The McKinley report, with no help from Barton
The report issued by the special investigator looking into Jayvonna Kincannon's seven-week at McKinley High School — later shortened to five weeks — is heavily critical of Principal Crystal Barton and of the School District's execution of the suspension.
Principal Barton was also found to have suppressed the rights of Jayvonna and other students from speaking before the School Board. Barton was the only potential witness, the report said, who refused to cooperate with the investigation.
The report also suggests volunteer girls basketball coach Michelle Stiles' dismissal may have been influenced by boys basketball coach James Daye. Her job as "de facto" head coach, the report said, wasn't in jeopardy until Daye became angry at her for inquiring why he had been at the home where a girl on the team was temporarily living. Daye, Stiles later learned, was there to visit the girl's adult female cousin.
Now that the report by special investigator David L. Edmunds Jr. is out, what do you think should happen next?
… Mark Sommer
Did anyone see the big spray painted letters across McKinley Fri a.m. that said F*** YOU BARTON???? It was washed off by the time school started. When's the last time you heard of a janitor doing anything that fast?
Posted by: joeblow | June 15, 2008 at 12:59 AM
If Ms. Jayvonna hit someone at the school the police would have been called and she would have been arrested that night or even a the very least been questioned. It probably didn't happened the way you think. Hundreds of people attended and NO ONE got a cell photo of it? Heck they film you on the streetcorners in Buffalo and NO ONE filmed this event that lasted supposedly for a while. No yearbook photography for the event? Pleeeeease...! I smell a skunk.
Posted by: honorolemodel | June 03, 2008 at 07:22 AM
If Kincannon struck a stranger at the mall she would face criminal charges. Stop exempting students. Even if the teacher does not want to press assault charges, the police should be able to file disorderly conduct charges. The tail is wagging the dog.
Posted by: get it right | June 03, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Common sense prevailed,
Time served yes, for a suspension that she served 5 weeks for which we now know was "excessive" whether Jayvonna has been in trouble several times since is of no consequence if that's true: every offense at school does not require a student be suspended . Are you aware that the District has expunged Ms. Kincannon's first suspension by order of the Superintendent? Ms. Kincannon denies hitting a teacher and it appears the school district cannot substantiate the claim that she did strike a teacher.
The District's attempt at extorting Ms. Kincannon into confessing that she hit a teacher failed, when she would not admit hitting a teacher in exchange for the promise that she could attend her Prom and Graduation. "Time served" for this current suspension would have been the most reasonable and equitable resolution for all concerned, while allowing Ms.Kincannon to finish her senior year by attending her Prom and Graduation. Ms. Kincannon suffered a 5 week suspension when she should have been suspended a maxiumum of 5-15 days' according to the Special Investigator, who also determined that her due process rights were violated, as well her first amendments rights to free speech, when Ms Barton caused her name to be removed from the Board meeting. I think Ms. Kincannon showed maturity,leadership and resolve by seeking to speak to the Board about her concerns about what happened to Ms. Stiles. If you intend to respond to my comment, due so with some proof of the claims you are making about Ms. Kincannon detail the so called insolence you claim, now is being insolent a punishable offense? So really, who's kidding whom??
Posted by: Michael Hale Sr | June 03, 2008 at 02:19 AM
Mr. Hale-
"Time served?" Are you kidding? Why should the school be subject to more of Jayvonna's insolence? Why should she be allowed to flaunt the rules? The newest incident has nothing to do with the previous, unless you factor in her ego. Since her original suspension, she has gotten into trouble several times. She has gotten way to cocky for her own good and it is exhausting. There is no conspiracy. I would like to see you deal with her! She broke the rules...again. And, your right, there are only 2 weeks left, 2 weeks that need to be devoted to exam preparation without worrying about what Miss Kincannon will do next. She will take her exams, she will pass, and she will hopefully never make the papers again. This story is old.
Posted by: common sense prevails! | June 02, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Yes JK should be suspended, of course for acting like an idiot with a teacher....Should she be getting this much attention? This is ridiculous. The kid is special ed., Barton bullied her, she's flipping. If they had just let her speak at the stupid BOE meeting this would not be happening. Thanks Crystal, please go off into the sunset and get out of our face. Barton to Blame...What goes around comes around. Maybe her and Daye can make the sequel called "How Crytal got her Groove Back" and go off on some island, oh wait, forgot; Daye likes 'em underage, Barton is way too old.
Posted by: paul | June 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Oh, by the way...Some of the really hostile remarks made by the McKinley Student SHOULD be left here on this blog. It will certainly bolster Ms. Jayvonna's case when it goes to court as to the environment that SHE was subjected to by her peers. With the school's new found concern about "bullying" in the nation, this should prove a "Perfect Storm" for whom those who are truely bullied. Its akin to watching the criminal in the act and on video or in this case on "paper".
Posted by: honorolemodel | June 02, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Its a shame with all the "educated by Barton" students, most who sing her praises lack the ability to use more than one syllable words and low class non-creative language. They could have used one syllable ones such as a prig or a prink. It is representative of the minimal time actually spent learning. Looks like Harvard will have to lower their bar.
Posted by: honorolemodel | June 02, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Lots of extraneous comments about all kinds of things which are off topic here.
The report by the Special Investigator points to Barton. It also concludes that Ms. Kincannon's first suspension was excessive. The latest suspension should be "TIME SERVED" due to the her being unlawfully suspended the first time. Ms Kincannon should have been allowed to attend her Prom and Graduate with her class. In a few short weeks she would have been done with McKinley. It appears to me that the claims against Ms Kincannon about what occurred at the charity basketball game cannot be substantiated. If they were true she should have been arrested and charged; but if that happened, the district would not control her punishment.it seems the District is still retaliating against Ms. Kincannon and especially after the report by Special Investigator was released. If the threat to transfer Ms. Kincannon to another school during the first "unlawful" suspension was real, I think it's safe to assume that Ms. Barton wanted to prevent Ms. Kincannon from remaining at McKinley and finishing high school there, as her ultimate retaliation.
None of us should know Ms. Kincannon like this, I don't know her personally, she may be all others have said , since these events occurred. I can certainly understand why she would be angry. There was an opportunity to began to resolve this situation in a reasonable and equitable manner if Ms. Kincannon had been given "TIME SERVED" for this most recent suspension. Expunging her school record is a clerical correction; more should have been done to reach compromise. Requiring someone to make an admission to what amounts to a criminal act without regard to their 5th amendment rights to self-incrimination is both wreckless and capricious. It seems extortive. We should all be better than this.
Posted by: Michael Hale Sr | June 02, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Ding dong the bi#%h is gone!
Posted by: McKinley Student | June 02, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Kay-
I think your lowering of the bar/expectations is a joke! I'm not mad at the attention Jayvonna is getting, especially since it is apparant that those supporting her are ignorant. The teacher she hit is so above board and student friendly. After the first incident, this is about the behavior of one individual. Yes, Jayvonna! I'm glad she is gone! Sayonara!
Posted by: McKinley Student | June 02, 2008 at 07:44 AM
"(I)f Mr. Williams does not discipline Ms. Barton before the school year ends then does she gets off scott free once the semester ends? I wonder if that is why Mr. Williams did not attend the last meeting. Was it to buy time to delay disciplining Ms. Barton so it would go past the school year?"
And you wonder why people outside Buffalo either don't care for Buffalo, or are reluctant to see their tax money go into anything therein.
$800 million for the Buffalo School System... 4/5 or so comes from those of us outside the city limits.
Why should our money continue going down a sewer with stuff like this going on?
No wonder Buffalo ought rightly to be caled "Brain-Death Capital of the World." Change the "All-America City" signs on the I-90 to "Brain-Death Capital..." It's truth in advertising.
Posted by: Lloyd Marshall, Jr. | June 02, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Why hasn't anyone called CPS to advise them to investigate the excessive amount of discipline Ms. Jayvonna was given by Ms. Barton? Isn't that a form of child abuse? Also, if Mr. Williams does not discipline Ms. Barton before the school year ends then does she gets off scott free once the semester ends? I wonder if that is why Mr. Williams did not attend the last meeting. Was it to buy time to delay disciplining Ms. Barton so it would go past the school year?
Posted by: CPSwhat is it good for | June 02, 2008 at 12:21 AM
pss you probably would hire barton because you are that dumb and a natural follower without an original thought in your head.
Posted by: kay | June 01, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Hey McKinley student, Maybe you should pay attention in ethics class, Barton is the cancer. Jayvonna's behavior is just the hair falling out after chemo. Students wear their hoodies, talk on their phones, leave buildings, come back in and tell teachers **ck off every 42 minutes all over the city. You just juealous of Jayvonna gettin all the 'tenshun, tss tsssk
Posted by: kay | June 01, 2008 at 10:44 PM
So much angst in such a young person. Tsk, tsk. Try to focus on the so many other positive things around you at your school if you can as you say there is so much. Your verbal repitition is becoming too monotonous for even me who tries to be very patient all the time. Perhaps a different focus will help you reclaim your cheer.
Posted by: honorolemodel | May 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM
p.s-I would hire Barton. She at least tried to get rid of the cancer.
Posted by: McKinley Student | May 29, 2008 at 07:48 PM
It is rather interesting how you underestimate the quality of student at my school. That doesn't change the fact that Jayvonna walked out of school, used her cell phone at least twice, threatened more than one teacher, hit a teacher, wears her hoodie, skips classes, swears loudly in the hall, etc. If she gets a dime, it will be from the taxpayer. Let us open the community vaults to pay a malcontent for three extra weeks of suspension with a personal tutor!!!!!!! You people need to get a life!
Posted by: McKinley Student | May 29, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Hey, Mckinley Student, would anyone hire Barton, Williams or Fatima? Please, spare us the "jayvonna is this" bologne. Jayvonna is a pain in the neck, no doubt, like all teenagers, especially a special ed kid. There are thousands 10x worse that are tolerated in all schools with weapons, threats, thug behavior and bullying. Jayvonna will be laughiong at us all when she hits the lottery to win a settlement from the idiots running this circus. If Barton just let her speak at the stupid board meeting, NONE of this would be happening, thanks Brton for you giant ego for costing the city millions. Barton should be fired, if you really want to talk about who should have a job or not.
Posted by: moe | May 29, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Javonna is a joke. Barton is a joke. They are two sides of a Chucky Cheese game token. And both of them put together not worth as much.
Posted by: get it right | May 29, 2008 at 02:52 PM
mckinley Student, maybe a grown up who never grew up. Here's something for you, Barton is a Beast, Williams is a scam artist, Bob Wilmers runs the school district, Jacobs is his poo-boy, Kapsiak, FloJo, COllins are all blind followers in some nonsense sorority out for nothing but the black power garbage. I hope Jayvonna sues this district until it's broke, I hope Stiles takes them for millions. Arrogant thugs are running the show and now they are cowering like idiots. What a joke.
Posted by: annie | May 29, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I get the impression from the style of writing that Mckinley Student is not a student at all. It's an interestiing vocabulary you have there, indicitive of a college education. If your as smart as you state you are you probably would be in City Honors. Really, it's sad enough when some adult pretends to be a student to lend themselves credibility but to pretend to be a student in order to trash some a kid is repugnant.
Like Jayvonna or not the facts are that her right were violated by a system that does not follow it's own rules. Once you raise a stink in an environment like this you're marked.
If you are a kid, which I highly doubt you should be concerned about what this situation means to you. Another students rights were summarily violated. Her punishment did not fit the crime and to condemn her for fighting a problem you might one day face reflects that your shortsighted and possibly a hypocrite.
Posted by: The Relocated | May 29, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Sorry to hear your time will be limited at Harvard but glad to hear that Jayvonna may have a chance be hired somewhere if someone else uses your criteria.
Posted by: honorolemodel | May 29, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Honorrolemodel-
After my stint at Harvard, I may consider hiring you. Loser!
Posted by: McKinley Student | May 29, 2008 at 07:41 AM
McKinley Student, While I wholeheartedly agree that Ms. Jayvonna will have some struggles and personal issues to overcome before she is truly an adult I am more concerned for you. I hope that whatever path you choose does't involve children who need help, patients, supervisory roles or positions of power and autonomy. You will probably do best in a Correction Facility where your demeanor and character will suit whatever position you are given. If you can't find a job there I am sure that you would work well in any job under the direction of Ms. Barton as I am sure she will hire you.
Posted by: honorolemodel | May 28, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Jayvonna is a problem. She needed to be dumped a long time ago. She needs the money from the lawsuit, because she isn't capable of earning any money. Any boss would have fired her a long time ago. Meet her! I challenge all you apologists to hire her! Do it! She will have her high school degree soon enough. What a fine employee she is going to make!!!!!!!!!! Her grandfather needs to get away from our school...learn to raise your daughters' troubled kid. What a joke!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: McKinley Student | May 28, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Isn't it time we stop allowing the inmates from running the asylum? REMEMBER the slogan....Why can't "Johnny" read? Why can't our HS graduates compete
in the 21st century? We all know why....because there are too many disruptive, combattive, defiant, non-compliant students in schools all across the USA. These students come with an agenda and instead of administration demanding order, these fools are allowed to interfere with the learning environment of the others. It's time to take back our schools. Self esteem is not something we give away; it's something we earn through responsible choices. Control of the schools starts at the top....high expectations and backing of classroom teachers is something we need.
Posted by: Kathryn | May 26, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Perhaps Lydia is trying to teach the students that they would be more credible in their backing of the McKinley community if they did it in a manner that shows they were actually educated with proper spelling and grammar in their defense of their supposed good school.
Posted by: Yso | May 26, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Lydia:
Please stop insulting the students that try to protect McKinley and their community. Talk about the real issues. Evidently there is a problem with the student if other students are speaking out; secondly, why aren't you discussing the "report" that seems to have been drastically altered...where is the ECC's coach's testimony? Discuss that and leave students alone! You are fighting for "freedom of speech" for students but only if its grammatically correct?
Posted by: Realistic | May 25, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Lydia, you really need help. You get on these blogs and criticize people. Look inward! You need to get a life!
Posted by: McKinleyStudent | May 25, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Dear student who posted on May 25 at 9:44 AM:
I am sorry to hear that you are a McKinley student. You have not learned the English language during the several years' education you received in the BPS. It was all too painful to read broken grammar and spelling from a high school student. And your errors were very obviously NOT TYPOS!
I am sorry that you are not being educated-- or is it that you are resisting being educated because it's too much work?
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 25, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Most of the readers have no idea what goes on at McKinley. You need to be there to see the real McKinley. It's a good school with a handfull of trouble makers that cause the on going problems for administrators and security. The news coverage has made a star out of Javonna and now she is living it. She has changed. She walks the halls like she owns them. She still uses her cell phone. She still brakes the rules and laughs about it. If you say anything to her in a negitive way, she says she will call her attorney. I have been in classrooms with Javonna when she disrespects the teacher and talks to other teachers like their crap. She was 100% wrong at the basketball game the other night. Javonna was off the wall and everyone heard her. I can't wait for her to graduate and get the hell out of McKinley.
Posted by: student | May 25, 2008 at 09:44 AM
The Buffalo News hardly made a rock star out of Jayvonna. There is no doubt that as of this moment she is a troubled kid. If you read her history you'll find that she wasn't the monster that the Barton apologists have made her out to be.
The crime: Using a cell phone to ask permisson to go to a school board meeting. All the complications until she had this incident with the teacher were a result of the district not following thier own rules. When the people who set the rules fail to follow them then why should the kids in the district adhere to them.
Texas Longhorn, really man it's time to hang up the white sheet and stop burning crosses. Every post you make just exudes a negative racial commentary. This racial divide is one of the greatest problems facing this community and you offer nothing constructive.
Posted by: The Relocated | May 24, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Shut the BPS down and start fresh. Apparently, the inmates are running the asylum.
Posted by: Lloyd Marshall, Jr. | May 24, 2008 at 10:48 AM
The Buffalo News is partially responsible for Jayvonna hitting our teacher. You made a rock star out of her. She is a problem. She is now worse than ever. She is dangerous! Stop trying to defend her. You will have blood on your hands in the future. She is going to hurt someone, and because of you she will think it is okay. Nice job!
Posted by: McKinleyStudent | May 24, 2008 at 10:05 AM
After reading the investigative report on the McKinley mess, I have come to the conclusion that there are too many incompetents running the show. How can we know that discussions brought out the truth, or whether those interviewed spoke to cover their you-know-whats?
Nothing gained, $25,000 down the drain!
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 24, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Wait a minute, OP MIke, did you actually say Barton's "good name"? Is that a joke? Sure is hilarious. Czar Barton has a good name like Mao or Hitler. She's got a great name, she's racist, belligerent, arrogant, elitest and rude.
Posted by: moe | May 23, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Special Ed. kids are always lashing out, hitting or MF'ing teachers, kids and adults in buildings. Jayvonna is no doubt a pain, she is a teen. What she did happens probably hundreds of times per DAY in this hovel of a district. Downtown never backs up administration! Unless, of course, you are in the right sorority, called AKA that is Barton's gang. Wonder if they will be handling this formal suspension this time? Or will they recuse themselves like DISTRICT POLICY STATES THAT THEY IGNORE, like they ignored in that mess at City Honors.
Posted by: moe | May 23, 2008 at 11:19 PM
It looks like the woman's coach at ECC is a sister. Has anyone checked her connection to Daye,
Barton and Williams. ough
Posted by: know it all | May 23, 2008 at 10:25 PM
funny how the black girl will cry racism because she has a violent behavioral problem.
Posted by: Texas Longhorn | May 23, 2008 at 10:17 PM
All of you that stick up for Barton & the system are full of baloney. You folks got caught red handed because your gag orders didn't work. Do the right thing and you will not have to worry about who finds out. Do the wrong thing and you have to hide it, cover it up and put a gag order on it. When a parent catches their children doing something wrong their first excuse would be something like this. Look what so and so did, why are you picking on me and blame anybody that they could think of to get out of trouble. Guess what it doesn’t work. Quit blaming the media and the investigator. Yeah you all have tough jobs keeping kids straight but breaking rules and violating their rights is not justified no matter what. Two wrongs do not make a right. Who are the Adults here? And let's face it, these kids are young and prone to mistakes including bad behavior. Funny how a group of kids got worked up at a school event and only one gets thrown out. Absolute power corrupts absolutely you could have put on a better display than to just single out this one student. How dumb do you think the public is, come on now???? If you cannot follow the rules when you are doing your job then guess what all of you should FIND DIFFERENT JOBS. The egg on your face was put there by the adults that tried to Bully people around (Barton) and also those that tried to cover up this mess (Williams, The School Board and countless others. I hope the State Board of Education steps in and strips the authority from all of the knuckleheads that contributed to this mess. It is time to get back to educating these students and stop leading them by your poor examples. OP Mike you are either Barton or her puppet and your tactics of blaming reporters and the investigator are really weak. Come on now is there much difference between the way that Tony Sopprano and Crystal Barton do their jobs? Tony always had protection and so does Barton, she must because so far nobody has been able to hold her accountable for her devious actions. It looks like her protection is breaking down under pressure and we are all watching it play out. It is both disgusting and embarrassing.
Posted by: Concerned Buffalo | May 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Well, maybe the student deserves it now that she assaulted a teacher
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/353397.html?imw=Y
Maybe those apologists on her behalf should "apologize" and say she deserved the suspension.
Posted by: Texas Longhorn | May 23, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Whether you like the legal system or not, whether you are for or against any of the players Mr. Edmunds is a man hired for his ethics to get to the bottom of this all. For some to disrespectfully call him "Grand Inquisitor" makes me wonder what the degrader is guilty of or has to hide. It is absurd to think that his role would harm anyone unless of course they were guilty of something.
Posted by: Yso | May 23, 2008 at 05:00 PM
My contention is that the punishment did not fit the crime. Say what you wan't about Jayvonna she still has the right to receive an education.It's also quite possible that she was the victim of abuse or an abusive act. While her actions were unacceptable the conditions in which these actions took place need to be seriously examined.
This concept may seem strange to many of those who have the "spare the rod spoil the child" mentality but it's possible for an adult to incite unacceptable behavior. When this occurs we should hold the child accountable for thier actions but we should also determine if that adult is fit to be someone who cares for children. Even an authority figure cannot antagonize a student/child then find rationale to punish them excessively.(Yes the district did the pusnishiment but I'm absolutely sure that barton had a great deal of input) This is called either Institutional or Psychological abuse. It's a criminal act and it merits termination.
Absense of words is often an admisson of guilt. If Barton has nothing to hide then why did she not cooperate with the inquiry? What is even more troubling is that the district itself should have stepped in and mitigated the situation, but they did not.
Posted by: The Relocated | May 23, 2008 at 04:05 PM
First of all, I don't think anyone is excusing Jayvonna from fault in the current situation with her current suspension.
I wonder why there are so many who support Barton for not cooperating with the investigation into the original issue.
This is NOT the behavior of someone who has nothing to hide.
This is the behavior of someone who both has something to hide and is arrogant enough to know that the powers that be (Wms. and the black women's sorority) will not pressure her to do anything she does not want!
For no other reason but that she is setting a poor example as a leader, Barton should be fired.
It scares me that someone here suggested that they get Barton out of the schools and into a desk job.
Just look at all the damage the sorority girls have done in City Hall. Look at the damage the sorority girls have done with their presence on the BOE!
Please just get rid of these vermin who are eating away at any decent education still left in the city!
We will never know the real story about many things that go on in our district because of all the deceit that has been propagated by this power hungry group of women!
Anyone have any ideas of how to exterminate them?
Posted by: BuffaloPublicSchool mess | May 23, 2008 at 03:06 PM
OP Mike is nothing but a shill for Barton spewing lies.
Posted by: Danno | May 23, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Margaret Sullivan, Buffalo News editor & vice-president is obsessed. The object of her obsession is McKinley High School Principal Crystal Barton. Under sage advise from her attorney, Barton refuses to talk to the News, or even to the Grand Inquisitor, David L. Edmunds Jr.
The issue here is no longer the disciplining of Jayvonna Kincannon, the temper-tantrum throwing, loudmouth, abusive, disrespectful and violence prone, McKinley High School senior. The real issue is Barton's stubborn refusal to give the News information. Information that Sullivan believes is rightfully hers, like some unalienable first amendment right.
This is what really torques the jaws of Margaret Sullivan. This is what really keeps her up at night. It's easy to envision Sullivan waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, foam dripping from her mouth as she screams out another yet vow to get Barton, get her today!
Undeniably, Sullivan's goal is bring Barton down. Her strategy is to keep up the unrelenting assault by her attack dog reporters and columnists. Dig up more dirt, if she can. And continue to play to the Buffalo mob, a mob looking for any sort of street justice it can get. As usual, Sullivan was at it again today with more vicious, bitting commentary about Barton and her refusal to talk. Now, Sullivan even critiques the School Board lawyer for being too censorious when he correctly blacked out sensitive and private personal information from the report compiled by the Grand Inquisitor. Information that Sullivan and the News have no right to see.
Hopefully, Barton will continue to fend off the unrelenting assault on her good name by Sullivan and her wild pack of snarling, barking, yapping, attack dogs. The school year is almost over and Jayvonna Kincannon will no longer be Barton's problem. Soon Jayvonna will graduate (not likely), be transferred to some school for disruptive and violent students, or she will be arrested and put in jail. I'm betting on the latter option.
Posted by: OP Mike | May 23, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Thank you, Robert S! You said, "If you allow one student to defy authority, then all students will not do as they should either."
Their numbers are legion.
What a research project for a university student! It would be very revealing to track the number of students who reached level three-- (1)teacher action, (2)parent/teacher conference, (3)referral to administrator-- and the administrator did not back the teacher.
Guess what happens next?
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 23, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Perhaps the BPS-BOE should be compelled to publish the numbers of teachers and staff who are collecting workman's compensation due to student caused injuries, as well as sick days taken for lesser injuries. Colleges are no longer being to downplay and hide campus violence, why should BPS get away with it? Freedom of Information Act?
Posted by: get it right | May 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I think Lydia and Moe have hit the nail on the head here. Teachers are expected to control hundreds of students on a daily basis and if the students do not comply, then they should be disciplined. If you allow one student to defy authority, then all students will not do as they should either. This looks like a case of Miss Kincannon acting a little to big for her britches. She probably feels empowered from all of the attention. Even if the gym teacher asked her to move along and touched her to guide her, that is still no excuse for the tirade that followed. I can only imagine what sort of attitude she has displayed in her classes. I certainly would not want to deal with her.
Posted by: Robert S. | May 23, 2008 at 12:26 PM
What does not leak to the press would fill the entire "local news" section. Teachers are assaulted daily, not to mention kids assaulting each other and/or vandalizing school equipment to assert their position in the pecking order. Read "Lord of the Flies" and get an idea of the youth of today: misguided, unsupervised, undisciplined, "omnipotent," and "invincible." Put 800 of them in the same building and stand back to watch the drama unfold.
Where are the parents? That is the problem!
And sometimes the presence of the OVERBEARING or INEPT parent is an even greater problem.
The key to children's successful social interactions is bold and loving parenting. When will we change course in parenting our needy (socially inept) children?
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 23, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Wilson told the teachr he had to leave in order to enforce the RESTRAINING ORDER the teachr filed against the punk..Mother writes a 7 page letter to Fran Wilson, kid's back in after threats to sue. So it's hello gangster, goodbye dedicated veteran teachr. Williams get subpeona'd to the judges offc with principal and then they suddenly agree to let teacher back in, hmm sounds like Wilson p.o'd the wrong judge.Williams didn't tell us about this one. A teacher had a fat lip from getting popped in a girl fight a week ago, kidsa re restrained daily. Wake up folks, teachers need helmuts or kevlar, you pick
Posted by: moe | May 23, 2008 at 01:05 AM
OP you're right, you are really in touch....and people:NEWSFLASH: Kids are suspended everyday, hundreds for telling security and teachers to f*off, if the kid is special ed, it's usually routine, daily behavior is not unusual in the schools, this is nothing compared to what we see daily. A kid at Grover was allowed back in the building after putting a retired teacher in a headlock, teacher takes out restraining order, Asst. Super tells teacher to take a hike, kid is allowed back in laughing "who's next", he is 17, 2 credits and a proclaimed drug dealer. The superintendent gets summoned to the judge's chambers and then the teacher is allowed back..,This sounds like bigger news than a snotty special ed kid making a scene at a ball game.
Posted by: ace | May 23, 2008 at 12:00 AM
I should hope the teachers don't touch the students; neither would security, UNLESS the student's behavior warrants restraint, such as by throwing things, jumping on or attacking another person, or shouting/cursing in a very menacing way. Most students go quietly when security arrives; otherwise, they might be handcuffed. I have seen teachers restrain students, and have had to do so myself on at least four occasions that I can remember throughout my long career.
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 22, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Lydia, Do teachers do the escorting out and touch the arms when doing so or does the security do that job? Just wondering? What a truly sad but somewhat not surprise ending for everyone.
Posted by: Honorolemodel | May 22, 2008 at 07:29 PM
HMMNN--- students are usually formally suspended and/or transferred out to another environment after three suspensions. Just how many and for what offenses has this immature SENIOR ("terrible two")been suspended? After all that has transpired, you'd think she'd know how to exercise some self-control. However, look at her bully role models at school. No wonder she's now physically attacking faculty members!
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 22, 2008 at 07:20 PM
While I can agree with the fact that any racist remarks are totally inappropriate the blog is not one-sided otherwise you and others who defend Ms. Barton and Mr. Williams would not be able to have your say. Frustration may be the cause for such fervor for some and anger in not being able to deal with narrow minded leaders who will only cooperate when it is their pleasure. Of course we all agree that we should move on but it is difficult to have such a big problem when those who are supposed to make things better only make them worse by their behavior. I do believe that everyone does want better for the children but when you have role models who aren't always doing right, then it is being responsible to find out why and how to correct it. If the models aren't cooperating then of course you will hear and see very upset people with frustrations with a system that is not working when it should.
Posted by: Honorolemodel | May 22, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Thank You Buffalo News for your support of free speech. Keeping this issue as front page fodder has not gone beyond the absurd. Some terrible things have happened that need attention! That being said, perhaps the editor should read this blog and take delight in the fact that she has given a platform to racist remarks, half truths, non-truths, distorted truths and some portion of truth. She has provided a platform for comments that character assasinate (whether you support Dr. Williams or not, some of the commentary would be considered out of line by more rational thinkers, why doesn't the "bright light blogger" that is commenting on Dr. williams' wife stand up and say something like that to his face instead of hiding behind the anonimity of this blog?) I think we all probably know why the blogger would not be so direct in doing so, perhaps cowardice might explain the personal slam. The "News" has provided a forumn that is essentially one sided, reinforcing a very negative group think. May the gods help anyone who suggests that a position other than what is espoused on this blog could possibly be considered. How about everybody committing to saying, all right enough is enough and get down to trying to figure out how we as a community can make life better for our children? BTW, "red" I am Bflo born, raised, live in, and have all my children through BPS. Don't be such a snob and assume that free thinkers must be from the suburbs! Even some city dwellers can think on their own and not be part of the mob mentality.
Posted by: P. Truesdale | May 22, 2008 at 03:18 PM
"OP Mike"'s post, dripping with praise, sounds like it was dictated by Chrystal Barton herself. You don't suppose that OP Mike is really....noooooooo!! The plot thickens.
If I was being paid to find out, I'd start with the "IP" number of the computer that sent "OP Mike's" blog post to the NEWS. Is that a violation of some rule, somewhere? Oh... so what. Go for it. Just for fun.
Posted by: bobbycat | May 22, 2008 at 02:20 PM
The Buffalo school system, unfortunately, is a complete joke based on the ongoing saga at McKinley as well as the previous charade at City Honors. Dr. Williams hasn't read the McKinley report, he has people reading it for him, great. Maybe he'll get the "Cliffnotes" version. It starts at the top. If nothing is done about the mess at McKinley by Dr. Williams the message will be sent to the rest of the administrators, teachers and employees of the district. Anything goes and there will never be any consequences to deal with. The only reason Crystal Barton can behave the way she does is because it is condoned by her superiors and that would include Dr. Williams at the top. Try to imagine the CEO of General Motors having the president of the Chevrolet division being investigated for improprieties and saying, "I have no authority over he/she, I can't discipline he/she". That's what we're talking about here, ridiculous.
Posted by: Mike Walter | May 22, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Now that the report is out Mark Sommer asks what should happen next?
The correct thing to do is to show our respect and admiration by standing up and giving Principal Crystal Barton a big round of applause for having the courage to do the right thing by getting rid of the trouble maker, former volunteer girls basketball coach Michelle Stiles, and for properly disciplining Jayvonna Kincannon, the temper-tantrum throwing, loudmouth, abusive and disrespectful McKinley High School senior.
Also, she deserves the communities respect for standing tall and fighting off the assault from Margaret Sullivan, Buffalo News editor & vice-president, and her pack of attack-dog reporters, snoop-dog investigators and vicious column writers, all out to disparage Barton's good name and reputation. The dogs continue to go for her throat; Barton continues to beat them back. She is a strong women deserving of much praise.
And certainly Barton has demonstrated her inner strength by refusing to be bullied by the Grand Inquisitor, David L. Edmunds Jr., and certain attention loving, grand standing members of the School Board, who are also out to destroy her.
Finally, Barton deserves to be commended for refusing to buckle under pressure from the barbaric, hysterical,vengeful, blood-thirsty mob that cries out to see her head on a pike paraded through the streets of downtown Buffalo.
Posted by: OP Mike | May 22, 2008 at 12:20 PM
"What do you think should happen next?"
Is that a trick question? Why does Barton still have a job?
Oh that's right, public employees are *entitled* to continued employment, regardless of malfeasance.
Carry on, Crystal.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | May 22, 2008 at 11:51 AM
So let me see if I can get this straight: rule through bullying and threats, obtain a huge entitlement complex, blatantly disregard the rules and basically say a big ol' "eff you" to superiors when asked to comply with policy and an ongoing investigation in which YOU are the central figure. All that without fear of disciplinary action or dismissal. What a cool gig! Now where can I find one of those jobs in the private/corporate sector?
Posted by: Buffalo Gal | May 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Shrug off criticism...GOOD FOR PANEPINTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He should be kicked out the door and slapped on his way out.
Posted by: paul | May 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I suspect that the Chancellor of the Board of Regents - Mr. Bennett, is running out of patience waiting to see if either the School Board or the Superintendent will regain control of the Buffalo School system and it's renegade employees, and if not, he will drop the hammer. If Supt. Williams doesn't discipline or fire Barton, and show some leadership, I think Chancellor Bennett will and he has the firepower to do it. The handwriting is on the blackboard - It reads: CONTROL BOARD #3.
Posted by: bobbycat | May 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Lying pays if you make everyone afraid? If you're a bully, you win? Always plead the fifth? Watch out who you vote it? Becareful what you say out loud? What goes on in Buffalo, stays in Buffalo?
Posted by: observer | May 22, 2008 at 09:19 AM
This whole thing is playing out like a girl's argument during third grade playground period.
"She made me-- Did not!! Ha, ha, you lose. Go away, we don't like you, ha, ha! You stink! She did, I swear!"
Is there any semblance of leadership evident among our top-ranking teachers? And, yes, they are all TEACHERS. Let us not forget that one must be a teacher, first and foremost, to become a school leader.
What lessons have we been taught these past six months?
Posted by: Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki | May 22, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Williams said on the news last night that he is going to check the records of any of the Principals who signed the petition to have him suspended and see if they are doing their job and if not they will be fired. How about that for arrogance? Imagine. He has not even read the report but is ready to fire the ones who say he's not doing his job!!
Posted by: observer | May 22, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Williams needs to end this little drama now. He is obviously a very poor manager, more hot air than performance. However, even he must recognize that this mess doesn't end until he moves Barton out of her position and behind a desk someplace where she has no opportunity to bully anyone.
Posted by: tom | May 22, 2008 at 08:19 AM
- First, the newspaper should put this issue to rest. Using the word overkill would be an understatement. (The bike path rapist didn’t receive as much press as this McKinley incident.)
- Second, isn’t it interesting and illuminating that the horrendous sodomizing of a suburban (Wilson) student on a school bus, by fellow students, only receives brief news coverage (then fades) while the suspension of one Buffalo student, in a school district of 36,000 students, is covered ceaselessly.
- Third, what could testimony by Crystal Barton possibly add that wasn’t revealed in The Buffalo News article which extensively provided the facts obtained under the Freedom of Information Act?
- It clearly stated that a principal can only give a student the maximum of a 5-day suspension. Also, that the length of the suspension was handed down by an assistant superintendent.
Posted by: BuffaloCitizenQPublic | May 21, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Barton Daniles, Peoples, Wilson, Kapsiak, FloJo, Oladolies... guess Joy Trotter was not in the right color sorority to keep her job like these ladies.
Posted by: ace | May 21, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Joe, Even when lawyers misbehave, they only get slaps on the wrist. Check it out. Hardly anyone gets fired; only in the most egregious cases. Mostly they get censured. Big deal. No one really cares what happens here except people who have morals and sense of justice. We are in the minority these days and I doubt any of this will come to more than just chatter. Welcome to the 2000s where the rules are just for a few and the rest get away with whatever just because they can.
Posted by: truth teller | May 21, 2008 at 09:35 PM
The bottom line here is that the public has to band together and demand that Mr. Williams start acting like a Superintendent and discipline the people responsible. I wish I could tell my boss I wasn't going to follow his orders and still keep my job. When Principal Barton refused to be interviewed why didn't Mr. Edmunds inform Mr. Williams and request that he order her to comply or be terminated for insubordination. If Mr. Edmunds did make this request why wasn't it acted on? The public needs to demand someone be held accountable today.
Posted by: Joe | May 21, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Hey OP, maybe we could get another side of the story, except, did you notice no one will talk? Daye isn't granting any interviews, BARTON, WELL, THAT'S A JOKE and what else would you like to hear? You want to hear about her sorority sisters? They won't talk either....
Posted by: penny | May 21, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Hey OP Mike and Truesdale, go back to the suburbs, worry about your own junk. The teacher's union is the last bastion of democracy in this city. You want to outsource policing as well? You want to outsource those American Axle jobs too? Great idea.
Posted by: red | May 21, 2008 at 07:13 PM
As an alumni student i have followed the politics that have gone on at McKinley since i graduated and i have always concidered Ms. Bartons leadership to be compared to a warden at a prison. Her tactics are demeaning to anyone involved.
I think this is a good time to tranfer Ms. Barton out of McKinley H.S. for her actions and for school moral. No student will respect Ms. Barton as a principal any longer and that is not good for Mckinley H.S. reputation.
Posted by: Alumni '79 | May 21, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Ms. Barton is displaying a child's behavior-namely, "You can't make me!"
And this is the example that may be endorsed by the person who holds the superintendent of schools?
She (the person - not the position) displayed unethical and insubordinate behavior. She the person should be reprimanded.
Those who value the (union)position she holds should be angry because she demeaned it and them.
Holding a position should not imply protection from consequences.
Posted by: bakm | May 21, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Subpoena Barton now. Tell Edmunds to get off his butt. How is any justice ever going to be meted out?
Posted by: get it right | May 21, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I have just two words to add to the discussion of why nothing will happen in this particular Barton scenario, or why the BPS will never have the opportunity to make meaningful changes...PHIL RUMORE! Come on community, let's run him out of town. Maybe Memphis could use a maniacal, 50's style labor union president to make their teachers more "professional"
Posted by: P.Truesdale | May 21, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Does anyone really believe Williams will stand up to Barton ? Hell no, the man is all talk and no action. He talks a great game, but he doesn't show up on game day.
Posted by: tom | May 21, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Perhaps people everywhere are sick of the bullies having all the power and speaking is a means to have a voice even if it doesn't count.
Posted by: observer | May 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Many people seem to think that McKinley High Principal Crystal Barton runs the school with an iron-fist. But when thinking about iron-fisted rule you have to pause and ask yourself: why is only one point of view allowed to be expressed by the reporters and column writers at the Buffalo News?
This is especially true in the case of the McKinley High Chronicles. Why is it that the only viewpoint allowed to be expressed is: punish Barton, punish Daye, punish Williams and punish the Board? No reporter or opinion writer dares to take an opposing point of view. What would happen if they did? Would Margaret Sullivan slap them down? Would she pull on a medieval- style studded glove and give them the iron-fist-to-the-face?
Maybe it's Margaret's Catholic school background that makes her so inclined. The twin themes of punishment and vengeance seem to be woven throughout all the McKinley High articles she allows to be printed.
Posted by: OP Mike | May 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
McKinley School Spirit thrives DESPITE Barton's wrath. Just like teachers do their job despite this embarrassing district...The problem remains accountability and answers from the top, Jayvonna is a teenager, of course she is going to be a pain. If we suspended all the kids who are a pain, then our halls and classrooms would be empty. We could only wish the district was so supportive from the likes of Daniels and Peoples. Give us a break! They are in the same "sorority" as Barton!!!!!
Posted by: don | May 21, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Why bother to hire a lawyer to investigate, if he won't use the power of the subpoena. This whole thing is whitewashed.
Posted by: idemand | May 21, 2008 at 10:24 AM
The really sad thing is that it cost a financially struggling tax city all that money to have absolutely nothing happen and carry on with what it should have done in the first place. Once again citizens are promoted to their highest level of incompetence.
Posted by: NotaHaleBopFollower | May 21, 2008 at 09:22 AM
McKinleyStudent -
I will answer your question directly regarding Jayvonna - she has no excuse for her behaviors.
You assumed that I "contribute to this forum to protect the likes of Jayvonna K." That simply is just a mistaken assumption. Everything I have written actually has very little to do with Jayvonna's behavior, and focuses more on Barton's pattern of abusing power and failing to reasonably exercise her fiduciary responsibilities (of which the episode with JK is only one example).
What you have done is oversimplified this into a simple "either / or" scenario, which is a common mistake among many people. Ask one of your teachers about a "false dichotomy" (or a "straw man" argument). These are arguments based on the false assumption that there are only two opposing & mutually exclusive positions to be held.
Such as:
- "if you oppose the War, then you must love terrorism"
- "If you like vanilla ice cream, you must hate chocolate ice cream"
Applied to this situation, you seem to argue that "if you disagree with Barton's abuses of power, you must therefore forgive Jayvonna."
That false dichotomy is as absurd as the examples I gave above.
And that is exactly how Ms. Barton wants you to view it. Rather than having to defend her own inappropriate actions, she wants you to assume that the ONLY alternative is to "condone Jayvonna's behaviors," which of course, should not be done. When we say that 7 weeks seems a bit excessive and arbitrary, the alternative is NOT "she should be allowed to get off without punishment."
It would not be surprising to me that Jayvonna has let some of this attention go to her head. But that doesn't change the facts presented in the Report on Barton's behaviors regarding Ms. Stiles, her deceit to remove names from a public forum speaking list, as well as other stories from past McKinley faculty on her strong-handed tactics, and even the old questions surrounding fund raising proceeds. When you step back, you can clearly see a pattern of feeling "above reproach" demonstrated by Ms. Barton which is troubling (irrespective of Jayvonna's "acting out"). No wonder why Ms. Barton wants to "change the subject" to Jayvonna's continued acting out.
I applaud you for being involved in the debate and expressing your opinions. Just be aware of the dangers of "false dichotomies" as you participate in future debates.
Posted by: ElmaGolf | May 21, 2008 at 07:44 AM
the question is not what should happen next, because what will happen next is nothing. the buffalo schools will go on their merry way, ignoring tough and fair principal candidates to hire those who fit politically correct profiles, even though they exhibit clear character flaws. the collection of buffalo high school principals (with very few exceptions) should be trying to see if they could fit into a volkswagen in a circus ring, rather than adminstering the critical leadership of our schools.
Posted by: rj | May 21, 2008 at 01:42 AM
The Buffalo School Administration process is seriously flawed. I would like to present an example of some of the things that are so difficult to understand.
One time during class another student beat up my son, right in the classroom. He was flipped over in his desk and while trapped underneath it he was kicked repeatedly. You might think that that was deserving of harsh punishment. You might think that if a student gets over a month suspension for using her cell phone and questioning the administration about a coaches dismissal then what should a student get for assaulting another student?
Well guess what, Principal Barton required me to pick up my son but let the perpetrator go home on the school bus. Due to the way Barton handled this we were left with no choice but to file a “Police Report”. After a lengthy process the perpetrator was charged and sentenced to a youth detention facility but no thanks to Barton. My wife was forced to do all of the “leg work” so that no other student would be subjected to this type of treatment. You get the point we have read several news stories where Principal Barton seems to pick & choose how to handle situations without accountability.
Also as a former student at McKinley I am saddened to see that this school has gotten so far away from the respected trade school status that it was set out to be. There is such a need for good quality trade schools, but as long as the administration allows the Principal to manipulate the system it may never get back to the once proud Vocational “Trade School” tradition. Why there is no entrance exam for this school based on vocational talent is a question to be asked? I can tell you why it is because Barton would loose her ability to once again pick and choose who gets admitted and who does not. How sad is that?
Teachers are afraid of Principal Barton because they have seen their fellow teachers re assigned and ordered to teach different subjects as retaliation. Why? Is it because they did not bow down to Barton? Over the years many teachers transferred out of McKinley to escape the wrath of Barton leaving the school only to teach at other Buffalo Schools (Hutch Tech Pipeline). You mean that these teachers were not good enough to teach at McKinley but were good enough to teach at Hutch Tech?
Who gave Principal Barton the authority to ignore this independent investigation, one that she is clearly a part of (good, bad or otherwise). How would Barton treat one of her teachers, faculty or students if they refused to cooperate with one of her investigations? Answer that question and then treat Principal Barton the same way. Force her to be accountable.
If people cannot see that something is drastically wrong here then what does it take? Don't let the fact that she walks the halls of McKinley High School and has the students acting civil over shadow what is wrong here. Hopefully this is how students at any school are required to act? If this is in fact how we judge a school principal then I think we have lowered our standards to the lowest possible level imaginable. One can only wonder why people either leave the City for a Suburban School District or send their children to Charter/Private Schools? Have they lost confidence in the system? I think so.
Thank you,
Concerned in Buffalo
Posted by: Concerned Buffalo | May 20, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Crystal Barton should be deemed a hero. She runs one of the best school in the district. Walk the halls: the kids are polite and respectful, the place is immaculate, the clubs and sport teams thrive and the school spirit is tangible. All you ignorant critics who worship Sandy Beach and all the other windbag morons who have never stepped foot in McKinley need to get a life.
Posted by: rrddff | May 20, 2008 at 08:20 PM
ElmaGolf-
You seem to suggest that you contribute to this forum to protect the likes of Jayvonna K. I'm here to tell you that she is laughing at you! She only cares about herself. Ask the Grover girls soccer team who she ridiculed. Ask the teachers who she disrespects. Ask people like me who she takes away from my education by talking in class. How about using her cell phone in class even after all this media attention? What was her excuse this time? I'll tell you what...protect the defenseless, she seems to have you all suckered. That shows an ability to defend herself. She doesn't need your help! She has a big middle finger pointed at you and the system.
Posted by: McKinleyStudent | May 20, 2008 at 08:02 PM
I still can't believe Barton did not participate in the interview process with the investigator. I wonder if this was the advice of her attorney, but this is ridiculous that the focal point of the investigation (Barton) choose not to participate. If this isn't equivalent to an interrogated subject taking the 5th to protect their incrimination, I don't know what is. It just smells dirty to me. She should be fired, or at least forced out for her failure to explain her actions.
Posted by: jbouds | May 20, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Where in this political and absolute system did the rights of Ms. Kinconnon and the rights of students get shuffled?
There is a problem here and systematic reform is required as is justice for Ms. Kincannon.
Attention leaders of this community and citizens of Buffalo if we allow this sort of thing to continue in our Buffalo public schools we are creating problems instead of solving them. The first responsibilty for Buffalo Public Schools is exciting our students to educate them. Suppresion of student free speech is a move of a power structure that felt threatened.
Posted by: Comino Reality | May 20, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Barton whether she's evil isn't something that can be judged either way.
But for reasons you wrote, she should definitely be reprimanded and moved to a different assignment - not as a principal, but as an administrator until her retirement.
Posted by: perspective | May 20, 2008 at 04:37 PM
The ability to obatin all the needed information from all the parties was undermined from day one when the investigators were not given the legal power to compell witnesses to testify. At that time Super. Williams said he would use his best efforts to have all school employees testify. Per recent comments from the district's spokesperson, those best efforts consisted of simply asking Ms. Barton to attend.
The investigation found that the punishment of the student was excessive, violated School rules and the student's due process rights. It also appears that Ms. Peoples imposed admittedly excessive punishment so as to appease Ms. Barton who wanted to transfer the student to another school. That suggests Ms. Barton exertive undue influence on the administrator who had the responsibility of passing judgment on the student.
These are not criminal actions, but neither are they insignificant. The Board needs to redesign the disciplinary process to make sure that decision makers are both trained to conduct a fair hearing and are insulated from undue pressures from higher ups.
Ms. Barton is not an evil person, but it appears she has come to believe McKinley is "her" school and she can run it as she sees fit irregardless of the rules.
That is an attitude that can only mean more trouble in the future unnless everyone, including Ms. Barton, is required to follow the rules.
Posted by: Barton Keyes | May 20, 2008 at 03:43 PM
OP Mike, Grow up and spare us from your emotional drama.
"What will satiate the hysterical, vengeful mob as it cries out for justice, Buffalo style?"
Let's be adults, here, shall we? The report shows multiple violations of professional conduct on the part of Principal Barton:
1.) Interfering to greatly increase the girl's supension.
2.) Repeated bullying of a Board of Ed staff member to prevent the girl from exercizing her Consitutional right to speak at a public meeting.
3.) Allowing James Daye to attend the meeting regarding the dismissal of volunteer Stiles.
4.) Using police to wrongfully eject Stiles from a public basketball game.
And last but not least:
5.) Refusing three times to speak with the investigator Mr. Edmunds.
There's nothing hysterical or vengeful about wanting to see Barton removed as McKinley principal at this point. It would be a perfectly rational outcome.
Posted by: Voice of Sanity | May 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Well now, the report is out and the big question is what to do about it? What will satiate the hysterical,vengeful mob as it cries out for justice, Buffalo style? Considering the high crimes and misdemeanors committed by Barton, Daye, Williams and the School Board, it looks like there are several ways we can administer some justice here .
First, Principal Barton must be removed from her office and her head shaved at Steve's Unisex Barber Shop. After the head shaving, she must be stripped of her New York State pension and forced to live out her days in exile, on Goat Island.
Next, Superintendent James A. Williams must be fired and run out of town, preferably to somewhere like East Rednecksville, Alabama, where he can supervise the activities of a school district comprised of a one-room schoolhouse, an outhouse, three sheep, two pigs, a cow and a rusty old tractor.
James Daye, must be also be fired at once and then immediately hauled-off to Attica, wearing an orange jump suit, handcuffs and leg irons. There he should spend the next twenty years in solitary confinement, with no chance for early parole. And let's not forget about the bread and water diet, too.
As for the school board, well that one is easy, just roll out the guillotine!
Finally, what to do about the lovely, charming and virtuous victims, McKinley High School senior Jayvonna Kincannon and the former volunteer girls basketball coach Michelle Stiles? It looks like the only way to appease the Buffalo mob is to have Kincannon and Stiles declared "venerable" and for the Holy Father in Rome to beatify Jayvonna and Michelle as living saints. The sooner this dual beatification process can happen the better, hopefully sometime in June, just prior to the end of the current school year.
Posted by: OP Mike | May 20, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I wrote this on another blog with the News and no one has answered my questions. I am really wondering if anyone else read this report and got my spin on it?
I read the WIVB excerpts and am wondering about what may include a third party and Mr. Daye and his extracurricular activities. Or was that not someone else I was reading between the blacked out lines or not? Did anyone else interpret it that way? Another teacher perhaps? The trouble with a report that is so blatantly crossed out with the exception of Ms. Jayvonna's name on the 40/41 page is that it leaves so much to everyones imagination. And why wasn't that also black out too? Too bad Ms. Barton didn't use her chance to clear her name. Instead if you read the report it suggests that she lets anyone volunteer (Ms. Stiles)without making sure they are not criminals (background check) using the system to have access to our children. For that and that alone perhaps she should be fired.
Posted by: TheJury | May 20, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Posted by: TheJury | May 20, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Wait a few days for what? For Ms. Barton to finish her "memory-erasing" machine? Are you aware of some new information to be coming out?
Hopefully they'll teach you in your Senior year that "just because I said so" is not a very compelling argument.
Posted by: ElmaGolf | May 20, 2008 at 01:04 PM
just wait a few days. I bet I'm right.
Posted by: mckinley senior | May 20, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Also, wasn't there wrongdoing when Barton ordered police to evict Ms. Stile from attending an open-to-the-public basketball game a few weeks later?
Don't forget that little espisode either.
Posted by: Client Ten | May 20, 2008 at 12:45 PM
The School Board should ask Phillips Lytle for our money back. If Edmunds doesn't have the juice to make Barton testify, then they should have hired someone who does.
Worse, the conclusion that "no school employee is guilty of any wrongdoing", and the conclusion that Jayvonna Kincannon's suspension was wrong are contradictory. Then who was at fault for this too harsh suspension, if not a school employee? Sounds like Edmunds was instructed to write his conclusion before the facts were in.
Also, why was so much of it blacked out? Who are they protecting? The News today seems to hint that we may get to see the whole thing soon pursuant to a Freedom of Information Request. I agree. In fact, I'll bet the request has already been made. I can't wait.
Client Ten, that's a good one.
Posted by: Danno | May 20, 2008 at 12:40 PM
mckinley senior - Thank you for the education on forming my own opinion. I have read the INDEPENDENT report and based an opinion on that.
Unfortunately for your point of view, the "supposed lies" in the Buffalo News were all corroborated by the Independent Investigation.
Perhaps Ms. Barton was decent to you and that makes you blind to the obvious abuses of power she has inflicted upon others. But I'm not sure what other information I am supposed to incorporate into my opinion.
Posted by: ElmaGolf | May 20, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I like the phrase "adult female cousin".
Somebody should use that to name a band or something.
Posted by: Client Ten | May 20, 2008 at 12:23 PM
what don't you people understand about the fact that Barton and dicatatorship don't mix?? form your own opinions, don't read the lies in the paper and then form your opinions based on that.
Posted by: mckinley senior | May 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Is there any wonder why staff are fearful of retailiation from Barton if they speak out? It's apparent she's in charge & if you cross her or her friends you will have hell to pay
Posted by: Kevin | May 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Maybe Barton thought Edmunds was White that's why she refused to speak to him????? What else can she do that is embarrassing, racist and stupid?
Posted by: don | May 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Why would Barton refer to Stiles as "The White" coach or "The Black" coach, what is wrong with her? I wonder if there is colored water fountains and white water fountains at McKinley? She should be fired for her ignorance alone.
Posted by: person | May 20, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Maybe we can ask Arthur Eve why Barton is not accountable? Maybe we should be asking what she has on Williams? Maybe we should investigate her under article 83- character of an educator....she's a tyrant.
Posted by: annie | May 20, 2008 at 10:49 AM