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Parent cites problems at NCHS-East
Published Saturday, February 6, 2010
JACKSON — Controversy is surrounding Northampton County High School-East after a parent brought forth her concerns to the Northampton County Board of Education during their Thursday night meeting.
Cathy Mason of Conway spoke to the board about the “bullying and harassment” of students and staff at the Creeksville-based school.
Before her comments were made, Board Attorney Rod Malone asked Mason not to address personnel issues during her three minutes at the podium.
“I am speaking on behalf of parents, staff members and tax paying citizens who have a major concern about the atmosphere, treatment and unprofessional behavior of the administrator at Northampton County High School-East,” said Mason.
She continued that many people complain that when they walk into the school it seems like a circus.
“There are people standing in the office laughing and talking and ignoring the visitor,” she said.
Mason added she had heard curse words used in the office when she was visiting, words that she believed a parent or a student should not have to hear.
“We want to know how can you (the school board) all sitting up there hear about the harassment issues and the wrong doings with teaching ethics and not investigate anything reported to you,” she asked. “Board members we voted you in to be fair and just to all concerned, but where is the support for the people being mistreated? Investigate the harassment and unprofessionalism of the staff at the school.”
Malone asked Mason what she didn’t understand about not addressing personnel issues during public comment.
Mason refocused her comments.
“Whenever someone is accused of anything out there the same people are brought forward as witnesses,” she said. “Please board members and superintendent, do some investigating of the situation at this school. Don’t let these negative situations continue to happen as you have done in the past. Please don’t be afraid, stand up for what you know is right.”
In a later interview, Mason told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald her concerns were about the top administrator at NCHS-East, Principal Pamela Chamblee.
She said approximately 15-20 people were in attendance at the meeting worried about the atmosphere at East. A group of five or six people stood with Mason after the meeting.
Mason said her own child has come home crying after being harassed by the principal, and alleged that the harassment by Chamblee is not exclusive to students, but is often directed to staff members as well.
She recalled being outside of a room where Chamblee was meeting with a staff member and alleged hearing Chamblee curse at the person she was meeting with.
“This is facts, not hearsay,” Mason said about her claims.
Mason alleged the hostile atmosphere at East has been going on for years and was happening when former Superintendent Dr. Kathi Gibson was heading the school system.
“I made Mr. Bracy (Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy) aware of it, but nothing is getting done,” she said.
Those who stayed with Mason after the meeting said the atmosphere is affecting the students at East.
“We do have an attorney,” she said.
On Friday, Board of Education Chair Grace Edwards told the News-Herald that the board was dealing with a current personnel issue going on with one person from that particular school and that it was being handled through the proper procedure for that type of matter.
Edwards added the information Mason presented to the board was something they had not heard before.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy could not be reached for comment. Due to inclement weather on Friday, school was dismissed at 11:30 a.m.
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Comments
Posted by UMMATELLIT (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, from what I was told, this same parent had her child return to school the next morning and become involved in a fight. guess it goes to show, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. meaning she fought for something she believed in, just like mommie is fighting for untruths and lies that she believes in. being a parent of an student that attends East, I feel that the staff and administration are doing a great job of preparing our children to become productive citizens. I agree, parents should listen to their children, but at the same time. know that our children are not perfect and will/can bend the truth to suit them.
Posted by bronxvirgo (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are so true UMMATELLIT. The parents of kids who terrorize the school and buses seem to be at it again. It is a shame that many people believe what is in the newspaper. Roanoke-Chowan News Herald ought to be ashamed of themselves for printing such mess. I read your own posting rules "any comments that are libelous, defamatory, obscene, harmful, vulgar, threatening, tortuous, harassing, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful, racially or ethnically objectionable, or otherwise illegal material". Do you not see that unfounded accusations and referring to a particular person is wrong. I had one child there when the school was unsafe and children weren't learning anything. I have a son there now and things are so much better than they were years ago. The principal knows every kid by name, and requires the teachers to TEACH even when some people above her do not treat the high schools equally. Now lets see if you all will print the news from the parents who support this principal. Probably not Good News doesnt sell papers. Responsible reporting seems to be replaced with personal vendettas. Would like to know how that article make it to the front page and the good events are pushed back to a picture with a caption? What do you stand for? Desperate to sell papers.. SHAME ON YOU.
Posted by UMMATELLIT (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly Bronxvirgo, anything to tear down the good will be printed. Parents should go to PTA meetings or call teacher's back when their grades or behavior is not up to par. Instead they will fly off the handle at a teacher or administrator when their child's cell phone is confiscated because it's against the rules to use them or ready to have a teacher fired when their child curses them out and the teacher's respond by writing them up, oh, their lil angel wouldn't do that! It's a crazy world that we live in. Did the paper publish that East was the only High School in the area to have growth last year? That fights are way down in the last 3 years? No, they didn't! They only printed some angry parents outbursts in an attempt to get a friend's job back that was in the wrong! If your gonna tell it, tell it all! Don't come up with some wild and crazy story to make the paper, wow! Then have one of your "angels" turn around and make you look foolish!
Posted by bronxvirgo (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see the Roanoke Rapids newspaper editor did not print the potentially liable information. Were they sitting at the same board meeting? Yes, I am sure they were since there has only been one this month but they elected to report the information that they were sent there to report on, which was the business of the board.
Posted by scotty39 (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a parent of a child at NCHS East, I support the administration and staff. Everytime I visited the school, I was cordially greeted. Maybe the parents and former staff who are staging this personal vindetta, need to check their attitude. If these parents are so concerned about the school, where were they when the school hit low performing status? If they are so concern, where were they when it comes to support the school in tutorials? How many times have those making the allegations, voiced their concerns at the PTA meetings? How can you be the spokesperson when your child doesn't abide by board policies? Or, is this a personal attack because the administration doesn't jump when you say jump or connected with your circle? Or, are you getting inside assistance because they intimidate the administration?
What administrator in his/her right mind would let the teacher cut hair in the classrooom or call the students out of their names?
Posted by bronxvirgo (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the PTA the other night. Does the paper plan to give just time to the parents and staff who are outwardly speaking up FOR this principal... not in the confines of a sneaky backroom meeting? Where is the editor...are you really approving this? I see the writer (and I use that term losely) keep saying they contacted the board chair and the superintendent, have they contacted the PTA president, the principal, the teacher of the year from the school, or any other freakin person who doesnt have an ax to grind for being relieved of their duties for not trying to educate our children. Keep your head up Principal Chamblee. You have turned that school around. When did East get 5 periods? They only have 4 and have only had 4 for well over 14 years. If the writer would investigate and not just listen to this group and from what it appears just reprint what they give her, who represent the worst to ever be at East, then maybe she would have learned that.
Posted by bronxvirgo (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh Scotty... I heard about that teacher cutting some kid hair in the classroom I guess Ms. Chamblee was not supposed to say anything to him if you let this group tell it. Just glad it wasnt my child. Are you serious? I am so glad Ms. Chamblee has enough guts to not let people do that to our kids. But I guess that wont make the paper either.
Posted by justice10 (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did you all who are talking about the fight, dig deep enough to know that a group of girls had been harassing the child of the parent who spoke out about the unprofessional school? Did you know that these girls were cursing and threatning the child on facebook? Also, did you know that the other child who had been harassing this child, hit her first? This fight was pre-meditated. When you know the truth about a principal or anyone else, you have the right to voice your opinion, even if your child is locked up in a prison or in an institution for the criminal insane. The truth is still the truth. Where have you all been hiding to not know how horrible this lady is. She can fake it at times, but anyone in their right mind can see the evilness and hatefulness in this woman. No one is trying to hide anything in a closed up room. It is their right to meet where ever they want to in order to discuss the out of control administator. Evidently you are being told what to say in her defense, because if you have been in this county even for a short time, then you have heard about her impulsive ways. Come on now who do you think you are fooling, the truth will come out whether you like it or not.
Posted by peducator (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW! Look at the followers of the principal at NCHS-East. Lets talk about the lies that are being told, the concerned parent did not send her child back to school after the incident. Do you work at the school? However, she did call to the school to speak with the principal on Friday 5th and Monday 8th. She was not able to talk with the principal on Friday 5th and was told by the person that answered the phone on Friday that the principal was on a conference call with the State Superintendent. On Monday 8th, the principal told the parent that she would correspond with her only through a letter and hung up on the parent. That must have been another parent who sent their child to school after Friday 5th. Get your information right the FIRST TIME!
Posted by justice10 (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, well bronxvirgo, is that all you could come up with; the time of day or period that was quoted in the paper? This teacher works at a school now with 6 periods, but she knows that the incident at East happened after her lunch. Call it 4th period or 5th period, it happened. That reference you made is petty. Are you claiming that you are perfect? Please! This teacher was put at East specifically to bring up those math scores. So stop hating! And how can you assume that anyone was not performing their job ? Were you in the class or wherever the person was? Have you evaluated them or have you seen an evaluation? Are you a puppet on a string? I truly hope that you are not an educator, because the county would be in deeper trouble.
Posted by peducator (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All kids are different and we know this, but until you walk in the shoes of some of these parents, students and educators then you wont understand. I understand that her followers are speaking out and that's your right, but understand that this principal has harassed many people. As far as keeping a friends job, (UMMATELLIT) make sure you know what you are "telling." Im pretty sure that this so call friend that you are speaking of did not need this parent to speak up for him or to save a job. Im sure that this person can defend his job by providing proof of his work performance to the superintendent and the board. If the accusations were true and that person was in the wrong then why is he back at work? Were you there bronxvirgo? You seem to have a lot of information. Perhaps you can be subpoenaed as a witness when the case goes to court, since you were a witness to what happened at NCHS-East. Bronxvirgo you stated that the business of the board should be the journalist main focus, well whatever goes on at the board meeting is the "business of the board." Bronxvirgo you also stated that why not contact the PTA President, Principal, Teacher of the Year? What??? Why contact the PTA President regarding harassment issues alleged against the principal? That is not an issue for the PTA President that is for the Board of Education. The Teacher of the Year, Im confused? Why contact the Principal about concerns when she is the problem? You must not be an educator, if you were you would know that issues of this sort should go to the Superintendent and then to the Board Members. You talked about this particular child going to school that next day after the board meeting to fight, but that student was hit first by another student and she was defending herself. Please get your facts straight Bronxvirgo, you seem to be in alot of places. Im sure that this student did not go to school to fight. Think more positive about our children that we teach and work with, give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you have not had any problems with this principal but don't say that others are telling the untruth because they have been harassed and mistreated. Victims should not be punished but supported.
Posted by justice10 (anonymous) on February 14, 2010 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bronxvirgo, you spoke to soon. The Roanoke Rapids' news reporter was just waiting to obtain more information. Sorry! I know you are disappointed that she did print the truth about the cruel actions of the principal after all.
Posted by UMMATELLIT (anonymous) on February 15, 2010 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Peducator, maybe he can defend himself, maybe not. As for the bullying, I'm sure the student told an adult that she was being bullied prior to the incident! didn't she??????? or chose to handle it her own way?????
Posted by justice10 (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UMMATELLIT, it is not up to you to determine who can defend him/herself. All you know is what your controller(Chamblee) tells you. Be very careful UMMATELLIT who you accuse of being in the wrong. You do not know what you are talking about and that is a fact. So, think before you speak, UMMATELLIT, because you may be called to really tell it. You seem to believe that you have some facts, so be bold and bring the facts forward, they will be welcomed. We wait!!
Posted by nccounselor (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whether a student reports bullying or not is irrelevant, bullying SHOULD NOT occur. A person being bullied is called a "victim", just like Ms. Chamblee's many victims. NC has a 0 tolerance law against bullying, that includes students, teachers and administrators who are bullies. We support the person who was recently WRONGFULLY suspended 100%. As a counselor myself, we have various ways of proving that we are doing our jobs. Being data driven is one of them. Not to mention the collaboration with our students, teachers, parents and community resources. I sure hope that you are not a PTA President or perhaps an educator. We hope that you will come forward to support your friend, she needs you. The next time you see us in the community, and of course you know who we are, we are the people against Ms. Chamblee, please come to us and voice your opinion. See, we know who her followers are and that is your right, so speak up and be visible. We are coming forward as a group, "two by two."
Posted by UMMATELLIT (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yea yea yea, u shouldn't speed either but you do it! Be visible all you want, that's your right as well, most people do feel safer in packs! As far as the be visible part, it's not directly my fight so I know my place, but believe me, in NO way should you take that as a sign of weakness or cowardliness! Nice bait though! :-)
Posted by justice10 (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea, yea, yea my foot; and speeders sometimes get caught and have to pay a fine. It is not that the group feel safer because they are a group, but so many people with the same accusations hold a greater power with relivant force. And please do not by any form or fashion think for one minute that each individual reveals signs of being weak or a coward. Each one is strong because Chamblee's abuse made him or her strong; strong enough to stand up and fight for what is right. No bait, just facts!! You are showing an attitude so similar to Chamblee. Try calmness and control, it works.
Posted by nccounselor (anonymous) on February 19, 2010 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UMMATELLIT's words represent anger and frustration. It's sad that this county has to be corrupt with all of these problems and ugly attitudes towards people because they are victims. People don't ask to be harassed or mistreated. Generally, people want to do right and they want to do well at their jobs. I remember when this was a wonderful place. I remember the goodness and what it felt like to be a "RAM." We have allowed someone from another county to come here and cause a separation between the people in this community. Im sure Ummatellit is someone that I know and went to school with and this is sad.
Posted by UMMATELLIT (anonymous) on February 20, 2010 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NCcounselor, I'm sure you don't know me, and I'm sure you didn't go to school with me. My words don't represent any anger or frustration, if you know me so well then you would know that. But when you are ready to call me forward justice10, feel free to do so! Oh and I am calm trust me! ;-)
Posted by princess (anonymous) on February 22, 2010 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok I am a parent of a child @ NCHS-East And the first thing I want to comment on is the matter of the board meetings. I hate to tell anyone but when they meet and where they meet is all of our business, especialy if it concerns school business, students & school employees. Our taxes pay all of their salaries, which means we pay their salaries, so all of this is every parents business. I think we all should pay alot more attiention to everything thats is going on. Now I am very sorry that this child got hurt. But I have known Mrs Chamblee since Willis hare. she has over seen all 3 of my kids, when she was @ willis hare she did a wounderful job. She brought the school standers up higher than ever. My oldest son is @ NCHS-East and has been for 2 yrs, & I have no Problem With Mrs. Chamblee @ all. anytime I need to speak with her she has been more than willing to do so. I have been extremly irritated with Northhampton County Board Policy here recently, But it's the policy the board put in place( if u ask me they r the ones that need to be investigated for sheer stupidity!). Any Who, as far as the matter @ hand. Again I am sorry for any child getting hurt, on the other hand, where the heck r her parents?? I mean come on people, do u not watch ur kids anymore? Ok if theses girls were cursing & threatning this child on face book, then Y the h.....eck did the parent do something about it then!?! I'm serious people watch ur kids. Cause let me tell u I know what my kids do and when they do it, & u can believe nither is allowed on facebook or myspace! And guess what eles I know their friends! What was this parent doing when theses girls were doing all of this on face book, u know they make printers now U can print that stuff out and take it to the Police if u feel it's that bad.Heck if it's that bad go to school with them! But oh let me guess ur 2 busy to do that or 2 afraid 2 embarrass ur kid! well thats the whole problem n 2days time, parents R 2 worried about what the kid or everyone eles thinks when they need to worry bout ur kid!! & as far as Mrs Chamblee is concerned, well if she is being hard on the staff & Students She needs 2 B! If u don't want ur kid punished then teach them some home training! B more involved, don't fuse about how the school system needs to change and then want to get rid of someone who is really trying to change it! Thats just Stupid! Mrs. Chamblee is a good person,She's doing better than I could. Trust and believe that if a kid curses @ me (Let me try this the PC way, which I'm not real good @) They will be really great friends with the floor! This spare the rod and spoil the child mentality really needs to be thrown out the window! Just look @ the generation being raised 2 day! Untill people start taking responsibility for their kids the rest of us really like having the Mrs.Chamblees of the world around!
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