Herald files suit against BOE

The Jackson Herald filed suit Tuesday against the Jackson County Board of Education over the board’s refusal to release the names of its finalists for the superintendent’s position.

According to Georgia law, agencies are supposed to release the names of its top finalists for the position of an agency head. But BOE chairperson Lynn Wheeler refused to do that in two memos to Herald staff last week.

The BOE received applications from over 36 people to fill the position being vacated by Shannon Adams, who is retiring. With the help of a consultant from the Georgia School Boards Association, he BOE recently narrowed that list down to four finalist and has scheduled interviews with those candidates on Thursday. One of the candidates is said to be coming from out-of-state.

Georgia law provides that boards release at minimum the top three names. In 2006, the Jackson County BOE released the names of four finalists and in 2010, the Barrow County Board of Education released the names of its four finalists for superintendent.

“Clearly, the Jackson BOE has narrowed its list to four finalists and should release those names so the public will know who is being considered for this very important position,” said Herald co-publisher and editor Mike Buffington. “Given the board’s process in narrowing down its applicants from over 36 to four, it cannot now argue that these people really aren’t finalists. This board’s own precedent has been to release the names of four finalists, so why not do that now? Apparently, the BOE chose four names in an attempt to skirt the intent of the law.”

The Herald is being represented in the suit by Michael Daniel of Prior, Daniel & Wiltshire of Athens.

Buffington also said that it appears internal conflicts-of-interest on the board is driving the secrecy.

“This board is very conflicted with family members of boards members working in the system and that appears to be what’s behind the secrecy,” he said. “Rather than being open and acting in the public interest, BOE members are giving the appearance that they are trying to protect the employment interest of their spouse or children who work in the system.”

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#1 Mind your own business on 04/24/12 at 12:55 PM [Reply]

I say if we get a better superintendent let me do it in secret. Why does the herald have to know every detail of what is going on anyway. Mind your business I say. It's none of your beeswax.

#1.1 Just saying... on 04/24/12 at 01:14 PM [Reply]

You obviously don't understand the concept of newspapers do you? It's sort of their job to get the details on everything and bring light to issues in the community. So technically it is their business.

#1.1.1 I wish we had a REAL newspaper! on 04/26/12 at 10:26 AM [Reply]

And what information they cannot get, they make up!

#1.2 Mind you own business!?! on 04/25/12 at 06:37 PM [Reply]

Here's the problem that some of you seem to not be able to understand; the superintendent is paid by tax dollars. Those tax dollars come from the taxpayers. (Try to stay with me here.) Thus, the taxpayers pay the superintendent's salary. I am tired of people thinking that the government is exempt from following the rules. YOU WORK FOR ME! I am held accountable for laws and/or rules I don't follow. So BOE members, I hope you can understand that as a voting citizen I hold you accountable to do the same. Play by the rules or prepare to be ousted.
Thanks to Mr. Buffington for trying to keep the BOE honest.

#1.2.1 Get Real on 04/26/12 at 09:56 AM [Reply]

I am a government employee. While I agree with a lot of what people say on here in terms of the school system and the BOE making horrible decisions...let's get one thing straight...I do not work for you, Mr./Mrs. Mind Your Own Business. Yes, taxpayers pay taxes that is used to pay for many government services, including the salaries of government workers. But to say that we work for you...you've got to be kidding me. You are in no authority to tell me what to do. You do not hire/fire me. You pay taxes, because it is your duty as a citizen. And you have the right to vote for your leaders and representatives. And you have the freedom to have and voice your opinion (as silly as it may be). But you do not have authority over government employees. So you sound ridiculous when you boldly state things like "YOU WORK FOR ME!" Get real!

#1.2.1.1 you make on 04/26/12 at 01:25 PM [Reply]

a point many goverment workers have this feeling, they work less then private sector get paid more and treat the public with air of superiority. glad to know three guys who were working in Law enforcement had to find real jobs and now the three work security and other jobs and sure have become humble, seeing how real working people have to do WORK to get paychecks.

#1.2.2 YOU must be confused on 04/26/12 at 10:51 AM [Reply]

I work for YOU?? I don't think so. Just because YOU are a taxpayer does not mean YOU employ me. Maybe YOU need to be schooled on how taxes work. Taxes also pay for public roads too....does this mean YOU can drive in both lanes at the same time? Clearly, paying taxes makes you feel all powerful!

#1.2.2.1 JeffersonMom on 04/26/12 at 03:13 PM [Reply]

If by "schooled on how taxes work" you mean in government schools... No thanks! I'll take knowlege over "education" anyday.

The way taxes really work in this country is just a system of legalized plunder. Theft by any other name smells just as rotten. Jackson County and the City of Jefferson in particular have some of the highest Mil rates in the state and what do we have to show for it? A fancy new facade on Jefferson High School? A brand new practically empty middle school?

Isn't it interesting to note that the highest paid employees are in administrative positions? Why not pay teachers who are doing a great job TEACHING CHILDREN the biggest salaries? I think a position teaching a Kindergarten class would be easier to fill than 36 people scrambling for the top dog salary of a Superintendent. How much do they make per year anyway? Anyone know? Anyone care? Or are we too busy trying to prove who has authority over who?

The truth of the matter is government employees have the same sense of entitlement as anyone else on the government dole. Their positions are DESERVED rather than earned. Their income is DESERVED rather than earned. And then (and this applies to cops as well) when it comes time to abide by the law and play by the rules guess what? Doesn't apply to them. They are above it. Or so they think.

The time of reckoning is soon at hand when we as a nation, county, and city have to look at the mess we have made for our children and grandchildren. The monstrous debt and the sense of entitlement for things that actually belong to someone else and false authority over other human beings are grievous.

In the not too distant future this corrupt good ol' boy system in Jackson County will come to end, because the people will be sick and tired of paying for someone elses' buddy to make a quick buck on the taxpayers' dime. That... or we'll ALL have run out of dimes...

#1.2.2.1.1 amen on 04/26/12 at 03:56 PM [Reply]

This was an excellent post!

#1.2.2.1.1.1 rally on 04/26/12 at 06:44 PM [Reply]

Amen. Excellent Post. I don't have any problem with a two barrel shotgun locked and loaded to tell someone you work for me as the taxpayer.How dare you come in a place like the Herald and say we don't work for you?????? If I said that to a boss I would be fired. You step on my property without proper warning. The time will come to pass when most people will get this party started. I'd rather have it happen sooner than later. When the bloodbath begins will just see about entitlement you scumbag arrogant fools think you earn because your on the government dole.

I will fight for my freedom over tyranny. I will not let them take that away. I am a full blooded American that does have a duty not a right to vote who I choose. That however does not give you legal right to run amock of the laws set in place you cowards. If the jobs run out guess what no taxes come in. There are 70k residents to five co cops....and 3 city cops come on you can't be that dumb??????

I forgot your a government educated stooge.

#2 Jeffersonite on 04/24/12 at 02:30 PM [Reply]

Here's some irony for you. Mr. Buffington, rightfully so, keeps the BOE in line when it comes to spending our tax dollars. Now that he has sued them, the BOE will use - you guessed it - our tax dollars to defend the lawsuit.

#3 amazed on 04/24/12 at 06:36 PM [Reply]

Are you running out of stories that you have to go to such extremes?

#4 Opinionated on 04/24/12 at 07:02 PM [Reply]

This has only to do with the BOE disobeying the law. If this is allowed, what is next? Why so much secrecy? Go Jackson Herald!!

#5 Beverly Rylee on 04/25/12 at 07:41 AM [Reply]

You go, Mike!!!!

#6 gambler on 04/25/12 at 02:14 PM [Reply]

So what's the update Mike?

#7 Mary Ann on 04/25/12 at 10:18 PM [Reply]

Well Mike, you seem to have changed songs! (Sorry - wrong words, you didn't even sing back then. You were quiet as a mouse in Church.) Where were you years ago when the Jefferson City School System was led by a Board of Education designed just the way you are describing this one!!??? Jefferson's Board members closed rank when one of theirs was questioned. You did NOT go after them, now did you!!? And He was proven GUILTY in a court of law. But now Jackson County is DIFFERENT. Who do they think they are - that the way you see them - MIKE? What I see, is that you still think more of your ideas than the major of your readers.

#7.1 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 04/26/12 at 07:41 AM [Reply]

I have no idea what you're talking about. Please give me details.

#8 J. C. Clay on 04/26/12 at 07:17 AM [Reply]

Please print the names of the relatives and their positions in the school system. Show proof of internal conflicts and why it would prevent or delay the BOE from informing the public of the top candidates. Will knowledge of the candidates impact those internal conflicts? Do some investigative reporting.

#9 1911A1 on 04/26/12 at 11:22 AM [Reply]

Sure sounds like a lot of school system employees, squealing like a bunch of stuck pigs.

#10 youllhavetopaythepipersomeday on 04/26/12 at 11:39 AM [Reply]

There are some in the county that DO NOT LIKE being told that they work for the tax payers! I witnessed this once. They will set citizens straight with facts, figures, and percentages! How dare anyone say that government employees work for the taxpayers!!!!

Isn't the timing on some of these posts interesting?

I doubt these BOE news stories are going away. They can't scapegoat an entire newspaper.

#11 Big Noise No Action on 04/26/12 at 04:07 PM [Reply]

"In the not too distant future this corrupt good ol' boy system in Jackson County will come to end" I have been hearing that crap for 20 years !

All you blow hards sit on the blogs and whine and cry about the BOC and BOE but come election time guess what:

SPLOST-passed
D. Smith Reelected
B.Yates Reelected
School board members run unopposed
City Council posts run unopposed

Yeah all of you are really changing things by showing out on a public blog.

The ONLY thing you are doing is selling Mainstreet newspapers..thats it .

#11.1 JeffersonMom on 04/26/12 at 04:30 PM [Reply]

I plan to change all that this next go round. Don't you worry!

#12 jacksoncountymom on 04/26/12 at 06:17 PM [Reply]

Jefferson mom....tell us your plan

#12.1 JeffersonMom on 04/26/12 at 08:40 PM [Reply]

Let's get involved! "Big Noise No action" is correct! If everyone who felt passionately about the way this county government was run actually showed up at the meetings things would change! And when I find a candidate I agree with I no longer just wait until election day. I actively campaign for those who still believe in the COnstitution and limited government. No more crony crooks. They abuse their power we kick the bums out! (And heck... if I can convince my husband... we may just run for office ourselves. But as you may have noticed... I'm not the speak softly type.) :)

#12.1.1 Robin on 04/28/12 at 12:57 PM [Reply]

"I'm not the speak softly type." You're boldness is admirable.

Are you going to put "Vote for Jefferson Mom" on your campaign signs?

LOL

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