Here are the comments Nancy Stubbs made at the April 9 meeting
Remarks to Closed Session of the Board – 4/9/09
President Cartmill (Vice-President Ricasa), Superintendent Gandara, and members of the Board,
I know you are all aware that there are a substantial number of people in the Sweetwater community- parents, students and staff – who are disappointed with the recent decisions of the Board. We are here today to ask you to listen to your constituents and honor those who have put their trust in you.
The timing of this meeting, over Spring Break, furthers the perception that decisions are being made in secrecy and without input from the people affected by the decisions. Further, public input does not appear to be valued. While there may be a good reason for holding the meeting today, the recent pattern of major decisions being made by a very small group of people moves this perception towards reality for the public.
As you make your decisions today, especially for items 1 and 2, please be sure you have all the pertinent information. Are you aware that the decisions made at the March 9 Board meeting resulted in the demotion or termination of 11 women , district administrators or district resource teachers, while the 5 moves that involved men were all lateral moves or promotions?
Another perception around the district is that by speaking here today I may experience retribution. But as a 25 year loyal employee of the Sweetwater district I care deeply about the culture of fear and disrespect that is permeating the district. You have the power to change that culture. I trust you will respect my right to express my opinion in an honest effort to improve conditions in Sweetwater.
We respectfully request that you carefully consider your decisions today, again –especially for items 1 and 2, in light of what is best for students, and not base them on politics.
We also request that you reconsider your decisions of 3/9, especially the termination of Karen Janney.
Thank you.
Here are the comments that Mary Anne Stro made at the April 9th meeting:
and her note to BRICKWALL399@yahoo.com
I have been following the Blog and have posted a comment, but do not know how to do a post so I am sending you the comments that I made at the special meeting on April 9th. Thanks for your efforts and thanks for your support of Karen - an exceptional educator.
Mary Anne Stro, Ed.D.
Good morning. I am here this morning to express my concern over the appearance that the Board of Trustees is acting in a manner to avert public comment. There are members of the community who are upset and concerned over the demotion of key administrators which took place at your March meeting. Today we see another agenda item dealing with administrative demotions. At the March meeting there were 8 women all aged 50 or older demoted or terminated while on the same agenda 4 males were promoted. We will be paying attention to the personnel moves you make this morning. Two sites, for example, will apparently be assigned principals without parent and staff input as directed by your own Board Policy.
I believe that the board has not acted in the best interest of the district (especially with the demotion of Karen Janney) or the community and has instead created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. I applaud those who are willing to come forward to speak and trust that there will be no retaliation against any of them for having done so.
The board agenda for this morning lists an item that infers that there is potential litigation against the district. I sure hope so!
Mary Anne Stro, Ed.D.
Monday, April 13, 2009
San Diego Union Tribune Letter to the Editor April 11
Sweetwater board pulls a fast one
Saturday South County Edition
Members of the Sweetwater Union High School District board of trustees were elected by the public and entrusted to make decisions that are in the best interest of students. They are also to safeguard employee rights and ensure that employees are treated with respect. When that trust is violated, we have a right to question their actions.
Sweetwater board members demoted qualified district leaders without cause and gave two of their top administrators only several hours warning. This despite positive performance evaluations. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members took this action in violation of the Brown Act. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members disrupted school leadership and programs at a critical time in the school year for students. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members, along with the superintendent, have created an atmosphere of fear and distrust within the district. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members took action for their own political self-interests. Shame on them.
If any of these board members are re-elected or elected to other office, then shame on us.
MARY ANNE STRO Chula Vista
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/11/mz1sz11lette20247-local-letters/?uniontrib
Saturday South County Edition
Members of the Sweetwater Union High School District board of trustees were elected by the public and entrusted to make decisions that are in the best interest of students. They are also to safeguard employee rights and ensure that employees are treated with respect. When that trust is violated, we have a right to question their actions.
Sweetwater board members demoted qualified district leaders without cause and gave two of their top administrators only several hours warning. This despite positive performance evaluations. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members took this action in violation of the Brown Act. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members disrupted school leadership and programs at a critical time in the school year for students. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members, along with the superintendent, have created an atmosphere of fear and distrust within the district. Shame on them.
Sweetwater board members took action for their own political self-interests. Shame on them.
If any of these board members are re-elected or elected to other office, then shame on us.
MARY ANNE STRO Chula Vista
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/11/mz1sz11lette20247-local-letters/?uniontrib
Attend the Board Meeting today; voice your concerns. Pass this blog on to the Sweetwater family. If they will do this to our leadership....
Thursday, April 9, 2009
4/13 AGENDA same as 4/9 "Special Meeting"
Another closed session Board meeting has been scheduled for Monday night April 13 at 5:30 - same agenda. Possibly, since only three Board members were available today they didn't want to make decisions (take the heat) without the full Board in agreement. It would be great to have some other people speak and be present to hear their decisions.
There were 5 items to be considered in closed session on April 9:
1. Public Employee Evaluation/Appointment Transfer Title: Principal (2)
2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reclassification/Reassignment/ Resignation/Transfer
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation Name of Case: SUHSD vs. All American Asphalt
5. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Number of Potential Cases: 2
This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to address the board on Karen Janney's (et. al) behalf. We have the right to be heard and the board must let us speak...EVEN AT A CLOSED SESSION MEETING. Even though it is a closed session meeting it is still a public meeting and if employ/personnel items are on the agenda (which they are) the public can be heard. So the board members will come out and sit in their chairs. Cartmill will bang the gavel and call the meeting to order. If we are all there and we fill out the cards to speak, they must here us before they go behind closed doors. It is quite a statement to the Board when the room is full at closed session and even a stronger statement when a great deal of their time is taken with public testimony. Let's pack that room.
Speak to 1 & 2 for KJ/DC and administrator positions.
Speak to 3 for SEA Union Issues.
There were 5 items to be considered in closed session on April 9:
1. Public Employee Evaluation/Appointment Transfer Title: Principal (2)
2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reclassification/Reassignment/ Resignation/Transfer
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation Name of Case: SUHSD vs. All American Asphalt
5. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Number of Potential Cases: 2
This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to address the board on Karen Janney's (et. al) behalf. We have the right to be heard and the board must let us speak...EVEN AT A CLOSED SESSION MEETING. Even though it is a closed session meeting it is still a public meeting and if employ/personnel items are on the agenda (which they are) the public can be heard. So the board members will come out and sit in their chairs. Cartmill will bang the gavel and call the meeting to order. If we are all there and we fill out the cards to speak, they must here us before they go behind closed doors. It is quite a statement to the Board when the room is full at closed session and even a stronger statement when a great deal of their time is taken with public testimony. Let's pack that room.
Speak to 1 & 2 for KJ/DC and administrator positions.
Speak to 3 for SEA Union Issues.
April 13 Monday Another Closed Session Board Meeting.
Keep reading the board docs on the district web site. The board scheduled a special meeting for this morning at 11 (April 9) and a keen-eyed community member was able to alert the interested public about the meeting. Plan to attend and speak on Monday after school resumes. It will be closed session but at the beginning of the meeting the public may speak to items on the board agenda.
April 9 Special Meeting --a letter from Mary Doyle
Dear Brick Wall 399,
I just left the 11 AM impromptu closed session/teleconference Special Board Meeting of April 9, 2009 Thursday. I am writing my impressions immediately and plan to email it this evening.
The Special Meeting time/date was posted on board docs to notify the public. (24 hours and 1 minute ago is what I understand the rules to be)
(I am sending in my impressions of that meeting so any errors in this letter are mine alone).
Trustees: Ricasa, Sandoval & Lopez were on their respective phone lines at addresses listed in Bonita & Chula Vista. Dr. Gandara, superintendent was present in the room, along with Rita Beyers, one of the three labor negotiators listed. Cartmill & Quinones did not seem to be present but the phone connection was garbled and difficult to understand.
Members of the public present included: Our union president, Sam Lucero, three teachers (including myself: MVH librarian), one district office administrator, a retired administrator, a coach and a parent with family members. I would safely assume that all present were also community members and registered voters in this district.
There were 5 items to be considered in closed session:
1. Public Employee Evaluation/Appointment Transfer Title: Principal (2)
2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reclassification/Reassignment/ Resignation/Transfer
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation Name of Case: SUHSD vs. All American Asphalt
5. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Number of Potential Cases: 2
Four members of the public addressed the legislative body (and by “addressing” let me add it was on the phone with the scratchy reception and we gave up on the speaker phone). We could hear “our side” of the conversation.
The first three speakers spoke to item 1 & 2 ( I believe). I hope their eloquent commentary gets on this blog or is disseminated to our community by other means. A few points they brought up:
1. The fact that in the reorganization the 11 women moved were demoted, or dismissed the five men were moved to at least equivalent positions or more.
2. The climate of fear and intimidation pervasive in the district
3. The principal reassignments of March 9: not acting in the best interests of students.
4. Reminding/requesting that no retaliation occur towards those community members & district employees voicing their concerns about board decisions.
5. Addressing the closed session vote removing Karen Janney & Dianna Carberry from the assistant superintendent positions on March 9, 2009.
The three people who spoke were women with many years of employment in our district. They were courageous and to-the-point in their allocated two minutes. Again, I hope they send in their notes to this blog, so all can read their quick and intelligent responses formulated in under a day, during spring break which, for many of us, is a spiritual week of reflection, hope and rejuvenation.
Mr. Lucero addressed the trustees and spoke to budget concerns. Again, with very short notice, he reminded the board of the federal stimulus package to arrive in April (11.1 million), asked about the missing items on the budget-cutting suggestion list, suggested the district invoke district reserves, cut district travel & conferences, cut the half million in food allowances and other points I did not get written down accurately or quickly enough. He also reminded the board that the union is asking for a status quo proposal.
After these four members of the public spoke we were excused for the closed session portion of the “special meeting.” A few of us decided to leave, assuming that this would last an hour; others hunkered down to wait. But, it seemed only 10-12 minutes elapsed before we were called back in and sitting in our chairs waiting for the crackly voice on the speaker phone to announce any decisions . I looked at my iPhone---11: 32. The only item Vice President Ricasa spoke to was Item 4—the American Asphalt lawsuit.
The special meeting was adjourned.
After a Happy Easter greeting we removed ourselves to our vehicles and returned to our reflective vacation days.
These are my recollections of the “special meeting” of April 9, 2009—one month to the day.
See you at the newly scheduled April 13 meeting .
Yours in education,
Mary Doyle
I just left the 11 AM impromptu closed session/teleconference Special Board Meeting of April 9, 2009 Thursday. I am writing my impressions immediately and plan to email it this evening.
The Special Meeting time/date was posted on board docs to notify the public. (24 hours and 1 minute ago is what I understand the rules to be)
(I am sending in my impressions of that meeting so any errors in this letter are mine alone).
Trustees: Ricasa, Sandoval & Lopez were on their respective phone lines at addresses listed in Bonita & Chula Vista. Dr. Gandara, superintendent was present in the room, along with Rita Beyers, one of the three labor negotiators listed. Cartmill & Quinones did not seem to be present but the phone connection was garbled and difficult to understand.
Members of the public present included: Our union president, Sam Lucero, three teachers (including myself: MVH librarian), one district office administrator, a retired administrator, a coach and a parent with family members. I would safely assume that all present were also community members and registered voters in this district.
There were 5 items to be considered in closed session:
1. Public Employee Evaluation/Appointment Transfer Title: Principal (2)
2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reclassification/Reassignment/ Resignation/Transfer
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation Name of Case: SUHSD vs. All American Asphalt
5. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Number of Potential Cases: 2
Four members of the public addressed the legislative body (and by “addressing” let me add it was on the phone with the scratchy reception and we gave up on the speaker phone). We could hear “our side” of the conversation.
The first three speakers spoke to item 1 & 2 ( I believe). I hope their eloquent commentary gets on this blog or is disseminated to our community by other means. A few points they brought up:
1. The fact that in the reorganization the 11 women moved were demoted, or dismissed the five men were moved to at least equivalent positions or more.
2. The climate of fear and intimidation pervasive in the district
3. The principal reassignments of March 9: not acting in the best interests of students.
4. Reminding/requesting that no retaliation occur towards those community members & district employees voicing their concerns about board decisions.
5. Addressing the closed session vote removing Karen Janney & Dianna Carberry from the assistant superintendent positions on March 9, 2009.
The three people who spoke were women with many years of employment in our district. They were courageous and to-the-point in their allocated two minutes. Again, I hope they send in their notes to this blog, so all can read their quick and intelligent responses formulated in under a day, during spring break which, for many of us, is a spiritual week of reflection, hope and rejuvenation.
Mr. Lucero addressed the trustees and spoke to budget concerns. Again, with very short notice, he reminded the board of the federal stimulus package to arrive in April (11.1 million), asked about the missing items on the budget-cutting suggestion list, suggested the district invoke district reserves, cut district travel & conferences, cut the half million in food allowances and other points I did not get written down accurately or quickly enough. He also reminded the board that the union is asking for a status quo proposal.
After these four members of the public spoke we were excused for the closed session portion of the “special meeting.” A few of us decided to leave, assuming that this would last an hour; others hunkered down to wait. But, it seemed only 10-12 minutes elapsed before we were called back in and sitting in our chairs waiting for the crackly voice on the speaker phone to announce any decisions . I looked at my iPhone---11: 32. The only item Vice President Ricasa spoke to was Item 4—the American Asphalt lawsuit.
The special meeting was adjourned.
After a Happy Easter greeting we removed ourselves to our vehicles and returned to our reflective vacation days.
These are my recollections of the “special meeting” of April 9, 2009—one month to the day.
See you at the newly scheduled April 13 meeting .
Yours in education,
Mary Doyle
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
An Educator Sends in Her Letter to Trustees & the One Response She Received.
Dear Brick Wall 399,
I sent these notes to the board via email on March 11, 2009.
Cartmill, Ricasa, Lopez received the first version and Sandoval & Quinones received the second one. I sent them after work to their First Class emails (except Cartmill). I sent his to the email listed on the district web site. I also snail-mailed these same brief notes registered (5$ a pop) to the district office to arrive by Friday March 13 (pink slip day, ironically).
I only heard back from Mr. Sandoval in an email a few days later. His response follows my two versions.
I have taught in this district since 1993. Karen Janney was my principal at Chula Vista Middle School and Montgomery High School. She is an educator that continues to inspire me. Though I have not worked directly with Dr. Carberry, I am equally concerned about her abrupt demotion. I feel our elected officials owe us an explanation. I cannot remain silent on this issue.
Thank you for posting this on the blog. Please use my name.--Mary Doyle
Dear Mr. Cartmill:
I am the high school librarian at Mar Vista High School. I moved from San Diego to Imperial Beach over two years ago and I vote in all elections. As an employee of this district, a voter and homeowner in this region, and a family member of students and staff at Sweetwater, my interests in the quality of education delivered to the youth of my chosen community overlaps and is interwoven into all aspects of my life.
For this reason I need to understand your vote last Monday night to remove Karen Janney from her position as assistant superintendent.
Please respond. She is a valuable resource and has truly lived the SUHSD mission of education for all. She puts student success first.
Mr. Sandoval's response:
From: "Greg Sandoval"
Date: March 13, 2009 4:01:03 PM PDT
To: "Mary Susan Doyle"
Subject: Re: recent board vote
Ms. Doyle,
According to the Superintendent's contract, as you probably know, he provides personnel recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval or rejection. You should pose your question to the Superintendent. Take care. Greg Sandoval.
I sent these notes to the board via email on March 11, 2009.
Cartmill, Ricasa, Lopez received the first version and Sandoval & Quinones received the second one. I sent them after work to their First Class emails (except Cartmill). I sent his to the email listed on the district web site. I also snail-mailed these same brief notes registered (5$ a pop) to the district office to arrive by Friday March 13 (pink slip day, ironically).
I only heard back from Mr. Sandoval in an email a few days later. His response follows my two versions.
I have taught in this district since 1993. Karen Janney was my principal at Chula Vista Middle School and Montgomery High School. She is an educator that continues to inspire me. Though I have not worked directly with Dr. Carberry, I am equally concerned about her abrupt demotion. I feel our elected officials owe us an explanation. I cannot remain silent on this issue.
Thank you for posting this on the blog. Please use my name.--Mary Doyle
Dear Mr. Cartmill:
I am the high school librarian at Mar Vista High School. I moved from San Diego to Imperial Beach over two years ago and I vote in all elections. As an employee of this district, a voter and homeowner in this region, and a family member of students and staff at Sweetwater, my interests in the quality of education delivered to the youth of my chosen community overlaps and is interwoven into all aspects of my life.
For this reason I need to understand your vote last Monday night to remove Karen Janney from her position as assistant superintendent.
Please respond. She is a valuable resource and has truly lived the SUHSD mission of education for all. She puts student success first.
I have learned that the vote was 5-0. I am sending similar requests to your colleagues on the board. Thank you in advance for a prompt explanation.
Yours in education,
Mary S. Doyle
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Dear Mr. Sandoval,
I am the high school librarian at Mar Vista High School. I moved from San Diego to Imperial Beach over two years ago and I vote in all elections. As an employee of this district, a voter and homeowner in this region, and a family member of students and staff at Sweetwater, my interests in the quality of education delivered to the youth of my chosen community overlaps and is interwoven into all aspects of my life. I want to thank you for your vote of support on March 2nd at Sweetwater High. Student success should be our highest priority.
For this reason I do need to understand your more recent vote last Monday night to remove Karen Janney from her position as assistant superintendent.
Please respond. She is a valuable resource and has truly lived the SUHSD mission of education for all. She puts student success first. I have learned that the vote was 5-0. I am sending similar requests to your colleagues on the board.
Thank you in advance for a prompt explanation.
Yours in education,
Mary S. Doyle
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Yours in education,
Mary S. Doyle
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Dear Mr. Sandoval,
I am the high school librarian at Mar Vista High School. I moved from San Diego to Imperial Beach over two years ago and I vote in all elections. As an employee of this district, a voter and homeowner in this region, and a family member of students and staff at Sweetwater, my interests in the quality of education delivered to the youth of my chosen community overlaps and is interwoven into all aspects of my life. I want to thank you for your vote of support on March 2nd at Sweetwater High. Student success should be our highest priority.
For this reason I do need to understand your more recent vote last Monday night to remove Karen Janney from her position as assistant superintendent.
Please respond. She is a valuable resource and has truly lived the SUHSD mission of education for all. She puts student success first. I have learned that the vote was 5-0. I am sending similar requests to your colleagues on the board.
Thank you in advance for a prompt explanation.
Yours in education,
Mary S. Doyle
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Mr. Sandoval's response:
From: "Greg Sandoval"
Date: March 13, 2009 4:01:03 PM PDT
To: "Mary Susan Doyle"
Subject: Re: recent board vote
Ms. Doyle,
According to the Superintendent's contract, as you probably know, he provides personnel recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval or rejection. You should pose your question to the Superintendent. Take care. Greg Sandoval.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Letter from Peggy Watson, counselor at MVH (also found on unity is power blog)
Dear Colleagues,
Why was Karen Janney demoted to principal of National City Middle School? As a counselor at Mar Vista High, I find it ironic that the woman who was instrumental in developing our district strategic plan has been summarily dismissed. In addition to her role in the design of the plan, people should know the history of her fine leadership which exemplifies the mission of our district.
In each of her leadership positions, Karen has worked tirelessly to be the best administrator that anyone could ask for. In fact, I have never met another person with more dedication to education or more integrity than Karen Janney. If our superintendent and Board of Trustees truly believe in putting the interests of students first, they will apologize and retract their foolish decision to demote her.
In 1978, Karen began teaching in the Sweetwater District. I first met her in 1991 when I was a new teacher at Castle Park Middle School and she was the assistant principal. Later, I worked at Chula Vista Middle where she was the principal. In both of those schools, I was very impressed with her positive attitude and absolute dedication to students and teachers. Her door was open to everyone and she paid close attention to what was going on in the classrooms. She was present and focused on problem solving. She worked closely with teachers to make sure we had good lesson plans and were effective in the classroom. But she also gave us a lot of personal support for the difficult jobs we had. She met with every teacher and acknowledged us regularly in conferences and with notes of appreciation. Her basic belief in the goodness of people guided her effort to bring out the best in each of us. She would never demean or humiliate another person – under any circumstance. She had excellent relationships with parents and students and her positive energy was felt throughout the schools and community.
Karen has truly built her leadership style on a foundation of teambuilding -- soliciting and incorporating the ideas of teachers, classified staff, students and parents. Her goals and expectations as a site principal, and now as an area-superintendent, have been in absolute agreement with our district's current mission statement – and her actions have always based on what is best for students.
Karen is an outstanding leader and has been honored numerous times for her contributions. A few examples follow:
California Congress of PTA Honorary Service Award
Sweetwater District's Administrator of the Year
Sweetwater's District Management Employee of the Year
California League of High Schools, Region 9, Educator of the Year
ACSA Region 18 Secondary Principal of the Year
ACSA State Secondary Principal of the Year
Sweetwater Union High School District Innovation Award
Tribute to Women in Industry Award
Model Mentor Principal
Mentor Administrator for Future Administrators' Academy Interns.
Karen has coached teachers and administrators throughout our district. She has provided trainings through TESA, California School Leadership Academy, Stiggins' Student-Centered Assessment training, as well as other conferences and seminars. She also teaches Educational Leadership 610 at SDSU and is currently completing her PhD. Furthermore, she has participated in many regional and local professional committees, the Chula Vista Coordinating Council, the California League of Middle Schools, and more.
As Area Superintendent, Karen led the effort to develop the common calendar, recently adopted by our district and the elementary districts. This issue has been on our district agenda for years but Karen began coordinating the process in January 2008. It was her leadership and ability to bring people together that allowed us to finally resolve the issue.
Always humble and gracious, Karen Janney is a talented and dedicated administrator. I am completely baffled by Dr. Gandara and the Trustees' decision to demote her. If it was a question of budget cuts, then why was it never brought up in their proposals? In fact, Dr. Gandara has given no reason for the demotion of Karen or Dianna Carberry, so I can only assume it has nothing to do with budget cuts. I'm not aware of any plan to eliminate the two area-superintendent positions at this time. It appears that our struggle to save our jobs provides a convenient and confusing backdrop for this inexplicable decision.
I am deeply disappointed in our Board of Trustees for failing to stand up for one of our finest administrators. If Karen Janney does not embody the ideals of our mission statement, then who does?
Sincerely,
Peggy Watson
Counselor
Mar Vista High School
Why was Karen Janney demoted to principal of National City Middle School? As a counselor at Mar Vista High, I find it ironic that the woman who was instrumental in developing our district strategic plan has been summarily dismissed. In addition to her role in the design of the plan, people should know the history of her fine leadership which exemplifies the mission of our district.
In each of her leadership positions, Karen has worked tirelessly to be the best administrator that anyone could ask for. In fact, I have never met another person with more dedication to education or more integrity than Karen Janney. If our superintendent and Board of Trustees truly believe in putting the interests of students first, they will apologize and retract their foolish decision to demote her.
In 1978, Karen began teaching in the Sweetwater District. I first met her in 1991 when I was a new teacher at Castle Park Middle School and she was the assistant principal. Later, I worked at Chula Vista Middle where she was the principal. In both of those schools, I was very impressed with her positive attitude and absolute dedication to students and teachers. Her door was open to everyone and she paid close attention to what was going on in the classrooms. She was present and focused on problem solving. She worked closely with teachers to make sure we had good lesson plans and were effective in the classroom. But she also gave us a lot of personal support for the difficult jobs we had. She met with every teacher and acknowledged us regularly in conferences and with notes of appreciation. Her basic belief in the goodness of people guided her effort to bring out the best in each of us. She would never demean or humiliate another person – under any circumstance. She had excellent relationships with parents and students and her positive energy was felt throughout the schools and community.
Karen has truly built her leadership style on a foundation of teambuilding -- soliciting and incorporating the ideas of teachers, classified staff, students and parents. Her goals and expectations as a site principal, and now as an area-superintendent, have been in absolute agreement with our district's current mission statement – and her actions have always based on what is best for students.
Karen is an outstanding leader and has been honored numerous times for her contributions. A few examples follow:
California Congress of PTA Honorary Service Award
Sweetwater District's Administrator of the Year
Sweetwater's District Management Employee of the Year
California League of High Schools, Region 9, Educator of the Year
ACSA Region 18 Secondary Principal of the Year
ACSA State Secondary Principal of the Year
Sweetwater Union High School District Innovation Award
Tribute to Women in Industry Award
Model Mentor Principal
Mentor Administrator for Future Administrators' Academy Interns.
Karen has coached teachers and administrators throughout our district. She has provided trainings through TESA, California School Leadership Academy, Stiggins' Student-Centered Assessment training, as well as other conferences and seminars. She also teaches Educational Leadership 610 at SDSU and is currently completing her PhD. Furthermore, she has participated in many regional and local professional committees, the Chula Vista Coordinating Council, the California League of Middle Schools, and more.
As Area Superintendent, Karen led the effort to develop the common calendar, recently adopted by our district and the elementary districts. This issue has been on our district agenda for years but Karen began coordinating the process in January 2008. It was her leadership and ability to bring people together that allowed us to finally resolve the issue.
Always humble and gracious, Karen Janney is a talented and dedicated administrator. I am completely baffled by Dr. Gandara and the Trustees' decision to demote her. If it was a question of budget cuts, then why was it never brought up in their proposals? In fact, Dr. Gandara has given no reason for the demotion of Karen or Dianna Carberry, so I can only assume it has nothing to do with budget cuts. I'm not aware of any plan to eliminate the two area-superintendent positions at this time. It appears that our struggle to save our jobs provides a convenient and confusing backdrop for this inexplicable decision.
I am deeply disappointed in our Board of Trustees for failing to stand up for one of our finest administrators. If Karen Janney does not embody the ideals of our mission statement, then who does?
Sincerely,
Peggy Watson
Counselor
Mar Vista High School
APRIL 27, 2009 Board Meeting.
Please note important date change for SUHSD Board Meeting:
APRIL 27, 2009
Closed Session is at 5:30 p.m. and open session will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Are they waiting us out or what?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
email this blog: brickwall399@yahoo.com
Congratulations to the members of the Sweetwater community who have signed the petition and put their names on letters to the editor or contacted board members with signed emails, faxes and snail mail. Would you like the community to know who you are, what you wrote and what if any response you received from trustees? Do you want to avoid the hassles of setting up a blogspot account just to get your name on this blog? Then email the blog at this account: brickwall399@yahoo.com
In no time your comments, along with your name (if you so designate) will be posted to the blog unedited and unaltered.
Word on the street and the highways and byways of National City, Chula Vista, Bonita, San Isidro and Imperial Beach is that the board is not responding to calls for an explanation. Send in your experiences with board of trustees contact attempts. Send in sample letters. Send in slogans & poster ideas for the April 20 Board Meeting. Send your favorite inspirational quotes. Send in the songs and send out the clowns.
If you feel more comfortable anonymously checking in that's fine, too. Please note that since March 31st this blog has had over 70 hits. Somebody is reading it! Thank you.
Mnemonic for remembering email address:
In no time your comments, along with your name (if you so designate) will be posted to the blog unedited and unaltered.
Word on the street and the highways and byways of National City, Chula Vista, Bonita, San Isidro and Imperial Beach is that the board is not responding to calls for an explanation. Send in your experiences with board of trustees contact attempts. Send in sample letters. Send in slogans & poster ideas for the April 20 Board Meeting. Send your favorite inspirational quotes. Send in the songs and send out the clowns.
If you feel more comfortable anonymously checking in that's fine, too. Please note that since March 31st this blog has had over 70 hits. Somebody is reading it! Thank you.
Mnemonic for remembering email address:
brickwall399@yahoo.com
(We aren't BRICKs in your WALL and 399 = March 9th 2009 =03/09/09 and yahoo for: yahoo we shall overcome!)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
STAR NEWS letter to editor Friday March 27. Same letter sent to UnionTribune
Letter to the Editor:
I was completely shocked when I read that the SUHSD Board and superintendent moved Karen Janney and Dianna Carberry from the District Office to site principals. While I have never worked directly with Dr. Carberry, I am aware of the strong reputation she has within the district. On the other hand, I have had the distinct privilege of directly working with Karen Janney, and I have nothing but complete respect and admiration for her and her abilities. Karen’s highly competent educational leadership, her talent in effectively work with people, and her consistent efforts to support the academic achievement of all students make her a significant improvement over the vast majority of people in district administrative positions.
Karen doesn’t just talk about student success; she isn’t afraid of working hard with others and on her own to make things happen in the best interest of students. The commitment she has demonstrated for students in this district is real and genuine. The respect she has shown to her colleagues is also real and genuine. Unfortunately, the Board and the superintendent have blatantly chosen to not reciprocate with that same level of respect to Ms. Janney and Dr. Carberry.
I truly believe that actions speak louder than words: Over the years, Karen Janney’s actions have consistently demonstrated her expertise in educational leadership and her commitment to the academic interests of our students. On the other hand, with the actions of the School Board in their shoddy disregard of such expertise and leadership and with their disrespect for the people who work in the district, perhaps the Board’s actions should be re-examined by those in the community who are responsible for getting them elected to office. I’m not convinced that a Board like this is one that I would want overseeing the education of the children in our community.
Ann Stevens
Bonita
I was completely shocked when I read that the SUHSD Board and superintendent moved Karen Janney and Dianna Carberry from the District Office to site principals. While I have never worked directly with Dr. Carberry, I am aware of the strong reputation she has within the district. On the other hand, I have had the distinct privilege of directly working with Karen Janney, and I have nothing but complete respect and admiration for her and her abilities. Karen’s highly competent educational leadership, her talent in effectively work with people, and her consistent efforts to support the academic achievement of all students make her a significant improvement over the vast majority of people in district administrative positions.
Karen doesn’t just talk about student success; she isn’t afraid of working hard with others and on her own to make things happen in the best interest of students. The commitment she has demonstrated for students in this district is real and genuine. The respect she has shown to her colleagues is also real and genuine. Unfortunately, the Board and the superintendent have blatantly chosen to not reciprocate with that same level of respect to Ms. Janney and Dr. Carberry.
I truly believe that actions speak louder than words: Over the years, Karen Janney’s actions have consistently demonstrated her expertise in educational leadership and her commitment to the academic interests of our students. On the other hand, with the actions of the School Board in their shoddy disregard of such expertise and leadership and with their disrespect for the people who work in the district, perhaps the Board’s actions should be re-examined by those in the community who are responsible for getting them elected to office. I’m not convinced that a Board like this is one that I would want overseeing the education of the children in our community.
Ann Stevens
Bonita
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