Cooper Names DA Robert Evans as GCC Chairman

The Watch Dog response: Congrats Mr. DA a well deserved appointment.

RALEIGH

Mar 2, 2017

Governor Roy Cooper today named District Attorney Robert A. Evans of the Seventh Judicial District as the new chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission.

“District Attorney Evans will bring deep knowledge of the justice system and law enforcement along with even-handed judgment to guide the 44 members of the Crime Commission,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful that D.A. Evans is willing to take on this challenging and crucial role on behalf of our state.”

Evans has been the district attorney for Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson counties since 2009.  He served as a District Court judge from 1999 to 2008.  Prior to that time, he maintained a general law practice in Rocky Mount that focused on trial and appellate work.

Evans graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1970.  He earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974, and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977. (Read more)

Evans: DA should stick to basics Source: The Rocky Mount Telegram

District Attorney Robert Evans officially started his election campaign Monday, calling for stronger community involvement and transparency from his district attorney’s office. (Read more @ The Rocky Mount Telegram)

Wilson NC – Court system is fair to all

Check out these comments. Funny as hell to me because the James Johnson saga is a prime example of a court system gone bad. So glad I know enough about the case to be able to stand on my opinion. The D.A. was right on target and I support his comments 100%. I am very much familiar with the courtroom and the education system. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

While educators have come to the defense of our schools system following District Attorney Robert Evans’ recent remarks at a Juneteenth event in Rocky Mount, no court official has written in defense of our judicial system. (Wilson Daily Times)

See related:

Juneteenth

Tarboro NC – POSTPONED: East Tarboro Community Forum

Thursday June 25, 2009 6:30 PM

POSTPONED 

Special Guest District Attorney Robert Evans

Please make plans to attend this informative meeting

For more info contact Greg Higgs @252-567-0996 or Terry Johnson @252-469-5188

Note: Greg was told today the meeting can not be held tomorrow at Pattillo A+ Elementary School because the principal Sylvia Cobb will be out of town.

So when has it become mandatory for the principal to be present? I have attended a many of events at the schools and one recently at West Edgecombe Elementary School and the principal was not present. It is only the janitor who opens up and close and the person who rents the facility pays for that person.

Okay I bet there has been a bunch of folks protesting the meeting being held at the school because of the controversy surrounding the D.A. Remember the school board chair Evelyn Wilson responded in an editorial to the local newspaper in reference to the D.A. comments at the Juneteenth in Rocky Mount recently. Oh well.

See related:

Juneteenth

Rocky Mount NC – Justice is meted out in a fair and impartial manner regardless of race’

Say what? I be damn the James Johnson case in Wilson which was in the 7th Judicial District is a prime example of black males being under “attack.” I am not talking about something I heard, but something I witnessed on the day that Johnson was released from prison after 3 years for charges that didn’t meet the crime. This is only one case of countless others.

I am very familiar with the court system, lawyers and etc. because I been in the courtroom and have observed what takes place. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher 

While educators have come to the defense of our school system following District Attorney Robert Evans recent remarks at a Juneteenth event no court official has written in defense of our judicial system. Therefore, this letter. (Daily Southerner)

From the Publisher – Response to Evelyn Wilson Edgecombe County BOE Chair “Schools help – not hurt – students”

First of all I attended the Edgecombe County Public Schools board of education meeting on this past Monday night. During the transition from the public meeting and the break before they began the closed meeting, Evelyn Wilson was explaining to the Rocky Mount Telegram’s reporter a black female that she didn’t know what the D.A. Robert A. Evans was referring to because he had not been to a school board meeting. After listening to them I said, how do you know he was talking about ECPS and both of them walked over to where I was sitting. I said Evans used to sit on the Rocky Mount Charter School board and so did Leonard Wiggins whom Wilson named in her response.

It is my opinion that Evans has served on both sides of the fence whereby he has served on the Rocky Mount Charter School Board and in the courtroom. I am quite sure he is a parent as well, but I don’t know him personally so I am not going to attempt to speak for him. However he does a good job speaking for himself.

I find Evelyn Wilson’s response in defense of the Edgecombe County Public Schools to be quite interesting especially when I am an involved Negro and has been since the early 90’s however I am a product of the ECPS. I have a daughter that just graduated on this past Friday and I have a son who will be going to the middle school on next year.

I know the board objective should be to educate all children however Wilson and other board members are very much aware that there are some educators who does not give a damn about the children and/or they feel do not have the necessary skills. Administrators are removed from the classroom and sent to the central office from time to time. Some administrators are removed from certain schools and the list goes on. But the thing is the board of education never give a reason to the public why such moves. Unlike some folks I understand that it is a personnel issue.

Wilson you say parents do not need to spend a lot of time challenging the school system. Well Wilson I have had to challenge the system dating back to 1993 when a group of children who staged a walkout at SouthWest Edgecombe High School when a white coach grabbed a black student around the neck in the hallway. The white student body government President and other students protested. I received numerous calls the night before. I went to work at 5:00 am that morning and got off at 9:00 am and went to the school to help resolve this issue. I was the 1st vice president of the Rocky Mount NAACP during that time.

After the incident above I became a member of (P.I.E.) Partners in Education where the late Beverly May along with Katie Staton was the chair and co-chair. The group was able to get black males to volunteer to work in the school system running copies and doing other minor things. The goal was to have some black role models in the school since there was a shortage of black male teachers.

The principal at that time Lowell Thomas said I couldn’t volunteer nor T. C. Cherry former Highway Patrol and now currently an Edgecombe County Commissioner because we were both racist. I had responded to Cherry who had written an article in the Rocky Mount Telegram saying a local grocery store closed because black people were stealing merchandise.

One day Thomas and I had a deep discussion and he invited me to the cornfield (a racist term) and walked out of the school in front of me. The Rocky Mount NAACP where I served as the 1st Vice President asked for his resignation. Later the President Rev. Elbert Lee, Rev. Richard Joyner, Evelyn Wilson and some other black folks met with Thomas and nothing was done.

Wilson you say, “it is the business of Edgecombe County Public Schools to help students, not hurt them.” It should be and I trust that the majority of the administrators have that mentality.

I know that because of my challenge at  South Edgecombe Middle School in a one year’s time frame 2 principals were moved to the Central Office. We later got principal number 3 who retired at the end of the year and then it was principal number 4 which was the first black principal in the schools history. But he was not ready however he had some racist administrators to deal with.

Well Wilson what in the hell do you think happened when principal number 1 at South Edgecombe Middle School tried to keep my daughter and several others from receiving the “A” honor roll several years ago at the end of the 6th grade school year. The “A” students received a trophy and my daughter was given the “B” honor roll. My wife and I spent countless hours during that summer learning how to do an excel spreadsheet. After exhausting all of our means and addressing the board of education that summer, it appeared we were not getting anywhere. But the good master laid the answer on us and at the beginning of the following school year South Edgecombe had to go back and have another ceremony not only to give my daughter her “A” and the trophy but they had to give others theirs as well.

The Superintendent of ECPS during that time found out that we had a problem with the grading system within the middle school. He found that if a child moved from one middle school in the county that their grades did not truly follow them. The middle schools were not truly using the SIMS system and were doing the grades by hand so they say. The system put something in place to take care of the problem.

I also challenged principal number 1 that same year when he got on the intercom and called all the black males to the auditorium to lecture them because he was trying to send a message that black males were at-risk. Well damn all of the males were not per say at risk. However hell all black folks are at-risk if you let some folks tell the story. What this principal did was unprofessional to single out all black males during the school day so what kind of message did that send to the white males, white females and the black females as it relates to black males as if they all were troublemakers. This principal had the audacity to communicate with me via emails and I still have them on file. How ignorant or maybe he just didn’t care.

Well Wilson what in the hell do you think happened when my daughter watched principal number 2 ban me from the school because I questioned the process used during the PTO election night and after the election when we went to the various classrooms to pick up report cards and to talk to the teachers? The principal followed me as we went to the classrooms. In one of my daughter’s classes I asked the teacher about an issue with a grade pertaining to a question on a test. The principal said okay Dancy leave. I said I have not done anything and so he said he was going to call the police. I said to call him. I went to the next class and my wife and daughter followed him to the office. I waited for the Sheriff Deputy to come while standing outside talking to the Pinetops Police who came out but could not act because it was out of his jurisdiction. The deputy asked us where was the principal and we said inside. When the deputy came back out he said the principal wanted me to leave. I said can I get a police report and he said it would not be one. I left the school and 2 days later I received a letter from the Superintendent that I was banned from the school. I recorded the election on video and presented this to the board. I was recording my daughter’s volleyball games at the time and basketball season was going to start afterwards. I gave the coaches a copy so they could view the video and learn from their mistakes. But remember I  was banned from the school.

Principal number 2  administrators who served on the PTO and School Improvement Team where I was a member had a problem with me because I challenged them.  They told him they had a problem with me because I had a talk show on a local radio station. What did they have to hide? I requested that the Central Office provide the administrators with diversity training and they did along with G.W. Carver Elementary School as well. You know they were mad with me about this.

Principal number 2 only stayed at the school from the beginning of the school year until December

Principal number 3 sent a letter to all of the administrators shortly after he arrived saying I was allowed back into the school because he did not see where I had done anything wrong.

So Wilson I beg the difference when you say, “Schools help – not hurt students.” That should be the final answer however that is not the case always. Well my friend the system hurt my daughter as well as my wife and I.

You also said, “the parents do not need to spend a lot of time challenging the system.”  My wife and I had to challenge the system an entire summer. Hell we would have loved to spent that summer doing other things however it was all about justice, justice for my daughter and the others who benefitted.

From the Publisher – Voices of Many ask petitioners to familiarize themselves with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001”

Shannell Knight a parent of an Edgecombe County Public School System and a member of Voices of Many addressed the community at the East Tarboro Community meeting about issues and concerns that she and some others have. V of M emailed me the following documents. Read them for yourself.

The Daily Southerner reporter had the following documentation however the letter addressed to me was addressed to her. The reporter also had documentation pertaining a more personal letter that included personal information.

Letter to Curmilus Dancy II

June 3, 2009

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

-Author Unknown

Dear Mr. Curmilus Dancy II,

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand in promoting high quality education, building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators, and putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension.

I am the proud mother of three children who attend Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS). It is worrisome to me that little effort seems to be exerted in challenging students academically, but zealous efforts are made when it comes to making humiliating comments, or executing non-deserving suspensions and/or detentions (these negatives do not apply to all teachers and faculty of ECPS). So I write on behalf of ALL the children and their parents, and those attending ECPS in particular, who have fewer options to choose from in supplying their children’s educational needs.

It is my belief that if the school work were sufficiently challenging for students at whatever level their development, much negative (disruptive) energy would then be channeled into more positive projects/results.

Attached are a few instances of complete disappointment, frustration and feeling of helplessness in reference to several families’ experiences or encounters with ECPS. (All information listed is either from personal experience, and/or data collected while soliciting for signatures).

Families feel that ECPS is a district where…

· Faculty members are intimated and are not welcoming to parents who advocate for their children

· Parents verbal and written request to have their child/children evaluated for exceptional children services go ignored, or the parents are persuaded not to follow through with their request

· The students aren’t challenged academically or intellectually

· Children aren’t being prepared for college

· Parents are not allowed to voice their concerns to the Superintendent because they are told that “any suspensions less than ten days are not appealing to the Superintendent”

· Parents written concerns to the superintendent go ignored

· Families have been retaliated against when they take their concerns or complaints to the Central Office

· Parents feel that the faculty at times are insensitive, unprofessional, cruel, and sarcastic to both parents and children

· Complaints made against faculty are taken lightly, or nothing is done at all

· Administration has been known to instigate confrontation between students

Once again, these negatives do not apply to all faculty members of ECPS. There are faculty members who do truly have a passion for what they do, and have the best interest of the students and families in mind.

Several parents have already, or intend on transferring their children to local private, charter, or another school in the district that may have a “better reputation”.

As a concerned parent, I will continue to be my children’s first advocate, I will continue to seek one-on-one conferences with my children’s teachers, counselors and administrative staff. I will continue to do whatever it takes for my children to receive the BEST possible education. But I hope also that this brings most needed attention to the problem on a larger scale where the needs of ALL the children will be addressed for the next school year, and every school year to come.

Representing the “Voices Of Many”,

Shanell Knight

voicesofmanync@yahoo.com

 

Letter to citizens

May 14, 2009

Dear Edgecombe County Citizens:

We are writing to ask you to familiarize yourself with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” was implemented. For the past two years, many parents have diligently addressed growing concerns about the manner in which parent complaints and less than 10 day suspensions are being handled at Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS).

“How can a child receive a fair assessment when the suspension policy is biased and creates absenteeism during critical review time?” More importantly, when the issue is brought to the attention of school administrators, concerned parents are brushed aside and accused of “over reacting” to the damage caused by biased administrative decisions. Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand and your support is requested in promoting the following:

1. Quality Education for the children of Edgecombe County and Future Generations.
2. Building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators to promote fair assessments.
3. Putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving school suspensions, as result of personal bias.

The petition for cooperative action from ECPS is necessary and affects the community at large. Attached are countless examples of negative encounters with ECPS and its’ neglect to address parent concerns. We are in no way suggesting that all of ECPS staff and educators are biased, however by investing RIGHT NOW in our children’s education, demanding quality services, and banning together against mediocrity we are laying the foundation for the future of Edgecombe County and its’ citizens.

Thank you for your support.

Representing the Voices of Many,

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.

This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

 

The Petition

Bridging the Gap between: Parents, Teachers, and School Administrators

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County, please take a stand with us in promoting High Quality Education, building partnerships between parents and school administrators, and help put a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension that are taking place in ECPS.

1._____________________________________________________________________

2._____________________________________________________________________

3._____________________________________________________________________

4._____________________________________________________________________

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Letter from David Bryant

May 18, 2009

Dear Ms. Knight:

Thank you for taking time from your daily schedule to share concerns regarding the educational climate of Edgecombe County’s Public Schools.  The State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction are always interested in hearing from concerned parents who have a vested interest in the safety and educational success of students within the community.  We value the comments you have shared and are genuinely interested in addressing your concerns. 

Having received your letter regarding Edgecombe County Public Schools, it is important for you to know that situations of this nature and how they are resolved are generally governed by state statutes which gives the legal authority to the local school district. Because of changes in North Carolina legislation, local boards of education now have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they have the authority to make administrative decisions regarding situations like the one you have shared.  In this particular case, the following excerpts from legislation address the authority of the local boards of education to govern at the local level.  These statutes apply to “local control” and are referenced as follows:

G.S. 115C‑36. Designation of board.

Said boards of education shall have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they shall enforce the school law in their respective units.

§ 115C‑47. Powers and duties generally.

In addition to the powers and duties designated in G.S. 115C‑36, local boards of education shall have the power or duty:  (1) To Provide an Adequate School System. – It shall be the duty of local boards of education to provide adequate school systems within their respective local school administrative units, as directed by law.

Although sympathetic to the frustration and concerns you have expressed, state legislation and/or law does not give the State Board of Education and/or the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction the authority to intervene in matters where the local school district has governing control. I would encourage you to make another appeal to your local educational agency’s central office or local board of education to inquire about the possibility of having someone look into this situation.

With Kind Regards,

David Bryant

Parent Liaison/Education Consultant

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Accountability Services Division / Testing Section
6314 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6314

dbryant@dpi.state.nc.us (919.807.3775)

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

>>> Many Voices <voicesofmanync@yahoo.com> 5/15/2009 6:13 PM >>>

"All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement."

See related:

From the Publisher – In response to Oliver Curtis Powell, “School administration must stop allowing children to run the system”

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In Edgecombe County Schools by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

Tarboro NC – Lack of communication upsets parents, schools