JMcCray,
Thank-you for your kind words and support. We continue to try to pull the parents and community into the decision making process, however there just doesn't seem to be any real interest or desire to get involved by the majority.

The turnout for the Forum was dismal. I would estimate that we had approximately 5 parents and 25 bus drivers that attended. I don't understand why only 5 parents showed up when we have approximately 4600 students in the Richmond Hill area that will be affected by the decision. I am very appreciative for those that did make time to attend and the comments that they provided, but only 5 or so out of a potential 8000 (allowing for single parents) show up to be heard.

When I first came to Bryan County the loudest complaint that I heard from the parents and teachers was that they did not have a voice. Decisions that affected them were made without giving them the chance to weigh in.

Well, I ran for the BOE to give the parents and teachers a voice, they elected me, and now it seems very few want to take advantage of the opportunity they now have.

I will continue to solicit input for decisions that have to be made, and will listen carefully to those that care enough to get involved and make the very best decisions that I can. I will have to assume that absence and lack of input means "Do whatever you think best and I'll be O.K. with it"

5 or so parents for 4600 or so students?

Charlie Johnson

P.S. I must include that we did have approximately 460 people that took the online survey, and I do appreciate that. I haven't been able to read all the comments provided at this time. 460 is a good number, but it still only represents about 1% or so of the student population. I realize that some households have multiple students.

CJ

There needs to be a better way of informing the parents of these meetings. The board outside of the old courthouse advertises retirement receptions, why not school board public forum meetings? Or an ad in the BC News. I don't think the majority know about the meetings. Just a thought.

momof2,
Thanks for your ideas. I think the kids were given flyers at school to bring home detailing the forum. I can/will certainly ask about the board outside the old courthouse. I don't know what the policy for using it is.

Charlie Johnson

Mr. Johnson,

Ditto to JMcCray's post. Part of the low turnout is that many parents are also employees. Some of us still feel like we can't voice our opinion without negative side effects. Some of us completed the survey and let that be our voice. We appreciate the BOE taking time & effort to listen to us. I have tried to find the results of the forum, but I haven't seen it in the paper anywhere. What was decided?

dawggirl72,
Thanks for your info. I hope we will get to the day when employees don't feel that there will be retribution for them expressing their opinions. That time is over I believe. Your opinions and observations are very important to the advancement of our school system which in turn benefits your children.

As for the Forum, nothing was decided as we were there to gather information to use in making our decision. I think we will be discussing the issue at next week's Board Meeting at Carver Elementary School.