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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Video Request / FCBOE Policy Change Copy.





Part 1 / Double Click to enlarge screen.





Part 2 / Double Click to enlarge screen.

Upon request, Milton resident Lisa Cauley has provided Accessmilton.com with the video taken at the Katie Reeves Community meeting on May 17, 2010.

LATER ADDITION: Please be advised that we did not edit the video from the meeting.Youtube only allows video segments to be uploaded under ten minutes. Thus, we had to split the video to get all content listed.

Below the two videos are the Fulton County Board of Education Policies on Volunteers and Controversial Materials, which passed unanimously at the BOE Board meeting the night before last. This information is also posted on the county website, www.fultonschools.org.

Tim Enloe /Accessmilton.com

___________________________

5.11 Board Policy – IFCD – School Volunteers (action)

Meeting: 06/15/2010 Board Meeting.

Category: 5. Consent Agenda

Agenda Type: Action

Agenda Item Content

Executive Summary

Since the May board meeting staff and board attorneys have worked to add clarifying language in the policy. We recommend that all volunteers that will work directly with students complete a Volunteer Registration Form. This will ensure relevant contact information is on file and that the Sex Offender list can be referenced.

We have limited the provisions about observation and public space to work done in the school during the school day. We have also clarified that individual volunteers should not be alone with individual students. We have added language regarding volunteers after school and at extra-curricular or other school-sponsored events. This language does allow individual volunteers to be alone with individual students, but only at the direction of the staff member in charge.

These changes are highlighted in yellow. (italics on Accessmilton.com)

We have reviewed policies on volunteers and visitors to schools from schools systems in Douglas, Fayette, Rockdale, Paulding, Cherokee, Dekalb, Gwinnett and Cobb counties. None of these require background checks on volunteers. However, Cobb County Schools has language in their policy prohibiting volunteers from being alone with children. We propose this as an acceptable solution. It addresses the behavior we are trying to prevent, without causing additional effort and cost on the part of volunteers. We have inserted such language for consideration.

We have also deleted some extraneous language from this policy. We propose rescinding the procedure as it does not provide any additional direction.

MOTION STATEMENT:

I move that the Board rescind Procedure IFCD and accept Policy IFCD – School Volunteers, for action.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY:

Martha T. Greenway

Deputy Superintendent

Organizational Advancement Administrative Center

404-669-4922

greenwaym@fulton.k12.ga.us

________________________

Policy: School Volunteers

Effective Date: 07/01/1986 [08/23/10]

The Board of Education supports a close relationship between the school and the public, recognizing that successful operation of our schools involves a shared responsibility on the part of parents, professional educators and lay citizens.

THE FOLLOWING FROM 7/01/1986 WAS STRICKEN FROM THE POLICY:

“A vital element in developing a sense of shared responsibility for the success of our schools is the opportunity for parents and citizens to volunteer time and expertise to the education of our students. Under the direction of the Superintendent, administrative procedures will be established and maintained relating to the operation of this program”.

THE FOLLOWING IS NEW POLICY 8/23/10:

Local school principals are charged by the Board of Education with responsibility to develop programs which utilize the services of volunteers to support the school. All volunteers who will be working directly with students of the school must complete a Volunteer Registration Form each year. Principals should check the List of Registered Sex Offenders for all volunteers who will work directly with students.

On school property during the regular school day, volunteers and other non-System personnel should be observed at all times by appropriate System employees or be in an open area of the school building. When this is not possible, no less than two volunteers or non-System personnel must be present when a volunteer is engaged with an individual student.

After the school day, or during extra-curricular or school-sponsored activities, volunteers should not be alone with an individual student unless specifically directed to do so by a staff person in charge, and then only under emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Cross References: IFCD – School Volunteers Procedure Link to Procedure Legal Reference: Reference: Adopted Date: 01/31/1981 Revision Date: Scope Notes: Status: Current

____________________

Procedure: School Volunteers

Effective Date: 07/01/1986 [08/23/10]

THE FOLLOWING FROM 7/01/1986 WAS STRICKEN FROM THE POLICY:

“The School System defines a volunteer as an unpaid person who works in the school under the direction of the school principal and who offers special skills and services as needed, to support and implement the school program. Volunteers are divided into two categories: 1. Regular school volunteers who give time on a regular basis in the school, and 2. Community resource volunteers who may come to the school on request to make a special contribution. Volunteers may work with teachers in the classroom, cafeteria managers, help with office duties, assist teachers with clerical duties, work in the school clinic, help in the library, or assist in many other specialized areas of the school program. Local school principals are charged by the Board of Education with responsibility to develop programs which utilize the services of volunteers to strengthen the curricular offerings of the school and to bring into force the full impact of the talents of citizens”.

Cross References: IFCD – School Volunteers Policy Link to Policy Legal Reference: Reference: Adopted Date: Revision Date: Scope Notes: Status: Current

____________________________

5.13 Board Policy - IKB – Controversial Issues (action)

Meeting: 06/15/2010 Board Meeting

Category: 5. Consent Agenda

Agenda Type: Action

Agenda Item Summary

Executive Summary

Since the May board meeting we have added a provision that such material should not be taught by community or parent volunteers. We have revised this policy to more clearly delineate controversial materials and to require that any such materials that are not part of the system-adopted instructional materials be approved in advance by the principal and Local School Council. We have also added a provision that parents be notified if such material is to be presented and provided an opportunity to review the material in advance.

MOTION STATEMENT:

I move that the Board approve Policy – IKB – Controversial Issues – for action.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY:

Dr. Linda Anderson

Deputy Superintendent

Instruction Division Administrative Center

andersonLD@fultonschools.org

Martha T. Greenway

Deputy Superintendent

Organizational Advancement Administrative Center

404-669-4922

greenwaym@fulton.k12.ga.us

__________________
Policy: Controversial Issues

Effective Date: 07/01/1986 [08/19/2010]

THE FOLLOWING FROM 7/10/1986 WAS STRICKEN FROM THE POLICY:

“Study of controversial issues should be handled with objectivity and always within a framework of good taste and judgment on the part of the teacher, compatible with the ages and progress status of their students”.

THE FOLLOWING IS NEW POLICY 8/19/2010:

Controversial issues can relate to sensitive personal subjects, widely-debated scientific theories and political perspectives. Therefore any material related to these topics that is outside of the system-adopted instructional materials should be considered carefully and approved by the principal and Local School Council prior to its use in the school. This policy also applies to assembly programs and speakers. All such programs and invitations to any program participant or speaker shall be approved in advance by the principal of the school and the Local School Council.

All and the material used in such programs must be aligned with curriculum [standards.] oriented. The principal, in making his/her decision in this regard, shall consider the merit of the program or presentation of the method and materials used and its likely impact upon the student body, the image of the person making the presentation, parents and community. When material deemed controversial by the principal and Local School Council will be used or presented, parents must be notified and provided an opportunity to view the material in advance. Controversial material should not be taught by community or parent volunteers.

THE FOLLOWING FROM 7/01/1986 WAS STRICKEN FROM THE POLICY:

“This policy shall be unequivocally stressed to the principals with the distinct instruction that the necessity for community harmony must be observed”.

Cross References: Legal Reference: Reference: Adopted Date: Revision Date: Scope Notes: Status: Current

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh My G-d Lisa, I cannot believe you actually put this out there. I have been anxiously (not excited anxious, nervously anxiously) awaiting to see if you would actually do this. You DID and you are freaking me out. I realize that this was a public meeting,and you may have every legal right to film me even though I asked you on more than one occasion to stop videotaping me or at least just point the camera on someone else. (I should have flashed you:) I mean I usually ask permission before I take photos and videos of people in my Milton History project and on MILTONville. (I cannot speak for the rest of those shown in these "edited video clip-ettes" who minded), but just as I felt compelled morally, ethically, and for all the right reasons (not left or right), to go to that meeting because I knew what had happened....

Nevermind, I'm not going there now. I'll have to write my very own letter to the editor one day I guess in defense of why I chose to be at that meeting (the first ever I might add). I'm concerned and horrified that you would go to this level. I really am. And I'm sick over it.

You all want to start attacking me now? Go ahead. I don't care anymore. I realize that by even commenting here, and getting involved in the first place, I risk losing everything I've worked so hard for in this community.

So go ahead, post the video - In its ENTIRETY, no cuts, with my gum smacking and all. But you make sure you post all of it Lisa (and Tim). Every little bit. Because not to do so , from the minute I spoke to the very minute the meeting ended, would not be very "transparent" at all. Or, would it? At which point did you turn off the camera? Not to record, and post here, EVERYTHING that happened, well that wouldn't be very fair would it?

I would like to add, I have only recently become acquainted with Kathy Johnson, other than seeing her around school almost every single day of this past school year, and all last year as well at Summit Hill Elementary. I have known Lisa Cauley for several years thru my involvement in the community. (Tim Enloe introduced us as a matter of fact.) I do not have allegiances to people just because of the length of time I have known them or whether we can call ourselves "friends". Rather I defend those who have been misrepresented, slandered or attacked unjustly. Actually, Kathy Johnson doesn't need me defending her here. She is very capable of doing this herself. After getting to know the real Kathy Johnson, not the one you have "portrayed" on these clips, I have much respect for her and out of that respect, whether new or old, I cannot let this happen to her. She is a human being. I would have reacted the same way. Lisa, she has been personally attacked!

Let others decide, either Access Milton readers or the community at large. After writing what I believe to be the who;e truth, as much as I know it, I will then try to bow out graciously from my involvement in our community. I'm really sick over that part. I love this place more than you can even begin to imagine.

-Patti Silva

Anonymous said...

Exactly!! Patti. "By getting involved and speaking out you risk everything losing everything you have worked so hard for in this community". This is why people don't speak out. I would want her in my corner any day of the week.

Amazing. It's okay for you but not others?

If you know her then why did you chose to post a comment instead of just calling her? How does someone with a camera portray someone in a certain way, isn't it just showing what is going on, now the person behind the camera is portraying the action? Wow.

Patti, if you are confident in what you are doing and what you are saying and why you are there, what does it matter you happen to be captured on video.

Big girls don't cry.

Anonymous said...

She was filming Reeves, and Johnson, you could have moved your seat, suggestion for the future. You waved and smiled at her Patti, so what's the big deal, obviously you guys know each other.

When you go to public meetings anyone can video tape. I think the video shares part of the real story here, for sure.

That is the Principal behind Reeves.

Like to hear Cauley at this point, but wouldn't fault her for being silent after all the comments on the blog going after her for voicing her concerns as a parent.

I find that more shocking than anything here.

Seems the low-ness comes from the bloggers, not the truth.

After reading the new policy, what is all the hub bub? Don' see any supplemental materials being eliminated from our schoolss, or volunteers either. Just a process that will protect our kids really. Way too much stink being made about this policy for no reason.

Anonymous said...

Lisa was in the bathroom when you started speaking Patti, that is why your opening on her video was not included. You started the entire conversation when Lisa walked out of the room.

Anonymous said...

Patti, you say Johnson is the one who was attacked? Huh? From the video it is Reeves that is falsely accused. And if you read the blogs from the original story and then the blogs following Johnson's editorial, I do believe that Cauley is the one taking the extreme "personal" attacks, and being called names. Seems something is clouding your judgement here. You were-are? friends with Cauley, and you never give her any benefit of the doubt in your comments whatsoever. I know you and Cauley both. You are allowing your own personal view on this issue cloud your objectivity in my opinion in regard to the policy improvements.

Tim Enloe said...

All:

Please be advised that we did not edit the video from the meeting.

Youtube only allows video segments to be uploaded under ten minutes.

Thus, we had to split the video to get all content listed.

Thanks,

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com
770 653 0552

Anonymous said...

Tim, let me run this by you. You promote a mud wrestling match, Silva-vs-Cauley, charge admission, donate all proceeds, after expenses, to our heroes.

If the above is profitable, schedule a doubleheader , to take place at the RODEO, between Johnson-vs-Cauley and a rematch between Silva & Cauley, again all profit going to heroes.

BAN VIDEO & CAMERAS, THAT WAY ONLY PAYING PUBLIC CAN VIEW THESE MATCHES.

Anonymous said...

The video and the issue is not about Patti Silva, Patti. Lisa left the meeting at the end of the explosion of emotions by Johnson and others, after the security guard stopped the so called discussion. I was at the meeting, and Cauley calmly told Johnson she did not ask anyone to cancel her lesson that day, that her assumption was not true at all. So if she didn't want the lesson cancelled, and stated so to Johnson in front of everyone in the room, including Reeves and the Principal, (note the Principal said nothing), then get off her case.


The Board of Education writes new policy when there needs to be new policy or old policy is outdated, or policy needs revision. Not because they are told to do it. The amount of conspiracy on these blogs is outrageous.

Anonymous said...

God is Great,
Beer is Good &
People are Crazy!

Anonymous said...

What I see (is who I think is you based on your comment about smacking gum)is someone laughing and waving? What r us so nervous and anxious over?

Is it horrifying when you watch the news on TV and a reporter has a story which shows a video of something that happened?

Anonymous said...

12:21, you want to form a tag team with Cauley, if so we'll look for a tag team opponent.

Anonymous said...

Come on people, get your head out of your a**!!!!!!

View the video a few times, take some notes to see that y'all are crazy.


* CST's and Pricipals are not the review process for the GA Curriculum
* Katie Reeves DID NOT cancel the class
* Katie and Lisa DID NOT write the policy
* Changes in the OLD OLD policy were brought up before the BFE controversy. Sally Hildebrant (who doesn't even have elementary school children had at least 12 issues with it!)
* Katie Reeves talks the same way, with the same inflection at every meeting she hosts or is at (camera or no camera!!!!!)
* Only people with something to hide are afraid of cameras Kathy Johnson, Patti Silva and Gina Schwendel!
* Only envious people bring up issues that have nothing to do with the topic on hand in an argument like someone having money and belongings. Do they believe that somehow that validates their case. Really... You're just ignorant.

It will be all of you that are in such an uproar that will ruin it for everyone when the board decides to do away with all volunteers because of your crazy accusations and inflammatory behavior!

Get it together ladies. The issue is.......

POLICY, POLICY, POLICY

Anonymous said...

Come on people,

View the video a few times, take some notes to see that y'all are crazy.


* CST's and Pricipals are not the review process for the GA Curriculum
* Katie Reeves DID NOT cancel the class
* Katie and Lisa DID NOT write the policy
* Changes in the OLD OLD policy were brought up before the BFE controversy. Sally Hildebrant (who doesn't even have elementary school children had at least 12 issues with it!)
* Katie Reeves talks the same way, with the same inflection at every meeting she hosts or is at (camera or no camera!!!!!)
* Only people with something to hide are afraid of cameras Kathy Johnson, Patti Silva and Gina Schwendel!
* Only envious people bring up issues that have nothing to do with the topic on hand in an argument like someone having money and belongings. Do they believe that somehow that validates their case. Really... You're just ignorant.

It will be all of you that are in such an uproar that will ruin it for everyone when the board decides to do away with all volunteers because of your crazy accusations and inflammatory behavior!

Get it together ladies. The issue is.......

POLICY, POLICY, POLICY

Anonymous said...

Now I understand.

Now I understand.

Anonymous said...

8:31 what are those three women hiding and afraid of?

Anonymous said...

To them, it IS about "climate change", and not policy.

When people believe so firmly something is true, they can't get past it, because it personally means so much to them, they feel everyone should feel exactly the way they do about "saving the planet" and how man is the culprit, and don't get people who are skeptical. They think those people are stupid. If you don't believe it, you are just ignoring the truth, the "inconvenient truth".


Not afraid, just mad.

Anonymous said...

7:36 how do you know this

Anonymous said...

It is controvsial, and like any topic that might be as well doesn't belong given by volunteers to kids, no matter how much I believe it so or would want my kids to learn about it.

Anonymous said...

I've decided not to write a Letter to the Editor. But I will say this...

Virtue cannot separate itself from reality without becoming a principle of evil. -Albert Camus

When we become too virtuous, when we think ourselves to be oh, so right, we become dangerous to ourselves and others. Be careful of those who imagine themselves to be on the High Road while everyone else is walking the Low. If they really are on the High Road, they will offer to take everyone else with them, not simply tell others that they are going the wrong way... Or that their way is the right and only way. The community of Milton is not a community of just one.


Live in Georgia and Love in Miltonville...
Always and All Ways,
-Patti Silva

Anonymous said...

AMEN Sista!