Supt. DeCotis wants county to re-bill taxpayers

Tue, 01/06/2009 - 5:04pm
By: Ben Nelms

Send out new, higher property tax bills, says Fayette County School Superintendent John DeCotis.

DeCotis is asking the Fayette County Commission to take the unprecedented step of re-billing taxpayers to make up an expected shortfall caused by a tax relief measure now in limbo until the Georgia General Assembly acts.

“As you know, the Georgia Tax Payers Property Relief Act refund has not been funded by the governor for this year,” DeCotis said. “If it is not funded by the legislature this year, our school system will realize an additional loss of $3.5 million on top of already instituted state funding cuts.”

DeCotis said that if the legislature fails to act the school board would “more than likely have to close down the school system for several days.”

To offset that potential, DeCotis requested that commissioners approve the re-issuance of property tax bills to compensate for the budgeted funds that would be lost.

“If the grant is not funded we will have the shortfall,” DeCotis said after the Monday school board meeting, adding that the board has already eliminated 78 employee positions since last spring. “If we have the shortfall we’ll have to ask the state for a waiver to cut down on the number of school days.”

The Fayette County School Board is in the middle of finding ways to take a bite out of a projected $2.6 million budget shortfall. Adding to the dilemma is the potential loss of another $3.5 million if the state withholds the property tax grant normally sent to the counties.

DeCotis in a Dec. 18 letter asked the Fayette County Commission to re-issue property tax bills to compensate for the funds that would be lost.

County Administrator Jack Krakeel said commissioners are expected to wait and see if the legislature releases the funds before re-billing residents.

Contacted Tuesday, Krakeel said he had discussed the issue with Commission Chairman Jack Smith.

With Gov. Perdue having frozen the credit, Krakeel said it would be appropriate to wait to see what the legislature does in response.

“Then the board will make a decision,” Krakeel said. “It would be premature to do anything now. Let’s hope the legislature will do the right thing and release the funding.”

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Submitted by MYTMITE on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 12:12am.

I am not a teacher, do not have a Ph.D, or MBA. But I do have a modicum of common sense. Could someone please tell me why we have to pay such large salary and bonuses to those working for the GA lottery? Does anyone really believe those stupid ads (which must cost a pretty penny) induces anyone to buy lottery tickets? Those who are going to buy them will buy them without those pricy television commercials. Anyone with average intelligence should be able to run this department--the salaries are over the top and bonuses not needed. How much paper, light bulbs, and other supplies would the school system be able to purchase if they cut these salaries and did away with the bonuses? If those working there now decided to leave I am sure there are plenty willing to take their place. This money is supposed to go to education and nothing else. Let's start pushing for this department to be streamlined and run reasonably.

S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 10:30am.

You gotta be kidding me... Re-bill property owners because you inapt monkeys can't spend just what you bring in...!!
I am taxed to death as it is... I think being taxed for property I already payed tax on when I bought it is ludicrous...
I for one am starting to say "DEATH TO CEASER" (bible reference)


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:17pm.

OK...so who is going to do something about it?
Submitted by suggarfoot on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:14pm.
People have stepped forward in the last election n ran against Smola and Smith.
What did you do?

You voted them both back in!

They, along with Wright, have kept a strangle holt on the other 2 on the BOE,
who now sit there powerless, 2 good people,
with educational backgrounds,

while
Smola has ...NONE...!
Wright has ...NONE...!

and Smith?

..was... a teacher,

who is married to a developer, and doesn't teach any more.

Later, after Smith n Smola were voted in, and it seemed the ink wasn't dry, they came up with SPLOST, and said whoops, we made a mistake! We need more money, but don't ask us to be accountable, and everyone felt dupped and dumped on.

AGAIN,

someone stepped forward and spent their own money to run as a write in...

What did you do?

Like a bunch of mindless cattle herded to the slaughter house,
you voted them in again!

Until you do something beside whine, they are going to keep making an ASS out of you! May I remind you that DeCotis is at the mercy of the BOE...he does what they say!

So...who is going to step forward and get a petion going to oust these guys? It isn't hard...you just have to do it!

Untill there is an answer...don't whine...you voted for it, and you got it!


Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:28pm.

Lets get to a steppin folks.....

Submitted by Tombo100 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 6:46pm.

My son came home telling me that his middle school teachers were given 3 reams of copy paper and told that was all they were getting for the semester? Has anyone else heard this one?

What is worse is that his 7th Grade Math Class does not use a textbook. So are you telling me that a teacher with 5 classes of 20 students will only have 15 sheets of copy paper for a semester? And no text book?

You have to be kidding me. Fire an administrator before we end up with this level of idiocy.

Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 8:22pm.

"My son came home telling me that his middle school teachers were given 3 reams of copy paper and told that was all they were getting for the semester?"

Yes, my child said the same thing regarding rationed paper at the middle school - 3 reams, that's it. One teacher needs a light bulb for her overhead projector, which burnt out, and I know those are really pricey. She can't afford to pay out of her own pocket for supplies any longer and I don't blame her. So her students, including my child, won't be seeing classroom material via the projector anymore. SHAME ON FCBOE AND DECOTIS!

Hey Decotis, give back your raise so the teachers and our children can have copy paper and light bulbs! How do you sleep at night, Mister?


Submitted by Terriers88 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 5:55pm.

Is it me or is this just a coincidence? I have two kids in this school system. For the first time that I can remember, we were not asked to provide proof of residency this year. Now, with Clayton County having lost it's accreditation and all of a sudden Fayette County Schools are this desperate for money????????????? Is anyone else smelling that?

Submitted by PTC Observer on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 5:49pm.

The government has never done anything well and never will. Stop bellyaching about higher taxes for lower quality schools. Do something about it! If you want better schools, higher pay for teachers, better schools, then privatize the school system. Get rid of the kids that have no interest in educating themselves, they will end up as drug dealers and crooks anyway. Stop penalizing the good teachers and students and reward them with an educational system that really works. Enough is enough.

Submitted by notjustcomplaining on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 4:54pm.

Let's see...

Bennett's Mill is at a one-third capacity w/full administration
...East Fayette was closed down
.....Kids are being bused to Inman to fill up an unneeded school.
.......Rivers Elementary is now to be mothballed as it's not needed.

Guess what Smola want to do as soon as SPLOST passed -
Build a magnet school in Tyrone!!

Don't forget these times Fayette County!

Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 6:54pm.

Do not forget about the photo shoot last summer, at the new 10 million plus school underway at the corner of sandy creek and tillman road..Can you say land grab, boy Smola and Decolitis were a smilin like the cat that ate the canary that day. Each with a shovel in their hand, oh yeah i almost forgot that clown Virgil Fludd was there to at the ground breaking, with his Armani suit all pressed out down to his wing tips, oh he must of got his shoes dirty that day...NYCE

Submitted by heatjam on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 5:42pm.

They added 6 classrooms and no new students to a school that wasn't at capacity.

Submitted by FayetteFlyer on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 1:19pm.

Seems we have our own Clayton-like meltdown happening in Fayette. I remember all those holier than thou individuals ridiculing Clayton's BOE for their problems and now here we are. Let's not be so arrogant and self righteous and realize that the problems we all face in our communities are made by people who entered these elected positions with the best of intentions. As we move forward in times unseen since the Depression, we need less calls for heads and more for positive and realistic remedies.

sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 1:25pm.

Want to hear the absolute greatest irony?

The turnover and conflicts on the Clayton Board of Education have prevented a quorum from being established for 18 months. In the meantime, the Clayton education SPLOST continues to collect sales tax dollars. The money grows and grows....

Result?

Clayton county now has an enormous $25 million dollar rainy-day fund.

Contrast that to our "well managed" Fayette Board of Education.


Submitted by FayetteFlyer on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 10:11am.

what will happen with our own SPLOST revenues? Will they too be squandered? Will we be told they're not enough and some other revenue stream must be found? How much more can the average taxpayer endure? I'm tapped!

eodnnaenaj1's picture
Submitted by eodnnaenaj1 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 12:35pm.

feels now that they have been publicized worldwide for the big mess they made, and stepped back into it!

It appears to me that most of BOE's ideas will fall back on the staff, whether it is cutting benefits, shortening the year, cancelling raises; seems nothing is hitting the top.

It has been said by others, and I agree, what have those at the top given up? What have they done except to ask underlings to sacrifice? As I read about PR people, assistants to the assistants of the assistants, deputy whatevers, et al, it would appear that cutting out many of those higher paid positions would reap many more dollars, immediately, as it seems there is a great need to restructure. It also appears that these higher paid folk are not doing their job well, which is why they find themselves in this position.

I'm simply amazed that all the suggestions hurt the ones who actually teach, actually work with the students. I agree with the person who said if a principal is out, the school still runs. Most of us know, "the boss" can be out for weeks yet the business or an office keeps on going.

How about the BOE employees try all of these suggestions, and lead by example by doing it themselves, take a cut in pay, take a cut in benefits, shorten year, unpaid days off, etc. See how it works for them, before asking the folks in the trenches to give up so much.


Tug13's picture
Submitted by Tug13 on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 11:15am.

I agree, clean house at the BOE first. Get rid of some of the assistants, take away part of the salary of the others, including DeCotis' raise. Most of the teachers deserve every penny they get.

Can DeCotis talk? Why does he have a spokesperson? She doesn't make sense half the time.

I am so mad I'll even vote for Sniffles! Smiling

Tug


zoes's picture
Submitted by zoes on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 11:45am.

"DeCotis said that if the legislature fails to act the school board would “more than likely have to close down the school system for several days.”"

Another threat..........

ZoeS

"Never love anything that can't love you back."


Submitted by PreciousStahr on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:27am.

Can't close down the school for several days. The children will turn into a moron.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 12:06pm.

And instead of letting them screw off before breaks and the last week of school we can actually teach them up to the release time. That away we save money and nothing is lost.

And we can furlough the pay of DeCotis along with that of our School Board members to aide in bringing this budget in line rather than continuing to bleed the peasants dry.

My gosh... The story of Robin Hood needs a makeover to make our gumament the new villain.


Submitted by rmoc on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 3:54pm.

I agree that we waste too much time in the schools. Finals week in the High Schools is a joke. My junior went to school at 10:30 one morning and got out at 1pm..and most of the kids got out at 1pm for 3 days in a row with no buses, just an insane line of cars.

Submitted by arcia18 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:40am.

Mr. DeCotis, I'll begin by knowledging that I do not know you personally nor professionaly and therefore,comments made here by me are not of a personal nature. Now, facts that I am aware of: We are building multi million dollar schools at a time when there is no growth in the student base (good idea only if there is overcrowding), we still have a problem with out of county students attending our schools at an approximate cost of $8,500.00 per student per year, the BOE recently voted themselves a pay raise (bad times), Fayette county teachers (who like police officers and Fire/EMS officers are well underpayed)are being asked to give back a recent minial 2% pay raise?, you are about to begin enjoying the benefits of a controversial ESPLOST fund, you spent a large amount of money on a private contractor to make recommendations on how to restructure the school student base, and whatever other initiatives the board may have taken that I or the citizens are not aware of. Now you are asking the county commission to re-compute property taxes to offset a POSSIBLE shortfall in school funding. Looks to me like you want to get on the bailout bandwagon at a county level. Sir, you need to relook the priorities affecting our school system, without talking about doing away with school programs, and start again. Lead by example - Give yourself and the board a pay cut. "Sell" the rights to those unfinished new schools to other county or city entities which may have a use for them, that way we do not waste what has been spent on them already. Make an aggressive effort to go get those out of county violators attending our schools. Replace computer systems next year instead of this one. Increased taxes on an already overburdened citizen base is not the answer. Looking at the whole picture, seems some citizen comments are correct when they point to the possibility that the board has failed to perform at their professional and pay level.

jingle's picture
Submitted by jingle on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:50am.

Let's get this right! We built a house in Fayette County back in 1992, EVERY year our taxes have increased due to the BOE. Are you not required to KNOW how much you have coming in to KNOW how much you need to pay out? Come on - you are teaching our children what? To overspend and then beg for more. You guys are like kids in a candy store. Where does it end? At what point do we say "NO"! Look where cuts would be feasible - NOT in the classroom. I see half empty buses running, trailors at overcrowded schools, half-empty schools, schools being built not will not open, property for sale. It is time that Fayette County as a whole get with the program! BOE and FC Commissioners need to work hand in hand with the explosion of budgets and developments.


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:43am.

The peasants should rise....

And many of you just voted them more SPLOST monies in these difficult times?


Submitted by localyocal on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 9:37am.

Can anyone that voted for SPLOST tell me where the money is going?

Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:05pm.

STUPID-PEOPLE-LOVE-OPTIONAL-SALES-TAXES, YALL VOTED FOR IT, NOW REAP WHAT YOU SOW.....THIS IS THE GOVERNMENTS CRACK ROCK MONEY TO DO WITH WHAT THEY PLEASE, AND WHEN ITS ALL GONE, THEY WILL JUST ASK FOR MORE. VOTE NO....EVERYTIME ON SPLOST REGUARDLESS OF WHAT THEY SAY ITS FOR.

Submitted by bowser on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:27am.

Splost money is to be used for capital spending commitments, freeing up other money for operations. I voted for the Splost and argued for it on this board. I stand by that because the funding crunch is real and a penny sales tax seems to me a reasonable response.

That said, I completely agree the admin and board look like keystone cops this week.

A property tax re-do is simply absurd under these circumstances.

And the way the board floated the raise give-back was totally hamhanded. They followed that by taking the idiotic position that such a move would have to get unanimous consent from all system employees. Huh?!? Why even waste man-hours on a survey if that's your position?

If, after all tax receipts are in and the additional splost revenue is factored in, we are still short of making budget, DeCotis and the board are going to have to make some tough cuts. Most at risk should be non-student contact functions.

I suggest they start with Channel 24 and the "award-winning" PR operation. It is obscene to be eating up money on that pablum during a financial emergency.

sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:42am.

Fayette county (with 22 thousand students) appears to be the only county in the state of Georgia with a student enrollment under 50,000 that employs a full-time public relations person (at a cost to local taxpayers of over $80,000...no state funding for PR flacks).

But Melissa Berry-Driesbach and her department HAVE won 61 prestigious public relations awards, so Fayette education is number one in the state in ONE category!

A triumph of style over substance.


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 12:12pm.

Sniffles is right. There are luxuries that must be axed. Why is it that only the peasants are having to cut back on their spending while being required to fork over more?

Let's reevaluate the use of the SPOST money and cut back on some of our wants and divert the funds to some of our needs. But of course that is probably illegal. Shameless about sums it up.


Submitted by ptcmom678 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:21am.

Just got off the phone with the County Commissioners Office. Their basic reaction was "WHAT is in the Citizen??!!" Turns out that this notion of DeCotis (aka Supt. Ratatouille) has not made it on to the Commission's agenda yet. They sounded a little taken aback by Supt. Ratatouille shooting off his mouth like this, and seem to be very aware that passing such a measure would severely affect re-elections. I then talked to the Superintendent's office. Julie is already having a hectic morning with phone calls, it seems. Keep them coming!!

ptcmom678

Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:32am.

Light up them phone lines yall, let em know what time it is, keep up the good work, Keep them phones ringing until they catch a fire. Going to head up to sign depot this morning, get a couple of magnetic signs made/ with BOOT DECOLITIS, on em.. Anybody want to set up a protest this afternoon at the B.O.E. let me know....

Submitted by steven woodworth on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:08am.

I believe that most of us want to do what is right for the school system. Decotis is the leader, so he should lead the way. Start by giving back the raise that elevated his salary to higher than that of the govenor. Why have we heard no mention of this? Isn't he a leader truly capable of giving us the best? That is what we were told when he got the raise. Well the hard part of leadership is some times you have to step up to the plate. Decotis, it's your turn. Lead the way and give up your raise (all of it) and that will set the example to the rest of us that our children come first. It is easy to ask the teachers to give up thier raise, now do the tough thing (which happens to be the right thing) and give up your raise first.

Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:53am.

Good morning all, just so gald to be here this morning, anyway time to head out to the grindstone to work for that .50 Cents on the dollar after taxes. You know this country was founded on the principal of no taxation without representation, wars have been fought over less..Have a nice day Mr Decolitis.....

Submitted by ptcmom678 on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:41am.

Is DeCotis out of his frigging mind? We have two foreclosures that I know of in my neighborhood, and have seen our taxes go UP. It was a real struggle this year to pay our tax bill on time due to family unemployment. THERE AIN'T NO EXTRA MONEY HERE EITHER!! This is total bull. If there was a shortfall, why are there new schools going up? Why were we voters urged by everyone remotely connected to FCBOE to vote for SPLOST? I am so glad I didn't vote for it, and will definitely be contacting the Fayette County Commissioners by phone as soon as the offices open, and plan to attend the next County meeting. If this is the best the Fayette County Board of Education can come up with, we most definitely need new members, and a new superintendent. How DO you get a recall movement started again?

SIDENOTE - interesting timing - there's a "housekeeping" Fayette County Commis. meeting scheduled today at which, according to the website, official actions can be taken. Please call and let them know that this issue had better not get decided today in hopes of escaping public censure- oops, commentary.

Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 12:02am.

Beam me up Scotty, theres no intelligent life left down here. What happened to pride, integrity, honor, accountability, respect not only for yourself but others as well. BOOT DECOLITIS...

Submitted by pomsmom on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 11:29pm.

No more tax for me please. I am over budget for at least the next four years. However I do not think that our overworked and underpaid teachers should should suffer because our elected public servants don't know how to cut the FAT. The fat being educating the children of illegals. Hell we can't even say No to the students from the next county who are getting and education on my dime. The school board members need to give back their raises as far back as it takes to make up the shortfall created by their stupidity. I will be present at the next BOC & BOED meetings although I will probably have to bum a ride because I had to send a check to the Granddaddy of all BloodSuckers the IRS. Think Obama can help us with this shortfall?

w

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 11:45pm.

Attention. everyone go to. www.fayettecounty.org, and tell them that you will be attending the next B.O.E meeting as well as the next county commisioners meetings as well. Let them know that they should have the sheriffs dept, on hand for crowd control for it should be mandatory for every homeowner and parent in this county to come and have your say. NEED A RIDE LET ME KNOW..THIS IS AN OUTRAGE, AND WE AS A COMMUNITY MUST NOT LET IT STAND...

Submitted by RT Tugger on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 11:12pm.

This BOE has been heading down this road for a long time. They've planned poorly (witness the abysmally planned school constructions; Fayette County's rate of growth peaked in 1980-1990 and has been slowing ever since, according to ARC figures published in August), they've overspent (check the current salaries of the administrative staff in Fayetteville), and they've spent foolishly (recall the money thrown away on the redistricting consultant they hired and then ignored). It's really unfortunate that Fayette County voters didn't act when they had the chance, i.e. at the polls. We are now stuck with this inept group who continue to support an overpaid superintendent, an overpaid assistant superintendent, and the rest of the bloated, overpaid staff. And now they have the gall to consider not only "re-billing" the property owners of this county but also to ask teachers to give back their raise? I just checked the BOE website to see when the next BOE meeting is, and guess what? They haven't even updated the meeting schedule for 2009. The website still shows the 2008 schedule. C'mon, you slow-moving donut eaters in Fayetteville, get your overpaid butts in gear and update your website! I can't believe how many superfluous people this school district employs in the county offices and, to an extent, in the schools themselves. I'm not referring to teachers but to administrators and other non-teaching personnel. The measures being suggested by Dr. DeCotis and Sam Sweat are NOT acceptable. No, no, no!!

Shoebox's picture
Submitted by Shoebox on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:33pm.

EVERYTHING in Fayette County is already too expensive-I can hardly live here! Redo property taxes so the schools can get more money??? My children are grown. I don't even have children in the schools! Drastic changes need to be made, but more taxation is NOT where the changes need to occur!


Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:49pm.

And yall thought is was just fantasy, we are seeing the events unfold in our society right before our eyes here now. That can result in the world of MAD MAX, spin the wheel make the deal.. Its what the government does every time it needs some more cash. And guess whos on the wheel??...Anyone????..Thats right me and you..When everyones out on the street and hungry, then things will change. Another five of six years of this kind of sh--, and we all will not be able to afford to own our homes. WELCOME TO THUNDERDOME....BE PREPARED....

cyclecircuit's picture
Submitted by cyclecircuit on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 9:53pm.

A COLA increase would keep an employee even with inflation, this increase did not. Now add in the additional cost of Insurance and it is a fall behind. Now consider what a teacher makes and the hours that they put in (12 to 16 hours a day, really) and you would probably not want this job. I paid our tax bill Monday and picked up my property apraisal appeal for 2009 (it must be submitted by some time in April) and questioned why I was not mailed an appeal form as had been customairy in years past, a non-answer of 'some people were not mailed one' I wonder if anyone was mailed one. Finally, should the county decide to persue a rebilling then they should kindly expect the residents of Fayette county to request a new appraisal for the 2008 tax year thank you very much; I expect, like our personal income, a net loss over the previous year.

this isn't Kans... err, a, Fayette county anymore


Submitted by MacBean on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:04pm.

Mused the other day about the likelihood of the county lowering assessments to match the present day values. They seem to raise my property value in a timely fashion when the value climbs.

I did consider seeking a readjustment. But won't the county raise the millage rate to compensate to meet the tax digest?

This is simply wrong. We all cut expenses during tough economic times and so should the county. Hate it...but fair is fair. Home values are down and comparables in my neighborhood reflect that. Think it is time for mass appeals to be filed.

Submitted by englishchicken on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:02pm.

More money to this group of losers?! My kid doesn't even have a 7th grade math book! Ask him if he needs help, he may say yes, but doesn't have a book for us to help him out.

Perhaps the teachers could call the office of the Teamsters and get some REAL representation. A little muscle from up north might help this situation...

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:47pm.

HO HO Ho...Man are you screwed!!But aren't we all? You guys that get 'SUCCCCKKKKED INTO these holes'...don' you wonder why someone wouldnt't address things to EVERYONE?...in a formal statement...instead of ...of well, just me and you...we will talk personal? you guys are such fools!! That is how you control the masses...one group of fools at a time! You ARE NOT FOOLS...JUST PLAYED FOR ONE...HO HO HO...


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:50pm.

make that ...STATEMENT TO EVERYONE? WOULDN'T THAT ME ...HONEST?????


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:58pm.

I know people who got on your email tree...Why not a public statement on your stance on things? to everyone? would'nt that be the most honest thing to do for everyone? At last....everyone...together...would know where you are on ...EVERYTHING...? WOULDN'T THAT CLEAR THE AIR...OR...DO YOU ...LIKE ...THE ...FOG ?????


Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 6:43pm.

1...2..10!!!!

First of all, all y'all need to take a 30% pay cut.

My home lost 4,000 dollars in a recent appraisal. My tax bill should be lowered not raised. We should impeach the school board and hold a new election. Then we need to cut the assistants to the assistant principals. Then we should cut the secretary to the secretary for the assistant to the assistant principal.

CUT THE FAT AT THE TOP ...YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF GARBAGE IDIOTS!!!!!

Our homes aren't selling any better than clayton-crime-county anyway. Make the users ie: the parents of the kids actually using our schools pick up the extra cost. For the most part the kind of kids and parents we have here aren't worth any extra tax money on my part. Make the people using our schools pay for the service they are getting.

DeCotis do your job for a change and go after the out of county students and their parents and make them pay. We don't need an assistant superintendent either DO YOUR FREAKEN JOB ON YOUR OWN!!!!!

Instead of re-billing the citizens lets fine DeCotis and the FCBOE for incompetence.

Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:24am.

Just have it replace the one for $5k I already paid with a lower amount that reflects the new value of my formerly $400,000 home. Thank God I don't have a mortgage, but if I did, I would be getting hit very hard - twice.

The extra tax bill and the request for teachers to give back their raise (a whopping 2%) won't go anywhere, but it is sure focusing a lot of attention on out incompetent school board. The teacher thing was the top item on the Drudge Report for a while yesterday. Embarrassing.


Submitted by Split Decision on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 9:07pm.

Not that this little piece of info will make any of this easier to swallow, but DeCotis has not only one Assistant Superintendent, but TWO - AND a Deputy Superintendent!!!!! Why does he need all this help to do his job?

Submitted by skyspy on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:31am.

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!

If DeCotis can't do his job let's find someone who can.

Thanks for the info Split Decision even though it makes me even angrier.

Submitted by Yankee in PTC on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 7:44pm.

The PR person has a secretary, so there are TWO positions that could go. Who is this secretary you ask? None other than the Deputy Superintendent's secretary's daughter. Oh, and the Deputy also has a daughter employed at the same office. Nepotism?

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 7:20am.

guys, a school system, if run well, doesn't need a PR person. What is this? It seems we have some people with some weird ideas of grandure running the show. I thought...this was ...suppose...to be about educating ...little Johnnie?


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:09am.

"The PR person has a secretary...Who is this secretary you ask? None other than the Deputy Superintendent's secretary's daughter."

Are you serious?! Is this the admin position that was recently filled during the past few months? A friend of mine, who was let go from her job this summer, applied for that job - she was the perfect match for that position!!! And they gave it to the Dep Sup's daughter! Freaking jerks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is disgusting! FCBOE should all be ashamed of themselves - ALL OF THEM!! ABSOLUTELY SICKENING!!


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 6:36am.

no wonder they get what they want passed. Everyone on the gravy train. When you guys went to the gov web site did you notice the principal's make over 100,000. a year and the asst principals get paid very well too. But they are not the problem...the 3 amigos on the BOE are the problem.


Submitted by skyspy on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:55pm.

The worthless air head dry-boring has a secretary???????

For what???

She does NOTHING!!!!!!

It's NEPOTISM and it SCREAMS to be investigated.

Thanks for the infor Yankee in PTC.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 9:29pm.

Come on yall, Decolitis has got to have someone to point the finger at, and take the fall when things head south..as they are now. Wonder what kind of golden parachute he gets if his ride is cut short...Just a thought, Smola too...L.O.L

Submitted by jeep2 on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:06pm.

Sky is dead on with all of his comments. The practice of allowing out of county employees to have their children educated in OUR schools is absurd and a waste of FAYETTE COUNTY tax dollars. I know of two kids in my elementary age sons class who live in Coweta and Clayton and the parent admitted to working here so the kids can go to school in Fayette County. THIS IS WRONG!! Its time to stop this practice; or at least collect a "tuition" from these out of county employees.
Don't raise my taxes....they are high enough. We gave the FCBoE SPLOST...and yet we are "cash strapped"?? Mr. DeCotis; why dont YOU give back your PAY RAISE or take a PAY CUT?
This entire financial situation and the mismanagement of EVERYTHING the FCBoE is involved in is beyond atrocious. As for the elections; I hope that anyone who voted for these incompetent clowns back in November is now regretting it. I personally did not vote for a single one of them. Fayette County voters: next time an election comes up; do your homework BEFORE you go the the booth. Dont assume that that just because someone has an "I" next to their name that they are competent and capable to represent us. We are reaping what we sowed and unfortunately our children will be bearing the brunt of it. It is a sad day in Fayette County when we have come to this.

Submitted by Brooks Parent on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:46pm.

There is a state law that allows employees to bring their children to the county they work in.

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:16pm.

The I in front of certain names on the ballot was an I for INCOMPETENCE!!!!!!!

I didn't vote for any of those WORTHLESS FOOLS either. This is a sad day for Fayette County.

Submitted by PS1441 on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:52pm.

Skyspy, I'm with you on this one, brother. Didn't I just pay that property tax 2 months ago? Tax went up over the last 12 months, property values went down.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:14pm.

Thats what the house in foreclosure next door to my rental property, sold for in November, inside the beautiful city limits of Fayettenam...Can you say Awesome, and now on top of that...Lady runs over hubby at church, served notice im going to have to dole out more money for last years property taxes, that have already been paid??? Surely its a con, right...Anyone....I dont hear you laughing.. Anyway Happy New Year Everyone brought to you by the county circus of commisioners....

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:04pm.

Thats what I'm saying.

My property came up $4,000. less than last years appraisal.

This jerk DeCotis has a lot of nerve.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:42pm.

Figure we could mount a couple of pylons on the wing of your turbine mallard, i will donate the E.O.D. These people are a bunch of clowns. Did anyone do a background check on them when they were brought aboard, doubtful at best. Fly in at the Kedron docks and well Re-up for the next commisioners meeting..

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:47pm.

I tried to count to 10, what can I say?.....

This is not what I needed to read at the end of a long day at work.

DeCotis and our board of no-education is starting to rival clayton-clowns.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:20pm.

My New Years resolution was to keep a positive attitude in 2009... Well it sounded good at the time anyway... Kind of hard to do, eh.. Seems to me some of these clowns need to spend some time in some of the classes, that they are supposed to be directing... Especially ECONOMICS 101..."And thats all i got to say about that." GOD HELP US..

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:25pm.

If they could just balance a checking account I would settle for that at this point.

I propose we have all of the county first graders teach the school board how to balance a budget. Better yet elect our first graders and have them run the school system as a class project for extra credit.

WIN WIN for everyone.!!! We would finally have people with common sense in charge.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:59pm.

We should send Smola a copy of your post, since she was supposed to be for the people right, oh yeah.. She was standing next to Decolitis as well, at the ground breaking for the new sandy creek school. My bad, guess we wont be hearing from her either... Which volume of the citizen was that story in...lets see..COOL..

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:54pm.

with R1340s. Mallard's were tricycle gear and much larger. Sorry sky, I couldn't let that one go by. Smiling
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:11pm.

No problem. It is a beautiful plane. Sadly I don't own it, but it is fun to fly. So is a cloth covered Stinson on floats. I just wish I could haul the anchor up by myself.

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:05pm.

Thats good enough to give Decolits a close shave, on the deck. Good enough for me...PEACE

Submitted by mysteryman on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 6:36pm.

Sound the alarm, every homeowner in fayette county had better be at the next commisioners meeting, to serve notice that if any of them even consider this move, they had better start looking for a job. The time is now people. The commisioners if they know whats good for them or if they cared about the citizens, should fire this clown DeCotis. I noticed he had a smile on his face last year during the groundbreaking ceremony, at the new school on Sandy Creek road. Guess yall should of posponed that project in light of the economy eh.. And how dare you ask our educators to give back the 2.5% raise they recieved last year, while yall continue full steam ahead. NYCE...

Submitted by PTC Avenger on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 8:45pm.

You are walking on very, very thin ice. Back in the day this is exactly the type of action that would've prompted the taxpayers to march with pitchforks in hand.

Start acting like professionals and get your act together. This is a disgrace.

Submitted by PS1441 on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 7:55pm.

Let's remember that the 2.5% for the teachers was simply a cost of living increase. It wasn't a "Honey we got a RAISE!" raise but a "Honey we can break even now" raise.

Submitted by dollaradayandno... on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 6:17pm.

I fully expect to pay less home taxes for 2009!
As best that I can tell, my home is worth about 20% less than the current appraisal---that of course assumes that someone can get a loan to buy it.

What needs to be done now also is to stop the millage raises at the point they now stand.
If we don't they will simply make up the difference there. They try to fool us anyway saying taxes are reduced each year when they are not.

Submitted by Linda Wheatley on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 6:39pm.

Isn't it already at the maximum amount now? I thought they just raised it to or near the maximum.....

Submitted by dollaradayandno... on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 6:09pm.

If you ain't got it you must not spend it. That is what I do.

This is of course a ruse--an excuse for what they really plan to do.
I'm not sure what that is, but you can bet that no additional bills are going to be mailed for last year--which were paid in November.

Even that kind of stupidity is uncalled for in these days.
Maybe they need to take all those weeks off during the school year at no salary. And start school in early September and close them in late May.

Close them--not have people hang around three months and get paid!

Submitted by mcg on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 5:44pm.

In my opinion, the county has already assessed my property for a higher amount than is realistic in this housing downturn. So the county is already getting more in property taxes than they should. I have 2 children in the school system, and of course I want them to continue to get a good education, but the FCBOE just seems to want more and more from the taxpayers without being willing to make any cuts to unnecessary expenditures. Maybe the superintendent should take a pay cut, and they should eliminate some of the central office and administrative staff that are not necessary to the students' education.

Submitted by heatjam on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 5:13pm.

Nuff Said!

Submitted by Linda Wheatley on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 5:16pm.

What next?

Submitted by PreciousStahr on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 9:13pm.

All you people know that you’ve been told many times that education taxes are for the children. Mr. Decotis salary and assistants are absolutely necessary for the children. So are property taxes and splost. Every decision made by our boe is for the children. Those elected told you all this. So why are all you people who voted for them in complaining? I know a few you didn’t vote for them but ya’ll are nothing but trouble makers. While I was sitting her last summer without a job and being raped by my government, I still have to vote for the best interest of the children. I certainly not was going to vote for that Nicole File. I had a decision to make. Either feed my children or vote for those who promised more spending on their education. The decision was easy. I voted for those who want to help my children. Now, I don’t want to hear anymore out of this small group of trouble makers. Elected officials know what’s best and hire employees who know a lot more than you do. Just get you a job making more money than the governor and you’ll be just fine. And for all you people who don’t have children in school anymore, that just tough. Eat it and like it.

WakeUp's picture
Submitted by WakeUp on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:33pm.

First off, you think your comment "Elected officials know what’s best and hire employees who know a lot more than you do" is not even close to being accurate. Why do you think someone with an education background automatically is the best person to be a manager? Mr Decostusalot's salary is not absolutely necessary for the children. Why, do you ask? We homeschool our 2 children. They have been tested and rank at or above their respective grade levels. We have forgone double incomes so our kids can get a good education. So you see, Dr. Costusalot and his gophers are not required for my Fayette County children to get an education. Get over it. There are other options.

If you think a small group of trouble makers is actually that small, re-read the postings. Talk to others on the street. We are not a small group of trouble makers. We are actually a large group trying to bring to an end the tyranny of existing trouble makers running OUR school system and screwing around with MY MONEY.


suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 6:55am.

have you guys forgotten the large and expensive tracts of land bought with your tax dollars? They are just sitting there.


Submitted by PreciousStahr on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:08am.

That land is for the future children. Let it sit.

Submitted by heatjam on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:42pm.

Do I detect a bit of sarcasm dripping from your keyboard?

Submitted by PTC Observer on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 10:15pm.

Good schools are in everyone's interest and there are approaches to achieve this goal without government. The fact is that government is the only organization that keeps getting more money for consistently failing grades. When are we going to wake up? Government has no solutions they only create problems and those problems cost us money. Legalized thief and wealth redistribution, pure and simple. AKA Socialism.

By the way, I am very calm. Just puzzled that no one seems focus on the problem.

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