The same vocal minority that continues to harass the PUSD "New Board" (All six or seven people, half from the same family! YAWN....now that's some MAJOR opposition to the great new closed campus lunch policy), regularly whines that the Board has "overstepped" it's authority by setting policy to close campuses during lunch. This is an interesting, albeit weak accusation to begin with, given the tremendous amount of local districts who already have such a policy in place, so I took a look on PUSD's own website to research the board's authority and responsibilites myself. Sure enough, under the "governing board" section, a beautiful explanation of the Board's duties is clearly spelled out. Just what does it say? Here goes....you're in for a major surprise (pause....................NOT!)!
Policy
"By law, the Governing Board sets District policies and has final authority over all school district business. The District’s policy manual may be viewed at all PUSD schools and the District Administration Center during regular hours, or click on the policy manual link above. The District’s superintendent is appointed by the Governing Board and is charged with the execution of Board policy. The superintendent works closely with the administrative staff when developing recommendations for Board consideration."
Were you surprised!? I wasn't either. Once again, we find that the new board is acting within it's power to set policies such as closing campuses. PUSD's own website proves the board's policy making authority and responsibility! Not only that, we see that the board has "final authority" over ALL school district business. Essentially, THE BOARD IS THE BOSS! Among a million different things, this must mean it is entitled to fair and independent legal opinions if it so requests, free from the ridiculous stonewalling that has been thrown at it, so the board members can ensure they are best serving the tax payers, students, and teachers of the PUSD. It also must mean it is entitled to as much information as is necessary to make important decisions, as we all know people in positions of "final authority" need a plethora of information if they are truly attempting to serve in their duly-elected positions effectively. Let me say that again....as per PUSD's own website, the board has "FINAL AUTHORITY" over ALL SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS. THE BOARD IS THE BOSS!
Interestingly enough, the description of the Governing Board's authority also states "the superintendent.....is charged with the execution of board policy". I guess that means the entire PUSD community can expect that the current District Administration ensures a smooth implementation of the closed campus policy, or there would be a serious case of inadequate performance of job duties occurring in the upper echelons of the District Administration.
Thank you, PUSD, for providing us with this enlightening information about the Board's authority and duties. It is great that we are able to advance the truth from such a reliable source! May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
A Marginalized Voice?
With such tremendous public backing for closed campuses from the PUSD community, radio personalities, newspaper reporters, all the way to the State Superintendent of Public Education, the vocal minority that constantly denounces the new board's decision to protect students by closing campuses continues to marginalize its voice.
The never-ceasing ad hominem method of arguing their points, attacking the messenger rather than the message (such as their latest jabs at State Superintendant Tom Horne) is a logical fallacy that ultimately serves to bring to our attention the real issue the PUSD is facing: it's not about closed campuses, it is about a group of people who are upset they are not in the power seats to make the backbone-filled, data-driven (and common sense) decisions the new board is making.
Check out the latest article about closed campuses in the PUSD here. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
The never-ceasing ad hominem method of arguing their points, attacking the messenger rather than the message (such as their latest jabs at State Superintendant Tom Horne) is a logical fallacy that ultimately serves to bring to our attention the real issue the PUSD is facing: it's not about closed campuses, it is about a group of people who are upset they are not in the power seats to make the backbone-filled, data-driven (and common sense) decisions the new board is making.
Check out the latest article about closed campuses in the PUSD here. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
Sunday, July 1, 2007
AZ Schools Superintendent Tom Horne and Closed Campuses in the PUSD
More proof that the new PUSD governing board's decision to close campuses was best for students! Click here to read this great article. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
(: Dominic
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Diane Douglas: Solidifying Your Freedom of Speech, Part II
Please allow me to prove a point in truth I've made before, this time through yet another independent source. Over the past six months, current "old board" members of the PUSD Governing Board have, meeting after meeting, chastised Diane Douglas for her stating that the opportunity for the public to address the board didn't exist before the new board was elected. These same board members make faces as Mrs. Douglas defends this assertion. They interrupt her. One even regularly raises her voice to her.
Thanks to dedicated blog readers who are willing to share the truth (the kind that can be backed up by independent sources such as the following), we have an article from November 13th, 2004, showing certain board members sounding a completely different tune than they have in the past six months. In fact, much of what they have said in the past six months regarding the public's former "ability" to address the board is contradicted in this article! It offers amazing evidence to validate the progress Mrs. Douglas has brought to our district.
Here's the newspaper article:
November 13, 2004
Section: VALLEY & State
Edition: Final Chaser
Page: B5
PEORIA PARENTS MAY GET LOUDER ON SCHOOL ISSUES
Louie Villalobos, The Arizona Republic
When Diane Douglas recently was elected to the Peoria Unified School District's governing board, she promised to give residents a louder voice in the decision-making process.
The first step, she said, should be to add a call to the public at all board meetings so residents can address the board on any topic.
"Even though it's not on the agenda, they can come to the meetings and ask the board to consider an issue at future meetings," Douglas said. "I think it would be a huge addition for our community."
Douglas, who will take her seat on the board in January, will have to rid the district of a long-standing practice of limiting public comments at meetings to only agenda items.
One board member said that policy serves as protection against verbal attacks, while a parents group said it is a muzzle on concerned community members.
Debra Raeder, who has been on the board since 1997, said that the district does an "admirable" job of giving the public an opportunity to address issues and that an open forum would pose a risk.
"Sometimes the issues are volatile, sometimes they're making accusations, and it's very hard for people to say, 'I can't respond,' " Raeder said, referring to a state law that prohibits board members from discussing non-agenda items during a call to the public, which allows residents to speak on any topic.
Raeder added that Peoria board members were under the impression they couldn't defend themselves against accusations during calls to the public. However, state law says board members can respond to "criticism."
Districts in Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Deer Valley, Phoenix, Litchfield Park, and Glendale have such calls to the public. Board members usually allow residents to voice any concerns they have without responding, often choosing to consider the matter at a future meeting.
Scott Seely, governing board president of the Litchfield Elementary School District, said those sessions can be helpful if residents offer up possible agenda items and keep the board informed on district problems.
Raeder said anybody can have something placed on the meeting agenda by contacting a board member or calling the district office.
Kim Olsen, vice president the Peoria United Parent Council, said having to track down board members can be difficult. She said she is asking the board for a call to the public at every meeting.
We believe that the community expects and has the right to be heard by those they elect to represent them," Olsen said.
*end article*
Not only were Mrs. Douglas and the other new board members able to successfully give the PUSD community a NEW voice in the PUSD, it is now overwhelmingly clear the ground they gained is NEW ground that the former board did not want to tread on. I can only hope people are now beginning to realize the honesty and determination of the new PUSD board members. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
Thanks to dedicated blog readers who are willing to share the truth (the kind that can be backed up by independent sources such as the following), we have an article from November 13th, 2004, showing certain board members sounding a completely different tune than they have in the past six months. In fact, much of what they have said in the past six months regarding the public's former "ability" to address the board is contradicted in this article! It offers amazing evidence to validate the progress Mrs. Douglas has brought to our district.
Here's the newspaper article:
November 13, 2004
Section: VALLEY & State
Edition: Final Chaser
Page: B5
PEORIA PARENTS MAY GET LOUDER ON SCHOOL ISSUES
Louie Villalobos, The Arizona Republic
When Diane Douglas recently was elected to the Peoria Unified School District's governing board, she promised to give residents a louder voice in the decision-making process.
The first step, she said, should be to add a call to the public at all board meetings so residents can address the board on any topic.
"Even though it's not on the agenda, they can come to the meetings and ask the board to consider an issue at future meetings," Douglas said. "I think it would be a huge addition for our community."
Douglas, who will take her seat on the board in January, will have to rid the district of a long-standing practice of limiting public comments at meetings to only agenda items.
One board member said that policy serves as protection against verbal attacks, while a parents group said it is a muzzle on concerned community members.
Debra Raeder, who has been on the board since 1997, said that the district does an "admirable" job of giving the public an opportunity to address issues and that an open forum would pose a risk.
"Sometimes the issues are volatile, sometimes they're making accusations, and it's very hard for people to say, 'I can't respond,' " Raeder said, referring to a state law that prohibits board members from discussing non-agenda items during a call to the public, which allows residents to speak on any topic.
Raeder added that Peoria board members were under the impression they couldn't defend themselves against accusations during calls to the public. However, state law says board members can respond to "criticism."
Districts in Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Deer Valley, Phoenix, Litchfield Park, and Glendale have such calls to the public. Board members usually allow residents to voice any concerns they have without responding, often choosing to consider the matter at a future meeting.
Scott Seely, governing board president of the Litchfield Elementary School District, said those sessions can be helpful if residents offer up possible agenda items and keep the board informed on district problems.
Raeder said anybody can have something placed on the meeting agenda by contacting a board member or calling the district office.
Kim Olsen, vice president the Peoria United Parent Council, said having to track down board members can be difficult. She said she is asking the board for a call to the public at every meeting.
We believe that the community expects and has the right to be heard by those they elect to represent them," Olsen said.
*end article*
Not only were Mrs. Douglas and the other new board members able to successfully give the PUSD community a NEW voice in the PUSD, it is now overwhelmingly clear the ground they gained is NEW ground that the former board did not want to tread on. I can only hope people are now beginning to realize the honesty and determination of the new PUSD board members. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
A Governing Board that Governs: A Novel Concept?
To many people in the Peoria Unified School District, apparently, it is. To other school districts across the nation with similar organizational structures, being without one would spell disaster. Case in point: as representatives of the PUSD community, governing board members have every right to be consulted on appointments of key administrative positions in the PUSD. Not only was it standard practice for the board to be consulted on such appointments in EXECUTIVE SESSION before Diane Douglas was elected (for truth, see 6-8-2004 agenda HERE), but simply because (and I feel funny even having to highlight this, but unfortunately, it is necessary to do so) any person in their right mind who is serving on the Governing Board of a school district with an ANNUAL Maintenance and Operations budget of over $200,000,000 (yes, TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS per year), who is accountable to the community of the PUSD, SHOULD want input on administrative appointments! Doesn’t this just make sense?
Of course it does. And to provide further proof that the board members should be consulted in a proper and effective manner that allows them to ensure the standards of the district and of the community are being upheld when administrative recommendations are made by top level district administration, let us explore what the governing board’s own policy says:
"3.4.3 Principals, Directors, and Other Administrative Positions
As administrative openings occur, the recruitment process will follow the District's affirmative action policy. Candidates will be solicited through university placement offices, educational publications and electronic bulletins, in-district posting, and general announcement. Notices will reflect general requirements for the position including academic preparation, experience and special skills as specified in the job description.
Various alternatives for selection of recommended candidates may be utilized as approved by the Superintendent. Review committees made up of patrons, Assistant Superintendents for K-12 Academic Services other administrators, staff members and students may be convened. External agencies or consultants may be included in the recruiting process.
The individuals recommended for positions shall be documented as having the skills, and the potential, to meet and exceed the responsibilities of the assignment. Documentation may be reflected in reports of rigorous, competitive interviews, tests, simulations and site visitations.
Upon completion of the interview process, the superintendent will provide the Governing Board with summary information, along with recommendations for appointment. The Governing Board will consider the final selection and appointment."
One of the functions of the governing board is to act as the community source of input into district operations. Since the governing board is now NOT consulted on administrative appointments like it always had been prior to 2005, then, as referenced in the above policy, were “alternatives for selection of recommended candidates” used to allow for community input through another channel? If they were not used, and the board was not to be consulted, THEN WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING ELECTED MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY SERVE ON THE GOVERNING BOARD? Why not just replace them with appointees of the upper level district administration, as well!?
Interestingly, the last paragraph of that same policy informs us that “the Governing Board will consider the final selection and appointment” of recommendations. Did you know the word “CONSIDER” was actually “MAKE” before Diane Douglas was elected to the board?! Just ONE WORD was changed in the policy to try and strip the board of its right for consultation on administrative appointments in Executive Session. ONE WORD! What’s worse, changing that ONE WORD from “make” to “consider”, essentially allowed for the creation of a rubber stamp of the administration’s recommendations. Why even bother calling them “recommendations”, then!? If they are concrete appointments from the start and there is to be no consultation with community representatives (ie Governing Board), then why even bother bringing them up in a public meeting, at all!?
The newer board members are attempting to perform the correct function a board is supposed to perform: to GOVERN. The school board is the Governing Body overseeing the district, which top level district administration is supposed to work for; it sets policy and helps to ensure compliance with the policy it sets so as to establish a proper and effective system of checks and balances in the public school district setting. What many in the PUSD are not used to is a Governing Board acting like a Governing Board. The governing board has served as a "governed board" for years prior to the current new board, in which it was, what many people say, controlled by those it is supposed to oversee.
That a group of people (new board) would actually want to uphold and carry out the duties they were elected to carry out has seemingly been a huge eye opener to a district that has previously been encumbered by a virtual absence of an elected oversight body. It will quickly end up being understood as one of the most positive changes to have ever occured in our district, and will result in fair hiring practices, transparency, and true community connectedness unlike any ever seen before. For the sake of the employees of the PUSD, I am even hopeful it will result in the creation of a truly independent Human Resources Department that answers directly to the board rather than the top level district administrators, so employees no longer have to fear retribution and can be at peace in their careers knowing full well they have someone independent and confidential to go to for help when a situation arises that needs to be addressed. Thank you Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Knecht, and Mr. Murphy. You have stayed true to every campaign promise, you are attempting to serve in your capacities to the best of your abilities, and you are making the community proud by representing it as you should. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our great district, which now has a true GOVERNING board! May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
Of course it does. And to provide further proof that the board members should be consulted in a proper and effective manner that allows them to ensure the standards of the district and of the community are being upheld when administrative recommendations are made by top level district administration, let us explore what the governing board’s own policy says:
"3.4.3 Principals, Directors, and Other Administrative Positions
As administrative openings occur, the recruitment process will follow the District's affirmative action policy. Candidates will be solicited through university placement offices, educational publications and electronic bulletins, in-district posting, and general announcement. Notices will reflect general requirements for the position including academic preparation, experience and special skills as specified in the job description.
Various alternatives for selection of recommended candidates may be utilized as approved by the Superintendent. Review committees made up of patrons, Assistant Superintendents for K-12 Academic Services other administrators, staff members and students may be convened. External agencies or consultants may be included in the recruiting process.
The individuals recommended for positions shall be documented as having the skills, and the potential, to meet and exceed the responsibilities of the assignment. Documentation may be reflected in reports of rigorous, competitive interviews, tests, simulations and site visitations.
Upon completion of the interview process, the superintendent will provide the Governing Board with summary information, along with recommendations for appointment. The Governing Board will consider the final selection and appointment."
One of the functions of the governing board is to act as the community source of input into district operations. Since the governing board is now NOT consulted on administrative appointments like it always had been prior to 2005, then, as referenced in the above policy, were “alternatives for selection of recommended candidates” used to allow for community input through another channel? If they were not used, and the board was not to be consulted, THEN WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING ELECTED MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY SERVE ON THE GOVERNING BOARD? Why not just replace them with appointees of the upper level district administration, as well!?
Interestingly, the last paragraph of that same policy informs us that “the Governing Board will consider the final selection and appointment” of recommendations. Did you know the word “CONSIDER” was actually “MAKE” before Diane Douglas was elected to the board?! Just ONE WORD was changed in the policy to try and strip the board of its right for consultation on administrative appointments in Executive Session. ONE WORD! What’s worse, changing that ONE WORD from “make” to “consider”, essentially allowed for the creation of a rubber stamp of the administration’s recommendations. Why even bother calling them “recommendations”, then!? If they are concrete appointments from the start and there is to be no consultation with community representatives (ie Governing Board), then why even bother bringing them up in a public meeting, at all!?
The newer board members are attempting to perform the correct function a board is supposed to perform: to GOVERN. The school board is the Governing Body overseeing the district, which top level district administration is supposed to work for; it sets policy and helps to ensure compliance with the policy it sets so as to establish a proper and effective system of checks and balances in the public school district setting. What many in the PUSD are not used to is a Governing Board acting like a Governing Board. The governing board has served as a "governed board" for years prior to the current new board, in which it was, what many people say, controlled by those it is supposed to oversee.
That a group of people (new board) would actually want to uphold and carry out the duties they were elected to carry out has seemingly been a huge eye opener to a district that has previously been encumbered by a virtual absence of an elected oversight body. It will quickly end up being understood as one of the most positive changes to have ever occured in our district, and will result in fair hiring practices, transparency, and true community connectedness unlike any ever seen before. For the sake of the employees of the PUSD, I am even hopeful it will result in the creation of a truly independent Human Resources Department that answers directly to the board rather than the top level district administrators, so employees no longer have to fear retribution and can be at peace in their careers knowing full well they have someone independent and confidential to go to for help when a situation arises that needs to be addressed. Thank you Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Knecht, and Mr. Murphy. You have stayed true to every campaign promise, you are attempting to serve in your capacities to the best of your abilities, and you are making the community proud by representing it as you should. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our great district, which now has a true GOVERNING board! May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Let the Numbers Speak for Themselves
A vocal minority now regularly attends PUSD board meetings to harass the PUSD governing board for protecting its students during lunch hours by closing campuses. This same vocal minority chastises the board for "not listenting to the community" and "ignoring the will of parents". An online poll found here (bottom of page) shows what the majority of the community really believes. After voting, if you return to the bottom of the page, you will see the results.
As one may now have assumed after so many deceptions have been debunked, the poll simply ends up serving to reinforce the validity of the decision of Kathy Knecht, Rick Murphy, and Diane Douglas to protect PUSD's high school students by closing campuses during lunch. Once again, we see independent proof that the new board listens to the community rather than an elite few. Thank you, PUSD governing board members Kathy Knecht, Rick Murphy, and Diane Douglas, for putting PUSD students and the PUSD community first. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
As of 10:56 pm, Sunday, June 17th poll numbers looked like this:
Do you agree with Peoria Unified School District's recent decision to close high school campuses during lunch?
Yes, it keeps students safe 62.50%
No, it should be up to parents to decide 37.50%
Total Votes: 1904
**Please keep in mind these numbers are dynamic and will change as people continue to vote (more reason to cast yours!). These numbers are simply reflective of the moment I voted, after 1904 votes had been cast. Thanks!
As one may now have assumed after so many deceptions have been debunked, the poll simply ends up serving to reinforce the validity of the decision of Kathy Knecht, Rick Murphy, and Diane Douglas to protect PUSD's high school students by closing campuses during lunch. Once again, we see independent proof that the new board listens to the community rather than an elite few. Thank you, PUSD governing board members Kathy Knecht, Rick Murphy, and Diane Douglas, for putting PUSD students and the PUSD community first. May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
As of 10:56 pm, Sunday, June 17th poll numbers looked like this:
Do you agree with Peoria Unified School District's recent decision to close high school campuses during lunch?
Yes, it keeps students safe 62.50%
No, it should be up to parents to decide 37.50%
Total Votes: 1904
**Please keep in mind these numbers are dynamic and will change as people continue to vote (more reason to cast yours!). These numbers are simply reflective of the moment I voted, after 1904 votes had been cast. Thanks!
Congratulations to PUSD Seniors AND Teachers!
Meghan E. Moravcik posted a great article highlighting the achievements of PUSD seniors. A big thank you to all PUSD teachers, and a huge congratulations to the PUSD seniors for performing so well. Check it out when you have a moment:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0613gl-peoaims0613-ON.html
May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0613gl-peoaims0613-ON.html
May the truth prevail!
(: Dominic
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