Posted by jfkanderson (anonymous) on December 26, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The superintendent's salary could/should be cut - it's ridiculus in the first place (over $100,000). The principles salaries could probably be cut also. Instead of getting rid of people's jobs completely, cut some of the ones salaries where they are overpaid already.

Posted by classygirl (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's start with cutting expenses by elimanating excess positions at the central office....A majority of the parents in Butler County have been effected by lay offs, cut hours, etc. Don't just give up a company vechile cut some pay as well. We as parents have had to adjust and make cuts in our personal finances, there is no reason why Adminisitrations pay cant be cut starting at the top, to allow our kids needs to be met.
Next, where does Butler County school system rank in the state?? No lets not buy any new text books or technology or anything for that matter to give our children the education they deserve. Sounds like a good idea to me...Yeah right!!
Moving right on along lets just let whoever wants to volunteer come in and babysit our children when our teachers are out (which with all the new training has been an awful lot already this year). Another good idea...eliminate bus routes so our kids of all ages can walk to and from school in the cold, rain, and who knows what else...What about the registered and unregistered sex offenders that live within that 2 mile radius...Most of them will be unsupervised, sounds real safe to me. Our kids sure are coming first aren't they...What ever it takes is ringing true..Do the buses not have to pass right by them to get to the school in most cases?
Last but not least, lets let our kids wear their jackets in the building, where they have not been able to in the past. Lord knows what kinda ruckus this has caused so lets cause some more confusion so it can take the educators mind off of educating. The kids that do HAVE jackets, the parents have already bought these and we all KNOW there will be some kind of nonsense rule and require new jackets that most parents cannot afford, just so the heat can be turned down. Our kids best interest really is being thought of. Not to mention how hot it gets in the summer here in South Alabama, what concession will be made for that?
Let me get this right-- our kids safety, well being, and education is the Butler County Board of Educations main priority?

Posted by Ramsey (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You finally have a superintendent that has a plan and has worked to make the Butler County Schools a place where learning is taking place and all that comes across in your posts is sarcasm and criticism. I am sure that there is room for improvement in the operation of the Butler County Schools and all school systems within the state, but when budgets were being prepared each Butler County resident had an opportunity to go to the budget hearings and voice their concerns. Were you there?

Posted by stormy (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really like the idea of the two mile limit for buses. that`s the most ridiculous thing I`ve seen here for 19 years. My children attended school in Florida. The two mile limit applied there. Here you stop for a bus to pick up a child 3 blocks from school. It wouldn`t hurt for the Board of education to spend some time in the class rooms helping out. I`m sure every worker there could offer some sort of help to educate the children. Butler Co. schools are not up to par. Give us a lottery to fund education. Florida schools are superior. Let our church goer, that drives to the florida line to get a lottery ticket, give it to Butler Co.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 27, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.schooldigger.com/go/AL/distri...

Ranked according to that site 114 out of 128.
Sex offenders can't live within a thousand feet of any school. ( I Think)

as for the rest... I lol I honestly don't care anymore. You will get what you ask for. If you demand children receieve a great education it will happen. Unfortunately it seems teh logic of "Well it was good enough for me..." tends to prevail here. Problem is you're not the one in school, and you're not the one that's going to face the world they will with a sub-standard education.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Faster1,
Thank God you're not in charge of anything! I certainly don't agree with Looney on some issues, but most of your comments are idiotic and senseless. You try to come off as educated and tough, but only succeed in showing your ignorance.
I'll bet you couldn't walk from your computer to the corner without having to stop to catch your negativity laced breath. As far as a walk in the rain toughening up a child, that is the most ridiculous statement I've ever read. It is amazing how someone can use a high tech device to make themselves look like a fool.

Posted by stormy (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It`s amazing how children love to walk in the rain and play in it. When i went to school ,i walked almost two mile in it. It made me hurry up to get home and get my homework finished. I think it made me a wiser person. These obesed children need that walk. I was tall and thin. They say walking is the best exercise. Give it a try if you can make it down the steps pst

Posted by cscruggs (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a suggestion on cutting energy costs...turn the lights off. I've noticed lights on at several schools after hours and even in the summer. The new school in Georgiana has lights on 24/7. (Although I can't say whether the power bill is being paid by the school system or the contractor. Either way, it's wasteful.) Also -- the cooling units at some schools ran all summer long, even as late as 8 or 9 p.m. at some locations. Reducing energy costs should at least make a dent in the overall budget. APCO, which serves the majority of Butler County's school buildings, has energy advisors that will be more than happy to make suggestions for energy-saving improvements and practices that can reduce energy costs.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stormy,
You're right, walking is great exercise. I walk between 15-20 miles each week. I'm an adult. In today's world there are places our kids don't need to walk unsupervised. Kids need guidance from caring adults, not suggestions from people who obviously have only themselves in mind.

Posted by ednmber1 (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Could we use the federal funds to hire teacher units instead of central office personnel?

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 28, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I don't know what it says about our country (good or bad) that our poor people are fat and our rich are skinny. Perhaps its' indicative of how whacko we've become. Elsewhere in teh world it's the other way around.
A couple things I see though.
"I want my kids to have what I didn't have."
This is fine so long as the parent bears in the mind two things. One- To also give the things you DID have. and Two- Just giving kids things for the sake of having "stuff" does nothing to teach responsibility. Unfortunately we live in a one use disposable society.
But to the article and situation I have to say that ... the busses.
Think about the amount of busses you see in the morning, or gods forbid you're trying to get down commerce street at about 3 PM. There has GOT to be a more efficient method.
think about the gas, the pay for the drivers, the vehicle care.
Less stops would help no doubt. The two mile mammajamma sounds good but you'd need the cops to basically man every corner or so... and I already feel like I live in a Police state.
Perhaps the schools' PTAs would assume initiative (other than selling Coca-colas and doughtnuts) and organize volunteers to be crossing guards.
You know... productive?

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Faster1,
I was raised in the same manner you speak of, but I can't see how you view the way things should be. I believe today's kids are spoiled and couldn't entertain themselves if their lives depended on it. Video games are turning kids into couch decorations.
No, I'm not a coward. I would love to post my name but anyone critical of Looney becomes a target. I know this for a fact.
As far as solutions, their are too many "created jobs" in the central office that could be eliminated. How many assistant supers do you need? You could cut 3-5 jobs from the CO and save hundreds of thousands. We need more teacher units, but that isn't possible???
There are many ways to cut back, but you will only see those that affects the people outside 215 Administrative Drive.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 28, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Michael, wtf are you talking about?

Posted by ednmber1 (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I could not agree more PSTeacher. You are in the same vote as me. We could list lots of things that could help but it would only hurt us in the long run. If you are not in the "right" group then you are not heard. How many teacher units could we hire in the place of 1 central office assistant/what ever the job title is that has been created....2+??? Come on BOE just stand up for our children. Do what is right for them. Do a survey of the teachers and find out how "helpful" the CO staff is and how knowledgeable are they really??????? How many secretary possitions do we need to run the CO. Put them in the schools being a sub. Who will do the job duties of those that are pulled to sub and do janitorial work for a class....principals, assistant principals, nurses, lirarians, teachers...... Wake up ...become knowledgeable to what is going on and the other routes we can take.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If only it was a matter of manning up. Rumors are maliciously started that can jeopardize careers when you criticize our super. Falsehoods that are a result of saying what you think to others. Word in Greenville gets around and it doesn't take long for the threats to get back to you. The people in the south end of the county are getting screwed over by Looney and the Board. Looney makes the comment in the paper he considers the matter closed. He doesn't care what the majority of people in Georgiana thinks. Actions speak louder than words. He is an arrogant know it all that the people in Montgomery County celebrated leaving. When they fired their old super word leaked out that Looney would go back. People in Montgomery told us they were so glad to get rid of Looney they almost made it a holiday. They said they wouldn't hire him back for any job. The Birmingham offer was from an old acquantance. The teachers of Butler County celebrated the day this summer it was reported Looney was leaving. We want him to leave before he destroys morale in the county and breaks us in the process. If he had the people in mind he would listen to their concerns instead of threatening with words that don't get to the public's ears.

Posted by stormy (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess Mr. Looney asked for suggestions, seems like he got a few. Walking to school would be safer for the children, if properly maintained by crossing guards on busy streets. Give the police something to do ,beside sit and hide behind a tree, trying to fill a quoto of tickets for the month. Put him to good use for the public. Where are the crossing guards when you go down Dunbar St., perdue, or World St. kids from toddlers to big teens playing in the road, daring a car to pass by safely. , riding a bike in the middle of the road, let`s play dodge ball to see if you can get past me. Mom`s and boyfriend`s inside a.c. watching how to get more money for not working. It`s a real world. This is our future ,we are looking to for leadership. Back to basics couldn`t hurt. Our forefathers led a great land with reading, writing and rithmetic. No p.c.`s to mess up everything. Swat the kids for wrongdoing. Now give them a gameboy or i pod or such. makes me sick to go into walmart and see big kids and small kids unattended in the toy section being destructive, as i did last week. Give these kids a walk every day, might work off some of their bad behavior.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 28, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lol
Our forefathers went to Harvard

Posted by stormy (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our true fore fathers george and Abe never attended college, they learned to read. check it out.We have had some good leaders without harvard. Harvard does not mean squat with me. But our future generation, I`m sorry to say, is not college material. Even alabama state is crooked with the athletic program. How can you deal with morons all the time.

Posted by ednmber1 (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Solutions:
1. Cut out all the extra positions at the CO and combined duties for those that are left. Send the one/s that don't have tenure home
2. Move the CO to the old high school - Looney - Super, Wright - Curriculum and all the above, Boswell - Special Ed. and Testing (One of the 3 can take care of the responsibilities that are required to run the Old High School - which would become the CO at time of relocation and include the transportation duties also)
3. Take all unneccessary secretaries and assign them to the sub duties. If they don't have tenure let them go.
4. Cut back on electrical bill - lock them back up. (be resonable) Some don't know how to control and save.
5. Combine WO and Greenville Elementary back together. This will eliminate a principal, librarian, nurse, ect. jobs. Those that are left can be reassigned to other positions.
6. Although no one wants to hear it - Combine Georgiana and McKenzie
7. Cut out all of the professional development trips.....do in house or bring the pd to the county so all can be included and all are taken care of on their requirements and leave it at that. Don't do all these trips. Eventhough, some may be paid for when you go ---- you are still getting a salary for the days you and all the rest are gone.
8. Looney you said something like - buy locally in one of your news articles.....aren't most of the top jobs out of county people???? Hire people from within to help us with the money situation there also.
9. Looney I truely believe you are a very bright man. You just don't shoot it straight and that doesn't set well with me or others. Give the people a true opportunity to give suggestions and know what is going on before it is done and through with. Most all involved want what is best for the children. Eventhough you will be gone in the future some of us will still be here. Yes, you are using this county as a stepping stone for something much greater to you. I don't find anything any greater than the education of our children----some will be OUR future leaders of Butler County.
Cut the jobs that will save us the most money and will not hurt the classrooms as much!
*****Use the money you have wisely!!!

Posted by dixiechic (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

has a bailout been considered?

Posted by smoore (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One way to cut a big portion of the spending is to close McKenzie School and send those 250+/- students to the new school in Georgiana. MCK School is run down and is in need of many repairs - Which the county will be spending money to fix in the very near future. The new school is plenty big for Georgiana High, RLA, and MCK students. Sure they may loose the federal funds that school brings in, but they would gain more funds for the new school.

I know McKenzie (the school and community) thinks their school is the crux of the community and needs to remain, but it is not and does not. I would think if it came to having a job in Georgiana over no job – they would pick Georgiana. It is asinine for the board to continue to operate three soon to be two schools within 5 miles of each other. The students at McKenzie would be greatly benefited if they were to attend to the new technological inclined MAGNET school in Georgiana. Off the top of my head I see the following expenses being cut: utilities, athletic stipends and travel for at least 5 sports, repairs($hundreds of thousands$), and much more.

I feel the main problem with terminating pick up for children who live two mile for school is attendance. The majority of the students in Butler County Schools receive free lunch. That means they are living below poverty level. These children my not have parents who can, are willing, or even care to get them to school. These are the children that need to be at school everyday. If it takes bussing them there – that is what needs to happen.

Posted by smoore (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The two main problems with contracting a company to bring in the children to school are money and scheduling.

Who is to pay bus fair? Parents or the BOE. Either way the money is not going to be there. If the county is to pay it – they may as well continue to run their own busses and keep those 50 jobs going. Our local economy needs it. As said before many of these children are very poor and can’t afford to pay a bus fair. No, it’s not the child’s, the BOE, or tax payers fault either - but that’s the way it is. It is just the reality of Greenville, Alabama and much of the United States at this point. What company would want to supply butler county schools with transportation? Can you imagine the size of the fleet this company would have to send to butler county 5 days a week? The children have to be at school by 7:50 that would be extremely hard. Who is going to use the busses between 8:00 and 2:00? Nobody. Greenville MIGHT could use 1 public transportation vehicle but 50 – no way. The town is not big enough to have public transportation. Out of the 7,000? people in Greenville- the people who could ride the busses between 8:00 and 2:00 would be at work – The people who are not at work couldn’t afford.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

smoore,
It is easy for you to say the school in McKenzie is not needed. That shows you don't know what you are talking about. The McKenzie School has made AYP every year except last year. One transfer student from New Orleans quit and cost the school AYP. A small community is built around a school and that school is a source of pride for the town. Unlike other schools in this county, the discipline is not a problem. People in McKenzie have a right to a school just as much as the people of Greenville. Mixing Georgiana and McKenzie will have the same negative effect that mixing Georgiana and Greenville would have. We need to leave the schools as they are and work on the other problems, like unnecessary spending and staff at the Central Office. We have created positions to pacify employees that have successfully sued our school board. We have filled positions with cronies that were brought from other systems when we changed supers. Thousands of dollars are wasted with overpaid jobs that could be cut or filled by qualified people that demand less salary. This county was going broke before proration. That just helped speed it along. We need to cut back drastically, and it needs to start at the top. We don't need to take money from the already underpaid teachers and staff.

Posted by smoore (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off I am talking about the MCK facilities not the students or faculty/staff. I know more about MCK and Butler County Schools than you may think. I also know joining MCK and Georgiana schools has been on the table more than once. AYP – What about the AHGE and beyond? Do you mean to tell me your students would not benefit from new the new facilities? Space is a problem at that school. The buildings are old and very broken. How many band aides do you put on a broken arm before you go to the doctor? Why continue to dump money it to a place that is standing on one leg. I never once said to cut the jobs in MCK. You know as well as I do the class size in a problem in MCK. A tiny 3rd Grade class with 1 teacher 1-2 aides and 38 children is not good. It is more than obvious that the teachers in MCK would have to go to the new school too. RLA has two classes per grade and those classes are full so you can’t just move the kids with out the teachers. What is more important being able to say our town has a school or the children from our town attend a school five miles away that is safe, clean, free of asbestos, not leaking, has no holes in the floor, etc…

Yes PST, there are a lot of expense at the central office that can be cut. Just like MCK, they are not going to give up there plush job just like you are not going to give up your honored school building. There are a lot of people in the county that can retire - but are holding on for drop money, out of spite, or because they have nothing to go home to. Maybe that is where they should start cutting jobs. A teacher with a masters and 30 years experience make over 50,000 a year. A new teacher out college would make 34,000. With all the PD that is given through out the year it won’t take long for that new teacher to catch on. Most of them are more effective that the old ones anyway.

By the way, your community should not be built around your school. Your community should support the school and do what’s best for the children even if that means sending them away.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As it stands now, McKenzie enrollment numbers are higher than they have been in years, and they continue to grow. It has got to the point that McKenzie needs more classrooms. That was part of the new constuction plans. So, the numbers are there to have a K-12 school. McKenzie should not be forced to close any part of their school because it would add to the resume of an outsider.
Again, like in Georgiana, the will of the people is being ignored and decisions are being made behind closed doors. When people show up to talk, they are gaveled and told there is no more time for discussion.

Posted by butlercountyparent (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think closing McKenzie School should even be considered. Many will tell you that it is the "best" school in the county. Most of the kids are brought to and from McKenzie by parents, having only 2 bus routes, so this is not a remedy. What about asking parents who wish to contribute to their school, to give donations? I have never been formally asked, but would gladly donate a few dollars each month, just in the hopes of helping my kids' future education. Many parents would probably do the same; simply give up that extra indulgence to help our schools. Many community members who are protesting the closing of our schools and changing of their names might do the same. We ourselves could do more to help, in my opinion.

Posted by tigerfann (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am telling you guys, the central office is where the most fat can be cut. I am sure they have re-arranged things(people) and made it so that they appear to be non central office personnel, but they are there, in our schools, doing...what? These so called "curriculum specialists" are now working in the schools! Some, but not all, of these people were by first hand accounts, terrible teachers, and now are telling our teachers how to teach!! Growing up in Butler County schools, I had some of the finest teachers, and they got along without all of these people telling them how to teach! Granted, they need guidance, the bottom of the barrel definitely need to be weeded out, but someone at every school,... full time? And I am sure they are either 10 or 12 month employees to boot! There ladies and gents is a great portion to be cut right there. Let's just assume that those 3 or 4 people make 40,000??? hmmmm

Posted by stormy (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is McKenzies enrollment higher than it has been? They asked for volunteers from greenville to send their kids there by bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greenville over populated. Grant you, everyone can play monday morn. quarterback. There is no perfect answer. I think faster1 has challenging ideas. I`m just sitting on the sidelines. In actuallity our buses are not safe. My granddaughter always from 3 years old, wanted to ride the yellow school bus. She got the opportunity when in 1st grade. We are 6 miles from school. She probably rode it maybe 20 times in one year. Out of that time, it was called back to school 5 or 6 times for fights.They put k through 12th on the same bus. Everytime a parent pulls a child from the school system, it loses federal dollars. If a child quits, it loses fed,dollars. That is why they want every child possible in their school district. Thank God my grandkids go to Ft. dale now. they can say a blessing for food and pray. How can you top that???????????/

Posted by smoore (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, what you get from ft dale is children who are not acclimated to the real world and children when/if placed into the public school system are so far behind their peers they can hardly keep up. How do I know? I have taught several students who transferred from ft dale to public school. The majority of the “teachers” are not certified and have no formal education. These kids may as well be home schooled.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 29, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Michael- I suppose you're under the impression that "free market" can fix any problem. W/E.
What northern states are you talking about oh traitorous one? Not only are northern states lib-eer-all they pay taxes, exhorbitant sums!!!! COMMIES I TELL YA!!!
The schools are also much better, and so is the healthcare. For example, I don't remember hearing anyone coming from another country to get treatment at LV Stabler. Seriously though. What states are you talking about?
But I wonder how many that are complaining about changing a school's name volunteer at it.
and fort dale is basically local resident's response to intergration in the sixties. Their students are as rock-like as any in the public schools. Then again, if one would want to send their kids to Auburn... Ft dale is a good feeder school, so long as their academics stay off the baddy list. lol
HALLELUJAH!!!!

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 29, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In reality, the problem lies within the local populace. If it doesn't involved God, football, beauty pageants, or guns no one lifts a finger. When the perceived civic duty is to plant a sign in one's yard to show support for a political candidate...lol well.
Bottom line, apathy is the enemy always has been and will be until the tv gets shut off and people actually have to speak with one another.

Posted by tigerfann (anonymous) on December 29, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"They asked for volunteers from greenville to send their kids there by bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greenville over populated." That is an interesting comment stormy, however I don't believe it is accurate. Not one person I know has ever been approached about busing their kids to McKenzie! Believe me if it was an invitation, folks would know about that one! Let's not start on this public/private issue, leave that for another day! Incidentally, my kids pray over their meals, and at football games all the time!!! FYI, even if you don't pray out loud, or in an organized fashion,God still listens!! So whether "prayer" is allowed in public schools or not, it still goes on!! I know teachers who pray constantly during school, ;-) , and that goes for public AND private!
Now, let's get back to the topic at hand!!!

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 30, 2008 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you get that out of the Republican clown book? You know the one with the pop-ups?
LAWD...
Provide links if you're going to make claims Michael, we've had this discussion. Free enterprise also gave us slavery, child labor, factory fires etc etc. Fun fun.
Point is that wherever there is money in a money hungry society... there will inevitably be slime.
Maybe you're right that the government has no business being in our school systems. Maybe we can repeal Brown v BOE!
And my statements are exactly right based on my talking with students from that school, and observations of this particular section of America. I can do this because I've lived all over, and have a keen eye.
No Fort Dale doesn't have the funding problems that the public schools do as they aren't at the mercy of an antiquated Constitution, perpatuated by an equally antiquated thought process.
I've spoken with people that were kids during intergration, I LIVE HERE I've heard certain words more than I ever heard before, and with such a casual attitude. but the kicker is the statement of principles... lol
"Cultural diversity exists increasing students' understanding of different peoples and cultures. "
lol too funny.
and... is that THE patented "Republican Feigned-outrage©" i saw Michael!? Awesome you're really pullin out all the stops man Bravissimi!

and I don't care if kids pray to their pencils so long as an "adult" doesn't try to teach my kids what is MY job to teach them. ;)
As to your assenine quote Michael, I'd imagine if fear is what you hold in your heart then that quote might be accurate. But the older I get the more patterns of manipulation I see. And you may (or may not) figure out that controlling other people doesn't work, even if you use fear, for eventually they come out of their stupor.

Posted by butlercocitizen (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is in response to stormy's comment "Why is McKenzies enrollment higher than it has been? They asked for volunteers from greenville to send their kids there by bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I don't know about Greenville asking for volunteers, but I do know there are only 2 students from Greenville being bussed to McKenzie. Supposedly due to problems with the girls in Greenville. The bus brings those 2 students drops them off, goes back to Greenville, and then comes back to Mckenzie to pick them up.

I'm not sure how those 2 students raised Mckenzie's numbers to "the highest they've been in years" and I would really like someone to explain to me how it's helping anything to waste the fuel in the bus for two trips to Mckenzie from Greenville a day, especially at the beginning of school when gas was at an all time high! A driver is being paid, fuel for the bus, and upkeep. With this kind of wasteful spending its no wonder the county school system is in the shape its in!

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 30, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think you've missed my point Michael. No worries I'm used to it. My point was that the very heart of the matter is funding. You claim that a free market school system would work. I've pointed out but a few flaws with that perspective. (and that was only a few of the many. For example: Privately funded schools are beholden to their benefactors) Did you know that BP (the oil company) makes and sells textbooks for school!? How factual do you suppose those are?
So back to the funding issue. As i've pointed out before schools are funded one of two ways. Land taxes or lotteries. Alabama not only has no lottery, and one of the lowest land tax rates in the country, it ALSO has an antiquated State Constitution which dictates that when there is a budgetary shortfall education is the very first cut.
So.
There are options on the table here.
1. MAKE A LOTTERY
2. Increase land tax rates
3. Re-write the Constitution
Now, the very same reasoning that created Fort Dale is the same prevailing reasoning that won't allow a lottery, hates land taxes, and refuses to re-write the Constitution.
There are people that benefit from the status quo. Is it so hard to imagine that they would do everything they could to maintain that status quo? Even bribery, outright lying, etc?
I would spend a hundred dollars to be able to keep a million, it makes sense to. Unfortunately the people that do NOT benefit from their society, as they should, are also under the impression that things are either A-ok, or that they have no power to effect change.
Which REALLY blows my mind because this is the State of the Civil Rights Movement!
I do mind my own business. That of my society in which I live IS my business. Everywhere I've lived I've helped make things better. I've volunteered countless hours and effort, that is what a...(how do u put it) responsible citizen does.
Soooo.... this begs the question how many hours a decade do you drop in volunteering at our local schools? I'd imagine as many hours as you've spent in the military serving the Nation you claim to love so much.
But you're right Michael. People can send their kids to whatever school they want. The rest of what you wrote is the usual drivvel so I won't waste my time responding to it.

Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To bad that all of these comments cannot make it into the paper edition of the Greenville Advocate. Bet the irculation of the paper would go crazy. Boy, this is good stuff. Scary, but good. Can not wait for the announcement of the cuts by the Looney. Those that now admire him may then hate him. Don't stop now, keep attacking and defending. It doesn't get any better than this.

Think I will take a blood pressure pill.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 30, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lol

Posted by butlercountyparent (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have no faith in Looney or any decision he makes. Anybody that wanted to name the new school in Georgiana after who he wanted is crazy.

Posted by MDCT (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please get back to the task at hand. You all are using this for a venting board.
This is not a "public-private" issue. The public schools have teachers that are not certified the day they walk in and some not the day they finally walk out! Your personal choice is just that---your choice. Both systems are working and both are supported by the community!
Whether to close a school, change transportation, or move a staff to another site is certainly up for discussion but we need ideas to get money NOW.
Reducing enormous salaries would be great but that would have to go before the elected board. Check the policies. It would be great if all salaries were "in line" and all jobs were valid.
I would like to know what our bills are. How do you know what you can cut if you do not know where the money is going? Power-phones-cell phones-vehicles-etc.... Please don't blame the general public for not knowing what is going on. Our board likes to be secretive. If you do attend meetings items are voted on without discussion from the general public.
Let's work together to "fix what is broken" and keep Butler County Schools moving in the right direction!

Posted by MDCT (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok. Let's get to the monthly expenditures and see what can be cut and by how much. Cell phones---go to "plain janes" instead of the fees for e-mailing, internet, etc. on cell phones. All vehicles parked EXCEPT for maintenance. Maintenance people need their vehicles since they are on call 24-7. Survey county--rooms not utilized--completely turn off heat and air. Stop unnecessary travel. Review the extended calendar again. The calendar may be very successful with staggering power bills.

Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There was a time when the Butler Co. school system did not own buses. Individuals owned them and charged the parents for the children to ride them. No complaints. And the shools had bicycle racks where the numerous kids parked them that rode to school. They did not have to lock them to the racks either. You see students were civilized then.
But now kids cannot walk to school. They catch the school bus to go home three blocks away. Ride to school on a bicycle, unthinkable.
So when you see the uncoordinated fat ass kids marching down the street in the 'so-called parades' you will then know why.
'Safe Schools'? All the schools were safe. No awards for being called safe and no police officers patrolling the halls.
Things have changed. Get use to it!

Posted by MDCT (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kids can walk to and from school any day they would like. Talk to parents.
No bicycles did not have to be locked to the rack--churches were not vandalized either.
What is your idea for saving money?

Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, dearest. For one thing it does not take 23 diesel buses with engines running to pick up what 5 buses could do at the W.O. Palmer to make the transfer. I am not the only one that has seen this. Those on the pay roll from the Butler Co. School System are out to protect their paycheck and positions.
Two of the finest heart medical researchers in the county came from the Greenville schools in the 1940's. Neither had the use of computers or other techno equipment. Instead they did it the Einstein way, with paper, pencil, and blackboard.
By the way, what galls me the most is seeing how students are now holding pencils. It looks as if they were in the stabbing mode. But I must keep reminding myself that penmenship is no longer taught in school. Must be hell being a teacher in the public school system these days.
A great number of the local citizens are sick of seeing what is coming out of the schools and 'alternative schools'.
Got to go. Think I got a 'home invasion'.

Posted by MDCT (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Butler County School System, as well as many other systems, are now in a desperate mode to save money. The bus system does need to be addressed. That is a major "deal" and will take a major over-haul. There are federal and state guidelines for busing that must be considered. We need ideas for saving money immediately.

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a program out there for students to walk/bicycle to school who live in a two-mile radius of the school. It is a wonderful program. This program was implemented in 2005 and only a very few states haven't taken advantage of it. Alabama began last year and it is coming along very successfully. You wouldn't believe the number of schools who have applied and was approved for this program.

If you all think these students will be unsupervised you are out of your mind. There is no way the FED's would fund a program that has our children walking/bicycling to school unsupervised. I think some of you may have read a recent post of mine and didn't log on to the web site for more detailed information. As a matter of fact...I know you didn't because your negative and sarcastic comments wouldn't have been made.

Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have you seen Looney lately? He wouldn't have enough breath to walk out and help the kids. Seems like he has either been sitting alot or taking medicine that causes massive weight gain. Of course, it might be the "puffed up" look of arrogance that makes him appear larger.

Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looney is an arrogant son of a gun! Our board just cowtows down to him and what he wants. What makes me sick is to see our financial situation and then think about what WE are paying this puffed up blowfish! I say cut his pay in half and deflate his ego. Half of his pay would go a long way to helping our budget. And one heartfelt thought, no good could come of closing Mckenzie School. So get off that horse and saddle another. Leave the problem where it is at, the BOE, and don't blame the schools. My kids are a fourth generation at MHS and look forward to that next generation to attend there. I do hope that this whole county will give it some good hard thought next election and dump this board. We also need to do what is necessary to allow our Super to be elected and not hired by the Board. There's another problem that needs fixing right there and soon!

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on January 1, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

True enough tempers can flare, and mine's no exception. I apologize if I'd written anything off subject. Now to the subject at hand.
I have a few suggestions, but they are of the old fashioned sort that many in this town claim to love. Perhaps it's time to test the mettle. If this is truly as big an issue right now as its' being made out to be, then my suggestions should be taken as possible resolutions not ravings on an internet site.
1. The Advocate should publish online an itemized version of the system's budget. This way folks can look at it all day and all night, not getting paid to do so, and search for the fat.
2. The PTA/O s of the various schools should take the lead. They should get together, and organize the volunteers for this two mile radius walk. I'm positive Chief Ingram is down with any suggestions that the populace, on a united front, can devised, so long as its' sensible. I thinnk we can, in this forum, agree that the busses in that radius are wasteful.
And while the teachers and principals are always open to suggestions, they ultimately tip hat to teh BOE and Mr. Looney. The key, as far as I can see, is for the PEOPLE to get together on their own accord and work this out. THEN present their solutions to the board. Should the board not decide that their solutions are correct, I'd say it's up to the people to decide the correct course of action after that. Should they accept, then American mettle will have been tested and not found lacking. and my faith in this community might be restored, but a tiny fraction. (more)

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on January 1, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Organization is the key to success in this venture folks. I'm not sure who the leadership of the PTA/o's are anymore. However, I believe there are enough folks out there that truly care about their kids to get off their hind quarters and get organized. I believe Mrs. Julie Swann is one of them. If not she's definitely someone to consider. Mr. Dennis McCall as well. I've visited teh BCSD's various sites, and can't find any names to any PTA/O's. But this is a small community in which everyone knows everyone else. I suggest that if you do know someone with those connections get them talking, get them organizing.
The 2 mile radius rule will take real and actual effort folks. Be cognizant of that fact. It will require a real plan of crossing guards to actually show up everyday to be effective. Perhaps the parents of kids that live in the two mile radius would care for the corner nearest to their home. lol See? That's easy peasy.
So let's do this.
Talk it up, make the phone calls, get organized. Name your leaders, and participate in YOUR community. I'll do my part right now. I'll let you know how it goes.

Posted by former2greenville (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do the lights stay on all the time? I know they do at Greenville High School.

Posted by former2greenville (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have followed this post with interest. I am a former teacher from Greenville High School, having left unhappy(although I hear that the most recent changes at GHS have been very positive). As a teacher, I did not feel that my input was valued or considered when decisions were made. I felt that those making certain decisions were not as informed as they should have been to be making such decisions.

As for the money crunch-- I saw a few areas that could have been managed with more efficiency. Personnel (non-certified) could have been time managed more carefully as to consolidated positions. A more tolerant dress code would lead to far less uniform violations... taking up less administrator time so those admins could focus on more important issues. The lights stayed on throughout the school all the time-- night, day, weekends, holidays. There was little guidance given on the thermostat levels. A car was given away that did not serve as a motivator for many students (research shows that students are more motivated by immediate rewards, not a reward that is delayed or given on a raffle basis). And let's not get started on the new practice facilities and tennis courts. Yes, the funding for these often come from resources outside of the general fund (grants and allotments). But not always....

Central office is completely too top heavy. I know positions have been changed and supposedly consolidated but just moving a CO staff member to be based from a school does not eliminate the fact that they are extra staff. How about this idea... stop creating staff that evaluate teachers and start helping teachers... not pressuring them?! (Ask any BC teacher about the walk-throughs and lovely little colored forms).

The good things that are going on at GHS-- wonderful, caring teachers who go far beyond the extra mile! I hope the new admin there is able to retain and raise morale. I've moved on and am happy but wish the best to those dedicated teachers.

Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Close the alternative schools. When I was a student at Greenville High School in the mid-60's the only alternative to bad behavior was home. 10-4 and out.

Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just love the Greenville Advocate insert provided by the BOE called "What Ever It Takes". But a name change should be considered, "What Ever it Costs". That would be more in line with the management thinking by the BOE.

Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on January 2, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll explain my comments further no worries. The key to anything is organization. Getting out and talking this up is the first step in that. Not freelancing so much as individual accord. Inevitably there are leaders among the People. It is intrinsic within those people to take the initiative, and get organized.
As to the existing organizaations I'm not even sure they exist. If they do they've not done a great job of promotions. I know GES has a PTA. When I was Prez of WOP's PTA I suggested we break from the national PTA and create our own PTO. There was no help from the national or state offices and I'll tell you why first hand. Our roll numbers weren't sufficient for them to place any sort of field operator in our area. In other words we didn't generate enough money for them to put any effort into it. This means (to me anyways) they'd reneged on their end of the bargain, and so we should have bounced them. Kept the membership dues and used that money to effect positive change in OUR schools not Vespia Hills' schools. lol Alas, I was laughed at and scolded for being crazy, liberal, etc etc.
Also, as kids get older the PTAs tend to shrink. For example WOP's roll were about 300 members (we had 700 students) out of those I'd say there were perhaps 20-30 people that were parents and not teachers that actually went to the school and helped. That's a VERY generous number of course. In truth I'd say there were...6 actual folks that did what they could.

Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In reference to alternative school. When I was in school, there was no alternative school. You were either paddled, suspended, or got detention after school. Seems to me these three options would get through to some of the troublemakers. A paddling would get their attention, suspension would tick off their parents, cause then they would have to do something with them, and detention after school would take away the culprits free time and would use staff already at the school. This would allow the release of the special teachers hired to teach the alternative school and save money there. I say detention school should be implemented back into our schools. Sure did me some good back in the good old days. Hey!! Maybe Looney and the Looney Toons could GIVE of their time to each school for detention hall.