| Moderated by: EditorPS | ||
| Author | Post | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Southwestparent Member
|
Many of you might not know but its imperative that if the November school Bond gets passed the Airports middle and High schools must be included. Northwest HS has grown by just over 100 children each year for the last four years. With 2400 enrolled this year even if they take out a certain amount for the new Northern HS next year (I think its 500?) with that kind of growth by 2011 the school will be at the same level again. At the recent Bond forums organised by the school board Southeast parents made a great campaign for their schools. They "will" get more money for those schools which means one thing. SOmething needs to come off the list. Dot Kearns has already gone on record that she in favor of nixing the Airport schools!!!!! Regardless if you supprt the school bonds the Airport schools need to be on that list. What happens if the bond passes and they are not? Its time to write to the school board. West Guilford County needs the Airport schools. |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member 
|
What was Dot Kearns' justification for "nixing" the airport schools????? |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
Southwestparent wrote: Many of you might not know but its imperative that if the November school Bond gets passed the Airports middle and High schools must be included. Is there any definition of what is meant by the term 'airport schools'? When were these schools first planned or discussed? Which school districts would they affect? |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
I believe these have been discussed for at least a couple of years, and were proposed to serve the "airport area," no particular district, as district lines can be re-drawn. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
Macca, Thanks. I just wasn't familiar with the planning or terms. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
I can not find anything on the internet under the GCS or TV news station, as to why Dot Kearns is throwing in the towel to nix the airport middle and high school. This is a rediculous suggestion. I do agree that these schools need to be built, nor do I want to take away from Southeast. But after looking over the suggested proprosal and the individual projects that are being planned in the future. It certainly looks as though smarter and wiser resolutions could be made. Did NW just have a renovation of some sort a couple of years ago? I know a cafeteria and a new media center was added, but was not a gym added or not? I can't remember. But it appears it would be more cost effective in order to accomodate needs for both the NW and the SE part of the county if: 1) nix the Southeast MS auxillary gym, media & dining expansion cost $9,616,828 (this cost would be absorbed in the new school.) Nix all gym renovations and atheletic facility improvements (unless it needs repair d/t safety issues)--this could be proposed later--new schools are more important now. 2) Reduce the cost of projected airport high school (it is showing currently at $66,337,00 to build this school + the site. Northern cost half of this. A green school would be awesome and is currently what Northern has, but is it affordable at this time? The Winston Salem Forsyth county school systems can build schools for even less. I also see $2,000,00.oo for video surveillanc system wide, and $1,000,000.00 for system wide tennis improvements, and $2,000,000.00 for system wide track improvements. Do all the schools need this? My suggestion may seem rediculous to some, but it is just a suggestion. I have a hard time trying accept these bond referrendums, for the proposed school projects, when in the long run, I feel shorted. This is my money and yours that will have to be paid back---so let's make sure -- we get what is definitely needed. And if anyone can help change my opinion please do, because education is very important. Last edited on May 3rd, 2007 07:49 pm by GRITS |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
I would imagine that the Airport schools will be in the Colfax area. The exact location is unknown at this time. These schools are the solution for the growth in the west of Guilford County that is overcrowding both Northwest and Southwest schools. Dot Kearns is mixing her High Point agenda with the Airport High School and middle school proposal. Northwest and North High Point need these schools. Here is what Kearns said to the News and record. "Kearns said she supported adding classrooms to Southwest to limit the use of mobile classrooms but might nix the proposed airport-area middle and high schools" . Anyway, the message is that something will have to go out of the 450 million total. If you want to have avoid overcrowding at NW it must be on the bond list. |
|||||||||||
|
Baseball Buddy Member 
|
I'M sorry, but I'm confused, is it SW or SE? |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
Southwest Middle and High are almost directly South of the Northwest schools on the other side of 40. The Airport schools would be located almost exactly in between the two sets of schools in the Colfax area. YOu might look at this just like the Northern concept. Northern took the pressure off Northwest and relieved it. The Airport will do the same but from the other side. "Southeast" parents have lobbied the school board to improve their schools. They were about the only significant parent group to turn up at the recent bond forums ran by the school board. A significant amount of money or projects will have to come off the current list to fit in what the Southeast parents want. I know this school board. They will give the Southeast parents what the want and cut something else off. It seems like Dot Kearns wants to cut the airport schools. With the growth in North High Point, The growth in Northwest and the heart of the triad etc these schools will be needed. We will live with the results of this bond for many years. We cant let Dot Kearns take away these much needed schools. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Will this help with some of the other overcrowding at NW? The Northern really has not relieved much of the overcrowding issue at all. l |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
That is the idea. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Being the general pain-in-the-butt to the school board for the past 20 years (mention my name and watch them cringe) I have a little more insight on the Airport Schools issues you might find interesting. First, the overcrowding issue is the push for the new schools. No property has been located or purchased, but it would likely be located in the I-40 area on the western edge of the county. The idea would be to draw students from Northwest, Western, and Southwest schools. One immediate problem is land. The proposed area is heavily industrial, and land costs are astronomical. Dot Kearns is generally opposed to any school solution that doesn't focus on the most needy schools/students. A nice thought, but you can't ignore the overcrowding in the NW area - well.... we can't, but she will. Now that being said, don't think for a second that Dot isn't a master politician. She knows darn good and well that a bond will not pass without two blocks of votes. They have to have the Greensboro inner city vote and they have to have the NW area vote. What she's doing is setting the stage for a "compromise". She's eventually going to come out with a position that she was never against the airport schools, but she was most concerned for the poorer kids/schools. Then she'll offer up a carrot (minimal funding for the airport schools that are placed at the very bottom of the construction list) as long as the NW area agrees to support a bond for all the stuff she sees as important. As far as costs - not one single BOE member can answer the question as to why construction of a school in Guilford County costs almost double that of Forsyth County. Forsyth just finished a new high school for $48 million. The proposed airport HS has a projected price tag of $81 million. It's not the cost of land either. While land might cost a little more, we aren't talking double the price per acre. The reality is that the administration wants these huge monuments to the education process instead of functional schools that educate our kids. A prime example of this is Southeast HS. Burned to the ground. The BOE wants enough money to duplicate Northern HS. The problem is that the foundation is already there, the sewer and water and electric service is there. The parking is there. The site is already graded. In fact, the BOE wants to borrow money even though it has $30 million in unspent bond money sitting in the bank not earmarked for any other project. They haven't even filed a claim with the insurance company to get money for reconstruction. The behind the scene reality is that the administration wants to use the additional money for new programs and added "stuff" that they can't fund otherwise. Here's another question the administration can't or won't answer - How much money has been donated to reconstruct SE high? Shouldn't that money get figured in to the request? How about this - everyone that insures a home has a policy that covers the replacement cost of the structure and it's contents. A fiscally responsible administration would do the same for the schools. Yet we continually hear that there's not enough money to replace the school with insurance money. Well, if you try to put an $80 million "green" school out there, probably not. The reality is that the airport schools will be on the next bond referendum. Where on the list remains to be seen. Just remember this - Guilford County taxpayers have provided over $1 Billion dollars (that's billion with a big "B") in the past 7 years. How many schools could you build with a billion dollars? And consider that projects from every bond referendum are left incomplete because of cost overruns and poor planning. A bond referendum is a promise to build schools if we provide "x" dollars. The BOE and administration are notorious for breaking this promise. Finally, it's hard to support a bond package when the BOE drops school projects from the list approved by voters and uses the money to start or build other projects. Just ask the Jamestown parents how they feel about seeing their school projects cancelled so a 9th grade academy could be started at Smith HS. There's more information, but it gets depressing to think about it all. Sorry for the long post. I'm just venting. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
mstone wrote:
Never mind, I went back and re-read year post, and you have already answered it. So, the "Green School" is the cause for inflammation correct? Your information provided only supports my negative opinions not to vote for the bond. Trust me, everyone, I want the new school as well. The BOE needs to start delivering what they have promised in the past in order to move forward if they want support from the NW community. Also, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't we just vote on school bond in last November's election? What was it for, I honestly can't remember. Last edited on May 4th, 2007 07:14 pm by GRITS |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
Vote no for the bond by all means but the first battle is to keep them on the list. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
GRITS wrote: So, the "Green School" is the cause for inflammation correct? Grits, Not exactly. "Green schools" add significant costs, but opinions vary on how much. I think that the inflated numbers are primarily due to the fact that the administration (and ultimately the BOE) have decided to build monuments rather than school houses. There's absolutlely no need for some of the tweaks and gadgets put in schools. The buildings are high-dollar brick, ornamental, and architechturally magnificent. Spare no expense to make each school a grand experience when you enter. Then you've got charter schools and private schools that don't have all that fancy stuff turning out kids with tremendous educations. If the BOE would put the money into the schools (teachers and academics) instead of structures, then we'd all be better off. I propose that Guilford County schools have 3 blueprints for schools. One each for Elementary, Middle, and High schools. You need a high school, pull out a plan. They all are identical. Basic materials, nothing fancy. Contractor know exactly what they are getting in to when they bid. Since materials are already identified, there's savings there as well. No more design teams - no high dollar architechs - just educational facilities. PERIOD. Put it this way... if I gave you 80 million and told you to build as many schools as possible that would provide a safe, efficient, and productive environment for learning - how many would I get? With our BOE in Guilford County - maybe one, but not likely. In Forsyth - 2. In Davidson - almost 3. WHY? |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
You are so correct---I thought about this budget for the bond referrendum, and started actually thinking that all the numbers were inflated, and why is there still 30 mil in the bank that the BOE will do anything with. I agree there does not need to be fancy gadgets or monuments presentable at the entrance of a school as long as a child is receiving the proper education. If my child would receive an excellent education I would recommend Laughlin if the correct educators were in place. I do not think there has to be top of the art architectural structures for education. Just look at Northern. There is supposed to be a very impressive dinosaur fossil that cost x amount of dollars but that is not impressive to me, I think it is too small to be seen, and hangs up too high. But that is beside the point. It is just an example of "WASTED" money. Have you presented your suggestions to the school board? I support what you are saying. Decrease cost, get rid of crap, build more schools, and hire intellectual educators. |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
BOE, Prioritise, Seats, Seats, Seats. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Seats most definitely |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
Okay, I know this is kind of off the subject but not exactly. My comments fit better here than anywhere else available at this time.... It has to do with the GCS Administration and BOE needing to prove itself to everyone.... What is up with the interaction between Linda Shaw and Terry Grier at the County Commissioners' meeting last night? He went there asking for $$$ to help pay for rebuilding Eastern Guilford and Mrs. Shaw informed him that she had heard Insurance Commissioner Jim Long say yesterday that the school system would be getting around $40 million in insurance $$. Grier said he'd heard nothing from Long but the GCS attorney thinks the system will get no more than $20 million.... This is in addition to the $31 million in the bank left over from other projects..... Yet schools don't get all the things they need to best serve our children. And I agree totally about how we just need basic buildings, not all these things to make them look impressive... |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
macca wrote: Okay, I know this is kind of off the subject but not exactly. My comments fit better here than anywhere else available at this time.... Sounds as if Grier is already putting 20 million in with that 31 million that doesn't seem to go toward what it is intended to. Remember those Get Grier Out of Here Posters a couple years ago? Everyone needs to start digging them up and displaying them again. |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
I personally dont agree with those magnets. Dialogue with the board works much better. |
|||||||||||
|
Cracker Jax Member 
|
Oh I agree with those magnets and the signs and anything else we can do to get Grier outta here. I still have the ones I collected back in the day.... Dialogue is lovely, but it's not working. They pretend to listen to us and don't even look up when folks are doing the silly hand waving thing. Then they (most of them) vote the way they intended to all along....blindly following the master plan that Grier and Duncan have mapped out. I won't vote for any more school bonds or anything else school related until they stop renewing Grier's contracts and stop raising his salary. mstone, you keep makin' them cringe! |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
I had all the Grier magnets that ever existed on my car and all it ever got me and my community of North High Point was grief. We have been called racists you name it.... We recently got our community back together in Southwest by showing the school board the facts. The facts were that the High Point redistricting had driven a bunch of people out of the public school system. High Point was the only area in the County with negative growth and it was all the middle class that had gone. They need they middle class kids in the system. It costs the system twice as much to eduacte a dis advantaged child. You cant force people to attend a school that they dont want to go to. For the first time we got the vote. Thats why I am against the magnets. Just keep hitting them with the facts. If you really want to do magnets them invent another. Those old magnets ("Get TG out of here" and "honk if you have been grier ended") are linked to Southwest parents and all we want now is for the school board to leave us alone. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Cracker Jax wrote:
I want vote for another until a whole entire new board is in place. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
GRITS wrote: I want vote for another until a whole entire new board is in place. Grits, in that case, you probably WON'T be voting for a very long time. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
you are probably right! But I think everyone should let the BOE understand that we want our promises to be kept and fulfilled, and stop inflating the estimated prices for projected prices and get on with what is important. That is education, and not making somebody elses wallet fatter. Guilford County is just beginning to pay back that 1 billion dollars that voters have agreed to. The county is still needing schools to be built to relieve overcrowding. NW was intended to decrease their student capacity with help of Northern. Instead, I believe the relief helped NE which was by far no where the over capacity limit of NW. Come on we don't we don't need a genius to figure this out. Over inflated cost are saved to pay for projects that want to be tested that can't be funded by other grants. Thirty million extra in the bank from the last bond could and should be used to build that extra school that was promised to the tax payers in order to get voters to vote yes. Give us what you (BOE) said you were going to give us with that extra cash. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Boy, I need an education or an extra cup of coffee, I just realized how I spelt won't. Dah! Don't redicule to harshly, it's Saturday morning and I am allowed to be brain lazy. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Southwestparent wrote: Vote no for the bond by all means but the first battle is to keep them on the list. How do we do this? If the bond didn't pass, how does that keep NW, SW and the airport schools on the list. Help me understand this. |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
Simple. What happens if NW and SW area people all take the attitude that they will vote no, bury their head in the sand, and the Airport schools get taken off by Kearns. When if the rest of Guilford County vote yes then we live with over crowded schools. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
GRITS wrote:
GRITS, Presented my suggestions? Yeah. Were they well received? NO. The administrators and BOE are polite, but you get the feeling talking with them that we parents and citizens are more of a nuisance than anything else. I've spoken to them countless times and offered my suggestions and volunteered to help in any way I could. Do you think I've received one call asking to contribute or help? Nope! Presented my suggestions? I ran (unsuccessfully) for the BOE in 2000. I chose not to run in 2004 because I felt Darlene Garrett was attempting to push for changes and her votes were pretty much in line with how I would have voted. The difference is style. I'm assertive and some may even say aggressive when it come to education issues. That said, I won't sit on the sidelines again. That was a mistake. I'll run for the BOE again in 2008. Until then, we (parents and taxpayers) must continue to demand better from the BOE and the administration. They aren't going to ask for our ideas or help (when was the last time you heard of a public meeting where there was a 2-way exchange of ideas involving the BOE and citizens?). We've got to make them listen somehow. |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
I have just re-read my post. Maybe I am still not clear. When the bond is voted on there will be a list of projects. The Airport schools will either be on it or not. Kearns is gunning to take them off. Clear? |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
MStone, It sounds like you will get a lot of votes. You are just what we need. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Southwestparent wrote: I have just re-read my post. Maybe I am still not clear. Not exactly. Yes, there will be a list of projects and the airport sholls will either be on or off that list (count on them being on it). As I posted earlier, the threat by Kearns to take the airport area schools off the bond list is a political ploy to force her ideas and projects into the bond referendum. She'll support the airport schools eventually as long as she gets her pet projects higher on the list. The bigger threat is that she and other BOE members will put the airport schools so far down the list that they won't get built because they run out of money with projects higher on the list. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Southwestparent wrote: MStone, Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them. Getting a lot of votes would be nice. Getting a majority of votes is my goal.  |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
BTW, the dinosaur was donated-- didn't cost us anything (thank goodness) |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
macca wrote: Okay, I know this is kind of off the subject but not exactly. My comments fit better here than anywhere else available at this time.... Hey Macca, I happened to catch this request by TG and the county commissioners yesterday on public TV. The commissioners were basically just wondering why was the BOE coming to them asking for assistance with funding the building of Eastern Guilford. All the commissioners just laid the figures out on the table that already showed there was enough cash flow to get the project going. None, to my knowledge disagreed not to help, but the request should come toward the end of the project to pay for anything not cover with money already available. I personally can't understand the logic behind the insurance money--Shaw says 20 mil, Grier says 10 mil, the GCS attorney says 8mil. But, I also hear it was insured for 16 mil. I can't keep up. Realistically, when all figures were disclosed, 31 mil from past bond, 16 mil from lottery sales, 10 mil from insurance--that total amount sum should have gotten the ball rolling. I as a tax payer I do not disagree with using the extra bond money to use for "emergency funds" as Grier kept referring to. Eastern burning down, certainly is an emergency, as long as the other projects don't get tossed out. I felt like TG and the attorney were talking out of both sides of their mouth to put up a good argument., and to ensure that they would not have to use GCS designated funds (which have not been certified or signed off on according to TG yesterday.) |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
If a school burning to the ground isn't an emergency I would like to know what would be. I think anyone would understand if a current project that had not been started was delayed to take care of an emergency. I don't mean to not do the proposed projects, but delay it while the kids without a school get some help. |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
I don't think anyone has said that Eastern shouldn't be rebuilt. I think the question was about how much money was available vs how much GCS/Grier is asking the county for. It appears there is money to get going with this project -- the sooner the better. My post had to do with how people don't trust Dr. Grier/BOE, and it was meant to reinforce the belief that is going to be hard to get support for another bond, regardless of how much we need more schools. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Here's an interesting note to consider from today's Davie County Enterprise Record: Davie elections officials are expecting thousands of county residents to go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether a second high school will be built anytime soon. If approved, the vote would allow Davie County to borrow $37 million, $30 million for a new high school on property the county owns in Smith Grove, and $7 million for renovations to the current Davie County High School. Did you catch that??? Davie County can build a high school for $30 million. What is wrong with Guilford County that they can't seem to consider a high school project for less than double that amount. If Davie County can build a school for $30M on property they own, shouldn't the BOE be able to do the same at Eastern? hmmmmmm. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
We all agree that this is an emergency issue, and that never was a question to address. Grier knows that this is an emergency (so why is he dragging his feet), he has a significant amount of $$, and the site is already there to start rebuilding. Expanding the size of the building is a wise decision to be prepared and readily capable of prospected future growth. But Macca has supported what is in question as far the BOE not wanting to use the current available money. And MSTONE supports why can other counties build schools for half of what GC can, especially when the land is currently there. The county commissioners seem concerned about this as well. It doesn't add up. These are questions everybody should want answered before asking for more money. Grier doesn't even have the 31 mil allocated to any specific project at this time. He keeps reinforcing Jamestown only because the county has chastised him in the past regarding reasons for not already building this elementry school. This pretty much sums up my support for not voting yes on the bond in November. Guilford County is digging itself into a huge whole. Sad thing about it though is, I don't doubt for a minute that the bond will not pass., and watch the 31 mil double and not be allocated on any project. Guilford Co. high school approx. 61 mil $$$$ Davie/Forsyth high school approx. 30 mil $$$ Big problem especially when you already of the land. Last edited on May 7th, 2007 10:58 pm by GRITS |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
mstone wrote: If Davie County can build a school for $30M on property they own, shouldn't the BOE be able to do the same at Eastern? hmmmmmm. Are the two proposed schools the exact same size and are the construction materials and process the same? Are the Davie County and Eastern Guilford schools proposed a fairly exact apples for apples comparison? You can construct two houses from the same house plans for a similar if not exact price. But you cannot build a 5,000 square foot house for the same price as a 2,500 square foot house, nor can you construct a brick home for the same price as one with wood siding. One story construction is going to be different in costs than two story construction. I do agree however that Guilford County could build schools on a more efficient cost effective basis than what they are currently costing taxpayers. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Jim Flynt wrote: mstone wrote:If Davie County can build a school for $30M on property they own, shouldn't the BOE be able to do the same at Eastern? hmmmmmm. Since Davie County hasn't voted on the bond yet, it's unknown what size in sq ft it will be. The building committee has assembled a design team of community volunteers to help with planning if/when the bond passes - an excellent approach, by the way. What we do know is that they are projecting an enrollment of 2050 students that would be split between the existing high school and the proposed school. My math says that means they are going to build a school that holds roughly 1100 students. That's pretty close to what we build here. As for construction materials and processes, I don't know, but I can only assume that whatever is built will meet all building codes and will provide a safe environment for learning. I believe that's part of the issue in Guilford County. The BOE isn't satisfied with a school. They want flash, flare, style, and hoopla. It's gotta be a grand, luxurious, and opulent educational facility. You can't have just a school here. By stark comparison, the Davie County BOE reports: "For $30 million the new school will have all of the necessities that any high school must have, such as classrooms, a media center, computer and science labs, a gym, offices, a cafeteria, and athletic fields. The Second High School Design Committee will have some input into the design of the new school. It will take the new school time to acquire many of the features the existing school has in place. There will be practice/playing fields for all field sports and a gymnasium for court sports. The field facilities will be sufficient to play games but certainly not on the level of Davie High's stadium area. Over time, the facility will evolve and improve with school and booster assistance/projects, just as Davie High has done." This sounds like a sensible approach to me. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
mstone wrote: This sounds like a sensible approach to me. I agree. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Can anybody inform me where the funding comes from for buses? All schools can use more buses. I do not see anything on the bond designating funds to go towards new or extra buses for GC. |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
Buses are funded yearly by the budget; both local and state dollars. The transportation office is asking for 10 new buses this year for the county. I spoke to Jeff Harris about this last week at a meeting for Northern HS. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Thanks DMauser. That is just 10 for the entire GC? Where will the ten be distributed? Is there a reason for so few (besides resources)? |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
just limited by money and what Jeff sees as need-- Northern will be getting several, and of course they have to rearrange by need in each school. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
dmauser wrote: just limited by money I wonder what one of those suckers cost? I'll bet they aren't cheap. |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
I have no idea, but I do think the state lets the county pay for them over a period like a lease. The budget will be hard hit this year with gas prices so high, although hopefully the warm winter will lower cost on heating to balance that out. I watched some of the budget discussion last night, it is unbelievable how complex it is.. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
mstone wrote: Here's an interesting note to consider from today's Davie County Enterprise Record: Mike an interesting follow up in the news tonight from down in Davie County. As reported by WFMY Channel 2 News: All the votes are in. Mocksville, NC -- Voters in Davie County have rejected a plan to build a new high school. Davie County Board of Elections has tallied all the votes. With 14 out of 14 precincts reporting and more than 3,000 early and absentee ballots counted, Davie County residents voted 38.1% for the bond referendum and 61.9% against it. The $37 million referendum is to build a second high school in the northeastern part of the county. Currently there is only one high school in the county. It serves nearly 1,800 students, though it was built to only serve 1,300. The bond referendum also included $7 million for renovations at Davie High School. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
You have to wonder what the folks in Davie County are thinking. I saw a news report that the folks that were opposed to the bond don't want 2 high schools. They only want the existing Davie HS and would support expanding it. I also heard that they are going to combat some of the overcrowding by opening a 9th grade academy. I'm not sure how many students you can put in a single high school. Is 1800 students a reasonable number??? I guess you can assume that 25% of the students are 9th graders, so the school population will be 1350 next year, but aren't they just delaying the inevitable? |
|||||||||||
|
dmauser Member
|
Most educational things I have read say that smaller schools are better, with hs being good at 12-1400. Most in our county are well over 1400. Northern is being built for 1200 with a core (cafeteria/gym) of 1600. There will be about 8 classrooms that will not be finished when we open- only when needed. Change is hard, and I fear that they think the new will be better (in my opinion it will be newer and that does not mean better), divide loyalities in the county, cost money. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
dmauser, It sounds like the folks that voted against the bond had the same information as you. If they're going to have 1200+ kids in the hs by starting a 9th grade academy, then the numbers say they'll be OK for a few years. I'm not thrilled with 1400 students, but there's a huge balancing act between smaller schools and costs to the taxpayer. I agree change is hard. Changing tradition is probably even harder. The folks voting against this probably grew up with the one unified hs. Not separating the kids avoided changing tradition.... for now. I hope they don't live to regret this decision - for the sake of the students. What still floors me is that they were going to build a 1200 seat hs for $30M. |
|||||||||||
|
Southwestparent Member
|
I dont think its right for the school Board to include Eastern into the Bond referendum. Its a clear attempt to get the sympathy vote. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
What is really surprising to me why the bond didn't pass in Davidson Co, is more people are more against the location where the new high school was going to be built. The accusations, even from the previous denied bond, were that the school was going to the wealthier sections of Davidson Co. I bet if the school board came back and decided to find land located closer to the old school, the same people that voted no, would be in support of the bond passing. These parents really need to more concerned about their current schools expected growth. They would not like being Northwest for a year having to put up with the hassles of dealing with no space, no where to eat lunch, no where to park, eating lunch at non-appropriate times such as 130pm, and the list could go on. They should also feel lucky that they have a school board that can build a school with $30 million dollars. And Southwest parent, I don't exactly think the bond will pass with Eastern as the sympathy vote. The public is too aware of what is currently going on with Grier in this particular situation, and people just do not trust him. The bond will pass because parents want new schools, and yes they are needed---many just don't question the logic behind the expenditures, where as they should. As far as Eastern being on the list, no, I agree it should not be included since monies are expected from other sources. But, that is the entire argument. |
|||||||||||
|
ff12 Member 
|
The cost to build a school in Guilford Co. was around $190+/- $5. In SC it cost $119 per sq. ft. I don't why but I think we need to find out. |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
From this morning's Washington Post: The Big Squeeze: Why a School Can Cost $100 Million By Susan DeFord Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, May 10, 2007; Page SM01 Howard County parent Cindy Ardinger has long pushed for a big fix at 40-year-old Mount Hebron High School, where the hallways are cramped, the walls are cracked and wastewater has backed up in classrooms. But tearing down the school and building new, school officials say, could cost $90 million. Ardinger's reaction: "Are you crazy? Why is it so expensive to build a school here?" Actually, it's quite costly to build a school anywhere in Maryland. The good old days of six or seven years ago, when a high school could be built for $40 million, are a quickly receding memory. To read the rest of this story, follow the weblink below: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/09/AR2007050900048.html?referrer=email |
|||||||||||
|
E.C. Huey Member
|
I too think the bond will have a hard time at the polls. I'm not a fan of it because I think it will create more debt and we need to trim the fat and the pork and the waste downtown before we create anymore debt. There's got to be a better way to fund and build schools for our children. If there is, I'm listening. E.C. Huey http://www.hueyforguilfordschoolboard.org |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
E.C. Huey wrote: I too think the bond will have a hard time at the polls. I'm not a fan of it because I think it will create more debt and we need to trim the fat and the pork and the waste downtown before we create anymore debt. There's got to be a better way to fund and build schools for our children. If there is, I'm listening. Okay, can you give me an itemized list of how cost was formulated to come up with $61 million for a new school in GC? How does that same list compare to other counties that is building hs for half? I want to hear more of your ideas toward a solution to give the county more schools at half the cost. |
|||||||||||
|
E.C. Huey Member
|
Part of the issue, Grits, is that in my opinion, I don't think we really that "green" of a school. We need to have functioning schools, with functioning teachers and students. Flushing toilets with runoff rainwater is a luxury, not a necessity. Secondly, I tend to agree with what Garth Hebert told the Rhino not long ago, it costs a premium to build schools in Guilford Co. partly because of the issues surrounding MWBE rules. Because the rules were made more stringent, it has turned, I'm told, more contractors off from building in Guilford Co. The playing field needs to be even, yes, but not a result of building schools at a premium in Guilford Co. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
HELP with the lingo MWBE? |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
GRITS wrote: HELP with the lingo MWBE? MWBE = Minority and Women Business Enterprise. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Thanks Jim, I really didn't know. |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
GRITS wrote:Thanks Jim, I really didn't know. You must not have attended/watched any of the BOE meetings when they have discussed awarding of bids on construction. This has been Deena Hayes' cause, even though there haven't always been bids from minority or women-owned companies..... It seems she thinks GCS should do more to make sure these companies are bidding..... Yet, as someone else pointed out earlier, this scrutiny has made some companies that may be more competitive quit bidding. I've heard that there are companies that build all over the state, some of whom are based in and around Guilford County, who do not bid on GCS construction projects. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
Thanks, Macca--you are correct. |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
Jim Flynt wrote:GRITS wrote:HELP with the lingo MWBE? macca wrote: GRITS wrote: GRITS wrote: Thanks, Macca--you are correct. GRTIS: Wasn't trying to be rude or anything -- Just making a point about Hayes and this whole issue.... |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
I know Macca, I didn't think that you were trying to be. I am familar with that group, just not the abbreviation. I plan to read up on this when I get a chance. |
|||||||||||
|
Cracker Jax Member
|
What? Nobody welcomed our new member? Shame on ya'll! Welcome to the forum EC Huey!!!!! We look forward to hearing more from you as the election approaches! |
|||||||||||
|
macca Member
|
Oh, Crackah! You put us to shame! We are gettin' slack.... Welcome, E. C. Huey! We always like to hear new ideas, especially concerning our BOE! |
|||||||||||
|
DOGGETTJA Member 
|
I understand that the Northern schools have an extemely expensive septic system that is expensive to maintain and generally used in areas with poor soils. Can't imagine on that huge piece of property a much cheaper conventional septic system couldn't have been put. If we vote against the bonds then we continue to be behind and if we vote for the bonds then th BOE wastes the money. I agree mstone we need a building that children can learn in, stay safe in, warm and/or cool. We do not need these mega monuments MacSchools that GC insists on wasting our money on. We try to vote responsible people in but they all seem to have such diverse adendas having little to do with the education of our children. We seem to have a group of people who have totally lost sight of what the purpose of their position is. |
|||||||||||
|
Steve Adkins Member 
|
Jim Flynt wrote: MWBE = Minority and Women Business Enterprise. I was interested to see this definition, as I was also lost on the meaning of the acronym. My company is also heavily into MBE's, hadn't heard this extension of the definition before. It's very suitable. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
DOGGETTJA wrote: We try to vote responsible people in but they all seem to have such diverse adendas having little to do with the education of our children. We seem to have a group of people who have totally lost sight of what the purpose of their position is. Here's the really disturbing part... If you've attended and/or watched as many BOE meetings as I have you quickly realize that this group meets more than any other board or council in the county, yet the vast majority of thier discussions have very little to do with educating our children. For the life of me I can't understand why they get involved in half of the discussions that consume their time. You're right - we need representatives whose only agenda is to carry out the mandate of providing superior educational opportunities. |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Steve Adkins wrote: Jim Flynt wrote:MWBE = Minority and Women Business Enterprise. How about... Massive Wasteful Bureaucracy Everywhere !!!  |
|||||||||||
|
Jim Flynt Member
|
mstone wrote: Jim Flynt wrote:MWBE = Minority and Women Business Enterprise. North Carolina General Statute 143-128.2 http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_143/GS_143-128.2.html http://www.gcsnc.com/finance/index.htm Last edited on May 14th, 2007 04:35 am by Jim Flynt |
|||||||||||
|
mstone Member
|
Jim Flynt wrote: mstone wrote:Jim Flynt wrote:MWBE = Minority and Women Business Enterprise. Yep, I've got that regulation bookmarked in my files. While I fully understand the purpose and agree with the concept, it still adds another layer of bureaucracy to an already burdened process. That means added cost. The statute provides that, "Nothing in this section shall be construed to require contractors or awarding authorities to award contracts or subcontracts to or to make purchases of materials or equipment from minority‑business contractors or minority‑business subcontractors who do not submit the lowest responsible, responsive bid or bids." That means little to our current BOE. They are determined to increase MWBE participation regardless of the costs. By the way... the official name of the program that the Guilford County BOE uses is: MWSEDBE (Minority or Women or Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). Ain't that a mouthful !!! Last edited on May 14th, 2007 12:33 pm by mstone |
|||||||||||
|
E.C. Huey Member
|
The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the welcome. For those who don't know me, if you will go to my website, http://www.hueyforguilfordschoolboard.org, you can learn more about my campaign, look at past public/published statements I've made, look at and participate on my daily blog, and learn how you can get involved in my grass-roots effort to take back our school board so we can start putting children first. Last edited on May 14th, 2007 06:15 pm by E.C. Huey |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
E.C. Huey wrote: The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the welcome. Mr. Huey, I am pleased to see that you have taken a notion to join our forum. I am glad to note that you are making a political run to help eliminate some non-useful board members that represent GC, in great effort to benefit our children's education. Just out of curiosity, how did you stumble upon the NW observer forum, and the current topic regarding schools, bonds, referendums, and etc.. I was just curious if other board officials were reading the forum and learning just what the public is concerned about? I am pleased that you are here, and look forward to reading more post from you. ps; yes I have checked your official website, and your daily blog, and have learned that others in our community feel about the same way as us. |
|||||||||||
|
E.C. Huey Member
|
I post links to important stories on my blog dealing with public education, both locally and nationally. As a result, I check the NW Observer periodically. I saw the link to this board as it related to the proposed PTI Airport-area schools as part of the proposed mega-bond referendum and decided to lurk first before joining. I also appear on the N&R boards also periodically. In my opinion, yes, there is a lot of dead weight that needs to be removed from downtown (QUICKLY) and it is the dead weight that is holding back our children and their progress. |
|||||||||||
|
GRITS Member
|
AMEN Thanks for responding, Huey. |
|||||||||||
|
ff12 Member
|
The schools could save a lot of money if they would not provide private bus service.I am talking about their practice of using a full size bus to take one student to early college. Make them ride what should be their normal bus to school in the morning and let all the students in early college meet in the library, then take one bus to college. If it is just one student then buy a diesel jetta. I also noticed a bus that would get on 68 at Haw River rd. and go to Stafford Mill rd. with one or two students on board . This at 6:30 am. Of course the schools are a Govt. entity so they are good at wasting money. |
|||||||||||
