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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
Posts: 24
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Great Valley Taxpayers, Parents, Students, and Alumni have expressed their disagreement with the Athletic Director's decision to dismiss Coach Philips from his long held position as Great Valley High School's Football Coach and the School Board ignored their points. It seems that winning is everything to our school board. All the other life lessons and values that our students have learned from Coach Philips mean nothing. And why are the "Stakeholders" so quiet about this? After all they have had a great deal to say prior to the School Board elections every time the GVSB did not do what a group of parents and taxpayers asked for at meetings. Could it be because the new members of the School Board are the Great Valley "Stakeholders"? With that said all we have to do is look at the latest posting on the "Stakeholders" website to know how the five plus one will vote, regardless to what the majority of tax payers, parents, and students know needs to be done.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/18/2009
Posts: 13
Location: Malvern
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The public probably will never know why Mr. Phillips was dismissed. The district isn't saying why ... no surprise there, it's probably district policy not to comment on such matters. But strangely Mr. Phillips isn't saying why ... if the dismissal wasn't justified seems he would put it all out there for us to judge for ourselves. So it seems many are jumping to an unjustified conclusion that this is all about winning and losing. There are two suspicious non-events associated with this whole saga: [1] the union isn't backing Mr. Phillips, and [2] current football players/parents/boosters aren't backing Mr. Phillips. What little support Mr. Phillips mustered at the last school board meeting consisted of one former player, one current player, and [oddly] two or three other people unassociated with Great Valley football. 17 years of coaching and that's it? Yes, he got 91 fellow teachers/friends/sheep to sign a document supporting him. I'm really wondering if any of them have ever attended a football game. I'd like to hear what the 20 or so teachers that refused to sign have to say.
GVSD has a new superintendent, a new high school principal, and a relatively new high school athletic director. All are a considerable improvement over their predecessors. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt that this was a well thought out decision that is in the best interests of our student athletes. To me it's refreshing to finally have people in the district willing to clean house ... hopefully this is just the beginning and serves as a wake-up call for all teachers & coaches at GV. Thank you school board members for supporting them, and recognizing that dabbling in personnel minutia isn't what we elected you to do.
And to those of you suggesting that our school board is "ignoring" you ... well they should, since they have all the facts of the case and you have none.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
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md41513 Your comments are somewhat questionable. First you are assuming some sort of guilt or wrong doing by suggesting that Mr. Phillips should be out there discussing this publicly. First of all that would not be a professional thing to do. Secondly, discussions of this nature are not generally permitted to be discussed outside of the room in which they occure.
With respect to "suspicious non-events" [1] the teachers union might not have anything to do with EDR's (Extra Duty Contracts), and [2] it has been reported that very few students showed up for the 2 football meetings and that the students are considering just not going out this year.
As for the boosters/parents not "backing" Mr.Phillips it's not surprizing. When several parents actually called the school and blamed the coach and administrators for ruining their boys Senior year, for the suspension from school participation in school activities they earned, after the players were busted for underage drinking by the police (who unfortunately enabled their behavior by only charging them with disturbing the peace). Some of those boys were actually busted two nights in a row. School policy is very clear on issues of drinking and all parents sign the information sheet at the begining of the school year. Really? It is the coaches and administrative staff that are responsible for the players illegal behavior? Gee I wonder why some of the parents aren't supporting Mr. Phillips? The community also knows that Havrilla and other football booster club parents are members of the "Stakeholders".
Your accusation of Mr. Phillips is completely not true when you say that Mr. Phillips "got 91 fellow teachers/friends/sheep to sign a document supporting him." The truth is that school employee's did that on their own. Mr. Phillips had nothing to do with that pettition. And being that we have so many new teachers, I would suspect those who don't really know him well or don't want to stick their neck out when they don't have tenure would be reason enought to remain uninvolved.
Seriously, the only thing [odd] about people "unassociated" with Great Valley football speaking on Mr. Phillips behalf is that you would think that was odd. Are you saying that people who know Mr. Phillips personally, professionally, or have had their lives positively affected by Mr. Phillips don't have a right to speak or have an opinon if they disagree with something that has an impact on not just Mr. Phillips, but his family, and the community?
Quite frankly you are also off base by suggesting that we do not elect school board members to participate in personnel matters. That certainly is part of the job even if it is a small part. However, eliminating a portion of someones income is not something most people would dismiss. It would also be prudent for our board to look at the fact that since hiring the current Athletic Director many of the teams GV plays are not the same as the ones GV use to play. Given that there is not really a feeder source could this be part of the problem. Is GV playing teams that put us in the position of being the underdog?
You know, your coment about the school board having all the facts and this writer having none is quite interesting as you are making an assumption, but what is even more interesting is that if we apply your comment as fact to the previous school board it would strip away many of the things that the "Stakeholders" have ranted about. After all......"since they (the school board) were the only one's who had all the facts and the "Stakeholders" only had accusations, complaints, disagreements, and the use of raising specters of ill doing.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/16/2009
Posts: 25
Location: Malvern
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Nicki,
Frankly, I don't know where to begin! MD41513 has it correct. The school board has nothing to do with Gary Phillips hire/fire situation. It is the new administration, building principal and athletic director that does the hiring and firing of coaching staff. Mr. Phillips has had 17 years to develope of "football program" he could have done that by working with the middle school coaches (who REALLY REALLY NEED GUIDANCE) to develope players and improve the program. He didn't and given he's had 17 years and now it is time to move on!
I do feel bad about the loss of income in such stressful times when no one is getting raises (except a GV teacher union members), and most making less than they did last year. Maybe Mr. Phillips could become a mentor (this is a duty that teachers get paid for to guide younger teachers during the school day), I think they receive about $2500 per year. He could also continue to coach baseball...he does get paid for that.
I'm not sure about your problem with Stakeholder's not getting involved....why would they? It is evident that the community supports this change of direction, I'm just sorry that it is hard on the large group of teachers that are so use to getting their own way. Change is tough, Nicki, but I think eventually you'll be able to handle it!
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
Posts: 24
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truthplease,
Really love the smug condesending attitude! However, it does not come as a surprise and neither are your on going attacks on the Great Valley teachers, who are for the most part, some of the best teachers in the area as well as great mentors for our children. But I digress.
[The school board has nothing to do with Gary Phillips hire/fire situation.] Not competely true and is misleading:
Fact: While they may not actually make the finale decision, they do weigh in on these decisions when members of the community have concerns and disagreement with what is taking place in our schools and having an impact on our children. Unless one is a renter, we pay the property taxes that support our schools and those of us who have children in the schools have an even greater stake in those decisions. The school board represents us - the taxpayer, parent, and students. So contrary to your statement, the board does have something to do with the hire/fire situations of staff.
Philly Inquirer: Tue, Jan. 12, 2010 - Great Valley board stands by dismissal - by Matt Gelb
"We've been advised in what's goin on," Great Valley School District board president Bruce Chambers said. "We have looked at it, and we approve of the process they've taken."
[It is evident that the community supports this change of direction] Not a completely true statement and again misleading.
Philly Inquirer: Tue, Jan. 12, 2010 - Great Valley board stand by dismissal - by Matt Gelb (Chambers said the board also has received a good deal of e-mail and communication from community members who are upset by the decision.)
[I'm not sure about your problem with Stakeholder's not getting involved...why would they?]
The "Stakeholders" have a history of complaining about the previous board not doing what the public / taxpayers want. Suddenyly they are silent. Why? [I'm just sorry that it is hard on the large group of teachers that are so use to getting their own way.].....Your words, not mine.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/16/2009
Posts: 25
Location: Malvern
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Nicki,
You have also been identified as a teacher/union member/district office employee. One would just hope you are smart enough not to be using a school computer during the school day! That would be a shame!
I must say I do agree we do have some of the best teachers in the area. I did also believe they were great mentors to our children until a large group of them yelled, began cheers and interupted the school board meeting last week. I don't want my children to emulate that behavior. I was there, as were you....
FACT: I NEVER send my snotty nose kids to school to get the teachers sick....as called out by a teacher.
FACT: Less than 1/3 of the teachers employed by the district live in the district....so the VAST majority are not taxpayers.
FACT: The school board's only employee they are allowed to fire is Dr. Lonoconus. Until he does something wrong they need to support his choices. Hence Mr. Chamber's response to the newspaper.
FACT: Emails were also sent in support of the decision to go in a different direction....it went both ways
Your last paragraph makes no sense, so I'm unable to respond.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
Posts: 24
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truthplease,
BUZZZ! I am not a teacher, not a union member of any kind, nor am I a district office employee. Better luck next time!
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 1/19/2010
Posts: 12
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To the ironically named truthplease...
The person who made the "snotty nosed kids" comment chose her words poorly. A moderately intelligent person knows that what she intended to communicate was that schools, especially elementary schools, are prime areas for germs, whether it be the flu or cold virus. Also, she is not a Great Valley teacher. As for your exchange with nicki, taking a threatening tone does this debate no justice.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/16/2009
Posts: 25
Location: Malvern
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To the Silly person named Commonsense:
Listen to the tape...
It proves she is a teacher....."You sent your snotty nose kids to school and WE get sick......" Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
it was a teacher and the more I hear on this forum makes me think I should go elementary school to elementary to identify the teacher and as the administration has indicated have her punished for her comments. What will that do to make life better for all of us? Thanks...you've inspired me! Will do! I'll say commonsense sent me...
As for the debate with teacher, Nicki...there is no threatening tone. Unless she is worried about something?? It is hard to debate with the silly, and ill-informed.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 1/19/2010
Posts: 12
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You'll help the district more by letting the teachers teach instead of putting up with a hunt to punish those who say things you don't like, even when they say it poorly. After all, you are concerned with exhibiting behavior for the children to emulate and I think that's admirable.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/2/2009
Posts: 59
Location: Malvern
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fx3254 wrote:I also find it interesting that, since the election, the site no longer has a "contact us" button. Why? Suddenly, I guess all the problems with the district have gone away. I find it hard to believe that a "conflict of interest" doesn't exist.
Haha, this comment is great. Please share with us what exactly the "conflict of interest" would be.
It's a website. Somebody created it. Hey guess what? You can create a website too! You can put lots of buttons on it if you want. And you know what else? You could even run for the school board if you'd like.
I've seen school districts where board members have their own personal websites and they blog their personal opinions. Oh my goodness! That's scary isn't it? What's really scary is the lack of understanding people have about the internet.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/18/2009
Posts: 13
Location: Malvern
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nicki wrote:Are you saying that people who know Mr. Phillips personally, professionally, or have had their lives positively affected by Mr. Phillips don't have a right to speak or have an opinon
No, of course I'm not saying that. I'm simply saying that opinions would be far more relevant coming from people who have had direct experience with Mr. Phillips in a football venue. All of his supporters had an opportunity to speak on Mr. Phillip's behalf at last night's hugely attended school board meeting. And how many stood and sang his virtues? Nobody. Not one.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
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md41513,
Not sure what the attitude is all about or what on earth Coach Phillips could possibly have done that makes you choose to be so ugly about him, but the focus of last night's meeting was on the budget, our children's education, their future, taxes, and property values. That was the reason people were at the meeting last night.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 1/19/2010
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It's possible that what is so appealing would be the numerous references to the Commonwealth Foundation, based in Harrisburg (commonwealthfoundation.org) that are found on the stakeholders' web site. The is a non-partisan (self described) right wing think tank. Think tanks of course, be they right or left wing, are really echo chambers for talking points from their particular side. "Research" is produced by a "scholar" to support a pre established conclusion. There is certainly nothing illegal in reading or being a member of such an organization, but it does raise certain questions. Are the board members who are so enamored with this organization acting in the best interests of the Great Valley community or this Harrisburg organization? Do any of the board advocate the positions of this organization so that they can use Great Valley as a spring board for higher office? If either is true, the needs of Great Valley are, sadly, not a priority. The extent to which the board responds to the community should prove instructive in this area.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/2/2009
Posts: 59
Location: Malvern
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Now there we go, commonsense has made a reasoned argument for why he disagrees with the website. He also did so without claiming some sort of illegal conflict of interest. Do you see the difference fx3254? You should take his example in the future. Don't just claim "conflicts of interest" that don't exist and that you clearly had no idea of in your own head, but rather just hoped from some mysterious legality to spring out of nowhere.
Now as to the actual arguments, we can then have a debate. When someone quotes national trends, we should examine the facts that are presented to see if these really are trends. Whether the trends come from a website (commonwealth?), a candidate (obama?), a party (republicans?), or your friend down the street ... you can't sit back and just claim its validity based on the source ... the most biased sources can present facts that are absolutely true.
So rather than sitting on a forum like this and throwing around abstract insinuations about websites and conflicts of interests, why don't you look up the facts and present a coherent argument. I haven't seen one from you yet. Your "conclusive evidence" is that the trends came from a website! It's laughable...that's not even remotely close to "evidence"...
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/2/2009
Posts: 59
Location: Malvern
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fx3254 deleted all of his posts. Wow, am I really that persuasive? :)
I guess that's the end of that debate.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Administration
Joined: 5/17/2008
Posts: 115
Location: Charlestown
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The comment about "snotty nosed kids" was over the top. If that person is a teacher, I'm not sure they're in the right profession.
Someone was making a comment they disagreed with; I think it likely they can disagree with that person without insulting an innocent third party.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/20/2009
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Absolutely positive.... that person that made that comment was NOT a teacher. Some may want to believe that, but facts are facts.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 1/16/2009
Posts: 25
Location: Malvern
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What is the status of this tread.... Do we have a new football coach?
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