Take Back Perry Schools
Introduction
We are a group of concerned parents, educators, teachers, students and taxpayers that are committed to taking back control of the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township from a divided school board. This division started from the actions of four individual board members with personal agendas and whose actions have put our schools in a downward spiral. Their ongoing disregard for board by-laws and state laws, as well as the flippant waste of taxpayer's dollars must be opposed in an effort to Take Back Perry Schools.Students
This site consists of a three-prong approach to improving our schools. It will take a combination of informing and educating parents, teachers and students to what’s going on in the schools in our township.
This section will focus on resources specifically for students in our township.
Here are the thoughts of a recent Perry graduate, Jeffrey Patterson:
I believe that the Board should represent the community that voted them in. They were given a voice to use on behalf of the community, and have yet to relay the opinions held. We would like to know the reasons for which Dr. Williams was sent on leave, and have yet to be given any. As a community, we just want what is best for everyone, and that is impossible without all the facts. It is unfair how four members can upset an entire township, and still hold strong to that same deciscion. We gave them a voice to represent us, and all that has happened is that they have taken their own personal agendas to the board to settle. Much of the community is unhappy, and it is only four members of the board who hold the key to curing that. All that needs to be done is for Dr. Williams to be reinstated, or for the facts to be presented. That is all anyone cares for. I believe that many outraged will turn-over once ALL the facts are given, and not until. The community will decide what is best once they know everything, and in turn will give the board members- all SEVEN- the guidance to lead us in the correct path. Until the community feels it is being heard and that the board represents us well, it will remain a township divided.
~Jeffrey Patterson
Perry Meridian Alumus, 2005
and another student’s comments are below and from Brittany Voris:
My take on the whole situation is that the board members were voted for so that they can represent our community as a whole, and even though there are some people who agree with the four women who have a strong opposition to Dr. Williams, a majority of the members in our community support him completely and want their voices back. They are on the school board to speak for the community, not to have personal agendas. I respect the four women for standing their ground and sticking to their decisions, but they must remember that they are on the board to represent our entire community. If the majority wants Dr. Williams to stay, then that should be reflected and considered at board meetings. If these women really have legit reasons for putting Dr. Williams on administrative leave, they need to be shared in their entirety with all members of our community. If they are going to represent our community on the board and choose to go against what the majority is asking for, they at least need to explain.
January 23rd, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I believe the actions I saw last night (1-22) by the four members were worse than what I see here, and here (SMS) they are more behaved although alot of words describing Homosexuals are thrown around by people that have no argument or evidence that a person is. If there is a “slush” fund, how do I sign up for it? Oh yeah, how about my $700 Salisbury steak. Must be good! That was no investigation, it was allegations tossed around. A good majority of those could be refuted by many people. I had a petition. Students spoke. 105 of them. I spoke. All ignored. WE MUST, WE MUST, humiliate them into submission. This will be a conflict of attrition. 18 months, however long it takes we will fight. We must not break. We must stand strong with our people and not give up. As for “24″ being on Monday,I can tape it. We shall overcome.
-James William Maier-8th Grade-SMS
January 23rd, 2007 at 1:55 pm
James, thank you again for your involvement with our efforts. It was nice meeting you in person at last night’s meeting and talking to you. I would like to challenge you on one of your points. My intentions are not to “humiliate” anyone, I think our efforts should be purely to pressure them to either wake-up and see what they’re doing or submit their resignations.
February 6th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I have a question, has anyone had the idea of actually going to Perry township schools and seeing what we think. This problem only affects the students. It is our education at stake! I believe, in my opinion, that we should go to the schools and ask the studnets what they think not having us have our opinion stated. Some of the students don’t even know that he “stepped down” and if they knew he “stepped down” they didn’t know he was fired on bogus charges. I, to be honest, don’t know what goes on at your meetings but it would be nice for you to involve us students becuase it is our future at stake.
Sincerely,
Marie Prevost, 7th grade, SMS!
February 6th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Marie, I think that would be a great idea to get the voice of the students and what they think about the situation. To clarify a couple of items in your comment. Dr. Williams didn’t step down, four members of the school board put him on paid, administrative leave and have yet to provide cause worthy of termination of his recently renewed contract. This also should clarify that he was not “fired” either. He is still employed and collecting his paycheck from the district while the school board tries to figure out a way to actually terminate his contract without paying him, which they have not been able to do.
March 16th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Hello school board, we do exist and we deserve answers and a solution.
April 18th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I am a junior at Southport and I would just like to say that I read the complaint and hopefully the Board Members can be removed. I actually think they should be arrested for some of things they have done. This website is really good because it’s the only way that i really know what’s going on.
April 19th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Jessica, Good for you for taking an interest in the school district and what is happening! Spread the word to your friends and family. Hopefully, the more of us who are aware of what they are doing, and the more of us who speak out against their devious plans, then the less likely they will be in succeeding! Best wishes!
April 19th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
The problem is everyone at Take back Perry Schools only see one side, yours! Has anyone bothered to investigate the moral conduct of our Board Members or Adminstrators, including Mr. Wms.? If you did I am sure we would all be shocked and surprised. Eventually it will all come out and everyone will be scambleing to cover up or spin.
This reinstatement matter should be dropped. No matter how it comes out We all lose. If Wms. is reinstated he has TOO MUCH POWER…If he is not, the School board is a LAME DUCK!
Lets learn to get along and move on from this. If Mr. Wms is that good he should have no problem finding other employement. If the school board is that bad they will be voted out. Simple as that.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I don’t only see one side. From the beginning I asked if anyone had actual proof of bad “moral conduct” from Dr. Williams to show me. I’ve yet to see any. What I have seen is a board that disregards experience, intelligence, public input or suggestions when making decisions. I agree, we should be able to just get a long, but the board has shown us that they’re not capable of doing that with Dr. Williams or the public, and they’ve repeatedly refused mediation attempts. If you knew how much money this board has already spent and or lost in 6 months, you’d understand that this township literally can’t afford to wait till the next elections to remove them from office.
April 25th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
As a graduate of Perry Meridian and a son of a current teacher of Perry Township, I am horrified at the things that have happened. I currently attend a state university and have heard of the recent happenings with the school board. I support Dr. Williams and the things that he has accomplished in our township. I do no support the actions that have taken place. It is so hard to understand that the only action that can take place is a lawsuit. It seems there should be a checks and balances system that should resolve this issue.
I hope that something can be done and the 4 will be forced to resign. We need to resolve this issue and get our township back on the board as one of the best townships in the city.
May 29th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
What I don’t understand right now is why there are only ten spots for student comments. If this matter is about our education, then I believe that we deserve more say in the matter. With this said, I also believe that students involved with this issue should conduct themselves with the dignity and maturity that should be seen by adults also involved.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:21 am
What do you mean “only 10 spots”. As many comments can be posted by students as they want. There’s no limit to the number of comments. Or, are you stating that you’re upset only 10 students have made comments on this site?
June 4th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
what i dont get is why arent you guys evan getting global about this i mean this guy is like the best person ever to run perry school board
June 22nd, 2007 at 2:54 am
Even after graduated the thought of those 4 board members playing god with the educations of others by trying to oust Dr.Williams. What is wrong with these 4 board members? Have they forgotten that the students are the first priority? Williams knew that. I can’t think of a time when he did a substandard job. Let’s face it, he may as well take 1st place as the best thing to ever happen to Perry Township (from an Administrative perspective of course).
Getting past that, we ought to have the power to strip these 4 board members of their power and throw them to the curb. Their plotting and scheming has NO PLACE here.
Even if we can’t give Dr. Williams his position back, we deserve the chance to correct our mistake of electing these 4 worthless board members. I say take back Perry Schools…one BOARD MEMBER at a time.
June 28th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I will be attending SHS next year. If I get good grades and do hard work as well as getting a job and paying for half of the tuition for Roncalli, I may be able to go my Sophomore year. Reasons for wanting to go to Roncalli? (listed according to importance to me) (1 being the greatest reason and so on)
I. The board issues and Williams resignation
II. Mistreatment of me by fellow students including assault and other forms of intimidation.
III. Roncalli offers a better education.
IV. Roncalli is smaller.
V. I have gotten to know Roncalli staff.
VI. (Though it doesn’t really matter)
Better sports teams.
My reasons, and the board factor does contribute a great deal.
-James William Maier
Southport Student, Roncalli Rebel
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Over the past nine months I have been digusted to hear the news coming from Perry Township. How has my township degenerated into power trips and temper tantrums? I was unhappy to hear of Dr. Williams stepping down. He has handled himself admirably throught this entire, absurd ordeal. I wonder if Adams and Walsh expect to get re-elected? Can a school board member be removed before their term is up? How about a recall election?
August 28th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
i really do think that the township is falling apart. i mean come on. PMMS administration is OBSESSED with the dress code its ridiculous. and dr. williams didn’t even do anything wrong he was trying to save the township from what is happening now. HELLO PEOPLE!!!! WAKE UP CALL!!!!!!!!!!!
August 28th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
TAKE BACK PERRY SCHOOLS!!!!! i support it completely :)
September 8th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I don’t know how we can trust the school board members to be wise and represent our schools if, in Dr. Williams’ case, they do not understand a simple phrase. How can we expect them to teach us if they do not understand it themselves?
I’m furious with them. One of my favorite principals quit because of this. HELP ME STOP THIS NOW!
November 6th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
To another Mom thank you for the advise and I do hope my sons success with the school and his future stay that way. I currently have nothing but good things to say about his teachers.