For those of you with much better things to do - like working and raising a family - than to try and keep up with the criminal dealings of your elected officials - no easy task in North Carolina, here is a round-up of the reporting on Ted Triebel's criminal conviction on DWI:
The News of Orange County - Cudos to The News for being the only media outlet with a quote from the convict himself.
The Durham Herald-Sun - Am I the only person who is uncomfortable with a judge who "almost apologized" for convicting a drunk driver when the evidence is clear that he is guilty? I hope not.
The Daily Tar Heel - The DTH was the only outlet with a quote from one of Ted's fellow board members. Hopefully, Eddie Eubanks is correct and the Board will "meet and talk" openly about the convicted criminal in their ranks.
The Raleigh News & Observer
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It's a long and winding road
"And still they lead me back
To the long, winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don't leave me standing here."
- The Beatles, "The long and winding road"
I have been in a Beatles frame of mind lately so the lyrics to "The long and winding road" immediately occurred to me when a long, winding journey finally came to an end on Tuesday afternoon.
Over one year ago, Orange County Board of Education member Ted Triebel was involved in an auto accident in rural Orange County. What few knew at the time was that Ted was charged with DWI at the scene. It was not until over three months later, as his court date drew closer, that his charges became public and he was forced to acknowledge the charges against him.
After repeated delays and postponements that pushed his hearing back for over a year, Ted Triebel has finally joined his former "partner in crime" on the Orange County Board of Education, Dennis Whitling, as an actual convicted criminal.
After testimony from two members of the State Bureau of Investigation and the State Trooper who responded to his accident last November, Ted Triebel was found guilty of DWI on Tuesday afternoon. He was sentenced to 10 days in prison, 24 hours of community service and must pay a community service fee. The prison sentence was suspended to unsupervised probation in return for payment of a fine and court costs.
According to The News of Orange County, Ted emailed his "regret" for the "mistake" he made and said that he has "since moved forward." Good for him, and now that there is no mistaking the fact that they have a convicted criminal in their midst, it is time for the Board to move forward - and remove Ted from office.
Over six months ago, I wrote:
"If he is found guilty of DWI (or pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid prosecution for DWI), the Board must move immediately to sanction him and remove him from his seat based on a violation of the Code of Ethics he swore to uphold.
According to the Board's Code of Ethics (Policy 2120):
'Members of the Board may be removed by the remaining members of the Board if sufficient evidence warrants such action. Causes for action
are:
- the member is guilty of immoral or disreputable conduct'
If a conviction for drunk driving in the community you have sworn to serve isn't disreputable, what is?"
The only thing that has changed since then is that we now know for a fact that Ted was drunk when he made the personal choice to get behind the wheel of his car. It is only by blind luck that he was the only person hurt by his choice.
The long and winding road has finally reached its long overdue destination and it is time for the Orange County Board of Education to take a stand for credibility and accountability by expelling the criminal among them.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
One more week
Now that May is nearly half over, most spring flowers have come and gone, and the cold and gloom of November is a distant memory for most, the time has nearly come for Orange County Board of Education member Ted Triebel to finally answer his long-delayed drunk driving charges.
Over six months ago, Ted caused an accident in Orange County that both sent him to the hospital and got him charged with Driving While Impaired. According to the State Trooper on the scene, both Ted and his wife admitted he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and proceeding to endanger the people he was sworn to serve. Luckily, no one else was hurt.
For the first three months, Ted said nothing publicly about the incident. It only came to light when a member of the community noticed his original February court date listed on the North Carolina Court System's online court calendar and decided to spread the word.
It wasn't until asked by the local media to respond to this anonymous tip that Ted decided to acknowledge his pending charges. And even then, he had only a "terse" response for the press that appeared to arrogantly show regret that the State Trooper dared to charge him rather than regret for callously risking the safety of his community.
Not exactly the "openness" or "integrity" he claimed to possess when running for the Board or the "transparency" he frequently professed while seated.
To this day, I can't help but wonder if Ted was hoping the matter would quietly pass unnoticed so that his deception could continue undeterred - maybe that's just my cynicism peeking through. Or, maybe it's just Ted's history of these kinds of intentionally deceptive actions that makes him suspect.
Let's not forget his decision to withhold announcing Dennis Whitling's resignation until after the press left a Board meeting, his suppression of community comment when pushing through plans to reorganize two of the district's elementary schools, and his scheduling of a meeting on the future of those schools at a time when most parents were unable to attend.
With his history assembled in one place like this, it becomes clear that this latest incident is simply par for the course in Ted's World.
The parents of Orange County deserve better from someone tasked with providing leadership for their children's schools. It is a shame that they are being represented by someone most wouldn't trust to babysit their kids.
Ted is scheduled to be in court (again) in Chapel Hill next Tuesday morning. Hopefully, this six-month farce will come to a close and he will be held accountable for his actions.
If he is found guilty of DWI (or pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid prosecution for DWI), the Board must move immediately to sanction him and remove him from his seat based on a violation of the Code of Ethics he swore to uphold. According to the Board's Code of Ethics (Policy 2120):
"Members of the Board may be removed by the remaining members of the Board if sufficient evidence warrants such action. Causes for action are:
Over six months ago, Ted caused an accident in Orange County that both sent him to the hospital and got him charged with Driving While Impaired. According to the State Trooper on the scene, both Ted and his wife admitted he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and proceeding to endanger the people he was sworn to serve. Luckily, no one else was hurt.
For the first three months, Ted said nothing publicly about the incident. It only came to light when a member of the community noticed his original February court date listed on the North Carolina Court System's online court calendar and decided to spread the word.
It wasn't until asked by the local media to respond to this anonymous tip that Ted decided to acknowledge his pending charges. And even then, he had only a "terse" response for the press that appeared to arrogantly show regret that the State Trooper dared to charge him rather than regret for callously risking the safety of his community.
Not exactly the "openness" or "integrity" he claimed to possess when running for the Board or the "transparency" he frequently professed while seated.
To this day, I can't help but wonder if Ted was hoping the matter would quietly pass unnoticed so that his deception could continue undeterred - maybe that's just my cynicism peeking through. Or, maybe it's just Ted's history of these kinds of intentionally deceptive actions that makes him suspect.
Let's not forget his decision to withhold announcing Dennis Whitling's resignation until after the press left a Board meeting, his suppression of community comment when pushing through plans to reorganize two of the district's elementary schools, and his scheduling of a meeting on the future of those schools at a time when most parents were unable to attend.
With his history assembled in one place like this, it becomes clear that this latest incident is simply par for the course in Ted's World.
The parents of Orange County deserve better from someone tasked with providing leadership for their children's schools. It is a shame that they are being represented by someone most wouldn't trust to babysit their kids.
Ted is scheduled to be in court (again) in Chapel Hill next Tuesday morning. Hopefully, this six-month farce will come to a close and he will be held accountable for his actions.
If he is found guilty of DWI (or pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid prosecution for DWI), the Board must move immediately to sanction him and remove him from his seat based on a violation of the Code of Ethics he swore to uphold. According to the Board's Code of Ethics (Policy 2120):
"Members of the Board may be removed by the remaining members of the Board if sufficient evidence warrants such action. Causes for action are:
- the member is guilty of immoral or disreputable conduct"
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The embarrassment "continued"
I am sorry for not writing sooner about what happened with Ted Triebel's drunk driving case earlier this week, but I had a mid-term for my grad school program yesterday. I had hoped the press would cover this, but I guess that was too much to ask.
Until I have a chance to write more, here is an update:
Ted's case was "continued" until May 19th, apparently because the test results were not back from the SBI lab in time for court on Tuesday morning.
So, the embarrassment of having a school board member charged with drunk driving will continue for another three months.
Unless, of course, Ted does the honorable thing and resigns from the Board before he does any more damage to its reputation.
Until I have a chance to write more, here is an update:
Ted's case was "continued" until May 19th, apparently because the test results were not back from the SBI lab in time for court on Tuesday morning.
So, the embarrassment of having a school board member charged with drunk driving will continue for another three months.
Unless, of course, Ted does the honorable thing and resigns from the Board before he does any more damage to its reputation.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Honesty, Openness, Hard Work, Integrity and (alleged) Drunk Driving
"I value honesty, openness, hard work, and integrity. If elected, I promise to bring those qualities to the School Board."
- Ted Triebel (quoted from his 2006 Board of Education campaign brochure)
- Ted Triebel (quoted from his 2006 Board of Education campaign brochure)
Many people know that Orange County Board of Education Member Ted Triebel was in an auto accident this past November. Many also know that he was injured in that accident.
What few - if any - knew before today's Durham Herald-Sun was that Ted was cited by the State Highway Patrol for DWI in that accident.
[Update: WRAL.com posted a notice of Ted's DUI charges on Feb. 12 and The News of Orange County posted a short blurb on Feb. 13. The posting by The News of Orange County says to expect "more information" in Wednesday's edition.}
According to the article, Ted and his wife both admitted that he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel (without his seat belt) and crashing his car.
Below you can see the citation issued as a result of the accident.
On the right side you can clearly see that the responding Trooper marked line 5, stating that there was "probable cause to believe" Ted "did unlawfully and willfully operate a (motor) vehicle on a street or highway while subject to an impairing substance" in violation of NC law - in short, Drunk Driving.
Of course, Ted (like his predecessor as Chairman of the Orange County Board of Education) is innocent until either found guilty or (like Dennis) he admits his crimes. However, I find it hard to believe that a State Trooper would go to the trouble of writing such a citation at a single-vehicle accident unless confident of his "probable cause."Ted will have his time in court to respond to the charges against him, and according to the North Carolina Court System, that time is 9:00 am on Tuesday, February 24.
Unless Ted is fully exonerated by the District Court, (and I don't mean a plea to a lesser charge) the Board of Education must attempt to salvage some of its credibility by initiating a Full Board Review as outlined in its own Code of Ethics and immediately remove Ted from the Board for what the Code calls "immoral or disreputable conduct."
Hopefully, it will not come to that and Ted will follow Dennis Whitling's example and immediately resign his position for the good of the Board and Orange County Schools.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Drip, drip, drip
Just when I had completely given up on our area's main media outlets, one steps in a gives me a glimmer of hope that we in Orange County are not the forgotten ones.
The Raleigh News & Observer, the paper of record for the Triangle, has finally noticed than an elected politician in its coverage area was recently convicted of a felony committed while in office. Of course, it took them nearly THREE WEEKS to notice.
From today's N&O website:
"Former Orange County school board member Dennis Whitling was sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to embezzlement and other charges earlier this month, according to court records."
"The alleged incidents occurred between December 2005 and September 2007. The law firm reported them in November."
Help me remember, what else Dennis was doing prior to September 2007?
Oh yeah, now I remember. He was looking down his nose at us unenlightened "racists," "bigots," and "elitists" as we fought to have a voice in our children's education, and to keep him and his accomplices from destroying the only school our children had ever known.
Last August, I wrote a column titled "Dennis Whitling was right" that ended with, "But, the meetings won't be for nothing - a new month means another $100 for Dennis. Cha ching!"
Since then I have been told that Dennis never accepted payment for being on the Board. In light of the current situation, I guess we know why. When you are stealing almost $5,000 a month from your employer, a $100 check from the county isn't even worth the bookkeeping hassle.
My how things can change in a year.
The Raleigh News & Observer, the paper of record for the Triangle, has finally noticed than an elected politician in its coverage area was recently convicted of a felony committed while in office. Of course, it took them nearly THREE WEEKS to notice.
From today's N&O website:
"Former Orange County school board member Dennis Whitling was sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to embezzlement and other charges earlier this month, according to court records."
"The alleged incidents occurred between December 2005 and September 2007. The law firm reported them in November."
Help me remember, what else Dennis was doing prior to September 2007?
Oh yeah, now I remember. He was looking down his nose at us unenlightened "racists," "bigots," and "elitists" as we fought to have a voice in our children's education, and to keep him and his accomplices from destroying the only school our children had ever known.
Last August, I wrote a column titled "Dennis Whitling was right" that ended with, "But, the meetings won't be for nothing - a new month means another $100 for Dennis. Cha ching!"
Since then I have been told that Dennis never accepted payment for being on the Board. In light of the current situation, I guess we know why. When you are stealing almost $5,000 a month from your employer, a $100 check from the county isn't even worth the bookkeeping hassle.
My how things can change in a year.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Faith restored
Just when I was beginning to think that no one was paying attention, late this week my faith was restored.
When Dennis Whitling was initially accused of embezzlement from his employer of 23 years, the local media was quick to report the story. When Ted Triebel pulled out a late-meeting surprise and announced that Dennis had resigned from the Board in disgrace, it was quickly covered by the local media.
But, when it was made public last month that Dennis had surrendered his law license and agreed to be disbarred in what appeared to be a preliminary step toward a plea agreement, only the Durham Herald-Sun reported the story.
When the second shoe dropped earlier this month, and the NC Department of Corrections released information that Dennis had be convicted of felony embezzlement on August 7th, I anxiously waited to see what additional details the media would report. The silence was deafening.
Nothing in the Durham Herald-Sun; nothing in the Raleigh News and Observer; nothing on WRAL. That was until this week.
This Wednesday, The News of Orange County finally published a story on Dennis's conviction - nearly two weeks after the fact, and nine days after I first reported it here. I guess better late than never.
Now that it is finally hit the press, other sites have decided to discuss the issue.
In what is her second posting on Dennis's travails [I still love her opening comment from last January: "Does anyone know this Dennis Whitling fellow?"], Ruby Sinreich of OrangePolitics.org has taken notice of the development and is publicizing it outside the shrinking world of News of Orange County subscribers.
Ruby closes her post with, "Good thing he was only on the School Board for 3 years."
Looking back on the past year and a half, I have to say - Too bad he was ever on the School Board at all.
When Dennis Whitling was initially accused of embezzlement from his employer of 23 years, the local media was quick to report the story. When Ted Triebel pulled out a late-meeting surprise and announced that Dennis had resigned from the Board in disgrace, it was quickly covered by the local media.
But, when it was made public last month that Dennis had surrendered his law license and agreed to be disbarred in what appeared to be a preliminary step toward a plea agreement, only the Durham Herald-Sun reported the story.
When the second shoe dropped earlier this month, and the NC Department of Corrections released information that Dennis had be convicted of felony embezzlement on August 7th, I anxiously waited to see what additional details the media would report. The silence was deafening.
Nothing in the Durham Herald-Sun; nothing in the Raleigh News and Observer; nothing on WRAL. That was until this week.
This Wednesday, The News of Orange County finally published a story on Dennis's conviction - nearly two weeks after the fact, and nine days after I first reported it here. I guess better late than never.
Now that it is finally hit the press, other sites have decided to discuss the issue.
In what is her second posting on Dennis's travails [I still love her opening comment from last January: "Does anyone know this Dennis Whitling fellow?"], Ruby Sinreich of OrangePolitics.org has taken notice of the development and is publicizing it outside the shrinking world of News of Orange County subscribers.
Ruby closes her post with, "Good thing he was only on the School Board for 3 years."
Looking back on the past year and a half, I have to say - Too bad he was ever on the School Board at all.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Convicted!
DOC Offender #: 1095037Well, after nearly six months of waiting for justice to be done, the Dennis Whitling debacle appears to have finally come to a close.
As of Thursday, August 7, 2008, the former Chairman of the Orange County Board of Education is a convicted felon.
Without so much as a single word in the media (surely to Dennis's delight), the North Carolina Department of Corrections has revealed that Dennis was convicted of Embezzlement in Durham County last Thursday.
He was sentenced to 6-8 months in jail - all of which was suspended - and immediately released back into our community on probation.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Schadenfreude
Those who visited my blog earlier today will surely notice that I have taken down the post most prominently featured on your previous visit.
Upon re-reading my earlier post I found nothing in what I wrote that was more "hurtful" or "over the top" than many other posts I have published. It was factual with a healthy dose of sarcasm. But, from the comments and emails I have received, something about this particular post obviously hit a nerve with a number of people.
As I often do when faced with a confusing situation, I turned to people I admire and respect for different perspectives. Throughout the day, I have had lengthy conversations with a few of those people, and they proposed a view that might have led people to respond differently to this particular posting.
Even though my posting specifically mentioned only Dennis Whitling, my suggestion that he might be selling his house to make restitution for his crimes was apparently seen as an attack on his entire family. As one adviser remarked, "if Dennis were single or his children were grown, there would likely have been a different response."
Dennis is not single, and his children are still young. As such, they too are victims of his crimes, and I would never consciously add to their pain. If I have done that, I sincerely apologize to Julianne Whitling and her children.
However, I will not apologize for commenting on Dennis Whitling's personal and professional demise.
To spend a year asserting that you are more enlightened than the masses and, as such, presuming you know what is best for them; to use your political position to force unwanted policies upon those you were elected to represent while labeling dissenters as "racists," "elitists" or "bigots" all the while stealing from those who trust you, is the height of hypocrisy.
And, a hypocrite of that order deserves ridicule when finally exposed.
Upon re-reading my earlier post I found nothing in what I wrote that was more "hurtful" or "over the top" than many other posts I have published. It was factual with a healthy dose of sarcasm. But, from the comments and emails I have received, something about this particular post obviously hit a nerve with a number of people.
As I often do when faced with a confusing situation, I turned to people I admire and respect for different perspectives. Throughout the day, I have had lengthy conversations with a few of those people, and they proposed a view that might have led people to respond differently to this particular posting.
Even though my posting specifically mentioned only Dennis Whitling, my suggestion that he might be selling his house to make restitution for his crimes was apparently seen as an attack on his entire family. As one adviser remarked, "if Dennis were single or his children were grown, there would likely have been a different response."
Dennis is not single, and his children are still young. As such, they too are victims of his crimes, and I would never consciously add to their pain. If I have done that, I sincerely apologize to Julianne Whitling and her children.
However, I will not apologize for commenting on Dennis Whitling's personal and professional demise.
To spend a year asserting that you are more enlightened than the masses and, as such, presuming you know what is best for them; to use your political position to force unwanted policies upon those you were elected to represent while labeling dissenters as "racists," "elitists" or "bigots" all the while stealing from those who trust you, is the height of hypocrisy.
And, a hypocrite of that order deserves ridicule when finally exposed.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dennis Whitling: Disbarred
"I acknowledge that the material facts upon which the investigation are predicated are true." - Dennis Whitling
Given that I live in Orange County, I don't normally pay that much attention to the happenings in Durham, which is why I didn't pick up on this little story earlier in the day.
Thanks to a note from a good friend, I can update everyone on the latest chapter in the ongoing Dennis Whitling saga.
From the Durham section of the July 28th Herald-Sun:
Attorney disbarred over fraud allegation
Though couched in a lawyerly tone, make no mistake, that is an admission of guilt.
Given that I live in Orange County, I don't normally pay that much attention to the happenings in Durham, which is why I didn't pick up on this little story earlier in the day.
Thanks to a note from a good friend, I can update everyone on the latest chapter in the ongoing Dennis Whitling saga.
From the Durham section of the July 28th Herald-Sun:
He could not be reached for comment Sunday.
Though couched in a lawyerly tone, make no mistake, that is an admission of guilt.
I can only assume this is the first step in a plea bargain that will likely prevent Dennis from receiving the punishment he so richly deserves for breaking the trust of his employer of nearly 25 years, and of the people who elected him to represent them on the Orange County Board of Education.
I fear, once again, that it will be a case of justice denied.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
4 out of 12 is bad. Isn't it?
I was reading the WRAL.com website this evening and noticed a story about how "most area schools" failed to make adequate yearly progress this past year based on a set of preliminary data.
As usual, I expected the article to focus on the Wake County schools with perhaps a brief mention of Durham County, but I didn't really expect anything to be included about Orange County. After all, as last year taught me, Orange County is less than forthcoming with its preliminary testing data.
But, to my surprise, the article said that "33 percent of schools in Orange and Cumberland counties met AYP." So, I thought this might be worth a closer look.
A link titled, "Preliminary 2007-08 AYP Results" was included in a sidebar to the WRAL story. Lo and behold, clicking through the links will ultimately allow you to see the preliminary results for each Orange County school.
As it turns out, one less Orange County elementary school successfully achieved AYP than last year - 3 of 7 - meaning four elementary schools failed. For 2006-07, only three elementary schools failed to make AYP - Central, Efland Cheeks and New Hope.
Interestingly, this year, one of those schools has improved its performance - even with new higher math standards - and joined the short list of higher performing Orange County schools.
And, that school is Central Elementary. The parents, teachers and students at Central should be celebrated for succeeding even as the bar was raised!
Unfortunately, not all of our other schools met the challenge. These preliminary results mean that at least four elementary schools will fail to make AYP, and be labeled "failing schools": Cameron Park, Efland Cheeks, Grady Brown and New Hope.
While this is not new territory for parents of children at Efland Cheeks and New Hope, it will likely come as a surprise to those with children at Cameron Park and Grady Brown.
Surely, there is something the new Orange County Board of Education can do to help these two new "failing schools."
Maybe the Board should consider something dramatic, like, perhaps, merging Cameron Park with Central, so that the higher performing children at Central can help raise the performance of the struggling children at Cameron Park through the "peer effect."
I am sure that both sides would agree as long as the newly merged school retains the traditional calendar.
As usual, I expected the article to focus on the Wake County schools with perhaps a brief mention of Durham County, but I didn't really expect anything to be included about Orange County. After all, as last year taught me, Orange County is less than forthcoming with its preliminary testing data.
But, to my surprise, the article said that "33 percent of schools in Orange and Cumberland counties met AYP." So, I thought this might be worth a closer look.
A link titled, "Preliminary 2007-08 AYP Results" was included in a sidebar to the WRAL story. Lo and behold, clicking through the links will ultimately allow you to see the preliminary results for each Orange County school.
As it turns out, one less Orange County elementary school successfully achieved AYP than last year - 3 of 7 - meaning four elementary schools failed. For 2006-07, only three elementary schools failed to make AYP - Central, Efland Cheeks and New Hope.
Interestingly, this year, one of those schools has improved its performance - even with new higher math standards - and joined the short list of higher performing Orange County schools.
And, that school is Central Elementary. The parents, teachers and students at Central should be celebrated for succeeding even as the bar was raised!
Unfortunately, not all of our other schools met the challenge. These preliminary results mean that at least four elementary schools will fail to make AYP, and be labeled "failing schools": Cameron Park, Efland Cheeks, Grady Brown and New Hope.
While this is not new territory for parents of children at Efland Cheeks and New Hope, it will likely come as a surprise to those with children at Cameron Park and Grady Brown.
Surely, there is something the new Orange County Board of Education can do to help these two new "failing schools."
Maybe the Board should consider something dramatic, like, perhaps, merging Cameron Park with Central, so that the higher performing children at Central can help raise the performance of the struggling children at Cameron Park through the "peer effect."
I am sure that both sides would agree as long as the newly merged school retains the traditional calendar.
Friday, July 18, 2008
It's that time of year again
Not only are children returning for another year at Hillsborough Elementary School, it is also time for the Orange County Board of Education to signal the course it will chart by choosing its leadership for the coming year.
In what has become a dominant message in the current Presidential campaign, the Board chose to embrace change and reject the failed "leadership" of Ted Triebel and Debbie Piscitelli.
In the new Board's first official act, it sent a positive message of change by wiping its slate clean of those responsible for the last two years of divisive failure and eroded public confidence. In a potential sign of rebirth on King Street, the Board chose two leaders with absolutely no connection to the Board's recent failures.
But, it apparently wasn't without drama.
Both Ted Triebel and Debbie Piscitelli sought to cling to the power they wielded with such a heavy hand over the past year. But, both of their efforts were doomed to failure as the majority of the Board unceremoniously turned them out of their leadership positions.
According to the News of Orange County, Ted Triebel's effort to remain the Board's Chairman failed on the first ballot as newly elected Board Member Steve Halkiotis was elected Chairman by a tally of 4 to 3.
Debbie Piscitelli fared somewhat better - or merely had her repudiation delayed - as she managed to tie newcomer Tony McKnight at three votes apiece (with one vote for Eddie Eubanks) on the first ballot. However, on the second ballot Debbie too was rejected as Tony garnered the required fourth vote.
With Liz Brown off doing whatever it is she does, Dennis Whitling pondering the possibility of spending his golden years behind bars, and both Ted and Debbie relegated to the sidelines, this Board is in a great position to begin re-building its trust within the community - last Monday night it took a huge first step.
I have high hopes for the coming year, but only time will tell if my hopes are well founded.
In what has become a dominant message in the current Presidential campaign, the Board chose to embrace change and reject the failed "leadership" of Ted Triebel and Debbie Piscitelli.
In the new Board's first official act, it sent a positive message of change by wiping its slate clean of those responsible for the last two years of divisive failure and eroded public confidence. In a potential sign of rebirth on King Street, the Board chose two leaders with absolutely no connection to the Board's recent failures.
But, it apparently wasn't without drama.
Both Ted Triebel and Debbie Piscitelli sought to cling to the power they wielded with such a heavy hand over the past year. But, both of their efforts were doomed to failure as the majority of the Board unceremoniously turned them out of their leadership positions.
According to the News of Orange County, Ted Triebel's effort to remain the Board's Chairman failed on the first ballot as newly elected Board Member Steve Halkiotis was elected Chairman by a tally of 4 to 3.
Debbie Piscitelli fared somewhat better - or merely had her repudiation delayed - as she managed to tie newcomer Tony McKnight at three votes apiece (with one vote for Eddie Eubanks) on the first ballot. However, on the second ballot Debbie too was rejected as Tony garnered the required fourth vote.
With Liz Brown off doing whatever it is she does, Dennis Whitling pondering the possibility of spending his golden years behind bars, and both Ted and Debbie relegated to the sidelines, this Board is in a great position to begin re-building its trust within the community - last Monday night it took a huge first step.
I have high hopes for the coming year, but only time will tell if my hopes are well founded.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Not the best case scenerio, but ...
I cannot say that I am happy with last night's election results. In fact, I am quite disappointed.
While I am disappointed that two people I respect and admire lost an election, it is not the first time that has happened to me. Like most of us, I am old enough to have seen a number of people I respect lose an election. That is politics.
I am most disappointed, however, that the educational future of 420 Orange County children will remain in doubt for at least two more years. After a bitter 14 months, last night's election results, for me, meant another two years of generally boring Board meetings, countless interviews with the media, and a need to closely watch the coming Board's every action.
The results were not the best case scenario many of us had hoped for - the long-term security of year-round education and the knowledge that our children would not be expelled from their school.
However, I cannot believe it could possibly be worse than the disaster wrought by Liz Brown and Dennis Whitling.
I have high hopes that Tony McKnight and Eddie Eubanks are reasonable men who will actually do something to help the children struggling in Orange County's two lowest performing schools, rather than the current Board majority's tendency to pay lip service to their needs while pursuing a social experiment in our schools.
It is a travesty that Al Hartkopf will not be returning to the Board for another term, his willingness to frankly discuss issues, clearly avoided by others, may have caused him to be labeled "divisive," but it also made him a strong representative for his constituents. To be divisive in an ocean of hypocrisy is no vice.
But, if some voters chose not to support Al because of his frank, confrontational style, more chose to ramp it up a notch in voting for Steve Halkiotis. Anyone who spends more than five minutes in a room with Dr. H cannot help but look forward to the firebrand's time on the Board.
Like I said, yesterday's election did not result in the best case scenario for HES, but neither did it result in the worst case. We have already lived through the worst situation and it only made us more resolved, more aware, more organized and ready to continue the work of advocating for our children.
While I am disappointed that two people I respect and admire lost an election, it is not the first time that has happened to me. Like most of us, I am old enough to have seen a number of people I respect lose an election. That is politics.
I am most disappointed, however, that the educational future of 420 Orange County children will remain in doubt for at least two more years. After a bitter 14 months, last night's election results, for me, meant another two years of generally boring Board meetings, countless interviews with the media, and a need to closely watch the coming Board's every action.
The results were not the best case scenario many of us had hoped for - the long-term security of year-round education and the knowledge that our children would not be expelled from their school.
However, I cannot believe it could possibly be worse than the disaster wrought by Liz Brown and Dennis Whitling.
I have high hopes that Tony McKnight and Eddie Eubanks are reasonable men who will actually do something to help the children struggling in Orange County's two lowest performing schools, rather than the current Board majority's tendency to pay lip service to their needs while pursuing a social experiment in our schools.
It is a travesty that Al Hartkopf will not be returning to the Board for another term, his willingness to frankly discuss issues, clearly avoided by others, may have caused him to be labeled "divisive," but it also made him a strong representative for his constituents. To be divisive in an ocean of hypocrisy is no vice.
But, if some voters chose not to support Al because of his frank, confrontational style, more chose to ramp it up a notch in voting for Steve Halkiotis. Anyone who spends more than five minutes in a room with Dr. H cannot help but look forward to the firebrand's time on the Board.
Like I said, yesterday's election did not result in the best case scenario for HES, but neither did it result in the worst case. We have already lived through the worst situation and it only made us more resolved, more aware, more organized and ready to continue the work of advocating for our children.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fact checking
For only the second time since starting this blog in March of last year, I have published a comment that I originally delayed because I wanted to confirm a serious accusation by an anonymous poster.
The first time was last September when someone claimed that Liz Brown was criminally prosecuted for removing the campaign signs of another candidate while running for her seat on the Board in 2004. After doing a Google search, it turned out the commenter was correct, and I promptly posted the comment and explained why.
Yesterday afternoon, I received an anonymous comment that made serious claims about two current Board of Education candidates. I felt I couldn't responsibly publish the comment without some form of confirmation.
Now, I regularly receive anonymous comments that I feel make irresponsible or outlandish claims that purport to be statements of fact, but I refuse to post them without some kind of proof. Rarely does that proof exist, and I reject those comments. This time is different.
The following claims were made in a larger comment thread about who to vote for in the coming election:
I will first address, what I believe to be, the most serious accusation made in the post - a candidate for School Board who has not paid his property taxes.
In light of the current debate over creating new taxing mechanisms to ensure Orange County has enough revenue to meet its needs and the ever present concern about meeting the funding needs of the county school system, the thought that a current candidate for the school board would neglect to pay his property taxes is unthinkable.
Unfortunately, it is true.
I searched the Orange County Revenue Department's website and confirmed that as of 11:47 p.m. last night Eddie Myers Eubanks was, in fact, "currently delinquent on his property taxes."
How can someone who has failed to pay his fair share expect a voice in spending $24 million paid by others? And, how can a voter grant him that voice?
Next, the commenter asserted that "Tony McKnight thinks the school board should be able to raise our taxes whenever they want more money."
In this case, I again turned to my old friend, Google. I simply entered "Tony McKnight tax" into my Google search bar. The second entry to come up was list of responses to a 2006 questionnaire from a group opposed to the merger of Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools. Among the questions about the potential merger of the two school districts was this one:
"Do you support or oppose giving taxation authority to the board of education?"
"McKnight - Yes, I support giving taxation authority to the BOE."
It is possible that, given his resounding defeat in the 2006 election, that Mr. McKnight's views on the matter have changed, but he has failed to communicate any change of heart. I can only assume that his views remain the same today.
Given that the man who formerly controlled the Board of Education, Dennis Whitling, is under indictment on charges of felony embezzlement and "malfeasance," I doubt many Orange County taxpayers would be willing to trust this rogue group with the power to reach directly into their pockets to fund the scheme du jour.
The first time was last September when someone claimed that Liz Brown was criminally prosecuted for removing the campaign signs of another candidate while running for her seat on the Board in 2004. After doing a Google search, it turned out the commenter was correct, and I promptly posted the comment and explained why.
Yesterday afternoon, I received an anonymous comment that made serious claims about two current Board of Education candidates. I felt I couldn't responsibly publish the comment without some form of confirmation.
Now, I regularly receive anonymous comments that I feel make irresponsible or outlandish claims that purport to be statements of fact, but I refuse to post them without some kind of proof. Rarely does that proof exist, and I reject those comments. This time is different.
The following claims were made in a larger comment thread about who to vote for in the coming election:
"Tony McKnight thinks the school board should be able to raise our taxes whenever they want more money.
Eddie Eubanks is currently delinquent on his property taxes."
Eddie Eubanks is currently delinquent on his property taxes."
I will first address, what I believe to be, the most serious accusation made in the post - a candidate for School Board who has not paid his property taxes.
In light of the current debate over creating new taxing mechanisms to ensure Orange County has enough revenue to meet its needs and the ever present concern about meeting the funding needs of the county school system, the thought that a current candidate for the school board would neglect to pay his property taxes is unthinkable.
Unfortunately, it is true.
I searched the Orange County Revenue Department's website and confirmed that as of 11:47 p.m. last night Eddie Myers Eubanks was, in fact, "currently delinquent on his property taxes."
How can someone who has failed to pay his fair share expect a voice in spending $24 million paid by others? And, how can a voter grant him that voice?
Next, the commenter asserted that "Tony McKnight thinks the school board should be able to raise our taxes whenever they want more money."
In this case, I again turned to my old friend, Google. I simply entered "Tony McKnight tax" into my Google search bar. The second entry to come up was list of responses to a 2006 questionnaire from a group opposed to the merger of Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools. Among the questions about the potential merger of the two school districts was this one:
"Do you support or oppose giving taxation authority to the board of education?"
"McKnight - Yes, I support giving taxation authority to the BOE."
It is possible that, given his resounding defeat in the 2006 election, that Mr. McKnight's views on the matter have changed, but he has failed to communicate any change of heart. I can only assume that his views remain the same today.
Given that the man who formerly controlled the Board of Education, Dennis Whitling, is under indictment on charges of felony embezzlement and "malfeasance," I doubt many Orange County taxpayers would be willing to trust this rogue group with the power to reach directly into their pockets to fund the scheme du jour.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
First they came ...
Throughout the now settled discussion of what to do about the SES disparity between Orange County's elementary schools, many people have asked: What about academic achievement at our county's "failing schools"?
Unfortunately, there have been few answers to come out of the Orange County Board of Education.
Last year, three Orange County elementary schools failed to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) as determined by the state's end-of-grade tests - Central Elementary, Efland Cheeks Elementary and New Hope Elementary. For Central and Efland Cheeks, this was the second year in a row.
Because these two schools received federal education dollars under Title 1, federal law required that parents be given the choice to transfer their children to another district school. Nearly one hundred children changed schools; as was their right under federal law (ironically enough, including the children of Central's PTA President). Those days are over.
One less publicized element of Ted Triebel's failed "Original Charge", was the "redirecting" of the district's $300,000 in Title 1 money to fund a district-wide Pre-Kindergarten program. While such a program is likely to have a positive impact on the district, and should have been considered even outside the larger discussion of elementary school assignment, the only reason it was considered was that it provided an immediate way to remove Central and Efland-Cheeks Elementary schools from Title 1 School Improvement status without have to wait for those pesky test scores to improve. If the Board spends the money on something else, they don't have to play by the federal rules.
During a Board meeting held at Cameron Park Elementary School last December, former Board member and current felony indictee, Dennis Whitling proposed "redirecting" the federal funds as a way to "control" the ability of parents to opt out of either Central or Efland Cheeks.
Prior to resigning from the Board in disgrace, Whitling advocated the creation of "middle class schools" at Central and Efland-Cheeks. His reasoning was that the "peer effect" of compelling a number of affluent and middle class children to attend those two schools would raise the academic performance of their struggling students while simultaneously raising each school's average academic numbers. In essence, he argued that school choice under NCLB was hurting academic performance.
However, like in many other areas, he was wrong.
Recent research into the impact of Title 1 School Choice in Charlotte-Mecklenburg clearly shows that school choice options under NCLB actually raise academic performance and have the additional benefit of reducing suspension rates.
Published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the research clearly illustrates an argument I have repeatedly made over the past year - Orange County parents need MORE choices for the education of their children.
However, the current Board we are saddled with seems determined to systematically reduce the choices parents will have for where their children attend school.
According to the "modified" reassignment plan the Board adopted last Monday, the next likely target in an attempt to exert its unchecked control of Orange County parents is the district's existing student transfer policy. For the 150 or so children currently attending schools other than those the Board of Education has mandated they attend, their days are numbered as well.
This process reminds me of the poem, "First, they came" by Lutheran minister and concentration camp survivor, Martin Neimoller.
Like Dennis Whitling clearly said - it's a matter of control.
And, soon parents will have the opportunity to take back that control. Early "one-stop" voting starts this Thursday at the Hillsborough Library. Even if you are not registered to vote in Orange County, you can register and vote immediately at a "one-stop" site.
Don't be in the situation next year where you have to write:
Unfortunately, there have been few answers to come out of the Orange County Board of Education.
Last year, three Orange County elementary schools failed to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) as determined by the state's end-of-grade tests - Central Elementary, Efland Cheeks Elementary and New Hope Elementary. For Central and Efland Cheeks, this was the second year in a row.
Because these two schools received federal education dollars under Title 1, federal law required that parents be given the choice to transfer their children to another district school. Nearly one hundred children changed schools; as was their right under federal law (ironically enough, including the children of Central's PTA President). Those days are over.
One less publicized element of Ted Triebel's failed "Original Charge", was the "redirecting" of the district's $300,000 in Title 1 money to fund a district-wide Pre-Kindergarten program. While such a program is likely to have a positive impact on the district, and should have been considered even outside the larger discussion of elementary school assignment, the only reason it was considered was that it provided an immediate way to remove Central and Efland-Cheeks Elementary schools from Title 1 School Improvement status without have to wait for those pesky test scores to improve. If the Board spends the money on something else, they don't have to play by the federal rules.
During a Board meeting held at Cameron Park Elementary School last December, former Board member and current felony indictee, Dennis Whitling proposed "redirecting" the federal funds as a way to "control" the ability of parents to opt out of either Central or Efland Cheeks.
Prior to resigning from the Board in disgrace, Whitling advocated the creation of "middle class schools" at Central and Efland-Cheeks. His reasoning was that the "peer effect" of compelling a number of affluent and middle class children to attend those two schools would raise the academic performance of their struggling students while simultaneously raising each school's average academic numbers. In essence, he argued that school choice under NCLB was hurting academic performance.
However, like in many other areas, he was wrong.
Recent research into the impact of Title 1 School Choice in Charlotte-Mecklenburg clearly shows that school choice options under NCLB actually raise academic performance and have the additional benefit of reducing suspension rates.
Published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the research clearly illustrates an argument I have repeatedly made over the past year - Orange County parents need MORE choices for the education of their children.
However, the current Board we are saddled with seems determined to systematically reduce the choices parents will have for where their children attend school.
According to the "modified" reassignment plan the Board adopted last Monday, the next likely target in an attempt to exert its unchecked control of Orange County parents is the district's existing student transfer policy. For the 150 or so children currently attending schools other than those the Board of Education has mandated they attend, their days are numbered as well.
This process reminds me of the poem, "First, they came" by Lutheran minister and concentration camp survivor, Martin Neimoller.
First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.
Like Dennis Whitling clearly said - it's a matter of control.
And, soon parents will have the opportunity to take back that control. Early "one-stop" voting starts this Thursday at the Hillsborough Library. Even if you are not registered to vote in Orange County, you can register and vote immediately at a "one-stop" site.
Don't be in the situation next year where you have to write:
First they came for the year-round school, and I didn't speak up ...
Take the time to speak up - Vote!
Friday, April 11, 2008
I feel like I've been Knighted
Thanks to a comment someone submitted yesterday evening, I found out that a high honor has been bestowed upon me and this blog.
We have been noticed (and linked to) by the reigning Queen of the Orange County blogosphere - Ruby Sinreich.
Ruby runs OrangePolitics.org, the blog of record for "progressive perspectives on Orange County" and those wanting to keep up on the latest uproar in Chapel Hill/Carrboro.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was an infrequent poster to OP before moving from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough about four years ago.
However, with the exception of a short thread on Dennis Whitling's recent troubles (I love Ruby's opening sentence: "Does anyone know this Dennis Whitling fellow?"), and a lengthy string of comments on the ASVAB controversy at Cedar Ridge High School, OP appears to have taken no notice of Orange County Schools in nearly four years. It is almost as if nothing of real note takes place north of I-40.
But now, Ruby has turned her bright light from southern Orange on the parents of Hillsborough Elementary School.
By titling her post, "Hillsborough parents get their way," Ruby seems to imply that HES parents, who have spent over 14 months fighting for the very survival of the only school their children have ever known, are little more than petulant children who whine until they "get their way."
Of course, it is entirely possible that I misinterpreted the meaning of her "get their way" comment.
If by that she meant that a group of diverse, informed, empowered citizens organized themselves to seek a redress of grievances from a democratically elected governmental body ultimately resulting in a less than ideal, but satisfactory, compromise, I guess she would be right.
Either way, I am honored to be noticed by the Queen. You can call me Sir Allan.
We have been noticed (and linked to) by the reigning Queen of the Orange County blogosphere - Ruby Sinreich.
Ruby runs OrangePolitics.org, the blog of record for "progressive perspectives on Orange County" and those wanting to keep up on the latest uproar in Chapel Hill/Carrboro.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was an infrequent poster to OP before moving from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough about four years ago.
However, with the exception of a short thread on Dennis Whitling's recent troubles (I love Ruby's opening sentence: "Does anyone know this Dennis Whitling fellow?"), and a lengthy string of comments on the ASVAB controversy at Cedar Ridge High School, OP appears to have taken no notice of Orange County Schools in nearly four years. It is almost as if nothing of real note takes place north of I-40.
But now, Ruby has turned her bright light from southern Orange on the parents of Hillsborough Elementary School.
By titling her post, "Hillsborough parents get their way," Ruby seems to imply that HES parents, who have spent over 14 months fighting for the very survival of the only school their children have ever known, are little more than petulant children who whine until they "get their way."
Of course, it is entirely possible that I misinterpreted the meaning of her "get their way" comment.
If by that she meant that a group of diverse, informed, empowered citizens organized themselves to seek a redress of grievances from a democratically elected governmental body ultimately resulting in a less than ideal, but satisfactory, compromise, I guess she would be right.
Either way, I am honored to be noticed by the Queen. You can call me Sir Allan.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Credit where credit is due
While I may seem to more easily voice my opinion when I find something lacking, I also want to compliment things I feel are done well.
I have recently been very critical of the coverage The News of Orange County has provided throughout the entire HES/CES Merger/Reassignment debacle. In the course of that criticism, I specifically stated that I found the paper's reporting "significantly lacking in both objectivity and journalistic quality."
This time I want to compliment The News of Orange County and its Editor, Casey Ferrell.
Today's article about Monday night's Board of Education meeting is, by far, the best coverage provided by any media outlet. The News provided its readers with the most detailed account of the Board's options for altering HES in an accurate and fair manner, while still capturing the theater of the absurd that was this meeting.
Additionally, Casey's editorial on the lengths the District Staff took to go "above and beyond their call of duty" in an effort to keep as many children as possible at HES was directly on point and strong as well.
Great work, Casey.
I have recently been very critical of the coverage The News of Orange County has provided throughout the entire HES/CES Merger/Reassignment debacle. In the course of that criticism, I specifically stated that I found the paper's reporting "significantly lacking in both objectivity and journalistic quality."
This time I want to compliment The News of Orange County and its Editor, Casey Ferrell.
Today's article about Monday night's Board of Education meeting is, by far, the best coverage provided by any media outlet. The News provided its readers with the most detailed account of the Board's options for altering HES in an accurate and fair manner, while still capturing the theater of the absurd that was this meeting.
Additionally, Casey's editorial on the lengths the District Staff took to go "above and beyond their call of duty" in an effort to keep as many children as possible at HES was directly on point and strong as well.
Great work, Casey.
Did you get yours?
Today, the mailman (and in my neighborhood he is a man) delivered a confirmation that the Orange County Board of Education has graciously agreed to allow my son, Carter, to return to the only school he has ever known.
Here is the full text of the letter:
April 8, 2008
To the Parents/Guardian of Aidan Scott,
At their regularly scheduled meeting on April 7, 2008, the Orange County Board of Education approved the Hillsborough Elementary School Student Selection Plan for the 2008-2009 school year.
Under this plan, Aidan Scott will be enrolled in 3rd Grade at Hillsborough Elementary School for the next school year. Ms. Horner, Principal of Hillsborough Elementary School, will be sending out information packets to the families of all enrolled students in the near future. If your child is enrolling for Kindergarten, please note that Kindergarten registration will be held on April 30th at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please call 732-6137 to register.
Thank you for your continued support of Orange County Schools.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Gilbert
Public Information Officer
Orange County Schools
If you, or someone you know, received a rejection letter, I would be very interested in posting its text. Of course I would edit out their child's name before publishing it.
[For bonus points: Who can identify the grammar error in the first sentence of this letter?]
Here is the full text of the letter:
April 8, 2008
To the Parents/Guardian of Aidan Scott,
At their regularly scheduled meeting on April 7, 2008, the Orange County Board of Education approved the Hillsborough Elementary School Student Selection Plan for the 2008-2009 school year.
Under this plan, Aidan Scott will be enrolled in 3rd Grade at Hillsborough Elementary School for the next school year. Ms. Horner, Principal of Hillsborough Elementary School, will be sending out information packets to the families of all enrolled students in the near future. If your child is enrolling for Kindergarten, please note that Kindergarten registration will be held on April 30th at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please call 732-6137 to register.
Thank you for your continued support of Orange County Schools.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Gilbert
Public Information Officer
Orange County Schools
If you, or someone you know, received a rejection letter, I would be very interested in posting its text. Of course I would edit out their child's name before publishing it.
[For bonus points: Who can identify the grammar error in the first sentence of this letter?]
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
An open letter to OCS Staff
I received the following open letter to the OCS Staff from Board of Education Candidate Jeff Michalski. I think Jeff speaks for many Orange County parents.
Dr. Rhodes,
As a Hillsborough Elementary parent and a school board candidate, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you and your staff, particularly Dr. Morton and Mr. Gilbert, on a job well done.
You were given a very negative task by members of our current Board, but rather than succumb to the negativity at hand, you made lemonade with those lemons. You were asked to expel a very small number of children from the only school they had ever known.
Your team did its job and reported on progress utilizing the board’'s original charge. However, by coming up with an alternative plan, you and your staff went above and beyond to fulfill the wishes of the board while protecting our children. For that, my family and I, as well as many others that I represent, are grateful.
It was strange for me last evening. I was so grateful and smiling, but I still had a pit in my stomach. I felt guilty about my relief. Yes, the educational opportunity for my kids and other HES kids had been protected, however, nothing had changed with regard to the discourse at hand.
Thank You,
Jeff Michalski
Parent
School Board Candidate
Dr. Rhodes,
As a Hillsborough Elementary parent and a school board candidate, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you and your staff, particularly Dr. Morton and Mr. Gilbert, on a job well done.
You were given a very negative task by members of our current Board, but rather than succumb to the negativity at hand, you made lemonade with those lemons. You were asked to expel a very small number of children from the only school they had ever known.
Your team did its job and reported on progress utilizing the board’'s original charge. However, by coming up with an alternative plan, you and your staff went above and beyond to fulfill the wishes of the board while protecting our children. For that, my family and I, as well as many others that I represent, are grateful.
It was strange for me last evening. I was so grateful and smiling, but I still had a pit in my stomach. I felt guilty about my relief. Yes, the educational opportunity for my kids and other HES kids had been protected, however, nothing had changed with regard to the discourse at hand.
- The focus of the Board is still on SES, not student performance or school improvement.
- It is quite evident that none of this was ever about helping Central Elementary School or Efland Cheeks Elementary School.
- Finally, there is still the question of turning away federal funds, earmarked to help ECES and CES, in order to avoid Title 1 status and disallowing parents the right to pull their children out of failing schools.
Thank You,
Jeff Michalski
Parent
School Board Candidate
Monday, April 7, 2008
We've been modified, but Liz remains the same
After a very animated discussion and a period of confusion about what would happen if they couldn't get a majority to support any proposed plan, the Orange County Board of Education passed what the District Staff presented as a "modified" assignment plan.
The good news: Every child currently attending HES will be allowed to return next year! No HES children will be expelled!
The bad news: Twenty four children who had hoped to start Kindergarten at HES this coming July (and 7 others hoping to join the school in later grades) will be turned away; most to two schools at risk of failing AYP for the third year in a row.
Even in the shadow of this injustice, I must say that this was by far one of the most entertaining Board meeting I have attended. It was likely due to the fact that Liz Brown repeatedly vented her disdain for me and this blog during her futile attempts to kick out as many HES kids as possible.
Liz came so unglued at one point that Ted Triebel threatened to declare her "in contempt" when she accused me of "intimidating" the other Board members. She said, "the lesson is clear, if you don't like something the Board is doing, start a blog and intimidate the Board members. They are easily intimidated."
If nothing else, Liz proved yet again why she shouldn't be on the Board (as if we really needed another reason), and why the parents of Orange County are lucky that she will not be serving much longer.
Now that the short-term future of HES is clear, it is time to secure its long-term future as well. The only place that can occur is at the ballot box on May 6th. We all need to do everything we can to ensure that people who actively support HES are elected to the Board.
As of today, only three Board candidates have openly voiced their support for HES. They are incumbent Board Member Al Hartkopf, former school resource officer Jeff Michalski and former long-time County Commissioner and retired high school principal Steve Halkiotis. Only by electing these three candidates can we be sure HES will exist beyond next June.
Luckily, you don't have to wait long at all to make a difference. A fundraising gala is being held tomorrow evening to raise money for the campaigns of Al Hartkopf and Jeff Michalski. You can see the information here. Even if you haven't RSVP'd, you can still drop by to make a contribution to the candidate's campaigns.
If you can afford it, please donate money, if you can't please donate your time, and most important of all, vote for them on May 6. The future of HES depends on it.
The good news: Every child currently attending HES will be allowed to return next year! No HES children will be expelled!
The bad news: Twenty four children who had hoped to start Kindergarten at HES this coming July (and 7 others hoping to join the school in later grades) will be turned away; most to two schools at risk of failing AYP for the third year in a row.
Even in the shadow of this injustice, I must say that this was by far one of the most entertaining Board meeting I have attended. It was likely due to the fact that Liz Brown repeatedly vented her disdain for me and this blog during her futile attempts to kick out as many HES kids as possible.
Liz came so unglued at one point that Ted Triebel threatened to declare her "in contempt" when she accused me of "intimidating" the other Board members. She said, "the lesson is clear, if you don't like something the Board is doing, start a blog and intimidate the Board members. They are easily intimidated."
If nothing else, Liz proved yet again why she shouldn't be on the Board (as if we really needed another reason), and why the parents of Orange County are lucky that she will not be serving much longer.
Now that the short-term future of HES is clear, it is time to secure its long-term future as well. The only place that can occur is at the ballot box on May 6th. We all need to do everything we can to ensure that people who actively support HES are elected to the Board.
As of today, only three Board candidates have openly voiced their support for HES. They are incumbent Board Member Al Hartkopf, former school resource officer Jeff Michalski and former long-time County Commissioner and retired high school principal Steve Halkiotis. Only by electing these three candidates can we be sure HES will exist beyond next June.
Luckily, you don't have to wait long at all to make a difference. A fundraising gala is being held tomorrow evening to raise money for the campaigns of Al Hartkopf and Jeff Michalski. You can see the information here. Even if you haven't RSVP'd, you can still drop by to make a contribution to the candidate's campaigns.
If you can afford it, please donate money, if you can't please donate your time, and most important of all, vote for them on May 6. The future of HES depends on it.
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