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No process yet to replace Sweetwater trustee Ricasa
erupting - not to worry, perhaps those that insult will take a few moments and find a toy poodle to pet, let the anger go and focus on being part of a meaningful conversation regarding quality education.— January 16, 2014 9:48 a.m.
No process yet to replace Sweetwater trustee Ricasa
EVERY taxpayer in the South Bay should take the time to listen to last nights board meeting. The meetings are taped. At the meeting Lopez asked why a certain agenda item had been pulled by 'staff' (Ed Brand) YESTERDAY. According to a different presentation Mr. Schinoff had given to the board within the last couple of months there is a time limit regarding agenda items being pulled. Ms. Lopez asked Mr. Schinoff to remind Ed Brand, Jim Cartmill and John McCann of the legal lmits - as Mr. Schinoff went to stand up to respond Mr. James Cartmill stated the following 'this is the way it has been done ever since I came to the board' (paraphrase). ----- so, in essence what he was saying is 'we have been doing it illegally and we will continue to do it illegally' (my interpretation). Ah hello, perhaps that is why SUHSD is considered the most corrupt school board in the state if not the nation they do NOT follow the laws? Fast forward to the end of the meeting. It was approximately 9:40 pm, Mr. Cartmill began to close the meeting when Lopez stated 'ah, what about agenda item - , I pulled that item' (paraphrase). Mr. Cartmill slammed the gavel down and ended the meeting totally disrespecting her right as a board member to discuss the agenda item in public. What is Mr. Cartmill afraid of, what could Ms. Lopez want to discuss that has Ed Brand, Jim Cartmill and John McCann so afraid. Folks, this District is OUT OF CONTROL - there are no words that can communicate the dysfunction. Dianne Russo is back, yet the agenda item to approve her salary as a consultant was pulled - so, how is she getting paid? Oh that is right Jim Cartmill, John McCann, and Arlie Ricasa gave Brand authority to spend $200k/250k WITHOUT board approval. Also noted was a statement that Brand allegedly told a member of the community that the folks at Castle Park Middle have asked for the Charter. Those in the audience were aghast that this superintendent is using our public school system to support his charter. Our public school monies are being/have been borrowed, are they being paid back? With interest? It was alleged at the board meeting that there is much funny business going on regarding the proposed charter. Parents not being told the truth regarding forms they are signing. WE NEED AN ATTORNEY TO COME TO OUR RESCUE! One that has experience with Title 1 issues. It appears that some folks are bring discriminated against/taken advantage of due to their demographics. Ms. Neylon, our 'elected'??????? representative at the County Board Ed, Mr. Ward - you want a glimpse into our world - listen to the audio of the board meeting - then tell us again why you are it ignoring our plight— January 15, 2014 5:01 p.m.
No process yet to replace Sweetwater trustee Ricasa
ALL is LOST at SUHSD as long as Ed Brand continues to pull the strings of his puppets. Attorney Schinoff should be applauded for an excellent presentation, eventhough it was CLEAR the dye had been cast long before the board meeting. John McCann really needs acting lessons, if he thinks his performance as a supporter of democracy was not seen as a CLEAR rouse. In my opinion he is an embarrassment to himself - however, on a positive note now the REAL John McCann has been exposed - fiscal conservative NOT. He expects the taxpayers to pay 1.5 million for a seat that will be held for 4 months. Fiscal conservative imposter!!!!!!— January 15, 2014 4:19 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
oskidoll - from your fingertips to Judge Espana's ears. Many in the South Bay are truly bewildered. We are drowning in alleged corruption and just when we have faith that those that cared enough to investigate (DA's) office the judge ceremoniously pulls the rug out from beneath us. Judge Epana is allegedly quoted as saying 'Wilson did not hurt Southerestern' - what realm of reality does Her Honor operate in? Surely it must be a parallel universe where civilized societies law breaking has no consequences. We can only hope that the SUHSD indictees will be held responsible, While the Judge may not believe anything 'that wrong' has taken place, WE DO!!!!! When a community looses faith in a Judge that hears criminal cases such as these, what have we?— January 14, 2014 3:20 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
missionaccomplished - you are correct, however, in these alleged 'corruptive' white collar crimes unfortunately, innocent students were the victims. Barbara Stevens - one thing about the Internet, EVERYTHING can be found out. Facebook does not take kindly to fake personas and have been known to block such IP addresses. Names ONCE respected, devious deeds revealed publicly, OH MY!!!!!!! How will they explain their strings being pulled by the puppeteer? How will they explain support of a superintendent who the community wants gone and the attacks on a Foundation that has given so much. Amazing isn't it Brand sits back while his puppets put their very reputations on the line by doing his bidding. He will drive home up North yet they will remain to walk and live amongst us and be expected to answer the question WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A THING?— January 12, 2014 8:39 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
SOOOOOO, here we are Friday early evening and the District has posted a SPECIAL Board Meeting Tuesday at 4:30 to discuss filling the vacancy. Now, wouldn't you have thought that this should: 1- have been a part of the original Board Meeting posting earlier in the week, thereby giving us, the voters, time enough to plan to be there? 2- have been scheduled at a time when WORKING voters are available to attend and speak publicly? Those of you monitoring SUHSD - this serves as yet another example of the LACK of transparency and RESPECT of the voting public.— January 10, 2014 4:42 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
Bvavsvavev - this surprises you? You must be of the impression that OUR Board members and OUR Superintendent care about howmthey are perceived vy the students, community/voters. At a recent Board meeting District personnel were advised that they should proceed with caution before sending emails. The only Board Member to ever respond in writing has been Lopez. Cattmill has returned calls. Quinones did answer when I called her. McCann, now pleader of guilt Ricasa - neither have EVER contacted me - not by phone, not by email, not by US Postal Serv, nor by Pony Express - although I did see a carrier pigeon flying over my home a couple of times.— January 10, 2014 8:41 a.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
eastlaker - 'is there anyone out there who really gives a rp that we are being robbed blind in Sweetwater?' Why yes 'they' would be Ed Brand and certain members of the board. Case in point - just when we finally have a chance to begin to turn the tide and place members of the public that we can trust sitting at the dais I have no doubt that there is major plotting going on. Brand sees the next ten (10) months as his opportunity to further feather that golden parachute - if it were possible to out lipstick on a pig and call it human I am of the opinion he wold do so to get the votes he needs and wants. McCann, Cartmill and ? - word on the street the bushes are being beaten. Grossman candidate number 1, McCanns campaign manager candidate number 2????? As I read the flyer detailing quotes from Grossmans book I, once again, shook my head with disgust why in the world would any person with integrity support such a person for a school board seat. But alas this is SUHSD we are talking about. "I told Ed he was crazy for staying, hell he doesn't need the money" - words spoken to me recently by a 'mover and shaker'. "He is not the man I knew and respected back in the day". NO SIR HE IS NOT! When I find myself in conversations such as this I am amazed how little knowledge such people have about what is really going on within the District. It appears that education of the youth of the South Bay has become an unimportant topic to those who should remember 'where they came from and how they got there', Dare I raise the question - 'COULD IT BE BECAUSE THE DEMOGRAPHICS HAVE CHANGED' I received what I perceive as a 'form' letter from our Board of Ed representative Ms. Neylon - part of it referenced a memo dated in November. Let us remember this name, next time you see it with a box next to it - do not fill in the box.— January 10, 2014 7:54 a.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
bbq - if you google Eastlake Educational Foundation of Chula Vista you will be able to ascertain the many good works of this organization. What greater venture is there - giving to youth the gift of Educational benefits?— January 9, 2014 7:22 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
Oldchularesident - honesty, integrity, service to ones country has no date stamp. The remark aimed at you, par for the course. However, something tells me you do not need protecting. Taxpayers being investigated by a superintendent via their very own taxes - yes, definitely worth a look. How much money? Ordered by who? Approved by who? Exactly what was investigated, where are the reports of those investigated and where are the bills? Betcha I know of a couple of entities that have the power to find out.— January 9, 2014 5:14 p.m.