot Alex LOL!!!

I agree Lauren $70M is a lot of money. I just hope the ultimate goal isn’t buried. And that is to give our kids a fighting chance to be successful in a technology laden world.
I agree, I agree it’s a lot of money. Get Redden out along with the board. But we’ve got to address the issue at hand. Cobb County schools did not meet adequate progress standards for the past two years. Kids today need more stimulation than the regular “pencil and paper” classroom offers thanks to Playstation, iPod, GameBoys, etc. There has got to be a way to get every classroom adequately equipped with the technology it needs.
This whole ordeal has soured a lot of voters on computers period.

By Nana

August 17, 2005 04:10 PM | Link to this

As we are focusing on the man himself, you would gain insight into the type person General Redden truly is if you will read the Marietta Daily Journal online. Go to:

http://www.mdjonline.com/front

Fortunately for us, the MDJ stayed on top of all aspects of Redden’s professional, or lack thereof, behavior and reported it to the people of Cobb County. One of the more interesting expenses we of Cobb County are paying for Redden is his County-issued cell phone from which he has called a former girlfriend — now, just a ‘good friend,’ over 800 times in two years. During that same time he called his adult son 20 times. Perhaps she is a computer consultant providing advice??

By Freddi

August 17, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

Joe Redden is single handedly ruining a great public school district. Rather than spending our money on text books or teaching staff it is used to defend lawsuits or bring on high priced consultants. Everyone I know is fed up with the laptop on every lap plan, the stickers on text books, the Carver model of exclusion, and crazy schedules that do nothing for the kids. JOE MUST GO!

By Donethat

August 17, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

TJ, chin up! I agree with you! These same arguments were made when schools wanted to send textbooks home with kids!

“They have a books at school! They’ll destroy them! It will be a disaster, etc…” What people obvious don’t realize is that within 10 years, weather they like it or not, laptops will be norm and curriculum will be electronic!

Wake up people! How do you engage kids with iPods, PS2, Gameboy, Game Cube, Satellite TV, cell phones, etc…with tired old methods? Simple (and kind of sad): you don’t.

By Donethat

August 17, 2005 04:16 PM | Link to this

Nana, you have got to be kidding?

This is not about Apple or laptops or Carver or purchasing procedures or audits or SPLOST or Kell HS or Year-around school or cell phone bills or anything else that has graced the Marietta Daily Journal front page…It’s about Otis Brumby having a vendetta, very personal in nature, against Joe Redden. After Otis was appointed Chairman of the State BOE by his buddy Roy Barnes (for absolutely no qualified reason other than money and support during his election), he instantly became an education “expertâ€?. Thanks in part to his total lack expertise in education and Roy Barnes “brilliant” handling of education on a state-wide level, Barnes was shown the door after just 4 years.

Joe Redden, a professional educator with years of experience in education as well as administration, is hired by CCSD and doesn’t bow down to the “powers that be� ( or the powers that Brumby) and suddenly, nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing Joe Redden does is right!

Otis Brumby has the ultimate bully pulpit in that he can write anything he wants, put any spin he wants on an article, and remain virtually untouchable (as well as unaccountable). He has targeted an honorable man who has served his country well and is a pillar of integrity. Joe Redden’s character has never been called into question by the AJC. Why? Are they that lame? I think not…Before anyone dismisses Otis Brumby as someone who’s just “doing his job”, go back and read the front page article on Redden’s cell phone use and the insinuation that he was using it to call old girlfriends. Folks, that’s is simply despicable. It should be a crime to ruin someone the way Otis has Redden!

The REAL story here is how a old south small town power broker turns his newspaper into a cheap imitation of the World Weekly News….and so many believe it!

Tomorrow’s Headline in the MDJ: “REDDEN HAS BIGFOOT’S BABY�

By Lauren

August 17, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

George, you said “You people are all missing the real issues. The laptop issue didn’t pass but does a bad proposal deserve a firing?”

For one thing, I don’t read the MDJ, so you are painting with a broad brush when you accuse those against the laptop program and/or Redden of being puppets of the media.

It’s not because of “a bad proposal” that people are calling for Redden’s resignation. It’s because of the fact that Redden (et al) decided that we WERE going to get laptops for our students without notifying the taxpayers in advance as well as his obvious insensitivity to those who tried to get him (and the Board) to slow down before signing the contract with Apple.

Those two decisions are an indication of a more serious problem. I and many here in Cobb County are not well-versed in the day-to-day politics, but it does not take a Rhodes Scholar to see that $70 million dollars for laptop computers is not something you surprise your constituents with. To do so shows, at the very least, an arrogant nature. At worst, it’s devious.

Whatever the underlying rationale, many administrators in public and corporate offices have been booted out for such irresponsible decisions.

I’ll let the others fight over the results of investigations and such —- those two reasons above are enough for me to question whether Redden is the best person for the job.

By STEVE

August 17, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this

Redden and all of his executive people should be sent packing. All of them are overpaid as well as greedy. The laptop issue should never have been brought to the board until they had taxpayer buy-in. This would require a special election, which I am sure was not considered. Look at all the money that has been wasted on travel and expenses and training that is totally worthless now that the laptop fiasco is finally over. I think that he and his “friends” like Beers and Quinn, etc. be terminated immediately and also made to reimburse the wasted taxpayers money, and not to mention all of the time that is spent on making copies of expense and cell phone reports. People may not realize how much time is spent by the accounting department doing these tasks.

By PresidentofJOEMUSTGO

August 17, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

The Kessler report proves Redden to be a liar and a manipulator. Pat Head will soon verify that he also broke the law. Redden sucked the board into abdicating all power to himself (via the Carver model of system governance), in the same way he ran things at the Air Force Academy. Redden has been caught, and he will be ousted soon enough, along with most of his senior staff. Cobb voters will take care of most of the Board’s “rubber stamp 5” next November.

In the meantime, the $70+ million of the education SPLOST earmarked for technology upgrades in all Cobb schools needs to be put to work for its intended use, and quickly, by the new superintendent. Computer labs, printers, routers, software upgrades, projection devices, and other technology-oriented teaching tools must be procured for our teachers to use. Note the emphasis on the word “tools”. No computing device inandofitself will teach our kids anything, be it a laptop or anything else. We must hold our teachers to the highest expectation as teaching professionals, but we must equip them with the best tools possible to get the job done. Then, it’s up to the kids - and us as parents - to see that every kid’s potential is reached.

If Joe Redden took this road, we’d all be calling him a genius by now. But he’s really nothing more than a bullying, crooked, self-centered egomaniac.

By Allen

August 17, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

General Joe has to go. Anything else would be cause for a total revolt. What is good for the goose is good for the gandor. Miss-appropriation of funds, neglegence, deriliction of duty, take your pick. What ever the Kell coaches and administrators did, it could not have been a fraction of what Redden has done. When anyone messes with our children and our money, you better be ready for a dog fight. The five puppets on the board will be taken care of at the polls, regardless of weather they decide to finally do the right thing and clean house on Glover Street. Can anyone but me now see what Redden was up to with the Carver business. Just more of the same arragance and control. Stupid board for giving him so much authority and being surprised by this mess. Who in their right mind possibly believes he can adminster this school system going forward?

By David

August 18, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

Mr. Redden should resign or his contract be terminated. I think most people in Cobb County have little confidence in his leadership at this point. Should he remain I believe we will lose confidence in the members of the Board of Education. All should remember that he is an employee of the people of Cobb County and is accountable to all of us not just the Board of Education.

By ALA

August 18, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing how quickly one will turn when things don’t go the way they expected it to. Everyone was riding his coat-tail whent this whole LapTop issue came up. Now that it has back-fired everyone wants a change in leadership. How quickly we forget that everyone is allowed to make mistakes in his/her lifetime and that we all wont agree everytime a decision is made.

Let’s agree to disagree and if this is the biggest mistake Joe has made trying to upgrade technology for the future of our kids, then he deserves to keep his job and make it right.

By Dee

August 18, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this

As a resident and taxpayer of the Cobb Co. School District, I believe that the district needs to get rid of Joe and find a superintendent that is going to get this district off of the Needs Improvement List for not making AYP and focusing on educating the growing diverse populations of this county, especially non-English speaking children! Giving a non-English speaking child a laptop does not help them to learn English!!!!

By PI

August 18, 2005 02:36 PM | Link to this

Why did the Board have to go all the way to NY to get someone to do this audit. Kessler’s firm is known for its intimidation of those they interview. Why spend 250.00 per hour when you can get the same in Atlanta for 125.00. Maybe they knew some PI from NY would be mean spirited! Maybe they wanted the distraction. Now ole Roy and Otis can have more fun at the kids expense. Sounds to me this is bad judgement all around.

By Paul

August 18, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

“What this all boils down to is Cobb County is still country and slow. How can you so no to technology?”

TJ - Don’t you think you’re being a little over-dramatic here. Last I recall, the very vast majority of sucessful school districts in other states and counties do not issue laptops to the students.

Here’s a few novel thoughts that can get the job done:

1) Attend class 2) Be attentive in class. 3) Do the assignments. 4) Study for the tests. 5) Seek help when having difficulty. 6) Use the the Ipod and cellphone when your studies are in order.

By DeepThroat

August 18, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

The Carver Governance Model was not initiated by Redden. It was an inquiry made by the Board, who were entrenched for years in an inadequate, outdated system. Every Board meeting was filled with administrative line items to be individually approved by the Board, providing them with little time to actually discuss bigger issues and keep a finger on the pulse of the community.

Does it give the administration too much power? That’s debatable. But the Model is not attributable to the Superintendent.

By CobbResident

August 18, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this

The Cobb School Board is an embarrassment. They should watch TV23 to see the Cobb County Board of Commissioners at work. Chairman Sam Olens and his folks run a tight ship. You’d think land use issues would be more controversial than education issues, but somehow the Cobb School Board has made a mockery of their authority. Keep religion and laptops out of public schools, and focus on retaining skilled teachers and fostering good relations with the community. Funny how students and their needs are almost completely absent from the School Board’s rhetoric.

By Rick Lockridge

August 18, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this

Anyone who purchases technology understands that it’s not what the laptop costs, it’s what it costs to RUN. I haven’t lost one hour of productivity using my various Macs—including my most important Mac, my iBook—due to viruses. How much have you PC users been troubled by those issues? How much in IT resources would have had to be allocated, had all the students received PCs instead of Macs? Why do you think other school districts have favored Macs? I would never give my son a PC, unless I was trying to teach him to hate computers. As for Redden, he’s a jerk. But when you hire an ex-general you know you’re getting someone who’s gonna give orders rather than seek consensus. You make the decision to hire him knowing that going in. To complain about it now is disingenuous and frankly unfair. Even though he IS a jerk. I’d rather have a pushy ex-general in charge when the opposition (and I mean opposition) is intransigent, unionized teachers. Then at least it’s a fair fight.

By EastCobbMom

August 19, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this

As a working parent of two school-age children in Cobb County schools, it disgusts me to know that I have to spend my hard earned money to help provide basic supplies for my children’s classrooms (Kleenex, hand sanitizer, etc..). while the Board is willing to spend $70 million on APPLE laptops. Who in the business world even uses Apple anyway? Nobody I know. Our children and teachers must reside in trailers because the schools are filled to capacity, and the school my children attend are asking for donations to help fund the Spanish program. Shame on Redden and his counterparts for having no regard for the taxpayers hard earned money. As a parent, I would much rather see my tax money being spent on expanding the schools instead of them having to sit in a trailer out in the parking lot. If Redden has any common sense at all, he will go ahead and resign rather than be fired. But I think his ego is larger than his brain.

By Lee

August 19, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this

The fact that Redden allegedly used his influence to override procurement controls to award a multi-million dollar contract to the highest bidder raises all kinds of fraud red flags. Sounds like Cobb has more problems than an egotistical Superintendent and a busted computer deal.

By STEVE

August 19, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

ALA- I am trying to understand who you are speaking of when you say “everyone” was riding Redden’s coat tail. I have been following this illegal mess from the start, and truly have seen very little support for this fiasco. The mistake he made was trying to force this laptop issue down the majority’s throat. He and his cabinet really do not have a choice but to resign, that would be the only way for them to keep any pride at all. Get real!

By LatinoATL

August 22, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this

BeenThere, TJ, Another one on your side here!

I just can’t believe how people can just do the type of name-calling that’s been going on here. These people are fathers, friends, husbands. Be civil! Not only that but these are people who have a long successful career in the military. Redden headed one of the most important military schools in the nation and all of the sudden he’s a common crook??? Be logical here. He’s nothing but a visionary that understands that in order to be the best, you must break the mold and think outside the box. If you’re going to wait to get the approval of a certain number of people, you’d never get anything done!!!! Think about it.

As far as the program, thought it obviously could’ve been handled better, the program is just a glimpse of the future. People get so bent out of shape about students using laptops when clearly, that is what my children and grandchildren will be using.

So what if you have to provide for supplies, the money approved was for technology. Go to the ‘I don’t want to pay for school supplies’ blog!!!!!

Maitenance, etc….that was part of the $70million (+ $50 insurance) plan. Apple was chosen primarily to avoid having a fleet of PC’s infected with viruses or spyware. Any of you that own one, should know how big a pain it is to deal with this. Apples don’t have those type of problems.

For the time being, I’ll be sitting by waiting for ajc.com in the year 2015 when the education blog will be filled with praises for the geniuses that end up putting laptops in the hands of students telling them it was about time education caught up with every other known industry when it comes to technology.

By outsidethebox

August 22, 2005 06:14 PM | Link to this

To start with to give a child a laptop without internet access is giving them a 10 pound tablet. Do you realise that the students are not being taught to type as a mandatory class? What happens when the whole class waits on 2 students to hunt and peck their way through an assignment. How is a teacher to lead a class when there is no way to see his or her screen? Our children are visual they need to see where to move the mouse. The average school has 1 maybe 2 LCD projectors for classroom use verses 100’s of classrooms per school. Most classrooms don’t currently have a W98 or better computer in them. The current infastructure can’t support the existing wireless labs in the schools let alone 1000’s of new wireless computers trying to log in. We need to take logical steps. First upgrade the classroom computer and put a projection device in every room, then the infastructure, then add more laptop carts to the school. Open the schools up evenings to accomadate students who don’t have internet access at home. There are several text books on line right now. If you have change from your 70 million after you do all that. Let your schools provide wireless access to the neighborhood so the kids can see their text book online from home. Then they don’t have to cary those heavy books home every night. The way the SPLOST was presented to the taxpayers I thought this was the way we were going. We are not ready to give every child a laptop. If you want to give every child something they can use give them internet access. Recyle the old computers that business throw out and give every child a computer at home. Don’t make them haul one back and forth every day. Anybody who spent 30 minutes in a Cobb County School would see this. The people behind this laptop nighmare haven’t spent enough time in the classroom and don’t listen to those in the classroom. I think power does corrupt. The people making these decisions do have a personal agenda and it’s not student learning. They need to go.

By Me

August 23, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

Paul, Last I recall, the very vast majority of sucessful school districts in other states and counties do not issue laptops to the students.

It doesn’t mean they would not given an opportunity. It certainly is the way things are progressing. More computer access, in general.

By LatinoATL

August 23, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Outside - If you read any of the proposals for P2L, you will see that internet access and all those things you mentioned were part of the plan. These people are not dumb. They know that in order for this to have been successful, that certain things (like a certain level of training, internet access not just in the school but in the neighborhood, projectors, etc.) needed to be a part of the program….and they were in the plan.

I understand that the problem is with the way it was presented (or not presented) but I have no doubt that the intentions were proper.