Character Counts! is an abysmal failure.

I represent that I am as expert in Character Counts! as
anyone in the leadership of the APS; even the administrator
they pay two teacher salaries to pimp the program statewide.

The Pillars of Character Counts! have been the student standard of conduct since 1994, when Character Counts! was unanimously adopted by the board of education.

I will state without fear of contradiction that there is no model for character education, and no better standard of conduct for students; than is offered in Character Counts!

I would argue that if Character Counts! were enabled to succeed and flourish in the APS;

• bullying would be greatly reduced, all but eliminated,
• school (and community) vandalism would be reduced,
• truancy would be a much smaller problem,
• test scores would increase substantially,
• graduation rates would increase substantially, and
• there would be far fewer disruptive, and chronically disruptive students consuming inordinate amounts of teachers time and energy.

Instead, Character Counts! in the APS has been an abysmal failure.

For one reason, and one reason only;

there has never been a Superintendent, or a senior administrator, or a board member with the character and the courage to step up as a role model.


If ever there were a superintendent with the character and the courage to step up as a role model of the student standard of conduct;
if ever there were a superintendent with the character and the courage to hold them self honestly accountable to the student standard of conduct;

• s/he would have the moral authority to demand the same of deputy superintendents,

• who would then have the moral authority to demand the same of subordinate middle managers,

• who would then have the moral authority to demand the same of principals,

• who would then have the moral authority to demand the same of teachers,

• who would then have the moral authority to demand the same of students.

There has never be a "leader" in the APS
willing to "lead" by their own personal example.


Leaders, who offer no leadership except
do as I say, not as I do;
and want anyone to actually buy into such crap;

want that which is not,
that which has never been,
and that which will never be.


The proof of this allegation is;
the refusal by the leadership of the APS,
to conduct a candid, forthright, and honest discussion
of administrative standards and accountability.

It is that simple.