BOE trims 44 positions with layoff plan

BOE trims 44 positions with layoff plan

Monday, April 12. 2010

The Jackson County Board of Education approved a layoff plan on Monday that will cut 44 teaching and non-teaching positions from the district next school year.

The Reduction in Force (RIF) plan is expected to save the school system $1.3 million in certified personnel costs in the 2011 fiscal year budget, which starts July 1. That amount doesn't include classified positions.

Of the 19 certified positions included in the district’s RIF plan are 12 teachers from elementary, middle and high schools. Three positions are in the district’s central office and four are in the school system’s instructional technology department.

The board’s RIF plan also includes 25 classified positions, such as 11 media center paraprofessionals, two central registration office jobs, four and a half clerical positions in the schools, a central office accounts payable clerk, four substitute school bus drivers and two information technology workers.

While the board’s RIF plan will reduce positions for some programs — such as elementary music and art, and middle school band — it will not eliminate any programs, according to chairperson Kathy Wilbanks.

Instead, instruction of those programs will be shifted in the school system to other teachers.

The Jackson County Board of Education first adopted a RIF plan in March 2009, when 38 teaching and non-teaching positions were eliminated and the Regional Evening School was closed for the 2009-2010 school year.

Monday’s RIF plan was announced after a 25-minute closed-door meeting to discuss personnel.

For more details, see the April 14 issue of The Jackson Herald.

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#1 Concerned parent! on 04/13/10 at 06:37 PM [Reply]

The outcome of all these budget cuts will have its toll on the level of education all of our children in Jackson County will receive! What is happening to our local, state, national and global governments/business? No wonder I saw a group of worried teachers outside my daughters school this pm.

#1.1 John wells on 04/16/10 at 12:27 PM [Reply]

Looking for a house it's a good time to purchase, deflated market. Looking for a car it's a good time to purchase, deflated market. Most anything else it's a good time to purchase, deflated market. Looking for people to run our school system ,a good time to shop around, deflated market, probably administrators never were worth what the B O E valued them at but there are quality people out of work that could do their job if they actually do a job at a much lower pay rate. Who could make an argument against this it has taken years to claw our way to the bottom of the ranks in the 48th dumbest state in the union, nit to mention drop out student ratio.

#1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/16/10 at 05:09 PM [Reply]

Yeah John I would like to buy the BOE for what they're worth and sell them for what they think they are.

#2 vistor on 04/13/10 at 08:41 PM [Reply]

Where's one of the idot's picture to go along with the story. Whurz's Ms Monia, or Adams. Jackson County a JOKE. Cut subbus, not if only temp. Nothing to cut. Failed the children again.

#3 Resident Redneck on 04/13/10 at 08:46 PM [Reply]

Yeah the teachers are getting the short end of the stick again. The teachers that will still be working are going to have to pull double duty because they will have to take the students of the teachers that were laid off and how much you wanna bet the BOE won't want to pay the teachers no more?

#4 momma125 on 04/14/10 at 06:35 AM [Reply]

WHERE IS ALL THE MONEY GOING...WHO'S POCKET IS IT IN ?

#5 cutadamspay on 04/14/10 at 07:37 AM [Reply]

Has Dr. Adams offered to take a pay cut yet? Didn't he receive a raise last year? He sure could take a cut to save a teacher's salary!

#6 june80 on 04/14/10 at 08:03 AM [Reply]

Why are administrators not taking a pay cut but teachers are? It seems to mee that Adams and the rest could do with a pay cut of more than 2%, and let tme see how it feels to try and make ends meet, instead of the teachers who actually do their job.

#6.1 Resident Redneck on 04/14/10 at 08:56 AM [Reply]

No no no Dr.Adams or the Administrators won't be taking pay cuts to hear them tell it they are the back bone of education? They think they are more important than the teachers so let them take the classes of the teachers they are laying off? I bet if they put the administrators in the class room teaching for a month they would hire the teachers back with a raise. Dr.Adams and the administrators are probably getting a raise. People like that are the first ones to whine about the budget and talk about making cuts but they want to take it from somewhere else besides their pay? They will cut EVERY program Jackson County offers before they will take a pay cut.
They say an Education is the most important thing but WE now see their pay checks are more important to them than the kids.

#6.1.1 Long time Teacher on 05/31/10 at 02:22 PM [Reply]

Funny that you mentioned letting administrators teach classes. A few years back, our county office administrators were required to teach several days a year in the classrooms. It lasted less than a year as the administrators couldn't hack it. They are often so far from the reality of the classrooms that they have no clue what it is like to be in a classroom with students of varying learning abilities and behaviors issues.

#6.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 05/31/10 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

YES Long time Teacher I agree with you 100% the administrators couldn't hack it they really don't know what goes on in the classroom and if you put them in the class most of them probably couldn't even pass the class? BUT the BOE gets rid of the teachers WHO know what's going on and care to hire someone to coach girls basketball? I ask any of you WHAT'S UP WITH THAT where is the logic in that?

#6.1.1.2 Been there,done that! on 06/01/10 at 08:21 AM [Reply]

I can totally believe this! Administrators often forget what it is like in the classroom about 5 minutes after they walk out the door! I would also challenge Mike to be in charge of a class for a week,preferably a lower grade or middle school.He would have to write lesson plans,meet with parents,grade papers,deal with discipline problems,etc. If he lasted past lunchtime on the second day,he might be more sympathetic to what teachers have to deal with!

#6.1.1.2.1 Resident Redneck on 06/01/10 at 12:13 PM [Reply]

Been there done that- You are so right BUT the administrators think teaching is so below them now they say they done been through school BUT since they got the easy job on the BOE they have forgotten most of this stuff. Most of them probably can't add up numbers without an adding machine?

#7 Common Sense on 04/14/10 at 03:31 PM [Reply]

Fact of the matter is, the administration hired too many in anticipation of larger growth in the county- which has subsided due to economic factors beyond their control. Sucks that folks gotta lose theor jobs, but kudos that taxes won't be raised. Just as private-sector companies are downsizing to reflect current economic models, I'm glad to see government do the same.

What did Mike report a few weeks ago- 92% of expenses are related to salaries, etc? It seems logical to begin the cutting there.

Disagree with building EJHS? Why was there over-whelming support to build it (remember the SPLOST vote that was approved?)? You get what you vote for!

#7.1 Resident Redneck on 04/14/10 at 05:39 PM [Reply]

Common Sense- you say it "sucks" that people gotta lose their jobs but you are glad your taxes won't go up. You also said 92% of expenses are related to salaries? Ok lets talk about salaries. Lets look at what Dr.Adams and the rest of the BOE big wigs make? They could cut their salsries by 2% and nobody would have to lose their jobs.

#7.2 parent in WACKO JACKO on 04/15/10 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

You are right. They hired way more than needed. There actually is a FORMULA to number of teachers that should be alloted at each school. Up until recently, principals simply had to request a teacher, and it was granted. A principal recently told me that the county had WAY MORE teachers than it should technically have. I am saddened for these families. I pray that they are not single income earners, and families will not suffer.

#7.2.1 Resident Redneck on 04/16/10 at 08:59 AM [Reply]

WACKO JACKO- If there is a FORMULA for the number of teachers each school should have then WHY did they hire so many extra? They think teachers are a dime a dozen and anyone can be a teacher BUT it takes someone special to teach as long as the BOE don't lose their jobs or any part of their pay THEY DON'T CARE.

#7.2.1.1 Parent in Wacko Jacko on 04/16/10 at 01:13 PM [Reply]

Very good question RR! ;). That's the point I was making. Those formulas were not used, and therefore resulted in too many "points" used.

#7.2.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/16/10 at 02:46 PM [Reply]

so WACKO-why use a FORMULA? You or I can say each school needs 1000 teachers BUT THAT DON'T MEAN WE ARE RIGHT and if they say they use a formula MAKE THEM USE THAT SAME FORMULA they think they can say Oops we made a boo boo and that's ok. If they are given so much money and they go out and hire all these extra teachers take the money to pay these teachers out of the higher paid peoples pay.

#8 John wells on 04/14/10 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

Well central office did it again I wonder if all administrators have a degree in butt kissing if so they are well educated. Otherwise some would be gone most are only vauble to themselves and worthless to anything else. Somewhere along the way B O E members are going to have to turn the other CHEEK and deal with the real culprit or thiefs in this case and cut out this playhouse called central office. They have run us into the ground and keep on sliding by because of a yellow spineless wuspie bd that has absolutely no backbone.. Maybe we should give them 70 million again the new king cab trucks they bought for almost every bus shop king wheel they are a couple of years old now and we need for them to. Look good on their way to and from work using our fuel. And what about worthless Sarah Greene aka Sarah Sanchez and her equally worthless husband Jeff Sanchez ,the husband and wife band instructors Miles and Helen Adams and on and on and on ever wonder why Shannon Ada
ms wasn't hired or rehired by his native Oconee cry

#9 Jackson Resident on 04/15/10 at 09:15 AM [Reply]

One of the significant items they plan to implement for the 2010-2011 school year is a 2% local supplement reduction for all certified personnel. By doing this they will be saving $642,476.00, and this is the equivalent of 10-12 teaching positions. The lowest reduction will be about $669, the highest reduction will be about $1,450, and the average reduction will be about $990. On top of this they will add furlough days. When I hear this information, I have to assume that the principals and administrators are no longer considered certified. If they were this number would be much higher.

Something else I find interesting is the number of kids in band at JCCHS and the fact they have 2 band directors. EJCHS has 1 band director and twice as many kids in band. Anyone else see a problem with this?

Mike,

Are the administrators and principals not considered certified? Do they not have to maintain certifications like to teachers to maintain their position?

#9.1 Check your figures...... on 04/15/10 at 10:04 AM [Reply]

Mike,
I think you may be mistaken on your numbers. JCCHS does have significantly more kids enrolled in the band program. Additionally, WJMS has about 270 kids (1 of every 3 students in the school) enrolled in the band program there. The board has seen fit to eliminate the assistant director @ WJMS and the directors @ JCCHS wil be assiting the middle school with their program while maintaing the high school program.......yes, I see a problem with that! The kids are the ones who will suffer.

#9.1.1 parent on 04/15/10 at 09:13 PM [Reply]

The assistant band director at JCCHS has been "assigned" to WJMS for a couple of years as far as the state is concerned. It is a known fact that Dr. Adams sister-in-law doesn't assist the band at WJMS, this is just a way to justify her 90k a year with the state. Really sad for so many teachers who actually teach classes have just lost their jobs and the board is electing to continue to pay someone two times a regular teacher's salary to "assist" her husband at JCCHS.

#9.1.1.1 Education pays.... on 04/16/10 at 01:44 PM [Reply]

So if you get a degree in education, a master's degree, and a specialist degree then teach for over 25 years within the same school system you should be making $45,000/year? I think not! In the private sector someone who has made the sacrifices to get a higher degree and has 25 years experience is generally rewarded with a higher income. How difficult is it to understand that the state mandates the salaries of teachers? The higher paid teachers who have paid their dues (pardon the pun) are also making sacrifices in their salaries thru furloughs the same as the lower paid teachers.

Yes, I am a band parent. I have watched my children as they have blossomed into self-confident young adults thru their particiaption in the fine arts program. I have also watched thru the years as other students in the band program have gone on to colleges and experienced phenomenal success.

I know that we are in an economic downturn and that sacrifices have to be made. As I understand it, the fine arts programs are also making cuts. There will fewer opportunities for the students to participate in activities outside of the classroom. Parents will be asked to foot more of the bill for participation. I, for one, will make the sacrifices for my children to continue to receive a well rounded education.

#9.1.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/16/10 at 05:04 PM [Reply]

Education pays- you may be willing to foot the bill for your kids like I was while my kids were in school. I see that and I was happy to do it like you say you were and that's what I'm saying IF you want your kids to play sports of band YOU should be willing to foot the bill. BUT there are some parents out there that think that the school owes them this. The Education system OWES YOU NOTHING but to give your child a good education not football gear or a band instrument. If you want your child to play you gotta pay. It's fine it the school has the extra money to provide all the stuff needed but they don't that's what we're talking about here.

#9.1.2 Band Figures skewed on 06/01/10 at 12:24 PM [Reply]

My kid enrolled in the band, because it was that or chorus. He will not continue in the band when he gets in High School. So these numbers are skewed.

#9.1.2.1 Resident Redneck on 06/01/10 at 07:21 PM [Reply]

Ok then YOU GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO? OR you going to do what you wanna do.

#9.2 Tax Payer on 04/15/10 at 10:22 AM [Reply]

If you simply look at the band pictures on each school's website, you can see instantly that JCCHS band is much larger than EJCHS, so it is impossible for EJCHS to be twice as big as JCCHS. I am also wondering who the other non-uniformed people in EJCHS band picture are, possibly a second director?

#10 John Q Jackson on 04/15/10 at 10:46 AM [Reply]

Common Sense: Economic Models? Here is a little lesson for you...The private sector reduces production based on the expected demand for their products. The expected demand for education next year will be very close to the same as this year. The expectation is that the same level of service will be provided for the same funding - your comparison of public and private reaction to recessions is like comparing apples and oranges...this lesson is brought to you as a free public service so you need not worry about your taxes increasing.

#10.1 "O" no on 04/15/10 at 09:43 PM [Reply]

John Q Jackson: Here's a lesson for you (this one is also free) - It doesn't matter what the "Demand" for education is. What matters is how much FUNDING is there for the demand...and how it is spent to deal with the demand. Obviously, up to this point, the $$ supplied to the schools VIA THE TAX PAYERS of Jackson county hasn't been spent very wisely! And it is the PRIVATE sector that supplies the funding to the school system (its called taxes). So...take your pick - apples or oranges, they will both rot in the same basket if you don't have money to run the refrigerator.

The article states that some of the cuts in the proprosed 2011 fiscal year budget will include "reducing high school athletic supplements". Why is ANY funding still going to ANY athletic program??????? This tells me that our school administrators value athletics over a quality education for our children!!!! Money allocated towards ATHLETICS is money that is not being spent on suppling our children with TEACHERS & MATERIAL needed for a quality education!!! The primary mission of the school system is to educate our children (reading, writing, & arethmatic)- not fund the high school football team. If parents want to flip the bill for funding the sports programs then lay it out to them. If the parents of those children who want to participate want to fund the sports activity of their choice then so be it. But don't suck tax payers money away from the primary task of the shool in order to support an activity that benefits only a small portion of the students. This holds true for sports, band, and any other extra caricular activity. In these economic times fund what the school is meant for...all other side items are "luxories" and need to be funded through other means!!

As for taxes not going up - I don't know what world your living in?? I wish I were there! Obahmanomics will ensure that everyones taxes go up. Remember that come November.

#10.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/16/10 at 09:17 AM [Reply]

"O" no- YOU ARE RIGHT. High school athletics is the major part of high school it all boils down to WHO is the best and THEY ALL WANT TO BE THE BEST. But I do agree with you on let the parents of the kids who want to play athletics and the ticket sales of these athletic events fund the athletic program. Don't take tax money and other funds and put it towards the athletics programs first then what's left use for education?
Education should be first then maybe athletics.

#10.1.2 John on 04/30/10 at 03:05 PM [Reply]

I quesss only rich white kids should get to play football and other sports....Great Idea

#10.1.2.1 Resident Redneck on 05/01/10 at 06:36 PM [Reply]

now JOHN you hold on a minute don't try and turn these comments into something racial? The comments don't have nothing to do with Black and white or any other race. Yes some white kids are rich but some are poor, and some black kids are rich and some are not and the same thing goes for Mexicans and every other race so don't try and make us out to be racist.

#11 MOTHER on 04/17/10 at 09:05 PM [Reply]

HERE'S A THOUGHT TO CUT COST IN SCHOOLS, AND HELP THE CHILDREN IN RETURN. GET RID OF ALL THE P.E. TEACHERS, ART TEACHERS, MUSIC TEACHERS, LET THE CHILDREN HAVE RECESS EVERYDAY. RECESS DOESN'T COST ANYTHING,BUT THE EXERCISE WILL BENFIT THE KIDS, THEN ON RAINY DAYS THE CHILDREN CAN HAVE ART AND MUSIC WITH THEIR TEACHER. IMAGE THE SAVINGS, THE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER CHILDREN. BUT OH NO, I'M JUST A PARENT OF 10 CHILDREN NOT A EDUCATOR OF JC.

#11.1 to Clarify on 04/18/10 at 03:37 PM [Reply]

Research and experience shows that free play recess for extended periods of time leads to more fights, bullying, ans social conflicts. Organized games and creative events provide a safer environment for most children, especially in large groups. As you consider "recess" instead of p.e. I am sure that you would want teachers to supervise this recess period. Why not just have p.e. teachers that work on all of the motor skills for your children, not just the ones they like to work on. As for music, Art, and Band...these opportunities provide well rounded experiences for all children. Opportunities to enhance areas of the brain that are not worked in regular academic situations. I also beg to differ in the fact that you are not an educator in JC By being a parent in JC, you are very much an educator. Be thankful even with the cuts they are having to make, JC is still offering your 10 children a very well rounded education on top of the one that you are providing.

#11.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/18/10 at 09:05 PM [Reply]

BUT to Clarify since you seem to be so into research YOU said and let me quote you "free play recess for extended peroids of time leads to more fights and bullying ANS(should have been and) social conflicts" you also said organized games and creative events provide a safer environment. Now don't get me wrong but I have never heard of a shooting incident during recess BUT I have heard of shootings at high school sporting events?

#11.2 Resident Redneck on 04/18/10 at 06:03 PM [Reply]

MOTHER- You are just a Mother and THEY think you don't know what a child needs to make them healthy. THEY think they got to have the best equipment and the best supplies when in fact it has nothing to do with the kids needs? The reality of it is each school is trying to get better equipment than the others so they can say their programs are better because their stuff cost more. I seen this in other school each school wants the most expensive weight room ,the best equipment BUT they don't understand more expensive DON'T MEAN BETTER like they say there is a sucker born everyday and the people who sell this stuff CAN spot a sucker.

#11.3 Long time Teacher on 06/01/10 at 08:50 PM [Reply]

MOTHER, Based on what you just stated hear, your 10 children have not been involved with the wonderful music programs JC schools offer the students. Do some research and you will find that students who are in band and chorus are successful academically, socially, and emotionally.(Most graduate from HS) As a matter of fact, many of the honor grads are in either band or chorus or both. Music education is a very important part of a child's success in academics and social/emotional situations. PE is another area that has already been cut so students only get 2 classes each week in elementary and only one quarter in middle school. Do some more research and see how more overweight children are in schools now than EVER! I'm truly not trying to be ugly, but there are always other ways to look at things in a positive way.

#12 concernedtaxpayer on 04/18/10 at 04:04 PM [Reply]

15 people who make over 100K; dozens more who make 80-90k or more, yet the BOE solution is to cut class room teachers and parapros. something very wrong with this logic!! anyone who wonders about the 2 band directors being coddled and protected, just look at their last name. blood IS thicker than water, at least at JCCHS. too much money wasted on useless programs and administrators. if you are going to reduce staff by 44 shouldn't at least one administrator be included? after all, fewer employees need fewer bosses !!!

#12.1 Resident Redneck on 04/18/10 at 09:20 PM [Reply]

concernedtaxpayer- I just got ONE thing to say to you AMEN O.h my TESTIFY. You know pretty soon Jackson county is going to have 4 times as many administrators as teachers and when you get more bosses than workers nothing gets done. The administrators think it's beneath them to teach, they think they are better than the teachers just because they make more money. I think the more money you make the more you should do?

#13 to Clarify on 04/18/10 at 04:06 PM [Reply]

Several issues have been brought up throughout this strand:
YES all administrators and all of the top employees at the BOE are Certified. This means that they all are taking the furlough days and 2% pay cut.
As for band directors both high schools have two full time directors who are also assigned to help with the middle school program that feeds in to their school. It is not a matter of one teaching and the other just sitting there... they work on instrumental sections and small groups to bring the students up to new levels. Imagine the talent the band directors have and share daily with their students, I could not do it.
Common sense is right, more people were hired that the state formula for teachers required. In years past that has been a good thing, providing a little smaller classes and some opportunities we might not have had otherwise. Unfortunately lack of anticipated growth depleted the BOE's ability to do this. Jobs had to be cut, students grouped into larger classes, and maybe for example even French 2 and French 3 having to be taught in the same class. It was never just a case of just ask for a teacher and you get one....more we need to offer this opportunity, so let's do it. I am grateful for the good years, and hope as Dr. Adams indicated, he gets to hire back some of the RIF employees.

#14 good grief on 04/19/10 at 10:46 AM [Reply]

Why don't all of you who hate the school system so much home school your children??? Do some research on how music/arts help children learn....If just everyday people had the knowledge of how education worked most of these comments wouldn't be made. All I can say is WOW! There are a ton of "experts" on this message board! Why don't one of you run for a board position??

#14.1 Resident Redneck on 04/19/10 at 10:01 PM [Reply]

good grief- No if we ran and got on the board and acted as stupid as the current board is acting people would be talking about us like they are them and I have to much self respect for myself because I am not a mindless BUTT KISSER trying to keep my job. I can solve this problem right now right quick. How you ask? Fire, lay off, can (or what ever you want to call it) all the big money administrators and call all the teachers that were just laid off and let them run the school. I'm sure one of them would do Dr.Adams job for alot less than they are paying him.

#15 JCBUMKIN on 04/19/10 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

I WOULD, IF THE OLD HAG IN MY DISTRICT WAS UP FOR RENEWAL. AS FOR THE MOTHER OF 10. YOU ARE RIGHT AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT. THE ONLY ONES THAT DISAGREE ARE PE TEACHERS APPARENTLY. THEY SHOULD HAVE A COMMONSENSE CLASS, AND EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO ATTEND. BUT LIKE THEY SAY CAN'T FIX STUPID.

#15.1 Nope, stupidity can not be fixed..... on 04/20/10 at 01:04 PM [Reply]

It is obvious from many of the comments on this article that stupidity is alive and well in JC! Having 10 kids (TEN!!!) makes one an expert...wow! Who knew?!?!?

#15.1.1 Resident Redneck on 04/20/10 at 07:16 PM [Reply]

Yep stupidy can't be fixed so fire them and hire a new staff?

#15.1.2 Ten kids.... on 04/21/10 at 02:31 PM [Reply]

...and if one has 10 kids, i can assure you that with all those deductions the only taxes they are paying is sales tax and property taxes! No federal or state taxes...so just who is paying to educate all those kids.......yep, those of us who don't have a herd of children.

#15.1.2.1 Resident Redneck on 04/21/10 at 07:38 PM [Reply]

What is some of you peoples problen with this lady having Ten kids? YES SHE HAS 10 GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON.

#16 ann on 04/20/10 at 09:06 PM [Reply]

well,well, looks like all we have is a babysitting service going on in jackson county. failing schools and wasted money spend. nothing but an expensive babysitting service. god forbid you go back to recess and do away with the old pe teacher and crayon keeperup art lady. and before you say it, i homeschool.

#16.1 Danielle on 05/02/10 at 04:11 PM [Reply]

Wow. You homeshool? So sad...I do hope you employ a tutor to teach your children language arts/writing skills since you so obviously lack them by the looks of your post. What do you know about public education anyway? Have you ever set foot in a classroom or spoken with a teacher?

#17 Resident Redneck on 04/20/10 at 09:56 PM [Reply]

Someone needs to do some spring cleaning. I mean start at the front door and walk around the school and fire everyone that works there and hire new people at a much lower wage than they are paying out now? BUDGET problem solved. Think of the money they could save?

#18 kathy on 04/21/10 at 08:05 PM [Reply]

Most schools districts are firing everyone, and starting over, because failing schools, and overpaid idiots. Its seems to be over except for the crying. No one cared when private sector folks loss jobs. But look who's about to start losing useless jobs that never should have been employed there to start with. I bet Mr. Adams, will hold your hand and tell you how much he cares. What a joke, I say keep on cutting.

#19 CONCERNED PARENT on 04/22/10 at 10:27 AM [Reply]

Most schools would not have installed SMART BOARDS in every class room. Lord forbid the teacher get off her butt and walk to white board and TEACH!! These things have created a way for the teacher to sit behind the desk and put some things up on a screen. SAD!! TEACH the kids that is why you are called a TEACHer. I know some of them do use them for teaching but from what I have seen from my kids classrooms that is not what is happening.

#20 teacher on 04/22/10 at 08:40 PM [Reply]

Concerned parent, how much time have you spent in your child's classroom? There is NO way you have spent enough time in that classroom to judge if the teacher sits on her butt all day. The few minutes I spend with parents does not make me an expert on their parenting skills. I have a SMART BOARD, and it can be an invaluable tool. MOST teachers use this as a tool, not as a crutch. Do not insinuate that you know how most teachers are using them. You do not!

By the way, Ann, I am certainly not a babysitter. Are you teaching your children or babysitting them? I do hope you will consider bringing someone in to help your children with their grammar, capitalization, and punctuation rules. Based on your poorly written post, they certainly won't learn them from you. Maybe you should get a SMART BOARD, and then you could just sit on your butt all day and let it do all of the teaching.

#21 Resident Redneck on 04/23/10 at 12:51 PM [Reply]

O.k. Everybody enough is enough. We are bitching about 44 jobs. It could be worse, Jackson County could be like COBB county they are going to lay off 734 teachers and aids.

#22 jc vistor on 04/23/10 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

because in this hick town, some hell most of the so called teachers think they are above the ones paying them. if not for the smart boards they couldn't spell at all. if they would quit worrying about their looks, and just do their jobs. yes,i said job. which they fail, and should be fired. maybe next in line.

#23 John wells on 04/23/10 at 08:57 PM [Reply]

Even if that person above homeschools she still pays taxes to our underachieving bd. of ed. I wonder about so many husband wife, mother daughter, brother, sister pairs working together in our school system isn't that illegal ? With bus drivers being laid off will Vickie Evans one of our many transportion directors be able to work her daughter in the bus shop this summer as in the past ? Why does she need a king cab Ford 150 full size truck doesn't the busses she and several others direct pick up the kids and why does the bus shop have her drive it to and from work on our fuel while paying her and Dennis and Ray to sit on their butt all day and maybe drive once in a while? Did you ever think about where the thieves inside central office escape to with our tax dollars when they get off work , for lack of a better term. At least one of the bd won't be back and 2 more chances to replace others maybe we will get a majority on the bd that will say enough make cuts where they need to be made. Know something this problem and others could be avoided if we still elected our school supt. He would be accountable to all that vote instead of keeping his nose in the right spot.

#24 jc vistor on 04/24/10 at 10:35 AM [Reply]

ms. evans family member also rode the sp. ed. buses. withoutthe right licenses. someone must be paying attention. theses people like, ms.evans, mr. patrick, mr. anderson, and so forth, are just postions, they haven't any say so. they all have to do exactly what weasel adams tell them to do. thats the big problem in jackson county schools. as for the big new trucks from jefferson motors, all that money had to be spent on something. can't not spend it. that's the way it works. as for ms. wilbanks, she doesn't like people looking at her for fault. but she rode that horse in the ground.now she wants out, hell she was living it up. i say good bye ms. monia.

#25 taxpayer on 04/24/10 at 10:46 AM [Reply]

As for postions within the school. yes it has happen alot in Jackson County. Patrick worked for a supply company that sold to the schools, now he has a postion in the schools, thanks to Mr. Adams. Remember thoses hand dryers. If people would pay close attention and don't be scared to ask for accountiable for things, it would put a stop to some of this.

#26 joker on 04/24/10 at 10:53 AM [Reply]

Those bus drivers are not going to be laid off. They are getting regular routes next school time. Please don't believe everything you read in the paper. Subdrivers get paid over 13.oo dollars an hour. Regular drivers get 10.oo and hour. Its just a way for evans, adams, and the rest of the old crooks, to try to make people think they are cutting postions, expensives.

#26.1 Uptodate on 04/25/10 at 09:42 PM [Reply]

Get it straight joker learn the facts before you spout off up to now no sub bus drivers have been dismissed as the paper stated would happen another lie from the front office but the regular drivers are up to now the ones taking the hits. Riddance Cathy wilbanks take the other two running this year with you

#26.2 B.N. Duped on 04/26/10 at 05:12 AM [Reply]

Also not mentioned in addition to having three transportation directors three ladies also work in there two doing clerical work the other a bus driver doing the actual work part of Vickie Evans job (she only works part time in addition to driving)

#26.2.1 Resident Redneck on 04/26/10 at 05:23 PM [Reply]

so Duped- you are saying she is a part time bus driver and the county gives her a truck to drive and pay her insurance and buy her gas? Shoot she's got a good thing going? I want that job.

#27 Chris Bailey on 04/24/10 at 04:22 PM [Reply]

There is no doubt that the educators all across the nation are taking a beating during these hard economic times. This is with good reason. Just like all organizations (large ,small, private or public) no one is immune to cuts that should take place. The fact is that the educators have been largely protected through the years and they do not know how to handle the situation they are currently in. They have consistently used "the children" as a bargaining tool to better their own lives and to protect themselves. I do not blame them (the educators) for getting all up in arms because no one likes to lose their job. But as with all organizations there is a time for weeding out and that time may have arrived. Lets call it "The survival of the fittest"

#28 Pamela on 04/27/10 at 05:41 PM [Reply]

Only one member per family should be able to work for the school system. Now that would probably get rid of 1/4 of the overhead. Most companies don't allow mult. family employment anyway. These people don't want a job, they want a paycheck. Go over to Jefferson, and apply at the welfare department. Start cutting with Adams family members first.

#28.1 Resident Redneck on 04/27/10 at 08:39 PM [Reply]

Yep Pamela you be right on. I know Wal Mart used to not hire family members? I don't know if that has changed recently or not. BUT it is a good policy. I was talking to one of the Department heads one day and she said her daughter was looking for a job and I told her to get her daughter a job there with her. She said Wal Mart wouldn't hire family in the same store. She said her daughter could go to a different store and get hired and work but not in the same store. I ask why and she said they say if they hire people from the same family and there is a death in the family then everyone related to the family is going to be out.

#29 marty on 04/28/10 at 07:41 AM [Reply]

HEY DUPED, THAT BUS DRIVER GOT A FREE PHONE ALSO. WHO'S GIRLFRIEND IS SHE OVER THERE AT THE BUS SHOP?

#29.1 Resident Redneck on 04/28/10 at 09:44 AM [Reply]

marty- A FREE PHONE??????????????? Since when did they start giving out phones That the school system pays for???????????????

#30 someone who knows on 04/29/10 at 09:45 AM [Reply]

Concerning the bus driver who works part-time at the shop, she does not have a truck to drive. She drives her route then works at the shop 4 hours per day. She is the Driver Trainer for the county. She trains potential drivers, tests, gives the state mandated classes, conducts bus safety at the schools, and all this for very little money. She is NOT a girlfriend of anyone at the shop. People really need to know what they are talking about before they "share" information!

#30.1 B.N.Duped on 04/30/10 at 05:48 AM [Reply]

Still the point is she is another incident of duplicating services why can't Vickie Evans do this it should be her job to TRAIN .Maybe she doesn't have time for actually doing her job probably hunting a job a cushy job at that inside the school system. In response to the? Who is her sleeping partner I am referring to Vickie probably every tax paying citizen in Jackson county because we all got screwed

#31 Childless with potential on 04/29/10 at 12:24 PM [Reply]

We presently live in the South Jackson, Kings Bridge Middle, & East Jackson High district and for the life of me can't figure out why the BOE doesn't change the school districts to help with the loss of money. If they would stop bussing kids to a school that is 10 miles from their house and start taking them to a school that is 4 miles away. Then you would save money in fuel cost & wear & tear on the buses.
I mean come on, why in the world are you bussing kids to a high school that is miles away and when you do this you are going right by JCCHS. Just doesn't make sence to me.
Come on BOE use some common sence with the transportation budget and you may not have to get rid of teachers.

#31.1 Resident Redneck on 04/29/10 at 08:15 PM [Reply]

BUT what I don't understand is they are getting rid of the teachers to SAVE money? BUT they are keeping the bus drivers. Now I ask you WHAT does Jackson County need more, TEACHERS or BUS DRIVERS?
AND another thing WHY in the World are we building all these new schools? We spend all this money to build these new schools BUT if you have to lay off all the teachers WHO is going to teach in these new schools?

#31.1.1 someone who knows on 04/30/10 at 09:09 PM [Reply]

Resident Redneck, I understand what you are saying and no I do not think teachers should be let go, but-neither should bus drivers. It's a fact that a lot of students couldn't get to school unless they ride the bus. I know this is hard for some people to understand unless they have been exposed to the poverty that is all over the county. The simple fact is that with the mess our "leaders" have forced us into, it is going to hurt a lot of people but most of all the kids. I think people have lost track of what this is all about-providing our children with the best education possible. That's what school systems are all about, or is it?

#31.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 05/01/10 at 06:51 PM [Reply]

someone who knows- BUT it is like liz says in comment #33 give some of the teachers drug test and get them their CDL license and let them drive the busses. When they bring the kids to school in the mornings park the busses at the school and they can take the kids home in the afternoon.

#32 Benton Parent on 04/29/10 at 09:44 PM [Reply]

This is just ONE BIG MESS!! On top of ALL this we keep hearing that they are going to CLOSE Benton Elementary!! Where in the HECK are they gonna put OUR kids!! When u ask if it's TRUE, oh nobody knows what u r TALKING about! I am so SICK of all of this! Lord PLEASE help us!!

#32.1 Resident Redneck on 04/30/10 at 01:57 PM [Reply]

Yes Benton Parent- and when they close down Benton how many more teachers is THAT going to put out of work? And it's not just the teachers it takes alot more people to run a school than just teachers? You have the office staff, the lunchroom staff, the janitors, and the maintenance staff. Without these people AND the teachers you can't run a school.
BUT you wait and see after they lay these people off and close Benton Elementary they are going to start talking about building another school.
I know Commerce just built a new school? I know some of you will say yeah but that's state money SO why not use that money to pay the teachers you have instead of laying them off. When things get better and they need more teachers they'll go out and hire a bunch more just to lay off later on?

#33 liz on 04/30/10 at 04:01 PM [Reply]

I know the teachers can drive the buses. Two for one. Then they can take a drug test. It would really work in everybody's favor. They would also be at work on time. You know since they are so devoted to their job and its not about the money.

#34 someone also on 05/01/10 at 06:19 PM [Reply]

maybe its vickie girlfriend. she got them to fire the one ray wanted.

#34.1 Resident Redneck on 05/01/10 at 07:52 PM [Reply]

KINKY

#35 NightinGale on 05/02/10 at 08:48 PM [Reply]

Amen, to you Resident Redneck.

#36 Weareallscrewed on 05/03/10 at 01:32 AM [Reply]

I am a teacher that was laid off last year. I attended the JC school system my entire life. Graduated from JCCHS and went straight into UGA and earned my BS in Education and wanted to give back to my community. I had only been teaching a couple of years. It feels great to know that I worked hard for so long to end up making minimum wage again. Life is a constant joke and I am no longer laughing. I have the skills, drive and ability to work almost any job. The only problem is that the jobs do not exist and the market is shrinking everyday. I would love to be in a position of power like all the administrators. Believe me I could do a better job than the ones we have now and for much less money. Teachers are really suppost to teach children how to teach themselves by giving them information, empowering them and guiding them. Education has become a constant form of regurgitation. Cram material and test. We do however learn by reinforcement of ideas. Schools are more obsessed with the way things look than the way they actually are. Principles put on a smile for the public when they are really freaking out behind closed doors. We build fancy schools to compensate for the lack of actual learning going on inside. I remember when I went to school you could use the text books to teach yourself at home with examples. Now the materials and text teachers use are junk. JC does not prepare a student for college nor does any other school system. Knowledge is aquired over time and through experiences. Not by tests and standards. The real problem lies at home with the way parents raise their children. I was nurtured and read to. I was given the tools to make something of myself at home before I ever even started school.

I am amazed that the human race has survived this long considering the level of stupidity of the general population. Start with cuts at the top. Trim the fat and let the hard working teachers keep their jobs. Too little too late for me though. Greed killing our society. Does a person really need more than 45 or 50k a year to make decent life. The things you own end up owning you. Maybe we should all get what we need instead of what we want or think we are entitled to. I would rather be poor for the rest of my life than be a pompas snob living in a palace while my neighbor can't even afford shoes for his little girl. The world is headed for major change and revolt and we are seeing signs right now. We need to care for each other more and worry less about our luxury cars and excessive need to obtain junk. I knew going into the teaching field that I was not going to be rich. I only wanted to make students life better the same way my teachers did for me by showing me that I was more than I believed I was and now I cannot even do that for the mistakes of the few affect the many.

We all say we wish things were different but we never change anything. If people would just stand together we could create change. The only problem is that there will always be the few who resist because it may cause them to loose personal profit. To speak out and try to make a real difference would surely seal ones fate. Look at all the great individuals who created change. Most were killed or suppressed by the man or the people with the most profit to lose. I would gladly give my life though if it ment that my childs future would be better. After we die the only things we leave behind are memories and children.

#37 jj on 05/03/10 at 01:33 PM [Reply]

This is one screw up state if you asked me. I think in about 5 yrs from now they will be no public schools in state of georgia. I think it will come i don't know when but it is coming. And i think vickie is the big part of this mess because she hires buses drivers when they don't need them. i say fired vickie

#38 Katrina on 05/03/10 at 09:21 PM [Reply]

Sounds like an unemployeed teacher finally freaked out. Who the hell is Vickie

#38.1 B N Duped on 05/04/10 at 10:26 AM [Reply]

Vickie is one of many transportation directors maybe she directs the other directors she is also the recepiant of one of the new king cab trucks bought with our 70 million bond referendum she also travels to and from work in it on our fuel and who knows where else she also works her daughter or has in the past in the bus shop in the summer months she also has a bus driver / trainer that does the training and testing for her that is a small portion of who Vickie is hardly anything to do but wait to drive to or from work on our dime and if she has to make a call she can do it on our cell phone. Also some of JCCHS problems might have been avoided if someone but that idiot Clint Taylor another transportation director at the time had looked after the project

#39 mickey on 05/04/10 at 07:13 PM [Reply]

ms evans is just trying to make it to retiring time. not long to go. the same for anderson, and the rest of the old farts. one is two face,the other is a no baller.

#40 Ann on 05/04/10 at 07:26 PM [Reply]

Dear Ms.Danielle, I am a teacher. I just chose to teach my children at home. I will not bend to the pathic jobs in Jackson County Schools. I have my master's in education, but I'm also a stay at home mother. I refuse to be a puppet in this county system. Yes, I could get a paycheck and buy lots of things. But I would rather put the time on my children and see them learn.

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BOE trims 44 positions with layoff plan

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BOE trims 44 positions with layoff plan

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