Following submission of questions regarding allegations made on www.letstakeastand.com, the school board has responded to FYN. A partial submission was made by Wendy Lowe, board chair, who deflected criticism regarding the “transfer” of iPads from the school system to the Joy House which is managed by her husband Steve Lowe.It’s been almost a year since that transaction took place but she was able to produce documentation about how that occurred. The school system did not “give” their iPads to the Joy House. What happened was the school system received $1 million in federal Title I funds which stipulate that two local charities who cater to neglected and/or delinquent children are to receive a portion of that.

That portion was slightly over $11,000 of which the Good Shepherd Ranch received $2700 and the Joy House was allotted $8600. The disproportionate figures are due to the percentage of students the two entities serve and the funds were delineated by the Title I program to direct that money into education/technology. The Joy House chose iPads and some additional technology while the Good Shepherd Ranch decided upon foreign language programs and additional curriculum material.

At Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, Lowe, Byron Long and Peggy Andrews committed to submitting answers to the questions as they’re able to research and do so. Superintendent Dr. Lula Perry hasn’t responded nor has Board Member Mike Cowart, who was out of town. Dan Fincher stated he will answer those questions he doesn’t feel have been directed by attorney Mark Miller, administrator of www.letstakeastand.com.

May 5, 2014:

FYN questioned the publishing of a website this week after hitting obstacle after obstacle seeking answers about rumors swirling throughout the community. Those rumors appear to have coalesced into the creation of this website making various allegations against the Pickens County School system. FYN asked if it was truth, fiction or dirty politics. A couple of sources have finally stepped forward with some answers.

A source that didn’t wish to be revealed sent a reply to us stating,

“This has been going on for a long while, and it coincides with the election because some people are finally fed up and trying to create change. It’s not dirty politics. It’s just the truth that most are still afraid to speak.”

Upon interviewing website creator and administrator Jasper attorney Mark Miller, this source’s allegations that this is the culmination of a long chain of events that has finally reached a critical point were confirmed. Miller said as the complaints have piled up and the elections have drawn closer the time has come for the public to learn the true nature of the long-reach of the board and central office employees of the Pickens County School system.

“It’s time to make changes in the people running our school system and now’s that time. ‘Lets Take a Stand’ are a group of people fed up with the clandestine conduct of the school board and central office,”

he claimed. As the sole voice willing to speak on the record for the others, Miller feels he’s a tool by which those who are intimidated may voice their concerns and he in turn can investigate the claims.

Miller stands behind the allegations he makes on the website. He relayed,

“I am confident what I’ve said is accurate. No one from the district has contacted me regarding the accuracy of what was said. They may not like it, but they’re not disputing it.”

The spokesman, per se, was quick to point out that he’s had no contact with any of the candidates, incumbent or challengers, and that they are in no way involved with the group for which he speaks so it appears that FYN’s questions regarding dirty politics were unfounded. He was also adamant there is no litigation from this group pending or planned as far as he’s aware.

Charges on the website include:
• The current superintendent contract defrauds the retirement system
• The budget as presented by the board to the public is not accurate nor truthful
• Central office salaries are out of control
• The promotion of one principal to the central office was unwarranted and sends a controversial message
• Excessive executive sessions indicate possible misconduct

As awareness of the website has increased and is “going viral” within the community, numerous charges have been brought to light. Anonymous comments seem to share the same themes as those listed above but expand the scope of the allegations. Please see the comments at this link:

http://www.letstakeastand.com/contact-form.html

In the meantime, FYN has submitted a list of questions to Superintendent Dr. Lula Perry and all board members. In the interest of allowing time for the answers to be researched and replies made FYN has allotted them time. However, due to the severity of the accusations this news organization felt it necessary to update the original story prior to those answers being received.

Previous article, posted May 5, 2014:

A website regarding Pickens County Schools has been posted alleging fraud, misconduct, nepotism and unethical behavior aimed at the current administration. Is this the start of a new direction for Pickens County school students or is this dirty politics? The timing of the publishing of the site and the impending May 20th primaries is questionable.

Without an identifiable source listed on the site, FYN is seeking answers from whomever can answer questions. After beginning an investigation into second-hand rumors regarding teacher morale, employee turnover and harassment from the central office, FYN has hit brick wall after brick wall attempting to obtain information.

We have learned that 145 employees have left the district since July 2012 through retirement (27), terminations (8) and resignations (94). Two left without reasons listed. In the same time frame neighboring Dawson County only lost a total of 37 employees.

All that information is public record. What hasn’t happened is transparency, as promised on the district’s website. Calls to Dr. Perry and principals have been unanswered. Requests for teachers and system employees to speak on or off the record have gone unanswered. Is it fear of repercussion as this/these persons assert?

Please see the following link:

Lets Take a Stand