Comments on: O’Connell to make a big announcement on Monday

By: James Jones, Jr., Parent, etc.

James Jones, Jr., Parent, etc. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:27:48 +0000

The Amended version of AB45 no longer calls for the immediate return of authority to the Board; it simply outlines a process for the eventual return of control. The 1st amendment of AB 45 cut most of the language directed at Jack O’Connell. Even with AB45, Jack O’Connell is still in control because the return of each Operational Area is conditional and can be revoked on FCMAT’s recomendation. Those powers revoked are then returned to the State Administrator. And the Board has to have control of at least 1 area in order to collect their salaries.

Check it out: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_45&sess=CUR&house=B&search_type=email

By: Jim Mordecai

Jim Mordecai — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 05:18:38 +0000

I wrote the opposite of what I meant in my last sentence. When I wrote that the Board reaching agreement on return of two areas would put more pressure on the Governor
to sign AB 45, I meant to write that I believe the agreement would put pressure on the Govenor to veto AB 45 because the agreement would be evidence of the process
working.

The Board is faced with a one in the hand verses two in the bush situation. I would say
it is better to stick with AB 45 and not reach agreement until its passage. But, not an
easy call.

By: John W.

John W. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:10:23 +0000

Mr. Mordecai’s comments are thoughtful and based on his observation of circumstances
in OUSD in conjunction with a consideration of political realities. It’s too bad such
propensity isn’t contageous in the larger OUSD community. It is would go a long way
in helping cure a lot of local ills.

By: Jim Mordecai

Jim Mordecai — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:09:36 +0000

After four years the members of the Oakland School Board are accountable for their
actions. Will they refuse to sign on for a half a loaf when they can get the whole loaf
with passage of AB 45.

Will restoration of governance mean Board Members also get their pay and benefits
restored as provided in AB 45? How can Superintendent take such action in that it
is in conflict with SB 39?

Has Jack O’Connell a deal with the Governor to veto AB 45 when partial power is
returned to the Oakland School Board?

Would not reaching agreement put more pressure on the Governor to sign AB 45?

By: Jim Mordecai

Jim Mordecai — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 15:17:57 +0000

I spend a lot of time observing State Administrator/school board meetings and Javetta Robinson has been professional and apparently on top of a difficult job of steering the District’s financial ship. Getting an internal audit function in place so as not to overspend is critical to the recovery of the District’s finances. I am now worried that their will not be the will to put in place the checks and controls on spending that are necessary. I fear Ms. Robinson is irreplaceable.

By: Swampfox

Swampfox — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 01:05:50 +0000

Smells like politics to me. African proverb: When the Elephants fight, the grass suffers.
Sacramento translation: When Sen Don Perata and State Sup Jack O’Connell, OUSD tends to get stuck paying the bill.

Ask yourself this question: Why would Jack O’Connell suddenly give back power in one area while he is opposed to AB45?

Answer: My guess is Super Jack wants to look like a good-ol-boy for his pals in the State Senate and seem well…reasonable and responsive. Sadly I am not buying it.

Hopefully AB45 will clear the CA Senate Education Committee on 11 July, and we can all go on our merry way in trying to imporve OUSD.