sbrooks

...and I might add, my husband, my mother, my sisters, my uncle, my neighbors, and many work acquaintances, oh and friends....this board has gotten alot of ATTENTION NOW!!!

The Board has had a chance. They have proved themselves secretive about what they do. Some of them immediately went into action to serve their own agenda. Being in a new situation, it would seem that the prudent thing would have been to wait and see how things were going, how the two administrators were doing in their current jobs. Surely, they are evaluated like the other school employees. What were their evaluations? If they were good, that would indicate that they could serve well in their current position. What were their evaluations in previous positions? Are they better off where they are now? Mr. Beckwith would have this information. What is his opinion in the matter? He is the one to be making these changes. That is why the Board has hired him. The Board should not be getting involved in school politics. The bickering makes everyone look bad.

sbrooks

you could include me too!

Just one quistion to :sister, batman,Corrine, MrHappy, Ladygodiva, ruralgirl,retired and anyone else I may have forgotten that dosent feel our school board is doing a great job. will you each be running for a postion in may?

Chiefmyers: It isn’t that they are married. There still are married couples teaching in the school. I think that it adds more loyalty to a place when your family is there. The problem is with one being an administrator and the other a spouse. Problems could arrive that the principal would not handle or would not feel comfortable dealing.

To the Caro Village Manager, I appreciate your comments on the Veterans Day problem with the United States flags. I do believe you dance better than anyone I know. Putting the blame on the the VFW was wrong. You are the Village Manager. It is your job to manage. It is your job to contact the VFW to make sure the flags will be up and to assist wherever you can. There are other organizations in this community that would be willing to help in this activity if asked. It is not a lack of volunteers, its a lack of leadership from the village. It might be the VFW responsibility to put the flags up, but it is your respondsibilty that it happens. It was your employees putting up Christmas decorations up on Veteran Days, not the VFW. It would be nice to hear you say that the village was wrong with putting up the decorations on Veterans Day. I will talk to the VFW and my fellow veterans to correct any problems in the future. As the manager take a little blame, instead of passing the buck.

There are many fundemental questions still unanswered !?# Why did the board decide to move Wheeler now? What was the big rush? I believe it was Ms. Dowing who said she needed more time to review & study the trimester issue and said "I'm sure that the new board members are not ready to make a decision". And don't you think the new board members needed more time to think about this BIG decision Ms. Dowing? And shame on Mr. Beckwith for not voicing his opinion, after all he is the superintendant, isn't he? Although he has been stripped of all of his power he could have and should have at the very least made a recommendation. if he won't stand behaind his administrators and support them he should pack his bags. Back to the real issue: The kids at Mccomb. They don't even know Wheeler - if he was so darn good wouldn't the high school be begging to keep him? I doubt that will ever happen. The board will never convince me that they didn't have an agenda with wheeler. One just needs to look at how the queaky WHEEL kept things stirred up during the past year and tore our district apart and then ask yourself: Is this the kind of leader we want for our kids?

Im not a parent but find it very hard to believe that the kids are not coming first. When I was in school we had a couple of teachers that were married. It was cool to me and my parents. If they were great educators and adminstrators, everyone should be happy!!! Don't blame them for being human.

Thanks for not being able to answer my questions, thus confirming my suspicions that you don't know as much as you think you do. And there you go again, making statements like "small-town, small-minded" people. NOW you know where we all grew up and spent our entire lives? Who's the piece of work now? If you don't like it here I'm sure the big-minded, big-city people will welcome you with open arms, say hello to you as you walk down the sidewalk or say hello and ask how you're doing while you eat with your family at one of the local restuarants.

I still have to wonder why the move was so urgent. Transitioning when the school year is over seems like the best time (if it HAD to happen.) Could it be the school board was afraid they would get recalled prior to the end of June? Kind of reminds me of a football game, when a questionable call is made and the team with the ball hurries to hike it prior to the officials getting the opportunity to review the play.

Thanks for your insight cinderella66 and ruralgirl, I understand and agree with everything you say. I've been reading the soundoff for a long time, but as you know I'm new to posting on here. I just got fed up with all the poor decisions being made at our schools and finally decided to say my part.

I'm done, not because I can't justify my comments, I won't--because it is obvious it's useless to think these small-minded, small-town people could think someone else may know something. Good bye and good riddance!

stephenc,

Please provide five examples of nepotism policies implemented at companies or organizations(that you currently know of since you know so much about it) where the existing employees were grandfathered in. No one here (except you) claimed THEY knew alot about nepotism policies. You stated "Policies that are put into place in general, including nepotism policies, almost always grandfather employees under the old policies. The new policies usually only are for those employees hired after the policy is put in place. Or benefits for existing employees are not affected until after the policy is put into place. Get YOUR facts straight." Please provide some proof to make your statements legitimate, otherwise you're just babbling random garbage.

I notice in your past postings you can't/won't address the attitude problems of the Wheelers. Why is that? This is a tough one to throw generalized statements at because it's the truth. You can't BS your way through that, so I can understand why you pick your fights starting with statements like "Most people I talk to" and "alot of places have those policies." You remind me of the politicians when they answer questions at debates....THEY DON'T! I'd even bet you're a school board member.

People I work with don't always get along, but we are adults and know that we're all on the same team. At the end of the day, we know we need to be successful and personal agendas need to be put aside. Even if you don't care for someone, it is essential to retain your professional working relationship. This is not happening at McComb, nor is it going to happen with Wheeler there. The scary part is the commodity at McComb is children.

Hopefully the next time the school board makes a decision, they get all the facts, think it through and, most importantly, consider how it will impact the kids...and not make it personal.

Let’s review….Any work place should have a nepotism policy. One was in place in Caro and now it is gone. One will probably be reinstated after the switch of the principals. Common sense should have prevailed a long time ago and never let the situation develop with a husband, administrator, and a wife, teacher in the same building. It had happened before in the district and was not a good environment. Now that we know that, why let it happen again. If Mr. Wheeler is considered the greatest principal ever at McComb, then maybe his wife should bite the bullet and ask for a transfer. If that doesn’t happen, then maybe the transfer should not take place. If it does, it seems best to wait until next summer so the transition goes more smoothly. Maybe during that time some of the bad feelings that have developed will be forgotten or at least lessened.

stephenc,

I can't but wonder where you get your information from about nepotism being "grandfathered in". I have done some researching on line about nepotism and nowhere did I see such an idea. It was all negative to have such a situation as the Wheelers.

What I found was it can become very disruptive in the workplace when one has authority over a relative. And, when a workplace doesn't operate with a nepotism policy, it is the result of the patent lack of fairness. Perceived favoritism of a relative can cause dissatifaction among workers and lower morale. A workplace should enforce nepotism and allow movement of a friend, or family member to another location where their talent is better recognized. If this doesn't happen, workers will often become likely to complain, become embittered or less productive...I'm sure the McComb faculty would never intentionally do that to our kids, but do we want to put that pressure on them?

I also found that this could open the door to lawsuits. The consequences of not having a nepotism policy may increase the risk of being sued for a hostile work environment. What about if there is a conflict over his wife? How will he react? How is Mr. Wheeler going to treat these McComb teachers once he is back there?

Bottom line, by not enforcing this nepotism policy on the Wheelers, it will create an environment that is demoralizing to the rest of the employees. I personally feel that the multitude of problems that this could cause, an attorney should be consulted.

This board has made it very clear that it had only "one" movtive to being on this board....to get the Wheelers back together at McComb. What about the rest of the issues that need to be addressed? If that wasn't their main goal, then why was it the first thing they did when they got their board together? Why were so many things pushed asside at the board meetings? Mr. Josyln requested more than once to address the semester changes? Their answer was, "lets give the new board members time to get comfortable"....but they were "comfortable enough to make an administrative change that envolved a controversial nepotism policy?"

This is absolutely disturbing to us in the community! Most people are so distraught over this and with the economy like it is and the loss of jobs in this area, we can look somewhere else to put our children in schools. I don't want this kind of board representing me or my children!

When you get a large number of disgruntled people in any work place, maybe there is a reason for it. If they are disgruntled as you say, what is causing it?

Hey, I am just a taxpayer and like to see my money spent carefully. We all have to pinch pennies now. It doesn't matter who is in charge, let's be careful with spending tax payers money.

You people are a piece of work. So what the recall fell short. However, if the majority of the voters were happy with the old Board, the new members wouldn't have won--duh!!

Also, don't presume to tell me what I know or don't know about nepotism policies. Everyone here thinks they know everything! Ha, hate to tell you guys, you don't always know everything, just like I don't know everything. Nepotism policies, however, I do know about. Policies that are put into place in general, including nepotism policies, almost always grandfather employees under the old policies. The new policies usually only are for those employees hired after the policy is put in place. Or benefits for existing employees are not affected until after the policy is put into place. Get YOUR facts straight.

As far as not having many people to talk to--you again are being presumptous. I am out in the community everyday and do talk to people. However, the people I talk to don't only include disgruntled teachers who believe they are the best, most knowledgeable people on earth! They need to come down off their high horses!

They must have a lot of money if they hire another administrator. The new board is sure spending enough on their meetings. Couldn't that money be spent some place else?

The way things are happening with Mrs Downings "CARO 6" School Board, it wouldn't surprise us if the McComb Elementary was renamed to Wheeler Elementary. Ya know, the SQUEAKY WHEEL always gets more grease. However it eventually fails taking other parts with it. I can't wait! The wise one usally replaces the faulty part with a new one and puts in any associated peices to make sure it works smoothly.

The Board previously stated (Nov. 10) the position of Mr. Pouliot was going to be "Assistant Principal as well as continue his other numerous job duties with the school district in addition to supervising Mrs. Wheeler". Now, (Nov. 17), the Board discussed moving Mr. Pouliot back into his FORMER role of community education director. Isn't that one of Mr. Pouliot's roles currently, Principal of McComb and Community Education Director?

The Board also discussed taking applications for the position of Asst. H.S. Principal. Does this indicate that we will be hiring an additional administrator for the District at a cost of $60,000 to $70,000 annually? Maybe Wheeler should be community education director and Principal, or will he be too busy smiling at the children of McComb who are thought to desperately need him? If Wheeler were to take on this dual role, how much more will that cost the District? Remember, he asked for more money when given the responsibility of Althetic Director (as if $86,000 a year isn't enough). This dual role was poorly performed forcing the Superintendent (to acutally do something) to remove those responsibilities from Wheeler, thus leaving Wheeler with one role, Asst. Principal of H.S. Why would we, the public, expect that he could handle another dual role if asked?

We all know how well Mr. Pouliot has handled all he has been asked to do without complaint or extra money. My heart goes out to this exemplary district employee for the way he has been treated.

Wow...It has cost the school district how much for the Board meetings? Are they so incompetent that they need to meet that many times?

Stephenc, yes, many places DO have nepotism policies, but I doubt you actually know what their policies are, or even WHEN the policies were put in place. Let's be realistic.

What happened here is a group of citizens were unhappy about the way the previous school board implemented the nepotism policy. Whether it was right or wrong is certainly up for debate. If you reference the failure of the school board recall attempt, one can conclude the majority of the public were in favor of the policy.

Since that time, several of the unhappy people, namely Mrs. Jacot, Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Graf, schemed to reverse the placement of Dave Wheeler by getting rid of the nepotism policy to make it possible to move him back to McComb. This month alone, the school board has met at least 5 times. Remember that number. In my opinion, it is obvious by the actions thus far, their only purpose to be on the school board was to correct the "wrong" from before. Didn't our parents teach us that two wrongs don't make a right? Don't we teach our kids the same thing, or don't we practice what we preach?

Back to the number 5 (meetings,) the number of school board members - 7, and $30 per member per meeting, for a grand total of $1050. If they got paid for every meeting (which would include the illegal closed-door sessions) it cost the taxpayers $1050. What a waste. There are set rules on WHY you can have a closed session meeting, and discussing the movement of an administrator is not one of them (please see Susan Atkerson's posting from Nov. 13th.)

I haven't heard anyone state Bill Pouliot did a bad job at McComb. The kids certainly seem to like him alot, and he is willing to talk to ALL the faculty. He is a very pleasant individual and LISTENS to people. As I stated earlier, the silent treatment between some of the teachers isn't going to stop, regardless of WHO the principal is. Which leads us to Cindy Wheeler. She refuses to talk to, or even acknowledge some of her fellow teachers. How sad. All because her HUSBAND was in charge. There are several teachers and other faculty members at McComb that Dave Wheeler won't talk to either. Apparently this is going to be great for the kids at McComb......

I haven't stated anything here that is not true, just trying to understand HOW having Dave Wheeler at McComb is going to be better than Bill Pouliot.

Also...Funny the board will wait for recomendations from Superintendent for Vice Principal.... Mr. Wheelers vacant job....Will they listen? Why start now?

Well the "old School board" did what they thought was best supported by the Superintendent. Then The School Year goes forword and I thought things were good. What was wrong with Pouliot? Teachers voiced their support for Mr. Pouliot doing his job the way a Principal should. Mr. Wheeler had a chance to impact the High School with his example and guidance...but he chose to run out the door. How about we wait for the yearly School report card from the State soon to be posted in the paper and see if the priorities of the board are really student centered. I have respect for Knier for using his brain and voting with what made sense at this point. Remember vote out Downing-Jacot-Graff they have put themselves before what is best for McComb kids at this point. As a tax payer of this school I am angry at voters of this district for falling for the deception of current board. I feel sorry for employees at McComb I can't beleive it will be a happy place of learning in weeks to come.

stephenc
Then you have a limited amount of people you talk to…..

Many places have nepotism policies, but they usually always grandfather existing employees in--that was the whole problem. It was a ridiculous move in the first place by the first Board. That Board had their own agenda, which wasn't good. I'm sick and tired of people thinking the old Board were a bunch of saints--it's just not so.

Let's give this a chance--everyone I talk to believes this move was necessary to correct the injustices caused by the abuse of power of the first Board. Then let's give the Board a chance on all other matters.

With all of the bickering that is going on, let us not forget what a good school Caro is. All you have to do is look at the successes many of our graduates have achieved. The staff is hard working and wants the best for its students. Let’s not be blindsided by what is happening with the Board. Good education is still taking place.

I am really saddened to see the drastic change in the new Caro School board. In all the years of living here, I have never seen such politics! What has happened with this community to allow such people to serve our children? It all seems like personal agenda's with supporting the Wheeler's.

Nepotism policies are in nearly all work places! This is only right and fair for all employees! I have a friend who is actually a supervisor over the person she is dating. She was told that if she intended to ever marry this person, she or the employee would be moved to another plant or be fired. What makes Caro Schools any different?

If nepotism policies are not in place, this can certainly become a problem when disciplinary actions need to be taken.

If the board moves Mr. Pouliot, wouldn't this disrupt the children that have gotten used to him also? I'm confused.
This all makes no sense at all. The board is moving Mr. Wheeler back because the children really liked him and they shouldn't have had that change to begin with? This is simply rediculous. All children must get used to change of people in their lives. Change is inevitable in life. They change teachers, classmates, schools, principals ALL THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL YEARS! Not to mention when they leave for college, get married, have children, change jobs????

I have to say this all sounds so childish and I am really embarrassed to say I am from the Caro School District right now. I can't believe my tax money is going to our school with a misdirected and uneducated board. I bet most of the public that actually signed thosed forced petitions for the recall didn't know all the facts. I have ran into several people that said they signed it and regret it, because they did not get all the facts. That is really to bad! Now, look what has happened.

Mr. Beckwith you need to open your mouth more often and get a backbone!

Why in the world wouldn't this paper provide any playoff football coverage for a thumb team such as possible state champ ubly or deckerville's run to the regional game? Just like the ruination of the friday night call in program you decide not to cover this event...remember North branch is not it Tuscola county either...and you wonder why readership is down

Once again the Board has shown the world their true agenda. The Board meeting this past Monday starts off with a correction of the minutes since Mr. Pouliot in his letter wanted to know why he wasn’t doing a good job as principal at McComb. The Board didn’t have an answer so they fixed the minutes.

Then the board decided to move Dave Wheeler back to the principalship at McComb right away. What’s the big yank!?! Numerous individuals asked the Board to wait until next summer for the good of the children. Ah, could it be that some of them may not be on the Board in the spring…and they wouldn’t have the majority vote? The people who spoke asked why the move now and did not receive an answer.

Mr. Beckwith sat all too quietly as the Board did their deed. Even though silence is golden, so I’ve heard, it probably won’t save your job Neil. Polish up the resume’ since I don’t believe this Board is finished with their promises.

Who does the Board represent? Only a small fraction of the community that agrees with their poor conduct, but once again the Board doesn’t answer.

it is really to bad what is going on at the school. I am glad my kids have graduated school along time ago. It by reading here the school board just goes ahead and does what is wants to. It should be whats best for kids. Not just yours but everyones. We need some changes around here. This site is very infomative, I mean I have found out Caro schools went to heck , the guy running mosquito abatement miss uses county funds and lies to the public. There needs to be some real changes around here!!

Whoa - the Indianfields Township Board, with one day left, calls a Special Meeting, apparently with the purpose of trying to prevent Bill Campbell from taking his office as Clerk. Apparently they didn't hear the 1600+ constituents say they wanted a change. What are they trying to hide? Obviously they don't want Bill in there looking at how the township has been conducting business. Shame on them for this last ditch effort. Special Meeting, Indianfields Township Hall, 6:30 PM.

The Board members did what they wanted. Let's see how long before it comes back to haunt them.

Did Mrs Downing and the "CARO 6" consider what happens when Mr Wheeler is called to Mrs Wheelers room for a discipline situation? As you have all stated he is not her Supervisor, however will he be able to handle the situation with no bias - isn't that setting up a dangerous situation? Did all of you consider this before acting?
Also, after his placement back at Mccomb, what favors will he owe the Board?

So ends another chapter in the book on Caro Community Schools. A chapter that will probably not go down in history as a classic expose on how to run a school.

Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have shown the community what is really important. Give us what we want and we will then be happy. The Board, ignoring most of the individuals at the meeting Monday evening, has given the two of you another opportunity to learn the names of hundreds of young children, an opportunity for Mr. Wheeler to further avoid the job responsibilities of being a principal and a chance to hire the rest of the family. Some of you may say this sounds like sour grapes but I view it as a sad commentary on reality.

To the McComb staff, I wish you the best. Most of you have continued to do an excellant job educating our children through this controversy. Hopefully, Mr. Wheeler will treat you fairly and with the respect you deserve.

Mr. Pouliot has shown himself to be a professional educator beyond reproach. Thank you Bill for showing the community how to go about doing a good job for all of us as taxpayers in the District. You're paying a price for the good of the board.

"I would like to say THANK YOU to the school board of Caro Community Schools. we finally have a board in place that is willing to listen, and interact with the community and resolve issues. This is what is for the BEST INTEREST of the CHILDREN. the timing may not be wonderful but had the "old board" listened to the community prior to the 2008-2009 school year we could have already have had these changes put in place, however they chose not to and our present school board is left to pick up the pieces and try to reunite our schools. I personally would like to say THANK YOU to MR Pouliot, he was forced into a a position and did the best job he could have." Sbrooks

Oh yes, by all means, thank them for giving the squeeky wheel the grease. When the recall effort failed, that might have been a clue that the COMMUNITY had spoken. The same small group infiltrated the school board and got their way. THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN IS NOT A PRINCIPAL THAT DOESN'T SPEAK TO THE FACULTY! How can this be a pleasant and productive work environment, yet alone the best interest of the children? Just another embarrasment for the Caro School System.

I would like to say THANK YOU to the school board of Caro Community Schools. we finally have a board in place that is willing to listen, and interact with the community and resolve issues. This is what is for the BEST INTEREST of the CHILDREN. the timing may not be wonderful but had the "old board" listened to the community prior to the 2008-2009 school year we could have already have had these changes put in place, however they chose not to and our present school board is left to pick up the pieces and try to reunite our schools. I personally would like to say THANK YOU to MR Pouliot, he was forced into a a position and did the best job he could have.

Mr. Beckwith seems to let the Board do everything. Why does the school need a superintendent?

That is very unfortunate for the kids at McComb. Dave Wheeler won't even speak to some of the staff at McComb, nor will Cindy Wheeler. Very unprofessional and disrespectful. This will not fix the ongoing strife at that school, it will probably make it worse, which is not in the best interest of the children. It's a good thing Beckwith was there last night though, he didn't say one single word. There were alot of legitimate reasons voiced for why the admininstrators should stay where they are, but none for why they should move. Oh, Tammy Downing did day that she talked to some of her friends over the summer, and they all voiced "concern" over the situation....yeah, ok. They never gave Bill Pouliot a chance, although he did a stellar job, according to everyone except the phys. ed teacher. It was even suggested to keep the administrators in place until the end of the school year, but that would have interrupted the new school board members' personal agenda. If shifting the administrators HAD to happen, keeping them in place until June would have been the logical choice, not the middle of the school year.

The winners last night were the high school kids. Now they'll have a vice principal they can look up to.

With only one no vote, Wheeler is going back to McComb.

I don’t think there is a vice-principal at McComb. Possibly someone was referring to the secretary who really does most of the work. …..as she has done for both principals.

Bill Pouliot is doing a great job at McComb, and Dave Wheeler is doing a great job at the High School. I understand that Mrs. Jacot and Mrs. Downing are still upset the recall effort fell short, but they need to let it go and focus on working on more important issues with our school district. Don't make it personal. Get over it!

I wasn't aware there was currently a vice principal at McComb. Does this mean the taxpayers will be paying for an additional position at McComb? Also, the school board got rid of the nepotism policy. If it wasn't needed, then why would Mrs. Wheeler have to report to someone else? This makes no sense at all.

If a recall was ever needed, NOW is the time. We need a school board that focuses on the needs of our children, not their own personal agendas. Graf, Downing and Jacot - out!

I haven't logged on in a few days and I see I didn't miss anything. This is a pretty angry group of people. If everyone would take some of that anger and turn it into something positive such as volunteer at the school, hospital or Medical Care Facility, help the veterans by hang flags around the village or maybe just helping a neighbor. Enough of these "cheap shots". Maybe we could report some of the community successes for awhile. We have a great Ginger Bread Festival and a wonderful effort to see that every child in the county ages birth - age 4 receives a hard covered book once a month through an organization called Imagination Library.
Also, we have a couple of great new stores and a good new restaurant in town.

Now, Now children. Observer and Aljon, if you don't play nice we are going to send you to see the principal, Mr. Wheeler.

We all know that Bill has many faces on this "Sound Off" by the way he mispells. And his grammar is atrocious. To bad he has to come on here like Cybil. But thats Bill.

some people kno that aljon is jameson. to bad someone like that got elected.

This is a very perplexing topic of the Caro School board shananagins. Since I'm not going back to where I came from and I pay big taxes for this school. I want to understand this and I think I can with a bit of background information if someone would help me out.

Why can't the superintendent move an administrator based on what he beleives is best for the school district? Why does the School board care about such a minor change? Exchanging two highly qualified Administrators? If he can't, why do we have a superintendent?

It sounds like Mr. Wheeler is a great principle!..I think High School kids need great leaders and mentors as much as 6-7 year olds? Why can't he do a great job for our High School kids who making life changing decisions at this time in thier life? Any of you walked through a High School lately ?

What is Mr. Wheeler going to do much better then the current principle at McComb? Is supervising his wife what we need him doing? Why would anyone think that is a great idea when it's not really needed?

Thanks in advance for the answers that help me decide if the current School board is doing their job or trying to expand their power over the school district in a harmful way.

elmerfudd,

I would like to correct you regarding your statement that I am in support of Mr. Wheeler. You are correct that I did vote against moving Mr. Wheeler from McComb. Over time and by listening to the pros and cons of the policy enforcement, I stand behind the decision that the board made. There are a lot of facts to the original decision and enforcement that the "public" is not aware of, but that the board had knowledge of. Through this information, I am confident that the decision "my" board made was the correct one.

Susan Atkerson

Mr. Campbell should tell the truth now that he holds an office. His opponent recieved more votes than his nasty "thank you" article said. And I hear he has already went to the board meeting and made an "a" of himself. He wants all records turned over to him. What about the records, he admitted years back, that he took home and never brought back. He will probably accused Tina of taking them. Anyone want to bet? I can see the future now!

To elmer fudd: The recall effort failed because the supporters of the recall DID NOT get enough signatures to have an election. The public did speak load and clear.

As to some of the other responders, do some homework and find out what Mr. Wheeler did, or really didn't do, as a principal. Evaluations of his staff were not done. His wife had a full-time assistant and the other kindergarten teachers did not. After the Nepotism Policy was in place, Mr. Wheeler hired his son to work in his building. This past fall Mr. Wheeler claimed he did not have a contract with the district. The truth on that issue is Mr. Wheeler refused to sign his contract for the last two years.The first year he refused to sign it and told people he didn't have one. This past fall he felt he deserved more pay and less work than the other administrators. Finally he did sign his contracts only when forced by the Board to sign it or be dismissed.

There is a lot more to being a Principal than smiling at the children on the palyground. This is Caro Community Schools not Dave Wheeler's Community Schools.

Whether you agree with the new Board or not isn’t, to me, the main issue. Why is so much of what they do, not discussed thoroughly at open meetings. Adding an item to the agenda when no one is around, makes it look as if they do have something to hide. When do the board members discuss what is on the agenda? Have they already made up their minds before taxpayers at the meetings have an opportunity to voice their opinions? Maybe once and a while someone in the audience might really have a good idea.

Amen, ElmerFudd. The old School Board was very corrupt and out for themselves--plain and simple. There is not one single person I have spoken to that doesn't believe this. They also believe that putting Dave back to the position that he excelled at was only logical. My children are all grown now, but were in middle school when he was assistant principal--they absolutely adored him and he returned the affection. He's a wonderful person and principal, this Board is making a good move.

As for all those naysayers--give it up already! As has been said, the voters spoke and now it's time to accept.

It is so funny to watch you kids on here. There seems some pretty obvious things going on.

How can anyone say that restoring Wheeler to McComb is a "Hidden Agenda." You make it sound like there was a Grand conspiracy by the new board members. For crying out loud they ran a recall and then ran for the board. Anyone with half a brain knew what they were going to do. Why go to all the effort??? If I recall correctly, the election was not even close.

There is talk about all these secret meetings. How much time does it take to decide that you are going to do something that you have been working on for the last year and a half? Think about it, really.

There was a lot more backroom meetings with the old board. Go back a read all of the meeting minutes...its all in there. No public discussion by the board about moving Dave Wheeler, no public discussion by the board about appointing a new board member. If anyone questions this, I can certainly post the proof.

There are a least a few ex-board members or people close to them on this site that are attempting to stir this pot up. There may even be a couple of logins that are the same person.

The community is clearly behind the new board. Ask around...you cannot find many that do not think the world of Dave Wheeler. It is really shameful to see those few on here trying to drag him through the mud.

It is good to see Susan Atkerson on here as herself. She was clearly wrongly targeted during the recall. Even though she initially supported the nepotism policy, she was a board member fighting against moving Dave Wheeler.

You do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure these things out.

Get over it kids. The public has spoken. All you are doing now is making yourself look bad.

Carotiger
I don't disagree with you about the children - I am for them. What I do have a problem with is the implementation of policies that are not followed by those who set them. Also, the Boards actions that speak loudly of a Hidden Agenda to circumvent everything a School Board should be - empower their Superintendent to guide the system, have Administrators who are peacekeepers, and goalsetters, and a staff who empower our students to succeed. Schools should be a haven for learning for all of our children. This is something that doesn't exist at this time, and we desperately need to address this as a community. What is going on at present reflects badly for the Caro District

Batman

Spare me.... The citizens have spoke. REMEMBER.... We the citizens of Caro voted for this school board. I find it somewhat humorous, all the sudden you and the other 4 or 5 negative people are so outraged about moving Wheeler and Pouliot. What about the children you ask? Where were you at the beginning when they moved Wheeler? Were the children unimportant then? Some of us had children in McComb and when Mr. Wheeler didn't return, they were upset. I have to believe this is for the best. Let's all back our School Board and make this a school to be proud of. It hasn't been. In my opinion it hasn't been since our Superintendent arrived.

The Hidden Agenda of the "CARO 4" has finally reared it's ugly head Robin! It's akin to a runnaway train which can't be stopped, or can it be by us the Citizens of this community by putting ourselves in the way inorder to derail THE PLAN at Monday's Special Event. I wonder what Mr Wheeler has to give to the "CARO 4" in repayment for the deed that has been done without regard to the policies that these people set forth. I'll bet the mole knows.
It is a shame to do this without regard to what affect this will have on our children. No wonder our district has been losing students. We need to react NOW!

Isn’t it nice that the Caro School Board waits until no one is in attendance to try to do their underhanded work.

I find it necessary to restate my concerns. The three board members that resigned earlier this fall, stated in their letters of resignation, EXACTLY what the current board is now doing!!!!

It has become very clear, our Board believes their only goal in life is to return Mr. Wheeler to the Principalship at McComb Elementary. This was born out by the late night motions of Mrs. Downing.

The Board went into executive session to discuss a student's suspension from school and upon returning to open session at approximately 10:00 PM, with no one in attendance, brought up the assignment of Mr. Wheeler at McComb. I thought, the Board could go into executive session to discuss a stated topic - the suspension of a student, for example. Moving Mr. Wheeler to McComb wasn't an identified topic for the closed session but it seems to be fairly clear it must have been discussed in closed session by some of the board members.

Mrs. Downing, Mrs. Jacot, Mrs. Graff and Ms Offenbecker voted to eliminate the nepotism policy. Now they want Mr. Pouliot moved to the high school to make room for Mr. Wheeler BUT Mr. Pouliot is to remain the direct supervisor of Mrs. Wheeler! Isn't that the nepotism policy???

The moving of administrators in the middle of the school year is unwarranted, disruptive and not in anyone's best interest, especially the students of this district. All of us should attend this Special Board meeting and share our concerns with this SINGLE ISSUE BOARD.

Providing the students of Caro with a quality education doesn't seem to be on this Board's agenda.

As the Caro Village Manager I appreciate chiefmyers concerns over the flags being shown on Veterans Day. The Village takes great pride in our veterans and the service they have given to our country.

The VFW has been in charge for the flag display the last few years, not the Village.
I am sure the VFW is doing everything it can to display the flags in a timely fashion.

All organizations in our community can always use volunteers to assist in various activities. I urge all those who are looking for something that they can help give back to the community to consider volunteering for the many organizations throughout the Caro area.

Don Beavers
Caro Village Manager

discouraged

I don't work for the school, but I do attend board meetings and read the board minutes on the web site. I find it interesting that you know the minutes are e-mailed to the staff. Maybe you work for the school.

In regards to what can and cannot be discussed in closed/executive session, it can only be discipline actin, negotiations, property purchase, and attorney conversation. According to the Open Meeting Act, none of these would apply for discussing administrative moves.

As wordy as this is, this is a direct quote from the michigan.gov website regarding the "Open Meetings Act" in case you want the full text:

- Closed sessions may be held only under the following circumstances:
-- To consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, or to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent if the named person requests a closed session (requires a majority vote of members elected or appointed and serving).
-- For strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement, if either negotiating party requests a closed session (requires a majority vote of members elected or appointed and serving).
-- To consider the purchase or lease of real property up to the time an option to purchase or lease that real property is obtained (requires a 2/3 roll call vote of members elected or appointed and serving)
-- To consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the public body (requires a 2/3 roll call vote of members elected or appointed and serving).
-- To review the specific contents of an application for employment or appointment to a public office, if the candidate requests that the application remain confidential. However, all interviews shall be held in an open meeting (requires a 2/3 roll call vote of members elected or appointed and serving).
-- To consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by State or federal statute (requires a 2/3 roll call vote of members elected or appointed and serving).

This can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dmb/24...

Susan Atkerson

Just to answer a few questions:

1. The minutes are posted on the school web-site ( www.caro.k12.mi.us ) on the Central Office/Board of Education page "shortly after the meeting". That meeting was held on Monday night, the 10th. The posts being made on this meeting started on November 12, plenty of time for anyone to have read the minutes that are available to the public via the web-site.

2. Each board member is paid "$30 per meeting with unlimited meetings and a maximum payment of one compensation per day for school board stipends". This is a direct quote from the July 2008 board meeting minutes, from the Caro schools web-site. So in the month of November, there was the regularly scheduled meeting + 2 special meetings posted + 3 committee meetings posted (again on the school web-site).

Susan Atkerson

discouraged
'Sister' responded at 12:14. If that person is a teacher, that probably was his or her lunch time.