Anthony Olivis Throws in the Towel!

Colbert County School Superintendent Anthony Olivis has announced he will not seek re-election to his current post...after only one term. During that term, Olivis has managed to alienate half the teachers, support staff, and parents...not to mention those he's fired without cause. He's also managed to decimate the system's bank account.

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Cornelius...oh, excuse us...that's Dr. Cornelius we hear...will be running for the vacancy. We're accepting opinion pieces on this candidate or any other candidate for the post.

Good luck, Colbert County!

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Autumn Wood, who was eligible for a parole hearing last April 1st, now has one scheduled for September 16th. The family of her victim Brooklyn Hollins wants Wood to serve the entire ten and one-half years of her sentence. Whether Wood makes parole or not, as long as she behaves herself, she will be free on April 24, 2017.

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We never think of Brooklyn Hollins that we don't remember her last words. We know it's not as if everyone knows their last words will be exactly that, but it is a great reminder to watch what you say. How would your family feel if these words made it into print or were published on the Internet?



Shoalanda

Questions for Anthony Olivis

From a voter:

Will someone PLEASE question Anthony Olivis!!!

Comments from Anthony Olivis, Colbert County Superintendent, in the Times Daily newspaper:

“We’ve already had our belt pretty tight,” he said. “I guess we’ll just have to punch another notch in it. I hate it for our school system. We’re going to look at personnel programs. We have some capital projects we’re going to have to put on hold. Patches on top of patches, I guess.”

Where is responsible investigative reporting when the people need it? Why doesn't anyone ask Mr. Olivis where the $8 million left to him by the previous administration went? How can he have the nerve to say these things when he has squandered all that money????

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Thoughts on Colbert Heights sixth grade graduation: 

Anthony Olivis/Jeff Cornelius/Alvie Shaw can...

1. Tell the students what to wear.

2. Tell the students what venue.

3. Tell the students there will be no school party

4. Tell the audience not to applaud.

5. Tell the families they can't take photos.

What they can't do is tell the parents what to drive. We think a limousine is a waste of money, especially at that age, but it is not our business. How can these "educators" presume to dictate to parents what transportation they can use?

Yes, we also want to know where all the money went.

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The preliminary hearing for John Clark Burns Jr. has been reset to July 23, 2015. No, he (or someone) may say charges were thrown out, but they were not. 

Shoalanda

Put a Figurative Stake Through Anthony Olivis' Heart on Tuesday

If you're voting Tuesday, send Anthony Olivis a real message. Vote "No" on more taxes to let the little martinet know his punitive policies don't go over well. Hold him accountable. He's at least been a bad steward with your tax dollars. Why give him more?

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Lisa Singleton-Rickman? Have you read her article on the election? Not ONE word from the opposition was included. We have to ask why. Is the TotallyDecatur that out of touch or just in someone's pocket?

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From Jim Smith: I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE COMMENTS ABOUT MY BOOK AND THE PRICING FIASCO WITH amazon. IT WAS QUITE AN HONOR TO THINK MY LITTLE BOOK WAS ACTUALLY LISTED AT OVER $200.00. to THOSE OF YOU THAT PURCHASED IT FROM COLDWATER BOOKS; THANK YOU. MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK ARE: IF YOU LIVE IN TUSCUMBIA OR SURROUNDING AREA; YOU PROBABLY WILL ENJOY THE BOOK. IF YOU LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE; YOU MIGHT WANT TO LIVE IN TUSCUMBIA!

Amazon does now have one copy for one cent. The others? Take out a mortgage.



Shoalanda

More Tax Opposition in Colbert County

Colbert County, Alabama: Colbert County Commissioner David Black has announced his opposition to a proposed 27% county property tax increase. Commissioner Black encourages the voters of Colbert County (excluding the cities of Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield) to go vote in opposition of the tax increase this coming Tuesday, May 26th. Commissioner Black issued the following statement regarding the increase:

“As a County Commissioner, I oppose the school tax on which citizens will vote this coming Tuesday. Rather than paying higher taxes, I would prefer that we, the citizens of Colbert County, would have a discussion about improving the quality of education. We should be asking why our schools can’t be amongst the top rated in the state, especially since we already spend over $10K per student, more than 92 percent of counties here in Alabama. We should be asking to see the current budget, looking at how current dollars are being spent, and how we could improve matters. We should be asking for, and expect, excellence!

Our teachers already do an outstanding job! I thank them for that. Likewise, I encourage our students to strive for excellence! Better education leads to better jobs and higher incomes, which benefits us all. The more knowledge our students have, the better equipped they will be for all aspects of life. Both the quality and the perception, of our schools directly impacts economic growth, residential development, and quality of life. However, simply spending more of the taxpayer’s money is not the way to accomplish this. We need a different discussion. One about academic excellence, not more taxes.”

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From a reader:

What is going on at Colbert Heights Elementary School? A new principal who has been there since January and was able to have a long time janitor fired. I have several kids who came thru this school and I always saw Mr. Pride working. I am a witness to the other janitor asking kids if their rooms were clean and said if not go tell the principal.

Maybe the firing of this janitor was part of the deal with this principal who was also hired in a rush and secret. I also pay property taxes in the county and I am not fooled by all the facts and figures put out by Mr. Olivis and Mr. Cornelius. My entire family will vote no. Until I know quality and high standard people are hired I have no intentions of paying another penny in taxes. How can you possible justify the fact of hiring a long time employee and just having a fiend of the principals already standing by to sub when he was out and was immediately hired to replace him. Mr. Montgomery may have had his problems but he was loyal and respectful to all parents, grandparents, students and in fact anyone who was in the school. 

I simply asked the principal what happened to Mr. Pride and she told me all the things he did wrong. The paper said private meetings are held to discuss employees. should this not be the case in the schools also. Hopefully one more year and the system can again clean up the mess made in the last 3 years. But until then I guess out with the old and in with the new will continue. I just don't have extra money to fund getting rid of old employees. VOTE NO Tuesday for the tax.

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Ask Tony Olivis how much the board has spent on defending law suits...

Shoalanda

Vote "No" on Tuesday!

Trust Me! I've Tried to Fire Only 4 Out Of 9 Principals!

Somehow we never thought we would see the day we would tell anyone to vote "no" on a school tax. That day has come, brought to us courtesy of Anthony Olivis and his blood-thirsty cronies. Here are some interesting facts about Colbert funding for schools:

* According to School Digger, Colbert County ranks 86th out of 123 school systems in Alabama. Yet they receive more tax dollars than 92 percent of those same school districts. They are wasting our money. Now, they want more of YOUR money to throw at the problem in the hope it will simply go away. Make sure you go VOTE NO on Tuesday, May 26th on the proposed 27% property tax increase in Colbert County. Let the School Board know they need to learn to use the money they have wisely before asking the voters for more!

* Colbert County Schools spends MORE tax dollars per student than 92% of school systems in Alabama, yet they rank LOWER than 70% of schools in the state academically? This tax increase would put Colbert County Schools in the 95th percentile in Per Pupil Expenditure, according to new numbers release last week by the Alabama State School Board, even though they currently spend more than 130% as much per student than the median. If we aren't seeing results at these outrageous levels, why would we expect to see any better results by throwing even more money at the problem?

* The May 26th Special Election to vote on the proposed 27% Property Tax increase in Colbert County will cost the voters between $30,000 and $40,000. If this election had been held last November with the rest of them, it would have been completely free. If the County School Board is going to waste tens of thousands of dollars on a low-turnout election, why should we trust them with more of our tax dollars?

* Colbert County Superintendent Anthony Olivis has been telling people that this is only a 10% tax increase, not a 27% tax increase. Depending on how you look at it, this could be true. If you lump all property taxes together, you get 30 mills, which this vote would increase by 10% if passed. However, this is not what is being voted on. We are voting on the county district-level property tax for the school board, which is currently 11 mills. The tax being increased is being increased by 27%. With no other type of tax increase would you lump everything together and use the smaller percentage. If a municipality had a 2c sales tax rate and wanted to raise it by .5c, nobody would lump it in with all the other sales taxes - they'd naturally see it as a 25% tax increase, as they are measuring that on the tax actually being increased. This is merely an attempt to make the tax sound less burdensome than it is. Even if we went with the Superintendent's number, it would still constitute a 22% total property tax increase over a 2-year period. Whether it is 10% or 27%, it is too much! We are taxed too much already, and our families are hurting. We can't afford to pay more money to a massively mismanaged school board.

*Finally, a previous blog: Olivis Seeks More Tax

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It would seem without Robert Montgomey's guidance, the graduation at Colbert Heights Elementary was less grand than usual, but at a higher dollar price. We've received some complaints. Our initial opinion?

The kids will live no matter if they were robbed or not. The parents are the ones who feel cheated. Make your voice heard at the polls...on Tuesday and at the next school board election.

Shoalanda

Phil Bates: He Can't Teach, But He Can Coach?

Most of us are familiar with ACT; we took this test to get into college. In the world of 21st Century education, ACT also provides the Aspire Program. From their website:

ACT Aspire and the ACT measure student development of knowledge and skills in the same academic areas from grades 3 through 12. The scores from these assessments can help educators monitor students’ academic growth over time. ACT Aspire maps learner progress from grades three through high school on a vertical scale, anchored to the scoring system of the ACT.

Phil Bates, a UNA grad who has coached at Deshler and now at Colbert County High School, teaches world history at Colbert Heights High School. He recently administered an ACT Aspire test. Such administration is also called proctoring and comes with certain rules and restrictions. Among these is a prohibition against electronic devices. In other words, even the proctor can't possess any devices connected to the Internet, or even a calculator. Those we know who have taken such tests for advanced certifications tell us that they have been required to remove their wrist watches. In other words, any possible means of cheating is highly frowned upon.

Bates obviously knew this, yet he...what? We're guessing checked his smart phone for messages, ball scores, important phone calls (hey, maybe the Braves would be in desperate need of a new coach that day).

Anthony Olivis

So now he's suspended by Supt. Anthony Olivis for ten days...oh, and the county school board was not informed until after the suspension. Wait, he's suspended only from teaching history. He still gets to coach. There's a play-off going on right now; what a coincidence.

We're not surprised at the limited nature of his suspension. What we would love to know is who reported Bates. Someone obviously entered the testing/class room, or was at least passing by an open door, and saw Bates engrossed in some frenzy of electronic activity...or was it one of the students?

Rules are rules. Will the test have to be given over at school expense? Will the board investigate further? Will Anthony Olivis issue any more imperial commands? Stay tuned for the next episode of Colbert Heights Turns the Stomach.

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We had some comments concerning Percy Sledge's song When a Man Loves a Woman. Who knew we were infidels for not thinking it the most romantic song evah? Here, try this one:



Feel free to send more suggestions.



Shoalanda

"Tuc" Montgomery Closer to Winning Lawsuit?

We've heard the state board of education has found no basis for any of Anthony Olivis' charges against Robert (Tuc) Montgomery, former principal at Colbert Heights Elementary School. Be sure to remember that when Olivis again asks for more money.

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Well, well, the TimesDaily has said we don't need the student religious freedom of expression bill. We certainly have grave reservations about it since it could condone some very odd symbols.

However, in 1999 a Biloxi, Mississippi, area school banned the Star of David. Obviously the bill did have purpose, but was it a worthwhile one?

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Republicans who became Democrats? Parker Griffith and Billy Jackson come to mind. Anyone else our readers can think of?

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We've been asked why a sign for Stonecipher Bail Bonding is allowed on City of Tuscumbia property (across from jail/fire station). We have no idea. Any readers have an inkling?

Shoalanda

Anthony Olivis Seeks New Tax?

The Colbert County School System is sure to be another hotly contested election venue. The most recently elected superintendent Anthony Olivis has been nothing if not controversial. Now he wants a new three mill tax to aid the flagging school system. Really?

Yes, the system is over 500k in the red. Why? Doesn't Olivis think the law suits brought against him have helped deplete the coffers just a bit?

However, the Colbert County Commission is going to hold an election on the new tax. From the TimesDaily:

Commission Chairman Rex Burleson said the standalone election would cost the county $30,000-$40,000 that has not been budgeted. He asked that the next time such a referendum is held that it be during a primary or general election.

How will the people vote?


Shoalanda

How to Oust Colbert County Supt. Anthony Olivis

Several have contacted us concerning the possibility of removing Anthony Olivis from his elected position. The easiest way would be to ensure he resigns under pressure. Would he?

Simply acquire system financial statements for the month before he took office two years ago and the current month. If the system has lost the millions as reported to us, take out a full page ad in the Courier Journal and publish copies of the statements (it shouldn't be that expensive). This should bring down the wrath of enough Colbert citizens on Olivis' head to force him to take some action.

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We've reported before that the last published agenda for the Colbert County Board of Education is for March 2014. A reader has informed us that it has not been updated. If enough citizens contact them, they should rapidly begin to take this much more seriously than they do:

425 Highway 72 West (Physical)

P.O. Box 538 (Mailing)

Tuscumbia, AL 35674

Office: 256-386-8565       Fax: 256-381-9375

Office Hours: Monday-Friday (7:30-4:00)

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We also understand there will soon be more updates on the situation at New Bethel School. We will endeavor to publish them as we receive them.

We realize that things change and that closures/consolidations are sometimes necessary; however, threats of closure should never be that--threats in retaliation for perceived slights or wrongs.

Shoalanda

Colbert County School System – The New Gilligan’s Island?

Today we're presenting an excellent guest editorial. We know that all school systems in Alabama need more funding. You may criticize the Muscle Shoals City schools for excess spending on their football program, but at least they have something to show for their money. The Colbert County School System has nothing to show for money expended to fight lawsuits instigated by Anthony Olivis' actions. 

For whatever reason, many do not access the Internet. If you own a business in Colbert County, we're asking that you do as several did during the time leading up to the November elections. You can have 100 copies of this blog printed on cheap paper for less than one dollar. Give them to your customers; they have a right to know the truth.

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The New Gilligan’s Island?

The Colbert County School System (CCSS) outlook is bleak. Every day that passes with the Skipper (Superintendent Anthony Olivis) and Gilligan (Assistant Superintendent Jeff Cornelius) in charge is another day of system decline and budget shortfall. The Skipper scurries around the island (Central Office) reacting to situations and crises as they occur rather than acting – planning and preparing in advance so problems never happen in the first place. At every turn, First Mate Gilligan manages to ruin the system’s chances of being rescued. Whenever he tries to help, he always ends up doing more harm than good. He’s the Skipper's little buddy and does most of the unpleasant chores on the island.

When leaving office two years ago, the previous CCSS administration left close to $8 million in the bank for the incoming Skipper/Gilligan team. Now the system is more than $500,000 in the red and the deficit is climbing every month.

The system CFO was summoned to the State Department of Education (SDE) in Montgomery to give a report on system finances and to present a plan of action to correct the current deficit. Whatever plan was presented doesn’t seem to be working though. Where did the money go?

Where will the money come from to operate the school system going forward? Only two options are currently available to reverse the negative slide, neither of them pleasant.

One alternative is to consolidate New Bethel Elementary with CHES. Of course, the New Bethel community would not be happy with this option. Consolidation has already been brought up at recent board meetings but is not likely to happen since board members (especially the one representing the New Bethel community) are scared of losing in the next election if they support it.

The second alternative is to cut people – faculty and staff. Reductions in personnel should have been done two years ago to balance dwindling revenue caused by declining student enrollment. This would have been unpopular in the best of times, but would have been doubly hard for the Skipper since many of the potentially affected positions were held by his supporters in his election race against Bob Montgomery.

The bottom line: We have no competent leadership in Colbert County willing to do what is necessary to solve the financial crisis in our school system. The Skipper and Gilligan, as well as the Board, are all afraid of losing their high-paying jobs, thus putting their own self-interests above what is good for our children. Politics at its finest.

There has been no public release of information concerning the current CCSS status – financial or otherwise. Employees, communities, teachers, and parents are kept out of the loop. The Skipper and Gilligan make decisions on their own without consulting the Board. This has caused a rift between the administration and Board members.

In addition, the Colbert Heights community remains in the dark regarding the principal position at Colbert Heights Elementary School (CHES).

If there is a plan, it seems to simply be “watch as we go.” Gilligan has filled in as principal at CHES since the beginning of the school year, a position that he has stated publicly is beneath him, and he wants out. He wants to go back to the Central Office to his cushy $100,000+ job.

The Skipper has suggested that a different “principal-of-the-month” fill in at CHES until school is out, with these fill-ins coming from the Central Office. This is a recipe for disaster! Some of the potential fill-ins have no principal experience at all. Who suffers? Kids and teachers.

The decision to oust Montgomery from CHES (and attempt his termination from the system) by the Skipper and Gilligan because of the political and personal agendas of a few was a monumental blunder. CHES, when led by Montgomery, was a top-performing school. Look at what the Gilligan’s Island team has created now at CHES since their attack on Montgomery.

People say Gilligan wants to run the system, but wake up people – look at the system now with these two running it. Who will pay for these blunders? Taxpayers will pay and students will suffer.

Morale in the system continues to decline faster than student enrollment.

Shenanigans at the Central Office seemed to settle down somewhat with Gilligan being assigned to fill in at CHES. With the rumor mill predicting his return to the Central Office and his assistant superintendent duties, employees there are less than pleased. Gilligan created an environment of drama and hostility at the Central Office. He was condescending, arrogant, and it was not hard to figure out he had his own self-serving political agenda.

System employees feel intimidated and threatened and will not speak out for fear of being retaliated against if they question or disagree with an Island policy or procedure. There is no sense of “teamwork” in the system. Perception is that this administration creates an environment of chaos, dishonesty, and intimidation.

In addition, employees realize the system’s current path will most likely lead to layoffs and families will be faced with major financial challenges. Our system was on a sustainable path before the Skipper and Gilligan took over. What happened?

Gilligan has managed CCSS academics for the past two years after being assigned the task just after the Skipper took office. As reported in a recent Times Daily article, Colbert County Schools ranked lowest in Shoals Area graduation rates with a decrease in the graduation rate for 2013-2014. When contacted, the Skipper said this was due to a failure to track students. So – who was in charge of this? Gilligan was in charge! Where does the buck stop?

Unfortunately, in its present financial condition, the CCSS cannot afford to create new academic programs and provide proper resources. Since this is a major concern to parents when it comes to educating their children, it has the potential to create a further decline in student enrollment.

The CCSS cannot continue to operate under the status quo – its current path is simply not sustainable. Changes MUST be made. Since the Skipper and Gilligan were put in charge two years ago, the system has been in a state of decline. We need changes at the top – beginning with the Skipper/Gilligan team, and continuing with a few Board members. (Employees are not blind to the fact that in addition to selfishly protecting their own jobs at all costs, several Board members are guilty of hiring their relatives and supporters just as Skipper and Gilligan have done.) There is no time for politics or agendas now – it’s time to make tough decisions. Our system is in dire financial straits and employees want to know where they stand system-wide.

Perhaps new Board member Ricky Saint will challenge the rest of the Board to do what is in the best interest of the kids and the system. The best thing that could happen for the system is for the Skipper and Gilligan to resign their positions before the SDE comes in and takes the system over. Both have proven themselves to be incompetent and incapable of running the CCSS.

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Shoalanda

Colbert County Board of Education/ Words From Readers

Why does the Colbert Board want to close New Bethel School? Or is it only Anthony Olivis?

500K In Debt

We have always regretted withdrawing our endorsement for Mr. Tuc Montgomery based on info sent from the Olivis camp. Two more years...

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* On your blog today there was a lot of number crunches, now look at the guy ob supports and his claim,then look at FB page and see story on Chief Noah Danley, the add on OBs page dont add up on his exp.30 as Chief years to 15 years is not longest exp in Florence. Link

* You posted a comment that stated we should vote for Godly men. Does anyone out there really think either Hendershot or Williamson is a Godly man? 

* How can we recall Supt. Anthony Olivis?

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In answer to the last question, it might not be possible. Start campaigning for a fiscally responsible and non-vindictive candidate now.

Shoalanda

Olivis v. Traditional Good Ol' Boys

A word about Mr. Olivis and good ol’ boys: A reader has suggested that previous superintendents in Colbert County have been at the forefront in good ol’ boy debacles in the past. We are aware of some of these brouhahas and feel that most of them resulted in a “pass the trash” scenario.

However, the recent physical altercation at Leighton Elementary School resulted in something more sinister. We understand the alleged attacker wasn’t simply terminated with a good recommendation, but is still in the employ of Colbert County Schools. This is unacceptable...or it certainly should be unacceptable to all Colbert County parents.

This situation is still developing and still under investigation by authorities. A source tells us Mr. Olivis personally took the reins of the school’s investigation from the school’s principal. Apparently, not only the buck stops at the top, the coverup also begins there.

We have seen several comments concerning the situation at Colbert Heights Elementary School. Some parents have stated the “feeling” around campus is much better now that Bob Montgomery is no longer principal. One of the...actually the only...specific comment concerned easier access to the campus.

That sounds good doesn’t it? It would sound good if this were 1944. In 2014, we would think access to the campus should be strictly controlled. Any person, parent or other, should be willing to enter a specific door, present identification, present credentials if needed, and in short, be willing to invest a few more minutes of his/her time in order to maintain a secure campus.

Yes, some rules sound silly. We see them every day. Just wait until there’s an incident when these rules aren’t being followed. Who will be the first to complain? We’re going to take a highly educated guess that it will be the same parents who now want easier access to their child’s school.

Shoalanda

A Must Read for Colbert County Parents

The following is a guest editorial from a concerned Colbert County citizen. If you live in Colbert County, please don't fail to read this!

Colbert County School System Employees Concerned About Superintendent’s Leadership

Colbert County School System employees are concerned about Mr. Olivis' leadership as demonstrated by his latest transfer. A Leighton Elementary School employee (let's call this person "Doe") was recently transferred to the Maintenance Department, even though there is already a permanent employee assigned to do the Maintenance Department job. In a misuse of taxpayer money, Olivis then hired a substitute to replace Doe at LES.

On the surface this looks minor, but what took place to prompt this move? Sources say Olivis failed to deal with a serious incident that took place at LES involving Doe. Instead of dealing appropriately with Doe as was necessary, a transfer was made. An investigation should be initiated into the event that resulted in this reassignment.

Where Olivis is concerned, transfers seem to be the method of choice for dealing with both real and personal issues.In the case of the Doe transfer, there was allegedly a serious act committed for which a serious consequence was required. Instead, a reassignment took place.

But in the case of Mr. Montgomery, the harassed principal at Colbert Heights Elementary, no fault was found as evidenced by the Board having renewed his contract. However, Montgomery's name and reputation have been irrevocably damaged, he's been publically humiliated, and Olivis is still attempting to punish him with a transfer. 

Employee moral in the Colbert County School System is at an all-time low. The system was a good place to work – now fear of and intimidation from its leadership are felt countywide. There is no sense of direction, communication is absent, and system finances (not including lawsuits sure to be filed) are in danger of State takeover.

The resignation of the system's two leaders, Mr. Olivis and Mr. Cornelius, is necessary if the school system is to survive. Where are you, Billy Hudson, Andy Bolding, and Sandy James?  We need you!

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This is compelling. Mr. Olivis doesn't have to answer to us; he does have to answer to you, the parents!



Shoalanda

And What of Jeff Burbank?

Jeff Burbank is the current principal at the Colbert County alternative school. Earlier this week, the board of education transferred him to a classroom position at Colbert County High School for the fall term. Interesting development, isn’t it? Now the position at the alternative school is open for Tony Olivis to fill.

Will Olivis attempt to fill it with Bob Montgomery, the beleaguered Colbert Heights Elementary School principal now on administrative leave? That, gentle readers, is what one of our sources told us over a week ago—days before the board meeting.

Ideally, such a position should be posted. Even more ideally, the current principal wouldn’t have been transferred to start with. So now we have Superintendent Anthony Olivis either removing or attempting to remove four of his nine school administrators since he took office less than two years ago.

The TimesDaily has listed $21,000.00 as the current amount spent so far in attempting to oust Bob Montgomery. Obviously, it’s not over yet.

What of the other three administrators? Just how many tax payer dollars have been spent defending the school board against their legal motions? Will Jeff Burbank sue? Will Bob Montgomery be forced to sue to retain his job at CHES? Will the board pull its collective hair out?

Pass the popcorn...

Shoalanda

Will Olivis Be Voted Out?

We regularly compare candidates for various offices and make recommendations. Two years ago, we did just that in the Colbert County School System race for superintendent. We looked at the qualifications of the two men who sought this office, neither or whom we knew, and then read their press releases. We chose to back Bob (Tuc) Montgomery as both the most educated and experienced.

Needless to say, whenever we endorse any candidate, we get mail from those who support his/her opponent. The most mail we have ever received was concerning this one endorsement. We are not unaware that much of this kind of mail is from one person using different e-mail accounts, but in this case we felt, and still feel, that Anthony Olivis had strong support. Mr. Olivis’ backers sent us varied accounts of his accomplishments.

After reading the material on Olivis, we decided to publish some of it. We also did something that we have never done before, we withdrew our endorsement of Montgomery and advised the voters of Colbert County to consider carefully the two candidates before they entered the polling place.

Now the citizens of Colbert County are faced with having a superintendent who has attempted to sack three school principals in two short years. There are only nine schools in the system (counting the alternative school), so we have to ask why 33% of Colbert administrators were so incompetent? Or is there something more here?

Obviously, in Mr. Montgomery’s case, he opposed Olivis in the election. Some politicians have long memories, short fuses, and carry grudges. We don’t know if that was the case with Mr. Montgomery’s suspension, but so far, no real evidence has been brought to the public’s attention concerning any malfeasance by the former CHES principal.

We were sent a copy of a Facebook posting by a member of Mr. Olivis’ family in which it was stated Olivis would gladly sit down on a one to one basis with teachers and parents of students who had any concerns. This sounds good on the surface, doesn’t it? Read it again. Apparently Olivis has not agreed to speak before a group on the matter, where it could be recorded or videotaped, nor has he agreed to discuss his actions with any Colbert County taxpayers unless they have a child in one of the schools affected.

We’ve heard many say that Olivis cannot win the next election for superintendent. Yet, voters have short memories and are often swayed by dog and pony shows. Therefore, we can’t say with complete conviction that Olivis will serve for only two more years. We can say that we will support anyone running against Olivis...and hope it is Bob Montgomery.

Shoalanda

Why is the Colbert Heights Elementary School Principal in the Crosshairs?

Why is the Colbert Heights Elementary School Principal in the Crosshairs?

A Guest Commentary

Recently, a Sports Illustrated article named Alabama’s Coach Nick Saban to their “Most Disliked People in Sports” list, generating some interesting online comments at BamaOnLine:

“I don’t think I have ever known a great leader who wasn’t hated by some.  It is a byproduct of great leadership and great success.”  —wfbamafan

“Those that have goals which can only be attained through effort and hard work are often disliked by those seeking the easy path.  In short … loafers will always ridicule the achievers in an attempt to deflect their own lack of deeds and shortcomings.” —Crimson_Ghost

A comparison could be made here in the situation with Principal Bob Montgomery at Colbert Heights Elementary School (CHES).  With Montgomery’s background in coaching, he and Saban probably have similar management styles and each has achieved his own degree of success in his chosen field.  But each of these men is disliked by some — most notably in Montgomery’s case, the Colbert County Superintendent, a small minority of CHES teachers (2-3), and at least some of the parents.

So here’s the question:  Why are these people so eager to dislike, malign, and even punish successful people? 

For those who may not know the situation, the Colbert County Superintendent, Mr. Anthony Olivis, placed Montgomery (his opponent in the last superintendent’s race), on leave of absence in February of this year, refusing to give him a reason.  A later Pen N Sword blog said Olivis planned to invoke the “gross inefficiency” clause in his contract.  Ultimately, Olivis was unable to come up with anything to convince the Board of Education that termination was warranted — he learned just before the March Board of Education meeting at which he planned to fire Montgomery that he didn’t have the votes to let him go.  Thank goodness the Board did not simply rubber stamp Olivis’ recommendation.

According to many teachers and parents, Montgomery’s done an outstanding job at CHES in the 11 years he’s been there.  Academically, the school has the best test scores in the county.  He’s improved the facility and grounds (adding playgrounds and playground equipment), kept the facilities clean, painted, and repaired, and maintained landscaping, often helping with his own hands and on his own time.  A computer room was added a few years ago and two Pre-K classes have been approved and added.  Classroom technology has been updated and parent involvement has increased.

The school is in great shape financially.  Teachers have everything they need and more, whether it’s training or classroom supplies.  In fact, elementary teachers from all over the county want jobs there, and current teachers don’t want to leave.

Now the rumor mill reports that in spite of finding no evidence of wrong-doing, Olivis is planning to transfer Montgomery to the county alternative school, effectively punishing him for his success at CHES.  Montgomery has endured three months of job and retirement uncertainty, as well as defamation of character as a result of Olivis’ inept handling of a situation seemingly triggered by Olivis’ own personal and political motives.

Back to the question:  Why are people so eager to dislike, malign, and even punish successful people? We can all speculate as to why Olivis would try to discredit and impugn Montgomery.  The obvious reasons, known to those who have worked with both men, are not particularly flattering to Olivis and need not be stated here.

But what about the two or three teachers who helped Olivis in his bid to take down Montgomery? Perhaps Crimson_Ghost was onto something when he/she said, “… loafers will always ridicule the achievers in an attempt to deflect their own lack of deeds and shortcomings.”

And those community folks who seem so enthusiastic in their slander of Montgomery — spreading vicious, ugly lies as reasons for his being placed on leave of absence?  There’s another quote by an unknown author which says, “Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.”

Could all these people (Olivis and select parents and teachers) be compared to theSports Illustrated folks who voted Saban to the list of “Most Disliked People in Sports?”  Maybe those at Sports Illustrated don’t like Saban — but ask any Alabama fan what they think of him, and you’ll get a very different opinion.

Surely most CHES teachers and parents hold a better opinion of Montgomery, who by most accounts is a proven and successful leader, and appreciate what he has done for their school and their children.

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A very well-spoken commentary. We always welcome guest blogs. Please always state if you want your real name used or not...and many thanks!

Shoalanda

Mr. Olivis, Are You Listening?

A guest commentary on the Colbert County School system:

 

Olivis

Tuc Montgomery will be named the Principal of the Alternative School (located at Colbert Heights) at the beginning of the next school year.  As evidenced by the myriad of lawsuits filed against the district and Mr. Olivis, it is evident that, once again, Mr. Olivis acted without full knowledge of the laws regarding faculty.  As Mr. Montgomery had signed (shortly prior to the suspension) a new three year contract, there is absolutely nothing Mr. Olivis and the school board can do other than move him to another area in the school system.

 

I think you should know also that Colbert County will be doing away with current student retention programs - due to so-called funding issues.  With the school(s) scores being what they are, I feel this is a horrible mistake.  IF there are any funding issues within the system, the lawsuits which have been settled at this point have 100% been plaintiff victories - ethically, morally, and financially - which only add to the fiscal problems.

 

Mr. Olivis is systematically trying to replace any standing administrators in the district with his own "people".  Hence, the many lawsuits that have been filed/are filed against the system as of late. 

 

Obviously, Mr. Olivis will not win any reelection attempt.  Beyond the constant upheaval with a spouse in the school system, I genuinely feel sorry for the students and parents.  They should not have to bear the brunt of the poor handling of the system by Mr. Olivis.

 

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We welcome any comments on this...from either side.

Shoalanda

Seth Lewey: Another Olivis Victim?

It was a small Shoals company, publicly traded, and very successful. The company had a total of two CEOs in its 40 years of life, and a third long-time employee was set to become the company's newest leader. The problem?

Stockholders were happy that the company was very successful, but they believed in the then current economic climate the business was set to become a shooting star of success in its field. The stockholders met, and at the end of the day a new president had come out of nowhere. The new leader quickly fired many employees and brought in his own team. Many locals were upset. What could they do?

The answer is "nothing." It was a publicly owned company and the stockholders had spoken. What if it's a government entity? What can the taxpayers do? We say, "a lot," and it may now be time for the citizens and taxpayers of Colbert County to speak out.

We know that Robert Montgomery, principal of Colbert Heights Elementary, is not the only long-time education employee to meet the wrath of current superintendent Anthony Olivis. A short six weeks after Olivis took office in January of last year, Seth Lewey turned in his notice ostensibly due to health reasons.

Lewey had been principal of Hatton Elementary School and a supporter of Robert Montgomery in the 2012 superintendent's race. Did he really have health problems? If he did, they cleared up as soon as he resigned from Hatton; he now teaches third and fifth grades at Colbert Heights. Perhaps in an area where teachers are as numerous as mosquitoes in the dog days of summer, Mr. Lewey took what he could get?

Olivis' second would-be victim? We know the name, but have been unable to get a statement from the educator. Often, parties in legal suits agree to a gag order, and this may be the case with the principal from western Colbert County.

Robert "Tuc" Montgomery has now become Tony Olivis' third victim in assembling his team of rural educators, all of whom will publicly support Olivis in the next superintendent's race. Let's hope Mr. Montgomery, his attorney Tim Case, and the citizens of Colbert County will draw a line in the proverbial sand of good ol' boyism...

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It would seem some in the Colbert Heights area are rumor-mongering. Let's clear up any reports that there is money missing from the school. From Pen-N-Sword:

No Criminal Charges

Shoalanda

Tuscumbia Makes Daily Mail/Dumb & Dumber

"Well, it is Alabama."

The above was one comment concerning an article in the internationally popular Daily Mail. What was the article? If you guessed an item detailing the mock alien invasion turned bomb threat, you would be correct.

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Tony (Dumber) Olivis

Let's see...someone, quite possibly a bored teenager, decided to tell his/her friends on Facebook that a radio promotion had implied a bomb threat for local schools. Yes, and Paul is dead. Not to mention we're all getting microchipped next week. Who believes these things?

If someone were going to bomb anything, would they announce it on the radio? Wouldn't the hacked radio station just possibly call police with this little bit of news? But Dumb and Dumber, otherwise known as Tony Logan and Tony Olivis, blame the radio station for this...ummm, fiasco?

Let's talk (Tony) Turkey. It's men like Logan and Olivis, particularly the latter who should at least claim some measure of education, who hold Alabama back. We can't logically expect every citizen of Alabama to be MENSA material, but we can expect our elected school officials to demonstrate at least a modicum of common sense.

Olivis called the Star 94.9 ads in "bad taste" and added that school safety was no laughing matter. We're guessing he didn't even listen to the ads...either that or he intentionally lied. Just remember that at election time.

And Chief Tony Logan? He says he had to add extra patrols to placate parents. How about placating all Tuscumbia citizenry by repaying the salary you've taken while wasting time in court fighting a DUI charge?



Shoalanda

Montgomery v. Olivis: Their Supporters are Many

Teachers Fighting the System

Most Shoals voters know school superintendents are appointed in city systems and elected in county systems. Is one method better than the other? Each has its advantages, but the county elections always bring just a little extra zing into the voting booth.

We recently endorsed Robert "Tuc" Montgomery for Colbert superintendent, and did that cause the e-mail inbox to overflow. All who contacted us stated that we may use their names; however, since we're assuming these voters have children in school, we prefer to publish a few comments without attribution. Rest assured they do come from our readers.

Supporting Mr. Olivis:

I...did not understand the sentence "due to the obvious disparity in the scholastic records of the two candidates".  Mr. Olivis has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Educational Administration.  He has served in the Colbert County system as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Elementary Principal and High School Principal.  In addition to educational experience, Mr. Olivis also served 22 years with the U.S. Army National Guard & Reserves and answered the call to serve in Iraq in 2005.

I know both of these men, being a resident of the Colbert Heights community and I will be voting for Mr. Olivis.  If you choose to support Mr. Montgomery, that is your choice.  You should not imply that you have looked at both candidates objectively if you have not.

-()-

I have known Anthony Olivis for 30 years and have worked with and for Mr. Olivis for about 10 years.  He is a very hard working, intelligent, and christian man who in my opinion is the most qualified candidate for the position.  Mr. Olivis not only has been a peer of mine in the teaching profession but in the military as well.  He is retired from the military and spent a year in Iraq defending our freedoms. 

Even though your blog is "not an exercise in journalism," you are reaching and influencing people of the shoals.  Hopefully this helps you in making a decision based on the merits which helps the people who follow your blog.

-()-

Here is a link to Mr. Olivis' resume':  Anthony Olivis

 -()-

Here is a link to the latest interview with Mr. Montgomery:  Bob Montgomery

We assume there will be more statements and clarifications from both candidates in the next week. As we stated yesterday, do your own research before you vote. Whoever wins works for the people. Many candidates forget that fact once they are elected. Colbert County is like many Alabama systems and desperately short on funding. Remember the big picture is made up of many little pictures. This is an important election and should be regarded as such.

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While we are currently making no endorsement in the Democratic race between Troy Woodis and Lane Roland, we have been asked to make a correction. Lane Roland is now retired from the North Alabama Gas District.

Many retired gas managers continue to receive a monthly salary for consulting work. We have asked Mr. Roland if this is the case with him; when we receive an answer from the Colbert County Commission candidate, we will immediately publish it.



Shoalanda