posted July 29, 2009
In a TFP, July 23 opinion piece, Mark Holden says it is scary that I am on the school board because I object too much.
I find it odd that he finds my asking questions scary but does not find it scary that some board members have been on the board for years and have yet to question anything; including $5,000 a day consultants, pay raises for administrators, unlimited vacation day accrual for 800 employees, $25 a month health insurance premium for HCDE employees, a premature superintendent contract extension or a $150,000 golden parachute.
Our monthly agenda packet is usually 300 pages or more. I try to read every page. Some on the Board prefer to do as many in Congress and the Senate and vote on things they have not read. If District 1 wants a representative to vote yes on everything so those in attendance will not be “amused”, they will have to elect someone else.
One reason I ask so many questions at board meetings is because I will not meet with the superintendent before hand so he can answer questions I may have about the agenda. The superintendent is not an elected official so meeting with him would not be a violation of the Sunshine Law. However, I think the public needs to hear, not only the questions, but the discussion and the answers as well.
I do have one more question for Mr. Holden. Got milk?
Rhonda Thurman
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Ms. Thurman:
While not a resident of Hamilton County I have to say I love when I see you’ve posted something. Your honesty and knowledge about your subject are so refreshing, especially in this political climate. You do not seem the least bit intimidated by anyone and frankly the folks that voted you in should be very proud of themselves because it appears that they’re getting plenty of bang for their buck.
Kudos to you my dear, you are like a breath of fresh air.
Sue White
Cleveland
lwhite61@bellsouth.net
* * *
Keep asking questions. From what I see and hear, your questions are the same ones I would ask. At least your name is not in the news for being arrested.
It is shocking to see how our schools in Tennessee rank. I guess the city/county is too busy paying for the River Park to be almost completely re-built at expense of the taxpayer who shared the expense for the original substandard work that most of locals do not use, or to pay the shocking unreasonable high salaries for the city/county and Board of Education Central Office. I moved from the city and my grandchildren go to private schools out of necessity, if they really want a good education.
So, thank you Rhonda Thurman for asking questions and trying to make the board to do what they are supposed to do.
Marsha Hyman
Ooltewah
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