So we have Mr. Cole who is so opposed to the "alternative lifestyle" that God never gave anyone an alternative life. In 2015 we continue to fight the battles of old because of someone who has his own opinion, we all have the right to it. But now as someone who wants to represent 86,000 students, opposed to the policies already established by the district? We teach children, we don't question their home life or who they are because our task it to teach not preach. We guide our students to make better choices but we don't impose our beliefs on them, that's for the parents to decide.
Shame that we have Ramos supporting a homophobe and Tobi is no better in rejecting the very students she swears she supports.
What a dark future awaits our district with the leaders we have.. leaders is too grand of a word for the dark hate they have in their hearts.
District Policy
http://www.dallasvoice.com/61711-1061711.html
Homophobe! We need to keep him and his fake church off the board!
ReplyDeleteAll I can do is shake my head...what Shame, can you that is the truth?
ReplyDeleteWhy wasn't this type of imformation included in the Star-Telegram's write-up about the race? Surely this is newsworthy!
ReplyDeleteSad for our lgbt youth everywhere...coach surfing, being beat up by parents, kicked out of homes, living on the streets. Is this truly Jesus speaking? Open your hearts...you may have a child listening, possibly even your own child, grandchild, niece, student, someone sitting in your church.
ReplyDeleteSad...
Amen! Tobi is no better.
ReplyDeleteBecause the Star-Telegram is such a pillar of truth!?!?! Seriously, get out of your bubble! The Star-Telegram chooses to report what to report or did you actually think it just covers everything? Perhaps you live in a magical kingdom with Mickey Mouse too? Anyone remember marching in Austin a few years back to "Support Our Schools?" Well, I do and I was there! Anyone recall the Star-Telegram's coverage of that event? Hmm...? Let me refresh your memory; I think it was something like: "a disappointing turn out with fewer than 3000" yeah total bull shit! I was there and I can tell you that it was everything but a disappointment! I stopped reading the Star-Telegram that day! What is disappointing is that some people still think they report the "entire" truth!
ReplyDeleteWhere are all the heroes? Why doesn't anyone here ever consider a run? The worst that could happen is the truth would have to be confronted. We do still have freedom of speech, in spite of the bullies.
ReplyDeleteIt only took FWISD 4 years to provide GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) training to counselors and intervention specialist. Cabinet and admin leaders too scared to train entire district on lgbt staff and student protection policies, thinking INOK is the answer to all bullying. How many more suicides that to occur? How many more student have to skip school for fear of verbal abuse by campus staff or students? It is 2015, we live in a city that claims to be accepting of the LGBT community! Why not our schools? This is SICK and so is Mr. Cole's video!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Cole's signs are posted on churches. Didn't think churches could step into politics but could be wrong. Can anyone clarify it for us..?
ReplyDeleteinteresting read for my fellow historians. The man many admire about protecting rights.. was himself anti-immigrant.
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2014/03/cesar_chavezs_illegal_undocumented_immigrants.php
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/cesar-chavez-wetbacks-immigrants-illegals_n_3008985.html
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ9jIXHhFJI
ReplyDeleteIs that where the CRAB mentality came from? Sounds about right!
ReplyDeleteThis is the future of latinos in Fort Worth, depending on the support of Tatum and friends..
ReplyDeleteguess tobi could not afford her new signs and brought old ones. Notice who is in the crowd and her reaction.. Guess brown skin scares her or hates being there..
ReplyDeleteWe hear her campaign strategy is to tell lies about other candidates since she has nothing to back her up. Says district progress has increased 60% since she has been board member. From where?
It's in his blood to sell out to the highest bidder.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can offer is school board races are NON-PARTISAN. It does not bother me if candidates are receiving support from their religious community. If we look to history, Martin Luther King, a minister and civil rights leader, raised the country's consciousness through his speeches from a variety of pulpits. This pre-dates the Hatch Act as I recall. Does anyone remember a time when we all played outside in our neighborhoods and every mother in the neighborhood kept a watchful eye out for all of the kids? How quickly things have changed for all of us as parents and/or grandparents. Whether it is the role of schools in practice or theory, our schools play an important role in children's lives besides just an education. I'm not talking about imparting values but providing a safe and civil environment. Don't attack me for what I'm about to say....but in today's culture, it does take a village. We need to somehow find a way to bridge the old with the new in order to provide a better sense of community for the sake of our children.
ReplyDeleteLinda, get active and WIN. Your closeted oponent is more dangerous than Cole. Even more dangerous are the closeted admin folks in charge of kids. Hiding and living in their 1980's mentality allowing youth of today to continue to suffer.
ReplyDeleteSpecial Ops- Well, unlike the current members of our BOE some of us still need the income of our current employer. (FWISD) Since that's a huge conflict of interest, that's not happening anytime soon. Also, there's a great deal of $$ needed to campaign and that's no small price ticket either. Although I'm sure many of us educators would gladly welcome someone with first-hand knowledge of what needs to be fixed and with morals and ethics to boot! Unfortunately it's far too unlikely that that would happen!
ReplyDeleteOps, FWISD employees are prohibited by district policy from running for the board in Ft. Worth. We can run and serve on the boards of other districts we live in if elected. Because of that we must rely on others to run, get elected and help straighten this board and the district out. With the exceptions of Linda LaBeau and Ann Sutherland none of the other candidates will do that if elected.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Get out and start campaigning Linda! there plenty of Teachers. Employees and Parents in your District desperately wanting to topple Needham. Need a SCARY wakeup call? Look at her picture in the Star T. Get some signs up, call some of us and we will walk door to door. If you are really going to run, then RUN!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I have been waiting for the Forum for you to actually hear from me on a variety of issues. I welcome any and all assistance as I intend to walk neighborhoods with volunteers with campaign materials and will need help with proper placement of signs. You can reach me at 817.602.5446. I don't want to create voter fatigue. While I agree it is time for candidates with new ideas and a change of culture in central administration, I also wonder what is happening with the bond proposal dollars which haven't been spent on improving campus classrooms and bathrooms, etc. As well as the issue over Ferguson Field and the conflict of interest in moving the Young Women's Academy. Believe me I am doing my homework on as many issues facing the district. For example, other state publications are writing about how TX. writes twice as many truancy tickets as any other state creating hardships on families and students by creating criminal records (Truancy is a class C misdeamoner) which prevents students from getting jobs or into trade school or college of their choice. I definitely believe the intimidation and retaliation against employees to include teachers & principals must stop immediately. As witnessed in the Palazzolo case, Joe brought forth damning information only to be fired twice with central administration and the board covering up the facts to the district and taxpayers. We have a code of conduct for students but seem to turn a blind eye to a "code of conduct" for adults running the district. Children see this in their schools. Is it any wonder they challenge authority?
ReplyDeleteAsk and you shall receive. The IRS Tax Code for non-profits (not just churches) is crystal clear. Just visit this link (or Google it yourself and you'll find similar posts). Any non-profit violating the Code is at risk of losing their non-profit status, but enforcement is lax. I guess all of Cole's cronies believe they are above following the laws of our country. Apparently law breaking doesn't bother Linda either, based on her post below:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501%28c%29%283%29-Tax-Exempt-Organizations
Yes Linda, where are your signs? The election is near and I only know what I read here. We must have change and most people unfortunately aren't as informed as they should be. Hell, I think many choose not to be informed for whatever reason and for those of us who ARE well... Linda if you don't start actively campaigning, we are doomed to repeat the same FWISD corruption and complacency that stifles progress and success for our students!
ReplyDeleteStop waiting for forums and start calling the people who said they would help.
ReplyDeleteCole doesn't hide the fact that all the churches he knows are behind him. He has signs on their property. Religion or not, ethics is an issue
ReplyDeleteI didn't say it doesn't bother me, what I said is I didn't believe violations of Hatch Act was part of a non-partisan election. Is it ethical to use your church community? This is something I would have to further research. Again, I don't know candidate Cole. If he his platform is "hate speech" or infers "hate speech" that is an ethical issue and not aligned with my interpretation of being Christian. There are far too many issues involving covering up fiscal mismanagement to include the bond and retaliation against employees and teachers as well as the litigation expenses to $400 hr. attorneys with no oversight or management of defense funds leaving FWISD without malpractice insurance placing the general fund at the disposal of defense litigation to drain this district funds. I guarantee you no malpractice insurance company would be paying $400 an hour to defense attorneys. FWST did not mention any of this in their reporting about candidates knowledge of this important issue or the bungling of hiring a new Superintendent. Then, is anyone out there questioning the Needham/Leonard relationship and the similarities between the contentiousness at the Water Board and the School Board?Ummm...this seems more than a coincidence. Talk about being attached at the hip....pardon the pun!
ReplyDeletecheck out information on a church's role in elections. They are not to endorse any candidate. So it seems the rules are not being followed by Mr. Cole. As he says that many pastors have endorse him, did they hold forums with all candidates before making a decision?
ReplyDeletehttp://greatermeadowbrooknews.com/politics.html
Linda, here are the exact words you wrote, so please own them: "It does not bother me if candidates are receiving support from their religious community." Your example of MLK doesn't hold water, because he wasn't campaigning for office, but Cole is, and he and his fellow preachers are breaking the law, plain and simple. Also, the Hatch Act has nothing to do with this situation. The IRS tax code is really not all that difficult to understand. Take five minutes to read it yourself. It's about as black and white as a code can get. It's sickening to think that people running for public office don't understand basic laws like this or believe their standing in the community makes them immune.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. I have not read the tax code on this issue. Your comment asks me to do my homework. May I ask you to refer me to the proper section of the IRS code in order to do that? The last time I had a tax issue I was overwhelmed by how convoluted the code actually is. So some assistance would be appreciated? There is a controversy which I am researching related to the issues raised which I will post later. I would like some feedback from this group after I post. In the meantime, I want to share a minor harassment experienced this week. The last time I ran against Ms. Needham, soon after my first announcement I had to park my car on the street in front of my home. I live in a very quiet neighborhood with little vandalism....even TPing trees is unusual....BUT I had a brick thrown through my driver side window the night my car was parked outside. More than a coincidence? This week the water department knocked on my door to tell me an anonymous person had complained to the water department about running our sprinkler system every day. This is not true but I didn't argue with the water department person. I fully understand the need for water conservation...my son runs part of the environmental dept. in the State of Michigan and my daughter in law worked for Clean Water Action before becoming a stay at home mom....I am left to believe this is a minor form of harassment from "anonymous" as part of the loyal opposition. Once again, .we've never before been sighted for this or anything else. Am I getting paranoid? The feedback from this group has been very informative and useful. I'm still waiting to hear from those who will help with "getting the word out" on my candidacy. You can reach me at 817.602.5446. I need help with sign placement and other small tasks.
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear more from you off line about your perception of this issue. You can reach me at lindalabeau@sbcglobal.net or by cell phone 817.602.5446.
ReplyDeleteI did see the photo and article. It was curious why FWST chose to start with her district. However, I wasn't pleased with my photo either! And I wrote to the reporter about the bio facts omitted from my "blurb" such things like being married 24 yrs to a retired AF colonel and current LM Senior Manager JSF35 program, 3 children educated in Dist. 5 from 1991 to 2010, experience with the award of a mediation contract with TEA, knowledge of education law for learning disabled and profoundly disabled children and other laws pertaining to general education and a 13 year appointment by Com. of Insurance to a board of directors for malpractice insurance state agency being selected as VP of board of directors with audit experience and chairman of search committee to hire new Executive Director. While Ms. Needham's bio touted her fundraising, etc. Does anyone know if Ms. Needham has actually raised money for FWISD for educational efforts? I know she got behind having artificial turf at AHHS after Pascal "turfed" their fields but I am not aware of anything she has done to benefit the classroom during her 18 yrs of service. Please advise.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct....I did say it doesn't bother me....etc. I trust you know more than I do on this matter. May I ask were the endorsements made in print and/or by hand shake...one on one? I've participated in 3 interviews. I have only gotten one response in writing indicating candidates the organization was endorsing in writing for other districts but not naming who they endorse for District 5. Since I stopped reading FWST long ago after they refused to accurately write about J.P. case and when Linda Campbell was part of staff. So unless endorsements are linked to writings here ...as FWST does not allow reading it online through going directly to their site...I really don't place much credence to their writing on FWISD education. At one point I was hearing Yamil...the new reporter....was doing a better than previous FWST efforts. However after leading the candidate info article with Needham and giving her more print than other districts, it appeared her editor was not allowing equal time to challengers and tilting toward incumbents....but that was just my perception...but as they say perception is reality
ReplyDeleteMay I ask a sensitive question? Do you feel administration lgbt senior personnel is contributing to this issue concerning student awareness through open support or do you feel they are dividing the lgbt community? Something I did not share in my bio is I trained with Masters and Johnson in the 80's through late 80's and have written sex ed curriculums but have to admit when I began facilitation and mediation careers have not kept up with sex ed or therapy through continuing education.
ReplyDeleteYes, the only support has been a group called lgbtq saves. The president has provided many resources for me and my family.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am in class.
http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501%28c%29%283%29-Tax-Exempt-Organizations
ReplyDeleteGoogle: irs non-profit political. This link is the clearest, but others go into even more detail.
Want examples? Here's one for tonight where he is hosting a campaig event at the non-profit Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Just drive by many churches between Rosedale and 287 to see his big campaign yard signs posted at their entrances. Why isn't anyone outside this blog up in arms about this? The law is the law.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder-Tomorrow--Sultan-Cole--Speaks-at-5pm-at-Prince-Hall-Grand-Lodge.html?soid=1116334797825&aid=nc-6Y8XRmLs
When I hear and read this blog, I too get worried about the outcome of the FWISD race. Because you post so frequently, can I give you some facts about what is happening in District 5? Needham will win if I cannot get more help.....which once again no one here in a professional capacity will step up to be my campaign manager. I have written my campaign literature, bio, signs are being prepared, I have reached out to ALL opportunities to address organizations traditional and non-traditional to present my platform and of course filled in FWST candidate bio and issues form. FWST minimal presentation of my background while talking up Needham starting with Needham (WHY?) gives me the impression her base is mobilized and she only places signs where the city probably would remove mine....gives me impression the FIX is in downtown. Right or wrong the candidate you're complaining about is at least getting his message out and if he is preaching homophobia, he does not deserve to win. FWISD employees, teachers, and taxpayers have to devote their energy toward getting the challenged incumbents ousted with the exception of Ann Sutherland. You can complain all you want about her "waffling" but electing Speer would be terrible for our public education. The ethics issues can be challenged after the fact. There is a process to nullify a winning candidate who is ethically challenged. Getting rid of Needham has to be the focus. She is polarizing, corrupt, and self serving. My sole purpose for opposing her is to bring quality public education back to FTW and correct the malfeasance of central administration. I have no interest in raising my social status or running for future office in Fort Worth politics. Every child in Fort Worth must be provided a quality education....the kind I got and my kids got....when teachers were given the support to provide classroom instruction. The fiscal mismanagement of this district borders on the criminal. Taxpayers must raise their awareness whether they educate/educated their children in public education or not. This district is paying $400 an hour to an attorney to defend the indefensible. There are forces behind the scenes with the desire to drain public money for the purpose of gutting public education in Fort Worth,Texas. These matters as I have stated here should concern every taxpayer. Getting rid of Needham is my priority and I hope is yours. Stay focused on the sole purpose of bringing quality public education to our children. This will require electing candidates with INTEGRITY and passion for our City and our Children.
ReplyDeletePlease contact me....817.602.5446.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you're preaching to the choir here. You know there is real documented evidence out there of Needham's malicious, unethical behavior. Publish it. Let the world know what a harpy she really is and the damage she has done to the district. It may go against your nature but does she deserve to be treated any differently? Somewhere out there is a picture of her and the AD from AHHS taken at her house, in her bed during school hours when the AD should have been working. Find it and put it out there. You heard her perjured testimony at the trial. Show how she perjured herself. You CAN WIN if you are willing to expose her for everything bad that she is.
ReplyDeleteI do not disagree with any of your statements here regarding Ms. Needham's lifestyle behavior and choices. Ms. Needham's intimidation and over lording towards fellow board members and central administration as is her non-responsiveness to parent complaints, cozyness with "chosen" people at schools she has responsibility in oversight, promoting non credentialed people and continuing nepotism within administration is well known and worth discussion. Because of her vindictiveness towards her alternative lifestyle community while also promoting hiring those chosen within her community is a delicate matter which could make her even more vindictive. Therefore these "alternative lifestyle" issues have to be handled carefully by anyone. Staying with the FACTS about her lack of fiduciary duty, fiscal mismanagement, manipulation of the bond package and her lack of new ideas....how much money has she raised in her role as fundraiser toward the benefit of FWISD classrooms? She has no new ideas. She has no skill set. She does not work well with others. She falls asleep at board meetings and does not do her homework to benefit District 5 forward progress. She conveniently "doesn't remember" when she is called on the carpet or "wasn't informed" such as at the Tanglewood parent meeting when it was suggested to change the bond agenda affecting Tanglewood elementary school. These are the issues to focus on. When you compare and contrast Needham's and Leonard issues at the Tarrant Co. Water board and the issues at FWISD, there are striking similarities. This should be concerning to the City fathers, City government, the Chamber and the DA's corruption division with emphasis on abuse of taxpayer funds. These matters - to shine a bright light on - in this local election and should increase voter turnout for this election. Matters concerning her misbehavior surrounding her lifestyle choice is a diversionary tactic which takes away from the most important issues "NO NEW IDEAS to remedy financial losses and resources for teachers and the classroom to improve public education. Have you considered there is an undercurrent locally and within the State to gut funding to public schools through diverting resources to Charter Schools and "special" campuses? We must stay focused on providing a free, appropriate public education to ALL children in Fort Worth....not just "special projects".
ReplyDeletePls stop using words like LIFESTYLE AND ALTERNATIVE. we need leaders that know what they are talking about NOW, not in 1980!
ReplyDeleteI'm almost 68 y.o. So please tell me what words are used today to describe "alternative lifestyle" terms in polite conversation in 80's? I've been married twice. First time around 12 years....then single 11 years....then in 1991 married second time. Now married 24 years to retired AF man...Google him, Michael H....But back to your point....tell me the socially appropriate words in your opinion I can use. Or if you prefer call me 817.602.5446.
ReplyDeleteI apologize if I wasn't clear. The picture isn't about her personal life but about the fact that she condoned a district employee leaving her work to come to her house and then allowing the employee to post about it. The other issues you are right about . I feel you need to hit her hard on these. When I say hard I mean hard enough to dent the metal hard. I feel that she keeps getting reelected not because the people of her district think she's doing such a great job but because they don't know just what a terrible job she has done. I also know that it will take a lot of door to door, meet and greet work but you can do this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for clarifying. As one supporter advised....Come out swinging against Needham. Not to worry all you've suggested is coming together with volunteers. What is so cool is I have so many young people willing to walk with me, etc.
ReplyDeleteI asked a trusted friend to look at what is happening at FWISD.... someone outside FTW. He wrote to me that Tx. Tribune has a website which reports stats, etc on ISDs throughout state. His opinion after reviewing Tx. Tribune website. FWISD is poorest performing urban ISD in state. Board is divided creating lowering standards of education in Fort Worth. This from a trusted retired executive outside FWT with no stake in weighing in. I suggest everyone who posts here to view Tx. Tribune website on the state of education in Texas with emphasis on FWISD administration and board function. I have gone so far as to write to the education writer Mary Smith, Tx. Trib. Flood her with what you know and encourage her to write about all of your concerns here in a Statewide publication. Fort Worth city fathers hate truth leaking out into other parts of our great state. Use your anger wisely....like a sword to cut through the finite or infinite bs....whatever your perspective about the issues ciafwisd/blog brings to attention here...I think everyone here knows I have provided DOE Office of Civil Rights attorney, Tiffany Grey with factual information as early as 2010-11. TEA has pursued investigating FWISD. I have asked for Open Records on TEA reports. You can write to TEA IG and State Auditor and Comptroller to expose waste of taxpayer dollars. Keep hammering on the table until you're heard. It takes many No-s to get to YES. Push on and don't stop. I heard Mr. Cole at Saturday morning forum on North Side breakfast. He speaks passionately about educating our children but it is clear he does not know how to correct the issues here. AND I did not hear him talking "homophobia" Saturday morning. I will say he is a Salesman.....The uninformed will be drawn to his salesmanship....but can he deliver quality education ideas to the classroom. Does he actually understand how to "play well with others?" If the incumbents are not retired, FWISD will get more of same.
ReplyDeleteI read the IRS site above. It refers to 501.(C3) There are specific restriction to this section to non-profits and charities with this rating on political speech. However, there are many versions to IRS 501C 4) and other regulations in the 501 section pertaining to what organizations can and cannot do with whichever 501 category. See why it is so complicated doing your own taxes if you itemize? The tax code is complicated. One section restricts and another permits. School board races are NON Partisan making reference to tax code can get so complicated. I've said earlier Mr. Sultan is a great salesman so I don't think you can stop him if you do not know what classification his church/charity falls into based on tax code. BUT a better question is would his charity pass an audit?....the old follow the money....tactic. Mr. Sultan can SAY what he wants because we have the freedom of speech in this great country. Does he have real solutions? I didn't hear any Saturday morning? For one thing he does not seem to have knowledge based teaching skills. He does not understand child development in learning. He does not know the neuropsychology of the how and why kids learn at different rates, particularly in early education. But he sells himself well to the untrained person but let me say again, Saturday morning, he made no reference to "homophobia". For the hunters out there, you want a hunting dog who races into the field, stops, and puts his ears up and his nose trained to sniff out his game. I'm the daughter of a quail hunter with many hours and miles quail hunting. You don't want your bird dog chasing rabbits. Mr. Cole chases too many rabbits. He's no trained professional in education.
ReplyDelete