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Sweetwater district corruption trial postponed
It is becoming clear to me that both John McC and Jim C. have been at the public trough too long. Neither one it seems, has visible means of support, but one assumes that support is needed for families and large homes...what to do? Keep on using the taxpayer-provided stipends and health benefits to help bridge the income gap. Of course John would like to run for council, it is a pretty good paying job, plus benefits, of course. I believe that Jim has already tried that pursuit without success.— January 28, 2014 1:06 p.m.
Sweetwater district corruption trial postponed
Thanks for this info BBQ. Do we know who filed the petition? The notice is in the passive voice (so like the County Office of Ed)...."a petition has been filed".... At least the meeting will be held locally. I am astonished that the CBOE is actually going to travel all the way to Chula Vista, which they consider a foreign land, for the hearing.— January 28, 2014 11:42 a.m.
Sweetwater district corruption trial postponed
Visduh - right on the money again. If you blink, you will miss yet another example of malfeasance and teflon performances by those who are supposed to be working for us: 1) County Board of Education, which is supposed to provide oversight of school districts in the jurisdiction, especially with regard to fiscal matters; They are AWOL in Sweetwater matters; 2) Presiding judge of the San Diego Superior Court, David J. Danielsen (who sports a Teddy Roosevelt-type mustache) who is supposed to oversee the courts to make sure justice had an opportunity....instead, he lobbed the entire corruption matter into the South County Courthouse, probably hoping it would all just go away; Seems he is not a rough rider. 3) Judge Ana Espana, who it appears is doing her best to do what Judge Danielsen wants. It seems she is not able, or is unwilling, to hold anyone's feet to the fire and is not even very adept at wrist-slapping; 4) The State Superintendent of Education......an elected official I believe. Wouldn't you think that person would care enough to inquire about the mess. 5) DA Bonnie Dumanis, who does have other worries, but is still being paid by us. It seems her assistants have worked their butts off to get the indictments, but who authorized the plea deals? 6) All of the so-called public servants who would do anything rather than go to trial....that must be a lot of work! 7) Of course, all the thieves who have conspired to take OUR money, our kids' money we pay in taxes for their educations, and appropriate it for themselves; 8) the granddaddy of all hucksters, Fast Eddy Brand. Do a little 'sidestep' for us Ed, you are so good at it! I do hope there are more shoes to drop in our favor. Crimes have been committed and there was enough proof to get the indictments.— January 27, 2014 11:29 a.m.
Sweetwater district corruption trial postponed
So, it seems Pfingst is clairvoyant, able to anticipate plea deals? It also seems that we the people have been done in by the assumptions of Pfingst et al that everything would be pleaded out. I do hope that he is mistaken. I do hope that her honor is better than than...and that she understands that we the people deserve OUR day in court, along with the perps who have stolen so much from us. I also hope that the indictments mean something...all the work of the da to get them, have not been compromised by the system that wants to avoid, at all costs, the effort to actually litigate the charges in court. PLEASE JUDGE ESPANA>>>> help us with the opportunity to get these cases to trial. The public deserve their day in court.— January 25, 2014 7:24 p.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
See Board ByLaw9250, Remuneration, Reimbursement and Other Benefits. Most districts provide a monthly stipend for board members, which is capped according to a formula based on ADA (average daily attendance) of the district and limited to a 5% increase each year. Given that the SUHSD is the largest secondary school district in the state, I am concluding that the board members' stipends are relatively high, although I do not know what they are. The compensation paid to SUHSD board members is not stated anywhere I can find, but should be available from the superintendent's office. If they don't want to provide that info, they are in violation of public records law. I also see in Board Bylaw 9250 that any member elected after a certain date (1981, I think) and who serves 12 years on the board, is entitled to district health and welfare benefits for life. The bylaw also states that the board member must pay for the coverage (my words) but that would make it possible for Cartmill to purchase coverage at the group rate the District enjoys for its employees. Also, FYI, in some districts, board members are entitled to take the cash equivalent 'in lieu' of benefits if they are already covered through other employment or a spouse. It has become a common practice, although the district's bylaws do not speak specifically to such.— January 24, 2014 1:52 p.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
BBQ: When Cartmill first ran for the Board (in the early 1990's, as I recall) he had no real day job, or no visible means of support. He was a Campus for Christ representative, which certainly didn't pay much. The Board position paid a monthly stipend, limited by state law, and benefits for him and his family. No one questioned his sincerity because of his ministry. Remember Elmer Gantry, Aimee Semple McPherson, and Tammy what's her name of TV ministry huckster fame? Well, now we know better, don't we? Judging by the photo of his seemingly large home and the success of his 'let's talk health' motivational speaking and nutritional supplements biz, he seems to be doing quite well...not to mention the campaign contributions generated on his behalf by dear friend fast Eddy. Oh, and the reputed $50,000 'loan' from fast Eddy. But he still wants the benefits for the rest of his life? At best, it is a selfish over-reach. At worst, it is an extension of the criminal taking. I so agree with BBQ...LET HIM GO TO TRIAL....MAKE HIM GO TO TRIAL...— January 24, 2014 11:06 a.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
PPV: What you describe is a mean-spirited 'gotcha' attitude that is also a power-play by admin. So sad that our schools cannot be staffed by a team all focused on positive outcomes, rather than looking to knock folks down. By the way, many of us on this blog are not teachers. We CAN organize all we want (and will do so) without asking anyone's permission or having our email privacy violated. Now that is democracy and you will just have to live with it.— January 21, 2014 11:43 a.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
In the marketing business, the objective is to decide 'what do we want the prospective customer to do?' and then craft the message asking the customer to do just that. It is called 'the ask'. The upcoming elections will be all about just that. However, we do not yet know the specific answer to that question (elect so-and-so in order to restore ethics and rid Sweetwater of corruption) because the court scene has not yet played out. We do not know who the so-and-so's are and who the competition will be. A winning campaign is clear about the message and the ask. Frustration is growing, that is obvious. However, is it possible to save the energy and angst until a clear picture of what we will be asking the voters to do emerges? Otherwise, the messages and efforts (such as picketing a single target seeking asking for just one thing for one group) will be fragmented, those on the fringes confused or turned off. In the meantime, raising money for the battle ahead would be a good focus. A campaign committee to form a Political Action committee can be organized. A core strategy group can be formed to identify allies and make network connections. There is organizational work to be done before the noise-making should commence.— January 20, 2014 11:25 a.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
I certainly understand the frustration we all feel. However, I also believe that the ultimate answer is always at the ballot box. In order to win the hearts and votes of the general public, it is important to remember what resonates with them. I am not so sure that union agitation is the answer in these times when unions are not necessarily the most popular with those we must work hardest to convince ( although I certainly agree that the teachers have been dissed. ) We ALL have been dissed! It is acknowledged that the board is corrupt, and it follows that the superintendent is also. It will be our job to convince those who are not involved as closely as we are that change is necessary. The goal, in my humble opinion, is to win the hearts and votes of the parents and those who pay the bills at the next election. The truth is not always easily evident, and we will have to work hard to make the case for change, strange as that may be. Once the trials (or pleadings of those yet to be processed) have happened, we will have a more clear blueprint of what is ahead...i.e. how many seats are vacant and what the November elections will hold. I believe this is the time to be strategic in actions. However frustrated we may feel, political strategy will be best served if we do not offend those upon whose votes we will depend to win back the district. The teachers are not the only voices to be heard in this matter. What good does it do to picket out of frustration? How is Cartmill's heart going to be changed? These are the questions to ask.— January 19, 2014 9:33 p.m.
Picket at Sweetwater trustee Cartmill's home
Not to mention toxic dirt piles on one high school's track! How about severe overcrowding...I think that counts s a safety issue. I recall there were also several 'oops' in construction where beams/joists didn't quite fit together correctly, not to mention serious building code violations. I'll bet there are issues in each and every school in the district, a result of not-so-benign neglect while Ed and the Board fiddled their own tunes, speculating on dubious real estate deals.— January 19, 2014 3:01 p.m.