Replying to a note that the Decatur School Board Chair Marc Wisniewski sent in to DM the other day, Board Member John Ahmann continues the public conversation with his colleague regarding the already-once-voted-on bell schedule prior to tomorrow night’s meeting, where Ahmann will attempt to get the issue put back on the agenda.
Marc:
Your recent correspondence to a citizen inquiry has two important errors of fact that I would like to address:
The first is, “…despite claims otherwise, there were not significant facts not already on the table and understood.” The evidence suggests the contrary:
a) I demonstrated at the last Board meeting that the cost estimates provided by Dr. Edwards were closely grossly inflated for the Bell schedule I proposed. Dr. Edwards has yet to correct, for the record, the cost estimates for the Bell schedule I proposed. She estimated $120,000 – $150,000. This is simply not true. Because costs were a significant driver for the decision, an accurate cost estimate is highly material.
b) At the May Board meeting Bruce Rhoaden represented the Decatur High School (DHS) SLT was ok with the earlier start time for the high school. Based on letters from high school members of the SLT, this is not true. In fact, we do not have any formal compilation of SLT parent views on the issue, nor do we have a clear picture of how the larger community perceives the issue.
c) Dr. Edwards has maintained that the Bell schedule I advocated would require 4-6 additional buses. At a maximum, it’s four, probably three. Dr. Edwards has yet to correct for the record the number of buses required for the Bell schedule I propose. Also, she has not answered whether we could further reduce the number of buses and/or bus drivers required for the middle and high school by having fewer bus stops (under the Bell schedule I propose).
d) Despite repeated requests by me, Dr. Edwards has yet to provide any documentation on how the later Bell schedule affects student’s participation in extracurricular activities. Given the impact on extra-curricular is a stated reason for the earlier Bell time, this seems to me a highly material fact.
e) I’d also note that after the April Board member I sent Dr. Edwards an email requesting she lay out a couple of Bell schedule options, with all the facts and assessments of pro/con, on the CSD website. She did not follow the suggestion. Here is a hyperlink to that email:
https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6828822_8545001_90580
I fully appreciate that all of your questions have been answered. I have always known you to be a thoughtful and deliberative school board member. But to be clear, my questions are not answered, and I believe the Board made a decision based on incomplete and/or inaccurate information.
The second error is: “Both items John requested REQUIRE the procedure that is now to be followed – a motion which must be seconded by a person who voted in the majority on the previous decision and then a majority to vote in favor of discussing the issue. This … is the way Roberts Rules of Order requires.”
I am not requesting a rescission of past Board action items. I am requesting an amendment to the adopted Board action on the Bell schedule. On the issue of the school bus lease/purchase option, I am requesting the Superintendent investigate this option, not rescind the contract with DeKalb County. Frankly, I am amazed that after demonstrating a cost savings of approximately $200,000 a year (or over $400,000 I have seen in one citizens analysis), or one quarter of the total transportation budget, the Superintendent would not seek to immediately follow up. I would have expected her to have already investigated this option to ensure she is recommending to the Board the most cost-effective options. It’s our fiduciary responsibility to look at cost efficiency.
To help clarify for the community the parliamentary procedures for the upcoming Board meeting, I’d hope you agree to waive Board Executive privilege on the legal memo you requested our counsel Bob Wilson to prepare and that he distributed to the Board members on the parliamentary procedures he advises we follow at the upcoming Board meeting. This memo is protected by Executive Privilege but the Board can waive it. You have not responded to my request to release this memo.
As a sitting, elected Board member, I have repeatedly sought information from the Superintendent in order to make an informed decision. Some of this information has not been forthcoming, and you as Chair have not assisted in the answering of my questions. I am clear that you do not believe more information is required, but as the Board Chair you have the responsibility of ensuring that your colleagues have the information they need to make informed decisions. I would hope that you would assist in correcting the record when information provided by the Superintendent at a board meeting is demonstrated to be inaccurate. Your continued facilitation of Dr. Edwards refusal to address proper questions on this matter is not good governance or sound leadership and further exposes CSD to numerous risks.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
John Ahmann
Hooowa!
I am quite frustrated by this debate because at the heart of it we seem to not trust the judgement of our elected officials and school administrators.
Unless we feel they are truly incompetent and incapable of making decisions why do we continue to recycle this issue? The School board voted. Lets move on, accept the decision and agree to look at it again next year – allowing extra time for more data to be gathered and verified.
At the heart of this issue and many we grapple with regarding CSD is the lack of reliable data and unfiltered/unbiased analysis. Whenever someone tries to sidestep the data, we call them on it, which is good, but then we end up with dueling spreadsheets and it becomes unclear which information is valid and which is self serving.
While I applaud the diligence of Mr. Ahmann, it is late in the game to be trying to unwind the decision – especially without ample time and resources available to dig deeper into his analysis and validate it before the school year starts.
To be completely honest, I am also suspicious of Mr. Ahmann’s motives. Having lived through the Westchester vs. Clairement years, I remember Mr. Ahmann wasn’t one to let good data get in the way of a politically and personally self serving outcome. I do not trust his motives – sorry.
Re moving forward: The problem is that it’s deja vu–not enough community input before a decision, then when the community speaks up it’s told that it’s too late and wait until next year. I think folks have just had it and are picking this issue on which to stand their ground.
Re motives: Folks are aware that Mr. Ahmann is up for election. But maybe that’s what it takes to start taking the system charter and parent/teacher input seriously. My guess is that many of our Board members have some personal motives beyond altruism–if nothing else, building their resumes.
@No Pain and Barry White:
I can only assume you were not at the previous BoE meetings. I was, and I will definitely be voting FOR Mr. Ahmann’s reelection.
I cannot fathom how the other 3 members justified their votes, based on 4 points:
1) The admin, despite a month to prepare, could not or would not provide accurate cost figures for buses. It was embarassing, and I’ve worked in finance. Such a question is not hard to answer when you’ve had a month to look into it. Besides, one would have thought that question would have been asked at the BEGINNING of the process AND ASKED BY THE ADMIN.
2) The admin presented absolutely ZERO studies or other peer-reviewed evidence to contradict the numerous evidence presented by Dr. Nahmias and various parents at the April meeting. Again, after a month, wouldn’t you want to at least try to present some evidence to support your plan? Instead, we heard a vague recitation of anecdotal conversations. Again, embarassing.
3) When asked directly if the DHS SLT (too many initials, I know) supported moving the DHS start time up to 8:00, Bruce Rhoaden responded that he had checked with the SLT and that the DHS SLT (sorry, again) were on board. Turns out that was not factual.
4) No creative bus routes, such as circling or sharing routes, were considered because Dr. Edwards stated that they had had “push-back” in the past, whatever that means. If we can’t figure out how to run fewer buses in a 4-sq.-mile town, we out to be ashamed of wasting time and money!
Well stated. Is there any corporate experience on the Board? I respect John’s opinion immensely.
All of Mr. Ahmann’s arguments since I have (very recently) been following this, seem so hard to argue with. If they are going to dispute his cost analysis of the buses, perhaps they should do so, instead of just saying the matter is settled and can’t be revisited right now. It’s awesome that the school system has more leeway than other school systems to actually implement changes that are beneficial to students rather than just sticking with the status quo. If you know older students learn more, and are more productive with more sleep, why attempt to turn against nature just for the heck of it?
If the people against the later start time for high schoolers, have evidence that earlier start times for teens are better, why not present it?
I thought when I first started reading about this here, the schedule changes were said to be because students needed more recess time? (Or was that a whole other deal)?
Re recess: That issue came up as a rationale for the first bell schedule which proposed that elementary schools start at 7:30 AM. Recess only happens through 6th grade although I think efficient eaters in the older grades may get some free time after lunch.
The rationale for the current proposed bell schedule escapes me. I thought it was about transportation but switching the Fifth Avenue and DHS schedules ought to take care of that. Plus Mr. Ahmann seems to think it might be even cheaper that way. Then I thought it was about the sports schedule but parents of athletes are saying that the earlier start and end times aren’t really beneficial. Practices that involve the middle school (e.g. cross-country and track) or teams that include 8th graders (e.g. JV) have to wait until the middle school gets out 45 minutes later under the approved schedule. Later practices have more shade and athletes also benefit from sleep in AM. So what is the impetus for this schedule? It seems odd.
“So what is the impetus for this schedule?”
As an outside observer, it almost seems as though they have dug their heels in, consider it a done deal, and that’s that.
They don’t seem to be listening to parents, or research, so what exactly are they using to guide their decision on this matter? They don’t seem to have made a clear cut case for it, nor feel that they need to for some reason.
I don’t know exactly what John Ahmann’s motivations are, and really I don’t care. What I care about is whether his proposal will help improve the quality of the education CSD offers. It looks like he’s done his homework and found a way to move the DHS start time from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. that doesn’t cost the district a bunch of money. The evidence is that teenagers learn better with a later start time, and it looks like (as far as we can tell from chatter here, Facebook pages, petitions, etc.) many more people are in favor of Ahmann’s proposed schedule.
Under those circumstances, I think that the BOE ought to discuss Ahmann’s proposal. If there is some solid reason why it shouldn’t be implemented, fine. Maybe he’s overlooking something. Maybe it’s too late to switch (though I don’t see why). Maybe there are other reasons why the earlier schedule is better for DHS students. But I haven’t heard anything clear and convincing yet–instead, the rationales for the bell schedule seem to be moving around in a confusing and haphazard way that doesn’t inspire confidence. I really wish we had had more solid information about the possibilities, their costs, and their other pluses and minuses. The redistricting process, and earlier than that, the process whereby we decided to build 5th Ave. as the new 4/5 Academy, were done right (IMHO). Even if you didn’t agree with the outcomes, they were transparent and open to input. The bell schedule process has been really disappointing.
I hear you, but if I don’t trust the motivation, then I can’t accept his numbers at face value. If I were a board member it would take verification from a trusted 3rd party for me to even entertain re-opening the discussion considering we are 7 weeks away from the first day of school.
I work with numbers everyday, and its the assumptions behind them that are important.
I completely agree that we should look at this issue again, just not this year. Lets form a committee of parents and administrators, and ask them dig deeper and look at all the numbers and factors in play, make sure the assumptions behind them are validated, and just take our time with this.
Oh, I agree that his numbers need to be vetted. As to this year vs. next year, that really depends on the logistics of changing the bell schedule in June and doing the other things Ahmann proposes. If there is some specific reason why it would be unworkable right now, I’m perfectly willing to listen to it, but just saying “We’re tired of messing around so long with this issue and we’d rather just put it behind us” wouldn’t cut it, IMHO. (Not that anybody has said exactly that, but if that’s the reason for not reopening the issue–fatigue–that’s not good enough, I think.)
BTW = I was not aware that Mr. Ahmann is up for re-election. That makes me doubly suspicious.
For those of you who think this is about the bell schedule, I hate to burst your bubble, but this is a campaign technique designed to win your vote.
Please move forward and stop looking backward. I am disturbed with my elected board members arguing on a blog. Marc and John , hash this out in a private calm setting. Please. The community is also welcome at any board of Ed meeting. Always. This us the best place to submit these types of concerns and find solutions. It is our right to ask to be placed on the agenda. There is also the public comment portion.
I’m all for elected public officials arguing in public. You get to observe behaviors, motivations, logic, and data. The more I know the better.
Or viewed another way, you get to observe posturing, speculate about motivations, wonder at the logic and suspect the data.
Wouldn’t it be a violation of state sunshine law to discuss board business in private? This may in fact be not only the best, but the only alternative Ahmann and Wiesniewski have, to discuss it outside of formal board proceedings.
Only when there is a quorum of members (in this case 3 out of 5 BOE members) is it considered a “meeting” subject to Georgia sunshine laws.
But I think what Toocool was getting at is that it is a bit unseemly for them to be hashing this out over the blogs and by sending letters to each other and coping the blogs and listserv’s on them rather than doing it in formal correspondence and/or at board meetings.
I think it is fascinating, however, and attendance should be up at the Board Meeting Tuesday night!
Kids, this is about election politics.
Mr. Ahmann may seem serious about his concerns but he knows that it takes three votes to get his way. He is acting like a bully. This is horrible behavior on his part.
The fact that commenters to this blog think that procedural rules don’t matter in government discussions reveals that they are not interested in honest debate but are only interested in getting their way – even if that means the way of an angry mob.
I’m worried about what a SACS review would reveal regarding Mr. Ahmann’s behavior. Does anyone really think we should listen to him and go down the ethical path blazed by Dr. Beverly Hall at APS, or Crawford Lewis at the DeKalb School System? Mr. Ahmann used to sing the praises of Dr. Hall; where has that reference point gone?
John Ahmann is out to win re-election – it’s as simple as that. Eight years ago he lead a whole lot of people in his district into thinking he would not close “their school”. Has that feeling of betrayal finally gone away? Don’t be fooled. He is trying to trash the proceedings only to win re-election without opposition.
If he gets re-elected, runs off Dr. Edwards, and continues to act the way he has been acting of late. . . well, enjoy what is coming.
Ax to grind much?
This poster is 100% correct. For John Ahmann, this is about re-election 2011. Nothing more, nothing less. He is trying to stave off any serious opponent to his re-election.
Regardless, I’d appreciate some more specific examples as opposed to just open-ended questions.
John Ahmann, are you the author of Decatur Metro?
Seriously DM – accusing one of your readers of having an axe to grind. Barry has some real insight here. This whole issue, while emotionally charged is not a life or death School Board issue, so it an easy political position to take in an election year.
If John were willing to be a team player and make this a key topic for 2012, and put forth a plan for how to work collaboratively with the administration and community to come up with a winning solution, I’d applaud his leadership. But all I see an opportunist and yes a “bully.”
Critics of Mr. Ahmann above,
If he can win reelection on this issue alone, doesn’t that say something about what many folks in his district are feeling about the issue? It would seem to say that the folks aren’t satisfied with how the decision was arrived at, and if it’s actually what’s best for students.
If the board has an issue with his numbers, they’re free to dispute them. I would think they would be eager to do so in an effort to support their decisions. Maybe their way is better, but they haven’t seemed to provide a coherent explanation of why they believe that’s the case.
I completely support John! Based on the research, he is right. A later start time is better for teenagers. I frankly do not care if there are other motives, and I do not care about any “rules” that hinder a rational process to do what is best for the kids. From what I understand, a lack of transparency has created this situation. The way I see it, this is an opportunity for the citizens of Decatur to demand that they be heard. There is no time like the present. Waiting another year seems to be a motto with CSD. Infuriating!
For the record, I will vote for anyone who is willing to stand up for what is right, with actual data, and in a constructive manner.
It is pretty revealing when you say that someone is pushing this as a winning election issue, and you mean that as a criticism.
I am also bemused by those complaining that our public officials shouldn’t discuss a public issue in a public forum, i.e. here. Welcome to the 21st century.
This administration and school board have always behaved in this manner. Dr Edwards and the board make their decisions based on unsound facts and then refuse to revisit their bad decisions over and over again. I applaud John Ahmann for standing up in this discussion. I have a high schooler and every year bed time gets later and later and morning becomes a nightmare. It seems ridiculous that the 4/5 can’t be on the 8 am schedule currently slated for DHS and vice versa even if the costs are equal. And if John is correct that it is less costly then all rhe better I agree with the earlier posts that say the BoE has dug in their heels for no reason other than the have.
FYI that Decatur Patch has an interview with Dr. Edwards on this topic. Go to http://www.decatur.patch.com. I think it was brave of her to do an interview even if I do not agree with or even understand some of her responses. The interview seems to suggest that the rationale for the current bell schedule is that CSD was trying to respond to the folks wanting more time in the morning for their children to walk or roll to Fifth Avenue. Maybe because it’s more off-center than Glennwood so more folks have a longer route to Fifth Avenue? But I may have this wrong because I thought this was about transportation or DHS athletics/clubs in the afternoon. Now I’m totally confused.
Yeah, I also was sort of confused by it. Regardless, plan on posting that tomorrow!
If that was one of the major reasons for the bell schedule, why did nobody besides the Superintendent hear about it until now?
I think the idea that parents wanted more time to walk to school includes a small group. I know more parents that don’t have the luxury of walking their kids to school because they have to be at work well before 8:45! John has my vote if he succeeds in getting this bell time changed. I don’t care what his motives are!
IMHO, the bell schedule is one issue and John Ahmann’s candidacy is another. As a former Westchesterite, I have a healthy skepticism of any Board member’s motives. He was not the only one who has spoken one line during the campaign and another after the election. Was the original reconfiguration about “caring about all children” or was it about real estate and business development? Or was it about the political or career aspirations of candidates? Even at this micro-local level, politics is about self-interest as well as public interest. Our Board members are good people, IMHO, but not saints. Luckily, in Decatur, there’s still a fair amount of public good coming out of the political process despite the fact that the process and people in it are not perfect.
All this is to say that one can support an effort to improve the bell schedule for next year even if one is not an Ahmann supporter.
It just came to my attention, via a listserv, that another hugely important issue is on the agenda tonight. It has to do with ECLC teacher salaries which have been capped by state to the point that most ECLC teachers are leaving for livable salaries. Some systems are supplementing the state-capped salaries with local funds. CSD is currently not. If you care about keeping the ECLC staffed with fine teachers and maintaining it as a model for the state, speak up now through letters, emails, phone calls to Board members or comment during Public Comment at tonight’s meeting.
This posting is not meant at a criticism of CSD. It’s in a tight spot thanks to the State’s underfunding of one of an incredible program that is cost-efficient and has lasting impact. But ECLC supporters believe that CSD should find the funds to do as other systems and maintain ECLC teacher salaries.
Ok, let’s suppose Mr. Ahmann is correct on his stated budget numbers and his stated schedule of the number of busses needed. That means that, in addition to ignoring the parliamentary procedures he has voted to support and use to conduct the business of the Board because he doesn’t like being in a losing position on a vote, Mr. Ahmann is essentially soliciting bids for services and contracts for the CSD, contravening the control mechanisms proper for a school system as established by SACS, the State Code, and “best practices” established in the so-called corporate world.
Again, he is acting like a bully.
My assertion that this is done to stave off any potential election opponent stems from my observation that those stating support for these actions of his and him personally in this argument seem simply to enjoy the spectacle he has created. Some of those offering support to him continue, almost incessantly (I’m thinking of Karrass here) to offer criticism and complaint of CSD and, in particular, Dr. Edwards personally, rather than offer themselves up for the really hard work of serving on the Board of Education.
Two years ago two men offered their names as candidates on the ballot to be elected to the School Board. If you really value the discourse, stand for election. From my perspective, there have been harpies singing in the wind over EVERY slightly controversial issue resolved by this Board. They have promised demise in all sorts of ways yet the reality has bee far different.
The issues facing the CSD are of two sorts. The first is the problems of success, and the second is the changing financial realities confronting all local governments. Enrollment is up because parents want their kids in the City Schools of Decatur. Buildings and facilities are needed to house them. Staff is needed to serve them. At the same time, financial support from the State is declining, and the local property tax digest is mostly stagnant. Money is tight, and, like it or not, how best to spend the money is a hugely important component of what the School Board must mind.
I just wrote that there were two problems but I forgot another one. That other problem involves an egotistical man who, based on his behavior, seems both unwilling to work within the legitimate structure of Board Governance and to appeal to the worst sentiments of our community. His rantings create an atmosphere that causes people who would otherwise want to serve to turn away and declare themselves uninterested in actually serving four years on anything with him. His behavior also appeals to those who seem merely to be, as I wrote above, malcontented harpies who exist only to harass good people working at an incredible difficult job.
Support him – but recognize that in so doing YOU are creating an environment that makes governing difficult and that drives good, capable people away from public service.
Rob Pope? If you are out there, your city and community could sure use a guy like you. A guy like you would be much better than this side show that is named John Ahmann.
+1
I’m not sure why I took your comment about Karrass so personally. Perhaps, like you, I don’t like bullies either and I found your attack on her unfair and unwarranted. This seems to sum up her issues with the system, and though I saw you posted on that board as well, it seems as though you willfully ignored this particular post from her:
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/31/kindergarten-overflow-in-some-decatur-schools-raises-some-concerns/#comments
karass says:
June 3, 2011 at 9:05 am
I only observed one administration before this one and there’s a world of difference, no question about it. Basic competence, communication, and even reality testing seemed absent from the previous administration. At that time, given that several schools seemed to be thriving, my best guess was (and is) that it was exceptionally strong principal leadership that kept the system strong. I don’t find intelligent, well-intentioned, civil critique or suggestions for improvement to be incompatible with an appreciation for what we have now compared to what we had and compared to some of the surrounding school districts. A blog is a blog. People feel free to speak up in ways they feel they don’t get a chance otherwise. DM keeps the discourse civil. I’m positive that many of those who critique CSD or suggest improvements on this blog also write thank you notes, send emails with positive feedback, give thank you gifts to teachers and staff, volunteer up the wahzoo, donate to the Decatur Education Foundation, buy classroom supplies, send in extra funds for field trips to cover the costs of families who forget or cannot pay, chaperone, participate on the PTO, SLTs, and/or work groups, and vote with our feet by staying in CSD unless a child’s special need sends us elsewhere. We are appreciative and show our appreciation to CSD but we are also thinking, involved citizens and parents who want to share concerns and information; it’s the latter role that shows up on this blog
Actually, on another thread, I stated that I was not one of the folks wanting Dr. Edwards to leave. I am well aware of the quality of the Superintendent who preceded her and that of many of our surrounding systems. There’s a difference between attacking a person and criticizing decisions or making recommendations. I try hard not to make personal attacks. I may not always succeed but I hope I usually do.
Re running for School Board: I would not win and I’m not positive how good a job I would do even though I would certainly want to provide good service to the community. But I’m a good supporter of good candidates. Folks like Rob and Garrett have the right combination of traits to do a good job and I wish they would have won. I hope they run again.
@ Barry White:
I’m not sure how your dictionary defines “bully,” but if asking questions about financial matters and expecting clear and accurate answers means one is a “bully,” then I wish we had more of them on the BoE. In every job I’ve held, it was considered a matter of professional responsibility to ask hard questions BEFORE decisions were made. Well-run businesses would welcome alternative plans that purport to save money. They certainly would never consider such plans as “bullying,” or even “egotistical.”
The pity of it is that IF only the admin had presented a couple or three options, with their attendant costs and benefits, then they might have earned and deserved community support. Instead, on Mar. 11 (see the CSD site, click on “Hot Topics” and scroll down), Dr. Edwards posted a letter that made it clear she intended to make the decision on start times. At the April meeting, she argued that an approved bell was required before 5th Ave. would be granted a certificate of occupancy. This proved not to be the case on further questioning. At the May meeting, she pushed for a vote because of a desire to “get this behind us.” [I’m not making that up, either] Then Bruce Rhoaden claimed to have the support of the DHS SLT, which has proven to be wrong.
The admin has created an impression of ad hoc decision-making. They have failed to present compelling, or even plausible, reasons for moving bell times. And in at least two instances, they have provided factually inaccurate answers to critical questions.
Often decisions have to be made which will be unpopular, but it is always wise to lay out credible reasons for making such decisions. The admin has not shown such responsibilty.
You are arguing that the Board of Education hasn’t considered the correct information; are you sure that you have been presented all of the information that they have been presented?
Interesting.
Either we are going to have a representative government or we are going to have mob rule. The duly elected representatives have made a decision. Move on.
There were, prior to the vote on the bell schedule, literally months of consideration of what should be declared the official start time for school. A decision was made. Live with it. There are other matters requiring the time and attention of the staff and the Board.
Mr. Ahmann ought to be smart enough to know that he will need at least a total of three votes to get what he says he wants, which is reconsideration of the bell schedule. He also knows he won’t get them. Why is he then resorting to publicly arguing with people he can just pick up the phone and have a chat? He is dong it to create a mob. Lord knows, if we’ve seen anything in Decatur we’ve seen that it’s pretty easy to whip up a mob of angry people who are worried about their children.
Someone cited somewhere else on this blog an online petition to reconsider the schedule. I haven’t looked today but I’ll bet it still has less than 200 signatories. Wow. Twenty-thousand people live in Decatur and less than 1 % have signed a petition asking to reconsider the Bell schedule at the high school. “But,” someone stated, “these are very involved people.” Ok; do they have extra priority than anyone else because of their involvement?
Mr. Ahmann is being a bully by trying to intimidate the other Board members and the Superintendent. It’s not the questions that make him a bully but rather it is the egotistical, aggressive way he goes about asking those questions.
And, yes, I did issue some personal attacks. I did some name calling, too. Neither of those things detract from what I am arguing about Mr. Ahmann and his behavior. The Board represents the City, collectively. They are limited in their individual powers. John is behaving like a petulant child.
And, again, I say, if you are supporting him in these actions you are sanctioning some very, very bad behavior – behavior you would not tolerate if YOU were sitting on that Board and he disagreed with you.
“I did issue some personal attacks. I did some name calling, too. Neither of those things detract from what I am arguing about Mr. Ahmann”
It very well may not. But the fact that the tactics you take issue with, are unacceptable for everyone, except you, is odd.
There are obviously 2 sides to this story, and all your arguments have not all been illogical. But when you pepper your argument with personal attacks against he and his supporters, it sounds less issue oriented, and more like you have a personal ax to grind. Would you be this wound up about it, if it were any other member but him proposing this? I really don’t know.
“Move on” is a bit of a simplistic way to deal with a complex issue that isn’t considered settled by many. I would be interested in hearing your assessment of his the lease agreement. If it’s something that could benefit and save $ in the short or long run, it would be hard to argue with no matter who it comes from unless you dispute how he arrived at the numbers.
My assessment of his lease agreement is that he has engaged in illegal, unethical behavior in discussing any lease agreement as a direct representative of the CSD. Is that simple enough? Logical enough? The dollars don’t matter. He isn’t supposed to be engaging in that activity as a School Board member.
And, by the way, as to your question of “if any other board member” were doing this, yes, I would. Then again, NO other Board member IS doing this.
Ahmann’s behavior is inappropriate on this issue. The City Schools of Decatur need not join the list of Clayton County Schools, APS, or DeKalb County Schools. SACS accreditation is serious business.
Anyone who puts themselves up for any job that’s responsible to the public, should never and will never be immune to criticism about those decisions. That goes for Dr. Edwards, Mr. Ahmann, or any elected official.
“His behavior also appeals to those who seem merely to be, as I wrote above, malcontented harpies who exist only to harass good people”
So your response to what you perceive are personal attacks, are to make more personal attacks?
For crying out loud. It is just a start time. Find something to really worry about. I get so sick of Decatur parents whinning about every little thing and dividing the community. So what if your kids have to get up a bit earlier? What do you think is going to happen in the real world? Are you going to go negotiate with you children’s employers so they won’t have to get up too early?
+1