Monrovia School Link ~ Number 111 ~ March 11, 2005
Thanks to Lynda Armenta for this report on the March 9 board meeting. She asks, "Can you tell be reading them I'm an upset Mayflower parent?" Uhh... Yup! I've actually been thinking a bit about how the controversy surrounding Mayflower Principal Jill Selak has raised parental interest (at least among Mayflower parents) in the political process. A few thoughts on that below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Lynda Armenta
Note - all personal comments by this meeting's note taker have been placed in ().
The Meeting began with the reports on the Closed Sessions of 2/23/05, 3/3/05, and 3/9/05. (It's funny how the board can give a report on a closed session since they don't tell us anything) They reported that no action was taken at these sessions and only at the 3/9/05 session did they discuss Mayflower.
Ms. Diaz addressed the Brown Act (which was brought to the board's attention by Mayflower parents at the 3/3/05 meeting) and stated the district has asked a lawyer (I hope not at taxpayer expense) to review its policies, procedures and practices. Ms. Diaz stated the lawyer would give her report to the board at the 3/23/05 meeting. (Should be interesting, for everyone with questions this would be a great time to show up).
During the public hearing portion of the meeting one Mayflower parent asked the board the following questions --
1) When can we expect a response from the board if we ask them a question?
2) Are they obligated to answer the question?
3) If a complaint is lodged by a teacher, is the principal advised of any or all complaints and can the principal be heard from to express their point of view on the complaint?
Of course, Ms. Diaz' response was -- they will address the questions at the 3/23/05 meeting (probably after they consult with their lawyer).
The communications section of the meeting began with a report from four high school students regarding a trip taken to New York to visit the United Nations Association of the USA. Their teacher stated that on 6/2/05 she would be taking 60 students to the UN student conference in Los Angeles.
Next the Monrovia Rotary President presented the Big M Boosters with a donation check of $5,000 for the high school snack bar and restrooms. He went on to mention that it is the International Rotary's 100th Birthday this year and their local chapter wished to celebrate with a special project. The high school will be having the ground breaking ceremony for this project on April 23 at 10:30 a.m., but come early as a pancake breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. They are still taking donations for this project, which can be sent to Big M Boosters, P.O. Box 1983, Monrovia.
Ms. Diaz then allotted 30 minutes for Mayflower speakers. Nine parents and three students representing Mayflower School stood up and spoke in support of Mrs. Selak, principal of Mayflower School. One very articulate parent gave the board some insight on communication and quoted even from an article Ms. Taylor and Mr. Shawn wrote. She gave the board a two-part suggestion on implementing a 360-degree feedback mechanism to use as a development tool for administrators, and also taking a 60-day cool/slow down process at Mayflower. Other parents spoke about how Mrs. Selak goes above and beyond the call of duty, especially for special needs children, children new to the school and even attending outside activities, such as karate belt tests on a Saturday (I even have known Mrs. Selak to attend a baseball game when asked by a student). One parent with 20 years experience in municipal government stated how the board's actions have turned into a complete fiasco. There is a huge disconnect of families and teachers with that of the superintendent. She further stated MUSD and Ms. Taylor have failed Mrs. Selak as her boss. MUSD is required to provide her with training, coaching and to help her as principal. MUSD should have been providing her with professional development if they felt she lacked administrative skills.
All parents asked the board to rescind Mrs. Selak's resignation and told the board they still have a chance to turn things around.
Of note, there was a field representative from Assembly member Carol Liu's office in attendance at the meeting.
Board/Superintendent Reports
Mr. Wong stated in his board report that he feels he has a moral obligation to answer questions, unless it is an issue he cannot comment on. (Which seems to be everything). He states he will call you back if you attempt to call him.
Ms. Sanford gave her report about trivial issues and did not appear to be focused on the real issues facing the board. (I got the impression she enjoys her traveling trips to San Francisco, DC, New York). Whereas, Mr. Carter spoke of attending lobbying trips to DC the last two years at his own expense.
Ms. Taylor stated she had good news, that Clifton is a finalist for the Distinguished School Award and will be going into the last phase of the competition. (I was happy to see the principal from Clifton attended the entire three-hour meeting)
Ms. Diaz' only comments during the meeting were about her babysitting kids at one site during their parent training courses, her sister on the high school graduating students listing that was approved that night, and a sad story of when she was young and could remember a budget crisis eliminating school busing (And, correct me if I'm wrong -- I found it odd that Ms. Diaz voted on every motion -- it is my understanding of Robert's Rules of Order that a chairperson only votes if it is by ballot or in cases of a tie vote). [I don't know about Robert's, but usually the board president votes, just like the other board members. - Brad]
The board had length discussion on advocacy (they went around in circles for a long time -- but at one point I thought they mentioned a joint letter to be submitted to the newspaper).
The board approved the three-year budget even though being told in advance that the budget did not take into consideration salary compensation, increased health insurance costs and the possibility of new programs. They will continue looking for additional budget reductions. The staff stated that they would be cutting elementary classroom from 6 to 9, due to decreased enrollment. One additional kindergarten teacher and one teacher from Bradoaks and one from Monroe will be the additional staff eliminated. All based on seniority. They regretted disruption to the lives of their employees affected. This was expressed by everyone on the board.
Ms. Chesley commented on the need to investigate the decrease in enrollment (may have a larger decrease if Mayflower students switch over to private school).
Lastly, Mr. Shawn presented a Rand report PowerPoint presentation. Basically showing the changing demographics in California and California's standings versus the rest of the country.
DETERMINATION ~ Some time ago I [Brad talking now] said that I was going to quit doing this newsletter after the last school board election. After four years I was tired of attending board meetings and writing until midnight, I wasn't entirely sure it was making any difference, my kids were no longer in the district and I was busy with a little side business (The Orange Cat, a newsletter of local kids' events - at www.theorangecat.org if you're interested), so it seemed a good time to wrap it up. But what I didn't count on was the determination of Monrovia parents. Several people asked me to keep doing the newsletter, but I declined - repeatedly, until Ann Hodgdon said, "What if we get parents to take turns attending the meetings and writing up what they see? Then would you keep it going?" I told her I would if she would line up the parents to attend the meetings. She agreed, has done a bang-up job, and Monrovia's schoolparents have kept this newsletter going. And I think this has had a good side effect. In addition to informing people, the newsletter gets people to go to the board meetings, and in the process these parent-reporters get a better feeling for the process and realize they can stand up and give the board an earful any time they feel like it. And that's where I find a similarity to the Jill Selak affair. Whatever the outcome of this battle, I think that like the newsletter, it also shows that you can fight city hall... or the school board.