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Coleman confirms all 24 DCSS teachers issued nonrenewals will appeal dismissals

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By Terry Lewis (1157)
terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

As of Wednesday, May 23, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. — Dougherty County School System attorney Tommy Coleman said Wednesday that his office has received responses from 24 letters of nonrenewal issued to teachers and administrators accused in the CRCT cheating scandal — and all 24 will appeal their dismissals.

The appeals now push the school system and the teachers to the administrative tribunal phase of the process.

Coleman, however, cautioned against hope for quick resolution to the cases. He and three other lawyers are still pouring over case files, including audio of witness interviews from the volumes of evidence delivered from CRCT investigators, adding he could not say when the tribunals

“There is still a lot of evidence to go through. School is out and people are scattered,” Coleman said. “I have an idea when we can start, but I am not going to tell you until I have a chance to tell the School Board.”

The next meeting of the DCSS School board is scheduled for May 30.

In other School Board related news, qualifying for four BOE seats began Wednesday. The deadline for qualifying is noon Friday.

Two incumbents, James Bush and Anita Williams-Brown and political newcomers Lane Price and Robert Youngblood qualified Thursday.

So far the only contested race is for the Board’s at-large seat, where Williams-Brown will square off with challenger Price in the July 31 Democratic primary.

Williams-Brown is seeking her second term on the Board while Price, the medical director of Willson Hospice House, is making her first run at political office.

Board Chairman Bush will defend his District Five seat. Bush, who is seeking his fourth term on the Board, is as yet unopposed.

Youngblood, a long-time DCSS coach, teacher and principal, qualified for the District 1 seat being vacated by Board veteran David Maschke, who is stepping down after 12 years.

Youngblood, who is running as a Democrat, has yet to draw any opposition.

District 3 Board member Velvet Riggins, who is currently under indictment on two felony counts of school lunch fraud, has yet to announce whether she will seek reelection.

Sources, however, say that Riggins, who is in her first term on the Board, will qualify on Friday and annouce she will attempt to defend her seat.

No other hopeful has announced intentions to run for the District 3 seat.

More like this story

Comments

whattheheck 1 year ago

Of course! Who wants to wean from the "sugar teat"? We will probably lay some tax money on them to pay the lawyer--one of the Kings most likely--since a bail bond is not required.

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dingleberry 1 year ago

Is that white wash on the sign new?

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Citizen_A 1 year ago

No...been there a while. It's efflorescence which is salt deposits left behind by water as it leaches out of the brick.

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Shinedownfan 1 year ago

Is there any way to clean it off and "seal" the brick?

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Citizen_A 1 year ago

I'm sure there is. But, could you imagine the backlash the public would give if they spent the money to do it? With a budget they can't balance right now, we could let it slide.

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MRKIA 1 year ago

THE CONDITION OF THE SIGN IN THE PICTURE OF THE DCSS MAIN OFFICE IS AN ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS MAINTAINED IN THE DCSS. THE SIGN IS THE WELCOME MAT SO TO SPEAK AND THE FIRST THING YOU SEE APPROACHING THE BUILDING AND MATCHES THE CONDITIONOF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM; RUNDOWN, IN NEED OF AN THOROUGH INSPECTION AND CLEAN-UP, THE NEED FOR SOMEONE COMPETENT TO GET THE JOB DONE. THE BAR HAS BEEN LOWERED FOR THE CHILDREN JUST AS THE BAR FOR MAINTAINING THE SIGN.

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straightface 1 year ago

Good for the 24 teachers.. Get those JOBs back. They were all lies anyway! No Evidence! And sue, sue, sue!!! Lookout DCSS...

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Terry.Lewis 1 year ago

If there were no evidence, four lawyers would be sitting in an office on Westover playing cards instead of going over reams of documents and audio tapes.

Let due process take its course, shall we?

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Jack_Frost 1 year ago

And will you admit how wrong you are? The CRCT investigators, who have no bones to pick down here, founds PLENTY of evidence.

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agonized 1 year ago

Kudos to Terry for the correct usage of the term "due process"! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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VSU 1 year ago

What an idiot, we can tell you are a product of the DCSS.

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DCSSTeacher 1 year ago

This is exactly the attitude that gives teachers a bad reputation. We are NOT entitled to this job. This is not something we are owed! Teachers should earn their credentials from reputable institutions, practice professionally and ethically their vocation, and continue their professional development to learn new strategies for self-improvement. The sick attitude in Albany is that certain individuals should be guaranteed their positions merely because of whom they know and to which sorority or fraternity they pledged. This is ludicrous! No wonder our children fall BELOW our expectations instead of "beyond" them (as our superintendent likes to say).

I really hope your pseudonym "straightface" indicates you are joking sarcastically with us while maintaining a straight face instead of actually believing the words you post.

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agonized 1 year ago

Very well stated, DCSSTeacher. You are someone who went into the profession for all the right reasons, and that is very refreshing!

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

All lies? What don't you understand about "ONE in FIFTEEN TRILLION" chance that the erasures were accidental? Figures don't lie..........but liars figure.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

Sister, the actual test were not used, they used educated probabilities! get the facts Sisterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

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straightface 1 year ago

Well why would all 24 seek an appeal if they were suppose to be guilty of erasing those tests.. Really? does tha make since to you? well maybe it does!

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Terry.Lewis 1 year ago

Some wil get their jobs back; some will not. That's what the tribunals are for. Some will also be looking over their shoulders hoping that the state Professional Standards Commission does not yank their certifications.

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Momof3 1 year ago

To prolong it, that's why

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dingleberry 1 year ago

Of course it makes since. The job they are going to lose is the best job they could ever hope for--Peter and his principle apply. Until the good ship Lollypop hit a big wave, things were going just great for those with no integrity--and likely no real ability to teach.

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Jack_Frost 1 year ago

Why would they appeal? Maybe because they're trying to save face. Maybe they think they can BS their way through the tribunal. Or, maybe they're just to stupid to realize that there really is evidence.

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agonized 1 year ago

I'd go with all three.

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waltspecht 1 year ago

Basically because they have a lack of personal responsibility and integrity, which has previously been demonstrated by their actions in the first place. When in your memory has anyone pled guilty to any charges, no matter what the evidance against them? They are looking for the DEAL which will get them as much as it can out of the situation they find themselves in. Thats what ties up our courts, and keeps Lawyers employed. You saw where the Doughtery's plead innocent didn't you? Why should these Teachers and Administrators take any different course of action? I wonder how many of them profess to one religion or another that would frown on their lack of personal responsibility?

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Outtahere 1 year ago

I'm not surprised - are ya'll?

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MRKIA 1 year ago

THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT IS THAT THE COMMUNITY THAT VOTES FOR AND HIRES THEIR LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS AND POLITICAL OFFICERS SHOWS NO SUBSTANTIAL CONCERN OR OUTRAGE. EVIDENCE? WILLIAM WRIGHT APPEARS TO HAVE ASSUMED THE TITLE OF SPOKESMAN WITHOUT CHALLENGE. WHERE IS THE MAYOR? THE EX-MAYOR?, SANFORD BISHOP, NAACP,JOHN CULBREATH, AL SHARPTON, MR. SHERROD, JESSE,JOHN WHITE, YAZ JOHNSON??? ANYBODY??? NONE OF YOU HAVE A STANCE ON THIS? AFRAID YOUR STANCE MIGHT OFFEND THE WRONG PEOPLE? YOU ALL SHARE A COMMON DEFECT WITH YOUR SILENCE.

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Citizen_A 1 year ago

Does Riggins seriously think she needs to run for re-election? She needs to focus on getting her own house in order before she does anything else. Guilty or not guilty, anyone under an indictment should be disqualified until they clear up their legal issues. If she is found innocent, then she can try again the next time elections come up.

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PatrickY2K 1 year ago

We just need one person in that district to qualify. He or she could run on the "I'm not a liar" platform.

I hope EVERYONE realizes that our poorly-run school system is affecting property value, and our ablity to attract new business to Albany. Voters who do not have school-aged children, or who have children in private schools are affected by the School Board. PLEASE VOTE!!!

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Citizen_A 1 year ago

You are right....Let's pray for that to happen.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

The lawyers are going over material, hoping to find cause. Cause is required before a non renewal is issued. If you issue non renewals before you find cause, it could support the teachers on appeal. Pre judging before cause is serious, but let's wait for cause, however, if cause is not found, the teachers will have grounds for civil suits.

This is bigger than we think, it will be costly, Atlanta, has come to reality with this cost concern.

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gotanyfacts 1 year ago

BV_rureel... The "cause" is the finding of the state investigation. The non-renewals were necessary for the process of a closer review to continue so that proper actions can take place, if warranted. (You do understand that renewing the contracts would have made the board powerless to act?). Your repeated referrences to the cost of potential litigation indicates a familiarity with legal extortion often practiced by sub-par employees to keep a job, or even make money off being fired. I'm not sure if these points are over your head, or you choose to duck when logic flies your way. I am looking forward to another coherent response ;)

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agonized 1 year ago

Good response, gotanyfacts. If anyone thinks that state investigators just bee-bopped down to Albany for the heck of it to get a Jimmy's Hot Dog and waste state funds, because they are on a "witch-hunt" or need to waste time, they are sorely mistaken. There was enough cause for them to conduct the investigation, which took hours and hours of time, as evidenced by the audio recordings and documents. There is a reason it's been referred to as "evidence". Believe me, there are far easier ways that Mr. Coleman and the other attorneys can bill hours. They are trying to ensure the tribunal system is fair and gives the accused DUE PROCESS.

As for Atlanta, the process has been costly. But if employees of the schools had simply done what they were supposed to do in the first place, it wouldn't have been. And by that I mean NOT CHEATED. The bigger cost has been the shame it's brought on their schools and the great cost to the students. Even Prez. Obama commented on it. The threat of suing people for doing their jobs is ridiculous, when they are trying to ensure that cheating by the very teachers that should be role models for their students is not tolerated.

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VSU 1 year ago

We's dune nuthin wrong, we wills fite this witch hunt with Will'm Wright by's our sides, we shall overcome. You's sees.

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Cartman 1 year ago

Good. The entertainment continues.

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big2xpapa 1 year ago

All those people locked away in prison said that they were not guilty.

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Shinedownfan 1 year ago

...and Andy Dufresne was the only one who didn't do it. :)

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Shinedownfan 1 year ago

Okay, lets see if anyone get's it this way... "...and Andy Dufrane was the only one who didnt do it. :)"

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chinaberry25 1 year ago

I for one would never allow them in a classroom again. If they win their appeals, you could give them the lowest job to be found and the hardest. Never any classroom time where it matters. There is always ISS, paras for profound ESP teachers. Eventually they will be glad to get the hell out of Dodge. Also since they are taking away connections class, they can babysit the kids in the gym during teacher plannings and take them out to recess. Penance to pay for bad behavior.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

It's good you're not the decission maker, you came up with this without seeing any evidence.

God help us!

The Real Deal

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DCSSTeacher 1 year ago

Bubbavet_rureel (or should we call you "Dr. Murfree?"),

You obviously love speaking without thinking when you assume that people do not know the evidence. While the public does not have full access to the tapes and interviews taken by state investigators and legal personnel, we DO have access to the detailed report from the Governor's Office. The Albany Herald (bless them for transparency and accountability!) published these documents on their website for all to read. It's quite interesting reading if you have a few minutes.

Oh wait, Bubbavet-rureel, you can hardly spell and use grammar correctly! Let us know if you need help making your way through the pages!

Here is Part One:

http://www.albanyherald.com/documents/2011/dec/20/governors-report-dougherty-crct-part-1/

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LGadson 1 year ago

That's crazy, China. Same amount of integrity is needed. And also, an appeal is not to necessarily to continue working in Dougherty County. Who would accept those conditions anyway? Babysit in a gym?

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

A wise man said, he who put the cart before the horse, will never be successful.

No cause = Contract No evidence= Contract Fair Impartial Hearing = Contract Non Renewal before finding cause = Contract

God help us!

The Real Deal, Bubbavet_rureel

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waltspecht 1 year ago

I guess you've never seen a Mule hunting cart? Where the Mule is behind the cart pushing it? Worked fine on Tallassee Plantation for years.

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LGadson 1 year ago

Until they came for us

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agonized 1 year ago

Bv_r, one thing about your posts is that they never cease to amaze me. This one started off like a fortune cookie, then you lapsed into almost a Dr. Seuss book, which was like your earlier post.

They are easier to read, and I do like your signature and agree: "God help us!"

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

Oh there's plenty of evidence. What could be lacking is brains and the willingness to understand it.

B_r, you are unwilling. coachjohnson, you are unwilling. straightface, you are unwilling. If you are willingly obstinately stupid, then there is no hope for YOU!

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

Okay, talk is easy, let's see the evidence Sister. What is taking so long? You have people out of work and by admission you're still reviewing files, what are you looking for? This is one side of the story, wait until you here all sides, what will the teachers say, what did they really say?

Did they cheat?

Sister, we're possible talking:

Days Months Years

Before we will know the ending, Sister, you will have gone through 3 to 4 computers by then. Your fingers will be tired!

The __Deal, Bubbavet_ru__l.

Can we be friends?Can you plenty of evidence that?

These comments are just freedom of speech opinions, I only want justice for everyone!!!! including the system, students, educators, and my friends to include Sister, MRKIA, etc...

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Cartman 1 year ago

Please type in English.

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agonized 1 year ago

Uh oh, you're slipping...too many phrases that do not connect. The post is now like some sort of odd poem people are forced to read in high school that doesn't make a bit of sense. Be brief, Bv_r, very, very brief.

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straightface 1 year ago

Yeah just like there was evidence is atlanta.. guess thats why all the teachers are getting there jobs back.. Yeah eveidence.. false..doctored up evidence. I am sure Apostle told you to brittle your tongue and p[ray for those that are in trouble not make matters worse for them Sister Ruby.

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

Well what I pray for is this: THAT THE TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN. That's the best prayer I can think of.

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

I would also pray that you will come to accept it but from what I've heard so far, not even the Good Lord is able to make that happen.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

ok,

A,B,C,D, etc....

This may be your learning level, you're running with the Big Boys now, get use to it. We say and we do grown folk stuff. School is out, get some diversity in your life.

Stick with the story and the english will take care of itself.

The Real Deal, Bubbavet_rureel

Can we be friends? Can you english that?

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MRKIA 1 year ago

BUBBA_VET RU HERE YOU GO AGAIN PUTTING YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH AND CONFIRMING HOW STUPID YOU ARE. YOUR EDUCATIONAL LEVEL IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAT MOST OF COMMENTERS AS EVIDENCED BY YOUR POSTS AND YOU'RE ONE OF THE BIG BOYS??? YOU SUBJECT YOURSELF TO RIDICULE AND YOUR COMMENTS GARNER NO RESPECT. YOU MERELY PROVIDE COMIC RELIEF AND EVERYONE TAKES YOU FOR A JOKE. BTW: MAKE FRIENDS WITH KOOL-AID.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1496419234001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAFAsZ1c~,8MkVRvW0Dmap2KNORp2ByMgDa4Nk0kno&bclid=1049484044001&bctid=1614375771001

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

Chief Apostle Isaiah Revills taught me to dis-associate my self from "evil doers". What is a "evil doer" you ask? Well Bubbavet_rureel, coachjohnson23, straightface, and sometime Black_Falcon........y'all go on in your boudoire and look in the mirror and you will see a BIG FAT one!!

I cannot be a "friend" to a liar (who is not gonna Tarry before the Lord 'God Said It!!') or those who willingly obfuscate The Truth because as Jesus said "The Truth Will Set YOU Free" and "You are a LIAR and belong to the FATHER OF LIES (aka SATAN) and The Truth Is Not In You" but you are like the BRUTE in the TOMBS who don't know what HE DON"T KNOW and happily continue on in HIS LOST CONDITION but if Jesus just come by your house and set you FREE, then you might have some HOPE in this World and also the NEXT! I pray it be so for you. Meantime...........y'all ain't RIGHT!!!

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Sister_Ruby 1 year ago

Chief Apostle Revills...........God Rest He Sole..........

None

by Sister_Ruby

Bubbavet_rureel.........."can you HELL FIRE for a LIAR that?"

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Cartman 1 year ago

You're cooking now, Sister!

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

No Sister, let's pray the Lord's prayer.

Our Father..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Amen.

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TheBoss 1 year ago

Its not nice to talk about da corch when he is on summer vaction and can't use the DCSS computers over at Isabella Complex to respond.

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coachjohnson42 1 year ago

I dont think you want me to blast any of these fools today. I am vacation overseas drinking an apple martini with a hint of lime.......but as I check my IPOD to see how my fans are doing I see someone has mentioned "da corch".....So, allow me to interject....I think you all have some interesting viewpoints. However, I ask that you all reserve judgement until the end. Guilt or innocence will be determined by the evidence presented and hopefully judged by an impartial tribunal. (NOT TERRY)......So have a coke and smile and shut up....your opinion as to whether these people are guilty or not means absolutely NOTHING!!!

Poof be gone!!! DA CORCH has SPOKEN...... (you may now go back to regularly scheduled programs)

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Outtahere 1 year ago

Man, this thread was a good one! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's posts!

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Ijustdontkno 1 year ago

This is crazy. Each and everyone of these prople are innocent until proven guilty. Many of you have formed your own opinion from what you have read or heard. And please don't believe everything you read. Tommy Coleman stated that no dates have been set and he was going to discuss the dates for the tribunals on May 30. Well he's lying. The hearings are set to start August 11. Why all the lies? So please back off of those teachers until then.

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gotanyfacts 1 year ago

A common misquote, leaving out the word "presumed". In reality, if one commits a crime,he is guilty even if no one ever finds out. The presumption of innocence means it is on the shoulders of the government to prove guilt rather than the accused proving his innocence. Of course that presumtion has been denied to a number of entities involving civil rights accusations.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

There seems to be some confusion concerning my educational aptitude. The comments sound convincing, however, they are misguided and untrue. I’m a very busy citizen who cares for the good of the community.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

I have decided to stand for justice, unlike Sister who supports "mess".

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MRKIA 1 year ago

BUBBAVET_ I'M NOT CONFUSED, YOU'RE DUMBER THAN A BOX OF ROCKS.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

MRKIA, I respect your opinion. How can we move these discussions forward? What about the teachers being pre - judged by MRKIA.

For the record, your opinion is just an opinion. My opinion of me is very high,and I fight injustice.

The Real Deal - Bubbavet_rureel

Valuable rocks can be found all over the world, and their value depends upon the scarcity of the rock.

Read more: Video: Identifying Valuable Rocks | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_4774973_identifying-valuable-rocks.html#ixzz1vuI0C3XP

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MRKIA 1 year ago

I LOOKED AND COULDN'T FIND YOU.

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Jacob 1 year ago

"What about the teachers being pre - judged by MRKIA."

Questions should end with question marks. If you will have someone help you with English, you will look less stupid.

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MRKIA 1 year ago

UNFORTUNATLY FOR YOU BUBBAVET NONE OF THOSE VALUEABLE ROCKS RESIDE IN YOUR HEAD. YOUR BRAIN INSIDE A MUSTARD SEED WOULD RATTLE AROUND LIKE A BB IN A BOXCAR.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

What about the teachers being pre - judged by MRKIA?

Jacob, please answer the question.

You guys are really smart, I'm glad we are friends.

Jacob "What about the teachers being pre - judged by MRKIA"

I'm in smart company.

Jacob, What about the teachers being pre - judged by MRKIA.

The Real Question mark Deal - Bubbavet_rureel

You guys are being set-up, I teach english at a __school.

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MRKIA 1 year ago

I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT: BUBBAVET_ DEAL IS ACTUALLY SOMEONES PET CHIMPANZEE TRAINED TO TYPE NONSENSE. A CLEAR VIOLATION OF ANIMAL CRUELITY LAWS. I'M CONTACTING P.E.T.A.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

Okay, I'll forgive you for that. I never been called a Chipanzee, you are in our prayers, this is serious. You hate, You blame, You name call, You defame, however, we still value your opinion.

The_Deal,__rureel.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

My purpose is to stimulate and encourage the readers to think practical. This strategy is working very well; in fact several of the readers are in denial. They have resulted in name calling, and belittling my excellent writing skills.

I have allowed these attacks because I value the opinion of my not so informed audience. I will continue to provide the “Real Deal” opinions, in spite of the ridicules and harsh words from mrkia, sister, Jacob and others.

I will keep the issues out front, and i welcome your opinions.

The Real Deal – Bubbavet_rureel.

Be my friend, can you do that?

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MRKIA 1 year ago

BUBBAVET_VET ASK YOUR HANDLER IF YOU CAN USE SPELL-CHECK. THE WORD IS:CHI -M- PANZEE. MAKE SPELL-CHECK YOUR FRIEND.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

i welcome and value your comments; this is part of the healing process. my goal is to turn you around!

Mrkia, I will not turn back now, i see justice on the horizon. People like you need prayer and encouragement. We love you brother, just know that we have you in prayer. Every negative comment you make is being recorded in Gods book, the same people you put down are turning the other cheek, keep being negative, then turned from your wicked ways and served the Lord with goodness and gladness.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

Teachers, help is on the way:

 Keep a song in your heart.  Keep your eyes on Jesus  Keep praying for God’s will  Keep busy  Keep volunteering  Keep your faith  Keep attending church  Keep a smile on your face  Keep your head up  Keep praying for the negative commenters Teachers, please check these off each day. We love you and remember help is on the way. What the devil meant for your bad, the Lord will make it, for your good. Your hard work in education will not be in vain, keep, keeping on!

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MRKIA 1 year ago

BUBBAVET YOU FORGOT TO TELL THEM TO TELL THE TRUTH.

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MRKIA 1 year ago

NOT HARDLY. THE TRUTH MIGHT SET THEM FREE.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

Look what Valdosta did with the 2009 CRCT Investigation

http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x1174306506/Put-to-the-Test

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scooby62 1 year ago

This may be a silly question,but I'll ask anyway. If DCSS is trying to make cutbacks, why are they spending $700,000 to investigate all these teachers for something that is purported to have happened 3 years ago. I don't know about anyone else, but I have a hard time remembering what I did last week, let alone 3 years ago.

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

scooby62, the answer to your question is charter schools, you discredit the larger schools which happens to be ?Then you justify spending millions on charter schools.

Problem 1 - You can only discipline in the violation contract year, see case law, Ga. Appeals.

Hearsay, constitutional violation spells cost.

There, you heared it from the Real Deal - Bubbavet_rureel

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Bubbavet_rureel 1 year ago

APS teacher cleared of test-cheating allegation

Source: wsbtv.com

An Atlanta Public School teacher is fighting to get her job back after she was accused of cheating on several standardized tests, a charge she is now cleared of.

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