Thursday, July 7, 2011

Greenville City School Board Holds Wednesday Morning Meeting

The GCSD Board of Education held a meeting this morning in Memorial Hall to discuss several topics. It was heavily attended (estimated 40-50 public attendees, including coaches, players and parents) by the public. Among the items discussed:

Upcoming Potential Levy for a New K-8 Building and Renovation to the High School

The board is finalizing the language and terms to be used on the potential ballot issue for November. It was mentioned at this meeting that state funding rules will now allow them to use an income tax to at least partially fund the project, in addition to property taxes.  Coming out of the facilities committee meetings, the project was estimated to ask for an approximately 6 mil levy that would last 38 years. It was brought up this morning that they are looking at potentially asking for 4 mils and a 0.25% increase in the existing school district income tax. This method would allow the taxes to end in 29 years, rather than 38. This shows willingness to investigate and implement alternatives for sources of funding outside of property taxes when they are available.

The final decision on the funding numbers will be made in the coming weeks.

Boys & Girls Basketball Coaching Decision

The majority of the meeting was taken up by discussion from the public regarding the board's decision not to renew the contracts of the coaches in both basketball programs.  Many players, parents and the coaches themselves addressed the board, noting the improvement in the form of wins as well as the level of academic success from the players in the programs.  The board would only comment that the decision was made in an effort to "raise the bar" for the programs athletically and academically. It was also noted that the positions are posted and each coach may reapply for the position. From the pool of applicants, the AD would then recommend individuals to the BOE, who would then vote on whether or not the hire them.

39 comments:

  1. As soon as Bowman and Studebaker resign from the BOE iwill support a school levy. Not until that happens. They have a personal vendetta against the two coaches and no longer deserve to sit on the board. If they can make as poor a decision as letting those coaches go I do not trust them any longer. The parents, players and students there more than sowed that the coaches both were doing quite well with the players in and out of the classroom. I say let's "raise the bar" for the board.

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  2. "It is better that people think that you are an idiot, than open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

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  3. It's all just tragically sad.

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  4. I think the op is saying what a lot are saying. I will support the levy but if you think this coach thing i not harming the levy chances you have your head in the sand. People are angry. The four idiots who voted to oust those coaches are beyond stupid. Perception is reality. The current perception isthat the board has people on it who are petty and who held a grudge just because little Sally caould not play well enough to get more playing time. They have some answering to do to the people. I can see a recall vote.

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  5. Until accountability is reached on this board with Mr. Studebaker and Ms. Bowman, I’m afraid that our citizens will not support any new levy or taxes. What a shame at the expense of our kids! They said that the two coaches could re-apply and that the AD would make the recommendation to the board for approval. Didn’t he already do that? He made recommendation to the board that Kerns and Coach Albright be extended another year contract. What is the use to go through all this again – just so they can exert their power? I would think that our citizens would want a recall petition started for the four board members that voted on this Idiocracy! Start being accountable today – let’s do this and this will send a very strong statement to that board! Good Luck Coach Kerns and Coach Albright and thank you for what you did for our kids!

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  6. Even though I do not agree with the mind-set of certain board members, I will support the levy for the new school come November.
    We all must remember that board members will come and go (some will be better than others for sure), but the majority of the staff and the school buildings will outlast those current board members... and in time, their names will be forgotten but the school will go on teaching and doing the best they can in the current times.

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  7. Whether or not this is a good decision on the coaches or a bad one, everyone needs to divorce the two issues. They can fire all of the teachers and it won't change a thing. Your kids will still be sitting in a substandard, out of date, crappy building. Forget the school board exists and focus on the school.

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  8. Nobody seems to care when awful education scores are given by the state to Greenville schools, but mess with the sports and all of the sudden people care. All of you need to focus on what is important. Education. Not sports. Not buildings. The poor quality of the education is driving the upwardly mobile out of this area.

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  9. What good does a fancy new school do when it still has the same poor teachers? BOTH issues need fixed otherwise we are wasting our time.

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  10. We have concern about the coaches, but also have concern about policeman, firemen,city workers, and anybody else with out a job. Does anybody else feel like this is a time where the school levy should wait , till economic times are better and people are back to work, to afford increases in their budgets.

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  11. I've read many posts about this topic. Let's me realistic, Bowman and Studabaker are not going to resign. They are too stubborn for that, and will not admit that they did anything wrong. And a special election to replace them would cost a lot of money. Money Greenville doesn't have. With that being said, I would LOVE to see the AD recommend (again) that both coaches be rehired tomorrow (since Studabaker said that it was now in the AD's hands). Good luck Coach Kerns and Coach Albright.

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  12. we lay off people actually paying taxes to school the kids of people who pay none. Nice system we have created.

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  13. Rudy 4:45 - I DISAGREE WITH YOU! My kids graduated from Greenville and attended college on athletic schlorships and while at college received academic schlorships. Where did they learn this - from Greenville Schools teachers, coaches and administrators that CARE! They all have great jobs and learned many life lessons from the sports world in high school and Im sure had a hell of lot more pride about thier school then you do!

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  14. Congratulations that you have kids that graduated Greenville and were successful. I should hope that graduating classes of 200-400 would have some success stories. Notice they went to school from their athletic scholarships and not their academic. I'm speaking to the average. On average Greenville students perform at a much lower level than their local counterparts. This is the problem that must be solved first.

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  15. Well Rudy to a point I agree with you and that is all I am going to say about that. I could not make it this meeting although I would of loved too. The overall status of this issue is basically something that could of been fixed personally between the board members and coaches. That is not the route they picked though. The problem I see now is we have board members who can't see eye to eye with the AD and Superintendent of this school district.

    I played three sports in high school and all the coaches I have had played for have a significant roll in who I am as a person. They are more than coaches, at least to me they were. I don't agree with what the BOE and if something can't be done to fix this problem. I wish both coaches the best!

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  16. Rudy is totally correct in both of his posts. Yes, sports has its place in schools, but not the end-all,be-all. While I neither know or care about these coaches' abilities or records, it appears that their dismissals were completely undeserved and the School Board's actions were very highly suspect, but also typical. The difference is that their bad decision this time affected sports (what nearly everyone cares about) not education (what few care about).
    If you watch the Board's actions in the near future, I'm sure you will all learn their true motives before school resumes in August. I suggest that you all follow the money, and to whom it is paid.

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  17. Instead of blaming "bad teachers" for low test scores, lets look at the product that the teachers are working with. I am a Greenville teacher and I can tell you that year after year, the level of parent support decreases. Students don't come to school prepared, could care less what happens in the classroom, and when parents are contacted, they exhibit a lackluster attitude as well. When education is valued in the household, and parents support the system, it is evident in the attitude of the student.

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  18. 7:19 YOU ARE EXACTLY CORRECT!!!!! I am a teacher as well (not in Greenville though), and I see the same thing in our district.

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  19. With all due respect to the teachers, I know it's a tough job, though...
    I am a parent in the Greenville school district, and I DO care what is going on, unlike many. I see the parents that don't care and wonder why.
    Though please respect the parents that DO care also when it comes to us trying to teach our kids right from wrong.
    I have seen first hand when something is wrong or my child has done something wrong I try to discipline them to teach them and I'm the one getting in trouble it seems.
    And by discpline I only mean I take the cell phone away, ground them, something of that sort.
    And all I hear is "It's not fair to the child"
    Excuse me?
    Do you want my help as a parent or not?
    I AM ONE THAT CARES, LET ME HELP!
    I'm trying to keep my kids on the straight and narrow, not going down the path with the "bad kids"

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  20. To 9:57: KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING, it does not go unnoticed by teachers.
    What we are talking about are the vast majority of parents that make our job much more difficult than it has to be, and take our time away from you and "good" kids...like yours. Yes, we do want your help whenever you are able to give it. Yes, we want you to be involved with the schools and your childs' life. Yes, we want you to support decisions, even if it is something that you might not totally agree with, but realize that it is for the good of all. Finally, if you can, get other parents on board with you as that would be the most help to the day-to-day life in the public school classroom.

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  21. WHAT PEOPLE AND THE BOE NEED TO KNOW IS THAT!!!

    THEY NEED TO DO WHATS RIGHT FOR THE STUDENT AND NOT JUST FAVORITS OR WHO IS BETTER AND POPULAR THAT BULL AND DOSNT MATTER WHAT MATTERS IS THAT WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT AND WANT THE BEST AND LETTING THESE COACHES GO WAS THE WRONG THING TO DO! I NO THAT RACHEL WAS PLAY FOR A GREAT WINNING YEAR AND TELL RACHEL 30 MINS BEFOUR SHE WAS TAKING THE GIRLS ON A B-BALL TRIP COME ON. I AM SORRY BUT LISTEN TO THE STUDENTS!

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  22. I'am a student a Greenville High School, and we have wonderful teachers here. They give alot of time and energy into their students. I feel that this mess with the firing of these coaches, has nothing to do with getting a levy passed. If the tax- payers of Greenville are really concerned with the firing of these two coaches, then why were the bleachers at most of all girls basketball games went empty???Has any of these people attended a game to see first hand what really went on for themself. If not, then don't be so quick to judge on second hand rummor or gossip. The questions I think you should be asking are: How many girls went out for basketball. Do you know they barely had enough to play on Varsity and Reserve teams with No freshman team. The 8th grade team had to move up 7th grade players to have enough players to even have a team. Why is these? How many girls are expected to return this coming year. Lets all look at this from both sides, not just one sided. I believe in Greenville Schools System and I want a new school.But I believe there are two sides to every story. Thank-you

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  23. I think Mr. Studabaker and Mrs. Bowman are getting all the blame for a 4-1 vote. Come on people, lets be honest here they did'nt act alone. And if anyone attended a girls basketball game, then they would know that Mr. Studabaker's daughter played all the time. I bet you are wondering how I know? Because my wife and I attended many girls games, and no we don't have any children or grandchildren playing. We go to support the Greenville Athlete's. We also attend football games, softball etc. We are retired and enjoy supporting our School System. Although we don't know Mr. Studabaker personally, I think he made the right choice in his vote. First of all, the Greenville Girls Basketball team was very talented this year, those girls played hard, some had to play all 4 quarters with no rest because there were no girls to come in for them. They played their hearts out and I personally I'am very proud of those girls.But as a tax-payer I think we need to stand behind our BOE decisions. If you never attended a game then don't get involved in something you never wittnessed yourself. We all want the best for Greenville Schools. But I think a few people have made a big mess and made it a personal agenda to ruin Mr.Studabaker because he did'nt vote the way they wanted him to vote. I will continue to support the Greenville Athlete's and the BOE and a school levy.

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  24. I went to school at Greenville also, and I can tell you this as a fact. Mr. Studabaker's daughter (Jena) played all the time. Maybe, you that really don't know should go to GWOC conference, look under girls basketball. Numbers don't lie and stretch the truth folks. So don't be fooled people. Most of all this mess came from young kids trying to get on Coach Kerns good side. The same girls that sit with her at boys bassketball games. Because last time I checked they could'nt wait to get rid of her. And then all of a sudden they changed their minds.They want to bash Mr. Studabaker and Mrs. Bowman when it was a 4-1 vote.Yes, I attended a few girls games, and it was sad. Those girls played really hard, with No girls to come in for them to even rest. Why is this. Why aren't people asking questions that are really important. How many girls played at High School Level???Is it true they barely had enough girls to even play. Many girls quit, why is that so many girls quit?They don't want to play for Coach Kerns, thats why. How many girls are playing this year, how many High School girls attend this summer 5 or 6. Let's get some truth out here, not half truth.

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  25. I find it amusing how many people in this community want to jump on the bandwagon of throwing stones at the BOE.
    However, I do think that the BOE needs to start at the top and weed out! It is not the teachers! I have five children who are attending this system or who have previously (graduated). There are a few bad apples everywhere but I feel that in my heart my children are getting a quality education! Let's support the children of today and of tomorrow and vote yes!

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  26. Anonymous 11:17am, I too attended girls games as well as boys games. I also attend games of almost every sport. You think he made the right choice because of how many girls went out?? What about the 7th grade that had 20 some kids out, or re starting the youth program so numbers will stay up?? And why does the boys coach get fired? They had a freshman team and plenty JV and Varsity as well as JR high players. I guess he was let go because of the girls numbers being down? And what about wrestling?? They couldn't even field enough in each weight class. As a tax payer and voter, I think we need to question our BOE decisions and let them know when WE as tax payers and voters don't like how we are being represented.

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  27. I THINK A PERSON NEEDS TO KNOW ALL THE FACTS AND BEEN ENVOLVED WITH THE GIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM TO UNDERSTAND WHY KERNS WAS REJECTED. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TALENT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WITH REAL DISAPPOINTING RESULTS. THE ONLY WAY TO REBUILD A PROGRAM IS THRU GREAT COACHING AND GREENVILLE IS LACKING. BE GLAD THAT THE BOE HAS THE INSIGHT TO MAKE THAT JUDGEMENT.

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  28. I will vote for Mr. Studabaker and Mrs. Bowman again and for a school levy. Why you might ask, because I know they are nice, caring people,and they do care and have the best interest of Greenville Schools. The BOE has let coaches go in the past, but none has made it a personal agenda to smear both the BOE or the school.That just shows me how inmature some people really are. To go online and try to ruin Mr. Studabaker and now his business over a No vote. Some people need to grow-up. Maybe people need to ask how the coach got her job in the first place. She got a petition up and the school board listened and gave her a chance.She had two yrs to prove herself, with disappointing results. Anyone that went to a girls basketball game and knows anything about basketball agree with the BOE.

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  29. Here we go again. Is it really the time for more taxes? Board members have lied and will continue to do so. Is Geo Thermal really the best way to go. Look at the real results of that. The city is laying off workers (tax payers) The county will soon be forced to do the same. Obama is getting ready to change our tax brackets and now they are talking about doing away with mortgage interest on your income tax. Do you really want to pay more taxes? The answer is no. Our economy is worst than you think and it's only going to get worse.

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  30. Anonymous 7:56am
    First, I would like to know what coaches the BOE has let go in the past? And who is smearing the schools? I hear people voicing displeasure in how the board in operating. And you better check who started this petition... One of these board members was pushing that petition. And disappointing results?? Would the disappointing results be the youth program that didn't exist, the increase in wins from year 1 to year 2? The only thing I think is disappointing...it's not that the high school numbers were down, it's that the current high school kids didn't want to be a part of a program that was turning itself around because they might have to actually work a little bit harder and play for a coach that put some demands on them.

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  31. I can't believe I read most of these. We are all now dumber. So stupid. Actually can't believe I am posting too! Waaaaaghhhhh!!! boths sides are just waaaaaaaggghhhhh!!!

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  32. This mess will not change my vote for a School levy.Time to move forward and look at the real problems the Greenville School System are facing.

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  33. I think, we all need to move on. I hope the BOE stands by there decision, and dont change their vote. We have plenty of work to do, to get a School Levy pass.

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  34. As a Greenville athelete that has just graduated I'm going to point out something to everyone here. The reason our athletic program is so bad has nothing to do with our coaches. It's us, the kids. In every sport we have, there are only a handful of kids that are willing to put forth the effort, and the ones that don't complain that things are "too hard." I would like to see some of you come out and put up a winning record with the work ethics that our "athletes" have.

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  35. You can have all the heart and soul and green blood in the world, and be the nicest guy/gal out there....does NOT make for a good Coach! Good quality coaching is what is gonna make a difference.

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  36. BOE,

    Please do not change your vote. A few immature children and a couple of more immature coaches took over the live chat and blew this thing way out of proportion. You did the right thing and you know you did the right thing. Maybe it is the Athletic Director that we should show our disappointment at. Why did he recommend a coach with an obviously bad attitude?

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  37. Greenville Schools need experience coaches, which they are lacking. They need experienced coaching, you don't hire coaches with No experience.

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  38. Tired of all the BullJuly 14, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Hey 10:21am, you mean experienced like Travis McAvene from 2 years ago?? He had a lot of experience and that worked out really really well. Or the girls with Coach Rettig... he had like 25 plus years experience. I don't recall him leading the Wave to victory after victory, but he was at the helm when the youth programs went away. Yep, we need more coaches with that great experience.
    And now the family of the board members can start giving this comment the thumbs down like they have been doing to all the other ones, but its hard to argue with the Mcadoodle i.e. Mcavene flop...

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  39. Until Greenville gets their education system better and start focusing on the students, I urge everyone to vote no on all of this....We need an education not a building for the teachers to lounge out in!

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