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10News and Sweetwater's John McCann, True Patriots?
That is all anyone has been asking for.. to be truly listened to and respected. The Board should heed your advice and hold a community forum to find out what qualities the community would like to see in a Superintendent, and then conduct an honest search to find a new superintendent who is not caught up in the corrupt politics of the district. The south bay deserves nothing less— September 14, 2012 5:53 p.m.
No Confidence Petition for Sweetwater's Ed Brand
Any leader of a public institution who meddles in, and tries to influence, the elections for the board he or she answers to, is demonstrating an extreme abuse of power and a corruption of the democratic system. Someone like this has no place in an educational system that is supposed to be teaching the students about character, ethics and making the right decisions. Shame on the leadership of the Sweetwater District. They are not worthy to serve there.— September 9, 2012 7:26 p.m.
No Confidence Petition for Sweetwater's Ed Brand
The Sweetwater school district, like all districts, is a PUBLIC agency. Their purpose is to provide the best education possible for the students of the district. According to the UT, Sweetwater is one of the few districts where STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SCORES DROPPED over the last year. The district should be investing their energy now in some serious problem solving and needs assessment about academic improvement to ensure that the students are getting the best possible education. Unfortunately, the district leadership seems much more interested in protecting their own political aspirations and lucrative deals. The Board should be ashamed that there have not been community forums about the qualities the community wants in a superintendent. They should be embarrassed by how their actions have demoralized the district employees and tarnished the district's reputation. Solving the complex issues in education today requires everyone in the community working together. Major decisions that will effect over 40,000 students should be made in an open, honest and transparent manner , where everyone 's input is valued. Hiding the decision about the appointment of a permanent superintendent behind a vague posting (Brown Act violation) in a Special Meeting, hastily called (violation of AB 1344) is a cowardly move and shows the Board's disdain for the public they are supposed to represent. Shame on them. And shame on us if we don't rise up as a community and say enough is enough. We demand leadership that leads in an ethical manner, and respects the people they were ELECTED to represent.— September 8, 2012 10:34 p.m.
Sweetwater Union High School District Borrowing on Bond Funds?
If Brand does meet with individual board members before each meeting that is called a serial meeting and is a violation of the Brown Act (again) unless the meeting is officially agendized and posted.— June 14, 2012 7:41 a.m.
Sweetwater Union HS District Board Meeting Skips Public Comment
Although the Sweetwater Board went through an ethics training earlier this year, they continue to commit unethical and possibly illegal acts. Therefore one can conclude that they are knowingly acting in an illegal and unethical manner - and don't care. Doesn't that just about say it all? There have been so many complaints filed against them for Brown Act violations, it is ridiculous. But to no avail... no one seems to care that the Board and (interim?) Superintendent feel they are immune from the law and from the interests of the citizens who elected them. Their arrogance is appalling - clearly demonstrated by recessing the meeting before public comment and by Brand's response to Ms. Adato. The leadership of the district does not believe they are accountable to anyone but themselves. Sweetwater needs new leaders who care about the district's staff, students and families more than about themselves. We are tired of the political and selfish motivations that influence decisions. WE WANT CHANGE NOW.— June 14, 2012 7:26 a.m.
Sweetwater Union High School District Borrowing on Bond Funds?
Susan - Once again you have done an awesome job investigating and reporting on the news in the South Bay. You and The Reader have earned this community's respect and appreciation. Please keep up the good work.— June 12, 2012 1:55 p.m.
Sweetwater Union High School District Borrowing on Bond Funds?
I agree with the other responders to Brand's post - it boils down to a total lack of transparency and integrity among the leadership of the district. They have totally forgotten that they are here to SERVE this community, not to try to hoodwink us with their speeches while their actions betray the truth. The problem is the unbreakable alignment of Brand, Ricasa, Cartmill and McCann. They decide well before the meeting (in violation of the Brown Act - again) how they will trade favors so the four of them all get what they want out of the district. The remedy to this situation - 1. recall Ricasa, Cartmill and McCann, or even better - they should resign 2. start the search for a real superintendent - NOW. I find it interesting that Brand signed his comment as Superintendent, not interim or acting. When did the Board vote on that? Is he interim, or not?— June 12, 2012 1:49 p.m.
A Political Scientist’s View on Sweetwater School District’s Turmoil
My thinking exactly. I love my morning paper - but maybe it could be a different paper.....— May 15, 2012 6:32 p.m.
A Political Scientist’s View on Sweetwater School District’s Turmoil
Thanks again Susan for another great, fact based, well written article! The editorial board of the UT must not have read any of the supporting paperwork from the indictments or the Vega report. McCann and Cartmill's names are scattered throughout those documents. And if they aren't involved, why do they continue to vote with the indicted Board members and refuse to discuss campaign reform, or any other issues that might begin the process of returning ethics to Sweetwater? Because they want the campaign contributions flowing freely into their coffers for the next election - that's why. To use a cliche - if they aren't part of the solution they are part of the problem. The Southwestern College Board has been acting with integrity and transparency to rectify past wrongs and move in a new direction. I applaud their efforts. The Sweetwater Board is trying to continue with 'business as usual". Time for change. I liked what Mr. Luna had to say, and I would add that by signing the recall petitions people are just saying they think the public should have the opportunity to vote on a recall. Giving people the opportunity to vote is a democratic principle that this country is founded on. Cartmill, McCann, and Ricasa are not up for election for two more years. Many people in the South Bay don't want to wait that long to restore ethics and integrity to Sweetwater.— May 15, 2012 3:19 p.m.
Occupy Sweetwater Activist Cleared of Allegations Made by Boardmember
I am glad the truth is coming out and McCann was not granted a permanent restraining order by the judge. McCann's continued bizarre behavior (filming speakers from the dias? having the republican party send out a robocall about McCann's decision on a board action that hadn't been voted on yet? running away from a recall petition? and let's not forget the famous "your people" YouTube video!) seems to indicate a person who does not have the right personality to be holding public office. McCann should resign from the board, forego any future political involvement, and carry on with his life as a private citizen, husband and father. He is an embarrassment to the Sweetwater District and South Bay community. Republican Party leadership - are you listening? The South Bay is laughing at McCann, but tired of his antics. He is a liability for the Republicans - if you can't control him then cut him loose. Surely there are more qualified Republicans out there who know how to hold a public office with dignity and ethics. McCann has neither. (And please - to all the commenters to this article - I know I just gave you a perfect opening.... try to resist - it is too easy!) The scary part is that most people I have talked to believe that he won't just let this fade away, and will instead orchestrate some other "event" to bring the TRO back to the judge. Or find some other way to call attention to himself yet again. We will watch and see. McCann if you are reading this - remember the boy who cried wolf... Your credibility is gone, time to stop. ps - another great article Susan. Thanks.— May 11, 2012 7:43 a.m.