This Is Why I Care So Much, We Have, More Then Black Students, Every Student, Needs Our Support,Brenda Battle Jordan

This Is Why I Care So Much, We Have, More Then Black Students, Every Student, Needs Our Support,*** Not So With This Program, National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees to discuss the importance of education in their own lives. Congressman Davis, Rev. Sharpton, Debra Hunter-Hartville, and Congressman Lewis share stories of how they were empowered by education, http://youtu.be/Zn7-iG2Wo_0, So I Was Called An Uncle Tom, And Put On A Recall, Three Times.. Now I ‘am The Dean Of The Board Of Ed. And All 4 of The Other Board Members Got Recalled,. And I Was The President From 2008-2009, 2010 and 2011, From A News Report..Hunter-Harvill targeted several white employees and community members including former Superintendent and current Board member James Mitchell. She said that Hunter-Harvill targeted Mitchell early on and suggested on more than one occasion his decisions were based on race. Battle-Jordan said when she defended Mitchell and employees who were white, that she felt were doing a good job, she was called an “Uncle Tom” by supporters of Hunter-Harvill. Supporters of Hunter-Harvill attempted to have Battle-Jordan recalled as a board member twice, they did not get enough signatures to get that recall effort on the ballot. Mitchell was a part of a successful recall effort that targeted board members that had supported Hunter-Harvill’s removal of employees last year,
***************************************************************************

Brenda Battle-Jordan is the President of the Westwood Heights Board of Education, in doing some of the coverage on the candidates being considered for the Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, I referenced a quote from Battle-Jordan in relation to one of the lawsuits filed by Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill, stating the lawsuit was “frivolous” — Battle-Jordan found some of the coverage related to the TPS Superintendent search on Glass City Jungle and posted several comments.

The dissension and turmoil in the Westwood Heights School District related to the employment, the administrative suspension, the lawsuit and the settlement issues related to Hunter-Harvill was briefly referenced here and in the Blade (link):

Another candidate, Deborah Hunter-Harvill, sued the Westwood Heights Board of Education near Flint, Mich., last fall. The parties settled this month.
As part of the settlement, she resigned, according to the district’s central office, contacted by The Blade yesterday.
She and a school board member butted heads over her disciplining a principal for having a poker night fund-raiser at his school, according to published reports. She could not be reached yesterday.

After reading one comment in particular written by Battle-Jordan here, I wanted to talk to her to get clarification:

[If] Dr. Deborah Hunter- Harvill is one of the three finalists, may God help them, she came to our district, with suing in her plans, she said it to one of our board members, “I will sue this district if you get in my way” that was the way she started out, she was playing the race card game too…she even wanted me to remove my youtube videos of some of our school board meeting.

Battle-Jordan gave me her phone number to contact her if I had questions, so I called her and I asked her about the “playing the race card” accusation she directed at Hunter-Harvill, since both women are African American. Battle-Jordan said that Hunter-Harvill targeted several white employees and community members including former Superintendent and current Board member James Mitchell. She said that Hunter-Harvill targeted Mitchell early on and suggested on more than one occasion his decisions were based on race. Battle-Jordan said when she defended Mitchell and employees who were white, that she felt were doing a good job, she was called an “Uncle Tom” by supporters of Hunter-Harvill. Supporters of Hunter-Harvill attempted to have Battle-Jordan recalled as a board member twice, they did not get enough signatures to get that recall effort on the ballot. Mitchell was a part of a successful recall effort that targeted board members that had supported Hunter-Harvill’s removal of employees last year, (link).

Battle-Jordan also expressed concern with this being the third lawsuit Hunter-Harvill had filed, she said she contacted Blade reporter Christopher Kirkpatrick after reading his above linked coverage, provided him with information via fax concerning that and some of the concerns she shared with me, including her wanting it to be clear that the settlement that was paid out to Hunter-Harvill was only the contracted amount Hunter-Havrill would have earned had she remained superintendent. She said Kirkpatrick’s response to her was “sounds like you have it out for her (Hunter-Harvill).”.

Battle-Jordan, during the hour I spoke with her, expressed more concern for her community, the education of children and how James Mitchell and others were treated, than giving the impression that this was some type of a personal vendetta against Hunter-Havrill. Questions were raised during Hunter-Harvill’s evaluation related to staff morale issues, not following board approved policies/procedures (one example was Hunter-Harvill changing the discipline policy at a high school without board approval) and a high number of days away from the job of superintendent to attend seminars paid for by the district, some related to National Alliance of Black School Educators, which Hunter-Harvill was former president of (link) She also confirmed that no one from OSBA or Toledo Public Schools had contacted her to ask about Hunter-Havrill’s performance or the 9th grade program that was created and she was not aware of any other board members there being contacted.

How does this all tie into Toledo? Beyond the obvious, how a superintendent behaves under fire is important and some of the video clips of Hunter-Havrill’s behavior did not demonstrate professionalism. Serious questions were raised in my mind about Hunter-Havrill’s ability to handle a large urban district like Toledo, that has community members not afraid to speak their minds, after watching two videos in particular. In one Hunter-Havrill becomes very upset and states she needs her husband and her attorney to come to the board table after school district performance questions are raised by one board member and an audience member speaks out of order, telling the board member “you can’t talk to her like that” Link to that video, another video was from early on in Hunter-Harvill’s employment as Superintendent, Link to that video, she takes issue with media coverage, speaks over the Board President, tells a member of the audience that she did file a police report, that she will file a police protection order if necessary and that she will not allow her name to be slandered.

Westwood Heights was going through some major challenges, they went through 7 superintendents in a several year time period, board member recalls and test score issues, while things are not completely solved there, Battle-Jordan said things are “night and day improvement” now compared to when Hunter-Havrill was superintendent there.

With it being reported that it’s possible the Toledo Board of Education members may select a superintendent tomorrow and that Hunter-Havrill is one of the three finalists? Let’s hope board members take a very long look at the three finalists and ask some hard questions before making a decision. I realize it’s been suggested that Toledo should consider superintendent of color and that Hunter-Havrill is the only non-white finalist, if it is going to be between the three, I sincerely hope race is not a main factor in the Board’s vote.

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 13th, 2010 at 9:32 pm and is filed under Blogging, Education, Media, Toledo. 
23 Responses to “If Hunter-Harvill is one of the three finalists, may God help them”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uckuLe2HJY&NR=1[If] Dr. Deborah Hunter- Harvill is one of the three finalists, may God help them, she came to our district, with suing in her plans, she said it to one of our board members, “I will sue this district if you get in my way” that was the way she started out, she was playing the race card game too…she even wanted me to remove my youtube videos of some of our school board meeting. Battle-Jordan gave me her phone number to contact her if I had questions, so I called her and I asked her about the “playing the race card” accusation she directed at Hunter-Harvill, since both women are African American. Battle-Jordan said that Hunter-Harvill targeted several white employees and community members including former Superintendent and current Board member James Mitchell. She said that Hunter-Harvill targeted Mitchell early on and suggested on more than one occasion his decisions were based on race. Battle-Jordan said when she defended Mitchell and employees who were white, that she felt were doing a good job, she was called an “Uncle Tom” by supporters of Hunter-Harvill. Supporters of Hunter-Harvill attempted to have Battle-Jordan recalled as a board member twice, they did not get enough signatures to get that recall effort on the ballot. Mitchell was a part of a successful recall effort that targeted board members that had supported Hunter-Harvill’s removal of employees last year, (link). Battle-Jordan also expressed concern with this being the third lawsuit Hunter-Harvill had filed, she said she contacted Blade reporter Christopher Kirkpatrick after reading his above linked coverage, provided him with information via fax concerning that and some of the concerns she shared with me, including her wanting it to be clear that the settlement that was paid out to Hunter-Harvill was only the contracted amount Hunter-Havrill would have earned had she remained superintendent. She said Kirkpatrick’s response to her was “sounds like you have it out for her (Hunter-Harvill).”. Battle-Jordan, during the hour I spoke with her, expressed more concern for her community, the education of children and how James Mitchell and others were treated, than giving the impression that this was some type of a personal vendetta against Hunter-Havrill. Questions were raised during Hunter-Harvill’s evaluation related to staff morale issues, not following board approved policies/procedures (one example was Hunter-Harvill changing the discipline policy at a high school without board approval) and a high number of days away from the job of superintendent to attend seminars paid for by the district, some related to National Alliance of Black School Educators, which Hunter-Harvill was former president of (link) She also confirmed that no one from OSBA or Toledo Public Schools had contacted her to ask about Hunter-Havrill’s performance or the 9th grade program that was created and she was not aware of any other board members there being contacted. How does this all tie into Toledo? Beyond the obvious, how a superintendent behaves under fire is important and some of the video clips of Hunter-Havrill’s behavior did not demonstrate professionalism. Serious questions were raised in my mind about Hunter-Havrill’s ability to handle a large urban district like Toledo, that has community members not afraid to speak their minds, after watching two videos in particular. In one Hunter-Havrill becomes very upset and states she needs her husband and her attorney to come to the board table after school district performance questions are raised by one board member and an audience member speaks out of order, telling the board member “you can’t talk to her like that” Link to that video, another video was from early on in Hunter-Harvill’s employment as Superintendent, Link to that video, she takes issue with media coverage, speaks over the Board President, tells a member of the audience that she did file a police report, that she will file a police protection order if necessary and that she will not allow her name to be slandered. Westwood Heights was going through some major challenges, they went through 7 superintendents in a several year time period, board member recalls and test score issues, while things are not completely solved there, Battle-Jordan said things are “night and day improvement” now compared to when Hunter-Havrill was superintendent there. With it being reported that it’s possible the Toledo Board of Education members may select a superintendent tomorrow and that Hunter-Havrill is one of the three finalists? Let’s hope board members take a very long look at the three finalists and ask some hard questions before making a decision. I realize it’s been suggested that Toledo should consider superintendent of color and that Hunter-Havrill is the only non-white finalist, if it is going to be between the three, I sincerely hope race is not a main factor in the Board’s vote. This entry was posted on Sunday, June 13th, 2010 at 9:32 pm and is filed under Blogging, Education, Media, Toledo. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. « More than 20 million raised so far for gubernatorial election – Strickland has lead. Tomorrow night 2010 Ohio Police and Fire Games begins ». 23 Responses to “If Hunter-Harvill is one of the three finalists, may God help them”.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uckuLe2HJY&NR=1 Students Shut Out of School After District, Union Agree to Unrealistic Contractwww.michigancapitolconfidential.com Despite deficits, Buena Vista union contract included fully paid health care, pay raises Like · · Unfollow Post Brenda Battle Jordan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uckuLe2HJY&NR=1Dr. Harvill,Did Absoultely Nothing To Help Westwood Heights Schools Brenda Battle Jordan, Westwood Heights School Board President 2008-2009-2010. 6 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview Write a comment… This comment will also be postedtowww.michigancapitolconfidential.com. Brenda Battle Jordan commented on a link. 6 hours ago This Is Why I Care So Much, We Have, More Then Black Students, Every Student, Needs Our Support,*** Not So With This Program, National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees to discuss the importance of education in thei…See More Students Shut Out of School After District, Union Agree to Unrealistic Contract www.michigancapitolconfidential.com Despite deficits, Buena Vista union contract included fully paid health care, pay raises Like · · Unfollow Post John Davis likes this. Brenda Battle Jordanhttp://youtu.be/Zn7-iG2Wo_0, NABSE Stories from the 2008 National Black Caucus At the 2008 National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees …See More 6 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview John Davis Brenda.. we certainly need more people like you, butt know that you are teaching by example in your quest to improve American education. Thank you for caring enough to endure idiots to persevere. 6 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1 Write a comment… This comment will also be posted to www.michigancapitolconfidential.com. Brenda Battle Jordan shared a link. 6 hours ago near Flint This Is Why I Care So Much, We Have, More Then Black Students, Every Student, Needs Our Support,*** Not So With This Program, National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees to discuss the importance of education in thei…See More NABSE Stories from the 2008 National Black Caucus At the 2008 National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees to discuss the importance of education in their own lives. Congressman Davis,… Like · · Promote · Share Julius Pulley likes this. Brenda Battle Jordanhttp://youtu.be/jG3LkCs6Vc0 Brenda Battle Jordan, On News ABC TV 12 About Deborah Hunter- Harvill 6 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan shared Brenda Battle Jordan’s photo. 6 hours ago GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More snowspecial, Color / Radce is not the issue! She is a thief and a liar and should be in prison for stealing from school districts and from the state. Parents find a safe trusted school for your children. Photo: snowspecial, Color / Radce is not the issue! She is a thief and a liar and should be in prison for stealing from school districts and from the state. Parents find a safe trusted school for your children. 1Like · · Promote · Share Kathy Murray-Munoz, Dana DLuv, Julius Pulley and 7 others like this. Brian S. Holyfield · 5 mutual friends Hi Brenda, are you contemplating Running for Mayor in the city of Flint? I think You’d be a Great Candidate! 6 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 2 Dana DLuv I told u brenda..!!! brian and i will cnavas for ya;) 5 hours ago · Unlike · 2 Dana DLuv ^ umma gumma 5 hours ago · Unlike · 1 Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan shared a note. 6 hours ago GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More Brenda Battle Jordan · If Hunter-Harvill is one of the three finalists, may God help them. 13 Jun 2010. This Is Why I Care So Much, We Have, More Then Black Students, Every Student, Needs Our Support,*** Not So With This Program, National Black Caucus, Pearson Foundation and NABSE asked attendees to discuss the importance of education in thei… Continue Reading … Like · · Promote · Share Erika Wagner, Sharon Waterbury and George Sotiropoulos like this. Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan shared a link. 6 hours ago GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More Buena Vista Superintendent also led Westwood Heights www.abc12.com Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Like · · Promote · Share George Sotiropoulos likes this. Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan shared Brenda Battle Jordan’s photo. 6 hours ago GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More WESTWOOD HEIGHTS, Michigan — Westwood Heights Board of Education President Brenda Battle-Jordan said she’s not surprised that Superintendent Deborah Hunter-Harvill has filed a lawsuit against the district. “I think it’s frivolous,” she sa…See More Photo: WESTWOOD HEIGHTS, Michigan — Westwood Heights Board of Education President Brenda Battle-Jordan said she’s not surprised that Superintendent Deborah Hunter-Harvill has filed a lawsuit against the district. “I think it’s frivolous,” she said. Hunter-Harvill is suing the district for $25,000, plus court costs, for allegedly wrongly placing her on indefinite leave with pay. Hunter-Harvill’s attorney, Tom Marshall, said she was not given due process when put on leave. The lawsuit also claims that Hunter-Harvill reported what she thought may be illegal activity to the FBI. Board members said part of the reason she was put on leave was for disciplining a school official for the alleged illegal activity. Hunter-Harvill’s disciplinary measures, which suspended an employee for two weeks without pay. Marshall said the board’s actions violate the Whistleblowers Protection Act. The complaint also specifically targets board Treasurer James Mitchell, who was part of the personnel committee that agreed to rescind Hunter-Harvill’s disciplinary actions, claiming he had personal ties to those involved in the activity Hunter-Harvill reported. Mitchell denies the claim. “That’s a complete falsehood,” he said. New Westwood Heights leader sparking lots of controversy as she shuffles and hires administrators John Foren | Flint Journal By John Foren | Flint Journal on August 16, 2008 at 1:00 PM, updated August 20, 2008 at 11:12 AM Print Email Jim Cheek | The Flint JournalSuperintendent Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill talks with Derrica Johnson 17 a Senior at Hamady High School about the dress code in her office before a meeting with the school board in June. Flint Journal extras: See below for additional articles related to Westwood Heights schools and the district’s new superintendent. WESTWOOD HEIGHTS, Michigan — Less than two months after being hired as superintendent here, Deborah Hunter-Harvill has ruffled a few feathers. Hunter-Harvill has ordered a brief hiring freeze for some workers, followed by job reassignments and later, the hiring of new administrators for the cash-strapped district. Deborah Hunter-Harvill Hunter-Harvill’s actions have led to a recall petition against three Board of Education members who’ve supported her decisions. Last week, the board followed her recommendation to hire Flint school board member Stephanie Robb-Martin for a new $77,000-a-year job as the district’s resource coordinator. Robb-Martin, a children’s therapist and former president of the Flint board, will oversee summer and at-risk programs and coordinate state testing efforts, among other things. Hunter-Harvill said the resource coordinator will assist her in communicating with teachers, other administrators and parents, and serving at-risk children. Critics contend the district has become top-heavy with administrators while not having enough rank and file staff. “Enrollment is down but we need more administrators — I don’t get it,” said Sue Wray, co-president of the district’s teachers union. “We don’t have a principal or a secretary at the high school, but we have a resource coordinator. It doesn’t make sense. Flint Journal extras Previous articles on Westwood Heights and its superintendent: • Aug. 19, 2008: Recall language approved for 3 Westwood Heights board members • Aug. 12, 2008: Westwood Heights hires principal over objection of one board member • June 27, 2008: Shakeups continue in Westwood Heights school district • June 24, 2008: New Westwood Heights superintendent Deborah Hunter-Harvill orders hiring freeze • June 12, 2008: Westwood Heights School District signs contract with new superintendent • June 10, 2008: Detroit principal appears to be in line to become Westwood Heights superintendent • May 15, 2008: Likely Westwood Heights superintendent pick drops out of running • May 9, 2008: Westwood Heights narrows list to one in search for new superintendent; Board likes Dedrick Martin of Illinois “Past superintendents were able to do this job by themselves.” But Hunter-Harvill said the hiring and other moves are part of her plan to turn around the district. Her goals include improving graduation rates and increasing enrollment. “My plan is to give kids better than the best,” she said. “And that comes with recruiting highly qualified teachers and administrators. Education isn’t a privilege, it’s a right.” Hunter-Harvill has won over the likes of board President Danny Wilkerson and Trustee Chereathe Hollinger. Hollinger said the new superintendent is what the district needs to continue on the right track, while Wilkerson is more impressed with her experience. “I know people all over, not just in this district, who don’t like change. But this district needs change,” Wilkerson said. “With the experience she has, her credentials, and the love and passion she has for young people, I think we made the right choice, and given time and the opportunity, I think it’s going to work out.” But board Vice President Brenda Battle-Jordan has been a harsh critic and said she’s already told Hunter-Harvill that “her days are numbered.” Battle-Jordan, as well as some teachers and community members, criticized Hunter-Harvill’s role last week in helping to select a friend and former colleague as the new principal of the middle school and 9th grade academy. On Monday, the board voted 6-1 to award Cresynthia Devereaux an $85,000, one-year contract. Devereaux worked under Hunter-Harvill in at least two previous jobs. “I trained her, that’s how I know she can do the work and she’s qualified,” Hunter-Harvill said. With a doctorate in education from Wayne State University, Hunter-Harvill came to Westwood Heights with 31 years of education experience. She was formerly a principal in the Detroit school system. The Detroit native grew up in Selma, Ala. She’s been married to second husband Walter for 12 years and has two children from her first marriage, son Jevin, 28, and daughter Krystle, 23. She is one of three black female superintendents in the county — all named in the past year, joining Flint’s Linda Thompson and Beecher’s Jerri Lynn Williams, a friend of Hunter-Harvill’s. In June the district awarded her a three-year contract for $115,000 with a 2 percent increase every year and a $650-a-month car allowance. She came to a tough job. The district has had six superintendents since 2004, including Williams. Westwood Heights has been on the mend since 2006, after being forced to restructure by the state in 2004 due to years of failing test scores and not meeting federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards. Its state standardized test scores remain far below other districts. The percentage of students who met or exceeded state Merit Exam standards was in single digits in two of five categories this year. Enrollment has steadily declined to about 1,100 students. Hunter-Harvill is responding by trying to improve graduation rates, proposing gender-based classrooms and creating the 9th grade academy. The academy is designed so that all 9th graders in the district have the same set of teachers. “Studies show that focusing on 9th graders will improve graduation rates,” Hunter-Harvill said. “If we give these kids what they need as soon as they enter high school, they’re more likely to do better in other grades.” Since she’s been there, Hunter-Harvill has demoted one principal, reassigned another and recommended the hiring of the two new administrators. Some people think Hunter-Harvill’s shuffling of staff and the unfamiliar faces of new employees won’t be good for students. “She’s moving and demoting people that have heart, that have been there a long time and care about the kids,” said Kristie Johnson, a community member and grandmother of children in the district. “She’s only been there two months. She doesn’t even know the people she’s moving around. If she wants to bring in new people, she needs to hire from within our county.” Despite a rough start, Hunter-Harvill said she’s going to stick it out and hang around. “Am I afraid? No. Do I feel loved right now? No, but you have to earn that,” she said. “I’m here to serve. I’m going to model and they can follow if they like.” “Jerri-Lynn said she has a second chance (as superintendent of Beecher schools), but I have a first chance to help change the lives of these kids.” Photo: New Westwood Heights leader sparking lots of controversy as she shuffles and hires administrators John Foren | Flint Journal By John Foren | Flint Journal on August 16, 2008 at 1:00 PM, updated August 20, 2008 at 11:12 AM Print Email Jim Cheek | The Flint JournalSuperintendent Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill talks with Derrica Johnson 17 a Senior at Hamady High School about the dress code in her office before a meeting with the school board in June. Flint Journal extras: See below for additional articles related to Westwood Heights schools and the district’s new superintendent. WESTWOOD HEIGHTS, Michigan — Less than two months after being hired as superintendent here, Deborah Hunter-Harvill has ruffled a few feathers. Hunter-Harvill has ordered a brief hiring freeze for some workers, followed by job reassignments and later, the hiring of new administrators for the cash-strapped district. Deborah Hunter-Harvill Hunter-Harvill’s actions have led to a recall petition against three Board of Education members who’ve supported her decisions. Last week, the board followed her recommendation to hire Flint school board member Stephanie Robb-Martin for a new $77,000-a-year job as the district’s resource coordinator. Robb-Martin, a children’s therapist and former president of the Flint board, will oversee summer and at-risk programs and coordinate state testing efforts, among other things. Hunter-Harvill said the resource coordinator will assist her in communicating with teachers, other administrators and parents, and serving at-risk children. Critics contend the district has become top-heavy with administrators while not having enough rank and file staff. “Enrollment is down but we need more administrators — I don’t get it,” said Sue Wray, co-president of the district’s teachers union. “We don’t have a principal or a secretary at the high school, but we have a resource coordinator. It doesn’t make sense. Flint Journal extras Previous articles on Westwood Heights and its superintendent: • Aug. 19, 2008: Recall language approved for 3 Westwood Heights board members • Aug. 12, 2008: Westwood Heights hires principal over objection of one board member • June 27, 2008: Shakeups continue in Westwood Heights school district • June 24, 2008: New Westwood Heights superintendent Deborah Hunter-Harvill orders hiring freeze • June 12, 2008: Westwood Heights School District signs contract with new superintendent • June 10, 2008: Detroit principal appears to be in line to become Westwood Heights superintendent • May 15, 2008: Likely Westwood Heights superintendent pick drops out of running • May 9, 2008: Westwood Heights narrows list to one in search for new superintendent; Board likes Dedrick Martin of Illinois “Past superintendents were able to do this job by themselves.” But Hunter-Harvill said the hiring and other moves are part of her plan to turn around the district. Her goals include improving graduation rates and increasing enrollment. “My plan is to give kids better than the best,” she said. “And that comes with recruiting highly qualified teachers and administrators. Education isn’t a privilege, it’s a right.” Hunter-Harvill has won over the likes of board President Danny Wilkerson and Trustee Chereathe Hollinger. Hollinger said the new superintendent is what the district needs to continue on the right track, while Wilkerson is more impressed with her experience. “I know people all over, not just in this district, who don’t like change. But this district needs change,” Wilkerson said. “With the experience she has, her credentials, and the love and passion she has for young people, I think we made the right choice, and given time and the opportunity, I think it’s going to work out.” But board Vice President Brenda Battle-Jordan has been a harsh critic and said she’s already told Hunter-Harvill that “her days are numbered.” Battle-Jordan, as well as some teachers and community members, criticized Hunter-Harvill’s role last week in helping to select a friend and former colleague as the new principal of the middle school and 9th grade academy. On Monday, the board voted 6-1 to award Cresynthia Devereaux an $85,000, one-year contract. Devereaux worked under Hunter-Harvill in at least two previous jobs. “I trained her, that’s how I know she can do the work and she’s qualified,” Hunter-Harvill said. With a doctorate in education from Wayne State University, Hunter-Harvill came to Westwood Heights with 31 years of education experience. She was formerly a principal in the Detroit school system. The Detroit native grew up in Selma, Ala. She’s been married to second husband Walter for 12 years and has two children from her first marriage, son Jevin, 28, and daughter Krystle, 23. She is one of three black female superintendents in the county — all named in the past year, joining Flint’s Linda Thompson and Beecher’s Jerri Lynn Williams, a friend of Hunter-Harvill’s. In June the district awarded her a three-year contract for $115,000 with a 2 percent increase every year and a $650-a-month car allowance. She came to a tough job. The district has had six superintendents since 2004, including Williams. Westwood Heights has been on the mend since 2006, after being forced to restructure by the state in 2004 due to years of failing test scores and not meeting federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards. Its state standardized test scores remain far below other districts. The percentage of students who met or exceeded state Merit Exam standards was in single digits in two of five categories this year. Enrollment has steadily declined to about 1,100 students. Hunter-Harvill is responding by trying to improve graduation rates, proposing gender-based classrooms and creating the 9th grade academy. The academy is designed so that all 9th graders in the district have the same set of teachers. “Studies show that focusing on 9th graders will improve graduation rates,” Hunter-Harvill said. “If we give these kids what they need as soon as they enter high school, they’re more likely to do better in other grades.” Since she’s been there, Hunter-Harvill has demoted one principal, reassigned another and recommended the hiring of the two new administrators. Some people think Hunter-Harvill’s shuffling of staff and the unfamiliar faces of new employees won’t be good for students. “She’s moving and demoting people that have heart, that have been there a long time and care about the kids,” said Kristie Johnson, a community member and grandmother of children in the district. “She’s only been there two months. She doesn’t even know the people she’s moving around. If she wants to bring in new people, she needs to hire from within our county.” Despite a rough start, Hunter-Harvill said she’s going to stick it out and hang around. “Am I afraid? No. Do I feel loved right now? No, but you have to earn that,” she said. “I’m here to serve. I’m going to model and they can follow if they like.” “Jerri-Lynn said she has a second chance (as superintendent of Beecher schools), but I have a first chance to help change the lives of these kids.” Like · · Promote · Share Abdull Hakeem and Bobby Bolf like this. Brenda Battle Jordan Hunter-Harvill has won over the likes of board President Danny Wilkerson and Trustee Chereathe Hollinger. Hollinger said the new superintendent is what the district needs to continue on the right track, while Wilkerson is more impressed with her experience. “I know people all over, not just in this district, who don’t like change. But this district needs change,” Wilkerson said. “With the experience she has, her credentials, and the love and passion she has for young people, I think we made the right choice, and given time and the opportunity, I think it’s going to work out.” But board Vice President Brenda Battle-Jordan has been a harsh critic and said she’s already told Hunter-Harvill that “her days are numbered.” Battle-Jordan, as well as some teachers and community members, criticized Hunter-Harvill’s role last week in helping to select a friend and former colleague as the new principal of the middle school and 9th grade academy. On Monday, the board voted 6-1 to award Cresynthia Devereaux an $85,000, one-year contract. Devereaux worked under Hunter-Harvill in at least two previous jobs. “I trained her, that’s how I know she can do the work and she’s qualified,” Hunter-Harvill said. With a doctorate in education from Wayne State University, Hunter-Harvill came to Westwood Heights with 31 years of education experience. She was formerly a principal in the Detroit school system. Like · · Promote · Share Dana DLuv, Julius Pulley, Sharon Waterbury and 2 others like this. Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan 9 hours ago GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More Students Shut Out of School After District, Union Agree to Unrealistic Contract Despite deficits, Buena Vista union contract included fully paid health care, pay raises Rick Fortner and Sarah Watson-Foeppel like this. Brenda Battle Jordan Thanks Jim Delaney 9 hours ago · Like Write a comment… Brenda Battle Jordan GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) – (05/10/13) – Buena Vista isn’t the first Mid-Michigan school district Deborah Hunter-Harvill has led. In fact, she was hired in 2008 to lead Westwood Heights in Genesee County. Buena Vista and Westwood Heights in M…See More Students Shut Out of School After District, Union Agree to Unrealistic Contractwww.michigancapitolconfidential.com Despite deficits, Buena Vista union contract included fully paid health care, pay raises . Brenda Battle Jordan http://youtu.be/jG3LkCs6Vc0 Brenda Battle Jordan, On News ABC TV 12 About Deborah Hunter- Harvill 9 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview Write a comment… This comment will also be posted towww.michigancapitolconfidential.com. Brenda Battle Jordan shared a video. 10 hours ago Brenda Battle Jordan,, On News ABC TV 12 About Deborah Hunter- Harvill, Brenda: Great article: …See More Brenda Battle Jordan, On News ABC TV 12 About Deborah Hunter- H Brenda Battle Jordan,, On News ABC TV 12 About Deborah Hunter- Harvill, Brenda: Great article: …See More 2Like · Rick Fortner, Richard Pinion and 2 others like this. Brenda Battle Jordan Brenda Battle Jordan, Back Stage…http://youtu.be/AmSJfN5M7kk(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG3LkCs6Vc0 )
Brenda Battle Jordan