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Former principal of Mokelumne River confronts board member over lock-out

By News-Sentinel Staff
Saturday, March 8, 2008 6:36 AM PST

Comments (149 comment(s))

A sheriff's deputy was called to Mokelumne River School on Friday at around 4 p.m. when former principal Nadine Zerbe arrived about an hour early for a scheduled meeting at which she was supposed to pick up her belongings.

Zerbe became angry, said Deputy Brad Cook, when she learned that locks to the room she was trying to access had been changed.

"The school has a right to do this," Cook said.

Zerbe's departure from Mokelumne River came after school officials recently discovered asbestos at the private school.

The asbestos cleanup, Zerbe's separation from the school and a shakeup of the school's board have left parents confused and concerned.

Parents and several former school board members, who either resigned or were fired, attended a meeting Thursday night at Jim Elliot Christian High School's gym to sort through the events that took place after the asbestos was uncovered.

On Friday, Cook said that Zerbe would come back to the school at 5:15 p.m. to retrieve her belongings and that a third party would let her into the building.

"Once again (Superintendent) Mrs. (Shannon) Woodard gets her way," Zerbe announced before walking up to Greg Goehring, a member of the school's board, and asking him why she couldn't get her property.

When Goehring didn't reply she said: "You stand there and look at me with that stoic, stupid look on your face."

Woodard would not comment on the incident, citing confidentiality restrictions.

Zerbe left shortly after attempting to talk to Goehring.

"Hopefully there are no fireworks at 5:15," Cook said.

Sheriffs were not called back to school.

Reader Feedback

ricardo wrote on Mar 18, 2008 5:34 PM:

" mrsparent6- Boy I feel for you. Please make a good decision for your child or children. I am not sure I could follow a hostile take over or the old MRS in your situation. But I would make a real smart one here. Sometimes its just best to wash your hands of all, and start fresh. "

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ricardo wrote on Mar 18, 2008 5:20 PM:

" " What isn't fair here, is the fact that your right, its more of the same. Somebody from MRS be it a teacher or someone needs to step up and be open what is going on.
Take the time and make a good decision where your kids go to school. last time to get it right " "

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ricardo wrote on Mar 18, 2008 5:18 PM:

" " Here is what I was told- The upper higher archy are not suppose to know, as well as board members, Because the school is possibly going down. So some of the teachers, I won't say all are going to shift over. The plan is to talk and recruit at the meeting. "

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mrsparent6 wrote on Mar 18, 2008 4:52 PM:

" Will there be a phone call atleats tonight "

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Think before Speak wrote on Mar 18, 2008 4:50 PM:

" All of this will be covered at the meeting. My child will be in school on Thursday. Hope this helps. "

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mrsparent6 wrote on Mar 18, 2008 4:44 PM:

" i understand about meeting. i am I suppose to take all daughters stuff home tomorrow do I make arrangements for day care Thursday because there is not going to be school. I am getting second thought with all the secrets. I am all for change but I think we all would like to know what to do. "

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Think before Speak wrote on Mar 18, 2008 4:37 PM:

" Go to the meeting at Calvary 6:30 Weds. All of your questions will be answered there. "

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mrsparent6 wrote on Mar 18, 2008 4:18 PM:

" Can anyone comment on situation at Calvary. I am not sure what is happening. Am I suppose to take stuff home Wed. or should my daughter go to school Thursday and then take her stuff. Then school starts next Monday at Calvary??? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 17, 2008 8:25 PM:

" MRS Alumni: I think all families/students should leave MRS, and do it now. No waiting, no more chances and no more excuses accepted from the MRS heads. This blog seems to have been the only place these parents have felt like they can be heard, as well as the only place to get real information. That is a travesty! I think it's time MRS closed its doors. The kids deserve a lot better than what they have received, as do the parents. I imagine that there will not be many tuition checks coming in on April 1st. "

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ricardo wrote on Mar 17, 2008 4:43 PM:

" MRS Alumni: Most private schools do have their ducks in a row. They need to pull their kids out of MRS and use this a learning experiance while looking for those other great private schools. Great post MRS alumni "

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MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 17, 2008 3:20 PM:

" The ones I was referring to are calling themselves parents of the children who are suffering, so no they are not teenagers! Take legal action and move on with your life! It's an elementary school for crying out loud there are plenty other private schools in the area who have their ducks in a row! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 17, 2008 1:38 PM:

" MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 16, 2008 6:31 PM: "Seriously some of these posts sound like they are coming from teenagers!"

Maybe some of these posts ARE coming from teens. They are frustrated as well as the adults. This board sounds like the only place some of these folks feel they can be heard. They seem to feel that the school has stifled them and they do not have a say in any matter at MRS. I think the time has come and the parents have had enough. This does seem like the straw that broke the camel's back. I support the parents and children in the quest for the truth and in doing the “right” thing. "

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MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 16, 2008 6:31 PM:

" I would just like to point out that when
I said end of story I was referring to end of the name calling on these blogs...Deal with the problem maturely and not on an internet blog! Seriously some of these posts sound like they are coming from teenagers! Take a step back and look at some of these postings they are embarassing and I am embarrassed to call myself Alumni of this school because of the reputation some of you adults are giving the school through your immature postings!!! "

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MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 16, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Lodian:
What is so confusing???Yes, I support the innocent families and teachers who are caught up in this mess!Although I am not fond of the decisions certain people have made and am saddened by the chaos it has created, as a Christian I believe it is not our place to judge,notice i dont say names. The posting I did in the other blog was stating that people in this community need to be mature, quit name bashing and deal with it in an adult fashion! I mean come on some names mentioned have nothing to do with this mess! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Think before Speak: Are you Mr. Goehring? "

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Think before Speak wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Change is on the way. Everyone just hang in there. "

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punklodi wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:13 PM:

" To lodicitizn
Yes you are right. This is just a chance to get rid of Geohring. He has made many terrible decisions and has not been held accountable because he has written his own bylaws to keep all power. Now that possible FELONIES have been commited this is one of our only chances. Unless you know that he has been viewing pornography?
"

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:11 PM:

" Lodicitizn: You seem to be posting on both sides of this issue. Why? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:08 PM:

" Lodicitizn: Let’s take a look at your comments.

First you said that a parent and the principal should have come forward much sooner regarding the asbestos issue. There is no proof that the principal (Zerbe) was anything less than forthcoming as soon as she was aware of a problem.

You went on to say, “I think the whole asbestos thing has been way over blown.”

If you think so then why attack the principal, as you think she was less than forthcoming? Asbestos is a cancer causing material that is to be handled (by law) very carefully, especially during any kind of construction/re-construction. It does not look like it was handled properly at MRS. Now, allegations of a cover-up in the mishandling of said material have been launched against Mr. Goehring. I see this as a big deal.

You stated, “…it was an excuse to get Cliff out.”

Maybe this needs to be accomplished if he in fact has committed a crime(s). Wouldn’t you agree?

The one in charge gets the blame.
"

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 15, 2008 6:42 PM:

" I think the whole asbestos thing has been way over blown. It really has nothing to do with that, it was an excuse to get Cliff out. They saw a chance took it. So noone really is being honest here. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:53 PM:

" Trying to cover-up the seriousness of this cancer causing material from the children's families is appalling, especially while these children are to attend class at the site. I hope the legal investigation will be forthcoming and aggressive. Illegal, unethical or immoral activity that, along with lies and deceit, puts a child at risk is most heinous. "

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real facts wrote on Mar 15, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:28 PM:

Illegal activity cannot be left unpunished").

i agree lodian..... 100% "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:28 PM:

" MRS Alumni: I disagree with you that it's the "End of story...”. I think it's only just begun, as all is now coming out in the open. No more behind closed doors. No more backroom decisions without board and parents approval. It looks like the families are finally seeing what is really going on and getting the answers they have so long deserved. Unfortunately, those answers are not what they should be and this is going to get worse before it gets better. Illegal activity cannot be left unpunished. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:23 PM:

" MRS Alumni:
Your posts are a bit confusing to me. Do you support the families in this mess or not? The following post was on the other Mokelumne board/blog. Maybe I misunderstand you, but you seem to contradict yourself. Your other post (on the other board) went as follows…

MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:30 PM:
" I attended MRS K-7th grade through the late 80s and early 90s. I think the majority of people on here sound like children bickering. What's even more disgusting is that most of you are name bashing! What kind of a name are you giving Christians? Not to mention private schools? Two wrongs don't make a right. God looks upon all sin the same. We are not to judge. You are no better than Cliff himself when you post cruel things. God will take care of the guilty parties. End of story... "
"

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 3:23 PM:

" MRS Alumni: Reagrding Pride Guides... That sounds like a very backwards way to teach children. I would not support such a lesson either.
"

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MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 15, 2008 1:32 PM:

" PRIDE GUIDES WERE FILE FOLDERS EACH STUDENT HAD WITH A MONTHLY CALENDAR ATTACHED. EVERY LETTER IN THE ALPHABET STOOD FOR SOMETHING NEGATIVE A STUDENT COULD DO (EX: T FOR TALKING) AT THE END OF THE WEEK, FOR EVERY MARK IN YOUR PRIDE GUIDE YOU HAD 15 MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE TO DO FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL. THERE WERE ONLY 3 POSITIVE MARKS A STUDENT COULD GET!!! IF YOU GOT A POSITIVE MARK IT CANCELED OUT 1 NEGATIVE ONE! CAN WE SAY OVERBOARD! MY MOM PULLED ME AND MY SIBLINGS SHORTLY AFTER. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 12:51 PM:

" MRS Alumni: Please explain what you mean by "PRIDE GUIDES". "

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MRS Alumni wrote on Mar 14, 2008 11:15 PM:

" My prayers go out to the innocent teachers, students, and their families. I had Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Lind, Mrs. Arismendi and several other excellent teachers with good hearts when I attended MRS. However, I also witnessed some UNGODLY behavior by other teachers. (Ex: Books and chairs being thrown, students tied to chairs, mouths duct taped shut, students sent outside for very long periods of time). Sadly, some of you parents are sticking up for these teachers in these blogs. I think it all went down hill when the "PRIDE GUIDES" were introduced. "

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sam wrote on Mar 14, 2008 5:37 PM:

" I am NOT a MRS parent, but may I add the Cindy is a treasure. She and her husband John taught my kids how to excel as athletes.

Cindy, you are loved and appreciated for all you do. And we love John too. And Katlyn playing polo??? My daughter's sport. Thanks for teaching her to "go fast" in the water. "

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41LLW47 wrote on Mar 14, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Here are some MRS historical facts:
This wasn't the first time Sheriff Deputys had to come to MRS.
Zerbe was well aware of who she would be her boss. She had worked with Woodard before! She isn't w/o blame.
Lastly, there used to be many great teachers at MRS, like Griffin. One by one, they were run off by Woodard, but operating through someone else. Zerbe was hired to be a buffer! And she did her job until she had her own opinion. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 14, 2008 9:42 AM:

" concerned citizen 8:33 AM: I totally agree. How is Cindy handling all of this at MRS? It must be breaking her heart. What grade is she teaching now?

"

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concerned citizen wrote on Mar 14, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Cindy Griffin is the best thing that EVER happened to that school, many children benefited from her intelligence and kindness "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 14, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Looks like more than half the school has left, or will be leaving soon. What will Goehring do without all the tuition money coming in? "

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JN wrote on Mar 13, 2008 5:14 PM:

" meeting tonight? The only meeting I knew about was the one on Tues night for the PTC "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 13, 2008 3:30 PM:

" Does any Mokelumne parent know what the meeting tonight at 6 is about??? "

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FF wrote on Mar 13, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Ricardo: Mrs. Zerbe was an advocate for the kids. She went to bat for them on more than one occasion, standing up to Cliff, which is why she is no longer working at MRS. "

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ricardo wrote on Mar 13, 2008 10:59 AM:

" Mrs. Zerbe's job should be a advocate for the kids, and everything else will fall in place. "

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FF wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Yes Cindy G is still there. She was offered a much better paying job for this school year but turned it down. She has stated that she loves this school,kids and parents. 100% of the teachers stood behind Mrs. Zerbe as she was an advocate for the teachers. Mrs Woodard is an advocate for the Goehrings and NONE of the teachers want to work under Shannon Woodard. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:16 AM:

" drake24: Is Cindy G. still teaching there at MRS? "

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drake24 wrote on Mar 13, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Petree- The kids love her to pieces and I am disappointed she didn't hang in there for our kids. Did you hear about the cussing and stapler incident? If you are a sub-or a teacher that can help us, we need someone. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2008 11:56 PM:

" drake24: Who is the 6th grade teacher that just quit? "

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JN wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:41 PM:

" redhead: thanks for the info. We will be at the dinner on Friday. "

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drake24 wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:40 PM:

" 6th grade- has lost 14 kids - most have been together since kindergarten. "

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redhed wrote on Mar 12, 2008 8:51 PM:

" JN: I heard the majority of the parents say last night that they would be in favor of approving additional funds to the deserving teachers at M.R.S. I would never speak for others without a vote, but I believe that is one intended use of the funds. It is uncertain how much will be raised due to declining attendance at the school and bad publicity--people still remember the Goehring name and the misuse of funds from 3 years ago. "

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JN wrote on Mar 12, 2008 6:50 PM:

" redhead: What does the PTC plan on doing with the funds raised from the Spaghetti Dinner and script? "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:55 PM:

" To Mok parent
Might want to count tomorrow I was there today to at lunch while two more drove away. "

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sam wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:13 PM:

" mokparent and redhed, thanks for answering MK's question. I was going to ask the same thing.

And MK, thanks for asking it. "

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Mokparent wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:09 PM:

" MK, The Goehrings cannot get that money. Before last night there was 58,000 in the account. Now there is only 10,000. We gave it to the teachers. They have never gotten any money from that account before and didn't even try to last night. "

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redhed wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:07 PM:

" MK: The money has been held in the Parent club account for at least the last 10 years without the Goehrings disturbing it. Most of the money goes right back to the teachers and classrooms. I don't especially appreciate your harsh tone, but understand your skepticism, as I said previously. The parents have also contributed to some site projects, like fencing the school and providing playground equipment, etc. "

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Mokparent wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:05 PM:

" lodicitizn, you are WRONG. My son is in the 6th grade class. They have lost 10. "

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MK wrote on Mar 12, 2008 4:22 PM:

" So you can guarantee that the Goehring's can not get to the money in the Parent Club Fund where the Spaghetti dinner money will be. I just have a hard time believing that becasue what the Goehring's want the Goehring's get. "

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redhed wrote on Mar 12, 2008 4:17 PM:

" MK: The parent club money is held in a separate account. The parents voted last night to give most of the money in the account to the teachers for bonuses. Spaghetti dinner money goes into that account also. I understand your skepticism though. "

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MK wrote on Mar 12, 2008 4:09 PM:

" How do you know the money from the spaghetti dinner will be spent correctly and not go into the Goehring's pocket? As long as Cliff & Greg are still at the school no money is safe. " "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 12, 2008 4:03 PM:

" truthseeker
please check your facts
you are way off. 6th grade alone has lost 20. Today 4 more 7th graders left. "

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Drake24 wrote on Mar 12, 2008 3:33 PM:

" We are still having our MRS Parent-Teacher Spaghetti Dinner Catered by Angelina's, Fri March 14 4:30-7:30 @ Lodi Grape Festival $8 per ticket- Drive Thru available. Please come help our school, this is $ that as parents we say where it goes. We will take care of our teachers that have taken care of our children for so many years. "

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redhed wrote on Mar 12, 2008 3:11 PM:

" FF is right, there are around 100-125 students left. Many more are leaving as the timing of Easter break at other schools comes in the next 2 weeks. The parent group at the school agreed to give bonus money to the teachers last night. Parents continue to want to support teachers, but have to take care of their kids and family too. Goehrings didn't show up for meeting, which was no surprise. Woodard was on phone informing them of what happened. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2008 11:08 AM:

" truthseeker: How many students are left now? "

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Gma wrote on Mar 12, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Does anyone know the outcome of the meeting last night, March 11, at MRS? "

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FF wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:21 PM:

" There are only a little over 100 students left. More will leave as Easter vacation approaches as the 4th quarter begins for public schools. The teacher for 6th grade a resigned and Shannon Woodard is teaching that along with a sub. The teachers have been told that they may have to hold their pay checks for 5 to 10 days. If teachers don't get paid it's over! "

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punklodi wrote on Mar 11, 2008 7:47 PM:

" Truthseeker. Just because students haven't formally withdrawn doesn't mean they haven't left. How many children have moved to home schooling while searching for a new school and how many others are just being recorded as absent. This should be easy to answer if you have the facts. "

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TruthSeeker wrote on Mar 11, 2008 6:15 PM:

" FF... The amout of students that have withdrawn is no where near the 70 that is being claimed. I know for a fact that the number of students that have withdrawn is just over 20, with a handfull out and doing their schoolwork at home. Those students have not been withdrawn. We need to stand firm in our faith and believe that God is in control of this situation. Remember, we walk by faith and not by sight. Keep the faith! "

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OTH wrote on Mar 11, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Lodian thanks. :) "

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LoDiAn wrote on Mar 11, 2008 11:38 AM:

" OTH: The current poster, using the original T&C's handle, swooped on the handle back when we were able to start logging in with a specific handle. The real T&C didn't grab the name quick enough and started to post as Taxpayer & Citizen instead. Many posters expressed their detest for the "new" T&C poster and called him an identity thief. "

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OTH wrote on Mar 11, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Lodian 9:15

I too have checked some of the things that T&C posted. Some of them I already knew or suspected.

As I said he got too close to someone or something.

I would still like to know how the new T&C knew the original had been banned in order to take his identity so quickly. He/she was already posting by the time most people found out. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 9:15 AM:

" OTH 11:29 PM: I agree!

"

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 9:14 AM:

" FF: Wow! Seventy students have left? That's a lot. I wonder if they just went back to the public school in their area/district. It's a really bad time to try and find a spot in class right now, at this time of the year. I hope they are doing well. I sure feel bad for the kids. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Whoa Nellie!: I was just saying that maybe T&C (the real one) was/is involved in trying to change things, or maybe he was at some point. Perhaps that is where his frustration comes from as he couldn't get through to some people that could make some changes he felt needed in Lodi. Just a thought. Plus, he seemed to know a lot of information, some of which I double checked to be true. Besides, he shouldn't have been banned, period. There are certainly a couple of other posters (Brian and real facts) that should have been banned before T&C. With all of this going on with Mokelumne, it looks like T&C knew information before the rest of us. Anyway, it would be interesting to hear (the original) T&C's comments on this story, at this point. "

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FF wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:16 AM:

" So far approx 70 students have left the school with more leaving this week. As long as my students teachers remain we will stick it out until the end of this year. Thank you to all of the churches and leaders who have stepped up to help the parents through this time. There comes a time when you have to stand up for what is right! Thats what I teach my kids. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:05 AM:

" supposedly CLiff is open to talking to anyone one on one, so I urger EVERY parent to confront him. Would be nice to form a line outside the building "

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OTH wrote on Mar 10, 2008 11:29 PM:

" Whoa Nellie what happened to T&C was censorship pure and simple. Going back a ways and even now you have people threatening posters and using obscenities. If they are reported nothing happens. LNS does not even live by the rules they set up. If people do not want to read a poster like T&C just skip over what he says. He has a right to say what he wants to and if people don't like it just ignore him. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:33 PM:
" Whoa Nellie! 4:33 PM: How do you know that T&C isn't "involved" in creating change in town?

Lodian, because T&C is so negative so often. If he was "'involved' in creating change" as you put it his posts would be positive, full of ideas, encouraging others, and on the optimistic side. T&C's posts are constantly negative, full of conspiracy theories, statements with no facts, and obviously pessimistic.

Lodian, your question surprised me since I seem to agree with you often. "

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s & W 500 wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:10 PM:

" Everyone needs to stand back and see how this effects "the children". While it may be a "business", the actions of that business does have a direct effect on the children of tomorrow!

Don't be stupid, don't be selfish, think outside the box and do what is best for "the children"! Listen to your clients, communicate!

If it's all about money, the school will fold. It might already have gone that way, regardless.

"

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icu wrote on Mar 10, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Didn't Goehring open a business selling pay phones? And when the business went belly up, he sold the defunk stock to the school to bail himself out? I think someone should really look into where all the money is going. "

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JH wrote on Mar 10, 2008 10:29 AM:

" Calling the police is one of Goehrings many intimidation tactics, just ask his ex.
The principal posed no threat to him but he wanted to do his best to make her look like the bad guy. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:48 AM:

" hey ho Goehrings gotta go

couldn't resist "

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LodiGirl wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:14 AM:

" X209x: You are right. Elmer G is one of the most wonderful men. He was actually there everyday I ws in school caring for the school and trying to keep it clean. He worked his hands to the bone and always had time for the kids. His daughter teaches/taught at the school and is also a woman of great integrity. Let's see people for who they are and not have another person be collateral damage. "

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OTH wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:55 PM:

" If T&C's accusations were so false and without merit, why ban him? Why not just ignore him? He struck a nerve on something or someone. The easiest way to discredit him is to ban him and rally the troops to post disparaging blogs. I didn't always agree with T&C but I've lived here long enough to know some of what goes on. Personally I hope he comes back. The person who took his ID is so simple he can't even come up with an original of his own. Or was that the plan? "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:22 PM:

" MDE, thank you for your 5;51 post, it was simply and elegantly stated. I couldn't agree with you more. "

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redhed wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:49 PM:

" To x209x: Thanks for the info on the latest coverup. I guess they have no choice but to try to hide the financial information now that a lawsuit has been filed. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:45 PM:

" So if there is school tomorrow how long will they be open. I think they are out of money what happens now.Will it last until end of year?? Anybody know "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Observer 6:23 PM: Perhaps you didn't like T&C telling it like it is, straight up. He had a no nonsense approach and some people can't deal well with a straight shooter. He has the right to his opinions and he sure seemed to know "what's what" most of the time. At the very least he made you think and question. Nothing wrong with that!

"

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:22 PM:

" sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:40 PM:

" Whoa Nellie, the T&C that has been blogging the past month or two is NOT the real T&C. He took the real Taxpayer's ID, and to me is a loser. (IDENTITY THEFT IS DISGUSTING). The real Taxpayer was banned awhile back. I truly believe that happened because he was trying to blow the whistle on someone. He was on top of this MRS problem and was mocked for trying to get the public to see it. "

Great post! And I think "identity theft" is disgusting too!!!!! "

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JHSiess, Esq. wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:12 PM:

" This is all incredibly sad. I don't know the truth and was not invited to the "parent" meeting on Thurs. My son is a sophomore and all of this is impacting him in a NEGATIVE way. So he will finish out the year, but we'll see from there. As to the comment about tuition, we high school parents PAY $450/mo., plus books ($350 this yr.) and registration ($250/yr.). If the school isn't making $, you can't blame tuition-paying families. "

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x209x wrote on Mar 9, 2008 6:41 PM:

" I have known the Goehrings for years, and I must say they arent all crooked. Elmer Goehring has poured his heart and soul into that school. Cliff on the other hand is a liar and only cares about the money. I personally know one of the groundskeepers at MRS and when all of this was going down, Cliff & Greg unhooked all of the computers in the offices and wanted him to "take care of them". He refused, and I'm sure will be let go, also. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 9, 2008 6:29 PM:

" Observer- I agree 110% with that statement.

And the one about Cliff G not being a member of the GOB club. I haven't seen his application across my desk yet as the Membership Chairman. lol!! "

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Observer wrote on Mar 9, 2008 6:23 PM:

" I disagree completely. The good Taxpayer spewed false and totally inaccurate accusations against people he didn't know and never met and he never supported his statements. He was wreckless with his comments. I only agree with Leonard about half the time but he at least intelligently supports his statements. There's nothing wrong with good and intelligent debate. Everyone else in here seems to be able to accomplish that. "

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MDE wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:51 PM:

" I am not sending my chldren to school until Goehrings are gone. We moved to another school. It is not completely an asbestos issue. It is an issue of dishonesty and as Christians we should care above all that our children are taught principals, values, and biblical truths in which to handle such situations. I believe in forgiveness and restitution. The school needs change and now is the time. The school would be so depressing for my children for 2 more months, much more so than a transition at this time! Pray4Peace. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:42 PM:

" GEEZ, i meant

He may be over ZEALOUS in his reporting a time
"

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:40 PM:

" He may be over jealous in his reporting a times, but he is not a liar. He speaks not to condemn people, but to wake up those of us who are complacent about the goings on in Lodi. A shout out to to T&C (orig). we miss you. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:40 PM:

" Whoa Nellie, the T&C that has been blogging the past month or two is NOT the real T&C. He took the real Taxpayer's ID, and to me is a loser. (IDENTITY THEFT IS DISGUSTING). The real Taxpayer was banned awhile back. I truly believe that happened because he was trying to blow the whistle on someone. He was on top of this MRS problem and was mocked for trying to get the public to see it. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:33 PM:

" Whoa Nellie! 4:33 PM: How do you know that T&C isn't "involved" in creating change in town? "

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Observer wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:23 PM:

" As a member of the GOB I take exception to the reference of Mr. Goehring being a member of our organization. It couldn't be further from the truth. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 9, 2008 4:33 PM:

" off topic- t&c. i posted that i wanted to read what he had to say on another topic about a week ago too. I probably agree with him only 10% of the time, but his constant complaining is tired. If he would get off his pc and get involved maybe he could make positive change. Leonard- doesn't T&C wear a fedora? "

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drake24 wrote on Mar 9, 2008 2:36 PM:

" I hope the Silvas and everyone else sends their kids tomorrow, but do not blame them or other families if they do not. We too picked up an application but our son is determined to stick it out.He is trying to make it 3 years in a row with 0 absences. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Cogito: You are definitely not the only one that misses T&C (the original) posts. I like that guy. He's smart and he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:06 AM:

" well said, cogito. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:50 AM:

" Hey, I didn't often agree with taxpayer either, but I always liked his stuff. He's an American just like me. And as an American, his opinions are just as valid as mine. I think anyone who writes in these blogs does so because they care about our community, and our country. It gives us a forum to communicate our ideas and opinions concerning events that may or may not affect us, but we still enjoy discussing them. Conflicting opinions are the ones that make us think. That's why we should put a high value on them, not suppress them. "

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mrsparent2 wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Even though some of us are leaving we will return in a heartbeat to our wonderful school and teachers if Cliff & Greg G. resign!So even though some of us are removing our kids from this current environment it does not mean we are not devoted to seeing this thru. "

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JH wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Is this situation being investigated by authorities? How can we make sure that it is.
The actions taken broke the civil law as well as Gods law.

I hate to see the school falling apart but being led by the G's who have such a different set of morals and ethics than the rest of us it was only a matter of time.

I do pray the parents and teachers can come together and get this school back on its feet with the Christian leadership it should have.
"

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Mokparent wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:57 AM:

" drake24, I have 2 children I am sending tomorrow. I went to the meeting and was impressed by the board members. I signed the petition for Cliff to step down and to reinstate Mrs. Zerbe, but now I wonder how sincere Mr.Silva is about wanting to save the school. His wife encourgaged people to pull their kids out. How can you save the school if no one is left? "

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OTH wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:52 AM:

" I have worked for companies that when they terminated someone for whatever reason security was called and the person was escorted out of the building on a route that passed as many people as possible. It is a humiliation tactic. I'm only guessing but in this case I would say that was a tactic to be used by the Goehrings. They can now say they had to have the police there when this lady showed up. "

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OTH wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Leonard & Sam I have not always agreed with T&C. However he is right about a lot of things. Sometimes maybe partially but enough so people should begin to wonder what's going on. We have seen in recent weeks a person allowed to run wild in different forums and yet T&C is banned for stepping up and trying to tell the truth. If it is true that the LNS makes money off that persons shananigans, and they ban someone else they are practicing a form of censhorship. T&C we love ya. Come back. "

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LodiGirl wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Cogito: I disagreed with T&C on 99.9% of what he has to say. However I would have backed him on this one. He is a little quick to point the finger, I'm afraid to see how big his head is since he got one right. Of course I wish that the parents that knew hinky stuff was going down 15-20 years ago would have stepped up. If they had this wouldn't have been an issue and MRS would be an amazing school instead of the joke it's turned into. "

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LodiGirl wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:00 AM:

" ilovekids: you are fool to think that Mr G is there to "pour his life into the schhol" he is simply there to make sure the checks come in and he gets his HUGE cut. Come talk to me when you have 20+ years experance dealing with the G family. I do. I'm sure the teachers you son works with are great but Shannon Woodward is a liar and a cheat as much as Mr G, hence the reason she is still there. She will just move on to another unsuspecting school if this is not handeled. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Thanks for the update on our friend Leonard. Looks like I'm not the only one who misses him here. "

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LodiGirl wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:52 AM:

" They are taking funds that were supposed to be earmarked for the Gym and for bettering the grounds, which as you can see are horribly out of code. Parents please get together with the teachers and demand a forensic accountant go over ALL the books. Demand you know where all your tuition and fundraising efforts are going penny by penny. All in all this school needs new leadership and should NOT be owed by the G family but should be run as a not for profit private educational facility. Above all PRAY! God sees the need and greed "

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LodiGirl wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Greg and Cliff Goehring cannot be trusted. As a former MRS student I knew Cliff and we never comfortable around him. The Asbestos ordeal is simply the straw that broke the camel's back and exposed the Goehring's intentions to the public. They are in this for the money, at any cost. This is neither Christ like nor legal. Kids need to be protected AND educated. Plese do not make Mrs Zerbe the bad guy. The CRIMINALS in this matter are: Cliff, Greg, Shannon Woodward and any other who are embeziling money (yep I said it) out ofMRS "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Cogito, your 3 am post is great. I would LOVE to read T&C (orig)'s comments of this now. Some attacked him for his over-zealous reporting, but he sure opened my eyes to a lot of what is going on (or not going on) in Lodi. Thanks T&C. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:18 AM:

" Leonard, I agree with you. Taxpayer was always pretty right on. I remember him blowing this whistle a while back. It appears he was correct. Parents on this blog are saying "it is not just the asbestos." T&C (orig) I miss you. "

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Leonard wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 3:00 AM:
" I would really have liked to have read how "taxpayer and citizen" would have responded to this story.

As it happens, I communicate with Taxpayer off blog from time to time. Ironically, it was his posts concerning the Goehrings and the $350,000 of MRS money that may or may not have been illegally been channeled into Goehring's failed businesses that, in part, got Taxpayer banned.

There is more than one set of fingers in this pie, my friends, and I think Taxpayer may have been righter than we knew about the Good-Old Boys. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 3:00 AM:

" I would really have liked to have read how "taxpayer and citizen" would have responded to this story. There isn't a bigger "good old boys" name in Lodi than the Goehrings, and I'm sure he would have had an entertaining take on all this. I miss that guy. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:53 AM:

" Some of the people involved here should be ashamed and embarrassed by their actions. Bringing disgrace upon yourself is idiotic enough, but you represent something bigger than yourself when you choose to be involved in Christian education. Bathed in that light, actions such as this are indefensible. All this woman wanted was to collect her belongings. What did they think she was going to do? They changed the locks? The cops were called? Some people couldn't find the high road if you gave them a Mapquest printout and a GPS device. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:48 PM:

" Personally, I don't think you owe anything to a person that puts your child at risk. At that point, the gloves come off. "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:11 PM:

" I guess it does sound like I am defending Mr. G and I really don't mean too. I keep saying he was wrong but am also pointing out that this school was founded by his family and we have enrolled our kids here with that understanding. I know I may not make any sense to LODIAN, sorry. I am confused, like a lot of us. Blessings on you all. "

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Lynn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:05 PM:

" My student will be there Monday morning as will I. Parents...let's all have a little chat with our leader - Mr. Goehring. He's ran too many of us off already. Let's work together! "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:49 PM:

" Lodian, I DO agree we have to follow the law. I know that the asbestos exposure was on the weekend, and asbestos was used in many buildings for years. I just am not going to overreact. I agree that we need to be in integrity, too. That goes for all of us weather that be in word or deed. Let's pray for peace and wisdom. God Bless You and All of Us, for loving our kid's enough to share our concerns. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:42 PM:

" ilovekids: I'm wondering why you don't like Mrs. Zerbe. Everyone seems to absolutely adore her and think she is the best thing that ever happened to Mokelumne. You proceed to defend Mr. Goehring for criminal actions that involved sweeping the health of your children under the carpet. Please explain your position as it makes no sense at all. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:28 PM:

" ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:23 AM:

"...California goes overboard on the enviornment."

There are laws to be followed here regarding asbestos contamination. I'll go with what the state has to say before leaving that up to someone that may not be educated in the dangers of asbestos contamination. Unless you are an expert in the field I would suggest you listen and follow the guidelines/laws that California has set forth for such carcinogens as asbestos. If you truly want your kids to be safe, and I am sure that you do, then certainly you would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.

"

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In Shock wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:17 PM:

" By the way, Cliff said as recent as yesterday that he would step down. He refers people to Greg, and Greg tells them to stay out of it. Since it makes to most sense for him to step down if they are trying to save the school, I'm wondering what Greg's agenda is!!! "

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In Shock wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:59 PM:

" I cqn't believe the school we love is falling apart. We have 4th and 5th graders, and we are committed until the end of this year. LOTS of people will be gone on Monday. We will be there. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:53 PM:

" get along?! good start by threatening the teachers with termination if the speak.
get along?! with a man who puts his concern for his pocketbook above the safety of the kids?
get along?! when you can't even trust the man.
get along?! with a man who when board members disagree with him he physically blocks them from the meeting and hires more of his buddies to sit on it.

instead of get along, how about good bye.

fool me once..... well this is WAY past the second time "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:49 PM:

" The school will survive if Goehring leaves. Otherwise R.I.P. It is an obvious choice, if Goehring wants to save the school his family founded he will stepdown immediatley. If he doesn't then he truly is a spiteful hateful man out for only his own benefit. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:47 PM:

" seems to me Greg Goehring was holding Mrs Zerbe's belongings illegally. Would love to see a wrongful termination. Once fired an employee has the right to IMMEDIATELY claim property. Im sure Greg was rifling through her desk and stuff to destroy other evidence. Greg needs to be looked into for code of ethics issues. Im sure the Bar loves lawyers like him. The group has a bad enough rap without really crooked lying cheating decietful lawyers "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:45 PM:

" I have never said that Mr. G'a behavior is acceptable or that Mrs. Z is wrong for calling for accountablity. I am wanting us to stop fighting and LOVE one another....so simple to say (I know) and so hard to do right now. We need this school in our community. Let us try to save it. Can we work together on this? "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:34 PM:

" okay your tuition is not that much more it is printed on all the same reenrollment form for all to see.You multiply the number kids x that and it probaly does not even cover Mrs. Woodard. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:32 PM:

" ilovekids, it is almost obvious who you may be. You talk about honoring Jesus, Cliff has done it so well lying, stealing, decieving. Great examples of self lust. Mrs Zerbe showed unconditional love for the students and what is right by sacrificing her job to get the truth out. The Goehrings are all about themselves. and soon they will only have themselves at the school grounds. One is to admit sin for forgiveness, so far all Goehring is doing is committing sin in God's eyes, and breaking laws in man's. "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:13 PM:

" High School parents pay much more tuition and is hopefully paving the way for fellow underclassmen to join as they become ninth graders and beyond. We do not have enough Christian high schools in town and this school is non-denominational. Lets begin loving one another and help us agree on things that are eternal. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:24 PM:

" okay no offense but the high school is part of the problem. They have been draining money from K-8 since it started. You do no think those few students can pay all the payroll in High School.Alot of parents have left because of the High School. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:21 PM:

" Boomer 67 You are right on. This is about many other things. But not only Goehring Mr. Sliva as well. There are alot of students that i saw leaving on friday with all there stuff. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:21 PM:

" Boomer 67 You are right on. This is about many other things. But not only Goehring Mr. Sliva as well. There are alot of students that i sa leaving on friday with all there stuff. "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:18 PM:

" I am sending mine! He attends the High School and LOVES it. "

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drake24 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:16 PM:

" I am a 6th grade parent, I am planning on sending my son on Monday. I hope he is not the only one. How many other parents are sending there kids? "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 6:46 PM:

" for anyone who thinks the fuss is over asbestos you couldn't be farther from teh truth. Had the stuff been handled upfront LEGALLY it wouldn't even be news. But the Goehrings once again are experts at scandal and bad business. Check out paystar, the victor meat plant and now the school. suspicious loans, taxes so backlogged its unbelievable that are only caught up when a responsible party gets involved. Accounting that would make Enron look reputable. "

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boomer67 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 6:41 PM:

" I would be angry to at Cliff "Judas" Goehring for the deception and corruption that he has been involved in. Latest threat is that if the teachers talk about the issue they will be terminated. He told several people when they first found out about the cover up to shut. He said in one of his outbursts he was concerned with how much this could cost him. Showing his lack of concern for the students and staff. The bylaws written by a Goehring to protect the Goehrings is a joke. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 6:38 PM:

" can anyone confirm that there will be enough students at school Monday?
I just want to get through year "

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 6:32 PM:

" Mr. G was wrong to lie by covering up the asbestos problem. He has admitted to it and I am sure he regrests his actions. My point is that BOTH sides of this issue is NOT honoring to the Lord. I am embarrased that any Christian school would behave this way. Mrs. Z has stirred up a lot of anger. She has been angry a long time, and has been plotting to ruin Mr. G. He is here every day pouring his life into our school.
"

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Leonard wrote on Mar 8, 2008 5:35 PM:

" Hmmm... if they didn't know who Goehring was before, I am guessing that they know who he is now. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:28 PM:

" thank you Truth seeker.
That is so true the children do not even know Cliff Goehring. They are with teachers and aides all day not Cliff. "

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TruthSeeker wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:10 PM:

" This is also for you, Leonard. Those children probably don't even know who Cliff Goehring is. It is the dedicated, loving and committed staff who touch those children's life every day. Not Cliff Goehring. Please have a care for your comments. So many good people are being hurt here, I fail to see why you feel the need to add to their grief. Please, be more sensitive for their sakes. Thank you. "

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TruthSeeker wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Leonard, Cliff Goehring is not the principal of Mokelumne River School. The principal of the school at the time was Mrs. Nadine Zerbe, who lost her position for her attempt to honor Christ by protecting the children, and standing up to those who would have swept this matter under the rug. Please, be more careful what you say. Your words pointed the finger at a God-fearing woman who loves those kids so much, she lost her job over it. "

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sam wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Max, ever watch a loved one die of asbestos poisoning? I hope and pray you never have to. It is best to side with caution and get rid of every bit of it. "

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Leonard wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:43 AM:

" If children learn by example, one shudders to think what these children have learned from Mr. Goehring. "

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lodicitizn wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:28 AM:

" No of this matters anymore. It is a very sad day for all the families and children at Mokelumne River School. I just hope the kids that do not have a place to go until fall can stick it out at Mokelumne until May 31. "

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Leonard wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:57 AM:

" ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:23 AM:
" Too bad Christ is not being honored in this fall out. I know that many feel justified to call Mr. G to answer for the many mistakes that have occured over the years.

Hard to see how Christ is honored when the Principal of a school destroys evidence of his own wrong doing. I would think that sort of activity falls under the broad umbrella of "lying" which the Bible surely tells us is a sin.

"

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ilovekids wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Too bad Christ is not being honored in this fall out. I know that many feel justified to call Mr. G to answer for the many mistakes that have occured over the years. The character that our angry mob has displayed has been a very poor example of being like Jesus. Let's keep our school Christ centered and try to work our differences out. It is all about the kids....not our pride. Asbestos was just the straw for some, but remember California goes overboard on the enviornment. Our kids are SAFE! "

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myp.o.v. wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:46 AM:

" My children attended M.R.S. years ago and the school was dysfunctional then, which is why we left. Christian education? Phff! It's all about the money being generated . . . nothing more! "

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ParentsOfThree wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:09 AM:

" Max you are mising the point - its the idea that when the exposure was discovered, Cliff Goehring washed the school down to try to hide it - and tried to mislead the environmental consultants! "

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ParentsOfThree wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:05 AM:

" IT NEEDS TO BE POINTED OUT that Mrs. Zerbe did not know of the asbestos. Cliff and Greg Goehring hid the findings from her for three days! When she stood up to the Goehrings, with the other board members, trying to do the right thing to protect the children, and remediate the matter - she was fired. "

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max stanfield wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:02 AM:

" The fuss of a teensy bit of asbestos which has been on the overhang, probably since the school was built is way, way overblown. No one is going to die, get sick or even sneeze. Talk about knee jerk reaction. "

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