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This forum is a place where I offer my personal opinion on a variety of subjects.  One reason why I love this country is because we are allowed to have an opinion and most importantly the opportunity to express it.

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2008
August  ≈ July  ≈ June  ≈ May  ≈ April  ≈ March ≈ February

December 8, 2008 -

• Is Keith Richards, Newark02 in the Advocate blogging community?  I have read past postings and I think it is him. (When on the Advocate website, you can click on Newark02 and view past posts).  My only question is why won't he sign his name?  Why does he continue to call the Newark community uneducated?  He has said it before, our kids don't graduate because of our blue collar roots, as though blue collar roots are a bad thing.  Newark02 and their views are interesting if they are the views of the public school district's CEO. 

December 4, 2008 -

• Oh our insightful school board...Molly wishes they could pick their teammate.  How exactly does that occur during an election? Typically in an election, the top vote getter wins.  Is it different in Newark elections or does the present board and administration have any influence on the vote? Oh I know, they rally the Rotary and Country Club crew to financially support candidates that will support their views and the selfish Keith Richards.   So would Molly and Bob pick someone who would vote the way they expected on the Board? Does Keith Richards really have that much power over the two?  Why?  Again, I remember when I was asked to interview for an open position on the Newark School Board, I was asked one question three different ways.  The question asked to me was would a support the vote of the group.  I told them I respected democracy. I am not a stooge, but if there was something I didn't agree with, the public I was to serve would hear about it and my reasoning.  I wasn't appointed.
   

• Yes Molly Ingold and Bob Handelman appear to be YES men for Keith Richards.  I am not sure why.  He works for the Board not the other way around.
   

• I am a little concerned that Mark Christenberry is blogging in the Advocate and belittling those that don't sign their real names to their posting.  Mark you have a lot of respect in the community, don't blow it by scorning those who don't sign their name.  Some have valid reasons for posting under disguise. Some people believe that their children will suffer the repercussions of their personal opinions.  I get that all the time.  Some folks have emailed me concerning my blog and stated that I must be embarrassing my kids for my opinions.  (For the record, I have raised strong open-minded kids, who value differences and respect those who are willing to publicly express their opinions.)  I do know that my kids have suffered for my personal opinions within the Newark City School district. I contend that was one of the reasons why I had to take the Newark City Schools to court, in addition to a bad policy that for some reason that was changed during the process.  :-)   Lying Keith Richards and  dopey Kevin Jarrett took the opportunity to try to punish me through my kid for expressing my opinions.  He still suffers the repercussions for my actions, but he knows that the cream always rises to the top and that God will take care of things in the long run. The evil-doers will have to answer to a higher power and the voters at some point.  My wonderful kids also know that those who stand by and don't say anything about wrong doing are just as guilty as those doing the wrong. (They really were raised right!)

December 2, 2008 -

• The Montgomery Bus Boycott officially started on December 1, 1955.  It lasted for over a year.  That was the day when the Blacks of Montgomery, Alabama, decided that they would boycott the city buses until they could sit anywhere they wanted, instead of being relegated to the back when a white person boarded.   One writer described it as "little people" triumphing over the seemingly insurmountable forces of evil.  With that thought, maybe the citizens of Newark should revolt over the tyrants that operate our public school system.
   

November 25, 2008 -

• Oh the emails I get from my blogging...
   

• A good and trusted friend told me to remember that I am supposed to be seen and not heard. 
   

• Another good and trusted friend asked me to refrain from plantation references as it makes some folks nervous and could parlay over into Obama back-lash.  As we have a new President and are hopeful for change, we are to forget the ugly and evil past.  Okay, I'll concede, I can just think it and I won't say it out aloud....But many folks respect my opinion and even more respect the fact that I am willing to say aloud what they are thinking.  I'll try to take the higher road.  It may not be as fun but I hear it can be good for the soul.

November 24, 2008 -

• Sorry I have been unable to post.  My internet service has been out.  No one at the phone company could give me a good reason why.  Windstream's technical support and customer service is a competent as Newark City Schools athletic director Kevin Jarrett. 
   

• How bout them Eastmoor Warriors! 
   

• Wow, I received an interesting email from Jean Rousseau.  FYI, Jean, I get a lot very positive comments in the community regarding my blog.  Most appreciate me willing to state online what they are thinking. 
  
  Her comments:
  
  Having just read your blog for the first time, I can tell you're obviously unhappy with the Newark City School system. So why are you still dealing with them? Your name calling and civil suits, (for comical reason?) are quite frankly immature and probably an embarrassment to your children.
  
  If you're so unhappy with the school system in your area, MOVE.

My response:

Thanks for your opinion.  The great thing about our country is that we all can have one along with the right to express it.  Why should I move because I disagree with NCS?  Now that's immature!  I pay taxes and I vote. So are you saying that if I disagree I should move.  Anyplace in particular?  I also can afford to send my kids to the best private schools.  I don't embarrass my kids with advocating for what is right.  They know I will stand up for what I believe and will publicly state it. 

• There are some mad mamas whose son's play on the Newark High School Football team.  Is Kevin Jarrett the reason why no student of color was recognized on the all-league team? There are three good and honorable Black young men who are being recruited by Division I college programs.  They are good enough to be recruited by colleges to further their education, but  their names were not placed into consideration for all-league  Those boys received no support from the district. This may hurt their recruiting opportunities. 
  
  Is Newark operating a plantation system where Black boys can work their  hearts out and put their blood and sweat on the football field but then get no public honors or recognition? Maybe its Obama back-lash.   I have heard this from former Black wildcat athletes.  There were some white athletes who should also have  been honored as well.  So what's up?  What is the selection criteria Newark uses?  Does it really matter who your daddy is or should your performance on the playing field count?  Just my thoughts....

November 18, 2008 -

• I wonder how much athletic director's Kevin Jarrett's continued bumbling is going to cost Newark City Schools this time?  He is a big punk ass. (I am working on my potty mouth.) He, like Richards,  isn't man enough to admit his mistakes. He had his secretary call and offer an apology and explanation for his department's "screw up." His last screw up cost the district over $16,000 in taxpayer dollars as Keith Richards and the board tried to cover up his breach of student record privacy.  This time the lawsuit will be over retaliation.  It will be comical and expensive to see what defense they put up now.  I have nothing to lose.  Game on!
   

•  I read in the Advocate the Jeremy Blake applied for the vacant position on the Newark School Board. LOL.  Blake has been voted the Most Embarrassing Black Person in Newark for his refusal as board president to write a letter of support for a summer reading program on the east end of Newark.  Jeremy was mad because I talked bad about him regarding his drinking arrest.  I simply said that in my humble opinion, he could speak with any authority about the district's then new drug and alcohol testing policy when he had recently been arrested for drunk driving.  He took his anger out on the kids that I trying to help.  Check out this old post >>

November 17, 2008 -

• Go Eastmoor Academy Warriors in the State Football Playoffs!  My old high school....City League represent...Welcome to Warrior Country....
   

• Is the Newark Board of Education and the Superintendent a bunch of fraidy cats?  The district's CEO and crew didn't attend the Wildcat Football Team's recognition banquet yesterday.  Is it possible that they are hiding from the public and didn't want to face those they are elected to serve after hiring the new PR director? I have attended numerous football team banquets and in the past, they have attended.  Keith claims to care about the kids, well the kids were honored yesterday and he nor his "yes squad"  attended
   

• Incompetence still rules in the athletic department.  Over-paid bumbling Kevin Jarrett as athletic director didn't see to it that all student-athletes who were to receive letters or certificates had them.  Some boys, who seniors, did not receive their just due publicly. As seniors they will not get that opportunity again. When asked how as a parent he would have felt if his son earned a letter and didn't get it in front of his peers, he responded "I would be disappointed."  Duh!!!!!!

• This brings into question, if there is a criteria that must be met per the student handbook to receive an award obviously the athletic director is not monitoring this process.  If he simply signed the certificates without verifying the list,  how does he know that the criteria as outlined in the student handbook were met?  Did students who didn’t meet the criteria receive an award?  According to Kevin, he just printed and signed the certificates.
   

• Another series of questions asked to Julie Taylor:

What is the total operating budget for the athletic program? (#s are based on FY08 actual expenditures) General Fund $492,963; NHS 300 Athletic Fund $151,949; Wilson Athletic 300 Fund $3,633; Heritage Athletic 300 Fund $3,984; Liberty Athletic 300 Fund $4,708 for a total of $657,237.

What is the total amount collected for pay to play? (FY08 actual revenue) - $156,041 Fees; $4,300 Donations

The difference comes from the general fund? The pay to participate fees only offset General Fund expenditures, but per the first answer, the 300 funds also have athletic expenditures but those are not considered in anyway towards the fees. And, you can see the fees cover roughly a third of the General Fund expenditures.

Why have pay to play if it only covers 1/3 of the expenses? I think textbooks, busing and teachers should be the priority and my kids participate in the sports program.  So if fewer kids participate will more money come out of the general fund?  Just my thoughts.

November 14, 2008

• Keith Richards is ruining Newark City Schools just like he did Olentangy.  Check out his job evaluations.

November 13, 2008

• The Newark City School's Board of Education are a bunch of idiots. They have totally disregarded the will of the community.  It is obvious the will of the people is not being listened to.  The community will again voice it's displeasure when asked to fork over our precious tax dollars.  But will it matter?  The board will do whatever it wishes.  It is an outrage the comments made by members during tonight's board meeting.  We can't afford a communications director. Teachers, textbooks, and busing are more important.  They commented about a school newsletter. The newsletter is to provide positive information on the district. NCS can't afford to mail our kids report cards out so how are they supposed to disseminate this newsletter?  Is the newsletter more important than forwarding our kid's grades? 

Who on the board is representing the working-class community of Newark?

The board needs to ask and accept Keith Richards resignation ASAP!  If he is really thinking about the best interest of the kids, he would pack up and leave. If he really cared about the kids this community, why has he refused to meet with the City of Newark Human Relations Commission to discuss the race survey.  The country club crowd may approve of him, but very few others do. Newark will never pass another levy with him at the head of the district. Richards touted the successes of the band at tonight's meeting. That's nice, but who cares?  What about the graduation rate?  What about crime on campus?  What about the low expectation of the district regarding students of color as indicated by the race survey?

• Recall information -  Maybe we should just take back the school board. 
   

• Question:  For a district that can't afford a sports program, how are the following good expenditures?

Asked to Julie Taylor -

Can you provide me with the salaries and benefits for the district's athletic directors and trainers:  $261,332 (includes Kevin Jarrett, Jeff Quackenbush, Mark Doughty, and Mike McNicol – this includes salary and benefits for full/part/supplemental positions).

Where does the funding for this come from? General Funds

Does pay to play cover the costs? No. The $200 covers roughly 50%.

What does pay to play cover? The athletic director, his secretary, trainers and coaches – roughly 50%. Transportation is NOT included as the boosters pick that up.

So again if we can't afford a sports program, why are general funds being used to supplement something we can't afford?  These funds could better be used for teachers, textbooks and busing.  The athletic directors in Columbus Public Schools make $22.00 an hour @ 40 hours a week.  Why does our incompetent, Keith Richards kiss-but, make double that?  We only have one high school. He can't direct the middle school program?

I see major continued waste.  I have figured out how to restore busing, buy textbooks and keep teachers jobs.  Why can't the board?

More soon...

November 7, 2008 -

Oprah has broken her silence and was unleashed on Wednesday.  It is now time for me.  I read the article and blog postings on the defeated Newark City School levy last evening.  Tom Bline and crew are definitely stuck on STUPID.  (Although an elected official, Tom is sensitive,  I am not calling you stupid, but your blog postings were madness and don't reflect the conduct a professional school board member. You have taken this way too personal. Bline's comments appeared to be classist and elitist.).

Democracy has to be respected.   It is the cornerstone of our GREAT country.  The community has spoken and the Board needs to grow up and stop complaining and try to fix the problems.  The Newark City School Board of Education and the administration are out of touch with the community they are charged to serve.  Most of the board and administration are educated professionals or self-employed and can easily afford the additional taxes.  The CEO of the district makes 5 to 6 times more than the average citizen.  People that are losing their jobs or have lost their jobs often have to make tough decisions on the finances.  What is a small amount for some is astronomical for others.  Please don't demean or criticize others if you are not walking in their shoes.  In the Newark City School district the middle class is taxed and billed endlessly. There appear to be two Newark's.  The haves and the have nots. Those who have should not demean or belittle those who don't.

I have said it before, EVERYONE wants their children to do better than they.  Some of us have better resources and skills, but their isn't a child born who's parents don't want the best for them.  The leaders of our district need to realize that.  Common courtesy and mutual respect go a long way.  Many in our community KNOW that their voices are not being heard.  Many KNOW that the good-ole boy network is alive and well.  Many know that the administration will back bad behavior and conduct at any cost.  They take care of each other at the expense of our tax dollars and our kids.

I value education.  I strongly value PUBLIC education. But what recourse do voters and taxpayers have when they feel disrespected, lied to and flat out bamboozled? 

When I moved to Newark 16 years ago, we continued to enroll our oldest son at the highly respected Wellington School in Upper Arlington.  I paid selective private school tuition, the expenses to travel to the big city and local school taxes.  I wanted better for our son. The NCS graduation rate was dismal and still is.

Another entered NCS.  According to his wonderful and talented teacher, she couldn't provide enrichment work for him, because he was where he needed to be academically.  We transferred him to the Welsh Hills School, where a love of reading and learning were fostered.  Again, we were paying two private school tuitions, the expenses to travel to the big city and local school taxes. 

We had two others enter Newark City Schools.  In the first teacher's meeting the focus was solely on the state-mandated tests   We again incurred the expenses of private schooling for all our kids, the expenses to travel to the big city and local school taxes.  I value education.  My oldest sons have graduated from the best most academically challenging schools in Central Ohio, The Wellington School and The Columbus Academy.  We returned two the the district not for academic reasons but some of the fine extra-curriculars.  On one hand it was a mistake but on the other had they have had adequate opportunities.  We have paid our taxes and sacrificed.  We could have had a bigger house, better cars, nicer family vacations.  We value education and our kids.

I value education.  I value the kids in our community.  I value education so much than when my kids left the district, I started local grass-root programs to help children who didn't have the same resources my kids were afforded. I donated a computer lab to the Shiloh Church and Par Excellence School.  I started a tutoring program with students from Denison University.  I donated my time in the summer to a reading camp for kids on the East End of Newark.  I started a summer lunch program. I donated my time to establish a college access program so kids could understand that higher education is reachable and a path to success.

With that said, the Newark Board of Education needs to do a better job of valuing education and our children. My recommendations:

• Keith Richards has to go!  He is destroying the community for what appears to be selfish  personal and financial gain. He does not have the respect of the average citizen.  The wealthy and well connected like him, but not the "blue-collar" crowd he has blasted in the Columbus media.
   

• The board needs sensitivity training.  You are not better than whose you serve. 
   

• Financial waste is still rampant.  I have request several reports from Julie Taylor. Upon receipt I will post and discuss.

No I don't want to be on the Newark Board of Education.  They would never appoint me anyway. I was asked to apply once.  I did and the only question asked to me was would a support the vote of the group.  I told them I respected democracy. But if there was something I didn't agree with the public I was to serve would hear about it and my reasoning.  I wasn't appointed.

Newark is OUR community.  Let's find ways build bridges to help our children succeed.  They really do deserve it. 

  November 5, 2008 -

October 4, 2008 -

Turn off music at top of page to hear this video :-)

August 28, 2008 -

• Mr. President...

August 27, 2008 -

• What a week! 
   

• Did you see Michelle?  She was totally awesome.  Intelligence, beauty and grace.
  
    
   

• Why Senator Obama's candidacy is important....Why I whole-heartedly support him.