Our View
Dr. Jones discussed his complaints in the Executive Session, which is closed to the public. The only individuals with full knowledge of the complaints are the trustees and Dr. Bedden. Phone calls made to Drs. Jones and Bedden were not returned.
Billy Rudolph, Press Secretary for Irving ISD did confirm the matter was discussed but did not know the details of Dr. Jones’ concerns. Rudolph indicated the only concern he was aware involved the monies spent to remodel the superintendent’s office to include a conference room. However, each incoming superintendent’s budget includes allowance for decorating their office. There is no indication Dr. Bedden exceeded the estimated $75,000 budget.
Rudolph pointed out that during the election season, Dr. Jones was escorted from Dr. Bedden’s office. Once elected Dr. Jones filed his first complaint. This complaint reportedly included an allegation Dr. Bedden used district property to campaign against Dr. Jones election. There were no actions resulting from the first complaint. The same happened with the latest complaint.
Community activist Anthony Bond feels these on-going complaint filings are racial motivated. According to Bond during his campaign, Dr. Jones reportedly referred to Irving ISD as “black world” in reference to the African American superintendent, and the two school board trustees Nancy Jones and AD Jenkins (both lost re-election bid).
Bond described these two complaints filed by Dr. Jones as “frivolous and very personal, with nothing to do with educating our children.” He points out this is the first time a superintendent in the district has faced two complaints from trustees within less than six months. Bond candidly shares he believes Dr. Jones is “terrorizing” Dr. Bedden with unjustified complaints.
When reached by phone, former trustee AD Jenkins indicated he does not personally know Dr. Jones, but is concerned the concerns are not being handled inappropriately.
“I have never seen someone go after a superintendent,” Jenkins stated. There should be a way the two men could resolve any issues privately, in a professional manner, without drawing this level of public attention. Jenkins would prefer the real focus remain on serving the children of Irving ISD.
Nancy Jones lost her place on the board to Dr. Jones. During the campaign, she told Dr. Jones his portrayal of Dr. Bedden as “very aggressive with him” does not match the Dr. Bedden she helped the district hire during her tenure. Jones found Dr. Bedden to be approachable and available for dialogue both as a member of the board and since she left. Jones is concerned to see two complaints filed within six months.
Dr. Bedden has made an effort to serve all of the students of the district including Hispanic, African American, Asian and Muslim according to Bond.
The North Dallas Gazette has made several attempts to speak with Dr. Stephen Jones for input on this story and others, including the cover story on page 9. Unfortunately, he has never returned a phone call to share his vision for the district or concerns with the community we serve.
Editor’s note: The correct spelling for Dr. Jones’ first name is Steven. Our apologies for mistake.
First of all, his name is Steven Jones and in my opinion, he is a racist Tea Partier of the highest degree.
Secondly, it is obvious to me that he does not give a damn about people or students of color.
Thirdly, he is, I believe, very cowardly in that he is the only school board trustee who will not allow his picture to be seen on the IISD website or on the walls inside the administration building.
And lastly and most importantly, Gail Wells is a clone of Steven Jones and if Black , Brown, Asian, and Muslim voters in the IISD do not wake up before this coming May election , two more racist Tea Party candidates could be elected to our school board resulting in a majority on our School Board. If this occurs in a 90 % minority School District , we could have 4 white people telling all of our kids, parents and community what is best for them.
WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO WAKE UP THE PEOPLE OF COLOR AND GOOD WHITE VOTERS IN THE IISD? PLEASE TELL YOU FRIENDS, PASTORS,AND LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY TO HELP US ELECT SOMEONE TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD IN MAY 2012 WHO CARES ABOUT ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE IISD.