Quashing Rumors
As is to be expected during an election, there are false rumors circulating about my candidacy. Given the nature of these rumors and the unfounded fear that some have expressed, I would like to set the record straight. First, I support our schools. So much so that I have fought time and time again to … Read more
A Question of Transparency
***Updated Post with BOE responses*** From: Trina Baughn Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 4:09 PM To: ‘Mr. DiGrigorio’; ‘Mr. Eby’; ‘Mr. Fillauer’; ‘Ms. Agle’; ‘Ms. Richter’ Subject: Oak Ridge Schools Policy Change to Ban Televised Media – Meeting Minutes/Vote/Information Request Members of the Oak Ridge Board of Education: I was contacted by a concerned citizen … Read more
Do YOU Own a $38,832 Car? Parting Gift for the Super?
6/22/2012 Email to Oak Ridge City Council Council – Please see this agenda for the Oak Ridge Schools BOE meeting scheduled for Monday night. In it, you will find on page 36 an FY13 budget amendment to adjust for council’s decision last month. Of greater concern to me, are two other items. First, on page … Read more
Because We Cannot Afford More of the Same
A number of people have sought my reaction to the city council’s decision this week. For those who have not heard, they voted to pay the school’s obligation on the high school debt by way of a deduction in their annual contribution and they essentially welcomed the state to intercede and look at our financials … Read more
You Have a Right To Know
If you haven’t heard about this story, the Willow Brook principal was removed from her position last week without explanation. Dr. Bailey has clearly stated that she will not be fired but moved into a teaching position. In his letter (provided here), he has barred her from stepping foot on WillowBrook property (though apparently she … Read more
Sausage or Haggis?
It’s been over a week since I originally wrote this and given everything that has occurred since, it seemed inconsequential and I didn’t want to bother posting here. But then I think back to the original impetus behind this particular piece and I realize how the current scandal (the principal’s mysterious dismissal at WillowBrook 3 … Read more
Capital Spending Sources – Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmm?
The following information supports my claims from my column this week. I will publish the column in its entirety here on Friday, but here is a summary: Oak Ridge city government will use $10 million more of your money for the high school project to cover what the schools are withholding while they (the city) … Read more
I Call B.S.
BOE Treasurer Angi Agle responds to my challenge of the BOE’s hijacking of the high school debt payment here. In her column and in her communications with council, she has called into question both my facts and my character all while perpetuating absolute fabrications about unwritten agreements and handshake deals. The BOE fully expected … Read more
More of the Same – Column Update, Contact Info and City Manager Letter & Resolution
NOTE: The email from the city manager as well as his proposed resolution that I referenced are included at the end of this post. A majority of council have indicated that they will not approve the resolution that I referenced in the following column/post. This begs the question: Now what? Council should absolutely stand their … Read more
Strike 3!
Tonight for a third time, City Council was faced with a resolution to approve a $900K increase to the schools’ 2012 budget. The administration appropriated this additional money PRIOR to receiving legal approval by council, some 9 months after council first declined a similar request. Though the mayor closed public comment on the agenda item, … Read more
A Matter of Trust
As this article describes, last week I challenged the school administration to explain their need to amend/increase their budget by almost a million dollars nearly 9 months after council declined their total budget request by about that same amount. Their explanation remains the same….it is an accounting entry correction. The letter below along with all … Read more
Post-Haste
Last week, the Oak Ridge Board of Education (BOE) chairman, Keys Fillauer, responded to one of my columns that asked of our schools, “Are we getting what we’re paying for?” Rather than address our problems, Mr. Fillauer lamented, “Why would I want to move to a place where all I read is negativity?” Since we … Read more
Here’s Lookin’ at You, Keys
I originally wrote this piece to address the BOE chair’s column point-by-point. After I’d completed it, I was less than satisfied. I think it’s because I’m sick of this never ending game that the BOE continues to play. I’ve tried in earnest for years to work with each and every member of this board and … Read more
$937,091? Pfffft. No Big Whoop.
Every year here in the ‘Ridge, we play a little game I like to call, “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money!” Around late spring/early summer, the school administration and BOE round up some folks with pitchforks and torches and march down to city hall. They demand that the city give them mo’ money than the … Read more
Summary of Last Night’s Work Session
If you weren’t able to make last night’s 2 hour meeting, here’s what you missed: City : Schools, you need to pay your part of the high school mortgage Schools: Um, yeah we know. About that. Let’s have another meeting sometime and work that out. Make that a couple more meetings. City: O.K. Cause like … Read more
The Actual Retail Price Is……
Oak Ridgers, COME ON DOWN! You’re the next contestant on the Price Is Right! Today’s item up for bid is the Woodland Elementary School emergency repair project. According to today’s edition of the Oak Ridge Observer, there are 3 possible price tags: $500,000, $689,282 or $3,500,000. Simply choose the shell under which the correct amount … Read more
Step 1: Get Mad
The front page of the January 25th edition of the Oak Ridger presented an interesting juxtaposition of news. One article informs the public that the Oak Ridge School Board and Administration intends on pushing the city to fund an “emergency capital repair project” in the amount of nearly $700K to fund structural repairs at Woodland … Read more
Data? We Don’t Need No Stinking Data.
The Oak Ridge Observer ran an editorial last week entitled “Year-Round School, Take 2.” In short, the newspaper felt they’d jumped the gun in their earlier criticism of the Oak Ridge Schools administration and staff for not being more aggressive in providing the BOE with information on a potential year round school calendar for the … Read more
Bailey indicated that the diverted revenue would still go to the high school debt service:
Tom Bailey and John Smith are quoted as saying that they knew that the sales tax was still dedicated to the ORHS construction until that construction is paid off. I will have to scan the complete article in, but until then, here’s the snippet from that article: Schools won’t lose money? June 5, 2006 •• 350 words •• ID: … Read more
High School Debt Payment 6 Months Past Due
The following is directed to the Oak Ridge Schools Administration and Board of Education and shared with the citizens of Oak Ridge: In 2004, Oak Ridgers residing in Anderson County generously voted to increase the local sales tax rate from 2.25% to 2.75% in order to fund the high school project. The verbiage of that … Read more
Year Round vs Traditional School Schedule
Over 7 months ago, the Oak Ridge BOE decided to look into different scheduling options as a means to reduce operational costs. They tasked the administration to look into alternatives to the current mixed structure (2 of our 8 schools operate year round while the other 6 operate on a traditional schedule.) The administration did … Read more
Recommended Adjustments to the OR BOE 2012 Budget
For the Oak Ridge schools’ 2012 budget, the Board of Education is requesting a 7.32 percent increase in funds from the city, $1,059,171 more than last year. However, it is critical that we maintain, not increase, funding, given the serious state of our economy, our extremely high tax rate, and the overwhelming level of debt … Read more
Robertsville Middle School Safe Routes to School Project Meeting
Taken from the Oak Ridge Observer website: When: Thu, August 12, 1am – 2am Where: City Central Services Complex – 100 Woodbury Road Description: The City Public Works Department will conduct a public meeting for citizens to review and provide comments on preliminary plans for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for Robertsville Middle School. In 2008, … Read more
Screwing Over the Poor and Disabled Kids
So, here’s what happened. For whatever reason, the school administration has been hell bent on cutting the a.m. transportation to the preschool (our head start program that services the most disadvantaged children in our community). When they tried it last year, as I discussed here, they claimed that it was to increase instructional time. The … Read more
Proposal for ORSB FY2011 Budget Adjustments
It’s that time of year again. I submitted this prior to last night’s public forum and was very encouraged to hear some board members took my suggestions, along with others, seriously. Public interest and feedback appears to be at an all time high. That’s a very good thing. Oak Ridge School Board Members: With regards … Read more
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Takes Action
While the wailing and gnashing of teeth continues over the RLCs, there are some people focused on moving forward with the real work of protecting pedestrians and bicyclists alike. According to this article, members of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee held a forum this week to discuss “ensuring safety for all who want to bicycle … Read more
JMS Traffic Concerns
From: Trina BaughnSent: Monday, September 07, 2009 5:01 PMTo: ‘Chief Beams’Cc: ORSM; City CouncilSubject: JMS Traffic Concerns Chief Beams, I’ve been in touch with Terri, the JMS crossing guard. She has informed me that the pedestrian traffic has drastically increased this year (from 8 am/pm crossers last year to over 36 this year) and that … Read more
Digging Deep into the Data
As expected, the ORSB voted to extend Dr. Bailey’s contract this evening. We are now stuck with him through 2013. Before bestowing more glowing praise on the super and after thoroughly patting themselves on the back, the board had the administration provide a partial response to my letter. Unfortunately, as Mr. Green pretty much stated, … Read more
Your Attendance and Attention, Please
On July 14th at 7:00p.m., the OR School Board will vote on extending the superintendent’s contract length and on a possible salary increase. Dr. Bailey was hired in 2002 and his current contract runs through 2012. According to the terms of his contract, the board is under no obligation to act on his contract until … Read more
Get Out And Vote!
Early Voting ends Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ Emory Valley Center (for both Roane and Anderson County) 10 am to 6 pm Polling Hours for Election Day, June 2, will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ******************* Having been actively involved in school issues for the last few years, I’ve listened to and studied this … Read more
How Bad Do You Want It?
And they’re off!!!! The local election is now in full swing and I am excited about what is to come. Last night, the school board candidates participated in a highly informative forum that Netmom kindly summarized here. This town is prime for change. But like anything worth having, we’ll have to work for it. Essential … Read more
A Not-so-Quick Update on Proposed Transportation Cuts
On April 20th, the ORSB passed their FY2010 budget. Of major note, they eliminated the originally proposed cuts of 6 TAs and transportation for a.m. preschool riders and the alternative school students. We actively pursued these reinstatements as discussed here and here and here. These were major victories for our children and our schools, but … Read more
Student Safety at Risk Once Again
There are many issues at stake in this year’s school budget. For the sake of time, I want to bring one, in particular, to the forefront. That is the slated cuts of both the a.m. preschool bus routes and the a.m. and p.m. alternative school bus routes. I will attempt to provide more informatin in … Read more
Proposal for the ORSB FY2010 Budget Adjustments
I submitted the following to the ORSB this evening. The formatting isn’t as pretty as it should be, but it’s been a very long day, so this is what you get.———————————— RECOMMENDATIONS Propose that all staff be afforded a 1% pay raise in lieu of a step increase and that the school system forego the … Read more
Robertsville/Illinois Crossing Guard Status
FYI. I’ll post updates as responses are received. From: Trina baughn Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 14:45Subject: Crossing Guard Status @ RMS Chief Beams, I have not seen a crossing guard at the Robertsville/Illinois intersection for weeks now. This intersection remains heavily trafficked by both high school and middle school students from what I understand. … Read more
Free DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event in Oak Ridge March 28th
This is a John Walsh sponsored event that will take place on March 28th from 9:30-2:00 at Oak Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Superstore @ 1005 OR Turnpike. Contact Howard Elliot at 482-7670 for further information. I would strongly advise doing so before going as there is no mention of appointments on the flyer I received. … Read more
ORHS/Civic Center Action Items
As concerned parents, we would like to clear up some confusion regarding the circumstances at the crosswalk between the high school and the civic center. The ORPD recently implemented changes in an attempt to address real and quantifiable dangers at this location. Consider the fact that 50-75 students use this crosswalk daily and that this … Read more
"A Matter of Safety"
Following is the link to the article in “The Oak Ridger” about the vest donation. http://www.oakridger.com/localnews/x185286155/A-matter-of-safety We enjoyed meeting with City Officials: Mayor Pro-temp Jane Miller, Chief Beams and Deputy Chief Massengill and the Crossing Guards who came also. We would like to express our continued gratitude to all of the Crossing Guards who serve … Read more
New Vests Provided to Crossing Guards
Along with Mayor Pro Tem Miller, Chief Beams, and CPT Massengill, we presented new, LED lit vests to some of our crossing guards this afternoon. Thanks to all who contributed funds and special thanks to Michelle Doka for acquiring the vests and coordinating today’s presentation! *****Also note that a detailed summary of potential solutions and … Read more
Solutions to Improve Visibility Issues
Several different factors have contributed to the many “near misses” that have taken place at the High School Crosswalk. One of them is a lack of visibility particularly for the Crossing Guard who is stationed there. There are several students who participate in the swimming program and cross over to the High School from the … Read more
Unresolved Issues
After reading this, it’s obvious that the need for increased awareness and action is still ever-present and very much attainable. More voices, please. Contact your public officials and share your concerns. Email sent today to City Council, City Manager, Chief of Police, OR School Board,etc. Hello and Happy New Year! I understand that there was … Read more
Walk This Way
The Oak Ridger ran this article today about Robertsville Middle School’s participation in International Walk to School Month. According to the article, “Walk This Way is a national program that highlights the benefits of walking to school while encouraging children and parents to be safe pedestrians.” RMS principal Mike Baker and others took students out … Read more
City Response to Today’s Email
Mr. O’Connor’s response to my questions (see previous post)came in within an hour of my email. We are truly blessed to have such responsive local government. Thanks Jim! 1. There is no funding for signal light so we will continue to use a Police Officer during the appropriate times. 2. I am not aware of … Read more
Additional Follow Up with the City
Sent today to the city council, police chief, city manager and copied to the school board: Hello! I wanted to follow up on some of the matters we’d discussed at the last city council meeting. I’ll keep it brief: 1. Regarding the police officer assigned to direct traffic – is this a permanent measure or … Read more
Crossing Guard Appreciation
Many thanks to all who contributed donations in support of our crossing guards! All were delivered today and were very warmly received. We have some extraordinary people working to keep our kids safe and your generosity means a lot to not only them, but many others as well. Throughout the school year, please continue to … Read more
City Council Response to HS/Civic Center Crossing Issues
At last night’s city council meeting, the city manager and council provided an update on the issues that citizens have voiced concerns about regarding the ORHS/Civic Center crosswalk. Mr. O’Connor explained that he met this past Friday with the ORSB chair, Mr. Smith and with the ORS Superintendent, Dr. Bailey. Corrective actions are as follows: … Read more
ORHS/Civic Center Crossing Follow Up
The following was submitted to city council, the chief of police and the city manager on 10-16-08: I appreciate that Chief Beams has responded to citizen concerns over the crosswalk at the high school and civic center. I understand that the time has been lengthened for the school zone and that the crossing guard’s hours … Read more
LTEs/Gov’t Correspondence RE: High School/Civic Center Crossing
The following was submitted to the city and copied to the school board on 10-6-08 and ran in the Oak Ridger (along with another letter) on 10-15-08. All: In an effort to heighten public awareness, the following has also been submitted to the Oak Ridger. Though addressed directly to the city, any and all feedback … Read more
Key to Retention – Let Them Know They Are Appreciated!
It is time again to let our Crossing Guards know how much we appreciate their services to Oak Ridge students. We are currently collecting baked goods, hand warmers, hot drink packets, lip balm, etc… to give to them. We are also having the students who use their services sign Thank you cards to give to … Read more
"All you can do is to be at every single moment as true as you can with all the power in your being - and then leave it to God to use you, even despite yourself." - Anthony Bloom
