While I will be the first to admit when Rhonda Thurman was first elected it was exciting to see someone that I thought was doing a job for all the right reasons. Well, it did not take long to see that those reasons were for glory and fame. While Ms. Thurman can boast that she helped oust not one but two superintendents, she did so on the backs of taxpayers.

The taxpayers were and are paying several hundreds of thousands of dollars to people for doing nothing. She has constantly been a divider among other School Board members. While she may have been a voice to not allow the teachers a few years back to get a Christmas bonus (wanted by the then superintendent because no yearly raise was given) she did not show that type of voice when it came to voting in both benefit and retirement packages for School Board members, which work much less time than what part-time employees are required to get those same benefits.

I am also sure that there is no coincidence that since Mr. Smith has taken over as the current superintendent there has not been much heard from Ms. Thurman. Is it because she "finally" got the person in place she wanted? I will say that Mr. Smith is doing an outstanding job and this is no reflection of his work, but if that is who was wanted then why pay the others in the first place?

I hope the people of District 1 will open their eyes and see that what has happened here has cost us all much more money in the long run since Ms. Thurman was first voted in and that is not what we expected nor wanted.

Dee Layne

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While Dee Layne is entitled to her opinion, she is not entitled to her facts. I have never "boasted" about ousting two superintendents. One board member does not have that power. It takes at least five votes to make anything happen on the school board. I was one of six who accepted Dr. Scales' resignation.

I also voted against the retirement package for board members.

I have still been the one lonely vote on many issues since Rick Smith has been superintendent. Guess the issues were not important enough for Dee Layne to notice.
 
As for getting "glory and fame" for being on the school board-"glory and fame"? Seriously?

Rhonda Thurman

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I am glad to see that there was some type of response from Mrs. Thurman, but while Ms. Layne got one fact (not facts ) wrong and that was about the retirement package. It seems to me every other item was right on point. 

Now, Mrs. Thurman, since you voted against the retirement package am I to assume you won't collect it when you retire or are voted out? I am willing to guess you will use it, just as you do the insurance policy that you did not vote against. The same insurance policy that true employees of the school system must work many more hours a week than school board members to be able to qualify for it. 

While you may claim to not have boasted about the fact you helped and were the loudest voice in getting them out the door. There is not one person living within this school district that did not hear you say multiple times they needed to be removed and to say otherwise is a disgrace. It is very easy to sit back and say that you accepted a resignation, but what other option was there? 

 Funny how people try to change wording around to make themselves look innocent and I find that rather insulting. I am sick and tired of being forced to pay people for jobs they are no longer doing, personally I feel that if the so called leaders want to support that type of decision then they should forfeit all their pay and benefits for the period of time it takes to settle that debt. 

Doug Jones
Holiday Shores

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"School board position for "fame?"  Good grief as Charlie Brown would say. 

I don't live in District 1.  But I do read Chattanoogan.com articles and opinions and have read many writings of Rhonda Thurman.  I have never known a public servant to be more in-tune with what they are there for, or more knowledgeable about the issues.  

I have admired Rhonda for her willingness to stand up for what she believes in and not be bullied by others.  I have heard her speak publicly and I feel she has her constituents interest at heart.   

As far as her accepting the benefits of the school board although she voted against them, why not criticize those who did vote for them.  I know that Rhonda is a very generous person with her personal funds as I have been involved in fundraisers that she has supported.  I suspect that she'll be reelected by a large margin.  You go girl.

Jim Holcomb
Harrison

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I agree with Jim wholeheartedly. 

Rhonda Thurman is very knowledgeable and brings a whole lot of "common sense" to the school board. I too, am not in her district, but I have agreed with her more times than not. She stood up to the "Baker Bunch" and stood strong even though she knew that she didn't have the votes behind her.  

Rhonda and Deborah Scott are the only two politicians in the city or county that cares what the citizens think and act in their best interest. Bravo Rhonda Thurman and Deborah Scott.

Ronnie "Rock" Land