New South Carolina Secretary of Education needs to also hold parents accountable

ZAIS NEEDS TO HOLD PARENTS JUST AS ACCOUNTBLE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

BY: Keith H. Seymour-Contributing Editor

SCHotline.com

First, I should preface my remarks by objectively pointing out that while Secretary Zais' success in raising the academic standing of Newberry College, may go unchallenged, it is only fair to also point out that South Carolina's new Secretary of Education has no experience in dealing with pre-college students or their parents and teachers, except from personal experience in his own role as a parent. These points are not raised to discredit Secretary Zais or his plans to improve education in South Carolina, but to merely allow the reader to make an educated and objective judgment in regards to them, and any related comments made in this editorial.

Recently, South Carolina's new State Superintendent of Education, Mick Zais, a former Army General, who as a college president rescued that same college from being a poor performing college to what many have referred to as a college revered for academic excellence, released a statement on how he plans to raise public education standard in South Carolina.

Specifically, Secretary Zais, would like to pay teachers based on merit rather than their credentials. For example, a teacher will not merely get paid because that teacher has a degree and several years of experience in teaching the subject matter, but on how well that teacher;s students do in the areas of grades and graduation rates. While Secretary Zais' reasoning of of weeding out the bad teachers is certainly justifiable, he need to put the success of South Carolina's public school system into proper perspective by holding parents equally accountable for their children's success. Otherwise he will end up hurting South Carolina's Education system more that it helps.

Since Mr. Zais has no experience working within the public school system, or even with teachers, students, and teachers outside of a collegiate environment, he would be best advised to remember that

any educator, social worker or parent worth his or her salt will admit that good education not only begins, but is reinforced at home. As a matter of fact, this is why many parents and experts feel that home schooling. Magnet schools, and virtual schools have becoming increasing popular over the years.

The fact is a teacher can do everything that he or she needs to to make sure that students are academically successful, but if parents are not reinforcing those efforts through active involvement with the school system teacher, and child, those efforts are going to have a limited an even non-existent positive effect on the student's educational success.

Many parents will even use the excuse that it is inconvenient for them to attend a quarterly parent teacher-conference and are unable to find a combined three or four hours a months to attend a school board meeting, or PTO/PTA meeting, because they already spending an extra 20 or more hours a week taking their kids to extra-curricular activities, in the name of making sure that child is well-rounded, and academically competitive.

If Secretary Zais plans to hold parents accountable for being involved in their children;s educations, how does he plan to do so? He can't make their involvement mandatory. He can't fire them, or affect their paychecks. These are issues Secretary Zais needs to also address in order to improve our state's public school rankings.

Columbia Transit system is broke, buses about to be cut

Bus System to be cut seventy-five percent in 2011, with possibility of going out of business in 2012.

By: Keith H. Seymour

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) recently announced that following the failed referendum to pass a penny sales tax in Richland County to repair roads, and support the transit system, that bus services will likely be cut no less than seventy-five percent. This will include the Dial A Ride Transit (DART) service for the disabled. According to Joyce Dickerson CMRTA chairperson, and Richland County Councilperson, the DART services, which travel three-quarters of a mile further than the regular buses, may only legally run at the same time the regular buses are in operation. This means that if the cuts take place on April 1, 2011, the DART system will only be available to the disabled between 5 a.m. until 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., with total elimination of weekend service. Up until this time the bus system has been supported the ten dollar additional automobile property tax that was adopted in 2006 that will cease to exist as of June 2011. As well as a one time federal grant received by the CMRTA in March.

CMRTA board members and others in favor of the penny sales tax pointed out the rise in unemployment and the inability to attract business that occurred within the the Charleston area, when they voted the same way, a few years back. Many of those opposing the penny sales tax were business people in the “Five Points,” and Vista” area, and CMRTA board member Tommy Windsor, who opposed it on the grounds that it would hurt business. However, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce came out in favor of the penny sales tax, stating that if the bus system was cut, fewer people would be working, which would in turn mean that businesses would be making less money. Among those losing jobs, if the cuts take place on April 1, 2011, will be transit employees. Specifically, forty bus drivers, twelve DART bus drivers, four mechanics, and ten supervisors and staff members. If these take place, they will only allow the buses to run until September 30, 2011.

According to CMRTA board member, Frannie Heizer, who gave the budget briefing during the executive board meeting that took place prior to the regular public meeting, the firing of the sixty-six transit employees would by itself, be a gross loss of 2.2 million dollars to the community. “This is what those people who voted against the penny tax have done to this community. I just hope they can sleep at night,” said Dickerson who has since become a a very vocal supporter of the sales tax, since her and Richland County Council's 2008 vote to disallow a referendum on the penny sales tax.

According to South Carolina State Law the penny sales tax may only be included on a referendum during a general election year. However, even if a penny tax referendum passed in 2012, the money would not be likely allocated to CMRTA, until early 2013, and the CMRTA and its member municipalities would need to find the money to fill that unfunded period of time. On the other hand, if a 2012 referendum fails, the bus system will without a doubt dissolve, due to lack of funding.

On December 20^th, Richland County Council, the City of Columbia, and the CMRTA will be holding a public meeting at the Richland County Public Main Library, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to public input, before voting on the proposed changes in late January 2011. Meanwhile the CMRTA is finding ways to raise money to avoid the cuts. Among the ways that this is being done are the sale or leasing of land on River Drive, selling the eight additional buses and trolleys owned by the CMRTA, and possibly applying to the secretary of state for non-profit status, so that the CMRTA may raise funds through grants and donations. Also, beginning January 1, 2010, all bus riders will be required to pay an additional seventy-five cents for each transfer, the five CMRTA administrative employees will be furloughed for one day a month, for the state amount maximum of ten months, and off duty City of Columbia Police officers will no longer be used in addition to t he regular security guards at the transit station, where recently released prisoners are dropped off.

Why Haley Election could cause South Carolina to become a national role model for 21st century diversty

Haley Election could be used as historical model in diversity for rest of country

By: Keith H. Seymour
schotline Contributing Editor

Tuesday, November 2, 2010, I had the privilege of witnessing what will inevitably go down in South Carolina History, as a “landmark moment.” I am of course referring to the election of Nikki Haley as the first Female and Minority governor of a state that has been governed by Caucasian males, since its creation as British Colony in 1729.

However, I believe that my more illustrious colleagues in the media have either not realized, or have overlooked the importance that the governor-elect's “historic” accomplishment lies not so much in her gender and ethnicity, but more importantly, what appears to be the consistent diversity of her supporters, since she entered the race for governor. In the opinion of this observer, the socio-economic, ethnic, racial, and even political make up of Haley's supporters is an indication that as chief executive of South Carolina, she has the very real potential to unify what is often seen as the one of the most ethnically and politically polarized states in the country, in manner, that could be used as a positive model for the rest of this country.

As someone of a diverse racial background and upbringing, this is not a statement that I make lightly. During the course of the evening, and throughout her campaigns, I have noticed individuals of every background imaginable, including people who who have sworn they would never vote for a Republican candidate. This is not to state that Governor-Elect Haley will not have opposition from various political and ethnic groups, because she will. Such opposition is an inevitability. It is merely pointed out that in the opinion of this writer, that more than any other governor of my recollection, Governor-Elect Haley has the greatest potential to appeal to a greater number and a more diverse group of current and future residents of South Carolina. I believe this not merely because of her gender and her ethnicity, but also because her demeanor.

Whereas, other candidates have secluded themselves with the help of their entourages, Iy has been my observation, that then Candidate Haley had consistently made herself available to media and voters/ While it may be argued that this is a popular way to get the most votes from the greatest number of people, this observer believes Governor-Elect Haley's efforts to reach out to the most diverse section of the state possible, are sincere. When one considers that for the past two years ,South Carolina's politicians from both sides of the aisle have made South Carolina a national punchline for every comic and news talk host out there, having a state led by a governor who will sincerely reach out and appeal to as many groups of people, is extremely important.

When Haley gave her acceptance speech, she pledged that regardless of whether you voted for her or not, or whatever a person's background, she would work for every South Carolinian.

It is the sincere hope of this journalist, that he is correct in believing that Haley will follow through on this pledge. At the same time, it is up to all South Carolinians to make sure that Governor-Elect Haley does follow through, by staying informed.

Community and School join to benefit children with special needs

Non-Profit Organization, District Five Schools, Community Unite to Benefit Children With
Special Needs and Pay Tribute to Veterans.

The Family Connection Network, Inc of Columbia “officially” announces “American Idol” star, La Kisha Jones for its twentieth year anniversary celebration and fundraiser to be held at the Dutch Fork High School Football Stadium, Sunday November 7, 2010.

According to the organizers of the events, in addition to Ms. Jones, various Lexington/Richland School District Five bands and choirs School, including the award winning Irmo and Dutch Fork High School Choirs.

Various ROTC programs from Richland/Lexington School District Five will be joining various patriotic and scouting organizations at the event, in a salute to our country's current and fallen veterans., including the presentation of the flag to the family of a local veteran, recently killed in the Middle East.

For more information on tickets or making donations individuals and local companies may contact W.C. Hoeke at 803-252-0914 or they may go to www.familyconnectionsc.org. They may also contact Mr. Peter Zeef at 803-807-1337 or Mr. Keith H. Seymour at 803-960-8785.

La Kisha Jones to appear at November 7th fund raiser for special needs kids, in Columbia, South Carolina

September 20, 2010

Special Needs Organization Proudly Announces Name of Star for November 7th Fundraiser.

The Family Connection Network, Inc of Columbia “officially” announces “American Idol” star, La Kisha Jones for its twentieth year anniversary celebration and fundraiser to be held at the ,Dutch Fork High School Football Stadium, Sunday November 7, 2010.

The star's agent Ms. Cynthia Jackson of La Kisha Jones Music just have waited to release Since Ms. Jones' 2007 “American Idol “ appearance she has been chosen for several acting and singing jobs on Broadway, and in television and movie roles. Among her Broadway roles she has played both supporting and starring roles, in Alice Walker's “The Color Purple.” This includes the pivotal role of Sophia in “The Color Purple.”

According to the organizers of the events, Ms. Jones, who is the founder of La Kisha Jones Music in Los Angeles, California has graciously taken time out or her busy schedule, which includes work on a new album.

The November 7th anniversary celebration and fundraiser will raise money to assist Family Connection's Special Needs Children and their families.

For more information on tickets, interested parties may contact W.C. Hoeke at 803-252-0914 or they may go to www.familyconnection.org.

Transit board member needs to be ousted!!!

Comments to CMRTA concerning board members comments opposing support of bus system

By: Keith H. Seymour


For those of you who do not know me, my name is Keith Seymour, and I am a bus rider, and I have also been a car driver, and maybe a driver at some point again. However this meeting is not about me, but about what is best for this community, and how the importance of a viable transit system. In that vain, I will make my comments short, but they will not be sweet!

The CMRTA board has worked too long and too hard over the past several years to sustain and improve the bus system, including but not limited to the CMRTA and others finally convincing Richland County Council to agree to put this penny sales tax on a referendum. Now during this time, I have been both one of the CMRTA's biggest critics and biggest defenders, depending on my feelings concerning those efforts.

I also wish it to be noted that I have always thought well of Mr. Tommy Windsor in regards to my dealings with him at transit meetings, and as a result of his association with at the former Epilepsy Foundation of South Carolina. Therefore, I have nothing personal against him.

However, I absolutely refuse to keep quiet about what I see as comments that have the potential to dangerously perpetuate an attitude that will lead to the economic destruction of both the bus system and the City of Columbia.

In my opinion, CMRTA board member. Windsor's comments to the press and public, opposing the passage of this referendum, are potentially detrimental not only to the well-being of bus riders, but to the growth of this community. At the very least he has presented an image problem concerning the CMRTA's sincere advocacy on behalf bus riders and drivers, as well as negating how this penny sales tax has the very real potential to benefit the economic growth of individuals and businesses within our community, in the long run.

The bottom line is that I feel the best course of action, is for the City of Columbia, who appointed Mr. Windsor to the CMRTA, to relieve him of status on this board, and replace him with someone who will actively work to help this bus system and this community grow.

Thank you for hearing me out on this matter. I sincerely hope my advice is heeded.

Keith H. Seymour is a thirty-three year resident of Columbia, a local community advocate, writer, and media consultant, and bus re may be reached at 803-960-8785 or at keithhseymour@bellsouth.net.

Operation H.O.P.E fundraiser to benefit the physically and mentally disabled

IRMO- Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus Council 6892 will hold a community wide Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) kickoff breakfast for its Council's 2010-2011 Operation H.O.P.E. fund raising efforts, on Saturday August 7, 2010.

The family and community oriented fund raising breakfast will be held at Fatz Cafe,located at 7420 Broad River Road in Irmo,and will be from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) is a nation wide Knights of Columbus campaign, that benefits various charities that work to assist and enhance the lives of physically and mentally Challenged citizens, and 85 percent of all proceeds stay within the community in which they are raised.

All of the proceeds for Operation H.O.P.E fund raisers put on by Irmo Council 6892, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, go to support Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School in Columbia.

Over the past several years, Knights of Columbus 6892 Council has actively assisted, and continues to assist these organizations, and their clients.

The entire public's participation in raising funds for the essential and heart warming services that the Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School provide would be greatly appreciated.

Tickets are $7.00, and may be purchased in advance or at the Broad River Rd. Fatz Cafe, on the day of the event.

For more information on this August 7th Community fund raising event sponsored by the Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, interested persons may contact Jim Sansonetti, Operation Hope Chairman, at 803-361-1801.