By now, most of us are aware of the continuing budget issues that the San Bruno Park School district is facing.
After dealing with the long running DDAC committee and then the possibility of closing two schools and even sharing principals, most of us are painfully aware by now of the upcoming budget shortfall that the district will (and continue) to face in the next several months.
During the meeting of the San Bruno Park Board of Trustees on April 17, a was created to take a look at ways to help the district increase revenue. The original intent of this committee was to work with the district to identify and execute of funding opportunities to support education. It was to consist of community members with some board representation.
However, just two weeks after its creation, the S.O.S. committee was in jeopardy of being dissolved before it had even begun.
On the special meeting of the SBPSD board on May 9, an agenda action item brought forward at the request of schools trustee Henderson called for "Refinement of the authorized 'Save Our Schools' Advisory Committee." Unfortunately, the agenda item never made it up for discussion, and now the board is holding a for this very purpose.
The problem is that concerned San Bruno parents have serious reservations about SBPSD involvement in the S.O.S. committee. Given the failures of the board to recognize the work of the DDAC and the "Friday Night" plan to close two schools instead of one, the district board and superintendant find themselves having to deal with a community that simply doesn't trust them.
In light of this, concerned parents who are ready to take action to support education are invited to attend the on Tuesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. at the in City Park.
The goal of this meeting is to begin preliminary discussions about the S.O.S. committee and to answer the many questions about the S.O.S such the form, function, membership and purpose.
Before the Wednesday night board meeting, the community needs to come together on a proposed plan to answer the questions raised and provide clear focus to this discussion. We need to speak up now!
Please join us tomorrow night in San Bruno Park.
Chuck Zelnik Former President: San Bruno Park School District
I think it is important to remember that saving of San Bruno Schools will require more than a recall effort. If we had a new board and supe in place tomorrow morning, the budget deficit will still exist. Teachers would still be lost and pricipals may still be shared. Those are issues and decisions that we need to face and make regardless. I believe the original intent of this committee was to focus on ways to address that deficit. And even that is up for discussion during tonight's meeting.
1)Yes, we need massive Board & Administration turnover. The long term problems are not going to be solved with this crew in there. 2)Unfortuately, we need the prople who caused this problem to keep fixing it, until they are gone. We can't wait for a recall to happen. The problems won't wait that long.
More importantly, are there grown-ups at the District who can roll up their sleeves and get something done, NOW, even knowing that they are going to get kicked out fairly soon? Or are they just going to phone it in until the axe falls? Refuse to do anything unless people kiss up to them?
OK, so Jennifer Blanco, a SBPSD Board Member who helped lead the failed Measure O campaign, created the SOS Committee. I am sure that she did so with the support of the other Board Members because the SBPSD Board is allowing SBPSD facilities and Board Meeting time to be used to promote and advocate this SOS parcel tax support group. It would take the support of the other Board Members to continue using SBPSD resources and Board time to fund and promote this group. Also, if you take a look at the Save Our Schools flyer, the stated purpose of SOS is: fundraising Parcel Tax Support District Policy Advocacy Do you want to take a shot at talking your way around the facts contained in the flyer ? In my opinion, this is a thinly veiled attempt to use SBPSD resources to promote a parcel tax measure has the stink of Dale Scott and Company or some other political consultant on it. Hutt and his broken Board are paying lots of taxpayer dollars to their consultants to come up with these Wile E. Coyote: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wile_E._Coyote_and_Road_Runner schemes to build a base of support for the sure to fail parcel tax scheme they are trying to shove down voters throats this November in an attempt to fund more of their dysfunction. If this scheme is the best you can do to build support for a parcel tax, turn out the lights because the party is already over. I agree with the previous observation that, "SOS is just more BS".
Sad to see you no longer support Jennifer Blanco and see her as nothing more than the "a SBPSD Board Member who helped lead the failed Measure O campaign, created the SOS Committee". Why, just the other day (May 10th) you posted this little tidbit on the forum for the article entitled "13 Teachers, Rollingwood Principal Lose Jobs, School Board Says: "Interesting that Jennifer dissented on the parcel tax vote. She is a savvy politician who has a thorough understanding as to how the more subtle aspects of politics work. That's why I supported her for re-election." You seem to be flopping like a flounder there. Care to talk your way around that, big boy?
Joseph. If only the world were as simplistic as you see it, you might be more successful in your political endeavors. You might have read my September 15, 2011 Beacon endorsement of Jennifer Blanco in which I stated: "I am not endorsing Ms. Blanco because I agree with her all the time. As a matter of fact, I disagree with many of the decisions she makes as a SBPSD Board Member. However, I am more concerned about a candidate's character and integrity than I am about whether or not they agree with me." Jennifer Blanco, a savvy politician, is well aware of the fact that I do not support her when it comes to her pro tax views. As a matter of fact, when I endorsed her, she was helping lead the Measure O bond campaign that I opposed. That being said, I think Jennifer is a good person who has more courage and integrity than the other members of the SBPSD Board and most certainly Hutt. I certainly reserve the right to disagree with anybody whom I support. You don't have to be in lockstep agreement with me to have me support you. However, you do have to possess a high degree of character and integrity. That's why I supported Ms. Blanco and Mr. Zelnik in the 2011 SBPSD Board Election. By the way Joe, I noticed you weren't able to talk your way around the facts in the flyer. Guess you got a little tongue tied amigo?
Sorry, that is just not good enough. I appreciate your simple opinions, but you continue to offer no solutions, just the same tired message wrapped in personal attacks. Unfortunately, your zero credibiltiy and relevance demands that I not engage in this simple minded tomfoolery with you. I will wrap this up this conversation by saying that if at any time you decide to offer any actual solutions, I'm sure I would choose to listen. However, at this time it is best if I just go back to what I was, very wisely, doing previously. Tuning you out. Good Day Sir.
Your often provide valuable insights for the public. However, they are delivered with fear and loathing. I have read your articles on SBB often, so i know you often support your strong opinions with facts. Yet, your message is ignored since you are perceived as a twisted and hateful old man - you are undermining your own cause. There are so many to ask this question without alienating yourself, drop the snarky tactics and you will see more viewership for the SBB.
You wrote: "Sorry, that is just not good enough." It would appear that you would have the corner on "not being good enough". Your coming in fourth in a four person school board race falls into the "not being good enough" category. You say that I offer no solutions. That would indicate your reading comprehension level is not too high. My solutions are clear, concise and straightforward. You say, " your zero credibiltiy and relevance demands that I not engage in this simple minded tomfoolery with you". Well gosh Joe, you were one of the Measure O leaders (you even signed the pro Measure O argument) and you lost that while also managing to come in fourth in a four person school board race. It would appear that you are either trying to set a new record for the most political losses in one election or just like losing. Your relevance and credibility have been objectively measured and it would appear that you have neither. You wrote: " at this time it is best if I just go back to what I was, very wisely, doing previously." Good idea and good luck. Hopefully you can find something where you can be successful. And finally, I will be more than happy to call you Mr. Capote once you earn it. Have a nice day :-)
ill say it slowly for you, but fear its far too late for any help and............you.................keep........shooting.........yourself.............in....................the.....................foot..............again............and...............again.............and...........
Finally, the next time you drop by to read the Beacon, remember this quote: “A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” ---- Baltasar Gracián y Morales, SJ