Scott Smith left the following remarks in my blog post supporting Debbie Hays, and I am re-posting them here so everyone can read them.
I respect your opinion on who you think should be next Bossier Superintendent of Schools. However, I made it very clear in my first interview that my number one priority was to quickly fix the problems in the maintenance and finance departments. In less than one hour, after phone calls to finance dept. employees, I was able to ascertain that there is absolutely no communication in the finance department! This is completely unacceptable.
I have no problem removing employees quickly from their jobs for poor performance or unacceptable behavior. I've done this many times over the years at Benton High School. Ask my 76 employees how quickly I address any problems that may crop up. That's why our school is held in such high esteem.
I have a 19 year school level administrative track record to prove it. I can and will quickly restore public confidence in this system, if given the chance. My goal is to have a new top level administration, new vision, and a new level of accountability for the Bossier Parish School System.
I should not be penalized or precluded from this job simply because my wife is a state representative. She has her career, and I've worked hard to have mine. I stay out of her business and she stays out of mine.
You can come to the public forum for the 3 final candidates this Monday, May 18, 5:00 pm, at the BIC Auditorium. I will be glad to talk to you personally about my vision for this system before the forum begins at 6:00.
Of the three, I liked Debbie's answers better that were printed in the Times with Scott a close second...However, I am now pulling for Scott based on his quick response to this blog. His response shows me how quickly he will address problems and speak out when necessary. I do know him and know that he is his own person. I am saddened that D. C. has not taken time to address public accusations with any explanation
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with his response also. I think the Monday meeting might be informative.
ReplyDeleteAfter giving much thought, and coaching by others, of course Mr. Smith was able to come up with a better answer than his original one.
ReplyDeleteApplause to School Board Members Raley, Kostelka, Presley, Webb. Hopefully, at the last vote the remaining 8 will be applauded.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou're correct. When you say "coaching", however, much of my ideas come from going to blogs like the Bossier Independent. Hearing what some of our major stakeholders outside the educational community have to say about our system is a great way to keep fresh, new ideas flowing. If I become superintendent, I will continue to refer to this sight to have a "pulse" of what the general public is thinking. Communication will be a major component of my administration, if chosen.
But, as we all know, talk can be cheap. Anyone can espouse grandiose ideas, but few have the experience or background to prove they will truly implement what they say.
I believe that I have proven in my past that I am an action taker and bring to fruition what I say I'm going to do.
Also, I have a long and successful track record of demanding employee accountability and responsibility. I will bring this same vision to the Bossier Parish School System as I've had for Benton High School for the past 18 years. We need a fresh approach.
Scott Smith
Just a side note that should be public info. Tammy Smith, who is on the school board and is pro-DC, made a move last night and contacted all school board members in regard to the vote. She pushed for a change of the meeting date to Tuesday, so she could insure that no other bad press could get out about DC before the vote. She did not want this change publicized. She is SNEAKY and should be removed from the board.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, can you get any verification of this?
ReplyDeleteIt takes the FBI to verify anything in the Bossier School System. But this is true.
ReplyDeleteHe is correct. I spoke to a board member that had been contacted by Ms Smith and she was trying to see if they would vote Monday night or Tuesday at the latest. If somebody gets BT to talk publicly before the vote ole D C is hung.
ReplyDeleteJim, your blog is always a hot bed of fun....I'm so glad I'm your friend!
ReplyDeleteJim, I understand a meet and greet portion begins at 5:00....
ReplyDeleteI would like to compliment the BPSB on the presentation of questions and answers to the candidates at the last meeting before the decision is made. I am trusing that the members were open minded as I have been in this process. Tonight, I would have to say that Scott Smith was exceptional in his answers. First, he did not walts around the public tust issue and his solution. He emphasized high expectation from all employees, but more importatntly INSPECTION. Secondly, I think all 3 educators are dedicated and capable in many areas of education, but Scott is the most capable for the direction needed at this time to regain public trust especially.
ReplyDeleteI have a hunch that the tide may be turning just a little, and I think that Scott Smith may be the compromise.
ReplyDeleteWe will see.
And I do have some verification that there was a big push to get the vote done tonight.
If only B T would say what he has been threatening to say. Jim, you do realize they are still paying him even though he is no longer listed as an employee on the board website?
ReplyDeleteThe people of Bossier City need to contact their school board reps and remind them to vote as the people of Bossier would want them to, not solely on their own opinions. Also, remember that under the leadership of Machen, the school board lost a TON of money because evidently supervisors were not being supervised. That amount of money should have been caught by someone. Who approves that amount of money being spent??? Would that be the school board?? Think about this when it's time to vote on the board members again! I don't know Scott Smith, but I hear he is well respected and does not put up with any nonsense. We need someone like him holding every single Bossier Parish employee accountable as well as the board members. I do not want to see my tax dollars wasted again.
ReplyDeleteI know Scott Smith very well. He is the best choice for super. Just look at what he has done while at Benton. Call board members and ask them to vote for him if you really want quality leadership for the school system.
ReplyDeleteScott Smith may have done a good job with Benton, but he has no experience on a parish level. We need someone with experience on every level, and that person is Debbie Hays. She has the experience of D.C. Machen, but she has the morals and ethics that Machen lacks. I agree that the board is not seeking input from their constituants. They need to remember that WE are the people who elected them to be OUR voice. The "good ole boy" system is alive and well with the school board, this is obvious by the fact that they are for D.C. Machen. I have an idea... if they don't support us, then we don't support them. This starts with their businesses... Bossier Remodeling, Brigham dentistry, Bossier Federal Credit Union, Kristin Mosura photography. Maybe this will get them to listen to us, nothing else is working!!
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