To the Editor:
During the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday evening, N.B. Mills Elementary was the school spotlight. The administration and staff at N.B. Mills is doing incredible things to improve the school. Last year, teachers exceeded growth (EVAAS) by 91 percent. The school’s disciplinary measure has improved by 72 percent since last year. Teacher retention has improved from 46 percent to 82 percent in just two years. The school is partnering with many community organizations and businesses to be involved with the students. The administration, teachers and students are making incredible strides, and we should all be applauding their accomplishments.
The N.B. Mills staff members in attendance at Monday’s board meeting were asked to come forward, and one-by one they introduced themselves. It was touching to witness their obvious dedication and love for their school and students. They were awarded a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience, I-SS administration, and the board members. Only District 5 representative Mike Kubiniec stayed in his seat. In that moment, when he chose not to show his support for N.B. Mills’ incredible staff and students, he illustrated who he is to the core.
Jean Foster
Statesville
It must be really sad to not be able to be happy about the wonderful accomplishments of one of our schools. I wonder why he didn’t stand? Is it because of the methods they use like social and emotional learning and restoration instead of authoritarian discipline? Bravo to “most” of the board for keeping things on track last night. It is clear we need to band together to fight the state for our schools. The NCLEG and the GOP Super Majority have really done a number on our public schools here in NC and now Michelle Morrow is the GOP candidate for Superintendent of NC Schools? She didn’t even win her school board election in her county because she is a MTG knock off. Mark Robinson, the GOP candidate for Governor, has made clear he hates our public schools and our teachers. People in NC are going to have to pay attention and hear what these people are saying loud and clear. You cannot just vote R down the line this time. This is not a normal cycle. Iredell County needs to pay close attention. Our entire public school system in NC is in serious jeopardy right now. We are getting ready to possibly elect two people (Robinson and Morrow) that make Captain K look like Captain Kangaroo. We all need to work together to get sanity back in our education leadership in NC. Register and Vote, and if you are in the GOP and can recognize the insanity you just need to hold your nose and vote for the Democrat in these two spots for sure. I have done it many times the opposite way living here in this beautiful county.
Dear Ms. Foster
Perhaps you are not aware that I had left knee replacement surgery due to the result of meniscus tears. The surgery was a success. However, while my post-surgery physical therapy and strengthening program have gone well, there is still a considerable amount of tightness and pain in the knee. My right knee also has meniscus tears and arthritis resulting in considerable pain. It is likely that right knee replacement surgery will be needed in about 6-9 months. The deterioration in both of my knees is the direct result of the physical demands of a 30+ year career in our United States Navy.
I continue to have significant pain in both knees which is helped by taking pain medication and cortisone shots in my right knee. Therefore, sometimes it is very painful to stand up from a seated position and to climb or descend stairs.
If you took the time to speak to me face to face after the meeting last night, I will have been willing to hear your concerns and then I could have shared my physical condition with you. During our school board meetings, I do my best to stand and come down out front to congratulate student achievement, but unfortunately, I am not always able to do so.
This is now the second time you have libeled me on this site. These are indeed a poor reflection of your character.
By the way, on another note of likely great interest with you, we are in the planning stages for our school district’s celebration of Constitution Day, Tuesday, September 17th. Not only are we seeking volunteers like last year, but we are seeking a photographer and journalist to take photos and to generate the district’s storyline of the event. Would you like to volunteer to support a teacher in one of our schools and to take photos and to write the story? This way, perhaps this year’s Constitution Day won’t be as racist as last year’s.
With love,
Captain K
Several members of the public, including myself, have significant knee mobility issues but we soldier through and give accolades to others for great achievements, in this case, a standing O.
Perhaps if you knew from experience the significance of these accomplishments by NB Mills’ faculty, students, and staff, you’d understand why what you did not do was seen as dismissive.
It was interesting that Kubiniec was standing for the Pledge of Allegiance & felt good enough to ran down to get into pictures during recognitions, but couldn’t stand up for NB Mills. You & Ms. Thunderdome (Anita Kurn) seem to have a dislike for Statesville High School & NB Mills. Wonder what that is about? Do You consider yourselves superior to those students & families?
Captain K, I understand the changes to our body as we age. How cowardly of you to blame service to our country for the woes of your bad knees. What about all the people who have knee replacement surgery who did not serve in the military? Things happen to our bodies as we age, maybe you would understand things better if you would pull your head out of the Maga quick sand.
Whatever the cause for your aliments does not excuse your behavior and lack of respect for the phenomenal accomplishments of all involved at NB Mills. These accomplishments should be applauded by everyone in this county.
If you were still in the Navy you would not have remained seated for a ranking officer no matter the pain. I doubt you would have remained seated for some Moms 4 Liberty nonsense.
Man up and admit to your prejudices and biases, which we clearly see with your actions. Attacking Ms. Foster for a “hit piece” “libel” is just an attempt at deflection. The problem is you, Captain. You’re the problem. It’s you.
If you are not up to the job you sought out admit it and resign. If you choose to remain in your position then celebrate the accomplishments of others even if it is a bit painful.
To sum it up, get off your butt and show respect to students, parents and taxpayers of this county.
Mr. Kubiniec:
I wish you a speedy recovery, and thank you for your service to our country.
On Monday evening, I saw you walk into the room, walk out after the meeting, stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, walk down to have your picture taken with students who were being recognized for their accomplishments, and stand right after the N.B. Mills ovation for the 10-minute break. You were able to stand when it was important to you, but, obviously, standing for public education isn’t. Standing for the success at N.B. Mills isn’t. In my letter, I wrote a couple paragraphs about the wonderful things happening at N.B Mills and two sentences that referenced you. Even in your response to me, you failed to acknowledge, congratulate, or thank the administration, staff, students, and volunteers at N.B. Mills. You made it all about you and your agenda.
I will not be a volunteer for your Constitution Day project next year. I volunteer in and for the schools almost every day. As always, I will ask educators how I can best help them reach their goals of educating our children to direct my volunteering. The requirement for all educational institutions that receive federal funds to teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day was written into law by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) and passed in December 2004. Our educators have lesson plans prepared for that day. They’ve been doing it for nearly 20 years without your interference. Never once when I have asked a teacher how I could help them have they said they needed help with Constitution Day. Again, that’s your agenda, not what’s best for public education or our educators. Thank you for acknowledging the apparent racism in your Constitution Day presentation to the Board last November, and I hope you do have plans to do better.
To assist you in better understanding the word, libel requires that a false statement be presented as fact. By your own admission, you didn’t stand to congratulate the success at N.B. Mills, so it is not a false statement. My second sentence that referenced you is my opinion, so it is also, by definition, not libel.
(N.B. Mills administration, staff, students, and volunteers: My initial letter was meant primarily to congratulate you! I’m sorry it’s been twisted to distract from the marvelous things you are doing! Keep up the great work for our students!)
Sincerely,
Jean Foster
Ms. Foster – It is your assumption and perceived opinion that Mr. Kubiniec did not stand because he, in your words, isn’t “standing for public education?” There is no way he would have purposely chosen to remain seated because of your assumption that he does not care about the accomplishments at N.B. Mills. That is beyond ridiculous. You and others will choose anything and everything he does or says to disparage him. You and others will never choose to consider any other thoughts about him except hatred and disdain. You and others only choose to believe what you want to believe. And your statement about “thanking [him] for acknowledging the apparent racism” in last year’s board presentation is a cheap shot. Apparently, you don’t recognize sarcasm when you see it. You accused him of having too many “white” students pictured in his presentation. That you took the time to calculate the percentage of white students in photos confirms my previous statement regarding your contempt for him. Who does that? He was given photos taken by teachers. He had no control over which classrooms hosted community volunteers and what was the racial makeup of those classes. In addition, the pictures needed approval by the district to use. Some students could not be photographed. Is that lost on you? Come on. So don’t write that you’re glad he acknowledged your perceived racism. It is you who chose to twist and distract from the wonderful things going on at N.B. Mill. The title of your piece says it all: Board member’s snub of N.B. Mills Elementary School was telling. Why would a letter to the editor lead with that other than to sow more contempt for someone?
Captain K: Let my get this straight. You are taking drugs (pain meds) while driving a car and making important decisions regarding our school system? I have serious concerns about this!!
Very well written, Ms. Foster! Unless it has to do with Constitution Day (which is already a recognized federal holiday), Kubiniec does not care! If he is not the center of attention, then it does not interest him. I am surprised he has not tried to insert himself into District 3 schools & its events like Ms. Thunderdome has!
The irony of Mr. Kubiniec’s response must be lost on you, Josh. You must fail to recall Ms. Foster’s previously written hit piece (Viewpoint: Kubiniec’s divisive personal agenda has nothing to do with education of I-SS students | Iredell Free News) in which she accused Mr. Kubiniec of being racist because she calculated that 90% of the photos displayed in his board presentation on Constitution Day were of white students. He had no control over who took pictures (predominantly teachers) or which students were photographed. Some students were not even allowed to be photographed. In addition, all photos had to be cleared by the district for use. Perhaps if Ms. Foster volunteers for next year’s event, she could take pictures or ensure teachers take the “right” photos. So, his bringing up Constitution Day was a satirical jab at her. Again, lost on you.
As for attending events in different “districts,” no board member needs permission to attend school-related events in districts other than their own. How ridiculous to accuse Ms. Kurn of inserting herself into District 3. Chairman Howell was also in attendance at Statesville High School the other day, along with Kurn. Are you going to accuse him as well? School board members get elected by district but represent all schools and all students. Again, lost on you.
Hi Jill (Ms Silence)
How is Micah doing? Any word on the radio show coming back? Perhaps a podcast?
Thanks
Barry F Davis
Where has Jill Schooley (Mrs Silence Dogood) been? Are you looking for another store so you can give your 40-year-old baby boy a job? The public is still waiting for those amazing radio shows, tell-all podcasts & newspapers your son & his pretend preacher promised. We won’t hold our breath; we know they are real busy playing on Facebook.
How does Ms. Kurn’s participation in Statesville High School’s celebration of its recognition as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme show her dislike for the school? Chairman Howell was also in attendance. More disdain, Jim Harris?
I’m so happy to know that there are so many perfect people out there in this community. So perfect that they never fail to point out perceived shortcomings in others. So perfect that they make such childish statements for everyone to see. So perfect that they feel the need to resort to name-calling. That’s all you people know how to do is disparage others in order to feel superior. You must be trying to deal with your own inadequacies and shortcomings. By putting others down, you can rise up, right?
Hi Mrs Silence Dogood (Jill Schooley)
I think you should sit down with your convicted drug offender son and reflect on your reply to comments made . I must say You and Miach are the king and queen of putting people down.
Do not throw stones when you live in a glass house . Hope you have a BLESSED day
Now I understand. Captain Kangaroo is on pain meds. It all makes sense now….
It’s crazy that someone can openly admit to the use of pain medication and still be allowed to serve on the board!
I love how some people are still obsessed with me. When I post I use my real name so you are laughingly being triggered by someone else. Therapy might possibly help you overcome your obsession with me and Micah. Clowns.
Says the clown herself! Hi mommy! You and your son do any stalking lately?? I heard of another situation in which your precious 40 year old baby boy was stalking another young lady! Interesting behavior. Have a blessed day!
If Ms. Foster genuinely wanted to compliment the marvelous things happening at N.B. Mills in her letter to the editor, she would have left out Mr. Kubiniec’s perceived “snub.” She can blame no one but herself for apologizing to the administration, staff, students, and volunteers for including her attack on Mr. Kubiniec. She is the one who distracted readers from the school’s accomplishments and dedication to student success. Again, why would the title of her piece lead with her criticism of Mr. Kubiniec?