Monthly Archives: April 2013

Dr. Alvin L. Crawley Resigns.

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Dr. Alvin L. Crawley – above – The right thing a little too late for innocent victims.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) superintendent and the Board members are reacting to our expose yesterday. The Board has now sent out an email to all Staff that Dr. Alvin L. Crawley will be resigning as of June 3, 2013. (See News release).

Such changes are what we would love to see and there are others. Kudos to interim Superintendent Crawley and the Board of Education for responding to these needs. We just hope that the Board of Education for Prince George’s County supporting the County Executive Baker will properly scrutinize the next Superintendent who will come in the school District and help fix the issues identified by our group in corroboration with other stake holders within the school system.

Potential replacements for Dr. Crawley include up and coming prospective candidates such as Daryl V. Williams – Chief of Student Services or Lisa D. Price, PMP, CGPM – Performance Officer for PGCPS to act as interim superintendent in case of a delay in selecting the next superintendent of Schools by June 1, 2013. Both individuals are competent leaders with proven track records in their areas of expertise.

Director of Communication Mr. Brian Coleman, who has been on our radar lately for bad behavior including disrespect and cover ups at Sasscer Administrative Building (Board HQ), sent out the attached email at the bottom of this post to cover up as usual.

People would expect a bit of self-circumspect considering what has transpired under Dr. Alvin L. Crawley’s watch. These emails demonstrate what is wrong with the culture of impunity in PGCPS. One is bound to think Dr. Crawley is leaving under normal circumstance. Why do we shed tears for perpetrators and conspirators? Who is sad for the poor defenseless little children who were molested by the brutes during this man’s watch? Please let us be more reverend and repentant.  These are not normal times. Let us not “normalize” the abnormal.

The sentiments expressed in the end are very revealing and expose the Business as usual lesfaires attitudes in PGCPS School District.

There is no smoke without fire! The gentleman had two and half months to go before resigning. What doesn’t he want us to find out? Dr. Crawley is a clear manifestation of a man who forgot his mission and disregarded the 21 commandment he went to uphold and implement from our blogs. He can only blame himself for the calamity which has befallen him!

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From: Prince George’s County Public Schools <PGCPS@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Subject: Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley
To:

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley

April 26, 2013

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

On Thursday, April 25, Prince George’s County Public Schools Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley notified the Board of Education of his intent to resign effective June 3, 2013. The Board has accepted Dr. Crawley’s resignation.

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley: “We are saddened by Dr. Crawley’s decision to leave early; however, due to the passage of the recent legislation changing the governance structure of our school system, we fully understand. We regretfully accept Dr. Crawley’s resignation and express our gratitude and appreciation for his consistent dedication to student achievement.”

Statement from Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley: “It is with mixed emotions that I submit my letter of resignation effective June 3, 2013. I have enjoyed my tenure as Interim Superintendent of Schools and appreciate the support of our Board, staff, parents, students, and members of the community. I am very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved during my tenure.”

Background: Dr. Crawley was hired in August of 2012 under a contract that was set to expire on June 30, 2013. Maryland House Bill 1107, which passed on April 9, 2013, significantly changes the governance structure of PGCPS by giving the County Executive the authority to appoint the Superintendent of Schools as well as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Education.

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Outrageous Petition Drive in PG County.

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Today we received news through the Washington post that Shameful display of misplaced sympathies and loyalties are in play with some few individuals who want to maintain the status quo within PG County schools. Where is the outrage when it is needed the most to defend “helpless kids and staff” who are not popular or connected to these self-rightious groups?

The papers are stone dead and quiet when the same system has subjected its students and staff to abuse and conditions which are unfathomable in other school districts such as MPCPS, Carvert etc.  Why do we have to be on the wrong side of righteousness? Let us try something new, which can bring accountability to this madness in PGCPS school District. Enough is enough. We can no longer hide under the banner of democracy. Democratic society requires strong protection, but also carries with it equal responsibilities and creates accountability measures.

We support Mr. Rushern Baker and we will be watching developments as well as providing unsolicited advise during his tenure. We are not going give anyone a blank check. However, let us give a chance and try something new. Everyone in the Board of Education have had their chance, it is Mr. Baker’s chance now.

The question we are asking the critics is this, What are the motives of these groups and persons opposing the new school governance structure?  Who is standing for the poor students and staff members? The PG County chapter of NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) should not adopt the tactics and bad attitudes of some corrupt Unions with some hidden agenda. We will not let a very good organization be high jacked by a few misguided individuals who are out to rubble rouse some naive elements in PG County.

Instead of these organizations trying to defend the power brokers with ill gotten wealth, they should be fighting for the less fortunate instead of trying to maintain the status quo. The only thing constant in life is change. Unless they learn to adopt, they are destined to obsolesce .

Lastly, there are people and cases which are beginning to be derailed for lack of representation in various forums. The Unions are not performing their rightful roles and keeping the PGCPS management accountable. We must say “NO” to such misplaced allegiance and false solidarity.

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Where is the Outrage in PGCPS?

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There is something sadly skewed with Prince George’s county community’s moral priorities.

We are sure many of you have been following the growing uproar in our blogs which have advocated for several changes in our school system in the last two years.

So many Prince George’s County administrators at Sasscer Administration Building and elsewhere could not possibly get away with such abuse unless many others were complicit in turning a blind eye in various illegal activities,  including sexual abuse of innocent kids. Why do PGCPS leaders tolerate the presence of colleagues who sexually abuse innocent staff, young children and vulnerable adults? Why do people in the pews not rise up and demand that their leaders be held accountable? Where’s the outrage?

Why don’t people at The School District of Philadelphia in Philadelphia demand the resignation of Dr. William Hite Jr, who admittedly kept quiet about staff members involved in sexual related activity and abuse of kids?

Why doesn’t staff at Sasscer Administration Building demand the resignation of Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, about whom there is significant evidence that he knew of a host of problems including sexual abuse of children when he arrived in September 2012? Where’s the outrage?

Where is the outrage when an 8 year old girl is sexually abused and taken advantage of in an environment which is supposed to be safe and conducive for learning?

Where is the outrage when a 13-year-old girl who died four years ago after she was struck by a car while trying to catch a school bus?

Where is the outrage in the wake of the slaying of seven students this school year alone?

Why do so many people act as though staff- sex abuse cover-ups and other criminal activities are no big deal?

We commend the vigilant teacher and the Principal at Glenn Dale Elementary school. Hopefully at the schools PGCPS could implement in the beginning of the school year teachers and students behavior appropriate and inappropriate interactions. And steps they should take if these rules have been violated.

“Politicians, parents, Churches, TV/Radio personalities etc, should respond with righteous outrage and anger at such crimes against innocent staff, children abused by leaders they trust in these schools and offices,” But where is that outrage?

Even now, has anything changed? Have any of those who covered up and kept quiet in the past about the abuse been held accountable? We appreciate the passage of HB 1107 to make proper changes in PGCPS but it might be too little too late for some.

And what about the epicenter of the corruption in PGCPS led by labor relations Director and previous chief legal counsel? Is anyone outraged at the fact that their long-time attorney threatened to sue abused victims even when the abuse was readily substantiated? It certainly doesn’t appear that way, even as these individuals are being caught red handed stealing. Where is the outrage?

The current Prince George’s County Board of Education Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, has known about these problems for more than six years now and has continued to keep quiet in conspiracy with the corrupt Unions. She was apparently content leaving countless other children and staff at risk. Yet, she is still the Board of Education Chairperson before HB 1107 goes into effect on June 1, 2013. Where’s the outrage?

Where is the outrage when the Director of communications in PGCPS creates false reports to maintain the status quo of the ailing PG County school system in cohort with the current Board chair while abusing the County Executive? (See PGCPSLies) Where’s the outrage?

And what about the fact that a man with a substantiated report of having sexually molested a child was still driving a School Bus, after the fact the school leaders knew of his problems in PGCPS. This is after several leaders had been informed at Sasscer Administrative Building. Those men and women are still in leadership positions including Ms. Monica Goldson the current Chief Operating Officer. Is there any accountability for the willing blindness of PGCPS leaders who leave kids and others in harm’s way for predators? Where is the outrage?

What about the Union leadership and others smooching in the closets in PGCPS schools while refusing to take responsibility for their actions? Where is the outrage?

It is easy enough to look at the perpetrators and say therein lies the problem. But what about all the enablers? What about the many leaders who turn a blind eye like Board of Education Chairperson Verjeana M. Jacobs and allow staff molesters including Union leaders in PGCPS to move on to other schools, offices etc. where they find fresh new prey? Where is the outrage?

“What hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor, but the silence of the bystander.”

— Elie Wiesel

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PGCPS Employee arrested on sex abuse charges.

Jason JamarJason Jamar Howard, 30

Published: April 23, 2013

Riverdale resident and PGCPS Employee at Glenn Dale Elementary School  Jason Jamar Howard, 30, has been arrested by Prince George’s County police (PGPD) and charged with sexually abusing a student at the school.

Based on preliminary investigations—including notification from the victim’s parents—police believe that Howard sexually abused a child at Glenn Dale Elementary on April 17.

According to the charging documents, the confession stemmed from an  incident Wednesday in which a teacher saw Howard sit next to the child,  reach his hand  up the girl’s skirt and put his hand inside her underwear.

The teacher notified the principal of the incident. The child then told her parents, who contacted police.

Once arrested, Howard, an aide at the school, told police he had fondled the student about 10 to 15 times during the current and last school years, according to charging documents.~~> (Read more –Washingtonpost)  (NBC-News) ( Bowie-Patch) (WUSA9) (Gazzette) (PGPD)

Persons with information about Howard or this case are asked to call the PGPD Children and Vulnerable Adult unit at 301-772-4930. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to PG Police website  and submit a tip online.

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PG County Ready for BOE applications.

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The Washington PostPublished: April 20

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) and the County Council are accepting applications for four new appointed positions on the Board of Education, county officials announced Saturday.

State lawmakers expanded the nine-member elected school board under a compromise bill that also allows Baker to hire the county’s next schools chief. Read more ~~~> school board positions

70% of the voters interviewed in PG County approve the job the County Executive Baker and other elected officials in Annapolis are doing. Let us support him and the county council to help select the right candidates,  the right next BOE Chair and the vice Chair person respectfully to help make proper changes.  Any choices excluding Verjeana Jacobs (her husband David is the package) as a leader in PGCPS is a greater advantage for our children. Kudos to the Maryland General assembly and Governor O’Malley!

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Police probe sexual encounter in PGCPS

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Apr 20, 2013 10:17 PM EDT

The Washington Post

Published: April 20

Prince George’s County police and school officials are investigating an incident in which a sexual encounter between students was videotaped in a bathroom at Frederick Douglass High School, and that video was exchanged among other students via mobile phones, according to officials familiar with the case.

The incident came to the attention of school officials last week, and Frederick Douglass’s principal spoke with the student body and notified parents of what happened, said Prince George’s County schools spokesman Briant Coleman. He said school officials also talked with Prince George’s County police to determine whether criminal charges might be warranted, but — at least initially — “they found nothing criminal took place.” Read more~~> Pgcpsmess

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While this behavior is wide-spread in PGCPS, It’s not about whether or not the girl knew  or consented etc.  It is a crime to distribute child pornography. The students in these cases need to understand there is a time and a place for everything (and at school is not the place for these actions). The students need to comprehend that there are consequences to most actions both good and bad.

Finally,  Union leadership and others smooching in the closets in the PGCPS schools and offices need to be dwelt with too. They might as well start looking for other jobs before full investigations commences.

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Jury awards $90 million in Prince George’s County wrongful-death case

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Apr 14, 2013 10:44 PM EDT

The Washington Post Published: April 14

A Prince George’s County Circuit Court jury has awarded $90 million to the family of a 13-year-old girl who died four years ago after she was struck by a car while trying to catch a school bus. The family of Ashley Davis, who was a freshman at Crossland High School, sued the Prince George’s County Board of Education after she succumbed to her injuries two weeks after the Sept. 1, 2009, crash. A six-member jury handed down the wrongful-death verdict — one of the largest in the court’s history — this month. Read more ~~>Jury awards $90 million in Prince George’s County wrongful-death case

Prince George’s County Government leaders  in 2009 school year when this incident happened:

County Executive: Jack B. Johnson 

 Board of Education Chairperson: Verjeana M. Jacobs.

 Superintendent of School /CEO: Dr. William Hite Jr.

These are some of the issues Reform Sasscer Movement has been trying to have the Board of Education (BOE) members see clearly and fix without success. The amount involved here is not the issue.  It will take care of itself. It always does. The real concern is a wonderful, innocent child died, who would have been 17 and a Sr. in High school this year. This family lost a very much loved member of their family; and others lost a very cherished friend. Quite possibly the world lost a future scientist with the cure for cancer, a doctor who perhaps would have saved your grandchild’s life one day!

However, the open discussion this case has triggered is a healthy start to perhaps changing policy to prevent this from ever happing again to our school aged children that must take public transportation to get to school. It’s unfortunate that this had to happen, but the bigger tragedy is it took a jury hitting the PG County school board upside the head with a 2 x 4 before anyone would take notice and even have a discussion on this matter. The corrupt and inept PG County School Board is only costing its residents more money. Surely, the arrogant BOE lawyers could have settled this case a long time ago, but they chose to drag it for their own selfish motives after being rewarded $5million “No bid” contract.

No amount of money…no amount of time passing will make that heartache go away. The only way to get some folks attention and force change is to show them how outlandishly dilapidated they were in their duties. This PGCPS transportation system has been in dire need of an overhaul for a long time. It is very sad but some of the bus drivers are involved in childish political games within the system. When The WaPo printed a story about a 5 year old who was put on the wrong bus, then dropped off in the middle of nowhere and left to fend for herself, there was little outrage. When there is little outrage, there is little inspiration or motivation to make improvements. It’s not about the money as we said before. The jury send a message. Now, perhaps the Prince George’s County District school system needs an overhaul. They now have about $90 million reasons to get motivated to fix what is very much broken.

Many thanks to the eight jurors for their selfless service to the county and its citizens on this case; and for the tough decision they had to make as well. We are sure it was not easy having to sit and listen to a testimony in such a landmark case for the county, or the nation for this matter. Urgent action will be required to address various issues currently affecting children, employees and families at Sasscer (PGCPS HQ). We are sure much progress will be made once the new BOE Chairperson and Superintendent comes on board. (See Highlights of HB1170 signed by Governor O’Malley)

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi”

Many Thanks to our Delegates, Senators.

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MANY THANKS.

We want to take this moment to thank the members of the Maryland House and Senate Delegations for delivering incredible legislative success for residents of the Prince George’s County and especially with HB 1107 for PGCPS. We especially thank our Prince George’s County delegation and Senators who sponsored and supported this bill. Thank you very much for a job well done.

Governor O’Malley signed Maryland House of Delegates Bill 1107 into law on April 9, 2013. HB 1107, which goes into effect on June 1, 2013, enables County Executive Rushern L. Baker III to select the next Superintendent who, pursuant to the legislation, will hereafter be referred to as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PGCPS. In addition, the County Executive will select the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Education. The legislation also authorizes the County Executive to appoint three members to the Board of Education and the County Council will make one appointment. The legislation authorizes the Governor to appoint a three member search committee for the CEO. The County Executive will select the new CEO from the three finalists recommended to him by the search committee. In coming weeks, the County Executive will work with the Board of Education and the County Council to implement this new school governance structure.

As a Movement for Prince George’s County who advocated for the changes, all we can say is that, we are thrilled! In the coming weeks and months, we will work closely with County executive Baker to make things happen and create successful transformation and accountability. We also would like to thank other comrades and anyone else who might have supported the bill by calling their elected officials in Annapolis etc. All we can say is, “Thank you”.  Victory goes to all students, staff and families of PG county.

Once again, Cheers to the Prince George’s County House, Senate Delegations, County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley for signing bill HB 1107 into law, Kudos!

Reform Sasscer Movement for Prince George’s County

“We believe that America’s prosperity must rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class……  We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American; she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own.”

— Barack Obama, Second Inaugural Address, January 21, 2013

Kudos to the General Assembly for reform efforts.

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We are Prince George’s County Public School District (PGCPS) observers in 15th and 32nd year, and we support the current bill HB 1107 and any related bill in the Maryland General Assembly. What has really gotten stuck in our craw most has been the imperial, patronizing manner in which the PGCPS leadership led by Ms. Verjeana Jacobs has been conducting its business.

Even if these members have been defeated for the superintendent position, they still pose a “clear and present danger”. They should never be allowed near the school board leadership in any capacity of authority or influence. The Prince George’s County Board leadership is a disgrace. We should make ensure that there is no way they can weasel their way into the board leadership ever again. The new Superintendent should do everything in his or her power to be the true new broom and sweep out the mess. The facts about ruthless and unethical board aspirants is detailed below. Every parent and concerned citizen of this county should ensure that the past never repeats itself. We owe our children at least that much. Vigilance starts with proactive action.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Alvin L. Crawley arrived seven months ago spouting transparency and community engagement, but what we’ve mostly gotten has been something far less. Several students have died, corruption continues as usual and He does not communicate properly. His first thing on the job was to block communication with PG parents tweeter feed unprovoked. (See Attachment) His tweeter feed only tweets on occasion and he lacks proper communication skills, yet he wanted to be the next superintendent.

Prince George’s County Public School District Chairperson Ms. Verjeana Jacobs and the Board members set the stage by surreptitiously hiring lobbyists to lobby the state Legislature to defeat several House Bills including HB 1107 introduced in Annapolis recently because corruption, nepotism and professional misconduct within the schools. This way, the current situation remains the same. Their effort to defeat the bills fell flat and became a public embarrassment.

In response, however, Board Chairperson Verjeana Jacobs and several Board members said Monday that the board would reopen the search for a new superintendent if that would fend off a proposed takeover plan under consideration in Annapolis. “We are still ready and willing to look at this superintendent process again, “Jacobs told a joint hearing of the Prince George’s House and Senate delegations. “Let’s get rid of the elephant in the room.” (See the story here)

“It was the first concession that Jacobs has made in the battle over County Executive Rushern L. Baker’s III plan to take over the school system. The unexpected announcement comes after school officials were closing in on picking the county’s next superintendent, which would be the eighth in 14 years”. As reported by Washington post. We support the bill and we hope to see changes as soon as possible.

Up to this point in PGCPS, we have seen what has become a pattern: there is an insular, preordained agenda going forward, and whenever there is sound pushback, if not a firestorm of public disapproval and outrage, the PGCPS leadership delivers measured comments to mollify the malcontents no matter how incongruous the rationale. Verjeana Jacobs’s notion “to reopen the superintendent search process, improve the quality of teachers’ experiences” is in stark contrast to the ominous proposals that will more likely discourage longevity. Dr. Alvin L. Crawley and Ms. Verjeana Jacobs appears willing to see teachers scrounge, beg and go out-of-pocket, or do without chairs, desks, books, paper, tape and sundry other necessities often taken for granted. Also, if they accepts the premise that there needs to be a stronger principal pipeline, then how do you give them such power to wield without safeguards, such as due process? And, too, wouldn’t their justification for non-union raises also apply to teachers, among others? How about interfering with hearing examiner by bribing and other incentives?  It is that arbitrariness that all employees dread.

The Board of Education (BOE) members and the PGCPS Union leadership and their cohorts are like a junta ruling by fiat, disconnected from the community denizens. They are not fooling anyone with their placating, after-the-fact patchwork rationales that diametrically contradict their own actions. The only transparency that has come to light is that they think that teachers, support staff, parents and the public are that gullible, or just not as smart as a third-grader. In the process, they appear disingenuous and are only losing credibility and fomenting distrust. Every keen observer is aware what has been going on behind the scenes at Sasscer (PGCPS HQ).

To our distinguished veteran colleagues, don’t let the door hit you on the way out as you defend the dysfunctional status quo.

To all involved parents that currently have children enrolled in Prince George’s County Public Schools, our voices were heard. Thank you for sending your concerns to those that have the power to vote our voice.

For the first time in a very long time, our PGCPS teachers, administrators and staff will receive classroom resources they need, our children will be provided additional assistance, albeit transportation/ELL resources, and systemic academic opportunities.

Ms. Verjeana Jacob’s continuation as a Board Chair and continuing the corruption is a perpetuation of a culture of impunity. We must demand an end to that and new leadership led by the County Executive Rushen Baker .

Kudos to the Prince George’s delegation in Annapolis who have decided to endorse changes within our County. We give the County Executive and the new Superintendent our total support and wish him or her well. However, we will hold him or her accountable and will not repeat the blind and unchecked support of years part. This has been actually lesson learnt at the expense of our children’s lives and reputation of the schools which languish at the bottom of all schools in Maryland.

We have one  fugitive former superintendent  hiding as a refugee superintendent in Philadelphia where his fortunes are beginning to unravel. Let us bring him back to justice and make him answer for his well documented crimes of neglect and malice.

It is a Sad day for the lobbyists in Annapolis and the Board lawyers involved in “NO Bid contracts” against the state law!!! BOOHOO!

Time for Change in PGCPS is Now.

 

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There are only a few moments more defining in the destiny of a county than the ones that are currently underway in Prince George’s County District system.

It has always been our view that the ultimate priority of democracy in a developed County like PG is minimizing the cost of changing leaders.

In light of the current circumstances, which include lack of competency and/or college education with regard to the majority of Board members, the fine citizens of PG Co. must invoke change and stop /reelecting non-qualified criminals for various elected positions. Ms. Verjeana Jacobs has been chairing the incompetent Board for years, despite no improvement on the part of the Board.  The malefactor trait possibly runs in her family, as her husband seems to be a criminal (see our earlier reports here). Mr. Baker is infinitely more qualified to oversee PGCPS than any elected Board member. We say give Mr. Baker all of the oversight he wants and discard the elected Board of Education. Real change will have real impact on student achievement and we support the retention of our best teachers.

But the “my way or the highway” approach adopted by Ms. Verjeana Jacobs (BOE Chair) has no root in a real democracy and will not be tolerated.

We have suffered reversals in individual and collective aspirations. But our form of response has mostly been crippled by a sense of restraint.

In the bigger picture, our realization of the potential of the county’s school system serves as the rightful incentive to stick together and bring proper changes within our county school systems, whether for ourselves or the benefit our children and their children.

The top guns of our politics have the most capacity to achieve our expectations. After months of divisive posturing concerning the flawed superintendent search by the Board of Education, Ms. Verjeana Jacobs finally admitted to inadequacy.  There would be no concern if her admission only reflected on her own incompetence; instead, her admission reflects on the Board of Education, which is our conduit for change.  The Board of Education, which is an extension of members like Verjeana Jacobs, has defaced the entire county with as much hate mongering as the motley of campaign posters she helped distribute in 2012. At that time in November 2012, Ms.Verjeana Jacobs and her husband traveled the loving terrain of PG County spreading hate propaganda against her only opponent on November 4 2012 Election.

When asked about the no bid contracts in millions of dollars issued illegally by the same Board which she chaired, she denied the charges. However, documentation shows otherwise.   When asked if she was willing to work with the opposition in addressing the issues, she rolled her eyes and left the venue.

No one has a right to seek to lead our county unless he or she sees the county as larger than his or her aspirations. And times of tense transition and public anxiety are the best moment for genuine leadership to show its face.  County stability requires that we ensure closure of contest and open the door to collaboration.

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The things that our officials say, where they go, and what they do at key moments like this are what distinguish great leaders from opportunists.

Our elected Senators, Delegates, Board members et al must closet the garbs of contest and try on the apparel of leadership. They must become couriers of a patriotic and inclusive message that changes are necessary. The reform agenda must be enacted without any fear or favor. An inspector General position must be considered and the Unions must be checked in order to ensure accountability on their part. 

Above all, leaders must be willing and ready to confess their endorsement of persons that time have proven to be inadequate, whether by their actions or inaction.

We must reject this scenario for the sake of precedent and make proper change right away.

Sadly, even a blind man can see that it truly is time for a change in the educational system in PG County. How long must the children pay the price for such an ineffective educational process? If not now, when? How many more children will be lost while the grownups play money, politics and power games? It is truly time for a change!!

The integrity and peace of Prince George’s County should be placed on a pedestal above the power ambitions of any leader or group of leaders. That means the PGCPS Board members must make sacrifices and corroborate with the County Executive Rushen Baker in order to create a bright future for our kids.

Of course, holding together a stable county in a critical time of transition is a responsibility that cannot be entirely left at the hands of a few leaders; however vigil they will be or prove to be. Members of the General Assembly, including our beloved Governor O’Malley, are key residual players.

While they are key guarantors of order, they play the best role when they are rendered unnecessary.

As articulated before in the previous blog, our courts and media must continue to play their rightful roles.

Diverse players from the non-state sectors must raise their voices.

Our pursuit of democracy is grounded in the dream of a prosperous future here in PG County. We appoint rulers in exchange for their promise to contest inadequacy in conformity with the goal to make our community wealthier and happier. We mustn’t allow the public mismanagement to result in the denigration of our communities, as manifested in high foreclosure rates, death of innocent students in the last few weeks and corruption involving recruitment of unqualified candidates to be superintendent.

Let us all demand of each other that our conduct and utterance reinforce the image of PG County as a land of stability and promise.  Let’s arrive together achieve a competitive destination for private capital where schools are designed to have a great future and are at peace.

The Prince George’s County reform efforts especially for schools will only show a maturing County if we collectively minimize the social cost.

 Sincerely

Reform Sasscer Movement for Prince George’s County

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