Creel apologizes for band bus fiasco

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Wednesday, August 31. 2011

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Barrow County school superintendent Wanda Creel apologized this week for a snafu last week when the Apalachee High School band didn’t have enough busses to transport it to Friday night’s away football game.

“Please be assured that each students safety and welfare are paramount in our decision making process,” Creel said in a letter to parents. “Additionally, we regret any reference to a comparison between our two high schools in regards to the number of participants in each program. We appreciate and encourage all of our students to participate in activities that increase their engagement in school. As we have investigated the situation, we have found ways that broader communication would have most likely alleviated the problem we encountered this past Friday evening.”

Three busses had been allotted for the AHS band, but not all of the students and adults would fit, according to letters sent to the Barrow Journal this week from angry parents. A fourth bus was eventually sent, but the students barely made it to the game before they had to perform at half-time.

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#1 really concerned parent on 08/31/11 at 01:16 PM

This article says that there were not enough seats for the students and the adults. Somebody please tell me that the adults mentioned are the band directors and their assistants and not band member parents.

#1.1 Reader on 08/31/11 at 01:36 PM

Maybe they are band parents that serve as chaperons for the away games.

#1.2 Ed on 08/31/11 at 01:36 PM

If you were a "really concerned parent", you would know the story and who rides on the buses.

#1.2.1 really concerned parent on 08/31/11 at 02:52 PM

Thats what I thought Ed. There is no other sport that has "chaperons" to go to away games.These parents have no business riding on a bus to get there and all of us taxpayers paying their way. Let these deadbeats pay for their own gas to go see little suzy play the trumbone and march around, or either have a bus for all parents to ride to away games for all sports from now on and act as "chaperons"

#1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 09:35 AM

The only adults that were on the bus were the chaperones which were taken off to try to fit the kids on 3 buses. It still didnt work we still had over 20 kids standing on the sidewalk trying to fit. Im a chaperone have been for 4 years this year. Per the rules ofthe bus we are to have one teacher and one chaperone per bus

#1.3 Anonymous on 09/01/11 at 10:04 AM

Yes the other adults we're band parents that serve as chaperones for the games. They ride the buses to help with the 150 marching band members that they have this year. The band director has a lot on his shoulders this year because the assistant band director is no longer there. And he can not take 150 kids to an away game by himself. And the comment about the Mall of Georgia, that was the only place that could accommodate 150 kids. They called places around Habersham, and they were told there was no way that they could fix enough food in time. One thing people do not understand is, this year AHS has a very large marching band. More than previous years.
As for the comments about the band director and the job he is doing... You will not find a better director than the one at AHS!!!!! He loves his students and he does an AMAZING job. You don't need to be so quick to judge what happened at Friday nights game if you were not there first hand to see it!! It's ok for a football coach to go off on his players, but for someone who has worked so hard to make a halftime show like the one that AHS has happen, it's not ok to get upset when they almost didn't make it to halftime, and you have to get the attention of 150 students?! I see no problem with anything that he did!
Just so you know it WAS NOT the band directors fault that this happened! And I think the people who were not involved, and don't know all the details should not be so quick to make negative comments about something you know nothing about!
P.S. I am a AHS band mom and I am VERY PROUD of the job our band director is doing!!!!!!
No Complaints Here!!

#1.4 anonymous on 09/07/11 at 06:20 PM

There are no assistant band directors, Creel has taken care of that at both schools.

#2 WBHS Rules on 08/31/11 at 02:30 PM

Who cares what happens at the crappy 2nd-rate high school anyway? Let them pull rickshaws.

#2.1 Donna on 08/31/11 at 02:32 PM

How RUDE! Both schools are great!

#2.2 Barrow County HS Supporter on 08/31/11 at 03:19 PM

Just because AHS spanked ya'll in football is no reason to be spiteful. Be glad that the busses are not based on wins or WBHS would be walking to each of their away games.

No need to be so silly, especially when it spotlights your sad jealousy. Maybe you need to go back and ask your parents to teach you the Golden Rule.

#2.2.1 WBHS Rules on 08/31/11 at 04:16 PM

Football? Who cares who beat who in that jock-crap? This other school is just an upstart. It's for the dregs, losers and rejects. Its partisans have to blow so hard to try and conceal their permanent inferiority complex.

#2.2.1.1 Barrow County HS Supporter on 08/31/11 at 05:02 PM

Well let's go to academics, WBHS and AHS didn't make AYP - they both share a miss for failing to meet Graduation Rates. WBHS can add additional fails in Math and Language Arts GHSGTs. Could you please explain your statement that AHS is not comparable to WBHS? AHS has demonstrated by meeting AYP requirements in all academic areas (falling short of AYP only in Grad rates), therefore AHS has surpassed WBHS in the areas of academics and ‘that jock-crap’.

I hold respect for the faculty, staff and student body of both schools, but I don’t understand where your ‘inferiority complex’ and ‘2nd-rate high school’ comments rise from? After reading your second poorly thought out post, I still believe that you need to show WBHS more respect than ‘supporting’ them through trivial spouts of envy.

#2.2.1.1.1 Barry Allen on 08/31/11 at 08:34 PM

You don't know a troll when you see one, do you?

#2.2.1.1.1.1 Barrow County HS Supporter on 08/31/11 at 11:14 PM

Guess not, because I don't even know what that comment means. Sorry if this was intended to be a joke at AHS's expense. I only commented because I felt that someone needed to point out to the initial commenting child that his/her comments were petty and bullyish. I was attempting to demonstrate that others could return the same negativity, hoping it would show him/her that it isn't fun when it is targeted in your direction. I will ask around and see if I can learn what your troll comment means and why I don't recognize a troll. Thanks for the language lesson.

#2.2.1.2 Jack Legg on 09/02/11 at 07:01 AM

I could look at a map of the school districts and make two changes in it and that would even both schools out in AYP . Four changes in the district map would put WBHS on top in AYP.
Thats just how much AYP means,. I think we have good teachers at both of our high schools. I think we have good sports programs at bto schools too.I will however always bleed red and black go Doggs.

#2.2.2 Wow on 09/02/11 at 07:04 AM

And lets discuss your baseball and basketball programs. Well, thats it. Nothing discuss, both are horrible. AHS does not make playoffs in football either. Well, enough said. Shut the school down and send them to alt school.

#3 just curious on 08/31/11 at 04:08 PM

Makes me glad that I live in Jackson County where there's no controversy over which school has better equipment and facilit....never mind.

#4 Here's a Tip on 08/31/11 at 08:30 PM

After seeing the actions of the Band Director as he walked across the stands to get the students to the field, I would be embarrassed to have a child in the band or even be an employee associated with poor choice of words and behavior. One does not display good character as they are ranting to everyone who could see him to call the superintendent and complain! He could have made light of the situation, laughed it off, and been grateful to have made it. To find out later the events that led up to getting to Habersham made me even more frustrated! To know that he drove 40+ miles out of the way to the Mall of Georgia so the Band members could eat … and in his words because it is the only place that can manage feeding that many at one time and quickly. Yes, I do realize they have to eat, but… I can think of several other options that would have worked just as well. I later heard they had to stop due to sick students – totally understandable since they were only given 30 minutes from the time they stepped off the bus until they stepped back on - and not the superintendent’s fault. Then to also later hear they had to make a stop for an unruly student – really?? And there were how many chaperones’s… of which had to be asked by the bus drivers to get them under control before that incident even occurred. Dr. Creel – you need not apologize… Mr. Apalachee Band Director – you on the other hand should!

#4.1 anonymous on 09/01/11 at 06:28 AM

According to Google maps, going to the Mall of Georgia would be 11.3 miles out of the way, not 40.

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 09/04/11 at 07:58 PM

No worries. That was probably a WBHS alum.

#5 Fortitude on 08/31/11 at 10:34 PM

Im glad she apologized, though it is not her fault since the band director has to make the arraingments with the transportation dept, it is their mess up, not hers. Secondly, if the kids have to eat, why not feed them at Stevi B's, it's close by and has the room to feed the kids. I would say if they need to save money, dont let the band go to away games, or have a "skeleton crew" of upper classman that get to go to the away games and keep the rest at home to save money. Im sorry, but as a parent I would make a decision to either drive my child myself, or take them home and address the issue with the responsible party

#5.1 The last thing we need on 09/01/11 at 09:15 AM

Absolutley, the blame for this lies squarely on the band director. It's his program, doesn't he get paid to make sure all of this is taken care of? What kind of example does he set by pitching a fit in the stands at the game? No wonder he needs chaperones on the buses.

#5.2 Observer on 09/06/11 at 11:54 AM

It is not about Fault; it is about Responsibility!!! The Band Director did his part. He ordered 4 buses. The Director of Transportation (probably with Creel's knowledge/approval) changed the order to 3 buses and DID NOT TELL anyone at Apalachee, specifically the principal or the Band Director.
Creel said,"...broader communication would have alleviated the problem." Really? How about 'any communication' instead of simply comparing AHS to WBHS's bus requests. Let me suggest what will alleviate the problem.
1)the superintendent should not micro manage,
2)the director of transportation should not change the school's bus requisition WITHOUT "communicating" with the principal and/or band director.
3) Don't change things without doing your homework or investigating. The time to "investigate" is BEFORE you make a decision, not AFTER you cause a "Snafu"!
Otherwise, kids will suffer...just like the AHS Band students had to endure the mis-guided decision and absence of any communication on the part of Ms. Young and Dr. Creel.
If the superintendent is going to micromanage, then, she should not throw the Band Director 'under the bus' for a mis-guided decision and total failure to "communicate" on her and the Transportation Director's part. We don't need for you to apologize, blame, or find fault; we need for you to take Responsibility!

#6 former band nerd on 09/01/11 at 08:43 AM

When I was in marching band it was up to my parents to feed me before we left for the away games. Also, We were able to go to the concession stand during 3rd qtr to get munchies....As a parent, I want chaperones on the bus, the school is already filled with pregnant teenagers, the last thing we need to do is put a bunch of hormonal kids together without being chaperoned.

#7 tom on 09/01/11 at 10:23 AM

Maybe if the transportation dept spent more time taking care of transportation issues instead of standing across the street from the bus shop smoking they wouldn’t have so many mistakes. Just how many smoke breaks do you get in one day? Only in Government jobs do you get that many smoke breaks…. All they need is a bar and a stool…. Take about trashy …If you don’t believe me just ride up Hal Jackson rode anytime any day and you will see them out there smoking.

#8 Kim on 09/01/11 at 10:26 AM

I take it that all of you who are making negative comments about the band director and how he does his job, have all been in this position?! You have all managed a group of 150 students before? And put together something as amazing as this halftime show?! I doubt it! It's funny how people are so quick to throw their two cents in and talk about what they would do, but you have no idea what it takes to make this happen! And the people talking about parents riding the buses... Ask any bus driver if they would rather handle that many kids by themselves! My sister drives and she will tell you that she appreciates each and every chaperone that gets on her bus! It has nothing to do with a parent being "lazy" and not wanting to drive! These parents give their time to go to these games and help watch these kids. I'm sure they would like to drive and have a little piece and quiet instead of all the noise on the bus. But they give their time to help!
FYI, it WAS NOT the band directors fault that they didn't have enough buses! He had told them he needed 4 buses and they canceled one bus because as someone said, "WBHS band is not that big, so why does AHS need 4 buses". Well it would be because our band is bigger!
If you worked as hard as he and his students have and spent as much time as they have to put together such an awesome halftime show, you would be upset too!
PROUD CHEE BAND MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#8.1 what? on 09/01/11 at 03:20 PM

Have any of you ever run a school system with 13000 kids?

#8.1.1 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 07:30 AM

No, but apparently the qualifications are not to stringent. all you have to do is sing to everyone.

#9 Tammy on 09/01/11 at 02:08 PM

In my opinion someone needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility for this. The children did their part, practicing hard, sacrificing their time. The parents did their part and paid the dues, sacrificed their time to help. The Band director did his part, he taught the children, sacrificed his time to do what he did, he ordered the FOUR buses and had his band ready to go. The blame goes to the person/persons who cancelled the fourth bus. That was either the Superintendent, the Transportation department or the Board of education. They are the only ones who can make that decision. I do not have a child in band, but I do get tired of our children getting the raw end of the deal with Barrow County school district. They are taking away our children's safety, by expecting our kids to ride a bus that is overflowing. They took away some sports from the middle schools to "save money". What else are they going to take away? Besides a couple of furlough days, what have they taken away from themselves? Last year I tried to fight the bus system, because I found out that there were children having to sit in the aisle on the floor because the bus was full, and I got no where. One reason is, is because other parents don't want to be involved. The school board, the superintendent and the transportation department needs to get off their high horse, listen to the parents and we need to ban together to make things right for OUR children. In school and on the bus. We put our children in their care, and they need to live up to the expectations that we have. What if we would put ten children in our car, what would happen to us???? The police would pull us over and ticket us. The school system expects our kids to have respect for them, well, our children deserve to have respect back.

#10 Concerned Parent on 09/01/11 at 02:24 PM

Dr. Creel..."Snafu"...Really?

Here is the whole, true story.

The correct number of buses were ordered. The Transportation Dept decided they didn't need that many since the other high school doesn't need that many during their away games. Hmmmm....as if the Band is the same size at both schools? Someone decided this. The Transporation Director should be held accountable as it is her department.

The other part of this incident you failed to mention is the Football Team Players:

Specifically, the fact that not enough buses showed up for the football team either. Many players had to be transported via personal vehicles. How does that take the students safety and welfare into consideration allowing them to ride in personal vehicles.

I've lived in this county for many years and my 3rd child is going through our schools and I've never seen our Education Department mismanaged this much.

It's beyond my why the BOE puts up with your mistakes, childish fits and preferential hiring practices.

#10.1 Anonymous on 09/01/11 at 09:30 PM

You have some good insight. I have witnessed first hand some fit throwing, snot slinging tyrades from the leader of Barrow County Schools. She is a bully and acts like a child when she does not get her way. For God sakes someone tell her to stop singing.

#10.1.1 saw some too on 09/09/11 at 07:46 PM

I have also seen the result of having her idea or ways challenged. but she always has to have someone with her to perform for. Not very professional. Bet the BOE has not sen this either.

#10.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/09/11 at 09:13 PM

Yes it's dog and pony show with little to no substance. If something is not within creel's he plan or her idea it is of no value. She espouses dreaming big and working with the community but stops every individual initiative because she is a control freak.

#10.1.1.1.1 Tantrums on 09/09/11 at 10:03 PM

What is with the hard hat? I DON'T THINK people are throwing accolades at her!

#11 Rhonda on 09/01/11 at 04:18 PM

You are correct the responsibility lies with the director of transportation which is someone Dr (and I use that term loosely) Creel handpicked and some say she picked her before she ever came to Barrow. There were many qualified applicants for the Job even heard a past director or assistance director from the State Department applied for the job but the good Dr had to have Ms. Young who from my understanding has never run a transportation dept she is just a bus driver trainer.

#11.1 In the know on 09/02/11 at 05:54 PM

Creel also made sure that her own daughter was hired (creel did his in Houston county too). Creel also hired Sherri Freeman who was principal at Houston county high school last year.

#11.1.1 Jack Legg on 09/02/11 at 06:19 PM

you dont know diddly. Creel is doing a fantastic job working with the children of crackheads and drunkards.

#11.1.2 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 08:10 AM

she also tried to bring her boy friend in on the down low but to the BOE's credit that got shot down.

#12 Vickie on 09/01/11 at 05:19 PM

Leave Ms Young out of this Ms Young has done alot for our Transportation Department and for the ones that don't like her I am sorry the bus drivers do .

#12.1 Anonymous on 09/02/11 at 11:27 AM

It's nice that you like her. So nice.

But it's not about liking or disliking her.

She is not competenent nor qualified to perform the duties as Director of Transportation. She was hired because she is a friend of Dr. Creels from Houston County where Creel came from and that is the bottom line.

Ask about her experience in being in charge of a Transportation Dept and see what she has to say.

#13 Peggy on 09/01/11 at 05:44 PM

“Snafu” sna’fu (noun) the definition for this word is “bad situation caused by INCOMPETENCE a mishap or mistake generally caused by incompetence and resulting in delay or confusion” You heard it here first folks. Dr. Creel has admitted that there is INCOMPETENCE in the transportation dept now the question should be what is she going to do about it??????

#13.1 Anonymous on 09/02/11 at 05:26 AM

Creel hires incompetent people because she is incompetent and is interested in having yes people around her. This lady is the driving our district into the ground while the BOE stands by and watches it happen. The bus issue is but a symptom of a much worse disease.
\

#13.1.1 Observer on 09/06/11 at 11:12 AM

You are most correct. The bus issue is a "symptom" of a bigger issue.....her Hiring Practices / Criteria! I understand she did try to hire her boyfriend from the state dept. of education. I guess the BOE thought that relationship was too close. Or, did the BOE believe that bringing attention to their superintendent's (Creel) relationship with a Black man would prove negative to the District's mission - "Home Town Values"?
Creel will be gone in a year or two; but, her hiring decisions will impact for many years.

#13.2 Anonymous on 09/04/11 at 08:20 PM

A more direct definition: SNAFU: Situation Normal All Fouled Up.

#13.2.1 Anonymous on 09/04/11 at 09:22 PM

It’s all good she will be gone in a couple years and Barrow will be left picking up the pieces of a snafu place lol. (one year down two to go) Look at her track record she comes in and messy things up and moves on she has no ties to the community that’s why the board should have picked Mr. Johnson or Dr. Welch they know the kids and have a vested interest.

#13.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/05/11 at 09:15 AM

Why wait two years. The Boe should buy her out now and spare our district and kids. I fear how far down she will take the district before she does leave.

#13.2.1.1.1 Fortitude on 09/05/11 at 12:11 PM

because at $150k a year, that is $300k plus benefits the BOE would have to fork out and Im sure it is easier to try and work with her, since they have to recommend her for another job if she applies, so it would be in her best interest to do what the BOE and citizens request. I have had nothing but a positive expierence with her the few times I have spoke with her and think we all should give her more than one year to prove herself.
Heck, after the previous two sup's and one is now a board member, you think you would give her more than one year, since the county kept the last two and Saunders was more of disliked than Creel, give her a chance, if she fails, she will be out

#14 Anonymous on 09/02/11 at 04:07 PM

I think it's getting to the point we need to vote some different people into the BOE.

#14.1 Fortitude on 09/02/11 at 04:18 PM

only one new person was voted in last year, there should be three up for re-election in 2012.

#15 Anonymous on 09/02/11 at 09:29 PM

Did it ever accrue to you people we don't have that many buses to spare ,do you realize that when these trips are made other children suffer in the county,They are shuffled to other buses just to get them home ,taken home by another driver,crammed on a bus,longer to get them home because a Driver is running 2 routes to get them all home,No you never thought of that,the inconvenience it causes everyone else,the children get home later the driver gets home later and doesn't get paid for doing 2 routes.So the Department heads made a mistake get over it! Funny when the Transportion Dept. does something right we never hear any praise only ugly comments,so sad! I didn't realize there was so many perfect people in barrow County. Ms Young is doing a Awesome job better than what we had! There has been a lot of changes in the Barrow County School system and they can not happen over night,To me Dr. Creel,Jake Grant and Ms.Young are doing a great job and we appreciate them even if you all don't. For the Bus Drivers it is the best it has ever been,and I know you people could care less but you have no idea what we have gone thru in the past 4 years before them!

#16 A Parent on 09/02/11 at 09:41 PM

To anonymous....I am so happy for all of you ADULTS, that things are a lot better for YOU. So, now that they are better for YOU....now the children who goes to these schools, works hard to join these teams, now they have to suffer and "make do", just so it can be better for the ADULTS. That is a great way of looking at it.
I guess next your going to tell us that she is hiring a "very good friend" for the next Principal at AHS? Just so it will be better for all of YOU!!!! Lets not worry about the kids of Barrow County, lets just be concerned for YOU!!!!!!
If there was something good happening, then I would have no problem praising the person it is directed at.

#17 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 08:13 AM

it's the teachers and administrators in the schools who work with the children. Dr. Creel is only around the children if there is a photo opportunity in it.

#18 Rhonda on 09/03/11 at 08:33 AM

You are correct it’s not about whether or not you like Ms. Young I’m sure she is a nice person. The problem is she does not have the qualifications to run transportation. Ms Young not only does not have any experience at being a director but in my opinion she has no concept of how to keep a budget. Dr. Creel has thrown tons of money at transportation in order to “make it work” .The office staff has double, you have bus routes that are running on top of each other, you have some buses that are half full and others that are over loaded, buses that are being used for personal use, the list goes on and on. If the board checked into where our tax dollars were being spent they would be surprised. Overpaid office staff that are only bus drivers with no office experience or knowledge of how to operate with a budget. I bet if the board compared the spending they would see that in the past two years the spending (gas, repair and payroll etc) has double. They spend money like it’s free for example the brand new building is being remolded Why? Its less than three years old. Everyone needs to contact your board member (their email address is on the county web site) ask them to look at the budget of the transportation dept. I have already contacted my board member. And one more thing to anonymous has it ever occurred to you to get a dictionary! You must be one of those overpaid, under qualified office workers that “ it’s better for ”.

#18.1 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 09:33 AM

Valid points! Dr. Creels focus is on the career academy. She is dumping money into it even thought it only services a small portion of Barrow County students. All this while other schools are in the district are falling apart. Teachers do not have the resources they need to effectively do their jobs. Transportation is in state of chaos. all of this and much more is happing while the leader of the district sings to the employees. I am at a loss!!!

#18.1.1 What resources? on 09/03/11 at 10:26 AM

I often hear the phrase "Teachers do not have the resources they need to effectively do their jobs". What resource are they lacking?

#18.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 10:45 AM

Technology for one. The average computer in the district that a teachers uses is over ten years old. Their furniture, desks, filing cabinents, book shelves etc.. are falling apart. Whoever purchased school max grading/registration system (prior to Dr. Creel) sure bet on the wrong product. This is the most un-user friendly cumbersome software in education. simple everyday things like paper is not available. Look, I understand budget woes are hindering the district but we cannot "fiddle while Rome burns" either! The financial resources we do have are not focused where they do the most good. We are putting Video Teleconference capabilities in place while all of these other needs go un met.

#18.1.1.1.1 okay then on 09/03/11 at 11:16 AM

How does any of that, except for maybe a computer technology class, prevent teaching?

#18.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 11:49 AM

Perhaps it dosen't but we are baseing our educational direction on 21st century classrooms that are heavy on technology. I am not talking computers just for the teachers use but for the student as well. The credit recover system E20/20 the schools use is computer based computers greatly increase areas such as assessment. Rather that hand grading papers and trying to draw connections in trends where perhaps a lesson needs to be re-taught in a hit or miss way technology allows for quick real data that helps the teach focus in on where the student is struggling. Technology also helps identify across the board in most districts when a kids is at risk. that is not the case in Barrow because the individual teachers can only see their on class not the full picture.

#18.1.2 Fortitude on 09/03/11 at 10:54 AM

the career academy has to be pushed through due to law. Since the high schools have failed to meet AYP for over 3yrs, by law (No child left behind)the system had to have an third option for students to transfer to.

#18.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/03/11 at 11:37 AM

Yes, understand that. Apparently we are opening yet another high school next year. I don't discount some "rock and a hard place"choices. Some of this cannot be laid at the leaderships feet. There are many other aspects to leading organizations that are not being utilized and can be directly placed on the shoulders of the the leader. For instance, a clear vision statement. Your brief explanation of why the district had to open the career academy is more than what has been shared with the employees. The culture is not one of open and transparent communication which would foster communication but rather one of cover your butt. This leads to mistrust and seperation. You obviously have some knowledge of the situation. Research all the issues yourself and I think you will see where the shortfalls are.

#18.1.2.1.1 Fortitude on 09/03/11 at 12:17 PM

I emailed my boe rep and asked him a few questions a while back and from him and the BJ, I know why. I dont know about a third (really fourth) HS, but have read where BOE is trying to do something with Lanier Tech to have a multi use facility for students who want to study vocational courses. Ill email him again, he is great and responds to everything I have asked

#18.1.2.1.2 Observer on 09/08/11 at 10:39 AM

"A 3rd High School required by Law" What law...NCLB? Ridiculous, is that what Creel said. The federal govt. can't require a local school district to build a new school. Heck, that must be the new Stimulus plan. If that were the case, there would be dozens and dozens of new schools being built in GA as we chat. What about all of the other school districts in the state (or nation) that did not make AYP with their one high school (singular). There are 159 counties in Ga. Way over half of those districts only have one (1) high school. Do you see any of them building a new high school because they did not make AYP? What about Madison County, Banks County, and Elbert County, just to name 3?
If Creel used that "excuse" to waste money on a new high school, she did what Gov. Perry accused Obama of last night..."either horrific intelligence or an abject LIE"! (Perry was referring to 'intelligence' as vital information instead of IQ.)
She wants the new high school as a 'feather in her hat'. Besides, Barrow County already has a 3rd high school...the PLC.

#18.1.2.2 Tea Party on 09/08/11 at 12:39 PM

Fortitude, do you know for certain that Creel told the BOE and public that her new high school was a mandate of NCLB? Please tell us where she made that claim (hopefully at a BOE meeting, as there should be minutes). If so, the BOE does not need to worry about a $$$ 'buy-out'; they have reason for a "force-out".

If she, Creel, mis-represented the need and requirement (and the appropriation of funds) for an additional High School in Barrow County under false pretenses, she is likely in violation of the Georgia Educators Code of Ethics including...
Moral Turpitude: 'In its legal sense it includes everything contrary to justice and honesty...Fraud or false pretenses in obtaining something of value.'
Though the new high school is not directly of "value" to her, honesty certainly is at play along with the added-value of the new high school to her resume.
Standard 1: 'An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes.' If she mis-represented a requirement under NCLB to build/equip a new high school in Barrow County, she was in violation of this Standard.
Standard 4: 'Honesty - An educator shall exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting or omitting.'
If she mis-represented a requirement under NCLB to build/equip a new high school in Barrow County, she was in violation of this Standard. Because under this Standard, "...information submitted in the course of professional practice" must not be mis-represented.
Standard 10: Professional Conduct.
The BOE has an attorney, they should immediately seek his opinion and guidance. With the school system's budget problems, it is wrong for the BOE to spend money on a new high school while other students' needs go lacking....ESPECIALLY if the new high school was presented by Creel and approved by the BOE as, "a NCLB requirement or consequence of AHS and WBHS not making AYP".

#18.1.2.2.1 knowing on 09/09/11 at 03:22 PM

The fact that both high schools did not meet AYP for 2 years mandated that the students in this county had a choice.
Without this new high school the students that wanted to go elsewhere would have had to be bused into Gwinnett, or the closest high school of their choice at the Barrow County Board Of Education's expense. Our tax dollars.

#18.1.2.2.1.1 Questioning on 09/09/11 at 03:52 PM

First the new high school was a badly out of date and too small elementary school. Then it was the Pre school academy that the board said we could no longer afford. Now it is the new high school.. with very expensive modifications....you tell me if you think this was not done to keep from busing students out of county?

#18.1.3 Tammy on 09/03/11 at 11:30 AM

I know that’s right!!!!! Please stop singing! Creel not only sings to employees she got on the bus radio last year on the last day of school and sung “The wheels on the bus go round and round” to the high/middle school children. And if you think she sounds bad in person you should hear her over a crappy one way radio that you can’t turn off and was forced to endure it. If she had heard the response (laughter , shock) from the students she would never sing again.

#19 VoiceofReason on 09/05/11 at 08:29 PM

Since the change in leadership at the Transportation department, there have been too many bus "snafus" to count. Dr. Creel placed people in charge who she thought would be able to do a good job....Sadly, they have not. The examples are numerous. Drivers that have NO clue where they are going, wrong/too small of a bus being sent, repeated trips getting lost, drivers who are not informed well. A few years ago, there was only a select group of drivers that were allowed to drive athletic/event trips. Now it is on a rotation. Not only has this caused headaches on the event end, but also with daily routes. School trips during the day are required to return by 130 so that the driver can run a route. A return to the old system is necessary if Barrow is going to advance as a school system.

#19.1 keyboard guru on 09/06/11 at 11:21 PM

If you are the same "voice of reason" on this page as you have been on all the other sites your are having thought error...error....error

#20 Fortitude on 09/06/11 at 01:42 PM

Ill tell you what; as a parent and tax payer, I do not see the need to have the band at away games. If they want to go, the band booster needs to pay for all expenses, as our band did when I was in high school. Also, parents do not ride the bus, take your own vehicles and feed the children at school or nearby and take the shortest route to the event. This will save any further issues with transportation cost vs "wants" in the system. The football booster club should pay for the buses and all cost also. Therefore, the children can still do band as an elective and after school event and save the school, booster and county money.

#20.1 tax paying and and band parent on 09/06/11 at 09:14 PM

As a tax payer and the person who paid for my child to be in the band, I want them at out of town games. You need to ask the football team and the coaches how much it means to them to have them there. I have one son who plays football and he commented this weekend on how much it fires the team on. As any UGA player what he feels when he hears the Readcoats. We have lost the fact that over 150 kids were left stranded by second guessing the needs of these kids.
I am a WBHS grad and I can tell you my mom and dad you still be yelling if this happened to us.

#20.2 Angry Concerned band parent on 09/06/11 at 09:56 PM

I am a band parent and a taxpayer as well. I have never known a booster club to pay for transportation to "away" events. I was in the band in high school many years ago. The county paid for transportation then as well. As for going by personal vehicle, who do we hold responsible if there is an accident? The school board passed a policy many years ago because that very thing happened. Students were on their way to an out of town event travelling by private vehicle when the driver (a student) had a wreck. He didn't survive and the other students in the car were severly injured. Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy for people to wake up to reality. I don't think these children should have to bear the fruits of the idiocy of some decision makers that fail to take these possibilities into account.
I love it when people say "They are on a bus. Nothing could happen to them." As if there was no possible way for there to be an accident then either. Tell that to the WBHS band students that were on that bus 2 years ago when a driver pulled out in front of them. If that bus had of been overcrowded, band members and other assorted items could have become dangerous missiles. I have worked in an emergency room and have seen the after effects. I firmly believe we "ADULTS" need to grow up and be responsible parents and citizens and put these students and their safety first. They deserve better!
I payed a nice sum of money for my child to be in band and participate in this wonderful activity that gives them all a tremendous learning experience! I don’t want it to be relegated to the memories of a bunch of so called adults making less than informed decisions! I think these students (whether they be from WBHS or AHS) deserve parents that are willing to fight for them
Some of the comments I have seen made on here seem to say that there are people that really couldn't care less.
As I have heard coaches, fans and football players alike say that they depend on the band to get them excited and fired up to play. At many away games, the band and cheerleaders are often the only fans (other than a few parents of football players) that these players have! At least they know they have FANS IN THE BAND! Until you go to a game and watch a half time show, you can't have any idea how much work these students put into it. In some cases, it's what keeps a student from dropping out and becoming another welfare statistic!

#20.2.1 tax paying band parent on 09/06/11 at 10:00 PM

Well said!

#20.2.2 Observer on 09/07/11 at 09:24 AM

To: 'Angry, concerned, band parent',
Your passion for the students is obvious, sincere, and well-deserved. However, your anger, while genuine and justified, seems to be focused on the bloggers that are 'anti-band' or those against spending tax money to transport the band.
Those people are entitled to their opinion. The problem was and is the Superintendent and her hand-picked Transportation Director. They,
a)caused the "Snafu",
b)made their decision without "investigating"
c)based their decision solely on what WBHS's Band had previously requested,
d)did not bother to "communicate" their mis-guided decision to either the principal or Band Director, and
e)now will not take full responsibility for their "SNAFU"
Get ready AHS parents, Creel will now select a Principal for AHS that will be a 'Yes' disciple that will not question mis-guided micro-managing of the school.

#20.2.2.1 Angry Concerned band parent on 09/07/11 at 03:19 PM

No! My ANGER is and always has been aimed at the elected officials we put into office. I believe that when I wrote my letter directly to the superintendent and BOE and got a paper cutter response that I am only to assume was supposed to be the supposed letter that was "sent home with AHS band students" that no one but the superintendent seems to know about, I expressed my anger to the right people. My anger is not directed at the people who are blogging. They just prove their own intelligence of the situation by their comments! I am completely angry at the BOE that professes to have our children's best interests in mind when it's so obvious that it's not true. I was there that Friday niht and saw the futile attempts that were made over the period of a full hour and a half to put all of the students on too few buses. I heard the band director when he called the DOT and asked what happened to the fourth bus. I also heard the entire conversation with the female DOT worker and saw the looks on the faces of those AHS students when some of the inexcusable comments were made. Excuse me for being a little defensive of these students now. Not attacking the opinions of others.
The fact that is that when I sent a resonse to her poor excuse for a response I got a response from her about how she was a music major and a former band student. And to top it off, she was a drum major her senior year! Well big whoop! So was I! She still never really addressed the issue I originally wrote about. I have come to realize that Creel completely avoids direct questioning. She refused an interview with the reporters on thus issue. That all but screams that she knows she did wrong.
BOTTOM LINE, I invited her to come to AHS Friday, September 16 when we are loading the buses for the next away game and show us how to do it because we obviously don't know how. She wouldn't even address the invitation! She has an avoidant personality. One that is more than happy to be able to assign blame but not accept any. I knew that the minute they started trying to blame Brian Moore! He knew nothing about it.
Rest assured, my anger is directed squarely and solely at Wanda Creel and the BOE of Barrow County. Like the others, I just felt the need to get my opinion about providing private transportation (which is based on county BOE policy) out there. As I said, I was there! I know where to direct my anger. Anyone blaming Matt Fuller, Deborah Gilstrap, Brian Moore or Mr. McGee, obviously Was not!

#21 Anonymous on 09/07/11 at 03:22 PM

Time to vote the BOE members out if they don't get rid of Creel very soon. She has shown she has no ability to run our schools in an orderly manner

#22 A Parent on 09/07/11 at 08:55 PM

Not only is time to put the BOE members in their place, by voting out every single one of them, along with Creel. It is also time to flood the next BOE meeting with ourselves in the room, and voice our concerns (even though it won't do any good), but to let them know that we are not going to let them treat not only us parents this way, but they will not be treating our children this way either. If we can get enough parents in there, they will know we mean business. But, ALL of us has to be in this together, and not saying to ourselves that it won't matter if I am not there.....because it does matter that WE ARE ALL THERE!!!!

#22.1 fortitude on 09/07/11 at 10:33 PM

Im sorry, but blaming the BOE for Creel's and DOT supervisors decision is sad. I went to Tuesday's meeting while Mr. Bryant was awarded and every parent left when their child's name was called, not a single parent stayed for the entire meeting. You all act as if you care about what goes on, but you only seem to care when it is your child. I went to see what the BOE does and which member seems to have sense. But, from what I saw, there are questions being asked in the best interest of the county, however, they also were blindsided by some topics that Creel and her staff put on at the last minute for a vote. I challenge all of you to go to the next BOE meeting, you probably do not even know when the meetings are, or what is discussed. This is the first meeting I have attended in some time and I think we all need to start going more often.

#22.1.1 Not know is no excuse on 09/10/11 at 01:41 PM

I agree with the blogger who stated the BOE no longer has an excuse not to know what is going on. If they don't, they need to find out why. they have ALL been informed of this issue. Even administrators and educators from surrounding counties have heard of this and are aghast at our leaders lack of response and the needs of the band. Wow! Ignorance is not excuse not to follow the law. How can ignorance of something so widely publicized not be a concern. Child Safety

#23 Anonymous on 09/08/11 at 07:43 AM

The BOE hired Creel and continue to allow her to fail at her job. She is singlehandedly bankrupting our school funds. A giant deficit this year dipping into the reserves will undoubtedly cause a major increase in our school millage next year.

To keep allowing her to hire unqualified friends over more qualified applicants is unacceptable.

It's obvious from all the stories making the rounds that atleast a large portion of this county has lost faith in Creel's ability to perform her job.

That usually signals it's time to do something about it.

I believe we would end up in better shape for our kids education and our School Budget if they bought out her contract and sent her on her way and got someone who knows how to be a true School Superintendent and a sound Leader.

#23.1 Observer on 09/08/11 at 09:32 AM

I am glad that Creel told the AHS parent that, '...she was in band in high school and the Drum Major to boot'. Because, that was probably the last time she was involved in high school issues. Yet, she thinks she can "run" the band and the high school from her computer by exchanging e-mails with the Transportation Director....sounds like an Open Records request is in order to see what was really said.
Why does Creel think she knows more than Mr. Fuller, Coach Moore, and Mr. McGhee about bus requisitions? Her previous three jobs before the Barrow BOE decided she was the best person for the job were:
a) Asst. Supt. for Curriculum in Houston County, (wow, that really qualifies her for high school management)
b) Assoc. Supt. at the State DOE (WOW, that really qualifies her for high school management) and
c) Director of Elementary Ed. in Coweta County (WOW!, that really qualifies her for high school management).
Not only did her last three positions not involve high school issues or Transportation issues, neither did any of those positions involve direct SUPERVISION of anyone. Now she wants to directly supervise EVERYONE instead of allowing her subordinates to do their job.
The BOE does not need a group of parents to attend an open meeting; nothing happens in a public meeting. They (BOE) need to do the right thing with Creel when they go behind closed doors to meet.

#24 Anonymous on 09/08/11 at 01:56 PM

It is obvious that Dr. Creel has very little supervisory experience of personnel. Her experience seems to be more along the lines of a single program manager. That in no way gives someone experience to manage a County-Level Education Dept.

I would think a Superintendent should have been atleast a Principal and/or a Dept head within a county school system first.

#25 Enough is enough - Creel has to go.... on 09/08/11 at 08:56 PM

(Comment removed)

#25.1 Enough is Enough, Indeed! on 09/09/11 at 07:00 AM

"Roommate", who is that the Transportation Director or HR Director? Don't forget about her, as rumor has it, African American boyfriend that she tried to hire in addition to hiring her daughter. How can she be working for the students, supporting teachers, and managing the financial ship when she is so preoccupied with her hiring schemes and her new Career Academy?

#25.1.1 Enough of what on 09/09/11 at 03:37 PM

I really do not care who she dates, black green or a Saturnite..I care that she does not listen to those who know what they are doing from years of experience and tries to micro manage everything.
Her time would be much better spent trying to find
ways to improve, support and expound upon the working and successful programs and quit trimming and degrading them and the people who have made them that way.. This AHS Band program being one of them.

#26 Taxpayor-Parent-Employee-BusinessOwner! on 09/09/11 at 12:15 PM

Hmmmmmm? Is this really parents/adults/leaders/mentors and 'role models' for the children/students of Barrow County School System? If you don't discipline a child/student and won't allow anyone else to do so AND this is the problem solving tactics of the 'adult' parents in the childrens environment...God Help Us!!!! This is absolutely embarrassing! Lead by example and be part of the solution!!! Take Responsibility for your words and actions! Is this how our children should learn to settle their differences? Dr. Wanda Creel....Just Keep Singing!!! Change is hard but neccessary!

#26.1 What???? on 09/09/11 at 03:16 PM

What type of analogy does the discipline have in common with the issues?
Was the band director misbehaving in asking for the 4 buses he knew from experience it would take to get the students there? Or was it the band students themselves? Please explain this.

#26.1.1 involved parent on 09/09/11 at 03:43 PM

I am very happy with the direction that Creel is taking the schools. you have to remember that it will take time to get this ship turned around because we were in such a deep hole before.
I have notified my school board representative that I think she is doing a good job and encourage others to do so as well if that is what they believe.
As far as the problem with the band goes, it was the first game of the year, the problem has been fixed get over it and get on with the rest of the year.Go Double GG

#26.1.1.1 Dogg and Wildcat on 09/09/11 at 04:03 PM

I am very happy you are pleased. I am not.
What size ship do you think we are trying to turn around? Every year is a missed opportunity for the students to learn and be taught while the BOE and Creel finally decide what direction they want the students to go.
Maybe you and the BOE should talk to the people that have to deal with the mandates that are knee-jerk reactions on her part for everything. But then again nothing ever gets past her desk to the BOE. Ignorance of what is going on is no longer an excuse for the BOE.
WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS USUALLY FIRE.

#26.1.1.1.1 Charter schools on 09/09/11 at 05:17 PM

Does the power of the BOE decline sharply after the school goverence councils get into full operation?
These are parents, business partners and school employees and administrators.
Maybe in this forum the Barrow County employees can get their knowledge of what is really happening in our schools to the forefront. The BOE is not listening.
I like the where there is smoke there is usally fire.

#26.1.1.2 HAS NOT BEEN FIXED on 09/09/11 at 04:11 PM

Where did you ever get this idea? Nothing has been fixed. The bus count is the same...why do you think these parents are so upset?

#26.1.1.3 "Fixed?" on 09/09/11 at 04:47 PM

Where could you have possibly gotten your information that is so very incorrect?
There is not a thing about this that is fixed! The same amount of buses requested again are being denied. The only BOE members that have answered any of my and several others concerns are Will Dunn and Mitch Churchill. They did so very promptly and it is appreciated and will be remembered.

#27 OH NO!!! on 09/09/11 at 03:56 PM

You have been badly repeat badly misinformed. The issue is NOT "fixed" and the same amount of buses have ordered again for the next away game. This is a fact.

#28 TickedOff on 09/09/11 at 04:15 PM

You can't fix stupid

#28.1 awesome comeback on 09/09/11 at 04:32 PM

But we all could make them t=shirts and give it to the BOE and Creel for Christmas

#29 A Parent on 09/09/11 at 04:55 PM

So, while this "ship" gets turned around, our children have to be ignored, pushed around, and be put on the back burner? Just so the "adults" can do what should have been done BEFORE school started. How long before the "ship" gets turned around? How long before its about the children? How long before our children's education goes down the toilet, because we are waiting for the ship to be turned around...how long????? Wow...lets just make excuse after excuse for the Superintedent, the BOE and the transportation department. Lets just keep on giving them "a break", they "work so hard". Give me a break!!!!! They are messing with our children, their education, and the activities they have worked so hard to do. This is suppose to be about the CHILDREN...not the so called adults who are "running the show". The children are getting lost in the shuffle, because you care so much for the "ship to be turned around"!!!!

#30 observer on 09/09/11 at 05:37 PM

After reading everyone of these, I have found the statement, "Where there is smoke there is usually fire" to be worth investigating.
I also would like to mention the information on the new high school.First an elementary school that was out of date and too small, then a PreK that the county was out of for only one year before expensive modifications were made and now it is a high school? Where is the common sense of these people who profess to have the children's education and future in the forefront? What is the matter with you parents.
Can you not let your elected official know the way you feel and it make a diffence? If not YOU have put the wrong people in office.
Then as I understand it, this county has no :asst. band director with over 150 students: then he requests the correct number of buses to get the kids to the game and not enough was sent? Then these band students had to wait and leave over 2 hours late and the Creel and the BOE are upset because they were fed? This one man should have taken care of the needs of 150 by himself. Has not the band ALWAYS STOPPED TO EAT for the past 11 years at AHS. does it cost more to stop and let them eat in fuel?
Is it because that they got caught by the parents of doing to the band program what they have been doing all along..they got caught short changing the kids.

#31 observer on 09/09/11 at 05:43 PM

I forgot that someone is under the impression that the situation is now corrected and the correct amount of requested buses are being sent. Something tells me that is totally incorrect. I will stay tuned for the next Saga. Meanwhile the poor AHS kids have to suffer threw another week of not knowing.
I am so glad I am a voter.

#32 former band member on 09/09/11 at 05:57 PM

It should be obvious to all that when you start interfering the the band program(s) in this county , you are stepping on alot of prideful toes.
]And to make it worse you try to discredit the band director who has planned transportation for many years every Friday night.
What gives folks at the BOE?
I have never seen as many bolgs on one subject. Way to go BCJ bring it to the front!

#32.1 informed parent on 09/09/11 at 06:09 PM

So tonight is a game night for AHS, is it home or away? if its away then how many busses did they get...bueler?....bueler?...........bueler?

#32.1.1 observer observing on 09/09/11 at 06:17 PM

incorrect spelling of buses

#33 Following with interest on 09/09/11 at 07:59 PM

I only have several questions.* Will those poor kids get the 4 buses the band director asked for or is Creel and the BOE still saying they could could have gotten them on three?
Why is Creel and the BOE trying to discredit the band director and all the adults that were there last time, including the cheerleader coaches
and parents who tried to load them and could not do it. What is going on?

#34 cheerleader and band mom on 09/09/11 at 08:29 PM

My understanding is that neither the band director or the cheerleader coaches knew they were to share buses. The cheerleader bus was loaded to the max with them and all of their equipment. one whole side was almost taken up. The run through banner goes the length of the bus on the floor. the band only had about 18 places to sit.
They had uniforms instuments and hat boxes. Even if we could have gotten our girls cheerleading equipment off, there was not way we could take all the band kids. The cheerleaders have to have their equipment just like the band. We will run into the same problem next game away if they do not send another bus. There is no car big enough for the run through banner.

#34.1 Angry Concerned band parent on 09/10/11 at 10:27 AM

You are aware that Dr. Creel has stated that the cheerleaders and the band will be sharing 4 buses? And that we tried that the first away game and couldn't make it work that time? We were able to get 18 of the students on but still had 28 with no seats standing outside the bus. No one is thinking about equipment, instruments, ect. that has to be carried along. (That accounts for the 23 empty seats that Creel said were on the bus that she counted on the video that was taped that I have requested to see that she has ignored my fewest to see because it doesn't exist.)
I do hope she is adult enough to accept the challenge to show up to help us load the buses next Friday night. We can't possibly do it without her. I mean, according to her reply to my email, it should not have been a problem and we didn't know what we were doing. We obviously need help. She's just the one to "fix" the problem do I expect to see her there! She has already implied that Mr. Fuller doesn't know what he's doing. I beg to differ. I was there. So let her come do it better! If you know what I mean!
I'M WITH YOU! LET CREEL CARRY THE RUN THROUGH BANNER IN HER OWN CAR!!!

#35 observer on 09/09/11 at 08:57 PM

So you are telling me that the top educators in the county knowingly are not sending enough buses again? Knowing about all the cheer equipment. Sending the cheerleaders without their equipment is like having the band with no instruments.
What point are they trying to prove?
this just does not make sense.

#35.1 Angry Concerned band parent on 09/10/11 at 09:59 AM

Obviously, the genius superintendent and her flunkie BOE members really don't have a clue where the buses are concerned. I personally want to challenge each and every single one of them, especially Creel, to bring their bodies to the band room and witness the loading of the buses on Friday September 16. Show up as early as 4:15 because that's when the buses start pulling in after dropping off the students from their afternoon routes.
My understanding is that there is only going to be the same number of buses and the cheerleaders will have to share their bus with the band. There is no caring as to whether or not they have their equipment, just as there is no care as to whethere or not the band has room to carry its instruments. (Obviously). The band director requested the 4 buses he knew were going to be needed this year based on the fact that 3 were used last year and were crowded. We have more band students this year so that's only logical which obviously Dr. Creel, our BOE and transportation department are not capable of being able to to use - logic!
The AHS band put on a great show last night! We are proud of you. We support you even if your SUPERINTENDENT, BOE AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT don't. We love and support our children. That includes our WBHS bands, AHS football, WBHS football, AHS and WBHS students of all sport, clubs and walks of life. We support all of you!

#36 proud of AHS on 09/09/11 at 09:15 PM

I have just watched one of the best half-time shows ever. AHS band is awesome and a credit to the community. The sound and the sight of them tonight was overpowering. Guess what.They are the biggest supporters in that stadium for their team. They are still cheering them on even with the score.
It is a crying shame that the BOE and Wanda Creel cannot see what a wonderful group they have here and a WBHS and support them.

#36.1 booster on 09/09/11 at 09:44 PM

They did support the band with helping with the loan for the uniforms. We paid them $20,000.00 Sept. 1st or 2nd.
If loan had not been made there would not have been a band out there this year. We have too many new band kids and not enough of the old uniforms. they do not make that style anymore. they are afterall 10 years old. but it did come with a price of Matt Fuller getting a verbal spanking, printed in the paper by a board member. How embarassing.

#36.1.1 booster also on 09/09/11 at 09:56 PM

Yes he did. It was printed in the paper. aboard member asked him why if he knew he needed the uniforms he did not save for them. guess what. the band boosters bought the chairs our band sits in and the lockers and repairs hand me down instruments given to us from WBHS over 10 years ago. We did not get the $150,000 grant WBHS did a couple of years ago for new instruments. we are still playing catch up. Deep fryers for concession stands awards. Why did we not have enough money saved. I guess we were doing for the kids.

#37 Anonymous on 09/09/11 at 09:32 PM

Well if she is dating a black man that's all I need to know. I have heard enough.

#37.1 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 06:32 AM

What difference does that make? Oh yes, you, like many here, are racists.

#37.1.1 Observer on 09/10/11 at 07:29 AM

It is not about being a racist or not. It is about a high public official representing herself to the students and community. I am not sure the superintendent is the one to 'pave the way' in Barrow County on this issue.

#37.1.1.1 comment on 09/10/11 at 08:01 AM

the highest paid offical

#37.1.1.2 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 02:44 PM

"pave the way"?
"on this issue"?

What business is it of your who she dates or what color he is? Why is this an "issue"?

#37.1.1.2.1 Observer on 09/10/11 at 03:27 PM

Not my business at all. SHE brought attention to the situation when she tried to hire him.

#38 Brad b on 09/10/11 at 03:24 AM

Wanda Creel is a complete idiot. Anyone who has heard her speak or what ever the hell that stuff is she calls singing knows it. We would be better off with a kindergartner in her place.

#38.1 Look on 09/10/11 at 08:08 AM

BOE ARE YOU EVEN READING SOME OF THESE?
There is a world on information on this sight. Some personal opinion, some actual facts. You should be intelligent enough to see through these
People in the community have tried to talk with you about this and you have not been recepetive.
You may make the decisions now as we put you in office. You need to listen to these people and investigate. Where there is smoke there is fire is the best thing said here!

#39 Parent on 09/10/11 at 08:17 AM

They are listening and telling themselves that the rest of us do not know how much money they are saving us. Our kids don't have faces anymore. They are just numbers on a spread sheet.
"We don't get the big picture" is what one told me. Guess what, I get the big picture. I see you voted out of office. One of the blogs said it is the parents and communities fault if we have elected officials that will not listen to us. and it is. Where there is smoke there is fire..well watch me smoke as I steam my way to the next election. This issue will not go away!

#40 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 10:24 AM

If Creel dont't want to show I'm sure if you called fox five they would come out next week and film the band trying to fix on the buses. They would be happy to film unsafe practices.

#41 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 10:41 AM

Channel 2 news tip 404-897-7409
Fox 5 news tip 404-898-0100
Call these numbers and I bet we get our buses. The more that call the better chances they will come.

#41.1 Agreed... on 09/10/11 at 11:19 AM

It may not be the noblest of ways to make your point, but when the media becomes involved, elected and appointed officials tend to listen...

#41.2 Funny. on 09/10/11 at 12:24 PM

You are on a Newspaper site saying to call t.v. stations. Too funny.

#42 Robert on 09/10/11 at 12:49 PM

So very interesting! One reader says BOTH BC schools are great (obviously her definition of GREAT would not agree with any modern dictionary). So many are upset that transportation and food are not supplied for the band by the BOE/school. Really? Ever hear of `brown-bagging it'? It happens when you plan ahead for an away game and each persons parents/guardians provide the evening picnic meal. Being that BOTH schools failed in graduation and tests scores, I would say you all have a lot more to be concerned with than the transportation and evening meal for the band of a losing H.S. football team!!!

#42.1 Ha to you Robert on 09/10/11 at 01:14 PM

Brown bagging it may have been possible with alittle advanced notice.
Please get your facts straight before you post and make yourself look like a fool.
Did it occur to you that maybe this is an example of how well the Leaders communicate with the school that helped with the failing AYP.
Do you even know why these schools both failed? Attendance was one. GET your facts.

#42.2 fOOD NEVER SUPPLIED BY SCHOOL on 09/10/11 at 02:41 PM

Food was never supplies by the BOE. Never has been
these kids and parents pay for their own. It just takes find a place that can feed 170 people. Have you not read any of these blogs. Have you not read any information concerning this?

#43 brown bagging on 09/10/11 at 01:29 PM

I don't know your age..but I would not use the term brown bagging to teens.ha
Also do you have a suggestion as to where these kids could keep these meals at school all day? How out of touch are you?

#43.1 Robert on 09/10/11 at 09:50 PM

It occurs to me that either you and your cronies with their idiotic remarks are either lazy (BIG reason for the fat asses in Barrow County and the TOO numerous fast food restaurants)or lack the ingenuity/responsibility to find creative cost effective ways to make this happen. Much easier counting on government entities to do things for us. Also gives us someone to blame when things don't go our way! It is no one but your own responsibility to feed your child and get them to extra curricular activities. My children go to school elsewhere outside of Barrow County and I get them there everyday as well as to extra curricular activities. Plus I have a full-time career and a p/t job. So rather than make fun of someones rather responsible suggestions why don't you find a solution to your own problem rather than whine about your petty issues!

#43.1.1 Oh my on 09/10/11 at 10:04 PM

and your kids don't go to school or participate in this county because.??? Yes the school system is responsible to get my child to a band activity.
Again Robert, dear...you have not been reading..
the system does NOT feed these students, the parents do. Where are you getting the idea they have ever fed the. I afraid I don't have "cronies" way to antiquated. I have friends, family and co workers. and I do not hae the need to use profanity to get my point across.

#43.1.1.1 Robert on 09/10/11 at 10:14 PM

I am sorry for you all that I didn't completely connect the dots for you....I am aware that the system doesn't feed your kids...a part of the issue from what I read was that there was no place that could/would feed 170 people....SO, they loaded a bus and went to BUFORD?!? then north to the ballgame. I was merely suggesting a rather logical solution to feeding your kids....afterall the school system may not have paid for them to eat but they were expected to get them there.

#43.1.1.1.1 Oh my on 09/10/11 at 10:27 PM

Thank you connecting. However, you have still to answer what is keeping you from having YOUR children in THIS county's school system and other activities.. Do you even live here?Yes there are several cost effective measures to help here, but then again, they have all been turned down by the board. Please please go back and read what has been written. These are not all whining people. Like you they have full time careers and part time jobs and are not fortunate enough to take their children with them. From looking at the map and discussing this issue with those that were there, Buford afforded the close range and large enough area at the Mall of Georgia to keep that many students together and supervised with many different choices of eating establishments.
Had the band director known that his kids were not getting the requested buses and not spent almost 2 hours trying to straighten this all out, the boosters could have fed the kids. AHS has carried the kids to eat on any trip that is over an hour for 11 years. Why is it an issue now.

#43.1.1.2 Robert on 09/10/11 at 10:22 PM

I apologize again for not answering the first question in your retort. My children do not go to school in Barrow County because there are other options for them that are much better options for their skills, interests, and futures. Barrow County schools still benefit from my taxes thus I still have a voice.

#43.1.1.2.1 oh my on 09/10/11 at 10:40 PM

Everyone has a voice and I am pleased to know that you have put your children's needs and skills above what is easier for you. However, these parents feel a need to voice their concerns also and not be judged as whiny. I did not comment on your brown bag suggestion at all.I did take exception to your generalization that all of the people have a size problem or that they are even band parents. Some of them just have an ax to grind.

#43.1.2 Angry Concerned band parent on 09/10/11 at 11:14 PM

Name calling? How childish! And I thought you were supposed to be setting an example! I guess you are and not a very good one at that! Glad you're not setting one for my children because you have no sense at all! This is not about feeding the kids. There are fast food restaurants everywhere! Most parents work and are not able to bring their children meals before the buses pull out to go to away games because they leave too early. Research shows that even meals prepared and eaten before 12pm are not healthy because they are not stored at proper temperatures. (Recent publication). We parents in Barrow County are pround of our children. ALL OF OUR CHILDREN are important to us regardless of what school they go to. We wish we could do the best we could for them. We don’t want the BOE to feed our children. You obviously haven't read any of the blogs!
This is not about feeding the students, it's about providing safe transportation for them to the out of town games. This has always been done by the county and not by the parents at county run schools!

#44 brown bagging 2 on 09/10/11 at 01:31 PM

How much brown bagging have you done lately? Just before sending this? There is a ballgame coming on. Start early?

#45 concerned on 09/10/11 at 03:05 PM

You are correct, there is a lot more to this then just bus's, meals, football and band. There is the BOE, the Superintendent and the transportation department. They do not have our children's best interest at heart anymore, its all dollars and cents to them, our children are just numbers on a piece of paper. Their heart is not in their job anymore, its all about a paycheck. Its about what they want when they want it and they don't care how many children gets pushed aside to get it. My children go to AHS, they use to love the school, but ever since Creel was hired everything has changed. They see a change in the teachers and how they act and teach, they see a change in how the school is ran, they see a change in the front office and how everyone is not helpful anymore. They (the students) see the changes that are taking place and none of them like it. We the parents need to get involved, we need to vote and hire the "professionals" that will take care of our students and make sure they are getting what the need and deserve, from the classrooms all the way down to the bus's. It is our job, our responsibility. If the superintendent and the BOE will not do it, then lets vote them out, fire them and get new ones in. Lets tell them and show them that we will not put up with it any longer, these are OUR children's lives they are playing games with, it is OUR children's futures they are messing with. We need to show our children that someone cares what happens to them, because it sure isn't the BOE or the Superintendent.

#46 funny on 09/10/11 at 03:18 PM

I still like the hard and and accolades blog. I laughed until my husband came in to see what was the problem

#47 huh? on 09/10/11 at 03:21 PM

I am still confused as why have a NEW high school with the same teachers and students in a building
that was not good enough for an elementary school, we could not afford to run it for a PreK and now it is the high school.

#48 great on 09/10/11 at 03:39 PM

I am also laughing with you on the hard hat and the accolades. I am not laughing at the situation.It is definately not funny. Quite the opposite. Scary to think we put the BOE in office and they are not listening to their constituants,

#49 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 05:01 PM

People this is easy to fix. When it comes election time. Vote against anyone with (Incumbent) by their name. Not just the BOE but ALL elected officials. The people of Barrow County came to an agreement to do this about 15 years ago and it worked well. Every election we were getting fresh blood and no one became stale. Somewhere along the way it fell apart and we started letting incumbents stay and look where it got us. This was accomplished by citizens placing ads in the local paper to “Vote them out” Now we have the internet and blogs. It should be even easier . Lets all stick together and once again “Vote them out”

#49.1 good thought on 09/10/11 at 05:41 PM

That is not a bad idea. If we all start working on it now, just think of the progress to be made in the next year.
I know of at least 150 families with extended families that would vote them out now.
This may be the biggest turn out in history

#50 Angry on 09/10/11 at 08:48 PM

Not one of ya'll that are talking crap about our Transportation Dept (Bus Drivers ) are using your real name why ? Are you scared to tell who you are .Well I have news for you there are some angry bus drivers that are upset with ya'll the way that you are trash talking our Transportation Dept .I gurantee not any of ya'll could do the job we do every day .We have to watch the road plus take care of smart mouth kids that cuss and act like they have no manners .The ones that are sitting behind the computer and writing this and not posting your name you have no right to be talking .I love my job and I love the kids but some kids are very rude and disrespectful and I tell you one thing if I ever talked to my parents the ways these kids do I would be walking to school because I wouldn't be able to sit on my bottom .I am sick of the trash talking and slandering our dept it needs to stop .Also the threats need to stop to what's channel 2 news or Fox 5 gonna do nothing .Why don't Appalachee get a truck and a trailer to follow the buses with the band equipment in them ...Stop talking about Transportation Dept !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#50.1 Boo Hoo on 09/10/11 at 08:56 PM

If you find your job intolerable, I suggest you find another one.

#50.2 angry too on 09/10/11 at 09:09 PM

We do have a truck and a trailer that follows the buses. They are still not large enough to carry all the instruments. You must have us confused with the cheerleaders, who have nothing to carry all of their equipment in and have to use bus seats and floorboards to get their equipment to the game. They deserve better also.
I will totally agree with you that alot has been said about the transportation department. Some true, some not, just perceptions..But the bus drivers do not need to assume that this is thrown at you. Did you guys and ladies decide how many buses to
send that night? No. Were you bus drivers the ones that finally saw that the second guess plan was
not going to work and informed the dispatcher that is was not safe. Yes those drivers did!
It took the bus drivers to get that 4th bus. Have they asked any of you if there was a problem? There was only one bus driver that was extremely rude that night to everyone, including the rest of the drivers. Those drivers talked with the parents about this too. There was alot said that did not need to said or overheard by students.
Do not assume that all the comments here are by band parents any more than we assume that all of you are as rude and uncaring and sarcastic as that one driver. Our kids would not have arrived safely much less have been able to leave the school if it had not been for you guys

#50.2.1 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 09:19 PM

Well said.... and our job being hard does not give Dr. Creel or Ms. Young the right to take away from the students.

#51 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 09:01 PM

"Not one of ya'll that are talking crap about our Transportation Dept (Bus Drivers ) are using your real name why ?"
and your name is??????? If you love your job so much why don't you post your name? Are you afraid of the people you work for?

#51.1 name withheld on 09/10/11 at 09:37 PM

I has occurred to me that I have not seen your name either. I bet you work for the school system and know better than to use your name. Has it occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, we are hearing from teachers that can't speak up and use their 1st amendment rights for fear of their jobs. Whistle blower laws mean nothing to this group.There is too much information in these 130+ items that is so on the money that we have to be hearing from people in the know. I am still wondering why the BOE has not said anything!

#52 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 09:08 PM

Where can I find these blogs that I keep reading about?

#52.1 start at the top of this page and work your way down. on 09/10/11 at 09:11 PM

I have heard that some of these have started being seen by several surrounding counties. My sister-in-law called me from Cumming and told me she was reading them and asked what was going on with our BOE

#52.2 anon on 09/10/11 at 09:41 PM

www.barrowcitizenswatch.com/Corkboard/index.html

#53 concerned on 09/10/11 at 09:23 PM

The NEWS ststions will at least be able to document and film what is going on with the Barrow County Schools and the BOE and the Superintendent.
Then everyone else in Georgia, including the Govenor will know what we are going through, because the BOE and the Superintendent don't seem to want to talk to anyone about it, or for that matter fix it.

#54 TickedOff on 09/10/11 at 10:55 PM

Enough already! We've got 140+ posts over a bus debacle, which ultimately she is responsible and she apologized, whether sincere or not. I wish we were as concerned about this country, our county, and our school system as we are about this dang bus.

#54.1 not enough on 09/10/11 at 11:10 PM

The situation has not been resolved. These kids will face the same thing this next Friday night. She refuses to send another bus because she thinks she is right even though she has been proven wrong.
Tickedoff. this is about our county..and our country. It starts here.

#54.1.1 Anonymous on 09/10/11 at 11:14 PM

This "debacle" is of concern only to overheated, hysterical parents. Good lord, get over it. There are more important things in the city, county and country to obsess over.

#54.1.1.1 anon on 09/10/11 at 11:34 PM

Do you really think this is only concerns the parents of the band members? If so you have not read the entries. again I say, read them. Alot of information is coming out as this has become a site of concerns. do you really think that all of these are from band parents? Read, read read.

#54.1.1.2 really on 09/10/11 at 11:44 PM

What in this county is more important than our children?

#54.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 09:40 AM

I am a lot more important than your children. They are not the center of my universe. In fact, I don't give a damn about them; they are NOTHING to me. That a few got left off a band bus to a stupid football game is not worth a fingernail clipping. It probably taught them a valuable life lesson.

#55 you weren't there on 09/10/11 at 11:22 PM

I am not an overheated or hysterical parent nor am I ignorant to the facts. Have your child ride 3 or 4 to a seat. Have your employer degrade you and all those that work with you. I do obsess over mistreatment of children and old folks. I am very tired of the people that are elected to this positions in this county after they get into office becoming deaf and dumb the the issues that are important to the public. and there are many.

#56 concerned on 09/10/11 at 11:34 PM

This is just one of several issues that we are upset about. If we stop now, who is going to fight for OUR children? Are you going to fight for what is right with OUR children? Doubt it, because you want us to stop talking about this. How else are we suppose to get our voice heard???? We call, and she won't call back, we email and she ignores us, we go to BOE meetings and they don't want to hear what we have to say, or they just brush it under the rug, and say they are working on it, but yet will not tell us how they are working on it. We as citizens, parents, and voters deserve to know what is going on with our BOE and the schools, we are not standing by anymore and allowing you or anyone else to tell us when to "drop" it again. Until our voice is heard and we get results this will keep going on. This is about safety for our children, and so much more. We are far from being quiet, we will not be silenced any longer.

#56.1 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 09:47 AM

The superintendent is under no obligation to respond to an angry lynch mob. Especially not one that is aghast at the color of her boyfriend.

#56.1.1 requires obligation due to acceptance of the job on 09/11/11 at 06:12 PM

wrong, she is the spokes person for the Barrow County School System

#57 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 12:00 AM

I too wish I never had to hear the word bus again. The whole situation is about a power and micro management struggle. It involves dollars and cents and somewhere in between my child is caught. I will not use this site to complain about other issues and personality likes or dislikes or hard hats or new high schools. I just want my child safe and want to be able to trust the people I help put into office with his safety and welfare.
I am concerned that we will have a repeat of the last episode on the next out of town band trip just so one the different sides can be
right.
Can and will someone assure me that my child is important to you at the BOE. I know
It just is not my child involved. Will someone please understand that my child is the only thing of value to me. I pray that the people at the BOE will understand when I say I want your help and pray that the Lord will help you in your decisions and help me to understand them

#58 Anon on 09/11/11 at 12:51 AM

STOP, PLEASE JUST STOP. AHS BAND PARENTS, PLEASE STOP
Let us try to work something out that will be acceptable to all.This site has delivered the message as to how upset we are. But also delivered was several items to present food for thought for the BOE and other leaders in the community.
Lets leave that to them for now and get our kids safely to out of town games.
Please stop

#59 agree on 09/11/11 at 12:57 AM

I agree. STOP. Most of these messages are not from AHS and are from people with other agendas. Yes there are problems and anyone reading any of this knows that now. The BOE can take care of that. Let us get the kids safely to games and let those who have some ideas on how to help everyone work on the problem of that 4th bus. Please stop

#59.1 right on 09/11/11 at 06:15 PM

point made..these are not band parent blogs today

#60 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 01:04 PM

Creella Deville needs to go back to Houston County and take her Dalmatians with her the old and the new spots!

#61.1 Observer on 09/11/11 at 05:28 PM

You are absolutely correct; the problem is Creel's actions and motives behind those actions. Mistakes happen. It is not whether we make mistakes; everyone does. The question is, do we repeat the mistake? The BOE repeats their mistake each time they meet and they don't deal with her.

#61.1.1 right on 09/11/11 at 05:51 PM

you can only manage by intimidation for so long before it rises up before emass

#62 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 04:27 PM

Barrow sure has some mouthy rednecks.

#62.1 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 05:16 PM

They sure do, and they fill the schools with redneck young'uns just like 'em.

#63 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 06:05 PM

They (boe) work for her.... at least it seems that way.

#64 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 06:14 PM

Why don't one of you know it alls step up and run things? Then we can all take shots at you while you fail miserably. All this over a bus? Really?

#64.1 anom3 on 09/11/11 at 06:45 PM

refer to 59 and 59.1

#64.2 Anonymous on 09/12/11 at 08:36 AM

How would that be a good idea?

I doubt any of us are qualified for the job and that's the whole point here.

Neither is Creel.

The BOE needs to find someone with real experience in managing a school system.

If they don't, vote them out!

#65 Tom on 09/11/11 at 06:18 PM

Does anybody know why a ambulance was called to a school bus Friday
afternoon on Carl Bethlehem rd?
Just wandering it was a bus and this seems to be the place to find out about buses.

#65.1 Tom 2 on 09/11/11 at 06:42 PM

too many kids on the bus I heard

#65.1.1 Tom on 09/11/11 at 06:56 PM

Really???? Why would they call an ambulance to the bus over to many kids? A friend told me they saw the bus with elementary kids and an ambulance there just wandering why?

#65.1.1.1 Tom 2 on 09/11/11 at 07:00 PM

Then I guess you are on the wrong bus site. Try to call Creel or the BOE and see if they will answer your questions. We can't

#65.1.1.1.1 tom 4 on 09/11/11 at 07:02 PM

What is this a George burns and Gracie Allen spot?

#66 Anonymous on 09/11/11 at 06:20 PM

Lets play duck duck goose

Quack quack.

#66.1 duck duck goose? on 09/11/11 at 07:06 PM

Why don't you play "watch the wheels go round and round" while lying in the middle of 316 and take george, Gracie and Tom the 1st with you

#67 Rhonda on 09/11/11 at 06:27 PM

It’s not just over a bus it’s about the safety of our children! If you put too many people in a car the police will pull you over because it’s dangerous but it’s okay to pack children and equipment on the bus???? Really why can’t you understand that it’s not just about a Bus! Oh I know why you must work in the office at Transportation!

#68 Tom on 09/11/11 at 07:27 PM

Does anybody know why a ambulance was called to a school bus Friday
afternoon on Carl Bethlehem rd? I was just wandering not sure why you are posting about Duck Duck Goose and George?

#68.1 Tom 2 on 09/11/11 at 07:35 PM

wondering, the word is wondering. I really don't think they know. but if bus driver in this county called for a bus...then it was very much needed. they take care of the kids.
Just thought you were being sarcastic about this being a bus site.

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