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Read comments (35)After that, the words flowed freely as Stephen Wright, attorney for the school district, called six witness to testify that Crystal McGraw, Dawn Plummer and Nathan Reeder had violated Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test security protocols and the attorney for the three teachers, Mark Nasteff, called one witness.
Nasteff notified the school board at the beginning of the hearing that he strongly objected to consolidating three teachers' cases into one proceeding.
He said the danger with that approach is that evidence presented against one teacher might erroneously be applied to all three.
Steven Wright, attorney for the school district, began his opening remarks by urging the board to "consider these individuals separately at all times."
Wright went on to say that "cheating is something we don't expect from students, much less teachers."
The charges against all three teachers, he said, included
--inappropriate use of examiners' manuals to prepare students for taking the MAP test,
--making or using unauthorized copies of the MAP test and
--lying about their role in the alleged security breach during the investigation.
During his opening remarks, Nasteff said the three teachers did not relish the need to have a public hearing, but they felt it necessary in order to "have a chance to tell you and the public that the rumors and innuendos published in the newspaper are false."
"There is no basis in fact, no legal grounds to terminate their contracts," he said. "There is no basis for these teachers to be before you."
Testifying for the district were Donn Quick, former interim superintendent; Michael Muenks, coordinator of curriculum and assessment for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Angela Harvey, Eastwood third-grade teacher; Bryanne Payne, Eastwood third-grade teacher; Renee Barr, retired Eastwood third-grade teacher; and Nancy Kleinschmidt, Eastwood and Northwest school counselor.
Testifying on behalf of the three accused teachers was Bueker Middle School Principal Lance Tobin. He said during his testimony that his comments were based more on his experience as a parent with children in the teachers' classes than as a colleague.
Quick recounted how he learned about the cheating allegations and how several teachers came forward with information after he visited Eastwood school during his investigation.
Harvey, Payne and Barr each testified that one or more of the accused teachers had offered to share unauthorized copies of the MAP test.
Nasteff's cross-examination of each focused on the fact that none of them had reported the apparent breach of testing security to district or state officials -- a failure to act that is itself a violation of district and state policy, he said.
Eastwood school counselor Nancy Kleinschmidt, however, testified that she had reported her suspicions that cheating was occurring at the school to former Principal Lorna Stanton on three occasions.
Muenks testified that printed copies of the MAP test offered as evidence consisted mostly of secure items that should not have been in teachers' possession.
The hearing will continue Wednesday, July 9, at 6 p.m. in the Central Administration Office at the corner of Vest Street and Miami Avenue when Nasteff is expected to call more of the eight witnesses he subpoenaed.
Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net
I had posted this in the other blog but think it needs to be here also.
Marshall IS and ALWAYS will be a clique (thanks owl12345 for the FYI) town. No mabey none of the teachers involved NAMED OR UNNAMED in this matter or in this blog were born with a sliver spoon, But there are some people in this town that think they are big stuff because of what side of town they live on or who they married or what Golf Course they play at ect..and treat our children the same way.
I have lived in Marshall most of my life. When I got a chance to move back to town after living in a big city for 3yrs I couldnt wait to move home. I had a child at Eastwood this year and when I was given a choice of which teachers class I wanted my child to be in. I can Honestly say I didnt like ANY of the choices I had,I could have come up with 10 reasons why I didnt like any one of them, Its Marshall Everyone knows Everyone and thier business.My wife and I were Happy with the teacher we chose. My wife and I also graduated from Marshall High my wife went on to get her teaching Degree at MOVAL. When she graduated she applied For every teaching position Marshall had to offer.She wasnt offered a job in marshall because the jobs were given to the children or other family members of current Teachers or school board members.This kind of stuff happens everywhere. Im not ashamed to be from or live in Marshall. I am however ashamed of the way that the kids of this town are being Deprived of the quality education they deserve. I know I have rambled on for a while now but to make my point.
I bet if you get right down to it there is not one third grade teacher or aid at eastwood that is Completely innocent in this matter.
I dont have the right last name. I lived on the north side of town. I didnt do well in school not because of the teachers because I didnt give a damn if I could go and fix my mistakes I would of worked harder to make good grades, but guess what I have a good job, I make good money and can afford to live on any side of town I want.
I believe the cheating situation was "handled" at Santa Fe. At least there was a huge front page story in the Concordian about it some time ago. I believe that teacher was placed on probation or something. Ask Dr. Wright. The major difference, it appears, is that the Sante Fe school district handled the problem themselves and did not have to turn to an attorney for assistance in finding a solution. They did not spend tens of thousands of their taxpayer dollars as Marshall has done TWICE this past year for "spectacles" they could have resolved themselves. (And yes, that is money that COULD be used for field trips, supplies, and even teachers that another blogger thinks is lacking in Marshall.) The mindset of the Marshall school board seems to be "trial and punishment". Thank goodness other entities in town aren't throwing their hard earned money away to their corporate attornies so they don't have to solve their own internal problems. What a lack of leadership by the Marshall school board! What a waste for our students and our taxpayers!
Surprise, surprise,, Santa Fe didn't deal with an issue. I know I'm soooooooooo surprised!
It is only natural that people who work together spend time together outside of work. Where else can you meet anyone who understands what your job is like? That is not the point. The point is, this was allowed to get to the level that DESE had to be called.
I think that you all should know there is a teacher in Santa Fe who was caught cheating on the MAP test, and no one at that school has done anything about it. Anyone care to comment on that?
I think this goes on a lot more than people care to admit. It is sad that this proffesion has been reduced to this. Very sad.
let's see,
I think that Clear Eyes is seeing as clear as mud.
I can see your point of view, let's see, plain and clear. It is sad that these teachers think that they can get away with things like this. I am glad I am not the only one that has seen and heard it with my own eyes and ears.
Nope, I didn't testify. Like I said this was many years ago. Before Lorna, or the accused were even employed there. I am talking about people that have been there for years, some of which moved from the classroom to other "positions" in the last few years. Sorry to let you know you are wrong.
I believe it is absolutely ridiculous for it to be an issue of who is friends with whom in this situation. It really doesn't effect the outcome of this situation. If the truth should be known then those of you who feel it was just the three accused teachers who were friends, then you are utterly wrong. Cari Hazell was in fact a friend of all three of the accused teachers at one time. Nancy Kleinschmidt frequently attended the scrapbooking/make-up parties that were once mentioned. I also know for a fact that Bryanne Payne, Angie Harvey, and Renee Barr all attended those exact same parties. The accused teachers had no personal agenda against the accusers.
Let's see - The student teachers who testified in the hearing have a very different story than you do. Could it be that you were the student teacher that is now one of the accusers? Hummmm, interesting!!!!
Exactly everyone needs to stay home it's none of anyone's business except for the teachers and their family's. Thats whats wrong with Marshall no one is happy unless there is somebody to talk about and what they are doing. And who is Lance Tobin to testify against somebody when he was on the chopping block not to long ago. He still has a job.
The only reason I can imagine that you would hold a public hearing in such a small building...you don't want people to come? Somethings not right here? Its not like the school board couldn't hold it in an auditorium. Why do they pick the smallest building?
I have stayed quiet for a long time about this subject, but I WILL not any longer. I was a student at Missouri Valley some years back, I did student teaching in that building were "the three" work. I KNOW first hand that cheating has been going on in that building for a long time. Teachers have copied items out of the test books, run total on misssed questions, and taught to those questions. They have looked ahead in the book and taught information the rest of the day so the kids would know what they needed to know. This is nothing new. Anyone who thinks it is a joke, or that these poor people have been wrongly accused needs to face reality. Fast. Enough is enough. That district only hires "names" and it only is nice to "names" in the community. Those teachers do talk trash about children and parents all the time. They also run off wonderful people. There are some honest people there, and to all the others..........I hope you read this and wonder if it was your room I was in years ago........I also hope you are sweating bullets because now you might get caught. To everyone else, enjoy the school year and take care of those kids....ALL OF THEM! They need you, and that is why you are there.
Thanks guys. It feels good to know that I'm not the only one who has had their child stressed by these teachers. And as for Nathan, I think he's a good man, just got caught up with bad girls...Good luck Nate! I really hope you are ok when it's all said and done. I have no beef with you I just wish you would have used better judgement with the friends you hang with.
I personally know reeder and i know he is not a cheater in my opinion .
And just for good measure Plummer is very well known for only taking care of the elite of her class. Only the kids with certain last names. First hand expierince here. Not only her but I could name 2-3 more at the school that are guilty of this as well and they are not all teachers. The people in the office are guilty too. It sure helps when you have witnessed these things first hand and you know that when statments like this are made that they are true. Knock me down all you want people. I could care less. What has been done is done and what these teachers have done is damaging. They have made the parents of the Marshall Public school system feel uneasy about the teachers that are in charge of their childrens education. I do not say wipe that board clean, I say get rid of the cheaters and start new. If they screw up start over. FIND SOME ONE THAT ACTUALLY WANTS TO TEACH KIDS!!!!
Clear Eyes,
Seems to me that you are not one to be judging anyone's parenting alilities. So, step back. Comments like this are way out of line and unneeded. I would really hate to see the way your kids are turning out if you feel the need to belittle others parenting skills.
I believe in Carrie Hazell, Donn Quick, Angela Harvey, Bryanne Payne, Renee Barr and Nancy Kleinschmidt. THEY are the good guys here. The others, well, I think we all know my standpoint on them. They might be good teachers, but they crossed the lines and cheated. If you let them go with just a slap on the hand what will others think that they can get away with in the future? What is fair is fair. You get caught, you need to be prepared to pay the price. I am sure these teachers tell these kids all school year, I am making a asumption here that is, that honesty is the BEST ploicy. If they do not practice what they preach, and what is right by the way, then what is that teaching the kids? That it is okay to cheat once in awhile, just don't get caught with your hands in the cookie jar? Whatever. And I expect tons of NEGATIVE comments to this. I welcome them and I am prepared to shoot them down.
(Crystal Clear...), judge not lest yee be judged...And again, if a parent would have had an administrator that they could trust, maybe they would have. But, since the administrator was in with the click, that would be kind of difficult. I didn't say that I did nothing about it, now you are assuming. And by the way, how did you know I received parent of the year? It's not even out to the public yet. Well, I guess it is now. Thanks for nominating me.
C-N-P Did you report this behavior to the principal so that disciplinary action could be taken? I suspect not!! Responsible parents would not let their child come home "all upset all the time" and do nothing about it! You are the advocate for your child, if this REALLY happened you let your child down by not acting. Sounds like you should be nominated Parent of the Year!!!
Gal66--You go girl! You are exactly right. People are always so quick to judge and yet if you put them in that position, they would freak... I like your attitude. People seem to be very one sided either for the cheaters or for the public school system. It goes both ways. Yet, some seem to be more upset for the accused. This confuses me because the evidence is right in front of their noses.
To Nandot: Just to let you know there are many people who have given their personal testimonies for the 3 accused over the past couple of months in the blogs saying what great teachers they were...Well Here we go. This is my problem, my child was in (Blank's)class and was devistated by her. I'm assuming that since the editor used Carrie Hazel's name it's ok to use the accused names now. (Dawn Plummer) = (Blank) My child came home upset all the time because she witnessed other children being made fun of and how Dawn would gossip about other employees right in front of the children to the other accused teachers. Now as far as her being a spectacular teacher, I'm sure she was to her favorites, just not to all. That's my beef. Not every parent has been happy with these outstanding teachers of the year!!!! Of course it is personal and it hurts to see your child go through the stress that a teacher puts on them.
If you have ever needed the guidance of an attorney, personally or professionally, you would be aware that is what they do,, advise. If the district's
attorney's assistant was giving guidance to the board it is because that is their job. It is their responsibility to guide and direct the board's handling of issues within a hearing. Anything less would have been leaving the board wide open for more trouble.
And yes I believe the board will and should look to the attorney for guidance on how to rule,, again that is their job and why they represent the district.
"Could anyone tell me why the assistant for Steven Wright (attorney for the district)was sitting with the board and coaching the board president? Each time the defense attorney had an objection the board president looked to the assistant for guidance on how to respond. No wonder every single objection was allowed! Is the board president also going to look to the assistant for guidance on how to rule in this matter?"
Could it be that the board president did not know what to do so insted of making a mistake the president sought help.
Would you rather they just swept this all under the rug?
It sure seems like that is what a lot of people think should have happened.
Come on people let them do the job we (you know the Majority)elected them to do.
1/3 of the people will not be happy with the outcome, 1/3 will be happy with the outcome the other 1/3 just won't care.
For the people that think this board is not any good please run for the position at the next election!
PS if you tell us who you are we may even vote for you just to see how you handle the job.
PSS Step up or Shut up, and before you ask yes I have ran for the position no I did not win.
"What may have frustrated some members of the audience was the fact that none of the defense attorney's objections were accepted. In each case, the district's evidence or questions were allowed with objections noted."
Could anyone tell me why the assistant for Steven Wright (attorney for the district)was sitting with the board and coaching the board president? Each time the defense attorney had an objection the board president looked to the assistant for guidance on how to respond. No wonder every single objection was allowed! Is the board president also going to look to the assistant for guidance on how to rule in this matter?
The accusations are not false. A test was copied and used. The thumbdrive is a game where a teacher plugged in the questions and answers using a Jeopardy game. This is not a kangaroo court, NanaDot. I believe you have seen the evidence as well. People who know the truth really need to stop misleading the public!!
Also, can someone tell me who was named as the person that gave the thumbdrive to the district? I think it is only fair; all the accused names are now out so shouldn't the accusers be too?
I want to know why this hearing is being held in such a small place. Wasn't the last hearing held at Bueker Middle School so the public could attend? I think it is more important for the public to attend this hear considering these teacher taught several children in the community.
My question to CNP is who are YOU who seem to be so convinced in spite of the lack of actual evidence? It sounds like this is a bit of a kangaroo court if the board is not willing to allow the presentation of defense evidence - but I still want to know about CNP's ax...
What may have frustrated some members of the audience was the fact that none of the defense attorney's objections were accepted. In each case, the district's evidence or questions were allowed with objections noted.
It seems finally the public is going to see what the employees have seen for years - The board does not give a fair chance to anyone. They go into each and every situation with their minds made up and completely closed to any other possibilities. Looks to me that this hearing is going to prove that fact (looks like they've been accusing the wrong people all along!) Now maybe the public is going to see the boards TRUE colors, and with any luck, will not vote them back on next time. Everyone I know that works for the district has tried every year to vote off the current members, but the public has always been fooled. If there is any good to come out of this hearing, despite that of clearing some names, a new board would be a nice change. (Maybe the "Lack of confidence vote" that was intended for Gordon but got stopped should be renewed against this fine board!!!)
C-N-P, P.S.- I think I should point out that your false accusation that I am one of the three, is a good point as to how false rumors get started. Just a good time to point that out I thought.
C-N-P, contrary to what you may think, I'm not one of the accused, nor am I married or involved with any of the accused. I'm just an individual who gets so tired of all the backbiting, gossiping, and all out lies that seem to ruin innocent people. I'm not advocating the innocence of any of the three, but, what I am saying is that they have not had a fair opportunity to present their case. I think the board should have taken the time to hear both sides of the story before making a decision to terminate the employees. I just don't understand at this point why the district is spending all this money for this hearing when they've made their decision and nothing is going to change their mind. I also think from some of the testimony last night, if they do terminate the three individuals, who have not admitted any wrong doing, they will have to terminate others who admitted, under oath, that they violated the same rules that these three are being charged with.
Clean the board slate clean. Everyone involved is a cheater at some point in this. I think that the kids should handle this in the hearing room. Sure seems the adults can't treat eachother like Adults...
My daughter was a student of Mrs. Plummer and we absolutely adored her and still do. She is one of a kind, a true advocate of the child. She genuinely wants her students to succeed which makes it hard for me to believe that she would aid them in cheating, something that would only hurt them in the long run. I stand behind you Mrs. Plummer. Good luck!
So, Intrigued, which one of the accused are you, and you seem very one sided your self. You have been on everyone to be more open minded. What's the deal.....
I was a little disappointed to see the board president, spokesperson for the board, so biased for the district and its attorney. I realize that this is the legal counsel they chose to represent them, but, I think I had hoped for more of an open minded hearing. Every single objection that was made from the attorney of the teachers was "overruled", but the testimony and evidence objected to was always "allowed, subject to the objection." I was hoping that there would be more of an open mind from the board to hear the evidence objectively, but from all appearances tonight, the mind of the board has been made up. I hope that after hearing from the teachers directly tomorrow night that this board will prove me wrong and base their decision on the facts and not the rumors. I did find it hard to believe that the person named as giving the thumbdrive to the district was never asked to testify and in fact, wasn't even present for the hearing. If she and her husband were so concerned for the wellbeing of the school district, why weren't they there? I was also intrigued to hear that her husband was the one who initially approached/contacted a school board member. I wonder what other classified details this person, who was called out by name for the first time tonight, has shared with her husband or others about the school district.