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Who’s minding the jewels?
On a different note - but still the topic of alleged corruption Rumor has it that Arlie Ricasa is suing to get her position and pay back. If you are interested in expressing your views to the Law firm who is representing Southwestern please call 1-858-909-9002 and ask for Ashley. We need to go on record that WE, THE TAXPAYERS, expect Ms. Ricasa to take responsibility for her actions. Employees working in the public sector, especially education need to understand - we expect certain standards, and no one is above those standards - NO ONE!!!!!!!! Ms. Ricasa pled guilty, the fact that she used Southwestern's resources (the ones we pay for with our tax dollars) was her choice. Allow me to remind you she also pled guilty regarding charges related to her Assembly run. At what point does an adult take responsibility for their choices - NOW!!!!!! Time to send the clear message -- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!— July 11, 2014 8:12 a.m.
Who’s minding the jewels?
There is going to be a meeting on July 21st at 6:30 at the District Office Conference rooms A& B. Mr. Diamond will be presenting. Please plan to attend and speak on the property deal.— July 11, 2014 7:28 a.m.
Who’s minding the jewels?
Well, well, well, well, well, well, well..... And this bunch wonders why the community has lost faith. We demand to know the truth - this is getting ridiculous. Word games, pontificating, does Calhoun really believe we are going to fall for this nonsense? Why is Ed Brand ANY PART OF THIS????????? He is no longer our Super - why is Diamond copying him on ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS? Does Mr. Glover know this is going on? Does the County Board of ED? If not, why not? Does anyone other than the alleged chosen few, who are refusing to answer any questions. I believe it is now time to say enough is enough!— July 10, 2014 6:53 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Oldchulares - Chris_Schilling - we are long overdue for decent representation. In my opinion we brought this on ourselves, me included, when we failed to understand the importance of vetting our school board candidates and/or believing that just because we voted for them previously that they were worthy of our vote again. I am looking for real solid Board members - persons who truly believe that their service, opinions, intellect and integrity can make a difference. I want the tough issues discussed, not the blah, blah, blah we are use to hearing. Tell me EXACTLY what your focus is going in and what your plan is. I WANT AN AUDIT, A REAL FORENSIC AUDIT. I want the truth about the property, told to the entire community, not a panel of 7 or 11 but all if us. I believe it is time to do a review of all departments, get rid of the fat or should I say fat cats and their fat salaries. A review of MJO's (major job objectives) for each pay grade. What qualifications are needed and are the positions being held by overqualified, overpaid individuals? Close the boundaries. I would like to see emphasis on the trades - not all of our youth have the desire to go to college - lets start listening and stop mandating. Has anyone thought of designated schools i.e. a second IB school, an entire campus dedicated to students who want an education but a desire to become a tradesman/woman - a trade school campus. Lower class sizes. The County Board of Ed has an entire Department with EXCELLENT employees who can handle building. Why are we duplicating what they have? Why not use their dedicated professionals. You don't hear about scandals, fire alarm issues or corruption involving them. BUT, none of this can be accomplished until and unless there is trust. ALL factions must come together for the good of the students. There can be no hidden agendas, it is time to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work necessary which will result in excellence, IF, we are willing to do the hard work. *. Not sure if my wish list is even feasible, but might someone just think about ALL suggestions for just a bit.— July 9, 2014 11:39 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Ms. Luzzaro: It was soooo much more than failure to report, soooo much more. From my perspective there was collusion - there was no independent thinking going on here, there was no representation - no, instead the majority of the Board banned together and voted as a block because it suited THEIR needs and greed. So whether it be gifts, food, or campaign dollars it became - WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME. Another point, where was the staff? Where were the people working in the very department where all of these construction tax dollars were being spent and poorly managed? Where were the 6 figure payroll guys? SILENT, that is where they were. Now, it is well documented, that I understand mortgages to pay, kids to put thru college etc. HOWEVER what has left a bad taste in my mouth was the fire alarm debacle. Why, in the midst of a whistle blower coming forward over the concern of the safety of our youth upper management chose to defend rather than acknowledge. The lengths they went to cover up and hide the truth - enough to make a maggot gag. SHOOT THE MESSENGER - that was their focus. IF the whistle blower had not come forward those alarms would still be nonfunctional....... The suits, I guess the point I am trying to make is the suits - perhaps now it is time to turn our attention to the suits - The number of suits,the pay of the suits - yes, just what are WE getting for our money from the suits. In all fairness there are great 'suits' - persons who, under those suits, are made up of integrity - persons who work hard, who have chosen not to be the lap dogs of the allegedly corrupt Board and Supers. Yes, let us not forget the suits when the overhaul begins - if we are going to restore faith in our District, we want to employ persons who take integrity seriously.— July 8, 2014 8:17 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
shirleyberan - I get it, you are torn. In truth all you ever wanted was the best for him, but try to remember no matter how much we love a family member they are what they are and that's all that they are. We have no control. All the best to you.— July 1, 2014 6:10 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Dbdriver - many are very nervous, has Tom Calhoun been candid, or has he been spewing out the words Ed Brand wanted us to hear? We have the can opener locked in on our hands, and are ready to crank away and pour it all out where it can be put under the microscope looking for any contaminants. Charges filed, reputations lost as well as pensions - let the chips fall where they may. Hopefully Mr. Knott and Dr. Al Alt will be contacted - perhaps they could shed some light on the real truth. I do find it quite interesting that Al Alt was fired - we are a pretty unforgiving group yet we respected Knott and Alt's candor. Knott didn't want to stay, might he have seen the writing on the wall? Alt, tried to be transparent, yet the transparency he sought to offer was the last thing Brand wanted. While I never had any interactions with Dr. Alt I know the Mello group of taxpayers respected him I offered up this advice a few years back, now is the time to come forward........— July 1, 2014 3:12 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Eastlaker - regarding McCann - his protector is gone. Bet he won't be sending out any more of those taxpayer paid for legal threats of cease and desist letters to community members and media. McCann was clearly shaken by Brands early departure. He had difficulty putting two words together, and the VP Ms. Hartley very graciously came to his rescue several times in order to keep the meeting moving along. It appears that McCann's once bright political future has hit a brick wall, a wall, that he personally built brick, by brick, by brick - with every failed promise, every self promotional speech, every cease and desist letter and more. When you think about it, this November will give all the voters the opportunity to start anew - time to say goodbye to those who have failed us. John Mc Cann, in my opinion, is at the top of that list.— July 1, 2014 1:36 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
The question is 'Is Ed Brand's time in education OVER'? As a taxpayer I must say - he needs to leave education and enter a field he would be great at, USED CAR DEALER!!!! Visduh/Eastlaker - the property deal, as I mentioned on the previous story WE WANT ANSWERS, While many say it is very complex, I say, if we have been wronged it must be made right, if our students educational monies have been wrongly used - we will seek reparation. We want our money back and really don't care from who we get it. So, for ANYONE who has been involved with defrauding the taxpayers in the So Bay regarding this issue I say - prepare yourselves. Your bs, long drawn out bios over who you are, what you have 'allegedly' done and where you have been - in the words of Clark Gable in GONE WITH THE WIND "Frankly my dear I don't give a dam*"! As happy as I was last Friday to see justice over the gandara it pales in comparison to how relieved I am today! Another positive out of last night meeting was Kevin O'Neill and Nick Marinovich being kept on the BOC - just when integrity was totally restored to the BOC Ed Brand and Tom Calhoun try to harpoon the committee. Please note that while I praise these two I have great respect for the majority of the committee members. They are volunteering their time and offering up their expertise to help us. THANK YOU BOC MEMBERS Additionally I am greatly concerned, based on calls and emails, that several of the new 'Administrator positions' were Ed Brands final THANK YOU to those who kissed the ring. Why did. Ed Brand hire an Administrator from outside the District who sat in the same position for years due to alleged poor performance? Why were hiring panels recommendations ignored? I would recommend that all of those promotions be placed on hold. To those who were part of the 'click' - I hear you are worried, that your phones lit up like a summer night sky with texts after the Board meeting. It is good that you are concerned, because 'a new day is dawning'!!! One where hard work, dedication, respect and integrity are valued. It will no longer be a 'who you know, but a what you know' culture.— July 1, 2014 1:14 p.m.
Education, a dead-end business
shirleyberan - I am but one, many many others have worked extremely hard. Shirley, I must take this opportunity to THANK all of the unsung heroes, employees who have been brow beat for years. Good Administrators who were overlooked for promotions simply because they did not want their nose to change color. To them, all of them - I say The reign of terror is over!!!!— July 1, 2014 8:29 a.m.