Good riddance! If only she had made this decision before she orchestrated the closing of one of the top schools in the district and the state. Now if all the current BOE members would follow suit (with the exception of Dale Frye).... Regardless, it's way past time for a change can't wait until the next election.
Make that only two schools in the entire MCS - since Dr. Purser and the BOE closed
Academy Heights. Great move by our highly paid superintendent and board....
Please remember their decision when election time rolls around. Susan Purser and
the members of the BOE, with the exception of Dale Frye, need to go.
BTW - this school has just placed #1 in the state of NC & #2 in the nation for it's participation in the First in Math program (they've matched this performance in past years). As well as consistently placing in the top five performing school for the state of NC, They are one of a very few schools that still hold an annual Science Fair.
This school had the recipe for success that should have served as an example for the entire district. Small school, involved parents, strong PTA, committed teachers and staff.
The savings which Dr. Purser stated would come from closed AHES was set at $500,000 when the her proposal to the BOE was originally announced. This dropped to $375,0000, when the BOE elected to keep the year-round program in Pinehurst, and now the BOE is purchasing three new mobile classrooms to accommodate the AHES students moving to WPES, AND the BOE has announced that they will be constructing new three to five new classrooms at the cost of $1.7 million, just to be able to handle current student population. WHERE IS THE SAVNGS, DR PURSER?
The decision to close AHES, was shameful. Dr. Purser totally botched it on this one, and the BOE followed her recommendations (all except Dale Frye). They all need to get their suitcases out when election time rolls around.
@iplay1515 - Thank you for your statement, as I believe you're dead on. Not only is the $500K a totally bogus amount, there are other budget errors, misrepresentations, which have been discovered during the course of the last couple of weeks. We have made the BOE aware of these errors, but haven't seen advised on how they will correct.
Right On Darkwing! Thank you for your comments, you are absolutely right.
I too have traveled worldwide and it is indeed OUR youth with the biggest problem. The cultures I've had exposure to teach their youth the responsibilities of drinking, and particularly drinking and driving. Most just don't do it, period.
Additionally, the cost and time requirements of drivers education classes and a drivers license are much, much more costly/stringent than ours.They don't just talk the talk like we do - they back it up with education and serious consequences. Plus, their kids aren't driving when they're sixteen, most don't drive until they're eighteen.
But, I think the biggest issue is our 'approach' to drinking and drugs - we make them seem so much more attractive. . Most European kids drink at home from a fairly young age - watered down beer/wine is often served at dinner. Having exposure to alcohol at home, takes the glamour out of experimenting with it outside of home.
I see tolerance of differing opinions and the right to state such aren't your strong suits - might I suggest adding them to your 2011 resolutions?
I would like to redirect you to the last paragraph of my original post, which stated: I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.
As you have no idea of what I do with my time, I'll just say you're dead wrong. I do volunteer in many different areas. The difference between us is that I don't expect accolades and praise from everyone, satisfaction should come from within with the knowledge that you may have made a difference or contributed good deeds or goodwill. And, unlike you, I welcome feedback and critiques as a way of reflection and moving forward. So, take a deep breath and have a very Happy New Year.
Actually, I think that the VOP Tree Lighting festivities have gone steadily downhill over the past five years. I'm not referring to the folks performing/ providinfpg entertainment, rather the manner in which the event is staged.
In years past, the ceremonies were spread out more, a raised platform provided for performances made them easy to see, with more room to move around. Plus, it does seem as if there were more performances with local school bands, music, group singing, etc...
The most recent festivities were all crammed up against Poppies, Villager Deli and Gentleman's Corner, so that folks couldn't see the performers, couldn't hear ANTHING(unless standing in a very small overcrowded area) and then they stuck Santa on the porch to add to the congestion...
It seems as if attendance has declined since I began attending in 2005 as well. The entire event is missing a certain feeling of festivity and has become rather lackluster and boring. I continue to come as I like the idea of making this a family tradition, and we want to support local events like these - but even the kids are balking at going. Maybe it's only me, but I think this last event was very poorly organized and planned.
And if I was a business owner in the VOP, I might actually consider having my business OPEN until after the event has concluded as I know people finding nothing to do other than eat - pack up and leave, taking their money with them. Just saying, it's the holiday shopping season and all.
I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.
Great letter! Unfortunately from what I've seen lately, there may still be 'worthy guardians' around - but they don't appear to be on the council. I only hope those 'council members' will think long and hard before actually allowing the Village Chapel expansion.
colesue21: Seriously, are you kidding me., what a nitwit.... She doesn't just question the mustache, she makes a personal attack on the gentleman, purposefully offends the family and then tries to speak for others - " Personally, if people see that, they will head in the other direction." Then in her second reply, she makes another inane comment - "Not saying that I am right but my first impression was that he was also a heavy smoker, due to the discoloration of the mustache" - Really, why don't you keep your judgmental, hyper-critical comments to yourself. Speaking for myself, I hope 'YOU' will head in another direction - far, far away...
soccermom 1 year, 9 months ago
Purser to Retire in December
Good riddance! If only she had made this decision before she orchestrated the closing of one of the top schools in the district and the state. Now if all the current BOE members would follow suit (with the exception of Dale Frye).... Regardless, it's way past time for a change can't wait until the next election.
soccermom 1 year, 10 months ago
Only Three County Schools Reach AYP Goals
Make that only two schools in the entire MCS - since Dr. Purser and the BOE closed Academy Heights. Great move by our highly paid superintendent and board.... Please remember their decision when election time rolls around. Susan Purser and the members of the BOE, with the exception of Dale Frye, need to go.
soccermom 1 year, 11 months ago
School Start Times to Change
AHES is closed. But we will not forget!
BTW - this school has just placed #1 in the state of NC & #2 in the nation for it's participation in the First in Math program (they've matched this performance in past years). As well as consistently placing in the top five performing school for the state of NC, They are one of a very few schools that still hold an annual Science Fair.
This school had the recipe for success that should have served as an example for the entire district. Small school, involved parents, strong PTA, committed teachers and staff.
The savings which Dr. Purser stated would come from closed AHES was set at $500,000 when the her proposal to the BOE was originally announced. This dropped to $375,0000, when the BOE elected to keep the year-round program in Pinehurst, and now the BOE is purchasing three new mobile classrooms to accommodate the AHES students moving to WPES, AND the BOE has announced that they will be constructing new three to five new classrooms at the cost of $1.7 million, just to be able to handle current student population. WHERE IS THE SAVNGS, DR PURSER?
The decision to close AHES, was shameful. Dr. Purser totally botched it on this one, and the BOE followed her recommendations (all except Dale Frye). They all need to get their suitcases out when election time rolls around.
soccermom 2 years, 1 month ago
Purser Revises Proposal on Year-Round Schools
@iplay1515 - Thank you for your statement, as I believe you're dead on. Not only is the $500K a totally bogus amount, there are other budget errors, misrepresentations, which have been discovered during the course of the last couple of weeks. We have made the BOE aware of these errors, but haven't seen advised on how they will correct.
soccermom 2 years, 2 months ago
Big Cuts Loom for Schools
Please Check out the Save Academy Heights Facebook Page and help support AHES and the future of our children's education.
Be sure to 'Like' the page to help us build our base of supporters.
Follow us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/saveacademyheights
soccermom 2 years, 4 months ago
Privatization Is Not the Answer
Right On Darkwing! Thank you for your comments, you are absolutely right. I too have traveled worldwide and it is indeed OUR youth with the biggest problem. The cultures I've had exposure to teach their youth the responsibilities of drinking, and particularly drinking and driving. Most just don't do it, period.
Additionally, the cost and time requirements of drivers education classes and a drivers license are much, much more costly/stringent than ours.They don't just talk the talk like we do - they back it up with education and serious consequences. Plus, their kids aren't driving when they're sixteen, most don't drive until they're eighteen.
But, I think the biggest issue is our 'approach' to drinking and drugs - we make them seem so much more attractive. . Most European kids drink at home from a fairly young age - watered down beer/wine is often served at dinner. Having exposure to alcohol at home, takes the glamour out of experimenting with it outside of home.
soccermom 2 years, 4 months ago
Talented Troupers Made It Work
I see tolerance of differing opinions and the right to state such aren't your strong suits - might I suggest adding them to your 2011 resolutions?
I would like to redirect you to the last paragraph of my original post, which stated: I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.
As you have no idea of what I do with my time, I'll just say you're dead wrong. I do volunteer in many different areas. The difference between us is that I don't expect accolades and praise from everyone, satisfaction should come from within with the knowledge that you may have made a difference or contributed good deeds or goodwill. And, unlike you, I welcome feedback and critiques as a way of reflection and moving forward. So, take a deep breath and have a very Happy New Year.
soccermom 2 years, 5 months ago
Talented Troupers Made It Work
Actually, I think that the VOP Tree Lighting festivities have gone steadily downhill over the past five years. I'm not referring to the folks performing/ providinfpg entertainment, rather the manner in which the event is staged.
In years past, the ceremonies were spread out more, a raised platform provided for performances made them easy to see, with more room to move around. Plus, it does seem as if there were more performances with local school bands, music, group singing, etc...
The most recent festivities were all crammed up against Poppies, Villager Deli and Gentleman's Corner, so that folks couldn't see the performers, couldn't hear ANTHING(unless standing in a very small overcrowded area) and then they stuck Santa on the porch to add to the congestion...
It seems as if attendance has declined since I began attending in 2005 as well. The entire event is missing a certain feeling of festivity and has become rather lackluster and boring. I continue to come as I like the idea of making this a family tradition, and we want to support local events like these - but even the kids are balking at going. Maybe it's only me, but I think this last event was very poorly organized and planned.
And if I was a business owner in the VOP, I might actually consider having my business OPEN until after the event has concluded as I know people finding nothing to do other than eat - pack up and leave, taking their money with them. Just saying, it's the holiday shopping season and all.
I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.
soccermom 2 years, 6 months ago
Preserving Tradition
Great letter! Unfortunately from what I've seen lately, there may still be 'worthy guardians' around - but they don't appear to be on the council. I only hope those 'council members' will think long and hard before actually allowing the Village Chapel expansion.
soccermom 2 years, 6 months ago
Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Eat Here
colesue21: Seriously, are you kidding me., what a nitwit.... She doesn't just question the mustache, she makes a personal attack on the gentleman, purposefully offends the family and then tries to speak for others - " Personally, if people see that, they will head in the other direction." Then in her second reply, she makes another inane comment - "Not saying that I am right but my first impression was that he was also a heavy smoker, due to the discoloration of the mustache" - Really, why don't you keep your judgmental, hyper-critical comments to yourself. Speaking for myself, I hope 'YOU' will head in another direction - far, far away...