By twinkie1cat

Sep 8, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Clayton County's problems are and always have been about people who don't know how to handle power and the fact that the board is racist. There is a fairly simple way to solve the problems.

1. Get rid of the present board, except possibly the person just selected. Clean house. Fire the superintendent.

2. Kathy Cox, Sonny Perdue, the heads of the teacher's unions and someone from SACS form a selection committee and pick 9 qualified people for the board who consist of 3 blacks, 3 whites, and 3 Hispanics/Asians. They will serve for 3-5 years and if they do a good job can continue to serve.

3. At least 3 members should be teachers or retired teachers and at least one of those should be special education because they are good at negotiation and peacemaking.

4. At least 3 members should be parents, or grandparents of children currently attending school in Clayton County. At least one should be a special education parent.

5. The others should be selected from members of the community, people of good report, high morals, and acknowledged high integrity such as business people or ministers who are not known for preaching prosperity gospel. 3 honest community leaders who are hard working and successful. Of course some of the groups will overlap in qualifications but in no case should the majority be of any single race.

6. The superintendent should be chosen from among the Principals, Curriculum Coordinators, Program Assistants, system teachers of the year, and department heads within the system. He or she should be known for fairness, professional integrity, quality work, getting along with others, leadership skills, knowing how to run a school or program successfully, ability to solve problems and strength under fire. He or she should not be paid over $150,000 in order to encourage the selection of someone who is not in the job for the money. Having a superintendent's certificate should not be required, but the person should have and Ed.S, Ph.D, or Ed.D IN EDUCATION. If a good candidate has only a M.Ed, National Certification would be ok. He or she must first be a teacher.

The committee should present the top 3 candidates to the faculty and staff of the system, which will submit questions to ask the candidates in advance. Transcripts of answers will be provided and these consumers will have 50% input on the choice.

The superintendent will sign a 5 year no cut contract.

This would work. It ensures quality, reduces politics and will help get a quality LOCAL superintendent and a quality, diverse board. Clayton needs a workhorse not a blowhard as Superintendent and it needs people of integrity with an investment in the community and its schools as its School Board.

Please listen. The lives of the children are at stake. Georgia does not have a strong parochial system, but it is ripe to be taken over by the Catholics and the Extreme Right if the public schools are not fixed. Then comes giving public money to religious schools, no options for special needs kids and no place for kids with problems or behavioral issues.

You don't really want Clayton's system to turn into New Orleans', now do you???? It is a big, messy, low functioning hodgepodge except for a few schools with selective admissions that they put in so they can eliminate special education.

Y'all listen please. Georgia is better than that.

By Michael

Sep 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Prince George's County Maryland is a majority black, affluent community with good schools and black leadership. Give Jack Johnson, the county executive in Upper Marlboro, Maryland a call.

By Dee Vine Intervention, please

Sep 7, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

To NoahVale:
Although cloned many times, your post seems to be well thought out with many valid points. I guess I read the blogs simply to see occasional suggestions like yours. One must wade through extreme posts rife with racial undertones and overtones and just disgusting rants in some cases. I especially like those that are no longer a part of the county that just like to throw everything in our faces-those of us who continue to live here and hope that someone will come up with sensible solutions. In light of most recent events and "meetings" we can all see that nothing will be accomplished without state intervention. Too many members are dealing with agendas that are personal and not related to anything school related at all.

On one point of yours that bears repeating is the fact that this school superintendent MUST go. The ego is incredible and those that are surrounding him (most of them brought here by Dr. Thompson) are being fed by this ego. Oh, that the contract could be found to be invalid, that would be ideal! Of course that will take more lawsuits and with our representation it would probably be better just to settle and pay out contract.

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By noahvale

Sep 7, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

RESPONSE TO JDR Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM

There are short term and long term answers. The first issue that needs to be addressed is to do whatever is necessary to get accreditation back. Thousands of kids futures are at stake - many of whom are marginal to begin with. So, how?

1) As much as I hate state intervention on a local matter, this situation has gotten so far out of hand, Governor Perdue and State School Board Superintendent, Kathy Cox, must step in and take complete charge. Perdue must kick everyone off the current board and appoint an interim. These members could be from either outside or within the county or combination of both. They will serve until a new board is elected.

However, before taking office, this new board must go through and successfully complete a comprehensive state mandated training program. This course would include a full understanding of meeting rules of order, ethics of office, how to work with fellow members, understanding millage rates and how to formulate a budget among other criteria.

As already demonstrated, the majority of those who run for school board in ClayCo have very limited knowledge on the boundaries of a board member, much less leadership experience. They need to fully understand that their main responsibilities are to approve a yearly balanced budget, set policies and evaluate if such policies are being carried out successfully. They need to understand that it is not their responsibility to micro manage day to day school operations or get involved with individual school staff issues (other than overall staffing numbers). That is under the purview of the superintendent.

2) Once this newly elected board is in place, the State will still require 2 consultants to monitor their actions until accreditation is restored.

3) The State must find a way to get rid of the current Superintendent and take over the search for his replacement. Thompson's ego is 3 times the size of his abilities. According to SACS his contract illegally delineated controls and responsibilities meant for the school board only. That should be enough to void it. If not, then pay him off and get his *** out of there. Then, Kathy Cox should designate a search committee (as much as I hate teacher unions, a couple of reps should be included so teachers can feel that they are part of process) to come up with 3 candidates for the position. It would then be up to the newly seated board vote on whom to hire.

I will have to answer your questions to the larger issues at hand on another post. I'm at my limit today. Unless, you are no longer interested, which is ok. (-:

By JDR

Sep 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

noahvale, what IS necessary to turn things around?

Being a concerned citizen, resident and taxpayer, I've actually given this some thought as I picked up litter along the streets near my home. How can we educate a populace that is so beneath decency that they would just dump their McDonald's bags, beer bottles and Newport boxes throughout the neighborhood?

Should we just resign ourselves to building more prisons and becoming a "child-free" zone?

What kind of disaster - a la "Katrina" - would it take to wash the trash away? Is the ultimate demise of the school system what it will take? How long will we have to wait until the leeches have finally squeezed us for all that they can take and then move on to the next situation that is ripe for the taking?

So what do we need to do to change things? How can we make it so uncomfortable for the low-life segment that they'll just move on? It seems that the electoral process is not the answer so far .. what else can be done?