EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a selection of responses shared by readers of MDJOnline.com in reaction to recent MDJ stories ...

School board to do more training ...

Anonymous wrote - You might want to start with board member David Banks and explain to him that you don't "sic" the public on someone who disagrees with his ideas of putting turf down. Another consideration might include asking board member Holli Cash to stop talking so much and maybe listen just a little bit more. Although I am not sure she would hear you since she is already thinking about her next statement. Finally, you may want to coach up Superintendent Fred Sanderson that telling partial truths or simply not informing the board of important information is not in his job description. Most likely a useless idea, but you could quietly explain to board member Dr. Crooks that his posturing by his questions serves no real purpose.

Well wrote - Well, this training sounds great. How fortunate to have this donation of time and talent given by Ms. Rice. The school board needs all the help they can get to try to work together. Hopefully, Chairwoman Lynnda Crowder-Eagle and board members will learn skills to use in the future. Her comment that the workshop will help meet SACS requirement makes me wonder if she wants the training or just wants to meet a requirement.

East Cobb dad wrote - When do we have to teach adults to be civil and to respect each other? These people are supposed to be leaders and examples for our community. I can only hope they are doing this on their own time and not wasting any more taxpayer money.

Steve R. wrote - Training is not the answer. Maybe there is a civic minded neuro-surgeon out there who would be willing to donate a round of lobotomies for the school board. At least maybe they would not be able to do any more damage before we are allowed to boot their rears out of there.

NE Cobb mom wrote - I would also suggest that David Banks re-think his snazzy "grapevine" logo with the "I CARE" motto. "Integrity" (yeah you have that David); "Community" (you really listen to the community who you represent when you flip flop on issues, vote for early calendar opposing the people who voted you into this job); "Accountability" (there no accountability among any of the board members); "Respect" (for who? yourself?) and finally "Excellence" (you have a long way to go to show that). These are character words taken to create his "I CARE" logo on his newsletter. Walk the walk and talk the talk David. You insult our intelligence.

Judge denies requests in artificial turf suit ...

East Cobb Mom wrote - The problem is not with having lawyers, it's with: (1) having lawyers who give you bad advice; or (2) not following your lawyer's good advice. CCSD has both problems. Following the advice of good lawyers saves a school district money.

Punt wrote - How about this for a solution. The school district should STOP paying lawyers, then we would have plenty of money for football and wouldn't have to use SPLOST funds. We would have the turf, and not have lawyers - a perfect world...

Well wrote - Well, I do not want money spent on artificial turf. I would like to replace the school board members and get rid of any principal that thinks artificial turf is needed during these tough financial times.

Unamused wrote - CCSD follow the law? You've got to be kidding!

Not just Sports wrote - Other groups such as marching bands use the fields as well. When the fields are dangerous (as they were during some of the football games last year), the band does not get to perform their halftime show. This is heartbreaking for kids who work so hard in rehearsals all week long. I don't understand why Mr. Harper and Mr. Borden are so dead-set on their goal of making Cobb County schools second rate. We should be proud enough of our kids to improve their facilities whenever we get the chance. We voted to do this! Let it happen. Mr. Borden, if you don't like improving the schools in this district, move to another county. You certainly won't be missed much here.

Cobb Parent wrote - David Banks is a snake in the grass. I lost all respect for him on the new calendar year vote and the arrogance he displayed to his constituents on that issue. He seems to think a 51 percent favorable rating of that measure is a resounding majority. I still have not forgotten Mr. Banks. I hope the judge allows discovery to proceed and have him get deposed. It would be interesting to hear what he has to say. His ploy to have people harass Borden on this lawsuit is unethical at best. I hope the judge finds him in contempt and hits him with some sort of sanctions.