We are here to support the blog by Dr. Sutherland on the bullying occurring to employees on the hands of Sorum and Breed.
We know of cases that are ongoing and Dr. Sutherland mentions a few examples. One example is an employee who was demoted upon reporting something that administration did not like and have stressed the employee to the point that they want to give up. The employee is basically made to settle for measly money but more important the district does what it can to discredit and basically ruin their record. Interesting the point made by Dr. Sims regarding employees who leave and may want to return and yet there is something placed on their file that does not allow it. Smells like bullying to us.
Dr. Sutherland hits it right when administration goes into a school and completely disrupts the processes that a principal may have setup because they don't like it. But interestingly enough the principals are only following what Sorum and Company have said to do. So let's see you make a change of programs in the middle of a semester and now want results because you are on the hot seat? Take Morningside Elementary with millions invested and no major results to see, you have the same administration on board since 2008 and nothing. But we know that Breed and the current admin are in the same sorority and so they are sisters who continue to harm children's education. We know that the director in 2008 had hands tied when attempting to correct the wrongs with the principal and Breed shut that down quick.
But back to bullying, we used to have a cultural diversity training that helped many employees bring out the bad apples in the district, the department dissolved and the employees reassigned, resigned or forced out. Now you no independent person investigating any incidents of anything. Take technology money issue, the employee was demoted and moved to another department. So Sorum and Breed get to move up and get raises and yet are not producing the results. Tell us what improvements have been made since Johnson came on board and these same individuals were there? How do you justify their evaluations when the district is sinking?
Dr. Sutherland, the best way to deal with bullying is having independent counsel look into the cases or have OPS report only to the board and not administration. The other is for you to ask questions at meetings about cases and the results of such cases of which you have mentioned. Let the facts come out. When palazzolo brought his case, the case was talked about in open session and when we all heard the information something did not seem right, that's where Vasquez and you voted against the firing because it sounded fabricated. Johnson left knowing that the district would go into litigation and here we are almost 1 million and counting. There are many voices that are silent because they fear retaliation and being bullied. We need to cut these two out and help save the good people that are still in the FWISD. You cannot expect results when your employees are being accosted by Sorum and Breed. Our children are suffering because of the talent we are losing and yet we keep hearing it and watching it unfold. We need board members to take charge and make FWISD attorneys accountable for the money they spend, 1.5 million is for bullying and ruining the lives of employees.
THANK YOU DR. SUTHERLAND FOR VOICING THIS OUT. Now we now know that INOK has been ISOK to BULLY!
This is just one person’s opinion. I will attempt to maintain a civil tone and not name names. FWISD somehow went sideways following the federal indictments of 2004. It is my understanding that some involved in those indictments were not prosecuted. As a result, those individuals came to view themselves as “bullet proof”. I believe it was at this point that the notion of the Board being tied to the decisions of management and against the interests of students, parents and teachers took root. I believe this is a false and incorrect premise. According to FWISD School Board Policy, under Board Legal Status, Powers and Duties: “The Trustees, as a body corporate, have the exclusive power and duty to govern and
ReplyDeleteoversee the management of the public schools of the District.” The Board is to oversee manage and govern. The Board (save for one member and her allies) have not done this is years. Therein lies the problem. I believe the facts have shown time and time again that the Board (at least most of the Board) has been misinformed and at times intentionally mislead on a wide range of issues by other Board Members, the Superintendent, senior staff and attorneys (both staff and outside). The Office of Professional Standards has (allegedly) repeatedly lied, falsified evidence, documents, records and reports in an effort to support whatever agenda the Super and that Board Member have set. Taxpayer dollars have been squandered to the tune of tens of millions on legal fees, red-herring educational” programs, and consultants. The Board has sat on their hands while countless lives – both of employees and of children – have been intentionally destroyed. If the City Fathers and Mothers, along with the Chamber of Commerce REALLY wanted to preserve FWISD and in
fact turn around student performance, I would suggest they start by asking the four longest serving Board members to immediately resign. In their place, we need stakeholders: people committed to and who have a vested interest in educating children, and retaining the BEST and brightest. We cannot be led by Board Members who actually believe children can study effectively on a two hour bus ride to school. We need to rid ourselves of ALL retire/rehires and end that practice. We need to accept that the Broad Foundation is not the final word in education.
We need to come to grips with the fact that we are an inner city school
district. Most importantly, the overwhelming NEPOTISM has got to end. Stop appointing Principals based on who their parents or in-laws are. Reduce central office personnel by 20% across the board and commit that money to campuses. This transformation will require a mass shake-up of senior staff. I dare say that no one above the Director level should be spared. In truth, NO ONE respects them anyway. Many were hired and/or promoted because of who they know – not because of their experience or ability. This could be a phased transition, but it must be rapid and complete. The Board must have blinders on to the special interests who covet school property at the expense of children (Farrington Field). Finally, be transparent about everything! Even the most painful. TAKE CHARGE! Stop wasting time money and effort on senseless litigation. We are educators – let us teach.
Wow. The very first comment to Dr. Sutherland's blog is yet another veiled threat to her to keep quiet. And who cares if a Board Member has a college degree or not? That alone was the dead give away that this was a threat. That same argument was used against Ms. Paz in her election. The rest may have degrees but they have no ethics. Linares had no right (legal or otherwise) to speak to Dr. Sutherland or any other Board Member in such a condescending tone. Bullying is out of control in FWISD and it starts with the Board and Super. How else did Robbins first run against Needham and then get his own "district"?
ReplyDeleteThis afternoon Dr. Sutherland's blog page went blank. We are trying to find out what occurred because it seems weird.
ReplyDeleteProbably threatened by those desperately trying to keep things covered up and business as usual -getting rich on the back of children and parents who cannot fight these mountains of greed and power. The corruption is so deep politicians won't touch it, school board members rather turn a deaf ear, media is afraid and the city council ignores it.
ReplyDeleteNo one questions the city's own school district??? Really??? Fort Worth...Carlos was right...it is the Fort Worth way...board has been bought and paid for!
Needham, Robbins, Sims and Moss must step down or face a State or Federal investigation. MJ needs to go the hell back to California and take as many of her folks as possible. Though at TCU, she is obviously continuing to spread her poison to Linares and others. We began a downhill spiral under her which is only continuing, Sorum, Breed, and all the rest. For God's sake end all these ridiculous law suits starting with Palzzo. And don't say its not the Board's decision because it is.
ReplyDeleteThis may have been because of the storm in CA. Homestead is based in San Francsico. I'm checking.
ReplyDeleteSorum and Arispe running the show...employees fear them. Both promoting their friends that will continue with the cover ups. Sorum will be next Super. Do not be fooled. Remember how the people went crazy before Moses came down the mountain? Worshipping the Golden Gods...that is Sorum. Well, we all know what happened next...stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteGod is watching this fiasco...
I agree. Scary times ahead for employees "when" Sorum becomes the Supt. He has no regard for staff, only to push his own agenda. Breed is licking her chops. I intend to leave this June. INOK? What a joke. Bullying is alive and well in FWISD.
ReplyDeleteBullying in FWISD became an art form with the arrival of MJ. TCU made a huge mistake and FWISD continues to pay the price. The picture above says it all: Dumb and Dumber. Barbara Griffin needs to wither move into the city or take her propaganda with her.
ReplyDeleteSorum as Superintendent will be the final act of collapse for FWISD. Breed is the nail in the coffin. It is unconscionable that these two rose to their positions and may even continue. This is the legacy of Needham, MJ, Linares, Ray, down, down, down our kids go.................. Self-servers like Tatum have only aided them.
ReplyDeletePlease explain why my child came home today talking about Jewish customs??? Now she wants to be Jewish, she's 7! We cannot talk about Christainity, yet we can teach Jewish customs in FWISD?! Sutherland, please address this!
ReplyDeleteThe law is that a school is allowed to talk about all religions in an informative way, not in a "preachy" way. They probably reviewed Chanukah--I'll bet they also go over Christmas. If not let me know.
ReplyDeleteDr. Sutherland, As a retiree, thank you for having the courage to acknowledge that this is a problem. Bullying is rampant throughout FWISD. Denying it exists as I witnessed Needham, Robbins, Ray and Linares do at the Palazzolo trial is disingenuous - to be polite. It is a lie. The way to stop bullying (retaliation) is for the Board to start acting like managers and begin supervising the Superintendent and administration. You have to stand up to Needham, Robbins and the special interests. You HAVE to enforce Board policy. I have watched far too many talented teachers leave FWISD because of bullying and nepotism. Teachers live in fear because they KNOW they will be retaliated against if they report something. OPS is a complete joke. Board members who sponsor friends who are not even certified in teaching/coaching positions (as at AHHS); girlfriends; relatives; relatives of friends, are destroying this ISD from within as much as texting pictures of yourself in bed with staff members. The Board needs to ask the tough questions and stop acting like a rubber stamp for administration. That is NOT how ISD's are supposed to be run. You have got to hold the Superintendent accountable. Continuing to allow individuals to hold senior positions who have PROVEN they cannot deliver, is simply wrong.
ReplyDeleteWe are actively looking for the picture of former AHHS Athletic Director Isabel Perry in bed with FWISD School Board Member Judy Needham which was taken by Perry and texted by her to AHHS coaches and teachers during the school day in 2010. This has to be published. Anyone reading this who has not deleted it, please forward to CIA.
ReplyDeleteWe are asking Joe P to speak to teachers and employees on our campus about retaliation and bullying within FWISD. Many of the tactics FWISD used against him are still being used against others. More victims need to come forward - even anonymously - so we can take this to lawmakers. We are finally going to get SOMEONE to clean up this ISD.
ReplyDeleteAs long as MJ is in Fort Worth, the children of FWISD are in danger. Along with Needham, she is continuing to spread her twisted, uninformed and unsuccessful brand of "education". Linares was in the tank with them long ago. No coincidence that after the Palazzolo trial and their "testimony", Robbins became Board President and Linares was brought in to replace Dansby. So Sorum will be Super, Breed does who knows what, and children will continue to suffer. Rumor is, Cecelia Spear is being recruited to run against Ann. We should be able to rally many current and former employees to take a stand against Spear. Palazzolo trial produced several items proving her lack of credibility.
ReplyDeleteLest we forget other Board Members who support MJ's agenda such as the wise old Board "sage" and "educator" who thinks a two hour bus ride to school is a time for students to practice "time management" and study. That's right. Tobi Jackson. Who could forget this infamous quote:
ReplyDelete"East Side trustee Tobi Jackson, a strong supporter of the
superintendent, said that Fort Worth and the district “lost big today.”
http://www.fwweekly.com/2011/05/19/breaking-news-melody-johnson-to-resign/
Dr. Sullivan and any other Board Member listening; you have no idea what is like coming to work each day in fear. Having a panic attack in the shower or in your car sitting in the parking lot. Karma will come back on people like Needham, Robbins, Jackson, MJ, Linares, Sorum and the rest. You will be called to answer to for what you have done to others. My heart breaks at what I have seen these people do to others.
ReplyDeleteSorum is "out" in that anyone who knows him, knows he is gay (trips to the South of France etc.). So when will MJ finally come out?
ReplyDeleteBreed looks like she just walked off the set of "The Living Dead".
ReplyDeleteDr. Sutherland, it’s refreshing to see you interacting with the public and hearing the concerns. Thank you for being accessible.
ReplyDeleteI do have a question - how is it that FWISD keeps resurrecting these old, former district employees (Mary Jane Marshall, Angelini and Linares) who have no new ideas and cannot give us a road map to make change? The board and the district SAY that they want CHANGE and success for our kids. Yeah, right! Whose bright ideas was it to
bring the Queen of Mean back? Dr. Linares is a BIG BULLY and you all know it. She is tactless, rude and just serving as a “figure head” while collecting $150, 000 for six months. What was the requirement to serve as interim? Be home, in retirement and willing to collect a hefty check? Oh, yeah…be willing to intimidate and rough talk hard working people doing their jobs. The Board has to be KIDDING! Worst move yet!
FWISD is never going to get ahead and win until the Board becomes brave enough to do some radical things to bring great administrators, get rid of poor teachers (who have files a mile long in OPS), support it’s principals and allow them to be free of Mr. Poole and his TEACHER ORGANIZATION. What part of non-union state does he need to be made aware of? What type of devilish strong hold does he have on FWISD and upper management? He co-runs the district. Pitiful! Well, I will stop here but will say KUDOS on hiring Dr. Boyd! He may be the out-of-the-box choice that’s needed to help FWISD FINALLY become a progressive district.