Trustees with the Alisal Union School District are scheduled to review candidates and select finalists next week, and interview candidates Friday and Saturday. If the wheels continue moving in this direction, a new superintendent could be approved by May 11.
Stay tuned.
Showing posts with label superindendents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superindendents. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
McPherson & Jacobson it is for Alisal superintendent search
Alisal Union trustees picked the consulting firm of McPherson & Jacobson of Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct its superintendent search.
Trustees also met during closed session to discuss other, in-house potential candidates. They did not report anything from closed session.
Trustees also met during closed session to discuss other, in-house potential candidates. They did not report anything from closed session.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Alisal to discuss hiring search firm for new superintendent
Trustees with the Alisal Union School District will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss how to move forward in the search for a new superintendent.
As you probably recall, John Ramirez said he would leave the district at the end of the school year -- now only four months away -- but the board did not start in earnest seeking for a replacement until a new board was installed.
On Wednesday, trustees will meet in closed session to "consider individuals for the position of superintendent" according to its agenda. When asked if the board intended to interview candidates for the position, Board President Noemi Armenta said that was not the case.
"It's a place holder in case we want to discuss potential candidate within the district," Armenta said. "We want to make sure we discuss every potential candidate. We want to be transparent." *
Asked if trustees were considering asking Ramirez to stay, Armenta said that was not her decision to make.
"We make decisions together," she said.
The board will also hear presentations from Leadership Associates of La Quinta, Calif., and McPherson and Jefferson LLC from Omaha, Nebraska, the only two firms that responded to the district's request for proposals issued in January. The board authorized to spend no more than $28,200 in the consulting firm.
*An earlier version of this blog had a different quote from Armenta. She called me back about 20 minutes after our first conversation to modify her comments.
As you probably recall, John Ramirez said he would leave the district at the end of the school year -- now only four months away -- but the board did not start in earnest seeking for a replacement until a new board was installed.
On Wednesday, trustees will meet in closed session to "consider individuals for the position of superintendent" according to its agenda. When asked if the board intended to interview candidates for the position, Board President Noemi Armenta said that was not the case.
"It's a place holder in case we want to discuss potential candidate within the district," Armenta said. "We want to make sure we discuss every potential candidate. We want to be transparent." *
Asked if trustees were considering asking Ramirez to stay, Armenta said that was not her decision to make.
"We make decisions together," she said.
The board will also hear presentations from Leadership Associates of La Quinta, Calif., and McPherson and Jefferson LLC from Omaha, Nebraska, the only two firms that responded to the district's request for proposals issued in January. The board authorized to spend no more than $28,200 in the consulting firm.
*An earlier version of this blog had a different quote from Armenta. She called me back about 20 minutes after our first conversation to modify her comments.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Salinas City Elementary trustees zero in candidate for superintendent
Salinas City Elementary trustees interviewed several candidates for the superintendent position Friday. By day's end, the voted 4-0 to offer the job to the top candidate, and the consulting firm is now tasked with negotiating a contract.
"In our interview process and selection we worked very hard all day," Board President Roberto Garcia said. "The idea was to come out with the strongest, most experience candidate. We had a good (field) and our consultant gave us advice."
Board member Nathan Larison was excused from the meeting. His mother, retired teacher and Salinas Union High Trustee Cheryl Larison died last week, according to The Californian.
Superintendent Juvenal Luza announced early February he will retire at the end of the school year.
Garcia said he expects the new superintendent will be announced on June 8.
"In our interview process and selection we worked very hard all day," Board President Roberto Garcia said. "The idea was to come out with the strongest, most experience candidate. We had a good (field) and our consultant gave us advice."
Board member Nathan Larison was excused from the meeting. His mother, retired teacher and Salinas Union High Trustee Cheryl Larison died last week, according to The Californian.
Superintendent Juvenal Luza announced early February he will retire at the end of the school year.
Garcia said he expects the new superintendent will be announced on June 8.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Salinas City Elementary wants input for superintendent search
Education Leadership Services of Oakdale returns to Monterey County to conduct a superintendent search. This time, they're tasked with finding the next superintendent of the Salinas City Elementary School District.
The last time Education Leadership Services was in town they conducted the search for the MPUSD superintendent that ended with the selection of Alain Guevara in April 2013. Guevara, as some of you may recall, was named in a sexual harassment lawsuit and ended up withdrawing his name from the search.
Trustees with the Salinas City Elementary School District have selected John Cruz of Education Leadership Services to conduct the search for a new superintendent. They'll be paid $23,500, and they were the second to highest firm of the five the board considered.
Trustees want to to determine the specific traits, skills, abilities, and experience desired in the new superintendent as the first step of the selection process. They are inviting members of the staff and community to meet with Cruz on March 19, March 20, or March 21 to offer what they consider to be the criteria desired in the new superintendent.
Appointments can be made by calling Lydia Miranda at 784-2201.
Community members can also submit their input via Internet. A survey is available on the district's webpage here. Printed copies are available at the district's office, 840 S. Main St. Salinas.
Deadline to submit the survey is March 19, 2015.
The last time Education Leadership Services was in town they conducted the search for the MPUSD superintendent that ended with the selection of Alain Guevara in April 2013. Guevara, as some of you may recall, was named in a sexual harassment lawsuit and ended up withdrawing his name from the search.
Trustees with the Salinas City Elementary School District have selected John Cruz of Education Leadership Services to conduct the search for a new superintendent. They'll be paid $23,500, and they were the second to highest firm of the five the board considered.
Trustees want to to determine the specific traits, skills, abilities, and experience desired in the new superintendent as the first step of the selection process. They are inviting members of the staff and community to meet with Cruz on March 19, March 20, or March 21 to offer what they consider to be the criteria desired in the new superintendent.
Appointments can be made by calling Lydia Miranda at 784-2201.
Community members can also submit their input via Internet. A survey is available on the district's webpage here. Printed copies are available at the district's office, 840 S. Main St. Salinas.
Deadline to submit the survey is March 19, 2015.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Search for new Carmel superintendent moving along
Carmel Board President Rita Patel reports on the Carmel Unified website that Leadership Associates, the firm that's conducting the superintendent's search, received 40 requests for applications and 28 completed applications were submitted.
Eleven of the applicants are women, 17 are men, and three are from out of California.
Trustees are expected to meet with consultants to review applications and select finalists on March 4.
Finalists are expected to be interviewed on March 13 and 14, and a site visit to the finalist would be scheduled soon after. A contract for a new superintendent would have to be approved at a regularly scheduled board meeting. A new superintendent is expected to begin July 1.
Eleven of the applicants are women, 17 are men, and three are from out of California.
Trustees are expected to meet with consultants to review applications and select finalists on March 4.
Finalists are expected to be interviewed on March 13 and 14, and a site visit to the finalist would be scheduled soon after. A contract for a new superintendent would have to be approved at a regularly scheduled board meeting. A new superintendent is expected to begin July 1.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Salinas parents turn in signatures to recall Salinas City Elementary Janet Barnes
Building a Better Board, a grass-roots organization driving efforts to recall Salinas City Elementary trustee Janet Barnes, has turned in 2,621 signatures to the Monterey County Registrar of Voters.
Elections chief Claudio Valenzuela said they have 30 working days to verify the signatures. Organizers need 2,291 valid signatures for the recall to qualify for the ballot.
Building a Better Board, a group of parents mostly from Mission Park Elementary, are hoping to recall Barnes in an effort to weaken support for Superintendent Juvenal Luza. Their aim is to eventually have another superintendent take over the district.
Elections chief Claudio Valenzuela said they have 30 working days to verify the signatures. Organizers need 2,291 valid signatures for the recall to qualify for the ballot.
Building a Better Board, a group of parents mostly from Mission Park Elementary, are hoping to recall Barnes in an effort to weaken support for Superintendent Juvenal Luza. Their aim is to eventually have another superintendent take over the district.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Ask the MPUSD superintendent
If you missed the latest (the second?) installment of "Ask the Superintendent," the electronic newsletter of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, I highly recommend it. You can find it here.
I like the tidbits about the food services department -- the largest restaurant in Monterey. I'd never thought about it that way. Pretty impressive, if you think about it.
I also enjoyed the superintendent's video message. This is really a good way to give the public a look to what's going on behind the scenes, directly from the horse's mouth as it were. So the auditors are in town, huh? I can't wait to see their report.
The fuzzy feeling and PK's willingness to become a transparent figure makes me doubt the results of a recent report by the The Brookings Institution. The report concludes that superintendents, while quite visible, appear to make no difference in student achievement. Superintendents stay on the job for a short period of time (we already knew that) but student achievement does not appear to improve the longer they stay on. If you want to take a look at the report, here it is.
Now, what the report does say is that "in the end, it is the system that promotes or hinders student achievement." And it is the system that both PK and Board President Jon Hill have been saying need to be changed.
Let's see how that goes.
I like the tidbits about the food services department -- the largest restaurant in Monterey. I'd never thought about it that way. Pretty impressive, if you think about it.
I also enjoyed the superintendent's video message. This is really a good way to give the public a look to what's going on behind the scenes, directly from the horse's mouth as it were. So the auditors are in town, huh? I can't wait to see their report.
The fuzzy feeling and PK's willingness to become a transparent figure makes me doubt the results of a recent report by the The Brookings Institution. The report concludes that superintendents, while quite visible, appear to make no difference in student achievement. Superintendents stay on the job for a short period of time (we already knew that) but student achievement does not appear to improve the longer they stay on. If you want to take a look at the report, here it is.
Now, what the report does say is that "in the end, it is the system that promotes or hinders student achievement." And it is the system that both PK and Board President Jon Hill have been saying need to be changed.
Let's see how that goes.
Friday, July 11, 2014
MPUSD trustees, new superintendent, to meet to define goald
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will hold a special, three-hour meeting on Monday to talk about expectations and goals for their new superintendent.
From the agenda posted on the District's website, the goals of the session are:
• Briefly review and commit to the Unity of Purpose, Governance Team Mission and Beliefs
• Establish norms for communicating with one another and building an effective relationship
• Clarify board expectations of the superintendent
• Clarify superintendent expectations of the board
• Discuss the 90 day superintendent’s entry plan and agree to a process and schedule of the Superintendent evaluation
If you want to get the entire agenda, click here of the MPUSD website here.
From the agenda posted on the District's website, the goals of the session are:
• Briefly review and commit to the Unity of Purpose, Governance Team Mission and Beliefs
• Establish norms for communicating with one another and building an effective relationship
• Clarify board expectations of the superintendent
• Clarify superintendent expectations of the board
• Discuss the 90 day superintendent’s entry plan and agree to a process and schedule of the Superintendent evaluation
If you want to get the entire agenda, click here of the MPUSD website here.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Monterey Peninsula Unified welcomes new superintendent PK Diffenbaugh
Daniel Diffenbaugh, or PK, as he's already getting to be known, officially took over his new role as superintendent for MPUSD, and apparently, he's already making a good impression.
Scuttlebutt tells me PK is making the community rounds and asking the right questions. And he's still reaching out to folks in his effort to get a feel for the landscape.
Tomorrow will be his first official board meeting. The community will have a chance to say hello during meet-and-greet events already schedule. From 3 to 5 pm. July 19, at the Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt; and from 1 to 4 pm. in the multi-purpose room of Marina High School, 298 Patton Parkway, Marina.
The Marina reception will be a community potluck. Dessert and drinks will be provided. A reception in Monterey has yet to be scheduled.
UPDATE: The Monterey reception has been scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 18 at Wharf Marketplace, 290 Figueroa St, Monterey.
Scuttlebutt tells me PK is making the community rounds and asking the right questions. And he's still reaching out to folks in his effort to get a feel for the landscape.
Tomorrow will be his first official board meeting. The community will have a chance to say hello during meet-and-greet events already schedule. From 3 to 5 pm. July 19, at the Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt; and from 1 to 4 pm. in the multi-purpose room of Marina High School, 298 Patton Parkway, Marina.
The Marina reception will be a community potluck. Dessert and drinks will be provided. A reception in Monterey has yet to be scheduled.
UPDATE: The Monterey reception has been scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 18 at Wharf Marketplace, 290 Figueroa St, Monterey.
Monday, June 2, 2014
More on PK Diffenbaugh and Sacramento High School
As it would be expected, my previous column about PK Diffenbaugh, charter schools, and what was accomplished in terms of closing the achievement gap at Sacramento High during his tenure hit a nerve. If you didn't get a chance to read it, here it is.
Like I mentioned in the blog post, I'll have to do some digging -- and I'll get to it. But in the meantime, Monterey resident and researcher extraordinaire Joanna Greenshields did some digging for me. She also wrote a very interesting analysis of her findings, which she gave me permission to share with my readers. In the interest of having a balance of opinions, here it is.
I was trying to catch up on reading your blog and came across the enrollment figures for our new "Super" from his old charter school.
I pulled up their data as I too was curious on the falling enrollment numbers you reported.
I also wanted to see if I could find any patterns in the data to support my belief that this chap could be the "kick up the arse" for MPUSD that we have long felt was needed!
Here is what I have been able to surmise:
Sacramento High had an enrollment number of 1,919 in 1999-00.
The student demographic was as follows;
White 34%
Hispanic 25%
Asian 20%
African American 19%
The next year it dropped to 1,881 students with small changes in demographics.
In 2002, enrollment jumped back up to 2,025 with African American student numbers going higher and all other demographics dropping.
Kevin Johnson took over the school in 2003 and turned it in to a public charter under the non profit group, St. HOPE. I imagine that some families may have tried the charter model for a year or so and then probably decided it wasn't for them. It is a school of choice and as we found out when we opened BVA, slightly less than 50% of our families moved with us.
In 2005 there were 1,692 students enrolled at SCH.
The free and reduced lunch number was at 45.8% and the demographics were as follows;
African American 33.3%
Hispanic 27.1%
White 16.1%
Asian 11.3%
ELL 15%
By 2010 the demographics had changed considerably.
Total enrollment = 960 students of which 71.4% qualified for free and reduced lunch and 79.7% were socioeconomic disadvantaged.
Students with disabilities 12.3%.
African American 53%
Hispanic 29%
White 3.8%
Asian 6.6%
ELL 11%
I printed up the student exit records that were available on line with the exit codes. The exit codes gave reasons for moving from Sacramento Charter High, which included transfers to college, out of county, state, Adult Ed. etc. The largest numbers were to other CA public high schools, and from 2006 to 2009 there were 634 students who transferred in and out under that code.
I could only get three years worth of data.
Either way, from the numbers, I don't see how the school was able to be selective academically as some people may now be arguing. It's a public charter, and as such they have to hold a lottery if they are oversubscribed.
It is also virtually impossible to remove any student without due process, and you have to have expulsion processes outlined in your charter. All suspensions and expulsions are carefully documented, and the data doesn't support that happened at SCH. Looking at the school data on the CDE website, I didn't see there was a high expulsion rate, quite the opposite. The number of suspensions was higher than at the Sacramento City district level but if the school culture was positive, with a low or zero tolerance for certain behaviors, then I would expect to see a higher number of suspensions.
Parent education levels at the charter school have not changed much at all, statistically rising and falling by about 1%; however, the number of parents/students who responded to the STAR parent education survey increased dramatically every year.
Free and reduced lunch numbers have increased and the students are overall from poorer families.
The academic data improvements looked very good.
I looked at individual subjects over multiple years and several subject areas really showed large improvements from 2005-2010. What impressed me the most was the number of students graduating who had completed all courses required for the UC and CSU entrances. The numbers of total graduates meeting those requirements increased from 35.6% in 2005 to 90.6% in 2010 with 89.6% coming from low socioeconomic households. That data is amazing, especially considering it was over double the number of their district and almost triple the numbers of their county.
While I do agree with many of Diane Ravitch's ideas and theories, charter schools are not all the same, anymore than all public schools are the same.
PK and his staff were able to close the achievement gap at the school, and I believe the data supports that.
I know you and I want the same thing to happen in MPUSD and everywhere else for that matter.
I believe we can continue to keep them honest (well, most of them anyway) and hold everyone accountable, to include staff, parents and the members of each learning community. I personally really hate being called a "learning community" so perhaps that label can be one of the first things kicked to the curb??!
-- Joanna Greenshields
Like I mentioned in the blog post, I'll have to do some digging -- and I'll get to it. But in the meantime, Monterey resident and researcher extraordinaire Joanna Greenshields did some digging for me. She also wrote a very interesting analysis of her findings, which she gave me permission to share with my readers. In the interest of having a balance of opinions, here it is.
I was trying to catch up on reading your blog and came across the enrollment figures for our new "Super" from his old charter school.
I pulled up their data as I too was curious on the falling enrollment numbers you reported.
I also wanted to see if I could find any patterns in the data to support my belief that this chap could be the "kick up the arse" for MPUSD that we have long felt was needed!
Here is what I have been able to surmise:
Sacramento High had an enrollment number of 1,919 in 1999-00.
The student demographic was as follows;
White 34%
Hispanic 25%
Asian 20%
African American 19%
The next year it dropped to 1,881 students with small changes in demographics.
In 2002, enrollment jumped back up to 2,025 with African American student numbers going higher and all other demographics dropping.
Kevin Johnson took over the school in 2003 and turned it in to a public charter under the non profit group, St. HOPE. I imagine that some families may have tried the charter model for a year or so and then probably decided it wasn't for them. It is a school of choice and as we found out when we opened BVA, slightly less than 50% of our families moved with us.
In 2005 there were 1,692 students enrolled at SCH.
The free and reduced lunch number was at 45.8% and the demographics were as follows;
African American 33.3%
Hispanic 27.1%
White 16.1%
Asian 11.3%
ELL 15%
By 2010 the demographics had changed considerably.
Total enrollment = 960 students of which 71.4% qualified for free and reduced lunch and 79.7% were socioeconomic disadvantaged.
Students with disabilities 12.3%.
African American 53%
Hispanic 29%
White 3.8%
Asian 6.6%
ELL 11%
I printed up the student exit records that were available on line with the exit codes. The exit codes gave reasons for moving from Sacramento Charter High, which included transfers to college, out of county, state, Adult Ed. etc. The largest numbers were to other CA public high schools, and from 2006 to 2009 there were 634 students who transferred in and out under that code.
I could only get three years worth of data.
Either way, from the numbers, I don't see how the school was able to be selective academically as some people may now be arguing. It's a public charter, and as such they have to hold a lottery if they are oversubscribed.
It is also virtually impossible to remove any student without due process, and you have to have expulsion processes outlined in your charter. All suspensions and expulsions are carefully documented, and the data doesn't support that happened at SCH. Looking at the school data on the CDE website, I didn't see there was a high expulsion rate, quite the opposite. The number of suspensions was higher than at the Sacramento City district level but if the school culture was positive, with a low or zero tolerance for certain behaviors, then I would expect to see a higher number of suspensions.
Parent education levels at the charter school have not changed much at all, statistically rising and falling by about 1%; however, the number of parents/students who responded to the STAR parent education survey increased dramatically every year.
Free and reduced lunch numbers have increased and the students are overall from poorer families.
The academic data improvements looked very good.
I looked at individual subjects over multiple years and several subject areas really showed large improvements from 2005-2010. What impressed me the most was the number of students graduating who had completed all courses required for the UC and CSU entrances. The numbers of total graduates meeting those requirements increased from 35.6% in 2005 to 90.6% in 2010 with 89.6% coming from low socioeconomic households. That data is amazing, especially considering it was over double the number of their district and almost triple the numbers of their county.
While I do agree with many of Diane Ravitch's ideas and theories, charter schools are not all the same, anymore than all public schools are the same.
PK and his staff were able to close the achievement gap at the school, and I believe the data supports that.
I know you and I want the same thing to happen in MPUSD and everywhere else for that matter.
I believe we can continue to keep them honest (well, most of them anyway) and hold everyone accountable, to include staff, parents and the members of each learning community. I personally really hate being called a "learning community" so perhaps that label can be one of the first things kicked to the curb??!
-- Joanna Greenshields
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
MPUSD superintendent search still ongoing
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District decided that fifth time was a charm, and will not continue meeting until May 23, when they'll likely hear reports from a trip somebody is likely to take to visit another superintendent candidate.
I realize I'm sprinkling the word "likely" liberally in this salad of ideas. Sorry. With MPUSD, you never know for sure.
On the idea of the trip, I'm purely speculating. When I asked Board President Jon Hill if they're going to visit another site, he said "No Comment." Mmmm. Let's see. On May 9, trustees announced they'd continue meeting Monday and consider "all candidates." Hill said he could not comment on exactly what that meant (the initial 27? the seven semi-finalists? the three finalists?). They'll meet again on May 23 -- after a week and a half, enough time to take another exploratory trip. Maybe this weekend?
Hill said the reason for the shroud of secrecy is the promise of confidentiality made to candidates. "It could be pretty embarrassing" if a candidate was announced and she didn't get selected, Hill said. "Quite honestly, we been spot on."
Frankly, it is amazing that the name of the first finalist has not leaked out. Which could mean either that power players who know about it are satisfied enough they refused to make a fuzz, or... Nah. I'll keep that one to myself.
There has to be something positive about the way the process is going, or I would have heard complaints by now. The fact that I haven't probably means something's working. Or maybe it won't work, and people will complain after the fact. We'll see.
I realize I'm sprinkling the word "likely" liberally in this salad of ideas. Sorry. With MPUSD, you never know for sure.
On the idea of the trip, I'm purely speculating. When I asked Board President Jon Hill if they're going to visit another site, he said "No Comment." Mmmm. Let's see. On May 9, trustees announced they'd continue meeting Monday and consider "all candidates." Hill said he could not comment on exactly what that meant (the initial 27? the seven semi-finalists? the three finalists?). They'll meet again on May 23 -- after a week and a half, enough time to take another exploratory trip. Maybe this weekend?
Hill said the reason for the shroud of secrecy is the promise of confidentiality made to candidates. "It could be pretty embarrassing" if a candidate was announced and she didn't get selected, Hill said. "Quite honestly, we been spot on."
Frankly, it is amazing that the name of the first finalist has not leaked out. Which could mean either that power players who know about it are satisfied enough they refused to make a fuzz, or... Nah. I'll keep that one to myself.
There has to be something positive about the way the process is going, or I would have heard complaints by now. The fact that I haven't probably means something's working. Or maybe it won't work, and people will complain after the fact. We'll see.
Friday, May 9, 2014
MPUSD trustees no closer to finding a new superintendent
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District are scheduled to hold the fifth continuation of a special meeting they began on May 1 to decide what to do about the hiring of a new superintendent.
And they don't appear to be any closer to hiring one, as it was announced Friday at the end of continuation number four they'll now consider all candidates. Not sure if that means “all candidates who applied” (27), all semi-finalists (7) or just the three finalists.
It's looking more and more like we're going to have an interim superintendent a while longer. Interim Superintendent Bill Brand seems widely liked, so that may be a good thing.
And they don't appear to be any closer to hiring one, as it was announced Friday at the end of continuation number four they'll now consider all candidates. Not sure if that means “all candidates who applied” (27), all semi-finalists (7) or just the three finalists.
It's looking more and more like we're going to have an interim superintendent a while longer. Interim Superintendent Bill Brand seems widely liked, so that may be a good thing.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Well, third time wasn't a charm for MPUSD trustees
Meeting three of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District came and went, and trustees may not be closer to choosing a superintendent than they were a week ago.
How could you know, when their closed-session discussions are off-the-record?
As you probably remember, trustees have met already three times to decide whether or not they'll hire their final candidate, a mysterious woman from Southern California. They could be also discussing the contract that was put on the agenda for the public's perusal. Trustee Tim Chaney, the only board member to publicly express displeasure with the process, told me on Tuesday they were getting close to an agreement. If you missed the story, here it is.
Apparently, they didn't reach one on Wednesday, as they're scheduled to meet again on Friday. This time, they're meeting at 8:45 a.m., which means they're still hopeful they'll have something ready to include in Tuesday's regular board meeting agenda.
I think it's time to try to dig up who this mystery woman from Southern California is. She may be getting cold feet, who knows? She already sort of got jilted once, judging by conversations taking place during the first board meeting. Who knows, maybe she's thinking twice about working for this board? I really would like to know, wouldn't you?
Scuttlebutt, I need you!
How could you know, when their closed-session discussions are off-the-record?
As you probably remember, trustees have met already three times to decide whether or not they'll hire their final candidate, a mysterious woman from Southern California. They could be also discussing the contract that was put on the agenda for the public's perusal. Trustee Tim Chaney, the only board member to publicly express displeasure with the process, told me on Tuesday they were getting close to an agreement. If you missed the story, here it is.
Apparently, they didn't reach one on Wednesday, as they're scheduled to meet again on Friday. This time, they're meeting at 8:45 a.m., which means they're still hopeful they'll have something ready to include in Tuesday's regular board meeting agenda.
I think it's time to try to dig up who this mystery woman from Southern California is. She may be getting cold feet, who knows? She already sort of got jilted once, judging by conversations taking place during the first board meeting. Who knows, maybe she's thinking twice about working for this board? I really would like to know, wouldn't you?
Scuttlebutt, I need you!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
MPUSD still deadlocked in new superintendent
Well, trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District met again Monday evening, a continuation of their very lengthy Thursday meeting, and still they did not seem to reach an agreement.
As you probably recall, three trustees and three community members took a trip to Southern California to visit the district of the top candidate. When they came back, the agenda contained approval of a new superintendent and a reception to welcome her.
But trustees did not approve the contract and did not welcome anybody. Instead, they scheduled a special meeting to discuss the contract and the selection.
Board member Tim Chaney read a scathing letter at the beginning of the special meeting Thursday, accusing Board President Jon Hill of tainting the process and asking for a new process.
Trustees then went into closed session and did not come out until about 9 p.m. with nothing to report. They scheduled another meeting for Monday, which took place as scheduled, and still, nothing to report.
Trustees scheduled yet another meeting for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., another continuation. Whether there will be a new superintendent at the end of the meeting, who knows. Stay tuned.
As you probably recall, three trustees and three community members took a trip to Southern California to visit the district of the top candidate. When they came back, the agenda contained approval of a new superintendent and a reception to welcome her.
But trustees did not approve the contract and did not welcome anybody. Instead, they scheduled a special meeting to discuss the contract and the selection.
Board member Tim Chaney read a scathing letter at the beginning of the special meeting Thursday, accusing Board President Jon Hill of tainting the process and asking for a new process.
Trustees then went into closed session and did not come out until about 9 p.m. with nothing to report. They scheduled another meeting for Monday, which took place as scheduled, and still, nothing to report.
Trustees scheduled yet another meeting for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., another continuation. Whether there will be a new superintendent at the end of the meeting, who knows. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Hiring of MPUSD new superintendent won't happen until at least May 13
* Note: I've updated the blog to reflect some changes regarding who exactly traveled to Southern California to do a site visit and to clarify what trustees actions could be in each meeting.
If you read my story in today's newspaper, you know already the much anticipated hiring of a new superintendent for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District did not take place during last night regular board meeting. In case you missed it, here it is.
The reason for pulling the approval off the agenda? Trustees wanted more time to discuss what they'd learned in a recent trip to Southern California, home of the candidate, Board President Jon Hill told me on Wednesday.
There were too many items on the closed session agenda, Hill said, and board members wanted more time to discuss their findings and the proposed contract. From the Board of Trustees, only Hill, Tim Chaney and Bettye Lusk went to Southern California. They were accompanied by three community members, including Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association.
Trustees have scheduled a special meeting on May 1 to discuss said findings and the contract. They will not be able to approve said contract until their next regularly scheduled meeting, which happens May 13. But I'm told by Board President Jon Hill they could decide on May 1 whether to offer a contract and perhaps even announce who the candidate is.
Stay tuned.
If you read my story in today's newspaper, you know already the much anticipated hiring of a new superintendent for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District did not take place during last night regular board meeting. In case you missed it, here it is.
The reason for pulling the approval off the agenda? Trustees wanted more time to discuss what they'd learned in a recent trip to Southern California, home of the candidate, Board President Jon Hill told me on Wednesday.
There were too many items on the closed session agenda, Hill said, and board members wanted more time to discuss their findings and the proposed contract. From the Board of Trustees, only Hill, Tim Chaney and Bettye Lusk went to Southern California. They were accompanied by three community members, including Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association.
Trustees have scheduled a special meeting on May 1 to discuss said findings and the contract. They will not be able to approve said contract until their next regularly scheduled meeting, which happens May 13. But I'm told by Board President Jon Hill they could decide on May 1 whether to offer a contract and perhaps even announce who the candidate is.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Trouble ahead in MPUSD appointment of superintendent?
Apparently, Scuttlebutt's been busy this weekend with grumblings about the salary MPUSD new superintendent is going to get -- just about the same amount Marilynn Shepherd was getting when she left, about $224,000 a year. Trustees appeared to get the message, and before going into closed session on Tuesday's meeting, Diane Creasey asked if an appointment could be made without a contract being signed.
Yikes.
Then, MTBA President Allyson Schweifler expressed some concerns about the board moving forward too quickly, without checking into some issues brought forward to the board. Schweifler was one of the community members traveling to Southern California to vet the new candidate.
Who should be unveiled shortly after 7. Stay tuned.
Yikes.
Then, MTBA President Allyson Schweifler expressed some concerns about the board moving forward too quickly, without checking into some issues brought forward to the board. Schweifler was one of the community members traveling to Southern California to vet the new candidate.
Who should be unveiled shortly after 7. Stay tuned.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Will MPUSD have a new superintendent by tomorrow evening?
Representatives with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District -- including trustees and community members -- traveled last week to an undisclosed location in Southern California to vet their final candidate for the job of superintendent. The contract he or she has been offered is up on the district's website -- minus the name -- for the public to vet. Here's a quick link to it, in case you're interested. Final approval will take place in closed session Tuesday.
There's no red flags in it, except for the amount the superintendent will be paid, but given the conversations I've heard with the consultant, they really aren't.
Trustees have been saying all along they want someone with experience, someone with a proven track record -- and that they're ready to pay the price. If the contract is approved, the new superintendent will earn $226,000 a year, including a $2,000 "doctoral stipend." Salary increases are not embedded in the four-year contract, but could be granted if also given to other employees. He or she will receive the same health benefits given to other employees, no car allowance, and no gym membership.
Board President Jon Hill told me the COSCA group gave trustees data for 17 comparable districts, where superintendents earn between $195,000 and $301,000, and that the salary they'll offer the new trustee is "below mid point."
"It’s competitive with other district and I know it’s a big number for people," he said.
See you mañana at the board meeting!
There's no red flags in it, except for the amount the superintendent will be paid, but given the conversations I've heard with the consultant, they really aren't.
Trustees have been saying all along they want someone with experience, someone with a proven track record -- and that they're ready to pay the price. If the contract is approved, the new superintendent will earn $226,000 a year, including a $2,000 "doctoral stipend." Salary increases are not embedded in the four-year contract, but could be granted if also given to other employees. He or she will receive the same health benefits given to other employees, no car allowance, and no gym membership.
Board President Jon Hill told me the COSCA group gave trustees data for 17 comparable districts, where superintendents earn between $195,000 and $301,000, and that the salary they'll offer the new trustee is "below mid point."
"It’s competitive with other district and I know it’s a big number for people," he said.
See you mañana at the board meeting!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Mum's the word on the MPUSD superintendent search
And perhaps that's a good thing.
Scuttlebutt's eerily quiet about the superintendent's search at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. By now, trustees have likely zeroed in their preferred candidate, but who he or she is, nobody's saying.
Five members from the community -- Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teacher's Association, Deborah Maxwell from the California State Employees Association, Debbie Weiss representing Monterey, Juan Sanchez representing Seaside, and Terry Seigrist from Marina -- were present to interview the final candidate or finalists. Ruthie Watts was scheduled to represent Seaside, but she had to pull out because of a death in the family.
The fact that I haven't heard anything yet -- or nothing I can report on, I'm not saying anything -- could be a good thing. It means the finalist has not raised enough red flags to warrant the watchful eye of the press take a look. Which means that come April 22 we could have a new superintendent at MPUSD.
That would be something, wouldn't it? Stay tuned.
Scuttlebutt's eerily quiet about the superintendent's search at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. By now, trustees have likely zeroed in their preferred candidate, but who he or she is, nobody's saying.
Five members from the community -- Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teacher's Association, Deborah Maxwell from the California State Employees Association, Debbie Weiss representing Monterey, Juan Sanchez representing Seaside, and Terry Seigrist from Marina -- were present to interview the final candidate or finalists. Ruthie Watts was scheduled to represent Seaside, but she had to pull out because of a death in the family.
The fact that I haven't heard anything yet -- or nothing I can report on, I'm not saying anything -- could be a good thing. It means the finalist has not raised enough red flags to warrant the watchful eye of the press take a look. Which means that come April 22 we could have a new superintendent at MPUSD.
That would be something, wouldn't it? Stay tuned.
Friday, April 4, 2014
MPUSD getting closer to finding a new superintendent
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will be holed up this weekend at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seaside interviewing candidates. They're scheduled to interview seven on Saturday -- if all of them show up. On Sunday, they'll do follow up with two or three candidates, depending on how Saturday interviews go.
On Sunday, the candidates will also be interviewed by representatives from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, by the California State Employees Association, and a representative each from Marina, Monterey and Seaside learning communities.
Trustees will not be hosting community forums to interview candidates, and I doubt they'll tell me who the finalists are. But if you find yourself with nothing to do on Sunday, and want to take a stroll by the Embassy Suites, be sure to let me know what you find. Or who you find. Scuttlebutt, I'm counting on you. You know how curious I am.
On Sunday, the candidates will also be interviewed by representatives from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, by the California State Employees Association, and a representative each from Marina, Monterey and Seaside learning communities.
Trustees will not be hosting community forums to interview candidates, and I doubt they'll tell me who the finalists are. But if you find yourself with nothing to do on Sunday, and want to take a stroll by the Embassy Suites, be sure to let me know what you find. Or who you find. Scuttlebutt, I'm counting on you. You know how curious I am.
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