Saturday, October 29, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 146 ~ October 29, 2005
It sounds from this report as if the board has a dedicated new employee it isn't even paying. I hope Dennis Jones' charges are fully investigated. If true, it appears the district could save more than a quarter of a million dollars a year with little effort, and maybe recoup some of what it lost. If true, I think Jones' deserves a serious pat on the back. Don't forget the elections on Nov. 8! Get out and vote for your choice.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
If you were home watching the Chicago White Sox win the World Series, well then, you missed a school board meeting that was just as exciting. Okay, maybe not that exciting, but it certainly was interesting. Let's take a look at the highlights, shall we? Teachers and staff were honored, a member of the community points the finger at the board and enrolment isn't as high as projected.
WHO'S READING THE AUDIT? ~ Dennis Jones, a Monrovia resident and a certified public accountant, asked the board who was in charge of reading the audit reports. Why such a question? Well, the answer is a long one, so hold on tight. Jones said he went over the audit reports for 2002-04 and found some troubling information. In a section of the audit dealing with compensated absences, Jones said employees, for those years, were compensated for more vacation time that was allotted. According to Jones, in 2004 at least 12 employees exceeded the amount allowed in the amount of $100,000. The next year the number of employees grew to at least 17 and the amount to $230,000. In 2004, number of employees grew to at least 22 and the amount to $288,000. Jones went on to say that the official response of the district was "district supervisors were instructed to view each employee's accumulated vacation and work out a schedule to work out excess vacation days." Jones said this was not done.
Wait, there's more. This time it's in the area of federal compliance. Jones said there is a requirement that employees funded solely by a single federal program must sign a semi-annual certification. When an employee works in more than one category in the program, the salary must be supported by a personnel activities report. The claim is that various requirements of this program were not met. Jones read a quote (though did not say were it came from) that said , "although the services were provided, awarding agencies may seek reimbursement from the district for these unsupported charges and could withhold funds in the future if these provisions are not followed." Hmm. Interesting stuff. So the bottom line, for Jones, is that the board is not doing its job in keeping informed.
Superintendent Louise Taylor added that all these items have been reviewed each year with auditors. President Monina Diaz said that each board member reviews in length the audit report each year and they also have the auditor come and speak with the board to make sure the board is clear on the findings. The district will look into the concerns Jones raised, according to Diaz. Jones advised the board hire a new auditor. See what you miss when you choose to stay home. No worries, though, because Jones promised to continue brining this matter up. Stay tuned.
HAPPY HOUR ~ Enough with the accusations: The Chamber of Commerce (and the board) came out to honor Monrovia teachers and staff. It was a nice sight. The meeting room was filled with friends and family and students. Please congratulate the dedicated employees for a job well done. Connie Delgado (office manager), Natalie Kuyper (teacher), Terrie Maertens ( instructional assistant ) and John Russell (teacher).
Another great moment in the meeting came when Luis Guttirez, a representative from the Monrovia Youth Council, gave a passionate speech about the program. The program offers high-risk students tutoring, support and a chance to succeeded in their education. This is the program's first year and, based on the supporters and members who attended, shows great signs of promise.
One more good deed to report. As a thank you for installing flashing caution lights on Foothill Boulevard and California Avenue, the board presented the city of Monrovia a certificate. The mayor and members of the city council attended. You never know who will show up to meetings.
DIAZ SPEAKS ~ No, not me. Board President Diaz spoke about attending the candidate forum and a "frightening" idea brought up by a candidate. The idea is that a board member should have a child in the schools. She went on to say Monrovia had given her the foundation for a strong education and her passion for giving back to the district is just as important as the support from people who have kids in the schools.
CODE VIOLATION ~ Jones (remember him?) expressed his objection to Diaz talking about this issue saying she was in code violation about supporting or not supporting a candidate. Diaz went on with her comment.
CERTIFIED ~ What percentage of teachers are certified in the Monrovia School District? Take a guess. Give up? The answer is 99.1%! Next year, 100%. That’s the goal.
ANOTHER GOOD-BYE ~ During the section of the meeting where the board members report on their activities, Bruce Carter pulled out a big plastic spider and pretended it was attacking him. Everyone laughed. Sadly, this was Carter's last board meeting. Although, he is still a board member for the next meeting, he will be in China. The mayor and other board members expressed their gratitude for this service and his contribution to the community.
ANOTHER ROUND ~ Lupe Davis was reappointed to the Personnel Commission. She was so eager to keep her title, she accepted and thanked the board for the job before it was officially voted and approved. Now that's dedication.
ABSENT ~ Ah, the enrollment. The projected decline was about 107 students, but the number (as of this month) is 173. Of course, the declining enrollment will affect the budget and funding. The board said the future might hold a cutting classrooms or even closing a school. Hopefully it won’t come to that. Projections, aren't always right.
NEXT TIME ~ November 9. 7 p.m. Be there.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
It sounds from this report as if the board has a dedicated new employee it isn't even paying. I hope Dennis Jones' charges are fully investigated. If true, it appears the district could save more than a quarter of a million dollars a year with little effort, and maybe recoup some of what it lost. If true, I think Jones' deserves a serious pat on the back. Don't forget the elections on Nov. 8! Get out and vote for your choice.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
If you were home watching the Chicago White Sox win the World Series, well then, you missed a school board meeting that was just as exciting. Okay, maybe not that exciting, but it certainly was interesting. Let's take a look at the highlights, shall we? Teachers and staff were honored, a member of the community points the finger at the board and enrolment isn't as high as projected.
WHO'S READING THE AUDIT? ~ Dennis Jones, a Monrovia resident and a certified public accountant, asked the board who was in charge of reading the audit reports. Why such a question? Well, the answer is a long one, so hold on tight. Jones said he went over the audit reports for 2002-04 and found some troubling information. In a section of the audit dealing with compensated absences, Jones said employees, for those years, were compensated for more vacation time that was allotted. According to Jones, in 2004 at least 12 employees exceeded the amount allowed in the amount of $100,000. The next year the number of employees grew to at least 17 and the amount to $230,000. In 2004, number of employees grew to at least 22 and the amount to $288,000. Jones went on to say that the official response of the district was "district supervisors were instructed to view each employee's accumulated vacation and work out a schedule to work out excess vacation days." Jones said this was not done.
Wait, there's more. This time it's in the area of federal compliance. Jones said there is a requirement that employees funded solely by a single federal program must sign a semi-annual certification. When an employee works in more than one category in the program, the salary must be supported by a personnel activities report. The claim is that various requirements of this program were not met. Jones read a quote (though did not say were it came from) that said , "although the services were provided, awarding agencies may seek reimbursement from the district for these unsupported charges and could withhold funds in the future if these provisions are not followed." Hmm. Interesting stuff. So the bottom line, for Jones, is that the board is not doing its job in keeping informed.
Superintendent Louise Taylor added that all these items have been reviewed each year with auditors. President Monina Diaz said that each board member reviews in length the audit report each year and they also have the auditor come and speak with the board to make sure the board is clear on the findings. The district will look into the concerns Jones raised, according to Diaz. Jones advised the board hire a new auditor. See what you miss when you choose to stay home. No worries, though, because Jones promised to continue brining this matter up. Stay tuned.
HAPPY HOUR ~ Enough with the accusations: The Chamber of Commerce (and the board) came out to honor Monrovia teachers and staff. It was a nice sight. The meeting room was filled with friends and family and students. Please congratulate the dedicated employees for a job well done. Connie Delgado (office manager), Natalie Kuyper (teacher), Terrie Maertens ( instructional assistant ) and John Russell (teacher).
Another great moment in the meeting came when Luis Guttirez, a representative from the Monrovia Youth Council, gave a passionate speech about the program. The program offers high-risk students tutoring, support and a chance to succeeded in their education. This is the program's first year and, based on the supporters and members who attended, shows great signs of promise.
One more good deed to report. As a thank you for installing flashing caution lights on Foothill Boulevard and California Avenue, the board presented the city of Monrovia a certificate. The mayor and members of the city council attended. You never know who will show up to meetings.
DIAZ SPEAKS ~ No, not me. Board President Diaz spoke about attending the candidate forum and a "frightening" idea brought up by a candidate. The idea is that a board member should have a child in the schools. She went on to say Monrovia had given her the foundation for a strong education and her passion for giving back to the district is just as important as the support from people who have kids in the schools.
CODE VIOLATION ~ Jones (remember him?) expressed his objection to Diaz talking about this issue saying she was in code violation about supporting or not supporting a candidate. Diaz went on with her comment.
CERTIFIED ~ What percentage of teachers are certified in the Monrovia School District? Take a guess. Give up? The answer is 99.1%! Next year, 100%. That’s the goal.
ANOTHER GOOD-BYE ~ During the section of the meeting where the board members report on their activities, Bruce Carter pulled out a big plastic spider and pretended it was attacking him. Everyone laughed. Sadly, this was Carter's last board meeting. Although, he is still a board member for the next meeting, he will be in China. The mayor and other board members expressed their gratitude for this service and his contribution to the community.
ANOTHER ROUND ~ Lupe Davis was reappointed to the Personnel Commission. She was so eager to keep her title, she accepted and thanked the board for the job before it was officially voted and approved. Now that's dedication.
ABSENT ~ Ah, the enrollment. The projected decline was about 107 students, but the number (as of this month) is 173. Of course, the declining enrollment will affect the budget and funding. The board said the future might hold a cutting classrooms or even closing a school. Hopefully it won’t come to that. Projections, aren't always right.
NEXT TIME ~ November 9. 7 p.m. Be there.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 145 ~ October 26, 2005
There were about 55 or 60 people who showed up for the candidates' forum, and it all went off pretty smoothly, I thought. None of the candidates said anything particularly brilliant or dumb. They didn't even seem to have very different views, with one exception I'll get to in a minute. If you went into the forum favoring someone, I don't think you'd come out with a different perspective. Also, I couldn't say anybody was the winner. If you missed it and have cable, you can see it on KGEM. The League of Women Voters moderator said it'll be broadcast repeatedly starting on Nov. 1. And, by the way, many thanks to the league and parents who made this happen!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
One thing that did occur to me about the forum, however, is how hard it must be to take a full minute to answer the same question your competitors have just answered without sounding kinda like you're just saying, "Me too." For example, "What do you see as the role of technology in school?" All the candidates seemed to think technology was a peachy good thing and bring it on and all that, but imagine being the fourth person to answer the question. You can hardly sound original. Everybody has taken your material. Also, I guess you feel a certain pressure to fill up your entire minute. Lessee, gotta fill this time. What can I say for another 12 seconds?
A couple times Debbie Elliot-Penzer just answered and then stopped. Ah! Refreshing.
Also, I want to mention that Clarence Shaw came up to me and was very nice, despite my un-endorsing him in the last newsletter. If he loses I hope he finds some other ways to get involved in the community. He's a gentleman.
Okay, let me try to give you kind of the theme of what everybody said.
Chris Rich emphasized that he's a parent, which in itself gets him connected with the schools and other parents. He wants to get money to the classroom, "not the bureaucracy," to apply for more grants, to lean on the state to get more leeway for the local school boards, and not let children leave campus without their parents' permission. He'd also like the schools to be the "best in the country."
Clarence Shaw spoke of being a civil servant and of his successful administrative ability as shown by his time as a company commander in Iraq. Shaw mentioned a couple times that the board should adopt "standing committees" to tackle various problems, apparently headed by - or perhaps comprised entirely of - board members. Shaw would like to add "one or two more schools" to the California Distinguished Schools list and get all the schools scoring high on standardized tests. He would have the district give an annual "state of the union" address. He wants to keep the school buses.
Nick Laushkin focused on his long residency in Monrovia and his involvement at the high school, which he said is valuable because Monrovia High is where the improvement needs to take place. He wants to draw on the resources of Monrovia - the city and businesses - to improve the schools, because, he said, we're not going to get much help from the state or federal governments. He would push the board into greater community involvement.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer said she's a native Monrovian, a graduate of Monrovia High and a long time volunteer in the district. She wants to increase enrollment and keep the school buses rolling. She'd look to Monrovia for donations to help raise money for the schools and would push for more parental involvement, including meetings with parents.
There was a question about whether the candidates supported bilingual education. Shaw said Whittier has a good bilingual program. Laushkin said English is the "language of the realm" and kids should learn it. Debbie Elliott-Penzer said it is the schools' responsibility to get kids to learn English, so she is "all for bilingual education." Rich said the tests are in English, so the schools need to make sure the students are fluent in English.
Hmmm. My problem with this is the lack of definition. I think the kind of bilingual education some people object to is teaching students in their native tongue with the plan that they will eventually transition to English. The opposing idea, as I recall, is that schools should intensively teach students English and get them into regular English-speaking classes as soon as possible. But if the words "bilingual education" are not defined, it could mean either of these approaches, so I don't feel terribly enlightened on this point.
Now, the only point on which there was any disagreement was on the candidates' positions on Proposition 74, which increases the time a teacher must spend before getting tenure.
Rich was the only one who clearly said he liked it. He said he has spoken to a college president at a school that has longer tenure requirements, and believes a lengthier requirement to obtain tenure is a good idea. He said the idea works at the college so it would work in Monrovia. If the district is going to give lifetime employment to someone, he said, he'd like to have more time to evaluate that person.
Shaw disagreed. He said lengthening tenure time is "not the solution." He said he's a civil servant, so he knows about this. While some employees may have problems, he said, the district can counsel them, and, with good cause, let them go.
Laushkin didn't exactly answer the question, though I got the impression he is against 74. He said there aren't enough teachers and the focus should be on improving teacher performance. If parents are not getting a good education in the public schools, he said, they should pull their children out.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer said she's against it. She said if there are problems the administration should focus more effort on the classrooms.
ENDORSEMENT ~ I've already endorsed Chris Rich, but I wanted to hold off endorsing the other candidate just a bit longer, until after the forum, just to make sure the guy I was leaning toward wouldn't say something ridiculous. And he didn't. But I was mainly holding off endorsing Nick Laushkin - as I wrote earlier - until I could see him really show some effort. Since I made that comment I've seen his lawn signs go up, his son (and campaign manager) wrote to give me an entire itinerary of what he's been up to, and to tell me he has received the endorsements of Mayor Rob Hammond and Former Mayor Lara Blakely. (He thought it noteworthy that those two very differing mayors should both agree that his father was the one to endorse.) I've decided that I agree, too. Sorry, Debbie, I had to pick someone.
LETTER: WHY THE LAWN SIGN DELAY ~ Debbie Elliott-Penzer wrote to explain why I hadn't seen any lawn signs for her (they're up now): "Thanks for all you do. Just so that you know my signs have hit the street this week. Didn't want them out there to long before election. I was endorsed by the CSEA (California School Employee Association) and wanted that on my sign. So you should start seeing them. Check the corner of Colorado and Ivy at Manny's Auto if you must see."
LETTER: WHERE HE WAS ~ In a recent newsletter, I mentioned I missed seeing Nick Laushkin at a board meeting, and mentioned that his statement for the newsletter was a bit late coming in. His son and campaign manager, Alex, wrote: "Nick Laushkin was in Tampa Bay on Wednesday September 28th for an awards conference on business achievement. He was personally rewarded for business achievment. He represented the Los Angeles branch for the conference. If he had been appointed by the board he would have defferred the conference for his public duties, but could not do so for the campaign. Nick has attended every summer meeting and all other school board meetings during the campaign season. The family emergency occured on October 14th. At that time he learned from his uncle in Connecticut that his aunt was severly ill. Nick spent most of the evening on the phone with family in Connecticut. Hence the delay in his statement. We appreciate all the prayers and concerns."
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
There were about 55 or 60 people who showed up for the candidates' forum, and it all went off pretty smoothly, I thought. None of the candidates said anything particularly brilliant or dumb. They didn't even seem to have very different views, with one exception I'll get to in a minute. If you went into the forum favoring someone, I don't think you'd come out with a different perspective. Also, I couldn't say anybody was the winner. If you missed it and have cable, you can see it on KGEM. The League of Women Voters moderator said it'll be broadcast repeatedly starting on Nov. 1. And, by the way, many thanks to the league and parents who made this happen!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
One thing that did occur to me about the forum, however, is how hard it must be to take a full minute to answer the same question your competitors have just answered without sounding kinda like you're just saying, "Me too." For example, "What do you see as the role of technology in school?" All the candidates seemed to think technology was a peachy good thing and bring it on and all that, but imagine being the fourth person to answer the question. You can hardly sound original. Everybody has taken your material. Also, I guess you feel a certain pressure to fill up your entire minute. Lessee, gotta fill this time. What can I say for another 12 seconds?
A couple times Debbie Elliot-Penzer just answered and then stopped. Ah! Refreshing.
Also, I want to mention that Clarence Shaw came up to me and was very nice, despite my un-endorsing him in the last newsletter. If he loses I hope he finds some other ways to get involved in the community. He's a gentleman.
Okay, let me try to give you kind of the theme of what everybody said.
Chris Rich emphasized that he's a parent, which in itself gets him connected with the schools and other parents. He wants to get money to the classroom, "not the bureaucracy," to apply for more grants, to lean on the state to get more leeway for the local school boards, and not let children leave campus without their parents' permission. He'd also like the schools to be the "best in the country."
Clarence Shaw spoke of being a civil servant and of his successful administrative ability as shown by his time as a company commander in Iraq. Shaw mentioned a couple times that the board should adopt "standing committees" to tackle various problems, apparently headed by - or perhaps comprised entirely of - board members. Shaw would like to add "one or two more schools" to the California Distinguished Schools list and get all the schools scoring high on standardized tests. He would have the district give an annual "state of the union" address. He wants to keep the school buses.
Nick Laushkin focused on his long residency in Monrovia and his involvement at the high school, which he said is valuable because Monrovia High is where the improvement needs to take place. He wants to draw on the resources of Monrovia - the city and businesses - to improve the schools, because, he said, we're not going to get much help from the state or federal governments. He would push the board into greater community involvement.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer said she's a native Monrovian, a graduate of Monrovia High and a long time volunteer in the district. She wants to increase enrollment and keep the school buses rolling. She'd look to Monrovia for donations to help raise money for the schools and would push for more parental involvement, including meetings with parents.
There was a question about whether the candidates supported bilingual education. Shaw said Whittier has a good bilingual program. Laushkin said English is the "language of the realm" and kids should learn it. Debbie Elliott-Penzer said it is the schools' responsibility to get kids to learn English, so she is "all for bilingual education." Rich said the tests are in English, so the schools need to make sure the students are fluent in English.
Hmmm. My problem with this is the lack of definition. I think the kind of bilingual education some people object to is teaching students in their native tongue with the plan that they will eventually transition to English. The opposing idea, as I recall, is that schools should intensively teach students English and get them into regular English-speaking classes as soon as possible. But if the words "bilingual education" are not defined, it could mean either of these approaches, so I don't feel terribly enlightened on this point.
Now, the only point on which there was any disagreement was on the candidates' positions on Proposition 74, which increases the time a teacher must spend before getting tenure.
Rich was the only one who clearly said he liked it. He said he has spoken to a college president at a school that has longer tenure requirements, and believes a lengthier requirement to obtain tenure is a good idea. He said the idea works at the college so it would work in Monrovia. If the district is going to give lifetime employment to someone, he said, he'd like to have more time to evaluate that person.
Shaw disagreed. He said lengthening tenure time is "not the solution." He said he's a civil servant, so he knows about this. While some employees may have problems, he said, the district can counsel them, and, with good cause, let them go.
Laushkin didn't exactly answer the question, though I got the impression he is against 74. He said there aren't enough teachers and the focus should be on improving teacher performance. If parents are not getting a good education in the public schools, he said, they should pull their children out.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer said she's against it. She said if there are problems the administration should focus more effort on the classrooms.
ENDORSEMENT ~ I've already endorsed Chris Rich, but I wanted to hold off endorsing the other candidate just a bit longer, until after the forum, just to make sure the guy I was leaning toward wouldn't say something ridiculous. And he didn't. But I was mainly holding off endorsing Nick Laushkin - as I wrote earlier - until I could see him really show some effort. Since I made that comment I've seen his lawn signs go up, his son (and campaign manager) wrote to give me an entire itinerary of what he's been up to, and to tell me he has received the endorsements of Mayor Rob Hammond and Former Mayor Lara Blakely. (He thought it noteworthy that those two very differing mayors should both agree that his father was the one to endorse.) I've decided that I agree, too. Sorry, Debbie, I had to pick someone.
LETTER: WHY THE LAWN SIGN DELAY ~ Debbie Elliott-Penzer wrote to explain why I hadn't seen any lawn signs for her (they're up now): "Thanks for all you do. Just so that you know my signs have hit the street this week. Didn't want them out there to long before election. I was endorsed by the CSEA (California School Employee Association) and wanted that on my sign. So you should start seeing them. Check the corner of Colorado and Ivy at Manny's Auto if you must see."
LETTER: WHERE HE WAS ~ In a recent newsletter, I mentioned I missed seeing Nick Laushkin at a board meeting, and mentioned that his statement for the newsletter was a bit late coming in. His son and campaign manager, Alex, wrote: "Nick Laushkin was in Tampa Bay on Wednesday September 28th for an awards conference on business achievement. He was personally rewarded for business achievment. He represented the Los Angeles branch for the conference. If he had been appointed by the board he would have defferred the conference for his public duties, but could not do so for the campaign. Nick has attended every summer meeting and all other school board meetings during the campaign season. The family emergency occured on October 14th. At that time he learned from his uncle in Connecticut that his aunt was severly ill. Nick spent most of the evening on the phone with family in Connecticut. Hence the delay in his statement. We appreciate all the prayers and concerns."
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 144 ~ October 22, 2005
Well, you get a twofer this time. First, I wanted to give you my thinking so far about the school board candidates. I'll complete my decisions after the candidates' forum, but I have come to some conclusions. And by the way, I'd like to hear what you think. Also, there's the agenda for this Wednesday's school board meeting. Oh! And don't forget - candidates forum this Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the MHS auditorium.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Let me go through my thinking on the candidates.
The first person I interviewed was Clarence Shaw, way back in like February. Clarence is a nice guy, even when I've been critical (or let someone else write something critical about him), and that speaks well of him, but there is something that really bothers me about his candidacy. He moved to town less than a year ago and immediatly began running for office. Now you may think that is a good thing, an indicator that he wants to jump in and help. I had a letter that made that argument, so I understand if you disagree. But still, I very feel uncomfortable with someone who was involved in Pasadena politics coming to Monrovia, joining a lot of clubs and immediately wanting to be a leader of the school district. I may be utterly wrong, but it feels like the step of someone wanting to start a political career. That impression was reenforced a few days ago when I learned that Shaw is a leader in a local Democratic political club (http://www.foothillcommunitydemocrats.org/about.html). There's nothing wrong or illegal with any of this and I don't care if he's a Democrat (I endorsed at least one last election), but I do want to be convinced that the person who becomes a school board member is really interested in the Monrovia schools and not the city council or state legislature or something else. Further, I really feel that Shaw needs to be in town a few years before he leads us. He has joined a lot of organizations where he can do a lot of good and I'd like to see him really *involved* in those organizations before he becomes one of the decision makers on things that seriously affect Monrovians' lives.
So, in my own thinking, that narrowed it to three.
Next, Chris Rich. On initially interviewing him I felt that Rich needed a better grasp on school administration, though I liked his personality. But later I saw him at the board meeting I attended and he seems to be studying and learning and dedicated (he was there even for the study session and stuck it out until the end of the regular meeting - no small accomplishment). He's been involved at Mayflower school (and judging from the lawn signs, it seems his fellow Mayflower parents like him). Also he's busily sending out campaign junk mail, so again, it seems he's really trying. I should add that campaigning in itself doesn't impress me, but effort does, and like Shaw, he appears to be really making the effort. In fact, as I was writing this, he made another effort, calling to ask if I'd endorse him. My immediate response was "Owww!" But after I disentangled my foot from the cat's claws, I thought about it and realized that he was solidly in my top two list, and with two open seats, I felt I could safely endorse him, and did.
So, those are my only firm decisions.
The two I have not firmly decided upon are Nick Laushkin and Debbie Elliott-Penzer. However, I am leaning toward Laushkin.
Initially Laushkin was my top pick because during my interview with him I was impressed with his intelligence and grasp of school issues and with his involvement at the high school. But I haven't see much effort since then, though perhaps I've just missed it. I haven't seen any lawn signs or mailings for him and I didn't see him at the board meeting I attended. I now understand that he has had a very serious family health crisis, so maybe that's why, but I'd really like to see something that requires effort - something in addition to words - to show me he's serious.
It could be that he - and Elliot-Penzer (next up) - could just be lousy campaigners. But lousy campaigners may actually be good administrators, which is what really counts.
I initially felt Debbie Elliott-Penzer needed a better grasp on school administration. Perhaps she is more knowledgeable now. She was at the same board meeting where I saw Chris Rich (but no other candidates, I might add), so she's making some effort. However, if you read her statement (that I sent out in the last issue) you'll find a few grammar errors, which doesn't seem great for a school board candidate. I wandered down near Plymouth school - where she's spent so much of her life - to see if there were any lawn signs for her. There weren't any. But, a big plus is her lifetime residence in Monrovia, her leadership with the PTA and her longggg dedication to the schools. I suspect she'd work like a bulldog if elected.
Hopefully I can figure out which of them to vote for at the candidates forum (Tuesday October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Monrovia High School). Be there or be square.
By the way, I should add that I'm not the only one making up his mind about the candidates. I was at a Monrovia restaurant recently and saw a flyer by Foothill Community Democrats that urges people to vote for Nick Laushkin and Clarence Shaw. This is the club's right, of course, but my preference would be that the national parties keep their noses out of local politics. And yes, I mean Republicans too.
I wanted to write these thoughts down a bit before the election to give everybody time to respond. So what do you think? Am I right or wrong? Where are the gaps in my thinking? What kind of an idiot am I?
BOARD MEETING ~ Here's the agenda for Wednesday's board meeting. There's be a study aession at 6 p.m. to discuss "board guidelines, board self-evaluation, and board calendar" and then the regular board meeting will be at 7 p.m.
At the regular meeting:
- The Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Education will recognise these district employees for outstanding service: Connie Delgado, office manager, Adult Education; Natalie Kuyper, teacher, Adult Education; Terrie Maertens, instructional assistant, Canyon Oaks High School; John Russell, teacher, Canyon Oaks High School.
- The board will thank the City of Monrovia for installing flashing caution lights at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and California Avenue for pedestrian safety.
- Representatives of Monrovia Youth Council will talk about their organization and its activities.
- Business officer Linda Dempsey will give an update on the district facilities advisory committee and on future facility plans, and Donna MacLeod will give an update on health services.
- The board will accept $3,000 from Wild Rose PTA; $1,000 for copy machine maintenance and $2,000 to augment teachers' stipends for student activities before and after school. Wow! Way cool of you, Wild Rose PTA.
- There'll be a public hearing about "the adequacy of text book funding and the availability of textbooks and instructional materials in the district for student use during 2005-2006, and to adopt a resolution and certification on the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials in order to secure funds from the Instructional Materials Funding Realignment Program Account."
- The board will hear the Student Support Services annual report, which includes an overview of the Healthy Start Program, Healthy Kids Survey, Tobacco Use Prevention Education, and the Safe and Drug Free School Program, After School Learning and Safe Neighborhood Program, Medi-Cal/Healthy Families Program, Safety and Violence Prevention, Nutrition, and the Cops in School Program.
- The board will hear report on the certificated employee credentials held by all teaching staff during the 2005-2006 school year.
- There will be public hearings on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current Monrovia Teachers Association / District collective bargaining agreement, and approve the Joint Initial Proposal for 2005-2006 negotiations. Then the same sort of hearing for the California State Employees Association collective bargaining.
- And another public hearing about the reappointment of Lupe Davis, the Board's appointee to the Personnel Commission.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Well, you get a twofer this time. First, I wanted to give you my thinking so far about the school board candidates. I'll complete my decisions after the candidates' forum, but I have come to some conclusions. And by the way, I'd like to hear what you think. Also, there's the agenda for this Wednesday's school board meeting. Oh! And don't forget - candidates forum this Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the MHS auditorium.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Let me go through my thinking on the candidates.
The first person I interviewed was Clarence Shaw, way back in like February. Clarence is a nice guy, even when I've been critical (or let someone else write something critical about him), and that speaks well of him, but there is something that really bothers me about his candidacy. He moved to town less than a year ago and immediatly began running for office. Now you may think that is a good thing, an indicator that he wants to jump in and help. I had a letter that made that argument, so I understand if you disagree. But still, I very feel uncomfortable with someone who was involved in Pasadena politics coming to Monrovia, joining a lot of clubs and immediately wanting to be a leader of the school district. I may be utterly wrong, but it feels like the step of someone wanting to start a political career. That impression was reenforced a few days ago when I learned that Shaw is a leader in a local Democratic political club (http://www.foothillcommunitydemocrats.org/about.html). There's nothing wrong or illegal with any of this and I don't care if he's a Democrat (I endorsed at least one last election), but I do want to be convinced that the person who becomes a school board member is really interested in the Monrovia schools and not the city council or state legislature or something else. Further, I really feel that Shaw needs to be in town a few years before he leads us. He has joined a lot of organizations where he can do a lot of good and I'd like to see him really *involved* in those organizations before he becomes one of the decision makers on things that seriously affect Monrovians' lives.
So, in my own thinking, that narrowed it to three.
Next, Chris Rich. On initially interviewing him I felt that Rich needed a better grasp on school administration, though I liked his personality. But later I saw him at the board meeting I attended and he seems to be studying and learning and dedicated (he was there even for the study session and stuck it out until the end of the regular meeting - no small accomplishment). He's been involved at Mayflower school (and judging from the lawn signs, it seems his fellow Mayflower parents like him). Also he's busily sending out campaign junk mail, so again, it seems he's really trying. I should add that campaigning in itself doesn't impress me, but effort does, and like Shaw, he appears to be really making the effort. In fact, as I was writing this, he made another effort, calling to ask if I'd endorse him. My immediate response was "Owww!" But after I disentangled my foot from the cat's claws, I thought about it and realized that he was solidly in my top two list, and with two open seats, I felt I could safely endorse him, and did.
So, those are my only firm decisions.
The two I have not firmly decided upon are Nick Laushkin and Debbie Elliott-Penzer. However, I am leaning toward Laushkin.
Initially Laushkin was my top pick because during my interview with him I was impressed with his intelligence and grasp of school issues and with his involvement at the high school. But I haven't see much effort since then, though perhaps I've just missed it. I haven't seen any lawn signs or mailings for him and I didn't see him at the board meeting I attended. I now understand that he has had a very serious family health crisis, so maybe that's why, but I'd really like to see something that requires effort - something in addition to words - to show me he's serious.
It could be that he - and Elliot-Penzer (next up) - could just be lousy campaigners. But lousy campaigners may actually be good administrators, which is what really counts.
I initially felt Debbie Elliott-Penzer needed a better grasp on school administration. Perhaps she is more knowledgeable now. She was at the same board meeting where I saw Chris Rich (but no other candidates, I might add), so she's making some effort. However, if you read her statement (that I sent out in the last issue) you'll find a few grammar errors, which doesn't seem great for a school board candidate. I wandered down near Plymouth school - where she's spent so much of her life - to see if there were any lawn signs for her. There weren't any. But, a big plus is her lifetime residence in Monrovia, her leadership with the PTA and her longggg dedication to the schools. I suspect she'd work like a bulldog if elected.
Hopefully I can figure out which of them to vote for at the candidates forum (Tuesday October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Monrovia High School). Be there or be square.
By the way, I should add that I'm not the only one making up his mind about the candidates. I was at a Monrovia restaurant recently and saw a flyer by Foothill Community Democrats that urges people to vote for Nick Laushkin and Clarence Shaw. This is the club's right, of course, but my preference would be that the national parties keep their noses out of local politics. And yes, I mean Republicans too.
I wanted to write these thoughts down a bit before the election to give everybody time to respond. So what do you think? Am I right or wrong? Where are the gaps in my thinking? What kind of an idiot am I?
BOARD MEETING ~ Here's the agenda for Wednesday's board meeting. There's be a study aession at 6 p.m. to discuss "board guidelines, board self-evaluation, and board calendar" and then the regular board meeting will be at 7 p.m.
At the regular meeting:
- The Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Education will recognise these district employees for outstanding service: Connie Delgado, office manager, Adult Education; Natalie Kuyper, teacher, Adult Education; Terrie Maertens, instructional assistant, Canyon Oaks High School; John Russell, teacher, Canyon Oaks High School.
- The board will thank the City of Monrovia for installing flashing caution lights at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and California Avenue for pedestrian safety.
- Representatives of Monrovia Youth Council will talk about their organization and its activities.
- Business officer Linda Dempsey will give an update on the district facilities advisory committee and on future facility plans, and Donna MacLeod will give an update on health services.
- The board will accept $3,000 from Wild Rose PTA; $1,000 for copy machine maintenance and $2,000 to augment teachers' stipends for student activities before and after school. Wow! Way cool of you, Wild Rose PTA.
- There'll be a public hearing about "the adequacy of text book funding and the availability of textbooks and instructional materials in the district for student use during 2005-2006, and to adopt a resolution and certification on the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials in order to secure funds from the Instructional Materials Funding Realignment Program Account."
- The board will hear the Student Support Services annual report, which includes an overview of the Healthy Start Program, Healthy Kids Survey, Tobacco Use Prevention Education, and the Safe and Drug Free School Program, After School Learning and Safe Neighborhood Program, Medi-Cal/Healthy Families Program, Safety and Violence Prevention, Nutrition, and the Cops in School Program.
- The board will hear report on the certificated employee credentials held by all teaching staff during the 2005-2006 school year.
- There will be public hearings on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current Monrovia Teachers Association / District collective bargaining agreement, and approve the Joint Initial Proposal for 2005-2006 negotiations. Then the same sort of hearing for the California State Employees Association collective bargaining.
- And another public hearing about the reappointment of Lupe Davis, the Board's appointee to the Personnel Commission.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 143 ~ October 15, 2005
On October 7 I sent out an email to all the Monrovia School Board candidates asking for a statement of no more than 250 words about why people should vote for them, due Friday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. I said I would run them in the order I received them back, and verbatim, no editing. This would not be a time for me to comment, but just for them to have their say. I received responses from all the candidates. All of them were on time except for Ed Gililland, who called to say his computer is kaput and that all he wants to say is not to vote for him since he's already on the board, and Nick Laushkin, who apologized for being late and explained that there was "last minute news of an unexpected life ending illness" in his family. I'm very sorry to hear that, Nick. So, below are the candidates statements. And also, remember, there's a Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum on Tuesday October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Monrovia High School auditorium. Be sure to be there!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Chris Rich
Three Reasons to Vote for Chris Rich
World Class Education: Every Child in Monrovia Unified deserves access to a first rate world-class education. Monrovia is a good school district, but still too many of our kids don't make state standards in English or math.
We need leadership at the top that expects kids to achieve the highest level. I also know that as an Emmy-winning sound engineer, we do what works to achieve the end result. That is my educational philosophy. Focus on the end result of having children meet grade level standards using curriculum and methods that work.
Focus tax dollars into the classroom: I want money to go to the classroom not bureaucracy. Teachers shouldn't have to spend money out of their own pocket for necessary classroom supplies. Other local districts are getting grants, which Monrovia is missing out on. I started my career building a business. I understand finance and the bottom line. I will use my experience to get more dollars in the classroom.
Our schools will be safe: Parents entrust their children to the school district. Schools need to be safe! I will make sure we work with the Police department to keep gangs and drugs from our kids. Our entire emergency plans need to be evaluated by professionals. And of course no kid should be allowed to leave campus for any reason without parental permission.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer
As a school board member and a parent I bring a lot of experience to the table. I have lived in Monrovia for 43 years and been a volunteer in the community for over 25 years. I have worked in the Monrovia Schools as a volunteer in various positions. Currently I am the Mon-Dte PTA Council President. Experience counts - There‘s no substitute for hands on success and leadership.
I believe that over all our school are doing pretty well. We have two schools that hit there 800 API target score. We need to work harder to achieve 800 API at all school.
Parental Leave - I believe that no one should have the right to release our children for any reason from school especially a medical appointment that a parent should accompany them too!
School Busing - I feel that every student should have the right to get to school safely and in a timely manner. I as a new board member will work hard to find the funding to keep the busing rolling in Monrovia for our student to benefit from a great education.
I believe education must be a top priority for every taxpayer. Communities are judged by the quality of their schools. We have seen a decline in enrollment. I will open the doors to communication between students, parents, teachers and administrators to share in the decision making process.
I am dedicated to working hard for the students, parents and administration of Monrovia Unified School District.
Clarence R. Shaw
Why Vote for Me? Because I have built a record of "Achievement." Achievement is part of how I plan to govern and it’s a chief component of my campaign platform.
Prior to making any major decisions, it’s extremely important to examine trends, patterns and practices in order to help predict outcome. My objective is to share some organizational "Achievements" - at various levels. The success that I had with organizations listed below should give you a clear indication that achieving positive outcomes is premier to me.
MILITARY. Deployed to Iraq as a Commander - during Phase I - and completed my mission successfully (no casualties). Recommended for Bronze Star. Awarded prestigious ARCOM.
STATE LEVEL. Appointed to California State Quality Assurance Committee by Los Angeles County, I helped to unravel state legislation imposed on county programs. I played a key role in drafting polices and procedures for implementation of a new statewide QA Program.
COUNTY LEVEL. I helped start up a quality control section which ultimately saved taxpayers $8.6 million dollars. Received the "Mega Million Dollar Award" from the County’s Quality Assurance and Productivity Commission.
CITY LEVEL. Appointed as a City of Commission (Pasadena Human Services Commission), I aided in streamlining the application process so that smaller non-profit organizations could tap into grant funding.
MUSD. I hope to revive "achievement" at MUSD and get better results in all facets of scholastic testing (API, AYP, SAT and other mandated benchmarks).
Please contact me for specific campaign information at (626)-622-5060 or via e-mail. Thanks!
Nick Laushkin
I grew up in Arcadia, and have been a Monrovia resident for over 20 years. While most of our elementary schools are doing a great job, student success falls off at the junior high and high schools. As a parent of a Monrovia student, I have been active in PTA, and United Parents for Students for four years at Monrovia High School. I also have served on High School Site Council and worked with a community group to assure high school certification with the State. Our son has walked the halls of Monrovia High School, and recently graduated to attend Claremont-Mckenna College, rated a "Top 10" colleges to attend in the nation. I want to bring that type of educational and also vocational success to all of our students.
To those of you who have concerns about the junior high or high schools, or have concerns about future property values, I know the achievements and challenges facing our kids in the schools, and know what needs to be done to improve performance. As parents and a community we need to be responsible for our student’s success. I ask for your vote for a seat on the school board.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Laushkin.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
On October 7 I sent out an email to all the Monrovia School Board candidates asking for a statement of no more than 250 words about why people should vote for them, due Friday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. I said I would run them in the order I received them back, and verbatim, no editing. This would not be a time for me to comment, but just for them to have their say. I received responses from all the candidates. All of them were on time except for Ed Gililland, who called to say his computer is kaput and that all he wants to say is not to vote for him since he's already on the board, and Nick Laushkin, who apologized for being late and explained that there was "last minute news of an unexpected life ending illness" in his family. I'm very sorry to hear that, Nick. So, below are the candidates statements. And also, remember, there's a Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum on Tuesday October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Monrovia High School auditorium. Be sure to be there!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Chris Rich
Three Reasons to Vote for Chris Rich
World Class Education: Every Child in Monrovia Unified deserves access to a first rate world-class education. Monrovia is a good school district, but still too many of our kids don't make state standards in English or math.
We need leadership at the top that expects kids to achieve the highest level. I also know that as an Emmy-winning sound engineer, we do what works to achieve the end result. That is my educational philosophy. Focus on the end result of having children meet grade level standards using curriculum and methods that work.
Focus tax dollars into the classroom: I want money to go to the classroom not bureaucracy. Teachers shouldn't have to spend money out of their own pocket for necessary classroom supplies. Other local districts are getting grants, which Monrovia is missing out on. I started my career building a business. I understand finance and the bottom line. I will use my experience to get more dollars in the classroom.
Our schools will be safe: Parents entrust their children to the school district. Schools need to be safe! I will make sure we work with the Police department to keep gangs and drugs from our kids. Our entire emergency plans need to be evaluated by professionals. And of course no kid should be allowed to leave campus for any reason without parental permission.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer
As a school board member and a parent I bring a lot of experience to the table. I have lived in Monrovia for 43 years and been a volunteer in the community for over 25 years. I have worked in the Monrovia Schools as a volunteer in various positions. Currently I am the Mon-Dte PTA Council President. Experience counts - There‘s no substitute for hands on success and leadership.
I believe that over all our school are doing pretty well. We have two schools that hit there 800 API target score. We need to work harder to achieve 800 API at all school.
Parental Leave - I believe that no one should have the right to release our children for any reason from school especially a medical appointment that a parent should accompany them too!
School Busing - I feel that every student should have the right to get to school safely and in a timely manner. I as a new board member will work hard to find the funding to keep the busing rolling in Monrovia for our student to benefit from a great education.
I believe education must be a top priority for every taxpayer. Communities are judged by the quality of their schools. We have seen a decline in enrollment. I will open the doors to communication between students, parents, teachers and administrators to share in the decision making process.
I am dedicated to working hard for the students, parents and administration of Monrovia Unified School District.
Clarence R. Shaw
Why Vote for Me? Because I have built a record of "Achievement." Achievement is part of how I plan to govern and it’s a chief component of my campaign platform.
Prior to making any major decisions, it’s extremely important to examine trends, patterns and practices in order to help predict outcome. My objective is to share some organizational "Achievements" - at various levels. The success that I had with organizations listed below should give you a clear indication that achieving positive outcomes is premier to me.
MILITARY. Deployed to Iraq as a Commander - during Phase I - and completed my mission successfully (no casualties). Recommended for Bronze Star. Awarded prestigious ARCOM.
STATE LEVEL. Appointed to California State Quality Assurance Committee by Los Angeles County, I helped to unravel state legislation imposed on county programs. I played a key role in drafting polices and procedures for implementation of a new statewide QA Program.
COUNTY LEVEL. I helped start up a quality control section which ultimately saved taxpayers $8.6 million dollars. Received the "Mega Million Dollar Award" from the County’s Quality Assurance and Productivity Commission.
CITY LEVEL. Appointed as a City of Commission (Pasadena Human Services Commission), I aided in streamlining the application process so that smaller non-profit organizations could tap into grant funding.
MUSD. I hope to revive "achievement" at MUSD and get better results in all facets of scholastic testing (API, AYP, SAT and other mandated benchmarks).
Please contact me for specific campaign information at (626)-622-5060 or via e-mail. Thanks!
Nick Laushkin
I grew up in Arcadia, and have been a Monrovia resident for over 20 years. While most of our elementary schools are doing a great job, student success falls off at the junior high and high schools. As a parent of a Monrovia student, I have been active in PTA, and United Parents for Students for four years at Monrovia High School. I also have served on High School Site Council and worked with a community group to assure high school certification with the State. Our son has walked the halls of Monrovia High School, and recently graduated to attend Claremont-Mckenna College, rated a "Top 10" colleges to attend in the nation. I want to bring that type of educational and also vocational success to all of our students.
To those of you who have concerns about the junior high or high schools, or have concerns about future property values, I know the achievements and challenges facing our kids in the schools, and know what needs to be done to improve performance. As parents and a community we need to be responsible for our student’s success. I ask for your vote for a seat on the school board.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Laushkin.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
