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JUDGE/DOUBLE-DIPPING FORMER US DOE DEP. UNDERSECRETARY
ANDELL, Eric
Houston juvenile court judge. Also, host-"Juvenile Justice." Allowed
cameras into his courtroom for the TV show, aired in most major U.S.
markets (1993-94). (Texas) Judge-315th District Court. (Texas)
Appointed by then-Gov. Ann Richards (Democrat) to the 1st Court of
Appeals. (1993) Lost 2000 re-election bid, began serving almost
immediately as a visiting judge; chairman of the Texas Juvenile
Probation Commission. To deputy undersecretary, Safe and Drug Free
Schools, U.S. Dep't of Education (appointed to senior advisor
position--safety issues, also special counsel to then-U.S. Education
Secretary Rod Paige in 2001). Chair--"At Risk Students" program
(sponsored by Harris County Education Foundation). Member of
Houston/Harris County Commission on Children. (Texas)
(SOURCES--U.S. D.O.E., Houston Chronicle). Also, former
member-Advisory Board: Neuhaus Education Center, Houston.
Houston juvenile court judge. Also, host-"Juvenile Justice." Allowed
cameras into his courtroom for the TV show, aired in most major U.S.
markets (1993-94). (Texas) Judge-315th District Court. (Texas)
Appointed by then-Gov. Ann Richards (Democrat) to the 1st Court of
Appeals. (1993) Lost 2000 re-election bid, began serving almost
immediately as a visiting judge; chairman of the Texas Juvenile
Probation Commission. To deputy undersecretary, Safe and Drug Free
Schools, U.S. Dep't of Education (appointed to senior advisor
position--safety issues, also special counsel to then-U.S. Education
Secretary Rod Paige in 2001). Chair--"At Risk Students" program
(sponsored by Harris County Education Foundation). Member of
Houston/Harris County Commission on Children. (Texas)
(SOURCES--U.S. D.O.E., Houston Chronicle). Also, former
member-Advisory Board: Neuhaus Education Center, Houston.
| ERIC ANDELL WITH ROD PAIGE IN HOUSTON. (L-R) Eric G. Andell, County Judge, Rod Paige, Ph.D., Superintendent, Houston ISD, Julie Payne, President, The Junior League of Houston, Lawrence Marshall, President, Board of Education, Houston Independent School District, Ralph D. Feigin, M.D., President and CEO, Baylor College of Medicine, and Mark A. Wallace, President and CEO, Texas Children's Hospital recently celebrated the start of SuperKids, a community outreach program that provides inner city school children with basic health care through the use of a mobile unit. (PHOTO/Baylor College of Medicine) |
APR. 29, 2005 COURT UPDATE: Pleaded guilty to cheating the federal
government out of several thousand dollars in expenses. "Andell
charged the government for expenses on at least 14 trips between
Nov. 2002 and Sept. 2003 that actually were personal expenses,
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
government out of several thousand dollars in expenses. "Andell
charged the government for expenses on at least 14 trips between
Nov. 2002 and Sept. 2003 that actually were personal expenses,
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
IN AND OUT, BACK AND FORTH
ANDERSEN, Pete
Principal, Clifton Central High School, Clifton, Ill., to superintendent, Lee Center Community Unit School District
(Fall 2003-2004) (Paw Paw) (Illinois). To sup't-Paw Paw HS (Illinois).
ANDERSEN, Pete
Principal, Clifton Central High School, Clifton, Ill., to superintendent, Lee Center Community Unit School District
(Fall 2003-2004) (Paw Paw) (Illinois). To sup't-Paw Paw HS (Illinois).
SUPERINTENDENT, ALSO MATH PROGRAM 'ADVISOR'
ANDERSON, Bart
Sup't-Put-In-Bay Local Schools (Ohio). To sup't-Port Clinton City SD (Ohio) (Feb. 2002 to
Aug. 2004).
SEPT. 2004 NEW JOB UPDATE: To sup't-Franklin County ESC (90,000 students) (17
school districts) (Columbus) (Ohio) (SOURCE--Toledo Blade). Also, 2004-05 board
member-Educational Council (Columbus) (Ohio).
Also, member-board of trustees/Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation
(appointed Apr. 6, 2004).
ANDERSON, Bart
Sup't-Put-In-Bay Local Schools (Ohio). To sup't-Port Clinton City SD (Ohio) (Feb. 2002 to
Aug. 2004).
SEPT. 2004 NEW JOB UPDATE: To sup't-Franklin County ESC (90,000 students) (17
school districts) (Columbus) (Ohio) (SOURCE--Toledo Blade). Also, 2004-05 board
member-Educational Council (Columbus) (Ohio).
Also, member-board of trustees/Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation
(appointed Apr. 6, 2004).
| Bart Anderson |
PRINCIPAL TO SUPE TO e-TUTOR OWNER
ANGULO, Martha
Teacher; to principal; to sup't-Union Ridge School District #86 and Cornell High
School District #70 (Illinois). To CEO/president-Strategic Studies
Corporation (1993) (Chicago) (Illinois); Angulo founded SSC "to
provide research, evaluation and other management consulting services to
ANGULO, Martha
Teacher; to principal; to sup't-Union Ridge School District #86 and Cornell High
School District #70 (Illinois). To CEO/president-Strategic Studies
Corporation (1993) (Chicago) (Illinois); Angulo founded SSC "to
provide research, evaluation and other management consulting services to
including schools....Strategic Studies is a proven success in developing online interactive educational
content and the authority in developing online curriculum for the education market." (SOURCE--SSC) Also,
founder/e-Tutor Virtual Learning in 1997. "e-Tutor Virtual Learning was conceived by
Dr. Martha Angulo, an an educator with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal and school
superintendent....The online instructional program is part of a suite of websites focusing on K-12 education
created and maintained by Strategic Studies Corporation. The other websites include
KnowledgeHQ, LessonPro, and Homeschooling Corner. The
lessons are aligned with state and national goals and standards in the four core curriculum areas:
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Science." (SOURCE--e-Tutor Website) Also,
inductee-Illinois State U. College of Education Hall of Fame (2003).
content and the authority in developing online curriculum for the education market." (SOURCE--SSC) Also,
founder/e-Tutor Virtual Learning in 1997. "e-Tutor Virtual Learning was conceived by
Dr. Martha Angulo, an an educator with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal and school
superintendent....The online instructional program is part of a suite of websites focusing on K-12 education
created and maintained by Strategic Studies Corporation. The other websites include
KnowledgeHQ, LessonPro, and Homeschooling Corner. The
lessons are aligned with state and national goals and standards in the four core curriculum areas:
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Science." (SOURCE--e-Tutor Website) Also,
inductee-Illinois State U. College of Education Hall of Fame (2003).
PARENTS CHARGE SUPE WITH OPEN MEETINGS
VIOLATIONS, FRAUD
ARIAS, Robert
Ass't sup't/educational services-Charter Oak USD. To sup't-South Pasadena USD
(Summer 2004) (California).
MAY 13, 2005 PARENTS UPDATE: "Under fire for a host of allegations ranging from
fraud to secretly recording conversations with an administrator. The [SPUSD] board
heard four hours of public comment before beginning [last night's] meeting and later
adjourning to closed session, where they were set to discuss his fate. Arias was
hired last summer after the board voted not to renew former Superintendent Mike
Hendricks' contract. A group of parents and teachers have recently been calling on
VIOLATIONS, FRAUD
ARIAS, Robert
Ass't sup't/educational services-Charter Oak USD. To sup't-South Pasadena USD
(Summer 2004) (California).
MAY 13, 2005 PARENTS UPDATE: "Under fire for a host of allegations ranging from
fraud to secretly recording conversations with an administrator. The [SPUSD] board
heard four hours of public comment before beginning [last night's] meeting and later
adjourning to closed session, where they were set to discuss his fate. Arias was
hired last summer after the board voted not to renew former Superintendent Mike
Hendricks' contract. A group of parents and teachers have recently been calling on
| Robert Arias listens to public comments atMay 12, 2005 South Pas board meeting PHOTO/John Kennedy Pasadena Star-News |
the board to fire Arias, due in part to allegations of open-meetings violations and fraud related to the
controversial reassigning of several district administrators in March." (SOURCE-Pasadena Star News)
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
controversial reassigning of several district administrators in March." (SOURCE-Pasadena Star News)
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
COMPTROLLER: 'INTERNAL CONTROLS NEEDED TO BE
STRENGTHENED'
STRENGTHENED'
ARISTY, Carlos H.
Trustee-Westbury Union Free School District (6 schools) (800 employees)
($71 million budget) (New York). Also, chess teacher-New York City. Also,
stamp collector.
FEB. 17, 2005 AUDIT UPDATE: Audit of Westbury UFSD by New York
Comptroller Alan Hevesi found "no fraud, but that some internal controls
needed to be strengthened. In an audit that examined administrative
expenses, such as credit card usage, meals and travel from July 1, 2002
through August 31, 2004, the auditors found that the district had
inappropriately compensated the superintendent more than $15,000 for
leave time and paid more than $1,800 for personal travel expenses for
Trustee-Westbury Union Free School District (6 schools) (800 employees)
($71 million budget) (New York). Also, chess teacher-New York City. Also,
stamp collector.
FEB. 17, 2005 AUDIT UPDATE: Audit of Westbury UFSD by New York
Comptroller Alan Hevesi found "no fraud, but that some internal controls
needed to be strengthened. In an audit that examined administrative
expenses, such as credit card usage, meals and travel from July 1, 2002
through August 31, 2004, the auditors found that the district had
inappropriately compensated the superintendent more than $15,000 for
leave time and paid more than $1,800 for personal travel expenses for
| Dryden Elementary - One of six schools impacted by Westbury UFSD trustees' oversight |
District officials and for spouses and others to accompany officials to conferences. 'A top priority of
school boards and districts is to ensure that taxpayer money is used to benefit the students,' Hevesi said.
'I am pleased that the Board of Education has taken several steps to safeguard resources and urge the Board
to be more vigilant in their fiscal oversight responsibilities.'" (SOURCE--
JAN. 7, 2006 STAMP-SELLING PROFILE UPDATE: "Thank you for taking time to look at my profile. I had being
[sic] a stamp collector for a very long time. I specialized in Dominican Republic, but since I am also a dealer, I
own a few rarities from other countries! I am a Chess teacher in NYC and a Trustee of the Board of Education
in Westbury, Long Island. iOffer, An Easier Way To Buy And Sell. Westbury, NY 11590-3218- Member Since:
Sep-10-04. Robledar - Carlos H. Aristy." (SOURCE--pokemon-toys.ioffer.com)
JAN. 8, 2006 (PW) UPDATE: The district's Website makes no note of the Comptroller's audit on either its
home page or in its "News" section, the sole content of which is the school district's annual calendar.
(COMPTROLLER'S AUDIT UPDATE CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
school boards and districts is to ensure that taxpayer money is used to benefit the students,' Hevesi said.
'I am pleased that the Board of Education has taken several steps to safeguard resources and urge the Board
to be more vigilant in their fiscal oversight responsibilities.'" (SOURCE--
JAN. 7, 2006 STAMP-SELLING PROFILE UPDATE: "Thank you for taking time to look at my profile. I had being
[sic] a stamp collector for a very long time. I specialized in Dominican Republic, but since I am also a dealer, I
own a few rarities from other countries! I am a Chess teacher in NYC and a Trustee of the Board of Education
in Westbury, Long Island. iOffer, An Easier Way To Buy And Sell. Westbury, NY 11590-3218- Member Since:
Sep-10-04. Robledar - Carlos H. Aristy." (SOURCE--pokemon-toys.ioffer.com)
JAN. 8, 2006 (PW) UPDATE: The district's Website makes no note of the Comptroller's audit on either its
home page or in its "News" section, the sole content of which is the school district's annual calendar.
(COMPTROLLER'S AUDIT UPDATE CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
TORNILLO'S SUCCESSOR AT MIAMI TEACHERS' UNION NEAR-SILENT
ON MDCPS PHONY-CREDENTIALS WHISTLEBLOWER PACKMAN
ON MDCPS PHONY-CREDENTIALS WHISTLEBLOWER PACKMAN
ARONOWITZ, Karen
Teacher-Southridge HS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) (Florida). Also,
president-United Teachers of Dade) (May 2005).
DEC. 9, 2004 ELECTION UPDATE: "Aronowitz and her supporters cast [fellow candidate
Shirley] Johnson as representing the old guard. There is no evidence that Johnson was
directly involved in [former UTD president Pat Tornillo's] schemes, but Aronowitz
maintains that silence in the face of mounting problems abetted them. 'If [Shirley] allowed
herself to be marginalized because she was comfortable with her salary,' she says, 'she
cannot run away from it when it doesn't suit her any longer.'
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
Teacher-Southridge HS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) (Florida). Also,
president-United Teachers of Dade) (May 2005).
DEC. 9, 2004 ELECTION UPDATE: "Aronowitz and her supporters cast [fellow candidate
Shirley] Johnson as representing the old guard. There is no evidence that Johnson was
directly involved in [former UTD president Pat Tornillo's] schemes, but Aronowitz
maintains that silence in the face of mounting problems abetted them. 'If [Shirley] allowed
herself to be marginalized because she was comfortable with her salary,' she says, 'she
cannot run away from it when it doesn't suit her any longer.'
(CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
| Karen Aronowitz |
ARZOUMANIAN, Linda Lee
Instructor-adult ed, special ed/early childhood advocate (West Virginia, Maryland, New York
and Wisconsin). To teacher/ administrator-nursery school and preschool (Arizona). To
consultant/early childhood ed-Tucson USD. To coordinator/ community based services to
director/child and family svcs. to director-MIS/CODAC. To sup't-Pima County Schools
(appointed 1999, elected thereafter) (135,000 students). Duties include: Administer
approximately $750 million to sixteen school districts, distribute Arizona Attorney
General opinions to 16 school districts, record all teaching certificates in Pima County for
Instructor-adult ed, special ed/early childhood advocate (West Virginia, Maryland, New York
and Wisconsin). To teacher/ administrator-nursery school and preschool (Arizona). To
consultant/early childhood ed-Tucson USD. To coordinator/ community based services to
director/child and family svcs. to director-MIS/CODAC. To sup't-Pima County Schools
(appointed 1999, elected thereafter) (135,000 students). Duties include: Administer
approximately $750 million to sixteen school districts, distribute Arizona Attorney
General opinions to 16 school districts, record all teaching certificates in Pima County for
| Linda Arzoumanian |
teachers substitute teachers and administrators, manage regional support center, and support and oversee
Pima County Spelling Bee. NOTE: "Arzoumanian sees the office as a 'bully pulpit' to speak in favor of
children." (SOURCE-- Endorsement/ Arizona Daily Star)
MAR. 7, 2004 BORDER ENTRY UPDATE: "LUKEVILLE--Just before dawn, a steady line of cars passes
through this remote outpost on the U.S.-Mexico border, pausing at a bus stop to drop off children....In a
community this small, there are few secrets. Nearly everyone knows the kids are coming across from
(CONTINUED AT BOTTOM: See FOLLOW-UPS)
Pima County Spelling Bee. NOTE: "Arzoumanian sees the office as a 'bully pulpit' to speak in favor of
children." (SOURCE-- Endorsement/ Arizona Daily Star)
MAR. 7, 2004 BORDER ENTRY UPDATE: "LUKEVILLE--Just before dawn, a steady line of cars passes
through this remote outpost on the U.S.-Mexico border, pausing at a bus stop to drop off children....In a
community this small, there are few secrets. Nearly everyone knows the kids are coming across from
(CONTINUED AT BOTTOM: See FOLLOW-UPS)
| F O L L O W - U P S |
| ANDERSON, Bart, cont'd |
| ARIAS, Rob't cont'd |
| ARISTY, Carlos, cont'd |
| ANDELL, Eric cont'd |
| ARONOWITZ, Karen, cont'd |
| ARZOUMANIAN, Linda, cont'd |
Johnson believes
some union
employees
actively worked to
discredit her.
Privately, her
supporters have
suggested this is
because Johnson
is black. 'I don't
know who it is
who wants to
keep me out,'
Johnson says. 'It's
pretty clear that as
far as experience,
I'm the most
qualified.'"
(SOURCE--Rebecca
Wakefield/Miami
New Times)
some union
employees
actively worked to
discredit her.
Privately, her
supporters have
suggested this is
because Johnson
is black. 'I don't
know who it is
who wants to
keep me out,'
Johnson says. 'It's
pretty clear that as
far as experience,
I'm the most
qualified.'"
(SOURCE--Rebecca
Wakefield/Miami
New Times)
according to federal
court documents. In
an agreement with the
Justice Department,
he pleaded guilty to
one charge of unlawful
conflict of interest,
which carries a
maximum jail term of
up to one year and a
fine of up to $100,000,
followed by three
years' probation. The
former juvenile court
and appellate court
judge also is barred
from holding any
elected or appointed
offices until he clears
probation. 'These 14
trips were motivated,
at least in part, by
Andell's interest in
private personal and
financial matters,
including his desire to
accrue service time
toward receipt of a
pension from the
state of Texas,'
according to a
statement of fact
signed by Andell and
court documents. In
an agreement with the
Justice Department,
he pleaded guilty to
one charge of unlawful
conflict of interest,
which carries a
maximum jail term of
up to one year and a
fine of up to $100,000,
followed by three
years' probation. The
former juvenile court
and appellate court
judge also is barred
from holding any
elected or appointed
offices until he clears
probation. 'These 14
trips were motivated,
at least in part, by
Andell's interest in
private personal and
financial matters,
including his desire to
accrue service time
toward receipt of a
pension from the
state of Texas,'
according to a
statement of fact
signed by Andell and
"The Franklin County
Educational Service
Center proudly
provides the school
districts of Franklin
County necessary
programs and
services so they may
better serve students.
The FCESC provides
numerous services
from classroom
instruction, business
and fiscal as well as
programs and
personnel for
students with special
needs....FCESC has
made a mark as an
exemplary, value
driven educational
service agency with
nearly 200,000
"clients" in the
schools of
Metropolitan
Columbus. "
(SOURCE--FCESC
Website)
Educational Service
Center proudly
provides the school
districts of Franklin
County necessary
programs and
services so they may
better serve students.
The FCESC provides
numerous services
from classroom
instruction, business
and fiscal as well as
programs and
personnel for
students with special
needs....FCESC has
made a mark as an
exemplary, value
driven educational
service agency with
nearly 200,000
"clients" in the
schools of
Metropolitan
Columbus. "
(SOURCE--FCESC
Website)
MAY 19, 2005
SPUSD BOARD
UPDATE: "The
South Pasadena
Unified School
District school
board will meet
in closed
session again
Thursday to
discuss
whether
discipline or
dismissal of
Superintendent
Rob Arias is
warranted."
(SOURCE--Pasade
na Star-News)
MAY 31, 2005
ARIAS RESIGNA-
TION UPDATE:
"Superintendent
Rob Arias
resigned
Tuesday night,
bowing to two
months of
intense
pressure that
began when he
tried to reassign
the popular
principal of
South Pasadena
High School. In
closed session,
the South
Pasadena
school board
voted 4-1 to
accept Arias'
resignation....Aria
s will go on
administrative
leave
immediately,
and his
resignation will
take effect June
30....Arias has
been in hot
water since
March, when he
abruptly
reassigned
several
administrators.
Critics charged
that he had
acted
secretively, and
in violation of
the state's
open- meetings
law. They also
claimed that the
decisions
reflected Arias'
inexperience
with the law and
his incompati-
bility with the
community. 'The
SPUSD BOARD
UPDATE: "The
South Pasadena
Unified School
District school
board will meet
in closed
session again
Thursday to
discuss
whether
discipline or
dismissal of
Superintendent
Rob Arias is
warranted."
(SOURCE--Pasade
na Star-News)
MAY 31, 2005
ARIAS RESIGNA-
TION UPDATE:
"Superintendent
Rob Arias
resigned
Tuesday night,
bowing to two
months of
intense
pressure that
began when he
tried to reassign
the popular
principal of
South Pasadena
High School. In
closed session,
the South
Pasadena
school board
voted 4-1 to
accept Arias'
resignation....Aria
s will go on
administrative
leave
immediately,
and his
resignation will
take effect June
30....Arias has
been in hot
water since
March, when he
abruptly
reassigned
several
administrators.
Critics charged
that he had
acted
secretively, and
in violation of
the state's
open- meetings
law. They also
claimed that the
decisions
reflected Arias'
inexperience
with the law and
his incompati-
bility with the
community. 'The
NEW YORK STATE
COMPTROLLER
ALAN HEVESI'S
FINDINGS at
WESTBURY UFSD:
$13,400 credit card
charges with little or
no documentation
and more than
$1,800 in personal
expenses billed to
the District, $800 of
which were
reimbursed to the
District after
auditors pointed out
the expenses.
COMPTROLLER
ALAN HEVESI'S
FINDINGS at
WESTBURY UFSD:
$13,400 credit card
charges with little or
no documentation
and more than
$1,800 in personal
expenses billed to
the District, $800 of
which were
reimbursed to the
District after
auditors pointed out
the expenses.
| Mexican residents crossing border bound for Ajo, Arizona school buses (PHOTO/Michael Chow/Arizona Republic) |
Sonoyta, Mexico, to go to school
in the United States. Lukeville's
official population is 65, but
according to Ajo Unified School
District records, 97 students
board the buses here. 'The
school district is looking the
other way out of convenience
because they get (an allotment)
from the state,' said Grant
Peterson, 54, a
resident of Ajo, a town some 40
miles north where the children
are bused to school. 'I hate to
see kids deprived of an
education, but I also hate that
it's on taxpayers' backs. Their
parents aren't paying property
taxes.'...
in the United States. Lukeville's
official population is 65, but
according to Ajo Unified School
District records, 97 students
board the buses here. 'The
school district is looking the
other way out of convenience
because they get (an allotment)
from the state,' said Grant
Peterson, 54, a
resident of Ajo, a town some 40
miles north where the children
are bused to school. 'I hate to
see kids deprived of an
education, but I also hate that
it's on taxpayers' backs. Their
parents aren't paying property
taxes.'...
| Westbury UFSC cancels district credit cards-- after Hevesi audit |
JAN. 31, 2005
UTD UPDATE:
Scandal Behind
Them, Miami
Union Officers
Face Crushing
Debt. Karen
Aronowitz,
president-elect of
the United
Teachers of Dade
(UTD), probably
feels as if she has
successfully
climbed a
mountain. After
years of vocal,
though ineffective,
opposition to UTD
poobah Pat
Tornillo, Aronowitz
and her
supporters have
survived to see
Tornillo in jail,
themselves
elected over the
remnants of the
old guard, and
their union about
to be handed back
over to them after
almost two years
of AFT
administration.
UTD collected
more than $4.3
million in dues
from 15,882
members during
a five-month
period last
year....UTD owes
AFT more than
$3.3 million in
back dues, and
FEA more than
$1.3 million. UTD
still owes more
than $2.7 million
in loans it
received from AFT,
and more than
$12.6 million on
the mortgage of
its headquarters
building. (UTD
sold the building
and expects the
proceeds to help
pay down its other
debts.) But that's
not all. UTD still
has a $631,000
bank loan, and
evidently owes
$100,000 due to
an "Edison
Schools Loan."
All told, and not
counting the
mortgage, UTD
owes nearly $8.2
million. Already
sporting some of
the highest dues
in the country, it
will take a huge
boost in
membership
and/or many years
to get UTD out of
the red.
(SOURCE-Education
Intelligence Agency)
UTD UPDATE:
Scandal Behind
Them, Miami
Union Officers
Face Crushing
Debt. Karen
Aronowitz,
president-elect of
the United
Teachers of Dade
(UTD), probably
feels as if she has
successfully
climbed a
mountain. After
years of vocal,
though ineffective,
opposition to UTD
poobah Pat
Tornillo, Aronowitz
and her
supporters have
survived to see
Tornillo in jail,
themselves
elected over the
remnants of the
old guard, and
their union about
to be handed back
over to them after
almost two years
of AFT
administration.
UTD collected
more than $4.3
million in dues
from 15,882
members during
a five-month
period last
year....UTD owes
AFT more than
$3.3 million in
back dues, and
FEA more than
$1.3 million. UTD
still owes more
than $2.7 million
in loans it
received from AFT,
and more than
$12.6 million on
the mortgage of
its headquarters
building. (UTD
sold the building
and expects the
proceeds to help
pay down its other
debts.) But that's
not all. UTD still
has a $631,000
bank loan, and
evidently owes
$100,000 due to
an "Edison
Schools Loan."
All told, and not
counting the
mortgage, UTD
owes nearly $8.2
million. Already
sporting some of
the highest dues
in the country, it
will take a huge
boost in
membership
and/or many years
to get UTD out of
the red.
(SOURCE-Education
Intelligence Agency)
In June 2004, the
District cancelled
the credit cards.
The superintendent
received $15,700 in
compensation for
converting 20 sick
leave days into
cash, which is not
allowed under her
employment
contract. The
payments were
approved by the
current and former
presidents of the
Board of Education
but without
required
authorization from
the full Board. The
superintendent was
also prematurely
paid for vacation
days and used
personal time even
though her contract
does not specifically
allow her personal
time. In January, the
Board retroactively
approved the past
payments to the
superintendent for
leave time and
clarified other
employment
contracts.
Assistant
superintendents
were granted
compensatory time
although their
contracts did not
indicate whether
they could earn it or
not.
District cancelled
the credit cards.
The superintendent
received $15,700 in
compensation for
converting 20 sick
leave days into
cash, which is not
allowed under her
employment
contract. The
payments were
approved by the
current and former
presidents of the
Board of Education
but without
required
authorization from
the full Board. The
superintendent was
also prematurely
paid for vacation
days and used
personal time even
though her contract
does not specifically
allow her personal
time. In January, the
Board retroactively
approved the past
payments to the
superintendent for
leave time and
clarified other
employment
contracts.
Assistant
superintendents
were granted
compensatory time
although their
contracts did not
indicate whether
they could earn it or
not.
FRANKLIN
COUNTY
ESC--District
Partners
Franklin County
School Districts
Bexley City Schools
Canal Winchester
Local Schools
Columbus Public
Schools
Dublin City Schools
Eastland-Fairfield
Career & Technical
Schools
Gahanna-Jefferson
City Schools
Grandview Heights
City Schools
Groveport-Madison
Local Schools
Hamilton Local
Schools
Hilliard City Schools
New Albany/Plain
Local Schools
Reynoldsburg City
Schools
South-Western City
Schools
Upper Arlington City
Schools
Westerville City
Schools
Whitehall City Schools
Worthington City
Schools
Countywide School
District Maps
Non-Public Schools
Association of
Christian Schools
International
Columbus Diocese
Ohio Association of
Independent Schools
COUNTY
ESC--District
Partners
Franklin County
School Districts
Bexley City Schools
Canal Winchester
Local Schools
Columbus Public
Schools
Dublin City Schools
Eastland-Fairfield
Career & Technical
Schools
Gahanna-Jefferson
City Schools
Grandview Heights
City Schools
Groveport-Madison
Local Schools
Hamilton Local
Schools
Hilliard City Schools
New Albany/Plain
Local Schools
Reynoldsburg City
Schools
South-Western City
Schools
Upper Arlington City
Schools
Westerville City
Schools
Whitehall City Schools
Worthington City
Schools
Countywide School
District Maps
Non-Public Schools
Association of
Christian Schools
International
Columbus Diocese
Ohio Association of
Independent Schools
| FOLLOW THE MONEY: $500,000 = cost to AZ taxpayers = income to Ajo USD |
federal prosecutor
Susan Par. 'On
certain of these trips,
Andell conducted at
least some personal
business and some
of his personal
expenses were
reimbursed by the
government.'...On a
series of trips to
Houston in 2003,
Andell put in for paid
sick leave but then
served as a visiting
judge, for which he
was paid by the
state. He failed to
disclose on
statements that he
had been paid by the
state while also
being paid sick leave
by the federal
government. Andell
also charged the
federal
government for
traveling to Austin,
before an official visit,
to meet with Gov. Rick
Perry to lobby for a
judge's job, the plea
agreement said."
(SOURCE--The Houston
Chronicle).
Susan Par. 'On
certain of these trips,
Andell conducted at
least some personal
business and some
of his personal
expenses were
reimbursed by the
government.'...On a
series of trips to
Houston in 2003,
Andell put in for paid
sick leave but then
served as a visiting
judge, for which he
was paid by the
state. He failed to
disclose on
statements that he
had been paid by the
state while also
being paid sick leave
by the federal
government. Andell
also charged the
federal
government for
traveling to Austin,
before an official visit,
to meet with Gov. Rick
Perry to lobby for a
judge's job, the plea
agreement said."
(SOURCE--The Houston
Chronicle).
The estimated annual cost to the
state, at roughly $4,500 to $5,000
per child, is about $500,000,
including transporta- tion. Ajo
Unified School District
Superin-tendent Robert Dooley
did not dispute that the students
are costing Arizona taxpayers.
But, he said, 'I could not exclude
those kids even if I wanted to.
My moral and legal obligation is
to educate every child that
comes to my door and meets
the residency requirement.'
Educators said the problem
affects all school districts along
the U.S.-Mexico border."
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll /Republic
Nogales Bureau )
state, at roughly $4,500 to $5,000
per child, is about $500,000,
including transporta- tion. Ajo
Unified School District
Superin-tendent Robert Dooley
did not dispute that the students
are costing Arizona taxpayers.
But, he said, 'I could not exclude
those kids even if I wanted to.
My moral and legal obligation is
to educate every child that
comes to my door and meets
the residency requirement.'
Educators said the problem
affects all school districts along
the U.S.-Mexico border."
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll /Republic
Nogales Bureau )
| Parody of comic book printed by Mexican government for illegal immigrants to U.S. (SOURCE--John C. Dvorak) |
| Westbury officials repay district for spousal/friend travel--after Hevesi audit |
APR. 30, 2005 UPDATE --AZ ED
HEAD TOM HORNE WEIGHS IN:
"State schools chief Tom Horne
acknowledged Friday that
officials still haven't checked to
see where the kids actually live.
'The investigation is proceeding,'
Horne said. 'If there is abuse of
taxpayer money, we will seek
disciplinary action."... Regarding
the possible loss of funding,
Robert Dooley, superintendent
of the Ajo School District, said,
"It would mean layoffs of
staff.'... .Linda Arzoumanian,
Pima County schools
superintendent, insisted that
each of the children has
provided proof [of residency]
but denied a request by The
Republic for the list of student
addresses....Children are
required to prove they live within
a school district's boundaries to
attend school in Arizona. But
since a U.S. Supreme Court
decision in 1982, officials have
been prohibited from asking
their citizenship. The children
bused from Lukeville pass
through the port of entry and are
allowed into the country by U.S.
immigration inspectors. Once
the children are bused by Pima
County to Ajo, the school district
is required by law to provide an
education, said Dooley, the Ajo
superintendent. 'There's no
law...that allows us to turn
students away if we have room,
which we do,' he said. 'The
benefit, in my opinion, is that
these (students) are citizens of
the United States, and the better
their education, the more they
are going to contribute to our
culture.' Susan Segal, chief of
the attorney general's public
advocacy division, said her
office was told to analyze the
state residency law but not to
verify the students' addresses.
The results of the legal analysis,
which are protected by
attorney-client privilege, were
forwarded to Horne, Segal said.
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll/ Republic
Tucson Bureau)
HEAD TOM HORNE WEIGHS IN:
"State schools chief Tom Horne
acknowledged Friday that
officials still haven't checked to
see where the kids actually live.
'The investigation is proceeding,'
Horne said. 'If there is abuse of
taxpayer money, we will seek
disciplinary action."... Regarding
the possible loss of funding,
Robert Dooley, superintendent
of the Ajo School District, said,
"It would mean layoffs of
staff.'... .Linda Arzoumanian,
Pima County schools
superintendent, insisted that
each of the children has
provided proof [of residency]
but denied a request by The
Republic for the list of student
addresses....Children are
required to prove they live within
a school district's boundaries to
attend school in Arizona. But
since a U.S. Supreme Court
decision in 1982, officials have
been prohibited from asking
their citizenship. The children
bused from Lukeville pass
through the port of entry and are
allowed into the country by U.S.
immigration inspectors. Once
the children are bused by Pima
County to Ajo, the school district
is required by law to provide an
education, said Dooley, the Ajo
superintendent. 'There's no
law...that allows us to turn
students away if we have room,
which we do,' he said. 'The
benefit, in my opinion, is that
these (students) are citizens of
the United States, and the better
their education, the more they
are going to contribute to our
culture.' Susan Segal, chief of
the attorney general's public
advocacy division, said her
office was told to analyze the
state residency law but not to
verify the students' addresses.
The results of the legal analysis,
which are protected by
attorney-client privilege, were
forwarded to Horne, Segal said.
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll/ Republic
Tucson Bureau)
community
came out in
force,' said
John Luce,
president of the
Teachers'
Association of
South
Pasadena. 'And
clearly Mr.
Arias failed to
establish
himself in the
community with
a broad enough
range of stake
holders.' The
reassignments
made by Arias
have been
withdrawn."
(SOURCE--Pasad
ena Star-News)
JUNE 10, 2005
UPDATE:
"Search on for
Arias
successor."
(SOURCE--South
Pasadena News)
JUNE 27, 2005
UPDATE: South
Pasadena USD
board meeting
agenda item:
"Public
Employment:
Interim
Superintendent."
(SOURCE-SPUSD)
came out in
force,' said
John Luce,
president of the
Teachers'
Association of
South
Pasadena. 'And
clearly Mr.
Arias failed to
establish
himself in the
community with
a broad enough
range of stake
holders.' The
reassignments
made by Arias
have been
withdrawn."
(SOURCE--Pasad
ena Star-News)
JUNE 10, 2005
UPDATE:
"Search on for
Arias
successor."
(SOURCE--South
Pasadena News)
JUNE 27, 2005
UPDATE: South
Pasadena USD
board meeting
agenda item:
"Public
Employment:
Interim
Superintendent."
(SOURCE-SPUSD)
The District paid for
spouses and
others to
accompany school
officials to
conferences and
failed to obtain
reimbursement for
some of these
expenses. After
auditors brought
the matter to the
District’s attention,
the money was
repaid.
Some employees’
personal expenses
were paid while
they were attending
conferences for
meals, movies and
other incidentals.
spouses and
others to
accompany school
officials to
conferences and
failed to obtain
reimbursement for
some of these
expenses. After
auditors brought
the matter to the
District’s attention,
the money was
repaid.
Some employees’
personal expenses
were paid while
they were attending
conferences for
meals, movies and
other incidentals.
FRANKLIN
COUNTY
ESC--Agency
Partners
Battelle for Kids
Central Ohio Special
Education Regional
Resource Center
(COSERRC)
Columbus Catholic
Diocese
Columbus Coalition
Against Family
Violence
Educational Council
Franklin County
Children's Cabinet
Help Me Grow
(Franklin County Job
& Family Services)
Help Me Grow (Ohio
Department of
Health)
Literacy Curriculum
Alignment Project
Ohio Center for
Essential School
Reform (OCESR)
Ohio Central School
System
Ohio Coalition for
Autism and Low
Incidence (OCALI)
Ohio Coalition for the
Education of
Children with
Disabilites (OCECD)
Ohio Department of
Education Center for
the Teaching
Profession
Ohio Educational
Media Consortium
(OEMC)
Ohio Learning First
Alliance (OLFA)
Operation Respect
Quality Impact Teams
Safe and Drug Free
Schools Consortium
Staff Development
Council of Ohio
(SDCO)
The Buckeye Ranch
The Ohio Historical
Society
The Ohio Leadership
Forum
COUNTY
ESC--Agency
Partners
Battelle for Kids
Central Ohio Special
Education Regional
Resource Center
(COSERRC)
Columbus Catholic
Diocese
Columbus Coalition
Against Family
Violence
Educational Council
Franklin County
Children's Cabinet
Help Me Grow
(Franklin County Job
& Family Services)
Help Me Grow (Ohio
Department of
Health)
Literacy Curriculum
Alignment Project
Ohio Center for
Essential School
Reform (OCESR)
Ohio Central School
System
Ohio Coalition for
Autism and Low
Incidence (OCALI)
Ohio Coalition for the
Education of
Children with
Disabilites (OCECD)
Ohio Department of
Education Center for
the Teaching
Profession
Ohio Educational
Media Consortium
(OEMC)
Ohio Learning First
Alliance (OLFA)
Operation Respect
Quality Impact Teams
Safe and Drug Free
Schools Consortium
Staff Development
Council of Ohio
(SDCO)
The Buckeye Ranch
The Ohio Historical
Society
The Ohio Leadership
Forum
| "Celebrity judge Judge ERIC ANDELL (far left) . . . had a great view of the hula hoop contest taking place in the courtyard.... Realtor participants enjoyed taking a turn at the hula dance, before they joined in the 'hula hoop' competition for charity." (LARGE PHOTO & CAPTION SOURCE-- Houston Association of Realtors-- charity event) (INSET PHOTO--U.S. D.O.E.) |
| Westbury's $103,000 cell phone bill |
APR. 30, 2005 COURT
APPEARANCE
UPDATE: "Addressing
the facts regarding his
court appearance
today, former U.S.
Department of
Education
Undersecretary for
Safe & Drug-Free
Schools Eric Andell
stated ....I take full
responsibility for the
violation of the
conflict-of-interest
statute, having already
reimbursed the
Department for the
expenses. I regret the
trouble this will cause
the people I love the
most -- my family,
friends, colleagues
and community.'"
(SOURCE-- Eric Andell
press release)
MAY 2, 2005 BLOGGER
UPDATE: "Tough
Weekend For The
Good Guys. The Eric
Andell matter is a more
saddening one.
Whatever any Dem
wants to make of
Andell's work in the
Bush/Paige Education
Department, the
evidence of his
occassional [sic] trips
home to feather his
own next are a bit more
perplexing and
representative of a
career ending move on
Andell's part. Andell
had been mentioned
as a possible
candidate for County
Judge in 2006, but
prior to this bit of news,
that had been
reversed. This is a
pretty sad way to see
a career end and
there's not much of a
better way to put it
than to suggest that
there's a lesson here
for any pol of any
stripe: serve the
public, not yourself."
(SOURCE--greg
wythe/www.gregsopinion.c
om) JULY 29, 2005
SENTENCING UPDATE:
"Andell's case was
resolved Friday with an
order for unsupervised
probation, community
service and a fine. In
an agreement with the
Justice Department
Andell pleaded guilty to
one misdemeanor
charge of unlawful
conflict-of-interest
....The ruling called for
one year unsupervised
probation, 100 hours of
community service and
a $5,000 fine. 'From
the beginning I have
taken full
responsibility for the
violation of the conflict
of interest statute,' said
Andell. 'I have always
been keenly aware of
the privilege and the
responsibility of
serving the public and I
am eager to regain the
trust of the
community I've served
for so long.'"
(SOURCE--Eric Andell
press release)
APPEARANCE
UPDATE: "Addressing
the facts regarding his
court appearance
today, former U.S.
Department of
Education
Undersecretary for
Safe & Drug-Free
Schools Eric Andell
stated ....I take full
responsibility for the
violation of the
conflict-of-interest
statute, having already
reimbursed the
Department for the
expenses. I regret the
trouble this will cause
the people I love the
most -- my family,
friends, colleagues
and community.'"
(SOURCE-- Eric Andell
press release)
MAY 2, 2005 BLOGGER
UPDATE: "Tough
Weekend For The
Good Guys. The Eric
Andell matter is a more
saddening one.
Whatever any Dem
wants to make of
Andell's work in the
Bush/Paige Education
Department, the
evidence of his
occassional [sic] trips
home to feather his
own next are a bit more
perplexing and
representative of a
career ending move on
Andell's part. Andell
had been mentioned
as a possible
candidate for County
Judge in 2006, but
prior to this bit of news,
that had been
reversed. This is a
pretty sad way to see
a career end and
there's not much of a
better way to put it
than to suggest that
there's a lesson here
for any pol of any
stripe: serve the
public, not yourself."
(SOURCE--greg
wythe/www.gregsopinion.c
om) JULY 29, 2005
SENTENCING UPDATE:
"Andell's case was
resolved Friday with an
order for unsupervised
probation, community
service and a fine. In
an agreement with the
Justice Department
Andell pleaded guilty to
one misdemeanor
charge of unlawful
conflict-of-interest
....The ruling called for
one year unsupervised
probation, 100 hours of
community service and
a $5,000 fine. 'From
the beginning I have
taken full
responsibility for the
violation of the conflict
of interest statute,' said
Andell. 'I have always
been keenly aware of
the privilege and the
responsibility of
serving the public and I
am eager to regain the
trust of the
community I've served
for so long.'"
(SOURCE--Eric Andell
press release)
More than $103,000
was spent for 73
cell phones.
Auditors found that
at least seven of the
phones, costing
between $40 and
$50 per month, had
minimal usage. In
February 2004, the
district
strengthened its
cell phone policy
requiring
employees to pay
for personal calls
over the allotted
400-minutes. While
the new policy
reduced the district’
s overage charges,
the Board has not
monitored the
policy to determine
whether officials
have billed
employees for
exceeding their
monthly minutes.
was spent for 73
cell phones.
Auditors found that
at least seven of the
phones, costing
between $40 and
$50 per month, had
minimal usage. In
February 2004, the
district
strengthened its
cell phone policy
requiring
employees to pay
for personal calls
over the allotted
400-minutes. While
the new policy
reduced the district’
s overage charges,
the Board has not
monitored the
policy to determine
whether officials
have billed
employees for
exceeding their
monthly minutes.
DEC. 14, 2005
MCDCPS BOARD
MEETING UPDATE:
Despite
Aronowitz's
presenting five
separate items at
this date's Miami-
Dade school
board meeting,
none of them
pertain to MDCPS
whistle- blower
Bennett Packman,
who has yet to
receive his back
pay for the
2004-05 school
year.
MCDCPS BOARD
MEETING UPDATE:
Despite
Aronowitz's
presenting five
separate items at
this date's Miami-
Dade school
board meeting,
none of them
pertain to MDCPS
whistle- blower
Bennett Packman,
who has yet to
receive his back
pay for the
2004-05 school
year.
MAR. 1, 2005 UTD
STATUS UPDATE:
"The Washington
Teachers Union
and [UTD],
currently under
administration by
the American
Federation of
Teachers (AFT),
are enduring
accusations of
vote fraud by
losing candidates
for the office of
president in
elections
designed to allow
the two unions to
undertake local
self-rule. In
Florida, losing
presidential
candidate Shirley
Johnson filed
election
complaints
claiming poor
ballot security,
secret meetings,
bias on the part of
AFT Administrator
Mark Richard, and
an 'attempt to
confuse members.
This election was
tainted by fraud,'
Johnson told the
Miami Herald. 'We
are asking for a
full investigation.'
...Barring any
finding of fraud, an
Aronowitz victory
will be seen as a
positive outcome
for teacher unions
across the
country. Her
election over
Tornillo's former
secretary-treasurer
gives hope that,
at least in extreme
circumstances, it
is possible for
teacher union
members to clean
house."
(SOURCE--Mike
Antonucci/The
Heartland Institute)
MAY 22, 2005
MIAMI HERALD
UPDATE: "The
new leader of one
of the South's
largest and most
storied labor
unions is a
high-school
English teacher
with big plans,
deep education
experience and a
powerful distaste
for the spotlight.
The cult of
personality at the
United Teachers
of Dade died
Saturday night,
leaving behind a
legacy of massive
power that ended
in scandalous
humiliation....Teac
hers and activists
who know
[Aronowitz] say
she is deeply
passionate and
thoughtfully fluent
in education
policy, and she
was one of the
earliest internal
critics of the
UTD's
corruption-steeped
leadership. But
she has little
experience in front
of crowds and
cameras, and her
meek presence
and halting
speeches are
starkly different
from the union's
prior chiefs."
(SOURCE--Matthew
I. Pinzur/Miami
Herald)
"Tornillo, who
used union
money to finance
lavish travel, fancy
clothes and a
luxurious
lifestyle....pleaded
guilty last year to
federal mail fraud
and tax evasion,
agreed to a
27-month prison
sentence and
paid more than $1
million in
restitution, fines
and back taxes."
(SOURCE--
Associated Press)
AUG. 01, 2005
UPDATE--KAREN
ARONOWITZ
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR: "Re the
July 19 story
Former Dade
teachers indicted
in scams: United
Teachers of Dade
never will
condone cheating,
whether done by
students,
teachers or
administrators.
UTD member
Bennett Packman
was the whistle-
blower in the
ongoing
investigation into
Move Toward
Education, a
company accused
of selling
worthless
continuing-educati
on classes to
teachers. UTD
puts its faith in the
rule of law. A
person is
presumed
innocent until
proven guilty. We
have defended
UTD members
accused of
various misdeeds
that later were
proven to be
"unsubstantiated.''
Lives and
livelihoods have
been ruined
because
members, even
when innocent,
are never cleared
by the district.
Those who are
innocent demand
and deserve their
union's most
fervent
representation.
Those found guilty
will face
punishment
according to law.
UTD is appalled
whenever a
teacher is found to
have violated the
trust that our
community places
in us. However,
we must not lose
sight of the more
than 20,000
teachers who are
dedicated to the
education and
welfare of the
children of
Miami-Dade
County. We owe it
to those teachers
to make sure that
they have just
representation
through their
union.
--KAREN
ARONOWITZ,
president, United
Teachers of Dade,
Miami.
(SOURCE--Miami
Herald/Letters to the
Editor)
STATUS UPDATE:
"The Washington
Teachers Union
and [UTD],
currently under
administration by
the American
Federation of
Teachers (AFT),
are enduring
accusations of
vote fraud by
losing candidates
for the office of
president in
elections
designed to allow
the two unions to
undertake local
self-rule. In
Florida, losing
presidential
candidate Shirley
Johnson filed
election
complaints
claiming poor
ballot security,
secret meetings,
bias on the part of
AFT Administrator
Mark Richard, and
an 'attempt to
confuse members.
This election was
tainted by fraud,'
Johnson told the
Miami Herald. 'We
are asking for a
full investigation.'
...Barring any
finding of fraud, an
Aronowitz victory
will be seen as a
positive outcome
for teacher unions
across the
country. Her
election over
Tornillo's former
secretary-treasurer
gives hope that,
at least in extreme
circumstances, it
is possible for
teacher union
members to clean
house."
(SOURCE--Mike
Antonucci/The
Heartland Institute)
MAY 22, 2005
MIAMI HERALD
UPDATE: "The
new leader of one
of the South's
largest and most
storied labor
unions is a
high-school
English teacher
with big plans,
deep education
experience and a
powerful distaste
for the spotlight.
The cult of
personality at the
United Teachers
of Dade died
Saturday night,
leaving behind a
legacy of massive
power that ended
in scandalous
humiliation....Teac
hers and activists
who know
[Aronowitz] say
she is deeply
passionate and
thoughtfully fluent
in education
policy, and she
was one of the
earliest internal
critics of the
UTD's
corruption-steeped
leadership. But
she has little
experience in front
of crowds and
cameras, and her
meek presence
and halting
speeches are
starkly different
from the union's
prior chiefs."
(SOURCE--Matthew
I. Pinzur/Miami
Herald)
"Tornillo, who
used union
money to finance
lavish travel, fancy
clothes and a
luxurious
lifestyle....pleaded
guilty last year to
federal mail fraud
and tax evasion,
agreed to a
27-month prison
sentence and
paid more than $1
million in
restitution, fines
and back taxes."
(SOURCE--
Associated Press)
AUG. 01, 2005
UPDATE--KAREN
ARONOWITZ
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR: "Re the
July 19 story
Former Dade
teachers indicted
in scams: United
Teachers of Dade
never will
condone cheating,
whether done by
students,
teachers or
administrators.
UTD member
Bennett Packman
was the whistle-
blower in the
ongoing
investigation into
Move Toward
Education, a
company accused
of selling
worthless
continuing-educati
on classes to
teachers. UTD
puts its faith in the
rule of law. A
person is
presumed
innocent until
proven guilty. We
have defended
UTD members
accused of
various misdeeds
that later were
proven to be
"unsubstantiated.''
Lives and
livelihoods have
been ruined
because
members, even
when innocent,
are never cleared
by the district.
Those who are
innocent demand
and deserve their
union's most
fervent
representation.
Those found guilty
will face
punishment
according to law.
UTD is appalled
whenever a
teacher is found to
have violated the
trust that our
community places
in us. However,
we must not lose
sight of the more
than 20,000
teachers who are
dedicated to the
education and
welfare of the
children of
Miami-Dade
County. We owe it
to those teachers
to make sure that
they have just
representation
through their
union.
--KAREN
ARONOWITZ,
president, United
Teachers of Dade,
Miami.
(SOURCE--Miami
Herald/Letters to the
Editor)
| Westbury's BOE spent $80,700 feeding itself at meetings, little documentation |
May. 25, 2005 UPDATE-- BOGUS
LUKEVILLE RESIDENCIES:
"More than a year after calling
for an investigation, Horne said
state school officials now have a
videotape that shows children
crossing from Sonoyta,
Sonora, through the port of
entry and boarding buses to
attend school in the United
States. The state also found that
trailer- park spaces in the U.S.
border town of Lukeville listed
as proof of residency for many
children are empty....Overall,
Horne said, the investigation
found 'overwhelming evidence'
of fraud.
LUKEVILLE RESIDENCIES:
"More than a year after calling
for an investigation, Horne said
state school officials now have a
videotape that shows children
crossing from Sonoyta,
Sonora, through the port of
entry and boarding buses to
attend school in the United
States. The state also found that
trailer- park spaces in the U.S.
border town of Lukeville listed
as proof of residency for many
children are empty....Overall,
Horne said, the investigation
found 'overwhelming evidence'
of fraud.
_________________
A CLOSER LOOK:
Educational Council
1929 Kenny Road, #
120
Columbus, Ohio
43210
voice: (614)
292-7744
fax: (614) 292-7775
A CLOSER LOOK:
Educational Council
1929 Kenny Road, #
120
Columbus, Ohio
43210
voice: (614)
292-7744
fax: (614) 292-7775
$80,700 was spent
for meals and
refreshments at
421 Board of
education and
other meetings
during the two-year
period with little or
no supporting
information
indicating the
reasons necessary
to provide food at
the District’s
expense.
for meals and
refreshments at
421 Board of
education and
other meetings
during the two-year
period with little or
no supporting
information
indicating the
reasons necessary
to provide food at
the District’s
expense.
EDUCATIONAL
COUNCIL BUSINESS
PLAN
1. Our work centers
on one value
proposition: Helping
educational systems
personalize learning
so each child can
succeed.
2. Personalization is
about rewriting the
education script to
put the learner at the
heart of the system.
Closing the
achievement gap,
increasing system
flexibility, broadening
customer choice and
standards-driven
accountability
mandates are
pushing us toward a
greater and deeper
personalization of
educational
services. The
Council plays a vital
role in helping
systems personalize
educational success.
3. The Council’s
work involves three
key services:
Hosting
conversations that
matter. Engaging
networks of change.
Delivering innovative
solutions and tools.
4. We have four core
competencies:
Mobilizing and
managing
partnerships and
networks.
Communicating new
and useful
knowledge.
Customizing
programs and
services to fit client
needs.
Pooling financial,
programmatic and/or
knowledge
resources.
5. The Council’s new
business plan will
be structured
around three
centers. Each
center will be guided
by our value
proposition (i.e.,
helping educational
systems personalize
learning) and our
three services (i.e.,
hosting
conversations that
matter; engaging
networks of change;
and delivering
innovative solutions
and tools).
Center for
Personalized
Learning
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to
personalize
educational
practices so that
each learner: (a)
achieves academic
success; (b)
participates actively
in their own learning;
and, (c) develops
powerful learning
skills and strategies.
Christopher Program
Coaching Services
Science &
Mathematics Network
Center for Learning
Assets
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to customize
systems of support
so that each learner:
(a) achieves
academic success;
(b) participates in
safe, healthy and
successful learning
environments; and,
(c) develops
relationships and
assets for personal
success.
Magellan
Safe & Drug-Free
Schools Consortium
Safe School Audit
Center for Learning
Partnerships
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to connect
educational,
community and
business resources
so that each learner:
(a) achieves
academic success;
(b) participates in a
seamless system of
educational
opportunity; and, (c)
contributes to the
knowledge economy.
After School Counts!
KIDSConnect
LEADER Institute
Governance
The Board of the
Educational Council
includes the
superintendents of
the sixteen districts
within the county and
three additional
representatives from
Columbus Public
Schools. The
Franklin County
Educational Service
Center
Superintendent also
is a member.
Each district pays
dues to the
Educational Council
based on the
number of students
in their district. The
Chair of the Council
alternates each year
between Columbus
Public Schools and
one of the other
districts. The
Executive Committee
meets monthly and
the full board three
times a year. The
Educational Council
Foundation serves
as the legal and
fiscal entity for the
organization.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
PLAN
1. Our work centers
on one value
proposition: Helping
educational systems
personalize learning
so each child can
succeed.
2. Personalization is
about rewriting the
education script to
put the learner at the
heart of the system.
Closing the
achievement gap,
increasing system
flexibility, broadening
customer choice and
standards-driven
accountability
mandates are
pushing us toward a
greater and deeper
personalization of
educational
services. The
Council plays a vital
role in helping
systems personalize
educational success.
3. The Council’s
work involves three
key services:
Hosting
conversations that
matter. Engaging
networks of change.
Delivering innovative
solutions and tools.
4. We have four core
competencies:
Mobilizing and
managing
partnerships and
networks.
Communicating new
and useful
knowledge.
Customizing
programs and
services to fit client
needs.
Pooling financial,
programmatic and/or
knowledge
resources.
5. The Council’s new
business plan will
be structured
around three
centers. Each
center will be guided
by our value
proposition (i.e.,
helping educational
systems personalize
learning) and our
three services (i.e.,
hosting
conversations that
matter; engaging
networks of change;
and delivering
innovative solutions
and tools).
Center for
Personalized
Learning
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to
personalize
educational
practices so that
each learner: (a)
achieves academic
success; (b)
participates actively
in their own learning;
and, (c) develops
powerful learning
skills and strategies.
Christopher Program
Coaching Services
Science &
Mathematics Network
Center for Learning
Assets
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to customize
systems of support
so that each learner:
(a) achieves
academic success;
(b) participates in
safe, healthy and
successful learning
environments; and,
(c) develops
relationships and
assets for personal
success.
Magellan
Safe & Drug-Free
Schools Consortium
Safe School Audit
Center for Learning
Partnerships
Focus: Strengthen
capacity to connect
educational,
community and
business resources
so that each learner:
(a) achieves
academic success;
(b) participates in a
seamless system of
educational
opportunity; and, (c)
contributes to the
knowledge economy.
After School Counts!
KIDSConnect
LEADER Institute
Governance
The Board of the
Educational Council
includes the
superintendents of
the sixteen districts
within the county and
three additional
representatives from
Columbus Public
Schools. The
Franklin County
Educational Service
Center
Superintendent also
is a member.
Each district pays
dues to the
Educational Council
based on the
number of students
in their district. The
Chair of the Council
alternates each year
between Columbus
Public Schools and
one of the other
districts. The
Executive Committee
meets monthly and
the full board three
times a year. The
Educational Council
Foundation serves
as the legal and
fiscal entity for the
organization.
| Horne: Arzounmanian responsible for verifying student residency |
| Westbury had inadequate internal controls, internal auditor/receptionist reported to supe |
Horne said the responsibility for
verifying the students'
residency claims falls to the
Pima County superintendent's
office, which provides
transportation to the Ajo School
District because Lukeville is an
unincorporated area with no
school. He said he wants the
county to visit addresses
provided by students to verify
they live there. But Linda L.
Arzoumanian, superintendent for
Pima County, said the county
already has proof of legal
residency for the students on
file. Physically verifying their
addresses raises legal
questions, she said, citing a
1980 state attorney general's
opinion that prohibits applying
residency requirements in a way
that results in 'discrimination
based on race or national origin.'
'I would have to do it for all
135,000 students in Pima
County,' she said. 'You can't
apply one criteria for one group
of students.' Horne also said
that on Tuesday he asked Ajo
superintendent Robert Dooley
to verify the students' residency
claims. Dooley told him he
needed to consult with an
attorney, Horne said."
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll/ Arizona
Republic)
verifying the students'
residency claims falls to the
Pima County superintendent's
office, which provides
transportation to the Ajo School
District because Lukeville is an
unincorporated area with no
school. He said he wants the
county to visit addresses
provided by students to verify
they live there. But Linda L.
Arzoumanian, superintendent for
Pima County, said the county
already has proof of legal
residency for the students on
file. Physically verifying their
addresses raises legal
questions, she said, citing a
1980 state attorney general's
opinion that prohibits applying
residency requirements in a way
that results in 'discrimination
based on race or national origin.'
'I would have to do it for all
135,000 students in Pima
County,' she said. 'You can't
apply one criteria for one group
of students.' Horne also said
that on Tuesday he asked Ajo
superintendent Robert Dooley
to verify the students' residency
claims. Dooley told him he
needed to consult with an
attorney, Horne said."
(SOURCE--Susan Carroll/ Arizona
Republic)
Auditors found that
the District did not
have adequate
internal controls or
properly segregate
staff duties. For
instance, through
June 2004, a
receptionist who
works in the
business office was
also the internal
claims auditor. She
reported directly to
the superintendent
rather than directly to
the Board of
Education.
the District did not
have adequate
internal controls or
properly segregate
staff duties. For
instance, through
June 2004, a
receptionist who
works in the
business office was
also the internal
claims auditor. She
reported directly to
the superintendent
rather than directly to
the Board of
Education.
| PW Query to Westbury supe Constance Clark Jan. 8, 2006 |
1. I note that in
your reponse to
Comptroller
Hevesi's initial
findings you appear
to have reacted
personally to the
audit, remarking for
example on the
audit's "negative
tone." Further, why
would it be the
business of the
auditors what the
fallout would be in
Westbury?
Wouldn't your own
actions either by
fault or by default
have resulted in
readers' having
"an unnecessarily
and inaccurately
negative view of
the operations" of
your district?
Further, you state,
"pointing out
matters in such
excruciating detail
appears not only
necessary, but can
potentially harm
the level of
cooperation and
trust between the
District and its
community.
your reponse to
Comptroller
Hevesi's initial
findings you appear
to have reacted
personally to the
audit, remarking for
example on the
audit's "negative
tone." Further, why
would it be the
business of the
auditors what the
fallout would be in
Westbury?
Wouldn't your own
actions either by
fault or by default
have resulted in
readers' having
"an unnecessarily
and inaccurately
negative view of
the operations" of
your district?
Further, you state,
"pointing out
matters in such
excruciating detail
appears not only
necessary, but can
potentially harm
the level of
cooperation and
trust between the
District and its
community.
| A blogger weighs in |
| MAY 26, 2005: ARZOUMANIAN: "I'm not sure that any (students from Mexico) are attending....There's no way to know." BLOGGER: "Other than the videotape and the investigation, of course." (SOURCE--The Lonewacko Blog) |
ERIC ANDELL ------ "Social Calendar" and others |
APR. 23, 1996
UPDATE: "SOCIAL
CALENDAR--
Something fishy will be
afootat Saint Arnold
Brewing Co. Friday
night when AVANCE
Family Support and
Education Program
holds its murder-
mystery fund-raiser.
Celebrities on board
to help determine who
did what to whom and
why will include Judge
Eric Andell, Assistant
Police Chief Art
Contreras, City
Councilwoman Gracie
Saenz, Channel 45's
Cyndy Garza- Roberts,
City Controller Lloyd
Kelley and Houston
firefighter/ calendar
guy Eric Etheridge.
Paula Cizik will chair
the evening, whose
theme is 'Politics Is a
Deadly Game.'
Proceeds will go to
AVANCE, which
focuses on providing
low-income Hispanic
families with skills to
promote development
and educational
growth of their
children."
(SOURCE--Houston
Chronicle)
MAR. 6, 1998 UPDATE:
"When Olympic gold
medalist Tara Lipinski
made her triumphant
homecoming to Sugar
Land this week, she
rode in style atop an
1873 Brewster
carriage....Tara's
parade was a big
draw for local
politicians...all eager
to bask in the skater's
limelight. At least
Judge Eric Andell of
the First Court of
Appeals showed a
little humility. As he
rode in the parade in
an open convertible,
he told the crowds,
'She's coming right
behind me. I know you
didn't come here to see
me.'"
(SOURCE--Houston
Business Journal)
UPDATE: "SOCIAL
CALENDAR--
Something fishy will be
afootat Saint Arnold
Brewing Co. Friday
night when AVANCE
Family Support and
Education Program
holds its murder-
mystery fund-raiser.
Celebrities on board
to help determine who
did what to whom and
why will include Judge
Eric Andell, Assistant
Police Chief Art
Contreras, City
Councilwoman Gracie
Saenz, Channel 45's
Cyndy Garza- Roberts,
City Controller Lloyd
Kelley and Houston
firefighter/ calendar
guy Eric Etheridge.
Paula Cizik will chair
the evening, whose
theme is 'Politics Is a
Deadly Game.'
Proceeds will go to
AVANCE, which
focuses on providing
low-income Hispanic
families with skills to
promote development
and educational
growth of their
children."
(SOURCE--Houston
Chronicle)
MAR. 6, 1998 UPDATE:
"When Olympic gold
medalist Tara Lipinski
made her triumphant
homecoming to Sugar
Land this week, she
rode in style atop an
1873 Brewster
carriage....Tara's
parade was a big
draw for local
politicians...all eager
to bask in the skater's
limelight. At least
Judge Eric Andell of
the First Court of
Appeals showed a
little humility. As he
rode in the parade in
an open convertible,
he told the crowds,
'She's coming right
behind me. I know you
didn't come here to see
me.'"
(SOURCE--Houston
Business Journal)
MAY 26, 2005 UPDATE: "Tom
Horne....said the allegations first
raised a year ago in news
reports were confirmed by a
private investigator he sent to the
border. The investigator
videotaped students walking
across the Lukeville border and
boarding a nearby school bus.
Horne also said a Lukeville
trailer-park employee admitted
giving utility receipts to
Mexican students - who were
not residents - that the Pima
County School
Superintendent's Office
accepted as proof of residency.
While federal law mandates a
public education for all students
regardless of their legal status,
school districts require
evidence that they live within its
boundaries. Horne said Pima
County Schools Superintendent
Linda Arzoumanian declined to
investigate further, and Ajo
Unified School District
Superintendent Robert Dooley
has yet to respond. Should
Arzoumanian or Dooley fail to
take action, Horne said he may
challenge schools' requests for
per-pupil funding, an annual
allotment which is currently set
at $5,000 per student."
According to the Arizona attorney
general's office, "It is the
responsibility of the Pima County
Superintendent's Office and the
Ajo school district to determine if
students are ineligible to attend
school."...
Horne....said the allegations first
raised a year ago in news
reports were confirmed by a
private investigator he sent to the
border. The investigator
videotaped students walking
across the Lukeville border and
boarding a nearby school bus.
Horne also said a Lukeville
trailer-park employee admitted
giving utility receipts to
Mexican students - who were
not residents - that the Pima
County School
Superintendent's Office
accepted as proof of residency.
While federal law mandates a
public education for all students
regardless of their legal status,
school districts require
evidence that they live within its
boundaries. Horne said Pima
County Schools Superintendent
Linda Arzoumanian declined to
investigate further, and Ajo
Unified School District
Superintendent Robert Dooley
has yet to respond. Should
Arzoumanian or Dooley fail to
take action, Horne said he may
challenge schools' requests for
per-pupil funding, an annual
allotment which is currently set
at $5,000 per student."
According to the Arizona attorney
general's office, "It is the
responsibility of the Pima County
Superintendent's Office and the
Ajo school district to determine if
students are ineligible to attend
school."...
| Westbury leadershipsuggests Hevesi consider questionable $46.00 de minimis in light of $71,000,000.00 budget |
"We would suggest
that such specific
transactions be
considered de
minimus and not be
included in the
report." Again,
aren't your own
actions or inactions
the source of any
deterioration in the
level of cooperation
and trust you
experience in your
community?
Further, howsoever
small such sums as
"$22.00 worth of
movies or $23.00
for a meal of a
questionable
validity" may seem
to someone in
charge of a $71
million budget, each
dollar you are
charged with
spending comes
out of someone's
pocket and means
a lot to them.
that such specific
transactions be
considered de
minimus and not be
included in the
report." Again,
aren't your own
actions or inactions
the source of any
deterioration in the
level of cooperation
and trust you
experience in your
community?
Further, howsoever
small such sums as
"$22.00 worth of
movies or $23.00
for a meal of a
questionable
validity" may seem
to someone in
charge of a $71
million budget, each
dollar you are
charged with
spending comes
out of someone's
pocket and means
a lot to them.
| Yuma and Nogales supes looking out for taxpayers, registered students |
Other Arizona educators said
border schools have been
grappling with the problem for
years. Superintendent Kelt
Cooper of the Nogales Unified
School District said that after
Sept. 11, 2001, hundreds of
students were noticeably absent
for days. Increased border
enforcement had kept them from
crossing. A red flag went up,
Cooper said, and administrators
determined that most of them
lived in Nogales, Sonora. They
were withdrawn from the district.
'That's a reality on the border,' he
said. 'Do I think it's going to
stop? No.' Cooper said many
school administrators turn a
blind eye because cracking
down on the students would
mean lost revenue. That's not
the case in Nogales. Cooper
said his district has various
mechanisms in place to verify
students' addresses regularly,
including knocking on doors.
Cooper said he personally has
gone to students' homes and
asked to see their rooms. 'If
you don't live in my district, then
you have to pay tuition,' he said,
referring to Sonoran students.
The Yuma Union High School
District also takes extra
precautions to keep students
who live south of the border from
illegally enrolling. Gerrick
Monroe, assistant super-
intendent for the district, said a
full-time attendance monitor
each morning stands at the
border to jot down the names
of students crossing the
border. Later in the day, the
monitor verifies addresses and
makes home visits. Monroe
said the border crossers include
students who pay more than
$5,000 in tuition to attend district
schools, as well as others who
have legitimate reasons for
going back and forth across the
border. But as the school year
wears on, he said, the number
of students on the monitor's list
decreases significantly. Monroe
said the practice has been in
place several years and has
garnered much public support
from district taxpayers. 'It's
important that we do
everything we can legally
do to ensure that tax
dollars are being used by
people who have a right
to use them,' he
said."(SOURCE-Lourdes Medrano/
ARIZONA DAILY STAR)
border schools have been
grappling with the problem for
years. Superintendent Kelt
Cooper of the Nogales Unified
School District said that after
Sept. 11, 2001, hundreds of
students were noticeably absent
for days. Increased border
enforcement had kept them from
crossing. A red flag went up,
Cooper said, and administrators
determined that most of them
lived in Nogales, Sonora. They
were withdrawn from the district.
'That's a reality on the border,' he
said. 'Do I think it's going to
stop? No.' Cooper said many
school administrators turn a
blind eye because cracking
down on the students would
mean lost revenue. That's not
the case in Nogales. Cooper
said his district has various
mechanisms in place to verify
students' addresses regularly,
including knocking on doors.
Cooper said he personally has
gone to students' homes and
asked to see their rooms. 'If
you don't live in my district, then
you have to pay tuition,' he said,
referring to Sonoran students.
The Yuma Union High School
District also takes extra
precautions to keep students
who live south of the border from
illegally enrolling. Gerrick
Monroe, assistant super-
intendent for the district, said a
full-time attendance monitor
each morning stands at the
border to jot down the names
of students crossing the
border. Later in the day, the
monitor verifies addresses and
makes home visits. Monroe
said the border crossers include
students who pay more than
$5,000 in tuition to attend district
schools, as well as others who
have legitimate reasons for
going back and forth across the
border. But as the school year
wears on, he said, the number
of students on the monitor's list
decreases significantly. Monroe
said the practice has been in
place several years and has
garnered much public support
from district taxpayers. 'It's
important that we do
everything we can legally
do to ensure that tax
dollars are being used by
people who have a right
to use them,' he
said."(SOURCE-Lourdes Medrano/
ARIZONA DAILY STAR)
| $46.00 isn't much-- until it's coming out of your own pocket |
If someone
knocked on your
doorbell today and
demanded $46.00
from you, wouldn't
you want to know
how they were
going to spend it?
Would such $46.00
coming out of your
own pocket seem
"de minimus" or a
trifle?
2. Regarding your
travel on behalf of
official taxpayer-
paid district
business, why
would you or any
other Westbury
administra- tors or
trustees bring your
spouse? Wouldn't
it be difficult to
direct your full
attention to district
business?
3. Further
regarding your
attendance at
conferences,
seminars and
workshops, in light
of the 2003 arrest of
then-Westbury
High School
principal Pless
Dickerson for
possession of
crack, do you think
your time and
efforts on behalf of
Westbury UFSD
might have been
better directed to
monitoring your
key personnel
rather than what
appear to be quite a
number of
out-of-town trips?
How do you feel
regarding the fact
that it was a tip to
the police that led
to his arrest rather
than your own
direct
administrative
oversight? Along
these lines, what
specific concrete
steps have you
taken since
Dickerson's arrest
to assure the
safety of your
students from
crack-using
administrators?
Are you requiring
your
administrators to
submit to drug
testing?
4. Regarding your
memberships, how
much did Westbury
UFSD spend during
the 2004-05 school
year on your dues,
fees, travel, hotels,
meals and any
other discretionary
spending. Further,
please provide
names of events,
locations and
dates. While I am
aware that I may
obtain this
information via New
York's Freedom of
Information Law, I
am extending to you
herewith the
courtesy of an
opportunity to
respond before
seeking this
information via
more formal
means. I have
looked on your
district's Website
and have been
unable to locate
this information
online and am
wondering why this
is so.
5. What is your
present salary and
what perqs are you
receiving for the
2005-06 school
year? Please mail
a copy of your
employment
contract.... Here
again, I have looked
on your district's
Website and have
been unable to
locate this
information online
and am wondering
why it is not posted
for all to read and
examine. While I
am aware that I
may obtain this
information via New
York's Freedom of
Information Law, I
am extending to you
herewith the
courtesy of an
opportunity to
respond before
seeking this
information via
more formal
means.
6. What was the
title of your
doctoral
disseration on
Supervision and
Administration from
George
Washington
University?
7. Regarding
Comptroller
Hevesi's audit of
Westbury UFSD,
wondering why
there is no
reference to it
either on the
district's home
page or in its
"News" section,
the sole content of
which is the school
district's annual
calendar. If there is
an audit link
somewhere on your
district's Website,
would you please
be so kind as to
send it to me as I
have been unable
to find it despite my
best efforts.
8. Wondering why
you offer no email
address for
yourself so that
parents and
interested citizens
and taxpayers may
contact you directly
on your district's
Website. In fact, the
only place online I
was able to find
your e-address was
at the the NYSCOSS
Website. Given
that your taxpayers
are paying for your
district's email
service, please
comment on the
fact that you have
not made your
email contact
available on the
district's Website.
There may be a
perfectly
reasonable
explanation for any
and all of the
foregoing, and if so
I am eager to learn
what that
explanation or
explanations may
be.
knocked on your
doorbell today and
demanded $46.00
from you, wouldn't
you want to know
how they were
going to spend it?
Would such $46.00
coming out of your
own pocket seem
"de minimus" or a
trifle?
2. Regarding your
travel on behalf of
official taxpayer-
paid district
business, why
would you or any
other Westbury
administra- tors or
trustees bring your
spouse? Wouldn't
it be difficult to
direct your full
attention to district
business?
3. Further
regarding your
attendance at
conferences,
seminars and
workshops, in light
of the 2003 arrest of
then-Westbury
High School
principal Pless
Dickerson for
possession of
crack, do you think
your time and
efforts on behalf of
Westbury UFSD
might have been
better directed to
monitoring your
key personnel
rather than what
appear to be quite a
number of
out-of-town trips?
How do you feel
regarding the fact
that it was a tip to
the police that led
to his arrest rather
than your own
direct
administrative
oversight? Along
these lines, what
specific concrete
steps have you
taken since
Dickerson's arrest
to assure the
safety of your
students from
crack-using
administrators?
Are you requiring
your
administrators to
submit to drug
testing?
4. Regarding your
memberships, how
much did Westbury
UFSD spend during
the 2004-05 school
year on your dues,
fees, travel, hotels,
meals and any
other discretionary
spending. Further,
please provide
names of events,
locations and
dates. While I am
aware that I may
obtain this
information via New
York's Freedom of
Information Law, I
am extending to you
herewith the
courtesy of an
opportunity to
respond before
seeking this
information via
more formal
means. I have
looked on your
district's Website
and have been
unable to locate
this information
online and am
wondering why this
is so.
5. What is your
present salary and
what perqs are you
receiving for the
2005-06 school
year? Please mail
a copy of your
employment
contract.... Here
again, I have looked
on your district's
Website and have
been unable to
locate this
information online
and am wondering
why it is not posted
for all to read and
examine. While I
am aware that I
may obtain this
information via New
York's Freedom of
Information Law, I
am extending to you
herewith the
courtesy of an
opportunity to
respond before
seeking this
information via
more formal
means.
6. What was the
title of your
doctoral
disseration on
Supervision and
Administration from
George
Washington
University?
7. Regarding
Comptroller
Hevesi's audit of
Westbury UFSD,
wondering why
there is no
reference to it
either on the
district's home
page or in its
"News" section,
the sole content of
which is the school
district's annual
calendar. If there is
an audit link
somewhere on your
district's Website,
would you please
be so kind as to
send it to me as I
have been unable
to find it despite my
best efforts.
8. Wondering why
you offer no email
address for
yourself so that
parents and
interested citizens
and taxpayers may
contact you directly
on your district's
Website. In fact, the
only place online I
was able to find
your e-address was
at the the NYSCOSS
Website. Given
that your taxpayers
are paying for your
district's email
service, please
comment on the
fact that you have
not made your
email contact
available on the
district's Website.
There may be a
perfectly
reasonable
explanation for any
and all of the
foregoing, and if so
I am eager to learn
what that
explanation or
explanations may
be.
APR. 4, 2002 UPDATE:
"And is Eric Andell
coming back from
Washington D.C. to run
for Mayor of Houston?
That is what the
Gossips are hearing.
Eric is now a special
assistant to Rod Paige,
the Sec of Education.
Andell did very well in
the City of Houston
during his race for
re-election in 2000."
(SOURCE-- Texas
Political Resource Page)
SPRING 2003 UPDATE:
"MUSIC TO OUR EARS,
EVENING OF ARIAS
RAISES $120,000.
Julia Jervis and her
hard-working
committee gave
Houston a memorable
evening in the Opera
House and raised
$120,000 for student
scholarships and for
special projects at the
Moores School of
Music.... More than
$13,500 of the total
came from the live
auction. Bravos to
silver- tongued Eric
Andell. The ex-
Houston judge, who
now lives in
Washington where he
is a Deputy Under
Secretary in the
Department of
Education, fired up the
crowd early and kept
them bidding high."
(SOURCE--Moores
Society News)
AUG. 31, 2003 UPDATE:
"I'll say again that if
there's one countywide
office the Democrats
should set their sights
on in the 2004 election,
it's this one. [Harris
County DA Chuck]
Rosenthal can be
beaten with a good
candidate and sufficient
funding. My suggestion:
Eric Andell, currently
slumming it in the
Department of
Education. Come
home, Eric! Your city
needs you!" (SOURCE--
Charles Kuffner/Off The
Kuff)
OCT. 16-19, 2003
UPDATE: Keynote
speaker, US Dep't of
Education 17th Annual
National Meeting on
Alcohol and Other
Drug Abuse and
Violence Prevention in
Higher Ed. NOTE: See
more, below, under
"Conferences."
"And is Eric Andell
coming back from
Washington D.C. to run
for Mayor of Houston?
That is what the
Gossips are hearing.
Eric is now a special
assistant to Rod Paige,
the Sec of Education.
Andell did very well in
the City of Houston
during his race for
re-election in 2000."
(SOURCE-- Texas
Political Resource Page)
SPRING 2003 UPDATE:
"MUSIC TO OUR EARS,
EVENING OF ARIAS
RAISES $120,000.
Julia Jervis and her
hard-working
committee gave
Houston a memorable
evening in the Opera
House and raised
$120,000 for student
scholarships and for
special projects at the
Moores School of
Music.... More than
$13,500 of the total
came from the live
auction. Bravos to
silver- tongued Eric
Andell. The ex-
Houston judge, who
now lives in
Washington where he
is a Deputy Under
Secretary in the
Department of
Education, fired up the
crowd early and kept
them bidding high."
(SOURCE--Moores
Society News)
AUG. 31, 2003 UPDATE:
"I'll say again that if
there's one countywide
office the Democrats
should set their sights
on in the 2004 election,
it's this one. [Harris
County DA Chuck]
Rosenthal can be
beaten with a good
candidate and sufficient
funding. My suggestion:
Eric Andell, currently
slumming it in the
Department of
Education. Come
home, Eric! Your city
needs you!" (SOURCE--
Charles Kuffner/Off The
Kuff)
OCT. 16-19, 2003
UPDATE: Keynote
speaker, US Dep't of
Education 17th Annual
National Meeting on
Alcohol and Other
Drug Abuse and
Violence Prevention in
Higher Ed. NOTE: See
more, below, under
"Conferences."
| Tom Horne and AG Terry Goddard view Ajo/Lukeville film footage on TV--on the record |
MAY 31, 2005 ARIZONA ATT'Y
GENERAL UPDATE: From an
in-studio viewing of the film
footage showing students
walking across the border from
Mexico and getting on Arizona
school buses bound for Ajo; with
interviewees Arizona Attorney
General Terry Goddard and
Arizona Superintendent of
Public Instruction Tom Horne:
HORNE: "I'm the public official
charged with distributing state
aid. I'm not going to distribute
state aid to students who are not
residents of Arizona. We went to
addresses of a trailer park,
investigators saw the spaces
were empty and they had used
utility receipts which the county
superintendent accepted as
evidence of residence and the
trailer park admitted they give the
receipts....Citizenship is not the
issue, the issue is [residence].
People who reside in Phoenix but
are not citizens, children of
people who are not here legally
get an education under federal
law. If they're residents of Mexico,
they're not entitled to have an
education paid for by Arizona
taxpayers."
GODDARD: "We've been talking
about the film and other
investigative activities, what
they are going to require of
[Linda Arzoumanian]. She is the
one who certifies these
students that they're out of
district. They are not in the Ajo
district if they're in the Lukeville
area. She certifies if they can
come in. She did an initial, as
superintendent Horne said, she
checked rent receipts, and they
sent mail to the address,
whatever it was, that was given. If
that mail doesn't return there's a
presumption that the kids live at
that address. What I think we
saw in the film was a rebutting
of that presumption. That may
be what they told you but it
doesn't look like that is true. So
she is now, I'm told, in the
process of increasing the
investigation. They now have
reasonable suspicion to
increase their investigative
requests. That I believe is, what I
was told today they were going to
initiate."
HORNE: "I asked [Arzoumanian]
to do home visits to see if
people were living at the
addresses that were given. She
initially refused, but she said if
the attorney general says it's
okay, she would do it, so she's
coming around."
GODDARD: I'm relying on my
client here and then the right
steps will be taken. Other
counties have a similar problem
and have done a very
aggressive job of investigating
the home addresses. If students
do come from Mexico to this
country, they exercise their right to
charge.
(SOURCE--Transcripts/HORIZON)
GENERAL UPDATE: From an
in-studio viewing of the film
footage showing students
walking across the border from
Mexico and getting on Arizona
school buses bound for Ajo; with
interviewees Arizona Attorney
General Terry Goddard and
Arizona Superintendent of
Public Instruction Tom Horne:
HORNE: "I'm the public official
charged with distributing state
aid. I'm not going to distribute
state aid to students who are not
residents of Arizona. We went to
addresses of a trailer park,
investigators saw the spaces
were empty and they had used
utility receipts which the county
superintendent accepted as
evidence of residence and the
trailer park admitted they give the
receipts....Citizenship is not the
issue, the issue is [residence].
People who reside in Phoenix but
are not citizens, children of
people who are not here legally
get an education under federal
law. If they're residents of Mexico,
they're not entitled to have an
education paid for by Arizona
taxpayers."
GODDARD: "We've been talking
about the film and other
investigative activities, what
they are going to require of
[Linda Arzoumanian]. She is the
one who certifies these
students that they're out of
district. They are not in the Ajo
district if they're in the Lukeville
area. She certifies if they can
come in. She did an initial, as
superintendent Horne said, she
checked rent receipts, and they
sent mail to the address,
whatever it was, that was given. If
that mail doesn't return there's a
presumption that the kids live at
that address. What I think we
saw in the film was a rebutting
of that presumption. That may
be what they told you but it
doesn't look like that is true. So
she is now, I'm told, in the
process of increasing the
investigation. They now have
reasonable suspicion to
increase their investigative
requests. That I believe is, what I
was told today they were going to
initiate."
HORNE: "I asked [Arzoumanian]
to do home visits to see if
people were living at the
addresses that were given. She
initially refused, but she said if
the attorney general says it's
okay, she would do it, so she's
coming around."
GODDARD: I'm relying on my
client here and then the right
steps will be taken. Other
counties have a similar problem
and have done a very
aggressive job of investigating
the home addresses. If students
do come from Mexico to this
country, they exercise their right to
charge.
(SOURCE--Transcripts/HORIZON)
NOTE: It appears from reviewing Franklin County ESC's Website--where Bart Anderson is the sup't-- that the Educational Council is an "agency partner" of the FCESC. Further, it appears from reviewing the Educational Council's Website that Bart Anderson, FCESC's sup't, is a "board member" of the EC. |
JULY 20, 2004
UPDATE: "Eric Andell's
victory in Harris County
was one of the few
bright spots for area
Democrats (he would
lose the multi-county
judicial seat by not
winning the
surrounding counties,
however).
It was a silver lining of
sorts.... [Voters] in this
district are willing to
cast a personal vote for
candidates they trust
and know a
great deal about.
Andell has run with the
fundraising crowd that
is prevalent in River
Oaks, often giving to
candidates on both
sides of the aisle."
(SOURCE--
TexasTuesdays.com)
JAN. 9, 2005 UPDATE:
"Scores of Democrats
and a handful of
Republicans—all loyal
friends of Alison Bell—
wedged into the
Continental Club last
week to celebrate
[Allison Bell's] 45th
birthday. Former U.S.
Rep. Chris Bell, now a
partner in Stanley,
Phillips & Bell law firm,
hosted the surprise
blowout for his wife. On
this night at least,
Alison and Chris, the
Democrat best known
for filing the ethics
complaint against
Congressman Tom
DeLay, put politics on
the back burner. While
the Light Rock Express
played onstage, guests
poured in [including]..
Eric Andell...."
(SOURCE--Shelby
Hodge/Houston Chronicle)
UPDATE: "Eric Andell's
victory in Harris County
was one of the few
bright spots for area
Democrats (he would
lose the multi-county
judicial seat by not
winning the
surrounding counties,
however).
It was a silver lining of
sorts.... [Voters] in this
district are willing to
cast a personal vote for
candidates they trust
and know a
great deal about.
Andell has run with the
fundraising crowd that
is prevalent in River
Oaks, often giving to
candidates on both
sides of the aisle."
(SOURCE--
TexasTuesdays.com)
JAN. 9, 2005 UPDATE:
"Scores of Democrats
and a handful of
Republicans—all loyal
friends of Alison Bell—
wedged into the
Continental Club last
week to celebrate
[Allison Bell's] 45th
birthday. Former U.S.
Rep. Chris Bell, now a
partner in Stanley,
Phillips & Bell law firm,
hosted the surprise
blowout for his wife. On
this night at least,
Alison and Chris, the
Democrat best known
for filing the ethics
complaint against
Congressman Tom
DeLay, put politics on
the back burner. While
the Light Rock Express
played onstage, guests
poured in [including]..
Eric Andell...."
(SOURCE--Shelby
Hodge/Houston Chronicle)
BOARD & STAFF
2005 - 2006 Board
Members
BEXLEY CITY
SCHOOLS
Michael Johnson
HAMILTON LOCAL
SCHOOLS
Chris Lester
CANAL
WINCHESTER
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Jeff Childers
HILLIARD CITY
SCHOOLS
Dale McVey
COLUMBUS CITY
SCHOOLS
Gene T. Harris
Elaine Bell
Paul Lucas
NEW ALBANY-PLAIN
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Steve Castle
REYNOLDSBURG
CITY SCHOOLS
Richard A. Ross
DUBLIN CITY
SCHOOLS
Linda Fenner
SOUTH WESTERN
CITY SCHOOLS
R. Kirk Hamilton
FRANKLIN COUNTY
EDUCATIONAL
SERVICE CENTER
Bart Anderson
UPPER ARLINGTON
CITY SCHOOLS
William F. Schaefer
III
GAHANNA-JEFFERS
ON CITY SCHOOLS
Gregg E. Morris
WESTERVILLE CITY
SCHOOLS
George Tombaugh
GRANDVIEW
HEIGHTS CITY
SCHOOLS
D. Steven Allen
WHITEHALL CITY
SCHOOLS
Judyth Dobbert-Meloy
GROVEPORT
MADISON LOCAL
SCHOOLS
Timm A. Mackley
WORTHINGTON
CITY SCHOOLS
Rick Fenton
EDUCATIONAL
COUNCIL STAFF
tel 614.292.7744
fax 614.292.7775
Dr. Brad Mitchell,
Chief Executive
Officer
mitchell@edcouncil.org
Jennifer Moore,
Chief Operating
Officer
jmoore@edcouncil.org
Sheri Smith, Chief
Financial Officer
smith@edcouncil.org
Sophie Forbes,
Office Manager
forbes@edcouncil.org
Rachel Friend,
Administrative
Assistant
friend@edcouncil.org
Doug Powell, Grants
Coordinator
powell@edcouncil.org
2005 - 2006 Board
Members
BEXLEY CITY
SCHOOLS
Michael Johnson
HAMILTON LOCAL
SCHOOLS
Chris Lester
CANAL
WINCHESTER
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Jeff Childers
HILLIARD CITY
SCHOOLS
Dale McVey
COLUMBUS CITY
SCHOOLS
Gene T. Harris
Elaine Bell
Paul Lucas
NEW ALBANY-PLAIN
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Steve Castle
REYNOLDSBURG
CITY SCHOOLS
Richard A. Ross
DUBLIN CITY
SCHOOLS
Linda Fenner
SOUTH WESTERN
CITY SCHOOLS
R. Kirk Hamilton
FRANKLIN COUNTY
EDUCATIONAL
SERVICE CENTER
Bart Anderson
UPPER ARLINGTON
CITY SCHOOLS
William F. Schaefer
III
GAHANNA-JEFFERS
ON CITY SCHOOLS
Gregg E. Morris
WESTERVILLE CITY
SCHOOLS
George Tombaugh
GRANDVIEW
HEIGHTS CITY
SCHOOLS
D. Steven Allen
WHITEHALL CITY
SCHOOLS
Judyth Dobbert-Meloy
GROVEPORT
MADISON LOCAL
SCHOOLS
Timm A. Mackley
WORTHINGTON
CITY SCHOOLS
Rick Fenton
EDUCATIONAL
COUNCIL STAFF
tel 614.292.7744
fax 614.292.7775
Dr. Brad Mitchell,
Chief Executive
Officer
mitchell@edcouncil.org
Jennifer Moore,
Chief Operating
Officer
jmoore@edcouncil.org
Sheri Smith, Chief
Financial Officer
smith@edcouncil.org
Sophie Forbes,
Office Manager
forbes@edcouncil.org
Rachel Friend,
Administrative
Assistant
friend@edcouncil.org
Doug Powell, Grants
Coordinator
powell@edcouncil.org
| ERIC ANDELL CONFERENCES |
| PW follow up with Tom Horne and Linda Arzoumanian |
FEB. 13-14, 2002
CONFERENCE CHAIR:
"Following the
September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks, public
authorities worldwide
are learning to adjust to
new realities.
Government officials
from 10 countries--
Canada, France,
Japan, Israel,
Mexico, Ireland, Spain,
Turkey, the United
Kingdom, and the
United States--met in
Washington, D.C....to
discuss strategies for
helping schools
prepare for and
respond to terrorist
attacks. Many schools
across the United
States and around the
world have emergency
response plans in
place that address
school violence and
natural disasters. This
meeting was designed
to discuss how
government can help
schools extend those
plans to effectively
deal with incidents of
terrorism. Jointly
sponsored by the U.S.
Department of
Education, the U.S.
Department of State
and the Organisation
for Economic
Co-operation and
Development (OECD)
....Judge Eric Andell,
senior adviser and
counsel to the U.S.
Department of
Education, chaired the
meeting and called it
'an exciting and
productive opportunity
to learn what other
countries are doing to
address a threat to
people of all ages that
knows no national
boundaries.'"
(SOURCE--U.S.D.O.E.)
CONFERENCE CHAIR:
"Following the
September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks, public
authorities worldwide
are learning to adjust to
new realities.
Government officials
from 10 countries--
Canada, France,
Japan, Israel,
Mexico, Ireland, Spain,
Turkey, the United
Kingdom, and the
United States--met in
Washington, D.C....to
discuss strategies for
helping schools
prepare for and
respond to terrorist
attacks. Many schools
across the United
States and around the
world have emergency
response plans in
place that address
school violence and
natural disasters. This
meeting was designed
to discuss how
government can help
schools extend those
plans to effectively
deal with incidents of
terrorism. Jointly
sponsored by the U.S.
Department of
Education, the U.S.
Department of State
and the Organisation
for Economic
Co-operation and
Development (OECD)
....Judge Eric Andell,
senior adviser and
counsel to the U.S.
Department of
Education, chaired the
meeting and called it
'an exciting and
productive opportunity
to learn what other
countries are doing to
address a threat to
people of all ages that
knows no national
boundaries.'"
(SOURCE--U.S.D.O.E.)
JAN. 9, 2005 (PW) UPDATE:
In response to my queries last
month, have received the
following information. According
to Arzoumanian, the number of
students boarding the buses at
Lukeville currently number
"around 40."
PW comment to Horne:
"Although this number is well
down from the 97 previously
reported, unless that trailer
park at Lukeville is suddenly
populated by warm bodies
rather than ghosts, the 40
reported by your
superintendent would still
seem to be about 40 non-
residents too many attending
Arizona schools--at a cost of
$200,000 per year to taxpayers.
Will you let this number stand or
will you further pursue and if so
how?
In response to my queries last
month, have received the
following information. According
to Arzoumanian, the number of
students boarding the buses at
Lukeville currently number
"around 40."
PW comment to Horne:
"Although this number is well
down from the 97 previously
reported, unless that trailer
park at Lukeville is suddenly
populated by warm bodies
rather than ghosts, the 40
reported by your
superintendent would still
seem to be about 40 non-
residents too many attending
Arizona schools--at a cost of
$200,000 per year to taxpayers.
Will you let this number stand or
will you further pursue and if so
how?
| STATUS: No reply yet as of Feb. 14, 2006 |
| CREDENTIALS UPDATE: Source of the "Dr." in "Dr. Linda Arzoumanian" |
Arzoumanian's Ed.D. is from
Nova Southeastern University
(Florida) which "did not follow
the requirement for a
dissertation but rather required
students to be employed in the
field of their course of study
and they were required to do
two practicum's [sic]....The
material is written in the style of
a dissertation and was
published as such."
Practica Titles:
"Improving the Skills and
Confidence of Early Childhood
Public School Teachers in Their
Use of Observation Techniques
ED 352 127"
and
"Increasing Community College
Child Development Associate
(CDA) Advisor Skills in
Recording Observations as a
Component of a
Competency-Based
Assessment ED 367 506."
(SOURCE--L.L. Arzoumanian)
Nova Southeastern University
(Florida) which "did not follow
the requirement for a
dissertation but rather required
students to be employed in the
field of their course of study
and they were required to do
two practicum's [sic]....The
material is written in the style of
a dissertation and was
published as such."
Practica Titles:
"Improving the Skills and
Confidence of Early Childhood
Public School Teachers in Their
Use of Observation Techniques
ED 352 127"
and
"Increasing Community College
Child Development Associate
(CDA) Advisor Skills in
Recording Observations as a
Component of a
Competency-Based
Assessment ED 367 506."
(SOURCE--L.L. Arzoumanian)
OCT. 16-19, 2005
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT
DOE CONFERENCE:U.S.
DOE 17th Annual
National Meeting on
Alcohol and Other Drug
Abuse and Violence
Prevention in Higher
Education, Austin,
Texas--"Deep in the
Heart of Prevention:
Collaboration for
Accountability and
Effectiveness." (OCT.
16 - 19, 2003) "This
year's meeting will be
held at the Hyatt
Regency Hotel Austin
on the shores of Town
Lake, within easy
walking distance of the
legendary Sixth Street
entertainment district,
University of Texas
campus (including the
LBJ Museum), and the
State Capitol Complex.
EXHIBITORS
INFORMATION:
"Reserve Exhibit Space
- Option A: (6ft) table.
Fee: $1,000 with one
registration. Option B:
(6ft) table. Fee: $1,250
with two registrations.
Option C: (6ft) table.
Fee: $1,500 with three
registrations. Option D:
Display space on a
"take one" table. Fee:
$100 per item (book
with order form counts
as one item). Meeting
registration not
included. All of the
6-foot exhibit tables
have been reserved at
this time, but you can
still sign up for space
on a "take one" table
(see above). If not
paying online by credit
card or purchase order,
please print out the
form, complete, and
mail it with a check
(payable to Education
Development Center,
Inc.) for the specified
amount, to: Ms. Anne
O'Neill, 2003 National
Meeting, Higher
Education Center, 55
Chapel Street,
Newton MA 02458-1060
Education
Development Center
Inc.--Federal Tax ID#
04-2441718."
(SOURCE--United States
D.O.E.)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT
DOE CONFERENCE:U.S.
DOE 17th Annual
National Meeting on
Alcohol and Other Drug
Abuse and Violence
Prevention in Higher
Education, Austin,
Texas--"Deep in the
Heart of Prevention:
Collaboration for
Accountability and
Effectiveness." (OCT.
16 - 19, 2003) "This
year's meeting will be
held at the Hyatt
Regency Hotel Austin
on the shores of Town
Lake, within easy
walking distance of the
legendary Sixth Street
entertainment district,
University of Texas
campus (including the
LBJ Museum), and the
State Capitol Complex.
EXHIBITORS
INFORMATION:
"Reserve Exhibit Space
- Option A: (6ft) table.
Fee: $1,000 with one
registration. Option B:
(6ft) table. Fee: $1,250
with two registrations.
Option C: (6ft) table.
Fee: $1,500 with three
registrations. Option D:
Display space on a
"take one" table. Fee:
$100 per item (book
with order form counts
as one item). Meeting
registration not
included. All of the
6-foot exhibit tables
have been reserved at
this time, but you can
still sign up for space
on a "take one" table
(see above). If not
paying online by credit
card or purchase order,
please print out the
form, complete, and
mail it with a check
(payable to Education
Development Center,
Inc.) for the specified
amount, to: Ms. Anne
O'Neill, 2003 National
Meeting, Higher
Education Center, 55
Chapel Street,
Newton MA 02458-1060
Education
Development Center
Inc.--Federal Tax ID#
04-2441718."
(SOURCE--United States
D.O.E.)
| PW Follow up: Nova Southeastern University (A) is an ERDI client and (B) offers online Ed.D. coursework |
| STATUS: No response rec'd as of Feb. 14, 2006 |
| ERIC ANDELL FOOTNOTE: HOW HE HELPED WASHINGTON, DC'S HOTEL GEORGE HONOR THE 9/11 DEAD |
| Eric Andell (center), U.S. DOE deputy undersecretary in the Office of Safe and Drug- Free Schools, with artist Steve Kaufman and then- Hotel George general manager Dixie Eng. "Washingtonians were invited to sign a larger-than- life painting at The Hotel George created by pop artist Steve Kaufman to honor all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Several hundred Washingtonians participated on September 4, adding to the over 1.5 million people around the world who had already signed the painting [which] will hang over the front of The Hotel George before being donated to a museum for permanent display. Kaufman, Andy Warhol’s former assistant, is The Hotel George’s artist-in-residence." (SOURCE/PHOTO- Vance Jacobs/ Washington Life Mag.) FOLLOW UP: Eng now manages Best Western's Capitol Skyline Hotel in DC, and, according to the Hotel George, Kaufman is no longer artist-in-residence. |
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 |
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 - Unified/United School District |
| GUIDE |
| FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of education issues vital to a republic. We believe this constitutes a "fair use" of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C., Chapter 1, Section 107 which states: the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright," the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond "fair use" you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. |
| 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." (SOURCE--Houston Press) |
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: How generous is your supe with your tax dollars? Does he open the doors to your local schools to any and all comers, whether they're legal residents or not, citing his/her moral responsibility to educate all children who come to his doors? What of his moral responsibility to his taxpayers? And whose doors are they? Whose schools are they? |
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 |
Also, member/advisory board-MathThink "a unique math foundation-building program for
students that intends to revolutionize the way math is taught and practiced. MathThink has used the best
practices of education from around the world to put together this innovative program." According to its
Website, "Math Think LLC is pleased to offer franchise opportunities throughout the U. S."
(SOURCE--MathThink) :
JAN. 7, 2005 (PW) UPDATE: Have queried Bart Anderson regarding, among other things, the propriety of
working as an advisor to a private Education, Inc. organization while still employed as a public school
superintendent, given his responsibilites as sup't of FCESC (CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
students that intends to revolutionize the way math is taught and practiced. MathThink has used the best
practices of education from around the world to put together this innovative program." According to its
Website, "Math Think LLC is pleased to offer franchise opportunities throughout the U. S."
(SOURCE--MathThink) :
JAN. 7, 2005 (PW) UPDATE: Have queried Bart Anderson regarding, among other things, the propriety of
working as an advisor to a private Education, Inc. organization while still employed as a public school
superintendent, given his responsibilites as sup't of FCESC (CONTINUED BELOW: See FOLLOW-UPS)
SUPES AT THE MEXICAN BORDER DAILY FACE IMPORTANT
DECISIONS RE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' ATTEMPTS TO ATTEND
U.S. SCHOOLS FUNDED BY U.S. TAXPAYERS
A CLOSER LOOK AT PIMA COUNTY, AZ
DECISIONS RE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' ATTEMPTS TO ATTEND
U.S. SCHOOLS FUNDED BY U.S. TAXPAYERS
A CLOSER LOOK AT PIMA COUNTY, AZ
The value to immigrant school children of learning to speak English well in school cannot be overstated. Census data shows that immigrants who can speak English very well earn twice as much on average as those who speak English poorly or not at all.¹ In light of this, continuing to put immigrant school children in bilingual education programs that have failed to teach them English for more than thirty years amounts to little more than government sponsored child abuse.” --K.C. McAlpin - ProEnglish ¹ U.S. Census, PUMS files, 1999 |
Most educators are good people trying to do good work. But they're caught in a system that doesn't work, the cement canoe of socialism. --Marshall Fritz |