Nov 2 2022
Usually
before a Sch Bd meeting people are chit chatting, smiling, and
doing stuff to get ready. That wasn't the situation leading up
the Nov 2nd 2022 special meeting of the County Clay Board of
Edumacation. With 50 or more people milling around inside and
out, there were no smiles to be seen. The meeting was held in
the new bus driver lounge where the seats filled up quickly
and the rest of the peanut gallery stood in the back and on
the side near the restrooms. There were even two Badges on
hand just in case.
The original agenda stated they were there to see a new electric bus to be here on a 6 week try out. At 3:50pm on Monday the 31st, that agenda was amended to read: discussion and possible action regarding the Superintendent's contract and possibly abbreviating his term in office.
Gulp!
With just a couple days notice, that's pretty quick for booting someone off the island.
Those fifty or so in the peanut gallery, the vast majority were there to support their Supreme Leader, Joe Paxton, Looking around the room, faces looked tense. Up front sat the Ms Paxton along with her daughter. Family and friends frowned a bunch.
The Ace Cub Reporter sat a couple rows back. After stepping outside for a second , when he returned, that chair was missing. Someone had taken it away. Well, what a bunch of sour puss poop butts!
Before the main attraction, much back slapping was provided during the electric bus talk up which lasted around 15 minutes.
The original agenda stated they were there to see a new electric bus to be here on a 6 week try out. At 3:50pm on Monday the 31st, that agenda was amended to read: discussion and possible action regarding the Superintendent's contract and possibly abbreviating his term in office.
Gulp!
With just a couple days notice, that's pretty quick for booting someone off the island.
Those fifty or so in the peanut gallery, the vast majority were there to support their Supreme Leader, Joe Paxton, Looking around the room, faces looked tense. Up front sat the Ms Paxton along with her daughter. Family and friends frowned a bunch.
The Ace Cub Reporter sat a couple rows back. After stepping outside for a second , when he returned, that chair was missing. Someone had taken it away. Well, what a bunch of sour puss poop butts!
Before the main attraction, much back slapping was provided during the electric bus talk up which lasted around 15 minutes.
Two speakers had signed up to speak before the main event,
Dave Mullins and Cheryl White, both past Bd members who lost
overwhelmingly during the last election and tossed from
their Pentagon duties on the School Board.
Dave Mullins
Mullins
was first to address the Board. His lengthy oratory
included:.. Mr Paxton was born here. schooled here.... he's
worked as a principal, bus director, Superintendent....
There's a rumor that he's to be terminated.. You're making a mistake... He is good.. The public aught to know why!.. Don't listen to a previous administrator who's working against him... he [that guy] even got kicked off the substitute teachers list!!! .. nor [should you] believe a certain website.
I don't know one thing that he [Paxton] has done wrong... Give him a chance....
There's no criminal complaint against him just remember who made that complaint.
I never twisted an arm but got accused of it! We need him... We want to know a reason.
While Mullins was talking, some in the gallery were nodding in agreement. Other than that, all sat quietly.
Let's put our two cents worth in right here.
Dave Mullins was talking about past Superintendent Kenneth Tanner (KT) but fortunately, he remains on the sub list and works nearly every day over at the High School. That kind of makes Dave Mullins a fibber.
As for a "certain website", proudly we report, that's us.
And that criminal complaint that Mullins brought up. We've never published an official notice for a criminal investigation but, because of Mullins' out of control mealy mouthing about it and saying it doesn't exist, we will print it in short order.
Cheryl White (sorry our picture was too fuzzy to use) gave high accolades to Mercedes Paxton. Her real purpose was to bad mouth her replacement on the Board, Brooke Jones. White told, Jones had gotten a ticket for running bus red lights near Clay Elem. She added that Jones had been paid for bringing her kid to school back then.
Oh Gee! Oh Gee! Run for your life!
White: this is undermining us. Another new Boardster tried three times before getting elected to office.
That bitter Ms White forgot to say, Jones received a ticket, went to Magistrate Boggs Court after the School system did an investigation and the Pentagon found the charges as not accurate, conclusive or something like that. That Court found Jones not guilty. It's sounded like Ms White was grabbing at non existent straws.
White: He's responsible for 252 employees.. Many supporters of Mr Paxton are here... Why are you terminating his contract????? Who are you hiring to replace him???
About that part of many supporters. We think, speculation here readers, we think Paxton felt his smooth talking, half truth, ways would get him out of this wringer. He wanted his friends and family there to yell out Hip Hip Hooray when the Board took no action against him.
It didn't work out that way.
Dave Mullins
There's a rumor that he's to be terminated.. You're making a mistake... He is good.. The public aught to know why!.. Don't listen to a previous administrator who's working against him... he [that guy] even got kicked off the substitute teachers list!!! .. nor [should you] believe a certain website.
I don't know one thing that he [Paxton] has done wrong... Give him a chance....
There's no criminal complaint against him just remember who made that complaint.
I never twisted an arm but got accused of it! We need him... We want to know a reason.
While Mullins was talking, some in the gallery were nodding in agreement. Other than that, all sat quietly.
Let's put our two cents worth in right here.
Dave Mullins was talking about past Superintendent Kenneth Tanner (KT) but fortunately, he remains on the sub list and works nearly every day over at the High School. That kind of makes Dave Mullins a fibber.
As for a "certain website", proudly we report, that's us.
And that criminal complaint that Mullins brought up. We've never published an official notice for a criminal investigation but, because of Mullins' out of control mealy mouthing about it and saying it doesn't exist, we will print it in short order.
Cheryl White (sorry our picture was too fuzzy to use) gave high accolades to Mercedes Paxton. Her real purpose was to bad mouth her replacement on the Board, Brooke Jones. White told, Jones had gotten a ticket for running bus red lights near Clay Elem. She added that Jones had been paid for bringing her kid to school back then.
Oh Gee! Oh Gee! Run for your life!
White: this is undermining us. Another new Boardster tried three times before getting elected to office.
That bitter Ms White forgot to say, Jones received a ticket, went to Magistrate Boggs Court after the School system did an investigation and the Pentagon found the charges as not accurate, conclusive or something like that. That Court found Jones not guilty. It's sounded like Ms White was grabbing at non existent straws.
White: He's responsible for 252 employees.. Many supporters of Mr Paxton are here... Why are you terminating his contract????? Who are you hiring to replace him???
About that part of many supporters. We think, speculation here readers, we think Paxton felt his smooth talking, half truth, ways would get him out of this wringer. He wanted his friends and family there to yell out Hip Hip Hooray when the Board took no action against him.
It didn't work out that way.
Joe Paxton
We told
you about the 50 or more in attendance. There were also
another 60 watching online via the Pentagon live feed.
At 6:24pm the Board went into secret time and headed for the mechanics office on the other end of the building. In addition to Mr Paxton, a female attorney was in attendance. After the meeting a feller informed us, a second lawyer (for Paxton??) participated as well.
Some of us went outside to chat, others just moved around inside the meeting room. Chatting was going on everywhere in small groups. Others went outside and took rides on the new electric bus.
7:37 p Board Prez Nichols came back in, grabbed her cell phone and headed out and back to the secret meeting. That's over an hour to work out their differences!
At 6:24pm the Board went into secret time and headed for the mechanics office on the other end of the building. In addition to Mr Paxton, a female attorney was in attendance. After the meeting a feller informed us, a second lawyer (for Paxton??) participated as well.
Some of us went outside to chat, others just moved around inside the meeting room. Chatting was going on everywhere in small groups. Others went outside and took rides on the new electric bus.
7:37 p Board Prez Nichols came back in, grabbed her cell phone and headed out and back to the secret meeting. That's over an hour to work out their differences!
It wasn't over
yet.
The meeting went on to 8:15. That's nearly two hours!
Everybody hung tight including those watching online. David Pierson, the most senior Boardster, was somber. His face was blue purple to the top of his noggin. No it didn't feel like a rage brewing. Instead, Dave's emotions were running strong. He had worked with Joe Paxton for many years.
It was Pierson that made the motion to terminate Paxton's contract according to the terms of the written agreement. He said it was with a heavy heart. Not sure we saw tears coming down but if not, it was sure close. Phoebe Nichols provided the second for the motion. Pierson's head was being held up with his hands.
Somewhere in there, the attorney huddled with Pierson who nodded in agreement. As the lone agreement was being passed around the front conference table, Brooke Jones noticed an irregularity. To correct that, the draft document was corrected and again passed around with each Boardster agreeing to it and signing it again.
When the show of hands voted was made, it was unanimous. All were in agreement. Mr Paxton had to go.
Before you ask for the terms of the agreement, we don't have em. Hope to get it some day but for now, we nor most others have seen it.
So was he fired? He's gone. Was he allowed to resign? He's gone. He and his contract were terminated by the elected Board, all of em. It's our understanding, following standard risk management policies, he had until midnight, that evening, to remove his stuff from his Pentagon office and be gone.
Before adjourning, Susan Bodkins told Joe it had been a pleasure working with him.
Paxton thanked all his supporters.
At 8:24, the meeting was adjourned. Paxton had been removed from office.
The meeting went on to 8:15. That's nearly two hours!
Everybody hung tight including those watching online. David Pierson, the most senior Boardster, was somber. His face was blue purple to the top of his noggin. No it didn't feel like a rage brewing. Instead, Dave's emotions were running strong. He had worked with Joe Paxton for many years.
It was Pierson that made the motion to terminate Paxton's contract according to the terms of the written agreement. He said it was with a heavy heart. Not sure we saw tears coming down but if not, it was sure close. Phoebe Nichols provided the second for the motion. Pierson's head was being held up with his hands.
Somewhere in there, the attorney huddled with Pierson who nodded in agreement. As the lone agreement was being passed around the front conference table, Brooke Jones noticed an irregularity. To correct that, the draft document was corrected and again passed around with each Boardster agreeing to it and signing it again.
When the show of hands voted was made, it was unanimous. All were in agreement. Mr Paxton had to go.
Before you ask for the terms of the agreement, we don't have em. Hope to get it some day but for now, we nor most others have seen it.
So was he fired? He's gone. Was he allowed to resign? He's gone. He and his contract were terminated by the elected Board, all of em. It's our understanding, following standard risk management policies, he had until midnight, that evening, to remove his stuff from his Pentagon office and be gone.
Before adjourning, Susan Bodkins told Joe it had been a pleasure working with him.
Paxton thanked all his supporters.
At 8:24, the meeting was adjourned. Paxton had been removed from office.
There's Joe Paxton (standing) while the corrections to the agreement were being made.
Mr Paxton signing the termination agreement.
As people
were getting up to leave, the lady beside the Mel Gibson look
alike spouted: You should be happy removing a good man. His
response, well, Yes and thank you for asking.
As for having that victory celebration, there was none. A 50 something in attendance, their top dog had just been let go and in mid year. There were some quiet handshakes.
Who is in charge. That would be Asst Superintendent, Joan Haynie.
As the crowd prepared to leave, the Ex Superintendent went to the exist door where he shook some hands, smiled, well not for everybody.
As this reporter was walking past, the wittle reporter said, See you around Joe. In response, Paxton "Fuck you".
Wow, now that's a professional response for the guy that's suppose to set the example for the future of America. We think the real Joe slipped out. That's the same rock n roll band member that use to sing Eric Clapton's tune about cocaine.
After hearing his Fuck You on the half step, the Ace Cub Reporter stopped and turned. Some old skinny guy with a beard wearing a ball cap got in his face and said keep walking. Reporter: I am staying right here. They did the evil eyeball thang nose to nose for 20 seconds before some lady said John, come over here! He did.
Here's an image of that skinny ole guy
Out on the parking lot as Cheryl
White walked by, Cheryl : You keep on peddling your lies! as
she moved on to her vehicle. That's the same Cheryl White that
was stomped on by the old Board every time she opened her pie
hole.
Hmmmmm me thinks some of those folks were peed because we've been reporting all the crap that's been going on at the Pentagon and around the school system. Not sure but it feels like, Dave Mullins, Cheryl White and who ever that skinny ole guy was, they won't be sending the Communicator any Christmas cards this year.
How about some speculation...
Whatever the Board had on Paxton, it must be damning. We remember on more than one occasion when the Board asked for public documents. Stuff like Paxton's employment contract and last (in June) glowing employee evaluation. We think the guy was not forthcoming with that info and maybe other stuff. As in, he never provided it to his employer, the School Board.
Is insubordination enough to get to get terminated over? We don't think so. Gone in mid year and out by midnight? There must be something more.
Keep in mind, Joe Paxton like all other West Virginia workers, they are "at will" workers. That means for no reason at all, the boss can come in and say, we no longer need your services. Go home.
For most Superintendent contracts there's an "out" clause. Stuff along the lines of, we can fire you with a thirty day notice and then the person would receive a 90 day severance package. There may be an out on that 90 days of free money. If the employee was insubordinate, he could be dismissed after notice and no severance money would come his way.
But Paxton ain't no dummy. He knew months ago, his days were numbered. With that in mind, his lawyer would have been hired to cut him a sweet deal, maybe more that 90 days of severance pay for instance. We don't know and we may never know.
The only thing for sure, Superintendent Paxton and his contract were terminated. That's the only decision allowed by the meeting agenda.
Now for that Board, at least the three new members. That was a gutsy move on their part. They orchestrated the removal. As far as we can tell, that's a first for any Clayberry Superintendent.
There's something else, the pressure they were under.
Just think how many nasty phone calls they got from Paxton supporters. All three work full time jobs and had to suffer thru these last three days with angry people all around. Also, the local Boy's Club would have gone to bat for Paxton
Here's something to think about and watch for in the next three months.
Funded in Charleston, school budgets are based on the number of students. Not so long ago there were over 2000 students in the system. Based on our rough count, there's someone around 1600 kids now. That's a 25% drop in enrollment and money coming in.
Whoever that's selected for the Superintendent's job, that person will have a like number of employees to fire. He or she will have to send out "RIFF" letters sometime this Winter. That's not so uncommon but for this year, there really will be major cuts. No not that one or two here and there. There will be wholesale layoffs. Jobs gone.
And then there's doubling up of duties for the remaining employees. Some work has to be done whether you're short handed or not. The next hire will have their hands full.
And finally, Dave Pierson. He and Joe Paxton are Boy's Club members. In that club, thou shall not go against another member. That happened during this meeting.
For the 100+ that sat thru that 150 minutes, you have seen history.
Change had come to Clayberry.
It's about time.
From Woodrow Wilson: If you want to make enemies, try to change something
AW
PS The whole point of this special Board meeting was to show off the new electric powered school van. Here's a couple pics from that nice lookin shape of the future. Shame it doesn't run on hydrogen, the real fuel for the future. aw
new charging station
AW
As for having that victory celebration, there was none. A 50 something in attendance, their top dog had just been let go and in mid year. There were some quiet handshakes.
Who is in charge. That would be Asst Superintendent, Joan Haynie.
As the crowd prepared to leave, the Ex Superintendent went to the exist door where he shook some hands, smiled, well not for everybody.
As this reporter was walking past, the wittle reporter said, See you around Joe. In response, Paxton "Fuck you".
Wow, now that's a professional response for the guy that's suppose to set the example for the future of America. We think the real Joe slipped out. That's the same rock n roll band member that use to sing Eric Clapton's tune about cocaine.
After hearing his Fuck You on the half step, the Ace Cub Reporter stopped and turned. Some old skinny guy with a beard wearing a ball cap got in his face and said keep walking. Reporter: I am staying right here. They did the evil eyeball thang nose to nose for 20 seconds before some lady said John, come over here! He did.
Here's an image of that skinny ole guy
Hmmmmm me thinks some of those folks were peed because we've been reporting all the crap that's been going on at the Pentagon and around the school system. Not sure but it feels like, Dave Mullins, Cheryl White and who ever that skinny ole guy was, they won't be sending the Communicator any Christmas cards this year.
How about some speculation...
Whatever the Board had on Paxton, it must be damning. We remember on more than one occasion when the Board asked for public documents. Stuff like Paxton's employment contract and last (in June) glowing employee evaluation. We think the guy was not forthcoming with that info and maybe other stuff. As in, he never provided it to his employer, the School Board.
Is insubordination enough to get to get terminated over? We don't think so. Gone in mid year and out by midnight? There must be something more.
Keep in mind, Joe Paxton like all other West Virginia workers, they are "at will" workers. That means for no reason at all, the boss can come in and say, we no longer need your services. Go home.
For most Superintendent contracts there's an "out" clause. Stuff along the lines of, we can fire you with a thirty day notice and then the person would receive a 90 day severance package. There may be an out on that 90 days of free money. If the employee was insubordinate, he could be dismissed after notice and no severance money would come his way.
But Paxton ain't no dummy. He knew months ago, his days were numbered. With that in mind, his lawyer would have been hired to cut him a sweet deal, maybe more that 90 days of severance pay for instance. We don't know and we may never know.
The only thing for sure, Superintendent Paxton and his contract were terminated. That's the only decision allowed by the meeting agenda.
Now for that Board, at least the three new members. That was a gutsy move on their part. They orchestrated the removal. As far as we can tell, that's a first for any Clayberry Superintendent.
There's something else, the pressure they were under.
Just think how many nasty phone calls they got from Paxton supporters. All three work full time jobs and had to suffer thru these last three days with angry people all around. Also, the local Boy's Club would have gone to bat for Paxton
Here's something to think about and watch for in the next three months.
Funded in Charleston, school budgets are based on the number of students. Not so long ago there were over 2000 students in the system. Based on our rough count, there's someone around 1600 kids now. That's a 25% drop in enrollment and money coming in.
Whoever that's selected for the Superintendent's job, that person will have a like number of employees to fire. He or she will have to send out "RIFF" letters sometime this Winter. That's not so uncommon but for this year, there really will be major cuts. No not that one or two here and there. There will be wholesale layoffs. Jobs gone.
And then there's doubling up of duties for the remaining employees. Some work has to be done whether you're short handed or not. The next hire will have their hands full.
And finally, Dave Pierson. He and Joe Paxton are Boy's Club members. In that club, thou shall not go against another member. That happened during this meeting.
For the 100+ that sat thru that 150 minutes, you have seen history.
Change had come to Clayberry.
It's about time.
From Woodrow Wilson: If you want to make enemies, try to change something
AW
PS The whole point of this special Board meeting was to show off the new electric powered school van. Here's a couple pics from that nice lookin shape of the future. Shame it doesn't run on hydrogen, the real fuel for the future. aw
new charging station
AW