Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Toya's Op-Ed: It's a Gusher for CCSD

If you've given up subscribing to the P & C, you probably haven't seen the latest puff-piece in support of the CCSD School Board in Wednesday's op-ed piece, "One School Board Member's Update: Grounds for Optimism" by school board member Toya Hampton-Green. I'll spare you the bulk of it, since much of it rehashes the rent controversy over the Charter School for Math & Science and explains how the district's budget is being affected by the changes in funding. Needless to say, her viewpoint is indistinguishable from that of Gregg Meyers, et al.

However, some statements were interesting.

According to Green, "We would be fortunate to have [Superintendent McGinley] in Charleston until she retires, which is something she has stated she is interested in doing." Since McGinley's already worn out her welcome in many quarters, that longevity seems unlikely. On the other hand, who else would pay her as much as we do?

Also, Green states, "A board majority voted in favor of allowing [CSMS]'s use of a facility with a rent charge." Although she rehashes the legal issues involved, Green never mentions the unusually high rent proposed nor the racial-quota aspects of CSMS's getting it lowered, an aspect clearly against the law.

Green touts as the Board's accomplishments the release of funds to increase the pay of principals and administrators in the district with a new evaluation process as adjunct. Yes, CCSD officials are fleeing the district due to non-competitive pay in the "Southeast region."

Finally, Green suggests that a strategy to get experienced teachers employed elsewhere in CCSD to "voluntarily transfer to schools in the district that are rated below average or unsatisfactory" is the fruit of eliminating the input of teacher hiring and transfer oversight by constituent boards. What? You mean the district has tried to provide incentives previously? When?

Most ironically for some of us who can recall Hampton-Green's position that she does not represent District 20 but the entire district, she states, "Keep the inquiries coming." Does THAT apply to District 20 also?

Finally, she challenges the P & C to provide more "positive" coverage of the district, providing her own ironic ending.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

McGinley's canned presentations to John's Island and downtown contained the same phrases. You think they compared notes in advance? Not that they are operating from a prearranged script or anything.

Anonymous said...

What was most apparent is that Ms. THG did not write that, but, figuring out who did would be a chore. Sounds like the district, but, also sounds like Gregg so it would be hard to figure out who authored that plagarized piece. But, you guys keep the phone calls coming because she has know said she enjoys them!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

It won't be long before I cancel my newspaper. If they are going to print puff pieces like that they need to put a disclaimer on the front page. I almost lost my breakfast over it!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone listen to 99.7? They play some really great music.
I heard a great song today that I thought may help those of you near my age who enjoy a good tune to put yourself in a "new" mood.
"The Walk" by The Time was one of my favorite songs. I guess it still is; I just haven't heard it in so long.
Some of my favorite words for those of you who remember and would like to sing along go like this: "The days of dancing in one place are gone. And honey you know you can't dance with those tight jeans on. If try to do the dip, you'll slip, trip and fall. Walking's for the cool baby, put on your camisole."
I'm not trying to be symbolic or anything. I just can't "waste space" in my mind with Toya Green. Life's too short. I've sent too many e-mails and made too many phone calls that have gone unreturned to EVER make an inquire to her again.
The P&C printed this hoping they could avoid another rant by our Rev.

Anonymous said...

Come on then, Clelia, how would you fix it? Be part of the solution for once, not the problem.

Hey, why don't you start by leaving your ivory tower at the cosy private Bishop England and go work for CCSD.

Anonymous said...

When are you going to chill out? Why do you have such a problem with free speech? Stay off the blog if it bothers you so much...

dan dempsey said...

Since McGinley's already worn out her welcome in many quarters, that longevity seems unlikely. On the other hand, who else would pay her as much as we do?

SEATTLE will.

Check out our latest fiasco.
MG-J has recommended approval to build a co-located large urban middle/high school of 1800 students. She cannot provide a single successful example of such a school on the West Coast.(or perhaps in the universe)

Her CAO went data-mining in an attempt to support this proposed fiasco and referenced three studies. Upon examination none of these studies supported this project unless of course this large urban middle/high school grades 6 through 12 is a rural school or a K-8 school.

The school board approved this by a vote of 5-2. They had no problem with the fact that the BEX III ballot and voters guide description contained none of this information and apparently little problem that the public had no opportunity to meaningfully engage in this decision.

We are paying $240,000+ for MG-J can we lure McGinley away for say $250,000+ / annum?

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have an accurate e-mail for Ms. Hampton-Green? I'm trying to "keep the inquiries" coming, but she's not responding...
I hope this op-ed piece isn't an indication she's planning on running for reelection...