To: Timothy.Baird@eusd.net, maureen.muir@eusd.net, Marla.Strich@eusd.net, carol.skiljan@eusd.net, emily.andrade@eusd.net, gregg.sonken@eusd.net, Leighangela.Brady@eusd.net, adriana.chavarin@eusd.net$6500 is a fraction of what the district is believed to have spent on its La Quinta Resort boozefest for board members and executives.
Good Morning-
I would like to invite you ALL to visit PEC today and work for 30 minutes in any of the 13 classrooms without A/C. Yesterday I took a photo of the classroom temp at pick up (79 degrees) and another class at Back to School Night (78 degrees at 7 pm). I understand the district has sent a fan for each classroom. This fan is so loud that the teachers can not use while they are giving instruction. Also, in the old buildings, window's don’t all open to give a cross draft, so the fans can move cooler air instead of the hot air in the class. We have already had 2 hot weeks starting the year and my kids leave the school, red, sweaty and tired, not the most optimum conditions to learn in. The district was aware of this problem from last year and it is sad it has not been fixed. I know the district is proud of it’s solar tubes, panels and new furniture at other schools, but this is a joke, PEC is always overlooked when it comes to basic necessities.
On Amazon you can buy portable AC units that will cool up to 500 sq./ft for $500 with free shipping. That would be $6500 to keep PEC cool and learning. I urge you to remedy this situation. If the classrooms stay so warm, I am certain you are losing much needed teacher instruction time. $6500 is not an unreasonable amount of money to ensure ALL kids in EUSD are able to learn in a comfortable environment.
Again, please go visit the classes to see for yourself.
Thanks,
Elizabeth Shany
UPDATE: After public shaming, Baird relents and gives kids air-conditioning!
Sorry, Tipsy spent your money for air conditioners on libations.
ReplyDeleteAt LaQuinta.
Tim should be FIRED and the board members who participated should be recalled or not re-elected!
ReplyDeleteSomeone said that Tim is up for another raise next Monday - if this is true, I would like to contact the news? Are they still drunk from their taxpayer get away?
ReplyDeleteCall Jon and Ken radio show, KFI640 am. They love to kick these idiot buerocrats in the teeth over this sort of thing.
DeleteContact TURKO at KUSI and get him involved. I guarantee Baird and his band of Board members will take notice right away and get something done.
DeleteThere is no excuse for this. Baird should be fired. Let's get someone in there who actually cares about children and not MONEY.
Four of the Board members don't even have kids in the District.
DeleteGuess which ones attended that Retreat.
Don't call Turko, that tired jackass shouldn't even be on the air, then again,KUSI and Dan Plante shouldn't be on the air, lol....
Delete79 degrees.
ReplyDeleteseriously? First-world problems.
I'm all for spending money wisely, and this appeared to be a pleasure junket with very little value. But I would view spending $6500 on A/C units to drop the temperature from 79 to 74 for 2-3 weeks of the year to be almost as wasteful. 50 years worth of kids have grown and learned in those same classrooms just fine.
And yes, I have one former, and one current kid attending PEC.
You are certainly a caring person (NOT).
Delete11:54 Agree. I went to middle school in Bakersfield with no A/C. It was 90+ at times. That being said, does the district have across the board standards?
DeleteDoes Baird's office have AC?
DeleteNot sure the school needs across the board standards. A school in Olivenhein needs A/C. PEC, which is ~300 yds. from the ocean, doesn't.
DeleteBaird's retort to crisis "Let them eat cake!".
ReplyDeleteMake mine caviar!!!
As a practicing Attorney, I don't believe they can even meet (retreat) without noticing the meeting - the bottom-line is that this was an illegal act.
ReplyDelete12:51 Interesting. That should be checked out for sure.
DeleteSomeone should call the Watchdog or Turko.
ReplyDeleteHow about you? You're "someone," right?
DeleteHow little some care about children. If they have any of their own, I feel sorry for their kids.
DeleteSaw it on the news a while back. Baird is buying portable air conditioners. All your faut, WCV.
DeleteThanks!
The President of the Board, Marla Strich approved the retreat boondoggle. She needs to step down off the board or pull her name from running this election!
ReplyDeleteShe had learned the latest dance steps to demonstrate at their retreat! Let them eat cake shuffle!
DeleteOnly one other candidate running.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for Jen Hamler!
Any additional write-in's?
Bottom line, PEC could use AC units but some of the Board felt a better use of the District money was on hotel suites, dining out and alcohol.
ReplyDeleteNot only did they show a lack of caring for the students but for the laws governing them as well. They are not fat cat CEOs or VIPs or Royalty. They are elected guardians of our children's future. They push the burden onto the Parents to pay for supplies & "non-essential" programs. They burden the Teachers and Administrators to teach what they approve. They were voted in by us on the promise to SERVE Encinitas, not be served to.
I have a few minutes free now that I have helped my PEC kid with homework in our un-air-conditioned sweat box, er, home.
ReplyDeleteSince 3:51, and 12:22 have suggested that I am not a "caring person," and feel sorry for my kids for suggesting that 74 degrees and 79 degrees are not very far apart, I ask a question:
My California public school education leads me to believe that the temperature range in question is five degrees. Apparently, if I supported air conditioning to 74, I would care about children. Apparently, at 79 degrees, I hate children. The question is, at what specific temperature did I start hating children?
A.) 75
B.) 76
C.) 77
D.) 78
E.) 79
Junket spending is not okay. It's a waste. But the letter writer used a poor example of responsible alternate spending.
Why can't your child do their own homework?
Delete6:48 Apparently anywhere between 75 and 79. Since you don't have any AC in your home, I bet you put a fan in your child's room when it gets HOT.
DeleteThat is what a loving parent would do.
I bet you drive around in an air conditioned car, don't you? Turn it off for a few days when it hits 80 or so and drive around with your windows rolled up. Maybe it will knock some sense into your head, but I doubt it.
DeleteThere is a BIG difference in how children handle heat compared to an adult. Children have immature sweat glands and sweat less than adults. Children's core body temps rise higher and more quickly than adults which leads to dehydration. Children who are overweight (and there are plenty of them) are at a higher risk for heat illness.
DeleteJust a few things to think about. This talk about not spending money on air conditioning for our children is complete nonsense. I would appreciate my tax dollars being spent for that than some big fancy retreat for the Board members and superintendent.
Good Gawd, some people hate Tim Baird so much that they are willing to look like utter fools. 79 degrees is hot? Have you ever been anywhere East of the 5?
DeleteJust wait a couple more decades, your NIMBY tax-cutting, libertarian fantasies will come true and the world will be a good ten degrees hotter.
We should be taking names now to assure that the descendants of climate change deniers are the ones waving the palm fronds over the kids with intelligent ancestors.
6:13, your time scale is off. Climate change is measured in decades. What happens in a specific location, on a specific day or year isn't relevant.
DeleteBasically, you are using wave action to refute the existence of tides.
All-time record Antarctic sea ice.
Deletehttp://www.reportingclimatescience.com/news-stories/article/antarctic-sea-ice-hits-a-new-record-extent.html
I know, I know. More sea ice is actually caused by Global Warming!
11:21:
DeleteIf one glacier is growing slowly, and 50 others are shrinking at the same rate, then describe what is happening to the total mass of ice in the system.
Cherry-picking data points that run counter to the dominant trend do not disprove the trend. Every single day, there are stocks that lose value. Shall we take them as evidence that capitalism doesn't work? Waves and tides.
"A new study shows that as Antarctica gains sea ice, it is simultaneously losing a net 125 cubic kilometres of land ice a year — not quite as much as Greenland, which is losing 375 cubic kilometres a year, but still a huge amount.
Over time, it's clear that Antarctic land mass is melting, and Arctic sea ice is melting. The small gains in Antarctic sea ice don't begin to make up for those massive losses."
http://www.businessinsider.com/arctic-sea-ice-grows-but-still-shrinking-2014-9#ixzz3CHTQ0lUp
11:21 stands proudly on the bank at Memphis, TN. Arm outstretched, index finger pointing defiantly toward an eddy.
Delete"You see? I told you. The Mississippi River flows North."
All of the riverboat captains in the world couldn't change his or her mind.
global warming is a crock of crap to create wealth for Al Gore and his kleptocrat friends- and yes, I voted for Obama, but feel free to call me a racist, birther, tea bagger or whatever else you need to so you can keep believing the lies of Gore , the UN and the Soros backed crooks
DeleteKeep telling yourself that, maybe it will become true. Gore was already rich before he wrote any books. Ok, birther, teabagger, un tin foil nut, hater of venture capitalists.lol
DeleteWow, we're going for the hyperbole now. For the record, I grew up in Pasadena, where it's regularly 100 on today's date, the traditional start of school. I sweltered in much hotter temps. So sorry, not much sympathy there. I took tests in high school in rooms that were a solid 85-90F. The kids will survive, trust me.
ReplyDeleteThat's rationalization for these people to party?
DeleteTRUST YOU???
DeleteNope, partying on the public dime, wrong. No connection to the lady's kid being in a 75+ classroom.
DeleteI used my head, it didn't hurt. It's called a false comparison...
I also attended California Pubic schools and they didn't have AC. It was in Los Angeles, and the temps there got pretty hot. So, I am not all that sympathetic either. I wish that the school board had shown a little more concern for, if nothing else, appearance. There are plenty of very nice conference rooms in the Mission Bay area and there are some nice hotels there too. Not sure why La Quinta was necessary, but I don't have all the facts, so I won't even speculate on why they chose to have it in the Palm Springs area.
ReplyDeletePalm Springs - casinos, night life, booze and expensive restaurants, fancy digs, beautiful scenery, sense of self-importance being there,
Deleteescapism - all on the taxpayers' dime.
But, what the hell, nobody is watching! The few that notice don't have the moxie to rock the boat - it'll blow over fast.
And Baird is up for performance evaluation? Sounds like this indulged, rubber stamping board will be borrowing Barth's "excellent" stamp! Treat your subservient minions well - it ain't your dime!
La Quinta - cheaper casinos, NASCAR dads. Best known for being sort of near places worth visiting and as hideout for L. Ron Hubbard. Largest three private employers are two golf resorts and the Wal Mart Supercenter. Aspires to be Palm Desert.
DeleteIn La Quinta, nobody is watching, for sure...too boring and sad.
Taxdollars= drinks at La Quinta= kids loose
ReplyDeleteDid the kids drink too?
DeleteThe kids may have been loose, but if they were drinking, they would have been tight, too.
DeleteWhoa, I think I just freaked myself out.
Tim blames it on politics.
ReplyDeleteJust answer the 3 easy questions:
How much did you spend?
Who attended?
Could the money of been spent on the classroom A/C or classroom supplies?
As a parent of 2, I won't be donating any money to the schools!
Tim Baird (Superintendent) and Marla Strich (Board President) must resign!
UT has Tim Baird as one on the highest paid in the State and now he wants another raise.
ReplyDeleteWhy is the Watchdog not on this?
ReplyDeleteThis was an illegal board action approved Marla Strich and Tim Baird.
ReplyDeletePTA -
ReplyDeleteAsk your parents for more money, so Tim Baird and this crooked board can go on another booze junket and make Tim the highest paid do nothing in the state.
He along with the board can care less about kids education. Its all about money and power trips for them. Sickening. I am also not giving another dime to the school's until the board fires Tim the loser.
When I become Global Emperor, everyone will have to read Strunk and White before using the internet.
DeleteThey made good writing simple.
The one that gets me is the inappropriate apostrophe, school's etc.
DeleteThere is no possessive case there people!
Degrading argument - now it's an English grammar test.
DeleteEverything is an English grammar test. Your ideas are judged by the words you choose.
DeleteWell, read between the lines then.
DeleteSlartibartfast!
DeleteBaird says he'll volunteer to cool the classrooms with his martini ice!
ReplyDeleteShaken, but not stirred.....
DeleteI understand that Marla Strich wants to give Tim Baird another raise for getting 3 times the appraised value for Pacific View - I can't argue with that one.
ReplyDeleteEven if he is one of the top earners in the state, Tim can make more money as a real estate broker!
ReplyDeleteWill the grammar police stop with the nonsense and stick to the subject? Obviously, you have nothing to offer except degradation.
ReplyDeleteGrammar police? You just don't get it, do you? This ridiculous thread started out disguised as a discussion about the supposed impact of Tim Baird's alleged profligacy on the quality of EUSD educational programs.
DeleteInstead it appears that someone let a bunch of monkeys loose at an internet cafe. Writing ability is reflective of educational quality, but many of the posters here seem to think the only thing that matters in education is how low they can get their tax bills.
It would be one thing if there were any evidence that their skinflint approach to education could produce anything of value, but their posts suggest otherwise.
5:56 As was stated previously, you are obviously on the wrong blog. You need to elevate yourself to a higher blog so that you may communicate on the same level. We are way beneath your expectations. You have pointed that out time and time again. Now, do us all a favor and start an educated blog of your own or just stop criticizing those who don't write like you think we should.
DeleteBye Bye. As they say, don't let the door hit you in the ass.
Laziness and lack of education are two different things. I see plenty of lazy thinking AND writing here. Personally attacking Tim Baird as a drunk thief who tortures EUSD students in heat boxes so he can enjoy lavish weekends with his fellow carpetbaggers is wrong whether it is expressed eloquently or written in crayon.
DeleteI'm not going anywhere, I have kids in EUSD, so this is my fight. Where I choose to take it up is entirely my business.
What's wrong with monkeys? Agree with the above. The lack of air conditioning at certain EUSD schools is wrongly being equated on a one to one basis with Baird and co's junket to PS.
DeleteAs if to say the money for the junket would have gone directly to swamp coolers had they not gone. The issue is was the trip legally allowed (you tell me) and is it ethical to go even if it is legal in bad economic times, or at any time for that matter.
That's it. But I do enjoy the climate talk, so party on Tim!
-MGJ
Good point MGJ. Tim Baird had $10,000 of funds that he could use for "discretionary use". Why he chose to use it the way he did is the question? AC in schools so close to the beach is another question. Maybe Paul Ecke would donate the AC if it is really that important. Pairing AC and Baird's trip waters down both issues. One at a time might be the way to go.
Delete10:42 - You don't understand - this is such a non-issue that the only real thing to talk about is grammar. Besides, the irony of posters complaining about "misdirected" funds who themselves seem to have been absent from early childhood classes (yes - grammar) is quite rich!!!
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
11:58 You must be the only one that feels that way. The rest of us are concerned for our kids.
DeleteA truly concerned parent would focus on substantive issues, not this "junket" stupidity.
Delete12:10 - how can that possibly be when there are at least 10 posts above that agree with my sentiments? "The rest of us are concerned for our kids".....sheesh....that's similar to "who doesn't love puppies"...all I can say is dear, bless your little heart..
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
The issue was the appropriateness of an expensive junket to Palm Springs. Legit or not, it doesn't bode well in austere times. It is the arrogance and lack of discretion that leads to questions of leadership.
Delete1:00 - I disagree. Junkets are a useful tool of corporate America. EUSD picked a very advantageous time (i.e. cheap rates) to have their junket. I will also argue that these times are not so "austere" as you would think. I agree that the current recovery is one of the most unfair in history, but "austere" it's not. As for the arrogance, lack of discretion and questions of leadership....well, he did just secure a 10M commitment for PV. As a previous poster remarked - not bad!
Delete- The Sculpin
The posts you refer to were more than likely written by one or two people. If you like your tax dollars wasted, then you have that right. Most of us would choose our children's welfare over spending money on a fancy retreat.
DeleteOh puleeze - you speak as if you have any control of where your tax dollars go. You don't. So drop the feigned indignation and make sure your kid does their homework.
Delete- The Sculpin
Try not be such a know it all when you don't know much as indicated by your posts. You try to act like you are the only one who knows anything at all. I beg to differ.
DeleteHa 2:14! That's a good one. Here's what I know. AC in schools has never been, and never will be an indicator of a students future success. Sure it's nice, but please, compared to the rest of the world it is a luxury. I also know that life is not fair. I also know that people who work hard tend to be much luckier than those who don't. I also know it's best to not to compare your plate to your neighbors to see if you've received your share, but rather compare his to yours to make sure he's received enough. Are you starting to get my point? Sorry, but to me all this hand wringing about a connection between a junket and AC in classrooms smacks of first class whining. It's not really about the kids, is it..........
Delete- The Sculpin
2:32 I have to say that you a first class ignoramous. If you believe in luck, then that says it all. There is no such thing as luck. It's hard work and determination that gets one where they are. Oh, and education plays a big part in that also. Obviously, you have missed that somewhere along the way in your life. You just being on this earth is a luxury afforded to you by some one. That was no luck. So, quit belly aching about spending a small amount of money on AC for teachers and students. What are you one of those who has theirs and screw everybody else? I thought so.
Delete3:39 - well, at least I'm first class in something! Thank you - but really, there must be an issue with your comprehension skills, as well as any knowledge of quaint sayings from the last century. Let me break it down for you. Working hard, by its very nature, creates opportunities. Those who do not work as hard, or hardly work, tend to perceive these types of opportunities as "luck". Said another way, those who hardly work see hard working people as "lucky", not hardworking. Thus the saying, tongue in cheek of course; "if you want to be lucky, work hard", and "the harder you work, the luckier you get".
DeleteI would also like to point out that it is wise to re-read your post before publishing it. If you had, you most likely would have written a very different post.
- The Sculpin
I have zero respect for this person called "Sculpin".
DeleteBy the way, a sculpin is a fish and is also called a "bullhead" or "sea scorpion". Sculpins are bottom-dwelling, inactive fish and generally are not considered tasty.
Sculpins are usually elongated with wide, heavy heads.
So fitting this person goes by "Sculpin". Got to love it.
3:57 More ignorant than I ever imagined. Good "luck" in all you do. You need it.
Delete3:39,
DeleteNo such thing as luck?
So I suppose it was through your own hard work that you were born in the United States, and not Somalia.
You earned your birthdate in a century when medicine advanced to the point that your mother was likely to survive childbirth.
You also worked hard enough to assure your access to vaccines for polio and small pox, too.
I also suspect that you pulled yourself up by your bootstraps with no assistance from parents, family, mentors, colleagues, friends.
And you probably sacrificed and toiled to avoid being born into discrimination or poverty.
Good for you. Don't worry about giving others a break. Better to make them earn every advantage like you did.
+1
Delete4:45 A google search of "luck" will answer your questions. Also, there are several good books about the very subject that would be of interest to you if you care to read.
DeleteSculpin,
DeleteI agree with your take on the AC kerfuffle. It's being used as a straw man for people to bitch about the EUSD and Tim Baird.
That said, these are austere times for a lot of us. There has been a sea change in the way hiring happens in this country, or doesn't happen. There are lots of new, unwritten rules as to how and why you can even get a job opportunity.
Finance and Real Estate are strong, tourism is back, senior and healthcare are big. Good paying jobs for everyone else and people over 40, not so much..
-El Senor Green looking for a job.
RECALL MARLA STRICH AND FIRE TIM BAIRD!
ReplyDeleteYes!! Let them do the conga on their own dime.
DeleteBullet Vote for Jen Hamler for Encinitas Union School District. Don't waste your vote on any of the others.
ReplyDeleteSculpin must really admire Bernie Madoff from the sounds of his ethical rationalizations.
ReplyDeleteI do think that pairing AC with the junket was kind of silly. They are not one in the same, and they do not come from the same money pot, so to speak. Many of us never had AC in our classrooms in So. Cal and some of us did just fine, and others didn't. I doubt if there is a correlation ( or if there is I couldn't find it) between higher achievement and having AC in the classroom. By pairing these 2 many of you have done a disservice to both actions. I may not agree with the junket, but I may also not agree with putting AC in classrooms. Two different issues, and when combined, make quite a mess.
ReplyDelete5:49 I don't think any one has ever mentioned that having AC in a classroom improves student success or achievement. Some one is getting off track now.
DeleteDear slimy bottom feeder, what is your purpose on here and in this discussion other than to diss anyone who is outraged at the needless expenditure of our tax dollars by a group who has proven to be extortionists to this community?
ReplyDeleteI suspect you are closely associated with some of the EUSD hierarchy and with some of our past council members. You surely have never attended any of their public meetings or even our city council meetings.
Your history on this blog is just more of the same old same old stuff which bottom feeders live off of. Any stuff that settles to the bottom and there you are happily feeding off the dreck of waste that is your environment and your life. Apparently you have done well enough to have a nice place in Olivenhain so you got yours and when events occur that outrage most anyone with a sense of decency you never offer a reasonable solution but go after and criticize the very ones who seek a resolution to the current issue.
I have yet to read anything from you that is worthwhile for a way forward. You never provide more than a critique of those who want better for our kids and our community. Why are you even on here and why now? Why ever? Why why why bottom feeder?
What drives you to spread your foulness and share it with all the caring citizens here?
6:55 Finally, a person who is standing up against this "bottom feeder" as you put it so eloquently. I agree with everything you said and let's stick to our guns and fight for our kids. They can't fight for themselves, but we can be their voice.
DeleteThank you.
Hate to tell you this, but the fish man makes more sense than most folks who post here. He's probably closer to the mainstream thinking in town than the melodrama on display here.
Delete8:16 If you hated to tell us, then why did you? Oh, he's mainstream alright. I'd liket to send him up stream some where. Don't have to come here and read the blogs === no one is twisting your arm or leg.
DeleteAgreed.
DeleteSculpin is most often on the right side of most posts here and seems to be informed, rational and reasonable to those who debate him here even when there is a disagreement on the issue being discussed.
Some like to make bottom feeder jokes about him but he always seems to take the high road. and make his point consisely without any malice..
I always admire that quality in a person.
9:02 I'm glad that you admire yourself so much "Sculpin".
Deleteoh and 8:16 you sound just like him. Gotcha!
DeleteSculpin must be friends with developers, council members, and miscellaneous super-villains (because it is beyond my cognitive capacity to imagine a person who disagrees with me, unless it is part of a conspiracy).
DeleteAnyone who agrees with Sculpun must also be Sculpin (because imagining more than one person who disagrees with me would just totally bust my brain box).
The Sculpin has a pin in the skull alright - he is brain dead on the issues. Could it be squint eyed $tock$??
DeleteStocks doesn't write like the Sculpin, brain-dead. Go to the SDRostra site, Stocks posts over there. Sculpin is a well-reasoned, valued contributor to this blog. He always adds a dose of common sense and humor, which is much needed.
DeleteRide on, Sculpin.
-MGJ
MGJ is a stooge too - figures....
DeleteMorons of a feather - you know the rest....
DeleteWhy is it that when one has a different take on a subject they are accused of being a mole, a government tic, Gus, Jerome, Malena or any of the other usual suspects?
DeleteThe feigned ignorance and indignation from some who post here is laughable.
It's really simply, choose one:
ReplyDeletea. purchase A/C's for needed classrooms
b. PARTY in Palm Springs
I've talked to someone who said all the teachers are upset with the board's decision to go on this retreat, when their constantly fighting administration just to get basic supplies.
VOTE FOR JEN HAMLER FOR EUSD BOARD MEMBER!
ReplyDeleteMarla Strich is rude and dis-regards kids and parents at every level.
ReplyDeleteLet's get back to the importance of children and what we can do to make their life just a little bit better. The Board needs to be paying attention to all kids, in all schools and focus less on their own wants and desires.
ReplyDeleteUNBELIEVABLE: Tim Baird is now on the agenda for a pay raise!
ReplyDelete2pm on Monday.
Tim sounded like an idiot during the news interview. We paid him over a quarter of a million dollars each year to do and say stupid things like that?
ReplyDeleteAs a parent of an Encinitas student (SDA) I'm more concerned for the kids in the classrooms WITH A/C. ;-)
ReplyDeletehttp://globalnews.ca/news/258330/top-5-health-problems-associated-with-air-conditioning/
JEN HAMLER FOR EUSD BOARD MEMBER!
ReplyDeleteVote again Tim Baird-- Vote against all incumbents. That school district admin is a sad joke- like the City of Bell of School districts.
Just imagine the bed hopping in La Quinta. Tim, you lucky devil. Any chance you are Mormon? I can see the 4 Sister Wive Trustees following Baird around in the desert. No wonder their thirsty. That explains the bar bill. Besides, now that Tax'em Tony Kranz sold the City into a $10 million dollar Hock, the Sister Wives can afford to give Ol' Timmer a Raise. Gotta pay to keep that big home pool clean, right Tom C.?
DeleteIf anyone ever checked the residency of the EUSD trustees, they might be surprised.
Bed hopping? EU let's this post stand, while my definition of what an actual "Sculpin" (fish) is deleted.
DeleteGive me a break. Sometimes EU is totally unfair.
You mean this definition? Never deleted it.
DeleteWe aim to be fair.
Oh thanks EU I missed that. I do apologize.
DeleteAnd I presume this is what 7:13 meant by bed-hopping.
DeleteEU That really was hilarious. Thanks for the laugh.
DeleteNone of the $10 Million for purchase of Pacific View can go into salaries. The Board of Trustees, at a public hearing, may be able to allocate a one time purchase, or one time expenditure for that "income." But that can only be done if the Board first demonstrates that no more money is needed for facilities improvements, or I-Pad technology, which has been considered part of facilities improvements.
DeleteDespite taxpayers' passing two bonds, the latest in 2010, Prop P, which bond monies were also to go towards facilities improvements, there currently are many temporary portable classrooms being used through out the Encinitas Union School District. Air conditioners could also be considered facilities improvements. There is no school built on Quail Gardens Drive, although that school site has never been declared to be surplus.
Therefore, the School District cannot truthfully prove to the State Board of Allocation, that monies are not needed to balance the budget, with respect to facilities improvements.
Whether or not (NOT) any money can go into the General Fund, as wrongly alleged by Baird, as a "one time injection," neither the money from the School Bonds, O and P, NOR the money from the city's purchase of Pacific View, could EVER go toward teachers' salaries, or compensation for contractors or administrators.
There are some exceptions in the Brown Act that allow for a quorum of elected officials to attend certain conferences and retreats. But one of the conditions is that these retreats and conferences, or conventions, must be open to the general public. I don't think that the general public was invited to the retreat in Palm Springs.
Tim Baird and the Board of Trustees of EUSD have routinely violated the Brown Act, including by allowing, before, private contractors, and interested parties, such as John DeWald and April Game, to be present at Closed Sessions, meetings also not open to the general public.
Tim told reporter he won't apologize for a 'powerful' retreat. Just apologize to the tax payers! 4 board members went
ReplyDeleteEmily Andrade- up for election
Greg Sonken- up for election
Marla Strich- up for election
Carol Skiljan
They are around town- be sure to tell them about how you feel.
Marla Strich
ReplyDeleteEmily Andrade
Greg Sonken
Carol Skiljan
Tim is the one of the highest paid superintendants in the state of CALIFORNIA
( per child ratio)
now I know why- - lavish tax payer subsidized/ liquor swilling vacations
He BOUGHT your votes!!!"
Does this school have their safe routes to school yet? Do they have beach access solved?
ReplyDeleteI think I saw this good woman Ms. Shany address the council in 2013 about the items above- I wondered if anything had been done yet? Muir asked why nothing had been done and Vina said 'it was part of strategic planning'
EUSD has won many awards- they just won -hands down..Taxpayer abuse!
ReplyDelete#2 for worst transparency in San Diego County!
DeleteEUSD ha3 title one schools PEC, Capri and Ocean Knoll. It is ironic. Emily Andre was the principal at Capri.Greg Sonken was the principal at PEC..didn't you ever think about those families struggling when you were laying in you chaise lounge sucking down tax payer paid cocktails?
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens when bonds are approved. Too many gullible people fall for the lie told by the proponents of the bond that the bond money would be only spent on capital improvements and repairs, and not on salaries or administration. The fallacy in this becomes obvious when you take a minute to think it through. Without bond money, how does the district pay for capital improvements and repairs? It has to be prudent, efficient, and disciplined and set aside money from its regular revenue streams into reserves to pay for these things in the future when them come up. No money for expensive junkets. When they have bond money, they no longer have to be prudent, efficient, or disciplined with the regular revenue because they no longer have to set aside reserve money, and can instead spend that money on junkets, higher salaries, more administrative staff, and self congratulatory pet projects to pad the superintendent's resume and ego. Bonds are a scam and always have been. Hopefully we, as the taxed citizenry, have learned our lesson.
ReplyDeleteVote NO on every educational bond.
DeleteBaird had $10,000 of what are called "discretionary funds". He used them in the way he thought would be the best. I disagree, but I am not on the Board and it was not my call. It's also important to realize what monies can be spent where. For example, the California Lottery was supposed to help education, which to me means kids. However, the money the schools get from the lottery cannot be used for new teachers, kids, or anything like that. It has to be used for things like constructions, fixing things, new equipment, etc. The Los Angeles Times has an excellent article today (Sept.4) about the the LA School District's thinking that iPads might not be all that they were cracked up to be in schools. Seems as if they are concerned about some of the things already mentioned on this thread.
ReplyDeleteThese same trustees have another 'salary' bond all ready to go: they are only waiting for the check to clear from the City of Encinitas before they start whining,"It's for our junket, er, we mean, its for the kids. Its for the kids! Hey are you listening? Its for the kids! Hick!" The most dangerous place in Encinitas? The space between Carol Skiljan and the nearest Golden Corral buffet. No, that's not a burka, its a Moo Moo!
DeleteI've never voted for any bonds, including school bonds, and would encourage others to check out everything before voting on a bond issue. The wording on the ballot is so very deceiving.
Delete3:05 PM Now that is hilarious stuff! Maybe she is Piggy Percent!
DeleteYup, I voted no on all those bond measures...
DeleteVote for Jen Hamler! The others are a waste of a vote.
ReplyDeleteOne of the retreat participants told a couple of parents that the event of over-the-top. I hope we will some find out what actually was paid for by the district.
ReplyDeleteInteresting the Coast News article did not reference Encinitas Undercover- EU,
ReplyDeleteLook at 10 news on Leucadia blog! OMG!!! The La Quinta is more lavish than the La Costa Spa!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled that some one contacted 10 News and got them involved. The taxpayers need to be paid back for whatever costs were involved in this lavish retreat at a "posh" resort. Again, Mo Muir is NOT the savior. She didn't go because she was out of town. Otherwise, who knows. It's easy for her to complain about it now.
ReplyDeleteOn another issue of wasting taxpayer dollars. I would love for you all to know that some people who work for the government in this city, including the Board of Supervisor's individual offices, are using some of their day on Facebook, posting comments, when we are paying them to work. Perhaps, 10 News could get involved in this issue and find out the employees who are wasting our money and spending time on Facebook.
They may want to start with Bill Horn's office and go from there.
Government corruption and waste by employees just keeps going on and on.
Bill Horn's been wasting your time for about twenty years, just FYI....
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Channel 10 News has become involved, too. I'll repeat:
ReplyDeleteNone of the $10 Million to be received by EUSD for the purchase of Pacific View can go into salaries Tim Baird absolutely should not be getting another raise. If his raise is a consequence of the "perk" of the recent "retreat," a meeting disallowed by the Brown Act, then there is a direct conflict of interest.
The Board of Trustees, at a public hearing, may be able to allocate a one time purchase, or one time expenditure for that "income." But that can only be done if the Board first demonstrates that no more money is needed for facilities improvements, or I-Pad technology, which has been considered part of facilities improvements.
Despite taxpayers' passing two bonds, the latest in 2010, Prop P, which bond monies were also to go towards facilities improvements, there currently are many temporary portable classrooms being used through out the Encinitas Union School District. Air conditioners could also be considered facilities improvements. There is no school built on Quail Gardens Drive, although that school site has never been declared to be surplus.
Therefore, the School District cannot truthfully prove to the State Board of Allocation, that monies are not needed to balance the budget, with respect to facilities improvements.
Whether or not (NOT) any money can go into the General Fund, as wrongly alleged by Baird, as a "one time injection," neither the money from the School Bonds, O and P, NOR the money from the city's purchase of Pacific View, could EVER go toward teachers' salaries, or compensation for contractors or administrators.
There are some exceptions in the Brown Act that allow for a quorum of elected officials to attend certain conferences and retreats. But one of the conditions is that these retreats and conferences, or conventions, must be open to the general public. I don't think that the general public was noticed of, in advance or invited to the retreat in Palm Springs.
Tim Baird and the Board of Trustees of EUSD have routinely violated the Brown Act, including by allowing, before, private contractors, and interested parties, such as John DeWald and April Game, to be present at Closed Sessions, meetings also not open to the general public.
The practices of this superintendent and Board should be thoroughly investigated. Why are there no minutes of meetings posted for the public on the internet so that we can all see what has been going on?
DeleteReally, there's no need to repeat yourself. Saying something OVER and OVER and OVER may make it more believable (cf. "The Big Lie"), but it does not make it any more true.
DeleteAre you trying to insinuate that EUSD officials can be bought by a $119 a night hotel stay? Be serious, it sounds like you're jealous that you weren't invited.
The truth is, this has little to do with a retreat or air conditioning.
DeleteThis has everything to do with the sale of Pacivic View for $10M.
This is nothing more than a group of people upset at Tim Baird for insisting on full market value for the property, as though he was under some moral obligation to gift a portion of the asset value to the city.
This is about revenge, plan and simple--an opportunity to hang some dirt on Baird as a get even.
I hope you feel better. The PV deal is still happening; the price is still $10M. Not sure what's really been achieved, other than wasting $500/month on AC units that were not needed for the first 80 years the school has been there.
Those minutes only go back to July of 2013. What about archived minutes, such as are available on the City's website? Some had requested minutes from when Pacific View was initially leased to the City. Those have never been made available, from December of 2003 - January of 2004.
DeleteThose minutes also were not previously readily available. Slowly, after several requests, EUSD is improving what is available, online. But public information requests have not been fulfilled with respect to past minutes, for documents not online.
The question of full market value was never resolved. Some people are upset with Tim Baird, and certain elected officials in Encinitas, for not using the most current appraisal, using local comps, and in the current zoning to set the market value. $10 Million as a value was never established through an appraisal; it was sheer speculation on what private developers could possibly be willing to pay.
Our climate is getting warmer, and drier, here in Encinitas. What has been accomplished is that concerned parents and citizens have questioned the propriety of Superintendent Baird and four Trustees, in addition to support staff going to a posh retreat, which seems to be an obvious violation of the Brown Act. The City's retreats for Strategic Planning "Team Building" were noticed, open to the public, and were held in town, at the Community Center, one time at the Golf Course Clubhouse. But the public could attend.
It's not a matter of anyone's being "jealous." Can't you understand simple facts? Baird and the Trustees who attended violated the Brown Act. I suspect you are one of the hideous incumbent trustees. You really know how to take the trust out of being a Trustee.
How this man stays in office is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteTim Baird has hired Greg Sonken and Carol Skiljan's kids as teachers at EUSD. Do you think they vote on their contracts in a unbiased way - I THINK NOT!
ReplyDeleteWe, who live here, are well aware of the temperature in our city. My question for you is: Do you drive around in an air-conditioned car even though the temp. outside is only a mere 70 degrees? Or, if you have a convertible, I want you to be aware that the ultra violet rays from the sun are damaging to your skin with potential for skin cancer. I do hope you put sun protection on your children when they are outside.
ReplyDeleteIndoor temps in a building are quite different than outside temps. Try driving around with your windows rolled up, turn off AC, and let us know how that works out for you when the temp outside is 80 - 85. Please do this for a total of 6 hours straight.
Yes, a sealed car in the direct sunlight is absolutely indistinguishable from an un-air conditioned classroom. No difference whatsoever. Children in classrooms die from heat prostration ALL the time.
ReplyDeletePlease keep typing, I need the laughs.
Seriously, is that the best you've got?
6:36 Not sure which comment you are referencing, but I don't find this situation funny at all.
ReplyDeleteNeed an indication that the good guys are winning? Check out the greedheads in this channel 10 "report" clutching their pearls, desperate to pin something on Tim Baird.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Their hotel is a getaway for Hollywood Stars! (Question: who exactly described it that way? Anyone? Who exactly was it who said Hollywood stars go to La Quinta "Resort"? Anyone? ...Bueller?... Bueller?). Priceline lists a single room Wed-Fri for $109 per night. In real resort towns that will get you meth dealers and hookers in the room next door. C list celebrities probably turn their nose up at this type of place.
Mo Muir, who is apparently quite easily shocked, thinks Tim Baird should sleep in the janitor's closet when he travels, and poor Nancy Cieply thinks $76 a day is a lavish retreat (35 people, 3 days, 8 grand...do the math). Pretty sad if you ask me. BTW Mo, how much water does it take to keep your yard so green in this drought? Maybe Action News can take a look at your watering habits?
Me? I'm pretty happy my kids are in EUSD, and I think people like Tim are doing a good job despite having so many whining prop-13 NIMBY jerkoffs in their face all the time. The schools aren't anywhere near as good as other places I've lived (where people pay their fair share of taxes) but EUSD is doing o.k. in my book.
Maybe these parents need to stop calling local news stations and start reading to their kids instead? Hell, besides grandparents, who watches local news anyway?
Sounds like a coment the "bottom feeder" would make since he doesn't want to get exposed any more.
ReplyDeleteAny asbestos or lead paint in that school? If you are not concerned about AC, then maybe you would ask about these things to see if they are present in the school. That is, if you care about your children.
ReplyDelete4:13, he's bought and paid for developers in the area around the 15, it's pretty simple. He delivers the pork.
ReplyDelete7:49 deflect deflect- now let's guess who it is? Marla, Greg, Emily, Carol or Tim
ReplyDeleteSanta Tim, 35 people went on that retreat. 4 board members+ 9 principals+ 2 last supt=16 people.. so Santa when you said some people shared rooms.. are you saying the taxpayers paid for spouses? Your not letting any one see the list- of who went. Some one went who would enrage taxpayers. Who was it?
ReplyDelete7:49 pm your ignorance about lead and asbestos is telling. You probably are the same one who posted the same thing about PV.
ReplyDeleteLead and asbestos are in just about every structure built before the sixties. Unless they are disturbed by remodeling, they are not a threat. If they are disturbed, then they need to be handled by special remediation companies. If not, they are fine with being covered up like they have been for over fifty years.
Ask any building professional and they will tell you the same thing. This is a nonissue that you refuse to acknowledge.
Please do a little research on this before you try to misinform others here.
Yes PEC probably has lead and asbestos but it is covered up and not exposed to the surface where it could be spread around. I can't recall the year PEC was built but that would determine if there is any lead and asbestos on site.
Floor tiles were used it a lot back in the day and unless those tiles are cracked or broken in any way, they are safe. Often these tiles have been covered over by carpets or other flooring products and are sealed in. Same thing goes for lead paint on old windows. If the window is not being replaced it can be safely painted over. If it is being replaced then it needs to be handled by a specialist to control any dust from the old window.
This is not rocket science and is well known throughout the building industry.
Please check it out for yourself if you doubt any of this and get back to us if you have the stones to do so. Lesson over.
8:16 No need to be snotty. I don't know the school or the situation there. I simply was asking a legitimate question.
DeleteI'm sorry I'm not in the building industry. All I know is that if there is a building with asbestos and lead paint and you are exposed to it over the years, it can be harmful to your health. I worked in a building with asbestos for over 20 years and several people in that office ended up with cancer. Was it related to the asbestos and lead paint? I have no way of knowing, but I appreciate the information.
I am sorry I am not as intelligent on this subject as you are, so tolerance is much appreciated. Thank you.
8:16 An after thought. I was not trying to misinform any one. In fact, I didn't mention anything except asked a simple question. I am not the other person who wrote about PV and that situation. I know nothing about that site either except the city bought it for an ungodly price of which I was not happy about.
DeletePV was built in 1953
Delete8:16 has it right. Exposure to asbestos or lead is by inhalation or ingestion. This means you have to breathe it in or eat it. Children get lead poisoning by eating paint chips or chewing on painted objects. Leaded gasoline and lead paint have been banned. Any older adult has probably been exposed to leaded gasoline fumes. It is long-term exposure to lead and asbestos that is dangerous.
DeleteThe asbestos at Pacific View is in the floor tiles. This has already been reported. Presently the tiles are covered with wall-to-wall carpet. Left undisturbed it doesn't present a danger. Removal has to be carefully done.
Right you are,8:16
ReplyDelete35 people were paid to attend this retreat. I would like to see the list of attendees. Did Tim pay for consultants and spouses with taxpayer money? We'll soon see. Consultants that participated should be fired and spouses should payback the school district.
ReplyDeleteYou've never traveled on business, have you? Admit it, you don't know whether a $75 per diem is a lot or a little. It's not a lot, especially with gas at $4 a gallon.
DeleteIf anyone carpooled or shared a meal, you'd probably call that a RICO violation.
Get over it, this was a perfectly reasonable spend.
***BURP**** I'll drink to that!!
DeleteNo, you're wrong. The retreat was a blatant Brown Act Violation. Get over your ignorance and prejudice in favor of Baird and the untrustworthy Trustees who attended.
DeleteWay to go EU. I just read in the North County Times that PEC will be getting AC. The District will rent the units for $500 a month. Without this blog and parents complaining to the District, nothing would have been done.
ReplyDeleteEU -- you do make a difference.
Rent A/C units at $500 per month ??? Lololl. Baird is laughing again at the rubes in this town.
Delete1:35 The goal to get AC in that school was achieved. Don't worry about the cost, just pitch in some of your monthly income and all will be well.
DeleteI agree. EU makes a difference. good job.
ReplyDeleteSo when do we kick out the people who make this happen?
ReplyDeleteNovember is a good start!
ReplyDeleteVote in
Jen Hamler
Vote out
Marla Strich
Emily Andrade
Greg Sonken
Vote only for Jen Hamler.
ReplyDeleteThat's my plan, voting only for Jen. How I wish there were two more candidates running for the Board of Trustees for EUSD.
DeleteIn unrelated news Fox did an interview last night with three survivors of Benghazi- it want's so much and interview as three people who were there telling their story of what happened.
ReplyDeleteTheir story contradicts the story we have been told by the current administration.
Their story is consistent with news reports on the event covered by the BBC press and the Canadian press in Sept 2012- news that was kept from the public during the run-up to the 2012 election.
These are the first survivors on Benghazi to talk to the press. Why? 2 years after the event- nothing. Like a code of silence from the whitehouse and a code of silence from the press.
It is a compelling story to hear these three men tell their story - weather one agrees or disagrees with policy
8:38 You lost me at "Fox".
Delete8:38- then you are intolerant and biased-
Deletedid you not read that this was the first time in 2 years actual survivors of the attack that left the US Ambassador dead have talked to the press
3 people telling their ordeal - simpple. You let your contempt before investigation reveal your ignorance
"...intolerant and biased," not "Fair and Balanced?" Does Rupert really feed you lines like that, or did you come up with it all by your lonesome? Nice distraction from the junket/AC idiocy, though. Well played. It seems you've had practice losing arguments and changing the topic.
DeleteAs for your bleating about Benghazi, please do go on. The Democratic party is so incompetent at electioneering that they need nutjobs like you to keep reminding the world what will happen if your Galtian overlords ever get the reigns of power again.
In unrelated news, looks like rain, eh?
1:14- That you are so self-centered and egocentric to care not about a white house that lies and covers up, and then imidates and silences a free press reveals only that you are an elitist pig- oink, oink
DeleteAmericans died, the black flag of islamic hate that murders homosexuals, mutiliates woman and beheads those who won't covert that flew high over the consulate of Libya flies higher over the mass murder of butchered innocents by ISIS-
I voted for Obama- but call me a racist, a birthter, a tea bagger- you have no facts to argue, only hate.
Do you think they send the flag out to the dry cleaner between beheadings and mutilations? It's got to take one hell of a sharp crease to murder, behead, AND mutilate someone with a piece of cloth.
DeleteNot to belabor the grammar issue, but Jeebus that was one long run-on sentence. Maybe some deep breathing would help?
Take care of yourself, I want to be able to read your posts throughout the entire eight years of Hillary's presidency. Good stuff.
Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi...BOO!
4:30
Deleteguess you missed my post that I voted for Obama- I regret it, he has turned out not only to be bigger liar that Bush but more incompetent as well.
As you have no facts to rebut the administration lying and blaming a video, a press that covered up, I can see how you would name call. "get the transcript candy"
Oh yea "tell Valdimir I'll have more flexibility after the election"
When ISIS comes for your head the american troops you and teh communist Bill Ayers demean will still defend you - it's who they are, honorable.
You forgot to mention Jeremiah Wright and that Kenyan obstetrician.
DeleteBoo!
P.S., The comma is your friend, lean on it occasionally.
5:09
DeleteThanks for proving the post at 2:34 to be correct. Who made any mention of Reverend Wright- you did. Who mentioned Kenya- you did.
You apparently would have us all believe the White House like blaming a video- and if anyone questions the lie- you would call them a racist, birther, and whatever other rhetoric of hate and intolerance you can spew-
So, was a video to blame of not? It's a simple yes or no question. Maybe you should watch the interview.
ah- Vladimir is taking over the Ukraine- just saying
Delete2:34 and 5:12
DeleteVince Foster! Travelgate! Whitewater! Boo!
Only 26 months until the President wears pantsuits. I'll pop the popcorn. Please buy megaphones and paint some signs about Tea or Founding Fathers or something. Dressing in colonial garb would help, too, as would prop muskets. You can use your AARP discounts for some of this, I'm sure.
P.S. 5:12, "was a video to blame of not?" is indeed sort of a question. It's in fact the only properly constructed question in your entire post, but it's yet another a nonsensical typo. Seriously, do you proofread anything before hitting send?
Your politics are hysterical, and your communication skills reflect that.
Some teachers have told me that Tim has shifted educational priorities. The example they used was Healthy Partners who now how a lucrative contract with the district at the expense of core educational services.
ReplyDeleteWe need to investigate this relationship - it's not right!
Very interesting, and very dubious. "Some" teachers? What School? When? In what way were educational "priorities" affected. Exactly what core educational services suffered?
DeleteFocus on who went. I'm sure Tim got people to.pay their portion- to get the price down - good thinking Tim- sounds like experience talking.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the length of time on the board for each school board trustee? Five years, ten years, 20 years? And they need a "getaway" to rest their weary minds?
ReplyDeleteI see that Mo Muir is now going to run for the San Dieguito Unified School District Board. I read her bio and wonder how she gets on these boards because she has no classroom background in education as a teacher. Sure, she has been a volunteer but that's a far cry from teaching.
ReplyDeleteI also see that her friend, Lisa Stocks, appointed her to the board of some Life Sharing organization as well as the old bag mayor Christy Guerin. Funny how these two friends of $tocks are now on a Board with his wife.
I will not be voting for Mo Muir for any board position. She is NOT qualified IMHO. Sounds like she is a pension hogger like her husband.
TK Arnold does not even live in Encinitas- he is a joke
ReplyDelete1:37 I don't know what T.K. article you read, but T.K. definitely did NOT walk back his accusations. He only give Tim credit for finally returning his calls. He continues to call out Tim and the Board for wasting taxpayers money and for choosing cocktails over chalk. Nice try Ms. Skiljan!
ReplyDeleteTHE BIGGEST CRIME OF THIS RETREAT WAS ALLOWING MARLA STRICH AND CAROL SKILJAN TO EXPOSE THEIR EXCESSIVE SKIN AT THE POOL!
ReplyDeleteI BET TIM SPENT A FORTUNE OF LOTION TO PUT ON THOSE TWO - YUCK!
We have a chance this coming Monday at the EUSD school board meeting to participate. Any who can, please try to show up and support the outraged parents and others who want to hold the school board accountable for their continuing insensitivity over their actions and our tax dollars and the bonds we so generously approved for them when they asked.
ReplyDeleteThe next time they ask I bet there will be a severe lack of support and this was all so unnecessary with a little caring forethought.
Asking even that from this bunch is too much to be expected.
Thank you Jen for offering a chance for a little daylight aside from the darkside this group has sunk to.
We and our kids deserve better than these people.
I hope to see as many of you there as can spare the time.
We all need to show up - whether you have kids going there or not.
ReplyDeleteAs Board Board, Marla Strich needs to step down.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sandi.net/cms/lib/CA01001235/Centricity/Domain/1/School%20Bond%20Transparency%20in%20San%20Diego%20County%207-9-14%20SK%20Summary%20Report.pdf
ReplyDeleteAbove is the link to the San Diego Taxpayers Educational Foundation's summary report regarding transparency of various school districts relating to reporting on bond expenditures.
Also, here is an excerpt from the TIMES OF SAN DIEGO:
"In 2010, Encinitas Union School District voters approved Proposition P (worth $44.2 million) and Julian Union High School District saw passage of Proposition L ($2.1 million). The two met fewer than half of the criteria on the Transparency Scorecard.
Encinitas met only 10 of 23 transparency goals, while Julian met only seven, the report said. Both failed to post independent, third-party audits of their school bonds, for example. They also didn’t provide program updates or project lists.
Comment is being sought from both districts.
The watchdog group said taxpayers should `be able to quickly determine if new libraries, new pools and new classrooms, for example, that school district officials promised to voters while pitching the bond have been built.'"
http://timesofsandiego.com/education/2014/07/14/poor-grades-for-encinitas-julian-schools-on-transparency-scorecard/
The excerpt, above is from an article, "Poor Grades for Encinitas, Julian Schools on Transparency."
DeleteAccording to the UT, "The organization deemed Julian (met 7 of 23 criteria) and the Encinitas Union School District (met 10 of 23 criteria) as the least transparent. They are the only two districts to meet fewer than half of the criteria . . ."
The UT news article goes on to quote an administrator from Julian. No response in any of the articles from EUSD, that I've seen, about our School Board's lack of transparency.
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jul/14/school-bond-programs-transparent/
Arnold did NOT "walk back his accusations." Baird tried to duck them. He is misleading and disingenuous in his misinterpretations and mischaracterizations of the Brown Act.
ReplyDeleteOf all the school districts in San Diego, including college districts, EUSD got the second worst scorecard for transparency of how it is spending the $44.2 Million we taxpayers voted in 2010 to give our elementary school children, by passing Prop P.
If your not happen with the school board, you should ONLY vote for Jen Hamler.
ReplyDeleteMAKE YOUR VOTE REALLY COUNT!
Vote ONLY for Jen Hamler!
ReplyDelete6:24, Apologies, only the follow-up commentary was linked. Follow Arnold's byline link there to see all his Courier articles, including his recent cries of "OMG! JUNKET!". I counted three obvious walkbacks:
ReplyDelete1. "Calls and emails to the school board offices, requesting an accounting of the total money spent, and where it came from, had not been returned as of publication time."
Having not commented in the first article on how long they gave for a response, that statement became:
"Baird eventually called me back, and we commend him for him for his explanation."
2. "As if to celebrate their fleecing of taxpayers with the school site sale, school board members the first week in August gathered at the posh La Quinta Resort in the Palm Springs area—part of the Waldorf Astoria family—for a three-day “educational retreat” that may have cost taxpayers another $20,000 or so."
that became
"For starters, Baird said, the total cost was about $240 per person, and “34 or 35” people came, which would put the total cost of the retreat at just north of $10,000."
3. "School budgets remain tight, classroom sizes continue to grow, parents are being asked to fork over more and more money for various programs and activities, and the Encinitas school board thinks it’s OK to spend money that should be spent on the kids to put up its members at a Waldorf Astoria resort—and its superintendent in a suite—and further shell out big bucks on “libations” and fancy meals?"
this became
"We still think the timing was bad, and the agenda—especially as detailed on the flier—seemed light and glib. But, then again, we’re not running the school district, either."
These responses are all reasonable, but they are indeed walkbacks.
Tim Baird and the Trustees, with the exception of Mo Muir, violated the intent of the Brown Act by attending that meeting. They have a reputation for being far less than transparent. EUSD's "transparency scorecard" has been reported as the second worst in the State.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sandi.net/cms/lib/CA01001235/Centricity/Domain/1/School%20Bond%20Transparency%20in%20San%20Diego%20County%207-9-14%20SK%20Summary%20Report.pdf
Above is the link to the San Diego Taxpayers Educational Foundation's summary report, which has provided a transparency scorecard with respect to how school bond money has spent in school districts throughout California.
Also, below is an excerpt from the TIMES OF SAN DIEGO [WC, please don't delete this. Excerpts from news articles are allowed, especially as part of researched comments regarding a particular issue.]
http://timesofsandiego.com/education/2014/07/14/poor-grades-for-encinitas-julian-schools-on-transparency-scorecard/
"In 2010, Encinitas Union School District voters approved Proposition P (worth $44.2 million) and Julian Union High School District saw passage of Proposition L ($2.1 million). The two met fewer than half of the criteria on the Transparency Scorecard.
Encinitas met only 10 of 23 transparency goals, while Julian met only seven, the report said. Both failed to post independent, third-party audits of their school bonds, for example. They also didn’t provide program updates or project lists. . .
The watchdog group said taxpayers should `be able to quickly determine if new libraries, new pools and new classrooms, for example, that school district officials promised to voters while pitching the bond have been built.'"