Budgeting for the Budget

Here we are again.

Our Agenda for tomorrow's meeting shows that we are asked by staff to finalize the WCPSS 2010/2011 Budget.

Where are the answers to the questions that I have been asking since January? Where are the details to the spending that I have requested ad nauseam since early this year? Where are the lists of who has the almost 3600 cell phones/blackberries with plans that the taxpayers are paying for? Why were new contracts signed when I specifically asked for the information BEFORE this would occur? Why are we making cuts that directly impact our students in the classroom, and through Project Enlightenment, while at the same time, committing to spend over a quarter of a million dollars for cell phones for bus drivers? Why can't we use good old fashioned radios (with free airtime)? Why do we put this mechanism in the hands of drivers, so they can talk and text while driving our children around? Who has the other 2500 phones that WE are all paying for? Why do they "need" them?

Additonally, why are we paying another quarter of a million dollars this year for Blue Diamond testing when we have a huge Evaluation and Research Department? Why do we pay a staff member to act as a lobbyist? Why aren't we budgeting for the Budget???

We have had many instances of late, where information has been brought to the Board of Education in a last minute "you MUST approve this tonight" methodology. I do not agree with this tactic. I will not rubber stamp items that directly impact our children, our teachers and our community. I am asking a lot of questions. Tomorrow's meeting could be a long one...

I remain true to our children, our families, our faculty, our local businesses, and all of the stakeholders of the Wake County Public School System.

Superintendent Search

I'm back to blogging! How else will anyone know what I am working on?

Today, I'd like to talk about the search for our new Superintendent. During our Committee meetings, I feel that it is very important to give everyone the opportunity to express their opinions and to be heard. We are having some great discussions, working together and reaching consensus as to how to proceed. This will all ultimately benefit the children of Wake County. Last week's meeting covered a lot of ground and gave us a great opportunity to analyze the different search firms that are vying for the job to help us select our new Superintendent.

The new Superintendent will be the leader of our school system. Quite an important role! As the Board makes policy, the Superintendent will be responsible for implementing it. This new leader will be directing the Administration, Faculty and Staff towards a higher level of academic achievement for ALL of our students. It's vital that we give our stakeholders an opportunity to share what you feel are important characteristics for this new leader.

To date, we have reached consensus with the Board, voting to hire a professional search firm, and to allocate dollars from the Fund Balance to cover the costs associated with the search. The process must be transparent and open. I am enjoying the process and thank all of those that have chosen to participate:)

Open Mind

As I go forward to a closed session and then more public hearings this week, I feel it is very important to remind everyone that my mind is completely open on these topics.

Decisions--And learning how to post!

I just realized that I never actually published this post until today. It was from December, 2009:

Decisions are not easy, especially when they involve so many people, with so many differences of opinion. This past week, I had hoped to visit the PLTs at Sanderson High School. I was looking forward to viewing what has been happening during the collaboration time at this school. I had to make a difficult decision. 90 minutes before my appointment at Sanderson, I was asked by our Superintendent to attend a meeting at the NC School Board Association. The meeting had representatives from 115 school boards across North Carolina. I was asked to go to represent the WCPSS in our quest for Race To The Top dollars. This could provide potentially millions of dollars and valuable resources for our schools, but only if North Carolina is selected. I was able to gather information to bring back to the Board and Staff. I have not decided what my personal viewpoint is on this program.


I was disappointed to miss my appointment at Sanderson High School and look forward to going to view their progress in the near future. Decisions aren't easy.

Preparing To Serve

I have spent the better part of my time since October 6th preparing to take office. I have met with parent groups, individuals, teachers, PTAs, school staff, administration, municipal leaders across the county, and just about anyone else that was willing to meet with me. The effort has been all-consuming, but well worth it.

I have been reminded of three things. One-Everybody has an opinion. Two-Every opinion has a counter point. In essence, I am listening to what people have to say. This way, when it is time for me to cast a vote, or to express an opinion I will feel that I have really researched the topic and made the effort to seek out public opinion. This leads me to Three-It will not be humanly possible for me to make everybody happy. I will strive to do the best that I can, to seek out information and to drill down on the issues, before making a determination or casting a vote.

I am looking forward to serving the people of Wake County.

Welcome to my Blog!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support. I look forward to serving you as a member of the Wake County Board of Education. I began this blog to better communicate with you, the parents and taxpayers. I look forward to working for you and I encourage you to check back often for updates!