We have April Treece and Dick Allen confirmed for a Saturday meeting, April 26th starting at 9:30am. Like the meeting last weekend with Paul Strange and Gary Eberhart, this too is scheduled at Rocco's Restaurant at Ygnacio and Oak Grove. Thanks Rocco.
Over 85% of the over 40 respondents to the poll that was posted here said they'd want to attend this meeting. So hope we have a good turn out.
I encourage everyone to attend. It was clear at last Saturday's meeting that there are many issues at the district, and many of you asked questions about accountability, mistakes, budgeting, future planning, teacher negotiations and overall, who's watching the coop? Some noted that at least one of the board members coming this time has been defensive in the past when asked questions about accountability and the leadership of Gary McHenry. Some noted "blind devotion" to the Superintendent. What will we learn next weekend? I hope you will be there.
My invitation to attend this open forum/Q&A was accepted without any conditions. I described the open forum feeling of the last meeting and expressed my desire for a similar format. They have agreed. To be fair, Linda Mayo can not attend with the other two attending due to rules of the board. Linda Mayo did respond to me after Ms. Treece and Mr. Allen had accepted my invitation to meet.
If you can not attend this meeting, please send questions to cathym0423@gmail.com I will ask them for you and I will post a recap of the meeting like I did last week. What will you want to know from these board members?
Andre Gensburger has also posed the same suggestion on his blog, you can send him questions to be asked too if you can not attend.
Cool. I'll be there Saturday. Thank you for setting it up.
ReplyDeleteHope there is a detailed description of the questions and answers . . .
ReplyDeleteI will do my best and I'm sure Andre will catch as much as he can too.
ReplyDeleteYes, these 2 need to be grilled. I wish I can make it, but have to work my 2nd job to make ends meet. April Treece has been defensive and seems to live in a "bubble"
ReplyDeleteThis is a repressive district and these people love their power. Like they say in Chicago, Behind every story is a story. Don't let them smoke and mirror you. Go with gut feelings..if you feel these two are no good, let them know. Let April Treece know she has an uphill battle for re-election this fall. Why can't school board members be termed out???? - MDUSD teacher since 2001.
Term limits might be good, but remember that Mr. Eberhart would not be here if there were term limits - he has been on the board for 13 years and has spent much of his time fighting against a majority that disagrees with him.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting phenomena is happening here. I'm getting emails from teachers who have a lot to say, but who will not come to the meeting on Saturday because they fear repurcussions at their jobs. A couple noted they felt "safe" with Eberhart and Strange, but not as comfortable speaking out with the other board members. Something is wrong with a situation whereas employees of the district are unwilling to speak freely to the very people charged with overseeing our district. What to do? Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that there can be repercussions for those teachers who show up - not while 2 of the board would be very interested in getting those details. I can understand people not being interested, but frankly, this should be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say that personal attacks on any of the board members are unnecessary. Inasmuch as one may disagree, these are not evil people and deserve the respect to be heard. April Treece, for example, does a lot of good work involving high schools and job experience, cultivates a lot of business involvement. And I have met Dick Allen on many occasions and he is always cordial. While one may disagree with either of their support of the superintendent (or not) that should be the extent of any personal comments made.
I believe that some serious questions will be asked and hopefully Treece and Allen will address these. I certainly commend them for taking the initiative to appear. I think that current attitudes and technology require a shift in standard responses.
I was also thinking about the Brown Act and wondered whether one board member from each "side' could appear for a point/counterpoint meeting. That way the legal aspects could be avoided while still ensuring a balanced representation. Food for thought, Cathy!
I certainly do hope that teachers with input will attend on Saturday. I think this is a phenomenal opportunity to get answers from two board members we aren't hearing as much from. I would very much like to attend a point/counterpoint presentation/Q&A and will certainly look into the feasability of such a meeting. Thanks Andre
ReplyDeleteHow was the meeting? Were there people there who also met w/Gary and Paul? Did they ask the same questions?
ReplyDeleteThe meeting was certainly interesting. See the other updated post on this matter plus there is also a link to the full audio.
ReplyDeletehttp://mdusdparents.blogspot.com/2008/04/meeting-recap.html