Dot Woodfin Admits Ethical Violation
Ms. Woodfin outright agrees that she violated a conflict of interest provision in a state statute. Ms. Woodfin seems to be under the impression that her ignorance of the ethical standard means that there was no violation of the standard.
Q: Do you agree that [HISD's] finding that there is a conflict of interest in violation of the statement government code was wrong ...This ethical violation relates to Ms. Woodfin's 12% ownership in a company named MindOH! LLC. While Ms. Woodfin was an HISD employee, this company earned nearly $200,000 in revenue from the school district. HISD investigators determined that this was a conflict of interest. We are shocked to see Ms. Woodfin suggest that her ignorance of this ethical standard is a mitigating factor.
Ms. Woodfin: Had I had knowledge of the protocol of this policy, I would agree ...
Q: Which protocol are you talking about? Standard Practice Memorandum 4168?
Ms. Woodfin: The one that you're speaking of here, which I -- if a person owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or shares of a business entity, prior to this, I had no knowledge of that.
::
Dot Woodfin Fails to Comply with Houston Independent School District Standards
Below are several examples of HISD standards that Ms. Woodfin failed to comply with:
HISD Standard:
"If an administrative employee of HISD or a member of his or her immediate family is an officer, agent, or a member of or owns a substantial legal or beneficial interest in any corporation, firm, partnership or other business entity doing business with HISD or its affiliate organizations, he or she shall file a sworn statement with the HISD Board of Education Secretary disclosing such interest."
Ms. Woodfin admits she never filed the required statement:
Q: Did you ever file a sworn statement with the HISD Board of Education Secretary disclosing your interest in MindOH!?
Ms. Woodfin: No.
--
HISD Standard:
"It is strongly suggested for the protection of the administrator that any administrator having any interest, regardless of how small, seek written clarification concerning possible conflicts of interest."
Again, Ms. Woodfin admits that she didn't seek the recommended clarification of this HISD Standard:
Q: Is it true that you never sought written clarification concerning your possible conflict of interest between your involvement in MindOH! and your position at HISD?
Ms. Woodfin: Yes.
--
HISD Standard:
"It is recommended that any administrative employee in doubt about a potential conflict of this nature [transactions with other entities in which the employee has a position or interest] seek written clarification concerning any transaction or potential transaction which might create a conflict of interest."
You get the idea. Ms. Woodfin admits she didn't bother to get this clarification either:
Q: It's true that you never sought written clarification concerning any transaction or potential transaction with MindOH! with respect to whether it might create a conflict of interest?
Ms. Woodfin: Yes.
::
Ms. Woodfin Doesn't Understand Accountability Systems
Long after Ms. Woodfin was in the eye of the metaphorical ethical storm that culminated in an unflattering article in the Houston Chronicle, Ms. Woodfin still did not understand the ethical standards HISD accused her of violating. This lack of knowledge suggests to TGS Watch that Ms. Woodfin had little interest in learning about the ethical standards.
Ms. Woodfin: I don't understand these [HISD ethics] circulars, the Accountability System, the Texas Local Government Code, Section 16 of the Special Act of 1923 because I do not know what those state.TGS Watch believes that the Houston Independent School District is a professional organization. We've got to believe that HISD offers ethics training to its employees. Regardless, most ethical standards are common sense. We can't imagine that anyone could fail to see the MindOH! transaction as ethically dubious.1 A good employee will know when s/he is approaching the boundaries of unethical conduct and will seek clarification and advice. Ms. Woodfin seems to have a strange lack of curiosity about the ethical standards she was subject to.
==
TGS Watch is utterly amazed that not only did Ms. Woodfin fail to provide required disclosures and other clarifications, she seems to have no interest at all in ethical standards. We can only hope that things have changed at The Galloway School and that there aren't any related-party transactions between the school and Board Members / Administrative Staff. What are the chances that Ms. Woodfin even bothered to learn the Conflict of Interest policy at TGS?
==
1 Ms. Woodfin's role in the MindOH! scandal at HISD reminds TGS Watch of the corrupt acts of Andrew Fastow leading up to the collapse of Enron. Mr. Fastow was an employee of Enron Corp. and the General Partner of LJM2, Co-Investment LP. Fortunately, under Superintendent Abe Saavedra, HISD was far more sensitive to corruption in 2004-2005 than Enron was in 2001.
198 comments:
I agree it would be nice to hear from Dot in reference to her documented unethical actions at HISD, but I won't hold my breath. She very rarely crawls out from under her rock.
This is absoultely ridgulous. Anonymous, read the article posted you will get your answers. I feel sorry for all the supporters of Bonnie, Dot etc.....their down fall is surely to come. The truth will only be hidden for so long. The truth always prevails.
I support TGS Watch in his/her search for the truth. Honestly the world has to many of the Bonnie and Dot types, we need the ones that will fight for honesty and morality. I am so glad for this blog and Mr. Khan. Keep fighting for the truth it is always a more difficult road.
I read the article.. What was her role? Admin employee is wide spread. Not specific to me. Did she quit, get fired, what? Just trying to follow! I hate sitting down to watch a movie halfway through and missing major scenes. Please assist.
Anonymous
I am neither Mr. Khan or TGS Watch, but I am a frequent follower of the blog, I check very often, so if you see back to back posts there are followers out there who are looking for the truth and will respond quickly. Stop being so angry and judgemental. Relax and have a healthy debate.
If you have info to clear Dot and Bonnie please post it and the debate ends.
It's not a fair debate with info missing. I'm not angry or judgmental I simply would just like those questions answering. It seems to be cleverly a one sided debate. That's all, I just want answers so us parents can make the right choice. A decision to remove your child from a school is major, and if I make that decision I need to be confident it's the right choice. I'm not trying to get off track but everyone seems to be dismissing my justified questions which indicates to me not to even bother wasting my time with this and stick with the school!
Could tgs watch please post the whole story I notice when typing responses from dot Woodfin it appears to just be a portion of the answer.
I and several other very concerned parents happen to be very connected online. I am logged into my computer most of the day and my phone 24/7. Therefore, most are and will continue to respond fairly quickly. The difference is that you can differentiate between our posts by writing style, cadence, content, and tone. That is enough about how "Anonymous" should know that these are all valid posts from different people. Back to the issue being discussed.
Anonymous asks very specific and good questions. I am sure TGS Watch will answer them directly. However, I would like to ask why Dot's exact position at HISD even matters with regards to a conflict of interest and ethics violation? She was not a low level employee. Dot was an Administrator. Nevertheless, you deserve and answer to your question.
With regards to the question about whether Dot has a conflict of interest at the Galloway School, well that could have been answered if we all had free and unfettered access to the financial records of the Galloway School - as required by law. However, the financial records have been suppressed...for now. If you were going to hire a babysitter and you found out that there was a record of violence, would you hire that babysitter to care for your child? The same logic can be applied here. This ethics investigation was very well publicized and brings into question why the Administrators and Board at The Galloway School would hire Dot for the position of CEO and President of the Galloway School Board. I am surprised that you fail to make the connection.
I am sure TGS Watch will be able to provide answers to other questions you have asked. But for me, and probably most other readers, HISD documents and media reports that can be Google searched is enough.
Anonymous
If you think TGS Watch is only presenting one side of the story then please why don't you get the information and correct the misunderstanding. I think that would be the responsible think to do.
Don't you feel since you are a paying parent of TGS, that the burden should fall on TGS administration and board to
clear the concerns of the parents? I would do that if I had nothing to hide. Their silence speaks volumes.
One always gets caught for their misdeeds. This is the just the begining. Someone should inform the media, this is better then a soap opera.
I wonder if Mrs. Galloway or her trustees know. Someone should let them know, us blogging is not enough.
Seriously, you want supporters to post the rest of the story. That's not how the court room works. You accuse someone of something and you have to PROVE it! Innocent until proven guilty. Your accusations your fight! Quit using supporters as your defense. Get some real documents and post the full story. Thank you for a great game of dodge ball! I hope the audience see the TRUTH and not be suckered into this sorry excuse of a debate. Good luck!!
Are you seriously questioning HISD memos and Houston Chronicle articles? These are not real documents? What would you consider to be real documents?
Getting "real documents" as you say would also include Galloway School financials. Obviously, those will need to be pried from Bonnie and Dot's hands. Perhaps the relevant authorities can help with that.
In addition, you comment with such emotion that it almost makes me think you are...well I'll reserve that for later.
Anyone making a statement for or against is responsible for providing supporting evidence. TGS Watch has provided documents supporting their post. Perhaps you have documents that support your doubt of what TGS Watch has posted. If so, please share.
There is no presumption of innocence here since this is not a court of law.
Sorry I am not dodging the ball. You are failing to answer my question and that is should Dot being the President of the Board not come forward and address the article posted? She is been given a green light to prove her self.
Anonymous who references how a court room works,
It appears that you have intimately knowledge of how a court room works. Perhaps from recent experience? Please enlighten us...
Intimate...not intimately.
As per the court room comment, if "one side" of the story is presented than the burden now is on the other party,meaning Dot to prove her side. The burden is on her side, NOT on the ones that are in agreement with the article. I don't have to prove her innocence she does.
Perhaps the IRS will be able to pry the financials out of Dot & Bonnie's hands. I feel sure that no one will be allowed to see those financials until they are absolutely FORCED to comly with the LAW. How sad. They could actually lose their non-profit status for non-compliance. It doesn't appear that they care.
Hey, TGS Watch, ever heard of a company called Brainstorms and Brushstrokes?
Also, how's your research coming along on John Fritz and Greg Callaway?
I think you are absolutely correct.
Again if they had nothing to hide they would have released the financials long ago.
I have come across this company while doing research on something else. I believe that Brainstorm and Brushstrokes belongs to Bonnie Cerace.
Do you have anymore information?
I would love to see Galloway's financials to see if they did any business with Brainstorm and Brushstrokes and MindOH? I wonder how much both companies and its owners (Bonnie and Dot) have earned from their ventures with the Galloway?
I wonder if our hard earned money has been the lining the pockets of these 2 women?
Anonymous said...
I read the article.. What was her role?
Go back to the post titled "Dot Woodfin: Conflict of Interest at HISD" (it's the 5th blog entry on this front page of the blog) and go to paragraph #2 under the link to the April 2, 2004 HISD memo) to find the following: "In 2004, Dot Woodfin was manager of Houston ISD's Character Education Department," and you will see that she was in charge (as a manager) of the department (Character Development) that handled federal and state grants that allowed schools to purchase "character development software." This software is typically used with children that are in violation of campus or district rules and it is intended to help them make better choices. Woodfin was a co-founder of MindOH!, the company which sold HISD approximately $187,000 worth of software that was purchased with HISD school district monies. (I am not sure if they were all budgeted funds from HISD or were federal/state grants, but my experience with this kind of software is they typically come from grants.) She was even found by the internal auditors to have contacted the purchasing department to speed up the process of making the monies available to buy the products that her company was selling (paragraph #8, just before the conclusions).
Lots of information is presented in earlier blog entries. You have to go back and look at those again from time to time. It's what I just did to present this information for you, and it took me all of 4 minutes to do the research. The blogger cannot continually go back and re-present information contained in earlier posts. The new info presented is long enough without having to re-tell the story every time the blogger posts. Scroll down, kinda like hitting rewind, and start from a place that clues you into what's going on.
As far as when Woodfin left, I know that she is no longer with the district, and I know Saavedra was very, very tough on ethics issues. It wouldn't surprise me a bit to hear that she resigned during or shortly after the investigation process or that she was eventually terminated. Saavedra was very big on cleaning house and trying to keep it clean.
As for me, I am staying tuned and I WILL be reading back posts to keep the story fresh in my mind. I suggest you do the same.
Brainstorms and brushstrokes category of sales are hobbies, toys and games. Not sure how much she could earn from TGS. Is she entitle to have other business's? I have never heard talk of her soliciting business from parents. I as a parent don't see this as "corrupt". Does she own this business?
I believe that Brainstorm and Brushstrokes belongs to Bonnie Cerace.
Do you have anymore information?
Anon (June 6, 2012 4:57 PM):
Very interesting. As for getting more information, I hope someone could get financial statements from The Galloway School. That would put to rest the discussion as to whether there is anything inappropriate going on. Certainly TGS would be happy to provide the information you're looking for.
~TGS Watch
http://www.dandb.com/
Brainstorms & Brushstrokes
Claim this Profile
Address:
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
77573-2608
Phone:
Website:
Category:
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
No Information Provided
Arts and Crafts Supplies,
Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores
This is My Company
Research This Company
Summary
Photos
Contact: Bonnie Cerace Est. Total Employees: 1
State of Inc:
Year Established: 2001
Est. Total Sales: $ 39,000.00
Looks like she owns the company. There seems to be only 1 employee, which is her. By the way the company also sells supplies, arts and craft which all schools need.
Also she doesn't need to solicit anyone if she makes the purchasing decisions, she just buys from herself. It is corrupt if she is purchasing supplies, toys, arts and crafts and very high prices which means your hard earned money going into her pocket and tuition dollars not being applied to advancing the curriculum. As a parent I find that troubling, don't you? Lets see the financials, it will tell us a lot.
Let's not be naive. Regardless of what the category of sales indicates, it should be clear that a business can sell any products it chooses.
How much can she earn? We will know if she releases HER financials. Frankly, even if she earns $1 in an unethical, self-dealing way, it is wrong.
Is she entitled to have other businesses? Sure. But it is a conflict of interest to be in an administrative position at the Galloway School and potentially influence sales of products from HER company to the Galloway School. That is wrong on many levels and goes against every best practices protocol.
Why would you hear talk of her soliciting business from parents? You would not hear her soliciting business from the parents. The point is that she would be "soliciting" business from the Galloway School. Who at the Galloway School would be making the decision to give that business to Brainstorms and Brushstrokes? Bonnie and Dot. ARE THE ‘DOTS’ CONNECTING NOW? You still don't see anything WRONG with that? Seriously?
Records available online indicate that Bonnie Cerace definitely owns the business.
how's your research coming along on John Fritz and Greg Callaway?
Anon (June 6, 2012 4:54 PM):
You sure are a coy one, Anon. I sense you have something you want to tell me. Please email me at tgs.watch(at)gmail(dot)com
~TGS Watch
Anonymous
Do you have more information about the company, please share.
Geez, what else do you want? D and B is Dun & Bradstreet! Cerace owns Brainstorms and Brushstrokes. I can find more if you would like, but the best thing you can do if you need MORE PROOF is to call Bonnie Cerace tomorrow and ask her to refute her ownership. It seems like no matter what evidence is presented, it is never enough. This isn't a court and there doesn't need to be a shadow of a doubt. This is enough, at least for me, to have Bonnie and the board start answering some serious questions!
I'm amazed at some folks here. With regard to Woodfin, instead of reading the HISD documents and read the HISD questions and Woodfin's answers, someone is more worried about what position Woodfin held! Doesn't matter. Conflicts of interest are conflicts of interest, no matter if you are the janitor or the CEO of the company.
Anonynous requesting more information about Bonnie's company,
Kindly ask Bonnie about it and report back to us. Personally, I find no need to know more about the company. It is strange that you are curious about that and not the strangely common behavior between Dot and Bonnie. Let me review that for you:
1. Dot Woodfin owns a stake in MindOH! While she is employed by the HISD, sales of MindOH! software to the HISD were influenced. This was exposed by an HISD audit. Why would I need to know more about her company?
2. Bonnie Cerace owns Brainstorms and Brushstrokes. Dot Woodfin is now the President of the Galloway School board. We do not have access to financial records of the Galloway School yet, so we can't come to a conclusion if history is repeating itself.
Requests for financials are denied
Anon (June 7, 2012 7:07 PM):
Who made a request for the financials? How do we know they were denied? What kind of information is the public entitled to?
I hate making a comment that is nothing but a lot of questions, but I want to nail this down.
~TGS Watch
TGS Watch,
You know as well as I do that there are individuals who have requested to see the financials. I am not about to mention the names (that I know of) in respect for those people's privacy. But it is a fact that they were denied.
A non-profit is required by law to provide the following documents upon request by any U.S. citizen who requests them:
1. The 3 most recent 990's (the financials)
2. Their Articles of Incorporation
3. The original application where the organization applied for non-profit status - the 501(c)(3). This would be a form 1023 or 1024
If the non-profit refuses to make these documents available, a complaint can be sent to:
Internal Revenue Service
EO Classification
Mail Code 4910
1100 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75242
The complaint needs to say that you asked for this information and the non-profit in question refused to make them available. The information above is readily available on the internet. I found this info on the Secretary of State website under "Non-Profit Organizations FAQ's." There is also info on nonprofit requirements at www.guidestar.org.
Are brushes and brainstorms a non profit entity?
I do not know if B & B is a nonprofit. But the Galloway School IS!
Is brushes and brainstorms a non profit entity?
Someone said that they asked for brushes and brainstorms financials and they were denied. If its not a non profit then they wouldn't have to show them.
Sorry if I was unclear. I was referring to the TGS financials, not B & B. And of course, you are correct about that. But TGS is required to make their financials available for the school.
You know as well as I do that there are individuals who have requested to see the financials. I am not about to mention the names (that I know of) in respect for those people's privacy. But it is a fact that they were denied.
Anon (June 7, 2012 9:23 PM):
I want to be very clear about this. I do not know anything about anyone being denied access to the financials of The Galloway School. I did not make a request for the financials that was denied. I did not ask anyone to make a request for the financials. I don't know anyone who has made a request for the financials. Simply put, if The Galloway School has recently received a request for financial statements, I can unequivocally state that TGS Watch and the TGS Watch family had nothing to do with it. (Though I do think it would be a good idea to request the financials.)
There seems to be a bit of concern about the financial statements out there tonight. I'd love to know the full story!
~TGS Watch
Has any one actually requested the financials and told no?
Has any one actually requested the financials and told no?
Anon (June 8, 2012 2:29 PM):
Good question. I don't know.
Here's where I'm at on this. I have no evidence that anyone has been denied the financials. Nothing. Other than the comments on this blog, no one has told me that the anyone has been denied the financial statements.
On the other hand ... it is certainly plausible that Bonnie Cerace would not comply with a request for the financial statements.
I rate the truthiness of this claim at 50%. 50% chance someone has requested the financials and been told "no". 50% chance that this isn't true. That way I can't be wrong.
~TGS Watch
From: I.M.Truth
FACT: Dot Woodfin made 2 presentations in Dallas, Texas. "Not My Job" on June 17 and "Sustaining and Maintaining" on June 18. I received copies of the handouts this evening and will send them to Galloway School if anyone wants to see. K. Washington did not attend this conference. Not blaming anyone for believing everything you read - just saying things aren't always what they seem. HISD had the information - just chose to ignore to make case. Think there is hidden agenda much like this blog. Will continue search for truth.
From: I.M. Sense
TO: I.M. Truth
What are you talking about? Please post coherently. I feel like I am reading French.
There is no need to send whatever documents you have to the Galloway School. Simply scan it and post it here for all to see.
Sincerely,
I.M. Tired...of this sordid affair.
To: I.M Truth
Who is K. Washington? Also, once you explain how any of what you are trying to say is relevant to this topic, can you please provide any information that clears Dot Woodfin of the ethical violations outlined in the HISD audit? Thanks.
To: I.M. Truth
I am confused, what are you talking about? What is the relevance to Dot and her ethics violations? Please clarify?
To: I M Truth
You will need to do a bit better than your post if you're trying to defend Dot Woodfin.
First and foremost how in the world did you obtain an agenda list for her trip to Dallas back in 2003? I'll bet you got it straight from Dot Woodfin. Who else keeps that material around for 9 years.?
Secondly, we are certain that Dot Woodfin was not bold enough to place information related to Mindoh? on the agenda. She would convey that on a verbal basis only.
As far as who else attended (K Washington) etc. , what difference does it make? Did it clear Ms. Woodfin in the HISD internal auditors reports and recommendations? No
It is clear that you have direct connections with the Administration of the Galloway School. If you want the respect and support of many of us that have a different opinion than you do, simply put the "factual" information you have on this blog.
You make a ton of statements related to defending the school but not one of them have any substance. At least the posts on this blog are backed up by "factual" material that is shared with everyone including you. Have the same respect and do the same. Otherwise I'm certain that most readers will continue to think of you as an empty suit or perhaps better yet a mere puppet for the school administration. Either way, you are not being taken serious.
Please back up your comments with something credible. Or do something more constructive.
I received copies of the handouts this evening and will send them to Galloway School if anyone wants to see.
I.M. Truth,
As you know, TGS Watch strives to provide primary sources available to its readers. If you'd like, I could place the documents on my box.net account and make them widely available. Please send .pdfs of them to tgs.watch(at)gmail(dot)com.
~TGS Watch
Please call the IRS and they will tell you to go on the website and print them off. They will be more than happy to talk you through the steps! Even if the school wanted to hide them they can't. They are visible online.
Keep up please!!
Absolutely! I will be posting soon ;))
I look forward to seeing if you can clear Ms. Woodfin's name. This will be interesting to see how you will refute the HISD auditors.
Also the credibility of the school has been ruined by the likes of Cerace and Woodfin and their other supporters. Please be honest and do what is actually right for the children not what is right for the corrupt administration of the Galloway School.
The parents at The Galloway are smart enough to know what is going on, that is why the enrollment at the school is so low. Also it is very interesting that the school is so scared about Mr. Khan opening his school, looks like the parents are not happy at the Galloway and this will give them another option.
I find all this very interesting....
I am not buying what you are selling. This is just another attempt to divert concerned parents from finding out the truth.
But if you intend to sway my decision, you need to source this. I believe primary sources over anonymous discussions.
I find that above hilarious since all but one poster who is supporting the negative post anonymously. Even you refuse to use your name.
Forget it. She's not going to source it. Notice she hasn't come back. She can't source her information to anything in print from HISD, or anywhere else for that matter.
Look above..
You've left us with UNDOCUMENTED info. Maybe Mr. Khan is trying to find your source, since you won't tell us so we can research it for ourselves.
Bahahahahahahaha... I am still laughing at this response!
She finds it necessary to point out because Mr khan has been more vocal then anyone and throws out plugs for his "school" at any chance. It clearly gives the impression he has some serious motives way beyond the safety of the children at tgs.
Why are you asking what the attendance was if you know the answer? Is that because you were there too? Please tell us how you know this, Ms. Truth-Seeker! Were you spying on them? Now you must tell the truth, since you are the Truth-seeker...
Looks like she did your research... Go take a look at HISD website. You may need some friends to help!!
Back that up with documents can you? She is just smarter than you and knows the right people to get info. You should find some friends in HISD.
http://www.hisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?cx=003373670521347983610%3Aw09d_tdbu6y&cof=FORID%3A11&vgnextoid=555ea0a0f413d010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD&vgnextfmt=&q=Dot+Woodfin&siteurl=www.hisd.org%2FHISDConnectDS%2Fv%2Findex.jsp%3Fvgnextoid%3D3e5608ae6b8fc010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD&ref=www.hisd.org%2F
darn it, it's too long to cut and paste
I guess you don't have friends in HISD! It's not what you know in life it's who you know.
Didnt she already say that the HISD documentation is at the school for review? Please wait until you have reviewed until stating there is info missing. Your basing your opinions on what has been fed verbally to you and not off documentation. I will be reviewing that info Monday morning. How do you scan and post on this blogg? Ekram suggested that but I dont see options on the software. May be the fact that she's logged off is due to her reviewing the proof and maybe she does not need to defend herself. I don't think she pulled that info from her you know what! Also, hasn't the guy who named himself reviewed the financials? Why didn't that get posted?
Maybe Mr. Khan is not responding because he is spending time with his family, having dinner, or doing research....Please, I am sure he will be online tonight. I can not wait to see what he has to say. He doesn't seem to be the shy type;)
Give us another tale anonymous... He has been so active on this blogg for weeks. He is always the first to respond. May be he is still at Panara Bread waiting for more attendee's to his informative meeting about his new school! Are you his biggest fan anonymous? Certainly sounds like you are.
Why should I not be his biggest fan, he stands up for the truth and calls it as it is. He is to the point and honest, unlike some people on the blog, and you know who you are.
This blog has turned into a three ring circus! I'm not sure reality tv has anything on you guys.
Anonymous
I find it very interesting that the only reason that you did not attend the information session is because of low attendees, this speaks volumes.
So I guess you are also looking for another school for your children to attend?
She already said why! It's jus for the eyes of concerned parent. This Blogg is trying to damage the school. Why would she hand those documents into your hands!!
The things I read on this Blogg were worrying to my family. It is very convincing at first. Ekram Khan made it sound like there would be teachers and a larger amount of parents at Panara bread yesterday but when I got there I was worried when I saw two couples that state there identity against the school on this Blogg and only 4 other people there. I was concerned that this was not as it was publicized to us. I will be keeping my child in the school and am very upset that I was believing what I read. It is obvious that this Blogg is most defiantly a hidden agenda.
Anonymous who was afraid to attend,
You came all the way to Panera but did not walk into the meeting because you didn't see what you expected? You should have come in and metall of the attendees only then would you have known who the teachers were. You are simply spreading lies and portraying yourself as a parent instead of who you really are , and that is very obvious to the sensible and intelligent readers of this blog. Your behavior reveals the exact reason why so many parents are leaving the Galloway School.
Dont be angry khan just because your lunch thing didn't turn out as many angry parents as you have been trying to stress in this blog. I don't think you realize how angry you sound. No one would feel cimfortable sending their child to your school seeing the anger that you have. You need to see seek some professional help. We see that your are trying to build a school by trying to destroy the galloway school. Maybe you will have better luck trying that with ccisd . I'm sure there is a lot more problems thre than you will find elsewhere.
Anonymous (June 10, 2012 10:54 AM)
It takes angry to know angry. You expect innocent people to be violated and not respond to pretect themselves? How stupid. It seems you feel so threatened by the Newton School starting and by Mr. Khan's staunch advocacy of those families that have been wronged by the Galloway School, that you feel compelled to make such assinine comments.
Wow anyone feeling threatened here!!! Gee whiz anonymous why are you so afraid to post. You are angrier than khan or is that just khan trying to appear as another angry parent? Or maybe one of the "many" concerned parents that showed up!!!
Anonymous (June 10, 2012 10:54 AM)
Would you consider a charge of Assault with a Deadly Weapon to be an "angry" act?
Would you consider burning the picture of a former Galloway School memeber behind the school building and "angry" act?
Would you consider bullying of parents, teachers, and students who do not agree with Bonnie Cerace and "angry" act?
If so, then you can only conclude that the Galloway School is led by a very angry individual named Bonnie Cerace.
Kindly outline specific things I have done that are "angry".
If your meeting was private you should not have posted on a public blog.
Anonymous (June 10, 2012 11:27 AM)
Your posts attempting to portray me as some angry loose cannon paints a clear picture of who you are and your agenda. Anyone more intelligent than you, and I assure you that 99.9% of the population qualifies, can see that. So, please continue with your baseless comments since you obviously have nothing with any substance to contribute.
To Anonymous
So when are we going to see the blog that is pro Woodfin and Cerace? If we are a bunch of angry parents why do you entertain the chatter with ?
You are saying that anonymous is threatened, but I see that the Galloway School and it's administration seems threatened by The Newton School. I find your position very odd. No parent in their right mind would behave the way you are.
There is something going on here. I will have to side with Mr. khan and the other sane anonymous parents, and you are not one of them.
Anonymous said...
If your meeting was private you should not have posted on a public blog.
June 10, 2012 11:31 AM
The announcement of an event publicly does not mean that the attendees of that event forego their rights to privacy and safety. Again, you display a lack of comprehension and intelligence that most who are reading can clearly see. Do I sense a level of concern about what you and your friends perpetrated yesterday? If you are a prent, then why would you even argue this point? Again, you further clarify your agenda.
Anyone of us "Dot and Cerace supporters" could have attended your meeting and reported back to this blog. You had your information session at a public restaurant. For wanting to keep the events and attendees so private, you chose a very public place. And your comments about spying are nonsense.. Next time, know and UNDERSTAND the law before you start threatening .
The restaurant is a public place, but a reserved meeting room with closed doors with a sign posted is not. Also, stalking can occur in any public or private setting. I have posted references to Texas law regarding invasion of privacy. It appears you chose to ignore it or did not actually understand it. I think you need to KNOW and UNDERSTAND the laws before you continue defending your actions. Please continue with your nonsense. It further clarifies your intent and agenda. I don’t make threats – just promises. I promise those responsible will be brought to justice.
Let me state clearly that "Dot and Cerace" supporters DID NOT attend the information session at Panera.
Do I sense the start of a defensive stance? I guess you are evaluating what you and your supporters did yesterday and realizing you simply got caught. You are definitely not as smart as you think you are. Making excuses is so unflattering.
I was having a late lunch. Just happened to notice the "many concerned parents" that attended.
It is a public location. I go there to use the free wi fi along with lunch.
Just curious Anonymous
"Just happened to notice the "many concerned parents" that attended."
So how do you know who the attendees were? And why do you care?
Anonymous
"I go there to use the free wi fi along with lunch."
So you go there everyday? Doesn't it get expensive? Suggestion, it would be cheaper to get wifi at home then going to Panera everyday. I can give you the sales person contact information if you need it.
Hmmm
Anonymous,
Are you there today, maybe we can meet for lunch?
Anonymous,
I have read that Mr. Khan should be there at Panera today. Have you seen him yet? Or maybe you should call him and he may buy you lunch?
There are many "concerned parents" inclucding myself that will be obtaining information and are seriously considering the Newton School. We did not attend for the very reasons that are now being placed on this blog. I am very aware of the problems that the Galloway School has and it starts at the top. I can only hope that some of the parents that continue to support Mrs. Cerace, Mrs. Teaff and the Galloway School could take the time out and speak with the parents of children that are leaving the school. The truth will be told. I was even showed proof from a parent who was very reluctant to talk with me who simply wants to"move on". I assure the blog readers that Mr. Khan is telling the truth. signed KP
Eating lunch at Panera bread!
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Anyone who is dumb enough to get mixed up with bonnie Cerace should have their head examined. Everything she touches turns to sh--. She thinks she is so smart, but everything she has done is so stupid. She is not able to think carefully about the consequences of her actions - she just reacts. And because of her stupidity, she is SO very predictable. Look where that has gotten her. Lawsuit city! And people don't spend thousands of dollars to file lawsuits over RUMORS! It just doesnt happen. Bonnie and Dot supporters: You need to get as far away from them as possible. They are NOT who they would like everyone to think they are. They will get you in trouble, and you will regret that you ever got mixed up with them. Looks like you might be finding that out the hard way, but oh well... we tried to tell you. Good luck with all that.
Hmmm...I wonder what the laws of Texas have to say about stalking?
The Texas Attorney General defines Stalking as follows:
Questions About Stalking...
What is Stalking?
A stalker tries to control his or her victim through behavior or threats intended to intimidate and terrify. A stalker can be an unknown person, an acquaintance or a former intimate partner. A stalker's state of mind can range from obsessive love to obsessive hatred. A stalker may follow a victim off and on for a period of days, weeks, or even years. A stalking victim feels reasonable fear of bodily injury or death to self or to a family or household member or damage to property. Stalking can be perpetrated by the stalker or by someone acting on her/his behalf. Stalking can take the form of verbal threats or threats conveyed by the stalker's conduct, threatening mail, property damage, surveillance of the victim, or by following the victim.
Texas Stalking Law
The law on stalking can be found in Section 42.072 of the Texas penal code.
How is stalking proven?
Intent of stalker: Stalker has the intent or the knowledge that his/her actions will instill fear of death or bodily injury to the victim or a member of the victim's family or household. Threats can be explicit (e.g.-stating that he is going to kill the victim) or implied (e.g.-veiled threats, hurting the family pet). Threats have to be aimed at a specific person; they cannot be general threats. Threats may be conveyed by the stalker or by someone acting on behalf of the stalker.
Conduct of stalker: Conduct has to occur on more than one occasion and be directed towards the victim and/or the victim's family or household members. More than one police report is not required. The acts may include threatening contact by mail or by phone, or damaging the victim's property.
Penalty: Third Degree Felony- unless there is a prior conviction for stalking, in which case the penalty is upgraded to a 2nd degree felony.
Funny how the "whole lot of them" were so vocal last night until Mr. Khan came in and shut them all down. I wonder if we will ever hear from them again? Maybe they'll just all write letters and drop them off at The Galloway School so concerned parents can take a look at what they have to say there instead of here.
I dont think eating lunch at a public place is considered stalking. Just because you have a meeting scheduled at the same time I happened to stop in for lunch does qualify as stalking anyone. I know my rights as well. I amm allowed to eat in a public place. No one knew I was there so no one felt threatened unless you were intimidated by all the people eating at panderas .
That is a very threatening comment. I don't like how all anonymous sound the same. Very angry and ugly. A little worrying I think. ); may be TGS should start there own Blogg as the happy parents are clearly not welcomed into this debate. I don't think we can call this a debate any more. It's a slaughter house... Not good!
Why are you so ugly in your post? You are embarrassing me with your constant hanging off every post of Khan. That's so weird to me. I think we should also start our own blog. These anon are all creeping me out.
Who is Ashley and how do you know she was talking to someone in a black SUV? We're you stalking the customers of Panara Bread?
How do you know a court order won't be coming? Previous experience?
You say a video won't identity you? Are you sure? If that was the case, how are most bank robbers and convenience store thieves identified? Your logic is flawed and you are clearly grasping at straws.
You were simply an observer at the restaurant for who? You obviously knew who we were. Very few people have met me so how did you know who I was? Obviously you did your research and planned to perpetrate this act. Why would a private citizen like you feel compelled to observe and post the information you did unless you had malicious intent. Again,
who are you trying to fool?
The statistical likelihood that you were simply there coincidentally is beyond the realm of possibility.Who are you trying to fool?
I understand that you named"Ashley" as a spy.. You also blogg she was talking to someone in a black SUV. Is that not stalking and false accusations against an innocent citizen?
I told you I have a child at the school and like you I also have researched people posting on this blog. I know who you are. You are trying to bully. And your trying to make us believe tha mrs cerace is the bully?. Ha what a laugh mr khan , what a laugh. You try and intimidate because things just aren't working out like you thought or want them too. Maybe you should be rethinking on how you want to advertise for your school other than a blog trying to bring down a fantastic school that we and my child love..
Anonymous,
Lets back to the real issues involving the school you and your children love so much:
1. What about the fact that Bonnie Cerace was involved in a situation where a child was placed in grave danger?
2. How do you feel about the school board president, Dot Woodfin, selling software to a department at HISD that she was in charge of. Please address the conflict of interest?
3. How about the poor judgement of Bonnie Cerace inviting a man who is the reason the school is in the middle of a sexual harassment lawsuit, being present at the school for a birthday party for Ms. Galloway?
4. How do you feel about a parent not being notified when her child is assaulted at school?
5. How do you feel about a parent finding out the school sent potentially libelous letters of "recommendation" to other schools when she decided TGS was no longer a good fit for her family?
We do not have to worry about Mr. Khan, we can choose not to send our children to his school. But what about the parents at the so called the best school, there are issues at that school, make sure you keep your kids safe. Best of luck, time will tell. God only supports the truth and that does not exist at the Galloway!
What is already on this blog about the administration at the Galloway is enough to make any parent think twice.
I don't know why attack Mr. Khan, he doesn't even have a school, why are you all so concerned?
Why not go after the private schools that are established in the area? Many of the parents from the Galloway are going there.
Maybe because the Galloway cannot compare itself to any of those schools?
I have made my agenda very clear. However, let me restate it:
1. I am seeking justice for what was done to my Son and many other students at the Galloway School. I will not stop until I get justice. I sincerely hope that I and the other families that have experienced such atrocious treatment are in the MINORITY. I would hate to think that the majority of the families have similar experiences. I don't believe that to be true. I believe that anyone who has posted a positive comment about their experience at the Galloway School, and if they are being truthful, should give thanks to the teachers that handled their children. It is because of them that your child had a good experience. And most of these very same teachers are no longer there. What does that Say?
2. I will start the Newton School and there is nothing the Galloway School can do about it. Is this not a free country? It is more than obvious that the establishment of the Newton School is viewed as a threat and that the leaders at the Galloway School are trying their best to hinder progress. They will simply fail and in the process will commit acts that will expose the Galloway to unnecessary risk.
That should provide the clarity you need but I am sure you will choose to ignore that as part of your habitual diversionary tactics.
For reasons yet to be determined, Ashley interrupted our meeting on several occasions. Because of that, it was impossible to not notice her walking outside to the parking lot adjacent to Panera and talking to someone in a black SUV. Again, you need to get your facts straight. We did not PRE-PLAN an iilegal surveillance and stalking action like you did. Stop trying to equate your crime to what we have clearly exposed that you have blatantly committed.
Anyway, it is being investigated as we speak. I sure hope she is innocent. However, if she is not, then I feel sorry for her. Such a young person being corrupted by the leaders of the Galloway School is a shame and indicative of the lack of morals and values there. I found it amusing that some onlookers during my visit to Panera today overheard my conversation and made some very concerning comments to me about the fantastic place that you call the Galloway School. Their family had children attend for a time. I guess I haven't lived in the area long enough to really understand the depth of what has been going on there. Again, I blame myself for not doing enough research prior to enrolling my children.
Just to clarify, you make it seem that I am the only one who has posted reports of experiencing the bully tactics that Bonnie regularly uses against people who don't agree with her. What about all of the teachers who have left. Are you saying none of them are telling the truth? You claim to have a student at the school. So do you care to comment about the excessive teacher turnover at the school? I attended private elementary and high school in NJ and am still in contact with most of my teachers even after 30 years since graduation. Most of them taught at the school for most of their careers and retired from the school. How many Galloway teachers can claim that they will do the same? Do you know any Galloway teacher that has been there for more than five years? If it was the fantastic school that you claim it to be, why can't the school hold on to good teachers?
What happened to Ms. Dahria Driscoll? The fantastic Assistant Principal who left after just two years. I hear she is thriving at another school. Why is Mr. Murphy leaving? He was very well liked and widely regarded as being one of the best teachers at the school. Don't you think a good principal would make every attempt to attract and retain the best teaching talent? These are difficult questions I ask and I am sure you will not directly address any of them. Instead, you will continue with your lame attempts at portraying me to be like the bullies you are supporting.
If you read my previous posts, you will realize that I have clearly stated that the demographic profile of the local population indicates that there are more than enough families for several private schools to exist. So why is my plan to open a private school viewed as such a threat to the Galloway school? It really should not be. I or my PROPOSED school am not a threat in any fashion. The true threat to bringing down the fantastic school you love are the current leaders of that school. They continue to make bad decision and repeatedly expose the Galloway School to additional new risk. Blame them for tearing down the fantastic school you love.
What a mess!! I thought this was suppose to be about what is right?? If someone took it upon the self to comment in favor of TGS then so be it. Why is she being bullied for standing up for what he believes in. TGS watch is doing the same thing. No one is threatening TGS watch. Why has the creator let this go on for so long and to this level.? Very cruel indeed.
The harder questions will eventually come from the police.
Anonymous supporter of the Galloway School, will you be at the police station when I file my complaint if I can arrange free WiFi and a turkey sandwich for you? You can blog from their just as well as you can from Panera.
Anonymous,
In favor of the author of this blog, he/she has done TGS families a great service by exposing the administration. Would any of the TGS parents have known any of the corruption if it was not for TGS watch?
I think this blog has served its purpose. It is some parents who are diverting the hard pressing questions that the concerned parents have. I think we deserve answers. We have also the right to express our concerns.
I hope the author of this blog stays online and keeps educating us. Someone has to stand up for the concerned parents.
Wow.. I think that was a really low blow! Ouch.
Low blow? It is not a low blow, just another fact. You would be surprised what you find out when you start talking to people that were invloved with the school years ago. Most of you Bonnie supporters on the blog characterize the current problems faced by the Galloway School as new issues created by new parents that were "added" to the school recently. However, I decided to dig a little deeper into the past and have found a treasure trove of information that makes the current scandals appear like child's play. The more I heard from these people, the more nauseated I became. Bonnie's tyranny has been going on unchecked for over a decade. So completely sick.
It will take me a fair amount of time to fully investigate. I think it is time for me to involve outside help from forensic accountants and professional investigators. Hear that Bonnie/Dot? I don't belive I can state it any more clearly. There are just too many leads for me to thoroughly investigate. It helps that this is an election year. ;-)
Talk about emotions.. I think I should stop commenting and feeding into your obsession. I hope you can cool down during this rest stop.
OK, I've been reading this go back and forth for days. For the first time, I have decided to comment. This is what I see.
On one side, there are people that have presented and requested all the primary sources they can obtain. There are newspaper articles, HISD investigations, and court documents. This side has even asked for evidence challenging these documents and their point of view.
On the other side, there are supporters of the school. They claim to have refuting evidence, but they refuse to present it. Instead, they offer to allow the school to be the gate-keeper of this evidence. No one knows if it is primary, secondary, tertiary, or imaginary, but the school will be the decision-maker as to who can see it and who can't. It's odd that a school would restrict the flow of knowledge, since it is purportedly in the business of imparting knowledge.
Anonymous,
"Talk about emotions.. I think I should stop commenting and feeding into your obsession. I hope you can cool down during this rest stop."
I guess you worry about Mr. Khan finding out more about the school and its issues. That is probably why you are unable to answer his post clearly, instead you once again cloud the readers by showing that he is "emotional".
Excellent point.
I am not "emotional", just dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
Mr. Khan
I admire your dedication. I like the fact that you are keeping them honest, just like Anderson Cooper!
I will most definitely try to keep them honest. But I need more help from anyone out there tha has any information, even from years ago, that outline other transgressions at the Galloway School.
I like Anderson Cooper. I am as tencious, but I defintely have fewer gray hairs! ;-)
Mr. Khan, I have been following this blog since it first started out with the sexual
harassment claim by Lori Solt. It is ironic and sad that it has turned into a medium
for you and a small faction of like thinking people with the intent of trying to destroy
people's reputation for your own greedy intentions. we are alike in one way - we
both have money. From my objective viewpoint, I see that you are an angry man
who is using this blog to use scare tactics and bribery (offering to credit parents for
the tuition they have already paid to Galloway if they will come to your school and
offering to pay attorney fees if they wanted to sue) to build a school that is non-
existent at this time and has no credibility. And you plan to do this in a matter of
months based on your word alone. I find this amusing. What do you really know
about education? Do you really expect to fill your positions for the school and have
a quality curriculum ready in a matter of a few months? Rather ambitious to say
the least even for an educational expert whom I don't believe you are. While you are
determined to pour your money in a disparaging manner by tearing down people
and the school, I prefer to put my money into finding out more about these
individuals and the school and at the very Ieast provide additional information so
parents can weigh their decision about education for their children in a more honest
approach. By the way Mr. Khan, I must say that condoning the publishing of Mrs.
Galloway's home phone number and asking people to call her to complain when you
are aware she is L00 years old is unwarranted and speaks volumes about your
character. I must admit this has served as a catalyst for me to get involved in this
situation. One other thing, I do not believe that all newspaper articles are accurate
nor do I believe that HISD's ambiguous documents as you presented them are
complete and I further question their accuracy. Some things just do not add up. To
the parents of Galloway: do not panic and succumb to fear based tactics. I will be
back with information, good or bad, that perhaps will assist you in making a
decision that you feel is best for your child. I do not sign my name because quite
frankly Mr. Khan, a person with as many aliases as you have does not fit my criteria
for trustworthiness. I have no self-serving agenda; however, your agenda is very
obvious. Your business plan is to plant seeds of doubt and panic in parents in order
to start your school. Such a shame. An honorable man should seek to start a school
based on his passion for educating our youth and preparing them to succeed in the
"real world" and not on retaliatory methods against a school that you feel was
perhaps not a good fit for your son. Recruiting students and parents would be based
on your ability to provide a superior educational experience rather than trying to
destroy a school or "buy the Galloway School" in order to circumvent the hard work
and time required to establish a great school based on strong educational standards.
Your motives are certainly suspect.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous
I find it interesting that if Mr. Khan does not have the know how to start a school, then why are you so concerned? And if the parents of The Galloway School are so happy with the a fantastic school why would they even entertain Mr. Khan? There is definitely something missing here?
Lets be honest. Galloway has a lot of issues and its frankly has nothing to do with Mr. Khan who was only a Galloway parent for a short time. Lets not place the blame on him because he so forthright, lets call the Galloway administration on their actions.
Only time will tell.......
Third Party,
This is part 2 of my response to your post.
I have clearly stated numerous times that I am not an educator. But I am a highly effective businessman. I excel at identifying talent and then utilizing that talent to achieve a goal. You have never met me, nor have you ever discussed my business plan, yet you make broad statements questioning how I can establish a school in a few months. Well, it is simple. I would do the following:
1. Purchase a state of the art curriculum with supporting media, not textbooks from garage sales and book liquidations.
2. Hire the best educators available and pay them a salary higher than what competing private schools and local public schools pay. That formula is tried and true in ANY industry.
3. Reward the teachers with performance bonuses and let them create the parameters governing that performance bonus and submit that to the board for approval. I would think that peer reviewed performance would be far more accurate than dictator reviewed performance. Am I getting through Third party? Do you still think I don't know how to establish a state of the art school? Oh wait, there's more.
4. Cap the student teacher ratio at 10 to 1. It is impossible to deliver highly individualized instruction catering to each student’s specific needs if the student/teacher ratio is too large. When parents are paying in excess of $10,000 per year, there is more than enough revenue to have a low student teacher ratio.
5. Implement a thoroughly modern technology infrastructure that incorporates multimedia software in every aspect of instruction and student testing.
6. Floating teacher's aides to assist with delivery of instruction based on specific lesson plans. Interns from the local university are free. Why not use that talent pool. Still think I don't know what I am doing?
I could go on but then my post will start to bore you since you obviously don't care to understand facts. I will say that everything is in place for the Newton School except the real estate. I am picky and will wait for the right real estate opportunity with long term expansion options. Frankly, if the Galloway School was run like a business, it would not be facing the serious issues being addressed on this blog and in local courtrooms. In corporate America, a clear cut sexual harassment case like the Solt case would have been dispatched long ago. It should never have resulted in a lawsuit. The simple resignation of Coach David would have cleanly addressed the issue. Poor decision making on Bonnie's part created the need for legal action. She continues to make similar questionable decisions.
Since you have been involved with the Galloway School for much longer than I have, can you remind me how the Galloway School started out? How many students in the charter class? Square footage of the facility?
My business plan is to start a school that is based on an elected board of directors with term limits. Power will never be concentrated in the hands of one person. I am the founder, majority shareholder, and CEO of my company, but my board of directors can fire me from my position as CEO if I don't meet their expectations. Is that even possible at the Galloway School with an appointed board and no term limits? Still don't think I know how to run a school? Actually running a school is not very different than running a successful business. If you think otherwise, then I really question how you earned your money. Perhaps you inherited it, or are expecting to do so?
OMG! I am reading this blog for the first time . I am a parent that has placed her two children in the 3rd and 5th grade for the upcoming year. I have been a long time parent at the Galloway. I too have noticed the favoritism towards those who contribute to the Gala and other events. I also have noticed that many students leave the school to go to other schools after 5th grade. We too were planning on this. My understanding was that the Galloway School was not a good school at all for middle school. I have also had concerns regarding Mrs. Plumkin ( no longer there) and Ms. Cerace. She ( Mrs. Cerace) does not answer emails or phone calls. Mrs. Maxine acts as a barrier to talk to her. I find this strange. We are planning on commuting to Houston for one of the private schools for middle school and up.
I don't think it's fair to keep bringing up "Mrs. Plumpkin" (not the right name, but I will NOT correct it and have her real name out there so a terminated employee can keep getting bashed). She was released over a year ago, which is what many parents seemed to have wanted.
To Anonymous:
"I don't think it's fair to keep bringing up "Mrs. Plumpkin" (not the right name, but I will NOT correct it and have her real name out there so a terminated employee can keep getting bashed). She was released over a year ago, which is what many parents seemed to have wanted."
So why was she terminated?
As with all the other teachers that are let go, the "official line" is her contract was non-renewed. Her services were no longer needed.
No one ever told me any different. I never knew the woman, nor were my kids in her class, so I have no idea what went on in there with her.
Anonymous,
"No one ever told me any different. I never knew the woman, nor were my kids in her class, so I have no idea what went on in there with her."
So why are you dismissing a concerned parents post! Also if you read her post carefully, she just did not have issues with the teacher but with Maxine and Cerace. How do you address that?
I didn't dismiss your post. I told you what the "official word" I was told. I have no other information to refute or deny what I was told by administration.
If she had issues with Maxine and Cerace, they never shared those issues with me.
I could write all day long on the issues I have with Cerace. I would NEVER dismiss any parent who tells me they have issues with Cerace. As far as Maxine, I have never had an issue with her. Does that mean no issues exist? Nope. I just haven't had any on a personal level.
However, the issues I have with Cerace would take far longer to post than I have time to type.
All I said was that since Mrs. "Plumpkin" is gone, there isn't really a need to keep bringing her up. She's gone. There are way too many others up there that have even bigger issues. If we remain focused on the existing issues, perhaps something can be done. Focusing on resolved issues just distracts from the true problems.
Anonymous
"If she had issues with Maxine and Cerace, they never shared those issues with me."
Why would they? Have they discussed other parents concerns with you?
Well, some people have actually discussed concerns with me, as a matter of fact. You asked questions, I answered them, then you go off on another tangent.
What is your real motive here?
Anonymous
I do agree with you. We need to focus on issues that are currently at the school. But you will have to agree that people will only post what happen with them even though they happened in the past. We can't dismiss it, it only proves all the issues that exist and will remain to exist if the problems are not dealt with.
These issues existed in the past, present and future. I really hope for the children at the school that problems don't exist in the future.
No motive just want the truth and I don't want anyone person's issue disregarded. And no I am not going off on a tangent you just seem to know a lot more then i do. Just looking for answers.
You stay on one topic and I will stay on the same, until you present something else. You guide this train.
Agreed. I'm just trying to focus the attention on present and potential problems. If "Plumpkin" WAS a problem and is a problem no more, then that problem is solved.
Now, how do we solve the problems of Cerace, Woodfin, the board members that think the parents aren't worthy of addressing the board, etc.?
Someone had inferred that Mrs. Galloway is too old to be informed of the truth. If she is too old and delicate to hear the truth on the board she has pledged to serven, then perhaps she should no longer serve on the board. If her age is all that prevents her from knowing the truth, then by the same thought, her age should prevent her from serving.
However, I have met her on several occasions, and Mrs. Galloway is one sharp cookie! She has her mental faculties about her. We're always told how independent she is and how she runs her ranch pretty much by herself. If she's that strong and sharp, I assure you, she is strong enough to hear the truth. Why administration wants to shield her from parents and their concerns doesn't show a group of people concerned about Mrs. Galloway. It shows a group of people that are concerned about themselves.
How about it, administration and the board. Doesn't Mrs. Galloway deserve to know all that you know?
Thank you for your questions, I second the motion.
Maybe we as concerned parents should contact Ms. Galloway independently or as group, maybe that will bring some positive results.
I think we should formally contact her via registered mail about a meeting. Gee...I wonder who will do that? ;-)
Better yet, we should get current parents to lobby for an open board meeting. How about it Bonnie and Anonymous supporters of the Galloway School? Don't you think if all of the allegations on this blog are false that Bonnie and the Board would be able to clearly refute them and put the minds of the current Galloway parents at ease?
You would think they would want to have an open meeting for parents to give their side of things. Anyone with nothing to hide would gladly do so in order to dispel any "rumors." But they probably have been advised not to do so by their attorney. Many questions that they probably wouldn't be able to answer because of the current lawsuits. So alot of the questions most likely would be off limits. The other thing is, just like at the big parent meeting last June (regarding the sexual harassment retaliation lawsuit filed against the school), they probably wouldn't answer the majority of the questions honestly anyway. I guess if the Solt lawsuit ever actually does goes to trial, that will be the only way everyone will be able to hear the whole truth about what they did. And I'm sure they wouldn't want that.
If they don't want to have an open meeting, at least have and Administrator come on this blog and answer a few questions that they can answer.
I was present at the parent meeting last June. Miss Cerace was reciting what a lawyer told her to say. I am very sorry for what happened to Mrs. Solt. The school should have distanced themselves from this issue. It is a personal matter.
This blog is missing the point. The children. Signed. A former parent.
I
I agree that the children should be the focus. However, the reason the Solt lawsuit exists is because of the poor decision making by the Galloway School administrators. It is those decision making skills that I have repeatedly questioned since they directly affect the children. When parents enroll their children at a school, they rightfully expect that the administrators will act in the most professional manner with all aspects of the operations of the school so that the children are safe, well cared for, and properly instructed.
Remember the whopper of a story we were all told when the coach left? His mother was terribly ill and he needed to care for her. Cerace KNEW what had happened and she CHOSE to tell us a complete and utter fabrication of a story. Why not just say that he made a personal decision to leave and leave it at that? Why create a story that had lots of families, mine included, worried about a situation that didn't even exist.
Exactly. When there is a general lack of transparency, this type of deception/diversion can always occur.
The parents also deserve to be involved in the vetting process of the board members. I would think that if parents were on a committee to select board members, they would have rejected Dot Woodfin's nomination because of her ethical issues. How many other board members have problematic pasts? Do we really want a board president with ethical issues?
How would you like to be the attorney representing the school with all of this mess to deal with? It all goes to credibility. I don't think many of them have much credibility left. Thanks, TGS Watch for doing the research.
I think at $500 per hour, the attorneys for the Galloway School are quite happy about the legal mess the school administration has created.
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