Other (indicate in message) Submitted: August 28, 2023 | Updated: October 6, 2023

(August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

Hello again Cora (or Jackson County Schools Records Officer / Custodian of Records), all others CCed,

Please reply promptly to the following multi-part public records request, which is being made in accordance with NC Public Records Law.
Ref: https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html

** I’m simply requesting an electronic copy of an electronic record, if one exists. I am NOT asking for the opportunity to come in person to inspect, nor to obtain a printed copy of, these electronic records. I’m requesting explicitly that any responsive info be provided to me via the electronic medium / electronic format (in which the copy of these records should already exist).

I do not have any further clarifying info I wish to provide to narrow this request. If the request is unclear, or if you are unable to fulfill any or all parts of the request, then please specifically cite where a reason for its denial is justified under NC Public Records Law. **

A. I assume Kelly Doppke (Director of Student Support Services) is the “Exceptional Children's Director for Jackson County Schools”. Please provide the EC Director’s current salary, date of hire, and years employed in the school system. As of 08/29/23 or present day [date the query is performed].

B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children's Office:

- Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children's Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.
- Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.
- Please provide the total salary amount for all “Administrative EC Staff” (exclude EC teachers), in Jackson County.

All information requested should be current as of as of 08/29/2023 or present day (date the query is performed).

If any / all of this info is already publicly available online, please provide a link to where it can be accessed.
——————

** Please note that by submitting this request, I’m NOT agreeing to pay any potential fees or associated costs related to my request. If it isn’t possible to process the request without incurring fees, then please let me know the itemized potential cost and explanations for those charges upfront, and DO NOT proceed until I respond.

By Law I’m not required to provide a name or address to associate with a public records request, but in order to move things along I’d like to clarify that this request is being made by:

Sunshine Request
PO Box 17391
Asheville, NC 28816

The request has been sent solely from the email address [email protected] . If anyone other than that email address contacts you to pursue a similar request, it did not come from me or my Team. Please do not commingle or treat that as an alteration or cancellation of my request – I intend to continue to pursue my request.

Thank you for your assistance!

Editor’s Note: Sunshine Request makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.

Editor’s Note 08/28/23: The submission(s) below have been revised for clarity, and are merged into one request:

[ REQUEST #1 ]

Date sent in to Sunshine: 08/20/23

Original Subject:
Exceptional Children’s Director for Jackson County Schools in NC

Original Message:
I am requesting the name of the EC Director for this county of Jackson NC, along with all public record information allowed by law with regard to hiring, salary, years employed in the school system, licenses held by said Director, and any other personal demographic statistics allowed by law. Thank you.

Government Entity:
Other (indicate in message)

Start Date / End Date:
August 01, 2023 – August 31, 2023
——————–

[ REQUEST #2 ]

Date sent in to Sunshine: 08/20/23

Original Subject:
Annual Budget for the Jackson County Schools’ NC District Exceptional Children’s Office

Original Message:
We are requesting the annual budget including all Federal, State, and Local Funds for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District. What percentage is administrative cost and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students? What is the total salary amount for all administrative EC staff in Jackson (exclude EC teachers).? Thank you.

Government Entity:
Other (indicate in message)

Start Date / End Date:
July 01, 2023 – December 31, 2023
——————–

We completed a request to JCS related to licensure information on April 18, 2023:

(April 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: Grades 9-12, Principal licensure status info 07/01/21 – 03/23/23. And School Board ethics policies 03/01/21 – 03/25/23.

In regard to the item about licensure status, specifically — Dr. Ayers indicated that:

“I cannot provide any additional information about licensure. An (education) employee’s license is not considered a public record the district can disclose. Since the district is limited to disclosing only the G.S. 115C-320 list of information in employees’ personnel files, the licensure website is the option I can offer.”

We have reviewed the links we were sent previously, as well as conducted a Google Search to determine who is the current EC Director of Jackson County, NC Schools — It appears that person is Kelly Doppke, Director of Student Support Services. [email protected]

https://www.jcpsnc.org/departments/student-support-services

https://www.jcpsnc.org/contact/who-to-contact

Assuming that info is correct — we were also able to locate their licensure details (Name, License Type, License Status, Expiration Date, Effective Date, License Areas), using the links Dr. Ayers sent previously. This info is accurate as of 08/28/2023 12:48 PM, and therefore most of the new information indicated by the sender in [REQUEST #1] has been satisfied.

https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov/datamart/details.do?selector=false&selectorType=&selectorReturnUrl=&anchor=d0bf241.0.0

The new request we will send to JCS, will read as indicated in the Message section above.

Additionally, please note:


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Thank you for using Sunshine Request!

Status: Completed

Activity:

  • October 6, 2023 5:02 pm

    6 months ago

    from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    to: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>
    date: Oct 6, 2023, 5:02 PM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Hi Teri,

     

    Thank you for clarifying!

     

    I will now mark this request as “Completed” on our site.

     

    Have a great weekend!

     

    ~The Sunshine Request Team


    Status: Completed
  • October 5, 2023 1:14 pm

    6 months ago

    from: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>
    to: [email protected]
    date: Oct 5, 2023, 1:14 PM
    subject: Fwd: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    See below in orange.

     

     

    Teri Walawender
    Human Resources Director
    Jackson County Public Schools
    828-586-2311 x1925

     

    ———- Forwarded message ———

    From: Kristie Walker <[email protected]>
    Date: Tue, Sep 26, 2023, 2:26 PM
    Subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.
    To: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>

     

    I wanted to follow up on Item B. specifically. This portion of my request called for:

     

    B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children’s Office:

     

    – Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.

    – Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.

    – Please provide the total salary amount for all “Administrative EC Staff” (exclude EC teachers), in Jackson County.

     

    A total of 3 staff members (including the director) $263,902.91.  This amount includes employer portion benefits. 

     


    Kristie Walker
    Finance Officer
    Jackson County Public Schools
    398 Hospital Road
    Sylva, NC 28779
    828-586-2311
    Fax: 828-586-5450

     

    On Tue, Sep 26, 2023 at 1:33 PM Teri Walawender <[email protected]> wrote:

    Please see the question below. Will you please respond to this email so I can forward? Thank you!

     

    Teri Walawender

    Human Resources Director

    Jackson County Public Schools

    398 Hospital Road

    Sylva, NC 28779

    828-586-2311 x1925

     

    “Creating a culture of integrity and accountability not only improves effectiveness, it also generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.”  Tom Hanson

     

    The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Its contents (including any attachments) may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose, disseminate, copy or print its contents. If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete and destroy the message.

     

    ———- Forwarded message ———
    From: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    Date: Tue, Sep 26, 2023 at 1:23 PM
    Subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.
    To: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>


    Status: Response Received from Government
  • October 5, 2023 12:40 pm

    6 months ago

    from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    to: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>
    date: Oct 5, 2023, 12:40 PM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Hi Teri,

     

    I hope you’re having a good week so far.

     

    I’m following up on my previous message on Tue, Sep 26, 1:22 PM

     

    To reiterate:
    ———-

     

    Regarding Item B. This portion of my request called for:

     

    B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children’s Office:

     

    – Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.
    – Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.
    – Please provide the total salary amount for all “Administrative EC Staff” (exclude EC teachers), in Jackson County.

     

    You’ve addressed the 1st and 2nd bullets from item B., but not the 3rd. Can you please clarify, or provide these records?

     

    Thank you!


    Status: Clarification Requested
  • September 26, 2023 1:22 pm

    7 months ago

    from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    to: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>
    date: Sep 26, 2023, 1:22 PM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Hi Teri,

     

    Thanks for your replies.

     

    I wanted to follow up on Item B. specifically. This portion of my request called for:

     

    B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children’s Office:

     

    – Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.

    – Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.

    – Please provide the total salary amount for all “Administrative EC Staff” (exclude EC teachers), in Jackson County.

     

    You’ve addressed the 1st and 2nd bullets from item B., but not the 3rd. Can you please clarify?

     

    Thank you!


    Status: Follow up
  • September 22, 2023 10:07 am

    7 months ago

    from: Teri Walawender <[email protected]>
    to: [email protected]
    date: Sep 22, 2023, 10:07 AM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Please find responses to your request below:

     

    A. I assume Kelly Doppke (Director of Student Support Services) is the “Exceptional Children’s Director for Jackson County Schools”. Please provide the EC Director’s current salary, date of hire, and years employed in the school system. As of 08/29/23 or present day [date the query is performed].

    Kelly Doppke, Director of Student Support Services, which includes being the EC Director.

    Salary: $6775

    Date of Hire as Director: 11/4/2013

    Years with JCPS: 16

     

    B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children’s Office:
    – Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.

    $4,773,851

     

    – Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.

    Approximately 7% of the budget goes to administrative costs and 93% to serve students

     

    Teri Walawender
    Human Resources Director
    Jackson County Public Schools
    398 Hospital Road
    Sylva, NC 28779
    828-586-2311 x1925

     

    “Creating a culture of integrity and accountability not only improves effectiveness, it also generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.” Tom Hanson

     

    The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Its contents (including any attachments) may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose, disseminate, copy or print its contents. If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete and destroy the message.


    Status: Response Received from Government
  • September 8, 2023 11:03 am

    7 months ago

    from: Kristie Walker <[email protected]>
    date: Sep 8, 2023, 11:03 AM
    subject: Out of the Office Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    I am currently out of the office and have limited access to internet, email, or cell service. If you need immediate assistance, please call 828-586-2311 and speak to someone in the Finance Department.

     


    Kristie Walker
    Finance Officer
    Jackson County Public Schools
    398 Hospital Road
    Sylva, NC 28779
    828-586-2311
    Fax: 828-586-5450


     

    from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    to: Kristie Walker <[email protected]>
    cc: Cora Fields <[email protected]>, [email protected], [email protected], Jacob Buchanan <[email protected]>, Dana Ayers <[email protected]>
    date: Sep 8, 2023, 11:03 AM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Hi Kristie,

     

    Thanks for confirming.

     

    I’ll follow up in a few weeks, if I haven’t heard anything else before then.

     

    Thank you for your help!

     

    ~ The Sunshine Request Team


    Status: Government Processing Request
  • September 8, 2023 8:44 am

    7 months ago

    from: Kristie Walker <[email protected]>
    to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    cc: Cora Fields <[email protected]>, [email protected], [email protected], Jacob Buchanan <[email protected]>, Dana Ayers <[email protected]>
    date: Sep 8, 2023, 8:44 AM
    subject: Re: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Thank you for the inquiry and record request. We have received this and the appropriate department and staff have been notified and are working to gather the information. Please allow 30 days from this response to receive these records.

     

    Should we need more time to fulfill this request, we will let you know immediately.

     

    Thank you,

    Kristie Walker
    Finance Officer
    Jackson County Public Schools
    398 Hospital Road
    Sylva, NC 28779
    828-586-2311
    Fax: 828-586-5450


    Status: Government Processing Request
  • August 29, 2023 6:27 pm

    8 months ago

    from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
    to: Cora Fields <[email protected]>
    cc: Kristie Walker <[email protected]>, [email protected], [email protected], Jacob Buchanan <[email protected]>, Dana Ayers <[email protected]>
    date: Aug 29, 2023, 6:27 PM
    subject: Records Request: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Hello again Cora (or Jackson County Schools Records Officer / Custodian of Records), all others CCed,

     

    I’d like to make a public records request for information that may be available in your office.

     

    If you’re not the appropriate party to contact about the request, please provide the correct name and email address of whom I should send it to.

     

    Please confirm receipt to let me know the request will begin processing, and if possible, please provide a rough estimate of when the request may be completed. I will plan on following up again soon if I have not heard back before then.

     

    Here are the details of the request:

     

    Subject: (August 2023) Multi-part request for Jackson County, NC Schools: EC Director salary info, and EC Office budget info. As of 08/29/23 or present day.

     

    Message: “Hello again Cora (or Jackson County Schools Records Officer / Custodian of Records), all others CCed,

     

    Please reply promptly to the following multi-part public records request, which is being made in accordance with NC Public Records Law.
    Ref: https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html

     

    ** I’m simply requesting an electronic copy of an electronic record, if one exists. I am NOT asking for the opportunity to come in person to inspect, nor to obtain a printed copy of, these electronic records. I’m requesting explicitly that any responsive info be provided to me via the electronic medium / electronic format (in which the copy of these records should already exist).

     

    I do not have any further clarifying info I wish to provide to narrow this request. If the request is unclear, or if you are unable to fulfill any or all parts of the request, then please specifically cite where a reason for its denial is justified under NC Public Records Law. **

     

    A. I assume Kelly Doppke (Director of Student Support Services) is the “Exceptional Children’s Director for Jackson County Schools”. Please provide the EC Director’s current salary, date of hire, and years employed in the school system. As of 08/29/23 or present day [date the query is performed].

     

    B. Specifically related to the Annual Budget for Jackson County Schools, NC District Exceptional Children’s Office:

     

    – Please provide the Annual Budget, including all Federal / State / Local Funds, for the Exceptional Children’s Program for all students in Jackson County NC School District.
    – Please indicate what percentage of the budget is Administrative cost, and what percentage of all budgets actually serve students.
    – Please provide the total salary amount for all “Administrative EC Staff” (exclude EC teachers), in Jackson County.

     

    All information requested should be current as of as of 08/29/2023 or present day (date the query is performed).

     

    If any / all of this info is already publicly available online, please provide a link to where it can be accessed.
    ——————

     

    ** Please note that by submitting this request, I’m NOT agreeing to pay any potential fees or associated costs related to my request. If it isn’t possible to process the request without incurring fees, then please let me know the itemized potential cost and explanations for those charges upfront, and DO NOT proceed until I respond.

     

    By Law I’m not required to provide a name or address to associate with a public records request, but in order to move things along I’d like to clarify that this request is being made by:

     

    Sunshine Request
    PO Box 17391
    Asheville, NC 28816

     

    The request has been sent solely from the email address [email protected] . If anyone other than that email address contacts you to pursue a similar request, it did not come from me or my Team. Please do not commingle or treat that as an alteration or cancellation of my request – I intend to continue to pursue my request.

     

    Thank you for your assistance!”

     

    Thank you!

     

    ** Sunshine Request (www.sunshinerequest.com) makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.


    Status: Sent to Government
  • August 28, 2023 1:12 pm

    8 months ago

    Submitted to Sunshine Request
    Status: Pending