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Posted: 5:55 PM Jun 17, 2009
Community Concerned About Accreditation
Meridian, Miss. Meridian Public Schools' drop in accreditation status has raised community concern, but local officials have been tight-lipped about an alleged testing violation that caused it. But the Mississippi Department of Education has confirmed some details. Reporter: Tametria ConnerEmail Address: tametria.conner@wtok.com |
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Posted by: concerned
Location: meridian
on Jun 24, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Its just so sad that a few people have been allowed to come in and destroy the hard work of so many. The black/white relationships at MHS are strong. This is evidenced by those of us who see students everyday. This is not about getting back at someone. This is about righting a wrong. No one is perfect. But... unfortunately, a grave errow was made and the wrong must be made right. My heart hurts for the ones who stood up and did the right thing by turning in the testing violation. They are being villified by some who do not know the WHOLE story. We can only hope and pray that MHS and MPS can somehow come out of this. Unfortunately, its takes longer to rebuild a reputation than it does to destroy one.
Posted by: OMG What is this world coming too!!!!!!
Location: MHS
on Jun 23, 2009 at 04:56 PM
I can not get over that nothing will be done about all of this! Who do we complain to? who do we report this to? Dose anyone have Bill O'Reilly number? We need HELP and NEW STAFF Hood and Kent MUST GO!
Posted by: Concerned Parent
on Jun 22, 2009 at 07:18 PM
I would like to set the record straight... the investigative report done by the State Dept. CLEARLY states the Testing Coordinator did nothing wrong. She DID indeed report it to V. Hood; Bruce Pugh heard her do it. It also states Vicky Hood was caught telling several things that proved to be untrue; she changed her story several times; first could not recall, then maybe recall, then thought it was a practice test. Kent is coming so close to a slander suit this might get even more interesting before it gets over. He is also making misleading statements about V. Hood being cleared; T. Conner has the TRUE version of this. Is the Board going to stand by and let the loose-mouth of Kent drag them into a lawsuit? The Board needs to clean house and renew the community's confidence in the MPSD - and in the Board itself. We have some outstanding board members who give countless hours to do the best for our schools; they just need to openly admit they have hired some VERY unqualified idiots.
Posted by: wtok web channel viewer
Location: Meridian
on Jun 22, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Will WTOK be placing video from the special M.P.S.D. school board meeting tomorrow afternoon online for viewing. Many people will not be able to attend and it would be much appreciated by many viewers. Thanks in advance to Meridian's News Channel!
Posted by: meridian citizen
Location: meridian
on Jun 22, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Now that the fire has died down, I guess Meridian is just going to let Kent, Hood and Walker "run the show." Business as usual, don't rock the boat. This entire situation disturbs me.
Posted by: mhs teacher
on Jun 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM
To Still Need Answers...this teacher thought she had the right and the power and the backing to do whatever she wanted to do...and apparently did.
Posted by: mhs teacher
on Jun 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM
To "You should all proof read.." YOU did not leave a space between your comma after teachers and the 'and' that followed it; maybe you just proved to yourself how easy it is to make typographical errors and then proof read, as I am sure you did, and miss one of YOUR mistakes. Happy proof reading, and may you do a better job next time; you are obviously missing the point of this blog.
Posted by: mhs teacher
on Jun 22, 2009 at 09:53 AM
I know for a fact the testing coordinator reported the incident to Hood; Bruce Pugh was in the office with her when it was done; surely HE will tell the truth; the testing coordinator asked Hood if she needed to put it in writing; Hood said, "No, I will take care of it." The way she took care of it was to use her riding broom to sweep it under the rug to protect her friend/relative. She has shown this teacher so much partiality it is obvious to every other faculty member. Now if Kent wants to do the same for Hood, he needs to go down with her. The law needs to be followed now more than ever if lying is going to be their way of trying to return the integrity of MPSD. The Board members know the truth. Are they going to go along with Kent's bone-head excuses and cover-up attempts? The Testing Coordinator has proof and witnesses that she reported it; Vicky Hood needs to come clean and be a big girl, as does Sheila Walker. Honestu is still the best policy.
Posted by: teacher
on Jun 21, 2009 at 04:17 PM
A comment on the article in the Meridian Star - the district test coordinator and the MHS test coodinator who resigned were not involved in violating test protocol, nor did anything illegal. According to the document from the MS Department of Education that each teacher signs prior to testing, the MHS teacher involved did break the law. All personnel are required to report testing violations and can be held responsible if they do not. By witholding information given to her about the violation, the principal is also at fault.
Posted by: Curious
Location: Meridian
on Jun 21, 2009 at 03:06 AM
The Test Coordinator at MHS (a white female) has resigned from her position, even though she reported the violation. The Test Coordinator for the School District (a white female) has resigned from her position, even though she was never alerted to the violation. However, the MHS Principal (a black female) and Superintendant ( a black male) knew of the violations, (as reported) yet continue to keep their current positions. Something seems wrong with this picture, if the reports here on WTOK are accurate.
Posted by: You should all proof read before hitting "submit"
on Jun 20, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Those of you who admit to being current teachers, former teachers,and proud soon-to-be graduates should proof read what you are writing. It is embarrassing to see how you write. Most people write how they speak and if you don't use correct grammar and/or spelling then you are not teaching/learning it either.
Posted by: Still Need Answers
Location: Meridian
on Jun 20, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Does anybody have information as to exactly HOW the test was taken and copied. As Retired Teacher said, "I know that when it comes to testing everything is accounted for before testing, during testing, and after testing." For the life of me, I cannot imagine the scenario where any one person could have had private unattended access to a test that would enable her to copy it.
Posted by: Beyond Belief!
on Jun 19, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Mr. Kent, you ought to be ashamed of yourself sitting up there the other night saying teachers use "crutches" like worksheets, memorization, etc...all the while knowing that wa teacher copied the state test and taught it. And the same for the principal telling teachers all year that if their classes were exciting the kids would run to class and not cut or be tardy. Maybe we can all get a copy of the state test next year. Appears nothing will be done. Pitiful leadership. This district is in for some hard times come this next school year if these two are still in place. Reprimand teachers all year long and expect us to respect you! Heck, you ought to be sued! I understand the teacher who copied the test received a contract for next year. Anyone know if this is true?
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jun 19, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I refer to CNN.com who has the following story today: Principal, Assistant Principal Arrested In Cheating Investigation Posted: 11:12 am EDT June 19, 2009Updated: 2:59 pm EDT June 19, 2009 ATLANTA -- Police say a suburban Atlanta principal and his assistant principal have been arrested in connection with an investigation into whether student test scores were altered to improve school performance. Why is this not happening here in Meridian, MS.? Does it mean nothing that one can cheat on state test and barely gets her hand slapped the principal that doesn't even report it, has nothing to happen to her. What is the difference in Meridian, MS and Atlanta, GA? I think we know the answer to that. WAKE UP MERIDIAN! Also a great big thanks goes to Tametria Conner for a job well done. TO CITIZENS OF MERIDIAN: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO CHANGE THINGS HERE? WE HAD BETTER GET BUSY BEFORE WE LOSE ALL OUR CHILDREN TO THE PRISONS!!!!!
Posted by: reired teacher
Location: meridian
on Jun 19, 2009 at 11:32 AM
The only way to fix this problem is to admit who the "problems" are.... Unfortuntely, hard decisions will have to be made by OUR school board. (nobody laugh) MHS deserves to have the best! We were a well respected school. Now we are the poster child of incompetence. We need strong leadership and leaders who will work with our teachers, support staff and parents. Please school board DO THE RIGHT THING!
Posted by: Retired MPSD
Location: Meridian
on Jun 19, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I too would like to know the particulars. As a retired educator, I know that when it comes to testing everything is accounted for before testing, during testing, and after testing. Someone is lying about the incident. At one time MPSD was top in the state, what has happened! Please to whomever that is in charge and has authority, get this district back on top. We must put any kinship or friendship aside and do what is right for MPSD. I am sadden to know that it has hit bottom. This not only affects MPSD personnal but the whole community.
Posted by: irena
Location: dekalb,mississippi
on Jun 19, 2009 at 08:36 AM
thank God for newspaper and computer. i have not seen aundrea williams in a week and local news. the converter box does not work in rural kemper county. i have been told we are too rural. i have an 800 number that promise to give assistance with the installation and i keep getting the runner around. i hope help is on the way so we can keep up with our local news,etc.i lost a family member when wtok left me without coverage. change is good but would someone please get us the local news in lil old rural kemper county i really miss audrea smiling face. converter box help. thanks irena
Posted by: Concerned
on Jun 18, 2009 at 08:07 PM
At the second forum, Kent was asked what he had done for MPSD this year. After much verbage, he could not come up with anything, except accomplishments by STUDENTS. He claimed that he was just getting the lay of the land this year. Not exactly true - what about alienating teachers district-wide or the demolition of discipline? Those have had tremendous impact on MPSD this year!
Posted by: Laura
Location: Meridian
on Jun 18, 2009 at 06:52 PM
To the upcoming Senior, I am proud of you for being in the top 10% of your class, but MCC is a very good college. It is a lot better than some of the universities in the state.
Posted by: Need Specific Answer
Location: Meridian
on Jun 18, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Obviously many of you know the particulars of how the test was stolen. Can someone tell me: Does the teacher have a copier in the room and she copied it before or after her students took the test? Did she hold back a test booklet and copy it after everyone had left the building (if so, wouldn't the test coordinator have noticed the booklet count was off?)? Did she steal a key to the locked cabinet where all the tests were kept (I know they're kept under lock-and-key security at other schools) and sneak in and make a copy? Did whoever was in charge of the cabinet accidentally leave it unlocked thereby giving the teacher an opportunity to copy it? I'm just so unclear on exactly how this happened. Can someone please provide detailed information on how it happened?
Posted by: Former MHS Teacher
on Jun 18, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Vicky Hood should be fired for being an incompetent, dishonest human. When I was teaching at MHS, she reprimanded me for giving two students zeros for cheating, and additionally encouraged me to pass a basketball player who was failing. She is clearly a dishonest person, and she should not be allowed to have any contact with Meridian's children, lest she influence them to be like she is.
Posted by: somebody
Location: here
on Jun 18, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Vicki Hood should be fired for cheating. There are repercusions for every action. We hold the students accountable. Now lets hold the so-called teachers and administators accountable. The adults are to lead by example. And cheating is not leading. It is teaching our kids that its ok to cheat, if there are no repercussions for Hood and her cousin.
Posted by: M-Town Realist
on Jun 18, 2009 at 09:48 AM
"I've worked very hard to get to where I am and I refuse to attend MCC when I am graduation in the top 10% of my class." Here are a few folks that are products of community colleges: J. Craig Venter, the person who mapped the human genome; Richard Carmona, former U.S. surgeon general; Eileen Collins, the first NASA female space shuttle commander.
Posted by: to Upcoming Senior
Location: Meridian
on Jun 18, 2009 at 07:35 AM
You can call and talk to State Department, but they will tell you, as as been reported, that the downgrade of the MHS accreditation to ADVISED in no way breaches the integrity of your diploma or your entrance to college. It will NOT affect your chances of getting into the college of your choice. If you need further confirmation, contact the Office of Accreditation at 601-359-3764.
Posted by: Unbelievable
on Jun 18, 2009 at 02:34 AM
The testing violation is not "under investigation". The MS Dept. of Education has ALREADY investigated the incident, DETERMINED that a testing violation did in fact take place, and THEREFORE decided to lower MPSD's accreditation level. MPSD is appealing the ruling and a determination about that will happen later. Does anybody seriously think that the MS State Dept. of Education would lower a district's accreditation level BEFORE adequate investigation took place? Come on, now! In view of interviews with MS Dept. of Education officials (reported in detail in the Hattiesburg American and the Clarion Ledger - check them out online), the district's attempts to make it seem as if nothing illegal has transpired (according to V. Hood) and nothing has basically changed, other than a piece of paper in a folder (according to Kent)are frighteningly bizarre. How gullible do they think we are? Think MDE will reverse their decision in August? No. Then watch to see what MPSD does with the offenders.
Posted by: Local teacher
Location: meridian
on Jun 18, 2009 at 12:54 AM
The two main people involved with the cheating were Hood and Walker(cousins)Hood had full knowledge of the test being copied and being used. She was interviewed 3 times by the state department and lied and changed her story each time. It is a crime what both did and yet they are still in their positions. Now how can an adminstrator in the future reprimand a teacher for having late lesson plans or being late for duty when another teacher cheats, and nothing is done. Oh thats right just like Walker is famous for saying "Its who we are, we can get away with it, if you did it you would be fired." The two teachers who resigned (white) 3 teachers who turned in the cheating (white) the 2 who cheated (black) Can we all get along Kent no not when you have Hood sitting at your right side throwing it in our faces. You want us to start fresh next year well then get rid of the cheaters who caused our loss of accreditation. Clean your own backyard before you come after the teachers.
Posted by: UPCOMiNG SENiOR
on Jun 17, 2009 at 09:35 PM
If the schools lost there accreditation how do they expect us upcoming seniors to go to a good college??? I've worked very hard to get to where I am and I refuse to attend MCC when I am graduation in the top 10% of my class. Somebody has some explaining and some work to do, I say we bring R.D. Harris back. MHS never had this type of problem when he was around.
Posted by: concerned citizen
on Jun 17, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Does anyone know the law that states the 'powers that be' can be sued if they do not "do their job"? This could get interesting before it gets over; too many are not doing their job... And Mike, you are exactly right; you hit the nail on the head!! Who is Charles Harris? Did you mean R.D. Harris?
Posted by: Absolutely amazed
Location: Must be on Mars
on Jun 17, 2009 at 07:06 PM
If what Mr. Kent says is true that "there were some things that were done and there was a meeting. And that's as far as I can go".....then the Attorney General has believed this principal over his own State Department of Education! Totally unbelievable if true. Isn't there a law where citizens can file charges against public officials for not doing their jobs??? Tametria, Great investigative reporting. We as taxpayers, need to find out who the meeting was with (Jim Hood?) and what "things were done" to clear Mrs. Hood. How can we lose our accreditation and the principal who did not report the violation as confirmed by Dept. of Education GO SCOTT FREE???? Wake up public!!! Demand answers!!! Bill O'Reilly, are you ready for the next pinhead award????? This principal begged parents last night to not give up on her and MHS last night. Too disgusting for words! trust
Posted by: Mike
on Jun 17, 2009 at 06:08 PM
It seems like the principal at MHS has no business in that position. Charles Harris would never have allowed the violation to go unpunished. Both the principal and the teacher should be fired. |
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Know the full story before you start throwing stones. Don't get concerned when there is a problem of this proportion! We all should have been concerned years before now! Now we are all ashamed! Do get mad! Make a change!
Meridian Public School District has other talented employees who are qualified to be administrators. The district is not utilizing them. Why? Apparently, this is their lost as district.
this is no surprise to me.This is why I am trying my best to get my children out of this school district. The children are not getting the time, materials, and advocacy that they deserve and need. These people figure "if we can't really teach the kids what they need to know, let's pretend like they do know it". Hogwash. Parents-step up and be advocates and voices for your child's future.Refuse for our children to receive any less than what they all deserve, which is well-rounded and SUPERIOR education. Officials and teachers- accept that the time has come to change. Stop zoning the schools so the "well off" children get the best teachers and resources, while the poor kids get whats left. Stop pretending that our kids are getting the time, and materials needed when they are NOT. And stop making excuses for your mistakes. Mississippi has some of the WORST performing schools in the nation.. but has anybody else stopped to ask out why?
I, as a Parent, am embarrased that we have educators that would do such things. Here we are trying to keep our children in school and educators taking short cuts. Don't you think our kids deserve better than that! I can imagine the kids faces upon getting the results of their testing. Now they have to learn that some of them basically cheated due to some lazy educators taking short cuts. I agree, there should be action taken.
Old Timer, if you think things are bad, please continue teachers to strike. Teachers, please search the laws regarding strikes in Mississippi before you do. Have a great school year!
Did you see the letter in the Clarion Ledger from former Board member Brad Carter today? He is correct that we as a District are now dying and our city will follow if this is not immediately corrected. I remember when we had such quality individuals on our Board. Members such as Brad Carter, Ricardo Gillespie, Minnie Hunter, Ann Stewart, Sam Neal and many others. Mrs. Stewart couldn't stomach the meddling of Ed Lynch and Fred Wile. She resigned from the Board as soon as these two started their often unethical Board shenanigans. Our Board members have had NO integrity since she left. John Robert was an idiot to appoint these 5 losers to the Board. It is alleged that he appointed and kept Wile on the Board because he and a few of his cronies were John Robert's biggest campaign donors. Carter was correct and courageous in calling for the BOARD and the SUPT to be fired. Our board is liars, crooks, and egomaniacs. Let's throw the moneychangers OUT. BOAERD & SUPT - PLEASE GET OUT!PLEASE!!!!
I am remember the eighties. Let's walk! We must get someone's attention. The board will fiddle while Rome burns.
Why is Vicky Hood still employed and why has the community NOT demanded that the teacher - Mrs. Walker - be fired??? This is not a question of - we are investigating!!! Thats over and done with! They are both guilty as charged. As a teacher and a test administrator, I signed a form that said I would be jailed and /or have to pay a $10,000 fine if I did not follow the test procedures. What is the hold-up with these ladies? Are they beyond the rules? And if so why?
The construction company reported that they would miss the deadline on the 9th grade building and no one took them to task over it. Kent continues to Stonewall the accreditation issue. He doesn't even consider teacher morale one of the issues. Barrett goes off on a condescending diatribe about how everyone is just being negative and forgetting that there are good students in the district ( as if we are too dumb to know that). It goes on and on. How can we get rid of this ship of fools and right our district before they sink all of us?
It is PRAYING time. We as a whole must pray that right will prevail. In order for our district to move forward, we have to come together and do what is best for all involved. It starts at the top. If the leadership is lacking, then everything else will lack. We need to do what is right. It doesn't matter whether we are black or white, it only matters if we are doing what is best for MPSD. I am an educator with the district, and I loved teaching prior to this incident, and will continue to love it. My biggest concern is doing what is right. We expect our students to do what is right, yet we as adults are not living up to that expectation. Teachers need support from the Supt., Board, Parents,and the entire community. If we do what's best, whether it is to fire or keep those involved with the testing violation, we will be successful. Yes, it is out in the open, but let us as a district pull together, pray together, and make MPSD rise to the top again. We can and we will.
Maybe Kent and Lynch will provide more answers to parent concerns at the MPSD School Board meeting Monday at 5:30. Wish they would move it to a location where all of the audience can sit comfortably and hear what is said. Is that too much to ask?
Am I the only one that remembers when the MPSD went on strike back in the late 1980s? I'm talking about a real deal strike! Anyone think we might be getting close to that again?
I understand that many of MPSD best teachers have been resigning because of the Board and Supt being so stubboorn on the transfer policy. Why would you want to run some of your best teachers from your District? Also, teacher's children are usually some of the top academic students in school. Why would you not try to keep these students in your District? The county schools, St. Patrick, Lamar, Calvary , and Russel are all reaping the benefits of our District's stupidity. Mayor Barry must remove this Board in order to reverse this reckless decision. Thriving Districts realize the importance of keeping the best students in their District. We need to WAKE UP before it is too late.
Several positions have been removed from the MPSD web page. I assume these positions have been filled. What is an Associate Principal at MHS anyway? Perhaps they have decided to add a white administrator to MHS. We'll see. Perhaps they have decided to intergrate CO and hire one white Administrator down there. We'll see. These hires will tell you if there is a new direction for MPSD or if we are continuing the practice of recycling our District's and other District's FAILED Administrators.
I cannot believe the audacity of our School Board after last nights meeting. Are they all really that stupid. We do not want to hear any more of their lies. We don't believe anything they say. The only thing we want from them is their RESIGNATIONS. They have ZERO credibility left in this community. We also want for the testing cheaters (teacher % Principal) removed. These 2 have no respect from the staff and no chance to succeed and their presence next year, will only damage us further. If the Supt. is too thick headed to realize this - he muat also go. If the pubic will keep pressure on these inept Board members and Administration, something is bound to give. If they keep refusing to act on any of our concerns, perhaps boycotts and lawsuits will come next.