Creel wants PR position for system; pay would be $63,000-$94,000

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Wednesday, October 31. 2012

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Superintendent Wanda Creel recommended Tuesday that the Barrow County Board of Education authorize the hiring of a public relations specialist with experience in both education and journalism. The district’s human resources director Sherri Freeman outlined the requirements for the proposed position, which would include handling media requests, lobbying political officials and helping schools “ensure” positive news.
Freeman said the position would be advertised with a salary ranging from $63,000-$94,000. But BOE member Will Dunn challenged the salary and asked Freeman do a comparison with other districts of similar size for this type of position. The system had that position before the recent budget cuts from the recession, but it paid around $20,000 less at that time.

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#1 Bueller on 10/31/12 at 10:56 AM [Reply]

What exactly is the PR person going to publicize? The fact that the county can't even go to school for a full 180 days? The fact that our teachers are leaving left and right because they still have so many furlough days? Yeah, that sounds like GREAT publicity! Let's jump right on that!!

#2 Life-Long in Barrow on 10/31/12 at 11:32 AM [Reply]

Heck No... No PR position should be paid anywhere close to 90k. 60k is the most that such a position should be only if they are highly qualified or after 10 years of being in the position with this county.

It's absolutely ridiculous that these government sector employees on the local level can expect to have these high salaries when all of us in the private sector with college degrees can only hope to make 40k and even face a risk of being let go at that amount.

#2.1 Grumpy on 10/31/12 at 01:34 PM [Reply]

Life-Long, to find someone with the qualificatons specified, the county will need to look toward the upper level of the scale.

By the way, those of us who have these skills also have a good grasp of the language, both spoken and written. Something perhaps you should consider learning. It's 'those of us in ', not 'all of us in'.

#2.1.1 If it smells fishy, it's probably fish on 11/01/12 at 08:49 AM [Reply]

My guess is that they will not need to look for a candidate. Just wait and see which relative or close friend just happens to be "immensely qualified" to take this position.

#2.1.2 Prof. Strunk on 11/01/12 at 12:27 PM [Reply]

P.R. is nothing but a motley collection of worthless flacks. I know that's redundant, but I wanted to assure you that I have a better grasp of the English language than someone who presumes to lecture others on the same, yet writes in sentence fragments.

#2.1.3 Some Guy on 11/01/12 at 03:50 PM [Reply]

Then you'd know that "Something perhaps you should consider learning." is an incomplete sentence.

Just sayin'.

I agree that grammar is very, very important. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of that going around in Barrow County. Nope, not in schools, not in local government and not even in the local printed news media, but I digress...

$90K isn't a lot of money for a genuinely qualified, experienced PR person. But does Barrow County need a PR department? What will we stand to gain? I think that's the question that needs to be asked openly and honestly. If the revenue the PR department generates can't even cover the salary of its staff, then we don't need the PR department. But, if they can prove that their efforts will result in a net profit to the county, then by all means, let's have a PR department.

#3 hackedoff on 10/31/12 at 03:23 PM [Reply]

So let me get this straight. The Barrow County BOE and Creel needs to spend money on a PR position so they can make them look good. They can't afford to teach the kids for a full 180 days. They can't afford to pay our teachers a full salary. They have cut benefits for all staff, including the absolute blistering of the paraprofessionals to where it no longer makes since to be one. There have been an untold number of staff leave. But they want to hire a PR person to try to make people believe poop pie just smells bad,and it really tastes good. Come on man that is ridiculous. She has to go and go now. That would be the best publicity you could ask for. It's called saving face. If not then the rest of the board does. It may be time to explore recall options.

#4 Creel Critic on 10/31/12 at 04:58 PM [Reply]

You have got to be kidding me!!! Dr. Creel sacks Lisa Leighton, the former PR person who was phenomenal, because of budget woes; but now that she is continually in the cross hairs she needs someone to run interference for her on a permanent basis. There is not enough money in the county to enable the best spin doctor to transform her blunders and bullyings into "postivie news". Dr. Creel needs to go--that will solve the BCS's image problems. FYI the PR person for Clarke County made $59,269 in 2011.

#4.1 The public has no clue about Creel on 11/01/12 at 10:21 AM [Reply]

This is just an attempt by Creel to try and paint a pretty picture of what is really going on in our school system. It was a mistake to hire her, and I believe our board members are too proud to admit their mistake and cut our loss before total destruction. Creel is too worried about the "numbers" of drop-outs or expulsions and not worried about the safety of our children. School administrations try to act for the safety of the schools, only to have Creel override the expulsions and in one case, had a violent person assigned to come to the board to receive an education. What she is doing is dangerous and very careless. You can't make a student want to learn. You can give them the opportunity to receive a great education, encourage them, pray for them, but at some point, they themselves have to want it. But putting our other children in harm's way because she wants to impress the state with the numbers is ridiculous. Our children's education is vital to their future, but their safety is just as important. Wake up Board Members!! Save that money for a PR and pay Creel out of her contract. Let us get someone in here who can better serve our children and our community. We can forgive you for an awful mistake, but we cannot forgive you for not correcting your error.

#5 Michelle on 10/31/12 at 08:35 PM [Reply]

How do we have the money for a position such as this? We have staff cuts, budget cuts, benefit cuts, but they want to bring in a person to handle PR? How about adding it onto another person's job? I hope you BOE members know, that when this comes up for a vote, I will be watching. You already didn't get a vote from me on this early election.

#5.1 michelle on 11/01/12 at 08:33 AM [Reply]

Isn't PR part of the superintendents job anyway? Just fire her and be done with it.
Mark? Ricky? Mitch? What is wrong with you guys? You are supposed to do what is right for the kids of Barrow County? You seem to have no balls whatsoever.

#5.2 carolyn on 11/01/12 at 11:15 AM [Reply]

I agree with you Michelle. THis has gotten to be out of hand with BOE. Our economy and our people are struggling to put food on our tables and our jobs has to be cut and she wants to put someone in at that salary is uncalled for. Our community needs the jobs back and we certainly don't need someone else to come in and talk to media for that amount of money. Let someone there who has time to do this.

#6 Pr Person? on 11/01/12 at 03:48 AM [Reply]

The best PR would be perfect attendance or at least highest in State,
Highest Grades!
Best Test Scores.
otherwise you have to hire someone to point out all the stuff that makes folks smile but has nothing to do with teaching kids how to READ! WRITE and do MATH and SCIENCE, learn HISTORY ETC but I am sure if you hire someone they can point to how it really is best to spend more and (I need to go HURL!!!!) expect less !!!!

#7 J.B. Moore on 11/01/12 at 07:41 AM [Reply]

The teachers have now given their share and fair enough. I think it's a great idea, if the salary paid is in equal reduction of creels pay. Cut her pay $65k and if it's needed so bad she wont mind paying for it. This has to be a joke, let's get Jud to send all the patrol cars with 200,000 miles to maaco for new paint jobs and then they look like new cars. That is how much sense that makes, come on people she has to have good dirt on someone to still have a job.

#8 Ron on 11/01/12 at 01:26 PM [Reply]

If they can Creel, they can hire a PR person! Wait, if they can Creel that would be positive PR and they wouldn't need to spend an addtional dime! Remember these things the board is doing at re-election time. Maybe it would be best to vote some of the teachers they have chased away to take their jobs and run the system like it supposed to be run

#9 ANONYMOUS on 11/01/12 at 09:13 PM [Reply]

While I respectfully understand the frustrations of all posts thus far, we have an obligation to be fair to Dr. Creel and the BOE. As a community, it was my impression that citizens would attend board meetings and become involved in our schools after the bus outcry. Yet, we are no closer than before. The salary of the proposed position on its face appears excessive until you dissect the responsibilities. Some of the many requirements are listed in the online edition of this article, however there are many more. In fact, the position appears to be a consolidation of multiple positions. If I were at liberty to guess, I would guess that the county is attempting to save many thousands of dollars by paying benefits and salary for one individual, not multiple individuals.

L. Leighton was the BEST in her former position and is still phenomenal today. It would be nice if she was restored back to her former position (absorbing many of the new responsibilities). Certainly, another person would still need to be hired.

It would be great if citizens made a commitment to be involved. If we did, we would see that the focus should NOT be on Dr. Creel but on the amazing accomplishments of Barrow County's students. You might be pleasantly surprised at the strides our kids are making, the innovative and proactive measures utilized at some schools and the impact of our local businesses. With a great PR officer, we might all be aware of these things.

If we attend public meetings, we might not agree with some of the decisions or proposals but we would certainly understand the basis for them.

Finally, the limitless posts have dehumanized Creel. Please just stop for a moment and realize that she is a human being; a woman. As a human being, by nature, she will make mistakes. Those to come in the future will do the same. We cannot possibly believe that her intentions are to dismantle an entire school system. When times are tough, hard decisions must be made; she's done that. Mistakes have and will be made. I believe we should direct this passionate energy to understand and support her, ask for clarification when necessary and thank her for what she has done well. Please let's work together for the sake of Barrow County children.

Dr. Creel, I support your vision for our children and I thank you for your commitment each and every day.

P.S. I am NOT Dr. Creel or a BOE member. I am, however, desperate to move forward for the sake of our children.

#9.1 Jeff on 11/02/12 at 04:20 PM [Reply]

If you really believe this and are not part of it, why don't you state your name!

#9.2 boeassessor on 11/04/12 at 03:41 PM [Reply]

While I appreciate your misguided attempt to be positive, Anonymous, your naivete is unsettling, particularly since you make it so obvious that you work for the BCS. The focus should not be on Dr. Creel--but it is on her because she is the cancer that needs to be removed in order for first healing and then growth to take place. And Dr. Creel has no vision for Barrow Co--her only vision is self serving and self promoting. I could name one of a handful of people who you might possibly be but I will refrain.

#9.3 Single Mom on 11/04/12 at 08:10 PM [Reply]

As a working mother, it is virtually impossible to attend meetings. I have to work to provide for my children. I have emailed the school my thoughts concerning areas that impact my children. My response: a scathing email from my children's prinpal. This is why parents are not involved. The higher admins all have a "we're right and you have no idea what your talking about" attitude. I am seriously looking at moving to another county to be rid of ignornant people in this county school system.

#10 Layman on 11/01/12 at 09:54 PM [Reply]

What if we simply publish our test scores and those of the best schools that join Barrow, do what ever is required to equal or better these schools. If we do this we probable want need a public relations person.

#10.1 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 11/05/12 at 01:57 PM [Reply]

We do that every year when scores are released.

#11 Not a Creel Fan on 11/02/12 at 09:43 AM [Reply]

Wanda Creel is out of her mind! How can she justify adding headcount in that salary range when insurance benefits were cut to the point it's almost unaffordable for some teachers? We are already losing too many talented teachers and administrators because of Creel. I fear under her rule, many more will be leaving in the near future. I cannot understand why our BOE cannot or will not face the fact that Wanda Creel is not an asset.

#12 MR-T on 11/02/12 at 02:05 PM [Reply]

You have got to be kidding! With all the shortfall going on in this county. This makes me sick to think that we have money for this kind of nonsense! The taxpayers don’t have any more to give. If Ms Creel wants to hire someone to throw up a shield of smoke and mirrors to distract us from the sorry job she is doing! Let her pay be cut 60k per year to pay for it. What a shame!!!!

#13 J.B. Moore on 11/04/12 at 08:40 AM [Reply]

#9 those mistakes come in the cost of a child's education. When a teacher can't do their job does creel say oops mistake we all make them? Or does she not renew their contract. How long does she need? How many chances does she get? It is all relative, we have caterpillar coming to the area bringing thousands of jobs whether through caterpillar or support industry. We want our property values to go up, a excellent school system sends values through the roof. Go to the best system in the state offer that superintendent whatever it takes and bring them here and get our children going strong and allow this county to thrive. And Leighton was a phenomenal P.R. Person, makes you wonder about Creels decision making or do the systems results speak for themselves.

#14 Ron on 11/07/12 at 03:35 PM [Reply]

I guess it can be difficult for people to keep up with all the changes that have taken place in the past 10 years. For instance in the field of education public funding for for public schools has dropped precariously keeping pace with America's drop in international standings as measured by student performance across nearly every subject area.
Teaching unions are under attack, teachers and administrators are continuously tasked with solving the ills of our society even though most of the problems can easily be traced to poor parenting in a nation that has dismantled the family unit in favor of higher corporate profits. Home schooling is on the rise, on-line schools are favored by top performing students who no-longer have to learn at the pace of the slowest student in class, but as they flock to the Internet, their outstanding performance no longer covers-up the underwhelming scores of other students and school performance takes another blow.
Even now we see an effort by corporate america to privatize public education under the guise of charter schools. One need only look to our nations prison system to see how poorly that will work out.
Barrow is no longer a small school system or even a mid-sized school system. Barrow is a large school system in a county where local government has failed to bring in an industrial base to offset the costs of running a major school district. And while the who's who of Barrow continue to sit on grandpa's farm waiting for their chance to sell it for 10 or 20 times it's value, the problem persists. Even now real estate professionals that know this game far better than the Barrow crowd are playing our hand for us on the property front.
But, there is a brighter side to all of this that is visible to all who can raise their vision above the mud slinging and name calling long enough to address the real issues.
Barrow has wonderful leverage in Georgia government. In the last two years I've read articles about the Governor visiting one or two of the schools because of something they are doing that is so right it got his attention. In just the past couple of weeks there was some kind of bus caravan of educational big wigs in Barrow to once again check out some of the winning things our school district has going.
The truth is, I'm a bit long in the tooth so believe me when I say that I've been around some and these types of things are not the norm for any school district. They provide the type of momentum that a professional lobbyist can turn into cash and future opportunities.
Our local representative now chairs the state appropriation committee, the school district is a 100 million/year business.
Send in the pro.

#15 Parent on 11/08/12 at 06:15 AM [Reply]

I have never read so much about nothing, but I agree that it needs a Pro.

The BOE and DWC have tried to spin the system so many times that they have run out of data. If the BOE would do their job, then positive things would begin to happen. Vote again!

#16 Just Sayin on 11/08/12 at 07:34 AM [Reply]

Here is an idea if the BOE wants to spend money... 1st Acknowledge that Dyslexia is a learning disability.... 2nd Hire qualified individuals to test students with disabilities to recognize those students..... 3rd Hire qualified teachers that can teacher these children HOW TO READ!

This coming from a mother with 2 children with Dyslexia and has been told that they do not recognize this as a disability.

#17 Did you know? on 11/09/12 at 06:25 AM [Reply]

Read the GOOD NEWS about Barrow County Schools!

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education announced that Westside Middle School in Winder was a stop on the 2012 Bus Trip Across Georgia. The theme this year is “Georgia’s Public Schools: Using Technology, Creating Pathways for Student Success.” The middle school is one of 10 schools that has been visited over the span of two 2-day trips that were on October 22–23 and October 29-30.
The tour, which included a combination of educators, business, government and community leaders from around the state, saw its first year in 1993 and has been a fixture in state education circles every year since. Schools selected as Bus Trip 20 stops have demonstrated an ability to use technology to enhance learning, increase access, and to create opportunities to build the professional development of students and teachers alike.
Dr. Stephen Dolinger, president of the Partnership, said, “We are especially excited about visiting Westside Middle School. Our participants are going to find a school that is forward thinking and truly preparing students for the global environment and competition they will face.” Dolinger added, “This showcase school has turned a number of heads already. We are anxious to see what all the talk is about!
-more-
WESTSIDE MIDDLE VISIT 2-2-2
“We both celebrate achievement of these winning schools and exhibit their exciting ideas
to the influencers who join us from all over the state,” he explained. “The visits are not only great fun but also help us capture and hopefully replicate many of the innovative ideas we witness. The visit here will put the spotlight on a school that has a strong reputation for innovation, high expectations and high achievement.”
The 2012 trip will focus on schools in the northern part of the state. Last year the tour visited schools in the mid-eastern and southeastern regions of the state.
Westside Middle School was joined by David C. Barrow Elementary, Clarke County Schools; South Forsyth High School and Kelly Mill Elementary, Forsyth County Schools; World Language Academy, Hall County Schools; Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, Marietta City Schools; Loganville High School, Walton County Schools; and Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Rockdale County Schools. This year’s tour will also stop at two of Georgia’s technical colleges: Lanier Technical College, Oakwood campus, and Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville.
Exact dates for each school visit have not been determined. Details will be announced later this summer including the application process to participate as a rider or a local visitor to a particular site.
Visit the Partnership web site (www.gpee.org – Programs/Annual Bus Trip page) for more information about the organization and the event. There is a video report of the 2011trip and the “Photo Gallery” page on the site also records previous visits.
-End-
Founded in 1992 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education consists of business, education, community and government leaders who share a vision of education excellence. Working to be Georgia’s foremost change agent in education, the independent non- profit, non-partisan organization takes lead roles in efforts to shape policy and reform education.

Submitted by a proud Barrow County School System employee who is Boldly Committed to Student Success!

#18 J.B. Moore on 11/09/12 at 07:39 AM [Reply]

I don't see where anyone here says there is nothing positive about any barrow county school. This is about bad decisions and incompetence if this is to Creels credit the are the other middle schools just ignored or is it the leadership in the specific school? I want the excellence people to visit every Barrow School and I want to read that if you want your child to have a good education go to barrow. We want what's best and it's not that were unwilling to pay, but when we see waste why give more. Ms Creel you had a P.R. person, you got rid of her so now you answer for that decision. Ms. Creel you have taken from your teachers so now you give a little. You cant expect to be treated like Princess Wanda until you show you deserve it. Certain ones of us always yell about we do what we do to serve others, that's why I do my job, well you serve those kids and stop serving yourself.

#18.1 Robert on 11/11/12 at 03:55 PM [Reply]

I do not intend to offend you, but the truth is, the Barrow County schools are absolutely atrocious! Case in point would be your own post which is full of spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.

#18.1.1 Wm. Strunk on 11/12/12 at 06:45 AM [Reply]

Your own post, brief as it is, is hardly an exemplar of exquisite writing. You might be wise to bolster your own glass house before you commence to hurl rocks at others.

#18.1.1.1 Octavious on 11/13/12 at 10:06 PM [Reply]

YOU must be a proud product of the Barrow County school system! Not sure why you would have been so offended by someone pointing out the obvious errors in another......

#18.1.2 Anonymous on 11/14/12 at 08:47 AM [Reply]

If these schools are "atrocious", then explain why they keep sending high school graduates to successful college experiences at some of the most prestigious colleges around, including Georgia Tech, Emory, and Harvard.

#19 Another Michelle on 11/11/12 at 07:19 AM [Reply]

A PR position would make sense in a County the size of Gwinnett but Barrow has 2 high schools and a College Prep Academy. I am sorry Wanda Creel gets bad publicity but it is her own doing. This for instance is a great example. Let see last year they cut school days, cut teacher pay, cut parapro pay (if it's above minimum wage I would be shocked), children no longer have books, cut field trip, reduced middle school sports and clubs have been reduced,reduced clerical jobs, NOT To MENTION that the BOE had to cut transportation and wanted children to walk on dark, dangerous roads to get to school. WHY???? Because we have no money!!! So, because Wanda Creel doesn't like the publicity she is getting she wants to get a PR person. Shouldn't the education of our children come before Wanda Creel? This is why she needs a PR person because the decisions she makes don't reflect her "goals" in education.
This County is so far behind our surrounding counties in technology, obviously math, foreign language, fine arts, ect ... Let's focus on our children and get rid of one of the main sources of the problem. I can say I didn't vote to re-elect any BOE members. The problem isn't just Creel. Most of the BOE members have served of the Board for years. This system has been behind forever there is a direct correlation. I wish more people could see that and not re-elect the same people that support Creel's agenda or lack there of. But we are now stuck with the same people, same problems but this time we need to voice our concerns .. not just on The Barrow Journal but at the BOE meetings. They need to know they were elected to represent "the people" that voted them in. They MUST listen. See you at the BOE meeting Tuesday.

#19.1 Anon on 11/11/12 at 12:05 PM [Reply]

I'll be there, too. As a teacher and a parent. I'm watching to see how the board members vote.

#20 JDW on 11/11/12 at 08:04 AM [Reply]

Just more wasteful spending on Creels and the BOE. You say there is not enough money to keep all the buses on the road. You cut pay, insurance and school days. But you give Creel a raise, then want to hire someone to do the job she is suppose to do! Give me a break! Yeah she is tired of all the negative things that are said about her, but you know what, its her fault! Get rid of the problem, get rid of CREEL! And its about time that the older Board members leave too! They dont have kids in the system anymore, so they are not in tune with what the needs are for these kids. We have lost too many good teachers and administators because of Creel and the BOE!

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Creel wants PR position for system; pay would be $63,000-$94,000

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Creel wants PR position for system; pay would be $63,000-$94,000

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