Oppose injustice and oppression in PG.

To oppose injustice and oppression is not something that is merely political. It is profoundly religious. Can you imagine what the gospel means to people whose dignity is trodden underfoot every day of their lives, to those who have had their noses rubbed in the dust as if they did not count like happened in the Tyranny of Hutu numbers in Rwanda and recently in Kenya?

Despots and dictators ban books and literature and any newsletters they think are subversive, but the book they should actually ban is the Bible, for nothing could be more radical, more revolutionary once a society faces up to the awfulness of injustice, oppression and discrimination and Tyranny of any form. Some of us for one are involved in social struggle because we are spiritual not political. We are obeying the imperatives of our faith. Would anyone say Moses was a religious leader or a political leader? Was God acting religiously or politically when He set free enslaved people? Throughout the Bible you read how frequently the prophets act on behalf of God or speak on behalf of God and they speak in what we call political areas! If your religion does not affect the way you live your life, it’s a religion God rejects. We must lose the fetters of injustice and set free those who have been crushed.

As we welcome the new Superintendent in Prince George’s County  this school year, we pray that injustice and the corruption currently prevailing throughout the School District and fueled by the Unions politics will be crashed. The dirty politics to continue the status quo is led by  ASASP, ACE-AFSCME LOCAL 2250, PGCEA, MSEA, other officers and some BOE members who might have direct connection with the previous regime receiving union support clandestinely. At Sasscer admin Building the problem is centered around PGCPS Legal department led by Thatcher law firm, HR and Labor relations officers.  These problem areas must be dwelt with heads on. We pray for new leadership within these areas including the Unions to be led by people who fear God.  AMEN.

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Normal Society & virtuous Foundation in PG County.

Opinion.

Normal Society is build on a virtuous foundation and that it’s time for citizens and residents of PG County to revive that tradition.

The state and local government can’t pass a law to make people virtuous. It’s up to churches, schools and parents to teach virtue.

We have had chaos, across board, in the superintendency, in governance of our schools, in public life and in families because we have lost the underpinnings of virtue of goodness.  In this regard, we understand that many county workers with strong connections withprevious county Executive Jack Johnson are still in place and some of the old ways of doing business is still intact, nothing changed in some places. We must change that culture!  The cases in Federal court preparing for the jury trial speaks out for themselves. (Read the orders here ~~> Tracy Allison – Order, jon everhart order and  Ruth Johnson) The only way to avoid these kind of damages in the future is for people to work together in an atmosphere of respect in every aspect of PG County and especially the schools.

PG County needs to revive the hope that springs eternal from the transcendent teachings of a humble carpenter who died upon a cross. Government can supply bread, but it cannot bend a broken spirit.  Government can build a homeless shelter, but it cannot force anyone to assist their neighbor or the homeless youth.  We can’t do enough through government, we just have to have a virtuous people.

The wise saying that we should separate, discrimination and religion from politics is not about keeping racist and religious people out of government, it’s about keeping the government out of racism and religion. No government, no law can force people to be virtuous. Our churches, our schools, you, parents, all of us together have to fill that void. This isn’t the norm now and we have hope the new county CEO will deliver with all our help.

If it’s popular to be a people to lack virtue, if what’s great on TV, if what you see every day around you, what has become popular, what has become the norm, is a Godless society with no moral underpinnings, it is our job to not conform. It is our job to be non-conformist. Another way of putting this is we must do something our world often tells us not to do: we must seek God. For our redemption and salvation, for our county’s revival, it depends on rediscovering that synthesis between freedom and tradition.

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Prince George’s schools’ test scores drop.

Source: Washington Post analysis of Maryland School Assessment scores for 2013. Scores reflect combined results for reading and math.. The Washington Post. Published on July 23, 2013, 12:20 p.m.

As the New Board of Education for Prince George’s County reorganizes itself and is determined to bring the necessary changes, we must realize that there is no silver bullet. However, as we articulated before, real improvements in a school system like PGCPS take time and hard work.  As we said before, miraculous sudden improvements in student achievement was likely the result of outright fraud or a rigged evaluation system designed to produce desired results. This notion has been proved right today by news articles in Gazette and Washington Post.

Prince George’s County elementary school mathematics and reading scores are down compared to last year, ending a suspicious “positive four-year streak” driven by what appears to be fraud on state tests, and officials say next year may not be much better. (Read more)

On this note, we must demand changes starting with PGCPS HQ (Sasscer) and not cosmetics changes. We ask our new Board and our CEO to go boldly for administrative reforms that relate to the nuts and bolts of our school system and how it is run. Buses must be made to run on time and we must get rid of administrative waste, and sort through questionable contracts beginning with Thatcher Law firm which is the epicenter of corruption and the legal department. We must change contracting procedures and demand more for our kids instead of high suspension rate we have seen in the past. Above all, we must use appropriate technologies to gain efficiencies as well as, demand effective and timely school-to-parent communications. This is the first and most necessary element for enabling parental involvement as articulated by our sister Blogs in the past.

Finally, we must treat teachers and other staff members as professionals. Listen to them and provide them opportunities to influence how schools are run. We must refrain from arbitrary compensation schemes that will make teachers accountable for conditions they have no control over.  On this note, we must revisit how budget is controlled by Principals without much oversight which is like “Christmas in April.” This does not mean you don’t demand accountability and high performance. However, transparency and accountability initiatives passed into law must be implemented fully. We expect County Executive Rushern Baker, Board Chairman Dr. Segun C. Eubanks and our New Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin Maxwell to be a partner, not a punitive leader who are out to get teachers and other staff members. Let us make PGCPS a place that values innovation and professionalism—an attractive place for good teachers and other professionals to work for the good of the county.

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Applications to fill PGCPS BOARD…

… of Education District 7 Vacancy –

UPPER MARLBORO, MD –  Today, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III announced that he will be accepting applications from residents who are  interested in filling the Prince George’s County Board of Education  vacancy left after the resignation of District 7 School Board Member Carletta Fellows.  According to Maryland House of Delegates Bill 1107, the recent education reform law for Prince George’s County, the County  Executive is required to appoint a member to the Board of Education  whenever there is a vacancy.  Furthermore, since this vacancy is a  result of an elected board member leaving office, the County Executive’s appointee must reside in the School Board district where there is a  vacancy.

Interested residents who reside in Board of Education District 7 Prince George’s County School District Map can obtain a copy of the District 7 School Board Application from the Prince George’s County website or the County Administration  Building upon request. Applications should be mailed to Office of the  County Executive, County Administration Building 14741 Governor Oden  Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-3050 and/or emailed to  Courtney Glass at educationboard@co.pg.md.us.  All applications must be postmarked by close of business Tuesday, August 6, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Upon receipt, each application will be evaluated and referred to the County  Executive for consideration.  For questions or additional information,  please contact educationboard@co.pg.md.us.

For Those who look upto Him – PGCPS District.

There is still a lot of work to be done in fixing the PGCPS school District and our Education system in Maryland. Many of the senior administrators who have been the source of problems within the Prince George’s School District in corroboration with the ones who resigned are simply in place or simply moved around to shield them. Discrimination, hostile work environment continues in some schools and central offices. We have evidence as received in our blogs.  As  Dr. Alvin L. Crawley –Interim Superintendent of Schools goes into retirement on July 31, 2013, our new CEO and our Board members must prepare to scrutinize what transpired in the last five (5) years. The role of the Thatcher Law firm led by Ms. Abbey Hairston in fueling corruption and Hostile work environment within the schools must be examined. The levers of a despotic, corrupt regime whose days are approaching so fast must not be allowed to rigor any longer.

False success and stolen powers have become the gods whose altars we burn incense and bow our knees. BUT the universe is constructed in such a way that unless we live in accordance with its moral laws we will pay horrendous price for it. No situation is permanent and We are grateful for work exhibited by our Maryland legislature and the County Executive.

Nevertheless, there are things far more important than the cash in your bank account.  Real men don’t need to pull out their wallets in order to certify who is the real man, for there is value in being intelligent, conscientious, strong and principled.  Our incessant desire to worship money has served as the greatest impediment to the advancement of our society. As we move towards the future, we must remain vigilant for what is right and continue to help those less fortunate in our communities.

Psalm 34:5

‘Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.’

– Who are you looking to for your help today? – Remember, your help comes from the Lord and no one else. – He will come through for you. – You will be able to rejoice and your face will show it!

PRAYER: Lord, We declare that You are our source. We look to You for the help that we need, knowing that You have our best interests at heart. Amen.

Have a good week.

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Board of Education to Host Additional Meet and Greets With the New CEO.

New Schools Chief Executive Officer Maxwell

WHO:

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III

Prince George’s County Board of Education

New PGCPS CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell

WHAT: Meet and Greets with Dr. Kevin Maxwell

WHEN/WHERE:

Tuesday, July 23

6-8 p.m.

G. James Gholson Middle School • Multipurpose Room

900 Nalley Road

Landover, MD 20785

 

Thursday, August 8

6-8 p.m.

DuVal High School

9880 Good Luck Road Lanham, MD 20706

 BACKGROUND:

The Prince George’s County Board of Education is hosting two additional opportunities for the community to meet and talk with the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Dr. Kevin Maxwell. County Executive Baker recently appointed Dr. Kevin Maxwell to serve as CEO for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Prince George’s County Public Schools faculty and staff, business and community leaders are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, view the press release on the July 10 Meet and Greet

County Executive Baker Announces…

…Appointment of Carolyn M. Boston as Vice Chair of the Prince George’s County Board of Education

Carolyn M. Boston

County Executive Baker Announces Appointment of Carolyn M. Boston as Vice Chair of the Prince George’s County Board of Education

Upper Marlboro, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker,  III announced the appointment of Carolyn M. Boston as Vice Chair of the Prince  George’s County Board of Education, a position she currently holds.  Under  recently enacted Maryland law, HB-1107, the County Executive is charged with  nominating the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Education.  The Vice  Chair must be selected from one of the elected members of the Board if the Chair  is one of the appointed members.  County Executive Baker previously  appointed Dr. Segun Eubanks to serve as the new Board Chair.  On June 28,  County Executive Baker announced his selection of Dr. Kevin Maxwell as Prince  George’s County Public Schools’ Chief Executive Officer.

“I am pleased that Carolyn Boston will remain as Vice Chair  of the Prince George’s County Board of Education.  Her experience and  history with the Board will serve as a bridge during this  transition in school governance,” said Prince George’s County Executive  Rushern L. Baker, III. “Throughout her tenure on the Board of Education Ms.  Boston has earned the respect of her colleagues and has been an advocate for  her constituents, students, parents, and teachers.”

In June, County Executive Baker appointed three new members  to the Board of Education.  Former Provost and Vice President of the  University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Dr. Beverly Anderson of Fort  Washington, and Dr. Daniel Kaufman of Bowie,  Executive Vice President and head of Widmeyer Communications’ PreK-12 education  practice in Washington, D.C. and New York City.  Mr. Curtis  Valentine of Fort  Washington, a  consultant with the Imagine Foundation, was appointed by the Prince George’s  County Council.

In Selecting Ms. Boston, Reform Sasscer Movement believes County Executive Baker was sending a message of bridging the gap and the fight against discrimination and harassment throughout the Prince George’s County School system. We look forward to working with her and the entire Board in transforming the future of our kids with great affection in PG County.  May God Bless the United States.

BIO OF CAROLYN M. BOSTON   Carolyn M. Boston is an elected member of the Prince  George’s County, MD Board of Education representing all parents and students in  District 6.   Carolyn M. Boston has been a resident of Prince George’s  County for over forty years.  She has two successful adult daughters who  both are alumnus of Prince George’s County Public Schools and three  granddaughters who currently attend elementary, middle and high schools in  Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Ms. Boston’s desire to advocate for parents, students and  teachers became prevalent during her tenure as President of the PTA at Robert  R. Gray Elementary School where she served diligently for nine years.  She  was Chairperson of Field Services for the Maryland State PTA Board of Directors  and maintained that position for two consecutive years.  She has served in  various capacities for the Prince George’s County Council of PTAs; Vice President  of Membership Services and Field Service Representative.

While working full time as a Parent Liaison for four years,  Ms. Boston was a Mentoring Master Trainer. She is also a facilitator for the  Comer Conference Parental Workshops as well as numerous National and State PTA  Leadership workshops and conferences to increase advocacy building on behalf of  children and parents.  She received the Maryland State PTA Highest Award  for Lifetime Member Recipient.

Ms. Boston also served as Vice Mayor and Councilwoman for the  Historic Town of Fairmount Heights, Maryland for two terms.

Additionally as a community activist, she has been an  Associate Member of the Auxiliary to the Landover Hills Volunteer Fire and EMS  Department for over six years.  She was a former employee of AFSCME  AFL-CIO at its headquarters for seven years and shop steward for two years.

Ms. Boston is a strong advocate of parent and community  involvement. She also has a passion for special needs students.  It is her  profound belief that the Prince George’s County Public School system must be an  institution of management transparency and responsible fiscal oversight in  order to achieve the highest level of academic success for all students.

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Education is important because, first of all, people need to know that discrimination still exists. It is still real in the workplace, and we should not take that for granted. ~ Alexis Herman

PGCPS board member Carletta Fellows resigns.

Carletta Fellows

Reform Sasscer Movement has learned that Ms. Carletta Fellows accused of charging more than $700 of personal expenses to her board-issued credit card has resigned.

According to Prince George’s County Public Schools, Carletta Fellows announced her resignation Thursday. She was elected to the board last year to represent District 7 constituents. During her short tenure in the Board, she worked very hard and created a strong accountability check on previous Board Chairperson Ms. Verjeana Jacobs until Ms. Jacobs lost her position through the legislature by the way of HB1107. Even though she is leaving the Board of Education, this woman of God should be supported even in retirement. If she made a mistake, it’s because she did not know. The fight against corruption must continue ~ A luta continua!

Fellows was the only board member who supported County Executive Rushern Baker’s plan to take over the school system. (Read more Washington post)

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Meet the New CEO for PGCPS TODAY – @CROSSLAND.

County Executive Baker (Left), New Schools Chief Executive Officer Maxwell (Center) and Board of Education Chair Dr. Segun Eubanks (Right)  pictured above.

County Executive Baker and New Schools Chief Executive Officer Maxwell to Attend Meet and Greet Hosted by the Board of Education at Crossland High School On July 10th
First of Three Opportunities for Residents to Meet the New CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools
Upper Marlboro, MD -Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Dr. Kevin Maxwell will attend a meet and greet for residents at Crossland High School, 6901 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 10, 2013. The event is being hosted by the Prince George’s County Board of Education and will provide residents with a chance to meet and talk with Dr. Maxwell.

“We are excited to have Dr. Maxwell join the team that will move our school system forward more rapidly. I am sure that residents want a chance to meet him and this event is designed to provide that opportunity,” said County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “Dr. Maxwell knows and is invested in Prince George’s County and its schools. He is committing his outstanding talents to ensuring that our school system is amongst the finest in the state. He was educated in our schools, he taught in our schools and now he will lead our schools. Dr. Maxwell is an innovative educator who has come full circle and I am confident that his greatest achievements are still yet to come.”

“Dr. Maxwell’s return to Prince George’s County Public Schools is an important step forward for this County. He brings the type of energy, expertise and innovation that we need to move our schools forward. I encourage the community to come out and meet Dr. Maxwell to wish him well and share your thoughts on how to take our schools from good to great,” said PGCPS Board of Education Chair Dr. Segun Eubanks

County Executive Baker recently appointed Dr. Kevin Maxwell to serve as CEO for the Prince George’s County Public School System and this is the first of three events over the next few months where residents can talk with the new CEO. Crossland High School was selected as the first location because Dr. Maxwell began his career there. Students, parents, Prince George’s County Public Schools faculty and staff, business and community leaders are welcome to attend.

WHAT:
Meet and Greet with New Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell (light refreshments will be served)

WHO:
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III
Board of Education Chair Dr. Segun Eubanks
New PGCPS CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell
Prince George’s County Board of Education

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 10, 2013, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Crossland High School
Multi-purpose room/cafeteria
6901 Temple Hill Road
Temple Hills, MD 20748

Hon. Judge Peter J. Messitte sends two cases to jury for $5million each.

GREENBELT, Maryland — Judge Peter J. Messitte of the U.S. District Court of Maryland’s Southern Division today denied two motions for summary judgment filed by Thatcher Law firm on behalf of the Board of Education for Prince George’s County.  Information reaching Reform Sasscer movement indicates that, Out of the four cases heard today, two were dismissed based on Attorney incompetence and the other two cases one by Dr. Ruth Johnson and the other by Ms. Tracy Allison will proceed for the jury trial for a possible reward of $5 million each.  Judge Messitte’s rejection of the motions was widely expected because of the illegal Board of Education actions taken by the previous regime led by Verjeana Jacobs and Dr. William Hite Jr. In his ruling, Judge Messitte emphasized he was there to serve justice and in impartial way.  He seemed to be sending a message that, corruption, retaliation, discriminatory tendencies and hostile work environment among other things cannot be condoned in a civilized world irrespective of who you are!

If Thatcher Law firm had exercised care and played by the rules, the Prince George’s county School Board will not  have been facing this kind of money in front of jury for damages. Had they settled the case, there would have been no problems.

The other four cases listed below are scheduled for tomorrow July 2, 2013 from 10 AM to 3:30PM in court room 4C.  Stay tuned.

1. 10:00 AM Motions Hearing
   Everhart v. Board of Education of Prince George’s County
   PJM 11-1196
2. 11:30 AM Motions Hearing
   Dean v. Board of Education of Prince George’s County
   PJM 11-1197
3. 2:00 PM Motions Hearing
   Williams v. Board of Education of Prince George’s County
   PJM 11-1231
4. 3:30 PM Motions Hearing
   Marshall v. Board of Education of Prince George’s County
   PJM 11-1232

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“The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity.” ~ Frank Serpico