We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming . . . .

May 26th School Board Meeting:


I arrived at the Board Room at the Central Office at about 11:30. About half of the 66 seats had been taken. By around 12:30, the seats had been filled and about 40 extra people lined the walls. At about 12:45 it was announced there were about 125 people in attendance (a signature list had been passed around to verify that there were indeed more than 85 people).


The frenzy that was the public portion of the Special Called Board of Education meeting was a sight to behold. The board room was filled beyond capacity (to the complete surprise of the Board majority, I’m sure).

At the beginning of the meeting, Associate Superintendent Rick Sherrill suddenly appeared at a side door exclaiming that he “wanted that woman removed from the building” as he gesticulated toward a nicely dressed, attractive lady sitting quietly in her seat. As he jumped in front of her (I guess to thwart an evil plan that appeared to consist of engaging seat neighbors with oh-so-threatening and insidious small talk) he was dialing 911 on his cell phone.

(And this is after he had called someone else a "coward" for not acquiescing to his demand to "follow him to his office.")

Do they teach those kinds of maneuvers/tactics in the Marines? My husband is a Marine – I’ll have to ask him about that. I wonder if they teach Marines how to detect terrorists in plain clothes, and how to intimidate with a quick jump and a cell phone? My husband is a Federal Flight Deck Officer and has been trained to shoot his H-K from a seated position, but I don’t know that he was trained to detect ‘would be terrorists’ on airplanes (or school board meetings). They must save that type of training for Associate Superintendants.

Anyway, the question I am left with is, WHO THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, SIR?

First of all (and you should know this) – YOU DID NOT HAVE THE FLOOR.

Only Madame Chair can exclude people from board meetings.


Meanwhile, as the hysteria generated by the Associate Superintendent distracted the TV reporters, Ms. Norman was battling her own disobedient audience member. Claiming that an unidentified person had “gestured” toward her, Ms. Norman called for police to remove the offending citizen. Realizing that no police were available, Ms. Norman also proceeded to call 911.

I suppose the sight from the bench (er, I mean the Chairperson’s chair) was discombobulating – what with the “Citizens Arayest” that Mr. Sherrill was executing going awry, the absence of peace officers to escort the unruly out the door, and the mob of 185 that had managed to peacefully assemble in the meeting room – so Ms. Norman called for a recess. Soon the police officers arrived and directed that all but 71 of the spectators leave the room.

Although Madame Chair seems to enjoy threatening to have the police remove the “unruly,” she accomplishes the great bulk of her mass exclusion by holding the meetings in the board room, which only holds 85 people. This meeting would be no exception to that rule.

So eventually the board members reappeared. After some business regarding the budget, Mr. Jones discussed the answer to the SACS-CASI charges. Mr. Jones indicated that he had drafted an “excellent” response, and that SACS had assured him that the response could be sent to them either that day or the following day.

If I could have raised one eyebrow, I would have – at the same time that Mr. Jones was telling this crowd that the reply could be sent “tomorrow,” I was getting a text message from a friend who was on the phone with SACS CASI. This person said that SACS had already given Burke an extension, and that the answer was due no later than 5:00 Tuesday, May 26. But, what’s the big deal, right?

After some discussion regarding the engagement of Mr. Schwartz (his legal fees for defending the lawsuits will be born by insurance – wonder by what exponent the insurance premiums will increase next year?) he presented the plan for searching for a new superintendent. Typically a new superintendant search takes about 6 months. But for $8500 plus expenses plus advertising fees of $449, NCSBA will endeavor to find a replacement by August 17th.

(Speaking of finding a replacement, it is my understanding that the former chair of the Burke County Republican Party was at yesterday's meeting - he purportedly has been ordained as the replacement for Mr. Dave Barnard – I’ve never seen him at a board meeting before, but since he will/may be assisting in the choice of a new superintendant, I suppose his appearance at this meeting was warranted.) Mr. Schwartz did not indicate that only Republicans need apply for the Superintendant position, but I think we can all see where this is going. . . . so much for the non-partisanship of the school board.

One of the “lightest” parts of the meeting was when Mr. Schwartz discussed the process of finding a new superintendant. He warned that part of finding a superintendent was “selling the school system.” The crowd chuckled. He went on to opine that prospective superintendents will have heard about the “situation” here and that this would be a good opportunity for the board to engage in problem-solving skills with the public to show the prospective super that the board was functioning as a cohesive, responsible, unit. Fat Chance, Mr. Schwartz.

This is how I would solve the problem (and I am willing to bet that most of the county would agree with me) – I would accept the resignations of the Board Majority, rescind the wrongful termination of the superintendent’s contract, and hold elections to fill the empty board seats. Problem solved. But I digress . . ..

Then Mr. Schwartz announced some changes to the media policy that would assuage those who had filed complaints about the policy in one of the many lawsuits. Since the amendments to the media policy are not available to “peons” like the public, all I can say is that the modifications seemed trivial at best.

What was really entertaining was the verbal “repartee’” that followed: Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Armour stated that the policy was “overkill,” and they had not supported it before, and would not do so again. Mr. Buff engaged in that tiresome argument of “We never intended to ban books.”

Mr. Armour reminded him that Madame Chair had actually started this controversy by insisting that The Kite Runner be “pulled” from the schools. Mr. Buff retorted with the “fact” that teachers had written the media policy, and that teachers thought the new media policy was just fine with them (never mind that the teachers who were involved with drafting the media policy say that they do not even recognize the final version and that they feel extreme pressure to “say” the media policy is "fine" with them.).

But the final coup was when Ms. Norman took charge and asked Mr. Schwartz if a Media Policy that provided an appeal process was mandatory (he replied “yes,”) and then she asked when that requirement became law (he said “1967”) and she proclaimed that the Burke County School System had been without a media policy that allowed appeals of books for 40 years. “Take that, you who dare to defy me!”

Only problem is, before Ms. Norman engaged in her book pullin’, policy re-writin’ , years since we have been out of compliance countin’ mission to whip our schools into shape, Burke County had a Media Selection Policy that complied with the statute. That policy, which has been ignored since the beginning of The Kite Runner controversy, can be found in Policy 9-6100 (1993) and Policy 9-6100-P (2006).

So, Mr. Schwartz, Burke County isn’t as “backward” as Ms. Norman portrays it to be – it is just that Ms. Norman is not familiar with the board policies herself, and seizes every opportunity available to prove it.

Another day, another thousand or so dollars.

When will June 1 get here?

Silence is Golden?

Simple Ironies: Karen Sain
Surprisingly (or not), Karen Sain's campaign statements were limited to "I am blessed" and "I have a wonderful family" and "God's been good to me" (NH article dated 11-3-07).

When asked what made her qualified for school board member, she says "her job as a nurse makes her qualified to be entrusted with the lives of children. The focus of the board should be on education." (NH article dated 10-23-07). Impressive resume' Karen.

When asked by principals if she believed in site based decision making, she responded: "Principals are the professionals. They can make up their own minds and be accountable for their decisions." I assume teachers are professionals too? So maybe they can decide what books are appropriate for a particular class? Or how about that dress code?

Moving to post election ironies, shortly after the election Karen Sain stated "I am so excited...(I) just want to bring unity to the board and earn the trust of the community. I want to represent the people, and I want them to hold me accountable." (NH article dated 11-06-07).

Ok, ok, so sitting silently at meetings, refusing to talk to the public or return their emails or phone calls, and otherwise looking deaf dumb and blind is your idea of being accountable to the public? How can you earn the trust of the public when you won't even return their calls? (I’ve called 2x myself and emailed 2x with no response.) How, exactly Karen, did you bring "unity" to this school board? I'd love to know....

And finally, when she was sworn in as our new school board member, Ms. Sain quoted a famous person from our past as saying "she will not only stand in the gap in comfort but also in challenge and controversy." (NH article dated 11-02-07). Ok, so let’s forget trying to figure out what she meant by that quote, but ironically the famous person she quoted was.........Martin Luther King, Jr.

So I guess Dr. King would be proud of the way you stood COMPLETELY SILENT in the face of controversy and said NOTHING publicly about Mr. Hairfield's racist emails.....

Shallow Karen, shallow...


by Tim Rooks

Gone but not Forgotten . . .

Simple Ironies: Dave Barnard

1. David Barnard's campaign platform:

As reflected in the October 23, 2007 News Herald article, Mr. Barnard felt that "his extensive work experience and education makes him qualified to sit on the board and make changes in the school system." What work experience Dave, your time at Table Rock ?

As reflected in the October 29, 2007 News Herald article, Mr. Barnard stated he was "running on fixing the dropout rate and creating a strategic plan to achieve goals." Hmm.... funny thing Mr. Barnard... didn't you just "drop out" of our school system (i.e. resigned as board member). What a shining example for those students you oversaw and encourage to "stay in school." Hey, if times get tough, the heat gets too hot in the kitchen, just bail out, run and hide... works for you, doesn't it?

In that same article, he was asked "What do you see as the role of a school board member in day-to-day operations?" His response: "Not much. Day to day operations should be left to the superintendent and the principals. The board shouldn't take an active role." I'm guessing Mr. Burleson might now be able to show some contradiction in your words vs. your deeds.... How about that book issue? Way to leave that decision making to those qualified Humanities teachers...leave the teaching to the teachers? Heck no, let’s censor books.

Here's a great one... when asked "Is it necessary for school board members to get along", he responded as follows: "Absolutely. I don't think they all have to think alike. I think diversity of opinion is important."

After he was elected, the News Herald article dated November 6, 2007, quotes him as saying "The people wanted change, and they got a change, Barnard said. He said he hopes to get rid of the in-fighting and get to the business of education."

And so I suppose screaming at fellow board members and telling law enforcement to frisk your fellow board member is your idea of "getting along" and "eliminating in fighting”?

2. Post election comments regarding Mr. Burleson:

The February 18, 2008 BOE meeting minutes reflect the following comments from Mr. Barnard in reference to Mr. Burleson:

"Mr. Barnard stated that he was not out to get Mr. Burleson; he wanted to work with Mr. Burleson. He continued by saying that he did not have a hidden agenda... "

So I guess badmouthing Mr. Burleson (calling him a pathological liar) to a school employee in front of Mr. Burleson's daughter is the way you show support for Mr. Burleson ? I guess voting not to extend his contract, then later abstaining from the vote to terminate his contract (based on some perceived "conflict of interest") is your idea of supporting him? So, David, if you had a conflict of interest such that you couldn't vote on the termination of his contract, didn't you have a "conflict of interest" back when you voted not to extend that same contract? What a sham wow you turned out to be . . . .


Tim Rooks

"Simple Ironies" by Tim Rooks

Tim Rooks, a local attorney, has posted some very interesting editorial pieces regarding the "Fab Five" on Facebook. He has given me permission to post them here as well. I will try to post one a day. I thank him for allowing me to share them with you.

Simple Ironies: Rob Hairfield

When I think of the events surrounding this School Board, I keep replaying in my mind the platforms of each school board member as they campaigned for the job, and some other interesting statements made by them shortly thereafter, and the irony of their situation today is striking.

I will be posting articles on each of the Fab 5 and pointing out some, well, inconsistencies in their words and behaviors, but lets begin here with Mr. Rob Hairfield. Here are just some of my recurring flashbacks as to him:

In a News Herald article dated October 30, 2007 Mr. Hairfield was asked during his campaign: "What is your platform?" His response was the following:

"My platform is to restore credibility, integrity and accountability to the people of Burke County and to the school board." He went on to say that he wanted to "get as much money as possible to the principals and into the classrooms." At the candidate forum held at WPCC, as reported in the October 23, 2007, News Herald article...he stated that his platform was "accredibility (not a typo), integrity, accountability and being a voice for the people."

Ok....so how have you done that Mr. Hairfield? By being a voice "AT the people?"...or by sending racist emails out and then not taking responsibility for them by explaining in your "apology" that you merely forwarded them and didn't really read them? and then not being held accountable for them ?

How about the money issue Rob? Are we really getting "as much money as possible to the principals and into the class room" when we vote to authorize an attorney from across the State to deplete our budget on avoidable attorney's fees? By creating lawsuits based on the 1st Amendment because you vote 4-2 "not to invoke the first amendment" ? Are you serious? That vote perhaps will go down in history as your most ridiculous ever.

Mr Hairfield was then asked in that October 30, 2007, article: "What is lacking in the school system?" His response was:

"It goes back to priorities of where we're spending money."

The kicker is the final question: "Is it necessary for school board members to get along?" His answer:

"It's nice if everybody can agree on everything all the time. You're going to have differences, and you have the right to agree to disagree. It's how you conduct yourself when you have the disagreements. If you don't like someone personally because of the position that they take is different from yours, don't attack them personally. Attack the position that they're taking, and do it in a tactful way where it doesn't come off as spiteful or vindictive or a personal attack on that individual because they don't agree with what you were saying"

Boy, ain't that the truth? It sure shows the true character of the person, doesn't it Rob?

In the News Herald article dated October 29, 2007, an article reports the responses of then candidate Rob Hairfield to questions from principals' and was asked: "What will you do to provide support for the superintendent and principals?" His response:

"Focus on accountability. There is ample money in the system to reallocate to principals to make sure they have the necessary resources. This will eliminate the need for student fundraisers."

Oh, ok. Eliminate student fundraisers... good idea. Way to support Mr. B, by "eliminating student fundraisers." How'd that question get dodged ?

In the News Herald Letter to the Editor dated January 5, 2008, Emily Church of Valdese addressed the board's procedures in selecting a new principal for the new high school in a letter entitled "Waiting on a Principal." She wrote the following:

"These same board members who only weeks before had promised to listen intently to public input during their campaigns quickly terminated the dialogue and gave the impression of a lack of empathy, professionalism, and common courtesy. After trying to address the board in a positive manner, I was told to 'go back to East Burke High School and do your job and teach the children that's entrusted to you' (the vice-chairman's ... Tracy Norman's...incorrect usage of grammar, not mine), and as another parent approached the microphone, she was told that she could speak, but there was to be no more 'board bashing', inferring that I had been speaking negatively about the board."

See a pattern here?

There is a great publication on the National School Board Association website entitled "Leadership Insider: Practicle Perspectives on School Law & Policy". The article of relevance is entitled "Doing the Right Thing" and discusses the adoption of a code of ethics for school boards. It even has the text of a suggested code of ethics for boards to adopt. I remember reading it back when Rob Hairfield proposed to change the Student Code of Conduct to implement a policy which mandated that a student athlete would be immediately and indefinitely suspended from all athletic teams upon being "charged with a misdemeanor". Wow, I said. Here's a guy who should know a little something about the presumption of innocence holding our students to a higher standard of accountability than teachers or even our school board? I spoke at that meeting on February 18, 2008 (you can read the minutes or listen to the audio online), and suggested OVER A YEAR AGO that the board adopt a code of ethics applicable to their own conduct, like many many other school boards in our State have already done. Now, I see why Mr. Hairfield dropped the subject and his proposed policy went silently into the night. Sad though, that this Board never did adopt any kind of ethics policy of self-governance, and ironic I suppose...

The Board of Education's Policy Manual relating to the conduct of teachers, Policy # 7.7170 states that:

"In the area of personal conduct, the Board expects all staff members to conduct themselves in a manner that not only reflects credit to the school system, but that sets forth a model worthy of emulation by students."

Do the emails do that Mr. Hairfield ? Let's speculate a little bit.... Let's say a staff member sends those emails instead of you.....what would be their punishment for violating the Board's code of conduct for teachers ? What if a student had spoken those words in class? I wonder if it would be a slap on the wrist ?

As for his attitude towards Mr. Burleson, Mr. Hairfield has never hidden his contempt for Mr. Burleson, and this agenda to fire Mr. Burleson is no secret, though denied by the Board. Looking back at the pre-candidate Mr. Hairfield, we see that in a letter to the editor dated November 29, 2006, he said:

"When top school administrators say then have been known to pad the numbers to get what they want or they can make these figures do anything they want, it causes me great concern that these type of statements be made at all, under any circumstances......That type of deception and outright falsehood also cause me great concern. Why the need for deception on the part of our administrators?"

Hmmm.... deception? outright falsehoods? ... way to "agree to disagree" and show respect and professionalism Rob.

His letter to the editor dated April 26, 2007, represents similar thoughts when opining on the "East Burke incident":

"The additional terms were solely meant to protect the superintendent and his 'puppets' on the board from further embarrassment or calls for their own resignations."........"I fully support Ms. Norman and Mr. Buff for their attempts to do the proper thing. As far as the rest of these so-called school board members, they should be taken to the courthouse lawn at high noon on Saturday and publicly flogged for their own misdconduct."

Wow! and we were actually surprised that Rob suggested our officers "shoot to kill" ?

There's nothing like the horse's mouth, is there?

Tim Rooks

Peer Pressure

Prin 1
Collapse classes for teacher absences, putting peer pressure on absent teacher and reducing sub costs


The above is a line item from the “Notes” section of the document entitled “2009-2010 Budget Meeting Results.”

“Prin” means “Principal.”

“1” is the highest priority – to be implemented in the 2009-10 school year.

I read this line a week or so ago, and I guess I am already jaded, but that line yielded only a raised eyebrow. A teacher called me the other day and pointed that line out to me again.

Many things are discussed in meetings that typically don’t make it to “Notes” that are available for public inspection. Frankly, reining in that kind of discussion and making sure that those kind of sentiments are not acted on is part of the job of in house counsel in a corporation.

One of the ways companies that don’t have access to legal counsel handle conversations about reductions in force or cost savings that will affect employees, is to be sure that the company operates in an atmosphere that values ethical conduct, and that the executives and managers in the company have a thorough understanding of the basic aspects of employment law.

Now, talking about “putting peer pressure” on teachers is one thing (and not a good thing) – publishing it as a “note” to the results of the 2009-2010 Budget Meeting Results, is quite another. So, creating a bit of a "hostile work environment" is the goal to cut down on teacher absences and to reduce sub costs? Seems a little counter-intuitive to me. Is this a tactic used in the military?

Teachers, please make sure you make the NCAE aware of this particular “line item” at the NCAE meeting. If you need a copy of this document, I would be happy to email it to you.

Shared Sacrifice?

May 15, 2009



Ms. Ruth Ann Suttle
Chair, Burke County Commissioners
PO Box 219
Morganton, NC 28680-0219

Via Facsimile to Ms. Vicki Craigo: 828-438-2782


RE: Burke County Board of Education Funding


Dear Madame Chair:

In this time of economic uncertainty and shortage of funds, I understand that sacrifices must be made by everyone. The company I work for, Environmental Inks and Coatings Corporation (“EIC”), has done its best to travel through these lean times by sharing sacrifice among all employees. Because it is important to the leadership of our company to preserve jobs here in Morganton, all of the employees at our local plant took a 5 to 10% pay cut for the second quarter – administration took 10% cuts, and some executives took pay cuts up to 50%. This way EIC was able to avoid extensive layoffs here in Morganton. Fortunately, our business is picking up and the need for continued sacrifice is lessening – we plan to restore everyone’s pay to prior levels on June 1.

I mention the above so as to contrast the efforts of the leadership at my company to the leadership of the Board of Education. Below is an email sent out to the schools in the Burke County System from the Central Office:

From: Thompson, Julie
Sent: Thu 5/14/2009 12:43 PM
To: All PrincipalsCc: Bagley, Winston B; Lawson, Keith; Burleson, David
Subject: Substitute Teachers/Aesop

Good Afternoon … Mr. Lawson and Mr. Bagley have instructed me to remove all substitute teacher assignments from Aesop as absences are to be filled internally by the school effective 5/18/09. If your school does not use Aesop, it will be your responsibility to contact any subs you have scheduled for future absences and cancel with them. If you do not cancel with the sub and they show up, your school will be required to pay for the substitute. Substitutes for teachers on Leave of Absence will not be affected.

If you have an emergency situation and cannot fill the absence internally, please contact Winston Bagley at 828-439-4301 or Julie Thompson at 828-439-4322 for approval to get a substitute. Teachers will still be required to enter their absences on Aesop; however Aesop will not post absences or call to find substitutes. This will allow us to continue to track absences through the end of the year. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience; however with the current budget issues we must do all that we can to reduce excess spending in any way possible.

Thank You ~
Julie Thompson
Burke County Public Schools
Pre-Employment Specialist
Substitute Administrator

After discussing the above with a teacher, it appears that in the inevitable circumstance that a substitute is needed, the class with the absent teacher will have to be “babysat” by another member of the school staff. Although that may not sound horrendous, depending on the situation that may mean that one teacher has to manage two classes together – thereby “killing two birds with one stone” as Aesop might say. (Except not in a good way – two classes will suffer instead of just one.)

So, given the fact that the Board leadership continues to spend funds on legal matters of their own creation, has refused to consider the reduction of their own monthly stipend and has flatly rejected the notion of dropping membership in the NCSBA, please know that those of us who understand “shared sacrifice” are relying on our County Commissioners to redirect the self-serving financial decisions of the Board if possible.

In this time when our school personnel must do “all that we can to reduce excess spending in any way possible,” it seems to me that the Board majority would be wise and considerate enough to do the same.

Sincerely,


Catherine Thomas

Student Teachers in Burke County

I spoke to a representative from the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University today about their student teachers in the Burke County schools.

This is what I learned:

Appalachian values the relationship they have with Burke county schools - they think our teachers are great, our students are great and our schools are great. Appalachian will make no decisions or changes based on the current inquiry from SACS CASI. If the school system's accreditation is compromised, Appalachian would reassess at that time.


However, my impression is that Appalachian would not automatically withdraw its student teachers if Burke County lost accreditation. Appalachian and Burke County Schools have a strong relationship, and Appalachian would not make any hasty decisions regarding the placement of student teachers here.

The person I spoke with sympathizes with all parties involved and hopes that the issues surrounding the school board that affect the school system are resolved soon.

So do we.

You Scratch My Back . . .

So Clayton County Georgia hired a "high dollar" Superintendent who had a "high dollar" lawyer -

From: "Thompson hired personal attorney to handle accreditation issues "

By Curt Yeomans, Clayton News Daily Online
June 16, 2008

Corrective Superintendent John Thompson hired another member 0f his personal inner circle last month to help save the school system's accreditation -- Richard Schwartz, the North Carolina attorney who negotiated Thompson's contract to lead Clayton County Schools.He replaced Glenn Brock, the special attorney who was hired by the board of education in December 2007 to deal with the Southern Association of Colleges and School's (SACS) investigation of the school system. The school system has to meet nine mandates for improvement by Sept. 1, or it will lose its accreditation.Schwartz, who also negotiated Thompson's contract to lead the school system in Pittsburgh, Pa., was brought in as part of Thompson's transition advisory team in early May, shortly after the new superintendent took charge of the school system. The attorney was soon hired to work specifically on the accreditation issue.

As a result of Schwartz's work, Thompson received a 14-month contract from the Clayton County Board of Education, which guarantees the school chief a base salary of $285,000 per year, a $2,000 per month living allowance, and access to a car - and a body guard, if he wants one.

Well, Mr. Schwartz, it isn't quite as exciting as Clayton yet - but it is nice to see you still keep up with your old friends . . ..



Pamlico County Schools
2008 - 690
Central Office 507 Anderson Drive Bayboro NC 28515-9799
Courier: 16-51-01 Phone: (252) 745-4171 Fax: (252) 745-4172
Central Office Mailing Address
Zone: Coastal
2008 Membership 1499
2008 Teacher Count 139

Board Attorney
Richard Schwartz

Superintendent
Mr Rick Sherrill

Déjà Vu?

Clayton signs school chief's contract amid police presence

By MEGAN MATTEUCCIPublished on: 04/26/08

Winning over an accreditation agency that already says you are not qualified for the job is hard enough.

Add several state officials who don't support you, 52,800 children concerned about their futures and angry parents who say your contract is not valid, and you have to be "crazy," some parents and teachers say.

"I'm surprised they brought him in when the consensus from the community is they didn't want him," said Sid Chapman, president of the 2,800-member Clayton County Education Association, the district's largest teachers' union.

"But at $300,000 plus consulting fees in 14 months, it's not a bad offer," Chapman said. "Whether you make accreditation or not, you get paid."

John W. Thompson has 95 days to prove them wrong. Monday is the temporary superintendent's first day at the helm of the troubled Clayton County schools.

Police had to intervene twice Saturday to control an unruly Clayton school board meeting where the board unanimously approved a contract granting a Thompson a $285,000 annual salary and $2,000 monthly housing stipend.

The board refused to hear comments from the audience, instructed police to intervene and voted 5-0 to hire Thompson. Board members Michelle Strong, David Ashe, Sandra Scott, Yolanda Everett and Lois Baines-Hunter approved the contract.

But on Saturday, Thompson's attorney, Richard Schwartz, said the candidate did not withdraw, but just stopped talking to Clayton. School district attorney Hopson also said Thompson did not withdraw.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/clayton/stories/2008/04/26/claysuper_0427.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13

Hmmmm. . .

"Raleigh lawyer Richard Schwartz was reprimanded by the Grievance Committee. Schwartz was retained by a local school board to investigate alleged assaultive conduct by high school students. Schwartz conducted interviews of several alleged victims. Rather than make it clear to the interviewees and their parents that he had a preexisting attorney-client relationship with the school board and was giving advice to the school board about the matter being investigated, he created the impression that he was conducting an independent investigation. Schwartz also lead the district attorney to believe there was no evidence that a felony occurred when in fact there was evidence, which Schwartz deemed incredible, that, if true, would constitute felony sexual offense. Schwartz' misconduct was mitigated by his lack of prior discipline and apparent lack of dishonest motive."

“Y’all need to get rid of that school board – the whole state is watching you!”

“Well, we won’t rescind the offers to seniors we have already accepted,” an admissions officer at Appalachian State University said to me today. After introducing myself to this admissions official, I explained that Burke high schools had not lost accreditation yet. I told her that the school board had been warned losing accreditation was a possibility due to the school board’s behavior. She explained to me that the sixteen (16) institutions in the university system were well aware of the situation in Burke County, and they all felt that the loss of accreditation would not severely hurt Burke county students in the near term. She had spoken directly to the NC State admissions director, and they agreed that they would not let the loss of accreditation affect Burke county students. She said that they would look at each applying student individually, and things like SAT, AP courses and degree of difficulty in courses would affect an admissions decision more than the fact that Burke schools might not be accredited.

But before we hung up, she said - “Y’all need to get rid of that school board – the whole state is watching you!”

I did not contact any private colleges or universities, or any out of state colleges or universities, so I don’t know what their reaction would be. I can tell you that my impression was that the college admissions officers of the North Carolina Universities are giving Burke students a bit of a “pass” because they are following events here – they understand that the students are being punished for the actions of the board.

This is a bit of good news for our children – the state institutions of higher learning have empathy for our plight.

Losing accreditation is a terrible thing. We could lose residents. We could lose property values. We could lose businesses. We could lose teachers.

I have read comments on other blogs that indicate those posters have received different information. If you have questions regarding the impact of accreditation on your student, I urge you to contact the college of your choice so that you can get the facts you need yourself.

GOVERNOR? GOVERNOR?

RACIST EMAIL FELLS ABC CHIEF

Gov. Perdue, citing ‘offensive and unacceptable' photo illustration, obtains Doug Fox's resignation.

RALEIGH Gov. Bev Perdue asked for – and received – the resignation of N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Doug Fox on Tuesday, just hours after newspapers provided Perdue's office with a copy of a racist photo illustration sent from Fox's e-mail address after last November's election.

The e-mail included an altered photo of the White House that turned the South Lawn into an enormous watermelon patch. The phrase, “There goes the neighborhood …” was printed above the photo.

Read more at: http://www.charlotte.com/

Maybe this is a good example of why we should consider appointing our school board rather than electing them? With the power of appointment one has the power of forcing resignation.

Just a thought . . ..

North Korea.

Well, folks - the imperial four continued their reign of terror last night, with a giant "Go to ___" to the members of the community they serve. (I am sorry if that statement offends, but there is no nice way to put it.)

The public comment section of last night’s meeting was a moving display of bright, eloquent, passionate citizens finally allowed (by the intercession of the Sheriff and Chief of Police) to exercise their first amendment rights. Unfortunately, the public was addressing four inept, tyrannical, apathetic monsters (two of whom were chewing their cuds) who didn’t give a flying farewell to anything that was said to them.

Unbelievable. Really unbelievable.

Zimbabwe.

Make no mistake – these guys have been told they are untouchable. The North Carolina General Statutes favor them. The local policy on removing members is non-existent. There is no way to recall them. The Department of Public Instruction is “hands off.” The North Carolina School Board Association has no power. Our legislators and Governor tell us it is a local matter.

Myanmar.

Regarding Mr. Hairfield’s Emails: There is no authority that I can find that requires Ms. Norman to hold any hearing regarding the emails, or to discipline any members of the board for their behavior.

Sudan.

It all comes down to “Common Decency.” We already know that the board majority does not possess that.

Can you imagine sitting on that stage last night?

Can you imagine having the audacity to chew gum, stare at the clock, stop a child before he could finish his/her speech with a “your time is up,” and then proceed to symbolically give the public the finger?

I can’t imagine doing that. I don’t think anyone with a normal psyche can imagine or "relate" to doing that.

Kim Jong il, Robert Mugabe, Than Shwe, Omar al Bashir - I'm betting that these guys can.

Citizens of Burke

I hope to see many of you at the meeting tonight. I hope to be able to listen to all of the speakers and follow the actions of the board post public comment.

Just a reminder: Calm, cool and collected. Sherriff McDevitt and Chief Tolbert have done us a great service by forcing the board chair to exercise some common sense and hold the meeting at Patton. Let's not let them down.

If any of you know any food vendors, tell them this would be a great opportunity to set up shop in the parking lot. Looks like this will be a long night! (just kidding, but really - wouldn't it be nice to have some food available????)

Help Wanted

I am sure that the board majority will try to stack the board with one of their ilk, but in case a wave of fair play, intelligence and common sense sweeps over them:

I hope they will consider someone of color or ethnicity.

I hope they will consider someone who has an open mind.

I hope they will consider someone who sincerely wants to improve the school system.

I hope they will consider someone with experience in education.

I hope they will consider someone who is not controlled by any religious faction.

I hope they will consider someone who believes the children deserve accredited high schools.

I hope they will consider someone who values the US Constitution.

I hope they will consider someone who has power in their own personal life or vocation, and who does not have to seek and hold it to the exclusion of the common good while they are on the school board.

I guess we shall see.

What qualities do you want to see in a new board member?

Irony.

February 4, 2008 Minutes of the Board County Board of Education

“Update to Burke County Athletic Manual – Mr. Rob Hairfield

Mr. Hairfield would like to add the term “misdemeanor offenses” to the existing felony offenses in the athletic policy manual. In addition, he would like to add that there would be “no exceptions” if a student knowingly and willingly failed to inform the proper personnel of a pending criminal charge; this student will be declared ineligible for further participation in the sports program. Mr. Hairfield shared that he felt our high school student athletes should be role models for elementary and middle school students to look up to.”


March 17th 2008 Minutes of the Burke County Board of Education

Regarding requested emails from the board:

“With the exception of Mr. Hairfield who had been unable to open his emails, all of their Board member emails that were requested by former school board chairman Ray Martinat have been turned over to Mr. Burleson to be sent to Mr. Martinat.”

For Your Viewing Pleasure

I don't typically endorse youtube videos pertaining to the board, but this one is spot-on.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgvz4kXJXHI

On Public Comment:

March 19, 2007 BOE Minutes

Public Participation at Board Meetings – Mr. Martinat asked the board to review this proposed policy. Mr. Burleson pointed out the purpose of the policy was to provide the opportunity for public comment and to protect employees. Mr. Aycock acknowledged this draft follows the state guidelines and was developed by the NCSBA. Mr. Buff stated he would like public comment to be offered at all board meetings. Mr. Burleson responded that by law, the board must allow public comment at least once a month; the board allows public comments at most all meetings. Mr. Burleson said the policy would allow for at least, one a month. Mr. Norman asked if the requests to add items to the board agenda had to be submitted to the Superintendent at least six days in advance, she would like to have materials for the board meetings before Friday preceding the board meeting on Monday. Mr. Brandon indicated receiving the materials on Friday provided ample time for review. The board decided to have the Superintendent provide the materials on Wednesday preceding the board meeting on Monday. Items from other departments would have to be to the Superintendent by Monday afternoon in order to get to the board members on Wednesday.

Mr. Buff asked for the second paragraph on page two to include the word "may" instead of "will". Mr. Aycock responded that he would review this request. Mr. Buff repeated that he would like for the public comment session to be held at all board meetings. Mr. Martinat stated that the board would allow public comment anytime the board was in open session. Mr. Burleson stated that "at least once a month" means that public comments could be made once a month or more often, if the board chose to allow them.

16, 2007 BOE Minutes
Student Searches – Mr. Buff mentioned he had asked that under Section B, first paragraph that "when feasible" be removed. He would like for the policy to read that an adult witness be present when a search is being conducted. Mr. Burleson stated this would be the case unless the situation was an emergency. Mr. Buff asked if there would be repercussions for teachers who did not follow the guidelines of the policy. Mr. Burleson responded that would be handled as a personnel issue. Ms. Norman asked if teachers understood "constitutional rights of students" in paragraph four. Mr. Burleson acknowledged training to better understand the policy would be conducted for new teachers at the New Teacher Orientation and he plans to expand the training for current teachers. Mr. Aycock was requested to re-word the last sentence in paragraph five.

Public Participation at Board Meetings – Mr. Buff questioned the terminology "at least" in the policy. Mr. Martinat noted the board was complying with state law to allow for at least one meeting to allow public comment. Mr. Burleson agreed and acknowledged the board already allows public comment anytime there is an open session meeting. Mr. Wilkinson agreed the board needed flexibility on how they allow for public comment. Ms. Norman shared her concern the policy might prevent someone from coming to speak to the board if they had to speak to the Superintendent first. Mr. Simmons responded that it was appropriate that the board and Mr. Burleson have prior knowledge of the topic of the speaker. Mr. Brandon requested a change in the second paragraph on the second page to say "are not required" instead of "will" because Mr. Buff did not agree with the policy that board members could not respond to a speaker. Ms. Norman felt the first sentence in the last paragraph addressed more than just personnel issues.

May 7, 2007 BOE Minutes
Public Participation at Board Meetings – Mr. Buff questioned the last sentence on page one and shared his concern that the policy should state public comment would be allowed at any board meeting. Mr. Burleson replied that the policy allowed for public comment at each regularly scheduled board meeting. Mr. Brandon stated that as long as the board was complying with the General Statutes, he was OK with the policy as presented. Mr. Buff responded he just wanted citizens to be able to address issues at any meeting and asked that the sentence read - A part of each regularly scheduled monthly board meeting will be set aside for citizens to address the board through public comment. Mr. Simmons commented the board could vote to amend; some board members were looking for specifics in the policy, while others were OK with the policy as presented. The policy will continue to be a Second Reading at the next board meeting.

Please see text of letter below the document images

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION of NORTH CAROLINA
Phone (9 I 9) 834-3390 • Fax (866) 5 I I -1344

May 1, 2009

VIA FACSIMILE, ELECTRONIC AND U.S. MAIL

Tracy Norman, Chair
Tim Buff, Vice-Chair
Buddy Annour, Board Member
David Barnard, Board Member
Rob Hairfield, Board Member
Karen Sain, Board Member
Sam Wilkinson, Board Member


Re: Burke County School Board Policy Regarding Public Comments Period

Dear Burke County Board of Education,

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina Legal Foundation (ACLU-NCLF) has received several complaints this week from Burke County residents who sought to speak at Monday's Burke County School Board meeting regarding the Board's recent decision to terminate Superintendent David Burleson's contract. As set forth below, it appears that your actions violated these citizens' rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

"The First Amendment affords the broadest protection to political expression in order to sustain the unfettered interchange of ideas to bring about political and social change and promote the will of the people." Bach v. Sch. Ed of Va. Beach, 139 F. Supp.2d 738, 743 (E.D. Va. 2001) (citing Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476, 484,77 S.Ct. 1304 (1957)). The Supreme Court has repeatedly explained that "it is a prized American privilege to speak one's mind, although not always with perfect good taste, on all public institutions, and this opportunity is to be afforded for vigorous advocacy no less than abstract discussion." New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254,269, 84 S.Ct. 710, 11 L.Ed.2d 686 (1964). This right "includes the ability to question the fitness of the community leaders . . . especially in a forum created specifically to foster discussion" about a community. Bach, 139 F. Supp.2d at 743 (citing Leventhal v. Vista Unified Sch. Dist., 973 F. Supp. 951, 953-54 (S.D. Cal. 1997)).

The Board cannot discriminate based on viewpoint. It also cannot limit "personal attacks" unless the speech actually disrupts or threatens to disrupt the orderly and fair conduct of a meeting. See Steinburg v. Chesteljield County Planning Comm 'n, 527 F.3d 377, 380 (4th Cir. 2008); Bach, 139 F. Supp.2d at 743. The citizens' comments appear to indicate their belief that the school board is not carrying out its duties or functioning the way it should. Based upon my knowledge of the situation, it does not appear that the citizens were disrupting the orderly progress of the meeting. If that conclusion is correct, the citizens should have been permitted to speak on their chosen topic.

Further, comments that go directly to an elected school board member's job performance are protected speech -not personal attacks. See Leventhal, 973 F. Supp. at 958 ("Debate over public issues, including the qualifications and performance of public officials ... , lies at the heart of the First Amendment."); Moore v. Asbwy Park Bd. ofEduc., No.Civ.A.05-2971 MLC, 2005 WL 2033687, at *12 (D.N.J. Aug. 23, 2005) (holding that a school board bylaw that prevented "personally directed" comments was unconstitutional under the First Amendment); State v. Ytterdahl, 721 P.2d 757, 760 (Mont. 1986) ("The right of a citizen to protest an alleged unlawful act of his government is undoubted. His right of speech, even though distasteful, must also be unfettered unless the speech creates the evil of a breach ofpeace. ").

Based upon reports from the citizens who have contacted us, as well as articles in the press, it appears that the Board has engaged in impermissible viewpoint discrimination in preventing speakers from criticizing the Board for its decision regarding the Superintendent. The new policy prohibiting "personal attacks" seems to provide further evidence of impermissible viewpoint discrimination in this situation. Such censorship of one side of a debate is unconstitutional. See e.g., First Nat. Bank of Boston v. Bellotti, 435 U.S. 765, 785-786, 98 S.Ct. 1407 (1978) ("Especially where .... the legislature's suppression of speech suggests an attempt to give one side of a debatable public question an advantage in expressing its views to the people, the First Amendment is plainly offended."); City of Madison Joint Sch. Dist. No.8 v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Comm'n, 429 U.S. 167, 175-76,97 S.Ct. 421 (1976) ("To permit one side of a debatable public question to have a monopoly in expressing its views to the government is the antithesis of constitutional guarantees.").

It is my understanding that there is another school board meeting on Monday night, May 4, 2009. I strongly urge you to comply with your obligation to uphold the United States Constitution in permitting your local residents to speak to their school board regarding the Board's recent decision to terminate Superintendent Burleson's contract.
Thank you for your willingness to resolve this matter quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the above address or by telephone at (919) 834-3466.

Board Chair or Queen of Denial?

From: John McDevitt
To: lauriehopkins@directus.net
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 10:23 PM
Subject: RE: Urgent - Please Read!!!

Laurie, I met with Tracy Norman and Jon Jones this morning. They are convinced that David Burleson has no more than several hundred supporters and although they didn't say it, I am also sure that they are convinced this shall pass.

Chief Tolbert and myself facilitated a meeting with Tracy Norman, Jon Jones, the city and county attorney and the city and county managers. We as the law enforcement executives in this county agreed that there must be changes in how this board was conducting business in order to facilitate the safety of all involved.

This morning we gave our guidelines to Tracy and Jon that we believe will increase security for all involved. It is hard to believe, however they were not very receptive to our suggestions initially. We then advised them that they did not have to follow our guidelines, however if they chose not to follow them they would need to make other arrangements for security because we would not be there.

1. Move to a larger venue-preferably Patton High School.

2. Allow unlimited public comment.

There were many other areas that we discussed. They want the audience held to a certain standard of behavior, I advised them that the Board would be held to that same standard.

It is sad that we would have to force the school board to agree to these seemingly common sense items, however we did have to virtually force them.

The meeting lasted for over an hour and many other security issues were discussed.

I write you to make you aware of this, as I said earlier they are convinced that David has no more than several hundred supporters and convinced that this shall pass.

You must work as hard as possible to show them that they are wrong and hopefully have 2,000 people at the next meeting instead of 200.

I have probably already said much more than I should have, however I feel very strongly about fairness and have a strong belief that good shall overcome.

Please help me pack Patton High School and and show these elected officials that they are not representing the people of this county.

Sincerely, Sheriff John T. McDevitt

PS. You can forward this to anyone you wish. I believe strongly enough in David Burleson to attach my career to his.