Southern York County Life

Crackle - 07 January 2008 10:11 PM

Pooch put some time and energy into giving the community information.  Most people don’t put that much effort into ‘stirring the pot’.  Furthermore, to create the specific incidents that Pooch wrote about, would take more time than anyone can afford.  You could read and hear the passion in the writing. 
Dish-why would say that teachers have not been held accountable in the past?  This can’t be true.  Why do we continue to hear throughout the threads that in the past teachers at SESD are not worthy of their paychecks, but now with the new accountability system we have in place at the district, the teachers are great. 
Also, federal and state laws are nothing new.  NCLB act was initiated in the 1960’s as the secondary and primary reading act.(Something like that) Yes, NCLB has been updated since then, but your writing implies that the new direction of the current administration is so innovative that the Master’s-prepared professionals that resigned couldn’t handle their assignments.
Maybe someone you are talking to about education is trying to brainwash people into believing what they want them to believe about education and the direction of the district.

I hear that pooch was recruited by students first.

Seems to me ‘Dish’ is the one who wants to “stir the pot” by making such ridiculous statements. Dish doesn’t want former employees to give facts/statements...did he/she read the topic of this tread? How else would community and staff know actual reasons for people leaving SESD? In the corporate world, political arena, etc. many individuals disclose dealing only after leaving employment. Why would the Education field be any different? Fear and intimidation can be strong factors for silence. If this thread bothers you that much, I suggest you choose not read it. That is the wonderful thing about this country....choice.

it looks to me like this is one of the fastest growing threads on here, so obviously there is MUCH concern.  I think I speak on behalf of most commentors that we THANK pooch for his comments and stories as most of us have students in SESD and need to kno of such controversary to look out for things, changes in students, etc.  As i said, i also attended and unfortunately do not give KD much credit, LOVE Stew elem. but will consider homeschooling by the time my child reaches that age BECAUSE of things that are stated by teachers, staff and kids that I know.  Facts don’t come from one mouth, when you hear them more than once there is usually truth behind them.
Once again Pooch, you are happy now which is what matters but good for you to take the time to take a stand for us!!

Is anyone keeping in mind that you are again hearing one side of the story, the administration cannot comment on or counter any of these accusations?  So, if this ‘proof’ and ‘specificity’ fits your stance on the district and adminstration, I’m sure this further justifies it for you.  It would be nice for once to see some ideas on moving forward to solutions instead of talking about past administrations, their mistakes, and the things you don’t agree with that are going on now.  Anytime a legitimate idea is presented (and yes, I am talking about some that I have made), there ends the thread.  Then a new one starts, and the open intelligent conversation and sharing of ideas goes right back to the beginning (which was nowhere).  It is no wonder that the cycles repeat themselves in this district.  I feel sorry for those who come in here and try to do good things for the district.  At this point, I don’t even know what the issues are anymore, all I know is the district has turnover (apple, cherry, cheese, I’m not sure anymore).  What do you want?  To hear that the administration is tough, made transfers without asking people for their blessing, so what, what is that getting you?

It is unfortunate that this person felt threatened at their job, sometimes we all have to make tough decisions.  Someone said earlier, when there is a change, you either rise to the occasion and do your best and be part of promoting success, or you hold onto the things made you comfortable and you resist those efforts because it’s been this way for 20 years. 

What I would like to see is some examples of how this is affecting your child’s quality of education (because if it’s about the children, let’s talk about the children!!!).  And please don’t give me the 2nd grader who cried because they lost their teacher story because if you are going to sit and cry with him, how are they going to survive in the real world.

Right on BevyJean, Right on!!!

It saddens my heart to read what this thread has become.  I’m new to this forum.  I just joined in December, 2007, when I first heard of this forum.  Now there are accusations from all over the place that my posting was orchestrated.  I wanted to bring some truth to this discussion.  That was my only intention in starting this thread. 

Please understand how I loved working for SESD.  Resigning was a very tough decision for me to make, given the great students, staff, and community.  This was a “moral dealbreaker” ,shall we say, for me.  To those that still press on and work there under paranoia, fear, and apprehension as the new contract approaches, my heart goes out to you.  I wish that those who are writing off my comments as other than sincere would realize that I have tons of better things to do with my time and because this seems futile, I will begin doing such things. 

I would also ask community members who are not aware of the board meeting where the exit interviews were presented, to think about the number that stood at the rear of the board meeting.  I was one of them.  In attendance and represented there, were such people as Tom McShane’s wife and son, John Macintosh, Bobbi Lamont, Kathy Harvey, Anna Bickford (all former administrators- who present teachers say were A+ to work with) and many former teachers.  Do you really think that all of these people are “catty” and looking to “stir the pot?” Many of us live outside the district as I stated I do.  There was time and mileage invested in attending that meeting.  Those of us that left were adament that the board face us and that we too, could face Dr. Shank and make a statement that our resignations were not coincidental.  This was not a typical resignation year.  There is a problem in SESD that needs to be faced.  Blame and try to excuse it away all she can, Dr. Shank will one day be forced to admit there is a problem.  That will be the day this district is resurrected.  I pray for all of you with a vested interest in this district that that day comes SOON.

I would like to explain a little bit about my position on this.  I honestly believe that teachers are leaving for reasons they describe.  The reasons are real and personal.  But what I want everyone to understand is that aside from the position that we have as taxpayers and essentially very active owners of the business, there is very little here that isnt seen in the rest of the world.  I have worked through jobs that sucked until I couldnt take it anymore.  Sometimes I left first, other times the thorn was pulled first.  But that is life.  Just because we are talking about a school district and putting this all in the context of education and children, doesnt really change that.  There seems to be some need to attach a nobility to teachers that I dont really understand. 

But I still love baiting some of the folks around here.

Pooch,

Don’t get discouraged by a few ‘blind’ individuals.  These are the kind of people who can’t see the forest for the trees.  I sympathize with you and the choices you had to make. Many facts and statements have been provided which support you or at least give enough cause for investigation.  I have yet to see much support for the ‘administrator’ on these threads other than generalization/speculation from two or three people.  If what you and others say is “one sided drivel”, where are the valid arguments to oppose you? The only way to correct mistakes or behavior is to be aware of them.  Everyone has the ability to do the right thing, but not everyone does.  Knowledge and truth never hurts anyone (except the guilty).

Pooch- Is it possible that you were transferred because you were a great teacher who’s skills were needed elsewhere?  Is it in your contract that you can be transferred based on the needs of the district?

JustPlainC - 08 January 2008 07:01 PM

I would like to explain a little bit about my position on this.  I honestly believe that teachers are leaving for reasons they describe.  The reasons are real and personal.  But what I want everyone to understand is that aside from the position that we have as taxpayers and essentially very active owners of the business, there is very little here that isnt seen in the rest of the world.  I have worked through jobs that sucked until I couldnt take it anymore.  Sometimes I left first, other times the thorn was pulled first.  But that is life.  Just because we are talking about a school district and putting this all in the context of education and children, doesnt really change that.  There seems to be some need to attach a nobility to teachers that I dont really understand. 

But I still love baiting some of the folks around here.

What a fabulous way to put things “in perspective” Well said.

Feel for Pooch, but you are right!