Comments of the Week: Readers Sound Off on School District Issues

Last week was a busy week for school news with the San Bruno Park School District.

The Parkside Intermediate principal and assistant principal asking them to hold off on moving sixth graders to the school next year because the district hasn't provided the school with the basic resources it needs to prepare for the transition.

The community after their disappointment over some of his recent financial decisions.

And Crestmoor Elementary's new principal said late in the week that after refusing to take on principal duties at both Crestmoor and Rollingwood Elementary next year.

The following are some of the comments readers left on the stories:

Parkside, School Board at Impasse Over Sixth Graders

"The staff is forcing the district's hand. The Parkside principal clearly does not feel confident in the school's readiness for the 6th grade cutover next year. Will the district push off the move or stubornly move forward with their plans? Without the calendar, cirriculum or staff, its hard to imagine how they even could thought stranger things have happened." —Joe Capote

"I truly believe so much of this could have been avoided if the Sup and Board saw the tide of community dissatisfaction rising these past few years. Their tactics and attitudes have alienated them from the staff and community. The arrogance is endless – even at the last school board meeting Mr Henderson said 'I will support Dr Hutt, to my own demise if I have to.'

We are going to lose a lot of families, and probably our best staff members, no one is winning here." —Edwin S.

"I have a soon to be 6th grader and the words I am thinking right now are not appropriate. I had some doubts about sending my 6th grader to Parkside but have tried to think positively about this new change.....now I am so thankful that the administrators have spoken up....what good will it do? By the last few meetings, and yes I have been to most of them this year (and yes I will continue to go since you never know what will be tossed out at us from God only knows where) I doubt they will listen!" —JTH

"And get a load of this, folks. After laying off all those teachers last week, what is on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting? 'Restoration of district level administration of Instructional Services.' In other words, hiring an assistant superintendent. The packet states: 'Over the past two years these administrative functions have been handled in a decentralized method because the district level positions were eliminated due to budget restrictions. ... The topic is brought back for discussion in response to the Governing Board’s interest to restore district level administration, thereby relieving site administrators of the responsibilities.' On the one hand, I can understand that the principals were burdened by these duties that used to be handled by an assistant superintendent. On the other, I don't get how you can lay off so many teachers and then seek to hire an administrator. What are they smokin' at the district office?" —Heidi Beck 

School District Discloses Superintendent's Salary

"When is the last time the teachers of the SBPSD had a raise? It is one of the lowest paying districts in the Bay Area, let alone the State!" —Matt McGinn

"The issue still remains that SBPSD Board President Skip Henderson and Dr. David Hutt lied about him not getting a raise. Henderson stated in a public meeting that Hutt had not had a raise in five years. However, the published info clearly shows a raise from 2005 to 2006, 2006 to 2008, and 2009 to 2009. While the base salary has remained the same, the increase in overall benefits shows a raise. Henderson has been caught in yet another lie. How much more does this community have to suffer at the hands of liars and cheaters before something is done! As a retired veteran it makes me sick to see the elected officials make a mockery of our school system for their personal benefit." —Richard Wells

Crestmoor Elementary Principal to Resign

"Haven was an adaptive, dedicated and collaborative leader. I will be impressed if the district can recruit his near his equal. Sure is proving to be an interesting year." —Scott C.

"I say good for you, Mr. Haven, and my heartfelt, best wishes go out to you and your family. In all the school system turmoil so far, I've felt like the teachers, principals, and staff that work in our schools have been glossed over and ignored. Like they are just going to sit around and take it because they have no choice. Guess what? They do have choices. Here is a guy that did the math. 2 jobs + 1 paycheck + no time for my kids = No Thanks. If I were him I would have made the exact same decision. You can't blame Mr. Haven. What was asked of him was outrageous. What I'm fearful of is that while our district leadership flounders, we're going to lose more and more of our A-Player teachers and staff to the surrounding communities. That will be the direct fault of the leadership in my opinion." —Will Stevens

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