Thursday, March 31, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 115 ~ March 29, 2005
Shortly after the last newsletter went out, I got a note from School Board Member Clare Chesley, who asked if I could meet her and Board Member Bryan Wong. Gladly! I knew that they would not be able to talk specifically about the Jill Selak issue, but I figured we could dance around it a bit and maybe deal with a few related issues. And that's about what we did. But before we get started, I want to make a couple points. First, in the interest of full disclosure, I endorsed both Chesley and Wong in the last election, and, for that matter, I also endorsed Alex Zucco. I like and respect them. Second, I want to make clear that my vision of this newsletter is to be an open forum of news and opinion about the school board. Some of these opinions I agree with and some I disagree with, but I try to make it open and include comments from pretty much anybody who writes in. Oh, and some very good news about Clifton Middle school is buried down there.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
In this interview I wanted to examine a few charges I've heard leveled against the board and get Chesley and Wong to respond. So here are my questions and their answers:
The last newsletter mentioned an attorney for the district discussing the difference between an employee being let go "with cause" and "without cause." I asked about this as it relates to Jill Selak and they said that this is irrelevant because Selak resigned, so "with cause" or "without cause" does not apply.
What about the charge that the board did not meet with Selak?
They said that they have met with Selak on various occasions, but not regarding this situation. They said that to speak directly to Selak would mean ignoring the normal channel of authority by going around Superintendent Louise Taylor. They said Selak reports to Taylor, so Taylor needs to communicate with Selak.
In light of the uproar about Selak, are both of them confident they made the right decision? Would either of them change their vote about accepting Selak's resignation?
Both of them said they would vote exactly the same way.
It has been suggested that the board was misinformed about Selak. Are they confident of the information they received?
Bryan said that he "never acts on any issue unless he is confident about the information he has." He added that if board members have questions, they ask for clarification.
This question set Chesley off. She said some people have assumed that the board was ignorant of the situation, and was thus surprised at the intensity of parental reaction, kind of "like a deer in the headlights." She said that is not the case. "What makes you think I'm surprised?" she asked. "Did they think I didn't know about the principal's attributes? Ridiculous! Of course I know!" She said she knows what is going on not just through the district, but also through many contacts in the community.
I've heard from a couple sources that a meeting between Selak, Claire Chesley, and a few parents was abruptly called off by the district. Why?
Chesley said that it was called off at the district's lawyer's recommendation. She said the attorney said it would be improper for a board member and parents to meet with an employee. She said the lawyer said that the proper forum if Selak wants to communicate with the board is a regular, open meeting of the board.
I'm not sure I've heard the thought expressed, but I imagine some people may think that Selak might not be speaking up because the district does not want her to. I'm not exactly sure what the district could do to her if she did speak publicly - fire her? - but all the same, I wanted to find out. Would either Chesley or Wong have any objection to Selak speaking to the press?
Chesley said, "Jill Selak can do whatever she deems to be in her best interest. I have no issues with Mrs. Selak. I've always enjoyed my interactions with her. She's a positive person with a lot of strengths."
Wong said, "I don't have a problem with her going to the press. It's her choice. She can do whatever she wants to do and I would bear no ill will toward her if she did."
Okay, well how about this. Is it possible for Selak to give the board permission to speak about her situation?
Chesley said the district's attorney said that a person cannot give up their privacy rights. So, in short, no.
A few other points that Chesley and Wong wanted to make were these:
Chesley thinks that some parents are wrongly vilifying the superintendent. She said that while she thinks there are areas in which Taylor could improve, and points on which they disagree, Taylor is very capable, and is willing to be pushed and to push.
She also objected to charges that the board wasted money to bring in an attorney to the board meeting to answer questions. She said the attorney was only brought in because the board was being accused of not following the law. She said she felt kind of damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't.
Okay, let's move on now to what Chesley and Wong particularly wanted to talk about - the future.
Chesley said the district is "leaping to the next level." Specifically, she said the district has just been notified that Clifton Middle School has been awarded the state's Distinguished School Award, and, she said, the high school is making progress, too.
Speaking of the future, would Chesley support parental involvement in selecting the new principal for Mayflower?
Chesley said she has fought for openness in the board meetings (and from the recent meetings I've seen I would say the meetings are a lot more open than they were in the past) and that she would want parental involvement in selecting a new principal for Mayflower. She said site councils have been involved in this process in the past, and she would push for even greater parental involvement in choosing the next principal.
And what about the recall petition? (I guess that falls under the "future" category.)
Obviously, neither Chesley or Wong approves of the recall attempt. Chesley asked what exactly the petitioneers hope to accomplish and Wong said he hopes people will "take a step back" and take a broader view of the situation. Chesley said it would take the signatures of 20 percent of the electorate (about 3,200 signatures) to get the measure on a ballot.
Okay, let me wrap this up with a few thoughts.
I still have no clue why Selak is leaving, but I have to think that when a group as varied as the five members of the school board unanimously agree to accept her resignation (whether prompted or not), there must be pretty good reasons. In talking to Chesley and Wong, I don't believe they acted in ignorance. That they remain adamant that their decision was the right one despite the furor it has caused further suggests to me that their decision was not for some casual reason. Further, I heard Chesley and Wong say that Jill Selak can say anything she pleases (and even if the board didn't want her to say anything, it doesn't have any power over her now that she's leaving), so if Selak wants to object to the resignation, she appears to be free to do so. To the best of my knowledge, she hasn't done so publicly, if at all, and if she doesn't fight for it, I don't know why I should. If Selak would like to contact me and tell her side of the story, I'll be happy to print it, but without strong contrary evidence, I'm supporting the school board. I oppose any recall effort, and while I'll continue to print comments I get about the topic from whatever viewpoint, I kinda think we should move on.
A LETTER ~ The March 23rd School Board meeting was a bit long. Perhaps Joy Fisk dozed off a couple of times. Maybe that's why she missed some of what was said during that meeting. ~~ Many of the attendees of the board meeting were there to help honor Sylvia Carney and Jean Butler from Wild Rose Elementary and Laurie Hemingway and Bob Drew from Clifton Middle School. After the presentation of the awards by the Chamber of Commerce this group of supporters joined the homorees in the lobby. ~~ Ms. Chidester, the attorney who was retained by the MUSD, stated that the MUSD consistantly (at least for the past two years, which is all of the documentation that Ms. Chidester was asked to review) followed the rules, regulations and laws imposed by the California Education Code and the State of California regarding the matter of Administrative Personnel Evaluation/Release/Dismissal, including the Ed Code and State laws regarding confidentiality in personnel issues. She addressed the procedure for filing a complaint about the Superintendent or, for that matter, any MUSD employee. ~~ That procedure is the Uniform Complaint Policy, which allows anyone, staff, parent or community member, to file a complaint about a MUSD employee. I remember that when this question was answered by Ms. Chidester the person sitting behind me said "they are going to need a lot more of those forms", or words to that effect. About half of the questions directed to Ms. Chidester were unanswerable in a public forum as they delt with specific personnel issues. ~~ My comments were given after the comments of the five Mayflower parents and the first grade student from Mayflower. While I don't remember verbatim what I said (as I was speaking "off the cuff") the gist of it was that I don't always agree with the superintendent or the board and that I love Jill as principal of Mayflower (I am the parent of a former Mayflower student). Yes, I did say that my children have been through changes of principals at every school they have attended. I stated that in my job the people that I work with are facing life and death decisions. My patients trust that I am doing my job well. Should my immediate boss (who has the power to retain me in my position or let me go) dcide that I am no longer effective or serving the best interest of my patients, I don't expect her to go to the patients and discuss with them the specifics of my job evaluations or her decisions. By "bigger fish to fry" I meant that the District has severe budget issues that affect all of the schools in the district and that those concerns should be the focus of this massive use of manpower. ~~ After I addressed the board the group dressed in red (which did make up half of the audience) got up and left. Perhaps the commotion is why Joy didn't hear Dr. Carter say that the board could break confidentiality of personnel issues within the next five minutes if they wanted to, but the result would be the loss of millions of dollars in state funding. ~~ I decided that it was time for me to take my leave at this point. ~~ FYI, the vote on The Month of the Young Child was taken well before the end of the meeting. ~~ Perhaps a review of the KGEM tape is in order. ~~ June Richetts
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
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Shortly after the last newsletter went out, I got a note from School Board Member Clare Chesley, who asked if I could meet her and Board Member Bryan Wong. Gladly! I knew that they would not be able to talk specifically about the Jill Selak issue, but I figured we could dance around it a bit and maybe deal with a few related issues. And that's about what we did. But before we get started, I want to make a couple points. First, in the interest of full disclosure, I endorsed both Chesley and Wong in the last election, and, for that matter, I also endorsed Alex Zucco. I like and respect them. Second, I want to make clear that my vision of this newsletter is to be an open forum of news and opinion about the school board. Some of these opinions I agree with and some I disagree with, but I try to make it open and include comments from pretty much anybody who writes in. Oh, and some very good news about Clifton Middle school is buried down there.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
In this interview I wanted to examine a few charges I've heard leveled against the board and get Chesley and Wong to respond. So here are my questions and their answers:
The last newsletter mentioned an attorney for the district discussing the difference between an employee being let go "with cause" and "without cause." I asked about this as it relates to Jill Selak and they said that this is irrelevant because Selak resigned, so "with cause" or "without cause" does not apply.
What about the charge that the board did not meet with Selak?
They said that they have met with Selak on various occasions, but not regarding this situation. They said that to speak directly to Selak would mean ignoring the normal channel of authority by going around Superintendent Louise Taylor. They said Selak reports to Taylor, so Taylor needs to communicate with Selak.
In light of the uproar about Selak, are both of them confident they made the right decision? Would either of them change their vote about accepting Selak's resignation?
Both of them said they would vote exactly the same way.
It has been suggested that the board was misinformed about Selak. Are they confident of the information they received?
Bryan said that he "never acts on any issue unless he is confident about the information he has." He added that if board members have questions, they ask for clarification.
This question set Chesley off. She said some people have assumed that the board was ignorant of the situation, and was thus surprised at the intensity of parental reaction, kind of "like a deer in the headlights." She said that is not the case. "What makes you think I'm surprised?" she asked. "Did they think I didn't know about the principal's attributes? Ridiculous! Of course I know!" She said she knows what is going on not just through the district, but also through many contacts in the community.
I've heard from a couple sources that a meeting between Selak, Claire Chesley, and a few parents was abruptly called off by the district. Why?
Chesley said that it was called off at the district's lawyer's recommendation. She said the attorney said it would be improper for a board member and parents to meet with an employee. She said the lawyer said that the proper forum if Selak wants to communicate with the board is a regular, open meeting of the board.
I'm not sure I've heard the thought expressed, but I imagine some people may think that Selak might not be speaking up because the district does not want her to. I'm not exactly sure what the district could do to her if she did speak publicly - fire her? - but all the same, I wanted to find out. Would either Chesley or Wong have any objection to Selak speaking to the press?
Chesley said, "Jill Selak can do whatever she deems to be in her best interest. I have no issues with Mrs. Selak. I've always enjoyed my interactions with her. She's a positive person with a lot of strengths."
Wong said, "I don't have a problem with her going to the press. It's her choice. She can do whatever she wants to do and I would bear no ill will toward her if she did."
Okay, well how about this. Is it possible for Selak to give the board permission to speak about her situation?
Chesley said the district's attorney said that a person cannot give up their privacy rights. So, in short, no.
A few other points that Chesley and Wong wanted to make were these:
Chesley thinks that some parents are wrongly vilifying the superintendent. She said that while she thinks there are areas in which Taylor could improve, and points on which they disagree, Taylor is very capable, and is willing to be pushed and to push.
She also objected to charges that the board wasted money to bring in an attorney to the board meeting to answer questions. She said the attorney was only brought in because the board was being accused of not following the law. She said she felt kind of damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't.
Okay, let's move on now to what Chesley and Wong particularly wanted to talk about - the future.
Chesley said the district is "leaping to the next level." Specifically, she said the district has just been notified that Clifton Middle School has been awarded the state's Distinguished School Award, and, she said, the high school is making progress, too.
Speaking of the future, would Chesley support parental involvement in selecting the new principal for Mayflower?
Chesley said she has fought for openness in the board meetings (and from the recent meetings I've seen I would say the meetings are a lot more open than they were in the past) and that she would want parental involvement in selecting a new principal for Mayflower. She said site councils have been involved in this process in the past, and she would push for even greater parental involvement in choosing the next principal.
And what about the recall petition? (I guess that falls under the "future" category.)
Obviously, neither Chesley or Wong approves of the recall attempt. Chesley asked what exactly the petitioneers hope to accomplish and Wong said he hopes people will "take a step back" and take a broader view of the situation. Chesley said it would take the signatures of 20 percent of the electorate (about 3,200 signatures) to get the measure on a ballot.
Okay, let me wrap this up with a few thoughts.
I still have no clue why Selak is leaving, but I have to think that when a group as varied as the five members of the school board unanimously agree to accept her resignation (whether prompted or not), there must be pretty good reasons. In talking to Chesley and Wong, I don't believe they acted in ignorance. That they remain adamant that their decision was the right one despite the furor it has caused further suggests to me that their decision was not for some casual reason. Further, I heard Chesley and Wong say that Jill Selak can say anything she pleases (and even if the board didn't want her to say anything, it doesn't have any power over her now that she's leaving), so if Selak wants to object to the resignation, she appears to be free to do so. To the best of my knowledge, she hasn't done so publicly, if at all, and if she doesn't fight for it, I don't know why I should. If Selak would like to contact me and tell her side of the story, I'll be happy to print it, but without strong contrary evidence, I'm supporting the school board. I oppose any recall effort, and while I'll continue to print comments I get about the topic from whatever viewpoint, I kinda think we should move on.
A LETTER ~ The March 23rd School Board meeting was a bit long. Perhaps Joy Fisk dozed off a couple of times. Maybe that's why she missed some of what was said during that meeting. ~~ Many of the attendees of the board meeting were there to help honor Sylvia Carney and Jean Butler from Wild Rose Elementary and Laurie Hemingway and Bob Drew from Clifton Middle School. After the presentation of the awards by the Chamber of Commerce this group of supporters joined the homorees in the lobby. ~~ Ms. Chidester, the attorney who was retained by the MUSD, stated that the MUSD consistantly (at least for the past two years, which is all of the documentation that Ms. Chidester was asked to review) followed the rules, regulations and laws imposed by the California Education Code and the State of California regarding the matter of Administrative Personnel Evaluation/Release/Dismissal, including the Ed Code and State laws regarding confidentiality in personnel issues. She addressed the procedure for filing a complaint about the Superintendent or, for that matter, any MUSD employee. ~~ That procedure is the Uniform Complaint Policy, which allows anyone, staff, parent or community member, to file a complaint about a MUSD employee. I remember that when this question was answered by Ms. Chidester the person sitting behind me said "they are going to need a lot more of those forms", or words to that effect. About half of the questions directed to Ms. Chidester were unanswerable in a public forum as they delt with specific personnel issues. ~~ My comments were given after the comments of the five Mayflower parents and the first grade student from Mayflower. While I don't remember verbatim what I said (as I was speaking "off the cuff") the gist of it was that I don't always agree with the superintendent or the board and that I love Jill as principal of Mayflower (I am the parent of a former Mayflower student). Yes, I did say that my children have been through changes of principals at every school they have attended. I stated that in my job the people that I work with are facing life and death decisions. My patients trust that I am doing my job well. Should my immediate boss (who has the power to retain me in my position or let me go) dcide that I am no longer effective or serving the best interest of my patients, I don't expect her to go to the patients and discuss with them the specifics of my job evaluations or her decisions. By "bigger fish to fry" I meant that the District has severe budget issues that affect all of the schools in the district and that those concerns should be the focus of this massive use of manpower. ~~ After I addressed the board the group dressed in red (which did make up half of the audience) got up and left. Perhaps the commotion is why Joy didn't hear Dr. Carter say that the board could break confidentiality of personnel issues within the next five minutes if they wanted to, but the result would be the loss of millions of dollars in state funding. ~~ I decided that it was time for me to take my leave at this point. ~~ FYI, the vote on The Month of the Young Child was taken well before the end of the meeting. ~~ Perhaps a review of the KGEM tape is in order. ~~ June Richetts
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 114 ~ March 29, 2005
Thanks to Joy Fisk for the following report on the March 23 school board meeting. Also, below her report are some letters about Jill Selak... and my spelling. In an earlier newsletter I said that the one person who might really shed some light on the Jill Selak affair is Jill Selak, so I thought I'd put my mouth where my mouth is and give her a call. I did, but unfortunately she was out sick today, but I left a message, so hopefully I'll hear back from her soon. If so, I'll pass along whatever I can.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Joy Fisk
Note - all personal comments by this meeting’s note taker have been placed in ( ).
Meeting called to order by Ms. Diaz. All board members and administrators were present. Report by Ms. Diaz that no action was taken in the 6:30 closed session meeting.
The first item voted on and passed was the consent agenda. Routine items of business place on agenda must be carefully screened by members of the staff and reviewed in advance by the board members.
Four employees were recognized for outstanding service by the Monrovia Chamber of Commerence and the Board of Education. Two were from Wild Rose and two were from Clifton Middle School.
Next (the moment the Mayflower parents had all been waiting for) was the report presented by MUSD’s attorney. Margaret Chidester, a respected attorney serving multiple school districts in Southern California presented her report on MUSD’s certificated administrator evaluation and release, personnel processes, procedures and legal mandates, including the Brown Act.
Ms. Chidester relayed the following information, (and much more) but this is the information that I found relevant.)
An administrator’s performance is evaluated on a year to year basis. If the governing board and the superintendent think the administrator is not satisfying the needs of the student, the board may release administrator.
If an administrator has done something to constitute cause for dismissal, then he/she is "dismissed" with cause and this can be effective immediately and all sorts of due process takes place. ( That was not the case with Jill Selak. Jill was going to be "released" without cause. This eliminates any speculation that Jill did something to warrant this action.) Chidester also explained that the Superintendent has the authority to make this decision without Board action and without any due process. This highlights the fact that the Superintendent has a tremendous amount of power over school principals, and that they are at the Superintendent’s mercy. The Superintendent also has a right to change her mind.
The administrator will be notified by March 15th that their contact is not being renewed . If they are not contacted they will continue in their current position.
Allowing an employee to resign rather than release them is not legally required, and basically done as a courtesy. It is recommended that an employee resign rather than be dismissed so they are able to go get another job voluntarily.
Legally, only the employee can discuss their own personnel matters. If the board or the superintendent would reveal any personnel issues it would violate the employee’s right to privacy .
If an employee is released from a position they are entitled to a name clearing if they so desire .
The reason for the release may not be an issue which demands a name clearing. It could be the administrator was not acting consistently with the board’s expectations in how we want you to serve kids.
(I found it interesting that this point was stressed twice. How could this possibly refer to Jill’s leadership on leading the number one ranked school in MUSD? We know the kids love her, so how is she lacking when it comes to serving kids?)
The attorney also commented that the board involves the community in making decisions in the best interest of the schools.
(I know I speak for the majority of the Mayflower parents when I say that we were not involved in the decision to force Jill Selak to resign at all!!! If this is a true statement according to the board’s record, then why did they hand out a school survey which included a section on evaluating Mayflower school a week after or principal was forced to resign? )
When asked how Ms. Chidester was paid she made it clear that she was paid by MUSD, and that she was hired to represent them. She affirmed that they have an excellent process of evaluating administrators, and they had not violated the Brown Act, and have gone above and beyond the measures necessary to follow legal procedures and mandates.
( When Ms. Chidester was finished with the Q&A section she stated that she would get off the clock. I thought, great, in the midst of all of the budget cuts, how much an hour is MUSD paying for an attorney to represent them?)
(Problem with the attorney’s presentation):
(She didn’t answer specific questions which were submitted to her through COMPASS. She could have given some detailed facts but often stated she couldn’t answer the question because it was a personnel matter. For example the question was asked, " What are the district’s policies regarding staff complaints that arise at MUSD schools?" This question was never answered and it should have been.
The presentation was intended for Taylor and the board to represent them, not to inform the general public.)
The attorney’s presentation was followed by a half presentation of the district’s energy savings policies. Nearly half of the room cleared out and missed the public comment portion of the evening. (Was this intentional?)
Energy Management Report given by Robert Vorhis, a consultant from Energy Education Inc. Vorhis reported MUSD is not where he’d like them to be with energy conservation, but they’re headed in the right direction. (I could go on about specifics, but unlike the board I don’t want to lose half of my audience.)
Next up was Public Comment:
Heather Meyer stated that the Mayflower parents disagree with the board’s decision to accept Ms. Selak’s resignation. The way the board has handled the whole situation has caused chaos and division between parents and the teaching staff. We think the board hasn’t heard our voices our shown any concern for the damage that’s been done to the Mayflower community. She stated that we no longer want the board to represent us. On that note Heather served the board with a notice of intent to recall the school board.
Tim Stone questioned if the board had acted in a manner that was correct or justifiable. The board has appeared to have back pedaled in order not to violate the Brown Act. Tim made an excellent point in recalling that the board said they don’t take these types of decisions that affect so many people lightly, and they had thought long and hard about their decision concerning Jill Selak’s resignation. Yet the board contradicted themselves when they reported that they took no action in closed sessions. How can it be that they are thinking long and hard about decisions, but not reporting on any decisions being made? Tim concluded by saying when something smells bad, it usually has gone bad and it needs to be thrown out.
Kim Larsen stated that Louise Taylor had lied to the press on the issue of Jill Selak’s resigning and it’s not right to lie to parents and children.
June Ricketts stated that her children have experienced different principals and it hasn’t affected their education or performance. She also stated she works with patients and has to make life and death decisions and people are not to question her, but to trust her. (Since when is all of this about you, June?)
She concluded by saying the Mayflower parents just need to trust the board has our best interest in mind and get over it. " We have bigger fish to fry." (You’re absolutely right June. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. COMPASS Community of Monrovia Parents and Student Supporters- Always pointed in the right direction for our children.)
Dennis Johnson stated that the board had violated the Brown Act. He also commented that he has asked numerous times to get information on the block scheduling program at MHS and has yet to receive nay information. He asked for Louise Taylor’s resignation.
Diaz and Taylor both commented that this was the first time they have heard a request for block scheduling but they would certainly get that to him.
Sue Yost confronted the board with the fact that since Mrs. Selak has been at Mayflower, the school has received numerous awards and recognition under her leadership. She noted that in 2003-2004 Mayflower received an API benchmark of 800, which is California’s goal for schools. Dr. Yost also presented the board with the following facts:
Fact 1: Mrs. Selak was forced to resign as principal of Mayflower school, effective in June 2005. She has never had any formal complaint or accusation filed against her by the superintendent or the school board, only a vague charge of "no confidence. " It appears she was asked to resign based on petty grievances and misunderstandings involving a handful of individuals.
Fact 2: We elected our school board to represent us and make decisions in our best interest. But not one school board member has ever spoken to Mrs. Selak, nor taken the time to corroborate any complaint or accusation.
Fact 3: The school board refused to meet openly with Mrs. Selak, teachers and parents as recently as last week. This is in direct violation of Mrs. Selak‘s rights, and she deserves the opportunity to face her accusers in public.
Fact 4: There is fear of recrimination among the teachers at Mayflower, that if they stand up in support of Mrs. Selak, they will be transferred within the district or discriminated against in another manner.
Fact 5: The school board underestimated the outpouring of support for Mrs. Selak, which has been overwhelming, and involves hundreds of families from Mayflower and the Monrovia community.
Board Member Reports:
Bruce Carter stated the board is following the letter of the law in all of their procedures. They have regular evaluations. According to the state law they cannot discuss personnel issues.
Clare Chesley reported on Gadabouts which is a Senior Center service and interaction between seniors and MHS students. She also reported on her own experience with the standards base report card concerning her two children. Chesley noted she thinks the report card should include some type of assessment at the beginning of the school year.
Betty Sanford stated she’s been wondering when she should retire from the school board. Now that she’s being recalled, she’s in it for the "long haul." This comment resulted in laughter from the board.
Brian Wong said he couldn’t top Sanford’s comment and he had no further report.
Monina Diaz said it’s always hard to top what Betty Sanford says. Diaz reported on visiting Wildrose campus and being impressed with the principal's accountability report, the school’s atmosphere and the writing skills of the K and first graders. She stated that she attended Wildrose as a child.
Student Representative- Ryan Blackshere
She reported Mr. Monrovia pageant was coming up.
The senior prom was set for April 30th.
A former MHS student has a blood disease and had to have a limb amputated. MHS students are fund raising to help with medical expenses.
Video production classes will be showing their Twilight Zone productions at the Corcoran on April 5th.
Dr. Taylor commented in response to Ms. Larsen's letter which accused her of lying. Taylor said a reporter called her to ask her about Jill Selak’s resignation. Taylor said she merely repeated what Selak had written to parents and children in her resignation letter. ( The problem is it sounded as if it was all Selak’s idea to resign. We know this is not the case, so the deceit is in the omission of the facts.)
Next Dr. Joel Shaw reported on Preface Academic Performance Index Base Reports. He showed charts which reflected MUSD’s schools API Base scores and school rankings. He also stated that report cards have changed in order to show consistency in what programs line up to the standards.
(FYI Mayflower received the highest API test rank and school rank out of all of the MUSD schools.
Next was the approval of the rate increase for school meals at an increase of twenty five cents in each of the four school meals. MUSD hasn’t increased meal prices in nine years. This will have no effect on children who are on the free meal programs.
Personnel Assignments- The board voted to accept the resignation of Jill Selak. Her last day will be June 30th, 2005. (MUSD’s loss will be another school district’s gain. )
Certification of 2004-2005 temporary athletic team coaches was approved.
Creation of a new classified clerical position in healthy start was approved.
Adopt resolution to amend uniform complain report was approved. Complaints concerning textbooks and faulty facilities.
The board also passed resolution for the tiebreaker criteria and point system to be applied when permanent and probationary personnel share the same first date of paid service. It was noted that after Debbie Collins sent out 18 pink slips she was able to resend 13 notices, so only 5 employees are being laid off.
Dr. Taylor stated many districts have a lottery system by MUSD carefully considers work experience and contribution prior to laying anyone off.
Next the board approved the school calendar for the 2005-2006 school year. The first day of school will be on August 31st. Noted by Dr. Taylor, that if people know the dates in advance they can plan vacations accordingly.
Report on the High School exit exam policy and regulations by Dr. Shawn. He reviewed administartion of tests, testing variations for all students, accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities
Resolution ordering governing board elections set for Tuesday, November 8, 2005 . Carter said, "What would happen of we all voted no on this?" Wong said, " I think we’d be recalled." Diaz joined in on the laughter then seemed to rethink it and said it wasn’t funny. (Clearly the board wasn’t taking the recall seriously. They attempted to mock the people they are supposed to be representing.)
The last item voted on and passed was declaring April 2005 as the month of the young child.
ANONYMOUS ~ Alex Zucco and I had an email discussion about anonymous letters. She asked why I allow them. I said it's because some people might be afraid to speak up otherwise. She said anonymous people can snipe from the shadows, and that isn't fair when the person behind an "anonymous letter had no problem using Jill's name, speaking directly to her character and actions - [when] she [Selak] doesn't get that same privilege of remaining anonymous." Okay, I said. I don't think the writer was sniping, but this is a very touch situation and so for letters about the Jill Selak affair, I'll require names. Otherwise, I'll still consider anonymous letters.
SELAK ~ Dear Brad, I have three important points for you to consider. First, I agree with recent comments in the Monrovia School Link that we elected our school board to represent us, and that we should allow them to make decisions in our best interest, but how do we know that the board was not fed misinformation concerning the principal of Mayflower School? I know for a fact that Mrs. Selak has never been contacted by any board member, so it appears that no one took the time to corroborate any complaint or accusation. ~~ Second, Mrs. Selak has never had any formal complaint or accusation filed against her by the superintendent or the school board, only a vague charge of "no confidence". She wanted to open the lines of communication and tried to meet with Mrs. Chesley and a few parents and teachers on Saturday to see if there was anything that could be done, but the meeting was canceled after Dr. Taylor told Mrs. Chesley that we couldn't meet without the superintendent and another school board member present. So another meeting was scheduled for Monday (with Mrs. Chesley, Mr. Carter, the superintendent, three teachers, Mrs. Selak and three parents). Once again the meeting was canceled at very short notice and without explanation. This meeting could have cleared up any misunderstandings, but the board and superintendent refused to meet with the principal in the presence of parents and teachers. This is in direct violation of Mrs. Selak's rights. Mrs. Selak professes ignorance of the reason for her dismissal and she deserves the opportunity to face her accusers in public. I also understand that Mrs. Selak wrote her letter to the parents with Dr. Taylor looking over her shoulder. The fact that she was forced to resign is apparent, but the reasons for her resignation are not. I am fearful that any adverse publicity could jeopardize her chances of getting another position, but the injustice of this is just overwhelming. ~~ Finally, there is fear of recrimination among the teachers that if they stand up in support of Mrs. Selak, they will be transferred within the district or discriminated against. This could be one reason why we have not heard from the teachers. ~~ In contrast to the school board, I took the time and effort to talk to many of the people involved in this dispute, including parents, the school board, the mayor, the principal, and the teachers. No one can tell me the reason for the school board's actions. Are we sure that this group of "opinionated, strong willed, passionate ... dead on committed" school board members had all the facts straight? Seems to me that the whole district is being mismanaged and manipulated, and I for one am tired of being misrepresented by the school board. ~~ Regards, Susan Yost
I BEFORE E ~ A letter in response to one of my misspellings. And this one's anonymous because it isn't about Jill Selak: Brad, Watch the word recieved -- it should be received: I hate the rule 'i before e except after c' -- it's convoluted... Here's my trick for my students....when faced with this situation-- a "c" then an 'ie' or 'ei' choice, do this: pick the letter that rhymes with c (it's 'e')--make sure they are touching each other!!! Rhyming words are alike and like to be next to each other! nice and cozy like!! Kids love cozy, touchy, friendly stuff like that... It's a little thing, I know.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(1) comments
Thanks to Joy Fisk for the following report on the March 23 school board meeting. Also, below her report are some letters about Jill Selak... and my spelling. In an earlier newsletter I said that the one person who might really shed some light on the Jill Selak affair is Jill Selak, so I thought I'd put my mouth where my mouth is and give her a call. I did, but unfortunately she was out sick today, but I left a message, so hopefully I'll hear back from her soon. If so, I'll pass along whatever I can.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Joy Fisk
Note - all personal comments by this meeting’s note taker have been placed in ( ).
Meeting called to order by Ms. Diaz. All board members and administrators were present. Report by Ms. Diaz that no action was taken in the 6:30 closed session meeting.
The first item voted on and passed was the consent agenda. Routine items of business place on agenda must be carefully screened by members of the staff and reviewed in advance by the board members.
Four employees were recognized for outstanding service by the Monrovia Chamber of Commerence and the Board of Education. Two were from Wild Rose and two were from Clifton Middle School.
Next (the moment the Mayflower parents had all been waiting for) was the report presented by MUSD’s attorney. Margaret Chidester, a respected attorney serving multiple school districts in Southern California presented her report on MUSD’s certificated administrator evaluation and release, personnel processes, procedures and legal mandates, including the Brown Act.
Ms. Chidester relayed the following information, (and much more) but this is the information that I found relevant.)
An administrator’s performance is evaluated on a year to year basis. If the governing board and the superintendent think the administrator is not satisfying the needs of the student, the board may release administrator.
If an administrator has done something to constitute cause for dismissal, then he/she is "dismissed" with cause and this can be effective immediately and all sorts of due process takes place. ( That was not the case with Jill Selak. Jill was going to be "released" without cause. This eliminates any speculation that Jill did something to warrant this action.) Chidester also explained that the Superintendent has the authority to make this decision without Board action and without any due process. This highlights the fact that the Superintendent has a tremendous amount of power over school principals, and that they are at the Superintendent’s mercy. The Superintendent also has a right to change her mind.
The administrator will be notified by March 15th that their contact is not being renewed . If they are not contacted they will continue in their current position.
Allowing an employee to resign rather than release them is not legally required, and basically done as a courtesy. It is recommended that an employee resign rather than be dismissed so they are able to go get another job voluntarily.
Legally, only the employee can discuss their own personnel matters. If the board or the superintendent would reveal any personnel issues it would violate the employee’s right to privacy .
If an employee is released from a position they are entitled to a name clearing if they so desire .
The reason for the release may not be an issue which demands a name clearing. It could be the administrator was not acting consistently with the board’s expectations in how we want you to serve kids.
(I found it interesting that this point was stressed twice. How could this possibly refer to Jill’s leadership on leading the number one ranked school in MUSD? We know the kids love her, so how is she lacking when it comes to serving kids?)
The attorney also commented that the board involves the community in making decisions in the best interest of the schools.
(I know I speak for the majority of the Mayflower parents when I say that we were not involved in the decision to force Jill Selak to resign at all!!! If this is a true statement according to the board’s record, then why did they hand out a school survey which included a section on evaluating Mayflower school a week after or principal was forced to resign? )
When asked how Ms. Chidester was paid she made it clear that she was paid by MUSD, and that she was hired to represent them. She affirmed that they have an excellent process of evaluating administrators, and they had not violated the Brown Act, and have gone above and beyond the measures necessary to follow legal procedures and mandates.
( When Ms. Chidester was finished with the Q&A section she stated that she would get off the clock. I thought, great, in the midst of all of the budget cuts, how much an hour is MUSD paying for an attorney to represent them?)
(Problem with the attorney’s presentation):
(She didn’t answer specific questions which were submitted to her through COMPASS. She could have given some detailed facts but often stated she couldn’t answer the question because it was a personnel matter. For example the question was asked, " What are the district’s policies regarding staff complaints that arise at MUSD schools?" This question was never answered and it should have been.
The presentation was intended for Taylor and the board to represent them, not to inform the general public.)
The attorney’s presentation was followed by a half presentation of the district’s energy savings policies. Nearly half of the room cleared out and missed the public comment portion of the evening. (Was this intentional?)
Energy Management Report given by Robert Vorhis, a consultant from Energy Education Inc. Vorhis reported MUSD is not where he’d like them to be with energy conservation, but they’re headed in the right direction. (I could go on about specifics, but unlike the board I don’t want to lose half of my audience.)
Next up was Public Comment:
Heather Meyer stated that the Mayflower parents disagree with the board’s decision to accept Ms. Selak’s resignation. The way the board has handled the whole situation has caused chaos and division between parents and the teaching staff. We think the board hasn’t heard our voices our shown any concern for the damage that’s been done to the Mayflower community. She stated that we no longer want the board to represent us. On that note Heather served the board with a notice of intent to recall the school board.
Tim Stone questioned if the board had acted in a manner that was correct or justifiable. The board has appeared to have back pedaled in order not to violate the Brown Act. Tim made an excellent point in recalling that the board said they don’t take these types of decisions that affect so many people lightly, and they had thought long and hard about their decision concerning Jill Selak’s resignation. Yet the board contradicted themselves when they reported that they took no action in closed sessions. How can it be that they are thinking long and hard about decisions, but not reporting on any decisions being made? Tim concluded by saying when something smells bad, it usually has gone bad and it needs to be thrown out.
Kim Larsen stated that Louise Taylor had lied to the press on the issue of Jill Selak’s resigning and it’s not right to lie to parents and children.
June Ricketts stated that her children have experienced different principals and it hasn’t affected their education or performance. She also stated she works with patients and has to make life and death decisions and people are not to question her, but to trust her. (Since when is all of this about you, June?)
She concluded by saying the Mayflower parents just need to trust the board has our best interest in mind and get over it. " We have bigger fish to fry." (You’re absolutely right June. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. COMPASS Community of Monrovia Parents and Student Supporters- Always pointed in the right direction for our children.)
Dennis Johnson stated that the board had violated the Brown Act. He also commented that he has asked numerous times to get information on the block scheduling program at MHS and has yet to receive nay information. He asked for Louise Taylor’s resignation.
Diaz and Taylor both commented that this was the first time they have heard a request for block scheduling but they would certainly get that to him.
Sue Yost confronted the board with the fact that since Mrs. Selak has been at Mayflower, the school has received numerous awards and recognition under her leadership. She noted that in 2003-2004 Mayflower received an API benchmark of 800, which is California’s goal for schools. Dr. Yost also presented the board with the following facts:
Fact 1: Mrs. Selak was forced to resign as principal of Mayflower school, effective in June 2005. She has never had any formal complaint or accusation filed against her by the superintendent or the school board, only a vague charge of "no confidence. " It appears she was asked to resign based on petty grievances and misunderstandings involving a handful of individuals.
Fact 2: We elected our school board to represent us and make decisions in our best interest. But not one school board member has ever spoken to Mrs. Selak, nor taken the time to corroborate any complaint or accusation.
Fact 3: The school board refused to meet openly with Mrs. Selak, teachers and parents as recently as last week. This is in direct violation of Mrs. Selak‘s rights, and she deserves the opportunity to face her accusers in public.
Fact 4: There is fear of recrimination among the teachers at Mayflower, that if they stand up in support of Mrs. Selak, they will be transferred within the district or discriminated against in another manner.
Fact 5: The school board underestimated the outpouring of support for Mrs. Selak, which has been overwhelming, and involves hundreds of families from Mayflower and the Monrovia community.
Board Member Reports:
Bruce Carter stated the board is following the letter of the law in all of their procedures. They have regular evaluations. According to the state law they cannot discuss personnel issues.
Clare Chesley reported on Gadabouts which is a Senior Center service and interaction between seniors and MHS students. She also reported on her own experience with the standards base report card concerning her two children. Chesley noted she thinks the report card should include some type of assessment at the beginning of the school year.
Betty Sanford stated she’s been wondering when she should retire from the school board. Now that she’s being recalled, she’s in it for the "long haul." This comment resulted in laughter from the board.
Brian Wong said he couldn’t top Sanford’s comment and he had no further report.
Monina Diaz said it’s always hard to top what Betty Sanford says. Diaz reported on visiting Wildrose campus and being impressed with the principal's accountability report, the school’s atmosphere and the writing skills of the K and first graders. She stated that she attended Wildrose as a child.
Student Representative- Ryan Blackshere
She reported Mr. Monrovia pageant was coming up.
The senior prom was set for April 30th.
A former MHS student has a blood disease and had to have a limb amputated. MHS students are fund raising to help with medical expenses.
Video production classes will be showing their Twilight Zone productions at the Corcoran on April 5th.
Dr. Taylor commented in response to Ms. Larsen's letter which accused her of lying. Taylor said a reporter called her to ask her about Jill Selak’s resignation. Taylor said she merely repeated what Selak had written to parents and children in her resignation letter. ( The problem is it sounded as if it was all Selak’s idea to resign. We know this is not the case, so the deceit is in the omission of the facts.)
Next Dr. Joel Shaw reported on Preface Academic Performance Index Base Reports. He showed charts which reflected MUSD’s schools API Base scores and school rankings. He also stated that report cards have changed in order to show consistency in what programs line up to the standards.
(FYI Mayflower received the highest API test rank and school rank out of all of the MUSD schools.
Next was the approval of the rate increase for school meals at an increase of twenty five cents in each of the four school meals. MUSD hasn’t increased meal prices in nine years. This will have no effect on children who are on the free meal programs.
Personnel Assignments- The board voted to accept the resignation of Jill Selak. Her last day will be June 30th, 2005. (MUSD’s loss will be another school district’s gain. )
Certification of 2004-2005 temporary athletic team coaches was approved.
Creation of a new classified clerical position in healthy start was approved.
Adopt resolution to amend uniform complain report was approved. Complaints concerning textbooks and faulty facilities.
The board also passed resolution for the tiebreaker criteria and point system to be applied when permanent and probationary personnel share the same first date of paid service. It was noted that after Debbie Collins sent out 18 pink slips she was able to resend 13 notices, so only 5 employees are being laid off.
Dr. Taylor stated many districts have a lottery system by MUSD carefully considers work experience and contribution prior to laying anyone off.
Next the board approved the school calendar for the 2005-2006 school year. The first day of school will be on August 31st. Noted by Dr. Taylor, that if people know the dates in advance they can plan vacations accordingly.
Report on the High School exit exam policy and regulations by Dr. Shawn. He reviewed administartion of tests, testing variations for all students, accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities
Resolution ordering governing board elections set for Tuesday, November 8, 2005 . Carter said, "What would happen of we all voted no on this?" Wong said, " I think we’d be recalled." Diaz joined in on the laughter then seemed to rethink it and said it wasn’t funny. (Clearly the board wasn’t taking the recall seriously. They attempted to mock the people they are supposed to be representing.)
The last item voted on and passed was declaring April 2005 as the month of the young child.
ANONYMOUS ~ Alex Zucco and I had an email discussion about anonymous letters. She asked why I allow them. I said it's because some people might be afraid to speak up otherwise. She said anonymous people can snipe from the shadows, and that isn't fair when the person behind an "anonymous letter had no problem using Jill's name, speaking directly to her character and actions - [when] she [Selak] doesn't get that same privilege of remaining anonymous." Okay, I said. I don't think the writer was sniping, but this is a very touch situation and so for letters about the Jill Selak affair, I'll require names. Otherwise, I'll still consider anonymous letters.
SELAK ~ Dear Brad, I have three important points for you to consider. First, I agree with recent comments in the Monrovia School Link that we elected our school board to represent us, and that we should allow them to make decisions in our best interest, but how do we know that the board was not fed misinformation concerning the principal of Mayflower School? I know for a fact that Mrs. Selak has never been contacted by any board member, so it appears that no one took the time to corroborate any complaint or accusation. ~~ Second, Mrs. Selak has never had any formal complaint or accusation filed against her by the superintendent or the school board, only a vague charge of "no confidence". She wanted to open the lines of communication and tried to meet with Mrs. Chesley and a few parents and teachers on Saturday to see if there was anything that could be done, but the meeting was canceled after Dr. Taylor told Mrs. Chesley that we couldn't meet without the superintendent and another school board member present. So another meeting was scheduled for Monday (with Mrs. Chesley, Mr. Carter, the superintendent, three teachers, Mrs. Selak and three parents). Once again the meeting was canceled at very short notice and without explanation. This meeting could have cleared up any misunderstandings, but the board and superintendent refused to meet with the principal in the presence of parents and teachers. This is in direct violation of Mrs. Selak's rights. Mrs. Selak professes ignorance of the reason for her dismissal and she deserves the opportunity to face her accusers in public. I also understand that Mrs. Selak wrote her letter to the parents with Dr. Taylor looking over her shoulder. The fact that she was forced to resign is apparent, but the reasons for her resignation are not. I am fearful that any adverse publicity could jeopardize her chances of getting another position, but the injustice of this is just overwhelming. ~~ Finally, there is fear of recrimination among the teachers that if they stand up in support of Mrs. Selak, they will be transferred within the district or discriminated against. This could be one reason why we have not heard from the teachers. ~~ In contrast to the school board, I took the time and effort to talk to many of the people involved in this dispute, including parents, the school board, the mayor, the principal, and the teachers. No one can tell me the reason for the school board's actions. Are we sure that this group of "opinionated, strong willed, passionate ... dead on committed" school board members had all the facts straight? Seems to me that the whole district is being mismanaged and manipulated, and I for one am tired of being misrepresented by the school board. ~~ Regards, Susan Yost
I BEFORE E ~ A letter in response to one of my misspellings. And this one's anonymous because it isn't about Jill Selak: Brad, Watch the word recieved -- it should be received: I hate the rule 'i before e except after c' -- it's convoluted... Here's my trick for my students....when faced with this situation-- a "c" then an 'ie' or 'ei' choice, do this: pick the letter that rhymes with c (it's 'e')--make sure they are touching each other!!! Rhyming words are alike and like to be next to each other! nice and cozy like!! Kids love cozy, touchy, friendly stuff like that... It's a little thing, I know.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 113 ~ March 19, 2005
There are two meetings this week. A regular one on Wednesday and a special (mostly closed-session) on Thursday. It looks like some interesting things on the agenda: A report on the Academic Performance Index and some stuff that sounds distinctly Jill Selak related. And, tacked on the end, a few interesting letters I've recieved recently.
~brad@sacklunch.net
First, a busy, busy board meeting this Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m.
The board is going to honor four district employees for outstanding service, then there'll be a report on the Academic Performance Index (API), followed by a decision about a rate increase for school meals, and a summary of energy savings for the first thirteen months of the district's energy management program.
After intermission (oops, sorry, no intermission), the board will certify that the district is following the law regarding temporary athletic team coaches (excitement reigns!), then it will vote on establishing a new classified clerical position in Healthy Start, and then will vote on ammending the district’s uniform complaint procedures.
Then something or other about (I think) how the district determines seniority for two employees who are hired on the same day. Then the board will vote on the school calendar for 05-06 (yawn), and then, hmmm - this is interesting (Selak related?) - the board will "receive a report on certificated administrator evaluation and release personnel processes, procedures and legal mandates, including the Brown Act."
Then after some other stuff, the board will receive for first reading a board policy about high school exit exams, some more yadda yadda, then to wrap up, it'll (undoubtedly) vote to proclaim April 2005 as "Month of the Young Child."
Okay, that takes care of Wednesday.
Then, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., there'll be a special mostly-closed session to discuss "Performance Evaluation Review Site Administrator (Government Code Section 54957)." I'm not sure, but I suspect this may be more Jill Selak stuff, and there will be a public comment time before the board goes into closed session, so go if you have something to say.
SELAK LETTER ~ This letter in defense of the board's handling of the Selak affair was a bit long, so I chomped it, but hopefully I've kept the essence: "With parental outrage running high, it seems fitting that Jill step up to a microphone, pick up a pen and write a letter to the editor, or pen a letter to all Mayflower parents on what happened. By law, only she can comment." The writer then gives several examples that the board is aware of Selak's contributions and popularity ("Do we really think that asking for the resignation of a principal who has been lauded by professional education groups, is well-known in professional circles both city, county and statewide was a 'knee jerk reaction'"?), then concludes with this: "What could possibly happen that would compel a board to UNANIMOUSLY vote for the resignation of one of our greatest? There are too many divergent opinions on this school board; they are all opinionated, strong willed, passionate about Monrovia's students and, at least some of them, dead on committed to making this district better. It must have been serious.... What could a principal possibly do to compel the board to take such a drastic decision that could only cast a bad light upon them as a school board? One person can answer this question: Jill Selak.
BUDGET ~ Regarding a newsletter I did about the district's budget situation: "I was reading a Sunday article in the Star-News about the same stuff - pretty dire! Also to be included in the mix is the idea that most people polled - in my contacts, are not happy with Louise Taylor - the Ms. Selek issue for one. People WILL move their kids to private school on this issue. Also, about the lower test scores, which drive older kids to private schools - I haven't heard a thing on Mr. Zepedas idea to go block scheduling - and am worried that with budget cuts we won't. After being on the field trip to his old Norwalk school and being very impressed (my impression of him and the idea of block totally turned around in one visit). I am worried that middle and high school students will continue to leave for private schools unless MAJOR changes are implemented to bring up scores - SOON!"
SPECIAL ED ~ In my budget newsletter, I mentioned the situation of special ed students. This letter is in response to that: "As far as special needs and MUSD goes, there is an enormous amount of work to be done. The district must provide an appropriate level of service for these students. There can be a big difference between the district's idea of appropriate and the parents'. If a team (district and parent) effort is used to approach this, change will come a lot easier than if a district-only plan is proposed. Until recently the district has taken a hard line with these cases and that is why these children end up off site. It's important to note that once lawyers get involved in this process nobody wins. If one or two of these differences of opinion about appropriate services end up in mediation, it could cost the district more than the proposed savings. Not to mention the impact on the student.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
There are two meetings this week. A regular one on Wednesday and a special (mostly closed-session) on Thursday. It looks like some interesting things on the agenda: A report on the Academic Performance Index and some stuff that sounds distinctly Jill Selak related. And, tacked on the end, a few interesting letters I've recieved recently.
~brad@sacklunch.net
First, a busy, busy board meeting this Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m.
The board is going to honor four district employees for outstanding service, then there'll be a report on the Academic Performance Index (API), followed by a decision about a rate increase for school meals, and a summary of energy savings for the first thirteen months of the district's energy management program.
After intermission (oops, sorry, no intermission), the board will certify that the district is following the law regarding temporary athletic team coaches (excitement reigns!), then it will vote on establishing a new classified clerical position in Healthy Start, and then will vote on ammending the district’s uniform complaint procedures.
Then something or other about (I think) how the district determines seniority for two employees who are hired on the same day. Then the board will vote on the school calendar for 05-06 (yawn), and then, hmmm - this is interesting (Selak related?) - the board will "receive a report on certificated administrator evaluation and release personnel processes, procedures and legal mandates, including the Brown Act."
Then after some other stuff, the board will receive for first reading a board policy about high school exit exams, some more yadda yadda, then to wrap up, it'll (undoubtedly) vote to proclaim April 2005 as "Month of the Young Child."
Okay, that takes care of Wednesday.
Then, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., there'll be a special mostly-closed session to discuss "Performance Evaluation Review Site Administrator (Government Code Section 54957)." I'm not sure, but I suspect this may be more Jill Selak stuff, and there will be a public comment time before the board goes into closed session, so go if you have something to say.
SELAK LETTER ~ This letter in defense of the board's handling of the Selak affair was a bit long, so I chomped it, but hopefully I've kept the essence: "With parental outrage running high, it seems fitting that Jill step up to a microphone, pick up a pen and write a letter to the editor, or pen a letter to all Mayflower parents on what happened. By law, only she can comment." The writer then gives several examples that the board is aware of Selak's contributions and popularity ("Do we really think that asking for the resignation of a principal who has been lauded by professional education groups, is well-known in professional circles both city, county and statewide was a 'knee jerk reaction'"?), then concludes with this: "What could possibly happen that would compel a board to UNANIMOUSLY vote for the resignation of one of our greatest? There are too many divergent opinions on this school board; they are all opinionated, strong willed, passionate about Monrovia's students and, at least some of them, dead on committed to making this district better. It must have been serious.... What could a principal possibly do to compel the board to take such a drastic decision that could only cast a bad light upon them as a school board? One person can answer this question: Jill Selak.
BUDGET ~ Regarding a newsletter I did about the district's budget situation: "I was reading a Sunday article in the Star-News about the same stuff - pretty dire! Also to be included in the mix is the idea that most people polled - in my contacts, are not happy with Louise Taylor - the Ms. Selek issue for one. People WILL move their kids to private school on this issue. Also, about the lower test scores, which drive older kids to private schools - I haven't heard a thing on Mr. Zepedas idea to go block scheduling - and am worried that with budget cuts we won't. After being on the field trip to his old Norwalk school and being very impressed (my impression of him and the idea of block totally turned around in one visit). I am worried that middle and high school students will continue to leave for private schools unless MAJOR changes are implemented to bring up scores - SOON!"
SPECIAL ED ~ In my budget newsletter, I mentioned the situation of special ed students. This letter is in response to that: "As far as special needs and MUSD goes, there is an enormous amount of work to be done. The district must provide an appropriate level of service for these students. There can be a big difference between the district's idea of appropriate and the parents'. If a team (district and parent) effort is used to approach this, change will come a lot easier than if a district-only plan is proposed. Until recently the district has taken a hard line with these cases and that is why these children end up off site. It's important to note that once lawyers get involved in this process nobody wins. If one or two of these differences of opinion about appropriate services end up in mediation, it could cost the district more than the proposed savings. Not to mention the impact on the student.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 112 ~ March 13, 2005
The focus lately has been on the Jill Selak affair, but coming up is an even more crucial problem for Monrovia schools - a serious shortage of money. Worst case? Well, according to Linda Dempsey, the district's chief business officer, it could - emphasis on "could" - result in closing one of Monrovia's schools.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
I've known for a while that the district's money was tight, so I stopped by to get the latest from Linda Dempsey, the district's Chief Business Officer. While she said the school's budget for next year should be up a bit, though "up" in this case follows "down" from the previous year, so from a two-year perspective, the up is much less significant. Beyond that blip, Dempsey does not paint a very cheerful picture.
The problem the district faces is this: In 1995-96 a wave of children hit the Monrovia School District. Kindergarten enrollment was 587, the highest it had been in at least 20 years. Since then that wave has been moving through the grades and has now hit the high school. But behind the wave has come a trough. Kindergarten enrollment has been falling steadily since then, and the trough is also working its way through the grades. In a few years all the wave students will graduate from high school, and all that will be left will be the trough students.
And why does this matter? Fewer students means more money per student, right? Unfortunately not. Because the district gets money from the state on the basis of ADA, or "Average Daily Attendance." If there are fewer students attending, the district gets less money.
This drop in the student population is due to at least two factors, according to Dempsey. She said that there has been an overall decline in the birth rate throughout the state. Fewer kids being born, fewer kids going to school. She said half the districts in the state have lower enrollment. In addition, the price of housing in Monrovia (and throughout the area) has increased dramatically, making it more difficult for young families to move in to town. Instead, they're moving to San Bernardino and Riverside counties, which, as a result, have growing schools.
In fact, Dempsey said she heard a speaker say recently that the nearest affordable housing is in Adalanto. Where's that?, I asked. Somewhere north of Bakersfield, she replied. Well, maybe the speaker was engaging in a bit of hyperbole there, but certainly the cost of housing is going to make it tough for young families to move into the community.
Adding to the district's financial problem is the state's financial problem.
Dempsey said that under Proposition 98, the schools are guaranteed a percentage cut of the state's revenue, but, as we all know, the state is probably in worse financial shape than the district.
Because of that, she said, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a change in how the state calculates its giving to the schools.
Currently, she said, the schools' cut of the state budget is estimated by a state analyst, who guesstimates how much the state is going to bring in that year. Then, at mid-year, the analyst brings back a revision to the estimate, and if the state's income is higher, then the state gives the schools more money.
Schwarzenegger, she said, is proposing that the state make the first payment based on the estimate, but not make the mid-year correction. So, I said - trying to understand - if the state has more income than expected that means the district's income won't be adjusted up... Right, Dempsey said. And, I asked, if the state has lower income than expected that means the district wouldn't be adjusted down. Well, yes, Dempsey said, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. And, frankly, I agree with her. If you believe in the health of the California economy, it seems reasonable to think that the mid-year correction would generally favor giving the schools more money.
Also - if I understand her correctly - she said the state is proposing to shift the cost of administering the teachers' retirement program to the districts.
So, to sum up, Dempsey's worst case scenario is if 1) enrollment continues declining, and, she said, "unless there is a turnaround in kindergarten, enrollment *will* continue to decline"; 2) if the district doesn't get all its Prop 98 money; and 3) if the state shifts the cost of administering the retirement program to the districts.
To help, you might contact your legislators, and maybe that would help squeeze a few more dimes out of the state, and hopefully the state's economy will continue to recover, but still there's that enrollment problem...
So, if things continue looking the way they look now, what can the district do?
Nothing pleasant, it appears.
The district has already been cutting. Dempsey said that in the 2003-04 year, the district cut $1.5 million from its budget (interestingly, it cut $100,000 just by switching lights and stuff off), but mostly it saved by cutting non-teaching positions.
But that's barely a start.
The district is already considering shifting some students at the Canyon Oaks site back to the regular schools (though it is planning to keep the child development and preschool there). That would save some administrative and teaching costs.
Also, MUSD might bring back some of its special needs students who are currently attending other districts. As I understand this, various districts specialize in teaching students with different needs, so perhaps students with problem A would all go to Alhambra schools and students with problem B would go to San Gabriel schools, and so forth. The problem is that for students who are sent elsewhere, the district does not get the ADA, which obviously goes to the school educating the students. Also, it needs to pay the additional cost for transporting those students. So if there are enough students with a particular problem, such as autism, Dempsey suggested, it might make sense to host them here.
Actually, that's not bad, is it? Well, less pleasant things to come.
The district, she said, may need to shift students from school to school. That saves money by allowing the district to hire fewer teachers. For example, if you have two-and-a-half classrooms of kids at one school and two-and-a-half classrooms of kids at another school, you can either hire six teachers (three teachers for each school) or you can transfer half a classroom of kids from one school to the other. By doing that you can hire just five teachers. Three at one school and two at the other.
Speaking of moving students, the district may simply eliminate all student transportation.
Also, the district currently participates in the class size reduction program, which mandates an average of 20 students per elementary classroom. Even though the district gets money for this, the money doesn't cover the cost of the program, so out it may go. Dempsey said it may be necessary to raise elementary class sizes to an average of 30 students per classroom.
Teachers wouldn't be the only ones hit. Dempsey said the district may need to cut non-teaching staff as well, and then stretch the remaining people to cover more ground.
And the worst case, Dempsey said, would be to shut a school. That, she said, "would be a pretty drastic measure with an impact on students, parents and staff." No kidding.
"Well," I said, "You're certainly living in exciting times."
"Want to trade jobs?" she asked.
Uh... not really.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(0) comments
The focus lately has been on the Jill Selak affair, but coming up is an even more crucial problem for Monrovia schools - a serious shortage of money. Worst case? Well, according to Linda Dempsey, the district's chief business officer, it could - emphasis on "could" - result in closing one of Monrovia's schools.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
I've known for a while that the district's money was tight, so I stopped by to get the latest from Linda Dempsey, the district's Chief Business Officer. While she said the school's budget for next year should be up a bit, though "up" in this case follows "down" from the previous year, so from a two-year perspective, the up is much less significant. Beyond that blip, Dempsey does not paint a very cheerful picture.
The problem the district faces is this: In 1995-96 a wave of children hit the Monrovia School District. Kindergarten enrollment was 587, the highest it had been in at least 20 years. Since then that wave has been moving through the grades and has now hit the high school. But behind the wave has come a trough. Kindergarten enrollment has been falling steadily since then, and the trough is also working its way through the grades. In a few years all the wave students will graduate from high school, and all that will be left will be the trough students.
And why does this matter? Fewer students means more money per student, right? Unfortunately not. Because the district gets money from the state on the basis of ADA, or "Average Daily Attendance." If there are fewer students attending, the district gets less money.
This drop in the student population is due to at least two factors, according to Dempsey. She said that there has been an overall decline in the birth rate throughout the state. Fewer kids being born, fewer kids going to school. She said half the districts in the state have lower enrollment. In addition, the price of housing in Monrovia (and throughout the area) has increased dramatically, making it more difficult for young families to move in to town. Instead, they're moving to San Bernardino and Riverside counties, which, as a result, have growing schools.
In fact, Dempsey said she heard a speaker say recently that the nearest affordable housing is in Adalanto. Where's that?, I asked. Somewhere north of Bakersfield, she replied. Well, maybe the speaker was engaging in a bit of hyperbole there, but certainly the cost of housing is going to make it tough for young families to move into the community.
Adding to the district's financial problem is the state's financial problem.
Dempsey said that under Proposition 98, the schools are guaranteed a percentage cut of the state's revenue, but, as we all know, the state is probably in worse financial shape than the district.
Because of that, she said, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a change in how the state calculates its giving to the schools.
Currently, she said, the schools' cut of the state budget is estimated by a state analyst, who guesstimates how much the state is going to bring in that year. Then, at mid-year, the analyst brings back a revision to the estimate, and if the state's income is higher, then the state gives the schools more money.
Schwarzenegger, she said, is proposing that the state make the first payment based on the estimate, but not make the mid-year correction. So, I said - trying to understand - if the state has more income than expected that means the district's income won't be adjusted up... Right, Dempsey said. And, I asked, if the state has lower income than expected that means the district wouldn't be adjusted down. Well, yes, Dempsey said, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. And, frankly, I agree with her. If you believe in the health of the California economy, it seems reasonable to think that the mid-year correction would generally favor giving the schools more money.
Also - if I understand her correctly - she said the state is proposing to shift the cost of administering the teachers' retirement program to the districts.
So, to sum up, Dempsey's worst case scenario is if 1) enrollment continues declining, and, she said, "unless there is a turnaround in kindergarten, enrollment *will* continue to decline"; 2) if the district doesn't get all its Prop 98 money; and 3) if the state shifts the cost of administering the retirement program to the districts.
To help, you might contact your legislators, and maybe that would help squeeze a few more dimes out of the state, and hopefully the state's economy will continue to recover, but still there's that enrollment problem...
So, if things continue looking the way they look now, what can the district do?
Nothing pleasant, it appears.
The district has already been cutting. Dempsey said that in the 2003-04 year, the district cut $1.5 million from its budget (interestingly, it cut $100,000 just by switching lights and stuff off), but mostly it saved by cutting non-teaching positions.
But that's barely a start.
The district is already considering shifting some students at the Canyon Oaks site back to the regular schools (though it is planning to keep the child development and preschool there). That would save some administrative and teaching costs.
Also, MUSD might bring back some of its special needs students who are currently attending other districts. As I understand this, various districts specialize in teaching students with different needs, so perhaps students with problem A would all go to Alhambra schools and students with problem B would go to San Gabriel schools, and so forth. The problem is that for students who are sent elsewhere, the district does not get the ADA, which obviously goes to the school educating the students. Also, it needs to pay the additional cost for transporting those students. So if there are enough students with a particular problem, such as autism, Dempsey suggested, it might make sense to host them here.
Actually, that's not bad, is it? Well, less pleasant things to come.
The district, she said, may need to shift students from school to school. That saves money by allowing the district to hire fewer teachers. For example, if you have two-and-a-half classrooms of kids at one school and two-and-a-half classrooms of kids at another school, you can either hire six teachers (three teachers for each school) or you can transfer half a classroom of kids from one school to the other. By doing that you can hire just five teachers. Three at one school and two at the other.
Speaking of moving students, the district may simply eliminate all student transportation.
Also, the district currently participates in the class size reduction program, which mandates an average of 20 students per elementary classroom. Even though the district gets money for this, the money doesn't cover the cost of the program, so out it may go. Dempsey said it may be necessary to raise elementary class sizes to an average of 30 students per classroom.
Teachers wouldn't be the only ones hit. Dempsey said the district may need to cut non-teaching staff as well, and then stretch the remaining people to cover more ground.
And the worst case, Dempsey said, would be to shut a school. That, she said, "would be a pretty drastic measure with an impact on students, parents and staff." No kidding.
"Well," I said, "You're certainly living in exciting times."
"Want to trade jobs?" she asked.
Uh... not really.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Friday, March 11, 2005
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.
(0) comments
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.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 110 ~ March 6, 2005
Here's bits and pieces from the agenda for the upcoming meeting this Wednesday.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The board is having a two-parter meeting this Wednesday, March 9. At 6:30 p.m. it'll have a special closed session. Then at 7 p.m. it'll have a regular board meeting.
What's a bit strange is that (if I'm following this), there will be a "public hearing for items on the special board meeting agenda: closed session." What I don't get, here, is this: How is anybody supposed to comment on the item under discussion in the closed session if they don't know what it is about?
Well, actually, there is a hint. The closed session is about, "Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release (Government Code Section 54957)," and "Performance Evaluation Review Site Administrator (Government Code Section 54957)." I guess you can read into that whatever you like.
At the regular board meeting at 7 p.m., there will be a "Report on second Closed Session of February 23, 2005, and Closed Session of March 3, 2005," which I'm assuming were about Mayflower Principal Jill Selak.
Also interesting is that under the standard "Public Hearing for items not on the agenda," are some extra instructions (which I've never seen before) limiting initial public comment to 30 minutes, with extra time (if necessary) just before the board adjourns. Clearly the board expects some speakers.
Also on the agenda:
- A resolution to "reduce or discontinue particular kinds of service." Ya know, this is not exactly a model of clarity. If people are deciding whether to attend a board meeting, an agenda item about "particular kinds of service" does not exactly give them the information they need. WHAT kinds of service?
- The board will "receive a summary report of the Rand report findings." Again, what we're talking about here is not entirely clear. What did Rand study?
- Adopt a resolution urging that the state honor its committment to education funding provided by Proposition 98.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(1) comments
Here's bits and pieces from the agenda for the upcoming meeting this Wednesday.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The board is having a two-parter meeting this Wednesday, March 9. At 6:30 p.m. it'll have a special closed session. Then at 7 p.m. it'll have a regular board meeting.
What's a bit strange is that (if I'm following this), there will be a "public hearing for items on the special board meeting agenda: closed session." What I don't get, here, is this: How is anybody supposed to comment on the item under discussion in the closed session if they don't know what it is about?
Well, actually, there is a hint. The closed session is about, "Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release (Government Code Section 54957)," and "Performance Evaluation Review Site Administrator (Government Code Section 54957)." I guess you can read into that whatever you like.
At the regular board meeting at 7 p.m., there will be a "Report on second Closed Session of February 23, 2005, and Closed Session of March 3, 2005," which I'm assuming were about Mayflower Principal Jill Selak.
Also interesting is that under the standard "Public Hearing for items not on the agenda," are some extra instructions (which I've never seen before) limiting initial public comment to 30 minutes, with extra time (if necessary) just before the board adjourns. Clearly the board expects some speakers.
Also on the agenda:
- A resolution to "reduce or discontinue particular kinds of service." Ya know, this is not exactly a model of clarity. If people are deciding whether to attend a board meeting, an agenda item about "particular kinds of service" does not exactly give them the information they need. WHAT kinds of service?
- The board will "receive a summary report of the Rand report findings." Again, what we're talking about here is not entirely clear. What did Rand study?
- Adopt a resolution urging that the state honor its committment to education funding provided by Proposition 98.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 109 ~ March 2, 2005
I just got the notice for this. There’s a meeting Thursday (tomorrow as I write), March 3 about "Public hearing regarding leadership at Mayflower Elementary." That is the one real item on the agenda. Meeting starts at 7:15 p.m. NOTE: It is being held at the Canyon Early Learning Center, Multi-purpose room, not at the district administrative offices. The Center is at 1000 South Canyon Blvd. in Monrovia. However, I think it is right next door to the district offices – on the north side. If you want to talk to the board about Jill Selak, this is the time.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
(0) comments
I just got the notice for this. There’s a meeting Thursday (tomorrow as I write), March 3 about "Public hearing regarding leadership at Mayflower Elementary." That is the one real item on the agenda. Meeting starts at 7:15 p.m. NOTE: It is being held at the Canyon Early Learning Center, Multi-purpose room, not at the district administrative offices. The Center is at 1000 South Canyon Blvd. in Monrovia. However, I think it is right next door to the district offices – on the north side. If you want to talk to the board about Jill Selak, this is the time.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
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.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(1) comments
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.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
