182 replies to this topic

[rightwingknot]

I'll tell you the biggest problem in government run public is schools has to do with one thing... and one thing only.... and that is...

THE CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION and of course it's local chapter in the Folsom Cordova district....

One of the reasons that the school in the Prairie Oaks area started off so good was the principal there knew how to pick her staff...

You have to give the principals and the superintendant of the district the power to "hire and fire" at will... which is just like the "private sector"...

Now... if a teacher gets past the 2 or 3 year mark... they get "stinking tenure"... and that is an outrage unto itself... what other field has this little perk...

It makes it hard to fire a low performing or underperforming teacher....

Get rid of that system... (fat chance) and you'll see a big improvement... I mean it's because of the teachers union that they only have to pass a 10th grade proficiency test... called the CBEST test... and everyone knows that a "teaching" degree in math is not a degree in math... it's a degree in teaching...

It's because of you goo-goo parents that buy into their arguments that they are there for the kids...? give me a stinking break...

Their union is only for the benefit of their members and their pay and benefits... and of course the amount of "minutes" they teach your brat in school....

Can you believe that the discuss your little darlings time in school in "minutes"...?

oh and PS... don't blame Teresa Stanley for the ills of the board... she's probably been there so long and has listen to so many stinking whiney complaints from little momies and daddies that I wonder why in the hell she even wants to be on the board...

Awesome Rant Over... and I do believe it was a good one....

Pari...Excellent response to EDF; clear and well though out. I would like to add my thoughts on the union part.

EDF...I clearly understand your stand against the union on a statewide or national level where they often stick their noses in issues they have no business, but to characterize your rant as awesome is overstating it a bit. Public schools have their downfalls, true. Which is why charter schools were created. Until school choice is seen by the voting public as a way to better our schools, the public school system will continue to struggle to find better ways.

In the meantime, I need not remind you that the CTA and its local affiliate FCEA exist for one purpose, and one purpose only: To protect the rights of its members.

But such protections always come with a price. Do you even know what the evaluation process is for teachers? I believe you underestimate the probationary period for new teachers these days. Your issue appears to be with teachers that came through the system before many of the new evaluation procedures were set in place. As time passes, those less effective teachers will move on.

Current evaluation procedures require new teachers to be actually observed in the classroom a minimum of 8 times for every year they are probationary. Each year is a new year for a probationary teacher and there is never any guarantee that after two years, they are tenured. In fact, many new teachers go year to year designated as temporary. Which means they teach, and at the end of the year, they receive a letter from the district which says 'thanks for your service. We hope to hire you back again next year.'

Anticipating the next argument, so how do these bad teachers slip through the cracks, if at all? Easy, poor teachers that make it through the evaluation process had poor supervision in that process. Yes, principals aren't perfect. Some are much better than others. But some clearly do not do an effective job screening their teachers.

So, in today's teaching world, poor teachers that make it into the profession do so because their evaluators may not have done their jobs effectively. Like I said earlier, there are a great deal good principals across our district, if not most all. But, who hires the principals? The district. In think its plain that the "union" or "tenure" argument is a total red herring argument. If everyone did their job, did it well, and did with enthusiasm, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[EDF]

Pari...Excellent response to EDF; clear and well though out. I would like to add my thoughts on the union part.

EDF...I clearly understand your stand against the union on a statewide or national level where they often stick their noses in issues they have no business, but to characterize your rant as awesome is overstating it a bit. Public schools have their downfalls, true. Which is why charter schools were created. Until school choice is seen by the voting public as a way to better our schools, the public school system will continue to struggle to find better ways.

In the meantime, I need not remind you that the CTA and its local affiliate FCEA exist for one purpose, and one purpose only: To protect the rights of its members.

But such protections always come with a price. Do you even know what the evaluation process is for teachers? I believe you underestimate the probationary period for new teachers these days. Your issue appears to be with teachers that came through the system before many of the new evaluation procedures were set in place. As time passes, those less effective teachers will move on.

Current evaluation procedures require new teachers to be actually observed in the classroom a minimum of 8 times for every year they are probationary. Each year is a new year for a probationary teacher and there is never any guarantee that after two years, they are tenured. In fact, many new teachers go year to year designated as temporary. Which means they teach, and at the end of the year, they receive a letter from the district which says 'thanks for your service. We hope to hire you back again next year.'

Anticipating the next argument, so how do these bad teachers slip through the cracks, if at all? Easy, poor teachers that make it through the evaluation process had poor supervision in that process. Yes, principals aren't perfect. Some are much better than others. But some clearly do not do an effective job screening their teachers.

So, in today's teaching world, poor teachers that make it into the profession do so because their evaluators may not have done their jobs effectively. Like I said earlier, there are a great deal good principals across our district, if not most all. But, who hires the principals? The district. In think its plain that the "union" or "tenure" argument is a total red herring argument. If everyone did their job, did it well, and did with enthusiasm, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

well I was kind of getting an education into a different point of view... but why is my stand against "tenure" a red herring...?

It's precisely what's wrong the education... tenure is like a long term contract like Mr. Barry Zito...ever hear of him... he gets a Cy Young award a few years ago... but has steadily gotten worse that the Oakland A's gave up on signing him... but the SF Giants...? paying him $126 Million for 10 years... and guess what... typical of one of these players that gets that kind of "Tenure"...? he's been an absolute bust and big time waste of money...

Oh yea they can can him... but they'll have to pay that contract... they can trade him... but who's gonna wanna pay all that money... ?

No profession other than teaching gives you a pay raise... JUST BECAUSE YOU PASSED with a C on a college course... or got your Masters Degree..

It's all about ACCOMPLISHMENT... about "doing"... not just passing a test to get a raise...





so what if a teacher is observed 8 times a year... if the system isn't working... then checking on a teacher 8 times a year is meaningless....

[Clay]

I too have been to a few board meetings and I don't find this to be the case at all. I may not have always agreed with their decisions, but I have dealt with Teresa and some of the other members and I have never found them to be rude.

Maybe we should stick to the issues and stop attacking character. Just MHO....

Shouldn't we vote for a candidate based on character and integrity ? One that serves all students not just her own agenda? Tesseca must be Teresa Stanley herself.

[Jolene]

Shouldn't we vote for a candidate based on character and integrity ? One that serves all students not just her own agenda? Tesseca must be Teresa Stanley herself.

Boy, you are a supersleuth, aren't you?!

[tessieca]

It's funny because my I've been talking to my parents about all the school stuff, and my dad keeps smirking at me. He told me, "I've always wondered how long it would take you to get into politics." (insert giggle emoticon - since there isn't one). I'm definitely not there yet!

You don't need a certain degree to represent the community on a school board. You need to have your heart in education of all kids as best as that can be accomplished. If everyone on the board thought, analyzed, and dealt with issues the same, we wouldn't need a five-member board. We would simply need one person who could vote the same as all others. I say if you have a passion for kids and education, try it next time.

Shouldn't we vote for a candidate based on character and integrity ? One that serves all students not just her own agenda? Tesseca must be Teresa Stanley herself.

OK, Clay, you're brilliant and apparently missed previous conversations under your other pseudonyms. Teresa Stanley has tons of character and integrity. You'll can't denounce her on that basis. You dislike her analysis and priorities, but character and integrity abound! Call me. PM me. Let's talk.

[jen]

From what I have seen our current board does a pretty good job. Nobody has ever been rude to me and my kids are doing fine in school. For hte most part they have had great teachers so we don't lose a year of school. I don't understand where hte nastiness comes from. It seems like Teresa is the only one who actually bothers to answer people's calls and questions so at least that's one good poitn.

[Parizienne]

Actually, I believe that to get salary credit for units, a grade of "C" would not qualify.

Just a master's degree? You're kidding, right? Have you been to graduate school? It's not a skate in the park.

Lots of professions offer higher salaries to people with advanced degrees. In my opinion all teachers should have a master's degree. Most have enough units to earn one anyhow. They would just need to do the thesis.

Are you observed eight times a year in your job? How would you fare? I imagine the state board of such and such monitors your activites, but to be formally observed about once a month?

Many principals actually record what you're doing in class minute-by-minute. Not only are they looking at what's being taught, but they also scrutinize the methods, classroom management strategies, transitions, whether you're addressing the needs of all students and differentiating curriculum or instruction. Then, afterward, you sit down together and analyze what worked and what didn't. You have strengths affirmed and weaknesses analyzed. You come up with a plan to address the weak points and to enhance the strong ones. It's a valuable process in teaching. I enjoy it. I've had good principals who really pay attention to what I'm doing and give me valuable feedback. And I've had bad ones who expected me to teach like they once taught back in the dark ages and just checked off boxes on a form with little collaboration or reflection. Either way, I learned a lot about my practice. And that's really the point. That and weeding out poor performers.

Pari

JUST BECAUSE YOU PASSED with a C on a college course... or got your Masters Degree..

It's all about ACCOMPLISHMENT... about "doing"... not just passing a test to get a raise...
so what if a teacher is observed 8 times a year... if the system isn't working... then checking on a teacher 8 times a year is meaningless....

[gottasmile]

Great to hear what other parents and community members are thinking about for the upcoming school board elections. I like the fact that people are questioning "the status quo". I never believe change is bad when change is needed. Personally, I think there is a need for change at this time. Plus, I have to agree that the times I addressed the school board, some members listened attentively while others seemed to completely ignore. While other board members thanked me for my time, never once (and I addressed the board multiple times) did this one board member EVER thank me for my time...or even look at me. To me, that is just plain disrespectful.

With that in mind, I saw a familiar name running....Marilyn Maggio. I was very excited and plan on once again on voting for her. She was one that definitely had a lot of great ideas and would not be afraid to question "the status quo". To me, she was a perfect candidate for change. Unfortunately, she did not win last election....by a slim margin, but I am hoping that she can change that as well and win this time.

Go Marilyn Maggio!!

[FolsomInfo]

Here are the official cadidates from the Sac County web site (http://www.elections.saccounty.net/coswcms/groups/public/@wcm/@pub/@vre/@inter/documents/webcontent/sac_016035.pdf):
JOANNE REINKING
CONRADE C. MAYER
MARILYN MAGGIO
TERESA A. STANLEY
GARY T JOHNSON
DYARL E. ABDO
DANIEL CHENG
KUMAR KALAGARA

I might have missed it, but does anyone know a little bit about all the candidates? Could someone post a synopsis on each?

Does anyone know why Mary McCormick is not running again?

[rightwingknot]

I might have missed it, but does anyone know a little bit about all the candidates? Could someone post a synopsis on each?

Does anyone know why Mary McCormick is not running again?

I am sure you will hear many opinions on the candidates from all sorts of people. However, your decision should be based on what you hear from the candidates themselves.

I support JoAnne Reinking. I recommend you check out her website and contact her directly. She is very approachable and is willing to listen to the members of the community and answer their questions.

Her list of endorsements is growing and is supported by Mary McCormick. I am not sure why she is not running, but since she is endorsing Mrs. Reinking, JoAnne might be able to answer that question for you.

[gottasmile]

I quite agree with 'rightwingknot'. There are a lot of candidates and everyone should decide for themselves what is important to them. I also agree that it is important for people to be able to talk to those who are interested in serving in our district.

I support Marilyn Maggio...and this is why. I emailed her concerns I had and asked why she was running. Marilyn emailed me back. Than she called me to set up a meeting to talk with me one on one. I was amazed! We met and she took the time to listen to me and respond to my questions....personally. That was great! I have to admit that I was very impressed.

While most of the candidates did respond to my email, Marilyn was the only one who actually called me to see if she could meet with me to address my concerns in person. I learned a lot from our meeting. She was very easy to talk to and truly seemed to care about my families concerns. She shared some of her ideas and hopes for our students and schools if she was elected. It was easy to see....she definitely has a passion to help the students and families in our district. Her energy was contagious!! She impressed me....which is not an easy feat. She is definitely getting my vote!

As for the other candidates, my decision is still undecided.

[Folsom Guy]

I am sure you will hear many opinions on the candidates from all sorts of people. However, your decision should be based on what you hear from the candidates themselves.

I support JoAnne Reinking. I recommend you check out her website and contact her directly. She is very approachable and is willing to listen to the members of the community and answer their questions.

Her list of endorsements is growing and is supported by Mary McCormick. I am not sure why she is not running, but since she is endorsing Mrs. Reinking, JoAnne might be able to answer that question for you.

I have known JoAnne to be heavily involved in Folsom Schools....

I sure would vote for her - without even bothering to look up her website...that lady can do no wrong...

That's my personal opinion

[Folsom Hills Mom]

RE: More Information on the FCUSD Board Candidates

Hi all!

Is there a specifc topic area on the forum site where I can get more information?

Thanks!
Meg

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

[Folsom Guy]

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

I know for sure that Joanne Reinking would be a great pick. Will keep kids and education as her top priority.

Teresa Stanley is a player - very wheeling-dealing type...kids and education are loeast of her worries...more into power-play politics

[fosterchic]

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

These two candidates have been highly recommended to me by friends that I trust and respect!