AIG Center Closing

Well it looks like the AIG center will close after this year. What a shame. And it only saves $277K

I wonder how much it will cost Johnston County school as parents of gifted students begin suing the school system because thier children are not receiving an appropraite education. Many of us let the lack of education in the classroom slide because we knew we had the center where our kids were challenged.

I also can't see where cuts were made to other special needs kids. How many reading recovery positions were eliminated, how about the autistic program--what about the cost of taking the kids to the special olympics? Why are their so many TAs for special needs kids but no one assigned to the above average sector?

I wonder if parents of gifted kids refused to let their children take the EOGs--how would those scores look then?

Why has education turned into something only for those who struggle--what are the taxpayers and parents of kids who excel getting for their money?

 

Some additional Budget Cut ideas

Could we make some cuts here--what if each of these administrators took a 5% cut--but I guess not one wants to look at that option.

Johnston County Schools Administrative Salaries
2010-2011
Name Title Salary
Croom, Edward Superintendent $209,206.85
Beamon, Keith Chief Academic Officer $170,071.75
Marsh, Shelly Deputy Superintendent - Administrative Services $146,804.00
Jacobs, Patrick Chief Operations Officer $112,520.00
Woodruff, Deborah Executive Director - School Improvement and Innovation $107,980.08
Lee, Phillip Principal - Riverwood Middle $104,833.14
Little, Robin Senior Executive Director - Human Resources $101,580.00
Stanley, Art Chief Financial Officer $99,932.04
Martin, Bryan Executive Director - Personnel $99,780.00
Denning, Kirk Principal - Princeton School $99,141.36
Bisesi, Wilma Executive Director - Support Services $97,924.08
Weakley, Terry Principal - McGee's Crossroads Elementary $97,045.14
Knott, Frank Principal - Riverwood Elementary $94,108.50
Nettles, Nancy Principal - Powhatan Elementary $93,713.22
Godwin, Chris Executive Director - Academic Programs $92,884.08
Wellons, Kim Principal - Princeton Elementary $91,970.88
Carper, Ann Director - High School Curriculum $85,884.00
Riddick, Fran Director - Human Resource Development $85,884.00
Eaves, Clint Principal - Clayton High $84,665.16
Price, Eddie Principal - South Johnston High $84,106.08
Monson, Herb Assistant Principal - South Johnston High $84,094.08
Youngblood, Hannah Executive Director - Testing and Accountability $83,976.00
Meredith, Anne Principal - Cleveland High $83,927.76
Sessoms, Terri Public Information Officer $83,800.08
Renfrow, Ross Principal - Corinth Holder High $83,257.32
Sugg, Billy Executive Director - Transportation $82,032.00
Tanner, Elizabeth Director - Title I Program $82,032.00
Honeycutt, Brookie Principal - West Johnston High $81,207.12
Carter, Sadie Director - Human Resources Classified $81,132.00
Freeman, Diana Executive Director - Media Services $80,196.00
Temple-Rains, Vicky Assistant Principal - McGee's Crossroads Elementary $80,163.60
Taylor, Michael Principal - Smithfield Selma High $79,915.20
Stott, Ray Principal - Middle College High $79,194.00
Edmundson, Dee Director - Title I Instruction $78,408.00
Hewitt, Kay Coordinator - AIG Center $77,520.00
Gill, Delores Principal - West Clayton Elementary $75,991.50
Herridge, Robin Director - Elementary Curriculum $75,708.00
Moore, Jennifer Principal - Selma Middle $74,338.08
Bennett, Betty Principal - Benson Elementary $74,085.06
Johnson, Oliver Executive Director - Student Services $74,016.00
Bennett, Kenneth Principal - South Campus Community Middle $72,996.00
Morgan, Russell Director - Integrated Communication $72,984.00
Byrd, Denise Principal - Selma Elementary $72,959.40
Vann, Allen Director - General and Regulatory Services $72,948.00
Hicks, Dan Executive Director - Technology Services $72,924.00
Cobb, David Principal - Four Oaks Middle $72,670.50
Edmundson, Linda Principal - Cleveland Elementary $72,670.50
Johnson, Lorrie Principal - West View Elementary $72,670.50
Whittington, Patty Principal - East Clayton Elementary $72,617.88
Cockrell, Cary Lane Principal - Johnston County Early College Academy $72,270.60
Spaulding, Bridgette Principal - River Dell Elementary $72,024.54
Johnston County Schools Administrative Salaries
2010-2011
Name Title Salary
Harrell, Tim Principal - North Johnston High $71,745.00
Peterson, Rodney Principal - Meadow School $71,727.00
Johnson, Deborah P. Principal - Polenta Elementary $71,685.00
Jacobs, Angie Director - Professional Support $71,226.96
Creech, Junior Principal - South Campus Community High $70,845.00
Pearce, David Principal - Four Oaks Elementary $70,699.50
Haynes, Barretta Principal - McGee's Crossroads Middle $70,119.00
Gatlin, Rip Manager - Print Shop $69,744.00
Purvis, Steve Manager - Video Production $69,732.00
Honeycutt, JoAnne Director - Career and Technical Education $69,684.00
Sanders, Ana Director - ESL and Migrant Programs $69,684.00
Vetrano, Brian Director - Human Resource Management $69,684.00
Singleton, Sheila Principal - Benson Middle $68,512.50
Peedin Jones, Tracey Principal - Smithfield Middle $68,440.50
Holmes, Todd Director - Certified Employment $68,100.00
McLamb, Kathleen Principal - Cleveland Middle $67,950.18
Batchelor-Mapp, TandrPrincipal - Glendale Kenly Elementary $67,549.20
Pope, Janet Assistant Principal - West Smithfield Elementary $67,262.46
Sasser, Allen Principal - Micro-Pine Level Elementary $67,234.50
Spence, James Assistant Principal - South Campus Community $66,896.80
Coates, Paula Principal - Archer Lodge Middle $66,615.42
Davis, Lorine Coordinator - JCS Events/Executive Director - JC Ed Found $66,612.00
Baker, Stephen Principal - Clayton Middle $66,584.04
Eno, Joseph Coordinator - Drop Out Prevention $66,576.00
Taylor, Carla Principal - South Smithfield Elementary $65,757.42
Stephenson, Michael Assistant Principal - Four Oaks Middle $65,438.14
Bennett, Catherine Assistant Principal - Princeton Middle/High $64,846.03
Barbour, Tamara Assistant Principal - West Johnston High $64,598.64
Stoke, James Principal - Wilson's Mills Elementary $64,598.64
Acree, Kara Compliance Specialist - 80% $64,152.00
Pate, Robin Assistant Principal - Clayton High $63,992.79
Hamilton, Kathy Coordinator - Testing $63,588.00
Ellis, Jarvis Principal - North Johnston Middle $63,463.50
Alligood, Dawn Principal - Dixon Road Elementary $62,899.38
Jewett, Chad Principal - West Smithfield Elementary $62,899.38
Renfrow, Amy Principal - Corinth Holder Elementary $62,899.38
Norris, Roger Assistant Principal - Cleveland Middle $61,844.76
Avery, Michael Assistant Principal - Benson Middle $61,114.75
Stallings, Brenda Assistant Principal - Selma Elementary $60,430.19
Ward, Rhonda Assistant Principal - Princeton Elementary $60,289.81
Vines, Jule Assistant Principal - West Johnston High $60,097.76
Roberts, Mary Jane Assistant Principal - West Clayton Elementary $60,038.00
Byrd, Kendrick Assistant Principal - Smithfield Middle $58,893.66
Burton, Jeanne Coordinator - Human Resources Employment $58,140.00
Johnson, Rick Coordinator - Human Resources Benefits $58,140.00
Pleasant, Kelly Coordinator - PreK Programs $58,104.00
Stephenson, Kristy Coordinator - Accountability $58,104.00
Anders, Heather Assistant Principal - Smithfield Middle $57,853.20
Howard, Rex Assistant Principal - North Johnston Middle $57,674.10
Garland, Brandon Assistant Principal - West Johnston High $56,402.30
Sellers, Shannon Assistant Principal - Corinth Holders High $56,340.39
Johnston County Schools Administrative Salaries
2010-2011
Name Title Salary
Hardy, Lowell Assistant Principal - Princeton School $56,133.88
Cox, Amy Assistant Principal - South Johnston High $55,892.18
Ferrell, Chase Assistant Principal - Corinth Holders High $55,834.02
Lee, Don Assistant Principal - Wilson's Mills Elementary $55,704.33
Massengill, William E. Director - Plumbing/HVAC/Environmental/Auto $55,560.00
Clapp, Jimmy Director - Special Operations/Grounds/Road Warriors $55,536.00
Findley, Rachel Director - Child Nutrition $55,536.00
Lee, Tabitha Internal Auditor $55,536.00
Williams, Adriese Assistant Principal - McGee's Crossroads Middle $55,242.22
Huddleston, Betsy Assistant Principal - Archer Lodge Middle $55,079.50
Bell, John Assistant Principal - North Johnston High $54,772.24
Sampson, Latrisha Assistant Principal - West Smithfield Elementary $54,516.00
Creed, Amy Assistant Principal - McGee's Crossroads Middle $54,128.01
Andino, Andrea Assistant Principal - Clayton High $53,999.67
Johnson, Sharon Assistant Principal - Polenta Elementary $53,801.00
Lawrence, Tywan Assistant Principal - Smithfield Selma High $53,776.80
Sauls, Jenna Assistant Principal - Cleveland High $53,639.41
Morgan, Sherrie Assistant Director - Transportation $53,196.00
Hartley, Lynn Coordinator - Instructional Management System $53,112.00
Morgan, Charles Coordinator - Transition Programs $53,112.00
Cowan, Bridgette Assistant Principal - Archer Lodge Middle $52,651.20
Hope, Elisha Assistant Principal - Smithfield Selma High $52,651.20
Chapman, Harold Assistant Principal - Clayton High $52,649.97
Swartz, Jennifer Assistant Principal - West Johnston High $52,527.71
Kalsch, Joanne Assistant Principal - Micro-Pine Level Elementary $52,218.42
Stewart, Anthony Assistant Principal - Clayton High $52,060.62
Avery, Tol Assistant Principal - South Johnston High $51,787.73
Fisher, Jackie Assistant Principal - Riverwood Elementary $51,711.00
Turner, Christie Assistant Principal - Cleveland Elementary $51,711.00
Jones, Andrea Assistant Principal - Glendale Kenly Elementary $51,646.86
Germanoski, Chris Assistant Principal - Riverwood Middle $51,626.68
Casey, Michelle Assistant Principal - River Dell Elementary $51,504.00
Smith, Jason Assistant Principal - Smithfield Selma High $51,340.69
Lebo, Janet Assistant Principal - Cooper Elementary $51,180.28
Anthony, Ron Assistant Principal - Meadow School $50,979.16
Williams, Benjamin Assistant Principal - Riverwood Middle $50,706.40
West, David Assistant Principal - North Johnston High $49,996.80
Flores, Jocell Assistant Principal - Clayton Middle $49,860.18
Johnson-Cowart, DorlisAssistant Principal - West Clayton Elementary $49,731.00
Parrish, James T. Assistant Principal - Benson Elementary $49,638.23
White, Leigh Assistant Principal - Clayton Middle $49,615.30
Andrews, Leo Assistant Principal - Corinth Holder Elementary $49,277.07
Hanahue, Maureen Assistant Principal - Polenta Elementary $49,104.00
Kennedy, Christopher Assistant Principal - Smithfield Selma High $48,753.60
Glendenning, Brian Assistant Principal - Four Oaks Elementary $48,027.37
Woodard, Deborah Assistant Principal - Meadow School $47,707.80
Shepherd, Angel Assistant Principal - South Smithfield Elementary $47,656.33
Carpenter, Tina Assistant Principal - East Clayton Elementary $47,278.00
Foye, Lestee Assistant Principal - Selma Middle $47,244.91
Specht, Kristina Assistant Principal - Four Oaks Elementary $47,053.19
Hudson, Lee Assistant Principal - Powhatan Elementary $46,916.80
Johnston County Schools Administrative Salaries
2010-2011
Name Title Salary
Harrell, Jessica Assistant Principal - Cleveland Middle $46,193.82
Robinson, Candice Assistant Principal - West View Elementary $46,079.00
Williams, Kristen Assistant Principal - Dixon Road Elementary $44,814.00
Johnson, Brian Assistant Principal - Cleveland High $44,633.39
Mitchell, Suzanne Principal Fellow Intern - Selma Elementary $15,124.00

 

Just MHO ...

Education Did Not ever have to consist of AIG "benefit" -- as great and rewarding as it is to those children.

I don't think the other special needs kids should get cut backs though ... more is needed with them to avoid cutback of teachers. These special needs (I'm talking mentally slow and behind in age appropriate matters for them) deserve all it takes to assist them for a positive social part of the community and living in this crazy world.

Intelligent kids can spend time after school enhancing their knowledge thru reading higher level materials and doing hands on experiments with their parents or adult supervision of science type stuff.

Yep - I had a daugher attend AIG for 3 yrs and she's now in middle school as a straight A student in honor classes. AIG was a great asset for her to bloom in her educational growth but I didn't depend on AIG to fulfill such.

Schools are Not what they use to be so parents may have to step in more to help the growth stimulation of the kids. After all, with the schools doing NO KID LEFT BEHIND outlook on educational life ... why should they care if AIG closes for those kids that need/want the extra perk?

DD has one more year in middel school then hopefully early/middle college will come into play. Meanwhile, anytime we drive thru Smithfield in the AIG building area, she rehashes memories of what it was like.

 

I'm in the wrong line of work.

 

Its a sad day if true. JR started going this year, and is so excited every Thursday to go. I know they will have AIG in the school and maybe even combined with 2 schools (ie Clev and West View) but AIG was a special experience. That is an easy cut to make but like most the school board likes the easy cuts and not the tough ones like across the board pay cuts.

 

AIG students have the same rights as children with disabilities. They are guaranteed a "free and appropriate education" . It is the law. They will still have to serve those children whether it be at the Center or not. I am curious as to what the backup plan is and how much of that $277 will have to go back out in the way of site based teachers. When do they plan to tell us this?

 

Govt Schoo;s

I'm Quoting Neil Bortz:

“What we now call our ‘public’ schools — really government schools — were first designed around the beginning of the last century. That was when our country was moving from a largely agrarian economy to an industrial one, and many young people were coming out of the fields and into the factories to earn their livings. But to work in factories required a much higher level of education than you would have needed to tend to crops, slop hogs and gather eggs. American industrialists and politicians knew that the new industrial economy was going to require more educated workers, so the government school system was born.

“But there was a slight problem. Some business and political leaders were concerned that the masses might become too well educated! Think about it: The better educated the people are the greater the threat they present to those in power. This education system was designed to educate you, yes, but to educate you only to the point that you would be a good employee and obedient government subject. So, you see people are wrong when they say our schools aren’t working. Why, they’re working exactly the way they were designed to work!”

The Little man needs to change government to change the schools.

 

Cutting salaries is the last thing that should happen. If they want to give up part of their salaries... then that is their choice... mandating or expecting it to happen is unfair. How many oil company CEO's are giving up some of their salaries to reduce gas prices?

Most of these dedicated educators/administrators are already grossly underpaid if you ask me. Just think of all of the entitled, pyscho, demanding parents that these poor souls have to deal with every day... not to mention their snot-nosed, disrespectful children on a daily basis. These folks are already making significantly less than that what they could probably make in the "private sector" at a "regular business" with more than 5000 employees. A majority of these people are highly educated and motivated individuals.

The AIG program is a bonus. It is not part of basic education. I benefited from these types of programs as a grade school student and would love for my 3 kids to as well. But I am not going to scream "foul" if they don't. I didn't have to be bused to a special center each week to get this special education. My school had a higher level teacher (he was a doctorate level teacher... doctor of what? I don't know... but he was very good as a teacher). Not only did he teach us "special" kids.... he also taught several classes of "regular" students as well (so many students benefited from his knowledge and skill as an educator). We also had a guest teacher who came twice a week to our school (I assume she was at other schools on other days). With these two teachers team teaching us, we were challenged and forced to push ourselves even harder. Honestly though, I think the biggest thing I remember from the class was not the actual day to day classroom stuff. We were introduced to logic and taught how to think... and most importantly how to question everything, the value of good research, and how to think for ourselves (all as 6th graders).

There are plenty of other "state sponsored" programs for "smart kids"... NCSSM is basically free and for high school students who want to push themselves. There are plenty of private schools and there are several non-traditional school choices. Or you could always home-school. There are all kinds of ways for parents to challenge their own kids. Parents need to take more responsibility for their own kids and not depend on everyone else to do it for them... or better yet, teach your children to teach themselves... the internet is not just for Facebook, twitter, whining and complaining on discussion forums, and porn!!! There is actually some good information out there!!!! The public library is also full of all kinds of interesting books.

Are you and the other parents whose children attend the AIG program each week willing to pay tuition or some sort of fee to keep the center open? If not, then I would rather see it closed if it meant a couple of schools are able to keep another teacher reaching many more students each day and week. It think comparing the AIG center to education for true special needs children is low... and really mis-informed. The purpose of these programs is to help these children have a better chance at becoming productive parts of our society... and not dependent on the state or federal government to support them for the rest of their lives. I would rather spend money on them for 10 to 12 years helping them to be self-sufficient than pay for their day to day care for the other 60 years or so of their lives!!!

The real injustice in our school systems is the policy of "last in, first out"... in some cases a new, energetic, motivated, great teacher may lose their job just so a near-retirement, burned out, lazy, horrible teacher may keep their job just b/c they've been there for 20 years. Losing the salary of the "tenured" teacher could save the job of 2 newer teachers in some cases. If you want to find something with our school system to complain about, then that is probably a better place to start!!! Keep teachers based on merit, skill, and passion... not time on the job!!!

 

where's the Like button on this darn forum?

 

Okay, I'm game. Let me first start by saying I grew up in my elementary years in the AIG program of NC. I honestly can say I do NOT think that is what formed who I am today or contributed to my education quite frankly. I learned more w/ hands on stuff in high school & seeing places. I believe it is a parent's responsibility to enhance their child's education whether it be AIG OR Special Education. Shoot, that's what I do here. My kids' education doesn't stop when school's out.

As for the stuff the op said about Special Ed.... I can answer a few of those questions for you. Cost of taking kids to Special Olympics is minimal at best. The kids bring their own lunches & most parents take their kids out to lunch anyhow. The T-shirts were donated by the PTA to be used EVERY year, not just this year. So the cost...an activity bus for ONE day. That's it. That's the cost to make these kids that get put down at school constantly feel special for one single day. Most can not do regular athletics after school. I know mine can't. So, this one day out of the year for maybe .50 a kid is not costing that much imo.

Oh, why are there SO many TA's for special ed? Umm, it's the law. Period. You can only have so many teacher to student ratio in special ed as many of the kids have behaviors that will impede the learning of others. Trust me, you don't want them NOT to have TA's. Why? B/c then they to pull your kid's teacher out to help calm a student or get the classroom back in control. Or the principal. I know for a fact this happens when they are short TA's.

Why are there NOT cuts in Special Ed? Umm, how do you know that?! You have NO idea what the plans are for special ed. Right now it's so bad what they might do, I may have to pull my daughter from school. They may be mixing the life skills class w/ the academics classrooms. How is my daughter to learn if someone is making noises or learning basic life skills when my daughter can read & such? how is that fair to her?

There were things done this year that I'm sure many parents were unaware of. How many of you knew your kids were in inclusion classes? Many, many students were but they weren't really telling parents it was an inclusion class. I did NOT agree w/ that one. My one son is in 5th grade, normal intelligence, great grades & behavior, no IEP or such needed yet is in inclusion classes. It's way more prevalent than you think to save those $$$.

So, when you say there are no cuts to special ed, I really must disagree. Trust me, you do NOT want cuts in special ed. Why? Because then those students are mixed in w/ the regular population as inclusion students. Happens at the high school level. I have a daughter in this situation. It puts the special ed students, regular students, special ed teachers all in a very difficult position to teach. No one learns the way they should. No one.

Do NOT think the money is being spent on those who struggle. That is furthest from the truth. I can clearly attest to that. I have children of ALL abilities. ALL levels. We beg for ESY every year. Not an option. Would it help? Yes. So much would help but they don't do it b/c of money. yet legally, they are not supposed to do that. I think it is very wrong to make children take the EOG's who can't even read. My daughter is moderately mentally challenged. She can not read hardly at all at almost 12yo. She's in 4th grade, special classroom. Tries SO, SO hard. Mentally, just can not do it. Schools make her take the 4th grade EOG's just so she can fail. We all know she'll fail. cAn't read them. It's just sad. No, she didn't pass either. Won't pass them the second time either. Just a fact. Why count these grades?? Why?! Why make them go through that torture of feeling horrible about themselves when they have enough challenges everyday? Blame NCLB act. Worst thing ever! Scores would be better if they didn't count these kids. TRUST ME, parents of these children do NOT CARE if they take this test! Only care that their kids can reach their fullest potential. Instead, they spend $$$ trying to get these kids to pass a test they never can. Skip those scores, spend the $$$ elsewhere. But no. Common sense has left the schools. Period. Some of my kids have been studying for the test since FEBRUARY folks. Several had parties to celebrate the test they didn't even take yet. I'm sorry but that's just stupid. Let the teachers teach all year, take the test at the end and all will be well. but no. Instead, we just teach the test.

My son is getting great grades in 5th grade yet couldn't do a simple word problem at the dinner table the other night. In addition, did not know the National Anthem. I think that is sad. Many will disagree here & to each their own. I just knew what it was like when I great up in NCPS.

I think we can all agree changes need to be made. For those w/ AIG students, enhance them in other ways. There is SO MUCH out there nowadays and not all of it has to cost money. Again, all these are my opinions. I have a flame retardent suit on today so fire away!

Stephanie-- mom to 7 (soon to be 10!)

 

I am sorry the AIG center is closing and I hope the teachers and staff there are given alternate employment within the school system.

That being said, both my 4th grader and my 2nd grader attend the AIG Center and quite honestly, I don't feel they gained anything by attending this year. I'm not saying their teachers were bad, just that I don't feel they learned anything over and above what they could, and have, learned at their base school. They both have wonderful teachers at our base school, as does my kindergartner. All three of them have been taught at their level with differentiated work suited for their academic needs. All three of their teachers are responsive to all their student's individual needs as well as always responding to any issues I or my husband might be concerned about with our own children.

As a parent of children classified as "gifted" I feel it is MY responsibility to ensure my kids are being provided all the academic.....extra's, shall we say?......that enable them to keep learning at their own specific levels. I don't just rely on their teachers, either at their base school or at the Center. I make sure they are given access to, and enjoy additional learning tools all throughout the school year, as well as during their summer break.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I'm not all that disappointed that my boys won't be able to attend the Center any longer because I don't feel it served a justifiable purpose this year. While my boys love the idea of being one of the "special" kids who get to leave the school and go to the Center, I don't feel they got anything that was academically better than they have at their base school.

I feel like JoCo schools get a bad rap sometimes, and I couldn't be happier with our school. The office staff is wonderful, the principal is fantastic, and the teachers we have had the pleasure of knowing have worked their tails off to give the kids their best. I know my boys have benefited from our school and I can't wait for my baby girl to start in a year and half.

 

Ahhh, there you are! :hurray::hurray:

 

First you compliment which I support, then you castigate, which I do not. No teacher ever got into education for the luxurious lifestyle it affords. Ask those who come out of pocket for teaching materials. No teacher ever went to work thinking, "Today, I'm gonna screw up a child's future."

As far as an injustice, the first term you used to describe these dedicated professionals as 'burned out'. How does that happen? By putting their all into a career that is low paid, half appreciated, rarely acknowledged for the benefits they bring, and where they are often (more so these days and getting worse) usually on the defensive because some parent's best friended self entitled child doesn't know how to behave in public, refuses to do the work assigned, and has major attitude towards adults in general. And these learned behaviors are exhibited in elementary school. Any wonder why some of them are disruptive in academic settings?

Yes, there are some teachers who should not be there. News flash, here. Not all of them have been teaching a while. Some are unprepared entering the profession. Without the established mentors, who do these teachers get better?

Full disclosure: I am married to a public school teacher. I am a proud product of NC public school education.

 

I completely agree with the original post here. My kids have benefited GREATLY from the AIG Center and I am so sad it is closing and so disappointed in our Board of Education members for allowing it.

So many have made statements here that have infuriated me beyond imagination. Not all of us are lucky enough to have a principal and teachers who know how to deal with gifted kids, so that one day a week is more than worth it. There is no way that all schools in our county will step up and do what is needed for gifted kids - the PETS program they've had this year for K-2 kids has shown that.

As a parent, of course I provide my children with every opportunity I can to continue their learning, to explore their interests and help them grow in knowledge. But when we are mandated to send our children to school X hours a day for x days a year, why is it acceptable for them to do only the bare minimum for my gifted children? Why is it acceptable for the schools to not do more than is necessary to educate my kids? I believe that all kids should get the best educations possible. All kids, at all levels, regardless of their abilities. It's amazing to me that there are those out there that think it's okay for a ceiling to be placed on our kid's learning by the school system and that once they reach it, they need to wait for everyone else to catch up before that ceiling can be raised. It's not fair to any child to sit in a classroom not learning, but it happens every day in our school system. Every day. And to suggest that I'm not doing all I can because I choose to send my kids to public school . . . If it's good enough for your children, why shouldn't it be for mine? It could be if we had an administration that truly cared for all students.

Oh, and AIG education is NOT only a bonus. It is mandated by the state for these children to receive extra services. The AIG Center, yes it was a bonus for K-5 kids, but it was the one way our county chose to spend the AIG funds they receive that are to be spent ONLY on AIG students. The money that was spent at the Center will still have to be spent on these kids in some fashion - the problem is that now each school will be able to decide how they want to use those funds. The only money being saved by closing the Center is the money spent on transporting those students to and from the Center.

So much more I could say but what's the point. I am more than happy that my kids will be done with Johnston County public schools after this year.

 

momtofive said it all! Thank you!

 

I feel that the education system needs to be completely revamped. If we eliminated so called "grades" and had each child work on a level where he or she needs to be, you would see much more success. Who cares if you are supposed to be in 4th grade. If you are working at a higher level then you should be taught at that level and vice versa. Something needs to be done and soon. We will never be able to compete with other advanced countries if the system continues the way it is. Why do you think so many parents are turning to home schooling or private education? Things that make you go hmmmmm........

 

Dude, I love you. Very well said throughout. On the money. :cheers:

 

I want to clarify that I am not proposing cuts to special education. I just don't understand why everyone finds it ok to cut one special needs population but not another. and NEWS FLASH. Educating an identified gifted student is not a bonus or a perk--IT IS LAW. These kids deserve an appropriate education just like every other student. I do things to enhance my child's live--from academics to sports to cultural activities--but that does not mean it is not the schools responsibility to provide an appropriate education. Why should my boys sit through 7 1/2 hours of mandated school doing independent work, working out of an "extension" folder or better yet being paired up with a lower level student to help them--and then come home for me to teach them at their level. Why is no one saying that the kids who struggle to read should just have their parents work with them after school?

Some schools do a good job of educating their gifted population within the base school. Johnston County does not have that type of system. This year the center only operated 3 days a week and the other two children were supposed to get services within their base school. I would love some feedback about how that worked out--anyone--anyone--oh my all I hear is silence.

Johnston County does not have to have the AIG center--but it does have to BY LAW provide an appropriate education for its gifted students.

As far as educating my children myself or in a private school I would love to--but anytime someone ask for vouchers to provide choice in education they are looked at as if they are trying to mass murder the public schools. I am paying taxed and in this state 55% goes toward education--why should I have to continue paying for public education and still foot the bill for a private education?

In the long run I can't imagine closing the center will save any money.

I think most people on this forum agree that the school system is broken--but attempting to cut services to the highest achieving population will not fix it.

 

has anyone thought about the fact that we have so many "gifted" children now days due to the dumbing down of our requirements for education in general?


yeah when I was in school we had gifted kids as well, and up till high school they received the same teaching lessons as a non-gifted child. Once they got to high school they were allowed to take or sign up for college prep or ap classes which were taught by the same teachers as a non advanced class, just used a different level of ciriculum in class.


As a side note I took alot of the college prep/ap courses in high school and while I was in grade school had a 2-3 year higher reading level than the classes I was in, due mainly to the fact that I liked to read. When I got to high school most of the courses I took were college prep/ap with the exception of English as I honestly didn't see the need to write a 10-15 page essay every two weeks based on a list of books that I had no interest in.

 

In reference to what I highlighted above...
You are right. Educating your identified gifted student is the law. They should be getting the proper level of education for their level EVERY day not just one day a week. To me the AIG Center WAS a bonus for these kids and if they were not getting AIG level stimulation at their base school on a daily basis then THERE is the reason to feel wronged or that the law is not being followed.

DB's wife