tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post5689378551685601019..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: London trip: Where's the check?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-39929999518537698102012-06-25T10:37:02.108-04:002012-06-25T10:37:02.108-04:00Here's the Facebook exchange between me and BO...Here's the Facebook exchange between me and BOE Member Rhonda Lennon:<br /><br />Mast for CMS -- Rhonda Garner Lennon, my last outstanding question on this issue is WHO PAID FOR HER PLANE TICKET THEN? Obviously, someone did, or she wouldn't have been able to board the plane. Did the Chamber pay for it, with intentions of being paid back by CMS? Can you find out the answer to that question? Thanks.Saturday at 10:37am<br /><br />Rhonda Garner Lennon -- it is my understanding that all arrangements for the entire $4800 travel package were paid for by the Charlotte Chamber and then the individuals were invoiced for the amount. Then checks were cut to the Chamber, not the indivudual vendors (hotel, airlines, meals, etc). Much like you pay a travel agent for a package trip, not the individual vendors.Yesterday at 10:11am<br /><br />Rhonda Garner Lennon -- Christine, I was told by a senior staff member on Friday prior to the trip leaving that the Chair was reminded that the Supt would not release the check to pay the Chamber until the Chair had done one of 2 things: Gotten board members to transfer their travel monies into her account or Vote in open session to authorize this expenditure as a "board expense" (she was instructed about his on numerous occasions according to staff.) I asked what happens if she goes on the trip tomorrow and doesn't have the money in her travel budget- the answer was succinct-- she is liable for the amount over her travel budget unless she gets a transfer or asks in open session for approval of the board. I was told that an individual member of the board cannot indebt CMS without open session approval. If the trip was within her budget it wouldn't have been an issue.Yesterday at 10:16am · <br /><br />Rhonda Garner Lennon -- I am happy to share with you any information regarding this issue, as I am very frustrated that the staff members involved are being portrayed as having made mistakes or violations of policy. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE!!!! Policy was followed by all involved at the staff level. The entire situation rests soley on one person-- the Board Chair- her judgement, her actions, her decisions.Yesterday at 10:20amChristine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-67472231742367336202012-06-23T01:01:47.710-04:002012-06-23T01:01:47.710-04:00Then who paid the $4,800?Then who paid the $4,800?Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-44254468578187449852012-06-22T20:24:40.976-04:002012-06-22T20:24:40.976-04:00As I promised, when I received an answer from Ms. ...As I promised, when I received an answer from Ms. Shirley, regarding my request to see the check for Ericka's trip to London, here is her answer:<br /><br />Hi Ms. Mast,<br /><br />A check payable to the Charlotte Chamber was cut on April 2, 2012 as requested by the Superintendent. Funds were available in the board's total travel budget line item.<br /><br />The check was held by the Superintendent pending board authorization which would have occurred in one of two ways:<br />1)Individual board members transferring their available travel funds to cover the remaining amount needed, or <br />2)Full board approval of the expenditure in an open meeting<br /><br />Neither of these occurred, thus the check was not released and has been voided. <br />Per your request, I have attached a copy of the original check.<br /><br />Thanks.<br />SheilaChristine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-18560602664957286782012-06-21T14:53:09.484-04:002012-06-21T14:53:09.484-04:00If nothing else, Marilyn Monson gets kudos for pro...If nothing else, Marilyn Monson gets kudos for professionalism and organizational skills in her role at the Chamber. She looks to be very efficient, and somewhat of an early bird. Emails at 4:00 - 5:00 a.m.!<br /><br />Second kudos for a great list of email contacts in the trip cancellation emails. I would have thought those would be redacted since many on the list are not public employees.Chuck from Cramertonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-23054509993425743342012-06-21T10:40:22.579-04:002012-06-21T10:40:22.579-04:004:16
BFSOTP?
I'll take a shot..
BFS - Black...4:16<br /><br />BFSOTP?<br /><br />I'll take a shot..<br /><br />BFS - Black Female (S?)<br />OTP - On The Podium?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-78840676752466576572012-06-21T09:02:16.280-04:002012-06-21T09:02:16.280-04:004:47, sorry but Ericka does not have the mindset t...4:47, sorry but Ericka does not have the mindset to "come clean". As I have preached here before, we are dealing with a subculture with an incompatible value set for an advanced civilization.Bill Stevensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-23789719970494062252012-06-21T04:47:51.493-04:002012-06-21T04:47:51.493-04:00Bill- 110% correct with your assesment. I hope the...Bill- 110% correct with your assesment. I hope the "puppet" EES comes clean as this is the opp.. I doubt se will since she is now "entitled". Once again a bad endorsement by Bolyn and he still supports Chamber trip. That air they breath on Tryon street !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-22714689732985613032012-06-20T23:32:20.329-04:002012-06-20T23:32:20.329-04:00More smoke and mirrors from CMeS
Follow the Money...More smoke and mirrors from CMeS<br /><br />Follow the Money<br /><br />Trust but verify ehh HeathAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-4419635137791008442012-06-20T23:17:36.209-04:002012-06-20T23:17:36.209-04:00Bolyn, the only reason Ericka will make to till ne...Bolyn, the only reason Ericka will make to till next January as chair is because the uptown power brokers will bow to Kojo's demands or he will embarrass the city in front of the DNC. <br /><br />It appears Ericka is party to fraud here. Getting a straight answer now will be like that congressional committee getting a straight answer from Eric Holder.Bill Stevensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-64222415001065036782012-06-20T22:00:09.790-04:002012-06-20T22:00:09.790-04:00Here is a very interesting piece written by Ron St...Here is a very interesting piece written by Ron Stodghill on Dec 1, 2011, about the Chamber trip and a little history behind these jaunts.<br /><br />http://thepartyline.org/2011/12/01/charlotte-chamber-bound-for-london/<br /><br />Read it, then jump to the present and the 64 people who were going on this trip.<br /><br />It's plain to see that while there is some merit in our Chamber going places to sell Charlotte and what we have to offer, this yearly "vacation" has gotten out of control.<br /><br />Only the very top leaders should be going anywhere on these trips and there should be something to show for it after some period of time.<br /><br />Just for kicks, what return on investment have we received for the last ten junkets?Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-12379252700627307982012-06-20T21:27:36.533-04:002012-06-20T21:27:36.533-04:00SINCE SOMEONE ASKED.
First, I knew I was sending ...SINCE SOMEONE ASKED.<br /><br />First, I knew I was sending the email into a system that was open to the public.<br /><br />Here's the important part. I'm not fond of the performance of Ericka as the chair. But since she's in that slot until at least January, I want her to have every opportunity to do the best she can for the school system. <br /><br />I agree with the advice Ericka received from many: do it but find a way to be a responsible steward.<br /><br />I posted previous to that email that the professional development for all the board is critical, since I see most of them as our least experienced public officials.<br /><br />I know of no business that would not attempt to make the best of similar situations of leadership.<br /><br />When I wrote that email I was sure that what is occurring today in the paper would happen. And, I am glad to again have the opportunity to stress again that for this board and all future boards that opportunities like the trip to London must be part of the Board of Education experience.<br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />Pineville<br /><br />PS: I'd do it againBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-19276550630804243082012-06-20T21:08:29.232-04:002012-06-20T21:08:29.232-04:00Ericka- CMS spent close to $200,000 this past year...Ericka- CMS spent close to $200,000 this past year to learn the public lacks trust in CMS. This is a free opportunity to EARN that TRUST. Provide the proof of who paid for the ticket. Its a free pass cost nothing. You do the professional thing since its all been called into question. Please dont be influenced so easily by the Chamber. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-32325421056651709572012-06-20T20:08:05.067-04:002012-06-20T20:08:05.067-04:00Ericka E hyphen S is an embarrassment.
Not a surp...Ericka E hyphen S is an embarrassment. <br />Not a surprise she gets elected in Meck county. It will only get worse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-77912307156879213002012-06-20T19:48:36.507-04:002012-06-20T19:48:36.507-04:00Christine, thank you for all you do. You will be a...Christine, thank you for all you do. You will be a WONDERFUL replacement for Rhonda Lennon. Christine in 2013!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-49054024034841606302012-06-20T18:27:49.299-04:002012-06-20T18:27:49.299-04:005:29- Who cars what Bolyn thinks regarding this ma...5:29- Who cars what Bolyn thinks regarding this matter. We all know he supports Morgan and that means little plus big brother (chamber). He supported Ericka then tried to jump fnece when her true colors came out. (no pun intended) So he is neither a paid CMS employee nor influential citizen. His opinions and track record have been very negative towards educational needs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-4587369365111733342012-06-20T17:51:27.225-04:002012-06-20T17:51:27.225-04:00On May 18, the day before the London flight was s...<i>On May 18, the day before the London flight was supposed to depart, Davis emailed interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh with the subject line "London."<br />"Any Board members going?" Davis asked.<br />"Eric, BOE chair is apparently leaving Saturday afternoon for London," Hattabaugh replied.</i><br /><br />1) Why is Eric Davis asking the Superintendent about other Board members? Why doesn't he just ask the other members himself?<br /><br />2) Why does the Supt. know who's going where, but a BOE member doesn't?<br /><br />Open suggestion to all 9 Board of Education Members:<br /><br />Communication. It's a great thing. Use it, especially to talk amongst yourselves.Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-28006630020224779252012-06-20T17:42:47.803-04:002012-06-20T17:42:47.803-04:00Bolyn,
What were you thinking?????Bolyn,<br />What were you thinking?????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-21239168613855166542012-06-20T17:29:11.181-04:002012-06-20T17:29:11.181-04:00Here's an excerpt from the emails:
From: Bol...Here's an excerpt from the emails:<br /><br />From: Bolyn [bolyn@jrcoleinds.com]<br />Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 8:35AM<br />To: Ericka Ellis-Stewart<br />Subject: Expense request OK by me<br /><br />Ericka,<br />I agree with your request for the travel expenses.<br />You’re the face of CMS and need every opportunity to make connections.<br /><br />Bolyn<br />May 23, 2012Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-80643513239288658802012-06-20T17:19:46.083-04:002012-06-20T17:19:46.083-04:00Wiley- As a ADULT I would assume Ericka knows wha...Wiley- As a ADULT I would assume Ericka knows what the Chamber was selling her. If I went on a "paid trip by someone else" or "vendor sponsored junket" I would know who was covering the cost. Terrible decision made by a influenced person. Ericka the "puppet" is exposed since she does not make her own decisions. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-18787305579473704642012-06-20T17:17:50.374-04:002012-06-20T17:17:50.374-04:00Request for canceled check or credit card statemen...<b>Request for canceled check or credit card statement for London plane ticket</b><br />From: Christine Mast<br />To: sheila.shirley<br />Cc: ericka.ellis-stewart <br />Date:Wed, Jun 20, 2012 5:14 pm<br /><br />Ms. Shirley,<br /><br />I would like to see the canceled or voided check that was payment for Ericka Ellis-Stewart's plane ticket / Chamber trip to London. Forgive me if I'm not using the correct terminology, as I'm unsure if a check was ever really cut. And since I don't know if it would've been payable to the Charlotte Chamber or Ericka or USAir or someone else, I'm trying to cover all the possibilities. Please know that even if I'm not asking for the correct vendor information, that you understand the spirit of what I'm asking for.<br /><br />If the plane ticket (and other related costs totaling $4,800) was paid using a CMS debit or credit card, I'd like to see the statement with the charges on it. Then I'd also like to see the statement with the refunded plane ticket (and other related costs totaling $4,800) on it. I am under the impression that US Air refunded the cost of the plane ticket (since the flight was canceled), and/or that the Chamber refunded the costs of the trip?<br /><br />If you're unable to produce any of these items, I would appreciate your explanation of who purchased and paid for Ericka's trip. I'd be happy to pursue these documents from them.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your help.<br />Christine Mast<br /><br />**********************************<br />When I get a response, I'll post it here.Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-66466798716334910182012-06-20T17:14:04.984-04:002012-06-20T17:14:04.984-04:00Christine good for you press Shirley lets see who ...Christine good for you press Shirley lets see who paid for it. Wiley I agree with you in the London/Olympic trip. Chamber is always exceeding its boundries in big way. Lets see how much the DNC fiasco costs us before we start looking at summer games 20 years from now. Ericka should not be so easily influenced. I cannot beleive their was 1 person defending her. TOO easily influenced and if the Chamber is interested in education in this city they WOULD NOT send them on vacations. Ericka the puppet is exposed once again. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-81748932801337978772012-06-20T17:02:34.728-04:002012-06-20T17:02:34.728-04:00Christine?
Who's on first?Christine?<br /><br />Who's on first?Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42648352584933790112012-06-20T17:02:19.362-04:002012-06-20T17:02:19.362-04:00I read that dogs are so interbred that they can...I read that dogs are so interbred that they can't trace their DNA to any particular region of the world. So, a labrador can't be a Viking-American and a poodle can't be French-American. Labra-doodles are still a bit of an abomination to me though. I might have to take cultural sensitivity course.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-2483798832259137192012-06-20T16:59:11.154-04:002012-06-20T16:59:11.154-04:00Wiley, Wiley,
You're suggesting we ask the wr...Wiley, Wiley,<br /><br />You're suggesting we ask the wrong person. Skip all the hoopla and go straight the to bank... Ms. Shirley. She's the one holding the purse strings, so she could set the record straight immediately.<br /><br />In fact, I'll send my request for this information right now. I'll copy Ericka, just to keep her in the loop.Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-5017772375011230792012-06-20T16:54:38.678-04:002012-06-20T16:54:38.678-04:00Did you know you only have to be 10% of something ...Did you know you only have to be 10% of something to check off a special diversity box? The question is, who checks to find out if your DNA is 10% Yupik?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com