UPDATE: Comments on this thread are now closed. The new 2009 thread is available at this link.
I wrote a post on July 16, 2006, entitled “SAUSD corruption coming out with Mijares gone,” and it blew up to over 2,000 posts. However, it exceeded the capacities of our server and has been truncated recently at about 1,529 posts. But one of our readers has stepped up to the plate and painstakingly copied all of the comments into four NEW posts:
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2008 Comments
- SAUSD-Temporary Thread (Migration 5/16/2008) Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2007 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2006 Comments
Also, don’t forget you can go to the right sidebar of any page page and search for “SAUSD” to get links to ALL of our past SAUSD stories.
I have been honored that this blog has allowed so many people to vent their frustrations with the SAUSD administration and school board. We will continue to shed light on these issues and I hope that our readers will continue to use this blog to communicate about the corruption at SAUSD.
SAUSD does not belong to the administrators or to the school board. It belongs to us. We will have an opportunity this fall to take back the school board, with three seats opening up. I pray that good candidates will emerge so we will be able to do exactly that. Until then, please keep the comments coming! But post them here, to this new thread. Thank you.
I’d like to address a nasty little trick that Juan Lopez (HR) uses to intimidate teachers, in kahoots/in concert with Jerk principals and assorted weak administrators. He will often threaten Teachers with “suspension, paid or not paid” for 15 days. I was shocked the first time I saw this written recommendation/threat. The alleged trespass was vague and kind of out of the blue. There was no coherent documentation nor an evolution, of sorts, of a serious “situation” developing with the employee. It was just, “Bam!” You’ve done something very serious and now I am going to have to take drastic action. (Maybe… he always has a maybe clause… so it appears more of an intimidation threat and a possible future promise… but you get the point).
Why 15 days with or without pay? What is the significance? Come to find out that this is the amount of time that is considered a big problem with the California Credentialing for Teachers. It is a red flag that a teacher is facing dicipline charges from the district.
In fact, when a teacher renews their credential/s, there are several questions asking if you are involved with dicipline proceedings with your district. If you check “yes”, then you have to write out in detail just what it is. Aha!
Now it makes sense, because if you have one of those “Maybe you are in big trouble/threat letters by Juan Lopez” in your file, you’re going to be tempted to check the yes box and incriminate yourself and do yourself a big disservice. Most teachers are honest, but many are overly trusting and will try to honestly explain that they might be in trouble, but that it isnt clear what the problem is. Meantime, that little checked box becomes a cloud over a decent teacher’s reputation. Juan will then take the liberty of escalating a “case” against you that will result in your credential being revoked.
NEVER,EVER check those boxes if you’ve received written veiled threats by Juan Lopez for disciplinary action. Immediately contact the union and have them remove the letter from your file. In addition, contact your own attorney and play hardball with Lopez. He’s got some really nasty habits that he’s been able to get away with for a long time. He’s not just going to stop doing those things. If you want to keep yourself out of a whole lot of red tape and credentialing trouble, fight him back hard and fast with legal action. Don’t lose your job, your reputation and mostly your professional credentials because you were not aware of how deliberately harmful Juan Lopez enjoys being. He’s not to be trusted in any form of disciplinary process.
Any teacher who is reading this blog and is thinking about joining this district should at least know what the little sandtraps are and what malicious leadership does to stalk good employees.
Juan Lopez is the gatekeeper for this district and he is the one who makes decisions of who will be hired and who will be retained.
Jane Russo, is Juan Lopez’s distain for teachers in the SAUSD representative of your own values?
Until good teachers stop getting “written up” for bringing serious issues to the attention of HR, Jane, you will be seen as a weak and unwilling leader.
#500 & 501
Very intrigueing but not surprising. These sort of problems can not possibly be oblivious to Jane. I am certain many want to give her the benefit of the doubt but if I had a graph of the downhill slide I’m sure it would start to drop since her appointment. It is good your union is working with you. I’m sure classified wishes the same instead of hollow words from their union.
Amen.
Preach on!
I’ve seen the same from Lopez.
JANE, JANE, attention:
Juan Lopez = FAILURE
Removing this failure is UP TO YOU, JANE!!
Failure is unacceptable. = Fire Juan Lopez.
What I find most satisfying about this blog, is that those dark, nasty secrets of some of the most vile people ever at SAUSD get exposed. Juan Lopez won’t be able to pull off that 15 day suspension trick so easily in the future. It is satisfying to see that others have been exposed to those tricks and can verify that it happens.
Doofy over at Valley will wind up womanizing and terrorizing, as has been his past history at both of his previous school districts before he was sacked.
I don’t think it is any coincidence that he’s over at Valley where the chamber of commerce has it’s facade program “High Schools Inc.” He’s just the kind of guy that Lopez wants. I bet they run their HSI monies thru the Santa Ana Business Bank, too 😉
“I am certain many want to give her the benefit of the doubt but if I had a graph of the downhill slide I’m sure it would start to drop since her appointment. ”
I watched the school board video and at one point Jane said something about cleaning things up and how they would be gettting on the particular request. It must be tough to try and straighten things out when you have obvious boat anchors around your neck like Lopez and some of the dummies he has felt comfortable hiring.
I took over an organization of about 200 people once. In the first year, I just kind of went with the inefficiencies that had been part of the program for a number of years. I fixed some obvious things that would benefit the whole group. At the end of the first year, I had a list of things that needed to be addressed. That second year I worked very hard and got some major issues and some major transitions taken care of. By the third year, things were in place and achievement was high and the organizational goals seemed to fall into place well.
Teaching is often the same way. The first year of a new grade or subject you just kind of survive and try things you “think” might work. By the second year, you’ve ditched the stuff that has bombed and you have some winning stuff and you have a better idea of what materials and resources will improve the program. You’ve developed reliable colleagues and you’ve got a support system to deliver the goods to the students. By the third year, things get much more interesting and the kids all benefit by careful selection process that has been going on for the first two years.
Let’s hope that Jane is aware of all the worst parts of Mijares’ cabal still in place and has plans for making things right. She’s got to know about the issues, and if she is not aware, then she deserves to be removed. All she has to do is google SAUSD and OJBlog is bound to come up at some point. All her cabinet and all the board of education know about this blog. Links were sent.
Some reps for the teachers’ union claim that the teachers’ union SAEA offered to help the classifieds’ union (CSEA) with bargaining and the CSEA President turned the offer down.
When the SAEA turned down the district’s suggestion to take a pay reduction for its members, the district turned toward the much weaker union, CSEA, and proceeded to slash the jobs of their members.
If true, this is an absolute outrage.
# 506
I suspect that part of your comment is true. I also suspect that CSEA, at whatever level, would refuse help from SAEA because that would be an admission by CSEA that they were incompetent and unable to handle bargaining or negotiations.
Since the outcome was obvious, CSEA has proven on their own they are incompetent.
S&P’s credit rating of SAUSD
Title: Summary: Santa Ana Unified School District, California; Appropriations; General Obligation Price: $175.00
Publication Date: Jul 25, 2008
Report Type: Summary
Abstract: Standard&Poor’s Ratings Services assigned its ‘A+’ rating to Santa Ana Unified School District, Calif.’s GO bonds (election of 2008) series A. In addition, Standard&Poor’s affirmed its ‘A’ underlying rating (SPUR) on the district’s outstanding certificates of participation (COPs) and its ‘A+’ rating and SPUR on the district’s existing GO debt. The rating reflects: Access to the economic base of the greater Los Angeles and Orange counties economies; Large tax base and student population; Good estimated actual unreserved fund balance at the end of fiscal 2008; and Moderate debt levels. Offsetting these factors are average income and wealth levels coupled with declining average daily attendance (ADA), which causes a decrease in overall funding as the state’s funding Brief Excerpt: RESEARCH Ratings Definitions Summary: Santa Ana Unified School District, California; Appropriations; General Obligation Publication date: ##-Jul-#### Primary Credit Analyst: Lisa Schroeer, San Francisco (#) ###-###-####; lisa_schroeer@standardandpoors.c…
Word Count: 1080
Issuer: Santa Ana Unif Sch Dist
Sector: Public Finance
Country: United States
Region: United States
Format: HTML
Free Sample: Click Here to Download
Anonplus,
It is a shame that so many employees have to lose their benefits and their incomes because their union was too arrogant to team up with the teacher’s union. I’ve heard that the president of CSEA is the target of removal by members right now. Not sure if that is true, because I have not seen anything to verify it. Either way it won’t much matter, as the classifieds have already been done-in by their union and union leadership.
For anyone who has had been injured on the job in SAUSD and has the unpleasant experience of dealing with Risk Management, HR and (the now -ex lawyer for SAUSD workers compensation) Attorney Peterson, you’ll be happy to learn that Peterson’s been dismissed. His replacement seems to be able to negotiate a settlement, rather than drag out pretty cut/dry cases for periods of YEARS.
Yes, people, the disfunctional legal gravy train has finally come to a halt(in this case). Adios.
Workers Compensation is, imo, pretty straight forward. An on-the-job injured worker files a claim, gets medical attention and the employer (SAUSD) makes it as comfortable as possible for all parties to resume the real work of educating students. In theory. That’s what organized, ethical and capable school districts do.
In evaluating a claim, an independent state doctor will work up a lengthy report and assign a % of any real and permanent injury suffered. There is a little price sheet that has the amount that the employee should be awarded, IF there is indication of some kind of permanent injury. This price sheet is available to all parties right from the get-go, so it’s not any kind of mystery about the amount that the award “might be”. It’s a real easy-to-read grid sheet. ANYONE can read it and obtain adequate information in less than a minute.
In one particular case, SAUSD as represented by Peterson, had a claim of 8% injury by the state-assigned doctor who evaluated the employee. The maximum amount that could be realistically awarded, in this particular case, was well below $6,000. The claim was not negotiated nor was any settlement offered at any time during the last 2 years under Peterson. Instead, the state doctor was deposed several times (Read= State Doctor+ mutiple depositions = $$$$$$$$$!!)and each time, the doctor stood by the initial report. SAUSD then continues to hold a trial that wastes many days of employee/s time taken away from actual duties as they are held as witnesses in a pretty cut/dry case. The judge at every trial date encourages the two parties to settle. Peterson says at each and every court date that SAUSD is unwilling to negotiate. Not one little attempt to settle, as the judge has suggested.
So this thing goes on for years and dozens of legal actions take place over those years – letters sent, reports taken, appointments set, depos, meetings occur etc… and everyone knows that attorney fees per hour are much much higher than any actual per hour money that would be paid to actual teaching staff….. so all those dollars are being drained, month after month, year after year, away from the actual work of teaching students. This kind of budget-busting stonewalling was allowed, maybe even encouraged, to continue for well beyond what could even be considered reasonable.
The new guy, Peterson’s replacement, steps in and immediately offers to settle for what both parties consider fair and reasonable in just a couple of hours. The new guy and who knows?- maybe some new policy or procedure?- has just saved SAUSD funds that will not be wasted on a very simple-to-end, workers compensation case.
Just who is responsible for oversight in all these dealings? Is it Risk Management’s job? Is it HR’s job? Was it Peterson’s own choice to conduct a simple case out over years, without any system accountability? Just how the hell much money was actually spent in “fighting” the indefensible?
I suggest SAUSD go after any malpractice found.
And I also suggest that HR and Risk Management quit treating injured workers as if they were some kind of criminal. Courtesy and professionalism trump snarky accusations and deliberate non-cooperation, every time. An injury is not a crime. If the injury could have been prevented by YOUR DEPARTMENT, then YOU are responsible for the injury. Don’t attempt to pretend that the preventable injury was the fault of the injured employee. If you are aware of a situation that can result in injury, then step up and earn your pay. Failure is not an option.
Do your jobs.
Anon #510
Just FYI the lawyer who replaced Peterson is the same lawyer that worked for Peterson’s firm the last few years and handled most of SAUSD’s cases that have cost the district serious law fees.
This lawyer opened up his own law firm and seems to have taken over SAUSD as a client. The names have changed but the games the same.
#509
I’m not even sure if CSEA could use SAEA’s help since the two unions represent different classifications, but you do have it right when you say CSEA was arrogant.
Going after the local elected CSEA is a start. All I have ever heard from the Orange office is that they can’t do anything unless they had approval from the local elected leadership.
Now would be a little late to test that but it sure couldn’t make things worse. I’m in favor of recalling the entire local elected bunch and start fresh. I also wouldn’t be against requesting the Orange office replace the LRR (LLR..whatever) with someone who will make it clear to the locals what is going on. The fact these local electeds kept telling membership the district could not cut without negotiation must have come from somewhere. I’d start with the advisor from the Orange office.
#512 – The problem is not with all of the elected board. The problem is with the elected president, Ralph Sandoval, and his cronies on the negotiating team. The negotiating team consists of the following people:
President Ralph Sandoval – senior groundskeeper at Godinez (not surprisingly, his position remains unaffected by the cuts).
Ralph Flores – district safety officer at SAHS
David Mendiola – library media tech at Sierra
Hector Vizcaino – telephone tech for the district
A recall of Ralph Sandoval is currently in progress. It is criminal what he has allowed to happen. Many complaints have been made to the Orange field office and to the state headquarters, all to no avail. The local chapter, along with the Orange field office and the state headquarters, is ripe for a class action lawsuit. The members have paid their dues and have received no representation, no communication, NOTHING!
Does anyone have the hard data about how many classified people lost their jobs and how many had their hours cut? What percentage of the classified staff is affected and exactly how have the job descriptions of those remaining changed? I would like some real information.
#497
You criticize to the following by calling it BS and time wasting…what solution do you bring?
• Calling your legislature to pass the state budget is important. This affects everyone.
• Letter writing is effective. Constituents should share their concerns to their elected official.
To bring concerns and ideas, it makes the difference.
• CSEA has members volunteering their time in organizing at the Field Office. Our goal is to rescind the layoffs.
Again, #497, what do you offer to CSEA and its members?
#498
This statement is incorrect. Do you know what Ms. Strike looks like? Do your research.
#506 & #507
No confirmation as to what was said between CSEA and SAEA leadership. However, CSEA welcomes the support from SAEA.
#509
The recall of CSEA chapter president is in process. It has been scheduled for Friday August 8, 2008 @ 4:00 at the SAUSD D.O. Not all CSEA members have given up yet.
#512
I agree that the CSEA chapter needs “a house cleaning”. Hence, the members have spoken and the wheels are now in motion.
Also it was “some” of the elected officers that were giving misleading information. The majority of the CSEA e-board is working on fixing the problems. Too many rumors, too many major issues to put out; but it is not too late.
#513
Again, incorrect information, these are the correct names for CSEA Negotiations Team:
President Rafael Sandoval, Godinez
Chief Negotiator Hector Vizcaino, Telecommunications Dept
Joe Lopez, Facilities
Josie Ochoa, PSS
Patricia Cortez, Head Start community worker
Thu Tran, Head Start Teacher
Ralph Flores, DSO
CSEA Staff:
Margie Strike & Alan Aldrich
#514
Your hard fact data is as follows
Dec 07:
177 Elimination/Layoffs
250 Work Year Reductions
July 08:
358 Eliminations/Layoffs
24 Work Year Reductions
We ask all for your support at the next SAUSD School Board Meeting on 8-12-08 @ 4:00pm.
Pilar Sanchez
Executive Board Member
CSEA Chapter 41
You should probably contact human resources if you want something more than speculation. It shouldn’t be a secret. Custodians, DSO’s, and police officer’s hours were cut. Many others were layed off entirely, but I don’t think anyone has data beyond guesstimates.
#516
Data I provided includes DSOs, Police Officer and Custodians under work year reductions.
We also anticipate another round of letters with bumping/displacements.
Pilar
I possibly stand corrected as to Margie standing next to Juan Lopez as he introduced the new position of Autism Paraprofessional. Since Mr. Lopez made referance to Margie Strike as his consultant and a voice was heard off camera then a woman was seen standing next to him when camera went back to him I assumed it was her. Reference Part 3 of July 8 board meeting end of recording at approx.-0140 on. It could have also been Camille Boden as both have hit the wall. So if I mis-identified that person so be it.
The big question in my mind is when did the CSEA county rep for SAUSD become the consultant to Juan Lopez, as he stated, and why did the Garden Grove rep stand up to the SAUSD board to tell them they were wrong instead of the CSEA rep, Margie Strike. Who does Margie Strike work for?
I would also be curious as to where the hell you and the rest of the elected were last year when 177 special ed assistants were shafted and where were you when the negotiations this year cut how many,,500 plus of all classified positions.
It is nice you want to stand up now and say see me we care and are taking action. You are about a year late and a few hundred employees short.
It is also nice you admit problems within the organization. There has been a problem in the organization for 30 years I can account for but none so bad as this.
Recalling Sandoval won’t fix the real problem. If you people were well trained in your elected positions and your local reps were well trained in their duties they would not have been running around telling members not to worry. They would have known the legal rules and have provided correct information to the membership.
As far as I’m concerned maybe you all should not be recalled, but the union should be sued for failure to provide compentent representation. Your feeble attempts to dissuade the accusations posted above by many are only negated by the FACT that hundreds of employes were cut, reduced in hours, or positions were combined and reduced in hours below benefit rights. THAT IS ON YOUR HANDS..NOT OURS.
Don’t ask me what I do for the union. I pay my dues and elected YOU and the rest to take care of my rights.
#518 – I’m not a CSEA member, but if you are so unhappy with the failure of the union, why don’t you join and contribute. Yes, you contribute dollars, but many of these comments on this page similar to yours, continue to complain about CSEA and how they failed and what they are not doing. Maybe you and your fellow members should quit complaining and start joining your union. Also, if you want REAL & TRUE information on what was submitted and Board approved at past meetings, you need to ask the Board secretary for copies of the minutes or what was approved. It’s easy for everyone to continue posting and complaining, but if you all went to the meetings, you would be better educated on what actually takes place and what is approved. Maybe this will squash all the rumors that go around.
#518
I appreciate your comments.
Please clarify your question, “when did the CSEA county rep for SAUSD become the consultant to Juan Lopez”.
Garden Grove rep was making the point that in GG, next door, they do not have these problems.
I was elected back on the e-board as of January 1, 2008. The negotiating team was already in place when new e-board members came on board.
I have attended most of the board meetings since my election. I have addressed the Board numerous times, pointing out concerns from classified staff.
I recognize it’s an uphill battle, but I am not giving up. For me it’s not too late, changes can still happen.
I have a choice: to be part of a union or to be active in my union.
Part of the problem in SAUSD is the budget. Are you with me on this?
At this time, in my opinion, CSEA is weak under Sandoval’s leadership. The process to fix it is to recall. If the problems continue then more recalls should continue.
As far as people running around all day and saying, “this is not happening” CSEA release time was not offered to me. I gave my time to the membership after work. Its time for CSEA members to WAKE UP!
Over half of the membership (800+) in SAUSD has been affected by the cuts.
I will continue to work for the betterment of our unit.
To clarify my statements above. I am not working alone. There are many very dedicated CSEA members that have joined our cause. Many members have become involved in so many ways. We are working on building a positive working relationship with Board Members and to restore trust from our CSEA members.
Pilar
I was being sarcastic regarding Juan Lopez’s remark about letting him consult with Margie Strike about the position the board was voting on. You can click on the link provided by # 490 above then play part 3 of the board meeting. At the very end of this hour long video Juan Lopez starts proposing the various positions. When asked by a board member if the position was a new one or combined one, he refers to consulting with Margie Strike. The time mark is on my prior comment.
I think it’s great you wish to fix CSEA. It needs it. I’ve worked for more than one district and this is the weakest CSEA I’ve ever seen, not to mention the most devious school administration and board. I’ve also never witnessed such weak support from the CSEA Orange office and San Jose. Their was a time when the district couldn’t walk all over classified employees. For that both the local elected and Orange share blame.
Green
I not only was a CSEA member for 30 years but I was ‘forced’ to become a CSEA member when CSEA got the great idea to go ‘closed shop’ back in the 80’s. Based on my average salary I’ve paid over $10,000 in dues over my career and I am just one mid level employee. When I needed CSEA I had to hire my own attorney to win my battle for me. Don’t even go there and try to tell me I haven’t earned my right to bitch about one of the most worthless unions ever spawned.
I am not an SAUSD employee, therefore I am not a member of CSEA or SAEA, however from where I sit, you are a bunch of whiners who accept NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. And accountability is not part of your mission or purpose as professional educators.
SAUSD continues to post one of the worst academic performances in the state; has one of the lowest high school grad rates in the county; and has the distinction of being a Program Improvement District, Year 3. Not to mention nearly 70% of the schools are in PI as well.
Now that’s a proud distinction.
It’s unbelievable that your administration continues to chant the mantra “Failure is Unacceptable.” You are a sorry lot of losers!
You certainly chat the talk but have no conviction when it comes to standing up for what you believe in. You are all timid cry babies who hid on this blog. And the students you are charged with suffer your ineptness.
A state takeover is appealing because it would bust up the political tenacles that have shackled this district for too long!
First and foremost, I would like to make a statement that Pilar Sanchez has always been there for the \call of duty\. She has been instrumental in informing employees of their rights and has taken the time to represent a member. At this present time we, all classified, have felt that we have been \sold out\. As mentioned before a recall is in place for the current CSEA President. We anticipate a victory in terms of placing an individual with experience and knowledge of affording it’s members due process. In a nutshell we must all come together and support each other whether you are SAEA or CSEA. And just for your FYI take a look at everyone who has been hired in Admin position. All from Whittier…
525 – Actually, two individuals in CSEA have gone above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to Pilar Sanchez, Duane Lundquist (DSO at Willard) has been a tirless worker behind the scenes. If Pilar or Duane had been the chapter president, things would have never deteriorated to the level they’re at now.
It’s imperative that all classified participate in the recall election.
Has anyone checked out all the new positions that the district is opening up! I thought that they had slashed A.P.s – I guess they are just re-naming the positions. I am just wondering where do they get all this money from?
I agree with 526. Duane Lundquist has always been there for classified staff. He has never been timid about speaking out and fighting for union members. This has, at times, been very costly for him personally. Duane calls it like it is and puts himself in harms way. Too bad there is only one of him. Duane would make an excellent CSEA president.
Serve up a wheel of cheese for the lot of these whiners. Geez. Who elected Sandoval CSEA president? By all accounts it was the CSEA membership.
The problems you cite are systemic and go way back. So stop singing the praises of those who could have made a difference and did not. Using this forum as your personal pulpit to plug Pilar and Duane’s take no action CSEA members is ridiculous.
#528
I won’t speak either for or against Duane unless this starts turning into an election campaign thread with the recall of Sandoval. If this thread starts to go in that direction then whatever has been out there is fair game. I don’t think we need that here.
M # 527 asks a relevant question. I’d like to know more about the positions he/she is talking about. Anyone know?
Hey 526, 528 … you Willard people? I’ve two questions:
I ran into a former Willard teacher who said he was the last SAEA rep there. That D.Vader really makes a point of trying to drive out any union representation from his school. That true? No teachers’ association rep.?
Second… I was talking today with one of the DSO’s at SAHS who’s been there for several years, works as a coach after school with for a community youth program – top notch guy. He said he is being moved, along with a lot of other DSO’s, in a big shuffle around the district, — no reason given. Have you talked to Lundquist, is he being moved out of Willard come Fall?
Lundquist is scheduled to stay at Willard. The other DSO there is schedule to move, though.
#532
Is there any reason for shuffling the DSO’s around? The kids at the schools get to know these people and the DSO’s get to know the kids, both the good ones and the troublemakers. Moving them around seems odd to me. I know that the interim Chief, former district Lt Sven Hansen, likes to shake things up just because he can but this doesn’t appear to make much sense to me.
Apparently the DSO shuffle policy is to keep the senior DSO at the site, and move the others. So Dehlia will remain at SAHS, others will be moving. Reason given for the shuffle is to provide security officers fresh experiences in the different challenges they would find at different sites, and to better train newer officers.
I agree with #533, that the DSOs get to know specific kids and learn how to handle them. Each SA school site is as different as the neighborhoods they are placed in-a DSO at Segerstrom would not have the same problems as one at Century or SAHS. If a whole group of DSOs who are not used to the problems of the more discipline-troubled schools end up at one at the beginning of the school year, isn’t it going to make the environment more unstable until they can be ‘better trained’ enough to deal with the issues?
To all,
My 1st point is why is Pilar,Duane on this Blog. Were you not asked not to reply to blogs such as the OC Juice, etc?? Anyways, all the union reps are at this point worthless if you ask me. You are all worried about recalling Ralph Sandoval,fighting amoung each other and bashing each other that you all for got the real meaning of the word UNION. We as the so called UNION shouldn’t be fight against each other, we should be helping eachother out and all your doing is fighting. I really doubt that any of you have what it take to represent us classified employee’s anymore. If you ask me we classified employees’s need to recall all of the current reps now and not only Ralh Sandoval. Recalling Ralph Sandoval isn’t going to make the problem go away, it’s still going to be there. The only diffence in recalling Ralph is that whom ever takes his place will have no idea what has been going on at the negotiations meeting. Which at the end we classified employee’s are still loosing our JOB’s becuase you all so called UNION reps are fight with each other and are at each others throats. And another thing as UNION reps’, you all are in the wrong because you all do UNION buisness during regular working hours. This goes form making copies to pass out the recall notices for Ralph Sandoval, district e-mail to get information to your fellow co-workers, and Robert Chavez has it good were he could read every e-mial that goes in and out of the district e-mail accounts. He get’s to see what someone sent and tell’s Pilar, Joe and Duane everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if he delete’s his e-mials that he’s sent out regarding Union stuff. So instead of pointing the fingure at just one person, you all need to check yourselves. I know you thing this is crap, but the unprofessional, circus that you Union people are putting on is the worst representation I’ve ever dealt with and not to mention the Administrator’s have just as much fault in this as the union reps’, and us classified employees. This is the reason why South County and North County always talks about our district, because of this crap that is being put on blog. I’ll be the 1st to say I’m at fault and what can I do to help fix not only this budget crisis were having, but to fix SAUSD reputation. I know my spelling may be off, but that just goes to show you how unset and disappointed I am at this moment. I’m upset that we classified people are loosing our JOBS and instead of our UNION helping there fighting amoung eachother. This all just need to stop and let start acting like 1 professionals, 2 human beings and 3 AS A TEAM!!!!!!!!!! If anyone disagrees with what I had to say, I’m very sorry you feel that way, but it really time to stop the BS!!!!! Lets get back to SAUSD mado Failure is Unexceptable. And if you are a Classified employee who’s been laid off, and haven’t been able to reach Margie Strike, call her superviser!!!!!!!! Dont give up!!!!!!!!!
I would be interested in some DSO input on this one. Changing assignments by request or even a request by the school administration is one thing, but this just doesn’t ring like a positive move.
Well said #536, your anger and frustration was well illustrated on your entry. I agree that this blog should not become a CSEA blog but let me enlighten you. What has happened to many of us displaced and/or completely laid off classified that we were led to believe that the UNION, who is led by Ralph Sandoval, was fighting for the classified workers. Well can he explain to us what happened? How many meetings did we attend where he took leadership to facilitate meetings to only discuss what \he\ felt was necessary. Or in many cases redirect to David Mendiola whenever someone had a question. How many times have employees called him leaving messages only to find out his \mail box is full\. How many employees took the time to picket in front of the District Office and he was not where to be seen. So you ask why waste time for a re-call? Need I say more…
#536
I too can understand your frustrations. As # 538 pointed out CSEA and it’s leaders got into this blog because they are a large part of what happened, or better said, what didn’t happen. To be specific what didn’t happen was protection of classified employees.
Classified employees couldn’t stand up, unite and fight back because the leadership never told the membership what was coming. I can’t say for sure that even the leadership knew what was coming since the district treats classified leaders and members as second class citizens.
However it went I’m sure the district is now sitting back and just watching classified play the blame game on each other hoping no one will remember that it was the district itself that instigated this whole mess with sleazy underhanded legal shinanigans. The district is well aware that CSEA is underpowered when it comes to bringing in professional legal advice and the district took advantage of that.
I have long believed the concept of having union representation from within the employed ranks is a disaster waiting to happen. Why? Because your job, even if you are an elected CSEA official can be riffed as quickly as the next guy. Consequently even a good union president also has to watch how far he goes or he could end up out of a job. I have seen it done elsewhere. In that case a CSEA president was putting up one hell of a fight and winning. His job was riffed. Problem solved for the district.
Recalling the president of the local may be a good start, but when you stand back and look at it; all of those elected officials, all of the negotiation team should have known what was proposed and what might happen. They should have told the membership the truth. Since none of that apparently happened, I’d say the whole bunch are either incompetent, or in bed with the district.
Whatever classified employees decide to do they should unite. Maybe they should look to SAEA for some guildance on how they handled their cuts. I believe a specific lawyer was mentioned. If CSEA at the state level won’t provide legal help then it is time to look elsewhere for representation.
Thank you #538, I just really want to have the UNION concentrate on us instead of fighting. If they are really ready to start to help us, I think we all classified should give them the support. We all just need to stick together at this point and go all the way. I say we classified employess need to rally at the Board Meeting on August 12, 2008. Letting them know that we want our Jobs and show them how we could help. But go with good intentions. Don’t go if your going to be rude, mad or talking trash. Go to show the Board that we classified are really needed in the District and show them that we all could unite without the fighting. The administrators are just feeding off of that. So again, let’s stop the fighting, and try to help eachother get through this hard time. I understand that Ralph has really been there, but really would you if you had a family. I mean there is so much time you could give to CSEA!!! I know I have a family and I would be able to dedicate all my time to CSEA, but I would work my ass off to get what the classified need. So you cant knock him for that. I dont know much about him, but really how much time would you be willing to give up for the CSEA? If you ask me did we volunteer to do anything, I didn’t so i do appreciate what time he has given. we could fight about this for ever, but really that’s just another topic that were waisting our time on other than what’s important and again, that would be us classified employee’s getting our JOBS back. I dont mean to be so blent, but I’m just trying to figure out what and how we could help out what ever is left of our UNION. Really thats who we all have at this point. Let’s send in positive solutions to the Blog instead of negative solutions. I hope you dont get offended of what i just said, but really why waste time on the little stuff like this and worry about the big stuff as to again, OUR JOBS!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Rally at the board meeting 8/12?
LMAO… you guys sure talk tough, but fold when it counts.
FYI-
All CSEA Members in Santa Ana Chapter 41 that paid for their membership in 2007-2008 including the $1.00 for the chapter are ACTIVE until August 31.
Their VOTE will count on August 8th.
RECALL ELECTION OF RAFAEL SANDOVAL, CURRENT CHAPTER PRESIDENT.
Even if you received a lay off notice.. your vote still counts….
Come cast your vote and thank the person who made your layoff possible by removing him from office.
RAFAEL SANDOVAL
SENIOR GROUNDSKEEPE, GODINEZ HIGH.
Get the word out.
Shifting DSO’s sounds like a good idea, but it is not.
This Interim Chief, Sven
writes a policy to have each DSO move from school site to school site every 3 years…
How long does a DSO take to learn the kids, to form a relations with the staff, parents and students..
It takes more than 3 years..
Your Interim Chief is blind and does not recognize this, why is he Interim to begin with..
What type of service will a DSO’s be providing a new school, by the time he/she gets familiar with the
site, parents, students and staff….it is time to move on..
IT MAKES REALLY GOOD COMMON SENSE..
WHAT MOTIVATIONS WILL THE DSO’S HAVE TO COMMITT TO THE NEW SCHOOL SITE… WHEN HE/SHE KNOWS THAT IN 3 YEARS
IT WILL BE TIME TO MOVE ON..
DID YOUR INTERIM CHIEF, THINK THIS OUT..
kATHY oLSKY APPROVED THE CHANGE.. DID SHE EVEN KNOW, WHAT SHE WAS APPROVING…
LET ME GUESS… BLIND STRUST/
If your going to shift DSO’s, shift the ones that need to move on..like the senior ones… not the news guys..
like this Duane guy..how long has he been at Willard?
motivated..he is not.
Any combination equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in administration of justice or comparable training in
security or police work is required and possession of a certificate signifying completion of a course of
training approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (California Penal Code, Section 832)
prior to employment; must meet minimum standards pursuant to California Education Code 39670(b) and five years of
experience in law enforcement or security.
This looks like Juan Lopez decreased the qualifications for the Chief Of Police position so his buddy Sven Hansen can apply.
If you looked at the prior qualifications…
they have been changed..
Why to allow for hansen to apply..
he does even have a Bachelor’s degree..
so the qualifications are dropped to benefit..who
not the school children… but Lopez’s buddies..
Way to go…
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN, MAYBE SOMEPLACE ELSE..NOT IN SANTA ANA.
And what will the recall of Sandoval accomplish?
The district will continue to get away with its shennigans because they can count on the dysfunction of both unions. The district depends on dealing with inept union officials and SAEA and CSAE do not disappoint. The elected union officials are not the problem; it’s the membership who elects these buffons.
SAEA and CSAE members need to take responsbility for their lack of overseeing their union. You’ve been lazy and now it’s biting you in the behind.
You straddle the sidelines.
544 – Your use of grammar needs improvement. Obviously, you have an axe to grind. Maybe you’ve been one of the DSOs transferred and now you’ve lost your power base. But whatever, please proofread what you post. You do a real disservice to your post.
DSO Luis N will benefit from being moved from Willard! In past years he has rewritten his job description and has gotten off tract. By relocating he will be redirected to what is important and within his area of expertise and responsibility. In other words he will learn to do his job again!
#544
I’m not going to dwell on your grammer, but we can talk about your quote of the Ed code. Section 39670 was rewritten about 8 or 9 years ago and can be found under Ed Code Section 38000. Minimum standards are under section (b) including upgrades from 1999 and 2000. No one rewrote the standards but the state legislature. I suspect you are reading an outmoded code or job description.
To meet POST certification additional requirements exist for a chief including a basic, intermediate, advanced, and Administrative POST certificate. This may or may not apply to an “interim” chief. I haven’t bothered to research it. I have no idea if Hansen has all these credentials or not, nor do I care. I just know the district can’t rewrite the code and POST will revoke the police departments certification if he doesn’t meet the minimum standards POST has set.
Pilar..
What is the Aug 11th school board meeting about? I see it was not on the original meeting memo that was posted.
To Godinez Staff: what is Ralph Sandovals position at Godinez? I hear he is not there much.
And what about these new schools such as Godinez.. the lay off’s come and now these schools have a smaller support staff than before! When they needed more staff, more security..I’m taking it that Administration wont worry about it as they wont have to deal with it but they will have their skeleton office staff take on more jobs..I’m sorry but thats BS. I have been a teacher a long time and I have worked at many a HS. I still see the Administation not taking care of their office staff and just bogging them down with work. I feel sorry for the Godinez Classified staff as they will probably get people “placed there” who are just taking jobs because they were layed off and they need a job. I hate to see people take a job when in their heart they do not really want to do it.
If classified staff rally’s I will be there for them and show my support!
Teacher #20
I find it heartening that a number of you have spoken up on behalf of classified employees. As a classified employee during a number of years all I heard from teachers were that the room wasn’t cleaned, the bathrooms were dirty, security didn’t do anything, and school police were never there when something happened. It is special to know that a few of you actually support classified.
Some previous comments above were made about classified being whiners, and that they can’t unite, or it is this person or that persons fault.
In fact all are true to some extent. Classified is a very disjointed group locked into the specific school they work. They are only now learning how others at other sites are treated and who are given special privileges. Sometimes it is CSEA elected officials, while at other schools it is just someone the administrator likes.
The lines of communication among CSEA has to be opened and it needs to be made clear with the state CSEA that this chapter is no longer satisfied with the representation. If the problem is local then this needs to be fixed. I believe local members are simply uninformed and you can blame that on the local elected officials for not doing their job, or the advice they receive from the county or state regions of CSEA.
The sad part is that it came to this point. Both the district and upper management at CSEA are allowing the local to blame each other when in fact none of this should have occurred. Negotiations should have been up front and given to membership. If local elected officials didn’t know then they should be recalled. If they were given bad advice from the Orange office, then classified needs to find a new union.
Whatever the story the district took the upper hand and advantage. CSEA has failed to unite and even the website hasn’t been updated in years except for elected members. How can a union communicate like that? SAEA provides updates almost weekly to keep it’s members informed.
Have a rally but don’t expect much results until some changes are made