Parent Post 1: "The future depends on what we do in the present" Mahatma Gandhi

That quote is so true. Your decision made on your next School Board President can be the beginning of a great future for Deer Creek schools. David Miller has been a life long family friend. He is the epitome of a futurist and optimist! He sees the long term ramifications of the current decisions being made in Deer Creek, and he knows you can do better. His desire to lead is not based on an addition to a resume'.  Believe me, he's been a success in everything he's done, and the resume' needs no padding. His desire comes from his love for his grandchildren. Just like you! Remember, in order to become a grandparent, you must first be a Parent! In other words your concerns regarding the elementary schools are wasted.-He will listen, and work with you. That's what he has shown me! David is a great man with high morals and a sincere heart. I hope Deer Creek makes the right choice for it's future, and Votes for David Miller today!

Aimee Carlisle

Parent Post 2: In response to the remarks made about Dr. Shanbour not attending the DCPV PTO Meeting - Dr. Shanbour was on his way to the meeting (between surgeries that were scheduled before becoming a candidate) when he received a call from a friend (attending the meeting) informing him that the meeting had run short and was over. It had nothing to do with his lack of time.  Dr. Shanbour visited with Dr. Barnes regarding the time constraints before making this commitment. If he could not give this job 100% he would not be running.

Parent Post 3: Time to clear up another rumor: Shelley Denton was born on earth and has spent her whole life on earth.  She has never lived on another planet, or even visited another planet.  She currently lives on planet Earth.

Parent Post 4: This is not a letter in retaliation; nor a post in self defense.   Just as Mr. Millers campaign is asking us to consider the truth.  Until today, we didn't have it to find out.

Unfortunately, both of Mr. Millers daughters have pointed the finger at me (Mindi Blanchard) saying I knew the truth.  WRONG:  I wouldn't have asked for it.

I lived out of state when all of this happened.

WRONG AGAIN:  I did not send the original email.  It was circulated and after receiving it and hearing about it; I PUT MY NAME AND OPINION on it and asked for the truth.  None of this ever had to come to fruition had Mr. Miller been up front from the beginning.  Rumors are just that.  Ignoring them gives them life.  That is the nature of the beast.  I tried to ask for the truth.  Others enjoyed just spreading it and adding to it.  I have heard so many other things since.

As I told Mr. Miller and anyone else who asks.....my vote is for Tony Shanbour.  Just because I have known Mr. Miller for "over 30 years" as you say; doesn't mean he gets my support automatically.  He never once asked me for it.  If it was assumed; it was a wrong assumption.  I am extremely involved in the district, have always been, and intend to remain that way.  Having NEVER crossed paths with Mr. Miller at any school function; I have not ever known him in that capacity.  He was only a friend of my parents.  I have many reasons that I choose to exercise my right to voice my opinion.  So does everyone else.  No one needed to share rumors or gossip - I agree.  But, until today; all we have had to go by is the one "facts sheet" that was sent to all of us originally.  On your side; you think I shouldn't have forwarded it on.  I understand that.  However, when I asked Kelli about it BEFORE doing so; she said "I wish that wouldn't have come out now - why couldn't it have come out earlier in the campaign?\"  That gave me nothing to go with - nor anyone else and the email was still circulating BEFORE I added my name and ASKED QUESTIONS!  NEVER EVER did I state it was true; I don't even know where it came from.  I was able to look up history from the Daily Oklahoman archives and such to find the story existed.  How it panned out: only Mr. Miller could tell us: WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I ASKED FOR HIM TO DO!

Mr. Miller has allowed this to manifest in to something bigger than it need be.  Had he just been up front and honest from the beginning; none of this would have happened.  Certainly, if he is a great a business person as he claims; he KNOWS that hiring or electing someone with a history of bribery/fraudulent activity would be a horrible mistake!  Instead of confronting it head on and making a good "business" decision; he sat on it.  That is unfortunate.  I still wish he would have told us from the beginning.  So many in our district don't even know of him until there were signs everywhere.  Being honest from the start of the campaign could have spoken volumes about his character.  As a business person; he should be able to identify with that.

NEVER once have I attacked him as you describe.  I asked for him to come forward or someone to be able to research for themselves and let the truth come out.

So today -as I said I would in my second letter - I am pleased that he told his side.  There is a side to every story.  We have to assume it is the truth.  I appreciate his FINALLY answering our questions.  My biggest concern in his taking so long to answer:  is that what it will be like when we have other issues?  I thought he had a lot of time to give? 

Still, I am an advocate for change.  I am not against Shelley Denton personally - she is a GREAT volunteer!  However, I have lived here for a dozen years and seen the changes without changes from the top down.  I believe it is time - past time - for many things to be evaluated and corrected.  Our district is changing with or without us.  If we don't have leaders guiding the ship; the ship will guide us - but where will that take us?  I would rather have a path for our journey!

If there is a run off between Shelly and Mr. Miller - I would certainly vote for Mr. Miller.  I am far from against him!  I simply wanted the truth.  I believe we are owed that if he is asking something from us - to vote for him.  I don't think it is too much to ask; nor, do I believe he should be so naive to think we wouldn't ask for it.

I remain a Tony Shanbour fan for the same reasons that don't even involve the email that was sent to me and by me.  I believe strongly that you must be involved in more than a couple of Booster Clubs and be more indirectly involved by having kids in the district.  While Mr. Benson brings history and incredible knowledge to the table; I think he has to rely heavily on what he hears.  We already have that on the Board.  I think we need more people who are living with what we are as residents in this community that have children attending school.  I like Tony’s ideas and ways to attain them.  I don't feel like a bunch of more committees to talk will get us anywhere farther than months of discussion about what we already know is the problem.  We don't have that time to waste.  I know that personally; I know that from experience.  WE ARE IN A CRISIS within our district.  We can have it sugarcoated to us all day long.  Shelley can claim that the "rules state we cannot speak at Board Meetings"  what she didn't read is that those are GUIDELINES.  They are NOT RULES!  Many districts handle it differently in our state - and they are successful.  I believe if the majority wants it; then the 5 on the school board are obligated to provide it - not what they want as 5 people on a Board. 

We've asked and asked for better communication, knowledge of district issues, and ability to assist with problem solving.  5 people cannot know more than an entire community!  We have too many educated, experienced and caring patrons out there!

Enough of the personal attacks.  I did not start the name slaying - I asked the questions. Mr. Miller should be able to control his own children enough to not hurt his campaign - IF he expects my mother to be able to control me -which is exactly what was said to her when she was called.

We are all adults here - with hopefully the same agenda.  It is time to act like it.

If you are too embarrassed of your history to allow it to be public knowledge; don't run for an office.  It isn't personal - it is for the safety of our districts future and the little money we have to be used correctly. 

That is our obligation to our kids.  We must decide for ourselves by investigating the candidates and their intentions before we cast an educated vote.

Wouldn't Mr. Miller rather have people supporting him because they believe he speaks the truth than wondering if he runs from it?

Like I have said all along - please ask questions of all of the candidates.  Please, ask of people involved in the district if you cannot be - to tell you about them.  Please, really consider the changes we have seen.  Think about if you continued to parent your child as a toddler the same way when he was a teenager.  That wouldn't work!  Our school district has grown from 3A to 5A and possibly more very soon.  We must make some changes to adapt or we will be that "lost teenager" doing whatever it takes to survive - which is not successful!

OR we can make some changes now - although change is hard - and start baby stepping towards a future that we can be confident is headed in the right direction.

Our Reply

For the record we were informed today that anybody against the school board is a radical.  Not quite sure what Danny Barnes meant by his remark but I will ask him the next time I see him.  I guess he sees us as the Al Qaeda of Deer Creek and not concerned parents.  I wonder if the rest of the board feels the same way. 

Candidate Post 1: Regarding 2008 School Board Elections -- I think it is high time to clear up the false statements, innuendo, lies and gossip being told in this campaign for Deer Creek School Board. But before I do that, I want to make one thing very clear. The attacks on the children and grandchildren of people who are running for this office have got to stop. The kids did not ask for this and are not running for office. Slandering children is lower than low and tells a great deal about the character, or lack of, of the person or persons doing this.

There have been many false statements, lies, innuendo and gossip this week in regards to the character and past of David Miller. This is David Miller writing this and I want you all to know the true directly from the source.

In 1992, I retired from Southwestern Bell. I was the Vice President of the company at my time of retirement.  The Legal Department, not under my responsibility, had contracted with an outside attorney to work on some cases.  This attorney, not even an employee of Bell, was involved with some illegal activity involving the bribery of public officials. This individual was caught, charged and convicted of the illegal activity. One public official (a Corporation Commissioner) was also charged and convicted of accepting bribes. This can all be researched in legal court documents.

Due to the false accusations made by a public official looking to take down an upper level management member for his own political gain, I was interviewed two times by the FBI. During these two meetings, it was found that I did not do anything wrong, break any laws or participate in any illegal activity. I was never interviewed by the FBI, or any other law enforcement entity, after the second interview.  It has been stated in Federal Court by the U.S. Attorney’s office that I did nothing wrong and broke no laws.

I am an honest man with the intent of running for school board for all the children. I feel that changes need to be made in the District and these changes can best be handled with strong management. My background is management and I invite you to visit my site (listed on my bio on the Post) for more information. If I am not the candidate for you, as long as you vote, fine. We all have a duty to vote as that is our role in the governmental process.

I hope this helps put the lies and gossip to rest. I have heard from so many people in the District through email asking great questions and in support of my campaign. I appreciate all the patrons, teachers and friends who have worked with and supported me. Although I have not had one single person email in and ask anything about the issues above, if you have ANY questions regarding these or any other issues about me, please feel free to contact me through my site (www.miller4deercreek.com). I am an open and honest man who will speak with you directly and factually. I did not hide anything as I didn’t do anything wrong. That is a fact. Thank you.

Candidate Post 2: And the truth shall set you free….

Many of you have been hearing rumors and receiving e-mails regarding David Miller and an FBI investigation.  I am here to clear up the rumors and tell the truth behind them.  I am not a Deer Creek parent.  I am David Miller’s youngest daughter and I live in Colorado.  First of all, the e-mails that began the rumors were started by an individual whose family has known our family for over 30 years and who were very aware of the facts and have chose not to share them.  Secondly, David Miller was never charged with anything so how any “court records” or any other public records could have been investigated is a mystery to me.  There have to be charges filed to have court records.  You are not charged when you didn’t do anything wrong.  Lastly, I know many people will think that as his daughter that I am biased and I probably am.  David Miller is not fighting for his children’s education but his GRANDCHILDREN’s education.  That comes from nowhere but the heart.  My father taught me to always tell the truth.  Sometimes it is hard, but the truth will always set you free.  That is what he did 15 years ago.  That is what he will do as your School Board Representative.  I welcome your questions or comments.  Please feel free to call me at (970) 978-4358 or e-mail me at staceyecannon@comcast.net. 

Regards,
Stacey Cannon
Proud to be David Miller’s daughter

Parent Post 1: I am glad to see and hear that many people found a candidate to support following the Forum.  Too bad the turn out was so low.  With as many people who have concerns and the call for change in the District, you’d think more than 40-50 people would attend (I didn’t count, but it looked like about that many).

I have read through all of the posts regarding the elections and while I agree with some opinions, others seem quite uneducated on the topics they represent.

Regarding Shelley Denton, I do think her idea that things basically need to stay the same and we need to keep plugging along is almost as though she lives on another planet.  I do however have to give her credit for caring about the students and schools, her volunteerism, and her commitment.  I also have to give her credit for attending all 3 PTO meetings the candidates were asked to attend and speak.  She showed she can make the time for what is important, adjust her schedule when needed, and she appreciates the importance of the PTOs at the schools and the patrons who participate within them.  Beyond that, I don’t have a clue why she is running or anything further positive to say.

Regarding Tony Shanbour, I think he has some great ideas regarding educational issues, but I don’t think he has the time it is going to take to fix the things that need to be fixed.  It is going to take a lot more than meetings and committees to research solutions.  Dr. Shanbour only made it to 1 of the 3 PTO meetings.  That tells me a lot about his ability to change his schedule. It is great that he was the only candidate who spoke to the Logan County group, but my understanding was he was the only DC patron in the room.  Not really something to cheer about when he was the only DC vote there.  But it is just oh so fascinating to hear that the good people of Guthrie Public Schools found him entertaining.  

His ideas about textbooks were great, but I didn’t hear any candidate saying we don’t need any textbooks.  I think they all understood this need and know it needs to be fixed.  I too was pleased to see that he had met with the teachers to get their input, but I know for a fact the other two candidates have done this too.  I guess I think he would be a good Board member, I just didn’t hear anything from him beyond the obvious and what everyone else already says.  But he would still be a better vote than Denton.

Regarding David Miller, I like his innovative ideas and that he seems to very willing to think outside the box.  He, like Denton attended all 3 PTO meetings as requested to speak.  He obviously appreciates the efforts of our PTOs.  People have spread a great deal of false information about him and that is unfortunate.  I repeatedly see that he doesn’t have anything but High School experiences, but he was involved in many volunteer ways when his grandson was in Middle School too.  No, he has not been involved with a child or grandchild in the elementary schools in DC, but he has spoken with many parents and teachers from all three of the schools.  (Actually Denton is the only one who has parental experience in the elementary schools)  He has great ideas about elementary overcrowding, redistricting plans and elementary size models. People have written that his experiences of volunteering IN the schools are limited to two sports and checking out books.  My understanding is that is what he is CURRENTLY doing, but he has done much more and has stepped up every time the office, teachers, administration, or sports groups have asked for help.  (Denton seems to have a great deal of DC volunteer experience too, but I don’t see much in the schools beyond basketball for Shanbour).

The gossip in this District is amazing.  One person says something false in this District and it spreads until it eventually seems to be fact to some.  People say “google” the candidates and you should, but keep in mind that not everything you read on the internet is true and if you don’t know the source (beyond a legal document) you best be very careful before you trust, let alone repeat it.  (A friend of mine who is in the medical field found an internet article the other day claiming that if men eat too many maraschino cherries, they will get prostate cancer. What a hoot!) Also, be sure to “google” all of the candidates (if you do this, you will understand why I mention this).  If you do your research (which some have claimed to have done and obviously didn’t complete the process) you will learn that all the gossip going on about Mr. Miller is false.  If claim to do your homework on something, you better read the whole book and not just the back cover. 

My vote is for David Miller.  Our District needs management at this point in our “life”.  We also need someone who will communicate with us and listen to our ideas and issues.  He has the time, experience and leadership to keep us strong in the academic areas while strengthening the areas that need fixing like growth, planning and finance.  I just don’t see either of the candidates having the experience, time or creativity for what we need today.

Parent Post 2: To parent post 2, receiving a flier in error.  You can contact the Oklahoma State Election Board to update your information.  (Most mailing lists are generated from registered voters and the address they are registered).
OK State Election Board

Parent Post 3: It is very disheartening to hear the contempt for the Deer Creek Schools Foundation.  They provide (through corporate and individual donations) many things our students enjoy.  Thank you DCSF volunteers, we appreciate you. DCS Foundation '06-07 Grants Awarded.

Our Reply: There were actually over 100 people in attendance of the Forum.  We stopped counting at 100.  Not a great turnout but not a bad one either.

To Parent Post 3 we have no contempt for the DCSF.  We have now and always applauded them for their efforts and what they have done for the school district.  We just didn’t go to the candidate forum to see a 15 minute presentation (which included an 8 minute video) about the DCSF.  They could have had it playing outside so we all could have watched it while we were waiting like the band boosters did at the Winter Concert this year.  It would have promoted themselves in a less intrusive manner.  Raising money is a difficult task for anyone as most of us know and being the Band Booster president I certainly can empathized with the DCSF.  But one thing I have learned in my time as the president is there is a time to ask and a time not too.  Asking too much can really hurt your cause. Overall they did a great job with the forum and we appreciate them taking the time and energy to put it on. 

Parent Post 1: I liked what I heard last night at the Candidate's Forum from Tony Shanbour as well.  My vote is definitely cast for him after speaking with him tonight at an elementary school event.  I am very impressed that he is engaging in a dialogue with teachers and educators to actually ask them about some of the issues we are facing and how different levels (elementary, middle and high school) can work together to work for the better for all our DC students. I never met him before tonight but found him engaging, open and energetic.  He has no children at Rose Union yet was interested enough to come and participate. 

That says volumes.

Parent Post 2: In yesterday's mail I received a very expensive-looking, glossy, full color brochure from Shelley Denton and her campaign.  It sat on my kitchen counter overnight, enticing me to cut the seal and take a look.  After much thought, and curiosity having gotten the best me at a pre-caffeine moment this morning, I did in fact open it.  I am offended at not only its content but its intent.  If you didn't get one, you were robbed of its entertainment value if nothing else, especially the part where she implies that she is entitled to some sort of credit or recognition for certain accomplishments within the District during her terms on the Board.

And, Shelley, really.  Let's get over this whole issue about who has children and which ones attend DC schools, shall we?  That beaten horse is beyond dead.  (Perhaps you might want to give your colleague Mr. Benson a look in that area.)

And while she's claiming to be so involved and in touch with the District, let me make this point which on the surface may seem insignificant:

Our flyer was addressed to the PREVIOUS owners of our home.  This is our 3rd school year in this home, and the previous owners were gone an additional school year prior to that.  We are in the Directory, and the previous owners never were, even when their son was in school here.  I'm not exactly sure from whom the mailing list was "obtained", but just that fact alone caused me to reseal the flyer -- you'd never know it had been opened -- mark it "Return to Sender" and put it back in my mailbox.  The red flag is up, in more ways than one.

PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Parent Post 3: I attended the same forum as well as PTO meetings where the candidates have spoken. I found something I liked or disliked about all of the candidates.  However, some very strong points stick in my mind yet today...

1. If the candidates were treated equally as to the lack of knowledge of the questions -only the subject matter - why then did Shelly Denton have prepared print material to read quotes from?  Finally, her little comment about being the only one donating to the Foundation absolutely proved how brilliant the other candidates are.  They aren't trying to buy votes.  They aren't claiming you have to be in the "in crowd" to participate.  Our Foundation has radically changed and become an organization of Who's Who - not who is helping who.  Look at the miserable special ed. students - the majority of money spent on the high school after we were asked for money to be "divided equally amongst students at all schools" - well maybe she shouldn't have claimed that fame.
   
   
2. David Miller scared me to death when he said he was unaware of alcohol or drugs in our schools.  Apparently, he doesn't get the text the day before the drug dogs arrive.  Ever wonder how we don't catch kids?  ASK THE STUDENTS!  Seriously, they pass around text messages warning of the date scheduled by our administration.  Isn't that a clever way to "surprise" the students - schedule it?!
   
   I do think David’s lack of knowledge at levels below high school could hurt him as well.  If he isn't in touch with what is going on outside of the Wrestling and Football Booster Club and the 1 1/2 hour lunch break he provides the high school librarian - how does he know that Rose Union has been overcrowded, we don't have enough textbooks, there is a difference in curriculum amongst elementary schools?  He has to base his knowledge on others opinions - that is really scary and very gossipy!  Don't we get enough of that in our district?  We need someone who truly knows what we as patrons are concerned about.
   
   I love the idea of paying our staff more - but how.  Another committee - come on!  WE NEED ANSWERS - we are in trouble financially and don't have months of debate to spend on it.  I have kids in sports and would love better coaches and athletic programs.  However, we can get that from outside sources.  Education at our school is the only place to get that.
   
   
3. I was concerned about Tony's willingness to frown upon the different curriculums at the elementary level.  I think this will anger many Rose Union staff.  However, those parents that have children who have moved from RU to DCMS - will certainly agree!  I laughed when Shelley read her statistical findings on our 5th graders - well no doubt they scored well.  She openly admitted we don't teach from the curriculum - we teach for the test.  I guess we now know why we have kids failing college while they scored so high on tests in school.  If that isn't frightening - I guess hindsight will be when you experience it yourself!
   
   I thought Tony had the only realistic and affordable plans for our district.  Shelley won't vote outside of the group - look at her voting history - she is simply a fly on the wall.  David is certainly opinionated and quick to be decisive.  While he is a fabulous speaker and tells us what we want to hear in a comical way; I prefer reality.  I also don't think a quick decision is always the best.  Finally, I fear his being so decisive that he is just like our current board and unwilling to listen - and just stick to his guns.
   
   Tony is a father of 5 successful children.  They are well rounded.  If you don't know how to work with people from living in a house of 7 people, putting yourself through medical school and running your own medical practice with your wife as your office administrator - then I don't know what "people or group" experience you dream of.  He has to listen to all sides on a daily basis and make informed decisions from them.  Tony has to make choices that affect people’s lives - so will the decisions of the school board.  It obviously took careful planning, strategic goals and commitment to work his way through in to the highly successful physician that he is today.

Personally, I have had to go to Shelly Denton 2 times over serious issues that were not handled at the school level.  She is very willing to talk.  Problem is - talk is all I got.

David Miller knows all you need to know about 2 high school sports and checking out books.  I need more - our district demands more.  Business knowledge is certainly helpful - but maybe not the kind of business man that those who lived here in 1993 during the SWBT scandal would want.

Tony is real, he is a Dad, a coach, a husband.  It cracks me up that people question his "time" yet we voted in another Doctor that had requirements from belonging to a medical group.  Tony is self employed.  He actually coaches his kids, shows up for games - and not just the last few minutes!  He had plans for his kids’ education before they entered in to it....because it mattered to him.  He and his wife openly admit they put their kids in to private parochial school until middle school.  That is for their religious beliefs.  They believe in public school and moved their home to put their children in to the best school district available - including private - ours!!  Why wouldn't we want that kind of commitment for our school board?  Why wouldn't we want someone who is willing to stand firm in their beliefs?  It might actually benefit our district to move from the "cliques" that have put us in this mess and try to desperately blame it on growth.  What will they blame it on this year - the growth has slowed tremendously!  If RU had been built better and our redistricting not been done by someone who didn't know that the "date built" meant how old the house was (additions south of Memorial between MacArthur and Council) and could be counted more accurately instead of estimated so they could not waste so much gas and money to be bussed 20 minutes away!!!

I left the Forum with a stronger Tony Shanbour than what I entered with!

p.s. - I appreciate the comment to the Foundation.  I have always wondered what they (being a private organization) have to do with a school board election - unless it is yet another attempt to line their pockets as they proved last night. 

Our Reply: It appeared at the forum that Shelley had 12-15 prepared answers and was going to give them whether or not they pertained to the question hence the bedtime story at the end. And if anybody had seen the numbers we posted Jan. 30 they wouldn’t go around stated numbers given to them by the district as factual.  Boy oh Boy we hope there is a change.