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Sweetwater school board questions funds for investigators
Is Fast Eddy running scared? Is he starting to realize, in the classic sense, that everyone is on to him and his tricks? Of course, maybe hiring private investigators is something he has done in the past. I really hate to say it, but maybe that is why some of the board members are so completely ruled by him. Maybe Fast Eddy 'gets the goods' on them, so they do what he wants. It does sound more like organized crime than a school board and a school district, but what other explanation can there be? That would explain quite a few of the decisions that have been made.— September 25, 2013 7:48 a.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
While I have never really thought more law suits would be the answer to the problems in Sweetwater UHSD, I am beginning to wonder. Why shouldn't the chem students and their parents sue the district, the county B of E and the State B of E if they are not provided with the necessary tools for the class? Is this happening anywhere else in the state, the county, the district? It is an outrage--but unfortunately, only one of many outrages that abound in Sweetwater. There is the outrage of the Private Investigator fees of over $150,000. When questioned, Brand and Hueso can't really get their stories straight, but why should that be a surprise. Guess they didn't think anyone was paying attention. Guess again. What is going on with the creative accounting and the charter schools? There were many questions last night, and no real answers, although Brand did keep repeating that the district gets paid back and it wasn't/isn't costing the district anything. When was the last time anyone really believed Ed Brand on anything? Ummmm. Never? Isn't it amazing that the board members, many of whom have served for many years, are unfamiliar with financial reports? Is it because Brand has never allowed them to take a look at them, has never "approved" the reports for release to the board--except for the massaged and trumped up ones, that is. What does it take to get some action from the authorities? Private citizens being investigated by the district because they ask questions? Really? Who does Ed Brand think he is? Before any real name calling begins, I would just like to say that we in this district are very lucky that there are people who stand up, speak out, look for the truth and tell the truth. Without that, we would be lost. This school district would be lost. The education of this district's students would be worthless, non-existent and as devoid of meaning as the words exiting Ed Brand's mouth. For the record, I would like to add, it is simply beyond all reason that a person of Ed Brand's--what? Corrupt and vindictive nature? Manipulative, devious, self-serving ways? Consistent, repeated wrong-doing on so many levels? I can't really say, perhaps others can come up with the best phrase to describe this entity in our midst. So--as I was saying, it is simply beyond all reason that this entity is in charge of the education of the children in this district. Rarely has anyone been less suited for their position. In my opinion.— September 24, 2013 11:56 a.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
Third try at getting this link! http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/20/common…— September 20, 2013 6:54 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
I'd like to put forward that all the money going to pay for a private investigator is evidence of an unhealthy state of mind on the part of our Fearless Leader, Fast Eddy. Paranoia isn't a good sign, although the old joke does say that even paranoids have enemies. Wouldn't all this money be better spent on the students? Why on earth should this school district have to fund a PI or two or three...unless Fast Eddy is investigating himself. That's where the questions really are, after all.— September 20, 2013 6:44 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
Having trouble getting the link down. Check the UT for Common Core Seminar!— September 20, 2013 6:34 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
An article in the UT is publicizing a conference on common core for San Diego: http://conferences.leadandlearn.com/navitaging-co… Will the public be welcome?— September 20, 2013 5:57 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
Some of this reminds me so very much of "the new math" and all the emphasis on scientific notation...and that seems to have gone away. I am wondering if the Common Core elementary school math program is 'the new math 2.0 or 3.0' or something of that sort. I was taught that the best math was the most 'elegant'--simple, direct. While I will agree that mental dexterity is important, I believe that memorizing math tables helps a great deal in mental dexterity! Brain circuitry benefits from memorization...which doesn't mean that drills are the only thing! Are there websites with Common Core materials available for the public to take a look at? And weren't we supposed to have those public info sessions/task force meetings on Common Core? I am not surprised that Sweetwater is not forthcoming with information, as they like to play everything close to the vest. (Wouldn't want the public to actually be able to follow where the public's money is going, after all). It seems that convincing the public to throw everything out for something untested is a bit careless. I think that it would be better to have two or three states try it out, have assessments, have educators make adjustments as necessary and then implement it in sector, IF AND ONLY IF results are born out. I also think that guidelines need to be in place so that providers aren't gouging the public. Additionally, any 'data mining' needs to be monitored strictly and opt out conditions must be available.— September 20, 2013 2:10 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
Reader2, I attended public school in Minnesota through high school. Took classes at several places before graduating from SDSU with a degree in Comp Lit, followed by a MA in Creative Writing from SFSU. Best college classes ever: Howard Hong's History of Philosophy I & II and Kierkegaard at St. Olaf College. Art History at Columbia was pretty good as well!— September 20, 2013 7:25 a.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
So was the emergency meeting on the 13th the "public meeting"? If so, why was the public not informed prior to the meeting? Or did I miss something?— September 19, 2013 4:55 p.m.
Chula Vista parents protest switch to Common Core State Standards
Part II We need some community dialogue, in a trustworthy setting, with people who are there not merely going through the motions, texting, unwilling or unable to really follow what is taking place. We need some dedicated people for this task. Perhaps those who really want to help the students of these districts. Good luck Chula Vista Elementary School District students, teachers and parents. It looks like there is a great deal of work ahead. It is doable if people are sincere in the attempt. It is doable if the process is meaningful. Unfortunately, that sincerity and meaning is missing in Sweetwater, where it is not about what is best for the future of the students, it is about the bank account and career fantasies of the superintendent and the board members. And their hangers-on, eager for handouts.— September 19, 2013 10:43 a.m.