Comments on: Open Thread: Board of Ed Meeting

By: Tarnation

Tarnation — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:19:17 +0000

Rebecca and Scott:

AMEN!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:46:35 +0000

CSD Mom, have you ever had a personal dialogue w/ Dr. E? If not, I really suggest you try to and speak with her. IMO she is truly totally about aiding CSD and the kids to be the best. I do agree with you though about Mr. Roaden, he is the best! The middle school syndrome exists in all school systems, where parents are more involved at the elementary and high school levels, and often the system needs to be more attentive to the more vocal parents at those grade levels, so the middle schools get second fiddle. I think CSD does a decent job w/ Renfroe. fifi, I totally agree with your comments about some Decatur parents just never being satisfied. And for the comment about the sports stadium, DHS just got new science and band rooms, and redoing the stadium and gymnasium was WAY overdo! The previous facilites were disgusting, inadequate and embarassing, and playing games at the Rec and having assemblies in the cafeteria is not something that should happen in a top notch high school like ours.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:15:59 +0000

CSD Mom, you mention thinking that Dr. E wants brand-spanking new facilities about which she can brag. I’ve seen this general opinion expressed by others in other ways, such as “she wants what she wants and is going to get it,” and the like. I’m not saying this assessment is wrong or right. I don’t know.

My question is about motivations and incentives. Especially in this economy, I know people are motivated to keep their jobs. I also have to assume there are motivations to reach promised goals and achieve measurable results that validate their efficacy. Keeping the majority of stakeholders happy is likely motivating as well.

Other than the general category of ego/bragging rights, I’ve yet to hear anyone offer up any other suggested motivations for the actions of Dr. E or the board. Are bragging rights really a sufficient offset if they tank the system financially or incite massive discontent among parents or non-parenting taxpayers? Those kind of negative outcomes are typically how people get canned. How motivating is that?

Can anyone suggest other reasons for why Dr. E or the board would pursue such things if, as has been suggested here, they’re unpopular or even reckless? Thanks.

By: CSD Mom

CSD Mom — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:39:16 +0000

Fifi, i just don’t get the feeling that it’s the parents who are dissatisfied. My daughter is an 8th grader at RMS and so I know a lot of parents over there, and I’ve never heard a parent complaining that the facilities are not state-of-the-art “enough”. Now, my kid complains that the gym is abysmal and the bathrooms need some help, but that is not a $10 million makeover. I honestly just think Dr. E sees some imperative in having brand-spanking-new facilities about which she can brag. I agree with you–these kids are getting a great education and Mr. Roaden is top-notch in my book. The volunteers do a nice job of repainting and doing the landscaping. It’s not like we drop them at school, hope for the best, and “forget” to ask how the day went for them. Parents are milling in and out all the time over there and stay very involved, not just by being there but by emailing teachers and the principal, going to meetings, and talking to each other and our kids. I’ve never thought, “if only we had a nicer building…”

By: Tired of paying w/o a voice

Tired of paying w/o a voice — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:30:08 +0000

Cranky old timer, I could not agree with you more!

I have said it before, and was chastised for stating it, I don’t think that the money has been spread out evenly among the schools. Renfroe has been sorely neglected and the high school as well, until they built the way over the top stadium. Sports always seem to take priority, sad.

By: fifi

fifi — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:22:15 +0000

I have a hard time understanding this feeling that middles schoolers have been ignored. Those middle schoolers went to newly renovated elementary schools and after just 3 years at Renfroe they will head to DHS to use new science labs , athletic facilities ad performing arts space. Why do kids need brand new schools at every level. ?

Most students in public school in this country get along with facilities way worse than Renfroe for their entire school career. Students and teachers throughout the system – including those in middle school- benefit from additional funds donated to Decatur Education Foundation. Is it really fair to say things are desparate for CSD middle schoolers ?

I have paid Decatur taxes for more than 20 years. I have no children in the school system. I believe that good schools are vital to our community . That said, I am beginning to feel some Decatur parents are just never satisfied.

By: Cranky old timer

Cranky old timer — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:42:00 +0000

Yeah Taxus. I agree. We have resources that we can use; we are all for renewable energy, how about renewable buildings! But what I do want right now is for Renfroe to be renovated. It seems like we have spent a lot of resources on our elementary schools — and have ignored the middle school.
I want Renfroe to be renovated and the middle schoolers to get the attention and resources they so desparately need without having the 4-5 academy abutting the building. I want a good president. (At least I’ll get that … )
By the way, I’m really Dr. Edwards … just kidding, Tracy.

By: taxus

taxus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:51:34 +0000

Just wanted to post a thought that may apply to the Renfroe issue:

It seems that there is no shortage of school buildings in Decatur including Westchester (now offices) and the “Recreation Center” on Sycamore. On the surface, imo it appears that there is room for growth if these buildings can be utilized.