NY: Update re ex HS principal
Frank J. Vetro's Apr. 1 guilty plea
(aggravated harassment calls to
women); 1997 prior
Frank J. Vetro's Apr. 1 guilty plea
(aggravated harassment calls to
women); 1997 prior
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"Walk softly and carry a big stick." -- Teddy Roosevelt "Trust but verify." -- Ronald Reagan |
| Just because you can doesn't mean you should. |
| H o w w e t a k e b a c k o u r c h i l d r e n ' s e d u c a t i o n: o n e p e r s o n , o n e q u e s t i o n , o n e s c h o o l a t a t i m e |
| s c h o o l n e w s q u i c k l i n k s (June-September 2008 below) (Oct. 2008 to present archives here) |
| CHINA: Kudos! Principal 'Angel' Ye's diligence--he strengthened his school--saved 2,323 students in 8.0. |
CA: LA realtor Jimmy Marzullo
arrested: $65K PTSA/booster
theft
arrested: $65K PTSA/booster
theft
FL: Long-time Rudy Crew supporter Miami
Herald's 17% staff cuts; board members
seek Rudy's dismissal; trustee Marta Perez
CBS4
Herald's 17% staff cuts; board members
seek Rudy's dismissal; trustee Marta Perez
CBS4
OR: Bridger ES PTA's Jackalin Lillie
arrested, $13,000 embezzlement
charge
arrested, $13,000 embezzlement
charge
NOLA: Paul Vallas' post-Philly sweet deal:
$250,00 no-bid contracts A-okay
$250,00 no-bid contracts A-okay
CO: HS principal Mark Rangel
resigns: '"off the premises / on
the job" affair with SpEd
coworker; taxpayers angry
resigns: '"off the premises / on
the job" affair with SpEd
coworker; taxpayers angry
TX: Sandy Kress / NCLB
report: "maybe ought to
strengthen the system." Does
this mean "buy more
Pearson products?" And:
report: "maybe ought to
strengthen the system." Does
this mean "buy more
Pearson products?" And:
WI: 50+% increase in NCLB "failing" schools
this year: from 95 to 156
this year: from 95 to 156
MD: Fur coats? If this is going on in city
gov't, what's happening in their schools?
Andre Hornsby.. . . . .John Q.Porter. . . .
gov't, what's happening in their schools?
Andre Hornsby.. . . . .John Q.Porter. . . .
Why didn't the Statesman
call Dave Thompson a "paid
TASA lobbyist"? Or "(failed)
SLAPP-suit lead attorney"?
call Dave Thompson a "paid
TASA lobbyist"? Or "(failed)
SLAPP-suit lead attorney"?
| TX: Mesquite ISD board's self-investigation re coach Steve Halpin = nothing amiss! |
CA: 1-yr. $12K-search supe resigns
CT: What's the story behind these ?
IL: Payroll assistant charged with embezzling
$115,000; "said she had worked many extra
hours for 3 years and deserved more money."
$115,000; "said she had worked many extra
hours for 3 years and deserved more money."
CT: Elementary teacher called in sick to be on
Howard Stern; out, she sues
Howard Stern; out, she sues
TX: Dallas ISD (1) KPMG audit (bye-bye
Broad?) (2) Police! Camera! Action! DISD
board meeting blog
Broad?) (2) Police! Camera! Action! DISD
board meeting blog
WHO'S ADVISING YOUR DISTRICT? Are they
viable? UBS arrests, First Southwest
subpoenas , Bear Stearns arrests
viable? UBS arrests, First Southwest
subpoenas , Bear Stearns arrests
| IVORY COAST: Chocolate chair arrested (23 officials indicted)... coffee and cocoa- bean money laundering scandal...FBI |
TX: Former Overton ISD
supe/A&M Commerce prof
MarkStretcher(R) pleads
guilty to theft; $16,877
credit card charges, no
receipts, surrendered SBEC
certificate; wife Terri (R)
OISD guidance counselor
and (rah, rah) varsity
cheerleader coach.
supe/A&M Commerce prof
MarkStretcher(R) pleads
guilty to theft; $16,877
credit card charges, no
receipts, surrendered SBEC
certificate; wife Terri (R)
OISD guidance counselor
and (rah, rah) varsity
cheerleader coach.
ID: HS teacher Steven G. Best
accused of embezzling $9,000+ from
local yearbook student adviser's
program
accused of embezzling $9,000+ from
local yearbook student adviser's
program
AP POLL: Half of Americans say grads
ill-prepared for college--or life.
ill-prepared for college--or life.
TRIALS: FBI & Andre Hornsby... FBI
& Dallas ISD tech... .2005 graduate
of Bob Thompson's Lamar U Supe
Academy
& Dallas ISD tech... .2005 graduate
of Bob Thompson's Lamar U Supe
Academy
NC: Lee County supe Jim
McCormick out; local blogger/
mom asks about Jim's
"immoral conduct" -- How will it
affect her child? More.
(local press/TV here):
McCormick out; local blogger/
mom asks about Jim's
"immoral conduct" -- How will it
affect her child? More.
(local press/TV here):
| TX: Houston ISD PR guy Terry Abbott (moonlighting above (link here) for Eli Broad in OKC) resigns, HISD hiring outside PR firm; what's the status of HISD's supe's contract? |
LA: 3rd Baker supe in year+ resigns
TX: McAllen ISD's "Team of Eight" apparently
not fans of "Texas Hold 'Em" -- otherwise they
might have known about their elementary
AP's high stakes in-home gambling operation
not fans of "Texas Hold 'Em" -- otherwise they
might have known about their elementary
AP's high stakes in-home gambling operation
OR: Former DOE model employee sentenced
to 2 years in prison for stealing $925K in fed
funds; $45K employee with 4 kids bought
$545K house; OR DOE tightening internals
to 2 years in prison for stealing $925K in fed
funds; $45K employee with 4 kids bought
$545K house; OR DOE tightening internals
HOME
NY: 5 DUI arrests in 7
years; tenured Longwood
teacher Linda Cardone
paid $113,559/ year; has
not worked since 2004.
years; tenured Longwood
teacher Linda Cardone
paid $113,559/ year; has
not worked since 2004.
TX: McAllen's "Team of Eight" apparently not
fans of "Texas Hold 'Em" -- otherwise they
might have known about their elementary AP's
high stakes in-home gambling operation.
fans of "Texas Hold 'Em" -- otherwise they
might have known about their elementary AP's
high stakes in-home gambling operation.
OR: Former DOE model employee sentenced
to 2 years in prison for stealing $925K in fed
funds; $45K employee with 4 kids bought
$545K house; OR DOE tightening internals
to 2 years in prison for stealing $925K in fed
funds; $45K employee with 4 kids bought
$545K house; OR DOE tightening internals
TX: SBOE member Gail Lowe re ELAR TEKS
rewrite opposition
rewrite opposition
TX EDU-HONORARI-
UMS: Supe Hector
Montenegro's new
board in Arlington
ISD wants to know
about his speaking
and other fees; the
media has ignored
the ones Chris
Comer (R) allegedly
received -- against
TEA policy, while at
TEA.
UMS: Supe Hector
Montenegro's new
board in Arlington
ISD wants to know
about his speaking
and other fees; the
media has ignored
the ones Chris
Comer (R) allegedly
received -- against
TEA policy, while at
TEA.
NAT'L SCHOOL PR ASS'N:
Aramark Supe Rudy Crew's
ditching his duties at
Miami-Dade County Public
Schools (FL) to participate in
annual "Power of Transparency
Aramark Supe Rudy Crew's
ditching his duties at
Miami-Dade County Public
Schools (FL) to participate in
annual "Power of Transparency
IN: State supe candidate Richard
Hudson re arrests: "Not of any
significance...Having a couple
beers, throwing a chicken bone
at your [pregnant] wife. It is
minute."
Hudson re arrests: "Not of any
significance...Having a couple
beers, throwing a chicken bone
at your [pregnant] wife. It is
minute."
TX: Booster club trial re former
McKinney ISD drill team treasurer
Carrie Choat: $13K of $143K
missing.
McKinney ISD drill team treasurer
Carrie Choat: $13K of $143K
missing.
MI: FBI looking at Detroit Public Schools
again, this time $45 million in unauthorized
risk management contracts. Where's Connie
Calloway? Where's her $1.6 mil art
inventory?
again, this time $45 million in unauthorized
risk management contracts. Where's Connie
Calloway? Where's her $1.6 mil art
inventory?
TX: Jury: Bohuchot & Wong both guilty, fined
$1.2 million GUILTY --More re Dallas ISD
Yachtgate trial ($140M tech) here.
$1.2 million GUILTY --More re Dallas ISD
Yachtgate trial ($140M tech) here.
OK: 8th supe in 8 years named by
Okahoma City Public Schools.
Okahoma City Public Schools.
IL: Is this legal? Board chair Teri
Shaw resigns, takes $65K district
admin. job! Also, District 54
paying for her higher ed.
Shaw resigns, takes $65K district
admin. job! Also, District 54
paying for her higher ed.
| COLUMBIA: This is how to get things done: non-violent freeing of hostages. |
FL: Miami-Dade County Public
Schools' Darling about to
become Memphis City Schools'
Darling; MCS looking at establish-
ing its own police force -- ouch.
Schools' Darling about to
become Memphis City Schools'
Darling; MCS looking at establish-
ing its own police force -- ouch.
NC: Teacher Margaret
Normann's husband Sherrill
Normann, Jr. files alienation-of-
affection lawsuit against
recently resigned Lee County
supe Lee McCormick (left)
Normann's husband Sherrill
Normann, Jr. files alienation-of-
affection lawsuit against
recently resigned Lee County
supe Lee McCormick (left)
BANKING: How strong is your bank? List
of U.S. banks with "Texas ratio" over 100.
of U.S. banks with "Texas ratio" over 100.
MI: UPDATE: MI: $1.1 mil
Montrose bookkeeper
Dana Bacon's ass't
prosecutor Kennan
DeWitt fired for
"counseling" Dana at
motel work release site.
Montrose bookkeeper
Dana Bacon's ass't
prosecutor Kennan
DeWitt fired for
"counseling" Dana at
motel work release site.
| CORRUPTION: A great reason why we must clean up our schools: a little gift here, a free meal there... "little"? "free"? |
OK: $400,000 buyout! Supe
Michael Zolkoski resigned or
voted out by Tulsa board;
Ed.D. from California Coastal
University--before 2005;
accreditation. And what did
this PR fluff cost Tulsa
taxpayers?
Michael Zolkoski resigned or
voted out by Tulsa board;
Ed.D. from California Coastal
University--before 2005;
accreditation. And what did
this PR fluff cost Tulsa
taxpayers?
NY: Judge denies former
Poughkeepsie supe Robert
Watson's bid to dismiss;
$1 mil corruption trial still on
Poughkeepsie supe Robert
Watson's bid to dismiss;
$1 mil corruption trial still on
TX: Teachers' grievance vs. former
Temple interim Dana Marable,
says HS's a "dumping ground" for
problem students
Temple interim Dana Marable,
says HS's a "dumping ground" for
problem students
SD: Lead-Deadwood HS sec'ty
Donna Quenzer arrested 2nd
time re stealing $18K
scholarships; where was
principal Nick Gottlob (right) ?
Donna Quenzer arrested 2nd
time re stealing $18K
scholarships; where was
principal Nick Gottlob (right) ?
TX: Dress code--for Troy teachers?
WI: Supe stipend flap costs HR's job
MD: Andre Hornsby retrial jury re $100,000
kickbacks: . . . verdicts on some of 22
counts against Andre, deadlocked on others;
waiting. Q: What's Sienna Owens up to
these days?
kickbacks: . . . verdicts on some of 22
counts against Andre, deadlocked on others;
waiting. Q: What's Sienna Owens up to
these days?
CA: Marin supe Craig Lee
(left) sentenced to 6 mo. jail or
home confinement; child porn
discovered by live-in girlfriend
with 2 kids; comments.
(left) sentenced to 6 mo. jail or
home confinement; child porn
discovered by live-in girlfriend
with 2 kids; comments.
NY: Medina supe Richard M. Galante
arrested for falsifying resume; not a 17-year
state trooper after all. Memo to superinten-
dents: Don't tell people you spent 17 years
as a state trooper if you didn't--and especially
don't put it on your resume. Galante,
following his July 2008 arrest, was at first
suspended with $139K+ pay and perqs; he
finally resigned effective September 5, 2008.
Charge against him: first-degree filing of a
false instrument. Q: Where will Richard "not
a former state trooper" Galante work next?
arrested for falsifying resume; not a 17-year
state trooper after all. Memo to superinten-
dents: Don't tell people you spent 17 years
as a state trooper if you didn't--and especially
don't put it on your resume. Galante,
following his July 2008 arrest, was at first
suspended with $139K+ pay and perqs; he
finally resigned effective September 5, 2008.
Charge against him: first-degree filing of a
false instrument. Q: Where will Richard "not
a former state trooper" Galante work next?
TX: Nepotism alive &
well at Mike Hinojosa's
(L) Dallas ISD?
Arnold Viramontes &
wife = $320K power
couple.
Q: Is Mike in over his
head?
well at Mike Hinojosa's
(L) Dallas ISD?
Arnold Viramontes &
wife = $320K power
couple.
Q: Is Mike in over his
head?
MD: Introducing supe Jerry 'Cream of the
Crap' Weast of Montgomery County Public
Schools (John Q. Porter's mentor); upset
parents; .WMAL; video, DC Examiner
Crap' Weast of Montgomery County Public
Schools (John Q. Porter's mentor); upset
parents; .WMAL; video, DC Examiner
Q: Is AASA self-policing its
members, or is it just a
trade union or club
existing for the benefits of
its members and vendor
patrons?
members, or is it just a
trade union or club
existing for the benefits of
its members and vendor
patrons?
ERDI supes in the news
CO: CBS video re 2005 AASA
supe-of-the -year Monte Moses'
(R) 1-year contract to Randy
McCall (L). Cherry Creek's AD
who refereed 73 college games
last year: Honolulu, Tampa, Las
Vegas, Reno. When CCHS's
rugby team lost 53-0 on March 3,
where was Randy? 3/1 in
Fresno, 3/2 in Tucson, 3/5 in
Provo, and 3/6 in Ruston,
Louisiana. Monte/ERDI.
supe-of-the -year Monte Moses'
(R) 1-year contract to Randy
McCall (L). Cherry Creek's AD
who refereed 73 college games
last year: Honolulu, Tampa, Las
Vegas, Reno. When CCHS's
rugby team lost 53-0 on March 3,
where was Randy? 3/1 in
Fresno, 3/2 in Tucson, 3/5 in
Provo, and 3/6 in Ruston,
Louisiana. Monte/ERDI.
NM: Woody's out, Blue Eyes stays; Dzilth-na-
o-dith-hle Navajo School audit; May 30
protests re secrecy, need for reform
o-dith-hle Navajo School audit; May 30
protests re secrecy, need for reform
FL: Miami's $5.5 billion budget.
OH: Despite layoffs, Hilliard
administrators are paying for
meals, trips. Where's supe Dale
McVey's oversight? What about
board president Denise Bobbitt?
administrators are paying for
meals, trips. Where's supe Dale
McVey's oversight? What about
board president Denise Bobbitt?
VA: Damned with faint praise: Pr. William's
scores NOT lowest in VA.
scores NOT lowest in VA.
LA: Iberia Parish drug
investigation leads to arrest of
principal Darius Sias; he's
jailed on alleged multiple
narcotics violations including
cocaine, guns
investigation leads to arrest of
principal Darius Sias; he's
jailed on alleged multiple
narcotics violations including
cocaine, guns
KS: Derby trustee Diana Pearce (L),
failed Democratic political candidate
(Kansas House), charged: stealing
$27K from parents' biz.
failed Democratic political candidate
(Kansas House), charged: stealing
$27K from parents' biz.
Q: How can Dallas ISD have so
mismanaged $1.7 billion ($10,760
per student) that Mike Hinojosa
lost $64 million this past year?
mismanaged $1.7 billion ($10,760
per student) that Mike Hinojosa
lost $64 million this past year?
MO: Liberty Board releases
names: Who bought the beer?
Why did supe's wife Ellen Wright
charge SF trip Ferry Wine Bar
beverages to LPS? Who was
trustee Akright's LPS-paid trip
"companion" -- and why? Mo'
names: Who bought the beer?
Why did supe's wife Ellen Wright
charge SF trip Ferry Wine Bar
beverages to LPS? Who was
trustee Akright's LPS-paid trip
"companion" -- and why? Mo'
SC: Supe Scott Andersen's
'country manor' for sale June 12
but PR dep't says he's "hard at
work"; board accepts his
resignation July 31; 203 ??s
'country manor' for sale June 12
but PR dep't says he's "hard at
work"; board accepts his
resignation July 31; 203 ??s
SC: Update: He's resigned.
Spartanburg #2 ass't
supe/finance Wayne Chamblee
arrested in prostituion ($100 )
sting at Therapy-Plus Spa.
Spartanburg #2 ass't
supe/finance Wayne Chamblee
arrested in prostituion ($100 )
sting at Therapy-Plus Spa.
CA: Former Natomas
USD facilities exec
Frank Harding to repay
$32,553; awarded no-bid
contracts to company in
which he had an interest
USD facilities exec
Frank Harding to repay
$32,553; awarded no-bid
contracts to company in
which he had an interest
FL: Anna Cowin's Lake
County Schools trustees
TAPped out about her hiring
cronies, $485K audit
findings, ask Gov. Crist to
remove her
County Schools trustees
TAPped out about her hiring
cronies, $485K audit
findings, ask Gov. Crist to
remove her
| USA: Yea, U.S. dollar! Watershed- Financial Times |
NJ: Supe Kenneth Knops
(Branchburg K-8 district)
fires too-diligent business
mgr.? Also apologizes, kind
of, for plagiarizing; caught
by a mom. Should he
resign?
(Branchburg K-8 district)
fires too-diligent business
mgr.? Also apologizes, kind
of, for plagiarizing; caught
by a mom. Should he
resign?
NYC: $12.5 million no-bid
contract from Bloomberg's
NYC PS schools to 'All Kinds
of Minds' headed by Mel
Levine (L) who hasbeen
sued by 5 former male
patients for sex abuse
contract from Bloomberg's
NYC PS schools to 'All Kinds
of Minds' headed by Mel
Levine (L) who hasbeen
sued by 5 former male
patients for sex abuse
| AUGUST 2008 |
MO: Former Liberty Supe
Scott Taveau's 'troubled
timeline.'
Scott Taveau's 'troubled
timeline.'
IN: No more credit
cards in Gary; board
fulfills campaign
promises, gave supe
Mary Steele-Agee (L)
and her administrators
cards in Gary; board
fulfills campaign
promises, gave supe
Mary Steele-Agee (L)
and her administrators
Destined to make supe Mike Hinojosa (L)
look good for Eli Broad's prize? Where are
Mike's loyalties & true allegiances? (This is
the superintendent who waited 2 years to
end $71.5M Pcards)
look good for Eli Broad's prize? Where are
Mike's loyalties & true allegiances? (This is
the superintendent who waited 2 years to
end $71.5M Pcards)
TX: Dallas ISD's new grading policy:
Teachers now have to negotiate zero grades
with students & parents-- an R or D issue?
Teachers now have to negotiate zero grades
with students & parents-- an R or D issue?
MO: OpEd to Liberty trustees:
Don't join former supe Scott
Taveau's pricey Co-op yet.
Gov. Matt Blunt: special
audit-- "public's best interest.
Don't join former supe Scott
Taveau's pricey Co-op yet.
Gov. Matt Blunt: special
audit-- "public's best interest.
TX: Cleveland HS drama teacher
and mother of two Laurie Anne
Lewis arrested; charged with
prostitution; ABC; 'Victoria' ad in
backpage.com, $300). Counsels
students re drugs, drinking and
and mother of two Laurie Anne
Lewis arrested; charged with
prostitution; ABC; 'Victoria' ad in
backpage.com, $300). Counsels
students re drugs, drinking and
| USA: When diplomacy isn't enough.... |
WA: New state audit looks
at 13 districts; dings Clover
Park SD for $95,000 'excess
travel costs.' Parents
protested supe Debbie
LeBeau's May hiring--kudos
to Debbie for releasing
prelim.
at 13 districts; dings Clover
Park SD for $95,000 'excess
travel costs.' Parents
protested supe Debbie
LeBeau's May hiring--kudos
to Debbie for releasing
prelim.
is about to be executed? What about at
Robin's new job at Pershing Middle School?
Has she told them in Houston ISD?
Robin's new job at Pershing Middle School?
Has she told them in Houston ISD?
TX: Did principal Robin E.
Lowe (L) mention on 'Islam
101' day May 22 at
Friendswood JH that Soghra
Najafpour (L)--in prison in Iran
for a crime she says she could
not have committed at age 13--
Lowe (L) mention on 'Islam
101' day May 22 at
Friendswood JH that Soghra
Najafpour (L)--in prison in Iran
for a crime she says she could
not have committed at age 13--
| Where's new CAIR action alert re Soghra? |
AZ: Payson HS parent Allison Murphy
questions $50 parking fees.
questions $50 parking fees.
FL: Bloomberg's take on supe Rudy
Crew's clashes with his Miami board;
interesting that Bloomberg took note at all
Crew's clashes with his Miami board;
interesting that Bloomberg took note at all
| MORE SUMMER 2008 |
OH: Former Westfall SD
treasurer Scott Glandon is
already out of prison after 7 mos.
for stealing $53K from schools
(duplicate checks)
treasurer Scott Glandon is
already out of prison after 7 mos.
for stealing $53K from schools
(duplicate checks)
SD: Update:
Jury finds Mitchell School
Board member Eric
Christensen not guilty of
grand theft from his former
employer.
Jury finds Mitchell School
Board member Eric
Christensen not guilty of
grand theft from his former
employer.
TX: San Antonio ISD
executive Keith
Roberts (at left
avoiding WOAI
reporter) has been
indicted and an arrest
warrant issued; $48K
in suspicious district
charges include
executive Keith
Roberts (at left
avoiding WOAI
reporter) has been
indicted and an arrest
warrant issued; $48K
in suspicious district
charges include
"Three Vulgar Videos from Hell." Great
investigative journalism, WOAI!
investigative journalism, WOAI!
FL: 08.26.08: Democratic
primary (school board seats);
last week supe Rudy Crew
no-showed at Miami board
budget meeting; New Times:
"Grow Up, Rudy Crew!"
primary (school board seats);
last week supe Rudy Crew
no-showed at Miami board
budget meeting; New Times:
"Grow Up, Rudy Crew!"
PA: Penn-
Delco in the
aftermath of
former supe
Leslye
Abrutyn (L)
and former
board presi-
dent Keith
Delco in the
aftermath of
former supe
Leslye
Abrutyn (L)
and former
board presi-
dent Keith
24 hours to surrender their cards. New board
VP Kenneth Stalling made the push.
___________________________________
VP Kenneth Stalling made the push.
___________________________________
OH: Former Fayetteville-Perry school
board/ booster prez Melanie (Crone)
Rosselot (R) pleads guilty ($5,000-plus),
watches new booster prez (L) testify in
court. (Seeking name of photographer.).
board/ booster prez Melanie (Crone)
Rosselot (R) pleads guilty ($5,000-plus),
watches new booster prez (L) testify in
court. (Seeking name of photographer.).
OK: Too cozy with students? Hilldale High
School band director Danny Giacomo (above
and inset) has to pay $2.1 mil in student sex
case; HSD negligent/pays $600K.
School band director Danny Giacomo (above
and inset) has to pay $2.1 mil in student sex
case; HSD negligent/pays $600K.
CA: Will this ramp recycling cash
scandal prompt San Diego USD
supe/ERDI consultant Terry Grier to
tighten internal controls--more than
back in his last district in Guilford,
NC?
scandal prompt San Diego USD
supe/ERDI consultant Terry Grier to
tighten internal controls--more than
back in his last district in Guilford,
NC?
TX: Greenwood HS Football
Booster treasurer Melinda Beggs
arrested, charge with stealing
($6K) at bank
Booster treasurer Melinda Beggs
arrested, charge with stealing
($6K) at bank
NJ: Long-time community volunteer and new
Saddle Brook school board member Rosann
Greff (at April swearing in) has been arrested
(charges of embezzling $1,800 from Franklin
PTA,allegedly wrote checks to herself);
pres./former treasurer, Saddle Brook PTA &
Franklin School PTA treas., PTA NJ Congress.
Saddle Brook school board member Rosann
Greff (at April swearing in) has been arrested
(charges of embezzling $1,800 from Franklin
PTA,allegedly wrote checks to herself);
pres./former treasurer, Saddle Brook PTA &
Franklin School PTA treas., PTA NJ Congress.
WI: Why would West
Bend hire Jeff Baas as
Jackson Elementary
principal 3 days after his
2005 arrest for domestic
battery with live-in partner?
2008: DUI, tasered for
resisting arrest.
Generous taxpayers.
Bend hire Jeff Baas as
Jackson Elementary
principal 3 days after his
2005 arrest for domestic
battery with live-in partner?
2008: DUI, tasered for
resisting arrest.
Generous taxpayers.
Gary, Indiana school board cuts
up their district credit cards,
also gets rid of administrators'
credit cards
up their district credit cards,
also gets rid of administrators'
credit cards
| SEPTEMBER 2008 |
| Friends, some of these links may no longer work; hopefully there's enough information here that you can call up at least the cached version. |
while he examined them as boys; 50 more
have come forward; ombudsman Betsy
Gotbaum calls NYC PS $342 mil no-bid
process 'secretive." 08.10.08 UPDATE: "NY
Post reports today that the $12.5 million
DOE no-bid contract to All Kinds of Minds,
founded by Dr. Mel Levine, trained fewer
than 1/5 of teachers promised." (SOURCE:
NYCPublicSchoolParents.blogspot.com)
have come forward; ombudsman Betsy
Gotbaum calls NYC PS $342 mil no-bid
process 'secretive." 08.10.08 UPDATE: "NY
Post reports today that the $12.5 million
DOE no-bid contract to All Kinds of Minds,
founded by Dr. Mel Levine, trained fewer
than 1/5 of teachers promised." (SOURCE:
NYCPublicSchoolParents.blogspot.com)
driving; another reason to end social
engineering in our public schools.
engineering in our public schools.
AUG. 27, 2008 UPDATE: Less than a
month after being arrested and charged
for narcotics activity and possession of
counterfeit money, a local school
administrator is now charged with lying to
law enforcement personnel, according to
the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Darius Sias, 38, was arrested at 3 p.m.
Tuesday at his home in the 300 block of
McIlhenny Street in New Iberia by Iberia
Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents,
according to the sheriff’s office. The arrest
warrant, issued by the 16th Judicial
District Attorney’s Office, charged Sias
with one count of attempted perjury. He
was released from the Iberia Parish
Correctional Center late Tuesday on
$40,000 bond.
“He lied to investigators about something
but got caught,” sheriff’s office Public
Information Officer Wendell Raborn said
today.
Attempts to contact Assistant District
Attorney Rob Vines, who is heading the
case, for comment on the arrest were
unsuccessful as of press time.
Sias was principal of the Alternative
Center for Education in New Iberia when
he was arrested July 30 and charged with
possession of cocaine, possession of
marijuana, possession of a firearm while
in possession of a controlled substance,
monetary instrument abuse (possession
of counterfeit money) and possession of
drug paraphernalia.
Sias was placed on administrative leave
by Iberia Parish Superinentent Dale
Henderson on July 30 and will remain on
leave with pay until the issue is resolved.
(SOURCE--The Daily Iberian
www.iberianet.
com/news/doc48b581e70790059699960
7.txt
month after being arrested and charged
for narcotics activity and possession of
counterfeit money, a local school
administrator is now charged with lying to
law enforcement personnel, according to
the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Darius Sias, 38, was arrested at 3 p.m.
Tuesday at his home in the 300 block of
McIlhenny Street in New Iberia by Iberia
Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents,
according to the sheriff’s office. The arrest
warrant, issued by the 16th Judicial
District Attorney’s Office, charged Sias
with one count of attempted perjury. He
was released from the Iberia Parish
Correctional Center late Tuesday on
$40,000 bond.
“He lied to investigators about something
but got caught,” sheriff’s office Public
Information Officer Wendell Raborn said
today.
Attempts to contact Assistant District
Attorney Rob Vines, who is heading the
case, for comment on the arrest were
unsuccessful as of press time.
Sias was principal of the Alternative
Center for Education in New Iberia when
he was arrested July 30 and charged with
possession of cocaine, possession of
marijuana, possession of a firearm while
in possession of a controlled substance,
monetary instrument abuse (possession
of counterfeit money) and possession of
drug paraphernalia.
Sias was placed on administrative leave
by Iberia Parish Superinentent Dale
Henderson on July 30 and will remain on
leave with pay until the issue is resolved.
(SOURCE--The Daily Iberian
www.iberianet.
com/news/doc48b581e70790059699960
7.txt
NYC: $87,000-plus "spree."
MO: Liberty schools credit
card audit
card audit
| SPRING/EARLY SUMMER '08 |
| LIBERTY, MISSOURI SCHOOLS |
TX: Arlington ISD sues HOPE 501(c)3 in
Indiana; AISD wants their $240K back for
materials ordered by former supe Hector
Montenegro, above at AASA convention in
February 2008 in Tampa, Florida--the same
convention where Miami's Rudy Crew was
named superintendent of the year; Deborah
Hunter-Harvill (NASBE) (L), Sarah Jerome
(AASA)(C) and Hector, as president of the
Association of Latino Administrators and
Superintendents (ALAS).
Indiana; AISD wants their $240K back for
materials ordered by former supe Hector
Montenegro, above at AASA convention in
February 2008 in Tampa, Florida--the same
convention where Miami's Rudy Crew was
named superintendent of the year; Deborah
Hunter-Harvill (NASBE) (L), Sarah Jerome
(AASA)(C) and Hector, as president of the
Association of Latino Administrators and
Superintendents (ALAS).
IA: Photos of local
community college
president Robert
Paxton's (R) July 4
partying start
discussion re
public officials'
private lives; now
he's leaving with
$400,000--and his
community
remembering his
2002 felonious
misconduct
indictments.
community college
president Robert
Paxton's (R) July 4
partying start
discussion re
public officials'
private lives; now
he's leaving with
$400,000--and his
community
remembering his
2002 felonious
misconduct
indictments.
| NOTE: Paxton earned his Ed.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, ranked #8 U.S. party school.. |
09.09.08 /Supe Rudy Crew's (L) exit now a
question of what and how much -- if any.
08.29.08 / FL: MIAMI $88 MIL IN THE HOLE
When AASA supe-of-the-year Rudy Crew
finally presented his 2008-09 budget
yesterday, a week after school started
--after no-showing at called board budget
workshops--and admitted to his board that he
overspent by $66.5 million last year, leav-
ing the district with only $4.8 mil in reserve,
trustee Marta Perez (R) commented "I can't
begin to express my frustration. For the past
four years, I've said we're spending too
much, and now we're seeing the fruit of this. I
certainly lay the bulk of the blame at this
administration's feet.'' Visibly angry, Crew
yelled at Perez, ''Do not talk to me like a dog!'
Do not! Do not get in the habit, ever!'' at
which point--God bless him--board chair Gus
Barrera told Crew that Perez had the floor.
Barrera had to shout to be heard over Crew.
(SOURCE--KathleenMcGrory / Miami Herald)
question of what and how much -- if any.
08.29.08 / FL: MIAMI $88 MIL IN THE HOLE
When AASA supe-of-the-year Rudy Crew
finally presented his 2008-09 budget
yesterday, a week after school started
--after no-showing at called board budget
workshops--and admitted to his board that he
overspent by $66.5 million last year, leav-
ing the district with only $4.8 mil in reserve,
trustee Marta Perez (R) commented "I can't
begin to express my frustration. For the past
four years, I've said we're spending too
much, and now we're seeing the fruit of this. I
certainly lay the bulk of the blame at this
administration's feet.'' Visibly angry, Crew
yelled at Perez, ''Do not talk to me like a dog!'
Do not! Do not get in the habit, ever!'' at
which point--God bless him--board chair Gus
Barrera told Crew that Perez had the floor.
Barrera had to shout to be heard over Crew.
(SOURCE--KathleenMcGrory / Miami Herald)
09.10.08: AASA supe Rudy
Crew's loud & messy exit from
Miami -- at his trustees' behest --
is historic.
Crew's loud & messy exit from
Miami -- at his trustees' behest --
is historic.
GA: Clayton trustees' gamble
on hiring former Pittsburgh
supe & ERDI consultant John
Thompson (R) --even with
generous 45% work days
off--wasn't enough, just as
SACS had said. Clayton still
lost their accreditation, 1st in
US in 40 years.
MORAL: Throwing money at
public ed solves nothing.
on hiring former Pittsburgh
supe & ERDI consultant John
Thompson (R) --even with
generous 45% work days
off--wasn't enough, just as
SACS had said. Clayton still
lost their accreditation, 1st in
US in 40 years.
MORAL: Throwing money at
public ed solves nothing.
God bless America Sept. 11, 2001 |
FL: Bay supe
JamesMcCalister
let secretary
allegedly misuse
$7K (Bay SD credit
cards).
SUGGESTION: More
time on school biz,
less time on glam
pix.
JamesMcCalister
let secretary
allegedly misuse
$7K (Bay SD credit
cards).
SUGGESTION: More
time on school biz,
less time on glam
pix.
MO: Winfield school board turns down
coach's request to use gym for World
League Wrestling fund raiser.
coach's request to use gym for World
League Wrestling fund raiser.
TX: FBI arrests 2nd El
Paso ISD trustee; Sal
Mena's 8 counts
include sham no-work
consultancy. Already
out on bail.
COMMUNITY
FEEDBACK? Robust
Paso ISD trustee; Sal
Mena's 8 counts
include sham no-work
consultancy. Already
out on bail.
COMMUNITY
FEEDBACK? Robust
OH: Another PTA prez (p.2)
steals from kids: Michelle
Paluga sentenced to 18 mos.
in prison--$28,000 from Bevis
PTA; shreds documents.
Trips, gambling, high life.
Community: unhappy with
her & her light sentence.
steals from kids: Michelle
Paluga sentenced to 18 mos.
in prison--$28,000 from Bevis
PTA; shreds documents.
Trips, gambling, high life.
Community: unhappy with
her & her light sentence.
NY: Why haven't Joel Klein
(L) & Mike & Emma Bloomberg
removed Tracy Atkins-Zoughlami
from Brooklyn Tech? Does she
have Polaroids or is this a
PC-motivated concession? Is the
harm done to the English dep't
irreparable? Is Joel too busy
with his new celeb speaking
career?
(L) & Mike & Emma Bloomberg
removed Tracy Atkins-Zoughlami
from Brooklyn Tech? Does she
have Polaroids or is this a
PC-motivated concession? Is the
harm done to the English dep't
irreparable? Is Joel too busy
with his new celeb speaking
career?
CA: More questions raised re Eli Broad's (L)
agenda & allegiances: His foundation's
pension fund has registered in India.
Questions? Eli's PR gal, former Enron
spokesperson Karen Denne, busy pitching
"positive stories" about Eli, doesn't (as at
Enron) speak to press they consider
unfriendly. In October 2001, after Enron had
frozen employee 401Ks, and while the
company's stock was tanking, "Enron
spokeswoman Karen Denne didn't return calls
or written requests seeking comment," either.
agenda & allegiances: His foundation's
pension fund has registered in India.
Questions? Eli's PR gal, former Enron
spokesperson Karen Denne, busy pitching
"positive stories" about Eli, doesn't (as at
Enron) speak to press they consider
unfriendly. In October 2001, after Enron had
frozen employee 401Ks, and while the
company's stock was tanking, "Enron
spokeswoman Karen Denne didn't return calls
or written requests seeking comment," either.
NY: After her affair with her
deputy supe was revealed
and she had to resign
from her trusteeship in
Mahopac, Sandra Calvi
Muscente (L), Elmsford's
"embattled high school
administrator who faced
assault charges earlier
this year and is a central
figure in a gender-
discrimination lawsuit
deputy supe was revealed
and she had to resign
from her trusteeship in
Mahopac, Sandra Calvi
Muscente (L), Elmsford's
"embattled high school
administrator who faced
assault charges earlier
this year and is a central
figure in a gender-
discrimination lawsuit
facing the district has been appointed to a
newly created supervisory position" in which
she writes grant applications-- and will over-
see Elmsford's school psychologists. Salary:
$112K/year. Deputy supe Michael Senno's
lawsuit, claims Calvi "ensnared" him. What
do you think? Take Elmsford's survey.
newly created supervisory position" in which
she writes grant applications-- and will over-
see Elmsford's school psychologists. Salary:
$112K/year. Deputy supe Michael Senno's
lawsuit, claims Calvi "ensnared" him. What
do you think? Take Elmsford's survey.
TX: Yachtgate's William Coleman,
former Dallas & Detroit exec, is
one lucky dude: Sentence: $10
fees, probation, $5K fine.
former Dallas & Detroit exec, is
one lucky dude: Sentence: $10
fees, probation, $5K fine.
MI: Detroit Public Schools book shortage
this fall when school opened.. Oh, Connie
this fall when school opened.. Oh, Connie
NY: Where will Richard "not a former state
trooper" Galante work next?
trooper" Galante work next?
AZ: Tucson update:
(1) Months before
$30,000 disappeared
from a vault at
Catalina Magnet HS,
auditors warned
Tucson USD it wasn't
following appropriate
internal controls,
including
cash-handling. (2)
TUSD fired Texas
vendor First
Southwest last year in
light of FSW's
(1) Months before
$30,000 disappeared
from a vault at
Catalina Magnet HS,
auditors warned
Tucson USD it wasn't
following appropriate
internal controls,
including
cash-handling. (2)
TUSD fired Texas
vendor First
Southwest last year in
light of FSW's
OK: Grand jury describes Kiamichi
Technology Center School District's "culture
of corruption," blames it on the district's
being too big, says the cure is to break it up
into manageable bits. Kiamichi says the
Lege is politicking
Technology Center School District's "culture
of corruption," blames it on the district's
being too big, says the cure is to break it up
into manageable bits. Kiamichi says the
Lege is politicking
| Former TUSD supe Robert Pfeuffer |
ties to El Paso corruption scandal. (3) Loss
of 5,000 students this past decade,
$20 million deficit.
of 5,000 students this past decade,
$20 million deficit.
CA: Former Parent Teacher Club
treasurer Angela Annis (L) charged
with misappropriating $40,000+ of
Eureka Elementary's PTC funds
over 3 years. New USD supe Tim
McCarty (L) starts a
money-handling training program
for all district non-profits.
treasurer Angela Annis (L) charged
with misappropriating $40,000+ of
Eureka Elementary's PTC funds
over 3 years. New USD supe Tim
McCarty (L) starts a
money-handling training program
for all district non-profits.
USA: Taj Mahal high schools are a more
universal problem than most of us realized.
Google "Taj Mahal" and "high school" and you
get 326,000 hits. Massachusetts voters
setting limits on excesses as in Newton ....
A call for "cafetoriums" instead of
"natatoriums" ...Upset in NH....
LAUSD $1 billion Belmont now Roybal HS.
universal problem than most of us realized.
Google "Taj Mahal" and "high school" and you
get 326,000 hits. Massachusetts voters
setting limits on excesses as in Newton ....
A call for "cafetoriums" instead of
"natatoriums" ...Upset in NH....
LAUSD $1 billion Belmont now Roybal HS.
IL: Chicago Public Schools fake pay
scheme: $137,000 in phony payroll checks,
7 employees.
scheme: $137,000 in phony payroll checks,
7 employees.
ELI BROAD: EdJurist turns a
critical eye on MSNBC's fluff
piece (hope NBC got paid for
their adulation) on Eli
Broad's superintendent
academy.
critical eye on MSNBC's fluff
piece (hope NBC got paid for
their adulation) on Eli
Broad's superintendent
academy.
| When will AASA start promoting pre-embezzlement internal trainings to school superintendents? |
NY: Is a private investigator in
Medina's future post-supe
Richard Galante?
Medina's future post-supe
Richard Galante?
updates to the article but left two references
like this unchanged: "Crossing borders
comes naturally to Edwin Flores. A citizen of
both Mexico and the United States, Flores..."
When asked when he ended his Mexican
citizenship, Edwin says, "Best guess, my
passport expired somewhere between
1980-1984, when I left Mexico." Also, the
DISD school board's still not holding
themselves to the same ethics they require
of district employees. Bottom line: Whether
it's dual citizenship or recusal issues, clear
lines are necessary. Recusal from board
votes involving your revenue stream from
the school district Is not enough, and
neither is careless or ambiguous
citizenship.
like this unchanged: "Crossing borders
comes naturally to Edwin Flores. A citizen of
both Mexico and the United States, Flores..."
When asked when he ended his Mexican
citizenship, Edwin says, "Best guess, my
passport expired somewhere between
1980-1984, when I left Mexico." Also, the
DISD school board's still not holding
themselves to the same ethics they require
of district employees. Bottom line: Whether
it's dual citizenship or recusal issues, clear
lines are necessary. Recusal from board
votes involving your revenue stream from
the school district Is not enough, and
neither is careless or ambiguous
citizenship.
TX: When did Dallas ISD trustee
Edwin Flores (L) end his Mexican
citizenship? This is confusing.
Two years ago when Mrs. Flores
posted an article re her husband
on her website she made at least 7
Edwin Flores (L) end his Mexican
citizenship? This is confusing.
Two years ago when Mrs. Flores
posted an article re her husband
on her website she made at least 7
09.12.08: Contacted Brevard PS for
confirmation they've checked all of her
Brevard credit card receipts.
09.18.08: Per Brevard, the amount of
Barkwell's last year of receipts was
$14,934.58, for general supplies for the
school—they say appropriate use under
district guidelines.
confirmation they've checked all of her
Brevard credit card receipts.
09.18.08: Per Brevard, the amount of
Barkwell's last year of receipts was
$14,934.58, for general supplies for the
school—they say appropriate use under
district guidelines.
FL: Long-time $83,000 per year Brevard
County Palm Bay elementary principal
Victoria Barkwell (above) arrested; 8
counts grand theft (personal credit cards).
County Palm Bay elementary principal
Victoria Barkwell (above) arrested; 8
counts grand theft (personal credit cards).
| Houston ISD supe Abe Saavedra at the podium celebrating what the Mexican American School Boards Association called their "Triple Crown": Abe in Houston, Rubén Olivárez in San Antonio, and Mike Hinojosa in Dallas. (Photo taken by Peyton Wolcott at TASB/TASA convention - Dallas, October 2005) |
WI: Wendy Brown, 33,
charged with identity
theft (her daughter's)
so she could enroll in
Ashwaubenon High
School and be a
cheerleader.
charged with identity
theft (her daughter's)
so she could enroll in
Ashwaubenon High
School and be a
cheerleader.
| CA: Carlos Garcia at SFUSD: another reason why Plyler v. Doe's gotta go. |
invoices for a fake company with a name
similar to a district technolology vendor, then
transferring funds to her personal account.
Fed tech funds involved; will FBI
step in? Superintendent Frank Anthony
(above right) admits he should have caught
the fraud, and has instituted tighter internal
controls; as only a fourth of the loss is
covered by the district's insurance perhaps
he can now take out a 2nd on his house and
begin repaying his taxpayers the difference.
09.13.08 UPDATE: Frank Anthony is
reportedly tearing up because he's taking
this embezzlement personally -- but that's
the big mistake many superintendents
make; they forget to separate money and
trust. Here's more from Arkansas News:
similar to a district technolology vendor, then
transferring funds to her personal account.
Fed tech funds involved; will FBI
step in? Superintendent Frank Anthony
(above right) admits he should have caught
the fraud, and has instituted tighter internal
controls; as only a fourth of the loss is
covered by the district's insurance perhaps
he can now take out a 2nd on his house and
begin repaying his taxpayers the difference.
09.13.08 UPDATE: Frank Anthony is
reportedly tearing up because he's taking
this embezzlement personally -- but that's
the big mistake many superintendents
make; they forget to separate money and
trust. Here's more from Arkansas News:
AR: Former Pine Bluff School
District secretary Lynda King
has been charged with 1176
counts of theft and forgery;
allegedly stole $884,711.96
during 2001-2007 by creating
District secretary Lynda King
has been charged with 1176
counts of theft and forgery;
allegedly stole $884,711.96
during 2001-2007 by creating
| In Pine Bluff, former school district employee Lynda King was arrested in May and charged with 576 counts each of second-degree forgery and theft for allegedly preparing bogus invoices and receiving payments of more than $884,000 from state and federal funds. King, who is scheduled for trial in February in Jefferson County Circuit Court, is also being investigated by the U.S. prosecutor and federal charges could be filed, lawmakers heard. Pine Bluff Superintendent Frank Anthony told lawmakers Friday the district has implemented polices to prevent future thefts. Anthony said the district has bond insurance to cover thefts, but only up to $250,000. He also said it appears King has already spent most or all of the money she is accused of stealing. The district's finance officer discovered the money missing in April, he said. "I was the first to be saddened and professionally embarrassed," Anthony told lawmakers. "The buck stops at my desk." At one point, Anthony, who has been superintendent of the district for 10 years, became emotional while discussing the theft and how he and other district officials have taken it personally. Paul McEachern, a state auditor, told the committee the thefts occurred because of a lack of management oversight and internal controls related to the accounts payable process. King is accused of writing checks to a vending company the district never uses and then intercepting the checks and depositing them in her bank account. Anthony said new policies have been put in place to prevent employees from picking up vendor checks. Also, employees who prepare the purchase orders and those who receive the goods and supplies have been segregated. The superintendent said there is no evidence that any other district employee was involved in the thefts. |
TX: Aftermath of FBI arrest of El Paso ISD
school board member Sal Mena: He's been
released -- to his his family so he won't try to
hurt himself again as post-arrest. More.
school board member Sal Mena: He's been
released -- to his his family so he won't try to
hurt himself again as post-arrest. More.
Q: Is it true that Lake Travis ISD supe
Rocky Kirk (above) purchased ads on
ESPN Saturday night (09.20.08) during the
Rice / University of Texas football game in
order to advertise his school district? Is this
legal? Perhaps he purchased the ads with
education foundation money. Have asked
LTISD PR guy Marco Alvarado for confirma-
tion yea/nay.
Rocky Kirk (above) purchased ads on
ESPN Saturday night (09.20.08) during the
Rice / University of Texas football game in
order to advertise his school district? Is this
legal? Perhaps he purchased the ads with
education foundation money. Have asked
LTISD PR guy Marco Alvarado for confirma-
tion yea/nay.
A#2: It doesn't help that the new DISD
school board ethics rules are still
self-indulgent. More questions for Jack
Lowe (M) and Edwin Flores (R). For
starters, is it enough that a $1.7B board
prez is a "good, honest man"?
school board ethics rules are still
self-indulgent. More questions for Jack
Lowe (M) and Edwin Flores (R). For
starters, is it enough that a $1.7B board
prez is a "good, honest man"?
A#1: If Mike (L) didn't understand the finan-
cials his people gave him, his first
priority--before trips and conferences . .
.and before playing "Coach" -- should have
been to figure them out.
cials his people gave him, his first
priority--before trips and conferences . .
.and before playing "Coach" -- should have
been to figure them out.
Remember the headlines last May when
Friendswood ISD principal Robin Lowe (L)
nvited CAIR's Muslim leadership to her
school to indoctrinate-- er, "increase
understanding"--among her students "of
the Islamic culture"? Lowe's now at
Houston ISD's Perhing Middle School as
their principal. Two things: (1) Has she told
her students about Soghra Najafpour (R)
in Iran? So they have a fuller
understanding of Islamic culture? (2) Two
typos on Robin's principal page: It's a
shame they can't afford spellcheck. Or
perhaps Robin's been too busy indoc-
trinating/"increasing understan-
ding" to pay attention to boring trivia like
punctuation and telling the truth about
women's and girls' rights in Iran.
Friendswood ISD principal Robin Lowe (L)
nvited CAIR's Muslim leadership to her
school to indoctrinate-- er, "increase
understanding"--among her students "of
the Islamic culture"? Lowe's now at
Houston ISD's Perhing Middle School as
their principal. Two things: (1) Has she told
her students about Soghra Najafpour (R)
in Iran? So they have a fuller
understanding of Islamic culture? (2) Two
typos on Robin's principal page: It's a
shame they can't afford spellcheck. Or
perhaps Robin's been too busy indoc-
trinating/"increasing understan-
ding" to pay attention to boring trivia like
punctuation and telling the truth about
women's and girls' rights in Iran.
John McCain, paraphrased: "When
you're talking about [New York City schools'
$20 billion] in the hands of one person
[Mike Bloomberg], 'Trust me' isn't good
enough." We can't have the taxpayers
footing the bill for bloated golden
parachutes [for public school
superintendents]." "Details of every facet of
[public school spending] should be made
available online for public scrutiny."
(09.22.08 speech)
you're talking about [New York City schools'
$20 billion] in the hands of one person
[Mike Bloomberg], 'Trust me' isn't good
enough." We can't have the taxpayers
footing the bill for bloated golden
parachutes [for public school
superintendents]." "Details of every facet of
[public school spending] should be made
available online for public scrutiny."
(09.22.08 speech)
MA: Has anything touching education not
been corrupted? The ex-CFO of Louisa Mae
Alcott's family home (above, now a
teaching museum) has been sued for
embezzling $1 million, with her kids. Oh,
Marmie! Oh, Jo! Perhaps next time
Fruitlands can hire better Little Women to
run things.
been corrupted? The ex-CFO of Louisa Mae
Alcott's family home (above, now a
teaching museum) has been sued for
embezzling $1 million, with her kids. Oh,
Marmie! Oh, Jo! Perhaps next time
Fruitlands can hire better Little Women to
run things.
PA: Chambersburg ASD's $9,274.68 trip for
18 educators to Disney World along with
other questionable credit card spending
has been brought to the area's attention by
Allen Piper (C) on TV with quick results; the
district has already retrieved all but one
card and supe Joe Padasak's (L) depar-
ted for a week's vacation in Maine (at the
start of school?). Predictably both he and
CASD PR gal Sylvia Rockwood (R) say
they've checked out the spending and there
are no problems. Hats off to CASD for
putting their check register online, a sign of
progress. Link's here
18 educators to Disney World along with
other questionable credit card spending
has been brought to the area's attention by
Allen Piper (C) on TV with quick results; the
district has already retrieved all but one
card and supe Joe Padasak's (L) depar-
ted for a week's vacation in Maine (at the
start of school?). Predictably both he and
CASD PR gal Sylvia Rockwood (R) say
they've checked out the spending and there
are no problems. Hats off to CASD for
putting their check register online, a sign of
progress. Link's here
Florida's Nova Southeastern University, a
long-time ERDI client and one of the nation's
most aggressive marketers of EdD's based
on work-experience practicums, granted
one to Michael J. Martirano, (above) supe
of St. Mary's County Public Schools in
Maryland. According to The Post,"experts
said the quality of education-related
dissertations is often poor."
How practical? While doctor-
ates are practical investments indeed for
supes and often necessary for the next step
up the career ladder, they are of dubious
value for proving an ability to actually lead a
school district. The three supes with the
largest surprise deficits in the U.S. this
year all liked to be called "Dr.": Connie
Calloway/ Detroit ($408 million); Mike
Hinojosa/ Dallas ($148+ million) and Rudy
Crew/ Miami ($84 million). Nor are
doctorates guarantees of character; Andre
Hornsby (Leapfrog bribery, sentencing this
month) and Pamela Hoffler-Riddick
(6 1/2 years in prison for money laundering
as part of a drug bust) both had doctoral
degrees.
long-time ERDI client and one of the nation's
most aggressive marketers of EdD's based
on work-experience practicums, granted
one to Michael J. Martirano, (above) supe
of St. Mary's County Public Schools in
Maryland. According to The Post,"experts
said the quality of education-related
dissertations is often poor."
How practical? While doctor-
ates are practical investments indeed for
supes and often necessary for the next step
up the career ladder, they are of dubious
value for proving an ability to actually lead a
school district. The three supes with the
largest surprise deficits in the U.S. this
year all liked to be called "Dr.": Connie
Calloway/ Detroit ($408 million); Mike
Hinojosa/ Dallas ($148+ million) and Rudy
Crew/ Miami ($84 million). Nor are
doctorates guarantees of character; Andre
Hornsby (Leapfrog bribery, sentencing this
month) and Pamela Hoffler-Riddick
(6 1/2 years in prison for money laundering
as part of a drug bust) both had doctoral
degrees.
Dubious
doctorates: Hats
off to the Washington
Post for taking a closer
look. at the Dr.'s
running public
education.
doctorates: Hats
off to the Washington
Post for taking a closer
look. at the Dr.'s
running public
education.
| 10.05.08/FollowUp: I've emailed Mike Martirano re his Nova Ed.D. & more; Q & A here. FOLLOW UP: Mike has sent additional responses which will be posted shortly. |
What is the appropriate role of
ideological political instruction in our public
schools? Do you agree with the decision of
the Urban Community Leadership Academy,
a charter in Kansas City (MO) to suspend
the teacher who produced a YouTube video
(inset) featuring male students in
paramilitary garb? While the video has at
least one commendable point--the line
about "taking personal responsibility for our
lives" gladdens the hearts of those of us
who feel this is a core issue in ending the
school-to-prison pipeline--the video turns
troubling when it transits into an ad for
Barack Obama's election promises: It's
quite a sight to see teenage boys
chanting about Medicaid.
ideological political instruction in our public
schools? Do you agree with the decision of
the Urban Community Leadership Academy,
a charter in Kansas City (MO) to suspend
the teacher who produced a YouTube video
(inset) featuring male students in
paramilitary garb? While the video has at
least one commendable point--the line
about "taking personal responsibility for our
lives" gladdens the hearts of those of us
who feel this is a core issue in ending the
school-to-prison pipeline--the video turns
troubling when it transits into an ad for
Barack Obama's election promises: It's
quite a sight to see teenage boys
chanting about Medicaid.
