District 5 School Board Meeting Thread

As soon as anyone received an update from tonight's meeting please post it here. Especially if there is any news on the status of Dennis McMahon.

[Irmo Conservative]

The board voted 5-2 to terminate the employment of Dr. Dennis McMahon. There was an overflow crowd of probably about 2000 people. McMahon supporters were very rude as usual and Chairperson Hite even quit asking them to hold their applause, as they did it just as a reaction to every word said by a supporter. Hite even threatened to clear out the auditorium to regain order at one point.
When the vote was taken, numerous threats were directed at the majority in particular Jerry Fowler, who set the motion forward. Paula Hite made the best remarks after the vote when she said that the board could no longer have a working relationship with Dr. McMahon and that no amount of threats were going to stop this board from doing their job.
It seems like many supporters of McMahon HOPE the district fails.
Another question, if McMahon is such an honorable leader, then why is the board minority so certain that McMahon will file a lawsuit against the district over his termination? An honorable man would not do that to the district.

You anti McMahon people (all 3 of you) may be posting lots of messages and attacks on this message board, but your point of view was not the popular point of view of the people who attended the board meeting.

[Irmo Conservative]

The teachers were there early and took up all the seats. I would be afraid to applaud like you pro-McMahon people because you would probably blacklist us.

Originally Posted by Irmo Conservative

The teachers were there early and took up all the seats. I would be afraid to applaud like you pro-McMahon people because you would probably blacklist us.

Irmo Conservative is "afraid to applaud." He must'a heard about the numbers. Well over a thousand supporters of McMahon. About 15 for Bubba and friends. All Bubba had going was Big'Jake, Defeated Rick and the Rod.That was enough this time because they are professionals with practice. HeeeHeeeeHeeeeeee.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Irmo Conservative is "afraid to applaud." He must'a heard about the numbers. Well over a thousand supporters of McMahon. About 15 for Bubba and friends. All Bubba had going was Big'Jake, Defeated Rick and the Rod.That was enough this time because they are professionals with practice. HeeeHeeeeHeeeeeee.

What kind of serious loser are you posting on this at 3:43 a.m.? You must have some real issues. First, Irmo elementary doesn't hold 1,000 people between the auditorium and the cafeteria...ask the principal. Second, if you break the speakers down between citizens and district employees, far more citizens spoke out against Dr. McMahon. Among those speaking in favor of the superintendent were "Defeated Cindy" Sweigart and "Defeated Tom" Ballou.

He's gone and it's time to get a life and move on.

[LexCo]

Originally Posted by Irmo Conservative

The board voted 5-2 to terminate the employment of Dr. Dennis McMahon. There was an overflow crowd of probably about 2000 people. McMahon supporters were very rude as usual and Chairperson Hite even quit asking them to hold their applause, as they did it just as a reaction to every word said by a supporter. Hite even threatened to clear out the auditorium to regain order at one point.
When the vote was taken, numerous threats were directed at the majority in particular Jerry Fowler, who set the motion forward. Paula Hite made the best remarks after the vote when she said that the board could no longer have a working relationship with Dr. McMahon and that no amount of threats were going to stop this board from doing their job.
It seems like many supporters of McMahon HOPE the district fails.
Another question, if McMahon is such an honorable leader, then why is the board minority so certain that McMahon will file a lawsuit against the district over his termination? An honorable man would not do that to the district.

This just goes to show that good triumphs over evil every time. I am so thankful that we now have a board that has a backbone and demands accountability. District 5 has done well in spite of McMahon, but it has failed to reach its potential. The people will now see how well it can do with leadership as opposed to a dictatorship.

Most of the supporters of Dr. McMahon acted like little babies last night. While voicing your opinion is everyone's right, acting like an idiot is not. There were many defamatory and slanderous fliers circulating among his supporters. I have copies of all of them.

It is also unlawful in SC to threaten a school official in regards to the performance of their duties. Many of the speakers for Dr. McMahon, one in particular, made threats to the board majority. I sincerely hope that some of these items are pursued and the responsible individuals are held accountable.

There is absolutely no room for this kind of behavior by supposed adults.

To set things straight before someone jumps to a conclusion about my post, I had no dog in this fight and can care less about the school board or whoever they put in as Superintendent. What I did see that concerns me, is the way that "grown adults" acted because they didn't get their way. It was sickening. The vast majority there desperately need to be taken out behind the woodshed and given a stern spanking for their behavior. What kind of message were they sending their kids??? They were acting like a bunch of school aged kids fighting over a ball at break.

I work in the corporate sector, and unfortunately CEO's DO get let go from time to time, but the company marches on and we don't stage "whining sessions" and make threats against the Board of Trustee's. I make this statement because I heard more than once last night that if the Sup had worked in a corporate setting, he would have gotten bonuses and raises. One person does not make a school district, nor does one person make a corporation. My understanding is that the school district was good before this guy and will, in my estimation, be good for the next person.

Bottom line, these people acted their shoe size and not their age. I am still shaking my head in disbelief.

I agree 100%. I was embarrassed by the behavior of those circus people last night. They were so rude and obnoxious to the school board. The board majority was just doing what they were elected to do. The old board allowed McMahon to get away with so much and rubber stamped everything and he has some teachers and staff so brainwashed that they can't have an original thought. Scare tactics are, excuse me, WERE McMahon's M.O. but as of last night, that came to a screeching halt! I am a taxpayer and parent who has been lied to by this administration and I have paid very close attention to how McMahon has treated his critics. I am SO glad he is gone. If there are those who can't do their job in his absence, they can follow right behind him. Then, maybe we can have some honesty be restored to our district. Distict 5- great before McMahon, even GREATER AFTER MCMAHON!

PUBLIC STATEMENT


Statement:

As Board Chairperson, I would like to make the following statement concerning the Board’s action a moment ago to terminate the relationship between the Board and our Superintendent, Dr. Dennis McMahon. Once I finish my statement, I invite any other Board member to make any statement to the public that they so desire.
The Board acted this evening to terminate its employment agreement with Dr. McMahon under the provision of his contract that allows the Board, upon affirmative vote of five members, to terminate the contract without “for cause” type grounds, but with a severance payment.
Five members of the Board have acted this evening because we believe this District and this Board needs a change in administrative leadership. No one is saying that Dr. McMahon has not served this District well over a number of years. No one person is, however, responsible for the achievements of this District. The excellent performance of our School District is based on many factors, including the outstanding quality and dedication of our teachers, thousands of caring and involved parents, bright and motivated students, and the willingness of taxpayers to devote all of the financial resources needed to support excellence in public education. This District, by all measures, has ranked at the top of school districts in South Carolina while Dr. McMahon has been our Superintendent. I would point out, however, that this District ranked at the top before Dr. McMahon arrived, and should continue to prosper and be a beacon for educational excellence under Dr. McMahon’s successor.
I know that many of you want to know why the Board has made this decision to terminate its relationship with Dr. McMahon. In responding to that question, it is important to realize that in any organization, including a public school system, the governing board must have confidence in the direction in which its chief administrative officer is leading the organization. Due to a number of events, that degree of confidence no longer exists between a clear majority of this Board and Dr. McMahon. Unfortunately, we today have what I consider to be an unhealthy educational environment. Relationships have become bitter and contentious. The community, the Board, and the District staff have become polarized.
Under the circumstances, there is no reasonable alternative but to make a change. Any one who has followed recent developments in the District knows that there are issues and concerns that go beyond the relationship between the Board and the Superintendent; however, in my opinion as a Board member, the state of that relationship is vital to properly addressing whatever problems do exist.
Making matters worse, a small but vocal group has orchestrated an aggressive and even vicious campaign designed to pressure this Board into complying with their will. In response to that campaign, I would like to state on behalf of myself and those Board members who voted to terminate the Superintendent’s employment that we do not intend to allow threats of reprisal or tactics of intimidation to deter us from carrying out our responsibilities as elected officials.
This is obviously a difficult situation for all concerned, including our students, our parents, and our community as a whole. The sole mission of this Board is to provide the children of our community with a quality education. In that regard, I can assure our community and our public that this Board will seek the most qualified and capable person to be our new Superintendent. This is a very attractive and appealing School District, and we firmly believe that many highly qualified administrative leaders will be interested in the position.
In the meantime, we will make certain that we have capable, competent leadership on an interim basis. A decision regarding a permanent interim Superintendent will be made as soon as possible. Until such time as that decision can be made, a District administrator will be appointed to serve in that capacity on a temporary basis.
While we realize that our decision here tonight will be controversial, we believe that this action was needed to restore a spirit of teamwork, confidence, accountability and cooperation. We would like to express our hope that the parents, teachers and District staff, and other citizens who have assembled here tonight will reach out to each other in trust and friendship, allow old wounds to heal, and unite in the cause of creating an even greater school system in the future. Our children deserve the best.

Bravo! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!! We do deserve better and with Dr. McMahon no longer in the picture to manipulate and deceive, we now can move forward openly and freely, with no strings or intimidation, to provide all children of this district the best education possible!

Got to gloat a little...

Last year, following the addition of an extra year on to his contract (by the OLD board), McMahon was over-heard saying to Kim Murphy, "Two more years, Kim. Two more years."

To that I would say, "5-2, Dennis! 5-2!!"

Originally Posted by ufm17

To set things straight before someone jumps to a conclusion about my post, I had no dog in this fight and can care less about the school board or whoever they put in as Superintendent. What I did see that concerns me, is the way that "grown adults" acted because they didn't get their way. It was sickening. The vast majority there desperately need to be taken out behind the woodshed and given a stern spanking for their behavior. What kind of message were they sending their kids??? They were acting like a bunch of school aged kids fighting over a ball at break.

I work in the corporate sector, and unfortunately CEO's DO get let go from time to time, but the company marches on and we don't stage "whining sessions" and make threats against the Board of Trustee's. I make this statement because I heard more than once last night that if the Sup had worked in a corporate setting, he would have gotten bonuses and raises. One person does not make a school district, nor does one person make a corporation. My understanding is that the school district was good before this guy and will, in my estimation, be good for the next person.

Bottom line, these people acted their shoe size and not their age. I am still shaking my head in disbelief.

Thanks for your comment, Bubba. Your understanding is regurgitated rhetoric that betrays who you really are. You never worked in the corporate sector in your life. Your understanding is goofy. And goofy is a cartoon character. Like BoBo the Clown. You are goofy.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Bravo! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!! We do deserve better and with Dr. McMahon no longer in the picture to manipulate and deceive, we now can move forward openly and freely, with no strings or intimidation, to provide all children of this district the best education possible!

Kim. Got lawyer?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I agree 100%. I was embarrassed by the behavior of those circus people last night. They were so rude and obnoxious to the school board. The board majority was just doing what they were elected to do. The old board allowed McMahon to get away with so much and rubber stamped everything and he has some teachers and staff so brainwashed that they can't have an original thought. Scare tactics are, excuse me, WERE McMahon's M.O. but as of last night, that came to a screeching halt! I am a taxpayer and parent who has been lied to by this administration and I have paid very close attention to how McMahon has treated his critics. I am SO glad he is gone. If there are those who can't do their job in his absence, they can follow right behind him. Then, maybe we can have some honesty be restored to our district. Distict 5- great before McMahon, even GREATER AFTER MCMAHON!

It is hard to see through the fog on the lake this moring. Is that Kim or Don posting this one?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

It is hard to see through the fog on the lake this moring. Is that Kim or Don posting this one?

Doesn't matter. Kim, Don, Wayne, Shealy. it's all the same.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

It is hard to see through the fog on the lake this moring. Is that Kim or Don posting this one?

No...that's the public with common sense including a lot of teachers who were embarrassed by the behavior of you clowns last night. You lost in November 2002, you lost in November 2004, and you lost again last night. So keep on telling us how we're a bunch of "Bubba's" and a "small vocal minority" and keep on believing that right on through November 2006 and beyond. I'll be more than willing to set Ed White free from the board as well.

Who's gonna cut the checks to Paul the Parrothead and Nancy the Friendly Neighborhood Growth Consultant now?

All I know is Kenny P's got a solid future in tent revivals. Mobilize!!

I have a question. Was Nancy Sherberger's "employment" ever approved by the board or was that just another thing Dennis "slipped in" on the taxpayers? That circus she orchestrated last night was the only thing embarrassing to this district (besides Dennis and Cindy and a few of their "friends")

I wonder how much he was paying her anyway. Is that available through Freedom of Information?

Who paid for the nasty fliers being passed out last night? I better not find out it was district resources of any kind because if they were, some heads are gonna roll over that.

Now that Dennis is gone, we'll see who REALLY cares about educating our children and who wants to play war games. "LET'S MOBILIZE!" What's that supposed to mean?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Got to gloat a little...

Last year, following the addition of an extra year on to his contract (by the OLD board), McMahon was over-heard saying to Kim Murphy, "Two more years, Kim. Two more years."

To that I would say, "5-2, Dennis! 5-2!!"

Believe me... There are alot of us gloating and well deserved! "5-2, Dennis! 5-2!"

Those "5" did what was best for the district and it was a long time coming. I guaranty that there will be a bitter few who will do everything they can do to keep us down and try to prevent us from prospering with THEIR negative rhetoric. But we are good people and as one of our board members says, "Right is might!"

There are some that only want the district to be successful if they are at the helm. That is very sad because the students and families are the ones to suffer for it. I talk to people who say they would never speak out against the side their kid's teacher was pulling for because they are scared that teacher would take it out on the child. I have to say, after witnessing what I saw last night, their fears are somewhat justified. Those teachers acted like crazy people. It's a wonder they are allowed to be alone with children!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Believe me... There are alot of us gloating and well deserved! "5-2, Dennis! 5-2!"

My Mama always taught me not to gloat but.............sorry Mama, just this once.....in your face McMahon and your "followers"! You deserved the boot long ago and I hope the rest of you McMahon lovers go with him! You've disrespected the people of district 5 for the last time, at least while on their payroll. You thought you were so smart but a crook is all you'll ever be in my book. Good riddance!

Those "5" did their jobs that we; the taxpayers, demanded.