Update 3/5/08: This post now has 2,003 comments! However, it has exceeded the capacities of our server and has been truncated recently at about 1,529 posts. But one of our readers has stepped up to the plate and painstakingly copied all of the comments into three NEW posts:
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2008 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2007 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2006 Comments
We have also started a NEW open SAUSD thread, which I hope our readers will post to regarding new SAUSD news and views.
You can also go to our home page and go to the right column. Click on “SAUSD Posts” and you can get links to ALL of our past SAUSD articles.
I must say, I am amazed at the stories that have been posted on this blog in the wake of Al Mijares’ exit from the Santa Ana Unified School District. I am posting this item merely to give SAUSD bloggers a place to post their comments. Post away my friends – we have an opportunity now to finally do away with the corruption left over from the Mijares regime. Change is at hand, but we must remain resolute.
I noted that someone affiliated with the SAUSD administration recently posted a threat on this site – alleging possible legal action against SAUSD employees who post anonymously on this site. That is despicable and a form of terrorism. Do not let fear restrain any of you from revealing the truth.
The final challenge we face in Santa Ana is to replace Mijares with someone competent. We won’t have another opportunity like this anytime soon. This process must be open and focused and whatever else happens we must keep Audrey Noji out of the Superintendent’s position. As a member of the Cerritos College faculty and a member of the teacher’s union at that campus I opposed her when she tried to get a job at our campus. If she goes after the SAUSD superintendent post I will do so again. I know we can do better!
All of my children are in the SAUSD system. For their sake and that of all schoolchildren in the district, I urge those who are rebelling against the last vestiges of Mijares’ broken empire to keep the information flowing and to do whatever it takes to ensure that our next superintendent will be up to the task. Mijares certainly was over his head throughout his doomed tenure.
I hear Machado
#1375
A boat? Just what SAUSD needs. A boat. We going fishing, waterskiing or sailing with this new purchase? Sheesh.
Jane
Christine Anderson was the best thing out of HR in years too long to remember. She was sharp, efficient and professional. She got more things accomplished than Juan Lopez has done in all his years.
It was a serious loss when she left. Anyone who had contact with her was impressed with her ability to get things done.
Now the district is saddled with the inefficiencies and foot dragging so typical of HR with Mr. Lopez at the helm.
As can be seen from the Willard comments, clearly there is a huge huge problem at that site. Stressed out employees cannot concentrate on their jobs. Absenteeism, increased medical visits and costs escalate. Chaos will affect staff morale as well as students
Chris saw the unethical and unprofessianlism in HR.
Talk about chaos, talk about HR!
How can you expect things to be fixed at the school level when management in charge of said duties are carried by Juan Lopez. He is almost at the leve of inefficiency as Jim is.
He is the HR. are director, right?
so, what is he doing allowing Pat “save Jones” Machado any contact with any personnel from Saddleback?
If you are a district employee and have been harrassed or intimidated, blame Juan Lopez.
Jane should have fired Lopez and Amelia Amaya both and kept Chris.
How many more “LIES” will Jane and the Board tolerate or what are they waiting for another San Cap.
One typical tactic by inappropriate administrators is to start rumors that an employee is mentally ill. Saying things like they are crazy, just not right, off their rocker etc
Business Services has a form on the front part of the district web page asking for suggestions on what can be done to balance the budget. That would be a great way to get retaliated against. Just put in your suggestion and watch Trigg target you and your salary to be eliminated for having the audacity to actually make
Thread started by Luis on hiring practices of teachers in SAUSD:
http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/08/sausd-is-not-teacher-friendly.html#comments
As I was looking to teach again, I had some meetings with the Department of Education which has several programs for teachers to participate in their first year, or while trying to acquire their teaching credential.
First year credentialed teachers are allowed to participate in a program known as BTSA. It is designed to designate rookie teachers with veteran teachers in order to “show them the ropes” of teaching. New teachers are asked to attend meetings once a month, and also have meetings with their mentors to ensure the stress of the job does not get to them.
Teachers who have not yet completed the credential but have passed the Teacher Competency exams known at the CSET (for single subject teachers-Junior and Senior High School), teacher may enroll in the Internship Program. This program allows for teachers to receive a credential while completing the credential classes.
Finally there are those teachers who have not yet completed the exam and have also not completed the course work needed to attain the credential. The Orange County Department of Education in specific subjects like Math and Science allow teachers to teach for one year in order for them pass the exam and enroll in a credential class. These teachers can only be in the pre-intern program for one year. if they do not pass the exam, they can not acquire a contract the following year.
Finally, teachers who do not have any possibility of acquiring the aforementioned credential may teach Math and Science under a long term substitute credential. This credential allows teachers to teach for 6 Weeks or 30 days in one single classroom per year. The rigors of a standard teacher are the same (grading papers, giving exams, attending meetings, etc…) however they receive in some cases $105- $140 per day with no benefits.
It seems most school districts provide for such programs in order to streamline their working force. As you may know is there is an extreme shortage in teachers specifically in the subjects of Math and Science. As such, Pre-Intern and Intern programs are a popular alternative to schools and their districts. Where does Santa Ana Unified School District stand?
Well, that’s a good question. In most of the Santa Ana Unified School Districts High Schools, a near half of the teachers are uncredentialed substitute teachers! Why you ask, when other districts have a higher percantage in contracted teachers? The answer is simple. SAUSD does not provide the pre-intern program for teachers. That is teachers who are looking to become full time teachers, do not go to SAUSD because they can get a contract before they complete their coursework. The district prefers to have substitutes who may now know the subject to teach because it saves them from having to pay a higher wage and no benefits.
Students lose out on the opportunity to have a passionate teacher, one who willingly accepts the responsibility of not being able to teach the following year (pre-intern) unless they complete the requirement of passing the subject exam. Instead students are being taught by a total of 6 long term subs the entire year. 6 teachers because as I stated before, long term subs are not allowed to be in the classroom longer than 30 days, one 6 week grading period.
It is time for SAUSD to recruit new talent, and it needs to do so pronto. Credentialed Math and Science Teachers are retiring or leaving the school district, new talent is not coming in. Pretty soon we will be facing a crisis where you son/daughter may be learning or not, from a substitute teacher. SAUSD needs to adopt a policy where they allow those working on their credentials to teach and assist them in acquiring what is needed to stay. SAUSD needs to do whatever it takes to make sure qualified teachers come to Santa Ana and love it. We used to be the highest paid school district, but that is not out the window. A real crisis is in our inevitable future, and the district is still waiting for the right pitch! It time to bring this to their attention and the new school year approaches…
Your thoughts??
For those of you in expensive 403b annuities, take advantage of the 90-24 exchange option before time runs out September 24th.
You may have the option to transfer to Vanguard, TIAA-CREF, or other low cost, non-annuity (403b7) even though you are still employed with the same school/company.
After September 24th, you will forever be locked into whatever providers your school will allow to service their teachers.
Don’t let the 9/24 deadline pass unnoticed. Even though you are losing this option, Schools now have much greater responsibility with regard to 403b providers. Make your school give you more and better options – my wife’s school only has one provider that offers a mutual fund 403b (a 403b7) and it cost 5.75% to buy from them – yuck!
Vanguard is calling the school business manager today to ask her to allow Vanguard to be a normal provider – per my and my wife’s request.
See the following link for more information:
http://www.403bwise.com/wisemoves/newtransferrules.html
A little parajito that recently fled Willard observes that Bernadette Medrano is not much liked by staff and teachers. Medrano’s abrasive and caustic behavior is unsettling and most wonder why she spends her days in Principal Bishop’s office.
#1388
You’re spot on about Mrs. Medrano spending lots of time in Principal Bishop’s office. Some wonder why Bishop turned over the reigns of the parent center to someone who doesn’t even speak Spanish.
One of the dirty secrets about Saddleback is the harassment and eventual suicide of a teacher just this year. Bullycide is suicide associated with being bullied to the point that the victim feels that they have no way out except to take their own life. That teacher was constantly picked on and written up. His big crime was being an ex union president. His wife has got a very good suit against those criminal predators who
Thread about the special meeting for four new administrative appointments:
http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/08/special-board-meeting.html#comments
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will convene a special meeting in the Board Room of the District Administration Building at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2007
ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS: Four Management Positions
No official announcement of who they are, yet.
Anonymous Says:
8/22/2007 4:02 PM
This group has scrambled to get their hands into the High School Inc. project.
They put in a twice dismissed principal who has questionable tactics and ignores due process. He’s no rocket scientist.
Someone better keep an eye on that gravy train getting ready to pull out of the station.
It’s starting to stink up already.
Anonymous Says:
8/22/2007 7:22 PM
Poster #4
No one is willing to disclose how many students have signed on for this new program. It’ll be interesting to sit back and watch as Freddy Gomeztrejo funnels kids into this program to give it the appearance of success.
Most teachers are clueless about this new program since there has been no collabrative sessions to engage the teaching staff.
Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce looks like an exclusive all-white men’s club. Shouldn’t the Chamber reflect the population is serves?
One lone businesswoman teletypes a message I don’t want our young women receiving.
It’s time for Metzler to move on.
#1392
I believe that all students will be enrolled in the program. Cosmetically, the program will appear sucessful. My take on all of the changes at Valley (new name, new program, new site administrator) is this: The school has the lowest high school test scores in the county. Valley has been at the bottom for so many years that the district is in grave danger of having the state take over the school. So, let’s come up with a new name, new program and new Principal and change everyone’s focus on the school.
3 questions:
1. How will the outcome (improved test scores) change if the same students are attending the school?
2. Is there teacher buy in or is this someone’s idea that is being rammed down the teachers’ throats (much like Bishop’s Corporate Academy at Willard)? If there is not teacher buy in, kiss the program good by.
3. How can this new program succeed when the site administrator is an individual who has been removed from 2 previous high schools?
Thread about high school dropouts costing the state billions of dollars by Art P:
http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/08/high-school-dropouts-are-costing-state.html#comments
The board minutes are now detailed and informative. This moves the board meetings toward transparency and accountability.
Good Job!
One item did catch my attention, because board member Palacio didn
#1393
Freddy claims he knows how politics work. He for sure knows how they USED TO WORK. However, time will tell if the politics have changed for the better or if Jane Russo is granting political favors to the undeserving.
How many principals did Freddy zoom by on his way in and up to Principalship at Valley?
It is kind of suprising that some of the Principals and VP’s just stand by and take this kind of blatent favortism. Getting passed over has got to hurt. Mr. Patrick (Carr), for one, is an excellent principal and would certainly take on a new program with zeal, if he wanted the job and IF he were ever to be asked.
#1393
If all Valley students are targeted to be enrolled in High School Inc.,what’s to become of Valley HS? Furthermore, I’m hearing Valley parents have not been advised of such. This isn’t too surprising since the district has never been good at communicating with parents.
The Chamber’s involvement in this program should be a concern.
Juan Lopez is the biggest loser, yet!
One, if he cared, which he does not, he should have terminated every one of the reject administrators that he relocated to different school sites. Every one of the transferred administrators is a reject; one is not transferred because of a job well done, well at least not here in SAUSD. Example, Marianne Bola, Willard Intermediate, I wonder why she was relieved of her position at Valley?
Now, did anyone notice that the this list published by the districts Angela Burrell,
Santa Ana Unified Appoints Assistant Principals Santa Ana, CA – August 6, 2007
This list only mentions some not all of the new hires and one inner district transfer, Marianne Bola. What happened to Tony, what happened to Robert Sanchez? If the transfers were anything else other than, (your screw up, we need to find you a new home) why weren
Bullies take out the best and the brightest.
This is an excellent documentary about teachers who have been abused by corrupt systems.
This explains abuse in the workplace and what it costs districts like ours. Anyone from Willard, Valley, Saddleback and Loren Grist should see this film.
Free online:
http://www.tv-links.co.uk/listings/9/7236
Friday, all special education teachers in SAUSD were together for an inservice for the first time in 20 years. Rob Richardson was there as well as Jane Russo. They made it clear that all students deserve good education and that special education has not been treated well in the past.
It was a very productive day planned out by Assistant Superintendent Doreen Lohnes.
#1398
From what I’ve heard, Marianne Bola isn’t any more happy to be at Willard than we are to have her. If she turns out to be another bad apple in the Willard barrel, it’s time to start meeting with Jane.
I am disappointed with the district transferring incompetent administrators to our school (who can forget Lynn Marine?). Shouldn’t a failing school get the best administrators, not the worst ones? And no school should get the worst administrators. As you said, Juan Lopez needs to deal with these incompetents (but then he would have to deal with himself!).
Jane, are you listening?
#1399
Excellent documentary. It describes the henchmen like Carrigg, Gomeztrejo, Calloway, Arias who did dirty deeds for Esther Jones at Saddleback.
Either they had to go along with the lies, false write ups, stealing, harassment and job interference, or they risked the chance of falling out of favor.
Did you see where that one nutjob principal actually called the police on a teacher to say the poor teacher was “kidnapping” her students. Oh wait! Jones has called the police with false accusations and other little erands, too!
When watching that film, it was like watching the crazy at Saddleback and Willard. Pass it along to your friends. It explains the selfish personal focus of bad administrators who don’t let the best employees do their jobs.
Gary Namie said that bully bosses have three things that drive them to pick their “targets”.
Teachers who are independent and self-starting, teachers with high technical skills, teachers who are popular and well-liked, and teachers who have ethical behavior and expectations. Bullies HATE those kinds of high performers and will do just about anything to destroy the careers of excellent workers.
The Mijares/ Noji culture has been dysfunctional.
Regarding Marianne Bola
Marianne Bola did a great job at Valley as activities director. After many years being passed over by downtown for an admin position and after repeated interventions by the Union, Marianne Bola finally got the AD job (which was a half-step to an Admin job) at Valley.
Now that Marianne has finally achieved her goal, I think she is getting a back-handed promotion to admin with her appointment to Willard. Juan Lopez is setting her up for failure, punishment for pressing hard against his resistance. Bishop is a monster and very anti-Union. If I were you teachers at Willard, I would rally round Marianne.
1401
Marianne Bola
should have taken and should have been smart and followed Lewis, but I guess she is the predicament because she is competent and a very reliable administrator, NOT!
She hates life and everyone else is going to pay for it. She better get ready to receive the same treatment she dishes out. She will be treated the way she treats others.
If she hates Willard now, wait till school starts, she will be in hell!
Willard staff will not play nice with her, let the games begin!
Question: Why is Robert Sanchez demoted to counselor after sticking up for teachers and not going along with bully tactics by several bad site administrators while jokers like Katrina and Evelyn are left in place despite outrageous unprofessional conduct in front of students, employees and community members? Who could forget them physically blocking students from seeing a school play? Good old Brenda Blanchard caught wind of it and showed up for the other plays to make sure those two remained in check. Why is Fred Gomeztrejo plucked to be a principal while other long-term employees with proven service records are left to the sidelines?
That Mijares connection still seems to be a factor. When demotions and promotions start making sense- that is when we
http://www.urbancollaborative.org/partnerprojects.asp
Yesterday at the Critical Special Education information exchange (CSI- I have to laugh at this. I am sure it is a lot like looking over a long-overdue crime sceen at this district!).
During part of the presentation, there was an attorney from a legal group that is proactive in how they approach litigation w/ students. Unlike the current system of annoying parents, ignoring reasonable requests, refusing to return calls, turning a blind eye towards abuses of rights and safeguards – to the point where the family has no choice but to sue – this group believes in preventative measures.
I think someone should mention this group as a possible cost-cutting solution. They believe in prevention and advocacy. Their approach does not pit teacher against student, but encourages informed decisions about what is possible as well as having a cooperative approach to parents from the school system. The legal website is under construction, but here is a page where they are listed among collaborators for education:
http://www.urbancollaborative.org/partnerprojects.asp
Fagen Friedman and Fulfrost provides strategic legal consulting and advocacy to school districts and other public agencies, offering advice and representation in special education, student matters, labor and employment, charter schools, governance, school finance and facilities, and litigation. Recognized leaders in the field, FF&F’s special education attorneys share a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding obligations to students with disabilities, including duties under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We have advised and represented public agencies with regard to every aspect of special education law and practice – from IEP meetings, mediations, and due process hearings to state and federal compliance complaints and investigations. FF&F’s attorneys also provide preventative legal services, including popular workshops and on-going legal consultation to assist our clients in developing procedurally and substantively appropriate programs while solving problems before they erupt into costly litigation.
Web site URL: http://www.fagenfriedman.com
Give them enough rope and they will hang themselves.
Things seem to be heating up. Written lies won’t be advantageous to one’s career this year.
Keep the pressure on the bad guys, Jane.
#1404
That sounds like something that Luis Navarro would write. Willard staff, what’s left of them, are dedicated and professional. They don’t attack people WILLARD ADMINISTRATION attacks, and that is why the turnover is HUGE.
If Juan Lopez had been watching simple indicators like employee turnover, he could have helped fix willard years and years ago.
Anyone who gets assigned to Willard is in for a bad year. If Juan Lopez put her there, then it was for a reason. She’s done something to expose him or his buddies and she’s slated for removal.
Do your best, Marianne. Willard’s on everyone’s radar.
Marianne Bola did not know if she was coming or going as a AD, She could not perform as such, what makes you think that she will be any good as an AP.
Valley staff has nothing positive to say about Mrs. Bola. She carried a chip on her shoulder here and she will do the same a Willard or any other school that is unfortunate to have her. Willard staff should rally with her, to help show her the door!
We are glad she is no longer here at valley, she should have joined her pal Tony at Segerstrom, or better yet, Jones.
She was not set up to fail, if willard had any hopes of moving forward, with her arrival, you guys just took a leap backwards, but hey, better you than us.
Thank god!
#1398
Juan Lopez transfers good employees to bad places and bad employees to hide-out places all the time.
Sanchez is not on the VP list b/c he’s now a counselor at Carr. Espinoza is counselor at Segerstrom, Dan Martinez is at Valley as counselor. This move was a salvage for Espinoza and punishments for Sanchez and Martinez.
When the promotions and demotions finally start making sense, you’ll know this district is finally starting to get HR right.
#1409
How do you like your principal?
Maybe Marianne had a chip on her shoulder b/c she was being hassled?
AD’s have access to money. Maybe someone wanted her gone so they could steal funds. wouldn’t be the first time that a principal treats AD like a personal piggy bank.
maybe she was taking money, isn’t that how Lopez promotes, from the bottom of the barrel.
Everyone under Tony Espinosa should have been terminated, including Marianne. Willard staff will get to know her very well, she will try to hide under sheep’s clothing at first, but her true colors will eventually come out.
She wasn’t transfered from here because she was good, but you be the judge of that, in about a month or less!
How bad did she want to be an administrator?
We are looking forward to fresh start without Tony and gang!
#1413
If she was taking the money she will have to get in line with Bishop! That man could collar the last penny earmarked for any other fund. The staff got no supplies, the extra curricular events stopped, even pal was disbanded because it cost money. Yet there were no lack of “lackies”: administrative assistants, data processing, etc. The money had to come from somewhere! If that is Ms. Bola’s thing she will have found a stern opponent in Bishop.
Ms. Bola’s only opponent left at Willard is Bishop. There are few AP’s left, there are no staff left, there are few experienced teachers left. It is a decimated hull that the district should be ashamed they let get to this point. No one needs worry about anymore damage being done here, there is nothing left to destroy.
#1415 – Oh come on! There’s still a few of us left and we are bound and determined to outlast The Bishop!
Ms. Bola should have been issued her walking papers here. She was inexperience, unprofessional, and a rude person with no people skills. her only opponent is herself. You are only dealt the hand you deal. She played russian roulette and she lost, I am very suprised that to hear she is till employed.
she deserves no less of what Tony got. She should not be employed with sausd. Just like any other administrator, she had her followers, they are all looking for a hole to crawl into.
The majority of us feel no sorrow for her departure. You thought Lynn, Storm and Gallardo were bad! You haven\\\’t seen nothin\\\’ yet.
help,
I have tried and tried to cut the 30min. video down to the minutes of the school cop and his impound at North Bristol and Memory Ln.
I have not been successful. Can anyone suggest/recommend any means on how to get this done.
Its 150megs. I would like to only use the portion with the cop and his Maywood tactics.
Can anyone help me with this.
#1417
Your accusations are vague and unsubstantiated, so I doubt that anyone from Willard will be quick to condemn the woman based on whatever it is that you think you see in her.
I noticed that no one who has commented on Bola has a thing to say about Freddy Gomeztrejo. That’s odd.
He’s a thug and we all have our eyes on him. Martinez was sent to support him, but Freddy is a train wreck in progress.
He jumped when Ms. Jones said jump- no matter how unsafe and unethical it is to trap a teacher in her room, verbally and physically intimidate her and issue a written reprimand without due process. He’s a hothead and he’s going to get physical at some point with the wrong person. He also is unable to remain professional in important meetings. His writing skills are that of a sixth grader- he does not even seem to be able to use spell check in official correspondence. He does not return calls or email on important issues. He gets mad and lies when he is asked difficult questions that require action/solutions. My assessment is that he is unqualified for the type of leadership position that he now holds.
He bypassed many principals and VPs on the way over to Valley, so that kind of favoritism doesnt sit well with his peers.
Oh yeah, and his “mentor”, Jones is MIA.
Lopez was in such a hurry to get Freddy over to Valley, add that to the fact that the chamber of commerce and city hall are all part of that High School Inc. program with all its fancy new funding – that something stinks. Jane is getting the heads up to watch the money there.
There are way too many people sneaking around behind her back who are lying, stealing, messing with payroll, giving her false written reports and generally putting Jane Russo’s credibility and reputation on the firing line. She’s going to have to hold her nose and get rid of the worst employees ( hey, a two district reject is a red flag!) or continue to be hurt by Lopez’ favorite employees who act as snipers, determined to hurt the new Superintendent.
My prediction: Lopez is going out when his lies catch up with him. There is no way he can continue to work in an environment that is ethical and competent. His actions simply don’t mix with the culture that Russo is putting in place. She feels very comfortable with excellent teachers and high performance employees. Juan does not. Something is going to have to give. I am betting it will be Juan.
If anyone has learned anything this past year – it is to band together, network, document and demand accountability from the corrupt “royalty” that has been allowed to rule SAUSD schools into the ground.
#1408
Yes, I believe #1404 was posted by Willard DSO Louis Navarro. Willard teachers do not consider working with an alleged incompetent administrator as “let the games begin”. Nor do we adopt the attitude that we “will not play nice with her”. We have had many incompetent administrators in the last few years, but as professionals we treat them fairly and we consider them innocent until they prove themselves otherwise. It is our hope that Ms. Bola will be a fair and competent administrator and we look forward to working with her.
The kind of criminal mentality that passes for “management” at Willard has a name: Workplace Bullying. It’s costing the school district a ton of money. Why is Trigg not all over this? Research estimates that it costs One and a half times a person’s yearly salary just to replace one person.
Why does ONE crummy manager get to churn employee turnover like that? The board should just offer employees one and a half times their annual salary to just leave the district. That makes about as much sense as letting ONE EMPLOYEE CHURN AN ENTIRE STAFF (except for the tough professionals who still hold out hope that their voices will be heard!).
Let’s give the condtion at Willard a name: Abusive
Excellent video about harmful management practices: http://www.tv-links.co.uk/listings/9/7236
Someone send it over to Jane and Juan and her Assistant Supers to watch.
California Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Regulations To Go Into Effect
To: SAUSD
Cc: Jim Miyashiro
After nearly three years of drafts, debates, and delays, extensive regulations implementing California
The damage Tony Espinosa did as Principal at three different schools in SAUSD (Chavez, Spurgeon, Valley, and Chavez again) was far reaching and not only effected the schools he was assigned to but the administrative careers of numerous individuals in those schools. ( I’m only going to address administrative careers. What Espinosa did to teachers would take a 10,000 word essay).
Let me give three examples: Sherry Macdonald, Dee Ringstead Gomez, and Gamile Mherian.
Dee Ringstead put in for principal at Valley but was denied the position as a result of the back room machinations of Espinosa and his ally at Valley, Lynne Kramer, both good friends of Mijares.
Dee went on to become principal of Santa Maria High School on the Central Coast where she turned the school around, got it off PI and was rewarded with the principalship of the district’s new high school. According to teachers, administrators, and the union president, they all considered Dee an absolute gem.
Sherry Macdonald was the Title I coordinator at Valley when Espinosa arrived. Lynne Kramer hated Sherry and did not want Sherry to become her boss. Kramer then used her influence with Espinosa to prevent Sherry from becoming the AP for curriculum at Valley. Bob Nelson had recommended Sherry for the position before he retired but Kramer prevailed and Sherry was forced out. Sherry now works for the Orange County Department of Education and is considered one of the young bright stars at the OCDE.
Gamile Mherian was a math teacher at Valley for many years. She worked hard and got her administrative credential. Eventually Gamile was appointed Activities Director at Valley. Because Espinosa and the Kramers (yes, Lynne got her husband transferred from Saddleback High to Valley High) hated Gamile, they prevented Gamile from getting an AP appointment. When Espinosa was finally sacked as Principal at Valley and the District, to avoid an Espinosa law suit for wrongful termination, appointed him to a counselor position at Segerstrom, Juan Lopez came to realize that Gamile would become Espinosa’s boss at Segerstrom and had her transferred back to Valley.
Here is the point: Espinosa’s reign of terror as principal was widely known and understood among administrators all over the District. As one teacher told me, “…By keeping my mouth shut I have outlasted many principals and I plan to outlast many more.”
When Juan Lopez and Louis Bratcher came to Valley last December to announce the departure of Antonio Espinosa, both men fell over each other lauding the high ethical standards Espinosa represented (“Tony is one of the most ethical persons I have ever met.”-Juan Lopez).
Given the damage Espinosa and his lackeys did to Valley and SAUSD, and given the fact that the top administrators in the District tolerated Espinosa and his lackeys for so many years, and given the the high praise these administrators heaped on Espinosa and continued to heap on his still employed running dogs, is it no wonder that all of the newly appointed APs, some of whom came from Valley, keep their collective mouths shut?
In SAUSD, under Juan Lopez, high ethical standards are best demonstrated by ambitious wanna-be APs by going with the flow and minding one’s time.
As a post script: Valley’s new principal, Fred Gomeztrejo, was fired from three, not two, administrative positions; AP at Redondo Beach High School, Principal at Lawndale High School, and Principal at Hawthorne High School. Finally, the Board of Directors of High School Inc. knew of Gomeztrejo’s checkered career before he was hired and knew that Gomeztrejo lied on his application to SAUSD but they did nothing about it.
Anyone care to make a prediction on the success of High School Inc. at Valley?
Check out our latest story, LAUSD Superintendent stresses accountability – what about SAUSD?
Poster 1418,
You need to use editing software that you can buy at any office supply or computer store.
There is absolutely no way that Jane Russo and the board of education could be in denial of Juan Lopez and his lies and dirty deals.
Jane has been with the district long enough to know all this. Her trying to pretend that all is well or that she is “doing enough” does all of us a disservice.
So then, its just all for show. She says she wants us all to do a great job and that she wants excellence, yet, by example, time and time again, we know its a corrupt insiders club that whiteknuckles its grip on power. A power hold that makes it impossible for collaboration and true leadership to rise up and help this sad district become more than just a sick joke.
Another “keep your head down, or else!” administration.
Is it arrogance or incompetence that a large number of special education teachers from Saddleback High school were not present at Friday
A little parajito told me Karen Bluel, the music teacher at Valley, threw a temper tantrum, something about throwing trash cans not caring who might get hit! The students were traumatized. Heard she is very unstable.