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Visit Sullivan County, Tennessee where the saved are welcome and the Bible is intolerant.

Parents voice their feelings on Sullivan County Schools

What is posted below is from my Guestbook or sent to me by e-mail. All of this started when a local high school student, Shanda, sent me her story on how she was driven out of school and I posted it on my website. Her horror story isn't the only one. This same school system recently left 4 students at an amusement park 100 miles from home.

See Shanda's Story. What is below is what was posted on my guestbook.

Any accusations of wrong doing against any specific public official, etc. below is considered rumors. They are the opinions of the writers and not this website.

There are alot of bad things that go on @ sullivan north right in front of teachers, i'm a 17 senior & i myself have a situation on my hands right now to were a kid is pickin' on me & i'm not even allowed to defend myself. i asked a teacher if i was allowed to defend myself by hitting this student in self defense into which the teacher replies if you wanna get suspensed....so this tells me get my butt kick & be in pain or fight back & get suspended.....i ask myself here lately i thought it was eye for an eye tooth for a tooth......then i say what a messed up system this school is. then i look at myself & say i have a good chance of getting a college schloraship for baseball & if i do defend by throwin' one punch i could get suspended & mess up my chances of playing college baseball which has been a dream from my childhood...so i say defend myself & take those chances or get my butt kicked pretty much.
Shawn, Kingsport, TN USA - Tuesday, September 09, 2003

I have a 16 yr. old daughter who will be a sophomore in high school at sullivan north. she dreads August 11, 2003. She hated her freshman year with a passion. after repeatedly going to the pricipal's office, I assumed to let my daughter stay home from school because of the problems she was having and nothing was ever done about it. I don't know if many people look at this page but I'm in need of advice. Should I transfer my daughter to a city school or leave her where she is?
Jane, Kingsport, TN USA - Thursday, August 07, 2003

Hello! I am doing research on this area for a project. I recently moved to the area from New York. To be honest I am shocked at all of the residents' comments and complaints about this area. However I can believe all of the negativity that seems to be going around. I am 28 years of age and I cannot find a job. A local company had promised me a certain position before I moved to this area and now they are not keeping their word. They told me that they did not want someone that had a developed educational background as I apparently have. I cannot find a job and I am desperate. I do not want to work in a fast food restaurant earning $5.15 per hour. I have bills to pay and children to feed each day. I would strongly agree that this area needs an update as well as some economy. I admit that the reason for moving here was only to settle in, work, and then retire in such a beautiful area. I've seen why everyone else is re-locating, and why others are moving into this area, to retire. Thank you.
Karen, Johnson City, Tn USA - Tuesday, August 05, 2003

A Student From Sullivan East

I was reading on your website about Sullivan County schools. I am going to be a senior at Sullivan East and I would just like to voice my opinions. East has not always been considered the best school in the world. The school is old and falling apart and as you know due to mold we all had to move to the speedway for a few months. The racetrack put everyone in a small space, yet everyone got along, and managed to deal with the inconvenience. East really is not a bad place. Since Mary Rouse became the principle things have greatly improved. We have a better dress code, there really have not been any fights, and teachers are beginning to actually teach. There are still the few teachers who do not really teach (I taught myself pre-calculus).

Yet, we have outstanding teachers. One in particular was my Spanish 1 teacher last year. Gloria Haefele was a wonderful teacher. She always said that she was there to earn her paycheck and not sit behind a desk and do nothing. One other thing that sets East apart from the other Sullivan County schools is the FAMS (or FPAS) program that the school has. East is one of very few schools in the country that has the program. Ford Academy of Manufacturing Science selects the top juniors for the class. During the junior and senior years, the student learns about manufacturing and the business world.

In the class, the students have to do PowerPoint presentations and job shadow at Eastman. Since East has this program no other school in a 100-mile radius can have the program. Despite what many say East is a wonderful school and no one really wants to give credit for that. We are still slowly improving but we have already come a very long way. I just hope people will be able to see that.

S. Rising senior, National Honor Society, Who's Who, BETA, FAMS, Student Council, and National Society of High School Scholars member

Sorry schools

As a taxpayer and a very involved parent for eight years in the Sullivan County school system, I believe my child is not getting our money's worth. We tend to forget that the children need to be educated with the basics. What they were taught in middle school is now taught in elementary. Everything may look good on paper, but when comes down to it, the scores are not as they seem. We need the money to teach whatever our children need to know.

Teachers are always asking for a raise. I understand that some students are difficult - I could not be a teacher. But teachers need a yearly class to get back into perspective what they are working for, and that is to educate our children and how to work with difficult students. Parents I have talked with have had a problem with a teacher not teaching for the last 10 years or more. We are having to hire tutors, and the parents are doing most of the teaching. That is not our money's worth when you have to go out to spend money for an outside teacher.

Closing of Lynn View Middle School has been an upset for the parents and students. Try to work together because we need the children of the future to have an education.

Gloria Mahan, Kingsport Times-News June 1, 2003

I have experienced some awful things since moving to the Bluff City area. My son is repeatedly called a stupid Yankee in school resulting in finding out from principal that it is not considered a racial slur. He is put down for the religion he believes in since it is not that of everyone one in the school. He said Mom they won't look outside the box. He is often made to sit the bench in sports and often does not make the team since he is from up north.

My husband coached a baseball team as a Bluff City policeman came during a 9-10 year old game and gave him a breathalyzer since a rumor was started that he drinks beer. well they were wrong. no one practices sports or plays on wed. nights or Sunday because of church. Well they will just get used to us. I often receive Ku-Klux Klan meeting notices in my front yard!

I am appalled at what takes place here. At least my children got to see that there are many different people in this world of many different colors that will accept you for who you are. He ended up beating the boys up after being called a stupid Yankee so much and it was worth it. No teacher would do anything about it. Well thanks for listening to some of the things we have experienced since moving to Bluff City, TN"

i can tell you why our schools are in chaos, Lewis. it isn't just because of money either. we have so many teachers that are inexperienced and have no concern for the students in their classes. it's just like the four students that got left behind at Dollywood a couple of weeks ago. one thing's for sure and that's one way to get rid of students. you cannot convince me that it was a simple mistake. if that is a mistake then i'd really hate to know what else the teachers do. o'dell seems to want to get to the bottom of this incident but it's summer! I'm sure that this too, will go unnoticed. then you have these students that do nothing but raise cane in the classroom and in the halls. the adults in the school are afraid to take proper action against them. what our schools need is a PADDLE and teachers that care and know what's going on with who. anymore it's only a paycheck. When my daughter was a freshman in high school she was pushed down a set of stairs and was injured. she went to the main office to call me but I was not home. while she stood there bleeding, the person in the office told her to just suck it up and go to class. after i took her to the doctor, she had fractured her leg. you can imagine what i did. i got to the bottom of it. in my opinion o'dell needs to leave. his time should have been up four years ago. it was his bright idea that if a students misses no more than two days in one semester of high school, that student is exempt from the exams. now, if these students get sick they should try to come to school anyway, because if they don't miss more than two days they won't have to take their exams. it doesn't matter that their germs are spread around the whole school but what's important is that they are exempt. these students NEED to take exams because if they have plans on going to a college they won't get that choice, and they won't be prepared for reality. then there is all of the racism in the schools. if you are black, hispancic, mixed, asian, chinese, purple, blue, whatever, you are automatically an outcast and you will be the target for hate UNLESS you are a top notch athlete. then, everyone will have something to do with you. it seems that the only way for people to like you in these schools is if you're an athlete. it's no wonder there's no money to support education it all goes to the athletes. i used to be an active parent but anymore i'd assume to just take a beating as to go to my daughter's school.
ruby l.
kingsport, tn USA - Friday, June 13, 2003 at 11:00:40 (PDT)

I know a lot of people say, "if you don't like the area, then move". That is easier said then done. I have lived in the same house for 37 years. My neighborhood has turned into a nightmare of burgularies and harassement from neighbors that moved in about 6 years ago from Ohio. Just yesterday two female adults come onto my porch and threatened to kill my kids. All because they said I called the police on them for letting their small children play in the road. I was at work at the time this supposedly happened and I don't care where their children play. Anyway, the Sullivan County Sherrifs Office said it is MY duty to file a warrent. They could do NOTHING. It is all so political. I went to the Bristol court house to serve this warrent and was treated like I was diseased. Those were the rudest people I have ever seen in my life. It still has not been done. They tell me I have to bring my daughter up there to file the warrent. So To all the people out there, If you want to rob someone go ahead do it. If the policy don't see you then your ok. The stupid bitches even had my possession and the police did not arrest them.
S
Blountville, TN USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 09:33:33 (PDT)

I have a child in the 9th grade at Central. She is harassed and threatened everyday by upper classmen. I have called Ward and my husband has called Ward to have this stopped. Mr. Ward did pull the girls in that were causing trouble. It only got worse. His words to me were "Unfortunately it's the bad kids that get all the attention and the good kids are left on their own." My daughter is in sports and has already been nominated into Who's Who. She has never been in trouble. She was actually pulled from her class by a teacher who just happened to see her. This teacher told my daughter she was "disgusting, obscene, and made her sick", this because 1/2 inch of her stomach showed. My daughter had on jeans and a long sleeve shirt. As a cheerleader her clothing showed a lot more than that, but his one teacher had to degrade her. I called Ward again. I never he! and anything back. I have been told stories of how the teachers cuss at the student and degrade them. I have a small hand held recorder, I will find out the truth on that one. I can imagine how hard it is to teach high school kids, but if the teacher wants respect they have to also give it. Now here is another story, this year's high school annual. I paid $65.00 for an annual that was defaced by another student and ALL copies went out like that. It obviously was not proof read by a teacher. One senior had a letter from her mother altered to be vulgar. This particular family I have known for 20 years and they are devastated. A female teacher had a mustache put on her face. The school opted to take a felt pen and mark through each an everyone of the annuals to cover the offending remarks. However, the students licked their thumbs and took the mark off and went on laughing at this girl. Mr. Ward did refund the money for the page layout to the mother of the girl, however he would not refund her the $65.00 for the annual.
Ina <ky43o@yahoo.com>
Kingsport, TN USA

I used to live in the tri-cities area, and while I resided in that area, my family and I experienced things that we had never imagined could happen. I would not wish for my worst enemy to live there. My children came home almost each day from school telling me of the awful things that went on at school. My husband was laid off of his job, after only two months of being employed. I searched endlessly for a job myself, and almost the only 'job' to be found is only minimum wage. I'm glad to be out of that area and I think that the word should be spread as far as possible. People that might have plans to reside in that area may think twice.
Melinda Stewart
Knoxville, TN USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 20:19:01 (PDT)

Please find out more info on the accounting issues at Sullivan Central. We heard a little bit of news regarding donation money being used to send Ward's kids and coaches on trips, then it all went away. Did Mr. Ward pay it back?? Did us tax payers pay it?
s
Blountville, TN USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 09:35:32 (PDT)
I'd really like to know where all of the money went that the sullivan county board of education had. The local newspaper stated that the BOE has asked for $3,000,000 for the 2003/04 fiscal year. That's alot of money and I'd like to know what they're doing with it other then spending it on faculty's kids. I used to go to South and I know that the faculty would steal the school's money. I seen it happen three times but I never said anything because i knew it would do no good. yea you should have an article about the schools!!
Derrick
kingsport, tn USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 20:01:53 (PDT)
I don't think that webpages like this one lead to hate and chaos. They only reveal the truth about this area. I don't know about you, Solano, but I'm from the Tri-Cities area in Tennessee, and think that people should know the sad truth about this so-called 'Good Place To Live.' It is NOT a good place to live. And, Solano, I can guarantee you that if your children went to Sullivan County schools, you'd be pretty damn concerned, too.
Christy A
Blountville, TN USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 19:06:51 (PDT)
We need more hate webpages like yours. It will help keep the spirit of combat alive and maybe more will die. This is the type of event that leads to violence and hate. Keep it up. You'll reap what you....
solano perez <rsolano@rgv.rr.com>
Nutley, NJ USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 15:50:15 (PDT)
I know of things about sullivan county schools that would send chills up your spine. Both of my kids are enrolled in that school system and they have both begged me to transfer them. Next year, I am going to transfer them into the city schools. I get so sick of hearing about how bad their school is and I get sick of putting of with their teacher's un-caring attitudes. It's high time we let this county know what we think. I'm also tired of paying my taxes to support these schools. They do not deserve my hard earned money. What about these administrators that are sending THEIR kids on vacation with MY money? I do not work to support THEIR kids, but mine. My kid's teachers are nothing but liars there for a paycheck and that's all. They don't care that they aren't teaching. As long as they get that monthly paycheck in their mailbox, that's all that matters. Mr. John O'Dell needs to wake up and take a look at all of these parents that are speaking out. He needs to go into each school, especially the high schools, and carefully observe what goes on. I don't think he cares either. If he did his schools wouldn't be in the shape that there in and there wouldn't be so many people complaining.
Kim
TN USA - Friday, June 06, 2003 at 21:20:36 (PDT)
ALso , I did call social services on the living conditions at the home of the 15 yr old girl who robbed me. Her mother lays drugged up. This girl never goes to school and is on probation for other roberys. I was told by a person at social services. That what I am saying to her is "hear Say". Unless I am in the home at the time the mother passes out it is just hear say. Well I am at work while this slug sleeps/ passes out. WE support this. This woman is younger than me and makes more money than me setting home. The only medical problem I can tell she has is she is fat. She walks around our neighborhood with a big cigerette hanging from her lips and he belly hanging out. I am to tired when I come home to priss around my neighbrhood. I guess venting on here helps.
s
blountville , tn USA - Friday, June 06, 2003 at 13:55:07 (PDT)
Yes, teachers are afraid of the kids, but the teachers didn't raise them. I am not a perfect parent by any means and my opinion of parenting comes from what I see around me. No good oxygen thief parents on SSI and Food stamps that let thier kids run wild. I see this in the area I live which is in the Central High school district. Every Kid that is a trouble maker at Central comes from a home where they are are not made to follow rules. Once the teacher gets them at 14 or 15 years of age They can't do a thing with them. These kids were never taught respect. That comes from a parent or guardian. Also, these kids have the choice if they want to be a good person or a bad person. If they see their parents being drug addicts and drunks and getting a check each month without working, then that is what they will do to. These people are breeding our next generation of worthess people. Sure teachers they are going to be afraid of them. A 15 year old girl and her mother robbed my house on May the 19th. Because no one SAW them, they didn't get arrested. However, they had my belongings. I don't mean to push all the blame on people who need assistance. I blame worthless people who suck off of the hard working people, then are to lazy to raise their kids to be productive citizens.
s
Blountville, TN USA - Friday, June 06, 2003 at 13:47:20 (PDT)
No, not all of the blame goes out to the parents. Partly, yes, but the majority of blame goes out to these teachers for letting the kids behave this way. I think that teachers are afraid to stand up to these bad kids.
Robin
kingsport, TN USA - Friday, June 06, 2003 at 13:23:14 (PDT)
Sullivan North sounds almost worse than Sullivan Central. I hate that our kids are subject to these horrible conditions in the Sullivan County school system. NOT ALL the schools are bad. Bountville Middle, and Elementary are great so is Emmitt!! It is however a shocker to our kids when they leave that wonderful middle school and are thrown into hell at the high schools. Somewhere control is lost. My daugher has been nominated into Who's Who this year, her freshman year. I know she hates with a passion to have to go back to Central. The smart, athletic, and talented kids don't stand a chance against the thugs. What do the parents do??? It is the parents fault for this mess. These kids needed their asses busted a long time ago.
s
Blountville, Va USA - Friday, June 06, 2003 at 08:16:49 (PDT)
Hello. I was browsing around on the internet tonight and somehow I came to this site. I have spent about 45 minutes just reading through random subjects that I found of interest. I have also read what other localists are saying about the Sullivan County schools. You know something? I can fully understand what others are saying. My son graduated this year from Sullivan North, and thank God that this was his last year in that school system. I have been the type of parent to be involved in EVERYTHING that my son is involved with in school. I've always encouraged my son to participate in not necessarily sports, but in clubs, etc. Although my son did participate in basketball, he was also a member of the National Honor Society. Students began to really get on his nerves because of the things they would do in the classroom that were disturbing to those trying to learn. My son took it upon himself to make the problems known to the principal. Week after week these same students kept doing the same things. Then, I took it upon myself to call the school and find out IF they were going to do something about this group of students. After explaining who I was and what my concern was, I was told that they could do nothing about it, unless it was arranged for my son to be moved into a different class, which would've been a study hall and caused him not to graduate by ONE credit. What about the students that were causing the problems? They were the ones that should've been moved to a different class. My son passed by the skin on his teeth in that class and I was not going to let him repeat again next year. Hell no. In his freshman year at North, a gang tried to jump him in the vocational wing. He had asked to go to the restroom and these thugs were out of the classroom trying to cause trouble. My son reported it to the office, but they told him that they couldn't do a thing about it. The principals and staff don't even take the time out to get names, much less interview these thugs, and try to get to the root of the problems. There was once a time when my son walked into a gym restroom to find two faculty members making out. To my surprise they were opposite sexes. I am glad to see that other parents are speaking their minds about this school system. And by the way, how in the hell can four students get left behind on a field trip?
Frustrated Parent
Kingsport, Tn USA - Thursday, June 05, 2003 at 19:54:41 (PDT)
I am shocked to have read all of these entries. Are schools in that area really that bad? Something must be done about it before we hear of another horrible incindent! Schools should be among the safest places to send our children.
Wesley Knapp
Marietta, GA USA - Thursday, June 05, 2003 at 08:38:41 (PDT)
At sullivan Central, an art teach named Ms. Pack was so afraid of her students that she cried. The students would throw scissors, pencils, and anything else they could get their hands on. This woman who is very nice, but probably should not teach if she can't control her class. Also drug use in the classroom and parking lots. Even with the on school police officrer. Do these people not smell the dope, I don't understand. I really think teachers DO NOT care.
S
Blountville, TN USA - Thursday, June 05, 2003 at 05:48:13 (PDT)
A good friend of mine told me about this site and about all of the stories about the schools. I have several stories that I can tell you and about things that i have seen. I actually happened to know Shanda Sampson and I can tell you that she was a good person and artist. I was in three art classes with her. Her story that is on this website is the truth because I know. I was in that class when all of it happened. Mrs. Thomas was so jealous of her and always talked about her when she left. On with my stories. To me Sullivan north is the worst school that I know of. The teachers that I had could really care less about their students. Racism is a real problem there and so is gangs. I know that alot of the female students brought drugs into the bathrooms and used them. There were times when faculty were in the bathrooms when this happened but they never did anything about it. There is a group of special students with needs at north and most of the students make fun of them. I had teachers that would throw chairs, desks and other things at their class. it really scared us in those class because you never knew if you'd get hit and hurt. Many people said that the principal was gay.i saw alot of bad things happen in that school. students would wonder through the halls and smoke pot and vandalise the school property. Our counselors were all a big joke and knew nothing about us, because one time I went to the guidance office and my guidance counselor called me by a male's name even though I am a female. She didn't even know what grade I was in. Over half of my teachers would just let us sleep wonder off, do drugs and gossip during class time. students probably never told anybody because they didn't care. And then I had one teacher who would give you an a, just for sleeping and doing nothing. you got a d in that class if you actually did anything. her motto was.."If you don't bother me, you get an a." Students would go into the bathrooms and have sex. When I rode the bus my freshman year, there was a guy that burned a whole in one of the seats. I would be glad if you used this.
Amanda <soft_39@yahoo.com>
Kingsport, TN USA - Wednesday, June 04, 2003 at 18:46:03 (PDT)
my daughter just finished her sophomore year at sullivan north high school. not only is she a straight-A student, but she has also been accused of smoking pot IN CLASS. first, let me explain that the teacher's class in which she was accused of smoking the pot in, is an idiot, and the one to SMOKE the pot. after having NO proof whatsoever about my daughter, Salyer decided to suspend my daughter for five days, even though she does not do any type of drugs, and has no idea as to what pot even looks like. i have brought my daughter up to know what's right and wrong. my daughter had never been suspended from school, until we moved to this awful county. i had heard from neighbors about the bad reputation in the sullivan county schools, but as a parent, i didn't want to believe them until my daughter came home each day telling me another story about how the teachers cuss their students, steal from their students, and how the students behave. sadly, the teachers tolerate this behavior. to me, it would be worth the money to send my daughter to a private school. to any parent who may read this: do NOT send your child to a sullivan county school.
lisa
kingsport, tn USA - Tuesday, June 03, 2003 at 19:47:24 (PDT)
Finally, Others are speaking out. There are lots of problems in Sullivan County, Tina is right, our kids are dollar signs. Whatever happened to the investigation of Ward sending his kids to Florida on donations from business. My child is on the Baket ball team. It cost me a fortune for shoes and fees. It is bull shit. I want to know where the money goes. ALso, 5 bucks a person for football games. Four dollars a person for bb games. O and Cheerleading!! What a scam. Plus the coach is a bitch.
Renee
Blountville, TN USA - Tuesday, June 03, 2003 at 13:57:39 (PDT)
Yes, you should feature a section about the Sullivan county school system. As a parent, I am fed up with their bullshit. To them, the only *thing* that my child is to them is a dollar sign, and nothing else. The majority of faculty that my child has had problems with result in the faculty being liars, just to save their own asses. It's very much a shame. My child, along with many others, deserve a much better education than what's "offered" in Sullivan County. I'm sick and tired of hearing about the budget problems, and about teachers being fired for doing stupid shit that actually happens in these schools. Why can't O'Dell see what's happening? Is he THAT blind? Please, make a headline about this. We need to get the word out from people who KNOW. Thank you.
Tina
Kingsport, TN USA - Tuesday, June 03, 2003 at 13:52:24 (PDT)
Yes I agree, please bring to light the horrible conidtions in the sullivan county school system. It would be nice to have an undercover cop go in as a student. Or just walk in during one of the lunch periods. It is a zoo and there is no one there protecting the good kids. The teachers dont give a shit and the parents (of the bad kids) dont either. I hate to send my kids there, I really worry that something is going to happen. Why do people from all over the place put the craziest shit on this guestbook. Who cares about false police reports 1000 miles away?
nunya
Blountville, TN USA - Monday, June 02, 2003 at 13:39:06 (PDT)
Actually, if you want to talk about scum in the Sullivan county schools, let's talk about Sullivan North!!!!!!! I'm supposed to graduate next year but I'm not even going to walk across that stage because I hate it so much. That school sucks ass. I don't know who runs this website or guestbook but could you make a story about how the students of Sullivan county hate the schools?
Anonymous
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 21:21:54 (PDT)
Sullivan Central High school has the worst bunch of red ass students in Sullivan County. What the hell are these SSI,food stamp, oxygen theif parents doing? Good kids trying to actually get an education are being tormented by the dumb ass population of retarded motherfucking kids who are only concernded about when their parents get that next check and set on their big fat asses and watch good people work. However, they dont take time to watch what their fucked up kids are doing. My home was burgularized 2 weeks ago by a 15 year old and her mother. This bitch does not go to shool, her bitch pill popping mother dont care, but they care enought to steal my stuff. I've had it. Please post suggestion to pay back these mother fucking scum.
not billie bubba jim bob
Blountville, TN USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 12:14:15 (PDT)
I hear what you are saying and to get me to read anything outside of a text book during pre finals week it has to be interesting...trust. However, my question to you is why don't you use any biblical references. They are there. Your information sounds good but, for me it is to be taken lightly becuase you do not give any references to your claims...it seems as though you are making an argument from authority... yet, you have none. I think this would have been a better page had you put some type of grounding to your house i.e. where you found that the Pahrisees and the Sadduccees were enemies and is there any historical evidnence to support that. Your giving us a case and expecting the reader to trust that you are not lying, it would be an easier win if you had some undenialbe truth in their somewhere.
Kishiann M. <poetik_vibez@yahoo.com>
Hayward, CA USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 15:58:26 (PDT)
I am a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities area, to say the very least. I was a graduate of the class of 1959 from Dobyns-Bennett High School. I have raised three children, which are now ages 31, 33, and 36. Unlike me, they were graduates from the Sullivan County School System. When my children were attending school, it seemed rare to hear of such careless and vulgar acts nowadays. My grandchildren also attend the Sullivan County School System, ranging from elementary to high school. It blows my mind to hear some of the stories that my grandchildren tell me on an almost daily basis. Both my grandchildren's parents and I have contacted O'Dell, as well as the school prinipals regarding these stories, and we never receive a response. It is as if they could care less about what goes on in "their" school. When the 6:00PM news airs, it seems to me that it almost always involves a topic regarding the county's school budget problems. When I hear from my grandchildren that their classmates are dropping out because of school's environment, it appears that the main problem for the pitfalls of the budget is a lack of students. Do they not realize that "No Students = No Money?" They are forcing the students that they do have into dropping out. Those students are more than likely going to leave the area, in the near future. I also hear disturbing stories about the teachers. As a tax payer, I'd rather MY money NOT be spent on the stupidity of the Sullivan County School System. We are paying for the teachers to teach. Perhaps the teachers need to be awaken, and realize that their jobs have high potential for being cut. O'Dell once reported on the news that "the next thing would be the fine arts, and sports." Excuse me, but I don't really know anyone that attends an educational facility to play sports, and the like. Take ETSU, for example. Their football program has recently been cut, in order to save money. High school seniors with football scholarships are going to be rather upset. In return, ETSU will more than likely see a smaller percentage of students in the coming school year, only because there is no football to be played. That's pathetic, if you ask me. If you want to play football, go outside into your backyard, and have at it. There is no fee for that. School systems in our area need to focus more on academics, rather than sports. They also need to recognize talent, and if you would consider the ability to run, and throw a ball as a talent, you are out of your mind. I don't support school sports, and I'm not exactly crazy over some of the school system's fine art teachers, either. If anyone ever mentioned the pitfalls of Kingsport, they would have to include the Sullivan County School System. As for me, I am trying to persuade my grown children into enrolling my grandchildren into the city schools. At least they wouldn't have to worry about having some of their academic classes cut. And, at least their faculty would care. I believe that many students, parents, as well as grandparents would agree with me on this one. The Sullivan County School System is for the BIRDS. I'm outraged.
Ina <ky43o@yahoo.com>
Kingsport, TN USA - Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 08:44:21 (PDT)
I saw Terri Jo the other day, she rolled out of her trailer about 2 pm with her 4 dirty kids. They just woke up because none of them go to school or work. She was heading to the Food Country in Blountville, Food Stamps in tow. Now Terri's sister still sleeps because she has taken a few to many pills that were bought selling some of the food stamps. These two women are in their 20's ok, have never worked. WE ARE PAYING FOR THEM to lay on their fat asses and eat. Their fucking brats have broke in to my house twice. Of course if the police don't see them, then it's my word againt theirs. So I could take off work and file charges etc. Loose a days pay over it. About this trailer, it is very small and has about 12 people living in it. Kids stand on the porch naked and play in the streets. The neighborhood used to be nice. When you drive around the block you get the middle finger from the 4 year old, the 5 year old moons people. While the lovely young mothers pass out from pills. I called social services, they tell me Im telling them, "hear say". So let the lot lizards suiside on pills and the brats get squashed in the road. I've done all I can do.
Not billie jim bob bubba
bristol, tn USA - Friday, May 23, 2003 at 12:40:24 (PDT)
cuz this time i read all the shit. It made me cry and u know that is something i hardly do. I know how that fucked up school works and i know you were a very great student since i might u in 7th grade I cant think of many days at all that you missed. Everyone if you are reading this Shanda is a very nice person with a great personality she would do anything for anyone just to please them and I had the teacher she had and I'll be straight up she's a bitch I had decent artwork nothing like Shanda's but I got told that was'nt good enough many of times and the teacher knew I have broke my hand many times in the past. This just show's you the talent Shanda had that the teacher wished she had and I know that for a fact I have seen both or there art work and Shanda's put her's to shame. Well, cuz I'm gonna send more and more on here entill something is done and if you get the time I would love to have a drawling or a painting cause I know how beautiful they are, but just remember I'll always be here for you and fuck Sullivan North High well Love Ya, Bobby hawkins A.K.A BoB-e-b
Bobby Hawkins <diggy327@yahoo.com>
Churchill, TN USA - Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 22:08:24 (PDT)
Cuz that was the best shit anyone could have done to them assholes. But hell look on the good side your still going to college and i am so damn proud of u for showin this too all theses people that really need to know this shit. But hell don't let them get u down just keep on going n life I'll always be here 4 you no matter what Love Ya Cuz, Bobby P.S I hope u read this
Bobby Hawkins <diggy327@yahoo.com>
Churchill, TN USA - Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 20:30:18 (PDT)
Correction on the note below only 1/2 inch of her stomach was uncovered. This caused a female teach to over react.
worried Mother
Blountville, TN USA - Friday, May 02, 2003 at 06:24:40 (PDT)
I have four children in the Sullivan County School system. My oldest attends Sullivan Central, her first year there has been a nightmare. She is smart and athletic. She and her friends are harrassed every single day by other students, mostly girls. These girls threaten to cut, kill, and beat her up. My children are also harressed because we are Catholic, this only by other students. I have contacted Mr. Ward numerous times. He did pull in the girls that are making the threats, only to add to their fire. It has not stopped. Also the school anual I paid $65.00 for was altered to hurt students and teachers. My point is the teachers and Mr. Ward do nothing to keep order and control in that school. Mr. Ward spends time at the Country Club EATING!! He also likes to line his pockets with money that was donated for athletics. This was on the news a while back, you know, investigation etc. I haven't heard another word on the "accounting" at Sullivan Central. I am afraid that something bad is going to happen at Central, there are wonderful good students there who are treated bad by teachers and other students who have obviously been raised by ignorant parents. The teachers cannot control them, the parents are afraid of them. My daugher was pulled out of her class because 1/2 of her stomach showed, she was told by a teach that she was obsene and made that teacher sick. My daughter was judged and harrased by this teacher because her shirt did not come all the way to the top of her jeans. However, cheerleads can wear skirts up to their butts and little tank like tops. The basketball players wear more than that. Letter have been written to Odell and Ward. They never reply. Wonder Why?
Worried Mother
USA - Friday, May 02, 2003 at 06:21:53 (PDT)
Being a resident and student of Sullivan County I admit that I am embarrassed to say I go to a Sullivan County school. Our school system is so poor that our superintendent is considering closing school early but we only have 1 more month until summer! Is there anyway that you could or would make a story about this?
Anonymous <jbecks_2@hotmail.com>
Kingsport, TN USA - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 20:16:34 (PDT)
Not long ago I did a search for my cousin's school, Sullivan North. I found Sullivan North Revealed on your website and to be honest I can believe Shanda's story. My cousin tells me the most horrific stories about that school and things that you wouldn't beleive. it's really sad to know what goes on in our local schools and that the board of education doesn't do anything about the problems. I was a Sullivan county student not too long ago and I witnessed crazy things. I'm glad to be out of those schools. more importantly I'm glad that the community is more aware of the problems thanks to websites like yours. Keep up the good work!
Megan Carter <meg_jrs2000@yahoo.com>
Kingsport, TN USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 20:52:05 (PST)

 


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