Comments on: Zoning, Health Care Big Issues at Town Hall Meeting

By: Wayne Creed

Wayne Creed — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:26:50 +0000

The work of the public school system is never in a state of “mission accomplished,” but is always a work in progress, intrinsically tied to place, time and culture. It is the 21st century, and as some so-called educators have exited stage left, a talented, new generation is coming aboard to finally clean up their mess. And yes, they understand that, by no fault of their own, some kids have issues that must be addressed, whether it be chemical, social, economic or cultural. It’s not about labels but about providing services. Just think how many people from the last century who, if had they had been provided the services they deserved, might have avoided JD, County or eventually the state or Federal penitentiary. If someone has vision problems, you would certainly address it by getting them glasses. Why would you leave a child clinically diagnosed with say, ADHD untreated (and leave them to endure the constant negative berating that will follow)? No, you don’t do that. Not in 2014, in America.

By: David Boyd

David Boyd — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 20:18:55 +0000

Some good thoughtful comments here. I agree with Mr. Creed that Northampton schools are not unique in the problems they face. Many other public schools face similar dilemmas.

However, Cathy Buyrn’s comment is perhaps most insightful: “We have to get back to making connections with students and inspiring them to love learning instead of building test taking stamina. When we accomplish that, the tests will take care of themselves.”

Tests may be important to let us measure progress, but without the love for learning, all the rest is a waste of time!

By: Mike Kuzma

Mike Kuzma — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:39:26 +0000

Cathy — You have to understand that to some, more Government is the answer to EVERYTHING.
It is amazing how prosperous the Eastern Shore was prior to the New Deal and Big Government.

Actually, no it is not. Not at all.

By: Cathy Buyrn

Cathy Buyrn — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:07:02 +0000

I do not believe that the challenge of meeting the complex needs of all of our students has been “accomplished”. I am also not sure that creating mental health histories for children because they are struggling and happen to have billable Medicaid benefits is the best solution. The consequences of such an approach may create lifelong issues for these students. Often times there are preventative strategies that can be implemented to avoid the unnecessary labeling of students. Northampton may face the same struggles as other school systems, but it is special because it is our school system and it is critical for us to get ahead of the crisis. It is critical for our children and for our community at large.

By: Wayne Creed

Wayne Creed — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:19:34 +0000

When Mr. Hogg states that our schools are receiving a reasonable and consistent amount of funding, that is true, and as it should be. Northampton, as well as Accomack County schools, are completely aware of the complex nature of problems facing our kids, and are diligently working every day to attempt to meet their needs. This has been accomplished through Medicaid programs that allow for adjunct counselors, social workers, and psychologists to work with at-risk students both within the institution and also through in-home counseling, so that they can find some modicum of success, while hopefully mitigating behaviors that may also be disruptive and impede the natural progress of the classroom.

That said, Northampton is really not any more special than many other school systems. Ask Norfolk, Richmond, Southampton, Wythe, or even Arlington, Alexandria, or Fairfax County. They all have problems, they all have poverty, they all have cultural and socioeconomic gaps, and as educators, have to find ways to address these problems. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of our schools (yes, they are daunting), but when you really get to know the kids of Northampton (on the ball field, on the stage, etc.), and cut through the hysteria and ignorance, in most cases, you’re going to find a lot more success stories, and a lot more to be hopeful about.

By: Cathy Buyrn

Cathy Buyrn — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:41:55 +0000

Northampton County is in need of economic development that will actually provide a living wage for county residents. That being said the 72% free and reduced lunch figure for our county schools doesn’t imply that those children live in households where education and appropriate behavior aren’t reinforced. Some of the children who qualify for free and reduced lunch are the children of local teachers who are single parents. Many of the children who qualify for free and reduced lunch are the children of hard working people who are doing their best to get by. It is a mistake to assume that they are all in need of intense behavioral and remedial academic services.

It is also a mistake to assume that the solution can be found by throwing money at the problems we face. We are just finishing a 3 year federal school improvement grant where millions of dollars were spent on such interventions. I worked in the county schools for 14 years and in the years since I left I’ve seen an unbelievable influx of mental health counselors, tutors, and specialists in classrooms trying to figure it out. The adults are bumping into each other and scratching their heads analyzing piles of test data.

Teachers are working hard, but the reality is that teaching isn’t really happening if learning isn’t happening. As a teacher I know that I haven’t taught something if it isn’t received by the learner. We have to get back to making connections with students and inspiring them to love learning instead of building test taking stamina. When we accomplish that, the tests will take care of themselves.

By: Bobby Roberts

Bobby Roberts — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:11:03 +0000

Finally! Some leadership back on our county Board of Supervisors–at least one who understands what leadership means. Mr Hogg stands up and talks, and then listens—even when he’s on the hot seat. Where are the rest of the Supervisors? Some of them don’t even return phone calls.

May be pointless to keep talking to the ones who don’t listen. We can vote them out of office next time around. But at least 4 of them sound determined to do a whole lot of damage to the county before we can replace them.

What’s the alternative?

By: Donna Bozza

Donna Bozza — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:09:10 +0000

Yes Danielle so true! We voted them in and WE need to hold them accountable! Tonight come out to Eastville 5pm to see if our supervisors will open the zoning issue to much needed discussion. Mr. Hogg says he will ask his fellow supervisors.

By: Danielle Campbell

Danielle Campbell — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:14:38 +0000

It is interesting that the last paragraph of this article states that 72% of the children in county schools are on free and reduced lunch — that does state there is a poverty issue. How do you change that? Bringing industry and creating jobs — right? To Northampton County (as a whole), 2+2=4 (Would ya believe it?) Changes may be needed — things cannot stay the same forever. It is not the Nature of the Beast. I know I am just another “dumb come-here,” but I have voted for our local government including the current regime for over 12 years now. However, it seems to me that our local government may be in need of some reminders of how representing “the people” works. With that being said, “The People” need to be doing their part as well: Participate — and if you don’t, then voice your opinion NICELY, via letters or emails. This whole zoning situation sounds like a mess, and if a Chairman of a Board insists that we are going to move forward without having gone through the appropriate channels or actions, then shame on him. Our Board is made up of individuals WE voted in — they represent us, and again if you want them to know something that you disagree upon, it is your job to tell them. If you don’t voice it then you can’t complain about it. Mr. Hogg is not the only member of the Board of Supervisors — I think maybe we need a town hall meeting with all of them, not just one. Running your mouth to your neighbor and then doing nothing will get you nowhere.

And one more thought: We are not the first county to not have a hospital. Our county’s population is estimated at just over 12,000 people; Accomack County’s estimated population is just over 33,000. How long have they been with no hospital? Come on people, the world really doesn’t spin around Cape Charles or Northampton County.

Take the time to think about what you need to be saying to our local government officials. You want to see something stopped or done different — then follow Mr. Hogg’s lead and talk to your Board of Supervisors — ALL of them. We made them responsible — now hold them accountable.

By: Donna Bozza

Donna Bozza — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:24:39 +0000

Kudos both to Supervisor Hogg and the Cape Charles Wave for bringing these crucial issues out of the dark and into the light of public participation. Northampton County government needs to remember who they work for.