Parent Councils United
Town Hall Meeting
March 27, 2014
The first Town Hall Meeting of DeKalb County’s Parent Councils United (PCU) was held on March 27, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Tucker High School. Donna Priest-Brown opened the meeting by explaining PCU. Parent Councils United is comprised of leaders from Dunwoody Chamblee Parent Council, Emory LaVista Parent Council, South DeKalb Parent Council, Tucker Parent Council, and the Cross Keys Cluster who are working together for a quality public education for all children in DeKalb County. During the early part of 2013, Ms. Priest-Brown and Allyson Gervertz, both presidents of their local Parent Councils, had the idea to hold a Parent Summit with representatives from the existing Parent Councils. The group met in April 2013. The participants in the Summit voted to create Parent Councils United. The Town Hall Meeting is the fourth meeting of the group.
Ms. Priest-Brown asked the DCSD Leadership Team Members present to introduce themselves:
Trenton Arnold, Regional Superintendent, Region 3
Morcease Beasley, Executive Director, Curriculum and lnstruction
Kenneth Bradshaw, Regional Superintendent, Region 4
Cynthia Brictson, Regional Superintendent, Region 1
Kathy Howe, Deputy Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
Angela Pringle, Regional Superintendent, Region 2
Alice Thompson, Deputy Superintendent, School Leadership
Rachel Zeigler, Regional Superintendent, Region 5
All Electoral Candidates in attendance were asked to introduce themselves:
Bridgeman Bolger, School Board Candidate, District 6
Lee Dukes, School Board Candidate, District 7
Ted Golden, Sheriff Candidate
Scott Holcomb, GA Representative Incumbent, District 81
Stan Jester, School Board Candidate, District 1
Atticus LeBlanc, School Board Candidate, District 3
Tamara Johnson, GA Senate Candidate, District 40
Jarrod Jordan, School Board Candidate, District 3
Thad Mayfield, School Board Incumbent, District 5
Don McChesney, School Board Candidate, District 2
Jim McMahan, School Board Incumbent, District 4
Fran Millar, GA Senate Incumbent, District 40
Marshall Orson, School Board Incumbent, District 2
John Oselette, School Board Candidate, District 4
Ella “Coach” Smith, School Board Candidate, District 4
Ms. Priest-Brown introduced Superintendent Michael Thurmond.
Ms. Gervertz stated that the main goal of PCU is to gain “a clear focus on the desire of parents countywide.” Towards this end, PCU will hold meetings to gain parental input, provide forums to educate DCSD stakeholders on elections and provide multicultural outreach to increase parent involvement.
Faye Andresen posed three questions to the audience before breaking into two groups for discussion:
1. In what direction does your community see DCSD moving? What do you see as hurdles to improvement?
2. What is the best way for DCSD to address and rebuild a sense of trust among stakeholders?
3. What are ways that DCSD may promote the system and increase community engagement, especially among indirect stakeholders (community members without DCSD attendees, businesses etc.)?
The two groups reunited after the discussion period to share input.
1. In what direction does your community see DCSD moving? What do you see as hurdles to improvement?
· Overcrowding
· Lack of affidavit checks
· Staffing difficulties
· Increased refugee population
· Lack of discipline
· Transient population and effects on test scores
· Combative leadership in school house
· Lack of parental involvement
· Focusing on testing instead of teaching
· Few children attending neighborhood schools causing splintering of community
· Loss of quality teachers
· Overuse of long-term substitute teachers
· Inability to terminate ineffective teachers
· Anxiety among teachers
· Reality vs. Perception
2. What is the best way for DCSD to address and rebuild a sense of trust among stakeholders?
· Investigate new models
· SPLOST V
· Establish effective communication plans with dedicated staff member at each school
· Strategic Plan
· Parent training
· Access of communications to all stakeholders
· Increased transparency
· Equitable distribution of refugees
· Remove furlough days
· Open dialog to address issues
· Town Hall Meetings with staff members
· Flexibility options
· Improved racial relations and equity
3. What are ways that DCSD may promote the system and increase community engagement, especially among indirect stakeholders (community members without DCSD attendees, businesses etc.)?
· Improved communications
· Parent Councils United
· Collaboration with DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
· Address local legislators
· Find common ground with parents
· Paid volunteer coordinators within schools
· Parent involvement guidelines set by administration
Ms. Andresen took the following general questions from the floor:
1. Where does DCSD stand on the Flexibility Option?
Trenton Arnold announced that Superintendent Thurmond would make his recommendation to the Board at the April 1 meeting. The Executive Summary from the Flexibility Advisory Committee is posted on the DCSD website. The result of the recommendation will be sent out through social media. He also noted that the choice of a flexibility option does not affect the upcoming budget and would not be implemented until the 2015-2016 school year.
2. At what phase is the DCSD Strategic Plan?
Angela Pringle explained that the Board voted in the five goals of the plan in December to complete phase 1. The goals are: organization, communication, staff efficacy and excellence, engagement and student success. Information about phase 1 and these goals are posted on the DCSD website.
Phase 2 will add actions and measurements for each goal. This will be presented to the Board at the May meeting. It will also be posted on the website. The Strategic Plan will go into effect countywide on July 1, 2014.
3. What is being done to eliminate teacher furlough days?
Mr. Thurmond stated that he is working with the Finance Department to eliminate furlough days for the 2014-2015 school year.
4. How will the new grading report program, Infinite Campus, be presented to parents?
Kathy Howe will fill follow-up on this question.
5. What can be done to decrease repair and/or reception times for students who need assistive technology?
Alice Thompson will get specific information from the parent and contact Mr. Brantley in Technology.
6. Will class-size waivers be filed before the new budget is voted on?
7. May student evacuation plans be made available to parents?
The Leadership Team discussed this possibility, as there is a concern that parents do not know where to retrieve their children in an emergency. It was agreed that there might also be a danger in publicizing this information.
Ms. Gervertz announced two upcoming Board of Education Forums sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Junior League of DeKalb, Leadership DeKalb, Parent Councils United and South DeKalb Improvement Alliance. Both are free and open to the public.
Districts 2-4 April 22, 2014 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Georgia Perimeter Campus, Dunwoody
Districts 5-7 April 29, 2014 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center III
Ms. Priest-Brown asked the DCSD Leadership Team Members present to introduce themselves:
Trenton Arnold, Regional Superintendent, Region 3
Morcease Beasley, Executive Director, Curriculum and lnstruction
Kenneth Bradshaw, Regional Superintendent, Region 4
Cynthia Brictson, Regional Superintendent, Region 1
Kathy Howe, Deputy Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
Angela Pringle, Regional Superintendent, Region 2
Alice Thompson, Deputy Superintendent, School Leadership
Rachel Zeigler, Regional Superintendent, Region 5
All Electoral Candidates in attendance were asked to introduce themselves:
Bridgeman Bolger, School Board Candidate, District 6
Lee Dukes, School Board Candidate, District 7
Ted Golden, Sheriff Candidate
Scott Holcomb, GA Representative Incumbent, District 81
Stan Jester, School Board Candidate, District 1
Atticus LeBlanc, School Board Candidate, District 3
Tamara Johnson, GA Senate Candidate, District 40
Jarrod Jordan, School Board Candidate, District 3
Thad Mayfield, School Board Incumbent, District 5
Don McChesney, School Board Candidate, District 2
Jim McMahan, School Board Incumbent, District 4
Fran Millar, GA Senate Incumbent, District 40
Marshall Orson, School Board Incumbent, District 2
John Oselette, School Board Candidate, District 4
Ella “Coach” Smith, School Board Candidate, District 4
Ms. Priest-Brown introduced Superintendent Michael Thurmond.
Ms. Gervertz stated that the main goal of PCU is to gain “a clear focus on the desire of parents countywide.” Towards this end, PCU will hold meetings to gain parental input, provide forums to educate DCSD stakeholders on elections and provide multicultural outreach to increase parent involvement.
Faye Andresen posed three questions to the audience before breaking into two groups for discussion:
1. In what direction does your community see DCSD moving? What do you see as hurdles to improvement?
2. What is the best way for DCSD to address and rebuild a sense of trust among stakeholders?
3. What are ways that DCSD may promote the system and increase community engagement, especially among indirect stakeholders (community members without DCSD attendees, businesses etc.)?
The two groups reunited after the discussion period to share input.
1. In what direction does your community see DCSD moving? What do you see as hurdles to improvement?
· Overcrowding
· Lack of affidavit checks
· Staffing difficulties
· Increased refugee population
· Lack of discipline
· Transient population and effects on test scores
· Combative leadership in school house
· Lack of parental involvement
· Focusing on testing instead of teaching
· Few children attending neighborhood schools causing splintering of community
· Loss of quality teachers
· Overuse of long-term substitute teachers
· Inability to terminate ineffective teachers
· Anxiety among teachers
· Reality vs. Perception
2. What is the best way for DCSD to address and rebuild a sense of trust among stakeholders?
· Investigate new models
· SPLOST V
· Establish effective communication plans with dedicated staff member at each school
· Strategic Plan
· Parent training
· Access of communications to all stakeholders
· Increased transparency
· Equitable distribution of refugees
· Remove furlough days
· Open dialog to address issues
· Town Hall Meetings with staff members
· Flexibility options
· Improved racial relations and equity
3. What are ways that DCSD may promote the system and increase community engagement, especially among indirect stakeholders (community members without DCSD attendees, businesses etc.)?
· Improved communications
· Parent Councils United
· Collaboration with DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
· Address local legislators
· Find common ground with parents
· Paid volunteer coordinators within schools
· Parent involvement guidelines set by administration
Ms. Andresen took the following general questions from the floor:
1. Where does DCSD stand on the Flexibility Option?
Trenton Arnold announced that Superintendent Thurmond would make his recommendation to the Board at the April 1 meeting. The Executive Summary from the Flexibility Advisory Committee is posted on the DCSD website. The result of the recommendation will be sent out through social media. He also noted that the choice of a flexibility option does not affect the upcoming budget and would not be implemented until the 2015-2016 school year.
2. At what phase is the DCSD Strategic Plan?
Angela Pringle explained that the Board voted in the five goals of the plan in December to complete phase 1. The goals are: organization, communication, staff efficacy and excellence, engagement and student success. Information about phase 1 and these goals are posted on the DCSD website.
Phase 2 will add actions and measurements for each goal. This will be presented to the Board at the May meeting. It will also be posted on the website. The Strategic Plan will go into effect countywide on July 1, 2014.
3. What is being done to eliminate teacher furlough days?
Mr. Thurmond stated that he is working with the Finance Department to eliminate furlough days for the 2014-2015 school year.
4. How will the new grading report program, Infinite Campus, be presented to parents?
Kathy Howe will fill follow-up on this question.
5. What can be done to decrease repair and/or reception times for students who need assistive technology?
Alice Thompson will get specific information from the parent and contact Mr. Brantley in Technology.
6. Will class-size waivers be filed before the new budget is voted on?
7. May student evacuation plans be made available to parents?
The Leadership Team discussed this possibility, as there is a concern that parents do not know where to retrieve their children in an emergency. It was agreed that there might also be a danger in publicizing this information.
Ms. Gervertz announced two upcoming Board of Education Forums sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Junior League of DeKalb, Leadership DeKalb, Parent Councils United and South DeKalb Improvement Alliance. Both are free and open to the public.
Districts 2-4 April 22, 2014 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Georgia Perimeter Campus, Dunwoody
Districts 5-7 April 29, 2014 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center III
April 23, 2013
The meeting opened with Michelle Penkava, TPC President, introducing Marshall Orson, DCSS Board Member. She congratulated Tucker Middle School for being on track to become the first middle school in Georgia to have a state certified STEM Program. She then introduced Interim Superintendent, Michael Thurmond.
Mr. Thurmond discussed the following:
· DeKalb School for the Arts was recently ranked by US News and World Reports as the number two school in Georgia and the number 75 school in the United States.
· The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has offered $125,000 in scholarships to deserving and needy students in the 2013 graduating class.
· There is no current policy, nor history of a policy, to handle nepotism within DCSS. This subject will be discussed at the next Board Meeting on April 30.
· In a meeting with former Superintendent, Robert Freeman, Mr. Thurmond discovered that there had been a purposeful history of family hiring during Mr. Freeman’s tenure at DCSS. This began during integration when there were few black educators in the county. Husband and wife teaching teams were recruited to come to DeKalb. This trend continued during Mr. Freeman’s term as Superintendent and extended to other family members of successful educators.
· A survey of teachers found that they are overall dissatisfied with the Success for All Reading Program that was adopted. Many of the teachers are unhappy that they did not have any input into the adoption of the program.
· The Balanced Calendar was dropped due to the thought that there was not a thorough investigation into the affect it may have on all shareholders. Recent studies indicate that there are no discernable differences between the retention rates of students educated using either calendar. The Board will revisit the calendar issue at a later time.
· A SACS visit will be held in a few weeks. Mr. Thurmond reiterated that DCSS would not lose its accreditation.
· The state budget cut of 85 million dollars, plus mismanagement of funds, is what has resulted in DeKalb’s current financial problems.
· Neighboring school systems are also experiencing deficits.
· DeKalb will end its current fiscal year with less of a deficit.
Mr. Thurmond mentioned the following points specifically related to the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
· The Board will set very specific parameters for the budget.
· An increase in academic achievement will be the driving principal when setting the budget.
· Due to legislation, there will be and additional 16 million dollars in expenditures, plus a three percent decline in revenue from ad valorem taxes.
· This decline in ad valorem revenue will be offset by an increase in state appropriations due to an increase in students.
· DCSS will work within its “fiscal reality” to provide quality in all schools.
Mr. Thurmond introduced Dan Drake, Director of Facility Plans and SPLOST, Stephen Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, and Cynthia Brictson, Regional Superintendent, to begin the Question and Answer portion of the program. He also recognized Board member Thad Mayfield’s arrival.
Q: How would the formation of Charter Clusters affect DCSS overall?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that Charter Clusters would not directly affect DCSS because overall revenue would remain the same. He stressed that there is an obligation towards building “a better school district for all of us.” He also stated that the main difference in high-achieving schools is the level of parent involvement.
Q: Tucker High School has a projected enrollment of 1900 students for next school year. That is 200 more students than it currently houses. How will these extra students be handled?
A: Dan Drake noted that the county is aware of the situation. A November audit found that there were 168 students on affidavits attending THS. Of those, 51 were not current. Tucker Middle School had 142 students attending on affidavits, 54 were not current.
Cynthia Brictson noted that they have had one meeting already and have another one scheduled to specifically discuss the attendance in the Tucker Cluster. She confirmed that trailers are being considered for THS. She promised that they will be prepared for the students on day one.
Q: How many students can Tucker High School hold?
A: Walk-throughs have been completed with each principal. Tucker High School has the current capacity of 1654 students.
Q: When will redistricting take place, specifically will Idlewood be moved to the Stone Mountain feeder pattern?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that there have been no discussions about redistricting since he became Interim Superintendent.
Q: How can we turn in people who attend schools out of their area when we know that they are just looking for a better education for their children?
A: Mr. Thurmond reiterated that if we improve all county schools, there would be no need for parents to leave their own neighborhoods to find quality schools.
Q: What is the cause of the influx of students at Tucker High School?
A: Mr. Drake explained that the projected enrollment is determined using a combination of past trends, live birth counts according to Georgia Department of Public Health records and DCSS School Choice information. There is a specific formula used to derive enrollment by grade.
Kirk Lunde, parent, noted that there are currently 480 8th graders at TMS and only 291 12th graders graduating that combined account for a net gain of 189 students.
Mr. Drake also stated that the current Board policy calls for student residency to be checked when a student enters a new school and for each year of an affidavit.
Q: Can the number of students in a school be capped? Are there plans to build another high school? Can SPLOST V be used to add space to accommodate higher enrollments?
A: Mr. Thurmond began by explaining that it has been ten years since there was a strategic plan in place for the school district. It his goal to have a 5-year plan in place, formulated with input from all stakeholders, by December 31, 2013. Currently, there is only one attendance area in DeKalb that has seen a decline in population. This is the lowest end of the county with the lowest achieving schools. Mr. Thurmond added that we must stop the “migration of our customers.”
Marshall Orson added that the district planning for the last 30-35 years was not based on a worldview. For instance, when Atlanta public housing was closed, many of those families moved into South DeKalb, but the district did not make any changes to deal with this new population.
Mr. Thurmond also pointed out that the current political situation in Syria might cause many refugees to come to the Refugee Center in Clarkston, changing another portion of the population in the county.
Thaddeus Mayfield, current Board member, added that the Board is still in the strategic planning process and that acute problems would be addressed along the way to forming the 5-year strategic plan. He stressed that the Board will need to be searching for solutions in the interim before the long-term plans are fulfilled.
Q: What is the likelihood that an employee of DCSS will be allowed to send their children through the feeder school pattern of employment?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that this would be considered going forward.
Q: Taking into consideration changing family dynamics, such as single parenting, is it possible that DCSS will reconsider small schools in order to keep children in their own neighborhoods?
A: Mr. Thurmond agreed that this would likely increase family-involvement.
Q: Why is it necessary to have additional staff to manage afterschool programs that are run by DCSS teachers?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that he would research the current situation.
Q: Why must parents enroll their children in the afterschool programs in order for them to participate in afterschool activities run by outside vendors?
A: Mr. Thurmond reiterated that he would research the current situation and report back. He also stated that the county’s financial problems date back to 2001 and since then there have been many decisions made in an attempt to secure funding without regards to actual outcomes.
Q: Where does the county currently stand on the installation of cell phone towers on school property?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that in 2011, the Board voted to place five cell phone towers on school property.
Mr. Orson said that the current Board is stalled in an attempt to address the concerns over cell tower placement without violating the contract with the tower companies.
Mr. Wilkins added that there are currently no cell towers placed, but that the contract is still in affect.
Q: There are currently over-aged refugees placed in the ninth grade at THS. They are at great risk of dropping out. What measures are being taken so that refugees may be placed where they may be successful?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that he would be visiting Rockdale County on Monday, April 29 to visit their career program. DCSS has received a three million dollar grant to set up a Career Academy for the district.
Q: How can DCSS have a technical school when the State of Georgia has eliminated the technical diploma option?
A: Mr. Thurmond explained that the current diploma available is a College and Career Readiness Diploma. A Career Academy would be allowable. He also mentioned that there is currently a dual-enrollment option for students that would allow them to participate in local high schools and local technical schools. Only 60 students are enrolled in this program this year. Mr. Thurmond stated that this option would see an increase of participants next year.
Q: Would it be wise for citizens to lobby legislators for additional state funding to support schools for the refugee population in Clarkston? Especially considering that DeKalb receives the majority of refugees relocated in Georgia.
A: Mr. Thurmond agreed that addressing Federal and State Legislators would be helpful.
Q: Would the county consider allowing flexibility for a K-6 model to relieve overpopulations in some middle schools if the legislators will reconsider the current state funding model for 6th grade?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that this is an option that could be discussed.
In closing, Mr. Thurmond asked that Tucker Parent Council continue to invite elected officials to meetings. He also noted that it would be helpful to share any positive changes with other stakeholders, as well as SACS and Advanced Ed.
Mr. Thurmond discussed the following:
· DeKalb School for the Arts was recently ranked by US News and World Reports as the number two school in Georgia and the number 75 school in the United States.
· The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has offered $125,000 in scholarships to deserving and needy students in the 2013 graduating class.
· There is no current policy, nor history of a policy, to handle nepotism within DCSS. This subject will be discussed at the next Board Meeting on April 30.
· In a meeting with former Superintendent, Robert Freeman, Mr. Thurmond discovered that there had been a purposeful history of family hiring during Mr. Freeman’s tenure at DCSS. This began during integration when there were few black educators in the county. Husband and wife teaching teams were recruited to come to DeKalb. This trend continued during Mr. Freeman’s term as Superintendent and extended to other family members of successful educators.
· A survey of teachers found that they are overall dissatisfied with the Success for All Reading Program that was adopted. Many of the teachers are unhappy that they did not have any input into the adoption of the program.
· The Balanced Calendar was dropped due to the thought that there was not a thorough investigation into the affect it may have on all shareholders. Recent studies indicate that there are no discernable differences between the retention rates of students educated using either calendar. The Board will revisit the calendar issue at a later time.
· A SACS visit will be held in a few weeks. Mr. Thurmond reiterated that DCSS would not lose its accreditation.
· The state budget cut of 85 million dollars, plus mismanagement of funds, is what has resulted in DeKalb’s current financial problems.
· Neighboring school systems are also experiencing deficits.
· DeKalb will end its current fiscal year with less of a deficit.
Mr. Thurmond mentioned the following points specifically related to the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
· The Board will set very specific parameters for the budget.
· An increase in academic achievement will be the driving principal when setting the budget.
· Due to legislation, there will be and additional 16 million dollars in expenditures, plus a three percent decline in revenue from ad valorem taxes.
· This decline in ad valorem revenue will be offset by an increase in state appropriations due to an increase in students.
· DCSS will work within its “fiscal reality” to provide quality in all schools.
Mr. Thurmond introduced Dan Drake, Director of Facility Plans and SPLOST, Stephen Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, and Cynthia Brictson, Regional Superintendent, to begin the Question and Answer portion of the program. He also recognized Board member Thad Mayfield’s arrival.
Q: How would the formation of Charter Clusters affect DCSS overall?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that Charter Clusters would not directly affect DCSS because overall revenue would remain the same. He stressed that there is an obligation towards building “a better school district for all of us.” He also stated that the main difference in high-achieving schools is the level of parent involvement.
Q: Tucker High School has a projected enrollment of 1900 students for next school year. That is 200 more students than it currently houses. How will these extra students be handled?
A: Dan Drake noted that the county is aware of the situation. A November audit found that there were 168 students on affidavits attending THS. Of those, 51 were not current. Tucker Middle School had 142 students attending on affidavits, 54 were not current.
Cynthia Brictson noted that they have had one meeting already and have another one scheduled to specifically discuss the attendance in the Tucker Cluster. She confirmed that trailers are being considered for THS. She promised that they will be prepared for the students on day one.
Q: How many students can Tucker High School hold?
A: Walk-throughs have been completed with each principal. Tucker High School has the current capacity of 1654 students.
Q: When will redistricting take place, specifically will Idlewood be moved to the Stone Mountain feeder pattern?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that there have been no discussions about redistricting since he became Interim Superintendent.
Q: How can we turn in people who attend schools out of their area when we know that they are just looking for a better education for their children?
A: Mr. Thurmond reiterated that if we improve all county schools, there would be no need for parents to leave their own neighborhoods to find quality schools.
Q: What is the cause of the influx of students at Tucker High School?
A: Mr. Drake explained that the projected enrollment is determined using a combination of past trends, live birth counts according to Georgia Department of Public Health records and DCSS School Choice information. There is a specific formula used to derive enrollment by grade.
Kirk Lunde, parent, noted that there are currently 480 8th graders at TMS and only 291 12th graders graduating that combined account for a net gain of 189 students.
Mr. Drake also stated that the current Board policy calls for student residency to be checked when a student enters a new school and for each year of an affidavit.
Q: Can the number of students in a school be capped? Are there plans to build another high school? Can SPLOST V be used to add space to accommodate higher enrollments?
A: Mr. Thurmond began by explaining that it has been ten years since there was a strategic plan in place for the school district. It his goal to have a 5-year plan in place, formulated with input from all stakeholders, by December 31, 2013. Currently, there is only one attendance area in DeKalb that has seen a decline in population. This is the lowest end of the county with the lowest achieving schools. Mr. Thurmond added that we must stop the “migration of our customers.”
Marshall Orson added that the district planning for the last 30-35 years was not based on a worldview. For instance, when Atlanta public housing was closed, many of those families moved into South DeKalb, but the district did not make any changes to deal with this new population.
Mr. Thurmond also pointed out that the current political situation in Syria might cause many refugees to come to the Refugee Center in Clarkston, changing another portion of the population in the county.
Thaddeus Mayfield, current Board member, added that the Board is still in the strategic planning process and that acute problems would be addressed along the way to forming the 5-year strategic plan. He stressed that the Board will need to be searching for solutions in the interim before the long-term plans are fulfilled.
Q: What is the likelihood that an employee of DCSS will be allowed to send their children through the feeder school pattern of employment?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that this would be considered going forward.
Q: Taking into consideration changing family dynamics, such as single parenting, is it possible that DCSS will reconsider small schools in order to keep children in their own neighborhoods?
A: Mr. Thurmond agreed that this would likely increase family-involvement.
Q: Why is it necessary to have additional staff to manage afterschool programs that are run by DCSS teachers?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that he would research the current situation.
Q: Why must parents enroll their children in the afterschool programs in order for them to participate in afterschool activities run by outside vendors?
A: Mr. Thurmond reiterated that he would research the current situation and report back. He also stated that the county’s financial problems date back to 2001 and since then there have been many decisions made in an attempt to secure funding without regards to actual outcomes.
Q: Where does the county currently stand on the installation of cell phone towers on school property?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that in 2011, the Board voted to place five cell phone towers on school property.
Mr. Orson said that the current Board is stalled in an attempt to address the concerns over cell tower placement without violating the contract with the tower companies.
Mr. Wilkins added that there are currently no cell towers placed, but that the contract is still in affect.
Q: There are currently over-aged refugees placed in the ninth grade at THS. They are at great risk of dropping out. What measures are being taken so that refugees may be placed where they may be successful?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that he would be visiting Rockdale County on Monday, April 29 to visit their career program. DCSS has received a three million dollar grant to set up a Career Academy for the district.
Q: How can DCSS have a technical school when the State of Georgia has eliminated the technical diploma option?
A: Mr. Thurmond explained that the current diploma available is a College and Career Readiness Diploma. A Career Academy would be allowable. He also mentioned that there is currently a dual-enrollment option for students that would allow them to participate in local high schools and local technical schools. Only 60 students are enrolled in this program this year. Mr. Thurmond stated that this option would see an increase of participants next year.
Q: Would it be wise for citizens to lobby legislators for additional state funding to support schools for the refugee population in Clarkston? Especially considering that DeKalb receives the majority of refugees relocated in Georgia.
A: Mr. Thurmond agreed that addressing Federal and State Legislators would be helpful.
Q: Would the county consider allowing flexibility for a K-6 model to relieve overpopulations in some middle schools if the legislators will reconsider the current state funding model for 6th grade?
A: Mr. Thurmond stated that this is an option that could be discussed.
In closing, Mr. Thurmond asked that Tucker Parent Council continue to invite elected officials to meetings. He also noted that it would be helpful to share any positive changes with other stakeholders, as well as SACS and Advanced Ed.
February 27, 2013
The Tucker Parent Council met on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at Idlewood Elementary School. Our guest, Regional Superintendent Ms. Cynthia Brictson, returned to re-address questions and concerns about our Tucker Schools. In order to provide details of new practices, Ms. Brictson invited Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Sephen Wilkins; the Coordinator of School Allotments, Dr. Kaveous Preston; and the Director of Planning and SPLOST Programming, Mr. Dan Drake. Following is a summary:
1. Affidavits:
Tucker High School affidavit enrollment percentage is in-line with the other Dekalb High Schools. There are actually four high schools that have a higher percentage affidavit enrollment. DCSD Support Services conducted a study of Tucker Middle and Tucker High last year and found no discrepancies with the affidavit paperwork.
Any student enrolling using an affidavit has thirty days to provide completed paperwork. After that, the case is turned over to a social worker. This is all in accordance with Georgia Law.
2. At the beginning of the school year, Tucker High School was understaffed. How can we better support our Principals and their staffing needs so that teachers are in place at the beginning of the school year?
Dr. Preston, the new Coordinator of Allotments, discussed a program that is now in place and will streamline space scheduling based on projected enrollment. This program considers continuously updated data on a year-round basis in order to support pro-active staffing changes. Dr. Preston’s goal is a two-day turn around for any replacement staff needed during the school year. Tucker is currently on the DCSD “hotlist”. t has been identified as having the greatest need for a correction of space scheduling and staff allocations. It is Dr. Preston’s goal that every teacher knows, before summer break, what and when he/she will be teaching for the next school year.
3. How can we ensure that students are not enrolled through Open Enrollment when the school is over capacity? Are there new protocols in place?
Capacity worksheets have been sent to all principals. Capacity numbers will be recalculated according to building floor plans and allotments will be set according to how many students safety fit in a classroom. For instance, if a THS classroom safely holds 28 students, then that will be the maximum size of any class taught in that classroom. The Facilities Department and the Allotment/Scheduling Department are working to improve dialogue.
Ms. Brictson and Mr. Drake are aware that last year there was an issue with over-crowded schools taking on more students through Open Enrollment. Mr. Drake stated that he is working with Open Enrollment coordinators to ensure that receiving schools (TMS and THS due to IB Program) will not receive students through the program if there are no seats available.
4. What is the status of IB and AP testing? Do you have any additional insight into the long-term viability of the IB program?
DCSD will pay for one AP test for each student taking an AP class. A second AP test will be provided for free to students that receive free or reduced lunch. A third AP test will be offered at a discount to students who are taking a third AP class and who receive free or reduced lunch. The cost of each test is $89.00.
Future funding of IB testing is still dependent upon budgetary constraints. Ms. Brictson will continue to endorse the Tucker IB Program and stress the importance of the program in our cluster.
5. Will band continue to be mandatory for 4th and 5th graders?
The panel did not know the answer to this, but determined that the continuation of the elementary band program would be contingent on the budgetary situation.
6. Do you have additional information regarding the removal of the canine units from schools?
The inclusion of DCSD Canine Units is off the table for this year due to budget constraints and they are unsure if the units will be reinstated next year. Mr. Wilkins would be interested in forming a partnership between DCSD and DeKalb County.
7. Any update on e-books? Where is the line item in the budget for e-books? Or, what is the estimated total cost for the next school year? What would it have been?
The E-Book Pilot Program is currently on hold. Ms. Brictson, who serves on the E-Book committee, stressed that the original focus of the committee was 1-to-1 learning and not specifically E-Books. The cost would be funded by through the technology line item in SPLOST IV.
1. Affidavits:
Tucker High School affidavit enrollment percentage is in-line with the other Dekalb High Schools. There are actually four high schools that have a higher percentage affidavit enrollment. DCSD Support Services conducted a study of Tucker Middle and Tucker High last year and found no discrepancies with the affidavit paperwork.
Any student enrolling using an affidavit has thirty days to provide completed paperwork. After that, the case is turned over to a social worker. This is all in accordance with Georgia Law.
2. At the beginning of the school year, Tucker High School was understaffed. How can we better support our Principals and their staffing needs so that teachers are in place at the beginning of the school year?
Dr. Preston, the new Coordinator of Allotments, discussed a program that is now in place and will streamline space scheduling based on projected enrollment. This program considers continuously updated data on a year-round basis in order to support pro-active staffing changes. Dr. Preston’s goal is a two-day turn around for any replacement staff needed during the school year. Tucker is currently on the DCSD “hotlist”. t has been identified as having the greatest need for a correction of space scheduling and staff allocations. It is Dr. Preston’s goal that every teacher knows, before summer break, what and when he/she will be teaching for the next school year.
3. How can we ensure that students are not enrolled through Open Enrollment when the school is over capacity? Are there new protocols in place?
Capacity worksheets have been sent to all principals. Capacity numbers will be recalculated according to building floor plans and allotments will be set according to how many students safety fit in a classroom. For instance, if a THS classroom safely holds 28 students, then that will be the maximum size of any class taught in that classroom. The Facilities Department and the Allotment/Scheduling Department are working to improve dialogue.
Ms. Brictson and Mr. Drake are aware that last year there was an issue with over-crowded schools taking on more students through Open Enrollment. Mr. Drake stated that he is working with Open Enrollment coordinators to ensure that receiving schools (TMS and THS due to IB Program) will not receive students through the program if there are no seats available.
4. What is the status of IB and AP testing? Do you have any additional insight into the long-term viability of the IB program?
DCSD will pay for one AP test for each student taking an AP class. A second AP test will be provided for free to students that receive free or reduced lunch. A third AP test will be offered at a discount to students who are taking a third AP class and who receive free or reduced lunch. The cost of each test is $89.00.
Future funding of IB testing is still dependent upon budgetary constraints. Ms. Brictson will continue to endorse the Tucker IB Program and stress the importance of the program in our cluster.
5. Will band continue to be mandatory for 4th and 5th graders?
The panel did not know the answer to this, but determined that the continuation of the elementary band program would be contingent on the budgetary situation.
6. Do you have additional information regarding the removal of the canine units from schools?
The inclusion of DCSD Canine Units is off the table for this year due to budget constraints and they are unsure if the units will be reinstated next year. Mr. Wilkins would be interested in forming a partnership between DCSD and DeKalb County.
7. Any update on e-books? Where is the line item in the budget for e-books? Or, what is the estimated total cost for the next school year? What would it have been?
The E-Book Pilot Program is currently on hold. Ms. Brictson, who serves on the E-Book committee, stressed that the original focus of the committee was 1-to-1 learning and not specifically E-Books. The cost would be funded by through the technology line item in SPLOST IV.
