BOE nixes PR idea, for now

Posted by

in Education Archives, Top Stories & Breaking News

Wednesday, November 14. 2012

Comments (30)

The Barrow County Board of Education decided during its Tuesday meeting not to add a costly public relations position to the school district’s central office staff. Board members were divided on the issue and voted 6-3 to deny superintendent Wanda Creel’s recommendation to post the job with a salary range between $63,000-94,000. Board member Connie Wehunt vocally supported the move saying, "I think we need someone out there to sing our praises, because Barrow County Schools have come a long way.” Wehunt also said that if a newspaper contacts Creel during an inconvenient time for a comment on a story, Creel should "tell the papers where to put it." Wehunt and board members Lynn Stevens and Bill Bramlett supported hiring a PR person. Some other members voiced support for the idea, but said the timing was bad.
For the full story, see the Nov. 14 issue of the Barrow Journal.

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 Whoa Wehunt!!! on 11/14/12 at 12:03 PM [Reply]

While I recognize that there may be times when a media source is trying contact a school official(namely the superintendent) while they are busy, is it really necessary for Ms. Wehunt to encourage and approve of Dr. Creel "telling the paper where to put it?" Just like other professionals, Dr. Creel does not have answer phone calls or respond to emails if they come while she is working at that exact time. I'm sure there have been very few if any times that the paper has sought IMMEDIATE comment on an issue or question. The media has a job to do and it just seems to me that the school board members and Dr. Creel don't want them to report if the news isn't all grand and glorified.

#2 Michelle on 11/14/12 at 12:45 PM [Reply]

I went the Board Meeting last night. I don't agree with a PR position at this time. If we have furlough days, transportation cuts, clerical positions cut,school year shortened ... then we DONT have the money for a PR person. Would it be nice to have one YES!!!! I don't doubt that for a minute. I am proud of the Board members that voted it down.I am also proud of the way the Chair Mr. Still and Vice-chair Mr. Churchill for the way they conducted the meeting. They were very professional. With that being said, after sitting in that meeting I am horrified at the behavior of Lynn Stevens and Connie Wehunt. Lynn Stevens said that the Board had no problem spending $400,000 on transportation because they had 3 parents complain. REALLY I believe I saw that Board meeting on WSB and Fox 5 Atlanta. I saw the Sheriff say it was unsafe to have children walk on the side of busy roads in the dark. I also saw standing room only. I believe safety of the children should come FIRST!!! I wish she felt as passionate about their safety as she did the PR position.She also told the Board that all surrounding counties had PR/ Communications people. Mr. Dunn pointed out he called all surrounding counties and that Gwinnett was the only county that did. The remaining counties had HR or Directors handle all PR. So, she spoke without any truth or knowledge of the subject. All the surrounding counties are much bigger then Barrow, of course Gwinnett would have one they have 100's of schools. As for Ms. Wehunt's behavior she was it was very abrasive. Ms. Wehunt actually said if all the other counties have one why can't we? Really? What an ignorant and entitled statement for a person to make.She THOUGHT I was a teacher was upset I was disagreeing with her. I am actually an active parent, taxpayer and sad that she has such little respect for teachers. She only seemed worried about how this would reduce Wanda Creel's work load and repeatedly said, "I want to know who is going to do this job now." She was never satisfied with the answer it would be done the same way it has been done for the last 2 years. She also suggested that if Dr. Creel has to do it then we should pay her extra. I know all the Teachers and Paraprofessionals do more then their fair share of work and don't get paid anything extra. This again proves she has very little respect for the people that educate and help mold the lives of our children. These people are vital and should be appreciated as much as she appreciates Dr. Creel.
I do feel Dr. Creel felt defeated and I am sure she has a huge workload. I appreciate the work she is doing but if you can't afford a PR position you can't afford it. Hopefully, there will come a time we can! I would love nothing more.

#3 Amy on 11/14/12 at 01:54 PM [Reply]

I was present at this meeting last night. I am completely embarrassed by the behavior of two of the board members. One of them spoke mockingly about one of her constituents, not knowing that the lady she was referring to was sitting in the audience. The other made a gesture toward the audience and remarked something to the effect of, "Then we have these 3 teachers over here shaking their heads and saying 'uh-huh' under their breath". (For the record, none of us 3 are teachers.) These two members were argumentative and very disrespectful towards the other board members. I realize that everyone is not going to agree on every decision, but there are ways to go about making your point, and rude, tasteless remarks aren't the way to do it. The other members did not behave in such a manner, and made their points very clearly and tactfully. Parents, please make it a point to come to these meetings if at all possible. There is so much going on that we cannot afford to be uninvolved or uninformed any longer. Thanks to the behavior of these two members, I now understand why Barrow County has the reputation it does. Until we can vote these board members out of office, we MUST be as involved and informed as possible. We simply can't afford to sit around any longer and let things continue as they are. Because frankly, when you attend a board meeting and see the likes of what I saw last night from these two, you will be as shocked and embarrassed as I am. I would like to thank the members who conducted themselves professionally at last night's meeting. You gentlemen are a fine example of how a BOE meeting should work.

#4 J.B. Moore on 11/14/12 at 03:52 PM [Reply]

I believe with that fine display the argument turns. They proved they desperately need a P.R. person, they just don't deserve one. It is a sad day for education in this county.

#5 citizen on 11/14/12 at 05:33 PM [Reply]

Ok,it is obvious that Ms. Whehunt is out-of-touch. That is probably why she supports Creel, blindly. Ms. Stevens has obviously given way to gender bias (her's and Creel's). And, Bill Bramlett will cast as many votes as he has remaining as continued ransom for promoting his sister to principal...Nepotism!
But, the bigger issue here is Creel's continuing form of "leadership". She either attempts manipulation, intimidation, spin (lie), and/or deceit. The local paper is doing its job...which is objective reporting. Creel does not want to be treated objectively. To date, the BOE has not questioned, really questioned, any of her recommendations. Now she has determined that her spin, deceit, and manipulation will no longer work with the Barrow Journal, so she wants a PR person to help.
I can't believe she even brought this to a vote. Who made the motion, and 2nd? (Whehunt and Stevens, I guess.)
If the position paid $90,000, with benefits it would cost the taxpayers of Barrow County around $125,000. For just a few more thousand dollars, her contract can be BOUGHT OUT and she has no recourse, unless Lynn Stevens plays the gender-card. Even so, there is no recourse and the Barrow County Schools can start focusing on Student Achievement instead of all the drama surrounding Dr. Creel.
Speaking of Nepotism, since Dr. Creel and her HR Director, Freeman, live toghether, does that constitute Nepotism? Is that a violation of BOE policy? It sure interferes with un-biased evaluation of personnel and related matters.

#5.1 boe assessor on 11/14/12 at 09:21 PM [Reply]

I couldn't agree more, Citizen. Please BOE members, put your money where your proverbial mouths are and BUY OUT Dr. Creel's contract. I guarantee you that it will be the best money you spend all year, and it is the only way for you to redeem yourselves for that voting fiasco where you gave her a contract extension. Prove to the people of Barrow County that you are worthy of the responsibility entrusted to you.

#5.1.1 Aragon on 11/15/12 at 09:42 AM [Reply]

The situation the superintendent and BOE find themselves in was created by them. First Dr. Creel tends to treat people the the most demeaning ways which alienates her from the people she needs to support her in the schools. She feels she is above the stakeholders, namely the parents. The BOE has failed as a collective body to address the numerous concerns and problems that have been raised to the point they now feel a Spin doctor is needed to whitewash all the imperfections of our district. A PR spinster may help create smoke and mirrors to hide the problems but they do not solve the problems or the root causes for those problems. Only true visionary leadership will do that and unfortunately that is what is lacking here.

I applaud the Barrow Journal's taking the initiative to expose the truth here. Unfortunately, discussing this in the blogs and speaking from behind the veil is simply fiddling while Rome burns. The fact that open dialogue cannot take place without the fear of retribution is an indication of where our district is culturally.

When board members openly chastise one another and the audience at meetings, something has gone bad wrong.

#6 Barrow native on 11/14/12 at 06:27 PM [Reply]

A few things:

1. Connie Wehunt is not qualified to be a school board member. This is not Hee Haw or the Beverly Hillbillies.

2. Lynn Stevens is equally as clueless and unqualified as Wehunt.

3. Bill Bramlett - he of "I don't have to pay my taxes" - is part of the Good Ole Boy Network that needs to be run right out Barrow County. A complete disgrace as well.

#7 Parent on 11/14/12 at 10:34 PM [Reply]

Looks like the light is coming on!

Stevens and Wehunt wanted someone to sing the praises of the system, I hear DWC is a pretty good singer. Bramlett is a "yes ma'am" due to the hiring practices! That is the 3% that can't be swayed - "dependents"

I feel the tide is turning in favor of a vote. It is time to start cleaning house and DWC can take her hires with her.

Thank you 6 for representing the parents and students of Barrow County. Please continue to see what is happening. I heard we lost another wonderful asset to the system this week. She will be missed along with the other fine principals, teachers, and even assistant superintendents that have left a hole in this county. OH, DWC will replace them with "her people", but she cannot replace quality and that is what the system continues to lose.

#8 Johnson on 11/14/12 at 11:40 PM [Reply]

I think we need to tell Wehunt "where to put it" next election.

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

If Creel feels that she needs a PR person to take some "Load" off of her, then go to Gwinnett or any other county that has 100 plus schools, or but, those counties are smart enough not to hire her, seeing how messed up our school system has become since she came on board. And also, as for Wehunt who stated that Creel needed to be payed more,since she will have to continue "her job" without a PR person, needs just to fork over her salary. Its Creels job to do her own PR. And since she has done such a lousy job with that, maybe her salary should be decreased. (Umm, didnt Creel just get a raise? For what!) If the teachers, staff and other departments had to take pay cuts, so should have Creel! Its time for SACS to come in and take over!!! We need someone who truely cares for these children being supertendent! Its not only time for Creel to go, its time for several school board members to go with her. By the way, there was way more than 3 parents complaining about transportation. I was also at that meeting,there were over 100 people there, and many more who could not come, complaining. This just shows, those people not only dont care about our children, but they are completely out of touch. And its definitly time to tell Wehunt "where to put it"!

#10 it's time for action on 11/15/12 at 08:35 AM [Reply]

It appears as if the underlying issue here is NOT the need for a PR person.

What it seems to be is an indicator that Ms. Creel cannot meet the expectations required of a School Superintendent.

All Superintendent job descriptions throughout the country require public relations skills. All.

It is becoming increasing obvious that Ms Creel is in a position of authority that requires more than her experience and/or skills can meet.

It's not just the lack of skills dealing with the local public and media, but the lack of leadership that is required to manage a county school system.

Repeated missteps in decision making as well as repeated outbursts of anger directed at school employees has created a work environment where the atmosphere is more towards employee survival than placing most of the effort towards teaching our children.

Since the problem lies with the Superintendent, the public has no choice but to turn to the members of the Board of Education to do something about it.

But the public outcry over the last year or two, for some action to correct the course, has fallen on deaf ears. The source of the problem has now expanded from the Superintendent to members of the BOE due to the lack of action.

The indifference of those elected to the BOE to address this issue and take appropriate action, is ever apparent.

We have given them every chance to provide our county citizens with adequate leadership and deal with this issue. But to no avail.

Its time for Barrow County to address the incompetence of some of the BOE members. Its time for those members to be publicly admonished for failing to perform their duties in an honorable manner.

Honor and admiration only comes to those elected officials who perform their duties on behalf of the public's greater good.

That has NOT happened.

#10.1 boeassessor on 11/15/12 at 03:21 PM [Reply]

This is the most concise and articulate explanation of the current state of affairs in Barrow Co. that I have read or heard. PLEASE email this to every one of the BOE members. Some of these elected officials obviously have great difficulty connecting the dots for themselves. Your post makes the issues crystal clear. However there are none so blind as those who WILL NOT see.

#11 CDB on 11/15/12 at 12:49 PM [Reply]

Did Bramlett ever pay his taxes? Maybe The Barrow Journal should look into it.

#11.1 Know a hawk From a handsaw on 11/15/12 at 03:08 PM [Reply]

Did you pay yours? Perhaps the Barrow Journal should probe you like a protologist?

#11.1.1 CB Lyons on 11/15/12 at 06:11 PM [Reply]

Bramlett's a public official. The people have a right to know. And yes I've always paid mine, unlike Bramlett who thinks since he's part of the inbred Good Ole Barrow Network he doesn't have to. Your response proves that.

#11.1.1.1 Parents on 11/16/12 at 10:36 AM [Reply]

I have heard this several times and I looked up his tax records (very easy to do ... go to Tax Commissioners page and look up tax records ...Anyone can do it and everyone in the County is listed). As far as I could tell he was paid in full.
Just so we are clear ... I am not a Bramlett, I am not related to a Bramlett, I was not born and raised in Barrow County. I actually do not think the man is not fit to serve on the BOE. But his taxes are paid.

#12 Creel Leaving? Her house if for sale. on 11/15/12 at 04:02 PM [Reply]

Because Creel did not get a PR person, is she leaving? Her house is up for sale.

#12.1 boeassessor on 11/15/12 at 05:21 PM [Reply]

If this is true then how very sad for Dr. Freeman--she will be without a domicile as well. Unless she plans to leave with Dr. Creel--now THAT would be something to celebrate for Thanksgiving!

#13 Amy on 11/15/12 at 05:03 PM [Reply]

Parents,
I ask you to please, please, please come out to the next BOE work session at 6:00 on Tuesday, November 27th. The next regular BOE meeting is Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00. I admit that I have been slack about attending meetings myself, but after this past Tuesday's meeting, that is going to change. We simply must be informed or else things will remain status quo. We cannot afford to be that way any longer! The educational future of our children depends on us. Please attend. I left there Tuesday night with a MUCH clearer picture of where each member stands and I feel sure that you will, too.

#14 Same Hood - It is up for sale. on 11/15/12 at 06:12 PM [Reply]

Creel's house is up for sale. She lives on the same street as my mother, Olde Lexington and Ashley Walter has the listing.

#15 citizen on 11/17/12 at 07:58 AM [Reply]

Any and all of Creel's hires (her entorage)need to sell their houses too and go with Creel. They (Feeman, McMichael, Griner, and yes, even Jake Grant) are all "knee-deep" in her dealings and drama.

Gen. Patraeus did not tell the truth (all he knew) about the attack in Lybia until afer he resigned. Instead he chose to lie with Obama.

One of the above, or a sitting principal, needs to "man-up" and tell the BOE what you know. Because all of YOU know so much more than anyone else. All of YOU have repeatedly seen her actions, many of which are unethical. You have probably witnessed actions that should be reported to the PSC (ethics violation).

The BOE needs 'evidence' and 'facts' in order to have the necessary motivation & support to call for a VOTE to BUY HER OUT. One or more of you need to make a call to the BOE Chair.
As for me, if you "go along with it" you are just as corrupt.

Freeman, Griner, McMichael, or principal, do the right thing and report what you know to Mr. Still. Call Him! It is your professional duty! It is not insubordination to report wrong-doings.

#15.1 Just to clarify... on 11/17/12 at 08:14 PM [Reply]

Dr. McMichael was not brought to Barrow County by Dr. Creel. He was hired by Dr. Saunders.

#16 citizen on 11/17/12 at 08:49 AM [Reply]

I have no confidence in Creel's subordinates (her entorage) because they (Feeman, McMichael, Griner, Jake Grant) all have and continue to witness her unethical behavior. They have seen plenty to warrant a complaint to the PSC or to the BOE Chair. If you go along with the wrong, you are WRONG TOO.

Gen. Patreus is testifying this week that he went along with Obama's lie in September about the attack in Lybia. Well Gen., you should have spoken the truth then.

Too many principals and district personnel have left the district "quietly", allowing Creel to make-up reasons (lies) about their departure. They did not speak the truth. Remaing quiet while "wrong" is being committed is wrong as well.

The BOE needs evidence and facts in order to generate the needed votes to BUY OUT Creel's contract. I can't believe they (BOE) don't yet get it. However, this past week's vote on the PR recommendation is promising.

Reporting wrong-doings is NOT insubordination. It IS your professional responsibility. GA Educators are mandated to report unethecial behavior. Princiapls have been told, over and over, who they can interview and who they cannot. Principals have been "told" who to hire. Creel repeatedly interferes with the responsibilites of her subordinates.
Creel interferes with a JROTC program. Why? Because she is vindictive about a seating arrangement at a banquet where she did not get to sit next to John Barge. So, she goes on the attack (at the expense of students)and takes McMichael, Freeman, and others along for the ride.
There is more, so much more. McMichael, Feeeman, Grant, Griner, or a sitting principal needs to 'man-up' (Creel will not like that expression) and do the Right Thing (your professional responsibility) and report what you know to BOE Chair, Mark Still and/or the PSC.
The BOE can end this nightmare with a vote to BUY-OUT Creel's contract. It appears that a few of the BOE members need more 'cause'. Please, help the remaining BOE members to 'See the Light'. The "Light" at the end of this nightmare (Creel's tenure) is the promise of a new, BOLD, and sincere focus on students' achievement and post-secondary opportunities.

Who is going to step up and do the Right Thing?

#16.1 Bandit on 11/17/12 at 11:47 AM [Reply]

Citizen, It has been said that "all that is required for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing". Evil is prospering in the Barrow County School District because just as you have pointed out, too many stand by and say nothing when obvious wrong doing occurs. It appears that so many are motivated by personal security or gain these days to the point that they are willing to let the district as a whole suffer. Everytime I here boldly committed associated with Barrow County Schools my stomack turns. Anyone who is bold in the district or who trys to break deep seated cultural molds is attacked for not being a team player. Team player is defined, are you on Wanda's team or not. The problem with being on Wanda's team is you must be willing to compromise your integrity if not your very soul. The problems that currenly exist in Barrow County are larger than any individual. I do not think the problems will leave and there will be a bright sunny tomorrow just because the superintendent leaves. There will be too many spineless, compromising so called leaders left behind.

#16.1.1 teacher on 11/18/12 at 08:53 AM [Reply]

Do you have a family to feed? Do you need your job? Do you work in a field (like education) where jobs are few and far between right now? The people who leave quietly do so because the education world is a tightly knit one; people talk. Leave screaming and you can be sure you'll find no other employment. Would it be noble to expose the "evil" on the inside? Sure. But it would also be professional suicide. And for what? So that you could be giggled at by the immature and absurdly unqualified BOE officials? Because that's all you'd get. When the people at the top are as corrupt and unethical as ours are, "good" is simply outnumbered.

This county has lost THE BEST teachers and administrators because of the mess at the PDC. They leave for green pastures where they are not subject to micromanagement and politics. There will be no forward movement in this county until the people finally begin to vote out the BOE. We had an opportunity to replace one of them with an ACTUAL educator - a retired educator - this last election period, but he lost because so many uneducated, uninterested parents and community members are incumbent happy. They don't do their research, and instead just mark "incumbent." Such a shame.

There is a lot of good in this county - good teachers, great students, competent administrators. But their hands are being tied, and they are trickling away.

#16.1.2 Bandit on 11/18/12 at 02:24 PM [Reply]

Teacher,

Yes to all of your questions and I completely understand your sentiment. I still feel however that we can only control what we do as individuals and determine for ourselves
what we stand for in terms of what character we choose for ourselves.

#16.1.2.1 Been there on 11/18/12 at 03:45 PM [Reply]

With that being said, where do we go from here? This much is true....You are not going to find a BCSS employee willing to speak up without fear of retribution. As a parent, I encourage you to email or call your BOE representative and share with them your feelings. True, there are a couple of board members that you aren't going to get anywhere with, no matter what. But that shouldn't keep you from trying. I emailed every single person on the board. Go to the Barrow County Schools website, go to eBoard, and take a look at the minutes from previous board meetings. See how your representative voted. Complacency is what has gotten us here. I'm just as guilty as anyone. We have to prove that we, as parents, can turn the tide and bring about the change this school system desperately needs. BCSS is in dire straights. If nothing else proves that, I urge you to take a look at the mass exodus of employees who have left this county under her tenure. We MUST do something to fix things before they are irretrievably broken.

#16.2 Cousin Janet on 11/17/12 at 12:30 PM [Reply]

If you know facts about all this wrongdoing why don't you step up and do something? Sounds like you have as many issues as you say Creel does.

#17 citizen on 11/17/12 at 04:40 PM [Reply]

Yes, I have issues with how Creel is running our school system. I have issues with the way she treats personnel. I have issues with her hiring practices, because her first criteria is whether or not the new hire will be a disciple of hers or not. And, I have issues with how she interrupts educators' time and makes them get involved in her drama which takes them away from students. And finally, I have an issue with how she may, single-handidly, stall or suppress the economic turnaround in our county by leading the school system in a negative light...keeping industry and people from moving to Barrow County!

#18 Amy on 11/25/12 at 10:31 PM [Reply]

Parents.....remember, there is a work session/called BOE meeting this Tuesday night, 11/27/2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the PDC. Please be there if at all possible.....we have to be as involved and informed as we can. We need a much bigger turnout than what we had at the last meeting. I know we all have busy lives and hectic schedules, but we have to make time for this in order to affect change. I'll see you there!

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment: E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.
To leave a comment you must approve it via e-mail, which will be sent to your address after submission.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
Phone*

What is five plus zero?
: Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry

BOE nixes PR idea, for now

Barrow Journal

BOE nixes PR idea, for now

Recent Stories

Recent Comments

This Week's Poll

Sister Sites

Archives

Community

Keyword Tags