182 replies to this topic

[kryptodog]

Thank goodness there is actually a forum that everyone can talk about this. It helps me out a lot.

I see a lot of support for Joanne Reinking. I also see support for Marilyn Maggio and one comment on Conrade Mayer. Does anyone know more about these candidates? Why are they running? What will they do for students if they become a school board member? That is what I want to know.

Also, I REALLY must say....someone could have ALL the experience in the world, but not have the guts to stand up or speak up against a majority. What I want is someone who will actually stand up and speak out for what our kids need and not back down. I want someone to truly represent my kid.

I went to a board meeting recently and it seemed liked the administration was running the school board rather than the other way around. Everyone was in complete agreement...it was weird; I was waiting for one board member to actually question the direction suggested by the administration. But, no such luck. Everyone just nodded their head and voted unanimously....vote after vote after vote. There was such a lack of "fire" or "passion" from any current board member on important issues....there even lacked simple discussion. It was appalling.

So, that is what I want for a school board member...someone willing to speak up for our kids and be willing to stand out on a limb, if necessary. Someone to question recommendations. Someone to even ask a simple "why?" Someone willing to challenge the board and the administration if necessary. Someone who will keep the interest of kids and parents in this district as their top priority. I didn't see that on the current school board.

Now the question....which candidate[s] is/are willing to stand up and speak out for our kids....even against the current school board members and even the district administration if necessary?

[fosterchic]

Thank goodness there is actually a forum that everyone can talk about this. It helps me out a lot.

I see a lot of support for Joanne Reinking. I also see support for Marilyn Maggio and one comment on Conrade Mayer. Does anyone know more about these candidates? Why are they running? What will they do for students if they become a school board member? That is what I want to know.

Also, I REALLY must say....someone could have ALL the experience in the world, but not have the guts to stand up or speak up against a majority. What I want is someone who will actually stand up and speak out for what our kids need and not back down. I want someone to truly represent my kid.

I went to a board meeting recently and it seemed liked the administration was running the school board rather than the other way around. Everyone was in complete agreement...it was weird; I was waiting for one board member to actually question the direction suggested by the administration. But, no such luck. Everyone just nodded their head and voted unanimously....vote after vote after vote. There was such a lack of "fire" or "passion" from any current board member on important issues....there even lacked simple discussion. It was appalling.

So, that is what I want for a school board member...someone willing to speak up for our kids and be willing to stand out on a limb, if necessary. Someone to question recommendations. Someone to even ask a simple "why?" Someone willing to challenge the board and the administration if necessary. Someone who will keep the interest of kids and parents in this district as their top priority. I didn't see that on the current school board.

Now the question....which candidate[s] is/are willing to stand up and speak out for our kids....even against the current school board members and even the district administration if necessary?

Kryptodog... I couldn't agree more! I did have a friend express concern over voting for Marilyn Maggio. So I tried to find more information about her as a candidate, but when I went to her website listed on this link: http://www.smartvote.../vote/maggio_m/ -it was not found. I don't want to make decisions about the candidates without knowing as much as there is to know; however, I also trust the suggestions of my close friends. It will be an interesting election!

[FolsomInfo]

THANK YOU! It's great to know a little something about each candidate. I ofcourse wouldn't vote just by a post, but it's nice to know a little background information on each.

RE: More Information on the FCUSD Board Candidates
Hi Meg,

I share your interest since I have two kids in the FCUSD schools and attend/participate in many of the School Board Meetings. I've collected the following background information on each of the candidates. I also have tried to contact each one with a set of generic questions - all but Mr Abdo and Mr Mayer have responded with some very good information. I am giving each of them a couple more days to respond before I start circulating the information to other interested parents/voters in this district and also decide who I will be voting for and supporting.

Dyarl Abdo
Contact: 916-361-3209
Background: local president for the Cal Schools Employee Association (Classified employees union)

Daniel Cheng
Contact: dcheng_cfp@yahoo.com, 916-505-8119, 916-984-9897
Background: MBA/CFA, and former Director of Govt Affairs for the Financial Planning Association of Northern California, Father of 6 year old in FCUSD school

Gary T Johnson
Contact: 916-803-8112, garyt.johnson@yahoo.net
Background: 7 family members are past or current FCUSD school students, Bachelor's Business Administration-MIS, MBA Taxation.

Kumar Kalagara
Contact: kumar4fcusd@gmail.com, http://kumar4fcusd.wordpress.com/, 916-337-0914, 916-445-2158
Background: State of California civil servant with over 18 years of management experience in both public and private sectors. Parent of Folsom High alumnus

Marilyn Maggio
Contact: 916-608-0747, 408-309-8419, mmaggio@att.net, http://www.smartvote.../vote/maggio_m/
Background: Special Education Advocate & Consultant

Conrade Mayer
Contact: 916-247-8242, http://www.smartvote...er_c/index.html
Background: Mills Middle School PTSA President, Director Cordova Community Council, Member of FCUSD Bond Oversight Committee, Rancho Cordova Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce

Joanne Reiking
Contact: 916-984-0650, joanne@reinking.net, http://www.reinking.net
Background: PTO president at Folsom Middle School, Parent Coordinator at Oak
Chan Elementary

Teresa Stanley
Contact: 916-985-3802, tstanley@fcusd.org, http://www.smartvote...vote/stanley_t/
Background: FCUSD Board incumbent, Business owner, Lawyer, Mother of 4 FCUSD past & current students

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Pat

[l479]

I think we need a change. It is one thing being concerned parent and being involved in PTO. Unfortunate reality is, this is Politics and Beurocracy. We need a candidiate who is famililiar with Government procedures, beaurocracy and has enough Supervisorial and managerial experince to get things done. You need someone strong minded and committed to our children.

I like to review all candidates to see who might fit this profile.

As part of JoAnneReinking's job, she deals with state and federal programs and the money that they bring into schools. She understands school budgets and has to follow specific rules when spending money. She knows first hand the beaurocracy of school districts.

[rightwingknot]

As part of JoAnneReinking's job, she deals with state and federal programs and the money that they bring into schools. She understands school budgets and has to follow specific rules when spending money. She knows first hand the beaurocracy of school districts.

You mean, in a good way, right?

[EDF]

Also, I REALLY must say....someone could have ALL the experience in the world, but not have the guts to stand up or speak up against a majority. What I want is someone who will actually stand up and speak out for what our kids need and not back down. I want someone to truly represent my kid.

I went to a board meeting recently and it seemed liked the administration was running the school board rather than the other way around. Everyone was in complete agreement...it was weird; I was waiting for one board member to actually question the direction suggested by the administration. But, no such luck. Everyone just nodded their head and voted unanimously....vote after vote after vote. There was such a lack of "fire" or "passion" from any current board member on important issues....there even lacked simple discussion. It was appalling.

So, that is what I want for a school board member...someone willing to speak up for our kids and be willing to stand out on a limb, if necessary. Someone to question recommendations. Someone to even ask a simple "why?" Someone willing to challenge the board and the administration if necessary. Someone who will keep the interest of kids and parents in this district as their top priority. I didn't see that on the current school board.

?

#1... they don't represent your kid...

#2... the administration does run the stinking schools... the school board is just there for "oversight" and to approve of their ideas.. and help them fight against the stinking teachers unions constant drum beat that they need more $$$

plain and stinkin simple...

[kryptodog]

Kryptodog... I couldn't agree more! I did have a friend express concern over voting for Marilyn Maggio. I don't want to make decisions about the candidates without knowing as much as there is to know; however, I also trust the suggestions of my close friends. It will be an interesting election!

Fosterchic,

I am curious why your friend expressed concern over a candidate? What is the concern? It would help to know. But, I agree with you in trusting suggestions of friends close to you. Just remember though....it is important to make up your OWN mind.

[rightwingknot]

Fosterchic,

I am curious why your friend expressed concern over a candidate? What is the concern? It would help to know. But, I agree with you in trusting suggestions of friends close to you. Just remember though....it is important to make up your OWN mind.

Trusting one's own judgment to determine whom to vote for is based on many things. Certainly, endorsements can play a pivotal role in choosing whom to vote for. That is why most candidates for any elected position seek endorsements; they help individuals in choosing because the individual trusts the endorser. Endorsements can come from people as well known as politicians, as businessman or businesswomen, or even from a friend.

Just as endorsements are critical, so are equivocal concerns. In either case, I believe that people, adequately informed, ultimately make the right decision.

[fosterchic]

Fosterchic,

I am curious why your friend expressed concern over a candidate? What is the concern? It would help to know. But, I agree with you in trusting suggestions of friends close to you. Just remember though....it is important to make up your OWN mind.

Thank you for the reminder to make up my own mind about who I will be voting for. You can bet I'll be an educated voter. I've been doing that for two decades now! In fact, if you look back, I think I said something like "I tried to find more information about her as a candidate, but when I went to her website listed on this link: http://www.smartvote.../vote/maggio_m/ -it was not found. I don't want to make decisions about the candidates without knowing as much as there is to know; however, I also trust the suggestions of my close friends. It will be an interesting election!"

(oops, the middle part got cut out of my original comment)

While I appreciate your curiosity, there is nothing to clarify about my friend's concern. My post was really to simply state which candidates have been endorsed to me by friends-and which have not been endorsed... and, that I am looking for information about this candidate, Marilyn Maggio. While I TRUST my friend, of course I wouldn't just vote by her concerns alone.

Trusting one's own judgment to determine whom to vote for is based on many things. Certainly, endorsements can play a pivotal role in choosing whom to vote for. That is why most candidates for any elected position seek endorsements; they help individuals in choosing because the individual trusts the endorser. Endorsements can come from people as well known as politicians, as businessman or businesswomen, or even from a friend.

Just as endorsements are critical, so are equivocal concerns. In either case, I believe that people, adequately informed, ultimately make the right decision.

For example, the PTA President at my kids' school is endorsing Conrade Mayer. I like, respect and trust our PTA President to make decisions I feel are the best for the kids and staff, so I am inclined to think favorably of him because of her suggestion. The same kind of thing goes for JoAnne Reiking.

I hope that helps!

[Teresa Stanley]

It's a good thing to research and know your candidates; far better than sniping at one candidate in order to try to get yours elected. Hearing and understanding positions and educational values and vision are far more important than someone's impression from attending one meeting.

For those of you who like to make informed voting decisions, you might want to drop in for a Folsom Cordova PTA Council sponsored (moderated by League of Women Voters) candidate:

1. Wed. October 8, 6:15 p.m. at Mitchell Middle School (gym).

2. Wed. October 15, 6:15 p.m. at Folsom Hills Elementary School (multi).

I look forward to seeing many of you there. I look forward to the support I have received in the past. I look forward to continuing the excellence and progress of our district.

[Folsom Hills Mom]

Information from Marilyn Maggio's site (strange - the link works fine for me)...

I did have a friend express concern over voting for Marilyn Maggio. So I tried to find more information about her as a candidate, but when I went to her website listed on this link: http://www.smartvote.../vote/maggio_m/ -it was not found.

I spoke with Marilyn Maggio last week, and she said she was preparing an updated website. But for now, here is the information at the link above, which was from her run for the Board seat 2 years ago:

Marilyn Maggio
Candidate for Board Member; Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Biographical Highlights

Occupation:

• Special Education Consultant
• Pre-Law Student
• Special Education Advocacy National Certification Training Project, Trainee
• The Council of Parent Attorney and Advocates, Member
• Parents Helping Parents Organization, Member
• Mother of 4 children, ages 2, 9, 12 and 19

Top Priorities if Elected

Establish our district as the leader in embracing change through new ideas that are aligned with proven educational programs and best practices.

Increase funding resources to support the educational success of all children.

Create a comprehensive and innovative educational network that will support families and educators in meeting the growing needs of our children.

Full Biography for Marilyn Maggio

I am a parent of 4 children, three of which live in the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District. My children are my life and my inspiration. Shortly after my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism, I experienced many challenges in getting his educational needs met. I embraced this challenge as an opportunity to learn more about our educational system, and the need for programs to support children with learning differences. After a successful 20-year career in high technology administration and management, I began a new career in Special Education Advocacy.

With dedication and determination, I gained an extensive knowledge and understanding of the laws and principles governing children's educational rights. In 2005, the US Department of Education provided a grant to develop a uniform training program to produce highly competent special education advocates. I was one of twenty 'trainees' accepted into this first nationwide advocacy certification program. The "Special Education Advocacy Training Program" is partnered with the University of Southern California-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).

I am an individual, and a parent, committed to ensuring that all children receive an appropriate and effective education. As a professional educational consultant of five years, I have worked with families, school districts, and educational professionals in communities throughout Northern California. This experience has provided me with an understanding of the growing educational needs of our children, and the changes that will be required to meet these needs. My motivation and desire to see children learn and grow through positive educational experiences is driven by my love for them and my devotion and concern for their future.

I look forward to working with students, educators, administrators, professionals and other Board Members to ensure that our district is the leader in our region and a model of education for the state. In working together, with a commitment to embrace the opportunity of change, our Community can ensure the educational success for all children in a positive and nuturing enviornment.

Hope this helps,
Pat

[fosterchic]

Folsom Hills Mom~

Thank you, Thank you! That is exactly the information I was hoping for!

Really appreciate it...

[fosterchic]

Information from Marilyn Maggio's site (strange - the link works fine for me)...

BTW, as an afterthought, I was referring to her personal website link at the bottom of the page, which doesn't link correctly. But thank your for posting the rest of her biographical info-which I admittedly had not seen until now. She sounds like she'd be a strong advocate for Special Education and for student rights. Thanks again!

[gottasmile]

VOTE MARILYN MAGGIO FOR OUR SCHOOL BOARD!!


I keep getting the same information regergitated via emails saying to vote for Joanne. So I figure, every time I get someone suggesting who I vote for....I will forward one of my own.


So....Vote Marilyn Maggio for Folsom-Cordova School Board.
A Vision for Change...The Courage to Act! Education for Every Child!

[rightwingknot]

VOTE MARILYN MAGGIO FOR OUR SCHOOL BOARD!!
I keep getting the same information regergitated via emails saying to vote for Joanne. So I figure, every time I get someone suggesting who I vote for....I will forward one of my own.
So....Vote Marilyn Maggio for Folsom-Cordova School Board.
A Vision for Change...The Courage to Act! Education for Every Child!

God Bless America and the freedoms she protects! Man, I love the democratic process.