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School Board Votes To Close G.L. Wiley--Again Save Email Print
34 comments
A | A | A

(August 25, 2008) - The Waco School Board voted for a second time to close troubled G.L. Wiley Middle school Monday night.

The 4-3 decision comes after just one day of classes at the school.

Fewer than 100 students showed up for the first day of school Monday at Wiley.

On Aug. 7, Waco School Board members also voted 4-3 to close the school after it received poor ratings for five straight years.

Students were to be transferred to other middle schools, but last week, Waco District Judge Jim Meyers issued an order that at least temporarily bars the district from shutting Wiley’s doors, pending a hearing Tuesday on a lawsuit that alleges the School Board violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Monday's decision will only go into effect after that order is lifted.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott had already given the school a one-year waiver to improve, but board members who supported closure cited the school’s declining enrollment and poor test performance.
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Posted by: to My Oh My Location: east side high on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:46 AM
The movie you are asking about is Lean on Me. Also it is a true story.
Posted by: my oh my Location: east side high on Aug 28, 2008 at 04:02 PM
the "joe clark" comment is hilarious. can someone remind me the name of that movie. i think i'll watch it tonite.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Lester Gibson is the one that made it into a racial issue.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:11 AM
TO Margaret - You start your post berating someone cause they didnt use thier name. Why? Cause if your not THE ONLY Margaret in Waco, how brave are you to put YOUR name down? I also love all the finger pointing from Teachers to Parents, Parents to teachers, Blacks to white and white to black. When are all you Nudniks (real word, look it up) going to realize that Hillary (Almost) got it right. It doesnt take a village to RAISE a child, but it doe take teamwork to educate them. A teacher can not teach an unmotivated child. To all you parents saying its the school and the teachers, when was the last PTA meeting you attended? I am on the PTA for a middle school here in Killeen and the most parents I have ever seen at a meeting, other than the PTA officers was a whopping 4. Yeah, FOUR! Hey, I know life gets hectic with work and things that come up, but if you cant make an hour to...ya know what..screw it, I have been trying to get parents involved for 2 years, forget it. No more brick walls.
Posted by: GLC Location: Waco on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Where were all these "concerned" parents when the there should have been concerns over the lack of learning. Perhaps, the lack of learning isn't the fault of the teachers but in the lack of students attending class. Remember, the teachers can't teach if the students aren't in the classroom. Did the "concerned" parents support the teachers and administration when the students weren't doing well or did they just blame the teachers? Having worked in a public school for many years and seeing the results of the state tests I can tell you more often than not the problem was the students not attending class and the teachers not getting help/support from the parents. Take your students to an acceptable school and if the student still doesn't do well on the test then we all know it isn't the teachers, schools or administration but the blame lies totally on the student and parents. Forget the racial thing that is just a cop out and we are tired of hearing it.
Posted by: Mother of Three Location: Temple on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Margaret: Can't you see that the closing of Wiley IS the GOOD God is trying to show you?? The children need more than what they were being given there, that was the bad he's turning into good. We are ALL God's children regardless of color and it's not evil to try to provide children with a better education. And the school would have been closed next year anyway so what's the big deal? It's not about race, it's about a school being unacceptable for FIVE years. I still don't understand WHY you would fight for something like that? I'd get rid of a car if it was that bad for five years so why not want your KIDS somewhere else? Aren't they more important than your pride or your convenience?
Posted by: Sam Bam Location: TX on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Transfer the unwilling to learn students, that have behavior problems, to the Cameron Zoo. That way the parents would have a baby sitter and the good students can get an education. Life is to short to have to deal with unrulely children and ignorant parents that care less about their own children! Get wise people, let the parents raise all the hell they want and take care of business! Can not help those who want help themself! About the race factor, go by the facts! That way there want be any misunderstandings!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Time to call in Joe Clark
Posted by: Anna Location: Centex on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:32 PM
It's About Accountability: Yes that is true. The parents are the key to a childs education, not the teacher. Parental involvement, or lack there of, is what makes the difference. The teachers can only do so much. If a child is not encouraged to perform at his best at home then he most likely will not. Especially when surrounded by others in the same boat he is. The teachers become discouraged, how can they not? Put these children in better performing schools and let them see what they CAN do and that others are doing it. Maybe, just maybe, a few will pull themselves out of the cycle of ignorance they are in.
Posted by: Dont get me started Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Correct me if I am wrong but if this was/is a racist act wouldn’t "whitey" want to leave the poor black children in an under performing non productive school to "keep them down"? If you have not already seen it go to the latest videos and view “Is G.L. Wiley a race issue?” The debate between Wilber Austin and Delvin Gray it is very interesting. Even Mr. Gray who is a well known leader in the black community says it is not, and points out that these bleeding heart black community leaders are just standing around waiting for someone else to fix the problem and not participating in the repair of the system.
Posted by: michelle Location: killeen on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Hmmmm. this is such a curious story, the school board DOES NOT have the children's interest at heart, if they did, the FIRST year there was a problem, there should have been some type of intervention. What confuses me is for FIVE years, there has been inadequete teachers teaching, or is the school board implying these children are stupid? None of this makes sense, maybe there is some kind of deal in the works to sell the property to a developer? So someone can line their pockets with more cash they do not deserve. Truly, what will happen to the 'property' when they DO close this school? Tsk Tsk, I am sure they will have to sell it to cover the expense of having to bus these students to other schools? Something stinks and the school board should be ASHAMED of themselves. No wonder our country is going down in flames, the power king is MONEY and Money is the motivator in this!!!!
Posted by: Let Go!!! on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:33 PM
It's sad that so much of what I have read appears to be so negative.If you have nothing to say about a situtation, then say nothing.Whoever it is that calls someone else ignorant, only knows of himself.I was raised in EW, have a degree, and would not dare try and belittle any other area in Waco.I'm a good parent and sent my children to school in EW, even though I lived in another part of Waco.Take a look at the scores of other schools, Wiley surpassed many of them.Seeing that no middle school in Waco was considered Recognized in the state, with Wiley being the closest, why weren't other schools closed. Hernandez's super boy, Sanchez couldn't help Brazos, yet he moved him to Waco High (which was low performing, until they were given an exception).Stop throwing stones, cause I know you're not living in a glass house, I haven't seen any in Waco.
Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM
to: Its About Accountability. It is not the teachers/administrations faults entirely. It's the parents of the children who are most at fault. Their only care is to see that their children play football or become cheerleaders, not get a quality education. Teachers cannot teach well without parent involvement, and these parents have failed their children, teachers, school and community. Only the good parents have already transferred their children to better performing schools, which is their right to do so. The other "ignorant" ones have not.
Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM
This issue is NOT about race. It is about IGNORANCE!!! These ignorant people are afraid that their children will not grow up to be ignorant like they are. Only a GOOD Parent would want their children to go to a well performing school. An IGNORANT parent wants this issue to be about race so their children can be as ignorant as they are! Shameful!
Posted by: Paul Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I feel the parents within the East Waco community want the best for their children just like myself or anyone else would. However, the East Waco community continues to allow Lester Gibson to speak for/represent them. He is a JOKE and has ZERO credibility outside the East Waco community. When East Waco quits allowing Lester Gibson (who can't even lead his own children/family properly) to speak on their behalf, maybe others within Waco will listen.
Posted by: UKNOW Location: HERE on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Y'all just don't get it. You get food stamps - you get medicade - you get ss - you get disability - you get whatever you need NOT to try and work - yet ... yet ... a chance for your kids to get out of the hood [in a under preforming school - soon to be closed whether you sue or not] - yet you fall back under the bus again. I hope someone - somewhere - sometime can stop this never-ever-to-be-broken circle from spinning. It has to stop - somebodies kids have to be the one to sop the viscious cycle. Get your education - do something with your life strive to be more than your parents - but still love them. COME ON!
Posted by: Kenneth Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:15 AM
To S in Robinson. That question is easily answered. The parents do NOT care about their child's education. All they care about is having a babysitter for them.
Posted by: its about accountability Location: not race on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:59 AM
i am so tired of people playing the "race" card. this is not about whitey trying to keep the black man down. this is about so called teachers not doing their jobs and it has hurt the children more than anything. if parents would BE parents then they would want their child to go wherever they needed to to get the education they desire.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Told You So, Margaret is the type of person who will claim that she "never saw it coming" when one of these thugs inevitably lands their worthless behind in jail/prison.
Posted by: Anthony Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Both leader's today both have valid points on the closing of this school. There has been a systematic tear-down of the African-American community in this city. Once there was a viable, strong community in East Waco. There was shopping (there are NO places to shop for groceries, or garments there)decent housing, schools and recreation areas. Every since the "Urban Renewal" plan of the '60's & '70's, that was supposed to revitalize the community, many people were displaced, businesses & schools were closed & never replaced. This the final phase of a plan to make this part of Waco's "past". Our children's future WILL be a part of that past if the board is allowed to close this school. When the last school is closed in East Waco, that will be the final death blow of the community. What happened to "Community Schooling"? If a school is not being fully funded by the board, where are the citzens' tax money being spent? Remember, tax money is not black or white, it's GREEN!
Posted by: Told You So/Part 2 Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Margaret, let's be clear...I'm not afraid to post anything. However, I am perplexed at your claim that I somehow "deceitfully sought to close the school?" How ignorant can you be? The failure of these kids is somehow my fault? Just listen to the ignorance of your "leaders" speaking on television this evening. I'm actually embarassed for you! And to Me in Central Texas...I love you too!
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Told You So/Waco, I think I love you!
Posted by: Tex on Aug 26, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Margaret it is not the school"s responsablity to raise the kids of the district,the kids have to go home,and thats where the life learnings start. Parents have to help and be there for the kids at home to help with what they learned during the day at school.Moving these kids to other schools is not going to help there performance,a better home life and parents is what bring grades up.
Posted by: Marlin Location: Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:44 AM
To Margaret: Let me guess, you are upset at a supposed white's message? Apparently you believe only blacks are God's Children. I have news for you, Whites are God's children too. You might want to think about that occassionally while berating white people. A school is under performing, so blacks immediately claim that closing it is racial...ho hummm...same old stuff. SOMEDAY blacks will quit blaming Whites for the condition BLACKS HAVE PUT THEMSELVES INTO. Whites have done all they can for the blacks, affirmitive action laws, civil rights laws, voting rights laws, and trillions of dollars attempting to see blacks prosper. Blacks still blame whites for the conditions they are in. What a waste. SOMEDAY, when blacks wise up, they will start blaming the losers in their own community who hold them back by screaming racism at every opportunity. Need I say more Barak Obama, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharton, Louis Farakhan, Charles Rangel, and so forth and so on? Start being responsible, not idiots.
Posted by: Chip Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Very unfortunate for the kids and unfortunate that this has become an issue about race rather than about accountability for poor performance. The warning signs for poor performance had continued to surface and any efforts to make the situation better had failed. I feel for the kids, however, as I hold my children accountable for poor performances or bad decisions, so should the school system re-evaluate their actions and be held accountable.
Posted by: Margaret Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54 AM
"Told You So," you're afraid to even post your name so you have now been placed in the category with the cowards and self-serving nimrods that deceitfully sought to close the school in the 1st place. Believe that no weapon formed against God's people or God's children will ever prosper. I almost hope it does close because the God I serve ALWAYS turns bad into good. No matter what trap the enemy set, God will block it and perform a new thing so I guess I'll thank Him in advance for the "New Thing!" You're right, those kids shouldnt atttend if people like you just plan intentionally and purposefully seek to hold them back by not supplying them with the resources they need and the exposure of other activities. Luv u and when these kids continue to prosper and excel, I'll be looking for you on here to say "I Told YOU So!"
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Right on! s from robinson!!!
Posted by: CHECK Location: YOURSELF on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:23 AM
All I can say about the group of people that have posted before me is that your overtone is of a people who are economically, politically, or socially disenfranchised.
Posted by: Sam Bam Location: Tx on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:11 AM
The best thing that could happen to the G.L. Wiley building, is turn it into a police substation!
Posted by: S Location: Robinson on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:51 PM
What parent in their right mind would want their child to attend a school that received poor ratings for five years in a row? I think quality education,leadership and discipline is vital for the future of our children. I guess morons want their offspring to be morons as well.......
Posted by: Told You So Location: Waco on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Wiley supporters........Great job. You accomplished nothing. Pat yourselves on the back. Now take your uneducated cheedrens to an acceptable school. And tell Lebster that his race card has expired. Your 10 minutes of fame are over--you racial ambulance chaser. Now you can focus on getting the NAACP to bail your worthless, drug dealing excuse for a son out of prison. At whitey's expense, of course.
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Aug 25, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Like we didn't know this was going to happen. Now that the "law" has been met in regards to the open meetings regulations I wonder what the Fight For Failure crowd will come up with next. And only 75 kids showed up for school. This has Waco continuing to be the laughing stock of the state. What a joke these peope are.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 25, 2008 at 08:25 PM
"Boo Hoo... Whitey stole my dreams, again."
Posted by: Landlord (PAY UP) Location: Hewitt on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Well, at least that was 75 kids not breaking into houses today. Better go check my rent houses in that area.
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