Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 155 ~ February 22, 2006
I do not envy those school board members their jobs. My oh my, no! They looked so unhappy. And to think how much they all wanted the job. I'll get to that in a moment, but I wanted to mention that I went to the meeting tonight because regular reporter Maritza Diaz couldn't make it. I'm so swamped with work this week that I wasn't looking forward to it, but it was really very interesting. I'm glad I went.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
NO BOND ~ Well, the long and the short of tonight's board meeting was that the board decided not to put a $37 million bond to refurbish Monrovia High School on the June 6, 2006 ballot.
As I mentioned, I saw five miserable people tonight. Two of them were miserable because their fellow board members voted down their hope to put a bond measure before Monrovia voters, and the other three miserable because they were torn between the bond - which they appeared to believe was necessary - and objections to the measure from some influential members of the community.
Board President Clare Chesley was passionate. She spoke of how education was her mother's ticket out of poverty in Louisiana and how America (and Monrovia) are failing at science, how hard it is to attract science and math teachers - especially to poor facilities - about how the poor facilities make it harder for students to get into good colleges, and how even Communist China is outpacing the United States in science.
Board Member Bryan Wong took a list of all the objections he'd heard from speakers and grilled a representative of the bond underwriter, asking him about each one.
It was easy to tell they were both in favor of the bond.
But with the remaining three board members, Clarence Shaw, Chris Rich and Ed Gililland, I flat out couldn't tell from their comments how they were going to vote until they did. In fact, when it came time to vote, Ed Gililland paused for probably six or seven seconds before responding, as if he still wasn't sure what to do.
Leading up to the vote, Shaw commented that there may have been a "gentleman's agreement" (between - I've heard - the district and the city; the agreement being that the district would wait until the city has its library bond election before the district puts up another bond issue; the logic being to avoid putting two bond measures on the same ballot, which might annoy the voters), but he said, he was not a party of any such agreement. However, he said - reflecting on his own campaign for the school board - it is important to have the community solidly behind you. Also, he said, maybe the few months between now and June is short notice to let the community know why the bond is important.
Gililland said he "agonized" about how to vote and over the hard feelings the proposal has caused in the community. The students come first, he said, but the community is a close second. But then he said that every year the district waits will probably mean the cost goes up another $6 or $7 million.
Rich said there is "no question that if we don't invest we're going to fail our kids," but, he added, "the only way to do it is if we're together as a community." He said civilizations fail when they fail to work together. I understand the thought, Rich, but methinks the "civilization failing" theme is a tad over the top.
Anyway, Shaw, Rich and Gililland voted against the measure, and down it went.
And while my sympathies at the time of the vote were for the bond, I could see the difficulty of getting it passed by the voters, because during the time for public comment, several influential Monrovians, including Mayor Bob Hammond, spoke against the bond measure. Hammond called it "ill advised" and suggested the board "slow down this train" and "please, please, please don't go forward on this for the June date." If the mayor is against it, I wonder how much of a chance would it have?
Other speakers suggested the proposed financing for the bond was "very creative" (at Wong's questioning, the underwriter's representative said he didn't think the financing method was out of the ordinary); that for many years the bond would have "negative amortization," meaning - I think - that the principal would actually grow; that it would ultimately cost about $126-127 million; that housing prices might slump (which somehow affects things, though I didn't really understand how); and that the time between now and the election wouldn't be long enough to inform voters about why it is necessary.
Taking the other side, former School Board member Bruce Carter said the science labs (a lot of the discussion focused on science education) date from 1928 and are inadequate. Carter said he rejects the notion that if there are two bond measures on the Monrovia ballot (for a library and for the high school) that people will pick one or the other, but not both. He said he supports both a library bond and the high school bond.
HARASSMENT ~ During the public comment period, a parent told the board that her daughter at Bradoaks Elementary had been "sexually harassed" by - if I understood - some fellow classmates. She said she was unhappy that the solution the school settled upon was to move her daughter rather than to move the other students. She said she was also disappointed that the school only called the other students' parents on the phone, and did not meet with them in person.
READING ~ Superintendent Louise Taylor said that March 2 is Read Across Monrovia day, in which members of the community read to a classroom of students. I guess you could call the district office to sign up.
DIRECTION ~ Deputy Superintendent Dean Conklin gave a rather fast-paced report on the state's Academic Performance Index (API) and the Fed's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) programs. He said that for the API the district is doing very well at the elementary level, fairly well in the middle schools, and okay at the high school level, though, he said, Monrovia High "has a ways to go." For the AYP, he said the schools are doing well, except for the "English Learners" subgroup. The problem with measuring this group, he said, is that as soon as students in the group speak English well, they move out of the group, leaving behind those who haven't mastered the language. So it's hard to show progress when your successful students are not included in the measurement.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
I do not envy those school board members their jobs. My oh my, no! They looked so unhappy. And to think how much they all wanted the job. I'll get to that in a moment, but I wanted to mention that I went to the meeting tonight because regular reporter Maritza Diaz couldn't make it. I'm so swamped with work this week that I wasn't looking forward to it, but it was really very interesting. I'm glad I went.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
NO BOND ~ Well, the long and the short of tonight's board meeting was that the board decided not to put a $37 million bond to refurbish Monrovia High School on the June 6, 2006 ballot.
As I mentioned, I saw five miserable people tonight. Two of them were miserable because their fellow board members voted down their hope to put a bond measure before Monrovia voters, and the other three miserable because they were torn between the bond - which they appeared to believe was necessary - and objections to the measure from some influential members of the community.
Board President Clare Chesley was passionate. She spoke of how education was her mother's ticket out of poverty in Louisiana and how America (and Monrovia) are failing at science, how hard it is to attract science and math teachers - especially to poor facilities - about how the poor facilities make it harder for students to get into good colleges, and how even Communist China is outpacing the United States in science.
Board Member Bryan Wong took a list of all the objections he'd heard from speakers and grilled a representative of the bond underwriter, asking him about each one.
It was easy to tell they were both in favor of the bond.
But with the remaining three board members, Clarence Shaw, Chris Rich and Ed Gililland, I flat out couldn't tell from their comments how they were going to vote until they did. In fact, when it came time to vote, Ed Gililland paused for probably six or seven seconds before responding, as if he still wasn't sure what to do.
Leading up to the vote, Shaw commented that there may have been a "gentleman's agreement" (between - I've heard - the district and the city; the agreement being that the district would wait until the city has its library bond election before the district puts up another bond issue; the logic being to avoid putting two bond measures on the same ballot, which might annoy the voters), but he said, he was not a party of any such agreement. However, he said - reflecting on his own campaign for the school board - it is important to have the community solidly behind you. Also, he said, maybe the few months between now and June is short notice to let the community know why the bond is important.
Gililland said he "agonized" about how to vote and over the hard feelings the proposal has caused in the community. The students come first, he said, but the community is a close second. But then he said that every year the district waits will probably mean the cost goes up another $6 or $7 million.
Rich said there is "no question that if we don't invest we're going to fail our kids," but, he added, "the only way to do it is if we're together as a community." He said civilizations fail when they fail to work together. I understand the thought, Rich, but methinks the "civilization failing" theme is a tad over the top.
Anyway, Shaw, Rich and Gililland voted against the measure, and down it went.
And while my sympathies at the time of the vote were for the bond, I could see the difficulty of getting it passed by the voters, because during the time for public comment, several influential Monrovians, including Mayor Bob Hammond, spoke against the bond measure. Hammond called it "ill advised" and suggested the board "slow down this train" and "please, please, please don't go forward on this for the June date." If the mayor is against it, I wonder how much of a chance would it have?
Other speakers suggested the proposed financing for the bond was "very creative" (at Wong's questioning, the underwriter's representative said he didn't think the financing method was out of the ordinary); that for many years the bond would have "negative amortization," meaning - I think - that the principal would actually grow; that it would ultimately cost about $126-127 million; that housing prices might slump (which somehow affects things, though I didn't really understand how); and that the time between now and the election wouldn't be long enough to inform voters about why it is necessary.
Taking the other side, former School Board member Bruce Carter said the science labs (a lot of the discussion focused on science education) date from 1928 and are inadequate. Carter said he rejects the notion that if there are two bond measures on the Monrovia ballot (for a library and for the high school) that people will pick one or the other, but not both. He said he supports both a library bond and the high school bond.
HARASSMENT ~ During the public comment period, a parent told the board that her daughter at Bradoaks Elementary had been "sexually harassed" by - if I understood - some fellow classmates. She said she was unhappy that the solution the school settled upon was to move her daughter rather than to move the other students. She said she was also disappointed that the school only called the other students' parents on the phone, and did not meet with them in person.
READING ~ Superintendent Louise Taylor said that March 2 is Read Across Monrovia day, in which members of the community read to a classroom of students. I guess you could call the district office to sign up.
DIRECTION ~ Deputy Superintendent Dean Conklin gave a rather fast-paced report on the state's Academic Performance Index (API) and the Fed's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) programs. He said that for the API the district is doing very well at the elementary level, fairly well in the middle schools, and okay at the high school level, though, he said, Monrovia High "has a ways to go." For the AYP, he said the schools are doing well, except for the "English Learners" subgroup. The problem with measuring this group, he said, is that as soon as students in the group speak English well, they move out of the group, leaving behind those who haven't mastered the language. So it's hard to show progress when your successful students are not included in the measurement.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Comments:
As I read your comments about yesterday's meeting I realize that the public doesn't realize how serious the harrasment allegations happening at Bradoaks are. Not only has there been harrasment but death threats as well. We drop our children off every morning in an enviroment we think should be safe but we pick them up and hear they have been innnapropriately touched, threatened to death or teachers attacked. Several parents have complained to the District about the unsafe enviroment and the Principal's failure to act and all has been taken lightly. The real frustration is that after all these accusations nobody has been suspended, expelled and as the speaker said, parents not contacted. Please, please, please if you read this, we need your help!!!!
I am outraged to see that nothing is being done at Bradoaks school to protect the children there. How sad that a mother has to come forward to speek and YOU the Administration have nothing to say?? I praise the parent as I would be doing the same thing I hope these people find justice somewhere and I myself would be backing them 100% and not placing any of my children in that school
I am a grandparent with 2 children attending Bradoaks school. Why is no one doing anything to stop what is happening there? Sexual harrassment, a death threat and continual apathy by the staff and district office. One would dislike having to bring in attorneys and media, but perhaps that is the only way to bring the awareness and seriousness of these issues to the forefront.
I feel that parents are afraid to speak out because their child(s) name will be exposed. We the public need to demand a townhall meeting to discuss these issues. The Principal is now on Medical leave, why? is she stressed? if so think about those children that have been going through this and how stressed they are!
I am outraged and angry. Parents should also consider doing a walk out until our informational demands are met.
I am outraged and angry. Parents should also consider doing a walk out until our informational demands are met.
I was at the meeting last night and had tears for that poor parent who stood up there in regards to her child. How dare the administration respond with "NO COMMENT" you all are spineless individuals what if this was YOUR child??? There is an obvious problem at Bradoaks and you couldn't even comment on how many complaints you have had by parents!! What are you hiding and why???? I hope all these parents get in touch with the media and go public with this. I can only imagine how those who have been victimized feel and there is not one ounce of concern on your behalf!! You all should be ashamed and do something about the staff there at Bradoaks School instead of sweeping incidents under the rug.
With all these issues at hand I am sure the District has not given the public the opportunity to file a written complaint against a staff member. On January 18th the Board Members approved Board Policies 1312, 1312.1,1312.2, 1312.3 all policies on how to file a FORMAL complaint against a MUSD, it includes a specific form needed to file such complaint, this policy has been in effect for many years but just now updated. Without such form your complaint is considered INFORMAL and may not get into a file. At the board meetings Debbie Collins has the duty of reporting any FORMAL complaints filed and after all these allegations she has reported NOTHING! Why...again, because we have not been given the opportunity to file any FORMAL written complaints.
For those of you interested, go to the District and ask for Board Policy 1312.1, it will inform you of what proper actions you must take .
For all of you reading this, file your complaints now, do not wait.
For those of you interested, go to the District and ask for Board Policy 1312.1, it will inform you of what proper actions you must take .
For all of you reading this, file your complaints now, do not wait.
Oh my goodness, what does it take to get through to these people we have entrusted with our beloved children???? Not just at Bradoaks, that in itself is severe enough!!! but, now the district is giving all of the parents the run around??? How can we as parents and human beings go on accepting this abuse by our leaders and yes, I am speaking to the WHOLE Board and especially you, so called DR. Taylor.
For SHAME that it has come to this. I guess if we get no satisfaction and our children continue to be abused this way we will have not choice but go out of the district to other schools and MUSD will become a baron ruin as it should. You people are supposed to protect our children NOT your MONEY that YOU get for every child enrolled. Well, let's hope that something is finally done...NOT!!!! I, am personally not getting my hopes up.
Oh yeah, and look under that so called rug there is A LOT more going on, and has been with no action. Why don't you ask you child about the rainbow club????
I am so fed up I guess we have to get outsiders into this like the media and subject our so called little community to scrutiny to get any action.
For SHAME that it has come to this. I guess if we get no satisfaction and our children continue to be abused this way we will have not choice but go out of the district to other schools and MUSD will become a baron ruin as it should. You people are supposed to protect our children NOT your MONEY that YOU get for every child enrolled. Well, let's hope that something is finally done...NOT!!!! I, am personally not getting my hopes up.
Oh yeah, and look under that so called rug there is A LOT more going on, and has been with no action. Why don't you ask you child about the rainbow club????
I am so fed up I guess we have to get outsiders into this like the media and subject our so called little community to scrutiny to get any action.
Somewhat in defense of the Board members -- my daughter was sexually assaulted by an adult employee of the District when she attended Monroe (this was over 20 years ago). As frustrating as it is, the Board members and District employees are instructed by the lawyers to not comment, since there may be legal action. Any acknowledgement is looked upon unkindly by the attorneys. Even though I understood the reasoning, it made me furious at the time.
As the parent who spoke, you left out that I was lied to by [IDENTIFICATION REMOVED - BRAD], Asked by the Administration "What do we need to do?", and I NEVER received a complaint form from the District Office. With the Administrations "No Comment" remarks during the meeting and making light of the severity of this issue on this site. I continue to feel that No one is taking the Sexual Harrassment and death threats seriously. Please we need Help!!!!!
I just want to say that the bottom line is obvious. We need change. One of my children was also tangled in this web of harassment, I feel that Bradoaks needs to take a closer look at what ISN'T being done for children. It is a breakdown in community (family, child, administration, etc.). This is a cry for help; we need to focus on what to do and what needs to be changed at our school and within our school system. Where is our sense of community? Is it lack of communication? IS THIS only happening at Bradoaks? if so then WHY?
Post a Comment
