Achille Superintendent's job future questionable

Save

Posted: 10:21 PM Dec 19, 2008
Last Updated: 10:47 PM Dec 19, 2008
Reporter: Rashi Vats
Email Address: rashi.vats@kxii.com

58 comments

A | A | A

ACHILLE, Okla -- It's a problem many school districts are facing--tight budgets. But a local district says their money problems were caused by one man. Now Achille School Board Members want their superintendent out.

Achille School Board members say Superintendent Charles Caughern has mishandled the school's money for the past 8 years.

"We can't get our general fund out of the red and we always get it out of the red and it always goes back in because of the carryover. To get your fund to stay in the red you have to have a large carryover and we don't have a huge carryover," said Achille School Board President, Roger West.

West says in order to balance the budget, drastic cuts need to be made and they'll start with the biggest expense--payroll.

"When our funding is out to the point, we will have to cut more faculty," West said.

West says that the school is short $25,000, but public records show the school is actually more than $290,000 in debt.

We asked Caughern about those allegations. He refused to speak to us on camera, but did tell us by phone that the accusations are all false, and that people are just trying to stir up controversy. But the school board says the numbers tell the story.

While the truth about the allegations of money misappropriation may be in question, Caughern's contract is not. Board members voted not to renew his contract for 2010.

More Stories
Denison schools seek funding for safer routes to school

Missing Ada man dies in wreck in Pontotoc Co.

2 Denison teens injured in accident

Man arrested for pointing gun at woman in road rage incident

Construction underway on 2 major Denison thoroughfares

Woman arrested after telling Wal-Mart employees she had a gun

2 dead, several injured in accident on I-35 near Gainesville

Ice cream truck bill signed into law in Oklahoma

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Mr. Evans is a JOKE!! on Feb 18, 2009 at 07:07 PM
OMG! You can't be serious about Mr. Evans becoming Superintendent! That man is rude hateful and degrading to all the kids. He thinks he is GOD and what he says goes. He is nobody and will always be NOBODY! His own inadequacies as a man DOES NOT give him the right to ridicule and degrade the kids the way he does. He is a sorry excuse for a principle and would be even sorrier as a superintendent!

Posted by: b-ball player Location: u-know yes u-know on Feb 18, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I'm one of the best english students in are school. DO NOT CORRECT ME EVER AGAIN! I Do Not Like It!

Posted by: Achille middle brotha Location: achille on Feb 2, 2009 at 04:23 PM
If you ask me if you want things back to the way they should be give vernon anderson a call.When he was here achille was one of the richest schools in oklahoma.If anyone should help us he would be the man.Why do all the good men leave? mcknight?yeah he was crazy but he was as good a man as you'll meet.Bring Anderson back

Posted by: Achille middle brotha Location: achille on Feb 2, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Like i was saying.In my opinion Steve Evans is in my eyes the man to look to in taking over the superintendent job.Achille should consider consalidating with Colbert?Rock creek?Yuba should be shut down and used for a punishment facility.Now i know somebodies child has been sent to what we know as ISD.Why should the parent be punished?Gas is expensive.Most families have both the parents working and can't take thier kids.Now i know how a kid acts in public is an example of how they have been raised.By no means am i a saint but i am a respectable young man.This has been an issue in my case...I have been sent to the office and threatend with isd because the FEMALE princapal can't get a point across with physical punishment or "swats".My parents are sick of dealing with the possiblity of my punishment being isd so they have requested that i be sent to the high school principal.HE can actually do his job with me.I have been one time and i assure you i learned me lesson.

Posted by: Achille middle brotha Location: Achille on Feb 2, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I am continuing from my last comment...I would like to say to all the people that are saying how "wonderful" and "great" yuba is, yuba is nothing but a joke!Yeah achille isn't better by any means.Yuba was alledgedly supposed to be shut down after jim daley left.I have been to yuba and the teachers don't care and the kids don't care.Achille is ahead of yuba in every subject.Gary Burkhalter has done his job very well.I assure you if you asked each and everyone one of the yube 8th grades(which is about 5 kids because most parents don't get crazy and take there kids out of achille when they're kids make a bad grade or the teacher gets after them)about the pythagoeran theroem is they wouldn't know.Yuba is nothing but a rebound school.Now to achille-Caughern has swindled enough money under the table while at Achille to go into retirment for a couple of years.If you ask me caughern should be fired,and achille should consider a consalidation.I will continue in my next comment.

Posted by: Middle school Brotha! Location: Achille on Feb 2, 2009 at 03:33 PM
First of all i would like to say that none of this is the kid fault.parents should tell they're kids to leave them alone.Now first of all i am not a tax payer so really i have no business saying what i am,but tax payer or not i am not stupid or blind.Im not even in high school and have been seeing this go on for long enough.Your telling me it took as long as it did to build the new high school. HAH! I have watched four story motels go up in the amount of time it took for that joke of a high school.I am embarresed to tell people where i go to school.This man should pay for what he did.The teachers shouldn't.Now your telling me they're gonna build a cafeteria?With the money that is going to that cafeteria we could have a football team or something a little more productive.There is absolutly nothing wrong with our current eating establishment,other then the slop that we have to eat.

Posted by: lovemesomebballplayers Location: ACHILLE on Jan 28, 2009 at 10:04 AM
The comment Posted by: B-Ball Player on Jan 15, 2009 is a perfect example of athletics being focused on over academics. "As for the basketball comments it is none of your busness (BUSINESS) wat (WHAT)are (OUR) coach says to us. Are (OUR)team is happy the way it is so lay off us and are (OUR) coach. We DO NOT do drugs but we do fly high so don't be jelouse (JEALOUS). So get over yall's self. (YOURSELVES) And don't worry about us." I do worry about you. I worry about your future. I sincerely hope you are prepared to study in college because misuse of words and misspelled words will not serve you well. Your professors won't care how great a ball player you are. Future employers may think you're illiterate or lazy. I realize slang & texting are not helping this issue. I encourage you to begin to pay attention to your grammar and word choices. Good luck for the rest of the season and your future. GO EAGLES!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 26, 2009 at 10:28 PM
he is nice

Posted by: mini me Location: don't matter on Jan 26, 2009 at 09:32 AM
the kids who are complaining should be happy to get anything. An if they are so unhappy no one is stopping them from moving to a different school. so butt out!!!!

Posted by: hanna Location: achille on Jan 24, 2009 at 11:35 AM
this is boring so drop it!!! find something more interesting to talk about!!

Posted by: wishful thinking Location: on the fence on Jan 20, 2009 at 11:54 PM
achille is not the "best" school, i think colbert and yuba should come together and use the achille site only for a school not to waste the already mismanaged funds and rename it yuba schools. yuba always has the best caranval and christmas programs and has the better teachers, higher test scores,good players, cleaner school and better food. the children are always sad to go to "high school" at achille. lets make the kids happy and use what we have. by the way yubas gym has always been better for all events.

Posted by: B-Ball Player Location: Not Important on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:33 AM
As for the basketball comments it is none of your busness wat are coach says to us. Are team is happy the way it is so lay off us and are coach. We DO NOT do drugs but we do fly high so don't be jelouse. So get over yall's self. And don't worry about us.

Posted by: Hank Location: Canadian on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:07 PM
You are right, Sally. This is exactly what happened to us at Canadian when Caughern was superintendent here. First, he gave his wife a do nothing job at a high salary, then he hired over priced coaches to recruit kids. He just about broke our school. The only thing that saved us was that he moved on to Achille. Our hearts go out to you folks.

Posted by: sally Location: grant on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Why did it take 8 years to notice the problem? It is ashame that the teachers and faculty will be the ones to suffer the consiquences. Something should be done to the one that mishandled the funds. And should the board entrust all financials to one person? Is there no checks and balances? For this person to just loose his place of employment does not seem to be enough justice. This man will just go on his merry way to another school system and repeat the process. The school will suffer for years to regain what they have lost. Meanwhile there are some very good employees that will loose their jobs because of this one man. If Yuba only has and enrollment of 83 students, would it not be wise to bus them to Achille classrooms? This would be a tremendous savings on the daily housing and maintence. Eliminate the expense of supporting two seperate schools. When you have to tighten the reins in education it doesn't make sense to let your teachers go. Trim something else.

Posted by: Proud Yuba Mom Location: Yuba on Jan 1, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Very nicely said Proud Achille Mom. I hope more folks will see it the way you do. Happy New Year to all!

Posted by: Embarrassed Achille Graduate Location: B.F.E. on Jan 1, 2009 at 01:33 AM
I also forgot to say that Yuba Grad needs to get their facts straight also. Yuba was in no financial difficulty when its annexation with Achille took place. To begin with Yuba was actually suppossed to annex with Bokchito and Blue, but they didn't agree on the issues and it never took place. Yuba and Achille had to annex because the Government made it manditory for a school to carry 500 students or they wouldn't get any grant money. So Achille can't function without Yuba, and Yuba can't function without Achille. If either shut down there wouldn't be enough students to meet their quota for grant money, which in turn would cause both schools in the end to go under. Now tell me if that happens then where will you send your children to school?

Posted by: Embarrassed Achille Graduate Location: B.F.E. on Jan 1, 2009 at 01:23 AM
I agree with proudachillemom, there has been a lot of controversy with Achille and Yuba in this whole mess, and I even put in my two since to add to it. The issue at hand is to bring the school out of the red zone financially. Caughern is not in trouble for swindelling money. It is about how a lot of people do not approve of his attitude and the rumors going around about his personal life. I do agree with Diehard Roadrunner about this needed to be handled with some discretion. Did you ever stop to think how this might affect his family? I have known his daughter for several years, and she doesn't deserve to have people making it public. Someone had to go call the media right before the holidays and it was cruel and showed a lot of stupidity. Do you really think it was necessary to drag Achille's name through the mud again, or is it you just thrive off of gossip? Really if you would put this much effort into better the education for the children, you'd find it would make a big differenc

Posted by: proudachillemom Location: durant on Dec 31, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Everyone neeeds to take a step back and breath for a second. This has turned into a shouting match between Yuba and Achille, when the truth is that both schools have great teachers and coaches who care for the students. How sad is it that we, the adults, have resorted to name calling and attacking the students. As for the "drugs" name me one high school that does not have a few children with drug problem. WE should be there to help these children not call them out. Please stop this insanity and start thinking about the children. Once the kids get to high school and Yuba and Achille kids get together they develop life long friendships that should not be tainted by boundries. Just remember when you point your finger at someone you usually have 3 pointing back at you!! Have a fantastic new year!!

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Dec 30, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Are you guys related to anyone in Ringling?

Posted by: allie k. Location: ptown on Dec 29, 2008 at 10:57 PM
yep. ever see caughern with his hand in the cookie jar!!!!! HAHAHAHA

Posted by: sports fan Location: achille on Dec 29, 2008 at 10:12 PM
The one thing Achille needs to bring everyone together is a State Championship. There is nothing wrong with giving our athletes the best money can buy. I promise you, if we had won a State Championship we would not be talking about this issue with Caughern. We need some student athletes to put Achille on the map.

Posted by: allie k. Location: pottsboro on Dec 29, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Ya. all them boys in those raggedy basketball suits.did u ever see caughern pay for some new suits..

Posted by: Yuba Resident Location: Yuba on Dec 29, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Yuba was not out of money when the annex took place. The school was in very good shape as far as money goes at that time!

Posted by: Yuba Grad Location: ???? on Dec 29, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Just as i stated in my earlier post people get on here and just start making things up! Whoever posted that Yuba had to annex with Achille because their test scores were bad is just making that up!! I beleive the reason they did that was because Yuba was in financial trouble and Achille was in trouble with their test scores so they just went together and solved both of the schools problems. Yuba did not want to go together with any of the schools but had to because they were out of money! So whoever you are from rock creek we didnt want you anyway!

Posted by: DianaC Location: Madill on Dec 27, 2008 at 04:18 PM
I have to agree with embarrased down there, i have lived in this area for 40 years and Achille has always beena twilight zone. I don't mean like most small towns, i mean a true zone of it's own. Coaches recruiting, board members scandled, city coucil apathetic, its been a mess for a number of years, there are a couple of ranchers that carry that area, as soon as it looses its farm value it's history anyway...

Posted by: achile resdent Location: achile on Dec 27, 2008 at 02:28 AM
i be a achile gradute and shore prowd of it. i don't got no problum with those uba people personaly but yeah sum achilean peple do. They like to keep in their own circle of friensds and family and we be so protectuve of our kids. But realy achile isn't so bad of a town to live at. Why I seen a lot of my neighbors in line behined me when i was getting my food stamps and trying to draw more welfare benefits, I'm pregnant again with my sixth child, job security for teachers teachin my younguns. I can count on both hands the peopole that draw a "nut" check and half of them really ain't nutty, just act good and are crooked. There is a fair share of drug dealers, and alcoholics roming the streets and sometimes they even get a job as our police people. The majority of the rest of the town are retired old people or unwed or kids who wed as teens cause someone got knocked up. Probaly only have 60 or so kids whose parents where relatives. Good thing achile's the special ed. site, huh? the end by!

Posted by: Yuba Grad Location: ????? on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:44 PM
If some of you people would sit down and think about the things you are saying you will see that most of it is something you no nothing about! I bet that nobody that has posted anything on here has any info. to back your statements. This is just like every small town once the rumors start everybody starts making up there own. Please quit making up things and lets just get on with our lives!

Posted by: Jim Location: Kemp on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:15 PM
The problem is we have to much duplication in government. We don't only need to consolidate schools, we need to consolidate counties. We could have a much better jail and a much better court house system if we would consolidate Marshall, Johnston, Bryan, and Atoka counties. Think of the money we could save by closing all of the unneeded court houses and doing away with all of those jobs. And if we had only one school district in this new mega-county look at the administration and teacher costs that could be cut. WE could have classes like the university with up to 100 students in a classroom. If we're going to cut the fat, let's not just stop at the local rural school level!

Posted by: Embarrassed Graduate of Achille Location: B.F.E on Dec 25, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I'm a former graduate of Yuba Elementary and Achille High Schools. I am hear to tell you from experience, that Yuba is an excellent education facility with "clean buildings" and a "caring faculty." I'm sorry to see Yuba's upstanding name tarnished by Achille's neverending scandals. To tell the truth, I am embarrased to have graduated from Achille. I loved school when I was at Yuba because, I learned many things and the teachers actually cared more about teaching kids than sports. Achille is sports first then learning. The only classes that I really learned anything in were Mr. Gorman's and Mrs. Robinson's classes. All Achille has ever been good for is scandals and erasing the intelligence of Yuba kids. Truthfully I hate everything about Achille. Anyone mouthing about Yuba needs a serious reality check. Really, if you take a long look at all the real problem, you will realize they all come from one place "Achille Public Schools", drugs & lies, the eagles fly high in more ways than one.

Posted by: Diehard Roadrunner Location: B.F.E. on Dec 25, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I wish there was a way to "undo: the annexation of Yuba with Achille. Yuba has always had an upstanding name until we were thrown together with Achille. It's been one continual scandal after another! In regards to the latest scandal, I really don't know who was responsible for the media being called, but I think this could have been handled with some discretion. But of course, that wouldn't be the "Achille Way", now would it????? In all the mix it's a shame that the ones that will suffer from all of this mess is the students. It's time to get back to the basics of actually educating our kids! Of note, everyone should take a glance at the state mandated tests scores for each site. . . I believe they will speak for themselves. Keep up the good work Yuba!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Dec 24, 2008 at 02:35 PM
What about Yarnaby?

Posted by: Ronda Location: Achille on Dec 24, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I was an eight year "servant of the people" who was on the Board when Dr. Caughren was hired. I voted yes. The buck does stop with the Board. I realized 4 years ago that our financial reports were poorly lacking in information. Had it not been for the dedication to the District and adherence to the public record laws that our staff exhibited, I would still be wondering what our bottom line was. Within a month Sharla became as concerned as I and together we became deligent on receiving true, current numbers. As another board member joined us later, three people out of seven began asking for plans of action to remedy the situation. Now, 3 years later the only solution left has finally been executed by the current Board. A Board of Education is a democracy. Right or wrong the majority rules. Unfortunately for AISD (which is Yuba, also)the majority refused and are still refusing to face the financial facts. They should all vote yes to give Dr. Caughren his "due process".

Posted by: parent Location: achille on Dec 24, 2008 at 11:28 AM
who built Achille's New High School. I believe it was Caughern Construction. I wander how much of that went into his pocket. Why did he have to fire the inital construction company and hire his family's construction company.

Posted by: Gotta luv it Location: durant on Dec 24, 2008 at 11:28 AM
If the superintendant is all that then why did he try and appoint a person who ran for school board before the election. The other school board members term is officially over in feb after the election. He didn't even resign before the new person was going to be appointed. This is a violation of the state law. So if the superintendant is willing to do this to get his majority (by the way he personally drove this person to file for school baord in the school vehicle)then waht other things has he done that is illegal? Why is he fighting to save his job? Why is he using outside contractors and vendors from whre he was from? Why is yuba a problem simple reorganization can save the school. Why did the School board President say that the school is 25k in te red and KXII found out it is 250K in the red? To much cover up. if the superintendant is not wanted then go!!! The Board President should also resign he has no real concern for the students and school just his buddy the super.

Posted by: question Location: durant on Dec 24, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Perhaps those on here need to go to a Board meeting and learn the facts before they run their mouths. First back in the mid 1980's Yuba curriculum wasn't meeting the state standards and needed to comply so they asked FIRST to annex to Rock Creek but through politcal powers that be at Rock Creek that wasn't going to happen. So Yuba asked to annex to Achille they have never been consolidated. Thus is why there is a seven member board instead of 5 member board. Perhaps it is time that the superintendant listen to the people and the board and offer solutions instead of the status quo. funny that the superintendant has four board members in his pocket. Is this a way for him to go unchecked? as far as the other board members they have been trying to get a handle on the finances but beacuse of the make up of the board accountability goes out the window. Three are trying to hold the superintendant in check but they are a minority. Time for the superintendents bodies to resign.

Posted by: For The Birds Location: InThe Middle on Dec 24, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Dear Lord, Please be with our communities as the light begins to shine on this situation. Please help us to not become divided as the circumstances play out. I pray that those in leadership will have courage to accept the challenges that are coming and that they will seek Your wisdom and discernment. Thank you for bringing in folks who have a heart for the school and for their willingness to serve. Thank you Father, for second chances and the opportunity to make things better for the children. Please be with the school board, teachers, students and their families that are worried and afraid. Bring us peace, Dear Lord. Help us to "not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Thank you for your Son, Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Yuba, Oklahoma on Dec 23, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I would agree that Achille's main focus is on sports and not education. The school didn't need a $125,000 bus just to take students back and forth to ballgames. Also, the school board needs to become more involved in Caughern's spendings. There is no reason for Achille School to be in debt. Yuba doesn't need to be brought up in this mess. I grew up in Yuba and attended Yuba School. Yuba is a much cleaner facility than Achille. In fact, Yuba's custodians have to go to Achille several times a week to clean because Achille has no one capable of doing it. In reality, Yuba is a much better school than Achille. I totally agree that Yuba School would operate just fine with all of their students back.Durant resident, you need to get your facts straight. Yuba doesn't have a superintendent. Apparantly, sports is your main focus. We don't care about football!!! It's not like Durant can play football anyway!! LOL

Posted by: Betrayed Roadrunner Location: Yuba on Dec 23, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Jr. tough boy...there's a line between an adolescent and a juevenile.Just because someone else makes a mistake, or just runs their big mouth, that doesn't mean you should put your emotions on your shoulders. Mullens ran for an elected position to SERVE THE PEOPLE(we thought ALL of the people)Her misinformation and drama tactics haven't gone unnoticed,or have they been forgotten.One dishonest stunt alone was enough to show many people she was unfit for the job. For a history lesson,not that you(or other people from Achille)care,Yuba has its own history,traditions,and heritage,that was too quickly given up on by a FEW people who made decisions for ALL.There were some lies and misinformation at the time and deals were made.We have a right to free speech and redress.If the deal is not honored,we should make a motion for redress and set an agenda to reclaim our school,students,and tax dollars from a less than honest group of people.Your sports are not more important than our school.

Posted by: Regan Christen Location: Achille on Dec 23, 2008 at 07:39 PM
AS ONE OF THE CAPTAINS ON THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO LEAVE COACH OUT OF THIS! YOU DO NOT KNOW HIM OR WHAT HE DOES. HE IS ONE OF THE BEST COACHES WE HAVE EVER HAD!He has never put us down.I think you are talking about our previous coach. As for the new uniforms, we needed them.The old ones had holes in them.We received the new bus because our old one keep breaking down. This has nothing to do with coach and if you don't have anything good to say about him you need to keep your comments to yourself! If you don't like how coach acts in a game then stop coming.(Funny we always pack the house!!)We may not be a state winning team but Coach has made us feel like one. We have won more games then the boys!!!As for Mrs.Caughern, she is an amazing person and everything she does is in our best interest!

Posted by: player Location: achille on Dec 23, 2008 at 05:53 PM
HEY LAY OFF COACH WE LOVE HIM!! THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM!!!! THE PLAYERS

Posted by: Proud Parent Location: Achille on Dec 23, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Most people in Achille and Yuba do not have the backbone to stand up for their childrens right to have a fair,just and quilty education.As a parent of four children in that school district, who is very vocal on childrens rights, I urge all tax payors to get involved in your childrens education. If your not happy with the way the school board runs things then demand a change. If your not happy with the education your child is recieving then step up to the plate and voice your concerns.

Posted by: Yuba Resident Location: Yuba on Dec 23, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Bless you Roadrunner Location Yuba. I agree with you 100%. I hope more folks in Yuba will speak out.

Posted by: Billy Location: Achille on Dec 23, 2008 at 11:29 AM
TO: Anonymous. I'm going to start off by saying that if you don't know what your talking about keep your mouth shut. I am the son of Sharla Mullens and I along with my two sisters graduated from Achille. My mom also has two grandkids attending Yuba School. My mom has done nothing but care for the students of Achille and Yuba. If you only knew half of the things she has done and went through you would be surprised. I also would appreciate it if you would not say anything else about my mom on the internet. If you have anything to say have the audacity to say it to her face or mine. I will gladly shine some light on your darkened opinion of my mom

Posted by: Someone Location: AISD on Dec 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM
TO Anonymous-Merry Christmas How could you say that Sharla Mullens does not send her family members to Achille she has graduated 3 children from there and has two grandchildren that have attended Yuba since they were old enough to go to school, so you need to get your facts right before you speak about something that apparently you know nothing about. And if you can call her out at least have the courage to state your name Coward!!!!

Posted by: To Sara Location: Durant on Dec 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Why did Caughern hire someone to coach/teach, for the kids to look up too that is not exactly a good roll model Thank goodness SHE is GONE ! Most of the Basketball Girls want to be Just like her. That is not the new coaches fault.

Posted by: Wise Location: Local on Dec 23, 2008 at 10:12 AM
The board became focused on a man and not a school. They used their uneducated power to bring down a school not build it up. There has been a sense of PRIDE for once at Achille. They have just smothered it. The board lost their vision. They will be held accountable.

Posted by: sara Location: durant on Dec 23, 2008 at 08:38 AM
As for the girls basketball coach and his comments, maybe you should call some of the schools that were in the Achille Festival and ask to see the e-mail he sent out about his "not so mighty eagles" and other comments.

Posted by: Roadrunner Location: Yuba on Dec 22, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Gee, how about getting rid of a few high priced coaches and we don't need a cruiser bus running all of the state. Let's consolidate the ball games to Durant. Live within our means. I wonder how much an injunction would cost? Leave Yuba out of it, we want it all back,anyway. Give us our kids back and we would have more than 83 kids. People, check out the test scores that Yuba puts out and then look at Achille's. They just need us to prop them up, anyhow. The people should have a say, we have rights, the citizens should petition the government and board for a redress. This consolidation was not done legally and should not be binding,if your plans are to close OUR (Yuba)school due to ACHILLE'S mismanagement.The Yuba community should pull out of Achille,get their high school back and manage our own tax dollars and our own children, putting their EDUCATION first,not spend everything we have on sports programs and coaches.Those programs should still be doable,but they should come 2nd.

Posted by: electric man on Dec 22, 2008 at 06:19 PM
The school is getting the money, how far do the power lines stretch between achille and yuba? Where does the money go? Pouring money into basketball is only good if you win a State Championship. Where ever it goes, it must be justified.

Posted by: Bill Location: Grayson Co on Dec 22, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Same thing in Texas with AL hambrick except your board had enough courage to non renew the superintendt while the Sherman Board is giving thier superintendent perks that make a banking ceo jealous.

Posted by: Quite Amused Location: Everywhere on Dec 22, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I don't understand why everybody is putting the blame on the schoolboard members. CAUGHERN is the one who has squandered this money away and used it on who knows what! I can't believe so many people are sticking up for Caughern. He's a crook.

Posted by: parent Location: achille on Dec 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Achille High School Does not have enough Books for the students but Ms. Caughern Made sure the Basketball team got new uniforms a couple of years ago.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Merry Christmas on Dec 22, 2008 at 02:56 PM
TO: Sharla Mullens Board Member. How can you act like you really care about Achille Public Schools. You work for Texas Schools and you don't even send your own family members to Achille? Once again lets shine the light on the Board. They are the smarts ones who so deeply care about Achille schools, right??? Achille is the best it has ever been in every way.

Posted by: Quite Amused Location: Everywhere on Dec 22, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I think they can recieve a good quality of education in Achille schools. However, you can't recieve much when the whole school's focus is on basketball! That's how it has been since Caughern got there! I wouldn't doubt it if the coaches that came in shortly after he did got a little 'bonus' themselves! This whole money situation is down right rediculous. It's a shame to see a small school, that's barely making it as it is, be robbed.

Posted by: Parent Location: Achille on Dec 22, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Achille's CURRENT girls coach does NOT make negative, derogatory comments about the girls in public.

Posted by: Common Sense Location: Durant on Dec 22, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Apparently "Parent" at A.I.S.D. lacks reading comprehension skills. I'm talking about consolidating tiny districts to save money, and "Parent" goes off on a rant filled with grammatical, logical, and spelling errors about the lack of a superintendent at Yuba. You unwittingly made the case for getting these kids into larger schools that can provide a quality education.

Posted by: Parent Location: A.I.S.D. on Dec 22, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Apparently Common Sense has NO clue about what is going on here .Achille ISD only has one Supt. There is not one at Yuba. DUH? The coaches do both schools and Rock Creek ( Bohchito ) did not want them. Thought they were tooo good I guess. Thank you Common Sense for info on something you obviously know nothing about.

Posted by: Ticked Location: Hendrix on Dec 22, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Don't bring Yuba into this. Yuba School is not the problem. And as far as dilapidated buildings at Yuba, I don't think so. The buildings at Yuba are just as good as the ones at Achille and a whole lot CLEANER!

Posted by: linda Location: bryan co on Dec 22, 2008 at 09:13 AM
It's funny how a school board always has to have someone to blame other than themselves. I would venture to say that 50% of school budget issues are at the fault of the school board trying to run everything at the school and not letting the people with the education to do so do their jobs. I am a teacher and I know this is how things are done you give a "good ole boy" a little power and they think they know it all. If Achille is truly so concerned about their students they need to be looking at their girls basketball coach and his negative, derogatory comments about the girls in public. Also small schools have got to stop trying to "keep up with the Jones'". This is where the budget problems come from. You talk about being concerned about the students yet the first cut you want to make is the TEACHERS. You aren't concerend about the kids if this is the way you think the situation should be handled.

Posted by: Harry Location: Grayson on Dec 22, 2008 at 07:54 AM
This is a typical problem which many small rural counties are having. They simply do not have a large enough tax base to run their school like surrounding schools. It is all about money, like always. Getting their costs in line with their sales is not possible any longer. Consolidation is about the only reasonable solution. Not everyone will like it but for the long run it must be done. Education is too valuable for it not to be done right.

Posted by: Quite Amused Location: Everywhere on Dec 22, 2008 at 01:35 AM
'NEVER'? hahahaha! Give me a break....the only think I ever saw Caughern do, was cruise around in the school's suburban and grab burgers from KwikCheck. He could care less about the students or the quality of education they recieve. He's a joke, and he should be ashamed of what he has done!

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Dec 21, 2008 at 09:37 AM
How 'bout dem Eagles!

Posted by: bmatt on Dec 20, 2008 at 09:11 PM
My child attends school at Achille. I have been nothing but pleased with the superintendent. I however have had the most conflict with the School Board Members. If anything I would elect a different Board that knew how to best Help out a wonderful thriving school.

Posted by: kelly on Dec 20, 2008 at 04:42 PM
heh,,,ya ever see a man who has an office and dresses nice for work who was honest....doubt it

Posted by: concerned Location: Durant on Dec 20, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I know Mr. Caughern and I know he would NEVER mishandle funds. These school board members are on a witch hunt!

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Achille School District on Dec 20, 2008 at 09:50 AM
This has went on for way to long. Mr.Caughern and his yes man Roger West have been sinking our school into the ground for the last 8 years. The question on most everyone's mind is why would the board president, Mr. West, continually defend Mr.Caughern's actions? Is Mr. West's best interest the school district or Mr.Caughern?

Posted by: unknown Location: YUBA on Dec 20, 2008 at 02:20 AM
yes I totally agree with the "School board" I'm a past student there and that superintendent has done nothing but put that school in Debt.. He walks around like he is the "king" And DOES NOT DO HIS JOB!

Posted by: Achille on Dec 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
The only mismanagement goes to the school board for keeping Yuba open with a population of 83 students. The cost of utilities, teacher payroll and upkeep of a dilapidated building at Yuba are enough to keep Achille's finances in the red. This is not the fault of Dr. Caughern.

Posted by: Common Sense Location: Durant on Dec 19, 2008 at 10:51 PM
It costs a ridiculous amount of money to keep a small school district open? Who could have possibly guessed that? It's time that the parents in some of these podunk school districts put the quality of their kids' education ahead of their asinine need to have a high school three blocks away. Quit denying your kids the opportunity to participate in more academic or athletic activities. The money you currently spend to have a separate superintendent, separate teachers, and separate coaches could actually go to providing your kids with more and better opportunities. Send them to a school big enough to play football like real Americans. Consolidate with Colbert or Rock Creek, or better yet, both.

In The Community
Fall Foliage Vacation with Steve LaNore Last Updated: 12:33 PM 06/05/09 - First News meteorologist Steve LaNore wants to invite KXII viewers to join him on an America the Beautiful tour through the breathtaking fall foliage of New England, October 1 to the 9th. You’ll spend two nights in Boston and rediscover colonial America during a fabulous tour of the city. (Full Story)
Tech Camp keeps Sherman kids learning this summer Last Updated: 4:43 PM 06/22/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- Usually kids can't wait to get out of school for summer break, but some Sherman students are right back in class learning some fun new skills at Technology Camp, going on at Sory Elementary School this week . (Full Story)
Sherman I.S.D. Free Sport Camps Last Updated: 3:00 PM 06/08/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- The SISD Curriculum, Instruction Department, and the SISD Athletic Department are teaming up to provide multi-sports camps to SISD students who will be promoting to grades 3-9. (Full Story)
Texas DPS reminds teens to drive safely this summer Last Updated: 10:38 AM 06/17/09 - As summer begins, DPS reminds teens to play it safe while driving. In the U.S., motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. Approximately 6,000 teens per year are killed in traffic crashes in this country—that’s the equivalent of one commercial airliner full of teens crashing every week. (Full Story)
6th Annual KXII Blood Drive Last Updated: 11:55 AM 06/30/09 - Information on the 6th Annual KXII Blood Drive Wednesday July 1, 2009. (Full Story)
More Headlines

Most Viewed Stories
1.	2 dead, several injured in accident on I-35 near Gainesville
2.	Accident shuts down U.S. 75 momentarily
3.	Missing Ada man dies in wreck in Pontotoc Co.
4.	Missing Ada Man
5.	64-year-old Texas man drowns in Lake Texoma
6.	Woman arrested after telling Wal-Mart employees she had a gun
7.	Lake Murray Drowning Update
8.	Lake Murray Drowning
9.	2 Denison teens injured in accident
10.	H.G. Dulaney remembered