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Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
anniej, I agree 100% with what you say. We need to work to make sure this school district serves the students, not the administration, and the friends of those heading up the administration. Maybe the Bond Oversight Committee could assist in suggesting ways to get things under control?— July 9, 2014 6:39 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Well then, we may be starting to see who is really on the side of cleaning Sweetwater up and who is on the side of sweeping all the untidiness under the very large rug of complicity.— July 8, 2014 11:52 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Possibly so blatant that others (who also may not be so very clean) thought something needed to be done "just to make things look better"?— July 8, 2014 10:42 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
You are so right, anniej... Let's not forget that a few months back, after the fire alarm problems had been reported, and the district had also said that things were under control, an individual broke into a Sweetwater school and started a fire--AND THE FIRE ALARMS DID NOT WORK! Fortunately, a neighbor happened to see smoke, and called the fire department. Even then, members of the public had to ask questions before it was even mentioned that the fire alarms did not work in this instance. Cover-up upon cover-up upon cover-up.— July 8, 2014 8:52 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Susan, thank you so very much for all of this! I tried responding last night, but apparently something was amiss with the Reader website and no articles would appear. At any rate, there is still so much that is unclear with regard to Sweetwater. As an aside, remember all the problems with the former head of the school lunch program for Sweetwater--who was running a business on the side, charging Sweetwater, getting paid by Sweetwater to travel for her business, had employed family members, etc., etc., etc--and was not charged with anything? Was allowed to resign? I am curious, who was allowed to make that call? Why is it that in Sweetwater, blatant corruption gets to walk away unscathed? Not really expecting an answer, just trying to reason my way to clarity.— July 8, 2014 7:28 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Yes, the UT may very well have their own agenda. But you yourself have been critical of Bonnie D. from time to time, and she does certainly have her issues. Yet, what makes me really wonder is that David Malcolm was named to the 7-11 committee by John McCann. When the 7-11 committee is supposed to be more public than secret in its dealings. And that 7-11 committee apparently approved the district properties-to-townhome-projects deal, and agreed to go forward with the 20 year lease of the Eastlake property (new district office) with the option to by in 18 months, which the temporary board APPROVED WITH NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION OR INPUT. Why can we NEVER find out what is going on with the three real estate deals that have resulted in townhomes being built WITH MONEY THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR EDUCATION. Why is this not reported? Why are the participants in the schemes always mysteriously out of the picture? anniej has reported that one of the deals gives 30% of profits away to an unnamed person. David Malcolm? Ed Brand? Who? Who should be bleeding the money from the school district when Brand kept saying there wasn't enough for teachers' medical benefits?— July 7, 2014 10:53 a.m.
SD's for-profit colleges devour GI Bill bucks
Don, the UT is running an article today on where GI Bill money goes!! Looks like you scooped them again!— July 7, 2014 10:38 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
Yes, there does seem to be a bit of an effort to downplay everything having to do with these charges. Even the recounting of Gandara's history seems to always include that he was "fired", (no matter how many times it is mentioned in the comments that Gandara was able to resign, with end-date months in the future--so his pension and med benefits would vest--and walk away with the surprisingly generous $500,000 gift from the board) despite the bumbler-in-chief John McCann being in possession of the attorney report stating that Gandara could be fired for cause! And yes, while it is at least something that Gandara's California pension and med benefits were taken from him as a consequence for pleading guilty, he still apparently gets to keep the half a million dollars. Of district money. That was supposed to be used for educating our young people. Where is the justice in that? Why is that crucial information always left out? Why is it that the silent partners in the Sweetwater real estate dealings remain silent? What is the deal with that? Why can't we, the public, have access to the deals that we, the public, are paying for? To the tune of many, many millions? Who is running the show? Is Brand still running the show? Is that why McCann keeps coming up with such gems as, 'maybe Brand will do some consulting for the district'...?— July 7, 2014 9:23 a.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
About a year ago, McCann was in a car accident, the reporting of which was unclear and contradictory (in several news venues), and he threatened an individual with legal action for commenting on the accident, when the comments were most benign. Whatever he does, he is quick to blame others...and call in lawyers. That, and McCann's continued insistence on supporting Ed Brand--up to and including his recent comments that Brand might work for the district as a "consultant" make me extremely wary. Scattershot thinking is not what Sweetwater needs at this point.— July 5, 2014 1:24 p.m.
Ed Brand’s time at Sweetwater is over
They are twin brothers. About 10 years ago Tim Glover was the principal at Olympic View Elementary, where my daughter was attending school. I have nothing but good things to say about him; I have only heard good things about him. Parents would have been very happy to have him stay at Olympic View for the duration, but he had career interests and opportunities which he was able to pursue. I think that people should consider giving Tim Glover a chance. As to McCann's words, all I can say is that McCann makes less and less sense as time goes on. He was completely inarticulate and Monday's meeting, and seemed unable to maintain the proper sequence of the meeting. I am starting to think that McCann may need some medical assessments.— July 3, 2014 9:29 p.m.