Run for San Diego County Sheriff in 2010
In March 2009 Mr. Bejarano announced his intention to run. In August
2009 Mr. Bejarano was appointed police chief of Chula Vista, and
decided not to run for sheriff.
In March 2009 Mr. Bejarano announced his intention to run. In August
2009 Mr. Bejarano was appointed police chief of Chula Vista, and
decided not to run for sheriff.
Congratulations to La Mesa Councilwoman Ruth Sterling for opposing (from the start!)
sending the abusive letter to Chris Tanner.
sending the abusive letter to Chris Tanner.
The taxpayers are paying for the La Mesa City Attorney, but like SDCOE lawyers, he is acting like a
personal attorney for those who have obtained power, rather than the attorney of the citizens of La
Mesa. Shame on Mayor Art Madrid and councilman Ernie Erwin for not apologizing to Mr. Tanner when
the rest of the City Council agreed that the letter was wrong.
personal attorney for those who have obtained power, rather than the attorney of the citizens of La
Mesa. Shame on Mayor Art Madrid and councilman Ernie Erwin for not apologizing to Mr. Tanner when
the rest of the City Council agreed that the letter was wrong.
NAPTA Karen
Horowitz Website
Horowitz Website
Take a Lesson from Sempra
Energy
An Open Letter to the CVESD
School Board
January 6, 2005
Sempra shares went UP three
percent yesterday after the
company settled lawsuits
accusing it of bilking billions
from the people of California.
CVESD would do better if it
turned over a new leaf, and
started
DOING WELL BY
DOING GOOD!
Energy
An Open Letter to the CVESD
School Board
January 6, 2005
Sempra shares went UP three
percent yesterday after the
company settled lawsuits
accusing it of bilking billions
from the people of California.
CVESD would do better if it
turned over a new leaf, and
started
DOING WELL BY
DOING GOOD!
| In the 90's, the CVESD school board brought in top administrators from Texas (Rick Werlin) and Seattle (Libia Gil) who neither knew nor cared about Chula Vista and its children. These administrators were enforcers for a policy the board wanted to initiate: a new hostile attitude toward teachers. It's past time to get rid of Patrick Judd and Pamela Smith, and Larry Cunningham. |
If we want to fix
schools, we have to
suspend our
allegiance to
politicians on BOTH
SIDES OF THE AISLE
who care more about
personal power than
they care about the
education of children.
schools, we have to
suspend our
allegiance to
politicians on BOTH
SIDES OF THE AISLE
who care more about
personal power than
they care about the
education of children.
"The pure arrogance, self-importance and imperial attitude...are beyond the pale."
Is this a description of the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board?
The actions described by Ronald G. Eberhardt
(SDUT letters Feb 24, 2006)
were CHILD'S PLAY COMPARED TO WHAT CVESD DID IN RETALIATION for
Maura Larkins' lawsuit and
PERB (Public Employment Relations Board) complaint.
CVESD OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE AGAIN AND AGAIN!
Threatening letters (like the one described in the article above that mayor Art Madrid
and the La Mesa City Council sent to Chris Tanner) are the sort of frank, open
communication that CVESD avoids.
The La Mesa action was abusive and contemptuous of American values, yes. But La
Mesa has not mastered the art of intimidation.
There is some indication that the SDCOE might be trying to clean up the JPA and the
problem of indemnification of lawyers.
All the members except Bob Watkins, that is. Watkins is clearly working to keep the
status quo. He nominated Rick Winet, even though he knew of Winet's conflict of
interest regarding SDCOE lawyers. Or perhaps Watkins nominated Winet BECAUSE of
Winet's conflict of interest!
I suspect that Ernie Dronenburg may have resigned because he didn't want to deal with
the problem.
And unlike Chris Tanner, I would be delighted to be sued for defamation. SDCOE and
CVESD spend millions of taxpayer dollars to hide illegal acts. I would be thrilled to
have my allegations brought before a judge and jury.
How about it, Pat, Larry and Pam?
Why so silent, Cheryl and Bertha?
Maura Larkins
Is this a description of the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board?
The actions described by Ronald G. Eberhardt
(SDUT letters Feb 24, 2006)
were CHILD'S PLAY COMPARED TO WHAT CVESD DID IN RETALIATION for
Maura Larkins' lawsuit and
PERB (Public Employment Relations Board) complaint.
CVESD OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE AGAIN AND AGAIN!
Threatening letters (like the one described in the article above that mayor Art Madrid
and the La Mesa City Council sent to Chris Tanner) are the sort of frank, open
communication that CVESD avoids.
The La Mesa action was abusive and contemptuous of American values, yes. But La
Mesa has not mastered the art of intimidation.
There is some indication that the SDCOE might be trying to clean up the JPA and the
problem of indemnification of lawyers.
All the members except Bob Watkins, that is. Watkins is clearly working to keep the
status quo. He nominated Rick Winet, even though he knew of Winet's conflict of
interest regarding SDCOE lawyers. Or perhaps Watkins nominated Winet BECAUSE of
Winet's conflict of interest!
I suspect that Ernie Dronenburg may have resigned because he didn't want to deal with
the problem.
And unlike Chris Tanner, I would be delighted to be sued for defamation. SDCOE and
CVESD spend millions of taxpayer dollars to hide illegal acts. I would be thrilled to
have my allegations brought before a judge and jury.
How about it, Pat, Larry and Pam?
Why so silent, Cheryl and Bertha?
Maura Larkins
Note to La Mesa City Council members who supported letter to Chris Tanner:
You don't like to be accused of wrongdoing when you feel you don't deserve it?
I don't blame you.
But you might want to be careful that you don't do exactly the same thing that you felt was done to
you. I've heard that one of you has been throwing around some nasty allegations of his own in an
extremely unfair manner, and was ATTACKING PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO CLEAN UP CORRUPTION!
Please, let's keep malicious partisanship out of our schools! Remember, corrupt Republicans hurt the
Republican party as well as hurting all the rest of us. Don't support them!
You don't like to be accused of wrongdoing when you feel you don't deserve it?
I don't blame you.
But you might want to be careful that you don't do exactly the same thing that you felt was done to
you. I've heard that one of you has been throwing around some nasty allegations of his own in an
extremely unfair manner, and was ATTACKING PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO CLEAN UP CORRUPTION!
Please, let's keep malicious partisanship out of our schools! Remember, corrupt Republicans hurt the
Republican party as well as hurting all the rest of us. Don't support them!
Are There Significant Differences
Between CVESD and La Mesa?
Maybe, but...
1. CVESD has not apologized for abusive tactics,
BUT
La Mesa might not have apologized either, if the Union Tribune had not exposed its
abusive tactics.
2. SDCOE is much more powerful than the City of La Mesa. Its lawyers are connected
to CSBA and its Council of School Attorneys. The San Diego Union Tribune ONLY
COVERS WRONGDOING AT CVESD WHEN THE STORY GETS SO BIG THAT IT IS
COVERED BY OTHER MEDIA.
3. Has La Mesa named any schools after DEVELOPERS?
Believe it or not, CVESD did!
Between CVESD and La Mesa?
Maybe, but...
1. CVESD has not apologized for abusive tactics,
BUT
La Mesa might not have apologized either, if the Union Tribune had not exposed its
abusive tactics.
2. SDCOE is much more powerful than the City of La Mesa. Its lawyers are connected
to CSBA and its Council of School Attorneys. The San Diego Union Tribune ONLY
COVERS WRONGDOING AT CVESD WHEN THE STORY GETS SO BIG THAT IT IS
COVERED BY OTHER MEDIA.
3. Has La Mesa named any schools after DEVELOPERS?
Believe it or not, CVESD did!
There is far more evidence that
the Board of CVESD knew that
justice was being obstructed
and the law and contract were
being violated than there is that
Ken Lay of Enron knew those
things about his company.
Maura Larkins informed board
members directly that the law
was being broken, beginning in
December 2001.
Is Ken Lay guilty?
Is the board of CVESD guilty?
the Board of CVESD knew that
justice was being obstructed
and the law and contract were
being violated than there is that
Ken Lay of Enron knew those
things about his company.
Maura Larkins informed board
members directly that the law
was being broken, beginning in
December 2001.
Is Ken Lay guilty?
Is the board of CVESD guilty?
January 6, 2006
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
says that the dishonest culture
that bred the felonious 2002
City of San Diego pension deal
in its last throes.
Unfortunately, he can speak
only for San Diego.
That culture seems to be alive
and well in Chula Vista!
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
says that the dishonest culture
that bred the felonious 2002
City of San Diego pension deal
in its last throes.
Unfortunately, he can speak
only for San Diego.
That culture seems to be alive
and well in Chula Vista!
Cheryl Cox has questions about how decisions are being
made. So do I.
made. So do I.
A Lost Chance
Fresh faces from the
community
challenged the
incumbents at CVESD in
2006.
Fresh faces from the
community
challenged the
incumbents at CVESD in
2006.
Tamara Arce,
Russell Coronado, and
Steve Yagyagan,
parents with experience in education,
offered their services to the voters and
children of Chula Vista. They were
interested in the education of children,
not the well-being of developers.
Russell Coronado, and
Steve Yagyagan,
parents with experience in education,
offered their services to the voters and
children of Chula Vista. They were
interested in the education of children,
not the well-being of developers.
| Update: Does this surprise you: ALL the incumbents won in 2006! They had the help of a large amount of money from builders and designers. |
| Personality problems at the CVESD school board? A psychiatrist says that Congressman Randy Cunningham's corruption grew out of "an outsized ego and a mantle of invulnerability" that allowed him to rationalize his behavior. Could the same thing have happened to CVESD board members? |
Administrators
Francisco Escobedo
Susan Fahle
Former administrators:
Lowell Billings, Supt.
Asst. Supt Tom Cruz
Dennis Doyle left to Nat'l SD in 2007
Asst. Supt. Richard Werlin
Supt. Libia Gil
Francisco Escobedo
Susan Fahle
Former administrators:
Lowell Billings, Supt.
Asst. Supt Tom Cruz
Dennis Doyle left to Nat'l SD in 2007
Asst. Supt. Richard Werlin
Supt. Libia Gil
Former board members involved in
events reported on this site:
Patrick Judd.............. voted out Dec. 08
Bertha Lopez..to SweetwaterUSD Dec08
Cheryl S. Cox.... became mayor of CV 06
events reported on this site:
Patrick Judd.............. voted out Dec. 08
Bertha Lopez..to SweetwaterUSD Dec08
Cheryl S. Cox.... became mayor of CV 06
2009: Doug Luffborough replaced Bertha J. Lopez
CVESD's Cheryl Cox
Jason Moore case
Jason Moore case
Destroying Documents
(Daniel Shinoff, Stutz
Artiano Shinoff & Holtz)
Behind closed doors
with CTA (Perjury
lawsuit)
(Daniel Shinoff, Stutz
Artiano Shinoff & Holtz)
Behind closed doors
with CTA (Perjury
lawsuit)
When problems at Castle Park
Elementary became so out of
control, due to district
negligence, teachers were
forced by the district and its
lawyers to come up with
elaborate lies to cover up their
refusal to allow integration of
bilingual first and third grade
classrooms, and their criminal
actions starting in 2000. They
were pressured with fear of
losing their jobs to lie under
oath.
Elementary became so out of
control, due to district
negligence, teachers were
forced by the district and its
lawyers to come up with
elaborate lies to cover up their
refusal to allow integration of
bilingual first and third grade
classrooms, and their criminal
actions starting in 2000. They
were pressured with fear of
losing their jobs to lie under
oath.
Link:
CVESD's lawyers' (Dan
Shinoff and Stutz law firm)
defamation lawsuit against
this website
CVESD's lawyers' (Dan
Shinoff and Stutz law firm)
defamation lawsuit against
this website
Clearly, CVESD needs some
outsiders to come in and clean
the place up.
outsiders to come in and clean
the place up.
Forcing employees
to hide the truth from
the court
Ex-parte conference Sept. 27,
2004
to hide the truth from
the court
Ex-parte conference Sept. 27,
2004
You are wasting human resources
by fostering a culture of hostility
and sabotage among employees.
Instead of misdirecting teachers,
why don’t you teach teachers and
administrators how to sit down
and work together?
by fostering a culture of hostility
and sabotage among employees.
Instead of misdirecting teachers,
why don’t you teach teachers and
administrators how to sit down
and work together?
Tom Cruz, in his wisdom, decided
to ignore the above letter, and not
to follow the suggestions it
offered. This resulted in
to ignore the above letter, and not
to follow the suggestions it
offered. This resulted in
Is CVESD as corrupt
as the California
Department of
Corrections?
The Associated Press, on May
18 2006, reported that
California prison authorities and
staffers--just like the CVESD
school board and
staffers--followed a "code of
silence" to protect wrongdoers
and punish whistle-blowers. A
court-ordered audit said
administrators worked to "keep
errant employees from being
properly disciplined."
Why are our schools so much
like our prisons? Is their
similar collusion between
officials and workers in both
institutions? Is it co-incidental
that the prisons and the schools
in California have two of the
most powerful unions in the
state?
as the California
Department of
Corrections?
The Associated Press, on May
18 2006, reported that
California prison authorities and
staffers--just like the CVESD
school board and
staffers--followed a "code of
silence" to protect wrongdoers
and punish whistle-blowers. A
court-ordered audit said
administrators worked to "keep
errant employees from being
properly disciplined."
Why are our schools so much
like our prisons? Is their
similar collusion between
officials and workers in both
institutions? Is it co-incidental
that the prisons and the schools
in California have two of the
most powerful unions in the
state?
How did the San Diego Union
Tribune cover the emotional
and legal meltdown at Castle
Park Elementary School in
CVESD?
The SDUT knew about crimes
committed at Castle Park
Elementary long before five
teachers (at least one of whom
had committed crimes against
Maura Larkins) were
transferred.
Shamefully, the Union Tribune
did not even mention those
crimes when it gave large
amounts of ink to the
complaints of the five
teachers, and to Felicia Starr, a
powerful parent.
Then, once again, the Union
Tribune suddenly lost interest
in Castle Park Elementary
when it was discovered that
thousands of dollars were
missing from PTA accounts!
Clearly, the people of San
Diego can not rely on the SDUT
to tell them what is going on.
Tribune cover the emotional
and legal meltdown at Castle
Park Elementary School in
CVESD?
The SDUT knew about crimes
committed at Castle Park
Elementary long before five
teachers (at least one of whom
had committed crimes against
Maura Larkins) were
transferred.
Shamefully, the Union Tribune
did not even mention those
crimes when it gave large
amounts of ink to the
complaints of the five
teachers, and to Felicia Starr, a
powerful parent.
Then, once again, the Union
Tribune suddenly lost interest
in Castle Park Elementary
when it was discovered that
thousands of dollars were
missing from PTA accounts!
Clearly, the people of San
Diego can not rely on the SDUT
to tell them what is going on.
January 18, 2006
To: Tom Cruz
From: Maura Larkins
To: Tom Cruz
From: Maura Larkins
How do we fix our
schools?
schools?
I believed that Mr. Werlin's continual violations of law made him an exceptionally bad
administrator, below the norm. But after listening to testimony in the Danielle Coziahr
case, I've come to believe that either Werlin is run of the mill, or Chula Vista
Elementary School district administrators are particularly inept and arrogant toward the
law.
School insurance company attorneys like administrators with no interest in the truth or
the law, who simply follow attorney instructions. These attorneys train school board
members, who choose the top administrators. In Chula Vista, the board recently voted...
administrator, below the norm. But after listening to testimony in the Danielle Coziahr
case, I've come to believe that either Werlin is run of the mill, or Chula Vista
Elementary School district administrators are particularly inept and arrogant toward the
law.
School insurance company attorneys like administrators with no interest in the truth or
the law, who simply follow attorney instructions. These attorneys train school board
members, who choose the top administrators. In Chula Vista, the board recently voted...
What happened after Maura Larkins wrote to Cheryl Cox?
David Bejarano: will he now step up to the plate?
In 2006, BERTHA has finally come out with the truth: Bertha Lopez is
running with Larry Cunningham and Pamela Smith as a slate. Their
issue? They say voters should vote for them because they are
incumbents, so they can keep doing what they've been doing.
running with Larry Cunningham and Pamela Smith as a slate. Their
issue? They say voters should vote for them because they are
incumbents, so they can keep doing what they've been doing.
For years, Bertha Lopez insisted that she was different from Judd,
Smith and Cunningham, that she was not as hostile to teachers.
Yet, strangely, she constantly rubber- stamped the decisions of the big
three.
Smith and Cunningham, that she was not as hostile to teachers.
Yet, strangely, she constantly rubber- stamped the decisions of the big
three.
In January 2007 former San Diego police chief David Bejarano was
chosen to replace Cheryl Cox on the CVESD board.
Can we expect a more law-abiding attitude from Mr. Bejarano?
"Chief Bejarano is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear," said
San Diego Urban League COO Jimma McWilson in 2003. She was
reacting to Mr. Bejarano's interpretation of a study showing problems
of racial disparity in vehicle stops.
We'll wait and see if Mr. Bejarano will be any different from the rest of
the board, but we won't hold our breath.
chosen to replace Cheryl Cox on the CVESD board.
Can we expect a more law-abiding attitude from Mr. Bejarano?
"Chief Bejarano is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear," said
San Diego Urban League COO Jimma McWilson in 2003. She was
reacting to Mr. Bejarano's interpretation of a study showing problems
of racial disparity in vehicle stops.
We'll wait and see if Mr. Bejarano will be any different from the rest of
the board, but we won't hold our breath.
Early on, there was hope that that Bertha Lopez, and then Cheryl Cox,
would show some independence at CVESD, but they fell right into line.
Apparently, builders are hard to resist. They are so nice when it comes
time to build up a campaign war chest.
would show some independence at CVESD, but they fell right into line.
Apparently, builders are hard to resist. They are so nice when it comes
time to build up a campaign war chest.
A prescient 2001 letter to then-board member (now Chula Vista
mayor) Cheryl Cox:
mayor) Cheryl Cox:
Nothing. Just more business as usual.
Bejarano seems to have been fully
co-opted before he was appointed in 2007
to replace Cheryl S. Cox.
co-opted before he was appointed in 2007
to replace Cheryl S. Cox.
Lopez was fully co-opted by the majority
during the Libia Gil/Richard Werlin years.
during the Libia Gil/Richard Werlin years.
Cheryl/Greg Cox article by Evan McLaughlin.
A Comparison of Ethics in La Mesa and Chula Vista
 |
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Latest CVESD lawsuit:
the Danielle Coziahr case
the Danielle Coziahr case
| CVESD facts: Number of schools: 44 Square miles: 103 Students served: 27,400 Number of Certificated Employees: 1,515 Number of Classified Employees: 1,010 2007-08 Operational Budget: $240 million 17% of Students Enrolled in Charter Schools Ethnic Composition 64.3 percent Hispanic 14.3 percent White 09.4 percent Filipino 04.9 percent African-American 02.6 percent Asian 00.8 percent Pacific Islander 00.4 percent American Indian or Alaskan Class Sizes of 20 or less in Grades K-3 Dual Language Acquisition Programs State-funded Preschools 35% English Learners Established: 1892 Population areas served: 318,148 residents in Chula Vista, Bonita, Sunnyside, South San Diego |
Elected in November 1994
and reelected in 1998,
2002, and 2006. Her term
expires in December 2010.
Director of San Diego
County Department of
Aging
and reelected in 1998,
2002, and 2006. Her term
expires in December 2010.
Director of San Diego
County Department of
Aging
Elected in November
1990, appointed from
June to November 1998,
elected in 1998, and
reelected in 2002 and
2006. His term expires in
December 2010.
Retired navy, owns
plumbing store.
1990, appointed from
June to November 1998,
elected in 1998, and
reelected in 2002 and
2006. His term expires in
December 2010.
Retired navy, owns
plumbing store.
Tom Cruz, former Asst.
Sup.
Sup.
A Short History of CVESD
The Old Guard no longer control the board--or does it?
The "Big 3," Judd, Smith and Cunningham, held power for many years. They have
shown disrespect for the law, for employees, for students and for parents. They do,
however, get along very well with certain builders.
The "Big 3," Judd, Smith and Cunningham, held power for many years. They have
shown disrespect for the law, for employees, for students and for parents. They do,
however, get along very well with certain builders.
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from Voice of San Diego
By EMILY ALPERT
May 30, 2008
"...Critics accuse schools of overreacting. School
boards say their hands are tied.
"It's a crazy way of doing business," said
Anthony Millican, spokesman for the Chula
Vista Elementary School District, which
cancelled 274 planned layoffs for classroom
teachers, but is still planning to slash more than
140 other positions. Its budget gap narrowed
somewhat, from $11 million to $7.5 million,
based on Schwarzenegger's revision.
"The clearest budget information didn't emerge
until two months after the deadline" to warn
teachers of layoffs, Millican said. "Where is the
logic in that process?"
"Chula Vista Elementary School District spent
about $40,000 on substitute teachers during a
two-day hearing, said Millican. Like San Diego
Unified, its legal costs have not yet been totaled.
The school district hired the firm Atkinson,
Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, whose partners
and senior associates charge $210 an hour..."
By EMILY ALPERT
May 30, 2008
"...Critics accuse schools of overreacting. School
boards say their hands are tied.
"It's a crazy way of doing business," said
Anthony Millican, spokesman for the Chula
Vista Elementary School District, which
cancelled 274 planned layoffs for classroom
teachers, but is still planning to slash more than
140 other positions. Its budget gap narrowed
somewhat, from $11 million to $7.5 million,
based on Schwarzenegger's revision.
"The clearest budget information didn't emerge
until two months after the deadline" to warn
teachers of layoffs, Millican said. "Where is the
logic in that process?"
"Chula Vista Elementary School District spent
about $40,000 on substitute teachers during a
two-day hearing, said Millican. Like San Diego
Unified, its legal costs have not yet been totaled.
The school district hired the firm Atkinson,
Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, whose partners
and senior associates charge $210 an hour..."
CVESD Attorneys
Dan Shinoff
Dan Shinoff
Mark Bresee
Bresee and Werlin
Bresee OAH hearing
Bresee and school
attorneys
Bresee and Werlin
Bresee OAH hearing
Bresee and school
attorneys
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San Diego Union Tribune
August 30, 2008
"A civil rights group is threatening to
sue the Lemon Grove School District
unless it publishes public
information on per-pupil
expenditures and teacher
salaries...
"Public Advocates sent a similar
letter to the Chula Vista
Elementary School District last
year. A spokesman for Public
Advocates said Thursday that Chula
Vista has since complied with all
reporting requirements... "
August 30, 2008
"A civil rights group is threatening to
sue the Lemon Grove School District
unless it publishes public
information on per-pupil
expenditures and teacher
salaries...
"Public Advocates sent a similar
letter to the Chula Vista
Elementary School District last
year. A spokesman for Public
Advocates said Thursday that Chula
Vista has since complied with all
reporting requirements... "
How can voters find
out what's going on
in their school
district?
It's next to
impossible.
out what's going on
in their school
district?
It's next to
impossible.
An Open Letter to
CVESD Board members
Why are you hunkering down
and hiding instead of dealing
with problems? Do you cover
your eyes and ears because
you think that if you don't know
about something, then it's not
happening?
You'd be wiser to allow free
and open communication
instead of blocking it. You
cannot keep the truth hidden in
the long run.
--Maura Larkins
CVESD Board members
Why are you hunkering down
and hiding instead of dealing
with problems? Do you cover
your eyes and ears because
you think that if you don't know
about something, then it's not
happening?
You'd be wiser to allow free
and open communication
instead of blocking it. You
cannot keep the truth hidden in
the long run.
--Maura Larkins
Superintendent
Lowell Billings:
Rewarded for
turning a blind eye?
Lowell Billings:
Rewarded for
turning a blind eye?
CVESD board
election
Nov. 4, 2008
Seat 2
Archie McAllister was
the people's candidate. He
was endorsed by the
Republican party in his race
against another Republican,
David Bejarano. He was
also endorsed by
Democrats, including me!
Norberto Salazar was
merely a spoiler, on the
ballot only to split the vote
and protect David Bejarano.
A vote for Salazar was a
vote for Bejarano.
election
Nov. 4, 2008
Seat 2
Archie McAllister was
the people's candidate. He
was endorsed by the
Republican party in his race
against another Republican,
David Bejarano. He was
also endorsed by
Democrats, including me!
Norberto Salazar was
merely a spoiler, on the
ballot only to split the vote
and protect David Bejarano.
A vote for Salazar was a
vote for Bejarano.
Castle Park Elementary
See full letter:
Dec. 4, 2001 letter to Cheryl Cox from Maura Larkins
Dec. 4, 2001 letter to Cheryl Cox from Maura Larkins
| Who will provide leadership? |
Maura Larkins case
CVE
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Feb. 3, 2009
Luffborough
appointed
Luffborough
appointed
Former Member
(2000-2006) Cheryl Cox
Ms. Cox had little power at CVESD, but
she successfully supported
wrongdoing in an apparent effort to
cultivate supporters for her mayoral
campaign.
(2000-2006) Cheryl Cox
Ms. Cox had little power at CVESD, but
she successfully supported
wrongdoing in an apparent effort to
cultivate supporters for her mayoral
campaign.
Aug. 2008: Patrick Judd
problems at new
school. Supt. Pat Judd
retired from Mountain
Empire in June 2008
without saying why he
went on leave in Feb
2008.
problems at new
school. Supt. Pat Judd
retired from Mountain
Empire in June 2008
without saying why he
went on leave in Feb
2008.
Nov. 2008: Twenty-year incumbent Patrick Judd
replaced by:
replaced by:
In 2001, and for seven years since then,
Cox has ignored well-founded concern
about the spread of illegal behavior.
Cox has ignored well-founded concern
about the spread of illegal behavior.
3. Why won't you release public records about how much Dan Shinoff and Mark
Bresee have been paid for work on your behalf?
Update: In 2007 CVESD released records of how much it paid directly to Stutz,
Artiano, Shinoff. It still has not revealed how much the SDCOE JPA has paid to Stutz
on its behalf.
Bresee have been paid for work on your behalf?
Update: In 2007 CVESD released records of how much it paid directly to Stutz,
Artiano, Shinoff. It still has not revealed how much the SDCOE JPA has paid to Stutz
on its behalf.
Dear Ms. Cox:
"...I am concerned that our new director of Human Resources, Tom Cruz, is being
tainted by the unfinished business and improper policies of Mr. Werlin..."
"...I am concerned that our new director of Human Resources, Tom Cruz, is being
tainted by the unfinished business and improper policies of Mr. Werlin..."
Questions regarding Cheryl's decision-making:
1. How did YOU, Ms. Cox, make the decision to cover up the crimes of Rick Werlin and
other employees?
2. Why did you vote to force employees to commit perjury?
1. How did YOU, Ms. Cox, make the decision to cover up the crimes of Rick Werlin and
other employees?
2. Why did you vote to force employees to commit perjury?
Photo taken and published by CVESD in 2008.
Cheryl Cox and CVESD maintain close ties.
Cheryl Cox and CVESD maintain close ties.
In November 2006 Cheryl Cox was elected mayor of
Chula Vista.
Will Cox continue to cover up wrongdoing now that she is mayor?
The outlook is not good. Cox didn't waste much time in approving the funnelling of
more public money to her favorite law firm, Stutz, Artiano, Shinoff & Holtz--and to
the wife of a developer.
On March 9, 2007, Chula Vista Assistant Manager Laurie Madigan's law firm (Cheryl
Cox's former law firm) completed a deal that Madigan would receive $155,000 and
lifetime retirement benefits (for about four years of work) in exchange for her
resignation. Madigan was being investigated for a conflict of interest regarding her
developer husband. Cox says that the settlement with Madigan was made to
prevent a lawsuit. She says, "It's all very blurry because I didn't know who was
working for whom or what the relationship might be." Cheryl Cox has a long history
of pretending not to understand wrongdoing when she authorizes it.
Chula Vista.
Will Cox continue to cover up wrongdoing now that she is mayor?
The outlook is not good. Cox didn't waste much time in approving the funnelling of
more public money to her favorite law firm, Stutz, Artiano, Shinoff & Holtz--and to
the wife of a developer.
On March 9, 2007, Chula Vista Assistant Manager Laurie Madigan's law firm (Cheryl
Cox's former law firm) completed a deal that Madigan would receive $155,000 and
lifetime retirement benefits (for about four years of work) in exchange for her
resignation. Madigan was being investigated for a conflict of interest regarding her
developer husband. Cox says that the settlement with Madigan was made to
prevent a lawsuit. She says, "It's all very blurry because I didn't know who was
working for whom or what the relationship might be." Cheryl Cox has a long history
of pretending not to understand wrongdoing when she authorizes it.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, I was mystified to find Assistant Superintendent for
Human Resources Richard Werlin just standing around in the halls of the district office,
apparently looking for someone to chat with, on several occasions when I visited. In
2001 I discovered that the schedule posted for use of the large conference room in the
front of the building was bogus. Richard Werlin was listed as being in charge of an
activity in the room for several hours in a day when there was no activity at all.
Human Resources Richard Werlin just standing around in the halls of the district office,
apparently looking for someone to chat with, on several occasions when I visited. In
2001 I discovered that the schedule posted for use of the large conference room in the
front of the building was bogus. Richard Werlin was listed as being in charge of an
activity in the room for several hours in a day when there was no activity at all.
| The Former Five |
Cheryl Cox announced in February 2006 that she was considering running for mayor
because she had questions about how decisions are being made!
because she had questions about how decisions are being made!
CVESD and Lowell
Billings settle
defamation, tortious
interference lawsuit
filed by Ana Stover
Billings settle
defamation, tortious
interference lawsuit
filed by Ana Stover
The habit of pursuing personal
political power at the expense of
education by CVESD board
members and superintendent
Lowell Billings was exposed in
the Ana Stover case. Stover, an
effective and dedicated
administrator, was in line to be
superintendent of the district
until she supported Russell
Coronado instead of Pamela
Smith in a school board election.
CVESD was represented, as
usual, by attorney Daniel Shinoff.
The suit was eventually settled
privately.
political power at the expense of
education by CVESD board
members and superintendent
Lowell Billings was exposed in
the Ana Stover case. Stover, an
effective and dedicated
administrator, was in line to be
superintendent of the district
until she supported Russell
Coronado instead of Pamela
Smith in a school board election.
CVESD was represented, as
usual, by attorney Daniel Shinoff.
The suit was eventually settled
privately.
To: CVESD lawyer
Daniel Shinoff, Stutz,
Artiano, Shinoff &
Holtz
From: Maura Larkins
As a representative of a pubic
entity, you should be
particularly careful to obey the
law. Instead, you use
dishonesty and intimidation in
your efforts to help clients
whose interests are not the
same as those of the people of
Chula Vista who pay your
bills.
Please stop gobbling up the
taxpayers’ money with your
unnecessary motions and your
repeated and time-consuming
efforts to evade the discovery
process with which the law
requires you to cooperate. (On
the other hand, I must admit
you have saved the taxpayers
some billable hours by refusing
to answer interrogatories and
produce documents.)
Daniel Shinoff, Stutz,
Artiano, Shinoff &
Holtz
From: Maura Larkins
As a representative of a pubic
entity, you should be
particularly careful to obey the
law. Instead, you use
dishonesty and intimidation in
your efforts to help clients
whose interests are not the
same as those of the people of
Chula Vista who pay your
bills.
Please stop gobbling up the
taxpayers’ money with your
unnecessary motions and your
repeated and time-consuming
efforts to evade the discovery
process with which the law
requires you to cooperate. (On
the other hand, I must admit
you have saved the taxpayers
some billable hours by refusing
to answer interrogatories and
produce documents.)
It’s quite clear that some
employees of CVESD have
committed crimes, and that
they and their associates have
worked to cover up those
crimes. Those people want
this case to disappear. Of
course they don’t want to
hear from me. These
individuals should not be
working for public entities
because they have no respect
for the law or the justice
system.
After reading the story about
the innocent Grossmont
parent who spent five days in
jail in a case your firm
worked on, I now strongly
suspect that your firm may
have committed obstruction of
justice in my case.
If CVESD had honest lawyers,
this case would have been
settled long ago. Your firm
should repay the huge amount
of money that the taxpayers
of Chula Vista paid for this
case, and encourage the San
Diego County Joint Powers
Authority to find ethical
lawyers to replace you.
employees of CVESD have
committed crimes, and that
they and their associates have
worked to cover up those
crimes. Those people want
this case to disappear. Of
course they don’t want to
hear from me. These
individuals should not be
working for public entities
because they have no respect
for the law or the justice
system.
After reading the story about
the innocent Grossmont
parent who spent five days in
jail in a case your firm
worked on, I now strongly
suspect that your firm may
have committed obstruction of
justice in my case.
If CVESD had honest lawyers,
this case would have been
settled long ago. Your firm
should repay the huge amount
of money that the taxpayers
of Chula Vista paid for this
case, and encourage the San
Diego County Joint Powers
Authority to find ethical
lawyers to replace you.
Ana Stover v. CVESD
Dale Parent v. CVESD
Danielle Cozaihr v. CVESD (lactation
lawsuit--settled Dec 2009)
Maura Larkins v. CVESD
Dale Parent v. CVESD
Danielle Cozaihr v. CVESD (lactation
lawsuit--settled Dec 2009)
Maura Larkins v. CVESD
Bertha Lopez moved to Sweetwater UHSD's
board Dec. 2009
board Dec. 2009
Was CVESD a rogue district in recent years?
Yes and no.
CVESD is far from unique. Many school boards, school administrators, and union officials across the country
behave in a similar fashion.
The board that consisted of Cheryl Cox, Pamela Smith, Bertha Lopez, Pat Judd and Larry Cunningham
violated the law on several occasions. Can the new board do better? Pamela Smith and Larry Cunningham
are still there, making progress more difficult. But we can hope.
Are the best educators in charge of our educational system? In many cases, clearly not.
Yes and no.
CVESD is far from unique. Many school boards, school administrators, and union officials across the country
behave in a similar fashion.
The board that consisted of Cheryl Cox, Pamela Smith, Bertha Lopez, Pat Judd and Larry Cunningham
violated the law on several occasions. Can the new board do better? Pamela Smith and Larry Cunningham
are still there, making progress more difficult. But we can hope.
Are the best educators in charge of our educational system? In many cases, clearly not.
Why would a school district get involved in working to throw out an
obstruction of justice lawsuit in which it was not a party?
Chula Vista Elementary School District, Stutz law firm and California Teachers Association were
determined in March of 2005 that Maura Larkins lawsuit would not be examined by the Superior Court.
They got their wish when the court accepted a pleading filed by NON-PARTY CVESD (!?!) to protect Stutz
law firm. Now the matter is in San Diego Superior court.
What do many--if not most--school districts do to teachers who fail to keep teacher and administrator
wrongdoing secret?
They fire them--with help from insurance company lawyers.
Visit the website of Karen Horowitz' organization, NAPTA, to read story after story about the unethical conduct
of education lawyers across the country, and how they often target the most innovative and creative
teachers and administrators.
obstruction of justice lawsuit in which it was not a party?
Chula Vista Elementary School District, Stutz law firm and California Teachers Association were
determined in March of 2005 that Maura Larkins lawsuit would not be examined by the Superior Court.
They got their wish when the court accepted a pleading filed by NON-PARTY CVESD (!?!) to protect Stutz
law firm. Now the matter is in San Diego Superior court.
What do many--if not most--school districts do to teachers who fail to keep teacher and administrator
wrongdoing secret?
They fire them--with help from insurance company lawyers.
Visit the website of Karen Horowitz' organization, NAPTA, to read story after story about the unethical conduct
of education lawyers across the country, and how they often target the most innovative and creative
teachers and administrators.
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Nov. 2008--Bertha Lopez won a seat in
Sweetwater Union High School District.
Sweetwater Union High School District.
Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD)
Board and superintendent 2010
(Russell Coronado, David Bejarano and Doug Luffborough
were NOT involved in wrongdoing.)
Left to right: Russell Coronado (came to board in 2008)
Former superintendent Lowell Billings,
Larry Cunningham,
Pamela Smith,
David Bejarano (came to board in 2007)
Doug Luffborough (came to board in 2009)
(Russell Coronado, David Bejarano and Doug Luffborough
were NOT involved in wrongdoing.)
Left to right: Russell Coronado (came to board in 2008)
Former superintendent Lowell Billings,
Larry Cunningham,
Pamela Smith,
David Bejarano (came to board in 2007)
Doug Luffborough (came to board in 2009)
Board members contact information
Pamela B. Smith, President
Phone: 619-479-1507
David Bejarano, Vice President
Phone: 619-421-0201
Email: bejaranos@cox.net
Russell Y. Coronado, Clerk
Phone: 619-818-5688
Email: russell.cvesd@gmail.com
Larry Cunningham, Member
Phone: 619-475-5639
Email: lecunningham@gmail.com
Douglas E. Luffborough III, Member
Phone: 619-750-4182
Email: dougluff@gmail.com
Lowell J. Billings Ed.D., Superintendent
Email: lowell.billings@cvesd.org
Phone: 619-425-9600 ext. 1300
84 East J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Max Batangan, Assistant to the
Superintendent and Board of Education
Email: max.batangan@cvesd.org
Phone: 619-425-9600 ext. 1311
84 East J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Content last updated: 3/3/2009
Pamela B. Smith, President
Phone: 619-479-1507
David Bejarano, Vice President
Phone: 619-421-0201
Email: bejaranos@cox.net
Russell Y. Coronado, Clerk
Phone: 619-818-5688
Email: russell.cvesd@gmail.com
Larry Cunningham, Member
Phone: 619-475-5639
Email: lecunningham@gmail.com
Douglas E. Luffborough III, Member
Phone: 619-750-4182
Email: dougluff@gmail.com
Lowell J. Billings Ed.D., Superintendent
Email: lowell.billings@cvesd.org
Phone: 619-425-9600 ext. 1300
84 East J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Max Batangan, Assistant to the
Superintendent and Board of Education
Email: max.batangan@cvesd.org
Phone: 619-425-9600 ext. 1311
84 East J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Content last updated: 3/3/2009
No Oversight
The board backed up
Superintendent Libia Gil in
2001-2002 and beyond to
the tune of hundreds of
thousands of dollars spent
on legal fees and increased
liability insurance payments.
Libia Gil appointed Richard
Werlin to investigate
complaints against himself.
The board backed up
Superintendent Libia Gil in
2001-2002 and beyond to
the tune of hundreds of
thousands of dollars spent
on legal fees and increased
liability insurance payments.
Libia Gil appointed Richard
Werlin to investigate
complaints against himself.
April 25, 2010
Yesterday the CVESD website was
down. Today, it's back up, but all the
information is missing. You have to
have a password to see it. This is a
bizarre step for a public entity to take.
CVESD has apparently thinks that it's
affairs must be kept secret. This is not
a new development; the only thing that's
new is that CVESD is letting the voters
know how intent it is on keeping them in
the dark. We pay our taxes; we expect
accountability for those tax dollars.
In the past when CVESD has kept
secrets, it has turned out that serious
problems among teachers were being
hidden. Those problems burst into
public view in 2004. Is that what's
happening now? When will the district
investigate to make sure that Castle
Park Elementary is safe?
Yesterday the CVESD website was
down. Today, it's back up, but all the
information is missing. You have to
have a password to see it. This is a
bizarre step for a public entity to take.
CVESD has apparently thinks that it's
affairs must be kept secret. This is not
a new development; the only thing that's
new is that CVESD is letting the voters
know how intent it is on keeping them in
the dark. We pay our taxes; we expect
accountability for those tax dollars.
In the past when CVESD has kept
secrets, it has turned out that serious
problems among teachers were being
hidden. Those problems burst into
public view in 2004. Is that what's
happening now? When will the district
investigate to make sure that Castle
Park Elementary is safe?
P.S. Who's in charge at
CVESD? The people the voters
elected, or the cut-rate
attorneys who have control of
so many school districts and
organizations? Why don't you
start thinking for yourselves?
CVESD? The people the voters
elected, or the cut-rate
attorneys who have control of
so many school districts and
organizations? Why don't you
start thinking for yourselves?
Superintendent Lowell
Billings Retirement
Billings Retirement
April 26, 2010 Letter from
Lowell Billings
Lowell Billings
SDCOE/CVESD
Violations of Public
Records Act
Violations of Public
Records Act
March 2006
Susan Fahle of CVESD refused
to provide Maura Larkins with
the documents requested a year
earlier about how much Daniel
Shinoff had recently been paid
for representing the district.
Susan Fahle of CVESD refused
to provide Maura Larkins with
the documents requested a year
earlier about how much Daniel
Shinoff had recently been paid
for representing the district.
SDCOE refused to provide
complete records about how
much Daniel Shinoff has been
paid on behalf of CVESD.
complete records about how
much Daniel Shinoff has been
paid on behalf of CVESD.
Pam Smith and Larry Cunningham have a history of going along with Judd, not
sticking their necks out.
Their pals Cheryl Cox and Bertha Lopez are gone.
sticking their necks out.
Their pals Cheryl Cox and Bertha Lopez are gone.
84 East J Street Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone 619 425 9600 Fax 619 427 0463
Phone 619 425 9600 Fax 619 427 0463
Bertha J. Lopez has moved to the famously
corrupt Sweetwater USD
corrupt Sweetwater USD
Francisco Escobedo chosen
to replace Lowell Billings
as Superintendent
See CVESD announcement
July 27, 2010
About Dr. Escobedo
Currently Assistant Superintendent, Educational Leadership, in the South Bay Union School District,
Imperial Beach, Calif. He supervised principals of 13 elementary schools, serving more than 8,000
students. He has served in education the better part of 22 years. His experiences include serving as
a principal research analyst for the American Institute of Research, as well as serving as California
Regional Vice-President of Achievement/Operations for Edison Schools. He has served as a
principal in CVESD at then-Mae L. Feaster-Edison Charter (now Mae L. Feaster Charter) and in the
National School District at John A. Otis School...
to replace Lowell Billings
as Superintendent
See CVESD announcement
July 27, 2010
About Dr. Escobedo
Currently Assistant Superintendent, Educational Leadership, in the South Bay Union School District,
Imperial Beach, Calif. He supervised principals of 13 elementary schools, serving more than 8,000
students. He has served in education the better part of 22 years. His experiences include serving as
a principal research analyst for the American Institute of Research, as well as serving as California
Regional Vice-President of Achievement/Operations for Edison Schools. He has served as a
principal in CVESD at then-Mae L. Feaster-Edison Charter (now Mae L. Feaster Charter) and in the
National School District at John A. Otis School...
Why This Website
Stutz Artiano Shinoff
& Holtz v. Maura
Larkins defamation
SDCOE
CVESD
Castle Park
Elementary School
Law Enforcement
CTA
CVE
Stutz Artiano Shinoff
& Holtz
Silence is Golden
Schools and Violence
Office Admin Hearings
Larkins OAH Hearing
Stutz Artiano Shinoff
& Holtz v. Maura
Larkins defamation
SDCOE
CVESD
Castle Park
Elementary School
Law Enforcement
CTA
CVE
Stutz Artiano Shinoff
& Holtz
Silence is Golden
Schools and Violence
Office Admin Hearings
Larkins OAH Hearing
Why did April Boling
give an award to CVESD
without investigating?
give an award to CVESD
without investigating?
Richard Werlin
and Libia Gil
and Libia Gil
October 20, 2010 minutes The
search function does not work for
this document. What is the board
trying to hide? Also, the computer
file was mislabeled as 2009 by the
district
In the minutes, Doug Luffborough
seems proud to have completed a
course on governance given by
CSBA, the California School Boards
Association. Sorry, Doug. You
might need to unlearn a few tricks
that CSBA uses.
The minutes also note that my old
pals Dean Vogel, vice-president of
CTA, and Jim Groth were escorted
around Harborside and Silverwing
schools by Peg Myers.
search function does not work for
this document. What is the board
trying to hide? Also, the computer
file was mislabeled as 2009 by the
district
In the minutes, Doug Luffborough
seems proud to have completed a
course on governance given by
CSBA, the California School Boards
Association. Sorry, Doug. You
might need to unlearn a few tricks
that CSBA uses.
The minutes also note that my old
pals Dean Vogel, vice-president of
CTA, and Jim Groth were escorted
around Harborside and Silverwing
schools by Peg Myers.
Lawsuits
Holdovers from the old board: the white-headed officials
The new board: the black-haired officials
The new board: the black-haired officials
Here's what the NEW board looks like. Time will tell if there is
real change.
real change.
Left to right: Doug Luffborough, David Bejarano, Larry Cunningham,
Supt. Francisco Escobedo, Pam Smith, Russell Coronado
Supt. Francisco Escobedo, Pam Smith, Russell Coronado
Chula Vista Elementary School Board Trustee Russell Coronado first worked as an educator
in the San Diego Unified School District as an instructional assistant, then as a child care
counselor at residential schools for children with behavioral problems. After completing
graduate school, he became the lead school psychologist for the Chula Vista Elementary
School District. In 2004, Russell implemented and directed an innovative public alternative
school (the Daly Academy) for children with emotional and behavioral problems.
in the San Diego Unified School District as an instructional assistant, then as a child care
counselor at residential schools for children with behavioral problems. After completing
graduate school, he became the lead school psychologist for the Chula Vista Elementary
School District. In 2004, Russell implemented and directed an innovative public alternative
school (the Daly Academy) for children with emotional and behavioral problems.
| OUT |
| GONE TO SUHSD |
Cheating Teacher
Scandal Hits Home
By Rory Devine
NBCSanDiego.com
11/15/2011
A new kind of cheating has taken root
nationwide, and it is not about students writing
the answers on their hands or asking their
friends to whisper the answers to them. It is
cheating by teachers.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District is
one of a number of districts in the state and
country where cheating has been discovered.
Teachers’ actions have been blamed on
increased pressure to improve student
achievement.
“One of the reasons I took early retirement is
because testing pressures are getting more and
more and more,” said retired teacher Dana
Messinger...
A school’s results determine if it will be
rewarded or punished and affect property values
in the area. Additionally, administrators are
starting to use the tests to evaluate teachers.
According to documents obtained by the Los
Angeles Times through the Freedom of
Information Act, the teacher found cheating in the
Chula Vista Elementary School District was from
Allen School.
Several fifth grade students reported to their
homeroom teacher that they had seen the test’s
passages before the test day. The document
shows the teacher stated she used poor
judgment by illegally preparing student prior to
testing by downloading test passages from the
Internet.,,
As a result of the cheating, the scores for the
entire school were thrown out...
“I hate to say it, but I think it’s going to happen
more and more as it becomes more and more
important to the schools, to the administrators
and everybody’s job,” Messinger said.
According to the Los Angeles Times, about three
dozen teachers in the state were accused of
cheating, lesser misconduct or mistakes while
testing.
They came from 23 schools and 21 districts. The
Times said this is an unprecedented amount.
NBC 7 is told that the teacher from Chula Vista’s
Allen School is no longer working for the district.
Scandal Hits Home
By Rory Devine
NBCSanDiego.com
11/15/2011
A new kind of cheating has taken root
nationwide, and it is not about students writing
the answers on their hands or asking their
friends to whisper the answers to them. It is
cheating by teachers.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District is
one of a number of districts in the state and
country where cheating has been discovered.
Teachers’ actions have been blamed on
increased pressure to improve student
achievement.
“One of the reasons I took early retirement is
because testing pressures are getting more and
more and more,” said retired teacher Dana
Messinger...
A school’s results determine if it will be
rewarded or punished and affect property values
in the area. Additionally, administrators are
starting to use the tests to evaluate teachers.
According to documents obtained by the Los
Angeles Times through the Freedom of
Information Act, the teacher found cheating in the
Chula Vista Elementary School District was from
Allen School.
Several fifth grade students reported to their
homeroom teacher that they had seen the test’s
passages before the test day. The document
shows the teacher stated she used poor
judgment by illegally preparing student prior to
testing by downloading test passages from the
Internet.,,
As a result of the cheating, the scores for the
entire school were thrown out...
“I hate to say it, but I think it’s going to happen
more and more as it becomes more and more
important to the schools, to the administrators
and everybody’s job,” Messinger said.
According to the Los Angeles Times, about three
dozen teachers in the state were accused of
cheating, lesser misconduct or mistakes while
testing.
They came from 23 schools and 21 districts. The
Times said this is an unprecedented amount.
NBC 7 is told that the teacher from Chula Vista’s
Allen School is no longer working for the district.
San Diego
Education Report
Education Report
| GONE |
| Two controversies, one simple solution: If CVESD were simply to teach its teachers how to raise test scores and to prepare students to get into college without needing a guaranteed admission, CVESD wouldn't have to worry about two big stories in the news: |
College compact excludes
charters
Sweetwater now wants students to enter district in
seventh grade for SDSU entry program
Ashly McGlone
SDUT
Nov. 14, 2011
CHULA VISTA — The Sweetwater schools have a new
policy excluding certain students from its guaranteed
entrance agreement with San Diego State University,
known as the Compact for Success.
The rules leave out any students who attend seventh
and eighth grade at charter schools in nearby
elementary school districts. Previously, those students
could enter Sweetwater in ninth grade and still qualify
for the college program.
Superintendent Ed Brand said he has concerns that
the academics at the charter schools are not up to the
standards of the Sweetwater Union High School
District...
“Everything is intertwined, so certainly we are
concerned about a loss of revenue...,” Brand said. “...
The compact guarantees admission to SDSU for
Sweetwater students who complete certain academic
criteria, including passage of college preparation
classes with a B average or better, regardless of SAT
scores.
The compact has become increasingly valuable in
recent years as universities statewide cut classes and
limit enrollment amid state budget cuts...
That excludes the growing number of middle
schoolers enrolled in charter schools in other districts
in the South County, up 46 percent from last year. With
more than 530 middle schoolers enrolled in five South
County charter schools, the Sweetwater district lost
$3.18 million in state funding this year.
That figure is projected to rise with two campuses
expanding to eighth grade next year, and another K-7
charter school opening in Chula Vista in the fall...
Officials in the Chula Vista Elementary School
District, home to four charter middle schools, say
the growth of charter schools has been a response to
parent demand.
“We don’t understand the rationale. Our intent is to
continue to dialogue with Sweetwater with this,” said
Matt Tessier, instructional services and support
liaison for charter schools in the district. “All of our
charters are producing students who are very high
achievers.”
[Maura Larkins comment: That's great! So why do
they need guaranteed admission to SDSU?]
charters
Sweetwater now wants students to enter district in
seventh grade for SDSU entry program
Ashly McGlone
SDUT
Nov. 14, 2011
CHULA VISTA — The Sweetwater schools have a new
policy excluding certain students from its guaranteed
entrance agreement with San Diego State University,
known as the Compact for Success.
The rules leave out any students who attend seventh
and eighth grade at charter schools in nearby
elementary school districts. Previously, those students
could enter Sweetwater in ninth grade and still qualify
for the college program.
Superintendent Ed Brand said he has concerns that
the academics at the charter schools are not up to the
standards of the Sweetwater Union High School
District...
“Everything is intertwined, so certainly we are
concerned about a loss of revenue...,” Brand said. “...
The compact guarantees admission to SDSU for
Sweetwater students who complete certain academic
criteria, including passage of college preparation
classes with a B average or better, regardless of SAT
scores.
The compact has become increasingly valuable in
recent years as universities statewide cut classes and
limit enrollment amid state budget cuts...
That excludes the growing number of middle
schoolers enrolled in charter schools in other districts
in the South County, up 46 percent from last year. With
more than 530 middle schoolers enrolled in five South
County charter schools, the Sweetwater district lost
$3.18 million in state funding this year.
That figure is projected to rise with two campuses
expanding to eighth grade next year, and another K-7
charter school opening in Chula Vista in the fall...
Officials in the Chula Vista Elementary School
District, home to four charter middle schools, say
the growth of charter schools has been a response to
parent demand.
“We don’t understand the rationale. Our intent is to
continue to dialogue with Sweetwater with this,” said
Matt Tessier, instructional services and support
liaison for charter schools in the district. “All of our
charters are producing students who are very high
achievers.”
[Maura Larkins comment: That's great! So why do
they need guaranteed admission to SDSU?]