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The verbal arrows have sure been flying…
By Joe Payne
Greenville School District Board Member

“Quit micromanaging!”

 “What a stupid decision!”

“This board never does anything right.”

“How could you do such a thing during a building campaign?!”

 “We need to replace the whole BOE!”

I was hoping the arrows would begin to subside. After all, body armor is hot in the summertime.

However, just this Sunday morning a few of my parishioners greeted me with sly smiles and said, “Nice Cartoon!”

“What cartoon?” I asked.

“You know, the Ackley cartoon in the Advocate. You’re in a dunce cap!”

Hahaha. Oh well… In a way, I feel strangely flattered to be included in a genuine Ackley editorial cartoon. The man is talented, you know. And besides, it’s freedom of expression that makes this the great country it is. It’s the American Way. I especially appreciate those who write or speak to me personally. I’ve received an earful these past couple of weeks, but I do appreciate it.

You also need to hear from me, which is why I am writing you today. You may be thinking, “It’s about time.” Others will probably knock anything that I write. Again that’s OK. But hear this: I write for myself only. Please accept these words as one board member’s honest attempt at communicating with the citizens of the Greenville City School District.

The recent decision by myself and three of my colleagues to not renew the basketball coaches’ supplemental contracts has raised some good legitimate questions.

Was our decision justified?

That’s at least part of the debate, isn’t it. I know there are many who believe that it was not. On the other hand, there have been a surprising number who agree with the decision. Regardless, whatever decision I have made in the past or plan to make in the future, I want you to know I do it for the children and youth of this school district as a whole.

This is not fun. I am not in this for some sort of ego trip. I can think of better “trips” than this one. I also respect the other members of the school board because I believe they are serving for the right reasons. They care about the kids. They care about the school.

But, wasn’t this decision made behind closed doors?:

No. All votes are made openly. TJ and Susie were present, and there was dialogue around these issues two months ago. At the same time, I regret not having proper dialogue with TJ and Susie that morning. No excuses, Period. Have I learned from this experience? I sure have.
 
Is this yet another example of micro-management?

No, I don’t believe so.

The BOE abides by the Greenville City Schools Board of Education Policy Manual (a PDF of the manual may be found on the GCS website, on the Board of Education page). Under File BBA, titled School Board Powers and Duties, a number of responsibilities of the BOE are listed, including Number 6, which states: [The BOE is] “to consider and pass upon or reject the recommendations of the Superintendent in all matters of policy, appointment or dismissal of employees, salary schedules or other personnel policies, courses of study, selection of textbooks or other matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools. This right to consider, pass upon or reject anything that comes to a board of education from the superintendent establishes a built in “checks and balances” within the system. It’s a good policy.

Hiring the superintendent and treasurer as well as setting policy are primary functions of the Board. Another function includes considering, approving and rejecting recommendations. The Board, Susie, and other administrative staff may agree or disagree. At times we will approve. And, at times, we may reject. At the end of the day, we are still on the same team. I have a good working, trusting relationship with Susie, TJ, and other members of the staff, and that relationship continues today.

Now here is a question for you to consider:

The next time some matter is laid before your board, will you want them to make their decision based upon the most popular, least controversial choice? Or, would you rather we make the decision based upon what we believe to be best for our students? If political expediency is what you want, I will the first to step aside and let someone else take my position.

Now, a very important question for all of us: Why should anyone trust the BOE about this upcoming capital campaign?

Because of this truth: I assure you that the decision to plan for the construction of a new K-8 building has been made through the input and decision-making of a 30 – 40 member body made up of different folks from around the district. The decision to bring on this team was itself a team decision made by the board, superintendent, treasurer and other staff. These citizens come from a cross section of almost every voting precinct, and together we have come up with a plan that we believe to be the best for our kids and the most cost effective for our voting public.

To go against this plan because of any decisions made by the board would be like saying, “You are hurting my kids by your decision-making. Therefore, I am going to hurt the kids even more by voting NO on this campaign!

Would someone please explain to me the logic in that?
 
The new K-8 is a good, solid plan. We need to get it passed. It’s that simple.

Call me crazy if you want, but despite the time involved, headaches and grief, I take pride in serving on this board! Serving on the Board of a $30 million business whose mission is to prepare our kids for future success is an honor, a privilege, and a huge responsibility. I am thankful to share this responsibility with you. I hope to help make a difference in the lives of the children and youth in this district. I also know that neither I, nor the four other members of the board, can do it alone. We are all in this together.

I am sure more decisions will be made, more “arrows” will be shot, and possibly more editorial cartoons will be drawn. And yet, ultimately I pray that the good citizens of the Greenville City Schools will realize all of us really are on the same team.


 
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