Not that I would in a million years suggest that there are dinosaurs running the show at the district, but trying to nudge the school board and administration toward the 21st century has been about as fruitful as it would likely be to get a steadfast brontosaurus to move over.
While the Jurassic Period (208-146 Million Years Ago) is a long way off, we seem to be slipping back at least toward the Dark Ages with the district's abandonment of the primary music program.
The name 'Jefferson' brings to the minds of most Americans images of innovators and forefathers who pioneered new ways of thought and self-government. Innovation is something I have yet to witness from the current board.
Individuality and dissent also seem to be lacking with our board. Two articles in local newspapers pointed out that the approval of the budget and music cut was unanimous. This is nothing new. I have observed the board act in no other way than unanimously. Every motion is seconded and the subsequent vote never includes even one 'Nay'.
With the vote in question, the board has unanimously indicated that over half of the district's students are not worthy of investing one-tenth of the over half-million dollars in unappropriated reserve in the general fund. The entire general reserve with the adopted budget is over $1.3 million, so the amount in question is less than five percent of the general reserve balance. This does not include monies annually stashed away for future buses, special education and other funds.
Board member, Debbie Wingo admits that the preservation of high API scores is a motivating factor in the board's decision to cut the music program. Jefferson schools have received cash bonuses for their performance on the API. Sounds like they're trying to run a corporation, not a school district.
Mrs. Wingo also says she thinks the district has done a good job in bringing the budget in line. I beg to differ. I suggest that the district has failed their primary objective of providing the best education possible for the students. They have denied students funding for core curricula defined by the state and federal governments, and have thus robbed the children of their opportunity to expand their potential.
With regard to the issue of investing in a grant specialist, the feeble excuses offered by the board as to why they would not support it are nothing more than a pile of - well - dinosaur dung. 'What if we qualify but don't have the ideal profile?' or 'We'd have to pay a commission if we got the grant.' To these I say, "You can't win if you don't play." and "So what - the commission would be less than the grant!"
Other excuses included 'Some grants require matching funds' to which I would say, "Don't apply for such grants if not prepared to do the matching." Here's another: 'Some grants are pro-rated requiring the district to take over the funding burden.' The obvious answer: "Get another grant."
Board President R.G. Fagin said, "I'm not saying there aren't grants out there, but they are going to be few and far between." Where are your facts to back this statement up, Mr. Fagin? There are millions of dollars in grants for which the district would qualify and could very well receive. Why aren't we applying for these? Wouldn't it be in the best interests of the students if we were?
Back to the present (the 21st century), last year when my first child entered Kindergarten at Hawkins, my business offered to freely host and administer a Web site for my son's school. The district wanted four Web sites, and given their lack of a response to our proposal, apparently felt that one free Web site wasn't good enough. So this year I told the board and Superintendent Ed Quinn that we would donate four free Web sites. I felt this was the best way to get the technology to the students the fastest. I also offered to write custom software (for free) to assist in searching the Internet for grants that would be applicable to the district. The district has yet to take me up on these offers.
It so happens that three of the seats on the board are up for election this November. R.G. Fagin, Todd Wetherell and Jeff Allen currently hold these positions. As I understand it, Mr. Wetherell will not seek re-election. This ensures one open position and two incumbents.
Michelle Mercer gave an outstanding presentation to the board in support of the music program being considered and funded as part of the core curricula, as defined by both the State of California and the federal government. She is seeking the open board position and I support her bid for it - not only because of her support for music, but her willingness to consider ideas other than her own.
This leaves Mr. Allen and Mr. Fagin. At the meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Allen expressed an interest in further exploring the grant workshop information that had been presented to the board. If looks could kill, those shot at him by Mr. Fagin and other board members would have left Mr. Allen sprawling on the floor. The glares resulted in an awkward silence lasting several seconds. Mr. Allen has previously displayed a reasonableness to me that makes me hopeful for his cooperation, and thus willing to support his re-election.
Unfortunately, with all due respect for Mr. Fagin and all that he has done for the district, I am sorry to say that I cannot in good conscience support a re-election bid by him. I am unconvinced that having him continue to serve on the school board would be in the best interests of the students. He has not demonstrated an open mind willing to consider new ideas. As such, I feel I have no choice but to oppose him in November. Therefore, although the official filing period does not begin until July 15th, to borrow a line from the movie, "The American President," "My name is Dan Wells, and I'm running for the school board."
As a refreshing change for the district residents, I will act as a true statesman in accordance with the wishes of my constituency and return to the parents the voice to which we are entitled.
Dan Wells is a homeowner and parent in the Jefferson School District. His web site is: wellsforjefferson.org.