JCCHS parent raises concerns about money for athletic costs
The use of assistant athletic directors at two area high schools is being questioned by some parents, according to a man that addressed the Jackson County Board of Education Monday night.
Redd Howe, former president of the Jackson County Comprehensive High School Touchdown Club, asked the board how it can justify spending $8,500 for each assistant athletic director (AD) at the district’s two high schools when other high schools in the 8-AA region don’t have such an expense.
Both East Jackson Comprehensive High School and Jackson County Comprehensive High School have assistant athletic directors, who also serve as assistant principals. The assistant AD positions cost the school system a total of $17,000, according to Howe.
However, board member Michael Cronic said after the meeting that the school system is paying only a $2,500 supplement for those assistant athletic directors.
At Monday’s board meeting, Howe read portions of a prepared statement that he gave to elected officials and the media.
“Parents are already being asked to provide markers, copy paper and many other associated items to their schools,” according to his statement. “Will parents understand our school system does not have enough money to buy copy paper, but it condones $17,000 being spent on two (2) frivolous Asst. AD positions? Will parents continue to understand when they are asked to crack open their wallets and help fund their booster clubs more and more because we have to pay our Asst. AD’s?”
For the full story, see the Sept. 14 issue of The Jackson Herald.
Both East Jackson Comprehensive High School and Jackson County Comprehensive High School have assistant athletic directors, who also serve as assistant principals. The assistant AD positions cost the school system a total of $17,000, according to Howe.
However, board member Michael Cronic said after the meeting that the school system is paying only a $2,500 supplement for those assistant athletic directors.
At Monday’s board meeting, Howe read portions of a prepared statement that he gave to elected officials and the media.
“Parents are already being asked to provide markers, copy paper and many other associated items to their schools,” according to his statement. “Will parents understand our school system does not have enough money to buy copy paper, but it condones $17,000 being spent on two (2) frivolous Asst. AD positions? Will parents continue to understand when they are asked to crack open their wallets and help fund their booster clubs more and more because we have to pay our Asst. AD’s?”
For the full story, see the Sept. 14 issue of The Jackson Herald.
It looks like we are stuck w/ these two (2) Asst. AD positions until the school board takes up the issue in late spring/early summer when they can vote to do away w/ them entirely. A culture of secrecy, deception, and dishonesty, has continued to continued to be practiced by our Supt. and some on the school board. For years we have had to endure this culture and their lack of transparency and accountablility.
For about a monnth now, Dr. Adams, and board member Michael Cronic, have told me "we don't know where the money is coming from." Dr. Adams told me once and Michael Cronic told me numerous times. I kept asking them how can that be? They said they were trying to figure it out and can't seem to get to the truth. I told them that is hard to fathom and I couldn't figure out how a Supt. and board member couldn't find out. How logical and reasonable does that sound? I feel that if I were the Supt. or a boad member, I would be like white on rice and be able to find out in 48 hours or less.
It is possible they couldn't find out because they really didn't want to (remain ignorant to protect themselves) or they really couldn't peel back the layers of administration and history to get to the truth because that is the way the system is set up. If the latter is the case then that is a story in itself and it needs to be reviewed and corrected. Regardless, Dr. Adams and Mr. Cronic coudn't find out, wouldn't find out, or really knew and went into protection mode. Just like they are advised to do by the school board attorney firm representing them. Ignore, decieve, delay, stall, don't give the full truth, innacurately portray the truth, confuse, play dumb,and etc... Generally, do not be transparent or accountable. That's what we have here.
I thought it was odd I couldn't get to what funds the monies were coming from, but in a mere three (3) days after the board meeting, I received documents and information from Dr. Adams showing what money was being paid. Now keep in mind, Michael Cronic is quoted in the article saying, "the school system is paying ONLY a $2,500 supplement for those assistant athletic directors (Par.4)." What he didn't say, was each of the two (2) Asst. AD positions have a highly prized 11 month contract with Jason Powers (JCCHS) being paid $5,208.80 and Shawn Lindsey (EJCHS) getting $6,404.10. Hmmmm...really? Why did Mr. Cronic conveniently leave that out? Did either of them really know this before the board meeting? Why didn't they share this with me before then? It's not because I hadn't been asking. Did it take me pressing them this hard to force it out of them?
Ok, now what fund(s) are these 11 month contract monies coming from? I'd like to know. Also, from the beginning of my quizzing them, they always reminded me that over two (2) years ago the board had voted to "freeze" the funds for Asst. AD's. Ok, exactly what funds did they vote to freeze? Why do they have an 11 month contract?
I believe the truth lies much deeper than what has been revealed. I believe there were enablers in top administration somewhere who has made it possible for the 11 month contracts to be released and violate the spirit of the school board vote over two (2) years ago to freeze it. There was never a vote to unfreeze it. So, how did this "really happen?" Why the secrecy and dishonesty? Who is covering up what? Who's behinds are being protected? There's many more questions to be asked and answered.
At the Air Force Academy where one of my sons' attends, all cadets have to learn and recite a pledge, "I will not lie, cheat, nor steal, and will not tolerate those who do." To expound upon that, I expect our school system to be more open, honest, transparent and accountable. At this time, they are not. I will continue to push forward to help them achieve this, whether it is dragging or screaming, until they do.