Does it matter? School unions (for teachers and classified employees) represent the interests of its members.
It would be nice if Culver City unions were more progressive, but it's not their job to put the interests of children first; they exist to bargain for the best working conditions for their members.
Want to say thank you for supporting me in the 2009 School Board election/selection.
Admitted to being “unsophisticated” (naïve) about politics. Mr. Mielke, the President of the Teachers Union, suggested that may not have been his choice of words.
Learned a lot since then in two years. Mr. Mielke stated that he had, too.
Saw some new and familiar faces. Things felt different this time.
What sort of cuts would you make if elected?
(Thinking. Do the two unions have question sessions together?)
Not interested in cuts. Need plans to bring in cash.
Keep hearing there is no money around. There is plenty of money around, just none for our schools.
District spends millions on attorney dba consultant “FEES” under various “PHANTOM” retainer agreements, purchase orders and service contracts.
When attorney Kathy Paspalis was running for the School Board, her claim to fame was her experience working with budgets. (Was she funded by Alan Corlin?) Another candidate also funded by Corlin sounds similar (must have same speechwriter.)
Mentioned that Culver City politics is controlled by two families. Most in the room had the shocked look upon their face. One teacher casually admitted she had heard that before.
Back to the money. Only way U.S. would run out of money is if they ran out of paper and ink. Remember when Uncle Sam was crying destitute? Then declared a war and is now financing five wars simultaneously.
It was so quiet, could have heard a $million dollar bill drop.
Had to mention: Ask the City Council, dba the Redevelopment Agency.
Why Not?
At one City Council meeting (July 26, 2009), asked Council member Scott Malsin how come the city does not help the School District. His reply was that it was prohibited by law.
Four other Councilmen sat in silence. (Same meeting, Super Jaffee waiting well past midnight to request District’s use of Council Chambers for Board meeting).
Maybe it was ignorance on Council’s part, but that certainly would not surprise me in Culver City.
Anyway, Gov. Brown threatened to abolish all redevelopment agencies because they would not share with the school districts.
All of a sudden, $425 million disappeared in less than 15 minutes. Contracted out for future projects. Not one dime available for the School District.
Mention the 4043 Irving Pl. scam. (Breaking ground soon)
http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-7923/TheBigSting4043Irving
Where City Council dba Redevelopment Agency loaned $6 million after developer ran into financing troubles(with a forgivable $2.1 million grant for three low- income and nine moderate income housing units with developer keeping rent generated) after gifting public property for $2 million.
Anyway, ignorance is costly.
The Redevelopment Agency has to kick back $12 million to the state for being selfish and ignorant.
The quality of education has deteriorated while everyone is saying we have a quality school district.
How can it remain the same with all these cuts? No one is talking about this. School District is in denial. One cannot solve the problem if you are not aware of one.
What are your thoughts on cutting music and art?
What happened to all that cure-all Measure EE parcel tax scam cash?
Are schools just to keep reading and writing?
Our District is top heavy. Do you think we need all of those administrators?
What are they doing? Definitely not bringing and funds. Could justify any position that is functioning. Accounting does a good job of keeping the budget and fees in Morse Code.
Mentioned that I had my own business.
One of the new faces asked me how would I be able to handle School Board business?
What do you think goes on behind those “secret” closed sessions before each meetings?
When you own your own business, you have flexibility to schedule your time. Unlike a job.
Volunteered at Linwood Howe (forgot to mention was Volunteer of the Year).
Mr. Mielke chimed in that people thought I was an employee. Had two kids in the School District. One in 4th grade and the other in 12th grade.
Mentioned that Ms. “G” had taught both of them.
Mentioned that none of the Board members had courage.
What about that anti-bullying that you do not hear mentioned by attorney Zeidman’s campaign any more?
As a private citizen complaining, all the politicians have to do is ignore you. It’s a lot different when an elected official complains. To be different takes courage. Maybe Culver City is not ready for the truth yet.
Been around long enough (turned 60 on 9/3) to have seen “Despair,” and it was evident in that room. Can imagine that it is rough having your job yo-yoed every year — maybe you have it, now you don’t.
Received a phone call from Pam. Decided to go with their own. Mrs. Goldberg and Ms. Laura Chardiet.
Already knew about Mrs. Goldberg, but was surprised by (Paspalis- backed) Chardiet.
It’s clear that the two unions do not collaborate. Must never have heard of strength in numbers.
Oh, well, nothing in Culver City should surprise me anymore.
Four educators and an attorney?
Okay, hasn’t been done yet. Maybe this will be a breakthrough year.
Believe it was Mr. Alan Elmont who used the quoted “What is insanity?” Miss the guy. Alan Elmont, where are you when we need you? She wished me luck and if elected she would hope that we could work together.
Mr. Abrams may be contacted at gabrams@ca.rr.com
