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ARCHITECT OF THE 'HOUSTON MIRACLE'?
ABBOTT, Terry
ABBOTT, Terry
Newspaper reporter to editor. Also, reporter-UPI. (Alabama). Also, "managed
statewide political campaigns in Alabama and Mississippi." (SOURCE--SSA bio) To
press secretary- Guy Hunt, governor (Alabama) NOTE: Mr. Hunt "was convicted of
illegally using campaign and inaugural funds to pay personal debts and was removed
from office on April 22, 1993." (SOURCE--Alabama Department of Archives & History). To
press secretary-Rod Paige/sup't- Houston ISD (Texas). To assistant to Rod Paige,
Secretary-U.S.D.O.E. (Washington, D.C.) (Jan. 2001) To-Deputy Commissioner for
Communications- Social Security Advisory Service (Washington, D.C.) (Nov. 2001)
statewide political campaigns in Alabama and Mississippi." (SOURCE--SSA bio) To
press secretary- Guy Hunt, governor (Alabama) NOTE: Mr. Hunt "was convicted of
illegally using campaign and inaugural funds to pay personal debts and was removed
from office on April 22, 1993." (SOURCE--Alabama Department of Archives & History). To
press secretary-Rod Paige/sup't- Houston ISD (Texas). To assistant to Rod Paige,
Secretary-U.S.D.O.E. (Washington, D.C.) (Jan. 2001) To-Deputy Commissioner for
Communications- Social Security Advisory Service (Washington, D.C.) (Nov. 2001)
JULY 24, 2003 UPDATE: To press secretary-Abe Saavedra/sup't-Houston ISD (salary
$155,000+) (Texas). “Paige Boy Returns--HISD's most aggressive marketer comes
back to help. A deftly executed coup ended this month with the return to the Houston
school district of Terry Abbott, the public relations man who paved the way for Rod Paige
(CONTINUED BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
$155,000+) (Texas). “Paige Boy Returns--HISD's most aggressive marketer comes
back to help. A deftly executed coup ended this month with the return to the Houston
school district of Terry Abbott, the public relations man who paved the way for Rod Paige
(CONTINUED BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
| Terry Abbott PHOTO/Deron Neblett-Houston Press |
TAUGHT TEENS: HOMOSEXUAL
'FISTING OFTEN GETS A BAD RAP'
ABELS, Margot
Counselor-women’s health and HIV crisis counseling (New
York City). To original collaborator/pioneer-the Safe
Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students, also HIV-
AIDS program coordinator-DOE. (Massachusetts) To
director-drug/alcohol education svcs.,Tufts University.
MAR. 25, 2000 UPDATE--FISTGATE: Workshop
organizer/presenter-"What They Didn't Tell You About Queer
Sex and Sexuality in Health Class: Workshop for Youth Only,
Ages 14-21." Included "sessions training teachers how to
inject positive homosexual themes into public school
'FISTING OFTEN GETS A BAD RAP'
ABELS, Margot
Counselor-women’s health and HIV crisis counseling (New
York City). To original collaborator/pioneer-the Safe
Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students, also HIV-
AIDS program coordinator-DOE. (Massachusetts) To
director-drug/alcohol education svcs.,Tufts University.
MAR. 25, 2000 UPDATE--FISTGATE: Workshop
organizer/presenter-"What They Didn't Tell You About Queer
Sex and Sexuality in Health Class: Workshop for Youth Only,
Ages 14-21." Included "sessions training teachers how to
inject positive homosexual themes into public school
| Margot Abels (PHOTO Marilyn Humphries/Bay Windows) |
materials--down to the elementary-school level....Teachers who attended the conference, which was
sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, received state development credits for
their participation."...During the workshop in question, Abels reportedly praised the homosexual practice
of 'fisting'--widely condemned by medical authorities as dangerous--saying that it often gets a bad rap."
(CONTINUED BELOW--See FISTGATE)
sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, received state development credits for
their participation."...During the workshop in question, Abels reportedly praised the homosexual practice
of 'fisting'--widely condemned by medical authorities as dangerous--saying that it often gets a bad rap."
(CONTINUED BELOW--See FISTGATE)
| ANTI-CHRISTMAS TEXAS SCHOOL ATTORNEY ABERNATHY, Richard M. Attorney-Plano ISD (Texas) (52,000 students). Also, attorney-Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Joplin, P.C. (McKinney, Texas). Also, school attorney--Collin County Community College District, Plano, McKinney, Northwest, Princeton, Community and Van Alstyne Independent School Districts. Also, Qualified Mediator. Also, city attorney--Frisco, Wylie, Royse City, Prosper and Melissa. DEC. 16, 2004 UPDATE: "Texas school district accused of trying to ban Christmas. Four families filed a federal lawsuit yesterday accusing [Plano ISD] of banning Christmas and |
| Ralph M. Abernathy |
religious expression from their children's classrooms." (SOURCE--Associated Press)
"The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into the Plano Independent School District this
morning. “It is great to have a Justice Department that cares about religious freedom,” said Hiram Sasser,
Director of Litigation with Liberty Legal Institute. On Wednesday, December 15, 2004, parents and children
from the Plano school system and their attorneys held a press conference to announce a lawsuit being
filed against the Plano Independent School District for its unconstitutional censorship policy." (SOURCE--
Liberty Legal Institute press release)
DEC. 17, 2004 UPDATE: "Last year, [Plano ISD] school officials told 9-year-old Jonathan Morgan he couldn't
give classmates Christian-themed candy canes at his elementary school´s 'winter break' party. On
Thursday, a federal judge told him he can....Richard Abernathy, the school district's attorney, said he
respected the judge's order. But Abernathy said the order was unnecessary because the district
recently decided to allow the distribution of all materials (CONTINUED BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
"The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into the Plano Independent School District this
morning. “It is great to have a Justice Department that cares about religious freedom,” said Hiram Sasser,
Director of Litigation with Liberty Legal Institute. On Wednesday, December 15, 2004, parents and children
from the Plano school system and their attorneys held a press conference to announce a lawsuit being
filed against the Plano Independent School District for its unconstitutional censorship policy." (SOURCE--
Liberty Legal Institute press release)
DEC. 17, 2004 UPDATE: "Last year, [Plano ISD] school officials told 9-year-old Jonathan Morgan he couldn't
give classmates Christian-themed candy canes at his elementary school´s 'winter break' party. On
Thursday, a federal judge told him he can....Richard Abernathy, the school district's attorney, said he
respected the judge's order. But Abernathy said the order was unnecessary because the district
recently decided to allow the distribution of all materials (CONTINUED BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
SAN FRANCISCO SUPE & SOMETIME ERDI
CONSULTANT BAILS WITH $375,000 'BE NICE'
PARACHUTE
ACKERMAN, Arlene Cassandra
Teacher-elementary. To principal-Brittany Woods MS, to ass't sup't-University City
SD (Missouri). "In 1992, as assistant superintendent, she was fired for allegedly
focusing on black student achievement to the detriment of white students. She
sued and settled with the district, which offered her job back. She declined.
(SOURCE--Heather Knight/San Francisco Chronicle) To ass't sup't-Seattle Public
CONSULTANT BAILS WITH $375,000 'BE NICE'
PARACHUTE
ACKERMAN, Arlene Cassandra
Teacher-elementary. To principal-Brittany Woods MS, to ass't sup't-University City
SD (Missouri). "In 1992, as assistant superintendent, she was fired for allegedly
focusing on black student achievement to the detriment of white students. She
sued and settled with the district, which offered her job back. She declined.
(SOURCE--Heather Knight/San Francisco Chronicle) To ass't sup't-Seattle Public
| Arlene Ackerman in San Francisco classroom PHOTO/Liz Hafalia San Francisco Chronicle |
ACKERMAN, David (formerly married to Arlene ACKERMAN)
Fifth-grade teacher. To elementary principal-Delmar-Harvard Center (University City USD) (Missouri).
To principal-Loyal Heights ES (Seattle PS) reassigned to principal-McClure MS (Seattle PS)
(Washington). To principal-Navy ES (Fairfax) (Virginia). To principal-Encinal School (grades 3-5)
(July 2000) (salary $88,408 plus $1,000 stipend for master's degree) (348 students) (Menlo Park City
SD) (California). Requested transfer to principal-Oak Knoll ES (2003) (Menlo Park City SD) (655
students) (30 teachers). OKES 2003-04 School Accountability Report Card: "PTA membership is
over 95%....Back-to- School and Open House evenings draw 90-95% of our parents....The Oak Knoll
community values education, and...less than 1% of our students are absent without excuse daily."
(SOURCE--Oak Knoll)
Fifth-grade teacher. To elementary principal-Delmar-Harvard Center (University City USD) (Missouri).
To principal-Loyal Heights ES (Seattle PS) reassigned to principal-McClure MS (Seattle PS)
(Washington). To principal-Navy ES (Fairfax) (Virginia). To principal-Encinal School (grades 3-5)
(July 2000) (salary $88,408 plus $1,000 stipend for master's degree) (348 students) (Menlo Park City
SD) (California). Requested transfer to principal-Oak Knoll ES (2003) (Menlo Park City SD) (655
students) (30 teachers). OKES 2003-04 School Accountability Report Card: "PTA membership is
over 95%....Back-to- School and Open House evenings draw 90-95% of our parents....The Oak Knoll
community values education, and...less than 1% of our students are absent without excuse daily."
(SOURCE--Oak Knoll)
CONNECTICUTT to MAINE to CONNECTICUTT to NEW
JERSEY to MISSOURI to OHIO
ADAMOWSKI, Steven ("Steve")
Elementary school teacher-Scranton PS and New Haven PS (1972-1975) (Connecticut).
To principal-Union ES (Farmington PS) (1976-78) (Connecticut). To ass't
superintendent-Portland PS (8,000 students) (1979-1983) (Maine). To adjunct ass't
professor-Sacred Heart Univ. (1986-1987). To superintendent-Norwich PS (1983-1987)
(4,000 students) (Connecticut). To sup't-School District of the Chathams (1987-1991)
(2,200 students) (Chatham) (New Jersey). To sup't-Clayton Schools (1991-1995) (2,500
JERSEY to MISSOURI to OHIO
ADAMOWSKI, Steven ("Steve")
Elementary school teacher-Scranton PS and New Haven PS (1972-1975) (Connecticut).
To principal-Union ES (Farmington PS) (1976-78) (Connecticut). To ass't
superintendent-Portland PS (8,000 students) (1979-1983) (Maine). To adjunct ass't
professor-Sacred Heart Univ. (1986-1987). To superintendent-Norwich PS (1983-1987)
(4,000 students) (Connecticut). To sup't-School District of the Chathams (1987-1991)
(2,200 students) (Chatham) (New Jersey). To sup't-Clayton Schools (1991-1995) (2,500
| Steve Adamowski |
students) (St. Louis suburbs) (Missouri). To associate Secretary of Education (1995) (Delaware).
(SOURCE--France Griggs/Cincinnati Post) To sup't/CEO -Cincinnati Public Schools (hired May 1998 on 5-2
board vote; started Aug. 1998) (starting salary $136,200,performance-based pay raises up to 10 percent
each year of his 3-year contract; dep. salary $181,282) (SOURCE--Jennifer Mrozowski/Erica Solvig/Cliff
Peale/Gregory Korte/The Cincinnati Enquirer) (42,000 students) (third-largest in Ohio) (Ohio).
(SOURCE--France Griggs/Cincinnati Post) To sup't/CEO -Cincinnati Public Schools (hired May 1998 on 5-2
board vote; started Aug. 1998) (starting salary $136,200,performance-based pay raises up to 10 percent
each year of his 3-year contract; dep. salary $181,282) (SOURCE--Jennifer Mrozowski/Erica Solvig/Cliff
Peale/Gregory Korte/The Cincinnati Enquirer) (42,000 students) (third-largest in Ohio) (Ohio).
JUNE 2002 UPDATE: Resigned effective July 31, 2002. "Mr. Adamowski told the board in a letter...he has
accomplished most of his reform agenda and it was a 'natural' time to leave....Many board members had
no inkling the superintendent planned to leave....His departure comes at a critical juncture for the district,
which is on the brink of asking taxpayers for a $500 million bond issue for the biggest school construction
project in city history—a $1 billion plan to build 35 new schools and renovate 31 others." (Ibid) “'I've
reached the conclusion that I could do the greatest good in the final phase of my career by helping to
prepare the next generation of principals and superintendents,' he wrote in his resignation letter. Mr.
Adamowski said the university has offered to help him establish a new Research Center for Education
Reform." (Ibid.) To ass't professor-Division of educational leadership and policy studies (Dep't of Ed.)
(Univ. of Missouri-St. Louis) (2002) (Missouri). Also, member-Nat' Advisory Board/Wallace/Reader's Digest
Funds, Leaders Count initiative. Also, audit coordinator-American Institute for Research. Also, senior
fellow/deputy director-Modern Red Schoolhouse project at Hudson Institute (1995-96) (Indiana). Also, ERDI
consultant.*
accomplished most of his reform agenda and it was a 'natural' time to leave....Many board members had
no inkling the superintendent planned to leave....His departure comes at a critical juncture for the district,
which is on the brink of asking taxpayers for a $500 million bond issue for the biggest school construction
project in city history—a $1 billion plan to build 35 new schools and renovate 31 others." (Ibid) “'I've
reached the conclusion that I could do the greatest good in the final phase of my career by helping to
prepare the next generation of principals and superintendents,' he wrote in his resignation letter. Mr.
Adamowski said the university has offered to help him establish a new Research Center for Education
Reform." (Ibid.) To ass't professor-Division of educational leadership and policy studies (Dep't of Ed.)
(Univ. of Missouri-St. Louis) (2002) (Missouri). Also, member-Nat' Advisory Board/Wallace/Reader's Digest
Funds, Leaders Count initiative. Also, audit coordinator-American Institute for Research. Also, senior
fellow/deputy director-Modern Red Schoolhouse project at Hudson Institute (1995-96) (Indiana). Also, ERDI
consultant.*
LA FAMILIA ALCANTARA
ALCANTARA, Jeffrey ("Jeff")
Parent volunteer to employee-Deerwood Academy (Pasco County Schools) (St. Petersburg) (Florida). "When
he was eventually hired by school founder Hank Johnson, he quickly became Deerwood's go-to guy,
preparing classrooms, hiring contractors and purchasing supplies." (SOURCE--Cary Davis/St. Petersburg
Times) "At least five members of the Alcantara family worked at the school during the past 18 months, with
two of them serving on its board of trustees. Two longtime friends of Jeff Alcantara also worked there." (Ibid.)
ALCANTARA, Jeffrey ("Jeff")
Parent volunteer to employee-Deerwood Academy (Pasco County Schools) (St. Petersburg) (Florida). "When
he was eventually hired by school founder Hank Johnson, he quickly became Deerwood's go-to guy,
preparing classrooms, hiring contractors and purchasing supplies." (SOURCE--Cary Davis/St. Petersburg
Times) "At least five members of the Alcantara family worked at the school during the past 18 months, with
two of them serving on its board of trustees. Two longtime friends of Jeff Alcantara also worked there." (Ibid.)
ALCANTARA, Joanne (former Mrs. Jeff ALCANTARA)
Nurse-Deerwood Academy. Also, treasurer, board of directors-Deerwood Academy.
Quit in Oct. 2002 "after the Times began reporting on the family's involvement in the
school's erratic accounting." (Ibid.)
ALCANTARA, Nicole (Jeff ALCANTARA'S daughter)
Bookkeeper-Deerwood Academy (age 19) (Jeff Alcantara's daughter). Fired, 2003.
ASCENCAO, Daniel (Nicole ALCANTARA'S husband)
Physical education teacher-Deerwood Academy (not certified). Fired, 2003.
Nurse-Deerwood Academy. Also, treasurer, board of directors-Deerwood Academy.
Quit in Oct. 2002 "after the Times began reporting on the family's involvement in the
school's erratic accounting." (Ibid.)
ALCANTARA, Nicole (Jeff ALCANTARA'S daughter)
Bookkeeper-Deerwood Academy (age 19) (Jeff Alcantara's daughter). Fired, 2003.
ASCENCAO, Daniel (Nicole ALCANTARA'S husband)
Physical education teacher-Deerwood Academy (not certified). Fired, 2003.
| Original Deerwood Academy A/C receipt for $560 (left) and altered version for $1625 (PHOTO/St. Petersburg Times) |
OCT. 19, 2002 UPDATE: "The new president of Deerwood Academy charter school fired
3 employees Friday, including the daughter of Jeffrey Alcantara, who is a convicted felon
suspected of bilking the school out of tens of thousands of dollars. The firings took
3 employees Friday, including the daughter of Jeffrey Alcantara, who is a convicted felon
suspected of bilking the school out of tens of thousands of dollars. The firings took
place the same day the Times reported on more than $65,000 in suspicious invoices that Jeffrey Alcantara
and his friends allegedly submitted to Deerwood for reimbursement. Daughter Nicole Alcantara, 19, acted
as Deerwood's bookkeeper for much of the past two years, and her signature appears on the invoices'
reimbursement checks. Also fired Friday were Nicole's uncle, [Deerwood's school cook] James Walsh, 59,
and her husband, Daniel Ascencao, 24 [who] taught physical education, even though he isn't certified to do
so. 'There is certainly enough circumstantial evidence--if not real evidence--that we just had to get them out
of here,' said Jonathan Bentley, the newly elected president of Deerwood's board of directors. 'We just need
to clean this place out and get it done now.' Jeffrey Alcantara, 49, has numerous convictions involving
credit card fraud, bad check writing and investment scams. He has served prison time.. (CONTINUED
BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
and his friends allegedly submitted to Deerwood for reimbursement. Daughter Nicole Alcantara, 19, acted
as Deerwood's bookkeeper for much of the past two years, and her signature appears on the invoices'
reimbursement checks. Also fired Friday were Nicole's uncle, [Deerwood's school cook] James Walsh, 59,
and her husband, Daniel Ascencao, 24 [who] taught physical education, even though he isn't certified to do
so. 'There is certainly enough circumstantial evidence--if not real evidence--that we just had to get them out
of here,' said Jonathan Bentley, the newly elected president of Deerwood's board of directors. 'We just need
to clean this place out and get it done now.' Jeffrey Alcantara, 49, has numerous convictions involving
credit card fraud, bad check writing and investment scams. He has served prison time.. (CONTINUED
BELOW--See FOLLOW-UPS)
| F O L L O W - U P S |
| ACKERMAN, Arlene cont'd |
| ALCANTARA's cont'd |
| ABELS, Margot cont'd |
| ABBOTT, Terry cont'd |
| ABERNATHY, Richard cont'd |
| in three states and is on probation until November 2003. A former Deerwood employee, Alcantara resigned from the school March 1 when parents began questioning his past, although the school continued to employ him as an independent contractor through August." (SOURCE--Kent Fischer/St. Petersburg Times) JULY 31, 2003 UPDATE: "Investigators with the State Attorney's Office concluded that Alcantara misappropriated about $100,000 by submitting bogus invoices to the school for air-conditioning installation, classroom renovations, plumbing and electrical work and general labor. Addition- ally, state investigators found, Alcantara made about $107,000 in deposits to his personal checking account during his Deerwood affiliation....He also recruited [Aristides M.] Poppiti, who became the school's $15,000-a-year "security director," and later was "in the news again for what authorities described as a brazen holdup of a Largo grocery store." "Reports said a man walked into the store carrying a .380-caliber handgun and wearing a blue ski mask. On his orders, employees filled plastic bags with cash. Then he left, shoving an older woman out of the way.... Pinellas authorities say Poppiti is a suspect in at least eight older holdups. He remained in custody Wednesday in Pinellas in lieu of $100,000 bail.... Poppiti faces up to life in prison if he is convicted of the robbery charge." (SOURCE-- Cary Davis/St. Petersburg Times) Among Deerwood's credit card charges: "$1,364 in cell phone bills, $121 at Hooters, and $600 worth of auto parts at Tire Kingdom (no vehicles are registered in Deerwood's name)." (Ibid.) |
| --religious or otherwise--at Friday's parties. That decision was shared with campus administrators Dec. 1, he said. Asked if the policy was communicated to parents, Abernathy replied, 'If it was, it wasn't done very well.'...Citing 'the policy on distribution of school materials and non-school materials,' a letter sent to parents at Jonathan´s school on Dec. 6 urged parents to limit party supplies to 'approved items,' including white plates and white napkins. Abernathy said the letter was written by a parent, not a school official. He speculated that white items were suggested to represent the color of snow. Hiram Sasser, director of litigation with Liberty Legal |
NOV. 13, 2004
UPDATE:
"Ackerman's new
contract--extended
a year to June 30,
2008--includes a
raise from her
current salary of
$223,526 to
$250,000. It also
includes an
increase in her
monthly housing
allowance from
$1,200 to $2,000.
UPDATE:
"Ackerman's new
contract--extended
a year to June 30,
2008--includes a
raise from her
current salary of
$223,526 to
$250,000. It also
includes an
increase in her
monthly housing
allowance from
$1,200 to $2,000.
The
Massachu-
setts Dep't of
Education
has
traditionally
provided
funding to
GLSEN
through the
state's "Safe
Schools
Program....
Scott
Whiteman, a
parent and
executive
director of the
Massachu-
setts-based
Parents
Rights
Coalition, also
attended the
conference
and secretly
recorded the
teen sex
workshop....Ab
els claims her
civil rights
were violated
by [Whiteman]
and by
Education
Commission-
er David
Driscoll, who
subsequently
fired her."
(SOURCE-World
NetDaily.com)
Massachu-
setts Dep't of
Education
has
traditionally
provided
funding to
GLSEN
through the
state's "Safe
Schools
Program....
Scott
Whiteman, a
parent and
executive
director of the
Massachu-
setts-based
Parents
Rights
Coalition, also
attended the
conference
and secretly
recorded the
teen sex
workshop....Ab
els claims her
civil rights
were violated
by [Whiteman]
and by
Education
Commission-
er David
Driscoll, who
subsequently
fired her."
(SOURCE-World
NetDaily.com)
to become U.S.
secretary of
education. Abbott
spent four years at
HISD touting the
so-called ’
Houston Miracle.'
(SOURCE--Richard
Connelly/ The
Houston Press) At
HISD, Abbott
manages "a five-
person central-
office staff that
only handles
media relations."
(SOURCE--AASA)
secretary of
education. Abbott
spent four years at
HISD touting the
so-called ’
Houston Miracle.'
(SOURCE--Richard
Connelly/ The
Houston Press) At
HISD, Abbott
manages "a five-
person central-
office staff that
only handles
media relations."
(SOURCE--AASA)
Institute, which represents the plaintiffs, said Thursday´s order was
needed because the district´s written policy precludes
dissemination of religious materials in the classroom. 'With the
weird flip-flopping, parents just don´t know what students can and
can't do and it needed to be clear,' Sasser said, calling the verbal
policy change 'just a sham.'" (SOURCE--FoxNews.com)
needed because the district´s written policy precludes
dissemination of religious materials in the classroom. 'With the
weird flip-flopping, parents just don´t know what students can and
can't do and it needed to be clear,' Sasser said, calling the verbal
policy change 'just a sham.'" (SOURCE--FoxNews.com)
| NOV. 3, 2005 UPDATE--EXPERT WITNESS DONNA GARNER'S RESPONSE TO PLANO ISD'S ASSERTIONS: "The fact that Jonathan Morgan was not allowed to give his gifts to his fellow classmates at a winter-break party in 2003 was a clear indication that PISD overstepped its authority in children's lives. Obviously, if all the other children were handing out gifts and goodies to each other, Jonathan's gift would have caused no disruption.... Unsubstantiated fears by PISD are not enough justification under the law to take children's First Amendment rights away from them. [PISD principal Susan] Dantzler's]...report leaves PISD's over-inclusive policy in a very precarious position. For PISD's Policy 043910 to be lawful, it is incumbent upon the district to be able to forecast substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities. Since no such demonstrable evidence has been provided by PISD, I have to assume that no such evidence exists. Elementary children should be allowed to share items during non-instructional times (e.g., at lunch, at recess, and even during passing periods if they are quiet and orderly); and it is reasonable to assume that such actions would not materially and substantially disrupt the appropriate discipline of the school. My many years as a classroom teacher have shown me how caring and giving children can be, and the last thing teachers need to do is to discourage those types of behaviors. A skillful teacher does not need to be afraid of interpersonal communications between students. Schools are made for such interchanges, and they help children to become more aware of the diverse world in which they live. PISD needs to remember the carefully chosen words of Justice Fortas when he said, "In order for the State in the person of school officials to justify prohibition of a particular expression of opinion, it must be able to show that its action was caused by something more than a mere desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint. Certainly where there is no finding and no showing that engaging in the forbidden conduct would 'materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school,' the prohibition cannot be sustained." Children need to see that their First Amendment rights are valued by schools as part of the Great American Way. Stifling the exchanges between students does not create an effective environment for learning nor does it promote an open society where honest discourse is encouraged. To use Supreme Court Justice Fortas' words once again; In our system, state-operated schools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism. School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students. Students in school as well as out of school are 'persons' under our Constitution. They are possessed of fundamental rights which the State must respect, just as they themselves must respect their obligations to the State. In our system, students may not be regarded as closed-circuit recipients of only that which the State chooses to communicate. They may not be confined to the expression of those sentiments that are officially approved. In the absence of a specific showing of constitutionally valid reasons to regulate their speech, students are entitled to freedom of expression of their views. As Judge Gewin, speaking for the Fifth Circuit, said, school officials cannot suppress 'expressions of feelings with which they do not wish to contend.'" (SOURCE--Rebuttal Report to Defendant's Expert Witness, Susan Dantzler, from Plaintiffs' Independent Witness, Donna Garner - Nov. 3, 2005) |
| Ackerman speaks at San Francisco City Hall |
| Terry Abbott (right) addressing supes Feb. 19, 2004 at AASA convention in San Francisco: "Managing the News Media and the Message." (PHOTO/AASA) |
Board President
Dan Kelly said the
deal was
necessary to
keep the
superintendent in
the district....
Commissioners
Sarah Lipson, Eric
Mar and Mark
Sanchez, all critics
of Ackerman, voted
against the
contract, saying it
was too much
money at a time
when teachers
and classroom
aides are laid off
each year. Mar, for
one, said the
annual evaluation
had been too
rushed...."
(SOURCE--San
Francsico Chronicle)
Dan Kelly said the
deal was
necessary to
keep the
superintendent in
the district....
Commissioners
Sarah Lipson, Eric
Mar and Mark
Sanchez, all critics
of Ackerman, voted
against the
contract, saying it
was too much
money at a time
when teachers
and classroom
aides are laid off
each year. Mar, for
one, said the
annual evaluation
had been too
rushed...."
(SOURCE--San
Francsico Chronicle)
SEPT. 4, 2003
UPDATE: "Abbott
and the HISD
administration
want employees
talking to only
news outlets they
deem fit....On
August 25, Abbott
announced an
official policy that
he would do his
best to ensure that
no HISD
employee ever
speaks with the
Houston Press....
'We just can't get
any kind of fair
shake out of the
Houston Press,'
he said. (At first,
Abbott's assistant
said that the policy
was in place
because Abbott
said the Press 'got
stories wrong,' but
in direct
conversation
Abbott made no
claims about
errors and instead
talked of getting 'a
fair shake.' He
cited no specific
stories.)... .Abbott
did not get
approval from the
school board for
his policy."
(SOURCE--Richard
Connelly/The
Houston Press)
UPDATE: "Abbott
and the HISD
administration
want employees
talking to only
news outlets they
deem fit....On
August 25, Abbott
announced an
official policy that
he would do his
best to ensure that
no HISD
employee ever
speaks with the
Houston Press....
'We just can't get
any kind of fair
shake out of the
Houston Press,'
he said. (At first,
Abbott's assistant
said that the policy
was in place
because Abbott
said the Press 'got
stories wrong,' but
in direct
conversation
Abbott made no
claims about
errors and instead
talked of getting 'a
fair shake.' He
cited no specific
stories.)... .Abbott
did not get
approval from the
school board for
his policy."
(SOURCE--Richard
Connelly/The
Houston Press)
| FIST- GATE |
AUG. 27,
2001
UPDATE:PRC
leaders Scott
Whiteman
and Brian
Camenker,
who exposed
the scandal
and made the
tape public,
have been
sued by Ms.
Abels and the
Gay and
Lesbian
Advocates
and
Defenders
(GLAD)
claiming they
broke state
wiretapping
laws. The two
family rights
activists
have already
incurred
more than
$100,000 in
legal
expenses."
(SOURCE--Ray
Thomas/The
Sierra Times)
AUG. 30,
2001
UPDATE:
"Arbitrator
Marc
Greenbaum
ruled against
the DOE's
claim that
Abels'
participa- tion
in the
workshop
exceeded the
bounds of her
role as a DOE
employee by
dealing
directly with
students, a
policy that
was not
written at the
time of her
firing.
Greenbaum
ordered the
DOE to
reinstate
Abels to her
job with back
pay." (Ibid.)
OCT. 2003
UPDATE: To
director-Drug
and Alcohol
Education
Services/Tufts
University.
2001
UPDATE:PRC
leaders Scott
Whiteman
and Brian
Camenker,
who exposed
the scandal
and made the
tape public,
have been
sued by Ms.
Abels and the
Gay and
Lesbian
Advocates
and
Defenders
(GLAD)
claiming they
broke state
wiretapping
laws. The two
family rights
activists
have already
incurred
more than
$100,000 in
legal
expenses."
(SOURCE--Ray
Thomas/The
Sierra Times)
AUG. 30,
2001
UPDATE:
"Arbitrator
Marc
Greenbaum
ruled against
the DOE's
claim that
Abels'
participa- tion
in the
workshop
exceeded the
bounds of her
role as a DOE
employee by
dealing
directly with
students, a
policy that
was not
written at the
time of her
firing.
Greenbaum
ordered the
DOE to
reinstate
Abels to her
job with back
pay." (Ibid.)
OCT. 2003
UPDATE: To
director-Drug
and Alcohol
Education
Services/Tufts
University.
FEB. 15, 2005
UPDATE:
"Yesterday, School
Board President
Eric Mar
announced that
Ackerman had told
him three schools
in the city would be
closing. Today,
Ackerman had a
press conference
to say she never
said any such
thing.
(SOURCE--Chris
Nolan/Politics from
Left to Right)
UPDATE:
"Yesterday, School
Board President
Eric Mar
announced that
Ackerman had told
him three schools
in the city would be
closing. Today,
Ackerman had a
press conference
to say she never
said any such
thing.
(SOURCE--Chris
Nolan/Politics from
Left to Right)
JUNE 21, 2005
UPDATE: "Tim
Tronson, the
Former Director of
Facilities
Management and
Development for
SFUSD has pled
guilty to two
felonies –
misappropriation
of public funds and
tax evasion.....
Superintendent
Ackerman, who
initiated several
investigations into
fraud and
corruption amidst
criticism upon
arriving at SFUSD
several years ago,
is thrilled by the
news." (SOURCE--
SFUSD Press
Release)
UPDATE: "Tim
Tronson, the
Former Director of
Facilities
Management and
Development for
SFUSD has pled
guilty to two
felonies –
misappropriation
of public funds and
tax evasion.....
Superintendent
Ackerman, who
initiated several
investigations into
fraud and
corruption amidst
criticism upon
arriving at SFUSD
several years ago,
is thrilled by the
news." (SOURCE--
SFUSD Press
Release)
| 'Plano ISD cancels Christmas' |
NOV. 13, 2005
PW UPDATE:
Sent a query to
Terry Abbott and
his staff asking for
a quote regarding
the following:
o KHOU's
November 10,
2005 assertion
that, they
"walked right in
to HISD's secure
testing
warehouse, past
a disabled
security system
and easily got our
hands on
confidential
materials. The
district doesn't
just store state
TAKS tests there,
but also another
one called the
Stanford
Achievement Test
-- a test millions of
students across
the country will
take this year."
o Jay Greene's
comments that "if
they allow a large
number of secure
tests to float out
there, either
students or
educators could
obtain it to cheat
on it. That then
will reduce the
accountability of
the test and
undermine the
whole
accountability
system. I think it's
a very large
number of tests. It
shows in general
they are not
adopting sensible
procedures for
preserving the
integrity of their
tests."
o The 1,111
missing TAKS
tests as reported
by the Dallas
Morning News,
including the "627
tests that
disappeared from
a Houston ISD
special-education
test session."
The 6,000
reported missing
at HISD by
Channel 11.
o Also, viz a viz
testing, HISD's
NAEP exclusion
numbers, ratios.
o Also asked
Abbott: "Looking
for your
assistance with:
The name(s) of
the paper(s) for
which you
worked as
reporter and
editor in
Alabama. A copy
of your current
employment
contract (via
email or to the
below address),
or in the alternate
particulars
regarding exact
current salary
and perqs; there
appears to be
some confusion
in Houston as to
whether you earn
$149,000-plus or
$155,000 plus.
Whether you
receive a car
and/or
transportation
allowance, what
your cell phone
set up is, etc.
Your
department's
total annual
budget, including
salaries, travel
and other
overhead.
PW UPDATE:
Sent a query to
Terry Abbott and
his staff asking for
a quote regarding
the following:
o KHOU's
November 10,
2005 assertion
that, they
"walked right in
to HISD's secure
testing
warehouse, past
a disabled
security system
and easily got our
hands on
confidential
materials. The
district doesn't
just store state
TAKS tests there,
but also another
one called the
Stanford
Achievement Test
-- a test millions of
students across
the country will
take this year."
o Jay Greene's
comments that "if
they allow a large
number of secure
tests to float out
there, either
students or
educators could
obtain it to cheat
on it. That then
will reduce the
accountability of
the test and
undermine the
whole
accountability
system. I think it's
a very large
number of tests. It
shows in general
they are not
adopting sensible
procedures for
preserving the
integrity of their
tests."
o The 1,111
missing TAKS
tests as reported
by the Dallas
Morning News,
including the "627
tests that
disappeared from
a Houston ISD
special-education
test session."
The 6,000
reported missing
at HISD by
Channel 11.
o Also, viz a viz
testing, HISD's
NAEP exclusion
numbers, ratios.
o Also asked
Abbott: "Looking
for your
assistance with:
The name(s) of
the paper(s) for
which you
worked as
reporter and
editor in
Alabama. A copy
of your current
employment
contract (via
email or to the
below address),
or in the alternate
particulars
regarding exact
current salary
and perqs; there
appears to be
some confusion
in Houston as to
whether you earn
$149,000-plus or
$155,000 plus.
Whether you
receive a car
and/or
transportation
allowance, what
your cell phone
set up is, etc.
Your
department's
total annual
budget, including
salaries, travel
and other
overhead.
DEC. 19, 2004 DAVE ZENKER COMMENTARY UPDATE: "Plano ISD
cancels Christmas. It’s June 11, 1963. Alabama Governor George
Wallace stands in the schoolhouse door of the University of
Alabama. Vivian Malone and James Hood, two black students,
attempt to register to attend the University. The students won,
Wallace failed. Fast forward to December 17, 2004.
Superintendent Doug Otto stands in the Plano ISD schoolhouse
door attempting to ban students from practicing their faith during
their most Holy season, the celebration of the birth of their savior
Jesus Christ. The students won, Otto failed. Otto didn’t go
quietly. He assembled a powerful phalanx of taxpayer-supported
attorneys and issued edicts demanding that NO child or parent
would be permitted to engage the following prohibited activities.....
There would be NO candy cane distribution with Christ-mas Cards
Attached. There would be NO Christmas items exchanged by
parents. There would be NO criticizing of school board members or
administrators. If any Plano ISD child or parent dared to exercise
freedom of speech or freedom of religion within Otto’s fiefdom, there
would be dire consequences. What is wrong with the
superintendent and staff of the Plano Independent School
district? Don’t they know that Christmas was declared a Federal
Holiday on June 26, 1870. Not 'Winter Break,' not 'Winter
Solstice,' but Christmas." (SOURCE--Dave Zenker/Texas Journal)
cancels Christmas. It’s June 11, 1963. Alabama Governor George
Wallace stands in the schoolhouse door of the University of
Alabama. Vivian Malone and James Hood, two black students,
attempt to register to attend the University. The students won,
Wallace failed. Fast forward to December 17, 2004.
Superintendent Doug Otto stands in the Plano ISD schoolhouse
door attempting to ban students from practicing their faith during
their most Holy season, the celebration of the birth of their savior
Jesus Christ. The students won, Otto failed. Otto didn’t go
quietly. He assembled a powerful phalanx of taxpayer-supported
attorneys and issued edicts demanding that NO child or parent
would be permitted to engage the following prohibited activities.....
There would be NO candy cane distribution with Christ-mas Cards
Attached. There would be NO Christmas items exchanged by
parents. There would be NO criticizing of school board members or
administrators. If any Plano ISD child or parent dared to exercise
freedom of speech or freedom of religion within Otto’s fiefdom, there
would be dire consequences. What is wrong with the
superintendent and staff of the Plano Independent School
district? Don’t they know that Christmas was declared a Federal
Holiday on June 26, 1870. Not 'Winter Break,' not 'Winter
Solstice,' but Christmas." (SOURCE--Dave Zenker/Texas Journal)
SEPT. 7, 2005
UPDATE:
Resigned
SFUSD. "JUST A
FEW days after the
release of state
test results that
Supt. Arlene
Ackerman
portrayed as a
sign of how much
good she has
done for the San
Francisco
schools,
Ackerman was
back to the sort of
behavior that has
driven a growing
number of critics
to suggest it might
be time for her to
leave. This is
getting out of
control, and the
school board has
to put an end to it.
In a closed
session Aug. 30,
Ackerman,
according to
published reports,
effectively
demanded a
written guarantee
that the board
members would
be nice to her and
let her have her
way–or she'd
take her ball and
go home. It was a
childish display,
the sort of thing
Ackerman's
employees in the
classroom
wouldn't tolerate
for a second. In
this case,
Ackerman's ball
is a $375,000
severance
package that's
guaranteed to her
even if she walks
out on her
contract."
(SOURCE--San
Francisco Bay
Guardian)
OCT. 19, 2005
UPDATE:
Accepted position,
prof.-Teachers
College/ Columbia
Univ., effective
Sept. 2006.
UPDATE:
Resigned
SFUSD. "JUST A
FEW days after the
release of state
test results that
Supt. Arlene
Ackerman
portrayed as a
sign of how much
good she has
done for the San
Francisco
schools,
Ackerman was
back to the sort of
behavior that has
driven a growing
number of critics
to suggest it might
be time for her to
leave. This is
getting out of
control, and the
school board has
to put an end to it.
In a closed
session Aug. 30,
Ackerman,
according to
published reports,
effectively
demanded a
written guarantee
that the board
members would
be nice to her and
let her have her
way–or she'd
take her ball and
go home. It was a
childish display,
the sort of thing
Ackerman's
employees in the
classroom
wouldn't tolerate
for a second. In
this case,
Ackerman's ball
is a $375,000
severance
package that's
guaranteed to her
even if she walks
out on her
contract."
(SOURCE--San
Francisco Bay
Guardian)
OCT. 19, 2005
UPDATE:
Accepted position,
prof.-Teachers
College/ Columbia
Univ., effective
Sept. 2006.
DEC. 9, 2005
UPDATE: BILL
O'REILLY: "In Plano,
Texas, just north of
Dallas, the school
told students they
couldn't wear red
and green because
they were Christmas
colors. That's
flat-out fascism. If I
were a student in
Plano, I'd be a
walking Christmas
tree after that order.
Have a little thing on
my head."
(SOURCE--The
O'Reilly
Factor/FoxNews)
UPDATE: BILL
O'REILLY: "In Plano,
Texas, just north of
Dallas, the school
told students they
couldn't wear red
and green because
they were Christmas
colors. That's
flat-out fascism. If I
were a student in
Plano, I'd be a
walking Christmas
tree after that order.
Have a little thing on
my head."
(SOURCE--The
O'Reilly
Factor/FoxNews)
| Superintendent Doug Otto and his wife Bobbi, Plano Senior HS office manager, visited with guests prior to the program's start. (SOURCE--PISD Teacher of the Year Gala - May 12, 2005) |
A BRIEF HISTORY of DEERWOOD ACADEMY Hank Johnson "opened Deerwood Academy in August 2001 [with] about 200 students in classrooms leased from the Unity Church of Port Richey on Pine Hill Road. It is a public school, but as a charter school, it is operated independently of the Pasco County School Board. It was to have received about $850,000 in taxpayer money . . . for operation." (SOURCE--Kent Fischer/ St. Petersburg Times) Deerwood Academy closed October 2003 (SOURCE--Cheryl Bently/ The Suncoast News ) and is no longer listed on the Pasco County Schools Website. |
DEC. 12, 2005 UPDATE "On Friday, December 9, on the Fox News
Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor," with Bill O'Reilly and guest Jim
Pinkerton, Fox 4 News analyst, it was falsely reported in a segment
entitled 'More Victories for Christmas,' that 'In Plano, Texas, a school
told students they couldn't wear red and green because they are
Christmas colors.' Due to the number of e-mails, inquiries and
phone calls to Plano ISD regarding students 'wearing red and
green,' Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto has posted this
communication to assure the school community that this rumor is
not true. 'The school district does not restrict students or staff from
wearing certain color clothes during holiday times or any other
school days,' noted Dr. Otto, who said that the school district's
attorney has requested that Mr. O'Reilly retract the statement."
(SOURCE--Plano ISD Website)
Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor," with Bill O'Reilly and guest Jim
Pinkerton, Fox 4 News analyst, it was falsely reported in a segment
entitled 'More Victories for Christmas,' that 'In Plano, Texas, a school
told students they couldn't wear red and green because they are
Christmas colors.' Due to the number of e-mails, inquiries and
phone calls to Plano ISD regarding students 'wearing red and
green,' Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto has posted this
communication to assure the school community that this rumor is
not true. 'The school district does not restrict students or staff from
wearing certain color clothes during holiday times or any other
school days,' noted Dr. Otto, who said that the school district's
attorney has requested that Mr. O'Reilly retract the statement."
(SOURCE--Plano ISD Website)
| NOTE: PISD sup't Doug Otto is an ERDI consultant. (See article at bottom of Education, Inc.) |
| Plano ISD: Students can't send Christmas cards to troops |
DEC. 14, 2005 UPDATE: "The schools are already the battleground.
The schools are attempting to teach children that there is something
wrong with Christianity--that it is something to hide. They are also
teaching that free speech is okay if you want to promote homosexual
behavior, abortion or any other liberal cause which the NEA backs,
but it's not okay if you want to express your Christian beliefs.
(SOURCE--"MSM Hater"/FreeRepublic.com)
"I suspect that the ban on red and green ('holiday colors') DID occur
in Plano. It would be consistent with the Plano Schools policies. I
also suspect that irate Plano parents called the O'Reilly Show about
this issue." (SOURCE--FormerACLUmember/Freep)
"I did some research into this and found in the lawsuit it states:
Section 1.1-'Defendants continue to ban the use of red and green at
Christmas parties'... Section 1.2- -'Defend- ants have in the past and
continue in the present to ban all colors or symbols which represent
Christmas'... Section 6.126 - 'Parents and students were not
permitted to use red pom-poms or reindeer because those symbols
would be characteristic of the celebration of Christmas.' They made
kids take out 'Jesus is the reason for the season' pencils out of
goodie bags they are allowed to give each other at the 'Holiday party'.
They also would not let them send 'Merry Christmas' cards to our
troops or to nursing homes because it might offend someone.
They were also forced to say Happy Holidays rather than Merry
Christmas. During recess a kid can't say 'Hey, I have some extra
tickets to party at my Church.' Swanson (admin) even stated that all
symbols which would represent or symbolize Christmas are
prohibited from use by parents or volunteers at the WINTER party."
(SOURCE--icwhatudo/Freep)
The schools are attempting to teach children that there is something
wrong with Christianity--that it is something to hide. They are also
teaching that free speech is okay if you want to promote homosexual
behavior, abortion or any other liberal cause which the NEA backs,
but it's not okay if you want to express your Christian beliefs.
(SOURCE--"MSM Hater"/FreeRepublic.com)
"I suspect that the ban on red and green ('holiday colors') DID occur
in Plano. It would be consistent with the Plano Schools policies. I
also suspect that irate Plano parents called the O'Reilly Show about
this issue." (SOURCE--FormerACLUmember/Freep)
"I did some research into this and found in the lawsuit it states:
Section 1.1-'Defendants continue to ban the use of red and green at
Christmas parties'... Section 1.2- -'Defend- ants have in the past and
continue in the present to ban all colors or symbols which represent
Christmas'... Section 6.126 - 'Parents and students were not
permitted to use red pom-poms or reindeer because those symbols
would be characteristic of the celebration of Christmas.' They made
kids take out 'Jesus is the reason for the season' pencils out of
goodie bags they are allowed to give each other at the 'Holiday party'.
They also would not let them send 'Merry Christmas' cards to our
troops or to nursing homes because it might offend someone.
They were also forced to say Happy Holidays rather than Merry
Christmas. During recess a kid can't say 'Hey, I have some extra
tickets to party at my Church.' Swanson (admin) even stated that all
symbols which would represent or symbolize Christmas are
prohibited from use by parents or volunteers at the WINTER party."
(SOURCE--icwhatudo/Freep)
DEC. 31, 2005
UPDATE:
"Apparently, it's
not the students,
teachers,
administrators or
parents who
deserve the credit
for the improved
performance on
standardized tests
by San
Francisco's public
schoolchildren.
It's Mayor Gavin
Newsom, who
said in a lengthy
interview in
January's issue of
San Francisco
magazine, 'You
know, five years in
a row I have
increased test
scores. No. 1
urban school
district in the state
of California.'
...School board
President Eric
Mar, who has
clashed with
Ackerman and by
extension
Newsom, said the
city's test scores
aren't necessarily
worth bragging
about for Newsom
or anybody else.
'It strikes me that
he's listened to
the public
relations
department of the
school district,'
Mar said."
(SOURCE--Heather
Knight/San Francisco
Chronicle)
UPDATE:
"Apparently, it's
not the students,
teachers,
administrators or
parents who
deserve the credit
for the improved
performance on
standardized tests
by San
Francisco's public
schoolchildren.
It's Mayor Gavin
Newsom, who
said in a lengthy
interview in
January's issue of
San Francisco
magazine, 'You
know, five years in
a row I have
increased test
scores. No. 1
urban school
district in the state
of California.'
...School board
President Eric
Mar, who has
clashed with
Ackerman and by
extension
Newsom, said the
city's test scores
aren't necessarily
worth bragging
about for Newsom
or anybody else.
'It strikes me that
he's listened to
the public
relations
department of the
school district,'
Mar said."
(SOURCE--Heather
Knight/San Francisco
Chronicle)
| Abernathy to O'Reilly: 'Merry Christmas' |
DEC. 15, 2005 UPDATE: "'What vehicle do I have to say Bill O'Reilly is
flat wrong?' said Richard Abernathy, an attorney for the school district.
Abernathy told O'Reilly in an e-mail to that his fascism comment
'smacks of McCarthyism and represents yellow journalism at its
best.' Abernathy signed the note, 'Merry Christmas.' In a statement
released to The Associated Press on Wednesday regarding his
Friday broadcast, O'Reilly said: 'There is ongoing litigation involving
the Plano school district that deals with censoring
Christmas/religious expression. As part of this ongoing litigation,
issues have been raised about the banning of Christmas items
with specific colors and there's a range of items in
question.'...While clothing isn't specifically mentioned the lawsuit,
O'Reilly's point about the district trying to avoid Christmas is
essentially correct, said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty
Legal Institute, a religious-rights group representing parents in the
lawsuit." (SOURCE--Houston Chronicle)
flat wrong?' said Richard Abernathy, an attorney for the school district.
Abernathy told O'Reilly in an e-mail to that his fascism comment
'smacks of McCarthyism and represents yellow journalism at its
best.' Abernathy signed the note, 'Merry Christmas.' In a statement
released to The Associated Press on Wednesday regarding his
Friday broadcast, O'Reilly said: 'There is ongoing litigation involving
the Plano school district that deals with censoring
Christmas/religious expression. As part of this ongoing litigation,
issues have been raised about the banning of Christmas items
with specific colors and there's a range of items in
question.'...While clothing isn't specifically mentioned the lawsuit,
O'Reilly's point about the district trying to avoid Christmas is
essentially correct, said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty
Legal Institute, a religious-rights group representing parents in the
lawsuit." (SOURCE--Houston Chronicle)
DEC. 20, 2005 UPDATE: BILL
O'REILLY'S GUEST Greg Knapp,
KLIF. "Thomas Elementary School
is the one that the lawsuit's
about....They have admitted they had
that problem, as you mentioned with
the pencils, and the court did litigate
that. And they have come out with a
new policy where they allow the
children now to give gifts to each
other, even with a religious
message, child to child, not
O'REILLY'S GUEST Greg Knapp,
KLIF. "Thomas Elementary School
is the one that the lawsuit's
about....They have admitted they had
that problem, as you mentioned with
the pencils, and the court did litigate
that. And they have come out with a
new policy where they allow the
children now to give gifts to each
other, even with a religious
message, child to child, not
JAN. 5, 2005 PW
UPDATE: No
response from
Abbott or any other
HISD PR staff.
UPDATE: No
response from
Abbott or any other
HISD PR staff.
| Bill O'Reilly with Texas radio host Greg Knapp discussing PISD's Christmas policies |
TERRY ABBOTT 101: HANDLING THE PRESS ....A good news media strategy for school districts is to be aggressive, ahead of the game and creative about producing positive news. ....If you don’t manage the media, the media will manage you. ....Never let a superintendent talk to an investigative reporter. (SOURCE--AASA) |
teacher to child. They do now allow that. But even today I talked with a
parent who said, "Greg, please don't use my name, because I don't
want to get in trouble with the school and have my kid in trouble." But
they were told by this parent association no Christmas-related items
allowed at the winter party. Now that's in — that's in absolutely
contradiction to the policy that was put out today by the PISD. That's
what's happening at the school." (SOURCE--Fox News)
parent who said, "Greg, please don't use my name, because I don't
want to get in trouble with the school and have my kid in trouble." But
they were told by this parent association no Christmas-related items
allowed at the winter party. Now that's in — that's in absolutely
contradiction to the policy that was put out today by the PISD. That's
what's happening at the school." (SOURCE--Fox News)
| JAN. 1, 2005 UPDATE--Response by Richard Abernathy to PW's query: I am not anti-Christmas, and more importantly, the Plano ISD is not anti-Christmas. I don't even understand the moniker. It appears to have surfaced when talk shows began discussing major department stores using the phrase "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas and the District was pulled into the fray when some talk show hosts reported that the District banned red and green clothes and/or red and green napkins and plates. The allegations are false. The District has never banned red and green clothes or red and green napkins and plates. It also appears these speakers allege that the District banning red and green is religious discrimination. When I could not find a reference in the Bible to support this tenet, I consulted people who I thought had a greater depth of knowledge of the Bible than I and asked them for the text reference. They could not.... |
| TASB & TEA SOURCE OF PLANO ISD POLICIES |
| What has happened is a lawsuit was filed against the District in December 2004 by some parents alleging the District's policy governing student distribution of non-instructional materials is unconstitutional. The policy in effect at that time was a TASB policy and it was amended to allow greater rights of student distribution in April 2005. Both policies are content neutral; they don't single any specific content, even Christian materials. Currently, at the high school and middle school, students may pass out non-instructional materials (including religious messages) at any time other than instructional time. The only other limitation is the material may not be lewd, obscene, and the like. Thus, for example, a secondary school student may pass out non-instructional materials before and after school, in the hallway and during lunch. In the elementary school, the same policy applies. However, since elementary school age students receive instruction during lunch and the hallway that is required by TEKS, that time is considered instructional and thus only instructional materials may be distributed. Examples of when elementary students may pass out non-instructional materials (assuming they are not lewd, obscene, age appropriate, etc.) include before and after school, at recess and at any of the three parties at which the TEA allows sweets to be distributed. The District has a party at the end of the calendar year, Valentine's and at the end of school. These are the parties when sweets may be consumed by the students. In the lawsuit filed last year, one of the parents complained that the District were not going to allow their child to pass out Christian materials during the party. That was the issue that was tried at the temporary hearing. Although the District had allowed the non-instructional materials to passed out by students at the Valentine's party in February 2004 and at the year end party in May 2004 and had allowed the distribution of those materials at the December parties that had taken place before the hearing and would have continued to do the day after the hearing, the court granted the TRO. While this space does not allow me to fully discuss all the issues in the case, the parents in general contend, as Mr. Sasser stated in an article cited in your email, that the District's "written policy precludes dissemination of religious materials in the classroom". Based on Mr. Sasser's statement and his client's current pleadings, I believe it is the parents' contention that the students should be allowed to pass out non-instructional material during instructional time until it creates a material and substantial disruption. In short, it appears the Plaintiff's contend the that students during class can pass out any information he or she wishes until a material and substantial disruption occurs. The District contends that it has a legitimate governmental interest in limiting distribution of non-instructional materials during instructional time; the mission of the District is to give each student an excellent education. Thus, the District does not desire to prohibit the distribution of non-instructional materials (which it has never urged), but it believes it may place reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on such distribution. Those restrictions are described generally above and you can access the policies on the Plano ISD web site for the actual language of the policy. Both sides have filed motions for summary judgment and the Judge has not ruled on the motions. |
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATOR ELAINE SCOTT's COMMENTS re TERRY ABBOTT: "In essence, Abbott said that whether in schools or business, you must step out of the passive, defense-mode style of thinking when designing your communication plan. In today’s highly competitive marketplace, you have to develop a high- powered offensive strategy that involves creating events that will create positive press." (SOURCE--Elaine Scott/The Matrix -- The Ass'n for Women in Communications ) |
| 10 REASONS: Christmas in public schools OK |
Constitutionally Permissible Activities
in Government Schools Related to Religious Holidays
1. Singing Christmas carols is permitted in government schools. In 1980,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in Florey v.
Sioux Falls School District, that students may sing religious Christmas carols
in government schools. However, the purpose of the performance must be
the "advancement of the students' knowledge of society's cultural and
religious heritage, as well as the provision of an opportunity for performing a
full range of music, poetry, and drama that is likely to be of interest to the
students and their audience." The school board policy upheld by the court
said that singing of the carols needs to be done in a "prudent, objective
manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the
particular holiday."
2. Presence of creche scenes in government schools is permitted. The
United States Supreme Court, in Lynch v. Donnelly, upheld the right of the
government to display a creche scene in the context of secular symbols of
Christmas, e.g. a Christmas tree, reindeer, Santa Claus, etc. In the context of
a government school, the school policy upheld by the Florey decision said that
creches, crosses, the Star of David, and other symbols may be used as
teaching aid or resource provided the use is temporary in nature. The
presence of the religious symbol must serve an educational purpose and be
present in the context of secular symbols of Christmas.
3. Use of the words "Christmas Holiday" in government schools is
allowed. School personnel certainly are free to use the term "Christmas
Holiday" based on the freedom of speech protection. Government school
districts may also use the term since Congress and the President "have
proclaimed both Christmas and Thanksgiving National Holidays in religious
terms," and government workers received a paid holiday on December 25th
which the federal government refers to as "Christmas" (Lynch v. Donnelly). It
is not required, therefore, to purge the word "Christmas" from government
schools.
4. Studying the Bible in government schools is allowed. For instance,
school teachers may read portions of the Bible which relate the Christmas
story for the purpose of providing a literary or historical context for the
Christmas season but not for religious or devotional purposes. The United
States Supreme Court in The School District of Abington Township v. Scamp
banned organized prayer and devotional Bible reading from government
schools but also said, "It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of
study for its literary and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here
indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented
objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected
consistently with the first amendment." In the U.S. Supreme Court's 1980
decision Stone v. Graham, the Court said, "the Bible may constitutionally be
used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative
religion, or the like."
5. Use of Christmas trees is permitted.
Christmas trees are permissible because they are a secular symbol or
Christmas, e.g. they don't have religious significance like a cross, nativity
scene, or a Menorah. There is no establishment clause issue if the items in
question are not religious in nature (Allegheny County v. American Civil
Liberties Union).
6. Student distribution of religious materials, e.g. Christmas
cards, is protected speech. The right of students in government schools to
distribute religious literature is protected by the First Amendment right of free
speech. The distribution of printed materials is considered "pure speech" by
the United States Supreme Court (Texas v. Johnson. The fact that the speech
or literature is religious in nature does not diminish its protection by the
Constitution (Widmar v. Vincent).
The only basis for restricting students' speech is if the school can show that
such distribution would 'materially and substantially interfere with school
operations or with the rights of other students," (Tinker v. Des Moines School
District). Merely showing that the regulation is designed to "avoid the
discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular
viewpoint ....[is insufficient]," (Johnston-Loener v. O'Brien).
7. Student painting of a religious picture, writing religious based
essays, or delivering religious based speeches are permitted. Here
again, students have constitutional rights of free speech and free exercise of
religion. Students engaging in certain expressions of religious views or
beliefs does not mean the government endorses those views. The only
requirement is that verbal or written speech must fall within the parameters of
the course. For instance, a student cannot stand up in math class and begin
giving a speech about religion, because the speech has no relation to the
subject being studied. There is no endorsement of religion when schools
accommodate student speech on religion. "[T]here is a crucial difference
between government endorsing religion, which the Establishment Clause
forbids, and private speech endorsing religion, which the Free Speech and
Free Exercise Clauses protect," (Board of Education v. Mergens).
8. Allowing student-initiated Bible studies or prayer meetings on
government school premises is required if nonreligious groups can meet on
school premises. The Supreme Court has recognized and upheld the Equal
Access Act (1984) passed by Congress which prohibits schools from
discriminating against religious-based non-curricula related student groups
meeting on school premises. In other words, they must treat Bible studies or
prayer meetings the same as the chess club, computer club, and other
non-curricula activities. If the non-religious groups are allowed to meet on
school premises, so are religious groups. All groups must be treated equally,
without discrimination (Board of Education v. Mergens).
9. Saying "Merry Christmas" in government schools is protected free
speech. Government schools cannot ban the use of the word "Christmas"
under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment (Cohen v. California).
The Supreme Court has found that simply because other students object to
the speech in the absence of any other justification is no reason to prohibit
the speech. The court has ruled that speech that "interferes with the rights of
students" means speech that is sexually explicit, libelous, or defamatory
toward another student (Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier).
10. Use of religious symbols (such as the cross, Menorah,
creche, Star of David) in classroom teaching is permitted. The use of
religious symbols is permissible when used as a teaching aid. The purpose of
the symbol, however, must be educational and not devotional or religious in
nature and temporary is use (Florey).
(SOURCE--Minnesota Family Council's Northstar Legal Center)
in Government Schools Related to Religious Holidays
1. Singing Christmas carols is permitted in government schools. In 1980,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in Florey v.
Sioux Falls School District, that students may sing religious Christmas carols
in government schools. However, the purpose of the performance must be
the "advancement of the students' knowledge of society's cultural and
religious heritage, as well as the provision of an opportunity for performing a
full range of music, poetry, and drama that is likely to be of interest to the
students and their audience." The school board policy upheld by the court
said that singing of the carols needs to be done in a "prudent, objective
manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the
particular holiday."
2. Presence of creche scenes in government schools is permitted. The
United States Supreme Court, in Lynch v. Donnelly, upheld the right of the
government to display a creche scene in the context of secular symbols of
Christmas, e.g. a Christmas tree, reindeer, Santa Claus, etc. In the context of
a government school, the school policy upheld by the Florey decision said that
creches, crosses, the Star of David, and other symbols may be used as
teaching aid or resource provided the use is temporary in nature. The
presence of the religious symbol must serve an educational purpose and be
present in the context of secular symbols of Christmas.
3. Use of the words "Christmas Holiday" in government schools is
allowed. School personnel certainly are free to use the term "Christmas
Holiday" based on the freedom of speech protection. Government school
districts may also use the term since Congress and the President "have
proclaimed both Christmas and Thanksgiving National Holidays in religious
terms," and government workers received a paid holiday on December 25th
which the federal government refers to as "Christmas" (Lynch v. Donnelly). It
is not required, therefore, to purge the word "Christmas" from government
schools.
4. Studying the Bible in government schools is allowed. For instance,
school teachers may read portions of the Bible which relate the Christmas
story for the purpose of providing a literary or historical context for the
Christmas season but not for religious or devotional purposes. The United
States Supreme Court in The School District of Abington Township v. Scamp
banned organized prayer and devotional Bible reading from government
schools but also said, "It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of
study for its literary and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here
indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented
objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected
consistently with the first amendment." In the U.S. Supreme Court's 1980
decision Stone v. Graham, the Court said, "the Bible may constitutionally be
used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative
religion, or the like."
5. Use of Christmas trees is permitted.
Christmas trees are permissible because they are a secular symbol or
Christmas, e.g. they don't have religious significance like a cross, nativity
scene, or a Menorah. There is no establishment clause issue if the items in
question are not religious in nature (Allegheny County v. American Civil
Liberties Union).
6. Student distribution of religious materials, e.g. Christmas
cards, is protected speech. The right of students in government schools to
distribute religious literature is protected by the First Amendment right of free
speech. The distribution of printed materials is considered "pure speech" by
the United States Supreme Court (Texas v. Johnson. The fact that the speech
or literature is religious in nature does not diminish its protection by the
Constitution (Widmar v. Vincent).
The only basis for restricting students' speech is if the school can show that
such distribution would 'materially and substantially interfere with school
operations or with the rights of other students," (Tinker v. Des Moines School
District). Merely showing that the regulation is designed to "avoid the
discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular
viewpoint ....[is insufficient]," (Johnston-Loener v. O'Brien).
7. Student painting of a religious picture, writing religious based
essays, or delivering religious based speeches are permitted. Here
again, students have constitutional rights of free speech and free exercise of
religion. Students engaging in certain expressions of religious views or
beliefs does not mean the government endorses those views. The only
requirement is that verbal or written speech must fall within the parameters of
the course. For instance, a student cannot stand up in math class and begin
giving a speech about religion, because the speech has no relation to the
subject being studied. There is no endorsement of religion when schools
accommodate student speech on religion. "[T]here is a crucial difference
between government endorsing religion, which the Establishment Clause
forbids, and private speech endorsing religion, which the Free Speech and
Free Exercise Clauses protect," (Board of Education v. Mergens).
8. Allowing student-initiated Bible studies or prayer meetings on
government school premises is required if nonreligious groups can meet on
school premises. The Supreme Court has recognized and upheld the Equal
Access Act (1984) passed by Congress which prohibits schools from
discriminating against religious-based non-curricula related student groups
meeting on school premises. In other words, they must treat Bible studies or
prayer meetings the same as the chess club, computer club, and other
non-curricula activities. If the non-religious groups are allowed to meet on
school premises, so are religious groups. All groups must be treated equally,
without discrimination (Board of Education v. Mergens).
9. Saying "Merry Christmas" in government schools is protected free
speech. Government schools cannot ban the use of the word "Christmas"
under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment (Cohen v. California).
The Supreme Court has found that simply because other students object to
the speech in the absence of any other justification is no reason to prohibit
the speech. The court has ruled that speech that "interferes with the rights of
students" means speech that is sexually explicit, libelous, or defamatory
toward another student (Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier).
10. Use of religious symbols (such as the cross, Menorah,
creche, Star of David) in classroom teaching is permitted. The use of
religious symbols is permissible when used as a teaching aid. The purpose of
the symbol, however, must be educational and not devotional or religious in
nature and temporary is use (Florey).
(SOURCE--Minnesota Family Council's Northstar Legal Center)
How we take back our children's education: one person, one question, one school at a time. |
| H e l p i n g A m e r i c a ' s M o m s & D a d s , s t u d e n t s a n d t a x p a y e r s |
Schools (Washington). To chief academic officer (Sept. 1997) to sup't-Washington, D.C. PS (Washington
D.C.) (salary $150,000) NOTE: Ackerman calls her time in DC her "missionary work." (Ibid.) To sup't- San
Francisco Unified SD (California) (Aug. 1, 2000) (salary $197,000) (2000: 60,000 students, 160 schools)
(2005: 58,000 students, budget $685 million); $375,000 severance package. "This is the first place I've
ever lived where I've felt conservative - and nobody, nobody would evercall me conservative." (Ibid.) Also,
director-Upward Bound. Also, member-board of directors/WestEd. Also, chair-Council of Great City
Schools (2005-06). Also, chair-Writing Commission/College Board. Aso, aligned with Urban Sup't's
Academy/Broad Foundation. Also, ERDI consultant.*
MAR. 1998 UPDATE: "Even before D.C. schools Chief Executive Julius W. Becton, Jr. told his staff he was
planning to resign [Ackerman] had drawn a new organizational chart that gave her direct control over every
aspect of the school system." (SOURCE--Debbi Wilgoren/Washington Post)
JULY 26, 1999 UPDATE: After her first year in DC, "Arlene Ackerman says her $150,000 a year salary
doesn't do her justice. She wants a hefty raise. We don't think she should get it. With some notable
exceptions, particularly in the area of communicating with the public and its representatives, Mrs. Ackerman
has done the job she was hired to do." (SOURCE--The Common Denominator) (CONTINUED BELOW--See
FOLLOW-UPS)
D.C.) (salary $150,000) NOTE: Ackerman calls her time in DC her "missionary work." (Ibid.) To sup't- San
Francisco Unified SD (California) (Aug. 1, 2000) (salary $197,000) (2000: 60,000 students, 160 schools)
(2005: 58,000 students, budget $685 million); $375,000 severance package. "This is the first place I've
ever lived where I've felt conservative - and nobody, nobody would evercall me conservative." (Ibid.) Also,
director-Upward Bound. Also, member-board of directors/WestEd. Also, chair-Council of Great City
Schools (2005-06). Also, chair-Writing Commission/College Board. Aso, aligned with Urban Sup't's
Academy/Broad Foundation. Also, ERDI consultant.*
MAR. 1998 UPDATE: "Even before D.C. schools Chief Executive Julius W. Becton, Jr. told his staff he was
planning to resign [Ackerman] had drawn a new organizational chart that gave her direct control over every
aspect of the school system." (SOURCE--Debbi Wilgoren/Washington Post)
JULY 26, 1999 UPDATE: After her first year in DC, "Arlene Ackerman says her $150,000 a year salary
doesn't do her justice. She wants a hefty raise. We don't think she should get it. With some notable
exceptions, particularly in the area of communicating with the public and its representatives, Mrs. Ackerman
has done the job she was hired to do." (SOURCE--The Common Denominator) (CONTINUED BELOW--See
FOLLOW-UPS)
WHAT'S WRONG ___ WHO'S RESPONSIBLE Education, Inc. & the big pot o'money Administrators on the Move, Educators in the News (Aa-Ald) (Ale-Alp) (AlQ-Anc) (And-Arz) (As-Az) Featured educator Where are they now? Lax oversight The media ___ WHAT YOU CAN DO Accountability Practical how-to's Success stories, Kindred spirits What to expect ___ Commentary/Home About Contact |
AASA - American Association of School Administrators ASA - Association of School Administrators CSD - Consolidated School District DOE - Department of Education ES - Elementary School HS - High School ISD - Independent School District JHS - Junior High School MS - Middle School MSM - Mainstream media NSBA - National School Boards Association NSPRA - National School Public Relations Association PS - Public School(s) SBEC - State Board for Educator Certification SD - School District Sup't - Superintendent TAKS - Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills TASA - Texas Association of School Administrators TASB - Texas Association of School Boards TASBO - Texas Association of School Business Officials TEA - Texas Education Agency TEKS - Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills USD - UnifiedUnited School District |
| GUIDE |
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| QUOTES |
- $ - BIG DOLLARS ARE AT STAKE. Most people view school districts as places that educate children. But they also can be viewed as big pots of taxpayer money with plenty of companies trying to get their share. The annual operating budget for Dallas ISD is $1 billion. The U.S. Department of Education says the combined budgets for public school districts exceed $500 billion a year. Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, is less than half that size. The gross domestic product of Argentina is less than $500 billion. -- Scott Parks, Dallas Morning News - $ - |
Curious as to what open records legislation looks like? Ours in Texas is remarkably straight- forward. Under the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, it is the policy of this state that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to implement this policy. --Texas Gov't Code 552 |
One Mom's Opinion Despite the straightforward language of our Texas Public Information Act, many of our school districts here in Texas continue to duck, dodge, stonewall and delay or deny production of our open records, even when we're only asking to look at them. They act like they're writing the checks from their personal checking accounts. |
IT'S NOT NICE TO NOT TALK TO THE PRESS At first, Terry Abbott's "assistant said that the policy was in place because Abbott said the Press 'got stories wrong,' but in direct conversation Abbott made no claims about errors and instead talked of getting 'a fair shake.' He cited no specific stories." |
| Helping parents & taxpayers implode Education, Inc. |
| I n p r o g r e s s |
| ATTENTION EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS: Every attempt possible has been made to verify all sources and information. In the event you feel an error has been made, please contact us immediately. Thank you. |
| Copyright 1999-2006 Peyton Wolcott |
On the myth of local control The system over time has become more defective as it has become more centralized. Power has moved from the local community to the school district to the state and on to the federal government. About 90 percent of our kids now go to so-called public schools, which are really not public at all but simply private fiefs, primarily of the administrators and the union officials. --Milton Friedman |
On the myth that schools welcome parental involvement Public school systems often view parents not as allies but as annoying obstacles to be overcome. --John Leo |
Be sure to not stop over in Missouri on your way back East. They might not be feeling the love there yet. Arlene Ackerman, on leaving San Francisco USD for Columbia University: "I'm going back to the East Coast where they treat me better, where they love me." |
And how is your school district spending your tax dollars? What enterprise do you suppose wrote checks amounting to $1.6 million for lawyers, $375,000 for various chambers of commerce, $311,000 for professional association fees, $90,000 for Franklin Covey (personal effectiveness and productivity training), $14,500 for Billie Arbuckle Adventures and $2.7 million for Young Audiences of North Texas (arts and cultural programs)? Would you be surprised to learn it was a Texas public school district? --Chris Patterson Texas Public Policy Foundation |
Home Schooling rates double With private and government estimates showing that home-schooling is growing at a rate of 7 percent to 15 percent each year, most people recognize home-schooling as the fastest-growing education trend today. --Michael Smith Pres.- Home School Legal Defense Ass'n |
Bill O'Reilly on Plano ISD's Anti-Christmas policies In Plano, Texas, just north of Dallas, the school told students they couldn't wear red and green because they were Christmas colors. That's flat-out fascism. If I were a student in Plano, I'd be a walking Christmas tree after that order. Have a little thing on my head." -- Bill O'Reilly Fox News |
Your local school district: NOT a no-spin zone School districts have interests like politicians. They seek to avoid politically embarrassing information. And they spin in the way that politicians normally spin because we have come to understand schools as basically political creatures. --Jay Greene quoted by Dave Lieber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram |
The 2005-2006 president of the Texas School Public Relations Ass'n speaks out, in her own words, on spin Our job is always going to be to put our company or our school in the most positive light. You would expect that of Lockheed or Bank of America or whatever school district. Basically, we're a company." --Candace Ahlfinger, president of the Texas Schools Public Relations Association quoted by Dave Lieber |
How one school district spins To board members: 'When you disagree in public, we can't spin it.' Re the media: 'We know what's really going on. They [reporters] don't. They still don't always get the facts right.' Re Amarillo ISD's annual Back to School Media Lunch: 'Everybody likes to eat. They feel very special because we've talked to them.' --Becky McIlraith, Amarillo ISD to Texas administrators and school board members Training session, Oct. 29, 2005 TASA/TASB convention Dallas, Texas |
| POP QUIZ: Who's king (or queen) in your school district? Next time you go to your district's HQ, see who's got the best parking space by the front door. Is it reserved for the taxpayers paying the bills--or someone else? |
David v. Goliath: How America's Moms & Dads are taking on Education, Inc. PEYTON WOLCOTT |
The public school establishment will never say outright: "We own your children." But their mind-set and behavior presume exactly that. At bottom, the widespread argument that the public school establishment will "lose" students and funds implicitly assumes that the public schools have a presumptive property right in children. So, reduced to its essence, the position of the public school establishment is that, at birth, children are by default the property of the public schools, and that allows them to lay claim to certain funds through the various public school funding. --John Wenders Professor of Economics, Emeritus, University of Idaho. |
It was at home I learned the little I know. Schools always appeared to me like a prison, and never could I make up my mind to stay there, not even for four hours a day, when the sunshine was inviting, the sea smooth, and when it was joy to run about the cliffs in the free air, or to paddle in the water. —Claude Monet |
TO:
ARLENE ACKERMAN
SAN FRANCISCO
USD SUP'T
DATE:
JAN. 2, 2006
"According to your 'Five
Core Beliefs' posted on
the San Francisco Unified
School district Website,
you state: '1. Children
come first.' You further
state, 'These are not just
words on a page.' It's
ARLENE ACKERMAN
SAN FRANCISCO
USD SUP'T
DATE:
JAN. 2, 2006
"According to your 'Five
Core Beliefs' posted on
the San Francisco Unified
School district Website,
you state: '1. Children
come first.' You further
state, 'These are not just
words on a page.' It's
difficult to square these
statements by you with
the $375,000 'be nice'
parachute you'll be
leaving SFUSD with when
you depart for the East
Coast. Wondering how
you can state that
'Children come first' and
still insist on taking
$375,000 from those
same children's
educations. Perhaps
there is a reasonable
explanation, and if so, I
am eager to learn it. In
statements by you with
the $375,000 'be nice'
parachute you'll be
leaving SFUSD with when
you depart for the East
Coast. Wondering how
you can state that
'Children come first' and
still insist on taking
$375,000 from those
same children's
educations. Perhaps
there is a reasonable
explanation, and if so, I
am eager to learn it. In
which ERDI conferences
have you participated
as a consultant? Did you
attend the Feb. 2005 ERDI
conference in San Antonio
and if so did you stay at
the Hyatt Hill Country
Resort? Will you be
attending the ERDI
conference next month in
San Diego? Have you
reported this participation
to the SFUSD board?
Have any SFUSD trustees
inquired as to ERDI or any
other of your consultation
activities? What
consulting have you done
aside from ERDI during
your tenure at SFUSD?
How much money do you
estimate you have earned
as an ERDI consultant
during your tenure at
SFUSD? Finally, do you
feel your consulting for
ERDI and other clients has
presented any conflicts of
interest in your role as
SFUSD superintendent?"
have you participated
as a consultant? Did you
attend the Feb. 2005 ERDI
conference in San Antonio
and if so did you stay at
the Hyatt Hill Country
Resort? Will you be
attending the ERDI
conference next month in
San Diego? Have you
reported this participation
to the SFUSD board?
Have any SFUSD trustees
inquired as to ERDI or any
other of your consultation
activities? What
consulting have you done
aside from ERDI during
your tenure at SFUSD?
How much money do you
estimate you have earned
as an ERDI consultant
during your tenure at
SFUSD? Finally, do you
feel your consulting for
ERDI and other clients has
presented any conflicts of
interest in your role as
SFUSD superintendent?"
| QUERY THE SUPE |
| STATUS: Partial response rec'd Jan. 5, 2006 |
This severance clause is
standard practice in
superintendents’ contracts
around the state and
country. Under California
law, should a Board agree
to terminate a
superintendent’s contract
(without cause) who has
more than 18 months left
on his or her contract (and
I have three years left on
mine)….that
superintendent is entitled
an 18 months severance.
While this is standard
practice in this state and
across the country….many
districts actually pay the
superintendent the entire
amount left on the
unexpired contract. In
addition, it is standard
practice that
superintendents can
consult if they use
vacation days.
standard practice in
superintendents’ contracts
around the state and
country. Under California
law, should a Board agree
to terminate a
superintendent’s contract
(without cause) who has
more than 18 months left
on his or her contract (and
I have three years left on
mine)….that
superintendent is entitled
an 18 months severance.
While this is standard
practice in this state and
across the country….many
districts actually pay the
superintendent the entire
amount left on the
unexpired contract. In
addition, it is standard
practice that
superintendents can
consult if they use
vacation days.
The “be nice” parachute
you noted is actually a
contractual agreement
between me and the
board.
you noted is actually a
contractual agreement
between me and the
board.
| PW COMMENT: For which SFUSD taxpayers and students are paying. |
DATE:
JAN. 5, 2006
1. $375,000 is an
extraordinary sum, far
more than the average
most Americans spend on
their homes ($264,540),
their largest single
investment over the
course of their entire
lifetimes. This amount
would make a nice
contribution to SFUSD's
bank balance. Many
Americans wonder how in
good conscience you can
justify keeping such a
large sum for simply
leaving a job which is
after all concerned with
the education and
betterment of children.
There's an old saying,
"Just because you can
doesn't mean you should."
2. Regarding ERDI:
ERDI clients are
engaged in much more
than curriculum
materials. Also, did
you keep the $6,000+
you earned or donate it
to SFUSD?
3. Regarding consulting,
you didn't mention
whether you have done
any other consulting
such as Broad, etc.
JAN. 5, 2006
1. $375,000 is an
extraordinary sum, far
more than the average
most Americans spend on
their homes ($264,540),
their largest single
investment over the
course of their entire
lifetimes. This amount
would make a nice
contribution to SFUSD's
bank balance. Many
Americans wonder how in
good conscience you can
justify keeping such a
large sum for simply
leaving a job which is
after all concerned with
the education and
betterment of children.
There's an old saying,
"Just because you can
doesn't mean you should."
2. Regarding ERDI:
ERDI clients are
engaged in much more
than curriculum
materials. Also, did
you keep the $6,000+
you earned or donate it
to SFUSD?
3. Regarding consulting,
you didn't mention
whether you have done
any other consulting
such as Broad, etc.
| PW follow-up query to Sup't Ackerman re unanswered questions, more |
| STATUS: No response as of Feb. 11, 2006 |