Tuesday, August 10, 2010

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DISAPPOINTS EVERYONE

At the Monday, August 9, regular school board meeting, many patrons, teachers and students sat waiting through the agenda items, for the show to begin. Channel 7, KTVB, took their now-accustomed position on the side of the room, camera pointed at the action.

Teachers had presented a vote of no confidence statement to the board, which repeated the deprecating slurs they have made on Mike Tomlin's character. Marion Summers, "patron", turned in a confidential document to the board to consider, and then passed it out to the waiting crowd, while the board sat in executive session.

Community members milled about the room, forming groups with the teachers, other patrons and the occasional student. It appeared that many were the complainees, perhaps wondering with Summers "what keeps the board from supporting teachers and staff?", by asking for Tomlin's resignation.

In her letter, Summers says Tomlin "lied", "slandered", "libeled", showed "disrespect towards the community", hired Paula Fox as Human Resources without board approval, and says, "several valuable staff members have left for other positions due to the disrespect and hostile work environment that Dr. Tomlin demonstrates toward most of the staff at Garden Valley School District."

Summers also says she finds "it odd that she (Valerie Aker, newly hired Kindergarten teacher)was hired as a consultant in May and now as a teacher", having known Tomlin for more than 15 years. There are more accusations.

The teachers' statement begins with saying they believe Tomlin "can no longer lead the school through our Mission Statement of respect, responsibility, commitment and integrity." It ends with "our children and school are suffering under leadership that is devoid of trust and integrity. The school healing will only begin with his removal."

One teacher admitted she has no problem with Mike Tomlin, but she feels she has to support her teachers. Another signed the statement because she didn't like the way a part-time staffer was let go. Another signed it because she thinks Tomlin says one thing or another, but she couldn't verbalize what. Does this suggest there is a possibility that some teachers would be open to reconciliation?

Supporters for Dr. Tomlin are no less plentiful, but much less vocal and visible at these meetings. They have a completely different story about Tomlin. One says, "I want to speak out, but don't want to embarrass any teachers by naming so many of them who have been tirelessly supported by Mike Tomlin. Who, for two years, have received his accolades and enthusiastic response to their achievements when they won awards, accomplished certificates and degrees, created programs, coached winning games, organized career fairs, put on craft shows and fundraisers and received academic status. He was there for them, rooting."

Another supporter eating at the Senior Center, said, "It must be difficult to look at yourself in the mirror and remember the reason the baby was in the classroom in the first place was because Mike Tomlin was helping out a young mother, who wanted to try to teach while hoping to remain close to her baby. Against his better judgement, he allowed her to try, quoting a precedent. He was actually being so nice to Cody and Brenna Fisher. Everyone has forgotten that."

Mike Tomlin has a reputation among many as being a gentleman, an intelligent and thoughtful person, and the group of supporters at the meeting see this as nothing less than a witchhunt, which started with a small group, as revenge.

Nonetheless, it has blown up into a full-fledged campaign against the unsuspecting Superintendent who followed popular Stan Kress into the position at the School District. By the end of this board meeting, with no statement from the board, people trailed out with either puzzled, disappointed, disgusted, sad, or slightly hopeful countenances. But it was plainly, painfully clear, no one was happy.

98 comments:

  1. "...a witchhunt, which started with a small group, as revenge."

    Spot on.

    Follow the trail. It leads back to Stan Kress and his cronies and drinking buddies. Kress literally bought staff loyalty and that poison continues to infect the district.

    Cottonwood is still recovering from the damage Kress inflicted in that community...the same type of division he has caused in GV.

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  2. Actually, Angel, I was *very* happy with the outcome of the Monday board meeting. It means that there are thinking, reasonable people on the board who will not cave to the *emotions*, yes, just *emotions* of the staff. When you ask any of them to provide any evidence of the "crimes" they accuse Dr. Tomlin of, they don't.

    The Vallivue district just laid off 25 teachers. Dr. Tomlin managed our budget to keep all certificated staff and programs in place for 2010-2011. So our teaching staff is complaining because...???? They should all be thankful they still have jobs!

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  3. It didn't disappoint Channel 7, they got their one-sided story continued another week.

    Here in the Treasure Valley we wonder if it isn't the hot-headed, big mouth teacher that keeps calling them to fuel the fire. So he doesn't like his boss's boss? BFD. Shut up and teach.

    The Board's silence shows one of two things. Either they have handled it internally already and scolded their supt., or they are perplexed in how to tell the teachers they don't care if they (the teachers) like the supt or not. He builds buildings, runs the finances, and keeps the train on the track. The Board seems to like him - that is all that matters.

    Either way, fanning the flames is not a solution. It looks like the Board and supt have gone off the media - good call, now it is time for the others to do the same and think about starting school in the next couple of weeks.

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  4. Well I was disappointed that the board predetermined only two topics that the public was allowed to comment on. There was an organization chart on the table on the way in the meeting that said patrons and taxpayers were at the top of the chart yet they are not allowed to speak. No need to go over the difference between an "open" and a "public" meeting. I know the difference and I also know when the public is being ignored. I don't care what side of this issue you fall on, it was bad form to try to control patrons to that extent.

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  5. I asked a member of the FGVSD "now that the battle to change administration appears lost, what will be your strategy?" "To refocus on the children and heal the community", was the answer. An adminable goal that made me feel the light was shining at the end of a long tunnel. Then the next thing I hear is that the "friends" were circulating a petition, a vote of no condifence for Dr. Tomlin. Such an unofficial petition will not change anything and how in the world does such meet the stated goal of "healing"' Finally and of most importance, what does all this hullabloo have to do with teaching the children? NOTHING.
    Come on folks, the battle has been lost so why insist on maintaining the war. This ill advised petition only incites some and angers others, and will certainly be ignored by those it was aimed at influencing. Do what you claimed you would do, focus your energy and attention on the children and promote community healing.

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  6. From my understanding, the "Friends" did not circulate the petition. I'm sure our teachers will focus on the children as they always have and hopefully we will not lose any more fine educators. As a patron and NOT a member of the "friends", I'm very concerned about what is most effective in terms of leadership. It seems we do have a broken organization here which is very sad. Also, one item keeps gnawing at me and that's the anonymous e-mails. I was at the meeting meant to explain them and I have to say that I came away shaking my head. I wanted to believe the story we were told but, well I just didn't. I don't really care that the e-mails were sent or even what they said. What I care about is I think we were told a fib and it gives me an uneasiness in general.

    Anyhow, I have hope this will all be resolved soon and we can just get back to business.

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  7. It’s unfortunate that a few selfish people calling themselves “friends of GVSD” are destroying our school and community. They are so self-centered with their unfounded mission to destroy the administration that they can’t see the degree to which they are destroying our school and community. I have observed at the numerous meetings where the “friends” keep trying to make their case that they act under a cloak of secrecy for membership and have little more than cheap, unfounded actuations they (or their lawyer) misrepresent as facts against the board and the supper; reminds me of McCarthyism. It is time for the “friends” to stop this unfounded witchhunt and leave the teachers and administration to heal the differences caused by the “friends”. Then and only then will the school become the central focus of Garden Valley for the right well deserved positive reasons, and the community can start to become just that; a community.

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  8. It's not the "friends" anymore. When you have 17 teachers come forward, there's a problem. It's just too convenient for people to blame it on the friends. Pay attention - it's not about them. And speaking of a cloak of secrecy "GV observer" you and I appear to be no different.

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  9. "Another supporter eating at the Senior Center, said, "It must be difficult to look at yourself in the mirror and remember the reason the baby was in the classroom in the first place was because Mike Tomlin was helping out a young mother, who wanted to try to teach while hoping to remain close to her baby. Against his better judgement, he allowed her to try, quoting a precedent. He was actually being so nice to Cody and Brenna Fisher. Everyone has forgotten that."

    No one has forgotten but many people blamed Cody and Brenna for the decision. A decision that was also made for other teachers in the past - an English teacher and a guidance counselor with board approval. ONE person complained (some think a sitting board member)and suddenly it was a big issue. BTW Cody and Brenna didn't continue making this an issue - everyone else did. It was nice of Mr. Tomlin to try to work with a teacher. It wasn't nice to cave to a bully on the board.

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  10. Regarding whether or not he & the board "caved" is almost beside the point. They actually just made sure they were following the law. In Idaho, the law does state that a public employee may not personally benefit in any way through their job.

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  11. I didn't say the board caved - I said Tomlin caved to a particular board member known for throwing their weight around to get what they want. The "law" wasn't applied to the others, just this time. And the person wasn't concerned about the law when they made the complaint - it was for much other (invalid) reasons.

    The only reason I responded was because the subject was brought up yet again with only some of the facts. And the uproar wasn't towards the super who approved the situation, it was against a teacher who dared to ask in the first place.

    If the baby situation quits getting written about - I'm sure we'll quit responding to it.

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  12. Anonymous (the one 4 comments prior to this comment) – posting comments anonymously on a blogsites is both standard and an accepted practice in the bloging world. It’s done across the globe and is viewed as just that, a blogsite comment. It is entirely different than the actions taken by the “friends” anonymously.

    Ask yourself, would the 17 teachers sign or be involved in any no confidence petition if the “friends” did not exist? Not likely! It’s more likely that, given their professional training, they would have been successful working internally at the school in resolving any issues.

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  13. GV Observer:

    Yes, I believe 17 teachers would have gotten involved without the "friends" involvement. I believe they attempted to work internal channels and when those failed they had to make a statement.

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  14. GV observer...you are correct. "Ask yourself, would the 17 teachers sign or be involved in any no confidence petition if the “friends” did not exist?"

    For *months* Daryl Riedinger has been stirring the pot, asking anyone who will listen "Can you feel the fear? Can you smell the fear?" He, a leader of the "Friends," and his cohorts have infected this community and our teaching staff. It's plain and simple a case of "programming" (aka brainwashing).

    Makes me wonder what type of kickback the Riedingers are getting for recruiting new members into the teacher's union.

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  15. Elizabeth - you have got to be joking. All the ills of the school cannot be blamed on the Riedingers. I for one have a lot more faith in our teachers that they are far too smart to be brainwashed. You seemed to have drunk the koolaid of the "regime" and don't think for yourself. You have a personal vendetta against the Riedingers and have been horrible to anyone who does not fall in line with your way of thinking.

    You can thank the administration and the board for the union. In all of the years GV schools have been open this is the only time the majority of the teaching staff felt the need to seek representation. That's not due to the Riedingers - much as you would like to blame them. It's leadership, or lack thereof that set us up for unionization. That will be what this board and administration will be remembered for in years to come.

    I also happen to know that there are teachers who supported you in your recall bid who you now openly ridicule. You might think that these good people could use some understanding from someone who was supposed to listen to them.

    You accuse Daryl of stirring the pot and yet all I read from you is doing the same or worse.

    I'm pretty sure Cheryl and Daryl think for themselves as well. Just as a board member cannot be held responsible for something thier spouse says or does - neither can a teacher.

    Rather than kickbacks, the teacher's union should send you all thank you cards for making it so easy to recruit new members.

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  16. I hope that the new principal gives every unhappy teacher a chance to resign immediately so we can go forward with a fresh, happy bunch of teachers. With 225+ teachers laid off in the Boise Valley, we would have a lot of good teachers ready and willing to take their place.

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  17. I agree. Teachers up here complaining like crazy...."oh poor us...we don't trust anyone"...get to work and do your job, teach the children. You now have a new principal, one with MUCH more experience, much more mature, and he will handle these issues. You have all back-stabbed the super, now move on, you've done your damage. And if you don't like it here, move on...there are PLENTY in line to take your job..just go to Boise and see!

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  18. Wow - you last two posters are seriously deranged. It has never been easy to keep people coming up from town. Too far and not enough money. The minute they find something else they're gone. We have been lucky enough to have a core group of teachers for a very long time - some better than others. We now have teachers who have worked here for many, many years and have NEVER complained...............until now. But go ahead and keep the ONE person that seems to be at the center of the problem and fire the many people who actually work with the kids. Makes great sense. You should teach management courses.

    Maybe he'd be ok if his boss would have a little more control over him.

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  19. Seems to me that Tomlin doesn't even have day to day contact with these teachers, just the principal, so Cody must have been the real problem and now he is gone, so the teachers should be happy. That's why this unhappy teacher thing is such a bunch of BS about the teachers being intimidated by Tomlin. With 225 unemployed teachers in the Valley, a new batch of happy teachers would be a blessing compaired to all this crap that's going on.

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  20. Tomlin didn't have contact but managed to reprimand teachers and let go of staff - not his job. Ask the teachers how much contact they had with both those individuals and you may actually learn something you didn't know. I know, I know, he just pays the bills and the environment of the school isn't his job.

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  21. If he didn't have contact with the teachers then how did he repremand them?? Again, it's just a bunch of BS about Tomlin. From what I undarstand Stann Kress made so many under-the-table deals with the former principal and illegal deals with the local credit union that he had to resign. so are you advocating that illegal and underhanded deals are OK for GV and the school district? Sorry, I'd rather have an honest bunch in there doing their best for the school and us citizens and it sounds like that's what they are doing at present. If you "FOGV" would get off their backs and let them do their job for a change, then most all of the insinuated problems will go away.

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  22. I really don't care about Kress. Didn't know him but wouldn't want anything illegal happening especially if it were intentional. To me, Kress has nothing to do with what's happening right now. I would never advocate illegal deals. As far as the former principal - I think you better back up. There was nothing underhanded about that situation. It had board approval so if it was illegal, it was illegal with participation of the trustees. Look at GV history and you will find that many of our former administrators were internal people who were groomed for the job. Heck, Vic Koshuta was the janitor when he started at GV.

    I will agree that everyone is on edge and everyone is sensitive to everything - but that's on both sides. The board and the administration also can't seem stop throwing punches. They need to show true leadership - not "let's clean house". That's not a good plan.

    And btw, I'm not a FOGV but I am a huge fan of kids, teachers, staff and administrators in general.

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  23. Doesn't sound like it to me. Sounds like you are just another trouble maker not letting the board do it's job.

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  24. Well then you need to listen.

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  25. I'm amazed at the way people are acting. Let me get this straight....when interviews were going on at the school for the new principal...community members DRILLED applicants to make sure none of them had ever even HEARD of Mike Tomlin. If they had, people hated them. How mature is that? There are lots of people that have heard of him...not his best friends, just simply heard of him, and yet they are denied a job because of it? People are worried about him bringing a "croney" on board...but yet their precious Cody Fisher went to GF with 4 Garden Valley "cronies" and THAT'S ok??? How can it be?

    Also, I beg to differ on the "people won't drive to work in GV" line. In case you haven't read the news lately...jobs are very scarce. People are commuting OUT OF STATE to find work. With all the teachers that are looking for job, they would FLOCK to GV to have work. What is an hour ride? Don't get too secure teachers, there are plenty others who would appreciate working at such a great school.

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  26. I was on the community search committee and can assure you that no applicant was "drilled" about whether or not they knew Mr. Tomlin nor were they denied consideration if they did know him. The education community is a small one and it is common for folks to rub shoulders from time to time. Also, Mr. Tomlin disclosed whether or not he knew any of the applicants from the very start of the process. It was not an issue at all.

    I am puzzled by your comments regarding Cody Fisher. He worked here and chose to go on to GF. It is not uncommon for people to follow leaders to different organizations. I was sorry to see the people leave, but respect them for furthering their career options elsewhere. No need to be nasty to someone who is not here to defend himself. There are some organizational tools the district can use to learn as much as possible from departing staff - they may have already done that.

    In my opinion, any "flocking" to GV would be temporary. Anyone who has lived here for very long can tell you that it just doesn't work long term. Moving here can be problematic too. Housing is still high and if the teacher is married there is the problem of employment for the spouse. It has worked in the past but not very often. So even if they came here this year, the likelihood of sustaining the employment would not be great.

    Threatening teachers that they can easily be replaced is just not the way to go. Better to work through this period and hopefully come out stronger on the other side.

    We have a new principal who is experienced and loves community involvement which is a very good first step. I'm sure he will work well with teachers and support them in the education of our kids.

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  27. Tammy....I know for sure that a certain community member (one of the FOGVS leaders), "drilled" the community members during the open session time, I heard him myself. I can't remember which person it was...maybe Rob something..Pennington or something like that. Anyhow, he said he "knew of Dr. Tomlin", and this "person" RAN with it..he's a croney, don't hire him, we don't like him. On & on. It's just a shame that people are being so "it's fair for us to do that (ie: Cody taking people to GF with him), but don't let anyone that knows Tomlin come work here...no way...that's just wrong" There are a few community members who have over stepped the lines of what is OK, and bordering on harassment to people because of how they feel about Tomlin, or their stand on the issues at hand. My point was to simply say what's fair for one should be fair for all. I agree that Cody had the right to go, and I'm thrilled for them that they have the chance to better themselves. The others that went with him are welcome also...I just wish that they would have left on better terms, not so angry about things, and not leaving a tornado mess behind them as they left. I understand the commute thing. I myself have commuted for over 20 years to Boise, it's not really that bad. I was just trying to say that there are so many unemployed teachers down in Boise, they would do the commute without complaining, just to be glad to GET a paycheck. The teachers up here have been wonderful...UNTIL someone came along and got them all fired up. I have taken the time to speak to several of the teachers one on one (about 7 of them). ALL 7 OF THEM, said that THEY had no problems with Tomlin. They only signed the petition in support for their fellow teacher, and also because they felt bullied into doing it. One teacher in particular has called and emailed teachers SEVERAL TIMES A DAY to get them to sign this thing...that is borderline harassment. More or less making them feel like they HAD to sign it, or they'd be an outcast. I think it you had the time to talk to each teacher, face to face, man to man, and ask them if he has ever done anything to THEM personally....you'd be lucky if you have 2 or 3 that would say yes. They are playing the Pied Piper right now, which is sad. Making it look like Tomlin is such a terrible person. I just wish people would be honest, and quit jumping on trains that are going by. Tammy you are so wise, always have been, and I applaud all of what you say and agree with you. you have managed to stay out of this and think for yourself, making your own decisions about what is going on.

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  28. I must say I did misunderstand the original comment about drilling applicants - thinking you meant committee not community member (whew). I know I am only one of several who were involved so I didn't want anyone thinking the candidates were mistreated by anyone on the committee.

    I appreciate your kind words and guess I am still just an optimist who thinks we can get through this without cleaning house.

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  29. Don't want to harp on this but it comes up so much, including Boise Reader: To clear up the anonymous e-mail problem once and for all, my partner and I met those three friends of Mike Tomlin's one time when we were snowshoeing--these guys were visiting (could have been the same week-end) and having a guys' week-end--you know, movies like "Kill Bill", a few extra beers, some winter recreation...they treated Mike with jovial, affectionate, tongue-in-cheek regard--it was clear from the hour-long conversation that they think of him as the Golden Boy who always did everything by the book, and well. It isn't hard to imagine the fun they thought they were having when they snuck those messages to Mr. and Mrs. Marion. I wonder if even now they have apologized!! Probably getting a kick out of all of this: "Har Har Har. Mike's finally feeling the heat for once." Very cute, guys, but not really funny...but funny in an ironic way--how that particular incident, of anonymous e-mails from Gene, has been the crux of so many people not trusting him. It was an embarrassment for Tomlin to be sure. Interestingly, my partner and I have always kidded him about really being a "superintendent"--and when we said it, we were not necessarily complimenting him--he's pretty straight. Very hard to understand how anyone could hate the guy--maybe be intimidated by his vocabulary and command of the language, but hate?

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  30. I couldn't agree more. I have had MANY conversations with Tomlin and think he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I think some people up here just aren't used to someone with good thinking/speaking skills, and he's caught them off guard. They also aren't used to someone making people tow-the-line at work. People have gotten away with not doing their job, or slacking for a long time at that school. Tax payers should be thrilled that he has come on board and made people own up to what they do all day, and doing things by the book. He's worked on policies that hadn't been touched in years...and yet we want to say we "hate" him? Strong word. When my kids were young, they were not allowed to say they hated someone, that's a hurtful word.

    Tammy, I think things WILL calm down with the new guy in town, and the new school year starting. I just hope that some of the community members calm down and quit bothering the school with all their pettiness.

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  31. Sorry but your explanation about the e-mails doesn't really clear anything up. Just not buying it. Funny thing is the e-mails themselves aren't as bad as covering them up and making excuses.

    If you and others could quit calling the community petty and teachers whiners it would help stop the bickering.

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  32. Interested ObserverAugust 12, 2010 at 6:01 PM

    It would be nice if all of you who post as "Anonymous" would give yourselves screen names/aliases. It would make it easier to figure out who posted what. Just a courtesy.

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  33. I think it's pretty arrogant to say that people up here don't understand someone with good thinking/speaking skills. It's kind of like putting down staff members for not "even" having a degree. It sounds like you're insulting the majority of the community. I may not have a degree but I'm smart enough to not call people jerks with signs.

    P.S. Does the business manager have a degree?

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  34. Interested ObserverAugust 12, 2010 at 8:49 PM

    Anon, I think it's that people *resent* good thinking & speaking skills, not that they don't understand it. The staff has been so used to having it their way that when someone comes along who can verbalize why *the way it's always been* isn't the best way, they can't accept it.

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  35. It is almost funny how this starts and ends with "the business manager." It really is still about Kress, huh "anon?"

    The business manager passes her audits each year, who cares if she has a degree?

    It all goes back to house cleaning and ending the special secret deals, buying loyalty with money, with misplacements on the salary scale, with secret bonuses, etc. The new supt ended it all, including drinking in the supt's office with cronies.

    Those are the stories we didn't write two years ago, but may still.

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  36. Anonymous (6 or 7?)-
    It would sure help Mike out if you weren't posting as anonymous. Someone who actually met the fellow Sheeshkateers? If you were to publicly reveal that you had actually met these merry men, it would up Mike's credibility a whole lot more than his masterful command of language and vocabulary.

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  37. boisewriter:

    I don't care if she has a degree or not. It seemed to matter to Tomlin when responding to ending a staffer's employment. "She didn't even have a degree".. Not my words.....his.

    Also, secret deals? buying loyalty? salary inequity? secret bonuses? Where is YOUR proof? Where in the world do you get your information? Talk about a conspiracy theory.

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  38. Hmmm, bonuses and salaries are private personnel information. Who has access to that information? I wonder.

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  39. Bonuses made under the table maybe, however, salaries are public information NOT private personnel info. See http://www.ouridaho.com/

    The super waived his $2800. salary increase for 2010/2011. Cody Fisher 'walked' on his contract agreement to repay half of the cost for his education paid for by the taxpayers of the Garden Valley School District.

    Read a copy of the 'contracts'.
    Responsibility ? Commitment ? Integrity?

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  40. How do you know he walked? Do you know the content of his contract or any communication Cody may have with the district regarding that contract? Have you talked to Mr. Fisher yourself of are you relying on rumor and innuendo? If you are privvy to that information, one might surmise that you are a current or former board member as this information would be discussed in executive session. Either that or you're full of crap. Probably the latter.

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  41. anon - The weekly paper (Idaho World) reported a few weeks ago that Cody Fisher may or may not be required to repay these costs. As I recall, the amount is $10,000. It would be up to the board to make this decision. My vote is he needs to repay the district - a contract is a contract. $10,000 would put books in 4 classrooms according to what has been reported at board meetings I've attended.

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  42. I don't think the information is accurate. Why don't you call Cody and ask. Really, you should hear it from the horse's mouth. It's just not what you think it is. Honestly. It's easy to accuse him now that he's not here to defend himself. And think about it, why would the district NOT require someone to pay back a contractual obligation? I don't believe it's true.

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  43. I know a lot of people say mean things about the friends but how come they never say mean things about the other people who go after people in meetings? I saw a couple, mostly the man, at the meeting be very rude to teachers and yell at them. Then I was told they were related to the clerk. How come no one says anything about that?

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  44. anon – it’s better to go directly the official – legal source (GVSD) for this type of information using the Idaho freedom of information statute. Doing so provided me with documents and the following factual information regarding Mr. Fisher’s education expenses.

    Total amount, per the contract with Mr. Fisher, invested by GVSD in his education was $10,000. Mr. Fisher was required to keep his employment with GVSD for 2 years after completing his education for the district to pay the total $10,000. Mr. Fisher broke this contract by going to Glens Ferry School District and per the contract owed GVSD $5,000. The Board agreed to require Mr. Fisher to only repay $2,500 of the $5,000 he owed. A payment plan has been worked out with Mr. Fisher for this $2500.

    As a person very familiar with contract negotiations and settlements, I consider this a fair, yet generous settlement by the GVSD Board.

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  45. Thanks for the info.

    And also as I understand it - he was paid less than scale in order to make up the difference between what his salary should have been and tuition. I can't imagine the board agreeing to "forgive" any portion of the tuition if he really owed it. Why would they? Certainly not to be nice - they don't have nice in them. He's paying back what he owed which certainly isn't "walking" and stiffing taxpayers.

    He's gone, which is what I believe the district wanted whether they admit to it or not. And he's paying back tuition. Get over it!

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  46. GV Observer:

    So I could get a copy of any contract? Even Tomlins just by asking for it?

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  47. Congratulations to the school board and administration for controlling the open meeting and moving on with business. If you are a community member that has input for the school board call a board member, or call the clerk and be put on the agenda. If you are unhappy with Idaho Code call your district representative or senator. That is the system…

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  48. To Gomer BRDOG You can get a copy of the BSU football coach contract, if you ask and fill out the proper paper work. Any public employee contract is public information.

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  49. This is all so funny...you can almost guess who some of these posters are. The reason the former IDLA aide was replaced was so that the school could use funding from the state. If they put a certified teacher in that position, they get to receive money from the state for her. The only reason the comment about the former IDLA aide not having a degree was in defense of all the people saying "he let a TEACHER go". She was not a teacher, she did not have a degree. Teachers are very protective of the time they spent on getting their degree, so this is a sore spot for them to call someone a "teacher" that WASN'T a teacher. I don't believe a degree is required to be the business manager??? As a previous poster said, the schools audits are talked about with wonderful praise from the auditor, that in itself is quite the achievement. If it were required to have a degree, I'm sure they would have someone in there WITH a degree. The IDLA position and this position are completely different due to state funding.

    In regards to the Cody owing the school money deal. I love the post above that states that HE is not abiding by the schools motto: Responsibility ? Commitment ? Integrity? He gets the position of principal by the former drunk Super, when he's not even qualified to BE a principal, the tax payers pay for his entire education, with him KNOWING that if he walked before the 3 years were up, he'd have to pay it back. He walks as soon as he gets his degree, and pays nothing? Or pays only a portion of it? That's just plain wrong. Someone should start a petition about that! This information was in the IW....it's not confidential material folks, no one is talking out of executive session. Yet we love that guy, think the world of him, can't believe he left..blah, blah, blah. Maybe he's not nearly as "honorable" as some were trying to make him out to be? (cont.)

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  50. You don't believe the things that the former super did when he was here that were wrong? Good grief! once again, read the IW, or ask for some public documents...they are there for everyone to see. There were several of his "favorite" employees who got hefty bonuses, special treatments, you name it. He gave all the staff members money towards their insurance benefits, (which now have been taken away). You name it, the guy did it. Drinking in the office with cronies, sexual remarks made to female staff members that he worked with...but did anyone hate him, or start petitions to get him fired? THIS is the type of super that people would want with their children? But yet Tomlin is being thrown under the bus for some comments he made? Don't forget too that Channel 7 has taken things that were said and totally turned them around. Tomlin did NOT call the kids with signs jerks, what he said was "the people who put the signs in the hands of those young children are jerks". Channel 7 changed it around and said differently. Still not good to call anyone a jerk, I agree with that, however, making it sound like he called the KIDS jerks was wrong on the part of Channel 7. The e-mail thing...I agree...bad move, dumb move, should have owned it from the beginning and came clean, but for goodness sakes, who HASN'T ever done something dumb? People sure are quick to point fingers aren't they? I sure hope I don't get judged by them someday! Remember, people in glass houses....should not throw stones!

    All this back and forth nonsense is just a way for people to air out their frustrations. It's not going to solve anything. The new principal will get in there, get everything back on track, and time will heal wounds. One thing that has GOT to stop is the gossip! If he's able to put a lid on that, starting with the school main office, then I think things will calm down. I don't know how many times I walked into that office last year and heard the school secretary going on & on with gossip about what was going on. The new principal either needs to get that taken care of, or get rid of the secretary. She may have worked there for years & years, but if she continues to gossip and bad mouth the school the way she did last year, she's a cancer in that place and needs to go! The teachers need to bond with their new boss, and let the super run the district. I'm sure the super learned his lesson, and will be more careful next year. Now lets get the "friends" group to mind their own business and leave the school alone. Don't they have some where they can go to for the winter....since they all seem to be retired people. Go find some yarn class to enroll in or something, leave the school and staff alone, they don't NEED your "help".

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  51. You don't believe the things that the former super did when he was here that were wrong? Good grief! once again, read the IW, or ask for some public documents...they are there for everyone to see. There were several of his "favorite" employees who got hefty bonuses, special treatments, you name it. He gave all the staff members money towards their insurance benefits, (which now have been taken away). You name it, the guy did it. Drinking in the office with cronies, sexual remarks made to female staff members that he worked with...but did anyone hate him, or start petitions to get him fired? THIS is the type of super that people would want with their children? But yet Tomlin is being thrown under the bus for some comments he made? Don't forget too that Channel 7 has taken things that were said and totally turned them around. Tomlin did NOT call the kids with signs jerks, what he said was "the people who put the signs in the hands of those young children are jerks". Channel 7 changed it around and said differently. Still not good to call anyone a jerk, I agree with that, however, making it sound like he called the KIDS jerks was wrong on the part of Channel 7. The e-mail thing...I agree...bad move, dumb move, should have owned it from the beginning and came clean, but for goodness sakes, who HASN'T ever done something dumb? People sure are quick to point fingers aren't they? I sure hope I don't get judged by them someday! Remember, people in glass houses....should not throw stones!

    All this back and forth nonsense is just a way for people to air out their frustrations. It's not going to solve anything. The new principal will get in there, get everything back on track, and time will heal wounds. One thing that has GOT to stop is the gossip! If he's able to put a lid on that, starting with the school main office, then I think things will calm down. I don't know how many times I walked into that office last year and heard the school secretary going on & on with gossip about what was going on. The new principal either needs to get that taken care of, or get rid of the secretary. She may have worked there for years & years, but if she continues to gossip and bad mouth the school the way she did last year, she's a cancer in that place and needs to go! The teachers need to bond with their new boss, and let the super run the district. I'm sure the super learned his lesson, and will be more careful next year. Now lets get the "friends" group to mind their own business and leave the school alone. Don't they have some where they can go to for the winter....since they all seem to be retired people. Go find some yarn class to enroll in or something, leave the school and staff alone, they don't NEED your "help".

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  52. You don't believe the things that the former super did when he was here that were wrong? Good grief! once again, read the IW, or ask for some public documents...they are there for everyone to see. There were several of his "favorite" employees who got hefty bonuses, special treatments, you name it. He gave all the staff members money towards their insurance benefits, (which now have been taken away). You name it, the guy did it. Drinking in the office with cronies, sexual remarks made to female staff members that he worked with...but did anyone hate him, or start petitions to get him fired? THIS is the type of super that people would want with their children? But yet Tomlin is being thrown under the bus for some comments he made? Don't forget too that Channel 7 has taken things that were said and totally turned them around. Tomlin did NOT call the kids with signs jerks, what he said was "the people who put the signs in the hands of those young children are jerks". Channel 7 changed it around and said differently. Still not good to call anyone a jerk, I agree with that, however, making it sound like he called the KIDS jerks was wrong on the part of Channel 7. The e-mail thing...I agree...bad move, dumb move, should have owned it from the beginning and came clean, but for goodness sakes, who HASN'T ever done something dumb? People sure are quick to point fingers aren't they? I sure hope I don't get judged by them someday! Remember, people in glass houses....should not throw stones! (cont.)

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  53. All this back and forth nonsense is just a way for people to air out their frustrations. It's not going to solve anything. The new principal will get in there, get everything back on track, aAnd time will heal wounds. One thing that has GOT to stop is the gossip! If he's able to put a lid on that, starting with the school main office, then I think things will calm down. I don't know how many times I walked into that office last year and heard the school secretary going on & on with gossip about what was going on. The new principal either needs to get that taken care of, or get rid of the secretary. She may have worked there for years & years, but if she continues to gossip and bad mouth the school the way she did last year, she's a cancer in that place and needs to go! The teachers need to bond with their new boss, and let the super run the district. I'm sure the super learned his lesson, and will be more careful next year. Now lets get the "friends" group to mind their own business and leave the school alone. Don't they have some where they can go to for the winter....since they all seem to be retired people. Go find some yarn class to enroll in or something, leave the school and staff alone, they don't NEED your "help".

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  54. Sorry about the double, ooops, triple posting. I had to keep copy & pasting it, and my computer skills must need sharpening up! Sorry for all the babbling :(

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  55. Correction – at this point Mr. Fisher has not agreed to the reduced amount of $2500. I misunderstood that document to mean he had agreed. Therefore, as it turns out, this $2500 is still in negotiation between Mr. Fisher and the Board.

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  56. mom:

    I communicate with my boardmember regularly. Even if I don't get a response from my boardmember, I do get responses from Dr. Tomlin telling me that boardmembers are only boardmembers when they are convened as a board. Otherwise, they are ordinary citizens. He also states that they have no duties, no authority and no official communications that they can take or make between board meetings. He further wrote that the reason one board member resigned is because they were being inundated with emails and phone calls from members of the community.

    To me, it sounds like he doesn't want patrons to communicate with their school board trustees. Isn't that what board trustees are for? Community members are constantly reminded that no public comments need to be taken at the board meetings, so how else are you supposed to communicate with them if not by phone or email?

    Everybody blames the "Friends", yet all of them seem to ignore the 17 teachers, the two different explanations of the emails (first, one guy named Gene, then three guys, none of whom are named Gene) and the resignations of several employees at the school, not to mention two board trustees, one of whom stated they resigned because they could not support Tomlin.

    The petition circulated throughout the community was a show of support to the teachers and staff, which it clearly states, as well as asking for Dr. Tomlin's resignation.

    I don't believe that people change, and I think Dr. Tomlin has felt this kind of heat before at prior places of employment. How else do you explain his requesting an "emergency" board meeting on January 13th, after one of the Elizabeth Dunn recall petitions was turned in, to have his contract extended another three years? His contract had just been discussed at a board meeting the prior July, and it would have been discussed and reviewed again, later in the year, but he heard the footsteps, and wanted his contract extended before he could lose his majority on the board. At least, that's what it looks like from where I'm sitting. You can look up the minutes online, there were no other items for that meeting.

    Speaking of "emergency" meetings, the board will have to have another one, and soon to hire a kindergarten teacher. The job was posted yesterday to the State of Idaho teacher job website, but is still not on our local school homepage as a current job listing. Does the administration want someone from outside of Garden Valley, even though there are teachers living here that need a job? Hmmmm. Why would that be?

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  57. Responding to the "Anonymous" triple poster:

    You are very much mistaken if you think all of the "Friends" are senior citizens. Many are parents of children at the school.

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  58. To Anonymous from mom, answer to question end of second paragraph: letters and thank you notes.
    Have a fun time guessing who we are. Guessing speculation and lies is why we are in this mess, along with some greedy control freaks fairly new in the community.
    Valerie Aker, Why did she decided not to take the job? Harassed by a member of the friends?
    Really, person (and you know who you are) this vindictive revenge needs to stop. May be counseling could help.

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  59. Oh boy, these pages can be a good dialogue but they can also pass around a lot of misinformation. I can fix some of it.

    Fact: My contract is indeed public record, and we have given away a bunch this year. It is a one-page form required by the State Department of Education for all 115 supts in the state. You merely type in the name, salary, dates, etc.

    Fact: Bonuses and salaries are NOT private information in government jobs. FYI, we have given NO bonuses at GVSD since I came.

    Fact: The District paid Cody Fisher about $15,000 annually above his certification level while he served as principal. No problem - that was agreed to by all.

    Fact: You (the District) paid $10,000 for him to receive his administrative degree, and the Board forgave all but $2500.

    Cody has agreed to sign a promissory note and begin payments this month on his education reimbursement obligation to the district. It should be paid in full ($2500) by June 30, 2011.

    Fact: Our new Kindergarten teacher we hired Monday night has since declined the job, reflecting on 3 "intimidating and harrassing" phone calls to her home by Marion Summers, one very "intimidating" phone conversation with Mrs. Summers, and being trashed in writing by Summers at the Board meeting.

    Fact: Yes, the Kindergarten job is re-posted on the state's website; however all local applicants that were in the search on Monday are automatically in the search again. The inuendo that we want someone from outside the valley is unfounded, uninformed, unfair, and just creates more rumors and bad talk.

    I hope this helps.

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  60. It is true that a board member cannot make you any promises, cannot act alone. But, a good board member will listen and if warranted, take your comments to the board. The only way a board can have open discussions is if they are not interrupted by frivolous community who have not had training and seldom know the story beyond their gossip circle, the bigger picture. All of you who are not interested in the past, are not interested in the big picture, or the truth.

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  61. I don't think anyone ever said that a board member can't "listen" to people. The problem is when people call them, at all hours of the night, bombard them with emails, asking them to "fix this, or fix that"....they can not do that. I'm sure each of the board members takes calls & concerns they have heard from community members to the entire board to review & discuss them. The 2 board members that quit, did so because they were TORMENTED by patrons, not giving them a chance to live their own lives, not trusting their word that they will do the best they can... forgetting that they are VOLUNTEER positions. Our board members have been put through heck this past year, some getting recalled, others getting totally bashed. It's really a shame.

    I apologize for the past post about saying the "friends" are all retired. I realize that some of them are younger than retire age. One of those times where you type and then regret what you said. That's life, you make mistakes, but then you own up to them and apologize. That was not a "thought-out" comment.

    Mike, thanks for the comments, they show facts, and that is what we need. I feel horrible for Valerie...just HORRIBLE. and hope that anyone who had ANYTHING to do with harassing her feels horrible. I would hope that the teachers at GVSD would get on the phone and tell someone off, since they just offended one of their FELLOW teachers. She was officially a teacher, had been hired by the board, why aren't you standing up for her like you have done for other teachers. She ran off one of the best teachers Garden Valley has ever seen! She was qualified in so many areas, we could have really used her expertise.

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  62. Anonymous above:

    I'm with you. Marion Summers and her ilk didn't look at Valerie's credentials, only that she knew Dr. Tomlin in the past. Why wouldn't we want the most qualified applicant for the position? Marion Summers, Don Gibson, the Riedingers & Bedards and their friends are a cancer in this community.

    And thanks, Dr. Tomlin, for weighing in and setting the facts straight.

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  63. I am sorry to lose a good kindergarten teacher too but please don't trash the Riedingers and the others and call them a cancer to the community.

    If you have ever seen Cheryl teach, you would understand just how special of a teacher she is. She gave so much to this school and to the community. She always went the extra mile for kids and I'm sure will continue going above and beyond wherever she may end up.

    I don't condone harassing anyone and can't imagine what Marion might have been thinking. But let's be fair, so many of you have trashed teachers in general and others more specifically. Some of the folks in the community have been out of line but so have some people on the other side. Every one of you need to look in the mirror. Not just the Friends but ALL of you. Are you behaving the way you'd want your children to behave? I know many of the people involved on both sides of the issue and am heartbroken that friendships have been lost and all objectivity has gone out the window.

    I know a former board member who has sent several nasty e-mails that I have seen to long-time teachers that were so vile I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself. Isn't it ironic that someone who was in a leadership position would go about "trashing" people while complaining about the community "trashing" other people. It makes no sense whatsoever.

    I truly hope that an apology can go out to Ms. Aker from anyone who needs to make it. I know Ms. Summers and know that her intentions from the beginning were honorable. If what Mike says is true then she made a mistake and needs to take steps to make amends.

    Yes gossip is horrible but guess what? There's a whole lot to go aroung and it isn't just coming from the community. There's plenty coming all sides.

    The clerk sent out an e-mail encouraging people to come look at this blog for "the truth". Actually much of what's written here is opinion. Angel has always written in that fashion and you just have to understand that if you read an article here or when she wrote for the IW, you are often getting her interpretation. No biggie, you just need to understand that going in.

    Also, I know the two board members who left were definitely getting a lot of calls and e-mails but I don't think you can say that's why they quit because I heard from one of them personally and that is not why they quit.

    Mike's done a lot of good things while he's been here but understanding people and how to get the best from them seems to be an area of challenge that could use some improvement. That is not a slam, just an observation. No one is perfect. Not Mike, teachers, community members, board members, etc.

    So, you can see there's enough blame to go around here. There's no shortage. Now how about everyone agree to a cease fire and treat each other like human beings.

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  64. Teacher's I have a question for you. Several of you said that you didn't have a problem with Dr. Tomlin but that you went along just to stand together with the group. What are you teaching the children with this attitude? Go along with the group," try the drugs" cave into peer preasure, don't think on your own, just be a follower. Come on teachers you need to practice what you preach.

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  65. "we can do it"....very nicely said. It's just time for everyone to quit believing everything they hear. If you have a question, come ask the source, don't believe what you hear while you're out in the town. When someone comes up to you and wants to gossip, say no. I agree with what RHE said, teachers, stop this nonsense, quit jumping on the band wagon just because your fellow teachers did. If he did something wrong TO YOU, then go ahead, sign the petition, but if he didn't, then stay out of it. There are only 3 teachers that stayed out of it compleltely, and my hat goes off to them. Good job, way to stand up for yourself and not be a follower. I agree that Cheryl was a great teacher.GREAT! I would have to say that the problems began with the Riedingers when Daryl got involved with the "friends" group. They talked him into doing crazy stupid things, and it went downhill from there. I wish them the best of luck in GF...they got a good techer.

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  66. To the last poster:

    I think you heard what I said but still see all the blame coming from only the teachers and the friends. My point is that is isn't fair to only point at the teachers or the community group. There has been ugliness, gossip, threats, etc coming from leaderhip. You can't ask just one side to stop - the cease fire needs to start at the top.

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  67. "We can do it"...please remember if Daryl and Cheryl and the same characters in the "friends" group did not hold the 1st meeting at the LDS church this would not have catapulted as it has. Is Cheryl a good teacher? Absolutely. But she did choose to condone her husband’s behavior towards the business that she works for and helped out in quite a few ways. I would be livid if my husband did that. Perhaps she made the wrong choice when choosing her mate? Regardless, good luck Glenn’s Ferry.

    Also,“we can do it”~ how can you possibly say “I know Ms. Summers and know that her intentions from the beginning were honorable”. You’ve got to be joking, right? I bet you wouldn’t think this if she began harassing Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Johnson or Ms. Egerton. So why is it okay she acted so evil towards our Kg teacher? Seriously? If it is truly for the kids then Summers should have paid attention at the last board meeting (instead of bashing people inside and outside of ex. session) when Dr. Tomlin explained that Valarie Aker has not only the required teaching degree but a Masters in Special Education and her Principal certificate. Garden Valley will never be able to find another qualified candidate such as this. Anyone who has paid attention knows the schoool’s special education department needs all the help it can get for those children and now Summers has denied these kids the opportunity to receive all the amazing knowledge Ms. Aker could have brought to them while working with Mrs. Grant. Thank you Summers! Hope you are proud of yourself! As you lie your head on your pillow tonight hope you are thanking yourself for all you’ve done for the children and school of Garden Valley……. yah, right. Maybe (and that’s a BIG maybe) these people are decent with others. So why don’t you ask them, why do they need to be so HORRIBLE to the children and employees of the school district if they are so decent? Enough is enough!!!! Leave the school and our kids alone!!!!

    RHE – Bravo to you!! I as well am concerned how these teachers have been acting. Trust me, there have been a few nights I’ve worried about the stability of their actions, and they are teaching my kids? Teaching them to “stick with the crowd” even when something isn’t right? Bravo to the 3 teachers that chose NOT to hang with the group. You can teach my kids any day!!

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  68. Have you had a chance to speak to Ms. Summers yourself to get her side of events? No? Only listening to information from one source.....again? What a surprise.

    And to vilify Cheryl for anything Daryl has done would be wrong. In fact I believe the Earls have behaved poorly but the clerk says "I can't control what they do" When a board member's husband threatens patrons who go against his wife they say "a board member can't be held responsible for the action of his spouse". Why doesn't that logic work for the Riedingers.

    The "friends" may have started at a meeting at the LDS church which they have a right to do. The unofficial "UN-Friends" meet all the time too. They may not have given their group a name but it's easy to see who they are. They all sit together at board meetings and accost patrons and teachers as they leave the building. Also, they are the ones skulking around corners trying to eavesdrop on conversations. But that's ok?

    Also what about EDunn who has sent malicious e-mails both while a board member and afterwards. That's ok?

    While we're at it - use your heads. Do you honestly think the district would forgive $2500 owed by Cody Fisher? Ask yourself why a cash-strapped school district would do that. And if in fact they just let Cody walk away from an obligation that will cost the district $2500 - why did they do it? That decision had to be presented by the super and approved by the board. Don't blame Cody for the district being out the $2500 - put the blame where it belongs.

    Speaking of money, why would the district continue on with the public records request when Tomlin made it clear he received little or no communication from Keddy-Hector and only a $500 deposit. Why rack up a bill over $5K when by the district's own accounts the requestor had not fulfilled her obligations? Now the money may never be recovered even if it goes to collections.

    So by my simple math - the crack decision-maiking skills of the administration and board in power at the time have cost the district approximately $7600 just with those two poor decisions.

    If Cody owed the money then you should have collected it. You should also have collected the money up front on the records request. Fact. End of story.

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  69. Dear "We can do it"...Wouldn't you know--someone finally got a dig in! Just couldn't help yourself, could you? Actually, it is a biggie.You cannnot slur my credibility and then say "it's no biggie, you just have to understand that...". You said that like it was a fact...in fact, I do know the difference between fact, fiction and opinion. Your comment is an opintion, which I can respect, but must take with a grain of salt. On this blog, I am entitled to my opinion but always based on the facts. I suspect you, along with the "friends" who spent so much time intimidating the editor of the IW on my behalf, simply didn't like the facts. When I printed their words verbatim in an article (2/3/10, bold print not mine) giving them full-rein, they complained it was biased. How to please... You would be hard put to prove your comment (and if you want to waste your time, you are welcome to try) but it is painfully clear, especially to me, that I am not perfect. Perhaps I could start a blog where we could prove what was correct and not correct in all of my "facts".

    Nah, let's not. I'm hoping this unrest will be settled before long and we can all walk into the school with light hearts, celebrating excellent academic performance by kids who love their studies and their teachers and their principal and enjoy being singled out by the superintendent for a special award they've earned. We need to say good-bye to Stan Kress, Cody Fisher, teachers who have left for whatever reasons and staffers who will be missed, but have been replaced by good people, and move forward. Yes, I have just expressed an opinion.

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  70. Well I seem to remember an IW article with something about a bunch of malcontents....and the recall election being a travesty. Those sound like opinions too - but hey, that's just MY opinion.

    Oddly enough that same article addressed rumors that Cody and Cheryl were going to be fired. Interesting that here we are months later and they're both gone. No not fired, but gone just the same. I guess there's more than one way to skin a cat.

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  71. "Disgusted" - Have I had a chance to speak to Summer myself and get her side of the events? I have spoken to Summers numerous times, thank you very much. No facts, no kindness, no credibility, no class, no thanks.

    Summers did this out of pure evilness. She wanted to get back at Dr. Tomlin because “Dr. Tomlin has known Valarie Aker for 15 years – cronyism is alive and well”. This is quoted directly from paperwork that Summers handed out herself at the August 9th board meeting to the patrons in session. Tammy said over the years in this line of work you are most definitely going to rub shoulders more then once and she is right. Summer’s motto? Screw the kids, Screw the new teacher, Screw anyone who gets in her way – revenge against Tomlin. And yes, I did get this from one source, I appreciate you for bringing that up….Summer’s source.

    As far as the Riedingers, Fact: Cheryl and Daryl were running the first LDS meeting. Do they have every right to do that? Yes. Should they have? I guess we can answer that question now based upon current events. Can't blame a teacher for what their spouse does, or anyone for what someone else does? I agree with you, very true. The clerk was right to say she couldn’t control what her parents do. Her parents are over 18. I instead gave Cheryl the benefit of the doubt that she was influenced by the person she lives with, the president of the “friends” club. I felt sorry for her. It is difficult when it’s your own spouse harming your work environment and the co-workers you teach with everyday, peeking into windows after hours, harassing employees and holding “friends” meetings at your house when all you are trying to do is cook dinner. No wonder she had no other choice but to leave. How embarrassing.

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  72. If you have a problem with the Earl's why don't you talk to them directly. At least they went and talked face to face with the teachers, is that wrong? They met with Rosemary Koenig,Pete Wier, and Russ Bedard in an effort to try to understand what the real problem was. How many of you have met with Dr.Tomlin in person to listen to his side and look at the information he has to back up the administration side of this issue? As far as the clerk goes, what does that have to do with her parents? They are retired people that should be able to speak for themselves, they have a grandson that lives with them and goes to school at G.V. so they have more equity in this situation then a lot of the "friends"

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  73. Anonyms-

    I went to that meeting at the LDS church. Cheryl Riedinger WAS NOT there! I did not hear about it from her and did not discuss that meeting with her ever, although I know her well. When you refer to peeking in the windows, I have to wonder what you are referring to? The only "peeking in windows" story I have heard is one where Cheryl was teaching a parenting class at the school in the evening. One of the more vocal folks in the opposing group, (should we call them the UN-friendlies?) was caught peeking in. When Cheryl asked if she could help her, this unfriendly said she wanted to know what was going on. Apparently this unfriendly thought Cheryl was holding a secret meeting at the school, because one attendee of the class was a board member. Is there another window peeking incident? Because I have heard several people refer to one. Terry Elmore mentioned this in her IW article back in April. So hey, anonyms if there is another peeping Tom story out there, please enlighten us! It might be good to check your facts and be sure of your source. Has this has gotten so out of hand that the victim is actually repeatedly being the one accused?

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  74. Sorry but to all the above, until we rid ourselves of ALL of the unrestful ones including the disgrunted teachers, then we'll still have the "unfriends" od GV giving all that crap to the school board and Tomlin. Have you seen the "friends" ad in the local paper this week? Give me a break. There will be no healing until all that nonsense is gone. That bunch will never let it rest until we purge our community of all of them.

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  75. Wow "purge the community"? Sounds like a line from Nazi propoganda circa 1939. Unless everyone thinks like you do - they need to go?

    You can say that this all started when the "friends" were formed. I say it started when the district hired someone they didn't fully check out to be super.

    And Mommy you're right. Cheryl did not attend that meeting and did not attend subsequent meetings. She has been persecuted and hung out to dry and I can tell you that very few people have ever gone to her personally to ask her anything. A 20-year veteran deserved better than that. She has educated kids here for a generation, started the pre-school program, worked with community justice, help parenting classes, sought her own education on special needs kids, etc. Ya, she sounds just awful. You all should be ashamed of yourselves for disparaging her like you have.

    Summers is NOT evil. She has done what she thought was right from the start. Do I believe in every position she has taken? No! But I believe she has a right to her opinion and I will always support that. Also, Valerie Akers accepted the postion and was seen at the school happily looking at classrooms this week. Summers was off camping since early Tuesday morning - not much chance to threaten and harrass anyone. Again, until we hear her side of the story we don't really know what the truth is. All we know is what Tomlin tells us. Just the way he likes it.

    As for the Earls, several people have talked to them with little success. They are defending Paula which I can certainly understand but for heaven's sake, don't try to act like you don't have a bias.

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  76. I was AT that first LSD meeting, and Cheryle most certainly WAS there...in fact, she was LEADING the meeting until she saw someone in particular from the other side walk in, and she immediatly said "I can't continue on, due to the fact that I work at the school", and asked Daryl to take over. You are full of it to say differently! You can probably call or email Valerie Aker herself and ask her about the calls from Summers...she will tell you the truth. Amazing that someone would defend someone who did something so horribly. I hope anyone who has a child that was going to be in kindergarten, or who has a special needs child calls Summers and chews her out for us losing one of the best, most qualified teachers to ever enter GV. Hang your heads in shame!

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  77. Old news - it has been corroberated that Cheryle R. began presiding at "the meeting," and then folded and left quickly when other-siders showed up. But that is under the bridge and she is down the highway. Move on.

    Nor is it "news" that Daryl R. is the peeper, harassing Paula F., window peeking in her office as she worked evenings and holidays until a legal restriction was sought and ultimately he reportedly was given a warning. Old news, but again, move on.

    A few easy phone calls also show that Summers' calls to Aker have been over several weeks even prior to her interview - seems Aker was willing to put up with one busy-body, but being written about and distributed to half a hundred people at the Monday meeting was the over the top. Smart gal. Don't need the money...don't waste your time and talent with these people.

    But your community might want to note that teachers are not elected officials, nor are they "public figures," and thus are not subject to ridicule by name.

    Speaking of which, neither is your small town part-time supt. He has remained remarkably legally quiet - smart money says he'll get a condo at the coast from the Friends at some point in the future.

    Regular observers note this may be a dem-repub thing as Tomlin was twice appointed to commissions by Kempthorne and Otter, and then follows Kress - noted Dem, and faces the IW - noted dem owners, and Summers, Marions...? Hmmm, that may the story line...

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  78. I have a question to all the bloggers that say Valerie Aker is so highly educated and has so much to offer.....Has anyone seen her work with children? If she is so highly educated why is she willing to drive to GV two days aweek and doesn't already have a job in Boise? Hmmmmm.....Makes me wonder why it was so easy to hire a Super mid year. Just because you have Dr. before your name or a certificate doesnt make you amazing! Garden Valley School district has found this out the hard way.

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  79. Interested ObserverAugust 14, 2010 at 9:28 PM

    @ last anonymous poster:

    Some people don't need the money. Some people want to do their job because they love what they do. Case in point: John Haworth, the math teacher. He doesn't have to have that job. He does it because he loves it and feels he can make a difference. Sam with Dr. Tomlin and Ms. Aker.

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  80. Boise Writer is very wise, and speaks the truth. I like them... it's time to move past some of these subjects. The big meeting, done. Riedingers & Fishers done...however, they did leave a tornado mess behind them, and that's why it's hard to just move past it without having hurt feelings. I wouldn't want to be those teachers coming back to work to face the super they TRIED to get rid of, spoke horrible things about him, and now have to work with him. Yikes..not fun. I would hide with my tail between my leg not saying a word, or else I'd go apologize for accusing him of things he did not do TO ME. As posted earlier, if he did these things to YOU, then be mad, make a fuss. But if you signed things just because someone harassed you into it, or because you were sticking up for your fellow college, then shame on you.

    Val Aker is well known for her work. You can check with any of the schools she has worked for and with. Her special ed skills are off the charts, and everyone knows that GV's SPED department is lacking. Did we mention that she even has her principal credits also? That's more than we had BEFORE! Whoever is responsible for running her out of town shouldn't be able to just get away with this...hopefully there are legal matters that the school can proceed with..such as harassing a teacher.

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  81. Boisewriter - was Val at the board meeting on Monday? The most public venue perpetuating what Marion presented to the board is on this blog - Angel wrote it. So unless Val was at the meeting the only way she would have even known what went on is by reading it right here. As far as I know there was no widespread movement to keep Val from coming here. There was a question by one patron and she was hired anyway. I'm not buying that Marion Summers single handedly drove her away.

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  82. Well according to the super those teachers won't have to face him. According to him, he has nothing to do with teachers. He just pays the bills and keeps the buildings up and running.

    And regarding getting a condo because of the friends......some think that this has been the game all along. The big payday at the expense of the district. I guess we'll see.

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  83. Friends and UN-friends, and everyone else in the community: All of this is disgusting. Let Dr Tomlin do his job, let Mr Vian do his job, let all of the teachers do their jobs (ie, "teach") (and this comment is also directed at the teachers who have a problem with Tomlin). If everyone would just stand back and look at the big picture here, it would be blatantly obvious that this is just a forum for disgruntled people and has nothing to do with the kid's education. If everyone is so concerned about the kids and the school, then please stop all of this crap and work together to educate the kids!!! (and stop teaching them how to be mean and spiteful, for God's sake!!!!) Geez! And I do agree, someone, or even several someones (and you know who you are) should apologize to Valerie Aker. You really did shoot yourselves in the foot with this one. She would have been WONDERFUL for those kids!

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  84. I am in total agreement with the last Anonymous poster...let everyone do their jobs! And to "Whatever" -- let the much maligned, harassed and trodded upon school board also do their job -- that means upholding the contract as they have been doing so well -- no matter what anyone screams at them to do otherwise. That way the district will never have to do the big "payday" as you call it, because the board will NEVER cave to the masses by illegally breeching a contract to the tune of $2-300,000. Next time any concerned citizens complain to their trustees, ask about contracts, just cause dismissal and breech of contracts. YES, PLEASE, just let everyone do their jobs, treat everyone with respect, and get on with the good life we all have here, which we are trying our best to kill.

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  85. Boisewriter - your last paragraph is ridiculous. Give me a break.

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  86. I think it's a great example to children to stand up for what you believe in even if it comes at great personal cost. Many of the teachers who are concerned know that speaking out would be somewhat dangerous, tipping their hand on where they stood. And as we've seen, being vocal at the school just brings a lot of heartache and scrutiny on the person speaking. So I say good job to those who have stood up for what they believe in. It takes guts.

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  87. Good job to those that actually have a reason to complain...the rest, probably about 15 of the 17 that signed a petition should hang their heads in shame for being a "follower". Something we train our children NOT to do. I don't want a bunch of cowards, that are afraid to stand up to their co workers and say "sorry it's happening to you, but he's never done anything to me, so I'm not comfortable signing that". They SHOULD be afraid of how it'll be now that they did that, saying things that weren't true, dragging someones name through the dirt for no reason..I'd be out looking for another job if it were me. Especially those that aren't actually teachers, the aides & whomever that chose to voice an opinion that had nothing to do with them personally....silly move!

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  88. The teachers didn't say anything that was untrue and that is FACT. You should hang your head in shame for blindly believing everything the "anti-friends" say.

    Don't confuse the teaching staff with the FOGV.

    Don't EVEN insinuate that I signed anything without a lot of careful thought and consideration. I am most definitely NOT a blind follower but I do know when enough is enough. I want all the children in school to know that it is ok to stand up for what you believe in a respectful way. I have been nothing but respectful in all my dealings. I have checked facts and tried to go to the source for information but was given a lot of information that I believe was meant to take the heat off the district office and put it onto someone else.

    I would think that this community would give tenured staff and long-time residents at least SOME consideration before following someone who has no history here. We deserve more than that from all of you.

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  89. Because the way you did things was so horrible, your credibility went down the tubes with most of the community. Jobs are hard to find these days, so many up here are laid off and yet the teachers want to cause this chaos? I have a hard time believing that you thought about it before you signed it. What you did was read what SOMEONE else showed you, listened to what SOMEONE else told you, and then signed. You can NOT tell me, with all honesty that he has ever done anything to YOU PERSONALLY that makes you feel the way you do...I have read and heard everything the teachers have claimed, and it's all a laughing joke to me. I personally went into Tomlins office to read the staff letters of complaints and could hardly control myself from laughing. Really.....he told someone their shoes were cute and that was reason to file a complaint? Sounds like middle school girl issues.

    No one is confusing the FOGV with the teachers..did it say that somewhere? The only connection between the 2 of them is that the friends keep saying they are "doing it for the teachers sake". I remember not that long ago when a handful of teachers were talking with me and said "I wish those "friends" would quit saying they are helping me, I haven't asked them for any help, and I'm offended that they keep saying so". The friends are in a league of their own, that's for sure. Anyone with any common sense knows they are just trouble makers looking for ANYTHING to jump on.

    The community is wise enough to trust the truth, and that is why a good portion of them are siding with Tomlin. It doesn't matter how "tenured" you are, or how long you've lived here, if you've taken the time to go in and read the complaints, and hear the other side of the story, then you know truth from fiction.

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  90. You read the complaints HE wanted you to see. In no way did you see all of the complaints.

    Also, please tell me how anything we did was horrible. We met with him personally and gave him the chance to speak with us. We went in open-minded. In fact I was really hoping I would have any misgivings put to rest but instead my fears were confirmed.

    Please don't try to even think that you know anything about me or any of the other teachers or staff members. If you don't work there then stay out of it. YOU KNOW NOTHING! You are the one anxious to believe anything you hear.

    You can say the community is wise enough to trust the truth but the fact is much of the community is wise enough to question what they are being fed.

    We totally understand that people are out of work and yes, we all need our jobs. Do you really think anyone would risk their jobs if it wasn't important? Just as I didn't want the FOGV speaking for me, I don't want you speaking for me either.

    So unless and until you are a teacher or staff member, please keep your unfounded and unwanted opinion to yourself.

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  91. So, if you see something wrong going on, you're advice is to do nothing? If it doesn't happen to you personally, say nothing? Remember the kid in the school yard getting beat up by a bully? You stood by and watched I suppose?

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  92. I read multiple (at least 7) "complaints" from staff (mostly not teachers) against Dr. Tomlin. They were all ridiculous. Some of them were lodged over a year after the supposed incident took place. Yeah, so he was too busy one day to discuss the Donkey Basketball event. He was trying to build a school! And someone felt dissed because of this and brings it up many months later? Give me a break!

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  93. Well if you only read 7, you didn't read them all. Wonder why?

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  94. I check this every couple of days and can't believe how many comments are here. I've learned some things though and I guess that's important.

    * At least one former board member likely misused her position in order to bully staff.

    * Cody Fisher's contract was finally clarified.

    * The school piddled away $7500

    * The "baby" incident was the fault of the super and the board.

    * The teachers and the FOGVSD are not affiliated in any way.

    * The anonymous e-mail situation will likely by one of the many reasons the super's contract will not be renewed.

    * A phone call scared away someone who was supposed to start at the school.

    * This blog was the likely source for the Kindergarten teacher knowing about Summers' report to the board.

    * The flow of information coming from the district seems to be controlled i.e. which complaints are shared.

    * We are all forming opinions based on only some of the information.

    * We need to have a better process for hiring people.

    * The board needs some more education on how to be a better boss.

    That about sums it up for me so far. Could have gotten there without 90+ posts but hey, everyone has something to say I guess.

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  95. Interested ObserverAugust 16, 2010 at 7:52 PM

    After all of this, why would anyone in GV ever want to volunteer for *any* position in the community? All you get is slandered, libeled and harassed. I wonder if you'll be able to find anyone who really cares willing to volunteer --- as opposed to those who have an agenda in their volunteering.

    Good luck with your community. You're going to need it.

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  96. "The community is wise enough to trust the truth, and that is why a good portion of them are siding with Tomlin."

    Seriously? I call a "good portion" of the community 320+ signatures on a petition requesting his recall. Not the paltry 50-60 signatures he waved in front of the teachers when he met with them, telling them that those people thought he was doing a great job.

    Did anybody here know that the reason the petition in support of the teachers, and requesting Dr. Tomlin's recall started because another petition was going around trying to save Dr. Tomlin's job?

    I hope this has enlightened you.

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  97. @most recent Anonymous: Dr. Tomlin cannot be "recalled." He is not an elected official.

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  98. O Bother:

    You are correct. It was a request for his resignation.

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