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Signs supporting the California Teachers Association are lifted high throughout the McNair theater during Tuesday's school board meeting. (Dan Evans/News-Sentinel)

Lodi Unified School District will issue 390 lay-off notices to teachers

By Jennifer Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 4:32 PM PST

Comments (81 comment(s))

Lodi Unified will issue 390 teacher lay-off notices March 15, trustees voted early this morning.

They also added seven positions cut from the district's administration office, including the assistant superintendent of secondary education. The vote was 6-1 with trustee Harvey Bills dissenting.

"There's been a cry that we need to do more in the administration office," board President Richard Jones said. "In the public comments, they said we should do more, so we listened."

The decision was made after midnight following more than 50 public comments.

"In the long run, it was better to hear everyone," Jones said this morning of his decision to continue past the two-hour limit he imposed at the start of the meeting.

It was held in McNair High School's theater which accommodates 720.

The board is expected to vote on cutting 110 other positions at its March 10 meeting to close a $25 million budget gap for the 2009-10 school year.

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Under the proposal by Superintendent Cathy Nichols-Washer, class sizes at all levels will increase and there will be less variety of high school electives or advanced placement courses available.

"We are angered that this is happening," she told the audience packed into McNair High School's theater, which seats 720. Others stood along the room's walls or sat on stairs.

"We are in a no win situation. We must present this to you (the trustees) to keep the district from financial disaster."

The district blames its deficit on the Legislature's failure to pass a budget since much of Lodi Unified's funding relies on state money.

Its schools, too, are suffering from a historic drop in enrollment — the state pays schools based on the number of students enrolled — and declining local property tax revenue. At last count, there were 810 less students this year than last, and the district expects that figure to increase. Most of the drop has come from the elementary level and at schools in North Stockton.

The district's interest income is also down and because of the economy, developer fees are not being collected as widely as before, according to Doug Barge, chief business official.

Sue Kenmotsu, president of the district's largest union, said its members have begun discussing across-the-board cuts, but there has been little interest because, according to her, it would require a 26 percent pay cut to save everyone's job.

She urged trustees Tuesday to not make a decision, but wait for the just-approved federal stimulus bill to trickle down to the local level.

"No child's life in this district will be the same," the former Julia Morgan teacher said before encouraging the board to examine more possible cuts in the district office. "Teachers add more value to our students' lives than managers."

The same union's vice president encouraged trustees to look at the faces of the budget deficit. "We didn't make it, but we're going to pay for it," Jeff Johnston said of the shortfall.

Other speakers, like Creekside Elementary sixth-grade teacher George Neely, offered recommendations such as adopting a four-day-a-week schedule to save money on utilities, bus transportation and hourly wages.

He likened the layoff proposal presented at the meeting to someone who visits a doctor because his legs hurt and the doctor decides to cut off his head.

Among the 390 proposed credentialed positions to be eliminated are 28 English and 11 music teachers. Layoffs will likely first be based on seniority and then decided on by credentials and then certifications held; teachers who have worked longer in the district could be moved into other positions and bump newer teachers.

Nichols-Washer said the classified employee layoffs — another 110 positions — will be taken up at a meeting next month.

Signs at a glance

Many of those who attended Tuesday's regular Lodi Unified School District board meeting carried homemade signs that they held up during the public comment portion on proposed teacher layoffs. Here are a few of the slogans:

"Cuts hurt students."

"Save the teachers."

"SOS: Save our schools."

"Cut the fat."

"We give JAESC a failing grade."

"Class sizes up, graduation rates down."

News-Sentinel staff

Many of the 45-plus speakers Tuesday ignored Jones' three-minute limit and continued after their time was up. They provided emotional public comment, and some even held back tears, as audience members cheered or clapped when points were made.

Robert Brown, who plays in one of the district's jazz ensembles, said cutting any music programs would be a mistake.

"Band is a family, no matter what grade. I come as a student ... my future cannot be cut. My future is music."

Teacher Karen Jackson said her students would not be as successful with 30 bodies in one classroom, and kindergarten parent Monica Eastin said she could not imagine fitting 10 more desks in her child's classroom at Borchardt Elementary.

"How many of our good teachers do you think we will get back when the budget is good?" she added.

Other speakers vowed to turn-in their district-issued cell phones this morning and cease to file a mileage report, while Lockeford Elementary parent Gary Reiff encouraged teacher unions to shop around for cheaper insurance rates to save the district money.

And, 32-year teacher Carol Thomas, said, "You can't ask the first cuts to be at the classroom level. You have to start from the top."

The school board, which held two public input meetings last week in Lodi, has already cut millions by voting to close Turner Elementary School, approve an early teacher retirement plan and let go 45 employees from the administrative office.

Although the district is required by law to issue pink slips by March 15, it has until May 15 to finalize layoff plans for the following school year.

In other action Tuesday, the board:

  • Recognized two of its teachers, including Courtney Porter of Tokay High School who was selected as a statewide recipient.

  • Heard an annual report from Kevin Thompson, president of the Measure L Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee.

    Contact reporter Jennifer Bonnett at jenniferb@lodinews.com.

    This story was updated at 9:56 a.m. to add the results of the vote. It was updated again at 4:32 p.m. to correct Monica Eastin's last name.

    Reader Feedback

    Jerry wrote on Feb 28, 2009 1:35 PM:

    " First the District says 200 teachers will be fired; then 340; then 390; then 397. Now, they think only 200 may be needed to be flushed. This kind of analysis does not inspire too much confidence. Are they stupid or think we are?

    Here's something to think about: No teachers need be fired this has all been high theather and District pro forma scare tactics. When these folks found out the "people" were not going to allow the kleptocrats to shift money from here-to-there they sharpened their pencils. From square one it's been a game.

    I believe that the real teachers, parents and interested stakeholders who blog put the Board's feet to the fire and have sent a message that is loud in clear.

    Now, we must insist that no teachers be fired. Keep the presure on and they will cave. Congratulations, the bullies have lost. "

    Report Abuse

    sam wrote on Feb 27, 2009 5:17 PM:

    " Contrapasso and EnglishisPower, great comments. "

    Report Abuse

    EnglishisPower wrote on Feb 26, 2009 8:35 PM:

    " We should go back to tracking. Students should be taught at their level. Thus, those that want to go to college get the instruction and attention they need and deserve. "

    Report Abuse

    Contrapasso wrote on Feb 26, 2009 11:09 AM:

    " EnglishisPower: I agree! I teach at the secondary level and the students are woefully unprepared. The district admin, not the teachers, are the ones who focus on the standardized tests. They also have put all students in what they call CP classes, regardless of the student's reading/writing level, interest in going to college, etc. It is absolutely horrifying to think that these already ridiculously configured classes will be even more packed with apathetic mouthbreathers. I think we really need to go back to tracking kids. Enough of this ineffective, politically correct BS!! "

    Report Abuse

    dyan wrote on Feb 26, 2009 9:59 AM:

    " You can't make silk purses out of sows' ears. Most of these morons don't belong in college. "

    Report Abuse

    EnglishisPower wrote on Feb 26, 2009 9:23 AM:

    " WTF/EDUMACATION: I think you two are really on to something here. As a professor at Sac State and Alumus of Tokay High, I can say that high schools are not preparing our students for college academia as it is. Cutting teachers and increasing class sizes will only make this problem worse. These secondary education schools are so worried about standardized test scores and have brainwashed the students into thinking that if they score high enough on the SAT and ACT they will do well in college. Well, more often than not this is not the case. With Sac State a convenient tertiary school for many students coming out of the LUSD high schools, I think it should be known that 40% of incoming freshmen who take the EPT test do not score high enough to placed into freshmen English. Is this because they did pass a multiple choice test? No, it is because they can't write an essay to save their lives. Hence, the job is not being done at the high school level. And, we cannot place these students into the apathetic category. I have worked with them, and it is clear that they want a higher education. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 25, 2009 8:12 PM:

    " dyan 4:46 Or, the failure could be viewed from the point of view of student and parent responsibility. All the education system and teacher can do is provide a framework and structure for the student and parent. When an opportunity is made available, its the responsibility of the student to get involved and actually try. Education requires effort. The osmotic theory of teaching is untenable. "

    Report Abuse

    dyan wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:46 PM:

    " Teachers think of themselves as so indispensable. I think about that every time the kids at Taco Bell can't make simple change. "

    Report Abuse

    dyan wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:37 PM:

    " Twenty years ago, the district office was a few offices in the back of Washington Elementary School. Today, it's a three story building, with temp. additions. Just like the Soviet Union, bureauracy eventually eats its own. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:22 PM:

    " Bry and Socrates: I'm sure most Americans wish the leader of our country would have made better decisions for the last 8 years. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:19 PM:

    " Leonard wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:43 PM:

    " When I look at the current state of Lodi all I can think is thank God I moved away when I did.

    It is simply amazing what bad leadership and bad luck can do to a town in a year and a half. "

    I too question some decisions our town leaders have made. I must say that our country has suffered from bad leadership for quite awhile so Lodi isn't the only town suffering, obviously. "

    Report Abuse

    Bry wrote on Feb 23, 2009 9:51 PM:

    " ISN'T CHANGE GREAT! Now you are going to have to pay for your neighbors mortagage and soon you will have to pay for the medical of the lazy and criminals thug who rob and abuse you. This is just the beginning of change. The USA will soon be United Socialist States of America. Your Pocket "Change" is coming! "

    Report Abuse

    Socrates wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:08 AM:

    " California is in a breeding disaster. I'm glad that I left California due to no job opportunities and sad I left because I miss my parents, friends, family, etc. When will you learn that California's high taxes forces business to leave? Also, what do you expect when so many illegals come to California and expect you all to foot their bill for education, medicine, free food, services? California needs strict laws against illegals! Admit only those to harvest the crops and then force them to go back to Mexico once the harvest is done for grapes. Fine all employers who hire illegals and deport all illegals with one week! Why do we admit so many legal immigrants when we're in an economic crisis with no jobs! Unemployed American workers are competing for scarce jobs with immigrants coming to America. We need to cut immigration by over 70% to America. If they want jobs, then they can immigrate to China! "

    Report Abuse

    Leonard wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:43 PM:

    " When I look at the current state of Lodi all I can think is thank God I moved away when I did.

    It is simply amazing what bad leadership and bad luck can do to a town in a year and a half. "

    Report Abuse

    vickster wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:49 PM:

    " Giovanina...Catherine Pennington and Barbara Johnston are Assistant Superintendents; Rich Ferrara was the Associate Superintendent, at the same time. I don't know what Dennis Brown's official title was, but Dr. Johnston replaced him. I think the Assistant and Associate titles are confusing people. Anyhow, can we agree to disagree? "

    Report Abuse

    Giovanina wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:54 AM:

    " Bill Huyett- School Super

    Odie Douglas- Assc Super

    Dennis Brown- Assc Super of Secondary; Later Barbara Johnston

    Pat Hill- Assc Super of Elementary; Later Catherine Pennington

    This is what it looked like when Odie was hired. "

    Report Abuse

    Giovanina wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:53 AM:

    " " Vickster wrote on Feb 19, 2009 1:25 PM:

    " Giovanina...Correct me if I am wrong, but the person who previously held Dr. Odie Douglas' position retired, then Dr. Douglas was hired, the position was not created for him. Right? "

    Incorrect, Rich Ferrara was Assc Super of K-12 schools. That postion was split in an Assc Super of Elementary and an Assoc Super of Secondary. Odie's positon never existed.

    Now Dr. Johnston is cut, and the 2 Assc Super positions are rejoined into Assc Super k-12, and Odie, who has the least seniority, gets it. "

    Report Abuse

    Parent95240 wrote on Feb 20, 2009 7:38 PM:

    " ru4real- We tried the calm rational approach, but wre kisked out of the meeting due to a fire marshall and BAD planning. We calmly asked to look at details and were given an "its none of your business" response. When you are paying thousands of dollars in annual property taxes and getting promises and lame excuses in return, you should expect to be questioned about how you spend tax money. It is not a private stash of cash for personal enjoyment. They must be held to a higher standard than the political dodge ball games they are playing. Straight questions demand honest answers. We aren't getting them. With both the County and state watching, hopefully, there will be fewer attempts to deceive us. "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:28 PM:

    " I remember the battle cry of the parents and teachers for class size reduction when classroom loads became critical. No question that smaller class sizes provide better results. Class size reduction required the hiring of more teachers and the building of more schools (or adding portables most of the time without a bond). Everyone was praising the District for their efforts (OK, not everyone, but most), and life was good, or as good as it was going to get. More teachers were hired, more support staff was hired, and teachers had more contact hours per student. If the economy hadn't taken the plunge that it has, everything would still be hunky dory (not sure that's correct spelling but whatever). Even the "experts" were caught off guard by the severity of the crisis. Now it's lean & mean time. Like most, I am not in a position to know what LUSD's strategy is regarding staffing. I'm sure that there are many out there that who wouldn't believe anything the District said anyway. I'm thinking a CALM, moderated question & answer session in a large venue might be in order. "

    Report Abuse

    Parent95240 wrote on Feb 20, 2009 2:45 PM:

    " Vickster Don't try to marginalize us parents by calling us "bloggers". Your attitude is showing.

    Every parent I talk with wants a REAL line by line AUDIT.

    The type of AUDIT with an army of forensic accountants and attorneys who specialize in white collar chicanery and finagling.

    The taxpayers voices will be heard. "

    Report Abuse

    reading wrote on Feb 20, 2009 2:24 PM:

    " Vick: Could very well be. I am recollecting... and I recall it all happening during the 90's. I supported the districts endeavors then, they aren't supporting us now.

    Point is, I'm payin....your cutting where you should cut LAST.... yet I still have to pay you.

    Find something else to cut. "

    Report Abuse

    Vickster wrote on Feb 20, 2009 2:13 PM:

    " Reading...The "castle" was built many, many years before Measures K and L were passed by the majority of voters. Which incidently, those bond dollars can only be spent on construction of schools. Please people get your facts straight before you make comments.
    Do you bloggers not think the District books are audited at least every 6 months? "

    Report Abuse

    Parent95240 wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:48 PM:

    " Several of us parents recently visited the California Department Of Education in Sacramento to discuss these issues. We have been advised to write up a list of our concerns and ask for an audit of the LUSD books. We are also planning to request that the SJ County Ofice of Education investigate why credentialed teachers are being fired and administrators protected. One key comment that we are relaying from the CDE, is that if anyone knows of ANY questionable business practices or contracts, to immediately call the California State Office of School Fiscal services at (916) 322-3024 and provide them the information so they may examine the issue. They will be closely monitoring the LUSD board recall effort. They advised that a recall of the LUSD Board would be a good way for parents to re-introduce fiscal accountability. They were shocked to hear about the teacher layoffs. It looks like we have support at the state level. "

    Report Abuse

    reading wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:32 PM:

    " RU4REAL: Another item...

    Just looked at my 08-09 property tax bill. My donation to the LUSD in this period was slightly less than $260, which is still a chunk of change to me. My youngest will start K-garden soon and my understanding is that his class size could increase to over 30 by then under these cuts. I hesitently voted for most of the school bonds over the last decade or so, and watched in disbelief the building of the castle as well. Well, ten years later...here we are, cuts in the wrong location, excuses made up by folks like you......and I'm still payin'..... "

    Report Abuse

    reading wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:09 PM:

    " REAL: Might want to rethink your own pool comment before you toss stones at me.

    So, what is it that is manure? The fact that taxpayer-parents are P.O.'ed about this? Please be specific, copy and paste if you must, and ID my "manure". Also, while doing so, don't run off and hide behind paragraphs of fluff.....have a real (short) believable answer. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:05 PM:

    " RU4REAL Since there are so many teachers leaving, the Personnel department, which has been in slow motion the past few years, has been discussing the need to hire more personnel administrators at hefty salaries to type the paperwork.

    It never ends with these people.

    If the payroll decreases, why can't they lay off more payroll people? I know, it doesn't work that way in the LUSD.

    I am waiting for the overtime requests to start building up. Its one of the ways to pad a salary for departing employees. We need someone to watch all the overtime requests and the promotions. Someone should have been watching last year, when we handed out the million dollar golden parachute. "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:50 AM:

    " reading,

    Perhaps someday I'll be as good as you and qualify to spread manure. "

    Report Abuse

    reading wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:38 AM:

    " RU4REAL:

    I see you are spreading whitewash on this blog also. Nice comment on the Tokay pool.

    The answer is very simple: The LNS reported about 390-ish teacher layoffs. This is a huge red flag to everyone but you. It woke people up. People don't want to see cuts in direct services to their kids, knowing that MANY cuts can be made elsewhere first. There are no excuses, nor whitewashing these very simple, black and white facts behind paragraphs of fluff.

    Subsequently, the current folks who are making these choices, (Current board) hang themselves out on a limb and will come under scrutiny (I do it on election day) from the public.

    I encourage people to pay attention to simple facts, remember the actions taken by the politicians we elect (and pay)...and act accordingly. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:43 PM:

    " Finallyoutoflodi - I feel your pain. Elkhorn WAS a G.A.T.E. school. No longer! Unfortunately, the PC educrats felt it "wasn't fair" to have so many Asians and "non-people of color" represented, so they changed the minimum standards. If you tell someone that they are smarter than they really are, rarely the ploy works.

    In my view, all public schools should be like Elkhorn. Why shut down a successful program? Today, the main value of Elkhorn, is NOT the superior intellect of students (which is implied), but in a few other factors that could be implemented in all other schools to the advantage of all concerned.

    These are the main differences that matter:

    1) Higher expectations of ALL STUDENTS by parents and teachers. NO EXCUSES allowed for missing or sloppy work.

    2) Safety- Safety is paramount at Elkhorn. If a few wannabes start trash mouthing students, they ARE out! No whining or excuses for this inappropriate behavior that is CELEBRATED as cultural diversity in other schools.

    3) Competitiveness is not restrained. Most all children know where they are in a group. Giving unearned high grades is dishonest. "

    Report Abuse

    Finallyoutoflodi wrote on Feb 19, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " Acampo Mom: I understand where you are coming from with the ideas about a few G.A.T.E. classes at each school, but I still feel like people truly do not appreciate what Elkhorn offers kids. Sure you can offer students a few advanced classes, but placing them in an environment where they are surrounded by kids just as smart as themselves at all times is the only way to ensure they will be learning to their full potential. I'm not commenting on here to say anyone is stupid like others do, or to say that people aren't entitles to their opinion, but as a graduate of Elkhorn and a current college student, I feel like Elkhorn needs to stay open in order to give GATE kids a better place to learn. "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 19, 2009 7:36 AM:

    " Oops, screen just disappeared. Didn't mean to send it twice. "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 19, 2009 7:34 AM:

    " edumacation,

    Why waste my time applying? You're obviously so much more qualified. Besides, it would interfere with my golf. "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 19, 2009 7:31 AM:

    " edumacation,

    Why waste my time applying? You're obviously much more qualified than I. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:35 AM:

    " Acampo_Mom: Yes, you're right. And Elkhorn has to go. If all of these other things are getting cut then Elkhorn should be right in there as well. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:32 AM:

    " Finallyoutoflodi: It's too late. Elkhorn has to go. "

    Report Abuse

    Acampo_Mom wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:11 AM:

    " I'm sorry I meant middle school students... "

    Report Abuse

    Acampo_Mom wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:10 AM:

    " Finallyoutoflodi...I really don't know much about Elkhorn...but wouldn't it make more sense to just have a couple of GATE classes at each school, rather than have an ENTIRE school? If students are found to be "gifted" and need more of a challenge, surely they can do the same curriculum as the rest of their peers and then also receive some advanced instruction from the GATE classes. It's not really rocket science. Or they could just do it like the rest of us...If I got bored reading "easy" books, I'd pick up some classic literature. I don't need a special school to help me exercise my mind, and neither do elementary school students. "

    Report Abuse

    Finallyoutoflodi wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:27 PM:

    " To all of you that said Elkhorn should be cut out, you have no idea what you are talking about taking away. Literally, NO IDEA! I was lucky enough to go to Elkhorn and became a much better student because of it. As a direct result of Elkhorn, I learned how to push myself academically and how to continue to perform at a higher level academically. If I'd have gone to middle school elsewhere, I probably would've spent more time doing nothing than learning because the curriculum would be too easy. Kids with advanced minds need a place to flourish until high school when AP (advanced placement) classes become available! Elkhorn isn't just another public school, it should be an example to all other schools in the district and truly pushes its students to perform! Sorry not any slacker can get in, but don't take more away from the hardworking students!!! "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:16 PM:

    " RU4REAl- Go back to your room. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:14 PM:

    " RU4REAL- Obviously I can't write out a mission statement and procedure in a few hundred words. But my idea is to have maybe one or two professsionals--outsourced to handle simple details that would not take 40 hrs./week 52 weeks a year. Details include regulatory matters, long range goals (LUSD has none) and possibly even a lobbyist to keep the school districts from attacking real education. The cctyc and CDe along with the California state school Superintendents association crave bureacracy and pretend jobs so they can have more control and inocme. Our new district would NEVER have $120,000 /year administrators who COUNT TEXTBOOKS one by one for a job. I have seen them counting textbooks and its outrageous that NO administrator complains except to offer them more assistant administrators to help them count. You could outsource that job to the developmentally disabled for a lost less money! BTW RU4REAL, why don't you apply? "

    Report Abuse

    Cogito wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:43 PM:

    " I really don't see what the big deal is. Don't teachers always say that they could make more money working in the private sector? Well, looks like they're about to improve their lifestyles. The district is really doing them a favor in the long term.....aren't they? "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:37 PM:

    " Jerry,

    Yes, you did miss something on your 9:06 AM today. Your spell check ! "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:34 PM:

    " FYI..... Every superintendent, asst. superintendent, director, manager, teacher, principal, vice-principal, supervisor, lead worker, etc, etc, hired by LUSD, had to ultimately be approved by the board before they could start work. Though the makeup of the board changes from year to year, this is the same board that is ELECTED by the public to serve in their best interest. The emotions that are being expressed at this period of time are somewhat perplexing to me. It appears that, prior to the proposed layoffs, the board was doing an acceptable job of managing the business of the district. Did they somehow become incompetent overnight? Did someone place a hallucinogenic chemical in their glass of water? Was an inaudible white noise mind control tape being played during the previous board meetings? Just wondering! "

    Report Abuse

    RU4REAL wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:20 PM:

    " Hey, edumacation, I'm just a wee bit confused. One minute you're saying we need to get rid of LUSD administration, and then in your 7:41 AM post today you state that, in your new teacher run wonder school, you would "outsource" administration and bookeeping. You have more flip flops than Tokay High pool. "

    Report Abuse

    tired wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:06 PM:

    " Elkhorn should have gone a long time ago! It is a waste of money for the chosen few. "

    Report Abuse

    Vickster wrote on Feb 18, 2009 5:38 PM:

    " I may be wrong, and correct me if I am...but,didn't someone retire from the Associate Superintendents position before Dr. Douglas was hired? The position already existed. Yes? No? "

    Report Abuse

    Contrapasso wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:48 PM:

    " Our union is not stabbing us in the back. Why should we take cuts when there are positions at the district office that should be cut first? The "associate superintendent" position, which was created by Bill Huyett for one of his cronies, Odie Douglas, is unneccessary and needs to be eliminated before any teacher is laid off or takes a cut. "

    Report Abuse

    midtowner wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:09 PM:

    " My point is that we need to stop all give away programs. All these accomodations have gotten us in the predicament we're in today. The reason why we as Californians and Lodians are in the financial craphole is because of the social services which have been misidenified as rights instead of gifts!

    Loadedeye: WalMart can't afford me. "

    Report Abuse

    loadeye wrote on Feb 18, 2009 3:45 PM:

    " midtowner, do you work for Walmart? "

    Report Abuse

    Oh Bull ! wrote on Feb 18, 2009 3:23 PM:

    " Hint NORTH STOCKTON SCHOOLS ! Give the schools to Stockton unifed. I don't see them having to cut like Lodi. The lady with the kinder student that can't see how they would fit more that 10 students get real most kinder already have more students. Lodian I to agree that ELK HORN needs to go! "

    Report Abuse

    shockedinlodi wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:32 PM:

    " Midtowner- Free lunches are not the issue. The lunch program makes money and that is including the free lunches and it is funded by the feds. The food program is not part of the budget I don't think. "

    Report Abuse

    Jennifer Bonnett wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:30 PM:

    " The seven positions include: assistant superintendent of secondary education, director of education services, director of elementary education, vice principal of Lincoln Technical Academy, director of certificated personnel, administrative director of students services/SELPA, vice principal of intervention programs "

    Report Abuse

    shockedinlodi wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:26 PM:

    " "They also added seven positions cut from the district's administration office, including the assistant superintendent of secondary education." Can anyone tell me what the 7 positions were? "

    Report Abuse

    midtowner wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " My thoughts:
    Get rid of the free lunch and breakfast! What do the parents feed their kids when school is not in session? Take some personal responsibility!
    Get rid of all ESL classes. All of our ancesters had to learn english when they came to America from the Old Country.
    Get rid of Food Service. The food is not healthy and the students would be better served from homemade lunches. Keep one Food Service employee to keep vending machines stocked.
    Get rid of most of the custodians. Have the students in detention clean up the school afterwards, inclding the bathrooms and graffiti.
    Finally, Get rid of the union and pay teachers what they are worth based on their merit! "

    Report Abuse

    JD wrote on Feb 18, 2009 1:18 PM:

    " Did CTA pitch an alternate proposal whereby jobs would be saved by giving everybody a paycut?

    Methinks the answer is no.

    Teachers, your own union is stabbing you in the back. Wake up! "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 12:29 PM:

    " Observer:

    1) I know several clerks (real clerks-no degrees) with fancy job titles. Each is making over $60,000/year. Not bad for 9 months of work. Of course, they are physically present during the other threee months, but in reality they retired when they were hired. Look at their previous job titles -- CLERK.

    2) Last year, the school board voted to pay the Asst Superintendent of Personnel a huge promotion for about 100 days of work followed by his planned retirement. The Stockton Record computed his retirement benefit package to increase by ONE MILLION DOLLARS. We had a budget problem last year, yet only one board member did not vote for the giant pay increase and huge retirement package. When that employee was promoted, the inevitable ESC musical chairs game continued with additional personnel department underlings moving to fancier titles and income. Only one board member abstained or voted NO. Hopefully, the voters will remember that vote. ESC administrators are all for NUMBER ONE. I don't recall any of them complaining about the waste of money. ONE MILLION DOLLARS = salary budget for one elementary school. "

    Report Abuse

    Jerry wrote on Feb 18, 2009 11:46 AM:

    " Yes, there will be a formal recall petition drafted and distributed in the immediate near-term. I have completed the first draft [now on to the powers that be] at the County. Petitions must be exacting and must follow County procedure to the letter. I will.

    Next step will be a published notice of intent to petition; the teachers that lost their jobs should not give up hope. I believe me my little group can save at least 175 teachers jobs. I will need people to distribute petitions by the first part of March.

    More news later...these people must go! "

    Report Abuse

    Observer wrote on Feb 18, 2009 11:35 AM:

    " Got a question for those of you who know a lot more about LUSD than I do. If you were to "cut the fat at the top", how many people would that include and how much savings would that be? "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 11:03 AM:

    " Vickster: These issues have already been solved in other districts. In Sacramento, a private high school took over the old public high school. Volunteerism would be another way to provide support. Under IRS tax laws, individuals can do volunteer work for non-profits and receive tax credits for tbeir work. Not every worker is greedy. Retired teachers and administrators could provide free help if they wanted. A suitable police background check for a nominal fee could be conducted on all employees, and volunteers to prevent known criminals from being present. There are mnay successful schools who face the same issues without a huge bloated overpaid eduocracy. The school would not be prohibited from mentioning "God", for exampole in the Pledge of Allegiance, and would allow organizations like the YMCA and Boy and Girl Scouts which have almost been eliminated from public schools.

    Private schools really have many more advantages. The LUSD can do what they do best--babysit large groups of unruly kids. "

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    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:47 AM:

    " The goal of this new school is excellence and not mediority and the lowest commo denominator. Most private schools have entrance requirements both physical and mental. Federal regulations including IDEA and Brown do not control PRIVATE schools. A properly designed contract with suitable disclcosures would be required to be signed by all parents and guardians. There is always a public school or SELPA to deal with these issues. In terms of risk management, properly constructed contracts would define responsibilities and seriously limit liability. Workers compensation could be handled by SCIF and or the use of independent subcontractors (teachers are credentialed), torts could be handled by a law firm just like the LUSD. Facility and other concerns would be under separate agreements with the facility owner. No implied or expressed warranty or guaranty would be implied for any service of the school. This school would require parents and students to be responsible. All management would be through teacher-peers and resolution would be through binding arbitration. Examples: Homebuilders who build shoddy houses and insurance companies who provide lousy coverage both use binding arbitration agreements with no problems. Private voluntary admission schools can too. "

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    IMHO wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:32 AM:

    " Why do we need to have up to four assistant principals at each high school grade level? Example; I had to have a required meeting at my kids school, an administrative staff member was REQUIRED TO ATTEND. She did, for about 15 minutes! Then she had to leave, it was after 3pm, and heaven forbid they stay later than that! Why put in an actual 8 hour working day like the rest of us? Nothing like putting themselves first, instead of the STUDENTS! CUT THE FAT NOW!!! "

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    Vickster wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:18 AM:

    " Edumacation...What happens when the first lawsuit is filed against you and your new private school from a parent whom you didn't provide the services you promised? You almost have me conviced... "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:07 AM:

    " We will learn who is more important; the dozens of educrat clones hiding at the ESC, or our students. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:05 AM:

    " Jerry, set up a website or go to the Eyes of Argus to distributge the petition. Lets stop talking about it. What does a surgeon do when they try to remove a cancerous growth? They remove it. Its time for surgery on this tumor called the LUSD school board. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:57 AM:

    " New private school schedule possibilities: 1) up to the parents and teacher. 2) 1:30-5:30 M-F 3) additional instruction as required which could include weekends, holidays, and numerous LUSD school vacations. Parent would have to find sutable baysitters for the days the LUSD is on a vacation. The LUSD could babysit until lunch time, and then the kids could get a real education. While regular LUSD parents wonder what kids do from 2:30 until the time they return from work, the private school students would be safe in a classroom doing REAL learning. If the private students are disruptive or don't do their homwork, they would be expelled from the private schools. Parents of private schools could request that for personal, cultural or religious reasons, that their students not be required to do LUSD homework or take LUSD tests. These types of accomodations are already in place for special cultural groups.

    Possibilities abound with this plan. Instruction by independent study, using the internet is already being used in this state and it could be expanded and would be a teacher decision. Highly paid, do-nothing edumacators would not be required. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:38 AM:

    " In the WTF/Edumacation alternative school, you could charge $230/month for each student in class sizes of twenty. Government grants, and subsidies could help. This is less than half the cost of private schools. This is cheaper than baby sitting which is an excellent feature of the LUSD. If your kids aren't in class in the new private school, you could send them to the LUSD for babysitting AT NO ADDITIONAL COST and the LUSD would legally have to take the students. If the new private schools arranged their hours in different time slots, or days, it could solve a myriad logistics problems for parents. Students of these private schools would receive specialized and individualized instruction and could be sent to the LUSD for babysitting on non-school days. If these students didn't do well because of the commotion at the LUSD, they would really be in the private schools for academics and grading. All schools would be a GATE school, because parental involvement would be required, and Special Ed and EL would not be a legal requirement. It would be up to each teacher to decide the policy for HER "

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    Jerry wrote on Feb 18, 2009 9:06 AM:

    " Washer-Nichols never addressed the fatcat issue last night. So, it's -347 for the teachers and +$168,500 for Odie Douglas and company. These folks have a tin ear for the common concerns of their constituents...they must be removed. Let's start today!

    MY FIRST DRAFT READS....

    We, the undersigned, registered, qualified voters of California, residents of San Joaquin County and living within the boundaries of the Lodi Unified School District, do propose a recall of Lodi Unified School Board on the general election ballot in November, 2009. This recall will have the effect of expelling all elected L.U.S.D. Board members for breach of their fiduciary duty to our teachers, students and parents by violating their own Mission and Vision Statements as well as a gross violation of their own Coporate By-laws in contravention of their office(s).

    The Board must go and take these pompus, arrogant, self-important, pontifical administrators with them.

    Have I missed anything?

    By the way, is there anyone who doesn't know what a Warrant is? A Warrant is merely a slush fund to pay out 8.6 million dollars to "various third parties" for whatever reason... "

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    Lodian wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:57 AM:

    " I wonder how many teachers have already started applying to private schools in looking for a teaching job, or even applying to other districts? Maybe even looking to move out of state?? Maybe some, that are close to retirement, will just retire. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:54 AM:

    " Observer: Sorry but Elkhorn has got to go. "

    Report Abuse

    Observer wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:48 AM:

    " The greatest tragedy to education came when the state took over local funding of schools. The fact that some communities could provide better facilities and attract better teachers was just "unfair". The State had to bring those districts down to their mediocre standards. Of course that's the same reason I don't want to see Elkhorn closed. "

    Report Abuse

    yardcat wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:45 AM:

    " Don't forget the vertual home-schooled classrooms for helping the parents. Another great marketplace. LUSD will have to justify their paychecks with empty classrooms.
    Thanks WTF for getting this idea going. I've seen this befor in big business. You end up with more managers than workers. "

    Report Abuse

    Dirt Claude wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:21 AM:

    " WTF and Edumacation...You both got it all figured out! "

    Report Abuse

    kidsalami wrote on Feb 18, 2009 8:00 AM:

    " We had the same problem when I was in high school. We had at least 30 kids per classroom, and half the school was portables. It's too bad the cuts usually start where it's most needed. I don't understand why they don't eliminate more useless positions at the top? However, I wish more people understood the source of the funding streams. This is district money, and not money from the feds'. Too bad, because the feds are paying for illegals to get free meals and special education services for students who don't care about learning, but are forced to by law. I'm not talking about kids who have legitimate disabilities, but the thugs, anchor babies and illegals, many of whom could care less. What would happen if we applied those staff to student ratios to students who want to learn, and not waste it on students who don't want to learn? There are some classes that have a staff to student ratio of 3:1 at non-public schools. What if we got those aides to work in regular classrooms? Kids would get more individual help and learn more. Too bad these funding streams are separate. "

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    loadeye wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:55 AM:

    " I say if LUSD administrators don't want to cut their excessive pork first, by 50%, at the administration office, it's time to organize the union and teachers into a charter school group, forming their own charter school association and apply for their own grants and funding. To hell with bureauracracy anymore, it's time for the citizens to revolt. After all, if it's our money, we should determine who goes and who stays. These same board members and administrators are the ones who voted themselves these hefty salaries and still take care of one another. Why doesn't our local paper keep us informed? We need a new competitive bi-weekly newspaper that is willing to report the truth and isn't afraid of the bullies at city to keep us informed and keep the heat on these overpaid and underworked bullies and cheats. Let's expose them for what they really are, corrupted puppets. "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:41 AM:

    " In this new private school, all infrastructure issues could be contracted out. Administrative and bookeeping functions could be outsourced. Legal liability could be solved by using apprpriate legal contrcats limiting liability. A Self-insured JPA could be developed with other similar schools across the state. Since the fees would be lower, it would also force local private schools to lower their fees. The result would be more students leaving the LUSD for a superior education without the pitfalls of the huge education bureaucracy where one size fits all. New programs such as magnet classes and trade programs could easily be developed. Educational services would be limited to students with ability to handle the curriculum. Content standards requiring algebra in the second grade could be eliminated. Teachers could actualy teach again and they might even make better salaries. Incorrigible students and lazy students could always go back to the LUSD.

    Why would any parent send their child to the LUSD? "

    Report Abuse

    edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:26 AM:

    " WTF- You have an excellent idea! Especially if we can expand upon it. If all laid off teachers grouped together as a private school, they would no longer come under control of the district or the county. There are many advantages to everyone except the administrators! As a private school, standardized testing could be eliminated, class sized reduced and overhead eliminated. Also, instead of wasting precious time dealing with the same problem students, strict behvaior standards could be implemented. The classrooms could be in any building that is not used, especially unused closed schools. The pay for teachers would come from a small fee charged to the oarents of the students. There would be no bus service or meal service. In this way, the serious students from the LUSD would compete to go to this new private school. Over 80% of the LUSD budget goes to administrative costs and overhead. Textbooks are already available. Thousands of them sit in LUSD warehouses siting and collecting dust. Talented students would want to leave the LUSD for more opportunity in these new schools. "

    Report Abuse

    WY wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:24 AM:

    " wtf.... great post "

    Report Abuse

    wtf wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:04 AM:

    " Really, what has allowing the government into education really done? All I can see is a ballooning, overpaid bureaucracy of overpaid "administrators"

    Get the government - all levels - out of education; it has no business being there and return ultimate control of education to the parents. "

    Report Abuse

    wtf wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:01 AM:

    " After all, schools originally were controlled locally by the parents and the community where they were. There weren't no federal or state government subsidies or regulations to follow.

    Parents had the last say in education. Maybe we should go back to that. "

    Report Abuse

    wtf wrote on Feb 18, 2009 7:00 AM:

    " Getting rid of cell phones, mileage and reducing insurance costs would be a start; however, if they insist on laying off teachers, why don't the teachers form a type of co-op with the parents and form their own school?

    Organic dairy farmers did this, i.e., several small organic dairy farms who would have fallen by the wayside got together and formed Organic Valley - one of the best dairy brands in my book.

    Organic farmers did the same when USDA Organic became meaningless due to lobbyists for agribusinesses changing the definition of organic. True organic farmers came up with their own certification.

    It's apparent that the government, on ALL levels, local, state and federal, has failed. Maybe it's time for the teachers to form their own school business. "

    Report Abuse

    kelsomom wrote on Feb 18, 2009 5:48 AM:

    " I'm confused....so the school board did NOTHING? These poor teachers who have their lives on hold, need some time to make plans for their lives! The children are the losers in this battle. Wow...I guess test scores are out. I guess high school graduation is too. "

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    Comments on this story are now closed.

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