What happened to our school system?
To the Editor:
What happened to our high school? Twenty-odd years ago Sylva-Webster
High School was a well respected institution in Jackson County, pulling
neighbors together to cheer on the Golden Eagles as they whipped Tuscola
or one of the other schools on the football, baseball, or basketball
schedule, wowing crowds with the best high school marching band the
state has ever seen, and providing a solid education that allowed our
youth to go into life with the skills needed to succeed.
Porn rings and the many scandals we have had recently were not common.
We've gone from being respected state champions in athletics, national
champions in music, having students who behaved, teachers who cared,
and administrators who maintained discipline to a school system out
of control.
You don't have to take it from me; ask your kids and the teachers you
know who are in the system. Many have told me that we used to have one
of the best high schools around, but now we are one of the worst. We
have reached a crisis stage in our school system and are probably lucky
we have not already experienced one of the more famous school disasters
that have populated the news lately.
How did we get where we are today? Like the rest of the country, our
moral values have disappeared along with the value of the family. We
are all so busy we are either overwhelmed or too tired to see what our
kids are picking up from TV or from their friends. Some parents don't
care or they allow themselves to be manipulated by their kids.
Whatever the reason, we have students who whine about everything, are
rude, disrespectful, continually tardy, lie, cheat, threaten, misbehave
and generally have poor attitudes.
Not every high school student is as bad as I've made it sound, but enough
are that it disrupts the learning environment for all. Don't believe
me?
So, who is responsible? I mentioned the problem with some parents and
I started to suggest the administration so I'll continue there. I've
heard it said that kids are different today so we need to treat them
differently. That has resulted in a non-confrontational approach to
handling behavior problems that has led trouble-makers to believe they
can get away with anything.
Instead of demanding respect and expecting a reasonable level of behavior,
the current administration has talked, cajoled, held "rap sessions"
and basically allowed students to get away with the things I mentioned
before. Students have taken advantage of the school administration's
lack of leadership because they know they were not going to be held
personally accountable.
We're lucky that all the high school teachers haven't quit. With such
poor support from their leadership, where are they supposed to turn
for help when they have difficult problems to deal with? Teachers are
ignored or told that if they can't handle their students they should
find other employment.
Next on the list of those responsible for our high school woes is the
school board and our superintendent. If you or I had a huge problem
to solve at work, we would have to work overtime, cancel leave and do
whatever it takes to solve the problem. We would be expected to put
forth the appropriate level of effort proportionate to the problem we
had to solve.
Our superintendent correctly suspended Mr. Nicholson for poor conduct
then left the country for three weeks, leaving a lot of tasks hanging,
like hiring another principal. School is already starting and instead
of having a suitable interim principal that gives us all confidence
that our school leadership will be restored, we have a less desirable
interim.
Genuine replacements like Sue Nations, Steve Jones or maybe someone
else could be in place to carry our high school through this period,
instead we have nothing. Mr. McCary and the school board should have
already made significant progress toward solving this problem.
Why did it take a charge of sexual harassment to get the school board's
attention? I spoke to the school board chairman to alert him to problems
at the high school in early April. When I followed up our conversation
two weeks later, I found that he was just going to wait and see if the
problems went away.
Since then I have involved all the school board members, the superintendent
and assistant superintendent in five letters outlining my concerns.
To this day I have not heard from a single school official. As a resident
of Jackson County, I expect communications with any elected official
to at least generate an acknowledgment that problems or concerns will
be looked into.
I started attending school board meetings earlier this year and figured
out quickly that the gatherings were nothing more than club meetings
where happy-to-glad information was passed out to feed The Sylva Herald
reporter and satisfy the few other people who attend. When any issue
of substance was to be discussed, the "cone of silence" came
down and the committee went into closed session.
Our school board hides behind this mode of operation to prevent anyone
from observing their performance.
Their flat refusal to speak on the current scandal is also a tactic
to escape our observation. You would think that by having a lawyer advising
the board, the board could find an intelligent yet legally correct way
to instill confidence in us that they are going to handle this crisis.
"No comment because this is a personnel issue" doesn't cut
it with me. Most problems in life have a human dimension to them, so
this board needs to figure out how to perform their jobs while also
speaking to us as they do them.
Thank God there are people who know the condition of our high school
and still want to be teachers. Teaching is a selfless service that we
should do all in our power to promote. Teachers are probably the least
responsible for our high school problems but can't be let completely
off the hook.
As with the student situation, there are a few teachers who have tainted
the atmosphere at Smoky Mountain High School with their back stabbing
attempts to pull ahead of their contemporaries. Some propagate the political
correctness attitude that we can't hurt student's feelings by punishing
them for their bad behavior.
Instead of being educators in a position of authority and responsibility,
some teachers just want to be students' friends. "Just call me
Dean or Mary or Sue." A proper student/teacher relationship is
missing.
A few teachers are even teaching subjects that do not have state approval.
The topics are narrow in scope to the state's broader focus but are
pushed forward because they fall more within the teacher's comfort zones.
What do we need to do? First, let's get our school officials to work.
One meeting a month where we slap each other on the back isn't going
to fix anything. Identify the problems, investigate them and take the
corrective action necessary to fix the problems.
Hire a principal with character and experience and support him or her
as they clean up the mess we've accumulated. Demand good, ethical behavior
and enforce it. Kids are no different today than they were 20 years
ago. They just need proper leadership and guidance, high standards of
performance and behavior, a dedicated teaching staff, and support from
home.
We do not have to continue the downward spiral.
Ronald L. Bumgarner
Sylva
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Good people make mistakes
To the Editor:
Upon reading the letter from Mary Diggs, which supported Kenny Nicholson,
I felt compelled to respond. I cannot remember the last time the Jackson
County school system went through a school year without some sort of
"drama." I am not even sure that is possible anymore.
First, let me say that I respect Kenny Nicholson. He is a good person
and, in my opinion, a great principal. But I also have to look at who
made this complaint. When I first heard rumors (yes, they got all the
way to New York), names began to pop into my head of who the person
may be. Never did Mary Ann Barker's name come to mind. I do not believe
that she would maliciously make an allegation of this sort that could
potentially ruin someone's career. I am sure this was a difficult step
for her to take and has probably continued to be difficult for her.
I think the letter from Mary Diggs is a very nice letter in that she
states Mr. Nicholson has done a good job of supervising the students
at the high school. But the allegations referred to have nothing to
do with his relationship with the students, but rather his interaction
with a co-worker.
Of course, that alleged mistake will and has had an affect on his career
at this point and on his interaction with the students since he is on
suspension. But the interaction with the faculty is extremely important
as well. Mary Ann Barker has taken the correct route by filing a complaint
and is now waiting for the outcome, just as Mr. Nicholson is waiting
for that decision. My heart goes out to everyone involved. This affects
not only their jobs, but their families as well.
If the allegations are true, it will not be the first time someone in
Jackson County has made this type of mistake and it won't be the last.
No, that doesn't make it OK. It does mean that he is human, that his
normally good judgment lapsed momentarily and that he will have to face
the consequences of that lapse. It does not mean that he is a horrible
person.
Having said that, let me say that good people make mistakes. Kenny Nicholson
may or may not be one of those good people who made a mistake. Let's
face it, there was only one perfect person and he was crucified.
While there is a tendency to want to point fingers at both parties involved
in this discussion and to say terrible things, maybe it would be best
to remember that they are only human, and that they are the ones who
have to get through this - not the entire county. And when you want
to shame someone, look around you before you do that. I would think
that the only people who have the right to say "shame on"
anyone are the good people of Jackson County who have never had an impure
thought. Like I said before, the only person who never made a mistake
was crucified.
So, Ms. Diggs, while I think your letter was meant as a positive support
for Mr. Nicholson, I do not think it wise to place shame anywhere unless
you are completely without sin and can "cast the first stone."
Shelly Sorrell
Schenectady, N.Y.
Editor's Note: Sorrell is a former Smoky Mountain High School teacher.
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Reader questions Young's growth rate
To the Editor:
The July 31 Herald and Ruralite was waiting in our box when we arrived
home recently. We are upset that some well-meaning citizens have some
strange plans to "improve traffic" in and around Sylva.
One of these is a Florida transplant whose comments include: "After
Highway 27 was opened, Sebring grew from 3,000 people to 150,000 people
in the 50 years, and everyone agreed the objectors were wrong."
The almanac is clear that Sebring grew by 800 people in the last census
period to 9,667, and Highlands County, of which Sebring is the
seat, had 87,366 people in 2000 A.D.
Should I be surprised that such a person would describe thoughtful
people in Jackson County as "local loud-mouthed, no-brained people?"
I wonder who he believes "everyone" in Sylva might be.
Sincerely,
Homer Trall
South Daytona, Fla.
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Grow or become a ghost town
To the Editor:
I was very happy to see so much interest in keeping Sylva from growing.
However, this is not new. No one wants to see the changes that will
happen, regardless of their wishes. The towns that never grew in the
Midwest are rapidly becoming ghost towns and look pathetic when you
drive through them.
After World War II, I returned to South Florida to live. I settled in
Davie, just west of Fort Lauderdale. While serving as the secretary
to the Davie Chamber of Commerce and Rodeo, I was called upon to make
an effort at getting a new road built from our town of Davie, which
had 115 voters, to Fort Myers.
I worked with The Miami Herald, and wrote a story stating our needs.
The story was published, and all the cattle men and citrus growers did
not like a new road to the outside world. Even the American Automobile
Association very loudly called the road through the Everglades as unneeded
by everyone except the alligators. They named the effort "Alligator
Alley."
But we recognized the need for the road and began it with Broward County
funds. Today, this is one of the busiest roads, taking traffic off the
older roads. The name? Interstate 75 between Tampa to Miami.
Yes, most people wish to hold on to their houses, which are located
in the way of progress. But our mountain beauty cannot be maintained
100 percent. The same people who gripe today will gripe even louder
when they have to wait 10 to 20 minutes to get through the Dillsboro/Sylva
area when they want to get some place in a hurry. Then they have something
else to fuss about.
During the day I sometimes wait for five or six traffic light changes
to get out of the library parking. The answer? You folks who do not
want any changes should have come up with answers.
You have two choices: either go around in a perimeter road or do not
let cars come through Sylva and Dillsboro.
I bought property here when two lane roads were adequate. I watched
U.S. 23-441 be constructed, and the same complaints came forward. I
watched U.S. 74 to Bryson City become a four-lane road. The same complaints
came from there, but the complainers now enjoy the use of the new and
better highway.
The DOT engineers who are planning this bypass are trained professionals
and try to take as little of our residential areas as possible. We should
offer them support instead of trying to prevent future growth, which
we are going to get regardless of the complainers.
Thank you,
Frank Young
Cullowhee
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Webster Enterprises embarks on 'road to recovery'
To the Editor:
In the past few months, there have been a lot of changes at Webster
Enterprises, the most dramatic being a change in leadership. This was
unfortunate and extremely hard on the staff. We have worked hard to
overcome a difficult situation and bounce back, stronger than ever.
Webster Enterprises is blessed to have the most dedicated staff anyone
could ask for. Our current staff is competent, devoted and motivated
to developing a program that will meet the needs of the disabled population
of this area.
This same staff is credited for keeping the rehabilitation program going
through some very rough times. It is because of this dedication that
we have no doubt the company will continue to grow and pursue our mission
to provide opportunities for individuals who have disabilities or disadvantages
to work to their full potential, while providing service to the community.
There are many good things happening here at Webster Enterprises. Gene
Robinson has been brought in as an advisor to the board. He is working
with the board and the management team to develop new ideas and to select
the best individuals with expertise in many different areas to serve
on the board of directors. We now have in place a growing board enthused
with the many possibilities and prospects are coming our way. Our board
is working to increase the reputation of Webster Enterprises in the
community.
We are in a growth mode in all aspects now and that makes it tough on
the staff. It seems that everyone has to do the jobs of three people,
but everyone is keeping their spirits up. We can now see the light at
the end of a long, dark tunnel.
We have attained a new contract to warehouse, package and distribute
a product named Gorilla Clean. Make sure that everyone who views the
infomercial on television orders some of the product. This is a project
that our program participants will be using as a training aid. They
will learn to package the orders from a packing slip, label the product
and use a computer to print the labels.
Our production of disposable surgical drapes, which is necessary for
training and fiscal support, is on the increase. We have regained the
confidence of some of our past customers, as well as getting some new
customers. We are looking for the implementation of new contracts. We
are on good terms again with our vendors. The manufacturing work provides
training opportunities. We had to place a lot of excellent, loyal employees
on leave when our financial problems developed. We have been able to
recall some of them and anticipate recalling others within the next
few months.
The training program is increasing its staff and continuing to develop
better ways to help program participants reach individual goals. The
rehab staff is showing a lot of enthusiasm and can be heard down the
hallway sharing their excitement and good tidings with the other staff
members.
Finally, it is almost unbelievable how the financial situation has been
changed from desperate to, relatively speaking, good. Most overdue accounts
are caught up and there is money for payroll. Our income is increasing
and we have cut our expenses. The management team has put together a
financial plan for the company and presented it to the board of directors
at the meeting on Aug. 4.
Webster Enterprises has collaborated with Lifespan, which is holding
meetings for their Stepping Out Program at the Webster facility. We
now have two unique businesses under one roof.
As most of you know by now, Webster Enterprises has decided to discontinue
the recycling side of our business. It was no longer a profitable situation
and had becoming a financial drain we could no longer afford.
We are in the process of selling the Dillsboro property and recycling
equipment, which will greatly enhance our financial situation.
This is all very encouraging. It would be a regrettable loss for the
three counties we serve (Jackson, Macon and Swain) if something happened
to this organization and we were not able to provide this much needed
service to the area. Things are definitely looking up!
The management team at Webster Enterprises is pleased to announce we
are on the road to recovery. We appreciate the support we have received
from the community and from our county commissioners. We are looking
forward to the positive changes happening here and look forward to sharing
the good news with all our supporters through the return of our newsletter
soon to be available.
If you would like to be included on our mailing list, call us at 586-8981,
Ext 10 or 20; or write to us at P.0. Box 220, Webster N.C. 28788. Our
e-mail address is webster@websterenterprises.org. You may view our Web
site at www.websterenterprises.org.
Respectfully,
Darrell Fox
Interim Director
Karen Roberts
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Marcella Sellers
Accounting Manager
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Make library debate an opportunity
To the Editor:
The Build Our Library Downtown meeting on Aug. 4 was energetic and optimistic.
This feeling came about due to several of the BOLD members meeting individually
with library personnel and commissioners.
I personality went to the library and spoke with Librarian Michael Cartwright.
I found him to be open, engaging and sincere. I came away with the sense
that he wants to create a bigger and better facility that will better
serve the needs of Jackson County. I respect and support those aspirations.
I hope that Mr. Cartwright will see also that the library has a vital
role to play as a foundation stone in the character of the town. I hope
that he will come to see his role as one who can be instrumental in
securing his dream for a flourishing library with our dream for a nourishing
town.
I hope that the appointed task force will also realize that the library
serves Jackson County, not only as a library, but as an anchor to the
town and that the town is an anchor to the county. I see a golden opportunity
for the library and the town and the county to merge their separate
interests into one that will showcase cooperation and respect.
People who are concerned that we keep pace with progress can be the
same people who are human-value driven. None of us want our community
to stagnate or be blurred to death with sprawl. Just as the new road
bypass is another hot topic, it is also another opportunity. We currently
have two issues that are ripe for creative compromise and solutions
that look at the whole picture and the way we want to live.
I urge all of us who care about these matters to get involved in some
way so that the will of the people is realized. Just a phone call, a
signature, a conversation, a bumper sticker, attending a meeting can
create change. A positive and optimistic thought can do more to carry
the day than whining about the proverbial done deal or being too busy
to care about something larger than yourself.
If you want to continue to be proud of your community and grateful that
it exists, then please don't be shy about saying so. A letter to The
Sylva Herald is a wonderful way to express yourself and let all the
county commissioners and anyone else who cares strongly about our area
know how you feel. The Sylva Herald rivals the New York Times when it
comes to important reading here in Jackson County!
I encourage everyone to look into your heart and see what the future
for our area looks like there and then share that vision with your neighbor.
An opportunity to share your vision or to celebrate just being here
has been planned by BOLD and set for Aug. 30 at the Sylva Park near
the swimming pool starting at 5 p.m. You are invited to bring a potluck
dish to share your picnic supplies and time to enjoy good music, fun
and being here now! Get involved by showing up and having a good time!
Dottie Hoche
Owner
Worldly Possessions...
to Lift the Spirit
Sylva
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We don't need Raleigh to make our decisions
To the Editor:
Destroy the valleys? Pollute the rivers? Destroy the houses? Destroy
the churches? Right of ways 1,200 feet wide? Destroy the fishing places?
Destroy one more place of peace and quiet?
Decisions about our enviornment made for us in Raleigh? Bulldoze everything
for the sake of "progress" at the cost of everything we hold
dear?
No Raleigh road rape.
John T. Overbey
Cullowhee
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Back to Archive: 08/14/03.
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