On Thursday April 21st, motivational speaker Ernie G. spoke to Sierra High students.
On Thursday April 21st, motivational speaker Ernie G. spoke to Sierra High students.
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On Thursday, April 21, 2011, Ernie G held the rapt attention of 60-plus lucky Sierra High School students who got to listen to one on the best motivational speeches of their lives. Ernie G, as stated on his professional website, is one of the hottest, multi-talented, young Latino entertainers in the country today. His comedy has been seen by millions of TV viewers on shows such as Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” B.E.T.’s “Comic View,” Ed McMahon’s “Next Big Star,” & Sí TV’s “Funny is Funny!” He is one of the original stars of Galavisión’s hit comedy show “Qué Locos!” hosted by George Lopez, appearing six times, along with two appearances on “The Best of Qué Locos!” He has appeared on HBO Latino’s “Habla Again,” MUN2’s “Loco Comedy Jam,” as well as Sí TV’s “Latino Laugh Festival!” and their hip new show, “Inside Joke!” Currently, he be seen on MTV Tr3s’ “Los Súper Icons” and viewers might also remember him as the “Angry Angelino” from the Channel 13 News in Los Angeles.
Ernie G is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with his B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Chicano Studies. Ernie has developed his own unique form of Comedy he calls “Latino Edutainment – Educating and Entertaining with a Latino Flavor!” and has performed for many of the country’s top organizations and corporations, including: Disney, Pepsi-Co, General Mills, U.S. Armed Forces, National Council de la Raza, Latin American Educational Foundation and the Hispanic College Fund. He was honored by the City of Los Angeles with the first ever Mario
Moreno “Cantinflas” Award for “representing the Latino community with the same humor and distinction as the legendary Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” and who, like Cantínflas, utilizes his power to help those most in need.”
Ernie performs his rip-roaring, high-energy comedy as Host and Producer of “Ernie G’s Comedy Fiesta!”-- a National Comedy Tour featuring the country’s top Latino comedians performing in clubs, colleges and universities throughout the nation. He was the Keynote Speaker at UCLA’s 32nd Annual RAZA Graduation, and continues to spread his message of Empowerment & Transformation through Laughter as the National Spokesperson for the Hispanic College Fund and Inspirational Comedian nationwide.

Ernie G will be back to perform at Fillmore High School in May to encourage and motivate more of our Fillmore and Piru students. Ernie G was at Fillmore High School a couple of years ago. He always stays to sign autographs and to give a special message to the very last student waiting in line. Many a student has connected with Ernie G in a special way. He has continued emailing with Fillmore High School students for a few years now. Some Sierra High School students approached him after his motivational talk on Thursday and told him that he had truly reached them with what he said and that he really made a big difference in their lives.
Ernie G's performance was made possible by a private donation.

 


 
Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore Unified School District

A list obtained from the Fillmore Unified School District Director of Human Resources Todd Schieferle lists a total of 80 staff members who have received ‘preliminary notices of layoff’ due to potential budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. This information was provided in response to a request for a complete list of all staff members who have received notices from the District. Just prior to the print deadline information was received that several names are missing from the list. FUSD is eyeing the budget cuts coming with a wary eye and is recommending the School Board create maximum “flexibility”. The plan is to “over notice” staff layoffs in accordance with legal deadlines so that if the budget is a worst-case scenario the District is prepared, and if funding is better than anticipated the district can rescind many of the notices. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney emphasized at a recent School Board meeting that these notices have nothing to do with job performance.

Specifics have not been given about the exact process of determining what positions will be noticed, negotiations with the two unions (FUTA, CSEA) may play a decisive role although the Board has passed resolutions prior to completing negotiations. In relying on potential layoffs to solve the looming budget issues FUSD joins districts across the State in business as usual budgeting practices when cuts are needed. Districts continue to appear wary of considering new or creative means of meeting budget needs while keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible. The public appears stunned as the school year shortens, class size grows while teachers and staff prepare to pack their bags.

This list was complete as of Thursday, April 21, 2011. Twelve staff members who received notices later received a “letter of rescission” which rescinded their layoff notice but notified them they “may not continue in their present assignment” or salary next year. According to FUSD “the District may reassign them to a classroom teaching position according to the credentials they hold” next year. They will be notified of their new assignment before July 1, 2011. Those who received these “letter[s] of rescission” are indicated on the following list with a star by their first name. The Board has expressed hope that they will be able to rescind many of the layoff notices but that is dependant on the final state budget. A revised State budget is expected mid May. Budget discussions and negotiations continue between the District and the unions representing the teaching staff and classified staff. Those noticed include: 50 teachers, 3 Coordinators (all rescinded), 7 principles (some rescinded), 2 assistant principals (one rescinded). Those whose positions are not indicated were not listed on the District’s website and were not obtained by the press deadline. (Note: Due to directions taken at a Special meeting on Tuesday, April 26, several of these notices are expected to be rescinded, see article for positions affected)

First Last Position
Eduardo Angel
Kari Appleford Teacher, High Schl Phys Ed
Raina Arellano Teacher, MountVist 4th Grd
Heather Atwood Teacher
Raymond Barrera Teacher, Piru 3rd Grd
Carol* Barringer Coordinator, After School Program, Educational Services, District Office
Kathleen Berrington Teacher, MountVist 1st Grd
Kayce Betzel Teacher, MiddleSchl
Loriann Boon Teacher, MountVist PE
Jenny Bortins Teacher, MiddleSchl
Jill Capra Teacher, SanCaye Kinder
Larry Carroll
Heather* Casanave Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Lynda Catalano Teacher, Piru Kinder
Melanie Chisholm
Claudia Cornejo Teacher, Piru 6th Grd
Matthew* Dann Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Sheila DeMerritt Teacher, Sespe 5th Grade
Andreana DeMoss Teacher, Sespe 1st Grade
Kristen Dunst Teacher, SanCaye Kinder
Veronica Duran
Maria Enriquez
Paul Fitzgerald Teacher, High Schl Social Studies
Jennifer Fitzpatrick Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Cynthia Frutos Principal, Sierra High
Joseph Fry Teacher, MountVist Kinder
Randy Garcia Teacher, Piru 4th Grd
Mary Allyn Garcia-Lovett Teacher, MountVist
Patricia* Godfrey Principal, Piru
Jennifer Graves Teacher, MountVist Kinder
Carrie Gray
Ellen Green Asst. Principal, High Schl
Amber Henrey Teacher, MountVist 1st Grd
Susan Hersh Psychologist, Special Services, District Office
Rosemarie Hibler Principal, Sespe Elem
Steven Kandel Teacher, High Schl Math & Science Dept.
Heather Kanning Teacher, MountVist 3rd Grd
Nancy Kirtkpatrick Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Kristin* Lairson Coordinator, Special Projects, Education Services, District Office
Kristy Lim Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Debra Louth Teacher, Sespe 5th Grade
Jeremiah MacMahon Teacher, High Schl Math Dept.
Sandra Magana Teacher, MountVist
Viviana Magana-Laureano
Jan Marholin Principal, SanCaye Elem
Alison* Marschewski Teacher, SanCayet Reading/Science
Marisa Martinez Teacher, Middle Schl
Theresa* Marvel Teacher, High Schl Health
Ashley McClain Teacher, Middle Schl
Julie McKeever
Maria Meza Teacher, Middle Schl
Kevin Molloy Teacher, Sierra English/Lang Arts
Joshua Overton Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Norma Perez-Sandford Counselor, High Schl grades 9 & 11
Ernesto Quiroz Athletic Director, High Schl.
Martha Ramos Teacher, Middle Schl
Rebecca Raskin Teacher, Sierra SocStudies & Science
Aide Recendez Teacher, Piru 5th Grd
Kristina Renelli Teacher, Piru 4th Grd
Juliette Resor Teacher, SanCaye, Sespe Band
Ronda Reyes-Deutsch Counselor, Middle Schl
Joe* Ricards Teacher, High Schl Vocational Ed
Brian Ricards Teacher, High Schl Vocational Ed
Christine* Schieferle Principal, MountVista
John Schweller Principal, Middle Schl
Erin Sebek Teacher, High Schl Social Studies
Mark Sebek Teacher, High Schl Math Dept.
Carolyn Shea Psychologist, Special Services, District Office
Delia Silva Teacher, Piru 5th Grd
Kathryn Spore Teacher, Sespe Science
Matthew Stockton Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Lacy Swensen
Laura Todis Teacher, Sierra
Epi* Torres Asst. Principal, HS
Cara Waterman
Jennifer Weir Teacher, MounVist 3rd Grd / Coordinator, Special Students Populations, Educational Services.
James White Teacher, Sespe 3rd Grade
John* Wilbur Principal, High Schl
Mary* Williams Coordinator, Special Education, Special Services, District Office
Janelle Williams Teacher, Sespe 1st Grade
*indicates a rescinded notice.

 


 
Fillmore’s new Chief of Police Monica McGrath.
Fillmore’s new Chief of Police Monica McGrath.

Monica McGrath was recognized by the City Council Tuesday night as the new Ventura County Sheriff’s Captain in Fillmore. She began her duties last week. McGrath, who lives in Ventura, stated “I’m very impressed with your town…I’m very happy to be here.”

But there was a somber feel to the April 26, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting as budget matters continue to take a toll on services. One item on agenda was ballot measure Proposition 218 which will have a direct impact on some property owners by increasing the assessment amounts on six separate tracks in Fillmore’s District 2. Also included with that item was a discussion on the annexation of Central Station Townhomes and Perry Ranch to the City’s Landscape and Lighting.

Other items on the agenda included a proclamation, the Council’s desire to withdraw from the County Library Memorandum and remain in the reformulated Ventura County Library system, the adoption of the Temporary Use Permits to allow Christmas tree sales to begin the day after Thanksgiving, a request by Williams Homes to reassess the Impact Fees on Heritage Valley Specific Plan and support for two State Assembly bills and resolutions.

There was a great deal of discussion between the Council and City Staff regarding the proposed ballot proposition. Several areas in Fillmore are presently not paying enough in assessment fees to cover ongoing maintenance for lighting and landscaping. Those properties assessment fees must be increased or current levels of service will have to be reduced and some may have to be cut altogether.

A proposition and balloting process is required to increase assessment amounts on property which is a lengthy process and takes preparation. The process requires creating an engineer’s report, approval of levy amounts and an election that includes mailing of ballots to the property owners. A public hearing is then scheduled to receive the public comments, determine the election results, approve levy amounts if any and order submittal of the data to the County Assessors for collection of assessments with property taxes. The added assessment costs to the property owners if approved will range from $4-$24 per month per property. The cost to the City for the ballots is $14,500.

The areas in question are: CONTINUED »

 

Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the pool. A leak detection company was brought in and confirmed there was a leak in a return drain line in the bottom of the pool. The leak was fixed on April 12th, we worked hard to ensure the high school swim team and club swim were not affected. The leak was created during construction of the pool. When the pool piping was laid down it was tested and all the pipes and fittings passed a pressure test. After the piping was complete the contractor put a protective cage over the piping. The leak was created when a piece of rebar was hammered into a recirculation pipe. When the leak was found the rebar was still in the pipe.

There have been ongoing issues with the chemical balance in the pool. It was originally thought to be a mechanical issue and worked with HMH Construction Company, Nadar, and Knorr. With a leak being found under the pool and repaired we hope to have the chemical issues resolved. The pool has been open a week since the leak was fixed and so far the pool chemical balance has been fine.

The City is new to having and operating a brand new aquatics facility. There has been a learning curve and some challenges have come our way during the learning process. We realize it is very frustrating to arrive at the pool and find out that it is temporarily closed. We apologize for any inconvenience it has caused our patrons
The City has spoken to the contractor regarding all costs associated with the leak, including a requesting reimbursement for a portion of the water and chemicals used since construction.

Please join us at the pool for a fun filled summer of events! Hours and schedule of events are posted at the pool window, City of Fillmore, website and on Channel 10. Story courtesy The City of Fillmore.

 

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011 all seats were filled for a special meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Education. In addition to public comment just two items were on the agenda, graduation tickets and a budget discussion including prioritizing with a welcome opportunity to rescind some notices.

In public comment the Board heard first from Sheila Duckett, Fillmore resident and computer lab instructor at San Cayetano Elementary school reporting “There are several classified employees, [myself] included who find themselves drifting afloat at sea, [we are] puzzled and are trying to come to a decision…based on the information as we know it.” She went on to explain that several classified employees received their 45-day notice following the recent Resolution passed by the Board. She explains that the one day of negotiations set for May 4 with the classified union (CSEA) will be inadequate “This is not a one day process, it will take days of planning, calling people, verifying seniority [and so on].” Duckett also explains that due to missed or looming deadlines several employees feel forced to make a decision regarding retirement or opting for possible layoff which can affect retirement benefits. All this prior to any negotiations taking place and that “The delay in starting the negotiation process has contributed to the sinking ship that some of us classified people find [ourselves] on.” Next for public comment Kassaundra Chambers a first grade teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School reported some data to the Board to demonstrate “what the classified staff has helped us achieve this year in implementing the RTI [intervention program].” She stated that 16 out of her 23 students are reading at grade level or “proficient” and “that is the highest number [she’s] ever had.” She explained “I have taught for 16 years… there are more students coming out of my classroom this year …that are at or above grade level standards and I really think that is in large part due to Sheila [Duckett] and other classified staff that have enabled us to implement the RTI so successfully at our school.” Duckett has reportedly received a layoff notice from the District. Tammy Ferguson a first grade teacher at San Cayetano, teaching in the district for ten years who also has two children in FUSD schools stated “we can’t do our job without the support staff”…programs…services [for our students] are starting to dwindle because of the state of the budget… when you are making decisions… [Remember without the students] there is no need for me and there is no need for you…they are the most important [thing].”

The Board moved to Sespe Auditorium so all in attendance would have seats for the first action item on the agenda, the proposal to use tickets for all spectators at this years Fillmore High School graduation ceremony. Several students, parents and others came to ask the Board to reconsider the proposed plan for this year. Seniors on hand wondered at the lack of communication and even suggested that some of their senior funds could be used for more bleachers if needed. They were reminded that this would not deal with the exit capacity nor put a dent in the nearly $30,000 that it could cost to accommodate a larger crowd making changes for emergency exit access. Principal John Wilbur brought forward the plan in a response to safety concerns following last year’s graduation and the 100th Game with Santa Paula. During Bush’s update on the history of this issue he informed the public “[According to Chief Landeros last year graduation] was unsafe. The facility was beyond capacity; all the exits [and aisles] were blocked. Chief Landeros [was considering] whether or not to close graduation [at that time] and empty out the aisles.” The District does not want that to happen this year, Chief Landeros has been clear that safety is their primary interest and that while the District does have options for expanding capacity for seating and emergency exit access, once that capacity is reached the doors will be closed, making it possible that some waiting family members would not get in at all. Wilbur has come under fire from some parents and students who wonder why they are just hearing about this plan five weeks before graduation. Wilbur takes full responsibility for the timing, offered an apology, and an affirmation that he thinks the plan will work out. The plan as presented made space for 2000 spectators in the bleachers which means each senior would be guaranteed seven tickets, leaving about 400 tickets for families to apply for if needed. Wilbur commented that a “change in culture” regarding graduation may need to take place in Fillmore. Ideas presented included not bringing young children to the event, or having non-family members watch a live broadcast of the event from home. The Board was reminded that some families have already spent as much as $300 on graduation announcements, which indicate that recipients are invited to the ceremony and that limiting families to seven tickets may mean choosing between grandparents. Most parents in attendance emphasized that it is not the tickets they oppose but the short notice and wish they had been told sooner. The Board made no inquiry as to why there was such a long delay in communicating the plan to parents since the District was notified of the issue as early as the end of last school year, and again just following the 100th Game last fall. The District sees tickets as a way to ensure that families of graduating seniors have the seats they want. The Board voted to table the proposal with directions given to Wilbur to obtain accurate numbers. Seniors will be bringing home a letter in the next few days asking families how many tickets they would need to accommodate their family. The Board will use this information to work with staff, parents and safety officials to develop a plan.

The Board began its budget discussion by CONTINUED »

 
Above are several of the participants who were awarded ribbons for their entries into the Flower Show held Saturday, April 16, 2011.
Above are several of the participants who were awarded ribbons for their entries into the Flower Show held Saturday, April 16, 2011.
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The 2011, Fillmore Flower Show, “ Fantasy of Flowers in Fillmore” sponsored by Vision2020/Civic Pride Committee has come & gone leaving memories of willing volunteers, sweet fragrances, beautiful flower specimens, bouquets and arrangements in all their glory for those who attended.

This year brought 498 entries, nearly double what there were last year! Among the nationally certified judges, Barbara Schneider, Susan Diller & Una Lopez, comments were overheard about the quality of exhibitor finesse in Fillmore & that this was one of their favorite shows to judge.

Violin music on Saturday by Asher Smith brought an unknown lady attending to break into song because she knew the words to his music. Sunday classical pieces were played on the piano by Nathalie Miliken, adding ambience.
It was decided that this year’s “Best of Show” award would be presented in memory of Tillie Spitler. Conway & Tillie were major contributors in keeping the Flower Show organized & running par excellence over the years and Conway’s detailed record book, kept meticulously, gave us the courage to undertake the effort to bring back this worthy community event in 2009. Fillmore’s Historical Museum has a scrapbook with news clippings & photographs, documenting the show from around 1925 to the 1990’s.

2011 Flower Show winners by division were: Best of Show, Mark Ortega with his unusual potted plant, Abutilon.
Division I, (Rose: cut, single stem) Michelle Smith; Division II,(Iris: cut, single stem) Charlene Smith; Division III, (Other single stem, cut) Jim Stehly; Division IV, (Bouquets) Tim Klittich; Division V, (Arrangements) Janet Foy; Division VI, (Miniature Bouquets & Arrangements) Helen Archer; Division VII (Potted Plants) Mark Ortega; Division VIII, (Dish Gardens) Dorothy Hunt; Division IX, (Youth Arrangements) Jared Fairall; Division X, (Youth Compositions) Tim Klittich.

We, who work on the shows’ planning team, value the support of Fillmore city staff like Joe Zuniga, Evelia Hernandez, Annette Cardona and Patrick Maynard for helping us with the brochures, the use of the Senior Center location and the brochure layout. Cindy Klittich designed & printed the bookmarks for the youth entrants, the Boy Scouts for use of tables, S Club members for helping with set up & take down, Marcie Thompson & Sarah Hansen for hosting workshops & plant propagation, Ari Lawson for help with the Succulent Wreath sales at Railroad Days, Charlene Smith for leading a workshop, & all who stepped up to volunteer with set up & operation.

Others to be recognized and given “thanks” were: Otto & Sons for donated rose bushes, providing a welcoming entry with roses “For Sale”, giving the show 50% of the profit and a door prize, Carolyn Lasky with shared profits from her beautiful cymbidium orchids & a door prize, Attractions Spa gift certificate, AmPet with gift certificates, Element Computer with gift certificate, Patterson’s Hardware with Seed Tray Kit, King & King Ranches with fruit baskets, The Scented Path with gift certificate, and The Treasure Station with a gift.
It is hoped that all who expressed an interest in entering next year and getting their children or youth groups involved, will begin to plan and prepare their yards now with a little extra care to be ready for 2012.
And please, remember that you are all invited to participate in bringing the flower show and other worthy community projects like historical plaques, “Yard of the Month” awards and flower plantings in the downtown area to fruition. Come add your voice and effort to improve quality of life and esthetic appeal to our community.

Civic Pride Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 PM in City Hall.

 

Fillmore City Attorney Ted Schneider told the Gazette Wednesday that the recent appeals court ruling had little impact on the outcome of the Livermore-City of Industry lawsuit over sales tax revenue. Schneider stated that the court’s ruling was “very technical, procedural” and in his view did not effect Fillmore’s right to performance under the contract with Owens & Minor. The dispute arose over a 2007 contract permitting Fillmore to receive 15 percent of state sales taxes generated by Owens & Minor, a Fortune 500, Virginia based medical supply company. A sales office was opened in Fillmore but products are stored and distributed from the Cities of Industry and Livermore.

Fillmore collects about $1 million per year under the 20-year contract. Livermore and Industry claim the office and contract are a sham. Fillmore won its main case but, due to a technicality, must pay the other plaintiff’s receipts from October 2007 to December 2008. Following this dispute, then Governor Schwartzenegger signed a law prohibiting such agreements. However, Fillmore’s existing contract with Owens & Minor will stand, according to Schneider.

 
Fillmore Lions Club presented five organizations with donations during Monday night’s meeting. Jack Stethem presented Raelene Chaney from Grad Night Live $750; Mary Tipps presented Elias Valdes from Santa Clara Valley Hospice $750; Victor Gongora presented Daniel Gonzales, Brian Ayala, and Francisco Enriques from One Step Program $1000. Also pictured Barbara Olsen. The Lions Club also donated $200 to the Sespe Players and $300 to Friends of the Library.
Fillmore Lions Club presented five organizations with donations during Monday night’s meeting. Jack Stethem presented Raelene Chaney from Grad Night Live $750; Mary Tipps presented Elias Valdes from Santa Clara Valley Hospice $750; Victor Gongora presented Daniel Gonzales, Brian Ayala, and Francisco Enriques from One Step Program $1000. Also pictured Barbara Olsen. The Lions Club also donated $200 to the Sespe Players and $300 to Friends of the Library.
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Pleaded guilty to Preparing False Income Tax Returns and Wire Fraud

The owner of B.A. Income Tax Services, located in Santa Paula, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for preparing income tax returns that allowed clients to claim false deductions and helping an individual secure a home loan they were not qualified to obtain.

Benjamin Aparicio, of Fillmore, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dean D. Pregerson. Aparicio pleaded guilty last year to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns and committing wire fraud with respect to mortgage loans.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Pregerson ordered Aparicio to pay restitution. The amount of restitution is the amount of the criminal tax loss of $176,100, plus the loss associated with the defaulted residential home loan, $185,000.

According to his plea agreement, Aparicio aided and assisted clients in the preparation of a false partnership tax return and a false individual income tax return for the tax year 2003. Furthermore, in 2006 Aparicio falsely verified by telephone the contents of a tax reference letter used to secure a residential home loan for an unidentified individual, knowing that the tax reference letter contained false information and causing the home loan to be funded.

According to documents filed with the court, in the months before Aparicio was first contacted by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, defendant was put on clear notice that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny by the IRS. The IRS’s civil division proposed civil penalties against Aparicio for understating the tax liabilities of his clients. Instead of taking into account the clear warning from the IRS that his tax return preparation activities were under scrutiny, Aparicio continued to prepare false tax returns that understated the tax due.

Even after being confronted directly by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in 2005, Aparicio continued to disregard the IRS. In 2006, Aparicio counseled a client to create false documents for the client’s IRS audit. Aparicio was present at the audit when the false documents were presented to the auditor. Also in 2006, Aparicio provided false information with respect to the residential mortgage loan application.

The investigation and prosecution of Aparicio was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

 

On Tuesday night the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting to another full house. Items before the Board included naming more classified employees that will receive lay off notices pending further state budget information, as well as a consideration before the Board for changing graduation requirements specifically whether or not to keep Health as a required class.

First during public comment the Board heard from Fillmore High School Junior Class President Taelor Burhoe and Vice President Taylor DeZavala regarding the upcoming Junior Prom on May 14th, 2011. The theme is “City and Color” and the event will take place at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street in downtown Ventura. “It is the first time anyone has had a prom at this location, we are very lucky… it is a really cool venue.” Burhoe reported. They also reported that a slideshow regarding the dress code for the event has been shown to all students and is posted on the high school web site. They want to make sure that no one is turned away from prom due to violating the dress code.

The Board then heard from this reporter who spoke at the request of and on behalf of Fillmore resident Scott Duckett who had prepared a statement for the Board but was unable to attend the meeting. In the statement Duckett proposed a solution to the budget situation that should be considered because “Not one service to one student will be lost…Not a single district employee will lose their job… It’s fair to all district employees.” The proposal was an across the district pay cut. “From the Superintendent on down [each employee] takes an equal percentage salary cut.” Duckett suggested that the Board request Assistant Superintendent Director of Business Services Mike Bush to calculate the savings for different percentage cuts in salaries. “If salaries and benefits make up roughly 90% of the districts $30 million budget…if everyone…took a 3% salary cut, the district would save $810,000… a 5% cut would save $1.3 million.” The statement concluded with “I believe going through another round of budget cuts business as usual will only result in the painful process we’ve all witnessed over the past few years [all options should be considered.]” Board Member Tony Prado indicated he thought this proposal was “interesting” and later in the agenda the Board discussed it and directed Bush to calculate the actual savings from a 1% cut across the district. Board President Virginia De La Piedra stated that an action such as this would need to be negotiated with the unions and “We [the Board] do not negotiate, they do.” indicating the District staff members on the collective bargaining team. Contrary to De La Piedra’s statement FUSD Board policy 4143 states, “The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to represent the public's interests in the collective bargaining process. In negotiating agreements on employee contracts, the Board shall balance the needs of staff and the priorities of the district in order to provide students with a high-quality instructional program based on a sound, realistic budget.” While the policy does state “The Board shall establish a bargaining team to assist in analyzing contract provisions and conducting contract negotiations.” The following portion of this policy clearly retains the oversight and power of the Board to direct the negotiating process, “The Board and Superintendent shall provide its negotiator(s) with expected outcomes and clear parameters for acceptable contract provisions which promote the realization of district goals and priorities.” In addition Board policy 9000 titled “Role of the Board” states “The Board of Education has been elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district. The Board shall ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community.” Should the Board want to move forward in exploring and/or implementing such a proposal they need only request the information from the appropriate staff members, and then direct their bargaining team to move in that direction with the two unions they negotiate with. Early response to the ‘Duckett Proposal’ from CSEA members in attendance is positive. At print deadline CSEA had a scheduled meeting for Wednesday, April 20, 2011 to discuss ideas and options to bring to their negotiations with the District.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney CONTINUED »