The Playbook

The “Playbook” as I will call it, is a road map for where I project the “agenda” will carry us all. Transparency will be the theme, as issues are framed, to fit the needs for change. The “will of the people” or “mandate from the voters” will be yelled for all to hear whenever a voice is heard in opposition. The voices will be loud. They will be constant. They will be reading from the same script. No need to figure out what is broke or needs fixed. Change it all, it’s all broke, because the ones who run it, are the problem.

Blame and accusations start the game. Then conquer and divide the masses as the participants choose sides. Spin just enough truth in any statement to make it legit and the rest will take care of itself. Facts are what “they” say they are.

I have watched dozens of boards struggle through change in governance. The smaller boards (5) seem to be most volatile. The reason is it takes fewer people of similar interest to disrupt and destroy. Three people can destroy any board or organization in a very short time. If history is an indication of what can be expected, the first big change is management will be tossed and replaced with “their” person. “Their” person now beholding to the three who placed him/her into the position. This will take but several months of negative accusations and blame, exaggerated incidents that are spun to paint a picture of deceit or incompetence.

The “Transparency” theme is alive and well already. The evidence is laid out in Ms. Beatty’s opinion piece in the Pomerado News. Follow along the comments from another board member, Charles Sellers and the first stone is laid. “The will of the people” mandate has been pressed as they begin to defend their actions. The “divide and conquer” began with the attack of the IBPS process and teachers. Throw in the accusatory comments, spun to make it appear as if there is some nefarious proposition for padding or influencing negotiations to line the pockets of others and the unknowing begin to doubt. Pitch in an e-mail directed at a select group of teachers, laying out a variety of allegations, directed at the leadership of the PFT and the assault begins to create distrust within.

I’m not, nor have I ever been a conspiracy theorist, or someone who takes things at face value. I take it all in and evaluate the information, comparing it to other information and researching what I have discovered. I ask lots of questions and take information from a variety of sources. I have always verified and checked facts to ensure I get them right and can then formulate an educated understanding of the issues.

I look to the PUSD Board Policies as a point of reference when deciding if the actions of the board fall within their own policies. Board Policy 1.0 Governing Board; Section 1.2 General Provisions Governing the Poway Unified School District, highlights the role and responsibility of the governing board. It reads as follows:

The basic policy of the Board of Education of the Poway Unified School District shall be to develop and maintain for the people of the District the best school system obtainable, subject to financial limitations imposed by the state legislature.

The Board of Education formulates the policies which guide the affairs of the District. These policies shall be consistent with state law, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Education and directives of other constituted authorities. In the development of policies, the Board will look both to District personnel and to District stakeholders for guidance.

The District Superintendent, as the executive officer of the Board, is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate procedures to meet Board Policy. As an integral part of its responsibility for policy making, the Board has the responsibility for appraisal and evaluation. To that end, the Board shall inform itself of the manner in which its policies affect student performance, the educational program, and of the manner in which its policies are being carried out. This will be accomplished by means of direct observation, the State of the District Report, frequent reports from District employees, and other processes as may be designated by the Board.

Reports to the Board shall be prepared by the District Superintendent at such times as the Board so designates. In keeping with the Board’s policy of improving the understanding between the schools of the District and the people served, such reports will be made available to the community, interested organizations, and school stakeholders so that all concerned may be better informed regarding the school District and its activities.

Finally, it is recognized that the Board of Education is the legislative body of the Poway Unified School District. In all matters of policy, the Board will not delegate its authority and such authority is not to be usurped by any District employee. Nor shall the content of Board Policy be construed to be part of any collective bargaining agreement unless expressly included in said agreement. The District Superintendent, acting as the Board’s executive officer, will carry out the policy formulated by the Board. Mutual care is pledged that the Board of Education not assume executive power and that the Superintendent not assume the Board’s legislative power.

In providing this general policy statement, the Board of Education is giving expression to its belief that the District schools exist for the constructive, democratic education of the pupil and the consequent betterment of the American society. This policy is a sincere attempt to outline principles which will enable the school District to serve effectively the best educational interests of the District’s children.

The Governing Board recognizes that the Board is the unit of authority over the District and that a Board member has no individual authority. Board members shall hold the education of students above any partisan principle, group interest, or personal interest.

Unless agreed to by the Board as a whole, individual members of the Board shall not exercise any administrative responsibility with respect to the schools or command the services of any school employee. Individual Board members shall submit requests for information to the Superintendent. Board members shall refer Board-related correspondence to the Superintendent for forwarding to the Board or for placement on the Board's agenda, as appropriate.

 Individual Board members do not have the authority to resolve complaints. Any Board member approached directly by a person with a complaint should refer the complainant to the Superintendent, or designee, so that the problem may receive proper consideration and be handled through the appropriate District process.

A Board member whose child is attending a district school should be aware of his/her role as a Board member when interacting with district employees about his/her child.

The Governing Board is elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the District. The Board shall ensure that the District is responsive to the priorities of the community.

The PUSD Board of Education would be well served to review this policy, discuss it and embrace it. There is a time and place for differences of opinion to be aired. There is a protocol for the decorum of governance that when not practiced becomes destructive. A true leader garners support from supporters as well as detractors.

There are five members of the Board of Education for PUSD. They must work together, with staff and community to fulfill their obligations to the citizens they serve. They were not elected to simply serve only those who cast a vote for them. To that end, it’s not the loudest voice, or the voice most often heard, that matters. All voices must be heard and listened too. I am but one voice.