Yeah and it would have to keep all 4 schools open. No gray areas be upfront and everything in the open and only for schools I bet the .25% passes,
Interesting meeting tonight!
- Thread starter Buddy Rich
- Start date
I have spoke to a lot of people and I would say it is less than half would support it but with the right push that can change. What is surprising are the ones that want the magnet school are more open to paying the taxes. The ones that want the community schools and no change are the ones that think there should be no tax.
@Dogs none take
@Buddy, I told you that talked about "Arizona", "Spandex", and "Briefs" lol! JK.
My child was sent home a survey on how the School attended can academically challenge them....now why would they send that home.....? hmmm interesting very interesting.
@Buddy, I told you that talked about "Arizona", "Spandex", and "Briefs" lol! JK.
My child was sent home a survey on how the School attended can academically challenge them....now why would they send that home.....? hmmm interesting very interesting.
If You want to say something positive about it is " That They at least care about Our Childrens grades. Vote Them out with a good Conscience
A town hall type meeting tonight at the Waddell Center in South Albemarle with the Superintedent of the school system there to answer questions from the concerned citizens of SA. They will be greatly impacted with the closing of AHS.
On facebook it says the meeting last night was very informative and the superintendent said there would NOT be a decision made at the March meeting. Seems the board is slowing down and taking a longer look at what they are purposing to do. The superintendent said the board has yet to look at the cost of busing, placement of teachers, etc. He assured everyone that they are listening to the concerns of the people, but empathized that something has to be done about the situation with our schools. I agree with that. Even if plan A and plan B are defeated we must go in another direction. We cannot just stand by and do nothing. But I am happy that they are slowing this process down and taking a long look at other options.
Hey guys not meaning to get off topic. Tonight albemarle plays north at Pfeiffer tip is at 6 for the girls and boys will follow. Our boys are going for a undefeated regular season tonight. Should be a great game and packed house...
It will also be on 1010
This post was edited on 2/13 8:59 AM by bulldog nation2014
It will also be on 1010
This post was edited on 2/13 8:59 AM by bulldog nation2014
Sorry guys I didn't make the meeting. There isn't enough time in the day for me drive too and from Charlotte 4 out of 5 days a week. But based off of what Buddy just said, I'm telling you "They are NOT going to close down Albemarle" for some magnet school. This is just my opinion and gut feeling. The community will be irate! of that happens. Not only that, but the students in South East Albemarle will be greatly effected. We just need to figure out who's bone head idea was this and make sure to vote for the other person.
Like I said, my child was sent home a survey on how to make the school programs better. They are truly listening to the concerns of the community and trying to figure this situation out obviously. But shutting down Albemarle, South Stanly, and a few elementary schools is not the way to fix this issue. Just increase taxes, invest back into the schools ie ( More teachers, more programs, out reach programs etc) and be done with it.
There will be football in Albemarle come August.....
Like I said, my child was sent home a survey on how to make the school programs better. They are truly listening to the concerns of the community and trying to figure this situation out obviously. But shutting down Albemarle, South Stanly, and a few elementary schools is not the way to fix this issue. Just increase taxes, invest back into the schools ie ( More teachers, more programs, out reach programs etc) and be done with it.
There will be football in Albemarle come August.....
Sway if SCS gets additional money from the County Commissioners that is drastically needed did this board not do exactly what needed to be done? I am not sure what the main goal of the BOE really was. Was it to get a magnet, close schools, or just finally do something so extreme that the community would get up which would push this to the forefront of county politics.
Go to a board meeting, whether school, city council, or county commissioners. There will be almost no one there because no one really cares or is willing to get involved. Do something that will make a drastic change in people's lives and the seats fill up.
Long way to go from here. A few years from now we may be back in this same position but with a board that will do nothing or we may have moved from a system that ranks 99th out of 119th in dollars per student to one that is in the top 25% and things are moving along much more smoothly.
This post was edited on 2/13 11:09 AM by btango
Go to a board meeting, whether school, city council, or county commissioners. There will be almost no one there because no one really cares or is willing to get involved. Do something that will make a drastic change in people's lives and the seats fill up.
Long way to go from here. A few years from now we may be back in this same position but with a board that will do nothing or we may have moved from a system that ranks 99th out of 119th in dollars per student to one that is in the top 25% and things are moving along much more smoothly.
This post was edited on 2/13 11:09 AM by btango
I agree with you Tango 100%, desperate times call for desperate measures, and if this is what the BOE was aiming at to get the higher powers involved to this epidemic that our communities are facing, then I applaud them for taking such measures. This woke up the community on "Both" sides. I have no doubt in my mind that they will get the money needed, but I fear at what "Cost" and how long they will keep it up. You are correct, we may face this issue down then road again....and again the people will come together and stop this insane proposal. But I'm an optimistic type of guy and I believe after this, Stanly County will turn a new leaf as far as education goes.
Over the last week I have been told by several fairly well informed people that the Stanly County Schools system is in worse condition than most realize from an academic standpoint and projected future standpoint.
My fear of what Stanly County will face down the road is the biggest concern. If Albemarle and South continue to see a reduction in enrollment there could be two major negatives, one being there is no option but to close schools or possibly worse the system is told by outsiders what to do. The second one is a very remote possibility but Stanly County has too many assets to not do a better job with the schools.
My fear of what Stanly County will face down the road is the biggest concern. If Albemarle and South continue to see a reduction in enrollment there could be two major negatives, one being there is no option but to close schools or possibly worse the system is told by outsiders what to do. The second one is a very remote possibility but Stanly County has too many assets to not do a better job with the schools.
I have said this before I applaud this BOE for taking action changes needed to be made however instead of crying wolf they could have actually did research instead of using 2005 reports. Additionally the community is awake now so let them be involved and make a difference. If the schools are going to be open next year they need to tell the families as kids are worried.
The schools here need more funding, however the ONLY way I see people voting for it is of there is a promise to keep the schools open, whatever is offered up to go to ONLY the schools, and if there is transparency between the BOE and the community. People don't trust them and they have not done much to win that trust. Everybody in this community must be involved in order to better our schools.
The schools here need more funding, however the ONLY way I see people voting for it is of there is a promise to keep the schools open, whatever is offered up to go to ONLY the schools, and if there is transparency between the BOE and the community. People don't trust them and they have not done much to win that trust. Everybody in this community must be involved in order to better our schools.
From parents with children that looked at the early college as an option there was something involved that I did not realize. This may not be part of the plan moving forward but the early college takes students that is partly based on a socio-economic tier system that also includes if a student's parents have college degrees. This is apparently how the program came about and is funded through state/federal money.
Sway...I don't believe any of the board members came up with this plan. Usually proposals like this are brought to the board by the Superintendent and/or administrative staff, and are based on studies done by the Department of Public Instruction or by educational consulting firms. A study of this nature was commissioned 2-3 years ago, and (like others before it) was shelved by a majority made up of Poole, Barbee, Watson, and Allen. If I remember correctly, that study also recommended the closing of East Albemarle and Oakboro, and pretty much a full redistricting throughout the county.
I posted a couple of days ago that the superintendent say there would NOT be a vote by the board on the 2 plans at the March meeting. After reading a report on SCARF it seems I was wrong. They are saying the board can call for a vote at their on discreation and don't need the superintendent's input. Just wanted to clear this up. So the board can vote at the March meeting if they so choose.
Buddy I agree but to close and consolidate schools they are required by law to take certain steps until those steps are completed they cannot take a vote. The full research has not been completed yet. The last I knew they were working on the transportation cost.
I need to unload on someone and you're the lucky one bulldognation. To be honest I don't trust this school board and what they might do. I know they have a tough job and that they are committed to doing something. I just feel like they are going off the recommendations of an independent consuling firm that were given the stats, etc of the conditions of the SCS and they made this recommendation off the numbers and nothing else. After all they have no kids in the system and would not be affected. I just don't see plan A or B as a way to accomplish what they want to do. There has GOT to be another way. Closing all these schools is NOT the way to do it. MONEY, MONEY MONEY. That's what it all comes down to. The county commissioners are players in this also and they need to step up and do what's right. FUND the school system. Period. And that's all I have to say about that!!!
Interesting questions that the BOE answered and not answered
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10206044364046552&id=1185063145
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10206044364046552&id=1185063145
Wow, must have been a really short meeting. It didn't appear to me that they could answer much of anything.
These little "community" gatherings are just for show! This decision has already been made. The Albemarle City Council, a large majority of county commissioners & 6 of 7 board members are in favor of going with Plan A. They are just working out the smaller details.
TW
TW
I think the real question is are our elected officials going to listen to the people or not. The people are really speaking out but will the city council, the board of education and the county commissioners pay any attention to them. This is what really worries me. We shall see.
Afraid that has been my gut feeling from day one. This school board is hell bent on going with plan A. Don't think they are really listening to what the people have to say. There're mind is made up. Hope they all enjoy their little bit of fame!
If Plan A is implemented and Albemarle gets a sizable number of students into the magnet program I think it will be hard to turn this around. If the magnet school is successful I expect it will become an economic marketing tool for the city/county and get a huge amount of press even outside of Stanly County. It will become the flagship for the system and this is one thing that is annoying the western Stanly contingent. They think that Albemarle gets all of the attention and funds now.
To the people that fought even the consideration of redistricting, middle schools, and possibly two brand new high schools twenty years ago should be remembered. The schools did not get to the point they are at now overnight and this plan did not start in November when this board was sworn into office.
To the people that fought even the consideration of redistricting, middle schools, and possibly two brand new high schools twenty years ago should be remembered. The schools did not get to the point they are at now overnight and this plan did not start in November when this board was sworn into office.
Btango I ask you this. There are 200 kids enrolled in the early college program and they say there will be 550 in the magnet but have yet to gather interest reports to actually show this. What makes you think they will be able to reach the 550 mark?
Additionally the capacity % on the report does the include utilizing the mobile units at west and and North?
The actual TRUE net savings is a net zero without adding buildings building new schools or consideration of cost of startup for the magnet. Where are these additonal funds coming from?
Wouldn't the magnet just be another program competing with our high schools for enrollment?
Studies repeatedly show unsuccessful academic rates as well as a negative impact on the city economies where these community schools are closed what makes this different?
Additionally if this go through you I am sure have heard the same I have where we could potentially lose another 100 kids out of our system those kids are looking to move go to charters and or private schools. Has this drop in enrollment been considered in regards to loss of funding? It obviously has or they wouldn't have shortened transfer times from 3 mos to 1 mo.
I have more based off of research I have done and others but since you seem to be pro this and obviously are getting answers nobody else is I thought this would be a great start.
Additionally the capacity % on the report does the include utilizing the mobile units at west and and North?
The actual TRUE net savings is a net zero without adding buildings building new schools or consideration of cost of startup for the magnet. Where are these additonal funds coming from?
Wouldn't the magnet just be another program competing with our high schools for enrollment?
Studies repeatedly show unsuccessful academic rates as well as a negative impact on the city economies where these community schools are closed what makes this different?
Additionally if this go through you I am sure have heard the same I have where we could potentially lose another 100 kids out of our system those kids are looking to move go to charters and or private schools. Has this drop in enrollment been considered in regards to loss of funding? It obviously has or they wouldn't have shortened transfer times from 3 mos to 1 mo.
I have more based off of research I have done and others but since you seem to be pro this and obviously are getting answers nobody else is I thought this would be a great start.
Additionally I would like to note that I am not from here originally and the school my kids came from was a school of excellence. I was moved to NC for work and one thing that was attractive to me was 1) it was in the middle of Charlotte and Raleigh and 2) the small community schools and small town.
I do not fear change I actually welcome it just as long as it is for the good of the community and kids.
I do not fear change I actually welcome it just as long as it is for the good of the community and kids.
Re: Interesting
meeting tonight![/URL]
btango posted on 2/18/2015...
If Plan A is implemented and Albemarle gets a sizable number of
students into the magnet program I think it will be hard to turn this around.
If the magnet school is successful I expect it will become an economic
marketing tool for the city/county and get a huge amount of press even outside
of Stanly County. It will become the flagship for the system and this is
one thing that is annoying the western Stanly contingent. They think that
Albemarle gets all of the attention and funds now.
To the people that fought even the consideration of redistricting, middle
schools, and possibly two brand new high schools twenty years ago should be
remembered. The schools did not get to the point they are at now
overnight and this plan did not start in November when this board was sworn
into office.
Tango, I kind of know the logistics of it, but still this is a bad move. I could be wrong, but if you say that this is a "Marketing" tool then I can insinuate that this is just business. Historically, a business becomes successful on a "Whim" correct me if I am wrong...? Economically, Albemarle should be close to Salisbury at this point of time but unfortunately do the recession 16 years ago, it has slowed down growth and hurt job creation. And if we're talking about Economics, if that recession never happened, we would not be in this situation...Economically. If I was a business man, I wouldn't base the success of my business coming to Albemarle solely off of the educational system here... Why? simple, right now I am being recruited to work remotely for a business in Hilton Head S.C. it's not that Hilton Head doesn't meet the educational requirements to recruit talented people, it's just that in a place like that, you wouldn't find that "Type" of talent. If this magnet is going to be good for Albemarle's economy please tell me how? What type of businesses are they targeting? I can bet you if Google moves its corporate headquarters to Albemarle, not a "Single" soul from the county of Stanly would be working there... Therefore the investment in a magnet school is null and void; because the employee's make enough to send their child to a school far better than any magnet school could offer and Google would still thrive. On top of that, Albemarle is not a top vacation spot if you know what I mean.
If anybody believes that a maganet school will increase Albemarle's economy and be a "Beacon" for excellence to attract businesses here are idiots, and I'm kinda sorry to say that....but it's a fact.
@Nation, Albemarle has what you call "Pride" and yes pride is a sin we know....well most of us, but to take away the legacy of what has been built at Albemarle is a true slap in the face. But the people in the community now didn't create this monster. I spoke with a guy last night who's originally from a very very small town in Mississippi. He said that there was only one highschool in the town he lived in and that children would come from at least 10-15 miles out to go to school there and they were 4A. So realistically, there should have been 1 maybe two high schools from the get go and I can guarantee that Albemarle would have been one of those high schools. But to change it after 80 years of being into existence.... bone head move.
meeting tonight![/URL]
btango posted on 2/18/2015...
If Plan A is implemented and Albemarle gets a sizable number of
students into the magnet program I think it will be hard to turn this around.
If the magnet school is successful I expect it will become an economic
marketing tool for the city/county and get a huge amount of press even outside
of Stanly County. It will become the flagship for the system and this is
one thing that is annoying the western Stanly contingent. They think that
Albemarle gets all of the attention and funds now.
To the people that fought even the consideration of redistricting, middle
schools, and possibly two brand new high schools twenty years ago should be
remembered. The schools did not get to the point they are at now
overnight and this plan did not start in November when this board was sworn
into office.
Tango, I kind of know the logistics of it, but still this is a bad move. I could be wrong, but if you say that this is a "Marketing" tool then I can insinuate that this is just business. Historically, a business becomes successful on a "Whim" correct me if I am wrong...? Economically, Albemarle should be close to Salisbury at this point of time but unfortunately do the recession 16 years ago, it has slowed down growth and hurt job creation. And if we're talking about Economics, if that recession never happened, we would not be in this situation...Economically. If I was a business man, I wouldn't base the success of my business coming to Albemarle solely off of the educational system here... Why? simple, right now I am being recruited to work remotely for a business in Hilton Head S.C. it's not that Hilton Head doesn't meet the educational requirements to recruit talented people, it's just that in a place like that, you wouldn't find that "Type" of talent. If this magnet is going to be good for Albemarle's economy please tell me how? What type of businesses are they targeting? I can bet you if Google moves its corporate headquarters to Albemarle, not a "Single" soul from the county of Stanly would be working there... Therefore the investment in a magnet school is null and void; because the employee's make enough to send their child to a school far better than any magnet school could offer and Google would still thrive. On top of that, Albemarle is not a top vacation spot if you know what I mean.
If anybody believes that a maganet school will increase Albemarle's economy and be a "Beacon" for excellence to attract businesses here are idiots, and I'm kinda sorry to say that....but it's a fact.
@Nation, Albemarle has what you call "Pride" and yes pride is a sin we know....well most of us, but to take away the legacy of what has been built at Albemarle is a true slap in the face. But the people in the community now didn't create this monster. I spoke with a guy last night who's originally from a very very small town in Mississippi. He said that there was only one highschool in the town he lived in and that children would come from at least 10-15 miles out to go to school there and they were 4A. So realistically, there should have been 1 maybe two high schools from the get go and I can guarantee that Albemarle would have been one of those high schools. But to change it after 80 years of being into existence.... bone head move.
I do not think it is a "marketing tool". I wrote if it is successful it will be used as a marketing tool. I have seen it done locally and with businesses HR departments. Also, saw it on a national level a few years ago when a high school football team from an academically strong public high school played on national television.
Some businesses become successful on a whim, but others are well planned out and grow based on a set plan. Even a major powerhouse corporation that was once one man's dream normally has to leave it's infancy stage and go the corporate route to become a major power.
When a large employer recruits skilled personnel or executives those potential employees are going to be very interested in the public educational system and possibly any alternatives. If you speak the person that did doctor recruiting at the hospital before the merger you will find that many doctors opted not to accept employment even though the financial package was better than other places or they accepted the offer but opted to live in Cabarrus or Meck Counties. Not good. The highest ranking employee at one of the most recognizable brands opted to not move back to Stanly County and it was due to the school system. The magnet could be a big positive but it is causing so much resentment it may hurt it's ability to succeed for many years.
Stanly County would be the perfect two school county. Both schools on the city limit borders in the northeastern and southwestern areas. That was a plan that many felt would be the way to go twenty years ago, two brand new state of the art high schools. Four middle schools to be at the four high schools as middle schools were not built yet in the county. Montgomery County would be a perfect one county high school based on the enrollment but it is also a little more geographically challenging and a larger land mass.
Albemarle may have pride but there are huge struggles facing it with or without a Plan A or B.
Let's start with number 7. I am not pro Plan A or Plan B. I am pro for improving the schools in Stanly County which are average at best in an area and county with more resources available than many of the counties I have visited in this state. Personally, I think the plan needs to be researched further with more options looked at but I understand the reasoning of the board which is also driven by SCS. I feel confident based on information I have received over the last year or so, that a major change has been in the works. I always thought is was a strong redistricting but I believe due to recent developments and the make up of the board that the plan went to a more drastic approach.
I have provided info to the Community School supporters.
1. I have written on this site that if this is a true academic achievement magnet they will not reach 570 students for the first few years. I think in four or five it may be possible as students who are now in fourth or fifth grade look to go their as freshmen from outside the
2. The reports list both with modular and without modular. Example West Stanly is listed with 815 students and 96% capacity without modulars. With modulars they are 76%. West had 1,045 students ten years ago with the same amount of modulars which their enrollment at 99% including modulars. Without modulars they were 123% of capacity. When West Stanly was so over capacity they did not want redistricting, they wanted a new wing built on the school.
Obviously capacity can be viewed as seats taken or how much is needed based on class size. A school can have more seats but smaller classes and appear to be more overcrowded. These numbers have been put out incorrectly several times. The numbers I just listed were also agreed to by the ex western Stanly school board member.
3. I do not know. Often when construction is done a loan is used to pay for the cost upfront and repaid based on savings or additional incoming funds.
4. Obviously. That is why a school is being closed on Plan A just like Plan B. Looking at Plan A and B the bottom line is a high school is closing.
5. I have seen studies that show both. I think any study can be flexed to a certain angle. I personally think community schools more needed in the K-3 classes, then 4-5, and middle school more than high school but I understand why people want to keep all community schools. I can assure you there was not a stronger or more fierce rivalry in NC than Rockingham and Hamlet per 1973 when they, along with Ellerbe and Rohanon, consolidated to form Richmond County. I feel certain that was the best move ever for schools in that county.
6. What do transfer times have to do with a student going to a charter or private school after year one and possibly the first year depending on the school the student wishes to attend? I would think that would have more to do with the public schools.
Greystone currently has approximately 120 or lessStanly County students. They are also at or very near capacity. Do not see a lot of change and many of the students that may look outside the system will find Greystone a much tougher academic task. Talk of a K-8 charter in western Stanly by the locals utilizing Ridgecrest or Oakboro (if it closes). I would expect two full years for approval based on the state's stance after the issues they have dealt with.
If the County Commissioners offer up the needed funds with the stipulation to keep community schools open I would expect this to go away for now. It will return again in a few years if the population/enrollments dwindled further outside of western Stanly.
bulldog you inquired about Anson County the other week. Did a little research and found some interesting info. Here it is best I could decipher it.
Wadesboro and Anson County had separate school systems. Anson County brought their small community schools together around the same time, early 1960's, as Stanly County did. Anson County HS was in the same location as the current high school on Highway 74. The black students were brought into the system in the mid 1960's.
Wadesboro HS was off Highway 74 on the south side of town. A new Wadesboro HS was built on the old Highway 52 on the north side of town in the mid to late 1960's. This became Bowman HS integrating the black city school and the white high school.
In 1969 the county and city combined. All high school students went to Bowman and the Anson County HS became a middle school. In 1984 Anson County High School moved to its current location in what had been the middle school.
Wadesboro and Anson County had separate school systems. Anson County brought their small community schools together around the same time, early 1960's, as Stanly County did. Anson County HS was in the same location as the current high school on Highway 74. The black students were brought into the system in the mid 1960's.
Wadesboro HS was off Highway 74 on the south side of town. A new Wadesboro HS was built on the old Highway 52 on the north side of town in the mid to late 1960's. This became Bowman HS integrating the black city school and the white high school.
In 1969 the county and city combined. All high school students went to Bowman and the Anson County HS became a middle school. In 1984 Anson County High School moved to its current location in what had been the middle school.
Yeah atleast you research things. And knowing you researched items how has the academic acheivement been and funding improved since the anson county merger? I have seen Anson High and it's not pretty lol.
Additionally like I said you are talking 2 new high schools state of the art even but yet you are talking a net zero savings before even making the needed improvements to schools to accomodate AHS kids and transportation so in all reality you are still losing money from where we are now. And we are talking MORE money the system for have to build 2 state of the art high schools that obviously they can't manage financially because of lord knows here the money is being spent. Seems like to me they are writing checks their butts can't cash.
Additionally a magnet school accomplishes nothing in all reality except competing with the early college and our public high schools.
In closing and this is huge WE ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIC ISSUES. Increasing student teacher ratio from 17:1 to 27:1 and putting students in more modulars does not solve the problem.
Additionally like I said you are talking 2 new high schools state of the art even but yet you are talking a net zero savings before even making the needed improvements to schools to accomodate AHS kids and transportation so in all reality you are still losing money from where we are now. And we are talking MORE money the system for have to build 2 state of the art high schools that obviously they can't manage financially because of lord knows here the money is being spent. Seems like to me they are writing checks their butts can't cash.
Additionally a magnet school accomplishes nothing in all reality except competing with the early college and our public high schools.
In closing and this is huge WE ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIC ISSUES. Increasing student teacher ratio from 17:1 to 27:1 and putting students in more modulars does not solve the problem.
People will tell you the same about Albemarle. "It's not pretty." That is what has really pushed this forward.
I am not talking about two new high schools. How did you decipher that from my posts? There is no money to build two new high schools. Twenty years ago before the middle school and then elementary school building craze started the money was available. Not anymore. Based on your prior posts they will be basically be in the same shape financially by closing schools. They are looking at a shortage in funds now which would lead one to believe they cannot continue on as they are either.
The issue with the early college is the socio-economic parameters for enrollment. If you have read my posts you will see I commented on the weighted entry system.
How do you get the teacher ratio going from 17:1 to 27:1? All of the information I have gathered shows that teaching numbers will remain about the same as there are no planned layoffs but some teachers will not be replaced as they retire or leave. Teacher/student ratios are numbers that can also be twisted to some degree much like capacity numbers. Two classes with 30 students total, one has five students and one 25. Teacher/student ratio 15:1.
From reading the plan a lot of what is discussed is being able to offer more services and classes. That is part of its major intent based on the information that has been put out to the public. The BOE, and I am guessing that also means SCS admin, believe this plan is what is needed to help with academic issues. Whether the plan is the best solution, the plan is about improving academics.
You think I am for Plan A and as I said that is incorrect. I am for both the BOE, SCS, and the activist to put out the correct information and show where their plan or thought is the better way to go. The worst thing is when incorrect data is used to support a plan.
Btango "To the people that fought even the consideration of redistricting, middle schools, and possibly two brand new high schools twenty years ago should be remembered. The schools did not get to the point they are at now overnight and this plan did not start in November when this board was sworn into office. "