When I setup this website my goal was to provide a forum for people to express their opinions and to request information so they could make better informed decisions in the future.
Regretfully, the site seems to be falling far too closely into the realm of the IndyStar Topix comments and I don’t want that. That is by no means what my intentions were in the beginning and I must take steps now to insure that it doesn’t continue down this path.
I’ll will be going through all comments on the website and trying to eliminate any person’s name that is not direclty involved in the issues at hand. From my perpsective, the only people’s names I will allow in comments from readers will be that of the school board members, or current administrative roles in the township. The only other option for someone’s name to be included on the site will be if they share it themselves in their own comments.
I’m also tired of the personal attacks that are taking place in the comments. So, any more personal attacks to another individual in someone’s comments and it will be deleted.
As was my original intent on setting up this site was an effort to get to the facts. This means I’m interested in any facts that are either for or against Dr. Williams. I hold myself to no higher standard, so I too want the best facts available to base my opinions and support. If you’ve got information that will change my mind, share it.
Update: I’ve changed my mind. I will not be going through all previous comments and removing names. It’s just not worth it at this point, everything is in the past. I will NOT be allowed similar activity to progress into the future on this website though. Please feel free to comment on this post if you have concerns.
I feel very strongly that anonymous comments should be eliminated regardless of which “side” of this issue is being voiced. Anyone who is unwilling to stand behind their comments with their real name and a real email address that is not a throw-away address, should be heard.
Do the community a favor by turning on the feature which allows people to register and verify an email address before they can post comments - then enforce it.
This blog is NOT about finding out information of ANY kind. It’s more like “if we don’t agree them attack them” correct their grammar/spelling/ect. I was not under the impression that we were needing to try our cases to you all. Who are you anyway the JUDGES? Who appointed you all?
I gave you some information that I was aware of. I happened to be at the same board meeting. But it wasn’t what you wanted to hear so you all went into ATTACK MOLD. Well Frankly, I don’t give a d— what you think of me or my opinion. I don’t give a d— why or how they fire him I’m glad that he is gone.
As for Jason,
Your blog is nothing but another LIE by you all. You don’t care about anything but what YOU want to hear.
The BULLY technique is shown all over your blog by you all. And you have the balls to say that is what [Admin deleted] does. WHAT A JOKE.
In order to get to the TRUTH, one first has to have an OPEN MIND.
That is not what your site is all about.
As to [Admin deleted],
You sound like a LAWYER. GEE I wonder who you are?
One better WHO GIVES A SH–.
Not me that’s for sure, I did not bring this case up for you to tell me how it is hear-say. Guess What? It can be proven to the people who matter. And that aint YOU.
I actually feel sorry for you guys, your now fighting a losing battle. He has worked his last day at Perry Township Schools. And the TAX PAYERS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS will be better off.
Joe, you’ll notice that I edited out the names of specific individuals you mentioned in your post except for my own. I’m following through with the comments in my original post.
I’m not going to attack your opinion, your grammar or anything else in your post. I am simply going to respond to one of your accusations.
I am absolutely not close minded on this issue. I am very interested in finding out the details of the entire situation. Regretfully, I am simply overwhelmed by the drama and sheer volume of information that must be combed through for the past several years to continue to formulate my final opinion. This is why I’m very interested in hearing the accusations and details people like yourself bring against Dr. Williams. If I get the facts and details that support your view of removing Dr. Williams, then I will change my support of him to against him. I have yet to get that information though because all I have heard is opinion and hearsay. I am interested in the facts.
If you don’t like this site, I encourage you to stay away from it. Don’t waste your time with it or our group. If you have details and facts and are not willing to share them, that’s fine. It’s your right. I agree that this will all settle out in the end, but I’m not going to sit apathetically and do nothing waiting for that day to come.
Regardless of what happens with Dr. Williams, I’m still against some of the individual board members and their involvement in the district. I don’t think how they’ve proceeded with their actions has been beneficial and because of that, I believe they should be held responsible for those actions.
For the remainder of the years my kids are involved in school, whether it be in MSDPT or another district. I will continue to be involved and I will continue to be vocal about those areas I disagree with in the future.
Sometimes there are changes in leadership just because of opinions. If an appointed official is not on the same page as the elected body that appoints them, I use appoint but you get my point, you replace them. It has been going on for many years.
I am amazed that individuals who do not support Dr. Williams are so upset to read comments that DO support Dr. Williams on a website that is entitled, “We Support Williams”!! No one is forcing these individuals to come to this website! If they are so upset by the comments, they have a choice to visit another website. Unfortunately, the only opportunity those in favor of Dr. Williams have to express their opinions or facts fully without the threat of a little dinging bell or a security escort is THIS WEBSITE!!!
I am in agreement with Admin. If and when we EVER get the facts about the details of Dr. Williams’ paid LOA and find that there was sufficient reason to place him on leave, I will NEVER trust certain members of the board. Creative twisting of words and lack of respect for the public that they represent, as well as unethical secretive conspiracy have destroyed my trust in these individuals.
Facts:
1. On 9/25/06, Mrs. Thompson noted that it was nice to see a crowd at the Board meeting regarding the Edison contract renewal and that “we should start more rumors and then mabe we could get an audience at every meeting.” (Looks like she got her wish!) She stated that she “has done her homework with regards to Edison”, and that”she has learned that our Edison Schools are very beneficial to our students and the Perry community”. She stated that her son attends a charter school rather than PMHS and that “she too, would be fighting to keep it open” if there were a threat to it closing. On 10/23/06, Mrs. Thompson voted against renewing the Edison contract. Why would an individual vote AGAINST something that they feel is beneficial to the students and Perry community?? On 12/18/06, Mrs. Thompson brought the desire for an audit before the board. She was clearly unprepared to answer any questions regarding the motion, which makes one wonder if it was even her idea to begin with. Mrs. Buffie was far more prepared with information and figures regarding the issue.
2. Mrs. Alexander stated that she does not believe that the African American students are benefitting from the Edison model on 10/23/06. Mrs. Alexander has never visited an Edison school, to my knowledge. If so, she would see that there are several African American students there who DO benefit from the model. I know because I volunteer at least weekly, and I have seen TREMENDOUS progress in these students. Just before winter break, one student proudly showed me that she improved her benchmark by 40 points!!! In addition, my son’s teacher drives ONE HOUR from her home to provide home visits to her northern community students’ homes for SLC’s. On the other hand….on 9/25/06 when MR. Oldham requested supplemental contracts for providing Spanish instruction and English/Spanish translation for our teachers and parents, Mrs. Alexander voted “NO”!! Is she not concerned for our hispanic students??
3. On 7/24/06, Mrs. Walsh “thanked Dr. Williams for being a visionary and for bringing wonderfully successful programs to our district.” After quietly slinking into a Rosa Parks Edison PTA meeting in September, she misconstrued Dr. Williams’ words and claimed that he threatened her. ANYONE who was present at that meeting will attest that he DID NOT! He admitted at the 10/9/06 board meeting that he can sometimes be a smart aleck and that his comments were made purely in humor. He added that he would try to make fewer comments in the future that could be grossly misconstrued. On 12/18/06, Mrs. Walsh viciously attacked the audience with her words that we were somehow responsible for an incident occuring at school with her son…completely irrelevant to the board meeting. She’s an angry woman who is unhappy with the treatment of her child that she deems “unfair” yet chastizes those in support of Dr. Williams who feel that HIS treatment was unfair. She voted “no” to mediation because she has no intentions of wanting to work things out. By her statement on 12/18/06 that she offered her resignation if Dr. Williams would offer his…only proves to the public her goal! It is not to represent the township! It is to GET RID OF DR. WILLIAMS!
4. Mrs. Adams shows no respect or concern for the public she is supposed to represent. She refused to allow the public to speak prior to voting to place Dr. Williams on Leave and prior to voting regarding mediation. When the public IS allowed to speak, she cuts them off, allows certain board members to interrupt them, and “accidently” dings the bell before their 2 minutes are up. She calls security to remove individuals who try to finish a sentence. When individuals speak in favor of the four board members or the removal of Dr. Williams, she “forgets” to ring the bell after 2 minutes, or she quietly dings it and allows the individual to continue to speak. On 10/23/06, Mrs. Adams stated that she was “very disappointed with the rumors” that were spread through the township in regards to the Edison contract renewal and “with the regards to Dr. Williams”. They obviously were not rumors! She voted “no” to the Edison renewal on 10/23/06, and she voted to place Dr. Williams on leave on 11/13/06. Mrs. Adams claimed that no informal meetings had taken place regarding the paid leave of Dr. Williams, yet the board’s own attorney, Mr. Bailey, admitted to meeting with board officers on 11/03/06.
Regardless of whether or not Dr. Williams has done anything to deserve his leave of absence, I have a problem with these four board members!! They have proven that they cannot be trusted and that they have no business behaving in this unethical manner. If they are truly representing the majority of the people…where are these people?? Why do they need police escorts to and from the meetings??? They repeatedly claimed that they were receiving “threatening” emails, yet we have not seen a single threatening email supporting their claims.
Confused, you’re right. Sometimes changes are required when there are differences of opinions between leadership and another group. We’re just confused as to how the change came so abruptly after an excellent review and contract extension. We still haven’t gotten the information we’re needing and asking for from the board.
First of all: regarding the comment from Amy Stinson: “I feel very strongly that anonymous comments should be eliminated regardless of which “side” of this issue is being voiced. Anyone who is unwilling to stand behind their comments with their real name and a real email address that is not a throw-away address, should be heard…” Assuming you mean should NOT be heard, I must disagree. I have seen first-hand how my children (all of whom are/were excellent students and in IDEA) were treated by certain teachers at the high school who, for whatever reason, seem to have a superiority complex when it comes to students and differences of opinion. Having seen this and not wishing to expose my child who is still a student, and who may very well end up having these teachers before graduation, I choose to make my comments anonymously. That does not make my comments any less valid. I strive to not give the impression that I am attacking anyone and my aim is solely to bring up alternative ways of thinking. I agree that personal attacks have no place in trying to get to the truth. Unfortunately that’s what many of the posts at this site have turned into, obviously primarily against Mrs. Walsh, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Alexander, and Mrs. Adams, but also against some folks on the other side. Differences of opinion should not have led to the ugliness that has been spawned by this issue.
With regard to the Admin’s comments: I would ask once again why anyone feels they/we have the right to DEMAND that the board reveal the actions that led up to Dr. Williams’ dismissal. Since he is not an elected official but rather an employee of the township, I really don’t feel it’s our RIGHT to know the details. That falls to the elected officials; if we as citizens don’t like what our elected officials are doing, then get them removed at the next election.
To Let’s Think About This,
Keep thinking. Citizens should express their concerns as they arise and not every four years. This is a fundamental principle for well functioning representative democracies.
The freedom from identification that anonymity provides also removes any responsibility for what is said. You admit this yourself. You are unwilling to risk anything for your opinion, yet you want to be taken as seriously as those that are willing to stake their reputations on what they express. Because of this I would say that your views, while not invalid, should not be taken as seriously.
If anyone could say whatever they wanted without fear of repercussions, this would not be a very pleasant world. It is the possibility of consequences that temper speech and lead to discourse. Anonymous speech does not lend itself to dialogue.
I am sorry that your children had such a miserable experience in Perry Township Schools. It is not unreasonable that every teacher should treat your children just the way you would treat them. While they are at it teachers should treat every child just the way that child’s parents and grandparents treat them.
Let’s all join hands and sing Kum Ba Yah. This world should be a perfect place for all of the precious IDEA children that are misunderstood by their cruel teachers. The teacher conspiracy to stamp out all viewpoints not approved by the union and/or administration must be stopped. How will your children survive?
Thank goodness you did not have a special needs child. You would find out very quickly that there are many people, and some teachers, in this world that “seem to have a superiority complex when it comes to students and differences of opinion.” There are also many people that “seem to have a superiority complex when it comes to students and differences” of ability or functioning. I think this is called real life.
You can’t stop attacking posters that have different opinions than you, can you?
This is what is so disgusting to me. It seems all the supporters of Dr. Williams really cannot stand Ms Adams. It also appears to me that Michael Taylor is just like Ms Adams.
You have managed to run off a lot of people from this board because they are tired of the attacks. So much for dialog.
Enjoy your blog, soon everyone on here will agree with you.
I am out!
To “Let’s think about this”.
You are correct. I meant should NOT be heard.
The truth is that all of us are human and are subject to being biased. I imagine that my children might have suffered because of my opinions when they were in school. They suffered because of their opinions, too. What I do know is that my children’s suffering wasn’t permanent, and that they have emerged as stronger, more resilient adults because of their ’suffering’ - along with their integrity intact. You may offer very valid points, but you strength of conviction to back them up with your name.
You did mis-state a few facts.
First of all Williams has not been dismissed. He has been suspended. There is a difference. A dismissal requires that there be concrete reasons. A suspension only requires a majority vote. In order for him to be dismissed the board WILL have to come up with reasons, which may account for why Nancy Walsh offered her resignation in exchange for his. NOW a full investigation is being launched because he’s unwilling to go quietly. So, he’s either the stupidest person to ever get a PhD, or he knows he’s done nothing that merits dismissal. Time will tell.
In the meantime, we don’t have to speculate about HOW the majority board went about suspending Dr. Williams. We don’t have to speculate about 2 of the ‘majority’ members giving him a satisfactory review and voting to give him a 3 year contract just weeks prior to his suspension.
Those two facts alone are cause for concern about the direction the board is taking in leading our school system.
Correction to my posts:
Post 1:
Anyone who is unwilling to stand behind their comments with their real name and a real email address that is not a throw-away address, should [added] NOT [/added] be heard.
Post 2:
You may offer very valid points, but you [added] LACK THE [/added] strength of conviction to back them up with your name.
Let’s stop the arguing about whether or not anonymity in comments justifies the value of the comment being made. People will be allowed to make comments on this site without stating their name. Although I do agree that someone who is willing to stand behind their own name and voice their opinions should be commended. I also believe that very valid points of information can be made by individuals who for whatever reasons aren’t comfortable sharing their name. What I think is really cowardly though is people who aren’t adding anything to the conversation, but merely attacking others under a made-up name. If you can’t say something in person to someone’s face, don’t say it on this site.
Admin
Jan 3rd, 2007 at 1:17 am
Joe, you’ll notice that I edited out the names of specific individuals you mentioned in your post except for my own. I’m following through with the comments in my original post.
Even More Confiused
Jan 5th, 2007 at 9:45 am Comment:
It also appears to me that Michael Taylor is just like Ms Adams.
See what you say is BS (short for bull sh–)
POINT MADE…
You guys really don’t care about learning anything or listening to the other side ONLY to argue and put downs so you can intimidate people JUST LIKE WILLIAMS HAS DONE.
As far as leaving my name or not. My kids are still in school and most of your “GANG” are TEACHERS and they have the power to give them “shi-” and they have in the past and might still in the future so I do what I can to protect them. If you have a problem with that to bad. I’m sure Jason knows who I am, he also probably shared with the rest of you too.
I have not put down your opinion. I only disagree with it. What I have a problem with is the way YOU PEOPLE “SEEM” to THINK that you are better than the rest of us, and if we don’t agree with your opinions then you do your very best to TRY to make us SHUT UP. It ain’t gonna happen. You stoop to tactics like:
MAKE THEM LOOK STUPID - “WE HAVE THE BETTER EDUCATION”
MAKE THEM FEEL AFRAID - “WE CAN THREATEN TO BURN DOWN HOUSES”
WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET YOUR WAY.
MAKE THEM FEAR FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT SCHOOL - “WE CAN MESS WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT SCHOOL AFTER ALL WE HAVE THE POWER TO FLUNK THEM IF WE CHOOSE.”
This is where the biggest problems lie.
This “HOLYIER THAN THOU” attitude “MOST” of you guys have.
I’ve got a “NEWS FLASH” for you:
You put your pants on the same way I do.
I got on your website to TRY to discuss some of my issues but all ANYONE seems to want to do is PUT DOWNS, AND ATTACKS.
So this is a website made under FALSE PRETENSE You have NO INTREST in learning ANYTHING.
Don’t bother writing back and telling me about grammer errors or spelling errors cause I AIN’T IN SCHOOL. BEEN THERE DONE THAT.
I won’t be wasting my time trying to talk to you people anymore instead I will be spending my time getting more information for the 4 ladies on the board to fry Williams and anyone else who has their hand in the COOKIE JAR.
Joe, in my statement above I stated:
“The only other option for someone’s name to be included on the site will be if they share it themselves in their own comments.”
The example you provided Susan Adams (a board member) and Michael Taylor who has boldly shared his name in their own comments. He has not been hiding behind any false-names. I’m not sure why you’re upset by that. The other intersting thing is that you’re mad I didn’t moderate a comment from someone on your side of the argument.
If I were not interest in hearing both sides of the argument, do you think I’d have continued to let your comments and others in disagreement with our own continue to be posted? I don’t think that anyone here has attempted to shut-up anyone else. It is proven though that Susan Adams has silenced numerous individuals from our group in a public forum.
Joe, I don’t have a clue who you really are. I’m guessing with your statement I might be surprised to find out. As far as I know, we’ve never met. I will tell you this though, if I had proof a teacher was acting in the way you’ve suggested I would be the first person on your side to fight for your own kids rights.
MAKE THEM LOOK STUPID? I’m assuming that this statement is in regards to Edison schools. All I know is this, my son’s only experience in school has been in Edison. He’s doing amazingly well, and I have been nothing but impressed with every teacher and administrator I’ve met at his school. Because everything is working well, I have no desire to see or let something happen to his school. I would expect the same from you and imagine that’s why you’re fighting this battle from your side yourself.
MAKE THEM FEEL AFRAID? This comment continues to be blown out of proportion. Dr. Williams never suggested or stated that we should burn down anything. He only commented, in jest, that he could imagine Edison’s parents coming to burn down board member’s homes if they didn’t vote Edison schools through. Now, I don’t think ANYONE really believes an Edison parent would resort to arson against a school board member for voting against Edison. What I will say though is that my name has repeatedly come up on public websites and in e-mails to my wife that were nothing but threatening in nature. I don’t think someone would do something like burn down my home, but I can say I was afraid for my wife and kids. That’s truly a threat from someone. And in the end of your comment you say you’re going to do anything you can to “fry” Dr. Williams. Are you really interested in the death penalty for Dr. Williams? That seems like a much bolder statement than the ones you’re complaining about.
MAKE THEM FEAR FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT SCHOOL? I have no idea where this is coming from. Do you have proof that someone made a threat like this? Is it on this site? If so please let me know. I will personally go after the person for you for making that threat.
I’ve already stated my belief that this site wasn’t setup under false pretenses. I do agree that I let things get out of hand, but it was because I didn’t want to come across as censoring anyone, from either side. I’ll say it again, I’ve sent more e-mails to “orangies” asking them to be more civil in their comments than I have to those commenters that are against our efforts.
As I’ve stated before, if you don’t want to visit or comment on this site anymore, please stop. You obviously feel it’s a waste of your time. We are who we are, I will continue to try and manage and moderate the civility more actively moving forward, but I will continue this fight until it’s resolved.
“fry” Dr. Williams
Sorry typo error. should by fire.
That’s quite a typo. I think it could be classified as more of a Freudian Slip.
Think what you like, I think and speak for myself.
Also I would like to say to you Jason,
My comments had nothing to do with the Edison Schools.
I’m glad that you and your wife and child have NOT had any bad experience with anyone at the schools. He is young yet, hopefully you won’t. I would not wish ANYONE to have to deal with what my child and I have had to deal with. (Even Williams himself)
I am fighting this battle because of WHAT we have endured and I have NO intention on enduring anymore.
The comment about trying to make us feel stupid is because of all the correction by the teachers.(grammer,spelling,ect)
Afraid statement: intimidation is his game. It happens. I personally don’t know about the statement made by Williams but I believe Walsh because I have seen for myself the same game played with me by his group.
Fear for children at school: Nothing on your site, Speaking of past experience with my children. I won’t go into it, It is about to be a court issue.
I’m disappointed with your site because it claims to want to hear both sides when really you don’t.
I don’t think you personally can relate because you have been on their side so you of coarse have not seen them at their best.
I have e-mails too. That was sent to me very threatening by school officials. (again court issues)
Just because I don’t show you guys what I have doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. I’m not saying that ALL TEACHERS and OFFICALS act this way. But I am saying that It Happens and I can Prove it. But I don’t have to prove it you.
Why would I? So some of the puppets of Williams gang can go after my children?
You might be surprised who I am and you might not. I don’t think that it really matters. I’m not afraid for myself only my children.
If I felt that I could trust you, I would come up to you at the next school board meeting and tell you hey, I’m Joe Mamma. But at this point I don’t.
I don’t feel that I have attack anyone on you site either. Although I have been attacked. I feel that I have tried to give some info. that I have and to only be told that if I don’t give my real name then, I shouldn’t be heard.
Some are so brain washed by some of this group. I THOUGHT that you sounded like you TRULY wanted to know that is WHY I commented on your site. But I guess I was wrong. Like you said (more or less) if I don’t like it don’t comment on it. RIGHT? Sorry to of wasted your time.
Joe, it looks as if we continue to misunderstand each other in our efforts. By all means you are still welcome on this site and I do appreciate your efforts in fighting for your children. Your opinions are as valid and valued on this site as anybody else’s by me. If you would like, feel free to stay in contact with me offline via e-mail at info@wesupportwilliams.com. I honestly wish you the best of luck in your court efforts with the school district.
MAKE THEM LOOK STUPID?
I really do not think the Edison Schools are being attacked because they are poor schools. As I understand it some of their programs are being instilled into the rest of the schools. What needs to be addressed are:
Whom did Edison write bonus checks too?
Why was the two Edison programs teachers and parents during the election, one-sided on whom was elected to the board?
Why were they open to breaking policy when it came to using their facilities to elect their candidate?
MAKE THEM FEEL AFRAID?
I am probably sure you are unaware of this in the township but there are some educators in this township who are close to the Supt who indeed do play favorites with students. You may not know the facts but other’s do.
All in all this has split a perfectly good township and school system. Probably the main reason is because the Supt refused to work with previous board and this board. History shows the words, micro-manage-let him do his job, rubber stamp, has done the Supt in. He really has done a good job with our kids, his ego, attitude, has left a lot of people with a very bad image. “I am the school board” comment was not
something to brag about. Sometimes he was his own worst enemy.
I am flattered that you put “william-ized” on your recent home page. Believe me, I am no one who has any power nor connection to this township. I know what I know because I look for the facts. And I listen. Some should do the same.
I am having difficulty understanding your reasoning. Following are some of your statements with a few questions from me. Perhaps you can enlighten us with some words of wisdom.
“Whom did Edison write bonus checks too?”
- Not sure where you are going with this. Is this one of the illegal activities that you allege? If a “for profit” entity has a contract to manage a school building, why would it be wrong/unethical/illegal for them to incent/reward/compensate certain performance indicators? In the business world (as you have alluded to in other posts) this is common.
“Why was the two Edison programs teachers and parents during the election, one-sided on whom was elected to the board?”
- Having attended the debate/discussion at Southport Middle School prior to the previous election I would say that it was obvious that certain board candidates made clear their concerns regarding renewal of the Edison contract and logically those that would be most affected by not renewing the contract (families and faculty of the two schools) marshaled support for their cause. Is this really a point of contention?
“Why were they open to breaking policy when it came to using their facilities to elect their candidate?”
- What policy would this be and in what way was it broken?
“I am probably sure you are unaware of this in the township but there are some educators in this township who are close to the Supt who indeed do play favorites with students. You may not know the facts but other’s do.”
- I am probably sure you are unaware of this in every township in the state of Indiana there are always educators that do indeed play favorites for a variety of reasons. I would venture to say that this is not limited to education. I bet there are people in hospitals, factories, hotels, banks, law firms, stores, law enforcement, counseling, pharmacies, restaurants and a host of other businesses that play favorites for a whole variety of reasons. Exactly why do you deem this to be such a profound thought?
I am anxiously awaiting your reply. If this goes well we can review the voting records of school boards of other local districts to identify how terrible things have been here in MSDPT.
Exactly which of the other school districts in Indiana are doing things correctly? Provide the names of the school districts, I will follow your advice by looking at the facts and we will be able to compare with the best that Indiana has to offer in the way of school boards. This will give our (new, improved, non-rubber stamping, thinking, don’t let him do his job) MSDPT school board something to work toward.