Monrovia School Link ~ Number 108 ~ March 1, 2005
Thanks to Scott Bickel for the report on the last school board meeting on Feb. 23. Big news is the closure of Canyon Early Learning Center. Also, from what I've heard, it appears the board decided (though I don't think it was at the last meeting) not to renew Mayflower Principal Jill Selak's contract. More - but not much more - below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Scott Bickel
The big news from the last school board meeting is the decision to close Canyon Early Learning Center at the end of this school year. Chief Business Officer Linda Dempsey was covering budget reductions and recommendations to meet the school board budget and stated that staff reductions matching the decline in student enrollment over the next three years should help meet the shortfall. She recommended cutting six people in 2005 and six people in 2006. The closure of Canyon Early Learning Center and moving students to Monroe, Wildrose and Mayflower would save administrative costs of $283,000 in 2005, $231,000 in 2006 and $231,000 in 2007.
I found it somewhat ironic that at the end of the meeting they were closing Canyon Early Learning Center when at the beginning of the meeting they gave recognition to two employees from Canyon Early Learning Center. I also was a bit disturbed that the cuts were to early education. Many studies show this is an important time in the development of our children, and any program with success should have priority.
During the board member reports period, Clare Chesley covered her experience at the Idlewild Rotary Camp and commented on performance-pay and merit-pay for teachers. She cited a few articles she had read but didn't give a strong opinion or recommendation.
Betty Sanford, in an attempt to bring unity and direction to the board, gave her version of the history of Monrovia Education. It was well thought out and well articulated.
Monina Diaz had some comments regarding a Youth Summit with parent and students discussing alcohol and substance abuse. She also mentioned taping two KGEM shows with Dr. Joel Shawn regarding high school exit exams.
Superintendent Louise Taylor discussed budget priorities, including Orop 98, funding from the state, dropping STS requirements, balancing local control with the state dumping requirements on the districts, merit pay and paperwork reduction from the state.
JILL SELAK ~ Apparently - and I should note that I'm getting all of this secondhand and absolutely can't vouch for any of it - the board decided not to renew Mayflower Principal Jill Selak's contract. According to one knowledgeable source, the board made that decision in the closed session on Jan. 12. Why? It hardly seems likely that a small one-year dip in test scores would have been sufficient, especially for the best-scoring school in town. My source suggests that it is "a personnel issue with a very small number of teachers at Mayflower," but I really don't know what that means. Another parent said a board member said it "may be the wrong decision, but it was made for the well-being of our children." Another parent told me that the vote was unanimous, which is suggestive. If board members as different as Monina Diaz and Clare Chesley - who seem to have little problem disagreeing - agreed on this matter, it suggests to me that the board felt the facts were not in doubt and it was fairly serious.
Against all that is the attitude of the Mayflower parents, who - as a whole - seem to strongly support Selak. I've had email, a letter delivered to my door, and a phone conversation, all from people who strongly support her.
Unfortunately, the one source that really knows why the board made the decision - the board itself - couldn't clear up the matter even if it wanted to. It's a personnel matter, and I believe the board is prohibited by law from discussing personnel issues in public. The other person who might provide some insight as to why the board voted the way it did is Jill Selak.
In the meantime, several parents have expressed to me their desire to try to retain Selak. For example, I got a copy of a letter addressed to the board from Beth Fernandez (I'm using her name since she is using it publicly), who wrote that she is "heartbroken" that the board would consider replacing Selak. She writes: "Mrs. Selak has been a breath of fresh air for the many families who have been fortunate enough to benefit from having her involved in our children's lives." She adds, "And, only since Jill's arrival has the campus been a happy and welcoming place."
She then lists Selak's traits and concludes by saying the board should have got more input from the PTA and school site council before making its decision.
I know Mayflower parents are anxious for information, and I wish I could do better for you, but with that report I'm squeezed dry.
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