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By Bill WeaverNovember 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--We who simply wish for an honorable Grossmont Union High School District are one step forward, and two steps backward with this GUHSD and Governing Board of Trustees once again. Over this past summer, with the votes occurring on July 14th, and actions continuing in September and October, the GUHSD Board has been less than honorable.
If the GUHSD Board had asked of its Superintendent (Ralf Swenson), and of its Assistant Superintendent (Scott Patterson, District Business Manager) to provide a properly prepared, comprehensive, and transparent study of our 12th High School operational costs; to bring forth reports that analyze a detailed HS12 budget with anticipated startup shortfalls, that also reviews potential ways to make up (or try to) these shortfalls, then perhaps I wouldn't be labeling this GUHSD Board as dishonorable. The above needs to be performed, and openly vetted with the public in a forum that includes a panel occupied by all board members and key, or cabinet level staff. This forum should provide give and take dialogue, to take place with the voters of Prop U, with the public.
I can’t imagine a private sector board of directors embarking on a project the size and scope of this one, without a detailed business plan and operational budget. In a project funded and authorized by voters, these should be subject to public comment. The recent Boundary Committee report is very positive on HS12 viability, demographic wise.
The HS12 operational costs have been put up on the chopping block, as the main reason to chop and kill the start of HS12 project's first phase of building construction. There is "0" supporting data that makes a credible case for that action, there is only innuendo, and conjecture. The data this decision is being based on is conjured up in Board Member Jim Kelly’s crystal ball, shared with his usual block-voting cohorts. Board member Kelly didn’t need data to help him decide, he actually walked out of the Boardroom during the introduction of the Boundary Committee report, a rude and disrespectful action, even if Mr. Kelly had a valid reason.
The recent Los Coches Creek Middle School hosted GUHSD Boundary Committee forum took place two weeks ago. It was well attended with over 20 community speakers taking the podium to address the issues of boundary realignment, and also weighing in on the HS9 vs. HS12 plans. Of course, HS12 was not on the table for discussion, so many of us weren't sure just what was on the table to be discussed, and vetted. Seemed more like a "my [GUHSD] way or the highway" forum for non-wanted input.
It is interesting to note that when serious community concerns were offered for the Governing Board’s advisory use, like “Why was all the positive 12th high school data in the BC demographic analysis of Vince O’Hara totally ignored.” The posture taken by the GUHSD Superintendent Ralf Swenson, and the GUHSD Governing Board President Rob Shield was defensive rather than receptive. Ralf Swenson spoke at the beginning, and also during the event. Then Rob Shield, Bd. President addressed the crowd, after all speakers had finished. It should be noted; The BC HS12 demographic data has never been publicly discussed in any open dialog forum.
The facts seem to say the HS 12 project is a winner for the GUHSD, with some short-term operational budget obstacles that must, and should be addressed. These have not been, but should be, seriously studied because they are not insurmountable. The current GUHSD Administration and Governing Board are inclined to ignore the positive data, and hit the easy button, the do nothing button, choosing to close their eyes to avoid seeing the facts as they are. They refuse to discuss the demographers statistically credible predictions of the HS12 being the best option for boundary consideration!
We are the losers because our elected School Board members do not have to acknowledge the facts, or even openly discuss their own Boundary Committee's data details, or answer to anybody... So now what? We all must be more proactive, participate, and jump in to advocate. More people and voters need to demand accountability.
The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
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