( The candidates discussing an issue that doesn't seem to come up much in Simi Valley: Vouchers. The question is more of an ideological litmus test when you consider that this isn't going to be on the agenda of the board. A more pertinent question would be about expanding charter schools or relations with the Ventura County Board of Education. 4 of of the 6 candidates were clearly against vouchers. What questions do you want these candidates to answer?)
I went to the Simi Valley School Board debate tonight at city hall.
First, sorry about getting the time wrong. It was at 5PM. I apologize if I caused anybody to miss it.
On the way in I saw Ray Cruz's bus and van in the parking lot. Here is a photo:
As I got closer I snapped a photo of some Ray Cruz supporters standing outside with his signs:
Inside city hall chambers it was a pretty tame affair. Nothing too unexpected was said from the candidates.
Here is a brief run down of a few statements or ideas from each candidate:
Brad Jashinsky:
We need new technology. Schools are archaic and look like something out of the 1950's or 1960's. Brad spoke about schools using webgrades ( which some schools do ) and posting homework online ( which some schools do ) as a way of connecting schools and families. He is a strong supporter of protecting and expanding programs at Santa Su High School.
Rob Collins:
Ron said he has the experience we need and this is no time for on the job training. The current board is working together unlike it has in the past and wants to continue as a team. Really against vouchers.
Janice Difatta:
The current board has worked together on many issues and looks forward to working with them. Grimaced a few times at statements from other candidates, including Brad's comments about a "new" energy savings plan. I put new in quotes because they disputed how long the district has been doing it. I know there has been an energy czar position for a few years, but I don't know if he was talking about something else.
Debbie Sandland:
She has been on the board for many years and would like to continue with the current board and is thankful for the opportunity it has given her. She takes many trips to see the many schools in the area. She is strongly against vouchers. Debbie also explained that she is in favor of the current options for 6th graders. She ran in an earlier campaign when that was a top priority.
A candidate that didn't get his candidate statement in:
I will put in his thoughts when he gets his candidate statement sent into me. The program for the night said he didn't submit a statement. Maybe I am being harsh, but if you want to have us take the time to discuss your policy views, then show us you are taking this seriously. I will post your candidate statement, website URL, and any videos you have as soon as you send them in. I look forward to posting them for you. You have many talents that will serve you well in life. Make sure to stay involved after the election.
Raymond Cruz:
Ray has refocused his campaign from divisive social issues like creationism that came up in the last election and is instead focusing on the drop out rate and the expulsion rate. He does support vouchers and was criticized by many of the other candidates for this position. He brochure mentions his involvement in Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley and the endorsement of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee.
I found it odd he hasn't switched the words he uses like much of the conservative movement in America. Many supporters of teaching creationism now call it "intelligent design" and many supporters of vouchers now call it "school choice".
I spoke with Ray outside the event very briefly and although we likely don't agree on very many policies, he is very friendly. His involvement in church life shows in his daily life. In his last election I took a few videos of him that I have posted below.
Ray did show up with the most supporters by far. The parking lot had a bus, a van, and more vehicles with his campaign signs on them. He looks like he is putting much more effort into his campaign this time.
I talked to a few candidates about campaign finance and they directed me to the county government website to learn more. Click here to see some of the campaign finance reports. I tried using it to look up current information but I am done with it for now. The information seems to be out of date and not organized in an easy to use way. The most recent report has been downloading for a few minutes and at this rate I will finish the entry before it is done. What's wrong with html reports? If you find anything interesting in there let me know.
There were many responses to questions I am not going to write about. If you went to the debate and want to share what I left out, by all means post a comment. I saw a few people that post on my blog there including Mike Chandler of VoteSimiValley.com. Mike, I know your video quality is much higher than mine. I use a digital camera with a video feature whereas you actually have proper equipment. Do you have the ability to post the debate in full? I am going to leave it up to you and others to share their thoughts on the debate. My report is not meant to be conclusive.
Do you know how you are going to cast your three votes? This is a unique blog entry. Instead of a writer trying to convince you to support a cause or a candidate I am asking you to convince me.
I have my thoughts on the different candidates and I am familiar with most of the issues that they bring up. But I haven't finalized my three votes. Please leave your suggestions and picks as a comment. Make sure to explain how you are going to vote and why.
Thanks for the help.
I like to look at the bumper stickers on cars in the parking lots of debates. I don't know if they were attending the debate but I saw this Mike Judge supporter's vehicle which included a McCain/Palin sticker, a NRA sticker, and a Mike Judge sign showing his unique URL: JudgementSV.com
Mike, feel free to put up a link to the entry where you answered questions here on this blog.
As a disclaimer I am an employee of SVUSD. Take whatever bias you want to assume from that statement.
In the past, before I was an employee of SVUSD, I walked a few precincts for Rob Collins. I haven't made up my mind on how to cast all three of my votes this year but he has earned my vote in the past.
I'm FOR vouchers IF it is mandatory that every school, public or private, accept them and the students that use them, without qualification.
Ray Cruz is obviously a member of the Christian Coalition and he wants to promote the extremist position of the VCRCC, he wants creationism taught in schools, vouchers and the destruction of the public school system. We decry this kind of extremism with the Taliban and we should decry it here.
Thank you Brian for coming out to the debate. Thank you everyone else who came to the debate as well. It was great answering questions, talking with parents afterwards, and hearing the other candidates answers.
A few of my feelings about the debate:
1. The incumbents and Ray Cruz really just didn't answer the questions completely. I wish the moderator would have called them on it more, because they would be asked a question about one thing and then just start stating their qualifications or opinions on a different topic. Yes, everyone puts a bit of political spin on things, but I answered every question as directly as possible without veering off course. The incumbents just sort of banded together talking about their qualifications and the past instead of addressing the future and their plans to address these very legitimate concerns parents had at the event.
2. My highlight of the night was Janice DiFatta's and Debbie Sandland's lie about not waiving over 85 students Algebra requirement in 2004 to allow them to graduate even if they failed Algebra class. DiFatta started yelling at me, and calling me a liar when there are documented newspaper articles about the exchange from the Ventura County Star. I found it outrageous how they wouldn't remember the vote. When I did mention it DiFatta also said the board carefully considered each student's position. Another lie since they approved them all at the same meeting, and with little debate even though there was outrage at the time. Here's the article to help them remember how they voted: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-118319695.html
3. The technology plan I talked about needs to be implemented district wide, because at the present students do not have an online portal where they along with their parents can find out homework that's due, projects that are coming, online tutorials, a forum to discuss work with other classmates, up to date grades, etc. Parents at the event were very excited about this plan, and agreed that it would boost test scores, help them connect with their student, and more. Sure some teachers have different systems that are in use that provide some of these features in a limited way, but the vast majority of students don't have this system in place.
If this is the extent of the online debate about Simi Valley Schools, then the incumbents have once again controlled the debate and should win handily.
That's an interesting comment, Texastract. I had originally intended to release some sound bytes from the school board forum, but now I think I'll publish the whole video.
Brad -
Welcome to running for the Simi Valley School Board. You have great ideas --- but alas, few voters will vote for you - because the majority of the voters don't care what's going on in our schools. It is sad --- many candidates before have tried to "shake things up" - but the Union is so strong in Simi - you can't overcome it.
The school district, the union, and most of the personnel (starting right at the top of the district and her head hunchos) don't want change --- They love DiFatta and Sandland, because they can control them (always have, always will). They don't have an original thought or idea that will help move this district into the future. Oops sorry - lets mention Sandland's "folk song" program to make the bullies stop being "bullies". Woohoo!
As far as the waivers - yep-they sure did that. Please understand - they want to make sure our graduation rate stays high, regardless if the kids are ready to be passed on or not - get them out of the system. Now - some of those students absolutely deserved waivers -- but 85 kids and approved all in one night -- how much homework did the board members really do?
Technology - please! Most teachers in the elementary schools only use their 2 to 3 computers (if they are working at all) - for kids to play games on.
Brad - I want to commend you on your campaign and for stepping forward to try and make changes that are in the best interest of the kids in Simi Valley.
Re: Sue
Thank you for the compliments about my ideas, and my campaign. This campaign has been an eye-opener on how much is spent on a local school board election, which is an amount so high that it's honestly quite sad. The 3 incumbents are in a lot of ways just props to their donors, and then Ray Cruz has been propped up by the Republican party who are throwing a great amount of help to him. Donations are a part of any campaign, but these amounts and the sources of the these donations for a school board election are quite eye-opening.
People have said I should have taken help from the Democratic party, but I've just really felt that this should truly be a non-partisan race. Depending on a whole lot of factors I could possibly see a Bloomberg type self-financed run in the coming years. That would be a great thing to be a part of since that's the only way true change will be made instead of change motivated by donors. The sad part is we see these teachers support signs all over yet teachers, aides, and staff are some of the people who I talk to who are the most unhappy with how the schools are running.
That all being said past elections have been incredibly close even for the well funded and well backed incumbents. So I'm outspent by thousands of dollars yet I'm still getting calls from voters, emails from voters, and recognized around town. So maybe the underdog can pull it off. I know I'm not quitting on our students, and anyone who supports please just email a few local friends to do a small thing that can spread the word.
Brad,
You may not know this, but Difatta is a former PTA president. The PTA forum is hardly an open forum which is why the moderator didn't press the incumbents. Had the moderator gone after Difatta to make her answer questions, she probably wouldn't have been invited to the post debate party at Difattas home with her PTA friends.
Simi Valley voters don't know the truth, ansd don't seem to care.
Brad,
You may not know this, but Difatta is a former PTA president. The PTA forum is hardly an open forum which is why the moderator didn't press the incumbents. Had the moderator gone after Difatta to make her answer questions, she probably wouldn't have been invited to the post debate party at Difattas home with her PTA friends.
Simi Valley voters don't know the truth, and worse don't seem to care.
Brad,
Congratulations on your campaign and best of luck on election day. Anyone that can get Janice Difatta to call them a liar publicly is OK in my book.
What do you make of the fact that education is a non-issue in our presidential election? While there certainly are big stories worthy of attention, workforce competitiveness through education isn't even on the radar.
As evidenced by this story, it seems we are losing the battle: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27336656/
There are some districts in the country that get it and are putting programs to stop dropout rates, making school more compelling than the alternatives. I'd like to hear your thoughts on a vision for Simi schools where they are driving the new green economy, instead of getting run over by it.
Thanks again, and good luck.
Tim Keaney
Sue -
If you have such a problem with the school board and district, why don't you run? If the district is so bad - why don't the city leaders take a stand. They seem to be fine with the school board. I bet their kids go to the schools! So don't you think if there was a problem - they would speak up!!
I think Sue actually ran in 2002.
Brad,
What do you think the Republican Party wants from Raymond Cruz if he gets elected? Could it be they just agree with him on issues?
Re: Brian
1. What do you think the Republican Party wants from Raymond Cruz if he gets elected? Could it be they just agree with him on issues?
They want influence just like every other donor that donates a lot of money to a political candidate. You've written about their efforts to target the Conejo Valley School Board elections as well: http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/dennert/archives/2008/07/republican-part.html
I'm not only pointing fingers at the Republicans as Democrats, unions, construction companies, etc. are all donating lots of money to local elections. The union endorsed the incumbents and donated to them before they even talked to other candidates. If I was them I'd do the same thing to gain influence, because getting influence at the local level is often more powerful in getting things accomplished than at the state or federal level.
I'm also not saying it's wrong to take donations from them, but I wanted to mention just how eye-opening it is to see how much money is spent on what is supposed to be a non-partisan election that benefits our children. As a first time political candidate I found it quite interesting.
Brad,
Please stay on topic. What does the Republican Party want from SVUSD?
Before you say that their money is dirty, please explain how they could profit at all. Until then I think we should assume he is a cultural conservative and they are supporting his values. Is there anything wrong with that if they are benefiting directly?
Re: ?
1. Please stay on topic. What does the Republican Party want from SVUSD? Before you say that their money is dirty, please explain how they could profit at all. Until then I think we should assume he is a cultural conservative and they are supporting his values. Is there anything wrong with that if they are benefiting directly?
I guess you didn't read any of my posts, because I don't see anywhere where I mentioned that there money was dirty. Of course they are supporting him, because of his cultural beliefs yet more than anything because they want 3 Republicans up there. Republicans, as a platform in the past have supported vouchers, creationism, etc., but I have yet to hear him talk about how he is going to fix the schools. That's what I brought up in my previous posts about how eye-opening it is for money (Republican, Democrat, etc.) to be thrown at candidates who when asked how they are going to do something or what plans they have bring up past performance, bringing families together, and other general answers.
I called the Democrats yesterday, and asked what it would take to be listed on their website since they had only listed two candidates at that point. I wasn't asked my ideas or my stances on issues, but instead if I was a Democrat. So as I mentioned in my other posts it's not an attack on the Republicans, Democrats, unions, or construction companies in general, but how they are vetting their candidates or in these cases not vetting them.
If any of the other candidates read this please tell me your plans, because I along with many of the parents and faculty I talked with after the candidates' forum were wondering the same thing.
Brad,
They support party members because party membership often reflects personal beliefs. So, now that you have said the Republican Party is involved to promote their beliefs, but they won't benefit financially, why does it matter? Isn't it a good thing when a group of people, that won't be benefiting personally get involved to promote their values?
Re: ?
1.They support party members because party membership often reflects personal beliefs. So, now that you have said the Republican Party is involved to promote their beliefs, but they won't benefit financially, why does it matter? Isn't it a good thing when a group of people, that won't be benefiting personally get involved to promote their values?
The problem isn't that they are supporting those who share the same beliefs as them, but the problem is that there isn't anything else the candidate is bringing to the table. Ray Cruz supports vouchers, creationism teaching, and bringing family together yet two of those things are completely out of the hands of the school board and the third is a great idea yet hasn't been backed up by a realistic plan. So what are we left in terms of what he is going to actually do for our schools? What are the other candidates' concrete plans and ideas? It's great to say I want to lower the drop-out rate, etc., but how are you going to do it?
That's my problem with these financial and supportive endorsements is that they aren't asking what they are going to do for the schools, but instead are supporting them based on personal beliefs or political affiliation. A candidate can be a perfect Democrat or a perfect Republican or perfect to whatever affiliation, but if they don't have concrete plans and ideas to make the schools better should you vote for them just because they agree with you on other political beliefs?
Re: Texastract
1.You may not know this, but Difatta is a former PTA president.
I actually wasn't aware of this, and I thank you for letting me know. I don't think the moderator was unfair to any of us, but just in general set the tone for the debate that focused more on stump speeches than answering questions or having to state any concrete plans for the future. I'm glad the audience gave us some great questions as that at least provided a few interesting bits of concrete plans and healthy debate.
Re: Tim
1. Congratulations on your campaign and best of luck on election day. Anyone that can get Janice Difatta to call them a liar publicly is OK in my book.
Thank you for the congratulations, and for the support. As evidenced by today's Simi Valley Acorn article that moment stood out in a lot of people's minds.
2. What do you make of the fact that education is a non-issue in our presidential election? While there certainly are big stories worthy of attention, workforce competitiveness through education isn't even on the radar.
It's a sad development, and one I thought wasn't going to happen since a few months ago we heard a lot about education yet now there isn't much being said. I thought fatigue about debate about the war would bring education and other issues to the forefront of the debate. Unfortunately the economy took a huge downturn, and now that's being addressed 24/7 by the mainstream media and both candidates. The ironic part is the economy downturn can be prevented from happening again if we better educate our children, and to get them ready for the new global economy.
3. There are some districts in the country that get it and are putting programs to stop dropout rates, making school more compelling than the alternatives. I'd like to hear your thoughts on a vision for Simi schools where they are driving the new green economy, instead of getting run over by it.
I've been quite impressed by many districts in the Silicon Valley and in the turn-around in New York schools. They focus on integrating technology, and extracurricular activities in every aspect of their districts. When you do that you get better test scores, and better grades. This is a brand new global industry that these students are going to be entering with new skills, qualifications, and experiences that are completely different than those desired in the past. Our community businesses want these students working internships, and more than ever colleges and employers want to see real-world experience outside of the classroom. Doing a better job of exposing students to these new industries, and jobs that are coming out of the green revolution is also a must. We need to provide better technology, and better training to our teachers to allow them to integrate technology into their classrooms. Most of all we need this parent/teacher/student website that can better connect all 3 to lead to better communication, better grades, and better students.
RE:By Cruz = Extremist on October 22, 2008 10:22 AM
Ray Cruz is obviously a member of the Christian Coalition and he wants to promote the extremist position of the VCRCC, he wants creationism taught in schools, vouchers and the destruction of the public school system. We decry this kind of extremism with the Taliban and we should decry it here.
What's wrong with Creationism in the schools? Are not some of these elections about equality? Like Prop 8?
State Law requires our children to be in school, should we have to accept evolution? It goes against allot of Christians fundamental beliefs. The response we receive is if you don't like it home school.
Ray Cruz Extreme? I personally know Ray but have not seen him in a few years. He is one of the most caring and genuine persons I have met.
Brad Jashinsky is experiencing what any candidate would experience running for school board in Simi Valley. You have to deal with the wackos who want to hand out waivers and it not to be talked about or addressed in any way. Why? For their own selfish needs not the students. They want to look good the kids are on their own with waivers to guide them. The truth isn't going away and either is Brad Jashinsky.
Brian,
The republicans probably see Ray Cruz as a politician that can get Hispanic votes for them. I am sure he is preaching the good word of John McCain right now. That's my theory. I like Ray Cruz though. He is passionate about the schools and his community. Probably one of my favorite republicans next Keith Millhouse.