BOE renews superintendent's contract

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Tuesday, August 21. 2012

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The Barrow County Board of Education voted 6-3 to extend Superintendent Wanda Creel's contract for one year during a special called meeting on Tuesday.

Her current contract is up March 31, 2013. Board members Rickey Bailey, Will Dunn and Chairman Mark Still cast the opposing votes.

Creel, who was not part of the closed meeting, was handed her evaluation with notes and questions from the board.

As part of the motion, the board suggested she review the documents so that another meeting could be scheduled to discuss the specifics, including the terms of the contract, which could include any pay increase.

“The key issue here tonight was renewal,” said Dan Cromer, after he made the motion.

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#1 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

A pay RAISE? Oh, dear Lord...

#2 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 08:30 PM [Reply]

you got to be jokin a pay raise lord help us all if she gets a raises after cutting others.

#3 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 08:48 PM [Reply]

A pay raise? Are you kidding me? What were those six people who voted for this thinking?

#4 Michelle on 08/21/12 at 09:01 PM [Reply]

Wait a minute. They cut the benefits of employees, cut teaching position, outsourced the janitors, have high schools not meeting AYP, and her contract is renewed with a possible RAISE???? Those six who vote FOR her to stay and if they vote FOR her raise better watch out for the jobs. I certainly will NOT be voting for them.

#4.1 Michelle on 08/21/12 at 09:07 PM [Reply]

SO FYI...those who voted to keep Dr. Creel in are:
Mitch Churchill, Dist. 8
Dan Cromer, Dist 7
Randall Holland, Dist. 1
William Bramlett, Dist 2
Connie Wehunt, Dist. 3
Lynn Stevens, Dist. 5

If you disagree with their votes, let them know by going to http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/board/html/boe_zones.html and click on the email link under their names. I know I certainly will be doing so.

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 09:04 PM [Reply]

What the h$$$ do they care? They know the people of Barrow will keep re-electing them!

#4.1.2 VOTE THEM OUT on 08/31/12 at 01:59 PM [Reply]

In the words of Clint Eastwood "If they are not getting the job done we got to let them go" I think this applies here also..... VOTE THEM OUT!!!! The buck stops with the BOE come on Barrow they work for us and they are not getting the job done!!!! VOTE THEM OUT!!!!

#4.1.2.1 sammy jones on 08/31/12 at 09:28 PM [Reply]

What a bunch of saps sit on that board.Jeb had them pinned Wed. night.Gov'mt workers that don't do nothin'.
Anybody use the Parent Portal to keep track of your kids grades?
What a joke.The teachers don't even imput the data.Waste of money on the system and the ones too lazy to put the data in.They can't use the old too many kids because the sit there a hand out stuff and thats it.
Don't get me wrong- not all.Only about 80%

#5 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 10:12 PM [Reply]

Who called this meeting at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday afternoon? Don't "called" meetings have to be advertised with a purpose for the meeting stated? When did the Barrow Journal find out about this meeting? Why not take up this issue at next month's regularly scheduled meeting? Obviously Creel pushed BOE members to get this extension behind them and to give her a vote-of-confidence in the wake of all of the controversy (bussing, etc..). Wow, the prejudice dismantiling of BCSS will continue. This is no longer about needed change. This is about a dictator with an agenda. The big question, however, is what is her agenda?

#6 Life-Long in Barrow on 08/21/12 at 10:18 PM [Reply]

I agree... Definitely do not want to see a pay raise! I hope my representatives are listening.

#7 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 10:31 PM [Reply]

Creel is the best thing ever for Barrow County.

#7.1 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 05:14 PM [Reply]

you must not be an educator or a family member

to one you need to check out what the educators in bcss get paid then go sit in a classroom and see what they go through to educate non english speaking and disrespectful childern

#8 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 10:39 PM [Reply]

Hey People: If you question the BOE's decision to renew Creel or question the job she is doing, your posting will be "reviewed" and may not be posted at all. If, however, you post a silly statement like #5, that posting is immediately uploaded.
It seems she, Creel, has the same effect on the Main Street News staff that she has on 6 of the 9 Barrow BOE members...which is to bury, deeply bury, your head in the sand.

#9 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 11:09 PM [Reply]

no way #5 is serious. Has to be someone trolling for an argument/human interaction because they have nothing better to do. So sad! The only other possibility is #5 is Creel herself but I doubt that. You see it is impossible that any BC resident feels that way. If that truely is your opinion #5 then please elaborate. Tell us what positive changes have happened in the BCSS since she was hired that give you such admiration for her.

#9.1 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 08:09 PM [Reply]

I am in complete agreement with #5 because apparently this person really knows what is going on!!! You on the other hand DON'T! I have seen NOTHING that has been good for the kids, teachers, nor the parents. If you think there has been some good out of this YOU need to explain!!

#9.1.1 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 08:32 PM [Reply]

By bad!! Read #5 in haste!! This person is apparently Dr. Stupid! She needs to go NOW!!! The board members apparently need to go as well! What has she done for our teachers, our schools, our students, and parents!! Oh that's right rob the teachers of their pay, rob our parents of safety for their children, rob our janitors of their jobs, and expect our teachers to work harder for less money! Don't get me started on the transportation issues. I mean really have our children walk done MAIN ROADS to their stops and past registratered sex offenders house........Oh thats safe!

#9.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 11:03 PM [Reply]

Apparently the numbers have changed because the commenter I was referring to is now listed as #7. Not #5. I also agree with #5. If you'd like me to though I can certainly explain the reasons I have pulled my child from barrow schools and am now paying a small fortune (that I don't have) to get him the education he deserves. 180 days worth!! you forgot to mention the BOEs well thought out school hours change. They must have know there was no way for those drivers to load and SAFELY unload 2 schools worth of children in 40 minutes and get back to the elementary schools by 3:30. Can't tell you how many bus drivers I have seen excessively speeding in order to meet the impossible expectations of our apparently brain dead BOE and superintendent . We have a bunch of geniuses making decisions for us. I like the idea of recalling them if it is really an option.

#9.1.1.1.1 anonymous on 08/23/12 at 05:02 PM [Reply]

They don't get to the elementary schools by 3:30. We are still loading kids on buses at nearly 4:00.

#9.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 09:13 PM [Reply]

I pick my kids up and get them home sometimes before the middle/high schoolers get off in my neighborhood. That's at 3:45 and they still have 1/2 a bus full before they head back to load the elementary kids. Ridiculous!!

#10 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 11:20 PM [Reply]

This is so funny to read a handful of malcontents sputtering. Take a chill pill, fans.

#11 Anonymous on 08/21/12 at 11:34 PM [Reply]

Yep its hilarious. Or not. Looks like # 5 didn't get any attention from his/her first ridiculous statement so he/she is now back as # 7 with another ridiculous statement. I hope no one engages with you and you move along.

#12 Recall the BOE on 08/22/12 at 03:59 AM [Reply]

http://www.ehow.com/how_5880864_recall-school-board-members.html

See this link for general information regarding a recall vote for BOE memebers.

#13 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 04:30 AM [Reply]

Perhaps, I'm not familiar with policies/guidelines regarding these situations, but why such an urgency for the meeting, I wonder? Each time the board calls a meeting, they receive $75 each. Lots of called meetings these past few months. Could some agenda topics have been combined into one meeting, rather than holding so many meetings?

#14 MADPARENT on 08/22/12 at 05:22 AM [Reply]

What the heck! This woman has totally TRASHED our school system and those fools gave her another year to make it WORSE?!? She is despised by over 70% of the system employees! NONE of the parents I speak to can stand her, and students laugh at her. How many of you know what the WBHS Class of 2012 was? THEY DUCKED THE SCHOOL! Yes thats right...they DUCKED it! They came in with HUNDREDS of photos and posters of ducks and put them all over the school. Of course her little minion AL DARBY made the kids take it all down.

#15 observer on 08/22/12 at 06:14 AM [Reply]

Dr. Creel has done a creditable job in a difficult environment. The board is doing a decent job of carrying out their responsibilities in supervising her work and evaluating her leadership.

I don't believe the article indicated a pay raise, although she probably deserves one for enduring some of the knownothings who offer constant, mindless criticism on this forum.

#15.1 MADPARENT on 08/22/12 at 09:26 AM [Reply]

I would bet good money that I am MUCH closer to whats going on than you! And "Not a creel fan" I agree with you 100%! Why should SHE get a raise for her idiocy, when they are requiring Sports, Cheerleaders and Band to begin paying for trips to school sanctioned events? If anything she is OVERPAID now! Pay raises should be performance based. Looking back at her LACK of performance she deserves a pay cut!

#15.2 Joseph Black on 08/22/12 at 11:17 AM [Reply]

Most likely posted by a BOE memeber or Dr. Creel.

#16 Not a Creel Fan on 08/22/12 at 09:02 AM [Reply]

I am so disappointed in those people on the BOE who voted to keep Wicked Wanda in power. Even discussing the possibility of raising her salary is just rubbing salt in the wound. If Barrow County has the money to raise her salary, then they have the money to pay bus drivers to transport our student athletes to & from their events.

#17 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 10:47 AM [Reply]

A pay increase???I'm sure that will be great for the moral of all of the teachers in the county who are still being furloughed. This is unbelievable. I guess only 3 people on the board have brains.

#18 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 11:37 AM [Reply]

LET'S RECALL THE ENTIRE BOE. IT CAN AND SHOULD BE DONE!
Citizens may recall board members or other elected local officials if their leadership has been found lacking. Single members or entire boards can be recalled. If executed with good intent, a recall can be a proactive measure to ensure adequate community leadership in education. While most municipalities have their own code governing the process, much of it is standard.

Read more: How to Recall School Board Members | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5880864_recall-school-board-members.html

#19 Anonymous Me on 08/22/12 at 12:08 PM [Reply]

Wow, everyone is hot and bothered over nothing. Lets examine the statement about the meeting over her contract.

As part of the motion, the board suggested she review the documents so that another meeting could be scheduled to discuss the specifics, including the terms of the contract, which COULD include any pay increase.

Keyword: could

Obviously the writer simply included that to spur outrage and it worked. The news is simply that they will have a meeting to discuss contract terms. This can include negotiating for a pay raise, but they COULD also negotiate a pay decrease. In other words, there is no reason to be freaking out about a pay raise as it is always a possibilty when discussing contract terms. The same could be said for pay decreases.

I hate to say it but everyone that freaked out about the paay raise thing had your emotions toyed with by the author of the article and the Barrow journal.

#20 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 12:31 PM [Reply]

Dr. Creel's salary as reported on Open Gov was $146,501.16
That does not include benefits, the car and gas, etc... When teachers at WBHS travel to AHS for a meeting, they pay their travel expenses. The superintendent travels to the same meeting for free!
Maybe the BOE will have a meeting to "consider" this as well. Did coaches have to pay the expenses associated with getting their CDL?

#20.1 Someone who is informed on 08/22/12 at 02:08 PM [Reply]

The short answer about expenses with the CDL is that there weren't too many other than the license fee and testing fees. The application fee is waived as a school bus driver/ applicant. It comes in at 5 dollars a test (up to 4 tests) plus a 20 dollar renewal fee for your current license. The expense comes in that people were not paid for their training time or driving expenses to get to training/ testing etc nor will they be reimbursed for their time based on my understanding. The training included 12 hours over two days of classroom training, followed by 10 hours at least of driving without students and then still to come 10 hours driving with students. All unpaid. I am given to understand that people who come on to drive as a full time bus driver also go through the training unpaid. But the debate at that point is, they chose to be trained to drive rather than forced.

#21 interesting on 08/22/12 at 01:02 PM [Reply]

Its not the fact the raise was mentioned I understand what they meant. My problem is they voted to keep her. Some people working in the schools got over a $1000 a month pay cut but was told to keep their mouths shut by the powers that be. They need to hurry and update pay on the open website so we can see the facts. This by the way is not gossip this is fact, seen the paycheck. So the 6 that voted to keep her need to go and I guess they forgot they were voted in and Dr. Creel will not save them. So enjoy your time especially the ladies on the BOE you were totally rude and believe me people had some choice words for you both. This is not over believe that.

#22 LaTascha on 08/22/12 at 03:54 PM [Reply]

We can't afford reasonable transportation for our kids and we are talking pay raise, really? We cut huge $$$$$$ in transportation, where bus stops are several blocks from home; where is the raise $$$$ coming from if we are that tight with $$$$ ?

#23 Dark Day on 08/22/12 at 04:18 PM [Reply]

It does boggle the mind that the BOE would extend the contract of the senior administrator when there has not any real positive change in the district. The change which has occurred and is touted as positive is mostly smoke and mirrors. The facts are there is a mass exodus happening and a moral level which is abysmal. Both of these stem from a culture of bullying and intimidation all inspired by the leader.

#24 Active on 08/22/12 at 05:05 PM [Reply]

I don't know what is going on. I mean a contract extension, really? How did she get 6 votes? I give up! BOE should be proud of their hard work. Wonder why teachers are leaving? Don't ask the BOE, they have no idea.

#25 Disbelief on 08/22/12 at 05:27 PM [Reply]

As with any leader,they are held to high standards by the community. Key word being "community". If your community doesn't want you in office any longer, how can you expect to be given respect? I am talking respect from parents and the entire Barrow County System. If you don't like the decisions being made, be a voice: vote, email, call etc. Our kids are worth the fight to ensure their safety and education. I hope everyone passes information along on how to help remedy the mass chaos that is happening in our schools (all of the schools).

#25.1 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 06:50 AM [Reply]

The truth is that the BOE does not, is NOT representing the community, students, or teachers. This has left the realm of logic and rationale evaluation. The 6 BOE members that voted for her voted out of "emotion". They have dug-in and double-downed on Creel. This meeting, pushed by Creel, was done in haste and in heightened emotion. There was no reason to take up her contract extension in August and especially at a Called Meeting that was not advertised (date, time, or subject). Thank You Mark Still, Rickey Bailey, and Will Dunn for representing your/our community. The other members need to take a deep look in the mirror.

#26 Jane Austen on 08/22/12 at 07:38 PM [Reply]

At least the BOE chairman had the guts to say NO. I wonder why the meeting was all of a sudden? Why couldn't they wait until January?

#27 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 07:52 PM [Reply]

Why is it, Mike, that you aren't all over this? As interested in the budget and in "fairness" of pay, etc., for teachers as you are, why aren't the pay raise and the ridiculous benefits (like a car allowance) of the superintendent on your radar? Check the public record - verify the pay increase that she received this last year. Report on that...furloughs, teachers forced to drive buses (which my child would absolutely never be allowed to ride), reduced benefits for all involved...where is your report on the single soul actually benefiting from this? I'd be curious about your opinion...

#27.1 Mike Buffington on 08/22/12 at 08:46 PM [Reply]

That info is in tonight's paper.

#27.1.1 Anonymous on 08/22/12 at 09:14 PM [Reply]

I look forward to reading it.

#28 anonymous on 08/22/12 at 09:40 PM [Reply]

Pay raise or not, someone with that much anger inside her should not be in a position of authority.

#29 What?! on 08/23/12 at 10:54 AM [Reply]

Considering the VERY low turnout in our local elections, we get exactly what we deserve. Don't vote? Don't gripe.

#29.1 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 01:35 PM [Reply]

I voted. So I am going to grip!

#29.1.1 What?! on 08/23/12 at 02:20 PM [Reply]

So.....what are you going to grip?

#30 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 11:32 AM [Reply]

And we wonder why our schools are not among the top in the state

#31 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 05:22 PM [Reply]

I am an employee will not say where work but want to say that Miss Creel does not deserve a pay raise .I have been with the BCS for along time and now I have a pay cut plus I have to pay my own insurance now .Also was told our insurance is going up in November its sad some of us can't afford to pay our bills now plus some have had houses foreclosed on .Why do this to your employees ? How do you sleep at night not sure but if I treated people this way I could not sleep .I am saying this people please don't stop Wehunt ,Stevens and Creel all need to go .Wehunt has said some hateful things about employees and Stevens about children . Everyone needs to continue showing up at board meetings and listening and talk about what is going on Barrow County has lost some good employees .And alot more are looking for better job and an employer to treat you like someone .

#31.1 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 07:22 PM [Reply]

Morale is as low as I have ever seen it. It really is quite upsetting.

#31.2 Anonymous on 08/23/12 at 07:49 PM [Reply]

You do realize that the insurance and other cuts are really from the state level and the crash of the housing market? Most of this is outside the control of Creel or the BOE.

#32 Dark Day on 08/23/12 at 08:13 PM [Reply]

The responsibilities of running a school district are great and simply exceed Dr. Creel's skill set. She does not know how to delegate because she does not trust anyone. She lacks communication skills and has a knack for talking down to people. She has selective memory concerning what she says or she has an integrity problem. She is angry and vindictive. Some skills can be developed but character is a much deeper issue.

#32.1 anonymous on 08/23/12 at 09:26 PM [Reply]

You hit it right on the mark, Dark Day. I've been behind closed doors with Dr. Creel, and it is most definitely a character issue. She is EXTREMELY sensitive about her authority, and jumps to attack anyone or anything that remotely looks like it might question it.

#32.2 Anonymous on 08/24/12 at 06:10 AM [Reply]

Sounds like you know a lot about running a school system. Maybe the BOE should put you in her place!

#32.2.1 Dark Day on 08/24/12 at 03:42 PM [Reply]

No, I have never run a school system and I am sure i would make my share of mistakes if given the opportunity. I do know a little about leadership and I know character when I see it and I also know when I don't. Making mistakes is not the issue. I find the people of Barrow County to be understanding of that. The mistreatment and the self absorbent nature of the superintendent is what has caused most of the ill feelings. Merely my humble opinion.

#32.3 Anonymous on 08/24/12 at 06:23 AM [Reply]

The fact that the BOE passed on Rob Johnson and chose Wanda Creel instead is incredibly unbelievable. Anyone who has ever worked for or with Mr. Johnson knows that this story could have turned out very differently. HE was a true leader.

#32.3.1 Michelle on 08/25/12 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

I agree. Or they could have gone with Dr. Eli Welch from Westside, and since they didn't give him the job, he was snatched up by another county.

#32.4 Anonymous on 08/24/12 at 08:21 AM [Reply]

You are very precise in your evaluation of Wanda Creel. Why does it take numerous meetings for this BOE to evaluate her and yet they still miss it? They can write all they want in the comment section about where she needs to improve. However, only one thing counts, their VOTE. And, she got Six (6). Shame on those six BOE members. You were obviously voting on something other than leardership performance.

#33 Not a Creel Fan on 08/25/12 at 01:34 PM [Reply]

Dr. Welch would have been a great choice for superintendent. Once Creel took charge, he and so many other good educators chose to leave. Since her contract has been renewed, I expect we will be seeing many more leave in the months to come. Apparently, the six on the BOE who voted to renew her contract didn't get the hint.
Wanda Creel's temper tantrums and crying fits are becoming legendary. She is not a leader. She is a petty, paranoid tyrant, that insists on having her way regardless of the negative consequences to our school system.
Whether she is paid $10k a year or $200k a year, she does not have the character or leadership abilities necessary to be an effective superintendent. It's too bad the majority of the BOE could not recognize this fact.

#34 Michelle on 08/26/12 at 08:56 PM [Reply]

I have been out of town and I am just catching up on this news. Has anyone started the petition to recall our BOE? It has been made very clear they don't have the best interest of our children at heart. Lynn Stevens is my District Representative and by no means represents my children. I don't know many people that agree with anything she has voted on lately. Voted to make children walk to school even after the Sheriff and Police Chief said it was dangerous. Now renewing Creel's contract with a possible pay raise ARE YOU KIDDING !!!! Seems to me that this BOE as well as Creel think they are untouchable ... power trip. I am more then happy to start the petition, I will go door to door in my District if I need to. Anyone voting for Creel to stay should be recalled as well as Creel. Please let me know if you have started a petition.

#35 Ben on 08/26/12 at 10:20 PM [Reply]

let's show them all and home school our kids. If we take our kids out of school we can shut down the school system. Without a school system everyone will be fired. This would also lower our taxes.

#35.1 Robert on 08/27/12 at 05:27 AM [Reply]

We did that exact thing 7 years ago. The BOE and Saunders wouldn't consider our request to keep our kids in the original school district they were in although they were all straight A students. We began to homeschool them and returned to the BOE to request that, as tax paying citizens, our kids be allowed to participate in the band, sports, other extra curricular activities. They denied that request through their Atlanta attorneys. The newspaper got wind of the dispute and interviewed us on our concerns regarding the school system. We had numerous schools offer us a place. Our three kids all graduated with honors outside of the Barrow County school system. Our last just began her collegiate career at Berry College on full scholarship! Thank you Barrow County BOE you did us a great favor! Without you our children would have continued to marinate in your inept educational system!

#36 Anonymous on 08/27/12 at 03:50 AM [Reply]

As I understand the law, since the coaches were forced to take the CDL training, they were supposed to be compensated for their training time. All of it. Federal law states that meetings which are mandatory are to be compensated. If I were them, I'd file a complaint with the federal labor dept. this might be the agent of change needed to wake up some folks.
this is not really the bigger picture but just a piece of this evermore complex problem that is affecting all.of our society. Time for a wake up people.

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BOE renews superintendent's contract

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