District Core Values and the Board Meeting Minutes?
If you think you can read the minutes of CUESD’s board meeting and know what really took place, think again. CUESD’s last board meeting on September 13, 2007 was attended by over 60 community members, parents, ACTA members, and their families all dressed in black t-shirts to show unity. One community member said, “It looked like a sea of black.” KRCR was also present and reported on the meeting. This report was aired three times on Channel 7 News on September 13th and 14th.
At this meeting many community members, parents and teachers stood up during the public forum and asked the board members specific questions. This board is entrusted with public funds intended to educate children and obligated to answer questions from the public during the public forum. The board was unable to answer these questions and the minutes do not reflect an accurate picture of what actually happened at the board meeting.
After many instance of ACTA’s message to the board and comments made by ACTA members begin omitted from the minutes or distorted by them, ACTA videotaped the September 13th Board Meeting. We then had parents, community members, and teachers watch the video and compare it to the board meeting minutes.
Here are just a couple of examples of how the minutes that are supposed to be approved on Oct. 11th have been distorted and portray an inaccurate and incomplete picture of what is truly happening at a CUESD School Board Meeting.
Verde Vale teacher, Debby Mallery asked the following question of the board: “I have spoken to some of you before and I would like to reiterate again…Your teachers have not stopped working. Test scores are up. It may look like all is just fine but in truth most of us are frustrated and upset. Happy teachers are more effective - period - We need a fair settlement!”
The board minutes stated only: Debby Mallery said, “Happy teachers are more effective teachers.”
ACTA president, Kathleen Haagenson stood up and asked the board the following questions: “Did the Cascade Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees increase the superintendent’s salary and benefits by 4.05% for the 2006 - 2007 school year while offering the teachers a health benefit increase equivalent to a 1.49% raise and 0% on the salary schedule? Do you consider this to be the type of treatment that fosters a healthy work environment for your teachers and a positive learning environment for your students? Are you saying you value your superintendent more than you value your teachers?”
The board minutes did not include any mention of these questions or the boards’ response which was, “It’s public record.”
Is this what the district means when it states the Core Values it considers worthwhile are: STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT, STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS?
Isn’t honesty a part of ethical conduct? Isn’t straight forward open communication the heart of building strong relationships? Are teachers considered part of the district’s educational partners?
