summary

Summary of Issue

On March 9, 2009 the Board of Trustees of the Sweetwater District voted to terminate the contracts of Karen Janney and Dianna Carberry, Assistant Superintendents. Both were assigned, provisionally, to principal positions in the district, a demotion and (eventual) reduction in pay.

Key Points:
➢ The public was not given an opportunity to have input into this major decision.
➢ No reason for the termination and reassignment was given, to the public or the Assistant Superintendents, and the decision was never discussed with Dianna or Karen, and in fact they were not notified until 4:00 and 4:30 on the afternoon of the Board meeting.
➢ Their previous evaluation was completely positive.
➢ Neither had been given any indication from the Dr. Gandara, either verbally or in writing, that he was dissatisfied with their work.
➢ The termination and reassignment is not connected to the reorganization of the district and is not a cost saving measure. since Karen and Dianna will continue to receive their salaries.
➢ Karen and Dianna are both highly respected by their colleagues and peers throughout the district and the community, as evidenced by the outpouring of support they have received .
➢ The timing of this decision was educationally unsound, causing disruption at 3 school sites just before state testing and the WASC visit at Montgomery High school.
➢ Please note: All management staff reassigned at the last Board meeting were female and close to or over 50 years old. Conversely, several men had position changes that were promotions, or resulted in an increase in salary.
➢ There will be a significant loss of knowledge, expertise and continuity for on-going projects in the district. At this time in the district this is irresponsible and harmful.
➢ The arbitrary, secretive and capricious manner by which this decision was made violates the beliefs and intent of our district Strategic Plan.
➢ Both Dianna and Karen regularly attend community events, and the strong positive relationships they have formed in this capacity have led to increased support for Sweetwater in our community.

While we are sure that Ms. Janney and Dr. Carberry would be excellent principals (Karen was the ACSA California Secondary Principal of the Year), we feel that their talent, expertise and experience will far better serve the district as Assistant Superintendents.
We are asking people to express their displeasure and concerns in a positive, professional manner by emailing, calling or meeting with the members of the Board of Trustees. Please request a reply when emailing. If you are unable to get an appointment, a phone call or if your email is not read, there are further steps that can be taken. In addition, strong support is requested at the next Board meeting, currently scheduled for April 20, 2009.
We are asking the Board of Trustees to think carefully about how they are representing the voters that put them in office. The overwhelming dissatisfaction with the Dr. Gandara, and increasingly with the Board, is indicative of the poor communicaton, secretive decision making, and untrustworthy actions by Dr. Gandara. Is the Board loyal to him, or to the best interests of the students and the district. Consider his motivation and all decisions in light of his recent efforts to leave this district. Is his goal for the good of the district or to promote his own powerbase?

To contact Board members:
Phone – 619 -585-4405 (Sandra Smith, clerk of the board) FAX - 619-407-4980
Email – jim@jimcartmill.com, arlie.ricasa@suhsd.k12.ca.us, pearl.quinones@suhsd.k12.ca.us, greg.sandoval@suhsd.k12.ca.us, bertha.lopez@suhsd.k12.ca.us