A Spooky 13th Anniversary!

 

What better way to celebrate Halloween month than with the 13th anniversary of our blog? Agree with us or disagree, we hope you've enjoyed the ride so far and will continue to stick with us.

Thanks to our team:

Bailey Quarters - Editing and graphics

Cherry Pitts - Restaurant reviews

D. Claytor - Hmm, he needs to write more for us

J. Redmon - Sheffield and gun rights

Lauderdale Luminary - Education in Lauderdale County

Leslie M. Shoals - Muscle Shoals, education, and corruption

Nigel Knorr - Shoals tourism

Sheffield Shelley - Sheffield and education

We're all looking forward to a productive 14th year...

Doug Jones and a Catholic Supreme Court

 

Various census records show that the United States is 22% Catholic. How about the Supreme Court? It's now 67% Catholic. In other words, the court has a ratio three times as great as the entire country. Why? Many suggest that Republican presidents have intentionally nominated Catholics in order to overturn Roe v. Wade.

It's also been suggested that many, including Doug Jones, have been worried about this trend. No, it's not because of the induced abortion controversy, but due to questions about the judges' allegiance to a foreign power - the Vatican. 

If one examines Sen. Jones' votes on various issues, the bills he has introduced, and his influence on moving Alabama forward, the picture of our junior senator is very positive. This blog is not making an endorsement in the senatorial race. We're pretty sure J. Redmon, Leslie M. Shoals, and Sheffield Shelly will be voting for Tommy. Shoalanda herself will cast her vote for Doug.

We're merely asking that you look at facts in this race, not false and illogical Facebook memes. You'll be doing our state and yourself a favor.

You May Lie, but You Can't Outrun 'Rona

From Leslie M. Shoals:

Chad, Chad, Chad:

Now why would you say "Holden said he doesn't know how or where he contracted the virus as he has followed CDC protocol with social distancing, frequent hand washing and other regulations"? Why did you lie to that Times Daily reporter, to the citizens of Muscle Shoals, and expose so many people to 'Rona?

In late June, you were not taking precautions, you were on a nice vacation at the taxpayers' expense.

While you've been lying around (literally) and acting like you're all innocent, why don't you produce the taxpayers' expense records for your big trip to a Superintendent's conference in Point Clear, Alabama (Baldwin County - where close to 2500 cases have been confirmed.)?

Yes, Chad, you have been naughty and already started your tax, spend and lie to cover up your activities in this new position as you have in the past. The bad thing is, if you were practicing precautions while you stayed at home (cause it was dangerous to go to work and be around your secretary), you thought it perfectly okay to go to a large gathering in Baldwin County at the beach in late June when the numbers were peaking?

There has to be at least 125 or 130 superintendents in the state of Alabama. If even half were as reckless as Chad Holden and attended that conference along with organizers and speakers, there were at least 70 or 80 people in attendance. Add their families that love free vacations in a tropical setting at a beach to that number and you have a lot of people in that fancy hotel and swimming pool/spa.

Gov. Ivey needs to know you and others are taking risks on the taxpayers' backs in regards to the health and safety of everyone while the citizens are yanked around with restrictions. I wonder if she or the state superintendent attended this party at the beach with all those superintendents and families?

The bottom line is this: Chad Holden should not have been allowed to travel in late June when there were travel and meeting restrictions, exposure and daily lectures on stay away from others outside your home.

The next level problem is, there are five school board members who determine what Holden can and can't do and they collectively could not find the wisdom between them to know the dangers while they sit at home drawing a check and have virtual meetings.

Going a little higher, the Muscle Shoals City Council appoints the school board members and refuses to listen to the citizens' concerns and complaints.

Finally to the next level. citizens are forced to go viral and public with their disdain and frustration with the lies, waste of taxpayers' money and the double standards.

We need a change in Muscle Shoals. I'm gonna venture to predict some of the candidates running for office in Muscle Shoals are in the race to continue the tax and spend, lies, double standard abuse of the children, citizens, and futures of this city. I will go so far as to say there are Muscle Shoals candidates for office who have been recruited by the school system to gain control because they feel threatened after that 82% vote AGAINST them on a huge property tax increase.

Willis Thompson (previous school board member), Ken Sockwell (taxing current city councilman) and Mike Lockhart (taxing city city councilman and candidate for mayor in M.S.) all openly supported and voted to FORCE CITIZENS TO PAY MORE PROPERTY TAXES and have refused to listen to citizens' complaints.

These three men have a record, a bad record, of abuse of office. They need to be sent home and quarantined for bad behavior - forget about 'Rona, these men have abused the system and should be run out of town on August 25th.

As far as all these last minute people jumping in the city council races, one only needs to look at their "resumes" and the similarity of their signs that look like football advertisements with the school colors.

Chad Holden and his sidekicks Basden and Davis want control of the city to see if they can screw it up as bad as they have the school system.

Lindsey Legacy Reign of Terror Part II begins.

The Hispanic man who wrote to you needs a civil rights lawyer to make believers of these jokers and expose them nationally with a federal lawsuit for the corruption in the school system and city.

VOTE AUGUST 25th - just don't vote for those people who want your money.

Bye Bye Thompson, Sockwell, Lockhart, and DAVID BRADFORD.

GO HOME.

ACROSS THE SLEEPING TOWN OF MUSCLE SHOALS, A GIANT IS AROUSED

These groupings of signs are popping up in various neighborhoods across the city. Interesting that there is only ONE incumbent that shows up each time.

Leslie M. Shoals

What Muscle Shoals Coach is on Leave?

From Leslie M. Shoals:

http://shoalandaspeaks.blogspot.com/2018/11/hey-jerk-face-yeah-you-at-muscle-shoals.html

Remember this one?

A little homework will show a coach at MSHS has been put on administrative leave after one complaint from a parent was too loud and persistent for what you warned a year ago.

And to think Blake Jarmon was railroaded even though DHR finding absolutely nothing true to accusations by the ones with dirty hands.

What's the big deal if a coach gives an "A" in exchange for a little touchy feely, after all it does make the test scores skyrocket that Coach Lindsey and baton twirling Chad boast about. 

Young ladies, whether in high school or college, if you're hit on or sexually mistreated, report it. Yes, there will be some who won't understand, but no matter how you spin it, this isn't right. 

Coaches, if you're guilty of this, you should not only be preparing to stand in the unemployment line, but the divorce court as well. You've been warned.

Who's on the Sheffield Board of Education?

A Sheffield resident and regular reader recently wrote to us with a concern about the Sheffield Board of Education. This particular reader has long contributed to our blog with comments and ideas for articles. In fact, we should have long ago given this contributor a screen name (as we did Leslie M. Shoals) in order to create less confusion.

At one point several months ago, this reader sent us a post concerning Steve Hargrove leaving the BOE and Christy Casiday taking his place. This personnel change had not been reported in the TimesDaily, and our reader felt the citizens of Sheffield should know. We agreed. Absolutely no one accused anyone here of any malice toward Ms. Casiday for reporting this...that's politics. The old saw about heat in the kitchen comes to mind. Kudos to Ms. Casiday for her innate understanding.

Then we posted an extremely similar item about Titian Scales, and five or six of her friends jump into a fray they've manufactured themselves. Why? 

We then decided to look at the BOE's website to see what it tells parents about the members. Here are the links:

Dr. Keith Davis

Fred Mason

Polly Ruggles

Phyllis Meade

Christy Casiday

Titian Scales

Notice anything odd? They all have the same biography...absolutely nothing, including the superintendent. Use the page's search option and you get more of the same. 

This blog has many readers in Sheffield, and some actually have children in the school system. We're sure they would like to find board member information easily. Why can't they?

Ready for Those New IL Roads & Utilities?

Before our main course on Inspiration Landing infrastructure, a word about yesterday's blog. Both quotes were from residents of Sheffield. The first came from our own J. Redmon. The second (concerning Titian Scales) came from a parent of two children in the Sheffield school system. This commenter also works in Sheffield. Therefore, we believe that person has a right to an opinion. We welcome rebuttals, but when they are vitriolic or profane or libelous, we will delete them. 

*****

Now a word from Leslie M. Shoals. Leslie has been busy with other commitments for quite a while and has been missed. No, Leslie doesn't live in Sheffield, but Muscle Shoals...so that's close. The comments are thought provoking, and we do welcome opposing comments that follow the rules.

From Leslie:

As The Shoals Churns

Wonder why the Sheffield Utilities Board went to Bridge Street to meet. Interesting. Guess they are celebrating giving land to Desperation Landing.

This whole thing is crazy.

I wish I didn't know some of the behind closed doors conversations and actions, it's the ole "grab a seat and bag of popcorn". There should be jail time for some people over this, but we won't see that as long as we have this DA.

Another Dream Vision, Canadian Railcar Plant, Dave Slyman and all those that came before them that we don't know about.

And we wonder why this area doesn't prosper - especially Colbert County!

The Gas Tax Is Coming, the Gas Tax Is Coming!

Gov. Kay Ivey has stated she wants an increased gasoline tax in order to fund much needed road repairs in the state. We predict that the tax, in some form, will be passed during the current legislative session. (If we're wrong, it wouldn't be the first time.)

Tax is as old as government itself. How often have you seen taxes lowered? Perhaps more to the point, how else can the state expect to pay for our roads? There is one way, but it's something most of us have not seen in this area in our lifetime. The operative word is TOLL. 

Tell us what you think. If you don't travel a certain road, should you have to pay for it? If you don't want increased gasoline taxes, are you willing to support the alternative of toll roads?

Now from the pothole capital of the Shoals, here's Sheffield Shelly: 

Per your piece on term limits in Sheffield-Believe me, much of the apathy among citizens is due to the fact that they feel ignored. I know several people who have volunteered for vacancies on various boards within the city, but they have been ignored by their city council representatives. There’s a tiny group of people in Sheffield that controls everything. They continue to name and re-name their friends and people whom they feel they can control to these boards so they can be assured of having things run to their liking.

We're often asked about our writers, especially those who write in Colbert County in general and Sheffield in particular. J. Redmon (male) and Sheffield Shelly (female) do live in Sheffield as we've said. The Midnight Rider has commented on Sheffield a great deal, but as far as we know does live, as he says, in the wilds of eastern Colbert County. Leslie M. Shoals resides in Muscle Shoals. 

All other contributors with the exception of one live in Lauderdale County. If you would like to be a regular blogger, send us your columns. Just no vulgarities or libelous statements, please. We also solicit (read: beg for) blogs on local eateries for Quad-Cities Cuisine. 

Another Negative Take on Muscle Shoals School Tax

The upcoming school tax referendum has certainly provoked some interesting comments. As has always been our policy, we will be happy to publish both pros and cons; however, we have not as yet received any comments in favor of the tax. We did hear from the Muscle Shoals resident who's an editor at a site not associated with us, and he will be voting "No." 

That brings us to yesterday's blog written by Leslie M. Shoals. Leslie wrote for us for some time before we asked the writer to choose a name (it keeps down confusion). When the writer failed to choose a name, we suggested "Leslie M. Shoals" in part since Leslie could be male or female. We have always endeavored to refrain from identifying Leslie's gender.

Now a Muscle Shoals school admin has stated on his FB page that Leslie is female, calling the writer a constant critic of both the school system and the city council. It would seem that someone realizes he made an enemy at some point and possibly feels guilty about it? We all make mistakes, and the easiest way to correct them is to apologize for our behavior. No child, whether in Leslie's family or not, should be mistreated by school admins. Just our opinion...

*****

From another Muscle Shoals resident:


To help enlighten voters about some facts not being discussed:

Per the news article published in the Times Daily on May 8, 2013:

In January, the school district began construction on a $5.9 million center for technology adjacent to Muscle Shoals High School. The school district is using $2.9 million from the bond and $3 million of its capital reserves to fund that project.

So, let’s do the math:

$10,000,000 bond issue

$2,900,000 portion of bond used for Center for Technology

$7,100,000 was spent on the Athletic facility, football field turf, and stadium upgrades.

The city kicks in $1.3 million to help with the bond issues for high school and this $10 million bond for Career Academy and Athletics Facility, field and stadium upgrades.

Give Us MORE:

The city is paying an additional $200,000.00 each year toward the 10 million dollar bond issue which means the city is paying roughly 4 million of the 10 million from taxpayers money. Let that sink in!

There’s 3 things you’ll notice never gets mention:

#1: The money (tax payer money) they get from the city already.

#2: How much the current tax has generated in the last 8 years. 2010 was $2.1 million. 2017 over $4.1 million. Most of that increase started on 2013-2014 due to the housing market really exploding and it continues to grow.

#3: That the new appraisals are estimated to bring in over an additional $1 million. Don’t miss this!! The school will get the money they are asking for off of the increased appraisals and the homes that are continuing to be built. The tax will do nothing but dip twice. The tax not passing will not foreclose the Muscle Shoals Schools as they are trying to act like it will.

These three things they do not and will not discuss. They know it points to a lack of planning and management. This is what people need to see and understand over and over and over. Money IS NOT THE ISSUE!

Remember: Property taxes are voted on every 30 years. So if this passes it’s good till 2048. Or until they come asking for more...

Several Concerns as a Muscle Shoals Citizen

Below is a blog written by our regular writer Leslie M. Shoals. Leslie is the only one of our writers who resides in the city of Muscle Shoals. Yes, we know that another local blogger has attempted to implicate owners/editors of other sites as being part of our blogging team. You may believe him or you may believe us. If we wished to lie about the person's involvement, we would also lie about Leslie's. So, yes, Leslie has a special interest in the upcoming tax referendum, while the rest of us do not. 

How would Shoalanda vote if she lived in the city of Muscle Shoals? The answer is "No" since current tax revenue isn't being spent expeditiously, we can't believe any added revenue would be spent in any more accountable fashion. 

*****

The belief that educators model good behavior for the students is something that is sacred. It's critical for the development for young minds to witness the highest level of moral and ethical behavior of those school employees they are exposed to at every level.

However, the Muscle Shoals City Schools are failing miserably in setting the good example for their students in the importance of following rules and concentrating on getting a quality education.

Muscle Shoals Employee Handbook - as adopted by the School Board upon recommendation by the superintendent:

4.11 Political Activity

        a. Employees may not appropriate Board property or resources for use in political campaigns and may not engage in partisan political activities (including but not limited to the distribution of campaign material or literature) during regular school or duty hours or at a Board sponsored or sanctioned events, functions, or at activities at which the employee is on duty or assigned official responsibilities.

         d. Political signs may not be placed on schools or school board property. 

As you can see from the pictures taken at the High School, McBride Elementary and the Middle School, there is very little regards the principals really care what the rules are, nor do they fear being held responsible for clearly violating the rules. Then again, Superintendent Lindsey doesn't hold any respect and regards for the board members doing right either as he has vote yes signs lined up in front of the Board Central Office as well as the Community Ed Office next door. (now - how about that community?)

Let's look at much deeper and troubling reports out of the Middle School. A PE teacher (non resident) lectured the children to tell their parents to vote for an increase in property taxes based on it will only cost their parents $4 a month and the children would reap the benefits when they get to the high school where this tax will allow them to buy really nice PE equipment for them to use there. Wow - Haven't heard that as one of the "capital improvement" plans Mr. Lindsey has thrown out there.

Earlier there was much ado made about McBride Elementary School (principal is non resident as well) using the taxpayer's LED school sign to promote the political campaign "Vote Yes".

Now, we have him, and the Middle School Principal (non-resident) lining the street and around the multi million dollar athletic facility with campaign signs to vote yes - clearly violating the policies - with no regard for the rules.

How do these administrators expect the children to respect them, let alone follow the rules, and aspire to do great things, with this kind of childish and illegal acts going on?

What is the penalty for such? Those are also spelled out within the pages of "thou shalt nots", however, there has to be moral and ethical governance and oversight for a civilized society to function in such a manner.

Mr. Willie Thompson, Mr. Farrell Southern, Mr. Clay Wood, Mr. Stoddard, Ms. Rudolf, did you read the handbooks before you approved them to make them binding rules of procedures? Do you realize by your lack of enforcement of rules, you have set a precedent for any and all attempted enforcement of rules to be thrown out in a court of law?

CITY COUNCILMAN NOLES, WILLIS, LOCKHARD, SOCKWELL - MAYOR. Is this what you condone with your appointment of yes people to that board? Your test of accountability will be taken in 2020 - we're ready to grade you, and not soon enough. 

And, you want the good citizens of Muscle Shoals to give you MORE MONEY? You can't manage simple tasks like rules and regulations, how can we expect you to manage money?

It's obvious, you have bigger problems than money - you have a serious lack of moral and ethical values in some of your administrators.

This ole timer says a BIG NO to any further feeding of the fattened cow.

VOTE NO - AUGUST 28th

Gun Control? Thermostat Control? Moral Control?

First, from Jay Redmon:

As a former educator, school shootings always hit me hard. However, while I grieve each one, I don't allow my emotions to get the best of my common sense.

Gun control measures DON'T WORK. If they did, countries that have harsh controls over firearms access wouldn't have ANY murders. Most politicians always promote gun control as a means of totally eliminating violent crime. Most such politicians live in a fantasy land devoid of personal responsibilities.

Now, speaking as a former law enforcement officer trained in Active Shooter Response, I'm a firm supporter of arming teachers. I'm not advocating arming ALL teachers, but the ones that are willing to undergo the extensive and intensive training should be afforded that option.

Teachers have been, and always will be, the TRUE First Responders to school tragedies. They need to be given the TOOLS to respond appropriately.

*****

SWEAT?

*****

From Leslie M. Shoals:

There was a Valentine dance at the (Muscle Shoals) middle school over the weekend.

Principal Kevin Davis used the opportunity for a teachable moment. 

Yes, he sad he would teach Shoalanda and the parents a lesson by cranking up the heat so high on the children that it was unbearable.

Bullies will always bully, even against innocent children.

Bless the children and old people who can't defend themselves, for there are those who walk among us that are cowardly bullies who take their anger issues out on the innocent.

School Board - there are none so blind as they who will not see - or listen to the truth.

Leslie M. Shoals

*****

A word about Bryan Robinson: 

Not all who use and abuse others do so at the point of a gun like Blake Austin Hines. Some set others up to take the fall for them. Some take the money and leave others holding the bag of seemingly illegal activities, destroying careers in their need to accumulate illegal wealth. 

Tomorrow we'll update our readers on Bryan Robinson's alleged house flipping scheme. It won't be a pleasant read.

Goals in Muscle Shoals Schools?

We're waiting on reports from Leslie M. Shoals and others as to the events at the Muscle Shoals City Council meeting late this afternoon. Until then, here's an interesting report from a reader on "goals" in the Muscle Shoals education system:

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 -http://www.timesdaily.com/news/education/board-sets-goals-for-superintendent/article_ee46d0e5-7736-54bb-84d8-37d37be04dce.html


GOALS - Muscle Shoals school Superintendent Brian Lindsey has five extra objectives. The goal with the highest priority likely is Lindsey's effort to secure additional funds for the school system.


Lindsey has said the revenue is needed to meet capital needs, such as building repairs and potentially a new elementary school in the near future. He's also to research the feasibility of using additional bond revenue to fund projects. The school board has also set the expectation that Lindsey lead an effort to establish a one-to-one technology program for the entire district.

Other goals set for Lindsey include:

• Updating the system-wide job description manual with the chief finance officer and other administrators.

• Exploring paper-less options for record storage.

• Evaluating the out-of-district fee charged to students who go to school in Muscle Shoals, but do not live in the city school district.


Lindsey said it has not been determined that an increase in the out-of-district fee is necessary, but it is an item that needs to be reviewed routinely. School board president, Celia Rudolph, said Lindsey should be "commended" for meeting his previous year's goals, and applauded for his dedication to the school system.


AUGUST 16, 2016 - http://www.timesdaily.com/news/education/board-sets-goals-for-superintendent/article_ee91c22a-0e55-5867-9a39-618c54feb59d.html


City schools Superintendent Brian Lindsey has three goals as the school system gets settled into a new school year. Lindsey has been charged by his five-member school board to develop and implement a effectiveness evaluation model for system leaders, evaluate the district's salary supplement schedule, and update the system-wide promotional video.

This year's goals were developed by Board President Clayton Wood, V. President Celia Rudolph and Lindsey. Rudolph said one of the challenges in creating goals is to determine priorities outside the realm of daily operations expected of the superintendent.

"I don't want us to put thing into goals that we expect (Lindsey) to do anyway," Rudolph said. "If we let one little thing creep in, we are going to be micromanaging what you do with your day-to-day (operations), and I don't want to do that."


Last school year, Lindsey was challenged to create a teacher evaluation model, which was completed and put in place this year. Now, he needs to do the same for school administrators and other system leaders, according to the school board. Lindsey said he will work to create that model with input from the administration team he meets with regularly throughout the school year.


Board members asked Lindsey earlier this summer to review the athletic and activity salary supplement schedules. Supplement salary schedules are the set amount of money the school system will pay an employee for duties outside their normal responsibilities, such as coaching a team or advising a club or student organization.


School board member Farrell Southern asked that Lindsey also be mindful about updating the school board on changes to the strategic plan and capital improvement plan so the school board members are abreast of the "vision and priorities of the school system." Southern did not request that be added as a goal, but said the communication between the superintendent and the board will make sure both are moving in the same direction.


"We need to be brought up to date on what our visions are, and what our priorities are, because people come and ask us what we are going to do about this and what are you going to do about that.”

2016, the oldest veteran member of the school board (Farrell Southern) is asking the superintendent to keep the board up to date on "our visions" and "what our priorities are".

Parents - Mr. Southern has clearly confirmed the board expects Mr. Lindsey to tell them what to think.

Mr. & Ms. Board member, 2016 "goals" were day to day operational and employee issues.

We do feel confident Mr. Lindsey paid close attention to the supplements given coaches for "duties outside their normal responsibilities" after all, it does mean $$$ for coaches. It is incumbent on the school board to question what those “normal responsibilities” are. Coaches would have to be paid from local taxes if not in a teaching position or position by state salary standards. Each employee has to be reported to the state in their role to receive state funding. How are those coaches reported, such as Basden and others that spend their days in the athletic facility or driving a bus? No mention in 2016 of the critical need of overcrowding in a lunchroom, or a new elementary school.

2017 - Lindsey has a goal for raising taxes for capital needs, and potentially a new elementary school. Here again, no pressing priority for an elementary school, rather a second component after “capital needs”. The final three - a system wide job description manual (?), Paperless storage, and increasing non resident fees (?)

2016 - GOAL - evaluation model for employees, one year later, 2017 GOAL - employee job description. (You should have a job description BEFORE hiring employees before the evaluation model. Surprised retired educator Rudolph doesn’t know this.)

Increase non resident fees by charging non resident EMPLOYEES for their children to attend MSCS is a good start!.

Paperless storage? Heard about that new thing called a cloud?

Lindsey and his crew remind me of the tigers in the children’s book, “Little Black Sambo”. Sambo is a South Indian boy who lives with his father and mother, named Black Jumbo and Black Mumbo, respectively. While out walking, Sambo encounters four hungry tigers, and surrenders his colorful new clothes, shoes, and umbrella so they will not eat him. The tigers are vain and each thinks he is better dressed than the others. They chase each other around a tree until they are reduced to a pool of ghee (clarified butter). Sambo then recovers his clothes and collects the ghee, which his mother uses to make pancakes. 

*****

*****

 
We heard this during a debate over the new animal shelter in Florence:

Person A: Why should I want my tax dollars to go to an animal shelter? I don't have pets and I don't even like animals.

Person B: Fair enough. Why should I want my tax dollars to go to schools? I don't have kids and I don't even like children.

Indeed, all Muscle Shoals citizens should be interested in their city school system. Assuring that graduates are prepared for the real world also assures your tax dollars won't be used for incarceration or welfare.

Citizens Ask for Elected Muscle Shoals School Board

The following was presented to Muscle Shoals council member Chris Hall on December 29th. There will be further developments at Tuesday's council meeting:

Councilman Hall;

During the meeting where the fate of Mr. Jarmon was discussed, you publicly expressed frustration regarding the activities of Muscle Shoals BOE and the Administration. I too, am frustrated. Beyond the question of Mr. Jarmon’s abilities, qualifications and performance, this sensitive personnel matter and subsequent investigation of abuse seems to have been bungled from the start.

I speak for many of your constituents and we have the sense our school board has become too familiar with the school administration. As many of your constituents have pointed out, due to that familiarity, objective decision making has become suspect. Now, I fear, that group-think mentality extends to city government.

When the subject of additional taxes was proposed, in light of recent events, many wonder if any part of the system which proposed those taxes can be trusted. It seemed bold and tone-deaf to even propose such a thing. The MSCBOE and BOE Administration seem increasingly out of control.

I hope you will review the attached draft resolution and act accordingly to bring sanity back to the MSBOE.

RESOLUTION OF THE MUSCLE SHOALS CITY COUNCIL

WHEREAS due to recent actions of the appointed Muscle Shoals City Board of Education have caused the citizens of Muscle Shoals to lose faith and trust in the current appointed board,

AND WHEREAS the city council is powerless to amend, reverse or otherwise affect effective governance of said board,

BE IT RESOLVED:

If the majority of electors voting vote in favor of changing to an elected board, an elected board of education for the City of Muscle Shoals shall be established.  The board shall be called the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education.  The board shall be composed of five members, at large by a majority of the qualified electors voting who reside in the city.

A member shall reside within the city limits of Muscle Shoals during the entire term of office.  If a member leaves the city, that position on the board shall be considered vacant and shall be filled pursuant to Section 45-39A-12.05.

A candidate for each place on the board of education shall be at least 21 years of age, a registered voter, a resident of the City of Muscle Shoals for at least six months immediately preceding the deadline date for qualifying as a candidate, and shall not be an employee of the board or have a record of conviction for any crime involving moral turpitude.  Each candidate shall pay a qualifying fee in an amount equal to that paid for candidates for general municipal elections.

(a) The Muscle Shoals City Council shall take necessary steps to ensure that this part complies with the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended.

(b) The Muscle Shoals City Council shall call an election to elect the initial members of the board of education.  This election shall be held on the fourth Tuesday in February 2018.  The initial runoff election, if necessary, shall be held three weeks later on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

(c) The initial election and the initial runoff election, if necessary, and all subsequent elections held pursuant to this part shall be conducted, the vote canvassed, and the results declared in the same manner as provided for other general municipal elections, unless otherwise required in this part.

(d) The initial elected members of the board of education shall assume office on the first Monday in June 2018, and shall serve initial terms of two years.  Thereafter, terms of office shall be four years, coinciding with general municipal elections.

(a) Upon the assumption of office of the initially elected members of the board of education, the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education as provided in this part shall be constituted and the terms, powers, duties, responsibilities, and emoluments of office of the prior members of the board of education shall end.

(b)(1) Upon assumption of office of the initial elected members of the board of education, these members shall have the powers, authority, duties, and responsibilities as are otherwise provided by law for members of city boards of education as set forth in Chapter 11, commencing with Section 16-11-1 of Title 16.

(2) At the first meeting after the board takes office, and every year thereafter, the board shall by majority vote of those voting, select a chair and vice chair from among its members.  The vice chair shall preside over meetings of the board in the absence of the chair.

(3) All property, records, supplies, and equipment of the prior board of education shall be vested in the board created by this part.

(c) The establishment of the board of education as provided in this part shall not affect or impair any of the following:

(1) Existing rights or privileges of employees of the board including, but not limited to, employment, personnel, salary, and retirement rights and privileges.

(2) Existing contractual obligations of the board of education.

(3) Existing civil and criminal actions.

A vacancy on the board of education shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining members of the board of education for the unexpired term.  The remaining members of the board shall fill the vacancy within 45 days after the vacancy occurs from qualified candidates who apply for the position on the board.  If the vacancy is not filled by the remaining members of the board of education within 45 days, the city superintendent of education shall notify the State Superintendent of Education who shall fill the vacancy by appointment.  A person filling a vacancy on the board shall reside in the City of Muscle Shoals.

The compensation for each member of the board of education shall be in an amount as provided by state law, payable from city school system funds.

An annual audit of the financial records of the city school system and of the board of education shall be conducted by an independent licensed certified public accountant, selected by the board, who has an office located in the City of Muscle Shoals.  The audit results shall be made a matter of public record.  All monies of the school system shall be accounted for whether reserved for capital outlay or held for any other purpose.

Any member of the board of education who fails to attend more than two regularly scheduled monthly board meetings without an authorized excused absence as recognized by the board through written policy shall receive a written request from the city superintendent of education to attend the meetings.  If the board member persists in his or her unexcused absence for two additional regularly scheduled monthly board meetings, then the position shall be declared vacant by the chair of the board, subject to review and approval by the city council.

The chair of the board shall have all of the following duties:

(1) To preside over all board meetings.

(2) To set the meeting dates and times of all board meetings consistent with state law.  The chair shall endeavor to set meeting times at 6:00 p.m. or at a similar time which will afford citizens the best opportunity to attend.

(3) To set the agenda of the board meetings in consultation with the city superintendent of education.

(4) To ensure proper and adequate notice to the public for public hearings on the budget of the school system.

(5) To maintain order at all board meetings.

(6) To assist the superintendent in seeking public input into the operations and support of the city school system.

(7) To vote on all matters which come before the board if he or she so desires.

(8) To ensure due process for the employees of the city school system according to duly adopted written policies and applicable state laws.

(9) To promote the city school system as authorized by the board.

Members of the Muscle Shoals City Board of Education shall be immune from any civil liability whatsoever, be it in contract, tort, or otherwise, for any actions taken in their official capacity as members of the board.

 

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Two of our bloggers live in Muscle Shoals, Leslie M. Shoals and Southern Son. We know both have been closely following the situation there with school leadership, from the board to the superintendent to school principals. Drama Queens and liars? No. Solid citizens who want an improved school system for their hometown. We salute them!

Lies, Mr. Principal? Please Point One Out

We currently have three bloggers from Colbert County, two of whom live in Muscle Shoals. Yes, all our bloggers use screen names. We see that a local police chief thinks a name should carry the influence, or at least more weight than the facts. We feel even John Dillinger or Al Calpone may have had some good points to make; therefore, we don't ask for a background check before publishing one's blog or guest editorial. 

Since the suspension and subsequent termination of Blake Jarmon, we've received copious communications about the Muscle Shoals School System. It's hardly the first time the system has been in the news, but this it the most irate we've seen parents and citizens. We give everyone a voice here, and if any Muscle Shoals school employee has comments, we will be happy to publish them.

The principal has written on his Facebook page that someone, and we assume he means Leslie M. Shoals, has lied about something in various recent blogs. We attempt to make sure that every blog we post is vetted and correct in each fact. If anyone knows of any errors or misconceptions, please let us know. It's easy to say "lies," but if you don't point them out to us, we have no idea what they are and are certainly not able to correct them.

While we don't know this Muscle Shoals employee personally, we do know the blogger who uses the name "Leslie M. Shoals." In the hierarchy of state government/position, Leslie holds a much more respected place than this principal. It might be easy to criticize Leslie's flamboyant style of fonts and punctuation, but we suggest interested readers examine the facts instead. 

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We've had several comments about the TimesDaily recently. No, the local newspaper is not owned by the New York Times. Since the Shelton family published the TD in 2009, news has become more local...and more bland.

It may have hit a new low recently when it published a short blurb about Trivia Night at On the Rocks, a local bar. On the Rocks isn't the only bar/grill to have a regular trivia night, and we're unsure why that particular establishment received any preferential treatment. A new form of advertising?

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Speaking of alcohol consumption, we understand one of two local craft beer manufacturers is leaving Florence. We have not been able to determine which, so if readers have any insight, let us know. There has to be an interesting story behind the move.

Salient Points on New Muscle Shoals Primary School

A Gallon Jug Holds Only a Gallon

"Building a new elementary school for first and second-grade students has been a top capital need for several years, but the school system has not had the funds to take on a building project of that scale since building the new career academy in 2014". Sincerely, Brian Lindsey. 

Once again Coach Lindsey - you conveniently didn't say anything about the 10 MILLION and MORE that was spent and is still costing us for yours and Basden's Athletic Facility/astro turf/jumbotron/stadium seating/PLUSH SKY BOX for you to sit in air conditioning when hot and heat with cold. HOW NICE FOR YOU - AT OUR EXPENSE!!!!!

You have a problem telling the truth and the whole story, don't you?

BUILD A 1st & 2nd GRADE ON WILSON DAM ROAD at the Kindergarten school?

Coach Lindsey, have you seen the traffic jam at the KINDERGARTEN? HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY (1/2 grades)? WEBSTER ELEMENTARY (1/2 grades)?

You propose to take the traffic jam at the Kindergarten, add the traffic jam from Highland Park Elementary, then top it off with the traffic jam from Webster Elementary?

All 3 traffic jams adjacent to a STATE HIGHWAY - WILSON DAM ROAD and land locked with subdivisions? That seems to be physically impossible IF the city code is followed for parking spots per square footage of the building. What about the Safety factors for emergency evacuation? Or, is that important, something as insignificant as a child's safety?

Coach - you may need to go down to the Athletic Facility and meditate on this. A Gallon jug only holds a gallon of liquid - didn't you learn this where you went to school??

We learned a little different - at least MUSCLE SHOALS CITIZENS recognize the principal of physics and pure adulterated (oops - shouldn't use that term in MSCS) logic.

NOW - let's talk DOLLARS:

Didn't you just receive a 5 year contract (to finish out your children's education at MSCS) and a FAT $150,000.00 at year salary WITH all the BENEFITS - PERKS - TRAVEL - MILEAGE - BONUSES?

Then we have the overpaid and loser coach Basden making $95,000 plus all the BENEFITS - PERKS - TRAVEL - BONUSES and CONTROL of the CASH and money coming through athletics. 

How bout this: Cut Basden (since he can't win a state championship like he was hired to do). Give the money to the WINNING SPORTS like GOLF - BASKETBALL - BASEBALL and the BAND!!!

YOU WANT US TO VOTE ON INCREASING OUR PROPERTY TAXES - which YOU DO NOT PAY - NOR DO ANY OF YOUR CRONIES THAT ARE ON THE BACKS OF THE TAXPAYERS?

PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THIS - COACH LINDSEY WANTS YOU TO INCREASE YOUR M.S. ADVALOREM TAXES BY 66% from 7.5 mil to 12.5 mil.

REALLY?  How many of you have received a 66% salary increase? We know COACH LINDSEY HAD A FAT SALARY AND BENEFIT INCREASE - but then again, HE DOESN'T LIVE IN MUSCLE SHOALS - NOR DOES HE PAY MUSCLE SHOALS PROPERTY TAXES on his home in the county!!!!

VOTE NO!!! THERE ARE 4 COUNCILMEN THAT NEED TO BE BOOTED OUT ALONG WITH LINDSEY AND ALL HIS OUT OF TOWN EMPLOYEES. 

Times Daily - time to do some real reporting - PUBLISH each administrator & department head's, salary, supplement, bonuses and their travel expenses!!!

You will find Coach Lindsey loves to take a "helper" or two with him when he travels. After all, he needs someone to take notes or figure out what they are supposed to learn at these expensive venues and vacation spots.

VOTE NO!!!  Send Coach Lindsey and those 4 councilmen that have no backbone a message - WE ARE FED UP - NO MORE MONEY FOR A RUN A WAY GROUP OF UNGRATEFUL OUT OF TOWN users.

Leslie M. Shoals