Mar 12
There is the very real chance that the Columbus County and Whiteville City school systems will merge. What are your thoughts? Are there positive and negative aspects?
There is the very real chance that the Columbus County and Whiteville City school systems will merge. What are your thoughts? Are there positive and negative aspects?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
There is no legitimate reason to postpone merger of these two school systems. Just 25 years ago, there were nearly 150 school systems (LEAs) in North Carolina. Today, there are only 115 - that means there has been more than two dozen successful school system mergers in the past 25 years. Despite what some people may say, including officials with Whiteville City Schools, there is a statewide trend toward merger.
Locally, among the Columbus County & Whiteville City Schools residents, there is a mentality of “the have’s” and the “have not’s.” Some people claim Whiteville City Schools are the “have’s” and Columbus County Schools are the “have not’s.” But, when you look at the limited resources (financial, facilities, etc.) of both systems, they seem to share the “have not” distinction. Perhaps a merger would allow them to pool their resources and ultimately strengthen the quality of education for all students in Columbus County (including those in Whiteville).
Although I agree that a merger will not save as much money as some folks may think, it seems to be a wise decision when you can save taxpayers $11 million without sacrificing quality.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I laughed out loud when I read the comment that the County School Board is no longer political. Please! Whoever wrote that needs to check out the nepotism that permeates the county schools. Nevertheless, I strongly agree that the school systems should be merged. If the “Whiteville elite” want their own system, they can pay for the duplicated bureaucracy with a special tax.
March 13th, 2007 at 9:40 am
We need to join together to educate our children and take on A NEW ATTITUDE of cooperation. I live in town and have NO DESIRE to pay a special tax. Columbus Co people need to demand better schools, government leaders that have open discussions and share information with the public. Two educational systems don’t promote good cooperation and shared values for the area. Let’s come together for better living standards for all people and see if we can move Columbus Co citizens forward vs frighting over issues that only harm our progress. I smile when I see the comments signed anonymous. Are people feeling pressured to speak their views only in private? Many people/newspaper in Town have voiced a desire to keep a better and separate system for years. All Columbus Co children need the best education available and all parents need to be active in the process. I’m sad to see that our local political leaders are afraid to voice their views so the commom folks need to step up and lead the move to a united school system. Call Tony Rand and other leaders to tell them to STAND UP FOr OUR CHILDREN”S EDUCATION and VOTE FOR THE SYSTEMS TO BE JOINED TOGETHER FOR THE COMMOM GOOD OF ALL THE PEOPLE. So we will only save 11 Million STATE FUNDS!!!!!ONLY…..is state funds not our funds too? Commom sense tells me that 2 schools systems cost more than 1 system.
March 13th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
After reading a couple of weeks ago about the dropout rate of the school systems, I think that it is clear that the present system does not work. It is time to throw it out the window and start from fresh. I know that there are those that are going to be concerned about the “money” but I have learned that how good a system is does not depend on the amount of money spent per pupil. It depends on the dedication of the system to the students and the involvement of the parents in the student’s life. Here is a report by John Stossel that helps expain that it is not about the money.
March 13th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Sorry about the previous link. Here is one that works.
John Stossel
March 13th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Les High:
I am amazed at your stupidity. Let me elaborate on why I think that. I am referencing the articles this past week on the merger of the two school systems. In one article the News Reporter clearly spells out how the merger of the two systems can save approximately 11 million in tax payer dollars. The article states how other (1) system counties manage just fine this way.
In another article right beside that one. The New Reporter begins to lament on how we should leave “our” systems alone and that “it won’t save that much money” and the two systems might not get along.
Then, in your editorial you again lament how “they” should leave “our” systems alone and that it won’t save that much money. How stupid can you be? You sounded like a bleeding heart crybaby. How about the big picture? Who the hell do you think pays for education State wide? It comes from “us” taxpayers. If I, as a taxpayer, can help save 11 million in funds, then maybe (just maybe), my taxes will eventually go down. So why not consolidate? It makes sense in the long run.
You came off sounding like the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. (McKenzie Jacobs, Norris and Memory). That’s the kind of thinking that has gotten this county in the shape it is in. If progress can save money, then why not do it. The 4 Horsemen are only out for themselves and not the greater good of the county.
It makes me laugh at how silly you sound at times. Maybe you should leave the comments and serious journalism to the journalists. Oh, I forgot…You are not a journalist. You just occupy a chair and collect a paycheck. You don’t really stand for anything. If you are such an advocate for the right to public documents, why haven’t you sued the County for all the times they have refused to give you the information? You like to constantly put that crap in the paper because you think it makes for news. What it really shows is you don’t do a thing when the 4 Horsemen bully you (the paper).
March 13th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I am amazed that Les High thinks 11 million is a “drop in the bucket” It’s that kind of thinking that keeps taxes up and progrss down. Maybe Les has more money than he knows what to do with but I don’t think that is the case with the State or the majority of its residents. If the State can save 11 million by consolidating the schools then I am all for it.
March 13th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I just read the article in which a writer calls Les High “stupid”. That might have been just a bit harsh. He’s not stupid, just a bit jaded. He seems to print or say what the good ‘ole boys want him to print. I agree that he usually makes very little sense in his comments but saying he is stupid is a stretch. Give the ‘ole boy a break.
March 13th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Let me preface by saying that when talking about the state education budget 11 million dollars is a “drop in the bucket.” The 2005-2006 budget included over 7.6 billion dollars for public schools (K-12 schools). So 11 million, is less than two tenths of a percent. Just wanted to point that out as you would have to accept the fact that the amount in question is small in order to agree with me.
We ought to keep the current, separate, separate school systems, and the only reason to dispense with the city schools is to save the money payed to the superintendent, the business guy, and the food person. That is not really a whole lot of money when you consider the extra layer of control the people of Whiteville and those of North Whiteville have over their schools.
In the South, many people have a deep respect for states’ rights (in fact I think the South fought a war over it). The idea is that the closer the representation is to their constituents, the better the constituents are represented. Having the smaller government in theory helps maintain the people’s sense of ownership. The more schools consolidate, the less in touch parents will become, and that cannot be a good thing.
So why would anyone want to lessen their ability of self-governance (this applies to county and city folk) or release a great piece of history, a source of pride and community (Whiteville people) in order to save a modest amount of money.
A lot of the money would not be saved locally as the administrator’s salaries are payed by the state. Both offices would have to be maintained as neither have enough room. I don’t see where the big savings come from. Do you?
However, if you have no sense of community pride and wish to lose a closer sense of ownership over your local system and truly feel that local politicians really care about your child’s education go ahead and support this consolidation movement. I have a sneaky suspicion, though, that you wouldn’t support a merger with South Carolina, or that the Columbus County Schools would want to merge with Bladen County Schools. The only bright spot for the county schools would simply be watching the city school system die (along with its higher teacher supplements), and the only potential good for the city schools would be the possibility of improving the physical plant more quickly (if even that is true, look at the decaying elementary schools around the county).
Really what is the point of all this?
March 14th, 2007 at 9:59 am
In response to the “recent graduate”…What did they teach you in school? That 11 million dollars is not alot of money? I agree that 11 million compared to 7.6 Billon does not sound like much. But we are talking “Millions” in extra state taxes. Perhaps once you have worked and payed taxes a while you will understand how silly you sound. You and others, like Les High, keep saying that the State pays for the administration positions that might be lost. Where do you think the money the State pays those salaries comes from? Wake up. It comes from us who work and pay taxes every day. It has nothing to do with self goverance but more with good old common sense. Something you will gain with time and experience.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
There has always been some sense of hatred and jealousy towards the Columbus County schools and the Whiteville City Schools. I see why now, when you have some people referring to Whiteville citizens as “the haves” and others as “the have nots”, that’s ridiculous. Will someone please explain which schools could possibly be merged?
March 14th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
It’s not the actual schools which would be merged, it is the admimistrations. Getting rid of duplicate bureacracies and school boards would save money.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Getting rid of teachers would save money as well. Replace them with TV’s, computer software, and video games.
Bigger is not always better. All the new research is saying that small schools are better. A smaller district can better react to their small schools needs.
I think the state should worry more about breaking up some of these larger districts into smaller ones.
Cumberland County, Wake, Charlotte Meck, etc. would benefit by having more school districts to better server their schools needs and the needs of the children.
While they may not be perfect, I can access the downtown office staff when I need them, and they know who I am. I see them in my school and they the seem to truly care about children. I know the counties admin care, but I hear from their teachers that they are not ass accessible and they are rarely visible.
The state is getting a lot for there money now. Consolidating will just make the new district less responsive to the schools…. but life would go on. It always does.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I thinks we should all go to church and have them start up their own schools so are kids stay wholesome and good. Don’t merge the two. Abolish them both!
March 15th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I think there should be a big city tax so whiteville can become the center of progressive education in NC. I think a 1/2 sales tax would work. We could put in swimming pools and more books.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Lets first look at the money.
Throw out the 11 Million. It’s an liberal estimate and is looking at a state wide number. Look at it more local.
The News Reporter stated that Rand’s supporters claim they can save an avg of $737,000.00 a hefty some. Look at the details: “This includes $360,000 in central office administration; $266,300 for vocational staff; and $110,000 administrative costs for vocational education program support, preschool children with disabilities, children with limited English proficiency and professional development.”
If you read carefully it’s not just a consolidate school districts bill, it’s a cut program support bill, and pick on vocational education studies.
If a merger were to take place, there will be less funds for the new district to use to support important programs that already exist.
Someone mention that we could “pool” resources. That makes sense, but the problem is that the bill will still give us less resources to pool.
This bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
This will hurt children.
First of all does Tony Rand really know what’s best for Columbus County?
Is Tony Rand really looking out for the tax payers money?
Take a look at his record. Look at the bills he introduces and sponsors. Not many tax saving bills. He likes to spend tax money.
So what is his angle, what does he want?
I hate taxes, but sometimes we get our money’s worth.
Small districts benefit kids. National research has shown that. How much is that worth?
“Two educational systems don’t promote good cooperation and shared values for the area.”
I have to disagree there. CCS and WCS collaborate on many issues. In fact, they even collaborate with SCC on many issues. This benefits the students because you bring many strong people together to accomplish great things. State award winning things. When you consolidate you loose some of those people and the knowledge resources. The old saying, two heads are better than one is correct. CCS & WCS uses that to their advantage on a variety of issues.
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/introducedBills.pl?nUserID=48&Chamber=S
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770222137
March 17th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
I have a vested interest since I am an administrator for the school system that would be merged. I do not feel that a merger would be the best option for our students.
Before you say, “He’s saying that because he wants job security.” I’m not worried about my job. Even if there was not a position for me in the merged district, I will not have a problem finding employment. Believe it or not, it is hard to find folks that want to do the type of work that public school administrators do.
I don’t know why. It is extremely rewarding. What other job can you get payed for being part of a profession that help children be the best they can be. That is why I went back to school to study education.
Back to the topic.
There are many perspectives. When you take a different perspective, you can see different pros and cons. As a tax payer I want the government to spend my money wisely. When I see my money spent, I want to know it doing good. It’s easy to see that when they build roads, but it is harder to see when it comes to education.
While I feel I have to be reserved in my comments because of my relationship to the issue, i have a few points.
1. Read the bill carefully. Ask you law makers a lot of questions about exact details. Sometimes you will find that bill do, or don’t do the things you were told they do.
Will it really save money?
Is it cutting just the administration aspect, or will the new district have to do more with less money?
2. I’m here to tell you that Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools have a great working relationship. We collaborate on many things. I have been helped tremendously by my county counterparts. They have always been there for me, and I have tried to be there for them. Working together we have come up with things that have truly helped the children of our community. It is great to see many successful projects due to this collaboration. These projects have been made better due to the fact that there were two parties at the table, not just one.
3. By having a small school district I can provide a level of personal service to my teachers that my counterparts in larger systems are unable to do because of their size. This level of service impacts learning in a positive way, and ultimately gives our children an advantage they would not have in a larger district.
There are many things our government wastes our money on. Many, Many things.
I feel that having two districts in our county is not one of them.
March 19th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I hate to say this but the majority of the controversy has nothing to do with money it has to do with our local identity. I attended our county schools and then went on to recieve a higher education. I have no complaints about my education in Columbus County. Growing up I knew people in the Whiteville School system (mostly through sports or Church) and they were referred to as “whiteville kids” and the kids from the county were referred to as “County kids” (even if they lived in one of the other towns) For those of us growing up in Columbus County this has always been a distinction, THE COUNTY VS. WHITEVILLE. It was almost like Tabor City, Chadbourn, Bolton, etc. and the non-incorporated communities were all on one side of an imaginary line with WHITEVILLE on the other. With this imaginary line came a feeling that people in the County (including all towns except Whiteville) were somehow different than people who lived in Whiteville. This was reinforced by the idea that we had separate school systems as if our children could not mix. Whenever I went to College and people asked me where I was from I never said Chadbourn (unless I was pressed for an actual address) I would say COLUMBUS COUNTY. I had several friends in College from the Whiteville School System and their response would invariably be I am from Whiteville (some of whom actually lived outside of city limits and thus in the County.) What this boils down to is that whether we like it or not people in Columbus County (whiteville included) think of Whiteville as a Different Place. Many think that the Doctors, and Lawyers, and Rich people all Live in Whiteville (Hence the mention of “elite” in one of the other blogs.) Although this perception is entirely false it is a perception that people seem to hold on to. It has always been the County vs. Whiteville and people like it that way. Although I don’t see the need in having two fully functioning school systems, as long as they both continue to do a good job at educating young minds, I don’t want them combined. I like complaining about those WHITEVILLE PEOPLE and I don’t want anybody to take that away from me.
March 19th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
anytime i hear politicians use the word “consolidate,” it ends up costing more to do less. it’s one of those things that sounds good but doesn’t really pan out in the end. i rather know my school board member than learn about them on a campaign poster. if the schools consolidate, that is exactly the way it will be.
March 20th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if there is a merger. Both systems are so similar. Each high school will always have a base of support. Whiteville has longest running base having existed with that name for more than 100 years. It’s hard to believe that West Columbus is already 42 years old and that SCHS and ECHS are nearing 20.
Merger will not save or cost the commissioners a dime.
The shame of it all is that a new school could have been built with money spent to house thieves and rapists – the new jail. A monument to stupidity.
March 28th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I can relate to the anonymous submission regarding the “Columbus v/s Whiteville” issue! I feel this issue has gone on long enough, and it is time to obliterate the differentiation on treatement between the citizens of Columbus County–just because some reside elsewhere other than the confines of a specific city limit! I am a product of the Columbus County School System–and I am proud to say that I have an earned MAEd (that is a master’s in education). The education I received through the years provided me with the tools necessary to move to bigger and better things. However, I have always felt there was a vale between the county and city school systems. Don’t get me wrong, I completed my students teaching internship in the Whiteville City School System, and it was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever completed; in part, because I was able to actually function as a member of what I had never known before–just thought I knew about. I now teach in the county school system, and am very proud to do so. I was offered a position with the city; however, I declined the offer. I feel the vale that is betwixt the two neighboring systems is fueled, in part, be the News Reporter itself. When I was doing my internship, numerous members of our armed forces had just been deployed to the Middle East. I knew some teachers at Old Dock Elementary School (where I do NOT teach, just so you know there is no connection in this respect) who organized a formal presentation of banners, large yellow bows across the entire front fenceing section of the school campus (there were about 25 bows), as well as officials from Fort Bragg to come speak. All this was to demonstrate the community’s support, ecouragement, and prayers for those in danger and fighting for our present state of freedom. I know the News Reporter was contacted–one of the teachers personally contacted; however; NO ONE SHOWED UP TO COVER THE EVENT! It took place on the front lawn of the school; the administration, faculty, staff, students, as well as a plethora of community members were present. I kept looking and looking in the paper to see the coverage; however, none was ever printed. Although, a few weeks later I was perusing an issue, and what did I see but a photograph and caption of the fencing of Whiteville High School facing Carolyn T. High Memorial Library. It was periodically adorned with small yellow ribbons. Let me reinterate the meaning here of the word small! The ribbons were simple strips of yellow fabric doubled over–like those magnets you many times see attached to vehicle bumpers. Don’t get me wrong, I am delighet WHS took the time to show their care and consideration of the troops. However, I was apalled at the fact the the News Reporter, who so blantantly adornes their front page with the phrasing “Published…for the county of Columbus and her people,” could be so obviously uniterested about and unmoved by any of the county schools’ events–even though it was a major display of allegiance, pride, and nationalism! However, something as simple as hanging a ribbon on the fence at a Whiteville school can merit their full attention. I can remember a plethora of events while I was at Whiteville when Fuller Royal visited our campus (and that was only a four month span of time). However, I have been teacher five years, and NEVER has a reporter stepped foot on our campus. I have never stated this aloud; however, with the issue pending, I feel it warrants that it rear its ugly head. I am in full support of the merger, not to “do away with those Whiteville teachers’ higher supplements” as that nieve recent graduate stated in the previous submission (sweetie, I could have that supplement right now–if I so desired; keep that in mind! OK?). I merely want the differentiation of treatment between the county to cease! As I stated before, I am a product of the county schools, and am proud to now be a teacher there. Also, I would like to add that, in regards to what the “Whiteville teacher” stated in their blog submission, I do know my central office adminstration on a first name basis, and they are very accessible; however, I don’t ever recall the first adminstrator to ever have even darkened the door of the classroom where I worked for an entire semester in Whiteville! Just a point of personal interest! Don’t point fingers and make judgements until you have walked in the other individual’s shoes! Regardless of the issues, I feel that our local paper who rings they are the voice for “the county of Columbus and her people” are , in reality” no more than an aggregate number of “the Whiteville haves” who are pointing all in the direction of their personal interests–the Whiteville City School System. I don’t hate Whiteville; I do hate unfair treatement!
March 29th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I would like to address the anonymous teacher who has used the blog to criticize my cover-age of the schools. She blames The News Reporter and me for the perceived riff between the city and county school systems.
Let me state this, first, for the record. I have no opinion about merger. I see the positives and negatives of both. And I have worked for both systems. I have been in the “real” trenches so I know what teachers go through. I taught at Nakina Alternative School for three years and it doesn’t get much harder than that. There’s good and bad in both systems. I graduated from Whiteville High School and my father, Kenwood Royal, has worked with the county schools administration since 1969. I consider myself fortunate to have the kind of experiences and insight I have into both systems and the education process as a whole.
You are upset because The News Reporter sent no one to cover an event at Old Dock three or four years ago. Everyone naturally thinks that his or her event or program is important and special – and rightly so. Rarely do they realize, however, that what they are doing, often, is being duplicated in some form or fashion at five, 10 or 15 other schools or similar institu-tions.
There are 27 public school campuses to cover. It is impossible to get to every event or pro-gram. This is why we urge schools to email us photos and stories.
Yes, there are schools I haven’t been to in months or years in some cases. But I doubt there’s a campus I haven’t been to in five years. Even so, it’s no one’s fault but your own. I go where the stories are and it’s up to teachers and principals to let me know where.
Don’t call me to come cover an assembly program or a Beta Club installation service. I’m not going to do it. I don’t have the time to sit in your audience and watch. I don’t do that for any school. This is where someone with a camera in your school can take a photo, generate a small write-up and then e-mail both to me for inclusion in the paper. If time permits, I will come later and take a group picture and perhaps a story.
Most papers in North Carolina do not publish unsolicited photos and stories. We do and that makes us a rarity. A good deal of my week is spent digitally processing your submitted images and editing and re-writing your submitted stories.
When a story goes untold, it’s because no one told us about it. And just because you tell us about an event doesn’t obligate us to cover it. But, you always have the alternative of submit-ting you own material.
As a rule, I don’t cover events that are repeated at schools. I look for unique stories or angles to write about students, teachers and programs. When someone calls because a teacher has a unique program or a student has excelled in something unusual, I will gladly come and write a story. I am always looking for story ideas.
The biggest reason many of these events are overlooked is that, more often than not, publicity is the last thing teachers and principals think of. Every week, we receive phone calls from school staffs who have waited until the last minute to inform us of an event. Usually, those events are planned for the next day. Well, we have schedules to keep, also.
And if an event is slated for Monday or Thursday mornings, it is impossible to make it. On those mornings, we are finishing and publishing the paper and it’s every hand on deck.
In the early 1990s, I undertook an ambitious year-long project. I developed countywide routes and visited every school every other week. It started out well. After a month or so, the elementary and middle schools were running out of ideas for stories. We were down to photographing kids who had collected the most soup labels for their schools.
I don’t remember if Old Dock sent us anything from their special day or not. I also don’t re-member the photograph of the yellow bows. I didn’t make that image and, quite possibly, it might have been submitted by the school.
The writer is wrong to say I favor the city over the county. I put 10,235 miles on my car last year heading out to cover events in the county schools. Since 2000, I have written 1,148 education stories and printed more than 1,800 photographs about school boards, policies, principals, teachers and students and the majority of those have been about the county schools.
I have written extensively about teachers who have received National Board Certification and most of those have been county teachers. I have covered the high schools’ theater, dance, band, chorus and visual arts programs extensively.
The majority of teaching fellow and governor school nominee stories have been county stu-dents. I have written about students who have gone on to the N.C. School of the Arts and they have mostly been from the county.
Despite my requests, the county’s Quiz Bowl usually takes place on a press morning. I have covered it twice when it was a workable day. I don’t think I have ever covered the city school’s quiz bowl.
No, I don’t make it to every school. I am sorry you feel so slighted. And I do cover the high schools more than elementary or middle schools because that is the very nature of the business.
There is more going on at high schools - many more subjects, teachers and events.
High schools represent the most accurate cross-section of the county and the students are one stage from being adults. They are the barometer of what we can expect in the future.
The bottom line is – someone is always going to feel shortchanged. That’s life.
Now, think of how long the writer of the blog has kept these feelings pent up. Think of all of the coverage she could have had for her school had she just notified us of something unique her school has been doing. I am not the Amazing Kreskin. I can’t read your mind.
Somehow, at the end of the blog, you got on this “judgment” kick. Well, I have walked in your shoes as a teacher. Have you ever worked at a newspaper?
Now, how about some sugar and enough with the vinegar.
E-mail me with your story ideas or requests at fullerroyal@newsreporter.biz.
March 31st, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Mr. Royal,
You asked for sugar, well here you go! I would simply like to add the following: This anonymous male teacher is NOT judging you or anyone regarding one mere event! This was simply one example of the type of “oversights” that have continually happened in the past. Regarding “duplicated events”–Old Dock’s event was before that of Whiteville High, AND I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT FACULTY MEMBERS DID CONTACT THE PAPER AT LEAST A WEEK BEFOREHAND; THIS WAS NO OVERSIGHT –IT WAS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE NOT TO COVER THE EVENT. Also, please do NOT trivialize an event of such significance by comparing it with an everyday “beta club induction ceremony.” That was a low blow. The event was, and has never been duplicated by any school in either system. I even remember hearing that the two officials from Fort Bragg expressed their gratitude towards to entire assembly regarding the gestur; they throught it to be out of the ordinary that a school would go to such lengths to honor our service men and women– apparantly, the News Reporter felt otherwise! There were over 400 in attendance, and this calls for more coverage than that of an “everyday school function.” This submission was not intended to target you; it was merely how I feel, as well as how a major portion of Columbus County residents feel. Furthermore, These feelings are not confined to the school system merger issue; they permeate our entire way of life in Columbus County! The separation between school systems is just one example of this rift between the residents within the city limits and those outside. No, I have not worked at a newspaper, and I realize you are swamped with work. Please do not think I am aiming either submission at you solely–it’s the culture in which we reside in Columbus County. You stated in your reply the following: “As a rule, I don’t cover events that are repeated at schools. I look for unique stories or angles to write about students, teachers and programs. When someone calls because a teacher has a unique program or a student has excelled in something unusual, I will gladly come and write a story. I am always looking for story ideas.” My response: I can honestly say if this event being discussed (which was the first and only, to my knowledge, of its kind) can be deemed as not unique, unusual, and/or excelling, then there is a major void in the value systems to which we subscribe. You also stated “The bottom line is – someone is always going to feel shortchanged. That’s life.” Well, Mr. Royal, I realize this–I am not ignorant! However, this is the permeating theme that many teachers of the county feel stands firm. I realize you cover all of the stories you listed–I know because I never miss an issue. I applaude you for your coverage of these educational events and issues. However, on future occasions, could you please attempt to spotlight a different school in each issue, or maybe every other week–in the education section of the paper. (Just a suggestion.) Let the people of Columbus County know some of those amazing “everyday things” that take place in the classrooms of BOTH SYSTEMS. You know, everyone wants glory, but is it not an amazing thing when a child learns to read their very first word, or a student gives a PowerPoint presentation on the topic of global warming, or a science project that gets it just right? As teachers, we have to learn that every student is not going to win awards for their work at the county, state, or national levels; however, we offer praise in the “wins” they achieve every day in our classrooms. This is real teaching–not test scores and AYP, but students who know their teacher truly cares about them and tells them they love them before they get on that bus every day! I love what I do, and I hope that will be MY permeating theme throughout the course of my entire career. As I stated before, I was never intending to target any one person; it was a mere observation. If the county was being covered more than the city, I would feel the same way, only from the other side of the fence. I realize your job is hard, but I would love for both systems to get the same treatment. Also, I would love to see the schools covered as I suggested earlier; however, it was still only a suggestion–you’re the reporter. I hope that was a little more sweetened, but I know the vinegar is still there!
April 1st, 2007 at 5:48 pm
To the “Master of Education” who blamed The News Reporter:
Do they actually let you teach? Was the superintendent drunk when he hired you? Are you kin to a school board member?
Is that letter the best that you can do, oh great master of education.
I feel sorry for the children you work with. They won’t be able to write their way out of a paper bag. They probably can’t spell “paper bag.”
I can’t believe you wrote a letter complaining about the paper’s coverage of the county schools.
If anything, Royal hasn’t covered the city schools enough.
Having said that, the school news is about the only good news in the paper.
There’s something about our children in just about every paper.
It’s a good thing you told us that you have a master’s of education degree because we would never know it from the letter.
Do you not own spell check? Do you not read what you write? Can you write? Can you read? Can you read what you write? Did you notice the mistakes?
What’s a vale? A treatement? A MAEd? How about fenceing? Ecouragement? Reinterate? Delighet? Apalled? Blantantly? Adornes? Uniterested? Nieve? Adminstration? Adminstrator? Judgements? Is this how a master educator spells? I hate to even ask what school you bought your master’s degree from?
Betwixt? Is that what you’re teaching our kids? Is that what a MAEd does for you? You use an archaic term like betwixt and you can’t spell the above listed words.
I’m sure the county schools are proud to have you on board!!!! I would imagine your original English teacher is excited, too!
You sound like a whiney, grumpy woman whose tired of her MAEd job. You strike out at anything and anyone to make your tired, miserable life a little more bearable.
I feel so sorry for your students and your colleagues. Bless their souls, or as you might write “soules.”
April 5th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Wow,
This blog got off topic fast!
Fuller,
Don’t let them beat you up!
You keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
My kid is in the county and I feel your paper gives balanced coverage.
As far as the merger goes, if it would bring in a new school board I’m all for it. Our school board in the county needs some new blood.
Also will folks loose jobs because of the merger?
I would think that columbus would swallow whiteville not the other way around. So are there any whiteville people the county could use?
April 11th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
i believe the merger was set in affect long ago, when mcpherson was given the job, he got rid of those at the time he needed to, and has been replacing city jobs with his county staff…
April 11th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
the merger was set into play when mcpherson was put into office, he did away with many city employee’s jobs, by removing their job positions, then waiting 2 years and recreating the job positions and putting whom from the county he wanted in those positions… if i am mistaken, sorry, but that is what i had seen from my point of view.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Dr. McPherson has fought the merger before, and is fighting it this time even though it won’t be his problem at the end of June. School administrators come and go. Most administrators that have left the city, did so because of retirement or better offers in districts where they can pay more. I have seen no evidence of a “master plan” all decisions are made at the board of education level. The Superintendent can only recommend a candidate. In this sea of uncertainty, referring to merger issues and new leadership, it would be nice if someone had a plan as scottishjockey suggests. Right now I am afraid that there are a lot of folks with hidden agendas.