Catching up with Hayward, and the HayWord
By Eric Kurhi
Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 2:36 pm in General, Hayward, Odds & Ends.
Perhaps you noticed, perhaps you didn’t, but I was on leave all last week. I’m getting caught up on goings on and have yet to watch the school board meeting replay.
But I did get a couple of e-mails regarding the start of the school year. There’s some concern over the larger class sizes, and some over lack of maintenance. I’d like to hear more — what have you seen so far this year, students, parents and teachers?
And it’s nice to see how popular the comment section has become!
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August 30th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Mr. Kurhi,
There were no more than 10 individuals from the public present at the most recent board meeting. It seems that several of the schools “conveniently” scheduled back to school events on the same day/evening.
I hope you pay attention to the amount of money that HUSD is expending for legal services…it would fund many teachers and programs. The suggestion was made that the board should seriously consider hiring their own in house cousel to drastically reduce the amount spent and to make the lawyer/legal advice far more easily accessable to the board as a whole and individual board members.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Katy Bouth
Back to school night conspiracy?
mr. Kiurhi is stretched for time, especially since two of it’s staff are off to the far east on ‘special assigbmenbt’.
How is it you do not present yout legal concerns to the Board? Show up at ‘public comments’!
’tis your duty to send ‘em (trustees) scampering for law books where ‘they could look it up’, …after all ‘they’ must be compelleed to so something for that heavy stipend… right?
August 30th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
It would be interesting to know how many students showed up for school this year.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Welcome back by the way. If you want to watch the meetings on your computer, you can go to
http://www.hayward-ca.gov/webcasts.shtm and clink on the Hayward School board site. The broadcast will be repeated on Tuesday at one pm and Thursday at 4 pm.
August 30th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Mr. Kurhi, please help the community keep our eyes on the stimulus money coming soon. Districts will have until 2012 to spend the money, and parents really want to make sure it gets spent on personnel (teachers, counselors, nurses,etc.) who work DIRECTLY with the kids, FULL-TIME at ONE school site.
Class size is indeed HUGE. It is a challenge to create enough space for the little ones to be comfortable in the room and also to keep the noise level down to a reasonable level for a sustained amount of time. As for maintenance, my own classroom has several work orders pending since the first day of school. I am a big fan of the maintenance dept. and I wish it were bigger. I’m sure they do the best they can with their limited resources. Frankly, with a longer student day and preps just starting up, I have been too busy planning, prepping and teaching to check on the status of the work orders anyway.
August 30th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
BTW, when I say ONE school site, I don’t mean one particular school. I just mean someone who works full-time at a school. Not someone who floats between several schools, spending just a few days a month at each one.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:01 am
To Teachermama:
I totally agree with keeping the idea of continuity with support staff, couselors, nurses and of course teachers. It is the only way they really become familiar with the school site, environment, community and most of all the students and all their related needs. I fear that to think the stimulus money will go for that is just a pipe dream. Surely, the DO has some consultants and their “new innovations” that they will deem the money will be best spent on.
To All:
If any of you are wondering why I don’t attend board meetings, the answer is simple. I REGULARLY attended board meetings until about 5 years ago and finally decided it was time to let others become the public voice for students, families and employees. I have continued to watch the meetings via television and find that I can focus more directly on what is being said and board actions in comfort.
August 31st, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Boy Scout Troop 819 is having a fund raiser today at the Hayward Rigatoni’s on Hesperian. Just tell the server you want to participate.
August 31st, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Mr. Kurhi, here’s what I’ve seen so far this year. From the perspective of a year round school … we felt the hit of low enrollment early, as most of the HUSD schools are this year. Kids were just getting comfortable in their classrooms when a few weeks in we had to shuffle them around to level and meet the 32 student class size. This allowed us to reduce two staff members, create combo classes at every level and pack the classrooms to capacity. Now any new students are redirected because our rooms are all full! As far as location, we are one of the schools that relocated due to Measure I. We’ve spent a great deal of time settling in, but there are definitely some moving pains. We still have some classrooms where the “water” is brown and undrinkable, not to mention bathroom issues. The classrooms are definitely full, some with students of varying grade levels. The new curriculum has finally arrived, so we can get moving on that. I must say the Measure I money was well spent to get our temporary campus ready for students. New blacktop, grass play fields and eating areas are some of the really nice changes. We are getting ready for our first break and we are on our way to a great year.
Qodrn: I’m not sure if they have stopped showing the repeat broadcasts or if it just wasn’t playing this week. I was unable to watch the meeting live and have tried to catch the Thursday and Tuesday showing with no luck. Unfortunately, it appears, based on the note on the bottom of the city website, that they may have stopped the replay of the HUSD meetings. “KHRT replay of the City Council Meeting is Friday at 7:00pm, and replay of the Planning Commission Meeting is Monday at 7:00pm.” I guess we will all have to wait for the posting on the HUSD website.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Ladies of the Blog and miz boutique.
A direct request to those at top,has been made by this mischief maker. The program of August 25th. program Review ought soon be seen on the website.
Oh for the days when it was repeated on channel 15, promptly at 6;30 pm…….. before Dr. Vigil’s arrival…. when the website became screwed up.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Wow!!!! what a knight in shining armor!!!!
I thought for sure you would blame Joan Kohl or some retired board member for causing the problem, or me.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Katya Bootsky;
Well, I guesd you could blame kohlo, or thiose who hired her. But for that mistake we might have avoided Vigil!
August 31st, 2010 at 8:26 pm
K Rocchio, I feel your 15 day pain! For the last several years I have gained a combo, lost a combo, shuffled and re-shuffled students on the 15th day of instruction. I have spent countless hours re-doing name tags, moving desks, hunting for/sorting/re-organizing books, and making phone calls to parents.
Two years ago, I was reading a story to my class a few days after the big shuffle. The illustration showed two girls hugging and one crying. I asked the class to infer what the problem was based on the picture and what we had read so far. A hand immediately shot up, and a student who had just been moved into my class said, “Maybe the girls are best friends, but one of them has to change rooms after the year started!” No lie.
It seems more prudent to me to leave a little space at each grade level at each school so we don’t have to redirect kids all over the Earth. And I wish we could balance classes long before the 15th day. Sometimes I feel like the 16th day is the first day of school all over again.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Teachermama & Ms. Rocchio:
While I was never a teacher, I spent enough time in combo classrooms to know that NOBODY WINS in that situation, especially not the children. It is near impossible, considering the state standards, for a teacher to adequately serve students in a combo no matter how much they try.
The sad part is the DO has absolutely no concern for the ultimate outcome and they take no responsibility. It is simply a matter of “budget”. Should the test scores not improve, well then the blame will be placed right in the teachers’ laps. I wish you and your students luck.
To Mr. Kyle:
My family comes from Norway and Denmark, I am second generation here, perhaps you could spend some of your spare time researching new names for me. TTFN
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Ms. Booth….
How about ‘Kathleen’ ?
Shucks, you shortened usage to save some ink! Right?
My maternal grandfather changed Mac to Mc and that is how we saved much ink! None more thrifty tnan an immigrant…. right? another difficult arose when ordering DELIVERED groceries from immigrant owned grocery stores.
Try confusing the clerk with a rapid instruction of how to speLl the Name…..’capital ‘m’, small letter C Capital letter ‘C’ small letter ‘u’ double letter ‘N’ smalL LETTER I double letter f “Mc Cunniff” she would say in rapid delivery…. after awhile those IMMIGRANT OWNERS OF delivery stores wised up and asked that she cut the rapid speel….. it was confusing the clerks….. “we will refer to you as ‘Mrs Mac” which kind of subdued her to the extent that she would snap back ‘It’s ‘Mrs Mick’ not Mac.
Is ‘ttfn’ an unspoken ‘cut’ ? Naw, you are too nice for that!
How MANY BLOG READERS ARE AWARE THAT THE 2009 – 2010 EXPERINCE SAW RISE IN TRUANCY TO 49% ? I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT MUST INCLUDE THE TRANSIENCE NUMBERS. TWO BIRDS OF DIFFERING FEATHERS!~ a PROBLEM OCCURRING WITH REEDUCTION IN NUMBERS OF ATTENDENCE CLERKS?
gEE !! IF WE IMPOSED A NEED FOR A PERFORMKANCE BOND ($100. PER FAMILY, NOT EACH CHILD ) MAYBE THOSE KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES WOULD BE SEEN NOT AS TRUANTS BUT AS TRANSIENTS ON THEIR WAY TO ANOTHER SCCHOOL DISTRICT. OR IS THAT TOO MUCH FOR Y’ALL TO HANDLE?
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Mr. Kyle:;::::::::
TTFN means TaTa For Now…Why must you always accuse me of nefarious thoughts and actions. I simply refer to your nasty digs and comments when I or someone else does not agree with you. My given name and how I choose to spell any short version is my business and not open to your speculation so please stop.
Yes it is all too much for me to handle. If you want a performance bond or whatever other method you believe will lessen truancy then why don’t you find out how you go about instituting it or placing it on the agenda for board/public discussion?
While I am sure that your younger years are of great interst to you and may be to others, I suggest that you try writing a memoir and publishing it.
Please can we not be civil on this blog? Can you refrain from making accusations and innuendos regarding me or my family or my life? I have attempted to not refer to your wife or your children or your personal history. Please show me the same courtesy.
Thank You.
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Kathleen,
Sorry, I do not speak tea party lingo…..( Tah Tah ?) I had to pay hell just getting by in Latin clASSES.
HOWEVER, WITH #16 ABOVE I DETECT ANOTHER PROBLEM…. I QUIT COMMUNICATING WITH YOU, I WILL NOT PUSH YOU OVER THE EDGE!
GOOD LUCK!
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Kathleen,
If I havn’t made accusations why must I apologize?
i DO NOT SPEAK THE TAH TAH LANGUAGE, NEVER FIT IN WITH THAT CROWD… aS IT IS i HAD A TERRIBLE TIME HUST GETTING PAST LATIN….
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
gEE WHIZ…. EVEN THE BLOG IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME! kURHI OUGHT BE PERSUADED TO DROP THAT WHICH IAS IMMEDAITELY ABOVE.
ARE YOU ATTENTIVE MR. KURHI?
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
A school in St. Louis has arranged with a non-profit to pay parents $900 a school year if their students achieve certain goals, including attendence, bahavior, grades, etc.
Maybe this would be a more useful approach. Also, I think uniforms would help.
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:23 pm
I received an e-mail from the ARRA funds where it shows the amount of money each LEA will receive under the new Education Fund. For HUSD is a bit more than 3.8 million . Who is going to monitor this money? It’s suppose to include early childhood education. Does this meant that the Childcare program that was a Helen Turner will receive funds and be open all day for infants and preschoolers? With all this money, it will be nice to find out if we can restore the programs that were cut, and call back direct instruction personnel that was laid off.
At Lucy’s school I heard that the psychologist for special education is gone along with 3 or 4 more.
Ms. Booth. I am not familiar with special education, can you tell us if this is true? How will these affect the most vulnerable students?
Thank you,
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Anyone who’s interested in what other school districts are doing about the truancy problem, it seems in Scotts Valley (gee Hayward isn’t the only place with this problem) they’ve come up with a “fine” for the parents of a child with an unexcused absence. Note it appears this is voluntary so the mandatory $100 “bond” is not likely to fly. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parents-charged-36-per-day-when-children-miss-school-for-play.html
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Dear Lucy’s Mom,
Unfortunately what the DO does with Special Education teachers, psychologists, speech personnel, classroom aids is what I consider criminal. However, unless the State Department of Education, Special Ed division is made aware of the problems, HUSD can do just about what they want. Several years ago, early 2000s, HUSD was found to be in severe NON COMPLIANCE regarding Special Education. They had to bring in a “specialist” to help them to avoid a large fine. Just some of the issues were: lack of adequate numbers of psychologists, lack of adequate numbers of Program Specialists, failure to follow the legal requirements of the IEP such as, not having the principal or vice principal present at all IEP meetings; failure to provide non-English speaking parents with material in their native language; failure to provide parents with a written copy of their right; failure to conduct assessments within the required number of days.
With much effort and cost these issues were resolved. However, the state was not aware of most of the problems until parents filed complaints directly to the Special Education Dept. in Sacramento. Special Education in HUSD is seen as a burden and is called an “encroachment” on the general funds. Like it or not, HUSD is required to identify and serve students with special needs, regardless of whether the state or federal government provides enough money. Hope tha helps you to understand some of the problems with special ed.
To Observer:
I believe you are correct that neither HUSD nor any school district may impose mandatory fines for truancy. Habitual truancy is an issue that should be handled by the District Attorney’s office, since it is against state law for parents to allow their student to be truant. I believe San Francisco has an agreement with their school district to actively pursue truancy complaints.
Mr. Kyle:
TTFN, TaTa For Now, is what Tigger says in the Whinny the Poo movies. It is his form of good-bye…Not some ridiculous “political” party lingo. Just do us both a favor…don’t respond to my posts and I will do the same for you. You go right ahead and blog all you want about truancy and I will just ignore you, and you can ignore whatever I post. Readers can decide if my ideas, opinions, information or suggestions are worth considering all by themselves. Can you agree to that?????????
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Ms. Kathy Booth
‘No!
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Observer, something else I notice about the Scott’s Valley plan … they only bill for the “elective absences,” or days missed for reasons other than illness. That would mean we would need to have some way of calculating the difference between days missed and days missed for illness. I think the numbers being discussed include all absences where ADA is not paid, including illness. In other words, a huge reason for parents to call in from Disneyland and say “Johnny has a really bad cough and won’t be in school today”. Thus, no voluntary fine, still no ADA.
Again, let’s bring back some of our programs and electives that make our older kids excited to come to our schools. These are the students we need to look at because my guess is that the younger kids are missing school with their parents knowledge, it’s the teens we need to look at why they don’t want to be there. Programs like autoshop, home ec, woodshop, art, these are things that might bring back some of the students without having to fine the families.
September 3rd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
K. Rocchio,
correct me if I am wrong, but i thought if an absence was excused then ADA is collected for that absence. As I read your post, even an excused absence results in no ADA. Reminding parents that every day missed is a detrement to their child and informing them of the costs to the district and asking for re-embursement is an excellent idea. I am just concerned if HUSD attempted this it would be in the form of a demand letter with “implied” threats to parents and students.
I know I sound like a “nay sayer”, but the experiences that I have helped parents handle in the past often resulted from harsh and accusatory toned letters.
Restoring vocational classes and other electives were/are very often what kept students motivated to stay in school. Maybe we could consider spending a large majority of the consultant fees for such classes.
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
To K. Rocchio and Observer,
I looked at the article from Scott Valley and I wonder just what the percentage is in HUSD for absences that are due to a family outing, vacation or ski trip. I would venture a guess that the majority of our students who are having an attendance problem have families that are simply struggling to keep “right side up” in this economy.
Again I think we need to bring back counsellors, and outreach workers who can get to the root of the problem and where possible, help families to create a way to keep education and daily attendance a priority. I really can’t believe that there are huge numbers of parents who just don’t give a d…
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
LADIES OF THE BLOG:
I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION A print out of the report by HUSD used to advise and then see posted by the State Dept of Eddykation in a district by district comparison of experiences in Truancy.
Frankly the incredible increase in the truancy numbers as between school year 2007-2008 and the summary of the experience of 2009-2010 is an astounding number. In two years time the ratio has almost doubled.
Truancy for 2008 – 2009 was a mere 25.45% of the enrollment seen as being reported at 21,770.…… in 2009-2010 the truancy is 48.94% of an enrollment totaling 21,319.…… 10,432 kids are reported absent more than 30 minutes on 3 or more days.
I have been criticized by ‘experts’ using this blog for even suggesting such an impossible idea as use of a $100. per family Performance Bond. Not $100 per child as a few have interpreted the idea, for reasons known only to their unexposed thought processes.
I am alert to the fact that attendance clerks were reduced in count and shared by schools with the heaviest problems. Elementary schools as a whole ‘only’ saw 36.4% truancy. Bowman, Cherryland and Park school had truancy rates exceeding 50%; Strobridge, Ringold, and Fairview exceeded 40% ; East Ave , Glassbrook, Longwood, Palma Ceia, Ruus and Tyrell were all in the 30% range Eden Gardens suffered 10% and the balance had numbers between 10 14% and 20%.
Average truancy at Middle schools was 61.4% Winton was at 50.7% , so that helped (?). Our high schools averaged 74%
Frankly I do not believe the numbers. It occurs to me that the reduced number of attendance clerks might be a factor. I also think, (or strongly suspect) that the system has tendency towards failure to distinguish between Truancy and Transience.
I do not care if the Transients walk away from a $100. Performance Bond ! Their problem may or may not be tied to a foreclosure with all the emotional problems associated with that thought. A simple phone call would have seen a refund check in the mail. As to truants…. More than 30 minutes on 3 or more days?
Well, I’d rather have those parents sore at me rather than the other way around ! Especially so if I had a child in HUSD’s system where the quality of education drops as numbers of kids per class grow due to budget problems. Make no mistake about it, .. the loss of ADA money at HUSD is—-HEAVY!
I have an idea but. shudder at the thought of OPPOSITION! Ms. Booth is opposed! As best I can detect, she is opposed to thoughts of a Town Hall Meeting because my proposal for a “Town Hall Meeting” is not appreciated by that expert on all matters affecting HUSD. I think the woman to be possessive, to a point where her need is to have all matters associated with HUSD, bear an attest or personal imprimatur.
A Town Hall meeting might easily result in development of sufficient volunteers to establish groups to serve the School District in fashion similar but not identical to the various groups aiding the City of Hayward, which are described as ‘commissions’ I envision an eventual assembly of 100 or more volunteers, DRAWN FROM THE RANKS OF LOCAL RETIREES, EMPTY NESTORS, PARENTS OF LONG AGO GRADUATES ETC.
Why search for them through a town hall meeting? Quite simply the fact is that if done under the auspices of either HUSD Trustees or City Council, the Brown Act would be the force majeure…and the experience with the ‘complainers’ or endless line of ‘nay Sayers’ would be rallied by some congenital naysayers, to use the required ‘public comment period’.
A Town hall meeting under my concept would consist of an initial 15 minutes dedicated to explaining the need to make use of the ‘break out’ concept. 20 folks maximum at each table grouping.
Rule # 1.…. No finger pointing at Trustees or those employed in administration or classrooms.
Next rule….. Only positive ideas expressed on how to make use of volunteers organized in a supportive role as seen occurring with the various commissions employed by the City of Hayward.
Town Hall meeting should focus all thoughts upon the idea that there is a need for volunteers such retired folk, empty nesters, handicapped folk, and those who just plain need a vehicle to keep active or become better acquainted such as might occur with new arrivals in town. If such existed I could employ my considerable experience in volunteer efforts at fun filled fund raising activity.
Some retired police officers might see opportunity to visit the last known address of a conspicuous, constant truant who might just need help in dealing with neglectful parents….. Etc.
I fail understanding of how any would oppose such an attempt to aid HUSD. Have you any idea how effective would be the assistance to HUSD if volunteers found excitement in the act of volunteering, when possessed of certain knowledge that the assistance rendered is successful in aid of education?
Of course I am just a ‘bully’… what in ‘ell do I know? Right?
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Nr. Kurhi
Moderation is ….???? Censorship?
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Kathi,
From what I have learned, since around 1999 we have not collected ADA for what many consider to be “excused” absences. I believe it is SB 727?? Things like illness, funerals, medical appointments, etc. are coded as excused, but ADA is not collected. There are other “justifiable” absences which also do not collect ADA. I remember hearing an attendance clerk once as they explained to a parent that there was no reason to call in from vacation and say their child was ill because it really didn’t matter anymore. However, ADA is collected for those that trudge to school with their sick children and sit through attendance and then leave. Isn’t that encouraging??
If there are any attendance clerks out there, perhaps they can clarify this for us.
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Wasn’t censorship, John. Your e-mail address on those posts was different (appeared to be a typo) than the one you usually use. That makes the program think you are a new poster, subject to a hold until moderation.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:20 pm
K. Rocchio,
If that is the case, and I certainly believe you, then what is the purpose of excusing any absence at any time? Certainly sounds like all parents are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Parents should just be told don’t bother to communicate with us because it will not affect the loss of ADA for your child.
Perhaps they should be told to have the hearse and funeral director stop by the school so the child can be counted. Or better yet, let’s not tell parents to keep students home when they have the flu or some other contageous condition, send them HUSD needs the money.
What a self defeating practice. I suppose the only purpose of a call is to allow somebody in the office to know this isn’t a cut…Every sick child is now no different than the child who chooses not to come to school or whose parent for whatever reason chooses to keep them home. Why place the burden of calling on a parent whose child is out due to illness or a death?
And everyone wonders why I am so suspicious of what the powers that be are doing in the “hen house”.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
To K. Rocchio,
I jsut briefly scanned a web site called Attendance Counts and saw a position paper from the Calif. PTA. In their recommendations they too refer to making the School Attendance and Review Board a stronger arm of local districts. Apparently, HUSD is not making adequate use of the SARB within the district.
It is a good site and I intend to spend some time really focusing on the many articles. By the way SB727 deals with the family leave act in CA.
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:03 pm
TO ALL:
Sorry to monopolize tonight but I just got information that Will McGee, candidate for school board, is having a campaign kick-off on Thursday Sept. 9 at Celia’s Restaurant across from Chabot College, from 7-9pm.
There is not charge, free nibbles and a chance to meet himn face to face. I encourage those who are interested to go and check him out.
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Thank you for the information. I have a previous engagement that evening, however I will pass the info to other parents.
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
K. Booth
I agree!. Mr. McGee is a qualified individual! He did well at the interview process at which Mr. Armas was nominated for Trustee.
Had Armas not been available, Mr. McGee would have been my choice… I have already determined to support him as the most qualified candidate to replace Mr. Frumkin. Has a quick mind, speaks well, good bearing. young athletic type and has just finishied some work at University to acheive an advanced degree.
I expect much good with his presence on Board of Trustees.
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Anyone:
Has Mr. McGee established a website yet?
September 4th, 2010 at 7:32 am
My understanding of the ADA issue is the same as K. Rocchio’s. I thought the schools wanted to track absences, both “excused” and “unexcused” (even though they are all kind of unexcused) because attendance affects progress in school. You can’t learn if you are not there. Naive??
Ms. Booth, your former comment about some of our attendance problems coming from struggling families resonates with my experience in the classroom. The most frequent excuse for absences that most of us would consider “unexcused” (not illness or emergency) that I hear is that a parent or sibling had some kind of appointment and nobody would be available to pick up the kids at school at dismissal. Maybe I am naive again, but to me it is heartbreaking that a child should miss an entire seven hours of learning over an appt. that was inconveniently scheduled. Many parents tell me they have no flexibility in scheduling their kids’ appts. because the waits are very long and they have to take what they can get. Compound this with the fact that many of the mothers don’t drive, so they either need to catch BART or bus, walk, or get their husbands to take time off to drive them. The parents at my school seem very friendly with each other, so I am surprised there is not a network of support to pick up each other’s kids once in awhile. It seems like an easy problem to solve, I’m just not sure how to do it. You would be surprised how much school one child can miss over this, especially if they have a big family, someone else is frequently ill, or the family has ongoing legal/immigration/business issues to resolve.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:48 am
To all:
Mr. McGee’s website is http://www.WilliamMcGee.com
To Teachermama,
It appears as if nothing has really changed over the years for many of our students. The problems/needs facing a huge number of our families always seem to interfere with attendance. I think that for the most part parents would prefer to send their children to school every day but they often don’t have the support or ability to accomplish that. I totally agree that the primary reason for regular attendance is the need to be in the classroom every day for educational purposes. Without the continuity of learning academic progress is stunted.
My biggest problem with HUSD and those who “scream” about loss of ADA monies is that they are unwilling to address these underlying issues. Perhaps these new “Parent Centers” could be put to use in some way to assit struggling families so that their students are able to be in school each and every day.
While I understand that attendance=ADA, it breaks my heart to see students being seen as dollar signs rather than young minds that need to be nurtured and expanded through education.
Oh well, I guess that’s “the bleeding heart liberal” in me.
September 4th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
MR KYLE!
I promised I would not respond to your postings and I haven’t, with the exception to responding for info on William McGee’s Candidate website. However, in the effort to save stamps, paper and the back of the mailman, I am going to respond to your letter of 9/2/10 delivered to my home.
No one in my family, including my husband, is interested in reading any missal or letter you have composed, and I am, as politely as possible, requesting that you cease and desist from using the United States mail to deliver any messages, copies of letters or any other materials to my personal residence.
My only comment in response to your enclosure, is perhaps the principal at Longwood needs to spend his time becoming familiar with his students, their familes, his new staff and the community in general. His primary focus must be directed to the successful academic progress of the students he has been charged to shepherd through his elementary school.
September 4th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
To: All concerned with ADA losses.
Bleeding heart liberals should not oppose Town Hall Meeting ideas at which event, if it ever evolves, may eventuate to a course of action solving the several aspects of parental problems with ‘APPOINTMENTS’, in a pro-active manner by ‘empty nesters’ etc., who would combine themselves into services needed to correct the absence from class problem, which is connected, in some minds, with the ADA problem,
See item # 28 above.
Forget animosities toward male contributors, who berate other contributors that fail understanding of the difference between ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘licentious speech‘.
Ask yourself whether or not the germ of an idea as found in the use of a Town Hall meeting is worthy of pursuit after the following reading ‘assignment‘.
As for myself, assuming A Town Hall meeting assures connection with 10 or 12 guys to start, I would let myself become involved with money raising activity for the purpose of supporting music and athletic programs. Let us assume for the moment that other volunteers would act as ‘block mothers’ to aid a child’s attendance.
Did you know that St. Joachim’s school, here in Hayward, was built by volunteers the count of which group eventuated to a problem when the school first opened. There were so many volunteers involved that the school was opened with 50 kids to a class. Can you imagine 50 kids in a class? For purposes of allowing ‘bonding’ as between students…. the enrollment was initially limited to the first 5 elementary grades. When that first 5th grade class graduated, as an eighth grade class it still had fifty! Mom and dad, despite their labors in aid of construction, still had to pay tuition. Yet, Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers are well represented as graduates of that first class. One graduate, the product of a mixed race marriage is in charge of a consortium of internationally owned oil companies developing resources in …… (forget which one,,,, let us just call it ‘Bezerkistan’), has had his four children graduate from Universities. One of those four did volunteer work, in central America, immediately after graduation. A year later he found a nice job in a large corporation which favors young people with a ‘world view’,
Meanwhile his Dad and Mother, who met while attending Moreau, have adopted and are raising a bright, physically handicapped child whom they encountered and adopted as their own child, while Dad was representing Chevron in some Moscow based negotiations with the Russian Government.
Not my brag… I had nothing to do with St. Joachim’ during the construction etc…. what attracted me to Hayward, in my search for a home was the ‘sense of community’ and acceptance of responsibility on a community wide basis, as found at St. Joachim’s
Frankly, a ‘sense of community’ is not sufficiently reflected within HUSD or the tax payers who support it!
I am convinced that a “Town Hall Meeting” based on the recognition of need for improvement accomplished in direct fashion by community participants, as was seen in the early history of the United States. In those years, City and County administrations were rarely existent in large areas of the original colonies, Schools, roads and bridges as well as ‘rural’ mail delivery were brought into existence by ‘Town Hall Meetings.’
Use of present concepts in a scenario where we impose a self defeating ‘public comment’ period, proscribed by the Brown act, has done nothing but put on a show of dissension caused by the ‘uninformed’ much to the discomfort of the Trustees at HUSD. Those folks, (Trustees), are pushed and pulled into so many ‘plans’ and ‘programs’ that few of them as well as members of the administration and the ‘public’ are able to sort out the procedures and problems now facing us. A town hall meeting would not be conducted under Brown Act conditions where the uninformed are abusive ad infinitum!
HUSD would be well served if those among blog users, presenting themselves as possessing superior experience and expertise in research of Ed Codes etc…… would spend some time examining the “Town Hall Meetings” of old…. not the ‘trash mouth’ shows put on during the last Presidential elections or subsequent examples of the ‘Tea Party’..
Retirees, empty nesters, new arrivals in the community need opportunity to present positive, purposeful ideas backed up by their own spirit of volunteerism, so as to produce a pathway out of HUSD’s dilemma.
September 4th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Ms. Booth
That letter was mailedd yesterday and was addressed to Lawrenced…. come on… was he at work when you opened it?
Well you sure havew control in that household!
September 4th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
MR. KYLE,
STOP THIS UNDUE HARASSMENT OF ME AND MY FAMILY! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO OPENED THE MAIL ADDRESSED TO MY HUSBAND AND FURTHERMORE IT IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN.
AGAIN I RESPECTFULLY ASK, ON BEHALF AND WITH THE CONSENT OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY, CEASE AND DESIST WITH UNSOLICITED MAILERS TO OUR HOME. SCRATCH THE ADDRESS FROM YOUR FILES.
To all others who read/scan this blog:
I have tried my very best to ignore and not respond to Mr. Kyle’s postings. He is entitled to his views as long as they do not encroach upon personal attacks, innuendo or other tasteless remarks directed to my family members.
September 4th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
The only reason to call the school or submit a note is not be declared truant. When i went to public school you couldn’t go to class with out clearing your absence, the teacher would send you back to the office. I gave up clearing absences as a protest because the school never called when my sons were home, never kept tract of the excuses, etc.
My son’s charter school gives parents 10 absences a year to clear. After that, baring being excused for special circumstances, students get to attend Saturday school to make up their missed work, or go on independent study.
Public schools are too scared not to readmit kids to school, but I say why not? If schools really want to stop truancy, the state should stop paying for truant kids until they complete independent study and catch up. The problem is schools don’t really enforce the demands they want to make on kids, so the kids learn not to respect their authority.
September 4th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
To Qodrn:
You have some very good points and once again I wonder why the HUSD School Attendance and Review Board seems to be “absent” in this matter.
Unfortunately it is truly difficult to tell which is more important to HUSD ADA money or educating students. If, in fact, as Ms. Rocchio and Teachermama say, even an excused absence does not meet the ADA requirements then what is the parental responsibility in cases of illness, death or a legitimate emergency? Of course, parents/students should obtain any missed work to make up and speak with classmates or the teacher to find out what was covered during school hours. By doing so, while the student has still missed the attendance requirement, they may possibly be able to keep up academically.
Which really matters, ADA money or seat time and academics for students? Is it budget or kids?
September 4th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Dear Mrs.Booth,
The “parent centers” at least the one at Lucy’s school is nothing but a place of “gossip”, that came from a mellow, hard working volunteer mother that happens to speak English and Spanish. She feels, her words not mine, that all they do is gossip, some knitting, dancing, and more gossip. Some leaders in the school district are using some parent centers as their fan base, that is her perspective. The DO is supposed to be using that Americorp grant to educate parents about living well, eating well, feeling well. A very good cause indeed, however, the resources that are available through this grant could be use for issues with attendance, gang education, re-classification of ELLs ( a serious approach), how to increase vocabulary, etc. It is very sad how our youngsters now a days are not developing vocabulary up to the age/grade they are in. I have not attend any Parent Center meetings because my Spanish is not up to par.
Ms. Roccio how is the parent center at your school? I am curious to know.
September 4th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
To Lucy’s Mom,
Your recounting of that parent’s impression is something I have heard from others when they are asked about the parent centers. It seems to me the best way to help our children is to help their families by assisting, educating and supporting them in doing what is right for their student(s), especially when it comes to attendance. Those centers should be the hub for ideas and action to improve the educational environment for children both at school and at home.
While I believe that “learning to live well, eat well and feel well” are all fine and good, understanding how to keep children in school and learning to ask for assitance in doing so is far more important.
Thank you, Ms. Rocchio, Observer and Teachermama for the information and suggestions that is provided in this blog.
September 4th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Ms. Booth.
Harassment??? Geez, you take liberties with the English language!.
It was mainly a courtesy to advise of the changes occurring on weekends at Longwood school the success or failure of which has affect upon the value of your home. Given your husband’s history of involvement while occupying his seat on the Board of Trustees.
If you haven’t noticed the Longwood Ave pedestrian Gate is now open on weekends between 10:00 AM AND 3:00 PM. Equipment is being made available for soccer, Goal posts are also now adjacent the fence. What most have failed to notice, probably including yourself, oh fountain of knowledge involving all things great and small, is the lack of Trash cans, which when the soccer games get going again, will be sorely missed. Ah well, the prevailing winds might easily blow the trash to a close vicinity of your home…. So why worry?.
Adding to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood is the porta- potty now leaning against the Longwood Ave fence and at present the grounds which are opened for five hours on Saturday and Sunday is a device to aid the shortage of park space in the Longwood-Winton Grove neighborhood.. Our Longwood park is of such minimal size as to violate the standards of Park or open space requirement imposed on other neighborhoods but overlooked here..
Had you been such a great researcher as you would have us believe, you might have discovered that the Park was cut off from the ‘South Garden’ neighborhood where the lack of amenity is such that rentals experience one hell of a turnover….certainly you are aware that the South Garden neighborhood is ‘packed’ with low cost (minimal) housing qualities and age….The City of Hayward annexed that area in somewhat ill advised desire or thought that it’s police could do a better job than the County Sheriff in dealing with the ’transient nature’. The paroled felons inhabiting the area have kids too, so maybe that factor is responsible for the 35% truancy rate at Longwood last year?
35% truancy rates at Longwood school..??? A facility which you appear to ignore; to impress your blog followers with the idea that you live in another, better area?
The letter was addressed to the Principal and was an after thought to a meeting held at Longwood School as between myself, Trustee Heredia, the New Principal. Ms. Benson of Personnel Dept and Supt Duran.
Despite assurances made to me in late winter or early spring, the site resident facility has been abandoned to still another use. It had been promised to me that it would be re-opened on August 15th, after a three year struggle ….. in 2006 the original site resident, whose success in reduction of vandalism and graffiti, ( to the extent of a savings of $50,000 per year,) was ‘pushed out’ so that Dr. Vigil; could refurbish the residence building and lease it out at $750 per month, including all utilities and scavenger service…. All to aid the budget ?
That act by Vigil did not work and I struggled with that man for 3 years…. In March 2009 the board finally saw the light….. and expressed desire to re-establish the site resident concept….. Vigil, well practiced at foot dragging repeatedly failed to keep his promises and if you are not aware the subsequent blowup by me resulted in the “My Word” Piece appearing in the Review. It precipitated the removal….. What followed was a struggle to draw attention to the need at Longwood.
Finally there was ANOTHER MEETING IN WHICH IT WAS AGREED TO RE-OPEN THE SITE RESIDENT PROGRAM ON AUGUST 15,
DESPITE UNAMSEWWERED PHONE CALLS….. I WAS SUMMONED TO THE Aug 30th MEETING WERE TO MY AMAZEMENT The RESIDENCE WAS TO BECOME A ‘PARENT CENTER’
THE NEW PRINCIPAL AT Longwood IS NEW TO HUSD AND ALL THE CURRENT TEACHERS ARE NEW TO Longwood IF NOT husd…… IN THEIR PLAN FOR THE USE OF THE BUILDING WHICH WAS INSTALLED, FINALLY IN 1998 AS A RESULT OF THE Longwood Neighborhood task force recommendation in 1994.
In the letter to the principal, of which I sent your husband a copy, I went into great detail of the shortcomings of M & O on the subject of grounds neglect even to the extent of breaking up an act of oral copulation as well as all the other stuff described in the letter to Principal.
As Chair of the of the now defunct Neighborhood Task Force, and since then, I do not ever recall your presence…. your lack of interest was amazing considering your recent claims to having done so much for HUSD.
Lady….. you are an impossible neighbor. You rank right up there with a certain neighbor, a former principal whose career was cut short due to his belligerence when those who worked with him had another idea. His performance at the meetings of the Airport Noise ordinance, of which group I was the elected chairperson and his belligerence at neighborhood task force meetings, a group to which he aspired membership but failed to achieve now reminds me of your own refusal to advise your interpretation of the difference between freedom of speech and ‘license’. With your degree from law school you ought be able to do that service to your readers.
I will file a complaint with Mr. Kurhi because of your published re-action to the courtesy I extended to your husband who might have had at least a passing interest in Longwood when he was a trustee.
September 4th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Mr. Kyle,
This is Larry Booth typing this to you. I am personally asking that you leave me and whatever positions I have held in the past out of your correspondence or postings on this blog site. I could care less what you have to say, and I think that most people who read your drivvle are not interested in me or what I do or don’t do. I do not consider your copy of a letter written to the Longwood principal a necessity for my well being or the value of my home.
I have taken the liberty to use my wife’s entry on to this site because I am not a blogger and don’t intend to become one.
I ask that you not respond to this posting, for it is not necessary, and if you ignore my request then it will show just what a small individual you truly are.
Larry
September 4th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Mr.Kyle,
File any complaint you wish. Since I choose not to use the US mail, or out of respect for your wife, to drive to your home, this blog is the only way that I can communicate with you. Nothing you say or any attempt you make to communicate with my husband is considered a courtesy…it is purely mischief on your part.
I cannot think of any other way to say that you may choose to criticize my postings, disagree with my information or suggestions, without bringing my husband into your scope of comment.
I stand as my own person and as long as you do not refer to my home, my husband or my family…go to it.
You are the one who will end up looking the fool.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
To author of # 50 above:
Temous omnia revelat….. time reveals all things.
Te nosce…. know thyself.
That is ‘latin jive’ as that blog character, Obama new age, described it….
and while enduring that, learn the difference between freedom of speech and license. see definition of license #3a, as seen in Merriam Webster’s collegiate dictionary.
Having meditated on the above, you might come around to apoligize for your reference to me as ‘a bully’ when I dealt with the “Obama new age” assaults upon reputation and character of Mr. Armas.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
with reference to #51 above….. See tempus rather than temous……. o and p are too c;ose on the keyboard….. sorry!
September 5th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Oh no you didnt? Hello Mr. Kyle why you keep on keeping on with my name. You just keep on bringing me back are you afraid of the truth. Look it here again.
JESUS ARMAS is a very poor school board member he is just a rubberstamper..You forget his wife works as the HR director for the district. Mr. Armas is in the clubhouse you know what I mean… Mr. Armas reminds me of someone I know that talks just to hear himself talk. He saids nothing when he speaks he is better for him not to talk he shows he really knows nothing. Now I see why Hayward has been doing bad all these years for someone like him as a city manager. Vote for MS. Walker or Mr. Fitzpatrick.
Mr. Kyle why you keep on using jive latin I thoughts you gave that up long time ago. You are just another bully in your bully pulpit but i sees you are loosing this pulpit to a very intelligent lady Ms. Booth.
Ms. Booth your a smart a lady and the smartest person in here thank you for all your blogs please dont stop I read all you write. Don’t let anyone bully you you just keep writing and we all keep reading what you write. That man is just a stalker to keep hounding you family like that you need to call the police cause if I ever see him near my daughter or grandchildren home droping off letters I will call the police. Stalker is as stalker does..you know what I mean… is scary that a stalker knows your address…Please call the police when you feel threat cause I have before with weirdos that are around my family..especialy since too much crime in Hayward.
Oh again Mr. Armas is no good for anything in Hayward… take that Mr. Kyle
September 5th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Dear Obama Newage,
I hope that what I am about to say does not offend you but I must post my thoughts about Mr. Armas and provide you with some of the history in HUSD.
First as a city manager Mr. Armas did many positive things for Hayward, his skills with personnel were very strong and over all I believe Hayward had good outcomes for its citizens and business owners. I actually believe his skill set would have been much better utilized had he been hired as the superintendent for HUSD. However, his skills as a manager did not do him well in transitioning into a school board member. He was unfamiliar with all of the federal and state regulations that control how school districts do business, there is no room for wheeling and dealing.
With respect to his “conflict of interest”, HUSD board policy and state regulations allow him to become a trustee if his spouse has worked in the district for more than, I believe one year. So yes it is legal. The question is, is it ethical? All may draw their own conclusions regarding that question.
Now for the HUSD history….Board of Education members have traditionally had spouses or other close family relatives working as employees during their time as board members.
1.The Respected Mr. Frumpkin’s “ex” was an employee when he became a trustee and continued to work for HUSD for several years after.
2. Trustee Al Lepore’s son Larry worked for HUSD in maintenace and, either during or soon after his father left the board, became the head of M&O.
3. Numerous board members and administrators within HUSD used the summer youth employment program in the district to place children, grandchildren and other relatives in working positions at the district. Additonally some relatives of board members worked as substitute teachers and in other capacities while they were serving on the board of education.
So this practice of relatives and board members being connected to HUSD at the same time is a longterm practice and one that I don’t think will end any time soon. It is an ethically questionable practice, but unfortunately it “passes muster” leagally.
I hope this bit of information/history helps you to understand what is referred to as “past practices” in HUSD.
September 5th, 2010 at 11:45 am
I am curious. Let’s say someone living at the school gets shot or injured in the performance of his/her duties that will result in permanent disability. Who pays for those costs?
September 5th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Odrn;
Think about workman’s FCompensation. It is I beluve a requirement of employers to provide such coverage. Fire, police, bank tellers, roofers etc…… premiums paid by employers are predicated upon the ‘risk factors’ applicable to the varuious forms of labor.
Fire and police are high risk jons; outside their wo=rkman’s comp coverage, many seek higher amounts of life insurance annd in thosed insances, police and firefighters are classified qs being in high risk occupations and therefor pay higher premiums to protect their families…. tgus higher wages are given by their employers.
September 5th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Obama new age;
Ignorantia non excusat…. “ignorance does not excuse’ your slanderous remarks about Mr. Armas. You do not comprehend the difference between ‘fres speach’ and ‘license’!
I suspect that you believe Latinos are ‘taking too large a piece of the pie’
Again I suggest tou consult your religious advisor or a Psychiatrist. With their help, you might eventuaste to the point that you become a good citizen.
While I have your attention, you advised back in late March, right after Mr. Armas was appointed to the vacancy left behind by Ms. Sarh Gonzales, that you had moved to Oakland….. but more recently you advised of intention to vote here in Hayward. Is there a legal problem that you might soon debvelop in your voting activity? You goota be careful that you do not ruin your reputation !
September 5th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Qdrn.
The site resident program at Longwood school has been dismantled in order to complete installation of another ‘parents center’
Now that the gates are to be opened between 10:00 An and 3:00 Pm od Saturdays and Sundays, as a means of providing an acticity area in size better related to the population of Longwood Winton Grove as suggested by Park and Recreation area set asides established by City of Hayward, thewre will be relief of the shortage of Park Space in this neighborhood. ( Forget Kennedy Park….. the now very heavy vehicular traffic along West A St AND hESPERIAN bLVD, ( tHANKS TO LOSS OF 238 BYPASS) PRECLUSES USE BY LOCAL CHILDREN, WHO IN ANY EVENT WOULD BE COMPETING WITH THOSE WHO COME FROM OUT OFD THE AREA TO ENJOY hard’S MONEY MAKING OPERATION SEEN WITH THE TRAIN, mERRY GO rOUND ETC..tHE FAMILIES SENDING KIDS TO lONGWOOD SCHOOL IN A VERY LARGE SENSE, ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE MONEY NEEDED TO KEEP A KID AT kENNEDY pARK.
nOW THE PROBLEM IS THAT SINCE THE NEED FOR A PARENTS SENTER HAS ‘BOOTED THE SITE RESIDENT, THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN OVERSIGHT IF THE NEED FOR ADULT SUOPERVISION IF NOT PRESENCE IN CASE OF PHYSICAL INJURY.
i AM TOLD THAT tv CAMERAS ARE IN PLACE….. BUT HOW MANY TV MONITORS ARE ON CONSTANCE OBSERVANCE OF THE PLAYGROUND AND WILL THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIME BE WELL SERVED?
nEW PRINCIPAL AND AN ENTIRELY NEW TEACHING STAFF ARE NOW IN PLACE AT lONGWOOD SCHOOL….. BUT NO NEW SIRE RESIDEN BECAUSE OF THE RULES KLAID DOWN ABOUT THE NEED FOR A SERVICE CENTER AND SINCE THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE CLASSROOMS, ( bUSES DELIVER KIDS TO ASSURE THAT LONGWOOD COMPETES WITH cHERRYLAND AS THE LARGEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENTOLLMENTS. WHERE ALL THE OTHER SCHOOLS HAD A CLASSROOM AVAILABLE FOR USE AS A ‘PARENTS CENTER’ lONGWOOD DID NOT. 300 YARDS AWAY SITS THE HELEN TURNER SCHOOL, used as a day care center ???
tHE MOYIVATION …. A VERY LARGE GARANT FROM A CONTRIBUTOT=5R WHO LAID DOWN CONDITIONS FOR YTHE GIFT… WITHOUT FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE lONGWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS.
aNYWAY, WHEN i PRESSED FOR THE sITE RESIDENT i HAD ENVISIONED USE OF THAT PERSON AS OBSERVER AND FIRST RESPONDOR TO INJURY…… NOW WHAT, I DO NOT KNOW!
September 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Look it here small man… Stop using jive latin and stop using jive arguments to make your jive points. Mr. Kyle your post blogs are slanderoes and insulting and bullying.
As I said look it here you all Armas is a lousy school board member he really does not know what he is doing and now i now why cause as Ms. Booth was saying he has no clues on school business and that makes sense. Your boy Armas that makes no sense when he speaks needs to go and needs to take your silent genius Simms with him.
And can you please stop asking around my daughters neighborhood if there is a mom with children and a grandmother in Oakland that does not like Armas. I think you are stalking again. If I find out is you I am calling the police. You are a very little man.
Pay attention little man Mr. Armas is in the clubhouse you know what I mean… He is the only one one the board with a wife on the district working personnel manager and that is not ethical and I still think is corruption.
If your family is on payroll of the district and you are on the school board then you are in the clubhouse …you know what I mean….no matter ethical or legal..you are in the clubhouse..
September 5th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Dear Obama Newage,
If indeed you believe that someone is coming into your daughter’s neighborhood and seeking information about her, her children, or you YOU MUST, FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, CALL THE POLICE. DO NOT WAIT TO SEE IF IT IS WHO YOU SUSPECT. STALKING, BY ANYONE, FOR ANY REASON IS A CRIMINAL ACT.
ASKING NEIGHBORS FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOU OR YOUR FAMILY, REQUIRES THAT THE PERSON HAVE IDENTIFICATION AND HAS A LEGAL RIGHT TO INQUIRE.
NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO THE LAW, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR PURPOSE MAY BE TO GAIN INFORMATION;
REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY. I WORRY FOR YOU AND YOURS.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Obama new age; Arfter reasing tour scribbels with all that wit and understanding of local politics displayed by yourself, I can understand why you were unable to make it into the role of President of The Hayward Chapter of the NAACP. You would have embarassed the community. You would never have qualified for that “Club House!”
Who were you rooring for to take the seat now occupied by Mr. Armas? You did not start contributing to the blog, if you can call any of your trash mouth activity a contribution.
You publicly insinuate that I have been asking around your neighborhood … I will file a complaint with the Daily Review…. you are not a decent person and your attempt to sully my name will bre brought to the attention of law enforcement as well as Daily Review!
Nice thought that you aoppear to admit living in Oakland where you intend to vote for Armas….. you violate election law with that one!
September 5th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Obama Newage:
Please I urge you to do whatever is necessary to protect you and your family. Do not let anyone change your mind with threats or anything else. It is up to the police to determine if your fears and suppositions are valid.
September 5th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Obama Newage;
I don’t believe that you directly accused anyone of committing the act of stalking and what your posting said does not rise to the level of a prosecutable issue. So far you have done an excellent job of avoiding responding to trash talk from others who may choose to voice their opinions on this blog. Continue to do so and you will walk on the right side of life.
September 6th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Booth,
You admit not having presented yourself to take the NBar exam…..yet you offer advice and counsel in a very serious matter4….. I intend to seek legal counsel as soon as I return from out of town visit.
I believe your name worthy of discussion when visiting legal counsel.
Enough of your meddling when you too fail understanding of the difference between freedom of speech and license!
September 6th, 2010 at 9:12 am
John Kyle,
You do not scare me in the least with your threats. I did not give legal advice, I simply encouraged a community member to seek assistance if they felt that their personal safety or that of their family was at risk. To simply say I did not think what this person’s fears or suppostitins were was not an act worthy of police investegations is no more than an opinion. I offered no legal advice, you idiot!!!!
If you wish to waste money seeking a way to silence me and my opinions John Kyle…go for it. In no way did I use lisencious language in my posting. Good trip and good luck in your latest venture to become King of the HayWord blog.
By the way, when you meet with this attorney, be sure to get the spelling of my name correctly, I wouldn’t want any other person being spoken of or reported by you to suffer your endless pursuit of Kingdom.
September 6th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Mr. Kuhri,
When I first began reading and then posting on this blog I thought it was a way for people who share a common interest in HUSD’s sad state of affairs to communicate.
I believed it was a place where poster’s could share opinions,share frustrations, make observations, seek information, ask questions,share ideas and give suggestions in a small attempt to find ways to help solve some of the problems in HUSD.
Instead, one individual,in particular, has and is using it as a personal vehicle to denegrate people’s postings, make personal attacks on their intellect and mental stability, divulge personal information, refer to family members not posting on this site, threaten with references to legal actions..just to name a few.
If, indeed, this blog is to be a way for the greater Hayward community to communicate, it is failing. I will admit that I cannot ignore personal attacks on me or my family, or tasteless and hurtful comments about other posters, and have at time monopolized this space to refute or rebuke this individual. For the most part I have attempted to deal with issues that directly relate to HUSD and the students.
I ask you to consider if this is really the place for one individual to find their path to Pack Leader of The HayWord blog. If you cannot find some way to limit such behavior I believe that eventually this voice for the community will simply be eliminated from their list of resources. I hope that some modicum of civility will be your goal so that this valuable resource may continue.
September 6th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Dear Mr. Kurhi,
I would appreciate if you can enlighten us on this matter. I like this forum, with one exception. I, as many others probably do, tried to ignore “his” comments. I may not contribute to the blog with much, but I take a lot. I appreciate the stimulating dialog, and would like to continue participating or simply reading, however, as this blogger continue his harassment to other participants, my interest diminishes. Please do something about this unsupportable situation. Thank you.
September 6th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Well, I just delved into the agenda for HUSD and under tutors I find two persons with the last name of Armas who have been hired for positions in the school district. If one of these people is Mrs. Armas, she should not as a supervisor be getting paid extra to help the students out. I don’t know who this other Armas is, but it would be interesting to see who hired this person and how. Gosh, I only looked at the first part of the agenda.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
As Mrs. Booth mentioned in a previous posting, nothing is new in regards of employing relatives, most likely the tutors are related to the Armas family. Cozy. Maybe the Armas are close friends of the leadership at that school. HUSD seems to be one big happy family!
September 6th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
to Qodrn and Lucy’s Mom,
Qodrn, you beat me to the punch! Yes, I believe those two Armas names belong to Mr.& Mrs. Jesus Armas, unless I am hallucinating, they are their children.
Again, legal? Technically. Ethical? It sure doesn’t feel like it. It almost smacks of arrogance, since sevral community members and Mr. Reynoso have shown so much concern over a conflict of interest in board members and HUSD employees being related. I’ll be curious to see if anybod raises this at Wednesday’s meeting.
By the way did anybody look at the minutes? I think the DO needs to buy some new software, it seems that the button for spell/grammar check does not exist on the computer used for typing the minutes. It is a very poor example of an educational institution to have is official minutes contain so many careless errors. This is especially true since our English teachers and classroom teachers expend so much effort teaching the standards in spelling, proper word usage and puctuation. WHERE ARE THE “STANDARDS” FOR MATERIALS PUBLISHED BY THE DO?
September 7th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
To K. Rocchio and others,
I finally received a response from the First Amendment Coalition regarding the boards “bundling” of agenda items not contained in the consent calendar section.
According to the Coalition, unless the board’s bylaws specifically state they may “bundle” regular action items they cannot do it.
Additionally, if the “bundling” in any way prevented the community from commenting on the item it was a violation of the Brown Act, Public Meeting Law.
In the case of 2 of the three items that were bundled, unless there were speaker cards submitted prior to the item, as in the case of the Adult School Calendar, the general audience was prevented from commenting on the other two items in the “bundle”.
As is often the case, members of the public listen to the Administrative presentation, the board questions and then decide they want to comment on an item and they submit a comment card during the discussion. Since there was no presentation and no board questions/discussion, anyone present could not submit a card “on the spot” to speak…thus eliminating public participation and violating the Brown Act.
So for what it is worth, once again the public was excluded from the proces and denied an understanding of the item.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
It’s been a busy weekend. I hope everyone enjoyed some time off with their families.
To Lucy’s Mom – Regarding Parent Centers – I am really holding out hope. I remember the Board Meeting last year when we found out there was $250,000 “carved out” for these rooms and now with the AmeriCorps Grant in the amount of $1.2 million HUSD has made a commitment to have matching funds. Perhaps someone can clarify for me … Grant of $1.2 million over 3 years equals $400,000/year. HUSD must match funds to qualify. When this was approved 2 weeks ago the discussion stated that the District would be able to match $400,000 by the 3rd year. Don’t we have to match the $400,000 each year? Is there really this much funding going to the Categorical Fund Parent Involvement? The Parent Centers I have seen sit empty about 90% of the time. I’ve also heard of knitting classes, jewelry making, etc. taking place in these rooms. I would be interested to hear if any school has seen an increase in parent involvement that warrants this type of spending.
Kathi Booth – thank you for your follow-up. While I was unable to attend the last Board Meeting, I had voiced my concerns to the Trustees via email prior to the meeting. This rarely generates any sort of response, but at least it makes me feel I have been able to “speak”. I only wish more members of the community would share their concerns and suggestions. However, what I see instead are families fleeing our schools in search of better opportunities for their children. Sad, but true.
I would love to hear how any of the candidates following this forum feel about the Parent Centers, truancy, Board conduct, etc.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
If we are going to bundle stuff, why have a meeting at all? Just have the board rubber stamp it and go on…
September 9th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Well I was not sure if I was watching a board meeting or a reality tv program last night. If one was able to sift through the bashing and smashing between board members and really contemplate what was being discussed, they may have found some bits of information. I must admit it was a painful process for the viewers.
To Ms. Rocchio,
Thank you for raising the issue of the conduct of the board members as it relates to the impression that is given to our students. If I interpreted your comments correctly, I believe that you chastized them as a whole group, and if that is the case, then I support your views completely. For while Mr. Reynoso’s outbursts and argumentative and caustic style seems to dominate, the rest of those sitting as elected officials do not have “clean hands”.
As a “compulsive viewer” I am able to observe the entire board, and quite frankly they ALL need some lessons in proper decorum. Not only are they rude to each other, they are rude to the public.
To carry on side conversations while the public, or a colleague is speaking is an unacceptable practice and delivers the message that “they/I am not interested in what you have to contribute”.
To roll ones eyes or blatantly laugh during the comments of a colleague or a member of the public is rude.
For the president of the board to constantly talk over a colleague’s comments and engage in a “tit for tat” is unprofessional.
To make snide and demeaning comments regarding a fellow colleague is unprofessional and unbecoming.
For 3 of the board members to walk out of the meeting during the “board comments” of one member is rude and childish behavior.
It is clear to me that the current president of the board, has often allowed the superintendent to direct him in conducting the meeting. Which is why I beleve that the superintendent should be seated separate from the board as a whole.
SUCH BEHAVIOR IS CHILDISH! It is not good role modeling for our youth.
I will be curious to see the minutes of this most recent meeting. The board voted on a motion regarding corrections to the minutes that DID NOT CONTAIN THE WORDS OF THE MAKER,AND CHANGED THE INTENT OF THE MAKER’S MOTION. As a viewer and a member of the public, I am now confused…does the requirement to correct the minutes in written form pertain to the public or is it still a requirement for board members only?? When the board votes on a motion that contains a clerk’s edited version of the maker’s words is it binding? Did Mr. Armas change his mind about his motion and somehow send a message to the clerk to indicate she could edit his words?
I realize that the above is just a minor bleep in the entire meeting but I am concerned that HUSD is not following Roberts Rules of Order. I thought that a motion must be recorded using the exact words of the maker. Somebody help me with answers to my questions please.
September 9th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Kathi,
I was absolutely addressing the entire Board, as well as the Superintendent. I was embarrassed for each of them. Any Trustee who sits silently by and allows this behavior to continue, or rolls their eyes or thinks “not me” is equally responsible. They are one panel that represents HUSD and it reflects poorly on each member. I know that it is difficult not to get caught up in the moment during a heated debate, but please conduct your business with integrity. Your points above are well made.
As I pointed out last night, and I would imagine Mr. Kurhi witnessed this as well, the students were watching. A few were taking notes and when the banter started with the first agenda item they literally appeared stunned at what they were hearing. I hate to think that the adults in the community have come to expect nothing more from this governing body, but to see it through the eyes of a child it was very revealing.
I did have to leave early, so I will check on the other comments once I am able to see the remainder of the meeting. Did any candidate speak other than Audie Bock? I know there were a few in the room.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
To K. Rocchio,
No other candidate spoke last night. Perhaps they were as confused as everyone else.
Ms. Freddye Davis spoke at the end of the meeting and essentially tore into Mr. Reynoso, as if he were the only person acting in an inapproprite way. She threatened to bring other community members to take him on also. Then under board comments, Armas and Frumpkin thanked her so much for her support and encouraged the public to come and voice their objections too.
It’s as if they cannot leave their dislikes for Mr. Reynoso at the door. Personally, I fault Mr. Frumpkin for not being able to keep himself under check. I have sent numerous, unanswered, letters to him reminding him that it takes two to cause the chaos that occurs during the meetings. Additionally, I have stressed what poor role models he and his colleagues are.
I have pointed out that he lets his absolute “hatred” for Mr. Reynoso interfere with his role as the president. His desires to make Mr. Reynoso look the fool by lecturing him and “educating” about the business of education, in tones that imply Mr. Reynoso is ignorant, are as uncalled for as anything Mr. Reynoso says or does.
Ms. Duran, Ms. Herredia, Mr. Armas and Ms. Sims are very good examples of passive aggressiveness.
Fihnally, does anyone know when there will be an update regarding the budget and where HUSD is in reducing the deficit that is leading to state take over? There was no mention of it during the meeting last night. Has the problem somehow gone away?
September 9th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
I see no mention in Hayword about the election in San Leandro. There was a candidates meet and greet on Wednesday and no coverage. What gives?
September 9th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
To Michael Moore:
This blog covers the greater Hayward community. If you are looking for info on San Leandro I suggest that you ask Mr. Kuhri for some assistance. On the other hand if you need to see a school district that functions worse than yours, welcome and enjoy the postings.
September 10th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Blog Readers;
Ain’t it amazing…. here it is just 0:40 am By my watch and I discover that the ‘DOMINATOR’ HAS POSTED NO LESS THAN 27 ITEMS TO THE BLOG SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF SEPTEMBER….. I LOST COUNT IN AUGUST BUT KNOW THAT IT EAQSILY EXCEEDED A DOZEN BY MID-AUGUST.
ONE WONDERS ABOUT HOW SHE FINDS TIME TO LIGHT UP ANOTHER CIGARETTE….???
September 10th, 2010 at 9:47 am
BLOG READERS… SUCH A LONG POST AT # 79 AND MY HASTE SAW AN ERROR THE TIME I COMMENCED WRITING THAT WAS AT 9:40 am NOT 0:40…
September 10th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Welcome back John W. Kyle…
I suggest you watch the repeat of the last board meeting. You have now become the subject of a “complaint” for your behavior in your neighborhood.
Until such time as the other people communicating on this blog say that the Dominator, as you choose to refer to me, needs to cease posting I will continue to provide information and opinions.
September 10th, 2010 at 11:59 am
i WAYTCHED AS WELL AS HEARD…..
HAD YOU BOTHRED TO READ THAT WHICH i SENT YOUR HUSBAND, YOU MIGHT HAVE LEARNED WHAT THAT IS AKLL ABOUR AND AS A CONSEQUENCE SAVED YOURSELRF THE EMRassment of ptroving that which I said abiout your attempt to be dominant in aklkl matters invoving HUSD.
ASs to any other readers of your post # 81 above that makes it #28 for the nonth of September. I hope your ash tray supply is sufficient to permit you to protect your home from fire mishap! to say nothing of your husband’s health.
September 10th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Ms. Booth I like your blogs keep writing. Don’t care if you write millions your writing is very smart. ms. Booth what hapens now that the California Attorney general said that Mr. Armas as a board member can’t have his family working for the school district? Why did the school board put Armas in there whene the law said not to do that when his wife was working there and now when i watch the video his son and daughter were hired to work for the district now that sounds lawless
Mr. Kyle grow up little man stop harasing Ms. Booth and her family. God is watching you behave..you all know what I mean……Oh and Jesus Armas is a lousy know nothign board you know what I mean…you need to train your boy Mr. Armas on how to be on the board and not keep hiring his relatives.
September 10th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
So clever you are!!!!! Such a comedic sense you have. Are you practicing for Last Comic Standing????? Just watch the board replay…..Now I have posted 29 times. You poor pathetic representative of the Catholic/Christian community. Remember the verse/quote “Love thy neighbor as thyself”? You must really hate yourself lately.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
The ‘judge’ has nothing to do in the way of housework? ….such an imperious, judgemental and wasted life….
September 10th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
I’m not sure what is worse,
The board of education meeting or the “dialogue” going on here,
I for one, will stop visiting until such a time when the postings go back to the important issues,
September 10th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Mr. Hernandez;
Good for you! Where have you been?
See # 59 above by ‘Obama new age’ who falsely accusesme of ‘stalkintg her daughter! The lady is ending me to a law office appointment in near future!
Neither obama new age nor k. Booth have taken the challenge of presenting an answer to this questiohn; Do you understand the difference betqween ‘Freedom of Speech’ and ‘License’?
Obama new age has since the appointment of Mr.Armas accused him of all sorts of illicit activity…… Armas apparently wired his appointment through ‘membership in a club’ Booth defends # 59…. on what basis? As a person who did not take the bar exam after’earning a law degree’ she practices law in support of Obama new age, by proscri9bing actions to be taken against me!
In the meantime my effort to see creation of a ‘town hal’ meetimng goes into stagnation because of the false accustaio!
Mr. Kurhi’s bosses are dragging their feet on a decision about certain entries placed in the blog!
September 10th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Mr Kyle – is chasing people away from this blog is your objective then it appears you are achieving your goal. Why does it matter to you how many times anyone posts. Perhaps Mr. Kyle Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum – The great thing is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet
September 10th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Mr Kyle – is chasing people away from this blog is your objective then it appears you are achieving your goal. Why does it matter to you how many times anyone posts. Perhaps Mr. Kyle Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum (The great thing is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet – see you’re not the only one who knows latin jive)
September 10th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
To Fernando Hernandez,
If you can wade through the sludge you will find many good ideas from contributors as well as some opinions and observations.
Many of us have attempted to refrain from responding to Mr. Kyle, however his personal attacks and his release of personal information, have caused me to respond, in my last posting, in a less than curteous manner.
I certainly hope that you will find the time to contribute to the blog. I, and I am sure others, would like to hear from you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this response.
September 10th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
To all my critics…. bring your attention to the efforts of Obama New Age wyhose scribbles go beyond decency when she cast muich in the way of negative remarks about Mr. Armas…… the woman does not understand the difference between Freedom of speech and License……. no one contrubuting to this blog has the right to free speech when that effort is directed to the idea of robbing a man of his hard earned reputation.
Now, in #59 above she accusses me of ‘stalking’ her daughter…. that matter will be presented to an attorny! Complaints to Review have been passed up the line to his bosses who are reviewing the matter. Shoukld they refuse to ban Obama New age, they will then be asked to reveal her identity or take responsibility for her remarks.
Given the overall quality of contributions, especially those authored by folks hiding behing ‘nom de plume’ who feel no need to distinguish between Freedom of sp-eech and licentious speech.
So it is with ‘Obama new age’ who in the above material
casts much in the way of negativity upon Mr. Aremas….
if new to the blog….see items #28,#41, ansd #48 above…. then to catch up, read the lengthy list of comments under Kurhi’s topics such as 2 for one and four for 2 (?) in which there were over 100 contributions including my discussion anbout the Town Hall meeting concept.
September 11th, 2010 at 9:54 am
To Obama newage,
Please check the comments section on Mr. Kuhri’s latest article on this site. I have attempted to give you my opinion on the Attorney General’s docucment.