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The verbal arrows
have sure been flying…
By Joe Payne
Greenville School District Board Member
“Quit micromanaging!”
“What a stupid decision!”
“This board never does anything right.”
“How could you do such a thing during a building campaign?!”
“We need to replace the whole BOE!”
I was hoping the arrows would begin to subside. After all, body armor
is hot in the summertime.
However, just this Sunday morning a few of my parishioners greeted me
with sly smiles and said, “Nice Cartoon!”
“What cartoon?” I asked.
“You know, the Ackley cartoon in the Advocate. You’re in a dunce cap!”
Hahaha. Oh well… In a way, I feel strangely flattered to be included in
a genuine Ackley editorial cartoon. The man is talented, you know. And
besides, it’s freedom of expression that makes this the great country
it is. It’s the American Way. I especially appreciate those who write
or speak to me personally. I’ve received an earful these past couple of
weeks, but I do appreciate it.
You also need to hear from me, which is why I am writing you today. You
may be thinking, “It’s about time.” Others will probably knock anything
that I write. Again that’s OK. But hear this: I write for myself only.
Please accept these words as one board member’s honest attempt at
communicating with the citizens of the Greenville City School District.
The recent decision by myself and three of my colleagues to not renew
the basketball coaches’ supplemental contracts has raised some good
legitimate questions.
Was our decision justified?
That’s at least part of the debate, isn’t it. I know there are many who
believe that it was not. On the other hand, there have been a
surprising number who agree with the decision. Regardless, whatever
decision I have made in the past or plan to make in the future, I want
you to know I do it for the children and youth of this school district
as a whole.
This is not fun. I am not in this for some sort of ego trip. I can
think of better “trips” than this one. I also respect the other members
of the school board because I believe they are serving for the right
reasons. They care about the kids. They care about the school.
But, wasn’t this decision made behind closed doors?:
No. All votes are made openly. TJ and Susie were present, and there was
dialogue around these issues two months ago. At the same time, I regret
not having proper dialogue with TJ and Susie that morning. No excuses,
Period. Have I learned from this experience? I sure have.
Is this yet another example of micro-management?
No, I don’t believe so.
The BOE abides by the Greenville City Schools Board of Education Policy
Manual (a PDF of the manual may be found on the GCS website, on the
Board of Education page). Under File BBA, titled School Board Powers
and Duties, a number of responsibilities of the BOE are listed,
including Number 6, which states: [The BOE is] “to consider and pass
upon or reject the recommendations of the Superintendent in all matters
of policy, appointment or dismissal of employees, salary schedules or
other personnel policies, courses of study, selection of textbooks or
other matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools. This right to
consider, pass upon or reject anything that comes to a board of
education from the superintendent establishes a built in “checks and
balances” within the system. It’s a good policy.
Hiring the superintendent and treasurer as well as setting policy are
primary functions of the Board. Another function includes considering,
approving and rejecting recommendations. The Board, Susie, and other
administrative staff may agree or disagree. At times we will approve.
And, at times, we may reject. At the end of the day, we are still on
the same team. I have a good working, trusting relationship with Susie,
TJ, and other members of the staff, and that relationship continues
today.
Now here is a question for you to consider:
The next time some matter is laid before your board, will you want them
to make their decision based upon the most popular, least controversial
choice? Or, would you rather we make the decision based upon what we
believe to be best for our students? If political expediency is what
you want, I will the first to step aside and let someone else take my
position.
Now, a very important question for all of us: Why should anyone trust
the BOE about this upcoming capital campaign?
Because of this truth: I assure you that the decision to plan for the
construction of a new K-8 building has been made through the input and
decision-making of a 30 – 40 member body made up of different folks
from around the district. The decision to bring on this team was itself
a team decision made by the board, superintendent, treasurer and other
staff. These citizens come from a cross section of almost every voting
precinct, and together we have come up with a plan that we believe to
be the best for our kids and the most cost effective for our voting
public.
To go against this plan because of any decisions made by the board
would be like saying, “You are hurting my kids by your decision-making.
Therefore, I am going to hurt the kids even more by voting NO on this
campaign!
Would someone please explain to me the logic in that?
The new K-8 is a good, solid plan. We need to get it passed. It’s that
simple.
Call me crazy if you want, but despite the time involved, headaches and
grief, I take pride in serving on this board! Serving on the Board of a
$30 million business whose mission is to prepare our kids for future
success is an honor, a privilege, and a huge responsibility. I am
thankful to share this responsibility with you. I hope to help make a
difference in the lives of the children and youth in this district. I
also know that neither I, nor the four other members of the board, can
do it alone. We are all in this together.
I am sure more decisions will be made, more “arrows” will be shot, and
possibly more editorial cartoons will be drawn. And yet, ultimately I
pray that the good citizens of the Greenville City Schools will realize
all of us really are on the same team.
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