Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stapp-Hiouas should come up with a good reason not to run and save herself a lot of money. From what i've seen in the STJ over the past year, she's been pretty much at the top of the list of causing the discourse over at the school board. But, i'm 220 miles away so what do I know? popdukes12

Posted by freeselma (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You got that right popdukes12. The people have spoken and it's time to get up or shut up.
Stapp-Hiouas should be considered GONE WITH THE WIND!!!! Or better yet, an after thought.............

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've heard of some of the controversy surrounding,Ms.Stapp-Hiouas but I think she makes a valid point.I voted for an elected school board but before I cast my vote,i'm going to make sure that the candidate has the children's interests at heart and has a firm grasp of the issues facing our schools and pertinent ideas on how to fix them.I hope that my fellow voters do the same.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

@ the Selma Times Journal:
I know that you all are in favor of an elected school board.Can you tell us if this has worked in other cities of Selma's size and demography?

Posted by thiftychick (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes it has worked. Now each person that is goin to run should have children in this system(selma city) not other system.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's just one aspect,thiftychick.I certainly feel that any school board member with school aged children should have them in the system--anything otherwise would be hypocritical--but what I mean by worked is are elected school boards more effective than appointed ones at turning around mediocre or poor performing school districts.Are there any studies to prove it?

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Get ready for the politics and the "popularity vote". I'm mixed on this issue. A factor that bothers me is people getting behind a candidate for ill reasons and ignoring basics like having no educational background, lack of education themselves, no children in the system, etc. I could see where the people get to have a voice in the process now, but some people's views and choices can be grossly skewed, therefore, creating more problems in the system than helping.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's my biggest concern too,eyeonyou.I hope that I didn't make a mistake by voting "yes".Then again the city council is capable of placing people on the board for the same reasons.It's definitley a catch-22 situation.

Posted by jinxed (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I voted no because Attorney Nunn set the criteria up leaving the reality that only 1 white will be elected out of the 5 on the Board and also that there was no eductational or experience requirements for those running for those positions. Since it has passed, I will do everything to see those issues addressed. As far as having children in the system, that is another way of telling whites we don't want you in the system, but you can pay the taxes for the system. Why not take the approach that if you don't have kids in the system then you don't have to pay that portion of your taxes? Also, the staff of the Selma Times who pushed for the yes vote will most likely not be here 3 years from know, if history follows its same course.

Posted by Bg (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jinxed why does it matter how many of the board will be white or black? The fact is that the people elected to the scool board need to be there because they care about our cities youth not because of the pigment of their skin, PERIOD!

With that being said I hope that the STJ will provide an opportunity to gather the candidates for debate, and publish any and all information about them that is germaine to the election. Hopefully the voters of Selma can make an educated desicion when voting for the new board.

Posted by Bg (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

germane not germaine LOL I need an edit button

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to be extra-vigilant in the case that DUke tries to run or place some of his little lemmings in the ring for this election.

Posted by dixiegirl (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know that you have that much to worry about since his child is in private school and the only other one I know about goes to private school as well.

Posted by Publisher (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To address some of the concerns pointed out, which are certainly relevant:

I know of no studies that compare elected and appointed school boards, but I've worked in communities that had one or the other and found that elected school board members can be "vetted" more than appointed members.

Those that are elected have to:
1. Complete and submit paperwork on their background including where their income comes from, who's running their campaign, any criminal history where they've been convicted of a felony.

2. They have to submit campaign finance forms that show who has contributed to their campaign.

3. They have to go on record as to what their "platforms" are, why they are running for the school board and how they expect they can make a positive difference.

And while the campaign information form does not list educational experience, you can rest assured that The Selma Times-Journal will ask each candidate about their educational background and verify its accuracy.

We will also seek to interview each candidate, record and video each interview and make it available to the community. We will also publish interviews with each candidate in the newspaper so the community will be informed when they go to the polls.

Based on the interviews and the information we gather, the editorial board will then make a recommendation on which candidate we feel is best qualified, publishing that on our opinion page. Of course it's up to the voters to make their decision, but we will work hard to make sure there's an opportunity to make it an informed one.

Doing all of the above takes a significant investment in time and resources, but we feel it is a requirement of what our community expects of their newspaper.

And so you know, I'm not going anywhere. I've lived in Selma almost three years, made an agreement prior to my moving my family here that I would not be asked to move again.

Selma is my home now, my family's home, and with the help of many others we are going to work hard to make this a better place to live and work.

Dennis Palmer
Publisher
The Selma Times-Journal
selmatimesjournal.com

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

An at large election of all school board seats would give voters a better choice of diverse and qualified candidates.And you're probably right,jinxed,as much as I like Leesha and Dennis--with the Journal's high turnover-- i'd be surprised if they're here three years from now also.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Statement retracted,Dennis. :)

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People should pay special attention to these candidates and their platform. Show up and ask lots of questions. If they are ready to fill the position, they shouldn't have any problems answering questions. Pay very close attention to who is supporting them, why they are running and who they surround themselves with. It's one thing to have a child in the system, love Selma or to want better for the schools. It's another thing to know the working process of a board, the politics of the Alabama Educational System and how to maximize Selma's needs through "higher powers" that call the shots in Montgomery and Washington DC. The true ways and means of getting what you need.

Posted by jinxed (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bg: agree with you about the Board Members need to care for the children. Yesterday at the polls, several of those voting were interested in how much the positions would pay and that they were interested in running if it paid. To my knowledge it will not pay which will help. In 1990's, after the screaming of Attorney Rose Sander, the Federal Court required that the Selma City Schools alternate a majority of Black & White every other year to insure racial parity. Either a reversal in that order, or someone quit going by it. Racial parity in some form is needed if you want to put the public schools back into business with the whole community, which will further attract future industry.
I believe Mr. Palmer when he says he wants to be here a while and hopefully he will, but what about the others?
As far as the voters having the voice, an election in Selma, if done outside of a general election of the City, would end up with a lower voter turnout and will not be representative of the average citizens wishes.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree,eyeonyou.That's where the "vetting" Mr.Palmer spoke of comes into play.I hope that the electorate is able to rise above race and other silliness and judge a candidate based on their intelligence,grasp of the issues,and political saavy.These are the qualities needed to improve the school system.

Posted by Publisher (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No worries, Leo. I know what I say is one thing, what I do is another.

I suppose it will be like the movie Pappion, where he's floating on the homemade raft at the end shouting ".... I'm still here."

Thanks for reading,
Dennis

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL! I understand,Dennis. McQueen was good in that one wasn't he? :)

Posted by selmian (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is definitely a catch 22. However it does put more influence and power in the hands of the voters, not the council.

For instance, it is very common for people to disagree with those in office. This gives them another avenue still to cast their beliefs and opinions. It should provide a very worthwhile balance.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Something to think about. The turnout numbers for yesterday's election is indicative of what's going in with the system as a whole. A majority of the people want, want want...but won't take 15 minutes to go cast their vote to make a difference. Yes, the few people spoke. Yes, they want an elected school board. But there again, the low voter turnout is an example of why Selma suffers. Selma is a victim of it's own circumstance.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah,One_Voice,but like eyeonyou just stated if yesterday's turnout is any indication,us parents have to realize there's strength in numbers.If we show up at the polls,the board meetings,the PTA meetings,etc,etc.There's no reason why Selma City Schools can't be one of the best systems in the state.

Posted by Shamrock (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Popdukes12, how many board meetings have you attended? For that matter how many meetings have any of you attended?

The person that creates most of the hassels at the meetings is Deborah someone, Howard, I think. The few times I've attended the meetings Stapp-Hiouas has been conducting the meetings and not saying much.

I don't know much about any of them, but I do know that since she has been president meetings aren't like "feeding time at the zoo", the way they used to be for years. No shouting, fighting, and drama like what has gone on for years. Added benefit for anyone waiting to hear something is the meeting don't go to midnight and beyond like a couple of years ago.

There are 10 others on the board, some of whom have been there for 10 years or more. Why pick on her? Just curious.

Posted by PFABE (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shamrock, How many board meetings have you attended? Are you on the board?..... I asked that question because you write like a defeated school board member who wants to pick a fight with someone..... or shall I say a fight with someone else. LOL

Webster's defines Sham as -- "FAKE."
Go hide back under your rock......The people of Selma have spoken and it's time to get up or shut up.

Posted by PFABE (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shamrock, Why pick on popdukes? Just curious. LOL

Posted by truthseeker (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well Selma, 1,527 out of roughly 18,000 people voted to have the school board elected. That says to me that not many in Selma are concerned or informed about the issues that face our school system. It seemed that the board was making positive steps with the new superintendent.

Here's how I see it. The state public examiners office cited the past administration with just shy if not criminal findings. It still remains to be seen if anyone will be held accountable for running the school system with unethical practices and basically using the taxpayer's money as a personal checking account. Remember the coach who paid his cell phone bill and other personal bills with the Selma City School's account. That is just the tip of the iceburg people.

Now fast forward to 2009. We are supposed to allow 1,527 citizens change the whole school system for 18,000 citizens? Does anyone know what this election will cost the city? The mayor's office already trimmed the budget, and sought to downsize the police force. Are we ready to spend in excess of $100,000 for an election that caters to 1,527 people?

Do you know how elections work? People are elected by spending money that is donated by people who usually (not always) expect favors in return. Are the people who are allowed to run going to pay for their own campaigns? No honest, caring educator would ever have the funds to run an entire campaign. So here we go with the ego driven political types who are in it for their own gain running on some vulture's money. It will be interesting to see who runs and with who's money. It will be miracle if anyone with any brains will even attempt to run for office. Anyone with any smarts would stay out of this debacle. Save our children, run for the hills.

Posted by Shamrock (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PFABE, I wasn't picking on anyone. I read what popdukes12 had to say and I made a comment. He was the First post I saw. I thought that this was a place to voice opinions, make comments, ask questions, engage in conversation. I said what was on my mind just like the rest of yall.

As far as the Shamrock remark, well, what can I say. It's a symbol of my culture, so I used it. You're intitled to say what you want.

I really am ashamed to say that I don't go to very many board meetings. I go when they're voting on something to do with my kids' school; maybe two or three times a year.

I really am curious though about why Stapp-Hiouas is singled out. I've seen some pretty immature performances from some other members. If my kids acted the way some of them act in front of people I'd see to it they never did it again. If some of the members run, I want to know about all of them, but it seems she was the only one mentioned. There are 10 more.

The saddest part of this election has nothing to do with whether there is an appointed board or an elected one; it's the number of people who showed up to vote. Tells me that when only 0.087% of the population come out to vote they majority of people don't give a darn.

Ironic when you consider that Dr. King walked down our very streets , over the Pettus bridge, and all the way to Montgomery with many of our own citizens just so we could have the right to vote. What a tribute to all the people who fought--- the citizens of Selma have no interest in voting. Shame on us all

Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PFABE: Thanks for taking up for me. I do have some experience with the school board. Many years ago I interviewed your current mayor ( George Evans) along with several other "top notch"candidates for an opening on the school board and attended more than a few meetings. the trouble with the appointment process is that good candidates want to know that they will be picked before their name is released to the public. They do not want the public to see someone picked over them. An elected board will eliminate that problem. In our case we picked Ms. Bernice Miller due to her 30 years with the school board and the strong backing of the black community. She served the school board with pride for several years. popdukes12

Posted by on_da_move (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I HOPE THINGS WILL CHANGE IN THE SCHOOLS BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW....I'M NOT PLEASE WITH THE SELMA CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM!!!
I'M THINKING OF PRIVATE, COUNTY, OR HOME SCHOOLING...OR IT MAY HAVE TO COME DOWN TO ME MOVING FROM THE CITY OF SELMA..WHICH I DON'T WANT TO DO...BUT I WANT MY CHILDREN TO HAVE THE BEST EDUCATION THEY CAN GET...BUT I SEE ALABAMA SCHOOLS ARE FAR BEHIND THAN OTHER STATES...WHEN WE MOVED HERE AND I REGISTER MY SON WITH HIS SCHOOL THE WORK THEY GAVE HIM.. HE HAD ALREADY DONE IT A YEAR BEFORE IN THE OTHER STATE WE HAD MOVED FROM....SELMA SCHOOLS NEED TO GET ON THE MOVE...I SUGGEST THEY NEED TO SCREEN THE TEACHERS VERY WELL...DON'T JUST HIRE TEACHERS BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, ETC....HIRE THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE CREDENTIALS TO TEACH!!!!!! PEACE

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a child in the system too,on_da_move,and I feel the same way.I'm not impressed with many of my child's teachers and the principal at her school,they also seem to be lukewarm to parental involvement-- especially that of assertive parents-- even though they give it lipservice. Unfortunately,you might have to move because the system is in need of a major overhaul and i'm not sure if we have people at the board of education with the foresight--or the courage-- to change it.

Posted by PFABE (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen!!! on_da_move

Posted by hometown (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

on_da _move leo71 , I agree with you both , see the same issues the difference is ,have kids in the county system.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not impressed with the city schools either. Having attended there, I couldn't understand half the attempt to speak correct grammer and english from some of the teachers. That really can make a person question someones intellect. It's a real shame that the people we leave in charge to "TEACH" our children have a minimal education or skills themselves. Just becasue a person is a "teacher" doesn't mean they have the best interest for your child or excels at the subject. Anyone can read out of a text book. It takes a special teacher to make special kids.

It really bothers me some of these teachers get complacent and the job turns into an 8:00 to 3:00 watching of the clock.....and it shows.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My child attends CHAT Academy.In fairness there are many "manish" and "fast"--boys and girls,as my Grandmother used to call them-- for these teachers to deal with,that's where parents come in.If we'd both hold--parents,teachers, and the educational bureaucracy that backs them-- up our ends of the bargain there's no reason why our school's can't improve.

Posted by Shamrock (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The county schools aren't much better. I think two of their high schools are failing schools and the state is threatening to take them over. Where are the parents, and how come the paper doesn't say anything about it?Political probably, like everything else in Selma.

Posted by jinxed (anonymous) on May 1, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Had confidence in Dr. O when he got here, but now he is starting to run desparate which is indicated by him holding a Town Meeting at Wallace Community College's new building. Bet he is trying to get in with Sen. Sanders. First he tried patronizing Dr. Allen and Councilwoman Newton and know he is in with Wallace President Mario James Mitchell, a flunky of Sanders. Could it be that he heard that the Community College has an excess of $20 million in the bank or could it be that if he fails his required State test before May 20th he will have to be looking for another position?

Posted by yellowroseofTexas (anonymous) on May 1, 2009 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Obviously, some of you blame the whole current board with problems in the city school system. At least some of the members have made efforts to solve issues. They have not been involved with the misappropriation of funds and have sought investigation into this matter as well as others. An elected board could be worse. The grapevine says a certain group in Selma has pushed for an elected board to gain control of the board itself. It also says that there is a plan to consolidate the county and city school systems. It seems the county has a large debt whereas the city board has kept a surplus for running the system in case there is a need for emergency funding without state funds. There is also the fact that a certain superintendent not Dr. O. would head this consolidated system. Who woud pay the taxes to support this new system? In regard to the election, where did the city of Selma get money to fund the election on April 28 and the upcoming one? We had been told the city did not have sufficient funds to run the city.

Posted by jinxed (anonymous) on May 1, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yellowrose: How correct you are. It was the "Black Rose" who started trouble in the early 1990's with the public school system which has not been right since. I am white and spent 12 years in the public system and then went to College for 6 years in public schools. The local schools can come back, but not when the leaders are taking care of themselves. After witnessing the School Board meetings and seeing some of the evidence which was given to the FBI, it is a wonder no one has been indicted. It is probably time to give the evidence to the Federal Prosecutor for the Southern District of Alabama. My hat goes off to School Board Member Debra Howard for doing what is right.