Tim,
Shouldn't you be the first one to answer this question?

Tim,

If you had a choice to pick your own candidate who do you know in the community that you could think of that would best represent the constituents.

I have heard there will actually be an open seat so we don't need to go down the negative road of why someone should lose their seat.

I have an idea let's nominate someone in the community that we would like to see represent us and tell why and what assets and service they have already brought to our schools. I personally do not know "everyone" so I would find it interesting to hear others opinions. Maybe we can identify the best possible candidate that the people themselves will back. Maybe that individual is too humble to even think that they should run.

Too many good people that are highly qualified do not like the running for office process. I have seen many elections in this community become ugly.

I have several people that I highly respect in our community that I have witnessed their leadership for many years, Michelle Foster, Debbi Schultz, Elaine Freeman, Kim Rubenstien to name a few. I do not think any are interested though in the school board. I believe Michelle will be a tremendous asset to our school district as a SV Council member and will foster (no pun intended) a good collaboration between the district and city. Debbie of course is busy with Keith Richman. These are some individuals that I respect.

Of course I will still want to hear each individuals platform.

I would openly support a Tim Keaney for school board campaign any day of the week. We had a blast in the last race. Tim made the campaign fun and we really enjoyed talking to voters. One of my favorite memories was walking the wood ranch precinct in the rain. To see the voters' faces see that Tim was that committed to improving our schools to walk door to door rain-soaked was something I will never forget. It made me proud of the process and I was never prouder to vote for any candidate on any ballot than I was for Tim.

The worse the attacks got, the more committed Tim was to his beliefs and to his campaign. That should be the measuring stick by which we judge all potential candidates by.

Scott

Careful Scott,
The FPPC has ruled that blogs for candidates are subject to reporting requirements, you don't want to get Tim in trouble for using his blog to promote his candidacy if he has not been reporting it. Have you been reporting the blog as an "In Kind" contribution from the Star Tim?

Arleigh:

Thanks for the info. I was not aware of that. If that complicates a report filing, I will withdraw my comments.

Scott

Arleigh,

Let's back down a bit. It was me not Tim that posed this question let's give Tim a chance to monitor the blog.

I was sincere in my post and am truly curious about other community members and their leadership. When I wrote this comment I was really interested in people that I was not aware of that are committed and active leaders for our schools that I would like to know more about.

A good example were the nominees for the Lew Roth award, many of these individuals I did not know and yet it was great to learn how other community members were making a difference and leading our schools to excellence.

I think we all know that Tim was a candidate before for school board and we also know the same regarding incumbents. I would like to hear about someone who has not ran who may be a good candidate for an open seat.

Donna,

I appreciate and respect your comments. Remember folks, this particular blog post isn't even solely for Simi Valley. I am very interested in hearing more about the Conejo Valley race among others.

I, like Donna, would welcome seeing someone from the community who was a real standout - someone with the courage, tenacity and drive to come out and offer to serve. It would be great if the community rallied around this person (or people) because of their vision for what's next for the schools.

Of course, I think all communities would welcome that.

If you are running, considering running or have an inkling, you are more than welcome to post here. Mind you this isn't a political blog - I consider it a sounding board for the educational wonks in all of us.

My friend Brian Dennert has the best local politics blog around, and perhaps we can share part of what we learn here with that audience.

Lastly - My blog deal with the Star stipulates that the blog stands down if I stand up for election. I'll stand by my word to the Star when and if that time comes.

Tim Keaney

Scott,
I will try and post a link to the article I read about blogs being subject to reporting requirements. If I remember correctly it came down to the FPPC saying that if someone is getting to blog for free and promoting their own candidacy that it constitutes an "In Kind" contribution. (I could be wrong so I will look for the article), I don't know if Tim is runing or not, that is why my first blog on this topic said Tim should be the first one to answer.
Donna, Tim posed the original question on this topic of "Are Ya Runnin?" I think he should answer the question himself as he has run twice for school board. I do agree with you that we have a lot of good people in Simi who would be good on the Board.

Arleigh Kidd you crack me up! Let me see if I've got this right. I am suppose to adhere to FPPC guidelines for a campaign that I may not wage, for a seat that isn't excepting declarations for candidacy, and won't until August.

At the same time, when I hold SVUSD to account for not adhering to the Education Code in relation to publicizing the extent to which bond funds are being expended, and for not providing a web site as required by law, I am just a raving lunatic?

Why is it that the FPPC rules are important to you, but the Education code isn't?

So let's not get bogged down in "What Tim is doing" which isn't the purpose of the entry. It's about everyone else this time, so let's take a deep breath, sit back, kick your feet up and see if anyone steps up to discuss their candidacy.

I, for one, hopes someone does!

Tim

Cathy Carlson from TO here (former CVUSD 2004 candidate, and a Republican): Tim, tonight the CVUSD Board is meeting at 6pm. Lots of people told me they would show up to protest the Winter vacation schedule that the union is stonewalling over. (Oops, I ended in a preposition. Shame on me!) But, since it's Valentine's Day, I bet some folks will stay home.

Since you are asking about candidates, I'll share the flyer I am passing out tonight at the meeting, and the info on candidate contributions from the Unions in the Conejo Valley. The 4 pro-union trustees go purple over this! Didio walked out of a closed session, she was so angry. She demanded that conservative Mike Dunn take this info off of his website. Now that we know what pushes their hot button, here goes!
*************************************************
Campaign Contributions to CVUSD Trustees
Source: Ventura County Elections Div.
Forms 460,470, Schedule A

Here are the facts: Unions contribute to 4 Trustees.

Here is the conclusion: 4 out of 5 CVUSD trustees consistently vote pro-union, or rubber stamp staff recommendations, which are dictated by the unions.

Here is the question for voters: Who do you think the CVUSD Trustees should be working for--the unions or the parents and taxpayers?

UACT United Association of California Teachers
CSEA California School Employee Association
ABC Political action comm. for Cal Teachers Assoc.
BIA Building Industry Association

BEAUBIEN (Democrat)
$ 400 UACT
$1000 CSEA (CAL SCHOOL EMPLY ASSOC)
$1500 ABC PAC (CAL T ASSOC PAC)
$ 100 BRANDT (UACT)
$ 250 DIANNE MCKAY (Rep CANDIDATE)
$ 150 PEGGY BUCKLES (Rep CANDIDATE)
$ 100 TIM STEPHENS (BOARD MEMBER)
$ 100 CHUCK COHEN (Real Estate Atty)

DIDIO (Republican)
$3300 CTA
$1000 EMPLOYEES OF CA SCHOOLS (CSEA)
$ 550 UACT
$ 250 BIA (BUILDING INDUST ASSOC)
$ 100 TIM STEPHENS (BOARD MEMBER)
$ 100 CHUCK COHEN (Real Estate ATTORNEY)
$ 250 DIANNE MCKAY (Rep CANDIDATE)

PHELPS (Democrat)
$2500 CTA
$ 200 NATIONAL WOMEN’S POLITICAL CAUCUS
$ 100 UACT
$ 100 TIM STEPHENS (BOARD MEMBER)
$ 100 DIANNE MCKAY (Rep CANDIDATE)

STEPHENS (Democrat)
$2500 CTA
$ 100 CHUCK COHEN (RE ATTORNEY)
$ 100 PAT PHELPS (BOARD MEMBER)
$ 100 PEGGY BUCKLES (Rep CANDIDATE)
$ 100 DOLORES DIDIO (BOARD MEMBER)

DUNN (Republican)
$ 100 STEVE KORALY (AIRLINE PILOT)
$ 50 NICK QUIDWAI (CONCERNED CIT TO)

(NOTE: These are non-partisan offices and listed political affiliations are subject to verification and may not be accurate)

Um, thanks Cathy. Which of these candidates is up in 2006, and what type of competition is being waged?

If we see 3 of their signs standing in a row, I know who's running their campaign though!

No, in all seriousness, are there any candidates looking to challenge in Conejo, and if so, why?

Tim

Scott,
The FEC is currently considering regulations on blogs that support one candidate over another, etc. If the blogger is running then it most likely becomes an "In Kind", which is most likely why the Star tells bloggers if they run for office they cannot blog. With Cathy Carlson I think she wants to use your blog Tim to push her anti-union propaganda. As usual she is wrong, the calendar is not even on tonight's agenda. The calendar is still in the negotiations process. When she screams about how much she hates unions she is really saying she hates teachers and school workers, as they are their union. But guess what, the voters want to know who the teachers and school workers support. If people were buying her rhetoric they would have passed Arnold's agenda. How many of Arnold's props passed in November Cathy? Answer 0. When you ran Cathy how much did you get from the Associations? Answer 0. The funniest thing Tim is that on Dunn's website (Where he is also libeling me with false information and I have an attorney looking into it) he writes "I don't take money from big unions." The truth is that no union offered him money. It's like me saying I don't accept dinner invitations to the White House. Of course I have never been invited to the White House, but by saying it, it gives the impression I was, but refused.

I would really like to know the answer to my original question.

Tim,
I forgot to answer your question on holding the District accountable. If they have broken a law, or if they did break a law, why don't you go to Superior Court and seek a Writ of Mandate? I don't believe they have broken any laws, but if you do, have at it. You can keep us posted on your blog. Also, at your request, I no longer bring up the last campaign.

Cathy from TO again: Here is a list of announced candidates: Laura Birenbaum, an attorney about 40, Board Member of the Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley. She was introduced as the democratic candidate at their end of summer party at Wood Ranch, and posted on their internet newsletter. If she is collecting funds, she hasn't let the County Elections Div know about it! She may have gotten cold feet. She is not a good public speaker. She was showing up for board meetings and taking notes, but not lately.

Also, Peggy Buckles, about 60, Registered Republican (but considered a RINO--a Republican in Name Only-- by the strict party people in town.) announced her run on camera during public comments at a Board meeting. She lives in North Ranch, and ran against me and Jeff Solomon. The three of us were trying to unseat the 2 incumbents, both 72 year old women. If she hadn't have come in with her piles of money, I would have won. But she split the vote. We 3 got 52% of the votes. The incumbents Beaubien and Didio could have been unseated. We cannot have quasi Republicans such as Peggy Buckles as spoilers in the next election. (Note that she contributed to Tim Stephens, a democrat, and a huge union supporter.)

She was seen applauding every speaker who supported the gay marriage argument at the CVUSD Board meeting June 28th. She sat with the nest of Dems that hissed at us and next to the woman who called out "fascist, nazi" to Gina Conti, a Catholic Republican mother who spoke eloquently in favor a traditional famiily values. Buckles will never get my vote.

In November there will be 3 vacancies. Here's the deal with the incumbents: Tim Stephens, almost 70 and a Dem, with 2 elementary school kids, will undoubtably seek another 4 year term. He is a real estate broker, and always talks about curb appeal and exagerates the test scores. (4 schools failed to make the min 75% on the API this year.)

Pat Phelps, about 60,is expected to also try for 4 more years. She is a millionaire PTA type who donated a couple of million with her husband to her alma mater a few months ago. Who knew? And tonight she is going to vote herself a raise of $26!! Outragous!!

54 year old fiscal conservative and Republican Mike Dunn won a 2 year slot, after losing twice before. This former Morgan Stanley financial guy won with an unprecedented 42% of the vote. He is employed as an LA firefighter which makes him the only trustee with a full-time job. He also has a young family in the schools. He is expected to run again for 4 years. There are rumors of 2 more conservatives, but no one is expected to announce until the first week of August.

Tim:

Here are some issues I care about in SVUSD. I'd like to see a candidate that talks about the following...

1. Middle School Accountability-- Students were graduating and going onto high school without having to pass any classes. I was happy to see the SEA lead the charge and get that resolved this past year. I would also like to see expanded DARE and expanded school resource officer system. We also need a larger focus on intervention program.

2. Maintaining a 3% budget reserve-- We all know that the state is the main because of the budget woes these past few years and I was highly concerned that despite the governor's approval to drop to 1.5% reserve that it was going to be tougher for the District to get out of the habit of 1.5% over the successive years. I'm also concerned about the the long term effects of the district selling excess property. It's the equivalent of burning the rainforest for increased cash flow in one year.

3. Working to better relations between schools, the city, and parks...

4. Working to phase out the algebra waiver.

5. Pursuing NCLB flex grant funding. I read a GAO report last year (I shared this on the blog) that the federal department of education has these block grants for innovative programs that are not being pursued by most districts. I'd like to see someone look into ways to supplement our four NCLB title 1 schools with more flexible categorical funds.

6. Getting the district an able and effective web site for all the bond information in compliance with the ed code.

7. Looking at expanding the Hollow Hills elementary school model to get more
of those students off the waiting lists and into Hollow Hills type programs where parents sign contracts stating their commitment to ensure teachers are getting that reinforcement from home.

8. Getting expanded Boys and Girls- like after school programs on all middle
school campuses.

9. Making it easier for all teachers to get access to continued learning and enrichment by pursuing relationships with the local universities such as CLU and CSUN. I'm thinking better financial incentives too.

10. Developing inter-agency policies with the jr. colleges and the universities to develop more collaboration between state standards and
college standards. Easier transition is needed and remedial courses in college are expensive for students undermining their ability to graduate in
four years.

11. There has got to be more support for programs designed to give students college credit earlier on in high school, so they can start college as mid-freshman at moorpark.

12. Creating a "sinking fund" for all bond projects. A sinking fund takes available bond funds not yet used and puts them in a a low-risk investment portfolio that develops funds to ensure all bond upgrades can be maintained. We have yet to discuss what we are going to do as a district after the projects are completed and how they will be maintained.

13. Giving the ICOC veto authority and transitioning the ICOC from an appointed body to an elected one subject to the vote of the people.

14. Creating a just-in-time inventory managment system to decrease turn-around time on requests and applying savings directly to teacher salaries.

15. Creating High school programs to prepare students for the knowledge economy.

16. Protecting, enhancing, and evolving vocational education for the 21st century.

17. Creating financial incentive programs where the district will pay students directly to achieve in physics, advanced math, and advanced science.

18. Enhancing our civics programs to ensure our students know more about their government upon graduation.

19. The district needs to be able to give teachers more than a 3% salary increase. That is barely cost of living and well below CPI. How can we attract great teachers when we can only give 3% raises.

20. Develop a more elaborate student safety program on middle school and high school campuses. We need to empower students to monitor student behavior and develop a student court system.

21. Continue to support and further enhance zero tolerance for campus crime.

22. Work with federal officials to ensure teachers and classified employees receive social security funds for jobs they worked other than being teachers.

23. Provide timely audits for public review.

24. Provide technical assistance to the ICOC, so they understand the technical side of oversight and budget management.

25. Financially reward department heads for cutting administrative costs and timeliness without damaging salaries and benefits.

Scott

Cathy C from TO: Well, Arleigh sure likes to stamp his little foot and cast aspersions on anyone who dares stand up against his power. For the record, I didn't say the vacation issue is on the agenda--I said people intended to protest tonight, per their right. That's what public comments are for. The Supt announced that it was put over for discussion tonight.

Also, there will be a vote on a 16% increase in developer fees. Now can you see why Chuck Cohen, real estate attorney, was a contributor to the incumbents? This increase will cost new homeowners approximately $1,000 more. Only one trustee plans to vote it down--Mike Dunn.

Scott, thanks for posting your thoughts on school reform. We should have lunch with Tim one day.

BTW, I'm invited to speak on Friday at a local private religious school on the the political and academic state of our public schools in the Conejo. I will be expanding this as an outreach program to all the private schools in the Conejo. The principals of many private schools called me and want a truthful analysis of what the heck is going on without the "educrats" spin to it that they get in the newspaper. They want to know the "players" in the next CVUSD school board election, and I'm happy to oblige. Arleigh, your invitation must have gotten lost in the mail.

Cathy Carlson here: I just noticed that Arleigh started a post with "Careful Scott". Don't you remember last month when he wrongly accused me of threatening Scott and Tim when I also urged them to be cautious? So, now it's OK. I think Arleigh owes me an apology on that one. But since imitation is the most sincere flattery, I'll take it as a compliment that he is copying my "style" from last month, which was just as harmless as his post, which no one so far has portrayed as being a "threat" to Scott.

Donna, you are right about campaigns getting ugly. It is so difficult to get good information out and to get good people to run. They don't want to be part of the viciousness of politics in the Simi and Conejo. I brace myself everytime I post against the insults that are sure to follow. However, it comforts me to repeat the mantra "I'm right, and Arleigh's wrong."

OK, Tim won't say it so I will. Keaney is running for school board. He can deny it all he wants, but you all should know it's a confirmed fact. After a year on the school board he will become mayor, state senator, and then look out Gallegly. I understand he is measuring for curtains at the white house, too. I have it on good authority that Arleigh Kidd (yes, that Arleigh!)has agreed to be his campaign manager once a writ of campaignus maximus has been filed and sworn depositions have been taken! Sandland and DiFatta have already agreed to host coffee meetings at their home in support of Keaney for school board. Exciting days.
Don't deny it, Tim. You lose all credibility when you deny what everyone knows to be true...

Hi Cathy:

I didn't take what you said as a threat and I'm not taking what Arleigh said as a threat either.

He was just cautioning me on the law, so I didn't overstep into a muddy legal situation. You were just advising me to be careful with who I listen to. Friends are always making sure we don't fall into problems and get it right.

Despite disagreements, we're all friends here.

Scott

Scott,
Rumor has it that Cathy Carlson and John Anderson will both run for Conejo School Board, that is why she is yelling and screaming and foaming at the mouth. A report in the Star on County Education today noted that Conejo has an average API of over 800 and that is 20 points higher than last year (They also are meeting all benchmarks). Education is great in Conejo so they are trying desperately to create issues out of non-issues like the calendar, how sad. If you really read what she wrote you can see the angry and bitter tone. Very sad. I have a feeling that in November voters in Conejo will elect people who care about education and children, not people who want to force thier own narrow agendas down peoples throats.
Tim, if you are un-willing to post on this blog if you are running why should anyone else?
Scott,
As of this year Districts like Simi had to go back to a 3% reserve and Simi has at least a 3% reserve if not more.

Arleigh,

Anyone that wants to know anything about me can read the blog. What my plans are is irrelevant. Any candidate (or potential candidate) can introduce themselves to a large audience here on this blog. They can even just chime in with comments or questions.

And I have a feeling they already are...

Tim

Arleigh:

It was my understanding that we sold property this year to make the county schools reserve requirement. The question I have is, if we are selling property in the short term to shore up our reserves, what happens when we do not have those properties to sell in the next budget crunch?

Reducing assets and asset size for short term cash flow concerns me.

Second, if we look at budget 6/03, we sold 13.4 million in property and it led to a drop in the following year's cash flow while state revenues increased by 2 million in that same time. Why?

Because we took the big cash of property sales to pump up one year, the next year we lost the contributions from those properties we sold the year before.

It seems like it's a downward cycle. We sell property and bump up our cash position for one year, then force cuts the next year, then sell property again because our long term financial position is harmed for short term cash sales.

Meanwhile, teachers get a 3% raise, which is well below the consumer price index and housing costs in the area.

I'm also watching LA Unified School District's certificates of participation program. Essentially certificates of participation bonded lease programs increase short term cash flow by passing the long term debt on to future generations.

As of 2004, SVUSD has 13.9 million in Certificates of Participation debt in these programs and I'm concerned this debt will hinder long term financial obligations in our district.

Scott

Scott,
Just to correct a few things. The District did not sell surplus property to achieve their 3% reserve. Surplus property funds are highly restricted and can only be used to pay for things that will last five years or more, I believe the funds can also be used to pay off the COP you referred to. The reserve is budgeted for out of the general fund. Also Simi teachers received 2% for their last raise.
Tim, You called this topic "Are ya runnin?" and you then say if you are going to run for any school board seat please list all of the above. You are saying that this does not apply to you. Personally I think this topic would be better in June or July. My guess is that candidates don't like to announce this early, otherwise they get attacked by people like Carlson for months before the election. Did you notice that Cathy included everyones age but her own? Tim do you think age should be a factor? Wasn't Reagan in his seventies in his last term? Scott what do you think? Also Tim and Scott I don't believe either of you are far right wing conservatives, does this make you RINO's?

Arleigh! Relax! Tim is running. I broke that news flash this morning. I understand you are going to help him, too.

I am honored to accept Arleigh's endorsement Billy Bob! Hey Billy Bob - are ya upset that Angelina is with Brad Pitt now? Wat was your combo name with her? Bobalina?

Arleigh - yes, I did title this entry "Are ya running" - See the "ya" was referring to others. If I had wanted to know if I was running, I could have done one of two things: 1. Ask you, as you are convinced (and so apparently is Billy Bob) or 2. Titled the entry "Is Tim Running", which, well, would have been weird!

I don't know if I am a RINO, maybe a DINO, or a LINO?

Will I have to know by the time I file, if I file?

Tim

Thanks for the clarifications and corrections. I'm still concerned about certificates of participation. Aren't we going to sell property to pay for the rest of the bond?

I still think 2% is inadequate to keep up with housing prices and local consumer price indexes. Have any of you seen the price of milk these days?

Arleigh: I actually think your a little more conservative than I thought. Your commitment to local control would make Barry Goldwater blush. Does that make you a DINO? :)

Labels are for the media. I just want to see things work for the community.

And Yes, Reagan was in his seventies... Age, doesn't matter to me. Ideas matter.

Scott

Tim:
That's Mr. Billy Bob to you...
Or Mr. William Robert!

Tim,
I think you should reveal Billy Bob's real identity or else don't let him blog on a site where everyone else tells there real name (I assume you can see the e mail address). Also I don't think I asked if you are running or not. I just said that if you are asking other people, and they are not saying (As no one has on this topic, only rumors, etc, about other people running) that they are probably not for the same reasons as yourself.
Scott, The Star recently reported that consumer prices are up by 4.1% in Ventura County for 2005. Also Scott when it comes to public education I don't care if someone is republican or democrat, I care about their ideas and about their true priorities.

Arleigh and Tim:

I just want you both to know I will not be running for anything in the coming election. I really just like to throw ideas at everyone to understand the state of local education.

Once you decide that your running, everything you propose or do looks politically motivated. I enjoy throwing out ideas and getting feedback on things I think about.

Take it easy.

Scott

Scott,
You have my vote you RINO you!

Arleigh:

What did you think of the 25 ideas I put out above? Do you agree or disagree with some, none, or all?

When a someone decides to run for office, should they have a lot of ideas or know a lot of people?

Which one do you think is more important?

Who is Arleigh Kid?

I don't reply to people who lack the guts to post their real name.
Scott,
Before your ideas can come to fruition you must be elected. Chicken and the egg.

I attended a school district study session regarding ADA growth, surplus property, and bond projects last night in Simi Valley. I want to first say that I thought staff gave great presentations for the trustees. They were very prepared even for questions that weren't within the packets.

In a discussion last night staff cautioned about the effects of long term debt and certificates of participation responsibilities. I intend to start going to more of the meetings and learning more about our debt position over the next few months as I believe this will effect our school district's ability to meet our financial obligations tomorrow.

Is anyone aware of when the bond audits will be available. I will contact our district with this request.

Scott

Scott,

Can I adopt you and will you hang out with/mentor my oldest son? I admire your tenacity to acquire facts and research figures you are a "seeker" of knowledge. I know you are committed to education, how did you become so focused in your life.

You raise extremely good issues (of which you and I have discussed before) that need to be explored for the imporovement of our education system.

The important thing is to learn how to "eat the elephant" one bite at a time. Come up with tangible, doable projects that do not stall that others will follow, this is the hardest thing when you are providing leadership and trying to promote change. I hear a lot of rhetoric and then it becomes bogged down in "committee" until the next new bright idea or administration comes along.

You know the old saying inspiration/perspiration etc. You are doing the right thing by exploring and learning. Let's do a project together! I still want to work on a project for at risk teens with you, let's talk.

Tim,

I think it is important to first know what the incumbents are doing. I suppose even if they do not want to run they will wait until the last minute while they groom their replacement candidate quietly to be their endorsement at the same time the annouce they will not seek re-election.

I know of two outside people that have for sure said they will run, but I prefer to not promote the name recognition. It is also not my place. I refuse to pertake in any negative politics.

Donna

Tim, Scott and Arleigh,

What would you like to see change on the County School Board?

Tim, Scott and Arleigh,

What would you like to see change on the County School Board?

I'd like to see the county schools kick in funds on a couple of local problems.

1st. It seems each district retains multiple levels of legal counsel. I think this expense could be consolidated at the county level cutting more cost for districts.

2nd. I'd like to see the county bridge different educational turfs in throughout the districts. For instance, couldn't the county subsidize a crossing guard program or work better with local districts to fast track kids into careers or college education?

3rd. I'd like to see the county work on identifying mental health and at-risk groups and develop intervention county-wide programs.

4th. I'd like to see the county use it's IT department to help upgrade technologies for all districts.

5th. I'd like to see the county schools only approve charter schools with significant input from local school districts. It seems they are not working with local districts and approving charter schools that lack both the curriculum, benchmarks for measuring success, and objectives for the student population that you typically get in a public school.

These are my initial thoughts. Always welcome more ideas...

Scott,

1. The county does have some programs that they have offered to school districts for this purpose. One is a sort of "self insured" for Special Ed. cases that go to due process, individual school district's pay a premium per student into the pot and then if a case goes to due process they are covered for example the first $50,000 in legal fees. I spoke to our Director of special ed. and he said that the schools that benefit the most from this are small school district's. SVUSD is opting out at this time and has had cost savings as a result. I am sure there are other such programs but am curious how they work

2a. The crossing guards are paid by our cities in SV do you think the schools should be responsible?

2b. I believe we should be working closer with our Chambers of Commerce to enhance our kids opportunities to have internships etc. We need to maximize our ROP program and work with VCEDA to identify areas that internships need to be developed as well as college courses based on our major employers. There should be more collaboration with the Community College Boards as well to work on our mutual interest.

3. Scott, we need to identify kids in 3-5 grade, it is critical. Talk to any teacher/principal they know who is vulnerable at these grade levels. We need to provide kids counseling before they are failing school, in our district we only identify youth if they are failing and then we intervene usually when they are hitting middle school.

4th. I'd like to see the county use it's IT department to help upgrade technologies for all districts.

4. Good idea, The County website looks good, I wish ours was up to their speed County Board minutes are pretty up to date as well.

5th. I'd like to see the county schools only approve charter schools with significant input from local school districts. It seems they are not working with local districts and approving charter schools that lack both the curriculum, benchmarks for measuring success, and objectives for the student population that you typically get in a public school.

5. Scott, there are some County Board Members that are openly pro-charter schools. It is important to assess the programs that are already in place in a school district. For example the program for emotionally disturbed students in SVUSD is very good along with Ventura County Behavioral Health. In spite of that our representative (that was appointed, not elected) Dean Kunicki is unaware of our present programs and the County Board voted to approve a Charter School for ED kids in SV.