Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Anarchists? Revolutionaries? A Hot Night at The School Board Meeting

Poor old Charles the First just wanted to be taken seriously. He was king under God and by gum, he deserved some respect. Parliament had other ideas. I wondered the other night at the school board meeting, which was better? Being led by someone who believed he had divine right to rule over the multitudes or by a group of people who thought they were serving the masses but were really only working for another tyrant, Oliver Cromwell, who turned out to be a pretty bloody nasty cup of tea.

One way or another, someone leads and all the others follow. These are the little gnidges that run through the gray cells while listening to a mass of people all expressing the same uneasiness, via different levels of vexation and distress, to veering upon threats.

None of the concerns were surprising, having been there before:

1) Gee, we didn’t pass the levy, so golly, some staffers will have to be let go: What caused one to jolt in one’s crowded little seat space was the bewilderment of so many patrons and teachers, caused by the realization that some people will actually lose their jobs. Did they think Principal Bob Vian was kidding when he stated vehemently, many times, that the result of not passing the levy would be “draconian. We do not want to go there...if the levy doesn’t pass...we’ve looked at salary cuts, day cuts, staff cuts.” ...or when Superintendent Tomlin said, “If it doesn’t pass, very likely athletics will go, some or all elective programs will have to be severely cut or cancelled altogether.”

2) John Haworth is a teacher whom patrons don’t want to lose. The math teacher has rallied his devotees to a frothing defense of him and his superlative teaching skills, ad nauseam. In reading a letter he sent to his supporters, which was accidentally (?) sent to this news blog, it wasn’t difficult to see where the source of the rabble-rousing spouts. On top of holding anti-establishment meetings in his classroom, he’s clearly done something to affect his noble standing with his superiors, having been put on probation, which he keeps talking about (although the board was not at liberty to answer him or patrons on this matter). His letter states that the principal and superintendent want him to dumb down his teaching. Knowing the standards of both fine educators, Vian and Tomlin, it is hard to conceive of them asking a good teacher to alter his skills as a communicator or to not give every child the best education he can. I am not privy to the words the math teacher’s superiors used when asking the math teacher to dumb down, but it is likely that there has been a miscommunication.


Yes, John is probably right—if he’s a creative, innovative and demanding teacher about which, to his credit, he seems to have no false humility, it would be a degradation of his genius to have to dumb down. A perfect teacher, yes. On the other hand, smart people usually figure out who their employers are—it appears this enlightenment has yet to be achieved. He might be perceived as being a less than perfect candidate for employment. Perhaps a school of his own would be in line, whereby the world at large would have the privilege of his teaching prowess and would be a better place indeed.

3) Anne Keddy-Hector aka Delores Bedard Public Records Request over-charge: It appears that since this fiasco is in litigation, we can no longer talk about it. Thank goodness. You got yourselves into this one, guess you can try to cheat the school out of a few bucks and cause a bit more grief in the process. Have at it. Taxpayers will thank you for it.

4) Legal bills for presence of attorney during school board meetings. Hmm, what to say about this one that hasn’t already been said. Let’s say it again. Long time ago, the Fiends of the Garden Valley School District began harassing the school administration, over just about everything. If one opened one’s mouth or kept mum, it didn’t matter, it was going to be scrutinized and deemed suspect, by the Fiends. Every day there was the necessity of communicating with the District’s attorney, either by e-mail or telephone. This cost an enormous amount of money to defend the District constantly from the harassment, threats and accusations of these patrons and teachers—none of which, it appears, ever had any validity. If it did, we would have heard about it, yes? At some point, a board member advised saving funds by striking a deal with the District’s attorney to attend meetings at a reduced fee, thus saving the District money and time-lag of advice. If patrons want to complain about the cost of defense and careful administration, gee—the District could go back to calls and e-mails...no one complained then. Good idea.

5) Snipes at Dr. Tomlin: This one is so much fun for everyone. No matter how the board tries to get the community to avoid personal attacks on administration, staff and students, we somehow manage to get around this. Sigh. We may be stuck with the old fart for awhile yet...sigh. Someone or two or...don’t know, don’t care...managed to mention 300 signatures, don’t let the lay-offs be in relation to “No Confidence”, system is broken, laying off across the board, getting rid of...sigh...
One patron after another suggested to the board that when Bob Vian and Mike Tomlin informed staff members who possibly would be affected by cuts, they acted without the Board’s consent, telling the Board what the board already knew to not be true. The Board was too respectful to embarrass them in a full room, but they did come back and set the record straight. “The superintendent and principal do what the Board directs them to do.” Again, rumormongers have caused more trouble...sigh...Somehow, it just gets old.

Angel’s Picks: Highlights to look forward to in the new season:#1 Best: We had a taste of the new board the other night. Rob Hazen was appointed by the board to sit in as interim trustee for the rest of the school year—some board trustees were adamant that the Zone II seat be filled for full board consideration of budgetary cuts. Rob is also a candidate for the May election of Zone II. He brings some strong sentiments to the board; some yet remain to be exposed. We had a visit from the “newbie”, as the lone Lowman candidate described himself. With his own strong opinions, which he had no trouble expressing, he will add another masculine bit o’ spice to the mix. I predict a struggle within the alpha male sector of the new board, considering Alan Ward’s virile frowning, leaning back away from the table posturing-- we will see some heads roll or at least some blood for sure. Never underestimate the power of a good woman, though, who has already proven herself to be a first-rate warrior. Terry Elmore may prevail.

#2. The administration may see some definitive victories coming from litigations against the school district. I predict a sure positive outcome against the Bedard disaster, much like the judgment against the kindergarten teacher’s accusations last year. Blood has already been spilled on this field though, so no victory can heal the wounds that have been inflicted.

#3. There are a lot of patrons who think it will be possible for the GV School District to find creative solutions to save jobs, keep programs and continue giving the students an A-1 education. I predict the administration will pull miracles out of the hat. We may be a bunch of socialists, anarchists, fascists, liberals or pacifists, but I’d like to think that our mission is guided by a deep love of the kids and their education. Any other motivations should be left at the door.

>
{New policy on comments, due to abuse. Sorry folks, hate to be a policeman, but please sign your names or come on with your Google , etc. ID. If you choose to be here anonymously, I may have to delete the content of any nasty comments or name-calling. Let's keep this civil. )

55 comments:

  1. I think Rob Hazen was a good choice if the board was wanting to end the election and show their favorite. Once again they don't want the people to be heard, but appoint.

    Yes, there will still be an election, but really why bother?

    Then they actually listen to the people and won't even say "levy," which is good, and yet cower from their duty to meet the budget cuts forcing more uncertainty among staff.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow Angel - what are you smoking?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Smoking maybe, but definately at the meeting.

    So any truth to the rumor the math teacher is his own anonymous $3,000 scholarship donor, trying to buy his job by threatening to pull the scholarship if he is not rehired?

    No one could be that sleazy and unethical, but the speculation passed through a few folks today.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good job, Angel! There will be a lot of people closely watching this new board come July and holding them accountable. I wouldn't want to be on that board.

    8:04: Haven't heard that rumor, but have heard that the math teacher is independently wealthy and doesn't need to teach. So could be true...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I only saw part of the meeting but the grass roots support for the teacher seemed planned and contrived. Now I see he actually solicited support? L O S E R.

    He may be good with some kids, but with that ego and attitude I'll keep mine away from him.

    And I didn't see any actions on the agenda about a math teacher - why was this happening Monday anyway? Did I just overlook it?

    ReplyDelete
  6. The math teacher did not solicit the letters - many letters were presented to the board and administration which was a true grass roots effort to keep a great educator - something that would have been done for a number of our great teachers at GVSD had they been the ones in the crosshairs for no other reason than to teach a lesson about speaking up. This is not about his teaching - it's about his opinions. If you choose to keep your children away from him - they will be missing out on a great education and you will win the spite game.

    As far as the appointment went, it's the law that the board WILL appoint. And if they didn't want to appear to endorse a particular candidate, they could have chosen another applicant who was not running in the election.

    People will lose jobs - everyone at the school knows that but the tactic Tomlin supported truly was Draconian and unnecessary. Lay off only those who need to be laid off. But no one asks the people in question which way they would prefer - just more dictating.

    And Vian - we now hear that he planned on declining the offer if a contract was extended. He did announce this a a group of people waiting in the halls while executive session was going on. It made many wonder why the board would put it on the agenda and even discuss the matter if he was truly going to decline. Sorry not buying it after the fact.

    I won't underestimate the power of a good woman on the board. Thank God we have one in Laurie Snyder.

    ReplyDelete
  7. And your facts that the math teacher did not solicit the letters are....? You can prove a negative...? Show your proof.

    ReplyDelete
  8. How about you show yours! I have talked to the math teacher and several of the people who showed support by reading the letters. The math teacher and many others are amazing. The support shown would have been given to any number of them not just him. I spoke to him in the hall during the break. I'm confident this was not his doing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. As a parent I get tired of all of the hoorahs for Mr. Haworth. I understand he is a great teacher for many students. But teachers have to at least be a good teacher for all students.

    Sometimes it is easier to coach champions than 3rd stringers - and all 3rd stringers are not there for lack of effort. Some try and work hard and just aren't real good. Coaches can set them at the end of the bench but teachers should not.

    Our math teacher continually flashes his success with high achievers - okay, I'm sold. Now teach the rest like you're supposed to.

    And if I hear once more from that so-called preacher who brags so pridefully about his kids - over mine...how Christian is that?

    ReplyDelete
  10. 8:31 - you miss the point entirely. Many of not most of the 50 letters of support are from the parents of kids who are not the champions - not the most gifted in math. To use your analogy they are the 3rd stringers - my child is one of those kids and he works with them where they are and takes it upon himself to give extra help to anyone and everyone. I do know of one parent who has complained but you have to understand the history of that particular parent - they always complain if the kids have to do homework or frankly work hard. The administration was looking for anything to use to force him out. Hey - this is nothing new. It's a tactic used (successfully) by this regime.

    And please tell me you're not running down Earnest for giving an example of his child being prepared for a rigorous math program. I saw nothing "prideful" in his address at all. He's a dad who cares about his kids and yours too. Shame on you for such a comment.

    Once again - most thinking people know that this is not about the math teacher's teaching. The administration has picked on and picked off anyone who doesn't just bow thier heads and say "yessir". This is just one more example of how this administration puts their own self-interests above those of the kids.

    What you should be asking yourself is "who's next?" We've already seen another long-term teacher be run down behind his back from his boss to many parents and patrons - suddenly he doesn't do a good job either and suddenly the principal can take that job on (all without speaking to the teacher in question). Kinda funny that he was a darling of the district until he spoke up at a public meeting.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kathleen @ 11:02...can't you just stay off this blog, and stay on the evil one where there are others that feel the same way you do? Good grief!

    My child came home from school the other day literally SICK to his stomach that he was getting ready to take a test in Math the next day, on something they just received that day, and had NO teaching on it. NONE! When asked why he didn't ask the teacher for help, the teachers reply was "I'm too busy with meetings this week to help". He had meetings EVERY morning, EVERY evening after school, DURING his prep hour.... too busy drumming up support for himself, and drumming up folks to bash the Administration instead of teaching the students, but yet some stood and applauded him at the meeting? What is wrong with you people? Can't you see that he is only teaching to the high end kids that can figure things out on his own? My child tells me that for the past few months, Haworth spends all his time on private phone calls (private because when you walk in the room, he quickly says "I'll have to call you back" and hangs up)...meetings DURING class time in the halls with fellow teachers/supporters, meetings during his prep hour (shouldn't he be prepping for class, no wonder my kid is struggling in there), and then meetings until late into the evenings. If he's so good, why does he have to defend himself like that???? I'm sick and tired of the Haworth nonsense, and shame on the people who stood up and made FOOLS of themselves doing so at the meeting. He wasn't even ON THE AGENDA to be discussed, why did his name have to come back up again? Is he worried? He should be, because folks like me are REAL close to pulling their kids out of that crazy class! I'd rather they take on line classes than be treated like he is treating them. He more or less is telling them "I can't worry about you right now, I have my own problems to deal with". Some teacher that is!

    ReplyDelete
  12. 8:58 - I'm at the school often and I also have a child in his class. Your post is just simply nonsense. Put if I were Mr. H, I would be speaking to my lawyer about what's going on because it just isn't right. You're just used to seeing people resign under the same treatment. He's just stubborn enough to see it through - and good for him.

    And by the way, I'm 11:02 and most definitely NOT Kathleen. I think it's funny that you continue to try to guess or that you assume there is only one person who can string a few words together coherently.

    I talked to a mom I respect who read a great letter at the meeting. I was surprised and asked if she knew he was on the agenda - it was the executive session item that talked about personnel. They did think it pertained to him but admitted they could be wrong. Either way it doesn't really matter. They certainly were not fools - I thought it made the administration and board look foolish on the matter. They clearly underestimated the teacher and the community - again. If it were another great teacher - the same kind of support would be shown because frankly we're tired of losing the people who will be preparing our kids for the next part of life.

    And if Mr. H has been on edge - imagine what you would feel like of every day you were being picked at - I can imagine it is stressful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I really don't appreciate my hard-earned tax being spent paying the salary of people who have nothing better to do than comment on blogs all day. Keep your opinions to yourselves until you get home from work.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anon 8:04,

    It will be interesting to see who wrote the check Mr. Updike presented to the board. Thanks for raising the question.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So you're saying I'm making up the story my son just told me? I think not....please don't try to tell me what my own kid said and is feeling. Just because YOU are happy with him, and YOUR kid is doing well, doesn't mean everyone else is. That's the whole problem with this situation, the only people that are standing up and defending him are the ones who have kids doing well in the class. Let me tell you another story. I have a friend whose son is not doing well in the class either. She filed a letter of complaint against Mr. Haworth. She got SO much flack from doing it, she pulled her letter, simply because she couldn't stand the pressure she was receiving over it. When I talked to her, she cried and said "how is that fair...I can't even stick up for my own kid, who is FAILING math, because of the community hassle I have received". Now I imagaine you'll tell me that story is made up too. NO....you just can't open your eyes and realize maybe he's not as good as you think he is.

    I'm sick of you trying to tell me who you aren't. It's as obvious as the nose on your face! But who care...post away!

    On the edge...that's putting it mild. If he'd just get in there and do his job, do what his "boss" asked him to do, he'd be just fine. The only reason he's stressed is because HE created all this mess, and chose to fight it instead of doing what he was asked. He's being a rebel, and yet we want to embrace him? What a sad world this has become. Rules??? What good are they? Fight the system, fight the power! BIG, BIG SIGH!

    P.S. Angel, I love that your post go on automatically. At the other "evil blog", it has to be approved by Kathleen before it post, which is a bummer, because you can't say what you really feel. She cherry picks and puts on what SHE wants people to hear.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Annon 9:17...who said anyone was at work? You're guessing again

    ReplyDelete
  17. Angel – great article!

    Annon 9:17 I'm not at work... I assume you are.

    I don’t know the math teacher (Mr. Blank as we got to know him at the meeting). That said, my impression from when he has spoken in meetings is that he is very self centered and needs to learn to tone it down. Don’t know about his teaching skills but if he teaches the same way he acts in public than my kids would not be going in his class. My high school math teacher was an incredible teacher who had lasting positive influences on his students. I’m pretty sure Mr. Blank’s overall behaviors are not what I want my kids to be influenced by.

    As for our administrative staff; the administrative staff at GVSD is lean with less than three full time employees. Take the Boise School District for comparison; they have over 200 employees listed as administration according to ouridaho.com. This includes numerous administrative employees who specialize in one area or another. In GVSD these three individuals are expected to fulfill all the same requirements and job responsibilities as those being done by the bloated Boise School District; including staying current and acting on State and Federal Government’s ever changing requirements.
    Additionally, the GVSD is small and very visible to the public and they get lots of criticism from half informed, misguided do-gooders. In Boise they have people like Public Affairs staff (x-reporters like Dan Haller) to deal with many of the issues the GV superintendent deals with on a daily basis. In GV we are fortunate we can contact the supper or our board members directly without any filters or layers of bureaucracy. Speaking first hand, they are great listeners and genuinely involved.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Annon 9:17...not that it's ANY of your business, but I don't leave for work until later in the day, but thanks for asking, and thanks for caring.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Annon 9:17 If you are keeping score, I’m not at work.

    This whole mess reminds me of the recent flood in Caldwell. It only took one gopher to dig a hole in the wrong place and make a lot of people’s lives miserable! Got to love those rodents…

    ReplyDelete
  20. Too funny annon 10:45...I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The letter you're talking about was asked for and used for political purposes unbeknownst to the parent. Oh yes it wasn't fair - she even said so. She was angry and upset with the principal for using a situation for his own gain - not to help a child.

    By the way - ask the parent of every high school student how they are doing in EVERY class. I'm sure you would hear that some classes are better then others, some teachers take time with them, some could not care less. That is not the point. My guess is that there is absolutely no teacher that every single student learns best from. I could give you specific examples of that with other teachers but I don't want any more of them on the hot seat. We just realize the situation and deal with it. My child will be taking an IDLA class next year for a core requirement because we are not satisfied with the class. We don't write letters and try to get the teacher fired or disciplined - not that they would get disciplined for poor performance because they are "quiet". That is the total issue here - you just can't show dissent of any kind or you have a big target on your back.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I happened across this blog after reading about the GV School issue at the boiseguardian a few times. While I don't know all the your local issues, I do see this ripping your community apart. The anon. comments on this blog don't help much either. Accusations are abound that probably would not happen, if each poster actually posted under their real name.

    This conversation above and the other recent comments in articles about the school bond remind of this theory on the internet(warning: Profanity in the link) http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4650/intratnetdumbqv9.jpg

    ....I will know go back to my life in Boise.

    ReplyDelete
  24. First of all, Mr. Haworth was not scheduled on the agenda. However, it's all about him ! Yes, Mr. Haworth's appearance at the Board meeting was orchestrated by Mr. Haworth . Mr. Updike simply provided backup. It's called insubordination not dissent - look it up ! That is part of Mr. Haworth's teaching style, too, part of what he is demonstrating through his actions to your children .


    "There are a lot of patrons who think it will be possible for the GV School District to find creative solutions to save jobs, keep programs and continue giving the students an A-1 education. I predict... "

    the board will offer a contract to Cody Fisher ~ Teachers write your own job description - Cody will approve.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would love to see the attention off of Mr. Haworth and back on the idiots who put him on probation in the first place. People have a right to defend themselves when being wrongly accused and attacked. If someone in a leadership position makes a mistake or violates the rights of employees - they deserve to be called on the carpet for it. Standing up for yourself is not insubordination - look it up.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Please folks, if you think it's necessary to call your neighbors names, choose a google identification or use your own name. This blog use to require google IDs, which was a good idea, but prevented a lot of users from commenting. I'd like to keep this open to the community at large--so let's keep it somewhat civil.

    ReplyDelete
  27. "If someone in a leadership position makes a mistake or violates the rights of employees..."..are you serious? The Principal receives numerous complaints about a teacher and therefore speaks to him about it. The teacher refuses to change or work with the principal, therefore being insubordinate, and you say the Principal is wrong???? Do you even listen to yourself as your writing? That's total nonsense and pure stupidy! I sure hope your child never has a problem that you want addressed. I guess the princiapl should have just told the mom "figure it out yourself, put them on IDLA, home school them, whatever it takes". Yes, that would solve all the problems. And Annon 12:37...Haworth wasn't even ON the agenda, so the attention WAS off him until a parent put it back on him. He loves the spotlight, so I'm sure he was thrilled with it.

    Clancey: You have no idea! "ripping the community apart" is putting it mild. Friendships that have gone on for years are long gone. It's dog eat dog around here, very sad!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Annon 12:37...I did take the time to look up "insubordination"...and it reads ": disobedient to authority". That is EXACTLY what Mr. Haworth did. Period! Call a spade a spade for Pete's sake!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Did anyone find out who wrote that check? Surely the preacher had a cashiers check or something like that.

    If the teacher did, and he is really on probation, then he's done. That is as unethical as you can get. How do we find out who wrote it?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Someone could do a PRR for it, it's a public document.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The check was passed around for all the board members to see, and it was done in public forum, I don't think it was any secret. I'm sure someone out there knows who wrote the check...and I'm telling you...if it WAS Haworth, what a joke. He post an "anonymous" donation, in the form of a check with his own name? Talk about "buying" his job...wouldn't that be considered a bribe? I believe the pastor also made the comment about "if he's not here next year we won't have that donation"...another bribe or threat. It was done in public.I'll call the BM tomorrow and see if that information is public knowledge or not. I can hardly wait to find out...come on morning!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I didn't realize everyone had seen the check in the open meeting. Mystery solved. I can't imagine it was Haworth or that would already be out.

    Let's be cool, no more comments about him, let's not ruin the man. The truth will likely clear it up. And if it's not Haworth, then we don't really need to know.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 9:11 - finally some sense. This donation was also made last year and it wasn't the subject of negative speculation then. Are we really upset with someone making a donation? Maybe the naysayers would like to open their checkbooks as well.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anon 9:11 and 11:08,

    Right on. And if this truly is an anonymous donation enough said - in fact too much said.

    I am not a conspiracy buff. But it is evidently easily proved if the teacher is trying to bribe his own job safety - hopefully not. But it couldn't be tolerated if he is. An ethical breach of that proportion and his good work will have been for naught.

    ReplyDelete
  36. It's funny how one of the commenters calls the other blog "evil" when the regular commenters on this blog are so mean.

    This is not the first year for that same scholarship - the first year was last year and announced about the same time since graduation is right around the corner. Last year's contribution was made prior to the teacher in question being in any hot water so I don't see the connection.

    I don't know who the contributor is - it's pretty clear it was meant to be anonymous.

    But hey if you can't impeach a person's ability then I guess your next strategy is to make character assasinations. Again with no thought to the education of the students of GVSD.

    ReplyDelete
  37. New policy on comments, due to abuse. Sorry folks, hate to be a policeman, but please sign your names or come on with your Google , etc. ID. If you choose to be here anonymously, I may have to delete the content of any nasty comments or name-calling. Let's keep this civil.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Not unethical in the least. You're grasping here............

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  42. The check was signed by John Haworth. If it was supposed to have been anonymous, it could have been sealed in an envelope. It was presented in open meeting to the board. I asked my board trustee. Ask yours if you want clarification.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ok people, how would you like a bit about Mr. H. from an actual student? A firsthand account?
    I am in a very demanding class. I work really hard, every day. There are some times where I can't keep up. Then I go in after school to get help, and there are often many other students there, and he does his very best to help us all out. Last week, he was so busy trying to keep his job that he said he wasn't availabe all week. He ended up coming in Thursday and Friday for the kids.
    He IS there, he DOES teach. There are teachers at the school who I do not support at all becuase of their lack of teaching, but mr. h is NOT one of them.
    My advice is this:
    Please get firsthand information from more than one person before you go out complaining about this teacher. This is why he is in peril of losing his job.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ok, looking through this. the other "evil" blog, isn't written by Kathleen, sorry folks. I live 12 miles from her house, and we talk on occation. Listening helps a lot. Please people, don't assume.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Katie -- you do not know why Mr. H. is in peril of losing his job, nor does any other teacher, student or community member. He, the board, and his boss are the only ones that know the story -- and it isn't necessarily a perilous slope he is on. They are the only ones that know, as this is a personnel matter -- they are the ONLY ones that SHOULD know. Everyone else should just keep their opinions and guessing to themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hillbilly-
    I pretty much agree with your statement completely. I don't know the whole story. I know that for a while we were in danger of losing him. I guess all I was trying to get across was that people should say only what they know, not what they assume. "In peril of losing his job" was not good word choice, and I appoligize.
    No one seems to talk about the majority of students' points of view, just a few angry parents, so I thought I'd enlighten you about a typical day for the majority of students.
    I'm sorry if you took my comment badly.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I didn't take it badly Katie. Too many people are just being mean spirited -- not you, I appreciate hearing from a student's view. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Shame on the trustee for sharing the name of an anonymous donation.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Are YOU KIDDING me GVPARENT??!! If it is an anonymous donation -- it should be done in a form of a cashiers check, money order, or something other than a personal check in public meeting. Shame on Mr. Updike for using his respectable community position to present an "anonymous" donation in a public meeting to the entire board -- where anyone has the right to ask who it was from. Enough said.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hillbilly....so agree with you! The donation was made, explicitly, during open meeting, so anyone can request the info on who made the donation. I wonder how the media will feel about finding out that our math teacher has attempted to secure his position the past two years by offering math awards? Can you say "conflict of interest?"

    ReplyDelete
  51. No I'm not kidding you. Since when does the district complain about scholarship money? And please don't forget that this is not the first year for that same scholarship. You're trying to take something good and twist it to fit your own agenda.

    And Edunn - you didn't seem to mind last year when you were on the board. When Mr. Updike announced that is was anonymous and handed it to a district official - then it should have remained anonymous. Unfortunately it's no secret who spilled the beans - and that's a real shame. A leader in the district should have more class than that - and certainly more discretion.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Gvparent: I was not on the board last year when the scholarship was presented. However, I've spoken with a member who *was* on the board at the time, and last year the check was not presented in open session as this year. It was given to the district and the announcement of the anonymous donation was made in open session. This year, the check was presented in open session, therefore it is public, in spite of the fact that it was deemed "anonymous." It is the right of any patron to request who made that donation as the signed check was presented in open session. Are you saying that everything should be "transparent" only when you want it to be? Was the trustee, when asked "Who signed the check", supposed to not answer? Where's the transparency in that?

    If Mr. Haworth had truly wanted the donation to be anonymous, as it was last year, he would not have had Mr. Updike make a public display of the presentation of the check.

    A copy of the donation receipt issued to Mr. Haworth has been requested and received by a patron through a PRR.

    ReplyDelete
  53. edunn - Yes this district seems to have a self-serving policy when it comes to PRR. If it serves their "agenda" then they will cough up the records - if not, then no dice.

    You are actually making a federal case out of someone making a donation to help students. If the district has a problem with who and how the money was received, then they should return it immediately and issue a stern warning to anyone else who wants to donate that we just don't do that around here. That oughta teach those awful people.

    Thank you to whomever donated the money for supporting an important program.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Noted, gvparent. And the "whoever" is the math teacher, Haworth. I'm hoping that the admin will turn down his donation as it seems to be self serving.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ya, I can see how you might think giving a student a $3000 scholarship would be self-serving. It would be in the best interest of the students to give it back.

    ReplyDelete