Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So are they just going to screw all those teachers who worked last year and didn't get paid? Typical Shelby Academy! I am calling for someone on this illegal board (per the bylaws, must be a parent of a student) to get on here and lay us a plan for how the debts are going to be paid before we think about sending kids back over there to be looking for new schools again the next year!

Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's what I thought they aren't going to answer because they don't plan on paying any debts!! Nobody in their right sane minds would send kids to this place.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am Paige Phillips, a member of Board. I would like to address your many "misstatements"
The By-laws of Shelby Academy state that Board members must be both registered voters in the geographical area, and members of the organization. Members are: 1. Parents of students (OR) 2. Pays dues as set by the Board. EVERY MEMBER of the Board of Trustees falls into one of the above categories. You are totally incorrect on your statement of "illegal board"
It is NOT (and never will be) the intent of the Board NOT to pay the teachers. Do you not understand the school closed due to financial reasons? People assume because the school is re-opening, there is this great windfall of money that we should pay the teachers. Not the case. The only liabilities the school has paid since the closing is utilities, insurance and mortgage payments. This would not have been done without the generous support of the Alumni . These bills had to be kept current if there was any hope of re-opening the school.
I regret you have so much hatred in your heart for an institution that has done nothing but try and do their best for children over the past 40 years. Just as any "business" makes difficult decisions, this was the case with Shelby. With the downfall of the economy and falling enrollment, combined with some unfortunate business decisions, Shelby was forced to close for the year to re-organize.
All budgets have been evaluated. Curriculum and administration has been restructured. A current Board of committed individuals who have met weekly, talked over the phone and through emails averaging 15-20 hours weekly for the past 6 months. I dont see many of the parents or teachers at the school volunteering their time so we could re-open the school and (OH YEAH.. pay the teachers)
I didn’t get on here to get into a heated email battle. I am here to set the story straight since there are so many that simply don’t have the correct information. I am a dedicated loyal Alumni that wants nothing but to see a school that my parents helped to build in 1970 survive. The Christian curriculum we have put in place will be going back to basics, PUTTING GOD FIRST.
People can’t change what has happened in the past. Its very misfortunate that things happened the way they did. But IT'S THE PAST.. All you can do about the past is learn from the mistakes. This Board spent the last 6 months identifying those mistakes, adopting a strategic plan and implementing that plan so these mistakes would not happen again. I dont understand why so many others can't accept that. All people do is keep throwing accusations at THIS Board for something that OTHERS did without giving them ANY credit for trying to correct the past mistakes.
Before you start blasting this Board, you need to call the school and ask that one of us call you and discuss these matters in person. I think if that happened, you might change your attitude

Posted by bama_mama (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A lot of people have been working very hard to find a solution to reopen Shelby Academy. 242424, if you are opposed to sending your children there, no one will make you. However, at least allow other people to make that decision for themselves without accusing them of insanity.

Despite school politics, there are a lot of people around here who received a solid education from Shelby Academy. With proper management and a fresh start, many more could do so in the future. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the school to go to the meeting and hear what this board has to say. Then you will be able to make an informed choice for your children.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks bama_mama for your comments. Even though I commented on the requirements of the Board, i did not elaborate on the "make-up" of the Board. 6 Board members are alumni (4 sent their children to Shelby). All other Board members have had children and or grandchildren attend or graduate from the school. THEREFORE, ALL of us have the bests interest of the school in mind. None were "placed on the board" with any hidden agendas. We all want to see the school survive.. and thrive for many years to come..

Will it happen? We certainly hope so. But you know what? If it doesn't I will know that I personally tried my best as some others have. We will be able to sleep at night knowing that we did everything in our power to make a change. Which is more than i can say for 242424 and others

Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How can guarantee since you haven't even paid old debts that these people whose kids go here will not be moving their kids again next year when a teacher files a suit against them, then they will be gone to 4 schools in 4 years and that is insane

Posted by liz (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

242424, you want a guarantee? There are no guarantees in life. But, I can tell you this, I have worked hard to try to help the school. As a graduate of SA, I despise the amount of negativity that is being spewed by folks who only what to criticize, but yet don’t want to lift a finger to help. People yap on and on only repeating the same ole dribble. I AM TIRED OF IT!!! I CAN NOT CHANGE THE PAST!!! But, what I can do is work towards a BETTER FUTURE! I should have jumped into this sooner, and perhaps I would have been able to keep the school from closing. I own that mistake and it is totally mine. But you must realize that no one person will receive a dime if the school folds. So, I issue you this challenge. Show up to the meeting with an open mind and see for yourself. I doubt you will take us up on the offer, but it is there. And I can say that I gave it my all to help the school that I and my parents built. I challenge you to 'roll up your sleeves and put your hands into it". Are you ready to meet the challenge??

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It took me 4 times to read your post before I think I understand it 242424. A little bit of a run on sentence but I think i am understanding that you are wanting some kind of guarantee the school will remain open.

I agree with liz, (whoever you are).. there are no guarantees in life. BUT i can guarantee you one thing. If the school does re-open, it will definately not be run the same nor have the same attitude as it did when it closed. I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT. I also know what we have done to prevent the same problems as before. When you run a school like a "business" and make good judgement and business decisions, then the business will thrive and be a viable business.

Guarantees? no, i have none. We are not asking the same parents to bring their children back again. If they feel that way, they need to stay the same place they are now.

We are reaching out to parents who want an alternative to their childs education as they are receiving currently. Including a safe, and Christian envoironment with a quality education. If that is not your family, then stay where you are.

And why do you keep harping on this paying of old debts? did you not even read my previous post when i explained all of that? Debts will get paid when the school gets back on its feet and gets income generated again.

Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The old debts are kind of important to the tune of about 800 000 I am told, so if someone who is owed money they can file a suite in civil court forcing Shelby to pay or bankrupt. This would mean all the kids having to move again. Also trying to reach out to new people has been tried again and again to no avail and won't work this time. It is a sports school and that must be embraced or there's no reason for it. It is hard to believe you aren't interested in any of the old students, that is a slap in the face to those who rode a sinking ship all the way under.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I spend more time on here correcting your misstatements. I dont know WHERE you got this $800,000 figure. If you were at any of the meetings you would know this. The school has a mortgage of $375,000. They HAD a line of credit that was pulled in the amount of $600,000. THEY DONT OWE THAT MONEY.

They do owe a couple months salary to some of the teachers. HOWEVER, if any of those teachers received unemployment, whatever WE pay them, they will have to repay unemployment. That has been verified by our attorneys.

And thats the problem with the school in the first place. It turned into an athletic school. THAT MY DEAR IS THE BIG CHANGE. Academics will come FIRST... thats what a quality education is.

And in ending i NEVER said i was not interested in the old students coming back. What I DID say was if they all feel that way, then stay where they are. I dont blame them for not wanting to move again so we are not going to sit here and beg them.

And the thing that really frustrates me the most about your comments is all about "pay old debts", "sue the school," "people would be in sane to send kids there." Why are you spending so much energy on hating this school instead of trying to help and make a difference and make a change? All you want to do is complain about the OLD ways and not do anything to try and change the way things were. We are not in the past any longer... we are looking toward a brighter future for all children attending Shelby Academy

Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just as I thought already investigated a way to screw the teachers out of their money good luck on finding new ones, oh yea you could just get parents to volunteer like the headmaster. It'll never make it without sports so good luck. There are absolutey no teachers who will work for Shelby and for free

Posted by topwith (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just don't see why any parent would risk sending their high school student to a school in this precarious situation. The niche that you describe is already filled in this area by Kingwood, Cornerstone, Evangel Classical etc. What can Shelby Academy in its current state possibly offer that these other schools can't? They already have established faculty, support staff, students, athletics and other activities. It just seems backwards. Most private schools form because a group of parents with school age children come together seeking a particular education for their children. It seems that in this case a group of people holding onto the past are trying to recreate a school for which there is no longer any demand. I suppose that I could be wrong about this. We'll see over the next few weeks.

Posted by shelbycommenter (anonymous) on February 14, 2010 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems to me that the way to re-begin, if indeed a new beginning can occur, is at the bottom and not the top. It would be easier to get students into a K-5 program and build from the bottom up, wouldn't it, rather than to try to re-open a high school first? After all, you could have one teacher and fifteen students in one K-5 classroom. But if you try to open a high school and you have fifteen high school students, how many different teachers would you have to hire? A math expert, a chemistry expert, a biology expert, English, history, etc.? For what parent would send a child to a high school without a diverse, qualified faculty?

I have no "dog" in this fight, but as a teacher myself, I rather take offense at the flippant way that the Shelby defenders have been treating the issue of paying the teachers, especially the remark about not seeing the teachers coming back to the school to volunteer to help it re-open. If you were working at a job and had had your wages stolen, would you come back and volunteer? I imagine they are somewhere working, trying to make ends meet, just like the rest of us, and have neither the time nor the inclination to throw away more of their efforts, especially for a school whose new leaders (didn't you say you were on the board?) seem to care so little about resolving the school's financial obligation to them. I would think that the only kind of teacher you would possibly be able to recruit would be the cast-off, unable to work anywhere else kind. They're out there, but who among us want our kids to be taught by them?

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 14, 2010 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the thing that REALLY perturbs me about all of your comments is the fact that you keep stating we dont care about trying to pay back the teachers. If that was the case, we would have stuck a for sale sign at the end of the road 6 months ago, then you could really take a gamble if you would ever get paid back. Obviously you are a teacher or you wouldnt be saying such hateful comments.

YOU ARE WRONG about not surviving unless we are an athletic school. After reveiwing all of the finances, THATS THE MAIN REASON the school closed. To many free rides to athletes. So you can get off that bandwagon. If we do open, we must start out slow and develop an athletic program that will stand on its own and not lose approximately 10% of the annual budget to scholarships.

We have definately researched the fact that opening only the preschool is the most economical. All of this depends on the interest we get. All we have said is, we are ready to open. Ready for students and ready for income so we can pay back the past debts. But you know what.. since all of you continue to bash the school with these negative comments, that may just seal the deal for us not to open. We just cant continue to find the hatred and negative people such as yourself that dont even have the guts to call the school and talk to someone in person, yet hide behind screen names to vent your frustrations. So if we dont get the interest and the students to re-open you can certainly rest easy at night knowing that you did EVERYTHING in your power to see that the school didnt open by continuing these false accusations and negative comments.

It seems that YOU are the ones living in the past, not us. Since you wont let go of what happened and embrace people that are trying to make a change and make a difference. And you were RIGHT about one thing... maybe it was the PAST that was working, and thats why we are trying to make it like it was in the 70's and 80's. At least from what we can tell.. Once they got away from God and concentrated more on throwing a football.. is when it started going downhill....

Posted by 242424 (anonymous) on February 15, 2010 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's the deal Paige, you weren't without a job or money to feed your family after you worked all year, so when that happens to you then you can talk like its no big deal. The deal is Shelby has wronged so many people its hard to move on. You are not going to get a free pass and get to just open back up like it never happened. Have you thought about opening up under a new name and whole new concept? See you have to offer the people something they cannot get at public school, in the past that's been sports. Maybe you tru a Christian school, that's what all the other private schools offer in shelby county. It can't be a "good" education because they can get that for free in shelby county public schools, and since you don't want to embrace sports you have nothing left. So I don't know what to tell you other than good luck!

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 15, 2010 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, thats where you are wrong again. You see, that HAS happened to me in the past. I was working and the company went into bankruptcy and we were all without jobs and income. And it IS a very big deal. But you know what? It happens. It happens daily in America where bad business decisions force companies to close and restructure. Therefore, I CAN speak to this issue.

I don’t understand why you keep blaming this new Board for the shortcomings of the previous administration. There is no one currently on this Board that made any of those prior decisions. If the school files for bankruptcy, then NO ONE gets paid, do you not understand that? And believe me, that IS an option. The only other option was to re-open the school and pay the teachers. Why do you keep saying that we dont want to pay the teachers? I just dont understand those comments at all. You have never been to a board meeting nor talked with the board members about their plans. You just continue to get on here and blog negative comments that you havent been paid. Its always been a priority to pay the teachers, thus the reason we have spent countless hours on the reorganization.

Yes, we have thought about opening up under a new name and new concept. We thought it was better to restructure, reorganize and re-open. That was the decision of the Board. We will be offering so much more than the public schools and I do beg to differ with you on the education they are getting in some of the public schools. Yes, there are some great public schools, however, there are also some that are very low on the scale of providing a quality education. And when you place athletics far above academics, then you have lost sight of education all together, which you seem to have done. And trust me, I “embrace sports”. While at Shelby, I played all sports offered to girls, basketball, softball and volleyball. Therefore I am a huge advocate of sports. However we were a viable school in the 70’s and 80’s, suffered through low economic times then as well. And you know what.. all without all the state championship trophies. So it can be done.

We have received the unemployment reports and know which teachers have received unemployment and which ones have obtained employment. While I do understand the struggle, the hurt and frustration, you have given me (and the rest of the Board) no CREDIT WHATSOEVER for the effort we have put forth to get money back in your pocket. I guess maybe I am taking it all a little personally, because again, I don’t see many other volunteers coming to the school every weekend giving up personal family time and all the spare time I have trying to make this all work again. So thanks for the wish of good luck.. but at this point, it will take a little more than that to make this all work.

Posted by liz (anonymous) on February 15, 2010 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

242424, I too have had a company do this to me. I was working for a company who sold it (guess how we and the clients found out....A Note taped to the Door!) and had a department that I help open up shut down with out notice (went into work at 9:00am and left at 10:00am unemployed). So, I feel your pain. I would have loved the opportunity to go back and work with my clients at the first place this happened to me at even though they owed me approx $8000.00. WHY you ask? Because of the clients I had and my coworkers. We were like a family. I would have loved the opportunity to collect one dime of the money that they owed me, but I NEVER WILL. So, I had to pick myself up and figure out what to do next. I chose to make the best I could out of a really bad situation.
This relates to SA. We are trying to make the best out of a very bad situation. I feel for the kids who didn't get to graduate from SA far more than you do I am sure. I feel for the teachers in that we owe them for their sevices, but have no money to pay everyone. That's why I am putting my blood, tons of sweat equity and yes, tears into this. I have a vested interest. I grew up there, Heck, I can even take you into sections of the school that I helped paint when the school first was built and when my senior class painted the school as a gift. And, I have sat in meetings and cried over how the state of my beloved school had changed (giving scholorships to someone to play football who didn't hardly play a lick!!). Those of us that have shown up to work are the few and the proud. We need prayers and working hands more than condemnation for our efforts to reopen the school and pay what is owed. We are trying, believe me. However, you do need to come and hear/see for yourself. Come and get answers that you desire. See what the plan is. I'll be there. Look for the non-broad member who might have paint on her or is sitting there trying not to cry (and I am tearing up as I type this over the school that I so love and seeing the negative things that are being said that are wrong).

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Topwith is absolutely right! Also, the reason Shelby closed was not because of free rides for athletes. The athletes worth anything paid their own way and then some. There were very few scholarships for athletes. Seriously? I agree there is no need for Shelby Academy right now. What can you offer that the surrounding schools can't? NOTHING! Cornerstone is a good school, Kingwood is a good school, amongst others. And they all stepped in to help the kids that were displaced and have treated all families well. Better than Shelby treated families. I don't blame the new board for any of the past. I believe the new board has good intentions. I believe it's too little too late and not necessary. Shelby is not what is was and never will be. Let those who attended and graduated (the one's that were lucky to) have some dignity. Yes their school closed but it was good while it lasted. Don't make it worse if it fails again. Also, teachers having to pay back unemployment is ridiculous. And not true. They only collected unemployment for the time they were not working, not for back pay. I'd get a new attorney. Maybe legal advise is part of the problem the school had in the past. That along with a veering away from Christ. And it's not like they weren't warned. I do appreciate the new board's intention to get back to Christ, there are other schools that already offer it. Is Shelby going to be more Christian and better academically? NO! And you can't guarantee that, so to say otherwise would be dishonest. Let it go. Pay who you owe, and get on with your lives and let the rest of us have good memories of Shelby. I know you say to pay what you owe means to generate an income. You could also sell the property. Isn't the Christian thing to do is pay your debts and make ammends. Why are you more concentrated on enticing new people to believe in Shelby. Take care of the ones that actually loved it once, and stop all of the embarrassment. Are you really aware of word on the street? Seriously?

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Liz, with the heart that is sounds like you have, wouldn't your time for Christ be better spent on a new venture? One that perhaps He has planned? God already closed the doors of Shelby. Have you really prayed. I mean a prayer other than, "Please reopen Shelby?" Have you prayed for God's will? Maybe he has something greater for you to be spending your time on. I don't know that to be true, just a question. Maybe this is your calling. I am not judging, just asking because you seem so heart felt. Change can bring on many possibilities and rewards we never dreamed possible. Change and closure opens up other doors that Christ provides to us. But I understand. The heart wants what it wants. We've all been there. We wanted Shelby to remain open. We prayed the same way so our kids could graduate and be spared from a lot of heartache. Not what God had planned for us. And now, we are blessed beyond belief. Most of us.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Although I have great love for Shelby and the time my children spent there, I must say I agree with Shelbycommenter 100%. Also, just because some people disagree with the re-opening, IN NO WAY MEANS WE DON'T LOVE THE SCHOOL AND ARE NOT SUPPORTIVE! We are just being honest. Not negative, just honest.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 3:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, someone asked for a guarantee. Yes, I believe when it comes to children, parents need a "reasonable" guarantee. Yes things can happen. But no parent in their right mind will GAMBLE with their children's life. Nor should they. A new venture with proper backing would be a better option. Or an established school. Those are not guarantees, but certainly better options. A place that is grasping at straws is not an option for a loving, informed parent. Cornerstone will not close next year. Kingwood will not close next year. None of the public schools will close next year. Evangel, Bessemer, etc will not close next year. So yeah, a guarantee would be nice. You can't tell me that if you had a 9th or 10th grader you would send your child to Shelby next year if they open. For that matter even a K3, 4, or 5. Who would be teaching them? Some volunteer babysitter? And if you did, I would question your motives or your intelligence. Yes, there are no guarantees, the rapture could come tomorrow and none of this would matter. Maybe we should spend our time on what matters. Roll Shelby. Roll the memory of Shelby. Pay the teachers, let the children that had to move have dignity. You can't offer something better than what is already out there. What are you selling? We love Shelby and want it to remain a GOOD MEMORY. Move on.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not quite sure what set of books you are looking at when you said athletes paid their own way because they DID NOT, I assure you. Over 13 scholarships were handed out every year to the tune of over $50,000. That’s a lot of money coming straight off of the budget. And no, that is not the only reason the school closed. The school closed because of bad business decisions in a time of economic downfall. Its just as plain and simple as that. (on the financial side). Then to address the curriculum side, yes over the years they did lose their focus on the Christian principals the school was founded upon. Cornerstone and Kingwood are good schools, I am sure. However Shelby has been a foundation in this area for over 40 years and you know what? I know you said let it go. But I am just not ready to. That’s the point, too many people were ready to let it go too quickly and that’s why it closed. In my personal opinion, we could have made some major adjustments and not closed altogether last fall. But that was not my decision.

Thank you for saying we do have good intentions. Finally someone is recognizing that. And in the end, you may be right about it being a little late. But I am not giving up the fight until the end. You are just wrong on the unemployment issues. Not only have we talked to a tax attorney, our accountant and the school attorney, we also consulted with the unemployment office direct. So I am not going to address those issues.

To answer your question about is Shelby going to be more Christian and better academically. The answer is definitely yes. We have reviewed different curriculums and have definitely upgraded the curriculum from the previous one.

As for your question about paying the debts. We cant sell property when its tied to the mortgage. We have definitely sold everything we can just to pay the utilities, mortgage and insurance. From the vans, busses, some of the athletic equipment and other items. So we are doing all that we can. Our hope was to reorganize, restructure and hopefully rebrand. But again with all the negativity that you and others are showing, its hard to do good when so many people want you to fail. It breaks my heart to know that this school was in the shape it was in, and that there is so much hatred in peoples hearts against what has happened. You keep talking about the Christian thing to do. My Christian morals and principals tell me to do whats right. Do whats good. And of course do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Maybe that’s what we are trying to accomplish. A sound Christian environment where children can learn the morals and values of placing God first in their lives. Maybe we see a different light than you. Maybe we see something that has fallen over the years that with a little hard work, dedication and love we can make it work. If not, then all I can say it was very much WORTH THE WORK and I will continue my efforts, and above all, my praying.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 2:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can sell property when it's tied to a mortgage. Everyone does it. You sell the property, pay off the lien, and there's money left; if there's equity, you take care of debt. Also, DO NOT blame the failure of Shelby on the negativity that me and others are showing. I am not showing negativity. I am showing a love and an honesty. It still never ceases to amaze me that people, especially Christians, which is sad, always say that people who disagree are being negative. Maybe we see a light that you don't. Do not blame the closing of Shelby on the few negative comments on a website that not a lot of people read anyway. Albeit, that's an easy out. Most people have respect and admiration for the efforts of the new board, but you all bit off more than you could chew. Certainly not more that God can chew, but he already made His decision. Also, don't use the word "hatred" that people have toward Shelby. It's more like disappointment and anger. We all wanted our kids to be able to stay. To try to open and invite new people is offensive to us. These efforts should have been made to take care of the ones that poured their hearts and money into it while it was viable. Also, if you have no money, how in the hell do you expect to hire decent teachers? When Shelby was still open and there was money, some of the teachers were deplorable. I'm coming to your meeting to find out what the "plan" is. I hope you can change my mind about sending my son and daughter back but I doubt it. I pray also. Often.

Posted by liz (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nothingbutlove4shelby, I have thought long and hard about how to respond to your questioning of my actions, saying that perhaps they were not the will of God for me to work to reopen Shelby. I don't think that you are the authority on what God wants me to do. New Venture you question?? Let me tell you that at the meeting that the old board had to vote to close Shelby, God spoke to me. I was ready to get up and BLAST some folks, BIG TIME with facts that I know. But, God closed my mouth and instead told me to get involved. And, what I have gotten back from my involvement is and has been rewarding. I have reconnected with past alumni and some of the parents that had kids at SA. I have become active in working to organize the SA Alumni Association. I have seen God working on people who I thought would NEVER have a relationship with Christ. I have been BLESSED beyond mere words. So, if and I say if, SA closes, I hope that all the naysayers are happy. I can hold my head up and say that I jumped in at the most difficult time, worked very hard and reconnected with some of the BEST PEOPLE on EARTH, SA GRADUATES!!! Long Live Shelby Academy. I WILL NEVER LET IT DIE!

Posted by bama_mama (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Impressive, ladies and gentlemen. Your passion is evident and your intelligence unquestioned. You have each brought something important to the discussion. Hopefully a number of these questions and concerns will be addressed thoroughly at the upcoming meeting.

As both an alumnus and a student parent at the time of the school closing - and also as one owed money by the school at this very moment - I can say that I think there is still a need for the school. For one thing "location, location, location." For another, dedication to education. The world will not end if the school does not reopen. Neither will it be irreparably damaged if it does reopen and, with effort and good stewardship, become again a viable, solid educational facility.

Yes, these things are available elsewhere, public and private. But if there are people willing to put their heart and effort into this project, perhaps that is exactly what God has been waiting for. I would not want to be the judge of God's will in this circumstance. Whichever way it plays out, there are good lessons to learn from the whole process, and may He be glorified ultimately.

I do hope that if there is a parent/family with even an inkling of interest in the school, he/she/they will take the time to find out more and make an informed decision about what Shelby Academy has or does not have to offer. I believe that much is due the people who are working so determinedly right now to see if this reopening can be accomplished.

Posted by liz (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you bama_mana! Hope to see you at SA soon!!! Don't forget that we have a Alumni Party coming up May 1st.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 17, 2010 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I did not blame the closing of the school on the negativity. What I DID say was the negativity is hard to overcome and could definitely hurt our chances of re-opening in the eyes of potential new families. You said that it never ceases to amaze you that “Christians” say just because you disagree you are being negative. Well to me the following comments are negative which have been directed to the school and the new Board:
“They are just going to screw the teachers”,
operating as an “illegal board”,
“nobody in their right sane minds would send their kids to this place”,
“you aren’t interested in any of the old students”,
“it’ll never make it without sports”,
“no teachers who will work for Shelby for free”,
“since you don’t want to embrace sports, you have nothing left”,
“no need for Shelby Academy right now”,
“what can you offer that surrounding schools can’t, NOTHING”,
“Shelby is not what is was and never will be”,
“Don’t make it worse if it fails again”,
“legal advice is part of the problem the school had in the past”,
“Is Shelby going to be more Christian and better academically?, NO!”
“let it go”,
“No parent in their right mind would gamble with their children’s lives”,
“grasping at straws”,
“who would be teaching them, some volunteer babysitter”

I hate to say it, but in my mind, those are all NEGATIVE comments and not just disagreement with the re-opening. Hey, I am all about a nice debate. But only with correct facts and most of what is stated in these blogs are incorrect information. I have never been one to really carry on like I have in these posts, however, I felt it necessary to address the misinformation and try and clear up some issues. Even though I don’t know any of you personally, I do take a lot of it personally. I never once said that you do not have good cause to feel hurt and pain. I would as well in your same situation, but why do you continue to “beat us up” so to speak for trying to make a wrong into a right. Why is that so bad? We never asked anyone to come and TEACH for free and volunteer. We only asked for people to come and help with things that needed done to reopen such as cleaning, landscaping, painting, etc. So, again you have taken comments and turned them around to something they are not. No matter what you say or do, we will continue to look at options and try and re-open. As I continue to say, if it doesn’t work, we gave it all we had… I realize I have released some frustrations in some of my comments and for that I do apologize. Shelby Academy has literally monopolized every minute of my time for the past 7-8 months, so I am a little sensitive to some of the issues. Hopefully the meeting next week will help ease some minds. We will not address any past issues nor negativity. The Board feels that those issues are in the past. The only way to have a brighter future is to learn from the past. We hope to be a positive force and give a positive message.

Posted by shelbycommenter (anonymous) on February 18, 2010 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At this meeting on February 23, will a potential faculty be in place and be presented to the prospective parents? How could anyone make an informed decision about the quality of education a school could offer if they didn't know who even a single teacher who was going to be? I'm not trying to be negative--I'm just asking for information. If that meeting on the 23rd is going to convince anyone to send their child to SA, then I think that you must be able to tell them at least some of the people that you plan on hiring as teachers, have those teachers at the meeting, and explain to the parents their credentials and your very specific plans for educating the students. Generalities about "excellent academics" will not work--you will need specific people and specific plans, and those plans will have to be very compelling to inspire anyone to send a child there. Because whether or not you believe it is true, sending a child to SA in its current state would be a risk. Again, I am not being negative--just honest. No amount of landscaping and cleaning and re-organizing curricular goals will replace having qualified, committed faculty in place. No responsible parent should send a child to a school that doesn't have a faculty!

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 19, 2010 at 2:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shelbycommenter is right once again. If you are going to have a faculty, they better be more experienced than the one's at other local Christian/Private schools. Otherwise, you can't tout that your curriculum is excellent or above the others around. Just like the principal that is "volunteering" right now. He is not educated as a headmaster, nor is he experienced to be a principal. I have seen where you posted on another website that he is a military man and went to some school, couldn't make it in one church, so he is now with the Anglican church. Not really sure what that's all about. Also, why all of a sudden is he wanting people to call him Bishop? Seriously, what is going on? I know most of you have good intentions and you're trying to SPIN things a certain way, but people are not stupid. Your wants and hopes are admirable and I'm sure come out of an emotional connection and an urging to do what you think is right. Don't have tunnel vision and take off your blinders. Do you want to be responsible for sucking kids in, maybe making it work a year (if you're able to do that?) and then having to close. Don't make business decisions with emotions. It will screw you every time. You could cause more harm than good with "good" intentions. All I've heard is heart and emotions, but no real good business plan. The articles that have been posted have not proffered much. There have been quotes by the Bishop that are vague and militant, however, just because you speak with an air of authority, does not make you an authority. Not a fan of Dr. Phil in the least, but I do love his famous quote....."GET REAL". I love Shelby for what it was and the time my children spent there. Shelby in it's last days screwed caring board members, dedicated coaches, teachers, students, etc. And don't ask us to get over that. How dare you think that your feelings are more important that ours. You think you're trying to do good, well, we did too. Many of us poured a lot more into the school over a longer period of time. Don't discount that. Just because you've stepped in now, after the fact, doesn't make you martyrs or heroes....just good people. Careful how you judge those that speak the truth that you just perhaps don't want to hear. What you say is negative, is actually reality.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 19, 2010 at 3:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One other question. How many of the new board members attended any school functions over the past few years? You profess to have a deep love, which I understand, but where was your support? You just want to jump in now and say it was the old board that let things go? If all that is required to be on the board is the requirements that you stated in a previous post, why were none of you interested? After the fact is great, but too little, too late. And don't blame the old board for not contacting you. You either love the school or you don't. It is your responsibility to stay in touch. Why is your passion alive now?

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 21, 2010 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The meeting on the 23rd will definitely outline the 5 year strategic plan, overview what has been done the past months and outline our immediate plans for opening the school. Our "emotions" are not making the business decisions. Part of the problem in the past is business decisions were led with hearts mostly and not heads. The current Board has finance and business experience, business owners, marketing specialists among others. This Board is very qualified to make accurate and sound business decisions. “Blogs” and informal interviews in the paper is NOT the place to put these detailed plans. There was a general meeting in November (which OBVIOUSLY no one blogging these comments attended.) At that meeting, we outlined everything IN DETAIL. But if you didn’t attend, then you don’t know what was said or outlined in that meeting. The reason you haven’t heard a good business plan because you choose not to come to the meetings or pick up the phone and call the school to ask for a personal meeting. I feel your issue with the Board not having a plan is inaccurate. There has been a plan since last August and anyone connected still with the school knows of these plans. We are now implementing the plan and ready for the re-opening.
As for faculty, we have secured a VERY qualified pre-school director with over 20 years of teaching experience in 4 and 5 k, AND who is also a licensed speech pathologists/therapist. She is credentialed and certified and can also do all of the speech path testing. (Something which a lot of schools in the surrounding area can’t offer.) As for the remaining faculty, we have plenty of applications for highly qualified teachers which is not appropriate to share the details in this format. Hopefully that addresses your concerns of the faculty. I can assure you every teacher will be fully certified from the state of Alabama as well as experienced in the area they are teaching.

The decision for a permanent headmaster has not been made. Bishop Jones graciously offered his services on a volunteer basis. Many people have done nothing but ridicule and criticize him for his efforts. He is only the interim Headmaster at this point. His PRIMARY duties in the military were strategic planning. He was to take troubled /critical projects, analyze the problems, develop the strategy to correct it and comprise an implementation plan. The Board felt this was the perfect qualifications for our current situation. There are no students to educate at this point.(even though you are wrong about his educational and leadership abilities) The school had to be reorganized, which was his objective. We had to find out what the problems have been over the years before we could even begin to restructure and go forward. As for him wanting people to “all of a sudden” call him Bishop. He has been a Bishop since he received the qualifications and he should be addressed as Bishop, it’s as plain and simple as that.

Posted by gizmo5822 (anonymous) on February 21, 2010 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don’t recall ever asking anyone to “get over their hurt”. On the contrary, I said people have very valid reasons to be emotional. Several of us have lived away from the school for years and unable to keep in constant contact with the school. It doesn’t mean our love does not exist. Our educational foundation helped us to go out in the world and tackle all that came our way. Having our own lives and careers to lead, we were not aware of any problems. Many students that graduate do not call their prior high school or show up at the athletics and functions on a continual basis. Doesn’t mean they don’t love and care for their alma mater. If someone called me 5 years ago and said the school was in a bind, I would have been doing just what I am now. Everything in my power to make it right again. I sent my child to Shelby. I am a parent and alumni. Every board member is either an alumni or parent of a child that attended. The only “agenda” each member has is to make this school viable again. We are trying to help NOW and I think that’s all that matters. It doesn’t make us a “martyr or hero” for helping. I also do not recall blaming the past board for not contacting us.

I have spent the last several days going back and forth on various issues in these blogs. I am here to let you know this is my last and final blog on your comments. I have spent way more time on this and neglected other things I need to be doing. I hope my comments have answered most or all of your questions. Our general meeting will address your issues as well. In addition, I ask you to please call the school and ask for a board member (or myself) to return your call and speak with you in person to address any issues that may not be addressed at the meeting. Placing all of these comments on line when there is so much discrepancy and misstatements is very misleading to the public. We do not agree on so many issues, and I am the first one to “agree to disagree”, however I believe you have received much inaccurate information. It is my opinion that most everyone which attended Shelby in the past has a love for the school. All we want to do is make it the best possible school, so that more children can have that same experience. Constructive criticism is great, as long as it is backed with accuracy and validity. We are doing things the best possible way we know how with the absolute best intentions. I ask that you join the cause. Maybe if you can explain some past situations, we can see if those specific issues have been addressed and correct them as well. If we are all wanting the same results, then maybe you would be willing to do that and join us in our efforts. Also we are not “judging” anyone as you stated. However in my opinion sitting back complaining about the way things were and not doing anything to help change them, doesn’t show much character. Not a judgment, just a statement of observation.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 23, 2010 at 4:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not sure why my comment I posted last night is not shown here, but here goes again. I've attended your meeting and I've spoken with board members. Now what?

Posted by kriskno (anonymous) on February 23, 2010 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothingbutlove4shelby - now you are just being a smart aleck. If you attend the meeting and talk to the board you will have the answer to your question.

Posted by nothingbutlove4shelby (anonymous) on February 26, 2010 at 4:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey just waking up...how did the meeting go? how many people showed up? How many students enrolled? Who are the teachers? Please give us some GOOD NEWS!