Former Mary Frances Center chosen as new Prep School location – Daily Southerner

TARBORO — The decision has been made.

John Westberg, executive director of North East Carolina Prep, made it official Wednesday and said the former Mary Frances Center had been chosen to be the location of Edgecombe County’s first charter school. (More)

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North East Carolina Prep

Breaking News: Tarboro NC – North East Carolina Prep School Held A Community-Wide Information Session from 5 – 7 PM Today And White People Showed Up In High Numbers

I  attended the NECP gathering today after reading “Because of the interest, officials of the new charter will hold a community-wide information session from 5-7 p.m. Monday” in the Daily Southerner newspaper on Friday.  I arrived at about 5:05 PM and when I walked in I seen 2 blacks and they were Calvin Adkins Reporter with the Daily Southerner Tarboro NC and Rev. Nehemiah Smith Jr. Owner/Publisher of the Weekly Defender a black newspaper based in Rocky Mount NC. As I scanned the room of about 50 – 75 people at that time I seen 1 little black child. I was wondering who this child was with because it had to be a white person. Shortly thereafter John Westberg Executive Director of NECP came up to me and introduced himself. He said if I had any questions to feel free to ask him. I had none.

I stayed until 6:00 PM and during the time I was present white folks continue to come and go since it was not a sit down information session. Only 2 black adults came during this time frame as well.

Of course I was prepared with a very few important and relevant questions however I refused to do it on a one on one basis because it would be defeating my purpose when only myself and the person I would be asking the questions would only hear them.

Just shortly before I left the little black child that I mentioned and I guess her white parent/guardian came out as Rev. Nehemiah Smith, Taro Knight the black board chair and myself were standing outside on the steps talking. The white person said to the little black child, “You need to be around others that look like you so you can have some role models. You will not go to this school because they want an all-white school.” Rev. Smith said did ya’ll hear that, I said oh yeah. Knight may not really heard it because he was talking during the same time the white person was talking to the child.

I find this white person’s conversation with the little black child very, very interesting because it is of my opinion that the white person took in to account all of the white people present and that in her conversation with others something must have triggered this person to think that the school would be all white.

I spoke to Taro on Saturday morning about my top 2 concerns after listening to him on the talk show and after attending the presentation last Thursday in Pinetops when John Westberg addressed the Edgecombe County Commissioners during their annual retreat.

First of all I am an active black man and have lived here all of my 49 years and 3 months. I know what is really going on here. It is of my opinion that the charter school has come about because some white folks had been trying to get their children out of the public schools because they didn’t want their children in the same school with black children. These same folks do not have any children in the system now however some of them may have a grandchild/s in the system but more than likely not.  But that has not stopped them from trying to remove other white children from the public school system since some of them have lost their jobs with the public school system and they are mad as hell.

Second, I told Taro that I have a problem with him being the only black on the board and is the board chair and he is the only one that is talking to black folks on the radio and in the newspaper about attending this school. He has said his child will not attend the charter school but some of his family members may. I said to him why is he trying to sell it, let the mad white folks sell it. Actually Taro must not be doing a good job of selling it to black folks if the numbers reflect the blacks that came out on today. However there may have been some more meetings that black folks attended.

Taro said that everyone especially black folks need to get involved because everybody’s tax dollars are going to go to the school because it is coming. Well what tickles the hell out of me is the charter school has no building, no funds but must open by August 1 no later than August 15. But what I did learn today is the charter is good for 10 years so therefore this makes me think that they really don’t have to worry about getting started this year and can be able to really do what they need to do and be ready by the 2013 – 14 school year.

Oh well I will continue to follow the progress of the North East Carolina Prep School.

See related:

NECP Registration ‘outstanding’ – Daily Southerner 

Video/Pictures: North East Carolina Preparatory School Executive Director John D. Westberg And Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson Presentations To The Edgecombe County Commissioners During Their Annual Retreat Were Quite Interesting 

North East Carolina Prep

NECP Registration ‘outstanding’ – Daily Southerner

Response: Do You Want To Learn More About The Edgecombe County Charter School North East Carolina Preparatory School Scheduled To Open In August?

I respect this group’s right to open a charter school however since I am an active black man and I know what is going on in Edgecombe County but not limited to, I have 2 concerns. I would feel differently if I was ignant to the facts about how this charter school came about. That is because of some folks who are mad with the local school system so they have sought a charter school and got approval. My 2nd concern is Taro Knight Tarboro City Councilman is the only black on the board and he is the board chair. He says his concern is making sure black folks are included. I told him I understand however my problem is these white folks are mad with the local school system so damnit let them sell the charter school to the people. Knight has said his child will not be attending. If I am correct none of the other board members have a child in the Edgecombe County Public Schools.  C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

Daily Southerner

TARBORO — More than 175 students from Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Pitt and Wilson counties have registered for classes at North East Carolina Prep School since it received state approval earlier this month. (More)

 

Edgecombe County Public School Board To Meet Monday November 21, 2011, John D. Westberg Lawsuit Is On The Agenda

Board of Education to meet Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The Edgecombe County Board of Education will meet Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in regular session in the Central Office Board Rooms View Agenda…

Twin County Visioning & Strategic Planning Kick-Off – Nov. 29 You are invited to the Twin County Visioning & Strategic Planning Kick-Off Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Imperial Centre Theatre (270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount), hosted by the Edge. and Nash Co. Boards of Commissioners and the Rocky Mount City Council.

Board approves calendar changes to reflect makeup days At the Sept. 12 meeting, the Edgecombe County Board of Education approved changes made to the 2011-2012 calendar to reflect makeup days for those missed during Hurricane Irene View Calendar….

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Edgecombe County Public Schools

Edgecombe County: Charter School application accepted by state officials–Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — The wait for the approval of a new charter school in Edgecombe County is currently in effect.

The application process for the proposed charter school, North East Carolina Preparatory School (NECPS), began in March and was finally accepted Nov. 9 by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

An anticipated approval date is scheduled to occur around Feb. 1, according to John Westberg, NECPS Coordinator. Once approved, the school would open for the 2012-2013 school year, the first school of it’s kind in Edgecombe County. (Read more)

Response: John Westberg is the former principal of SouthWest Edgecombe High School. He was moved to North Edgecombe due to a testing scandal. John Westberg lawsuit against Edgecombe County Public Schools is on the agenda for Monday night Edgecombe County Public Schools Board meeting. Curmilus Dancy II – The Political Agitator 

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Edgecombe County Public Schools

Former principal suing Board of Education – Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — Former SouthWest Edgecombe High School Principal John D. Westberg has filed a  lawsuit against the county Board of Education seeking a job as principal. (Read more)

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John Westberg

Edgecombe County Public Schools

The Talk About A Charter School In Edgecombe County Is Probably Coming From John Westberg Being Removed From SouthWest Edgecombe

The talk about a charter school being started in Edgecombe County is probably coming from a group of folks whom are mad with the Edgecombe County Public Schools System. Some are mad that John Westberg was removed from SouthWest Edgecombe because of a testing probe. Westberg was moved to North Edgecombe and made a Dean of Students a position that no one could relate to in the county school system.

Sources say Westberg will no longer have a contract with Edgecombe County Public Schools as of June 30, 2011.

So in regards to the letters to the editor concerning the division of and the support of a charter school, it should be clear that the charter school is stemming from the Westberg saga. This is my opinion because he is being looked at running the school.

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John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe 

Let’s discuss having a charter school 

‘Do we really need a charter school in Tarboro?

‘Do we really need a charter school in Tarboro? – Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — Excuse me but do we really need a charter school in Tarboro? Maybe we should ask the parents and students who once attended Tarboro-Edgecombe Academy. (Read more)

Note: I like the question, “Who is John Westberg?” If you don’t know you need to ask somebody. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

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John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe

Tarboro may get Charter School – Source: Daily Southerner

PRINCEVILLE — A local group is well on its way to bringing a charter school to the Tarboro area by July 2012, John Westberg, former principal of SouthWest Edgecombe High School, told The Rotary Club of Tarboro last week. (Read more)

Note: Sources has reported to The DCN that Westberg contract with Edgecombe County Public Schools was going to end June 30, 2011. I had not published this because I was waiting to post this at the end of the month however I had heard he would no longer have a job with ECPS at that time. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

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John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe

Word On The Street – John Westberg Former SouthWest Edgecombe High School Principal and Dean Of Students At North Edgecombe High School Contract Will Not Be Renewed In June And That It Appears He Wants To Take Edgecombe County Public Schools To Court

Sources say John Westberg Former SouthWest Edgecombe High School Principal and Dean Of Students At North Edgecombe High School Contract Will Not Be Renewed In June And That It Appears He Wants To Take Edgecombe County Public Schools To Court.

I was accused of treating Westberg some kind of way because I posted information about the testing probe in which the majority of the information source was The Daily Southerner. The wife of Westberg told me that you can’t believe everything the paper says. I said but I haven’t said what I believe and I have said up to this day what I believe. Like I have stated I don’t know the man. However I do not feel the ECPS would not have removed him from the school without having just cause.

Oh well I guess we will find out if there is any truth to Westberg vs ECPS in the near future. 

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John Westberg Former Principal SWE High School and Dean of Students North Edgecombe

You Have Time To Get Here!! Board Meeting Running Behind Schedule, Suppose To Have Started At 6:30 PM. Obviously They Are Still In The Personnel Hearing.

I have been here at the central office since 6:15 PM and the regular scheduled meeting suppose to have began at 6:30 PM. The Personnel Hearing supposedly had began at 4:30 PM.

I wonder who the hearing is about? Is it about John Westberg former Principal of SouthWest Edgecombe High School who was removed from the school over a testing probe. He is stationed at North Edgecombe High School as a Dean of Students.

Word on the street is Westberg is fighting and possibly trying to sue Edgecombe County Public Schools.

Stay tuned.

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Edgecombe County Public Schools

If Mr. Westberg innocent, why couldn’t he return to SWE? – Source: The Daily Southerner

The Daily Southerner — In tight budget year where Edgecombe County Board of Education may have to cut teachers and teacher assistants, I find it odd that they would choose to hire a Dean of Students at the smallest high school in the county with less than 500 students. (Read more)

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John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe

Edgecombe County Public Schools – John Westberg Suspended Principal’s Wife Came To Me Tonight About My Post On Her Husband

I had the opportunity to meet John Westberg’s wife tonight. After they read my blog about my post on the rumor about her husband being placed at North Edgecombe they were having a little family discussion. I didn’t know who she was but she, and I believe her son, daughter and some others were reading something on their cell phone. They were all looking at me so I knew it would not be long before somebody in the group came over.

The wife came over to tell me that she had tried to post something on my blog but she couldn’t get on and I said why? I said it must have been something on her end. She went on to say the things about her husband were not true. I said okay but post it and I will approve it as I see fit. She said but she didn’t have time to respond that she was busy. Well that pissed me off because I said I am busy too but I am here. Another thing that pissed me off she asked me where did I get the information about her husband supposedly being placed at North Edgecombe. I said I am not going to tell you that. I said do you tell me anything?

I told her again to respond any time she like. I stressed that I am 48 years old and she didn’t have to explain to me that everything in the paper is not true. I said I know that. I said did I say what I posted was true? I said I don’t make the news I just post it. I said she needs to look at my Disclaimer.

I feel she thought I was being ugly to her but first of all I seen them huddled up and heard her say she was coming over to speak to me. Well the problem I have is she came off wrong because she should have taken the time to respond in support of her husband. I said I have never said anything about any of the things being true. I said I sign my name to anything I write.

Well Mrs. Westberg the invitation is open and feel free to respond when you have the time.

Oh and by the way a source informed me that Westberg supposedly had started at North Edgecombe today. Again I should find out after the closed session is back in open session.

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Edgecombe County Public Schools Board Is In Closed Session (Rumor)

Edgecombe County Public Schools Board Is In Closed Session (Rumor)

Someone just came and told me that they just heard that John Westberg Principal at SouthWest Edgecombe who is on suspension will be reassigned to North Edgecombe High School as a Dean of Students. Hope this is not true. No other school has one.

Stay tuned should find out if this is true after board comes out of closed session.

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Dr. Wayne Talley

 

Show Time At The Edgecombe County Public Schools Board Meeting Monday Night March 14th. If This Was A Black Principal Would He Be On This Long Paid Suspension?

The Edgecombe County Public Schools Board monthly meeting is Monday night 6:30 PM.

From the word on the street, this meeting should be quite interesting. Sources say the Superintendent Dr. Wayne Talley has publicly announced that he would be seeking to remove some dead weight at the central office. Sources say he has asked several central office workers to resign/retire. I know several whom should have been gone years ago.

Sources also say there are some folks asking parents and children to attend the meeting to ask that Principal John Westberg be reinstated at SouthWest Edgecombe High School. Westberg is on suspension due to a testing probe.

I have some questions and I would like your feedback. You can respond here anonymously or you can send a letter to editor. If Westberg was black would he be suspended with pay? Would he had been fired? Do you think there are some other issues other than testing probe? Would the board carry out such a lingering investigation? Do you think the board is trying to appease some folks in the community by taking so long to close this issue?

I do not know Mr. Westberg on a personal note. I will keep my personal opinion as it relates to the testing probe from what little I have heard.

I have a vested interest in what is going on at SouthWest Edgecombe because first of all I am an Alumni. I have a daughter who recently graduated and most important I have a child who will be attending the school in 2 years. I also have family and friends that I am concerned about that attends the school. I am also a voice for children as a whole especially those whom have no one to speak for them.

I am also concerned about what is going on at the central office and/or what is not going on.

Parents you need to attend meetings when they come to your area such as "Wilson NC– Education for Empowerment: A Conference of the North Carolina Rural Education Working Group Featuring Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) And More” so you can learn about parents and students rights.

The board meeting room at the central office is small so you better get there early. If you want to speak to an agenda item you need to sign up before 6:30.If you want to talk to me about the upcoming meeting please feel free to email or call me at 252.314.5484 (Mobile) and 252.827.5484 (Home).

See related:

(Edgecombe County) Probe of principal expensive – Source: The Daily Southerner 

SouthWest Edgecombe High principal suspended during probe of testing procedures – Source: Rocky Mount Telegram 

I Don’t Know But I Been Told Column: Principal Westberg Coming Off Suspension And Back To SouthWest And Superintendent Dr. Talley To Get Rid Of Some Dead Weight At The Central Office 

More articles about SouthWest Test Probe