march9chulavista: 08/17/2009 Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

August 17 Board Meeting still on....

2009-08-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Union Rally: today at 4-5 at Board Meeting location

Get it Right!

2009-08-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

For the record

2:00 a.m. August 16, 2009

An item in yesterday's Our South County section incorrectly stated that the Sweetwater Union High School District board will approve job titles and salaries for two assistant superintendents at its meeting tomorrow night. The board is eliminating the two positions.

The Union-Tribune regrets the error.

Union-Tribune

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/16/record/

Work to the Rule: Post Labor Day (Sept 8)

2009-08-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/07/30/this_just_in/865union072909.txt

Sweetwater Union Plans to 'Work to the Rule'

Published: Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:26 AM PDT

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After another meeting between Sweetwater Union High School District and its teachers union failed to yield any agreement on their new contract last week, the union is planning to "work to the rule": asking teachers to only work as long as their contract requires, instead of putting in time before or after school.

"In order for us to be extremely effective -- and I think we are -- we put in an enormous amount of time beyond our contract hours," said Alex Anguiano, president of the teachers union. "So we'll withdraw those services."

The two sides have disagreed over whether to trim salaries, assign fewer teachers to schools, and offer different benefits to new employees than to current ones. Anguiano said teachers would begin working to the rule on September 8 unless they see some "meaningful movement" from the school district. Teachers' contract expired at the end of last June, and Sweetwater was sent back into the "fact finding" stage of impasse for the third time this year after failing to make progress at a meeting last Thursday.

The union has also filed a charge against the school district, alleging that it violated labor law by refusing to bargain and adopting larger class sizes without negotiating them with the union. Lillian Leopold, spokeswoman for the school district, said it was not the first time that teachers had worked to the rule as a protest action.

-- EMILY ALPERT

Discrimination: Race & Gender --a lawsuit against district.

2009-08-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/08/1m8suit23210-suit-against-district-claims-discrimi/?uniontrib

Suit against district claims discrimination

By Chris Moran

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

2:00 a.m. August 8, 2009

CHULA VISTA — A former special-education administrator alleges in a lawsuit that she was fired by the Sweetwater Union High School District because she is a black woman.

Bernice Stanley worked as the assistant director of special education in Sweetwater for seven years before her position was eliminated in a reorganization of management posts during spring budget cuts.

Stanley's lawsuit, filed July 31 in Superior Court, contends that her dismissal constitutes discrimination based on race and gender. Stanley is black.

The Sweetwater district had no comment on the lawsuit yesterday.

The suit alleges a pattern of discrimination that thwarted Stanley's career advancement. It says the district bypassed her in choosing a white man as director in 2004, a white woman in 2005 and a Latino man in 2006. The suit alleges the men had fewer qualifications and experience than Stanley did.

The suit doesn't specify how much money Stanley seeks, but it contends she has suffered lost wages and benefits as well as emotional distress.

In an extensive reorganization of its managers in March, Sweetwater's board approved the elimination of dozens of positions and the creation of a smaller number of positions. Stanley's job ended June 30.

Stanley's suit says that she previously filed a complaint with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing and that the department decided not to pursue the matter.

SUHSD blames the victim....uppity union

2009-08-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/08/05/education/schooled/692union080409.txt

Sweetwater: Union 'Systematically Delayed Negotiations'

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Sweetwater Union High School District has filed a legal declaration countering allegations by its teachers union last month that it broke labor law. The two sides have been at odds over a new contract for more than a year.

The union has charged the school district with moving forward with parts of its contract proposal, including higher staffing ratios for teachers, without negotiating them with the union. Sweetwater's declaration, filed yesterday with the Public Employment Relations Board, states that the union has "systematically delayed negotiations" by repeatedly insisting that the school district meet with them "one more time" to avoid the next step of impasse. It argues that the charge filed by the union is baseless.

Delayed bargaining ended up "backing the District up against the statutory deadline for submitting a budget to the County Office of Education," the school district wrote, and by asking for the same pay and benefits that it currently has, the union is "conveniently turning a blind eye to the District's $11.6 million dollar (sic) deficit for the coming fiscal year." Keep checking back for updates on what becomes of the back-and-forth over the teachers' contract in Sweetwater.

-- EMILY ALPERT

Letter laments largesse (and we are not talking class size)

2009-08-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/08/mz1mc8letter204528-local-letters/?uniontrib

Gandara's salary obscene in tough times

The Sweetwater Union High School District has had to make significant cuts in the budget and recent moves by the state could force even more.

Yet the district wants to extend the contract of Superintendent Jesus Gandara for three years at a base salary of $251,000 plus $800 a month for expenses and another $750 for car expenses.

Gandara has conducted a top-down leadership style and dismissed or demoted highly respected and key personnel. It defies logic that he should receive such a salary in times like these.

MARY ANNE STRO
Chula Vista

More Board Meetings....July 30-reconvened--Aug 3 hire/pay 149K to new Curriculum Director

2009-08-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

July 27 meeting went on so long the board meeting reconvened again that week July 30. Busy day for dedicated Sweetwaterians concerned about education in the South Bay: first day of school for teachers/parents alike then attend board meeting until past 11. What timing by a board interested in public input. Very difficult for those interested in public education to attend. Hmmm. August 3: spend more money.

August 17: next board meeting.

07/27/2009 Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m. (To be reconvened on July 30, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.)

07/27/2009 Closed Session Meeting - 4:30 p.m. (To be reconvened on July 30, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.)

August 3rd: another board meeting mostly to name a new

Curriculum Director and pay a salary of 149K+

Agenda for
08/03/2009 Special Closed Session Meeting - 5:45 p.m.

A. Call to Order: Call to Order

B. Roll Call: Roll Call

C. Closed Session: 1. * PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EVALUATION/APPOINTMENT/TRANSFER - Government Code Section 54957 Title: Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction (1); 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR - Government Code Section 54957.6

D. Adjournment

Adjournment

Agenda for
08/03/2009 Special Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

1. OPENING PROCEDURES: A. Call to Order; B. Roll Call; C. Moment of Silence; D. Pledge of Allegiance

2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Public Communication

3-A. SUPERINTENDENT DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-B. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES/SPECIAL SESSIONS DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-C. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-D. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-E. ADULT EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-F. FISCAL SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-G. HUMAN RESOURCES DISCUSSION ITEMS: G-01. * Adopt the new job description for executive director of curriculum & instruction; establish the work year at 222 work days, and establish the salary at range 1a ($149,377), on the management salary schedule. (F/I: See below.)

3-H. PLANNING AND FACILITIES DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-I. PURCHASING DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-J. OPERATIONS/OTHER BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

3-K. POLICY REVIEW: None.

3-L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.

3-M. RESOLUTIONS: None.

3-N. MELLO-ROOS RESOLUTIONS: None.

3-O. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS/TRAVEL: None.

4. CLOSED SESSION: Closed Session (Meeting Notice)

5. BOARD COMMUNICATION: Board Communication

6. ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment

August 17: next official board meeting. Stay posted to the blog

for news and views.

July 24 article in SD Union Tribune

2009-08-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hello blog devotees: please excuse tardy postings.

Surf's up and retirement has it's temptations.

School district to vote on contract extension

CHULA VISTA: The superintendent of South County's middle and high schools would have his contract extended through June 2012 under a proposal going to the Sweetwater Union High School District board Monday night.

It would be a one-year extension with no raise for Superintendent Jesus Gandara, whose annual salary is $250,920.

An updated clause in Gandara's contract would require him to inform the school board president if he is solicited by another school district to work there. His current contract only requires him to inform the board president if he interviews for another job.

During the spring, while Gandara recommended millions of dollars in budget cuts, his critics publicly questioned whether he was pursuing the then-open position of superintendent of schools in Austin, Texas. They based their speculation on a Web site report that his name had “surfaced” as a candidate.

Gandara acknowledged that a recruiter had contacted him but said he did not interview for the job.

Austin schools denied a San Diego Union-Tribune request for records relating to finalists for the position. –C.M.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/25/lz1sz25short193612-short-takes-south-county-news-b/?southcounty&zIndex=137955

Closed Session Agenda for July 27 (4:30) *

2009-07-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

Board Meeting Changed to First Day of School 7/27/09

2009-07-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Agenda for
07/27/2009 Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

1. OPENING PROCEDURES: A. Call to Order; B. Roll Call; C. Closed Session (Meeting Notice); D. Moment of Silence; E. Pledge of Allegiance

2. BOARD PRESENTATIONS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AWARDS: Recognition of Jerry Schniepp for receiving a 2009 High School Athletic Director of the Year Award from the California Coaches Association

3. BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE REPORT: A. Bond Oversight Committee Report

4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: A. Public Communication

5. FORMATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A. Formation and approval of consent agenda

6-A. SUPERINTENDENT DISCUSSION ITEMS: A-01. Adoption of Minutes. (F/I: None.); A-02. Calendar of Board of Trustees Meetings – 2009. (F/I: None.); A-03. Report on policy direction to staff for information/discussion. (F/I: None.); A-04. Approve Report on Consultant Agreements totaling $2,500 and under. (F/I: None.); A-05. Ratify scholarship awards to students selected by district scholarship foundations. (F/I: None.); A-06. Authorize acceptance of grant funding for 7-12 programs. (F/I: See below.); A-07. Approve/ratify the agreement between the Department of Rehabilitation and the special support services department for the Transition Partnership Program. (F/I: None.); A-08. Approve/ratify the agreement between Comprehensive Training Systems, Inc., and the Alternative Education Department for the Hire-A-Youth program. (F/I: None.); A-09.* Approve the Superintendent’s 2009-2012 Employment Agreement. (F/I: None.)

6-B. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES/SPECIAL SESSIONS DISCUSSION ITEMS: B-01. Accept Williams vs. The State of California quarterly report to the board of trustees (Williams vs. The State of California: SB6, SB550, SB1550, AB2727, AB3001). (F/I: None.); B-02.* Report on the Latino Summit. (F/I: None.); B-03.* Report on the district's Program Improvement Status. (F/I: None.); B-04. Approve California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) waiver requests for students receiving special education services. (F/I: None.); B-05. Approve/ratify renewal of services agreement with Humboldt County Office of Education, Eureka, California. (F/I: $3,000, WorkAbility.)

6-C. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS: C-01. Report on excursions and field trips. (F/I: See report.)

6-D. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS: D-01. Approve Sweetwater Independent Study High School. (F/I: None.)

6-E. ADULT EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS: E-01. Approve reauthorization of course titles for the Division of Adult Education. (F/I: None.); E-02. Approve revised course descriptions for the Division of Adult Education. (F/I: None.); E-03. Approve course title changes for the Division of Adult Education. (F/I: None.); E-04. Approve agreement between the SUHSD, Division of Adult Education, and the San Diego Council on Literacy for the use of AmeriCorps members. (F/I: None.)

6-F. FISCAL SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS: F-01.* Approve Report on Consultant Agreements Over $2,500. (F/I: None.); F-02. Ratify warrants in payment of salaries and invoices written from the funds of the district, and checks in payment of invoices written from the cafeteria account for the month of June 2009. (F/I: $36,627,101.77, Various Funds.); F-03. Approve/ratify donations to the district in accordance with Resolution No. 2501, and accept Report on Donations. (F/I: None.); F-04. Progress report on construction spending for new construction and modernization projects. (F/I: None.); F-05. Approve/ratify professional conference and workshop expenses of district employees. (F/I: $6,290.31, Various Funds.); F-06. Approve the annual district membership to the South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC). (F/I: $300, Supt's. Budget.); F-07. Approve assigning Provision 2 status to Granger Junior High School in the School Nutrition Program of the California Department of Education. (F/I: None.); F-08.* Approve lease agreement for information technology storage area network (SAN) and Adopt Resolution No. 3915 authorizing the execution and delivery of a Master Lease Agreement, related schedules, related documents and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the acquisition and financing of information technology storage area network (SAN). (F/I: $72,146, Info. Tech. Bgt.); F-09. Approve the Dell Employee Purchase Program for the 2009-2010 school year. (F/I: None.)

6-G. HUMAN RESOURCES DISCUSSION ITEMS: G-01. Approve/ratify certificated personnel recommendations for employment, change of status, and separations as submitted. (F/I: See below.); G-02. Approve/ratify classified personnel recommendations for employment, change of status, and separations as submitted. (F/I: See below.); G-03. Adopt a Declaration of Need for fully qualified educators and authorize submittal of Declaration of Need to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the 2009-2010 school year. (F/I: None.); G-04. Approve multi-year agreement between the district and the SCGA. (F/I: See below.); G-05. Approve multi-year agreement between the district and the CSEA. (F/I: See below.); G-06. Approve organizational chart for the curriculum and instruction department, and adopt new management job descriptions. (F/I: TBD).

6-H. PLANNING AND FACILITIES DISCUSSION ITEMS: H-01. Ratify Change Order No. 1 for the Various Site Improvements Phase I Project at Olympian High School. (F/I: Decrease of $1,860.85, Mello-Roos Fund.); H-02. Ratify Change Order No. 2 for the Interim Housing Project at Southwest Middle School. (F/I: Decrease of $6,346, Prop O.); H-03. Approve the easement agreement between the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHDS) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to install and maintain electrical services at Sweetwater High School. (F/I: None.); H-04. Approve re-appointment of three members to expired positions on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. (F/I: None.); H-05. Approve appointment of new member to vacant position on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. (F/I: None.); H-06. Reject bid #89-2167-JF, Health Clinic at Granger Junior High School, in its entirety and authorize staff to re-bid. (F/I: None.); H-07. Ratify Notice of Completion for the following contract at Alternative Education – Bounce Back. (F/I: None.); H-08. Approve Notice of Completion for the Replacement of Telescopic Bleachers in Existing Gym Building and Restrooms Upgrade at Bonita Vista High School. (F/I: None.); H-09. Approve Notice of Completion for the Interim Housing Project at National City Middle School. (F/I: None.); H-10. Approve Notice of Completion for the following contract for the Various Site Improvements Phase I Project at Olympian High School. (F/I: None.); H-11. Approve contract for Project 1 at Hilltop High School. (F/I: $12,657,000, Prop O.); H-12. Approve contract for Project 1 at Montgomery High School. (F/I: $8,798,790, Prop O.); H-13. Approve contract for Project 1 at Southwest High School. (F/I: $$8,400,000, Prop O.)

6-I. PURCHASING DISCUSSION ITEMS: I-01. Ratify purchase orders issued for the period of June 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009, and purchase order adjustments for the period June 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009. (F/I: $14,426,301.23, Various Funds.); I-02. Approve the single source use of A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. for warranty and service repairs of Blue Bird buses, and for the purchase of Blue Bird Corporation bus parts. (F/I: None.); I-03. Approve/ratify contract with Nestle Waters North America, Inc., dba Arrowhead to provide bottled water service to various sites throughout the district. (F/I: $15,000, 2009-2010 General Fund.); I-04. Approve contracts with Food Court Design Group for cafeteria theme décor improvements. (F/I: $446,116.69, Prop O Fund.)

6-J. OPERATIONS/OTHER BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

6-K. POLICY REVIEW: None.

6-L. PUBLIC HEARINGS: L-01.* Conduct a public hearing for the public to respond to the initial proposal received by the district from NAGE. (F/I: None.)

6-M. RESOLUTIONS: M-01.* Adopt Resolution No. 3912, to Create 7-12 Educational Equity that Leads to a More Rigorous High School Curriculum for all Students. (F/I: None.); M-02.* Adopt Resolution No. 3913, Acknowledging the Agreement Between the State of California, Department of Rehabilitation and the Sweetwater Union High School District. (F/I: None.)

6-N. MELLO-ROOS RESOLUTIONS: N-01.* Adopt Resolution No. 3914, Resolution Establishing the Annual Special Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 for Community Facilities District Nos. 1-6, 8, 9A, 9B & 10-17. (F/I: None.)

6-O. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS/TRAVEL: None.

7. BOARD COMMUNICATION: A. Board Communication

8. ADJOURNMENT: A. Adjournment

Bad News for TEACHERS--Bummer in the Summer...or?

2009-07-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

It's all back on the table except that 2% pay cut. So.. a two-tiered retirement health benefits (designed to eventually break the union), teach 6 periods a day --no questions asked or needed, larger class sizes (what they really want) and that vague wording in Article 39 that takes undetermined freedoms away from teachers--unilateral expansion of district power and authority.

The counselors have settled (June 1) and received what they asked for. Was this another district strategy: isolate the teachers' union and weaken it?

THINK ABOUT IT

FYI: From the SEA website:Bargaining Update #15 JUNE 29, 2009

Members of the SEA and District Bargaining Teams met in a MediationSession on Monday, June 29, 2009. No settlement was reached. The statemediator certified the parties to Factfinding. At this time we do notknow when Factfinding will occur.The terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that expired on June 30,2008 remain in effect. After the Factfinding report is published, if the School Board of Trusteesvotes to do so, the District will then have the right to unilaterallyimpose their Last, Best, and Final offer.

Elements of that offer include:

• Article 37, Wages – Unilaterally reopen this article plus one otherarticle if the state budget contains additional cuts for 2009-2011.

• Article 7, Class Size – Unilateral implementation of the 30:1 staffingratio.

• Article 38, 4x4 Pilot at Montgomery High School – Unilaterallyeliminate contractual language, thereby eliminating the program.

• Article 6, Calendar – Unilateral implementation of District’s proposalfor 2009-2010.

• Article 4, Adult School – Unilateral elimination of Adult School breakstipend.

• Article 18, Health and Welfare – Unilateral implementation of atwo-tiered retirement health care system for SEA bargaining unit members,only. New hires (after July 1, 2009) will no longer be eligible forpost-retirement health benefits.

• Article 22, Leave – Unilaterally eliminate “out-of-state” travel as acriterion for extended bereavement leave.

• Article 35, Teaching Assignments – Unilaterally eliminate allrestrictions on 1/6 assignments.

• NEW: Article 39, District Rights – Unilateral expansion of Districtpower and authority.

With the exception of Article 37, Wages the District has not changed its bargaining position on any of the above issues since January 2009.

It is all on the SEA WEBSITE. http://www.seacta.org/website/index.php

Next Board Meeting: the Week before School Starts.

2009-07-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

07/20/2009 Closed Session - 4:30 p.m.
07/20/2009 Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

KPBS: Ana T Talks to Texas & Reports on TRUST

2009-06-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ana Tintocalis / KPBS

Above: SUHSD Superintendent Jesus Gandara has been on the job for about three years.

BY ANA TINTOCALIS

Monday, June 29, 2009

AUDIO

Popup | Download

Above: Gandara discusses school bond issues at Chula Vista High School.

Photo by Ana Tintocalis

Above: A portrait within a school board auditorium displays the current school board and superintendent.

SAN DIEGO — The Sweetwater Union High School District is the largest high school district in California. This past year it became one of four San Diego county school districts to be placed on a federal watch list under the No Child Left Behind Act. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis explains how Sweetwater Superintendent Jesus Gandara has come under fire for the way he's handling reforms:

Jesus Gandara is credited with turning around largely Latino school districts in Texas. He has described himself as a man of faith who is on a mission.

"I see my role as a superintendent sometimes fighting evil,” Gandara said. “So I carry a blessed Saint Michael's with me, and I carry a Rosary with me."

But lately Gandara has been fighting public mistrust. It's a stark contrast to when he first arrived three years ago. At the time there was a sense of optimism that Gandara was a perfect fit for the district. But now that's turned to anger.

At recent school protests, employees have been heard shouting:

“How long has Gandara been on the job? Too long, right?”

“This superintendent has created a repressive culture and people will continue to speak up.”

“Obviously our school board doesn't understand what is happening.”

The overall dissatisfaction is tied to Gandara's top-down style of management, his spending habits and unresolved contract negotiations. He's also accused of discriminating against female administrators.

Gandara believes the rancor is all about resistance to change.

“Everybody loves change, everyone understands change, everyone will tell you, change has to come, but when it comes to them, they don't like change,” Gandara said.

Gandara has shuffled principals about the districts without community input. And he's demoted two of the highest ranking female administrators. The superintendent defends his decisions.

“There are clicks in this organization and when I hold one of their members in this click accountable, then they're going to react to that.”

However Gandara admits he hasn't focused yet on his vision for academic instruction. Instead he's been caught-up in managing his bricks-and-motor vision of how to spend a more than $600 million school bond.

So now the question is whether Gandara has enough community support to move educational reforms forward. All six employee unions have cast votes of no confidence in him. Organizers say he doesn't know how to build consensus because he comes from Texas where there are no teachers unions.

“Certainly Texas is a unique culture,” says Lynda Skrla, professor of educational administration at Texas A & M University. She studies school districts that beat the odds. She says successful superintendents have to adapt.

“If you're a successful leader in Texas as superintendent and you move to another state, you're model for success really is built on what you knew previously,” Skrla said. “Part of your job is to learn how your new culture is the same as and, different from, the one from which you came. Certainly unions would be a big piece of the equation.”

Skrla says it is possible for an education reformer to make drastic changes without losing the trust and hurting morale. She says the key is to be transparent -- something teacher Jean Chivira says Gandara hasn't done.

“This is where we went to school. Our sisters have gone here. Our children have gone here. We're really tied to the community. And we've seen what this man has done. He's damaged the district where it’s going to take many, many years for us to recover.”

Charles Wilson has sent two of his daughters through the Sweetwater school district.

“(The district) needs the type of shaking up to get things done. But still (the superintendent) has to be able to listen to people.”

Lynda Skrla of Texas A & M says this is a pivotal moment for any superintendent.

“Once the public or school community’s trust for their school leadership has eroded, its extreme difficult to reestablish. And it’s also hard to predict when things are going to go South. Some superintendents can weather storms and remain in tact. Other superintendents lose their effectiveness.”

But Gandara insists he can lead the district out of its internal turmoil to academic success. If he succeeds, it could serve as a model for other struggling Latino school districts. If he doesn't, it could be a blow to the Sweetwater community.

RevaLution // June 29, 2009 at 3:31 p.m.

This man sounds PARANOID!!!

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savesweetwater // June 29, 2009 at 6:27 p.m.

He has been here three years and hasn't yet focused on instruction?? Doesn't that say it all?

Gandara needs to learn that fear doesn't build trust, and the click (clique) he has put in power now seems to only know one leadership style - fear based on positional power. Ask anyone who was at any of the recent management meetings - no one speaks up about anything - because they are afraid of the repercussions. Not a productive or healthy environment.

Wake up school board - Gandara has got to go.

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RevaLution // June 29, 2009 at 6:41 p.m.

could more people in management please grow a pair or join the union so we can get rid of this guy???

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LeadershipHero // June 29, 2009 at 7:52 p.m.

Thank you, Anna and KPBS. Wow, what a story!

So many people in this district have had their voice silenced over the past 3 years. Whether it is because they are told not to talk to the press or say anything to students for fear of retaliation on their performance evaluation. Having to use a moniker in order to share my views says volumes.

I appreciated your source from the university in Texas who explained some of the differences between Texas and California.

I believe that Diversity is not solely about skin color, ethnicity or cliques. Diversity can be found in the values of an organization that believes that every employee and student matters. A district that believes in Diversity supports the values of the community's past and present.

It is time we move from the anger, shock, denial and frustration we've experienced over the past few years.

Now is the time to show our strength, our diversity, and our courage to challenge the bullys who want us to believe that our voice is not of value.

Now is the time to ask the school board why this has been allowed to continue. How many examples of 'our dirty laundry' must we share with the public before we are heard?

Thank you KPBS! I am a proud member of your organization and will continue to contribute to KPBS.

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Gandarasgottogo // June 29, 2009 at 11:09 p.m.

The situation in the Sweetwater Union High School District is appalling. As a long time employee, I have never seen morale as low as it is today. It has been a long downward spiral under the leadership of Dr. Jesus Gandara. He rules by fear and intimidation. Dissent and discussion is not allowed. We have a dictator. When will the school board wake up? More and more local constituents are speaking out against Gandara's leadership and the present school board that rubber stamps all of Gandara's decisions. Promotions are not based on merit. Agree with the Superintendent and you will be promoted. Don't even think of asking questions or dissenting. If you do disgree or question, you'll face a future like Karen Janney and Dr.Carbury.

Did Dr. Gandara break his contract by going to Texas and interviewing for a position there? Why has he spent District funds on frequent trips to Texas and Monterey? How can the District spend $17 million on consultants and the Board doesn't even bat an eye? Whatever it costs to send Dr. Gandara back to Texas....it will be money well spent!

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freesushd // June 30, 2009 at 9:16 a.m.

Thanks once again, Ana. For example: teachers still don't know when to report in July for the year-round all district schedule that Karen Janney coordinated so seamlessly. It's all just rumors and tentative schedules and under a month to go. When you earn about as much as the superintendent for LA Unified School District (245K vs. 250K --perks not counted) shouldn't these wrinkles be ironed out?
Using Texas as an excuse for not knowing about unions is lamer than the dog-ate- my-homework line and blaming clicks (not sure he meant "cliques" --that was kind --I think he meant "chicks") three years into it is, again, indicative of a person who refuses to accept his own (major) role in this disaster.
When one pays property tax here and sees that chunk added to the bill for Prop O one can only close one's eyes and hope that all those chunks which add up to millions are being used wisely--to improve learning facilities for the children of Sweetwater. If this superintendent doesn't understand unions (or chooses to disregard them) and was trained to be an educational leader but hasn't gotten around to that in three years--if these two major bullets on his job description are lacking-- why is he at the helm managing 600 million dollars worth of bricks & mortar gleaned from our local property taxes? Learning while on the job will cost this district dearly (and has).
Free SUHSD.

jml1942 // July 5, 2009 at 10:01 a.m.

Remember, anything Gandara does such as the comment that he hired his wife, is not his doing, it is the school board. The school board has the legal authority to stop Gandara's actions. Focus, on the school board, they are the ones who are responsible.

There is no need to term limit anyone. Just do not elect them.

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Okay // July 5, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

It is Gandara doing as is all the firing and demoting. Does he have something on these board members they are the worse I have ever seen. That is why we need the state to come and audit the district. Too many I'll rub your back and you rub mine going on.

AND we do need term limits. Most of these members have been on the board for over 15 years and nothing changes. All I see is them getting more and more perks. Why does the district have to pay for them to have board home telephone numbers and fax number, computers, cell phones? And Cartmill is the worse everytime a new piece of electronic equipment comes out he uses OUR tax paying money to get the latest and greatest.

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jml1942 // July 5, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.

Gandara cannot act without the authority of the majority of the board. The board is the only body that has the legal power to hire and fire. THe board can the priorities of the district. The superintendent is an employee of the board. The superintendent serves at the pleasure of the board.

Term limits never determined who are the better or the worse board members. I have seen some very good board members serve twenty years and also not so good serve 20 years. Every public official has term limits, usually four years when they are up for election, that is the public's chance to end their career by voting those you think are not doing well, that is you can vote them out.

If you want to know about perks, check out what does the superintendent earn as well what are his perks? That will surprise you. Everything a school district does is public information. Are you aware of how much they spend on Consultants? Find out. Again, the superintendent cannot do anything without the majority of the board's consent. The board can reserve the superintendents decisions. Example: tomorrow the majority of the board could call for a meeting and rehire the two ladies. Simple as that.

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Okay // July 5, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.

Not only does the district pay way too much for consultants, are you aware of the one consultant who wrote is own job decription and then got hired? The former director has been demoted and now she works for him! They hire consultants to audit the books yet they have people to do that. They hire consultants to save the district money yet the supervisors/managers should be doing the jobs. I could go on and on as I do read board items. The only board member who called these people out was Jaime Mercado and boy do I wish he was back on the board.

You are right that Gandara cannot act without the authority of the board but that is just BS. They do his bidding and that is what we need to find out. And then this corrupt board hides behind him and says we only act on his recommendation.

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jml1942 // July 6, 2009 at 4:04 p.m.

When are the citizens, taxpayers, students going to get organized to make sure that there is accountability? If we are lucky, government is the same as farming, you have to take care of the land and the what you plant to get a return. The citizens in the District do not seem to want to do much about it, they rather spend their time and money on sports and the Michel Jackson's of the world(do not get me wrong),however, that is more important to most than making sure that there is enough support for a good reading program, math or whatever.

As for Jaime Mercado, fine, but he showed how stupid he was when he pulled that stunt on the two Lopez candidate trick. THat cost him the election. All that means, that he will play dirty tricks to get the power he wants.

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jml1942 // July 6, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

Baord members can say whatever they want, but in the end they have the last word if they want to take control.

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itsaboutthekids // July 8, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.

We DO need term limits!!!! What we have currently are Board Members who have been elected and then after years of service begin to loose focus. Serving as a Board Member should NOT be considered a JOB or a source of INCOME. It should be considered a SERVICE for the betterment of the Community. Mr. Cartmill has been heard to say at many a party that his long term goal is to be able to hand his daughter her diploma. Well, we DON'T have that kind of time to wait for him to move on. The Board as a WHOLE has let down this Community.

The Community needs to be motivated. The Community needs to have a fire lit under their behinds and do what is long overdue and make A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE OUR CURRENT BOARD. One by one they HAVE to go.

I would recommend that the Unions recognize that without the voters of this District NOTHING is going to be accomplished. I would recommend that they, the Unions, begin sending out mailings that identify their plight. With knowledge there is power. Currently many in the Community believe, wrongfully so, that it is all about money and they are not sympathetic. I am quite confident that if the correct information was out there that we would see a Community that responded 'YOU ARE OUT OF HERE'. Perhaps Teachers, and other entities should take steps such as sitting outside of Grocery Stores offering to speak of what the real issues are.

Regarding Mr. Mercado, I would like to interject, HE WAS THE ONLY BOARD MEMBER WHO EVER GOT BACK TO ME ON ANY ISSUE I HAD CONCERNS WITH. The other Board Members simply leave their fax machines on, have a bogus family message at the number given out, or the number simply rings and rings.

Our current Board Members are suffering from apathy, they simply are NOT taking their responsibilities seriously. More concerned with notoriety vs, accomplishing what is best for our youth. PITIFUL!!!

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jml1942 // July 8, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.

itsaboutkids keeps focusing on the wrong issue, as it is not about term limits or Jim Cartmill, it is about getting good people who are concerned about the taxpayer and how his/her tax dollar is being spent. It is about the taxpayer caring enough to get out on the shopping centers and passing out the literature, rather than spending their time on the PTA and baking cookies and usually, being manipulated by the information that the Adminstration gives them. If you have excellent, aware, sensative board members to the needs of the educational community, I would hope you would not want term limits, besides, they end up running for city council, assembly etc. and usually they get elected.

Bottom line, it is the taxpayer who pays the bill, it is the taxpayer who should care more than anyone else and above all, it should be the taxpayer who also has children in the public school system who should be in the shopping centers informing their community.

Taxpayers and parents should be contacting the leaders of the unions because they can really educate parents and taxpayers as to budgets, issues from a different view, however, that does not mean that you need to agree with them all the time.

I served on a committee where parents and employees met and 95% of the time, they all agreed as to how the funds should be spent. Excluded were administrators.

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jml1942 // July 8, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.

isaboutthekids
Yes, I cannot dispute Jaime Mercado's actions on the board, however, what he did was unethical and stupid and probably the reason for his defeat.

I also want all of you to know that Jaime was a great supporter of the administration for over 25 years, good principal, but a great supporter of the administration for years and years. He was for them and he got promoted and one day he was shafted and he was done in by the prior superintendent Ed Brand. He was done wrong, however, when others were done wrong he kept his mouth closed and still supported the administration. Just as he acted unethically during the last election, he has shown that he will do anything to promote himself be it as an administrator or as a school board member. To be fair, he was one of the better principals and he was known to be a good school board member, but he can be dangerous for when he wants power he will too forget you.

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KarenF // July 9, 2009 at 10:24 p.m.

All the above comments are right on. As a 35-yr employee of the District (retired in '08), I, too, have seen a lot of disgusting district administrations and shenanigans. It is true that Gandara is just another sad consequence of a Board that is either inept or on the take when they continue to hire ineffectual leaders to head the District. Sadly, I do not live in the district and cannot, therefore, have any say in the election of board members; but those of you who do absolutely MUST get out at each election and walk the streets (and THAT I can, and will, do!) to let voters know who is on the slate and why certain candidates must not be (re) elected. Then, vote!
Gandara is a low-intelligence fool who was hired with no experience in a 7-12 district. A negligent board allowed, rather, caused, this to occur. Further, they did not fire Gandara when they had the chance when they found that he had illegally sought employment with another district.
Just imagine if Karen Janney were our Superintendent now---how perfect would that be......

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jml1942 // July 15, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.

jml1942

Karen, thanks for your comments. I have a feeling that this is all going to die out for lack of citizen organization and involvement. I knew good people who ran for the board many years ago and one problem was that when time for precint walking was needed very few people showed up to help and the candidates had to do it all by themselves. LOts of people promised to help, but when the time came they did not show up.

Also, unless there is an issue, not many care about the board or the schools. I am concluding that nothing will come from this, unless there is an organized group with some good leadership. If not, this will die out soon.

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AGENDA for Monday 10AM meeting: ADOPTING THE BUDGET.

2009-06-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

6/26/09 10:32 PM

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Agenda for

06/29/2009 Special Board Meeting - 10:00 a.m.

1. OPENING PROCEDURES

A. Call to Order (Meeting Notice)

B. Roll Call

2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

Public Communication

3-A. SUPERINTENDENT DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-B. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES/SPECIAL SESSIONS DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-C. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-D. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-E. ADULT EDUCATION DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-F. FISCAL SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS

F-01.* Conduct a public hearing for the public to respond to the district’s proposed 2009-2010 budget and the

possible flexibility transfers for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school year, and adopt the 2009-2010 Final

Budget. (F/I: See below.)

3-G. HUMAN RESOURCES DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-H. PLANNING AND FACILITIES DISCUSSION ITEMS

H-01.* Approve contract for the New Building J and Renovation at Southwest Middle School. (F/I: $6,236,000,

Prop O.)

H-02.* Approve contract for the Modernization and New Construction and New Food Service Building at Chula

6/26/09 10:32 PM

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Vista Middle School. (F/I: $6,896,007, Prop O.)

3-I. PURCHASING DISCUSSION ITEMS

I-01.* Authorize an increase to the amount of award of Contract #89-2127-JF. (F/I: $80,000, Cafeteria Fund.)

I-02.* Authorize an increase to the amount of award of Contract #67-2093-JF. (F/I: $300,000, Cafeteria Fund.)

3-J. OPERATIONS/OTHER BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS

None.

3-K. POLICY REVIEW

None.

3-L. PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

3-M. RESOLUTIONS

None.

3-N. MELLO-ROOS RESOLUTIONS

None.

3-O. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS/TRAVEL

None.

4. BOARD COMMUNICATION

Board Communication

5. ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment

Latest from JC (Jim Cartmill):" Overabundant Transparency"

2009-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Board will examine travel requests

Trips by trustees raise budget issues

By Chris Moran, Union-Tribune Staff Writer

2:00 a.m. June 25, 2009

CHULA VISTA — A plan that appears to approve trips for South County high school trustees and the superintendent to Washington, D.C., Chicago and even England has been put on hold after questions about costs with money so short.

Sweetwater Union High School District board President Jim Cartmill said the plan does not call for blanket payment of hotel or airfares. The board still must vote to approve each request by a trustee or superintendent to travel to professional conferences at taxpayers' expense.

“This was done out of an overabundance of transparency,” Cartmill said, and the plan that appeared on the June 15 agenda did not call for any spending.

However, the report on the tentative travel plan states: “This board item will approve anticipated board travel for July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010.”

The plan lists 23 conferences. Many of those meetings are scheduled to be held in California, but in some instances the venues are in other states, and in one case, Oxford, England.

“This is very troubling, especially in light of the current economic conditions,” said Miguel Amaral, a counselor at Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach and president-elect of the counselors union. “If there isn't enough money for counselors to attend conferences, then I don't think the rest of you should go, either.”

Trustee Bertha Lopez agreed and said board members should be role models of thrift. She questioned why the trustees even needed to be members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

“Let's take them off, guys,” Lopez told fellow board members. “This is ridiculous.”

Trustee Pearl Quiñones defended her attendance at these conferences as experiences that made her a better board member. For example, she said, inspired by what she heard at a HOPE conference, she started a teen pregnancy task force in South County.

Information she received at the Association of of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials meetings, she said, has made her an informed advocate for establishing career pathways in South County high schools that make classes more relevant for students. In addition, she said, her expenses are often covered by the sponsoring organizations.

“Perhaps, Ms. Lopez, you should go so you can find out,” Quiñones said.

Board clerk Sandi Smith said that the list represents conferences that board members and the superintendent have attended in the past and wasn't intended as a travel itinerary for the coming year. The board instructed school officials to remove conferences from the list that trustees have no intention of attending.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/25/1sz25travel181821-board-will-examine-travel-reques/

letter to the editor : June 6 SD UNION Tribune

2009-06-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

letter link

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/06/lz1ez6lets195916-local-letters/

Transparency needed on Gandara's spending

Regarding “Displeased employees want superintendent fired” (May 23):

In addition to the employees' dissatisfaction with Superintendent Jesus Gandara, I, as a taxpayer who lives in this cash-strapped district, believe he has taken some very wasteful actions. He often spends above his contractual expense account of $800 a month. He has charged an apple pie in Julian, a night at the La Jolla Hilton and a flight to Texas on his district account, and now says his calendar is private. Taxpayers have no way of knowing if these expenses are related to district business or not. Trustees should do their jobs and ask tough questions.

ALICE ESPARZA Chula Vista

Voice of San Diego: Sums It Up on the Solstice. A Long Day for Sweetwater.

2009-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/06/21/education/813gandara062109.txt

Sweetwater's Miracle Worker Turned Lightning Rod

By EMILY ALPERT

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Sunday, June 21, 2009 | Jesus Gandara was described as a miracle worker when Sweetwater Union High School District, the largest high school district in the state, hired him as its leader nearly three years ago.

It was an apt image for Gandara, who introduced himself to schools as a man of faith. School board members touted his record of upping test scores in a tiny, impoverished school district on the border of Texas and Mexico. And Sweetwater welcomed miracles after a turbulent year: It had cycled through two interim chiefs before tapping Gandara.

Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Jesus Gandara. Image Courtesy of NBC 7/39

But now, as he nears the end of his third year overseeing a district that encompasses the middle and high schools from National City to San Ysidro, Gandara is in the crosshairs of a campaign to unseat him. Four labor unions from teachers to custodians have joined forces, gathering signatures for apetition that argues that he "neither welcomes nor respects input" and "relies on intimidation to gain consent." Union leaders estimate that nearly 2,000 of their roughly 6,600 workers have signed the petition.

Their complaints are numerous, from Gandara's attitude to his actions. The union has clashed with the school district over its contract, pushing for a deal that keeps their salaries and benefits intact. Others criticize Gandara's spending on meals and trips on the school district dime, which averaged more than $1,200 a month this year. An editorial in a high school newspaper called him "a Marie Antoinette figure, complete with financial irresponsibility and social insensitivity." And unions are not the only ones angry: Many principals and middle managers were stunned by his decision to demote two of his highest ranking employees in March.

The school board has largely stayed out of the fray after a member highly critical of Gandara, Jaime Mercado, lost his re-election bid last fall.

Gandara dismisses the furor as a union tactic as bargaining goes on with the teachers union and the budget crisis barrels on. "The superintendent is the lightning rod -- I understand that," he said. "I don't take it personally. I have to do what I think is right for children."

Typo of the WEEK (or not)

2009-06-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks for sending in the bloopers and Freudian slips that say it all. Remember email brickwall399@yahoo.com with your tips, ideas and news.

From: Office of the Superintendent

To: Members of the Sweetwater Union High School District

Penultimate paragraph:

As we consider the possibilities and look forward to the coming year, I want to encourage you to consider, once again, the magnitude of the unprecedented systemic reform effort that we have undertaken and the collaborative nature of the work we are engaged in and its impact on our students. Never in the history of our District have so many dared to imagine that we can create a new educational system while in the midst of such challenging times but I believe our District is a progressive organization which will prevail because ensuring that all students possess an invisible (sic) sense of promise is ever present in our daily practice.

At the bottom of the page:

"The Sweetwater Union High School District does not discriminate with regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental disability, or physical disability, age, marital or parental status or any other unlawful consideration."

SUHSD Board Policy #2224

KPBS: Sup's eval & community input (or was there?)

2009-06-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

South Bay School Leader's Performance Evaluated

BY ANA TINTOCALIS

Originally published June 15, 2009 at 2:33 p.m., updated June 15, 2009 at 9:04 p.m. listen to the audio update...more community members respond.

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jun/15/south-bay-school-leader-be-evaluated/#c260

AUDIO

Popup | Download

SAN DIEGO — Sweetwater's school superintendent met behind closed doors with school trustees yesterday to talk about his performance in the South Bay district. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis says his critics used that review to submit their own progress report:

Jesus Gandara has been Sweetwater's leader for about three years. A group of concerned school employees and parents submitted the details of their own progress report in anticipation of the trustees' official evaluation.

Critics say the overall dissatisfaction is tied to Gandara's top-down style of management, personnel decisions, his district spending habits and unresolved contract negotiations.

But teacher Jean Chivira says the community's concerns go beyond union politics.

"(District officials) could settle with us tomorrow, and this is not going to go away," Chivira said "It's not going to go away until we, the members of this community, this family, take our schools back and put in a superintendent that is responsive to this community."

Requests for comment made to school trustees went unanswered. But the district's spokeswoman says there weren't enough community evaluations to indicate that sentiment is shared districtwide.

The Sweetwater Union High School District is the largest public high school district in California. Its now one of 14 districts in San Diego County working to avoid stiffer academic penalties under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

freesushd // June 18, 2009 at 2:24 p.m.

Why did closed session take so long during that evaluation? Could it be that Dr. G is not a slam-dunk A+ kind of superintendent? Or were they ordering take-out with that famous Visa card and celebrating the good times over gourmet blue corn tamales from Fridas or the humbler starbucks 4$ special from around the corner.
Why doesn't the voting public get to know the results of his eval? This is rubber stamping in reverse. You back me--I back you. I hire you --you buy me lunch.
Why does everything important get tabled at those board meetings? How many evaluations is enough?
FREE SUHSD

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A Shout Out to Voice of San Diego-- linked to this blog!

2009-06-18T14:05:00.001-07:00

Check out these "Bright and Early" commentaries from Voice of San Diego. June 12, 2009--the blog makes the B&E!

Bright and Early

E-MAIL POST

There's a ton of interesting local opinion today along with your education news: A student editorial from Hilltop High decries the spending habits of Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Jesus Gandara in a budget crisis and his "Stalinistic approach to school politics." We blog on the San Diego teachers union joining the Labor Council and give you the background on why this is happening to unions nationwide. The Union-Tribune reports that the Ramona student finally got to present her report on gay leader Harvey Milk after the ACLU threatened to sue, and prints dueling editorials on preschool on its opinion page. And I accidentally overlooked this opinion piece yesterday by San Diego Unified trustee John Lee Evans that touts their "third way" of balancing the budget. Ruth McKinnie Braun at SDNN talks to "The Book Whisperer" on getting kids to read. The La Jolla Light reports on a dustup over expansion plans at a French bilingual school. KPBS talks to a High Tech High teacher heading to Uganda. And back at VOSD, my coworker Rani Gupta tracks the $17M tab to date for the nonexistent downtown library and its potential future as a schoolbrary, and I blog on a scufflebetween a charter school and the district over bond building plans.

Because budget news is school news these days: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger takes a step toward carrying out his threat to block an emergency loan to the state and a lawmaker calls his actions "hallucinatory and irresponsible." The Los Angeles Times continues the op-ed debate over charter schools -- this round is over which students charters educate. And Education Week is packed with California news, from the doubts about the governor's digital textbook ambitions, a lawsuit that decries the state for suspending its monitoring of programs for English learners, homeless students, migrants and neglected or delinquent kids.

And on the national stage, the Wall Street Journal explains the move toward "data-driven schools" and what that really means. The Christian Science Monitor reports that GED classes are packed nationwide. NPR explores cheaper ways that schools can go high-tech. The blog Eduwonk asks why negotiations with teachers unions can't be open, as the Washington Post editorialized they should be. And you were right about that eerie teacher in the second grade: Education Week reports that veteran teachers kind of do have eyes in the back of their heads.

-- EMILY ALPERT

Friday, June 12 -- 7:45 am

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/education/schooled/

And Still THEY Spend....on software (187K), consultants (?K) and headhunters (15K) to find new assistant superintendents

2009-06-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Budget calls for bigger classes, fewer aides

Sweetwater proposal hurts kids, teachers say

By Chris Moran

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

2:00 a.m. June 18, 2009

South County middle and high schools will have larger class sizes, fewer special-education aides and a scaled-back summer session under a budget trustees will consider in a special meeting June 29.

Sweetwater Union High School District's board tentatively approved $11.6 million in spending cuts this spring based on its calculations of how much its funding from the state will decrease as a result of California's fiscal crisis.

The result is a $344 million budget for the year that begins July 1. Despite the large cuts, spending is down less than 1 percent from the budget the board approved last June. Because the cost of business goes up – salaries, utilities, fuel, books – school boards have to make cuts just to keep overall spending levels flat.

The budget also assumes that the present pupil-to-teacher ratio of 28-to-1 will rise to 30-to-1. That would save $5.4 million a year because it would allow fewer teachers to educate 42,000 seventh-through 12th-graders. By the teachers union's estimate, it would mean about 50 fewer teaching jobs.

Class size has to be negotiated with the union. The union and the district are at impasse in negotiations to renew a contract that expired a year ago.

Board President Jim Cartmill said that he believes the two sides will reach agreement because union leaders realize that salaries and benefits eat up about 85 percent of the budget.

“It's either going to be cutting people or increasing the class size,” Cartmill said.

But Chuck Patterson, vice president of the teachers union and a U.S. history teacher at Otay Ranch High School, said the district's proposal hurts teachers and students.

“We believe that lower class sizes lead to higher productivity, higher test scores and overall improvement in learning,” Patterson said.

A negotiating session is scheduled for tomorrow. If there's no agreement before the July 27 start of the school year, the district can impose its class-size increase. The union can challenge it by filing a complaint with the state's Public Employment Relations Board.

District budget architects have found other savings through a reorganization of administration that is projected to save $2 million. The district expects to save an additional $700,000 by reducing the number of special-education aides it employs and $450,000 by limiting summer school classes to seniors and special-education students.

The board had been scheduled to adopt the budget Monday night, but it postponed action because the spending plan calls for $26,000 in deficit spending. Trustees said that although the amount is small, it is symbolically important not to spend beyond their means, and they asked their chief financial officer to come back with an adjusted plan.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/18/1sz18budget1970-budget-calls-bigger-classes-fewer-/?uniontrib

From the California Teacher's Association Monthly Magazine:

2009-06-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sweetwater teachers: no confidence in superintendent

Volume 13, Issue 9 - June 2009

We're happy to have all our RIF'd members ‘back on the bus,' but we still believe Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Jesus Gándara wants to keep SUHSD employees at the back of the bus, and that he is driving us over a cliff," said Sweetwater Education Association (SEA) President Sam Lucero after the SUHSD Board of Education voted May 11 to rescind remaining RIF (reduction in force) notices to SEA members. All 120 SEA members who had received RIFs have now had them rescinded. The school board also pulled a proposed 2 percent salary cut off the table. SEA members say that they merely wish to keep the current contract language, where neither side has anything to lose or gain.

Earlier that evening, hundreds of SEA members — joined by education employee union brothers and sisters in the Sweetwater Guidance and Counseling Association (SGCA), the California State Employees Association (CSEA), and the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), and by students, parents and community citizens — presented petitions of no confidence in Superintendent Gándara with some 2,000 signatures to the SUHSD Board.

The petitions cite Gándara's refusal to accept input from education community stakeholders; his unwillingness to facilitate dialogue; his failure to foster collaboration; and his inability to build a "culture of integrity, respect, and trust" — contrary to the ideas expressed in the Sweetwater District's Strategic Plan.

"Of course, we are glad that the board rescinded the reduction in force notices for our members, and that they took the proposal to cut our salaries off the table, but these were contract takebacks and we have no confidence in Superintendent Gándara's willingness or ability to bargain with us in good faith," said Lucero. "The district yielded to SEA pressure to do what's right. His budget priorities, as articulated in the district's bargaining proposals, demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the needs and priorities of students, parents and the community of SUHSD."

"District spokesperson Lillian Leopold complains that the unions want to maintain status-quo contracts in the midst of a difficult economy," said CSEA Chapter 471 President Stephanie Napier, "but what the district's bargaining team fails to recognize is that our contracts' pass-through language states that if the district receives any monies from the state, then the dollars pass through to all employees' wages and benefits. If no monies come down from the state, then no money is given to employees, the district gets nothing, we get nothing — very simple. Instead, the district wants to break our pass-through contract language, so that in the future when things are better and the COLA comes from the state it would require all bargaining units to negotiate any monies for employees of the district. District employees understand this is a very tough economy and are not asking for anything at all other than to maintain current language. With our current language, neither side has anything to lose or gain at this point."

Lucero said that the SUHSD Board is slated to review Gándara's job performance soon, but that the efforts of SEA and of its education employee union colleagues will be directed toward persuading the board to initiate the search for a new district superintendent instead. "We definitely need a new leader as we face the challenges ahead," said Lucero.

by Bill Guyhttp://www.cta.org/media/publications/educator/current/0609_tas_02.htm

Let Them Eat Cake (or Pie from Julian): a student's opinion

2009-06-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

From the Student Newspaper: The Lance

Hilltop High School June 2009

Dr. Jesus Gandara:

Marie Antoinette of the SUHSD

By: Dylan Chase Editor-in-Chief

Ed. Note: The following is an editorial. Please refer to the disclaimer on Page 8 for clarification.

Admitting a mistake can be a difficult thing to do, but the Sweetwater Union board of trustees may need to do just that in regards to their hiring of current Sweetwater Union Superintendent Dr. Jesus Gandara, three years ago. After being chosen in 2006 as the right man to bring stability, unity, and hope to the largest secondary school district in the nation, Dr. Gandara has proceeded to prove himself completely out of touch with the workers of his district and consistently abusive of the powers granted him by his lofty position. Dr. Gandara has often been accused of acting without outside support, ignoring budgetary constraints, and disregarding the pleas of his teachers, and his track record generally speaks in support of these sentiments. In these particular times of struggle, it’s become clear that Gandara is not the man to lead us out of our district’s current situation of political and economic uncertainty; his recent personnel reassignments and repeated financial fumbles paint a picture of a superintendent who is unfit to helm our district.

Direct evidence of Gandara’s indifference to his teachers’ struggles comes in multiple ways, one of them being the way he’s been fiscally insensitive to the recurring budget “crisis” that his school board enjoys preaching about.

It’s not necessary to be an economist to realize that times are tough financially; flip on any number of doom-forecasting economic channels on television or peruse the latest stock readings on the pages of any major newspaper, and what you’ll find are signs of an economy in serious trouble. On a more immediate level, Hilltop life has recently been affected by these economic woes partly in the form of several teachers receiving pink slips earlier in the year. Under the strain of enormous budget cuts and federal funding failures, Dr. Gandara’s office attempted to salvage the budget by issuing notices of possible dismissal to over 121 district teachers. These pink slips were rescinded when the district received over 12 million in federal stimulus money, but the fact remains that our economic conditions nearly forced many of our finest teachers into relocation or, worse—early retirement. This close call enraged many teachers who felt that the widespread notices of dismissal were a knee-jerk reaction that have only added to the “climate of fear” that Gandara’s reign has come to be known for. Now, as the foremost figure in our district’s school affairs, Dr. Gandara would be expected in this harsh climate to be a man of economic frugality, a role model of self-sufficiency, and shining example of how to persevere in tough times. With so many teachers nearly falling to the budgetary guillotine, you would expect a man who carries a $240,000 salary to show profound sympathy for those below him on the totem pole by, perhaps, pulling the personal purse strings a little bit tight. However, these expectations would remain unfulfilled; judging from Gandara’s spending habits over the last two years on district credit cards, it seems as if our tenuous budget has been lost altogether on our superintendent.

The Lance was recently provided with documents that outlined Gandara’s spending on a district issued credit card from August 2007 to January 2009. The results showcase his true detachment from this supposed budget crisis. In these documents, it’s exposed to us that Gandara rarely shied away from the big check at the restaurant or the sky-high rate at a luxurious hotel, with all of the freewheeling coming at the District expense.

Firstly, further opinion should be prefaced with the acknowledgement of Mr. Gandara’s right to a daily stipend for food, transportation, and lodging. Nearly all district employees are provided with a personal fund when on business outings that grants them the power to generally spend how they please, and Superintendent Gandara’s right to the same privileges shouldn’t be brought into question. The man has meetings and functions to attend across a number of state lines, and any job that requires as much travel as his is going to result in some hefty credit charges. Now, with all of this out of the way, it seems clear that Gandara’s expenditures on the district dime border on the exploitative.

The most off-putting evidence of Gandara’s questionable spending comes in the form of his multiple charges at restaurants, with him sometimes going out to eat on the district visa more than one time on a single day. In multiple instances, he is recorded as having dined at three separate restaurants within the same day. All across the board, Gandara has paid for restaurant charges that usually exceeded what is necessary for a single person, usually eating out ten to eleven times a month on his allotted card. In the month of February 2008 alone he spent $535 solely on dining, falling right in line with restaurant totals of $477 and $439 during other months throughout the last two-odd years. Now, not to mock a grown man for a voracious appetite, but Gandara appears to be eating comfortably off a platter set out by taxpayers and it’s insulting that a man who attracts such a handsome salary would find it fit to routinely spend upwards of $50 on food in a single setting. It might seem like nitpicking, but there are surely a number of frustrated teachers who would perceive Gandara, say, dropping nearly twenty bucks at the Hilton bar as a brazen slap in the face. If the budget constraints were sufficient reason for him to dole out pink slips, like numbers at a delicatessen, shouldn’t they have been enough reason for him refrain from spending that could be considered unnecessary? After all, teachers have sometimes been forced by lack of funding to dip into their own pocketbooks in order to fund class activities, so how can Gandara in good conscience take advantage of every amenity available to him?

Many will argue that Gandara’s spending is not of public concern, and that he’s entitled to spend the provided money in the way he sees fit. Gandara has certainly earned the right to live a comfortable life, but it’s entirely inappropriate for him to be dining out at regularly and enjoying the amenities of upper-class hotels when teachers have been wringing their hands in anticipation of the administrative axe falling down all year. In a climate where respected teachers are getting the boot without outside backing and money is often scarce, Gandara is acting like a Marie Antoinette figure, complete with financial irresponsibility and social insensitivity. Dr. Gandara has been facing a recent rash of controversy as it is, and these monetary indiscretions only bring his integrity –along with the integrity of the entire school board –further into question. A few weeks ago, the school board raised a firestorm by terminating the contract of ultra-popular and universally respected Karen Janney. Janney was California’s 2004 Principal of the Year for her work at Montgomery High in Otay Mesa; her demotion and eventual release provoked widespread outrage from district teachers and parents and a petition was circulated this past month among her backers that gathered 500 signatures in support of her reinstatement. Her firing is part of a long string of Gandara’s gaffes that caused his opponents to compose a 1300- signature petition calling for his termination as Superintendent. Add this to his firing of Assistant Superintendent Dianna Carberry and Gandara has, within a two month span, axed the two highest-ranking instructional leaders beneath him on the district food chain.

Clearly, Gandara’s employing a Stalinistic approach to school politics: eliminating any and all threats to his autocratic position of power. Besides issuing the aforementioned petition, the teachers union has banded together with the other five employee unions in the SUHSD to cast a collective vote of no-confidence against Gandara, which is a show of disapproval that was never before seen in our district’s history. All across the SUHSD, teachers can be heard voicing their collective disdain for Gandara; some cite his inability to settle a contract with the teachers union in more than a year of negotiations, others take offense to his political firings, but almost all of them are tired of his tactics of intimidation in district dealings.

Sam Lucero, President of the Sweetwater Education Association (the SUHSD teachers union) said of our Superintendent: “The very, very essential character of our district has changed since Superintendent Gandara has come on board. Whereas there was a very collegial, collaborative relationship, now it has deteriorated to one of fear and intimidation. Obviously that’s not healthy for a public school setting.”

Hilltop economics and German teacher Rick Ludwig takes similar offense to the district’s actions in dealing with teachers, stating, “The idea that it is an acceptable ploy of the district to toy with peoples’ financial security by a blanket layoff notice only to later ‘grant’ them their employment opportunity again with rescind notices is contemptuous. The philosophy that the staff exists and performs for and by the good grace of SUHSD is sheer political arrogance and fail to recognize our true collective purpose of educating our young.”

Dr. Gandara was hired to bring prosperity to this district, and what’s resulted, almost inarguably, is a disaster. His political maneuvering, gross personal misconduct, and authoritative chest-pounding had left no doubt that he is a man undeserving of his position. Admitting a mistake is indeed a difficult thing to do, but if the district hopes to reconcile the nasty position it’s found itself in, they would best be advised to heed the public cries calling for the job of Jesus Gandara.

For more information concerning education-related budget cuts, the SEA, district controversy, and all things Gandara, go to the union’s website at http://www.seacta.org/

All opinions and viewpoints expressed in The Lance are in no way representative of Hilltop High School, its students, its faculty, or the Sweetwater Union as a whole.

march9chulavista: 08/17/2009 Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

August 17 Board Meeting still on....

Get it Right!

For the record

Work to the Rule: Post Labor Day (Sept 8)

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/07/30/this_just_in/865union072909.txt

Sweetwater Union Plans to 'Work to the Rule'

Published: Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:26 AM PDT

-- EMILY ALPERT

Discrimination: Race & Gender --a lawsuit against district.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/08/1m8suit23210-suit-against-district-claims-discrimi/?uniontrib

Suit against district claims discrimination

SUHSD blames the victim....uppity union

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/08/05/education/schooled/692union080409.txt

Sweetwater: Union 'Systematically Delayed Negotiations'

-- EMILY ALPERT

Letter laments largesse (and we are not talking class size)

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/08/mz1mc8letter204528-local-letters/?uniontrib

Gandara's salary obscene in tough times

More Board Meetings....July 30-reconvened--Aug 3 hire/pay 149K to new Curriculum Director

July 24 article in SD Union Tribune

Hello blog devotees: please excuse tardy postings.

Surf's up and retirement has it's temptations.

School district to vote on contract extension

Closed Session Agenda for July 27 (4:30) *

Board Meeting Changed to First Day of School 7/27/09

Bad News for TEACHERS--Bummer in the Summer...or?

Next Board Meeting: the Week before School Starts.

KPBS: Ana T Talks to Texas & Reports on TRUST

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jun/29/public-trust-erodes-in-sweetwater-school-district/

Public Trust Erodes In Sweetwater School District

AUDIO

Comments

RevaLution // June 29, 2009 at 3:31 p.m.

savesweetwater // June 29, 2009 at 6:27 p.m.

RevaLution // June 29, 2009 at 6:41 p.m.

LeadershipHero // June 29, 2009 at 7:52 p.m.

Gandarasgottogo // June 29, 2009 at 11:09 p.m.

freesushd // June 30, 2009 at 9:16 a.m.

jml1942 // July 5, 2009 at 10:01 a.m.

Okay // July 5, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

jml1942 // July 5, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.

Okay // July 5, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.

jml1942 // July 6, 2009 at 4:04 p.m.

jml1942 // July 6, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

itsaboutthekids // July 8, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.

jml1942 // July 8, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.

jml1942 // July 8, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.

KarenF // July 9, 2009 at 10:24 p.m.

jml1942 // July 15, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.

AGENDA for Monday 10AM meeting: ADOPTING THE BUDGET.

Latest from JC (Jim Cartmill):" Overabundant Transparency"

Board will examine travel requests

Trips by trustees raise budget issues

letter to the editor : June 6 SD UNION Tribune

Transparency needed on Gandara's spending

Voice of San Diego: Sums It Up on the Solstice. A Long Day for Sweetwater.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/06/21/education/813gandara062109.txt

Sweetwater's Miracle Worker Turned Lightning Rod

By EMILY ALPERT

Related Links

Typo of the WEEK (or not)

KPBS: Sup's eval & community input (or was there?)

AUDIO

Comments

freesushd // June 18, 2009 at 2:24 p.m.

A Shout Out to Voice of San Diego-- linked to this blog!

Check out these "Bright and Early" commentaries from Voice of San Diego. June 12, 2009--the blog makes the B&E!

Bright and Early

E-MAIL POST

-- EMILY ALPERT

Friday, June 12 -- 7:45 am

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/education/schooled/

And Still THEY Spend....on software (187K), consultants (?K) and headhunters (15K) to find new assistant superintendents

Budget calls for bigger classes, fewer aides

Sweetwater proposal hurts kids, teachers say

From the California Teacher's Association Monthly Magazine:

Sweetwater teachers: no confidence in superintendent

Let Them Eat Cake (or Pie from Julian): a student's opinion