My favorite teacher was Miss.West in HS. Just started teaching and was HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!
Just to defend the planning board, the growth management plan, which would have provided more tools for the board to control growth, was NOT APPROVED by the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. If a subdivision comes in that meets all codes, the PB has no choice but to approve it. The problem lies in the county codes, which are controlled by the COMMISSIONERS, not the PB.
But they do have the power to control growth. They also spend to much time re-zoning so more white kids and more black kids and other racial boundries are crossed. Again PC gone to far.
Parent's sometimes select locations to live defined by the schools in the area. Then when you make the investment the SB decides to many of one color live there. I think people who make that investment based on schools should have rights and the ability to make the SB accountable for stupid decisions.
But the ordinance's are not followed. When we were dealing with them with the new subdivision coming up behind us, we pointed out ordnance's, etc. that the subdivision wasn't following and it was still approved.
I moved to JoCo school system 2 1/2 years ago, when I learned my son was going to be attending kindergarten in Creech Rd Elementary. Not because he is white and would have been a minority, but because every single person I've ever heard talk about the schools in Garner (Wake Co traditionals) were terrible. So we very quickly sold our house and built one and moved him to Cleveland! We are now in West View, but haven't had a single complaint about the schools!
This is my personal opinion and perhaps a little of a bad attitude. Imagine you're on the Planning Board, the Commissioners appoint you in that position because they trust you will follow the ordinances and make recommendations regarding subdivisions. Now the Commissioners are removed from the subdivision process, because they are too busy with other growth issues. As a PB member you realize growth is out of control and the Planning board UNANIMOUSLY tells the Commissioners things need to slow down or stop until a plan is in place. The Commissioners roll their eyes and say NO! Wouldn't you be a little miffed and think okay then, you don't appreciate our recommendation? Then we'll approve and send EVERYTHING through and see how you like it. I personally think that's where we are at. Plus, all the Developers know we're pushing the limits and a Plan is being reviewed for consideration. So, of course, Developers are scrambling to get their plans in place BEFORE the laws, such as density issues are changed. I'm not sure the Planning Board has the power as everyone thinks, or if they do, they're afraid to use it. As far as schools, it's my opinion the Board of Education and Commissioners do not usually work well together. The Commissioners tend to think the Ed Board exaggerates and the financial need they beg for is not needed. :roll:
Clif, I can't find it right now, but I'm almost 100% sure that I read somewhere last year that it was just his cell phone allowance.
I'm curious too. $3000 for a cell bill seems like way too much. Could sure buy a lot of school supplies for that amount.
When I first saw that number I thought so too. Now, after doing some calculations and checking plans, maybe it's not all that bad. $3060/yr is only $255/mo. I checked on the Sprint and Alltel websites. For the maximum minutes (4000 for Sprint or 6000 for Alltel) the price is $199.00. With tax, I'm sure it gets real close to $255. While you or I would probably never use 6000, or even 4000, minutes, I don't see a problem with Dr. Parker signing up for that many minutes. I would not like to hear that he was unable to make an important call because his minutes were used up.
Thanks for the info, Clif. That makes sense and I agree with you, it's not as unreasonable as I first thought. He attends a number of evening meetings in addition to day-time hours. I know he meets with the 39 Advisory Councils as a group and by individual schools throughout the year, along with other meetings. I imagine he is working many hours a week, not a typical 40 hr/week job.
Not too many people actually work a forty hour week anymore. Union, bankers, bureaucrats, and burger flippers are the only ones I know of.
Unless things have changed recently, there is no requirement that substitute teachers drive buses. I don't think there is anyway they could require this with temporary employees. The requirement you are probably referring to is that teacher assistants (along with many other support type position) are expected to be able to drive a bus at any time. If you are interesting in substitute teaching, go for it. You really have nothing to lose. The application process isn't too demanding. Once you get into it, you can decide how much and when you wan't to work. If you wanted to work everyday, you could. You could even limit yourself to just one school, and still get plenty of work. After just a few months, my wife was getting called all the time to work. You can always say no. And if you don't like it, just stop.
You might be on to something. I was just trying to point out that the Commissioners have the final word in the county. And if you have a problem with the way that growth is being controlled, they are ELECTED officials. The planning board is made up of citizens of the county, who, at some point, volunteered to serve the county. From what I can tell, they try to do the best they can with what they have. Not saying that they are always right, I have to say that I was a little disappointed when they approved Walmart, but it will end up being the commissioners decision, just like everything else.
Point well taken and I'm glad you helped clear that up for people who may be confused. Regarding subdivisions though, the Commissioners no longer make the final decision. If the Planning Board approves it, it's a done deal. Subdivision developers no longer appear before Commissioners, only special-use rezoning and commercial (Walmart) get a final word from the Commissioners. So, if someone wants to build a 400+ subdivision next to you and the PB approves the plan, it will NOT be voted upon by the Commissioners. It's not added to their agenda or discussions. I've been through the process and confirmed it 3 times with Berry Grey, JC Planning Director, because it's hard to believe the Commissioners aren't involved with subdivision planning at all. (Neighbors had me doubting what I was told, so I asked again and again). The Commissioners have one representative at the PB meetings, Commissioner Allen Mims. He has repeatedly brought growth concerns to the County Commissioners (recommended the moratorium) and was out-voted. I'm very impressed with what he's tried to do to manage the growth, but the others outnumber him. :evil:
