Schools

Poll: Social Media, Rumors and Disney

Superintendent John Harper set straight rumors Bartow Schools would be funding entertainment for teachers attending a national conference.

A newspaper article published this morning quickly doused rumors would foot the bill for administrators' and teachers' travel to a national conference, including Disney World tickets.

In a Facebook status update that garnered more than 250 comments on Cartersville UNCUT's page, proprietors posed a question based on what appeared to be rumor.

"I hear that a group of teachers and administrators from a local Bartow County school are attending a model school conference in Orlando...all expenses paid including Disney World tickets," the post read. "I also hear that coaches, central office personnel and administrators have all received iPad 2's. Anyone have any details? Who is paying for this conference and this program?"

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While some UNCUT followers indicated taxpayers obviously would be on the hook, others said teachers deserve such a treat. Meanwhile, others who posted comments seemingly attempted to douse the rumors themselves.

"Come on people! Aren't you smart enough to figure out that there are funds set aside to pay for MANDATED, professional developments and updated Technology in our school systems," Megan Cockrell commented. "And if your dumb enough to believe they are paying for Disney world tickets, I have ocean front property for sale in Arizona! Do your Homework, google the conference and the Disney property hotel is cheaper then the conference hotel."

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While its article did not address the technology concern, talked to Superintendent John Harper, who said federal funds or the schools' general funds are used to pay for trips to the Models Schools Conference in Florida and Disney tickets are not included.

Should community Facebook pages have higher standards? Should more established, traditional media outlets be responsible for dispelling rumors they may help to spread? Tell us in the comments.


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