Charles Sellers and the Hostile Work Environment

Below is a copy of a letter I sent to the Personnel Commission for the Poway Unified School District, the Board of Education as well as the Acting Superintendent, Dr. Mel Robertson. If you have been following, you know I spoke at the Board meeting on the 13th of September, detailing an incident that occurred, where Charles Sellers made a baseless complaint of harassment against my daughter. This complaint was in support of Kimberley Beatty's husband. I do not hold out much hope the Board will address these issues, but it is time people are made aware of the actions of Charles Sellers and Kimberley Beatty. These two work in concert, involving the likes of Keith "JOBBY" Wilson and the Gobshite Garniers. 

The Board of Education, Personnel Commission and District Administration is now put on notice, the actions of Charles Sellers have created a hostile environment for their employees.  

September 15, 2016

David Little, Chairperson

Personnel Commission

Poway Unified School District

15250 Avenue of Science

San Diego, CA 92128

Subject: Notice of Hostile Work Environment

Dear Mr. Little,

I am writing this letter as a follow up to comments made before the Board of Trustees, on September 13, 2016. I spoke before the Board during Item C of the agenda, putting the Board and District on notice that Charles Sellers has created a “Hostile Work Environment” for one of its employees. By way of this letter, I am requesting action be taken to ensure the conduct of Mr. Sellers, be addressed.

By way of background, my daughter is a tenured teacher with Poway Unified Schools. Last week she contacted me and was extremely upset. She  communicated  she had just been told one of the School Board Members, Charles Sellers, lodged a complaint against her, saying she had harassed Ned Beatty, Trustee Kimberley Beatty’s husband. My daughter was extremely upset by this allegation.

During Back to School Night (BTSN), Ned Beatty, Trustee Kimberley Beatty’s husband, was placing political flyers on vehicles in the parking lots of the school. He was observed by several employees of the site, as he bobbed and weaved his way through the parked cars. The Athletic Director was headed to his classroom when he saw a person weaving in and out of cars in the lot. He wondered what this individual was doing and started to walk toward the lot. At the same time, the campus supervisor and a male Assistant Principle drove up in a golf cart and the Assistant Principal made contact with the individual, who identified himself as Ned Beatty. The Assistant Principal asked what Mr. Beatty was doing. Mr. Beatty said he is placing flyers on vehicles. The Assistant Principal asked if Mr. Beatty has permission to do this. Mr. Beatty indicated that he in fact does have permission. The Assistant Principal asks if Mr. Beatty is going to come back after BTSN is over and pick up the flyers left on the ground (we all know many people simply remove these papers from their windows and drop them on the ground). Mr. Beatty walks away, but returns and asks the Assistant Principal if he is going to tell the other 4-5 people leaving flyers to pick up flyers. The Assistant Principal explains he (Mr. Beatty) is the first person he has seen doing such an activity. Mr. Beatty presses this issue, repeatedly asking the same question of the Assistant Principal. During the exchange between the Assistant Principal and Mr. Beatty, a female Assistant Principal approached and stood by the golf cart, as did the Athletic Director. Mr. Beatty left and the two AP’s, campus supervisor and AD went about their business.

My daughter was in her classroom, interacting with parents and performing her job. At no time was she in the parking lot during any interaction with Ned Beatty. My daughter is confident Ned Beatty does not know, nor has he ever met my daughter. There would be no reason for my daughter’s name to be uttered by Ned Beatty, as being a participant in his contact with staff at the school site, during BTSN.

So, how did it come to be that my daughter’s name appeared in an e-mail to Dr. Robertson, sent by Charles Sellers, alleging my daughter had harassed Ned Beatty. It is my understanding my daughter was the only person to be identified by name. The others were identified by their position, not name. My daughter was not present in the parking lot during the encounter with Ned Beatty. I don’t believe Charles Sellers was present during the encounter either. So, again, how is it that my daughter, a teacher in this district, was named by name, in a complaint by Charles Sellers, on behalf of Ned Beatty?

There is a process in place for members of the community to file complaints. Article 4, Section 4.106 of Board Policy, which was modified as recently as May 31, 2016, states in its first sentence; “It shall be the policy of the Board of Education to manage complaints from parents, students, or patrons, against employees of the District through a well-conceived and defined procedure.” I will assume Section 4.106.1 is that “well-conceived and defined procedure” which spells out succinctly the process for filing a complaint against a district employee. Mr. Sellers violated Board Policy in the manner he lodged his complaint. 

The fact Charles Sellers penned an e-mail for the purpose of filing a complaint, on behalf of Ned Beatty, is egregious in and of itself. It is also a clear conflict of interest and abuse of power. But to besmirch a teacher, whose name Charles Sellers pulled from who knows where, and file a baseless, unfounded and libelous complaint is deplorable and unacceptable. These actions have created, in my daughters mind, a hostile work environment. To be attacked, defamed and besmirched by a Trustee, without justification or merit, has had a profound effect on her physically and emotionally.

At the conclusion of the August 23, 2016, school board meeting, Charles Sellers verbally attacked Director Tim Purvis, without provocation. Mr. Sellers left the dais and approached Mr. Purvis in a hostile and aggressive manner, yelled at and berated Mr. Purvis who was standing in the audience. A community member, Brian Epperson, stepped in front of Mr. Sellers and told him to stop. There were several other Directors and District staff present who witnessed this event. Many were extremely upset and at least two were crying they were so upset by what they had just witnessed.

I highlight this incident because staff has expressed fear of reprisal for speaking up. They do not believe there is an avenue in place to address the hostile, threatening and bullying actions of Mr. Sellers. These actions have created and continue to create a Hostile Work Environment, not just for my daughter and Mr. Purvis, but other District employees. You have a duty and an obligation under the law to ensure employees of the Poway Unified School District are provided a safe and hostile free environment to work in.

This letter is placing you on notice the actions of Mr. Charles Sellers are unacceptable and have risen to the level of creating a “Hostile Work Environment” for District employees. I trust and pray the District will take appropriate actions to protect its employees and ensure a safe and hostile free environment.

Steve McMillan

Cc:          Daren Keenaghan, Commissioner, Personnel Board

                Margaret Wyatt, Commissioner, Personnel Board

                Dr. Mel Robertson, Acting Superintendent

                Michelle O’Connor Ratcliff, President, Board of Education

                T. J. Zane, Vice-President, Board of Education

                Andy Patapow, Trustee, Board of Education

                Kimberley Beatty, Trustee, Board of Education

                Charles Sellers, Trustee, Board of Education

What the Board of Education, Personnel Commission and District Administration do from this point is any ones guess. I do know the law is clear in this area and action must be taken to protect employees. 

If you are one of the many who have suffered at the hands of Charles Sellers from bullying, yelling, threats or any other means, it is not too late to make your feelings known. Talk to your union representative and share with them your encounter. They will know what you can do and how to handle the issue.               

Keith "Jobby" Wilson

Keith "Jobby" Wilson continues to prove why he fits, in every manner, the description associated with who and what a "Jobby" is. To help those who have not yet looked it up or don't know it's meaning, let me provide a little insight.

The title of "Jobby" is taken from Scottish slang. The term identifies a piece of excrement. "Jobby or Jobbie" is a Scots term for the brownish substance excreted from ones anus when the bowels are full after a spicy cuisine. When I first heard this term, the immediate thought in my mind was Keith Wilson. He so fits this description I could not think or visualize any other thought that fit more succinctly.

To prove my point, which Keith "Jobby" Wilson does on a daily basis, I share with you an e-mail sent to me from the Jobby, Keith Wilson.

-----Original Message-----

From: Kjwilson8806@aol.com [mailto:Kjwilson8806@aol.com]

Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 7:31 PM

To: Steve L. McMillan

Subject: You and your daughter are assholes!

I've heard she looks like you, poor bitch!

Keith

Nothing more need be said. He makes my case for me. But, he just can't help himself and this morning, sends one of his famous spam e-mails to a group of souls, who daily must suffer this fool.

-----Original Message-----

From: Kjwilson8806@aol.com [mailto:Kjwilson8806@aol.com]

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 8:46 AM

To: apatapow@powayusd.com; csellers@powayusd.com; moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com; mrobertson@powayusd.com; tjzane@powayusd.com; kbeatty@powayusd.com
Cc: ashly.mcglone@voiceofsandiego.org; cpaik@powayusd.com; editor@pomeradonews.com; sdreyer@pomeradonews.com; Steve L. McMillan; chris.reed@sduniontribune.com

Subject: PUSD School Board Meeting

Dear PUSD Board Trustees:

I think we were all amazed and appreciative that under public comments there were only two speakers last night. I think this is a sign that the community believes the board is charting a new course away from our dark past.

However, I would be remiss if I did not give a "thumbs down" to Steve McMillan for refusing chemotherapy treatment. Maybe with stage 4 brain cancer it would be hopeless.

Again, I want to thank Kimberley Beatty and Charles Sellers for their courage in rooting out the corruption in our district.

Sincerely,

Keith Wilson

Imagine for a moment, Keith "Jobby" Wilson, in a room with young, impressionable children. His grand children for instance. Imagine the influence and example he sets for these impressionable minds. Picture him at the dinner table with his wife, children, grand children as he holds court, telling them his views of life and his day. 

Yea, I too can only shake my head in sorrow and sadness, at the thought of lives lost. 

While I have friends battling various types of cancer, one in her last stages of life as a result of cancer that has destroyed her brain, I find nothing about this pathetic attempt at being funny, acceptable. The despicable, disgusting, pathetic vitriol, spewed by this JOBBY is proof positive he is a mentally sick, narcissistic, assclown. Keith "Jobby" Wilson lacks the intellect to have a normal discourse with others. He masks this lack of ability by spewing the vitriol he does, in hopes of receiving a response. My only response is to share for others to see, who and what Keith "Jobby" Wilson really is.....  I don't have cancer. 

Something for Charles Sellers' Tight Throat

So I'm sitting on my balcony, smoking a cigar, enjoying a scotch (September 8, 2016, 7:39 PM) and my phone comes to life. A text notification pops off and I pick up the phone. The distinct tone indicates the message sender is my daughter. I open the message, which reads as follows: "I was just told that Charles Sellers named me in a formal complaint about Beatty's husband being confronted on BTSN (Back to School Night) in the parking lot... Like WHAT THE HELL????" 

My reply was simple;"What?" "Were you there?" My daughter quickly replied; "I was in my classroom. I had nothing to do with that or with what any of my admin were doing in the parking lots." 

After a brief back and forth Q & A she writes; "So dumb, Like, there are easily a hundred parents that could tell him I was in my classroom because I was, you know, doing Back to School Night, not harassing people in parking lots. And I wouldn't have even bothered to intervene... Why do they feel like they have to drag me into this when YOU'RE the one poking, not me? I have stayed decided out of all of it. I don't comment. I don't speak. I don't blast them on social media. RADIO SILENCE. And YET. WHY. Like, I am so furious and upset now that I can barely focus and I have so much work to do and now I am on the verge of crying because I just don't like feeling attacked this way when I have done NOTHING."

After talking to her for a bit, trying to calm her and provide support, I told her I would do some digging and find out what was going on. My daughter was simply told Charles Sellers filed a formal complaint, naming her as one of the employees who "harassed" Kimberley Beatty's husband as he placed political flyers on vehicles parked in the parking lots of Poway High, during Back to School Night.

I made some inquires the next day. What I discovered is extremely appalling. I learned that Charles Sellers filed a formal complaint on behalf of Kimberley Beatty's husband. The complaint alleged the Assistant Principle, Athletic Director, my daughter and "possibly another teacher" harassed Beatty's husband in the parking lot as he was placing flyers on cars.

The story relayed to me went something like this....

The AD is walking to his classroom and sees someone weaving in and out of cars. He is wondering what the person is doing. He walks toward the person but the campus supervisor and AP, together in a golf cart, drive up to the person. The AP gets out of the cart and asks the person what he is doing. The person is putting political flyers on the windshields of vehicles.The AP asks if the person has permission and the person said "yes." The AP asks for the persons name and address (Identifies himself as Ned Beatty) and then asks if the person will come back and pick up the flyers on the ground after back to school night (knowing most will be tossed onto the ground by owners of these vehicles). The AP does not know who "Beatty" is. Beatty's husband walks away, but returns and asks the AP if he is going to tell the other 4 or 5 people leaving flyers if they will pick up the flyers/trash. The AP tells Beatty he is the first one he has seen doing this activity. Beatty presses the issue and repeatedly asks the AP if he is going to ask the others. The AP responds each time, Beatty is the first person he has seen. During this encounter, the Athletic Director stood by the golf cart with the campus supervisor. At some point, a female AP came over but did not engage in the conversation. Ned Beatty finally walked away and the two AP's, campus supervisor and AD went about their business.

Charles Sellers was not present at this encounter between Ned Beatty and staff. Charles Sellers is a sitting Trustee for the Board of Education for Poway Schools. Charles Sellers made a complaint of harassment against an employee of the district that is without merit and completely false. It appears the only named individual was my daughter, who Charles Sellers named by name.

So, how did it come to be that my daughter’s name appeared in an e-mail to Dr. Robinson, sent by Charles Sellers, alleging my daughter had harassed Ned Beatty. It is my understanding my daughter was the only person to be identified by name. The others were identified by their position, not name. My daughter was not present in the parking lot during the encounter with Ned Beatty. My daughter and Ned Beatty have never met. There is no reason Ned Beatty would utter my daughter's name, as he does not know her and I am confident, does not know of her either. I don’t believe Charles Sellers was present during the encounter either. So, again, how is it that my daughter, a teacher in this district, was named by name, in a complaint by Charles Sellers, on behalf of Ned Beatty?

There is a process in place for members of the community to file complaints. Article 4, Section 4.106 of Board Policy, which was modified as recently as May 31, 2016, states in its first sentence; “It shall be the policy of the Board of Education to manage complaints from parents, students, or patrons, against employees of the District through a well-conceived and defined procedure.”

I will assume Section 4.106.1 is that “well-conceived and defined procedure” which spells out succinctly the process for filing a complaint against a district employee. It would be foolish of me to assume Charles Sellers has read, understands and abides by the procedures spelled out in this section. He clearly does not follow the procedure as it is written.

The fact Charles Sellers penned an e-mail for the purpose of filing a complaint, on behalf of Ned Beatty, is egregious in and of itself. To besmirch a teacher, whose name Charles Sellers pulled from who knows where, and file a baseless, unfounded and libelous complaint, is deplorable and unacceptable. These actions have created, in my daughter's mind, a hostile work environment. To be attacked, defamed and besmirched by a Trustee, without justification or merit, has had a profound effect on her physically and emotionally.

I am calling on this Board to take action against Charles Sellers for his actions. Continued or repeated accusations against employees of the District by Charles Sellers is having a negative effect on students and education. His actions will also subject the District to litigation for the libelous and defaming allegations he puts forth and the hostile environment he is creating.

The process in 4.106.1, was put in place for a reason. It is there to protect the district, ensure the rights of employees are protected and to allow persons with legitimate complaints to be heard. In this case, I believe Charles Sellers is using this process as vengeance. I call on this Board to censure Charles Sellers and show the students, employees, voters, taxpayers and my daughter, these actions will not be tolerated.

As a sitting Trustee, Sellers fills many roles. One is as an adjudicator of discipline and hearing officer for appeals of findings as well as discipline. Sellers has ignored Board Policy and involved himself in an incident he had no business involving himself in. His actions are a clear conflict of interest and an abuse of power.

I spoke at Tuesday (September 13, 2016) nights Board meeting about this issue. I called upon the Board to sanction Charles Sellers. I do not hold out any hope this will  occur as I do not believe the current Board has the testicular fortitude to hold itself or anyone specifically on this Board accountable for their actions or words. This incident is but one of many where Charles Sellers has made allegations against an employee of the District or yelled at or attacked verbally.

Charles Sellers is a pompous ass and bully. He attempts to intimidate, threaten and bully people to get his way. His biggest supporters are Keith "Jobby" Wilson and the Gobshite Garniers. Charles Sellers in an ineffectual Board member and always will be. Why? Because his habitual lack of success is self inflicted by his demeanor and intellect. I really should say "Lack of Intellect" in the case of Charles Sellers. He attempts to portray a higher intellect, but habitually fails.

Charles Sellers e-mail, accusing my daughter of harassing Ned Beatty was a clear act of vengeance, not lost on me. I will repeat what I said to Charles Sellers at the conclusion of my comments;

Charles, my daughter is way out of your league. She simply wants to teach children. You have an issue with me, I'm right here. You leave her out of this.  

Moving Forward for Kids and Education

I have been watching what the Garnier’s and Wilson have labeled the “Dog and Pony” show. Their typical rants, conspiracy theories, allegations and twisting of reality has been extremely amusing. Kim “Numpty” Garnier telling everyone who will listen, that everything she writes she can back up with documentation. She wrote, “Everything I write or say, I can prove, that is why I put my name to it. Come after me legally if I am not being truthful.” Well, let’s talk about being “Truthful” for a few minutes. Being “Truthful” requires “Consistently telling the truth” and “Accurately representing what is depicted or described”. Being “Truthful” is also characterized by accuracy and realism. So, with this in mind, let us take a look at what Kim “Numpty” Garnier has written in the past several days.

In an e-mail dated Sun, 8/28/2016 at 6:32 PM Kim “Numpty” Garnier sent the following:

"Attached is one of many examples of Coalition Board Member Steve McMillan acting as Collins’ attack dog. So far he’s called a board member a “Bimbo”, said he wanted to cram something down a board member’s “tight throat” and stated a board member was “in for a rude awakening". This is from a “Coalition” that claims to want “civility” on the board."

The attachment, part of a series of personal text messages, was a text message sent to me by John Collins, advising me of a special board meeting and asking that I attend. I did not attend the meeting nor did I respond to the text. Garnier continues with her allegations, NOT being “Truthful” in her portrayal of the comments attributed to me. Let me explain. I did call Ms. Beatty a “Bimbo”. I also said Ms. Beatty, NOT another board member, was “in for a rude awakening”. These two comments were contained in a single, private e-mail, between my daughter and me. I did not make these statements in a public venue or in a manner that would embarrass. I was talking to my daughter, via an e-mail. Below is the content of the e-mail in question.

On Fri, March 27, 2015 at 4:04 PM, Steve wrote:

"This is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better. I think the PFT and District personnel are in for fights at every turn. I guess I will have to dust off my politico rants and begin paying attention and taking this bimbo on..... Like I have nothing else to do with my "spare" time... OH wait... I smoke cigars and drink.... I can do it then.... Ms. Beatty is in for a rude awakening....."

This e-mail was obtained through one of the hundreds of Public Information Requests made by the Garniers. In another e-mail, again obtained through a PIR, I responded to a question from a teacher. Let’s take a look at the exchange:

Email exchange 4/21/2015 & 4/22/2015

On Tue, Apr 21, 2015 at 5:48 AM, Peter wrote:

"It was a pleasure to finally meet you last night. If you send me a link to your blog I will post it to the PFT Facebook group.

Something that has been bugging me since last night is the fact the Charles Seller's wife is a member of PSEA. Everyone outside was shocked at how he can speak at length about everyone else having conflict of interest yet he voted to increase his own household income."

On Wed, April 22, 2015 at 12:24 PM, Steve wrote:

"Peter,

Sorry for the delay in getting this out. My BLOG address is http://boardofeducationpoway.blogspot.com/ . Sellers is being hit at various levels now about his wife and he is now starting to defend (really deflect) this issue. It will not go away and more is to come. If you have not seen his posts on Voice of San Diego, I would suggest you review and post them for your members. This guy is a bully and will get much worse before he ever gets better. I will be pushing ever button available to get him to go over the edge. I will simply use his own words and actions to do it. Share my blog and tell teachers if they send me info and articles as well as ideas, I will run with them. Common Core is a big ticket issue as well for this dolt and the more info I can cram down his tight throat the better.

Thank you for all you do for kids and teachers. I know at times it feels like you are shoveling against the tide, but know there are more than you know out here who fully support everything you do.

Steve "

So, as we look at Kim “Numpty” Garnier and her being “Truthful” I think she fails. I did not say, " wanted to cram something down a board member’s “tight throat”. I was specific as to who and what and again the comment was made in a private e-mail. Garnier knows the context of my comment and chose to modify / alter it to suit her desired meaning. The same was done with the comments about Ms. Beatty, written in a private e-mail to my daughter. Garnier attempts to portray the comments as more than they are and leaves out parts that would not support her agenda. When being “Truthful”, context is very important.

I could write for days related to the twisting of others words, withholding information to bolster an agenda, exaggerations of trivial incidents and outright lies Kim “Numpty” Garnier posts in her volumes of e-mails as she SPAM’s an ever growing list of souls. The conspiracy theories of the Garnier’s and Keith “Jobby” Wilson are so grand in scope it would take several teams of FBI Agents and Prosecutors years to put together. If only it (the conspiracy) were real. The assumptions of these three Gobshites are nothing short of delusional in scope.

The attacks of Mary Andrews, Scott Fisher, I and the Coalition were expected. The attack of Darshana Patel and Debbie Cooper, for applying for and accepting the endorsement of the Colition was fully expected. The Garnier’s and Wilson have such a long and storied history of attacking people for no other reason than the person refused to agree to engage them in conversation or agree with their views.

Yet another e-mail sent by Kim “Numpty” Garnier: (Special note; this e-mail was a reply to a response from “PUSD Truth Teller”. Garnier assumes PUSD Truth Teller is “Mr. McNamara”.)

From: Kim Garnier <kgarnier1231@gmail.com
Date: August 29, 2016 at 2:50:41 PM PDT

Subject: Re: Coalition supports the Collins-Way

Dear Mr. McNamara,

Please get your facts straight. What you call character assassination, I call, telling it like it is. The amount of lies coming forth on the part of the old cronies at PUSD is remarkable.
Please use your name and prove your statements. Everything I write or say, I can prove, that is why I put my name to it. Come after me legally if I am not being truthful.

I made the claim that Mary Andrews supported the CAB. She did. I made the claim that Candy Smiley called MOR and Zane "stupid", she did. I made the claim that McMillan was Collins right hand man and attacked several board members, he did. I made the claim that John Collins is a thief and his wife an adulterer, and she is. These are facts. You can spin things however you'd like to but the facts are the facts and this community knows that anyone associated with John Collins or the old Pow-Way is crooked and self serving.

If it wasn't for Charles Sellers and Kimberley Beatty, the three stooges would still be allowing Collins to steal from the kids. Even Andy Patapow allowed tax payer money to pay his personal bills. So did Sandi Burgoyne, who was responsible for the Dolinka Group and the Billion Dollar CAB.

The wool has been pulled off the eyes of the public and the tax payers, parents and teachers. They are no longer being fooled by Candy's whisper campaigns or the "we're here for the kids" fallacy.

People are shocked that the family John Collins brought in guns for, was actually correct. The old way is crumbling before your very eyes. The dynasty is done. We have teachers and administrators collecting evidence against people at PUSD to include Candy Smiley. All the secrets the Coalition and the corrupt cronies are trying to protect, cannot be protected. This community is fighting for PUSD to be the prestigious school district it once was it is looking for leaders with integrity.

Accept the inevitable and step aside. The younger generation with fresh ideas and morality is coming up and there is no room for you and your buddies. Please show ANY evidence of your claims. We are all waiting. And put your name to it like I put my name to my claims.

Have a wonderful day Sir.

Sincerely,

KIM GARNIER

So as I accept the inevitable and step aside, I can take solace in knowing the younger generation with fresh ideas and morality is coming up. My question is who is the younger generation with these fresh ideas and morality? It is clearly NOT Christopher “Jobby” Garnier or his wife Kim “Numpty” Garnier. They have no fresh ideas. They have been spewing the same old lines of crap for over a year. They have nothing fresh and the connotation of “fresh ideas” denotes thoughtful, analytical, reasoned thinking. None of which, by way of experience, is capable from these two individuals. Then the “morality” issue. I had to take a break for this one. Tears were flowing as I laughed out loud, trying to picture this word and the Garnier’s and Jobby Wilson in the same frame.

I have counted no less than twelve e-mails from the Garnier’s in the past 48 hours. Their attempts to discredit or tarnish good people, is simply a pathetic and desperate attempt to remain relevant. I have news for them. They have not been relevant for some time. They will, as history shows, become more active and volatile as they are challenged and dismissed. Their name calling, threats of law suits, threats to “expose”, and caustic vitriol will increase in volume and regularity as the election draws near.

The focus for many in the community is finding two people who can work collaboratively, with integrity, to bring the focus of the PUSD School Board back to kids and education. The Coalition is solely focused on this goal. There is no conspiracy or attempt to “protect secrets and corrupt cronies”. The Coalition worked for eight months to put together a frame work for selecting two candidates who could best help meet these goals. Nine candidates completed paper work to seek election. Eight of these candidates sought the endorsement of the Coalition. Beatty refused an offer to meet with the Coalition.

Darshana Patel and Debra Cooper were endorsed by the Coalition on August 23, 2016. They most represented the six criteria used for selection by the coalition. I would urge voters to get to know these two exceptional women and to strongly consider voting for them to fill the two seats in November for the Trustee positions on the School Board for the Poway Unified School District Board of Education.

It's Time to Sharpen My Pen

I have been away from here for a bit. Lots has been going on with the PUSD. The Garnier's and Wilson, have been in rare form with their continued e-mail assaults. Keith "Jobby" Wilson can't help himself and continues to show true Gobshite character each time he opens his mouth and speaks. Kim "Numpty" Garnier continues to write e-mails, spreading her hate and lies, showing her ignorance as any true "Gobshite" would.

The Coalition for Effective School Board Leadership worked diligently over the past several months toward the goal of supporting two candidates for election to the PUSD School Board this November. On Tuesday, August 23rd, the Coalition made the decision to support two of the candidates. The Coalition interviewed all of the candidates, with the exception of Beatty. Beatty declined an interview and did not seek the Coalition's endorsement.

Two days after the endorsements were announced, Kim "Numpty" Garnier, sent an e-mail in true Gobshite fashion. Kim "Numpty" Garnier wrote of a grand conspiracy (See below copy of the e-mail) that is so filled with lies that one wonders if she even knows what truth and reality is. Kim "Numpty" Garnier's e-mail would be humorous if it were not so pathetic. Why anyone would take serious what this Numpty has to say is beyond belief.

The e-mail in question:

-----Original Message-----

From: Kimberly Garnier [mailto:kgarnier1231@gmail.com]

Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2016 4:29 PM

To: BOE D Cooper; BOE Patel; BOE Jimmy Karam; BOE Nick; BOE Kimberley; BOE Norwood; BOE Rodkin; BOE Ware; BOE Chas

Cc: csmiley@powayteachers.org; jmceachron@powayusd.com; pcalifano@powayusd.com; Steven Dreyer; Sorensen, Emily; news@fox5sandiego.com; NEWS@KUSI.COM; news8@kfmb.com; aalford@kfmb.com; ashly.mcglone@voiceofsandiego.org; kandiss.crone@10news.com; steve@sarviel.com; tom.moore@att.net; Christine Paik; keith wilson; Linda Wilson; Sue Herndon; garnier48@hotmail.com; dick@dicklyles.com; Steve L. McMillan; Tina McDowell; thall@powayusd.com; tristan.mccoy@hotmail.com; Denise Davis; sembry@powayusd.com; MCHS Principal; gmizel@powayusd.com; David Lemaster; Ron Garrett; Westview HS; Meadowbrook Principal; Twin Peaks Principal; Black Mtn Principal; Bernardo Heights Principal; Mary Tritton Baker; jxjessica@yahoo.com; Gabriela Dow; noblesamanda1@yahoo.com; Sandi Burgoyne; shuezo@powayusd.com; Mel Robertson; PUSD-Patapow; csellers@powayusd.com; kbeatty@powayusd.com; PUSD-MOR; tjzane@powayusd.com; jasonkd1997@gmail.com; Union Tribune; Steve Breen; Deborah Sullivan-Brennan; maureen.magee@sduniontribune.com; lcole@powayusd.com; lhath@powayusd.com; krens@powayusd.com; David Hall; Marc@davis-seiley.com

Subject: Dog and Pony Show

Dear 9 Candidates for school board,

If you are one of the 7 candidates whose name does not begin with “D”, I am sorry to inform you that you will not be getting the Candy Smiley/PFT endorsement.

· In secret meetings, Candy Smiley made a deal with Board members Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff and TJ Zane to endorse their sponsored candidates in return for their favorable votes.

· Even though 5 of you are Republicans and there are 2 board seats up this November, TJ Zane, Executive Director of the County Republican Party, made sure that only his candidate, Debra Cooper, got the Republican party endorsement.

· Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff made herself a delegate to the Democratic County Party so she could ensure her candidate, Darshana Patel, got that endorsement.

· The next piece of this Collusion was to have Candy Smiley and PFT’s front group, the “Coalition”, endorse these 2 bought and paid for candidates.

· And, the ever dutiful Steve Dryer, editor of Pomerado News, made the “Coalition’s” endorsement a front page above the fold news article, despite the fact that the Coalition is a fly-by-night operation with no official committee registered with the CA Secretary of State. Did you see anything in the paper about your performances at the Community Forum?

· Now, all that is left is for a sham Poway Federation of Teachers interview process to take place in which, SURPRISE!, the two sponsored candidates (D & D) of these 2 corrupt board members (Zane & O’Connor-Ratcliff) are endorsed, completing their quid pro quo conspiracy.

· Why are they all colluding? All these players benefited from the corrupt Collins Regime. Not only do they want to recreate it, but they want to cover up their illegal actions.

· One of the “D” candidates is being endorsed by the district employee who was the architect of the Billion Dollar Bond.

· Remember when Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff promised during her campaign she would sever all ties with anyone associated with the Billion Dollar Capital Appreciation Bond? See her voting record and ask why she sides with The Dolinka Group every single time. PUSD's Sandi Burgoyne, responsible for ensuring a pay day for The Dolinka Group, is endorsing Patel.

·There is a group of corrupt individuals in our community and now you are all witness to it. John Collins was just a small piece of this puzzle. We need strong leaders who will not only take a stand against this corruption but leaders who fight for our students, teachers and classrooms.

Understand the battle you are fighting and why we need people with integrity as we move forward.

Good luck to you all.

Sincerely,

Kim Garnier

Then there is Keith "Jobby" Wilson, who was in rare form at Tuesdays (August 23, 2016) PUSD School Board meeting. It was clear he had a prepared presentation for the Board under Public Comment, but was derailed by comments from Candy Smiley of the PFT. The Jobby could not help himself and began his presentation with name calling. Keith "Jobby" Wilson called me "Monkey Boy" and appeared to believe I was in the audience. Sorry Jobby, I was busy elsewhere and not there. When I heard Keith "Jobby" Wilson called me "Monkey Boy", I had to laugh. His ignorant, couthless presentation before the PUSD School Board, once again highlights his pathetic lack of civility and class. He continues to be nothing more than the premier GOBSHITE in Poway. (Video coming shortly)

It is time to sharpen my pen and start highlighting the actions of Beatty as a Board Member of the Board of Education. People need to know the reality of her actions. Beatty's actions do not mirror her espoused "Taxpayer Advocate" status. She has, in reality, cost taxpayers millions of dollars by her inaction on items before the board as well as her actions. In future posts I will detail how her inaction and refusal to vote on items related to Melo Roos changes, have cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

In the coming weeks, I will post specific votes and actions Beatty took. I will provide the video of each action and non-action as well as specific documents to show how her actions COST taxpayers millions. I will highlight her inability to follow Board policy and the law.

Trouble Makers NOT Welcome During the Rebellion

The other day I was bored and scanning the internet news and came across an article by Dick Lyles in the Pomerado News. The article; “Not Enough to Merely Rebel”, was about a “rebellion” taking place in the Poway Unified School District. Mr. Lyles brings up issues facing the district and talks about the “Coalition for Effective School Board Leadership”, chaired by Mary Andrews. Ms. Andrews has brought together nineteen individuals from the community in hopes of (taken from Mr. Lyles) “ensuring the rebellion achieves a positive outcome.” The coalition was put together with the intent to endorse candidates for the upcoming school board election to be held in November. In the end, Mr. Lyles encourages readers to; “check out the coalition, do your own homework on the school board elections and support candidates who will restore PUSD to greatness.” He finishes with “It’s not enough to merely rebel. We must ensure that the outcome of the rebellion benefits the common good, our community and our children.” Who could argue with his call for voters to get involved and pay attention?

The comments that followed the article, highlight a symptom of a greater problem in our society and the PUSD specifically. Christopher Garnier and his wife, Kimberley, took over the spotlight. As they are accustomed, they begin to assault, threaten and re-hash old news. The first post was from Christopher that read as follows:

“Though I am grateful that Mr. Lyles acknowledges our necessary "rebellion" in order to eliminate the massive corruption plagued by the leadership of Poway Unified School District, no one should support the new coalition "vetting" candidates for our new Board of Education. The new coalition includes the same old names who have destroyed our great school district initially to include Mr. Steve McMillian and Mr. Scott Fisher. Mr. Lyles has written a great article in regards to the power of the "rebellion" but needs to do a better job in researching the group that he has endorsed.”

Christopher points to me and Scott Fisher as two individuals who, in his words, “have destroyed our great school district.” He cites our involvement as reason to not support the coalition.

Next are the lovely words of his wife, Kimberly Garnier. Kimberly writes:

There are too many like that around here. I have several stories about Scott Fisher and they will come out since he is tied to choosing a new school board member.

When the suspension rate for minority student is 4 times the suspension rate for white students, change needs to be made. When nooses are made for black students and it is categorized as a misunderstanding, change need to be made. When black students are threatened to be killed with an AR-15 and no one in the district acknowledges it, change needs to be made. 

The status quo at PUSD will cease to exist. If folks don't want a more integrated school district, then now is the time to leave. 

No justice, no peace.

You have made it this far, now go back and re-read her words again, carefully. OK, you back to this point? Now, got back and re-read what Christopher wrote above. OK, back? Seriously, go back and re-read the two posts written by the Garniers.

Next, came the following, written by Christopher;

“Scott Fisher is a bigoted, racist. I have personally called him on multiple occasions to ask questions about this new coalition, he refuses to return my telephone calls. I look forward to exposing him as the bigot that he is.”

So, let me try and put this into context. Christopher Garnier “personally called him (Mr. Fisher) on multiple occasions to ask questions about this new coalition, he refuses to return my telephone calls.” So, Christopher concludes Mr. Fisher is a “bigoted, racist” and he (Garnier) is “looking forward to exposing him (Mr. Fisher) as the bigot that he is.” You see, when Christopher does not get his way, he becomes a bombastic, caustic, bully. He flexes, puffs and pounds on his chest, spewing his vitriol, threatening to sue and worse “attack” those who do not acquiesce to his demands. But, the Garnier’s are not finished. 

Kimberly then moves all in and writes the following;

Anyone tied to the people who brought PUSD so far down the rabbit hole need to be escorted out the door. John Collins took Hogarth, Tholandi, Wakefield, Newman, Burgoyne, Walton and several others with him. Candy Smiley and this new coalition need to follow him out that same door.

I look forward to exposing the cockroaches that still linger like Scott Fisher, Marc Davis and Steve McMillan. PUSD will be great again but not until the old cronies are all kicked out.

I remember when people used to come to board meetings to try to help out poor old John and now he has fallen so far from grace, only the slowest and least educated would support him. Several others will join John in his disgraced reputation and the community will come together to fight for a school district with integrity and strong leadership.

The school board was given a mandate by the tax payers and community members and only Trustee Beatty and Trustee Sellers have honored their campaign promises. Board President Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, Trustee Zane and Trustee Patapow continue to give our school district's money to Mr. Dolinka, the man who profited off of sticking our community with the Billion Dollar Bond. They continue to work with Dan Shinoff (google him if you don't already know) and William Shinoff who released private data to individuals and possibly third party vendors.

After Collins altered the $40,000 Moore Report, PUSD spent thousands of dollars on a PR Firm to dupe the public into thinking it wasn't that bad... When our schools are lacking in technology and our libraries are subpar, when the Poway High pool can't even be used, our district leaders spend valuable money on a PR Firm to trick us? All I can do is shake my head.

Mark my words, we will lose our best teachers and staff if we continue down the "Collins and Cronies Rabbit Hole". Property values will plummet if we continue with the status quo. The rebellion was the beginning and the revolution has only just begun. The parents, teachers and tax payers are taking back their power. A new union is even forming for the teachers because of Candy Smiley's corruption. No more of the same old ways and the same old people. A new day is here for PUSD and this community will make sure we are better than ever.

Again we have the best of the best, writing about things Kimberly knows intimately; “I look forward to exposing the cockroaches that still linger like Scott Fisher, Marc Davis and Steve McMillan. PUSD will be great again but not until the old cronies are all kicked out.” 

Nichole Clark replied to Kimberly’s posted comment above. Here is Nichole’s comment;

I believe that voters are smart enough to google Scott Fisher and then the Garniers. On the one hand we have a man who has dedicated his life to the youth of the Poway School District, serving as a teacher and a principal for decades, a man well-loved and revered by all who know him. And on the other hand we have a man who has harassed and terrorized employees of this district to the point where restraining orders are issued. Why in the world would the intelligent citizens residing within PUSD take the word of the latter who is actively working to destroy the good reputation of the former and others like him who have dedicated their lives to our children?

Kim, is your life really so miserable that you feel the need to attack, beat down, and destroy the good reputations of those who have done the most for our kids? I feel sorry for you.

Well, I must say, a little gasoline goes a long way when the wind is blowing and there is already a fire burning. Kimberly is on fire with her retort to Ms. Clark’s comments. Kimberly writes; (Copied from site)

Kim Garnier ·
Works at Premier Athletics

Nichole Clark, I usually do not respond to fake social media accounts but in the interest of justice, I will respond to your accusations and assertions. As far as "attacking, beating down and destroying" the reputations of those "who do the most for our kids" I will say I have merely exposed those who claim to serve our kids. John Collins used public funds for his private use. I merely exposed that. Board members and John Collins allowed the Dolinka Group to burden our tax payers with a Billion Dollar CAB, and I exposed those issues. Tracy Hogarth lied repeatedly to community members and I exposed that. John Collins and Dan Shinoff hid money used for a PR Firm to trick the public about the CAB fiasco and about John Collins altering and hiding a $40,000 report about how our Technology Dept at PUSD is failing. I also exposed that. If you think these people are "serving the kids" than I question your priorities. The list goes on and on about the people I have "attacked" and I am damn proud of the corruption my husband and I have exposed. You prefer to allow these egregious actions to continue while our students, teachers and tax payers pay the price. Perhaps you are also part of the problem.

As far as your google search, I implore you to continue your research. As long as Scott Fisher chooses to be a part of any school board activity, he will be exposed. The anecdotes you have heard about your friend, Mr. Fisher, I'm sure are very similar to the anecdotes and fables formerly told about John Collins. If Scott Fisher can stand the heat, he's more than welcome to stay in the kitchen. This is a democracy after all.

Please also continue your research as Mr. Garnier wins his case on appeal and is awarded damages after being railroaded for being a whistleblower. Mr. Garnier has exposed the discrepancies in the way minority students are treated at PUSD compared to their white counterparts. He has exposed John Collins and his administration. He has exposed the Dolinka Group and corrupt board members. He has exposed the Shinoff law firm and Dan Shinoff in particular. If Mr. Garnier is wrong about his accusations, then why is he allowed at PUSD and John Collins is not? Why is Dan Shinoff being dropped as an attorney throughout San Diego and possibly losing his license to practice law? Mr. Garnier has a reputation for standing up to bullies and corrupt institutions. He has a reputation for serving his country in the Marine Corps only to come home and serve the less fortunate and the underserved communities. If you want to talk about men who serve the children, I guarantee Mr. Garnier's resume will embarrass Scott Fisher's any day of the week. People like you have tried repeatedly to lie and mislead the public about Mr. Garnier to the point that he was accused of "stolen valor" for his military awards. We laugh because as annoying as it is that there are people as evil and un-American as you are, you're just plain wrong and we know the truth will eventually come to the light. I think you know that the truth will come and that is why you refuse to identify yourself.

If you truly believed in what you were writing, you would put your name to your assertions and back up your statements with facts. You chose to remain anonymous and behave as a coward. You will eventually disappear with the rest of the cockroaches who left PUSD and the ignorant masses who drank the PUSD kool-aid for far too long, depriving the students of a top notch education in a district run by corruption and greed.

I enjoyed my time responding to you. You gave me the platform to knock down your ridiculous accusations and inform the public of the real issues at PUSD; the issues that take away funds and resources from our students and teachers.

And just for your peace of mind, I have a beautiful life with my beautiful family. My "misery" only exists when I am unable to expose the bad guys who take from the kids. Fortunately, because of the efforts of my husband, myself and some amazing community members, I'm not too miserable these days. In fact, after John Collins is officially kicked out of PUSD on July 11, 2016, I will be feeling pretty darn good.

Kimberly’s comments can best be described as repetitive and pathetic. To prove my point, Kimberly’s own words can be used; “I enjoyed my time responding to you. You gave me the platform to knock down your ridiculous accusations and inform the public of the real issues at PUSD”. She “enjoyed” the time it took to write her comments and it gave her a “platform” to inform the public of the “real issues at PUSD”. I shake my head as I read this vitriol rant of old news and pathetic accusations, by a troubled woman.

But, we are not done. Christopher takes the final step in their assault by posting what he purports to be a message from a teacher. The post below; (Copied from site) (Since Deleted from site)

Christopher Garnier ·
CEO / Commissioner at Premier Athletics

What teachers are saying about Poway Unified School District:

Just one message from Laura Bruvold:

"Hi Kim Garnier- I am a teacher in PUSD and the mom of a Black son who attends Monterey Ridge. I am being "evaluated" this year so I am hesitant to make waves. But I want you to know that we have experienced so much racism in this district as parents. My son, who qualified for GATE on his first try, has been labeled a "severe behavior problem" since he was in the PEARL Center... At 18 months old! We support you in your calls for Mr. Collins (I refuse to call him "doctor"; my brother is a medical doctor) to address racism in our district. He is one of the Old Boys Network from the Bob Reeves days. My mom taught at Los Pen since 1978 and I am a grad of MCHS... The skeletons are plentiful! But I am now rambling. Please know your family has our support. Sincerely , Laura (I currently teach Special Ed at Sundance)" (Since deleted as not factual)

I see this post and the name attributed to the “message” and I am suspicious. I have had conversations with this person and I am curious. Well, my curiosity was well founded and right on. Two days after seeing this post, I receive an unsolicited message from Ms. Bruvold. In the message, she said the post by Christopher Garnier attributed to her, was modified through creative editing and was written over two years ago. But, it does not end here!!!

On July 6, 2016, Kimberly Garnier sent an e-mail, addressed to PUSD Board Members, again using the two plus year old, creatively edited message from Ms. Bruvold. (Copy of e-mail sent by Kimberly Garnier)

Dear PUSD Board Members,

Here is another example of what teachers are saying, before they can be bullied or threatened. The following statement is truthful and unfiltered.

Hi Kim- I am a teacher in PUSD and the mom of a Black son who attends Monterey Ridge. I am being "evaluated" this year so I am hesitant to make waves. But I want you to know that we have experienced so much racism in this district as parents. My son, who qualified for GATE on his first try, has been labeled a "severe behavior problem" since he was in the PEARL Center... At 18 months old! We support you in your calls for Mr. Collins (I refuse to call him "doctor"; my brother is a medical doctor) to address racism in our district. He is one of the Old Boys Network from the Bob Reeves days. My mom taught at Los Pen since 1978 and I am a grad of MCHS... The skeletons are plentiful! But I am now rambling. Please know your family has our support. Sincerely , Laura (I currently teach Special Ed at Sundance)

I have several more, similar, messages from this same teacher. Since writing these messages, she and her husband suddenly became some of the biggest supporters of PUSD and those around this couple have said PUSD "got to them". Her honest words, free from intimidation, speak volumes.

Sincerely,
Kim Garnier

The “creative editing” of a two plus year old private message, “modified” to help bolster their argument, clearly show the Garnier’s will do anything to make their point. Their posting of this message, is pure deception. Their representation of this message as being the current beliefs of the person whose name they attribute to being the author, is a lie. We have both Garnier’s providing misleading and false information to people, by way of a modified and creatively edited message, sent over two years ago to Kimberly, from a person who was struggling with ensuring the best for her child and frustrated with the issues she faced in doing so. The Garnier’s have shown with these two, separate, presentations of a message written two years ago and modified to fit their agenda, their lack of integrity and poor character. The author of the original message, has said the message was “modified” and “creative editing” used and that the message posted by Christopher, as well as the e-mail sent by Kimberly to Board Members on July 6, 2016, at 9:38 AM as not being accurate. The message was also sent to a gaggle of others listed in the "cc" section of the e-mail, as is the practice of the Garnier’s. The author of the original message indicated the original message was sent over two years ago and she has long since been able to remedy the problems she encountered and her son has flourished.

The Garnier’s has shown they are willing to bully, threaten, yell, rant and rave in an attempt to further their personal agenda. They have also shown they are willing to deceive, fabricate and exaggerate information to help in their furtherance of an agenda that has taken away from the ability of so many to function and provide for the education of children. The caustic, vitriol exchanges proffered by the Garnier’s and Keith Wilson (Kimberly Garnier’s father) have had a chilling effect on good people who simply seek to do good for others. The glaring lack of integrity and moral character of Christopher and Kimberly Garnier and Keith Wilson, should be a signal to others that the ability to seek and obtain meaningful and positive outcomes from the “rebellion” taking place at PUSD, will not produce the changes necessary to make for a better learning environment for children. Good teachers, parent volunteers, administrators and staff are and will continue to leave the district as a result of Kimberly and Christopher Garnier and Keith Wilson’s harassment. It is time for good people to stand in unison and say, “Enough”. It is time to stand against the bullying, threats, yelling, ranting and raving and send a message that the behaviors and words of these three people is not acceptable anywhere , let alone at the PUSD.

A final note to the character of Christopher Garnier. Christopher called Mary Andrews on Sunday, July 3, 2016. In the voice mail left my Christopher, he stated that if Scott Fisher or Mary did not call him within the next day or two, he "will have no problem attacking you (Mary) and your coalition full force, and you know exactly what that means, ma'am."  Is there any doubt why a judge issued a restraining order, restraining Christopher from a school site? Is there any doubt why others have sought similar restraining orders to protect themselves from an individual who uses veiled and real threats to intimidate and harass? Is there any doubt this is an individual who is not capable of adhering to societies norms and believes he is above it all? 

It has been said that, "All it takes for evil to flourish, is for good people to do nothing".

I chose to stand up and say, "ENOUGH". 

Call the CIA - PUSD had a Data Breach

By now I think it safe to say, many of you have seen the uproar over the “Data Breach” at PUSD. At first blush, it sounds bad and concerning. In today’s information age, “Data” is power. With power comes responsibility. The problem is power corrupts and blinds normal thinking. I watched the “Special Meeting” called by the PUSD School Board to address the issues surrounding the “Data Breach”. It’s hard not to shake one’s head and not voice the thoughts running through my mind out loud. “REALLY?” is what popped out of my mouth several times as I tried listening, while not laughing, at the absurdity of it all.

It is abundantly clear someone screwed up. It is clear changes need to be made to ensure this does not occur in the future. It’s also clear this was made into something it is not. I will explain, but after stumbling upon the thirty-eight (38) page manifesto by Gabriela Dow (Link Here) detailing her interpretation of the events, I’m not sure really what the “End Game” is in all of this.

If you have not read the “Dow Report” above, grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable chair and take the time to read it. It’s long, wordy, repetitive and written with a flair for the dramatic. A disclaimer; ensure your internet security is up to date and working and cross your fingers there is no malware or worms secreted into the link above (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

Ms. Dow received information not intended for her to receive nor possess. That is a given. What Ms. Dow did with this information is as concerning as the fact she received it in the first place. Motive is a question in the evaluation of any act. Leonardo de Vinci said it best; “Every action needs to be prompted by a motive.” I am not a mind reader and won’t speculate as to why she felt the need to give the information she received to the District Attorney and then file a complaint with the State’s Cybersecurity Task Force in Sacramento. She attempts to explain this in her report by way of a question and answer format on page one.

The remainder of the report is what it is. No doubt, cathartic for Ms. Dow and a way to justify her actions after receiving the data. I did have to laugh at the information shared on page four regarding spyware and protecting her family. I digress.

To further her explanation and provide her side of the events (her 38 page report is not enough) Dow wrote the following:

     As promised, please find via the URL below a comprehensive summary of what I directly observed related to the Poway Unified School District data breach that involved over 36,000 students and 70,000 parents' private information. The CDs that I received contained COPIES OF EMAILS dating back to 2014, which demonstrates that the attached spreadsheets with our private data were emailed by third-party vendors long before this recent incident. 

     We need to understand how this specific breach happened, and why the spreadsheets with personal contact info, medical data, test scores, parents' occupations, mobile phone numbers, etc were being emailed around and then handed out to a member of the public. 

     http://tinyurl.com/PowayDataBreach

     This summary doc answers the most common questions and misinformation I have seen since this horrible data breach that resulted from my work with the District Educational Technology Advisory Committee (ETAC). The reason I contacted the District Attorney's office is because I did not believe PUSD would notify parents if they were the only ones with evidence of the data breach. Additional reasons are detailed in the summary along with copies you can review of the many emails and other communication between PUSD board, managers, their attorney, ETAC, etc. 

     You can also see video of concerned parents speaking at the May 18 emergency board meeting that was finally called to address the data breach I reported on May 9 (I am the last speaker) via http://powayusd.com/en-US/Board/Video/boe-2016-05-08

     It is disappointing that it took this long for the board to finally meet, and also that it took calls from a Union Tribune reporter to get the district to finally notify parents that anything had happened. Part of the reason I contacted the DA's office is because I was told by board member Kimberley Beatty that board president Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff had decided to not call an emergency meeting for the board members when I reported the breach but instead wanted staff and the attorneys to handle the very breach that they allowed to happen. 

     I have told many of you for months and months that I simply cannot believe what I see happening with our school district. I keep thinking I have seen worst of it, then I saw how carelessly our most private data was just handed out. THEN I saw how some people were spreading rumors that I somehow tricked the district into releasing the data or that I was trying to make a big deal out of nothing. Attempts to shift focus to the person that identified and reported the alarming data breach from the district officials and break-down (or lack of) process that allowed this to happen has got to be the worst thing I have observed at PUSD.

     Thank you to each and every one of you that has stood up for me when you see the ridiculous online rumors or hear people trashing my attempt to have this data breach addressed responsibly. 

     Please share this with any PUSD parents or community members that you know, and feel free to share on social media. I can only reach so many people directly, but all PUSD families deserve to receive more details and answers about how their personal, confidential data was carelessly handled. It is important that everyone is informed on what happened, how we can address this serious risk, why I took the steps I did to report the problem and why other parents need to get involved. 

     I recognize, as I describe in the summary, that this is only my experience with how the data breach happened and how long I think our data has been emailed around and possibly misused. I recognize that there is context I am not aware of and that is why I hope to receive clear answers from our district. I hope they can see this summary I prepared, and all of the supporting material, as an example of how complete transparency and clarity can be provided to the community. 

     I hope to see many of you at the May 31 PUSD board meeting. Details are posted via the link below and the agenda should be added soon:

     http://powayusd.com/en-US/Board/Meeting-Agendas-Minutes

     The ETAC committee that I serve on was already scheduled to present our final recommendations to the board on May 31st. I have included these recommendations in the final pages of the attached data breach summary-- please review these and get involved. These recommendations address just some of the leadership, safety and tech planning challenges our district faces. Cybersecurity was an item the recommendations addressed, but ETAC was thinking of teachers, parents and students that need education about keeping their data safe, we had no idea that the district itself was lacking policies and processes for handling some of our most private data. 

      We need accountability for this mistake and for any other breaches that are uncovered, but we also need to unite the community and truly work together to stop this downward spiral of one issue after another. With our Superintendent on paid leave and so many years of simple challenges ballooning into epic battles due to a lack of fair, competent leadership and clear communication from the Superintendent's office, this is really a time to stop the petty fighting to do the right thing for all of our kids. 

     With that, there are additional questions I receive on a daily basis that I didn't include in the (long enough) summary, but that I will address here for friends:

     1. Will you run for school board? No. While I do realize the need for board members that can address these serious challenges head-on and to finally get majority votes to be able to implement necessary reforms, I have seen enough of the toxic culture within the old "Po-way" and Federation of Teachers union leadership mounting personal attacks, spreading misinformation and booing people at board meetings, that the only direction I am running in is away from such an awful environment. I do strongly support Kimberley Beatty's re-election as I have experienced her to be a strong leader that actually listens to the community, that asks questions despite staff being offended at the request that they explain and improve their outdated processes. I also commend board member Charles Sellers and hope to see board member T.J. Zane finally start voting and making decisions to support families and tax-payers vs consultants, attorneys and a Superintendent that needs to go. 

     2. Are you going to sue the district? No. Like all parents I am certainly monitoring the District's responses and activity to make sure they do not try to shift focus on the recipient of the data vs the fact that they mishandled confidential material (something the DA's office called ridiculous but a concern I am getting from parents, "they will try to blame this on you") and I will of course defend myself in any way that is necessary. But I don't believe more attorneys are what are needed to fix these serious problems. The District needs to complete a thorough investigation to understand how private data has been handled, communicate honestly with the public and implement secure processes to make sure the data is handled safely. 

     3. How can I help? Please review the attached summary, the ETAC minutes (http://powayusd.com/en-US/Board/Board-Advisory-Committees), the board minutes, talk to people that are actually involved, and get involved yourself by attending the May 31st board meeting. Take a deep breath, as I have had to do so many times through the course of this ordeal and realize that despite challenges this is an AMAZING community and school district with talented, dedicated, hard-working teachers, staff, parents, coaches and kids. We just need to get our leaders working together, to demand accountability for lack of transparency and mismanagement like we have seen from the Superintendent-- and we need to recruit an amazing new Superintendent that can work with the board, empower qualified (not just loyal) managers and address problems fairly with the community. 

     Thanks so much guys, I will see you at the May 31 board meeting and throughout this summer! 

     Gaby

I do not for a millisecond, believe the inadvertent passing of the information Ms. Dow received, is not serious. In perspective, it is not the end of the world and it is not earth shattering. The information Ms. Dow received should not have been provided to her and when she realized what the information was, it should have been returned to the District, NOT the District Attorney. The “Data Breach” has been furthered and the cry for justice muted by the further dissemination of this information to persons who did not need to possess it.

I often hear people complain about laws, policy, transparency, ethical behavior and more. I hear complaints that the “system” takes too long to work. Instant gratification at its finest. The people who complain about laws, policy, transparency and ethical behavior are most often the ones who don’t believe any of it applies to them. “That’s a stupid policy”; “That law is ridiculous”; “I tried to bring it to their attention, they ignored me” (They didn’t answer the telephone so I did it my way).

In perspective, the information Ms. Dow received, should not have landed in her hands. The information was not gained by illegal or nefarious means. The information was not gained for ill purposes, by an individual who wished to use the information for bad intentions. The information was secure for all real purposes. The concern is to ensure this failure does not occur again. To do that, the Board must set clear direction and hold accountable those entrusted with the security of private and confidential information. That appears to be their course, BEFORE the special meeting was called. While certain members of the Board and public wish to grandstand and point fingers, it is the calm, level heads of reason who methodically moved to plug the “Data Breach” hole.

To those who want to use this event to remove the President of the School Board, your motivations are misguided and out of sync with reality. I trust Dr. Mel Robinson was working diligently to find out how this occurred and working to ensure it does not happen again. I trust Ms. O’Connor-Ratcliff was working with Dr. Robinson and staff with the same goal in mind. I just happen to be one of those people who follow the rules and laws, and trust in the system and allow the system to work, for good or bad. If you want your district to work for you, you must work with your district. In life you often get what you give. This issue is now part of history. Nothing about this can be changed. Moving forward, the District is taking steps to ensure it not happen in the future. It’s time for others to move forward as well.