Parent Post 1: School Board Forum Comments...I thought the night started off a little unorganized, I wasn't interested in the Foundation's speech, and thank God the video didn't work (I only had an hour and I wanted to hear what the candidates had to say, not how I should pay for my kid's education first), the stage was too dark and the candidates needed to have the questions written down and in front of them to cut down on them repeating "Clay, please read back the 2nd part of that 3 part question".

But after all that was said and done, I think that Ms. Denton blew us all away when she said "I was encouraged to run by other parents because they don't want changes in the District, we like it just the way it is"...was I the only one that had to hold back my surprised look and laughter? 

Mr. Miller and Mr. Shanbour were on the same page and either one will be better than what we have.  Who were the guys on the front row prompting the candidates on how much time they had left?  Not a very good job guys...Ms. Denton's bedtime story in her closing just about put me to sleep!  Guess they were sleepin' too. 

Can't wait to vote!

Parent Post 2: Please tell your neighbors to vote! (you do not need to have children enrolled in DC schools to vote)You can vote if you live in district.  Inform your neighbors of the candidates and let them make a informed vote. It is our job as voters to spread the word.

Parent Post

I went to the DCF forum last night and I know who I want to vote for.  I found myself agreeing with Tony Shanbour.  I totally agree we need to worry about the basics first.

Technology isn’t a panacea that will solve all our educational problems.  If you put an inferior curriculum on the smart board it is still an inferior curriculum. Also, at least one local school district has already tried to eliminate textbooks.  After complaints about children not having access to the materials, (because of internet issues, too many children needing access to too few computers at home and defective textbook CDs) the districts had to order textbooks.

I agree technology is changing rapidly while the basic skills have remained the same for close to 100 years.  Children need the basics of math, reading and writing to be successful in all careers.  Why teach more technology that will be obsolete by the time they graduate?  Why not give them the basic skills they need to sit down with a programming manual or user guide (which look much like textbooks) and to independently learn for themselves?

I agree that we need to involve all parents with any related expertise in our long range planning and building problems.  I was impressed with the fact that Tony had talked to so many people to learn about all the current issues.  I agree that the school board exists for the parents and not the other way around.  I think Tony showed that he is capable of dealing with a wide range of issues by reaching out to all resources available.  I think he will deal with our problems while remembering that most of us came to Deer Creek to get a good education for our children.

Our Reply

We couldn’t agree with your more.  When you hear the number of our kids that need remedial training once they get to college it makes you wonder what we are teaching them at Deer Creek.  API scores are wonderful but the perfection we should be shooting for is 0 kids that require remedial training in college.  Technology does not improve math scores, education does.

Does anybody else ever wonder about how Bill Gates went on to become a leader in technology even though it wasn’t available when he went to school?  But then again if he was taught with a smart board he might be a trillionaire today instead of just a billionaire.

Update

We attended the DCSF Candidate Forum last night.  Thanks to the DCSF for hosting the event but please in the future spare us the presentation in the beginning.  We came to see the candidates speak. 

We thank all of the candidates for giving up their time to come and speak on the issues.  Here is are take on what the candidates had to say.

Shelley Denton: Shelley was well prepared for the event but as someone else posted previously ‘does she live in the same district as the rest of us?”  We found some of her answers to be contradictory in nature. One in particular answer was when she said she was asked to run because people did not want to see a radical change but she talked about a school district in Georgia that uses non-traditional teaching styles.  Wouldn’t changing the style of teaching be considered a radical change?  We also wondered how a board member would not know certain answers. Such as when asked about what she would do about drugs and alcohol in the schools her reply was’ “I don’t know of any problems in the school.”  Did she not get the memo on the five kids that were suspended from the high school?  She went on to say that when the drug dogs were used they only had a couple of hits.  The way we see it is one hit is a problem.  Lastly she ended the night by reciting the open meeting act as to explain why the public couldn’t speak at school board meeting and said she would rather talk to people for more than the three minutes allotted at the school board meetings.  If she was so concerned about giving people the chance to talk why didn’t she meet with the parents of Prairie Vale when asked?  Overall Shelley just confirmed why we needed a change on the school board.

David Miller: David pushed long range planning and technology and full time coaching positions.  With money being tight, he had some great ideas about how to create the long range plan and who we should talk to about accomplishing such plans.  David also stressed education and obviously had done his research into the issues.  David’s candid answers were very much appreciated and we liked how he said what he felt even though the answers may not have been popular.  The only question we would have like to hear more on is how the district was going to find the money to pay for the technology (maintenance, upgrades, support...) over the long run.  He did provide some insight in how he thought it could happen but unfortunately most of those seemed highly unlikely.

Tony Shanbour: Tony stressed the value of education.  He also stressed the return to basics when it came to educating our kids.  He said that once we had the basics covered then we could expand the use of technology in the curriculum.  Tony was the only candidate who had talked to a college student to see how the education provided at Deer Creek had prepared them.  It was great to hear someone looking towards our kids’ future and not just at the here and now.  Tony also addressed the concerns over his having enough time to put into being a good school board member.

In the end, Tony and David were the only candidates who seemed to be aware of the issues that needed to be addressed at the school.  Hopefully either one will have the chance to work on these problems as a school board member.  Again we thank the candidates for giving up their time for us.  Remember to get out and vote.

Parent Post

These are the post from the web page www.guthrienewsleader.net.

“Excellent points, Lurk. I LOVED Dr. Shanbour. I'm so glad he came.”

“Well, I thought the debate was worthwhile but the fireworks weren’t as good as they could have been – probably because the response time was too short (but had it been any longer, we’d have been there til 2 am!”

“I personally think the best candidate among the 5 was undebated – from Deer Creek. If he fails to be elected at Deer Creek, they are either stupid or have a VERY good candidate that didn’t show up. If they don’t elect him, I hope he will move to Guthrie in a Ward that’s got an open seat next time around for our benefit. He sounded like he was seeking “change” just as we need some of in Guthrie.”

“All three candidates where invited to come to the dabate in Guthrie only Shanbour made it.”

Our Reply

These post were on the website as of 1/27/08 but were no longer there on 1/28/08.

Update

It has come to our attention that individuals are going around and saying we are supporting a specific candidate in the school board election.  This could not be further from the truth.  We have not and will not openly promote one candidate over any other.  We do however support change and change only.  We hope that everybody will get out and vote for the candidate they feel will do the best job.  Our votes are private to us.  We made the mistake of endorsing a candidate last year and we will not do that again.

Secondly, we do not now or ever clear our posts through any individual.  There are times that we do talk to people to verify facts or ask for supporting information.  We also will ask people from time to time to review a post that we are putting up for accuracy and accuracy only.  No one individual has any special privileges in regards to what gets posted.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above topics feel free to contact us at any time.

Rob and Daphne Talbot

Student Post

I want to know what the school board is doing to communicate with the students and find out what the students want.  This is the crucial key to do what is best for the students as half of the senior class can now vote.  What is the plan on this, or how is it already being put into action?

Parent Post 1: I too heard the candidates at the MS PTO meeting this week.  It made my decision much easier.  I would challenge all DCS Post readers to come and listen to the candidates and make the right decision for our district.   

I was surprised that I walked away knowing that Mr. Miller was the right vote for me!  I loved his forward thinking and management experience.  He talked about a "master plan" for 5 to 10 years from now.  We have not been looking far enough to the future.  Please show up and listen to the candidates!

Parent Post 2: We have child who has special needs and will be a student within the system in approx. 18 months. Due to such awful publicity, of the hiring of individuals in both a teaching capacity and a maintenance capacity within our school district; having to be released due to negative actions or incomplete background checks, how does each candidate intend to shoulder their responsibility if and when this were to occur again? Also, would any candidate object to a complete, personal OSBI check before the final Election Day? Should any less be required of each candidate who has a final decision making process for our children?,since  we require the same of persons the district chooses to hire and be closest to our students?

Parent Post

I, too, heard the candidates last night and it made my decision more difficult.

I have a problem with Tony Shanbour not having his children here in DC for elementary school.  While he did not address that last night at the Middle School PTO meeting, he came across very well and had some interesting ideas.  I liked that he specifically mentioned Rose Union and the lack of unity at the elementary school level in terms of curriculum (specifically math).  He had insight into getting textbooks for students and had even spoken with actual teachers in the district (ahhh - what a thought!).  I appreciated his whole demeanor and he seemed very sincere, articulate and thoughtful.

Mr. Miller also had some great points.  I TOTALLY support his view that our system of communication and Board Meetings needs to change so patrons can speak and have their questions answered directly.  He has insight into a long range plan for DC and seemingly the experience to back it up.  I want to hear more from him about plans for immediate relief, as well, and hope he is able to address that at the Candidates Forum.

Shelly Denton talked about her kids and her flexible schedule - nothing about what the district needs or is going through now.  Huh?!  Can she be for real?  If she is re-elected, we will be getting what we deserve.  Is she living in the same district as the rest of us?  I think not. 

The arrogance of the Superintendent and her buddies is astounding.  That a perfect API score, let alone 3 consecutive years of "perfection" would go unnoticed and unchallenged can only be that - pure arrogance.  How embarrassing for all of us in the district.

To virtually ignore the grant received at Rose Union, one of only ten in the entire state, because it relates to intervention (instead of make-believe "perfection" at DCES) is insulting and highlights what is wrong with this districts' leaders.

Deer Creek has some deeply talented, dedicated educators who are being hurt by the actions (or inaction) of the arrogant.

It is time to take back this district!

Please, get to the candidates forum and let's get some new ideas and energy into the leadership.  If we don't do it now, I cannot imagine the future of our DC schools.

Parent Post

Having heard all 3 of the candidates speak - and looking for some of the things I have read on this site and heard through the grapevine....

Shelly Denton does not clap for her opponents, nor does she look at them when they speak or acknowledge their presence.  I expect more from my kids.  Education must start from the top down.  I get enough attitude from my teenager - I don't need it from the School Board!

Tony Shanbour - not the best public speaker - but a Dad!  Concerns were from someone within in the district who knows what is going on - not just hears about them.  Very impressive that he has sought out teachers at various levels for their opinions.  Since they are the ones educating our students - that really matters!  Not what the principal says - speaking for everyone - politically correct and all.

David Miller - hats off to a grandparent that not only is involved in his grandchilds life; but backs it with time!  I think his business experience and futuristic planning ideas are above everyone else. 

We have seen the lack of experience from a frame shop, Doctors office that hires staff for that, stay-at-home moms and self employed moms - they have no idea what it takes to run a district!  Back in the day; it was not even enough!  Go speak to the founders of the Foundation here in Deer Creek.  They had foresight enough to start a funding effort used to keep the progress under control today.  We have had to extend a line of credit this year - is that something to be proud of?  Admitting we are spending the money faster than it arrives?  Isn't that what bankrupts a business?  We aren't a bunch of landowners/farmers out here any more.  We have grown to 5A in sports - let alone our curriculum numbers.   We are big enough we have to split lunches at the middle school.  We don't have enough lockers, busses, textbooks - don't we have real issues? 

We need someone we can depend on to say NO or vote the way they believe - not what their friends on the school board want.  We need someone to stand up for our kids!

I really like David Miller - but, he just has no idea because he hasn't experienced the issues at the elementary level - or the middle school - and that is 4/5 of our district. 

Dr. Shanbour knows you have to be focused and work towards a goal - he came from a teachers home and worked through medical school.  He has had to invest and grow his own practice.  He has started with small numbers and grown to be one of the larger well respected practices in our state. - Do we need a Doctor? NO!  But, we need change!  We need a person strong enough to stand up for their beliefs and not vote with the group.  He has taken a beating for putting his children through catholic school in elementary.  So we knock him for building a strong faith foundation in his children and not our school board and administration for the mess they have got us in to. 

Surely, in a highly educated district; we are smarter than that!

Parent Post 1: I must take exception to Post 2, Jan. 19th.  I do not believe that being informed means having children in DC schools.  A knowledge of the history of the schools, where we've been and a plan of how to get AHEAD of where we are going, is key.  We are way behind the curve now.

I agree that the Board members only informational source should not be solely the Administrators.  Is there, or can there be, a Parent Representative panel that can represent each school site's issues, etc.  I don't know exactly how it works now.

The section in Post 2 about Tony Shanbour being a "good, hard-working man" goes back to previous posts about Shelley Denton - if that was what was all that was required to serve as a School Board member many folks would be fine.  We no longer need fine - we need people who are truly working for the greater good of DC, without agendas and preclusions towards certain schools over others.   

Certainly "running to make a difference for all children" is important.  How can Shanbour do that when his 2 of his 4 school age children do not even attend DC elementary schools?  I am assuming that it is for religious reasons that his children go to St. Eugene (look forward to hearing why at the candidates’ forum) but that speaks volumes to me (that his children don't attend elementary school here in DC).

In fact, CHOOSING not to have participated in the elementary experience here in DC bothers me.  DC is not good enough at an elementary level but fine at the secondary level for his children?  What message does that send?  "Taking the initiative to research, listen and make the best decision" is not limited to those with children in the district.  It can, at times, call those decisions into question.  Again, I look forward to hearing all the candidates at the forum to hear the issues addressed.  I have not fully decided on a candidate but I am voting for change!

Parent Post 2: I checked the bio's and here's what I discovered of Mr. Shanbour's involvement: President of DCHS Basketball Booster Club (2004 and 2005). I think you discount the importance of a bond election.  It is the main source of funding for the many things discussed on this site.  By involvement I meant go vote.

Our Reply: To Parent Post 2 look at the 2nd and 3rd bulleted points and you will see other examples of school involvement.  We agree that people should vote but you made it sound that if ‘you don’t vote than you don’t care.’  That is just plain wrong.

The amount of discussion that is going on in the district is great.  Hopefully the numbers at the polls will be a reflection of the discussion.  Deciding who is a better candidate between David Miller and Tony Shanbour is a great problem to have.  It’s like deciding on whether to have cheesecake or ice cream for dessert. Sure both men have their negatives but then again is there anybody that doesn’t?  In the end who ever you vote for between them, it sure beats the heck out of the third alternative.

Parent Post 1: 60% approval is required for a Bond election to pass.  Mr. Miller stresses the importance of financing for the district but why didn't he vote to approve the bond?  (Public voting records indicate).  Mr. Shanbour also declined to vote.  If elected will they START getting involved?  We need everyone's Support!
Deer Creek Voters Face $32 Million in Bonds

Our Reply: They didn’t vote in one bond election and you conclude they are not involved?  Have you not read their bio’s?  While all THREE candidates may have their shortcomings, no one can say any of them are not involved.  Please!

Parent Post 2: It's time for a change!  This is a chance and all you have to do is VOTE! Now is the time to take action if we are going to make a difference!

Let's look at the big picture. Shelly Denton has been in office for 5 years and that should be enough to make some positive impact.  Unfortunately, the school district has two very real law suits pending.  She seems to be marking time on the Board and goes along with the flow.  We don't need passivity!  We need someone who will study the issues and problems, then vote according to the best solution.!

Let's look at the other members of the school board. Benson has no kids in Deer Creek -- Larson has a senior this year--John Robertson's daughter has 2 years left.  David Miller, another candidate has no children attending school at Deer Creek, although his grandson will be a senior next year.   What does this mean, you say?  Only that in a couple of years we'll have a School Board whose members have no children attending our schools.

I believe it's imperative for the School Board to be informed on the issues.  If the only information they have is based on what comes from the Administration, then the representation is one-sided and no decision needs to be made without being aware of all viewpoints.  (case in point:  pending lawsuits)  

TONY SHANBOUR is a good hard working man that has high standards! His kids are good students, good athletes and they will be successful no matter what!  He is running for the School Board to make a difference for all of our children.  He's the type of person who will be willing to cooperate, but will make sure his votes are based on ALL the information available.  He will take the initiative to research, listen, and make the very best decisions on every issue.  He understands that the school board has the responsibility to weigh all options because their decisions are long reaching!    

We all have to get it RIGHT!  It's important:  it's for the kids!  Don't be hesitant to ask questions about the candidates.  Talk to your kids!  Ask them questions!   The bottom line is ask, look, listen!  Get on the Internet!  Google the candidates.  Do what we would like our school board members to do. Get as much information as you can about each candidate then VOTE!

I believe TONY SHANBOUR IS the right man at the right time for Deer Creek!  If you do your homework, I'm confident you'll agree!     GO VOTE!  

Parent Post

I was wondering why Shelly Denton is "above" having her bio on the DCSPost?   She certainly isn't too busy running our district - look at the mess we are in!  Yet, she doesn't want to tell us -the voters - what she plans to do about it?  Well, I may be a low life that reads the DCSPost - but I read it to keep informed, to make good decisions, and to promote better policies in our district.  I value our schools.  I guess she wants to stick to the same game plan - we all see how well that has worked for her!

Our Reply

For the record we asked Shelly Denton for her bio. She has not responded.

Parent Post

I was wondering why Tony Shanbour thinks he can be a GREAT school board member when he has 2 children that are NOT even enrolled in this district.  I feel that sends mixed messages to other parents that he really doesn't believe in our schools.

Our Reply

Have you submitted your question to the DCSF candidate forum or contacted Tony directly?  Either way we are sure he will be more than happy to answer it for you.

On a side note, four of the current school board members have students in the district and we see how great that has turned out. 

Parent Post

This post is in relation to the school board running of Dr. Anthony Shanbour. I felt it as an obligatory factor to input my professional opinion which is indomitable to Dr. Shanbour's character and integrity as a physician, person, and father. As a Registered Nurse that interacts with him on a routine basis, I have seen first-hand his integrity and tenacity to complete with a high degree of satisfaction any undertaking. I am solely inputting my character reference of Dr. Shanbour without his knowledge, but for his benefit. Thank you.

Update

Link to Wednesday December 12th article written by Dawn Marks in the Oklahoman on the 3 candidates running for the Deer Creek School Board.

3 Seek Deer Creek Board Seat -- www.newsok.com/article/3182239/

Parent Post

It IS great to see three candidates for our school board seat as some districts had no one run against the incumbent.  Change is definitely needed in Deer Creek and Denton needs to go.  She has had 5 years to make a difference and "handle the growth" and she has done nothing. I laughed when I read what she said in the paper.  We need someone with a business sense on the board to make good decisions and someone who has the time to devote to researching new and innovative approaches.    

You asked about David Miller.  David is the retired Vice President of Southwestern Bell and he is the man for the job.  He has the time to devote to making a difference at Deer Creek.  With his background in corporate business, he dealt with the government entities almost daily and understands the time and effort it takes.  He volunteers in the schools every week already.  He has ties to many of the technology based companies DC already uses and can get our classrooms where they need to be and beyond (by the way, we are very behind in this respect compared to our surrounding districts).   

Due to his 26 plus years with Bell, he understands how to put together an overall plan to get Deer Creek back on track.  He has dealt with making decision that affect millions of people and understand the importance of researching all decisions and options.  He will not be the one who will rubber stamp everything administrations tells the Board.  He will do his own research and make sure we are making smart business decisions for the good of ALL the children and the district.  We need someone who has the time and business mind to fix the problems in our district.  David Miller is the man for the job.

Our Reply

We saw the article in the Oklahoman about the candidates.  Currently they have not posted on their website but we will link to it once they do.  We have asked all three candidates to send us a bio and picture like the candidates did last year.  If they send them in we will post them as they become available. 

Parent Post

Come on patrons! Exercise your right - VOTE! And before you make your decision on who - THINK!  We have had enough of the current Board! We need NEW ideas with educated and informed decision makers!  NOT any more of the .... friend of a friend so I can get my kids special attention Board Members! 

Thank you to the people who chose to run!  I appreciate those that are willing to participate and help solve the issues at hand.  I don't know David Miller.  I cannot believe between being a Doctor, coaching little league sports, and a very active family life - Tony Shanbour has graced us with wanting to run.  Thank you!  We need people like you who are not going to change their minds to "go with the crowd", who understand what it takes to run a business, who are ethical and moral - and truly FOR THE KIDS!

As of 12/5/2007, 3pm, the following individuals had registered to run for the upcoming school board elections:

• David Miller
• Shelley Denton
• Tony Shanbour

The closing was 5pm yesterday and if any others registered we will let you know.