While I, too, am concerned about the unethical use of county resources to advance the personal interest of a "retired" employee and the millions of dollars spent on the follies of Miss Dezmon and the superintendent, I am most concerned about the damage to our school system. For several years, we have taken our eyes and work off the goal of providing Baltimore County's children with a quality education. The superintendent focused on developing his friend's folly (AIM) and supported the purchase of materials without benefit of scientific research, quality, competition, and expert advice. Consequently, our schools are losing ground and our children are paying the price for greed and arrogance. What should be most concerning to the citizens of Baltimore County is that this continues...There has been no real leadership for several years. The real leaders have gone or have been silenced. Miss Dezmon continues to influence BCPS through appointments. It is time for new leadership, new vision, and a renewed priority to serve the children in Baltimore County. This will never happen as long as devisive tactics, questionable behavior, stonewalling, and the poor use of BCPS resources is allowed to continue. It is time to put the children first and begin a search for a new superintendent. The behavior of the current superintendent over the last few weeks confirms that nothing less than a choice to walk away is acceptable. Enough is enough. I hope that Joe Hairston decides for the kids that it is time for him to go. If he won't, then the board should make it so.

Really??? The Board of Ed continues to be silent?? I cannot believe that they are allowing Hairston and Dezmon to demonize and vilify people in this county who have supported him all these years? Hairstons assertions about race made me utterly sick...it is a contemptuous, desperate assertion and the board should hold him accountable for this latest round of despicable behavior. Oh, and by the way...with all the monies at stake with RTTT, I'd be watching very closely how and what they plan to do with it. I wouldn't be too surprised if more monies find their way into the hands of 'Dezmon-friendly' companies!

Beyond the very disturbing accusations of bigotry to deflect answering questions about fiscal and unethical behavior, what is most important is how our school system is being run. Over the last several years, decision-making became all about putting the superintendent in the spotlight and using BCPS resources to promote his friend, Miss Dezmon. Meanwhile, the county has lost key leaders and spent funds on unresearched and low quality materials promoted by those with personal benefits to be gained and personal ties to the superintendent. Who loses here? The students of Baltimore County, that's who! They will continue to lose as long as hubris, self-promotion, and obligations to Miss Dezmon are at the root of the running of the system. Citizens can not imagine the amount of resources thrown to the production of AIM so that Miss Dezmon could walk away with a software system to sell while the school system is left with a high-tech checklist of little value to anyone, least of all the students and their families. I have been very disappointed with what is happening in my county and lack of responsiveness from the board; however, nothing came close to the devastation felt when my superintendent accused the citizens of Baltimore County of such hateful motivations. Why didn't he just do the right thing rather than act in such a devisive way? He needs to go and those that have enabled and supported this destructive behavior should accompany him. The citizens, especially the youngest, deserve better from their superintendent. Let's hope that happens sooner rather than a another year from now. We have lost too much time already.

Hasn't the superintendent done enough damage? I simply do not understand why he would want to finish his tenure (and sadly, he says he will) in such a horrible way. The first 6-7 years, he surrounded himself with smart and ethical people with vision and a desire to make Baltimore County the best school system anywhere. The goals were clear and people worked together to reach them. BCPS was the envy of many districts. Then, the superintendent drove many of the best away while he indulged his friend. All knew what was happening but dared not speak for fear of retribution. AIM, the personal endeavor of an employee became the focus of the county and its resources for several years, and continues to drain resources from the county. Millions of dollars were spent for the benefit of adults rather than children. Hard as it might be to believe, some people continue to do the bidding of a retired employee regardless of what is best for the education of our children. It is time for a fresh start. The board needs to follow the advice of the superintendent and "make the right things happen." They have not been happening for the last several years and it simply isn't fair to the children, families, taxpayers, and educators in Baltimore County. I weep for my school system...it was once so great. I pray it will be again.

I wonder about the progress in Baltimore County for different types of schools. Where are more Charter Schools and more specialized schools? Why is it still that lottery process that is truly unfair? This is the only way to get into a magnet school. My son was an honor roll gifted and talented student in elementary school. However, this meant nothing when he was placed in a lottery! How many Baltimore County executives would like their jobs placed in a lottery? In Baltimore City, students are getting the choice year after year to choose where they will attend new types of Charter and Transformation schools. Why isn't Baltimore County getting on board? Why aren't low performing schools Old Court, Woodlawn Middle and Woodlawn High School being overhauled? Why doesn't the board look into fixing these schools or transforming them to meet the needs of the students? Why is there one high school for an area that is steadily increasing? I want to see what happens with the Race to the Top Money. The Board knows there is a need to build new schools. Baltimore County Parents, especially the ones in Windsor Mill and the Woodlawn area speak out!! To read about Dr. Hairston and his spending has truly angered me. That money belongs to the students in all areas not just the areas that Dr. Hairston caters to!

Don't believe the hype Grace,

They closed the school right across the street from my daughters house and turned it into a charter. Now the neighborhood children who did not "win"are bused miles away.

I know of a young couple whose child won acceptance into their third choice of charters. It is not a good experience and they have now withdrawn their child and enrolled in a private school.

The best models for school reform come from within. A strong principal and community support is the only proven way to get there.

Considerably, this post is really the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Admirable work and much success in your business dealings!? Please excuse my poor English as it is not my first tongue.

Just in case you were wondering what spam is and what should be blocked when a post is approved, the last post is spam. The whole point is to get you to click on the link of the poster.

To: BCPS Board of Ed.
From: Parents, teachers and students
Re: Dr. Hairston
Memo: MAN UP!