SWE to induct three alumni at sports banquet – Daily Southerner

TARBORO — The SouthWest Edgecombe Cougars will have their athletic awards banquet May 14 at 6 p.m. (More)

SouthWest Edgecombe High School Pinetops NC – An Open Letter To The Nine Students Athletes Arrested For Break-in

I am very disappointed in you guys actions because I have been volunteering to video your games all season and then on Friday as I was about to go to the game in Tarboro I received a phone call that all but 3 of you had gone to jail. I have been videoing your games for years following the varsity girls and boys the whole season videoing and cheering them on. Actually I was only suppose to video the varsity girls games but since I was at the games, I took it upon myself to video your games.

For the past 2 years I have videoed your games 2 nights a week and my son’s games at South Edgecombe Middle School 2 nights a week. I pay for my own gas and food for my son and I when we go to your games. I use my own video camera and I buy all of the DVDs. Since my camera has a hard drive I dubb the games on 2 DVDs keeping a copy for myself and giving one to your coach so you can view the games and see how you played against the team the first time you played them. Also the videos are great for sending to colleges so they can see how you play.

This is sad. I am hurt as if my son was on the team. I am at the games when many of your parents do not follow you.

I don’t think you and/or your parents understand the seriousness of this but ya’ll this is serious stuff but all of ya’ll are “going to learn the day”. The best thing that you and your parents could do is to try to meet with the school to see how can ya’ll work out something to bridge the relationship between you and the school for the rest of the school year.

I have been embarrassed by the newspaper and tv reports all week long and also with people that I come in contact with talking about the incident.

I will not entertain anyone trying to attempt to justify your actions and that you are not being treated fairly because the incident is all over the media. Media sells and I am not going to go any further talking about the media, however I know they can be bias sometimes but then my saying is, don’t give the media anything to talk about.

I am going to share some of my personal opinions however as I always say, check behind me because trust me I do my homework.

I strongly believe in the school system following their own policies and procedures. I feel the school had no other options but to report the incident to law enforcement. I believe that the school has a set amount of time for suspensions in accordance to whatever policy has been broken.

Guys you are not only dealing with the school system but now you are dealing with the criminal justice system.

I want to commend the 3 Varsity players that remain on the team but especially the JV players whom were moved up. You guys played hard on Friday night against Tarboro in Tarboro  and then on Tuesday night against Greene Central in Snow Hill and we defeated them.

My message to other students you better follow this one closely because this could have been you. You must understand that the choices you make will follow you all the days of your life.

Life goes on and you may become successful however SouthWest Edgecombe High School will always be remembered by the actions that you leave behind as you are passing through.

I always look forward to the athletic banquet towards the end of the school year to see all the students from the different sports receive recognition for their accomplishments and dedication to the athletic program at SouthWest.

I am a 1981 graduate of SouthWest Edgecombe. During my time 1980 – 81 the girls basketball team won State Championship Games. Current SouthWest Student and now Assistant Coach Delphine Mabry whom was a couple of grades behind me and Alphelia Jenkins (Class of 1981), her sisters Bridget and Melody to name a few played on these championship teams. Boy I wish I had a video camera back in the day so that I could have those games in my files.

Oh well like one songwriter Rev. James Cleveland said, “This Too Will Pass!”

Curmilus Dancy II, Videographer
SouthWest Edgecombe Class of 1981

See related:

SouthWest Edgecombe

Edgecombe County Public Schools

IHIGH.com

Rocky Mount Telegram

Daily Southerner

WRAL 5

WCTI 12

WITN 7

Charlotte Observer

And the list goes on

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.

See more:

John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe 

Let’s discuss having a charter school 

‘Do we really need a charter school in Tarboro?

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. 

See related:

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

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)

See more:

John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe

Prinicpals In Edgecombe County Public Schools Transferred To Other Schools

The following was the recommendation for board approval at the Monday, May 9, 2011 Board of Education Meeting.

Marc Whichard Principal of Martin Middle is going back to South West Edgecombe where he was an assistant principal.

William Grady Principal at South Edgecombe Middle School is going back to Martin Middle School where he was principal.

It will be interesting to see who replaces Grady over at South Edgecombe. I would love to see Donnell Brown Principal at Phillips Middle School return back to South Edgecombe where he was the assistant principal.

See related:

Edgecombe County Public Schools

Former SWE Cougar leads Gardner-Webb over liberty – Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — HIGH POINT (AP) — Monique Hudson scored 23 points and this time Gardner-Webb made the big plays down the stretch in a 67-66 victory over Liberty on Sunday to end the Flames’ Big South dominance and give the Runnin’ Bulldogs their first NCAA tournament berth. (Read more)

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

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

TARBORO — I do not have anything new to share on the internal investigation of SouthWest High School Principal John Westberg.

A written statement from the central office states: "The district is making every effort to conduct a comprehensive and fair review of all matters involved in the investigation at SouthWest Edgecombe High School.  The district understands the public interest; however, details of this matter must remain confidential at this time." (Read more)

Note: Damn this is good. My questions are.

Why is Westberg investigation taking so long?

Why is it SWE Assistant Principal Douglas Edwards can not handle the school without having to pay an interim Principal?

Why is Roland Whitted who retired last year a consultant at the Central Office?

Why does the new Superintendent Dr. Wayne Talley have a consultant?

And then the most recent happening in the Edgecombe County Public Schools system is Attorney Teresa D. Bryant has announced her resignation.

Oh well Dr. Craig Witherspoon former Superintendent tried to get things on track and done a great job. He got the money right but damn how long is that going to last with all the money being spent on the above.

C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

See related:

SouthWest Edgecombe Principal Issues

Superintendent

Attorney Teresa D. Bryant resigns from Edgecombe County Public Schools Board of Education

 

Edgecombe County – Rev. Raymond Privott Retired Principal And Current Acting Principal At SouthWest Edgecombe Thank You

Like him or not the man is a true professional when it comes to dealing with the children. He reminds me of my former principal Dr. Samuel Gilliam. I know he was not a Dr. but the man was awesome. Let me tell my story. LMBAO

Rev. Privott is an example of a true educator and principal because if not the man would not be sought after by Edgecombe County Public Schools to continue to do what he does best, run the hell out of a school when others get out of control.

Rev. Privott has been called upon to return to several schools within the county when things get out of control. His most recent return is at SouthWest High School and I hear nothing but good things about how he has the school at another level in his short time there. I have seen him at nearly all the basketball games home and away since he has been in his new role.

I wish there were more Privotts in Edgecombe County because yes our children (WHITE & BLACK) can be out of control but with some guidance they can achieve. I found it so funny that on Friday night a young white male got thrown out of the game because the basketball came out of bounds where he was sitting and he disrespected the black referee by not throwing the ball to him but shot the damn ball as if he was on a team. The referee had the deputy to escort him out. Oh well.

I have not seen a lot of sagging pants at the ballgames lately since Privott has been present. I long for the day when a student is seen with his/her pants sagging that they are put out of the gym as well. I don’t want to see their a… So funny at a Tarboro High game I seen this fool with his pants sagging and he had some dookie stains on his shirt that was coming from his draws. That was too funny.

Ok back to Rev. Privott thank you for all that you do for the children of Edgecombe County. Clean up my alma mater and know that I support you 1000%

SouthWest Edgecombe Assistant Principal Fired? Received Calls That It Was The White AP But Not It Was The Black AP

Sources say assistant principal Marc Willis was fired at SouthWest Edgecombe this past Monday. I understand he had somewhat a nasty attitude however I understand some of his motives were good but he didn’t carry out his missions professionally. I also understand he came here with suspended principal John Westberg who has been suspended from the school because of a testing investigation.

Have a child at SouthWest, concerned about what is going on at SouthWest, ask questions you have the right to know. Don’t just take my word for it because I have been wrong one time but I found out I was really right. LMBAO

See related:

SouthWest Edgecombe Principal Issues

Interesting Comments About SouthWest Edgecombe High School Testing Probe

In response to: Pinetops NC: SouthWest Edgecombe High School Principal John Westberg Has Been Moved To Phillips Middle School As An Assistant Principal And Raymond Privott Will Continue To Serve As The Interim Principal

Are you sure your source is correct on Westburg’s reassignment to Phillips School? Phillips has not had an Assistant Principal in several years due to low enrollment. The new Principal, who will start after students return from the holidays, was Assistant Principal at West Edgecombe. His former AP position is vacant, in addition to the AP position at W. A. Pattillo Elementary. In Edgecombe County, Assistant Principals are testing coordinators for middle schools on down. If Westburg was alledgedly involved in testing procedures at the high school, why put him in the midst of testing procedures at another school? Is anyone thinking about the credibility of the school system, the children and the “experts” involved in school testing? Has this been going on at the school and he just continued doing it, did he bring this type of behavior with him from his previous school or is this something that should be looked at since it involved student athletes? Parents in Edgecombe County should be very concerned about the quality of education that their children are receiving. Who is involved in the interviewing process and just how is it handled when hiring someone outside the county? Nepotism has no place in education or anywhere else. However, Edgecombe County school system is known for its politics. It’s time to “wake up” in the words of Spike Lee in school days. The mind is too important to waste. We will always get what we always get in education because we always sit quietly by and do what we always do….nothing…insanity.

Note: This sounds like someone that may be from the inside or atleast an educator. Oh well interesting. Very!! C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

See related:

Testing Procedures

(Correction) SouthWest Edgecombe High School Former Principal John Westberg Moved To W.A. Pattillo Elementary

Sources say John Westberg has been moved to W.A. Pattillo as an assistant principal instead of Phillips Middle School as I posted earlier. The source had told me W.A. Pattillo but for some reason I posted Phillips.

The parents at W.A. Pattillo ought to be outraged. But the problem with that is the parents probably do not know about Westberg being moved to their school to replace the assistant principal that has gotten another job in Halifax County.

Sources say Westberg tried to put the blame on the former assistant principal Darrell Richardson who was moved to Roberson Center for Education Achievement (alternative school) during the summer before the scandal came about. Westberg trying to put the blame on Richardson didn’t work.

Sources say about 38 children were involved in the testing probe.

My question again is why does this man still have a job in the Edgecombe County Public Schools system?

Several people have also told me that they are not impressed with the new Superintendent Wayne M. Talley and they are going to resign and/or retire from the Edgecombe County Public Schools System. Talley replaced outgoing Superintendent Craig Witherspoon who left to head up the Birmingham Public Schools Systems.

Note: I wonder why things that goes on at SouthWest are so quiet but then again it has always been that way. I just wonder would it be that quiet if Westberg was black? Oh well just saying.

See related:

Testing Procedures

Pinetops NC: Secretary Position At SouthWest Edgecombe Will It Be Filled? Has There Been Interviews Although There Has Been No Job Postings

Sources say the secretary position that was held by retiree Barbara Warren may not be filled. But I wonder why? It appears that 3 people including Warren has interviewed some candidates but the latest verdict is that the central office was not aware of the interviews and has said there is no money for the position. Oh well. So what about the person over at South Edgecombe who thought she had the job?

It is time for the good ole buddy mess to end at SouthWest. It is a lot that goes on at the school but is kept hush hush.

See related:

SouthWest Edgecombe

Pinetops NC: SouthWest Edgecombe High School Principal John Westberg Has Been Moved To Phillips Middle School As An Assistant Principal And Raymond Privott Will Continue To Serve As The Interim Principal

Sources say Principal John Westberg has been reassigned to Phillips Middle School. The principal of Phillips just recently retired and obviously the assistant principal has been elevated to principal.

Westberg was recently suspended with pay as the investigation of testing procedures that took place during the summer.

See related:

Testing Procedures

Note: Correction John Westberg moved to W.A. Pattillo Elementary School