Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 136 ~ August 31, 2005
I met today with Debbie Elliot-Penzer about her bid to join the Monrovia School Board. My summary is below. Also, as we were chatting about the race, she made clear (nicely) that I was wrong about there now being three open seats in the November election. She said the board either needs to hold a special election or appoint someone to fill the seat left vacant by Betty Sandford (I knew that), but the person who fills the seat would be there until Sandford's term would be up, not, as I was thinking, until the coming election.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Debbie Elliot-Penzer is a native Monrovian. As a child, she attended Plymouth School, and, as she puts it, she graduated but never left. After graduating, and after her own school, she returned to help the teachers at Plymouth.
She went through Santa Fe Middle School, then Monrovia High, and then on to Citrus College. Upon marrying she and her husband had two boys, who went to Plymouth, Santa Fe, and are now at Monrovia High. While they were at Plymouth, she joined the Plymouth PTA. When they went to Santa Fe, she was involved there (and also at Plymouth), and now that they are at Monrovia High she's a member of the high school's Parent Teacher Student Association. But, she's also still a member of the Plymouth PTA. In fact, it's a bit broader than that. She's now on her second (and last) term as president of the Monrovia/Duarte Council PTA. It's her last because she's limited to two terms.
Which brings us one of the main reasons she's running for the School Board. With her term expiring, and with her passion for children, she has time to serve on the board.
Elliot-Penzer said she has been a volunteer in the Monrovia Unified School District for more than 25 years and has held various positions on the many PTA boards in the district. As the Monrovia/Duarte president, she said, she has 12 PTA units under her. She has also been involved with the Arcadia National Little League - as president and in other positions, and with Bonita Pony Baseball in Arcadia.
She said she began her work career as a preschool teacher, and then got a job at CP Auto Products that includes accounting for the firm.
Other reasons she cites for wanting to be on the board are to try to keep the school buses going. She said that to hear parents say they do not know how they are going to get their children to school - as a number of them did recently - really affected her. (At the last meeting, the board decided to spend money to keep the buses rolling, but they're only funding it for a year.)
However, she said she was affected by Betty Sandford's resignation letter, which cited the overbearing state rules as a big frustration. "I'm not sure how much you can push," she said."Your hands are basically tied. I can't promise better API scores, or transportation for students. There are small changes you can make. I don't think I can come in there and make a whopping change."
Because the state limits the authority of the board, she thinks board members need to reach out more to the community to get parents involved. She cited Board Member Clare Chesley's example. She said Chesley has been to all the district's PTAs. "There needs to be more of that," she said. Also, she said, the board could schedule special events and forums for parents with guest speakers, it could have suggestion boxes at schools, it could do local fundraising. Perhaps, she suggested, a jog-a-thon.
Can you handle fundraising? I asked.
"Been there, done that," she said. Okay, I believe her. I can't imagine being a PTA president without having developed that skill.
What about the whole complex legal arena of dealing with the state's rules?
She said she is "getting her feet wet" by beginning to read up on those issues.
After our meeting she sent me an email with some additional information. She wrote:
"I believe education must be a top priority for every taxpayer. Communities are judged by the quality of their schools. Monrovia has seen a decline in enrollment. We need to increase our enrollment. I will open communication between students, parents, teachers and administrators to better identify ways to improve our schools and share in the decision making process.
"I will ensure goals are met for both teachers and students by giving them necessary tools for success. I will ensure that schools are both physically and emotionally safe. I will also work to keep the buses in this district, so many of our family need this service to get their children safely to school. I will stay on the quest for excellence in education while keeping a creative eye on the budget in these tough times. I would appreciate your vote. I will work for our kids in Monrovia schools."
Okay, my thoughts. I was impressed with Elliot-Penzer's roots in the community and her deep dedication to the schools and the children. Clearly, having been president of the Monrovia/Duarte PTA, she must have some leadership skills. That's important. I also believe she could organize that jog-a-thon she mentioned and squeeze sponsorship money out of local businesses. She mentioned she's the only woman running, and possibly she's right that there is value in having an additional female voice on the board. Also, though she doesn't mention it, she would represent the south end of town, which is often not as well represented as the north. On the other side, I don't think she's really up to speed - as she herself mentions - on the Byzantine complexity of the district's relations with the state. Since the state is such a big factor in the life of the district, I think that is very important. Hopefully she'll catch up on that.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
I met today with Debbie Elliot-Penzer about her bid to join the Monrovia School Board. My summary is below. Also, as we were chatting about the race, she made clear (nicely) that I was wrong about there now being three open seats in the November election. She said the board either needs to hold a special election or appoint someone to fill the seat left vacant by Betty Sandford (I knew that), but the person who fills the seat would be there until Sandford's term would be up, not, as I was thinking, until the coming election.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Debbie Elliot-Penzer is a native Monrovian. As a child, she attended Plymouth School, and, as she puts it, she graduated but never left. After graduating, and after her own school, she returned to help the teachers at Plymouth.
She went through Santa Fe Middle School, then Monrovia High, and then on to Citrus College. Upon marrying she and her husband had two boys, who went to Plymouth, Santa Fe, and are now at Monrovia High. While they were at Plymouth, she joined the Plymouth PTA. When they went to Santa Fe, she was involved there (and also at Plymouth), and now that they are at Monrovia High she's a member of the high school's Parent Teacher Student Association. But, she's also still a member of the Plymouth PTA. In fact, it's a bit broader than that. She's now on her second (and last) term as president of the Monrovia/Duarte Council PTA. It's her last because she's limited to two terms.
Which brings us one of the main reasons she's running for the School Board. With her term expiring, and with her passion for children, she has time to serve on the board.
Elliot-Penzer said she has been a volunteer in the Monrovia Unified School District for more than 25 years and has held various positions on the many PTA boards in the district. As the Monrovia/Duarte president, she said, she has 12 PTA units under her. She has also been involved with the Arcadia National Little League - as president and in other positions, and with Bonita Pony Baseball in Arcadia.
She said she began her work career as a preschool teacher, and then got a job at CP Auto Products that includes accounting for the firm.
Other reasons she cites for wanting to be on the board are to try to keep the school buses going. She said that to hear parents say they do not know how they are going to get their children to school - as a number of them did recently - really affected her. (At the last meeting, the board decided to spend money to keep the buses rolling, but they're only funding it for a year.)
However, she said she was affected by Betty Sandford's resignation letter, which cited the overbearing state rules as a big frustration. "I'm not sure how much you can push," she said."Your hands are basically tied. I can't promise better API scores, or transportation for students. There are small changes you can make. I don't think I can come in there and make a whopping change."
Because the state limits the authority of the board, she thinks board members need to reach out more to the community to get parents involved. She cited Board Member Clare Chesley's example. She said Chesley has been to all the district's PTAs. "There needs to be more of that," she said. Also, she said, the board could schedule special events and forums for parents with guest speakers, it could have suggestion boxes at schools, it could do local fundraising. Perhaps, she suggested, a jog-a-thon.
Can you handle fundraising? I asked.
"Been there, done that," she said. Okay, I believe her. I can't imagine being a PTA president without having developed that skill.
What about the whole complex legal arena of dealing with the state's rules?
She said she is "getting her feet wet" by beginning to read up on those issues.
After our meeting she sent me an email with some additional information. She wrote:
"I believe education must be a top priority for every taxpayer. Communities are judged by the quality of their schools. Monrovia has seen a decline in enrollment. We need to increase our enrollment. I will open communication between students, parents, teachers and administrators to better identify ways to improve our schools and share in the decision making process.
"I will ensure goals are met for both teachers and students by giving them necessary tools for success. I will ensure that schools are both physically and emotionally safe. I will also work to keep the buses in this district, so many of our family need this service to get their children safely to school. I will stay on the quest for excellence in education while keeping a creative eye on the budget in these tough times. I would appreciate your vote. I will work for our kids in Monrovia schools."
Okay, my thoughts. I was impressed with Elliot-Penzer's roots in the community and her deep dedication to the schools and the children. Clearly, having been president of the Monrovia/Duarte PTA, she must have some leadership skills. That's important. I also believe she could organize that jog-a-thon she mentioned and squeeze sponsorship money out of local businesses. She mentioned she's the only woman running, and possibly she's right that there is value in having an additional female voice on the board. Also, though she doesn't mention it, she would represent the south end of town, which is often not as well represented as the north. On the other side, I don't think she's really up to speed - as she herself mentions - on the Byzantine complexity of the district's relations with the state. Since the state is such a big factor in the life of the district, I think that is very important. Hopefully she'll catch up on that.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Friday, August 26, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 135 ~ August 26, 2005
Well! Interestinger and interestinger. Two of three school board incumbents have already decided not to run, and now the last member of the old-time board has resigned, and without much warning. Following the November election, the most senior people on the board will be those who took their seats at the last election, Clare Chesley and Bryan Wong. Good odds for the candidates, too! Three open seats for five candidates.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
The last meeting before the beginning of the school year didn't exactly bring in the crowd. There were only a handful of people in attendance and most of them were running in the school board race. Everyone must be getting in some last minute vacation fun - which did not include attending a board meeting.
FRUSTRATED ~ What happened? Well, something pretty big. President Monina Diaz announced that Betty Sandford resigned. That's right, Sandford decided to leave and didn't attend the meeting.
In her resignation letter, Sanford said her main reason for leaving was her frustration at politicians. She said there is too much focus on legislation and not enough on education. Sanford added she didn't need to be on the board to do good in the community.
Diaz called Sanford's resignation a "big loss" for the community and that her experience and history was a great asset to the board.
So what does this mean? Well, Superintendent Louise Taylor said, according to the County, the board has 60 days to fill the seat by holding a special election, appointing a temporary member or letting the county call a special election.
There will be a special study session on September 14 to discuss the vacant seat. Though it's sad to see Sanford go, this must be good news to those running.
That was the big shocker for the evening. Everything else was business as usual.
All board member were present, except for Bryan Wong. And Sandford, of course.
LONE SPEAKER ~ Charlotte, a representative of the library board, spoke of the success of the Summer Reading Program. Thousands of kids and parents attended, and not just from Monrovia, but from neighboring districts as well. Everyone agreed Monrovia has the best Summer Reading Program around. Who knew reading could be so much fun?
BOARD REPORTS ~ First to speak was Clare Chesley, who regretted missing the last meeting and said she understood Sandford's frustrations. Chesley also commented on the California Teachers Association's support of AB19 (California's Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act), which supports same sex marriage, saying it is inappropriate. She did not express her feelings towards AB19 but felt the CTA is over stepping its bounds in endorsing it.
President Diaz said the New Teacher's Buffet was great and a wonderful way for new teachers to feel welcome. What a nice gesture. Monrovia truly is a very welcoming place.
Bruce Carter reported on his recent trip to Sacramento with the Science Task Force. The main topic was the lack of emphasis on - you guessed it - science in the schools. They are working on ways to give science the attention it deserves in the classroom.
STAR PERFORMERS ~ Superintendent Taylor gave a brief preliminary report on the Standardized Testing and Reporting results. Though the final results won't be in until January, the preliminary results show that Monrovia is on the right track. There is a notable increase in test scores from the elementary and high schools. The school that did the best was Mayflower Elementary School. Congratulations.
A more detailed report will be given in September. Taylor said overall the results were good.
BUDGET ~ The board approved the revised budget for 2005-06. Some of the revised items were:
-An increase of $20,629 to add three or four health aides.
-An increase of $301,289 because of adding five teachers at Monrovia High School.
-An increase of $150,000 to re-instate home-to-school bus service for 2005-06.
Bus service was only re-instated for this school year. The board is looking into ways to pay for transportation for following years. Diaz suggested looking into advertising on buses. If advertising can keep money in parents’ pockets, an ad for Office Depot on the side of a school bus doesn't sound so bad.
FAIL OR PASS? ~ Teachers need to be graded too, you know? We got a bit of information on some new procedures, but there will be more detailed information in September. It sounds like September is going to be a very detailed month. The Certified Evaluation Procedures is a tighter evaluation system that works on a five point scale. This new system would be more consistent with standards of the teaching profession. An alternative evaluation procedure is also available in this new plan. A teacher in good standing can opt to be evaluated every five years as opposed to alternate years.
This evaluation was modeled after systems in place at other school districts. The board seemed very exited about this and Diaz called it "sunshineing." Sounds pleasant.
LATE DELIVERY ~ Superintendent Taylor said some registration packets didn't "arrive in a timely manner." This is the first time registrations packets have not been received on time and that's one time too many. The delivery process is going to be reviewed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. I know, I couldn't believe it was so early either.
Don't forget, the first day of school is this coming Wednesday, August 31. Wednesday? Really? Oh well, at least the kids will have a short week.
Summer vacation is over. There are no more excuses not to attend a school meeting. Clear your evening calendar and stop by on September 14 at 7 p.m.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Well! Interestinger and interestinger. Two of three school board incumbents have already decided not to run, and now the last member of the old-time board has resigned, and without much warning. Following the November election, the most senior people on the board will be those who took their seats at the last election, Clare Chesley and Bryan Wong. Good odds for the candidates, too! Three open seats for five candidates.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
The last meeting before the beginning of the school year didn't exactly bring in the crowd. There were only a handful of people in attendance and most of them were running in the school board race. Everyone must be getting in some last minute vacation fun - which did not include attending a board meeting.
FRUSTRATED ~ What happened? Well, something pretty big. President Monina Diaz announced that Betty Sandford resigned. That's right, Sandford decided to leave and didn't attend the meeting.
In her resignation letter, Sanford said her main reason for leaving was her frustration at politicians. She said there is too much focus on legislation and not enough on education. Sanford added she didn't need to be on the board to do good in the community.
Diaz called Sanford's resignation a "big loss" for the community and that her experience and history was a great asset to the board.
So what does this mean? Well, Superintendent Louise Taylor said, according to the County, the board has 60 days to fill the seat by holding a special election, appointing a temporary member or letting the county call a special election.
There will be a special study session on September 14 to discuss the vacant seat. Though it's sad to see Sanford go, this must be good news to those running.
That was the big shocker for the evening. Everything else was business as usual.
All board member were present, except for Bryan Wong. And Sandford, of course.
LONE SPEAKER ~ Charlotte, a representative of the library board, spoke of the success of the Summer Reading Program. Thousands of kids and parents attended, and not just from Monrovia, but from neighboring districts as well. Everyone agreed Monrovia has the best Summer Reading Program around. Who knew reading could be so much fun?
BOARD REPORTS ~ First to speak was Clare Chesley, who regretted missing the last meeting and said she understood Sandford's frustrations. Chesley also commented on the California Teachers Association's support of AB19 (California's Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act), which supports same sex marriage, saying it is inappropriate. She did not express her feelings towards AB19 but felt the CTA is over stepping its bounds in endorsing it.
President Diaz said the New Teacher's Buffet was great and a wonderful way for new teachers to feel welcome. What a nice gesture. Monrovia truly is a very welcoming place.
Bruce Carter reported on his recent trip to Sacramento with the Science Task Force. The main topic was the lack of emphasis on - you guessed it - science in the schools. They are working on ways to give science the attention it deserves in the classroom.
STAR PERFORMERS ~ Superintendent Taylor gave a brief preliminary report on the Standardized Testing and Reporting results. Though the final results won't be in until January, the preliminary results show that Monrovia is on the right track. There is a notable increase in test scores from the elementary and high schools. The school that did the best was Mayflower Elementary School. Congratulations.
A more detailed report will be given in September. Taylor said overall the results were good.
BUDGET ~ The board approved the revised budget for 2005-06. Some of the revised items were:
-An increase of $20,629 to add three or four health aides.
-An increase of $301,289 because of adding five teachers at Monrovia High School.
-An increase of $150,000 to re-instate home-to-school bus service for 2005-06.
Bus service was only re-instated for this school year. The board is looking into ways to pay for transportation for following years. Diaz suggested looking into advertising on buses. If advertising can keep money in parents’ pockets, an ad for Office Depot on the side of a school bus doesn't sound so bad.
FAIL OR PASS? ~ Teachers need to be graded too, you know? We got a bit of information on some new procedures, but there will be more detailed information in September. It sounds like September is going to be a very detailed month. The Certified Evaluation Procedures is a tighter evaluation system that works on a five point scale. This new system would be more consistent with standards of the teaching profession. An alternative evaluation procedure is also available in this new plan. A teacher in good standing can opt to be evaluated every five years as opposed to alternate years.
This evaluation was modeled after systems in place at other school districts. The board seemed very exited about this and Diaz called it "sunshineing." Sounds pleasant.
LATE DELIVERY ~ Superintendent Taylor said some registration packets didn't "arrive in a timely manner." This is the first time registrations packets have not been received on time and that's one time too many. The delivery process is going to be reviewed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. I know, I couldn't believe it was so early either.
Don't forget, the first day of school is this coming Wednesday, August 31. Wednesday? Really? Oh well, at least the kids will have a short week.
Summer vacation is over. There are no more excuses not to attend a school meeting. Clear your evening calendar and stop by on September 14 at 7 p.m.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 134 ~ August 21, 2005
Here are a few items on the agenda for this Wednesday's board meeting. Also, yet *another* person has joined the school board race. It is Debbie Elliott-Penzer. Excellent! So, the candidates are: Debbie Elliott-Penzer, Ed Gililland, Nick Laushkin, Chris Rich, and Clarence Shaw. I've already interviewed Laushkin and Shaw, and I have an interview set up with Chris Rich, but I haven't heard back from Ed and Debbie. Please send me a note, folks! I'd like to chat with you.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The board meeting this Wednesday, August 24, is a three-parter. The agenda says that at 4:30 p.m. there is a study session in the superintendent's office, then at 5:30 p.m. a closed session in the board room. Hmmm. My guess is that the study session is actually in the board room and the closed session in the supe's office, but that's just my guess. Anyway, the regular meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Just a thought, here. It seems that if people wanted to attend the study session AND the regular board meeting (not that they really would, of course, but we're talking hypothetically), wouldn't it be more convenient for the public if the two open meetings were held back to back, and not separated by an hour-and-a-half closed session? Okay, maybe this time there is some scheduling reason to separate them, but it seems to me that not making the public twiddle their thumbs for an hour and a half would be a good general practice.
Anyway...
At the study session the board "will determine contents of Board Guidelines, the process to review the Guidelines, the process for Board self-evaluation, and set a date in the fall for self-evaluation and guidelines review."
At the regular meeting:
- The superintendent will report on a bit of preliminary STAR test score information
- The board will accept (believe me, they won't reject) $1,000 from Walmart Foundation to purchase items for the classroom of Bradoaks teacher David Ross, Walmart's Teacher of the Year. Congrats David! Plus the board will accept some other kind gifts.
- The board will vote on the revised budget for 2005-06.
- And, the board will reveal the contents of a "tentative agreement of the certificated evaluation procedures" (I think that means the district has some sort of tentative agreement about how teachers are to be evaluated, but I’m not certain.) and the board will also reveal the rest of the proposed contract revisions between the Monrovia Teachers Association and the district.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Here are a few items on the agenda for this Wednesday's board meeting. Also, yet *another* person has joined the school board race. It is Debbie Elliott-Penzer. Excellent! So, the candidates are: Debbie Elliott-Penzer, Ed Gililland, Nick Laushkin, Chris Rich, and Clarence Shaw. I've already interviewed Laushkin and Shaw, and I have an interview set up with Chris Rich, but I haven't heard back from Ed and Debbie. Please send me a note, folks! I'd like to chat with you.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The board meeting this Wednesday, August 24, is a three-parter. The agenda says that at 4:30 p.m. there is a study session in the superintendent's office, then at 5:30 p.m. a closed session in the board room. Hmmm. My guess is that the study session is actually in the board room and the closed session in the supe's office, but that's just my guess. Anyway, the regular meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Just a thought, here. It seems that if people wanted to attend the study session AND the regular board meeting (not that they really would, of course, but we're talking hypothetically), wouldn't it be more convenient for the public if the two open meetings were held back to back, and not separated by an hour-and-a-half closed session? Okay, maybe this time there is some scheduling reason to separate them, but it seems to me that not making the public twiddle their thumbs for an hour and a half would be a good general practice.
Anyway...
At the study session the board "will determine contents of Board Guidelines, the process to review the Guidelines, the process for Board self-evaluation, and set a date in the fall for self-evaluation and guidelines review."
At the regular meeting:
- The superintendent will report on a bit of preliminary STAR test score information
- The board will accept (believe me, they won't reject) $1,000 from Walmart Foundation to purchase items for the classroom of Bradoaks teacher David Ross, Walmart's Teacher of the Year. Congrats David! Plus the board will accept some other kind gifts.
- The board will vote on the revised budget for 2005-06.
- And, the board will reveal the contents of a "tentative agreement of the certificated evaluation procedures" (I think that means the district has some sort of tentative agreement about how teachers are to be evaluated, but I’m not certain.) and the board will also reveal the rest of the proposed contract revisions between the Monrovia Teachers Association and the district.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monday, August 15, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 133 ~ August 15, 2005
Happy day! We now have four candidates for the two Monrovia School Board seats, and interestingly, incumbents Bruce Carter and Monina Diaz are not among them. I guess they've had enough. But, we do have Ed Gililland. Ed ran during the last election and while he wasn't one of my picks, I'd have been happy if he had won one of the three open positions. Glad to have him. Also, Chris Rich is running. I'm not familiar with Chris, but I'm looking forward to meeting him, too. Also, as I've reported, Clarence Shaw and Nick Laushkin are in the running. Whew! I'm so glad you guys stepped forward. It gives us choices. Thanks to the four of you! Also in this issue, a report by June Richetts about last Friday's special meeting. She says the district has more money! Thanks for sending in your observations, June!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By June Richetts
Yesterday I received a call about a special School Board meeting that was taking place today [last Friday] at 8 a.m. While I was unable to stay for the entire meeting I am pleased to report that there seemed to be quite a few spectators in attendence. Monina Diaz introduced the new Assistant Principal for Clifton Middle School, Fermin Jaramillo. Mr. Jaramillo is a graduate of Santa Fe Middle School and Monrovia High School.
The meat of the meeting, at least the portion that I attended, was a report from Linda Dempsey regarding the Budget for 2005-2006. This time there was good news. An expense of over $400,000 that was expected to be thrust upon the district by the State will not materialize. That, in addition to some expenditures not being as high as estimated result in a substantial surplus. The recomendation is to re-instate transportation services and to have the expense of three teachers and two substitutes at the high school.
Dennis Jones, a parent in attendance, expressed concern about the additional funds that were found in various line items of the budget;
approximately $200,000. Mr. Jones felt that this margin of error was unaceptable, especially given the cuts in services that had been approved. Clare Chesley agreed that more information regarding this money and the budget processes needed to be diseminated to the public. Linday Dempsey pointed out that a large portion came from monies that were budgeted for substitute teachers that were not needed during the past year. Bruce Carter pointed out that given the size of the overall budget, $200,000 was quite a small percentage (it's actually less than one percent). Monina Diaz and Lousie Taylor pointed out that the Business Office has always budgeted on the conservative side.
It was at that point that I had to leave the Board Meeting. However (putting in my two cents) having to create a budget based on the state's hearsay of the amount of money that it is allocating and on an enrollment "projection" (as opposed to hard and fast figures), must be a difficult process. David Conway and Linday Dempsey do an outstanding job, considering the difficulties they face. While "found money" is always a good thing, trying to apply it so that the majority of students benefit is a win/lose situation. Parents whose children benefit from the reinstatement of busing win while parents whose children have special medical needs that may feel slighted. This is called self interest and it is human nature and therefore understandable. The Business Office of MUSD has kept the district from going under while managing to keep funds available for academic acheivement. They deserve thanks. And Mr. Jones, I understand your situation as well. Perhaps the community at large can come up with some creative ideas to so that a solution can be found.
LETTER: RAISE INVOLVEMENT ~ In response to my note about wanting to see more candidates for the board election, candidate Nick Laushkin writes: Like you, I am eager to see who else might run for Monrovia School Board. Rest assured that whoever decides to run (even if there are only two candidates), I am eager to raise community awareness and involvement in our schools. To those ends, I will campaign to involve our community in a responsible vision for our schools. Best Wishes, Nick Laushkin, Candidate Monrovia School Board, P.O. Box 201 Monrovia, CA 91016, ID #: 1277737
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Happy day! We now have four candidates for the two Monrovia School Board seats, and interestingly, incumbents Bruce Carter and Monina Diaz are not among them. I guess they've had enough. But, we do have Ed Gililland. Ed ran during the last election and while he wasn't one of my picks, I'd have been happy if he had won one of the three open positions. Glad to have him. Also, Chris Rich is running. I'm not familiar with Chris, but I'm looking forward to meeting him, too. Also, as I've reported, Clarence Shaw and Nick Laushkin are in the running. Whew! I'm so glad you guys stepped forward. It gives us choices. Thanks to the four of you! Also in this issue, a report by June Richetts about last Friday's special meeting. She says the district has more money! Thanks for sending in your observations, June!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By June Richetts
Yesterday I received a call about a special School Board meeting that was taking place today [last Friday] at 8 a.m. While I was unable to stay for the entire meeting I am pleased to report that there seemed to be quite a few spectators in attendence. Monina Diaz introduced the new Assistant Principal for Clifton Middle School, Fermin Jaramillo. Mr. Jaramillo is a graduate of Santa Fe Middle School and Monrovia High School.
The meat of the meeting, at least the portion that I attended, was a report from Linda Dempsey regarding the Budget for 2005-2006. This time there was good news. An expense of over $400,000 that was expected to be thrust upon the district by the State will not materialize. That, in addition to some expenditures not being as high as estimated result in a substantial surplus. The recomendation is to re-instate transportation services and to have the expense of three teachers and two substitutes at the high school.
Dennis Jones, a parent in attendance, expressed concern about the additional funds that were found in various line items of the budget;
approximately $200,000. Mr. Jones felt that this margin of error was unaceptable, especially given the cuts in services that had been approved. Clare Chesley agreed that more information regarding this money and the budget processes needed to be diseminated to the public. Linday Dempsey pointed out that a large portion came from monies that were budgeted for substitute teachers that were not needed during the past year. Bruce Carter pointed out that given the size of the overall budget, $200,000 was quite a small percentage (it's actually less than one percent). Monina Diaz and Lousie Taylor pointed out that the Business Office has always budgeted on the conservative side.
It was at that point that I had to leave the Board Meeting. However (putting in my two cents) having to create a budget based on the state's hearsay of the amount of money that it is allocating and on an enrollment "projection" (as opposed to hard and fast figures), must be a difficult process. David Conway and Linday Dempsey do an outstanding job, considering the difficulties they face. While "found money" is always a good thing, trying to apply it so that the majority of students benefit is a win/lose situation. Parents whose children benefit from the reinstatement of busing win while parents whose children have special medical needs that may feel slighted. This is called self interest and it is human nature and therefore understandable. The Business Office of MUSD has kept the district from going under while managing to keep funds available for academic acheivement. They deserve thanks. And Mr. Jones, I understand your situation as well. Perhaps the community at large can come up with some creative ideas to so that a solution can be found.
LETTER: RAISE INVOLVEMENT ~ In response to my note about wanting to see more candidates for the board election, candidate Nick Laushkin writes: Like you, I am eager to see who else might run for Monrovia School Board. Rest assured that whoever decides to run (even if there are only two candidates), I am eager to raise community awareness and involvement in our schools. To those ends, I will campaign to involve our community in a responsible vision for our schools. Best Wishes, Nick Laushkin, Candidate Monrovia School Board, P.O. Box 201 Monrovia, CA 91016, ID #: 1277737
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 132 ~ August 4, 2005
Yikes! It appears only two candidates so far have filed to run for the two open seats in the Monrovia School Board election, and the closing date for filing is just days away!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The deadline for filing is August 12 at 5 p.m., just eight days away as I write this. If nobody else files, we will by default elect the only two people to file, and I really don't think that's the best way to come up with our elected officials.
Clarence Shaw and Nick Laushkin have both filed (good for them), but where are the incumbents? Have Monina Diaz and Bruce Carter decided they're not going to run? I've heard a rumor, but it'd be mighty nice if they'd let the community know for sure - like RIGHT NOW - since that would undoubtedly influence other people's decisions about whether to run.
I know there are dedicated people in the community who would be good board members (no, not me), and I hope they step up. I'd really urge those of you who are involved in various community organizations to speak to people you know who would do a good job and ask them to consider running. Or if you have the qualifications, please consider running yourself.
Despite all the problems lately, I really think the board has begun to change in a positive way, and I'd hate to see things stagnate because we don't get the best possible people on the board.
You can check the current status of filings at the county County Registrar's Office.
Thanks for listening to me rant, and - oops! - I just ran across a letter that fell between the digital cracks. It's pretty dated, but better late than never. Sorry about that, Sam.
LETTER: HARDEST WORKING: Brad, As you know, I have always signed my e-mails and had no problem whatsoever with you publishing my name with my statements. I feel people should own up to their comments but I could understand why some people would not. Most people who do not sign their letters do so because they want to let their point be known, but do not want to open themselves up to the abuse that is dealt out by some parents who have nothing better to do than to sit behind their keyboards and lash-out. And I am sure with a school board election coming up, the lashing out is going to get worse. I must admit, I am rarely happy with all the school board members, but of all the school board members, I am most pleased with Clare. She is by far the hardest working of the board and is not afraid to take an issue head on. So I was sort of surprised by the abuse she took in the last newsletter [Number 126]. Keep up the good work Clare, You are doing a great job. People who are dreaming (and hopefully that's all it will ever be, just that, a dream) of a seat on the school board should level their criticism at the people who are actually up for re-election and not the people who hurt your feelings or the feelings of those on your PTA board. ~ Sam Jacoby
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Yikes! It appears only two candidates so far have filed to run for the two open seats in the Monrovia School Board election, and the closing date for filing is just days away!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The deadline for filing is August 12 at 5 p.m., just eight days away as I write this. If nobody else files, we will by default elect the only two people to file, and I really don't think that's the best way to come up with our elected officials.
Clarence Shaw and Nick Laushkin have both filed (good for them), but where are the incumbents? Have Monina Diaz and Bruce Carter decided they're not going to run? I've heard a rumor, but it'd be mighty nice if they'd let the community know for sure - like RIGHT NOW - since that would undoubtedly influence other people's decisions about whether to run.
I know there are dedicated people in the community who would be good board members (no, not me), and I hope they step up. I'd really urge those of you who are involved in various community organizations to speak to people you know who would do a good job and ask them to consider running. Or if you have the qualifications, please consider running yourself.
Despite all the problems lately, I really think the board has begun to change in a positive way, and I'd hate to see things stagnate because we don't get the best possible people on the board.
You can check the current status of filings at the county County Registrar's Office.
Thanks for listening to me rant, and - oops! - I just ran across a letter that fell between the digital cracks. It's pretty dated, but better late than never. Sorry about that, Sam.
LETTER: HARDEST WORKING: Brad, As you know, I have always signed my e-mails and had no problem whatsoever with you publishing my name with my statements. I feel people should own up to their comments but I could understand why some people would not. Most people who do not sign their letters do so because they want to let their point be known, but do not want to open themselves up to the abuse that is dealt out by some parents who have nothing better to do than to sit behind their keyboards and lash-out. And I am sure with a school board election coming up, the lashing out is going to get worse. I must admit, I am rarely happy with all the school board members, but of all the school board members, I am most pleased with Clare. She is by far the hardest working of the board and is not afraid to take an issue head on. So I was sort of surprised by the abuse she took in the last newsletter [Number 126]. Keep up the good work Clare, You are doing a great job. People who are dreaming (and hopefully that's all it will ever be, just that, a dream) of a seat on the school board should level their criticism at the people who are actually up for re-election and not the people who hurt your feelings or the feelings of those on your PTA board. ~ Sam Jacoby
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
