Where should the Power be? State or local?:
Coleman Hunt said the power should be with the State with collaboration with local school boards. Was against Federal Control.
At this point the Forum mostly turned into a “Listening Tour” for the Candidates as many in the audience knew more about the various problems (in education and some problems not in educational processes) in Cleveland County Schools than the candidates did.
Listening Tour:
Brendan LeGrand stated 55% of county tax revenue went to the schools which used much of the money to cover up scandals and waste. (Like the unnecessary new North Shelby School-$16 million wasted, Central Services renovation $14 million wasted, etc.) CCS was “just protecting their own.” There was some discussion and Coleman Hunt stated that he would have to get some facts. Mrs. LeGrand reprimanded Mr. Hunt a bit by commenting, “we have the facts. Why don’t you, with 40 years experience in Cleveland County Schools, not have the facts?”
Guy Smith correctly stated “publicity dollars are wasted” when State laws require school aged children go to school anyway.
Mrs. LeGrand correctly added that her own research into records showed Cleveland County Schools had spent several hundred
thousands of dollars with the Shelby Star in billboards and other “consulting” services that added not one dime to education.
Larry Moore brought up the fact that professional positions within the Central Services like Human Resources, Operations, Purchasing, etc. were not filled with persons trained in those fields but people with Teaching Certificates. This has been confirmed as true.
Dena Green brought up the fact that her husband, a two time Super Bowl winner-now retired, had applied as a Football Coach and was not even offered an interview because he did hot have a teacher’s certificate.
Guy Smith brought up Common Core. Coleman Hunt replied that was up to the state.
Billy Scruggs brought up the fact that school buses had traveled his road for 30 years and not would not drop off his grandson at his house. Mr. Scruggs related that School Board Member Jo Boggs had told him it was illegal for a school bus to go down his road. Mr. Scruggs also related that he had also called School Board Member Kathy Falls about the bus situation and stated that the child would get soaked in the rain. Kathy Falls told him “that’s what they make umbrellas for.” Dena Green replied that she had similar bus route problems with her own children and stated “this is a big deal.”
In more discussion about Common Core, Valerie McCoy asked, is 2+2 not 4 anymore.
