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Houston: Sain's choice of 'facts' distorts true situation

Grant B. Houston

Published: November 1, 2009

Morganton, NC - Karen Sain presents "facts" regarding the board of education race in her letter (The News Herald, Oct. 27). Because I've come to not believe any "fact" purported by the board majority members, I would like to address her concerns to show the true nature of the candidates.
She alleges, regarding board members Sam Wilkinson and Buddy Armour, "Their political ambitions have been at the forefront of their actions, not what is best for students." When one looks at the actions of Sain and her cohorts, it becomes clear students have not been their top priority. Guiding them has been an overarching desire to terminate David Burleson for mere personal vendettas and to silence any opposition they encountered.
Mrs. Sain says to watch the June 30 board meeting and the "erratic behavior" of Susan Stroup and asks how many years her school failed to make adequate yearly progress. Mrs. Stroup was emotional because of the vengeful action of the board to destroy the career of a lifelong educator and friend.
AYP is not a viable indicator of the performance of a school, nor the leadership of said school, nor the superintendent of the schools. For a school to meet AYP, all subgroups within the school must also meet AYP. These subgroups include children with disabilities who are forced to perform at the same level as their peers. Mrs. Sain would have you believe no learning occurred under leaders such as David Burleson and Susan Stroup. However, when one looks at other schools, it becomes evident that Burke County is performing on par with, or better than, the rest of the state.
Mrs. Sain asks whether the SWAT members "had anything to do with the trumped-up allegations that were sent to SACS CASI." What does she mean by "trumped-up"? The review team determined that the allegations were true. If these allegations had been "trumped-up," would our high schools be on probationary accreditation?
The candidates did not contact SACS CASI. Rather, citizens who saw their rights ignored spoke out to the accrediting agency. I can assure Mrs. Sain that probationary accreditation is not a "scare tactic." Whether she likes it or not, SACS CASI has the power to revoke our accreditation. The blame lies not with those who blew the whistle, but with the board majority for its violations.
Mrs. Sain describes "frivolous" lawsuits. Those lawsuits were an attempt by citizens to not allow their rights to be trampled. Countless times this board has silenced those expressing dissenting views, either by denying a right to redress grievances or by restricting the time in which such redress can be sought.
Citizens of Burke County, rise to the polls! We must speak out in record numbers during this election. Even if you have no vested interest in the schools, the entire county depends on having a top-notch school system. Without adequate schools, no business will move to this county. A loss of accreditation could result in plummeting property values. It is the duty of all citizens eligible to vote to make their voices heard. With unilateral support can we rise toward a more prosperous school system. Get up, get out and cast your votes for Susan Stroup, Sam Wilkinson, Buddy Armour and Catherine Thomas.